A hockey star looking for more than a score. An Olympic figure skater dodging his play. A desire too ice melting hot to ignore.
My flight was cancelled and I ended up sharing a ride home with a guy I had met on my vacation. But he was no ordinary guy.
Two hundred pounds of sexy.
Six foot three made of steel.
Top scorer both on and off the ice.
This hottie knew how to slap a puck!
He was #35 on the ice and #1 in puck bunny hearts.
I had to protect myself from this cocky devil before he became #1 in mine. Burned by his teammate, I swore off dating anymore jocks and that included this one… No matter how crazy fun my adventure was with him on that wild trip home!
I wasn’t expecting to fall for a sexy snow bunny on my ski vacation, let alone an Olympic figure skater. But after four amazing days with her, she left me high and dry.
Well, I refused to believe good things come to an end. I was determined to melt away her fears and win her back.
USA Today Bestselling Author Tara L. Ames is a Michigan native with a penchant for creating highly sensual empowered stories about brave men and strong-willed women. She’s the author of Heroes Homeward Bound Series and other award-winning novels, novellas and anthologies. Now living in Florida, she writes every day in between taking care of her family, reading and enjoying the sun. Qigong/Tai Chi/Sudoku are her three biggest addictions besides chocolate.
It started good, with a hockey player set on seducing a younger woman and making her his forever–that was a full blown instalove here.
Alex is older, at the end of a successful career, suffering from an injury that could cost him his place on the team, and after being a player for so long, he wants to settle. He meets Madison in the most unexpected place–a ski resort chair lift–and they connect right away. But Madison’s history with one of Alex’s teammates threatens their relationship. She’s been burn before and wants to stay away from the blaze they create. But can she?
The ‘will they won’t they’ part of the story annoyed me a bit, to be honest. Sure, I understood Madison’s reluctance at first, but it was completely unfair to compare two different men, especially after Alex has showed her he was plenty different from Derek, Madison’s cheating ex. And then, she keeps succombing to him, before changing her mind again and refusing him. I actually thought Alex was quite forgiving for a long time.
He was also an interesting character. I loved seeing him struggling with his career. Not because I was happy with him suffering, but it made for thoughtful moments. Between that and his determination, he really was the best character.
His connection with the Cocky Hero Club original characters was cute too. He had a lot of contacts with Chance’s son and showed another side of Alex that also helped with the way Madison saw him.
My main complaint was about the lack of consistencies. The book needed a good editing really. Some repetitions could have been deleted, and the plot tightened. As is, it was just pleasant when it could have been a good addition to the Cocky Hero Club.
Quickie
- Series: standalone (but part of the Cocky Hero Club) - Hashtags: #hockey romance #instalove #figure skater #age gap - Triggers: past cheating, miscarriage - Main couple: Madison Clark & Alex Kane - Hotness: 3/5 - Romance: 3/5 - + Kane’s struggles with his retirement - – Madison keeps changing her mind about Alex
4 Star Review Cocky Devil (Cocky Hero Club) by Tara L Ames The Cocky Hero Club has so many new to me authors such as Tara L Ames. From the first to the last chapter, I was hooked on Madison and Alex’s story. Fate works in mysterious ways and when they meet at a ski resort the attraction between them is immediate. They may only have had a few days together but neither are able to forget the other. However Madison is determined not to fall for another jock and when she realizes who Alex is it only makes her more determined to avoid him at any cost. What she doesn’t count on Alex’s determination to make her his, if only he can convince her that she is the one he wants forever. I fell hard for Alex but had a harder time relating to Madison, she frustrated me a bit. It may not be a long story but there was so much going on that I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Madison and Alex was intense and I enjoyed this fast paced story.
Alex has never had such an immediate reaction to a woman, and he wants more of her. Unfortunately, now that Madison has found out who he is, or rather, what his profession is, she's become determined to keep him at arm's length. Now he'll have to work overtime to convince her he's nothing like her ex, who happens to be his teammate.
Alex is the saving grace of this story. I loved his character - he's sweet, sexy, and beyond determined to prove to Madison that he's nothing like her jerk of an ex. Unfortunately for him, and for me as a reader, Madison was not deserving of such a sweet guy. Her push and pull, hot and cold bs with him drove me nuts. Sometimes you just gotta take a leap of faith, and Madison needed to learn that, rather than stringing the poor guy along for nearly the entire story. Alex deserved someone equal to him, and he didn't get that, so 3 stars is all I can give this one.
ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first few Cocky Hero Club novels I read, but lately, I've been finding that they're hit or miss for me. Unfortunately, this one was more of a miss. I was frustrated by the relationship between main characters Alex Kane and Madison Clark almost from the moment they met, in large part because I could never figure out what it was that Alex actually liked about Madison. He thought she was hot, sure, but beyond that, what was it about her that made him want to continue to pursue her? She put him through a lot with her constant mixed signals and hot and cold behavior, but he just kept coming back for more. I needed him to articulate his reasons for doing so because to me, it seemed like he should have given up and moved on. It wasn't enough for me that after spending less than five minutes with Madison, he "just knew" he wanted to make babies with her.
For the most part, I did like Alex himself, though I was not a fan of his need to turn so much of what he said to Madison into a cheesy innuendo. He also did some really weird stuff; for example, who randomly decides to snack on edible underwear? Despite that, I empathized with what he was facing as he approached the end of his hockey career, and I really wish it hadn't been left as a loose end. It would have made so much more of an emotional impact if it had been a bigger part of the story and brought to a resolution.
Bottom line, while I think the story could have used additional editing, it was far from the worst book I've ever read. I did like that it featured an Olympic figure skater, which was unique in my experience. Even though it wasn't a good match for me, this book may appeal to fans of the insta-love trope and/or sports romance.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh my !! What a wonderful love story . From the moment I started reading I knew it was going to be a very long night . How easy it was to get completely sucked into both Maddison and Alex’s story . Alex has definitely met his match when it comes to Madison . From the moment he sees her on the ski slope the attraction was undeniable ( he was completely smitten ) this is one of those stories that hooks you so fast and makes you feel so many wonderful emotions. It’s fun ,it’s sexy and totally hot . Alex and Madison are both well known athletes .Madison Is a figure skater on vacation with her friends , she has just suffered through a very emotional break up and has sworn off any relationship with hockey players . Alex is a very well known hockey player and yes he is extremely cocky and very swoony .He has recently decided that he’s ready to be in a committed relationship and settle down . Watch out !!! From the moment these two come face to face the chemistry and attraction is combustible. One of the things I loved so much about Alex is how determined he is to prove to Maddison how much he cares for her .But Madison refuses to give into the attraction, she fights it every chance she gets . For reasons I’m not going to reveal she wants nothing to do with hockey players , but Alex is 100 % committed to changing her mind . What a fun read , I just loved all the witty banter , the angst, the push and pull and the sexual tension you can literally feel coming off her pages . I just adored this book so damn much
I love my visits to the world of Cocky Hero’s and once again I’m introduced to yet another new author. Tara L Ames drew me in and captivated me with Maddison and Alex’s story and I’m looking forward to checking out her other works as soon as time permits. This is a journey where fare is determined I intervene and when this couple meet at a ski resort the attraction is obvious but Maddison does not want to fall for another jock so she fights the attraction from the word go. What she didn’t expect was Alex’s determination to win her over and convince her to take one more chance on love…… This is a hook with all the feels, the chemistry is sizzling, the characters adorable and the banter is witty. This is a quick read but it still packs a mighty punch, it’s a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club and it will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Madison is a figure skater on vacation with a fellow skater and friend. Madison had a horrible break up recently and for that she is swearing off hockey players. Alex loves two thing women and playing hockey, not necessarily in that order. He is maturing and looking for a more stable relationship and maybe a future wife. When these two meet on vacation it’s instant chemistry and a instant connection. Unfortunately Madison is fighting it with everything she can and is sending horrible mixed signals. I understand, her break up was emotional and raw for her. But, I found her to be extremely immature and indecisive. I wanted to reach though the book and shake her a few times! In all I really enjoyed this quick read. I loved the fast paced writing and I found the story very entertaining. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Oh my what a wonderful story by Tara. This book was a great fun read with a few laughs and plenty of sexy moments. It’s insta love for Alex but Madison doesn’t want a relationship with another hockey player but Alex is certainly persistent as he tries to win her over. This book was so well written and it had me hooked wanting to know what would happen next and add in a few laughs and you have a great book! This book is part of The Cocky Hero Club but can be read as a standalone. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion.
Madison and Alex meet at a ski resort when they both happen to get on the same chairlift. Unbeknownst to either of them they didn’t know who each other was when they first meet. Madison said she would never fall for another hockey player, but Alex is playing for keeps. He knows she’s the one he wants children with and to be his one and only puck bunny.
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the banter between Madison and Alex. They’re sexual chemistry is 🔥 This is my favorite type of story. There’s also a plot twist that made me want to keep reading more.
A love story you won't be able to put down! Alex met his match with Madison. When he first saw her on the ski hill he was love struck. Both of them are very well known in the athletic industry. However, they had no clue who each other were when they first met. When reality sets in... Madison wants nothing to do with Alex. I wanted to know the reason behind Madison not wanting to be with a hockey player. Alex being the Cocky Devil he is, he was determined to to sway Madison to give him a shot. I enjoyed how Alex pursued Madison and tried to prove she was all he wanted. I loved their banter back and forth. The push and pull between them was entertaining. I couldn't put this book down. This is a page turner that will make you fall in love with these two and their insta love, second chance, and hot steamy encounters. This is the first book I've read by this author and she held me captive with her writing.
Cocky Devil is a sweet gesture in falling in love. Alex finds himself in front of a woman who has captured him from the get-go. He wants to get to know her and have a great time while doing it. Madison has some reservations and knows that she will never date a man that makes her heart race like Alex's does. These two have chemistry for sure, but it's their backgrounds and what their future holds is that keeps their interest. Alex is prepared to show Madison that he is not the man she thinks he is. Can he succeed and fall in love with the woman of his dreams? Can Madison move forward and fall in love.
Madison is a former Olympian figure skater whose devastating relationship with a professional hockey has recently ended and that is not a mistake she wants to repeat. When she meets Alex, the sparks fly but she believes he is just like her ex.
Alex is a professional hockey player whose body is having difficulties keeping up with the requirements of his job. He has had a reputation with women in the past but that is no longer what he is looking for. When he meets Madison, he knows that she is special, and he isn’t about to walk away without a fight.
Madison is wary which causes some turmoil, but he proves that opening her heart to him is the best decision that she will ever make.
Ms. Ames is a new author for me and I found her book to be a very good read.The storyline was great. I enjoy sports romance reads and this one was double the pleasure as both Alex, our Cocky Hockey player, and Madison, an olympic skater, are sports figures. The book is very entertaining with lots of back and forth banter between our couple which I loved. I must admit at times I wished I could bop Madison on the back of the head and tell her to get over it, I understood her fears. While parts of their backstories are heartbreaking, watching these two come to terms with the present was filled with laughs and smiles. Oh and I can’t forget one of my favorite families: Aubrey, Chance , CJ and of course their fainting goat, are also a part of the couple's connection.
Cocky Devil was a sweet love story between Alex, a cocky hockey player, and Madison, an olympic ice skating medalist who happen to hate hockey players with the strength of thousand suns. Their story started with instant attraction and went on with will they or won’t they dilemma. The bantering and push and pull between them was hilarious and the touch with the fainting goat Pixie was priceless. As a fan of Cocky Hero Club, I enjoyed reading this quick, heartwarming book with some hawt, steamy moments.
I really enjoyed Cocky Devil, and Alex and Madison. Alex is a professional hockey player, and Madison is a former Olympic figure skater. They meet while on a ski vacation and neither knows who the other is, which is a good thing for Alex because Madison has recently gotten out of a relationship with a hockey player and doesn't have a very high opinion of them. There is some intense chemistry between them, and that doesn't change once Madison learns who Alex is. She tries to push him away, she even runs but she can't get him out of her head. Alex has had a revolving door when it came to women, but he isn't really feeling that lifestyle anymore, he wants more and he really wants that more with Madison, but is Madison willing to give him the chance to prove that he's not the same guy that broke her heart? He's willing to do whatever it takes to prove that to her, even being just "friends"....Y'all are gonna have to read this book to find out what happens, and if Madison will trust her heart, and trust the feelings that Alex has for her, you won't be sorry!!
An interesting addition to the Cocky Hero Series, one that had all the great elements, cocky hockey player, who is suffering injury and coming to the end of his career, and the younger woman Madison, who although attracted to Alex has had a bad experience with one of his teammates. I loved how their meet thought that was a really nice start and made me eager to read more, just find it slightly of in places and I wondered if anyone would really be indecisive as Madison was but keep comparing Alex to her ex.
The cocky devil has a heart of gold. Alex meets Madison while on vacation and instantly knows there's something different about her. Being a professional hockey player, Alex is used to women only wanting him for certain things, not just for him. It used to not bother him, but he's ready for something more. He's tired of being a player.
Madison has had her heart broken by a hockey player and wants nothing to do with Alex once she finds out who he is. Then she finds out quickly that he won't give up till they're together. She ends up wanting to be with him, but she let's her fear get in the way big time. Alex helps her to see that he will always be there for her and that they want the same things in life. He's really an amazing character.
Alex and Maddison…. A figure skater and hockey player … oooh boy She’s dated hockey players and doesn’t want to do it again. He’s tired of the puck bunnies and being the player but she doesn’t want anything to do with him . She needed to guard her heart. But can she hold out forever?? I’ll never tell. I really enjoyed this book. It was sexy,fun and enjoyable.
I enjoy sport romance and this was a good read. Once burned and reluctant to try again especially when is her ex’s teammate ! I really liked Alex he was a good character and goes to show don’t judge a book by it’s cover/ friends etc .. Love reading of chance and Aubrey and the goat!
If you love hockey, second chance love, this is your book.
I don’t want to give away too much and spoil anything but Alex and Madison are simply just AMAZING! I enjoyed that this book didn’t have any surprising twist throughout this book and was a felt good book that left you with a HEA (Happily Ever After), when you read the book you’ll understand.
Hopefully there will be a second book that focuses on Staci and Pierre!
I don't read a whole lot of hockey romance but this story from Tara Ames was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing Alex and Madison's story. A hockey player and a former Olympic figure skater, they meet at a ski resort and it's instant attraction. He's ready to settle down and she wants nothing to do with any guy who is a hockey player. Alex knows she is the one he wants for life but it's going to be a struggle to make her see he really is in love with her after what she's been though. Loved the connection between them. A wonderfully written book and will go on my reread list!!!
This was a cute story and I loved how Alex and Madison meet and the instant chemistry. He is also older which I am a sucker for. However, I had a hard time with her and her indecisiveness. She was hot and cold and I wanted to hit her a few times to make her wake up.
Entertaining, fun, sexy. A few errors, but a nice story. Just right for a Sunday read. Some of these are very good stories, others not so much. Will recommend this one.
A good storyline that was enjoyable to read. Characters with brilliant chemistry and great banter between them. I wasn't desperate for more from these characters but I did enjoy the story.
What a crazy ride, literally. When you don't realize the man that helped you thru a traumatic experience, happens to be a hot hockey player on the same team as your no good ex, you really don't want anything to do with him. But when he shows you that he is a changed man and really wants to have a relationship with you, will you be able to shake the trust issues from your past? Read this book to find out what happens...
An enjoyable quickie, Alex and Madison's story is a good addition the Cocky Hero Club world. I liked Alex's character. His friendships with others including Chance and Aubrey and his teammates. Madison was a bit too much back and forth. Her understandable insecurities but in the next instant, going full-on instalust with him continuously throughout the book was a turn-off for me. Their book has a great story line and the supporting characters were great.
Cocky hockey player, Alex, decides he's done with the revolving door of women in his life. He wants to find "the one" and finally settle down. It's an insta-love for Alex when he meets Madison while on a ski trip.
Olympic figure skater, Madison, just got out of a relationship with someone who cheated on her and she's out to guard her heart. She does not make it easy on Alex & makes him fight for even just her friendship.
It was a cute romcom with some good spicy scenes. I enjoyed the dynamic of the supporting characters in the story.
As part of the Cocky Hero Club collection, Tara L. Ames gives us Cocky Devil. Pro hockey player meets ex Olympic skater. Sounds like a match made in heaven right but it's not that simple. It was a good read and I enjoyed the story. If you like cocky sports stars and a female who doesn't want what he's selling then you'll enjoy Cocky Devil.
"Alex was all in. And I wanted all out."
It's the off-season and Alex Kane enjoying a ski holiday and his down time, one look at the woman in line for the ski lift and he has to meet her. When Madison Clark ends up partnered on the ski lift with Alex and her fear of heights kicks in she's grateful that he's there to talk her through it. He's patient and sweet, despite her reluctance she agrees to meet him for a drink.
When she realizes who Alex really is it's like ice water has been thrown over her. He's famous hockey player Alex Kane. Madison has sworn off hockey players after her last boyfriend and the disaster that was. Alex isn't prepared to take no for an answer, he just needs him to give him a chance.
Now they are traveling back to LA together with their friends and Alex sees this as his chance. Madison tries to reinforce her walls but Alex keeps chipping away at them. When he breaks through the desire and want explodes, but Madison can't let it be more.
Back in LA, Alex still wants Madison and he intends to wear her down with his charm. She fights him at every turn but he wiggles his way in more and more. Madison can't get over how she was treated by her ex and all the publicity that followed them. She's not sure she can go through it again and won't let Alex get any closer. He's left the 'puck' in her court and he honestly doesn't think she'll come around. Will Madison realize what she's giving up for fear?
Madison is scared to love after her last relationship failed spectacularly, leaving her drained emotionally. Deciding not to date any more hockey players is her mantra until Alex Kane sits beside her on a chairlift and systematically begins to challenge her preconceived ideas about hockey players as well as penetrate the walls around her heart.
While it has a lot of steamy times in it, I didn't really find that the couple emotionally connected with each other. Madison was iffy for more than 95% of the book, running hot and cold with her feelings for Alex. I understand that she was hurt badly, but the push and pull between her and Alex wasn't anything that inspired any swooning on my part. Alex is an easy-to-like hero. He's honest about his attraction to Madison, and upfront about what he thinks their relationship could become. He falls hard and falls fast. I was surprised the book lasted as long as it did, seeing as it was veering off into instalove territory.
There were other deeper emotional issues that added a bit to the storyline, but weren't fully fleshed out. I did love the scenes with Chance and family, however. They played the role of secondary characters perfectly.
With a nice epilogue/ending, this fast-paced read got a little better for me.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.