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Hot on Ice #2
Playing for Keeps
She’s a fierce, award-winning investigative journalist who stops at nothing to uncover the truth.
He’s the alpha and captain of the hottest hockey team in the league who always gets what he wants.
Unfortunately, they’re playing for opposite teams--and only one of them can win.
Katherine Mendoza
I live and breathe investigative journalism and will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. When I get a lead to the story about the local casino in the area, I can’t pass it over to someone else. This one hits home--and it’s personal. I’m not giving up until I get vengeance for my brother’s death, even if I need to put my desire and feelings aside for one of the casino’s owners, Brandon Owens.
Brandon Owens
When I’m not playing hockey or with women, you can find me at my casino. It’s not all mine yet but will be soon. I own half, but after a friendly wager with my business partner on a poker tournament, the rest is as good as mine assuming I win—I don’t plan on losing. I know what I’m doing, and I always get what I want. Until this pretty young thing comes to the casino. She’s distracting and acts like she doesn’t want me. But soon enough, she’ll be mine as well.
He’s the alpha and captain of the hottest hockey team in the league who always gets what he wants.
Unfortunately, they’re playing for opposite teams--and only one of them can win.
Katherine Mendoza
I live and breathe investigative journalism and will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. When I get a lead to the story about the local casino in the area, I can’t pass it over to someone else. This one hits home--and it’s personal. I’m not giving up until I get vengeance for my brother’s death, even if I need to put my desire and feelings aside for one of the casino’s owners, Brandon Owens.
Brandon Owens
When I’m not playing hockey or with women, you can find me at my casino. It’s not all mine yet but will be soon. I own half, but after a friendly wager with my business partner on a poker tournament, the rest is as good as mine assuming I win—I don’t plan on losing. I know what I’m doing, and I always get what I want. Until this pretty young thing comes to the casino. She’s distracting and acts like she doesn’t want me. But soon enough, she’ll be mine as well.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
6 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Paige
30 books267 followersAurora Paige is a Filipina-American writer of steamy contemporary romance with sassy heroines and sexy heroes. Each Aurora Paige story delivers a variety of Curvy Heroines, Multicultural relationships, Alpha Heroes, Steamy Heat, and a Guaranteed Happily Ever After.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 25, 2022
4 Star Review Playing For Keeps (Hot on Ice #2) by Aurora Paige
Aurora Paige is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before. I found Playing For Keeps to be well written and an entertaining read. I really liked Brandon Owens and Katherine Mendoza both separately and together and to me they made a great couple. He is a tad arrogant, definitely an alpha and a man who ticked the boxes for me.
Not only is Brandon an NHL hockey player, he is also part owner of a casino. Katherine is an investigative reporter who is focused and driven and has a lead on a story about the casino. They find themselves on opposites sides, however meeting her he is determined to pursue her and the connection between them is intense as it builds.
What will happen when the truth is exposed? Will it rip them apart or bring them together? One click and find out.
Aurora Paige is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before. I found Playing For Keeps to be well written and an entertaining read. I really liked Brandon Owens and Katherine Mendoza both separately and together and to me they made a great couple. He is a tad arrogant, definitely an alpha and a man who ticked the boxes for me.
Not only is Brandon an NHL hockey player, he is also part owner of a casino. Katherine is an investigative reporter who is focused and driven and has a lead on a story about the casino. They find themselves on opposites sides, however meeting her he is determined to pursue her and the connection between them is intense as it builds.
What will happen when the truth is exposed? Will it rip them apart or bring them together? One click and find out.
June 24, 2022
I enjoy a good hockey-themed book, and this one came along at the right time. Brandon is a perfectly written stereotypical athlete, self-assured, cocky, and a playboy. His side gig is part owner of the local casino. But, he does have his demons. When he crosses paths with Katherine, he might face his biggest challenge to date.
Katherine is an investigative reporter with an agenda; she has a lead and is driven to find the truth. I was hooked from the first chapter. Katherine and Brandon have an intensity to them, and I had to keep reading.
My first title by this author, and I did not feel lost.
Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Katherine is an investigative reporter with an agenda; she has a lead and is driven to find the truth. I was hooked from the first chapter. Katherine and Brandon have an intensity to them, and I had to keep reading.
My first title by this author, and I did not feel lost.
Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
November 24, 2022
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thanks, Author Aurora Paige for the advance copy!
Woah, this book is fast-paced and quite interesting! Katherine being an investigative journalist stirred up my. curiosity. The whole plan of her to go for revenge was a badass move! As always, I like to act as the main character of the book, I felt the supporting characters were written well balanced. Brandon's instant attraction, to Kat, was like yeah that's my girl! No no kidding who won't love the girl who's confident enough to that win a poker game against Brandon - Once again I came to know more about Hockey! A great read for me.
I 100% recommend it!
Thanks, Author Aurora Paige for the advance copy!
Woah, this book is fast-paced and quite interesting! Katherine being an investigative journalist stirred up my. curiosity. The whole plan of her to go for revenge was a badass move! As always, I like to act as the main character of the book, I felt the supporting characters were written well balanced. Brandon's instant attraction, to Kat, was like yeah that's my girl! No no kidding who won't love the girl who's confident enough to that win a poker game against Brandon - Once again I came to know more about Hockey! A great read for me.
I 100% recommend it!
June 29, 2022
I really enjoyed the investigative journalism element in this one. I loved how hard-hitting our girl was and how resourceful she was in getting where she needed to be. That said, I also found some of it a little too easy, as it seemed like she didn’t face any setbacks until the really bad one near the end.
I also really loved the oppositional element between these two, playing for opposing teams and the tension that caused. But again, I felt that was resolved very quickly and easily, leaving us with not a lot of conflict carrying throughout the story.
I really feel like this story had a lot of potential to be a really amazing mystery with romantic elements or a super strong romance with a mystery driving them apart. Unfortunately, I felt that many of the conflicts were too easily resolved and I didn’t really feel the tension and build up from these two like I want to in a romance.
I wanted to love these two, and I did love them as individuals, but I didn’t really get to love them as a couple, as I didn’t really get to see that love develop in any way that wasn’t physical. I would have loved to see more time for these two lovebirds to develop a relationship and maybe a little less of the story taking place before they meet. In a romance, I’m really looking to see the main couple together for a large portion of the book, rather than with other people. I think that turned me off being able to love this story.
I think these characters have a lot of potential and the mysterious elements of the story provided a lot of opportunity for conflict and excitement, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Paige does with upcoming work.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also really loved the oppositional element between these two, playing for opposing teams and the tension that caused. But again, I felt that was resolved very quickly and easily, leaving us with not a lot of conflict carrying throughout the story.
I really feel like this story had a lot of potential to be a really amazing mystery with romantic elements or a super strong romance with a mystery driving them apart. Unfortunately, I felt that many of the conflicts were too easily resolved and I didn’t really feel the tension and build up from these two like I want to in a romance.
I wanted to love these two, and I did love them as individuals, but I didn’t really get to love them as a couple, as I didn’t really get to see that love develop in any way that wasn’t physical. I would have loved to see more time for these two lovebirds to develop a relationship and maybe a little less of the story taking place before they meet. In a romance, I’m really looking to see the main couple together for a large portion of the book, rather than with other people. I think that turned me off being able to love this story.
I think these characters have a lot of potential and the mysterious elements of the story provided a lot of opportunity for conflict and excitement, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Paige does with upcoming work.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2022
Brandon is a NHL hockey player who has his own casino, while Katherine is an investigative reporter who has a lead that there are possibly some shady things going on at his casino so she goes undercover. I loved Katherine's drive & determination to uncover the truth so I seriously loved her hard, but Brandon?! Yeah not so much. See, he was a total manwh*r* whose ways I had to read about which left me with a bad taste in my mouth to be honest. And please understand, I fall for reformed players all the time in my books but if I had to read about their exploits in my books, well, I just wouldn't imprint on them to be honest. I need to see the connection the hero & heroine are building, but I felt like I didn't get it as much as I needed, which is why the story fell a bit flat for me at the end of the day. Please remember everyone has their own opinions & while this one is mine, it may or may not be yours so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you decide for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons!
July 1, 2022
This was my first time reading a book by Aurora Paige. I really liked the blurb for the premise, unfortunately, the execution of the story did not entice me to connect or root for these characters.
When the opening for a story includes the hero with one woman and then an open door of the hero with another woman, I find myself somewhat turned off of the hero and almost putting the book down. He could have redeemed himself if it hadn't seemed that the relationship building was purely built on sex. I am okay with sex scenes galore, but I need those emotional moments when they have deep conversations in order for me to connect to the characters.
I found myself skimming, and that is a blaring signal that the story just didn't catch my interest. I am never one to judge an author by one book, and I look forward to reading a book by Paige again, and hoping for a better outcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When the opening for a story includes the hero with one woman and then an open door of the hero with another woman, I find myself somewhat turned off of the hero and almost putting the book down. He could have redeemed himself if it hadn't seemed that the relationship building was purely built on sex. I am okay with sex scenes galore, but I need those emotional moments when they have deep conversations in order for me to connect to the characters.
I found myself skimming, and that is a blaring signal that the story just didn't catch my interest. I am never one to judge an author by one book, and I look forward to reading a book by Paige again, and hoping for a better outcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2022
卂𝘳ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜ𝓲ꫀ᭙
2.43 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝑩𝒚 𝐴𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑟𝑎 𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑔𝑒
After reading the blurb to this one, I couldn't wait to get started, but it was a huge disappointment.
I didn't like either characters, the H was a complete man*****, who went from being with other woman every night, which we had to read about too, to falling in love with the h so quickly, it was unbelieveable....as for the h it didn't feel as though the h real motive behind her going undercover was written well. And the ending was way too rushed.
2.43 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝑩𝒚 𝐴𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑟𝑎 𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑔𝑒
After reading the blurb to this one, I couldn't wait to get started, but it was a huge disappointment.
I didn't like either characters, the H was a complete man*****, who went from being with other woman every night, which we had to read about too, to falling in love with the h so quickly, it was unbelieveable....as for the h it didn't feel as though the h real motive behind her going undercover was written well. And the ending was way too rushed.
July 10, 2022
Brandon is a famous hockey player. About four years ago, Brandon lost his fiancée and baby in an accident and was having a hard time moving on. He would hook up with women, but noting that involved emotions. To stay busy and keep his mind off of his lost, Brandon invested in restaurants, hotels and other business such a casino. He wanted to find someone to help him heal.
Katherine was an investigative journalist. She was on to a story about the shady business at the Black Stone Casino. Where they had fake players to loose games to encourage the real players, or others to continue playing after they lost all their chips. Having a brother that took his life when his gambling problem became too much, this story hit home for Katherine. Wanting to be the one the bring this to light, Katherine plans to go under cover.
Katherine goes for an interview as a dealer and end up with a tryout for a “player”. The deal is if she can beat Brandon and have him make a move on her, Rodriguez will double the salary. When she played and beat Brandon, it caused Brandon to want her more. Rodriguez was determined to get the casino back from Brandon and was planning on using Katherine to do it. This gave Katherine a deeper in than she expected, but it was dangerous.
This is hot and intense story with a number of dangerous twist and dark turns that will keep you on the edge. Katherine and Brandon’s connection burns up the pages every time they meet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Katherine was an investigative journalist. She was on to a story about the shady business at the Black Stone Casino. Where they had fake players to loose games to encourage the real players, or others to continue playing after they lost all their chips. Having a brother that took his life when his gambling problem became too much, this story hit home for Katherine. Wanting to be the one the bring this to light, Katherine plans to go under cover.
Katherine goes for an interview as a dealer and end up with a tryout for a “player”. The deal is if she can beat Brandon and have him make a move on her, Rodriguez will double the salary. When she played and beat Brandon, it caused Brandon to want her more. Rodriguez was determined to get the casino back from Brandon and was planning on using Katherine to do it. This gave Katherine a deeper in than she expected, but it was dangerous.
This is hot and intense story with a number of dangerous twist and dark turns that will keep you on the edge. Katherine and Brandon’s connection burns up the pages every time they meet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2022
Aurora Paige has delivered another home run right outta the ballpark with Playing For Keeps the Second installment in ( A San Francisco Storm Hockey Novel Hot On Ice Series ) a series that is not only unforgettable but unputdownable as well . After reading the first book I was pretty much obsessed as sports romances are one of my very favorite tropes to read , and I honestly did not think that book two could be any better then the first one but man was I absolutely wrong . Believe me when you meet both Brandon and Katherine’s characters your are going to be 100% captivated , both so likable and relatable yet unique and intriguing as well as extremely multi layered . I just adored getting to know both characters and watching the relationship develop between these two. Brandon is a cocky as hell hockey player and the captain of one of the most well know teams - he is a complete alpha and so freaking swoony . Katherine is a journalist who is hell bent on getting revenge for her brothers death . The most unusual of circumstances brings them together and from that moment on neither’s life will ever be the same . Romance , twists and turns , off the charts chemistry, intrigue, suspense, witty banter , humor , heartwarming and heartbreaking moments , angst , passion, family, friendships, truths , secrets , vengeance, second chances and two lead characters that are guaranteed to grab onto all your emotions, pull at your heartstrings and suck you right in . Playing For Keeps is a emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word , do not miss it .
June 27, 2022
1
This was a hard one for me to get into. The canvas of this romance had high potential and I was excited for things to play out with Brandon and Kathrine.
The language was very confusing for me because they speak Filipino or Tagalog then right after, speak the same phrase in English. I could understand if the translation was after the spoken words, but it didn’t work for me with the trail behind. There were sentences that were half and half with no translation as well.
There were scenes that seemed to repeat, like there would be a suspicion of something happening, then it’s confirmed almost word for word a few pages later or I was constantly being reminded of details about a character. When that happened I felt like it was a filler instead of a confirmation or addition to the storyline. At times the scenes were overly descriptive, then other segments were brief and left you to your imagination.
The characters were hard to relate to most of the time but there was passion between Brandon and Katie that was explosive enough to start a fire.
I loved the idea of this book, I thought the plotline had a lot to play off of, but sadly there were things that kept me hung up and took away from the enjoyment of this romance.
NHL player, investigative journalist, under cover, gambling, sleeping with the enemy, ARC for Honest Review, hooking up, poker
This was a hard one for me to get into. The canvas of this romance had high potential and I was excited for things to play out with Brandon and Kathrine.
The language was very confusing for me because they speak Filipino or Tagalog then right after, speak the same phrase in English. I could understand if the translation was after the spoken words, but it didn’t work for me with the trail behind. There were sentences that were half and half with no translation as well.
There were scenes that seemed to repeat, like there would be a suspicion of something happening, then it’s confirmed almost word for word a few pages later or I was constantly being reminded of details about a character. When that happened I felt like it was a filler instead of a confirmation or addition to the storyline. At times the scenes were overly descriptive, then other segments were brief and left you to your imagination.
The characters were hard to relate to most of the time but there was passion between Brandon and Katie that was explosive enough to start a fire.
I loved the idea of this book, I thought the plotline had a lot to play off of, but sadly there were things that kept me hung up and took away from the enjoyment of this romance.
NHL player, investigative journalist, under cover, gambling, sleeping with the enemy, ARC for Honest Review, hooking up, poker
June 27, 2022
“Playing for Keeps” is the second book in the “Hot on Ice” series. It’s a fun story with an over confident athlete and a smart and independent woman.
Brandon Owens is on the hockey team and is the team player. A different woman each night and completely against commitment. He’s also part owner in the local casino. Katherine Mendoza is a reporter and has been hearing rumors of players losing big money while the casino is coming out ahead. Katherine decides to go undercover to find out if there’s any truth. There she meets Brandon and the two have a connection. But Katherine needs to make sure that no one finds out who she really is.
The book is well written and I liked the overplot of the story of Katherine getting behind a scandal. Brandon was an overconfident athlete and it worked for him. He has a hard past and a reason to be this way. Katherine was smart, confident and I loved the Filipina-American representation. I’ve read most of Aurora Paige’s books and they all seem to follow the same format. The spicy scenes and nicknames between the main characters all are very similar. I hope she works on expanding those parts of her books. I did love Brandon’s teammate, Patrick, and I hope we get a story about him.
Brandon Owens is on the hockey team and is the team player. A different woman each night and completely against commitment. He’s also part owner in the local casino. Katherine Mendoza is a reporter and has been hearing rumors of players losing big money while the casino is coming out ahead. Katherine decides to go undercover to find out if there’s any truth. There she meets Brandon and the two have a connection. But Katherine needs to make sure that no one finds out who she really is.
The book is well written and I liked the overplot of the story of Katherine getting behind a scandal. Brandon was an overconfident athlete and it worked for him. He has a hard past and a reason to be this way. Katherine was smart, confident and I loved the Filipina-American representation. I’ve read most of Aurora Paige’s books and they all seem to follow the same format. The spicy scenes and nicknames between the main characters all are very similar. I hope she works on expanding those parts of her books. I did love Brandon’s teammate, Patrick, and I hope we get a story about him.
June 25, 2022
Who doesn’t love a hockey player!!! This is about Katherine and Brandon. The story starts with her parents having marital problems due to gambling, but then it jumps to her leaving flowers for her older brother and father at the cemetery. Brandon is living life the best way he can with one-night stand or flavor of the week after another as he too lost the love of his life and his unborn child. Katie is undercover in a casino trying to avenge her older brother's death, but in doing so she meets Brandon and he is taken to her immediately. He is trying to be a better man but is unaware that the place he invested in is rigged and corrupt. Katie then finds herself in trouble and this is where some action comes into play and a little Magic Mike is in the story too – LOVE IT!!!! Read it and don’t forget the Epilogue – it was great!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2022
Brandon is the captain of the hottest hockey team in the league. He is an alpha, dominant male who is used to getting what he wants. As well as his hockey career, he co-owns a casino. He enjoys his life as a bachelor and the freedom that comes with it. But the moment he sets eyes on Katherine, everything changes. He is cocky and brash and knows exactly what it is that he wants.
Katherine is an investigative journalist who comes into his world with a chip on her shoulder and a hidden agenda. She wants to uncover the truth of what happened to ger brother. She will do whatever it takes to get answers. Even pushing aside her feelings for a certain hockey player. Their chemistry is red hot and their connection instant. Will she get her answers without losing what could be the love of her life?
Brandon makes a bet that could make or break him. Does he get everything he has ever wanted? Or does everything come crashing down around him in a flash of flames?
Katherine is an investigative journalist who comes into his world with a chip on her shoulder and a hidden agenda. She wants to uncover the truth of what happened to ger brother. She will do whatever it takes to get answers. Even pushing aside her feelings for a certain hockey player. Their chemistry is red hot and their connection instant. Will she get her answers without losing what could be the love of her life?
Brandon makes a bet that could make or break him. Does he get everything he has ever wanted? Or does everything come crashing down around him in a flash of flames?
June 30, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last because I need more of these loveable, hot hockey players so I book one in the Hot on Ice is definitely on my radar as well as looking for other works by this talented author.
This is Brandon Owens and Katherine Mendoza’s entertaining and steamy journey. Brandon is a player on the ice and off the ice, he is cocky and arrogant but when he finds his soulmate he falls hard and fast. Hockey is not his only talent and being part owner in a casino he dapples with cards and that’s where he meets investigative reporter Katherine who is working undercover…..
The attraction is instant but what happens when the secrets are revealed, will they make or will they break this couple, will they become stronger or will they walk away…….
I really loved this couple, I was drawn in from the first few pages and there was no putting down until I had read the final line. Looking forward to reading more by Aurora Paige.
This is Brandon Owens and Katherine Mendoza’s entertaining and steamy journey. Brandon is a player on the ice and off the ice, he is cocky and arrogant but when he finds his soulmate he falls hard and fast. Hockey is not his only talent and being part owner in a casino he dapples with cards and that’s where he meets investigative reporter Katherine who is working undercover…..
The attraction is instant but what happens when the secrets are revealed, will they make or will they break this couple, will they become stronger or will they walk away…….
I really loved this couple, I was drawn in from the first few pages and there was no putting down until I had read the final line. Looking forward to reading more by Aurora Paige.
July 3, 2022
Playing for keeps (Hot on ice 2)
This is the second book in this series by this author. This is the first book by this author that I've read and I was hooked from the first page till the very last one. This is the story of Brandon and Katherine, these two characters have intense chemistry between them from the start. This is a ice hockey themed book at its best from this author. The story flowed really well and I just couldn't put this book down till I finished it. This book is filled with tension, passion, love and plenty of chemistry.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
Release date - 30 June 2022
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
June 29, 2022
This is the second book in this series, and this is Brandon and Katherine’s story. Katherine is an investigative journalist, and when she gets a lead on a local casino she goes undercover, as she is determined to get vengeance for her brothers’ death. Brandan is a cocky alpha, who is the captain of one of the hottest hockey teams in the league, as well as being part owner of a casino, after a wager at a poker fame which his business partner lost. Brandon and Katherine are attracted to each other, and he is determined to pursue her. What will happen when the truth is revealed? This is a well written story which has twists, romance, truths, tension, intrigue, passion, undeniable chemistry, vengeance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 16, 2022
Awesome! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. Playing for Keeps is the second book in the A San Francisco Storm Hockey series. This story is about Brandon and Katherine. Brandon is an NHL hockey player who has his own casino. After losing his fiancée and baby in an accident. Brandon was having a hard time moving on. Katherine was an investigative journalist. Who has a lead that there are possibly some shady things going on at his casino. I was hooked from the first chapter. Brandon and Katherine have perfect chemistry between them. I love seeing the banter between them! This story has it all from: undercover work, hockey players, steamy scenes, and suspenseful moments. You REALLY need to read this for yourself. Keep up the awesome work! Can't wait to read more from this author.
July 19, 2022
Playing for Keeps is the second book in the A San Franciso Storm Hockey series. This story is about Brandon and Katherine. Brandon is an NHL hockey player who has his own casino. After losing his fiancée and baby in an accident. Brandon was having a hard time moving on. Katherine was an investigative journalist. Who has a lead that there are possibly some shady things going on at his casino. I was hooked from the first chapter. Brandon and Katherine have perfect chemistry between them. I love seeing the banter between them! This story has it all from: undercover work, hockey players, steamy scenes, and suspenseful moments. You REALLY need to read this for yourself. Keep up the awesome work! Can't wait to read more from this author.
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
June 19, 2022
(ARC REVIEW)
Aurora you did it again you hooked me into a series and I dont regret it. This can be read as a standalone but it will enhance the book if you read the first one.
Brandon was the perfect example of alpha with a side of cocky. Brandon focused on his career as a hockey player for the national hockey league while being a playboy. When he least expected Katherine walked in with an agenda. Katherine was goal-driven all while seeking answers. These two crossed paths and Brandon was relentless in trying to get her attention of her. When the connection happened it was intense. This book kept my focus from page one until the very last. I read this in one sitting.
Aurora you did it again you hooked me into a series and I dont regret it. This can be read as a standalone but it will enhance the book if you read the first one.
Brandon was the perfect example of alpha with a side of cocky. Brandon focused on his career as a hockey player for the national hockey league while being a playboy. When he least expected Katherine walked in with an agenda. Katherine was goal-driven all while seeking answers. These two crossed paths and Brandon was relentless in trying to get her attention of her. When the connection happened it was intense. This book kept my focus from page one until the very last. I read this in one sitting.
July 23, 2022
Katherine Mendoza is an award-winning investigative journalist who has a lead on a story about the local casino. This is not just a story for her, this time it is personal. Even if one of the casino’s owner, Brandon Owens, pushes all her buttons, nothing will stop her.
Brandon is always at his casino when not playing hockey or with women. He only owns part of it, but looking to acquire the rest from his business partner. When Katherine shows up at the casino, it is hard to keep his eye on the prize.
The two have a lot of chemistry and are at cross purposes, who will be the winner in the end?
Brandon is always at his casino when not playing hockey or with women. He only owns part of it, but looking to acquire the rest from his business partner. When Katherine shows up at the casino, it is hard to keep his eye on the prize.
The two have a lot of chemistry and are at cross purposes, who will be the winner in the end?
August 20, 2022
Unfortunately for me, this is a 1 star, which I hate giving, but it didn’t capture my attention at all. I had to push through it and, at times, almost DNFed it, but because it was a sports romance, I wanted to stick it out.
The story's premise excited me, and as someone with a journalism background, I was intrigued. However, it felt like the story was repeating itself and that many of the scenes didn’t propel the story forward – they were just fillers.
I didn’t find myself able to root for Brandon or Katie. I liked their chemistry, and I thought the plot had the potential to be a great story, but it fell flat. The building blocks were there, but not the execution.
The story's premise excited me, and as someone with a journalism background, I was intrigued. However, it felt like the story was repeating itself and that many of the scenes didn’t propel the story forward – they were just fillers.
I didn’t find myself able to root for Brandon or Katie. I liked their chemistry, and I thought the plot had the potential to be a great story, but it fell flat. The building blocks were there, but not the execution.
September 1, 2022
The sad twist about Brandon having a pregnant fianceé that had died ruined the book for me. It's the same thing as having the grieving widow/widower character, it's not cute nor fun to read about. And their HEA means nothing because he's already replaced one woman, he'd just replace Katherine if something happened to her. It was an extremely unneeded, depressing part of the story. Most of us books to relax and not be depressed, there's too much of that in real life. There should have been a warning in the summary.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2022
Sparks Fly Between The Hockey Captain & The Journalist
This was a good read. If you love a hockey romance with plenty of drama than this book may be up your alley. Katherine is an investigative journalist who is doing a story on a local casino as it is close to her heart. Brandon is the captain of the Ice Hockey team & also part owner of the casino. Sparks fly when these two meet & the heat builds rapidly between them.
With her feelings growing for Brandon can Katherine remain objective whilst writing her story?
Do they have a chance at forever?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good read. If you love a hockey romance with plenty of drama than this book may be up your alley. Katherine is an investigative journalist who is doing a story on a local casino as it is close to her heart. Brandon is the captain of the Ice Hockey team & also part owner of the casino. Sparks fly when these two meet & the heat builds rapidly between them.
With her feelings growing for Brandon can Katherine remain objective whilst writing her story?
Do they have a chance at forever?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2022
***3.5 stars***
This is the second book in the Hot on Ice series by Aurora Paige. I liked Brandon and Katie’s storyline. There were twists and turns that I didn’t expect. Brandon and Katie had some explosive chemistry together. My only problems with this story was the translations. They seemed disjointed and keeps pulling me out of the story. The flow just wasn’t there for me. This is by no means my first novel by this author. It’s just not my favorite by her. Still highly recommend this author and series though. Can’t wait to read the next installment of the Hot on Ice series.
This is the second book in the Hot on Ice series by Aurora Paige. I liked Brandon and Katie’s storyline. There were twists and turns that I didn’t expect. Brandon and Katie had some explosive chemistry together. My only problems with this story was the translations. They seemed disjointed and keeps pulling me out of the story. The flow just wasn’t there for me. This is by no means my first novel by this author. It’s just not my favorite by her. Still highly recommend this author and series though. Can’t wait to read the next installment of the Hot on Ice series.
October 21, 2022
I was excited by the blurb, investigative journalism meets NHL, but struggled to connect to it. I think a lot of my struggle was the format in which the translation was done. There wasn't a consistent or clear translation method so it interrupted the flow for me. Also the investigation was way too easy, it reminded me a bit like a teenage TV show style. The chemistry was there but we did see much emotional connection or growth. Its not bad but left me underwhelmed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2022
I enjoyed Katherine and Brandon's story. Especially after reading the previous book, I was looking forward to Brandon's story. However, I do wish some parts of the story to be written better. Because the storyline, plot and characters would've been so entertaining and has so much potential. I enjoyed Katherine's undercover action. Overall, I think it's a decent read. But it could've been better like the previous book.
July 26, 2022
I loved the plot of this book. The way she introduced her characters to each other was very good.
I didnt like the way the writing was at the beginning of the book. It felt very stagnant and not like it was vibing well and rushed through. And then the story was written better about 60% through.
I also loved the characters themselves. I loved how Brandon was able to finally move on and be with Katie and find happiness. Katie was able to get closure by the end of the book.
I didnt like the way the writing was at the beginning of the book. It felt very stagnant and not like it was vibing well and rushed through. And then the story was written better about 60% through.
I also loved the characters themselves. I loved how Brandon was able to finally move on and be with Katie and find happiness. Katie was able to get closure by the end of the book.
July 1, 2022
Playing for Keeps is book 2 in the Hot on Ice series and is a sports romance by Aurora Paige.
I wanted to really love this book and it has potential, but I had some problems with the storyline and characters. I really couldn’t connect with them. I didn’t care for the constant dialogue translation, it was distracting.
I wanted to really love this book and it has potential, but I had some problems with the storyline and characters. I really couldn’t connect with them. I didn’t care for the constant dialogue translation, it was distracting.
September 6, 2022
I love a good sports romance and this book was amazing.The attraction between them was very push and pull but yet they couldn't stay away from each other. The banter between them was great and there chemistry was amazing. I really can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2022
Kathrine is an investigative reporter who has found a story on the local casino. Brandon the owner and professional hockey player, finds her fascinating and sets out to make her his. This book is beautifully written, it is an awesome read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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