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Chesterboro University #5
The Enforcer
She wants my help to make her stronger, but this girl can bring me to my knees…
Growing up in Chesterboro, good girls were warned away from my brothers and me, and Penny Hampshire is a good girl. We're from opposite sides of town—her side has money and mine barely makes ends meet. But when a trauma leaves her feeling out of control and vulnerable, she asks me to teach her to fight. My family owns a martial arts gym, and I’ve been training and teaching forever, so I agree. Besides, private lessons pay well, and I’m saving up to move away from Chesterboro for good.
Penny is different than I expect. Sure, she's gorgeous, but she's also smart and braver than I ever imagined. We shouldn't be compatible, but the more time I spend with her, the more we feel right together. But when forces from the past resurface to stir trouble for us, can what we're building together overcome small-town prejudices?
*
THE ENFORCER is a full-length, sexy college-set hockey romance with a happily ever after. If you like wrong-sides-of-the-track, opposites attract stories, rough guys with hearts of gold, and slow-burn chemistry, grab your copy now and fall in love with the Chesterboro Bulldog hockey team!
The Chesterboro University books contain mild adult language and open-door sexual scenes/situations. Every story can stand alone, but you'll get more reading pleasure by reading them together.
Growing up in Chesterboro, good girls were warned away from my brothers and me, and Penny Hampshire is a good girl. We're from opposite sides of town—her side has money and mine barely makes ends meet. But when a trauma leaves her feeling out of control and vulnerable, she asks me to teach her to fight. My family owns a martial arts gym, and I’ve been training and teaching forever, so I agree. Besides, private lessons pay well, and I’m saving up to move away from Chesterboro for good.
Penny is different than I expect. Sure, she's gorgeous, but she's also smart and braver than I ever imagined. We shouldn't be compatible, but the more time I spend with her, the more we feel right together. But when forces from the past resurface to stir trouble for us, can what we're building together overcome small-town prejudices?
*
THE ENFORCER is a full-length, sexy college-set hockey romance with a happily ever after. If you like wrong-sides-of-the-track, opposites attract stories, rough guys with hearts of gold, and slow-burn chemistry, grab your copy now and fall in love with the Chesterboro Bulldog hockey team!
The Chesterboro University books contain mild adult language and open-door sexual scenes/situations. Every story can stand alone, but you'll get more reading pleasure by reading them together.
Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2022
178 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Josie Blake
10 books204 followersJosie Blake writes feel-good contemporary romance with heat and emotion. Originally from a small town in western Pennsylvania, she now battles traffic in southern New Jersey where she lives with her hero husband and their happily-ever-after: two very energetic sons. When she isn't writing, she can be found next to a hockey rink or swimming pool, cooking up something sweet, or hiding from encroaching dust bunnies with a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 27, 2022
Penny is jumpy, tense and socially fearful after getting assaulted by an ex boyfriend. She wants to regain her confidence and Griff Parker agrees to teach her self defense skills. Griff is a hockey player who helps run his family gym. Her ex is still trying to intimidate and manipulate her but with Griff around, telling her he trusts her abilities, she feels more able to trust herself and stand up for herself, getting ready to face the crowds. Griff has his own worries as his father is ill and the gym is in financial trouble but he is unwilling to confide in Penny because he is so used to thinking he has to keep everything from falling apart on his own. Penny's family is very country club chic and Griff doesn't come from money, so there is some social class tension as well. But Penny is finding that her mother's expectations of what a woman should live like are not what she wants for herself at all.
I really liked the characters and their growth and I enjoy the author's writing style.
Steam level: Openness to sexual intimacy is part of the increased confidence growth arc.
Series status: The events of this story run parallel to what happened in The Grinder. You can read this as a standalone but I have enjoyed the entire series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(The arc I saw was missing the romantic climax due to a duplicated chapter so I was left to my own imagination in that respect.)
I really liked the characters and their growth and I enjoy the author's writing style.
Steam level: Openness to sexual intimacy is part of the increased confidence growth arc.
Series status: The events of this story run parallel to what happened in The Grinder. You can read this as a standalone but I have enjoyed the entire series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(The arc I saw was missing the romantic climax due to a duplicated chapter so I was left to my own imagination in that respect.)
August 31, 2022
Penny and Griff's Story . . .
Penny Hampshire turns to Griff Parker, owner of a martial arts gym and someone she has known for years, to get self-defense lessons after being viciously attacked by her ex-boyfriend. She needs to regain confidence, control her fear, and learn to protect herself.
The reader can immediately feel their chemistry as they begin their private lessons and he builds up her confidence. The relationship that forms is healing for both of them as they deal with their own issues. Penny shows strength and determination, and her nonjudgmental acceptance of Griff is exactly what he needs as well. Will her brutal ex, Teddy Little, come back into her life? Will she be ready for him this time? Or will Teddy try to make sure Griff’s gym fails and goes under to hurt both of them? If Griff can learn to let his friends help and show their support rather than trying to do everything on his own, can they save the gym and his relationship with the woman he loves? He would always step forward to help his friends. Can he learn to allow them to do the same for him?
Penny Hampshire turns to Griff Parker, owner of a martial arts gym and someone she has known for years, to get self-defense lessons after being viciously attacked by her ex-boyfriend. She needs to regain confidence, control her fear, and learn to protect herself.
The reader can immediately feel their chemistry as they begin their private lessons and he builds up her confidence. The relationship that forms is healing for both of them as they deal with their own issues. Penny shows strength and determination, and her nonjudgmental acceptance of Griff is exactly what he needs as well. Will her brutal ex, Teddy Little, come back into her life? Will she be ready for him this time? Or will Teddy try to make sure Griff’s gym fails and goes under to hurt both of them? If Griff can learn to let his friends help and show their support rather than trying to do everything on his own, can they save the gym and his relationship with the woman he loves? He would always step forward to help his friends. Can he learn to allow them to do the same for him?
December 4, 2022
Penny is a student at Chesterboro College. Unfortunately, last year she was beaten up by her ex-boyfriend, Teddy, who is a player on the football team. He is being scouted by the NFL. She wants the nightmare to go away, and daddy being her lawyer hurried it along. However, it is a new school year, and Penny is doing what she can, to make herself feel stronger. Once, Teddy finishes rehab, he will be back at school. So, she has been taking, a kickboxing class.
Now, however, she wants to take self-defense classes. A girl in her class states that Parker’s Gym might be the place, not the one they are presently in. Even though she is beyond scared, she makes herself walk into this all-male environment, to ask about self-defense classes. Unfortunately, Jake, the eldest, Parker brother, is working. Well, to put it mildly, he has no personality.
Griff seeing her leaving quickly asks, what’s up? Jake explains. Then, Griff explains who she is, and reminds him of, her circumstances. Jake does, feel bad. Griff goes after her. Let's just say things don't go smoothly. Although, when they talk again, he offers up a flier, to help others on campus with safe escorts, to their destinations. He got the first week manned and then turns it over to campus security. But, he believes she can, help and give back, too.
No reason, the escorts couldn't be a group, of girls. Always better, at numbers. Safe, too. He then starts teaching her self-defense classes at, the sorority house. Then adds, a class for the sorority sisters, too. She starts gaining more confidence and a better feel for what feels comfortable with her environment. More and more, Griff is in that picture. You see, they grew up, together. He had a mad crush on her, but coming from two sides of the streets knows it could never work.
This hockey star has so, much on his plate that, he could fall over. His father not wanting, to expand, and to find out his dad is ill, and his family gym is in danger of, being closed down. And now, there is, Penny, his lifelong crush needing his help, to help get her strength back after, being severely beaten, by her ex.
I loved the dynamics between, this couple, and that it‘s his the issue, with the status classification matter. I couldn't believe her, mother and the real lack of, support from her beating. My gosh, she saw her in the ER, can she be that, clueless?
Now, however, she wants to take self-defense classes. A girl in her class states that Parker’s Gym might be the place, not the one they are presently in. Even though she is beyond scared, she makes herself walk into this all-male environment, to ask about self-defense classes. Unfortunately, Jake, the eldest, Parker brother, is working. Well, to put it mildly, he has no personality.
Griff seeing her leaving quickly asks, what’s up? Jake explains. Then, Griff explains who she is, and reminds him of, her circumstances. Jake does, feel bad. Griff goes after her. Let's just say things don't go smoothly. Although, when they talk again, he offers up a flier, to help others on campus with safe escorts, to their destinations. He got the first week manned and then turns it over to campus security. But, he believes she can, help and give back, too.
No reason, the escorts couldn't be a group, of girls. Always better, at numbers. Safe, too. He then starts teaching her self-defense classes at, the sorority house. Then adds, a class for the sorority sisters, too. She starts gaining more confidence and a better feel for what feels comfortable with her environment. More and more, Griff is in that picture. You see, they grew up, together. He had a mad crush on her, but coming from two sides of the streets knows it could never work.
This hockey star has so, much on his plate that, he could fall over. His father not wanting, to expand, and to find out his dad is ill, and his family gym is in danger of, being closed down. And now, there is, Penny, his lifelong crush needing his help, to help get her strength back after, being severely beaten, by her ex.
I loved the dynamics between, this couple, and that it‘s his the issue, with the status classification matter. I couldn't believe her, mother and the real lack of, support from her beating. My gosh, she saw her in the ER, can she be that, clueless?
August 31, 2022
This is part of the Chesterboro University series each book can be read as a standalone with a sexy guy and the girl who steals his heart 😊. Penny brave, intelligent, grew up with everything any child could want but trying to accept, deal with something traumatic and feeling out of control needing something to ground her, help her feel more in control or in a better situation to protect herself so heading to take self-defense lessons. Griff sexy as all get out part owner of a gym, he grew up on what most would say on the wrong side of the tracks, living hand to mouth so to speak so he and his brother started their own gym, and the moment Penny comes in asking about self-defense lesson he can’t refuse her seeing that they have known each other for years but neither interacted with the other. The attraction is instant, intense, and the magnetic pull draws them to each other. Working together they learn they are that much different she isn’t snotty, doesn’t treat him like he is beneath her, in fact she accepts him just as he is issues and all showing him, he is more than enough, he will not allow anything to happen to her again working with her shows him that people are different just because they come from different worlds, will her ex. return, will he keep her safe, will she use the defense tactics she has been taught, and can they find happiness?.
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 9, 2022
I loved this book. LOVED. From beginning to end with all the messy middle bits in between. Griff and Penny are from opposite sides of town, she's the rich girl and he's the poor boy. That doesn't matter to Penny when she reaches out for help wanting to learn self defense after a traumatic event has thrown her world off course. She is no longer confident in herself or others and wants to feel like she can take on the world again. Enter Griff. He is not only a hockey player at their university, but his family owns a gym that he trains and teaches at. When he accepts the offer to help teach her, little does he know just how much they would need each other in the end. They both deal with family issues that range from a denial to a medical emergency to some money issues. Even with those going on, they still manage to make time for each other and help each other out in whatever way they can. Throw in an abusive ex who also comes from money and this book has no shortage of moments that make you feel all the feelings.
I LOVE Griff. The care he takes with Penny? *Chef's kiss* He lets our girl realize she is strong and capable on her own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I LOVE Griff. The care he takes with Penny? *Chef's kiss* He lets our girl realize she is strong and capable on her own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
I think this is my favourite book of the Chesterboro series. It was funny and endearing and the most well layered of the series so far. The storyline felt deep without being too depressing and the relationship between Griff and Penny felt authentic and well rounded. He really worked to gain Penny's trust and she was so steadfast in her goal, it was so relatable. I love Griff and Penny. Penny is such a wonderful character and I really enjoyed her journey throughout the story and watching her regain her confidence and strength. Griff is the sweetest, teddy bear. Probably the burliest and biggest of the Chesterboro boys but I swear he's the one of the most endearing. I loved how dedicated and loyal he is and I really loved how he cared for Penny. He was a wonderful strength for her and his dedication to his family, team and Penny was really nice. Even with his resistance to leaning on others for help being the most annoying thing ever, it was hard to hold it against him really. Also, I think 'Red' is my favourite new nickname. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Enforcer and highly recommend it!
August 25, 2022
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Griff and Penny. She's a young woman, who is a senior at college. She's from a well off family. Griff is also a senior hockey player that's works in his family's gym. They knew each other before college, going to the same school, except according to her mom, he's from the wrong side of town. When Penny is attacked by her ex, she's left a shell of her old self, afraid and weary of all physical contact. So when she asks Griff to help her with self defense, it's to keep her safe and build confidence. They both have demons that they have to fight, but working tougher they are stronger. Great characters and story continuation for series.
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 2, 2022
This is the 5th book in this series, and this is Griff and Penny’s journey. Penny is brave and resilient, and after a traumatic event at the hands of her ex, she is left feeling vulnerable and out of control. Where Penny is from a wealthy family, Griff is the complete opposite, as his family must struggle to keep their heads above water. When Penny approaches Griff, at the gym he runs for his family, he agrees to teach her self-defence so she will be able to defend herself. This is a well written slow burn story, with trauma, family, friendships, trust, emotions, tension, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an addictive page turner.
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.
August 25, 2022
Penny has truly been through something traumatic and this woman is seriously just trying to take her life back and not be afraid anymore. She is a phenomenal character full of spunk, very strong willed and full of heart. She turns to Griff and his gym for self defense lessons and you can immediately feel their spark. These two have know one another for years. I loved seeing these two grow together while working through their issues. Griff about his pops and Penny about what happened at the hands of her ex… This was such an emotional read that will have you in your feelings. Griff is so swoony and I loved him. This was a fantastic read and I loved every minute.
August 31, 2022
This is such a good sport romance where opposites attract. It is the fifth story in the "Chesterboro University" series and reads as a stand alone one. I love the characters in the book. The story is about Penny and Griff. She has been assaulted by her ex and has left her scarred and jumpy. Griff is a hockey player but also works in his families gym teaching classes. She comes looking for self defense lessons. These two people form opposite world find more than they expected in each other. This is such a good read and maybe my favorite in this series. I love the characters and the connection they find.
August 31, 2022
The Enforcer was an amazing story by Josie Blake. Penny is looking for self defense classes after being attacked by her ex boyfriend Teddy. She ends up going to see Griffin Parker, a guy she has known for years but never spent any time with. After her attack, fear has taken control of her life. She wants that control back. Griff Parker is the kind of book boyfriend that makes you swoon. He is strong, protective and very sexy. He agrees to teach Penny self defense and despite trying to keep it professional, they quickly form an intense connection. Great read. Once I began reading, I was hooked! Looking forward to reading more, hopefully, more from the hockey team.
September 1, 2022
Small Town Prejudices - Are They Too Much To Overcome?
Great story. I really enjoyed how Penny & Griff's story was written. Penny is a rich girl & Griff is considered coming from the wrong side of the tracks. Their relationship journey is a roller coaster of ups & downs. Penny needs Griff to teach her self defence.
Griff is definitely a rough guy with a heart of gold. Can small town prejudices be overcome for a chance at a HEA or will Penny past come back to destroy all that they have worked so hard to build.
I loved this story & will be reading the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story. I really enjoyed how Penny & Griff's story was written. Penny is a rich girl & Griff is considered coming from the wrong side of the tracks. Their relationship journey is a roller coaster of ups & downs. Penny needs Griff to teach her self defence.
Griff is definitely a rough guy with a heart of gold. Can small town prejudices be overcome for a chance at a HEA or will Penny past come back to destroy all that they have worked so hard to build.
I loved this story & will be reading the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2023
Rich girl, poor boy, bodyguard (somewhat) romance, hockey romance, childhood aquaintances
I read this one a while ago but I remember liking Penny and Griff. It wasn't an insta-love (or lust) and I liked that the previous books all hinted at what happened to Penny, but we finally got the full story in this one. Penny was a strong female lead (even when she was in her insecure phase) and she's very easy to root for. Griff is a good guy who is from the wrong side of the tracks but he always had Penny's best interests in mind.
It's a bit predictable with the tropes that we have going on, but after I was kinda meh about the previous book, it was good to end a bit stronger with this one.
I read this one a while ago but I remember liking Penny and Griff. It wasn't an insta-love (or lust) and I liked that the previous books all hinted at what happened to Penny, but we finally got the full story in this one. Penny was a strong female lead (even when she was in her insecure phase) and she's very easy to root for. Griff is a good guy who is from the wrong side of the tracks but he always had Penny's best interests in mind.
It's a bit predictable with the tropes that we have going on, but after I was kinda meh about the previous book, it was good to end a bit stronger with this one.
August 29, 2022
Totally LOVE this series of hot, sexy, hockey player.
Griff and Penny have known each other since they were young. They come from two different worlds. He doesn't think he is good enough for her but she does. They both are in love with each other. He has a lot of family/money issues and doesn't want to share with her because he thinks it will be a burden on her until everything falls apart. She will do everything in her power to help him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Griff and Penny have known each other since they were young. They come from two different worlds. He doesn't think he is good enough for her but she does. They both are in love with each other. He has a lot of family/money issues and doesn't want to share with her because he thinks it will be a burden on her until everything falls apart. She will do everything in her power to help him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2022
I loved Penny and Griff's story. I could not put it down. When Penny is viciously attacked by her ex she decides she is going to do something about it. She goes to Groff's gum and has him start teaching her martial arts. As these two work together they grow close. What happens when her ex starts sniffing around? Can she keep herself safe? Will he cause issues with Griff to get back at her? Read this action packed slow burn to find 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.
September 5, 2022
After being attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Penny is looking to take back control of her life and face the fear she that have followed her. Seeking help, she turns to Griff, someone she has known for years, to teach herself defense lessons.
Although they may have been from different sides of the track, the chemistry and electricity could be felt from their meet. Their story is a ride of emotions that will have you pulled in from the first line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although they may have been from different sides of the track, the chemistry and electricity could be felt from their meet. Their story is a ride of emotions that will have you pulled in from the first line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2022
Absolutely loved this new adult romance, the themes of consent and supporting your partner are portrayed so well in the book. A strong heroine taking responsibility for her happiness,dreams and healing from trauma. The hero is sensitive to her struggles and emotions,supportive but doesn't coddle her, the way he treats consent is practically a textbook for how consent should be taken in a relationship! Trigger warning for mentions of intimate partner violence, but don't worry, it's not treated gratuitously just to increase the angst content.
August 31, 2022
The Enforcer: An Opposites Attract Hockey Romance by Josie Blake. The blurb and cover had me ramped up and ready to dig in. Griff and Penny bring all the feels. I thought this book was well written and entertaining. It is filled with emotional drama, personal conflicts, charismatic characters, and plenty of intense chemistry. I would recommend this book, series, and author to others.
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 1, 2022
I thought this story was quite entertaining. I really felt for Penny due to her troubles. Griff is such a sweetheart, though a bit old fashioned in some ways. The chemistry between these two were sizzling and steamy. I enjoyed watching these two characters “grow up” as the story progressed.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
August 23, 2022
Penny’s ex beat her badly. She trying to get on with her life when Griff offers her self defense lessons. They’ve known each other for years but neither us exactly who the other thought they were. Can they make more of a relationship or will Griff hold too many things back? This is a great book showing that communication is key to a great relationship!.
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.
August 27, 2022
Griff and Penny are aware of each other but not friends, until Penny requires help getting her self confidence back. Griff agrees to train Penny at his family's gym. How long before these two realise that they could be more than trainer and client?.
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.
August 30, 2022
Deep Intel into being abused. The change from before to after, to the fear from just a touch , to regaining confidence and the power of self-defense. It makes you think about always being aware of your surroundings.
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.
August 31, 2022
Wrong side-of-the-tracks, opposite attract quick read about Griff and Penny.
She's trying to overcome being attacked by her ex-boyfriend and he's trying to get by whilst also helping his family.
It was a nice story, it could have been fleshed out more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She's trying to overcome being attacked by her ex-boyfriend and he's trying to get by whilst also helping his family.
It was a nice story, it could have been fleshed out more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2022
Growing up in Chesterboro, good girls were warned away from my brothers and me, and Penny Hampshire is a good girl. We're from opposite sides of town—her side has money and mine barely makes ends meet. But when a trauma leaves her feeling out of control and vulnerable, she asks me to teach her to fight. Griff & Penny had an entertaining & enjoyable read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 27, 2022
⭐️3.75 cute story but it was just lacking those cute little moments that really make a couple special and memorable. it was also missing the tight college group aspect that i really look for in a college series. other than that griff was the most respectful man ever!! just the way he treated her was so heartwarming.
March 3, 2023
Not bad actually. Some of the lines were pretty embarrassing to read bc of the writing and 1 or 2 grammar errors but still decent. I just really liked their personalities, especially the girl’s (Penny?) because she was very real. The way she approached her issues and the strength displayed was great. The guy (?) was great until the end but it checks out bc rich girl poor guy.
April 4, 2023
Another good read
Fighting to get back to feeling safe again is a hard battle for Penny. So she decides to chance it with Griff, who teaches her self defense. Griff didn't grow up with money like Penny, so he never though he was good enough. Can these two unlikely pair make it work?
I loved reading Penny and Griff's story.
Fighting to get back to feeling safe again is a hard battle for Penny. So she decides to chance it with Griff, who teaches her self defense. Griff didn't grow up with money like Penny, so he never though he was good enough. Can these two unlikely pair make it work?
I loved reading Penny and Griff's story.
August 29, 2022
PENNY AND GRIFF. PENNY AND GRIFF. Chant it with me now. This couple deserves the support of every reader every. Better than i hoped for this book is so sweet.
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.
August 30, 2022
I was actually surprised how much I liked this book. Penny and Griff were a very cute couple, and I really enjoyed their story. I also liked Griff's brothers and team mates.
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.
August 31, 2022
Alot of twists and turns for this collage couple from different sides of the track but in the end attraction wins out. The ending is more open than I like but overall a good 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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews