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Arizona Rattlesnakes #2
Bad Match
That sexy blonde flirting with me at the nightclub is everything I want and everything I can’t have.
My former captain’s younger sister-in -law is a trouble-making spit fire with a heart of gold. But as everyone in the Arizona Rattlesnakes knows - she’s part of the family and you don’t mess with family. That’s just one of the rules.
Unlike me, Sasha Wilcox thinks rules are made to be broken. She cares about school and getting my attention, and she’s doing an excellent job of that. I can’t seem to stay away from her and she can’t seem to stay away from trouble. Which means neither can I.
As the only Australian player in the NHL, I have a lot at stake. My family back home is relying on me and so is my hockey family. If I give into temptation with Sasha, then we’re both going to be in a world of trouble…but only if anyone finds out.
The two of us are a bad match, no doubt about it. Yet being with her feels so good. We’re skating on thin ice and I have no idea how we can get through the mess we’ve created and be together.
Bad Match is the second book in the new Arizona Rattlesnakes series, a spinoff from Pippa Green's successful Minnesota Raiders series (You'll see some of your old favorites reappear). It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
My former captain’s younger sister-in -law is a trouble-making spit fire with a heart of gold. But as everyone in the Arizona Rattlesnakes knows - she’s part of the family and you don’t mess with family. That’s just one of the rules.
Unlike me, Sasha Wilcox thinks rules are made to be broken. She cares about school and getting my attention, and she’s doing an excellent job of that. I can’t seem to stay away from her and she can’t seem to stay away from trouble. Which means neither can I.
As the only Australian player in the NHL, I have a lot at stake. My family back home is relying on me and so is my hockey family. If I give into temptation with Sasha, then we’re both going to be in a world of trouble…but only if anyone finds out.
The two of us are a bad match, no doubt about it. Yet being with her feels so good. We’re skating on thin ice and I have no idea how we can get through the mess we’ve created and be together.
Bad Match is the second book in the new Arizona Rattlesnakes series, a spinoff from Pippa Green's successful Minnesota Raiders series (You'll see some of your old favorites reappear). It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2022
113 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! It was my first Pippa Green so I didn't know any of the characters before hand but that didn't matter, this can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Initially I wasn't sure if I liked Sasha and at times I found her a bit annoying and thought she came across a bit desperate. However I soon changed my opinion and started to feel sympathetic towards her, especially when she felt patronised by others including Zach (who I felt was very patronising to her at first).
After a while it felt like she just kept begging him and he kept rejecting her (even at over 40% through the book!) and I wanted to tell her to just give up!
After the nightclub photos incident I was disappointed in how Sloan (Sasha's sister) reacted and treated her, and I really felt sad for Sasha as nobody reached out or tried to help her, they just left her to deal with all that abuse from people alone.
I wasn't a huge fan of Zach and how he treated Sasha- he didn't ever seem to care about her feelings or the impact of his behaviour on her. He didn't even apologise properly, just got jealous when he heard she was dating and she just forgave him! He didn't grovel or do anything to try and win her back right until the very end and even then it was just one gesture. I think she deserved a lot more.
I really enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Initially I wasn't sure if I liked Sasha and at times I found her a bit annoying and thought she came across a bit desperate. However I soon changed my opinion and started to feel sympathetic towards her, especially when she felt patronised by others including Zach (who I felt was very patronising to her at first).
After a while it felt like she just kept begging him and he kept rejecting her (even at over 40% through the book!) and I wanted to tell her to just give up!
After the nightclub photos incident I was disappointed in how Sloan (Sasha's sister) reacted and treated her, and I really felt sad for Sasha as nobody reached out or tried to help her, they just left her to deal with all that abuse from people alone.
I wasn't a huge fan of Zach and how he treated Sasha- he didn't ever seem to care about her feelings or the impact of his behaviour on her. He didn't even apologise properly, just got jealous when he heard she was dating and she just forgave him! He didn't grovel or do anything to try and win her back right until the very end and even then it was just one gesture. I think she deserved a lot more.
I really enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2022
Zach is an Aussie who has played for the Arizona Rattlesnakes for seven years. He has loved everything about being a part of the team, and the feeling of belonging, to the team family they have formed. But, he can’t tell a lie either. It hurts that he has never had anyone ever, in the stands that have been close, to him like family rooting just, for him.
He knew if his mom could, she would be there every, game because she is the reason, he is even able, to be in the sport. There are only a couple of, Aussies in hockey as it is. The sacrifice she made, for him, cost her the marriage, to his father. That's why all the extra hours on, the ice and why the lone-wolf mentality in front, and center. Can’t afford to get involved. With his mom in the depths of, Alzheimer's, he needs to ensure he remains on the team. To manage his mom’s care back home.
One woman has caught his eye, but he has avoided her, at all costs. She is the sister-in-law, to his former captain, of the team. Who had made it clear, when he married her sister, that Sasha is, off limits. However, when he sees her at, a Rattlesnakes function at a club, he doesn't want, to be at it due, to bad news from home. He has no clue it's Sash. Even though they flirt, he is already three shades, to the wind. He has enough sense, to know he needs, to stand down, for some reason. A teammate greets her, and he is bolting.
When they see each other again it's at her sister and brother-in-law’s, ice rink. He's there to fill in for a teammate for jr. hockey. One of the closings doesn't go as planned, because going to her car Sasha is accosted by a man high on at least weed, and he says, disgusting things to her. As luck would have it, Zach is still in the lot talking, to all his family, back home. Luckily, for Sasha, Zach was still there, to handle the situation, with the vile man. He then took her, to a diner, to calm down.
He even calls her sister and brother-in-law. Making her beyond pissed. He thought it was in her best interest. When in reality, I believe it was, for himself. This event starts a rollercoaster of, emotional hostage. They both desperately want, each other but are fearful of, the repercussions. She tells him a deep secret and he only enforces that fear by playing yo-yo: I want you but we can't, but we can only have a ‘one and done.’ Then, no we can't even be friends, I have, too much, to lose.
Zach is extremely wishy-washy. She gave in, too fast, too many times. I think she let him get away, with way too, much. Sasha got a bad rap, and her sister is, in most of her problems. She made her doubt, herself. She is all kinds, of evil.
He knew if his mom could, she would be there every, game because she is the reason, he is even able, to be in the sport. There are only a couple of, Aussies in hockey as it is. The sacrifice she made, for him, cost her the marriage, to his father. That's why all the extra hours on, the ice and why the lone-wolf mentality in front, and center. Can’t afford to get involved. With his mom in the depths of, Alzheimer's, he needs to ensure he remains on the team. To manage his mom’s care back home.
One woman has caught his eye, but he has avoided her, at all costs. She is the sister-in-law, to his former captain, of the team. Who had made it clear, when he married her sister, that Sasha is, off limits. However, when he sees her at, a Rattlesnakes function at a club, he doesn't want, to be at it due, to bad news from home. He has no clue it's Sash. Even though they flirt, he is already three shades, to the wind. He has enough sense, to know he needs, to stand down, for some reason. A teammate greets her, and he is bolting.
When they see each other again it's at her sister and brother-in-law’s, ice rink. He's there to fill in for a teammate for jr. hockey. One of the closings doesn't go as planned, because going to her car Sasha is accosted by a man high on at least weed, and he says, disgusting things to her. As luck would have it, Zach is still in the lot talking, to all his family, back home. Luckily, for Sasha, Zach was still there, to handle the situation, with the vile man. He then took her, to a diner, to calm down.
He even calls her sister and brother-in-law. Making her beyond pissed. He thought it was in her best interest. When in reality, I believe it was, for himself. This event starts a rollercoaster of, emotional hostage. They both desperately want, each other but are fearful of, the repercussions. She tells him a deep secret and he only enforces that fear by playing yo-yo: I want you but we can't, but we can only have a ‘one and done.’ Then, no we can't even be friends, I have, too much, to lose.
Zach is extremely wishy-washy. She gave in, too fast, too many times. I think she let him get away, with way too, much. Sasha got a bad rap, and her sister is, in most of her problems. She made her doubt, herself. She is all kinds, of evil.
July 6, 2022
This is a story about two young people trying to juggle a searing attraction and the temptation of a forbidden romance amidst their obligations to friends and family.
The will they or won't they between these two MC's had a two-fold effect: it built fantastic tension and it got a bit tiresome in some instances. But I could deduce that Pippa Green used this plot to further reveal Zach and Sasha's characteristics by revealing their personal fears and hang-ups with pursuing a relationship that everyone else seemed to be against.
There was a bit of telling and not showing, which had me jumping the gun to judge the writing at the onset of the story. As I continued reading, I felt less and less about my conviction that Green was pulling her punches, because there were a few scenes that didn't hold back. One scene, in particular, caused me to tear up- and I am not a person who can be prompted into such an emotion easily-that's when I knew this book and Green's writing were working for me; and I was pleasantly surprised.
I recommend this story if you are looking for a strictly character focused plot. If you are looking for a lot of hockey game play, there is a minimal amount in this story. But I didn't miss that aspect since we had so many of Zach and Sasha's friends and team members involved in the story.
I look forward to reading more of Pippa Green and I highly recommend this book if you are looking for all of the heart and the angst that is Sasha and Zach's romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The will they or won't they between these two MC's had a two-fold effect: it built fantastic tension and it got a bit tiresome in some instances. But I could deduce that Pippa Green used this plot to further reveal Zach and Sasha's characteristics by revealing their personal fears and hang-ups with pursuing a relationship that everyone else seemed to be against.
There was a bit of telling and not showing, which had me jumping the gun to judge the writing at the onset of the story. As I continued reading, I felt less and less about my conviction that Green was pulling her punches, because there were a few scenes that didn't hold back. One scene, in particular, caused me to tear up- and I am not a person who can be prompted into such an emotion easily-that's when I knew this book and Green's writing were working for me; and I was pleasantly surprised.
I recommend this story if you are looking for a strictly character focused plot. If you are looking for a lot of hockey game play, there is a minimal amount in this story. But I didn't miss that aspect since we had so many of Zach and Sasha's friends and team members involved in the story.
I look forward to reading more of Pippa Green and I highly recommend this book if you are looking for all of the heart and the angst that is Sasha and Zach's romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2022
Sasha and Zach . . .
This story felt more like whining about life’s unfairness than getting the courage to step up and do something about it. Sasha Wilcox and Zach Gates spend most of the book being miserable that they are apart and cannot be together. Why can’t they? It always puzzled me why, when people reach adulthood, they would even consider allowing others to dictate their love life. It is none of their business! The captain of the team retired. She is only his sister-in-law. There seems to be no conflict or danger by Sasha and Zach getting together, unless the entire team is prohibited from dating to keep their attention on the game – and we know that rationale would never work anyway. “Sneaking around” doesn’t work either. No one ever gets away with hiding things like that, so they needed to step up and make their decision to date known or walk away from each other.
This story line was not enjoyable for me because it dragged on in futility for too long. If the characters allow themselves to be controlled by others when it comes to personal matters, then they have no reason to complain.
This story felt more like whining about life’s unfairness than getting the courage to step up and do something about it. Sasha Wilcox and Zach Gates spend most of the book being miserable that they are apart and cannot be together. Why can’t they? It always puzzled me why, when people reach adulthood, they would even consider allowing others to dictate their love life. It is none of their business! The captain of the team retired. She is only his sister-in-law. There seems to be no conflict or danger by Sasha and Zach getting together, unless the entire team is prohibited from dating to keep their attention on the game – and we know that rationale would never work anyway. “Sneaking around” doesn’t work either. No one ever gets away with hiding things like that, so they needed to step up and make their decision to date known or walk away from each other.
This story line was not enjoyable for me because it dragged on in futility for too long. If the characters allow themselves to be controlled by others when it comes to personal matters, then they have no reason to complain.
July 7, 2022
I’m a fan of Pippa Green’s other hockey series, Minnesota Raiders’, but I’ve struggled with enjoying the Arizona Rattlesnakes series so far. My struggles and issues with the book may not impact anyone else’s enjoyment, so take my opinion as just one person’s opinion. Give this book and series a chance, YOU may love it.
This series seems to focus on romantic pairings that frankly really aren’t romantic or much of a pairing for the majority of the book. Zach and Sasha barely interact for a huge portion of this book. The back and forth, angsty drama is just exhausting.
I would prefer more time reading about a couple being together and working on making their relationship work as they encounter obstacles or issues than nearly the entire book going on and on about how miserable they are apart, why they can’t be together and just being downright depressed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series seems to focus on romantic pairings that frankly really aren’t romantic or much of a pairing for the majority of the book. Zach and Sasha barely interact for a huge portion of this book. The back and forth, angsty drama is just exhausting.
I would prefer more time reading about a couple being together and working on making their relationship work as they encounter obstacles or issues than nearly the entire book going on and on about how miserable they are apart, why they can’t be together and just being downright depressed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2022
Sasha is Coffee's sister-in-law, and she is interested in Zach a current hockey player. Zach is interested in her but fears getting involved with hurt his career. Every time she tries to get close to him, he pushes her away. Will she give up and walk away? Will he see they can be together?
This book had me struggling to read it and that doesn't happen often for me. I started not liking the characters. Because the male lead wouldn't man up and take what he wanted, and the female lead just liked being walked over because she kept letting it happen. I pushed through and finished it but it wasn't an easy or very enjoyable read to for me. I've read other books by this author and loved them so I'm hoping this is a one off. This is my opinion on this book maybe you'll think differently the choice is yours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me struggling to read it and that doesn't happen often for me. I started not liking the characters. Because the male lead wouldn't man up and take what he wanted, and the female lead just liked being walked over because she kept letting it happen. I pushed through and finished it but it wasn't an easy or very enjoyable read to for me. I've read other books by this author and loved them so I'm hoping this is a one off. This is my opinion on this book maybe you'll think differently the choice is yours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2022
Cute, yet hot story about Zach the only Aussie player on the Arizona Rattlesnakes team and Sasha, the younger sister-in-law of one of the other players. Brought up by her older sister after their parents died at an early age, Sasha had gained a reputation for being a feisty, naughty girl. As a senior college student majoring in psychology, she harbored a secret - she really wasn't experienced sexually. But Zach was sure willing to help her out as long as feelings weren't involved! Yep, if you think so!!!
I very much enjoyed their interactions at the ice rink, her sorority sisters and the unicorn ending. Those hockey guys will do anything for each other! Lots of fun!!!
I very much enjoyed their interactions at the ice rink, her sorority sisters and the unicorn ending. Those hockey guys will do anything for each other! Lots of fun!!!
June 25, 2022
Zach plays hockey for the Rattlesnakes, he's trying to keep his head down and just get on with it, his mother is ill and he needs the money to send to his sisters in Australia to pay for her care.
Sasha is Sloan's sister, who's married to Coffee, the previous captain.
Zach is immensely attracted to Sasha but thinks that he shouldn't act on his feelings even though she feels the same.
Can they stop hiding things? Will it affect the team if they're found out?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great read in the series from Pippa.
Sasha is Sloan's sister, who's married to Coffee, the previous captain.
Zach is immensely attracted to Sasha but thinks that he shouldn't act on his feelings even though she feels the same.
Can they stop hiding things? Will it affect the team if they're found out?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great read in the series from Pippa.
July 4, 2022
I've loved all of the Pippa Green’s books I've read but this is by far my favourite!!
This has to be the steamiest and swoony hockey romance Ms Green has written, and I couldn't help but binge read it all in one sitting. It was just an absolute joy, and I am pretty sure I highlighted almost every other paragraph…If I could give this book a 100 stars I would! I've loved all of the Pippa Green’s books I've read but this is by far my favourite. Read this book, love this book, and then read it again. Happy reading everyone
This has to be the steamiest and swoony hockey romance Ms Green has written, and I couldn't help but binge read it all in one sitting. It was just an absolute joy, and I am pretty sure I highlighted almost every other paragraph…If I could give this book a 100 stars I would! I've loved all of the Pippa Green’s books I've read but this is by far my favourite. Read this book, love this book, and then read it again. Happy reading everyone
July 8, 2022
I love hockey romances but seriously, this one was exhausting. Zach is so immature and the constant back and forth was ridiculous. I have no idea why Sasha didn't move again and get away from everyone who saw her as a screw up. She didn't do anything to earn that reputation and for the team and her sister to make her feel so terrible about herself was awful. Yeah she and Zach had chemistry but I expected more from this book.
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 11, 2022
Bad match has a hero who does not want to fall in love and a heroine who does everything to get the guy she wants. In the beginning I was afraid that the heroine would get annoying and not respect the hero’s personal space, but luckily this was not the case. It took a few chapters for me to start liking the characters but suddenly I was heavy invested. My favorite part of the book was the grand gesture at the end, it was just amazing and hilarious.
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 16, 2022
I was so upset with Zach for his way of thinking that him and Sasha could never be together. All she ever wanted was for him to give them a chance but he kept making excuses. They had both fallen in love with each other you just wanted to cry for her broken each time they were around each other.
And then his team mates and coach finally set him straight to go after her and to fight for her. It was the best thing ever and they were happy forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And then his team mates and coach finally set him straight to go after her and to fight for her. It was the best thing ever and they were happy forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2022
Well written, misguided emotions ,witty, page turner Arizona Rattlesnakes hockey romance. Take an Aussie hockey star far from home, guilty of not helping his family other than monetary and the forbidden college student because she's his retired Captains sister in law who have feelings toward each other, put them in each others path and read how it turns out. This is Sasha and Zach's story.
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 7, 2022
Enjoyed this, easy to read. Zach is an Australian who plays hockey for the rattlesnakes. He also has responsibilities to his family, especially his frail mum. He falls for Sasha, who is attracted to trouble. Love their interactions with each other even though at times both needed to get their act together, so eventually leads to a HEA.
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 29, 2022
This novel had a lot of up and down moments for me. One moment, I was completely sure I wouldn't keep reading it; but then in the next second, something would grab my attention enough to pull me back in.
The overall story line was impeccable, I just could not stay hooked 100%. Definitely worth the read; however, because in the right hands this novel could be amazing.
The overall story line was impeccable, I just could not stay hooked 100%. Definitely worth the read; however, because in the right hands this novel could be amazing.
July 6, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was a realistic course of a relationship being built between Sasha and Zach as they deal with outside pressures on them. It finally takes some sage advice to Zach and a very sweet gesture to allow them to be together.
July 1, 2022
A cute and sexy story where Zach is knocked sideways when he meets and falls for Sasha, the sister-in-law of one of his teammates. Like all love stories, they had their ups and downs but fought for their HEA.
July 4, 2022
This is the second book in this series Arizona Rattlesnakes. A enjoyable hockey romance story. The characters are likeable and have a great connection. Their journey to their happily ever after will have its ups and downs. A good book.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2022
I liked Zach & Sasha’s book. It was an ok read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 8, 2022
Good
I love this game and it is awesome. I am so sleepy. I love this. Edit and the only one
I love this game and it is awesome. I am so sleepy. I love this. Edit and the only one
August 30, 2022
Disliked the heroine - entitled, immature, manipulative. Little to no character development for either H or H. Disappointing.
January 20, 2025
⛔️(in notes)
January 13, 2023
What a cute quick read this was! NHL hockey player falls hard for girl but knows he can’t cross that line….but wants to anyway! This was a fun read with great banter and amazing chemistry! These two were made for each other! They pushed each other in the best possible way. I am really enjoying this series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews