Flopper

Vegas Venom #1

by Colleen Charles

The Vegas Venom turn up the heat in this brand new standalone hockey romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Colleen Charles!

As one of the top goalies in hockey I live a sweet Vegas lifestyle: VIP treatment at all the hottest spots in town – ushered past every velvet rope – and all the puck bunnies I can handle.

Until my whole world changes when fate takes my sister, leaving her precious baby an orphan.

Even though I’m still mired down in grief, I step up and adopt my niece. After all, I already adore her.

I’ve just started to get a handle on things when the perfect woman literally falls into my lap, sending me and my newfound single dad life reeling.

She’s everything I ever wanted, but how can I offer her my heart while it’s still broken?

After our first meeting, she confesses that she needs lessons in seduction. Easy enough. We agree that once I teach her everything I know, we’ll part as friends.

But when we kiss… I see stars. I catch feelings. And after one taste of her, I’m not willing to let go.

My Venom buddies try to warn me not to get too close, but they shouldn’t worry because I won’t let myself fall all the way.

Yeah, about that...

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye.
It’s true.
Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line.
My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied.
I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you.
I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:

Reviews

[Mindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed

Ok here we go. I'm a little confused did the author get mixed up on who was suppose to be the girl? Now don't hate on me but if the guy is more emotional than the girl something is wrong. I'm all for guys showing emotions but come on! He acts more like it was his girlfriend instead of his sister! I'm close to my sisters & brother but not like this. On top of that not really into the whole insta-love thing. I don't really know, just wasn't for me. Loved that he was a hockey player & into books. Though it did ruin it for me that he couldn't handle reading some erotic book. So recommend, eh, but you could do worse I suppose. On to the next!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This emotional read drew me in from the first few pages and didn’t let me go till I had read the final words. Flopper is book one in the new Vegas Venom Series from Colleen Charles and what a great start to the new series Noah Abbott and Molly’s emotional journey is. I have no doubt this will be another hit series for this very talented author.
Noah is living the life of a hockey VIP, playing for the Venom is exactly where he wants to be but when tragedy strikes he finds himself a single dad to his niece Vivian and what follows is a man trying to be the best stand in dad he can as well as juggling his career. When Molly steps up to help this couple are not looking for a relationship but the attraction they share is hard to fight and it’s not long before they start a friends with benefits relationship.
I fell hard and fast for Noah, I adored Molly but what took this book to another level was the bond and the relationship they built with Vivian. Flopper is a wonderful start to the new series and I’m excited to see where we are taken next with the Venom players.

[H.M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flopper is my first book by Colleen Charles and it definitely won't be the last.

The book starts with Noah receiving word that his sister and brother-in-law have been killed in a car accident. Fortunately, their infant daughter survived the accident leaving Noah to raise his little niece. That sets the tone for the story of a man who's mired in grief while raising a little girl (with the help of a full-time nanny) and navigating a job playing professional hockey.

While he attended grief counseling with a group, mostly of women who flirted shamelessly with him, he meets Molly who owns a bookstore that she inherited from her late uncle.

Together, they're practically thrust together by friends and then agree to have a friends with benefits "relationship." As the book progresses, it turns into much more and works its way into a happily ever after.

The little girl, Vivian, is adorable though she has some pretty grown-up vocabulary. It's all good - she's a cutie. The nanny is like Molly's friend / employee, Mona, both quirky, yet lovely women who absolutely love their respective friends and want them both to move on.

There's a twist in this book that happens most of the way through that really causes them both to question things, especially Noah, but they work through it.

Side comments:

* for someone who's looking to expand her sexual repertoire, Molly's not at all hesitant about practically jumping right into (consensual) light BDSM
* I would have liked to see the friendship itself develop more on the page, but it didn't stop me from reading this all in one night!

Great book by a new-to-me-author. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Thanks very much to NetGalley and the author for an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this honest review are my own.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Vegas Venom Series but is read as a standalone. If you like hockey romances with lots of steam you'll enjoy this book. Grab a comfortable spot and your favorite beverage because once you start reading you won't want to move. Full of emotion and heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. You'll love Molly and Noah's story. I was curious about how the book got it's name and then I found out that a 'flopper' is the goalie in ice hockey. And of course Noah is the goalie for a famous team in Las Vegas. The secondary characters add so much to the story and some humor. Noah's niece Vivian is adorable. The book deals with grief and losing someone you love via a tragedy. A great book that you will enjoy. Well written with strong, likable characters and an engaging story line. I read a free advance reader copy via Book Sirens and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Start to New Series

This the first book in the Vegas Venom Hockey series and it starts out with goalie, Flopper’s story. Ms. Charles couldn’t have started off with a better man than Noah/Flopper because of the loving heart he has for his little niece. Such a sad way that he is raising her but also heartwarming as well.

Molly is not only an author to a child’s book on grief she is also a bookstore owner and had a great way of “falling into the arms’ of Noah. As they come to know each other Noah is the man she wants to help her explore her sexual side.

I loved this book with everything that the author had set out to do as far a not only giving us a hockey romance but to do it with a worthy man and the woman he fell for. I’m more than ready for more of the guys from Vegas Venom.

[Emmy Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noah & Molly

This book was both heavy and fun at the same time. Noah and Molly have both dealt with their share of grief. And I’m talking soul crushing grief over the deaths of their loved ones so their connection gets so strong so fast. It was perfect that it starts out as a fake dating kind of situationship but I appreciate that neither of them ever really bought into the fake part. It was a way for them to explore getting to know one another without the fear of losing someone. I was totally blindsided by the third act break up though. It was a great plot twist but I wish Molly didn’t forgive Noah so fast. I always want more groveling LOL

Vivian I think was really the star of the book. Her and her gnome gloam added so much lightness and fun to some heavy topics.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Colleen Charles book and defiantly not my first sports romance. It was a solidly average read. The pacing was quick and the characters had just the right amount of rounding out.

The book defiantly needs a trigger warning for loss of a loved one. It was a heavy theme throughout but played well into the characters stories.

The only thing that didn’t work for me as much was the logistics. At one point they talked about being not available Tuesday and then the next day was Monday, and it seems petty as I’m typing this, but those things really pulled my attention from the story because they weren’t well written.

Would def pick up on of her books in the future.

ARC generously provided by NetGalley and Colleen Charles in exchange for fair and honest review.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

loveeee!!

One… the cover doesn’t match the story. It’s ok cus I still picture Noah as in the picture on the cover haha. I cried at the backstory behind the actual meet. Def a sweet story plus the spicy scenes… I am all for that! haha. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Michelle R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I enjoyed it but it wasn’t very memorable, there’re some really cute parts and details. I really like the cinnamon roll goalie that is also a nerd! So cute!! I wished there was more hockey elements, I was missing a little bit more interaction with the sport and team. The grief topic was a little heavy but it took the story to a upper level. I wasn’t a huge fan of the third act breakup tho, it was a little too much of a coincidence for me. Overall, it was a okay read.

2/5🌶️

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5 Stars~
The first in a new series centered around the Vegas hockey team. I'll admit, I've been on a hockey kick lately, but this one seems like it doesn't quite hit the mark for me. Maybe it's because it's the first in the series, but I didn't feel connected to the characters. Maybe it was the insta that didn't give me enough time to get to know Noah or Molly in the beginning. It did get better a little over half way through though. Still on the fence whether or not I'll continue with the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah is a professional hockey player raising his young niece after her parents were killed in a tragic car accident. His dedication to Viv means he believes that he can't have a romantic relationship. Needless to say, the universe drops the perfect woman straight into his lap or, in reality, his arms when she falls off a library ladder. Molly is a bookstore owner who is very happy with her quiet life. She wrote a successful children's story and is having terrible writer's block trying to write a follow-up. Once they realize that they are perfect for each other, can they find a way to make a relationship work?

This book is loaded with feelings. I laughed. I cried. I celebrated. I felt tense. I felt relief. In short, it surprised me because it is a fairly simple boy meets girl kind of story so I wasn't expecting to feel so many different emotions. Noah is a really good leading man. He is simple in his dedication to hockey and his niece but he's also complex because he works hard to grow and learn when he discovers obstacles in his way. I was pretty impressed that the author didn't try to unman him in order to make him have some softer edges. It turns out, he can be two things at once and that's okay (eg. dedicated uncle AND former lady's man that is now reformed). Molly is interesting because she has worked through grief and made a really good life for herself. She's open to having a relationship but she's fully aware that getting involved with a single parent comes with some very real issues. She's whiny or stupid about her life or her relationship with Noah. She's someone I think I would like to know if real life because she's so down to earth.

There were a couple of things that bugged me. For example, Noah both talks about sleeping around with puck bunnies before he starts to raise Viv but also thinks of himself as having old-fashioned values. I felt like that was a throw-away moment because Noah never shows how he has old-fashioned values. That was a character development moment that was lost. Also, the author wants to make the point that Molly has very little sexual experience however the way it's added to the story was kind of bizarre. Before going into a tantric love workshop together, Molly thinks of herself as "practically a virgin" and then after the workshop, she thinks "I'm practically untried". Um, ew. I got the message right at the start so that wasn't necessary especially since it will be brought up yet again later in the story. Finally, there are calendar and time issues. I need calendars and clocks in stories to work as they do in the real world and there were points where they didn't seem to work properly. For example, is Noah traveling all week or will you be able to see him tomorrow because he's in town?

This is a contemporary romance set in Las Vegas. I think it is a really good love story and there are some really sweet and funny moments (if you don't like gnomes, you might not find it all that charming). I will definitely read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you get a call that is, not on your call list nowadays, most of us let it go, to voice mail. But, when it rings again it, can make you feel, uneasy. This is the feeling, Noah Abbott, goalie for the Las Vegas, Vipers gets. He answers. Then, he rattles off a list of people, it better not be starting with those trying, to sell him something. But, it’s the second, too long that the caller takes, before asking him if he is, Noah Abbott, the brother of, Natalie. The doctor gives him the bad news, that there has been an accident, and they need him, to come, to the hospital, as soon as, possible. While still on the phone, he gathers his things and is on his way. He asks if she’s, okay. The doctor says, they will talk when he arrives.

The news is devastating. His only family is, dead because of, a careless driver. However, it wasn't just her, but her family too, all of them were killed. Then, he’s told the baby is, still with them. Viv’s still alive. Just as he starts, to grieve her too, he’s told she made it. The narrative changes, happily, but what a roller coaster of emotions. He can't get a handle on it. The doc says, they will be keeping her overnight for observation, to be sure. Noah went from, a bachelor to single fatherhood, overnight. He is taking his responsibility, very seriously. Noah is consistent, in attending, grief meetings for those who, have lost loved ones.

After three years, of attending grief meetings, he has not let go, of the anger. Even though the wreck, that took his sister away, has been ruled an accident, he is still looking for someone, to blame. In his mind, it was not a blameless death. He felt like, whoever did it, murdered his family. The pain is becoming more manageable, each year. Especially, seeing his vibrant niece with a happy face, carefree, and so smart, helps. Her nanny, Fran is like her surrogate grandmother. She likes, to meddle in his life, also. Like making sure, they all end up at a bookstore, at the right time, to meet its owner, Molly Campbell.

He notices his body has, an instant reaction, to Molly. He gets the erotica book for the current book club, to read, but comes back a couple of days later, to say, give my spot away not happening, to open publicly for, his liking. That same day there is, a tantric love workshop being held there, in the back room. He and Molly get roped in, bringing them together, on a different level. So, connected they need a drink, or two afterward.

This is an interesting book, about how people deal differently, with grief. How we tend, to treat the ones we love harsher than, those we don’t. I was once told that we often do, that because we are secure in that relationship, and their love that they will, always be there. I remember being at my, emotional bottom and saying I don't want, to be loved like this anymore. I can’t do it anymore. Sometimes we all break and have, to walk away, to maintain our sanity. Molly had to do that. Cut her losses by staying open with, Viv and, Fran but not, Noah. His treatment of, Molly is harsh. Minus a star! A very good book, you might need a tissue.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

FLOPPER is the first instalment in Colleen Charles’ contemporary, adult VEGAS VENOM erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the NHL’s Vegas Venom. This is team goalie Noah ‘Flopper’ Abbott, and author/book store owner Molly Campbell’s story line.

NOTE: For information purposes, a flopper is a goalie prone to going down on the ice to stop pucks.


Told from dual first person perspectives (Molly and Noah) FLOPPER follows the building romance and relationship between goalie Noah ‘Flopper’ Abbott, and author/book store owner Molly Campbell. Three years earlier Noah lost everyone he had ever loved, and with the death of his sister Natalie and her husband Steve, Noah became the only parent to his niece Vivian, a young girl that would become his own. Fast forward to present day wherein Noah, who hasn’t had time for a personal life finds himself at The Last Chapter, a local book store, where he will meet owner Molly Campbell. An adult themed book party pushes our couple into a compromising situation, a situation in which Molly hopes to ask Noah for additional help. What ensues is the ‘friends with benefits’ 'situationship' between Molly and Noah, and the fall-out when the truth about the past, digs a knife further into our story line hero.

Molly Campbell needs lessons in seduction, and Noah Abbott is perfect for the job but keeping their ‘situationship’ limited to a ‘friends with benefits’ only is a struggle for two people who have spent too much time alone, having had their hearts broken by similar situations. Noah Abbott is all about family, and as he and Vivian are the sole surviving members of the Abbott family, Noah refuses to get involved with anyone else. A ‘friends with benefits, education in seduction’ is the perfect situation for our story line hero, a situation that is about to get ugly when the past is revealed.

The relationship between Molly and Noah begins by accident when our heroine literally falls into Noah’s arms. From the outset, the relationship is one of friends to lovers that will quickly turn into something more but Noah is about to sabotage the woman he loves, pushing her out of his life, leaving them both with a broken heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to a colorful and energetic cast of secondary and supporting characters: Molly’s assistant Mona; her agent Angela, as well as Vivian’s nanny Frannie, several members of Noah’s grief support group, and the Vegas Venom hockey team-Anders Beck, Latham Newberry, Clayton ‘Cash Money’ Hale; team owner Dante Giovanetti and newcomer Marco Rossi.

FLOPPER is a story of grief and loss, blame and recovery, family and friendships, understanding and love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking but the potential conflict is easily deduced; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are charismatic, dynamic , broken but struggling to heal.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Flopper” is the first book in the ‘Vegas Venom’ series by author Colleen Charles. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, a flopper is an ice hockey goalie who has a habit of going down onto the ice to stop pucks before they get into the goal. This is a standalone book as well as the first in a new series. However, if you’ve read other books by this author that are also set in Vegas, you may recognize both the hockey team owner and the owner of a Vegas hotel to which Noah takes Molly.

In this sports romance, leading man in Noah is a successful flopper in the NHL. After a horrible tragedy, he’s left raising his young niece and trying to recover from overwhelming grief. He hasn’t the time or internal fortitude to have a romantic relationship of any kind. Instead, he focuses his life on being the best uncle he possibly can be and making the most of his career. Molly runs a small bookstore left to her by her beloved uncle, who also died tragically. Lasting tribute to him is the love she puts into making for business a continued success, and the very successful children’s book she wrote about grief. She’s woefully inexperienced with men, and what little experience she had was terrible. Noah and Molly meet in a swoonworthy meet-cute situation eagerly facilitated by the grandmotherly nanny who works for him and the goth-style assistant who works for her. The lead characters swiftly develop a friendship that then morphs into a “situationship” – a friends with benefits scenario that they agree to explore.

This is a romance novel, so of course the no strings arrangement is going to change and hearts will be involved, sometimes in particularly unexpected ways. There are a lot of excellent secondary characters in this story, including members of a grief support group that Noah attends, his teammates, his nanny and niece, bookstore customers, Molly’s assistant, and even her agent, who only appears by telephone. The sadness in this story is very nicely balanced by the humor of the secondary characters and the gnomes … so many awesome gnomes! Wait, how could I forget the huge dog in the sparkling tutu? When something unforeseen explodes between Molly and Noah, hang in there and remember that this is a romance novel, and somehow all will end well. I particularly enjoyed the epilogue after this emotional journey. I’ve already pre-ordered the next two books in this series.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.

[Danielle P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. Single dad romances are my favourite tropes and this had all the hallmarks of a good one. Unfortunately for me it just fell flat. There was too much emphasis on Molly’s ‘steamy’ lessons and not enough on building a foundation that a relationship could bloom from. I found Noah to be a little prudish considering he was supposed to be giving said lessons. Also, whilst I can appreciate the conversation around consent, the way it was approached here felt icky to me. It’s all good and well for one person to consent to something the other isn’t comfortable with but here it was kind of like Noah was making Molly feel bad for something she wanted… I don’t know, that whole thing didn’t sit well with me and neither did his explanations of the situation either. I liked the characters but I felt like Noah was more developed than Molly. But that Noah’s entire personality was his grief. Which as someone who has lost a couple of people in the recent months alone, is a little annoying. We are more than our grief and I wish Noah had been explored more as a person, a professional, a father, a bookworm. There are so many other layers to both Molly and Noah that could have been explored but the theme of grief kind of overwhelmed the entire story. Which in an aspect is relatable for grief but it also just didn’t feel right for this story. Noah and Molly went from strangers to a situationship far too quickly and then a situationship to a relationship even quicker with no real basis for their relationship to begin with. Where were the cute moments of them getting to know each other? Where were the sweet moments or the little dates that make them both want more than a situationship? Urgh, I just felt like it was all lacking so much. We needed more. More sweet. More cute. More friendship. More humour. More Vivian! She was a cutie who definitely deserved a bigger role. There were bits that had potential to add all of those missing things but they just weren’t explored enough. The gnome gleam? Biscuit? Celine? Fran and Noah’s relationship? Molly and Vivian’s relationship? Just too many missed opportunities for me really. I wound up just wanting more. I’m honestly not sure whether I want to read the next book in the series, I found myself just wanting to get to the end of this one and I ended up being more disappointed than anything at the end. I hate writing such negative reviews but honestly, this book had so much potential to be awesome but everything just fell too short for me.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline focus on grief, emotions, forgiveness and more. A review I read before starting this book mentions loving the humor and hilarity, but that element isn’t present in the beginning of the story. Once it shows up about 20% into the book, I was totally hooked on the story, but before the humor appeared I found it difficult to get caught up in the storyline.

Noah is so much more than the stereotypical professional athlete. He is well read and enjoys collecting signed first addition books for his large home library. When his sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident he stepped up to raise his 1 year old niece. He is a very involved and protective Dad to his niece and 3 years after the tragic accident he is still dealing with his grief by attending weekly group therapy.

Molly is a tiny sprite who focused her tremendous grief at the loss of her beloved Uncle Art by writing a picture book for children that answers the question - Where Did You Go? She has been stumped with coming up with an idea for a second book and has been ignoring her agent. Molly inherited a book store from her uncle and she hosts many special events to bring in customers.

I love how Francine and Viv having been coming to the weekly story time events and have gotten to know Princess Molly who dresses up as a fairy tale princess as she reads to the kids. Francine plays subtle matchmaker by bringing Noah into the bookstore and Molly literally falls off a rolling library ladder into Noah’s arms.

Noah and Molly decide on a situationship aka a friends with benefits agreement where he is going to be her sexual guide. These two have so much in common even how they both are trying to deny having developed feelings for each other.

The book alternates the POV between Noah and Molly which gave extra insight in what they are both thinking and feeling. For a book about an NHL player this storyline isn’t a typical sports romance. Noah talks about his work, goes on road-trips and attends practices; but this is very much about their developing relationship.

I received a free ARC from the author and Elle Woods PR; ad I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Hilary Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVED this book!!! It was emotional and spicy and the twist had my mouth agape. So Good! 5 stars. Easy. Hands down. Excellent Romance.

This is the first book in the Vegas Venom series. I read it as a stand alone. I don’t know how the next book can hold up to how much I loved this book but I’ve got it on my TBR. Do I read it now? Or do I wait?

So real talk. I don’t watch hockey. I almost didn’t read this book because hockey doesn’t appeal to me. But literally the only thing about this book is that hockey is the main character’s profession. He’s on the road a lot traveling with the team and theres a few hockey references that were certainly lost on me. But I’m SO GLAD I took a chance on this book.

This is the story of Noah, who lost his sister and brother in law in a tragic car accident that leaves him the sole guardian to a sweet little baby girl. Noah plays in the NHL and loves to read! Noah goes to group therapy for his grief and that’s a major theme in this book. So if overcoming the tragic death of a loved one is a trigger for you this book may not be quite time for you. But please don’t let that deter you from trying out this book. Yes I did cry, a few times. I really loved these characters. I don’t want to give away too much, so I don’t want to give too much more detail.

My biggest issue with this book was the title. I literally have no idea why it’s titled Flopper. Apparently that is Noah’s nickname? But literally no one calls him that and there’s literally 2 sentences in the entire story that try to explain the nickname. My husband made fun of me every time he saw “Flopper” on my kindle. Which if I’m honest wasn’t often because I literally dropped responsibilities to read this book. I loved it.

Thank you so much to Book Sirens for the ARC. This book is out now! So read it and then message me and tell me how much you love Noah. He’s my next book boyfriend. This is my honest review of the fabulous “Flopper” by Colleen Charles.

[M R W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soo hard to read xoul not finish.
I wanted to like this one soo much. I love the story premise i am all for the sport romances, you have my heart when you mention a bookworm falling in love, I seem to have a toxic addiction to books about FWB catching feels.... so at first glance all stars point north.
Now as I start reading everything was promising i didnt even get any "I'm not gonna like this" vibes from the book until a little after there first encounter.
Even then it was mostly just really awkard conversstions and encounters that started rubbing me the wrong way. Becouse they weren't awkward cute ther were just awkward.
Now i kept reading and kept an open mind but I finally gave my OCD i have to finish everything i start brain the OK to stop reading at about 47% of the book. ( kindle reader).
At that point they have had atleast 3 or 4 s#xual encounters where he is supposed to be tutoring her... but the man doesnt do much before having a mental freakout and ditching her in the most uncomfortable way each time.. no explaination so comunication. At least about that. The amount of random talking they both do woth every intimate encounter is just weird and hard to fallow or get into... reslly the whole book was hard to get into becouse of the randomness sometimes.
He also keeps emphasizing how certainty acts are to much for him and he thinks there " insulting or disrespectful" .. dude no harm no foul not everyone one is into eveything but they way it is written makes it seem like it was ment to make you feel dirty if you felt differently about these acts then they did.
So idk i really wanted to love this book and series but i just couldn't finish it.

[Katie Hooge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by the author and it definitely won’t be the last.

Noah is an NHL star that very unexpectedly and tragically has become the guardian of his niece after his sister and brother in law die in a car accident.

His total heartbreak and devastation from that accident is very relatable, it’s truly how I would feel is anything ever happened to my sister, and that really stuck with me throughout the whole book.

Molly is a local bookstore owner who always has written a children’s book about grief due to her recent heartbreak over uncle passing.

Once these two are introduce they are both intrigued with one another after a very close ‘sitting’ session and decide they are both only ready for a type of situationship where Molly wants to have lessons about what she’s never experienced as she’s only been with one person and even then, that’s not something she likes to brag about.

I really wished the author spent more time on the friendship part of their relationship because they have so much in common, I feel like it would have helped us connect with their relationship more.

I was impressed with Molly’s willingness to learn and try new things with her being so ‘green’ to sex.

It kind of thru me for a loop with some of the storyline, where it felt like a major part was done over FaceTime, I didn’t understand that. And the major twist at the end, I thought there could have been more understanding from Molly.

But overall this was a really good start to the series and can’t wait to see who’s next. Spice was 2 out of 5.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Flopper” is a steamy, fun and emotional start to Colleen Charles’ newest series, Vegas Venom. As a hockey fan, especially for the team in Vegas, I’m always so excited when I find a hockey romance series set in Vegas.

Noah has gone through one of the toughest things in his life. Losing his sister and brother in law in a terrible car accident. They left behind their daughter, Vivian, who is only 1 year old. Fast forward 3 years later, Noah is still grieving for his lost family and raising Vivian. When his nanny takes him and Vivian to a local bookstore, there he meets the owner, Molly. Molly is a shy but happy bookworm who took over the store when her Uncle had passed away. Noah has sworn off any sort of relationships but when Molly asks him to help her gain confidence, the attraction he has for her can’t be denied.

I absolutely adored Noah and Molly. They were an opposites attract couple but also were so much alike. Both books lovers and had also lost important family members. I loved Noah’s overprotectiveness with Vivian. You could tell he would do anything for her and that melted my heart. His grief was also so emotional and I found myself crying for his loss more than once. Molly was a pint size delight and so much fun to read. She was the sunshine in Noah’s dim world. Molly was so good with Vivian and all the kids that came to her story hour at her book store. All the spicy scenes between Noah and Molly were so good. The rest of the team seemed great and I can’t wait to read their books when they are released.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vegas Venom: Book One

Noah Abbott is one of the top goalies in the NHL. When he gets a phone call from the hospital telling him to come right away he can't get there fast enough, only to find out his sister and brother in law died in a car accident. His one year old niece Vivian, was in her car seat and survived. He has been her godfather but his sister named him her legal guardian if anything happened to them.
Three years later Noah is still dealing with his grief and attends group counseling sessions and he has the help of his full time Nanny Francine.
Molly Campbell is an author of a children's book and also a bookstore owner. When Vivian and Francine take Noah to the bookstore he meets Molly when he asks for a certain book and she gets him to join her book club. After a themed adult book club meeting that throws Molly and Noah together Molly wants to learn about seduction and Noah decides to help her. Noah is very much a family guy raising Viv and isn't looking for a relationship but a friend with benefits he could do.
Vivian loves Molly and Noah is really smitten as well and their relationship grows into something more. But can they survive when information about the past comes to light?
Some of the banter between Noah and Vivian will have you laughing out loud.

4 stars

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that was hard to put down. Noah is a goalie, and the devoted guardian of his adorable three- year-old niece. His niece’s parents died in a car accident when she was a baby. After losing his only family in that car accident, Noah’s life has narrowed to hockey, taking care of his niece, his grief-support group and books. Molly is a tiny, curvy outspoken bookstore owner and author of a children’s book about loss. She has had very limited experience with men. When Noah and Molly meet, they begin a friendly relationship. Noah’s life starts to open up again as he and Molly go from friendly hook-ups to more. This story is sweet, romantic, tear-jerking and at times very hot. Be prepared to cry, since dealing with the loss of loved ones is a theme. This book has some great supporting characters, including the adorable niece and her nanny, Noah’s team-mates and Molly’s goth assistant in the bookstore. I downgraded one star for a plot twist and coincidence that felt too unbelievable. Readers will care about these characters and will hope they get to a HEA together. (Note: A book club might find this to be a great book for discussions about how Noah’s path fits in with Dr. Kubler-Ross’s five stages of death and dying: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.) I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series by the author featuring the life and loves of the Vegas Venom Hockey team but with this first book you have Noah a top NHL goalie raising his niece Vivian after his sister and brother in-law were killed in and accident. Noah has devoted all his time into raising his niece playing Hockey and his love of books but his love life not so much he doesn't want that kind of commitment and pain. Molly or (Princess Molly) knows all about grief she's dealing with the loss of her uncle who left his bookstore to her now she runs a business and publishes her own books but that second book has left her with a block how dose she follow up on a children's book about grief and it has her stressed with know time for relaxation or relationships if she even wanted one until she fell write into Noah's arm's. So they form a friendship with benefits it works until they have feelings for each other and a secret coming there way that mite distroy all those feelings of love.

I like the storyline for this first book it has a bit of a slow start but I eventually really got into Noah and Molly's story this is not your typical sports romance with a hot bad boy but I liked that and I look forward to the next book in the series. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[MNHockeymomreads (Heather) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah, an avid bookworm and professional hockey goalie, finds himself a young guardian of his sister's daughter. Working through his grief he keeps himself and his heart locked up tight, except for his niece, nanny and guard dog. Immediately you will fall in love with Noah. He is one of the sweetest heroes I have read in a long time. I knew when this man fell he was going to fall hard. It isn’t until Molly literally falls into his lap. Molly, a children's book author and book store owner lives a quiet and simple life. She hasn’t had the best of luck with relationships, and is a little self conscious about it. As the pair embark on a friendship with some benefits. Noah and Molly’s connection is intense.
I really enjoyed this take on the relationship coach/fake dating trope. Colleen Charles gifted us with amazing characters that you are quick to fall in love with and root for from the very beginning. Not only will you adore this pair Viv, Noah’s niece will pull at your heart strings. She is so adorable and wise beyond her years. This new series sets the stage for a great cast of characters and the dynamics amongst the team you will be anxiously awaiting for the next book in this series. If you are looking for a new hockey series to read, then I highly recommend this one.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review of Flopper (Vegas Venom #1) by Colleen Charles
This was an emotional book that drew me in from the first chapter. When tragedy strikes Vegas Venom goalie Noah Abbott, he is suddenly thrust from a life of a hockey VIP into a life as a single dad . I loved how he immediately stepped up for his niece Vivian; it melted my heart.
Struggling with his grief and trying to do all he can for Vivian, the last thing Noah wants or needs is to meet and develop feelings for Molly. Pushed together through circumstances they develop a friends with benefits relationship which quickly becomes complicated when feelings come into play.
This was at times an emotional read as Noah struggled to balance his grief, his niece Vivian and his blossoming feelings for Molly. Molly is inexperienced and although she isdrawn to Noah, she is also uncertain.

The relationship Noah has with Vivian was wonderful as was the relationship that Molly forged with her. The secondary characters were entertaining. This book will pull at your heart strings and the twists and turns added an additional layer to the story. In fact I made the mistake of starting it just before bed time and end up reading well into the night.

The journey they embarked on was rocky at times, but it was realistic.

If Flopper is anything to go by then she is off to a flying start.

[DarknessLighttt · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐚 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 🐚

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: single dad, he falls first, friends to lovers,

𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: death of a family member

I didn't expect to like this book so much. I can say that it is a bit emotional because it touches on some fragile subjects.

Noah is a single father whose life takes a turn after the death of his niece's parents. After all these years he is still grieving their loss, but through Frances - Vivian's nanny - we meet Molly. Noah and Molly are passionate about books and this is how they get to know each other, something that is maintained throughout the book.

Their relationship starts from the discussion about an erotic book and a workshop they attended as a "couple". later it develops through the smut lessons that Noah gives Molly to gain experience, but apparently Molly is not as innocent as she seems, as it turns out in the spicy scenes.

Both have gone through the death of a loved one, and the author touches this topic so perfectly in the book that it makes you cry.

Thank you NetGalley and Colleen Charles for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Readers will fall hard for Noah, a man who has experienced great loss but gained a beautiful little girl to raise as his own. He is an intelligent, affectionate and honest man who happens to be a well known hockey goalie in Las Vegas. But readers will learn becoming a parent to his precious niece has caused a wall to be built around his heart, one that makes it difficult for him to let anyone in that doesn’t already live there. Crossing paths with Molly, the bookstore owner that his niece Vivian and her nanny have befriended, causes him to react in a most unexpected way. After a series of awkward, but life changing events, Noah and Molly decide to blur some lines and “help” each other out. Of course these things never go smoothly and readers get to join them on the bumpy ride they take to their HEA.

Be prepared readers, emotions will vary as you immerse yourself in this phenomenal story. You will laugh out loud, need to turn up your A/C, grab a few tissues and probably experience a number of “Awww” moments. The first book in the Vegas Venom series and I for one cannot wait for more!

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Noah is such a sweet guy who loves his niece with every ounce of his heart and everything that he does, she and her well being are his very first thoughts! So when he meets Molly, and is instantly attracted to her, he can only have a "situationship" with her that benefits them both but that doesn't cause any strife in his niece's life.

Noah may be a professional NHL goalie and is all big, strong and tough, but he's got a soft side and after losing his sister and brother in law tragically, he fears losing anyone else close to him, so it makes sense that he's hesitant about being serious with Molly but it was painful to watch him try to keep her out of his heart.

And Molly was dealing with her grief after her own tragic loss, so she too wasn't all too keen on letting someone in, but funny it truly is a small world and that so many chance encounters connect everything!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Colleen Charles.

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There’s something about Noah that leaves me twitterpated.”

What a wonderful beginning to a brand new series! Noah literally grabbed me from the first page. Gorgeous hockey-star who majored in philosophy and collects first edition copies of great books he actually reads! Then, get this, when his sister dies and he becomes single father to her one year old daughter he changes his entire life to focus on raising her and being the best surrogate mom and dad on the planet. He’s like every woman’s secret fantasy.

Molly was so perfect for him that, to be honest, it was almost predictable, which is exactly what his niece’s babysitter does. Poor man never really had a chance. It was enjoyable to watch them try to avoid the inevitable, though.

I’m looking forward to the future books in the series, especially Latham, who definitely needs a brutally painful lesson in love, although I see we don’t get him until book three. I can wait as long as the next book is as good as this first one was.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah is living his best life as a VIP hockey player for the Vegas Venom when tragedy struck, and he now has his adorable niece with him. It's obviously a big change to juggle his career & taking care of Vivian (his niece) but he has some help along the way. Molly is our heroine who helps him out, and the sparks are flying between them despite the fact that neither has any interest in a relationship. They decide to go with a friends with benefits situation but with the heat they generate, it's only a matter of time before an emotional connection is formed. I really loved these two people who were perfect for each other, so I was all up in my feelings reading this book. I wasn't able to put it down for anything as I was all in so I didn't move until every last page was devoured in one sitting. I know this review is short & sweet, but seriously, just experience this book for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons as it's the best way to go. I'm super excited for more of this series & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!