She wanted a final fling before choosing science to make her a single mom. He needed an escape from the regret grinding him . Her baby isn’t his…but maybe family is more than DNA.
After a childhood being dragged around the continent by her musician parents, Lynn Kolmyn has stretched her roots deep into her chosen hometown. When her absconding fiancé screws up her careful plans, she decides to become a mother at almost forty, realizing the only person she can rely on is herself.
Benjamin Whitestone was the hometown hockey hero until a spectacular mistake led to failure and condemnation. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t seem to make it up to his parents, his teammates, or his fans. In a final bid to prove himself, he accepts a job coaching the junior team where he used to be a star, determined to rewrite history.
When Lynn and Benjamin collide—literally—they are both shocked to see the stranger from a single sensual night two years ago. Now the past tangles with the future…a future neither of them was expecting.
Brenda Margriet writes savvy, slow burn, contemporary romances with ordinarily amazing characters. In her own ordinarily amazing life, she had a successful career in radio and television production before deciding to pilfer from her retirement plan to support her writing compulsion.
Readers have called her stories “poignant,” “explicit and steamy,” “interesting, intriguing and entertaining,” and “unlike any romance you’ve read before” (she assumes the latter was meant in a good way).
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This could be classed as a second chance romance in a way as Benjamin and Lynn have had a one-night stand a couple of years ago. Suddenly they're thrown together again through work!
Benjamin is the coach of the junior hockey team and Lynn works for the ice rink so there's no avoiding each other. Lynn's life has changed since their night together and she's a single mum so her son comes first.
It is obvious there's still an attraction between these two and the story moves along nicely. Life and work are always distractions to everyone's love life and they're guaranteed to be in books!
The characters are engaging and realistic, and the setting is familiar if you've read this author's work before.
An enjoyable few hours spent visiting Prince George and getting to know Benjamin and Lynn and watching them fall in love. <3
I may need to re-read this after "An Heir for Her Enemy" and "Not My Kind of Hero." It was a sweet story. Lynn is a publicist at a rink in Canada for a youth hockey team. Guess they take hockey that seriously in Canada. She's getting older and decides to have a baby. So, she does. He's adorable. The team gets a new coach, Ben, who used to be a hockey player, but gave up because he never was good enough to go pro. He sees this as a chance at a new career. Lynn and Ben once had a ONS and they quickly start falling for each other again. But there's something afoot. Turns out, the owner is up to schemes that will affect both Lynn and Ben. They both have their own emotional baggage and what I LOVED was that they talk to their friends and each other. There is a crisis, but it's talked through. No one suddenly leaves. Although I wish they had had more conversations in the moment, that changes when Lynn is clued in by her BFF. It was a sweet, realistic story and I liked it.
I flew through this book! I downloaded this on a whim through the kindle day and was pleasantly surprised. The story features a mature romantic relationship which I very much enjoyed. The two main characters were well fleshed out and their romance believable. Definitely has some detailed spicy scenes but imo they were well spread out and some fade to blacks to prevent these scenes dragging on. I wish the kid got a bit more of his personality, he kind of feels like an accessory. Furthermore the hockey plot could have been replaced by any other sport. The gameplay was not written out so if that’swhat you’re looking for I would suggest another book. Personally I didn’t mind. Overall I’d recommend if you’re looking for a quick read mature romance with a bit more depth as to personal development.
It took me forever to read this, it was just boring. Their wild, passionate night from their past was mentioned in passing, but I didn't feel any passion on their part. Benjamin was a whiny guy who needed some therapy and some communication workshops. He makes thoughtless statements thensays, "Oh, I didn't mean to hurt you!" Well, what exactly was his intention? I never got why he thought he wasn't cut out for a relationship or to be a dad. I was totally team Lynn until the one time Benjamin communicates his feelings about the visiting retired hockey player, and she dismisses his feelings completely. After that, I honestly didn't care about either of them finding their happily ever after. And who names their kid Oscar in this day and age?
I really loved this story because I loved how relatable Benjamin was. It is so hard to accept that you aren't going to achieve the dreams you have held forever, and it's so scary to decide on new dreams. The love Benjamin and Lynn shared gave them each the courage to do just that. I really loved this book!
PS-it may be a little confusing if you don't know anything about hockey culture. Some of the vocabulary and situations are specific to that.
Do you believe in second chances? After a one night fling, Lynn and Benjamin meet again. Lynn is now a mother from in vetro fertilization and Benjamin is a dedicated hockey coach who goes where his job takes him. Sparks fly again, but will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their way for a happily ever after? I loved the characters and the storyline, second chance romance and the steam which came with it.
Lynn Kolmyn is not having a good start on her first day back to work after taking maternity leave. The daycare had flooded overnight and she was standing in her boss's office with her wailing son Oscar and then to find out that the Marketing Co-ordinator for Canyon Cats quit and her boss wanted her to handle it until a replacement could be found.
Lynn was the arena Event Director and her job was to assist the businesses and charities that rented the facility. Most were single-night or annual events, but the Prince George Canyon Cats were the backbone of the arena and what kept them open. The junior hockey team played 30 games per season in the arena. More if they were in the playoffs. That didn't count their training camps, practices and promotional events.
Benjamin Whitestone had been Head Coach of the Canyon Cats for two weeks and was trying to think what he could have done wrong in that short length of time to be called into the owner's office. But the very involved owner just wanted to welcome him to the organization.
As the was heading for the stairs to get to the ice level the door to the administrative office swung open and he moved to avoid the swinging door as a woman holding a baby stumbled out. He couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at the woman who shouldn't have been on his mind as much as she had after a one-night stand. Especially since it had been two years ago.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This book is action-packed from page one and the chemistry between Lynn and Benjamin is smoking hot. I love the secondary character relationships and conflicts. Benjamin has major insecurities that cause major issues in their relationship, but they both realize that their life goals may not been what really will make them happy.
This is my first time reading Brenda Margriet and her characters and the storyline kept me turning the pages. Highly recommend.
Thank you @brendamargrietauthor for the free eARC of your book. I’m so honored to read it before pub day! Happy release day tomorrow—July 15, 2022!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5) (probably 4 ½ actually) Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over: 🤩 Hockey workplace romance. He’s the coach & she’s the event manager. A little bit forbidden/unwanted attraction and romance. There was a one-night stand. 🤩 Even though I own it, I have not read book 1 in the series yet—Secrets Under the Covers. This seemed fine as a standalone. But I was pretty proud when I guessed the book 1 MCs when they showed up in book 2. 🤩 Binge worthy—the timing of the storyline felt on point. 🤩 Great balance of feels and fun. Characters dealing with emotional issues in good timing. Seggsy times are hot and show up before it feels too slow burn. 🤩 Lynn & Benjamin are adorable and cute MCs—playful, flirty, and able to be honest about attraction. 😍 The Silverberry Book (community) Club—made family and sweet friendship. 🤩 Variety in family dynamics/struggles. 🤩 Game on—against the villain! Such a good storyline parallel to the romance. 🤩 Some fall & winter vibes if you like seasonal reads. 🤩 Baby/toddler Oscar is such a sweet and lovely addition to this story.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About: 💫 I would have liked a steamy flashback since both MCs were remembering the one-night stand anyway. But I’m also greedy for plenty of steamy scenes. 💫 The style seemed extra formal/sophisticated at times (but so did Benjamin, and both MCs are professionals, so maybe it was on purpose). When the book/writing feels more informal/relaxed, especially when the MCs get cozy and let the flirty/dirty talk come out, it feels so right!
This is such an enjoyable story! Anyone who has read anything by Brenda Magriet knows she writes well. So it came as no surprise that this book too is a pleasure to read from that standpoint alone. The pacing, her style of writing, the characterisation and flow were all lovely. But what I liked most about this story is the people she’s written. At the heart of it, this story is a romance, and traces the path of Lynn and Benjamin as they come together and fall in love. But right from the first chapter you know there’s more to it. Lynn has a baby and a clear path she’s charted for her life, Benjamin has a flagging career and a need to prove himself. That would be enough to go along with as far as conflict in the story goes. But no, this book does not leave things that flimsy. With each chapter come new characters, unexpected revelations, and a deepening bond between the main characters, often in an unobtrusive, natural way that really makes you believe in them. It makes for a romance that is sweet even when it’s spicy, and it made a lot of the conflict between them very relatable. There are many scenes in this that I really liked, including the Christmas parties, every time Stephanie was on the page, All the scenes with Benjamin's friend Jujhar (I wouldn’t have complained if there were more bits with them!)… I could go on, but it boils down to this: this was a lovely story and I finished the book feeling very happy for them… and extremely satisfied with the way there is visible growth in the characters. Really liked this book!
A Warm and Sweet story of second chances on and off the ice. Lynn and Benjamin have a night of lust and steam after having come to a cross roads in each of their lives. Two years later their paths cross once again in Ben's "hometown" where he has returned to restore his career in hockey as a coach and possibly to restore some damaged relationships as well. Lynn now has a little man in her life, a son whom she was blessed with thanks to the miracles of science. She has settled in this same small town and works at the rink that hosts the team that Ben now coaches. The flame seems to have been re-ignited from their one night and now they may see a future for all of them if only they can fight their fears of the past and the feelings of inadequacy and lack of stability.
Brenda Margriet has a way with writing about the lives, loves and losses of the more mature relationships. Her stories have a certain quality that leaves you feeling loved and fulfilled. Review submitted by C. Seymour/blogger
Really enjoying the Silverberry Seductions Seasoned Romance collection and, like the first (Secrets Under the Covers), the characters in Loving Between the Lines are older and have made enough decisions in their lives that they are of an age where they do not play games with one another’s emotions. No needless drama, no silly behavior.
While Lynn and Benjamin initially met as a one-night stand, they are now working in the same sports arena. She now has a child (not his, hers alone) and Benjamin has left his career in hockey and is trying to make up for his past by coaching a junior hockey team.
Admitting that there is still a spark between them is easy…figuring out how to navigate a relationship is the hard part. And like friends you may have, there’s sometimes a few bumps in the road.
This is a wonderfully heartwarming story! Both Lynn and Benjamin have the depth of character that keeps you engaged in their story, wanting the best for both!
A Warm and Sweet story of second chances on and off the ice. Lynn and Benjamin have a night of lust and steam after having come to a cross roads in each of their lives. Two years later their paths cross once again in Ben's "hometown" where he has returned to restore his career in hockey as a coach and possibly to restore some damaged relationships as well. Lynn now has a little man in her life, a son whom she was blessed with thanks to the miracles of science. She has settled in this same small town and works at the rink that hosts the team that Ben now coaches. The flame seems to have been re-ignited from their one night and now they may see a future for all of them if only they can fight their fears of the past and the feelings of inadequacy and lack of stability.
Brenda Margriet has a way with writing about the lives, loves and losses of the more mature relationships. Her stories have a certain quality that leaves you feeling loved and fulfilled.
Happy with her decision to become a mother at almost forty, Lynn is nevertheless challenged by her tough job and single motherhood. The new head coach at the junior hockey team where Lynn works turns out to be a hot guy with whom she had a one-night stand. And she still remembers it. So, apparently, does Benjamin, and their romance is rekindled instantly, but it's not smooth sailing. Lynn has her little boy to prioritize now, the team's owner is a creep who puts the team in jeopardy, and Benjamin's lack of self-confidence is a hurdle he'll have to get over. Also, his job might require him to move from one city to another over time. Can Lynn trust him, or will she let him go in favor of the stability she craves? This was an unusual story in that the hero is a beta rather than an alpha. He has to find his own strength before he can truly claim the woman of his heart. I thought it was well done.
From the opening scene with Lynn struggling to manage her toddler at work--a scenario to which many moms can relate--I was captivated by Loving Between the Lines. And when Lynn literally runs into Benjamin, with whom she had a memorable one-night stand the previous year, things get steamy fast! Lynn is an independent woman who chose to have a baby on her own, having been let down by men. She is determined to do life on her own. That is, until she gets to know Benjamin Whitestone, who has his own issues to sort out. These two wonderfully drawn characters pulled me in to their story. Brenda Margriet knows her stuff when it comes to hockey and the different business elements of the plot. The pacing was excellent, the twists of the plot surprised me and the ending satisfied. I highly recommend this steamy romance!
This is a new author to me, and I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Ben was his hometown hockey hero until he made a mistake, and he is now home to coach a junior team, while he hopes to make amends to his family, teammates, and fans. Lynn is a single mom to her adorable little boy, and fate destines her to cross paths with Ben again, after they had a passionate 1-night stand together 2-years previously. Lynn work at the rink which hosts the team which Ben is coaching. This is a well written well-paced story, which has 2nd chances, regrets, romance, revelations, redemption, conflict, emotions, family, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first read by Brenda Margriet and I thoroughly enjoyed Loving Between the Lines.
Two years ago Benjamin and Lynn spent the night together, so when they bump into each other and Lynn is carrying a baby, Benjamin is a little confused. He soon discovers the baby isn't his, but that he and Lynn will be working together. It soon becomes apparent that the spark from that night is still there and you don't need to be blood related to becomeca family.
3.5 Stars I was drawn to this book because it's a single mom romance. I'm glad I read this one because it was a good story. Benjamin is looking for redemption in this one. Life has not gone as planned in his hockey career. Now he is coaching Junior Hockey which puts him back into Lynn's orbit. Lynn's life has made a few changes since their one night stand. She has little Oscar now. Oscar is a adorable. The characters in this deal many of life's ups and downs. They get tested that's for sure. This book is also packed full of heart and feels. It's an enjoyable read!
This book fits the bill if you’re looking for a quick read. I went into this because I was in the mood for a reverse age gap and I ended up really enjoying the heroine in this. She’s ready for a family and takes matters into her own hands with IVF, regardless of the fact that she isn’t in a relationship at the time.
I would have liked to have seen more story surrounding their age, but other than that this is exactly what the blurb states. Good option to take with you to the beach or pool this summer.
Benjamin is coaching junior hockey back in his hometown due to mistakes he has made in his career. Lynn works at the rink where the teams practice/games are. These two had a one night stand two years ago and didn’t plan to see each other again. Now Lynn has a young son and is determined to only rely on herself after being let down by men. These two still have chemistry together. Well written and I enjoyed the characters and them finding each other. It is the first time I have read this author but I will definitely read more.
This is a very enjoyable read, Brenda Margriet is a talented writer. This is a story of redemption and a second chance at love. Benjamin Whitestone is a hockey hero and Lynn Kotmyn is a homebody. These two had a one-night fling but two years later they literally bump into each other, he is couching hockey now and she is a mom to Oscar. This is a story starting with an attraction but grows into love and becomes a family. This is a winner as this story touches the heart, I recommend this book!
I’ve read a few of Brenda Margriet’s books but Loving Between the Lines really captivated me because I adore second chance romances. I love that this isn’t your typical secret baby trope. This story has everything. Emotion, conflict, ups and downs, but the author does not disappoint. The HEA is well-earned and extremely satisfying. I highly recommend Loving Between the Lines.
This is the first contemporary romance I’ve ready by Brenda Margriet but it will certainly not be the last. The novel caught my attention right out of the gate. Great sorry line with characters you would love to meet and have a glass of wine with. Simply a great book!
Margriet has scored big with this one. A hockey romance that touches the heart and entertains. Realistic characters and difficult situations combine for a touching story that entertains the reader. You don't want to miss this story about dreams, mistakes, and redemption.