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Vegas Venom #4
Bender
Marco & Madison
OMG, I can't wait to share them with you!
OMG, I can't wait to share them with you!
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2023
307 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Charles
152 books1,183 followersAfter 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:
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:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 5, 2023
Not for me. I couldn't deal with how Marco was talking that's not how it works.
It would've been much better if Marco wasn't literally the butt of the joke all of the time (oh no me not american uses idioms shocking )
I really tried to like this and I appreciate tMarco Madisons relationship it was cute and sweet but god was it annoying to have her laugh when he makes a mistake I hated it.
And oh the way he stayed in America was the worst way I wish he had gone home or even gotten married but this is just embarrassing.
Anyways, it's not bad but it's just not for me.
It would've been much better if Marco wasn't literally the butt of the joke all of the time (oh no me not american uses idioms shocking )
I really tried to like this and I appreciate tMarco Madisons relationship it was cute and sweet but god was it annoying to have her laugh when he makes a mistake I hated it.
And oh the way he stayed in America was the worst way I wish he had gone home or even gotten married but this is just embarrassing.
Anyways, it's not bad but it's just not for me.
April 8, 2023
I enjoyed the book. It was fine. I expected there to be more resistance from Madison to their relationship especially from an encounter she and Marco had in an earlier book. It felt too easy the way they fall into a relationship. I was expecting more. Quick easy read.
October 11, 2025
So boring. The first 30% hooked me. The next 40% bored me. I skimmed the last 30%. I did not enjoy this very much. They made Marco this sad, ignorant character. The author intentionally put idioms in every scene just to emphasize that he didn’t understand them. And his friends were a$$holes.
April 7, 2023
“Bender” is the fourth book in the ‘Vegas Venom’ series of hockey romances by Colleen Charles. The whole series has been excellent, but I have to say this is my favorite book so far! It can be read as a standalone story. However, if you had the pleasure of reading the books that came before it, you’ll recognize the main characters and appreciate their love story even more.
Marco was a professional hockey player in Italy who received the opportunity of a lifetime to play in the NHL. He’s a great guy, and a talented hockey player, but struggles to keep up with the level of talent found in the National Hockey League in America. He also struggles with the nuances of the English language. Madison is the younger sister of one of his teammates. Marco initially met her in her previous book and was dumbfounded by the beauty of the professional plus sized model. It’s taken a lot of effort, but she’s comfortable with her appearance and herself, and has a successful career. She finds Marco’s earnest awkwardness charming and is as attracted to him as he is to her. The relationship that develops between Marco and Madison feels authentic and is extremely containing.
The connection between the main characters is wonderful, as are their individual personalities. I thought the dialogue and banter was well written, frequently funny, and sometimes surprisingly emotional. The secondary characters add a lot of additional depth to the story. The plot went in unexpected directions more than once, which made it even more compelling. Once I started reading, I truly couldn’t put this book down. The steamy escapades between Marco and Madison are intense, and so are the dramatic developments in the plot. I laughed really hard multiple times while reading this book. It’s tempting to give you specific examples, but I don’t want to ruin anything for you – believe me, you want to read it for yourself. This is an emotional story, but at the end the author left me with warm, fuzzy feelings and a content smile.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.
Marco was a professional hockey player in Italy who received the opportunity of a lifetime to play in the NHL. He’s a great guy, and a talented hockey player, but struggles to keep up with the level of talent found in the National Hockey League in America. He also struggles with the nuances of the English language. Madison is the younger sister of one of his teammates. Marco initially met her in her previous book and was dumbfounded by the beauty of the professional plus sized model. It’s taken a lot of effort, but she’s comfortable with her appearance and herself, and has a successful career. She finds Marco’s earnest awkwardness charming and is as attracted to him as he is to her. The relationship that develops between Marco and Madison feels authentic and is extremely containing.
The connection between the main characters is wonderful, as are their individual personalities. I thought the dialogue and banter was well written, frequently funny, and sometimes surprisingly emotional. The secondary characters add a lot of additional depth to the story. The plot went in unexpected directions more than once, which made it even more compelling. Once I started reading, I truly couldn’t put this book down. The steamy escapades between Marco and Madison are intense, and so are the dramatic developments in the plot. I laughed really hard multiple times while reading this book. It’s tempting to give you specific examples, but I don’t want to ruin anything for you – believe me, you want to read it for yourself. This is an emotional story, but at the end the author left me with warm, fuzzy feelings and a content smile.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.
April 17, 2023
I am in LOVE with Marco and Madison!! These two are so beautiful together and I couldn’t get enough of their romance. Marco had me laughing with his confusion between languages and struggles to understand idioms. They can be hard for even the best English speakers to understand, so imagine a man who’s still learning English! I liked that the author changed the writing style between POVs to really make it feel like you were reading from Marco’s POV. I also liked that it changed as his English improved. That takes a talented writer and Colleen Charles definitely did an amazing job.
I am in LOVE with their story. The Italian hockey player trying to make it in the NHL. But no matter how hard he tries, and how much he practices, he struggles to find his stride. A curvy model who embraces her body and wants to spread body positivity through her career. He’s instantly taken with her but she doesn’t realize how serious he is at first. Their first date is awesome! He pulls out all the stops but his confusion with Vegas culture leads to a hilarious but spicy unexpected date adventure. Even though things get hot and heavy between Marco and Madison, his game never improves, which brings into question whether he will stay in America through his talent visa.
This story gave me all the feels!! I was laughing, smiling, sad, overheated, and enjoying every moment of it! The chemistry between Marco and Madison was fiery!! They were made for each other and their spice only solidified that! There is a scene with vibrating panties that is as funny as it is spicy and just added to the comfort between these characters. This book even had me crying towards the end. Actually just something in my eye (wink) and not tears flowing as Marco’s future becomes more unknown and his found family fights to keep him at their sides. The ending of this book couldn’t have been any more fabulous! It was so perfect for this couple and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending!
I am in LOVE with their story. The Italian hockey player trying to make it in the NHL. But no matter how hard he tries, and how much he practices, he struggles to find his stride. A curvy model who embraces her body and wants to spread body positivity through her career. He’s instantly taken with her but she doesn’t realize how serious he is at first. Their first date is awesome! He pulls out all the stops but his confusion with Vegas culture leads to a hilarious but spicy unexpected date adventure. Even though things get hot and heavy between Marco and Madison, his game never improves, which brings into question whether he will stay in America through his talent visa.
This story gave me all the feels!! I was laughing, smiling, sad, overheated, and enjoying every moment of it! The chemistry between Marco and Madison was fiery!! They were made for each other and their spice only solidified that! There is a scene with vibrating panties that is as funny as it is spicy and just added to the comfort between these characters. This book even had me crying towards the end. Actually just something in my eye (wink) and not tears flowing as Marco’s future becomes more unknown and his found family fights to keep him at their sides. The ending of this book couldn’t have been any more fabulous! It was so perfect for this couple and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending!
May 24, 2023
Swooon alert: Rossi is an absolute sweetheart. I’ve been looking forward to Marcos book since his introduction in Flopper at the airport and he did not disappoint at all. This book had me crying with laughter so many times; I have honestly not laughed so hard at a book in months.
The language miscommunications and how Madison dealt with it and didn’t mock him like so many other people did was really lovely. I do love when characters speak another language and the readers get an insight to their thoughts that the other doesn’t know because they don’t speak the language (chapter 11s in particular in this book)
It was soooo nice to read a book with a plus size FMC who doesn’t feel inclined to lose weight the whole way through - and even better to have an MMC who is loudly appreciative of her figure.
The plot and struggle they faced after the team let Marco go was really well covered and the found family trope will always be a classic. With the added delight of seeing old faves from the other books in the series (they are stand-alone and you can read just one or all of them but I always love a connected stand-alone series where the characters pop back up in later books - and I’m always happy to hear about Biscuits latest outfits). I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment to see a special occasion and get to know more about Cash.
Anyway, overall: fantastic hockey romance that will have you cracking up and falling in love with the characters. Oh and as an added bonus the spicy scenes are delicious.
The language miscommunications and how Madison dealt with it and didn’t mock him like so many other people did was really lovely. I do love when characters speak another language and the readers get an insight to their thoughts that the other doesn’t know because they don’t speak the language (chapter 11s in particular in this book)
It was soooo nice to read a book with a plus size FMC who doesn’t feel inclined to lose weight the whole way through - and even better to have an MMC who is loudly appreciative of her figure.
The plot and struggle they faced after the team let Marco go was really well covered and the found family trope will always be a classic. With the added delight of seeing old faves from the other books in the series (they are stand-alone and you can read just one or all of them but I always love a connected stand-alone series where the characters pop back up in later books - and I’m always happy to hear about Biscuits latest outfits). I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment to see a special occasion and get to know more about Cash.
Anyway, overall: fantastic hockey romance that will have you cracking up and falling in love with the characters. Oh and as an added bonus the spicy scenes are delicious.
March 25, 2023
Vegas Venom #4
Marco Rossi had the reputation as being the best defenseman in Italy playing in the IHL. He was surprised to get a call from the Vegas Venom owner offering him a job in the NHL, his dream, of course he accepted. Two years have gone by and Marco is just not the player they hoped he would be but he keeps working hard.
Madison is a plus size model who's proud of her body and what she does. Her job brings her to Vegas to work and she meets Marco at an event where she's working modeling a new line of NHL clothing and where she got her first big break. Marco makes some over the top gestures and is acting like a weirdo which she finds funny and thinks he's just awkward more than anything, not familiar with American norms or understanding the language.
When Marco asks Madison for a date she agrees to one. But one leads to more and the more time they spend together the closer they get. His lack of understanding the language is comical but Madison tries to help him understand.
They end up doing lots of ads and promos together and the fans love him but it's not enough to save his job, the team owner fires him. The fans and his teammates start a crusade to keep him but it's still not enough. His Visa is running out of time and with no job he has to go back to Italy, doesn't matter that they love each other.
4.5 stars
I loved how his teammates tried to help with the language barrier and all the bantering back and forth.
Marco Rossi had the reputation as being the best defenseman in Italy playing in the IHL. He was surprised to get a call from the Vegas Venom owner offering him a job in the NHL, his dream, of course he accepted. Two years have gone by and Marco is just not the player they hoped he would be but he keeps working hard.
Madison is a plus size model who's proud of her body and what she does. Her job brings her to Vegas to work and she meets Marco at an event where she's working modeling a new line of NHL clothing and where she got her first big break. Marco makes some over the top gestures and is acting like a weirdo which she finds funny and thinks he's just awkward more than anything, not familiar with American norms or understanding the language.
When Marco asks Madison for a date she agrees to one. But one leads to more and the more time they spend together the closer they get. His lack of understanding the language is comical but Madison tries to help him understand.
They end up doing lots of ads and promos together and the fans love him but it's not enough to save his job, the team owner fires him. The fans and his teammates start a crusade to keep him but it's still not enough. His Visa is running out of time and with no job he has to go back to Italy, doesn't matter that they love each other.
4.5 stars
I loved how his teammates tried to help with the language barrier and all the bantering back and forth.
April 2, 2023
I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading this book, and I'm still so swoony over Marco and Madison! They're both such amazing characters, and they got all the way into my heart!
The representation of badass plus size FMC Madison was wonderful, and I *adore* the body positivity and the way that Marco just completely worships her for exactly who she is. And oh my word, the way he treats her stands out even in the Vega Venom world of swoony af MMCs, this man made me so weak! I'm in awe of their chemistry and incredible love for each other.
And the sex scenes...holy @#$%&! HOT af, kinky , sweet, passionate, amazing!
Slight Conflict Nature Spoiler:
Like all of the Vegas Venom series, there's so much wonderful humor, but I think this one may be the funniest of the whole series, and also the sweetest too. Many humorous situations do center around Marco's progressing fluency of English, but the loving way Madison approaches these misunderstandings is always respectful of Marco. It can be read as a standalone, but I also love the impact of seeing the depth of Marco's story after getting to know him through the other books.
This was a great book, and I highly recommend!
The representation of badass plus size FMC Madison was wonderful, and I *adore* the body positivity and the way that Marco just completely worships her for exactly who she is. And oh my word, the way he treats her stands out even in the Vega Venom world of swoony af MMCs, this man made me so weak! I'm in awe of their chemistry and incredible love for each other.
And the sex scenes...holy @#$%&! HOT af, kinky , sweet, passionate, amazing!
Slight Conflict Nature Spoiler:
Like all of the Vegas Venom series, there's so much wonderful humor, but I think this one may be the funniest of the whole series, and also the sweetest too. Many humorous situations do center around Marco's progressing fluency of English, but the loving way Madison approaches these misunderstandings is always respectful of Marco. It can be read as a standalone, but I also love the impact of seeing the depth of Marco's story after getting to know him through the other books.
This was a great book, and I highly recommend!
April 4, 2023
OMG!! I laughed and cried so hard, so often reading Bender, the newest novel by Colleen Charles, that my husband and children told me to finish reading it outside because I was making too much noise! What a magnificent story: love, lust, hard work, tragedy, loneliness, crushing disappointment, hysterically funny characters, and dialogue, incredibly touching and the most beautiful expressions by a bear of a man in love who became so gentle when touching and describing the woman he loved it took my breath away! I am not doing this story justice in my description, and for that I sincerely apologize to the author. The entirety of this story and all the amazing characters moved me so deeply in so many ways by all that happened, the good, the bad, and the hysterically funny (and I mean that literally) to Marco Rossi, a pro hockey player from Italy with the cutest language barrier in human history, just thinking about him rips me in half between laughter and tears! And Madison McKay, the model and object of Marco’s love and devotion is a compelling character who has gone through her own tribulations, but decided long ago she was no one’s fool! I think apart from Marco, the characters I loved best were his teammates, their love, respect, and admiration for all that Marco had endured, his work ethic, and their gentle teasing of the sincerity he showed to everyone brought heart and dimension to the story that filled me with joy. Colleen Charles, you have written a masterpiece!
April 2, 2023
This was a hockey romance.
I loved this story. It was funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming. The characters were realistic and we'll developed. Would recommend!
Madison McKay works as a plus sized model. She is in Las Vegas for a fashion show for the Vegas Venom. Her older brother Silas is a hockey player in another team and is extremely protective of her.
Marco Rossi is a defenseman for the Vegas Venom. He is originally from Italy, played for the IHL, was orphaned at a young age and does not speak English very well.
They meet again at the fashion show and he asks her out on a date. They have a great time together even after he makes a mistake regarding the club he wanted to take her dancing. They start dating regularly around their busy schedules and fall in love. He has a series of bad games and the owner of the team released him from his contract which puts him in a bind as he is in the US on a visa. His teammates and fans start a campaign to SaveMarco to try to get him rehired or get him another job which will allow him to stay. As he is leaving to get on a plane to go back to Italy, he gets a call offering him a job as a color commentator for the Venom. At the first game he asks Madison to marry him and they get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this story. It was funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming. The characters were realistic and we'll developed. Would recommend!
Madison McKay works as a plus sized model. She is in Las Vegas for a fashion show for the Vegas Venom. Her older brother Silas is a hockey player in another team and is extremely protective of her.
Marco Rossi is a defenseman for the Vegas Venom. He is originally from Italy, played for the IHL, was orphaned at a young age and does not speak English very well.
They meet again at the fashion show and he asks her out on a date. They have a great time together even after he makes a mistake regarding the club he wanted to take her dancing. They start dating regularly around their busy schedules and fall in love. He has a series of bad games and the owner of the team released him from his contract which puts him in a bind as he is in the US on a visa. His teammates and fans start a campaign to SaveMarco to try to get him rehired or get him another job which will allow him to stay. As he is leaving to get on a plane to go back to Italy, he gets a call offering him a job as a color commentator for the Venom. At the first game he asks Madison to marry him and they get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2023
This is the story of Marco and Madison. Its the first book I have read in this series but I loved the description of the book and couldn't wait to read it. I felt it stood alone pretty easily.
In this book we meet Italian, Marco when he gets invited to join the NHL for the Vegas Venom. He is a hockey player whose life is all about hockey. He works hard but wants nothing in his life except hockey. Then the story picks up two years later in Las Vegas, where we meet Madison who has some very strong connections to hockey as her brother is a player and she is modeling a new line of hockey clothes for plus size women.
This book was a lot of fun. There are hijinks, shenanigans and fun times with some hot hockey players. It also is a bit of insta love/lust on both Marco and Madisons side. There are also lots of cuteness and LOL moments as Marco destroys the American language.
The bad guy in this story seems to be Dante, the team owner as he is a big grumpy man, and the players seem to not like him much. He creates some drama and suspense in relation to this story in the way he interacts with Marco.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this book we meet Italian, Marco when he gets invited to join the NHL for the Vegas Venom. He is a hockey player whose life is all about hockey. He works hard but wants nothing in his life except hockey. Then the story picks up two years later in Las Vegas, where we meet Madison who has some very strong connections to hockey as her brother is a player and she is modeling a new line of hockey clothes for plus size women.
This book was a lot of fun. There are hijinks, shenanigans and fun times with some hot hockey players. It also is a bit of insta love/lust on both Marco and Madisons side. There are also lots of cuteness and LOL moments as Marco destroys the American language.
The bad guy in this story seems to be Dante, the team owner as he is a big grumpy man, and the players seem to not like him much. He creates some drama and suspense in relation to this story in the way he interacts with Marco.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2023
Marco, the male Italian lead, managed to seriously offend Madison, the female lead, when they first met (in an earlier book in the series) but that was due to language communication difficulties rather than bad intentions. Now Marco is working hard to woo Madison but she’s struggling to believe he’s sincere in his fulsome compliments.
Then Marco is released from his NHL contract and they have 60 days to find him appropriate work before he must return permanently to Italy…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a highly emotional, contemporary, hockey romance. I really enjoyed Marco - he was a truly emotional, big hearted, and generous in his choices and care for others. I appreciated that he truly enjoyed his teammates banter with him and that he was willing to forgive when they made him the butt of their jokes. I enjoyed Madison’s work as a model, and her body and sex positivity work. I also enjoyed the depth of their speedily formed relationship. I genuinely cried through much of the end of the book and I loved the ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Then Marco is released from his NHL contract and they have 60 days to find him appropriate work before he must return permanently to Italy…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a highly emotional, contemporary, hockey romance. I really enjoyed Marco - he was a truly emotional, big hearted, and generous in his choices and care for others. I appreciated that he truly enjoyed his teammates banter with him and that he was willing to forgive when they made him the butt of their jokes. I enjoyed Madison’s work as a model, and her body and sex positivity work. I also enjoyed the depth of their speedily formed relationship. I genuinely cried through much of the end of the book and I loved the ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2023
Bender is one of the more enjoyable stories in the Vegas Venom series with quirky, unforgettable characters with hearts of gold. We've already met Madison as the body-conscious sister of Silas, one of the stars on the team. Her self-acceptance started slowly, but once she began to model, she was all in. Marco's backstory is a little sad, but hopeful. Orphaned at a young age, Marco grew to love hockey and was one of Italy's best players when he catches the eye of Dante Giovanetti, the owner of the Venom. When he joins the team, he's immediately aware that there's a language barrier that provides sheer comedy. He was a laugh-out-loud example of taking English literally and not knowing figures of speech. He is such an endearing character, my favorite of the series. Madison is treated like a queen and, before long, she is in love with Marco. When he has a string of bad games, Dante lets him go, but the fans have also fallen in love with him and they take it upon themselves to make sure he stays in the United States. This story is sweet, sexy and equally romantic and hilarious. Highly recommended!
April 8, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Vegas Venom series featuring the sweet and funny hockey romance between Marco the best defenseman Italy sent to America and Madison a plus sized model who's comfortable in her body. Marco played in the IHL in Italy where he was known for being a great defenseman because of this the owner of the Venom calls and offers him a job in the NHL which he gladly accepted. Marco meets Madison at a modeling event for a new line of NHL clothing and he's instantly captivated by her. Madison thinks that it's cute and funny the way that Marco makes such big gestures and tries to speak the language. Since Marco feels so drawn to Madison he asks her out and she agrees and one date leads to more and they grow closer. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this sweet and funny hockey romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me start off by saying that Marco is so sweet and genuine! I love how honest he is as he tries to navigate a culture and language that is so different from his own, while still managing to be a bit of an alpha, despite his "major puppy dog energy."
There were some scenes where Marco's lack of understanding made things quite comical, which I enjoyed--especially, his versions of American idioms! I also really enjoyed how body and sex positive the main characters were, without it feeling preachy or awkward. Some of the scenes were so sexy!
I also liked to see the insecurities of the characters and how their flaws played into the story.
Overall, this was an adorable book that had me smiling and laughing and racing to find out what would happen next. It gave me all the feels and I cannot wait to read the next books in this series. 10/10 would recommend this book! It was so cute!
Let me start off by saying that Marco is so sweet and genuine! I love how honest he is as he tries to navigate a culture and language that is so different from his own, while still managing to be a bit of an alpha, despite his "major puppy dog energy."
There were some scenes where Marco's lack of understanding made things quite comical, which I enjoyed--especially, his versions of American idioms! I also really enjoyed how body and sex positive the main characters were, without it feeling preachy or awkward. Some of the scenes were so sexy!
I also liked to see the insecurities of the characters and how their flaws played into the story.
Overall, this was an adorable book that had me smiling and laughing and racing to find out what would happen next. It gave me all the feels and I cannot wait to read the next books in this series. 10/10 would recommend this book! It was so cute!
March 14, 2023
I have been waiting for Marco’s story ever since he first met Madison and was instantly captivated by her. Marco is not exactly the best defender in the Venom, but his hard work has kept him in the team for the past two years. Meanwhile, Madison has been killing it as a plus size model. When a job brings Madison to Vegas to live, Marco finally had his chance with this beauty.
Colleen Charles does a fantastic job of writing Marco’s POV in a way that it is evident that a English is not his first language. Even better is the way Madison listens and enjoys his language mishaps without teasing or malice.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the start and love is not far behind. Both struggle with some insecurities, but find the perfect mate to both accept and celebrate what makes them different.
Another winner for the Vegas Venom and looking forward to the next one, and hoping it is Cash!!
Colleen Charles does a fantastic job of writing Marco’s POV in a way that it is evident that a English is not his first language. Even better is the way Madison listens and enjoys his language mishaps without teasing or malice.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the start and love is not far behind. Both struggle with some insecurities, but find the perfect mate to both accept and celebrate what makes them different.
Another winner for the Vegas Venom and looking forward to the next one, and hoping it is Cash!!
April 2, 2023
Marco and Madison are my favorite couple in this series and Marco is the perfect book boyfriend from his Italian charm his complete lack of understanding when it comes to the English language is both cute and hilarious and his teammates friendship when Marco's life goes south with the team is sweet but lets not forget our girl Madison she's pretty fabulous she rocks her pluse size model career and still manages to wrap Marco around her finger there romance is sweet there perfect for each other and that first date this book brings plenty of steam.
Marco has come to Vegas to play for the Venom but he's found something better love. And Madison thought her career was all she needed but that was before a certain Italian sweeps her off her feet. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Marco has come to Vegas to play for the Venom but he's found something better love. And Madison thought her career was all she needed but that was before a certain Italian sweeps her off her feet. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 12, 2023
Oh, Marco! You sweet, funny, cute, hot, swoon worthy, temperature rising, often clueless but oh, so adorkable man. You totally stole my heart. Lol All joking aside, Marco is maybe not what you'd think of as your truly typical hero because a silver-tongued devil he is definitely not, but trust me, he is still going to steal your heart. I also really liked Madison. Their chemistry and sparks were off the charts and incendiary but what truly got to me was the depth of the emotions in this story. From the intensity of Marco's feelings for Madison, to Madison's concerns, to Marco's internal and external struggles, this book is chock full of so much heart and so many feelings that your own get taken for quite a ride. This is my volitional, forthright review.
March 28, 2023
Enjoyable hockey romance read!!
This was a great read with amazing characters! This can be read as a stand alone, but you do get to see characters from previous reads in the series. Marco and Madison(M&M) were absolutely fantastic together, the steam, understanding and chemistry between them was off the charts. Parts of the story kept you guessing and I love how it ended. Not only were they great people you would want to know individually, together they brought out their best sides. Some of those side friends I would like to see have a story too. Can't wait for the next in this series and hopefully they can get rid of Dante(haha)!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great read with amazing characters! This can be read as a stand alone, but you do get to see characters from previous reads in the series. Marco and Madison(M&M) were absolutely fantastic together, the steam, understanding and chemistry between them was off the charts. Parts of the story kept you guessing and I love how it ended. Not only were they great people you would want to know individually, together they brought out their best sides. Some of those side friends I would like to see have a story too. Can't wait for the next in this series and hopefully they can get rid of Dante(haha)!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2023
Playing professionally in the US was everything Marco ever wanted but the transition hasn’t been without its complications. A new country, a different team and communicating in a language that is not his own makes for some humorous interactions especially when it comes to Madison.
Due to a misunderstanding Madison and Marco may not have gotten off to the best start but the more she gets to know him the more she appreciates the man he is. With the future of his career in jeopardy will the love they have found with each other becomes collateral damage?
Marco is the perfect mix of sweet and swoony when it comes to his interactions with Madison, and I enjoyed seeing how supportive both she and his teammates were of him.
Due to a misunderstanding Madison and Marco may not have gotten off to the best start but the more she gets to know him the more she appreciates the man he is. With the future of his career in jeopardy will the love they have found with each other becomes collateral damage?
Marco is the perfect mix of sweet and swoony when it comes to his interactions with Madison, and I enjoyed seeing how supportive both she and his teammates were of him.
April 3, 2023
🏒Hockey romance
🏒Teammate’s sister
🏒Foreign accent
🏒s3x positive
Bender: A player who is simply not good at hockey.
Marco Rossi is managing to make me feel more than I want to.
This woman is becoming my soft place to fall. She is starting to feel like home. I feel like I might die if I lose her.
Madison is the hot off-limits sister of Silas, Marco’s teammate. Marco is the loveable Italian all the way from his mispronounciations to his naughty (down there) piercing wink, wink. Everything from the accidental bee-dee-emess club to the clapping incident had me laughing and loving this couple. There were touching moments with the save Marco movement. This might be my favorite in the series so far.
🏒Teammate’s sister
🏒Foreign accent
🏒s3x positive
Bender: A player who is simply not good at hockey.
Marco Rossi is managing to make me feel more than I want to.
This woman is becoming my soft place to fall. She is starting to feel like home. I feel like I might die if I lose her.
Madison is the hot off-limits sister of Silas, Marco’s teammate. Marco is the loveable Italian all the way from his mispronounciations to his naughty (down there) piercing wink, wink. Everything from the accidental bee-dee-emess club to the clapping incident had me laughing and loving this couple. There were touching moments with the save Marco movement. This might be my favorite in the series so far.
May 17, 2024
I love a good hockey romance and I love reading Colleen Charles. She tells a great story in Marco and Madison who we have read about in the previous books in this series. I love how these two are really quite opposite of one another. He is struggling to make it in the NHL from being in Italian hockey league. He finds it much harder and faster and he struggles with the English language too. She is a plus size model who is very confident in her career and knows she can succeed. He has no family and finds it in his team and her. They find love but he has been dropped by the team owner and will be sent back to Italy. This is a sad reality to them but in the end there is an HEA. I love the POV Colleen expresses Marco and Madison.
April 7, 2023
I think this is the most sexy and definitely sizzling of all the books I’ve read by Colleen Charles. Marco is one sexy guy, and his confusion with American idioms and culture is both hilarious and sweet.
I love his pairing with Madison. Too bad we didn’t see just a bit more of Madison’s brother Silas as she and Marco were initially dating.
Overall this was a fun, entertaining and exciting read. Marco’s situation with Dante just emphasizes how evil he is and I hope we see him taken down several pegs by someone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love his pairing with Madison. Too bad we didn’t see just a bit more of Madison’s brother Silas as she and Marco were initially dating.
Overall this was a fun, entertaining and exciting read. Marco’s situation with Dante just emphasizes how evil he is and I hope we see him taken down several pegs by someone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2023
I've read several books written by Colleen Charles; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the fourth book in the Vegas Venom Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Madison & Marco; his parents are both dead so when he’s offered a position on the team he jumps at it. They don’t get along but he’s determined to make her his and when he’s let go from the team he knows he has to do it now before he ends up having to go back to Italy alone.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the fourth book in the Vegas Venom Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Madison & Marco; his parents are both dead so when he’s offered a position on the team he jumps at it. They don’t get along but he’s determined to make her his and when he’s let go from the team he knows he has to do it now before he ends up having to go back to Italy alone.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2023
“A woman who knows what she wants is formidable indeed.”
I’ve been wanting Marco’s book since he first showed up in Flopper and it was seriously worth the wait. He’s been this charming, irresistible mess since the very beginning. While his less than stellar understanding of the English language is often amusing it’s always kind of annoyed me the way the other guys take advantage. I’ve always thought he was a great guy and he’s been nothing but open and loyal to his teammates so I never understood why they were so often mean to him. He and Madison are wonderful together and I’m so happy things turned out right in the end.
I’ve been wanting Marco’s book since he first showed up in Flopper and it was seriously worth the wait. He’s been this charming, irresistible mess since the very beginning. While his less than stellar understanding of the English language is often amusing it’s always kind of annoyed me the way the other guys take advantage. I’ve always thought he was a great guy and he’s been nothing but open and loyal to his teammates so I never understood why they were so often mean to him. He and Madison are wonderful together and I’m so happy things turned out right in the end.
March 24, 2023
My new favorite M & M's!!
Marco is my new favorite book boyfriend! He's kind, gentle, funny, handsome, loveable and the sweetest man ever! His love for Madison started when he accidentally seen her naked for a photo shoot.....but it just grew and grew! He won Madison's heart when he spoke from his heart about his life growing up in Italy, and how he loved her for her!
As you read through their love story, you will laugh, you will cry, you will briefly feel anger towards Dante, but in the end you will fall in love with Marco, Madison, and their love story!
Marco is my new favorite book boyfriend! He's kind, gentle, funny, handsome, loveable and the sweetest man ever! His love for Madison started when he accidentally seen her naked for a photo shoot.....but it just grew and grew! He won Madison's heart when he spoke from his heart about his life growing up in Italy, and how he loved her for her!
As you read through their love story, you will laugh, you will cry, you will briefly feel anger towards Dante, but in the end you will fall in love with Marco, Madison, and their love story!
April 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book! I loved to see the story of Marco and Madison unfold.
I will be honest the first bit took a minute to pull me in. Once it did I couldn’t put it down. Marco and his grasp (I guess lack of) the tricks of the English language always leads to some funny situations. I enjoyed the story of the two but also the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the Venom crew.
This book had steam, love, and comedy. I enjoyed the book and the build between them. Dante makes his presence know and is the same weasel as always.
I would recommend this book!
I will be honest the first bit took a minute to pull me in. Once it did I couldn’t put it down. Marco and his grasp (I guess lack of) the tricks of the English language always leads to some funny situations. I enjoyed the story of the two but also the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the Venom crew.
This book had steam, love, and comedy. I enjoyed the book and the build between them. Dante makes his presence know and is the same weasel as always.
I would recommend this book!
April 7, 2023
5 stars of awesomeness that will make you laugh & cry
Colleen Charles you have absolutely nailed it with Marco & Madison’s story. She is a strong woman who won’t take anyone’s BS. He’s Italian, has come to Las Vegas to play hockey & struggles with English as it’s not his first language. From the first moment Marco saw Madison he wants her & what follows is a story that will tug at your heart strings, make you cry & also make you laugh.
It’s a brilliant & emotional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Colleen Charles you have absolutely nailed it with Marco & Madison’s story. She is a strong woman who won’t take anyone’s BS. He’s Italian, has come to Las Vegas to play hockey & struggles with English as it’s not his first language. From the first moment Marco saw Madison he wants her & what follows is a story that will tug at your heart strings, make you cry & also make you laugh.
It’s a brilliant & emotional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2023
Marco is an Italian who comes to America to play hockey. He meets Madison, his teammate’s full figured sister, who he really likes. He gets her to go on a date with him and they just click. Marco and Madison are hilarious together. Just as their relationship begins to gel, Marco is released from the hockey team. Will Marco be able to stay in America? Will he and Madison work out? Read the book and find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2023
Bender is book #4 in the Vegas Venom series. Marco Rossi is living his dream of playing hockey in America. The only problem is he isn't playing his best game, even with all the practice time and effort he puts in. Madison is a body positive model that has captured Marco's eye and heart. I absolutely LOVED this story. Between Marco's english language mishaps and his troubles with the team, I was stuck in a laughing/crying cycle! This is my favorite book of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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