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Vegas Crush #6
The Keeper
An anti-social goalie unhappy about being traded to Vegas meets an outgoing drummer in a rock band and discovers that maybe fighting their attraction is the completely wrong approach in this enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract hockey romance.
"Sometimes I feel like a square puck trying to roll down ice."
—Calum Lefleur, VEGAS CRUSH
Living in Montreal and playing the best hockey of my career after leading my team to a Cup-winning season a year ago?
Check.
Traded overnight to the Vegas Crush and blindsided with no warning whatsoever?
Also, check.
So now I’m in Vegas. Feeling all the uncomfortableness of a new environment where nothing is familiar. Where every person I see is someone I don’t know. Where "fitting in" will be nearly impossible without an established routine.
To help settle me in, Vegas Crush Media Relations arranged for a volunteer gig teaching guitar lessons to disadvantaged kids at a local youth center. They feel that connecting with the community will help boost my image with the Vegas fans.
I don’t mind volunteering at all. I prefer to keep busy, and I think it could be a fun way to pass my downtime.
But there is a hitch. Of course, there is.
That stunning drummer from Love Scrum I saw play my first night out in Vegas?
The one with the ends of her dark, silky hair dyed electric purple?
The one with the mile-long legs who danced with me (and kissed me) when I stupidly crashed that after-party?
The one-in-the-same gorgeous drummer I blew off at the end of the night because I’m awkward AF in new situations with new people...as previously noted?
That one???
Well, today I found out her name is Billie Hirsch. And she is everything I said she was…plus a whole lot more.
More...like she’s the program director for those guitar lessons I’ll be teaching over at the Crush Foundation Music Workshop.
More...like Ms. Hirsch and I will be forced to work closely together throughout the entire season.
More...like Billie Hirsch kinda hates me and this is going to be a huge pucking problem.
**The KEEPER can be read as a complete standalone sports romance. Each book in the Vegas Crush series is about a different couple.
"Sometimes I feel like a square puck trying to roll down ice."
—Calum Lefleur, VEGAS CRUSH
Living in Montreal and playing the best hockey of my career after leading my team to a Cup-winning season a year ago?
Check.
Traded overnight to the Vegas Crush and blindsided with no warning whatsoever?
Also, check.
So now I’m in Vegas. Feeling all the uncomfortableness of a new environment where nothing is familiar. Where every person I see is someone I don’t know. Where "fitting in" will be nearly impossible without an established routine.
To help settle me in, Vegas Crush Media Relations arranged for a volunteer gig teaching guitar lessons to disadvantaged kids at a local youth center. They feel that connecting with the community will help boost my image with the Vegas fans.
I don’t mind volunteering at all. I prefer to keep busy, and I think it could be a fun way to pass my downtime.
But there is a hitch. Of course, there is.
That stunning drummer from Love Scrum I saw play my first night out in Vegas?
The one with the ends of her dark, silky hair dyed electric purple?
The one with the mile-long legs who danced with me (and kissed me) when I stupidly crashed that after-party?
The one-in-the-same gorgeous drummer I blew off at the end of the night because I’m awkward AF in new situations with new people...as previously noted?
That one???
Well, today I found out her name is Billie Hirsch. And she is everything I said she was…plus a whole lot more.
More...like she’s the program director for those guitar lessons I’ll be teaching over at the Crush Foundation Music Workshop.
More...like Ms. Hirsch and I will be forced to work closely together throughout the entire season.
More...like Billie Hirsch kinda hates me and this is going to be a huge pucking problem.
**The KEEPER can be read as a complete standalone sports romance. Each book in the Vegas Crush series is about a different couple.
300 pages, ebook
First published February 10, 2023
117 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Raine Miller
59 books9,529 followersRaine Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it's a safe bet she'll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine's stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. A former teacher, she's now writing sexy romance stories full time. She has a handsome prince of a husband, two brilliant sons, and two bouncy Italian Greyhounds to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books. You can contact her at raine_miller@ymail.com or visit www.RaineMiller.com to sign up for updates and her newsletter with links to upcoming books. Join us on Facebook at the Raine Miller Romance Readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/raine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 5, 2023
I was so excited to read Raine Miller's next standalone in her Vegas Crush series, The Keeper and let me tell you it did not disappoint. I love everything about Calum and Billie's story as their relationship is simply explosive and adore the dynamics between them.
Shy, awkward Cal is a French Canadian goalie who was recently traded to the Vegas hockey team. He is a big, smart, teddy bear who exudes so much charm in a different way but is often misunderstood. I admire seeing "diverse" sides to the male hero and Cal's quirkiness is oh so sexy. His rapport with teaching underprivileged kids guitar lessons is also so heartening.
Billie is a fearless, intellectual Director of a non profit kids centre who is also an amazing drummer in a band called Love Scrum. She is filled with compassion and curiousity but her life is complicated with music being her emotional outlet.
Together Cal and Billie's love story is so endearing and so heartwarming but it isn't without it's complications. I enjoy how music plays a big part in their adventures and something they both can turn to to mend their broken hearts.
I always love a good hockey story but Raine's wonderful words and exceptional story telling made this so much more. It is about long lasting friendships and choices in life as to what makes you happy and comfortable. It's appreciating and accepting others for who they truly are and loving them despite all odds. This is a perfect feel good read with all the fuzzies. So grab your coffee/tea and comfy blanket to immerse yourself in Cal and Billie's sweet world.
Shy, awkward Cal is a French Canadian goalie who was recently traded to the Vegas hockey team. He is a big, smart, teddy bear who exudes so much charm in a different way but is often misunderstood. I admire seeing "diverse" sides to the male hero and Cal's quirkiness is oh so sexy. His rapport with teaching underprivileged kids guitar lessons is also so heartening.
Billie is a fearless, intellectual Director of a non profit kids centre who is also an amazing drummer in a band called Love Scrum. She is filled with compassion and curiousity but her life is complicated with music being her emotional outlet.
Together Cal and Billie's love story is so endearing and so heartwarming but it isn't without it's complications. I enjoy how music plays a big part in their adventures and something they both can turn to to mend their broken hearts.
I always love a good hockey story but Raine's wonderful words and exceptional story telling made this so much more. It is about long lasting friendships and choices in life as to what makes you happy and comfortable. It's appreciating and accepting others for who they truly are and loving them despite all odds. This is a perfect feel good read with all the fuzzies. So grab your coffee/tea and comfy blanket to immerse yourself in Cal and Billie's sweet world.
April 11, 2023
Be back soon with full review!
February 12, 2023
4.5 stars. Cal is spiraling in his new town of Vegas. Everybody knows he does not want to be there, Cal is definitely one for routines and likes what he likes and Vegas is not it. On a random night out he goes to listen to live music and meet Billie. Fate is always funny. It will bring you back to the ones you’re supposed to be with in forms you may not expect. Adored that Cal was teaching kids to play guitar and Billie was there with the drums. Vegas is a place for both Cal and Billie now. Miller’s characters always have many layers and never one dimensional with layers that makes them come to life. Loved this new couple in the Vegas Crush and can't wait for more.
~Alex💜
~Alex💜
February 10, 2023
I enjoyed Billie & Cal’s feel good story. Both are outsiders who finally feel seen and understood when they are together. I felt like I knew Billie and Cal by the time I finished the book.
The Keeper includes a lot of hockey — ice time and behind the scenes management. I loved reading about this.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, low angst sports romance, The Keeper is for you!
The Keeper includes a lot of hockey — ice time and behind the scenes management. I loved reading about this.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, low angst sports romance, The Keeper is for you!
February 6, 2023
It’s been a minute since we’ve had a book in the Vegas Crush series, and Raine Miller, writing as Brit DeMille truly scored a hat trick with Billie and Cal’s story!
I totally loved the socially awkward Calum LaFleur. He has no pretenses and says things exactly how he sees them, which often leads to people thinking he’s just an arrogant hockey player, but things couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
Billie was amazing, she really was pure of heart. She loves being the drummer for her up and coming band. She had an ethereal beauty, both inside and out. Even though she comes from “Hollywood Royalty” she was determined to forge her own path and create her own success. It was no wonder Calum fell for her hard and fast!
I really loved these two together. Even though it started off a bit rocky, Billie’s first impression of Calum quickly transformed once she saw behind the curtain of Cal’s life and realized he really was just very misunderstood. I appreciated how his neurodiversity was handled in the story, how more times than not, people just didn’t understand him and so took his directness and blunt answers as being cocky or arrogant when it really was the only way he knew how to communicate.
Being a huge fan of my hometown NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights, I really loved that not only did we get a love story for Billie and Cal, but Raine gave us plenty of insight into the ins and outs of being a hockey player, how quickly a player’s circumstances can change, depending on what the owners and GM’s determine is best for the team. Poor Cal was traded overnight to a new team, and it rocked his world. His carefully regimented life was uprooted just like that, and he was not dealing well with it at all. Combine that with his blunt way of expressing his feelings, and the transition to his new team was not smooth in the slightest.
This really is a very heartwarming story of two people who have felt like outsiders their whole lives. It is no wonder they gravitated to each other so quickly and recognized a kindred spirit in each other. Billie was so good with Cal and his quirks. And it may have taken him way longer than most, but he finally figured out exactly what he needed to do in order to have a loving and most importantly, lasting relationship with his Billie.
Having read all of the books so far in the Vegas Crush series, my favorite couple has been Boris and Talia from Puck Money, but now that I’ve read The Keeper, I think Billie and Cal are right up there with them!
I totally loved the socially awkward Calum LaFleur. He has no pretenses and says things exactly how he sees them, which often leads to people thinking he’s just an arrogant hockey player, but things couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
Billie was amazing, she really was pure of heart. She loves being the drummer for her up and coming band. She had an ethereal beauty, both inside and out. Even though she comes from “Hollywood Royalty” she was determined to forge her own path and create her own success. It was no wonder Calum fell for her hard and fast!
I really loved these two together. Even though it started off a bit rocky, Billie’s first impression of Calum quickly transformed once she saw behind the curtain of Cal’s life and realized he really was just very misunderstood. I appreciated how his neurodiversity was handled in the story, how more times than not, people just didn’t understand him and so took his directness and blunt answers as being cocky or arrogant when it really was the only way he knew how to communicate.
Being a huge fan of my hometown NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights, I really loved that not only did we get a love story for Billie and Cal, but Raine gave us plenty of insight into the ins and outs of being a hockey player, how quickly a player’s circumstances can change, depending on what the owners and GM’s determine is best for the team. Poor Cal was traded overnight to a new team, and it rocked his world. His carefully regimented life was uprooted just like that, and he was not dealing well with it at all. Combine that with his blunt way of expressing his feelings, and the transition to his new team was not smooth in the slightest.
This really is a very heartwarming story of two people who have felt like outsiders their whole lives. It is no wonder they gravitated to each other so quickly and recognized a kindred spirit in each other. Billie was so good with Cal and his quirks. And it may have taken him way longer than most, but he finally figured out exactly what he needed to do in order to have a loving and most importantly, lasting relationship with his Billie.
Having read all of the books so far in the Vegas Crush series, my favorite couple has been Boris and Talia from Puck Money, but now that I’ve read The Keeper, I think Billie and Cal are right up there with them!
February 9, 2023
Amazing!!!!! I just fell in love with Calum and Billie, beautiful story and how opposite attract.
Calum just got traded to the Vegas hockey team and he really want to go back to his home, to his family. He is so shy and sometimes misunderstood and try to make and effort to be living in a new city and new team. His love to music and play guitar lead him to help and teach underprivileged kids in a non profits kids center.
Billie is outgoing, her music is her passion and she love her band. She is the director of the non profits kids center.
One night, Calum and Billie meet and the world change completely for both. And they meet again at the center and their beautiful journey begin.
I really felt in love with their story. I really recommend this book, you can read it as a series or standalone but you really want to read the all series and found out about the hot hockey players stories.
Again Raine Miller delivers a beautiful story, a romance story full of passion, romance, understanding, hockey and music.
10 stars.
Calum just got traded to the Vegas hockey team and he really want to go back to his home, to his family. He is so shy and sometimes misunderstood and try to make and effort to be living in a new city and new team. His love to music and play guitar lead him to help and teach underprivileged kids in a non profits kids center.
Billie is outgoing, her music is her passion and she love her band. She is the director of the non profits kids center.
One night, Calum and Billie meet and the world change completely for both. And they meet again at the center and their beautiful journey begin.
I really felt in love with their story. I really recommend this book, you can read it as a series or standalone but you really want to read the all series and found out about the hot hockey players stories.
Again Raine Miller delivers a beautiful story, a romance story full of passion, romance, understanding, hockey and music.
10 stars.
February 11, 2023
What an interesting and unique story-line. Loved the surprise turn of events in this one. Great characters and very informative. It just goes to show you there is someone out there for everyone, no matter who you are.
February 11, 2023
I LOVED Cal & Billie!!!!! They both stole my heart right from the start!!! I loved how they met and came to be together! Oh Cal…I had such a soft spot for him!! He was so strong & tough, and insecure & vulnerable too! Billie was such a strong female lead and his perfect match! The story flowed seamlessly, and when I couldn’t read, I couldn’t wait to get back to it! Brit DeMille/Raine Miller is one of my FAVORITE authors!!! She has such a way with words and building romances b/t her heroes & heroines! The hockey scenes were great, and they reminded me of my Dad (he loved the Chicago Blackhawks)! He took me to my first game as a little girl, and I remember being so shocked when fights broke out—not knowing that’s typical in the sport! I could totally see the stadium, the ice, the players, etc. from Raine’s words that painted the picture! This was one of my fav books in the series (I may say that after every one! ;)!!
Highly recommend!!!! Grab this one stat!!!
FAV QUOTES (all Cal’s! Loved him):
“….change will come into your life. Maybe a lot or maybe a little, but change is coming…” Cal
“Instead of resisting change, I need to be the change.” Cal
“Everyone must do it on their own—find their own happiness.” Cal
“Everything happens for a reason. Destiny comes calling, and you either answer the call, or you miss it, and it may never find you again.” Cal
Highly recommend!!!! Grab this one stat!!!
FAV QUOTES (all Cal’s! Loved him):
“….change will come into your life. Maybe a lot or maybe a little, but change is coming…” Cal
“Instead of resisting change, I need to be the change.” Cal
“Everyone must do it on their own—find their own happiness.” Cal
“Everything happens for a reason. Destiny comes calling, and you either answer the call, or you miss it, and it may never find you again.” Cal
February 7, 2023
5 star Review The Keeper (Vegas Crush #6) by Raine Miller writing as Brit DeMille
This is the sixth book in the Vegas Crush series and was a wonderful addition to the series. This is Calum Lefleur and Billie Hirsch’s story and it is one I was fully invested in from the first chapter to the last.
When Calum finds himself blindsided and traded to the Vegas Crush without notice he finds himself struggling. When he meets drummer Billie, someone who is his total opposite he finds he may have finally met his match.
From the moment they met the sparks flew (and not in a good way)and it was entertaining to watch their relationship play out when he volunteers to teach guitar lessons to disadvantaged children at a youth centre.
I loved everything about Calum and Billie, they really were well suited.
This is the sixth book in the Vegas Crush series and was a wonderful addition to the series. This is Calum Lefleur and Billie Hirsch’s story and it is one I was fully invested in from the first chapter to the last.
When Calum finds himself blindsided and traded to the Vegas Crush without notice he finds himself struggling. When he meets drummer Billie, someone who is his total opposite he finds he may have finally met his match.
From the moment they met the sparks flew (and not in a good way)and it was entertaining to watch their relationship play out when he volunteers to teach guitar lessons to disadvantaged children at a youth centre.
I loved everything about Calum and Billie, they really were well suited.
February 5, 2023
Right from page one you want to give Calum the biggest hug. His quirkiness, his no filter and just about everything else has your heart just loving the man. His life has been uprooted to another city and another NHL team and not doing good with change has him lashing out that’s until he meets the beautiful Billie Hirsch.
Billie is working with kids who have hard family situations and she also is in a band as a badass drummer but the one thing that she doesn’t want is people to give her everything on a silver platter because of who her family is. When she meets Calum she knows he’s different but she also knows that the chemistry between them is something that needs to be explored.
Calum & Billie are perfect for each other in such a heartwarming kind of way, but they will also have some struggles along the way that they have to overcome and to find the trust in one another that if you believe in what you want you can have that HEA that you truly want.
Billie is working with kids who have hard family situations and she also is in a band as a badass drummer but the one thing that she doesn’t want is people to give her everything on a silver platter because of who her family is. When she meets Calum she knows he’s different but she also knows that the chemistry between them is something that needs to be explored.
Calum & Billie are perfect for each other in such a heartwarming kind of way, but they will also have some struggles along the way that they have to overcome and to find the trust in one another that if you believe in what you want you can have that HEA that you truly want.
February 10, 2023
It’s no secret that I love and adore all things Raine Miller so when I was given an opportunity to review this new release, I was beyond excited and true to form the fabulous Raine as Brit DeMille did not disappoint.
The Keeper was a deliciously sweet hockey romance with a rock-star twist that captured my heart from beginning to end.
This story is full of steam, angst, but most of all the beautiful raw emotion and chemistry between Calum and Billie that leaps off the pages and had me wanting to press pause and never leave this intensely delicious story!
This is book 6 in the Vegas Crush Series and can be read as a stand-alone and follows Callum and Billie’s love story and features:
#CanadianHero
#AmericanRockChick
#Enemies-to-love
#Oppositesattract- Insta-love
#HockeyRomance
#LasVegasSetting
Callum is a Canadian hockey player (goalie) in the peak of his career, playing in the NHL for a Montreal team and is traded to play for the Vegas Crush and he’s not happy about I and boy does everyone know. He’s a bit socially awkward and his mouth often gets him into trouble so makes a lot of enemies, he’s just a bit misunderstood.
He meets the gorgeous Billie a drummer in an up and coming rock band on his night out and they have an instant chemistry, but he blows her off, only to find that she’s the Program director at a not-for-profit centre for disadvantaged kids where he is volunteering to teach guitar lessons and as much as they try to put a distance between each other, the universe has other plans and so begins their electric journey to HEA.
This wonderful heart warming story gave me all the feels: and I do admit there were some tears too: I really fell hard for Callum and Billie, and was cheering them on – my heart went out to poor Callum: in an instant his life was turned upside down by this trade and his girlfriend was so self-absorbed to give him the emotional support he needed.
I have such a girl crush on Billie: she was so determined to make her own success and follow her own path – much to the disdain of her famous family’s successes.
Callum and Billie are both mis-fits of sorts but they both understood each other which added to their attraction to each other, not forgetting the heat and steamy hot chemistry these two have that will not only melt your heart, but make you blush – the shower scene was oooft…hot AF!!!
Raine is an exceptionally talented writer and she not only gave us this heart melting, steamy love story, but also real insight into the happenings of the NHL world.
I’m a fan of hockey romances: my husband is a massive fan of the St Louis Blues NHL team and when I shared the details of this gorgeous love story, he was impressed with accuracy and detail that Raine had captured and just made me love her even more!
Overall I loved this wonderful book and I will be binging the others in this series (as audiobooks), as well as the upcoming Book7: which Raine does give us a preview of a few chapters.
If you're a fan of a hockey romance with a gorgeous but awkward Canadian goalie and a determined sassy drummer chick with a penchant for all things purple, then you will love The Keeper!
This is a heart warming, hot and steamy romance by a wonderfully talented author:
All the stars! I'm always craving for more from Raine - she is the Queen of Hockey romance.
***I was privileged to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book***
The Keeper was a deliciously sweet hockey romance with a rock-star twist that captured my heart from beginning to end.
This story is full of steam, angst, but most of all the beautiful raw emotion and chemistry between Calum and Billie that leaps off the pages and had me wanting to press pause and never leave this intensely delicious story!
This is book 6 in the Vegas Crush Series and can be read as a stand-alone and follows Callum and Billie’s love story and features:
#CanadianHero
#AmericanRockChick
#Enemies-to-love
#Oppositesattract- Insta-love
#HockeyRomance
#LasVegasSetting
Callum is a Canadian hockey player (goalie) in the peak of his career, playing in the NHL for a Montreal team and is traded to play for the Vegas Crush and he’s not happy about I and boy does everyone know. He’s a bit socially awkward and his mouth often gets him into trouble so makes a lot of enemies, he’s just a bit misunderstood.
He meets the gorgeous Billie a drummer in an up and coming rock band on his night out and they have an instant chemistry, but he blows her off, only to find that she’s the Program director at a not-for-profit centre for disadvantaged kids where he is volunteering to teach guitar lessons and as much as they try to put a distance between each other, the universe has other plans and so begins their electric journey to HEA.
This wonderful heart warming story gave me all the feels: and I do admit there were some tears too: I really fell hard for Callum and Billie, and was cheering them on – my heart went out to poor Callum: in an instant his life was turned upside down by this trade and his girlfriend was so self-absorbed to give him the emotional support he needed.
I have such a girl crush on Billie: she was so determined to make her own success and follow her own path – much to the disdain of her famous family’s successes.
Callum and Billie are both mis-fits of sorts but they both understood each other which added to their attraction to each other, not forgetting the heat and steamy hot chemistry these two have that will not only melt your heart, but make you blush – the shower scene was oooft…hot AF!!!
Raine is an exceptionally talented writer and she not only gave us this heart melting, steamy love story, but also real insight into the happenings of the NHL world.
I’m a fan of hockey romances: my husband is a massive fan of the St Louis Blues NHL team and when I shared the details of this gorgeous love story, he was impressed with accuracy and detail that Raine had captured and just made me love her even more!
Overall I loved this wonderful book and I will be binging the others in this series (as audiobooks), as well as the upcoming Book7: which Raine does give us a preview of a few chapters.
If you're a fan of a hockey romance with a gorgeous but awkward Canadian goalie and a determined sassy drummer chick with a penchant for all things purple, then you will love The Keeper!
This is a heart warming, hot and steamy romance by a wonderfully talented author:
All the stars! I'm always craving for more from Raine - she is the Queen of Hockey romance.
***I was privileged to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book***
February 5, 2023
Another Vegas Crush story
In this book, we are back in Vegas with our favorite hockey team. When their keeper was injured, they brought new keeper in. Calum doesn´t want to be in Vegas. He has his life in Montreal and he hate his transfer, even he was well paid for it. He is black sheep in his family, because instead of academical carrier, he decided play hockey.
Billie is also black sheep. She doesn´t want fame and glamour of Hollywood, but normal life. She is talented drummer, but when she met Calum, her life begins unexpected turn.
They cannot defy the burning passion and they realise, its more. Can they overcome obstacles and find their happilly ever after?
Raine Miller perfectly described in this book the challenges, that functioning Aspergers met in every day life and it was fantastic.
In this book, we are back in Vegas with our favorite hockey team. When their keeper was injured, they brought new keeper in. Calum doesn´t want to be in Vegas. He has his life in Montreal and he hate his transfer, even he was well paid for it. He is black sheep in his family, because instead of academical carrier, he decided play hockey.
Billie is also black sheep. She doesn´t want fame and glamour of Hollywood, but normal life. She is talented drummer, but when she met Calum, her life begins unexpected turn.
They cannot defy the burning passion and they realise, its more. Can they overcome obstacles and find their happilly ever after?
Raine Miller perfectly described in this book the challenges, that functioning Aspergers met in every day life and it was fantastic.
February 6, 2023
We are back in Vegas!!
The Crush are back, and I am thrilled that they are.
Calum has been traded to Vegas from Montreal, the only team he has ever played for. He is not happy about the trade and does not want to be in Vegas. He likes his life in order and a routine. Besides hockey he likes music and goes to a local bar to hear a band. Enter Billie with her talent on the drums let's say Cal is intrigued.
Billie is a smart driven charter who works at a local Boys and Girls Club where she is starting a music program. The sparks fly between these two and they are not sure how to proceed but oh what a book.
The Crush are back, and I am thrilled that they are.
Calum has been traded to Vegas from Montreal, the only team he has ever played for. He is not happy about the trade and does not want to be in Vegas. He likes his life in order and a routine. Besides hockey he likes music and goes to a local bar to hear a band. Enter Billie with her talent on the drums let's say Cal is intrigued.
Billie is a smart driven charter who works at a local Boys and Girls Club where she is starting a music program. The sparks fly between these two and they are not sure how to proceed but oh what a book.
February 7, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book! Cal and Billie had such great chemistry. Cal was socially awkward, yet protective and earnest with Billie. My heart really felt for him as he struggled with personal interactions. Billie was strong and patient, and I loved seeing the different layers of her through her interactions with her band mates, her family, and the kids at work. Seeing both Cal and Billie take time to be introspective and deliberately work on their own individual issues made their HEA even sweeter.
February 7, 2023
I adored this story!
Callum was such a misunderstood person. He comes off as sort of mean and cocky, but he just doesn’t understand WHY he is that way.
He meets Billie and instantly they’re attraction and chemistry is so strong they are drawn to one another. I loved how patient Billie was with him. How she took the time to really talk and communicate. Callum’s ex girlfriend was the opposite in a way. She knew he was different but she didn’t accept that. Billie did. I found myself in tears towards the end. The pureness of Callum’s love for Billie and his grand gesture really touched my heart!
Callum was such a misunderstood person. He comes off as sort of mean and cocky, but he just doesn’t understand WHY he is that way.
He meets Billie and instantly they’re attraction and chemistry is so strong they are drawn to one another. I loved how patient Billie was with him. How she took the time to really talk and communicate. Callum’s ex girlfriend was the opposite in a way. She knew he was different but she didn’t accept that. Billie did. I found myself in tears towards the end. The pureness of Callum’s love for Billie and his grand gesture really touched my heart!
February 11, 2023
The Keeper is a beautifully intense and heart-gripping sports romance with captivating characters. From the start to finish the multilayered characters captured my attention and my heart.
Calum and Billie’s story is highly engaging, alluring and BREATHTAKING. It has all the FEELS and you will love the feeling it leaves you with.
These characters are compelling, authentic and enticing.
This book met all my expectations and it was awesome that Cal’s hometown is where I have lived my whole life…I have never seen this city mentioned in any romance book before, so it made this story extra special for me.
This book is superb storytelling at its finest and a definite MUST read.
Congratulations Raine, Cal and Billie are REMARKABLE and their storyline is STUNNING.
Calum and Billie’s story is highly engaging, alluring and BREATHTAKING. It has all the FEELS and you will love the feeling it leaves you with.
These characters are compelling, authentic and enticing.
This book met all my expectations and it was awesome that Cal’s hometown is where I have lived my whole life…I have never seen this city mentioned in any romance book before, so it made this story extra special for me.
This book is superb storytelling at its finest and a definite MUST read.
Congratulations Raine, Cal and Billie are REMARKABLE and their storyline is STUNNING.
February 11, 2023
Calum is traded to the Vegas Crush and he is not happy about it. To try to relax, he goes to see a band play and meets Billie. They are attracted to each other but Calum is still sort of in a relationship. When they find out they will be working with one another, they have to fight the attraction and stay professional. Calum is an interesting character- speaks his mind, has a limited filter but is really a good guy underneath. Billie is also an interesting character as she continues to deal with the status of her family. This was a very enjoyable story with a lo of steam.
February 8, 2023
This was a fabulous read in a fantastic series! Literally my favorite hockey series and definitely a keeper! I loved Calum and Billie.
What did I like? So Calum was a particular character with some intricate flawed personality but really ….I just fell in love with him. Billie was super sweet and complimented him in the story. The story was super engaging and like always this author manages to suck me in. I floved all of it!
Would I recommend or buy? I’m definitely getting this series for my shelf. It’s so much fun and the characters all get such great HEAs. I’m definitely a fan!
I received a complimentary ARC to read and offer an opinion. I will definitely be adding this to my shelf! Five huge stars!
What did I like? So Calum was a particular character with some intricate flawed personality but really ….I just fell in love with him. Billie was super sweet and complimented him in the story. The story was super engaging and like always this author manages to suck me in. I floved all of it!
Would I recommend or buy? I’m definitely getting this series for my shelf. It’s so much fun and the characters all get such great HEAs. I’m definitely a fan!
I received a complimentary ARC to read and offer an opinion. I will definitely be adding this to my shelf! Five huge stars!
February 5, 2023
The mix of tropes are my favorite and I devoured it in a flash. The awkward but handsome goal keeper is partly annoying and partly adorable and the mix is just perfect for the bad ass drummer girl he happens to find on a night out in his new town.
The instant connection is strong but they have a long road to HEA and it’s really enjoyable to follow their journey.
The instant connection is strong but they have a long road to HEA and it’s really enjoyable to follow their journey.
February 10, 2023
Sports and music, what more could we want? This is a fab story, cal and billie just made me swoon. Highly recommended
March 4, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
With each book in this Vegas Crush Series, I become a bit more of a hockey fan. I just love the way Raine Miller writing as Brit DeMille, brings readers into the heart of the hockey world, and gives them a little insight that helps understanding the game. More than that, I adore the characters she creates. They are each so different and interesting.
Calum LeFleur and Billie Hirsch are my two new favorite characters. The chemistry between these two is instant and completely consuming. I love the way they absolutely can not stay away from each other. I am in awe of the way they seek to understand and accept each other exactly as they exist.
I also enjoyed the appearances of Vegas Crush players from previous books. Their interactions with the "New Guy" are full of fun and fire. Watching Calum become a bonified team member is a heart-warming adventure.
Raine Miller writing as Brit DeMille is spirited and spicy. I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.!
With each book in this Vegas Crush Series, I become a bit more of a hockey fan. I just love the way Raine Miller writing as Brit DeMille, brings readers into the heart of the hockey world, and gives them a little insight that helps understanding the game. More than that, I adore the characters she creates. They are each so different and interesting.
Calum LeFleur and Billie Hirsch are my two new favorite characters. The chemistry between these two is instant and completely consuming. I love the way they absolutely can not stay away from each other. I am in awe of the way they seek to understand and accept each other exactly as they exist.
I also enjoyed the appearances of Vegas Crush players from previous books. Their interactions with the "New Guy" are full of fun and fire. Watching Calum become a bonified team member is a heart-warming adventure.
Raine Miller writing as Brit DeMille is spirited and spicy. I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.!
February 9, 2023
I am not sure if I would call Cal socially awkward. Sure he is full of himself, and a bit cocky. However, he knows what he is talking about and is confident doing so. Yes some might not see it that way. He doesn't express his feelings enough, I have that in common with him.
Let's get to Cal and Emily! That whole situation was a hot mess. She openly told him she was with him because of his money. Who in their right mind would just come out and say that? That took guts, also talking about another man when you are out at dinner with your current boyfriend. Cal should have kicked her to the curb that night. Again him not expressing his feelings comes into play there. It is like pulling teeth, Emily had to pull his feelings just to get Cal to admit what was really going on in their relationship.
Skip to Billie! Oh sweet Billie who can handle her own and then some. She is Hollywood royalty. Yet she doesn't use that card to help her band get the recognition they want.
Billie and Cal meet at Billie's work place. You know each player in the Crush series does some kind of charity work. Cal is working with children, teaching them how to play guitar.
Things get a little spicy and these 2 just couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Now here is where Cal expresses some kind of emotions. These two can fog up windows with their chemistry.
There was a bit of drama with Cal and Emily, then Cal and Billie. Like I said Billie didn't want to use her families connections to help her band get famous. Cal dropped that bomb! I am not going to give to much away, yet I will say this. Fights on the ice are way better than fights on the football field. I could have used a bit more drama, I like drama.
This is a great read, a few characters from the previous books are mentioned. You can read this as a standalone.
Let's get to Cal and Emily! That whole situation was a hot mess. She openly told him she was with him because of his money. Who in their right mind would just come out and say that? That took guts, also talking about another man when you are out at dinner with your current boyfriend. Cal should have kicked her to the curb that night. Again him not expressing his feelings comes into play there. It is like pulling teeth, Emily had to pull his feelings just to get Cal to admit what was really going on in their relationship.
Skip to Billie! Oh sweet Billie who can handle her own and then some. She is Hollywood royalty. Yet she doesn't use that card to help her band get the recognition they want.
Billie and Cal meet at Billie's work place. You know each player in the Crush series does some kind of charity work. Cal is working with children, teaching them how to play guitar.
Things get a little spicy and these 2 just couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Now here is where Cal expresses some kind of emotions. These two can fog up windows with their chemistry.
There was a bit of drama with Cal and Emily, then Cal and Billie. Like I said Billie didn't want to use her families connections to help her band get famous. Cal dropped that bomb! I am not going to give to much away, yet I will say this. Fights on the ice are way better than fights on the football field. I could have used a bit more drama, I like drama.
This is a great read, a few characters from the previous books are mentioned. You can read this as a standalone.
February 13, 2023
The Vegas Crush series has been quite enjoyable. The stories are generally easy to read and focus on the romance of one of the players. The Keeper, which is book 6, turns out to have several meanings in this endearing story. You don’t have to be a sports fan to fall in love Cal and Billie's story. It's an endearing romance featuring a hockey goalie, who is newly traded to Las Vegas and an up-and-coming local drummer.
This story heats up right from the beginning when Cal and Billie experience some smoldering chemistry at first sight, although a relationship needs more than chemistry. Their mutual love of music and the gratification they both experience when volunteering with local kids helps them both see past their first impressions. As their paths contine to cross and their souls begin to understand each other, love starts to flourish.
Reality and complications test their resolve, family, friends, and old flames enter the picture, and finally what was pretend becomes very, very real.
Both Cal and Billie are great characters. Billie has a heart of gold and she lovingly learns Cal's quirks and how to help him. Cal is smart beyond imagination but may struggle with change. When their career choice becomes a wedge between them, the pain they feel proves they have a love worth fighting for. Grand gestures are always a tear-jerker, and as it turns out, each character puts forth their own Olive branch. The story has a beautiful ending, which really encompasses all the ways a person can be a Keeper.
This story heats up right from the beginning when Cal and Billie experience some smoldering chemistry at first sight, although a relationship needs more than chemistry. Their mutual love of music and the gratification they both experience when volunteering with local kids helps them both see past their first impressions. As their paths contine to cross and their souls begin to understand each other, love starts to flourish.
Reality and complications test their resolve, family, friends, and old flames enter the picture, and finally what was pretend becomes very, very real.
Both Cal and Billie are great characters. Billie has a heart of gold and she lovingly learns Cal's quirks and how to help him. Cal is smart beyond imagination but may struggle with change. When their career choice becomes a wedge between them, the pain they feel proves they have a love worth fighting for. Grand gestures are always a tear-jerker, and as it turns out, each character puts forth their own Olive branch. The story has a beautiful ending, which really encompasses all the ways a person can be a Keeper.
February 8, 2023
The Keeper is a refreshing entry into the series as we return to the Vegas Crush world! For the majority of this book, Cal is in a state of confusion and upheaval. He needs order and routine in his life which has gone out the window in favor of chaos courtesy of a trade to a new team in a new country, a girlfriend who has apparently given up on their relationship, and an intriguing woman who he has just met that may just partially hate him.
Billie comes from a high-profile Hollywood family but she does her best to stay as far away from them and the media madness that comes along with them at all times. Very few people around her are aware of the connection, and those who are usually want to use it to their advantage somehow. Her bandmates are included in that number; they don't understand why she is so against using her family name to open doors with a record company, but her music is her escape. If the band is going to make it big, she wants it to be on their own merits, not a handout.
When she and Cal first meet, it isn't exactly smooth sailing but eventually she starts to understand him a bit more. Cal is surprised by how easily and freely he can speak to her, but he still sticks his foot in his mouth a few times. I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve as well as Cal's integration into the team, and I definitely enjoyed getting back into the world of the Crush!
ARC provided by author
Billie comes from a high-profile Hollywood family but she does her best to stay as far away from them and the media madness that comes along with them at all times. Very few people around her are aware of the connection, and those who are usually want to use it to their advantage somehow. Her bandmates are included in that number; they don't understand why she is so against using her family name to open doors with a record company, but her music is her escape. If the band is going to make it big, she wants it to be on their own merits, not a handout.
When she and Cal first meet, it isn't exactly smooth sailing but eventually she starts to understand him a bit more. Cal is surprised by how easily and freely he can speak to her, but he still sticks his foot in his mouth a few times. I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve as well as Cal's integration into the team, and I definitely enjoyed getting back into the world of the Crush!
ARC provided by author
February 11, 2023
Recently I've read a lot of sports romance , a hockey romance , indeed. And I love a rock star romance . So The Keeper is an absolute winner being a sports and rock star romance. And it's such a great five star romance . And I have to say that The Keeper is my first book from the Vegas Crush series and I loved it . I loved Billie and Calum's story and this is not only a love story but a story about growth and accepting changes when they come and what they bring to life .
Calum was so sweet with his social awkwardness but also a breath of fresh air with his frankness . He is traded to the Vegas Crush from his team and is not very happy about it . He has routine and hates changes but with this one not only his life is changed but his whole world. Hokey and music are the only things of comfort for him . And through music he meets Billie and Billie will turn his world upside down or more properly will fix it in a new way . After a rocky start they smooth the things between them and their instant chemistry , which is of the charts , helps a lot . They both grow and come to terms with their weaknesses and the way to overcome them . Which makes their happily ever after even more sweet . And I'm looking forward for the next story of the Vegas Crush series .
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review .
Calum was so sweet with his social awkwardness but also a breath of fresh air with his frankness . He is traded to the Vegas Crush from his team and is not very happy about it . He has routine and hates changes but with this one not only his life is changed but his whole world. Hokey and music are the only things of comfort for him . And through music he meets Billie and Billie will turn his world upside down or more properly will fix it in a new way . After a rocky start they smooth the things between them and their instant chemistry , which is of the charts , helps a lot . They both grow and come to terms with their weaknesses and the way to overcome them . Which makes their happily ever after even more sweet . And I'm looking forward for the next story of the Vegas Crush series .
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review .
February 14, 2023
It has been a bit since I read a Raine book. I am honored to be able to review this because I was given an advanced copy. I started reading Raine Miller in 2013. I love the reality of her writing and how she keeps my attention throughout the book. This book was no different 10 years later. My favorite genre is sports books and my absolute favorite are hockey books. Without spoilers, I love this book for adding a MC who has "quirks" and another MC who is willing to accept the quirks. The hockey elements are realistic and there's just enough of the game to keep me interested in knowing it's a hockey book, not a book with some hockey in it. My second favorite are music/band books. What a pleasant surprise to find this book has both elements. I feel some authors just write to write these days. THIS IS NOT THE CASE with Raine. I loved the story, I loved the storyline, I loved the main characters and sub characters. I love that this is a series that you don't have to read the series and know the other characters to "get" this book. The ups and downs in the book are believable and just the right length of time. Raine, thank you for letting me experience this work of art. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did. Five Stars for me because I couldn't find anything I didn't like.
February 11, 2023
Calum “Cal” Lafleur is the new goaltender for the Las Vegas Crush and he isn’t not HAPPY about the trade and it shows !! Leaving Montreal is a very big deal for Cal .. he doesn’t like change, he likes structure and this move has threw him for a loop along with messing with his love life .. Is it really love ?? Or is it a convenance ??
In steps Billie Seraphina Hirsch .. a drummer, a social worker and she gets to work side by side with Cal as the Crush public relations wants the new guy in the public eye. She isn’t not happy with their first meeting and his attitude but this music program she is designing is very important to her because it is for the Kids. Can she let her feeling go for the kids OR will sparks fly between them when they realize they have so much in common .. but there might be one little problem .. a woman called Emily …. And a man called Stuart ….
Can these two make it work or will it destroy both of them and their spirits ??
This was my first Crush book and I can’t wait to go back and go forward with reading this series !! Raine is was FABULOUS!!
In steps Billie Seraphina Hirsch .. a drummer, a social worker and she gets to work side by side with Cal as the Crush public relations wants the new guy in the public eye. She isn’t not happy with their first meeting and his attitude but this music program she is designing is very important to her because it is for the Kids. Can she let her feeling go for the kids OR will sparks fly between them when they realize they have so much in common .. but there might be one little problem .. a woman called Emily …. And a man called Stuart ….
Can these two make it work or will it destroy both of them and their spirits ??
This was my first Crush book and I can’t wait to go back and go forward with reading this series !! Raine is was FABULOUS!!
February 12, 2023
Most definitely a hockey love story come true. This is Calum and Billie story to be read. Calum is a antisocial professional goalie in Montreal. He is traded to the Vegas Crush for alot of money. He doesn't do change well in life or love. I adore him though. So this move is very hard for him. Not doing well and sulking about life He goes to find some live music that he loves. In the bar he hears and sees one amazing woman and she is a bad ass drummer. They meet afterwards and sparks fly.. thinking a one night stand. Right this will be the start for them. Calum and Billie soon learn they will be working together teaching music to the kids at the rec center. Billie day job and Calum's attempt to find joy in Vegas. These two can't seem to stop thinking about each other. Yet can they make this relationship work for the long haul? Calum a professional hockey player and Billie as a up and coming musician! On the road and different directions? Find out by reading this story to their HEA. I also loved the chapter titles so much fun.
February 7, 2023
The Keeper begins with Calum “Cal” Lefleur, a NFL hockey player who was suddenly traded from his hometown Montreal to Las Vegas, where he is signed on to be the goalie for the Vegas Crush. At first glance, Cal has all the appearance of another arrogant and cocky athlete. While checking out a nearby live show, he becomes fascinated with Billie Hirsch, the drummer of the indie band, Love Scrum. Though their first encounter was awkward, they develop a friendship through their mutual love of music.
As Billie and Cal spend more time together, the story illustrates the true intelligence, but albeit socially awkward nature of Cal. His friendship with Billie draws out a sensitive and compassionate side of Cal. He is so not your traditional alpha male. Billie is not your typical romantic heroine. Their developing relationship pushes them beyond their comfort zone. Ms. Miller beautifully wrote their unusual romance. It is freshing to read a different perspective of the main characters as their true nature and personality are slowly revealed to the reader.
As Billie and Cal spend more time together, the story illustrates the true intelligence, but albeit socially awkward nature of Cal. His friendship with Billie draws out a sensitive and compassionate side of Cal. He is so not your traditional alpha male. Billie is not your typical romantic heroine. Their developing relationship pushes them beyond their comfort zone. Ms. Miller beautifully wrote their unusual romance. It is freshing to read a different perspective of the main characters as their true nature and personality are slowly revealed to the reader.
February 11, 2023
The Keeper by Raine Miller
Well apparently I have been living under a rock or something because I have been missing out on a great series. This is the sixth book and let me tell you I will be doing some reading of the first five books for sure. This was Calum and Billie’s story and let me tell you that this is one that had me fully invested in from the first words to the last. I just know your going to enjoy it just as much. I mean come on we have Calum who has just been traded to a new team to anew city and away from his family and friends. In his struggle to find something to make him feel more part of the new city the Vegas Crush Media Relations team said arrange for him to volunteer to teach underprivileged kids music in a non profits kids center. There he meets Billie whom is the director of the non profit kids center he is volunteering at. However these two haw met before and Calum did not leave a good impression. This book was fun to read and one I highly recommend.
Well apparently I have been living under a rock or something because I have been missing out on a great series. This is the sixth book and let me tell you I will be doing some reading of the first five books for sure. This was Calum and Billie’s story and let me tell you that this is one that had me fully invested in from the first words to the last. I just know your going to enjoy it just as much. I mean come on we have Calum who has just been traded to a new team to anew city and away from his family and friends. In his struggle to find something to make him feel more part of the new city the Vegas Crush Media Relations team said arrange for him to volunteer to teach underprivileged kids music in a non profits kids center. There he meets Billie whom is the director of the non profit kids center he is volunteering at. However these two haw met before and Calum did not leave a good impression. This book was fun to read and one I highly recommend.
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