Rumors & Roughing

Slapshot #5

by Heather C. Myers

Rumor has it NHL bad boy Alec Schumacher is a criminal...

Madison Montgomery is a wreck.

The same night her secret boyfriend of nearly two years, Newport Beach Seagulls right winder, Alec Schumacher, gets home from traveling, the copes show up to arrest him for rape. They won't reveal who the alleged victim is or give out any further details about the case, but they insist Alec come down to the station and give a statement. Worse, Alec refuses to let Madison come forward, even though she's his alibi because as a Gulls' Ice Girl, she is not allowed to fraternize with the players. If their relationship is discovered, she could lose her job and her scholarship to the University of California, Irvine.

On top of all of that, Madison needs to prepare for her upcoming graduation, including who to live with. Her best friend and fellow Gulls Girl is moving in with her mystery boyfriend and Madison's parents insist Madison move back to Michigan. Alec hasn't asked her yet, and now that his team has advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs, she doesn't want to cause him anymore stress.

Once Alec's involvement in this alleged rape is made public, Madison is forced into a position where she must choose between what's right and what Alec wants.

If you don't like fiesty heroines and dirty hockey players, on and off the ice, do not one-click this book!

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports, Hockey, Romance

244 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2017

About the author

Full disclosure: I am an acquired taste. I'm a typical blonde Orange County suburbanite who says 'like' more than necessary, laughs loud and probably obnoxiously, and loves to dance in the rain. I'm a 23 year old college graduate with more than a few tricks up my sleeve, and I also happen to be a pretty big Ducks fan. Oh, and I'm a writer. Like, for real.

Reviews

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather C. Myers scores with RUMORS & ROUGHING (Slapshot #5). Alec Schumacher is accused of rape. He doesn’t want to use his girlfriend Gulls Girl Madison Montgomery as his alibi for fear she would lose her job. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult audiences. It takes place in Newport Beach California.

Let me start out by saying it really drove me nuts that Madison didn’t say anything when the police came to question Alec at the start of the story. I realize that if she said something, the premise of the book would be irrelevant, but it took me a while to get over it. I think if she wasn’t there when they came to question Alec, I would have felt different. After I got over that, the story was good. There was a lot going on with Madison’s family that made the novel interesting.

Alec is a good guy. I love that he wanted to protect Madison. He didn’t want her to lose her job or tarnish her reputation. I like that Madison stood up for herself when it came to her parents. I also appreciate that she wanted to protect her sister. I value that Seraphina supports her employees. She would be a great person to work for.

The rape aspect of the story was well executed. I think it is unfortunate when people are wrongfully accused of rape. Not only does it tarnish an innocent person’s reputation, but it makes people question those that are truly victimized because of those who have lied.

RUMORS & ROUGHING is a wonderful addition to the Slapshot series. I recommend this story to people who enjoy sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic and superb story. This was extremely well written and the flow of the story was amazing. I loved Madison and Alec together. They have amazing chemistry and their personalities mesh together so well. Alec is super protective and supportive of Madison, which sometimes is rare to find. Madison is extremely supportive and caring with Alec. Even with all their troubles in the story they know how to stay supportive and strong. I loved how this was a sports story but also is a little bit of a mystery/who done it. This is definitely worth reading and it won’t disappoint. I voluntarily review an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story! Characters that will steal your heart. A storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat and glued to your kindle! For me it was a love- hate deal as the characters face their demons. You will feel their emotions and struggles. A definite must read.

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

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rumors & Roughing: A Slapshot Novel (Slapshot Series Book 5) By: Heather C. Myers
It's An Absolutely Smokin' HOT Slap Stick Romance!
He's drives her crazy... with His Protective side, lust, & so much MORE!
Sometimes she just wants to take Matters into her OWN hands...
Especially NOW, when he's keeping' problems to HIM self...
Just to keep HER Name outta of IT,
Yeah, he'd rather go DOWN in Flames,
Than see HER Name with any Mud smeared ON it from being his Girl!
He's Sweet, S€X¥, Protective, & Kind,
But he's infuriating as H€LL when Standing his ground!
When it all comes OUT,
Will it be a Relief... A Media frenzy... Or the END!?!
Ex's, Hockey Fights, Championships, Accusations... There's Sooo Much Going ON when there's "Rumors & Roughing" galore! Welcome to the Gulls... Hockey's finest!
I was gifted Heather C. Myers' "Rumors & Roughing: A Slapshot Novel (Slapshot Series Book 5)" as an ARC via Booksprout, but I'm happy to recommend it to others because it's an excellent read... You're definitely going to want to read the entire series, because this book makes you want to know more, More, MORE about the characters involved around this TEAM!! I cannot wait to read the next installment.
Trust me, this is definitely a book you'll want to One-Click straight into your library because you'll read, Reread, & then READ it again & AGAIN. Don't miss out On this is a Surefire One-Click! All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Shermaine Dowling]

I haven't read all of this series, just a couple, but I can say that this one is a nice easy, quick read, flows smoothly, gets to the heart of the matters, and keep you interested. Alec Schumacher is one of the star players for the NHL team, Newport Beach Seagulls. Madison Montgomery is a college student and one of the Gulls Gals, who support the team. She and Alec are involved in a secret relationship because one of the rules for a Gulls Gals is not to mingle with the Seagulls' players. A once-upon-a-time player of all things hot women, Alec, upon meeting Madison two years ago, had settled down with the one woman he wanted and desired. Madison adored Alec and wanted to protect him and his career in all things. She is put to the test when Alec comes up against a tough criminal charge, when she wants to come forward and protect him and he wants to protect her by keeping her out of the public eye. Complicated by very unreasonable parents, Madison experiences more frustration than she thought possible. But Ms Meyers writes the story in a succinct but thoughtful manner, giving you a whole look at the picture without going on and on with inconsequential information, which is one thing I love most about her writing. There is a lovely HEA, and Madison ends up being a very bright, self-confident, forward-driven young woman, with a well-built, handsome, thoughtful, and devoted boyfriend.

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

[Sue Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story

This story is the fifth in the Slap Shot series and focuses on Madison and Alec. They became a couple in one of the prequels to this series. This story picks up about two years into their relationship. They have kept their relationship a secret this whole time because Alec is a player and Madison is a Gull Girl (cheerleader) and they are not allowed to fraternize. People in this organization must be really blind because there are so many “non-approved” relationships going on. I think there are at least four now. Maybe they are too busy hiding their relationships to notice any one else’s. Alec gets charged with a serious crime for which he seems to have no alibi. However, he does have an alibi, but it’s Madison. If he tells the truth about where he was, she could lose her job and her scholarship. But by not using her, he could go to prison. A much better job of editing was done on this story than on some of the others. I probably sound very anal about this, but the mistakes keep interrupting the flow of the stories. While these books are all stand alones, reading them in order is recommended because the characters and some of the plot lines come up in other stories. My main complaint is that I have now caught up in the series and will have to wait a month or so until the next one.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Montgomery and Alec Schumacher love each other so much, but love is not always easy. They are having to hide their relationship the rules where they both work. Alec is a hockey player for the Newport Beach Seagulls and Madison is Gulls' Ice Girl, she is not allowed to fraternize with the players. One night Alec returns home after playing a game away to have a magical night with Madison. All is good with the world until the next morning where he is woken by the police knocking on his door accusing him of rape. He knows it couldnt of been him as he was with Madison at the time but he wont let her be his alibi. Alec knows he is innocent so he is not worried. But Madison is. She knows he didnt do and wouldn't even have it in him to do something like that but why wont he let her help?? Madison had a difficult relationship with her father and she knew he wouldn't be happy about where she works or her relationship with Alec but she loves Alec and wants to help. Can their relationship survive this
I could not read this book fast enough, the drama, the love, the chemistry, the trust and understanding. This book had it all. I so love this series.
A FANTASTIC READ BLEW ME AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison & Alec have been in a secret relationship for two years. Alec is a star hockey player that used to be the king of one night stands, until two things happened. First, he met Madison & realized he needed her in his life. Then his mentor, the owner of the NHL team, was killed. Alec decided he needed to buckle down & stop "skating" through life.

Madison was in college & was a member of the Gull Girls, the team the cleaned the ice between periods & operated similar to a cheerleading team. Fraternizing between the girls & the players was forbidden so they had to keep their relationship a secret. She couldn't afford to lose the job. Can they ever come clean? When Alec is accused of a terrible crime, will it break them up or bring them closer? What will happen when her controlling father finds out about them?

This is a hot, sexy read about relationships & trust. The characters are well developed. It was easy to imagine Madison's life growing up after just one conversation with her father. Ms. Myers has a style that enables the reader to picture the scenes in their mind & draw conclusions on the characters. If you like sexy Alpha hockey players & steamy scenes, you can't miss this book!

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read by Heather C. Meyers that you will NOT want to put down! In Rumours & Roughing, we meet the gorgeous Alec who is a talented ice hockey player and his secret girlfriend of 2 years, Maddison. She is a Gull's Girl and one of the dancers for his team and the rule is no fraternisation between the players and dancers - hence why secret relationship. He used to be a womaniser before he met her but he grew up when a tragedy happened and realised when he met her that she was IT for him. If you've read the previous four books in the series you will have met them before. having said that this can be read as a standalone but if you're like me, I now have to read the previous four books and look for ward to the next book by Heather. Such wonderfully developed characters with HOT sexy scenes between them making it for 18+ only. Decisions have to be made in the terrific storyline that could alter their whole careers and lives in the future. I received an arc of this book and voluntarily leave my honest review of it here.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED.

[Jammie Bebout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just continues to get better and better. Rumors and Roughing is certainly no exception. This book has an interesting plot, extraordinary writing, and kick-a$$ characters. These characters just jump right off of the page, and they completely draw you into the story. Before you know it, you’re totally obsessed with their lives and relationships. I know I am! The relationship between Madison and Alec is truly a joy to behold. They are so committed to each other. That doesn’t mean it’s always clear sailing, but they always have the other’s back when it all hits the fan. Theirs is a love that has what it takes to endure. This book certainly highlights the power of truly unconditional love. It’s romantic and impassioned, inspiring and insightful, dramatic and engaging. It’s absolutely riveting. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and sexy read.

*I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sweet, steamy, entertaining and romantic. Alec is charming, chivalrous, protective, stubborn and caring. Madison is feisty, determined, passionate and loyal. He's a hockey player, she's an ice girl, there's a no fraternizing rule that they have been ignoring. They've hidden their relationship for 2 years because Madison loves her job, and Alec wants to protect her. But out of nowhere Alec is accused of rape, and even though she's his alibi, he won't let her out them, to anybody. While they're dealing with that, Madison is also dealing with her plans for after she graduates, and her father's insistence that she come home. Thing get very hairy for a while, but both are counting on love overcoming everything.
I received a copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Rumors & Roughing is the fifth book in the Slapshot series. While this is part of a series, it is a standalone with no cliffhanger. Though it helps to understand the story if you read the previous books, as the relationship between the two main characters is also in those books. The sex is hot and steamy so 18+.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. The storyline is better than average and it was a good read. Unlike many sport romance books, this isn't an Insta-love story which is rare but I appreciate it. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author including more in this series. I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so completely in love with this series. When the prequels came out, I never expected to also get a full book about each of the couples highlighted. I'm so glad to finally get to see where Alec and Madison have gotten to. And it looks like they've both gotten themselves into a world of trouble. Madison's parents, who were perfectly horrible the first time I read about them, are even worse than ever but that means that Maddy has the chance to shine as the strong, independent young woman we've come to love. Alec's problems are even bigger with criminal charges pending but his team has his back. I adored the chance to touch base with previous couples from the series. I think I spy the set ups for a few of the future books too.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the In the Slapshot series and it features Madison and Alec. Secretly dating because ice girls and hockey players are not allowed to date, these two have been together for two years. Now he’s being accused of a heinous crime and the only alibi he has is the woman he’s not supposed to be dating. These two are on fire! I love them together. I love their intense relationship. I do not love her mom or her dad though. That is a terrible parent/child relationship.

I love their story but it was definitely lacking a deeper connection. There wasn’t really a climax to his legal problems. I loved Madison‘s moment with her parents but even that was over too quickly. I think I just wanted more…more of them and their life.

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alec is a member for the Gulls hockey team. He is also in a relationship with Madison who is one of the Gull girls. They shouldn't be dating but have kept it quiet for two years until he was being charged with a crime he didn't commit but in order to say he's innocent he'd have to tell about his relationship with Madison. That wasn't going to happen so the team hired a PI to help or so they thought, Once the PI got involved the evidence cleared Alec from his crime but also the PI found out Alec & Madison were seeing each other. I can't wait to read on to see how this series pans out with the Hockey team

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

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this fifth book in the Slapshot series, Myers gives us another wonderfully written, fast-paced sports romance - and when this author says sports romance, she means it. We get actual game play and talk of behind the scenes team business, but at the same time, it doesn't take over the story.
Alec and Madison's story is an emotional one and does tackle some dark issues, but this couple's unwavering faith in each other is so touching. Rumors and Roughing is a romance and Alec and Madison are scorching hot together, but it's also a story of friendship, faith, and perseverance. Plus, the appearance of past faves in the series is always an added bonus!

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and was frustrated at the same time. So Madison and Alec have been having been dating for about 2 years but they wont tell anyone because it is forbidden. I get that part Madison's parents were nightmares especially her father and they treated her like a child so when she finally spoke up for herself with them I cheered her on she was not a child she should have been standing on her own two feet. I loved Alec. What bugged me was after Alec was accused of Rape that Madison did not speak up! that pissed me off there was no excuse not to which would have saved him and his reputation a lot of trouble..No good excuse.. none.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A forbidden love story. Madison is a Gulls Girl and is prohibited from dating any of the Seagulls players. Alex Schumacher, a former ladies' man, is the Seagulls player she has been dating for the past two years. Alex gets accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the airport bathroom and is arrested. His only alibi is Madison, but he refuses to get her involved - she could lose her job, scholarship and her parents do not know they are dating which could get her tuition revoked by her uber controlling father.

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

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more high stakes than the previous few books I've read in this series. I haven't read Play On yet, but I have a feeling Rumors & Roughing is definitely more dramatic than that. I liked the way Alec and Madison's relationship has evolved over the past two years and how still in love they are. I also loved that although Alec could have told the police about being with Madison during the time of the alleged crime, he didn't because he didn't want Seraphina to fire her or people look down on her for being with him. For that, Alec is definitely one of my top five favourite men in this series.

[Sheila Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey and romance...priceless

A gut wrenching heartbreaking accusation and a secret relationship make this story one hard to put down once started! Ms. Myers handles the subject with straightforwardness and makes this a great romance about a couple that support and trust each other. Decisions to protect the one you love is paramount but not necessarily the correct choice but you will smile and pump your arm in the air at the terrific happily ever after that this couple deserve!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and spicy sports romance.💞🏒💖🔥💞

Madison has been hiding a lot from her family in the hopes of getting out from under her fathers' control. Including her relationship with the hockey player, Alec. But with her college graduation drawing closer she's going to have to make some serious decisions.💓

This is the fifth book in the Slapshot Series but I didn't have any trouble reading it all by its self.💕💗💕

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five of the Slapshot Series a well written story that kept me turning pages. A great storyline and the story flows smoothly from page to page. Madison Montgomery and Newport Beach Seagulls right winder, Alec Schumacher will have a lot to go through before they get their happy ending with lies being told to tear them apart being one of the things. I enjoyed reading this story and will be looking for more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great the story was well written and the characters were interesting.
Alec is a hockey player, use to be a playboy until he met Madison. Madison has a scolarship and she also is in Gull Girls cheerleading. Alec and Madison have been in a relationship for two years, Madison would loose her scholarship if she get caughts with Alec they have a no relationship policy.
Thank you for allowing me to review this book it was great.

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

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story about Madison and Alec. They have been dating secretly for two years. We have met them in past stories to get a feel for them, but this is theirs. When Alec is accused of raping someone when he really was with Madison, she wants to be his alibi but he wants to protect her and her reputation. Their relationship status strong even with the accusations. Can't wait to see where their relationship leads now

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison is a member of the Gull Girls and Alec is a star player of the Seagulls. They've been in a secret relationship for two years because fraternizing between the Gull Girls and the Seagulls is forbidden. When Alec is accused of sexual assault his alibi is Madison but he refuses to involve her. Although I enjoyed this story at times it was a bit frustrating to read because I wanted them to speak up and tell the truth about their relationship. Other than that this is a steamy story with interesting twists and turns. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Alec and Madison's story. The two are so supportive of each other, even when they don't want the help. Madison developed so much as a character and it was great to see her finally stand up to her dad. I love the characters in this series and can't wait to read the next one in this series. I hope it's Dimitri's story.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily provided this honest review.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Hockey Fans

Love Alex and Madison's story . I have read every book in this series . It's one I can't wait to read . If you love hockey or in my case have fallen in love with hockey after reading this series . You will want to read them all . The characters are amazing and the stories have touched on some very real issues . Heather C Meyers Slapshot series entertains and so much more . Just pre-order the next one .

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is an ice hockey girl and Alex girlfriend. He is accused of rape by someone they won't tell him who. No matter what he says. He is a hockey player on the same team Alex is. She can clear him but he won't let her as she has too much to loose. It is suspenseful, exciting, intriguing, dramatic, emotional and so much more. I received a review copy by booksprout and voluntarily review it.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He arrives home and she is glad to see him. They have been having a secret relationship. He is then arrested for rape but she knows he is innocent as he was with her. He wants her to keep quiet as she would lose her job and her scholarship. What will she do when it hits the papers? What will she do?.See what she decides to do

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

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Excellent sports, hockey romance. Alec and Madison are each dealing with personal problems as well as work related. The blurb gives a tidbit of what the story is about. The author did a wonderful job of developing the characters as well as the story line. I received a complementary copy of this book via Booksprout and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Myers.