Another Hit

Wildcatters Hockey #3

by Alexa Padgett

Ours is a marriage of convenience…until it isn’t.
What do you get when you throw a stoic D-Man, a free-spirited art therapist, and an enormous dog into a house? It sounds like an opening line to a joke. But this is  my life ... I never expected to find myself legally tied to Maxim Dolov, the star defenseman for the Houston Wildcatters. Between his visa issues and my angry ex, a marriage on paper solves all our problems. Until our marriage becomes real… too real and I’m forced to confront the truth about our future: I don’t want our marriage to end. Another Hit   will have you cheering for Maxim and Ida Jane’s happily ever after. Don’t miss this story with its sizzling chemistry and heart-pounding hockey action.

Genres: Sports, Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

With a degree in international marketing and a varied career path that includes content management for a web firm, marketing direction for a high-profile sports agency, and a two-year stint with a renowned literary agency, award-winning author Alexa Padgett has returned to her first love: writing fiction.

Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.

She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.

Reviews

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good sports romance is always on my radar and, while she won me over with rock star romance, this gifted storyteller captivated me from the very first page of this one. Our tiny but feisty heroine, Ida Jane Barlow, is taking on her pond scum of an ex-boyfriend, when she's rescued from inflicting bodily damage by our giant, stoic, hockey player, Maxim Dolov. All of his protective instincts come rushing out from deep in his marshmallow heart and Ida Jane is now his to watch over. Even if she doesn’t realize it yet.

Part of what I love so much about a sports romance is the found family aspect – the witty banter and good-natured ribbing between teammates but knowing that, no matter what, they always have your back. Maxim comes to a greater understanding of this as he and Ida Jane grow closer and her ex continues to make trouble. Add in their marriage of convince so Max can remain in the US, and Ida Jane finds a sisterhood of hockey wives and girlfriends she never imagined possible.

Charming, clever and humorous but steamy, poignant and heartfelt, this one has everything I love in an exceptional sports romance. Add in an element of danger and suspense, along with a big, beautiful, protective canine hero, and this hits all the right notes for an unparalleled romance read guaranteed to make your heart blissfully happy.

[Paula (In & Out) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an okay read but it didn't hold my attention too much and I found myself skimming. It's a story about a Hockey Player from Russia who needs to get married to stay in America and not be deported and a heroine who was an asshole ex bf who messed her up in the head and has a lot of insecurities. In fact, she is the reason why I skimmed with her back & forth that annoyed me so much.

They go into a marriage of convenience/temporary marriage and fall in love - with Hero falling hard & fast.

And the "angst" or secret toward the end? That was lame. She basically saw naked pics of Hero with an orgy of women at a party from 5 yrs ago and she is upset. Upset that he was a player 5 yrs prior and that he didn't tell her in the present. Hero was a sweet & nice dude in the present. He had a rough upbringing and when he came to the US 5 yrs prior, he was young & naïve and joined in the "fun" of his fellow team players' afterparty. He was ashamed of his past behavior and reason why he didn't tell heroine as he didn't want her to leave him.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit is the third book in the Wildcatters Hockey Series and just as good if not better than the first two books. Another Hit drew me in from the first page and has not let go yet. I am still in Maxim and Ida Jane’s world as I sit here writing my review. Another Hit is told from both Maxim and Ida Jane’s points of view.

Alexa Padgett knows how to write a story that will pull you into its world and before you know it you are feeling all the emotions that the characters are feeling as if they were your own. I fell in love with the Wildcatters Hockey Series world from the first book. I love all the characters as they all seem so real. Their stories may start off sad but once they meet their world seems to lighten up a bit.

Another Hit had me in tears on many occasions as I raced through the story. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I was so worried about Ida Jane and Maxim and what was going to happen to both of them.

In the opening scene, Ida Jane is fighting with her ex-boyfriend and I do believe that Ida Jane was holding her own pretty well. She knows how to throw a punch and even a kick or two, taught to her by her brothers when she was younger.

Ida Jane’s ex was very abusive to her. He cheated on her so she left him but in his mind, she still belongs to him. Ida Jane’s ex, Dillon has a baby with the woman he cheated with and now he seems to think that Ida Jane should take care of his baby until he can figure out how to be a dad. In his opinion, his girlfriend the baby’s mother doesn’t know how to be a mom. What a douchebag, right? I mean this guy has a problem, a big problem.

Maxim a hockey player has just been informed that he may lose his green card and have to return to Russia. Everyone is telling him that his only option at this late date may be for him to get married. Maxim has no intention of ever marrying, especially after losing someone very close and dear to his heart. But he may not have a choice if he wants to stay in the country and play hockey.

But things start to change for him the moment he witnesses Ida Jane’s ex attacking her. After witnessing Ida Jane’s attack Maxim takes her under his wing. He wants nothing more than to protect her and keep her safe.

Can Maxim keep Ida Jane safe from her ex? Can they save each other? Want to know all the answers? The only way to know all the answers is to grab a copy of Another Hit today and read Maxim and Ida Jane’s story! I highly recommend Another Hit!

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sports romance.

I loved this story. Both main characters were emotionally broken yet find a way to heal and get their HEA. As a reader you can't help but cheer when her ex finally gets what is coming to him. Highly recommend!

Ida Jane Barlow is a petite art therapist. Her ex-boyfriend Dillon was abusive and cheated on her. She has four brothers and has always been the peacemaker. She lives with her best friend Millie.

Maxim Dolov is the star defenseman for the Houston Wildcatters NHL team. He had a terrible childhood and lost his older sister to an abusive partner. He is very protective of people he cares about.

They meet when Ida Jane and Dillon are having an argument outside a ritzy restaurant where she and Millie are celebrating her birthday. Dillon attacked her and she punched him. Maxim and his teammates see the altercation and step in to protect her and remove Dillon. Maxim invited Ida Jane and Millie to join them in the private dining room. Maxim asks for Ida Jane's number to make sure she gets home safely and to check on her the next day. They see each other again at a party thrown by one of his teammates, neither can stop thinking about the other. Maxim gets called into Coach Whittaker's office due to a problem with his green card status and suggests he marry Ida Jane. Dillon assaults Ida Jane at work so Maxim hires a bodyguard for her and asks her to move into his house for her safety. He asks her to marry him but she thinks he is kidding. She agrees to marry him after he tells her about his immigration issue. They are initially happy but something from his past almost ruins their relationship. They finally reconcile and get their HEA.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Wildcatters Hockey series is full of heart and emotions, a growly super protective alpha who adores his feisty pint-sized lady. They have a very unusual meeting outside a restaurant the night of her birthday as she’s defending herself handily from her cheating ex-boyfriend.

Maxim and Ida Jane’s relationship starts off by him being attracted to her feisty attitude as well as protective of her, as his tragic history has him recognizing the violence her ex-boyfriend seems more than capable of delivering. Maxim is determined to protect Ida Jane. and His immigration status makes him need her help staying in the country after he learns his status is precarious at best and marrying a US citizen would be helpful.

Despite not telling her his feelings, I loved how Maxim was over-the-top in her generous efforts to show Ida Jane how he feels and his care for her. His efforts to get to know her by getting input from her bestie, Millie, was super sweet and effective.

I enjoyed how Ida Jane fit in so easily with the Wildcatters CATS, and Maxim’s teammates. Having read the previous book in the series, I had a new perspective on some of the scenes in Cormac and Keelie’s book since the timelines are pretty concurrent.

I’m excited for the next book which will be Luka/Stoly and Millie’s romance.

I received a free ARC from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series:
As with the rest of the books in this series, I liked that it wasn't your typical sports hero romance. Rather it had depth, emotion and danger. I really enjoyed spending time with this "family of friends". Despite being interconnected, it would still be possible to enjoy this as a standalone.
Things certainly weren't easy for Ida Jane and Maxim when they entered a marriage of convenience and their journey ended up being a tumultuous one. I did enjoy seeing them work through their issues and was glad that they finally got their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ida Jane just wants to celebrate her birthday and her ex shows up with crazy demands and anger issues. Maxium panned on celebrating a team with with his friends. When their worlds collide the hits just keep on coming. It’s a rollercoaster of events with some series emotion thrown in. While I wouldn’t consider it a dark romance there is domestic abuse content that could be triggering. I love the Wildcatters series and each book has its own feel with unique story lines. Each book is a standalone but you see the other characters through out so you will get more if you read them all in order!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim and Ida Jane’s story had me in my happy place as I read it. There is such a wonderful blend of emotion, heart, steam and humor that flows throughout the book that you are quickly invested and all up in your feels. Both characters are easy to like and like them I did, so much. They each have their issues and that created a very balanced playing field for their feelings and relationship to grow and evolve. This is my impartial, independent review.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh ‘em gee!
Maxim & Ida Jane are hawt!
I couldn’t stop reading!
Alexa Padgett draws u into this hockey world that she created and u don’t wanna leave!
All the characters are so relatable and u wanna live in their worlds.
Recommend to all.

[Suzy Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

winning more than the game

Book 3 of thenWildcatters Hockey does not disappoint. A scrappy Texas ranch girl and a brooding Russian athelete make for fireworks! This book starts fast and never slows down from the first page to the last. Favorite characters from the first two books play a part in Maxim and Ida Jane’s journey. There are very strong themes of overcoming a victim mentality, of what it means to build trust and love after so much fear. The theme is handled with clarity, sensitivity. The effects of food insecurity, loss of personal safety for Maxim as a child are again handled with a wonderful sense of respect. What a beautiful story. Left me feeling happy and satisfied.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim needs a wife, to be married in order to get his green card. His previous team messed up and now he could be facing deportation, despite being a prominent and important team player. Ida Jane is a fighter, but scared after a huge run in with her dominant, manipulative, cheating ex and is now under threat and harassment. This couple met by chance and they now have a purpose and interest in being together. Marriage is the solution, but their reasons and beliefs clash. Trust is an issue, disappointment creeps in and parts of Maxim's past do not help thie relationship. A lot to think about and a lotbisxatvstake, but neither secretly wants the marriage to have a deadline despite the prenuptial agreement.

[Lisa H]

It’s a matter of trust…

Ida Jane Barlow meets Maxim Dolov on her birthday while she’s using her Fists to defend herself from her horrid ex. Things heat up between them pretty much right away, and it’s exacerbated when she marries him (green card, but the team would have dealt with a B1 visa). They are steamy and have plenty of chemistry but lack trust. Especially when Maxim
doesn’t tell her about the worse and icky parts of his past.
But I liked both leads (and Millie and Stol).
Recommend.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim and Ida Janes were perfect for each other and even though fake arrangements are really going to end one way the way there story unfolded was perfect

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim and Ida Jane’s chemistry is hot enough to melt an iceberg in seconds! Maxim is big, brawny and broody. Not exactly a smooth talker, he prefers to show how he feels through his actions. He compiled a list of Ida Jane’s favourite things from her parents and her best friend and does his best to give her everything on the list….even her favourite brand of underwear. Maxim was smitten with Ida Jane the night she used her fists to defend herself from her nasty ex. He wants nothing more than to protect her from the increasingly vicious threats her ex is making, so he convinces her to move in with him. With his green card status being reviewed, Maxim is being urged by his coach and his lawyer to marry. The only woman he can only think of marrying is Ida Jane.

Ida Jane is a feisty, independent art therapist who is determined to fight her own battles. In this case her smarmy, controlling ex. She is afraid to make another mistake when it comes to men. Sure Maxim seems to be a good guy, and more protective than domineering, but she is afraid to trust her instincts. Another violent confrontation with her ex leads to her moving in with Maxim. When he mentions marriage again, she accepts. The marriage will help them both and it is only meant to be temporary. She has no idea that Maxim hopes to convince her to be his wife permanently. The two have to come to terms with their own fears, feelings and doubts as well as deal with more threats and the revelation of a secret that may well end everything between them.

As much as I love the two main characters, it is the secondary characters that make this story even more interesting and captivating. I love the camaraderie of the teammates and their wives/girlfriends. As much as they bicker and tease each other, they also support each other. Ida Jane’s parents are wonderful and absolutely fascinating with their Texan charm and values. I want to read more about all of these characters.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The Wildcatters Hockey series and it is Maxim and Ida Jane’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. When Ida Jane’s ex Dillon cheated on her and broke up with her by a text message she was upset and angry and starting to move forward with her life but on her birthday Dillon appeared again and wouldn’t take no for a answer and started to get abusive and Ida Jane punching him and that is when a group of men stepped in to protect her not that she needed it but it certainly felt good that there was that type of men still around. Maxim played for the wildcatters NHL hockey team and when he saw an abusive scene taking place he stepped in along with his teammates even though the little spitfire in front of him could look after herself but what he wasn’t expecting was his reaction to Ida Jane and how strong she was. The attraction and chemistry between Maxim and Ida Jane was instant and strong but Maxim didn’t do commitment or relationships due to his past but when there was a problem with his green card his coach suggested that he got married to be able to stay with his team and Maxim knows that Ida Jane would definitely be his solution and also she is the only one that he can imagine himself with but he will have to convince her first. Danger is just around the corner watching and waiting for the right time to strike and Ida Jane’s ex Dillon is getting more and more violent as time goes on and Maxim was determined to protect and keep her safe so she was staying with him as he had already lost his sister to violence and he couldn’t go there again. Will Maxim be able to eliminate the threat and give them the chance of being together and getting the happiness and future that they both deserve. Wow I absolutely loved this both with all it’s twists and turns that had you turning the pages and unable to put it down as it was so addictive and I read it in one sitting as I wanted to see what te outcome would be for them all. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight from Cormac and Keelie’s book (Another Shot, Book 2 in the Wildcatter’s series), are the elusive Ida Jane and Maxim. We had a glimpse of Ida Jane’s personal situation and Maxim’s protectiveness. I’m so glad that the author was able to delve into their lives.

Ida Jane is a Quiet Hero. A Southern Gal and Art Therapist, she is on the bad end of an even worse relationship. As her former boyfriend strong-arms her and expects her to take care of his child in another relationship, she finds her inner strength and pushes back. The timing is perfect because Maxim and his friends are witness to this. His respect of her ability to stand up for herself endears her to him.

Maxim, a professional hockey player, is in the difficult situation of having his Green Card questioned. He needs to become a citizen quickly, and the fastest way is to be married. Since Ida Jane needs a home and stable situation, this seems to be the perfect situation. Well, perfect until feelings become involved and makes this simple solution very involved.

Another Hit is a warm, feel-good book about Heroes and Villains, right and wrong. The plot is simple, but don’t let that fool you! It takes a talented author to make simple into dynamic, and her characters have depth, empathy, and regret for what was. Another go-to read in a great series.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romantic and well-written novel drew me in from the opening pages as the couple battled through unexpected circumstances and deep emotions. Caught between her ex-boyfriend's abusive domination and Maxim's protectiveness, Ida Jane finds herself struggling to find a middle ground. The first time Maxim sees Ida Jane, he is impressed by her stance and alibility to fend for herself, but cannot help his protective instincts, having seen what happens when a man is unwilling to hear the word “No”. With a past he is not proud of, Maxim offers Ida Jane marriage with a view to solving both their problems, but cannot promise her permanence or a future. When they discover that her ex and his girlfriend are even more devious and spiteful than they could have envisaged, it almost derails their budding relationship, and it takes a little persuasion from their friends to help them to see what is right in front of them. The novel is part of a series, but is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy and romantic conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After everything that her ex put her through all Ida Jane wants is to never see him again however he doesn’t agree. During an altercation with him Maxim comes to her rescue and is determined to protect her from the past she is trying to escape.

Maxim is a professional hockey player whose past has made him very protective. When he sees the situation, she is in he offers an arrangement that will give them both what they need. A marriage of convenience allows him to stay in the US and allows her to keep her distance form her ex, what could possibly go wrong?

Maxim knew that he wanted a future with Ida Jane however she is cautious due to her romantic past. He shows her with everything he does and says what she means to him, but they must overcome some turmoil from the past. Not only are Maxim and Ida Jane great characters but the supporting characters only make their story better.

[Sheila Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit is "another hit" in this series for Alexa Padgett and tells the story of Maxim and Ida Jane who meet when her ex-boyfriend is getting ready to physically assault her. Instead, Ida Jane decides to take charge of the situation, earning respect from the pro hockey players walking into to the restaurant where the altercation takes place.
Alexa Padgett has written a beautiful romance with hot hockey players and equally hot women. These men and women love hard, play hard and bond over hockey. In doing so, they form a cohesive unit, becoming family. I am excited to read what this author plans for Stol and Millie in book 4, Dump and Chase!
5 stars

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Maxim and Ida Jane.
They get to know each other in an unconventional way, as she’s dealing with her ex-boyfriend and Maxim appears with his teammates and witnesses her punching her ex.
Despite his past and not wanting to get involved with anyone, Maxim can't get Ida Jane out of his head, and when threats to her increase, he takes her to live in his house.
Soon they make a deal that could benefit both of them, but when feelings get mixed, things can change completely.
I loved how the Wildcatters players are a family and help and support each other at any time, just like Ida Jane's family.
I highly recommend the reading.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit is the 3rd in the Wildcatters Hockey series and my personal favourite so far. Maxim and Ida Jane are the best of lead characters: likeable, relatable, great friends, simply good people that had me rooting for them from the first word to the last. There's plenty of banter and heat, heart-breaking memories as well as heart-warming scenes and a wonderful and well-deserved HEA. Can't wait for the next book when Ida Jane's best friend will get her story!
I was lucky to have received a free copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, I liked the characters and the author's interpretation of this trope.

However, Ida Jane annoyed me when she said she didn't like learning to drive because she didn't like the process and kept making 'silly errors.' C'mon, she claims to be an independent woman (however, she wasn't too stubborn to accept help, which I liked) and she's supposedly intelligent (she has a master's degree) but she becomes some weak incapable thing when it comes to driving?

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time that Maxim laid eyes on Ida Jane she was beaten a man. Her strength drew him to to her. They both can help each other. She needs protection from her ex boyfriend and he need a wife to keep his green card and continuing playing hockey with his team. But can getting married for the wrong reason turns out to be the best decision they can take finding love and happiness forever? Steamy great romance.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim and Ida Jane are my favorite couple. The sparks fly between them when Maxim spots Ida Jane giving her ex a punch he so well deserved. Maxim is smitten with her and can’t get her out of his head and he doesn’t want to, but his past is holding him back and Ida Jane is right there with him afraid to put herself back out there. These two were sexy, spicy, fun and I loved all the CATS banding around her when she needed them. Such a great read, can’t wait for more of this series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Another Hit" by Alexa Padgett. I've been a fan of this author for a while now having read quite a few of her books. This is the third book from her new hockey series and I found it very entertaining. This was a fun read full of well-written characters that jump off the page. Looking forward to seeing how this series will develop in future books. Overall, a nice addition to your book collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good! No spoilers here though. Ida Jane and Maxim certainly do have sizzling chemistry, a lot of miscommunication due to language barriers, a bunch of wonderful supporting characters, and a really great story about how they struggle to find their happy ever after. It's the perfect addition to an already amazing series!

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit (ARC) by Alexa Padgett: five stars — loved it!
Ida Jane/Maxim. Their story is angsty, sweet, and steamy. Misconceptions, a dangerous ex, a deportation threat, and a lot of family/friends/teammate support. This heartwarming story kept me engaged and entertained and ended with a satisfying and wonderful wrap up.
-PTators

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of insta-love, (at least on his part,) sports, fake marriage. This the 3rd in the series and has an interesting story line. The reason for the fake marriage is a little different than usual. Each has some history they have to work through. Team mates were good guys, helpful and added to the story. I received an advance4 review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance with lots of heat at its best with a hot hockey player who comes to your rescue. Alpha male who want to take care of you but he also needs something from you. Trust is an issue in all relationships, so when that is broken so is the relationship. Can they get past the trust issue?

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa Padgett has another hit novel in this series. It pulls you into the story line from the beginning.
Maxim is interested in Ada Jane from the beginning. He wants to protect her from her ex-boyfriend. I did not want to stop reading. Great series.