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Player #1
Second Chance Player
The only thing I ever loved more than hockey?
Skylar Ward.
The one who got away, or rather the one I pushed away and into the arms of my hockey nemesis, when I left for a D1 college hockey team.
He broke her heart too. The only difference—he didn’t love her.
I did. I still do.
I think she loves me too. Even if she won’t admit it. Even if she doesn’t want to.
The sexy single mom is running the best defense I’ve ever encountered.
And as a top forward in the NHL, that’s saying something.
Lucky for me her son loves hockey.
He’s my biggest fan and I’m his.
Getting Skylar to give me a second chance isn’t going to be easy.
Good thing I play to win.
But what if our past isn’t the only thing standing in the way?
Skylar Ward.
The one who got away, or rather the one I pushed away and into the arms of my hockey nemesis, when I left for a D1 college hockey team.
He broke her heart too. The only difference—he didn’t love her.
I did. I still do.
I think she loves me too. Even if she won’t admit it. Even if she doesn’t want to.
The sexy single mom is running the best defense I’ve ever encountered.
And as a top forward in the NHL, that’s saying something.
Lucky for me her son loves hockey.
He’s my biggest fan and I’m his.
Getting Skylar to give me a second chance isn’t going to be easy.
Good thing I play to win.
But what if our past isn’t the only thing standing in the way?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2023
988 people are currently reading
1773 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Stephens
45 books1,415 followersR.C. Stephens writes the kind of stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in love all over again.
A Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, she crafts emotional, heartfelt romances full of humor, heat, and happily ever afters.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling her three kids, sneaking in a coffee date with her husband, or walking her lovable goldendoodle, who’s always by her side during late-night writing sessions.
A proud Toronto native, she loves cozy winters—but it’s the colors of fall and the first bloom of spring that truly inspire her.
Keep up with R.C. by signing up to her newsletter-http://rcstephens.com/newsletter/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rc.stephens.8/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens...
A Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, she crafts emotional, heartfelt romances full of humor, heat, and happily ever afters.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling her three kids, sneaking in a coffee date with her husband, or walking her lovable goldendoodle, who’s always by her side during late-night writing sessions.
A proud Toronto native, she loves cozy winters—but it’s the colors of fall and the first bloom of spring that truly inspire her.
Keep up with R.C. by signing up to her newsletter-http://rcstephens.com/newsletter/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rc.stephens.8/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
May 30, 2023
I liked the idea of the book, but the dialog was just so cheesy.
November 4, 2023
DNF
For the life of me I could not seem to connect to any of the characters. The writing was…too simple. I found myself rolling my eyes at some interactions, particularly the ones that involved Skylar. She’s a bit underdeveloped as a character and her personality was drier than an overcooked Turkey at Thanksgiving. I would have loved to see where Skylar and Liam’s story goes, but the lack of chemistry and corny dialogue really waned my interest.
For the life of me I could not seem to connect to any of the characters. The writing was…too simple. I found myself rolling my eyes at some interactions, particularly the ones that involved Skylar. She’s a bit underdeveloped as a character and her personality was drier than an overcooked Turkey at Thanksgiving. I would have loved to see where Skylar and Liam’s story goes, but the lack of chemistry and corny dialogue really waned my interest.
May 30, 2023
Boundaries are Important
The MMC pushed the FMC away during their senior year of high school because he was playing hockey at a different college, and tried to pretend it didn't hurt when she rebounded with his rival. Years later, the FMC is a waitress who had to give up all her dreams because the rival knocked her up and wanting nothing to do with the child. She does not want to rekindle things with her back in town ex, but finds herself being confronted with him at every turn because none of her friends or family respect her boundaries. They give him her address and help him buy sports equipment she struggles to provide for her son so that she feels like a terrible parent rejecting his offers to spend time coaching him. I'm finding myself exasperated with these stories that only gain a second chance through over the top meddling. If an ex got my friend to let him into my home while I was asleep, I would be looking for a new place and a new friend. If anyone thought it was okay to go above me and help my ex buy my child things they know I'm struggling with to force me to spend time with him, all parties would be getting an ear full. All in the name of the child needing a father figure, this supporting cast is doing way too much. It reeks of emotional manipulation towards both mother and child and is not cute at all.
The MMC pushed the FMC away during their senior year of high school because he was playing hockey at a different college, and tried to pretend it didn't hurt when she rebounded with his rival. Years later, the FMC is a waitress who had to give up all her dreams because the rival knocked her up and wanting nothing to do with the child. She does not want to rekindle things with her back in town ex, but finds herself being confronted with him at every turn because none of her friends or family respect her boundaries. They give him her address and help him buy sports equipment she struggles to provide for her son so that she feels like a terrible parent rejecting his offers to spend time coaching him. I'm finding myself exasperated with these stories that only gain a second chance through over the top meddling. If an ex got my friend to let him into my home while I was asleep, I would be looking for a new place and a new friend. If anyone thought it was okay to go above me and help my ex buy my child things they know I'm struggling with to force me to spend time with him, all parties would be getting an ear full. All in the name of the child needing a father figure, this supporting cast is doing way too much. It reeks of emotional manipulation towards both mother and child and is not cute at all.
July 8, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. The blurb was amazing. The book however? I made it 48% and then had to call it quits. The characters seem very immature and the dialogue was horrible. She blames Liam for grieving his brother and that’s why she broke up with him, like for a girl who went through a lot of trauma herself you would think she would be understanding of his grief and what was clearly depression. She doesn’t even take responsibility for the fact she wasn’t understanding she then blames him for her ending up with the other guy. I don’t know how it all pans out because I had to give up and stop reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
DNF in First Chapter
The writing was abrupt and very disjointed.
The typos: “Order me… , would yeah?” Either the “would” wasn’t supposed to be there or she misspelled you.
Was there anyone proofreading this? If so she needs to fire them or not hire/rely friends.
The writing was abrupt and very disjointed.
The typos: “Order me… , would yeah?” Either the “would” wasn’t supposed to be there or she misspelled you.
Was there anyone proofreading this? If so she needs to fire them or not hire/rely friends.
May 23, 2023
First off thank you to Grey’s Promotions and R.C. Stephens for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is book one in R.C.’s new Player Series, however, this is a spinoff and characters from her Westfall U series do make an appearance. However, you do not have to read that series before going into this one.
Liam Bozeman's life is all about hockey, but after an accident that could have taken it all away, his life flashed before his eyes and now he is determined to find her. Skylar Ward was his first love, the one that he pushed away, and his biggest regret. When he accidentally stumbles upon her, nothing is going to stop him from trying to win her back, not even finding out that she's a single mom.
I loved Liam and Skylar’s story. It was full of emotions, like all the emotions. Liam was so sweet and protective of Skylar and Crew and everyone could see he wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to the both of them. (SWOON) Skylar was hesitant to let Liam back into her life but she realized they both hurt each other when they were younger and both have grown up since. The three of them make the perfect sweet little family. I loved seeing them reconnect and seeing the flashbacks to the beginning of their story.
There are a lot of trigger/content warnings to check into before reading this book but the author did an amazing job representing these issues with sensitivity. (some discussion of depression and suicide, as well as, toxic relationships)
I'm excited to see what else R.C. has in store for this series!
Tropes:
Hockey
Second-Chance
Single Parent
Soul Mate
Overall: 4.75
Spice: 2.5
This is book one in R.C.’s new Player Series, however, this is a spinoff and characters from her Westfall U series do make an appearance. However, you do not have to read that series before going into this one.
Liam Bozeman's life is all about hockey, but after an accident that could have taken it all away, his life flashed before his eyes and now he is determined to find her. Skylar Ward was his first love, the one that he pushed away, and his biggest regret. When he accidentally stumbles upon her, nothing is going to stop him from trying to win her back, not even finding out that she's a single mom.
I loved Liam and Skylar’s story. It was full of emotions, like all the emotions. Liam was so sweet and protective of Skylar and Crew and everyone could see he wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to the both of them. (SWOON) Skylar was hesitant to let Liam back into her life but she realized they both hurt each other when they were younger and both have grown up since. The three of them make the perfect sweet little family. I loved seeing them reconnect and seeing the flashbacks to the beginning of their story.
There are a lot of trigger/content warnings to check into before reading this book but the author did an amazing job representing these issues with sensitivity. (some discussion of depression and suicide, as well as, toxic relationships)
I'm excited to see what else R.C. has in store for this series!
Tropes:
Hockey
Second-Chance
Single Parent
Soul Mate
Overall: 4.75
Spice: 2.5
June 1, 2023
Skylar is the daughter of an addict who ends up in foster care next door to Liam when they were both in high school. They fall in love but need to keep it secret because her foster parents don’t want her to date. Liam’s parents aren’t winners either. They fight constantly and Liam’s younger brother David suffers from depression. When David commits suicide in Liam’s senior year, he has a hard time dealing with it, and they end up breaking up at their prom.
Skylar gets a scholarship to college and stars dating Carter who also went to high school with her. He and Liam both have hockey scholarships. They’ve both played and trained together, but for some reason, Carter loathes Liam. The longer they date, the more Skylar realizes that Carter has violent tendencies and when she tells him that she’s pregnant, he accuses her of cheating, pushes her and leaves. Years later, he and Liam are on opposing teams and fight whenever they play each other. By shear luck, Liam finds Skylar again and he wants her back. But she’s afraid to let him in because she has her son to protect and she knows if Carter ever saw her with Liam, he would make trouble.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
Skylar gets a scholarship to college and stars dating Carter who also went to high school with her. He and Liam both have hockey scholarships. They’ve both played and trained together, but for some reason, Carter loathes Liam. The longer they date, the more Skylar realizes that Carter has violent tendencies and when she tells him that she’s pregnant, he accuses her of cheating, pushes her and leaves. Years later, he and Liam are on opposing teams and fight whenever they play each other. By shear luck, Liam finds Skylar again and he wants her back. But she’s afraid to let him in because she has her son to protect and she knows if Carter ever saw her with Liam, he would make trouble.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
Currently reading
May 12, 2023Second Chance Player, the first book in the Player series is releasing straight into KINDLE UNLIMITED on May 24th!!!
Preorder: https://amzn.to/3ZuIa9W
What can you expect?
👨 a hockey player that knows what he wants
❤️ A second chance at love
👩 a single mom
👦 A cute five year old boy
💕 he falls first
Preorder: https://amzn.to/3ZuIa9W
What can you expect?
👨 a hockey player that knows what he wants
❤️ A second chance at love
👩 a single mom
👦 A cute five year old boy
💕 he falls first
May 13, 2023
I really enjoyed finally getting to read Liam's story.
I had wondered what his story was ever since we met him. Getting glimpses of his earlier years was not only enlightening but also heartbreaking.
Skylar was amazing. Selfless, caring, compassionate and everything good. Watching her learn to trust Liam again after some really rough circumstances was beautiful.
The way Liam worked to prove his loyalty and love—not only for Skylar but Crew too—took a lot of patience and some sacrifice. I absolutely adored the relationship he built with Crew, the way he wanted to protect the both of them and how sweet and attentive he could be.
Who knew that Bozeman was such a softie? Not this girl!
I also liked getting to see some familiar faces from Westfall, as well as some new and fun characters we might see more of in this series.
4.5 stars
I had wondered what his story was ever since we met him. Getting glimpses of his earlier years was not only enlightening but also heartbreaking.
Skylar was amazing. Selfless, caring, compassionate and everything good. Watching her learn to trust Liam again after some really rough circumstances was beautiful.
The way Liam worked to prove his loyalty and love—not only for Skylar but Crew too—took a lot of patience and some sacrifice. I absolutely adored the relationship he built with Crew, the way he wanted to protect the both of them and how sweet and attentive he could be.
Who knew that Bozeman was such a softie? Not this girl!
I also liked getting to see some familiar faces from Westfall, as well as some new and fun characters we might see more of in this series.
4.5 stars
May 31, 2023
I enjoyed Liam and Skylar's story. It's a second chance and I can always say it has never failed me and I'll always enjoy it. But the way RC Stephens wrote their story is also amazing. I loved that once Liam knew he had to get Skylar back, no matter what, he pursued her like crazy. But Skylar has reservations especially since Liam is in the line of work as her baby daddy and she doesn't want her baby to get exposed to him. So Liam had to work hard to convince her that he not only loves them but also will protect them at all costs. Sometimes I do feel like Skylar is being wishy-washy but thank goodness she finally realised that he would do anything for her and Crew.
September 27, 2023
DNF. Writing was so horrible that I had to stop after 3 chapters.
May 24, 2023
Amazon
Liam's driving focus his whole life has been hockey. So much so that he pushed away the only other thing that mattered, his first and only love, Skylar. Since the accident that has possibly taken away hockey, though, he's been thinking about Skylar a lot more, and wants her back. Finding her should be his second chance, except she's not all that happy to see him and doesn't want to give him another chance to break her heart. Has she underestimated his determination?
Skylar isn't about to open herself back up to more pain from her ex. She has much more important things to worry about - like her adorable son, Crew. Not only does she want to keep Crew from the pain of rejection, but she wants to keep him from hockey. So why is she finding it so difficult to resist Liam's persistent, charming self? He represents everything she has been avoiding for so long.
Hockey and second chances at love, what a great combination! Though Liam had been the one to push Skylar away back then, the way he went about wooing her back is downright swoon worthy. Skylar really stood no chance at resisting him once she saw how great he was with her son, what a great father figure he was. This story is sweet, steamy and has more than its share of feels, I couldn't ask for more in a second chance sports romance.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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May 25, 2023
You know that the second chances are a hit or a miss with me and I liked this book, the trope in this story does not feel strange because the explanation of why they separate makes ALL the sense to me and here I will say that I agree Liam's side, as weird as it is written, I'm on the side of our MMC; the story is told in the present and in the past and I am a big fan of that type of narrative because it gives us the CONTEXT of everything that happened until they got to where they are now.
The story follows Liam and Skylar, high school sweethearts, different economic positions but with a love between the two greater than anything, because of things in life and things in Liam's life they separate and this is when I say that Liam did nothing wrong, when you get to that chapter you just stare into space when all makes sense and let's just say that I almost didn't connect with Skylar because of that.
Skylar seemed to me like an FMC who does everything for and for her son (who is a lovely little boy if I may say), everything she suffered before and after meeting Liam, and seeing that none of that broke her down I liked it and we have Liam, our hockey player, our boy, has suffered a lot over the years and I was able to connect with him in a way that I was crying for him.
It was a read full of ups and downs but very nice with the whole love story of this couple; there were moments when I got lost but then I picked up the pace again. It kept me reading each page to know what was next, and the writing from the author I found easy to read.
🫂 thank you to R.C. Stephens and Greys Promo for gave me this arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
________________________
Ustedes saben que para mi los second chance son un hit or a miss with me y este libro me gusto, el trope en esta historia no se siente raro porque la explicación del porqué se separan tiene TODO el sentido para mi y aquí dire que estoy del lado de Liam, por muy raro que se escriba, estoy del lado de nuestro MMC; la historia está contada tanto en presente como en pasado y soy fan de ese tipo de narrativas porque nos dan el CONTEXTO de todo lo que paso hasta llegar donde están ahora.
La historia sigue a Liam y a Skylar, novios en la secundaria, posición económicas diferentes pero con un amor entre los dos más grande que todo, por cosas de la vida y cosas en la vida de Liam se separan y aquí es cuando digo que Liam no hizo nada malo, cuando llegas a ese capitulo tu solo te quedas mirando al vacío cuando todo cobra sentido y vamos a decir que casi no conecte con Skylar por eso. Skylar me pareció una FMC que hace todo por y para su hijo, el cual es un amor si me permiten decir, todo lo que sufrió antes y después de conocer a Liam, y ver que nada de eso la derrumbo me gusto y tenemos a Liam, nuestro jugador de hockey, nuestro chico, ha sufrido mucho a lo largo de los años y pude conectar con el de una manera que estaba llorando por el.
Fue una lectura llena de altos y bajos pero muy linda con toda la historia de amor de este par, hubo momentos en los que me perdía pero ya luego volvía a agarrar el ritmo, me mantuvo leyendo cada página para saber que seguía, y la escritura de la autora se me hizo fácil de leer.
The story follows Liam and Skylar, high school sweethearts, different economic positions but with a love between the two greater than anything, because of things in life and things in Liam's life they separate and this is when I say that Liam did nothing wrong, when you get to that chapter you just stare into space when all makes sense and let's just say that I almost didn't connect with Skylar because of that.
Skylar seemed to me like an FMC who does everything for and for her son (who is a lovely little boy if I may say), everything she suffered before and after meeting Liam, and seeing that none of that broke her down I liked it and we have Liam, our hockey player, our boy, has suffered a lot over the years and I was able to connect with him in a way that I was crying for him.
It was a read full of ups and downs but very nice with the whole love story of this couple; there were moments when I got lost but then I picked up the pace again. It kept me reading each page to know what was next, and the writing from the author I found easy to read.
🫂 thank you to R.C. Stephens and Greys Promo for gave me this arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
________________________
Ustedes saben que para mi los second chance son un hit or a miss with me y este libro me gusto, el trope en esta historia no se siente raro porque la explicación del porqué se separan tiene TODO el sentido para mi y aquí dire que estoy del lado de Liam, por muy raro que se escriba, estoy del lado de nuestro MMC; la historia está contada tanto en presente como en pasado y soy fan de ese tipo de narrativas porque nos dan el CONTEXTO de todo lo que paso hasta llegar donde están ahora.
La historia sigue a Liam y a Skylar, novios en la secundaria, posición económicas diferentes pero con un amor entre los dos más grande que todo, por cosas de la vida y cosas en la vida de Liam se separan y aquí es cuando digo que Liam no hizo nada malo, cuando llegas a ese capitulo tu solo te quedas mirando al vacío cuando todo cobra sentido y vamos a decir que casi no conecte con Skylar por eso. Skylar me pareció una FMC que hace todo por y para su hijo, el cual es un amor si me permiten decir, todo lo que sufrió antes y después de conocer a Liam, y ver que nada de eso la derrumbo me gusto y tenemos a Liam, nuestro jugador de hockey, nuestro chico, ha sufrido mucho a lo largo de los años y pude conectar con el de una manera que estaba llorando por el.
Fue una lectura llena de altos y bajos pero muy linda con toda la historia de amor de este par, hubo momentos en los que me perdía pero ya luego volvía a agarrar el ritmo, me mantuvo leyendo cada página para saber que seguía, y la escritura de la autora se me hizo fácil de leer.
May 21, 2023
Second Chance Player is the first book in The Player Series by R.C. Stephens- but if you are a fan of her Westfall U series, you will recognize the MCM. Liam Bozeman's life is all about hockey, but after an accident that could have taken it all away- he is determined to find her. Skylar Ward was his first love and the one that he foolishly pushed away. So when he accidentally stumbles upon her- nothing is going to stop him from trying to win her back- not even finding out that she's a single mom.
4.5 ⭐
Liam and Skylar's story is a rollercoaster of emotions, fear and sweetness. Part of that emotional journey does have to deal with depression and suicide of a loved one and the effects of that on the loved ones left behind as well as a toxic relationship that was emotionally abusive and riding on the cusp of being physically abusive with fear lingering still years later. So if you are sensitive to these subjects be aware.
Liam is no longer about that "playboy" lifestyle much to the dismay of some of his teammates. With Skylar being the best friend and roommate of Penny, the daughter of Liam's coach- it's a wonder that it took them 3 years to bump into each other. But Liam is kind and respectful and when he finally reconnects with Skylar, he is swoony and sweet with her son Crew and basically takes on the challenge of male role model seamlessly. Skylar is understandably skittish with Liam at first- but she is a strong mother and does her best to give Crew a life of love that she wished she had growing up. I will say that I didn't quite understand her animosity toward Liam all that much, she was the one to break things off with him during an incredibly painful time in his life- but it was like she blamed him for her falling into the arms of his nemesis setting off the series of events that shaped her current life.
I loved the journey reconnecting these two together and how R.C. integrated some of their teenage years throughout the story, putting pieces together a little at a time. For the most part, while emotional- this story wasn't overly angsty. There is some suspense when part of their past comes trying to cause a rift but that doesn't take too long for Liam and Skylar's support system to help solve.
It was fun to have some other familiar characters from Westfall U sprinkled in throughout the story and while I haven't read it yet, Flynn and Myles from Big Stick are also big supporting characters in Liam and Skylar's second chance at love.
I'm excited to see what else R.C. has in store for us in this series!
4.5 ⭐
Liam and Skylar's story is a rollercoaster of emotions, fear and sweetness. Part of that emotional journey does have to deal with depression and suicide of a loved one and the effects of that on the loved ones left behind as well as a toxic relationship that was emotionally abusive and riding on the cusp of being physically abusive with fear lingering still years later. So if you are sensitive to these subjects be aware.
Liam is no longer about that "playboy" lifestyle much to the dismay of some of his teammates. With Skylar being the best friend and roommate of Penny, the daughter of Liam's coach- it's a wonder that it took them 3 years to bump into each other. But Liam is kind and respectful and when he finally reconnects with Skylar, he is swoony and sweet with her son Crew and basically takes on the challenge of male role model seamlessly. Skylar is understandably skittish with Liam at first- but she is a strong mother and does her best to give Crew a life of love that she wished she had growing up. I will say that I didn't quite understand her animosity toward Liam all that much, she was the one to break things off with him during an incredibly painful time in his life- but it was like she blamed him for her falling into the arms of his nemesis setting off the series of events that shaped her current life.
I loved the journey reconnecting these two together and how R.C. integrated some of their teenage years throughout the story, putting pieces together a little at a time. For the most part, while emotional- this story wasn't overly angsty. There is some suspense when part of their past comes trying to cause a rift but that doesn't take too long for Liam and Skylar's support system to help solve.
It was fun to have some other familiar characters from Westfall U sprinkled in throughout the story and while I haven't read it yet, Flynn and Myles from Big Stick are also big supporting characters in Liam and Skylar's second chance at love.
I'm excited to see what else R.C. has in store for us in this series!
May 24, 2023
Second Chance Player is the first book of the new Player Series by R.C. Stephens, featuring an emotional second chance/single mom hockey romance for Liam and Skylar. Liam and Skylar were high school sweethearts that were neighbors who might as well have lived on opposite sides of the tracks. A devastating tragedy sends Liam reeling, and their relationship was a casualty of the ripple effect. A shattered Skylar found herself swept up by Liam’s nemesis, who ended up breaking her heart, too. Six years later, Liam has gotten clarity and realized he needs to get Skylar back, but she has a son to protect. Can they find happiness this time, or do they still have significant hurdles to overcome?
What a great start to a new series! I haven’t read the Westfall U series, but I was able to enjoy this book without it. Although I liked Wolfe and Rebel so much, I hope to find time to read that series soon!😉 The world building of this book was top notch—compelling characters, authentic and deep emotion, swoon worthy romance, and spicy chemistry. Liam was my favorite kind of male lead. He had his strong, protective side, but was also sensitive, compassionate, and caring. This story really is an emotional journey. I love that he was all in, and the way he just accepted Crew and did whatever needed done for them.😍 Skylar was such an inspiration as a strong, single mom that made her baby her world, but when she finally got the chance to grab more for both of them, she ultimately stood up to the fear. Then there’s Patty, who should win an award for being the best BFF a girl could ask for! That girl deserves an epic love story, and I am here for it! Honestly, there were so many great supporting characters that enhanced the twists and turns in the plot of this book that I can’t wait to see where the series ends up going!
I received a free ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NewRelease #bookish #rcstephens #playerseries #ContemporaryRomance #sportsromance #secondchanceromance #SingleParentRomance #SoulMate #greyspromo #ARCreview #bookreview
What a great start to a new series! I haven’t read the Westfall U series, but I was able to enjoy this book without it. Although I liked Wolfe and Rebel so much, I hope to find time to read that series soon!😉 The world building of this book was top notch—compelling characters, authentic and deep emotion, swoon worthy romance, and spicy chemistry. Liam was my favorite kind of male lead. He had his strong, protective side, but was also sensitive, compassionate, and caring. This story really is an emotional journey. I love that he was all in, and the way he just accepted Crew and did whatever needed done for them.😍 Skylar was such an inspiration as a strong, single mom that made her baby her world, but when she finally got the chance to grab more for both of them, she ultimately stood up to the fear. Then there’s Patty, who should win an award for being the best BFF a girl could ask for! That girl deserves an epic love story, and I am here for it! Honestly, there were so many great supporting characters that enhanced the twists and turns in the plot of this book that I can’t wait to see where the series ends up going!
I received a free ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NewRelease #bookish #rcstephens #playerseries #ContemporaryRomance #sportsromance #secondchanceromance #SingleParentRomance #SoulMate #greyspromo #ARCreview #bookreview
May 24, 2023
🏒 ARC REVIEW 📚
Review: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 3/5🔥
#secondchanceplayer is book one in #theplayerseries by @rc_stephens_author
Liam: Hockey. Broken. Fighter. Liam grew up existing in his house. With a broken family, he found an escape with the new girl next door. Skylar became his everything, as much as she could dating in secret. But with life altering events, he let’s her go. Years later, after losing a piece of himself he finds her. Hockey might be his life, but Skylar is his heart. Although, her having a child she pumps the breaks. Can he show her that’s he’s not the timid teenager anymore and wants to fight for her heart or will him being in the limelight for hockey be their dealbreaker?
Skylar: Intelligent. Mother. Lost. Skylar didn’t have a great childhood. She ends up with a foster family and they aren’t warm and fuzzy. On a cold night, she sees the boy next door and something clicks. One conversation she knew he was special. But with underlying circumstances they needed to hide their relationship. She was set with Liam, until he pushed her away and into his enemies arms. Now, years later a single mom working her tail off, Liam is back. Can she keep him at arms length to avoid breaking her heart again or did she never stand a chance against the love they shared and grew with her son?
My feelings went back and forth with this book. I love a strong single mom, hockey romance and second chance, but some parts fell flat. Liam pushed Skylar away when he was hurting, but after having his own life changing incident, he wants her back. He’s relentless in getting her heart along with her sons. As much as Skylar tried to put up a fight, she was easily swayed. I liked the side characters and enjoyed the family all of them created. Just felt like something was missing for me. But still an enjoyable read.
Review: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 3/5🔥
#secondchanceplayer is book one in #theplayerseries by @rc_stephens_author
Liam: Hockey. Broken. Fighter. Liam grew up existing in his house. With a broken family, he found an escape with the new girl next door. Skylar became his everything, as much as she could dating in secret. But with life altering events, he let’s her go. Years later, after losing a piece of himself he finds her. Hockey might be his life, but Skylar is his heart. Although, her having a child she pumps the breaks. Can he show her that’s he’s not the timid teenager anymore and wants to fight for her heart or will him being in the limelight for hockey be their dealbreaker?
Skylar: Intelligent. Mother. Lost. Skylar didn’t have a great childhood. She ends up with a foster family and they aren’t warm and fuzzy. On a cold night, she sees the boy next door and something clicks. One conversation she knew he was special. But with underlying circumstances they needed to hide their relationship. She was set with Liam, until he pushed her away and into his enemies arms. Now, years later a single mom working her tail off, Liam is back. Can she keep him at arms length to avoid breaking her heart again or did she never stand a chance against the love they shared and grew with her son?
My feelings went back and forth with this book. I love a strong single mom, hockey romance and second chance, but some parts fell flat. Liam pushed Skylar away when he was hurting, but after having his own life changing incident, he wants her back. He’s relentless in getting her heart along with her sons. As much as Skylar tried to put up a fight, she was easily swayed. I liked the side characters and enjoyed the family all of them created. Just felt like something was missing for me. But still an enjoyable read.
May 24, 2023
firstly, thank you to valentine pr for a copy of this book!! i am so happy to jump back into this whole players universe and my westfall U men >>>
ALSO CHECK TWs!! there may be some topics that might be triggering to some.
honestly so far, i have enjoyed R.C Stephens books, the men are just my type tbh. hockey, rich, obsessed with their women, defo my cup of tea!
this story follows liam and skylar, where you get a bit of how they were like during their teenage years and a lil something happens which causes them to separate and meet once again years later.
LIAM BOSEMAN. HE'S RICH, SO PROTECTIVE AND JUST WOOO. honestly, it made my heart so happy to see how protective he was of crew and skylar. his interactions with crew were js top tier they are honestly so so cute. the lil pyjama parties and the way liam was so persistent in getting skylar back, i love a man who knows what he wants and isnt afraid of going for what he wants, manz knew what he had do to and was CHASING after her frfr.
SKYLAR WARD. she is so strong, she always had her priorities straight and i could understand her initial dislike and uncertainty towards Liam. the way she loved Crew so hard made me so happy and Crew was just the sweetest ever, he was just a people lil sweetheart. i just didn't really like the constant back and forth between skylar and liam at times as i felt it was a lil repetitive but so grateful that this is dual POV so I was able to understand both sides.
the whole of patty's family were literal angels, they made the word family come true. family is them genuinely. they are just filled with love, care and passion for one another which made me tear up ngl.
tropes :
second chance romance
hockey player x single mom
he falls first
this book releases 24/5 !! available on KU go get your copy 💋💋
ALSO CHECK TWs!! there may be some topics that might be triggering to some.
honestly so far, i have enjoyed R.C Stephens books, the men are just my type tbh. hockey, rich, obsessed with their women, defo my cup of tea!
this story follows liam and skylar, where you get a bit of how they were like during their teenage years and a lil something happens which causes them to separate and meet once again years later.
LIAM BOSEMAN. HE'S RICH, SO PROTECTIVE AND JUST WOOO. honestly, it made my heart so happy to see how protective he was of crew and skylar. his interactions with crew were js top tier they are honestly so so cute. the lil pyjama parties and the way liam was so persistent in getting skylar back, i love a man who knows what he wants and isnt afraid of going for what he wants, manz knew what he had do to and was CHASING after her frfr.
SKYLAR WARD. she is so strong, she always had her priorities straight and i could understand her initial dislike and uncertainty towards Liam. the way she loved Crew so hard made me so happy and Crew was just the sweetest ever, he was just a people lil sweetheart. i just didn't really like the constant back and forth between skylar and liam at times as i felt it was a lil repetitive but so grateful that this is dual POV so I was able to understand both sides.
the whole of patty's family were literal angels, they made the word family come true. family is them genuinely. they are just filled with love, care and passion for one another which made me tear up ngl.
tropes :
second chance romance
hockey player x single mom
he falls first
this book releases 24/5 !! available on KU go get your copy 💋💋
May 25, 2023
She is the girl he stupidly let get away and his mistake has haunted him everyday since... Skylar Ward is the one that got away. He's tried dating others, buried all his thoughts in his game in hopes the memories of her would be replaced, but nothing has worked. He gave her up for the game and while the game and all that goes with it has rewarded him handsomely, there is just something missing from his life... the love of a good woman. A woman that he has every intention of winning back!
The pages of Second Chance Player hold a second chance romance that is destined to put an impossible squeeze on your heart long before it makes it soar. These two have history, the kind that deals with broken hearts, ill feelings, emotional damage, and hurts that aren't going to be fixed in minutes. When they are reunited Sawyer wants nothing to do with the guy that broke her heart and left her without a second glance, she has more important things in life to deal with. But Liam just can't let the moment pass, he has to take full advantage of this second chance they've been given...even if it's going to take some work to get back into her good graces!
This beautifully penned and delicate love story really took it's toll, but I promise if you hang in there it will bring you so much joy. Love is complicated and messy and these two prove that time and time again, but they also prove that love is worth it if you put the work in. I loved watching them find their way back to one another and find the happily ever after they missed out on their first go around... it's one of those stories that is going to stick with me for a long while. Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's wonderful characters will steal every bit of your heart!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The pages of Second Chance Player hold a second chance romance that is destined to put an impossible squeeze on your heart long before it makes it soar. These two have history, the kind that deals with broken hearts, ill feelings, emotional damage, and hurts that aren't going to be fixed in minutes. When they are reunited Sawyer wants nothing to do with the guy that broke her heart and left her without a second glance, she has more important things in life to deal with. But Liam just can't let the moment pass, he has to take full advantage of this second chance they've been given...even if it's going to take some work to get back into her good graces!
This beautifully penned and delicate love story really took it's toll, but I promise if you hang in there it will bring you so much joy. Love is complicated and messy and these two prove that time and time again, but they also prove that love is worth it if you put the work in. I loved watching them find their way back to one another and find the happily ever after they missed out on their first go around... it's one of those stories that is going to stick with me for a long while. Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's wonderful characters will steal every bit of your heart!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 26, 2023
This player is so worthy of a second chance
Second Chance Player (The Player Series Book 1) by R.C. Stephens is a swoon-worthy second chance romance. Liam is an absolute sweetheart who is determined to find the only woman has has ever loved. Skylar is strong and fierce and determined to remain hidden. This is almost a non-restarter for this second chance, but the pull of rightness burns brighter and stronger than the fear to remain hidden.
The antagonist is an irredeemable character in my opinion. Poor Skylar is traumatized at just the thought of having to deal with him. I totally get it. So much is at stake for her and she is a fiercely protective momma! Beyond the second chance plot, there’s a whole lot of stuff going on, not to mention the immediate sparks of chemistry between Skylar and Liam. The love between them, after all these years never waned and neither did the attraction. That flame only needed a little encouragement to be undeniable. I love Liam and Skylar as they get to know one another as adults, but Liam and Crew melted my heart! The Encanto movie night is an absolute favorite scene and left no doubt about the lengths Liam is willing to go in demonstrating how all in he is with Skylar and her son.
Overall, what I love about this series and the previous series (Westfall U) is that the characters are such a community and family! Skylar doesn’t really understand how deeply embedded she and her little boy are until Liam is back in her life. Not only does she feel whole and loved once again, but realizing the depth and numerous people in her life that have her back like family comes along with that love. Liam offers the world just by loving her and Crew. And their second chance has an amazing HEA that is not to be missed!
I read an ARC of this book via Grey’s Promotions and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Second Chance Player (The Player Series Book 1) by R.C. Stephens is a swoon-worthy second chance romance. Liam is an absolute sweetheart who is determined to find the only woman has has ever loved. Skylar is strong and fierce and determined to remain hidden. This is almost a non-restarter for this second chance, but the pull of rightness burns brighter and stronger than the fear to remain hidden.
The antagonist is an irredeemable character in my opinion. Poor Skylar is traumatized at just the thought of having to deal with him. I totally get it. So much is at stake for her and she is a fiercely protective momma! Beyond the second chance plot, there’s a whole lot of stuff going on, not to mention the immediate sparks of chemistry between Skylar and Liam. The love between them, after all these years never waned and neither did the attraction. That flame only needed a little encouragement to be undeniable. I love Liam and Skylar as they get to know one another as adults, but Liam and Crew melted my heart! The Encanto movie night is an absolute favorite scene and left no doubt about the lengths Liam is willing to go in demonstrating how all in he is with Skylar and her son.
Overall, what I love about this series and the previous series (Westfall U) is that the characters are such a community and family! Skylar doesn’t really understand how deeply embedded she and her little boy are until Liam is back in her life. Not only does she feel whole and loved once again, but realizing the depth and numerous people in her life that have her back like family comes along with that love. Liam offers the world just by loving her and Crew. And their second chance has an amazing HEA that is not to be missed!
I read an ARC of this book via Grey’s Promotions and am voluntarily sharing my review.
May 22, 2023
This is the first book in the Player Series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Liam Bozeman is an NHL player, and his life is all about hockey. That is until he gets in a serious accident, and he realizes that the girl he loved in high school is the one he never should have let go. He had actually never forgotten her, it took his near-death experience to realize he needs her.
Skylar is a single mother and working hard to provide for her son. When she got pregnant during college, she had to drop out, and the father of her child wanted nothing to do with the baby. What’s worse? The father just so happened to be Liam’s enemy and another NHL player.
Skylar and Liam met as teenagers when Liam’s neighbors were fostering her. Skylar was taken from a terrible home, and her foster parents didn’t really care about her. They just cared about the money they got from fostering her. She wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend, so she dated Liam in secret. Liam was so sweet with Skylar, but when tragedy struck him, he let her walk away.
In the present day, Liam is determined to win Skylar back. He is relentless and refuses to just let her go again. He cares for not only her, but her child as well, and just wants to do everything he can to keep them safe. I loved seeing them come back together after all the years apart.
Skylar is a great character. She works hard to take care of her child and does her best to give him the best. Despite having such a hard childhood, she’s still full of love and kindness, and she’s even pretty generous. She didn’t let her past drag her down.
Note: There is some content that may be triggering. It is not an overall theme in the book, but it is still hinted at.
Liam Bozeman is an NHL player, and his life is all about hockey. That is until he gets in a serious accident, and he realizes that the girl he loved in high school is the one he never should have let go. He had actually never forgotten her, it took his near-death experience to realize he needs her.
Skylar is a single mother and working hard to provide for her son. When she got pregnant during college, she had to drop out, and the father of her child wanted nothing to do with the baby. What’s worse? The father just so happened to be Liam’s enemy and another NHL player.
Skylar and Liam met as teenagers when Liam’s neighbors were fostering her. Skylar was taken from a terrible home, and her foster parents didn’t really care about her. They just cared about the money they got from fostering her. She wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend, so she dated Liam in secret. Liam was so sweet with Skylar, but when tragedy struck him, he let her walk away.
In the present day, Liam is determined to win Skylar back. He is relentless and refuses to just let her go again. He cares for not only her, but her child as well, and just wants to do everything he can to keep them safe. I loved seeing them come back together after all the years apart.
Skylar is a great character. She works hard to take care of her child and does her best to give him the best. Despite having such a hard childhood, she’s still full of love and kindness, and she’s even pretty generous. She didn’t let her past drag her down.
Note: There is some content that may be triggering. It is not an overall theme in the book, but it is still hinted at.
May 24, 2023
4/5 stars
Second Chance Player is spinoff from Westfall U series and I was excited to see what Liam's story was. You saw some aspects of him in the original series but always felt that there was more to his story. The other great thing was some familiar "faces" in the story as catching up with Wolfe and Rebel is always a good time.
Liam is in the pros now but shortly after getting drafted to an NHL team he is in an accident that changes his perspective on life and causes him to think about things from a new angle. You get to learn more about his upbringing and about tragedy that shaped how he was in college and the man we got to know initially. It was great to see him become a better person overall and see how loyal he is and how fiercely protective he can be.
Skylar is the girl that away from Liam due to his own issues. She had her own issues during her younger years and it was fun to read how she grew up and became this compassionate, caring individual. She herself is loyal and protective of those she loves.
Fate brings these two back together and you get to read how the two figure themselves out separately but also as a couple. The love they have for each other is not in question and you get to see how they have grown from the people they were in high school. While they both had some ups and downs while a part; ultimately they needed the time apart to really get to where they were when the met a little older. Liam pushes Skylar to believe in her dreams and pursue them and Skylar helped Liam to find some forgiveness for some people in his life.
Overall it was great little story that introduces some new characters and I really can't wait to see where some of this goes.
I did get blessed enough with an ARC for an honest review from Grey's Promotion.
Second Chance Player is spinoff from Westfall U series and I was excited to see what Liam's story was. You saw some aspects of him in the original series but always felt that there was more to his story. The other great thing was some familiar "faces" in the story as catching up with Wolfe and Rebel is always a good time.
Liam is in the pros now but shortly after getting drafted to an NHL team he is in an accident that changes his perspective on life and causes him to think about things from a new angle. You get to learn more about his upbringing and about tragedy that shaped how he was in college and the man we got to know initially. It was great to see him become a better person overall and see how loyal he is and how fiercely protective he can be.
Skylar is the girl that away from Liam due to his own issues. She had her own issues during her younger years and it was fun to read how she grew up and became this compassionate, caring individual. She herself is loyal and protective of those she loves.
Fate brings these two back together and you get to read how the two figure themselves out separately but also as a couple. The love they have for each other is not in question and you get to see how they have grown from the people they were in high school. While they both had some ups and downs while a part; ultimately they needed the time apart to really get to where they were when the met a little older. Liam pushes Skylar to believe in her dreams and pursue them and Skylar helped Liam to find some forgiveness for some people in his life.
Overall it was great little story that introduces some new characters and I really can't wait to see where some of this goes.
I did get blessed enough with an ARC for an honest review from Grey's Promotion.
May 24, 2023
Liam Bozeman went through a traumatic experience and realized that hockey was not the most important think in his life, but the girl that got away, Skylar Ward. Years later, he is still struggling to focus on hockey and has been trying to find Skylar but its like she just disappeared. The only choice he had was to ask Sky's ex boyfriend who is also a professional hockey player, who Sky ended up with because of his mistake in letting her go. Just when he thought he would never find her, he joins his teammates for a birthday dinner in an out of the way diner to avoid fans and Sky ends up as their waitress.
Skylar Ward was a foster kid growing up and Liam was the boy next door. They ended up dating in high school and both got a scholarship to different schools. Senior year, Liam's loses his brother and his family is broken. Knowing he and Sky are headed to different schools and him wanting to feel free to focus on college and hockey, he breaks up with Sky before prom. Seconds later, he knows its a mistake and tries to get back together with her but she is with Carter, another hockey player who has been interested in her.
Back to present day, Liam is trying to reconnect with Skylar and she is not interested. She wants to stay under the radar and does not want any attention on her and her son since she is afraid that Carter will come back into their lives. Liam doesn't know why Sky won't take a chance on him and Ms. Stephens develops the story going back and forth in the past and present to lay out this wonderful story.
Ms. Stephens was great giving us flashbacks of the times during their childhood, how they met, started dating and all the feels and angst during that time.
I received an advance copy for my honest opinion.
Skylar Ward was a foster kid growing up and Liam was the boy next door. They ended up dating in high school and both got a scholarship to different schools. Senior year, Liam's loses his brother and his family is broken. Knowing he and Sky are headed to different schools and him wanting to feel free to focus on college and hockey, he breaks up with Sky before prom. Seconds later, he knows its a mistake and tries to get back together with her but she is with Carter, another hockey player who has been interested in her.
Back to present day, Liam is trying to reconnect with Skylar and she is not interested. She wants to stay under the radar and does not want any attention on her and her son since she is afraid that Carter will come back into their lives. Liam doesn't know why Sky won't take a chance on him and Ms. Stephens develops the story going back and forth in the past and present to lay out this wonderful story.
Ms. Stephens was great giving us flashbacks of the times during their childhood, how they met, started dating and all the feels and angst during that time.
I received an advance copy for my honest opinion.
May 18, 2023
Second Chance Player by RC Stephens is a new series that is an extension of the Westfall U hockey players.
This is a first love reunited trope, or the 'one who got away.'
Skylar (Sky) Ward, grew up in the foster care system. She had a druggy / drunk mother growing up and being in foster care was safer for her than being with her mother. Sky was placed in a home next door to Liam when they were in high school. Of course Liam's family and the other families on the street thought her new foster parents were lowly and being with them meant the other families on the block didn't like her. Sky and Liam were secretly dating each other during high school, he was always seeking into her house / room at night. Sky wanted to get good grades and go to college and be a better person than what she grew up with.
Sky does have a 5 yr old son, Crew. The baby daddy didn't want anything to do with her once she told him she was pregnant. Of course the dad is Liam's enemy, they can't stand each other. The dad wants to be in their lives, Sky is not sure what she can do to block him from their lives.
Liam Bozeman has always been in love with Sky ever since they were teenagers. When they broke up he didn't know what to do. He was already suffering and this drove him further into darkness. After college he tried to find Sky, but could never find her. A dinner out with his co-hockey players he runs right into Sky. What are the chances? Now that he found her he doesn't ever want to let go.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest book review.
This is a first love reunited trope, or the 'one who got away.'
Skylar (Sky) Ward, grew up in the foster care system. She had a druggy / drunk mother growing up and being in foster care was safer for her than being with her mother. Sky was placed in a home next door to Liam when they were in high school. Of course Liam's family and the other families on the street thought her new foster parents were lowly and being with them meant the other families on the block didn't like her. Sky and Liam were secretly dating each other during high school, he was always seeking into her house / room at night. Sky wanted to get good grades and go to college and be a better person than what she grew up with.
Sky does have a 5 yr old son, Crew. The baby daddy didn't want anything to do with her once she told him she was pregnant. Of course the dad is Liam's enemy, they can't stand each other. The dad wants to be in their lives, Sky is not sure what she can do to block him from their lives.
Liam Bozeman has always been in love with Sky ever since they were teenagers. When they broke up he didn't know what to do. He was already suffering and this drove him further into darkness. After college he tried to find Sky, but could never find her. A dinner out with his co-hockey players he runs right into Sky. What are the chances? Now that he found her he doesn't ever want to let go.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest book review.
June 1, 2023
4 stars
Almost dying has a way of bringing your life into sharp focus, or at least that's what happened to Liam Bozeman. Way back in high-school, Liam found the love of his life but circumstances broke them up. He's moved on but truthfully he's never stopped loving her. After a terrifying accident, Liam realizes life's too short to live without her. Finding her, and her son, was a complete coincidence but really it feels like destiny. There are obstacles in their path but there's nothing he won't do to have a life with Skylar.
Skylar grew up rough and doesn't trust easily. Meeting Liam while she was in foster care was a God-send. They loved each other desperately but he shattered her heart all those years ago. Falling into the arms of his nemesis was the biggest mistake of her life but it gave her the biggest blessing, her son. Now there's no length she won't go to in order to protect him and give him the life she never had.
This story was a sweet second chance story but I'm not going to lie, it's heavy with some triggers. Having just experienced some of these things in my own life, it was a lot. I liked Liam a lot and he showed tons of maturity along the way. I struggled with Skylar a bit, feeling her reason for icing Liam out all these years later was a bit immature but she grew on me when they finally started dating. I loved the team and the Sanders were awesome. This is a great intro to this new series (a spinoff of the Westfall U series).
Trigger warning for some mental health issues, toxic relationships, etc.
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Almost dying has a way of bringing your life into sharp focus, or at least that's what happened to Liam Bozeman. Way back in high-school, Liam found the love of his life but circumstances broke them up. He's moved on but truthfully he's never stopped loving her. After a terrifying accident, Liam realizes life's too short to live without her. Finding her, and her son, was a complete coincidence but really it feels like destiny. There are obstacles in their path but there's nothing he won't do to have a life with Skylar.
Skylar grew up rough and doesn't trust easily. Meeting Liam while she was in foster care was a God-send. They loved each other desperately but he shattered her heart all those years ago. Falling into the arms of his nemesis was the biggest mistake of her life but it gave her the biggest blessing, her son. Now there's no length she won't go to in order to protect him and give him the life she never had.
This story was a sweet second chance story but I'm not going to lie, it's heavy with some triggers. Having just experienced some of these things in my own life, it was a lot. I liked Liam a lot and he showed tons of maturity along the way. I struggled with Skylar a bit, feeling her reason for icing Liam out all these years later was a bit immature but she grew on me when they finally started dating. I loved the team and the Sanders were awesome. This is a great intro to this new series (a spinoff of the Westfall U series).
Trigger warning for some mental health issues, toxic relationships, etc.
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
August 3, 2023
4 stars
1.5/5 spice
I really enjoyed enjoyed this book! Liam and Skylar were each other's first love. They thought they would be together forever. Skyler comes from a broken home. Her mother was an addict and Sklyar ended up in foster care and lives across the street from Liam. Her foster parents only want her living there, so they get a check every month. Skylar has really never known love until she met Liam.
Liam comes from a wealthier family, though they face their own set of complications. Liam parents fight all the time, and Liam's brother has mental health burdens he has trouble facing.
Liam's life changes his senior year when he loses his brother. Skylar is the only good thing in Liam's life, and he thinks he's holding her back. He thinks that since they're going to different colleges, it's best to let Skylar go. Skylar is so mad at Liam and latches on to another person from their graduating class, who also doesn't like Liam, and they go off to the same college. Skylar ends up pregnant during her sophomore year and tells the father, and he doesn't want anything to do with them. He goes on to play in the NHL, and she has the baby and works at a diner.
During this time, Liam can't help but think of Skylar. He knows he messed up, and for years, he looked for her. When he finally found her, it took some convincing for her to talk to him. He has his life together. He also plays in the NHL and knows Skylar's ex/baby daddy and doesn't like him. Skylar is afraid that her ex is going to find out about her son and will do anything to protect him. Liam knows he'd do anything for Skylar and her son, so when the opportunity arises to get baby daddy/ex out of the picture, Liam takes the opportunity to help. He falls in love with Skylar all over again and falls in love with her son, too.
Liam and Skylar are the definition of soulmates. Even after years apart, their chemistry is undeniable.
1.5/5 spice
I really enjoyed enjoyed this book! Liam and Skylar were each other's first love. They thought they would be together forever. Skyler comes from a broken home. Her mother was an addict and Sklyar ended up in foster care and lives across the street from Liam. Her foster parents only want her living there, so they get a check every month. Skylar has really never known love until she met Liam.
Liam comes from a wealthier family, though they face their own set of complications. Liam parents fight all the time, and Liam's brother has mental health burdens he has trouble facing.
Liam's life changes his senior year when he loses his brother. Skylar is the only good thing in Liam's life, and he thinks he's holding her back. He thinks that since they're going to different colleges, it's best to let Skylar go. Skylar is so mad at Liam and latches on to another person from their graduating class, who also doesn't like Liam, and they go off to the same college. Skylar ends up pregnant during her sophomore year and tells the father, and he doesn't want anything to do with them. He goes on to play in the NHL, and she has the baby and works at a diner.
During this time, Liam can't help but think of Skylar. He knows he messed up, and for years, he looked for her. When he finally found her, it took some convincing for her to talk to him. He has his life together. He also plays in the NHL and knows Skylar's ex/baby daddy and doesn't like him. Skylar is afraid that her ex is going to find out about her son and will do anything to protect him. Liam knows he'd do anything for Skylar and her son, so when the opportunity arises to get baby daddy/ex out of the picture, Liam takes the opportunity to help. He falls in love with Skylar all over again and falls in love with her son, too.
Liam and Skylar are the definition of soulmates. Even after years apart, their chemistry is undeniable.
August 11, 2025
Vi avevo lasciati all'ultimo romanzo della serie Westfall U, il settimo per intenderci, con queste parole: cosa riuscirà ancora a inventarsi l’autrice?
Una nuova serie sull'hockey, The Player. qualcosa di completamente nuovo? No, perchè il protagonista maschile è Liam Bozeman, amico ed erede sul ghiaccio nientemeno che di Wolfe Judd. Lo avete riconosciuto? Sì, è lui il primo protagonista della serie Westfall U.
Se avete amato lui e Rebel non potete perdervi questo romanzo, anche se non saranno gli unici che ritroverete.
Un altro romanzo che leggerete tutto d'un fiato, una storia romantica e tenera dove a fianco di un rinvenuto golden boy, di una donna forte alla riscoperta di sè stessa, ci sarà il vero protagonista: Crew.
L'autrice compone una nuova storia su amore e amicizia, sulla famiglia e sulle seconde possibilità.
La scrittura dell'autrice si conferma fluida e scorrevole, delicata con il giusto tocco di pepato dato dalle scene intime, che non mancano mai nei suoi romanzi. La storia è coinvolgente, il passato di Liam e Skylar tocca l'anima del lettore che si ritrova a fare il tifo per loro, e il presente non è da meno. Crew e Patty lasciano davvero senza parole.
Non ci sono però grandi plot twist, non c'è una vera tensione, è tutto molto lineare e a qualcuno il romanzo potrebbe dare una sensazione di lentezza o appiattimento.
Pur riconoscendo che forse è meno avvincente delle altre storie, io credo che la Stevens meriti ogni possibilità, e già fremo per la prossima storia, di cui forse c'è qualche indizio, ma che non ho accolto a pieno.
Lasciandovi a questa delicata lettura vi do appuntamento al prossimo capitolo
Una nuova serie sull'hockey, The Player. qualcosa di completamente nuovo? No, perchè il protagonista maschile è Liam Bozeman, amico ed erede sul ghiaccio nientemeno che di Wolfe Judd. Lo avete riconosciuto? Sì, è lui il primo protagonista della serie Westfall U.
Se avete amato lui e Rebel non potete perdervi questo romanzo, anche se non saranno gli unici che ritroverete.
Un altro romanzo che leggerete tutto d'un fiato, una storia romantica e tenera dove a fianco di un rinvenuto golden boy, di una donna forte alla riscoperta di sè stessa, ci sarà il vero protagonista: Crew.
L'autrice compone una nuova storia su amore e amicizia, sulla famiglia e sulle seconde possibilità.
La scrittura dell'autrice si conferma fluida e scorrevole, delicata con il giusto tocco di pepato dato dalle scene intime, che non mancano mai nei suoi romanzi. La storia è coinvolgente, il passato di Liam e Skylar tocca l'anima del lettore che si ritrova a fare il tifo per loro, e il presente non è da meno. Crew e Patty lasciano davvero senza parole.
Non ci sono però grandi plot twist, non c'è una vera tensione, è tutto molto lineare e a qualcuno il romanzo potrebbe dare una sensazione di lentezza o appiattimento.
Pur riconoscendo che forse è meno avvincente delle altre storie, io credo che la Stevens meriti ogni possibilità, e già fremo per la prossima storia, di cui forse c'è qualche indizio, ma che non ho accolto a pieno.
Lasciandovi a questa delicata lettura vi do appuntamento al prossimo capitolo
May 24, 2023
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
🏒Second Chance Player🏒
By R.C. Stephens
Rating: ⭐ 5/5
Emotions: ❤️ 5/5 🌶️5/5
Liam & Skylar made a great start
What a great start on this new Player series. Liam and Skylar hit the story off and set the bar high.
They had a history, a long time ago. One that ended badly and with broken hearts. Needless to say that of course a few misunderstandings and lack of talking took a big part in that.
Now, seven years, lots of life experience and time to grow up later, they meet each other. Per coincidence, but not unwanted, well, on Liam’s side.
Skylar had a sad and tragic childhood. That and her break up with Liam those years ago, doesn’t make her a fan of running into him.
They were nearer in each other’s orbit then Liam thought, because had he known, he would have approached her long ago.
As the title lets us know, Liam wants his second chance, but Skylar is a tough nut to crack. And she has a lot to think about and fear for and of. He has lots of explaining to do and to prove he means all he says. In many ways.
But when the story goes on and we get the deep emotions and the true and partly dark parts of it, the whole thing makes your heart break.
Not only Skylar had it bad, Liam’s past was equally sad, more so. But Liam grew up, grieved and comes also clear with the missing pieces that he left out.
The length he goes for Skylar and her little man, I can only say, WHAT A MAN.
Great story, great characters, lovely side characters and I loved the parts where we met some former characters from the Westfall U series.
🏒Second Chance Player🏒
By R.C. Stephens
Rating: ⭐ 5/5
Emotions: ❤️ 5/5 🌶️5/5
Liam & Skylar made a great start
What a great start on this new Player series. Liam and Skylar hit the story off and set the bar high.
They had a history, a long time ago. One that ended badly and with broken hearts. Needless to say that of course a few misunderstandings and lack of talking took a big part in that.
Now, seven years, lots of life experience and time to grow up later, they meet each other. Per coincidence, but not unwanted, well, on Liam’s side.
Skylar had a sad and tragic childhood. That and her break up with Liam those years ago, doesn’t make her a fan of running into him.
They were nearer in each other’s orbit then Liam thought, because had he known, he would have approached her long ago.
As the title lets us know, Liam wants his second chance, but Skylar is a tough nut to crack. And she has a lot to think about and fear for and of. He has lots of explaining to do and to prove he means all he says. In many ways.
But when the story goes on and we get the deep emotions and the true and partly dark parts of it, the whole thing makes your heart break.
Not only Skylar had it bad, Liam’s past was equally sad, more so. But Liam grew up, grieved and comes also clear with the missing pieces that he left out.
The length he goes for Skylar and her little man, I can only say, WHAT A MAN.
Great story, great characters, lovely side characters and I loved the parts where we met some former characters from the Westfall U series.
May 24, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Second Chance Player is the story of Liam and Skylar. Liam loves hockey more than anything. Except for maybe Skylar Ward. The girl that got away or maybe it's more like he pushed her away and right into the arms of his hockey nemesis just as he was leaving to play hockey in college. However she had not luck in love with his nemesis and just like Liam, he broke her heart too. The only difference between the two of them though is that he didn't love her and Liam always has. Now he is the top forward in the NHL and she is now a single mom and not about to let Liam back into her life or her heart. She certainly is giving him a run for his money and he isn't above playing dirty. His secret weapon is the fact that her son loves hockey. He wants the second chance that she isn't willing to give. How do you fight the past when it is standing in your way? Well you get to read this book and find out. I loved that we got to see some of the characters from the Westfall U series. I always love when we get to see characters from previous series. But with that said, you don't have to have read that series to read this one. I loved these characters and Skylar's son is absolutely going to steal your heart. This is an emotional read and one that will have you hooked from the very beginning. There are some warnings in the beginning of this book that you need to pay attention to. It does deal with some pretty heavy subject matter.
Second Chance Player is the story of Liam and Skylar. Liam loves hockey more than anything. Except for maybe Skylar Ward. The girl that got away or maybe it's more like he pushed her away and right into the arms of his hockey nemesis just as he was leaving to play hockey in college. However she had not luck in love with his nemesis and just like Liam, he broke her heart too. The only difference between the two of them though is that he didn't love her and Liam always has. Now he is the top forward in the NHL and she is now a single mom and not about to let Liam back into her life or her heart. She certainly is giving him a run for his money and he isn't above playing dirty. His secret weapon is the fact that her son loves hockey. He wants the second chance that she isn't willing to give. How do you fight the past when it is standing in your way? Well you get to read this book and find out. I loved that we got to see some of the characters from the Westfall U series. I always love when we get to see characters from previous series. But with that said, you don't have to have read that series to read this one. I loved these characters and Skylar's son is absolutely going to steal your heart. This is an emotional read and one that will have you hooked from the very beginning. There are some warnings in the beginning of this book that you need to pay attention to. It does deal with some pretty heavy subject matter.
May 31, 2023
Almost dying has a way of bringing your life into sharp focus, or at least that's what happened to Liam Bozeman. Way back in high-school, Liam found the love of his life but circumstances broke them up. He's moved on but truthfully he's never stopped loving her. After a terrifying accident, Liam realizes life's too short to live without her. Finding her, and her son, was a complete coincidence but really it feels like destiny. There are obstacles in their path but there's nothing he won't do to have a life with Skylar.
Skylar grew up rough and doesn't trust easily. Meeting Liam while she was in foster care was a God-send. They loved each other desperately but he shattered her heart all those years ago. Falling into the arms of his nemesis was the biggest mistake of her life but it gave her the biggest blessing, her son. Now there's no length she won't go to in order to protect him and give him the life she never had.
This story was a sweet second chance story but I'm not going to lie, it's heavy with some triggers. Having just experienced some of these things in my own life, it was a lot. I liked Liam a lot and he showed tons of maturity along the way. I struggled with Skylar a bit, feeling her reason for icing Liam out all these years later was a bit immature but she grew on me when they finally started dating. I loved the team and the Sanders were awesome. This is a great intro to this new series (a spinoff of the Westfall U series).
Trigger warning for some mental health issues, toxic relationships, etc.
Skylar grew up rough and doesn't trust easily. Meeting Liam while she was in foster care was a God-send. They loved each other desperately but he shattered her heart all those years ago. Falling into the arms of his nemesis was the biggest mistake of her life but it gave her the biggest blessing, her son. Now there's no length she won't go to in order to protect him and give him the life she never had.
This story was a sweet second chance story but I'm not going to lie, it's heavy with some triggers. Having just experienced some of these things in my own life, it was a lot. I liked Liam a lot and he showed tons of maturity along the way. I struggled with Skylar a bit, feeling her reason for icing Liam out all these years later was a bit immature but she grew on me when they finally started dating. I loved the team and the Sanders were awesome. This is a great intro to this new series (a spinoff of the Westfall U series).
Trigger warning for some mental health issues, toxic relationships, etc.
August 10, 2023
3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed it, but never felt truly invested in the characters. Skylar and Liam grew up as high school sweethearts. Skylar was in foster care and didn’t truly have anyone who cared for her - Liam was really it. At prom their senior year they broke up, Liam was ridden in grief from his brother dying just months prior, and wasn’t in the right mindset to be out at an event like prom. Skylar was trying to help and encourage him, but instead they argued and didn’t understand why the other couldn’t see they were drowning in life.
Flash forward and they never were in touch. But Liam has thought often about Sky and wanted to find her. Then one night after his hockey game, he saw her at a diner. He tried to get her to talk to him and reconnect but she was guarded. She didn’t want to open doors, because she had a son to protect and think of.
Their story is them rekindling their friendship and romance. Liam is patient and dedicated to Skylar, and ultimately to Crew (her son) too. They have to get over some of their pasts as individuals, and ultimately Liam has to really show up for Skylar and show her how dedicated he is to her.
I overall enjoyed the story. Nothing wow’d me, hence my 3.5 stars. I was happy they reconnected and that Skylar was able to find her way to Liam too. She was so closed off sometimes it was annoying. Book 2 is about her bff Patty who I can’t wait to get to know better.
Flash forward and they never were in touch. But Liam has thought often about Sky and wanted to find her. Then one night after his hockey game, he saw her at a diner. He tried to get her to talk to him and reconnect but she was guarded. She didn’t want to open doors, because she had a son to protect and think of.
Their story is them rekindling their friendship and romance. Liam is patient and dedicated to Skylar, and ultimately to Crew (her son) too. They have to get over some of their pasts as individuals, and ultimately Liam has to really show up for Skylar and show her how dedicated he is to her.
I overall enjoyed the story. Nothing wow’d me, hence my 3.5 stars. I was happy they reconnected and that Skylar was able to find her way to Liam too. She was so closed off sometimes it was annoying. Book 2 is about her bff Patty who I can’t wait to get to know better.
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