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books_with_joanne's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
snaze6's review
4.0
This storyline focus on grief, emotions, forgiveness and more. A review I read before starting this book mentions loving the humor and hilarity, but that element isn’t present in the beginning of the story. Once it shows up about 20% into the book, I was totally hooked on the story, but before the humor appeared I found it difficult to get caught up in the storyline.
Noah is so much more than the stereotypical professional athlete. He is well read and enjoys collecting signed first addition books for his large home library. When his sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident he stepped up to raise his 1 year old niece. He is a very involved and protective Dad to his niece and 3 years after the tragic accident he is still dealing with his grief by attending weekly group therapy.
Molly is a tiny sprite who focused her tremendous grief at the loss of her beloved Uncle Art by writing a picture book for children that answers the question - Where Did You Go? She has been stumped with coming up with an idea for a second book and has been ignoring her agent. Molly inherited a book store from her uncle and she hosts many special events to bring in customers.
I love how Francine and Viv having been coming to the weekly story time events and have gotten to know Princess Molly who dresses up as a fairy tale princess as she reads to the kids. Francine plays subtle matchmaker by bringing Noah into the bookstore and Molly literally falls off a rolling library ladder into Noah’s arms.
Noah and Molly decide on a situationship aka a friends with benefits agreement where he is going to be her sexual guide. These two have so much in common even how they both are trying to deny having developed feelings for each other.
The book alternates the POV between Noah and Molly which gave extra insight in what they are both thinking and feeling. For a book about an NHL player this storyline isn’t a typical sports romance. Noah talks about his work, goes on road-trips and attends practices; but this is very much about their developing relationship.
I received a free ARC from the author and Elle Woods PR; ad I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Noah is so much more than the stereotypical professional athlete. He is well read and enjoys collecting signed first addition books for his large home library. When his sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident he stepped up to raise his 1 year old niece. He is a very involved and protective Dad to his niece and 3 years after the tragic accident he is still dealing with his grief by attending weekly group therapy.
Molly is a tiny sprite who focused her tremendous grief at the loss of her beloved Uncle Art by writing a picture book for children that answers the question - Where Did You Go? She has been stumped with coming up with an idea for a second book and has been ignoring her agent. Molly inherited a book store from her uncle and she hosts many special events to bring in customers.
I love how Francine and Viv having been coming to the weekly story time events and have gotten to know Princess Molly who dresses up as a fairy tale princess as she reads to the kids. Francine plays subtle matchmaker by bringing Noah into the bookstore and Molly literally falls off a rolling library ladder into Noah’s arms.
Noah and Molly decide on a situationship aka a friends with benefits agreement where he is going to be her sexual guide. These two have so much in common even how they both are trying to deny having developed feelings for each other.
The book alternates the POV between Noah and Molly which gave extra insight in what they are both thinking and feeling. For a book about an NHL player this storyline isn’t a typical sports romance. Noah talks about his work, goes on road-trips and attends practices; but this is very much about their developing relationship.
I received a free ARC from the author and Elle Woods PR; ad I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
drpig's review
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
juliekroberts's review
3.0
Saw this book marketed on TikTok and the opening had me very interested. Dramatic, tragic and riveting. There were a few moments in the book that were cute/funny but overall it was just ok. The writing lacked whatever it is that allows me to get swept up into a story.
lowkeylucie1's review
Unable to get into the book- got to chapter 3 and just couldn’t focus on the story
mnhockeymomreads's review
4.0
Noah, an avid bookworm and professional hockey goalie, finds himself a young guardian of his sister's daughter. Working through his grief he keeps himself and his heart locked up tight, except for his niece, nanny and guard dog. Immediately you will fall in love with Noah. He is one of the sweetest heroes I have read in a long time. I knew when this man fell he was going to fall hard. It isn’t until Molly literally falls into his lap. Molly, a children's book author and book store owner lives a quiet and simple life. She hasn’t had the best of luck with relationships, and is a little self conscious about it. As the pair embark on a friendship with some benefits. Noah and Molly’s connection is intense.
I really enjoyed this take on the relationship coach/fake dating trope. Colleen Charles gifted us with amazing characters that you are quick to fall in love with and root for from the very beginning. Not only will you adore this pair Viv, Noah’s niece will pull at your heart strings. She is so adorable and wise beyond her years. This new series sets the stage for a great cast of characters and the dynamics amongst the team you will be anxiously awaiting for the next book in this series. If you are looking for a new hockey series to read, then I highly recommend this one.
I really enjoyed this take on the relationship coach/fake dating trope. Colleen Charles gifted us with amazing characters that you are quick to fall in love with and root for from the very beginning. Not only will you adore this pair Viv, Noah’s niece will pull at your heart strings. She is so adorable and wise beyond her years. This new series sets the stage for a great cast of characters and the dynamics amongst the team you will be anxiously awaiting for the next book in this series. If you are looking for a new hockey series to read, then I highly recommend this one.
bookishneverland's review
3.0
I would round this up to like a 3.5 but its my fault I didn't really get that grief would be such a big part of this story. Sooo, mental health wise, i'd give this a 4 star read. Basically I've been crying my eyes out. So theres that.
llaur31's review
2.0
Insta love
Not enough grovelling from MMC
Would have appreciated more insight into the MCs friendship and even some more Viv and Molly time and that growing relationship prior to her meeting Noah
Not enough grovelling from MMC
Would have appreciated more insight into the MCs friendship and even some more Viv and Molly time and that growing relationship prior to her meeting Noah