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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Oh my god, I want my own Jack Morgan! This one brought the heat and the swoons. But what did I expect when I got my hands on an arc from Ruth?
I absolutely loved this book! I felt that the character connection was strong and the plot tied it together. The tension was flying off the page in waves and I didn’t want to put the book down.
This was written in a way that made me fall in love with the characters and wish I was in the book with them. I have my predictions for the next two books in the series being about Sawyer and Collins and Darcy and Archer. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Blade Kings series!
I absolutely loved this book! I felt that the character connection was strong and the plot tied it together. The tension was flying off the page in waves and I didn’t want to put the book down.
This was written in a way that made me fall in love with the characters and wish I was in the book with them. I have my predictions for the next two books in the series being about Sawyer and Collins and Darcy and Archer. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Blade Kings series!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“Because it is forever, Kendra. I’m done, finished, on my knees for you.”
JACK MORGAN HAS ENTERED THE CHAT! The obsession for Jack is real! Dead. Gone. Good-f*cking-bye.
5⭐️’s
4🌶️
Jack Morgan has been obsessed with Kendra Hart since college. The problem that held Jack at bay was that she was dating his teammate/rival. Now that Jack has moved to NY and plays for the Blade Kings, he finds himself comforting Kendra during a rough time in her life. She needs a place to stay. This gives Jack the idea to offer his spare room and maybe a little fake dating to get the ex off her back. Sounds simple, right? Not when he’s your teammate. Was it ever fake for this English gentleman?
I never thought an MMC would ever beat JJ. Well…Jack did!!! This young hockey player with his British accent stole my heart and turned up the heat. Jack is a freak, y’all. I also enjoyed seeing the progression of Jack & Kendra’s relationship. Watching them reconnect and Jack finally getting the girl of his dreams. We still have Jon and cameos from the Scorpions. Ruth always writes the best found family, and this book has it all. I’m so excited to read what else Ruth has coming for us in this series.
Tropes: hockey, soccer, rival’s ex-girlfriend, fake dating, he falls first & hard, found family, boy obsessed.
THANK YOU SO MUCH RUTH & WORDSMITH FOR THE ARC!
JACK MORGAN HAS ENTERED THE CHAT! The obsession for Jack is real! Dead. Gone. Good-f*cking-bye.
5⭐️’s
4🌶️
Jack Morgan has been obsessed with Kendra Hart since college. The problem that held Jack at bay was that she was dating his teammate/rival. Now that Jack has moved to NY and plays for the Blade Kings, he finds himself comforting Kendra during a rough time in her life. She needs a place to stay. This gives Jack the idea to offer his spare room and maybe a little fake dating to get the ex off her back. Sounds simple, right? Not when he’s your teammate. Was it ever fake for this English gentleman?
I never thought an MMC would ever beat JJ. Well…Jack did!!! This young hockey player with his British accent stole my heart and turned up the heat. Jack is a freak, y’all. I also enjoyed seeing the progression of Jack & Kendra’s relationship. Watching them reconnect and Jack finally getting the girl of his dreams. We still have Jon and cameos from the Scorpions. Ruth always writes the best found family, and this book has it all. I’m so excited to read what else Ruth has coming for us in this series.
Tropes: hockey, soccer, rival’s ex-girlfriend, fake dating, he falls first & hard, found family, boy obsessed.
THANK YOU SO MUCH RUTH & WORDSMITH FOR THE ARC!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Jack just skipped his way right up to the top of my book boyfriend list! I already adore this series and need more!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
And just like that we have an amazing new generation to love!
Every time I think Ms. Stilling can't write a better story, she proves me wrong!
Overall: 5 🌟
Plot: 5 📍
Spice: 3.5🌶️
This is book one in the spin-off series/new generation from the Seattle Scorps featuring Jack Thompson, whom we've had the pleasure of watching grow up, while cheering for his stepdad and mother. Here, he's fighting to show his college crush, Kendra, now a pro-soccer player herself, that he's been the right man for her all along.
Neither is without their past scars from some emotional trauma, Jack with his birth father, and Kendra with her absolutely toxic ex, Jack's old college and once again, now-pro teammate. The man has a deliciously dirty mouth, but only treats his girl like absolute freaking royalty.
I loved the joint vulnerability of both MCs. Kendra learning to trust both her heart and Jack while Jack navigates the last vestiges his sperm-donor holds over him, both growing and leaning on one another, their willingness to be open and honest, and help one another is just a joy to read! And, again, Ms. Stilling’s mastery at work, all the tear-jerking heart happens right alongside moments of snort-out-loud levity and toe-curling, kick-your-feet-in-the-air spicy scenes!
Thank you to Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review this book!
All opinions are my own.
Every time I think Ms. Stilling can't write a better story, she proves me wrong!
Overall: 5 🌟
Plot: 5 📍
Spice: 3.5🌶️
This is book one in the spin-off series/new generation from the Seattle Scorps featuring Jack Thompson, whom we've had the pleasure of watching grow up, while cheering for his stepdad and mother. Here, he's fighting to show his college crush, Kendra, now a pro-soccer player herself, that he's been the right man for her all along.
Neither is without their past scars from some emotional trauma, Jack with his birth father, and Kendra with her absolutely toxic ex, Jack's old college and once again, now-pro teammate. The man has a deliciously dirty mouth, but only treats his girl like absolute freaking royalty.
I loved the joint vulnerability of both MCs. Kendra learning to trust both her heart and Jack while Jack navigates the last vestiges his sperm-donor holds over him, both growing and leaning on one another, their willingness to be open and honest, and help one another is just a joy to read! And, again, Ms. Stilling’s mastery at work, all the tear-jerking heart happens right alongside moments of snort-out-loud levity and toe-curling, kick-your-feet-in-the-air spicy scenes!
Thank you to Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review this book!
All opinions are my own.
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏒 Pro Hockey MMC X Pro Soccer MMC
⚽️ Golden Retriever 🐕 X Black Cat 🐈⬛️
🏒 Forced Proximity
⚽️ Found Family
🏒 Fake Dating
⚽️ He Falls First & Hard
If you didn't know, I am a sucker for a hockey 🏒 Romance. This one only added to the love I have for them. This not only brought hockey into the arena but also soccer! I wish we could have seen some of Kendra's soccer play or a little more about it to really tie it in more. But that doesn't stop me from loving the man that is Jack Morgan!
Jack Morgan is the whole package. Sexy, British, talented, British 🇬🇧, all round good guy. Did I mention he's British and has the accent to boot? He has everything going for him, and I loved that he stood up for Kendra when she needed it the most. He stood by her side when the person that should have been loyal to her was nothing less than a disgraceful Playboy. Even if some would say that Jack had ulterior motives with Kendra when he offered his spare room to her, okay he may have. But he also didn't have to offer that to her. He could have still tried to work things with her outside of that. I think it says a lot about a man who offers someone their home because they are destitute. She needed help and he was the one to step up and be that person for her, even if she didn't want to take advantage of him.
Jack was such a lover boy 😍. He knew his feelings were taking off for Kendra and.he couldn't help but show her how he truly felt. He just didn't know how they truly looked from the outside. What he thought was a ruse was real. His family embraced her like she was theirs from the beginning and I ate it up. I couldn't stop swooning over this man and everything he did. He always knew the perfect thing to say when she needed it.
Kendra was such a great person. She deserved so much more than she had in the beginning. She had a boyfriend who obviously 🙄 couldn't care less about her and only used her as a show piece. I cheered her on when she broke up with him. He deserved a lot less from her throughout the book. I wouldn't have entertained anything that loser pushed my way. He definitely wasn't worth anyone's time much less the trouble he caused.
My heart went out to Kendra throughout the book and I just wanted to hug 🫂 her. I couldn't help but feel for her and want her to have better. I couldn't help but cheer both her and Jack on when they were able to work through everything.
I truly enjoyed this book and CANNOT wait for Sawyers book!!
🏒 Pro Hockey MMC X Pro Soccer MMC
⚽️ Golden Retriever 🐕 X Black Cat 🐈⬛️
🏒 Forced Proximity
⚽️ Found Family
🏒 Fake Dating
⚽️ He Falls First & Hard
If you didn't know, I am a sucker for a hockey 🏒 Romance. This one only added to the love I have for them. This not only brought hockey into the arena but also soccer! I wish we could have seen some of Kendra's soccer play or a little more about it to really tie it in more. But that doesn't stop me from loving the man that is Jack Morgan!
Jack Morgan is the whole package. Sexy, British, talented, British 🇬🇧, all round good guy. Did I mention he's British and has the accent to boot? He has everything going for him, and I loved that he stood up for Kendra when she needed it the most. He stood by her side when the person that should have been loyal to her was nothing less than a disgraceful Playboy. Even if some would say that Jack had ulterior motives with Kendra when he offered his spare room to her, okay he may have. But he also didn't have to offer that to her. He could have still tried to work things with her outside of that. I think it says a lot about a man who offers someone their home because they are destitute. She needed help and he was the one to step up and be that person for her, even if she didn't want to take advantage of him.
Jack was such a lover boy 😍. He knew his feelings were taking off for Kendra and.he couldn't help but show her how he truly felt. He just didn't know how they truly looked from the outside. What he thought was a ruse was real. His family embraced her like she was theirs from the beginning and I ate it up. I couldn't stop swooning over this man and everything he did. He always knew the perfect thing to say when she needed it.
Kendra was such a great person. She deserved so much more than she had in the beginning. She had a boyfriend who obviously 🙄 couldn't care less about her and only used her as a show piece. I cheered her on when she broke up with him. He deserved a lot less from her throughout the book. I wouldn't have entertained anything that loser pushed my way. He definitely wasn't worth anyone's time much less the trouble he caused.
My heart went out to Kendra throughout the book and I just wanted to hug 🫂 her. I couldn't help but feel for her and want her to have better. I couldn't help but cheer both her and Jack on when they were able to work through everything.
I truly enjoyed this book and CANNOT wait for Sawyers book!!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Toys are Teammates!
He 💦 in his 👖
Public Sex & Play
These two weren't afraid of sex or trying new things together. I was LIVING for their sexy time!! They couldn't have been hotter 🥵🔥.
I received a complimentary copy via Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Thaught I would save my book rave for release day.
Now this book....is definitely a 5 star for me!
A fantastic start to the blade kings series, the story of kendra and Jack is a fantastic one. At first, this one threw me as I was expecting a story layout very similar to the seattle Scorpions Series, but this one is a lovely story and backstory going into great depths about the characters and feelings.
Jack, oh wow, what a naughty boy you are, a very dirty mouth on a cheeky English boy. He is also a sweetheart in his expression of feelings towards kendra and his protectiveness of her even from afar.
Kendra, the beautiful soccer star being used as a bit of doormat, and was pulled from that and made to see she is a wonderful person.
Another amazing book, and I would more than highly recommend you all run for this book right now.
Now this book....is definitely a 5 star for me!
A fantastic start to the blade kings series, the story of kendra and Jack is a fantastic one. At first, this one threw me as I was expecting a story layout very similar to the seattle Scorpions Series, but this one is a lovely story and backstory going into great depths about the characters and feelings.
Jack, oh wow, what a naughty boy you are, a very dirty mouth on a cheeky English boy. He is also a sweetheart in his expression of feelings towards kendra and his protectiveness of her even from afar.
Kendra, the beautiful soccer star being used as a bit of doormat, and was pulled from that and made to see she is a wonderful person.
Another amazing book, and I would more than highly recommend you all run for this book right now.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I knew Ruth was going to nail this book, and boy, did she ever! I thought Jon Morgan was a treat, but then she gave us his stepson Jack, and I am a goner!! He is British. He is a boy obsessed, and he is so damn sweet!!
Kendra and Jack are so damn adorable and sexy together. Jack may have had a crush on her for a long time, but watching Kendra slowly come to the realization of how amazing Jack was was so delicious! I loved how supportive they were of each other.
Ruth has such a fantastic way of hooking you to a story, and I honestly can't wait to see what's next for this new series!!
Kendra and Jack are so damn adorable and sexy together. Jack may have had a crush on her for a long time, but watching Kendra slowly come to the realization of how amazing Jack was was so delicious! I loved how supportive they were of each other.
Ruth has such a fantastic way of hooking you to a story, and I honestly can't wait to see what's next for this new series!!
Ruth’s best work yet!! Couldn’t put it down!
Jack Morgan has a Filthy mouth and I am not complaining!!
♾️⭐️ // 3🌶️
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- golden retriever x black kitten
- he falls first & hard
Perfect Deke is a perfect score!! I loved this book so much! Def Ruth’s best work so far and it will just keep getting better there’s no doubt. This book had me foaming at the mouth to read. I had to force myself to put it down to sleep and I regretted every minute 😂
Kendra and Jack are the perfect fit and omg does Jack have a filthy and I am 1000% here for it!!! The spice in this book was top notch and this will def be one of my fav reads of 2025….the love, possession & passion from these two characters was like nothing else I’ve ever read. And I already want to read it again.
Ruth is new to me as of last month thanks to one of my besties & I am so glad I listened to her!!! Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me the absolute privilege to read this as an ARC!
Jack Morgan has a Filthy mouth and I am not complaining!!
♾️⭐️ // 3🌶️
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- golden retriever x black kitten
- he falls first & hard
Perfect Deke is a perfect score!! I loved this book so much! Def Ruth’s best work so far and it will just keep getting better there’s no doubt. This book had me foaming at the mouth to read. I had to force myself to put it down to sleep and I regretted every minute 😂
Kendra and Jack are the perfect fit and omg does Jack have a filthy and I am 1000% here for it!!! The spice in this book was top notch and this will def be one of my fav reads of 2025….the love, possession & passion from these two characters was like nothing else I’ve ever read. And I already want to read it again.
Ruth is new to me as of last month thanks to one of my besties & I am so glad I listened to her!!! Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me the absolute privilege to read this as an ARC!
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Heart-Pounding Start to the Blade Kings Series!
Ruth Stilling continues to prove why she’s a powerhouse in the hockey romance genre, and Perfect Deke, the first book in her highly anticipated Blade Kings series, is a knockout. From the first page to the last, Stilling crafts an immersive, pulse-pounding romance filled with sizzling chemistry, deep emotional connections, and the kind of storytelling that keeps you glued to the pages. As a relatively new author, she’s already cemented herself as one of my top five hockey romance writers, and this new series is sure to be a standout in 2025.
Jack's journey to the NHL has finally begun, playing under the guidance of his stepdad, the team’s coach. But while he's determined to prove himself on the ice, one major complication stands in his way—his longtime college rival. And if that wasn’t enough? There’s Kendra.
Kendra didn’t just date Jack’s rival—she was with him for four years. She went to college with both of them, and while Jack kept his feelings for her buried, they never faded. Instead, he watched from the sidelines, always a little on the outside looking in. Now, Kendra is newly single, focused on making the U.S. national soccer team after sacrificing her own dreams to follow her ex’s career. But her past isn’t quite ready to let her go. That’s where Jack steps in—with a fake dating plan that might just change everything.
The slow burn between Jack and Kendra is breathtaking, with each moment building toward something undeniable. What makes their story so powerful isn’t just the sizzling attraction but the quiet, meaningful gestures—Kendra remembering Jack at her college matches when even her boyfriend couldn’t be there, or realizing that he’s always been the one who truly saw her. Jack’s patience, the way he cares for her without pushing, makes their romance all the more swoon-worthy. And watching Kendra finally recognize what a real relationship looks like? Absolutely heart-melting.
Miss Stilling masterfully weaves passion, longing, and swoon-worthy moments into every page. Jack’s English roots add an extra layer of charm—his insistence that soccer should be called football ("because you play it with your feet") had me grinning, and his mission to introduce Kendra to proper scones (jam first, then cream, of course!) was pure genius. The team dynamics are another standout element, making me feel instantly connected to the Blade Kings. Plus, getting glimpses of Jack’s mom and stepdad again was a total treat!
If Perfect Deke is anything to go by, The Blade Kings series is going to be a must-read in 2025. Stilling has delivered another unforgettable romance—one that’s as tender as it is electrifying. Bravo, Ms. Stilling—this one’s a winner!
Ruth Stilling continues to prove why she’s a powerhouse in the hockey romance genre, and Perfect Deke, the first book in her highly anticipated Blade Kings series, is a knockout. From the first page to the last, Stilling crafts an immersive, pulse-pounding romance filled with sizzling chemistry, deep emotional connections, and the kind of storytelling that keeps you glued to the pages. As a relatively new author, she’s already cemented herself as one of my top five hockey romance writers, and this new series is sure to be a standout in 2025.
Jack's journey to the NHL has finally begun, playing under the guidance of his stepdad, the team’s coach. But while he's determined to prove himself on the ice, one major complication stands in his way—his longtime college rival. And if that wasn’t enough? There’s Kendra.
Kendra didn’t just date Jack’s rival—she was with him for four years. She went to college with both of them, and while Jack kept his feelings for her buried, they never faded. Instead, he watched from the sidelines, always a little on the outside looking in. Now, Kendra is newly single, focused on making the U.S. national soccer team after sacrificing her own dreams to follow her ex’s career. But her past isn’t quite ready to let her go. That’s where Jack steps in—with a fake dating plan that might just change everything.
The slow burn between Jack and Kendra is breathtaking, with each moment building toward something undeniable. What makes their story so powerful isn’t just the sizzling attraction but the quiet, meaningful gestures—Kendra remembering Jack at her college matches when even her boyfriend couldn’t be there, or realizing that he’s always been the one who truly saw her. Jack’s patience, the way he cares for her without pushing, makes their romance all the more swoon-worthy. And watching Kendra finally recognize what a real relationship looks like? Absolutely heart-melting.
Miss Stilling masterfully weaves passion, longing, and swoon-worthy moments into every page. Jack’s English roots add an extra layer of charm—his insistence that soccer should be called football ("because you play it with your feet") had me grinning, and his mission to introduce Kendra to proper scones (jam first, then cream, of course!) was pure genius. The team dynamics are another standout element, making me feel instantly connected to the Blade Kings. Plus, getting glimpses of Jack’s mom and stepdad again was a total treat!
If Perfect Deke is anything to go by, The Blade Kings series is going to be a must-read in 2025. Stilling has delivered another unforgettable romance—one that’s as tender as it is electrifying. Bravo, Ms. Stilling—this one’s a winner!