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noesbookishthings's review against another edition
3.0
This was a book club selection and I had a lot of hope based on previous hockey romance selections, but this one fell a bit short. There was a lot of redundancy in the storytelling, which was annoying - something would be stated in internal dialogue and then stated again almost, if not verbatim via verbal dialogue. There was a lot of talk about Nina's anxiety, but it felt like checking a box and there was never really any resolution to that aspect of her. The character arcs felt off as well, but I can't quite put my finger on what was off. I really enjoyed the banter among the players and it almost has me interested in future books that focus on Patty Daddy and Cruz, but time will tell. Also, am I the only one worried for Rhode's financial future retiring at 33 and living in Argentina while discovering himself? I get that he has an endorsement, but still. Yikes.
adelinaz's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not a big fan of age gap in books, it's not a trope that I enjoy, but this was surprisingly good. I think that it's perfect that not all the focus was on the main characters, because I got to know more about Patty and Cruz, so I'm very excited for their books.
bostonkatreads's review against another edition
5.0
Synopsis:
Everyone believes that Rhode Tremblay is Nashville's Naughtiest NHL Star after the hell-raising incidents of his twenties. But looks can be deceiving, and at 33, Rhode is looking for something REAL. He wants the wife, the kids, and the white picket fence. And to get there, his self-imposed dating cutoff age is 30.
College senior Philomena "Nina" Alstyne art major is focused on her pottery fellowship after the absolute ~cluster~ that was her last relationship. She's not interested in dating, but finds herself in a faux situationship with hockey star Tremblay after a rideshare encounter which saves a young boy with diabetes' life.
Rhode falls first, and he falls hard. The Cross Stitching Cat Daddy and the Anxious Pottery Princess have their fair share of secrets, but they are drawn to each other and fill in the gaps to each others' lives. Can their connection burn through the age boundaries and troubled past?
Review:
I LOVED this March bookclub pick for Probably Smut. It was my FIRST sports romance of any kind, and I loved the collision of Rhode and Nina's separate worlds. Rhode is a sweetheart and an absolute gem, save for his inability to recognize sarcasm early on. I related to the author's depiction of Nina's anxiety and panic and found myself pining for Rhode as my newest book bf.
Rhode is intentional, communicative, and reflective. He pays attention and picks up on things that Nina says, does, and needs, and takes care of her while still supporting her passions and individual dreams. Nina helps Rhode expand his self-perceptions and make some crucial decisions about his life and career.
Ratings:
5/5 stars
4/5 chili peppers
Would recommend. Would read again. I look forward to future books with the stories of other characters in this world!
Everyone believes that Rhode Tremblay is Nashville's Naughtiest NHL Star after the hell-raising incidents of his twenties. But looks can be deceiving, and at 33, Rhode is looking for something REAL. He wants the wife, the kids, and the white picket fence. And to get there, his self-imposed dating cutoff age is 30.
College senior Philomena "Nina" Alstyne art major is focused on her pottery fellowship after the absolute ~cluster~ that was her last relationship. She's not interested in dating, but finds herself in a faux situationship with hockey star Tremblay after a rideshare encounter which saves a young boy with diabetes' life.
Rhode falls first, and he falls hard. The Cross Stitching Cat Daddy and the Anxious Pottery Princess have their fair share of secrets, but they are drawn to each other and fill in the gaps to each others' lives. Can their connection burn through the age boundaries and troubled past?
Review:
I LOVED this March bookclub pick for Probably Smut. It was my FIRST sports romance of any kind, and I loved the collision of Rhode and Nina's separate worlds. Rhode is a sweetheart and an absolute gem, save for his inability to recognize sarcasm early on. I related to the author's depiction of Nina's anxiety and panic and found myself pining for Rhode as my newest book bf.
Rhode is intentional, communicative, and reflective. He pays attention and picks up on things that Nina says, does, and needs, and takes care of her while still supporting her passions and individual dreams. Nina helps Rhode expand his self-perceptions and make some crucial decisions about his life and career.
Ratings:
5/5 stars
4/5 chili peppers
Would recommend. Would read again. I look forward to future books with the stories of other characters in this world!
summerslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
loved this!! I felt like Nina was a good anxiety rep, it felt that her character was fully developed and accepted her flaws. Loved Rhode a lot but Nina definitely won my heart.
mitchymoo's review against another edition
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? Yes
2.75
akmacreads's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a highly anticipated read for me this year and it did not disappoint! I absolutely loved getting to know Nina and Rhode! Nina was such a fun mmc and her inner monologue had me cracking up. I loved how she was vulnerable but still such a strong person. Rhode was sexy and fun and had a dirty mouth too. I enjoyed that he was really only vulnerable with Nina. Their relationship was refreshing. I liked that they slowly became best friends and really supported each other. And let me tell yall the spice was spicy for sure, Rhode and Nina’s sexual chemistry was off the charts!
Read if you like…
Hockey Romance
Age Gap
Fake Dating
Mental health rep
Jealousy & pining
He falls first
Banter & spice
Read if you like…
Hockey Romance
Age Gap
Fake Dating
Mental health rep
Jealousy & pining
He falls first
Banter & spice
romance_book_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
A great debut!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this ARC!
I love a hockey romance, especially when it’s fake dating!
Nina and Rhode meet one night when he uses a rideshare app. An accident and a little white lie cause them to have to fake date for Rhode’s sponsorship. Rhode is 33, a cat daddy, and ready for marriage/babies. Nina is an art student, 22, and leaving for a pottery fellowship in a few months. They don’t think their lives align, but the attraction is off the charts.
I didn’t like how Nina’s sister treated her. I also think that the “she’s too young” thing went on too long. But overall a fun and steamy time!
Tropes:
Hockey romance
Fake dating
Age gap (11 years)
Anxiety representation
Cat Daddy MMC
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this ARC!
I love a hockey romance, especially when it’s fake dating!
Nina and Rhode meet one night when he uses a rideshare app. An accident and a little white lie cause them to have to fake date for Rhode’s sponsorship. Rhode is 33, a cat daddy, and ready for marriage/babies. Nina is an art student, 22, and leaving for a pottery fellowship in a few months. They don’t think their lives align, but the attraction is off the charts.
I didn’t like how Nina’s sister treated her. I also think that the “she’s too young” thing went on too long. But overall a fun and steamy time!
Tropes:
Hockey romance
Fake dating
Age gap (11 years)
Anxiety representation
Cat Daddy MMC