Reviews

Center Ice by Julia Connors

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pias_library's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

luwicked's review

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

headcanonheadcase's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 rounded down to 4.

Drew's just been traded to his hometown team, putting him right where he needs to be for his mom. He needs to stay focused on the ice-and out of the penalty box-if he wants to play with the Rebels next year. But then his college math tutor walks back into his life along with her five-year-old son. His five-year-old son. Drew wants to be with Audry and be a part of Graham's life. With his focus split, will he be able to go after what he wants?

There was a lot to love about this book. Drew's caretaker vibes. Audrey's village of support. The fact that Drew sought out advice on how to settle down and reign in his impulsive side. The chemistry and spice. I didn't want to put it down.

This is a secret baby book but it's not too heavy on the secret part. Pretty much everyone knows that Drew is Graham's father immediately. Even Graham knows. I do wish there had been more moments between father and son, but otherwise, this was a very satisfying read.

mysticalblaise's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is the first in the Boston Rebels series and follows professional hockey player Drew Jenkins, starting over with a new team in Boston. His move across the country is twofold, but mostly to be closer to his ailing mom. When he arrives back in town, he's confronted by his past; namely Audrey Flynn, former college tutor and onetime hookup. Oh, and also the sister of his agent...who just happens to have a son who looks just like him...

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏒 Hockey romance
🏒 Second chance
🏒 He falls first (again)
🏒 Secret baby
🏒 Cocky MMC
🏒 She pole dances for fun FMC
🏒 Cameos abound
🏒 "If you ever speak to the mother of my child and my future wife again, you and I are done." 🙌

I'm an absolute sucker for a second-chance romance. I'm also a sucker for a secret kid (and skirting the accidental pregnancy trope of bringing a couple together). Now combine great banter and superb spice including but not limited to him (view spoiler), with HOCKEY? I was sold immediately.

I love Drew. Despite what he did in the past, he's the optime of devoted son, partner, teammate, and father. Some of the things he did for Audrey and Graham were positively swoon-worthy.

Audrey is a role model and does it all. She juggles the world, running a successful business and raising her son (with the help of her siblings). I loved that she knew that part of taking care of her son also came with taking care of *herself* which is just as important. As a mom myself, this hit home for me. I also appreciated she had a built-in support system with her siblings and her friends.

Don't forget to read the Epilogue!

The spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The spice was hot and varied, and I adored it!

Favorite quote:
"I appreciate the thought, but the only name I wear on my back is my own."

He leans in so close his lips graze my earlobe and the sparks of desire shoot straight through me. "Don't worry, baby, one day my last name will be yours."

lilys_booknook's review

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4.0

Love Drew and Audrey, I wished there was more between Drew and Graham but it also felt little rushed at the end. Can’t wait for book 2, Colt seemed intriguing. Now it’s time to read Zach’s Novella.