Friday, February 6, 2026

'Big Stick Energy' by Sarina Bowen - New York Legends #2

5 stars!


Book Blurb:

"A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy.

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?"


My Review:

'Big Stick Energy' works great as a stand-alone, with a smart, independent, and self sufficient leading lady in Darcy, and a gold retriever hockey Captain love interest, Eric.

That being said, it's been so much fun to be back in Sarina Bowen's world of the New York Legends hockey team with a hilarious cast of nosey teammates and their potty mouth GM. I really enjoyed following Darcy and Eric. From trauma-bonding their way through ridiculous 'Wedding Experience' weekends and dealing with their families, to finally giving in and acting on their mutual crushes on each other, 'Big Stick Energy' is wild ride, and a must-read for sports romance fans.

'Big Stick Energy' releases on June 30th, pre-order a copy here!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

Friday, January 30, 2026

‘Rolls and Rivalry’ by Kristy Boyce – Gaming and Romance #3

5 stars!



Book Blurb:

"Roll the dice, strike up the band, and get ready for a swoon-worthy summer! A charming gaming romance that blends the magic of D&D with the camaraderie of band camp--from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!

Hazel’s senior year at band camp is set to be epic—until Max, her childhood crush turned drum-playing troublemaker, waltzes back into town. Their sections have always been rivals, but a shared love for Dungeons & Dragons pulls them together, sparking a romance Hazel never saw coming.

Just when things feel perfect, rumors Did Max ask her out because of a lost bet? With band drama mounting and her first D&D game spiraling, Hazel must prove their love—and her leadership—are the real deal. A swoony, nerdy romance full of rivalry, redemption, and roll-the-dice chemistry from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!"


My Review:

This sweet, swoony YA rom-com was a delight to get lost in. Full of Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and clean band camp shenanigans, our childhood friends-to-YA-lovers in forced proximity are so much fun to follow.

Full of witty banter, flirting, and some lovely tender moments, ‘Rolls and Rivalry’ is a must-read!

#RollsandRivalry #NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.