Definitely a popcorn read, because I didn’t write my review right away and I would’ve forgotten the plot completely if not for my notes, lol! But it was light and sexy, and I enjoyed it as I was reading. I’ve been reading this series since the start, and each installment is reliably lighthearted and easy to binge. I read this in one sitting, which tells you that it was a quick, satisfying read. The instant tension and lovable hero had me hooked from the start, and I liked that it went in a direction that I didn’t expect. I do think the blurb was a little misleading; the hero IS 40 (heroine is 36), so it’s not really an “over 40s” hero, and it’s only enemies to lovers for about a minute. These two had a great connection, and their lust-focused relationship meant there was plenty of spice. It’s definitely not my favorite in the series, but there were no major roadblocks to my enjoyment either.
The story follows Eli, a retired hockey player turned coach. He’s just getting his bearings with the new team when a business consultant unexpectedly shows up and insists it’s her job to turn things around. The two butt heads over their roles before realizing that many of the sparks flying between them are of the sexual variety. Unfortunately, not only is Mackenzie keeping a secret, but she’s also leaving town as soon as things are wrapped up. So starting up something between the two of them is not just a bad idea career-wise, it’s also sure to cause some heartache.
I guess this sits between three and four stars for me, mostly because it wasn’t all that memorable. Light and sexy sports romances are everywhere, and this followed the predictable path in a lot of ways. I really liked that Eli is a relationship guy, however, and he was open about the fact that he was interested in more. He’s also older and wiser than a lot of romance heroes; his playing days are over, and he’s serious about his job. Paired with a smart, career-focused heroine, it was a great match. I think I would’ve connected to them more had there been less heat and more conversation, but I could see why things played out the way they did. All in all, certainly not a bad way to spend my day, but also not the best from the series either.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43as87C
Blurb:
I hate hockey. He hates everything else… including me.
Falling flat on my back in a sweaty locker room isn’t how I planned to introduce myself to my grandpa’s hockey team. Especially when I’m there to turn the business around financially; something nobody else in the stadium seems to want.
But that’s how I first meet Eli Salinger, the team’s aggravatingly smooth player-turned coach.
And from the moment I introduce myself to him, he makes it clear he doesn’t want me there.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out why. Eli’s only interested in one thing – turning the team into a winning side, no matter what it takes.
And he’s determined to fight every change I try to make.
What he doesn’t know is that I’ve never taken on a project that hasn’t succeeded. And I’m not about to let this be the first.
I don’t care if he’s grumpy and adorable in equal measure. Or that every time he looks at me it sends me all a flutter.
This is a game of wits. And there can be only one winner.
Strictly For Now is a standalone, steamy opposites-attract hockey romance featuring an over-40s hero, a strong, professional heroine and a love match that will make you smile and swoon.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43as87C
Start the series today!
One office. Two enemies. And a secret he cannot find out…
You know that post-vacation glow? Where you’re all sun-kissed and optimistic and determined to make changes in your life?
Well, mine lasted for about five minutes. Until I walked into the office and saw Myles Salinger sitting in my boss’s chair.
One look at his scowling face was enough to make me want to fly straight back to Europe. And no, he’s not getting any of the donuts I brought in for the team. He doesn’t deserve them.
You see, on paper he’s my contemporary. But in reality he’s been my workplace nemesis for the last two years.
Lucky for us we’re usually separated by five hundred miles.
But now he’s here in my face, throwing his impressive weight around and driving everybody crazy with his demands.
Especially me.
Good thing he doesn’t know the big decision I made while I was away.
That I’m going to try for a baby. Alone.
If he ever finds out he’ll never let me hear the end of it.
So let’s keep it between us. Okay?
Strictly Business is a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance. Expect some hot scenes, a little cussing and two characters whose heads you’d love to bang together…
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dWThqk
About the Author:
Carrie Elks writes contemporary romance with a sizzling edge. Her first book, Fix You, has been translated into eight languages and made a surprise appearance on Big Brother in Brazil. Luckily for her, it wasn’t voted out. Carrie lives with her husband, two lovely children and a larger-than-life black pug called Plato. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found baking, drinking an occasional (!) glass of wine, or chatting on social media.
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