The Grinder
Author: Stephanie Julian
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
Allison Martin is working at her job in the billing office of the Reading Health Center when the hottest guy she’s ever seen comes in to ask about a bill. She’s taken aback by her insta-lust, never having felt this way about a guy before. So when he asks her to come to his hockey game and go out for drinks after, she’s shocked to hear herself say “maybe,” while thinking “yes!”
Riley Hatch, newest hockey player on the Reading Redtails, asks Aly to come to his hockey game and out for a drink. After playing the field for the past seven years, he realizes he’s ready for a commitment rather than a string of one-night-stands. He’s totally taken by Aly and likes that she doesn’t come on to him like a hockey bunny. In fact, she knows nothing about the sport.
The Grinder is a delightful romance between two individuals who feel an immediate spark and recognize what they have could lead to something special. Riley is a seasoned veteran, but he’s still waiting for his big break that will take him to the NHL. Aly is a no-nonsense, play by the rules kind of girl. Together, the pair are explosive, and it was easy to lose myself in their passion. While set in the same world as the previous book in the series, The Grinder is completely standalone.
Overall, The Grinder is an enjoyable, quick read filled with sexy romance and all the good feels that come when you find your special someone. Aly and Riley worked well together, both in and out of the bedroom. With life experiences under their belts, they have some maturity when making decisions; however they are still insecure enough to have those same doubts many of us have experienced ourselves. They are open and honest when it most counts. I appreciated how both had set plans for their lives, yet when meeting that special someone, they took the time to question their preconceived plans, then adjusting them to fit the other, rather than either sticking with said plan or completely tossing it out the window.
The Grinder is a feel good, happy novella. Sexy and smart. Enjoyable and entertaining.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
About the Book:
Riley Hatch is a fast-talking minor-league hockey player with a reputation as a grinder. He goes in deep, hits hard and comes out with the puck. He’s not known for giving up and, when he meets a cool blonde who trips all his switches, he’s not about to take no for an answer.
Aly Martin’s aversion to professional athletes falters when faced with the six-foot-four hockey god towering over her. He’s everything she never wanted in a man…overtly sexy, rough around the edges and pushy. And absolutely irresistible.
Riley falls hard and fast but he knows he’s going to need more than determination to break down Aly’s reservations. But will his lifelong dream of making it to the NHL cost him the woman of his dreams?
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Publisher: Moonlit Night Publishing
Series: Redtails Hockey #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
Purchase Info:
Amazon
Reviews in the Series:
The Brick Wall by Stephanie Julian (Redtails Hockey #1)