Recent Reads #24: First Reads of 2021 & Last Reads of 2020

 Another year, another reading goal! For the last two years I have read 200 books each year and this year I have set my reading goal to 150. I know I will most likely read more books than that but I have a big project I am currently working on so I know I won't be reading so much for a while. But today I have a few mini book reviews to share of some recent reads! Dirty Secret - Mira Lyn Kelly

"This team hates me. Something about my chronic case of resting prick face and that thing with the captain when the season started. My fist, his jaw. Yeah, we go back and not in a good way. 

Coach says no more “confrontational BS” or I don’t play at all. And that’s a hit my career in the NHL can’t take. So the plan is simple. Keep my head down and finish out my contract with my fists checked.

There’s just one problem.

Allie. The girl from Vancouver eight months ago. The one with the sexy, shy, and sinfully bold smile and the sweetest, wettest mouth I ever tasted. The girl who blew my mind and then blew out of my life without giving me her number.

Turns out she’s the captain’s little sister. And even though my career depends on it... I can’t stay away from her."

I have been in the mood for all the sports romances lately (this is the first of three in this post) and this one popped up on Goodreads and ended up being free so I had to give it a try! I really enjoyed this one and gave it four stars. I couldn't put this down and I will definitely continue on with the series. It wasn't the most original book but I do love the tropes included. Especially the hero who hates everyone and doesn't get along with anyone but the heroine. It was a very steamy read and if it's still free, definitely give it a download! 

Sterling - Samantha Whiskey 

"It’s my first day back with the Carolina Reapers and the elevator just stopped.

At least I’m in here with the girl of my dreams.

London Foster is smart, sexy, and everything I’ve ever wanted—

Until the elevator doors finally open and she runs right into my biological brother’s arms.

Maxim is everything I hate—the chosen son who wasn’t a dirty little secret.

I grew up with a hardworking single mom.

He had a perfect family with our NHL legend father.

Not only is his arm around London, he’s just been signed to the Reapers.

He might have history with London,

But I’m ready to fight for her future.

Our chemistry can’t be matched—she walks into the room and we’re on fire. 

And the way she sighs my name? Perfection.

But she’s our new game day coordinator, and to keep her position, we have to keep ours under wraps.

And with my brother fighting for her at every turn?

The secrets between us could be enough to send us all up in flames."

This book has a similar trope to the first in that they don't realise who they are to each other when they first meet and I don't mind that as long as it doesn't drag on for too long and it didn't with this book so I enjoyed it. This is another hockey romance and they had a really sweet and steamy relationship. I liked how he was helping her with her issues as their relationship grows. 

The Strike Out - Meghan Quinn

"It started with one night out with the boys.

She was the hot diner waitress putting herself through school.

I was the rich, arrogant player everyone misjudges.

On paper we didn’t match.

Yet all it took was one day. One single day to change her mind.

She wasn’t planning to spend her day off with me.

She wasn’t supposed to fall for my charm.

But one day, one smile, turned into several nights of her calling out my name.

I’m not the guy she should end up with. I’m jealous, possessive. Not here for a long time - just a good time.

She’s changed me.

But, for some reason, I feel her slipping through my fingers and no matter what I do, I fear I’m going to strike out with the one and only girl I’ve ever fallen for."

I have read almost every single one of Meghan's books and every single one in the sports series she has and this is a new favourite book! Whereas the last two books mentioned are hockey romances, this is a baseball book. This book was hella steamy which I expect nothing less from Meghan but this one set my Kindle on fire a lil bit. Holt is hilarious and swoony at the same time and I love the little cameo near the beginning, if you read the book and are a fan of Meghan this will make more sense. 

What have you been reading this week?

<3