Off The Ice (Juniper Falls #1) By: Julie Cross

I need to give a huge thank you to Entangled Teen for sending out a copy of this awesome book for review. Ya'll over there are amazing, and I can't tell you how appreciated it is all you do for us bloggers 💙💙💙

All is fair in love and hockey…

Claire O’Connor is back in Juniper Falls, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be. One semester off, that’s what she promised herself. Just long enough to take care of her father and keep the family business—a hockey bar beside the ice rink—afloat. After that, she’s getting the hell out. Again.

Enter Tate Tanley. What happened between them the night before she left town resurfaces the second they lay eyes on each other. But the guy she remembers has been replaced by a total hottie. When Tate is unexpectedly called in to take over for the hockey team’s star goalie, suddenly he’s in the spotlight and on his way to becoming just another egotistical varsity hockey player. And Claire’s sworn off Juniper Falls hockey players for good.

It’s the absolute worst time to fall in love.

For Tate and Claire, hockey isn’t just a game. And they both might not survive a body check to the heart.

Oh man. Where to start on this book *sigh*

I can't pass up a sports romances as I've made super clear in other reviews. Especially the hockey ones. They are my kryptonite haha. Although I do have to admit I do typically go for more of the NA's or just regular ol' sports romances vs a YA like this.

But I'm so glad I dove into this one.

It was such a good story. And was so much more emotional than I was expecting. And hit really close to home for me.

I know some that follow my reviews may know. But my mom got sick a couple years back now. And when It happened I had to put my life on hold to get her through surgeries, doctors appointments, physical therapy. All of it. And it took a lot out of me. And I had to halt things like school. So I guess what all that means is, that I could relate so much with Claire in ways.

And not just that but just her personality and drive. And loyalty. I found she was so similar tome. And that really gave me this rare look at a character I could fully Empathize with. And I think that was the biggest thing that pulled me into this book.

Don't get me wrong. The story itself was absolutely amazing. And the characters were so well written and mature for a bunch of dumb high schoolers haha.

But once I had related. It just made the book connect in such a deeper way, and I found myself pulling for Claire and Tate.

And Tate in general. His story was just as good as Claire's. And he's by far one of my favorite contemporary YA heroes.

There was just something about that boy. How real and raw he seemed. And I think that drew me in more. Made me want to cheer so much for him and Claire and see things work out.

Plus, there was actually hockey in this sports romance. I get so tired of books that brand themselves as sports books and then have no sports in them. And there was a really good balance of sports and the rest of the story. It made me a happy hockey nerd for sure haha.

Just everything about this book was perfect. And I don't use that word often unless I really enjoyed every aspect of a book. And that is exactly what happened in this one.

I'm so glad I took a chance on it

And can without even a shadow of a doubt give OFF THE ICE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

End Game (Bellevue Bullies #4) By: Toni Aleo

I need to send a huge thank you to not only Toni, but also the amazing people over at L. Woods PR for getting the ARC of this pretty sent out for review.
Y'all treat us bloggers so well. And I can't thank you enough for all the hard work you put in to help us get be able to get these books read and reviewed.

I've gotten to meet Toni a couple times now over the years.The last being this October at Shameless Book con in Orlando (Pictured above... I sadly don't have a pic from the first time I met her though)
I do have a funny-ish story about it though.
The first time I met Toni was back in like 2013 at Bookbash in Orlando. And for those of you that don't know what that is... It's one of those big multi-author signings.
But anyways. I had just started blogging (Like first month or two I started actually haha) And was just really starting to understand self-publishing and this whole other side to the book world. So there were A LOT of authors I was really unfamiliar with. But also I was barely 20 I think? And while I read romance and such before that point. I was really getting into things like Sports Romances, and things a little more smutty? (I had been a lot more into the paranormal and fantasy stuff back then)

So someone like Toni I had never even heard of sadly.
But I can vividly remember meeting her the first time. (Her and Helena Hunting for some reason haha)
I'm always big on talking to as many authors as I can at those things, so I can find new books and stuff... And I seriously can picture the whole interaction going down to this day.
I had no clue who Toni was. I'm this slightly innocent little 20 year old. And here I go to go make small talk, maybe grab some swag, and have this unknown to me author sign my little notebook I was carrying around like it was character time at Disney.
And shes loud, and excited, and super friendly, and I totally get pulled towards her books. And the funniest part (remember my innocent comment mkay?)
And I can't remember which of these Assassins boys it was for, but she talks to me, signs my little notebook and then BOOM!!! Puts this sticker on the page next to her name that says PUSSY KILLER or something like it on it. And I mean I'm sure my face was like ten shades of red at this point. Like no one in my life even uttered the word pussy at that time. And I was just starting to see it in the books I was reading. And I totally was like, "I am never ever picking up one of these crazy lady's books. EVER!"
But I mean, I look back now and I'm two series plus some in the hole... And how well I remember that happening back then. And it totally makes me giggle, but it stuck and now I'm just one of the crazy fandom hehe. (We won't mention it took me almost two years after that point before I finally read Shea's book for the first time haha)

This is going to be Ryan Justice’s year. It’s his last year of college and his last year as a hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies. He’s making all the plays in preparation for achieving his dream of being drafted into the NHL. 

This is Sofia Castilleja’s beginning. She is starting her college career as a star member of Bellevue’s brand-new gymnastics team. She’s going to tumble her way to success, first in school and then by realizing her dream of opening her own gym. 

Ryan and Sofia didn’t see each other coming, but once they meet, they can’t look away. Their dreams are destined to take them in opposite directions. But it doesn’t take them long to realize that waking up to reality together may be better than dreaming alone.

Oh my goodness this book. I can't even begin with where to start. I loved everything about it so much.

I'm a die hard Toni Aleo fan, and even bigger hockey fan. So between the two I knew this sports romance would be right up my ally. And the wonderful thing about Toni's books is that they can all be read in order of the series, or as standalones. I highly suggest you read the others first just because they're awesome books. But if you wanted to. You could jump right into END GAME with no worries. (Also be aware that the Bellevue Bullies series runs very closely to Toni's Assassins series, and many characters cross over between them as well)

But let's really get into this book

Sofia and Ryan were just too fluffing adorable. They are both so driven and compassionate about their sport and the others in their lives. I've never seen two characters that are so similar but yet have these tiny differences that allow them to still grow and change slightly for the better. They're both so strong and so kind. And I loved to see them just build off each other. 

And just let me tell you. I loved how different this story was in general.

It wasn't your average predictable sports romance. There wasn't that big bad conflict really. There was drama and there were choices that had to made or decided on. And it did put strain on the characters. But there wasn't that defining moment that lost sports romances have between its characters.

And I found that such a refreshing thing.

Plus these characters are just so adorable. There's build up like any good book needs. But Toni gives us such a pure and adorable romance. And I found myself loving the dynamic between everyone.

Also I like how Toni changed up the story some this time.

I wont say much on that so you can see for yourself what I'm talking about. but this one breaks the mold in some ways. And I loved it.

Plus we get so many familiar faces in this book. I'm such a nut when it comes to seeing some of my original Assassins favorites. Although let me tell you. When I first started this one, I was kinda overwhelmed. There were so many faces that I had to stop and just take a breath. They're all from the same family but after lord knows how many Bullies and Assassins books I had to really go back and remember where everyone was at this point in time haha.

I joked with another blogger friend about needing a family tree drawn out so I could keep everyone and their ages straight haha (So if anyone that has better drawing skills than me wants to give it a shot, I'll totally take it hehe)

Something else I want to say that is always a big sticking point for me, and something that I love about all the books Toni gives us. There are actually SPORTS happening in this SPORTS romance!! 
We get a good amount of hockey and so much gymnastics. And it is something I appreciate so much from her. So many books now brand themselves as sports romances because their main character plays one. But then they rarely give us any of the actual sports. But Toni makes it a huge plot point in her stories and that carried through really well in END GAME as well. 

And I guess the last point I want to make in this review, is just that I loved how sweet and pure the romance in general was. Don't get me wrong. There were some steamy steamy parts. But just the overall vibe going was so caring and sweet. I mean I'm not an emotional person in the least. And even I was all sunshine and rainbows during and after reading it haha 😎🌈
Toni just gives us such a good and happy story. And I honestly loved the lightness of it all for a summer read.

END GAME

is definitely a

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STAR READ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Learning Hours (How To Date A Douchebag #3) By: Sara Ney

I just want to start off by sending a huge thank you to Sara and the Inkslinger team for getting an arc of this pretty sent out to me. Ya'll rock.

He's not a douchebag; but that doesn't stop his friends from turning him into one.

MY FRIENDS WANT ME TO GET LAID.

So much so that they plastered my ugly mug all over campus, in bold printed letters:

Are you the lucky lady who's going to break our roommate's cherry?

Him: socially awkward man with average-sized penis looking for willing sexual partner. You: must have a pulse. He will reciprakate with oral. Text him at: 555-254-5551

The morons can't even spell. And the texts I've been receiving are what wet dreams are made of. But I'm not like these douchebags, no matter how hard they try to turn me into one.

THIS ISN'T THE KIND OF ATTENTION I WANT.

One text stands out from hundreds. One number I can't bring myself to block. She seems different. Hotter, even in black and white.

However, after seeing her in person, I know she's not the girl for me. But my friends won't let up--they just don't get it. Douchebags or not, there's one thing they'll never understand: GIRLS DON'T WANT ME. 

Especially her.

So let's talk The Learning Hours.

This book was not in the least what I was expecting.
Not in bad way. Just different.

I liked how Sara decided to flip the script on this book. She changed up the MO of the super hot douchebag guy. and have us a sassy super hot douchebag girl.

And I found that so extremely fun. It's such a change to have a sort of naive sweet guy paired up with an experienced sort of jerk of a girl.

Like I found Rhett so freaking adorable. He's just so sweet and caring. And so so lost. It was so cute omg haha.

But I just love how no matter what any of his friends do to him. Or how rude and adolescent they are he just blows them off and doesn't let them truly bother him. And let me tell you. his friends are jerks. Like really big douchehole jerks.

But Rhett is for real a diamond in a bag of rocks. He's just special. And the French. Dear sweet baby Jesus on a mother pucking cracker. *Swoon 

And then there's Laurel.

I'm still on the fence about this girl. I liked her pretty well for most of the book. She's smart as a whip, funny, a bit arrogant, and liked how assertive she was.

But there was just something about her that didn't set well with me either at one point. Something I couldn't even pinpoint. So obviously it isn't that big of a deal haha.

But this book was just as funny and flirty and filled with douchebaggery and I loved every page of it truly.

I give THE LEARNING HOURS 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Game On (Hometown Player #6) By: Victoria Denault

First off, I need to send a huge shot out to Forever Romance for sending out the ARC to this one. y'all rock, and I can't thank you enough.

When it comes to scoring in the pro hockey league, Alex Larue is crushing it-with the hot puck bunnies. He's the life of the party, the guy with all the jokes . . . and the one whose Party Guy mask keeps the real him well hidden. The last thing he needs is anyone finding out about his troubled past, or the nightmares that haunt him still. 

Brie Bennett is less than impressed by Alex from the moment she meets him. And even though he insists on volunteering at the charity she runs, she doesn't trust him. He's hiding something...but so is she. She's not just the rich, privileged New York princess he thinks she is. The animosity between them is undeniably addictive and as their worlds keep colliding it becomes supercharged with something else - attraction. But if they stop playing games and let each other in, they both might lose.

So let's get into this review shall we?

I have to admit that this is the first book from Victoria's Hometown Players series I've read (yes I know. Bad bad me. But let me tell you. I want them all now. I fell in love with these guys and I want to see all the stories I've been missing out on)

But this book had almost everything I look for in a good sports romance. (I could have maybe used a bit more actual hockey in it. But Victoria did good incorporating at least some of the sport. So we weren't left with one of those "sports romances" that's just about an athlete with none of the actual sports going on. If that makes sense haha)

But any who. We got the sports, the brooding hockey player, some sexy time, and a whole bunch of other stuff I won't say here so I don't spoil anything for ya'll. And it just all worked so well together to create a great story.

I loved seeing the journey that Brie and Alex went on during this book. Both characters met in the funniest way. And then the build up between them was super interesting and even a bit touching at times. They both had such sad pasts, and to see how it shaped them and made them who they are was quite beautiful and heartbreaking to read.

Here we have Alex. This big tough hockey player, who's always starting crap with other teams during games. And when you see him off the ice he's a completely different person. Much more reserved and funny. Definitely a playboy of sorts. But he also has the kindest heart. And you can't help but feel a little sad for him at how he came to be like that. But also amazed by how much he's overcome and turned his life I to something so successful and awesome.

And then there's Brie. You can't help but not like her. She's feisty and strong willed. And seriously has a heart of gold and a passion not many people have in their lives. She doesn't take anything life has given her for granted. And takes no crap. Including that dished out from a certain broody hockey hunk.

She was down to earth and funny. And not afraid to put someone in their place when they needed it (cough cough Alex hehe)

Plus Victoria just touches on a subject that I think we need to see more of out there. And she writes it in a way that makes you not just feel sorry about it. But want to get out and go help. To make a difference much the same way the characters are.

Honestly she touches on a couple different things. And I'm glad she did. We need more authors who aren't afraid to get into the stuff society sees as things we need to be hush hush about and pretends like it doesn't happen.

I really truly enjoyed this book. And hope ya'll pick up a copy when it releases.

I give GAME ON

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In The Crease (Assassins, #12) By: Toni Aleo

I want to send a huge thank you to Toni and Ardent Prose PR for getting this awesome ARC sent out for review.

Y'all rock, and I can't thank you enough for getting me Wren and Jensen's story. I absolutely adored this book, and was so excited to finally get their story. And man, Toni, you did not disappoint

😍💓😍💓😍💓

Jensen Monroe is a unicorn. As handsome as any model, as polite as can be, a goalie of unmatched skill, and the best friend anyone could ask for. But he longs for a particular special someone to make his life complete. He’s been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but as his best friend’s sister, she’s always been off-limits.

Wren Lemiere has prided herself on being a love ’em and leave ’em girl her whole life. She’s all about equal opportunity in the battle of the sexes. Why should guys like her brother and his best friends get to be the only ones allowed to play the dating game? One wrong move, however, and she finds herself in violation of her own rules.

In need of a fake husband and baby daddy for her unexpected bundle of joy, Wren finally accepts Jensen is the logical one to ask for help. Except he has a counteroffer…one with so many strings attached, they may just find themselves wrapped up in ties that bind. Forever.

Let me just say... This is one of those books that I was dying to get my grubby little hands on. I totally fell for Jensen and Wren back in Vaughn's book, and was literally bouncing up and down at the idea of finally getting to see what was going to happen between them.

So when the email went out that they were being sent out I was freaking ecstatic. 

I can't even tell you all.This book did not disappoint one bit. It had everything I could have wanted... Amazing characters, a great plot, sexy times galore, and yes, even a few overly frustrating scenes I just wanted to reach in and strangle some characters over.

But the plot was just so adorable, and man were the hockey men a swoony bunch haha.

But it was more than just some hotties out on the ice.

Toni gave us a well developed story that left be feeling so satisfied at the end, and more in love with this group of characters than I already was. The story was fairly fast paced, and had oodles of romance, drama, and silliness.

And let's not forget out star characters.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect with Wren. She's shown up in several of the books in the series, and she's always been one of those characters I liked enough. Especially as we got a bit of a better glance at her in DELAYED CALL.

So I was really interested in what she was going to give us in this book.

And in true Toni form (I swear this woman must be able to like predict half my life at this point haha) she gave me another female character I related to immediately. There were so many things about Wren that I saw in myself. Her personality, unwillingness to trust or lean on others, her insecurities, her experience with awful douche canoes.... I mean honestly there was a lot. And no they weren't all bad. Wren is totally a dork, and funny too, and hey... I appreciate a girl who can joke about her black black soul, because I do all the time too haha. I swear I don't have a heart sometimes hehe.

Now don't get me wrong though. Wren and her multitude of insecurities did try to annoy me here and there. But only because I think they were a bit overdone at times.

I mean I get it, a girl has things that bother her. But I feel like at times they had too large of a presence in this book. And at times, defined Wren more than some of her other amazing qualities did.

But I also liked how Toni used those things to show Wren's growth through the story. She was one of those complex characters that had a ton of different sides to her, and I think by giving her those real life like qualities that most woman go through... It allowed for Wren to seem more real, not just a character in a book. And that's a testament to just how well Toni knows how to write.

It's funny too. A friend of mine who also blogs and received a copy of the book was talking with me, and had a good point. that I totally agreed with. Wren reminded them and me very much of Elli back in TAKING SHOTS.

They have very similar personalities and even insecurities and fears, and I kinda liked that little nod back to the original book (Even if that wasn't really intentional)

And then... There is Jensen....

I wanted this boys book sooooo bad haha.

He seemed like the biggest sweetie ever back in Vaughn's book. And I wanted to see the full extent of that.

Plus let's face it. Kayla has a soft spot for the goalies haha (Tate still makes me all swoony hehe 😍😍😍)

I blame Ben Bishop for my obsession. But I mean, can you blame a girl? He's so adorable haha

🏒🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🏒

But anyways, back to Jensen.

He's just one of those characters that you automatically fall for.

He really is too sweet for his own good, and just such a caring nice guy. Plus he's funny. But I mean could you expect anyone who grew up around Vaughn and Wren to be any different?

That whole group, Wells included too, cracked me up from the start of getting to meet their characters. And Jensen just has that infectious personality and so many jokes and quick quips that cause you to have to put the book down for a few seconds and just giggle. (Like full on girly girl giggles haha)

But he's also one of the most loving and compassionate characters I've read in a while. He literally lives with his heart on his sleeves, and I adored how open and caring he really was. And man Jensen's been through his own share of crap too. But I loved how Toni wrote that all into his story and still let him grow from that, even if it meant still struggling sometimes with it too.

If I thought Wren was complex, she has nothing on Jensen.

He has so many layers [Insert bad Shrek joke here]

But getting to see all those sides to him and see that it only makes him more sure and confident warmed my heart. I wanted to root for him with Wren. I wanted to see him get everything he wanted.

He's definitely scored a spot in my top 5 guys Toni's given us so far.

And let's not forget all the fun characters that made a comeback in this book. Obviously Vaughn and Brie were back (And thank god because I needed more of that troublemaker in my life haha)

And man were those two cute as heck. And so so funny. Vaughn is back in true Vaughn fashion, and between him, Jensen, and Wells, I was about in tears a few times laughing so hard.

But also we get some fun little glimpses of Elli and Shea. And to my absolute delight even Tate (Even if my heart kinda broke for my original Assassins BookBF)

Plus a ton of other familiar faces here and there.

But that's something I've always loved about these books. Getting those small looks into how everyone's lives are going and progressing. It's so fun, and totally sweet to see how favorite characters and couples are doing.

And one thing I think I always kinda forget to mention in these reviews is, Toni has this way of bringing real life issues and situations into her books. Her character's either seem to face something themselves or know someone who is. And I love the way she sheds light on these things. How she shows her readers that yes, these things do happen in the world. And there is a way to live with them and even make your life better because of them, or learn from them.

I don't want to get onto specifics because I don't want to giveaway any plot points from this or previous books in the series. But if you follow Toni's books, you know what I'm talking about.

But I just want to say thank you Toni. For not being afraid to bring real life situations into your books. And allowing your characters to hopefully give some hope and strength to anyone in your characters shoes.

This book was such a great read. And I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on it. It really was a sweet story.

I give IN THE CREASE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blog Tour/ Excerpt Reveal: The Hot Shot (Game On #4) By: Kristen Callihan

I'm so excited to get to share my review and a super fun excerpt of THE HOT SHOT with ya'll today.

I absolutely adore Kristen's GAME ON series, and Chess and Finn's story was a super fun romantic read.

I want to give a huge thanks to InkSlinger for sending out this pretty for review too. Ya'll are the stinking best 😉

First we were friends. Then we were roommates. Now I want more…

What can I say about Chess Copper? The woman is capable of bringing me to my knees. I know this about five minutes after getting naked for her.

No one is more surprised than me. The prickly photographer my team hired to shoot our annual charity calendar isn’t my usual type. She’s defense to my offense, a challenge at every turn. But when I’m with her, all the regrets and darkness goes away. She makes life fun.

I want to know Chess, be close to her. Which is a bad idea.

Chess is looking for a relationship. I’ve never given a woman more than one night. But when fate leaves Chess without a home, I step up and offer her mine. We’re roommates now. Friends without benefits. But it’s getting harder to keep our hands off each other. And the longer we live together the more I realize she’s becoming my everything.

Trick is… Now that I’ve made her believe I’m a bad bet, how do I convince her to give this player a true shot at forever?

GOODREADS

AMAZON 

iBooks

B&N

KOBO 

Paperback

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal , best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

I was so excited to get my hands on this book. while it wasn't the next one is was expecting in the series, it sounded just as good and I really was happy to get an early copy to review.

The characters sounded cute, and hey I get to see more Dex in this one.... happy reader right there hehe.

And while I have to admit. This one wasn't my favorite of the series (sorry no one will beat out my man Dex and even Gray holds a tight push for my top one haha)

I did like Finn and Chess's story too.

The two characters for the most part were pretty fun and easy going. and I loved the easy witty banter between them.

I found myself snorting a few times at some of the dialog. And even enjoyed the the little retro feel this book had at times.

Plus it actually had some football being played in it. Which was a plus for me. I see so many sports romances lately where there actually isn't even hardly any sports being played. And as a sports lover, I want to see at least glimpses of it.

Chess was a fun character. she's a little outside the norm and I liked that about her. She's smart and funny and a whole lot sarcastic, and that played right into my love for characters that can do that.

I will admit she probably isn't one of my all time favorite female characters. But ya'll know how I feel about them, and if I'm saying good things that means she's pretty good. Plus there is just something about her and the way she interacts with everyone that made me smile. I could easily see myself being friends with a real person like her.

And then there's Finn and her. They really do make an adorable little friendship. I'm a sucker for a good old guy girl friendship. And thought it was totally adorable him and Chess together. They dish it out just as well as the other takes it. And the 2 honestly are hilarious to read the dialog between. It's flirty and a tad ribbing. But fun and so so cute.

And Finn is just to adorable and sexy. And a total goofball. That man had me laughing so hard. But we also get this vulnerable unsure side too. And I loved seeing the contrast of two when reading about this big old muscular football player on the field. And silly joker off it. He made the story easy and fun. And while I wanted to smack him in the head with his own football a couple times, I loved the big guy.

Plus I loved James. He's one of those background characters I kept wanting to see little glimpses of. Because he's so funny. And a little out there at times. He would be the ultimate friend to have. And I loved how easy going and silly he was, down to his crazy clothing choices.

There were a few things that didn't jive with me on this book. But nothing too big to write home too. I still enjoyed the book a lot. And thought it had a great story line. Plus it was fast paced and read like the super cute romance I hoped it would (how many times have I used the word cute now? hehe)

And don't think I won't be ready for the next book in the series. I'm just as excited to get my hands on whatever Kristen has planned for us as I was for this one.

I give THE HOT SHOT ⭐⭐⭐⭐4 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐

CHESS

Grumbling, I toss on some black lounge pants and my oversized Tulane t-shirt and head to the drugstore. 

My head throbs by the time I get there, and my insides are writhing. I rest my hand against my lower stomach and grab a basket before calling James to complain. 

“I swear,” I tell him as I grab a bottle of painkillers. “It’s like this entire day has been cursed.” 

He snickers. “Curse. Get it? Curse?” 

I roll my eyes, even though he can’t see me. “Laugh it up. Meanwhile, it feels as if someone is playing Battleship in my uterus.” 

“Poor Chessie bear. At least we know why you were in such a foul mood.” 

A flush washes over my cheeks. “Yeah.” Lie. Lie. Lie. A tub of salted caramel gelato makes its way into the basket. 

“Tell me you’re getting some gelato,” James says. 

I smile. “Just grabbed it.” 

“Salted caramel?” 

“You know it.” 

I find the feminine products aisle and search for my brand. “I’m going to go home, take a long bath with my gelato, and forget this fucking day.” Forget Finn. “And then I’m going to go on Amazon and buying a freaking year’s supply of tampons so I don’t have to make these kinds of emergency runs anymore.” 

A low, deep chuckle rumbles from behind me, and all the tiny hairs lift on my arms. 

“But you’ll still need your gelato,” a familiar—fuck me, seriously?—voice points out. 

My insides swoop even as my cheeks burn. 

“Who is that?” James asks in my ear. 

I slowly turn on one heel. “The plague,” I say, glaring up at Finn Mannus’s smiling face. 

“From asshat to plague.” Finn scrunches up his brow. “I’m not sure if that’s a step down or a tie.” 

“Who is that?” James nearly yells now. 

I don’t take my eyes off Finn. “I’ll call you back.” 

James’s squawks of protest cut off as I hit the end button. 

“Are you stalking me, Mannus?” 

Finn a rests his hands low on his lean hips. “Having a healthy amount of conceit myself, I have to admire yours, but no, buttercup. My buddy Woodson lives a few blocks away. It’s poker night. I’m stocking up on beer.”

It’s only then I notice a twelve pack tucked under his other arm. 

“And tampons?” I ask, with a pointed look around the aisle we’re standing in. 

 “Not tonight,” he says easily. “Though we used to keep a pack of them back in college. Light flows were perfect for stopping up bloody noses.” 

A snort escapes me. “Now there’s a visual.” Somehow, I’ve taken a step closer to him. He’s freshly showered, the golden brown strands of his hair still damp at his temples. And I wonder if he’s just come from the gym or practice. “So back in college you went and bought these tampons?” 

“Nah,” he says with a cheeky smile. “I’d ask one of the girls hanging around to get me some.” 

“Of course you did.” My nose wrinkles with annoyance. 

“Give me a little credit, Chess. I’d buy them now if I had to.” 

“Hmm…” I eye him, trying not to return his smile. If only because it’s more fun when he teases. “So why are you in this aisle now, if not for potential nosebleed needs?”

“That’s easy.” He steps closer, a warm wall of muscle and clean scent. “I heard your voice.” 

For a second I just blink. “You recognized my voice?” 

His gaze darts over my face as if he’s trying to get a read on why I’m gaping at him. “Not to be…ah…rude, but you’re loud when you talk on the phone.” 

“Yeah, but… You recognized it.” We’d only just met. It occurs to me that I’d recognized his both times he’d snuck up on me. Then again, his voice is distinctive, flowing like hot honey when he’s relaxed or hammering down like iron to rock when he’s taking command of a situation. 

A soft flush of pink tints the tips of his ears. If I wasn’t staring at him, I might have missed it. He shifts his weight. “Was I not supposed to?”

“No. Yes.” I shake my head and laugh. “I don’t know.” 

He grins then. “You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

“I’m not flustered.” I am.