I love the Vancouver Wolves series so much, and this newest edition is no exception! Odette Stone is great at creating complex characters with undeniable chemistry, and Mica and Charlie might be the steamiest pair yet. I love a good fake marriage trope, and watching their struggle with an impossible situation bloom into something beautiful was a joy. What especially surprised me was the dark suspense sub-plot that could have easily gone of the rails in less capable hands, but Stone managed the pacing and distribution of information brilliantly. This has everything I crave in a romance: hot hockey player hero, capable and smart heroine, steamy scenes balanced with a complex plot, and a happily ever after that makes me swoon and feels completely earned. I can't wait to read the next one! ( )

4.5 stars

One of my favorite things about this author is her ability to make me be a fan of something that I would never normally be a fan of. In this case, it is hockey. Unless it is baseball I detest sports. Yet, somehow, I have begun to change my tune. Not only do I find myself enjoying the actual story but also the game itself when it is being described. It makes me want to become a real-life fan.

This book had it all; one of my favorite tropes (fake marriage), angst, suspense, fantastic characters, great secondary characters, amazing dogs, chemistry galore, and hot steamy times. I enjoyed watching these characters fall in love as their relationship progressed. Even though this is a common thing in fake marriages, this author made it seem fresh and new. I enjoyed Mica's mom immensely and to what lengths Mica went to show Charlie that she was important and that their marriage was real.

My only complaint was in understanding more about the bad guy. I didn't understand his intent and also about why he had what he did in the basement.

I cannot wait until the next book. I also hope that Mica's friend (even though he is not a Vancouver Wolves player gets a book too. There was just something about him. This series just keeps getting better and better. ( )