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Hometown Players #3
The Final Move
Hockey legend Devin Garrison thought he blew his shot. But his relationship with Callie Caplan just went into overtime.
Sexy, rich, and one of the biggest stars in the NHL, Devin Garrison has always been the one who had it all. That is until his marriage falls apart and he realizes he has to start over. If he's honest, there has only been one woman who ever really excited him-Callie Caplan. They shared a night that was hotter than the late-summer sun, but in an instant-Callie was gone, pretending it never happened.
Callie Caplan isn't the wild child people think she is. It's true she's avoided relationships, but only because she's seen how crazy love can be. And her messy, imperfect life is crazy enough without opening her heart to a man-even one as picture perfect as Devin. But when fate brings them back together-just as they need each other most-Devin is determined to convince Callie that what she's feeling is real. And this final play may be their chance at forever . . .
Sexy, rich, and one of the biggest stars in the NHL, Devin Garrison has always been the one who had it all. That is until his marriage falls apart and he realizes he has to start over. If he's honest, there has only been one woman who ever really excited him-Callie Caplan. They shared a night that was hotter than the late-summer sun, but in an instant-Callie was gone, pretending it never happened.
Callie Caplan isn't the wild child people think she is. It's true she's avoided relationships, but only because she's seen how crazy love can be. And her messy, imperfect life is crazy enough without opening her heart to a man-even one as picture perfect as Devin. But when fate brings them back together-just as they need each other most-Devin is determined to convince Callie that what she's feeling is real. And this final play may be their chance at forever . . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2015
55 people are currently reading
1175 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Denault
31 books829 followersSign up for Victoria's monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/cexOL9
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 222 year-old house with her husband, their grumpy Chihuahua Gus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 222 year-old house with her husband, their grumpy Chihuahua Gus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 5, 2016
3 - "I'm your final move." Stars.
I didn't think there was another Garrison I could love more than Jordan, but Devin took his brother's cheekiness, charm and sexiness and upped the ante by adding a whole other level of yummyness in the way he dealt with the dissolution of his marriage, his adorable son, and the re-emergence of his feelings for Callie Caplan.
"I'm done feeling."
I have a feeling this is potentially going to be a book that a lot of people will either love or hate. Callie has come across in the previous two books in this series as a confident, take-no-shit, devil-may-care woman, and whereas her sisters have allowed the men they love to break and then rebuild their hearts, she has kept hers firmly closed off, locked away and has stuck firmly to the one-and-done ethos.
"You're still the only girl I take cold showers with."
That all changes when she starts living with Devin, albeit supposedly temporarily, it becomes glaringly obvious very quickly that he is a man struggling, with the break-down of his marriage, and what he perceives as failure to provide a stable and loving home for his son. Very close to going completely off the rails, Callie steps in and offers him the support and no-nonsense advice he needs. This couple have a past, yes it was short, but it left them both with a lot of 'what ifs' hanging between them, and stuck in such close proximity with each other it is not long before things turn sexual.
"Last night was about the past... Tonight is about the future."
Its not difficult to see what direction the juggernaut that will cause the relationship car crash between this pair, is going to come from, and I was prepared for it as soon as things took a turn towards the bedroom between them. I suppose you can say that Victoria did her job a little too well, in that at around the 75% mark where the inevitable collision happens, Callie sticks to previous form (and then some) and I was left almost loathing a character, that I had come to, over the course of the book, hold a begrudging respect for.
"You should be pitied, not admired."
You are given enough of a back-story to understand Callie's reaction and motivations but I think what made it particularly hard to swallow was the fact that Devin didn't actually give her any reason to go off the deep end in the first place. And I think the deep end is an understatement, this woman took everything that he offered her and pretty much set fire to it, stomped all over it and left it in an alley for random drunks to piss all over. It really was a struggle to see why, after having his heart broken by his wife, to then give it to someone else and have the self same thing done again to him, that he would want her back in his life afterwards.
"I'm not your mistake... I'm the best thing that ever happened to you."
As I said this isn't a bad book in relation to the writing and story-telling, my issues are purely with characterization. I think it takes an author with balls to offer up a female character that she knows is potentially put her readers on the fence, and Victoria did that. I was prepared for it, and to be honest the rest of the story was strong enough too keep me reading it, but I will be honest and say that although I loved Devin Garrison, Callie Caplan lived up to every expectation I had of her, and not in a good way.
"I would deny you nothing."
Still a stellar ending to an absolutely outstanding series. This book may not have been a 100% winner for me, but I will still be eagerly looking out for more from Victoria Denault in 2016.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I didn't think there was another Garrison I could love more than Jordan, but Devin took his brother's cheekiness, charm and sexiness and upped the ante by adding a whole other level of yummyness in the way he dealt with the dissolution of his marriage, his adorable son, and the re-emergence of his feelings for Callie Caplan.
"I'm done feeling."
I have a feeling this is potentially going to be a book that a lot of people will either love or hate. Callie has come across in the previous two books in this series as a confident, take-no-shit, devil-may-care woman, and whereas her sisters have allowed the men they love to break and then rebuild their hearts, she has kept hers firmly closed off, locked away and has stuck firmly to the one-and-done ethos.
"You're still the only girl I take cold showers with."
That all changes when she starts living with Devin, albeit supposedly temporarily, it becomes glaringly obvious very quickly that he is a man struggling, with the break-down of his marriage, and what he perceives as failure to provide a stable and loving home for his son. Very close to going completely off the rails, Callie steps in and offers him the support and no-nonsense advice he needs. This couple have a past, yes it was short, but it left them both with a lot of 'what ifs' hanging between them, and stuck in such close proximity with each other it is not long before things turn sexual.
"Last night was about the past... Tonight is about the future."
Its not difficult to see what direction the juggernaut that will cause the relationship car crash between this pair, is going to come from, and I was prepared for it as soon as things took a turn towards the bedroom between them. I suppose you can say that Victoria did her job a little too well, in that at around the 75% mark where the inevitable collision happens, Callie sticks to previous form (and then some) and I was left almost loathing a character, that I had come to, over the course of the book, hold a begrudging respect for.
"You should be pitied, not admired."
You are given enough of a back-story to understand Callie's reaction and motivations but I think what made it particularly hard to swallow was the fact that Devin didn't actually give her any reason to go off the deep end in the first place. And I think the deep end is an understatement, this woman took everything that he offered her and pretty much set fire to it, stomped all over it and left it in an alley for random drunks to piss all over. It really was a struggle to see why, after having his heart broken by his wife, to then give it to someone else and have the self same thing done again to him, that he would want her back in his life afterwards.
"I'm not your mistake... I'm the best thing that ever happened to you."
As I said this isn't a bad book in relation to the writing and story-telling, my issues are purely with characterization. I think it takes an author with balls to offer up a female character that she knows is potentially put her readers on the fence, and Victoria did that. I was prepared for it, and to be honest the rest of the story was strong enough too keep me reading it, but I will be honest and say that although I loved Devin Garrison, Callie Caplan lived up to every expectation I had of her, and not in a good way.
"I would deny you nothing."
Still a stellar ending to an absolutely outstanding series. This book may not have been a 100% winner for me, but I will still be eagerly looking out for more from Victoria Denault in 2016.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 15, 2015
I really, really wanted to like this book but sadly, the characters just didn't do it for me. I was expecting a delicious love-hate relationship between Callie and Devlin, instead I got hate-hate. I don't think these two should even be in the same room together as more than friends. I wanted to feel their connection to each other but instead their relationship felt contrived.
I know the whole series has been about the Garrisons and the Caplans but man, I just didn't feel Devin and Callie. They're both unlikable and they make arbitrary decisions that left me fuming mad. Not quite the feeling I'm hoping to get while reading romance. Unfortunately, that's what I got from reading this book.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I know the whole series has been about the Garrisons and the Caplans but man, I just didn't feel Devin and Callie. They're both unlikable and they make arbitrary decisions that left me fuming mad. Not quite the feeling I'm hoping to get while reading romance. Unfortunately, that's what I got from reading this book.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
Five years ago Callie and Devin had an almost, kinda, maybe hookup in his father’s barn. Now,Devin is stuck in a failing marriage and when his wife forces a separation, he doesn’t tell anyone, because admitting it to his friends and family would be admitting failure – and Devin doesn’t fail. Callie gets a job in Brooklyn and discovers Devin’s secret. She moves in with him to help out with his son and give some much needed support.
Callie is the brash, foul-mouthed sister who is fiercely protective of everyone she loves. She’s the only one of the Caplan girls who does not want the true love and white picket fence. She’s a one-night-stand kind of girl, but never with someone she thinks she may actually like.
I was all about Jordan in One More Shot. Then I was all about Luc in Making a Play, it was true love, there wouldn’t ever be another hockey player I’d lust after again. And then came Devin. Remember Devin? The perfect brother who never fails at anything? The quiet one in the family who isn’t surrounded by drama and angst? The good, respectful, boring guy? Yeah, forget what you thought you knew about him because helllooooo Devin.
He completely blows his brothers out of the water. I loved seeing his inner bad boy emerge and was taken completely by surprise when his controlling ways and filthy mouth made an appearance. The dormant sexual tension between him and Callie quickly flares up and it causes some insanely hot interactions. When their mutual lust turns into something more, Devin pulls Callie kicking and screaming into revealing her vulnerability and soft heart.
As always with this series of books there is such a strong theme of family and the love they have for each other. The banter between characters is hilarious as always and there is a lot of yummy angst caused by some secondary characters. However, the thing I adored most about this book was the two flawed MCs. They made awful decisions, they were stubborn and made mistakes but their connection was just beautiful.
I couldn’t find a single thing wrong with this book. The pace was just perfect and there were such fluctuations between angst, hilarity, hotness and tenderness that I was laughing through the lump in my throat almost all the way through this book. Denault has such a talent for writing characters and the complexity of the emotions they go through, that you truly feel everything her characters are feeling. She gives good sexy time and her heroes are flawless in their lust-worthiness.
Loved, loved LOVED this book!
(Arc provided by author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
Callie is the brash, foul-mouthed sister who is fiercely protective of everyone she loves. She’s the only one of the Caplan girls who does not want the true love and white picket fence. She’s a one-night-stand kind of girl, but never with someone she thinks she may actually like.
I was all about Jordan in One More Shot. Then I was all about Luc in Making a Play, it was true love, there wouldn’t ever be another hockey player I’d lust after again. And then came Devin. Remember Devin? The perfect brother who never fails at anything? The quiet one in the family who isn’t surrounded by drama and angst? The good, respectful, boring guy? Yeah, forget what you thought you knew about him because helllooooo Devin.
He completely blows his brothers out of the water. I loved seeing his inner bad boy emerge and was taken completely by surprise when his controlling ways and filthy mouth made an appearance. The dormant sexual tension between him and Callie quickly flares up and it causes some insanely hot interactions. When their mutual lust turns into something more, Devin pulls Callie kicking and screaming into revealing her vulnerability and soft heart.
As always with this series of books there is such a strong theme of family and the love they have for each other. The banter between characters is hilarious as always and there is a lot of yummy angst caused by some secondary characters. However, the thing I adored most about this book was the two flawed MCs. They made awful decisions, they were stubborn and made mistakes but their connection was just beautiful.
I couldn’t find a single thing wrong with this book. The pace was just perfect and there were such fluctuations between angst, hilarity, hotness and tenderness that I was laughing through the lump in my throat almost all the way through this book. Denault has such a talent for writing characters and the complexity of the emotions they go through, that you truly feel everything her characters are feeling. She gives good sexy time and her heroes are flawless in their lust-worthiness.
Loved, loved LOVED this book!
(Arc provided by author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
December 15, 2015
2 Stars
Minor spoilers to follow, please don't read my review if you don't want to know. I'll spoiler tag the big stuff.
I've been a huge fan of this series since One More Shot. The mix of angst and swoony romance just did it for me. And ever since I first met Devin Garrison in that book I'v been not so patiently waiting for his story.
As the calmer and more settled of the Garrison brothers, Devin was refreshingly different. Being married and a daddy also made him even more appealing. But the reader also got a peek into his life and began to understand that not everything in his marriage is quite as perfect as he'd like to make it appear. At first I assumed that Devin's story would be more of marital issues than reconciliation with his wife, but after the events of Making a Play I realized that he'd be ending up with the other Caplan. After reading the preview in book 2 I have to admit that I was curious as to how this would play out. After finishing it? Well I kind of wish I could unread it, because it made me absolutely hate Callie and strongly dislike Devin in the process. *sigh* Where are those men in black when you need them?
I get what the author was trying to do with this story and while I appreciate her effort, it just didn't pan out for me. Not even a little. Why?
Issue 1
Villinaize the wife as the catalyst.
Was this really necessary? Couldn't it just be an "issue" they were dealing with and have them just fall out of love as they clearly were already well on the road for. Did she have to ? I just didn't find it necessary for the story. Sure, it served as the catalyst for Devin's decisions, but it just felt like an easy way out.
Issue 2
Devin's regression.
Oh boy. Where do I even start. So your wife on you, what do you do? Proceed to drink yourself stupid and have a one-night stand because...why? It felt like revenge and punishment more so than anything else. Hey, I was the perfect husband for so long, I need to slut it out now just to see how the other half lives. It didn't make sense. And yes, I understand that he was hurting. But what he also was, was still married. Sure, I also get that this is a common occurrence and I shouldn't judge. But do two wrongs really make a right? Considering how Devin has been for the past two books and always being the voice of reason, I wanted him to take the high road.
Issue 3
Callie.
Now I hate to name call, so I won't. I also hate slut shaming, so I won't. What I will say, is I absolutely hated her decisions and treatment of Devin for basically the entire book. One, she's dated and flirted with his teammates. She proceeds to go on a date after her and Devin finally sleep together. Then there was her decision to go down on him after she finds him in the middle of a drunk hookup and throwing the woman out of the house they're currently sharing. Also knowing how Devin is, her decision to continuously sleep with him but refuse anything more was downright infuriating. Considering everything Devin's been through it was almost callous.
Issue 4
Did I mention that Devin is still technically married (though separated and no longer living with his wife) through all of this?
Again, I understand that this happens, and if this was any other character, I could have looked past it. But with Devin? No. I felt like he regressed and just wasn't the Devin that I ultimately fell in love with throughout the series. I did not like him for a good 75% of this book.
Issue 5
And this is ultimately what lowered my rating even more. I felt zero, no connection between Callie and Devin. There wasn't an undercurrent of sexual tension or longing throughout the series between them. Not even in this book did that come into play. It felt like they just ended up together because it was convenient and not because it was meant to be. I couldn't connect to them as a couple. Hell, I didn't believe in them as a couple. And what's more, I didn't like them as a couple.
Le sigh.
To say that I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I love this author, and I will definitely read any of her future work without a second thought. But sadly this book didn't work for me at all. Maybe because I had such high hopes? Who knows. It is what it is, and I have a feeling this is just one of those books you'll either understand and enjoy, or you won't. I don't see much middle ground here. But that's just my opinion. Clearly I'm in the minority with my opinion so read it and judge for yourself.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Minor spoilers to follow, please don't read my review if you don't want to know. I'll spoiler tag the big stuff.
I've been a huge fan of this series since One More Shot. The mix of angst and swoony romance just did it for me. And ever since I first met Devin Garrison in that book I'v been not so patiently waiting for his story.
As the calmer and more settled of the Garrison brothers, Devin was refreshingly different. Being married and a daddy also made him even more appealing. But the reader also got a peek into his life and began to understand that not everything in his marriage is quite as perfect as he'd like to make it appear. At first I assumed that Devin's story would be more of marital issues than reconciliation with his wife, but after the events of Making a Play I realized that he'd be ending up with the other Caplan. After reading the preview in book 2 I have to admit that I was curious as to how this would play out. After finishing it? Well I kind of wish I could unread it, because it made me absolutely hate Callie and strongly dislike Devin in the process. *sigh* Where are those men in black when you need them?
I get what the author was trying to do with this story and while I appreciate her effort, it just didn't pan out for me. Not even a little. Why?
Issue 1
Villinaize the wife as the catalyst.
Was this really necessary? Couldn't it just be an "issue" they were dealing with and have them just fall out of love as they clearly were already well on the road for. Did she have to ? I just didn't find it necessary for the story. Sure, it served as the catalyst for Devin's decisions, but it just felt like an easy way out.
Issue 2
Devin's regression.
Oh boy. Where do I even start. So your wife on you, what do you do? Proceed to drink yourself stupid and have a one-night stand because...why? It felt like revenge and punishment more so than anything else. Hey, I was the perfect husband for so long, I need to slut it out now just to see how the other half lives. It didn't make sense. And yes, I understand that he was hurting. But what he also was, was still married. Sure, I also get that this is a common occurrence and I shouldn't judge. But do two wrongs really make a right? Considering how Devin has been for the past two books and always being the voice of reason, I wanted him to take the high road.
Issue 3
Callie.
Now I hate to name call, so I won't. I also hate slut shaming, so I won't. What I will say, is I absolutely hated her decisions and treatment of Devin for basically the entire book. One, she's dated and flirted with his teammates. She proceeds to go on a date after her and Devin finally sleep together. Then there was her decision to go down on him after she finds him in the middle of a drunk hookup and throwing the woman out of the house they're currently sharing. Also knowing how Devin is, her decision to continuously sleep with him but refuse anything more was downright infuriating. Considering everything Devin's been through it was almost callous.
Issue 4
Did I mention that Devin is still technically married (though separated and no longer living with his wife) through all of this?
Again, I understand that this happens, and if this was any other character, I could have looked past it. But with Devin? No. I felt like he regressed and just wasn't the Devin that I ultimately fell in love with throughout the series. I did not like him for a good 75% of this book.
Issue 5
And this is ultimately what lowered my rating even more. I felt zero, no connection between Callie and Devin. There wasn't an undercurrent of sexual tension or longing throughout the series between them. Not even in this book did that come into play. It felt like they just ended up together because it was convenient and not because it was meant to be. I couldn't connect to them as a couple. Hell, I didn't believe in them as a couple. And what's more, I didn't like them as a couple.
Le sigh.
To say that I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I love this author, and I will definitely read any of her future work without a second thought. But sadly this book didn't work for me at all. Maybe because I had such high hopes? Who knows. It is what it is, and I have a feeling this is just one of those books you'll either understand and enjoy, or you won't. I don't see much middle ground here. But that's just my opinion. Clearly I'm in the minority with my opinion so read it and judge for yourself.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
January 16, 2016
This might be my favorite book of this series. It's actually funny because Devin was the brother who flew under my radar in the other books and I didn't expect to love him as much as I did.
Devin isn't your typical professional athlete BBF. He's never been the manwhoring, puck-bunny loving guy that you usually read about in sports romances. He's had three goals in life; playing in the NHL, winning the Stanley cup and settling down to have a family with the woman he loves. He's never been the one-night stand kind of guy, except that one time with Callie Caplin five years ago. Now his marriage looks like it's coming to an end, his family doesn't know and suddenly Callie's the only one who seems to make him feel like he might come out of everything still being himself.
Callie doesn't do relationships but she loves her family and that includes the Garrison brothers who have become her family. So when she finds out that Devin's separated from his wife and she's the only one who knows, she steps in to make sure he deals with it without losing his true self along the way.
The chemistry between Callie and Devin is palpable and when they meet their breaking point and can't control it anymore...watch out! I absolutely loved the two of them together. The way that Callie loved Conner and fell right into the family dynamic with the two of them was perfect because it wasn't too invasive or inappropriate.
My love for Devin really took off with his honesty and steadfast approach to win Callie's heart, without a doubt in his mind that it was the right thing. It was basically the sexiest thing ever. I love that even when he was angry with Callie, he told her and he didn't hold back. When she hurt him, he let her know and even though it came off pretty harsh, he was just being authentic and open with her. Even when his brother, Jordan, stepped in and gave his two cents, albeit his very angry two cents, they were only being honest with her so that she could be honest with herself.
I always hate writing these reviews because I want to be sure to get my point across about how I feel about certain aspects of the book without giving spoilers and things start to sound overly vague. So to really understand where I am coming from you need to read this book, like now. I swear that you won't regret it.
Victoria Denault's writing is awesome, her character development is some of the best I've encountered and her dialogue is on point. This whole series is a must read!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Devin isn't your typical professional athlete BBF. He's never been the manwhoring, puck-bunny loving guy that you usually read about in sports romances. He's had three goals in life; playing in the NHL, winning the Stanley cup and settling down to have a family with the woman he loves. He's never been the one-night stand kind of guy, except that one time with Callie Caplin five years ago. Now his marriage looks like it's coming to an end, his family doesn't know and suddenly Callie's the only one who seems to make him feel like he might come out of everything still being himself.
Callie doesn't do relationships but she loves her family and that includes the Garrison brothers who have become her family. So when she finds out that Devin's separated from his wife and she's the only one who knows, she steps in to make sure he deals with it without losing his true self along the way.
The chemistry between Callie and Devin is palpable and when they meet their breaking point and can't control it anymore...watch out! I absolutely loved the two of them together. The way that Callie loved Conner and fell right into the family dynamic with the two of them was perfect because it wasn't too invasive or inappropriate.
My love for Devin really took off with his honesty and steadfast approach to win Callie's heart, without a doubt in his mind that it was the right thing. It was basically the sexiest thing ever. I love that even when he was angry with Callie, he told her and he didn't hold back. When she hurt him, he let her know and even though it came off pretty harsh, he was just being authentic and open with her. Even when his brother, Jordan, stepped in and gave his two cents, albeit his very angry two cents, they were only being honest with her so that she could be honest with herself.
I always hate writing these reviews because I want to be sure to get my point across about how I feel about certain aspects of the book without giving spoilers and things start to sound overly vague. So to really understand where I am coming from you need to read this book, like now. I swear that you won't regret it.
Victoria Denault's writing is awesome, her character development is some of the best I've encountered and her dialogue is on point. This whole series is a must read!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 28, 2015
Yet another Garrison and Caplan steal my heart. Victoria Denault scores a hat trick.
Victoria Denault is one of my favorite debut authors of this year. I so rarely take chances anymore, but something about the first book in the Hometown Players series called out to me and I’m so glad it did. I have so enjoyed this entire series.
Every character in this book has such a unique personality. Victoria created them with these specific and individual personalities and they are consistent throughout the whole series. You fall in love with each of them for different reasons and continue to stay in love with them, even as supporting characters.
I have loved both the Garrison family and the Caplan girls. The Final Move is no different. Although Callie was pretty infuriating for most of the book, I could forgive a lot of her thoughts and actions because it was justified well. Devin, however, I loved totally. He’s so easily loveable, so good down to his core. And such a loving dad.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. These characters and their dialogue are all so organic and genuine. It feels natural to spend time with all of them. And if you’re iffy on the hockey aspect? Don’t be. It certainly plays a role and if you are a hockey fan, then all the better, but an appreciation for the sport is definitely not required to appreciate these books.
Seriously, you have to take my word for it. This new author is just spectacular. These characters will steal your heart. Let them.
Victoria Denault is one of my favorite debut authors of this year. I so rarely take chances anymore, but something about the first book in the Hometown Players series called out to me and I’m so glad it did. I have so enjoyed this entire series.
Every character in this book has such a unique personality. Victoria created them with these specific and individual personalities and they are consistent throughout the whole series. You fall in love with each of them for different reasons and continue to stay in love with them, even as supporting characters.
I have loved both the Garrison family and the Caplan girls. The Final Move is no different. Although Callie was pretty infuriating for most of the book, I could forgive a lot of her thoughts and actions because it was justified well. Devin, however, I loved totally. He’s so easily loveable, so good down to his core. And such a loving dad.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. These characters and their dialogue are all so organic and genuine. It feels natural to spend time with all of them. And if you’re iffy on the hockey aspect? Don’t be. It certainly plays a role and if you are a hockey fan, then all the better, but an appreciation for the sport is definitely not required to appreciate these books.
Seriously, you have to take my word for it. This new author is just spectacular. These characters will steal your heart. Let them.
March 9, 2016
Definitely the best out of all 3 books in the Hometown Players series, in my opinion! Devin and Callie were my favorite couple and they had the strongest storyline.
The Hometown Players series centers around 3 sisters and 2 brothers and their best friend, all in the NHL, from a small Maine town. They've grown up together and each book is about one of the couples falling in love.
Devin and Callie's story was the toughest to read because it deals with divorce. As someone who has gone through this, it really hit home for me. Devin is the sweetest out of all 3 of the men and Callie is the toughest out all 3 of the sisters, so putting them together made for an interesting match. The sexual tension between the two at the beginning was intense and I was really rooting for them to stay together.
Unlike book 1 and 2, there is an epilogue in The Final Move, which was very sweet. I just wish it had taken place further in the future and we were able to see more of the other couples. This epilogue only dealt with Devin and Callie. That is my only complaint.
I would definitely read these in order, as you will be spoiled about the outcome of the relationships in the other books if you read them out of order. I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys sports romance and the friends to lovers trope!
The Hometown Players series centers around 3 sisters and 2 brothers and their best friend, all in the NHL, from a small Maine town. They've grown up together and each book is about one of the couples falling in love.
Devin and Callie's story was the toughest to read because it deals with divorce. As someone who has gone through this, it really hit home for me. Devin is the sweetest out of all 3 of the men and Callie is the toughest out all 3 of the sisters, so putting them together made for an interesting match. The sexual tension between the two at the beginning was intense and I was really rooting for them to stay together.
Unlike book 1 and 2, there is an epilogue in The Final Move, which was very sweet. I just wish it had taken place further in the future and we were able to see more of the other couples. This epilogue only dealt with Devin and Callie. That is my only complaint.
I would definitely read these in order, as you will be spoiled about the outcome of the relationships in the other books if you read them out of order. I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys sports romance and the friends to lovers trope!
August 28, 2018
What a wonderful, heart-warming book. Loved Callie and Devin and their storyline. Without a doubt, Callie overreacted one or two times, but Devin balanced it out easily. And overall, both heroes were awesome. Even the child was lovable (and I'm not a fan of small children in romances).
December 8, 2015
Afrodyt's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
This third installment of the Hometown Players series follows Callie Caplan, the middle sister of Jessie and Rose Caplan. She is a self described commitment-phobe and has a hard and fast rule of not sleeping with guys she "likes" and no repeats, ever. She and her sisters were orphaned at a very impressionable age and then abandoned by their grandmother as teens. Their saving grace throughout their tragic childhood was their deceased mother's high school best friend, Donna Garrison, who cared for Jessie, Rose and Callie as if they were her own, right along side her own three sons, Devin, Jordan, Cole and her bonus son Luc. The early trauma left lasting scars, mostly from abandonment, for all three Caplan women, but Callie seems particularly affected. After watching her sisters struggles with love relationships, Callie has sworn to keep love at bay by any means necessary. She has always been the "strong, protective one" out of the three of them and doesn't do messy emotional attachments.
Devin Garrison, the eldest of the gang from Silver Bay, Maine, has always been the most focused, driven and family-oriented brother in the family. Devin married early and started his family shortly after being drafted into the NHL and he has been the grounded voice of wisdom for his best friends and brothers as they struggle with their love lives. Unfortunately, Devin's marriage hits a rough patch and circumstances are such that Callie is the one he leans on during this difficult time. His three year old son, Connor, is also caught in the middle of his parents strained relationship and that makes things extra challenging.
**Spoiler**
After reading the two prior books I was really looking forward to Callie's story, but the infidelity going on in this story was a big turn off for me. Devin's divorce papers not being signed before his sexual relationship with Callie started just didn't sit well with me. Yes, in real life it's a grey area, however, the angst going on in this story isn't the kind of tension I enjoy in my romance novels. I loved the family bonding and I really like these characters individually and collectively. Their issues were not far fetched and overall the story is well written. The sex was not very creative, though, and there was just an overall frustration for me with the emotional immaturity on Callie's part given that she had been so feisty and strong throughout this series. I love strong heroines and Callie is strong in so many ways, but she disappointed me in this story.
***End Spoiler***
Devin was a good man and his circumstances were terrible and I really felt for him. He clearly deserved better than both Callie and his ex, Ashleigh. I loved his flashes of dominance but his emotional vulnerability outweighed the sexiness of his strength until he finally stood his ground with both of them. It was the interplay with all the other characters that saved this story for me. It was good but not great.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
This third installment of the Hometown Players series follows Callie Caplan, the middle sister of Jessie and Rose Caplan. She is a self described commitment-phobe and has a hard and fast rule of not sleeping with guys she "likes" and no repeats, ever. She and her sisters were orphaned at a very impressionable age and then abandoned by their grandmother as teens. Their saving grace throughout their tragic childhood was their deceased mother's high school best friend, Donna Garrison, who cared for Jessie, Rose and Callie as if they were her own, right along side her own three sons, Devin, Jordan, Cole and her bonus son Luc. The early trauma left lasting scars, mostly from abandonment, for all three Caplan women, but Callie seems particularly affected. After watching her sisters struggles with love relationships, Callie has sworn to keep love at bay by any means necessary. She has always been the "strong, protective one" out of the three of them and doesn't do messy emotional attachments.
Devin Garrison, the eldest of the gang from Silver Bay, Maine, has always been the most focused, driven and family-oriented brother in the family. Devin married early and started his family shortly after being drafted into the NHL and he has been the grounded voice of wisdom for his best friends and brothers as they struggle with their love lives. Unfortunately, Devin's marriage hits a rough patch and circumstances are such that Callie is the one he leans on during this difficult time. His three year old son, Connor, is also caught in the middle of his parents strained relationship and that makes things extra challenging.
**Spoiler**
After reading the two prior books I was really looking forward to Callie's story, but the infidelity going on in this story was a big turn off for me. Devin's divorce papers not being signed before his sexual relationship with Callie started just didn't sit well with me. Yes, in real life it's a grey area, however, the angst going on in this story isn't the kind of tension I enjoy in my romance novels. I loved the family bonding and I really like these characters individually and collectively. Their issues were not far fetched and overall the story is well written. The sex was not very creative, though, and there was just an overall frustration for me with the emotional immaturity on Callie's part given that she had been so feisty and strong throughout this series. I love strong heroines and Callie is strong in so many ways, but she disappointed me in this story.
***End Spoiler***
Devin was a good man and his circumstances were terrible and I really felt for him. He clearly deserved better than both Callie and his ex, Ashleigh. I loved his flashes of dominance but his emotional vulnerability outweighed the sexiness of his strength until he finally stood his ground with both of them. It was the interplay with all the other characters that saved this story for me. It was good but not great.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
November 6, 2015
Finally Callie and Devin's story! I was really looking to this book and excited to see how Denault would put these two together. She didn't disappoint.
Devin is separated from his wife and hasn't told a sole. When he goes to drop his son off at his exs house he finds out Callie is moving to town and now he has to come clean. What he doesn't realize is that Callie is everything he ever wanted now he just needs to convince her to give them a chance.
Callie had a thing with Devin when she was 18 but they have always remained close, so when she finds out about what's going on with Devins marriage she is determined to help him get through it. Callie just doesn't realize spending time with him and living with him was going to change her game. Can she finally get the HEA that her sisters have or is this relationship doomed to fail?
One thing that stands out in this book and the series are the characters and how close they all are. I love books were siblings fall for one another and Denault did a excellent job with pairing them off. My favorite character is this book had to Devin. You can see his changing from his old life with his ex to wanting a new life with Callie.
They had so many cute moments and how comfortable they were with one another. I loved they had a spark in previous books but yet of course nothing could have happened until now. Callie was sweet but didn't sugarcoat anything when it came to helping Devin get back on track.
Even though Devin and his ex are separated I liked how slow he and Callie took things. It wasn't like he woke up and wanted her although he was always attracted to her but he took the time to heal and figure things out.
The one issue I had with the book was the ending. Yes they got there HEA but it was kind of rushed. I mean they are finally together yet they start talking babies and marriage while they have only just got back together. I would have been okay with them dating for a book or two before anything else happened.
Denault includes some hot and steamy scenes along with some emotional entanglement that keeps you coming back for more!
Will there be more books in this series? Gosh I hope so! Or maybe a spinoff with other players? Again I say I hope so. I love the characters and the challenges they all face. Plus it would be great to catch up with this hockey family and see what plays they will be having in the future.
I highly recommend this book and series to sink your teeth into.
Devin is separated from his wife and hasn't told a sole. When he goes to drop his son off at his exs house he finds out Callie is moving to town and now he has to come clean. What he doesn't realize is that Callie is everything he ever wanted now he just needs to convince her to give them a chance.
Callie had a thing with Devin when she was 18 but they have always remained close, so when she finds out about what's going on with Devins marriage she is determined to help him get through it. Callie just doesn't realize spending time with him and living with him was going to change her game. Can she finally get the HEA that her sisters have or is this relationship doomed to fail?
One thing that stands out in this book and the series are the characters and how close they all are. I love books were siblings fall for one another and Denault did a excellent job with pairing them off. My favorite character is this book had to Devin. You can see his changing from his old life with his ex to wanting a new life with Callie.
They had so many cute moments and how comfortable they were with one another. I loved they had a spark in previous books but yet of course nothing could have happened until now. Callie was sweet but didn't sugarcoat anything when it came to helping Devin get back on track.
Even though Devin and his ex are separated I liked how slow he and Callie took things. It wasn't like he woke up and wanted her although he was always attracted to her but he took the time to heal and figure things out.
The one issue I had with the book was the ending. Yes they got there HEA but it was kind of rushed. I mean they are finally together yet they start talking babies and marriage while they have only just got back together. I would have been okay with them dating for a book or two before anything else happened.
Denault includes some hot and steamy scenes along with some emotional entanglement that keeps you coming back for more!
Will there be more books in this series? Gosh I hope so! Or maybe a spinoff with other players? Again I say I hope so. I love the characters and the challenges they all face. Plus it would be great to catch up with this hockey family and see what plays they will be having in the future.
I highly recommend this book and series to sink your teeth into.
December 9, 2015
Hockey players are the best!
Well, they sure are in this series that’s all about the Garrison brothers, their on-ice brethren and the women they love. This time out, Devin Garrison and Callie Caplan are in the spotlight and things are heating up! If you’ve read the first books then these names are familiar, as is their backstory. If you haven’t read the first books, drop what you are doing and get to it—these hockey hotties are too good to miss. Oh, and of course for the backstory.
Callie has made a point to not let anyone get too close—not with memories of her childhood never far away. Her sisters, plus the Garrisons who pretty much helped raised them, were her inner circle and she let very few others in. That didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy life and people—especially those men who triggered the tingles. Going in though, there was a time limit on her relationships and it wasn’t measured in anything more than hours….
Devin, on the other hand, embraced his marriage and his son so when his relationship ended he was blindsided. Reeling from the unthinkable, Callie seemed to effortlessly become more than a good friend to him and Conner. She literally moved in and provided the unconditional support he hadn’t known he was missing. Friends to lovers was not a huge leap for him but convincing Callie was not going to be easy.
I love the irreverent humor, the sweet love and the hockey culture/family that is part and parcel to this series. Devin is a HOCKEY player and if that didn’t warm my Canuck heart already, the rest of the package certainly would. He is handsome and loving (and a tingle-maker of the first order). Callie is the perfect match for him, if she would let herself believe. I so want her to believe!
Soapy, emotional and funny this is a stellar addition to the series. I hope there will be more! ~ Diane, 5 stars
Well, they sure are in this series that’s all about the Garrison brothers, their on-ice brethren and the women they love. This time out, Devin Garrison and Callie Caplan are in the spotlight and things are heating up! If you’ve read the first books then these names are familiar, as is their backstory. If you haven’t read the first books, drop what you are doing and get to it—these hockey hotties are too good to miss. Oh, and of course for the backstory.
Callie has made a point to not let anyone get too close—not with memories of her childhood never far away. Her sisters, plus the Garrisons who pretty much helped raised them, were her inner circle and she let very few others in. That didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy life and people—especially those men who triggered the tingles. Going in though, there was a time limit on her relationships and it wasn’t measured in anything more than hours….
Devin, on the other hand, embraced his marriage and his son so when his relationship ended he was blindsided. Reeling from the unthinkable, Callie seemed to effortlessly become more than a good friend to him and Conner. She literally moved in and provided the unconditional support he hadn’t known he was missing. Friends to lovers was not a huge leap for him but convincing Callie was not going to be easy.
I love the irreverent humor, the sweet love and the hockey culture/family that is part and parcel to this series. Devin is a HOCKEY player and if that didn’t warm my Canuck heart already, the rest of the package certainly would. He is handsome and loving (and a tingle-maker of the first order). Callie is the perfect match for him, if she would let herself believe. I so want her to believe!
Soapy, emotional and funny this is a stellar addition to the series. I hope there will be more! ~ Diane, 5 stars
June 29, 2018
When I started this series I had no idea that Devin would have a book of his own considering he was married in the prior books, therefore I didn't pay too much attention to him until I started seeing his relationship crumble in the last book Making A Play. Devin is the good guy, the commitment guy, he plays it straight, and even though I always think to myself I don't really care about these types of guys in stories, they always tend to be my favorite. Jordan and him are definitely tied as my two favorite guys from this series thus far.
Devin has always made it knows that he's looking for a future and looking to settle down. Callie has always made it known that she's quite the opposite. She's not looking for any type of relationship at all, in fact she doesn't do repeats, she sticks to her one night stand routine like glue. Devin and Callie got caught hooking up prior to Devin's marriage and now that it's falling apart he's looking to finish what they started.
Callie is my favorite of the three sisters, she's funny, smart, witty, and has quite the mouth on her. I really loved the way this story played out. These books seriously are awesome, they have everything I look for in a book, drama without being over dramatic, and the perfect amount of angst!
Devin has always made it knows that he's looking for a future and looking to settle down. Callie has always made it known that she's quite the opposite. She's not looking for any type of relationship at all, in fact she doesn't do repeats, she sticks to her one night stand routine like glue. Devin and Callie got caught hooking up prior to Devin's marriage and now that it's falling apart he's looking to finish what they started.
Callie is my favorite of the three sisters, she's funny, smart, witty, and has quite the mouth on her. I really loved the way this story played out. These books seriously are awesome, they have everything I look for in a book, drama without being over dramatic, and the perfect amount of angst!
October 6, 2017
Rating: 3.5 Stars
A solid addition to the Hometown Players series. I really loved the prologue, but then was a little sad when I realized Devin had married someone else. It was a painful up and down journey as Callie came to terms with her issues and mountain of baggage. There were time when I just wanted to slap her, but Devin, I loved him the whole time. Once he saw the possibility of Callie, he went after her with a vengeance.
I understood Callie's issues. I understood that the Garrisons were the only family she knew, and she did not want to risk losing them. I understood that she thought her relationship would turn out the same way her parents' did, but she had plenty of positive examples in her life too. I guess I thought she should have realized that a little sooner.
As with other companion series, I am always happy when past couples play a role, and I think the whole Garrison family was featured at one point and there was a really cool development with one of the couples which added to the fun. AND a fantastic epilogue.
A solid addition to the Hometown Players series. I really loved the prologue, but then was a little sad when I realized Devin had married someone else. It was a painful up and down journey as Callie came to terms with her issues and mountain of baggage. There were time when I just wanted to slap her, but Devin, I loved him the whole time. Once he saw the possibility of Callie, he went after her with a vengeance.
I understood Callie's issues. I understood that the Garrisons were the only family she knew, and she did not want to risk losing them. I understood that she thought her relationship would turn out the same way her parents' did, but she had plenty of positive examples in her life too. I guess I thought she should have realized that a little sooner.
As with other companion series, I am always happy when past couples play a role, and I think the whole Garrison family was featured at one point and there was a really cool development with one of the couples which added to the fun. AND a fantastic epilogue.
August 13, 2018
Loved this one. I knew I would love the story of Callie and Devin. And Conner was just a love. I loved Jordy and Luc's advice to both Callie and Devin.
This one was fantastic.
This one was fantastic.
Read
December 6, 2016DNF @ 33%, so I won't be rating this one. Sadly, The Final Move didn't work for me for a few reasons.
You can read my full review at Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
You can read my full review at Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
December 8, 2015
I received a copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
I knew from the start that Callie and Devin were going to be explosive. In Making A Play, it was impossible not to see the sexual tension between the two and the trouble brewing between Devin and his wife. Then Victoria gave us a sneak peek of The Final Move at the end Making A Play and I was a goner for Callie and Devin. I couldn't wait to see what was started many years ago between these two explode and melt everything in its wake. After jumping up and down hysterically, I began their journey and boy was it epic. I fell in love with Devin's son, Connor, and my heart melted like ice cream on a summer day when I saw Callie bond with him. Victoria showed the beauty of finding love again and creating a new stronger family. Let's not forget the steamy, make your body gooey scenes, which can cause a reader to detonate on the spot. Callie and Devin are a force to be reckon with and are unstoppable.
Devin Garrison always had an itch by the name of Callie Caplan, which he had denied for years. When she blows into town during his hockey season, his crumbling marriage, and helps pick up the pieces, he knows he can no longer resist. Not only does Devin possess rippling muscles and rock hard abs, he possesses a heart that knows no bounds when it comes to his son or the people he loves. He lives and plays fiercely and he had my heart before I even began The Final Play from experiencing his larger than life character in the other books in the Hometown Player series.
Callie Caplan is brash, foul mouthed, sexy, and not afraid to speak her mind. She loves her two sisters with all her heart and has come to love the whole Garrison family as well. Even though she has always felt a spark between her and Devin, she never wanted to put her ties to the Garrison family to the test to further their relationship. Her philosophy is “everyone leaves”, so why put yourself at risk for love. Her theory is put to the test when she comes to town and sees Devin broken, defeated and sexier than ever. She either needs to deny the attraction or throw caution to the wind and banish her fears of abandonment. I fell in love with her character from the moment I started reading Hometown Players. She uses her vivaciousness to protect her from the outside world, she is loyal, loves deeply and has an inner strength that shines.
Victoria created a family that you grow to love throughout this series and characters that stay with the reader long after the books are finished. I couldn't help but bond with each character and experience the heart aches, passion, and love that the characters feel throughout the books. Devin and Callie's story give us hope about second chances and finding love again after a heartbreak. I look forward to reading more of Victoria Denault's work in the future and falling in love with new characters. I highly recommend if you love sexy hockey players, strong characters, and fiery chemistry.
I knew from the start that Callie and Devin were going to be explosive. In Making A Play, it was impossible not to see the sexual tension between the two and the trouble brewing between Devin and his wife. Then Victoria gave us a sneak peek of The Final Move at the end Making A Play and I was a goner for Callie and Devin. I couldn't wait to see what was started many years ago between these two explode and melt everything in its wake. After jumping up and down hysterically, I began their journey and boy was it epic. I fell in love with Devin's son, Connor, and my heart melted like ice cream on a summer day when I saw Callie bond with him. Victoria showed the beauty of finding love again and creating a new stronger family. Let's not forget the steamy, make your body gooey scenes, which can cause a reader to detonate on the spot. Callie and Devin are a force to be reckon with and are unstoppable.
Devin Garrison always had an itch by the name of Callie Caplan, which he had denied for years. When she blows into town during his hockey season, his crumbling marriage, and helps pick up the pieces, he knows he can no longer resist. Not only does Devin possess rippling muscles and rock hard abs, he possesses a heart that knows no bounds when it comes to his son or the people he loves. He lives and plays fiercely and he had my heart before I even began The Final Play from experiencing his larger than life character in the other books in the Hometown Player series.
Callie Caplan is brash, foul mouthed, sexy, and not afraid to speak her mind. She loves her two sisters with all her heart and has come to love the whole Garrison family as well. Even though she has always felt a spark between her and Devin, she never wanted to put her ties to the Garrison family to the test to further their relationship. Her philosophy is “everyone leaves”, so why put yourself at risk for love. Her theory is put to the test when she comes to town and sees Devin broken, defeated and sexier than ever. She either needs to deny the attraction or throw caution to the wind and banish her fears of abandonment. I fell in love with her character from the moment I started reading Hometown Players. She uses her vivaciousness to protect her from the outside world, she is loyal, loves deeply and has an inner strength that shines.
Victoria created a family that you grow to love throughout this series and characters that stay with the reader long after the books are finished. I couldn't help but bond with each character and experience the heart aches, passion, and love that the characters feel throughout the books. Devin and Callie's story give us hope about second chances and finding love again after a heartbreak. I look forward to reading more of Victoria Denault's work in the future and falling in love with new characters. I highly recommend if you love sexy hockey players, strong characters, and fiery chemistry.
December 9, 2015
The Final Move is the third and last book in the Hometown Players series and brings us another Caplan and Garrison pairing and I for one was very excited. Having been following this series from the start I was curious where Devin and Callie’s story would go seeing as they had a past but he had a wife. Well things are not well at home and when Devin’s wife decides to leave him at the same time that his close friend Callie is in town he finds a new roommate and shoulder to lean on. This is not a story of a man hopping from one bed to another but the story of a man broken by the destruction of his family and learning to love and trust through someone he has always been drawn too.
Having grown up in a home without a strong example of love Callie decides that letting love lead your life is for fools and sets out to just have fun. Having had and left Devin years before she thinks she can move on esp since he did. But living with him and spending so much time starts to change her and soon she is desiring things she never thought she would want.
I loved Devin and Callie. They had so many obstacles and yet it was clear the whole time that they were perfect for each other. I am a huge fan of hockey romances and hope that Victoria Denault continues to put them out as she not only captures the beauty of these gruff and rough around the edges men but also the excitement and danger of the sport itself.
~miranda
Having grown up in a home without a strong example of love Callie decides that letting love lead your life is for fools and sets out to just have fun. Having had and left Devin years before she thinks she can move on esp since he did. But living with him and spending so much time starts to change her and soon she is desiring things she never thought she would want.
I loved Devin and Callie. They had so many obstacles and yet it was clear the whole time that they were perfect for each other. I am a huge fan of hockey romances and hope that Victoria Denault continues to put them out as she not only captures the beauty of these gruff and rough around the edges men but also the excitement and danger of the sport itself.
~miranda
December 5, 2015
I've been thinking about this book for the past few days and thinking of how I would rate/review it. I think my expectations for this one were just so high that no matter what, it wasn't going to be able to live up to them.
I was completely hooked when I read the prologue and I may have squeed a bit! But then I think it lost it's footing along the way.
I won't be giving too many spoilers away but I was just confused by the actions by both of the characters. I think that Devin latched on way too quickly to Callie. He literally is going through a divorce and gets these intense feelings and wants to get into another relationship so quickly? I don't buy it. Then there is Callie. She has gone through the same amount of heartache as her other sisters and the crap hand that they were dealt family-wise. But yet...she is so determined not to get into a relationship. I almost wanted to have a sit down with both of these characters and have a "talking to" with them.
There was so petty jealousies, ridiculous things taken out of context and not enough real "togetherness" that made me just not love this one like the other ones.
I will keep reading Victoria's books as I love her voice along with the other books in this series. This one was just not my favorite of the bunch.
I was completely hooked when I read the prologue and I may have squeed a bit! But then I think it lost it's footing along the way.
I won't be giving too many spoilers away but I was just confused by the actions by both of the characters. I think that Devin latched on way too quickly to Callie. He literally is going through a divorce and gets these intense feelings and wants to get into another relationship so quickly? I don't buy it. Then there is Callie. She has gone through the same amount of heartache as her other sisters and the crap hand that they were dealt family-wise. But yet...she is so determined not to get into a relationship. I almost wanted to have a sit down with both of these characters and have a "talking to" with them.
There was so petty jealousies, ridiculous things taken out of context and not enough real "togetherness" that made me just not love this one like the other ones.
I will keep reading Victoria's books as I love her voice along with the other books in this series. This one was just not my favorite of the bunch.
January 14, 2016
Victoria Denault shines in The Final Move, the newest book to her Hometown Players Novel. Devin Garrison, one of the brothers introduced earlier in the series, is going through a rough patch in his marriage and has decided the best course of action is to concentrate on his son and his playing. When Callie Caplan, a woman he’s known for years, needs a place to stay Devin offers up his spare bedroom.
I love a story about a dedicated single father, and the lengths Devin will go through to make sure his son is okay with the impending divorce. On the other hand Callie was so frustrating at times I wanted to shake her, with the single handed determination to be on her own worst enemy when it comes to relationships. She’s been burned before, but she seems to take it out on those who love her the most. The previous characters make brief appearances throughout the book, and it was nice seeing familiar faces. This was a solid addition to the series, and I hope we get to enjoy these characters again.
I love a story about a dedicated single father, and the lengths Devin will go through to make sure his son is okay with the impending divorce. On the other hand Callie was so frustrating at times I wanted to shake her, with the single handed determination to be on her own worst enemy when it comes to relationships. She’s been burned before, but she seems to take it out on those who love her the most. The previous characters make brief appearances throughout the book, and it was nice seeing familiar faces. This was a solid addition to the series, and I hope we get to enjoy these characters again.
February 7, 2016
Ever since reading Making a Play, I was looking forward to read Callie and Devin's story. Callie is wild, but she has a good heart. She's afraid of getting hurt in love and therefore just doesn't fall in love. That's the theory, but that's not how love works. Devin has his life planned out, including NHL career and family. Unfortunately, the person he picks to be his other half is not the fitting half he needs ... watching Callie and Devin find common ground to build their future together was beautiful. I really enjoyed the book.
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
April 30, 2017
A brief unfinished sexual experimentation 5-6years ago does not provide the groundwork for a real relationship years later - despite that both mcs have known each other for a long time.
I'm surprised it went there. Devin and the wife had no problems in book 1 and so this was a bit odd - in spite of hints in book 2.
But the biggest downer for me was the role-reversal here was too extreme for me. Geez, Devin was just the ultimate chick - waiting for her to go home from a date and tearing up and finally unable to sleep with happiness when she decided to go home to him. Geez, pathetic much?
I'm surprised it went there. Devin and the wife had no problems in book 1 and so this was a bit odd - in spite of hints in book 2.
But the biggest downer for me was the role-reversal here was too extreme for me. Geez, Devin was just the ultimate chick - waiting for her to go home from a date and tearing up and finally unable to sleep with happiness when she decided to go home to him. Geez, pathetic much?
December 16, 2020
When I first read this as hockey fanfiction years ago I remember not liking this story as much as the other ones. I'm not sure why because it may have been my favorite out of the three this time around.
Even though it's the third book about the same group of people I was involved in continuing their stories. I have yet to become tired of the plot, characters, and tropes, which is always amazing.
I'm actually really intrigued to read the next book in the series because I want to see how different it is with an unrelated character.
Even though it's the third book about the same group of people I was involved in continuing their stories. I have yet to become tired of the plot, characters, and tropes, which is always amazing.
I'm actually really intrigued to read the next book in the series because I want to see how different it is with an unrelated character.
November 7, 2015
Devin knows how to get a girl's blood pumping, “you’re effing amazing, Callie. So hot. So sexy. I see you and my ***k gets hard. I want you so bad. All the time. I want to make you come so hard. I want to…” I move" The men in this series are just so sexy, I love it. I enjoyed reading this book, and I hope there's more to come.
May 7, 2020
Devin.....is tdf
If you like sports romance, second chance or single dad trope, this book is for you.
This entire series is spectacular😍😍😍
If you like sports romance, second chance or single dad trope, this book is for you.
This entire series is spectacular😍😍😍
November 25, 2024
This was better than the previous books in terms of creating an actual conflict, tension and chemistry. It was pretty hot.
At the same time, the misogynistic undertone made it really hard to actually like this book.
Ex. 1 - Callie moves in with Devin, she immediately starts being the cook and the cleaner. Really? This woman works long hours on the set and then comes home and takes care of a man and his son with so much joy, like it’s her effing dream? Come on. Out of all the heroines so far, she’s the least likely one to be a housewife type and last time I checked, Devin also had two fully functional hands. Would love to see him use them.
Ex. 2 - There’s a conversation in there between Luc, Cole and Callie outside of a bar, when the guys are amazed how hard Devin fell for a “commitment-phobe”. Cole comes to a conclusion that she must be great in bed and Luc adds that if she’s anything like her sister, she definitely is. SERIOUSLY?! Way to objectify women and place their whole value in their bodies. This was a disgusting dialogue and I’m surprised it was written by a female author.
Ex. 3 - Ashleigh cheated on Devin. They were probably never a good match, considering everything we learned about them and their life goals in this book. However, making her the sole villain is ridiculous. In no point of this book does Devin take any responsibility for the dissolution of his marriage. They both screwed up.
Ex. 4 - There’s a conversation towards the end between Ashleigh and Devin, when they talk about having kids. Devin absolutely cannot comprehend why it would be hard to have multiple small kids with the dad gone half the time (shocker). When Ashleigh mentions hiring a nanny at least, he dismisses it completely, saying that his mother managed to raise three kids on her own, with his dad working long hours and being okay. IS THE AUTHOR FOR REAL?! Are we sure it’s written by an actual woman?!
I could honestly find many more examples, with the whole slut shaming (are those girls sleeping with each other, then, since only they seem to be a problem?).
This book SCREAMS internalized misogyny and I was sorry for Callie. The author made it seem like it was all her fault. It wasn’t. She had commitment issues Devin knew about, yet he just casually mentioned how his wife wanted to get back with him and didn’t immediately shut her down. Just told Callie that and left the conversation at that to go to family dinner.
Honestly, so far - all the guys in the series suck, none of them qualifies as a book boyfriend and the women are carrying those relationships on their backs, while taking the blame for all the fallouts.
Now that we’re finished with the Garrison dudes, I’ll give this series one more try, but I’m not holding much hope anymore.
At the same time, the misogynistic undertone made it really hard to actually like this book.
Ex. 1 - Callie moves in with Devin, she immediately starts being the cook and the cleaner. Really? This woman works long hours on the set and then comes home and takes care of a man and his son with so much joy, like it’s her effing dream? Come on. Out of all the heroines so far, she’s the least likely one to be a housewife type and last time I checked, Devin also had two fully functional hands. Would love to see him use them.
Ex. 2 - There’s a conversation in there between Luc, Cole and Callie outside of a bar, when the guys are amazed how hard Devin fell for a “commitment-phobe”. Cole comes to a conclusion that she must be great in bed and Luc adds that if she’s anything like her sister, she definitely is. SERIOUSLY?! Way to objectify women and place their whole value in their bodies. This was a disgusting dialogue and I’m surprised it was written by a female author.
Ex. 3 - Ashleigh cheated on Devin. They were probably never a good match, considering everything we learned about them and their life goals in this book. However, making her the sole villain is ridiculous. In no point of this book does Devin take any responsibility for the dissolution of his marriage. They both screwed up.
Ex. 4 - There’s a conversation towards the end between Ashleigh and Devin, when they talk about having kids. Devin absolutely cannot comprehend why it would be hard to have multiple small kids with the dad gone half the time (shocker). When Ashleigh mentions hiring a nanny at least, he dismisses it completely, saying that his mother managed to raise three kids on her own, with his dad working long hours and being okay. IS THE AUTHOR FOR REAL?! Are we sure it’s written by an actual woman?!
I could honestly find many more examples, with the whole slut shaming (are those girls sleeping with each other, then, since only they seem to be a problem?).
This book SCREAMS internalized misogyny and I was sorry for Callie. The author made it seem like it was all her fault. It wasn’t. She had commitment issues Devin knew about, yet he just casually mentioned how his wife wanted to get back with him and didn’t immediately shut her down. Just told Callie that and left the conversation at that to go to family dinner.
Honestly, so far - all the guys in the series suck, none of them qualifies as a book boyfriend and the women are carrying those relationships on their backs, while taking the blame for all the fallouts.
Now that we’re finished with the Garrison dudes, I’ll give this series one more try, but I’m not holding much hope anymore.
February 15, 2016
DNF @ 70%
*WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS*
-.0000000000000 (infinity and beyond) 1 Stars.
Ya. You read it right. I'm done. I. AM. DONE. with this effing book and this effing series. I'm not going to lie and say I'm not pissed. I am. SO. PISSED.
[image error]
This series wasn't a good one for at all. Quite frankly, I think I'm done with the author as well. Because if this is the kind of books--with lack of foundation and supporting texts/scenes--I will get for my money, I'm happy to spend them somewhere else. Say, a mani/pedi.
Remember, how in the first book's review, I said that the book was okay but I wasn't sure what was wrong with the plot. It wasn't the pacing yet it was and I just couldn't put my finger on it? Yeah, well Yasmin--the smart Llama for a change--figured it out. The difference was. THE WRITING EQUIVALENT OF SKIMMING!!!
[image error]
This phenomenon is still quite unknown to some and we don't come across it a lot but I did in this book. So much. Basically, written skimming is skipping over vital scenes that allow the readers to build up an image in their heads over the course of the book in a way that it's like a movie is playing out in your heads. Also, it's the characteristics that's displayed over time and help build a connection between the readers and the characters. That wasn't here.
There is so much skimming going on and I can't help but wonder that when this book went through re-reads and edit proofing, how was it not clear??
EXHIBIT A:
We're not focusing on the main couple of this story, instead we're focusing on a GOOD HERO becoming a dumbfucking asshole and a WILD and a really bold heroine becoming a simpering mess over a guy. COME THE FUCK ON!!
EXHIBIT B:
This is a recurring theme throughout the series. Since they've all grown up together, one second it's "oh you're my good friend" and the other the big reveal is "I've had a crush on him since I was a baby aka 10". There's no elaboration on the feelings and the thoughts that are going on in the heads of the characters. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading FIRST-FUCKING-PERSON POV in a story. And tbh, a movie could've portrayed the character's feelings better.
EXHIBIT C:
Slut-shaming. It was disgusting how much of it I saw in all these books seeing that the author herself is a female. Puck bunnies sleep around, we get it. But they were so degraded in this story. As if sleeping around is not a person's choice. WELL UNDERSTAND THIS VICTORIA DENAULT, IT FUCKING IS! You can sleep around with whomever you want and you don't need condescending assholes (aka the heroines of these stories) opinions on it. And it's surprising that you wrote about all of this, seeing as while we are on the topic of slut-shaming, I might as well say CALLIE IS A SLUT AND WHORE WHO SLEEPS WITH EVERY GUY SHE COMES ACROSS . She's not virtuous, maiden with her virginity intact, she's not Saint Callie so I don't see what kind of difference were you attempting to create. Down-right repulsive.
EXHIBIT D:
Creating sympathy. That was a hit and miss in this book. When it was told that Ashleigh cheated on Devin, I felt good that whew, angst. But then I got riled up and annoyed. VD simply wanted to portray Ashleigh as the villain and go all, "Oh look, their relationship can't be fixed now because she cheated on him and he's an amazing guy. So I'm just going to write him and Callie together now."
Fuck. No.
You need to plan your stories better woman. Because if I recall (and I fucking do since I just read Book 2 yesterday), in that story, Leah forgave Cole even when he cheated on her. And that's what Rose is willing to do. And then you say here that Devin CAN'T forgive Ashleigh? Fuck. That.
You made me feel bad for Ashleigh, I stopped hating Ashleigh because it's not her fault she's portrayed so utterly unfairly. And then also FUCKING CALLIE IS A SLUTTY BITCH (she's a slutty bitch from now on). How dare she be blind and act like Devin is on some sort of pedestal. Give the poor woman benefit of fucking doubt. "Devin can now sleep around because Ashleigh is a bitch". "Devin has a right to be drunk because Ashleigh is a bitch." "Devin can give me a million orgasms because again, Ashleigh is a bitch."
You're the bitch Callie, that's who.
Bottom line: next time pay attention to what is being written.
EXHIBIT E:
Callie and Devin have settled into a family-like trio with Connor and a routine is established with no worries at all. for 70% of the book, there IS NO ROUTINE!! And suddenly there is. Oh whoop-de-fucking doo! This was the point I gave up because I realised regardless of how the story is written, it fucking sucks. It's not a good book at all. Neither was Book 1 a good book, nor Book 2. Therefore, the whole series was an utter and epic fail that makes me furious!!
This book was shit. Utter fucking shit and I regret reading any of them. Don't. Seriously, don't. The main characters suck, the supporting ones are overtly cheesy. Ew. They. All. Fucking. Suck.
*WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS*
-.0000000000000 (infinity and beyond) 1 Stars.
Ya. You read it right. I'm done. I. AM. DONE. with this effing book and this effing series. I'm not going to lie and say I'm not pissed. I am. SO. PISSED.
[image error]
This series wasn't a good one for at all. Quite frankly, I think I'm done with the author as well. Because if this is the kind of books--with lack of foundation and supporting texts/scenes--I will get for my money, I'm happy to spend them somewhere else. Say, a mani/pedi.
Remember, how in the first book's review, I said that the book was okay but I wasn't sure what was wrong with the plot. It wasn't the pacing yet it was and I just couldn't put my finger on it? Yeah, well Yasmin--the smart Llama for a change--figured it out. The difference was. THE WRITING EQUIVALENT OF SKIMMING!!!
[image error]
This phenomenon is still quite unknown to some and we don't come across it a lot but I did in this book. So much. Basically, written skimming is skipping over vital scenes that allow the readers to build up an image in their heads over the course of the book in a way that it's like a movie is playing out in your heads. Also, it's the characteristics that's displayed over time and help build a connection between the readers and the characters. That wasn't here.
There is so much skimming going on and I can't help but wonder that when this book went through re-reads and edit proofing, how was it not clear??
EXHIBIT A:
We're not focusing on the main couple of this story, instead we're focusing on a GOOD HERO becoming a dumbfucking asshole and a WILD and a really bold heroine becoming a simpering mess over a guy. COME THE FUCK ON!!
EXHIBIT B:
This is a recurring theme throughout the series. Since they've all grown up together, one second it's "oh you're my good friend" and the other the big reveal is "I've had a crush on him since I was a baby aka 10". There's no elaboration on the feelings and the thoughts that are going on in the heads of the characters. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading FIRST-FUCKING-PERSON POV in a story. And tbh, a movie could've portrayed the character's feelings better.
EXHIBIT C:
Slut-shaming. It was disgusting how much of it I saw in all these books seeing that the author herself is a female. Puck bunnies sleep around, we get it. But they were so degraded in this story. As if sleeping around is not a person's choice. WELL UNDERSTAND THIS VICTORIA DENAULT, IT FUCKING IS! You can sleep around with whomever you want and you don't need condescending assholes (aka the heroines of these stories) opinions on it. And it's surprising that you wrote about all of this, seeing as while we are on the topic of slut-shaming, I might as well say CALLIE IS A SLUT AND WHORE WHO SLEEPS WITH EVERY GUY SHE COMES ACROSS . She's not virtuous, maiden with her virginity intact, she's not Saint Callie so I don't see what kind of difference were you attempting to create. Down-right repulsive.
EXHIBIT D:
Creating sympathy. That was a hit and miss in this book. When it was told that Ashleigh cheated on Devin, I felt good that whew, angst. But then I got riled up and annoyed. VD simply wanted to portray Ashleigh as the villain and go all, "Oh look, their relationship can't be fixed now because she cheated on him and he's an amazing guy. So I'm just going to write him and Callie together now."
Fuck. No.
You need to plan your stories better woman. Because if I recall (and I fucking do since I just read Book 2 yesterday), in that story, Leah forgave Cole even when he cheated on her. And that's what Rose is willing to do. And then you say here that Devin CAN'T forgive Ashleigh? Fuck. That.
You made me feel bad for Ashleigh, I stopped hating Ashleigh because it's not her fault she's portrayed so utterly unfairly. And then also FUCKING CALLIE IS A SLUTTY BITCH (she's a slutty bitch from now on). How dare she be blind and act like Devin is on some sort of pedestal. Give the poor woman benefit of fucking doubt. "Devin can now sleep around because Ashleigh is a bitch". "Devin has a right to be drunk because Ashleigh is a bitch." "Devin can give me a million orgasms because again, Ashleigh is a bitch."
You're the bitch Callie, that's who.
Bottom line: next time pay attention to what is being written.
EXHIBIT E:
Callie and Devin have settled into a family-like trio with Connor and a routine is established with no worries at all. for 70% of the book, there IS NO ROUTINE!! And suddenly there is. Oh whoop-de-fucking doo! This was the point I gave up because I realised regardless of how the story is written, it fucking sucks. It's not a good book at all. Neither was Book 1 a good book, nor Book 2. Therefore, the whole series was an utter and epic fail that makes me furious!!
This book was shit. Utter fucking shit and I regret reading any of them. Don't. Seriously, don't. The main characters suck, the supporting ones are overtly cheesy. Ew. They. All. Fucking. Suck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2020
So each book seems to be getting better and better in this series. I was looking forward to Callie and Devin's story and this didn't disappoint.
Each of the Caplan sisters are strong in their love and loyalty when it comes to each other and the Garrison family that took them under their wing, but insecure when it comes to the men they fall in love with. Callie Caplan has avoided love and relationships after witnessing her father leaving their mum, yet her loving him to her dying breath, and her sisters, Jessie and Rose, allowing love to break their hearts yet still taking a chance on it.
Finding herself in NYC for her new job, she ends up staying with Devin Garrison, the oldest brother whose marriage has fallen apart and is trying to deal with a young son. Five years prior they attempted a hookup that was accidentally interrupted by Devin's brother Jordan. Now they find themselves still strongly attracted to each other and Callie can't seem to stick to her one night only rule when it comes to Devin.
This paced well with the easy way they communicated and laughed with each other like the old friends that they'd been most of their lives, to the intense feelings that began to develop between them that Devin allowed to grow but Callie fought against every step of the way. Just enough angst and passion in this story to make me want to read non-stop and root for their HEA.
Each of the Caplan sisters are strong in their love and loyalty when it comes to each other and the Garrison family that took them under their wing, but insecure when it comes to the men they fall in love with. Callie Caplan has avoided love and relationships after witnessing her father leaving their mum, yet her loving him to her dying breath, and her sisters, Jessie and Rose, allowing love to break their hearts yet still taking a chance on it.
Finding herself in NYC for her new job, she ends up staying with Devin Garrison, the oldest brother whose marriage has fallen apart and is trying to deal with a young son. Five years prior they attempted a hookup that was accidentally interrupted by Devin's brother Jordan. Now they find themselves still strongly attracted to each other and Callie can't seem to stick to her one night only rule when it comes to Devin.
This paced well with the easy way they communicated and laughed with each other like the old friends that they'd been most of their lives, to the intense feelings that began to develop between them that Devin allowed to grow but Callie fought against every step of the way. Just enough angst and passion in this story to make me want to read non-stop and root for their HEA.
February 5, 2022
I had to force myself to finish this one. I really hated Callie, and Devin, and the storyline, and Callie. I intensely despise the whole “I’m so blunt and honest but I can’t be honest about my feelings” girl. Nothing either of these characters did made sense to me. He didn’t care about her at all, in fact was angry and indifferent toward her, sleeps with some bar random, threw her out of his house, and then magically caught feelings? She realized she loved him like twice and started playing wife, and then on some random whim realizes she’s in love with him (again) and runs to the bar to try to pick up randoms…? Maybe this is how people operate in the real world, but I want the “loved you from the moment I saw you and no one else could compare” storyline not the “had you, ditched you, had you again, ditched you” drama fest that was this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
i was going to give this 3.5 stars, but then i thought, you know what, i read this in one day, that feels worthy of 4 stars
i dont really have much to share on it. the smut was hot as fuck, oral sex cures all, and apparently i can’t stand when characters are in bad places
when devin was in a bad place at the beginning of the book, i could not STAND him. i didn’t like him at all. then he got his shit together and went into groveling/pining/seduction mode and i loved him
i loved callie at the beginning of the book, sexy badass pussy slay girlboss vibes. then she was in a bad place and i wanted to slap her. even when shit was laid out right in front of her she didn’t get it, and that drove me fucking ballistic
still, i LOVE a good nhl hockey small town big family romance vibe, so this was great.
i dont really have much to share on it. the smut was hot as fuck, oral sex cures all, and apparently i can’t stand when characters are in bad places
when devin was in a bad place at the beginning of the book, i could not STAND him. i didn’t like him at all. then he got his shit together and went into groveling/pining/seduction mode and i loved him
i loved callie at the beginning of the book, sexy badass pussy slay girlboss vibes. then she was in a bad place and i wanted to slap her. even when shit was laid out right in front of her she didn’t get it, and that drove me fucking ballistic
still, i LOVE a good nhl hockey small town big family romance vibe, so this was great.
December 2, 2017
This book is just not for me. It was full of angst and unhappiness. I don’t really want to read about a marriage breakdown. Devin’s wife is bad, this is made clear, yet after a while I actually felt a bit sorry for her! Just too much hate.
Devin was ok but right from the start he wants some kind of domestic dream which made me want to shake him and remind him to live a little. He also belittles his wife’s struggles when she talks about having help raising kids virtually solo. ‘My mum did it’ seemed to be his reasoning... I started to feel glad his wife left him!
There are a lot of OW/OM in this story which just didn’t sit well with me. It’s not my thing. At one point you have two women arguing over who cooks for him more... yeah, not my thing.
Devin was ok but right from the start he wants some kind of domestic dream which made me want to shake him and remind him to live a little. He also belittles his wife’s struggles when she talks about having help raising kids virtually solo. ‘My mum did it’ seemed to be his reasoning... I started to feel glad his wife left him!
There are a lot of OW/OM in this story which just didn’t sit well with me. It’s not my thing. At one point you have two women arguing over who cooks for him more... yeah, not my thing.
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