Queen B’s Decree: I just can’t resist a hockey romance, no matter what.
Lainey has had a crush on Bash since she was a kid, but when he turned her down for prom (tbh as he should have, he was 21!) she was crushed and vowed to never let him hurt her again. They become roommates when she stays at his house for the summer while she’s working on research, and it quickly becomes clear both have feelings but are in denial.
I just….didn’t really love this one. The fat shaming at the beginning—Bash’s nickname of Fatman; the constant mention of Lainey’s IBS and literal shitting. I too have stomach issues so I appreciate the representation, but for a short book, this was mentioned an inordinate amount of times. And lastly, the emotional connection was just not there for me, it all felt physical.
Overall, this was a quick palate cleanser read now that hockey season is over but it was not without flaws.
Book: Wanting the Winger by Brenda Rothert
Series: Love on the Line #2
Genre: Hockey
Plot Devices/Tropes: brother’s best friend