Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 04 Aug 20
The Lund family and all the assorted characters in this series are delightful. My only complaint is that the books are too few and far between, but then perhaps that’s what causes the fizzing and excitement when I see a new one is being released. If you’ve been reading this series, then you’ve met both Gaby and Nolan before, and, perhaps like me, you’re surprised to see them featured as a couple. A skillful writer’s pen, however, as we readers know opposites attract and enemies can transform into friends and lovers, even as villains can become heroes.
Gaby Welk is a hockey player at the US team level. Circumstances bring her to teach hockey at a local ice rink owned by fellow retired hockey player Jaxson Lund. Jaxson’s brother Nolan is a familiar sight at the rink, given that he’s one of his niece’s biggest cheerleaders. It is not cool, however, that Nolan witnesses Gaby getting the brush off from her fiancé and then compounds it by letting her overhear some not-so-nice comments. It’s not easy to come back from that, but then …
Nolan has his own issues. He’s the heir apparent to the CEO position at the family firm, but he’s not equal to his other C-level cousins and he’s beginning to question his role. In the meantime, he’s got to put together his bit for the Lund family charity. Since his assistant is one of the LBGTQ community, he decides to use his brother’s skating rink and his assistant Sam’s help to put together his charity event, giving him an unexpected platform to mend some bridges with Gaby. Mr. GQ with his custom fashions is going to bring his considerable skills to transform Gaby.
The character development in this story is phenomenal. Both of the protagonists are successful in their own right and yet they each are looking for something more, something that’s a better fit for their skin. I find their journey not just into romance but into growing into who they can be empowering. Ms. James has no qualms about tackling social and gender issues in her stories in a very enlightening way, which is a cherry on top for me.
Another great chapter in the Lund family saga. Can’t wait to see more of these and at shorter intervals.
Grade: A
Summary:
Hockey player Gabriella “Gabi” Welk spent her life in pursuit of championships, but she has little to show for it besides dusty trophies and second-place medals. Now her career consists of several part-time jobs to make ends meet. When Gabi gets a chance at her dream job, she swallows her pride and asks her nemesis—smart, sexy and savvy Nolan Lund—for help.
Since being named future CEO of Lund Industries, Nolan has tried hard to overcome his reputation as a fun-loving playboy and ladies’ man. For the first time ever, he’s more focused on the company than his personal life. He spends his free time at the ice rink his brother owns, cheering on his niece at her hockey games…and watching Gabriella Welk, the superstar athlete and assistant coach who gets under his skin in a way he can’t ignore. He’s shocked when Gabi agrees to trade a favor for a favor.
They have little in common besides their mutual mistrust, but between family crises and sibling rivalries, Nolan and Gabi realize they want to be more than just friends—much more.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
