Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

by Lana Ferguson (July 9, 2024) – Thank you to @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the #gifted print and audio copies of this hockey romance that proved there is still new ground to cover in this wildly popular genre!

Delilah’s local Boston cooking show has always been popular, but the ratings aren’t moving in the right direction, and the production company is looking for something to engage viewers. Her brother Jack, a star hockey player nursing an injury, recommends a collaboration between the team and her show, but she could never have predicted that the team would send her brother’s best friend, Ian. He’s returning to the Boston NHL team he used to play for but was traded after a scandal hit the tabloids, and he’ll need to do some local image rehab. After it is clear they have fantastic on-screen chemistry, their respective PR teams note that it wouldn’t be bad to make the public wonder if there is something between them. As they fake date their way around Boston, Ian begins to see Delilah through new eyes as Delilah attempts not to let her childhood crush reignite. But they are going to catch fire, and along the way, we’ll discover the secret Ian’s been keeping that started the scandal and got him traded.

I loved the counterbalance of Delilah, who had been down bad for Ian for YEARS while he was seeing her through new eyes and falling so fast. So, for her, it was a slow burn, while for him, it was close to insta-love, but for both of them, a lifetime of friendship was at the core of their relationship. My favorite character in the story is Jack, Delilah’s brother and Ian’s best friend. His character was important for the story, and I liked how he was almost a Shakespearian fool – equal parts wit and wisdom (I want a second book with him at the center). The underlying plot line had a lot to do with family – those we lose, those we choose, and those who let us down. It was a lot of fun (and also A LOT of spice).

The audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber (the best) and Samantha Summers – they did a fantastic job. You will absolutely binge this on audio.

What’s a book you are looking forward to reading soon?