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NHL Scorpions #1
The Enforcer
Lacey Benoit is in need of a fresh start. Her best friend, Dr. Zoe Millis, has been begging her to make the move from Maine to California. Taking a leap of faith, Lacey does just that.
Living in San Diego definitely has its perks, such as, sunshine and beaches. The best part of moving to the west coast, however, is that Steven is still on the east coast. Catching your almost husband having sex with one of your bridesmaids on your wedding day would make even the strongest woman jaded. Therefore, Lacey has sworn off men for a while, especially men who travel a lot that have easy access to loose women.
When Lacey meets the new enforcer for the San Diego Scorpions, she thinks she might be in trouble. But she is determined to fight her attraction to the sexy NHL hunk. And she is successful...for about a day.
Living in San Diego definitely has its perks, such as, sunshine and beaches. The best part of moving to the west coast, however, is that Steven is still on the east coast. Catching your almost husband having sex with one of your bridesmaids on your wedding day would make even the strongest woman jaded. Therefore, Lacey has sworn off men for a while, especially men who travel a lot that have easy access to loose women.
When Lacey meets the new enforcer for the San Diego Scorpions, she thinks she might be in trouble. But she is determined to fight her attraction to the sexy NHL hunk. And she is successful...for about a day.
320 pages, ebook
First published March 7, 2013
266 people are currently reading
2153 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Worrell
13 books349 followersABOUT ME
I am a simple country girl from South Jersey who took my love of reading and shifted it into a love of writing. I am an avid hockey fan (Go Flyers!), which prompted me to start my writing with hockey romance stories. I now write erotic romance as well, and maybe something a bit different than both of those genres in the not-so-distant future.
When not at work as a full-charge bookkeeper in Philadelphia, I'm at home writing, reading or simply spending time with my husband of over twenty years. Both my husband and I love animals immensely, which is evident in my writing. Even my badass characters have pets. Heck, one has a bunny!
If there is any advice I would impart upon you, it is this: Follow your dreams. Always. Don't let anyone tell you it's foolish or unattainable. You have but one life to live—live it!
You can keep up with her at www.nikkiworrell.com.
I am a simple country girl from South Jersey who took my love of reading and shifted it into a love of writing. I am an avid hockey fan (Go Flyers!), which prompted me to start my writing with hockey romance stories. I now write erotic romance as well, and maybe something a bit different than both of those genres in the not-so-distant future.
When not at work as a full-charge bookkeeper in Philadelphia, I'm at home writing, reading or simply spending time with my husband of over twenty years. Both my husband and I love animals immensely, which is evident in my writing. Even my badass characters have pets. Heck, one has a bunny!
If there is any advice I would impart upon you, it is this: Follow your dreams. Always. Don't let anyone tell you it's foolish or unattainable. You have but one life to live—live it!
You can keep up with her at www.nikkiworrell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
December 26, 2015
Some books have characters that are just so amazing that you can't stop reading because you want more of them. Jody by far saved this book. I adored him. Lacey drove me crazy for about almost half the book. Especially when she went on the speed date and also when she would push Jody's protective and possessive buttons then cry wolf.
Jody was perfect and I really hope this author can give us another hero loyal and true like he was. I really am scared to read about Vlad and Chloe because the sleeping together then dating others (at least she was, not sure about Vlad) that bugs me.
I don't like back and forth and wishey washy characters.
If you really love each other (she said that) then you should fight for it.
But that's another story lol.
This story was sweet and sexy and had oodles of swoon worthy romantic times.
My favorite part was when Jody was trying to push Lacey's unmentionable parts back in her dress. All she could do was laugh and he was asking her to help them get them back in there ..
So adorable.
Nikki.. I know you've written at least 3 books but I just hope that you'll consider writing loyal heroes and heroines.. No other men and women that cause drama. Its not necessary when you have a great talent that I see just writing family dynamics and friendships. The romance was spot on and I loved the suspense and character growth was perfect.
We want loyal heroes and heroines.
4.5 almost perfect stars.
Safety info
Safe aside from Lacey being gun shy about dating again after a cheating fiance. By being scared she pushed Jody away a little. She agreed to go on a speed date with her friend and Jody.. Yummy perfect guy stopped it in its tracks.
Jody was perfect and I really hope this author can give us another hero loyal and true like he was. I really am scared to read about Vlad and Chloe because the sleeping together then dating others (at least she was, not sure about Vlad) that bugs me.
I don't like back and forth and wishey washy characters.
If you really love each other (she said that) then you should fight for it.
But that's another story lol.
This story was sweet and sexy and had oodles of swoon worthy romantic times.
My favorite part was when Jody was trying to push Lacey's unmentionable parts back in her dress. All she could do was laugh and he was asking her to help them get them back in there ..
So adorable.
Nikki.. I know you've written at least 3 books but I just hope that you'll consider writing loyal heroes and heroines.. No other men and women that cause drama. Its not necessary when you have a great talent that I see just writing family dynamics and friendships. The romance was spot on and I loved the suspense and character growth was perfect.
We want loyal heroes and heroines.
4.5 almost perfect stars.
Safety info
Safe aside from Lacey being gun shy about dating again after a cheating fiance. By being scared she pushed Jody away a little. She agreed to go on a speed date with her friend and Jody.. Yummy perfect guy stopped it in its tracks.
October 24, 2017
Totally enjoyed this book. It may not be the best written and I am not a fan of the "all knowing" POV, but it was a fun, sweet story. Jody was AWESOME!!!! I found myself smiling throughout most of this book. It was just so fun.
September 19, 2015
3.75 Stars
Enjoyed this, the H was amazing.
Enjoyed this, the H was amazing.
January 7, 2014
A hockey book?! Well, don't mind if I do!!
It was an ESR (easy sexy romantic) read! & I finished in 1 afternoon - couldn't put it down.
It was an ESR (easy sexy romantic) read! & I finished in 1 afternoon - couldn't put it down.
September 29, 2013
The characters of this one are too "well rounded and perfect". Everything is explained and excused as soon as it happens, leaving no "flaws" to deal with, and essentially no "drama" to lift the book from meh to dang.
The characters are also a bit of know-it-all's, and they have a solution ready as soon as an issue presents itself. No one in the story has any real issues, and it all reads like something out of Disney.
Another problem with the book, is that too much of the plot happens in the heads of the characters, and not in action. There is little to no balance between thoughts, dialogue and action. Too much navel gazing - in third person!
And there is too much focus on clothes and who is wearing what at any time. This screams of rewritten fan fiction. I don't know if it is, so I can't make that claim, but I have my suspicions.
Zoe being both a friend and shrink to the same people is a serious conflict of interest, and her character really makes me uncomfortable.
I flounced this book at 48%, I just couldn't take any more of these perfect people living these perfect, flowery lives who never could do a thing wrong. Everything is too pretty, no reality managed to penetrate this sticky sugar-cotton of a world. Which is really sad as I had high hopes for this series having read the blurb.
Review can also be found at From the Bottom of a Frappe.
The characters are also a bit of know-it-all's, and they have a solution ready as soon as an issue presents itself. No one in the story has any real issues, and it all reads like something out of Disney.
Another problem with the book, is that too much of the plot happens in the heads of the characters, and not in action. There is little to no balance between thoughts, dialogue and action. Too much navel gazing - in third person!
And there is too much focus on clothes and who is wearing what at any time. This screams of rewritten fan fiction. I don't know if it is, so I can't make that claim, but I have my suspicions.
Zoe being both a friend and shrink to the same people is a serious conflict of interest, and her character really makes me uncomfortable.
I flounced this book at 48%, I just couldn't take any more of these perfect people living these perfect, flowery lives who never could do a thing wrong. Everything is too pretty, no reality managed to penetrate this sticky sugar-cotton of a world. Which is really sad as I had high hopes for this series having read the blurb.
Review can also be found at From the Bottom of a Frappe.
January 22, 2018
This was good, but that's it. It was good. It's been two days since I finished, and I only remember the base plot points.
I like the occasional alpha hero, but the MCs had only known each other a week and the H was already going all caveman on any man that looked in her direction (even her BFF's gay brother). The H was a sweet guy but o m y g o d does he have control and jealousy issues.
A majority of the book focuses on the h's stalker ex-fiance (which is not remotely mentioned in the synopsis). It quickly got boring because instead of focusing on the development of the MCs' relationship we were focusing on getting rid of the stalker ex while the H tries not to hulk-smash everything.
Also, for a hockey romance, there wasn't very much hockey going on until the very end.
Sarina Bowen's Hard Hitter pulls off all of these components (protective H + stalker ex + hockey) so much better, imho.
I like the occasional alpha hero, but the MCs had only known each other a week and the H was already going all caveman on any man that looked in her direction (even her BFF's gay brother). The H was a sweet guy but o m y g o d does he have control and jealousy issues.
A majority of the book focuses on the h's stalker ex-fiance (which is not remotely mentioned in the synopsis). It quickly got boring because instead of focusing on the development of the MCs' relationship we were focusing on getting rid of the stalker ex while the H tries not to hulk-smash everything.
Also, for a hockey romance, there wasn't very much hockey going on until the very end.
Sarina Bowen's Hard Hitter pulls off all of these components (protective H + stalker ex + hockey) so much better, imho.
June 28, 2015
I received an ARC in return for an honest review and feel truly honored to have had the chance to read this amazing book in advance to it being released. I have been following the author's page now for several months and loved all her teasers and her trailer, I could not wait to read this and was not disappointed.
The Enforcer is written by the author in 3rd POV and she did a great job, I sometimes have a harder time connecting with the characters when it is in 3rd POV but did not at all with this book. I loved that you got to see all the characters and what was going on with them and I think that's why I connected with them.
The book starts off with the author giving a bit of a glossary of hockey terms along with an introduction to things like Puck Bunny, I loved this, it really helped set the tone for the book and later on when these things were mentioned, I didn't have to wonder and stop and look it up.
The story starts off with Lacey (aka Lace)who is an absolute lover of hockey but kind of in a bad place, had lost her brother and only sibling, then found her fiancé cheating on her the day of her wedding, hates her job and is living with no friends or family around so she finally gives into her best friend Zoe and decided to quite her job and move across country to San Diego. She wants to get on with her life but definitely not with a man that can't be trusted and especially one that travels
Zoe Millis, who is Lace's best friend and now roommate is a sport psychologist for the NHL's San Diego Scorpions. I loved Zoe, would love to have her as a friend and a psychologist, and I loved all the scenes the author wrote with Zoe in her psychologist role. I am so very excited to know that I am going to get to read her and Vlad's story in book 2
Vlad, not going to even try to spell his last name. Really enjoyed his character with Zoe, he's a hot sexy Goalie and just won't give up on his feelings for her and CAN NOT WAIT to get to their story. Love how the author had thrown us tidbits about their story and about something with Vlad that leaves me wanting and needing to find out how this is all going to play out, truly how can they be together with the whole patient / Dr relationship, but man when they get together, it's going to be hot.
Jody LeGrange, LOVE LOVE LOVE him, but how can you not! One he is a freaking hot hockey player. Second he is an enforcer, get him on that ice and try to hurt his key players and look out, he will knock you out. But last he is so protective (sometimes a little too much) and loving and a real big romantic which I absolutely loved. I loved how realistic he was, he could be a bit of a jerk but owned up and asked forgiveness and for the most part a really awesome guy that I would gladly have.
Lacy and a great character, she's lost her brother and been hurt but her ex-fiancé but she's not some whiny girl that drives you nuts. I love she has that connection with Jody but they don't just jump right into it professing her love.
The author truly has written a really great story, Lace and Jody have a connection right from their first accidental and hilarious meeting but I loved how they didn't instantly jump each other, I love how their relationship built as you read the story and they got to know each other and boy let me tell you when they finally connect, OMG and HOT HOT HOT is all I can say! The wait was so worth the wait and then scenes that came after were just as hot.
I have to share one of my favorite Jody moments where he says
"You have made me a better man. I can't think of one single thing in my life that has made me happier than the first time you told me you loved me. I told you once before that wherever I was with you felt like home, but it's more than that. YOu are home."
This book was truly a really great story, filled with the great romance story of Lacey and Jody but it was also hot and had just the right amount of drama along with laughter (loved the banter between Jody and Lacey) and a few tears (good ones). Truly a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading
And when I got to the end of the book, The only way I can truly explain to the Author how over the moon excited I was with the book itself and that there will be a second book to tell Vlad and Zoe's story is to show her this
GIFSoup
The Enforcer is written by the author in 3rd POV and she did a great job, I sometimes have a harder time connecting with the characters when it is in 3rd POV but did not at all with this book. I loved that you got to see all the characters and what was going on with them and I think that's why I connected with them.
The book starts off with the author giving a bit of a glossary of hockey terms along with an introduction to things like Puck Bunny, I loved this, it really helped set the tone for the book and later on when these things were mentioned, I didn't have to wonder and stop and look it up.
The story starts off with Lacey (aka Lace)who is an absolute lover of hockey but kind of in a bad place, had lost her brother and only sibling, then found her fiancé cheating on her the day of her wedding, hates her job and is living with no friends or family around so she finally gives into her best friend Zoe and decided to quite her job and move across country to San Diego. She wants to get on with her life but definitely not with a man that can't be trusted and especially one that travels
Zoe Millis, who is Lace's best friend and now roommate is a sport psychologist for the NHL's San Diego Scorpions. I loved Zoe, would love to have her as a friend and a psychologist, and I loved all the scenes the author wrote with Zoe in her psychologist role. I am so very excited to know that I am going to get to read her and Vlad's story in book 2
Vlad, not going to even try to spell his last name. Really enjoyed his character with Zoe, he's a hot sexy Goalie and just won't give up on his feelings for her and CAN NOT WAIT to get to their story. Love how the author had thrown us tidbits about their story and about something with Vlad that leaves me wanting and needing to find out how this is all going to play out, truly how can they be together with the whole patient / Dr relationship, but man when they get together, it's going to be hot.
Jody LeGrange, LOVE LOVE LOVE him, but how can you not! One he is a freaking hot hockey player. Second he is an enforcer, get him on that ice and try to hurt his key players and look out, he will knock you out. But last he is so protective (sometimes a little too much) and loving and a real big romantic which I absolutely loved. I loved how realistic he was, he could be a bit of a jerk but owned up and asked forgiveness and for the most part a really awesome guy that I would gladly have.
Lacy and a great character, she's lost her brother and been hurt but her ex-fiancé but she's not some whiny girl that drives you nuts. I love she has that connection with Jody but they don't just jump right into it professing her love.
The author truly has written a really great story, Lace and Jody have a connection right from their first accidental and hilarious meeting but I loved how they didn't instantly jump each other, I love how their relationship built as you read the story and they got to know each other and boy let me tell you when they finally connect, OMG and HOT HOT HOT is all I can say! The wait was so worth the wait and then scenes that came after were just as hot.
I have to share one of my favorite Jody moments where he says
"You have made me a better man. I can't think of one single thing in my life that has made me happier than the first time you told me you loved me. I told you once before that wherever I was with you felt like home, but it's more than that. YOu are home."
This book was truly a really great story, filled with the great romance story of Lacey and Jody but it was also hot and had just the right amount of drama along with laughter (loved the banter between Jody and Lacey) and a few tears (good ones). Truly a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading
And when I got to the end of the book, The only way I can truly explain to the Author how over the moon excited I was with the book itself and that there will be a second book to tell Vlad and Zoe's story is to show her this
GIFSoup
April 26, 2013
I would give it 2 and 1/2 stars. I had a hard time with this book, I almost didn't finish it. I was really looking forward to it and really wanted to like it, but it was just ok.
At times is seemed like too much was crammed into the story and it was just too neat. I like a HEA, but this one was just too clean. I was more surprised that something didn't happen than by what actually happens in the book. The book at times was very straight forward, and then other times there seemed to be a million things going on and apparently they all needed to be said. The main character Lacey, got kind of annoying and preachy at times, though I loved Jody. I was more interested in what was going on with the secondary characters then I was the primary characters. I'm curious to read the second book, since I liked those characters better, but at the same time not sure if I want to if it ends up like this one.
I think the author has potential, but it seemed like she has too many ideas and tried to put them all in one book.
At times is seemed like too much was crammed into the story and it was just too neat. I like a HEA, but this one was just too clean. I was more surprised that something didn't happen than by what actually happens in the book. The book at times was very straight forward, and then other times there seemed to be a million things going on and apparently they all needed to be said. The main character Lacey, got kind of annoying and preachy at times, though I loved Jody. I was more interested in what was going on with the secondary characters then I was the primary characters. I'm curious to read the second book, since I liked those characters better, but at the same time not sure if I want to if it ends up like this one.
I think the author has potential, but it seemed like she has too many ideas and tried to put them all in one book.
May 21, 2013
Cute, sweet sports romance. The H/Jody is the enforcer for the Scorpions hockey team. He’s all alpha male - jealous/possessive/crazy in love with Lacey the h. It’s almost insta love for Jody. Lacy has an issue with trust due to a cheating ex-fiancé and is cautious about moving ahead with a new guy. Lacey isn't one of the stupid heroines for a change and insists on keeping her independence despite Jody’s extreme alpha male ways. Jody even talks to the team's psychologist, Zoe (Lacey’s BFF), to help him with his overly protective to the point of controlling nature and the anger that goes with it so that he doesn't push Lacey away. Jody had a rough childhood in a bad neighborhood growing up and was the man of the family at an early age so he tries gets to the roots of his behavior. There were a couple of funny scenes where the poor guy just wants to explode when Lacey is telling him about her ex who’s threatened her and Jody tries to reel himself in. Yes, the ex-fiancé causes a bit of stalker drama but it’s over and done fairly quickly. Jody’s not just a big bossy alpha he’s also sweet, thoughtful and romantic. The story is written in alternating 3rd person POV with no cliffhangers, just a cute HEA. No shortage of hot hockey guys to choose from for this series. Hoping Cage (doesn’t that name show up a lot in contemporary romance?) the young hot head for the team winds up being a hero at some point.
Bk 2 stars Vlad and Zoe. Vlad’s the teams goalie and he and Zoe have been lusting for each other during this first bk. Their relationship can’t get started because they both know the team has a no fraternization policy. New series by a new author. I'll definitely read the next one when it’s released..I just love hockey romance stories.
Bk 2 stars Vlad and Zoe. Vlad’s the teams goalie and he and Zoe have been lusting for each other during this first bk. Their relationship can’t get started because they both know the team has a no fraternization policy. New series by a new author. I'll definitely read the next one when it’s released..I just love hockey romance stories.
September 21, 2017
This was a great read. The story is about trusting someone after a bad relationship. And boy...was it bad. Lacey has trouble trusting men after finding her ex-fiancé having sex with one of her bridesmaids on the day of her wedding to him. She is looking for a fresh start, so she moves from Maine to San Diego, California, where her best friend Zoe lives after she landed an HR position interview with the team Zoe works for. It is while living with Zoe, Lacey meets Jody. Lacey was a bit annoying to me. However, I thought her character was still likable. I just wished she was more open.
Jody is a hockey player, who plays the position of the Enforcer. Therefore, he is the guy who protects the star players and gets into fights a lot. He is 6'3" and very sexy. He is the total alpha male. Whenever he is around Lacey, he is protective, jealous, and fully in love with Lacey. It is a insta-love for him. He is the reason this book got a 4 stars. The story was cute, and I really liked how the story ended. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2 between Vlad and Zoe. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Jody is a hockey player, who plays the position of the Enforcer. Therefore, he is the guy who protects the star players and gets into fights a lot. He is 6'3" and very sexy. He is the total alpha male. Whenever he is around Lacey, he is protective, jealous, and fully in love with Lacey. It is a insta-love for him. He is the reason this book got a 4 stars. The story was cute, and I really liked how the story ended. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2 between Vlad and Zoe. Overall, an enjoyable read.
June 26, 2016
Overall rating: 2.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 6/10
Ending: 6/10
Writing: 4/10
Hero: 6/10
Heroine: 4/10
Humour: 3/10
Steaminess: 5/10
HEA:
Recommend: not really
Re-read: nope
Read more from author: probably not
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 6/10
Ending: 6/10
Writing: 4/10
Hero: 6/10
Heroine: 4/10
Humour: 3/10
Steaminess: 5/10
HEA:
Recommend: not really
Re-read: nope
Read more from author: probably not
April 17, 2013
I was one of the lucky ARC readers for "The Enforcer"
Nikki Worrell is an AMAZING Author!!!
The Enforcer has it ALL going on !!! This took on quite a bit of my emotions... A little laughter, a little tears & the PERFECT amount of sex!!!! I have to say that I REALLY couldn't put this book down !!!
Nikki Worrell is an AMAZING Author!!!
The Enforcer has it ALL going on !!! This took on quite a bit of my emotions... A little laughter, a little tears & the PERFECT amount of sex!!!! I have to say that I REALLY couldn't put this book down !!!
May 10, 2013
3.5 stars :0) The story was good and woot! An author who REALLY knows hockey!
October 1, 2013
I have read a lot of NHL books but this one was not what I was expecting. There is no ice hockey action until 75% into the story.
I have never read a book quite like this before. Every single character gets their own POV! The POV can change upto 4 times in some parts and becomes quite confusing. Lacey is in a shop one day when a guy hits on her..even the guy gets his own POV! I didn't like the writing style.
What puzzled me is the author thanks her beta readers at the end of the book. Interestingly they didn't seem to tell her about the multi POV's or other inacurracies such as the first time Lacey gives Jody a lift home yet the next time she is to pick him up she has to phone him for directions! Another time Jody arrives home and is happy to see Lacey's car parked in his driveway yet the next morning he gives her a lift home?! Lacey and Jody 'make out' and her clothes come off but then the next time they are together he notices she has a tattoo (why didn't he notice it during their make out session?). Jody is described to us but then later in the story Lacey makes reference to his tattoo that was never mentioned before. If she hadn't have thanked her beta readers this wouldn't have annoyed me as much but they were easy mistakes that should have been picked up on.
For 60% of the book all anyone seems to eat is pizza and drink beer yet at 60% Lacey is suddenly a wonderful cook and cooking wonderful meals..so odd that for all that time she only seemed to eat junk food! Jody is quite a sensitive guy (he actually seemed to have more of the female role!) but he is also possessive of Lacey. Lacey is in her 30's but she seemed a lot younger than that to me.
This is an OK read if a bit far fetched in places (her ex Steven, Jody being sterile). The plot seemed a bit mixed up to me. Lacey moves there and starts a new job but we read very little of her at work. At the beginning she is upset that her brother has died but then he is rarely mentioned again. Things are meant to be a bit strained with her parents but the next time they feature months later everthing is tickety boo!
The story had potential to be a good one if the author could have done away with some of her plot devices and made it more about the love affair between a hot ice hockey player and a woman who was afraid of falling in love again.
Throughout this story, Lacey's friend Zoe and Jody's team mate Vlad obviously have a deep attraction to each other but can't date each other because of Zoe's job. The next book is about those two and there is a teaser for that book at the end but I was surprised to see it obviously starts when they first met which is a bit odd as in this book they have known each other well over a year and things have obviously happened.
I have never read a book quite like this before. Every single character gets their own POV! The POV can change upto 4 times in some parts and becomes quite confusing. Lacey is in a shop one day when a guy hits on her..even the guy gets his own POV! I didn't like the writing style.
What puzzled me is the author thanks her beta readers at the end of the book. Interestingly they didn't seem to tell her about the multi POV's or other inacurracies such as the first time Lacey gives Jody a lift home yet the next time she is to pick him up she has to phone him for directions! Another time Jody arrives home and is happy to see Lacey's car parked in his driveway yet the next morning he gives her a lift home?! Lacey and Jody 'make out' and her clothes come off but then the next time they are together he notices she has a tattoo (why didn't he notice it during their make out session?). Jody is described to us but then later in the story Lacey makes reference to his tattoo that was never mentioned before. If she hadn't have thanked her beta readers this wouldn't have annoyed me as much but they were easy mistakes that should have been picked up on.
For 60% of the book all anyone seems to eat is pizza and drink beer yet at 60% Lacey is suddenly a wonderful cook and cooking wonderful meals..so odd that for all that time she only seemed to eat junk food! Jody is quite a sensitive guy (he actually seemed to have more of the female role!) but he is also possessive of Lacey. Lacey is in her 30's but she seemed a lot younger than that to me.
This is an OK read if a bit far fetched in places (her ex Steven, Jody being sterile). The plot seemed a bit mixed up to me. Lacey moves there and starts a new job but we read very little of her at work. At the beginning she is upset that her brother has died but then he is rarely mentioned again. Things are meant to be a bit strained with her parents but the next time they feature months later everthing is tickety boo!
The story had potential to be a good one if the author could have done away with some of her plot devices and made it more about the love affair between a hot ice hockey player and a woman who was afraid of falling in love again.
Throughout this story, Lacey's friend Zoe and Jody's team mate Vlad obviously have a deep attraction to each other but can't date each other because of Zoe's job. The next book is about those two and there is a teaser for that book at the end but I was surprised to see it obviously starts when they first met which is a bit odd as in this book they have known each other well over a year and things have obviously happened.
May 6, 2013
*I was given an ARC Copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
Lacey Benoit had to get away. Away from the pain of her brother's death, away from the pain of a love betrayed and away from a life she thought was perfect, lost. So when her best friend in San Diego calls and says come move out here with me - she finally says yes. So she packs up everything in Maine and takes off for San Diego where she has a job interview with the San Diego Scorpions NHL Hockey Team.
Jody LaGrange is new to the Scorpions this year as the teams Enforcer. It's a tough position but one that he loves. After a chance meeting with Lacey, he falls head over heels for her. But with Lacey's past relationship woes, can he convince her that not all hockey players are players?
I fell in love with both Lacey and Jody. This story was told in 3rd person POV so it took some getting use to since most novels aren't told in this POV but Nikki did a great job of keeping you involved in the story line and really getting you into the action. All of the character are well developed and I can't wait for more from Nikki!
Lacey Benoit had to get away. Away from the pain of her brother's death, away from the pain of a love betrayed and away from a life she thought was perfect, lost. So when her best friend in San Diego calls and says come move out here with me - she finally says yes. So she packs up everything in Maine and takes off for San Diego where she has a job interview with the San Diego Scorpions NHL Hockey Team.
Jody LaGrange is new to the Scorpions this year as the teams Enforcer. It's a tough position but one that he loves. After a chance meeting with Lacey, he falls head over heels for her. But with Lacey's past relationship woes, can he convince her that not all hockey players are players?
I fell in love with both Lacey and Jody. This story was told in 3rd person POV so it took some getting use to since most novels aren't told in this POV but Nikki did a great job of keeping you involved in the story line and really getting you into the action. All of the character are well developed and I can't wait for more from Nikki!
November 30, 2015
3.0-3.25 RATING- I probably wouldn't have read this one if I wasn't able to borrow it through SCRIBD. The sample just didn't pull me in but I saw a few of my GR mention that the hero was very possessive and that's what I was in the mood for so...
Overall, it was an okay read. It did get better after I got into the story. I liked it enough to read another book in the series (I did skip book two just because the story line didn't appeal to me). This wouldn't be a book I'd necessarily recommend but I knew a bit what to expect going in so I wasn't disappointed.
February 4, 2016
This was a fun, sexy read with a bit of suspense (just a bit).
May 27, 2013
"Angel, I love you, and I'm not afraid to tell you in front of all these people. As a matter of fact, I'm proud. You have made me a better man."
Lacey Benoit's life came crashing down the day she was supposed to marry the love of her life. She found him in the bridal room with one of her bridesmaids. She has recently lost her brother, her parents moved away and now she has to deal with a broken heart as well. So you could say that her life recently has been anything but easy, so she decides that she needs a fresh start. Maine used to be the place that she called home, but until recently it feels any but, so she decides to pick up and move to California to live with her best friend Zoe. Zoe is a sports psychologist working for the NHL team The San Diego Scorpions. When Lacey decides to move across the country she has no intention of finding a man and falling in love, since she can no longer trust a man. But when she answers Zoe's phone and hears the voice of the Scorpions new enforcer, Jody LaGrange on the phone she can't help but wonder who the man is behind that sexy voice. She quickly dismisses any thoughts of him deciding that a hockey player who travels all the time is not the man that Lacey should be interested in. Her ex, Stephen traveled all the time for work and look what happened there. Trusting and dating a man who travels for a living is not something Lacey has any interest in. Will seeing Jody in person change all that?
Jody LaGrange is the new enforcer for the Scorpions. He's sexy and a hockey player, so what's not to love. When he first talks to Lacey on the phone, he can't help but wonder if she's different than the woman he's used to, the ones who want to be with him because he is a professional hockey player. And when he comes face to face with her for the first time he knows that he needs to get to know her better. She had him from the moment she burst into Zoe's office, looking like a complete train wreck. Lacey has recently been hurt by the man that was supposed to love her, so she is a little hesitant to go out with Jody. Jody is more than patient and understanding with her, knowing that she has been hrt and has her heart guarded. There is not doubt in Lacey's mind that she is attracted to Jody and loves spending time with him but can she give her heart to another man? Can she give love a second chance and find her happily ever after?
"I am one hundred percent, head over heels in love with you. But that's not something for you to be afraid of, okay? I'm not going to demand or expect anything from you that you're not ready to give. I'm simply going to love you." ~ Jody
I loved Jody and Lacey together. Jody's job as an enforcer is to protect the other players on your team, but Jody isn't just a protector on the ice. He will do everything in his power to protect Lacey and keep her safe. And there may be times when he becomes a little too protective, but he works on that. What I also loved about him was that he wasn't the typical single hockey star that most people would think. He didn't go out looking for woman just because he can. The man he saw when he looked in the mirror was not the man that everyone else saw. He hated the bruises and and the scars from fighting and didn't always see himself as the sexy hockey player. But that is one of the things that Lacey found sexy about him.
Jody and Lacey's relationship was sweet and heart warming. There wasn't a lot of drama, it was more about Lacey being able to open herself up to love again. She found the perfect man in Jody. Lacey knew she was falling for him but saying the L word scared her. I think the author did a wonderful job with their relationship. I never felt like their relationship was rushed, it just felt right. I loved the banter and texts between Lacey and Jody. Overall I thought this was a wonderful love story with just the right amount of drama. The Enforcer will make you laugh, smile and melt your heart. Jody and Lacey are two characters that you can relate to and want to see happy. Great job by Nikki Worrell. I cannot wait for Zoe and Vlad's story, who you get to see a lot of in The Enforcer. They are both great supporting characters and you can't help but want to see them together.
Lacey Benoit's life came crashing down the day she was supposed to marry the love of her life. She found him in the bridal room with one of her bridesmaids. She has recently lost her brother, her parents moved away and now she has to deal with a broken heart as well. So you could say that her life recently has been anything but easy, so she decides that she needs a fresh start. Maine used to be the place that she called home, but until recently it feels any but, so she decides to pick up and move to California to live with her best friend Zoe. Zoe is a sports psychologist working for the NHL team The San Diego Scorpions. When Lacey decides to move across the country she has no intention of finding a man and falling in love, since she can no longer trust a man. But when she answers Zoe's phone and hears the voice of the Scorpions new enforcer, Jody LaGrange on the phone she can't help but wonder who the man is behind that sexy voice. She quickly dismisses any thoughts of him deciding that a hockey player who travels all the time is not the man that Lacey should be interested in. Her ex, Stephen traveled all the time for work and look what happened there. Trusting and dating a man who travels for a living is not something Lacey has any interest in. Will seeing Jody in person change all that?
Jody LaGrange is the new enforcer for the Scorpions. He's sexy and a hockey player, so what's not to love. When he first talks to Lacey on the phone, he can't help but wonder if she's different than the woman he's used to, the ones who want to be with him because he is a professional hockey player. And when he comes face to face with her for the first time he knows that he needs to get to know her better. She had him from the moment she burst into Zoe's office, looking like a complete train wreck. Lacey has recently been hurt by the man that was supposed to love her, so she is a little hesitant to go out with Jody. Jody is more than patient and understanding with her, knowing that she has been hrt and has her heart guarded. There is not doubt in Lacey's mind that she is attracted to Jody and loves spending time with him but can she give her heart to another man? Can she give love a second chance and find her happily ever after?
"I am one hundred percent, head over heels in love with you. But that's not something for you to be afraid of, okay? I'm not going to demand or expect anything from you that you're not ready to give. I'm simply going to love you." ~ Jody
I loved Jody and Lacey together. Jody's job as an enforcer is to protect the other players on your team, but Jody isn't just a protector on the ice. He will do everything in his power to protect Lacey and keep her safe. And there may be times when he becomes a little too protective, but he works on that. What I also loved about him was that he wasn't the typical single hockey star that most people would think. He didn't go out looking for woman just because he can. The man he saw when he looked in the mirror was not the man that everyone else saw. He hated the bruises and and the scars from fighting and didn't always see himself as the sexy hockey player. But that is one of the things that Lacey found sexy about him.
Jody and Lacey's relationship was sweet and heart warming. There wasn't a lot of drama, it was more about Lacey being able to open herself up to love again. She found the perfect man in Jody. Lacey knew she was falling for him but saying the L word scared her. I think the author did a wonderful job with their relationship. I never felt like their relationship was rushed, it just felt right. I loved the banter and texts between Lacey and Jody. Overall I thought this was a wonderful love story with just the right amount of drama. The Enforcer will make you laugh, smile and melt your heart. Jody and Lacey are two characters that you can relate to and want to see happy. Great job by Nikki Worrell. I cannot wait for Zoe and Vlad's story, who you get to see a lot of in The Enforcer. They are both great supporting characters and you can't help but want to see them together.
May 10, 2013
When I saw the cover I knew I had to read the book, hello hot guy, tattoo = YAY!! I liked being in Jody's mind it was entertaining, "just Lacey, eh? Well just Lacey, it's been nice talking with you. Thanks again for taking my message." It was also interesting being in Lacey's mind, "oh his jeans hung on his hips like they were honored to be on him. I know I would be." Me too, sister me to. There were some awkward times between Lacey and Jody, "you smell like..." he leaned closer to her, "I don't know...a spring day or something. It's light and clean, and I like it." Lacey rolled her eyes. "S***, yeah, okay, just a chat, let's go." Jody is protective, "DON'T YOU EVER...TOUCH HER...AGAIN!" He can be sweet, "you're too good to me, you know that? I constantly man handle you, and you reward me. Every time we're together, all I think about is how I want to be gentle with you and take it slow. But then I blow it." I liked this book a lot.
May 27, 2013
A new fan to the world of hockey, I absolutely loved this story. It was a bit corny and unrealistic at times but I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't smitten with Jody and his alpha maleness. lol
I'm curious as how the next installment involving Lacey and Jody's BFF's and how that will turn out given that it is off limits for department workers to fraternize or get involved with their players and all though.
I'm curious as how the next installment involving Lacey and Jody's BFF's and how that will turn out given that it is off limits for department workers to fraternize or get involved with their players and all though.
June 18, 2013
I loved this book! It was very well written and easy to follow. It had a mild stalker theme going on but was a major ALPHA male read. I loved the male character in this book. He was so alpha, so "arggg me male you my female" but then so lovable at the same time. I can not wait for the rest of the series!! This book is a HEA and each book sounds like it will be about a different member of the team.
July 21, 2013
I won a signed paperback and promptly bought the ebook as not to break the binding! All I can say about this book is BRAVO! This book is a winner! Where is my Jody? Nikki...get to writing the sequel, I can't wait to read more. Character development was good and story was well written. Author gave a glossary of terms for those not familiar with hockey! I happen to love the sport and LOVE LOVE this book!
October 9, 2015
Smut Hut Approved
A true lover and a fighter wrapped up in this sexy alpha male NHL player!!!
Great book that is sweet and was able to teach me a lot about hockey. :)
Well written and great characters.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
A true lover and a fighter wrapped up in this sexy alpha male NHL player!!!
Great book that is sweet and was able to teach me a lot about hockey. :)
Well written and great characters.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
April 23, 2013
My review can be found at:
http://bookaholics2.blogspot.com/2013...
http://bookaholics2.blogspot.com/2013...
May 10, 2013
Concept was good, but this was not well written. I wanted to like it more, but I can't.
July 13, 2013
OH. MY. GOD.
Where can i find my own Jody??
Where can i find my own Jody??
January 4, 2015
Who wouldn't fall head over heals with Jody??? OMG... he's got to be in the top five of best book boyfriends ever!!! Must read series
Read
November 3, 2015DNF
June 17, 2019
Enjoyed it. Everything I look for in a good sports romance. Wonderful hero and strong heroine
December 24, 2017
Hmm. I’m gonna go out on a limb, and venture that I am in the minority in that I did not like this book. That’s ok, I’m used to being a non-conformist.
While there were good elements to this book, I’m gonna focus on what I didn’t
like.
Yeah, ok, Happy Holidays! Gah - I’m such a Scrooge!
First, I didn’t like the cover. I know! I know! But here’s the thing - the guy is standing there awkwardly. He’s off-center, and kinda leaning over to the side. It just looks weird to me. Also, and I find this hilarious, the cover shown here is different from the cover of the version that I downloaded, with only one detail added - the tribal tattoo.
Here’s where I make a slight diversion in my review to rant about tattoos used on models for book covers. First, tribal tattoos are soooo 15 years ago, ESPECIALLY tribal tattoos like the one shown here. Like, I don’t know of any real person or tattoo artist that would actually want or want to do a tribal tattoo like this now. I don’t mind ACTUAL tribal tattoos, like a nice Maori tattoo, or a Native American symbol, but this one? Cliche and old-fashioned. Like, the author was like, ‘He needs a tattoo to make him look tougher. How about a nice tribal tattoo?’ Second, I think when tattoos are added to models for book covers, they need to take into account that tattoos FADE over time - that’s just the way they work, so putting a tattoo on a model like this? It’s too pristine, and too obviously fake. Rant & diversion over.
Second, I don’t mind multiple POVs. I actually kinda like them. I like getting inside a guy’s head and hearing his thoughts (or, what a female author THINKS a male’s thoughts are, anyway). But, the style of writing of this book just did not work for me because the multiple POVs were all within the same chapter, and changed from paragraph to paragraph. It was jarring.
Third, the wrap up with the ex was anti-climatic.
Fourth, the entire last third of the book was just, how do I describe it? Boring? Yes. Unnecessary? Yes. Page-filler? Absolutely.
Ok, that’s all I’ve got. Read at your own risk.
While there were good elements to this book, I’m gonna focus on what I didn’t
like.
Yeah, ok, Happy Holidays! Gah - I’m such a Scrooge!
First, I didn’t like the cover. I know! I know! But here’s the thing - the guy is standing there awkwardly. He’s off-center, and kinda leaning over to the side. It just looks weird to me. Also, and I find this hilarious, the cover shown here is different from the cover of the version that I downloaded, with only one detail added - the tribal tattoo.
Here’s where I make a slight diversion in my review to rant about tattoos used on models for book covers. First, tribal tattoos are soooo 15 years ago, ESPECIALLY tribal tattoos like the one shown here. Like, I don’t know of any real person or tattoo artist that would actually want or want to do a tribal tattoo like this now. I don’t mind ACTUAL tribal tattoos, like a nice Maori tattoo, or a Native American symbol, but this one? Cliche and old-fashioned. Like, the author was like, ‘He needs a tattoo to make him look tougher. How about a nice tribal tattoo?’ Second, I think when tattoos are added to models for book covers, they need to take into account that tattoos FADE over time - that’s just the way they work, so putting a tattoo on a model like this? It’s too pristine, and too obviously fake. Rant & diversion over.
Second, I don’t mind multiple POVs. I actually kinda like them. I like getting inside a guy’s head and hearing his thoughts (or, what a female author THINKS a male’s thoughts are, anyway). But, the style of writing of this book just did not work for me because the multiple POVs were all within the same chapter, and changed from paragraph to paragraph. It was jarring.
Third, the wrap up with the ex was anti-climatic.
Fourth, the entire last third of the book was just, how do I describe it? Boring? Yes. Unnecessary? Yes. Page-filler? Absolutely.
Ok, that’s all I’ve got. Read at your own risk.
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