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Rules of the Game #1
Scoring Chance
An NHL hotshot, a beautiful face from his past and a chance meeting at a bachelor party that could change both of their lives.
Derek Parker is an NHL left wing hotshot. He’s as smoking hot on the ice as he is off. Women who get close enough can’t deny the heat. Newly divorced, he has no interest in relationships.
Cora Locklyn is a face from the past. One Derek didn’t expect to see—half-naked doing a striptease—at his best friend’s bachelor party.
She’s a mystery to him. One he can’t keep off his mind.
He’s a distraction she doesn’t need. Making money and taking care of her sick mother are her only priorities.
When they come together, sparks fly that neither can ignore.
Can Derek win Cora's heart and heal from the pain his ex-wife caused him, or will she block his advances and ruin both of their chances at happiness?
Fans of Samantha Whiskey and Odette Stone will find their kindles melting from the scorching hot chemistry between Derek and Cora in Scoring Change, a contemporary sports romance novel by USA Today Bestselling author, Emma Tharp!
Scroll up and one click to read this high heat hockey romance from the Rules of the Game series today.
Derek Parker is an NHL left wing hotshot. He’s as smoking hot on the ice as he is off. Women who get close enough can’t deny the heat. Newly divorced, he has no interest in relationships.
Cora Locklyn is a face from the past. One Derek didn’t expect to see—half-naked doing a striptease—at his best friend’s bachelor party.
She’s a mystery to him. One he can’t keep off his mind.
He’s a distraction she doesn’t need. Making money and taking care of her sick mother are her only priorities.
When they come together, sparks fly that neither can ignore.
Can Derek win Cora's heart and heal from the pain his ex-wife caused him, or will she block his advances and ruin both of their chances at happiness?
Fans of Samantha Whiskey and Odette Stone will find their kindles melting from the scorching hot chemistry between Derek and Cora in Scoring Change, a contemporary sports romance novel by USA Today Bestselling author, Emma Tharp!
Scroll up and one click to read this high heat hockey romance from the Rules of the Game series today.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2019
833 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Emma Tharp
38 books223 followersEmma Tharp is the USA Today Bestselling Author of The Bluff Harbor Series, Keeping It Casual, Drawn to Dark, and the McLoughlin Brother Series. She was raised in upstate New York. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone, dreaming up characters who would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending twelve years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 18, 2019
Short with minimum drama and lots of internalizing.
Hero: Derek, the sweet, heartbroken, honest, emo-ish NHL player
OW: Carrie, the trampy tart, passionate ex wife
Heroine: Cora, the sweet, gentle stripper
Story: Mostly OW drama and him getting over her and their broken marriage
1. Ow recently divorced the hero. Hero is still getting over the split:
* “I loved Carrie. She was it for me”
* “I never wanted to get a divorce, yet here I am still trying to pick up the pieces...”
2. During his picking up of said pieces, he meets the heroine.
3. The ex wife wants a reconciliation.
4. He doesn’t fall for his ex wife’s shenanigans.
BUT...
40% into the book:
He’s thoughts on hearing that his ex wife is seeing someone now:
“I shouldn’t care, but hearing it guts me. She was my everything and she’s already moved on”
67% in:
His thought on seeing ow now:
* “Old, unresolved feelings come flooding back. The attraction is still there...”
* “Carrie has her arms around me and for a minute, smelling her jasmine perfume, I’m taken back to the good times and the love.”
His jealousy of OW with her new beau:
“You think I liked it? Seeing you with someone else? I didn’t.”
HOWEVER:
Every thought above is negated or followed by positive realizations in favour of the heroine. So he is coming to his senses and moving on from his fiasco of a marriage.
BUT:
Im a romantic.
I wear rose-coloured glasses.
I’m not one for wanting to know, in quite so much detail, straight from the horse’s mouth, just how the ow still affects him. Not at this stage of the book, anyway.
And because, no, just no.
Nope. Niet. Nein. Non. Nee!
80% into the book:
“She’s (OW) dressed in a pair of short shorts and a skimpy tank top. No bra. I know I’m over her because the sight of her perky nipples used to make me want to suck on them until they were red and sore. Not at all today.”
THEN, THANK GOD, albeit it at 83% in:
“Her (OW) touch and scent do nothing anymore. No spark ignites.”
BUT SEE NOW, HERE’S THE KICKER:
“I know how different real love is. With Carrie it was passion and lust and a whirlwind of constant chaos. That’s not what it feels like with Cora. This is different. Of course, we have passion—fuck, I can’t keep my hands off her—but we’re settled and content...”
I kinda want the whirlwind for my Hxh.
He is protective and possessive and loving and giving towards the h. While he cares for her and adores her it’s cos she’s different from the OW. She’s peace and comfort and white picket fences the opposite to the OW’s wildness.
So this is a new premise for me: out of control intensity with OW and mostly contentment with h. Obviously, some couples like that. Just not MY couples. Mine like contentment AND chaos.
So I’m not sure this Hxh is gonna last.
Perhaps he only needs quiet now after Hurricane Carrie.
Perhaps I’ve been too spoilt with the likes of Travis Maddox, Ignazio Michele Vitale and the Torins of this world.
Hero: Derek, the sweet, heartbroken, honest, emo-ish NHL player
OW: Carrie, the trampy tart, passionate ex wife
Heroine: Cora, the sweet, gentle stripper
Story: Mostly OW drama and him getting over her and their broken marriage
1. Ow recently divorced the hero. Hero is still getting over the split:
* “I loved Carrie. She was it for me”
* “I never wanted to get a divorce, yet here I am still trying to pick up the pieces...”
2. During his picking up of said pieces, he meets the heroine.
3. The ex wife wants a reconciliation.
4. He doesn’t fall for his ex wife’s shenanigans.
BUT...
40% into the book:
He’s thoughts on hearing that his ex wife is seeing someone now:
“I shouldn’t care, but hearing it guts me. She was my everything and she’s already moved on”
67% in:
His thought on seeing ow now:
* “Old, unresolved feelings come flooding back. The attraction is still there...”
* “Carrie has her arms around me and for a minute, smelling her jasmine perfume, I’m taken back to the good times and the love.”
His jealousy of OW with her new beau:
“You think I liked it? Seeing you with someone else? I didn’t.”
HOWEVER:
Every thought above is negated or followed by positive realizations in favour of the heroine. So he is coming to his senses and moving on from his fiasco of a marriage.
BUT:
Im a romantic.
I wear rose-coloured glasses.
I’m not one for wanting to know, in quite so much detail, straight from the horse’s mouth, just how the ow still affects him. Not at this stage of the book, anyway.
And because, no, just no.
Nope. Niet. Nein. Non. Nee!
80% into the book:
“She’s (OW) dressed in a pair of short shorts and a skimpy tank top. No bra. I know I’m over her because the sight of her perky nipples used to make me want to suck on them until they were red and sore. Not at all today.”
THEN, THANK GOD, albeit it at 83% in:
“Her (OW) touch and scent do nothing anymore. No spark ignites.”
BUT SEE NOW, HERE’S THE KICKER:
“I know how different real love is. With Carrie it was passion and lust and a whirlwind of constant chaos. That’s not what it feels like with Cora. This is different. Of course, we have passion—fuck, I can’t keep my hands off her—but we’re settled and content...”
I kinda want the whirlwind for my Hxh.
He is protective and possessive and loving and giving towards the h. While he cares for her and adores her it’s cos she’s different from the OW. She’s peace and comfort and white picket fences the opposite to the OW’s wildness.
So this is a new premise for me: out of control intensity with OW and mostly contentment with h. Obviously, some couples like that. Just not MY couples. Mine like contentment AND chaos.
So I’m not sure this Hxh is gonna last.
Perhaps he only needs quiet now after Hurricane Carrie.
Perhaps I’ve been too spoilt with the likes of Travis Maddox, Ignazio Michele Vitale and the Torins of this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Such a wonderful romantic story.
NHL Star and a Stripper find love , a most unlikely pair but lots of chemistry between these two.
Good reading and enjoyable book all round .
💋💋
Such a wonderful romantic story.
NHL Star and a Stripper find love , a most unlikely pair but lots of chemistry between these two.
Good reading and enjoyable book all round .
May 21, 2023
Mostly giving this 4 stars because it’s an incredibly quick read and the main characters are both very likable. I would say it’s an enjoyable read if you’re into Hockey Romance Novels and would recommend it.
July 11, 2019
While I liked this book, I didn’t love it. There were times I wanted to wring Cora’s neck with her whining. Derek was a really great guy - and really patient. Not a ton of character or relationship building in this book. I did like the rest of the characters, and the story itself was good, but I had a hard time connecting to the heroine, hence the rating.
December 17, 2021
Cora used to tutor Derek back in high school. She hasn't seen him years. Now she's stripping for his hockey team.
Cora hasn't changed so much. Her circumstances did. She found herself having to provide for her mother, who is suffering with MS. Derek is coming off a recent divorce that he didn't want.
Cora is holding herself from him because she believes he's nothing but a playboy despite the huge crush she's harbored all these years. Truth is, though, Derek's a sweetie.
This made for a cute, quick read that was satisfying for what it was. It was labeled as a second chance romance, though, and for me this wasn't that because they were never together to begin with. And I'm still curious about what that title means?? I assumed the hero's name would be Chance, but I was wrong.
Cora hasn't changed so much. Her circumstances did. She found herself having to provide for her mother, who is suffering with MS. Derek is coming off a recent divorce that he didn't want.
Cora is holding herself from him because she believes he's nothing but a playboy despite the huge crush she's harbored all these years. Truth is, though, Derek's a sweetie.
This made for a cute, quick read that was satisfying for what it was. It was labeled as a second chance romance, though, and for me this wasn't that because they were never together to begin with. And I'm still curious about what that title means?? I assumed the hero's name would be Chance, but I was wrong.
February 1, 2019
This is a quick read with both characters having trust issues. Derek is just coming off of a painful divorce that he didn't want. He is a little bitter. Cora has had to make some life changing decisions, She is the primary care giver for her mom. Money is tight and she strips in a club to pay the bills. Life did not turn out like she hoped it would. She met Derek when they were kids and she tutored him. Now she is stripping and Derek is with the NHL. When they meet again Derek is intrigued and the the attraction is mutual. Cora was always doubting her feelings and Derek's as well. Derek was cautious also. The two try to take things slow but a few spoilers try to block their happiness. Nice quick read with minimal drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2024
DNF @ 20%
just…. no.
just…. no.
Want to read
April 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/22/2019)! 🎁
January 31, 2019
I loved this book. The characters were real. Their circumstances and relationships were real and steamy. I read this In one sitting. The author Includes all the elements you love in a romance story. Love, romance, sexy scenes, and all around sweet love story with a HEA.
Chance and Cora are one hot couple. They have a history and fate leads them back to each other. They dance around each other and have fear, but eventually give in. And boy is it a sweet relationship. Things happen and trust is broken. But they get their HEA.
I was given a ARC of this book and this is solely my opinions on this book.
January 3, 2019
Romance Scores a Goal in Book One!
Scoring Chance: Rules of the Game Book One by author Emma Tharp was a well written book that held my interest so much so that I read it straight through. The romantic characters of stripper Cora and hockey player Derek played well off each other. Kudos to the author for treating them as adults with adult responsibilities.
There is a nicely designed and written HEA with a hint of who Book two may be about.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading pleasure and enjoyment.
Scoring Chance: Rules of the Game Book One by author Emma Tharp was a well written book that held my interest so much so that I read it straight through. The romantic characters of stripper Cora and hockey player Derek played well off each other. Kudos to the author for treating them as adults with adult responsibilities.
There is a nicely designed and written HEA with a hint of who Book two may be about.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading pleasure and enjoyment.
April 9, 2020
I hate leaving a low review but I just can’t give this book more than 3 stars. This is the first book of a 6 book series.the story centers around Derek and Cora. They are a sweet couple. Derek is a hockey player who has been hurt from a recent divorce and Cora who is a stripper who is busy trying to take care of her Mom who is suffering from MS. the story has potential but the issues are continuity problems and lack of character personality traits. The description and the behaviour didn’t match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2019
I loved this book. The characters were so well done that they drew you into the story. The storyline was well developed and had all my emotions engaged. Cora is working as a stripper to pay for her mother's medical needs when she bumps into her high school crush, Derek, who she tutored in math and is now a professional hockey player. They both have emotional baggage get over, but end up with their HEA in the end.
June 8, 2019
Nope.
I’m giving you fair warning. Don’t waste your time on this stupid book. Editing is horrible. Derek says he’s not drinking and gets a sparking water at the bar... they go to play pool and suddenly he’s drinking a beer. Another example is Derek is at the front door of Cora’s apartment then it’s a house. Ugh and there are other examples. Drives me crazy. I wish I had the last two hours back.
I’m giving you fair warning. Don’t waste your time on this stupid book. Editing is horrible. Derek says he’s not drinking and gets a sparking water at the bar... they go to play pool and suddenly he’s drinking a beer. Another example is Derek is at the front door of Cora’s apartment then it’s a house. Ugh and there are other examples. Drives me crazy. I wish I had the last two hours back.
January 31, 2019
The very last book I read a few hours ago was by author, Toni Aleo. She writes a heck of a hockey romance and this is pretty much right up there too. I loved all the characters and they had decent development. A few slide in that I wasn't sure about like Marcus but perhaps in subsequent books it will all be revealed.
Read.
Read.
August 27, 2019
Sweet
This is a sweet little romance between Derek, a recently divorced NHL hockey player, and Cora, the high school brainiac he went to school with who tutored him so he could graduate. She’s working as as an instagram stripper so she can help to pay for her mother’s medical bills. When the two run into each other at a bachelor party where she is stripping, they have a connection. He’s gun shy and she doesn’t have much time to spare for a relationship but life has other plans for them. There are few surprises in their sweet story, well maybe some twists but it is still entertaining. I would have liked a more in depth epilogue into their future, instead I settled for a HFN.
This is a sweet little romance between Derek, a recently divorced NHL hockey player, and Cora, the high school brainiac he went to school with who tutored him so he could graduate. She’s working as as an instagram stripper so she can help to pay for her mother’s medical bills. When the two run into each other at a bachelor party where she is stripping, they have a connection. He’s gun shy and she doesn’t have much time to spare for a relationship but life has other plans for them. There are few surprises in their sweet story, well maybe some twists but it is still entertaining. I would have liked a more in depth epilogue into their future, instead I settled for a HFN.
April 14, 2025
At one time, Cora tutored Derek in math in high school. Years later they run into each other while she's dancing for a group of guys at a bachelor party that he's at. She is working hard because her mom has MS and can't believe she's run into Derek - who she had a crush on years ago.
Derek is recently divorced and a bit jaded - but stunned when he sees Cora...and wants to see more of her. Unfortunately, between his hockey schedule and her working so much and taking care of her mom, it's not easy.
This novella is OK. I'm sure it's not easy writing a novella - getting all the character stuff, background, love story...ALL the things. The tension felt a little forced, parts of the ending seemed a bit random, but again, not bad for a novella. Will I continue the series? Probably not.
Derek is recently divorced and a bit jaded - but stunned when he sees Cora...and wants to see more of her. Unfortunately, between his hockey schedule and her working so much and taking care of her mom, it's not easy.
This novella is OK. I'm sure it's not easy writing a novella - getting all the character stuff, background, love story...ALL the things. The tension felt a little forced, parts of the ending seemed a bit random, but again, not bad for a novella. Will I continue the series? Probably not.
February 1, 2019
Hockey is my favorite sport...
...and I love my smut romance, so this books combined two things in life I can't go without. I LOVE that this story strays from the "alpha male incapable of love" trope. The entire story is still a massive cliche, but I love that Derrick is a hopeless romantic with a broken heart. Can't wait to check out more of Tharp's books. I wish there was a little more smut, but the scenes in here are steamy enough. This novella is superbly romantic, just wish there was more for my pervy mind 😜
...and I love my smut romance, so this books combined two things in life I can't go without. I LOVE that this story strays from the "alpha male incapable of love" trope. The entire story is still a massive cliche, but I love that Derrick is a hopeless romantic with a broken heart. Can't wait to check out more of Tharp's books. I wish there was a little more smut, but the scenes in here are steamy enough. This novella is superbly romantic, just wish there was more for my pervy mind 😜
April 28, 2019
A blast from the past
I absolutely loved how this book began, a shy teen book worm turns into a stunning woman who does everything to take care of her mother. She runs into her teenage crush as she dances for him at his buddies bachelor party. He’s been recently burned and after a very public divorce he’s not sure what to make of his feelings for her. Throw in an ex wife who’s jealousy won’t let her let him go, a sick mother and their insecurities of getting hurt and you’re in for a great read. Read through Kindle Unlimited
I absolutely loved how this book began, a shy teen book worm turns into a stunning woman who does everything to take care of her mother. She runs into her teenage crush as she dances for him at his buddies bachelor party. He’s been recently burned and after a very public divorce he’s not sure what to make of his feelings for her. Throw in an ex wife who’s jealousy won’t let her let him go, a sick mother and their insecurities of getting hurt and you’re in for a great read. Read through Kindle Unlimited
May 25, 2019
A hockey player romance
That was a sweet romance. Derek and Cora are sweet together. It was an unconventional romance with Derek being a hockey player who has been hurt from a recent divorce and Cora who is a stripper who is busy trying to take care of her Mom who is suffering from MS. It was a slow burn watching these two reconnect and move forward. Cora used to tutor Derek in high school till he moved schools. I love watching each other bring out the best in each other. Great romance
That was a sweet romance. Derek and Cora are sweet together. It was an unconventional romance with Derek being a hockey player who has been hurt from a recent divorce and Cora who is a stripper who is busy trying to take care of her Mom who is suffering from MS. It was a slow burn watching these two reconnect and move forward. Cora used to tutor Derek in high school till he moved schools. I love watching each other bring out the best in each other. Great romance
August 14, 2020
I liked both characters, Derek esp as he is suffering heart break, but not does he get over it quickly!
Cora's relationship with Bri was odd. they were apparently besties but they barely knew each other. it just didn't have a real friendship feeling to it.
There were also a lot of inconsistencies in the book. The author needs someone to read it for her. I can imagine on your own it's impossible to get it all right but to a reader they jump out.
Cora's relationship with Bri was odd. they were apparently besties but they barely knew each other. it just didn't have a real friendship feeling to it.
There were also a lot of inconsistencies in the book. The author needs someone to read it for her. I can imagine on your own it's impossible to get it all right but to a reader they jump out.
November 25, 2020
The second time around
If you love hockey romances then this is definitely one book that you need to pick up. Fast-paced but still manages to tell you each of the character's background story. Derek and Cora will make you fall in love with hockey romance again, taking a chance will be worth it and make you believe that love is better the second time around. Well-written, you won't regret picking it up.
If you love hockey romances then this is definitely one book that you need to pick up. Fast-paced but still manages to tell you each of the character's background story. Derek and Cora will make you fall in love with hockey romance again, taking a chance will be worth it and make you believe that love is better the second time around. Well-written, you won't regret picking it up.
November 28, 2020
This is a sweet hockey romance between Derek and Cora. The characters are strong and the story moves quickly and smoothly with descriptive and detailed scenes. It's a slow burn second chance romance with a bit of drama and a hot connection. I enjoyed watching them come together and reading their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 23, 2021
This was a good quick read. Derek is a hockey player and at his friends bachelor party he recognizes the stripper Cora. They went to school together and she tutored him. He is attracted to her and wants to get to know her. But Cora has a lot going on and doesn’t want to get involved with a playboy. I liked both characters. Cora is trying to make the best of her situation. And Derek doesn’t judge her for what she’s doing. I was hooked from the first page.
July 7, 2019
This was a cute little quick read. I loved the characters, Derek and Cora and their friends. Both were a little uneasy into getting into new relationships. Derek just knew he wanted to be around her but she was a bit more wary than me was but they eventually get it together. I can’t wait to see what comes of Teddy and Bri.
April 19, 2020
Decent book. Would have given it five stars but it felt weird and awkward in some parts when it would random stuff would just happen either because the author wasn’t detailed enough or was trying to rush things.
If the author took more time being more detailed in some parts things wouldn’t seem like they came out of no where or felt rushed
If the author took more time being more detailed in some parts things wouldn’t seem like they came out of no where or felt rushed
November 17, 2020
I absolutely loved this! The characters had such an easy chemistry and Derek was swoon worthy! The only issue I had was how childish the heroine sometimes acted considering how strong she was at certain points, it just didn’t mesh. I will definitely be reading another book by this author though!
I was given an ARC, so I am writing my honest voluntary review.
I was given an ARC, so I am writing my honest voluntary review.
April 23, 2021
1* no chemistry
Not a great book, couldn’t feel chemistry between the H and h. Cora is so confused about everything. She is always saying she is busy, taking care of her mom, but when she is not working, she going to games and after parties! They interaction is so lame. I was more interesting about their friends, Teddy and Bri.
Not a great book, couldn’t feel chemistry between the H and h. Cora is so confused about everything. She is always saying she is busy, taking care of her mom, but when she is not working, she going to games and after parties! They interaction is so lame. I was more interesting about their friends, Teddy and Bri.
February 13, 2019
Amazing but short....
Really really good book. I love when authors do his and her chapters. It was a very short book though.... Would love to know more about what happens to them after the wedding.
Really really good book. I love when authors do his and her chapters. It was a very short book though.... Would love to know more about what happens to them after the wedding.
March 2, 2019
Great hockey romance
Great read. I loved how in-depth the story was about Cora and Derek s background. As well as about Adeline s ME too. I admired Cora for doing whatever she had to do to help her mom. It couldn't been easy.
Great read. I loved how in-depth the story was about Cora and Derek s background. As well as about Adeline s ME too. I admired Cora for doing whatever she had to do to help her mom. It couldn't been easy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews