Poke Check (Harrisburg Railers #4) in RJ Scott

Feb 02, 2018 LeeAnn rated it it was amazing

Ahhh Stan! We have been given little insights into Stan from the beginning of the series. His personality, the way he LOVES Pokemon, the way he completely and utterly destroys the English language in a way that makes us chuckle, yet fall in love with him more every time he speaks so it doesn't really matter.
Finally we get to read his story. What makes him tick? Does he have someone to go home to at night? Who IS Lucy and does she take care of all his needs? What of his family? Are they close? ...more

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Feb 13, 2018 Amanda rated it it was amazing

With Poke Check, VL Locey and RJ Scott have delivered another fantastic collaboration in the Harrisburg Railers series. I loved Stan from the moment he showed up on the page in an earlier book and could not wait to learn more about the gentle giant Russian goalie. Reading about his struggles with the English language (especially the American sayings - the beeline and birdline conversation is hysterical), and with understanding this country that is so different from Russia was especially profound With Poke Check, VL Locey and RJ Scott have delivered another fantastic collaboration in the Harrisburg Railers series. I loved Stan from the moment he showed up on the page in an earlier book and could not wait to learn more about the gentle giant Russian goalie. Reading about his struggles with the English language (especially the American sayings - the beeline and birdline conversation is hysterical), and with understanding this country that is so different from Russia was especially profound in today’s political and social climate. Stan is sweet and kind yet fierce and protective, a compelling character with a heart so broken it broke my own in sympathy. When Erik, the Swedish hockey player who loved him then left him, shows up as the Railers’ newest wingman, Stan’s world is shaken again. Erik is a devoted father trying his best to be everything for his son and his team in the midst of a divorce, a move to a new city, and coming face to face with the man he left but never stopped loving. Stan and Erik love each other deeply and their relationship is both sweet and oh-so-steamy! These two men do not have it easy finding their way back to each other, but I enjoyed every minute of the journey. Little Noah is a happy addition to the story, and I loved watching Stan fall in love with his little rabbit just as surely as he loves Erik. The peripheral characters are prominent in this book as well, and I am always excited to see how things are going with the couples from prior books. I also enjoyed the hockey quite a bit and am happy to see the Railers doing so well. I hope we see them achieve their Stanley Cup dreams in future books.

This book is a poignant reminder that sometimes a second chance is all we need to finally get it right. These two authors consistently deliver novels that read so easily and flowing it sounds like one voice rather than two individuals contributing... the mark of a successful collaboration for sure. I cannot wait for more from them and the Railers!

Poke Check can be read as a standalone, but I recommend enjoying the entire series from the beginning as each book is fantastic. Men loving men, friends, family, and hockey - what else could you ask for?? ...more

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Feb 12, 2018 ButtonsMom2003 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: blog

I love Stan!

I am loving this series so much. Poke Check is about Stan, the Russian goalie for the Harrisburg Railers and Erik, a new Railer called up from the AHL. The story is told in first person alternating between Stan and Erik.

Poke Check has one of my favorite tropes – second chance romance. Erik and Stan met at a summer conditioning camp and the sparks flew between them. Erik is from Sweden but speaks good English; Stan not so much. The language barrier didn't keep them from falling in lov I love Stan!

I am loving this series so much. Poke Check is about Stan, the Russian goalie for the Harrisburg Railers and Erik, a new Railer called up from the AHL. The story is told in first person alternating between Stan and Erik.

Poke Check has one of my favorite tropes – second chance romance. Erik and Stan met at a summer conditioning camp and the sparks flew between them. Erik is from Sweden but speaks good English; Stan not so much. The language barrier didn't keep them from falling in love and Stan was heartbroken when Erik walked away. Erik had a very good reason for leaving Stan but he didn't tell him or get in touch with him. Now he has to face Stan every day on the ice.

I just loved the chemistry between these two. And I love Stan's lack of command of the English language:

“Yes, flukes happen. I am off to see pussy now.”
Pete laughed. “Yeah, I bet you are. Night, Stan.”

And this exchange:

“I’ll make a beeline for you if this so much as twitches.” He patted his breast.
“Is good friend make beeline.” I cuffed him on the shoulder. “What is beeline?”
He rolled his arm a bit after I tapped him. “It means I’ll come straight to you. Like a bee flies.”
“But bee no fly straight. Bee go from flower to flower, sucking sweet, in funky curl lines.” I drew circles in the air with my finger.
Coach Madsen made that face. It was the face people make at me often when I point out that English sayings are not sensible sometimes.
“Okay, right, that’s true.”
“So, why is saying beeline if go straight? Why not say cowline? Cow go straight.”
“I don’t know why it’s not a cowline, Stan, it’s a beeline.”
“Also bird fly straight. As crow flies. Maybe say birdline.” I nodded. Coach stared up at me. I waited for him to say something.
“Fine, I’ll make a birdline to you if this so much as twitches.”
“Ah, good. Making sense. Thanks. I make saves now.”
“You do that.”

Stan has provided quite a bit of comic relief throughout the other books in the series. It was great to finally find out what drives him. Poke Check is a very tender love story – about family as well as lovers. Stan's love of his mother and sisters is so touching and once he meets Erik's baby, Noah, his heart melted and so did mine. When Stan is reunited with his mother and then she meets Noah – it was another mult-hankie moment for me.

This is such a great series and I'm very happy that there are more books coming.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
...more

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Feb 12, 2018 Paul rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bought_it

Stan!!! I've been hoping for Stan's story from the start. This was probably my favorite in the series so far. One of my favorite tropes is the second chance at love. Stan and Erik have a brief but passionate past. Erik is trying to live through the mess he admittedly created of his life. Can two men who love each other get past all the hurt and move forward? I loved Erik with his son, Noah. I loved Stan's fierce love and loyalty to his mother and sister. Stan's sister Galina is a hoot and the wh ...more

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Feb 13, 2018 Elayne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-books

Lordy I love me some Stan! He has been a wonderful constant in all the books in this fabulous series. Eric and Noah are perfect for him. Over the course of this book Stan’s English improves but is still so funny to read.
Overall I love this series and highly recommend it.

I received this book as an ARC from the authors. My review is purely my own.

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Feb 08, 2018 Tracy Cox rated it it was amazing

This is my favorite book so far. Ever since I met Stan in the first book I was hoping he would get his own book. This book exceeded my expectations for it. Stan and Erik make the perfect couple. I loved being in Stan head and seeing how he struggles to take American. I loved this book and highly recommend you go read the whole series.

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Feb 14, 2018 Jess A Jaye rated it really liked it

Massive fan of the Harrisburg Railers series and this is another fantastic addition. There is really only one thing you need to know about Poke Check and that is Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin!
Stan is the Russian goalie for the Railers. And quite frankly he is adorable. At first glance you might be mistaken that he was just gruff and growly side character but he absolutely needed his story. He is such a great character. As all good characters should be he has his quirks, his inner monologue is hilario ...more

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