Seduced by the Game Anthology-Blog Tour

Don't forget to check out the Seduced by the Game website!

WARNING: This book is not for young adults. It contains Sexual Content.

I'm going to repeat the above warning, just in case. This book contains sexual content and is not for younger audiences.

So I have to say that I'm really really excited to be involved in this blog tour! And this book. Not only is it supporting an amazing cause(Cancer, if you didn't know) but it’s also got amazing authors writing short stories for this anthology. It’s always so great to see writers supporting causes like this and I'm really excited to be writing about Seduced by the Game.

Now, what do you say we get started? I’m going to do this story by story, in the order that I read them. And I’m just gonna say that this might just get a bit long. Sorry about that!

Blurb ~

It’s time to drop the gloves and fight! Support the Fight against cancer that is. This anthology of 8 brand new novellas is hot enough to melt the ice these players skate on. Featuring stories from popularNew York Times & USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble bestselling authors, including Toni Aleo, Cassandra Carr, Cindy Carr, Jami Davenport, Catherine Gayle, Jaymee Jacobs, V.L. Locey, Bianca Sommerland, and Nikki Worrell.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author - Toni Aleo TANGLED IN THE LACES

In Tangled in the Laces, Karson King is on the fast track to the pros and Lacey Martin is coming back from a hard fight against cancer and is terrified of him but their love is too much to ignore. Will Karson prove that he will protect her heart at all costs, or will he leave Lacey to pick up the pieces of her life once again?

Cassandra Carr and Cindy Carr HOOKING HANNAH

When Hannah attends an all-star game, she doesn't expect a hockey player of all people to turn her world upside down. Her sister is married to a player and Hannah never wanted that life. But Scott could change everything. For Scott's part, he has to know the woman who stirred his blood with just a look, and once he does, he realizes he wants Hannah to be his forever. Now to convince her...

Jami Davenport CRASHING THE BOARDS (Seattle Sockeyes 1.5)

Professional party crasher, Izzy Maxwell, needs the cooperation of reluctant party guest Cooper Black, the team captain of Seattle’s new hockey team, but Cooper can’t get past his anger over the team’s relocation to Seattle. Can Izzy melt Cooper’s frozen heart or will this party crash along with her fledgling business?

Catherine Gayle TAKING A SHOT (Portland Storm 2.5)

Katie Weber has had a crush on Jamie Babcock for almost two years, since he joined her father’s hockey team, the Portland Storm as an eighteen-year-old rookie. When cancer takes her health, her hair, and even her friends, she can’t bear to go to senior prom…until Jamie intervenes. 

Jaymee Jacobs A VALUABLE TRADE 

Bryan's life gets turned upside down when he gets traded to the Dallas Comets, and things get even messier when he meets Georgiana, the Director of Team Services. He's got a lot of work to do to prove his worth to his new team, but Georgiana's sure he'll prove to be a valuable trade.

V.L. Locey HEIR APPARENT

Superstar Cam Evans is fighting to climb out of a slump that`s growing worse with each day of living in denial. Fresh from the minors, Jacobi Neal is hungry for this chance to play back-up for the legendary goalie. Can two men battle each other, their inner demons, and the sizzling attraction building between them?

Bianca Sommerland BLIND PASS (The Dartmouth Cobras 0.5)

Nothing could stop Tim Rowe, the assistant coach of the Dartmouth Cobras, from falling in love with Madeline, but love alone can’t satisfy every need. Sometimes, to reach the goal, you have to take the chance with a . . . Blind Pass.

Nikki Worrell - CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN (Prequel to Scorpions Series)

Keith Lambert is the captain of the Flyers—until he’s not. To everyone’s shock, he’s traded to the San Diego Scorpions. As if that’s not bad enough, Phoebe, his girlfriend of two years, decides she doesn’t love him enough to follow.

All alone in a new town, Keith is drawn to Kelly, his take out delivery girl. When she shows up at ice girl tryouts, he’s lost. She’s all he can see. Can he convince her to forget her past and take a chance on him or is he destined to be alone in a new town a little bit longer?

**Proud Supporters of Hockey Fights Cancer.

Excerpt From Seduced by the Game

 “So you’re Grady’s sister, right? Younger sister?”

She nodded as he got lost in depths of her green eyes. “Yes, I may be younger, but I can still make him cry.”

Karson laughed. “Good to know and, if I may add, that’s kind of hot.”

He wanted to make her laugh. When her lips curved in a smile, the laughter followed, and his dick came to life in his pants. It was such a heavenly sound, and he had never wanted to make a girl laugh as much as he wanted to make Lacey.

“You’re a dork.”

“That’s a good thing, right? That turns you on?”

She laughed again as she shook her head. Looking at him through hooded eyes, she said, “Maybe.”

“Good to know. It was great to see that you came to watch me play tonight. I’m pretty good, huh?”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Wow, conceited much?”

Karson grinned. “I know what I saw.”

“You’re delusional. I came to watch my brother.”

Still grinning, he said, “But you watched me.”

“You were on the ice; I was watching the game,” she protested, but he shook his head.

“Your eyes never left me.”

“How do you know?” she asked with an amused look.

“Because when I wasn’t trying to score, I was watching you.”

Her cheeks deepened with color as she looked down, playing with the label on the beer. “I’m not sleeping with you; you’re wasting your time throwing all this game at me.”

He was a goner. This girl was it. Any other girl would have fallen for his game, but not Lacey Martin.

Smiling, he said, “Who said anything about sleeping together? Are you thinking about having sex with me?”

Her cheeks colored more before she looked away, laughing louder, making him think that maybe she was. He liked that. A lot. “Oh my God, shut up!”

“I never once brought up sex, and you did.”

“Whatever,” she said, a grin still pulling her lips.

“You are really beautiful when you do that. I like that half smile thing. Really hot.”

Meeting his gaze, her smile fell as she looked away, shaking her head. “You’re wasting your time.”

“Let me be the one to decide that, and aren’t you supposed to thank me? I did just say you are the hottest girl in the world.”

Her cheeks still burned with color as she nodded. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

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Review

Tangled in the Laces by Toni Aleo(Prequel to Laces and Lace)

“Nothing ever distracted him but this girl had the power to.” -Toni Aleo, Tangled in the Laces

Karson King has always known that he would follow his father’s footsteps and enter the NHL. But his mother wanted him to make sure that hockey is what he wanted which is why he and his sister are in Chicago, attending university and playing hockey, of course. But when Karson spots Lacey at his practice he knows she’s the one that is meant to be his. Lacey has managed to survive a fight with cancer, unfortunately having a double mastectomy in order to do so. She knows that she’s not the one for Karson and is scared to try. When she finally takes a chance on him, she finds that they’re perfect for each other, and so in love. But Lacey’s brother and father are not happy with the relationship and who knows the lengths they will go to in order to protect their sister and daughter.

I’ve really enjoyed the Assassins’ series so when I found out that Toni Aleo was writing a short story for this anthology it just made me even more excited for it! But then when I read this, I just couldn’t help but giggle and sigh, and wish that Karson was mine. Once more Toni Aleo has created characters that are not only dreamy, sigh worthy, and just overall amazing but she’s also created characters that you feel slightly bad for hating. But only just a teensy bit. It’s easy to slip into the book and find yourself wondering where the time has went, especially when Lacey is the less than confident girl she is, and Karson’s the overcocky, future NHLer. They easily draw you in. Not to mention you get an insight to Lacey who has fought and survived breast cancer. It’s amazing to get a look into her head!

Then there’s the plot, it just makes you feel like everything is a fairytale, but towards the end you begin to see that everything isn’t always that easy. Toni Aleo has created a reality in which you could imagine yourself and easily put yourself in the heads of the characters, that is how well she writes the characters and her books. Occasionally the dialogue seems a slight bit awkward in the wording but overall this is a novella that you will have to read, especially before Laces and Lace comes out sometime closer to 2015. Oh, and I forgot to mention Tangled in the Laces is the prequel to Laces and Lace.

Hooking Hannah by Cassandra Carr and Cindy Carr

“He didn’t believe in love at first sight or anything - who did? - but that woman fired up his blood.” -Cassandra Carr and Cindy Carr, Hooking Hannah

Hannah’s never wanted the life of a NHL hockey wife like her sister has. But she soon finds that it might not be her choice when Scott catches sight of her. It takes some convincing but he finally manages to get her to go out with him. But will Hannah be able to get past his career to embrace the love she could have?

Both Cassandra and Cindy Carr have created a book that seems like it was written by one author. Sometimes when collaborating, you can tell the distinctive styles of the writers but in Hooking Hannah, it seems as if it is being written by just one author.

Then there’s the characters. Hannah is reluctant to follow in her sister’s footsteps and become a hockey wife, and yet we see her changing thoughts throughout the book. It is a slow change and Cassandra and Cindy Carr display it in such a way that it doesn’t feel rushed. They don’t make it seem all that shocking that she would possibly change her mind throughout the book which is great to see! Then, of course, there’s Scott. Swoonworthy, handsome, extremely thoughtful and sweet. Basically everything you want to see in a guy.

Throughout the novella, it’s clear to see the struggle that Hannah is feeling and the ones that Scott is developing. It keeps things going and the small but noticeable changes are the best. That way the ending doesn’t seem to have snuck up on you and left you totally confused as to why there was a total 180. Cassandra and Cindy Carr have created a great novella to contribute to a great cause!

Crashing the Boards(Seattle Sockeyes 1.5) by Jami Davenport

“Judging by the stubborn set of his jaw and those steely blue eyes, this wasn’t going to be easy.” -Jami Davenport, Crashing the Boards

Cooper never wanted to come to Seattle and is making it hard on the new team owners. Izzy has been hired to crash the party and turn it from a dud into amazing. But first she must convince Cooper, the team captain. When sparks fly, she thinks things may be easier than it seems but nothing is ever easy in the game of love.

First of all, I want to say that I am not very adventurous so having a character that is working to be a professional party crasher was really exciting and invigourating for me. Mostly because it allowed me to get inside Izzy’s head and have all the rush of everything she was feeling and doing without actually risking anything. Jami Davenport certainly did an amazing job with creating characters that were easy to understand the surface and get into their heads. She’s drawn the readers in and created a situation that is certain to make things difficult. And it does. But she also gives those romantics what they’re always looking for in any romance book.

Overall this was a great book for a great cause. Jami Davenport created relatable characters, that involved some hockey and a team that is struggling with it’s relocation. The plot is interesting and keeps the reader engaged as well as interested to find out more. I think I’ll definitely give her new series, Seattle Sockeyes, a chance when the first book comes out!

Taking a Shot(Portland Storm 2.5) by Catherine Gayle

“They gave me something to believe in, and there hadn’t been much of that lately.” -Catherine Gayle, Taking a Shot

Katie Weber has been diagnosed with Leukemia and is fighting for her life. She’s also had a crush on the Portland Storm’s Jamie Babcock ever since he joined the team that her father played on. But since discovering she has cancer, she’s decided not to go to Prom, that is until Jamie asks her, much to the dismay of her father.

Can I just say that even though this was a novella, it put me through an emotional wringer? Catherine Gayle makes you feel the emotions that her characters do and you just can’t help but laugh and cry even as you remind yourself that it’s just a book. Catherine Gayle has created characters that you can get behind and you find yourself cheering for the couple even as her father takes protective to a whole new level. But you can also understand his reasons. She gives you insight into this difficult situation and it was eye opening to see.

Catherine Gayle has certainly created a wonderfully created novella to support an amazing cause and has found a new fan for her Portland Storm series. I will definitely be adding the previous two books in this series to my to-read pile!

A Valuable Trade by Jaymee Jacobs

“I may not be a hockey player, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t know how hard trades are.” -Jaymee Jacobs, A Valuable Trade

Bryan’s been traded and his girlfriend is reluctant to follow him. When he arrives in Dallas, he finds himself greeted by the definition of a southern cowgirl, Georgiana, who also happens to work as the Director of Team Services for the Comets. After a drunken night together, they find that it’s not always easy to ignore things. But Bryan must decide between his girlfriend, and Georgiana.

At first I found that this novella was really hard to get into. I think mostly because of the point of view. It’s not one I’m always comfortable with and it seemed to be a little awkward at first. But then everything settled down and it wasn’t hard to find myself falling into the story.

Jaymee Jacobs has created two realistic characters in Bryan and Georgiana. After their drunken encounter, Georgiana finds things difficult and it’s easy to see why. Not only that but it’s clear that Bryan feels the same and why. Jamee Jacobs allows readers to understand the viewpoints of her characters without making a snap judgment about their behavior.

It was interesting to see the effect that the trade had on Bryan as well. Many times, we see only what people want us to see and it was interesting to get that glimpse into the difficulties of being traded to a new city, and a new team. Jaymee Jacobs in A Valuable Trade gives the readers an insight into what it truly is like to be a NHL player, and the sacrifices that the players make that the fans don’t alway see.

Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey

“I came down with a whole new understanding of who I was that day.” -V.L. Locey, Heir Apparent

Jacobi Neal has just been called up to the NHL as backup to his hero, Cam Evans. But when he first meets his hero, he finds himself fighting an attraction and certain issues. But he’s not alone in that. Can the two overcome their issues together or is this a lost cause?

V.L. Locey has created two characters that might just fit perfectly together. It was amazing to read a book about Jacobi  and Cam, especially because Cam is older than Jacobi and Jacobi seems to have a bit of hero worship for him in the beginning of the book. It’s interesting to see how their relationship develops and how they interact with each other.

It’s not hard to get into Heir Apparent with the way it’s told. The book seems as if it’s just a good friend reminiscing about old times. The narration is smooth and keeps the reader interested with occasional comments that are obvious that the narrator is adding as he’s telling the story.

Not to mention the view we gain into being gay in the NHL. I don’t think it’s something that often comes up and V.L. Locey gives us a glimpse into what it might be like to be gay and in the NHL.

Heir Apparent is a marvellous book by a great author supporting an amazing cause. It serves as a great addition to an amazing anthology!

Blind Pass(The Dartmouth Cobras 0.5) by Bianca Sommerland

“He wanted to make her laugh again, wanted to use the time on the long flight to get to know more than her name.” -Bianca Sommerland, Blind Pass

Tim Rowe, assistant coach to the Dartmouth Cobras finds himself falling for the flight attendant on the way to one of their away games. But he’s not sure that he can meet her needs. When Madeline sees Tim, she knows that there’s something special between the two. But will their relationship be able to last?

Bianca Sommerland has created characters that immediately draw readers in. Tim is the man who is used to his brother getting the girls. And Madeline is a mothering type, someone who is always looking to help those around her. With the way that Bianca Sommerland presents them it isn’t hard to jump inside their heads and see their worries and fears. Not to mention fall in love with both. It’s clear to see that both are interested in the other and they both care for the team. It was amazing to read.

Not to mention the fact that it’s interesting to see a relationship that shouldn’t succeed succeed. I only say that because Madeline is a flight attendant and Tim is an assistant coach for a hockey team. This means that both are travelling quite a bit and long distance relationships don’t seem to work a lot of the times. It was great to see a relationship like that work out.

Bianca Sommerland has created a great addition to this anthology and it was certainly amazing to read!

Captain, My Captain by Nikki Worrell(Prequel to the NHL Scorpions Series)

“But there’s nothing to forgive. I was absolutely going to hit on you, but you blew it.” -Nikki Worrell, Captain, My Captain

Kelly’s had a rough life and is working hard to make it better. Keith has just been traded, and broke up with his girlfriend of two years. But when he sees Kelly, his ex is forgotten and he knows he’ll work hard to get Kelly in his bed and his heart. But will Kelly be able to let her past go and believe in his love?

Nikki Worrell has created two characters that share an easy banter. I think that was one of the things I enjoyed most about this novella. It was the easy banter that was still amusing that Kelly and Keith share. I was always looking forward to when the two would run into each other and there would be some smart comment made.

Again, an author has touched on the difficulties that can be had after having been traded and that’s always nice to see. Then there’s the fact that there’s a complete pain in the a-hole character that you can very much enjoy hating. It just seems to draw in the reader.

Captain, My Captain is a great prequel to the NHL Scorpions series and you should definitely check it out!

Phew, I made it through! And hopefully you did too! But reading through this anthology I found the time just flew and I was constantly having to set alarms on my cell phone so that I wouldn’t be late for class or miss a tv show that I was looking forward to. And even when I stopped to watch a tv show, I was sneaking a couple of pages in during the commercials. You will not be disappointed if you pick up this book and you’d be supporting an amazing cause! This is a must-have for anyone who likes sports, more specifically hockey, romance books.