{"id":58437,"date":"2021-04-13T08:00:32","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T12:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=58437"},"modified":"2024-11-04T23:36:47","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T04:36:47","slug":"release-excerpt-arc-review-bombshells-brooklyn-bruisers-8-by-sarina-bowen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=58437","title":{"rendered":"Release, Excerpt & ARC Review: Bombshells (Brooklyn Hockey, #5) by Sarina Bowen"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next Brooklyn Bruisers book is live!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Kobo<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Google<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n

Blurb<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The women’s league is in the house!\u00a0 And Brooklyn will never be the same again for Anton Bayer and the team…<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is my last chance to ditch my playboy reputation and finally fulfill my potential. So I\u2019ve made three rules for our biggest season yet: no boozing, no women, and no scandals.<\/p>\n

Especially that last thing.<\/p>\n

So who do I befriend on the very first day back at the rink? An amazing female hockey player. I want Sylvie in a way that\u2019s more than just friendly. I crave her. But I have a championship to win, and so does she.<\/p>\n

Then she gets her heart broken by my teammate, and I make the foolish mistake of comforting her in the best way I know how. Our night together sets off a string of sins.<\/p>\n

Nobody can know about our affair, especially my overprotective teammate. I can\u2019t let anyone see into my greedy little heart. Not even her.<\/p>\n

The things I want from her, and the things we\u2019ve already done? If anyone knew, there\u2019d be bombshells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Add to Goodreads<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Review<\/b><\/h4>\n

5 stars<\/b><\/p>\n

OMG, I love this book! I was so happy to be back in the Brooklyn Bruisers<\/i> world, I loved the introduction to the Brooklyn Bombshells women\u2019s team, and Anton Bayer proved to be a sensational romantic hero in this funny, sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers romance that is full of banter and chemistry, and completely captured my heart!<\/p>\n

Anton Bayer (aka \u2018Baby Bayer\u2019) is the younger cousin of Eric (previous Bruisers player and hero of series spin-off Moonlighter<\/em><\/a>, and has been a background player in this series. He is in his third year with the NHL and after a promising start, he lost himself the previous year to partying and has developed a bad reputation (not all deserved). But he has worked hard over the summer to get in shape, and he is determined to buckle down and concentrate on nothing but hockey for the coming season to get his career back on track.<\/p>\n

Sylvie is the back-up goalie for the brand new women\u2019s team, the Brooklyn Bombshells. She is thrilled to have the opportunity, which comes with the benefit of moving from Canada to Brooklyn and being alongside the Bruisers \u2013 which means she is reunited with her childhood friend and star of all of her romantic fantasies, who just happens to be Anton\u2019s teammate. That turns out to be all kinds of awkward, because from the moment Antony lays eyes on Sylvie, he is smitten.<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t fucking breathe. Her smile lights up her eyes, which are a warm brown. She is like the living, breathing picture of female perfection.
\nIn a goalie\u2019s pads. Fuck me.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He quickly learns of the connection between Sylvie and his buddy, and realises that they\u2019ll only ever be friends. Which is just as well, because they both have huge goals and a lot to prove for the season. So they become friends, training and working out together, sharing meals and laughs, and texting and joking back and forth. It\u2019s a gorgeous friendship with a fantastic dynamic, but of course, the chemistry between them absolutely sizzles.<\/p>\n

The physical attraction between them is there from the beginning, but the closer they become, the deeper the emotion between them grows, and I was feeling it all! And when Sylvie gets the reality check that she sorely needs, they take the chance to explore their feelings further, and OMG, it\u2019s hot as all hell!<\/p>\n

No other man has ever made me feel this way \u2013 like it\u2019d walk through fire for just one more kiss.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But Bayer isn\u2019t looking for a relationship, and Sylvie has weird ties to one of his teammates, so their situation is complicated. They have a few bumps along the way as they figure out where they stand with each other, but they can\u2019t deny what they feel, so we get this delicious forbidden-ish situation that is a little bit angsty and full of feels. It\u2019s so heartfelt and I could feel everything<\/i> between them, and the secretive nature of it just makes it all the more exciting.<\/p>\n

Damn. This thing between us isn\u2019t going to just burn out. I was a fool for thinking I could walk away. <\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

They have things to figure out, but their journey together is just gorgeous. The chemistry between them is palpable, they have so much fun, and I loved their playfulness. But underneath it all is a deep connection that is beautifully explored, and their honesty with each other through it all is fantastic.<\/p>\n

We kiss some more, because we can\u2019t seem to stop.
\n\u201cI really like you,\u201d she pants. \u201cI know you\u2019re Mr Casual and everything. I\u2019m not expecting to pick our wedding china. But we–\u201d
\nMore kissing.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re good together. Don\u2019t even try to pretend it\u2019s not true.\u201d
\nLike that would even work.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I confess, I am slightly obsessed by Anton Bayer. OMG, what a brilliant romantic hero! Funny, sweet, honest and real, with a heart of gold. And he\u2019s so damn sexy. He\u2019s the kind of guy you would fall for so easily in real life, and I just adored him! And Sylvie is a great match for him. Strong, independent and driven, sweet and caring, she\u2019s just the girl he needs, and the two of them are beautiful together.<\/p>\n

Of course the rest of the Bruiser boys are a big part of the story. I loved seeing the characters that we have already met in the series, and again, the camaraderie and brotherhood between the boys is a real highlight. And I loved getting to know some of the Bombshells! They are a great bunch, with some unique personalities (and even a familiar face!), and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. I\u2019m super excited for Drake\u2019s book up next!<\/p>\n

I loved this book. I laughed so many times, and I loved every moment of Anton and Sylvie\u2019s story.<\/p>\n

Such a great read – 5 stars!<\/p>\n

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brooklyn Bruisers \/\u00a0<\/strong>Brooklyn Hockey<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Technically, Brooklyn Bruisers and Brooklyn Hockey are two different series, however these series are closely interconnected, all within the one hockey team, and reads like one continuous series. We have included them here on one page to help you orient yourself to this world.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn Bruisers<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a0 \"\"\u00a0 \"\"<\/p>\n

Rookie Move (Brooklyn Bruisers, #1) <\/strong>(Leo & Georgia)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Hard Hitter (Brooklyn Bruisers, #2)<\/strong> (Patrick & Ari)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers, #3) <\/strong>(Mike & Lauren)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brooklyn Hockey<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Brooklynaire (Brooklyn Hockey, #1) <\/strong>(Nate & Rebecca)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Overnight Sensation (Brooklyn Hockey, #2) <\/strong>(Jason & Heidi)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Superfan (Brooklyn Hockey, #3) <\/strong>(Silas & Delilah)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Lucky Shot (Brooklyn Hockey, #3.5)<\/strong> (Tank & Bess – A Sure Shot Prequel)
\nFreebie:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Sure Shot (Brooklyn Hockey, #4)<\/strong> (Tank & Bess)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Bombshells (Brooklyn Hockey, #5)<\/strong> (Anton & Sylvie)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Must Love Hockey<\/strong> (Novella – Jimbo & Emily)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Shenanigans (Brooklyn Hockey, #6)<\/strong> (Neil & Charli)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Love Lessons (Brooklyn Hockey, #7)<\/strong> (Crikey & Vera)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Excerpt<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Long after daylight arrives, I lay stretched out in my bed, my eyes shut, fighting off the reality of morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

My thighs ache, probably from yesterday\u2019s workout. But I\u2019m also deliciously sore in some places I didn\u2019t know I could be sore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Behind my shuttered eyelids, the night isn\u2019t over yet. If I stay in this dreamlike place, I can relive each thrill that Anton gave me. Each stroke of his magic hands across my bare skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As first times go, I realize I\u2019ve hit the jackpot. His obvious skill and devotion to female pleasure make me a very lucky girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

But that wasn\u2019t last night\u2019s biggest surprise. It wasn\u2019t just the thrills and chills. It was the heady emotional journey that we seemed to take together. His kisses tasted as hungry as mine. His touch was reverent, his words desperate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maybe it\u2019s all in my head. A girl can imagine a deep connection that isn\u2019t really there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m a pro at that, actually.<\/span><\/p>\n

But it felt so real. Even after the last groan and gasp had passed, Anton\u2019s kisses didn\u2019t stop. As I floated down from the extreme high of sexual pleasure, his lips continued to trace my neck, and gentle hands smoothed over my hips and down my back.<\/span><\/p>\n

That part\u2014the aftermath\u2014was just as beautiful to me. I\u2019d never wanted it to end.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, he\u2019d gotten up to visit my bathroom. I\u2019d heard him running the sink and washing up. Then I\u2019d braced myself for his departure. His team began an eight-day road trip this morning. It\u2019s not like he had a lot of extra time to share.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But he hadn\u2019t thrown on his clothes and left. Instead, he\u2019d come back to the bed, straightening out the covers we\u2019d tossed around during our sex fest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then he\u2019d lifted the covers and slid in beside me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling blessed, I\u2019d rolled to meet him in the middle, where strong arms wrapped me into the sweetest embrace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We hadn\u2019t spoken much. I\u2019d felt too dreamy for casual conversation. And I don\u2019t know what I would have found to say besides <\/span>wow<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>thank you<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>please feel free to do that again<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

My silence had also prevented me from blurting out the news that the whole experience had been a first for me. That\u2019s nobody\u2019s business but mine. And Anton doesn\u2019t need the burden of dealing with my strange life choices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t want him to know, because it would have changed everything. He didn\u2019t baby me. His brand of aggressive, bossy, emotional lust was a real eye-opener.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But only metaphorically, because I refuse to open my eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although I\u2019d already cheated once, when I\u2019d rolled over to discover that Anton had left me a note\u2014short and sweet and just as perfect as our night together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sylvie\u2014you are a sleeping beauty. There aren\u2019t words to describe last night. Except maybe \u201cWow.\u201d I will call you tonight. \u2014A.B<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

And there was a smiley face. When I\u2019d read the note, that smiley face had matched my own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSylvie,\u201d comes Fiona\u2019s voice through the door, followed by a knock. \u201cAre you still in bed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. So?\u201d I cover my eyes with one arm, as if the extra barrier could prevent the day from arriving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet up. We have to go to brunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I search my memory for anything related to brunch and come up empty. \u201cWhy? Shouldn\u2019t you be at work?\u201d I stretch lazily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Sunday. Get up. You have twenty minutes to shower and get dressed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr else?\u201d I do not understand the urgency.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr else I will combust from all the questions I have for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Uh-oh<\/span><\/i>. Fiona seems to know that I wasn\u2019t alone in my bedroom last night. Maybe she heard Anton leave. But I\u2019m not about to tell the whole team about my wild night. \u201cIt\u2019s just going to be you and me at brunch, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t get up, I\u2019ll start inviting other people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d I throw off the comforter. \u201cFine. I\u2019m getting up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For more great reads, check out our\u00a0Sarina Bowen Author Spotlight<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  The next Brooklyn Bruisers book is live!   Amazon\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0 |\u00a0 Kobo\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0 |\u00a0 Google   Blurb The women’s league is in the house!\u00a0 And Brooklyn will never be the same again […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":57718,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","yasr_overall_rating":5,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,9,58,29],"tags":[59,1064,48,378],"class_list":["post-58437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-friends-to-lovers","category-romance","category-sports-star","category-steamy","tag-arc","tag-brooklyn-bruisers","tag-review","tag-sarina-bowen"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Bombshells.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7gaNL-fcx","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=58437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58437\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/57718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=58437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=58437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}