ARC Review: Big Stick Energy (New York Legends #2) by Sarina Bowen

A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy.

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?

Title: Big Stick Energy (New York Legends #2)

Author: Sarina Bowen

Publisher: Forever Grand Central Publishing

Expected Publication Date: June 30, 2026

Review:

Thank you to Forever Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I was really excited to read Eric and Darcey's story. I love how Bowen writes romance. Not only does she make her stories fun, but there's always great banter that causes me to laugh out loud. Not to mention her smoking spicy scenes!

Eric Tremaine caught my eye in the first book of this series. I was happy to see he would get his chance at a happily ever after. He is the most golden retriever of book boyfriends I have ever read. So kind and willing to always go out of his way to make others feel comfortable and seen. Of course he comes with his own baggage in the form of his dead brother's shadow. His mom cannot get over losing her son, even though it's been 12 years. Eric constantly battles with having to keep the peace in this area and he never wants to ruffle feathers. It's like he makes himself smaller in a way. Darcy Kendrick changes this for him. Her own family drama has caused a lot of pain in her life. She's had to grow up fast and learn to be independent and fierce. But she cannot help but want to be seen by her own family, particularly her dad. She cannot get out of the shadow of her step sister. 

I really enjoyed this friends to lovers, close proximity, fake dating story. Eric and Darcy had such fun chemistry. Even though their relationship stems from a silly social media mistake, you can see how they just fit. Yes, they have chemistry but it's so much more than that. They bond over their mutual trauma and form a camaraderie. They truly compliment each other and understand each other's struggles.

Bowen manages a fast paced story with great character development. I didn't want to put it down and was kind of sad when I got close to the end and realized I'd soon be done. But I'm really quite excited to read Deluca's story because that boy needs someone good in his life to love him up!

If you're looking for a mostly light hearted rom-com (there are triggers for death of a loved one, off page, and grief) that will have you wanting to keep turning pages to see how the characters you love will get their HEA, give this one a try. I do recommend reading the first book in the series to get the side character backgrounds and so you do not spoil the relationship Bowen created in Thrown for a Loop.

4.5/5 stars rounded to 5

Author:

Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!

You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.

 

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday November 4, 2025

Here's what I'm looking forward to seeing release this week.

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

I love Meyer! I was fortunate to get a copy of this and I really enjoyed it. It was a unique fantasy based on Bluebeard. I don't know anything about that story so it was all new to me! You can see my thoughts HERE.

A Fate So Cold (A Fate So Cold #1) by Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman

I got a print copy of this from Tor and then was approved for the audio. I will say I wasn't a huge fan of the narrators but I did like the story. You can see my thoughts HERE.

Thrown for a Loop (New Your Legends #1) by Sarina Bowen

I love me some Bowen. But also I adore hockey romance. I knew she'd do it justice and I was excited to get an audio copy of this one. I cannot wait to see the next installment in this series. Check out what I thought of this book HERE.

What are you looking forward to?

 

ARC Read: Thrown For a Loop (New York Legends #1) by Sarina Bowen

 

Fans suspect that the bad boy of hockey has a few skeletons in his closet. They have no idea he also has a sparkly bodysuit… #toepick!

When they met at figure skating camp ten years ago, Chase Merritt was a scrappy hockey player from the wrong part of town, and Zoe Carson was the up-and-coming ice princess. They fell in love faster than you can say triple toe loop, until Zoe makes a fateful error that ends up costing Chase dearly.

Almost a decade later, their fortunes are reversed. Chase is the MVP of the New York Legends hockey team, while Zoe—their new skating coach—has years’ worth of personal and professional bruises. It’s hard to face him again—all six feet and two hundred pounds of muscle and swagger.

And anger. Chase is in hot water with management, and refusing to work with Coach Zoe no matter how badly he needs to shore up his stride—and his image. Until a journalist digs up an old video of Zoe and Chase performing a skating program, and the internet goes wild.

Management seizes on the opportunity for a P.R. redemption, ordering Zoe and Chase to reprise their flashy routine.

Skating with him again—to a love song, of course—is pure agony. But it’s also Zoe’s only chance to unpack the truth of what really happened that night ten years ago. And to at least find forgiveness, if she can’t win back his heart.

Title: Thrown for a Loop (New York Legends #1)

Author: Sarina Bowen

Publisher: Forever Grand Central Publishing/ Hachette Audio

Expected Publication Date: November 4, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I love me a good hockey romance. And I know Bowen knows how to write hockey (her Him series with Kennedy is amazing). So I was excited to dive into another of her stories and see where she would take it. Plus, she included figure skating and I am a former skater so I wanted to see what she would include.

I alternated between audio and kindle with this book. I wanted to see how the vibe might be different using both, I was pleasantly surprised that I liked both (usually it's one or the other). Brooke Bloomingdale is a narrator that is known to me. I've listened to several of her books and have always liked her cadence and how she voices characters (male and female). I find her very easy to listen to and she makes books very enjoyable. This is my first time listening to Ryan Hudson and I really enjoyed his voice. I kind of wish there was more of him. His narration fell off the last 40% or so of the book since the alternating time lines resolved. I would definitely listen to more by him. He did a great job with the MMC narration.

I really enjoyed learning about Zoe Carson and Chase Merritt. The past and present POVs in the book really helped me understand the characters and leant to their overall development. The past chapters set up the relationship and the conflict really well. 

I enjoyed Zoe for the most part. She did let people step all over her at times and this bothered me. But that was part of her character development. I enjoyed watching her grow and change and truly come into herself/stand up for herself. Chase is such a broody character. I do wish I had more from him. While I loved the past chapters that showed his personality, I kind of wish I had present narration from him to really be in his head. I had to rely on Zoe to tell me about him and that made it harder to really see how he was thinking.

As for the romance, second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. Bowen did a fair enough job with it. I'm not sure I 100% bought it, though, It's been 10 years since these two parted ways with not a word between them since. Suddenly they are pushed back into each other's orbit. This is set up well at the beginning but for me, Chase was too quick to turn around and forgive what happened and Zoe was too quick to have feelings for him again. Especially since she had been married until recently. I needed more angst between these two. I needed more conflict. It just seemed to come together too easily.

The plot was good. It moved along at a good pace. There were a few things introduced that were choppy. And a few of those things were important to character development. Some of them were scattered so much, it kind of left holes in the story. I kept wondering when the author would come back to the points so we could see how they shaped the characters. She did come back around to most of them but with just a mention and then it was over. There was so much more that could be done. I don't want to name the things as I don't want to spoil the story.

Overall, I did enjoy this one despite the holes the author had going on. It was fast paced and there was some great banter that happened. Plus the side characters really made the story. I'm excited for the next relationship between Darcy and Tramaine. I can't wait to see how Bowen shapes it!

3.75 stars rounded to 4

Author:

Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!

You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.

Fat Stack Friday October 3, 2025

 

Check out my haul this week. I got some really great ones

Kindle:

Soul Searching (Sweewater Peak #1) by Lyla Sage

I really like Sage's books and I'm looking forward to this new series!

Every Spiral of Fate (This Woven Kingdom #4) by Tahereh Mafi

One of my most anticipated books for this year. I love Mafi and I love this series. Cannot wait to dive in!

Burning Daylight (Defying the Stars #1) by Emily McIntire

I really liked this author's dark romances. I have her first romances but have yet to read them. I'm looking forward to this one.

The Cinnamon Spice Inn (Maple Falls #1) by Harper Graham

I keep seeing this one around and people say if you like the Dream Harbor series you'll like this one. So I'm going to give it a try because I'm definitely in my cozy romance (and fantasy) books this fall!

NetGalley/Edelweiss:

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

This was a read now from Atria on NetGalley and I could not resist since I requested on Edelweiss and was denied. I hope I like it better than her other adult, book though!

While You Were Seething by Charlotte Stein

Another Atria read now. It just sounds cute. I've never heard of this author. Here's to hoping I like it!

Thrown for a Loop (New York Legends #1) by Sarina Bowen

I actually have a kindle copy of this one but wanted to have the option to listen to it, as well. Excited I was approved!

Still Into You by Erin Connor

Read now on Net Galley is gonna kill me. But I couldn't pass up this Forever book. I love a good rock story!

Next Level Love by Shmeez Patel

Another read now from Forever. Enemies to lovers!

Hollywood Hookup by Christy Swift

I got to read this author's first book early. It was cute but not my favorite. I love how this one sounds and hope she's honed her craft a bit more. This one was read now from Atria.

Heart's Gambit (Heart's Gambit #1) by J.D. Myall

This one was read now in an email I got and it sounds really good so I jumped on it. Pretty sure the read now option on NetGalley should not be available to me! LOL!

What did you get this week?

Fat Stack Friday July 18, 2025

Slow week but it's ok because I've been on vacation!

NetGalley/Edelweiss:

House of Hearts by Skyla Arndt

The publisher sent me a copy of this one but it was read now on NetGalley and I love having more than one media to read my books. So I grabbed it.

Seeing Other People by Emily Wibberly & Austin Siegemund-Broka

This author duo is hit or miss for me. The last book I read was just ok whereas the book before that I loved. So we'll see if they wow me or just meh me with this one.

Thrown for a Loop (New York Legends #1) by Sarina Bowen

I actually have not read a book written solely by this author since her MM romance series Him, which I loved. I've read her compilations with Elle Kennedy. Either way, I do enjoy her writing and I'm excited for any kind of hockey romance that includes some figure skating (since I was a figure skater as a child)!

Is This Real or Just Pretend? by Emily Sullivan

The publisher sent me a widget for this one today! I'm so excited because I really enjoyed Duchess Material by this same author. I can't wait to read it!

I know I have some stuff in the mail at home so I'll post that next week.

What did you get this week?

 

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday February 18, 2025

Check out the books I'm most anticipated releasing this week!

Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Especially the ending which definitely left me wanting to read the next one. I did try to get an early copy to review, but it didn't happen. Can't wait to drop everything and read this one!

The Bookstore Keepers (Once Upon A Time Bookshop Stories #3) by Alice Hoffman

I really enjoy Hoffman's story telling. I haven't read the other two books in this series but they are on my list!

The Last Guy On Earth (Hockey Guys #3) by Sarina Bowen

I love how Bowen writes hockey. And she does M/M stories so well! I haven't started this series but it looks so good I cannot wait to start it.

Spiral (Off the Ice #2) by Bal Khabra

This was one of my most anticipate books to be released this year. I loved the first one. I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and you can see my review HERE.

Which books are you looking forward to this week?

 

ARC Review: Stay (WAGS #2) by Ellen Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

From New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy and USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen comes the next in the spin-off series of their wildly successful Him and Us books.

"I'm ridiculously attracted to you, Hottie. I figured I should be up front about that."

"Shut up and kiss me again, Snipes."

Hailey Taylor Emery has a hunch that Sniper87, her favorite client at Fetch—the anonymous virtual assistant service she runs with her ex-husband—is actually gorgeous hockey superstar Matt Eriksson. It's against the rules to check his file, but she's pretty sure she spends every day texting her lifelong crush and catering to his every need. Still processing her recent divorce, Hailey is perfectly content for this to be nothing but harmless online flirting…until Sniper87 wants to meet her. Face to face. utter panic.

Matt Eriksson is no stranger to heartbreak. He's still not over the destruction of his own marriage, and it sucks to be the only guy on his team who knows the that hockey and long-term relationships are a toxic mix. He barely sees his kids, and dealing with his ex makes him feel worthless. The only person in his life who seems to understand is someone who won't show her pretty the mysterious HTE, aka "Hottie."

Surely, though, it's nothing a pair of fourth row hockey seats can't fix. Superfan Hailey can't resist the offer, and Matt can't resist Hailey. But when the phone screens come down, can they get past their baggage long enough to build something real?

Title: Stay (WAGS #2)

Author: Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

Publisher:

Expected Publication Date: September 17, 2024

Previous Publication Date: June 20, 2017

Review:

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for supplying me with an egalley of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I cannot pass by an Elle Kennedy book, ever. I love her fun, funny, romantic stories and this one was no different.

Stay is the follow up to Good Boy. So you'll see some cross over characters there. You don't truly need to read the first book in the WAGs series to understand this one, but it will spoil the relationship from the first book a bit.

I'm loving the new covers Sourcebooks has given to this updated series. They are fun and the colors truly pop and catch the eye.

The story has a typical romance theme which includes one of my favorite romance sports, Hockey.

Hailey and Matt have a cute connection. I love that they share the background of divorce and what follows that. Both having a difficult time realizing they deserve to be happy, despite what happened in their past relationships. They have great banter and lots of fun chemistry throughout the book as they navigate their new relationship. They don't label themselves for a good while, worrying those labels will define who they are to each other. But in the end they are a couple and everyone around them realizes it before they do, of course.

I love the relationship Kennedy and Bowen paint of Matt with his twin girls. He's so good with them. It's sweet. And the struggle between him and his ex to balance co-parenting seems to be fairly spot on, though I've not experienced this on a personal level to truly know 100%.

Of course we have the characters with their insecurities who just do not think they are worthy of one another. And it takes a bit of a rift for the realization that they are to come to the forefront. I will say, there is no real third act break-up, at least not in the traditional sense. Usually that involves some sort of miscommunication, but that is not the case with this book. It was refreshing.

It was also nice to see characters that are a bit older, a bit more worldly, a bit more mature. You can see the struggle between them as they figure out what will make their relationship work, and it's more than just passionate sex.

It was fun to see the WAGs ladies from the first book. I love that Kennedy and Bowen paint a picture of women empowering other women and lifting them up. Their support is really great.

Overall, this one was fun and I'd continue with the series, given the chance.

Authors:

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!

You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.

 

ARC Review: Good Boy (WAGS #1) by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody - absolutely nobody! - can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs.

Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honor, and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score.

But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy-times with a giant man-child. Such as: Will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man?

Caution: May cause accidental aspiration of tea or coffee. Do not read in a public place where loud laughter is inappropriate. Contains hot but hilarious hockey players, puppy cuddling and a snarky pair of underwear.

Title: Good Boy (WAGS #1)

Author: Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

Publisher: Sourcebooks Bloom Books

Expected Publication Date: August 6. 2024

Review:

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for providing me with an egalley of this title for and honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I will pretty much read anything Elle Kennedy writes. And I know this is a re-release but I've actually never read this series so I wanted too jump in. And when she combines her writing with Bowen, it's even more fun. I loved their Him and Us books. I wasn't expecting a spin off of that series but they did it and I'm all about reading it.

The plot line is typical of a fast and quick romance. I love the friends to lovers aspect. And it's fun to see it grow in the presence of a little bit of a sorted past between the two characters. The plot heavily relies on humor, which I really like. Blake Riley and Jessica "Jess, J-babe" Canning could not be more different. But their chemistry does sizzle. And the plot grows that chemistry but also their growing attraction to each other as people.

Blake really is your stereo-typical athlete dude. He's cocky and very sure of himself. But underneath there's this sweetness too him. And even though he comes off not as smart as you think he might be, he actually has so much more going on underneath. His biggest asset is his heart and how he puts himself in the way of those he cares for (or cared for) so they won't get hurt. It's a bit detrimental to him. He's very worried about hurting people but it is hurting him for much of the book. I'm glad he's able to come to terms with this. The one thing he never waivers on is his love for Jessica. And his determination to show her they are right for each other is a bit over the top, because he is that cocky, but sweet at the same time. And his sisters are so much fun. I would have loved to see a bit more about them but what I got from his family is the women are big and bold and not afraid of opening their mouths. 

Jessica was a fun character. I love that she's Jamie's sister. They have a big family and Jessica has always felt like she is the screw up. But she's actually so much smarter than she gives herself credit for and it takes her the entire book to realize that. She's very busy comparing herself to others for most of the book and when she finally realizes there is so much more she can give than what she thinks she can, it's fun to watch her see it in herself. I do wish there was a little more substance to her than her being super insecure. It took up her whole personality and I really would have liked to see more from her as a character.

The pacing is easy and light with this one. The chapters flow well and it's a pretty fast pace getting you from beginning to end. 

If you're looking for something fun and funny, this is that book. I will say the actual plot is very light. There's not all that much there but it didn't detract from the relationship between Blake and Jessica growing and just being a joy to watch. I'll definitely continue to read this series to see what other character relationships Kennedy and Bowen grow!

Authors:

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Sarina Bowen is the twenty-four-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of three dozen books, including: the True North series, and Brooklyn Hockey. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. She's the author of The Ivy Years series, and more!
Are you looking for a friends-to-lovers story or maybe even a secret baby book? You can read a list of Sarina's books broken out by trope and style.
Need to know what's coming next ? Get all the latest news on Sarina's website, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a book or a deal.