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The Boston Breakout
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had no idea that such an awesome series of books for young people existed! Of course as a huge hockey fan I am biased. I received [The Boston Breakout] free in return for a review and I can tell you I will be looking to purchase the rest. [Roy MacGregor] has created characters that you would find on any team but the Screech Owls are still a family even with all their quirks.

In this story they are playing a summer tournament in Boston. Their coach insists on making all trips educational, which most players enjoy. This trip they go to the aquarium. There are some animal rights activists there and one of the players falls under their spell. They get information about the plans of the group and have to act to stop it.

[MacGregor's] description of hockey is spot on and the addition of local history and some mystery makes these ideals books for young readers. I will be introducing my niece to them. Especially the one involving MSG. Go Rangers!
  
Over the Line (Sierra Hockey #1)
Over the Line (Sierra Hockey #1)
Elise Faber | 2023 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
OVER THE LINE is the first book in a new hockey series, Sierra Hockey, with a character who has shown up in other books by this author - Lake Jordan.

I know I'm going to be in the minority here, but I struggled with these characters, I'm afraid. Nova had a lot of good qualities but was WAY too forgiving, and prepared to just go with the flow. That's okay so long as you don't get walked all over, and she was, by many people. How Lake spoke to her and she just accepted it. Lake is a grumpy git, with reason. But in pushing Nova away, he is not just grumpy, he is downright cruel. And he never apologised for his words after the first time in the kitchen. He's amazed Nova just let it go, and so was I! As for the exes (boyfriend and sister), I have no idea why Nova was with them for so long, especially if her feet get itchy when the going gets tough.

Anyway, moving swiftly past them, the world-building of this story was just what I would expect. There is plenty to be done in this hockey team, and I look forward to reading about the players mentioned so far. The pacing was brilliant, with never a dull moment.

I look forward to learning more about this team and the world they live in.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 6, 2023
  
Pucked Under (Pucked #4.5)
Pucked Under (Pucked #4.5)
Helena Hunting | 2016 | Erotica, Romance
9
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This became one of my favourite stories in the Pucked series by Helena Hunting. Following the explosive romance between Randy Ballistic and ice skater Lily LeBlanc.

They are just unable to stay away from each other, keep their hands off each other, and keep finding themselves in a bathroom together.

Helena stays true to the Pucked series, incorporating the other couples from previous stories, and introducing future characters. The story is as comical as the previous ones, packed with naughty language, naughty moments and yet more ice hockey.
  
Benoit (Owatonna U #3)
Benoit (Owatonna U #3)
RJ Scott, V.L. Locey | 2019 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
my fav of the three!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

    This is book 3 in the Owatonna U Hockey series. It’s not totally necessary for you to have read books one, Ryker, and two, Scott, before this one, but personally I would recommend you do. It will give you a better picture of this group of hockey players and how they relate to each other. I didn’t much care for Ryker, but Scott was a much better read and this one is my favourite of the three!

    Benoit hit Senior year, and his focus is on his hockey. Study and hockey. He is absolutely not allowed to get involved with a certain volunteer coach who is hobbling around on crutches. Ethan knows he won’t play professionally again, since he broke his leg on his 32nd birthday but helping the next generations of players might keep him happy. A certain goalie is not on his agenda. But after a scorching hot kiss, Ethan wants more, but Benoit is not playing.

    This one, by far, is my favourite of the three. Maybe it was Benoit, or Ethan or the pairing of the two, or maybe it had been brewing up to this one, I dunno, but I loved this one!

    Benoit and Ethan have instant and powerful attraction, and they try hard to ignore it, they really do. But some things are just meant to be, even if there is a big age gap. Everyone is concerned about that gap, but Ethan and Benoit are not.

    There are some difficult topics dealt with here: racism and homophobia. Difficult reading for someone who has not experienced either, but I got way into Benoit’s heart when he deals with the aftermath of that.

    Because of the above, it does make some points quite emotional and you wanna cry for Benoit, but equally, it has some lighter moments and lots of the steamy moments!

    It is again written from both Ethan and Benoit’s point of view, in the first person. Each voice is clearly defined, coming from very different backgrounds, and they are easily identifiable if you leave off during a chapter. Each change occurs as the chapter changes. I saw no spelling or editing that would spoil anyone’s reading experience.

    I loved that Ryker, Jacob, Hayne and Scott all take part, as well as Tens are Mads. I still wanna read their story!

    Are there more? I hope so. Really loving this series.

    5 full and shiny stars

    **same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
CP
Caillou Plays Hockey
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another contribution from this bright, familiar series. this book can quickly become a favourite and whilst this one is particular to the holiday season, Caillou has several different adventures for your child to pick up.
With this instalment we find Caillou getting all kitted up for his first training sessions in Ice-hockey, but as is often the case, he wants to run before he can walk and only with his fathers help can he see that practice is needed to progress. A lovely moral, a great message for our youngest and bright colourful presentation as well, what's not to love.
  
DAT Poker Podcast
DAT Poker Podcast
Games & Hobbies
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Latest news and gossip (0 more)
Can go quite off topic (0 more)
A news and gossip podcast focusing on the world of poker. Hosted by poker legend Daniel Negrenu, Terrance Chan and Adam Shwartz. Adam is a veteran of the poker podcast world having formerly hosted the long-running Two Plus Two podcast.

This podcast is light on the poker strategy talk but if you want all the details on all the latest gossip you have come to the right place. Daniel offers a good look into the world of high stakes poker with no holding back (language can be very colourful.) We get to hear not just about the action on the felt but also a lot on the gambling that goes alongside whether it’s golf, fantasy leagues or hockey (there is a lot of hockey talk - they are Canadian!) All the latest scandals get a good going over.

It doesn't usually bother going over too many tournament results unless they are significantly interesting or it’s World Series of Poker time. As well as the news in the poker world they also cover the best of the tweets (generally hilarious ones) in the poker world and answer questions from listeners. I enjoy it to keep up to date with what’s going on and find it generally entertaining if sometimes a little grating when they get too opinionated or side tracked.
  
Firekeeper's Daughter
Firekeeper's Daughter
Angeline Boulley | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Debut author Angeline Boulley crafts a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community, for readers of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange.

As a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and the product of a scandal, eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. Daunis dreams of studying medicine, but when her family is struck by tragedy, she puts her future on hold to care for her fragile mother.

The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team. Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, certain details don’t add up and she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into the heart of a criminal investigation.

Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, but secretly pursues her own investigation, tracking down the criminals with her knowledge of chemistry and traditional medicine. But the deceptions—and deaths—keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home.

Now, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she'll go to protect her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.
  
RC
Reality Check in Detroit
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Screech Owls are back with a new adventure and lesson. I love how [Roy MacGregor] mixes hockey with a life lesson in his books. In [Reality Check in Detriot] the team is asked to be on a reality show but they quickly learn that reality tv isn't that real.

The characters that [MacGregor] creates all blend well and keep a good balance in the story. Although I personally can't stand Nish and his ego but he is typical of boys that age. Travis is a good balance. I will be passing this book off to my niece to read and recommending that my school library get it at well.
  
Four Brothers (2005)
Four Brothers (2005)
2005 | Action, Drama
7
7.3 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Revenge and Vengeance
Four Brothers- is a good movie. It has action, suspense, thrills and chills.

The plot: When an inner-city Detroit foster mother (Fionnula Flanagan) is murdered in a botched holdup, four of her now-grown adopted children suspect it was no random killing. Rising musician Jack (Garrett Hedlund), former-Marine Angel (Tyrese Gibson), hotheaded hockey player Bobby (Mark Wahlberg) and settled-down husband and father Jeremiah (André Benjamin) go on the hunt for neighborhood criminal kingpin Victor Sweet (Chiwetel Ejiofor) while being trailed themselves by the local beat cops.

The cast is good, the action is good, the suspense is good and its a good thriller.
  
I love Sloan - I think Oriana is a bit annoying - woe is me until further toward the end where she gets more into herself - guess that's growth as a character which I like anyway.

I love Vanek too - he's my bae - I can't believe I haven't read his book yet and that makes me sad, just a taste of it at the end, wahhh!!!

Max and Dominick are just background noise to me in this book - neither stood out and neither were special to me in any way.

I love hockey books and the story and the end were pretty sweet too. Random thoughts - I adore this series though perhaps I'll go to Vaneks book next!