1st Bowen Book I’m not a Fan of **SPOILERS**

I was shocked to admit it, but I was not a huge fan of this book! Most of my qualms comes from the storyline and the fact that it was supposed to be a “Hot Damn” on the romance scale—it was not. My favorite SB books have been Him, Man Hands, and Goodbye Paradise. Not sure why I haven’t enjoyed the Bruisers or for that matter the True North series. To be fully honest, I will likely attempt to read more books in both series because of particular character interest. So not a total loss, but I really did not enjoy Georgia and Leo as leads.
*SMALL SPOILERS NOW*
I thought it was really odd they hadn’t spoken in 6 years and just jumped into bed with each other. Especially considering the huge emotional impact that had forced them to separate. Plus they both had unresolved feelings from their previous relationship. It really made no sense and was frankly a let down on Bowen’s part to allow an emotionally fragile couple ‘just happen’. I also don’t like it when adults act like kids and refuse to talk about something.That’s just immature. I’m here for a healthy relationship and good sex. I was let down on both counts. The sex scenes were not only short, but lacked exciting description. Not what I’m used to from Bowen’s other works. I’d say this book falls more into the line of “Sizzling”—but just barely! I found I had the same experience when I read the first of the True North series. except the sexy scenes in that book were far better.

Overall, I craved more character development and a real reason that Georgia and Leo needed to be together other than that they liked sleeping together.

12 people found this helpful

It's a no for me.

The story was good enough but I didn't adapt to the fact that it was written in the third person. I had the constant impression that I was listening to a movie with audio description. And I didn't like the narration. I won't buy the rest of the books.

6 people found this helpful

Much more emotional than I expected!

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed this story. Leo is so unbelievably sweet! He really is the perfect guy- so caring and kind. His love for Georgia was swoontastic!
I loved the whole second chance romance of it- how, even after 6 years, they were still so much in love with each other. And I loved that there wasn't outside drama when it came to Leo and his GiGi. This was their story, their issues, their hang-ups to work through. A lot happened between them as teenagers, more than any 18 year should have to deal with, and they needed to address all of it to be able to move forward.
I saw another reviewer say they thought Georgia was whiney and jealous and I just had to wonder what book they listened to??? I didn't find her whiney at all, and the only hint of jealousy was dealt with in a fun way. She was strong and focused, and determined not to let anything hold her back.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorites were the scenes when Leo and Georgia really opened up to each other, when they finally talked about everything that had happened six years ago.
I was so anxious to find out why Georgia's dad had such an issue with Leo, and when all that came to a head it was such a relief!
Listening to the scene with Leo and her dad had me in tears! You could tell the love was still there, underneath all the animosity that had been held onto.
And don't even get me started on poor Leo, and the whole misunderstanding in the training room! My God, my heart hurt for him!

5 people found this helpful

The story I've been waiting for

Sarina Bowen does the hockey romance genre like nobody's business, she never fails to suck you in. That being said, she made me a huge fan with her Ivy Years series, which is where I first came to know Leo Trevi and then of his history with Georgia. It was the story line I really wanted to see next, so I can't express how happy I was to see their story play out for this new series. It was absolutely perfect, and I'm actually glad that we see them after college as opposed to during. The performances were excellent and the back and forth was gratifying to see. Well done, and thank you for another fabulous story Sarina. It's always a pleasure. 10 stars and credit worthy for sure!

5 people found this helpful

Very enjoyable.

Really enjoyed the True North series and immediately jumped into the Brooklyn Bruisers. Equally good. Sarina Bowen writes very entertaining stories.

3 people found this helpful

What a powerful book!

Love this book was not expecting to cry so much but I just could not help it.

3 people found this helpful

A rating overall...

My Review:
Overall: 4.5
Performance: 4.5
Story: 4.5

I am so excited about this book...mainly because it was so good and it's just the first book in this series so that means there are more books to come. YES!

This was a second chance at love story. The book starts with Georgia. She works as the PR person for the Brooklyn Bruisers, but on the first day of her handling the main job, she finds out that both her father and her high school ex are coming to work for the team. Dad as the coach. Leo as the rookie player that dad does NOT want on his team, but Leo was hired by the owner without consulting the new coach.

For Leo, Georgia was the woman who broke him. They were seniors in high school and her world imploded in a single night taking her relationship with Leo with it. Truly, neither one of them ever recovered.

This book has all the feels. There's heartache galore, but there are also light and funny moments. Moments that twisted my heart and made it swell with possibilities.

Seriously, this book was so good. I picked it up when someone mentioned just how good it was and it lived up to everything I hoped. Such a good, good read. It had just the perfect amount of hockey story line mixed in with the incredible romance. Then there were the friends of both the MC"s that I loved getting to know. I just loved everything about it.

And the narrators for the audiobook nailed the voices. Absolutely fantastic!

I highly, highly recommend it and cannot wait for books #2 and #3 to come out. So excited for this new series.

3 people found this helpful

Made me look forward to the drive to work.

Love these characters and the arcs and the ending and all of it. Sarina Bowen is a one-click author for good reason.

3 people found this helpful

Love it!

I absolutely adore this story! it had me hooked from beginning to end. The characters are lovable, and the second chance was perfectly done.

Love the hockey, and I can't wait for more from this team! The friendships make this story great and leave me wanting more!

The narration is fantastic! The emotion comes through when needed! The pacing and intonation were absolutely perfect! Definitely looking forward to listening to both of them again!

2 people found this helpful

Fun second chance at love romance

Sarina Bowen's Rookie Move was a book I couldn't stop listening to. Leo and Georgia were a great couple with a past and incredible chemistry. The story moved smoothly with a great cast of secondary characters whose stories I'm looking forward to.
Nicol Zanzarella and Rock Engle did a wonderful job with the narration.

2 people found this helpful