Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is book 2 in the Love on the Line series but can be read as a standalone. This time NHL winger Bash finds love with Lainey, the little sister of his childhood best friend. She’s moving to Cleveland to work on a 4 month research project and he offers her his home to live in while she’s there. Lainey had a huge crush on Bash when she was younger (he’s 4 years older than her). When she was 17 and he was 21 and already in the NHL she asked him to take her to her prom. He naturally said no and her heart broke. Now Lainey is engaged to marry Shane, a worthless POS not worthy of her. Bash has no trouble reminding Lainey every chance he gets that he’s not worthy of her. He thinks he’s being a good friend. Until he can’t deny he’s actually got feelings for her. Now, just to make her believe his feelings are real.

I love the found family Bash created with his teammates and their friends. They welcome Lainey into their group with arms wide open and for the first time she’s found true friendships, including girlfriends, she can confide in and trust. Bash is sweet, thoughtful, and protective of Lainey. Lainey suffers from IBS and the author did a great job of showing her struggles with the condition. Bash is there to take care of Lainey like Shane never did. Lainey is smart, stubborn, and determined to not fall for Bash and humiliate herself again. Who cares that he’s got that deep Batman gravely voice. Or pecs as hard as rocks. Or an 8 pack. It’s fine. It’s fine. Everything is just FINE.

This is a cute fun read that can be read in one sitting. Thank you Hambright PR and the author for the complimentary e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.