I liked Michael and Naomi immediately and loved their story. They’re both vulnerable because of their family histories and their lives have lots of complications but they’re perfect together from the moment they meet. Michael can’t hide his attraction even though he knows it’s a bad idea to date the boss’ daughter. The feeling is mutual but Naomi doesn’t date hockey players because she blames the sport for destroying her family and taking her father away, so she fights it.
They form a bond right away and it grows each time they interact, which scares them both but they can’t deny their feelings forever. They’re both dealing with weighty issues in their lives but when they’re together, they can both relax and be real. Michael inspires her to repair her relationship with the twin sister she’s at odds with, so he’s changing her life for the better. She’s someone he wants to be with at all times because he’s been lonely in the Midwest, so far from the family, friends and life he had on the east coast.
The chemistry between them is insane but this is a slow burn, so the tension is high when it finally happens. Michael is sweet, funny and he loves to take care of her which is especially important because her family seems to have abandoned her. Naomi is whip smart, clumsy and adorable. She’s a bit shy with him at first so I liked seeing her get more comfortable and really opening up to him. I couldn’t get enough Naomi and Michael. I really enjoyed their story and will probably read it again sometime.
I received an ARC from Grey’s Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
The Puck Drop on Amazon
The Puck Drop
by Jaqueline Snowe
Central State book 1
Available September 14, 2021
Falling for the coach’s daughter was never part of the plan…
Michael Reiner has the new start he’s been craving, where no one knows about his past and he can finally figure out what he wants out of life. Because one thing’s for certain—he can’t play hockey anymore, and life without hockey seems daunting. But when he gets the chance to intern under the Central State Hockey coach, he couldn’t be happier. Until he finds out the mysterious hottie he met at the bar is the Coach’s daughter.
Naomi Fletcher-Simpson has always been the weird twin. She prefers spreadsheets and trivia nights while her popular sister is everyone’s favorite. Things have been tense in her family, so when she gets a chance to pair up with the hockey team for a huge stats project, she takes it. She can repair her relationship with her dad and hopefully score her dream internship in the process.
Neither Michael nor Naomi expected to like each other. Complete opposites in every way, they slowly form a deep friendship that makes their chemistry sizzle, and friends with benefits is the only option to deal with their growing attraction. Michael can’t afford to lose the internship, and Naomi can’t afford to lose her heart to a hockey guy.
For the guy who’s suffered enough loss, and the girl who’s always left behind, they can’t risk falling in love—not when they both know all things come to an end, right?
