Book Review: Contract Season (Trade Season) by Cait Nary

Contract Season is the second book in the Trade Season series by Cait Nary. You do not have to have read the first book, Season's Change, to fully enjoy the read, but I really enjoyed it so I do recommend the read. 

Brody Kellerman has a plan. First, become the best defenseman in professional hockey. Second, get over his ex-boyfriend so he can focus on his game. Hooking up with the singer at his buddy’s wedding was the perfect solution, but it was never meant to be more than a one-night stand. Seamus Murry has never planned a thing in his life, including hooking up with a smoking-hot hockey player. Being ghosted sucks, but at least one good thing came from it, the breakout hit song of the summer. Now he’s one of country music’s brightest stars, but one slipup—or in this case, video—might cost him his career. When their video goes viral, Brody and Seamus agree to fake a relationship. But soon it's impossible to remember what is real and what's pretend, and although Brody has no intention of falling for freewheeling Seamus's charm, life doesn't always go according to plan.

Contract Season is a enjoyable and engaging read with characters that I really came to care about. I thought the issues and effort both Sea and Brody brought to the story were realistic and while not necessarily relatable on the surface, they each carried aspects that readers can connect with. The not feeling good enough, or that you are too much or different, and the worries about moving forward are all things readers can relate to despite the wealth and talent of the characters that readers do not necessarily share. I really enjoyed the set up and the secondary characters as much as the main plot line of the story. I thought the conversations between Sea and Brody, and of course with their support systems, modeled the communication, support, and consent that are so important with any relationship  and really made me happy. The balance between serious and fun moments was extremely well done, as was the amount of sweet and heaty. I cannot wait to see what the author does next.

Contract Season is a highly engaging and enjoyable read.

Book Review: Too Hot to Touch (Firebirds) by Katy James

Too Hot to Touch by Katy James is the second book in the Firebirds series. I did not read the first book in the series, and while readers that are reading in order will have a head start on knowing some of the characters the story stands up well on its own. 

He’s spent a lifetime putting up walls to protect himself, but he never expected one woman to break them all down. Between working multiple jobs and tackling her dissertation, it's hardly unexpected PhD student Murray Silva is a hot mess. What is unexpected? Tyler Valentine. When the hockey playboy and former—okay, current—crush shows up in her summer school class, he immediately becomes the kind of distraction she doesn’t need. Want, however? That’s a whole other story. Tyler Valentine understands pressure. He’s faced it his entire career. Now that he’s getting older, the pressure to figure out life after hockey brings him back to the classroom. And back into Murray Silva’s life. The fact that she’s his teacher and his team captain’s sister—thus strictly off-limits—doesn’t stop him from following his heart. Even though the last time he did that, it almost destroyed him. As their relationship heats up, a real shot at a future together seems possible…but only if Tyler can face down his past, head-to-head, and Murray can learn how to open her heart to love again, no matter how unexpected.

Too Hot to Touch is a good contemporary sports romance. I have to admit that I had some trouble connecting with Murray. I am a reformed English major that has some extreme trouble accepting help much less asking for it. So I thought in the beginning that I would relate to her, but there were moments when even I wanted to kick her as solutions presented themselves to her and she rather ignored them for as long as possible. I got her inclinations, but it just really bothered me. On the other hand, Tyler seemed much more willing to see his faults, and while not eager to face his demons he seemed much more level headed, willing to admit his mistakes, and to communicate.  I think the real jewel in this book is the group of friends and the Firebird's team. Even when we only see glimpses of them they seem to be dynamic, complex characters rather than window dressing. I greatly enjoyed getting to know some of those secondary characters. I liked stress put on the importance of communicating what you need and  found family and community. It was a good read, but not something that had me rushing through cooking or chores so I could hurry up and get back to it. 

Too Hot to Touch is a good hockey romance and I enjoyed the read. I can think of many readers that will really enjoy this one.