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If you’re a fan of heartfelt romance sprinkled with a dash of hockey excitement, then “Pucks and Coffee,” the second book in Toni Aleo’s Knoxville Bears series, is perfect for you. As someone who has always adored Toni Aleo’s storytelling, I was completely captivated by Eliza and Coleson’s journey.

Eliza McDavid, tired of disappointing relationships and determined to find love and safety after years of abuse, dreams of opening her own coffee bar. The only problem? She has no idea how to run one. Enter Coleson Katz, a hockey player with a reputation tarnished by past mistakes. To salvage his career and secure a spot in the NHL, Coleson needs a wife to clean up his image. A fake marriage seems like the perfect solution for both their problems: he teaches Eliza the ropes of running a coffee shop, and she helps him restore his reputation. But as they spend more time together, their arrangement becomes anything but simple.

From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the dynamic between Eliza and Coleson. Eliza’s sunny disposition and unwavering honesty were a delightful contrast to Coleson’s more guarded and troubled personality. Watching their relationship evolve from a practical arrangement to a deep emotional connection was incredibly satisfying. The chemistry between the characters was palpable, and their banter brought a smile to my face more times than I can count. Toni Aleo has a knack for creating characters with depth and vulnerability, and both Eliza and Coleson were no exception. Their personal struggles and past traumas added layers to their personalities, making their journey to love feel genuine and relatable.

Eliza and Coleson were wonderfully developed, and their interactions felt authentic and heartfelt. Eliza’s journey from a trauma survivor to a confident businesswoman was inspiring, and Coleson’s transformation from a notorious bad boy to a devoted partner was heartwarming. The strong bond between the McDavid sisters added an extra layer of warmth to the story. Their fierce support for one another was touching and highlighted the importance of family, whether by blood or choice. Both main characters dealt with significant emotional challenges, and watching them support each other through their struggles was a testament to the healing power of love. The slow-burning romance and the steamy moments between Eliza and Coleson were perfectly balanced. The way they slowly broke down each other’s walls made their eventual union even more satisfying.

While I enjoyed the Knoxville Bears setting, I found myself wishing for more glimpses of the Assassins crew, I missed them. Additionally, Coach Riggs McCoy piqued my curiosity, and I’m eager to read more about him in future books.

“Pucks and Coffee” is a beautifully crafted romance that combines the excitement of hockey with the warmth of a love story. Toni Aleo has once again proven her talent for creating stories that tug at the heartstrings while keeping readers eagerly turning the pages. This book is a must-read if you love a good marriage of convenience trope with a side of sports romance. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment of the Knoxville Bears series and see more of the McDavid sisters’ adventures. Now is the perfect time if you haven’t started this series yet. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Happy reading!

• Would I recommend this book: Yes
• Would I re-read this book: For sure 🙂
• Would I read future books by this author: Yes

Here are my previous reviews of the McDavid sisters, Louisa and Austen.

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e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase Links: Amazon

About Toni:

Toni Aleo is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the Assassins Series. She enjoys hockey, hockey, and hockey. When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel. Aleo lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog.

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