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The Blade Kings #1
Perfect Deke
How to complicate your rookie season in the NHL: fake date your former college rival and now teammate’s ex-girlfriend.
It’s a bad idea, and I know it, especially since Kendra Hart has had a hold over me since our freshman year of college. She has no idea how I feel, and I have zero control over my mouth when her life goes up in smoke and she needs a friend, along with a place to stay.
My coach, who also happens to be my stepdad, is warning me to stay away not only for the team's sake but to spare me from getting hurt. I should probably listen to his advice. However, taking the simple route has never been my thing. And with every “fake” look, touch and kiss I give her, I think she might be starting to like me for more than just my British accent.
I’m starting to think this might be my best idea yet…
What to expect:
Pro Hockey MMC x Pro Soccer FMC
Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
Rival Teammate’s Ex
Fake Dating
He Falls First & Hard
Forced Proximity
It’s a bad idea, and I know it, especially since Kendra Hart has had a hold over me since our freshman year of college. She has no idea how I feel, and I have zero control over my mouth when her life goes up in smoke and she needs a friend, along with a place to stay.
My coach, who also happens to be my stepdad, is warning me to stay away not only for the team's sake but to spare me from getting hurt. I should probably listen to his advice. However, taking the simple route has never been my thing. And with every “fake” look, touch and kiss I give her, I think she might be starting to like me for more than just my British accent.
I’m starting to think this might be my best idea yet…
What to expect:
Pro Hockey MMC x Pro Soccer FMC
Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
Rival Teammate’s Ex
Fake Dating
He Falls First & Hard
Forced Proximity
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
336 people are currently reading
2,290 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Stilling
8 books465 followersRuth Stilling is a lover of all things escapism and can be mostly found with her head buried in a spicy book, writing her latest romance novel or out in the open air and nature, away from the bustle of life. As clumsy as she is crazy, Ruth enjoys creating relatable, loveable, swoon-worthy and strong willed main characters who find their happy ending. That said, she prides herself on taking her readers on emotional rollercoasters and always recommends reading her books with tissues on hand to wipe away the tears of joy, laughter and sometimes heartache.
Ruth lives in Derbyshire, England with her own personal book boyfriend (lucky girl), her six year old son and her two feisty chihuahuas.
Keep up to date with Ruth's latest content and exciting projects by following her on social media: @authorruthstilling
Ruth lives in Derbyshire, England with her own personal book boyfriend (lucky girl), her six year old son and her two feisty chihuahuas.
Keep up to date with Ruth's latest content and exciting projects by following her on social media: @authorruthstilling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
March 6, 2025
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
It's official fake dating and boy-obsessed is my new favorite trope combo! 😍 How dare this book be this good?! Nothing screams fake dating more than Jake Morgan pining for Kendra Hart for years, only to be in a relationship with his teammate rival until they finally broke things off… during his rookie year in the NHL, where he plays on the same team as her ex 😭. OH OH and they fake date so the ex will leave her alone. (like?? GIMME)
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙧.”
This book was so freaking good because, from the very beginning, the reader knows how obsessed he is with her 🥵. I'm talking worships the ground she walks on (and does) at any chance he gets. The way his mouth could say such beautiful and dirty things at the same time amazed me 🤭.
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙.”
“𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚, 𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖. 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚.” 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚.
The friendship they have before things start to unfold made me love the characters even more. 💖 Like, please, you’re telling me two people who always show up for each other weren’t going to fall in love? PLEASE ❗❗
The forced proximity, the banter, and his obsession with her made this book such a cute and easy read! 🏒💘 I love this author so much and will forever recommend her for sports romance! 🙌
tropes
🩷 sports romance
🩷 pro hockey mmc x pro soccer fmc
🩷 forced proximity
🩷 teammate's rival ex
🩷 fake dating
🩷 he falls first and hard
🩷 boy obsessed
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ my lady Ruth Stilling hits it every time let's do this!
Thank you Wordsmith Publicity and Ruth Stilling for this earc in exchange for my review
It's official fake dating and boy-obsessed is my new favorite trope combo! 😍 How dare this book be this good?! Nothing screams fake dating more than Jake Morgan pining for Kendra Hart for years, only to be in a relationship with his teammate rival until they finally broke things off… during his rookie year in the NHL, where he plays on the same team as her ex 😭. OH OH and they fake date so the ex will leave her alone. (like?? GIMME)
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙧.”
This book was so freaking good because, from the very beginning, the reader knows how obsessed he is with her 🥵. I'm talking worships the ground she walks on (and does) at any chance he gets. The way his mouth could say such beautiful and dirty things at the same time amazed me 🤭.
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙.”
“𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚, 𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖. 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚.” 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚.
The friendship they have before things start to unfold made me love the characters even more. 💖 Like, please, you’re telling me two people who always show up for each other weren’t going to fall in love? PLEASE ❗❗
The forced proximity, the banter, and his obsession with her made this book such a cute and easy read! 🏒💘 I love this author so much and will forever recommend her for sports romance! 🙌
tropes
🩷 sports romance
🩷 pro hockey mmc x pro soccer fmc
🩷 forced proximity
🩷 teammate's rival ex
🩷 fake dating
🩷 he falls first and hard
🩷 boy obsessed
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ my lady Ruth Stilling hits it every time let's do this!
Thank you Wordsmith Publicity and Ruth Stilling for this earc in exchange for my review
March 8, 2025
Ruth, you seriously need to stop creating such perfect book boyfriends. It’s getting impossible to choose a favorite!
Jack Morgan has arrived, and let me tell you, I am down bad for this man and his dirty mouth! He is everything Kendra’s ex wasn’t: devoted, supportive, and her biggest cheerleader as she dominates in the women’s soccer league. Kendra is out there kicking butt like a boss, and Jack is right there hyping her up every step of the way.
Seeing Jon as a coach and reuniting with the Seattle Scorpions family had me all kinds of giddy. If you loved that series, get ready to feel ALL the nostalgia. And the best part? This is just the beginning of The Blade Kings series and we’re getting THREE more books! If you haven’t read Ruth’s books yet, take this as your sign.
Read this if you like:
❤️🔥 Rival Teammate’s Ex
❤️🔥 Fake Dating
❤️🔥 He Falls First & Hard
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
Jack Morgan has arrived, and let me tell you, I am down bad for this man and his dirty mouth! He is everything Kendra’s ex wasn’t: devoted, supportive, and her biggest cheerleader as she dominates in the women’s soccer league. Kendra is out there kicking butt like a boss, and Jack is right there hyping her up every step of the way.
Seeing Jon as a coach and reuniting with the Seattle Scorpions family had me all kinds of giddy. If you loved that series, get ready to feel ALL the nostalgia. And the best part? This is just the beginning of The Blade Kings series and we’re getting THREE more books! If you haven’t read Ruth’s books yet, take this as your sign.
Read this if you like:
❤️🔥 Rival Teammate’s Ex
❤️🔥 Fake Dating
❤️🔥 He Falls First & Hard
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
March 5, 2025
Perfect Deke by Ruth Stilling
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"You deserve so much better than what he can give you, and the only time a man should put his hands on you is to make you feel like a queen."
After reading Ruled Out in January, I was completely hooked! It instantly became my top read of the year so far, and I knew I would read everything else this author writes. This book is the start of a new series, and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. Jack and Kendra are just fantastic together! Their chemistry is off the charts, and their love story is so sweet and adorable. I can’t even count how many times I swooned at the amazing things Jack did for Kendra; he truly embodies the perfect book boyfriend!
Jack has had a crush on Kendra since their college days but never acted on it because she was dating his rival. Everything changes when Kendra breaks up and needs a place to stay. Jack offers her his apartment, knowing it’s finally his chance to pursue his dream girl. He doesn’t waste any time showing her how well she deserves to be treated. Jack falls for Kendra hard and fast, and I loved watching him support her every step of the way without rushing her.
I also appreciated that both Jack and Kendra are professional athletes, each with their own goals and dreams. The way the author portrayed the challenges Kendra faces in a male-dominated sport made her struggles feel very relatable and real.
Smith and Kendra’s love story is not only sweet but also beautifully crafted, with plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Plus, there are hints about potential future couples in the story that have me super excited to see where it all goes!
"I might fuck you like it's the last time I'll feel you underneath me, but I'll always love you like it's forever. Because it is forever, Kendra. I'm done, finished, on my knees for you."
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"You deserve so much better than what he can give you, and the only time a man should put his hands on you is to make you feel like a queen."
After reading Ruled Out in January, I was completely hooked! It instantly became my top read of the year so far, and I knew I would read everything else this author writes. This book is the start of a new series, and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. Jack and Kendra are just fantastic together! Their chemistry is off the charts, and their love story is so sweet and adorable. I can’t even count how many times I swooned at the amazing things Jack did for Kendra; he truly embodies the perfect book boyfriend!
Jack has had a crush on Kendra since their college days but never acted on it because she was dating his rival. Everything changes when Kendra breaks up and needs a place to stay. Jack offers her his apartment, knowing it’s finally his chance to pursue his dream girl. He doesn’t waste any time showing her how well she deserves to be treated. Jack falls for Kendra hard and fast, and I loved watching him support her every step of the way without rushing her.
I also appreciated that both Jack and Kendra are professional athletes, each with their own goals and dreams. The way the author portrayed the challenges Kendra faces in a male-dominated sport made her struggles feel very relatable and real.
Smith and Kendra’s love story is not only sweet but also beautifully crafted, with plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Plus, there are hints about potential future couples in the story that have me super excited to see where it all goes!
"I might fuck you like it's the last time I'll feel you underneath me, but I'll always love you like it's forever. Because it is forever, Kendra. I'm done, finished, on my knees for you."
March 7, 2025
I am a huge fan of Ruth and have really enjoyed the ride that she has taken us on with the Seattle Scorpion series. So I was ecstatic to learn that Jack was getting his own spin off series. Jack was beyond anything I could have thought he would be!! He was a SERIOUS boy obsessed. I feel like he was on another level from the men in the Seattle series (though they have a special place in my heart- especially Jensen). He was SOOO wonderful to Kendra. He truly treated her like the queen she was. I loved when he kept saying "If you were my girlfriend" while thinking I realllly want you to be my girlfriend. The chemistry between these two was unmatched. It was off the charts! And Jack in bed- WOW!! The spice scenes in this one were exciting and fresh, and MAN did I blush at the back seat of the truck one (IYKYK). Kendra was so strong and independent. Her confidence was down because there was so many things going wrong at the same time. Having Jack come in and be her knight in shining armor was not expected. Watching her slowly fall for him and realize that she could have had this longer was veryyyy sweet!! These two were wonderful together. They built each other up. They showed up for each other. They wanted the good and the bad.
Kendra has finally made the decision to end her 4 year long relationship with a man she doesn't seem to really know anymore. Her apartment has now had a massive maintenance issue. She doesn't know what to do. But then she runs into her ex's rival, Jack Morgan. They all went to college together, but Kendra never really gave him the time of day because of Tyler. He is HOT and is offering for her to move in with him until she can find somewhere to go. Should she say yes? She doesn't have much of a choice which is how she finds herself moving into a penthouse in an exclusive building across town. She doesn't expect to be so comfortable around Jack or so attracted to him. She doesn't expect the little things he does for her and how much they make her smile. She doesn't expect him offering to be her date to a gala as her fake boyfriend to keep her ex off her back. She really doesn't expect loving the way he says if you were my girlfriend. She likes the way her makes her feel- special. Cared for. Wanted. The chemistry between the is off the charts, and she decides not to fight it anymore. What they share is beyond anything she experienced with Tyler. She starts to wonder if they could really make this work- like not be fake. And then feelings are shared and they are the real deal. But she underestimated how Tyler would react or would he would reveal to push her and Jack apart. Is any of it true? Was all of this too fast?
Jack has just been tapped to move up to an NHL team, and he is pumped about all of it. Except for the fact that his rival from college, Tyler, also happens to be on this team. He has had a thing for Tyler's girlfriend since college, but of course kept his distance. But when he learns that the two are broken up and that Kendra needs somewhere to live- he doesn't hesitate. He wants her in his space. He wants to be in her life however she will take him. He wants to show her how she deserves to be treated. He starts small- he doesn't want to freak her out. And the more time they spend together the deeper his crush goes. She is just so beautiful and amazing. When an opportunity comes up he finds himself offering to be her fake boyfriend. Of course none of it is fake to him but maybe this is his chance to show her how good they could be together. When she shows interest in making this physical between them he feels like he has died and gone to heaven. How is this his life? His dream girl and him have a connection he never knew existed. Now he just has to tell her how he feels and hope she wants him too. And now they are an item. He feels like he is on could 9. All is right with the world, until Tyle butts in and tries to ruin it. But Kendra doesn't know the lengths that Jack will go to to make sure she understand how he feels. She is it for him. Period.
This was a wonderful intro to a new series. I liked the cameos we saw of our Seattle boys, and their protectiveness over Jack. I liked the side characters a LOT and can't wait to read more about Sawyer and Collins- that will be juicy. As well as Archer and Darcy maybe? I haven't figure out who the other book will be about but I am sure it will become clear soon. Jack and Kendra were fantastic yall! I HIGHLY recommend picking this one up if you haven't. Clear golden retriever vibes with a woman on the other side of a long term relationship gone sour!
Thank you to Ruth for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I am SOO honored to be a part of your ARC team :)
Kendra has finally made the decision to end her 4 year long relationship with a man she doesn't seem to really know anymore. Her apartment has now had a massive maintenance issue. She doesn't know what to do. But then she runs into her ex's rival, Jack Morgan. They all went to college together, but Kendra never really gave him the time of day because of Tyler. He is HOT and is offering for her to move in with him until she can find somewhere to go. Should she say yes? She doesn't have much of a choice which is how she finds herself moving into a penthouse in an exclusive building across town. She doesn't expect to be so comfortable around Jack or so attracted to him. She doesn't expect the little things he does for her and how much they make her smile. She doesn't expect him offering to be her date to a gala as her fake boyfriend to keep her ex off her back. She really doesn't expect loving the way he says if you were my girlfriend. She likes the way her makes her feel- special. Cared for. Wanted. The chemistry between the is off the charts, and she decides not to fight it anymore. What they share is beyond anything she experienced with Tyler. She starts to wonder if they could really make this work- like not be fake. And then feelings are shared and they are the real deal. But she underestimated how Tyler would react or would he would reveal to push her and Jack apart. Is any of it true? Was all of this too fast?
Jack has just been tapped to move up to an NHL team, and he is pumped about all of it. Except for the fact that his rival from college, Tyler, also happens to be on this team. He has had a thing for Tyler's girlfriend since college, but of course kept his distance. But when he learns that the two are broken up and that Kendra needs somewhere to live- he doesn't hesitate. He wants her in his space. He wants to be in her life however she will take him. He wants to show her how she deserves to be treated. He starts small- he doesn't want to freak her out. And the more time they spend together the deeper his crush goes. She is just so beautiful and amazing. When an opportunity comes up he finds himself offering to be her fake boyfriend. Of course none of it is fake to him but maybe this is his chance to show her how good they could be together. When she shows interest in making this physical between them he feels like he has died and gone to heaven. How is this his life? His dream girl and him have a connection he never knew existed. Now he just has to tell her how he feels and hope she wants him too. And now they are an item. He feels like he is on could 9. All is right with the world, until Tyle butts in and tries to ruin it. But Kendra doesn't know the lengths that Jack will go to to make sure she understand how he feels. She is it for him. Period.
This was a wonderful intro to a new series. I liked the cameos we saw of our Seattle boys, and their protectiveness over Jack. I liked the side characters a LOT and can't wait to read more about Sawyer and Collins- that will be juicy. As well as Archer and Darcy maybe? I haven't figure out who the other book will be about but I am sure it will become clear soon. Jack and Kendra were fantastic yall! I HIGHLY recommend picking this one up if you haven't. Clear golden retriever vibes with a woman on the other side of a long term relationship gone sour!
Thank you to Ruth for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I am SOO honored to be a part of your ARC team :)
March 15, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ruth does it again with a brand new series but still the same down bad vibes. She really just writes them obsessed and I’m here for it.
✨ hockey romance
✨ forced proximity
✨ Soccer player FMC
✨ He falls first
✨ Fake dating
Jack and Kendra were so cute together, and I enjoyed watching them fall for each other. Jack is such a golden retriever and I loved watching him play for Jon’s (his stepdad, the MMC from book 1’s) team, and sporting both Jon’s last name and number on his back.
Jack had a thing for Kendra, our female soccer star in college, but she never really saw him. Now, her ex is Jack’s rival teammate, and let’s just say he’s an a s s so lack not only give Kendra a place to stay but there is also some fake dating action. Jack is an absolute treasure and a dirty talker on top of that.
And let’s just say, a man who likes to eat and plays with toys as teammates… yes please.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ruth does it again with a brand new series but still the same down bad vibes. She really just writes them obsessed and I’m here for it.
✨ hockey romance
✨ forced proximity
✨ Soccer player FMC
✨ He falls first
✨ Fake dating
Jack and Kendra were so cute together, and I enjoyed watching them fall for each other. Jack is such a golden retriever and I loved watching him play for Jon’s (his stepdad, the MMC from book 1’s) team, and sporting both Jon’s last name and number on his back.
Jack had a thing for Kendra, our female soccer star in college, but she never really saw him. Now, her ex is Jack’s rival teammate, and let’s just say he’s an a s s so lack not only give Kendra a place to stay but there is also some fake dating action. Jack is an absolute treasure and a dirty talker on top of that.
And let’s just say, a man who likes to eat and plays with toys as teammates… yes please.
March 6, 2025
2.5⭐️
1.5🌶️
Yeah… I didn’t like this one at all. There were so many things wrong with it that I don’t even know where to begin.
First of all, I still stand by what I said about the epilogue of Ruled Out: the Morgans moving to New York made absolutely no sense. Their entire family and friend group is in Seattle, so uprooting everyone just for Jack felt completely ridiculous. Honestly, Jack should’ve gone on his own instead of dragging the whole family with him—it would’ve made way more sense and kept the found family dynamic intact.
Then there’s the whole Jack taking Jon’s last name thing, which made zero sense. It’s been stated over and over that, while Felicity’s ex wasn’t a great husband, he was actually a good dad. Jack doesn’t like his dad because he wanted him to go into finance instead of hockey? Boo hoo. And the way Jack’s dad was portrayed here was infuriating. In Boarded Hearts, it was established that Elliot is a good father—yes, he has a closer relationship with Darcy than with Jack, but that doesn’t mean he’s some villain. Yet Ruth completely rewrote his character in this book, and it was frustrating.
Speaking of Darcy, it’s painfully obvious that she’s being set up with Archer, and that’s just annoying. Could we have one woman in this family who doesn’t end up falling for a toxic man?
Jack also constantly complains about living in Jon’s shadow… but he’s the one who took Jon’s last name (again, for no reason) and the same jersey number Jon played under in the NIL. Buddy, you’re doing this to yourself.
The plot? Also bad. The fake dating trope was so unnecessary. Jack wanted to show her “what she deserved”? Please, just kill me now. Them living together also made no sense—she knew him in college, spoke to him maybe once, and then she just moves in with him? Absolutely no survival instincts.
And Jack is British… except when he’s not. Most of the time, Ruth completely forgets about it, and then suddenly she remembers and throws in some random British slang—followed immediately by an explanation: “car park, or as the Americans call it, parking lot.” Again, kill me.
The third act conflict? So stupid. She got mad at him over something he might have said when he was 19—four years ago—and suddenly she’s talking about how humiliated she is? Meanwhile, she was fine when Tyler flirted with other women right in front of her when they were together. Make it make sense.
Also, where was the Seattle crew? I expected at least some cameos, but we got nothing. And as I said, Jon in this book was just disappointing. He never should’ve been in New York in the first place.
Overall, a frustrating and disappointing read.
1.5🌶️
Yeah… I didn’t like this one at all. There were so many things wrong with it that I don’t even know where to begin.
First of all, I still stand by what I said about the epilogue of Ruled Out: the Morgans moving to New York made absolutely no sense. Their entire family and friend group is in Seattle, so uprooting everyone just for Jack felt completely ridiculous. Honestly, Jack should’ve gone on his own instead of dragging the whole family with him—it would’ve made way more sense and kept the found family dynamic intact.
Then there’s the whole Jack taking Jon’s last name thing, which made zero sense. It’s been stated over and over that, while Felicity’s ex wasn’t a great husband, he was actually a good dad. Jack doesn’t like his dad because he wanted him to go into finance instead of hockey? Boo hoo. And the way Jack’s dad was portrayed here was infuriating. In Boarded Hearts, it was established that Elliot is a good father—yes, he has a closer relationship with Darcy than with Jack, but that doesn’t mean he’s some villain. Yet Ruth completely rewrote his character in this book, and it was frustrating.
Speaking of Darcy, it’s painfully obvious that she’s being set up with Archer, and that’s just annoying. Could we have one woman in this family who doesn’t end up falling for a toxic man?
Jack also constantly complains about living in Jon’s shadow… but he’s the one who took Jon’s last name (again, for no reason) and the same jersey number Jon played under in the NIL. Buddy, you’re doing this to yourself.
The plot? Also bad. The fake dating trope was so unnecessary. Jack wanted to show her “what she deserved”? Please, just kill me now. Them living together also made no sense—she knew him in college, spoke to him maybe once, and then she just moves in with him? Absolutely no survival instincts.
And Jack is British… except when he’s not. Most of the time, Ruth completely forgets about it, and then suddenly she remembers and throws in some random British slang—followed immediately by an explanation: “car park, or as the Americans call it, parking lot.” Again, kill me.
The third act conflict? So stupid. She got mad at him over something he might have said when he was 19—four years ago—and suddenly she’s talking about how humiliated she is? Meanwhile, she was fine when Tyler flirted with other women right in front of her when they were together. Make it make sense.
Also, where was the Seattle crew? I expected at least some cameos, but we got nothing. And as I said, Jon in this book was just disappointing. He never should’ve been in New York in the first place.
Overall, a frustrating and disappointing read.
March 6, 2025
5⭐️| 3🌶️
We LOVE a man obsessed and Jack was exactly that. Nothing like pining after your rivals gf for years and then one day being able to sweep her off her feet.
Overview:
This book is a fake dating, ex’s rival romance that will have you kicking your feet one moment and then melting from Jacks filthy mouth. Kendra who is just coming out of long term relationship and pretty much hitting rock bottom. Jack Morgan is there to save the day like the hero he is and giving her a place to stay. While her living situation is perfect, her ex bf is NOT. Kendra and Jack agree to a fake dating situation. He is going to show her what it’s like to be WORSHIPPED. And let me tell you… worship his does. WOW.
Characters:
Jack. Freaking. Morgan. He is everything. He’s new to the NHL and he’s already making a name for himself. He’s got pretty much everything he’s dreamed of, except Kendra Hart. He has pined after this woman for 4 years. Dreamt of the day he could make her his, and show her how she should be treated. So when he gets the chance, boy does he make it count.
Kendra has been knocked down one too many times, by her sport and by her douchey ex bf. All the while, she keeps her fire but you can tell she’s getting tired of being let down. Then Jack enters the equation and opens her eyes. He shows her what it’s like be appreciated, supported and loved like she should’ve been all along. I loved this girl. Even though she went through hardships she kept her strength and resilience. It was truly inspiring to read.
Takeaway:
Read this book if you love a hockey romance with a man that is down so damn bad for his woman. I couldn’t get over how devoted he was to her. We need more men like Jack Morgan. I love this book. K bye.
Thank you Ruth and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy!
“None of this has ever been fake to me, Kendra.”
•he falls first
•rivals ex-gf
•forced proximity
•he’s down bad
•fake dating
•golden retriever x black kitten
•hockey
We LOVE a man obsessed and Jack was exactly that. Nothing like pining after your rivals gf for years and then one day being able to sweep her off her feet.
Overview:
This book is a fake dating, ex’s rival romance that will have you kicking your feet one moment and then melting from Jacks filthy mouth. Kendra who is just coming out of long term relationship and pretty much hitting rock bottom. Jack Morgan is there to save the day like the hero he is and giving her a place to stay. While her living situation is perfect, her ex bf is NOT. Kendra and Jack agree to a fake dating situation. He is going to show her what it’s like to be WORSHIPPED. And let me tell you… worship his does. WOW.
Characters:
Jack. Freaking. Morgan. He is everything. He’s new to the NHL and he’s already making a name for himself. He’s got pretty much everything he’s dreamed of, except Kendra Hart. He has pined after this woman for 4 years. Dreamt of the day he could make her his, and show her how she should be treated. So when he gets the chance, boy does he make it count.
Kendra has been knocked down one too many times, by her sport and by her douchey ex bf. All the while, she keeps her fire but you can tell she’s getting tired of being let down. Then Jack enters the equation and opens her eyes. He shows her what it’s like be appreciated, supported and loved like she should’ve been all along. I loved this girl. Even though she went through hardships she kept her strength and resilience. It was truly inspiring to read.
Takeaway:
Read this book if you love a hockey romance with a man that is down so damn bad for his woman. I couldn’t get over how devoted he was to her. We need more men like Jack Morgan. I love this book. K bye.
Thank you Ruth and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy!
“None of this has ever been fake to me, Kendra.”
•he falls first
•rivals ex-gf
•forced proximity
•he’s down bad
•fake dating
•golden retriever x black kitten
•hockey
March 3, 2025
And Jack Morgan has entered the chat, skates, scones and all.
I literally loved every minute of reading this book. I adored Jack and Kendra so much. I loved the way he loved her; he was not afraid to show her how he felt. Their chemistry was absolutely insane and that moment, it was all worth it. I loved their banter, how supportive they were of each other in their respective sports and how Jack treated Kendra like an absolute Queen. The MOUTH on him too, downright filthy!!
"𝙎𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙄'𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚."
I really loved the little Easter eggs that Ruth was dropping left, right and centre - this series is shaping up to be so good and I cannot wait. I love the little found family that's forming here, together with the Scorpions cameos! Sawyer, I'm watching you! 👀👀
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
- NHL hockey
- NHL rookie MMC x pro soccer FMC
- rivals ex-GF
- he falls first and HARD
- forced proximity
- fake dating
4.5 stars / I'm grateful to Ruth & Wordsmith Publicity for the arc.
P.S - Jam and THEN cream is the correct way to eat scones!!
I literally loved every minute of reading this book. I adored Jack and Kendra so much. I loved the way he loved her; he was not afraid to show her how he felt. Their chemistry was absolutely insane and that moment, it was all worth it. I loved their banter, how supportive they were of each other in their respective sports and how Jack treated Kendra like an absolute Queen. The MOUTH on him too, downright filthy!!
"𝙎𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙄'𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚."
I really loved the little Easter eggs that Ruth was dropping left, right and centre - this series is shaping up to be so good and I cannot wait. I love the little found family that's forming here, together with the Scorpions cameos! Sawyer, I'm watching you! 👀👀
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
- NHL hockey
- NHL rookie MMC x pro soccer FMC
- rivals ex-GF
- he falls first and HARD
- forced proximity
- fake dating
4.5 stars / I'm grateful to Ruth & Wordsmith Publicity for the arc.
P.S - Jam and THEN cream is the correct way to eat scones!!
March 5, 2025
All the stars, just give Jack all the stars!
Ruth has killed it once again with book 1 of her new series.
Jack Morgan, the stepson to Jon MF Morgan (Bordered Hearts: Seattle Scorpions), has been called up to the NHL and as luck would have it, it is also the same team his college teammate and rival plays on. The same rival teammate who has been dating and mistreating the girl Jack has been crushing on. But luck seems to be on Jack's side, because Kenda (the crush) is in need of a place to stay as her building has just been condemned. Like the gentleman he is, he offers her a place to stay until she can find a place of her own.
Kendra Hart, a professional soccer player who is fiercely independent and wants to make it on her own merit (she comes from a family of professional soccer players), needs help in more ways than one. 1. She has just kicked her d-bag of an ex to the curb. You know the same d-bag that she moved to NY for instead of taking a spot on a professional soccer team in London. The same one who is currently Jack's teammate. 2. Her apartment has just been condemned, and because she does not make enough to live on her own, she is trying to figure it out without asking for family help. It just so happens that a chance run-in with Jack presents her with an offer that she has a hard time refusing and that in and of itself is a game changer.
I do not know what is in the water over there in Ruth Land, but these characters are nothing short of amazing. The development of not only the characters as individuals but also how they develop together was beautifully written. To see Jack show up all his haters that said he would never make it on his own merit and is riding the coattails of his stepdad.I Loved his inner dialogue in these moments I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that we get women in sports and the difficulties that exist for these women in a male-dominated world. I love that Jack is not put off by a strong, independent woman and the fact that he supports her in all her endeavors. The authenticity of what it is like to be a woman in this world was perfection and highlights how much more women have to endure.
The inner dialogue for both of them had me all in my feels, but also cracking up, I love that we get to see in the inner workings of their mind and how they are processing the relationship and its changes.
and the F IT moment! Yes, I am here for it. The Spice, cold showers were needed and he was not the only one with a dirty mouth, which I loved. The Found Family was perfect, especially when old friends pop by. The Easter Eggs for what is to come had me giddy and excited to see where this series goes.
Listen, I did not want this story to be over; I would have happily read 100 more pages of these two.
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Fake Dating
- Roommates to Lovers
- Hockey Player x Soccer Player
- Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
- Rival Teammate's Ex
- He Falls First and HARD
- Boy Obsessed
- Forced Proximity
Thank you, Ruth Stilling and WordSmith Publicity for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Ruth has killed it once again with book 1 of her new series.
Jack Morgan, the stepson to Jon MF Morgan (Bordered Hearts: Seattle Scorpions), has been called up to the NHL and as luck would have it, it is also the same team his college teammate and rival plays on. The same rival teammate who has been dating and mistreating the girl Jack has been crushing on. But luck seems to be on Jack's side, because Kenda (the crush) is in need of a place to stay as her building has just been condemned. Like the gentleman he is, he offers her a place to stay until she can find a place of her own.
Kendra Hart, a professional soccer player who is fiercely independent and wants to make it on her own merit (she comes from a family of professional soccer players), needs help in more ways than one. 1. She has just kicked her d-bag of an ex to the curb. You know the same d-bag that she moved to NY for instead of taking a spot on a professional soccer team in London. The same one who is currently Jack's teammate. 2. Her apartment has just been condemned, and because she does not make enough to live on her own, she is trying to figure it out without asking for family help. It just so happens that a chance run-in with Jack presents her with an offer that she has a hard time refusing and that in and of itself is a game changer.
I do not know what is in the water over there in Ruth Land, but these characters are nothing short of amazing. The development of not only the characters as individuals but also how they develop together was beautifully written. To see Jack show up all his haters that said he would never make it on his own merit and is riding the coattails of his stepdad.I Loved his inner dialogue in these moments I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that we get women in sports and the difficulties that exist for these women in a male-dominated world. I love that Jack is not put off by a strong, independent woman and the fact that he supports her in all her endeavors. The authenticity of what it is like to be a woman in this world was perfection and highlights how much more women have to endure.
The inner dialogue for both of them had me all in my feels, but also cracking up, I love that we get to see in the inner workings of their mind and how they are processing the relationship and its changes.
and the F IT moment! Yes, I am here for it. The Spice, cold showers were needed and he was not the only one with a dirty mouth, which I loved. The Found Family was perfect, especially when old friends pop by. The Easter Eggs for what is to come had me giddy and excited to see where this series goes.
Listen, I did not want this story to be over; I would have happily read 100 more pages of these two.
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Fake Dating
- Roommates to Lovers
- Hockey Player x Soccer Player
- Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
- Rival Teammate's Ex
- He Falls First and HARD
- Boy Obsessed
- Forced Proximity
Thank you, Ruth Stilling and WordSmith Publicity for the ARC in return for an honest review.
March 4, 2025
RUTH!!!! We need to have a conversation because what did you put in this book? I literally couldn't put it down! The way this book just flowed and the story unraveled, I couldn't get enough. And I'll be honest with you, I didn't think you could top JJ for me but my boy Jack is literal PERFECTION!
If you have read Ruth Stilling's previous series the Seattle Scorpions series, all I'm going to say is Ruth leveled up! The growth from that series to this series is so apparent. Like it's hard to describe because this book is very much Ruth but it's also slightly different in the best possible way. The growth as an author in this book is very apparent and I couldn't be more happy and proud of my girl Ruth.
Ok now let's move on to this story. Jack, he is a boy OBSESSED. He has been obsessed with Kendra for years and she also happens to be his rival teammates ex. And he wastes no time swooping in and showing Kendra everything that she was missing out on in a relationship and everything that she deserves. The way that this British (yep, he's British and has an accent as well!) boy is proper but he also has a filthy mouth on him. The way that he went from my sweet baby boy Jack to this feral filthy man in 0.2 seconds had me gagged. And I think it's safe to say I'm down bad for my boy Jack.
Ruth, this one gets infinite stars! It was PURE PERFECTION! Jack was everything I wanted and more!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Fake Dating
- Roommates to Lovers
- Hockey Player x Soccer Player
- Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
- Rival Teammate's Ex
- He Falls First and HARD
- Boy Obsessed
- Forced Proximity
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me the absolute pleasure to read Perfect Deke as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
If you have read Ruth Stilling's previous series the Seattle Scorpions series, all I'm going to say is Ruth leveled up! The growth from that series to this series is so apparent. Like it's hard to describe because this book is very much Ruth but it's also slightly different in the best possible way. The growth as an author in this book is very apparent and I couldn't be more happy and proud of my girl Ruth.
Ok now let's move on to this story. Jack, he is a boy OBSESSED. He has been obsessed with Kendra for years and she also happens to be his rival teammates ex. And he wastes no time swooping in and showing Kendra everything that she was missing out on in a relationship and everything that she deserves. The way that this British (yep, he's British and has an accent as well!) boy is proper but he also has a filthy mouth on him. The way that he went from my sweet baby boy Jack to this feral filthy man in 0.2 seconds had me gagged. And I think it's safe to say I'm down bad for my boy Jack.
Ruth, this one gets infinite stars! It was PURE PERFECTION! Jack was everything I wanted and more!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Fake Dating
- Roommates to Lovers
- Hockey Player x Soccer Player
- Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
- Rival Teammate's Ex
- He Falls First and HARD
- Boy Obsessed
- Forced Proximity
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me the absolute pleasure to read Perfect Deke as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
March 13, 2025
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Omg Ruth Stilling’s writing just keeps getting better and better!! I am in love! Here comes Jack Morgan stealing my heart! If you read any of her Seattle Scorpion series then YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
Jack Morgan is the definition of boy obsessed! He has always deep down wanted Kendra Hart from the moment he met her. However, she was taken. After breaking up with her current boyfriend who happens to be Jack’s rival isn’t taking no for an answer. Here comes Jack swooping in and helps her when she had no place to stay and offers to fake date her so her ex will leave her alone! He is my favorite! He never gave up on her.
Kendra Hart, that girl is going through so many challenges and the way she grows just melts my heart!she is a badass and I loved her energy! She never gave up and went after what she wanted!
Okay okay. But Jon Morgan as the coach was EVERYTHING I needed!! I loved how we still got our favorite hockey players from Seattle scorpions in this. Ruth really out did herself and I’m so excited for the rest of this series!!
Thank you so much Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for this eARC!
Tropes:
🩷Rival’s Ex
🏒Pro Hockey Romance
🩷Fake Dating
⚽️Forced Proxinity
🩷Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
🏒He Falls First and HARD
🩷Roommates to Lovers
⚽️Boy Obsessed
3/5🌶️
Omg Ruth Stilling’s writing just keeps getting better and better!! I am in love! Here comes Jack Morgan stealing my heart! If you read any of her Seattle Scorpion series then YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
Jack Morgan is the definition of boy obsessed! He has always deep down wanted Kendra Hart from the moment he met her. However, she was taken. After breaking up with her current boyfriend who happens to be Jack’s rival isn’t taking no for an answer. Here comes Jack swooping in and helps her when she had no place to stay and offers to fake date her so her ex will leave her alone! He is my favorite! He never gave up on her.
Kendra Hart, that girl is going through so many challenges and the way she grows just melts my heart!she is a badass and I loved her energy! She never gave up and went after what she wanted!
Okay okay. But Jon Morgan as the coach was EVERYTHING I needed!! I loved how we still got our favorite hockey players from Seattle scorpions in this. Ruth really out did herself and I’m so excited for the rest of this series!!
Thank you so much Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for this eARC!
Tropes:
🩷Rival’s Ex
🏒Pro Hockey Romance
🩷Fake Dating
⚽️Forced Proxinity
🩷Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
🏒He Falls First and HARD
🩷Roommates to Lovers
⚽️Boy Obsessed
March 6, 2025
5⭐️3🌶️
If it's one thing that Ruth knows how to write, it's a boy obsessed. Which clearly is one of the reasons JJ is my favorite of the Seattle Scorpions because that man is THE definition of man OBSESSED. However, Ruth delivers and gives us Jack freaking Morgan in the first book of the Blade Kings Series. And pining after his rivals ex who also happens to be his current teammate? Sign me TF up.
Jack Morgan is absolutely obsessed with Kendra Hart and has been for years. Secretly pining after her for years wishing he could give her everything she deserves. He's finally in to swoop in and help her in a time of need and the acts of service with this man, had me hard core swooning. The chemistry between these two and the banter was off the charts. Who also doesn't love a proper English boy that also has a filthy mouth? I know I do.
Kendra Hart, oh how I loved her energy in this book. The girl goes through it between personal challenges but also in her career as well. But she is also one badass FMC. One thing I loved about this story is how Ruth showed that not everything is perfect in life and sometimes throws some curveballs at you. She never gave up and continued to push forward and I absolutely loved that for her.
Can we also talk about how amazing it was to see Jon Morgan in this book as COACH?! I loved seeing this side of him and cannot wait to see him throughout this series more. The cameos from the other Scorpions in this book were chefs kiss and I CANNOT wait for them in the rest of the series too. ;)
Ruth I am so dang proud of you for putting out yet another 5 star banger with the first book of this new series and cannot wait to see what's in store for the rest of it!
Tropes
💕he falls first, and HARD
🏒rivals ex
💕fake dating
🏒forced proximity
💕golden retriever x black kitten
🏒pro hockey romance
Thank you Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC for my honest review and opinion.
If it's one thing that Ruth knows how to write, it's a boy obsessed. Which clearly is one of the reasons JJ is my favorite of the Seattle Scorpions because that man is THE definition of man OBSESSED. However, Ruth delivers and gives us Jack freaking Morgan in the first book of the Blade Kings Series. And pining after his rivals ex who also happens to be his current teammate? Sign me TF up.
Jack Morgan is absolutely obsessed with Kendra Hart and has been for years. Secretly pining after her for years wishing he could give her everything she deserves. He's finally in to swoop in and help her in a time of need and the acts of service with this man, had me hard core swooning. The chemistry between these two and the banter was off the charts. Who also doesn't love a proper English boy that also has a filthy mouth? I know I do.
Kendra Hart, oh how I loved her energy in this book. The girl goes through it between personal challenges but also in her career as well. But she is also one badass FMC. One thing I loved about this story is how Ruth showed that not everything is perfect in life and sometimes throws some curveballs at you. She never gave up and continued to push forward and I absolutely loved that for her.
Can we also talk about how amazing it was to see Jon Morgan in this book as COACH?! I loved seeing this side of him and cannot wait to see him throughout this series more. The cameos from the other Scorpions in this book were chefs kiss and I CANNOT wait for them in the rest of the series too. ;)
Ruth I am so dang proud of you for putting out yet another 5 star banger with the first book of this new series and cannot wait to see what's in store for the rest of it!
Tropes
💕he falls first, and HARD
🏒rivals ex
💕fake dating
🏒forced proximity
💕golden retriever x black kitten
🏒pro hockey romance
Thank you Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC for my honest review and opinion.
March 6, 2025
✨️eArc Review✨️
4⭐️
2.5🌶
This was such a great start to new a series! Jack & Kendra's story was sweet, heartwarming, and hotttt 🔥 It was such an easy and fun read. I'm excited for the other teammates' stories to unravel. The minor characters really stood out to me, especially Sawyer.
Jack is so genuine and gentle but also has a mouth to make a hooker blush. 🥵 He was so respectful to Kendra during their friendship while haboring feelings for her. He just wanted his chance to prove to her that she deserves the world and boy did he deliver.
Kendra is driven and incredibly strong. Watching her heal and grow into a woman worthy of endless love was beautiful.
Read this if you enjoy:
💗 A Golden Retriever MMC with a dirty mouth
💗 Rival Teammate’s ex-girlfriend
💗 He falls first & HARD
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Found Family
*Thank you, Ruth & Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me an ARC for my honest review*
4⭐️
2.5🌶
This was such a great start to new a series! Jack & Kendra's story was sweet, heartwarming, and hotttt 🔥 It was such an easy and fun read. I'm excited for the other teammates' stories to unravel. The minor characters really stood out to me, especially Sawyer.
Jack is so genuine and gentle but also has a mouth to make a hooker blush. 🥵 He was so respectful to Kendra during their friendship while haboring feelings for her. He just wanted his chance to prove to her that she deserves the world and boy did he deliver.
Kendra is driven and incredibly strong. Watching her heal and grow into a woman worthy of endless love was beautiful.
Read this if you enjoy:
💗 A Golden Retriever MMC with a dirty mouth
💗 Rival Teammate’s ex-girlfriend
💗 He falls first & HARD
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Found Family
*Thank you, Ruth & Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me an ARC for my honest review*
March 7, 2025
First book in a brand new series!
This is a spinoff series from the Seattle Scorpions series. This book is ok to jump into, in my opinion. While our MMC is in the Scorpions series, our FMC is a new character!
Kendra is now single. Her ex, who she spent way too much time, love and attention on, is done. She did so much for him. It made me so mad to see how he treated her!
Our hero, Jack, is a sweet guy. He's been in love with Kendra for years but has had to see her with... basically his enemy. A guy who he knew didn't appreciate her.
So when the opportunity arises to help her out with a place to stay, Jack is warned to keep his distance. But honestly, who wouldn't help? Especially the one who honestly needs a hand up after all that she's been through recently.
Jack really surprised me, though. I was expecting one type of guy and whew, he put it ON. He definitely wasn't a mild-mannered little boy.
I enjoyed that the book also focused on Kendra's life. She's awesome at what she does, too. Far too often, what our FMCs do is pushed back to the back burner. She's accomplished in her own right.
Can't wait for book 2 (at least I hope it's who it is!!)
This is a spinoff series from the Seattle Scorpions series. This book is ok to jump into, in my opinion. While our MMC is in the Scorpions series, our FMC is a new character!
Kendra is now single. Her ex, who she spent way too much time, love and attention on, is done. She did so much for him. It made me so mad to see how he treated her!
Our hero, Jack, is a sweet guy. He's been in love with Kendra for years but has had to see her with... basically his enemy. A guy who he knew didn't appreciate her.
So when the opportunity arises to help her out with a place to stay, Jack is warned to keep his distance. But honestly, who wouldn't help? Especially the one who honestly needs a hand up after all that she's been through recently.
Jack really surprised me, though. I was expecting one type of guy and whew, he put it ON. He definitely wasn't a mild-mannered little boy.
I enjoyed that the book also focused on Kendra's life. She's awesome at what she does, too. Far too often, what our FMCs do is pushed back to the back burner. She's accomplished in her own right.
Can't wait for book 2 (at least I hope it's who it is!!)
March 15, 2025
We all know and love Jon Morgan (Boarded Hearts) BUT HIS SON?! Slay me right now.
Jack Morgan is a star hockey player in the NHL. Kendra Scott is a star soccer player nursing a knee injury and a fresh breakup with her trash ex-boyfriend, who just so happens to be one of Jack’s teammates.
These two end up living together after unfortunate circumstances but the tension and the previous feelings that Jack already had for her start burning and they end up agreeing to fake date and use each other for the benefits ;)
I seriously loved this book so much. This couple is perfect, the banter is perfect, and I am so excited for the rest of this series.
I hope you’re ready to add a new book boyfriend to your list, because Jack won’t disappoint!
5/5 star
3/5 spice
Jack Morgan is a star hockey player in the NHL. Kendra Scott is a star soccer player nursing a knee injury and a fresh breakup with her trash ex-boyfriend, who just so happens to be one of Jack’s teammates.
These two end up living together after unfortunate circumstances but the tension and the previous feelings that Jack already had for her start burning and they end up agreeing to fake date and use each other for the benefits ;)
I seriously loved this book so much. This couple is perfect, the banter is perfect, and I am so excited for the rest of this series.
I hope you’re ready to add a new book boyfriend to your list, because Jack won’t disappoint!
5/5 star
3/5 spice
February 20, 2025
REVIEW POST - Book 9 of 2025
Perfect Deke by Ruth Stilling
I don't know how she does it. Every single time. Just knocks it out of the park. I had the absolute pleasure of Alpha reading for this beauty and it killed me to wait until ARC release so that I can finally share my thoughts.
The Seattle Scorpions walked so that The Blade King's could run. And Jack gets the new series off to a FLYING start!!! Oh, that quiet little English boy with that posh accent, sure knows how to dirty it up in the bedroom with Miss Kendra 'soccer' Hart! 😍
Featuring some very British arguments about scones and about the game of kicking balls on a pitch, I was laughing from start to finish. But the way that Jack and Kendra are around each other had me squealing like a girl. I hit Ruth's inbox so often during this one and honestly, we are still in our feels about this boy.
His and Jon's relationship is absolutely beautiful... yes that's right, we do see Magnificent Morgan back in this one. He's back, he's coaching, and guys... he brought his binder! 😂😂😂
The way the series is set up for other potential characters in this one is so exciting. Who will the rest of the series be about?? 👀
Jack talks the talk and walks the walk in this steamy, fake dating, forced proximity story. Two of my favourite tropes here!!! And we see a dual sport partnership here too. Kendra being a pro soccer player and Jack being a pro hockey player. We get to see some serious sport insight and Ruth explores the differences between male and female sports so well.
Jack is kind, considerate, funny, quietly confident and oh so hot. Kendra is powerful and empowering and knows what she wants and isn't afraid to let Jack know that. She's a sexy and strong woman who matches Jack so well. They compliment each other beautifully.
Oh and also, you thought the group chats were good in Seattle Scorpions? Wait till you get to meet this group chat!
Ruth Stilling, come collect your crown, you deserve it yet again 👑
Perfect Deke by Ruth Stilling
I don't know how she does it. Every single time. Just knocks it out of the park. I had the absolute pleasure of Alpha reading for this beauty and it killed me to wait until ARC release so that I can finally share my thoughts.
The Seattle Scorpions walked so that The Blade King's could run. And Jack gets the new series off to a FLYING start!!! Oh, that quiet little English boy with that posh accent, sure knows how to dirty it up in the bedroom with Miss Kendra 'soccer' Hart! 😍
Featuring some very British arguments about scones and about the game of kicking balls on a pitch, I was laughing from start to finish. But the way that Jack and Kendra are around each other had me squealing like a girl. I hit Ruth's inbox so often during this one and honestly, we are still in our feels about this boy.
His and Jon's relationship is absolutely beautiful... yes that's right, we do see Magnificent Morgan back in this one. He's back, he's coaching, and guys... he brought his binder! 😂😂😂
The way the series is set up for other potential characters in this one is so exciting. Who will the rest of the series be about?? 👀
Jack talks the talk and walks the walk in this steamy, fake dating, forced proximity story. Two of my favourite tropes here!!! And we see a dual sport partnership here too. Kendra being a pro soccer player and Jack being a pro hockey player. We get to see some serious sport insight and Ruth explores the differences between male and female sports so well.
Jack is kind, considerate, funny, quietly confident and oh so hot. Kendra is powerful and empowering and knows what she wants and isn't afraid to let Jack know that. She's a sexy and strong woman who matches Jack so well. They compliment each other beautifully.
Oh and also, you thought the group chats were good in Seattle Scorpions? Wait till you get to meet this group chat!
Ruth Stilling, come collect your crown, you deserve it yet again 👑
March 7, 2025
So happy to be on Ruth stillings arc team . This is out March 6th!!
- this is fake dating , roommates to lovers, rivals teamates ex gf , he falls first & hard , golden retriever mmc x black cat fmc + forced proximity .
Im honoured for the arc especially as a big Ruth fan when I saw this in my inbox I screamed fr
So let’s start by the cover I think it’s absolutely beautiful and not just cus pink is my fave colour . Yes it will be part of my book collection
I love Jack he has me swooning so much & i adore Kendra too . Jack is a pro nhl player in his first season & Kendra is a pro female football ( soccer) player . Jack is British and Kendra is American .
This book has a classic in the sports romance genre an ex who can’t seem to understand the meaning of “breaking up “ & “I don’t want to be with you “ that’s a classic trope and it’s in this one . AND ALWAYS THE MMC WHO GETS WITH THE fmc and treats her infinitely better than her ex did .
I want to say god I love seeing Jon in this book as a coach . Bro gives me coach jensen vibes from the offcampus / briar u universe fr . ( love that guy . I love both of them ) .
I’m excited to read the rest of the books in this series
He calls her kitten and id usually find that cringe but even as a brit im imagining him speaking in a hot London British accent . ( somehow he can make anything sound hot in my mind . )- not all of us have the same accent ( im from the south west)
Oh and as usual he eats her out ( I love a man who can eat his girl out - always has me feeling …. But also like it’s just hot fr !!!
This book had me craving scones w ( as a Brit I can Confirm I love scones) . I dont have them often though . As the mmc is British there is mentions of British food at times ( I can say yes no or maybe to the dishes ,treats / snacks / desserts mentioned . Doing this as a brit!!
Scones & jam( yes)
Scones & jam + cream (maybe) - but no
Cottage pie (aka Shepards pie) - no
God I hate Tyler ( Kendra’s ex) if he gets a book I guess I will read it - considering I will read anything Ruth writes but like I’m hoping the next book will be about sawyer the captain of the team . Or maybe it will be archer and JACKS SISTER ( Darcy )
Also reminder that JON IS JACKS STEPDAD ( Jon for those who don’t know is the mmc in boarded hearts the first book in Ruth’s first series Seattle scorpion series . I highly recommend every book written by Ruth but like if you want to see more about Jon Morgan and felicity ( jacks mom) the first series is where to look . - you will find mmcs there like Zach and Jessie ( my 2 personal fave mmcs from that series too)yes Jon was an nhl player too ( he’s also super funny and gives me Carter vibes from consider me - without the Man baby aspects ) basically the better version of Carter . You will absolutely love him.
Seeing Jessie and Zach and Jenson again aaah ( especially Jessie & Zach .) I absolutely love Jessie and Zach so much ( Jessie and Zach are the two faves of mine from Seattle scorpions and seeing them appear in this book felt so right . Hope to see more of their appearances in the future books in this series .
I have one criticism for this book and it’s I don’t feel like this is a true fake dating because it felt like it skipped a few steps that usually exist in a fake dating romance . This felt less like a fake dating romance - so I think that trope is a bit wrong cus like they only fake date once - it’s more like friends to lovers tbh ( somewhat + insta love + insta lust !!! The last part isn’t a critism . I love insta lust and friends to lovers .otherwsise this book is almost perfect .
The 3rd act conflict was handled so well and didn’t feel unrealistic at all and I felt Ruth as usual knows how to create a conflict that doesn’t at all actually feel over the top and is reasonable
- this is fake dating , roommates to lovers, rivals teamates ex gf , he falls first & hard , golden retriever mmc x black cat fmc + forced proximity .
Im honoured for the arc especially as a big Ruth fan when I saw this in my inbox I screamed fr
So let’s start by the cover I think it’s absolutely beautiful and not just cus pink is my fave colour . Yes it will be part of my book collection
I love Jack he has me swooning so much & i adore Kendra too . Jack is a pro nhl player in his first season & Kendra is a pro female football ( soccer) player . Jack is British and Kendra is American .
This book has a classic in the sports romance genre an ex who can’t seem to understand the meaning of “breaking up “ & “I don’t want to be with you “ that’s a classic trope and it’s in this one . AND ALWAYS THE MMC WHO GETS WITH THE fmc and treats her infinitely better than her ex did .
I want to say god I love seeing Jon in this book as a coach . Bro gives me coach jensen vibes from the offcampus / briar u universe fr . ( love that guy . I love both of them ) .
I’m excited to read the rest of the books in this series
He calls her kitten and id usually find that cringe but even as a brit im imagining him speaking in a hot London British accent . ( somehow he can make anything sound hot in my mind . )- not all of us have the same accent ( im from the south west)
Oh and as usual he eats her out ( I love a man who can eat his girl out - always has me feeling …. But also like it’s just hot fr !!!
This book had me craving scones w ( as a Brit I can Confirm I love scones) . I dont have them often though . As the mmc is British there is mentions of British food at times ( I can say yes no or maybe to the dishes ,treats / snacks / desserts mentioned . Doing this as a brit!!
Scones & jam( yes)
Scones & jam + cream (maybe) - but no
Cottage pie (aka Shepards pie) - no
God I hate Tyler ( Kendra’s ex) if he gets a book I guess I will read it - considering I will read anything Ruth writes but like I’m hoping the next book will be about sawyer the captain of the team . Or maybe it will be archer and JACKS SISTER ( Darcy )
Also reminder that JON IS JACKS STEPDAD ( Jon for those who don’t know is the mmc in boarded hearts the first book in Ruth’s first series Seattle scorpion series . I highly recommend every book written by Ruth but like if you want to see more about Jon Morgan and felicity ( jacks mom) the first series is where to look . - you will find mmcs there like Zach and Jessie ( my 2 personal fave mmcs from that series too)yes Jon was an nhl player too ( he’s also super funny and gives me Carter vibes from consider me - without the Man baby aspects ) basically the better version of Carter . You will absolutely love him.
Seeing Jessie and Zach and Jenson again aaah ( especially Jessie & Zach .) I absolutely love Jessie and Zach so much ( Jessie and Zach are the two faves of mine from Seattle scorpions and seeing them appear in this book felt so right . Hope to see more of their appearances in the future books in this series .
I have one criticism for this book and it’s I don’t feel like this is a true fake dating because it felt like it skipped a few steps that usually exist in a fake dating romance . This felt less like a fake dating romance - so I think that trope is a bit wrong cus like they only fake date once - it’s more like friends to lovers tbh ( somewhat + insta love + insta lust !!! The last part isn’t a critism . I love insta lust and friends to lovers .otherwsise this book is almost perfect .
The 3rd act conflict was handled so well and didn’t feel unrealistic at all and I felt Ruth as usual knows how to create a conflict that doesn’t at all actually feel over the top and is reasonable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
#Review: *Perfect Deke* - Ruth Stilling - ARC [18+]
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
I've waited for this book for a while and it was definitely worth it!! Thankfully, I was able to read it in advance, being lucky to be part of Ruth's permanent team😍. Thank youu!🩵
This is the first book of Ruth's new series, with the next generation of the previous one, Seattle Scorpions. We have in the spotlight Jon's step son, Jack Morgan, who is also a hockey player and who plays in his stepdad's team. In the same team is one of Jack's rivals, Tyler, who is the boyfriend of the girl he really likes, Kendra.
Because Kendra was taken, Jack never made any stepy towards his feelings. That's until she realized she had enough of her ungrateful boyfriend and parts ways with him. Besides that, some problems with her actual apartment pushed her to move out. Where? Well, that's where Jack steped in and offered her a place to stay. Will this close proximity stir up the fire more?
I need to confess that Jack was sooo wonderful! You truly couldn't just fall in love with him, being such a great man and super swoony. He knew exactly how to treat a girl, to be sensitive and thoughtful, but at the same time, sexy and dominating. On the other side, Kendra was a strong woman, who fought for her passion in sports. It was pretty impossible for her not to fall head over heels for Jack, but he had definitely fallen first.
Again, I fell in love with another book by Ruth🩵. This one had the perfect split between romance, sports and steamy scenes. It had a slightly bit of drama, but nothing which could bother me. Now that I know a bit about the next book, I'm super excited for that one, to see with what Ruth will surprise us.
✨Tropes
#GoldenRetriever
#CinnamonRoll
#HeFallsFirst
#HeFallsHarder
#BoyObsessed
#BritishHero
#FriendsToLovers
#RoommatesToLovers
#SportsRomance
#Hockey/Soccer
#CloseProximity
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
I've waited for this book for a while and it was definitely worth it!! Thankfully, I was able to read it in advance, being lucky to be part of Ruth's permanent team😍. Thank youu!🩵
This is the first book of Ruth's new series, with the next generation of the previous one, Seattle Scorpions. We have in the spotlight Jon's step son, Jack Morgan, who is also a hockey player and who plays in his stepdad's team. In the same team is one of Jack's rivals, Tyler, who is the boyfriend of the girl he really likes, Kendra.
Because Kendra was taken, Jack never made any stepy towards his feelings. That's until she realized she had enough of her ungrateful boyfriend and parts ways with him. Besides that, some problems with her actual apartment pushed her to move out. Where? Well, that's where Jack steped in and offered her a place to stay. Will this close proximity stir up the fire more?
I need to confess that Jack was sooo wonderful! You truly couldn't just fall in love with him, being such a great man and super swoony. He knew exactly how to treat a girl, to be sensitive and thoughtful, but at the same time, sexy and dominating. On the other side, Kendra was a strong woman, who fought for her passion in sports. It was pretty impossible for her not to fall head over heels for Jack, but he had definitely fallen first.
Again, I fell in love with another book by Ruth🩵. This one had the perfect split between romance, sports and steamy scenes. It had a slightly bit of drama, but nothing which could bother me. Now that I know a bit about the next book, I'm super excited for that one, to see with what Ruth will surprise us.
✨Tropes
#GoldenRetriever
#CinnamonRoll
#HeFallsFirst
#HeFallsHarder
#BoyObsessed
#BritishHero
#FriendsToLovers
#RoommatesToLovers
#SportsRomance
#Hockey/Soccer
#CloseProximity
March 6, 2025
Ruth’s best work yet!! Couldn’t put it down!
Jack Morgan has a Filthy mouth and I am not complaining!!
♾️⭐️ // 3🌶️
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- golden retriever x black kitten
- he falls first & hard
Perfect Deke is a perfect score!! I loved this book so much! Def Ruth’s best work so far and it will just keep getting better there’s no doubt. This book had me foaming at the mouth to read. I had to force myself to put it down to sleep and I regretted every minute 😂
Kendra and Jack are the perfect fit and omg does Jack have a filthy and I am 1000% here for it!!! The spice in this book was top notch and this will def be one of my fav reads of 2025….the love, possession & passion from these two characters was like nothing else I’ve ever read. And I already want to read it again.
Ruth is new to me as of last month thanks to one of my besties & I am so glad I listened to her!!! Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me the absolute privilege to read this as an ARC!
Jack Morgan has a Filthy mouth and I am not complaining!!
♾️⭐️ // 3🌶️
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- golden retriever x black kitten
- he falls first & hard
Perfect Deke is a perfect score!! I loved this book so much! Def Ruth’s best work so far and it will just keep getting better there’s no doubt. This book had me foaming at the mouth to read. I had to force myself to put it down to sleep and I regretted every minute 😂
Kendra and Jack are the perfect fit and omg does Jack have a filthy and I am 1000% here for it!!! The spice in this book was top notch and this will def be one of my fav reads of 2025….the love, possession & passion from these two characters was like nothing else I’ve ever read. And I already want to read it again.
Ruth is new to me as of last month thanks to one of my besties & I am so glad I listened to her!!! Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me the absolute privilege to read this as an ARC!
February 28, 2025
♾️⭐️
3.5🌶️
JACK FREAKIN’ MORGAN!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
man obsessed, loves to eat (y’all know), respectful, sweet as hell, I could go on and on. Ruth, you write about some damn good men and I’m here for it🙌🏼🫶🏼
I’m obsessed with the Seattle Scorpions, but wow, this series is going to be E P I C.. also, I’ve got a major girl crush and her name is Kendra Hart!🩷😘
What a badass FMC! no kidding, when she stood up to Elliott, I was losing my shit lol🤣🙌🏼like yesss babe, get it!
love the book, love you Ruth, love Jack and imma need him like right now! 😘🥰😍😅
y’all make sure this is on your TBR!!!
3.5🌶️
JACK FREAKIN’ MORGAN!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
man obsessed, loves to eat (y’all know), respectful, sweet as hell, I could go on and on. Ruth, you write about some damn good men and I’m here for it🙌🏼🫶🏼
I’m obsessed with the Seattle Scorpions, but wow, this series is going to be E P I C.. also, I’ve got a major girl crush and her name is Kendra Hart!🩷😘
What a badass FMC! no kidding, when she stood up to Elliott, I was losing my shit lol🤣🙌🏼like yesss babe, get it!
love the book, love you Ruth, love Jack and imma need him like right now! 😘🥰😍😅
y’all make sure this is on your TBR!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Jack has been secretly crushing on Kendra since their freshman year, but she was always off limits, dating his rival. Now, fresh from a breakup and in need of a place to stay, Kendra moves in with Jack. Their chemistry is undeniable, but instead of rushing into something real, they agree to a fake dating arrangement to keep her ex at bay. Every moment of their journey had me hooked, Jack’s dirty mouth turned up the heat, while Kendra’s sweetness made their connection even more irresistible. Jack is pure swoon material, and their story is a perfect mix of passion and heart. You won’t want to miss this one!
Thank you, Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity the ARC.
Thank you, Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity the ARC.
February 25, 2025
Ruth did her big one with this one!! Jack may have Jon Morgan beat??? Seriously Im thinking this man can do no wrong and deserves every little bit of the pedestal I’m putting him on.
If it’s fake dating? Sign me up so fast. If it’s hockey just assume it’s on the TOP of my tbr. And let me tell you when I say put this at the TOP of your tbr??? Thank me later friends. The story? 10/10. The spice? 20/10. Banter 20/10.
Be like Nike and just do it folks. I’m obsessed. Once again.
If it’s fake dating? Sign me up so fast. If it’s hockey just assume it’s on the TOP of my tbr. And let me tell you when I say put this at the TOP of your tbr??? Thank me later friends. The story? 10/10. The spice? 20/10. Banter 20/10.
Be like Nike and just do it folks. I’m obsessed. Once again.
March 6, 2025
What an amazing start to The Blade Kings series if this is where the rest of the series is going I’m obsessed already! The sweetest British man with the filthiest mouth in the bedroom say less! Haha Jack surprised me in all the best ways possible. Kendra was so driven and so incredibly strong it was so amazing to watch herself heal and grow.
I was kicking my feet screaming and giggling the whole way through, these two were such a vibe. Jack and Jon’s relationship was also funny but so sweet I loved reading their interactions. The group chats and text conversations were definitely a favourite for me.
I was obsessed with this having both MC’s being athletes. Kendra a pro soccer player and Jack being a pro hockey player. Nothing like pining after your rivals girlfriend since college, boy had it bad! These two were steamy, funny and so adorable I was so here for their dynamic I felt like they fit perfectly together.
Thanks so much to @wordsmithpublicity and Ruth for the Arc honestly you have outdone yourself this was by far one of my favourite reads of February! 😍💕
Be sure to checkout if you love the following:
🏒Pro Hockey MMC x Pro Soccer FMC
💘Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
⚽️Rival Teammates Ex
💘Fake Dating
🏒He Falls First & Hard
💘Forced Proximity
⚽️Found Family
💘Boy Obsessed
I was kicking my feet screaming and giggling the whole way through, these two were such a vibe. Jack and Jon’s relationship was also funny but so sweet I loved reading their interactions. The group chats and text conversations were definitely a favourite for me.
I was obsessed with this having both MC’s being athletes. Kendra a pro soccer player and Jack being a pro hockey player. Nothing like pining after your rivals girlfriend since college, boy had it bad! These two were steamy, funny and so adorable I was so here for their dynamic I felt like they fit perfectly together.
Thanks so much to @wordsmithpublicity and Ruth for the Arc honestly you have outdone yourself this was by far one of my favourite reads of February! 😍💕
Be sure to checkout if you love the following:
🏒Pro Hockey MMC x Pro Soccer FMC
💘Golden Retriever x Black Kitten
⚽️Rival Teammates Ex
💘Fake Dating
🏒He Falls First & Hard
💘Forced Proximity
⚽️Found Family
💘Boy Obsessed
March 9, 2025
Jack & Kendra
March 22, 2025
2.5 some of the things that happened didn’t make sense to me plus a lot of the conversations were very cringy to me
March 2, 2025
Perfect Deke by Ruth Stilling
I am truly in awe of Ruth and I honestly don’t know how she does it. Another ♾️⭐️ read for sure. I am over here literally drooling over Jack Morgan. I didn’t think anyone could top Jessie Callaghan for me, but then Ruth said, hold me beer 😅 and we have Jack Morgan.
I was literally swooning the entire time I read this book. I adored Kendra and Jack SO dang much. His love for her is unmatched. Their chemistry is off the charts. Their story is so damn beautiful, the way he showed her how to truly be loved and how she deserved to be worshipped like a queen 🫠 ugh I’m a puddle!
Ruth’s writing is just so wonderful, I actually made myself slow down reading because I didn’t want it to end. So many little Easter eggs with little clues for upcoming books, which I am SO EXCITED for! I loved how the Seattle scorpions family was weaved throughout the book as well and you can definitely tell that the found family in this series is going to be perfect 😍👌🏼.
Read if you enjoy:
Pro hockey MMC x Pro soccer FMC
Golden retriever x black kitten
Rival teammates ex
Fake dating
He falls first
Forced proximity
Thank you so much Ruth and Wordsmith for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion & review!
I am truly in awe of Ruth and I honestly don’t know how she does it. Another ♾️⭐️ read for sure. I am over here literally drooling over Jack Morgan. I didn’t think anyone could top Jessie Callaghan for me, but then Ruth said, hold me beer 😅 and we have Jack Morgan.
I was literally swooning the entire time I read this book. I adored Kendra and Jack SO dang much. His love for her is unmatched. Their chemistry is off the charts. Their story is so damn beautiful, the way he showed her how to truly be loved and how she deserved to be worshipped like a queen 🫠 ugh I’m a puddle!
Ruth’s writing is just so wonderful, I actually made myself slow down reading because I didn’t want it to end. So many little Easter eggs with little clues for upcoming books, which I am SO EXCITED for! I loved how the Seattle scorpions family was weaved throughout the book as well and you can definitely tell that the found family in this series is going to be perfect 😍👌🏼.
Read if you enjoy:
Pro hockey MMC x Pro soccer FMC
Golden retriever x black kitten
Rival teammates ex
Fake dating
He falls first
Forced proximity
Thank you so much Ruth and Wordsmith for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion & review!
February 22, 2025
“Because it is forever, Kendra. I’m done, finished, on my knees for you.”
Ate this book up like it was my job! Jack is and has been obsessed with Kendra, pining over her for years, so when he sees a way to help her out, he does not hesitate to jump in and invite her to be his roommate. And we all know what happens from there! And then add in some fake dating and we are DONE FOR! Jack is determined to show Kendra how she should be treated by a man and he certainly delivers! Plus he calls her Kitten and I melted a bit - it's slowly becoming a favorite nickname of mine!
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Ruth Stilling for letting me read/review an ARC of this book!
Ate this book up like it was my job! Jack is and has been obsessed with Kendra, pining over her for years, so when he sees a way to help her out, he does not hesitate to jump in and invite her to be his roommate. And we all know what happens from there! And then add in some fake dating and we are DONE FOR! Jack is determined to show Kendra how she should be treated by a man and he certainly delivers! Plus he calls her Kitten and I melted a bit - it's slowly becoming a favorite nickname of mine!
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Ruth Stilling for letting me read/review an ARC of this book!
March 5, 2025
When should you stop highlighting a book? I think I fangirled over the writing style and this story so much that if I had read the book in physical form instead of as an ebook it would have ended up unreadable... I loved following Jack and Kendra's story. These two are just made for each other and discovering their story just made me smile from the beginning to the end. (We can also mention the moment when I stamped my foot in excitement so hard that I made my nightstand shake and knocked over my cup full of tea...) This book is simply fantastic!
March 16, 2025
4.5 stars!!
Thank you so much to Wordsmith Publicity and Ruth Stilling for the ARC of Perfect Deke. Just like everything else Ruth writes, I LOVED IT!!! The characters, the storyline, the chemistry, the SPICE, all perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heart and emotion. And let me just tell you right now - Jack Morgan was the MMC I never saw coming. He just breezed right in a swept me off my feet. You are truly not ready for this man. No one writes a man obsessed better than Ruth and just when you think she can't top herself, she does.
You should read this if you love:
•female athletes
•rivals ex
•forced proximity
•he falls first and HARD
•fake dating
•golden retriever x black kitten
•hockey romance
Thank you so much to Wordsmith Publicity and Ruth Stilling for the ARC of Perfect Deke. Just like everything else Ruth writes, I LOVED IT!!! The characters, the storyline, the chemistry, the SPICE, all perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heart and emotion. And let me just tell you right now - Jack Morgan was the MMC I never saw coming. He just breezed right in a swept me off my feet. You are truly not ready for this man. No one writes a man obsessed better than Ruth and just when you think she can't top herself, she does.
You should read this if you love:
•female athletes
•rivals ex
•forced proximity
•he falls first and HARD
•fake dating
•golden retriever x black kitten
•hockey romance
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