THE GAME OF HIS LIFE

Hockey player Ben Westmore has some serious skills---on and off the ice---and he's not above indulging in the many perks of NHL stardom. When a night in Vegas ends in disaster, he realizes two things: 1) it's time to lie low for a while, and 2) he needs a lawyer---fast. But the smoking-hot woman who walks into his office immediately tests all his good intentions.

Olivia Davis doesn't need anyone derailing her career---or her dreams of starting a family---least of all a skirt-chasing player like Ben. But soon he's unleashing a full-court press to convince her that he's the real deal. She's slowly falling for his sweet, rugged charm, but with so much on the line, Olivia has to decide whether Ben can truly change---or if he's just playing the game.

Ben Westmore has been a confirmed playboy bachelor for years. He is captain of the Colorado Avalanche and they are just about to start play offs for the Stanley Cup. He needs all of his focus to finally achieve this dream. But all of a sudden he is faced with some big distractions. He finds out that a recent trip to Vegas with a bit too much alcohol has left him in a vulnerable position and he needs a lawyer. And turns out the opposing counsel sparks reactions in him that he cannot deny. Big distractions he does not need.

Olivia Davis is a work-a-holic divorce attorney. She is driven, tough, untrusting, but has her own vulnerability and loneliness. She is making plans for her future that does not involve a man. But she cannot deny the fact that Ben Westmore is an attractive one. No matter how much of a player she thinks he is.

Their situation is messy and complicated. They alternate between dynamic banter that is antagonistic, flirty, humorous, and sweet. But for once, Ben is interested in the challenge and chase. And Olivia does her best at avoidance and guarding herself, but Ben can be persuasive when he sets a goal for himself. They have undeniable chemistry, but they are definitely distractions to each other's current goals. Not to mention the unprofessionalism of it all.

Ben is determined not to choke this time in the play offs, and surprisingly he is finding it just as important not to let her down. The longstanding commitment phobe does not seem to be as terrified when it comes to her. For once he can just be himself. But his reputation proceeds him and does not invoke trust. And there is a chance that being with Olivia could be even more commitment than he was ever planning on. She has her dreams. He has his. But could they co-exist?

This is an easy, funny, sweet, passionate love story that mixes up various popular romance tropes and mixes them all together. It has likable characters in  a close knit community. I enjoyed more with his family Jackson and Abby, Becky and Neil, Asher, and his friend, Owen who is now the team mascot. And their mom is a scene stealer for sure.  I love their interactions with each other and how close they all are. I really adored Ben. I loved his sense of humor, and seeing him grow and begin to look at life in a different way. And Olivia was a good match for him.

This one is about finding what you need when you least expect it, and believing in yourself and the other person. They both needed validation, and were afraid of rejection and hurt. But sometimes dreams can grow and change, and some things are worth the fight. But Ben has a big fight on his hands both for the cup and for the girl and the future he never thought he would want.  I am looking forward to more in this series with Owen and Asher.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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