ARC Review: ‘The Boyfriend Goal’ by Lauren Blakely
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Boyfriend Goal
by Lauren BlakelySeries: Love and Hockey #1
Published by Self-Published on August 21, 2024
SubGenres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eArc
Pages: 496
Source: the author
Audience: 18+/Adult
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A forbidden romance with my brother’s hockey-playing teammate wasn’t on my to-do list when I moved across the country.
Neither was getting locked out of a friend’s place wearing next to nothing.Or spending the night with the sexy stranger who rescues me.But I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone so getting out of the rest of my clothes with him seems like a good way to start.In the morning, I learn the filthy-mouthed man with the talented hands is not only the hotshot new hockey player on my brother’s team: he’s also – wait for it – my brand new roommate.I’m a good student turned good librarian. A rule-follower. I’m not the kind of girl who does complicated flings. So we agree to another rule: friends-only.It’s not easy though. Wes is bossy, flirty and generous.He gives me rides to work.Pitches in at my library’s fundraiser.Takes care of me when I get hurt.And looks at me like I’m the only one.Soon, I’m falling hard for my brother’s teammate.Especially when Wes comes to my door and tells me exactly how he’d like to break our rules.Every single one.
When Lauren Blakely announced she was writing another hockey romance series, I immediately got excited. I read her other hockey romance series, which was a why-choose series, and enjoyed each of those books. I couldn’t wait to dive into The Boyfriend Goal, which is the first book in her new series, Love and Hockey.
As someone who enjoys watching hockey in real life, I love reading about it in fictional worlds, too, especially when you are counting down for the hockey season to start again. Yes, I’m one of those readers who enjoys not only the romantic storyline of hockey romance books but when the characters are actually playing hockey, and you get to feel like you are on the ice with them playing hockey with their teammates. I’m rooting for the MMC not only to win his games, but to win over the FMC, which is precisely what happened in The Boyfriend Goal.
Wesley ends up in a predicament on his new hockey team when he finds himself agreeing to let the Captain’s little sister, Josie, stay at his place. The predicament is that he hooked up with Josie before they became roommates, but that’s because he didn’t realize who she was initially. Now, he’s trying his hardest to remain roommates with her, even though he can’t stop thinking about the one night they had together before they became roommates. Josie is feeling the same way, even though she knows she shouldn’t fall for the jock.
This was another sweet, funny, and even emotional story from Lauren Blakely. I loved both Wesley and Josie’s characters, especially how these two immediately hit it off with their adorable meet-cute that turned into a steamy one-stand that later turned into them trying to suppress their feelings for one another due to their roommate situation. There was also the issue of Wesley respecting his Captain’s wishes when it came to his little sister. (I respected the heck out of Josie’s brother once he did find out about his sister and Wesley.) I loved how Wesley was helping Josie when it came to her Aunt’s list that she left her. That was the most emotional part of the story for me and how Josie’s Aunt wanted Josie to live her life doing things that she usually wouldn’t do. The list made Josie get out of her comfort zone, and the best part is that the list helped her meet Wesley.
Lauren definitely jammed this book complete with tropes that were enjoyable to read, such as Roommates to Lovers, Opposite’s Attract, Teammate’s Little Sister, and even several micro tropes that had me swooning and rooting for Wesley and Josie to give in to their attraction again. These two characters were definitely destined to be together and I was here for their HEA. I can’t wait to read more in this series, especially since Lauren introduced the rest of the other teammates who made an appearance in this book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s an Interconnected Standalone in the Love and Hockey series.
Do I recommend this book? Yes, especially if you love reading any of the tropes listed below.
Trope(s)/Element(s):
🏒Sports/Hockey Romance
🏒One Night Stand
🏒Teammate’s Little Sister
🏒Forbidden Romance
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒Roommates to Lovers
🏒Opposites Attract
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About Lauren Blakely
A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s cute but spicy. Lauren likes dogs, cake, and show tunes and is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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