4.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

This one is going to be a hard one to review. Because I loved so much of it, even if I can see potential pitfalls for others. There's a teeny tiny part of me that thinks that things progressed too smoothly, or worked out too well, or was just too convenient at times. But you know what? I found I just didn't care. Because sometimes life does just work out at the right moments. It doesn't have to be all super angsty, sometimes relationships can move forward without huge devastating roadblocks. Which is not to say that Mike and Lauren didn't have roadblocks, it just seemed like some of the turns in the plot felt a little convenient.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Lauren. I mean, she really comes across as a witch with a b in the other two books. And I'm not entirely sure I buy the transition to the Lauren we discover in this book, but, again, I'm not sure how much I care. A part of me wishes I'd known more of what was going on in her head when she was being not so nice to the girls. There were definitely explanations given for her uptight attitude, and they worked to an extent, I just wanted a wee bit more. BUT if you ignore her from the other books, then just Lauren from this book was actually pretty awesome. I hated to read about everything that happened to her as a result of her relationship with Mike and subsequent breakup. I could totally see it happening too, and how it would irrevocably change her. But I loved that she was so smart and really went after the things she desired in life. And I loved that she didn't compromise those aspects of herself when things started to change with Mike.

Regardless of the bad choices Mike made surrounding the breakup with Lauren, I can still sympathize with him while still thinking he was a bit of a bonehead. Just like with Lauren, despite how much you hurt with her about the past, he still manages to bulldoze his way into your heart. He was such an intriguing hero actually. Such single minded determination yo. Once he got his head out of his butt, he really turned on the charm and went after what he wanted. And he was funny, and sweet, and charming, but not in a smarmy way you know? You just couldn't help but love him. He made me laugh, and as such he got away with some pretty outrageous behavior at times. I keep shaking my head at him, but I'm still sold.

Their chemistry was seriously solid too, making for some epic steamy scenes. You really just wanted to root for them, you know?

And there was lots of delicious hockey in this one. As a hockey fan who is currently entrenched in playoff season, this was a perfect read for me.

Fabulous secondary character support as usual. Loved Hans. Nice to see all our favourite past characters making appearances as well. And just so you know Ms Bowen, that wasn't enough for Nate & Becca. I still politely plead for at least a novella. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! In fact, I wouldn't mind a Silas book too...just saying. You know, not being greedy or anything, noooooo....

So yeah, even though some things felt a little too smooth in the plot, I was still a happy little reader. Sometimes you just want to read about love winning, you know?

With the NHL playoffs in full swing, the timing for Pipe Dreams couldn't have been better. Reading it has enhanced my thirst for hockey and hat tricks. Speaking of hat tricks, Sarina Bowen certainly landed a literary hat trick with this series! Each book just got better and better. Perhaps it's because I feel like I know the ladies of the Bruisers organization and I'm rooting for their happiness.

Pipe Dreams focuses on Lauren, the standoffish assistant to the team owner. Her past with the team goes deep, and it's not all that pleasant. Bowen had me crying inside of the first few chapters. Her heartbreak may have been a few years old, there are some things you never really move on from (like first love...). But with Lauren's work/school schedule, she's kept busy, guarding her heart and avoiding the source of her displeasure, Bruisers goalie Mike Beacon.

First impressions left me feel very uneasy about Mike. The reason for why he up and left Lauren is noble, but his method was pretty darn callous. Badly I wasn't even sure I wanted the two of them together, but Bowen's writing is so strong. She is clever in her plot devices and character development and Mike was soon worthy in my eyes. These snippets from Mike's perspective simply melted me:

“You’re my happy thought, Lo. Thank you for being with me right now.”

"The first taste of her was like coming home."

"I love you so hard, it hurts."

The man has not had an easy life and Lo was truly his port in the storm. While Lauren wasn't exactly a character that draws the reader towards her prior to this story, but she clearly is misunderstood and unfairly judged and like i said, I cried for her early on and a few times much later in the story. As Lauren continued to plan her life sans Mike, their paths continued to cross. Lauren does expose her true personality, she's loyal and generous and so worthy of finding happiness.

The story flows along at a good pace and as with all books by Sarina Bowen I found I read it in no time. Bowen also wraps up another side plot in this story (THANKFULLY --> because I really needed to see what happens with Becca (wink wink) ) . I would re-read this series in a heart beat meaning this book is a 5 Stars read and the series on the whole is worthy of 5 ++ stars. Bowen has solidified herself as one of my favorite authors and is a #oneclick recommendation!

This is one of those books where everything was just perfect to me. All of it! Mike and Lauren's history, them reconnecting, and the build to it all. Hockey. Teenage drama. Tension and angst. I loved it all. The first two books were awesome but I have to say, this is my FAVORITE book in the series so far!!!

Mike and Lauren had so many ups and downs in their relationship and I loved the build in learning the why… and that why was killer! I loved Mike, he was just so sweet and caring as he and Lauren reconnect, there was no way not to love him. Lauren was so strong and I loved how determined she was to do things on her own, even though some of those things legitimately stressed me out. She could be really stubborn and hold herself back to protect herself and I totally got why. I loved them reconnecting and Lauren letting her guard down and really open up.

I also really enjoyed Lauren connecting with Ari and Georgia because she's been pretty ice-like in the past two books. I thought they had a lot of fun scenes together that were highly entertaining. I adored the fact that there was more Nate and Becca included as well, that's just such a fun, side story and I would love to see these two get their own book.

Honestly, everything about this is made me ridiculously happy. It had a somewhat light feel with a great deal of emotion mixed in. I got teary eyed several times. I loved the writing, it really drew me in. I thought there was excellent character development also. I was just sold from the very beginning. I love how the story was laid out and the build to the amazing HEA.

This was just such a well thought out story and I couldn't put it down. I loved all the chemistry, emotion, and animosity between Mike and Lauren. I loved the 13 year old girl drama from Mike's daughter. I loved the hockey aspect and the intensity of the games. Everything drew me in. The story is excellent, I couldn’t seem to stop reading. It's a well rounded story filled with tension, heat, and humor. There were just so many wonderful moments. My head and emotions were all over the place (in a good way!). Loved every single second!!!

If your a fan of hockey romance, the Brooklyn Bruisers Series is just what your looking for. Each can be read as a stand alone, but they are so entertaining I would start from the beginning.

Mike Beacon is a champion goalie for the Bruisers. He loves his team and his job. He has made two mistakes in his life. Getting his 18 year old girlfriend pregnant, but has a beautiful daughter, that is not part of the mistake. Secondly, walking away from the true love of his life. He thought he didn't have a choice, but now realizes things should have been done differently. Lauren Williams worked in the Bruisers front office for the owner Nate Kattenberg, but after the break up moved to another office in Manhattan. One year after his wife's death, Mike is now a single dad, Elsa, his daughter, is a teenager and he has a "Manny" who is Elsa's live in violin teacher and nanny. Other than hormone swings, life is pretty good. But.....he's missing someone to complete his life, and Lauren doesn't even want to be in the same room.

It's been two years and she stills carries the pain of the breakup. Due to the illness of Nate's assistant in Brooklyn, Lauren is now back to help things go smoothly for the play-offs. Each win is like a stab to the heart, she was hoping to get back to Manhattan before she had to see Mike too many times. Traveling with the team and meetings with the players is killing her. She has a new life, carefully planned. She wants to be a mom, not married, just a mom and has a folder of potential sperm donors to pick from. But Mike is breaking down her walls, chip by chip. He finally explains his abrupt break up, which she understands but disagrees with his decision. The team keeps winning and headed to the playoffs. The heat builds between Lauren and Mike, and the Bruisers are winning! Could their life finally be working out? There is one more "bump in the road" for this couple.

Lots of hockey and heat, and the continuing characters of the Bruisers are so much fun. A second chance romance with lots of action. Loved it!

I received this eBook from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce

We finally get to see why Lauren is so stand offish and so against anything hockey and her story!! OH BOY!!!

Mike Beacon is the goalie for the Brooklyn Bruisers and has been with the team since their days in Long Island, when Lauren worked the front office and her dad ran the organization. For almost 8 years the two were the best of friends but Mike was married and so they remained in the friend zone for those years, even when they both knew there was an underlying attraction.

When Mike's wife is caught cheating, he leaves... and goes to Lauren. Things explode between the two of them and the two start dating. For a year and a half, both were blissfully happy, until all of a sudden Mike leaves, no explanation... back to his ex-wife.

Now two years later Lauren finds herself back with the team during the playoffs and she's confronted with Mike on almost a daily basis. After escaping to the corporate headquarters after their break up, Lauren has been able to keep away from the man who still haunts her 2 years later. He's the love of her life, but she can't move on with all the questions of why.

My heart broke for both Mike and Lauren. Mike was put into a situation that at the time, he felt there was no other way to handle. He thought he was doing the right thing for Lauren, but all it did was cause more heartache for the two of them.

After seeing the straight up b*tch that Lauren could be in the last two books, I was thrilled to see the softer side of Lauren in Pipe Dreams. Mike and his love for both of the women in his life (his daughter and Lauren) is swoon worthy and makes you love him a little more with each page turn.

Although this is book three in the series it can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to pass up on all the yummy hockey romance in the first two books too. A great series that I sit on pins and needles waiting for the next installment!

Sarina Bowen scores a hat trick with the third book from the Brooklyn Bruisers series, PIPE DREAMS. I love this series. PIPE DREAMS is goalie, Mike Beacon’s and Lauren Williams’ story. This contemporary sports romance takes place in New York. It is suitable for adult audiences.

The beginning of the novel overlaps with the previous book. Lauren is with her boss/team owner, Nate Kattenberger, in his private box watching the Bruisers in the play-offs. I loved hearing this story from her point of view. In the previous stories, Lauren comes off as cold. We find out why. It is totally understandable and nothing like her actual personality.

Sarina Bowen does a fabulous job with her character development. Lauren is a strong and astonishing heroine. She is hard working and determined. Her heart was broken by Mike, and she is uncomfortable when being forced to work for the team. Mike is an amazing guy and dad. He is caring, persistent, and protective. He could have handled his break-up with Lauren better, but under the circumstances, why he did it was admirable. I love that these two get a second chance. They clearly never got over one another. They are good together. He is a spontaneous action kind of guy to her analytical planning.

The plot was realistic and believable. I like how the story flashed back and forth in time. I like that Lauren gets to know the other females in the series better. There are many interesting things that happen in this story that keep it exciting. This is one of those books that is hard to put down. I read it in one day.

Nate seems to like to get involved with his staff and players’ personal lives. I love that Lauren, doesn’t let Nate intimidate her and does the same to him. I’m really looking forward to Becca’s and Nate’s story in the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

So here I am, in the middle of the Southwest part of the US, with no hockey teams in sight. But what is my favorite sports to read about? Hockey! Especially if Sarina Bowen is the author!

The first two books in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, Rookie Move and Hard Hitter, got 5 well-earned stars from me, so I was super excited for the chance to read the third installment, Pipe Dreams. I was a bit nervous though- the heroine, Lauren, was a minor character in books 1 and 2, and not very likable..... but we just didn't know her story yet!

After this book, and learning about Lauren and why she is the way she is, she is one of my favorite characters in the Brooklyn Bruisers universe. And Mike Beacon- holy Goalie! I LOVE the men in this series- and they are MEN, not boys- and Mike is at the top of the list. He's mature, he's passionate, he's dreamy. Although of course Sarina gave us some angst- it's love after all- this book is delightfully drama free.

I'm a binge reader, a skimmer, and I fly through books. But some books require a second, more thorough reading, and Pipe Dreams absolutely fell into that category. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!

5 Second Chance CROWNS

Once again, Sarina Bowen delivers another hockey romance that had me smiling and swooning, just generally falling in love with the men of the Brooklyn Bruisers.

Mike and Lauren are a unique couple in the way the fell apart and came back together. In both cases it is quick, and although, for some readers, this may be a draw back to the story, it fits these characters and how Sarina Bowen develops them throughout the novel. Mike, due to extenuating circumstances had to make tough choices in his past, but now that he is free to get back the love of his life, he does so with abandon. His dedication and focus on the ice transfers to his goal of getting Lauren back, and Mike is such an honorable man, good teammate, and great dad, that readers root for him to win Lauren back. They want his sacrifice earlier in the story to be rewarded, and Sarina Bowen doesn't disappoint.

Readers have encountered Lauren in the previous two books, and she has been characterized as being standoffish and brusque, yet with Pipe Dreams, Sarina Bowen is able to make her character sympathetic. Readers get to finally see what is behind the tough facade she is hiding behind, and their hearts will break for her. Just as readers want Mike to be rewarded for his past actions, they want Lauren to get her happily-ever-after because her heart was broken through no fault of her own, and so readers will root for her as well.

Their relationship in the novel progresses rather quickly. And while some readers might not be okay with the choices they make, I was. First, these two have a history. Sarina Bowen does an amazing job establishing them as a couple in the past, so that readers feel their heartache in their past and their pain in the present. Just as they didn't want to wait to be together, I didn't want to wait for them either. Second, these two seem to just fit together, and not in destined for each other. Mike and Lauren complement each other, and they are better together. Not only does their emotional chemistry thrive and make the fast progression of their relationship authentic and believable, but their physical chemistry is just as potent. There is no doubt from their first interactions how much these two care for and love each other. Third, the circumstances that ended them and put them back together are emotional and life-altering, and the live in the moment attitude Mike adopts makes his actions and Lauren's seem appropriate.

I often find with sports romances that there is an unequal balance between the sports part and the romance part, but Sarina Bowen always does an amazing job balancing the personal aspect of her characters with the sports story line of the story. Readers will be just as intrigued by the season of the Brooklyn Bruisers as they are by the romance of Lauren and Mike. In addition to the sports plot, there is a family aspect to the novel with Mike's teenage daughter, as well as the affects of death and how they alter our perception of who and what matters. With all of these dueling storylines, Sarina Bowen seamlessly intertwines them to create one concise plot that will entertain readers.

When this book ended, I had that moment of pure happiness after reading a great book that was immediately met with a tinge of saddness for the end of another hockey series from Ms. Bowen. I have loved this world she has created and the characters in it. I want more, more stories, more characters, more everything. Like her Ivy Years series, this will be another one that I return to repeatedly, and it will go down as one of my favorites of all time!

P.S.

Sarina,

I'm still going to hold out for more. Maybe a novella. Maybe you will be inspired to write another book about another member of the team. It might never happen, but the hope for more will make the break a little less sad.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

My 4 star review is up on Goodreads and will be posted on blog and social media upon release. UPDATED 5/2/17

I was really worried I was not going to like this installment because I have not liked the heroine Lauren in the previous books. But Sarina managed to use flashbacks and Lauren's point of view in her favor and allow me to actually connect with a woman who previously appeared cold and unfeeling. It was easier to see her vulnerability and pain.

Mike Beacon is the goalie for the Brooklyn Bruisers. He and Lauren had an almost two year relationship but then he left her to go back to his almost ex-wife and daughter with little explanation. He had his reasons, but did not fully share them. He assumed she would move on and it would be better for her in the end. He did what he had to do, and has just been holding his life together and dealing with being a parent to a young teen while also living the life of a busy hockey player.

But two years later, Lauren is a closed-off work-a-holic who avoids Brooklyn and the hockey team as much as possible and stays in Manhattan working for the manager's other business. But when the assistant for the hockey team has to take off work, Lauren has to fill in...and come face to face with the man who left her behind and the team that used to be part of her daily life. And to deal with lingering whispers from critical wives that blamed Lauren for past events.

Mike sees this as a way to maybe mend the pain from the past and have a new beginning. But he has a lot of making up to do. She has hardened her heart, has trust issues, and is still feeling hurt and anger. And she has her own plans for her future that she is ready to embark on.

But Mike is persistent and determined to earn a second chance. And he will do what he has to do to convince her to let him back in her life and her future. But he also has a girl at home that might not be so fond of that plan.

This is a story of obligations, sacrifice, loss, broken hearts, forgiveness, and second chances. Lauren ended up being a smart, funny, independent, caring, and likable heroine. Mike was pulled in various directions, but he was determined, loving, devoted, and charismatic. I really liked their chemistry, connection, and shared history. His daughter was a bit of a teen drama queen, but I loved her Manny Hans.

Can Mike be the man everyone needs him to be and make everyone happy? Will Lauren be willing to risk her heart and future plans on another chance with the man-who-got-away?

This one was not really angsty or dramatic. It was a sweet, funny, and at times emotional second chance love story. It was told in present and flashbacks in third person point of view giving us their full story. It focused more on the hockey aspect this time as they were going for the play offs and Stanley Cup, and Lauren was working directly with the team.

It can easily be read as a stand-alone, but I liked getting more with our friends Georgia, Leo, Patrick, Ari, Silas, and especially Becca and Nate. But we still need more Becca and Nate! And Silas is a prime hero candidate too. Hopefully Sarina will add more to this series.

Lauren Williams may be known for being an ice princess, but she's also one of Nate's trusted right-hand man. So when Becca suffered a concussion and has to rest, Lauren had to step in and take over her job (temporarily) as manager of the Brooklyn Bruiser's front office. The problem is Lauren would rather be anywhere else than in the Bruiser's office. Readers of this series will remember her aversion to hockey and the team but we never really knew why. We do have an inkling that she and the Bruiser's goalie had a thing in the past but it was never fully revealed in the other books yet.

In Pipe Dreams, we finally get to know the reason behind Lauren's aversion to hockey. And yes, it does have to do with her past relationship with Mike Beacon. Mike was the former captain of the Bruisers. We found out that he stepped down as captain after his estranged wife fell ill and he had to devote his extra time with her. What we do not know then was that this event was also linked with the demise of his and Lauren's relationship.

Image result for hockey skating gif

I have been intrigued with Lauren since the series began. I thought there was more to that whole ice princess routine than meets the eye. But at first, I thought, "Oh no, she's going to cause trouble for one of our heroine, isn't she?" But then Sarina Bowen sort of turned that on its head when she volunteered to babysit for Becca's neice (sic) in the previous book.

Since then, my opinion on Lauren changed. I wanted to know why she's the way she is. I loved that she's capable, accomplished and ambitious. She's also heartbroken and vulnerable. And boy, her past with Mike was a doozy. It's tragic and it's one of those things where you really don't have any choice in the matter. And that's what makes Lauren's heartbreak even more relatable.

Related image

I was prepared to hate Mike for what he did with Lauren. But when I started reading this book, I realized that things are more complicated than that. Mike had to make the best decision he can for his family, and while I feel for Lauren and I wish he didn't break her heart, I understand where his coming from.

It also really helped that Sarina Bowen didn't write Mike's wife as this shrew who had no personality except to be the bad guy in the story. Again, it was more complicated than that. I actually felt sympathy for Mike's family especially his daughter. Okay, I admit I was a little leery when it seemed like Elsa is going to be the "obstacle" that's going to keep our main couple apart. But again, Ms. Bowen did her character justice. She's not just a prop but a real character with a story arc.

Image result for hockey puck gif

The whole team featured prominently in this book as they chase the Stanley Cup. I enjoyed seeing them in action. My only complaint about this book was (view spoiler)

Apart that, I liked this one a lot. I've always enjoyed Sarina's writing. Her characters are simply likable and her stories tends to really resonate with me and with a lot of readers. Pipe Dreams is an enjoyable, low-angst, second-chance romance that shouldn't be missed.

Image result for hockey black and white gif

I LOVEDDD this!! Omg. Pipe Dreams might be my favorite of the Brooklyn Bruisers series. I freaking loved Lauren and Mike so hard! Their second chance romance is angsty, emotional, and SO sweet. Mike is definitely a man who knows how to grovel and win back the love of his life. 😉 If you love second chance romances or sports romances, you need to read Pipe Dreams in your life!

Widower, single father, and hockey goalie Mike Beacon lost the love of his life after an act of misplaced good intentions. Years later, Lauren is back in his life (albeit unwillingly) to take care of the team’s owner. Mike sees this as his chance to make things right with the only woman he’s ever loved… and possibly make her love him again. Will he be able to break down the walls around her heart – that he put up? Or will he have forever lost the best thing that ever happened to him?

"A year from now he knew they’d wake up every morning in a bed together. He was sure of it, even if the details weren’t worked out yet, and even though he wasn’t allowed to speculate."

Lauren is known as the Ice Princess for her stone-cold facade. After a devastating heartbreak, she closed herself from all emotions to avoid ever having to feel that kind of self-destruction again. But when the cause of her heartbreak is back in her life and determined to win her love again, can she hold strong and stop the heartbreak from happening again? Or will this second time around end up being the real deal?

“I love you,” he said. He was just going to keep saying that forever, and he wanted her to know it.

I adored this book so, so much! It was everything I hoped for and more in Mike and Lauren’s second chance romance. And despite how angsty it was, it was also pretty low on drama, which I found myself appreciating. Despite the complicated mess their relationship turned out to be, Lauren and Mike’s love for each other was simple and never in doubt. I wholeheartedly loved these characters and their story!

This is another open plea to Sarina Bowen to please, please give us Nate and Becca’s book!!! Some developments happen in Pipe Dreams, but I NEED MORE!!! Please.

Lauren Williams keeps things running smoothly in Nate’s Manhattan offices, but rarely steps foot in the Brooklyn Bruisers portion of his business holdings. When she is around the team, she is coldly efficient, remaining closed off and staying only as long as absolutely necessary. But with Rebecca out with a head injury, she can’t avoid the team or the past she has tried so hard to forget.

A veteran on the team, Mike Beacon leads from between the pipes. But off the ice has been rougher than he planned. Now a widower and single father, he fights to find balance between work and his daughter, and now that Lauren is working with the Bruisers again he can’t forget the year they spent together.

Lauren hates the memories that return when she has to work closer to the team just as much as Mike likes to remember them. But Lauren has decided her plans don’t need to include a man and she will have a child on her own.

I loved learning more about Lauren and her past with the team. I knew it would take a good backstory because she was so hard to like in earlier books in the series, but after learning the hurt she was shielding it all made sense. Mike had some big walls to pull down in order to make her even think about spending time with him again, and rightly so.

Mike had other challenges to work through as well. His daughter has heard things about Lauren that make her take swipes at Lauren despite of and because of the relationship with Mike. This is a girl who has lost just as much as her dad, but doesn’t quite have the full story.

Setting this story in the middle of the Stanley Cup tournament means neither Lauren nor Mike have a lot of extra time to devote to something new and they each have a lot riding on keeping everything drama free. It made the moments they had together all the more meaningful as they had to find time together.

I loved watching previous couples as they moved around Lauren and Mike. Trevi and Georgia, O’Doull and Ari, and all the other teammates have to work together as the team fights through the playoffs. Even more fun than seeing all my favorite established couples was watching Nate and Rebecca continue to circle around each other. Nate is extra protective of her after her head injury, even as she just wants some independence.

This was a fun second chance romance between two co-workers with history. It was a relatively easy read without unnecessary drama. This may be my favorite of the series so far, and I hope there is more to come. I need to know what really happened between Nate and Rebecca during the Stanley Cup series.

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

Lauren has earned the reputation as an Ice Princess, and not without merit, so much so she even has a glare named after her. Going by what we’ve previously seen of the right hand woman to the team’s manager, she’s stand offish and has made her resentment at being at the club rather clear. The time and distance away from the stadium have been therapeutic but she is in no way looking forward to being back, or the prospect of running into the team’s goalie, Mike Beacon.

As a result of misplaced good intentions, Mike let the best thing that ever happened to him slip through the net. His attempts to break the ice are not forth coming but he did not reach his level of success without hard graft and tenacity. Although Lauren has her guard up, he makes it his mission to break through her defences.

I was so impressed by how little unnecessary drama there was. Mike and Lauren were such likeable characters and I so much enjoyed cheering them on toward their much deserved happiness. Pipe Dreams is the perfect hat trick to a series that comes to an end much too soon for my liking.

And on that note *cough* Nate& Becca's story *cough**

**4.5 stars**
It's not secret with my friends that I love hockey romances, but second chance hockey romances? SIGN ME UP. The Brooklyn Bruisers series by Sarina has quickly become one of my favorites and Pipe Dreams was no different. I loved Mike and Lauren's story. Their story was just what I wanted in the sense of a second chance romance. It was bumpy but beautiful.

I loved watching Lauren and Mike get reacquainted with each other in Pipe Dreams and things that happened to break them up. I loved that the story gave you glimpses of the past but focuses on the present time as well. You see small pieces of Lauren in the first two books and I'm not going to lie, I thought she was rude. What I didn't give her credit for was how the sudden break up with Mike truly affected her. She wasn't rude, she was just heartbroken. I loved Lauren and felt for her the entire time. I can see why she was acting the way she did and how she still had her guard up when it comes to Mike, but when I loved was how Mike didn't quit her. He tried until he saved the best shot ever, Lauren.

I loved Mike from page one. He was truly himself and that was what made him swoony to me. I loved how you could see he was real. He didn't try to pull out any special stops or anything to make Lauren want him, he was himself. He's an amazing goalie and a great father, but he was missing the one thing that made him whole. Watching him win he back was just what I was looking for and I truly loved every second of their story.

I hope this isn't the end. I hope we get more. This series has been one of my absolute favorites by Sarina Bowen.

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

Mike and Lauren have a history. And, it is a painful one. They were attracted, he was married, things happened, they got together and then they split up. At least, that is the story she has, and the one that others were allowed to believe. It is the reason Lauren really doesn't want to give him a second chance. He is the reason she is no longer a part of the hockey world, and the reason she no longer works directly with a team, so there is a lot that she has done to make it to where she doesn't see him in her daily life.

There were a lot of things that worked. The reason he had for ending them makes them being able to restart quickly make sense, especially as he starts to tell her what happened, and why, and what he was thinking when he made the decision.

This quick restart, however, is a bit complicated by the fact that Lauren has started the process of having a child on her own.

The combination of their past and the rush placed on the relationship with the fertility treatments both worked and left me feeling like I was not given everything I needed in order to really be on board with them. The rush of the relationship had not one, but 2 reasons. And, while it worked, it did leave me feeling like this was a relationship on warp speed and that I was not getting the depth I wanted out of it.

Not that the book was bad, not at all. Mike loves Lauren. You can tell this right off. And, he doesn't try to hide it from anyone. And, it is nice to read a book where the hero just plain loves the heroine. Mike loves Lauren, it shows, and it was fun.

I do recommend this title.

As you might know I love Sarina Bowen's books. I've been reading the Brooklyn Bruisers series since it started in the end of last year and I was super excited to read this one. First of all, I loved the previous two books in the series... even if I loved Rookie Move a little bit more than Hard Hitter). Secondly, this book has a single dad. I don't know why but I love single dads in romances. Also, this is a second-chance romance... Yeah, there was a lot for me to like in this book and I can tell you it didn't disappoint. I loved this book a lot.

Let me start by talking with the characters... I absolutely adored the main characters in this book. Lauren is just an awesome girl. She was this strong, independent woman who knew what she wanted for her life and knew she didn't need a guy to be happy. I loved her and she was such a great girl. Mike was also amazing. First of all, he was a great dad. Elsa wasn't the easiest teen ever, especially because some things happened in her life that changed everything, but he still tried to talk to her even when it wasn't a nice conversation. He was also super loyal... to the point where he would do something he thought it was right even if it wasn't what he wanted. They were also really good together. Once they were together again they were together for real. I just think there was a certain thing that happened way too fast and I would like that they would have talked about it before. I just loved the characters in this book because even the side characters were amazing. CAN I HAVE A BOOK ABOUT NATE AND BECCA NOW???? PLEASE?? I need to know what's happening between them.

Once again I really loved the writing style in this book. I've read a few Sarina Bowen books so far so I already kind of know her writing style and I know love it. I love how it is a fast pacing read but it's still deep and it makes you emotional at some points. I just love her books... A LOT.
Overall, this was an amazing book and I 100% recommend it to everyone who loves a good sports romance (or even any kind of romance) or to everyone who loves Sarina Bowen's books.

I wasn't sure how this read would turn out for me since Lauren's character came off as very cold in the previous book, but this series has been going so well for me I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read it. I didn't have anything to worry about because once we got to see her character more you saw the pain she was trying to hide and it really made me feel for her.

Lauren and Mike were really fun characters to read about and I was happy that they didn't let the past ruin them. They had a great connection that was really evident in this book, even when Lauren was trying to deny it. I loved that Mike didn't give up in his pursuit of Lauren and how he finally convinces her to give him another chance.

What I really liked about this book is that the author kept it pretty light. Of course there was a little angst between these characters but there was never any unnecessary drama brought up just for the hell of it. I liked that the main focus was on Lauren and Mike moving forward with their lives instead of living in the past.

Bottom line, this is a must read for all lovers of a second chance romance. It can easily be read as a standalone but if you're anything like me the little teases of Nate and Becca will have you begging for their story.

His love was like a tidal wave. He couldn’t have held it back one more second if he tried.

Funny story—I opened this book expecting something completely different—and no, I don’t mean that the blurb for Pipe Dreams is misleading. Rather, I was remembering the synopsis for another book (co-)penned by Sarina Bowen, Stay, so I was a little… surprised at first. But in a good way, because as soon as I’d solved my am I in another universe? book mystery, I recalled why I’d been anticipating this book so damn much.

Because Lauren.
Because Mike.
Because second chances.

And, in the end, it all boils down to this: I loved this book. It was a little more hockey-heavy than the previous books in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, and I found myself quickly engaged and on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen to Mike, Doulie, Leo and the boys. But more than that, I was engaged and on the edge of seat waiting to see what would happen between Mike and Lauren.

Pipe Dreams was a slow burn re-connection of two people who had been fooled by fate, and that made it hard for me to put it down. I am, after all, a complete sucker for a well-written second chance romance. And hells bells, this one is well-written—pulling me into the one more chapter loop, making me wait to see what/who would give and when.

Put simply, I read this book into the wee hours, and enjoyed every moment.

Normally, I’d swoon and gush about the hero (and Mike had some swoonworthy moments, to be sure), but instead, I want to talk about Lauren. Because her progression throughout this series from snide side-character to maligned heroine was a thing of beauty. She was warmer, kinder, and more open than we’d yet seen, while still being herself. Her new self. I didn’t just love her, I also liked her, and it was impossible not to root for her, whether that meant a perfect happily ever after or a set of double middle fingers pointed squarely at the man who broke her heart.

As for which one it ended up being… well, you have to find out for yourself. I was slightly surprised we didn’t get a little more time with the Bruisers in those critical final chapters, but nonetheless, I closed Pipe Dreams having read a book that wasn’t what I expected, was what I anticipated, and that made me happy. Pucking happy.

(And also, hopeful for one more book in this series, because Nate and Becca need to be a thing. Stat.)

“This feels right. We feel right. Whether it’s two years that passed or twenty-two, if I hold you in my arms it will always feel exactly right.”

~ 4.5 STARS ~

Hockey hotties? Check!
Second chances? Check!
Slow burn? Check!

Sarina Bowen's hockey books are some of may favourite sports books out there. There is something about her writing that drags me in takes me on the journey along with her characters. Mike and Lauren's story is not all rainbows and butterflies, Mike has enough baggage to hold them back - at least for a while.

I love the pull and the spark between our lovelies. It is a force to be reckoned with.

I adored seeing more of the couples from the first two books, but most of all I loved seeing the progression in Nate and Becca's relationship, and hope that we get more of them soon.

I read Pipe Dreams in one day, and now I am impatiently waiting to see what Ms Bowen brings us next.

4.5 Stars - Top Pick

We meet both Lauren and Mike in Rookie Move, the first book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. As first impressions go, Lauren’s isn’t a particularly good one. She doesn’t come across as friendly with the other women, cool, blonde, sophisticated, and very unhappy. She works for Nate, the owner of the Brooklyn Bruisers, in his Manhattan office but claims to hate hockey. Yeah, there’s a story behind that. I’ll get to it in a little bit.

In Hard Hitter, second book in the series, you learn a bit more about Mike Beacon, the goalie. An unplanned pregnancy kind of forces his hand and he marries his high school girlfriend when he was nineteen. The marriage isn’t a happy one but before they can divorce, his wife is diagnosed with terminal cancer. And then there’s Lauren. She comes across as a little friendlier, interacting with the women more.

In Pipe Dreams, we get the whole story of Lauren and Mike’s ill-fated relationship. I knew it would be fantastic and I was right! Okay, long story short, Lauren and Mike had been attracted to each other from almost the moment he joined the team, back when his now 13-year-old daughter was a toddler. For eight years they remained strictly in the friend zone. He’s not a cheater and she doesn’t mess with married men. But then his wife cheats on him and he leaves her. They file for divorce and Mike and Lauren finally give in to their long simmering attraction. Their relationship lasts for almost two years and then his wife is diagnosed with terminal cancer. For reasons I won’t get into, he feels compelled to go back to her and leaves Lauren high and dry.

Usually, I’m not a huge fan of long or multiple flashbacks, but Sarina Bowen makes very good use of them in Pipe Dreams. I wanted to get a firsthand look at how things unfolded and then fell apart between them. It also gave me a much closer look at Lauren, a heroine I quickly grew to like (a lot) and with whom I empathized. Mike hurt her a lot and it was heartbreaking to read how she left him sobbing voicemails as she tried to get him to tell her what she’d done wrong and why he’d left her. It’s easy to understand why she has her heart on lockdown and she’s reluctant to let him have another go at breaking it again. And here’s the thing, she wants to be a mother and at thirty-one, she wants that sooner than later and sets plans in action to make it happen.

On top of being good-looking and sexy, Mike is a good and decent man. There simple isn’t much not to like about him. He refuses to tolerate homophobic name calling and speaks out against it (his daughter’s violin teacher/babysitter/house guest is a gay man). He’s a great father and he’s still in love with Lauren. When work circumstances throw them in regular contact, you can imagine how that goes. The sheets are hit, and they’re hit hard. But getting back together isn’t going to be easy.

I liked the way Ms. Bowen handles Lauren’s interaction with Mike’s daughter Elsa. Elsa makes it clear she doesn’t like Lauren in ways I found typical of a teenage girl. Keep in mind that Elsa’s still dealing with the death of her mother. Poor Mike is in a difficult situation—again—he loves his daughter but he’s in love with Lauren and is determined that things between them will work come hell or high water.

I enjoyed catching up with the couples from the first two books, and it was really nice to see what happened to Nate and Becca. I thought maybe they’d get their own book but I can’t see that happening now. Wouldn’t mind a novella to see how it all played out. Nate totally intrigued me. I think he’d make a great hero.

That said, Pipe Dreams is an engrossing read that packs a wonderful emotional punch and hot love scenes. I loved watching Mike and Lauren finally get their happy ending. This story comes with a high recommendation, especially if you love an excellent second chance at love romance.

~ Beverley