This is a good book. The two main characters are Isabella and Connor. Isabella is a college student doing her final internship for her PA. Connor is a retired hockey player. Isabella’s father is Connor’s gardener. Isabella comes to visit her father and Connor sees her and thinks she is his new assistant. She finally makes him understand she is only visiting. Connor gets custody of his daughter and needs help, so Isabella’s father and Isabella volunteer to help him. The more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. They start dating and fall in love.

This book was good for spicy romance and age gap love, but this book was not for us sadly. It was all over the place, with the angst and drama. Oh, and the side characters wow. way way too many and each had their own personality. The Spice tho, on point and it what got us through this book.

This is a single dad, Canadian hockey player, smart MFC read. It’s spicy with great supporting characters (love Isabella’s dad and Connor’s little girl). I also appreciated the development and build up between the main characters. There are age and income gap issues, and the dialogue is LOL funny in places. This has a lot of spice. Great addition to the Palm Springs poolside series.

Okay, so this was my first dabble in hockey romances after much pressure from friends and Whiskey Wednesdays turned out to be a fun contemporary romp.

I'm a sucker for stories with well done familial relationships and friendships, and even though I didn't realize this was a series before reading (and didn't totally know all of the side characters lollll) I warmed up to the characters in the second act.

I'm not a sucker for age gaps (23-34), but that's also on me for not realizing before starting.

If you're looking for a spicy contemporary romance to read between heavier books, Whiskey Wednesdays could be perfect.

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Arc received by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
#WhiskeyWednesdays #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced ARC E-Copy of Whiskey Wednesdays by J.L. Brannick in exchange of an honest review.

"Whiskey Wednesdays by J.L. Brannick is an irresistible romance novel that delves into the lives of Isabella, Conner, and Elodie, weaving a beautifully written story of love, self-discovery, and family. Brannick's impeccable storytelling brings to life a cast of captivating characters, each with their own unique charm, and takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. From the scorching chemistry between Isabella and Conner to the heartwarming bond between Elodie and Isabella's dad, this book is a delightful journey that you won't want to end." A solid 4.75 Stars!

Bummed because I didnt realize that this was a series and would have loved to read it from the start. This did intrigue me enough to add the first two books to my read list so that I can complete the series. It's a nice and easy read. It's a change from the thrillers and fantasy genres that I've been reading.

Whiskey Wednesdays is the third book in the Palm Springs Poolside series. Single Dad Hockey Romance— say less! Isa can’t seem to escape Conner, her dad’s boss, especially now that her dad is his daughter’s nanny! Forced proximity seems to push them together over and over again. Elodie, Conner’s daughter, is definitely a favorite for me! She forms a great bond with Isa and her dad that just melts the heart. While there is this sweet connection, this book is also filled with spice! There is a great chemistry between Conner and Isa and it makes it all the more exciting to read!

If you are looking for a book filled with drama, love, and passion, check out Isa and Conner’s story! I couldn’t not put it down and it left me wanting more in this series.

I love this little series set in Palm Springs. A big part of loving this book is that I had Aunts who lived in Palm Springs growing up. My family and I as I got older I would go there often. This book just brought so many memories back.

Connor is a retired hockey player who is now a single dad of five year old Elodie. Connor can be a bit grumpy at times but aren’t we all. He is also part owner of a hockey team. Isabella aka as Isa as she has come to Palm Springs to finisher her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. She is working at a local clinic and also as an intern for the hockey team. Connor and Isa meet while she working with the hockey team. As time goes by and sparks fly, Connor and Isa slowly get to know each other which may be good or bad. As Connor and Isa’s relationship begins Isa is very reluctant as is an arrogant Connor but things turn around as Connor slowly becomes less grumpy and arrogant. Connor starts to let Isa into his life and she meets his daughter whom she finds sweet and adorable. As time goes by Connor finally admits that he has been infatuated with Isa since he met her but she wanted nothing to do with him. Connor with the help of Isa’s father, who works for Connor, were able to turn things around. Connor and Isa relationship grows and they become blissfully happy.

The chemistry was amazing especially when they gave into their attraction for each other. It was nice to see this relationship evolve even with a 10 year age gap between Connor and Isa. This was a fun book to read.

Thank you Netgalley, Smart Mouth Publishing LLC and J.L. Brannick for the ARC.

In J.L. Brannick's captivating novel, "Whiskey Wednesdays," Connor McCoy, a hockey player known as "The Hammer," crosses paths with Riley Johnson, an intern at his hockey team, in a turbulent and unexpected way. Riley's initial encounter with McCoy is less than ideal, marked by abrupt orders, interruptions, and a near-arrest for felony burglary. Despite her initial aversion to McCoy's rough exterior, she finds herself unable to avoid him when he hires her father to be his daughter's nanny. As Riley navigates her internship and her father's new job, she discovers a different side to McCoy. Beneath his gruff demeanor lies a passionate and intense man who ignites a fire within her. Their connection deepens, and they find themselves exploring the boundaries of their desires, both in and out of the bedroom. However, their relationship is not without its challenges. McCoy's troubled past and their vast differences threaten to tear them apart. Additionally, Riley's growing friendship with McCoy's hockey team adds another layer of complexity to their dynamic. "Whiskey Wednesdays" is a compelling journey of love, passion, and self-discovery. Brannick skillfully weaves together moments of humor, steamy romance, and emotional depth, creating a story that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and sizzling chemistry, this novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

This book was okay. Not my favorite. The writing felt immature . The premise of the story was excellent, I just wish the writing was better!

Favorite Trope: single dad, hockey player
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

4.5 stars. Whiskey Wednesdays comes out 24 January 2024, so be sure to mark your calendars if you enjoy age gap, spicy sports romance books with a hilarious, smart and strong female protagonist.
Although this is the third book in the Palm Springs series, it does stand on its own and interacts with the previous book characters kind of sporadically so the setting still managed to feel new and I really enjoyed that.
The tension between Isa and Connor was on another level from the beginning! I absolutely loved Isa's personality and temperament, I could relate to her so easily. I really enjoyed seeing the way Connor pursued her, he wasn't shy about it and even went to her dad to let him know he was serious *swoon*. I also really liked how the friendships she managed to make didn't feel forced or superficial, they each seemed to have their own backstory that I enjoyed.
J.L. Brannick did an amazing job at bringing each personality to life, no one person was the same or felt like their stories were copy pasted, each person feels very genuine. I already have my eye on who the next installment will be about, so I'm excited to see who Brannick chooses to expand on in this universe.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Whiskey Wednesdays is a sexy enemies-to-lovers story about Connor, a retired Canadian hockey player, and Isabella, his landscaper's daughter. Connor goes from a jerk to a soft hearted single dad in Isabella's eyes, and he learns what an accomplished and smart woman Isabella is. The book could maybe benefit from a bit more editing of prose but I enjoyed the story.

I love this series series! The Palm Springs poolside series is such a fun, sexy series, and I was super excited to be able to review Whiskey Wednesdays by J.L. Brannick. Connor is a haughty ex-hockey player and Isabella is the smart and sassy daughter of Connor’s landscaper. This was really sexy, with a little bit of kink. Isabella is an awesome FMC - a fun enemies-to-lovers story!

Connor a grumpy single dad could not care less when he ran into Isabella, his house keepers daughter. When Connor’s 5 year old daughter Elodie came to live with him full time he asked Isabella’s father to be her nanny. Connor and Isabella are total opposites but see each other often with forced proximity. I absolutely loved reading this book, Isabella is an independent woman close to graduating with her PA degree and doesn’t want anything or anyone to get in her way. She knows exactly what she wants and works hard to get it. Connor is a rich billionaire that has every materialistic thing in the world and smart mature daughter but has a ton of baggage in his past relationship. I enjoyed Javy and Bella’s father daughter dynamic, they have a close relationship and it was so heartwarming! This book had good level of spice that I enjoyed, I highly recommend reading this!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you @netgalley and @booksirens for this ARC copy!!

Pub date: 1/24 🗓️

Really enjoyed this story. I have not read any previous ones but I found it quirky and funny. Elodie says it like it is no matter who she is talking to but she has a heart of gold. When up against Connor anything can happen especially when all he wants is Elodie. Great story and I plan on reading more of them by this author.

Quick Summary: Isabella Cruz is your typical PA student - overworked and underpaid. When she takes a clinical rotation in California to be closer to her dad she meets his employer, Connor McCoy. Connor is a retired hockey play, a single dad, and Isa thinks he’s pretty awful. After falling in love with his daughter, Elodie, Isa starts to spend more time than she’d like with Mr. McCoy. They soon find that there are some things that are just inevitable.


My thoughts: After a bit of a slow start, this book really found its groove as Isa and Connor’s relationship developed. Titus, Javy and Elodie add so much love and joy to the story and the way they support the people they love is really well-written. I am a sucker for a book with well-incorporated friendships and familial relationships. There’s just enough angst/drama in this to keep you guessing without it feeling like too much. Isa is a strong, smart, well-written FMC and the story allows for her to be all that she is without it seeming forced.

There are quite a few side characters that I would have understood better if I’d read the first 2 books I the series but its definitely a good stand-alone read and I’ll be interested in reading what ones next (Hopefully with Titus…)

Rating:
Spice:

JL Brannick as done it again. Whiskey Wednesday is 3rd book in the Palm Springs Poolside series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This book is about Isabella and Conner. Conner is a retired hockey player and Isabella a PA. They meet through Isabella’s dad who works at Conner’s home. Conner is a single dad to Elodie and is in the process of sorting out his past. Isabella ends up being a PA for Conner’s team, befriending Elodie and the hockey team. From here let the romance commence.

Conner and Elodie have strong chemistry and the sexual chemistry is off the charts hot. Throughout this story you watch Conner falling in love and saving his family. In turn Isabella is falling in love while growing up and finding herself. The fun of this story comes with Elodie. She is so sweet and plays matchmaker with Isabella’s dad. There are so many great side characters new and old, it was hard to put this book down.

What to Expect:
💛Age Gap
💛Close Proximity
💛Alpha Male
💛A Single Dad
💛Retired Hockey Player
💛Hot and Spicy
💛Heartwarming

Thank you to Net Galley and the author for this ARC.

Lots of spice in this one🌶 It had a great storyline, and lovable characters. If hockey romances are your thing, you will love this one! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Blimey, what a ride! This book was such a joy. The fun bounced off the page. Isa is excellent and joyful, kind and deserving of the best. The plot is addictive and I struggled to put it down. The frequent sex and dirty talk were well-written and suited the plot. The community of friends and family members added to what was going on with Isa breaking down walls to be a great friend.
I just loved this fresh modern read.

I was really excited about this one because of the premise and cute cover, but I just couldn't get into it and ended up DNFing...