Set in and around Chicago and the local hockey team, I loved this grumpy / sunshine, dual POV sweet romance.

The meet-cute was so fun, then the payoff of Eloise and Gray meeting again was great. I loved peeling back the layers of Gray's broody exterior. A perfect slow burn!

I can't wait to see what happens with Raya (and hopefully Finn!) and seeing the couples (including Poppy and Dallas) continue to grow in their relationships.

Closed Door / Kisses Only

5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Sweethaven Press for the opportunity to read this book in advance.

This is such a lovely book, and a great follow up to the first in this series. Eloise is a fabulous lead character. She is open, honest and caring and puts herself out there. Her monologues are absolutely daft but really help her be understood and come across as a real person. Gray is rude but there is a softer side that we get to glimpse. The world of hockey is a great backdrop, not least as Gray and his team mates end up topless and getting changed often, 11 year old - wise beyond her years - Scarlet is amazing and the whole of Eloise’s family make this book a fun, romantic read complete its grand gesture!

Another fantastic romance by Courtney Walsh! I’m glad I read this one right around the time I read the first book in this series. I loved the sisters and the hockey and even with it being closed door romance I didn’t think anything was lacking, very cute! Hoping their is another book for the last sister.

My Lucky Charm
Courtney Walsh
Publication date: 2/29/2024
5/5 stars

I’m not sure if “comfort authors” is a thing but if so, Courtney Walsh is definitely mine! Her books always have an intriguing storyline with no heavy subjects, and a happy ending. My Lucky Charm is the second book in Holidays with Hart series. This is Eloise’s story of becoming an assistant for a grumpy professional hockey player, Grayson Hawke. I loved the dual POVs and the slow burn romance. I also loved that American Sign Language (ASL) is incorporated in this book. It’s fun if you read My Phony Valentine first to recognize the characters that cross over, but this book is great as a standalone too. Looking forward to the next one!

Thank you Courtney Walsh, Netgalley and Sweethaven press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a huge hockey romance book fan and having discovered this series makes my day. I haven't really read many closed door romances that hook me in, and this series is amazing.

Having a dual POV with Eloise and Gray really gave them both great character growth throughout the story. I really couple relate to Eloise and how I was like her when I was in my 20's and how I met my grumpy Gray later in life. I could also feel for Eloise so much with her relationship with Raya, as that is how my inner voice sometimes seems to be.

I feel that if someone is wanting to start reading hockey romances this series is the way to go!

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. 🤍

This is a grumpy x sunshine ice hockey romance and it was SO good! i flew through it as it was so easy to read and i loved every second.

This is such an easy 5 stars for me. It had everything that made a great romance book. The family and friends were such an asset to the story and I’m definitely going to read the first book in the series now because I am so interested in Dallas and Poppy’s story.

Eloise and Gray had the most perfect slow-burn progression into a relationship. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book it was so so good.

*thank you to NetGalley and Sweethaven Press for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my review*

Courtney Walsh writes the most loveable books. They feel like a warm hug from your best friend. And this book is no exception. I would not consider myself a hockey romance person, but this is Courtney Walsh we’re talking about here. While hockey may not be my thing, relatable characters and moving backstories definitely are.

Eloise and Gray are so perfect—on their own and together. And I love it when characters get each other without the need for a massive miscommunication trope.

This grumpy/sunshine romcom had me constantly laughing aloud and making this face: 🥹. As the grumpy one in my relationship, I really appreciate when the goal isn’t to “fix” the grump, but to UNDERSTAND them. How Walsh managed to get so much heartfelt conversation and understanding into this lightweight story is a work of magic.

I struggled a bit with the sister relationships here—especially Raya. I wish I could say it made me uncomfortable, but it was more like I needed to break from reading when she appeared because I would get an urge to rant. I’m still unpacking this, as I believe it says more about me than about the story itself. But this book is a winner nonetheless!

If you love a sweet romance that isn’t too much of an emotional rollercoaster, but will make you realize how sweet it is to accept people for who they really are, be sure to read this one!

AHEM, PLS NOTE:
* dual POV
* opposites attract
* dual pining
* deaf representation
* bouquet of Dr. Pepper 💐
* “Who hurt you?”
* #IsThisAKissingBook: sizzling kisses only

Will share on my Instagram (@alwreads on release day and St. Patrick’s Day)

My Lucky Charm⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A cute, closed door romance.

After getting dumped and fired by her boss, who happened to be her boyfriend, Eloise is trying to celebrate New Year’s Eve with her friends. Everything is going ok til she sees her ex with his new girlfriend. Wanting to make him jealous, she finds a random guy to kiss when the clock strikes midnight. Fast forward - Eloise is starting her new job. She will be an assistant to a major league hockey player. When she meets Grayson Hawke she is shocked. It’s the same guy from the bar, who happened to go along with her plan and kissed her! All the memories of that night come back and how much she felt a connection with him. But does he remember her or not?

I loved this book! The characters were so good. I loved Eloise and her bubbly personality and Gray and his standoffish attitude, even though he’s a sweetheart after you get to know him. I loved their banter and at times had me laughing out loud. While I would consider this a closed door romance, there are a few swoony kisses. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last! I have found another cute, closed door romance author to add to my list.

This book comes out February 29, 2024. Be sure to add to your TBR list! You don’t want to miss it. It is part of a series but you can read out of order and won’t be lost.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sweethaven Press for my advance readers copy this is my honest and voluntary opinion.

I loved this one! I loved that it got me sucked in and I didn't want to put it down. I loved the characters! I actually loved the grumpy-sunshine trope in this one. Eloise is such a likable character, she has a "sunshine" personality that you can't help but love, but I really liked the character growth she goes through. Grayson, is definitely a grump. It's understandable the reasons why he is that way, but it was sooo good to see the real him come through and his character growth as well. They are so good for each other, you can't help rooting for them. I thought the story flowed well, had good pacing and I enjoyed the side characters and overall plot. I look forward to reading it again!!

A sweet, clean romance with a grumpy meets sunshine and HOCKEY….sign me up!

He has a past that left him closed off to others and it has taken the fun out of the game. He gets traded and is struggling to fit in with his new team.

Then they hire her…she’s supposed to help him acclimate to all of the changes and help his image with the press.

She talks too much and he doesn’t talk enough. You can guess what happens next! It’s a cute one!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

Thank you NetGalley, Courtney Walsh and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Sweethaven Press for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

In "My Lucky Charm," Courtney Walsh transports readers into the captivating world of Eloise, the youngest of the three Hart sisters. Eloise is depicted as a character with a blend of strengths and vulnerabilities, making her both relatable and endearing. However, the narrative occasionally dwells too much on her past failures, which can feel annoying at times. Nevertheless, Walsh succeeds in crafting Eloise as a character readers can easily root for.
Gray, the counterpart to Eloise, adds layers of intrigue to the story. While his character sporadically comes across as superficial, the relationship dynamics between him and Eloise remain engaging and authentic. Deeper exploration into Gray's family background would have enhanced his portrayal, adding depth to his character.
The supporting cast, primarily carried over from the first book, serves its purpose, though Raya's presence was somewhat annoying after a while due to her demanding nature.

Walsh excels in setting the atmosphere, providing vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the characters' world. Eloise's tour-guide tidbits add an extra layer of charm to the storytelling.
The writing style is enjoyable and accessible, fitting well within the romance genre. While not particularly poetic, Walsh's prose is engaging and easy to follow.
The plot is compelling, seamlessly weaving in the sport of hockey and allowing readers to learn alongside Eloise. The pacing keeps the story moving briskly, making "My Lucky Charm" a delightful romance read.
The book's intrigue is evident in its ability to captivate readers, evidenced by the speed at which I devoured it. The desire to see how Eloise and Gray's relationship unfolds is a driving force behind the narrative's momentum.
Overall, the logic of the story holds up, with conflicts resolved in a timely manner and actions feeling realistic and justified.

For fans of romance, "My Lucky Charm" is another win from Courtney Walsh, solidifying her status as one of my new favorite authors in the genre.

Rating: 3,5-4

MY LUCKY CHARM by Courtney Walsh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a romcom as much as this in a while! I easily binged this book in a day and smiled the whole time. It was light, easy, happy, a little predictable, but fully enjoyable! All of these characters won me over. Eloise is the perfect, sunshine main character. And Grey, even as a total grump, made me fall in love with him. All of the other family members and hockey players just made it perfection! I needed something easy like this to cleanse the pallet and it was flawless.

Eloise is a happy go lucky girl whose life isn’t going great at the moment. She scores a job as a personal assistant to Professional Hockey Player, Grey. He doesn’t make it easy, but Eloise is not easily deterred. She is determined to excel at her job and make him love his new city.

Pub. Date: March 16, 2024

Perfect if you like:
•Grumpy / Sunshine.
•Hockey Romance.
•Slow burn romance.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️ (just kissing)
Mood: 🍩🌮

This was SO CUTE!!! I read it in one sitting and just loved the whole story (wish there had been an epilogue but I'll settle for Raya [and Finn's???] Story instead!) Eloise is hired to be an admin for Gray, as he settles into his new hockey team in Chicsgo. Neither publically admits that they had shared a life changing kiss on new years and don't intwnd to dwell on it now that she works for the team/she works with him. This was such a grumpy/golden retriever story. I loved Eloise, Gray was such a tough nut to crack and she was so intentional with not compromising herself while also being the person he didn't know he needed. But slowly, walls start coming down and, feelings! The longing, the unconventional friendship, everyone around them noticing their attraction (and scarlett was the best!!), whether or not they were inclined to agree. This was the epitome of the slowest burn and I was here.for.it. 🥰

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for my review!

All the Stars! Oh my goodness I loved this book so much and could not stop reading. After reading My Phony Valentine, I was so excited to be back in this world and get to know a new Hart sister better! I don’t watch much hockey, but I all of a sudden want to! Haha Courtney Walsh had such a gift in this genre, and I’m here for it! I laughed, I cried, and I loved every minute.

Thanks to net galley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I've always loved the grumpy + sunshine trope, and this book is a great addition to that category! The characters chemistry was wonderful and surprise at the end was so sweet! I had not read the first book before this one, and while it's not necessary to read this one, I definitely want to go back and read the first! Can't wait to read the next one!

🌈 𝓜𝔂 𝓛𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓶 🍀

ARC Review

Courtney Walsh did not disappoint with the second novel in the Holidays with Hart standalone series.

Grayson Hawke has my heart. This man 😮‍💨 the grumpiest of grumps. Eloise is the youngest Hart sister hired on to help Gray’s image after being traded from Philly to Chicago (hey hockey romance 😏). She is full of sunshine and happiness which totally gets on Grays nerves. As we read we uncover what has Gray so closed off and it takes you by surprise!

This was a truly wonderful book right from the first kiss 🥹 totally did not see the Gray twist coming which was really great in a romance novel. 5 ⭐️ from me!

Closed door romance but the mental images of a shirtless Gray running 😏

Get this book on February 29th when it releases!

Thank you @netgalley for an early copy of this novel

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3gtkn5Lhj9/

The grumpy x sunshine trope at its finest. 😍 In My Lucky Charm, we are re-introduced to Eloise Hart, who we first met in My Phony Valentine. Eloise loves with her full heart. Enter, Grayson Hawke, a very grumpy, angry hockey player who was just traded to the Comets hockey team..and is not happy about it. Eloise is hired to be Grayson's assistant and acclimate him to Chicago and help him be a little more PR friendly. Can Eloise do a good job and break down Grayson's wall or did she get more than she bargained for?

Oh my! I am so happy to be back in Loveland with the Hart sisters and the guys of the Chicago Comets!! I have missed Poppy, Dallas, Raya, Eloise, and Jericho. And the new addition to the team makes everything so much sweeter.

Eloise just had a bad breakup and is out with friends on New Year’s Eve, when she spots her ex with the “new” girl. In an effort to show Jay she has moved on she does something totally crazy and out of character…hits a stranger up for a kiss to ring in the new year. She experiences the most epic kiss of her life and in the blink of an eye he is gone but not easily forgotten.

Grayson Hawke is arguably the best hockey player in the league, that’s why Dallas wanted him in Chicago, on his team. But Gray isn’t happy about the trade. He is not very likable, or personable, or pleasant. He is laser focused on hockey and nothing else. Dallas decides Gray needs an assistant to help him settle in. Enter Eloise, the girl from New Year’s Eve.

Eloise and Gray are complete opposite in every way. She is the golden retriever, he is the bulldog. She smiles, he frowns. She laughs, he groans. She talks, he grunts. She loves people, he does everything to keep people out. Eloise can’t help her cheery, bubbly, upbeat self and makes it her mission to help him feel at home and fall in love with Chicago.

Gary is my favorite kind of MMC! Broody, grumpy, he has lost sight of the true meaning of happiness. He also has a secret.

This story has so much heart! I love the Hart family, the Comets players, and especially the locker room antics. The kisses are divine, the tension is amazing, the grand gestures are the cutest. Gray’s secret was sweet and fun surprise that added so much depth and charm to the story. And Raya’s clock is ticking! Will she succumb to Finn in the future??

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Courtney Walsh for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Review will be posted on Instagram the week of release.

Thank you NetGalley, Courtney Walsh and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Sweethaven Press for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a delightfully enchanting hockey romance!! It's like savoring a bowl of magically delicious lucky charms-beautifully crafted, charming, uplifting, heartwarming, hilarious and irresistibly sweet!! My Lucky Charm is the second book in the "Holidays With Hart" series, but it stands alone as a complete story. It follows the journey of the grumpiest male main character and a sunshine female main character who cross paths on New Year's Eve in Chicago. Their relationship evolves into a slow burn romance, characterized by witty banter, minimal angst, and undeniable chemistry, with all the sizzle but none of the steam. The narrative is enriched with humor, strong family bonds, vibrant friendships, and the cutest eleven year old girl. I absolutely loved this book!! It kept me grinning, chuckling, swooning and even brought a few tears to my eyes. 💚💚💚💚💚

A humiliating breakup leads to an impulsive New Year's kiss with a complete stranger. What could possibly go wrong? It's no secret that Eloise loves life and Dr. Pepper. Yet, she thrives on a challenge. So, when the opportunity arises to help the newest star player of the Chicago Coments settle into the city, Eloise eagerly accepts. With her previous job going up in flames, she is determined to prove herself. Enter Grayson Hawke: rude, reclusive, and coincidentally, the very stranger she kissed. Despite his prickly demeanor, Eloise is convinced she can succeed. As they spend more time together, she realizes Gray is more complex than meets the eye. Despite their differences, a connection forms, making it difficult to ignore the attraction they feel for each other. But with their resolve to stay professional crumbling, navigating this unexpected romance becomes increasingly challenging.

Once again, Courtney Walsh delivers a captivating story that exceeds expectations!! I cannot recommend this book enough and it deserves all the stars!! 💫💫💫💫💫

My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh is the second book in the Holiday with Hart series, but can be read as a standalone. I didn't read the first one but I will go definitely back and read Poppy and Dallas' story. I loved the Hart family and can't wait to go back into their world.

Writing/plot: 4.5/5
I enjoyed the writing and the dual POV. I only wish there was an epilogue that gave us a peek into their lives in the future.

Characters: 5/5
I loved Eloise's personality. She was relatable, talks too much, and has a lot of inner dialogue. She doesn't like silence and fills it with stories. She likes to look on the bright side and see the glass as half full. It was fun to read her inner monologue. I definitely had some laugh out loud moments from her! I want to be Eloise's friend!

Since Gray was such a grump, it was so important to read his POV and understand his inner thoughts. Understanding his thoughts helped understand why he was such a grump. The relationship between Gray and Scarlett melted my heart.

Eloise brought out the best in Gray and helped him reform his thoughts about hockey and letting people in.

Scarlett was such a great character as well. I love the relationship she had with all the other characters as well.

I also loved the side characters and can't wait to read Raya's story. (fingers crossed)

I loved the Hart family and want to be a member of their family. They were loving, supportive and included everyone.

I love hockey romance books and usually love smut, but I didn't miss it at all in this book. There are just kisses in this book. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up when it publishes on February 29, 2024.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read this book and gave an honest review. I have posted my review on Goodreads as well as my book account on Instagram. I have shared both of those in the links down below. They will be posted after I finish this review.