DNF @75 %.
I felt like through the end the book got more and more boring. It included moments that were not necessary for the story and that's why the book dragged. I just lost interest at that point.

”If she’s sunshine, i’m the guy who hopes it never starts raining”☀️

I was lucky enough to get an ARC from @valentine_pr_ and I am super grateful. I really enjoyed this one and will 100% be going back and reading the other books in the series.

I loved the chemistry between Izzy and Nik 🔥. This was a super quick and super spicy read. If you know me you know I love a sports romance. Especially hockey and this did not disappoint. Our main characters, Nik and Izzy, also face some pretty big issues in this book and I loved reading about the way that this was resolved as it was done so well. 🏒

A big thank you to the author, the publishers and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this to read and review. ✨

oh goodness okay this one was fire and so interestingly done. thanks so much for the arc this one was cool

The writing style was immediately not for me when I started this book, it seemed like there wasn't a huge difference between our two main character's voices. After starting the novel, I got sick for two weeks and struggled to do much other than rest. When I eventually came back to this story, I felt disconjointed and didn't feel invested in our characters. Once I figured out this was a new book in a series, I believe my lack of invest made more sense.

I won't be rating this due to the fact that I ended up reading it in odd chucks and didn't realize it was a part of a series. (I had to rate to submit my thoughts, but I wouldn't have otherwise)

I very much appreciate having the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for me honest review!

This made me feel like your one big true love.

Isabelle and Nikolai had a fling over the summer and supposed they would go back to normal when school started back up.

Nikolai gets into a scandal and has to transfer to McKee.

The attraction and chemistry stay between them, they can't fight it.

But the odds are against them, Nikolai is Isabelles brother's rival, the grandfather of Nikolai has lots of stipulations and Izzy's position on the volleyball.

There are some harder topics but they are so well written, you just feel for the characters.

I could not put the book down.

I wanted to love this more but the pure mention of the San Jose Sharks took off a star.

Kidding. 🤣 That’s not the reason for my rating. I really went in hoping to enjoy it more but I felt like I wanted to see them really hit it off. We come in with Nikolai and Isabelle being together for awhile and then they just kind of pick back up where they left off? Don’t get me wrong. Their relationship is adorable but I just wanted more depth to their interactions.

Which brings me to the writing. This book could have benefitted from a more cohesive timeline. One minute you’re in one scene and the beginning of the next chapter is weeks down the road.

The spice was mildish. I give it a 3 🌶️ out of 5.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The ending to the series and it was amazing. Both of these characters have their flaws and struggles. From anxiety to panic attacks. I loved how they were approached. This is sort of enemies to lovers as the MMC, Nikolai is the enemy of the brother of the Izzy. They had an amazing relationship. If you’re into the below then this is a great book for you. This is the last book of the series and you do not need to read them in order, but it does help.

⚫️sports romance
⚫️he falls first
⚫️Secret family

I received this ARC through the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing this book, opinions are my own.

Isabelle and Nikolai's story just tugged on my heartstrings from the beginning - a summer forbidden fling but due to unforeseen circumstances he ends up at her college on the hockey team with his rival, her brother. Neither can hide their attraction or their feelings for each other but both are struggling with so much that they haven't let their families know about. Both characters (and really all of the characters) feel so real that it's hard to not read the whole book in one sitting.

There’s something about forbidden love and protective brothers that gets me every time. I appreciated having the chance to read this early. I’m always a fan of hockey romances and this one did not disappoint. The chemistry between Nikolai and Isabelle was fantastic and their banter was even better.

The way I devoured this book should be unhealthy.
Summer flings are always supposed to be just that a fling. That was supposed to be the case when it came to Isabelle and Nikolai until he suddenly showed up at her school. Which wouldn't be such a problem if he wasn't her brother's enemy on the ice.
The chemistry between these two was off the charts. The connection was so easy to see and the way they were with each other was just something else.
It was great to catch up with the rest of the family throughout the book and just see how everything has progressed.

I love hockey romance and this one was no different. I have not read this author before but was pleasantly surprised. This one was spicy and I was here for it.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I for sure went to the wrong college. Where were all the hot, rich, super athletic hockey players at when I went to school? I mean...I did go to school in California and we didn't have a hockey team, but that's besides the point.

Wicked Serve is the fourth in an interconnected series but Grace Reilly does such a great job writing the book that you don't feel like you've missed anything if you didn't read the first three. I didn't. Although I will be picking up the others now.

I love that the FMC, Izzy, was a volleyball player! There isn't enough representation for that sport in romance books. She had such a fun storyline and background and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective during the dual POV. I appreciated that she wasn't automatically the best at her chosen sport or with her career. It's refreshing to see the MCs struggle. Although, MMC, Nikolai's struggles were heartbreaking at times. I loved the mental health representation. Especially having the MMC experience it. He went through so much growth as a character. The family and friendships were fantastic.

There were some things that I had to not dwell on - if Izzy's parents bought her a place on the team she would simply be riding the bench; a setter and an outside hitter and not necessarily interchangeable and an outside hitter is still a very impressive position! Also, naturally everyone else in the book being a professional athlete. Or that the MMC whisks the FMC away when she has a bad week and takes her to Australia! Not super realistic, but still swoon-worthy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grace Reilly for the opportunity to read this book.

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were fun and I loved their interactions. I haven't read this author before but I will definitely be looking for more of her books.

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. There were definitely tears in my eyes a few times, I loved that I could connect with the characters and feel what they felt. This book was amazing

This was my first book by this author, and I jumped into this book without realizing it was the 4th one. Honestly, I didn't feel lost when it came to the other characters, and I'm really excited to read all the previous books now. I love Nick and Isabel. The chemistry with them was amazing. I thought the way they dealt with their issues was good and didn't have me rolling my eyes. I'm very happy I read this.

Spicy with a capital S! While a bit lighter on believable character and plot development, Reilly makes up for it in spice! Pros - I really enjoyed the characters of Nik and Izzy and was rooting for their relationship to succeed. The writing quality is good for a spicy novel and there was good pacing and conflict development. Cons - the believable character and plot development. While I know that's the spicy romance cliche (step out of the rational zone), I have seen examples of it done better - including by Reilly! Overall, an enjoyable romp for fans of secret romances and sports romances.

*advance reader review but all opinions are my own*

No one talk to me. I’m so sad that this series is over. I will miss all of these characters so much <3 it’s such a fun and easy series to read if you’re fancying some sports romances! This book was actually more emotional than I thought it would be and I ate it all upppp. I felt so protective over both main characters and although they both had tough times, I loved that they prioritised themselves to improve their relationship in the end.

The spice in this book was SPICING yet it was such a cute book!!! For me it was the perfect balance. It took me quite a while to finish it as at times the plot was a bit slow but overall 4 stars. What an incredible author and what a series!!!

I’ll leave this review with the quote “you’re everything to me, Isabelle. Your stubborn warmth and wild summertime. You’re sunshine.”

This book was so cute (do mind the TW THOUGH!!!) and it was perfectly fluffy book for the summer (not a summer romance tho).

Nikolai and Isabelle were such easy characters to connect to. Their love was not without its flaws, which tbh makes sense after starting as a summer fling. The flaws barely registered because their relationship was so healthy, cute and respectful. Those two are the prefect couple!
This book has some of my favorite tropes - brother's rival, f-buddies to lovers, both FMC and MMC are athletes which I always love (and he's a hockey player, which if u know me, is one of my favorite profession for a MLI).
Although the trope starts off as brother's rival, it soon turns into brother's teammate, which makes it no less forbidden. But as far as forbidden romances go, this one was thankfully not heavy on the angst. Personally I prefer it when they enjoy the sweetness of the forbidden fruit and actually care about each other, as it is done in this book, compared to all the one step ahead, then three back, all the annoying back and forth.

There were some darker topics covered regarding Nikolai's family situation in the past and mental health.

I would def recommend this book!

Thanks to Valentine PR and the author for providing me with an ARC!

This was such a fun read and I loved all the tropes! I definitely will look forward to reading more books by this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I literally got hooked right from the start!Nikolai and Isabelle’s chemistry and the tension between them was felt through the pages. Their relationship was healthy and toxic free. I loved that both Nikolai and Isabelle were honest and open with each other. They talked about their thoughts and feelings right away. It also touched my heart on how they were there for each other no matter what. The book tackled some serious topics, such as mental health, panic attacks, trauma, and so on. It brought tears to my eyes on reading the struggles Nikolai and Isabelle faced and on how they overcame it. Lastly, we got a lot of heartwarming and sweet moments, both from Nikolai and Isabella, and also their friends and family. It was fun reading their bonding moments and also got me wishing that I was part of their family too.
Like ∙ flag