Blake and Jess are adorable, and I'm a sucker for all things Elle Kennedy. The girl knows her way around a hockey romance, and Good Boy is absolutely no different.

This book was a little hard for me to get into, as the writing style felt very minimal and surface-level. A lot of the humor wasn't my favorite, and at times felt immature. For as much as this book fell flat for me, especially from Elle Kennedy, it was cute and quick to read.

Okay sooo I did not know this was a spin off.. and maybe that makes a difference.. It really does feel your thrown into like book 5 and are supposed to know whats going on.. but theres not really a summary catch up. I saw the cover/title and thought I was getting a hockey dog romance. While the main characters play hockey its actually the least amount of hockey mentioned in a hockey romance ive read lately. Ie: in chapter 8 they are playing hockey and its like “ coach was smiling at the end of practice we killed it out there we are winning the cup this season” and that’s it for the whole chapter.. which is okay it just could be ANY job its mentioned so little almost like a hobby sport instead of livelihood.
So we enter the book at Wes and Jaimes wedding (from Him series) and our FMC is Jessie who is the sister of Jaime. She is a lost soul trying to find what to do when she grows up since her degree in Art was a bust and now she realizes wedding planning isn’t for her and is thinking about being a nurse in Canada. (the Him series is MM but the WAG series is MF) . The wedding makes me want to fight Blake the whole time. If that happened at my wedding I would straight up cry and leave. Blake says he will help Jessie by getting her grandma and picking up the wedding balloons. He picks up grandma and gets her drunk and then gives the balloons away because white is boring and chooses blue ones that say #1 fan on them. This COULD come off as hilarious but with all the frat boy energy Blake has been giving I just think he sucks as a human. He wants kisses, one butt cheek, to feed the kitty, because samsies, cheezus and nicknames like Jbabe. Fear not he is more than words he also will grab the maid of honors ass while she walks down the aisle, will show you his peen via text when you didn’t ask for it, get into bed with you after you said no and were asleep, just be naked (read the room!)

the book gave me the ick even if Blake donates to the animal shelter.
Blake has the appeal of a stale ham sandwich.

Good Boy is a delightful brother's best friend, one night stand, hockey star romance! Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen join forces for this book and the result is pure fun and sizzling chemistry. Their tones and styles really compliment each other well and blend in a way that tells a clear and lovely story. This novel is the first in their WAGS series and it is light hearted, humorous and fun. The hero and heroine have this underlying chemistry which is sexy and fun, their banter is intense and challenging, and there is a level of frustration that is beautifully created as the reader urges the heroine to see the hero for the romantic he is. If you are looking for a fun and sexy read this novel is sure to hit the mark! I am definitely looking forward to continuing to explore what these two authors create together and I would highly recommend them each on their own!

What is it about a good hockey romance that makes me happy? One of my favorite genres and this one was good! I liked the characters and the storyline. It flowed well and ill was entertained. Would recommend.

I'm sorry to say that I DNF:d this book about halway through. I couldn't stand the characters and everything felt too much put together. Thank you to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a just a great read. I was just all in the story.
Loved the MCs. Lovely written book. i enjoyed more than I expected I would

Despite having high expectations for Elle Kennedy who is usually a reliable favorite of mine, I DNF'ed this book at 52%. Both Jess and Blake felt very two-dimensional, and Blake’s entire personality is basically just puns, self-obsession and lust for Jess. The stupid puns and ridiculous juvenile ways this adult man was speaking were not charming nor entertaining! This book could definitely be a favorite for someone looking for a simple, entertaining, 2D romance, but that was not me when I picked it up.

Another great hockey romance to add to my Elle Kennedy collection! I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read that was packed with emotion and spice.

Blake is a known playboy who is clearly obsessed with Jess. This is the classic "he fell first and harder" trope. He is the ultimate golden retriever with his quirky comments and overall sunshine personality. I could not stop laughing whenever he basically strong armed Jess into doing certain things like dating. He literally forced her to date him simply by saying "we are dating." Only he would be able to pull that move off. His backstory is so heartbreaking and makes things so clear as to why he is the way he is. Molly is a piece of actual trash and I personally do not think she got the punishment she deserved for what she did to Blake. His journey of vulnerability and eventually letting a woman into his life was so sweet.

Jess is someone who is adrift in her life. She thinks she is the disappointment if the family since she has not figured out what she wants to do yet with her life at 26. Personally, I don't think at 26 you have to have everything figured out yet. She decides to go to nursing school which is eventually what gets Blake and her together since they both are now in Vancouver and he is her brother's neighbor and best friend. Jess has her walls up high since she does not want anything to distract her from her goal, but Blake is the perfect distraction. He does not take her away from what she needs to do, but simply allows her to have some time away from the books. He eventually breaks down her walls. He brings sunshine, support and a good distraction to her life since the world does not revolve around school.

I loved these two together as I felt they brought out the best in each other. Of course the spice was great and did not distract from the overall plot and meaning behind the story. The best part, no third act break up!

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nice but nothing special


"Good Boy" is the first book in the WAGs series written by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen and tells the story of Jessica and Blake.

It took me a while to warm to Blake. He's a real goofy character and actually totally loveable. But because of the initial situation, I was just totally stressed out with Jessica and Blake didn't come across as very likeable to me.

"Good Boy" is a pretty fast-paced story and takes place in the same universe as the Him books. But for me it was the first from this world. I felt for Jessica and could totally understand her. However, I also found her exhausting at times.

For me, the story of Blake and Jessica was a nice story for in between. I thought it was a shame that the first volume didn't make me keen on the second volume in the series. And I don't have the urge to read it.

I give "Good Boy" 3 out of 5 stars

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I've read and really enjoyed a lot of Elle Kennedy books so this collaboration immediately grabbed my attention. A spicy sports romance with plenty of banter and tension. The male lead is pretty polarizing. I think readers will either really love him or hate him due to the way he initially comes across in the book. Overall though Good Boy was an entertaining romance and didn't disappoint

You know that swoon-worthy book you can’t put down? Well, this is IT! 😍💕

📚 Read if you like: friends-to-lovers, second chances, laugh-out-loud moments, and a whole lot of swoon!

Jess Canning is already feeling like the "family screw-up," and planning her brother's wedding is her shot at redemption. But there’s one little problem—or rather one big, muscular, charming problem—Blake Riley, the best man, and the guy she had a fling with last spring. Now, no one can know about that night, especially as she tries to prove she’s serious and capable. Meanwhile, Blake is determined to show Jess he’s more than just a goofy, flirty hockey player. He’s ready to fight for what he wants... and what he wants is Jess.

👨‍👧 Jess and Blake are absolute dynamite! Jess is caught between trying to prove herself and resisting Blake’s charm, while Blake is determined to win her over with his tenacity, humor, and irresistible sweetness. Together, their chemistry is undeniable, sparking from the very first page and not letting up.

💞 This romance is a perfect blend of flirty, fun, and heartfelt. From awkward moments to fiery kisses, Blake’s persistence paired with Jess’s resistance creates a slow-burn that had me melting. Blake is that irresistible guy who breaks down all of Jess’s walls with his warmth and caring nature. He’s so much more than a goofball—he’s the hero who knows what (and who) he wants.

👧 The side characters add a wonderful layer to the story. Whether it’s the hilarious banter with Blake’s teammates or the Canning family dynamic, they all bring this world to life with their charm and quirkiness.

✍️ The writing is fantastic, full of witty dialogue and heartfelt moments. You’ll laugh, swoon, and blush all at once. Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen have crafted a story that feels so genuine, organic, and emotionally satisfying.

🌟 Overall, Good Boy is the perfect read for anyone who loves sweet, swoony romances with a playful edge. This story was perfectly written and was just the right amount of everything you are looking for. Trust me, Blake Riley is your next book boyfriend! 😉

I really did not enjoy *Good Boy*, and that’s mainly because of Blake. He couldn’t take "no" for an answer and spent the first half of the book relentlessly pursuing Jessica, even when she clearly needed emotional support. Instead of being the fun, carefree guy he was supposed to be, he gave me strong predator vibes. I stopped reading at 25% because his behavior made me so uncomfortable.

Blake came across as a total "nice guy" in sheep's clothing. As a reader, I felt uneasy and cringed through most of his interactions. Jessica needed a listener, but Blake's mind was always on how he could get closer to her physically. The moment he pressured her yet again when she clearly needed space was my final straw. And don’t get me started on the butt touch at the wedding or his reaction to picking up the wrong balloons when Jessica was already stressed. Instead of apologizing, he brushed it off with a “she needs to loosen up” attitude. It felt gross.

Blake is a walking red flag—he doesn’t listen, and everything is about his needs. If this is the type of guy we're supposed to root for, I’m out. I just can’t get behind it.

I have loved Elle Kennedy's past books so i was excited to have the chance to read "Good Boy". I have to say this book was a bit disappointing, and I didn't love how the main character was written.

This is a refresh/republish but was new to me.
I was excited to read this as an Elle Kennedy fan, but I honestly had a tough time with it, especially due to Blake's character. His immaturity throughout was a real turnoff, although he did get more tolerable as the story went on. This was a fluffy and cheesy sports romance but gave great spice.

I really enjoyed Good Boy. It was everything a great romance should be.

The chemistry between Jess and Blake was off the charts. I loved their playful relationship.
The romance was sweet, the spice was great, and the storyline was compelling and funny too.

I'll definitely be keen to read the next installment.
I highly recommend.

4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Bloom Books, Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have already purchased both Stay and Good Boy for my library's digital collection. Elle Kennedy is a popular author and these books are sure to circulate well. I look forward to reading more books by her in the future.

I was so excited to grab this book because I absolutely loved the Him series by this duo. But even Wes and Jamie couldn’t save this one for me. 😩 I got instant ick from our MMC—he gave off total man-child vibes, and the humor felt so juvenile. I usually love a bit of lighthearted fun, but this just didn’t hit the right notes.

It was tough to push through, and I kept hoping it would get better, but it never really did. Such a bummer, because I really wanted to love it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I almost stopped reading this a hundred times because I absolutely hated the way Blake was written, his dialogue, thought process, literally everything. But I kept on and I was pleased with the way things ended up. It was not my favorite hockey romance but it was a quick and easy read.

I love Elle Kennedy and a good hockey romance but this one missed the mark for me. Felt rushed and cheesy, lacking character development. Yes. You can have character development in a spicy hockey romance. Still look forward to reading anything she publishes though!