This was my first book by Sarina Bowen and now I need to read her backlog. Elle Kennedy never misses for me! I loved this grumpy/sunshine couple so much!

What a fun book! I loved the writing, was laughing out loud and feeling all the feels throughout the whole thing. I can't wait to read more of this duo! I was not expecting the level of spice from this based on it's innocent cover! Amazing!

Blurb:
Hosting her brother's wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning's life. Already the family screw-up, she can't afford to fail at this, too. Especially after the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. Nobody absolutely nobody can find out about that, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. No matter how devastatingly sexy his smile, he's a giant man-child who's never been serious in his life. And if Jess wants to prove herself to her family, serious is what she has to get.
For Blake Riley, this wedding is a gift from fate itself. The girl he has his eye on is the maid of honor, and he's the best man? Let the games begin. So what if Jess is giving him a little—fine, a lot of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he's really a good boy with a bad rap. Beneath the flirty jokes and goofy smile, he's got layers even if Jess doesn't want to see them.

Final notes:
I am loving the he falls head over heels for her and tries to win her over. Not sure if that is a trope as it was so wordy but "he falls first" is my new fav, especially when it's a reformed playboy like Blake!

Jess and Blake's story was so cute! She tried to keep her distance to prove herself to her family and he went for it! A must read!

*Good Boy* by Elle Kennedy is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and sizzling romance. The story follows the quirky and lovable Blake Riley, a professional hockey player with a larger-than-life personality, and Jess Canning, a strong-willed woman determined to prove herself as she navigates a new career.

Kennedy’s writing sparkles with sharp wit and playful banter, making the dynamic between Blake and Jess utterly irresistible. Blake’s over-the-top charm is balanced beautifully by Jess’s practicality, and their chemistry leaps off the page. While the romance is front and center, the book also explores themes of self-discovery and embracing change, adding depth to the fun-filled narrative.

Kennedy’s knack for creating vibrant secondary characters, combined with the sports romance backdrop, brings a rich and immersive reading experience. Fans of steamy, laugh-out-loud romances will find *Good Boy* impossible to put down.

Whether you're new to Elle Kennedy or a longtime fan, this book is a perfect pick-me-up—equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. Highly recommended!

I didn't realize it was a re-release, but was happy for the re-read. Love these two, and love this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC!

Wesmie are back and I love it!

This first book is all about our favorite goofball and Wes' best friend Blake Riley, who we met in the US, and Jess Canning, Jamie's sister, who was also in the US.

They thought they would never see each other again after that one mistake, but the fact that they are best men at a wedding complicates things.

What's better than hockey players in a romance novel? Hockey players with dogs! Blake and Jess's story was funny, with some balanced angst and of course... hockey!

Absolutely loveable characters, a fulfilling, funny story about bringing out the best in someone, hockey and dogs, and more laughs than you could bargain for.

Enjoy the read!

I’ve loved just about everything Sarina Bowen has written. So I was really excited to get an ARC of the rerelease of Good Boy, co-written with Elle Kennedy.

But after trying to get through this book for over three months, and only making it to 41%, I’m calling it quits. I’m not connecting with anything. Not the story. Not the characters. And certainly not the humor - which seems forced and immature. When the hero is making out with the heroine and he’s thinking about her “boobalicious goodness” I knew I was done.

And I'm going to skip the next book as well. Life is too short to read books that make you cranky, and I’m not taking a chance after the mood the first book put me in…

* thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was fun, sexy and hilarious in general, but did include some abbreviations and metaphors that I can't completely get behind. No presh? Feed the kitty? NO. In general a pretty enjoyable read though.

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! 😉