Are you after a romantic comedy that’s equal parts heartwarming and funny? Good Boy by Elle Kennedy is the perfect pick!
This book has everything you could want in a rom-com: sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a charmingly persistent hero who’s determined to win the girl of his dreams.

I must say, Elle Kennedy can do no wrong in my eyes, and now I’m looking forward to reading more of both of these author’s Collab work.

Jess Canning is under pressure. Hosting her brother’s high-profile wedding is her chance to prove to her family—and herself—that she’s not the screw-up everyone thinks she is. But there’s one tiny problem: Blake Riley, the best man and the guy she had a regrettable fling with last spring. Jess is adamant there will be no repeat of their past mistake, no matter how tempting his devastatingly sexy smile might be. She’s got to stay focused on being serious and responsible, even if Blake is the walking definition of a lovable man child.

For Blake, this wedding is a golden opportunity. As the best man with his eye on the stubbornly resistant maid of honour, he’s ready to pull out all the stops to convince Jess that he’s more than just a goofball. Sure, he’s known for his flirty jokes and carefree attitude, but beneath the surface, Blake has layers—and he’s determined to show Jess that he’s really a good boy with a heart of gold.

Kennedy & Bowen deliver a fast-paced, witty, and steamy story that had me rooting for Jess and Blake from the beginning.

Blake’s relentless pursuit of Jess is both endearing and laugh-out-loud funny, and their banter is electric. But it’s not all fun and games—there’s a genuine sweetness to their relationship as Blake slowly chips away at Jess’s walls, showing her that sometimes, it’s okay to let your guard down and take a chance on love. Both heartwarming and realistic.

Good Boy is the perfect mix of humour, heart, and heat. If you’re a fan of sports romances, opposites-attract stories, or just a feel-good read that will leave you smiling, this is the book for you.

Thank you to the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, The authors Elle Kennedy; Sarina Bowen and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

🏒 Book Review 🏒

Good Boy by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen
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This book was fun and cute, and I had a good time reading it. However, Blake talks like a fraternity dude bro, and it really took me out of the story. What adult man uses words like: J-babe, Cheezus, terrif, va jay jay, no presh, we’re outtie, preggers, dunzo, hundo, bazingas, over like rover, deets, and on and on? It felt like the authors were trying to be funny, but it was just cringey. I adore Elle Kennedy and her hockey books are always my favorite, but this didn’t feel like her. Maybe it’s because she co-wrote it, but it just wasn’t as good as her Off Campus, Briar U, and Campus Diaries series are. I still really liked it, and I hope I like the second book more and that it doesn’t have a male lead who talks like he’s a freshman in college.
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Read if you like:
▫️hockey
▫️fake dating
▫️friends to lovers
▫️“one night stand” never doing this again
▫️he’s obsessed with her
▫️reformed player
▫️dual POV
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Thank you to Bloom Books, NetGalley, Elle Kennedy, and Sarina Bowen for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jess is determined to plan a perfect wedding for her brother, but her efforts are complicated by Blake, her charismatic one-night stand, who wants to reignite their spark. Initially, Blake seems pushy and immature, but as the story unfolds, his deeper layers and genuine kindness emerge, revealing a heart of gold. Despite his confident exterior, Blake is struggling with personal pain and uses humor as a defense mechanism. As Jess helps him confront his emotions, his true character shines through, showing he's not just a "fun guy," but a generous and sincere person who genuinely cares for others.

Unfortunately the MMC just gave me the ick way too much to enjoy this. I couldn't get past the way he spoke, how immature he was, or the way he behaved. I love these authors but this book was not for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Such a fun and entertaining read!

When Jess moves to Toronto for nursing school, she doesn’t need any distractions. Blake, is a NHL star that she hooked up with, who happens to be her brothers best friend and also lives in Toronto. Blake and Jess drive each other crazy, but their chemistry is off the charts!

This was a fun and spicy read! I loved every second of this book! Jess and Blake’s banter was hilarious and this book had me not wanting to put it down. Loved it and can’t wait to read the next in this series!

📘: Good Boy by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Brown
🗓️: August 6, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Kennedy &Sarina Brown, and Sourcebooks BloomBooks for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley, Amazon, and Goodreads.

this book had me cracking up! golden retriever and black cat vibes and done so well! this was such a cute hockey romance and i love how there wasn't a silly breakup! this was such a sweet and short read, highly recommend!

I have been a big fan of Elle Kennedy so as soon as I saw Elle Kennedy's name here I knew I had to pick it up!! So, starting from the new cover 🤌 damn it's adorable 😍 and the characters were mesmerizing as usual. The plotline was well paced and executed well. I had a great time reading this, now I am excited to read the next part too.

4/5 ⭐️

Elle Kennedy is a marketing genius: WAGs + hockey + dogs + "dog" phrases = gold! She just does not miss. There are always multiple side characters to be invested in, hoping they are the next books. The books had some goofy, potentially cringeworthy, lines, but it seemed more all in good fun, as compared to being written specifically to swoon.

This is a must read for any hockey romance fans.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

**ARC Review: "Good Boy" by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen**

*Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)*

"Good Boy" by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen is a witty, heartwarming, and irresistibly fun start to the spin-off series from their beloved "Him" and "Us" books. This novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with the perfect blend of humor, romance, and a touch of angst.

Jess Canning is on a mission to prove herself as more than just the "family screw-up." Tasked with hosting her brother's wedding, Jess is determined to show her family she can handle it all—no mistakes allowed. But things get complicated when she has to face Blake Riley, the larger-than-life best man with whom she had a regrettable fling. Jess is committed to keeping things strictly professional, but Blake has other plans.

Blake is the ultimate charmer—a goofy, lovable hockey player with a heart of gold. He's been smitten with Jess since their first encounter, and the wedding is his chance to win her over for good. What makes Blake such an endearing hero is his unwavering determination to prove that he's more than just a jokester. Beneath the surface, he's a "good boy" with depth and sincerity, and his relentless pursuit of Jess is both hilarious and heart-melting.

The dynamic between Jess and Blake is electric. Their banter is sharp, playful, and packed with sexual tension. The push-and-pull of their relationship is perfectly balanced, making their journey from "friends with a complicated past" to something much deeper incredibly satisfying. Kennedy and Bowen excel at creating characters who feel real and relatable, and Jess and Blake are no exception. Jess’s struggle to be taken seriously and Blake’s desire to be seen for who he truly is are themes that resonate deeply.

"Good Boy" is more than just a rom-com; it’s a story about personal growth, taking risks, and learning to see beyond first impressions. The authors skillfully mix humor with emotional depth, making for a story that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly poignant. The supporting cast, filled with familiar faces from the original series, adds an extra layer of warmth and familiarity, making this book a treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, "Good Boy" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh, a swoon-worthy romance, and characters who feel like old friends. Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen have crafted a story that’s as sweet as it is spicy, leaving you eager for more of the Riley-Canning saga. Whether you’re a fan of their previous works or discovering them for the first time, "Good Boy" is sure to leave you smiling.

Cheezus this guy was cheesy as hell. I rolled my eyes through at least half of it and thought I would never like him after he called someone the bomb dot gov. But I guess, much like Jess he grew on me and by the end I loved them together.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I love a good sports romance and pretty much anything Elle Kennedy writes. I was so excited to read this arc and it didn’t disappoint! This was my first in this series and I can’t wait to go back and read about the other characters in the other books.

Whoooweee. I love a good hockey romance.  Blake Riley is most definitely proving himself a fine specimen to lust after.
5 years post break up. He finds himself falling for a girl when he least expects it. It seems he's unprepared for what lies ahead when in reality he's just a big softy with a big heart. Anyone would be lucky to date this funny, sexy goofball.
Jess has moved to Toronto to go to nursing school. Her brother and his husband,who also plays hockey for the same team as Blakes, live in Toronto too. Bringing them closer being away from home.
Things get heated when Blake needs a girlfriend and gets Jess to agree. The fire starts up from there.
This is a super fun, sexy story. I cant wait to read the next in series.
5 stars.

Jess is struggling. Anxiously planning her brother's wedding, she runs into his teammate and former one-night stand, Blake. Stereotypically crass hockey player and constant flirt, Blake begs Jess for more - and she attempts to fend him off at every chance, failing in steamy increments. But before these two make it, she has to figure out her future.

You know, this book bothered me in the beginning but it definitely grew on me. At the start, it was Blake's character that I just couldn't stand - he seemed a caricature - but after a few chapters his edges smoothed out I found myself appreciating his candor and sleazy pick-up lines. Jess is a believable female lead and there's nice development there that seems real and relatable. It's a steamy one, as to be expected with this crew, and the setup for further novels is really fun. There's no new territory here, just spicy hockey teammates, friends, and romance. I look forward to the next one in the WAGs series.

This was a such a fun read! I always head into Hockey Romances expecting a bingeable love story filled with witty banter, humor, off the charts chemistry and memorable characters -- "Bad Boy" definitely provided all of that and more!

I really enjoyed reading Blake and Jess's love story and I can't wait to read more from these authors in the future.

If love sports romances, I'd definitely check this one out!

Thank you Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen, Net Galley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I didn’t realize when I requested this, it was a rerelease! I clicked so fast because I love both of these authors. I read Good Boy and the other related books a year or so ago. I’ve enjoyed them all. The MMC of Good Boy, Blake, was the lovable teammate and neighbor in the Him/Us series. It was nice to see Blake get his HEA, but also to learn more of the reasons behind his personality and quirks. Thank you to NetGalley for the copy and pushing me to go back and revisit the characters.

I loved this so much! I love Jess and Blake so much! A fresh romance about hockey by Elle Kennedy! Having loved the off-campus series so much, I had high expectations for this one! They were amazing together. Excellent connection and a strong foundation. I couldn't get enough of th

Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Sarina Bowen and Elle Kenney for this e-ARC.

Yikes. I am astonished to see this republished with a cute little contemporary cover and then to be confronted by numerous non-consensual sex scenes. Being a airhead-himbo-frat boy-jock seems to be the excuse here, and it really has no place in this story. I stopped reading after the first third.

This story is critically outdated and is clearly republished. The vocabulary and very cliché gay best friend were other obvious standouts. As far as I got with the plot, both characters seem very immature and neither were someone I was rooting for.

eARC provider for review via NetGalley.

I had previously read this book and thought it sounded familiar when I requested. I liked it when I first read and liked it again when I re-read.

3.5 Cheezus Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level 🌶️🌶️.5/5

This entire review is dedicated to Blake Riley...

I think this book taught me not to judge a character by their first impression because if I trusted my first impression, I might have found myself angry with my inner feminist going holy fuck can this guy stop it? He is bordering on the line of sexual harassment and it IS NOT CUTE!!!

But if you give him a little time, he might make you love him. Because I officially love Blake Riley....

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Jess is planning her little brother's wedding and she needs it to be perfect because she needs to prove to her family she can do something right. But the universe has thrown a little spanner in her plans in the form of Blake, who she had a magical one-night stand with and he wants to rekindle their explosive flame but she cannot be distracted as this wedding must be perfect!

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
See the thing about Blake is that he's the fun guy. Everybody describes him as fun because he adds laughter, joy and enthusiasm into life. He just brings this charismatic spark to everything. But also does this as a defence mechanism. The cliche "Just because he is smiling doesn't mean he is happy". He is hurt and trying to deal with a very messy breakup that has affected who he is and who he is to his family. He portrays himself as this happy-go-lucky guy, pushing the "fake it till you make it" not allowing his emotions to surface. That is until Jess enters his life and makes him start to deal with his issues and how he has been dealing with them.

This IS WHY this book was so eye-opening, as I mentioned at the start, I really didn't like him. He came on way too strong and as much as Jess was telling him no; he kept pushing to the point that he was annoying and very juvenile. It gave off a popular frat boy mentality with his cockiness, arrogance and confidence as "he always gets the girl" and he WILL get her no matter how cheesy, corny or pushy he is.

BUT...to see his development and THE ACTUAL CHARACTER as the story progresses was something else. He has intricate layers underneath his smile, that show he is so much more than what his first perception. His personality is so deep, and his generosity, kindness and heartfelt actions were adorable. He is so sentimental that it is JUST FLIPPING CUTE how genuine and sincere he is. Every little thing that he did, whether he was doing it for Jamie or Wes or Jess, it was just so special. The man has a heart of gold and he wears it on his sleeve. I swooned way too many times at everything that he did and as I kept reading realised how good-natured and kind-hearted he is as all his little good deeds and actions were revealed.

I also loved that he didn't do any of these things for recognition and praise. He is a Hockey Star - he gets enough praise on the rink so doesn't need it; it was really beautiful to see that he wanted to help and do good, just because he is a good guy and likes doing it.

Now I know I might have already known this about his personality before but I didn't. I haven't read Him or Us so this was my first introduction to Black Riley... AND I JUDGED HIM WAY TO HARSHLY!!

I feel like by the end of this I was his biggest cheerleader!

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Second Chance (Folling ONS)
▶ Dual POV
▶ Hockey Romance
▶ Golden Retriever MMC
▶ Brother's Best Friend
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ He Falls First
▶ Sarcastic MMC
▶ Cages Her With His Arms
▶ Fake Dating

Overall if you want a sweet little cute Hockey Romance where you will have the bestest best good boy golden retriever MMC - READ THIS!

Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Sarina Bowen and Elle Kenney for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own

after reading him/us/epic i was so excited to finally dive into these guys story after falling in love with the doofus that is blake riley, and while i did enjoy this book it just didnt grab me the way i had hoped it would going into it. blake and jess are adorable and funny as hell but i got pretty tired of “cheezus” fast 😅

i think maybe in the future im going to try and give this another read, see if its maybe just a timing thing that made me not love this as much as i could have