Big Stick

4 Stars Review by Morgen Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog Big Stick by R.C. Stephens is a standalone about finding a way to let go of your past. Flynn is strong, independent, intelligent, and kind. Tragedy struck her family when she was younger. Now she keeps herself busy and focuses all her energy on work. Myles is loyal, protective, sweet, and a charmer. He’s enjoying a career in the NHL with his best friend Oliver, Flynn’s brother. They’ve been playing hockey together for as long as he can remember. After Flynn catches her boyfriend cheating on her in their home she decides to move in with her brother. Flynn, Oliver, and Myles were the best of friends when they were younger. She quickly realizes his next door neighbor is Myles, someone she’d rather forget. Years ago something happened that changed all their lives, they refuse to talk about it. Old feelings resurface, but when secrets come out can she finally let go of the past or will she hold on to her anger? I love that it was told from both Flynn and Myles’ POV. We see the story better and get a more in depth look at their motivations. Each faces their own inner struggles when trying to ignore their mutual attraction. Seeing it gives you a stronger connection to the characters. The story unravels piece by piece keeping you wanting more. The suspense of what could happen next hooked me. The chemistry between Flynn and Myles is off the charts. With each touch their passion burns brighter, and each kiss makes a silent plea for more. Once they finally give in the need for each other just grows. Watching them grow closer warmed my heart. Their connection from when they were younger is stronger than ever. I really enjoyed Oliver’s character as well. He loves them both and finds himself stuck in the middle. He just wants them to be happy. I would recommend this if you enjoy second chances, sexy hockey players, protective alphas, or sassy women.

R.C. Stephens scores with BIG STICK. As kids, Myles Sanders and twin brother and sister Oliver and Flynn Russell were inseparable. After moving to different cites, Myles and Flynn had a falling out. Seven years later, Myles and Oli are still best friends living their dream of playing professional hockey together in Chicago. Flynn relocates to Chicago to be near her brother; consequently, needing to resolve the issues she has with Myles. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences. I loved R.C. Stephens’ BIG STICK. Being a Chicagoan, I appreciate that the story takes place there. I also respected that Myles and Oli played for my favorite team the Blackhawks. I like Myles, Oli, and Flynn. They are realistic and convincing characters. A tragedy caused some unresolved issues for them. Myles had a tough childhood and relied on the Russell family for support. Flynn believed in Myles and is a big part of the reason he is as successful as he is. Myles and Flynn have amazing chemistry. You truly want to see them work things out. BIG STICK is a heartfelt and enjoyable read. The story was believable and skillfully-executed. The hockey scenes were easy to visualize and credible. I like the Peter Pan nick names. The Epilogue felt well concluded. This is the first book that I have read by R.C. Stephens. I enjoyed her writing style and plan on continue following the Big Stick series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Big Sick is kind of a mix between second chance and friends, um enemies? to lovers romance. Myles is a hockey player, but other than knowing that, the mention of practices and games, and various people recognizing him, there's not much about the actual sport. The focus of the story is Flynn and Myles. There is a lot of push and pull between them as Flynn deals with a years old anger and Myles works to get back in her good graces while keeping a secret that could change everything. Myles is such a sweet character even as he frustrated the daylights out of me with his determination to take things slow until Flynn knows the truth, yet is completely unable to keep his hands off her at every turn. I'll admit I did figure out the secret before the big reveal, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. What stood out for me was the witty banter between so many wonderful characters. I liked Myles and Flynn together and did find myself rooting for them, but even the secondary characters were fun and interesting. While this one certainly left me with a smile, I can't wait to see what happens with Oli and Sloan, and there's one other character I'm dying to know more about - Cale! He's not a hockey player, and we don't get much of him in this one, but I really want to know his story. All in all, this one did hold my interest and is a good combination of sweet, sexy, and emotional.