Return to McMaster's world of hockey romance

     Lasairiona McMaster returns to the world of hockey romance with her newest series, The Cedar Rapids Raccoons. The spin-off of her Snow Pirates Series follows a new set of college hockey players looking for love and we get just that in Pulling the Goalie, which comes out on May 11th.
     Ares de la Peña is a VIP hockey goalie, a stripper, and a bisexual playboy. He lives for the limelight. He’s everything Eloise, a studious college student, should avoid, yet she’s drawn to him in ways she doesn't understand. Eloise hides her scars behind her bright hair, quirky clothing, and striking lipstick, but Ares sees her the same way she sees him. She’s the calm that quiets his demons, while running from her own. As their worlds collide, Eloise discovers he’s more than just the flashy heir to a billion dollar fortune, but still doesn’t feel like she can fit into his world. But how can Ares make her see that what they have is far more than skin deep?
     I liked this book, but it wasn’t my favorite of McMasters. I just felt like the romance started too abruptly and there were too many things going on in the beginning of the story. This book eventually found its footing about a third of the way through, but I think I would’ve wished for a simpler main plot rather than having so many different details thrown at me in the beginning and a subplot that really didn’t take off until the end of the book.
     However, I did really like Eloise and Ares’s relationship and how they learn to lean on one another to become truer versions of themselves. Plus, some of the side characters and the rest of the de la Peña Family make me really excited to continue this series.
     Was this my favorite book by McMasters? No. Do I still want to read the rest of this series? Heck yes!

*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

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