Thursday, April 23, 2026

Library Loans


Lucky
 by Sawyer Bennett
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on DATE
Age/Genres: Adult, Sports, Romance
Ratingfour-half-stars
Goodreads

Matteo “Lucky” Branson has it all—an elite hockey career, a massive fanbase, and the kind of charm that trends effortlessly on TikTok. As the fun-loving left winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, he’s built a brand on superstition and swagger. But when a viral dating challenge puts him opposite a woman who couldn’t care less about his fame, Lucky’s about to learn the hard way that some games don’t follow the playbook.

They call me Lucky for a reason. My grandmother swears I was cursed at birth—yet somehow, I’ve been kissed by fate every day since. I’ve got my rabbit’s foot, a shamrock tattoo, and quirky rituals by the dozen—and it’s all worked so far. Life’s been smooth. Hockey, clout, fun... I’m skating through.

Until I meet Winifred Shaw. Winnie. She’s smart, bold, and laugh-out-loud funny, with a TikTok following that rivals mine and a dating challenge that’s going viral. The premise? Thirty days of dating to prove an average woman can still land a decent guy. I’m the first to accept the challenge—one night, one chance, and then she moves on. But the moment she rolls her eyes at me, I’m hooked.

She thinks I’m just another overhyped athlete with a pretty face and a lucky streak. But I see her—confident, curvy, electric—and I don’t just want a second date. I want every single one after that.

I’ve always trusted luck to get me where I need to be. But this time? I’m ready to fight for it.

It was a match made on TikTok. Winnie was an "average" girl looking for an "average" guy, but her posts seemed to have attracted the attention of NHL star Lucky Branson. Will Winnie be able to become part of his world?

I LOVED this book! Lucky and Winnie were so easy to adore. Their rapport, banter, vibe - everything between them was fun and fabulous. Who wouldn't root for this situation? Winnie really underestimated herself, and it was so satisfying that Lucky could see how amazing she was.

As much I enjoyed all the interactions between Lucky and Winnie, secondary characters made this story even better. There were plenty of bromantic Titans moments, great family time with Lucky's mom and Winnie's family, and then there was Buttermilk. Who knew a judgmental rabbit would bring me so much glee.

I am not a big fan of drama, so I liked that this book was rather low on it. That noise came from the internet trolls, and though it was awful, it was also used in a great way. I was also treated to not one but TWO grand gestures which were unrelated but equally wonderful.

Overall: I had an incredible time watching these two social media stars collide, fall in love, and embark on their happily ever after.


Just Don't Fall
 by Emma St. Clair
Published by Create If Writing, LLC on August 31, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Sports, Romance
Ratingfour-half-stars
Goodreads

Before Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend … and my first crush. Oh, yeah—and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.

Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team.

Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily.

As the hockey team's social media manager, it’s my job to wrangle all the guys into filming TikTok trending videos. But Logan doesn’t want to be wrangled.

Turns out … neither does my heart.

Because my old crush never died.

And when Logan becomes my accidental fake boyfriend, those old feelings flare hot enough to melt the ice.

But this is all totally one-sided. Totally fake. Isn't it?

No matter what signals he seems to be giving me or how real things start to feel, I know Logan’s not home for good.

I survived Logan leaving me once. But this time, I’m not so sure my heart will recover…

When her family was giving her a hard time about her romantic life, Parker made up a fake boyfriend to get them off her case. Now, in order to cover up her lies, Parker must fake date someone, and who better than the newest Appie and her brother's former best friend. 

I absolutely LOVED this intro to the Appies!

I am trash for friends-to-lovers and second chance romances, so this one ticked all the right boxes for me. Logan's backstory was heartbreaking while Parker's dating nightmares had me rolling on the floor. I liked that they had history but was all about them creating new memories together. 

One of my favorite things was the dynamic between Parker and they Appies. It was as if she had a whole team of big brothers who adored and cared for her. And, it was easy to count Logan among them. Logan's small gestures were huge, and his attempts at grand gestures were adorable. 

Overall: I adored meeting Parker, Logan, and the Appies, and I look forward to returning to this world. 


Do you know any TikTok dances?
Let us know in the comments!

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