Roman Hammerstein is the goalie for the Toronto Terror, entering his last season before retirement. He’s enjoyed a successful career in the NHL and is ready to leave his legacy behind. But when his coach introduces the new assistant coach for the team, he can’t believe what he’s seeing. Alexandria Forrester is the new assistant coach. His disbelief isn’t that she’s a woman. It’s that he knows her as Lexi, the woman he spent an amazing weekend with about three years ago. He never heard from her again, and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her since. And now she’s his boss. Soon they are both struggling to keep their hands to themselves until the end of the season. If You Love Me by Helena Hunting is the fourth installment in the Toronto Terror series where Roman and Lexi fall for each other on and off the ice – but if they’re not careful, nothing can compare to the consequences they face.
Book
While Roman should be focusing on his last season and maintaining a professional relationship, he can’t forget the time they spent in a New York hotel room years ago. And neither can Lexi. But as the first female assistant coach in the NHL, all eyes are on her. And the pressure is on. Thankfully, she’s more than competent and good at her job. She holds her own and earns the team’s respect. But Roman is a big distraction. Especially since she remembers every steamy detail of their weekend together.
Off the ice, Lexi is the guardian of her two younger half sisters, after her mother and step-dad passed away years ago. So not only is she a single mom of sorts, but she’s also shattering glass ceilings, and trying not to give in to the temptation that is Roman Hammerstein. Eventually they both give in, but agree that the risk of being caught is too great to give it a real shot. So they agree to wait until the end of the season. Only Roman is proving to be the perfect man in public. He helps Lexi with her younger sisters. And the team, including the Badass Babe Brigade, fully embrace them as part of the Terror family. When a colleague with a personal vendetta against Lexi begins to suspect something, Roman and Lexi take drastic measures to protect their careers. And the aftermath is only the beginning.
Review
Hunting is quickly becoming an auto-read romance author for me. While this book is the fourth installment in the series, it can be read as a standalone – just like the other three. On the other hand, Terror fans will recognize their favorite characters. Oh, and we finally learn the reason for the years-long feud between two of the players. And it’s as outlandish and hilarious as one might expect.
I for one, loved reconnecting with this world and everyone in it. The story is well-paced with a lovely balance of both spicy and heartfelt moments, along with well-developed characters. Readers who love a steamy romance with loveable characters, humorous moments, and found family will need to pick up a copy ASAP. They won’t be disappointed.
