I am so so sad to report that I found Pipe Dreams disappointing, cliched...and boring. And I just want to get this review out of the way so I can go back into my Sarina Bowen happy place and await her next book.

So what we have here is a man who got out of an unhappy marriage, shacked up with a woman he’d been flirting with during many of his unhappily married years to find he was blissfully happy, only to leave her when his wife fell ill so he could care for her and his daughter. Super sweet, right? You’d think, but this was a man who didn’t have the decency to tell the woman who made him blissfully happy why he was leaving. Kaboom. He just left her high, dry, and devastated. Fast forward to present day when Mike’s wife (or ex-wife, I can’t remember if the divorce was final when he went back to her) has been in the ground for a year, and Lauren is, once again, back in Mike’s life working in close proximity with the Brooklyn Bruisers, the hockey team he plays for. Here’s the thing - I liked Lauren. She was driven and underneath her ice queen exterior (which I loved, by the way,) was a kind woman. She was just broken, too. By Mike. And it caused her to be closed off with other people. Mike never grew on me. His character just felt shallow to me, his daughter a dressing to make him seem like a good guy. In fact, there was a scene in the book when they were finally going to sleep together again after their time apart, and Mike was thinking how he needed to make this so good because ‘Lauren deserved it.’ Which, of course in Mike’s entitled head, turns into ‘hell, we both deserve it.’ I’m sorry to say Mike, that you don’t deserve. Lauren deserves it, sure. She’s spent all this time pining for you because you weren’t man enough to tell her why you were leaving. You, on the other hand, deserve to walk around with a permanent case of blue balls. That’s what you deserve. I felt like Lauren forgave Mike way too easily, and the whole baby thing was not my cup of tea. What really frustrated me about it was Mike. I know, right? He is all worried when he has a fight on the ice of how this is going to look to his daughter and how he’s setting a bad example, but he doesn’t give her a second thought when he decides to father Lauren’s baby. He never thinks about how this is going to upend her life. And I”m not saying he shouldn’t have done it because of his daughter, but since we were given his POV, there could have at least been a scene where he thought about that.

There was also a lot of time spent on the ice in this one. A lot. And I thought it was time that could have been spent trying to make Lauren and Mike’s relationship deeper. But what was really frustrating was that this whole book is about them making it to the Stanley Cup. They do, and then it’s ‘eight months later.’ WTF? Why the build up to the Stanley Cup if we’re not even going to see it? There was a lot of cheesy dialogue in this one. A lot. I can handle some cheese (hello...Naley is one of my favorite couples of all time,) but this was too much even for me. And I cannot believe I am going to say this, but there was way too much Nate and Becca. I feel like it’s ruined them a little bit for me, and some of the mystery is gone.

All in all, Pipe Dreams was a book about hockey and Nate & Becca. Lauren and Mike were bit players in their own book, and it showed in the lack of depth to their story. This one was a miss for me. But if the pattern holds, I’ll love the next book. So I look forward to it!

Once again, Sarina Bowen scores with Pipe Dreams! This new addition to the Brooklyn Bruisers series is Mike and Lauren’s story and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. A second-chance romance, Pipe Dreams delivers all the feels as we follow Lauren and Mike through the playoff season where their lives unavoidably and repeatedly intersect. I absolutely adored the chemistry that Sarina Bowen has so expertly cultivated between these two. Their history permeated this story and made sure that each moment Mike and Lauren shared was heady with unspoken feelings and ripe with barely restrained desire. There was an electricity that sizzled just beneath the surface, and it was this constant explosive threat that kept me totally riveted. I enjoyed unraveling Mike and Lauren’s story, exploring their past and questioning their future. Their connection felt deep and genuine making it impossible not to wholly invest myself in this couple’s happily ever after. 

After seeing pieces of Lauren in the previous two novels, I was definitely intrigued. Her outward personality was fierce, unforgiving and no-nonsense, but I suspected that Lauren was so much more than first impressions would suggest. Sarina Bowen blew me away as she thoroughly unmasked this character over the course of the story. I loved seeing Lauren soften, warm and eventually allow her heart to be exposed once again. Her past heartbreak leant itself to some understandable fears and a handful of insecurities that allowed me to relate to Lauren and even connect with her on a completely unexpected level. I loved seeing her come alive as she let go of the hurt and found myself grinning at the relationships she began to form with Georgia, Becca and Nate. Sarina Bowen did a seriously fantastic job growing and evolving Lauren with each passing page. By the time all was said and done, I was surprised by how easily this heroine had worked her way into my heart. 

Sarina Bowen has a knack for writing heroes that knock me off my feet and Mike was certainly no exception. From the very beginning, I could feel his regret and longing for Lauren. His emotions came across so steady and sure that I quickly found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about Mike. Needless to say, Sarina Bowen left my heart a tangled mess and I ached for all that this hero had been forced to face. Despite his semi-celebrity status as a professional athlete, Sarina Bowen expertly molded Mike into someone tangible and easy to love through his relationships with Hans and Elsa. I fell in love with each facet of this complicated man and adored how thoroughly Mike cared for and worshiped both his daughter and Lauren. He struggled in a way that was real and beautiful, allowing him to embed himself deep within me and leave me a swooning mess.

Pipe Dreams wasn’t overly complicated or excessively dramatic. The storyline ebbed and flowed in a way that was sweet and sultry. This delicious pace allowed me the time necessary to really soak in the significance of the smallest moments, letting me reconcile Mike and Lauren’s past with the present and the possibility of a future. I loved the parallel between Mike and Lauren’s personal high-stakes-rekindling with that of the Brooklyn Bruisers’ run in the post-season. I was just as caught up in the team’s play for the cup as I was in the couple’s fight for a second-chance at love. Sarina Bowen effortlessly intertwined the world of the Brooklyn Bruisers with the more intimate concerns of the main couple, easily maintaining the comforting and familiar sense of camaraderie I’ve come to love from this series. Mike and Lauren’s story left me completely content and somehow still desperate for more. Scorching, smart and perfectly sincere Pipe Dreams is another phenomenal read from Sarina Bowen!

Pipe Dreams is the third book in Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers series and by far my favorite yet! That could very well change if I ever get my highly coveted Nate and Becca book (hehe) but in all seriousness, I love when I’m reading a series and each book gets better and better. Bowen has done that with this series and I couldn’t be happier. 

Mike Beacon is a single dad and the goalie for the Brooklyn Bruisers. Four years ago, Mike was in a relationship with the love of his life, Lauren Williams. Lauren is Nate’s (the owner of the team) office manager and she is now having to help out more on the hockey side, which means being around Mike more than she’s used to. 

Lauren is the type of girl who comes across hard and not friendly, but there is so much more to her than meets the eye. I loved getting another side of Lauren. I can understand completely why she has been standoffish in the other books and doesn’t want anything to do with hockey. Mike has a lot of making up to do when it comes to Lauren. When they broke up, he was in a really bad spot. You see, Mike has a daughter who is his world and his ex and the mother of his child was terminally ill. He had to be there for his ex and his kid. It’s the type of guy he is. But Lauren didn’t know all that. 

I liked Mike so much. I love a good single dad book, and I think Mike was a fabulous dad and a stand up guy. I love how he worked so hard to win back Lauren. They were a great pair. As I mentioned before, please please please give us a Becca and Nate book! I’m dying here!!!!

Pipe Dreams is a fabulous addition to the Brooklyn Bruiser’s series but can be read as a standalone. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good second chance romance, sports romance, or single parent story. I loved it!

4.5/5
Pipe Dreams literally tore my heart apart before slowly piecing it back together. I think I spent most of the time sniffling while reading it, surprising because prior to Pipe Dreams Lauren hasn't been a very likeable character. 

There have been hints as to Lauren's dislike for Hockey players scattered through the previous books especially Hard Hitter, and the passing reference to a relationship with the Brooklyn Bruisers top goalie, Mike Beacon. 

There was an intense connection and attraction between Lauren and Mike from their first interaction, however, Mike was a married man so they settled for a comfortable friendship. Until Mike's wife cheated on him, opening up a path straight to Lauren. Lauren and Mike's relationship was utterly blissful for over a year, even though Lauren had to endure rumours and gossip as to the cause of Mike's marital problems. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and Mike makes the decision to forgo his own happiness in order to help his ex-wife and young daughter. Instead of discussing his predicament with Lauren, Mike ghosts on her, leaving her with no explanation or closure to their relationship and ripping her heart apart in the process. To the outside world and gossip mongers it looks as if the rumours were true and Lauren was the cause of the split between mike and his wife (poor Lauren),

Mike is an extremely nice person, although his treatment of Lauren at the end of their relationship would negate this assessment. He was a product of circumstance and didn't know how to handle the change very well. The selfless decision Mike made broke his own heart along with Lauren's, although I have to say the devastation he left in his wake was all on him. 

Skip to present day and Mike's circumstances have once again altered, with Lauren having to fill Becca's role with the team while Becca recovers from her head injury allows Mike the chance to smooth over things with Lauren, even if they are unable to resurrect their previous relationship due to the hurt inflicted. 

Quite simply Mike and Lauren belong together, there is no denying the chemistry between them. Although Lauren is understandably reluctant to fully trust Mike again with her heart. 

Lauren has here own plans in the works having finished her degree she has worked so hard for and embarking on her dream of motherhood that she had planned with Mike, only on her own. Mike has other ideas when he unearths her plans.

I loved the relationship between Mike and Lauren, but also the relationship both have with Mike's daughter. The path isn't smooth for Mike and Lauren but the way in which they deal with the barriers before them only aids to strengthen the relationship between them. Mike and Lauren are an example of a relationship that was destined to last ♥

Pipe Dreams was completely unputdownable - it hits all the feels - bring tissues ♥

Pipe Dreams is the third book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series but can easily be read as a standalone novel (But I would recommend to read then in order).
The third book in this series It's a slow burn second chance romance with very likable main characters, that's one of the qualities on Sarina Bowen writing, she makes you like and easily relate to her heroes and heroines and this is no exception, there was no unnecessary drama and like in every other of her well written books the story flows smoothly, she had become one of my favorites.
Mike & Lauren's relationship is super sweet, angsty and emotional. This story show us how after life and it's complications teared them apart, love bring them together again, and we have to say that Mike knows how to grovel to win back the love of his life.
This book was a great read.
I'm sad to know this was the last book in the series, but I'll be watching and waiting for Sarina's next book

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar 

Pipe Dreams starts after the events in Hard Hitter where Rebecca injured herself and she’s unable to work as the manager of the Brooklyn Bruisers; help is needed and is brought from the Manhattan main office, in the form of Lauren Williams.  Lauren used to work as the manager to the Brooklyn Bruisers before the team was bought and had the name changed, now she works in the main office of Nate Kattenberger’s corporation. After the disastrous events with a member of the team, Lauren doesn’t want to spend any time in the presence of the hockey field and even less with the team. But Nate is her boss and asks for her help, as the Brooklyn Bruisers are going to the finals.  Trying to get pass the pain of the old relationship, Lauren tries to move on with her life, but it’s difficult when she has to see and travel with man that broke up with her. The man is, the widow goalie of the Brooklyn Bruisers, Mike Beacon; once he sees Lauren he knows that the feelings he had for her are still there, and he would like at least to be her friend again.

With her life moving on and getting the recognitions that she ever wanted, Lauren faces a hard choice in her life: move forward and get that thing that will make her happy, or give the man who broke her heart a second chance.

I liked the story that Pipe Dreams told. While it sounds bad, I like stories where the main characters broke up because of problems they had or them being too young, mostly because it’s fun to see them get to know each other again, and work on the problems that separated them once before. In this case, I liked that Lauren at first didn’t want to get back with Mike and fought hard to not feel things for him again, and Mike tries everything to get her back.

It was fun to watch Mike try to get Lauren back and to get his daughter to understand that he had to move on, and not trust what some people said about them. At the same, I understood the decisions that Mike took when his wife got sick, I just I would have wanted him to have done it better.

One of the things that I didn’t like was that Lauren forgot of all the money she spend on her “special project” that she couldn’t do, and didn’t seem to care after all the hard times she had with her father not helping her career.

At the end, I liked the story and the fact that we could see the characters from the previous book, now I just want to read Rebecca and Nate’s story.

If you are a fan of Sarina Bowen’s work or the Brooklyn Bruisers series, then I recommend Pipe Dreams.  Here a second chance and time understand their own needs is what this couple needed to find each other again.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Mike Beacon is a thirty-two years old hockey player in New York with a life story no one deserved. When he was eighteen years old he got his girlfriend pregnant by accident. In order to be the man everyone expected him to be, he married his pregnant girlfriend which only led them to a loveless marriage until she finally cheated on him. When he finally found the love of his life, Lauren, he had to let her go so he, again, could be the man everyone expected him to be when he ex-wife was facing dead and their daughter was going trough she scariest thing of her life: losing her mother. 
Hockey has been Lauren’s life for as long as she can remember. Her father had been the general manager of a hockey team and she managed the team’s office. But that love ended when the love of her life, who was also a hockey player, left her to go back to his ex-wife without any kind of explanation.
Now, after two years of not even hearing each other’s names, they’re forced to work together since Lauren is back as the manager of the team’s office.  And there’s one more thing: Mike’s daughter is now twelve years old and her hate for Lauren is almost palpable. 
Although there’s a lot of angst involved, this is such a sweet story. I loved Mike because I honestly can’t blame him for any of his decisions. Life put him in tough positions and he always tried to make the best he could for everyone. But Lauren didn’t know the reasons which led him to leave her so it was kind of funny to witness her struggle to not fall for his reasons when she had been mad at him for two long years. 
Their sexual tension didn’t reduce while they were apart so you can guess how hot this book is. Instant hunger, constant need and endless hotness. Which helps Lauren in her attempts to be a mother, even though she’s certain she doesn’t need a man to do it! 
Mike’s relationship with his daughter is also a plus one for me! When they’re not talking about Lauren she’s the sweetest thing. 
All in all, the book is really good. Although I wished we could see more moments of them as a family towards the end. 

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the copy.

New favorite alert! Sarina Bowen is by far one of my favorite authors right now. If she writes it, I buy it. Since I got an advance review copy of this one, I’ve already ready it several times. I love it this novel so much I’m not even sure I can tell you how awesome it is.

To start, it’s in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, which is a spin off from another one of my favorite series by her The Ivy Years. They’re both centered around hockey players and Sarina makes it so much fun to read. If you’re a fan of hockey in general, you’ll appreciate that the games are involved in the novel and it feels like you’re right there rooting for your team to win.

Back to the romance portion of the book, Lauren is a character that’s been featured since the beginning and she’s a little bit stuck up. So I had a hard time picturing what it would be like to watch her fall in love. But oh my, does this deliver. There’s plenty of back story to explain why the way Lauren has been acting a certain way that just makes everything click.

I was actually rooting for Lauren to find her happy ending pretty quickly once I found out what she’s been dealing with. She might end up being one of my favorite heroines from Sarina, Lauren takes charge in her own life and goes after what she wants without waiting for anyone else to hand it to her. To me, there’s nothing better than a strong heroine in a romance novel.

This novel does have a pregnancy storyline, which I love, but I know that’s not everyone’s thing. It’s actually a bit different than most, Lauren is actually making plans to have a baby on her own when Mike decides to walk back into her life. Things get a little messy and plans change but it’s one of my favorite things about the novel.

Even though Mike made mistakes in the past, I couldn’t help but love him and I’m sure other readers will too. Not only is he a great dad to his teenage daughter but he’s always trying to do right by those around him, even if he’s not perfect at it. Plus, he’s a little bit goofy like many of Sarina’s heroes, and has plenty of self-confidence that leaves a silly grin on your face while reading his lines.

Oh and this novel is so hot I’m surprised that the pages didn’t burst into flames.

4.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

This one is going to be a hard one to review.  Because I loved so much of it, even if I can see potential pitfalls for others.  There's a teeny tiny part of me that thinks that things progressed too smoothly, or worked out too well, or was just too convenient at times.  But you know what?  I found I just didn't care.  Because sometimes life does just work out at the right moments.  It doesn't have to be all super angsty, sometimes relationships can move forward without huge devastating roadblocks.  Which is not to say that Mike and Lauren didn't have roadblocks, it just seemed like some of the turns in the plot felt a little convenient.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Lauren.  I mean, she really comes across as a witch with a b in the other two books.  And I'm not entirely sure I buy the transition to the Lauren we discover in this book, but, again, I'm not sure how much I care.  A part of me wishes I'd known more of what was going on in her head when she was being not so nice to the girls.  There were definitely explanations given for her uptight attitude, and they worked to an extent, I just wanted a wee bit more.  BUT if you ignore her from the other books, then just Lauren from this book was actually pretty awesome.  I hated to read about everything that happened to her as a result of her relationship with Mike and subsequent breakup.  I could totally see it happening too, and how it would irrevocably change her.  But I loved that she was so smart and really went after the things she desired in life.  And I loved that she didn't compromise those aspects of herself when things started to change with Mike.

Regardless of the bad choices Mike made surrounding the breakup with Lauren, I can still sympathize with him while still thinking he was a bit of a bonehead.  Just like with Lauren, despite how much you hurt with her about the past, he still manages to bulldoze his way into your heart.  He was such an intriguing hero actually.  Such single minded determination yo.  Once he got his head out of his butt, he really turned on the charm and went after what he wanted.  And he was funny, and sweet, and charming, but not in a smarmy way you know?  You just couldn't help but love him.  He made me laugh, and as such he got away with some pretty outrageous behavior at times.  I keep shaking my head at him, but I'm still sold.

Their chemistry was seriously solid too, making for some epic steamy scenes.  You really just wanted to root for them, you know?

And there was lots of delicious hockey in this one.  As a hockey fan who is currently entrenched in playoff season, this was a perfect read for me.

Fabulous secondary character support as usual.  Loved Hans.  Nice to see all our favourite past characters making appearances as well.  And just so you know Ms Bowen, that wasn't enough for Nate & Becca.  I still politely plead for at least a novella.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!  In fact, I wouldn't mind a Silas book too...just saying.  You know, not being greedy or anything, noooooo....

So yeah, even though some things felt a little too smooth in the plot, I was still a happy little reader.  Sometimes you just want to read about love winning, you know?

With the NHL playoffs in full swing, the timing for Pipe Dreams couldn't have been better. Reading it has enhanced my thirst for hockey and hat tricks. Speaking of hat tricks, Sarina Bowen certainly landed a literary hat trick with this series! Each book just got better and better. Perhaps it's because I feel like I know the ladies of the Bruisers organization and I'm rooting for their happiness. 

Pipe Dreams focuses on Lauren, the standoffish assistant to the team owner. Her past with the team goes deep, and it's not all that pleasant. Bowen had me crying inside of the first few chapters. Her heartbreak may have been a few years old, there are some things you never really move on from (like first love...). But with Lauren's work/school schedule, she's kept busy, guarding her heart and avoiding the source of her displeasure, Bruisers goalie Mike Beacon. 

First impressions left me feel very uneasy about Mike. The reason for why he up and left Lauren is noble, but his method was pretty darn callous. Badly I wasn't even sure I wanted the two of them together, but Bowen's writing is so strong. She is clever in her plot devices and character development and Mike was soon worthy in my eyes. These snippets from Mike's perspective simply melted me:

“You’re my happy thought, Lo. Thank you for being with me right now.” 

"The first taste of her was like coming home."

"I love you so hard, it hurts."

The man has not had an easy life and Lo was truly his port in the storm. While Lauren wasn't exactly a character that draws the reader towards her prior to this story, but she clearly is misunderstood and unfairly judged and like i said, I cried for her early on and a few times much later in the story. As Lauren continued to plan her life sans Mike, their paths continued to cross. Lauren does expose her true personality, she's loyal and generous and so worthy of finding happiness.

The story flows along at a good pace and as with all books by Sarina Bowen I found I read it in no time. Bowen also wraps up another side plot in this story (THANKFULLY --> because I really needed to see what happens with Becca (wink wink) ) . I would re-read this series in a heart beat meaning this book is a 5 Stars read and the series on the whole is worthy of 5 ++ stars. Bowen has solidified herself as one of my favorite authors and is a #oneclick recommendation!

This is one of those books where everything was just perfect to me. All of it! Mike and Lauren's history, them reconnecting, and the build to it all. Hockey. Teenage drama. Tension and angst. I loved it all. The first two books were awesome but I have to say, this is my FAVORITE book in the series so far!!!
 
Mike and Lauren had so many ups and downs in their relationship and I loved the build in learning the why… and that why was killer! I loved Mike, he was just so sweet and caring as he and Lauren reconnect, there was no way not to love him. Lauren was so strong and I loved how determined she was to do things on her own, even though some of those things legitimately stressed me out. She could be really stubborn and hold herself back to protect herself and I totally got why. I loved them reconnecting and Lauren letting her guard down and really open up.
 
I also really enjoyed Lauren connecting with Ari and Georgia because she's been pretty ice-like in the past two books. I thought they had a lot of fun scenes together that were highly entertaining. I adored the fact that there was more Nate and Becca included as well, that's just such a fun, side story and I would love to see these two get their own book.
 
Honestly, everything about this is made me ridiculously happy. It had a somewhat light feel with a great deal of emotion mixed in. I got teary eyed several times. I loved the writing, it really drew me in. I thought there was excellent character development also. I was just sold from the very beginning. I love how the story was laid out and the build to the amazing HEA.
 
This was just such a well thought out story and I couldn't put it down. I loved all the chemistry, emotion, and animosity  between Mike and Lauren. I loved the 13 year old girl drama from Mike's daughter. I loved the hockey aspect and the intensity of the games. Everything drew me in. The story is excellent, I couldn’t seem to stop reading. It's a well rounded story filled with tension, heat, and humor. There were just so many wonderful moments. My head and emotions were all over the place (in a good way!). Loved every single second!!!

If your a fan of hockey romance, the Brooklyn Bruisers Series is just what your looking for. Each can be read as a stand alone, but they are so entertaining I would start from the beginning.

Mike Beacon is a champion goalie for the Bruisers. He loves his team and his job. He has made two mistakes in his life. Getting his 18 year old girlfriend pregnant, but has a beautiful daughter, that is not part of the mistake. Secondly, walking away from the true love of his life. He thought he didn't have a choice, but now realizes things should have been done differently. Lauren Williams worked in the Bruisers front office for the owner Nate  Kattenberg, but after the break up moved to another office in Manhattan. One year after his wife's death,  Mike is now a single dad, Elsa, his daughter, is a teenager and he has a "Manny" who is Elsa's live in violin teacher and nanny. Other than hormone swings, life is pretty good. But.....he's missing someone to complete his life, and Lauren doesn't even want to be in the same room. 

It's been two years and she stills carries the pain of the breakup. Due to the illness of Nate's assistant in Brooklyn, Lauren is now back to help things go smoothly for the play-offs. Each win is like a stab to the heart, she was hoping to get back to Manhattan before she had to see Mike too many times. Traveling with the team and meetings with the players is killing her. She has a new life, carefully planned. She wants to be a mom, not married, just a mom and has a folder of potential sperm donors to pick from. But Mike is breaking down her walls, chip by chip. He finally explains his abrupt break up, which she understands but disagrees with his decision. The team keeps winning and headed to the playoffs.  The heat builds between Lauren and Mike, and the Bruisers are winning!  Could their life finally be working out? There is one more "bump in the road" for this couple. 

Lots of hockey and heat, and the continuing characters of the Bruisers are so much fun. A second chance romance with lots of action. Loved it!

I received this eBook from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce

The Brooklyn Bruisers are back and heading into the playoffs for the Stanley Cup.  The next few months are going to be a grueling, time consuming, and demanding on every level.  Forget having a personal life, time for friends, and real time with family.  Put all the problems aside and focus on the game.  The cup is within reach, it's worth the sacrifices made.  The players for the Brooklyn Bruisers aren't the only ones making the sacrifices.  Their support staff and families are feeling the crunch as well. The last thing Lauren Williams wants is to be working with the Brooklyn Bruisers, especially during the play offs. She hates hockey and hates the time demanded by the team.  Stepping in as the assistant to the Bruisers owner is one thing, spending all her time with the team is another. How can she do her job and avoid the team? There is one player in particular that she will avoid at all cost.  Goalie Mike Beacon ruined her life, broke her heart, and left her hanging out to dry.  She will never let that happen to her again.  She learned the hard way and still carries the scars from being burned.

Mike Beacon never forgot the passionate year he spent with Lauren.  She was his everything, the reason his heart beat.  He had his reasons for leaving her and returning to his wife and daughter.  It wasn't because he didn't love her, he had a responsibility to his family.  He had to make sacrifices in order for them to survive what was to come.

Lauren is back in his life.  She's back with the team.  He's more than determined to win her heart and keep her by his side this time.  This is the most important win of his life, she's more important than the Stanley Cup and the team.  The only thing standing in his way is Lauren's stubbornness and his teenage daughter's attitude. He's the toughest goalie in the league and conquering the two women in his life is the hardest game he's ever played.

Once again Sarina Bowen had my full attention.  In the two previous books of the Brooklyn Bruiser series, readers were given a very distinct and different impression of Lauren Williams.  She was not a very likable or impressionable character.  Sarina let the readers become intimate with the real Lauren hiding beneath the surface.  The woman loved with her complete heart and was badly burned.  To make matters worse, the repercussions of the break up were more than most people could bear.  It's no wonder she hated everything about hockey.  What impressed me the most was her strength of character, her sense of morality, and her drive to become a better person.  I loved that she didn't let heartbreak ruin her, she embraced it, moved on and made a good life for herself.  She was a classy woman to be admired.  It's no wonder Mike Deacon was hopelessly in love with her.

I highly recommend Pipe Dreams by Sarina Bowen.  It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.  The Brooklyn Bruisers are out to win your heart.

We finally get to see why Lauren is so stand offish and so against anything hockey and her story!! OH BOY!!!

Mike Beacon is the goalie for the Brooklyn Bruisers and has been with the team since their days in Long Island, when Lauren worked the front office and her dad ran the organization. For almost 8 years the two were the best of friends but Mike was married and so they remained in the friend zone for those years, even when they both knew there was an underlying attraction.

When Mike's wife is caught cheating, he leaves... and goes to Lauren. Things explode between the two of them and the two start dating. For a year and a half, both were blissfully happy, until all of a sudden Mike leaves, no explanation... back to his ex-wife.

Now two years later Lauren finds herself back with the team during the playoffs and she's confronted with Mike on almost a daily basis. After escaping to the corporate headquarters after their break up, Lauren has been able to keep away from the man who still haunts her 2 years later. He's the love of her life, but she can't move on with all the questions of why.

My heart broke for both Mike and Lauren. Mike was put into a situation that at the time, he felt there was no other way to handle. He thought he was doing the right thing for Lauren, but all it did was cause more heartache for the two of them.

After seeing the straight up b*tch that Lauren could be in the last two books, I was thrilled to see the softer side of Lauren in Pipe Dreams. Mike and his love for both of the women in his life (his daughter and Lauren) is swoon worthy and makes you love him a little more with each page turn.

Although this is book three in the series it can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to pass up on all the yummy hockey romance in the first two books too. A great series that I sit on pins and needles waiting for the next installment!

Sarina Bowen scores a hat trick with the third book from the Brooklyn Bruisers series, PIPE DREAMS.  I love this series.  PIPE DREAMS is goalie, Mike Beacon’s and Lauren Williams’ story.  This contemporary sports romance takes place in New York.  It is suitable for adult audiences.

The beginning of the novel overlaps with the previous book.  Lauren is with her boss/team owner, Nate Kattenberger, in his private box watching the Bruisers in the play-offs.  I loved hearing this story from her point of view.  In the previous stories, Lauren comes off as cold.  We find out why.  It is totally understandable and nothing like her actual personality.  

Sarina Bowen does a fabulous job with her character development.  Lauren is a strong and astonishing heroine.  She is hard working and determined.  Her heart was broken by Mike, and she is uncomfortable when being forced to work for the team.  Mike is an amazing guy and dad.  He is caring, persistent, and protective.  He could have handled his break-up with Lauren better, but under the circumstances, why he did it was admirable.  I love that these two get a second chance.  They clearly never got over one another.  They are good together.  He is a spontaneous action kind of guy to her analytical planning.

The plot was realistic and believable.  I like how the story flashed back and forth in time.  I like that Lauren gets to know the other females in the series better.  There are many interesting things that happen in this story that keep it exciting.  This is one of those books that is hard to put down.  I read it in one day.  

Nate seems to like to get involved with his staff and players’ personal lives.  I love that Lauren, doesn’t let Nate intimidate her and does the same to him.  I’m really looking forward to Becca’s and Nate’s story in the next book.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

3.75 Stars

I love a good, long, drawn out story. I usually say the longer the better. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case here. I felt like it was a little too drawn out. With that being said, I still enjoyed it. Sarina Bowen's writing shines through.

Lauren and Mike have history. Strong history. Rocky history. History that has haunted them both for different reasons for the past two years. Now Lauren is stuck with the hockey team again. The past is right in her face. Let's be honest, she never really got away from it. She tried not watching hockey, but the gossip still followed her around. Now Mike sees a chance to right the past. If only Lauren would let him close enough.

There was a lot of push and pull throughout this story. Lauren was set on not giving in, on following through with the plan she now had set for herself. Mike Beacon is one persistent man though. He tried to think of every way possible to soften her up and get her to talk to him, but Lauren isn't the only one he has to convince this is all a good idea.

Review by Tatia

So here I am, in the middle of the Southwest part of the US, with no hockey teams in sight. But what is my favorite sports to read about? Hockey! Especially if Sarina Bowen is the author! 

The first two books in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, Rookie Move and Hard Hitter, got 5 well-earned stars from me, so I was super excited for the chance to read the third installment, Pipe Dreams. I was a bit nervous though- the heroine, Lauren, was a minor character in books 1 and 2, and not very likable..... but we just didn't know her story yet!

After this book, and learning about Lauren and why she is the way she is, she is one of my favorite characters in the Brooklyn Bruisers universe. And Mike Beacon- holy Goalie! I LOVE the men in this series- and they are MEN, not boys- and Mike is at the top of the list. He's mature, he's passionate, he's dreamy. Although of course Sarina gave us some angst- it's love after all- this book is delightfully drama free.

I'm a binge reader, a skimmer, and I fly through books. But some books require a second, more thorough reading, and Pipe Dreams absolutely fell into that category. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!

5 Second Chance CROWNS

Once again, Sarina Bowen delivers another hockey romance that had me smiling and swooning, just generally falling in love with the men of the Brooklyn Bruisers.

Mike and Lauren are a unique couple in the way the fell apart and came back together.  In both cases it is quick, and although, for some readers, this may be a draw back to the story, it fits these characters and how Sarina Bowen develops them throughout the novel.  Mike, due to extenuating circumstances had to make tough choices in his past, but now that he is free to get back the love of his life, he does so with abandon.  His dedication and focus on the ice transfers to his goal of getting Lauren back, and Mike is such an honorable man, good teammate, and great dad, that readers root for him to win Lauren back.  They want his sacrifice earlier in the story to be rewarded, and Sarina Bowen doesn't disappoint.

Readers have encountered Lauren in the previous two books, and she has been characterized as being standoffish and brusque, yet with Pipe Dreams, Sarina Bowen is able to make her character sympathetic.  Readers get to finally see what is behind the tough facade she is hiding behind, and their hearts will break for her.  Just as readers want Mike to be rewarded for his past actions, they want Lauren to get her happily-ever-after because her heart was broken through no fault of her own, and so readers will root for her as well.

Their relationship in the novel progresses rather quickly.  And while some readers might not be okay with the choices they make, I was. First, these two have a history.  Sarina Bowen does an amazing job establishing them as a couple in the past, so that readers feel their heartache in their past and their pain in the present.  Just as they didn't want to wait to be together, I didn't want to wait for them either.  Second, these two seem to just fit together, and not in destined for each other.  Mike and Lauren complement each other, and they are better together. Not only does their emotional chemistry thrive and make the fast progression of their relationship authentic and believable, but their physical chemistry is just as potent.  There is no doubt from their first interactions how much these two care for and love each other.  Third, the circumstances that ended them and put them back together are emotional and life-altering, and the live in the moment attitude Mike adopts makes his actions and Lauren's seem appropriate.

I often find with sports romances that there is an unequal balance between the sports part and the romance part, but Sarina Bowen always does an amazing job balancing the personal aspect of her characters with the sports story line of the story.  Readers will be just as intrigued by the season of the Brooklyn Bruisers as they are by the romance of Lauren and Mike.  In addition to the sports plot, there is a family aspect to the novel with Mike's teenage daughter, as well as the affects of death and how they alter our perception of who and what matters.  With all of these dueling storylines, Sarina Bowen seamlessly intertwines them to create one concise plot that will entertain readers.

When this book ended, I had that moment of pure happiness after reading a great book that was immediately met with a tinge of saddness for the end of another hockey series from Ms. Bowen.  I have loved this world she has created and the characters in it. I want more, more stories, more characters, more everything.  Like her Ivy Years series, this will be another one that I return to repeatedly, and it will go down as one of my favorites of all time!

P.S.

Sarina,

I'm still going to hold out for more. Maybe a novella. Maybe you will be inspired to write another book about another member of the team.  It might never happen, but the hope for more will make the break a little less sad.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:
Mmm, this story about Lauren has been brewing in the background of the other books in this series, so I was excited when it was finally time for it to come out. 

Lauren works for Nate, the owner of the Brooklyn Bruisers. But that wasn't always the case. Up until two years ago, she worked for the team and her father, who used to manage the team until Nate fired him. She was also Mike's girlfriend. She thought everything between them was perfect after dating for one and a half years. In fact they were looking at buying a house together, when he unceremoniously dumped her with barely a word. That was also 2 years ago. Ever since then she has stayed as far away from the hockey team as she possibly could. But when the Bruisers hit the playoffs and Nate's assistant who handled the team was injured, Lauren had to fill in...which meant lots of time with the team.

In his defense, when Mike dumped Lauren, he thought that was the only fair thing to do...for his family and for her. But that didn't change the fact that she was the love of his life. In the two years since their breakup, he's convinced himself that she's better off, but he doesn't really know what her life has become (hollow) because he hasn't seen her. So it's a bit of an eye-opener for him when he begins to interact with her again. He has no idea what she's been through.

I adore second chance at love stories and this is a good one. I understand why Mike did what he did. He was absolutely wrong, but I understand why he did it. And my heart hurts for Lauren. What he did to her was devastating. She still hasn't recovered from it. This story was really good and really heart-wrenching. There are a lot of pieces at play that made it great...Mike's 13 yo daughter, the stress of being in the playoffs, the side story that Lauren has happening in the midst of all this...along with the great characters from the team that we've gotten to know in the other two books. 

Now we need Nate and Becca's story. I'm dying for them!! They've been simmering for so long. And I love how quirky Nate is. It promises to be a good one. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.