Pipe Dreams is the third (and hopefully not the last!) installment in the Brooklyn Bruisers series and once again Sarina Bowen has proven that she can do no wrong. To be completely honest, I was not very excited for this book, mainly because I was really hoping that this would’ve been Nate and Becca’s story. But dammit to hell, Sarina Bowen somehow managed to get me to drop my salty attitude and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Mike and Lauren’s story and Pipe Dreams has easily become one of my favorite romance books for this year.

From defending goals to daddy duties, Mike Beacon is all about making the right moves to score the win. But unfortunate circumstances lead him to making a move that ended up costing him the love of his life, Lauren Williams. Years later, Mike sees his opportunity at a second shot at love when Lauren returns the Brooklyn Bruisers office to help with managing the team. But Lauren wants nothing to do with Mike and tries to avoid the man who broke her heart at all cost. Not willing to call it quits so easily, Mike pulls out all his best moves in hopes of winning Lauren back. But he forgot to account for one major setback in this game of love—his daughter.

Pipe Dreams is a slow-burning, second-chance romance that will steal your heart! I’m such a sucker for second-chance romances, so it didn’t take long for Pipe Dreams to suck me in. I was hit with the feels right from the beginning with the numerous flashbacks and my heart broke for these two. Everything started out happy and then it all went to hell…

One of the hesitations I had going into this book was that I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to connect with the main characters. We don’t know much about Lauren and Mike before starting this book so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Lauren is very guarded at the beginning of this book and while I totally understand why she is the way that she is, it did take a while for her to grow on me. But once she starts to let her walls down and let people in, I found her to be very relatable. She’s hardworking, self-suffucient and reliable and strives to be successful. I loved seeing her opening up to Georgia, Ari and Becca and forming a strong friendship with this trio. Mike on the other hand is some serious DADDY GOALS! The single parent trope is one of my ultimate weaknesses in romance books so of course I was all over that. Mike is the ultimate teddy bear, and yes I said teddy bear! He’s so sweet, patient, understanding and even though he didn’t handle things in the past in the best way, he does redeem himself in the end. I also loved his relationship with his daughter and seeing them interact, even though Elsa does get in the way a few times, but she was just looking out for her father’s best interest.

THE ROMANCE HAD ME SWOONING! Despite not seeing each other for years, their feelings for one another haven’t changed and it was easy for Lauren and Mike to slip back into their old ways. Sarina totally had me cheering like a puck bunny for these two to finally have their HEA. 

I am still salty though that this isn’t Nate and Becca’s book. Throughout Pipe Dreams, Sarina plays up Nate and Becca’s romance as a side plot, but I’m just not having it. I don’t like to be teased and I’m not playing games either. I WANT NATE AND BECCA TO HAVE THEIR OWN FULL-LENGTH NOVEL TOO! I want to know why Nate was so hesitant to pursue Becca. I want to know why Becca never made a move first. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT WENT DOWN THAT ONE NIGHT—let me not give away spoilers. Like I said, I’m not here for this just being a side story and I will wait however long I have to until I have their HEA in my hands.

Pipe Dreams is a second-chance romance that I didn’t know I needed and I’m happy that Sarina wrote Lauren and Mike’s story. Sarina Bowen never ceases to make her readers happy and here’s too hoping that this won’t be the last time we see our favorite Brooklyn hockey team!

4.5 Hockey Stars

There's nothing more than I love is a second chance romance story and Pipe Dreams is all about that! 

We've met the bitter and angry Lauren Williams in the previous books and never understood what her problem is with the team...and now we do! Lauren's heart was ripped apart after Mike Beacon broke it without a warning or an explanation. 

Now, Lauren is temporarily filling in at the Brooklyn Bruiser office and that means running into her ex, Mike, in Brooklyn and being on the road with the team. The love and attraction is still there after all these years, but the hurt remains strong. How do these two be civil, when everyone on their team (thinks) knows their business and past history? Not only are they dealing with the team, but also Mike's very out-spoken teen daughter!

Pipe Dreams is a fantastic read that is filled with angst, drama, misunderstanding, but overall it's a HEA for these two characters. It just takes time for them to get there!

And seriously...I need Nate's book next. I'm dying to find about him and Becca!

It shouldn’t come as news by now that Sarina Bowen is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read most of her work, and I always love her books. This series and this book is no exception. I loved Rookie Move and I really liked Hard Hitter, so obviously Pipe Dreams also stole my heart.

I’m a sucker for second chance romances… and also single dads, so this book had a pretty great premise for me. Once again I really enjoyed the writing. Third person is still not my favorite style, but Sarina does it well.

I really liked the characters. Lauren was fierce and independent and Mike was loyal and amazing. Together they were fantastic, and my only wish is that they had talked about the past before they actually did. I understood Lauren’s heartbreak, what Mike did in the past was shitty, but it was also understandable, and I never felt like he truly lied to her or anything like that.

Elsa, Mike’s teen daughter, was an acquired taste. I understood her feelings and issues completely though, and I LOVED that Mike didn’t give up his pursuit of Lauren because Elsa didn’t approve of it. I LOVED THAT! Though I still think that some more talking would have been the way to go there…

Overall, I really liked the characters and the romance, and I liked the plot a lot. For a little while there I was a bit worried by the way it was going, but it ended up being really cool, so everything was awesome 😉 .

I have to say, Sarina, I NEED A BOOK OR A NOVELLA ABOUT NATE AND BECCA! Come on… so many tidbits, but I want and need the real thing… pretty please?!

SO, GUYS, HAVE YOU BEEN READING THE BROOKLYN BRUISERS SERIES BY SARINA BOWEN? IF YES, DON’T FORGET TO PICK PIPE DREAMS UP, BECAUSE IT’S AWESOME. IF NO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????

For the past year, I've been a huge Sarina Bowen fan. Once I finally discovered her. I will always read anything that she puts out and her Brooklyn Bruiser series has been fun from the start. I've always wanted Lauren's story. She's the uptight assistant that we met a while ago and I was dying to figure out what happened to make her the way she was. So needless to say, I was excited for this book.

Lauren has a history with hockey and the love of her life left her 2 years ago. While her boss may own the Brooklyn Bruisers, her role to him has kept her away from the former pleasure that now causes her pain. However, circumstances cause Lauren to be right back in the hight of the team and now facing her former lover.

I won't get into much more. I think you need to read this on your own without an opinion. However, I personally couldn't connect as much as I wanted to. There was a specific part of the story that kind of pushed my connection a bit backwards and I never regained it. I'm 100% sure that it is a me situation and others will totally be OK with it. In fact, if you know my reviews, I can only overcome this scenario with one particular author. That isn't fair to Sarina, I know,  that but I have to be honest.

Please don't misunderstand my 3 star rating. I really did enjoy this book. As I said, I've been waiting for Lauren's story. I just wasn't fully connected. However, I think a lot of people will really love this one. If you are looking for a second change romance with a hero that wastes no time in showing how much he needs this reconnection, then this is the book for you. Mike (hero) has total swoon potential.

“Why are you still here?” she asked.
“Because you’re standing on a dark sidewalk at midnight?”
And so begins the re-acquaintance of Mike Beacon and Lauren Williams.  I just love a well done second chance love story, and this is one of the best. Throw in some of my favorite hockey players, an ice queen, and a little extra behind the scenes romance (that I desperately need more of),  and you have got yourself one heck of a story. 
We get to see a small glimpse of Lauren in the first two books in Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers series, and I really thought it was going to take a tremendous amount of work for Lauren to get in my good graces. I was so very wrong.  All it took was for me to see just how affected she was by Mike’s sudden break up.  Lauren wasn’t a bitch, she was broken.  She could only hide behind her fancy clothes, her important job and her witty comebacks for so long. Mike Beacon may not have a perfect save percentage, but this is one shot he is going to take, even if Lauren never sees it coming.
I loved Mike from the start.  He never had to win me over with his swooniness (and there is a LOT to swoon over), or endear himself to me with how devoted of a father and teammate he was.  He had me from hello, literally.  He might have played the martyr, but he had a damned good reason.  I understand why he felt it was his only option and we can debate for days whether he was right or wrong, but regardless of what it was, in the end, it was what he needed to do. 
Mike and Laurens story moves quickly, and I really enjoyed the pace of this one.  Their relationship had already been established.  They just needed a little prodding from a certain owner,  and for Lauren to drop her shield and see what Mikes true intentions were. There was little to no drama in this story, but that’s part of what I liked most about it. It was a beautiful story about two people finding their way back to each other in the middle of the Stanley Cup playoffs.   These were two people clearly in love with one another.  All consuming,  ‘till death do us part kind of love.  Life may have intervened for a few years,  but once reunited, they were not to be stopped.  Being it's a Sarina Bowen book,  you know all the technical parts are going to be flawless,  but what I loved most was the ease of the story.  I was lost in the words from the first until the last. Mike and Lauren will forever be a favorite of mine.

5 stars! 



OH MY GAWD. I loved this book so hard! Sarina Bowen, you have outdone yourself!!!

Pipe Dreams is the third book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series but can easily be read as a standalone novel. This book follows Mike Beacon, goalie for the Bruisers and Lauren, the office manager to the man who owns the team. Four years ago they had been in a relationship, happy and in love, until two years ago when Mike broke up with Lauren and basically disappeared from her life very rapidly. What Lauren didn’t know was Mike needed to take care of his young daughter, as his wife who he was in the middle of divorcing became terminally ill.

Currently, Lauren has been brought in by the team owner to cover the Bruiser’s while they are in the playoffs. Mike and Lauren find themselves together more often and old feelings resurface. Mike wants to pursue Lauren again, but after he left her Lauren has issues with trust and doesn’t want to risk getting hurt again. 



This is a book that every single time I put it down, I found myself craving to pick it back up. I gobbled this one up and wanted to hug it to my chest after reading it! Sarina Bowen is one of my favorite authors, and this book just reaffirmed why I always come back to her books every single time. I was even hesitant to pick this one up, because I just kind of liked the first book, and dnf’d the second. But I wanted to see what else was happening in the Bruiser’s world and I am so glad I did!

Second chance romance is my favorite subgenre of romance, I love seeing two people who belong to each other, make their way back to one another. Mike made a mistake two years before, but in my opinion he made it for all the right reasons. Does that mean he still didn’t mess up big time? No. But my heart bled for the man and the tough choices he had to make, and the one he chose ultimately for the better for his daughter. 

Surprisingly for a second chance romance, there was zero to no drama. I kept waiting for it to happen at the 70% point on and when it didn’t, I was impressed! There was a little bit of angst, mostly because Lauren had to learn to trust again, but I completely understand that and so did Mike. And for having a 13 year old daughter in the book, delivering no drama is quite the achievement! What we did get as readers is emotional moments, ones that squeezed your heart but not too hard that it hurt. I found myself rooting for this couple for all that they had been through and was pulling for them so hard!

Anyways, this is a single parent, second chance, hockey sports romance that I think many readers will love and enjoy. After what felt like a rough start to the series (for me) it’s good to know that it just keeps getting better.

Look. Sarina Bowen + Hockey + single dad + second chance = sure thing. There’s no question. That formula is locked down. No matter how much angst is thrown in or how sizzling sexy things get – you know it’s going to be so freaking good. 

So, it comes as no surprise that Pipe Dreams delivered the happy satisfied smile and tummy full of butterflies that I crave so much. The romance between Mike and Lauren was a slow burn (and I love a steady, sexy slow burn, so that’s not an issue here at all), but it did sometimes drag a bit for me. I felt like it was a little heavier on the hockey than the other books have been. I mean, it was exciting to read about the boys in the playoffs, but it felt like sometimes the romance took a back burner to the hockey action. That said - catching up with Leo, Georgia, Doulie and Ari was completely delightful. I also loved the friendship that blossomed between the girls. I loved that Lauren was given the opportunity to grow and flourish in those friendships. 

Speaking of flourishing – I adored how Lauren evolved over the course of this book. Her relationships with the girls, and with Nate, and – of course – with Mike changed her in ways that made her impossible not to completely adore. I sympathized with her. My heart broke for her. I understood every conflicted emotion she had and why it was necessary for this burn to simmer for so long. I loved the way her relationship with Mike came full circle – even while I had trouble connecting with it sometimes. I loved how he loved her and I loved how she treated his love like a precious thing.

That said, I struggled with Mike sometimes. Don't get me wrong - he was pretty much the very picture of my perfect man (good dad, sexy hockey player, nice guy) - but for the vast majority of the book I wanted to shake some sense into him. I felt like he didn’t fully own or respect the role he played in their history. Like he oversimplified -- basically everything, and because of that, I didn't connect with him the way I wanted to which became frustrating after a while. He’s a fantastic guy who melted my heart in scenes and moments – but I didn’t always trust him.

In the end, while this was not my favorite book of the series, I still loved it pretty fiercely. It’s full of banter and these heart-melting swoony moments. The ending is happy and incredibly fulfilling and I enjoyed (almost) every minute!

The buzz on the street is that Pipe Dreams was the last book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. Once I stopped having heart palpitations due to panic about not getting any more of these (scrumptious) hockey boys, I pulled myself together enough to compose this plea: spin off, please! Because I have serious Nate and Becca needs. Needs. *crossables crossed and head bent in prayer*.

Whoooop! Pipe Dreams was absolutely perfect! I enjoyed every minute of this book. It's my favorite in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. I remember I was a little scared with Lauren's character who was so uptight in the previous book but that is all a facade. She's just a woman with a broken heart and two years of building wall around herself to prevent from any pain to happen again. 
Mike Beacon is a the Brooklyn Bruisers' goalie and I have to admit I don't really remember him but he was such a fine man. He's sweet, kind, passionate and such a good dad for his thirteen years old girl. 

From the blurb you get that Pipe Dreams is a second chance romance and I love reading those. Mike & Lauren's relationship ended brutally and without an explanation so after two years it's understandable if Lauren feels a little off at the idea of seeing Mike every day again.

What makes Pipe Dreams the perfect book is all the emotions there's in it. I wasn't expecting it to be so emotional yet, there are plenty of moments where I felt a tear at the corner of my eye. I also laughed a lot with the girls, Becca, Ari & Georgia. It was good to see all the girls together and having fun. And then there were the more delicate moments with Mike and his daughter. I fear there would be drama but again Sarina Bowen just made the right move and everything is handle just the way it needs to be. Some would say it goes too smoothly but I say that this is how a relationship between parents & child should be. 

Fans of Hockey will be once again thrilled to see all the details within this book. It's not a sport I watch here because it's not popular but I'm certain I'll catch some action via some internet videos soon.

I'm sad to know this was the last book in the series. I want a book for Silas so badly. He makes several appearances in here and I think there's a story to tell for this young lad.
Pipe Dreams was once again a huge tease for Nate& Becca's story. We need their book asap. I experienced all their relation in the background and it's not enough. I want it all, I want the details and I want to witness it. Please Sarina give us their book.

Author Sarina Bowen pairs with hockey romance like white-chocolate-covered Oreos with rich, creamy, vitamin D milk. That is to say: perfectly and with much anticipation. (And dang it. Now I’m hungry!)

It’s no secret that I’m a long-time fan of the gay hockey romance series Ms. Bowen co-authored with Elle Kennedy (if you haven’t read Him, you’re missing out big time), but this new solo series—The Brooklyn Bruisers—is just as dynamite and hits a more diverse reader base. Whether you read New Adult or more adult-oriented contemporary romance, whether you love sensitive heroes or men with rough edges, whether you like your heroines spunky or classy—the Brooklyn Bruisers hockey romance series has something for you, and every story is teeming with heart and soul.

Pipe Dreams, the third story in the series, cuts right to the grab-your-chest emotion as the book opens on the high of the team securing a playoff spot, followed by the devastation of our heroine having to face the man she loved and lost and never forgave or forgot.

The Lauren we knew from the first two books—the chic, fashionable, controlling ice queen who hated hockey and anyone associated with it—is nowhere to be seen in Pipe Dreams. This Lauren is actually friendly and vulnerable and likeable. Seems an apology goes a long way toward making things right. I loved the strength of character Lauren showed in this story. She’s determined, competent, and self-confident, with a killer fashion sense. I can easily see her as a VP of a Fortune 500 company. I kinda want to be her. Just saying.

Mike is such a sweet, honest man, and his vulnerability punched me right in the heart. His backstory is brutal and sorrowful and beautiful. He’s a family man and a tough, career hockey player. And I’ve always had a soft spot for goalies. Mike is easily my favorite hero of the series so far, and every new obstacle, every new smooth (or panicked!) reaction to a crisis just endeared him to me more.

And writing a believable, likable 13-year old daughter is a daunting task. Ms. Bowen has penned a teenage character that perfectly compliments the stalwart, easy-going nature of her dad, and behaves exactly how I would expect from a youngster both grieving and growing into her changing body. Elsa is surprisingly relatable, and I can’t say that for many kids I read about in romance books.

Oh. So. Many. Feels! You’d think hockey romances would be all caveman tough guy, but oh no, Ms. Bowen had to go and make me cry. You read through this story’s ending with dry eyes. Dare you to try! This story is so good. And you don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy the emotional beauty of it. Although, if you do start with Pipe Dreams, there may be more than the usual amount of new characters to keep up with.

Another solid installment in the Brooklyn Bruisers hockey romance series by Sarina Bowen, and another recommended contemporary romance read on GraveTells.

It is official! I am a huge fan of author Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers series! I love how she is able to blend sports, friendship and romance into a humorous story that hits all the emotional feels. That is pretty spectacular because to be honest I care nothing for sports. 😉

Pipe Dreams is a second chance romance. It is also where we get to learn more about character Lauren Williams. So far, she has played a part in each story of the series. She is always the crabbiest and most standoffish character. Her behavior is the result of deep heartbreak and can be summed up in two words: Mike Beacon.

Mike is goalie for the Brooklyn Bruisers and was friend and lover to Lauren. That is until one day when he turned is back on her and left her in the dark. She had no idea why he turned her out of his life and has been bitter towards him ever since.

Mike had been put between a rock and a hard place. He loved Lauren and he wanted her forever but when life gave him a slapshot he did not know what to do. He made some hard choices and that had mega consequences including the loss and alienation of Lauren.

Lauren had been given the opportunity by Nate, the team manager, a few years ago to have a position in the Manhattan office. Lauren jumped at the chance to have a fresh start and some distance from Mike. She also has avoided the team whenever possible ever since. Recently though she has been brought in to cover the Bruisers during the playoffs due to Becca sustaining an injury. I love that this decision was a covert matchmaking move on Nate’s part. He is adorable and I am hoping the next book will be Nate and Becca’s story.

It has been years but Mike has not been able to get Lauren out of his mind or his heart. With Lauren coming to cover for Becca, he feels that now is the time to take his chances and see if he is able to get back the one girl he wants. I love this so, so, so much. Although Lauren makes nothing easy on him Mike truly gives getting her back everything that he has.

One hurdle that must be overcome in this story involves Mike’s daughter. She has negative feelings towards Lauren and is not readily willing to accept Lauren as Mike’s girlfriend. Most of her feelings are based on gossip but she is still hurting over the loss of her mother and is striking out at everyone. One of my favorite parts of this story is how Lauren and Elsa come to terms and finally bond. So sweet and funny!

What is just fab about this story is that you know that they have a history but you learn what that history was by past present flashbacks. I really like Lauren’s character and seeing what she went through to be with Mike and then how she felt about the breakup was very emotional. Good for her that she picked up and carried on. She kept with her life goals and although hurt she managed the best she could.

Mike, dear God man learn to communicate! Sheesh, one honest conversation could have deterred years of heartache! I cannot fault his character for his choices because his heart was absolutely in the right place but things could have been handled better. I felt for the guy because he was only trying to honor his past commitments to both is daughter and ex-wife. He put everything he wanted out the door in order to give his child everything he could. How can I not adore this character??

When I first learned this this story was going to be about Lauren I was not sure if I was going to enjoy reading anything about the ice queen. After having read this book I am all sorts of in love with her character and so happy that she gets a happily ever after. The story was just so sweet, romantic, and swoony. I enjoyed reading it and learning more about all of the characters that make up this series. Now if I could just have one wish granted it would be: Please can we have Nate and Becca’s story??

*Thank you to NetGalley & Berkley for this eARC of Pipe Dreams*

Pipe Dreams focuses on Mike Beacon, the starting goalie of the Brooklyn Bruisers, and Lauren Williams, his ex-girlfriend and the Bruisers' owner Nate Katzenberg's executive assistant. Lauren normally works in Manhattan at Nate's tech company, but an accident makes her the office manager for the Bruisers as well during their playoffs run. Lauren isn't happy about this because she's been trying to avoid Beacon for the past two years, since he broke her heart. But now their paths are crossing again, and it's hard for her not to admit that the spark might still be there. 

Meanwhile, Mike Beacon is a single father with a 13-year old daughter. Luckily, he has a lot of help, but he's still lonely and missing Lauren. With the Stanley Cup on the line, and a lot of complications, can he get Lauren back? 

What I really liked about this book was how well-drawn Mike Beacon was. Bowen takes his philosophy as a goalie - a guy who has to shake off the past and always look to the future - and extends it to his entire character. He's a guy who can stay calm, loose, and optimistic even if the odds are stacked against him. And since he's been through a lot with his daughter and his ex-wife, he also appreciates every moment of the present. It's a combination that's hard to resist - especially when you add in his humor and determination. 

I loved how much he clashed with Lauren. The banter was really cute, especially since Lauren is a go-getter - someone who has made her own destiny and isn't afraid to be strong. Lauren is probably one of my favorite of Sarina Bowen's female characters. She can be cold as ice, but she also does what she needs to do to get things done - on her own or with someone. It's just a delicious combination of personalities. 

There isn't a ton of hockey in this book, but I was okay with that because I liked how much it focused on the characters and their relationships. Of course, Mike's daughter Elsa has a huge part in that, as well as Hans, Elsa's violin teacher and "manny." As always, Bowen creates a great, supportive cast of characters that I wanted to cheer on as much as the leads. 

The only thing I would have wished for in this book were a few more steamy scenes. Don't get me wrong - the ones that are there are solidly racy - but I really wanted one or two more that burned up the page, especially since we're told a lot that Lauren and Mike's chemistry is off the charts. 

Despite that, this is a really great love story and family story. It's probably my personal favorite of the Brooklyn Bruisers books so far. I stayed up far, far too late reading because I just had to know how it would end. And I gotta tell you - it was totally worth it.

Sarina Bowen’s Pipe Dreams is a thoughtful and emotional love story with the perfect blend of reality and fantasy to make it feel relatable while also still feeling like escapism, and I loved it. It has all the fun associated with a contemporary sports romance but also delves into some of the complex challenges faced by couples in second-chance relationships. While it is the third book in Ms.Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers series, they are all stand-alones and do not need to read in order.

Mike Beacon and Lauren Williams have a complicated history. They met and got to know each other over a period of six years working together for the professional hockey team, the Brooklyn Bruisers. Lauren was on the administrative staff in the front office while Mike was the team’s captain and one of their star players. He was married with a daughter at the time, and he and Lauren developed a solid friendship with an easy connection and genuine affection. They also were both very attracted to each other, but neither ever acknowledged or admitted their feelings – even to themselves - since Mike was married. It was a line neither ever contemplated crossing.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Mike’s marriage has been emotionally dead for years; so when his wife cheats on him, he accepts that his relationship is over and files for divorce. He now allows himself to recognize that he likes Lauren as more than just a friend, and he seeks her out never expecting that she feels the same. They fall quickly and madly in love, have a blissful year-long romance, and are planning their future together when Mike suddenly breaks up with her and returns to his not-quite-ex-wife with little explanation. (His divorce was a bitter and lengthy process, but hadn’t been made final during that year, when he was with Lauren and his wife was in a relationship with someone else. Neither considered it cheating, but the public was less forgiving labeling Lauren as the ‘other woman.’)

Lauren was devastated by the unexpected and abrupt breakup. She immediately transferred out of the Bruisers’ office, and has spent the last two years staying as far away from hockey as possible. She won’t even watch a game or follow the team’s progress, because it is too painful to be reminded of Mike. When the team suddenly needs someone familiar with the organization to provide temporary administrative help, Lauren is the only available option. She’s asked to return to the team, and she reluctantly agrees knowing she will see Mike, now a widower and single father.

When Lauren does see Mike again, it is more painful than she imagined. She’s haunted by memories of their time together and still loves him through the haze of her anger. She doesn’t realize that Mike never stopped loving her but felt he needed to get back with his wife. He regrets not explaining why he ended their relationship and feels guilty for hurting Lauren, and he wants and needs to make things right again and, hopefully, reclaim what they had before. He commits himself to fighting for her forgiveness and for her love knowing he has a steep hill to climb before she will ever absolve him or be able to trust him.

Mike is not afraid of a challenge, and he sets out to pursue her with single-minded determination but also with compassion and patience. He mans up and acknowledges his mistakes without trying to make an excuse for his behavior, and he never attempts to dismiss Lauren’s heartbreak or her anger. They slowly and painfully excavate their past, and although the process is gut-wrenching and emotional, there is also laughter and light-heartedness along the way that reminds them of how good they were together. They share an intense chemistry that has not diminished in the years apart, and he is not above leveraging that attraction. If wooing were a super power, Mike would be a superhero.

The only black marks against him I can find are his reasons for not explaining why he was breaking up with Lauren when he did. His decision was bone-headed, but he does explain his thought process – or lack thereof. He is so charming that I can give him a pass, but I understand why it might be difficult for Lauren to forgive and forget.

When I read the synopsis of Pipe Dreams, I was initially hesitant to read it because I am a bit squeamish about second-chance romances where the breakup and time apart are painful. But I decided to give it a try, because I think Ms. Bowen is a phenomenal writer and I trusted her to mend my heart if she broke it. She did, and Pipe Dreams demonstrates that romances that include some of the messy and complicated realities of relationships and life – including divorces that take forever - feel more relatable, and this makes the reading experience more powerful and satisfying. I feel like I was with Mike and Lauren on every step of their difficult journey, and I felt every emotion – the good, the bad and the ugly cry. I experienced those bittersweet moments when they began to heal and realize there was a possibility they could find love again, and Pipe Dreams will make the most cynical reader believe in second chances and happy ever afters.

by AAR's Mary

This was such a sweet romance that I COULD NOT PUT DOWN! Sarina Bowen has brought a new romance to this hockey series, that will swoon you away with everything that has to do with demurring personas and also creativity when it comes down to the aspects of love and passion. 

Everything that Sarina has brought to this series has been spectacular and I cannot wait for future stories!

If there's one word for the Brooklyn Bruisers series, it's real. Bet you were expecting me to say sexy, and yeah, it's that too. But, Sarina Bowen has a knack for developing relatable, true-to-life characters who deal with real-world problems. It’s particularly true in Pipe Dreams and it's what made the book such a great read for me.  Bruisers Goalie Mike Beacon balances his hockey career and being a single dad with refreshing maturity; Lauren Williams is putting herself first, focusing on finishing her degree, and her career. Single dad, second-chance-at-love stories aren't usually my thing, but finding out what the deal was the chip on Lauren's shoulder, the real characters, a little bit of hockey, and a little bit of sexy, made it a win for me.

This is the third book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, but can be read as a stand alone. Pipe Dreams is a second change romance that follows the story of goalie Mike Beacon and Lauren Williams.

Years ago, Mike and Lauren had an amazing relationship and plans for a future together, until heartbreaking news had Mike making the hardest decision of his life, which led him to lose Lauren and leave her heart in pieces.

Fast forward to the pretend: Mike is a widower, a devoted father to his teenage daughter and is a valued player of the Brooklyn Bruisers. Lauren has a successful career away from the hockey world she used to love so much and plans to become a mother, but without the help of any man.

When circumstances have Lauren working for the Brooklyn Bruisers again, Mike sees it as the perfect opportunity to win her back and make up for his past mistakes, but Lauren isn't as willing to put her heart in the line again.

I loved these characters. Mike is sweet, funny, sexy and does everything he can for the ones he cares about. Lauren is independent, smart, dedicated to her career and goals and I really admire her for being such a strong character.

The tension between the two of them was off the charts and messy past or not, I couldn't help but root for them since the very beginning of the book. It's the type of story that has you hooked from page one and then it's so good that leaves you wanting more!

Sarina Bowen did it again, guys. This is a great second change romance, filled with hilarious, endearing and smutty moments. I highly recommend it.

Ever have one of those authors that just does it for you? SB is that author for me. When I got approved for this I… had a moment. That maybe only dogs could hear, but whatevs. I had some excite happening, k? 

I really did look at it on my kindle with heart eyes telling myself I should wait. Then my id kicked my superego in the nads and maybe made some lewd hand gestures. In short, I caved. I said I was only going to peak. Just a quick peak. I knew it was a lie, though. There’s no peaking. There is only devouring.



I have no self-control when it comes to her writes. I usually forego sleeping and eating and even mundane tasks like going to the bathroom or trying make something to eat make me all Cranky McFusserpants and debating the logistics of reading while taking a shower or wielding a knife (neither are recommended, BTW) because I can’t put it down. I must see all the words!



Pipe Dreams was no different. And like all the others I was sad when it was over and kicking myself for not savoring it. I admit it. I have a problem. But you know what? If binge reading SB is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.



Anyhoo, enough about my issues and on to this book! Pipe Dreams is a second chance romance between Lauren, Nate’s somewhat icy Manhattan assistant, and Mike Beacon, goalie for the Brooklyn Bruisers. There are a couple of flashbacks to set the stage, giving a little of their backstory.

What they’d just done wasn’t a spark of recklessness, but a force of nature. Like gravity. You could leap away from it, but it always pulled you back.


Four years ago Nate and Lauren had the world on a string. Nate’s wife cheated and he could finally free himself of a loveless marriage and be with his heart’s desire-Lauren. For two years everything was grand. They made plans. They had a future. Until Mike’s ex got terminal cancer and Mike being Mike did what he thought was right by her and his little girl. Even though it ripped his heart out.

Honestly, I wanted to be mad at him but he’s just so earnest that my mad wouldn’t stick. How could I stay mad at a guy who put on a stiff upper lip for his daughter and sacrificed the love of his life to be there for his dying wife? Lauren folded about 2.5 seconds after I did though so I don’t feel über sappy. Make no mistake she’s still wary and she maybe makes him chase her a lil, rightfully so given how Mike dumped her, but she can’t deny her feelings for him any more than he can for her.

There isn’t a lot of angst or pain, just a natural progression towards a reunion that was lovely to read and felt authentic. All the hallmarks of SB’s writing are present and accounted for including a satisfying amount of team dynamics, likable characters, cameos by characters from prior books, and some pretty smexy smexy times.

But sometimes a girl just needed to be spread out on the bed and properly fucked. He’d always been just the man for the job.




AND she continues to vex me with this Nate/Becca subplot!



Things progress between them. That’s all I’ll say about that. Neigh. ADDENDUM I want to read all the words. Posthaste.

I’m self-aware enough to realize that I’m greedy when it comes to SB’s writes, but still, I feel like the ending was rushed. There is an epilogue of sorts and a heartfelt HEA, but there were still a couple things I wanted to know. Perhaps they’ll be answered in the next installment.

Which you can bet your sweet bippy I’ll be there for it. With bells on.



Well, maybe not that many bells.

If you’re a fan of romance, hockey romance, SB, good writes with the best feels, second chance romance, hell, if you have a pulse you should read this.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley.

review to appear on redhotbooks.com and goodreads. Overall I really enjoyed this story. It was mature and low angst with great pace.

Are you ready to drop the puck and get some more ice time with Sarina Bowen’s newest addition to the Brooklyn Bruisers line up Pipe Dreams? Say yes, because it’s so damn good it should be sent to the penalty box.

I’ve been loving this series and after inhaling this book, I can honestly say it one of my favourite series ever. Sarina Bowen has created a team to fall in love with, to cheer on and make you want to go through their ups and downs with no questions asked. 

Pipe Dreams left me a happy, satisfied, goofy grinning, sobbing mess. Happy sobbing, but still…..I FLIPPING LOVED IT!!!!!! I went through so many feels reading this and it left me emotionally drained but so freaking happy it’s ridiculous. Have tissues ready, a cold drink handy and a comfy spot secured because once you start, you won’t want to stop reading. 

So much happens in this book that it’s hard not to give spoilers away but I will endeavour to keep this fan girly but spoiler free. Here we go…. 

I was so not ready for Mike Beacon and Lauren. They were totally not what I was expecting and so much more than I ever wanted. We have met both characters in the previous books and while I liked Lauren, I knew there was more to her than we had gotten to see and boy when we do see, wow. I adore Lauren now. She has a totally valid reason (which you will see) to be a bit stand-offish but when she lets her guard down she is awesome. 

As for Mike, can you say DILF? OMG he is one hot daddy, who once he is on a mission to win Lauren over, nothing is going to stop him, all the while dealing with a grieving teenager and the march to the ultimate hockey prize the Stanley Cup. Cue the swoon. Seriously there are some major ovary quivering moments involving this guy, that’s all I’ll say. 

Together? Lauren and Mike steam up the pages, will drag you through all the feels, have you sighing and leave you rooting hard for second chances.

While each book can be read as a stand-alone, reading them in order just makes the world you lose yourself in that much richer. For fans of the series you get to catch up with the other players, see one make a return and finally get some movement on a couple we all want to see together ASAP. 

Pipe Dreams is just another reason why I love this authors writing and another reason why I need the next book sooner rather than later. Man ON!!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Neygalley for review.

Loved this book!!!! Mike and Lauren were great characters, I loved reading their journey!

I didn't have a lot of interest in the previous books in Mike's story but I have to admit that I liked this one- a lot!

Mike had his hands full a few years ago when he broke Lauren's heart. But the guy was dealing with an estranged wife who was sick and a daughter who was distraught. The poor guy tried his best. 

Lauren has avoided all things Mike since then. She wants to have a baby and doesn't need a boyfriend or husband to have one. When Mike decides to pursue her, she turns away. Once bitten, twice shy. But she is classy and a smart girl and she knows genuine feelings and Mike's feelings for her are real. I liked that the author didn't drag that over and over and have drama just for the sake of unnecessary angst.