Blocked is my first book by L.P. Dover. This is the second book in the Breakaway series. I can assure you it stands on its own nicely. I enjoy sports books. Mainly because they allow me to escape into a world that I only see as a spectator. The men who are lucky enough to be successful in sports need a type of tunnel vision with most of their energy spent on making it in their competitive world.

Blocked is a sweet story with a hockey player (Dallas Easton) who has the position and fame that he wants and is now, expectantly, ready to work for a woman who steals his heart. Dallas doesn’t get emotionally involved with women. You can find him with a different woman on his arm every other week. His agent comes to him with a reality show deal that he can’t wait to get started. It is ten women in a house with him, and he gets time with all of them until Callie Davis makes him question his decision.

Callie Davis is a nurse and the sister of Justin Davis one of Dallas’ teammates. She knows the life of hockey players from a young age. Callie knows Dallas’ type and won’t be easily fooled by his smooth ways. Callie is aware that once he gets her to bed the challenge will be over and Dallas will move on, so she promises herself that she won’t fall for his tricks. Dallas will not be dissuaded and jumps through all the hoops she puts in his path.

For the most part, I like these two characters. They are realistic and the challenges Callie gives Dallas are funny. I can see a girl growing up with three brothers pulling pranks to get the better of them. The big hurdle for this couple is predictable and a little unrealistic. I’m not sure a man in professional sports can participate in a reality show during the season. His agent should know his contract. Most professional athletes are expected to concentrate on their game during the season so as not to become distracted. That storyline required me to give a couple of hand waves, but it played out sweetly.

My most significant negative about the story is the hockey references. Throughout the novel, Dallas is referred to as the goaltender. While that is technically true, I don’t recall any player, coach, sportscaster referring to the “goalie” in hockey as a goaltender. I may be wrong, but it didn’t feel right when the other players or Callie (who grew up with the game) continually call Dallas the goaltender. It feels like something out of a textbook or another equally dry reference material. Also hockey has three periods, not intervals. That is a huge penalty.

The other not too critical comment I have is that I never understood why Justin Davis dislikes Dallas so much even before he starts dating his sister. I get that he used to play on another team, but once his contract is signed, he needs to be team Strikers. The Strikers are a winning team albeit with some unrealistic stats. Justin needs to have his goalie’s back. Fans would rebel, in my opinion. It is possible that this is a storyline carried over from book one but an explanation sentence would be nice.

The ancillary characters in the book and to the story and stir interest in finding out more about them. One couple is featured in the first book. However, I can see where three or four more books can spin-off from these characters. I’m sure that Maddox and Lacey have a story and I want to know what that is.

If you like hot athletes, steamy sex scenes, and fun characters, you will enjoy Blocked. It is a fast read and a relaxing way to spend a weekend sitting comfortably by the fire.

Awesome contemporary hockey/sports romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Dallas is considered to be the best goaltender in the professional league. Some of his problems are his arrogance (somewhat deserved), the way he reacts to things he doesn't like (beating other players to a pulp), and that he's a womanizer (women do line up for their shot at him). Callie is the sister of the newest member of the team. She loves her job as a nurse but also loves hockey as a sport. They hit it off but it doesn't take long before the pressures and Dallas's popularity take a toll. I received a complementary copy of this book via Netgalley. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

Blocked returns us to the Charlotte Strikers where we get to spend time with Dallas Easton, the Goalie, and his love interest, Callie.
Dallas is a character that is one you almost love to hate when you first meet him, but he eventually grew on me. Callie was easy to like from the beginning.
I enjoyed watching the dynamic between these two change as they began to get to know each other and Dallas had to work to get Callie’s attention. The conflict was realistic based on Dallas’ history and I appreciated how it played out.
Blocked has a large secondary cast. Some are key to Dallas and Callie getting things figured out, others are present more to build the background for future books in the series.
As the second book in the series, this does stand alone fairly well. It gives readers a chance to catch up a little bit with characters from book one, but you can easily start the series here

3.5 stars-- BLOCKED is the second instalment in L.P. Dover’s contemporary, adult BREAKAWAY erotic, romance, hockey series focusing on the men and women of the professional hockey team The Charlotte Strikers. This is twenty nine year old goalie Dallas Easton, and twenty six year old nurse Callie Davis’ story line. BLOCKED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to Dallas in book one HARD STICK. Callie is the Charlotte Strikers’ Justin Davis’ younger sister.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Callie and Dallas) BLOCKED looks at the building but acrimonious relationship between the Charlotte Strikers goalie Dallas Easton, a bit of a manwhore by reputation, and nurse Callie Davis, a woman who can hold her own against our story line hero. Callie’s introduction to Dallas comes at a party where Dallas finds himself on the receiving end of a jealous boyfriend who gets physically violent with our story line hero; to add insult to injury an unsuspecting Dallas will come face to face with a woman who isn’t afraid to go one on one but a meeting that doesn’t end well for Dallas Easton. What ensues is the building relationship between Callie and Dallas, and the potential fall out as Callie’s over protective brothers intend to protect Callie from their less than worthy teammate; and an overzealous agent who intends to keeps Callie and Dallas apart.

The relationship between Callie and Dallas is one of immediate attraction but Dallas’ reputation as a manwhore and player precedes his introduction to our story line heroine. Puck bunnies aside, Dallas’ life is about to get more complicated when he is chosen as the ‘bachelor’ for the reality television series Rich and Single. Callie’s brothers intend to make Dallas’ life a living h*ll in order to protect the sister they love including running interference both on and off the ice but Callie makes our hero work just as hard to ‘prove’ he is worthy of her attention and love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building continues to look at the run for the Cup; the camaraderie between players, family, fans and the media; and the potential fall-out as past sins are slowly revealed.

There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting characters including Kristen and Kellan Carter (Hard Stick #1); Braeden Wallace, Coach Carlisle, and Maddox Ledger We are introduced to Callie’s twin brothers and sports agents Corey and Brant, as well as her brother Justin; her best friend and co-worker Hannah Martin, and Dr. Sands; as well as Dallas’ sister Lacey, and his parents Theresa and David Easton. There is some backstory and history between Lacey and Maddox that I am looking forward to the reveal.; and the developing relationship between Hannah and Corey.

BLOCKED is a story of family and friendship; of one man’s desire to change for the woman he loves, and one woman’s strength to look beyond the past. The premise is entertaining, inspiring and engaging; the characters are dynamic, edgy and spirited; the romance is passionate and uplifting. I did have to question some of the intended humor as our hero must ‘work’ for the heroine’s heart but humiliation is not on my list of proof of intention or love.

Copy supplied for review by Netgalley

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I enjoyed this book! It was different than a lot of the Hockey romances I have read. Dallas is used to being it, the one. But when during a fight on the ice he gets a different kind of shocj, he really doesn’t know what to make of it. Callie is used to having to fight for things and it it looks like that isn’t about to change. Or is it? Because Dallas Easton isn’t worth fighting for, is he?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Such a great book! Hilarious at times and funny—I loved the pace, the banter, and the overall love and affection between Callie and Dallas.

Dallas is the best goalie in the NHL. He's also one of the biggest players to ever live. When he makes the absolute worst impression on Callie, he's pulling out all the stops to apologize. Callie has just moved to North Carolina with her brothers, one of which plays for the Strikers with Dallas. Callie realizes that Dallas isn't going to give up so easy so she decides to make his apologies into a fun game.

The chemistry between Dallas and Callie was off the charts. The back and forth between them was absolutely hilarious. I loved the steady pace of the relationship and how nothing seemed to be a huge rush. Callie is a strong, independent woman who was ready to stand up to her overprotective brothers in order to move forward with Dallas. Dallas was super swoony. In the beginning I thought there was nothing that was going to tame the player but as soon as he felt like Callie might be different, he did everything he could to show her that there's more to him than the player everyone sees. This series is absolutely amazing and I can't wait to see what's up next for this team!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

dallas easton has a reputation. he's the league's best goalie. and he's good at scoring with the ladies. but everything changes when he meets callie davis. he's still the league's best goalie. but the only lady he wants to score with is callie.

callie is not a regular puck bunny. her brother and cousin are on the team and neither is a big fan of dallas. blocked is partly about how dallas wins callie over, but also partly about how he has to win everyone over because his reputation precedes him.

the thing about books that set up the main character this way is that you have to immediately make him redeemable. because no one really wants to read about a dirtbag falling in love. here's the thing, i never thought dallas was all that awful. but the way some of the characters treat him, especially during the first third of the novel is way over the top for his alleged misdeeds.

that one time he almost hits callie and everyone makes him feel super bad about it? 1) they were on the ice and in full pads; 2) callie hit him first and it was a cheap shot; 3) he had no idea that it wasn't another male hockey player he was playing against; 4) he had no idea that it was callie. so how everyone reacts and treats him after that incident seems totally irrational.

having dallas have to woo callie isn't a problem, however, and i loved watching their relationship develop. you'd think that her deeper understanding of his character would have allowed her to actually hear him out instead of jumping to conclusions when things look bad late in the story, but instead she shuts him out. this is one of my least favorite character behaviors. i want the lead characters to behave like rational adults. going into hiding and not communicating with the person you claim to love is not rational behavior.

the seeds for the next novel in the series, playmaker are sown in this one, and i'm looking forward to seeing where things go.

OMG I am so in love with Dallas! He had me hook, line, and sinker at the arena during the shot challenge bet, deciding if their relationship would be made public. **swoon**

I thought this was a wonderful romance. I enjoyed all the hoops Callie had him jump through, and the bikini, lmao, that was great!

I love all the pulls on the heart, tons of laughs, lots of fun and flirty times, a sweet and heart-warming budding romance, and steamy, toe-curling sexy times. There is the expected relationship testing drama that threatens their happiness, but what a unique resolve – I loved it!

I freaking love L.P. Dover’s A Breakaway Novel series. I thought Hard Stick was superb and Blocked is the perfect addition. I don’t know how I’m going to stand waiting until Playmaker is ready! So excited for Maddox and Lacey!

**I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley **

I was in the mood for a really good sports romance. I didn't quite get what I wanted. It's a good story with likable characters........most of the time. Callie was sometimes questionable with her antics. Bottomline, I wanted and needed more.

This series just gets better and better! A bunch of mouthy, arrogant hockey players and some equally tough women who challenge them! Couldn’t ask for anything more for the cast of characters!

Callie Harrison had lived hockey all her life so she is used to the attitude and testosterone. She isn’t quite ready for Dallas Easton to barrel into her life. And an apology from him isn’t what she wants either. The chemistry is hot between these two and never lets up. He wants her bad and he’s willing to work for it. But he has to deal with her brothers, one who is a teammate.

You can’t help but enjoy this book. It has it all, steam, laughs, and a great storyline!

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review

Blocked (Breakaway, #2) by L.P. Dover is an entertaining and enjoyable read. The book is fun and sexy. A great storyline that features complex characters. I loved Dallas and Callie. They make a very cute couple and have great chemistry. Was so touching to see Callie bring out a whole other side of Dallas. This sweet and heat filled romance really scores!

I loved Dallas and Callie's story. They are a great couple. I really enjoyed how their relationship unfolded. It had it's sweet moments and trying ones. The secondary characters are great and made the story more fulfilling. LP Dover writes wonderful, romantic stories. You can never go wrong with her books.

I really enjoyed this book! Hockey romance with humor, sexy times and a really sweet romance. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Dallas Easton is the goalie for the Charlotte Strikers NHL hockey team and like most of the single hockey players, a player, with women constantly throwing themselves at him. The book starts at a after game party, where a woman throws herself at him, but when her boyfriend finds them, he smashes a beer bottle on Dallas's head. Dallas starts swinging and just before he passes out, Callie Davis, a nurse comes to his rescue. It turns out that Callie is the sister of the new member of the team, Justin, and he doesn't want Dallas anywhere near his sister. But Dallas is smitten and won't give up. Callie makes him work for it, but they finally get together, only to be tested by Justin, Dallas's agent and the press. This is another winner by the L.P. Dover. The characters are well developed and real. I like that they are in the same city as the Second Chance books and occasionally interact. I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

Blocked, the second book in the Breakaway series, by L.P. Dover takes us back to hockey players and their love interests. This time around we get Dallas Easton’s story and though this is part of a series, each book is a standalone based on a specific couple.

Dallas is used to getting what he wants. He’s cocky, determined and when he sets his sights on something or someone, he does not give up until it’s his. It is part of what makes him a great hockey player and why the ladies love him so much. His life is good as is. That is until an unexpected run-in with Callie Davis leaves him wanting more.

Callie is a very caring person who is always there to help others. But being surrounded by brothers, she knows which men to avoid and Dallas screams avoidance. But something about her pulls at him. How long can she keep him at a distance?

Dallas is not used to being turned down and though he is known as a playboy, he wants to show Callie a different side of him. But after their run-in, she wants nothing to do with him. But she is also the sister of one of his teammates so he knows he needs to tread lightly. Can Dallas and Callie find a way to each other? I loved how determined Dallas was about Callie.

I enjoyed Blocked. I found it to be fun, sexy and not a lot of real drama. Easy to read, characters you love and story that will keep you turning the page!

3.5 Stars

Blocked was a fun sports romance. I loved that I didn't have to think too hard while I read this book. It was sexy and light and just what I needed.

Dallas is the goalkeeper for the Charlotte Strikers. I know absolutely nothing about hockey but I love just about any sports romance hero and Dallas was no exception. The storyline is not unique here. Dallas is the ultimate playboy with no desire to commit to any one woman until he meets Callie. Of course Callie is one of his teammates sister, so she knows better than to get involved with Dallas given his track record with women.

I loved seeing Dallas trying to prove himself to Callie and to show her that she was different. He had to work overtime to prove himself worthy to her brother as well. There is nothing better than seeing a cocky playboy humble himself to show his love for that special girl. Again, not a unique story but IT WORKS!

This book was a solid 4 stars till the end where there is the cheesiest, most cliche scene. I just couldn't get over it and dropped the rating by 1/2 a star. Some people may actually love it and thinks it's really sweet.

Overall a good sports romance. A nice quick read to escape real life.

ARC provided via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

3.5 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: Dual
HEA

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Hockey is my sport. I’m not a sports person, but hockey is my favorite so a good hockey book will always put me in a better place. This book qualifies as a good hockey book and though it moved a little slow I still enjoyed it.

Dallas drew me in from the beginning, but I took a little longer to really like Callie. Also, their story was a little slower paced than I thought it would be. HOWEVER, I thought the angst was more original and better delivered than other books I have read by this author.

Overall, Dallas and Callie were a fun couple with a tough road, but the way they went down said road was enjoyable to follow.