When I read the synopsis it seemed like this would be my kind of book as I'm a sucker for sports & second chances unfortunately for me it was an ok read.

I didn't connect with either of the main characters and there was very little hockey mentioned. We don't know for a while why Miles and Flynn fell out and when we do it was a but of an anticlimax. I'm not sure how many times Myles says he couldn't go there with Flynn but it felt like it was on repeat. The forgiveness at the end just seemed rushed to me. Sorry but this was just an ok read for me.

You like sports romances and brother's best friend stories? Then you came to the right place!! This book combines two of my favorites tropes.

Flynn finds herself without a place to stay after she found her boyfriend cheating on her. She decides to crash at her twin brother's apartment. The think is that next to her brother lives Myles, her brother's best friend and her ex best friend. She had a crush on him when they were younger but because of her parent's death and what happened that night, she hadn't seen him for 7 years.

Both her brother and Myles are hockey players. Myles has the privilege to enjoy his life playing the sport he loves and having an abundance of females that want to score a hockey player. However, the minute he sees Flynn again all the emotions he has for her come back to the surface.

They have a connection that only comes when you know someone your whole life. Their chemistry is off the charts and there's passion to every encounter they have. Their relationship takes a hit before even begin when secrets from the past are being revealed and complicate things. Flynn feels so betrayed and she has the right to be. To be honest, through the book there were some hints that made me suspect what the secret might be, although that didn't spoil the reveal!

A really good story, with equally cute and sexy moments! I really enjoyed Flynn and Myle's story and I can help hoping that we may get Oli's book next!!

Big Stick

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved this old friends to lovers story. Flynn and Myles have a great connection and it continues to build throughout the story. The emotional tug of war that is between them keeps you invested and wanting to see what happens next. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Flynn’s brother.

Flynn has just been dumped and has no one else to go except for her brother’s apartment, the only problem is Myles. She hasn’t spoken to him in years and he lives right next door. They all use to be best friends until her world came apart one fateful night and since than she has stayed away from him. But she can’t deny the pull between them. But can she put all her trust in him again?

Myles has been in love with Flynn for years. And now that she is staying with her brother it’s his chance to finally make up for those years apart. But it’s not going to be easy and he will have to show her that he is all in before he can get her to trust him once again. But will it be enough? Or when the truth finally comes out will she run again?

First off this is an awesome novel to get lost in. The pages are not as steamy and intense as some of this authors pervious books. It follows down and more emotional and tear jerker. The characters struggle with life changes that happened many years ago and was never dealt with.
Flynn was a spitfire. Take no crap kind of girl, but when it came to Myles she had a hard time over coming losing the past.
Myles really wanted the friendship back with Flynn and her Brother Oliver that they lost.
A big part of this novel covers different friendships. That was another strong add to the storyline.
I really enjoyed getting to know this characters and hopefully we get Oliver's story soon!

This may be another case of me allowing my expectations to supersede reality and thus spoil a book. Big Stick is the first book I've read from R.C. Stephens and I was super stoked to read it - I mean: hockey, second chance, and best friend's sister (plus the hotness that is that cover!)? That's basically crack for me! So it pains me a bit to say that this missed the mark for me and I'm not quite sure why. The banter between Myles and Flynn was repetitive and confusing at times. They were both so wishy washy over each other and it came off as more annoying than angsty. And the roadblocks to their relationship were so obvious though the author didn't come right out and tell us why they avoided each other for so long for over half of the book. And then once that was discussed and resolved, she threw us for another (obvious) loop and dragged that out until the end of the book. When all of that came out, I didn't even understand the heroine's reaction to it and the way that it was resolved was just a little too easy considering how upset she was (even if I did think that she was overreacting). All this must sound super vague and I apologize but - no spoilers. There's definitely groundwork laid for their to be another book featuring the same characters, but honestly I had to power through this one so I doubt I'll be looking for it. All that being said, the book wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me. So I'm vacillating between 2.5 and 3 wine glasses. I can't remember the last time I felt so ambiguously meh about a book :/

Cute and enjoyable story. I expected there to be more hockey included instead of just passing mentions of the characters playing games and the main characters playing a couple times. Really enjoyed the characters and hope that Flynn's brother and best friend get their own story too.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance – semi-second chance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is a sweet second chance story with a lot of baggage. Flynn and Oli are twins who have lost a lot in their lives.

Flynn is a smart woman who really takes no prisoners. She finds herself questioning her choices when her boyfriend of a few years is caught cheating on her. She doesn't have a ton of options, so she finds herself staying with her brother... with her ex-best friend, Myles, right next door.

The history that these three share is an unbreakable one... but it was broken with a tragic accident. While Oli and Myles are playing their hearts out for Chicago in the NHL, Flynn is working hard to make partner. Then there is her best friend, Sloane. Sloane is a hoot and I loved her.

I really liked how this story wove and you got to see both past and present relationships. The twists and turns this story takes you on are emotional. There are times in the story where I just wanted it to be enough pushing and pulling. but in the end, there is a happy ending.

I do hope that Sloane gets a story next, as she was hilarious and I want more of her.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I am a big hockey romance fan, so was delighted to get to read this story. I wouldn't say that the hockey is the main part of the book, but it acts as a good backdrop for the romance.

Flynn is a lawyer on the up but has made a terrible choice of boyfriend, so ends up staying with her twin brother, Oli, and next door to their childhood best friend, Myles. The two men play top flight hockey together and still have a very close relationship. They also have a huge secret which forced a change in the dynamics between Myles and Flynn that has never been resolved. As Myles falls for Flynn all over again, the tension builds. Whilst we don't know what it is, the hints are there – and maybe for that reason I found the drama at its reveal somewhat over the top. Luckily the situation is short lived, and a renewed sense of rightness develops.

I enjoyed their romance as it was partly the rekindling of an important friendship, giving them a chance to reconnect with that part of their lives, as well as a finally accepting the connection between them. Oli was a good foil and it was lovely how he acknowledged that it was always meant to happen.

There could easily be more from this group of friends, so I do hope we get a book two in the future.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a sweet hockey romance. Myles has always been in love with Flynn, one of the twins he grew up with. So when Flynn suddenly reappears in Myles’ adult life, he will do anything to get her to see him the way she used to.

This books ticks so many of my favourite romance boxes. I love hockey romances. And second chance romances. And best friend romances. And funny romances. And stories with siblings. And stories about big secrets. This is kinda a perfect match for me. And it is beautifully written. I love the characters. Flynn starts the book as a hot mess reeling from an embarrassing breakup and her messy moments were funny and relatable enough for me to forgive her for being a beautiful, clever lawyer. Myles’ attempts to win Flynn’s affections are funny and sweet and kinda awkward at times.

There isn’t a whole lot of actual hockey action in the story. The drama is in the relationships between Myles, Oli, and Flynn and the history between them that is slowly unpacked for readers. Despite some heavy topics, this is a relatively light and easy read. I grew annoyed with the usual hockey romance trope where the women are either slutty puck bunnies or serious potential partners – but this is a fun read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is a super-hot hockey romance, I loved it!

Myles and Oli have been best friends since childhood and now play hockey together in the NHL. Oli's twin sister, Flynn, was their third musketeer until a terrible accident occurred that Flynn still blames Myles for. Now, Flynn’s down on her luck and has to move in with Oli... next door to Myles. Myles has been in love with Flynn since they were kids but heeding Oli’s warning to leave her alone, he's tried to move on. Now that they're in close proximity though, old feelings pop back up and the two quickly get steamy.

I just really enjoy friend-to-lovers books, this one is done so well. Flynn’s a fierce character and Myles’ humor and good nature is the perfect balance for her character. I really enjoyed the story and I'm excited to see where this author takes the series next!

This is a fabulous friends to lovers sports romance that follows top NHL player Myles Sanders as he tries to win back the love of his former best friend Flynn Russell. 7 years ago tragedy hit Flynn, her twin brother Oliver and their best friend Myles and then things got really awkward for Flynn and she cut Myles pretty much out of her life. Fast forward 7 years and Flynn and Myles are forced back into each other’s lives, but will Flynn forgive and forget, and is Myles willing to let her.
This is such an emotionally beautiful and angst wrenching book. I also love the secondary characters Oli and Sloane. I want to read their story asap. This book held me spellbound- the drama, tension,heartache, angst,heartache,passion and love was written in such a way that you believed you were right in the story living it along side with the characters. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next.


My rating: 4.8 stars *****

A fabulous read. This one may not only make you swoon a little but may also bring a little tear to the eyes. It's all about second chances, healing, forgiveness and hockey. I love Flynn. She is slowly getting back to her old self once she moves in with her brother Oli. But that came with one thing attached old childhood friend Myles too. The sparks between Flynn and Myles never died after all these years and it so shows. As all those lovely secrets come out you can't help but hold your breathe a little for Oli, Flynn and Myles. The reaction is key and forgiveness can lead to healing and love. R.C Stephens does a fabulous job with this first book in the series. I so can't wait for more.

I'm not sure what I expected from this story but I sure was not expecting it to be so emotional and beautiful. Reading how the renewed their relationship was such a fun and enjoyable read.

I was kept at the edge of my seat the whole time waiting for the shoe to drop because you could just feel the guilt radiating from Myles when he finally decided that he was all in with Flynn. I loved how the dealt with problems and challenging each other with a hockey game. I loved the banter; it always fun when friends turn to lovers since they know way to much about each other due to that fact :)

There whole Peter Pan reference to the relationship she, Oliver and Myles had was spot on; Tinkerbelle and her lost boys :) I'm hoping Oliver will find his peace and HEA next.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

This was such a wonderful book about second chances, young love, finding yourself, and forgiveness. Flynn and Myles were best friends when they were younger, partly due to Myles being best friends with Flynn's brother. But they knew early on that they wanted to be more. Just when they both thought they were going to get the chance, a tragedy occurs and they go years ago without seeing each other.
When they see each other again, their attraction is potent, but he doesn't feel like he deserves her and she tries to convince herself that she wants nothing to do with him. Little by little he breaks through her walls and they become friends again. Unfortunately, he has a secret that could change things between them again and he can't tell her because it isn't his secret to tell.
Whether their bond is strong enough to survive the secret and how they deal with the aftermath will either make them stronger or end them for good. A really good book about learning to love and trust after tragedy strikes.

This was a very enjoyable best friend's sister story. Myles and Flynn are cute together but their past could keep them apart. I loved all the back and forth banter. After one craptastic day and perhaps one or two too many drinks Flynn finds herself face to face with the man who broke her heart and still lives in her dreams. Their history is something they both need to deal with as is her brother Oli but Myles decides quickly Flynn's worth it and he's not going to let anything get in his way.

This is a really well done story and one I didn't want to end. Can't wait for more in this series. I definitely need Oli's story. I highly recommend this one.

Big Stick is an addictive read that will take you on an emotional ride. For someone that is not a fan of hockey, I sure can't pass up a hockey story, and I am so glad that's the case because this story is absolutely worth reading. It's not quite a friend's to lover's considering Flynn and Miles aren't really friends anymore, but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's an enemies to lover's either because even after years apart these two still care so much for each other.

Seven years ago Flynn cut Miles out of her life. She's moved on and so has he, kind of. For Flynn it seems like when life gives her lemons it just keeps giving them. After finding her boyfriend with someone else she turns to her friends only to end up back in front of her first love. Miles has changed and even though years have passed, he still cares for Flynn. Will these two be able to get over all of the things that have been keeping them apart or are they going to let a second chance pass by them? One click to find out!

4.5 Emotional Big Stick Stars!

Big Stick was a hot emotional read. I went into this book blindly and solely on the cover, and guess what? I loved this book! Flynn Russell is the twin sister to famous hockey player Oliver Russell and ex best friend to Myles. Flynn just discovered her boyfriend cheating on her and is forced to move in with brother. If that isn't bad enough the one person who she hasn't seen since her parents dead not lives next door.

Myles grew up with Flynn and Oliver Russell but lost contact with Flynn 7 years ago. However now that she is living next door can he win her friendship and possible more back or has too much time gone by?

Big Stick isn't just your normal sports read. This book will pull at the heart strings one mins and fanning yourself and laughing the next. You will also fall in love with character chemistry. I'm crossing finger for a Oli Russell book next!

This is a total fall must read that also put you in the hockey season mood.

**ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions provide are mine.**

Big Stick by R.C. Stephens is a full length, standalone romance novel written in adual POV.

Meet Flynn, she´s a25 year old woman, cheated on by her boyfriend, her life´s difficult and she´s drowning in self-pity. She´s rooming with her twinbrother and now her new neighbor is her old crush, Miles.
Miles is a good man. He loves Flynn, but he´s her brother´s best friend and that complicates the complicate situation even more. Throw crazy chemistry, a captivating story and great characters in the mix and you get a witty and fun read with just the right amount of emotions and drama. I was well entertained by Big Stick and give 4 beautiful stars.

This was my first book by this author. I actually really liked it. There was a small part in the middle that dragged on and on for me with Flynn but other than that, I enjoyed it. There’s great secondary characters in here and I hope Flynn’s brother and bestie get their own book, they were fun together.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for letting me read Big Stick by R.C. Stephens for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My first time reading that author, no regrets!

I enjoyed the story. Easy to read and follow, interesting. Like always, hot and steamy. I was hooked from the start!

Review shared online on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon when published.

I love sports romances, I think because you’ve got these tough guys exposing their squishy hearts for a girl. Big Stick has all the right elements. A veteran hockey player in love with his best friend’s girl. She loves him too. But she won’t forgive him for something. And they’ve been estranged for seven years.

And the problem I have with this book is that they don’t have a reasonable conversation about their past. Yes he’s holding something back and it’s a pretty significant piece of information, but it should make it easier for her to forgive him. And the way it all plays out, I just found myself incredibly frustrated by these people. I understand there has to be a central conflict in a romance, but I think there are better ways to incorporate conflict than by having the heroine be irrationally angry at the hero for half the book, have a sweet period of détente and then go back to being super angry. I’m not saying that all of her anger is unjustifiable because she does have reasons. But she runs away and shut people out and I just have issues with that method of handling relationships. It’s up to the hero to grovel and beg for her to listen and I get it, that’s how romance novels go, but am I wrong for wanting them to be more than a trope?

I want characters to be real and talk to each other. I want to believe these two people have a chance but I don’t because they don’t seem to understand the basics of human communication. The ending is sweet and if you like heroines who hold a grudge and heroes who know how to hold secrets and grovel then this is a good book for you.

I had never read anything by this author before. After reading this I can't wait to see what else they can come up with. The plot was lacking in some places for me, but I loved the writing.

An emotionally charged story chronicles the life of Flynn and Myles from childhood to adulthood. They grow from puppy love, to teen crush to full blown adult romance. The author looks at how put up emotional blocks can destroy relationships. It is only as these walls are torn down are they truly able to have a satisfying happily ever after. Hopefully Ollie and Sloan will get theirs next.