I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

If you read the description of the book, it shows exactly what it is, two friends, that life brings them back together and how the love develops, the thing is such a good read.

I received a copy of this for my honest review.

This is a fun kitchie hockey romance. Our FMC used to tutor our MMC in highschool, and they happened to be neighbors. Now he's a pro hockey player, balancing his career and studying to get an MBA for when he retires, and she is a divorced single mom, who works in the field as a biologist studying bears. When he comes home for his brother wedding announcement, they reconnect - will sparks fly or will other responsibilities win out?

This was a really entertaining read. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments. Katie’s was simply precious. Can’t wait to read the next book.

I loved this book! I devoured it in only a few sittings and wish there was more to read. The story line was paced very well and the characters were easy to love!

The Wedding Winger is a cute and fun sports romance and definitely has the start of a series feeling to it. The story was not too complicated, although it did have the typical miscommunication chapters. I liked the characters well enough although i think there could have been more delving into Sly and his relationship issues, and also Clara's previous marriage. I will definitely be reading more of the series though especially since the other men seem really interesting as well.

While I typically really enjoy romances with sports players this one was just not for me. I found the main characters off-putting. They went from annoying each other once second to being "oh they aren't so bad" the next with no real aspect of how they got from point A to point B in microseconds. 2.5 stars

This is Book 1 of The Zamboni Diaries. I read the prequel and absolutely loved it and couldn't wait to read this one. I was not disappointed! This small-town, second chance charming romantic comedy captured my interest from the very beginning and kept me interested and engaged till the very end. Sly and Clara, unbeknownst to each other, have had a crush on one another since high school. Sly was the popular, out of her league jock, and he always saw her as the girl next door. Sly's life since he graduated college has been all about pro hockey, but now that he's older, he needs to figure out a plan about what comes next. When he comes back to town for his brother's engagement, his mother just might have something up her sleeve to help him with that and to give him a nudge in the right direction right towards Clara. Clara has a lot on her plate, being newly divorced and a single mom, but when the two get together, the sparks are still bright and strong between them. But despite the strong chemistry and the past connection they share, there are still obstacles and challenges they will need to face before reaching their HEA.
A very well-written and entertaining story that included a great cast of characters. I enjoyed the witty banter and dialogue, and all the sweet and funny moments throughout. Such a great story! I can't wait to continue the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was an interesting book. I haven’t read anything from this author before so I was quite interested, especially as I have another one of her books from this series and it was just a fun time with romance and comedy and generally I just enjoy the characters the way they interact to each other, and the way they grew together, although the third like to break up with a little controversy so I was a little bit unsure of that

This was a sweet second chance romance story that follows Clara and Sly (Sylvester), player for the Wombats hockey team. This is my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed this story.

Clara, the “nerdy” type has crushed on the jock next door since high school. Now that she’s returned to her childhood home, now a single mom living with with her young daughter, the last thing she expects is to run into her high school crush and superstar hockey player, Sylvester. As neighbors, she has become close to Sly’s parents and when they try playing matchmaker Clara and Sly both realize there are still sparks that haven’t fizzled since high school. But, as self doubt creeps in, can they make it work? Can Clara be more than just a fling for Sly and can Sly focus his attention where it matters most?

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
spice: several open-door scenes
TWs: death of parents, divorce, heart attack (non-fatal)
standalone: book 1 in The Zamboni Diaries series
final thoughts: it’s official, I want to read everything Delancey Stewart writes because Sly is my new book boyfriend. This story was so cute, I loved the pacing of the story, and I loved getting the dual 1st person POV to see the internal pining and struggles from each MC.
I loved the FMC, the MC, the side characters, the child, everyone! It was such a feel-good, funny, emotional romance that has you rooting for the couple and wanting more.

read this book if you love

🔀 opposites attract
👩‍👦 single parent
🧠 “it’s always been you”
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
🏝️ forced proximity (neighbors)
🏡 small town
🍪cinnamon roll MMC
🏉 sports romance (hockey)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 found family
2️⃣ 2nd chance romance
💞 childhood crush

I really enjoyed the plot for this story

I thought that the book was really well written and it had a really great flow to the story, it held my attention from start to finish.

A crush from school that turns in to so much more – can Sly get over his doubts…

The storyline was great, it was a really enjoyable romantic and sexy read

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended

Sly Remington is a Pro hockey player back home for his little brothers engagement. And who happens to be living next door to him ? His high school crush, Claire Connor. She is also the woman his mom is trying to match make him with. Being thrown together shows that he still hasn’t gotten over his crush, and when Claire also confesses to having a crush on him, all gloves are off.
This was a charming read with lots of laugh out loud moments. Sly and Claire share some serious chemistry and it was heartwarming to see them get their HEA. Claire’s daughter Katie was a darling, she stole the limelight every scene she was in. My only frustration was Sly’s self doubt, it seemed unwarranted to me. Having said that I still found this to be delightful read and I look forward to reading more in the series.

I’ve gotta say, I’m becoming a Delancey Stewart fan! I read the prequel for this story a little while back and was excited for the opportunity to dive into this series.

This is the first book in the Zamboni Series. With interludes from your favorite zamboni driver, this romcom is sweet, funny, and has just the right amount of steam.

Sly is a playboy hockey player and Clara is the single mom who used to tutor him when they were in high school. When Sly comes back home for his brother’s wedding, he and Clara reconnect. As old flames are fanned, Sly has to learn how to overcome his insecurities if he wants to get the girl.

Overall, this was a great read. If you enjoy hockey players, bear poop, sassy kids, and meddling moms then you check this one out!

Happy Reading!
🩵Bookish Bay

All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own. Thank you to Delancey Stewart and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

I have been on a sports romance kick for the last year (bonus points if there is an animal rescue involved) and I found The Wedding Winger to be okay. I could not get into the story and I can't figure out why. I know the first chapter kind of damped my excitement, but I think it's the lack of a story. There are characters who do stuff and connect but it feels like they are missing something. Katie was my favorite part of the book by far.

I enjoyed this book and liked the characters. However, I felt like the author glossed over Sly's working through his insecurities towards the end of the book.

Be prepared to fall in love with Sly and Clara, and Katie. This is the first in what promises to be a fantastic series. A big cast of interesting characters, a bit of humor, a lot of heart, and sexy romance make for a story you can't put down. Add in the perfect dose of angst and you will be sad to see the story end. I can't wait for the next one!

okay i’m sat

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely romcom following the story of a single mum and a professional men’s ice hockey player. This is the first book in Stewart’s new Zamboni series featuring the players of the Wilcox Wombats ice hockey team.

Sly returns to his hometown during the off-season, coming face to face with his highschool crush Clara and her daughter. They spend time together, becoming absorbed into each other’s lives and families.

This is a book about family in multiple forms, learning to overcome limiting narratives about yourself, and finding people who see you as you truly are. I really enjoyed ‘The Wedding Winger’: the characters are so likeable and funny. I read it pretty much in one go, completely absorbed in the world, and I finished it with a smile. I will definitely be looking out for the rest of this series.

This was just lovely. A real family showing their love for each other, be that parents and children or the hockey team family. Clara’s job as a zoologist is the best one ever and although Katie is a 5 year old diva, she doesn’t quite steal the show. Some romance which is cute and some sexy time too. Well worth a read,