Walk of Shame is such a fun read. I loved every moment of this. Astrid is down with the hockey world and goalies after being left at the alter. Cal will give anything to get back on the ice after his accident. I love the meet cute. There are so many moments that will put a smile on your face as Cal and Astrid are thrown together to improve Astrid's ex fiance playing ability. I love the pull between Astrid and Cal even as they try to stay away. Cals siblings will put a smile on your face as do Astrid's besties. I could not get enough of this. You need to meet Cal and Astrid today.

Give me ALL the hockey. This book pulled me in IMMEDIATELY. Astrid is such a hard ass (with the cutest protective “uncles”) and Cal is just perfection. I need to go buy myself some diet cokes now. This was just an all around feel good book. He falls first, it involves sports, text messages. OH the text messages. Spicy in all the right ways. A five star fun read for me.

Astrid swore off hockey players after being left at the alter. Now, her hockey coach father asks her to come back to work for the team her ex-finace plays on. The only saving grace? The new goalie coach, Cal.

I am such a fan of Flynn's writing and this was no exception. Here's what I loved:

Spice hot and heavy. Just like Anger Bang, the spice in this starts early as Astrid and Cal begin their relationship as a one night stand. Flynn is great with these types of scenes!

Cal and Astrid. I loved these two. They both have their hang ups but when they come together it's magical.

The hockey of it all. I like hockey but this book made me like it even more. The hockey side characters were so much fun and added some good humor to the story.

All in all, this was a great spicy hockey romcom!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

From the first time I read a book by Flynn I was captivated because she unashamedly writes her characters enjoying life. Her characters are realistic – enjoying food, enjoying other people, maybe a little overweight and built, and definitely not perfect.

This book is a great example of why I enjoy this author so much. Flynn is the type of author who creates characters that you can really identify with the fact that they enjoy themselves without too much remorse.

From the beginning of Walk of Shame and all the way throughout, this author knows how to humanize her characters. Not only do we enjoy their personality, but also the building of the relationship throughout the story.

Her supporting characters are interesting and add a lot to the story. Astrid’s love interest is a sweetheart and oh, they are perfect together! Simmering heat and a connection that sizzles!

Flynn is funny and writes in an addictive style that makes it tough to stop reading. I love that it is low angst as I love to escape into my stories and this author pulls you right in!

Fast-paced, steamy, sweet, and a wee bit emotional, Walk of Shame is a fabulous read. The spoiler for me was the ending! I wanted soooo much more!

A fun story about Astrid O’Mallery.
She dislikes everything about hockey.
She hates everything related to hockey.
Basically……she is not a fan of hockey in any way.
LOL sad to say her dad is the hockey coach.
Does she change her mind about hockey?
This was a spicy, enjoyable laugh out loud story.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

4🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes:
🏒hockey romance
🩷coach’s daughter
🏒he falls first
🩷workplace romance
🏒third person pov
🩷rom com


I absolutely adore Avery's romcoms this was no exception. Add in hockey and it's an automatic good book for me, and overall I really enjoyed it.

The Fmc, Astrid, was left at the alter a couple years ago by her hockey player boyfriend and has a love hate relationship with hockey ever since. She is witty and sassy. Her dad recruits her to help him one final season before he retires.

The MMC, Cal, is a retired goalie now turned goalie coach. Cal is the protective type and this coaching position gives him the opportunity to still be a part of the game that he loves.
There just seemed to be this pull that they had with each other, with Cal constantly trying to win her over, no grand gesture, but, it was the simple things like a can of Diet Coke.
The book was full of humor and steam and seemed to be a fast paced book. I was hoping for a little more angst or tension but overall I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to Valentine Pr for allowina me to read in advance.

This second book in the Downside of Dating series was so much fun! Astrid O’Malley suffered the ultimate humiliation when her fiancé left her at the alter, worried more about his hockey career and his coaches feelings, (who is her father) over her own. She is now living life on her own terms, while avoiding anything to do with hockey. She meets Cal Matsen, a rugged, sexy man at the bar where she was working, and they had an instant attraction. They have one night of fiery passion, never expecting to see each other again. When Astrid's father asks her to come to his office, she is confused to see Cal there. She is even more stunned to learn he has joined the coaching staff and she will be working with him, training her ex-fiancé! Astrid and Cal can't stay away from each other, but Astrid has her rules, and Cal does so may sweet and swoony things to blow right past them. But this is a stepping stone for Cal to get back on the ice after a terrible accident. But as he and Astrid cross all their lines, and their hearts become involved, will Cal be able to walk away from the only woman to claim his heart? I loved Astrid and Cal together and couldn't help but cheer hard for their HEA! These two headstrong people butt heads, challenge each other, and make each other stronger, and their chemistry was explosive! This is what Flynn does best, fun and quirky characters, snarky humor, and lots of steamy sexual tension in a heartwarming story.

Walk of Shame is book 2 in Avery Flynn’s Downsides of Dating series and it’s a steamy hoot. After Astrid was dumped on her wedding day she established rules about who she’ll get intimate with, but Cal seems to cause her to break every one of them. The situations and dialogue often are hilarious as Astrid attempts to avoid Cal and keeps failing. There’s a lot of character growth that keeps the story flowing and certainly added to this reader’s enjoyment. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

I received a copy of this for my honest review.

Our FMC is about to go down the aisle when her fiance FaceTimes her - from an airport because he was traded to a new team- not marrying her. After this she gives up on all things hockey, which is hard because her dad is a hockey coach. Fast forward 5 years later and our MMC moves to town, and ends up at the bar she is working at, and the chemistry is undeniable. It's just supposed to be one night - but it turns out he lives in her building, and the next day she finds out he is actually on her dad's coaching staff - coaching said ex who left her at the alter. But Everytime they see each other, they end up naked, or close to. She doesn't want to end up media fodder again, or risk another heartache, but can they stay away from each other?

4.5 Stars

After being left at the alter by her childhood sweetheart, Astrid O’Malley has sworn off relationships, and hockey... forEVER. But when her dad asks her to return for one last season? Astrid reluctantly agrees... but this time, hockey life is going to be on HER terms...

Cal Matsen suffered a career ending injury in front of thousands of fans... but he could never turn his back on the sport he loves. And although his hockey skills are now used behind the scenes, his connection to the ice is stronger than ever...

So when a hockey hater meets a lifelong devotee... just try to keep those sparks contained...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walk of Shame was a scorching hot, and utterly complicated, hockey romance! Astrid and Cal meet and have the hottest, no-strings-attached, night of the lives... only to find out they now work together... AND live in the same building! For Astrid, relationships are NEVER a good idea... especially one that breaks ALL her rules. But for Cal, he can never get enough of his sexy, hockey hater....

As the daughter of a professional hockey coach, Astrid once loved and devoted her life to all things hockey. That is, until her fiancee dumped her on their wedding day and crushed her heart completely. Years have passed, and Astrid has left her painful past behind... or so she thought...

Cal has been hired as the "goalie whisperer" for the Ice Knights arrogant, yet failing goalie. The position means everything to him to continue to work in the sport he loves, but when he and the coach's daughter can't keep their hands off each other? His love of the sport might not be able to save him...

This book was a hilarious and super sexy, workplace/sports romance! Astrid and Cal share a spicy and tenacious attraction that they just can't seem to ignore, no matter how much it complicates their lives! I loved Astrid and her backstory, which brings her to facing her long-buried feelings about her ex, and the sport she once loved and grew up on. And the growth she finds with Cal, a man who is actually worthy of her time and attention, was absolutely the kind of healing she didn't know she needed! I also adored Cal, he was swoon-worthy and sweet, and I would love to see more of him and his hilarious, gang of sisters!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Walk of Shame is the second book in the Downside to Dating series and I loved this book as much as the first book [book:Anger Bang|180588488] .

Astrid and Tig are great main characters. The story is really great and funny.

The story is really great and deals with a lot of issues.

The banter is fun and engaging.

Highly recommend this book!

Walk of Shame is a fun, steamy romcom! There’s a lot of heat, but there’s also a lot of emotion as a one-night stand becomes much more complicated than Astrid had planned on! Sparks flew between Cal and Astrid, but it was the sweet, thoughtful moments that brought heart to their story.

“Who just calls someone out of the blue when texting is available? If you needed any additional proof he’s a dipshit, there it is.” 🤣👏🏻 FACTS

One night. No strings. And a really good puck.

Five years ago, Astrid O’Malley experienced the ultimate in public humiliation. Being dumped at the altar by her childhood sweetheart was horrifying enough. That fact that he was a professional hockey goalie and her dad was his coach? It was all anyone in sports could talk about.

Eff hockey. Eff goalies. Puck my life.

If hockey were a book, this would be it. Hockey players are the hottest, roughest, and toughest athletes on the planet and I will die on that hill. But I digress..

This is Downside of Dating book two, after Anger Bang. Aren’t these titles fantastic?! Love! This book is NOT for the prudish or faint of heart, though. It packs some serious heat 🥵. And I simply loved it. Adored it. Laughed out loud. Got chills. Just overall a perfectly unapologetic, spicy, and sassy hockey player romance.

@savannahpeachwood and @readbyrob made this story come to life in my ears. These characters are just fab and oh so fun! And hot. Did I mention hot? Yep. Their hotness was oozing off the page, out of my headphones, and into my brain. More of this, please! 🙏🏻

Thank you to Netgalley, RB Media-Recorded Books, Entangled Publishing, and Avery Flynn for the ALC and ARC.

From the start this story was definitely one that had me hooked. I was reminded why I love Avery Flynn’s writing because it always leaves me in laughing.

This book started off on a not so great foot but I love how strong, resilient and kick butt Astrid is. Astrid definitely is a woman all of her own and she turns Cal’s world around.
Cal is a grump a lump but cannot deny the pull he feels for Astrid and I love how the universe just keeps them on their toes.

I laughed so much and fell in love with these two and their love.

Astrid had no shame!

Astrid O’Malley wanted nothing to do with hockey after her hockey playing boyfriend left her at the altar in front of all of their friends and family even though her father was his coach. She had put her life back together after being the center of a lot of gossip by taking a long trip and dating a lot of guys. But she never expected to meet Cal Matsen at the local bar with a one night stand and he’s the new goalie coach for her ex plus he works for her dad.

I know that when I read any book by Avery Flynn that I will laugh and be entertained because they are so funny where none of the characters take themselves very seriously. The epilogue was a WHAT? Type of moment and you will know when you read it! Please write Nola’s book soon!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Walk of Shame is a fun romcom. Avery Flynn brings her signature humor and heat to this entertaining hockey romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Astrid doesn’t discuss hockey anymore, not since her goalie fiancé left her at the altar five years ago. She seizes the chance for another of her now-signature one night stands when she meets Cal at her neighborhood bar. Former hockey player Cal is new in Harbor City, and is thrilled to meet Astrid, who is not only gorgeous, but can banter too. When Cal arrives for his first work meeting, though, he’s shocked to discover he’s been hired to be the goalie whisperer to Astrid’s ex, and that Astrid is the head coach’s daughter. Can Astrid continue to keep Cal at arms length, or is their growing connection too intense to ignore? Maybe if they hook up just one more time to get it out of their systems?

I adore a romance with a good amount of steam, tons of banter, and a hockey backdrop. Avery Flynn provides all three! Astrid and Cal are both likable characters, and it’s easy to see their connection along with their fears about an actual relationship. And, while no one else notices that she does things for everyone else but herself, Cal does a great job of making Astrid feel cared for and seen.

Astrid’s BFFs Thea and Nola show up at 40% with some much needed support. This book is the follow up to Thea’s story, Anger Bang, but it easily works as a standalone. Longtime Flynn readers are rewarded with appearances by the Hartigans and some of my favorite Ice Knights too. But, it’s easy to jump right in if this is your first Avery Flynn book.

Walk of Shame is a fun, light romcom. If you are looking for a low angst, steamy read with tons of quips and banter, Avery Flynn has you covered.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fun and steamy contemporary romance. This is a stand alone sequel to Anger Bang (June 2023) which I gave five stars. It is the second in the Downside of Dating series. Thea, the lead from Bang makes appearances and is the best friend of Shame’s lead Astrid. The story begins with Astrid O’Malley being stood up on her wedding day by her hometown hockey goalie boyfriend. That day she quit her job and anything else to do with hockey. Jump forward five years and she has traveled, started her own business and works occasionally at her friends family pub. She has what she thinks will be a one night stand with Cal, a guy who stands up for her at the bar. But it turns out he breaks all of her rules.

Astrid’s dad asks her to come back and help with the hockey team as this is his last year coaching. Her assignment is to help with her old boyfriend who is back and in a slump. To compound the issue her latest hookup is a goalie whisper brought in to help her ex as well. I love that the story is told from both Astrid and Cal’s POVs. I love Astrid complaining to her elderly neighbor that she can’t spend time with Cal without her panties coming off. There is humor, sweetness, good family and friends. Instead of a grand gesture there are thoughtful gifts given with a can of Diet Coke. Be still my heart. And the steamy factor is Tessa Bailey high. I received a digital ARC of the book and a copy of the audio book and alternated between the two. I can easily recommend either depending on your preference. The epilogue was more of a set up for the next book in the series and I will be anxiously waiting to read it. (4.5 Stars)

Avery Flynn is back with the second book in the Downside of Dating series and this book is so fun to read. Despite being a part of a series- this book holds really well on its own and while you can't go wrong reading Anger Bang, the first book in the series, I don't think that it is integral to any part of this story outside of a couple mentions of Thea and her new love life.

After being essentially left at the alter by her longtime boyfriend, Astrid O'Malley gave up on love and relationships becoming more of the love 'em and leave 'em type. The rules were simple- no repeats, no ones she could run into again, and definitely not anyone involved in professional hockey. 5 years and she had never broken her rules- until Cal- and then she couldn't help but break them over and over again.

I love the intense chemistry between Astrid and Cal! The way he is drawn to her and wants to be her protector- even if she doesn't need one- was so sweet. But when Cal wants to get all demanding, well it gets pretty hot too 😉

Astrid may have that tough facade but her heart was so big and giving. She may have spent a lot of time kind of battling herself, but Astrid knew that there was something special about Cal and there was this pull she felt towards him that even after realizing that he broke all her rules- she didn't care. Cal wasn't looking for any kind of relationship other than a way to be close to hockey again- so his quick change into this infatuation with Astrid, who should have been all kinds of off limits, was adorable- especially with they way his sisters teased him over it. The banter between Cal and Astrid was hilarious- even through text the teasing and competitiveness was so entertaining. Don't even get me started on the way that Cal basically made a game out of returning her diet Coke... one can at a time!

The cameos from the Hartigan crew added this extra layer of fun to the story but I got to say that Avery threw a twist in there at the end when it came to Nora that I was not at all ready for! I need the story behind that right now!

Another hockey romance? Yup. This was the perfect steamy RomCom.
I found myself laughing out loud so many times. And I was rooting for Astrid and Cal from the start. They are both such likable characters and Cal does all the right things.
Also I knew it would be spicy, but omg this book had so much sex.
If you like RomComs or sports romance, you’ll eat this up.

Walk of Shame
Avery Flynn

Thank you Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC, and Recorded Books for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

Check out Walk of Shame if you like:
-Hockey romance
-Forced Proximity (workplace & neighbors)
-Romantic Comedies
-Dual POV (and dual narrators on audio)
-Thoughtful gestures
-Short Chapters
-Lots of spice

I remembered loving Anger Bang last year as a fun and spicy rom-com, and thankfully I’m learning this is what I can expect from all of Avery’s writing. With the prologue, you quickly understand why Astrid is over everything related to hockey, a sport she’s known her entire life. Cam is desperate to find normalcy again in the sport that his life revolved around before his career-ending injury. Together, their chemistry is electric and unstoppable, even though they have every reason to stay far away from each other. I think this can serve as a palette cleanser but honestly it was just a really fun, light read – definitely great for fans of Tessa Bailey and Meghan Quinn. Audiobook fans - Savannah Peachwood and Robert Hatchet provide a listening experience that captures their character’s unique personalities.