* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

The story itself isn’t too bad but the dialogue can be super cringey at times. I can’t say I particularly liked or disliked the main characters at all, though Blake was pretty childish at the beginning and then that seemed to calm down. The spice wasn’t anything special.

This is a spin off of a separate series and while some spin offs don’t require you to read the other books, this book feels like you are dropped right in the middle of the story if you haven’t read the other series about Jessica’s brother.

Overall, probably wouldn’t recommend. I don’t know if I’d read any more of the books in this series/world. I don’t plan on reading the brother’s existing series either.

Good Boy is firmly set in the same universe as the Him series. Wesmie’s wedding is used as a jump off point and for me it meant the start of the book was a little slow. On the other hand, it did give me a good idea of who the MCs were. And I really liked those MCs. Blake was a lot of fun (and probably exhausting in real life) and Jess balanced it out perfectly.
Both Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen are of course excellent writers, and this book shows that. I really enjoyed and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Because I don’t like MM, I skipped right to Good Boy and I really enjoyed it. The first 30ish percent was a bit slow but after that I flew through it. Jess and Blake were such a fun couple.

How much you enjoy this second chance romance will depend on how you feel about Blake and his persistent pursuit of Jess. He doesn't want to believe that no means no and to be honest, Jess doesn't do the best job of absolutely saying no. They had a one night stand, met again, and now she's at school in Toronto where he plays hockey. Will they, should they get together? Fans of the genre know what will happen but know that Blake does convey as more than a bit unsavory at times (those pics!). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Over to others.

Good Boy is a fantastic hockey romance from genre experts Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. If you are a fan of he’s sunshine/she’s grumpy, complicated families and the sweetest golden retriever himbo around, this book is a must read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jess is anxiously planning her brother Jamie’s wedding to his hockey player husband-to-be Wes. She’s worried about disappointing her family, especially when she’s decided she doesn’t want to stick with her new event planning business and instead become a nurse. But, she’s also avoiding best man Blake, the hockey hottie she hooked up with months ago. Blake is so excited to see Jess again, and doesn’t understand why she’s running away from him. The two have some steamy moments together, but when Jess blows him off again at the end of the night, she thinks that’s it. Only when she starts nursing school in Toronto, she discovers that hanging out with her brother means seeing Blake all the time too. Can she continue to ignore Blake’s enthusiasm and their mutual chemistry?

Blake is one of the best himbos to ever himbo. He’s sweet and hilarious, and isn’t shy about the way he adores the people closest to him. When Jess has a tough time adjusting to nursing student life, along with her feelings for Blake, it’s easy identify with her anxiety and ability to overthink. As much as Jess tries to deny it, though, the pair has sizzling chemistry. And Blake has no qualms about making sure Jess has the best experience each time they get together.

This book can easily be read as a standalone; it’s the start of a new series and includes some new, endearing characters, like the entire Riley family. The first section on the book begins with Wesmie’s wedding, though, which is more fun if you’ve followed Wes and Jamie’s story. And, frankly, if you are a fan of hockey romance and haven’t read Him and Us, what are you even doing with your life?

Good Boy is a fantastic hockey romance with the best golden retriever himbo MC ever. Bowen and Kennedy’s WAGs series is an underrated gem, and I’m thrilled it’s getting rereleased. If you are a fan of hot sports romance with amazing characters and tons of fun, don’t miss Blake and Jess’s story.

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

3.5 stars- I was excited to read this one because I had read the Him series by Sarina and Elle and really enjoyed those, plus the fact it was a continuation of that universe. This was a super quick read for me. I did like this book, but it wasn't my favorite. I liked Jess trying to figure out what she wants to do and finding a career she wants to stick with. I liked the banter between Jess and Blake. I wanted more chapters with Blake and Jess once they started being a couple. I would be interested to continue reading this series!

This book falls victim to its own attempt at making a very in likable character fun and flirty. Blake is one of the worst male love interests i’ve ever read about because he is persistent to the point of harassment. He consistently pushes and pushes the female main character despite her saying multiple times that she is not interested. He touches her without her consent and sends her unsolicited explicit photos. He never once took anything seriously and at the beginning of the book it infuriated me that he did not think of how Jess might react to him changing her wedding ceremony plans. I really wish that I could power through this book but i cannot see a healthy relationship forming out of any of this so i am dnfing at 40%. (side note: I am also 40% in and there is no mention of the dog on the cover)

This was a good solid start to a new series. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Jessica is determined to give her baby brother the best wedding. She is determined not to fall back into bed with playboy Blake Riley.

Blake is determined to fall back into bed with Jessica. He wants her and he will let nothing get in his way.

When Jessica is accepted into nursing school in Canada, the sparks will fly between these two.

This was a quick hockey romance. You get to see the characters from Him and Us. It had a little slow of a start for me and the spice was not as spicy as I expected. I liked that both of the characters had flaws and things they were working to get over.

Overall it was a good read and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Thank you Sourcebooks, Bloom Books, and Netgalley for this title. This is my very honest review.

Elle Kennedy is a favorite author of mine and I was looking forward to her newest book. I truly enjoyed the direction that she is gone in her latest book. Good Boy was a great great read.

This was a dnf for me. It wasn’t their best work. I found myself struggling big time to get into it.

Mein Leseerlebnis

Das romance Buch “Good Boy” habe ich zum ersten Mal vor ein paar Jahren direkt nach seinem Erscheinungsdatum gelesen. Nun erscheint es mit einem neuen Buchcover und ich habe den Liebesromane erneut gelesen (nicht zum ersten Mal). Und auch dieses Mal hatte ich mit dem humorvollen Buch eine super Zeit.

Es fiel mir sehr leicht mich auf den Humor in der Geschichte einzulassen und auch wenn ein paar Szenen einen Tick übertrieben auf mich wirkten, haben sie im Kontext des Buches doch gut für mich funktioniert. Dies betrifft übrigens auch die Hauptcharaktere.

Blake ist als Figur schon etwas speziell und doch konnte ich ihn mir leicht als echte Person vorstellen. Auch auf die anderen Charaktere traf das zu.

Zudem mochte ich die mitreißende Energie in dem Buch und vor allem in den Dialogen. Zusammen mit dem für mich gut passenden Humor war die Energie ein großer Grund dafür, dass mich die Liebesgeschichte mitreißen und so gut unterhalten konnte.

Wie zu Beginn erwähnt konnte mich die schöne, humorvolle romance vor ein paar Jahren und auch heute noch begeistern. Ich freue mich, dass weitere Leser:innen den Liebesroman durch das neue Buchcover entdecken werden.

🖤🖤🖤🖤 1/4

Für wen?

Wer hockey romances mit Fokus auf den Humor mag, dem kann ich “Good Buy” empfehlen. Nimmt man nicht alle Geschehnisse im Buch zu ernst und passt der Humor, kann der Liebesroman für einen super sein.

Es hilft, die Romane “Him” und vor allem “Us” von Sarina Bowen und Elle Kennedy vor dem Lesen bereits zu kennen, da die Charaktere aus “Good Boy” in “Us” als Nebencharaktere auftauchen. Dadurch wird man vor allem an Blake langsam herangeführt und auf sein Verhalten in “Good Boy” bereits etwas vorbereitet.

I am really grateful for the advance reading copy. However, the main characters are just not it for me.

I really wanted to actually love this book as I usually love Sarina Bowen’s writing.

Thank you, Bloom Books.

Unfortunately this was a struggle to finish. Within the first two chapters, Blake felt like an extremely uncomfortable MMC (including sending unsolicited pictures of his crotch and saying things like J-Babe). This was not the book for me.

This was a light hearted, sweet, family loving, and humorous book. Blake is a pro hockey player and Jess is trying to discover what is her best path. When the two reunite at a wedding, the sparks fly! These two characters are easy to connect with and I love the continuation of the characters from Him and Us.

Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen create absolute magic together!

This story is so much fun like true classic Elle and Sarina. It has that charm, spice and hockey romance magic that they are known for. Blake and Jess are perfect. I loved Blake Riley and Jess Canning's story. They had amazing chemistry and their romantic development which was never hurried nor dragged. I loved how they started out as acquaintances then progressed to buddies that help each other out and, then friends-with-benefits, then lovers.If you love sexy and light sports romance books with friends-with-benefits tropes you should def check this book out. If you're a fan of the off campus series, you will love the wag series!

Knowing the book was a spin off of another series I haven’t read I was a little nervous I’d be lost but after getting through the first chapter or two I felt caught up on what I needed to know!

Jess and Blake had a previous hook up and as much as Jess hates to admit it they’re both attracted to each other and can’t help thinking of their one time together whenever they’re around each other. Jess feels like a disappointment to her family and wants to work hard and focus on her new career goal and education but Blake keeps pushing his way through her walls which eventually she can’t help but break for him.

Blake reminds me of the dumb jock in movies. It’s not a bad thing cause he’s funny and sweet, it refreshing cause usually the dumb jock all the girls love but the story isn’t about him so we don’t see his happily ever after. Even through Blake’s goofiness, he is the most caring and loyal man. Jess has a many struggles she’s facing but he doesn’t just fix them for her he’s there to lean on and be support while she grows comfortable and learns to overcome her doubts.

The pair are total opposites but their relationship is just what they each need. Jess needs someone to point out her strengths when she’s feeling weak or make her laugh when she’s sad or stressed. Blake needs someone to keep him focused but also love him and encourage him to be able to express his emotions even when he’s sad or angry.

I love how Jessica’s nursing education is written. She isn’t the top student and struggles with her classes but still shows that she’s still a good nurse through her empathy and care for patients.

Overall this was a great story with some laughs and some spice!

Laughs everywhere in this pucking fun read of somewhat opposites who both find out what they want and what they need is hiding in plain sight. Great cast of characters, solid story with real feels and plenty of steam. Top notch hockey romance, definitely recommended.

I found the MMC kind of insufferable… but obviously I still read the book so maybe this one is on me. I did appreciate that there wasn’t a painful 3rd act beak-up to deal with and the families were quite charming. If you’re looking for a light fun hockey romance, this isn’t a bad choice, but I stand by the idea that there are better options out there.

3 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If being the family disappointment wasn’t stressful enough toss in a career change and planing her brothers wedding, the best man is the icing on the cake.

This was my first book by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy! Let me tell you Blake can be really obnoxious at times but he also knows what he wants and that’s Jess! The Riley family is a productive bunch and they’re a blast! There are parts of this book that will put a smile on your face and let out a giggle. It’s a fun book! And will be on the lookout for the second!

Entertaining, prominent characters. This was a good book! I don't think I'll remember it always, but it worked for me at the moment. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.