The Goal by Elle Kennedy Review
5 Smooches
Synopsis
She’s good at achieving her goals…
College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.
But the game just got a whole lot more complicated
Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.
Review
‘Sabrina James isn’t used to people loving her.’
OMG! Now let’s start by saying that all the books in The Off-Campus series can be read as standalones. So, The Goal is book four in this series and I was already expecting it to be another 5 star read for me. I have been nothing but impressed with this series from the start. But I never expected the fourth book to blow all the others out of the water. Tucker brought his A-GAME and is now a contender for top favorite Hockey book and a top favorite NA read for me.
“You’re gonna want to brace yourself,” he rasps, “because I’m going to make you come again.” “You’re so fucking cocky.” “No. I’m sure. And so are you. Now gimme that sweet pussy and ride my tongue.”
If you are reading this as a standalone I say stop reading reviews and go in blind. Trust me it’s a fun and exciting ride. But if you have been following along in the series than you already know a lot about these two characters and the predicament they find themselves in. I truly thought I knew want to expect from them after Dean’s book came out. Sabrina was his nemesis after all and Tucker his roommate, teammate and friend. Let me tell you. I knew NOTHING. The Goal is deep and beautiful and Tuckers devotion is the kind of the great romances. If I were to sit down and write out the perfect NA romance hero it would end up a portrait of Tucker.
“I don’t want to be a distraction, but I do want you. I think there’s something here, but I’m a patient guy and I’ll take what you have right now. I’m not here to add pressure on you or make things harder. I want to ease your load.”
Now let’s talk about Sabrina and my misconceptions about her. Only really knowing her the eyes of someone who didn’t get along with her meant I never really knew her at all. She is a girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders and is prepared to do anything and sacrifice anything to make a better life for herself than the one she was born into. This makes relationships impossible and when Tucker makes it clear he wants her she cannot just give in at the expense of her dreams. I love this about her. Sometimes sacrifices need to be made and devotion to yourself is just as important as giving in to your desires. But this all works because Tucker was sweet, patient and kind but with a dirty mouth and some wonderfully deviant thoughts.
‘I haven’t felt him close to me like this in so long. It feels like . . .a homecoming.’
Everything about this book was surprising and unexpected. I knew Elle Kennedy could deliver an amazing NA Hockey Romance but this one was packed with emotion, drama and deep feeling that had my heart aching for these two at times. Best yet in the series and it seriously has me desperate for more! BRING ON THE FITZY!
~miranda
