Monday 7 June 2021

πŸ’œ Moo U ⭐️ New Adult / College Hockey Series #8 #9 #10 πŸ’œ #Excerpts ⭐️

  ©  Bianca ✰ Janeane 

The New Adult/College/Farm Moo U Hockey Series is a complete standalone series, but it is part of the new World of True North Series and slightly connected aka a spin-off to Sarina Bowen's True North Series!
So if you're weird like us - read #Bittersweet first ☺



• Book #8 in the Moo U Series
 • 7 June 2021
• Standalone New Adult Hockey Romance


★★★★★
4.5 Stars

There’s no faking it in love or hockey...

 

Transferring to a new school under false pretenses is harder than I expected, especially when my cocky new housemate, Callan Thomas, annoys me at every pass. He’s treated like a god and revered by everyone on campus. Too bad he made me feel like a rejected fool the first night we met.

 

But that doesn’t stop me from accepting his offer to become his fake girlfriend, because he has skills that I need. Only Callan can help me improve my game and make the USA women’s hockey team.

 

I try to keep despising him, but he keeps proving my first impression was wrong. And the more time I spend with him, the more complex my feelings become. I need to tell him the truth about who I really am before anyone finds out and things go too far.

 

Problem is, I think they already have...



ARC received for an honest review
 
Yaaaaass b*tches! We're back in the True North-verse, and I can't get enough!
 
And a kinda fake kinda thingy was a lot of fun - but man it must have been so exhausting for our lovely lady Aria. I spent the whole time I was reading, waiting for the shoe to drop and the s*** show to start up.
 
I love the bite and snark between Callan and Aria, but oh man the sparks flying between them is enough to start a bushfire!
 
I adore the rest of the room mates, particularly Aria's besty Sophie.  However, I need all of these people to get their story - please let it happen!

This is another great installment in the Moo U series, and I am not right onto the next book.
 




Aria + Callan.
Aria just transferred to Moo U - we don't yet know why, but things happened back home!
She moves into her friend Sophie's 5-roommate house.
Enter Callan.
He's the hot guy Aria meets that first night at a party - not knowing that he's her new bathroom-sharer. LOL!
Callan doesn't have time to date - he has to concentrate on school and hockey this year!
But this girl. Grr.

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!!



 
That was adorable!
A cute little hockey-fake-girlfriend thingy that's not so fake at all.
I really liked them both - they're adorable and funny and so attracted to each other.
But there's still Aria's secret - and we just know that it will come out and make trouble for our darlings.

I really enjoyed reading this - and I hope we'll get stories for all the other house-mates!

I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!

I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!

PLAYMAKER was an adorable + sparky college hockey love story! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Callan - he'll be sold out in no time!


♥ EXCERPT ♥

It’s like the cap has been unscrewed from a bottle of soda, because inside me the fizz and excitement of talking with this beautiful and captivating girl bubbles through my blood.

I offer my hand between us. “People call me Church. What’s your name?”

She raises her eyes to me, extending her arm to place her warm hand inside my palm, where I gently cup it in mine. She’s soft and warm and I know her prickly attitude is a defense meant to throw me off.

“I’m Aria. And Is Church your last name?”

I tip my head to the side, cocking an eyebrow. “You’ve never heard of me?”

Most people at the school know who I am. Hockey is a big deal around these parts and the Moo U hockey team is royalty. Unless she’s new or a freshman, she’d certainly know who I am. And based on the statement on her tank top, she knows hockey.

By deduction, that must mean she’s new or lying, but I can’t figure out her angle or what she’d gain.

She could just be messing with me as a joke. Maybe she was sent by one of the guys to prank me.

Aria shakes her head, some of her golden-spun hair spilling over her shoulder.

“I’m new to Burlington University this semester. In fact, I just arrived today.”

I laugh. “Well, welcome. And please don’t take this the wrong way, but I need to introduce you to one of the campus colloquialisms. Nobody calls it Burlington University. We refer to it as Moo U.”

She nods curiously, considering the validity of my suggestion, but then seems to think twice about it. “You’re serious? Moo U? Huh. Weird.”

I let out a hearty laugh and raise my hands in surrender. “I swear. Ask anyone. The school is well-known for its agricultural studies. We are in Vermont cow country. Surrounded by dairy farms and apple orchards.”

“Okay, if you say so, Church,” she says drolly, a hint of a smile around her full lips. “So, are you going to tell me why everyone calls you Church?”

I run a hand down my short beard, a reminder I still need to shave it off before the semester starts.

“Well, as you may have guessed, I’m a hockey player. Starting center. And the name was established when I played in juniors, when a kid said playing against me was just liking going to church.” I slap my hands together in a prayer position, giving her my best impression of a dutiful churchgoer. “Because when my opponents faceoff against me, they kneel and pray.”

She laughs in a fit of hysterics at this. Like seriously, full-on belly laugh, clutching at her stomach and throwing her head forward to her knees.

And I realize I think I’ve met my match.

How utterly inconvenient.


 
 LINKS TO THE BOOK

 
__________________________



• Book #9 in the Moo U Series
 • 7 June 2021
• Standalone New Adult Hockey Romance


★★★★★
4.5 Stars

She needs Prince Farming . . . but she got me instead.

 Sure, life’s been easy for me. Growing up in an oceanside house in SoCal, playing top-level college hockey, driving a luxury car with a generous allowancesounds like the dream, right? Turns out what I didn’t have was freedom. And when I decided to transfer to Moo U for my last year of hockey, my controlling father cut me off.

 No money, no car, no friends. I’m just another student struggling to make ends meet. The only place I can afford to live is the Meyers’ farm, where I’ll work in exchange for room and board. Farm work is so exhausting that I don’t even have time to wallow in the crappy turn my life has taken. Zoe Meyers is a hot blonde Amazon with all the energy of a chipmunk on crack. And her positivity is making me realize how lucky I really am, even though I’m broke. Too bad she’s not impressed by a guy who can’t figure out which end of a goat to milk.

Because suddenly I want to impress her. I want to do a lot more with her too . . . if I can get her out of the barn and into my arms.



ARC received for an honest review
 
Just as my team is making its way through the NHL post season, I am loving getting more of the Moo U series.
 
Zoe is cute and adorable and sweet and awkward, and I can kind of relate to her,
 
Noah is the golden boy when it comes to the Burlington Bulls, and so not what Zoe expected.
 
And when they are together, you just know that after the get past their first impressions of each other they are going to fall hopelessly in love,
 
But I gotta say, what is it with parents who are douchey to their kids, don't listen to then and try to force their life onto their spawn? Ugh, just no.
 
But this is probably just my bug bear lol (and I have had a run on books with this issue too, so it sticks out to me)
 
I adore all the books in the Moo U series, and I think they need to keep going on forever and ever! 
 


 
 


Zoe + Noah.
Noah is ice royalty.
His dad a famous ex player. His mom an olympian skater. His little brother drafted into the NHL and his sister on her way to team USA.
Only Noah is just bubbling along in his ordinary hockey life.
That's why he jumps at the chance to play his last college year in Vermont.
His dad is not amused and cuts off all money!
That's why poor Noah is now living and working for room and board at the Meyers farm.
Zoe's farm.
She's been running the farm with her brother since her dad died two years ago. But now Derek moved into the hockey house on campus and she needs a boarder to help. Noah. Spoiled California surfer boy Noah has to milk the goats at 5.30 am. LOL!

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!!! 



 
That was just adorable.
Zoe is so cute and a bit broken and she talks non stop - which Noah hates ... but of course he will still fall for the crazy farm girl! Just adorable!

I loved reading this book.
It was a beautiful and funny and emotional and very farmy and hockey-y college love story!

I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!

I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!

SNOWBALLED was an adorable + funny + farmy + hockey-y enemies-ish-to-lovers romance! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Noah - he'll be sold out in no time!



♥ EXCERPT ♥


“I’m the one who gets to take you home.” Helen has reappeared with a full drink. She’s swaying slightly.

“I don’t think you should be driving,” Noah says.

Helen lifts one finger. “Correct. So you’ll have to sleep over instead.”

Noah raises an eyebrow. “Thanks, but that’s not a good idea. Zoe, let me know when you’re leaving.”

I check my watch. “Now. Probably too early for you, right?”

“Nope. I like to get enough sleep during the season.” He looks over at the bleary Helen. “I guess we better take her home first.”

His level of consideration for Helen surprises me. “Okay, I’m still parked at the arena, so we can drop her on the walk there.”

I say goodbye to Rocky, and Noah shuffles Helen over to the front door.

“Zoe,” a voice calls out. It’s Martin. “Are you going already?”

“Yeah. I live out in Shelburne, so it’s a bit of a drive.”

He swallows. “Well, um, maybe you can give me your contact info. I can send you my mom’s pickle recipe.”

Noah snorts, but I ignore him and exchange numbers with Martin.

“I’m sure Martin has a very impressive pickle.” Noah starts in as soon as we’re outside. Helen is on the other side of him. She’s hanging onto his arm like she’s Tarzan and he’s a vine.

“He’s a farmer. Well, his family has a farm. They’re converting from corn to soybeans.” Stop babbling, Zoe. Gah.

“That’s probably safer. Martin looks a lot like a stalk of corn. Wouldn’t want a farm accident.”

I bite my lip to keep from giggling. Martin is thin and pale, and his light blond hair is unfortunately spiked at the top. “You’re so funny. Not. I do want that recipe. Martin and I have a shared interest in canning.” If I practiced for hours, I could not sound lamer.

“Maybe a shared interest in caning would be more fun?” Noah suggests.

I ignore him. People like to make fun of old-fashioned preserving methods but when it’s time to eat they’re happy to enjoy them. And I’m trying hard not to wonder whether Noah has an interest in caning. Yow.

“Do you know how hot you are, Noah?” Helen pipes up.

At least he has the decency to blush. “Uhh, no.”

“It’s true.” Helen blinks at me. “Even Zoe admitted that you’re the hottest guy she’s ever met in real life.”

He grins and winks at me. “Is that a fact?”

“Yeah, and she never finds any guys cute, so…” Helen’s voice trails off before she can embarrass me further.

“I also said you have the biggest ego of anyone I’ve ever met,” I tell him.

“But is it ego if I actually am that wonderful?” Noah asks.

Helen pulls at his jacket. “I have a question. Why do you wear so many clothes? You would look better in less clothes.”

While I agree with Helen in theory, I already know the answer to this one. He’s cold, and it’s only September. By the time it’s January, he’s going to look like the Michelin man.

Noah doesn’t even answer Helen, but she’s undeterred. She yanks on his sleeve until his jacket comes half-off. He swears and tries to get his jacket back, but instead, Helen pulls it off completely and totters away, swinging it over her head.

“No good deed goes unpunished,” mutters Noah. While I should be sympathetic, I’m busy being transfixed by the gap of skin revealed at the unbuttoned bottom of his shirt. Is that a happy trail?

Noah notices where I’m looking and swiftly buttons and tucks in his shirt.

“Show’s over,” he says. We’re now at Helen’s place. Noah manages to retrieve his jacket and get Helen safely in her apartment without being further molested. In no time, we’re back in the car and on the road.

“I’m surprised you didn’t jump at the chance for a sleepover,” I say.

“I prefer my partners to be fully conscious.”

I swallow and try to ignore the sudden spark in my lower body. Fully conscious sex with Noah would be both scary and amazing.
 
 LINKS TO THE BOOK
 
   
__________________________




• Book #10 in the Moo U Series
 • 7 June 2021
• Standalone New Adult Hockey Romance


★★★★★
4.5 Stars

Winning games has always been his focus, but will winning her heart become the ultimate goal?

 Everyone at Moo U knows the party doesn’t start until Paige Underwood arrives. Not only is she beautiful, she’s fun and charming too. Guys want to date her, and girls want to be her best friend. All Paige wants is to have a good time and make videos for her beauty channel--and maybe get that girl down the hall to do her eyeliner correctly. Is that too much to ask?

 According to her parents, yes. They’ve said the party’s over and that it’s time to get focused.

 Spencer Briggs knows all about focus. He’s had one goal since he set foot on the ice as a kid: make it to the NHL. After years of hard work and endless practice, he’s the starting goalie for Moo U and mere steps away from his dream. He can’t afford distractions, and isn’t interested in relationships. And he definitely can’t afford to flirt back with the gorgeous girl in his lit class.

 He needs to stay serious. She needs to get serious. But now serious sparks are flying . . .




ARC received for an honest review
 
Well this was just cute (except for, again, douchebag parents - whyyyyyy???)

I love that Paige marches to the beat of her own drummer when it comes to what she does with her life, not what her parents (ugh) want her to do.

Spencer has his life all lined up - well, it is his dad living vicariously through him that is pushing the agenda.

But I loved how both of them find each other, and in each other they find the strength to stand up to their families,  Plus, they are just so darn adorable, I couldn't help but be their biggest cheerleader,

Their circle of friends are fantastic, and I think we all need people like then around us

I want more Moo U - I will always want more.
 




Paige + Spencer.
Paige's family is all about careers. Lawyers. Doctors.
She's the only one who doesn't want that - she loves her youtube make-up business. But that's not a career according to her parents.
And Spencer. He doesn't have time to date. To party. To have fun. He and his dad have been all about hockey since Spencer was six years old.
But now there's this amazing and beautiful girl ... and hockey is not everything anymore.

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! 



 
Well, that was cute.
Aside from hating both their parents for being idiots - like in so many books these days (why, authors?) - this book seemed to be a pretty drama-free college romance! Which I kinda love. I hate those over the top drama story lines that you get in every book and that nobody needs. But then ... this was maybe a tiny litte bit too drama-free. There are just the parents and their plans for Paige and Spencer. And we just know that there will be something happening one day ... but other than that it really was pretty drama free. BUT ... I still really liked reading it. It was funny and adorable and frustrating and sweet and sexy and hockey-y and make-up-y. I really liked Spencer and Paige. And their friends and roommates. I didn't mind the drama-free-ness. And it's not that nothing happens at all. Things happen. Ugh. I totally messed this review up now! Don't listen to me. READ THIS BOOK! 🀣

I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!

I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!

Oh, a tiny thing about the writing. Don't worry, this probably won't bother anyone but me. The word YEAH. I don't have anything against that word. And I would've probably survived the 112 YEAHs used in this book too. BUT! At least 107 of those YEAHs were spelled: YEA. And I just couldn't handle that. That's a completely different word/sound! So weird.

GOALKEEPER was an adorable + funny + frustrating college hockey + make-up romance! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Spence - he'll be sold out in no time!



♥ EXCERPT ♥

My turn comes up again and it feels like the Drunk Jenga Gods are smiling down on me because the tile reads Handcuffs- L. From out of nowhere Emma grabs a pair of handcuffs and hooks one on Paige’s wrist and the other on mine. I can’t lie-- they’re tight as hell and it’s entirely possible I’m losing circulation, but I don’t give a damn.

 

“Guess you’re stuck with me, huh?” I say.

 

“There are worse places to be.” She smiles back.

 

Holy Jesus. Remind me why I never go to parties?

 

Doyle picks the Mr. Rogers tile, and slips off his shoes. Then a girl whose name I don’t know (Ava, Ada?) chooses one that says Pick a stripper. I’m clueless as to what this might mean, until she points to me. Shit. Cheers and catcalls go up around me, and I guess this’ll teach me to be careful what I wish for.

 

The handcuffs prove a bit tricky and my shirt ends up dangling on the chain between Paige and me, but based on the appreciative looks I’m getting from her, I don’t mind at all. And yea, I have no time for dating, but if I did, I’d have a hardcore crush on Paige.

 

Emma and Andy duet “Don’t Stop Believin” (yes, he continues meowing) and we’re all feeling good.

 

The game continues and gets increasingly more ridiculous. I’m laughing my ass off at Herrera, a junior forward, who has to announce the next round of tiles like an auctioneer.

 

I’m laughing, that is until he reads Paige’s. “Kiss a stranger, kiss a stranger... Going once, going twice, sold to the blonde next to Briggsy,” his voice trails off as he points to Paige.

 

I stop cracking up because she turns to me, reaches up and kisses me like she was born to do it. As clichΓ© as it sounds, the rest of the room melts away. I know we’re surrounded by a bunch of drunk, horny college students, but as she threads her fingers into my hair, I really don’t care. Needing closer contact, which is a little tough since I’ve got almost a foot on her, I reach down and place both hands at the base of her spine. She leans into me, craving the contact, too, and I pay no attention to the wolf-whistle that pierces the air and is surely directed toward us.

 

I deepen our kiss and she moans with pleasure. Pulling back, I look her in the eyes. “You’re fucking perfect,” I tell her before tasting her lips again. She melts into me, and it’s taking all the restraint I can muster not to lift her up, wrap her legs around my waist, and--

 

“Briggsy!” Zac shouts in my ear, startling me and breaking the kiss, “It’s your turn.”

 

Asshole.

 
 LINKS TO THE BOOK
 
   
_________________________


Books by Sarina Bowen:

🏳️‍🌈 Wes & Jamie πŸ³️‍🌈

Good Boy


The Company Book #1
  



Hockey #6

  


🍎🍏🍎 True North Book #1 πŸŽπŸπŸŽ


YA Rockstar Romance-ish

   





Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college.

Waiting for more Ivy Years? You can read more about upcoming volumes in the four book series at http://www.sarinabowen.com/theivyyears

Also, the Gravity series.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

To be kept abreast of new releases, please feel free to sign up for the mailing list at http://www.sarinabowen.com/contact.

Or visit the her Facebook page, or tweet her @sarinabowen.