Called Up

Dropped Puck Series, Book 1

De: Rosie P. Burke

Narrado por: Kamryn Myles

Elizabeth "Bitsy" Thayer considers herself a modern-day woman with a 1950s flair. Mixing in her penchant for pin-up style day dresses and a bold red lip, she's in her last year of law school, living on her own in an apartment she loves, and dating a respectable guy. If only her boyfriend were the one starring in her dreams each night. No, that honor goes directly to her brother's roommate, teammate, and best friend: Henry "Hank the Tank" DuBois.

Lusting after your teammate's sister tends to bring guys closer--think his fist to my face kind of closer--and that's not a chance Hank is willing to take. No matter that he considers the night he met Bitsy, the night of her 21st birthday, as the night his world stopped and started. No. Instead, he sits in the friend zone and waits for any glimpse of Bitsy (and her lace garters) he can get.

Then the unimaginable happens and one call changes everything. Now, Bitsy and Hank have to decide what actually matters and if there's a real chance for them. Hank's a sniper on the ice, but will he scare her off with a full press?

*** Described as a "recipe for a delicious evening": start with "my brother's best friend." A dash of "who hurt you?" and all the spice! Grab you something cool to drink, because it's going to get hot!

Dropped Puck Series is a 6 book hockey romance series following the Chicago Sharks as they fight through a season of ups and downs. A collection of interconnected stand-alones, each book can be listened to on their own, but I do recommend following the order in which the books are published as the characters do make follow up appearances in the subsequent stories.

©2022 Rosie P Burke (P)2023 Rosie P Burke

More than I anticipated

OK, you had me at hockey romance. But there was so much more written into this gem of a book. I will admit, the FMC in the book at first annoyed me, but then I realized that there was so much more to her. Thank you for giving me much more than I anticipated and things I didn't know I needed. I miss the characters already.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Good Listen

This was a fun listen that did deal with some serious topics. I enjoyed these characters. It's a solid start to the series and gives us just enough of the side characters to make us want more but did not lose the focus of the MCs, I did like that it wasn't overly drawn out. I'm not sure I really buy the sub plot with Pierce. I don't know I think we might have needed a little more with the story but overall it was handled well and the narration was very good.

Be Strong

About 3 people. Bitsy (sister), Thayer (brother) and Hank (best friend) and the game of hockey. Bitsey turns 21 so Thayer takes her out to the bar with his hockey buddies and that is where she meets Hank. For 3 years they are best friends but harbor feelings for each other. When Bitsy's current boyfriend becomes violent one day, she calls Hank and that is when he decides he is done hiding his feelings. Hank goes after what he wants and the rest of the audiobook tells you their trials, happiness, sadness, love, devotion, hopes and dreams.

Delightful!

Called Up is the first book in the Dropped Puck series, and it's the perfect beginning for the story of the NHL Chicago Sharks. The series revolves around the teammates, the families and the fans, all on a journey to the NHL Championship and the Stanley Cup. Bitsy Thayer is the younger sister of Shark's superstar Brian Thayer. She's in her last year of law school and she's studying to take the bar. But her real joy is following the Sharks, mainly because she has a crush on Brian's best friend, Hank Dubois. Unbeknownst to the other, they've both harbored feelings but Hank hasn't acted on them because she's not yet 21. They've kept it underwraps for years and on her 21st birthday, they discover the truth, but Bitsy has a boyfriend. Pierce (pencil d) is a man with many demons, but he's been able to keep them at bay, until Bitsy comes home one night to accusations that she's cheating. Pierce is incensed and Bitsy is in the way of his anger. (Domestic violence is one piece of the plot and Rosie handles it with aplomb and sensitivity.) Her brother and Hank insist that she move in with them so they can keep her safe, but when the team is playing on the road, Pierce finds her. It's definitely traumatic but it's so well-written that it feels as if we're experiencing the pain and fear. As she and Hank take the next step of living together, their love story blossoms. This is a marvelous story that expertly introduces many of the main characters, along with their backstory. It's a book that is as quietly unsettling as it is tender and emotionally gripping, all leading up to what's going to be a very happy ending.This can be considered a standalone, but the series is richer with more depth if the books are read in order. Kamryn Myles does an admirable job with the narration. Her dynamic voice, varied intonation and inflection gave each character a unique voice and personality. She kept the pace steady and it was a joy to listen to her bring the story to life.

Arc Review

I loved the storyline. I thought this book was incredible. Bitsy and Hank were so cute! Plus, hockey god!

The narration was OK, not bad but not the best I've heard either.

definitely a re-read for me though.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I enjoyed this will written listen

Yield to trigger warnings and have a box of tissues handy. This is a good story, it has an amazing amount of depth to it as well as spice. I'm also glad for the karma shown to the antagonist.

Hank and Bitsy

Hank is Bitsy’s (Elizabeth Thayer) older brother’s best friend. They were drawn to each other. Hank treated her like a kid sister and kept himself in the friend zone. Bitsy assumed he could not feel for her, like she does for him. They have an incredible friendship and rely on each other. Bitsy is a frequent visitor at all their hockey games, to the point she is adopted by the team like a mascot. Bitsy is in her senior year at law school. Her creep of a boyfriend is abusive, and she calls Hank for help. Their friendship is turning into romance. It becomes public knowledge when she wears his jersey to a game. There are some concerns with the close family connection, brothers tend to be protective, plus Hank is her brother’s roommate. This is a sweet story. It is entertaining and well written. I found parts to be humorous. The narration is well done. I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.

good

This book was good. It was emotional for the physical abuse Bitsy and to go thru with her ex. But she finally got her happiness. Her brother was great and being there for her. I cant wait to read part two.

Bitsy and Henri

Bitsy and Henri

I listened to the audio. The narrator did a good job. I enjoyed listening to her tell the story, even the hard parts.

I thought this was sweet, cute, hot, A bit funny and emotional since it does talk about violence between the character. So this had me at hockey and it was set in Chicago I'm a sucker for books set in the town I was born and raised. When they went to the drive-in all I could think about is if it was the one I went to a couple of times. I also thought the time when her brother came home to them in an uncompromised position on the couch. Also the time they visited his brother and his husband. Then the tears towards the end of the book. Henri proving not only what a great supportive friend he was and boyfriend he became.

A Sizzling, Heartfelt Romance with a Retro Twist!

If you love romance novels with plenty of chemistry, heart, and a dash of vintage flair, this book is for you! Elizabeth "Bitsy" Thayer is a modern woman with a love for 1950s pin-up style, determined to finish law school while navigating a relationship that doesn’t quite ignite her passion. The real problem? The man who does—her brother’s best friend and hockey teammate, Henry "Hank the Tank" DuBois.
Hank has been secretly pining for Bitsy since the moment they met, but the bro code and his respect for their friendship have kept him firmly in the friend zone. That is, until fate throws them together in an unexpected way, forcing them to confront their feelings and decide if they’re willing to risk it all.
This book has everything—undeniable chemistry, witty banter, emotional depth, and plenty of spice! Hank is the perfect mix of tough athlete and devoted softie, while Bitsy’s independence and charm make her an unforgettable heroine. Their journey from hidden longing to full-blown romance is intense, heartwarming, and oh-so-satisfying.
With well-developed characters, a strong emotional core, and just the right amount of heat, this is the kind of romance that keeps you turning pages late into the night. A must-read for fans of steamy, swoon-worthy love stories! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Her expressive delivery and distinct character voices made the listening experience even more enjoyable, drawing me deeper into the story. It was a pleasure to listen to, and I highly recommend the audio version!