| Title | : | Stand and Defend (Lakes Hockey, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 481 |
| Publication | : | First published February 12, 2024 |
I live my life head over heart and never rock the boat. Which is how I wound up engaged to Bryan Davenport—the biggest mistake I ever made. We were a power couple, but no one knew how cruel he could be behind closed doors. When I decide to leave, my fiancé shows just how ruthless he can be and sends me running to the last person I expected: his best man.
Camden Teller is a cocky, selfish, womanizing, daredevil—and my new favorite person. Who knew a bad boy would be such a good influence? For the first time, I’m breaking rules and living unapologetically. Our unexpected camaraderie quickly morphs into a no-strings arrangement, which I don’t mind, because even though he’s become my closest friend, he’ll never be my type.
Camden
I may be the new Minnesota Lakes hockey captain, but I’ll always be Banksy on the ice. Over my career, I’ve been in countless fights, being protective is part of my nature, so when the beautiful Jordana Landry shows up with nowhere to go, I don’t hesitate. Unfortunately, she’s also sophisticated, polite, and educated, which would be fine, except I’ve got a corruption kink.
The more we hangout, the closer we get—and the harder it is to resist each other. Until we stop resisting. I never sleep with the same woman twice, but once with her will never be enough. However, it’s not long before I realize she’s not as innocent as she lets on. Jordan says I’m not her type… but she’s exactly mine.
Please check triggers before reading
Stand and Defend (Lakes Hockey, #4) Reviews
-
♾️/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
Listen… if you take my advice about literally any book… PLEASE let it be this one 👏🏼 This entire series is incredible, but this book is hands down my favorite. Sloane kills it every. single. time. Her plot to spice ratio is truly unmatched and this book is no different. What a perfect way to wrap up an amazing debut series!!
Stand and Defend follows Camden Teller (“Banksy”) and Jordan Landry. Banksy is the new captain for the NHL Lakes Hockey Team. Story starts out when he travels to Vegas for his childhood best friend’s bachelor party. This is where he meets Jordan, his best friend’s bride-to-be. But everything quickly gets turned upside down when Banksy finds his friend cheating on Jordan with her maid of honor. He ends up telling Jordan immediately & she leaves her (ex)fiancé in Vegas without a word. Fast forward a few weeks & Jordan needs a safe place to stay — who better to call than your cheating ex’s best friend?
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Ex’s Best Friend
- Runaway Bride
- Friends with Benefits
- Forced Proximity
- Pierced MMC
- “Who hurt you?”
Make sure to check TWs! -
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: fiancés best friend, heroine in peril
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Such a fantastic conclusion to the series! Sloane’s writing just keeps getting better and better - definitely going in my best of 2024 pile! So many great things about this story and the writing. Such a great story that is well written and fast paced. Jordan deals with verbal abuse and gas lighting from her fiancé and it's represented so well in the story, you can't help but feel it viscerally. The character development is fantastic. I love a strong, resilient heroine and Jordan totally fits the bill. She definitely shows personal growth during the story and I was totally here for it. Camden was perfect. The chemistry and smexy times between them is 🔥🔥🔥. Nearly set fire to my kindle, lol.
Stand and Defend is the last book in the Lakes Hockey series and I'm so sad to see it end. If you're a hockey romance fan, a fan of strong FMCs, and/or a fan of just really great writing with some first rate spice, you HAVE to check this series out - you won't be disappointed!
RTC -
jordan & camden are here!! this is the last book in the lakes hockey series and I’m so sad it’s over. after jordan catches her slimy fiancé cheating on her, camden decides to help her out. she needed a place to stay, and he has the space. but they didn’t expect to have a roommates turned friends with benefits situationship. and camden didn’t expect to fall first and so hard.
jordan is such a bad ass fmc. she’s strong and sassy, which is my fav. camden is the former playboy turned boy obsessed. he’s also her fiercest protector and I loved that about him. not only is the spice top tier, but there’s mortal peril and a dash of suspense. I ate this up in one sitting and loved every second.
thank you so much for an arc Sloane! I can’t wait for what’s next 💖
read if you like
✨ sports romance
✨ forced proximity (roommates)
✨ bad boy x good girl
✨ fwb
✨ runaway bride
✨ former playboy
✨ villain era fmc
✨ ex’s best friend
TW:
Domestic abuse (not by mmc)
Cheating (not by mmc) -
4.5
Wow wow wow. I actually shed a tear when the finished because damn what do I do now.. -
Cute 'n filthy hockey romance with some hurt/comfort and that trope where the sex-god hero shows the kink-curious heroine what she's been missing with her boring-in-the-bedroom ex. I did have to speed through the first few chapters when she was still with her ex because the gaslighting and emotional abuse (and eventually physical abuse) were hard to read.
I did enjoy Cam's struggle to realize he had feelings for her and that's why her easy agreement to no-strings FWB didn't sit well with him. He's always thinking he's got to warn her not to catch feelings, when he should've been looking in the mirror. Love that 'what is this feeling in my chest' trope.
Didn't love how everyone in the story was crazy rich and the heroine did things like donate 16 mil to the fucking Minneapolis PD to avoid getting (falsely) arrested. -
Okay this was so cute. Not going to lie, the way the MMC talked about women in the beginning of the book was gross, but I loved seeing him eat his words as he fell for Jordan!
I love how he supported Jordan through her growth as well. He was the perfect balance of there for her when she needed him but also let her fight her own battles when she needed to. The spice was also 🔥🔥🔥 which is always a win!
“She’s worthy of so much love. I plan to give her double.” 😭😭 -
10 bloody stars! Sloane, I love you. Full RTC!
//
The final book in the Lakes Hockey series has me all in my feels after being involved in the process of this one and book 3. It’s been such an incredible experience and I’m so thankful to Sloane!
The more I get to know Sloane, I realise that she is her characters. I don’t know what crack she is siphoning into these books, but I want some. Stand and Defend has the plot, top teir banter and exceptional spice that we have come to know and adore in Sloane’s books. She continues to do the damn thing, and I’m so excited to see what she produces next!
This book though. I struggle to find books that accomplish a gripping plot, epic (and actually funny banter), a dash of drama, and spice that isn��t cringy and icky. Sloane manages to do all of these in a way that is just elite. This book truly does have everything!
Jordan is such a queen; she has been treated so poorly in the past and truly doesn’t know her worth. She is so strong though, and her and Cam bring out the best in each other. They are end game! Cam is a king; he cannot be faulted. Everything about him was just perfect. No further words, Your Honour! They had the best banter and explosive chemistry 🥵🥵🥵🫠🫠🫠🫠. Just love them so much!
I’m so sad this series is over, but so excited for what is coming next. It’s gonna be so epic! -
This was just meh! I had to skim read most of the book.
Tropes: Ex’s bestfriend, close proximity, hockey romance, SPICYYY🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Add 60% spice + 20% Pussy + 10%characters + 10% plot
The spice was not spicing at all
I had to skip the spice scenes too, because they are always at the wrong time or all the time 😂😂. There is no plot whatsoever. He is a man whore yet he feels bad when she rejects his feelings(or he calls that). FMC is don’t understand her at all. The last 25% was a bit okay . -
Kitabın bana göre birkaç kusuru var. Bunlardan biri fazla uzun olması. Diğeri de Cam ve Jordan arasındaki fiziksel ilişkinin erken başlamış olması. Tamam yazar bunu güzel yazmış baya keyif aldım okurken ama sanki biraz fazla mı olmuş smut dedim 😅
Cam’in Jordan’a karşı bebek gibi olması. O bir şeyleri henüz istemeden onu düşünüp ona göre hareket etmesi falan 10/10 hareketti.
Sonuç olarak güzeldi sadece bazı kusurlar puanımı düşürmeme sebep oldu
8/10 iyidir bence. Baya sevdim gibi?
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 -
HOLY SPICE 😮💨
Hands down my favourite book of the series. Absolute perfection. I loved every minute and felt like I had to stick my head in the freezer at some points. IYKYK 🌶️
BANKSY 🫠 and Jordan? What a QUEEN.
That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Well done Sloane 👏🏼 I’m your new biggest fan 🫶🏼 -
I can’t believe this is the Lakes Hockey book!!! Sloane really went out with a bang. This one is by the spiciest of the four and now my favorite!
This book follows Jordan and Camden. Jordan is in a difficult relationship and Camden is her fiancé’s best friend. After finally deciding to leave her fiancé for good after a trip to Vegas, the only person she has to turn to is Camden, the NHL playboy. The more time that these two spend together the more they realize they are actually perfect for each other…
UGH!! This book was absolute perfection! I cannot get enough of Camden. I mean seriously. Sloane I applaud for coming up with this man bc I cannot get him out of my head. From the things that come out of his mouth to how he is with Jordan! AH! I melt. I mean I had a big cheese ball grin the entire time I was reading anything in Camden’s POV.
Jordan is my now my favorite FMC in this series. She is such a bad ass and loved watching her grow and stick it to that douche canoe of an ex-fiancé. She is so empowering!!
Watching Camden and Jordan’s relationship grow was literally so beautiful. They are soulmates and loved how they each brought out the best in each other.
The spice in this one is top notch as always with Sloane’s books. I mean there were a few parts where I was literally sweating and had to take off my sweatshirt. She does such a great job with the plot/spice ratio. I mean most of these scenes will live rent free in my head but that bar scene!!!!!! HAWTTTT!!!
If any of you ever take any of my recommendations…please I am begging…read this series. It is by far the most unique hockey romance series I have read and all 4 books will forever be in my top 10. Thank you to Sloane and team for the eARC. I cannot wait to see what is next!
**Please check TW**
Overall: ♾️
Spice: 4
Tropes:
-Hockey Romance
-Found Family
-FwB
-Who hurt you?
-Ex’s Best Friend
-Forced Proximity
-Villain Era
-No 3rd Act Breakup -
I said it once & I’ll say it again. Sloane freaking nailed it with this entire series. I’m sad to see Lakes Hockey ending, but god damn what a hot way to end it 😉
We follow Camden & Jordan who have one person in common… her horrible ex fiancé. Camden walks in on something that changes Jordan’s life. She always wanted to leave him & now she has the perfect piece of information that sends her running and Camden is there ready to help her through the rough parts. He’s also ready to open up her world sexu||y.
Sloane picked the best MC’s to end this series, this book was hot as hell… chapter 28 & 45 had me literally sweating.
The plot of Stand & Defend was so good, I was literally hooked from the first page. One thing about Sloane is she’s the author who had the perfect ratio figured out when it comes to her books. Not once does the plot get lost.
My overall review is that everyone needs to read this because you will not be disappointed. This is one of the best hockey romance series I’ve read to date. -
I’m absolutely obsessed with this book. I knew it was going to be good, but holy cow Sloane really knocked it out of the park with this one. Hands down my new favorite hockey romance. No book boyfriend will ever top Camden, he was just perfect and I loved Jordan and how strong she was. The chemistry these two had was incredible. This whole series was amazing, I’m so sad it’s over but I can’t wait to see what’s next!!
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ARC Review
This book did me in, once again Sloane St. James does not disappoint. Has me wishing she had a backlist to jump into.
Cam and Jordan were the perfect mix of playboy and girl coming into her own. The spice was chefs kiss 😘 and the revenge was the icing on the cake.
Cannot wait for more from this author- these books have been a highlight of my reading the past few months. -
dnf @ 15%
decided to give this one a try bc ive heard from many that it was good…
howeverrrrr i thought i was truly going to contract a disease just from reading the Hero’s POV.
biggest manwhore i’ve ever read about. i was only a few chapters in but every single woman the H glances at, he salivates over in his POV and wouldn’t mind hooking up with. even the heroine’s (horrible) best friend🤮 -
I LOVED this series. 😍
-
4.5
The was one of the dirtiest books I have ever read, and I loved every minute of it. Camden is dreamy and the mouth of his... 🫠🥵
I also cried a couple of times from the wholesomeness. -
i’ll tune into a hockey romance every time sorry
-
Arc review soon.
-
Honestly forget what happened but I know I liked it when I was reading
Wait I remember best man steals the bride well saves her -
Stars- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Spice- 🌶🌶🌶🌶½
Stand and Defend is the 4th and final book to the Lakes Hockey Series by Sloane St James. Every single one of the books in this series has been a 5 star read, and I honestly dont think that's ever happened before (for me). I think this book is the best one out of all 4. I love each book for different reasons, but as a whole... I think this one is my favorite. I also think Cam and Jordan are my favorite MC's of the series (no one tell Micky or Rhys. They are a close 2nd) Sloane told me that Cam was going to give Rhys a run for his money and I thought "No way." But she did it 👏🏻 Cam is now in my top 5 book boyfriends!!! Rhys is still there, so don't worry. Sloane has 2 MMC's on my top book boyfriends list!!!
Let's break down this book. You probably dont need any convincing to read this, but just in case, here ya go 😁 Sloane decided to be Oprah with this book. She said, "You get your favorite trope", "You get YOUR favorite trope" and "You get your favorite trope too!" 🤣
⬇️ Tropes ⬇️
🏒NHL Hockey player
🏒 Villain Era FMC
🏒 Found Family
🏒 Sorta Friends to FWB to lovers
🏒 Who Hurt You?
🏒 Banter
🏒 No 3rd act breakup
⬇️ Micro tropes ⬇️
🧢 Backwards hat
💥 Grey sweatpants
💥 Toys are friends
💥 Sub Drop
💥 Reenactes scenes from her books
💦 Spitting
🌡Cock warming
📿 Hand Necklaces
🩸 Period Sex
🍆 Fancy peen
🍆 Tattoo/piercings
🍑 Play
🏍 MMC who rides a Ducati
I mean, seriously! She gave us all the freaking micro tropes, and I ate it up and left zero crumbs!
Camden/Cam "Banksy" Teller is the f*ckboy of the team. He never does repeats. He has sworn his life to a buffet of 🐱. He is the recent Captain of The Lakes hockey team, and he's trying his best to lead his team to the best of his ability. Even though Cam likes to have an array of ladies, deep down, he's a good dude. He has a charity that helps domestic violence "victims" find a safe place to get away.
Jordana "Jordan" Landry is engaged to Cam's childhood best friend, Bryan. She is a prim and proper princess who lets everyone make decisions for her life. She's always done what Mommy and Daddy said and that transferred over to Bryan. Their relationship is more transactional than for love. Jordan goes along with it because she thinks that's all her life will ever be.
When the wedding party starts to get together for wedding related events, Cam starts to question if Bryan and Jordana are really happy together. There are a few instances that make him question it. When they go to Vegas for the bachelor and bachelorette party... Cam catches Bryan in a compromising position and is honest with Jordana about it. From there, Cam and Jordan become semi friends.
Cam doesn't do relationships, but he can't deny the chemistry that he and Jordan have. Jordan just got out of an engagement, so she's not ready for a relationship. They slowly become friends and that turns into friends with benifits. We allllll know that never lasts, lol.
Watching their relationship grow and change was beautiful. Jordan really is the shining star of this story. Who she was in the beginning of this book, to the person she is at the end, are polar opposites in the best way possible. They both refer to her as a queen, and she is dang it! Seeing her grow and take back her life was empowering! I love that every single FMC of Sloane's is strong and feisty. The banter between Cam and Jordan was so good! They were witty, flirty, and fun.
The spice!!! Y'all aren't ready for the spice in this book! It's so f*cking good! The mouth on Cam had me in a puddle. Make sure your toys are charged, ladies. You are going to need them 🥵 I don't want to leave Jordan out because she had Cam begging! She gave as good as she got 😉 The gasps that I gusped during some scenes 🥵 I think this book has my favorite hand necklace scenes!
Lonan, Birdie, Rhys, Micky, Barrett, Raleigh, Cam, and Jordan will stick with me. They each found a family with one another and all together. The pure joy that this series has brought me is magical. I cried for the last few chapters and the epilogue because I love them all so much and Sloane ended this series in the most perfect way.
This book series is my Roman Empire.
Sloane, you are an amazing author who has found the perfect balance between plot and spice. I fully trust you to take me on a journey with these characters. Whatever you write, I'll read it. Thank you for writing these stories.
If this review doesn't convince you to read this book/series, I'm not sure that anything will. I promise you will not regret taking a chance on Sloane St James!
Stand and Defend releases on 2/12/24. It will be available on KU! There is a full list of trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Please make sure to read them.
Thank you, Sloane, for giving me an ARC ❤️ This review is my honest opinion.
⚠️I probably have 40+ highlights, but here are some of my favorites. Some quotes may be spoilers. Read at your own risk.⚠️
“Fuck, I hate these.” Lonan groans, sinking into the cold water. “Try doing it with seven bars in your cock,” I growl, submerging. “Acts like a fuckin’ heatsink.” “Hard pass. How do you jack off with that shit? Your dick looks like Inspector Gadget.” “Very happily.” I love my ladder, and so do all the women that climb it.
I can’t figure out this weird attraction I have to her. I mean, yeah, she’s gorgeous, but it’s something else. Pity? No, that’s not it. Maybe because my brain gets off on breaking pretty things. The thought of corrupting daddy’s ivy- league princess gets me hard. All that money spent on finishing school only to be finishing on my cock with a big smile on her face. I’m sick.
I come up with a list of things he values most: money, reputation, comfort, and power. I’m taking them all. Fuck what I said to Camden in the coffeeshop. I won’t rock the boat, I will sink it.
“Stop being prim and proper and show me what a filthy slut you are when nobody’s looking.”
She’s been in such a fucked- up relationship for so long, she doesn’t yet know her own strength. When she rises like a phoenix from that pile of ash, she’ll be a force to be reckoned with, and I’ll be here waiting to tame her when she’s ready.
“Sweet Jordana Landry from the big house on the hill. Always following the rules, behaving like a sophisticated socialite. Prim, proper, and pretty as can be. So lovely.” I lick across her lower lip, she opens up, and I spit inside. Her eyes fill with fire, and I smile. “But when you tilt your head up like that for me, I know you’d rather wear my hand around your neck than anything from Harry Winston. You need someone to worship and fuck you the way you deserve. Because deep down, you’re a needy little whore, aren’t you?” Her eyebrows push together, and she nods. “That’s my perfect fucking girl.” I drop my mouth to her ear. “I think I’ll tattoo a diamond necklace on the back of my hand so I can dress you up whenever I want.” This quote right here made me gasp! It will live rent free in my head forever!
“I was his best friend. But now I’m the man who enjoys making his fiancée come on my cock . . . and she’s fucking gorgeous when she cries my name.”
“My heart isn’t dead, it’s sleeping. Besides, my dick pulls the weight around here.” “I’m sure it does— with all the fucking hardware you have shoved through it. That thing probably has a tow hitch.” “It does. I towed your mom to my place last week.” I wink.
“I’m not going to be some quiet girlfriend on the side that other women think they can step over to get to you. I don’t want to be yours behind closed doors. I’m not a delicate princess— I’m a fucking queen. If you want me, that’s how you’re going to treat me. Leave your ego at the door, I want everyone to know that you kneel at my feet.” I cross my arms, waiting for his response, and mentally pat myself on the back for demanding my worth. “Yes, Your Highness.” His grin spreads across his face until he’s beaming at me. “I’m so goddamn proud of you.” My arms fall to my sides. “Thank you.” He pulls me into his lap, pressing my chest to his. His mouth finds my neck, he sucks on my skin and bites. I let out a small moan, and he whispers behind my ear, “But in the bedroom, you kneel for me.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I can agree to that,” I mumble against him.
“I can’t wait to see your body swallow each barbell. Tonight, you’re going to cry for every rung on my ladder.”
“You may be the queen but look how easily you’re ruled under my hand.”
“You want to act like a snarky little brat, then I’m going to fuck you like one.” Cam grips my chin, parts my lips, and spits inside.
The overwhelming sensations mix and bloom in my chest like ink in water. It fills all my colorless voids with bright plumes of pigment. I didn’t know it could feel like this. I’m in love with him.
There are moments in life you desperately want to hold on to, wish you could freeze time and space, bottle it up and take it with you. Open and breathe it in whenever you need to remember what it felt like to be alive. You wonder why it can’t be like this forever. It could disappear in seconds or hours, so you don’t dare move for fear of losing grip on euphoria. That’s what it’s like with Camden every time his arms are around me. I want to feel this content, this safe, this alive forever.
He wants to get me alone to give me some speech about respecting his daughter, which is ironic because I know firsthand how much Jordan enjoys being disrespected.
My palm rests on her throat, the diamond necklace tattooed on the back of my hand is centered perfectly with her neck, and I smile. -
DNF @60%
Ooh boy! I had high expectations but this ended up being the 1st DNF of 2024. There were a few things I wish were handled differently but in any case I was bored out of my mind.
I've come to realise that some books are more tropes than plot and it doesn't work for me. There's also way too much focus on how the person looks and how that affects the other one. I don't mind physical descriptions, but they can't be the pillars of a relationship. Keep them vague and let the 2 characters connect through shared experiences.
The other thing that bothered me was how the abusive relationship was handled. Now, it's for the author to decide how serious the tone of the writing would be and I have no issues with that. But you can't just devote a considerable amount of time to an abusive partner and not show the emotional and physical ramifications on the victim. What annoyed me more was that the scenes depicting the abuse(both physical and mental) were descriptive and yet, Jordana's reaction (not during, but later on) was massively disproportionate. Camden stresses on her need for safety and regaining her freedom but Jordana treats it almost like a bad breakup rather than what it was- an abusive relationship.
I couldn't connect with either of the main characters and hence, I didn't care what was happening with these people. The constant push and pull of -'Oh I don't like him' 'no wait I do' 'no but I can't, we're just friends who fuck'- grated on my nerves. Well, on to the next one. -
DNF at 60%, not because it's a terrible book, but because I lost interest and don't really care about the characters.
In particular, Jordan was kind of flat. She went through some awful abuse and manipulation by her narcissistic fiance (as well as her own parents/family/in-laws) and yet didn't seem all that broken up over it. We were *told* about her crying off and on, but I never *felt* her heartbreak or her fear unless it was in the midst of the on-page abuse. She just floated through the story above it all, and had some kinky sex. It felt like she got over it way too fast, which cheapened the tortured/abused heroine trope, IMO. If you're not going to dive into the emotional fallout of an abusive relationship, why write about it at all? I don't think this is a subjective that should be made light of or glossed over.
I also hated her disregard for Camden's suggestions and advice about her safety. There is nothing I hate more than a heroine who thinks she knows better and willingly puts herself (and others) at risk because of pride. Camden had experience, both personally and professionally, with dealing with women escaping abusive relationships, and she blew him off. Stupid. I didn't read far enough to see if her choices backfired or not.
Instead of it being the deep, meaningful story it could have been, where she found solace in a new friend that grew into something more, this was a story about a woman who'd only ever had mediocre sex, and finally learned how to orgasm with a partner and push some boundaries. It just felt so surface-level and emotionless.
I'm not a big fan of the fake-dating/friends with benefits trope, and this was no exception. So much wishy-washy will-they-won't-they, "he/she doesn't like me that way", "I'm a manslut, I don't do relationships"... It's just such dumb reasons not to communicate and be honest with one another.
The on-page abuse scenes were very impactful, though. The blatant narcissism slapped you right in the face from the pages, and the manipulative way her ex talked to her was so realistic and scary. I was moved by those parts.
Anyway, not a terrible book, but I wasn't overly impressed. Obviously many have thoroughly enjoyed it, so I wouldn't tell anyone to avoid this book, but I won't personally recommend it. -
3.5 stars
•Hockey Romance
•Ex’s Best Friend/ Best Friends Ex
•Pierced 🍆
•Tattooed MMC
•Playboy
•FWB To Lovers
•Revenge
•DP (with a toy)
•Corruption Kink
•Spitting
Jordan is engaged to Bryan but he’s mean and abusive so she’s not all that happy about marrying him. She finds out something about Bryan and leaves him but he won’t leave her alone. Camden grew up watching his father abuse his mother and he started a charity to help women in abusive situations they can’t get out of so Jordan calls him and he has her hide at his house in the apartment above his garage. Their chemistry was hot and due to living so closely the tension becomes thick until they decide to try a friends with benefit situation. Bryan does everything he can to ruin Jordan but Camdens there at every turn ready to help.
I saw the author advertising this book on IG and she shared a scene where the MMC removes his 🍆 piercing because it’s painful for the FMC during period sex and I was instantly intrigued.
I really enjoyed the characters and the couple together. The spice was delicious and their moments together were so cute. I loved the motorcycle rides and you could tell the author actually knew what she was talking about with her descriptions of them.
For most of this book I couldn’t put it down and it would’ve easily been a five star read but it was way too long. I love spice but toward the end the scenes got repetitive and I honestly started skimming them because I was bored. Things were dragged out way too long after I hit the 85% mark I was kind of over it. If a few scenes would have been cut to help stick to the plot and the book had been shorter this would’ve easily been a 5 star for me! I do still think it’s worth the read. Camden has a dirty dirty mouth and I loved the way he got jealous over Jordan being hit on by other guys even though they weren’t a couple.
The scene in the bar with his friends had me screaming! I also really enjoyed the mc’s banter and the friendships between the characters. -
Well, first let me start by saying that this book is amazing! Sloane, what did you put in it?!… because I was addicted from the start. I couldn’t put it down.
Sloane has this magical way of giving you everything you ever wanted, but didn’t know you needed…and then some. The story pulled me in instantly and I couldn’t turn away. However, I also didn’t want it to end.
Jordan ends up finding her inner bad b!tch and I enjoyed every second of it. She’s a runaway bride and ends up running from her abusive ex right into the arms of his best friend —the best man.
Camden, “Banksy”, is literally everything you could ever want in a man. He’s passionate about loving and caring for his woman. He’s possessive and protective, but wants her to spread her own wings. He loves her fiercely and helps her find herself.
Cam treats her like a queen, but he is a freaking king in the bedroom. I enjoyed every bit of spice in this book.
Also, the friendships found in the pages of this whole series have to be some of favorites. Sloane has written some of the best FMC’s and I love all of these Lakes Hockey babes.
I am so sad this series is over, but I’m excited for what Sloane will give us next. If you haven’t read this series yet then this is your sign. You will not be disappointed! The Lakes Hockey series will always be one of my absolute favorites.
Thank you so much for the arc! -
Camden Teller. That’s it. That’s the review.
I’m honestly not sure how Sloane does it but legit every book in this series just gets better and better. I knew this book would be good, but wow did it blow my expectations out of the water. Every time I thought it couldn’t get better, it did.
Jordan and Camden are soulmates, there’s no way they can’t be. I absolutely loved how he was there for her from the very beginning and never wavered. The friendship they built before anything romantic built was so sweet and I loved that they became each other’s safe space.
I have never hated a side character more than I hated Bryan and I was so freakin happy that he got what was coming to him.
The SPICE?! Stop. It was so freakin spicy and I was sweating at times. Camden Teller is a dirty, dirty man and I didn’t hate it one bit.
Add Camden to the top of my book boyfriend’s list because he was an absolute DREAM. I loved Jordan’s character and how she rose from the ashes of hell and reclaimed who she was and what she wanted for her life.
Overall, this book gets ♾️⭐️ because it was that good. Sloane, you outdid yourself with this one! So sad to see the Lakes Series end but ready for your next book! -
5/5 ⭐️
4/5🌶️
Tropes:
✨Hockey Romance
✨EX’s Best Friend
✨Who Hurt You?
✨Runaway Bride
✨Friends w/ Benefits to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
I can’t believe this is the last book in the Lakes Hockey series! Sloane went out with a BANG. I am obsessed with this whole series. I will always recommend this to everyone I know. Every book in this series is a five star for me and I can’t choose my favorite. There is just no way. Sloane GIRL. I just love you and can’t wait to see what you have for us after this series.
Stand and Defend is the Fourth book in the Lakes Hockey series following Jordan & Camden. Jordan is in a difficult, unhealthy relationship and Camden is her fiancé’s best friend. After finally deciding to leave her fiancé for good after a trip to Vegas for their bachelorette and bachelor party, the only person she has to turn to is Camden, the NHL playboy. When things take a turn with her ex-fiancé, Camden wants to do anything to protect her, so she ends up staying with him. The more these two spend time together the more they realize they are actually perfect for each other.
This book was EVERYTHING. I cannot get enough of Camden. I need to find a Camden in my life. I loved how he treated Jordan like a queen and the things that came out of his mouth.. Everything about him. I was so giddy over him. BUT I want to talk about the spice. Sloane, I had to step outside for a breather because I was so HOT. I needed to cool down. So far, your spiciest book and I LOVED IT. So many scenes that will live In my head 24/7.
If any of you ever take any of my recommendations. Please read this series. It is one of my favorites and will live close to my heart. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you, Sloane, for the eARC and for me being on your street team. I love you and can’t wait to see what you have in store for us. -
You know what this book made me? Feral. Absolutely feral. You’re gonna wanna make sure you have your partner nearby or make sure you’re good at reading one handed because girl… the smut was SMUTTING 🥵 especially chapter 28 and 29 thank me later
No but for real, not only is Sloane a queen of spice, the plot was so good aswell, kept me on my toes just waiting for what was going to happen and play out.
Jordan is my queen and Camden is a true king. I adore them both. I cannot praise this book enough it was everything I needed, fun, banter, drama, hockey and spice all wrapped into one fantastic little bow.
I cannot fault this series and I’m sad it’s over but I can’t wait to see what is up Sloanes sleeve next ❤️ -
“You wanted people to see this side of me, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m leaving my ego at the door. You are my queen, and I kneel for you every day. You aren’t a quiet girlfriend on the side, you’re center ice.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶♾️
I’m speechless! I am having some difficulty expressing into words what I just read. YES,…y’all ,that good. This is the fourth and final book to The Lakes Hockey Series and Mrs. St. James went out with a bang. My girl Sloane is the bomb diggity. This book has top notch spice, banter, an MMC that you’ll drool over, and a badass FMC in her villain era. This book became my favorite!
Jordan is set to be married to her fiancé Brian in a few months. Camden is Brian’s best man and his best friend since childhood. After an incident at the bachelorette\ bachelor party in Vegas Jordan decided to leave her fiancé. The only person she was able to turn to is the pro hockey hottie Camden(Banksy)Teller. The more time they spend together the more they realize how compatible they are.
Camden and Jordan are chef’s kiss perfect! First we have Camden… gosh! This man exudes BDE. The things that come out of his mouth drip sex in every way you can think of, but then you see a different side to him that makes you melt. Either way left me a dripping mess. Jordan is such a badass. It brought me so much joy watching her transformation. The strength she exudes is empowering. The relationship they built was beautiful ,watching them bring out the best in one another. The spice was spectacularly top notch. That bar scene left me panting. Throughout this book I was smirking, giggling, kicking my feet, and wiggling in my seat. The series as a whole ,will always live rent free in my head.
Tropes: hockey, found family, forced proximity, bad boy/good girl, ex’s best friend, reform playboy, friends with benefits, who hurt you, no 3rd act breakup.
Sloane! My queen, put that crown on.! You rocked this book! Thank you for the ARC.
