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Big Stick #1

Big Stick

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Hockey is my life. And it's a great one. There's an endless line of women, and I get to hang with my best friend Oli. Everything is perfect until she shows up. Oli's twin sister, Flynn... hates my guts. I don't blame her. I'm part of one of the worst nights of her life.

Now she's next door and seeing her every day is killing me slowly. I wonder if we can ever get back to being friends. The way she looks at me sometimes, well, let's just say my hockey stick isn't the only thing that's feeling hard these days.

But if she finds out the secrets I'm keeping, forgiveness will be the last thing on her mind.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2018

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About the author

R.C. Stephens

32 books1,166 followers
R.C. Stephens is a top 100 Amazon bestselling author.

When she isn't in her writing cave she is raising three lovely children with her adoring husband.

Her books are filled with humor, heartbreak, emotion and true love.

Born and raised in Toronto, she loves the winter, but Spring and Fall are her favorite seasons.

Keep up with R.C. by signing up to her newsletter-http://rcstephens.com/newsletter/

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rc.stephens.8/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens...

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina.
3,592 reviews2,289 followers
September 19, 2018
NOW LIVE
Amazon US * Amazon UK



This is my first book from RC Stephens and I thought it was a good introduction to this series and the authors writing. I liked the intrigue that was involved with the secrets of what happened to drive Flynn and Myles and that it didn't take over their story. There was still a lot of sweetness involved that I thought was a great part of their story.

This is definitely a series I'll be reading more of and I can't wait to see what the author is going to come up with for the next one.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,134 reviews601 followers
October 16, 2018

A friends to lovers sports romance... Doesn't that just sound divine?

Emotional, fun, sexy and bloody irresistible ... Big Stick is a fun book to read.
It had it's ups and downs but was still an enjoyable read...sadly not a memorable read.
Profile Image for Kimmy.
370 reviews62 followers
September 16, 2018
4.5 Emotional Big Stick Stars!

Big Stick was a hot emotional read. I went into this book blindly and solely on the cover, and guess what? I loved this book! Flynn Russell is the twin sister to famous hockey player Oliver Russell and ex best friend to Myles. Flynn just discovered her boyfriend cheating on her and is forced to move in with brother. If that isn't bad enough the one person who she hasn't seen since her parents dead not lives next door.

Myles grew up with Flynn and Oliver Russell but lost contact with Flynn 7 years ago. However now that she is living next door can he win her friendship and possible more back or has too much time gone by?

Big Stick isn't just your normal sports read. This book will pull at the heart strings one mins and fanning yourself and laughing the next. You will also fall in love with character chemistry. I'm crossing finger for a Oli Russell book next!

This is a total fall must read that also put you in the hockey season mood.

**ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions provide are mine.**
Profile Image for Jaime.
638 reviews17 followers
August 23, 2018
DNF @ 42%

There’s just something about the writing style that didn’t work for me. Things seemed kind of all over the place.

Flynn is a really irritating character. She’s so hot and cold and very back and forth. One minute she wants Myles around, the next she doesn’t. One minute she’s telling him she’s not ready to talk about their issues, but then in the next paragraph she’s saying that it’s the only way to get any closure. Make up your mind!!! She also comes off as very immature and part of me feels like she was written as a lawyer just so she seems mature. I don’t know, I just don’t like her.

Myles is okay. There’s nothing good or bad about him.

The characters just aren’t developed very well and I feel like by 42% I should have a good grasp on them. Their dialogue was very similar so it was difficult to tell who was talking if it wasn’t specified.

This book was also repetitive. The Peter Pan/Tink thing, their 7 years of not speaking, her parents dying, him not being there, and Sloane being a virgin were all mentioned over and over again. It got a bit irritating.

Unfortunately, I just can’t continue on.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,084 reviews312 followers
April 14, 2019
First standalone novel in a series that starts with the Captain of the Blackhawks Ice Hockey Team, Myles. He has been in love with his best friend's twin sister since their teens. An horrific event separated him from Flynn for 7 years but Oliver, his friend and Flynn's twin brother, is now his team mate and neighbour and when Flynn catches her boyfriend cheating , she goes to her brother for support and meets up with Myles again.

There is a lot of push and pull at the start of the book especially. It's dual pov but more from Flynn' s viewpoint. I liked both MC's but I wanted Flynn to just stop and listen to Myles sometimes.
Oli and Sloane are great secondary characters.

The plot was predictable but it was enjoyable and I will
definitely be reading the next book.

HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Profile Image for New Adult e dintorni.
1,270 reviews101 followers
May 4, 2020
In realtà 3 stelle e 1/2
CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA:

Con questa lettura andiamo a conoscere una nuova autrice fin'ora inedita in Italia. La Triskell ci propone per il suo esordio, il primo volume di una serie Sport Romance sull'hockey, molto piacevole che parla di seconde possibilità e che ci farà sorridere ma che riuscirà anche a commuoverci grazie ai suoi risvolti finali.

Myles e Oliver sono migliori amici, sono cresciuti insieme e ora giocano nella stessa squadra di hockey, i Blackhawks di Chicago. Myles, per dirla in maniera carina, non aveva una famiglia molto attenta, quindi trascorreva gran parte del suo tempo a casa dei suoi amici. Oli, la sua sorella gemella Flynn e i loro genitori erano diventati in realtà la sua vera famiglia. I tre ragazzi erano come i tre moschettieri si aiutavano e sostenevano in tutte le occasioni.
Flynn ora è un avvocato e vive a Chicago, dove si è trasferita con il suo ragazzo, lavorano nello stesso studio, ed è proprio qui che lei lo becca nella stanza delle fotocopie a fare sesso con la receptionist. I due vivevano insieme quindi l'unica soluzione possibile per Flynn è trasferirsi a casa del fratello. Ed è proprio qui che si ritrova faccia a faccia con il suo passato, un passato che l'ha devastata. Dopo ben sette anni rincontra Myles che è il vicino di casa di Oli e a questo punto è impossibile non affrontarlo, soprattutto perché tra loro esiste ancora quell'attrazione e quell'intesa che c'era sin da quando erano ragazzi.
Questo libro pur sembrando inizialmente molto scontato, in realtà sul finale si rivela tutt'altro, non per quello che scopriamo aver tenuto i ragazzi lontani per tutto questo tempo, cosa che in realtà è abbastanza prevedibile, quanto per il tema trattato, che è tutt'altro che banale e molto attuale.
Ho dovuto riflettere un pochino prima di scrivere la recensione, non abbiamo a che fare con una normale storia d'amore costruita su uno scenario sportivo, ma una lettura emotiva e intensa con dei personaggi in movimento che sbagliano e affrontano i loro sbagli non sempre nella maniera più giusta e che solo poco per volta riescono a capire i propri errori e a imparare da essi. Delle persone come noi, umane, ma che amano intensamente.
Malgrado la chimica tra i protagonisti, che capiamo subito essere in grado di sciogliere un ghiacciaio, la combustione arriva lentamente, abbiamo il tempo di assaporare e soprattutto capire il trascorso dei protagonisti e le problematiche che li tormentano.
Ho adorato le dinamiche tra Flynn, Oli e Myles. La loro amicizia è talmente speciale che sono stata addirittura invidiosa in alcuni frangenti del loro rapporto. Ognuno di noi dovrebbe avere la fortuna di vivere delle relazioni di amicizia così intense.

Profile Image for Jess L..
Author 2 books231 followers
May 5, 2020
Forse è brutto iniziare una recensione in questo modo, ma non vedo l'ora di poter già leggere il secondo volume di questa serie! Ma partiamo dal principio, ovvero da Myles e Flynn. I due si conoscono da una vita, sono cresciuti insieme, erano migliori amici, hanno sempre provato qualcosa l'uno per l'altro e la sera in cui se lo sono finalmente detto, le loro vite sono cambiate, distrutte, e hanno preso due strade diverse. Duro come il ghiaccio è uno sport romance con un titolo un po' ambiguo ma che comunque ci porta a vivere una storia dolce, fatta di tante salite ma anche di discese dove si respira aria pulita a pieni polmoni. Come coppia mi è piaciuta, li ho trovati funzionali ma soprattutto molto teneri. Devo ammettere di aver trovato delle piccole cose mi hanno fatto alzare gli occhi al cielo ma nel complesso è stata una lettura rilassata e piacevole. Il modo di scrivere di R.C Stephens è molto scorrevole e visto che il romanzo ha mostrato i pensieri di entrambi, mi sento di dire che l'autrice è molto versatile. Quindi... direi che ora mi devono solo dare Oli e nessuno si farà male :P
Profile Image for Monica Sorrenti.
710 reviews13 followers
May 8, 2020
Buon martedì a tutti, sono qui per parlarvi di "Duro come il ghiaccio", di R.C. Stephens, edito dalla Triskell edizioni che mi ha fornito il file ARC per la lettura.

Non avevo mai letto questa autrice e quindi sono andata un po' alla cieca, il titolo può essere un po' fuorviante e si potrebbe pensare a una storia con parecchio sesso e poco altro. Posso dirvi subito che sì, il sesso è un elemento presente ma non è predominante.

"Mi è mancata. Il rimpianto, il dolore e la disapprovazione verso me stesso mi fanno girare la testa mentre si siede."

Si parla di famiglia, di affetti profondi, di amicizia e di tradimenti che arrivano a ferire l'anima così in profondità da creare delle lacerazioni che sembrano impossibile da risanare. Flynn sembra una roccia, ma dietro la sua apparente impassibilità e al suo carattere di marmo si cela una sofferenza profonda che affonda le sue radici in una sera che ha cambiato tutto. Pochi istanti che l'hanno distrutta togliendole la parte migliore del suo cuore.
[...]

La recensione completa è disponibile sul blog Opinioni Librose: https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
Profile Image for Leggere Romanticamente.
1,911 reviews226 followers
May 2, 2020
3.5 stelline

Recensione qui --> https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...

Tra emozionanti partite di hockey, emozioni altalenanti, bugie, rivelazioni e passione l’autrice racconta la storia difficile di un uomo fisicamente grande e forte, ma con un animo fragile e sensibile, e quella di una donna che nonostante le avversità della vita sa essere un’ottima sorella, amica e amante, ma soprattutto una vera donna.
Tutto sommato direi che questo libro è coinvolgente al punto giusto, non è pesante né frivolo e la delicatezza delle tematiche affrontate da la giusta profondità al romanzo.
Profile Image for Jeannine.
1,349 reviews43 followers
September 14, 2018
This was my first book by this author. I actually really liked it. There was a small part in the middle that dragged on and on for me with Flynn but other than that, I enjoyed it. There’s great secondary characters in here and I hope Flynn’s brother and bestie get their own book, they were fun together.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews4 followers
Want to read
February 22, 2019
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
Profile Image for Harem's Book.
597 reviews19 followers
May 12, 2020
Io e Myles siamo una bomba in procinto di esplodere. Devo solo essere abbastanza forte da stargli lontano

Care Dame oggi vi parlo di Duro come il ghiaccio di R.C. Stephens, primo libro della serie Big Stick. Uno sport romance che ci porterà nel mondo dell’hockey.

Nonostante lo sport abbia un ruolo centrale in questo romanzo, la storia che l’autrice ci racconta è quella tra Flynn, una giovane avvocatessa e Myles capitano dei Blackhawks di Chicago, suo ex migliore amico.

Flynn e Myles si conoscono sin da bambini e insieme al fratello gemello di Flynn, Oliver costituivano un terzetto ben affiatato, quasi tre fratelli se non fosse che fra i due i sentimenti col tempo si erano trasformati in tenero amore condito da una sfrigolante attrazione.

È stata la mia prima vera cotta. Tutti e tre abbiamo passato anni a giocare insieme. Ero una dei ragazzi.

Forse la storia tra Flynn e Myles sarebbe sbocciata, forse l’avrebbero vissuta se tutto fosse stato distrutto una notte quando una tragedia scombussola il loro mondo.

Da quel momento, per ben sette anni, Flynn si rifiuterà di parlare con Myles che dal canto suo non farà mai nulla per cercarla. La sua vergogna è troppo grande per averle mentito, la sua autostima troppo bassa per ritenersi adeguato a una ragazza come Flynn.

E poi c’è il legame con Oliver, la sua amicizia, a cui tiene tantissimo: non farebbe mai nulla per deluderlo, per apparire diverso ai suoi occhi.

Il destino però ci mette spesso lo zampino e galeotto il tradimento del fidanzato di Flynn ecco che la ragazza si ritrova a chiedere un posto dove dormire al fratello Oli che vive nello stesso condominio, accanto a Myles.

I suoi occhi si spalancano quando dice: “Trilli?”

Scuote la testa. “Non è così che mi aspettavo di rivederti,” borbotta …

L’ho pensata in questi anni, a come sarebbe stato rivederla, ma nulla che mi abbia preparato alla reazione del mio corpo. Sembro di nuovo un cazzo di adolescente innamorato.

Quando è vicina, tutte le mie terminazioni nervose vibrano con una crudezza che non so descrivere.


Inevitabile che i due si rincontrino, inevitabile l’imbarazzo, inevitabile che l’attrazione che esisteva sette anni prima riaffiori già al primo sguardo, inevitabile che i sentimenti nascosti e celati in fondo al cuore ritornino a galla.

I ricordi più belli della mia infanzia comprendono tutti Myles. Il problema è che anche alcuni dei peggiori riguardano lui.

Ma troppo tempo è passato: troppi silenzi, troppe menzogne e troppe paure.

Mi ricordo che si tratta di Flynn e che non abbiamo un futuro insieme. Inoltre, non è il tipo di ragazza con cui avere un’avventura. È il tipo di ragazza da sposare. Solo che io non posso farlo perché sono successe troppe cose.

… io e Myles non potremo mai avere niente. Lui ha bruciato quel ponte molto tempo fa.


Eppure, la corrente scorre sottile fra di loro, la voglia di riavvicinarsi la sente il cuore, ma la mente si oppone, ha paura di ricordare, di soffrire.

Mi è mancata. Il rimpianto, il dolore e la disapprovazione verso me stesso mi fanno girare la testa …

Niente sarà più lo stesso.

Mi fa male il cuore al pensiero di tutto ciò che abbiamo perso, e le mie viscere si contorcono sapendo che ora riesce a malapena a guardarmi.

Riusciranno Flynn e Myles a lasciarsi il passato alle spalle, riusciranno a perdonarsi e ricominciare da dove si erano interrotti?




Prima di scrivere le mie considerazioni su questo romanzo mi sono presa del tempo per riflette perché fino a fine lettura ho avuto una sensazione di insoddisfazione e poi a mente più lucida sono riuscita a inquadrare il tutto.

Parto dal presupposto che il plot, pur essendo poco originale,aveva delle buone premesse poiché il rapporto tra i tre bambini prima e adolescenti dopo viene descritto in maniera sana, anzi di più: i due gemelli e la loro famiglia sono descritti come un elemento positivo di questa amicizia in quanto diventano la famiglia surrogato di Myles, i cui genitori assenti ed egoisti ne hanno inficiato lo sviluppo psicologico. Al contrario hanno istillato in lui la convinzione di non essere abbastanza, di non valere niente e questa percezione di sé non scompare neanche quando a venticinque anni è all’acme del successo come capitano della squadra di hockey dell’NHL. Ed ecco la prima falla nella caratterizzazione seguita a ruota da quella dei due gemelli.
Continua www.haremsbook.com/duro-come-il-ghiaccio-big-stick-di-rc-stephens-recensione/

ARC courtesy of CE in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
6,919 reviews206 followers
May 2, 2020
Maria Antonietta - per RFS
.
Care fenici, ho letto per voi in anteprima Duro come il ghiaccio e non vi nascondo che la copertina ha avuto un ruolo importante nella scelta, secondo me… lui è tanta roba! Il titolo dice tutto, Duro… come il ghiaccio, non fraintendetemi!
È un romance sportivo contemporaneo e l’hockey su ghiaccio è un genere di sport che, non conoscendolo bene, mi intriga particolarmente, quasi quanto lui!
Flynn Russell, la nostra protagonista, scopre che il fidanzato la tradisce proprio nello studio legale dove lavorano come avvocati. Si ritrova così, umiliata e distrutta dal dolore a trasferirsi da Oliver, il fratello gemello che abita per fortuna nella sua stessa città, Chicago.
Purtroppo però questa convivenza la porta a vivere accanto a Myles Sander, vicino di casa, miglior amico e giocatore, insieme a Oliver, di hockey su ghiaccio. Lui però, è anche l’ex miglior amico di Flynn e il fatto che i due non si parlino da sette anni, è un problema.
Myles Sanders è un ragazzone sicuro di sé e molto sexy, ambito da tutte le donne ma con un debole per Flynn che cerca di reprimere in tutti i modi.
Flynn è un avvocato in carriera ed è, secondo me, la vera dura della situazione, soprattutto per il carattere composto e tutto d’un pezzo che dimostra inizialmente. In realtà è una ragazza che con la sua facciata professionale e composta, ha nascosto le sue paure e fragilità. Il dolore per la perdita prematura dei genitori, avvenuta in un incidente stradale dove alla guida c’era Myles, non è stato mai elaborato e se lo porta dentro inevitabilmente.
L’elettricità sessuale che si percepisce quando i due protagonisti sono nella stessa stanza è forte, ma è evidenziato molto di più il legame affettivo e sensuale che li caratterizza. Si percepisce fin dalle prime battute che tra di loro c’è un sentimento potente. L’autrice è brava a farci sospirare e cercare di capire da dove proviene e da quando è presente questo amore. È un romanzo intenso e per niente scontato, con uno scavo psicologico approfondito dei protagonisti che, essendo amici d’infanzia, hanno un passato doloroso in comune. Le loro vicissitudini vengono svelate pian piano durante il racconto e chiariscono le varie dinamiche, poco chiare, presenti all’inizio del libro.
I personaggi secondari sono interessanti e sicuramente li ritroveremo, essendo questo il primo libro di una serie. Slone, la migliore amica di Flynn è intrigante e molto spassosa, ma anche il fratello gemello devo dire che non è niente male, anche perché ha un carattere praticamente opposto a quello della sorella, più scanzonato e libertino.
La lettura è scorrevole e coinvolgente poiché la storia è raccontata dal punto di vista di entrambi i protagonisti, così come sono via via intitolati i vari capitoli del libro.
Riusciranno a combattere i fantasmi di un doloroso passato? È arrivato il momento per Myles di giocare la partita più importante della sua vita!

" Myles diceva sempre che dovevamo combattere sul ghiaccio. Il pattinaggio era il modo in cui comunicava meglio i suoi sentimenti."
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,119 reviews
September 1, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! A great story, romance, and hockey players? I'm in!
Myles and Old are best friends that grew up together and play for the Chicago Blackhawks. Myles didn't have the best family life so he spent much of his time at his friends house with Oli, his twin sister Flynn always around too. It was always the three of them. Flynn is now an attorney and living in Chicago, moving there with her boyfriend who she just caught bopping the office receptionist in the copy room. How creative of them. The two were living together and she can't go home, so she calls Oli to stay with him, after getting sh** faced drunk which is not like her, the bartender and her best friend since college haul her across the street to his apartment. Repeated knocks don't bring Oli to the door but a knock on the neighbors door bring her face to face with her past. A past that has left her devastated for 7 years. Myles looks at Flynn at reassures her friend that he's got it, grabs the key to her brothers apartment and puts her to bed. The guys have won a game and Oli is out partying. Myles doesn't do that anymore. He's got his reasons. One of which is laying drunk and asleep on her brothers guest room bed. Flynn doesn't understand why she hasn't heard from Myles since he left her that night. There's a lot Flynn doesn't understand, but read and watch this story unfold as Flynn and Myles slowly make their way to each other, Myles so afraid he's going to ruin things and Oli holding onto something of his own. This story had the best slow burn and some books just don't manage to pull it off the way this one did. This story made me relish every moment between these two. Flynn and Myles have a few bumps, but things smooth out. Their chemistry was could have melted a glacier. When the shite hits the fan in this one it really flings it a mile. Flynn is beyond devastated. The betrayal is a double whammy. Flynn hides out for a few days at her friends, throws herself into her work and prepares to spend Christmas alone. Ahh, but you have to know the story doesn't end there and I'm not throwing you anymore than I already have. Which wasn't that much. Read this book! It's an absolute must read. Applause inserted here. I hope we get Oli in the next book!

Arc form NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,295 reviews17 followers
September 20, 2018
Flynn and Myles are childhood best friends, included in the 3 musketeers circle is also Flynn's twin brother Oliver. Flynn and Myles have always loved each other, and was going to come out and start dating out in the open the night of Myles NHL draft night. Tragedy strikes, their friendship is broken, torn and they don't see each other for 7 years. Her grief is just being pushed down by layers of bandaids, she never really dealt with. Well, they see each other, and he wants so desperately to have her back in his life even if its just friendship. But she is weary, because all they've known are young versions of each other, adult Myles and Flynn are different, aren't they? There is a secret Myles and Oli is withholding from her........

Myles is a sweetheart. I loved reading his POV of his feelings for his best friends sister, the girl he's always crushed on. Although there were frustrating parts in this story, there were really sweet moments, memories of their friendship and love for each other. This was a really sweet story and hot best friends turned brothers best friend to lovers story. I enjoyed this story. I really love the dual POVs in stories and this ones got it! I am hoping Oliver and Sloane gets their story!!!!
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,777 reviews45 followers
September 19, 2018
R.C. Stephens scores with BIG STICK. As kids, Myles Sanders and twin brother and sister Oliver and Flynn Russell were inseparable. After moving to different cites, Myles and Flynn had a falling out. Seven years later, Myles and Oli are still best friends living their dream of playing professional hockey together in Chicago. Flynn relocates to Chicago to be near her brother; consequently, needing to resolve the issues she has with Myles. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

I loved R.C. Stephens’ BIG STICK. Being a Chicagoan, I appreciate that the story takes place there. I also respected that Myles and Oli played for my favorite team the Blackhawks. I like Myles, Oli, and Flynn. They are realistic and convincing characters. A tragedy caused some unresolved issues for them. Myles had a tough childhood and relied on the Russell family for support. Flynn believed in Myles and is a big part of the reason he is as successful as he is. Myles and Flynn have amazing chemistry. You truly want to see them work things out.

BIG STICK is a heartfelt and enjoyable read. The story was believable and skillfully-executed. The hockey scenes were easy to visualize and credible. I like the Peter Pan nick names. The Epilogue felt well concluded. This is the first book that I have read by R.C. Stephens. I enjoyed her writing style and plan on continue following the Big Stick series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,012 reviews438 followers
September 17, 2018
This is a fabulous friends to lovers sports romance that follows top NHL player Myles Sanders as he tries to win back the love of his former best friend Flynn Russell. 7 years ago tragedy hit Flynn, her twin brother Oliver and their best friend Myles and then things got really awkward for Flynn and she cut Myles pretty much out of her life. Fast forward 7 years and Flynn and Myles are forced back into each other’s lives, but will Flynn forgive and forget, and is Myles willing to let her.
This is such an emotionally beautiful and angst wrenching book. I also love the secondary characters Oli and Sloane. I want to read their story asap. This book held me spellbound- the drama, tension,heartache, angst,heartache,passion and love was written in such a way that you believed you were right in the story living it along side with the characters. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next.


My rating: 4.8 stars *****
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,707 reviews199 followers
September 19, 2018
Big Stick is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoy sport romances so I figured I would give this one a try.

This book definitely was more of friends to lovers romance with a smidge or sports added into it. We got the story on Myles, Oli and Flynn and how the connection between Myles and Flynn builds.

I want go into details on what happens but there were a few parts that dragged for me, but I kept chugging along because the characters weren't terrible and the writing was decent.

While I wish there was some more surrounding the hockey aspect, this story was good.

Overall, it was good friends to lovers romance and I'd definitely give this author another read.
Profile Image for Booknerd_1107.
434 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2018
Big Stick

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved this old friends to lovers story. Flynn and Myles have a great connection and it continues to build throughout the story. The emotional tug of war that is between them keeps you invested and wanting to see what happens next. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Flynn’s brother.

Flynn has just been dumped and has no one else to go except for her brother’s apartment, the only problem is Myles. She hasn’t spoken to him in years and he lives right next door. They all use to be best friends until her world came apart one fateful night and since than she has stayed away from him. But she can’t deny the pull between them. But can she put all her trust in him again?

Myles has been in love with Flynn for years. And now that she is staying with her brother it’s his chance to finally make up for those years apart. But it’s not going to be easy and he will have to show her that he is all in before he can get her to trust him once again. But will it be enough? Or when the truth finally comes out will she run again?
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,463 reviews17 followers
August 19, 2018
Big Stick by R.C. Stephens a five-star read that will make you hop. This is my first read by this author and it won’t be the last, they have made a puck bunny out of me. There is everything in this story, a heartfelt story, romance, and twists that will break your heart harder that a player hitting the ice during a rough game. From playing Peter pan as children the two lost boys and Tink have all grown up but does that mean they are grownups able to deal with grown up emotions. This was a great read, at times it did stall a little, but it picked right back up and got going again. I can only hope we get t hear more of Oli’s story, as I am sure there is more to that lost boy than meets the eye.
Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,032 reviews33 followers
August 13, 2018
I loved this friends to lovers sports romance following top NHL player Myles Sanders as he tries to win back the affections of his former best friend Flynn Russell.
After tragedy hits Flynn, her twin brother Oliver and their best friend Myles things get awkward for Flynn and she cuts Myles out of her life. Fast forward 7 years and they are forced back into each other’s lives, but can Flynn forgive and forget, and is Myles willing to let her. A beautifully written emotional romance that had me hooked from the first chapter. I loved the characters, Myles was adorable, a true gentleman with a heart of gold. Flynn was such a trooper, trying her best to deal with all her emotional issues, whilst having to work with a douche of an ex, and struggling with her feelings for her first love. With best friends Sloane and Oli in the mix, it made for an addictive, sexy and emotional read.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews159 followers
August 11, 2018
Flynn has a hold over Myles and the man knows it too, "my eyes roam over her entire body. “I’m well aware you aren’t a child. Da*n, I’m not blind.” Eff. I practically have to adjust my ***k in this suit." Myles tries to be a good boy, “come on. I’m trying to be a gentleman.” He wavers as he adjusts his ***k, which, judging by the outline on his pants, is quite sizeable." I liked this book, I loved Myles.
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,572 reviews77 followers
August 22, 2018
3 meh stars. I LOVE hockey romances. Heck, I love hockey! with this book. it felt like something was missing. They either loved or hated each other. There was no in between. And we didn't find out why Flynn hates Myles until almost the end. And the plot line surrounding that I, personally saw coming from a mile away (especially with her twin brother).
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,572 reviews77 followers
August 22, 2018
3 meh stars. I LOVE hockey romances. Heck, I love hockey! with this book. it felt like something was missing. They either loved or hated each other. There was no in between. And we didn't find out why Flynn hates Myles until almost the end. And the plot line surrounding that I, personally saw coming from a mile away (especially with her twin brother).
Profile Image for A.M. Madden.
Author 40 books2,468 followers
July 9, 2018
I'm a sucker for friends to lovers / sports romances, and Big Stick didn't disappoint. I enjoyed reading Flynn, Myles and even Oli's story. The dynamics between the trio was real and heartwarming. But my favorite part by far was Myles. The super hot hockey player had me at hello. Thank you RC Stephens for Myles. I claimed him.
Profile Image for Bec.
1,646 reviews42 followers
September 28, 2018

A tragic accident drove a wedge between best friends Flynn and Myles, but now years later they're reunited. However, Flynn isn't ready to forgive Myles, especially when he left at a time when she needed him most. Yet, as they get to know each other again, Flynn realizes she's not going to be able to ignore the intense chemistry she and Myles share for long. Will Myles be able to convince Flynn to take a chance on him or will secrets from the past destroy their friendship for good?

This is the first book I've read by this author and I've got to say that it was a really fascinating and entertaining story where the main characters have quite the history; and the dialogue was a wonderful mix of intense moments and teasing banter that had me loving the hero's determination to win the heroine over by reminding her about how close they once were. Will Flynn and Myles ever be as close as they were in the past? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really gets interesting, as the heroine doesn't make things easy for the hero and I wanted to know how long it would take for Myles to win Flynn over.

With the heroine, she's strong, brave, hard-working, has a close bond with her twin brother and I liked the tight friendship she shares with her best friend who loves to tease Flynn. I also liked how she handled everything when it comes to things being kept from her and I could understand why she reacts the way she does. How could something so important be kept from her? While the hero, he confident, a little cocky, charming, has worked hard for his career, and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over once he realized he was all in when it came to a relationship between them, even if he doesn't believe he's good enough for her.

Overall, Ms. Stephens has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful, as these two find their way back to each other; and the ending had me worried for this couple's happy ever after due to what happens, but had me loving the hero's determination to make things right with Flynn after their relationship goes awry. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of the surprise the hero has for the heroine. I would recommend Big Stick by RC Stephens, if you enjoy second chance romances, the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Robin Bielman, Cindi Madsen, Beth Anne Miller and Lexi Lawton.
Profile Image for Avidez Literaria.
534 reviews26 followers
September 18, 2018
“Myles. It’s still me… Tink. I still want Peter Pan to sweep me off my feet."


Novels about second chances almost always guarantee success. We hope for happy endings, this is undeniable, and in the face of a couple separated by years and that they end up meeting again and find themselves still in love, we want love to win in the end. It may sound cheesy, but with so much happening on a daily basis, believing that a great love is possible is a consolation.
Flynn and Myles are examples of this. Friends since childhood, the two were inseparable, and together with Oliver, Flynn's twin brother formed the Three Musketeers. Over time, Flynn and Myles began to realize that their feelings began to change, the friendship, still very present, was turning into love. Neither of them had the courage to voice these feelings. Flynn for fear of rejection, Myles for thinking he could lose his friend and the affection of her parents. Until finally one night, the two declare themselves. One night that had everything to be magical and decisive, ended up in a tragedy. The world of Flynn and Oliver collapsed, and completely lost and mourning, Flynn receives another blow: Myles left when she most needed him.
Seven years pass. Flynn is a lawyer, she is engaged, her life is all calculated and she has become a closed person. Oliver and Myles are still friends, neighbors and play hockey professionally. The two are extremely famous and wealthy. Flynn and Oliver for being siblings have a relationship, by the way very loving. Flynn and Myles cut off any contact.
And after so long, Flynn's well-constructed world will break apart again. Her fiance has betrayed her, and a very drunk Flynn is taken to her brother's house, but she finds herself with none other than Myles, the guy who broke her heart so many years ago. Living now with her brother, Flynn and Myles happen to spend some time together again, and Myles swears that this time he will fight for the woman he loves.
Myles is extremely cute, the typical male hero written to make the reader sigh. Famous, successful, focused, humble, incredibly handsome, and tortured by everything that happened. The ideal package. He's never been able to forget Flynn, and he blames himself for leaving. Torn between love and friendship, Myles will play a crucial role when the secrets of the past come to light.
Flynn became a very different woman from the girl she had been. After experiencing such tragedy, her heart closed, and she never allowed herself to love unconditionally, because she would not suffer again. Very understandable all this mechanism that she found to deal with the loss she suffered.
With memories of the past, the weight of the tragedy and a well-kept secret, Myles and Flynn will not have an easy path until the happy ending. The journey will be full of anguish, mistrust, pain but with cute, funny and romantic moments to counterbalance.
Oliver and Sloane were relevant characters, well written and important to the plot. The hockey games between Flynn and Myles were a good link between the title of the book and the profession of the boys. A good story with a couple who clearly love each other, but who need to learn how to get rid of the ghosts of the past and forgive each other. Flynn and Myles conquer the reader with their story.


*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *

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