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BTU Alumni #7
Defensive Hearts
Chance
The day I saw Gemma Steele’s delicious body wearing nothing but a few scraps of lace, I knew being traded was the least of my problems.
Her sexy text may not have been meant for me, but that image is not something a warm-blooded man could ever forget—no matter how badly he wants to. I’ve tried to resist her, but I can’t seem to escape Little Miss Suzy Sunshine. Every interaction is rife with tension and animosity, until it boils over, and we cross the point of no return.
That’s when I know I’m screwed, because now when I look at her, all I think is: Mine.
Who knew a simple selfie could be such a recipe for disaster?
Gemma
The first time I met Chance Jenson, I was into the whole broody-bad-boy thing.
But then he opened his mouth and I quickly realized he’s not just a little moody—he’s the grumpiest jerk to ever lace up a pair of hockey skates. I wasn’t having any part of it. I agreed to cook for his dogs, but promised myself that the only thing he would ever eat are his words.
I spent more than a year doing my best to hate him, but when Chance’s lips land on mine, I feel…conflicted.
I don’t want to want the jackass.
I certainly don’t want to have feelings for him.
Unfortunately for me, my heart seems to have other plans.
What the hell am I going to do?
DEFENSIVE HEARTS is an enemies-to-lovers romcom filled with hella sexual tension featuring a sunshiny personal chef, a grumpy hockey player who’s jealous his dogs get all her love, and a sexy selfie that pushes this possessive alphahole over the edge. While this hilarious romance stands alone with its HEA, you won’t go wrong catching up with the best girl gang around–The Covenettes–in the rest of the BTU Alumni series.
The day I saw Gemma Steele’s delicious body wearing nothing but a few scraps of lace, I knew being traded was the least of my problems.
Her sexy text may not have been meant for me, but that image is not something a warm-blooded man could ever forget—no matter how badly he wants to. I’ve tried to resist her, but I can’t seem to escape Little Miss Suzy Sunshine. Every interaction is rife with tension and animosity, until it boils over, and we cross the point of no return.
That’s when I know I’m screwed, because now when I look at her, all I think is: Mine.
Who knew a simple selfie could be such a recipe for disaster?
Gemma
The first time I met Chance Jenson, I was into the whole broody-bad-boy thing.
But then he opened his mouth and I quickly realized he’s not just a little moody—he’s the grumpiest jerk to ever lace up a pair of hockey skates. I wasn’t having any part of it. I agreed to cook for his dogs, but promised myself that the only thing he would ever eat are his words.
I spent more than a year doing my best to hate him, but when Chance’s lips land on mine, I feel…conflicted.
I don’t want to want the jackass.
I certainly don’t want to have feelings for him.
Unfortunately for me, my heart seems to have other plans.
What the hell am I going to do?
DEFENSIVE HEARTS is an enemies-to-lovers romcom filled with hella sexual tension featuring a sunshiny personal chef, a grumpy hockey player who’s jealous his dogs get all her love, and a sexy selfie that pushes this possessive alphahole over the edge. While this hilarious romance stands alone with its HEA, you won’t go wrong catching up with the best girl gang around–The Covenettes–in the rest of the BTU Alumni series.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
About the author
Alley Ciz
88 books2,342 followers I'm Alley. I'm an Indie author and I write Contemporary/New Adult, Rom-Com, Sports Romances with fierce heroines and their swoony Alpha partners with heart. There's a heavy dose of witty banter and sarcasm in my characters.
I'm a stay at home mom to 3 amazing and crazy minis all under 4yo, a 95lb lab, and let's face it on some days my hubby is my 4th kids... But to be fair I totally love him a a lot. When I'm not corralling my crazy minis I can be found writing the stories the voices in my head tell me at naptime and when the rest of my house goes to sleep at night.
I'm a complete romance junkie. Pizza and mac and cheese are major food groups to me.
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I'm a stay at home mom to 3 amazing and crazy minis all under 4yo, a 95lb lab, and let's face it on some days my hubby is my 4th kids... But to be fair I totally love him a a lot. When I'm not corralling my crazy minis I can be found writing the stories the voices in my head tell me at naptime and when the rest of my house goes to sleep at night.
I'm a complete romance junkie. Pizza and mac and cheese are major food groups to me.
WEBSITE (Sign up for my newsletter):
https://www.alleyciz.com
FACEBOOK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/AlleyCizAuthor/
FACEBOOK READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Alley...
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/alley.ciz
PINTEREST:
https://www.pinterest.com/alleyciz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
May 4, 2023
What happens when Chance, the stubborn hockey player, makes an incorrect assumption about Gemma on the day he meets her? They waste a year hating one another. But man, oh man does it make for some epic tension!
As bestie to the Covenettes and personal chef to most of the Blizzards' team, Gemma and Chance spend a lot of time together. Gemma refuses to interact with him, however. Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, his Great Danes, are a totally different story! Despite their limited contact, sparks fly each and every time they share space and watching their relationship unfold was equally maddening and titillating.
This was my first in the series and now I'm kicking myself for not starting at the beginning. I want to know more about the entire cast of characters who all make cameos in Defensive Hearts. While noted below, it bears repeating. DH can be read as a standalone, but reading from book one (in my opinion) will significantly enhance the experience.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😡🫠🥵🤬😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Sports Romance
✨ Tropes: Alphahole, Band of Brothers/Found Family, Enemies-to-Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Jealous/Possessive, MINE!, Miscommunication
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Hand Necklace, Restraints, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: Eating Disorder (Past) and OW/OM Drama (Mild). If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Defensive Hearts is part of the BTU Alumni series of interconnected standalones. However, this series will be best enjoyed when read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
As bestie to the Covenettes and personal chef to most of the Blizzards' team, Gemma and Chance spend a lot of time together. Gemma refuses to interact with him, however. Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, his Great Danes, are a totally different story! Despite their limited contact, sparks fly each and every time they share space and watching their relationship unfold was equally maddening and titillating.
This was my first in the series and now I'm kicking myself for not starting at the beginning. I want to know more about the entire cast of characters who all make cameos in Defensive Hearts. While noted below, it bears repeating. DH can be read as a standalone, but reading from book one (in my opinion) will significantly enhance the experience.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😡🫠🥵🤬😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Sports Romance
✨ Tropes: Alphahole, Band of Brothers/Found Family, Enemies-to-Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Jealous/Possessive, MINE!, Miscommunication
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Hand Necklace, Restraints, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: Eating Disorder (Past) and OW/OM Drama (Mild). If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Defensive Hearts is part of the BTU Alumni series of interconnected standalones. However, this series will be best enjoyed when read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
February 23, 2023
2,5 stars
not only did i wait 1,5 years for gemma and chance’s book, but i also spent 2hrs reading about their story instead of writing my thesis😩. big fucking mistake on my part.
chance is an asshole. he’s emotionally manipulative and gaslights gemma a lot (AND SHE CALLS HIM OUT TOO). he keeps mistaking her for being a puck bunny but like a single conversation with her would tell you that she’s the last thing from that. but noooo, he needs to hate her for like a year so that we can get the troupe ✨enemies to lovers✨
he’s probably the worst mmc in the btu alumni series, which is saying a lot because i have yet to meet a shitty person like him. chance’s only redeeming qualities are that he has 2 dogs, and he’s inked. i’m simply going to forget this book exists, and that is how i will lead my life💅.
not only did i wait 1,5 years for gemma and chance’s book, but i also spent 2hrs reading about their story instead of writing my thesis😩. big fucking mistake on my part.
chance is an asshole. he’s emotionally manipulative and gaslights gemma a lot (AND SHE CALLS HIM OUT TOO). he keeps mistaking her for being a puck bunny but like a single conversation with her would tell you that she’s the last thing from that. but noooo, he needs to hate her for like a year so that we can get the troupe ✨enemies to lovers✨
he’s probably the worst mmc in the btu alumni series, which is saying a lot because i have yet to meet a shitty person like him. chance’s only redeeming qualities are that he has 2 dogs, and he’s inked. i’m simply going to forget this book exists, and that is how i will lead my life💅.
April 21, 2023
wtf is the beginning of this book you’re just thrown in with 0 context it’s so scattered and confusing dnf not even 10% of the way through
February 23, 2023
Alley Ciz has been edging us with this love/hate relationship between Gemma and Chance for so long, so diving into Defensive Hearts made me so happy but low and behold Ms Ciz decided that the edging wasn’t quite over when she delivered us some slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, found family, sports romance goodness.
If you are a lover of the BTU series then jump right back into the crazy antics of the BTU squad but be prepared for squirrel group chats, a friendship group with no boundaries and filters and spice that will leave you hot under the collar.
This can be read as a standalone but for maximum reader enjoyment, start binging at book 1. You won’t be disappointed.
If you are a lover of the BTU series then jump right back into the crazy antics of the BTU squad but be prepared for squirrel group chats, a friendship group with no boundaries and filters and spice that will leave you hot under the collar.
This can be read as a standalone but for maximum reader enjoyment, start binging at book 1. You won’t be disappointed.
February 23, 2023
This series is one of my top ones and every book is SMASHING… Defensive Hearts is amazing.
Totally hooked from page 1. This has lived in my head when not been able to read and was counting down the minutes til could read again.
I adored grumpy Chance and sunshine Gemma. The angst, push/pull and pure sass (Gemma) was addictive. Watching these 2 fight that attraction when every one else saw it was so fun. And loved the changing room scene with Ryan, Jase and Chance - pure bromance
Brilliant, addictive read 🖤
Totally hooked from page 1. This has lived in my head when not been able to read and was counting down the minutes til could read again.
I adored grumpy Chance and sunshine Gemma. The angst, push/pull and pure sass (Gemma) was addictive. Watching these 2 fight that attraction when every one else saw it was so fun. And loved the changing room scene with Ryan, Jase and Chance - pure bromance
Brilliant, addictive read 🖤
February 21, 2023
Alley Ciz has done it again. Absolute Perfection! The Covenettes are back again and up to no good. And I’m here for it all.
💚Enemies to Lovers
🏒Hockey Romance
💚 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒Found Family
💚Sports Romance
This enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, hockey romance will give you all the feels. It also will have you wanting to shake the male main character a lot, haha! But mostly, it will have you swooning so hard, you’ll have constant heart eyes while you read it. And you will never want to put the book down!!!
I have loved Gemma from the moment we met her in Tap Out, book 2 in the BTU series. I was excited to hear she was going to get her happy ending. But holy heck, was she put through the ringer to get it. But yet, it was so fun what she was put through to get it.
Gemma is a ray of sunshine, it is only fitting that her perfect match is a grumpy hockey playing, swoony as all heck of a man! Chance was beaten down. So unsure of this new found family he walked into. He didn’t expect to find all these new friends, on top of this amazing girl who can bring him to his knees with one good punch (which he deserves). Add in his cute as all heck adorable dogs and you have an awesome an exciting fun read!
I am soooo glad the BTU gang is back and adding new members to their fun group. This book had me cracking up, swooning and loving this series all over again! An absolutely must read for sure!!!!
💚Enemies to Lovers
🏒Hockey Romance
💚 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒Found Family
💚Sports Romance
This enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, hockey romance will give you all the feels. It also will have you wanting to shake the male main character a lot, haha! But mostly, it will have you swooning so hard, you’ll have constant heart eyes while you read it. And you will never want to put the book down!!!
I have loved Gemma from the moment we met her in Tap Out, book 2 in the BTU series. I was excited to hear she was going to get her happy ending. But holy heck, was she put through the ringer to get it. But yet, it was so fun what she was put through to get it.
Gemma is a ray of sunshine, it is only fitting that her perfect match is a grumpy hockey playing, swoony as all heck of a man! Chance was beaten down. So unsure of this new found family he walked into. He didn’t expect to find all these new friends, on top of this amazing girl who can bring him to his knees with one good punch (which he deserves). Add in his cute as all heck adorable dogs and you have an awesome an exciting fun read!
I am soooo glad the BTU gang is back and adding new members to their fun group. This book had me cracking up, swooning and loving this series all over again! An absolutely must read for sure!!!!
January 25, 2023
There is just nothing like an Alley Ciz book. Her writing voice is so distinctive, when I crack open one of her books, I know I'm going to end up smiling.
Defensive Hearts was no exception. Gemma and Chance were classic enemies to lovers, who refused to see what everyone else did--they were HOT for each other.
I really loved and thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book. The banter was top notch, incredible. The fights were infuriatingly entertaining, and the DOGS. Give me Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm. They're mine!
I can't get enough of Alley Ciz's brand of humor and the world she's built in this series. Please, Alley, can I have some more?
Defensive Hearts was no exception. Gemma and Chance were classic enemies to lovers, who refused to see what everyone else did--they were HOT for each other.
I really loved and thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book. The banter was top notch, incredible. The fights were infuriatingly entertaining, and the DOGS. Give me Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm. They're mine!
I can't get enough of Alley Ciz's brand of humor and the world she's built in this series. Please, Alley, can I have some more?
August 1, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟➕
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Hockey Romance, Found Family, Enemies to Lovers, Grump/Sunshine
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟➕
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 💜💜💜💜💜
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁: 💧
𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 🖊️🖊️🖊️
𝗣𝗢𝗩: Dual
Ladies & gentlemen! The Covenettes are BACK! I did not realize how much I missed this series until this book, I think it will need to be time for a reread in the near future. Seriously, if you haven't started this series yet, just go do it now. It is so epic. The group of friends that this series revolves around will leave you so entertained.
This book we finally FINALLY understand what in the world happened between Chance & Gemma. These two have been rocking some serious angst for so long now that I have been wondering when we might get put out of our misusary. After all, enemies to lovers is one of the favorite troupes of this group of friends.
Chance is such a grump & yet you love him. Him and his two adorable pups, who also happen to love Gemma. Gemma is a sunshine to everyone around her, with the exception of Chance. Those two got off on a very wrong foot thanks to Chance putting his foot in his mouth after the events that got him traded to the Blizzards. There is so much tension between these two the whole book & I loved tagging along for the ride.
I love this who series & these two are no exception.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Hockey Romance, Found Family, Enemies to Lovers, Grump/Sunshine
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟➕
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 💜💜💜💜💜
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁: 💧
𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 🖊️🖊️🖊️
𝗣𝗢𝗩: Dual
Ladies & gentlemen! The Covenettes are BACK! I did not realize how much I missed this series until this book, I think it will need to be time for a reread in the near future. Seriously, if you haven't started this series yet, just go do it now. It is so epic. The group of friends that this series revolves around will leave you so entertained.
This book we finally FINALLY understand what in the world happened between Chance & Gemma. These two have been rocking some serious angst for so long now that I have been wondering when we might get put out of our misusary. After all, enemies to lovers is one of the favorite troupes of this group of friends.
Chance is such a grump & yet you love him. Him and his two adorable pups, who also happen to love Gemma. Gemma is a sunshine to everyone around her, with the exception of Chance. Those two got off on a very wrong foot thanks to Chance putting his foot in his mouth after the events that got him traded to the Blizzards. There is so much tension between these two the whole book & I loved tagging along for the ride.
I love this who series & these two are no exception.
May 15, 2023
“See how good you take me, Princess? You’re going to take all of me….That’s a good girl. Take. Every. Inch.”
Holy Batman. Chance Jenson is H.O.T. I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book. We have been waiting for a Chance and Gemma book since we first saw his appearance at the beginning of the BTU series. Their tension was always off the charts and this book does not disappoint at all!!!
It all starts off with an accidental steamy lingerie pic and a complete misunderstanding. Gemma’s total sunshine personality is met by Chance’s broody grumpiness, clashing in ways only a true enemies-to-lovers story can. We see the real reason behind Chance’s grumpy attitude and how he slowly fights to win over his Precious Gem. A classic Alley book, it’s filled with steam, love, laughs, and some cries! This story really showed why I fell in love with her stories in the first place. I try not to pick favorites but Dickhead Daddy Chance is seriously up there on the steam meter of all the BTU alumni! If you love a good sports romance, with an enemies-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine duo, as well as some serious kick-ass girl power and hot steamy scenes, you will love this book 💜🏒
Holy Batman. Chance Jenson is H.O.T. I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book. We have been waiting for a Chance and Gemma book since we first saw his appearance at the beginning of the BTU series. Their tension was always off the charts and this book does not disappoint at all!!!
It all starts off with an accidental steamy lingerie pic and a complete misunderstanding. Gemma’s total sunshine personality is met by Chance’s broody grumpiness, clashing in ways only a true enemies-to-lovers story can. We see the real reason behind Chance’s grumpy attitude and how he slowly fights to win over his Precious Gem. A classic Alley book, it’s filled with steam, love, laughs, and some cries! This story really showed why I fell in love with her stories in the first place. I try not to pick favorites but Dickhead Daddy Chance is seriously up there on the steam meter of all the BTU alumni! If you love a good sports romance, with an enemies-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine duo, as well as some serious kick-ass girl power and hot steamy scenes, you will love this book 💜🏒
February 23, 2023
5 ⭐️
•Chance and Gemma
•Grumpy/ sunshine
•enemies to lovers
•Pebbles and bamm-bamm
•Hockey player and chef
Chance was such a grumpy dickhead, but my word when he got down and dirty he was pure 🔥 just the right amount of rough around the edges and had a filthy mouth on him too, it was 😘👌
Gemma is my favourite type of heroine, sweet and wholesome but with backbone and depth of character, she had her flaws and insecurities, she felt real and relatable to me and I just loved her.
Alley Ciz writing is always so good. It draws you into fold. She creates such an amazing group of friends and family in her book. You just grow to love them like they are your own. They are always so funny and tight-knit and the BANTER!!!
Loved that bette, E, and Ben turner nade an appearance in this book, that was so fun.
UofJ series will probably always remain my absolute favourites because, well... mason! But Chance really fought hard of that top spot.
•Chance and Gemma
•Grumpy/ sunshine
•enemies to lovers
•Pebbles and bamm-bamm
•Hockey player and chef
Chance was such a grumpy dickhead, but my word when he got down and dirty he was pure 🔥 just the right amount of rough around the edges and had a filthy mouth on him too, it was 😘👌
Gemma is my favourite type of heroine, sweet and wholesome but with backbone and depth of character, she had her flaws and insecurities, she felt real and relatable to me and I just loved her.
Alley Ciz writing is always so good. It draws you into fold. She creates such an amazing group of friends and family in her book. You just grow to love them like they are your own. They are always so funny and tight-knit and the BANTER!!!
Loved that bette, E, and Ben turner nade an appearance in this book, that was so fun.
UofJ series will probably always remain my absolute favourites because, well... mason! But Chance really fought hard of that top spot.
February 10, 2023
Defensive hearts is so good
I absolutely love the BTU family all of the books, are especially amazing and great. I do have my favorite which is Tap Out and the Tap-out audiobook is five stars but with this book I think I have a new favorite. Gemma is just an amazing character,who she is as a person how she is with her friends and the struggles that she’s overcome. the whole family Dynasty just everything she’s just absolutely amazing. I absolutely adore her. And Chance wow I think I have a brand new book boyfriend he can be immature and stubborn, but when he goes all growly and alpha it’s just amazing and hot. The two of them together are straight fire. I am so glad Alley did not retire and she came out with an amazing story, this book is absolutely great. You get to see all of the coven the next generation, and even some U of J characters. If you were a fan of grumpy sunshine enemies to lovers, with adorable dogs pebbles and Bamm Bamm are the best. and hockey, you’ve got to read this book.
I absolutely love the BTU family all of the books, are especially amazing and great. I do have my favorite which is Tap Out and the Tap-out audiobook is five stars but with this book I think I have a new favorite. Gemma is just an amazing character,who she is as a person how she is with her friends and the struggles that she’s overcome. the whole family Dynasty just everything she’s just absolutely amazing. I absolutely adore her. And Chance wow I think I have a brand new book boyfriend he can be immature and stubborn, but when he goes all growly and alpha it’s just amazing and hot. The two of them together are straight fire. I am so glad Alley did not retire and she came out with an amazing story, this book is absolutely great. You get to see all of the coven the next generation, and even some U of J characters. If you were a fan of grumpy sunshine enemies to lovers, with adorable dogs pebbles and Bamm Bamm are the best. and hockey, you’ve got to read this book.
February 22, 2023
Another amazing read by our Queen.
Once again the Covenettes had me in tears of laughter as this time Gemma attempts to find her HEA.
New rookie Chase has totally gotten his wires crossed and accused Gemma of things she hasn’t done all because he was triggered from his past.
This grumpy hockey player has upset the wrong girl. Little Miss Sunshine seems to adore everyone except him... but she does adore his dogs.
Loved the banter and the texting between these two.
His insistence of “Mine! “ even before they were together had me swooning.
I loved his caveman attitude and his total possessiveness of Gemma.
There chemistry was totally off the charts and again I loved every minute of this book.
Alley is totally my one click author... everything she writes is gold.
A definite must read.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review
Once again the Covenettes had me in tears of laughter as this time Gemma attempts to find her HEA.
New rookie Chase has totally gotten his wires crossed and accused Gemma of things she hasn’t done all because he was triggered from his past.
This grumpy hockey player has upset the wrong girl. Little Miss Sunshine seems to adore everyone except him... but she does adore his dogs.
Loved the banter and the texting between these two.
His insistence of “Mine! “ even before they were together had me swooning.
I loved his caveman attitude and his total possessiveness of Gemma.
There chemistry was totally off the charts and again I loved every minute of this book.
Alley is totally my one click author... everything she writes is gold.
A definite must read.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review
Shelved as 'dnf-d'
March 25, 2024DNF'd 15% in i just wasn't drawn to their enemies to lovers set up or really into the writing here
February 21, 2023
Any time I read a good hockey book, I feel like I should pass it along.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz, book 7 in her BTSU alumni character series.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Enemies-to-lovers, sports romance (hockey).
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Chance is new to the team, and comes with a reputation. That reputation is made worse by his first impression with Gemma, who he assumes is a puck bunny instead of a personal chef. The two are at odds for over a year before they realize hate looks a lot like love.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: to be honest, it’s a perfectly serviceable hockey romance, but it’s a “good not great” situation for me, I’m afraid.
I’m a little bummed because I thought there was a lot of potential here to be my next 5-star read. I loved Gemma’s character, and the fact that she was a chef. I thought Chance had potential. And I do have to say, the happily-ever-after was well done and almost made me up my rating.
The series seems like a fun read. And I was semi-aware that coming in at book 7 of a character series was a risk, but I was assured it could be read as a standalone. In my opinion, it can’t. There are SO MANY characters, and that’s a pet peeve of mine when reading a character series.
I also thought it wasn’t that well-balanced. There were moments between Chance and Gemma I needed - like maybe, dating or more than one deep conversation - before I believed they were in love.
Overall if you’re stuck for a hockey read, check this out. But maybe just start at book 1 so you can ease your way into the read.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 l 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz, book 7 in her BTSU alumni character series.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Enemies-to-lovers, sports romance (hockey).
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Chance is new to the team, and comes with a reputation. That reputation is made worse by his first impression with Gemma, who he assumes is a puck bunny instead of a personal chef. The two are at odds for over a year before they realize hate looks a lot like love.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: to be honest, it’s a perfectly serviceable hockey romance, but it’s a “good not great” situation for me, I’m afraid.
I’m a little bummed because I thought there was a lot of potential here to be my next 5-star read. I loved Gemma’s character, and the fact that she was a chef. I thought Chance had potential. And I do have to say, the happily-ever-after was well done and almost made me up my rating.
The series seems like a fun read. And I was semi-aware that coming in at book 7 of a character series was a risk, but I was assured it could be read as a standalone. In my opinion, it can’t. There are SO MANY characters, and that’s a pet peeve of mine when reading a character series.
I also thought it wasn’t that well-balanced. There were moments between Chance and Gemma I needed - like maybe, dating or more than one deep conversation - before I believed they were in love.
Overall if you’re stuck for a hockey read, check this out. But maybe just start at book 1 so you can ease your way into the read.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 l 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
February 24, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥🔥🔥
“She’s everything I never knew I always wanted, and it’s time for me to show her.”
This is my first time reading this author and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. This book had me at the blurb. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.
Chance thought that being traded from his last time was is biggest problem but that all change when he make assumptions about Gemma after seeing a text he shouldn’t have. Gemma is a personal chef who happens to work for some hockey players that play on Chance’s new team and the first day she meets Chance she thought he was hot that is until he opens his mouth and insults her. A year later, every interaction between them is filled with tension, animosity, and sarcasm but Gemma has agreed to cook only for his two dogs she obsessed with but never for him. Eventually the tension between these two finally boils over and they finally give in because every time he looks at her all he can think is she’s Mine. But will his past baggage mess up his future with Gemma or will he finally move past it?
Their banter back and forth throughout the book was so entertaining especially their text and her nickname for him, Dickhead Daddy. Their chemistry was definitely off the charts and they definitely didn’t disappoint in the spice department, I mean the break room scene🥵. I haven’t read the BTU series but I’m most definitely going to read it now.
I would recommend if you like:
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🏒Grumpy/ Sunshine
🏒Found Family
🏒Spicy scenes🔥
Thank you ValentinePR for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!
🔥🔥🔥
“She’s everything I never knew I always wanted, and it’s time for me to show her.”
This is my first time reading this author and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. This book had me at the blurb. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.
Chance thought that being traded from his last time was is biggest problem but that all change when he make assumptions about Gemma after seeing a text he shouldn’t have. Gemma is a personal chef who happens to work for some hockey players that play on Chance’s new team and the first day she meets Chance she thought he was hot that is until he opens his mouth and insults her. A year later, every interaction between them is filled with tension, animosity, and sarcasm but Gemma has agreed to cook only for his two dogs she obsessed with but never for him. Eventually the tension between these two finally boils over and they finally give in because every time he looks at her all he can think is she’s Mine. But will his past baggage mess up his future with Gemma or will he finally move past it?
Their banter back and forth throughout the book was so entertaining especially their text and her nickname for him, Dickhead Daddy. Their chemistry was definitely off the charts and they definitely didn’t disappoint in the spice department, I mean the break room scene🥵. I haven’t read the BTU series but I’m most definitely going to read it now.
I would recommend if you like:
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🏒Grumpy/ Sunshine
🏒Found Family
🏒Spicy scenes🔥
Thank you ValentinePR for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!
August 24, 2023
More characters in this book than the 90 books combined I've read this year. I didn't know who the fuck was who.
Anyway Chase was filthy, I was into it
Anyway Chase was filthy, I was into it
February 23, 2023
Another amazing book by Alley Ciz!! Gemma and Chance are enemies right off the bat. Chance has a past that was triggered and Gemma got the brunt of his attitude because of it. And of course Gemma deems him banned from her cooking! Haha! That’s my girl! Love her! Mr. Grumpy has many lessons to learn in this book. And some deep seeded issues he has to face before this enemy becomes a lover! I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve loved all of the BTU books. The Coven Convos are my favorites! Can’t wait to read more!
February 22, 2023
Defensive Hearts
Genre: Romance
My Rating: 5/5
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- He’s a hockey player
- Found Family
- She’s the nutritionist for athletes (all the ones in their friend group except him😂)
I have been loving this series and this new book did not disappoint!
I could tell just from Gemma and Chances banter from Scoring Beauty that I was going to love this book!!
(I will add more to my review later!)
Genre: Romance
My Rating: 5/5
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- He’s a hockey player
- Found Family
- She’s the nutritionist for athletes (all the ones in their friend group except him😂)
I have been loving this series and this new book did not disappoint!
I could tell just from Gemma and Chances banter from Scoring Beauty that I was going to love this book!!
(I will add more to my review later!)
February 24, 2023
Ahhhhh I’m bummed. I REALLY liked this book at first, and I love love Alley Ciz, however, about halfway through it started going downhill for me. First of all, after the disgusting things he says to her after they hookup for the first time, it takes him a MONTH to apologize (I don’t care how well a girls avoidance skills are, if a man’s wants to apologize bad enough he’ll find a way) and she just forgives him all willy nilly. No.
Second of all, 60%+ into the book he has a date with another woman who he calls “smoking hot” while in the restaurant of the girl he’s supposedly interested in. Gross. Granted it’s inner monologue and an auction date, still. His interest in Gemma even 60% in does not have me impressed by any means. There’s hardly any conversation or sweet moments if not spicy, and normally I love enemies to lovers but he was just straight up mean.
Funny enough, when he leaves his date, he finds her awfully quick after. Where was that need for the month after they slept together!?!?! THIRD OF ALL, this has a very similar plot to The Right Move, except this book was rough because again he was HORRIBLE to her and she just LETS HIM GET AWAY WITH IT! “So wHy aM I sUfFeRiNg LiKe tHiS” the a-hole says about her ignoring him after the nasty things he said. Like YOU’RE suffering? What about HER? You didn’t think you were a couple? WHAT. Someone please explain the contradictions in this book to me. THEN she says she made a mistake by walking away from him, after the things he said to her, before his lame ass grovel!?!? THENNNNN she says I love you FIRST! AH! “There’s no way I’m going to let her stubbornness keep us apart any longer” he says, what do you MEAN HER stubbornness !?!?!? What about his?!?! Lord! The gaslighting and manipulation in this book had me going mad.
Needed way way way way way more grovel. Honestly he’s SO mean to her for no reason it’s gross. He made assumptions, gave VERY weak apologies (where she told him he didn’t have to apologize??? UM WHAT), never made up for it, it was legit all about sex. Stinks because I really did love Gemma’s character and I do think the story had potential. So I’ll give it a 3 for Gemma and the dogs, ONLY.
Second of all, 60%+ into the book he has a date with another woman who he calls “smoking hot” while in the restaurant of the girl he’s supposedly interested in. Gross. Granted it’s inner monologue and an auction date, still. His interest in Gemma even 60% in does not have me impressed by any means. There’s hardly any conversation or sweet moments if not spicy, and normally I love enemies to lovers but he was just straight up mean.
Funny enough, when he leaves his date, he finds her awfully quick after. Where was that need for the month after they slept together!?!?! THIRD OF ALL, this has a very similar plot to The Right Move, except this book was rough because again he was HORRIBLE to her and she just LETS HIM GET AWAY WITH IT! “So wHy aM I sUfFeRiNg LiKe tHiS” the a-hole says about her ignoring him after the nasty things he said. Like YOU’RE suffering? What about HER? You didn’t think you were a couple? WHAT. Someone please explain the contradictions in this book to me. THEN she says she made a mistake by walking away from him, after the things he said to her, before his lame ass grovel!?!? THENNNNN she says I love you FIRST! AH! “There’s no way I’m going to let her stubbornness keep us apart any longer” he says, what do you MEAN HER stubbornness !?!?!? What about his?!?! Lord! The gaslighting and manipulation in this book had me going mad.
Needed way way way way way more grovel. Honestly he’s SO mean to her for no reason it’s gross. He made assumptions, gave VERY weak apologies (where she told him he didn’t have to apologize??? UM WHAT), never made up for it, it was legit all about sex. Stinks because I really did love Gemma’s character and I do think the story had potential. So I’ll give it a 3 for Gemma and the dogs, ONLY.
February 11, 2023
I absolutely love Alley and her books. I know that when I read one that, I’m going to be laughing, because she is hilarious, and the characters are perfectly flawed, in the best way!!! I’ve read a few of the other books in the BTU Series and have loved them, but Chance and Gemma were something else and I absolutely love them!!!
When Chance and Gemma first meet he misjudges her and tells her exactly what he thinks if her and more. Once he realizes his mistake, he doesn’t apologize he just stays Mr. Grumpy. Gemma is beautiful, caring, funny and has the kindest soul. She is also a professional chef who happens to cook for some hockey player that are on Chance new team. She is also apart of the amazing Coven group so she and Chance are in close proximity a lot. Plus she cooks his dogs, but not him!!! 😂💀😂
These two have the most hilarious banter that had me not wanting to put this book down. Their TEXTING!!! OMG, I was laughing so hard. Chance is so alpha possessive and over the top, I couldn’t get enough of him and his caveman ways and dirty talk. Their chemistry is definitely OFF the charts. Their is so much more to Chance then he lets on, and I loved how Gemma and him come together.
I one thing that always pulls together Alley’s books are the absolutely phenomenal friend groups. Whether its the boys group or the girls group both have me rolling on the floor laughing. I would totally read a book just on text conversations from the characters in all the books, whether it’s BTU, UofJ or Royalty Crew I know it would top their hilarious.😂🥰🤌🏼😂
When Chance and Gemma first meet he misjudges her and tells her exactly what he thinks if her and more. Once he realizes his mistake, he doesn’t apologize he just stays Mr. Grumpy. Gemma is beautiful, caring, funny and has the kindest soul. She is also a professional chef who happens to cook for some hockey player that are on Chance new team. She is also apart of the amazing Coven group so she and Chance are in close proximity a lot. Plus she cooks his dogs, but not him!!! 😂💀😂
These two have the most hilarious banter that had me not wanting to put this book down. Their TEXTING!!! OMG, I was laughing so hard. Chance is so alpha possessive and over the top, I couldn’t get enough of him and his caveman ways and dirty talk. Their chemistry is definitely OFF the charts. Their is so much more to Chance then he lets on, and I loved how Gemma and him come together.
I one thing that always pulls together Alley’s books are the absolutely phenomenal friend groups. Whether its the boys group or the girls group both have me rolling on the floor laughing. I would totally read a book just on text conversations from the characters in all the books, whether it’s BTU, UofJ or Royalty Crew I know it would top their hilarious.😂🥰🤌🏼😂
February 23, 2023
Defensive Hearts is the seventh book in Alley Ciz’s BTU Alumni Series. This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series first.
Oh damn! The tension, hatred with underlying attraction and everything else that passes between these two on their first interaction, sets up the entire story and I loved it.
Gemma and Chance’s story is one that will suck you and makes for a fantastic grumpy/sunshine sports romance, as they outwardly denying their attraction, whilst inwardly the other is all they can think about.
The story is dual POV’s from both Gemma and Chance.
Also, if you love group chats and message exchanges, this book has some great ones.
Oh damn! The tension, hatred with underlying attraction and everything else that passes between these two on their first interaction, sets up the entire story and I loved it.
Gemma and Chance’s story is one that will suck you and makes for a fantastic grumpy/sunshine sports romance, as they outwardly denying their attraction, whilst inwardly the other is all they can think about.
The story is dual POV’s from both Gemma and Chance.
Also, if you love group chats and message exchanges, this book has some great ones.
July 16, 2023
3 ⭐️
I received this from Valentine PR so I didn’t read the previous books in the series. I will say that made it a little confusing since there’s so many interconnected characters.
This was an okay read for me. The moments
& tension between Gemma & Chance were my fav parts of the story. The spice was also TOP KNOTCH. I loved the idea of the convettes! Very cute girl Gang, but I found the text threads overwhelming at times. Chance was a little too mean for my liking and I think there was more sexual tension than an actual romantic connection there. I did enjoy the found family aspect. The characters seem to really have each others backs!
I received this from Valentine PR so I didn’t read the previous books in the series. I will say that made it a little confusing since there’s so many interconnected characters.
This was an okay read for me. The moments
& tension between Gemma & Chance were my fav parts of the story. The spice was also TOP KNOTCH. I loved the idea of the convettes! Very cute girl Gang, but I found the text threads overwhelming at times. Chance was a little too mean for my liking and I think there was more sexual tension than an actual romantic connection there. I did enjoy the found family aspect. The characters seem to really have each others backs!
February 17, 2023
Alley has done it again.
This book was absolutely amazing. I always liked the relationship between Gemma and Chase throughout all of the other BTU Alumni books I read and this book only made me love both of them even more than I already did.
There were so many moments throughout the book that I was shaking my head at Chase. He did stupid things but despite that, I absolutely loved him as a character. I enjoyed seeing how the thing that happened in his past caused him to think the worst when he met Gemma and seeing how those feelings and thoughts slowly began to disappear.
I loved seeing the two of them fall in love and seeing them both grow as characters. They were such a cute couple, there was so much angst between them and just.. the dogs! I loved everything with the dogs.
Such an amazing book and an exceptional read. I cannot wait for more books.
This book was absolutely amazing. I always liked the relationship between Gemma and Chase throughout all of the other BTU Alumni books I read and this book only made me love both of them even more than I already did.
There were so many moments throughout the book that I was shaking my head at Chase. He did stupid things but despite that, I absolutely loved him as a character. I enjoyed seeing how the thing that happened in his past caused him to think the worst when he met Gemma and seeing how those feelings and thoughts slowly began to disappear.
I loved seeing the two of them fall in love and seeing them both grow as characters. They were such a cute couple, there was so much angst between them and just.. the dogs! I loved everything with the dogs.
Such an amazing book and an exceptional read. I cannot wait for more books.
February 24, 2023
Chance and Gemma
I almost forgot how much I love these books. The Covenette is hilarious. The wedding had me laughing, it was so good. The tension between Chance and Gem is ridiculously hot. Chances dirty talk and actions are amazing. I love how they can rile each other up so easily. How epically Chance kept screwing up and projecting his past on Gemma was hard to read but I’m glad she didn’t just accept everything and made him work for it. Another great addition to the series.
I almost forgot how much I love these books. The Covenette is hilarious. The wedding had me laughing, it was so good. The tension between Chance and Gem is ridiculously hot. Chances dirty talk and actions are amazing. I love how they can rile each other up so easily. How epically Chance kept screwing up and projecting his past on Gemma was hard to read but I’m glad she didn’t just accept everything and made him work for it. Another great addition to the series.
February 24, 2023
screaming!
They don’t call Alley Ciz the Evil Queen for nothing. The teasing… the build up… This book. THIS BOOK. That’s the review right there. There is so much I could say but I’m struggling to find the words to express how much I loved this book. All the witty banter, friendships, romance, and good times you’d expect from the BTU crew with an extra hot enemies to lovers twist on things. I never thought I’d say it but Gemma and Chance may be my new favorite Alley couple!
They don’t call Alley Ciz the Evil Queen for nothing. The teasing… the build up… This book. THIS BOOK. That’s the review right there. There is so much I could say but I’m struggling to find the words to express how much I loved this book. All the witty banter, friendships, romance, and good times you’d expect from the BTU crew with an extra hot enemies to lovers twist on things. I never thought I’d say it but Gemma and Chance may be my new favorite Alley couple!
March 4, 2023
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I am rating this book 4.3 stars. God I've been wait for this book every since Chance came on the scene I was just drawn to him and every way possible. I loved his agnst, his personality he just won me over. I also adore Gemma she's full of attitude and can hold her own. When these two banter it's like four play lol. I couldn't get enough. Now I'm so hoping BB3 and hopefully sky are next!
February 8, 2023
Alley Ciz is back with all our BTU favourites and even a few other cameos. As soon as I started reading I was reminded just how much I loved this series and am strongly considering a re-read.
This one has all the banter, wit and laugh out loud moments, along with scorching hot chemistry and sexual tension. Chance and Gemma have been at each others throats every time we’ve seen them in previous stories and I loved getting to see where that stems from with a glimpse back to their first meeting. I can’t wait to read more from this world.
This one has all the banter, wit and laugh out loud moments, along with scorching hot chemistry and sexual tension. Chance and Gemma have been at each others throats every time we’ve seen them in previous stories and I loved getting to see where that stems from with a glimpse back to their first meeting. I can’t wait to read more from this world.
February 23, 2023
Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz is book Seven in the BTU Alumni Series. This is the story of Chance and Gemma. They are both so different. There is a misunderstanding between them so things aren't a smooth start to their story but I really enjoyed reading it. I hope to read more from this author.
February 24, 2023
Another amazing read! I never wanna put these books down, and love every second of them! Dont even get me started on the characters/group and all there crazy.. it’s amazing and I hope this darn series never ends honestly haha! Cant wait for the next book!
June 3, 2023
enemies to lovers with grumpy/sunshine combo are the best. i was thoroughly entertained about the whole situation between gemma and chance. even though they pretended otherwise, everyone knew they were attracted to each other. so watching them fall in love was fun!
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