Patrick “Patch” Donnelly has what it takes to be the best goalie in the NHL…if only he could learn to control his temper. When Coach orders him to get his head in the game with private yoga classes, Patch isn’t having it. There’s no way this tough Boston guy would be caught dead downward dog-ing his way to inner peace. But if he refuses, he risks his starting position and the dream he sacrificed everything for, including joining the priesthood. Yoga instructor Margot Kowalski is over men. After yet another toxic relationship, she’s eager to forget love and focus on growing her business. Doing the Hellions head coach a favor by helping out a troubled player can't hurt, and it might give her career a high-profile boost. But free-spirited Margot is soon charming the pants off Patch. Literally. Her sassy combination of sweet and sexy proves irresistible to the goalie. Before Patch can give into temptation though, he’ll have to confess his biggest secret: He’s a virgin. But Patch is hiding more than sexual inexperience, and his dark past soon threatens to destroy his shot at true love.

Virgin Territory was my first Lia Riley novel. It's part of a series, but it stands up on its own. I was excited for this one because 1) sports romance (you know I'm especially a sucker for hockey stories for some inexplicable reason) and 2) I really liked the idea of the male character being the inexperienced one for a change.

And there are a lot of good things about this book. For one, it's sex positive, there isn't a lot of angst for the couple (individually, sure, they both have some pretty big issues). It's instalust-turned-instalove (which I don't usually hate?) and a quick read.

But overall it felt a little thin and kind of forgettable. It got pretty silly at parts. For a pretty short book (like 150-some pages?) it also felt like it dragged out. Mostly, I would have liked to see Patrick and Margot get to know each other a little better. I felt there were a lot of missed opportunities to show them growing with each other.

Should you read it? I think you could pass on this one, unless you're looking for a super quick fluffy read, or are a fan of the series and would like to see more of Patch.

2 1/2 Stars

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication March 6, 2018 by Avon Impulse

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