Title: Should've Known Better
Series: Possibly in the future.....? :)
Author: Cassandra Carr
Published: April 2013, Twenty or Less Press
Format: Ebook provided for review
Sara Jenkins, a math geek and hockey fanatic, is thrilled when the NHL hires her as an advisor for the Buffalo Storm. She gets to marry her two loves in this perfect job.
Sebastian St. Amant is a young hockey player looking to make the jump from the minors to the big leagues. His lifelong dream is within reach, but he needs to convince the Storm's management and coaches he's ready.
When Sara and Sebastian meet, sparks immediately fly. Both want to succeed, but neither can ignore the growing attraction and a relationship is out of the question—Sara’s an influential staff member and Sebastian’s a player, not to mention over ten years her junior.
But the impossible becomes the necessary when they can no longer fight their attraction. As everything crashes around them, the strength of their relationship is tested. Will it weather the storm, or should they have known better?
Should’ve Known Better was pretty different from the other books I’ve read from Cassandra Carr. A lot of her books have this high heat level that will leave you panting like a dog in heat. Should’ve Known Better did not have that heat level. It was entirely a horse of a different color, and I really enjoyed reading this other side to Cassandra’s writing. Don't get me wrong, there was some heat - and some sensuality, but it wasn't the focus as much in this story as in others.
Here is the story of Sarah, who has just accepted a position with the Storm in the NHL. She is now a “Competitive Analysis Consultant”. Huh? Yeah, I didn’t know what it was at first either, but as the story went on, and I learned more about her new job, the more I became interested in not only her, and her love life, but her actual job. That is kind of a first for me. So what Sarah does is she uses math to analyze and improve her players games. Anything from their stance, to their stick, to … who knows what? The sky is the limit. Not being a sporty person, I have no idea if this is something that is real – but it most certainly should be!
Right away Sarah bumps into Sebastian, literally. Like there is spillage on the floor. Multiple times. And yes, I chuckled every time. Sebastian turns out to be a very atypical man in his early twenties – especially for a guy who is getting a shot playing in the NHL. He is sensitive and sweet, a bit nervous, and caring. The overall package on him is quite endearing, and I found it easy to care for this character.
There is obvious sexual tension and major attraction between Sarah and Sebastian. The problem lies in the fact that Sarah is worried about losing this totally terrific job she just landed. And that is probably also aided by something from her past that she is trying to move past, but is learning it isn’t always so easy to overcome painful things. The two of them share quite a few secretive kisses. I really liked that they didn’t just fall into bed together, hot and heavy. It was a build up. There were nerves and anxiety, and the stolen kisses, furtive glances. There was an element of it that was teasing to the reader just as much the characters, and I found it to be a nice change of pace.
And while both Sebastian and Sarah were very interesting, there were other characters in this story too! *Gasp!* Right? LOL. Mainly, I mean Sebastian’s roommate, Rob. Rob is also on the team, and he is like a protective German Shepherd when it comes to his friend. But Rob also has this other side that is completely sarcastic and funny, and you just know he would be a blast to hang around. I really loved any time he had a scene. I would definitely say he is a character I want to see more of in the future.
There is a lot that happens in this book, it’s really quite the story. You really get a chance to get to know these two, and why they are acting the way they are. And when things begin to heat up – in both positive and negative ways for them – it really is quite a page turner. Cassandra's writing is fabulous, and it grabs you write away to take you for a ride. I think that if you are into contemporary sports romance, that this book should definitely be on your TBR!
