The Rival

I was so excited for The Rival because after reading book one and how that ended I needed more, I wasn’t disappointed this book was everything I expected and so much more. Alex and Aspen had my attention and I needed to see where their journey took me, well let me just say I was captivated and there was no putting down until the final word has been read. Alex hasn’t always been the good guy of hockey, his reputation was damaged by his wild ways but now he seems back on track and looking forward to a successful career with the Boston Titans. He also senses that Aspen needs some healing time so he invites her on a trip to Canada for the summer. What follows is a friends to lovers journey but this story is so much more than boy meets girl, falls in love and lives HEA, this is journey based on friendship with two souls needing each other to mend and make a future. The Rival has all the feels and I highly recommend everyone one clicking this gem.

Having read the first book and how it ended, I couldn’t wait to dive in to The Rival. This book was everything I was hoping for and so much more. I was intrigued by Alex and Aspen and was anxious to see what Kendall Ryan had in store for them.

In the first two books I really disliked Alex but by the end of book one, Kendall Ryan had managed to turn my opinion around. Alex has a lot of baggage and is the first to admit that he has done himself and his reputation a lot of damage with his wild ways. Now that he his back on track, he is determined to make a success of his ice hockey career with the Boston Titans.

When Alex offers Aspen the opportunity to escape to Canada with him for the summer she accepts. That begins a healing for both Alex and Aspen. I really fell for Alex in this book, such a troubled soul and Aspen is the perfect woman to mend his heart while he mends hers. I felt that they made a great couple, particularly as Alex helped Aspen to gain her self confidence after a bitter and emotionally scaring break up.

I enjoyed the journey that they travelled to get to their happily ever after. Their love was based on friendship and it was heart warming to watch the growth of both Alex and Aspen.

Bring on the next book, I for one cannot wait.

The Rival is Alex and Aspen’s story and its one very steamy ride.
I wholeheartedly loved this book. I loved how Alex and Aspen really got to know one another. Both spending the summer at a house in Canada, alone together they form a wonderful bond.
After reading The Rebel, I was really looking forward to knowing who Alex really is and to be quite honest, he is not the man we thought, he is so much more. He’s caring, charming and knows how to cook, among other things….he redeemed himself and I really didn’t want their story to end!
This book was a genuine feel good read that caused so many emotions. I think this is one of my favourite books by Ms Ryan.
I just can’t get enough of the Looking to Score series, so excited for more stories to come!