Bad Reputation

Edwards (the Club Destiny series) opens the Bad Boys of Sports contemporary romance series with a steamy, fun novel. NHL star Chase Barrett is nicknamed Sin because he spends so much time in the penalty box, but he’s an angel with his best friend, Cassie Desrosiers. He keeps his hands to himself around her even though he’s been in love with her for years; he doesn’t want to mess with their friendship. Driven and ambitious Cassie needs Chase’s laid-back attitude to balance out her long workdays. She compares all men to Chase and finds them lacking, but can’t work up the nerve to change the status quo. Chase and Cassie’s friends see the chemistry between them, but they deny the obvious until a drunken night in Las Vegas forever alters their relationship. Readers will appreciate that Chase and Cassie are more than just two hot bodies going horizontal at the first opportunity. They are surrounded by friends and family who add nuance and depth (and some family drama) to their passionate romance. (Oct.)