Review: Can't Always Get What You Want by Sara Ney (Houston Baddies #2)


Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

After a truly long time, I'm finally adding a new name to my list of favorite male main characters! Luca Babineaux is the MMC in Sara Ney's second novel in the Houston Baddies hockey romance series, and his journey to a happily-ever-after has him falling first for his teammate's twin sister. If you've read Hit Me with Your Best Shot, the series starter, than you know who the main female character is because the MMC there is the one with the twin sister--Nova Montagalo. Can't Always Get What You Want delivers the laughs and the swoon, with some hockey and sibling protectiveness thrown in to keep things interesting.

When Nova Montagalo comes across Luca Babineaux's profile on a dating app, she isn't quite sure if it's really her twin brother's teammate or just some guy hoping to catfish women. It turns out that it's actually Luca, and there's no hesitation on his end when it comes to letting Nova know that he wants to be her friend AND more. After all, he's had a thing for her for years. Nova, however, worries over the fact that her brother, Gio, is not only Luca's teammate and friend, but that she doesn't deserve the sort of happily-ever-after people like her brother have. Will these two get the ending that they both really want?

Luca was...le sigh. He's now among the names of fictional MMCs who have captured my heart, going above and beyond for those who matter most to him. The guy certainly played the long game, not fully expecting to get his shot at Nova, but when he did, he refused to push harder than necessary. Nova was, well, at times, a wee bit lost, refusing to acknowledge what was happening between her and Luca. I was worried she wouldn't come to her senses in time. And Gio's reaction to learning their secret? Both expected AND unexpected! Can't Always Get What You Want gave me what I wanted: a five-star romance!

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Read my reviews for the Houston Baddies series:


Hit Me with Your Best Shot (book one) - 4.5 stars - My Review

Can't Always Get What You Want (book two) - five stars - My Review (posted above)

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Release Date: 02 June 2025

Date Read: 30 May 2025

Learn more about Sara Ney.

Pre-order Can't Always Get What You Want on Amazon.

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