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Cocky Hero Club

Cocky Striker

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You've met Chance Bateman...Are you ready to meet his son??

Some say I’m cocky — I say I’m confident.

Things have always come easy for me; sports, academics…girls. And I’ve used all of that to my advantage the past three years of college.
I’ve got it all, or at least I thought I did until Laken walks into my life.
I’ve never had a desire to let another person into my life like my parents’ relationship, but there is some mysterious pull I feel toward this brunette I’ve noticed around campus.
And with each interaction we have, I long to know her more. Yet the closer we get, the harder she resists and the higher the walls go up.
I sense there’s something more – a secret she’s hiding – one she doesn’t trust to share with me yet.
But she will, if I have my way, and I’ll do anything if she’ll take a chance on me. On us. I grew up hearing the story of how my parents met, their separation, how my dad fought for them, and they're happily ever after. I just never expected or wanted to find that for myself.
Now that I have I don’t want to ever let them go.

But when I’m given the opportunity of a lifetime after graduation, will the offer of my heart be enough for her to accept? Or will I lose her forever?

6 pages, Audible Audio

Published July 19, 2020

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About the author

Evan Grace

60 books1,702 followers
https://www.authorevangrace.com

A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.

During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.

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5 stars
177 (52%)
4 stars
115 (34%)
3 stars
30 (8%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
959 reviews76 followers
August 22, 2020
This book was sexy and very adorable. Chance is a senior at college. He loves soccer and his parents. No one has broken that bond but. But he steals a parking space at the school book shop. From a woman who knocks him off his feet. Allen is this girl. She plays hard to get. He likes the game. She's hiding a few secrets from her past.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews159 followers
June 23, 2020
Sometimes a girl just had to put her foot down, "she looks me up and down, and my ***k immediately starts to get hard. “Oh my God, put it away, Chance. I mean it.” Laken closes the shower door." I liked this book, I liked Chance.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,066 reviews565 followers
June 30, 2020
OMG ... this story was an absolute swoonfest!! I just finished and I loved this story to pieces but seriously, why do young people make life so haaaaaaard???? *cries* LOLOLOL

Props to Evan Grace for writing a well thought out romance. I mean I hate this age group but I can’t deny they were written exactly as they should have been ... ridiculous decision making and all! Also, grab some Kleenex cuz this is a juicy one #feels

Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,918 reviews405 followers
July 20, 2020
I could have done with a fan when reading Cocky Striker. Chance junior is absolutely everything I wanted and more. I went through so many emotions with Chance and Lakens story. This is one of my fav reads in this collection so far. I’m saying no more. If there’s one story in this collection you need to read it’s this one.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,670 reviews583 followers
July 19, 2020
Cocky Striker is a book that pulled me in right away and ensured I had to devour it in a single sitting. Even when there were aspects that I wasn’t crazy about, I found myself desperate to see how things one came together.

With more packed into it than I’d initially anticipated, Cocky Striker kept me hooked in many ways. I was not crazy about our female lead – there were times when she felt a little too juvenile, considering what she had been through – but the story more than kept me hooked on what was playing out. The relationship between the characters was great to watch grow, there details left me wanting more of the side characters, and I was content to power through this one.

Without a doubt, this was a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club.
Profile Image for Alaina.
6,540 reviews214 followers
July 30, 2020
At first, I was really hesitant about this book. Mostly because a kid was involved. Yes, I've read another book where a kid was involved within this series BUT they were both adults. This had college kids. Kids in my eyes. Kids in anyone's eyes. So yeah, I was hesitant.

Yet, I loved Cocky Striker I won't even lie to you, when Laken was worried about Chance accepting her kid, I was almost done with this book. Yes, I know that parents deal with this constantly. Whether they are newly single or just plain ass single to begin with. Their kid always comes first and that's what should be important. So yeah, when she was worried about Chance wanting to be with her after knowing the fact that she had a kid - man I was almost done.

Why? Well, if he wasn't a-okay with it then he was dead in my book. No one should be put above their child. I don't care what kind of relationship you are looking for or if you are lonely. If you have a kid, they should be your whole damn world. If they aren't, then I feel sorry for you.

Back to this book, I loved how Chance was so open to loving Laken and her Ava. They were completely perfect and utterly adorable. Just to make things even better they ended up creating a child out of love themselves. Again, I was beyond happy for everyone involved.

In the end, I ended up really liking this book and how everything ended for everyone. It just made me super happy and I'm looking forward to my next book in this series.
Profile Image for Tash.
1,273 reviews106 followers
July 27, 2020
This story is about Chance and his last year of college. It’s something refreshing as it allows to return to Batemans once again but with a different perspective on the beloved family.

Chance is a free agent in every way. He plays the game but is wiser. He has a future planned once he finishes college that allows him to keep a foot in the sport world. What he doesn’t expect is Laken

Laken is a fellow senior in college and she has bit of history behind her with her family. It’s perfect pairing as we all know Audrey and Chance Sr. and their family well so the new arrival was perfect addition to the family.

For a new adult romance, it didn’t felt cliché or been there and read it. It’s sweet and uphold the true values of this family we know. The leads were both relatable and honest in their own ways about themselves. It was refreshing to see them become wiser over the course of their relationship and change the younger Chance for the better. He became more then the big man on campus who the girls wanted and became responsible young man.

His transformation and his own journey is the perfect way to see the younger Bateman become his own character. Grace delivered what I wanted for him. She did justice honouring his parents and giving the next generation a story that is memorable in it’s own way.
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,158 reviews16 followers
July 9, 2020
I don’t think I could love this book more. I absolutely loved Chance Jr. and Laken’s story. I was worried that Chance was going to be a huge playboy during the book but even though he had been that way in the past, once he met Laken he completely changed and he didn’t even realize it was happening.

I loved how Chance was with Ava. Ava’s character was so cute and sweet, not all kids are written very well but she was. And of course I was so happy we got more of Aubrey and Chance.

I really enjoyed that there wasn’t an excessive about of drama. What little drama there was got resolved very quickly.

Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for SimplyƝì₭.
600 reviews290 followers
July 19, 2020


Cocky Striker another installment in the latest Cocky Hero Club books. This book tells the story of Chance Bateman Jr. (Chance and Aubrey's son from Penelope Ward and Vi Keelan's Cocky Bastard).

Evan did a great job of linking Laken her MC back to Ward's original story. Being he is a son, he has characteristics of both Chance and Aubrey and that was done really well. His love interst Ava is simple cute. This is a new adult book that really gets your attention while telling a coming of age narrative that was both fresh and new.


This book is a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club! Definitely worth reading. I was gifted this book for an honest review.

Blurb
Cocky Striker by Author Evan Grace

Some say I’m cocky — I say I’m confident.
Things have always come easy for me; sports, academics…girls. And I’ve used all of that to my advantage the past three years of college.
I’ve got it all, or at least I thought I did until Laken walks into my life.
I've never desired a relationship like my parents have, but there is some mysterious pull I feel toward this brunette I’ve noticed around campus.
And with each interaction we have, I long to know her more. Yet the closer we get, the harder she resists and the higher the walls go up.
I sense there’s something more – a secret she’s hiding – one she doesn’t trust to share with me yet.
But she will, if I have my way, and I’ll do anything if she’ll take a chance on me. On us. I grew up hearing the story of how my parents met, their separation, how my dad fought for them, and their happily ever after. I just never expected or wanted to find that for myself.
Now that I have I don’t want to ever let them go.
But when I’m given the opportunity of a lifetime after graduation, will the offer of my heart be enough for her to accept? Or will I lose her forever?
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
PURCHASE LINKS
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CA: https://amzn.to/3gUwGH9
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Free in Kindle Unlimited
Also available in audio: https://amzn.to/3fsIGPW
CONNECT WITH EVAN GRACE: https://www.authorevangrace.com
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,872 reviews107 followers
July 18, 2020
Another great addition to the Cocky Hero Club from a new author to me, I’m having so much fun finding new authors through this series of stories. Evan Grace is another very talented author that I need to check out previous works by because if this book is anything to go by I’m going to love her.
I was captivated from the first page and there was no putting down until I had read the final line, this author really draws you in with this well written flowing story. This is the book I have waited for because it’s Chance and Aubrey’s son Chance JR‘S story and it’s safe to say if you loved Cocky Bastard you will love Cocky Striker.
Chance JR is in his final year of college and his time is spent trying to decide what to do next, Laken is also in her final year and she has no time or room for men and dating but Chance is as charming and persistent as his father so will his charms work there magic and get Laken out on a date.....
On the face of it Chance JR has it all but Laken is a woman who is capable of breaking him, this couple both have secrets and they both need to bare their souls before they find true happiness. ......
This entertaining story with some twists and turns touched me on so many levels, I loved the story and the characters and let’s not forget we also catch up with Chance, Aubrey and Pixy
Great read that I highly recommend
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,746 reviews28 followers
July 19, 2020
I’ve been excited about this book since Evan started talking about it. Let’s start with the cover. I know we shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover but come on, LOOK AT IT. Well this story was so so much more then the amazing cover so it’s safe to say that this was a 10 star story.

If you liked Cocky Bastard, then it’s safe to say you will love Cocky Striker. It’s about Chance and Aubrey’s son, Chance Jr. He’s at his last year of college and has many decisions to make. Laken is also in her last year and doesn’t have time for dating. Chance is charming and very hard to resist but will Laken be able to?

As soon as Evan sent to me I dove in. I read it in ONE sitting. I started before going to bed and read until 4am. At 15% in I was crying and wanted to hug Laken in a bad way. The author was able to make me fall in love with Chance and Laken without even trying. I mean these characters made me feel so much. They were well developed and they infiltrated themselves into my heart.

Let’s talk about the storyline. It was unexpected and I was speechless because I was not expecting this beautiful turn of events. It was beautifully written. It was also great that I got to see Chance and Aubrey and we must not forget Pixy.

Time and effort was put into creating this story because it was perfect to me.
Bottomline this IS A MUST READ.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Clara Martinez Turco.
643 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
Evan Grace took a huge risk by writing Cocky Striker, which tells the story of Chance Bateman Jr. (Chance and Aubrey's son from Penelope Ward and Vi Keelan's Cocky Bastard). Expectations were super high. Well... Evan not only met every single one of those expectations, she outdid herself and knocked it out of the park!

The story flows, the characters are charming, interesting, and believable. The world-building is superb. Chance and Aubrey work, almost as if they had been written by Keeland and Ward. Yet, Evan Grace made them her own and the book has her signature all over. Chance Jr is as cocky and insanely good looking as his dad, while Laken is the nicest girl on campus. She has a past that could get in her way, yet she remains true to herself. And little Ava is simply adorable.

Although the plot spans over several months, a couple of situations and their resolutions felt a bit rushed. I'm not saying they needed to be dragged, but a little more tension would have made them more real.

Cocky Striker tells about the value of family and going after what and who you want. It is about not being afraid of love and second chances, of achieving goals you set up and being real. Being proud of who you are, and not let the past define you.

This book is a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club! Definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Chantelle Bouffanie.
1,177 reviews11 followers
July 15, 2020
Awesome! I've volunteered this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading a book from Evan Grace. Cocky Striker is another awesome book in the Cocky Hero Club series. This is Chance and Laken's story. Laken is “experiencing” the college life for her senior year, even though she’s left most of her heart behind with her family. Chance didn't know what hit him when he meets Laken. I loved every minute of this story. This is a story you start and can’t put down. I enjoyed watching the changes in them, both in different ways, as they came to know one another. Their chemistry is fantastic throughout the entire book. This story was full of heartfelt emotions, scorching hot sexy scenes, hilarious moments and a side character that will steal your heart the moment you meet them!!! I can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the awesome work!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews84 followers
July 18, 2020

Chance’s son Chance is just as swoony as his father. He is in his final year of University and looking forward to a bright future. He has a way with women, but he doesn’t date or at least he didn’t until he met Laken.

Laken is a woman who has a lot of responsibilities, but she wouldn’t change a thing. She is not impressed when Chance steals the parking space she had been waiting for but it was only a matter of time before his charm breached the walls she had built around herself.

Chance is determined to show Laken that he is a man she can count on and that he embraces the responsibilities of her life while Laken shows him a life he never expected. Hot chemistry, their interactions were both humorous and hot and I really enjoyed how supportive both their families were of them and their relationship.
July 19, 2020
Another new author for me by Evan Grace and I can’t wait to read more! I gathered there is a book that you can read before this with his dad. So will definitely get on to reading that soon! 😏

I really did enjoy this book. There were a couple of little things that didn’t sit right with me, but none the less. It did have me hooked from the very start and once I got going I didn’t want to put the book down (until my kindle run out of battery!)

Chance and Laken were great main characters! And it was nice to read them actually act their age then sound like full grown adults like most authors try to do.

Again this was another great addition to the Cocky Hero Club!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Ri.
5,086 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2020
4.7 stars

Hands down my favorite from all the books that have been released in this world to date. Chance and Aubrey have always been a favorite duo of mine but the original OG, Chance Sr, needs to step aside because Jr, just usurped him. Everything that I have come to love from this world in regards to cocky men that make a person want to simultaneously smack and hug them was in this book.

I found myself laughing out loud, and also swooning something fierce. Laken. Good lord, could this girl. I enjoyed watching the changes in them, both in different ways, as they came to know one another. Jr because he no longer needed to be a manwhore and instead was emulating the awesome love story and role models of his parents, and Laken in learning how to trust.

This book was a great example of why I love romance. It made me believe that love really does exist. I cannot recommend this book enough. Sr should be so proud of his son, even if he did lose top spot as Cocky Hero God.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
1,775 reviews19 followers
July 18, 2020
One who doesn't love the hunk on the cover? Did you know he's hilarious in person. This book is about Chance and Laken. And I gotta tell you words can not even describe how I felt reading this book. I think this is my second favorite of the Cocky Hero Club. Chance knows where he is going after school and what he wants. He has his days planned out and his future in the bag. What he didn't expect was Laken. These two hit it off like oil and water. Laken has so much on her plate trying to make a better life for herself. She's focused on school and graduating. When she meets Chance that changes. These two really have the chemistry, but when Laken's secret is reveal can Chance still be with her or will he walk away for his own dreams? Loved Loved this Story.
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,356 reviews22 followers
July 18, 2020
Evan Grace has done an AMAZING job with Cocky Striker and gives us Chance and Aubrey's son's story and it is every bit as swoony that you would be expecting and hoping for! I absolutely loved Chance Jr and his and Laken's story!

This was a heartfelt and beautiful story with some twists that you are not expecting- I basically loved everything about it and HIGHLY recommend it for those that are looking for a great romance with amazing chemistry- 4.5 stars from me!

PS: Thank you to Evan Grace, Cocky Hero Club, and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,763 reviews16 followers
July 19, 2020
Cocky Striker by Evan Grace is the story of Laken and Chance Jr 'CJ' (Father / Mother in the Cocky Bastard Book). This book is part of the Cocky Hero Club Series, so there are connecting stories, but I this can be a standalone book. Chance has everything going for him with the ease of really getting things or people he wants. Never thinking to have anything real like his parents but then he sees Laken. Laken does give him much notice because she is focusing on College and the experience of it. But Chance doesn't give up. Enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for M.
1,347 reviews12 followers
July 22, 2020
3.75 Stars!

This book was actually good, these stars are more for Chance than Laken... she could be trying at times. This was a bit angsty but the angst did not get dragged out like some NA authors like to do. All and all a good addition to the CHC series oh and we always love a chance to see Chance, Aubrey and Pixie. It’s funny how much I know about Chance and Aubrey even though I haven’t read “Cocky Bastard” lol. I hope another author chooses to do CJ’s story as well just because I think he could be such an interesting character.

7/10 would likely recommend.
Profile Image for Marika.
4,560 reviews94 followers
July 19, 2020
I Don't know why I do this to myself lol..I really realty dislike the college time..I am getting old, OK??? Yet I can't resist reading one more story..then one more.. you get the picture..but I am very glad I did cause it was good, with plenty of feels..I did roll my eyes a few times ok?! but as I said I am getting old ;)
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,704 reviews50 followers
July 19, 2020
Cocky Striker hits hard and fast on your heart. Chance Jnr and Laken’s story is a little nostalgic, heartfelt and captivating. Their story is an emotional and enchanting story that grips your heart and soul. Two young people navigate an attraction and a love that neither saw coming. A story that makes you laugh, cry and everything in between. For all those Cocky Bastard fans, CJ is just as cocky and lovable as his Dad. For all those who love a great epilogue, this one gives you all that you could hope for and more.
Profile Image for Lisa   cheney.
205 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2020
I loved this book, it might rate up there with one of my favorites from Evan, from the beginning Chance has said he doesn't do relationships that was until he seen Laken. Taking her parking spot in front of the book store was the smartest thing he ever did. it wasn't always easy for Laken she defiantly had a history and wasn't looking for anything other than her degree, her Mom wanted her to experience the collage life and date have a good time. it's like this fairy book tale of girl and guy meet but can they work together and find that happy place where they live happy ever after.
Profile Image for Madeleine.
3,789 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2020
And to think it all started with a parking spot from there it was a whirlwind adventure to an HEA. I absolutely loved Chance and Lakens story. I love every book that I’ve read from Evan. She’s always been my one click go to author. The characters were amazing the story flowed onto the pages and I absorbed every word!
Profile Image for Belinda.
988 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2020
I loved this book by Evan Grace who was a new author to me. I was looking forward to reading CJ’s book and it didn’t disappoint. In this book we follow Chance Jnr and Laken’s story. Chance a player who never did relationships and Laken a single mum meet over a stolen car park spot and once little Ava comes into the picture who is adorable we fall in love with all of them. This book is part of The Cocky Hero Club but can be read as a standalone. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,561 reviews43 followers
June 23, 2020
From the very start of this story, I adored every single word of it. Evan Grace has such an amazing flow of her words that will have you so wrapped up into the story she creates. Her addition to the Cocky Hero Club series, is beyond amazing, beyond relatable and absolutely swoony. I think the one thing about this story is the unexpected twist that Grace has in it. It wasn’t what I was expecting it could have been but it was placed so brilliantly that I fell in love with Chance even more. How he fought to have Laken in his life. How he fell for her. Then you have Laken who is so beyond relatable. I felt her feelings to my core because I had those exact same ones. I was in those exact same shoes at times. This story is swoon worthy and keeps you on your toes. The chemistry that Chance and Laken have is sizzling but their connection is everything. Honestly reminds me of Chance and Aubrey in some ways because of the persistence of Chance Jr. This is an amazing addition to the Cocky world and is a MUST read! LOVED it!
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
1,801 reviews52 followers
June 23, 2020
Chance, Laken, and Ava stole my heart with this story. Chance is a free agent in every way his senior year of college, but he can’t stop thinking about—or wanting—Laken. The one woman who could truly destroy him. Laken is “experiencing” the college life for real during her senior year, even though she’s left most of her heart behind with her family, at their insistence. Once Chance and Laken meet and continue running into each other, they each realize that they could truly be happy together. They just have to bare their souls and all of their secrets first.

Chance and Laken hit a few bumps in their road to happy, but nothing that will end them permanently. After all, they’ve both learned by now to listen and think before simply burning any chance of reconciliation. I truly enjoyed their story. It was low on drama, high on the feels, and gave me a feel-good vibe that I needed this afternoon.
Profile Image for Stacy Dow.
326 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2020
Evan delivers a story that from the first page grabs your attention and doesn't let go till the last word. Love Chance and Laken such an adorable couple so sweet and hot together, the secondary characters where amazing really adding to the story.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,375 reviews
July 19, 2020
Such a great story. I loved how Evan Grace brought back the OG Cocky Bastard in this story that is all about his son!! It is such a great young love story, that had me not wanting to stop reading, read it all in just under 5 hours. Couldn't put it down!!
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