Over the Line

Sierra Hockey #1

by Elise Faber

I’m snowed in.
With a famous hockey player.

I’m snowed in.
With a famous hockey player.
My life has been a disaster. I’ve lost my job, my apartment, and my direction, so when my best friend suggests a week trip up to her house in Tahoe, I jump on the chance for a change in scenery.
Only, I didn’t anticipate Snowmageddon.
I didn’t anticipate being trapped on the side of the road and rescued by a famous hockey player—and certainly not by Lake Jordan, star center for the Sierra Hockey team, model, and entrepreneur.
I didn’t anticipate having to share his house.
Or that there would only be one bedroom.
And I didn’t anticipate…that he might want to keep me.
Forever.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.

Reviews

[Jade Odoms · Rating 1 out of 5]

So bad. The cover tricked me and I’m trying not to DNF everything I try 😂 this sucked

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uh yeah, no. DNF at 32%. The hero is a total asshole. Like ASSHOLE. I’m sure he will get somehow redeemed and maybe even become likable, but 30% in I care zero about him and the MFC isn’t much better either.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Over the Line is the first book in Elise Faber's Sierra Hockey series. It's also my first time reading the author's work. A love for sports romance combined with the forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine trope fuelled my decision to pick up Over the Line.  The emotions flowing from the pages coupled with the humour and sexy moments made this a delightful read. It left me eager to read more of the author's work. Fans of hockey romance will want to pick up this latest offering from Faber.

Over the Line introduces Nova Cassidy and Lake Jordan. Nova is down on her luck. Fired from her job and to add insult to injury she caught her boyfriend in bed with her sister. She packed up her things, but with nowhere to go, her best friend suggested she spend some time at her brother's house near Lake Tahoe. While on her way, her car slid off the road into a snow bank. With no way of getting the car to move, she plans to continue the rest of her journey on foot. However, the appearance of a grumpy and brooding hockey player saved her that trouble. Then the unthinkable happen, the house her best friend told her she could stay did not belong to her friend's brother. It belonged to her rescuer. Lake Jordan.

Lake wanted some alone time, where he could unwind and relax after a gruelling week of practice. The impending snow storm made it more appealing. He was not amused on learning of his teammate's sister trick to have a stranger in his home. Despite not looking forward to sharing his space with a stranger, he knew the right thing to do was to have her stay with him until the storm passes. 

I had some good laughs when Lake and Nova first met. Also, his encounter with her dog had me laughing to the point of stitches.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters, although there were moments when Lake's behaviour grated on my nerves. It was like he had a split personality. One moment he was all nice and caring and the next he treated Nova like crap. Yes! He was hurt by women in the past, including his mother, but it's not Nova's fault, so why treat her so poorly. Eventually, he came to his senses with the help of friends. In doing so, he recognized that Nova wasn't like any of the women from his past. 

I loved how their relationship developed. The path to their happy ending came with many obstacles. I enjoyed seeing them work through their issues.  Lake would do anything for Nova not to leave. It warmed my heart to see him stand up for her when her past came knocking. The way he showed his love was so endearing. 

Overall, Over the Line left me feeing satisfied with the outcome.  A good start to the series. Looking forward to the other characters' stories.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Elisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

so i barely finished it. idk how i managed to read it. i don’t think i can start the next book… #traumtisedbyeverything

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVER THE LINE by Elise Faber! is the First book in the Sierra Hockey Series. This is the story of Nova Cassidy and Lake Jordan. Nova is having some tough times. With her job loss and then to find her boyfriend with her sister she needs to get away. So her friend sets her up with a cabin that she thought was her friends brother place. Nova's luck hasn't changed on her way to the cabin and gets rescued by the grumpy hockey player Lake. Who she now learns is the real owner off the cabin. Enjoyed their story.

[Holly Ivans · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐
I was really excited to start this new series by Elise. Nova and Lake's story is book one in the Sierra hockey series. Overall a fun read and I look forward to the next book.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 Star Review of Over The Line (Sierra Hockey #1) by Elise Faber
 
I was so excited when I heard that Elise Faber was releasing a new series and if Over The Line is anything to go by, then she is off to a good start.

From the first chapter Ms. Faber wove a story that captured and held my attention.

Lake Jordan is the Captain and star center for the Sierra Hockey team and when he rescues Nova Cassidy it starts a chain of events neither expected.

Lake is grumpy and Nova has her own issues. He will have his work cut out for him as he realises he wants more with the skittish Nova. Can he convince Nova to take a chance?

It was entertaining to watch the push and pull dynamic as their relationship progressed.

I enjoyed this book, it gave me numerous feels and I am excited to see what Ms. Faber has in store for the series.

[Chayde - thequeenofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Book 1 in the Sierra Hockey series and Elsie is a new author to me. I’m excited to read more of her work. This is a grumpy x sunshine, snowed in, forced prox hockey romance. Nova catches her bf cheating and calls her best friend who sends her to a cabin in the middle of a snow storm. Lake the captain of the Sierra hockey team is heading to his cabin. Along the way he finds Nova on the side of the road after her car crashed into a ditch and they both find out that they are staying at the same place.

Although it’s a grumpy x sunshine, I would say Lake is a complete ahole 🤣 and he is not my grumpy cup of tea which is the reason I didn’t love the book as much as I hoped. He eventually becomes soft only just for her. He has walls that he has built and Nova doesn’t quite know how to stand up for her self but together they do.

A cute snowed in romance outside of the Christmas vibes

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this story is perfect for this winter weather❄️ Lake and Nova are two lovely characters and I really enjoyed reading their story.

From Nova getting trapped in the middle of a big snow storm and Lake being the one to rescue her and even though they didn't start off on the best foot and even a little bit into the book they still continue like that, I liked it. Lake is our professional hockey player who just wants to be alone to get through the storm and even though he doesn't want to, he spends that time trapped with Nova and her dog (who is the main character for me), they get to know each other little by little but they also have their comings and goings more from Lake but I understood it, that is I understood why it was like that when they told us their story. There is no big drama, I felt that the story flowed well between the two and when they finally got together, everything fell into place perfectly.

This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to read the second because the little glimpse we got at the end was so good!!!

Thanks to the author for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!

---

Esta historia creo que es la perfecta para este clima invernal, Lake y Nova son dos personajes encantadores y me gusto mucho leer su historia.

Desde Nova quedando atrapada en medio de una gran tormenta de nieve y siendo Lake quien la rescata y aunque no empezaron con el mejor pie y hasta un poquito entrado el libro siguen así, me gusto. Lake es nuestro jugador de hockey profesional que solo quiere estar solo para pasar la tormenta y aunque no quiera pasa ese tiempo atrapado con Nova y su perro (el cual para mi es el protagonista principal), se conocen de a poco pero también tienen sus idas y vueltas más de parte de Lake, pero lo entendí o sea, entendí porque era así cuando nos cuentan su historia. No hay un gran drama, sentí que la historia fluía bien entre los dos, además de que cuando por fin están juntos todo encajó perfectamente.

Este es el primer libro de una serie y no puedo esperar a leer el segundo por el pequeño vistazo que nos dieron al final de este fue genial!!!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a rescued and snowed in together romance with plenty of drama, trauma, and growth. It follows Nova and Lake, both of them having plenty of baggage that leads to their defense mechanisms. Lake will come off as abrasive, a jerk, because he hurts before he gets hurt. Nova will come off as flaky, flippant, and uncaring because when she starts to, she runs. They're flawed, just like real people, and because of this, they have to take the leap, let go, and grow.

They're probably the worst people to heal one another, their defenses making them butt up against each other painfully at points, but in the end, it works out. They find a way to heal with each other, FOR each other, and the growth is refreshing to see. I love to watch characters better themselves, and this one nailed it. Definitely recommend!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how this couple was written they were messy they were each dealing with crap and they had issues but yet they figured out their stuff. He was for sure an asshole at the beginning but Elise wrote him where you understand why he was the way he was. This couple had electricity and looking forward to more of this series.

[Paige]

DNF at 3%

Don’t like the voice

1.5.24

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

the plot, characters, AND writing are insufferable

[Ace · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.0
He's awful.

[Heather Socie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was such a strange story. I couldn't understand Lake at all. He was so extreme. Angry, no furniture, hating his job. Just. . .why?

[Vivien Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skating into the future!

Nova is running away from the life she's been living, packed her dog, Steve, and her things into her car and just left! Driving to her friend, Elle's brother, Knox house during a blizzard isn't the best idea especially when her car skids and takes them off the road. Lake is driving home when he sees Nova in the road and rescues her and Steve. Both soon realise that Knox and Elle have set them up. Both have history in their past that eats at them and this is evident in the interactions they have. The longer they live together, the more an attraction builds between them.
When their pasts appear in the present will it be too much for their building relationship or will it strengthen them? Can the need to run or hide take centre stage or can they find the strength to push through the feelings?
This book was such a great read, pulling out emotions that made you feel you were with them in person. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

why are you calling this man “honey”?? you’ve known him for 4 days. stand up!!!

[Gabby (bookishandballgowns) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.
The MMC, Lake, was a step past grumpy. Lmao I couldn’t get past the fact that he was actually just mean. 😆 I need my grumpy to come with a side of “but only soft for her,” and it took way too long for him to hit his redemption arc. He gave me the ick. Please seek out therapy, good sir.

Both characters were wishy washy in a way that made me rage. The whole book felt like they were taking one step forward, two steps back. Although their reasoning made some sense, I wasn’t enjoying myself as much as I wanted to.

But I still felt the need to see it through to the end. So take this with a grain of salt, you may end up still loving this book!

The premise is: Nova loses control of her car due to slippery roads on her way to a friend of a friends house. Then a giant grump plucks her off the side of the road. He’s mean, immediately acts like he hates her, and the homeowner of the address she has. Despite his obvious distaste for her, he drags her back to his one bedroom house.

Lake wants Nova out of his space yesterday. But the longer they stay snowed in together, the more he isn’t ready to say goodbye.

If you love forced proximity you might enjoy this. Although it wasn’t for me, I recommend you give it a try.

[Tess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I’d DNFed this book around 80%. That’s when I realized the hero was beyond a grumpy jerk and was a verbally abusive asshole. No, I actually considered dnfing right when I learned the two MMCs were named Nova and Lake. And the dog was named Steve. Ugh.

I felt bad for Nova, the fmc—she was a pushover and kind of stupid to boot.

I also hated that Lake, the mmc, was the team captain and hated almost everything and everyone at his job, but wasn’t willing to do anything about it. He was kind of fatalistic in his personal life and seemed to have given up in his work life.

There was a LOT going on in this book and it felt like most of it didn’t get a good resolution. Also, Knox and Ella were WEIRD siblings and setting Noba up like they did was NOT acceptable from friends.

Finally, I’m not sure what tense this book was supposed to be in because it changed frequently and for no reason. There were also some things that were just stated with no explanation, so I guess you had to have read prior books for them to make sense. An editor was very badly needed throughout this entire book.

[Jessica Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could do without the verbal and emotional abuse

This book had promise until it didn’t. The writing was sub-par, the story line was underwhelming and the amount of verbal and emotional abuse was enough to trigger anyone, and this coming from a main character. The writing was amateur at best with so many “fucks”. Would not read again.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova was having a hard time keeping her mind from panicking because the storm wasn’t supposed to come in until the next day. However, it was moving faster than anyone could have predicted. Since she hadn’t prepared to come home early from work yesterday due to being fired. It was something meant to happen sooner or later. What she sees cuts her unlike anything else, not since her grandmother passed away. Because she had always put her sister’s needs above her own. And this is the way she repaid her by bedding her now ex-boyfriend.

The two were far too comfortable with each other, so it had been going on for a while. Meaning that while she was away working on a photography assignment, they were together. So, without being detected once again, she slipped out and went to stay with Ella to regroup. She talked it over with her, and she decided that for once she would follow Ella’s advice. Ella had called her brother Knox, who plays hockey for the Sierra Hockey Team, to ask if she could stay at his new place. He said sure, the keys were under the rock in the same place. Once she knows they have gone to work, she goes home and packs all her worldly belongings. Once she’s packed, she hits the grocery store and heads out. Tahoe, here she comes. Hearing the weather updates, they were scaring her rather than helping.

Heck, she is a Cali girl through and through and feels proud of herself when she maneuvers the rain-slick streets. So, driving in snow? Ice? Sleet? Like she asks herself, what the heck is sleet anyway? On second thought, she didn't want to know she was having a hard enough time doing the snow thing. While she is on the road her car acts out a little, but she talks her old faithful car down.
Thinking by the last sign, she remembers seeing on the road, she should be getting close. She normally likes getting away from the city and being in the fresh air of nature.

Not a full-on winter whiteout! Then again, she wasn’t running from the hounds of hell (aka the hounds of her lame, pathetic, miserable life). She had to remember that she wasn't alone. Nova always had Steve her trusty companion, a small pug with attitude. When she finally sees the turn off she slowly inches her way to it, talking excitedly to Steve. Then, out of nowhere Steve barks and startles Nova. This caused her to pull the wheel to the right. With this, she instructs the masses in her head, whom she undoubtedly talked to in her head while driving, to keep calm. So, she said in general, wrong move. Because she slides off the road.

Now, being a girl who had taken pictures in jungles stared down wild animals, and been in war-torn countries, she was not going to allow a little snow to keep her from her destination. So, she put herself into action. She gave her dog some water and a treat and emptied his snacks into his duffle to use his plastic bowl to dig out the wheels. Never mind it was snowing so bad that it was fruitless, or that her bottom was half out in the middle of the road she was focused on her job. That is until a big bad dully drives up on her, nearly hitting her. She realizes the spot she is in, but she stops in defeat. But, boy does she stop when this behemoth of the man comes storming at her. He’s pissed she can tell just by his stomping.

He was mad before, but when he sees how she is dressed he is livid. She’s standing there in a hoodie, a pair of jeans, and sneakers wholly unsuited for the weather. A dang blizzard. When he takes a step toward her and feels something inside him settle, he sees them, sees her as she throws back her hood, sending deep brown hair falling down her back and shoulders. This says it all, “The sight is…sinful, beautiful, terrible.” He knew then his life was about to change, and this grumpy hockey player didn't like that one dog gone a bit.

Then, he finds out she’s a package deal to a man's ankle-eating dog he was trying to figure out what he did to piss off the hockey gurus to warrant this time. Read to find out how this meet-cute goes. See what traumas they have both lived through. See whether they are brave enough to share their past lives and their present lives. There will be times in the book when you are going to hate Lake believe me, I know. But, please keep reading, giving him the benefit of the doubt and the current male influences in his life who give him a verbal dressing down. Make sure you have tissues.

It will feel at times that Nova herself doesn't have a backbone, but remember in some way we are all scared battered, and bruised by either our past, our nearest past, or what we are living through now. Or maybe a loved one. But, remember no one can give you anything it takes hard work and F-N courage to say NO! That is a backbone. Or like her just leaving them both is one too.

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Hay algo en ti, algo que está escondido debajo de la superficie, y es como si esperara lo suficiente, emergería y —Dios, sueno como un idiota— Sé que será hermoso.'





•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




Over the line de Elise Faber Serie Sierra Hockey libro 1

Argumento:

Estoy atrapada en la nieve.

Con un famoso jugador de hockey.

Mi vida ha sido un desastre. Perdí mi trabajo, mi apartamento y mi dirección, así que cuando mi mejor amiga me sugiere un viaje de una semana a su casa en Tahoe, aprovecho la oportunidad para cambiar de escenario.

Sólo que no anticipé Snowmageddon.

No anticipé quedar atrapada al costado de la carretera y ser rescatada por un famoso jugador de hockey, y ciertamente no por Lake Jordan, centro estrella del equipo Sierra Hockey, modelo y empresario.

No anticipé tener que compartir su casa.

O que sólo habría un dormitorio.

Y no anticipé… que él podría querer retenerme.

Para siempre.



Mi humilde opinión:

Romance deportivo, hockey, proximidad forzada, atrapados en la nieve, héroe imbécil/gruñon.

Adoraba a Lake y Nova juntos pero detesté el comportamiento de él. Lake fue todo un imbécil. No pensé que sería así después de conocerlo en Snowed. Nova había pasado por algo horrible porque, tu hermana y tu novio engañandote? Lo peor! Y él lo sabe y la trata tan mal? Cero sensibilidad. Me sentía mal por ella y, a pesar de tener problemas propios, se aguantó este trato y fue valiente para quedarse. No es sino hasta pasada la mitad del libro que él mejora y se da cuenta de que Nova no es como las otras malas novias. Y le sale ese héroe dulce, protector, posesivo que esperaba ver!

Entendí que Lake tuviera un problema con las mujeres en su vida, realmente con su madre y sus exs era para quedar traumatizado pero me hubiera gustado que no necesitara que le dijeran que estaba siendo un imbécil con Nova. Una pena que le haya tomado tanto tiempo!

Nova tiene sus problemas, gente que ama es gente que la abandonó. Me gustó su crecimiento y como se defiende al final y decide ser valiente y arriesgarse por amor. Con Lake no fue algo fácil.

La historia tenía pasión, drama y hockey, me gusta la amistad que se está generando con el equipo de Sierra y quiero saber que pasará con los problemas internos.

No puedo esperar para leer a Elle y Riggs, qué mensaje escribió en el puck que le dio?

[Ria Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful start to this series

Sierra Hockey is Elise Faber's newest series. OVER THE LINE is a forced proximity, sizzling, emotional sports romance. It brings together a sexy, grumpy hockey player and a nature photographer whose world has fallen apart.

Nova Cassidy has just had the worse day ever and is on her way to a house in Lake Tahoe thanks to her best friend Ella. Not only was she fired, betrayed by two people who were meant to love her, but she's found herself stuck in a snowbank, with her dog, during Snowmageddon. To make matters even worse the man who rescues her is the most infuriating man she's ever met. Lake Jordan is the captain and star player for the Sierra hockey team. While Lake enjoys the company of his friends he prefers the isolation of his newly built home, he's on his way there when he comes across a woman stranded alone on the side of the road, it's the last thing he needs with Snowmageddon fast approaching. Lake takes Nova and her dog back to his home to ride out the storm, there's just one problem though, they don't exactly get along.

Lake may not have been the most likeable character when he was first introduced, he has his reasons, but as the story progresses his true self slowly begins to rise to the surface. Nova has always had disappointments in her life, and even though Lake is constantly rude to her she doesn't believe she deserves any better. Their isolation and time bring about a tentative friendship, they share their stories and slowly begin to open their hearts. I adored the little things Lake did for Nova and I loved the name he gave her; it fitted her perfectly. They both have a lot of emotional baggage to work through, often leading to some questionable decisions. They are perfect for each other, yet will they be able to let go of their pasts and insecurities to find true happiness?

The secondary characters in this book were a lot of fun, well some of them were. Lake's teammates were a hilarious group of guys. I really look forward to reading their stories. Nova's best friend Ella was such a little vixen, we should thank her though for her cheeky manipulating. The star of the book, in my eyes though was Steve, Nova's pet pug. He had a personality of his own and managed to steal many of the scenes.

OVER THE LINE is a wonderful start to this series.

Next up is Caught From Behind Riggs Ashford's story.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS

[Ivy]

This book started out absolutely great and the banter between Nova and Lake were absolutely hilarious and cute from the very beginning. I loved how grumpy Lake was from the start and how he was intrigued by Nova and the angst this book served was chef's kiss! This just might make it to one of my favorite sports romance list.

And yes Lake's pov was such a delight. He's funny in the way that he doesn't even know he's funny . He's so grumpy and so, so complicated and you hate him at times, feel bad for him at times but you absolutely always love him all the time. He is super difficult at times but has the sweetest, most comforting things to say to Nova and I just loved how he supported her in everything and also his pov when he was thinking Nova had me melting into a literal puddle. Also he's so freaking hot and please him calling Steve a pervert had me cackling. Ah Steve, I love that little demon so much!! And I just loved how both Nova and Lake loved him. He was the most perfect, little addition to the already perfect book.

And we have Nova. I related with her so much! Her itch to move away, to never stay in a moment , to have one foot out of the door was so like me and her just learning more about herself had me so happy and I absolute loved how she was written. She was Strong, resilient, sweet and patient. She's so patient I mean I would've smacked the ever loving shit out of Ashley really but Nova had the strength and goodness of heart to not do that and I absolutely loved her for that.

This book is literal perfection and it's not just sports romance wise but just a perfect book in general. It's funny, swoony, sweet & spicy, immersive and yes it has short chapters and dual povs that had me wishing the book never ended. I swear this book had me going through a roller coaster of emotions and had me staying up till the birds were chirping.
I love it when books make you feel like you're not reading but you're just experiencing things and this book is IT! I want to gatekeep it forever but also want the whole world to know cause it's a real gem! I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the Line is the first book set within the Sierra Hockey series. Nova has been kicked down one too many times, so now she’s escaping, but the snow makes traveling difficult. Her rescuer ends up being a grouch, but also someone kind and considerate and she can’t help but want to fall for him. But with the road calling her name, will Lake convince her to give them and love a chance, or will the present pressures be too much to handle?

Wow, this was a great read! I loved Nova and Lake and was invested in their story right from the very beginning! It was so fun to see their dynamic, and to see Lake more personally, and not just as a side character. He was much more grumpy than initially expected, but I loved his character arc, why he was the way he was, and I loved that we got to see a bit about what was going on behind scenes for the Sierra Hockey team. Nova was a breath of fresh air. I loved her sunny disposition, and loved the depth of her character as she felt like she needed to keep moving forward to avoid the pains of the present. Together, they made a great couple, both making mistakes, but also both putting forth the effort to make something beautiful and theirs. There was some interesting drama with both of their families, hockey drama, and drama that they created themselves, but honestly, the drama helped continue the story and strengthen the characters. The pace in this book was perfect, the connection felt real, and I am already excited to see what will come next out of this new series!

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVER THE LINE is the first book in a new hockey series, Sierra Hockey, with a character who has shown up in other books by this author - Lake Jordan.

I know I'm going to be in the minority here, but I struggled with these characters, I'm afraid. Nova had a lot of good qualities but was WAY too forgiving, and prepared to just go with the flow. That's okay so long as you don't get walked all over, and she was, by many people. How Lake spoke to her and she just accepted it. Lake is a grumpy git, with reason. But in pushing Nova away, he is not just grumpy, he is downright cruel. And he never apologised for his words after the first time in the kitchen. He's amazed Nova just let it go, and so was I! As for the exes (boyfriend and sister), I have no idea why Nova was with them for so long, especially if her feet get itchy when the going gets tough.

Anyway, moving swiftly past them, the world-building of this story was just what I would expect. There is plenty to be done in this hockey team, and I look forward to reading about the players mentioned so far. The pacing was brilliant, with never a dull moment.

I look forward to learning more about this team and the world they live in.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 6, 2023

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much snow a crashed car and a grumpy rescuer and that was just the icing on the cake for Nova after discovering something at home she flees after her friend Elle suggest Lake Tahoe she says her brother has a place there. Now there's only one bed and empty house and a rude hot hockey player Lake Jordan who really owns the house were she's supposed to stay now snowmageddon is going on his quit solitude is interrupted by a tiny demon that happens to be Nova's dog and Nova herself he's definitely made at his teammate over this. Lake he dosen't like anyone well he likes only a few people and he doesn't trust women past bad experiences and a crazy mother so he doesn't understand how Nova can just take all his crap. Poor Nova life sucks no job relationship down the drain and family that might as well be your worst enemy she puts up with allot and when things get hard she just hits the road but things are different with Lake she wants to try until someone from his past shows up will Nova stay or go and can Lake decide that not every women is out to use him.

Loved Lake and Nove in this brand new series but hated Lake's attitude and how he treated Nova sometimes. This book had great word building steamy moments and Nova finally stood up for herself by the end of the book so a good start to a new series and I look forward to Elle's book next.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a new hockey series by Elise Faber is definitely entertaining. Most of the book takes place while Nova is snowed in with Lake Jordan is his newly completed home. After having an emotionally horrific 24 hours, Nova accidentally ends up with her car buried in a snowbank.

Lake rescues the woman he nearly hits and discovers his teammate had offered up his house for the beautiful stranger and her little demon dog. The first few hours of these two encountering each other are drama-filled and hilarious. Steve, the pug/demon dog, is a true scene stealer and adds plenty of humor to the story.

Lake has appeared in previous books by the author and I’ve eagerly anticipated his book, so I was a little surprised at his grumpy and nearly nasty attitude, but when I learned about his backstory his attitude and reactions are understandable.

Both Lake and Nova’s default setting is to push people away or to run and keep moving forward. They each need to work on themselves despite tense situations triggering them to react instinctively and hurt the other. I enjoyed seeing these two make a conscious effort to change.

Definitely several new characters to get to know who will likely be featured in future books in this new series. The Sierra hockey team isn’t the right family like other teams in the author’s Gold or Breakers series.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star because the cover model is eye candy.
The only reason I did not DNF this was because it satisfied part of a reading challenge. I thought this was going to be a cute wintery sports romance. I was wrong. There was virtually no real plot, character development or really any redeeming qualities besides the dog. This book was complete insta-smut. Zero chemistry. The characters were incredibly immature. The FMC refers to a certain male body part as "his branch" over and over again. There were other irritating words such as, "blankies", "drinksies" and using "sissy" in reference to sister. I just couldn't get past the poor writing. I don't mind when MMCs are a little cocky, but Lake is just an asshole. I know this type of character might be appealing to some but through the entire book he does not change, and I found absolutely nothing about him appealing or attractive. I'll leave off with a quote from our FMC, Nova, showing proof of her lack of intelligence.

"See? I can think ahead. Can pause without rushing stupidly headfirst. So says the girl who was nearly fucked on the counter by a man I barely know all of five minutes earlier. At least I got an orgasm out of it."

.... At least she got an orgasm out of it???!!! I just don't understand this toxic thinking which is prevalent throughout the entire book. I would not recommend this book to anyone. There are far better sports romances out there.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the start of a new series and I always love when we see this hunky hockey players in new surroundings. Nova Cassidy is having a bad day? What else could go wrong? Lost her job, her relationship, her sister, her apartment and her purpose in life? When her best friend Ella offers her a place to stay at her brother's house in the Sierra Mountains around Tahoe to escape her life, how could she refuse? When snowmaggedon arrives, and her drive ends up with her car sliding off the road and a huge grumpy man yells at her for being so irresponsible, the answer is a lot can go wrong. Lake Jordan is the captain of the Sierra Hockey team and when he offers to drive Nova wherever she needs to go, he doesn't realize it's his house she's going to. And that makes him even more grumpy, as it's not just Nova, it's also Steve, the demon dog! Because of the mess of previous relationships in his life, Lake doesn't trust easily and especially women. Nova has always felt that she was disposable, so she has self worth issues that she needs to overcome. With troubled pasts, can these two forge a way forward?
This story was great. I loved the introduction of the new team players and the potential for many warm cozy fires! This story really brought out the depth of the characters and really made you want to engage and root for. So excited for the next installment.