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King of Cups
In Boston, hockey is a religion—he's a god, and she's not sure what she's supposed to believe in.
Eloise Davies is broke as a joke that wasn't funny the first time. Since leaving her job as a bench chemist, Eloise has pursued her dream in private investigation, all the while struggling to actually get anywhere. Her last-ditch effort is a case with the Boston Bruins, whose most promising recruit may have a darker past than a bright future. To get close to him and whatever he's hiding, Eloise will go undercover—that is, if she can get past the captain first.
Jacques Lavesque's picture-perfect image is starting to crack around the edges. He's in the middle of a contentious—but secret—separation from his wife, and on the cusp of what could be the most important hockey season of his career thanks to a closed-off rookie and the return of a controversial teammate. He is at an unfamiliar impasse, especially when it comes to the guilt-ridden allure of Eloise the intern. There's something about her that he just can't shake, and maybe doesn't want to shake.
As Jacques and Eloise circle each other—delicately, warily, but nevertheless magnetically—they will peel back layers of themselves to the people they want to be. But before they can get to those deeply-rooted hopes, they'll have to survive the emotional impact of this season—and all the secrets that come with it.
Eloise Davies is broke as a joke that wasn't funny the first time. Since leaving her job as a bench chemist, Eloise has pursued her dream in private investigation, all the while struggling to actually get anywhere. Her last-ditch effort is a case with the Boston Bruins, whose most promising recruit may have a darker past than a bright future. To get close to him and whatever he's hiding, Eloise will go undercover—that is, if she can get past the captain first.
Jacques Lavesque's picture-perfect image is starting to crack around the edges. He's in the middle of a contentious—but secret—separation from his wife, and on the cusp of what could be the most important hockey season of his career thanks to a closed-off rookie and the return of a controversial teammate. He is at an unfamiliar impasse, especially when it comes to the guilt-ridden allure of Eloise the intern. There's something about her that he just can't shake, and maybe doesn't want to shake.
As Jacques and Eloise circle each other—delicately, warily, but nevertheless magnetically—they will peel back layers of themselves to the people they want to be. But before they can get to those deeply-rooted hopes, they'll have to survive the emotional impact of this season—and all the secrets that come with it.
- GenresRomance
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2023
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe Woods
3 books10 followersPhoebe is a researcher, writer, adventurer, and hockey fan.
She has been obsessed with making people fall in love since she was six, and obsessed with hockey since she was twenty-six.
When she isn’t writing or blogging about hockey, she can be found in the woods outside of Philadelphia, or in the corner of your local Starbucks.
She has been obsessed with making people fall in love since she was six, and obsessed with hockey since she was twenty-six.
When she isn’t writing or blogging about hockey, she can be found in the woods outside of Philadelphia, or in the corner of your local Starbucks.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 3, 2023
Fully in love with this book!!! Heartachingly beautiful and so compelling. With a setting (both that of Boston and of professional sports) that feels almost like a character of its own, moments of true delighted loud-out-loud wit, and a healthy dose of intrigue, this story immediately has so much going for it. But it is Phoebe’s insightful, exquisite portrayal of her characters, their growth, and their relationships that what will hold me fast, still rooting for these characters long after I’ve finished it.
August 27, 2025
This book turns me into a total gremlin, I love it so much.
It's written with nuance and empathy, that allows the reader to sympathize with characters that other authors might have used as flat villains. It says a lot that I am as invested in and love the 'villains' of the story as much as I do the protagonists - not because I think they are good people but because I think they are interesting, and share qualities that we can find in ourselves.
There is so much texture to the entire world because you truly feel like every side character is a fully realized person, living their lives. You can picture Pell at home with Juliette and their daughter, getting a lecture on how his gatorade consumption is ruining the planet, or Lily and Hollis painstakingly making their monthly restaurant budget, or Connor reading Ralph Ellison at home with... his goat, just hoping someone would call so he could tell them he was reading Ralph Ellison.
The main love story is such a breath of fresh air. Both characters go through such an incredible trajectory and you can really feel the way they impact each other's lives. There is pining and awkwardness and misplaced but well targeted anger and so much deliciousness.
As a Massachusetts native I felt like the author captured so much truth about Boston - taking care of one's own, pride in our teams, generational expectations - and how that insularity can both garner and stifle growth and talent.
It is such a wonderful read for so many reasons and I will read anything this author writes - and can't wait for what she is writing next!!
It's written with nuance and empathy, that allows the reader to sympathize with characters that other authors might have used as flat villains. It says a lot that I am as invested in and love the 'villains' of the story as much as I do the protagonists - not because I think they are good people but because I think they are interesting, and share qualities that we can find in ourselves.
There is so much texture to the entire world because you truly feel like every side character is a fully realized person, living their lives. You can picture Pell at home with Juliette and their daughter, getting a lecture on how his gatorade consumption is ruining the planet, or Lily and Hollis painstakingly making their monthly restaurant budget, or Connor reading Ralph Ellison at home with... his goat, just hoping someone would call so he could tell them he was reading Ralph Ellison.
The main love story is such a breath of fresh air. Both characters go through such an incredible trajectory and you can really feel the way they impact each other's lives. There is pining and awkwardness and misplaced but well targeted anger and so much deliciousness.
As a Massachusetts native I felt like the author captured so much truth about Boston - taking care of one's own, pride in our teams, generational expectations - and how that insularity can both garner and stifle growth and talent.
It is such a wonderful read for so many reasons and I will read anything this author writes - and can't wait for what she is writing next!!
October 3, 2025
I’m a terribly slow reader, and this was one of those books that made me happy that I am—you want to settle into Woods’ characters, worlds, words. I do want to be clear that if you’re expecting a breezy hockey romance, you may be taken aback by King of Cups. Instead, expect a complex and compelling ensemble cast and mature, lyrical prose. She writes literary romance that deals with several intersecting themes. While the central relationship drives the plot (beautifully! Jacques and Eloise are heart-stopping), to be be known is a central theme of the novel, and the friendships with various Bruins players and other actors in Eloise’s life thread through the book and make it just this lovely, rich experience. I fell in love with the many characters alongside Eloise. I was incredibly impressed by the precision of this novel, too. It’s clear that Woods conducted a ton of research for King of Cups. Boston feels lifelike, another vibrant character in this cast, which was delightful to me, as someone familiar with that area of Massachusetts.
September 21, 2023
The romance is incredible, the characters are incredible, the plot is incredible, the dialogue is incredible. But the best, most incredible part of this book, was the way it deeply inspired me as a person. I had gone into this book expecting a cute hockey romance (which it absolutely nailed) yet I went away from this book with more trust in the goodness of humanity. The desire to become a better, kinder, more thoughtful person has stayed with me since I finished the book.
I cannot recommend King of Cups enough! For romance lovers, hockey lovers, or someone who wants a little more faith in humanity this is the perfect book!
I cannot recommend King of Cups enough! For romance lovers, hockey lovers, or someone who wants a little more faith in humanity this is the perfect book!
September 22, 2023
A little bit mystery vibes, a lot bit romance (though it’s very slow burn, in the best way), and the BEST cast of characters I’ve read in a long time (since maybe Harry Potter or Heist Society).
Contemporary romances are chronically bad at portraying interesting and realistic side characters (hot take), so it was magical to read a book that depicted realistic and wonderful friendships & relationships & family. The side characters did not—as I feel like they so often do—only serve the purpose of developing the plot. Instead, they were well fleshed-out and believable characters, who were IMPOSSIBLE not to love.
Also, Woods succeeded at making sports sound interesting.
Contemporary romances are chronically bad at portraying interesting and realistic side characters (hot take), so it was magical to read a book that depicted realistic and wonderful friendships & relationships & family. The side characters did not—as I feel like they so often do—only serve the purpose of developing the plot. Instead, they were well fleshed-out and believable characters, who were IMPOSSIBLE not to love.
Also, Woods succeeded at making sports sound interesting.
August 4, 2023
Been a long time since I’ve read a book that was so engrossing I almost skipped work so I could finish it. By the end of Chapter 1 I cared about Eloise more than some of my own blood relatives and I absolutely couldn’t put it down. Struggling from a career setback, developing new friendships after a period of loneliness, family issues (ugh), and the hopeful yet terrifying feelings of attraction.
And oh, what an attractive man! Hard not to fall for Jacques. Though he is far from perfect himself, despite the image of perfection required of him as team captain. My little hockey-loving heart was delighted by the realistic portrayal of the Boston Bruins team workings, player dynamics, various other NHL-ers, and the sport in general. Can I confess I had to google-check a few things to verify what was fact and what was fiction? I have added “Burnie’s rager” to my list of Fictional Parties I Would Like to Attend (right after the Netherfield Ball, thankyouverymuch).
My heart sunk and swooped. My heart raced and melted. Just what I’m looking for in a romance. 10/10 would recommend.
And oh, what an attractive man! Hard not to fall for Jacques. Though he is far from perfect himself, despite the image of perfection required of him as team captain. My little hockey-loving heart was delighted by the realistic portrayal of the Boston Bruins team workings, player dynamics, various other NHL-ers, and the sport in general. Can I confess I had to google-check a few things to verify what was fact and what was fiction? I have added “Burnie’s rager” to my list of Fictional Parties I Would Like to Attend (right after the Netherfield Ball, thankyouverymuch).
My heart sunk and swooped. My heart raced and melted. Just what I’m looking for in a romance. 10/10 would recommend.
August 16, 2023
Can we get Phoebe Woods to write everything???
From the richly layered characters to the dynamic Bostonian setting, I was hooked before the end of the first chapter. I’m still thinking about this book and I finished it over 36 hours ago!
More 30-something coming-of-age-again with romance novels, please and thank you. You won’t regret picking this one up.
From the richly layered characters to the dynamic Bostonian setting, I was hooked before the end of the first chapter. I’m still thinking about this book and I finished it over 36 hours ago!
More 30-something coming-of-age-again with romance novels, please and thank you. You won’t regret picking this one up.
August 10, 2023
i 100% read this to avoid real life responsibilities that are very stressful but also because once i started, it was really difficult to put it down, and put it down i did not.
if you're dying for a hockey romance that has zero spice and the world's best dish of slow burn, this is the book for you!! but also, the book does a fantastic job of musing on what it means to be seen and known by other people, how to move past failure and shame about that failure and how others perceive you, and how it matters that you invest time and effort in the people you love.
the yearning (!!!) in this is top notch. i have to sit with this book longer (along with all my stress from rl lmao) and will definitely be rereading this bb (!!) to shape my feelings into more coherent thoughts.
if you're dying for a hockey romance that has zero spice and the world's best dish of slow burn, this is the book for you!! but also, the book does a fantastic job of musing on what it means to be seen and known by other people, how to move past failure and shame about that failure and how others perceive you, and how it matters that you invest time and effort in the people you love.
the yearning (!!!) in this is top notch. i have to sit with this book longer (along with all my stress from rl lmao) and will definitely be rereading this bb (!!) to shape my feelings into more coherent thoughts.
August 11, 2023
Eloise is my favorite lead I’ve read in years, she was so compelling, I was rooting for her and wanting to be her friend the whole way through! It’s a beautiful love story, with the loveliest cast of side characters, and extremely well written villains. Im also suddenly a hockey fan even though I have never watched a single game (match?). 10/10 would recommend.
August 18, 2023
Nobody but Phoebe Woods could ever have made me read a book that had hockey ind the description - and like it.
Seriously, once I got really into it, I just couldn’t put this book down. The characters were SO complex and felt so real - even the minor characters were really well fleshed out.
It didn’t even matter that I loathe sports with all of my heart - The characters and the story were so compelling that I hardly even noticed that it was all set around a hockey team.
Seriously, once I got really into it, I just couldn’t put this book down. The characters were SO complex and felt so real - even the minor characters were really well fleshed out.
It didn’t even matter that I loathe sports with all of my heart - The characters and the story were so compelling that I hardly even noticed that it was all set around a hockey team.
January 14, 2024
I absolutely adored this book
One of the most compelling things (of which there are many) the author does in this book, is their ability to show the endless ways it really is okay to start over, as scary as it can be – to blow up your life – they tell a story that allows you to face those fears and understand that it is a leap worth taking. The supporting characters - each of which you’ll fall a little in love with, a little enamoured, a little I’d lay down my life for you – breathe more life into an already rich world.
Scenes that could have felt overcrowded, instead immerse you into the room and the author makes you feel like you’re laughing on the couch with the characters, sharing pointed looks across the room and experiencing the warmth of the kind of community most of us are always searching for. Even the characters who are the antagonists (though that feels too confining) I found myself invested in, wanting to know more about the why and the how. And because I was invested in them as well it made what the main characters and the emotions they were going through even more believable.
The main characters are expertly written, from the opening line of the book I was completely invested, the journeys they both go through are written with empathy and, I could not help but root for both of them both on their separate paths and their entwining ones. The love story is beautiful to read and if I were to keep typing it would be nonsense gushing because I just adored them so much. The way they impacted each other lives was compelling and everything about them is so vivid and wonderfully composed. Truly obsessed with them.
I did not want it to end. The kind of story you want to nestle in and live in. It did not lose any of its magic on the re read, I actually found myself falling more in love with it. So excited for whatever else this author brings to the table, it will surely be as thoughtfully crafted as this.
One of the most compelling things (of which there are many) the author does in this book, is their ability to show the endless ways it really is okay to start over, as scary as it can be – to blow up your life – they tell a story that allows you to face those fears and understand that it is a leap worth taking. The supporting characters - each of which you’ll fall a little in love with, a little enamoured, a little I’d lay down my life for you – breathe more life into an already rich world.
Scenes that could have felt overcrowded, instead immerse you into the room and the author makes you feel like you’re laughing on the couch with the characters, sharing pointed looks across the room and experiencing the warmth of the kind of community most of us are always searching for. Even the characters who are the antagonists (though that feels too confining) I found myself invested in, wanting to know more about the why and the how. And because I was invested in them as well it made what the main characters and the emotions they were going through even more believable.
The main characters are expertly written, from the opening line of the book I was completely invested, the journeys they both go through are written with empathy and, I could not help but root for both of them both on their separate paths and their entwining ones. The love story is beautiful to read and if I were to keep typing it would be nonsense gushing because I just adored them so much. The way they impacted each other lives was compelling and everything about them is so vivid and wonderfully composed. Truly obsessed with them.
I did not want it to end. The kind of story you want to nestle in and live in. It did not lose any of its magic on the re read, I actually found myself falling more in love with it. So excited for whatever else this author brings to the table, it will surely be as thoughtfully crafted as this.
October 12, 2023
Solid 3.5.
I will say I would not have read this if I knew it was a hockey romance… I literally thought it was fantasy from the cover 😭😂 but this surprised me. I was intrigued and finished it in a few days even tho I SWORE to never read hockey romances. anyways a few too many repeated phrases for me and also I was pissed that…
(SPOILER)
the couple gets together in the last 10 pages and literally kiss once and then it ends. Like …. ???? Ur going to put me through all this sexual tension and for what ?
I will say I would not have read this if I knew it was a hockey romance… I literally thought it was fantasy from the cover 😭😂 but this surprised me. I was intrigued and finished it in a few days even tho I SWORE to never read hockey romances. anyways a few too many repeated phrases for me and also I was pissed that…
(SPOILER)
the couple gets together in the last 10 pages and literally kiss once and then it ends. Like …. ???? Ur going to put me through all this sexual tension and for what ?
September 4, 2023
What a wonderful way to pass the end of summer! I am not a big romance reader or hockey fan (though maybe now.....) but I thought this was excellent. Fast-paced without feeling breakneck, light without being insubstantial, romantic without being saccharine. It's most impressive strengths were in the creation of the characters--Eloise is a realistic and deeply relatable heroine...she's chaotic and inconsistent, but naturally inclined to kindness. I loved that we were presented with a heroine that was imperfect but without falling into misogynistic traps of making her a manic pixie dream girl or requiring saving or turning her flaws into what makes her appealing to the hero. She felt like a real person! Similarly, I thought Jacques was a great hero. I so often find the men in romance novels dull? Like pieces of white bread stamped out in gingerbread shapes. But Jacques had a rich internal life and, despite being GoodTM, was compelling. I am often fascinated by the idea of the cost of kindness, the challenges of goodness, and this book explored it without falling into making Jacques a martyr. His PoV was actually my favorite to read throughout. His fight with Andrei was my favorite section to read.
The supporting cast also felt vivid and developed. Andrei, Burnie, Eloise's dad, Hollis, and Lily all felt fleshed out, even if they didn't receive very much screentime.
I (obviously) loved the Boston setting as well!!!
I can't wait to see what this author does next....I'm definitely a fan.
The supporting cast also felt vivid and developed. Andrei, Burnie, Eloise's dad, Hollis, and Lily all felt fleshed out, even if they didn't receive very much screentime.
I (obviously) loved the Boston setting as well!!!
I can't wait to see what this author does next....I'm definitely a fan.
May 13, 2024
When I selected this book, I overlooked that it's a romance. I was intrigued by the unlikely combination of the tarot reference in the title and ice hockey, along with the fact that the main character is a private investigator. Those elements combine to produce a story that's interesting and different, but there's no doubt that it's a romance.
Dialogue is one of the strongest aspects of this book. It conveys character perfectly, whether it's between siblings or among a group of hockey players. I felt I was right there, watching the characters interacting.
But the main focus is on emotions, specifically those of struggling private investigator Eloise and hockey star Jacques. Every nuance of their feelings is presented in detail, with a deft use of metaphor and simile. For example: "Love was an open palm even when it had once been a closed fist," and "Love was warm water that could cleanse you or close over your head." All kinds of love show up in this story: family love, self love, married love, the love among teammates. This enriches the plot and takes it beyond a simple love story.
At the same time, the narrative commentary is a bit excessive. Sometimes I felt as though the narrative voice was that of a psychologist doing a play-by-play and colour commentary on the relationships as they developed, stumbled, failed, and recovered. Just like what happens in the sport at the centre of the story. Despite this, the book was an enjoyable and diverting read.
Dialogue is one of the strongest aspects of this book. It conveys character perfectly, whether it's between siblings or among a group of hockey players. I felt I was right there, watching the characters interacting.
But the main focus is on emotions, specifically those of struggling private investigator Eloise and hockey star Jacques. Every nuance of their feelings is presented in detail, with a deft use of metaphor and simile. For example: "Love was an open palm even when it had once been a closed fist," and "Love was warm water that could cleanse you or close over your head." All kinds of love show up in this story: family love, self love, married love, the love among teammates. This enriches the plot and takes it beyond a simple love story.
At the same time, the narrative commentary is a bit excessive. Sometimes I felt as though the narrative voice was that of a psychologist doing a play-by-play and colour commentary on the relationships as they developed, stumbled, failed, and recovered. Just like what happens in the sport at the centre of the story. Despite this, the book was an enjoyable and diverting read.
July 28, 2023
If Jane Austen wrote a hockey romance...
I don’t even know where to start, this book is so so amazing. Textured characters, gorgeous prose, thoughtful musings about how we build love into our lives even when we feel unworthy of it (maybe especially then).
This, to me, is what a sports romance should be—I’m not a sports person at all, but this book made me Get It. All the imagery of hockey as religion was just... *excessive heart eyes emojis* so evocative. The author clearly has a deep love for hockey as well as a grasp of classic Austen-esque romance dynamics (seriously, Jacques/Eloise is SUCH a fantastic modern spin).
The relationships between the characters felt real, the emotional beats were so authentic, the themes about family were so varied and relatable. There is just So Much in this story, and it all weaves together beautifully.
I could go on and on and on, and then on some more, but mostly I recommend that you check it out and see for yourself! I think there’s something here for everyone that will really get at the heart of something so deeply personal and yet universal.
I don’t even know where to start, this book is so so amazing. Textured characters, gorgeous prose, thoughtful musings about how we build love into our lives even when we feel unworthy of it (maybe especially then).
This, to me, is what a sports romance should be—I’m not a sports person at all, but this book made me Get It. All the imagery of hockey as religion was just... *excessive heart eyes emojis* so evocative. The author clearly has a deep love for hockey as well as a grasp of classic Austen-esque romance dynamics (seriously, Jacques/Eloise is SUCH a fantastic modern spin).
The relationships between the characters felt real, the emotional beats were so authentic, the themes about family were so varied and relatable. There is just So Much in this story, and it all weaves together beautifully.
I could go on and on and on, and then on some more, but mostly I recommend that you check it out and see for yourself! I think there’s something here for everyone that will really get at the heart of something so deeply personal and yet universal.
August 20, 2023
King of Cups grabbed my attention from the first chapter, and I often found myself reading when I should have been doing something else. The promise of the mystery was so tantalizing, and the relationships so well developed that I had trouble putting it down. Phoebe Woods has such a beautiful writing style, often spending time with her characters in the quiet moments, letting them ruminate on their feelings and exist in the moment, and I think her character work is her greatest strength.
Woods is a master at creating characters that feel and act like real people. Eloise is intelligent, observant, and stubbornly refuses help for most of the book, but her growth toward the end feels organic and earned after what she has gone through. The same applies to other major characters like Jacques, Kyle, and Andrei. Even characters who flesh out the world around them feel like real people.
Fans of Book Lovers and other romance novels with complex characters and a hint of mystery would do well to give this a read—I highly recommend it.
Woods is a master at creating characters that feel and act like real people. Eloise is intelligent, observant, and stubbornly refuses help for most of the book, but her growth toward the end feels organic and earned after what she has gone through. The same applies to other major characters like Jacques, Kyle, and Andrei. Even characters who flesh out the world around them feel like real people.
Fans of Book Lovers and other romance novels with complex characters and a hint of mystery would do well to give this a read—I highly recommend it.
December 13, 2024
I found this book an absolutely delightful read! I found it in a local neighbor’s book library and had no idea what it was going to be about or who Phoebe Woods is.
What a wonderful surprise! Phoebe had a terrific ability to make the characters vibrant and alive and I was rooting for some while disgusted or disappointed with others. She was able to weave a story that could not help but pull you in and I had difficulty going to bed each night until I finished the book in just a few days because I literally could not put it down.
It was not only a well written love story but the history of Boston and the hockey knowledge woven throughout was engaging and informative and made me excited to turn the page.
Excellent story line and plot
Excellent character development
Well written and delightful.
I happily passed this book on to a dear friend who loves hockey and I am sure she will love it as well.
I have book two ready on my night stand!
What a wonderful surprise! Phoebe had a terrific ability to make the characters vibrant and alive and I was rooting for some while disgusted or disappointed with others. She was able to weave a story that could not help but pull you in and I had difficulty going to bed each night until I finished the book in just a few days because I literally could not put it down.
It was not only a well written love story but the history of Boston and the hockey knowledge woven throughout was engaging and informative and made me excited to turn the page.
Excellent story line and plot
Excellent character development
Well written and delightful.
I happily passed this book on to a dear friend who loves hockey and I am sure she will love it as well.
I have book two ready on my night stand!
August 1, 2023
Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...this is a new must-reread-yearly (at least) favorite from breakout author Phoebe Woods.
If you like complex characters and relationships (you'll even find something to like about the villains of the piece and something to love about nearly everyone else), romance that never wanders into schmaltz, hockey, and flawless writing, you will want to check out this fabulous book.
You probably don't even have to like hockey all that much. I haven't watched a full game since 1988, not having cable. I do follow hockey tumblr, though, which gave me just enough knowledge to be even more in love with this fantastic book.
Looking forward to more from Phoebe Woods!
(Note to my goodreads friends: if the rather high smut level of my usual romance recommendations puts you off, this is a safe bet!)
If you like complex characters and relationships (you'll even find something to like about the villains of the piece and something to love about nearly everyone else), romance that never wanders into schmaltz, hockey, and flawless writing, you will want to check out this fabulous book.
You probably don't even have to like hockey all that much. I haven't watched a full game since 1988, not having cable. I do follow hockey tumblr, though, which gave me just enough knowledge to be even more in love with this fantastic book.
Looking forward to more from Phoebe Woods!
(Note to my goodreads friends: if the rather high smut level of my usual romance recommendations puts you off, this is a safe bet!)
April 11, 2025
I discovered a copy of this book in a free library cupboard with a handwritten note from the author, Phoebe Stone. She was hoping someone would read the book and post about it on Goodreads. Admiring her gumption, I read this book, even though I rarely read romance or mysteries.
It was a fun and enjoyable read, even if less polished than books that make it through the typical marketing and editorial machine. The romance between the plucky private eye, Eloise, and the star hockey player, Jacques, takes 400 pages to build. Wood deftly blends romance and noir genres and peppers the novels with observations about hockey, blue-collar Boston, family life, and millennial malaise. I’m grateful to Woods for showing me the talent outside the NYT-NPR fiction loop and right inside the Broomall Starbucks.
It was a fun and enjoyable read, even if less polished than books that make it through the typical marketing and editorial machine. The romance between the plucky private eye, Eloise, and the star hockey player, Jacques, takes 400 pages to build. Wood deftly blends romance and noir genres and peppers the novels with observations about hockey, blue-collar Boston, family life, and millennial malaise. I’m grateful to Woods for showing me the talent outside the NYT-NPR fiction loop and right inside the Broomall Starbucks.
August 24, 2023
Before reading this novel I was a bit unsure whether it would be "for me", since I haven't seen a single Hockey game in my entire life, I know nothing about it, except that there are men skating on the ice.
However, the author did a great job at introducing the sport for newcomers.
The novel has a mixture of romance, detective story and sports, but it is also the journey of the main character coming to terms with herself and kind of finding herself new.
The writing was done very beautifully and each single side-character felt fleshed out and realistic.
They really grew on me and it felt kind of sad to let them go in the end.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes well-written slow-burn romance. You don't have to be into sports to enjoy that book!
However, the author did a great job at introducing the sport for newcomers.
The novel has a mixture of romance, detective story and sports, but it is also the journey of the main character coming to terms with herself and kind of finding herself new.
The writing was done very beautifully and each single side-character felt fleshed out and realistic.
They really grew on me and it felt kind of sad to let them go in the end.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes well-written slow-burn romance. You don't have to be into sports to enjoy that book!
September 7, 2024
What a fantastic debut novel!!!
I really loved this book — the main characters feel so real and rooted in themselves.
While I’m a beginner to hockey romance, I love how this book pushes boundaries and blends genres. It’s funny, romantic, introspective. I found I really related to the main characters’ search to re-find themselves in their thirties and try to make sense of where life had taken them and what they want in their future.
I really liked the themes of tarot and detective work sprinkled throughout.
The author has a wonderful mastery of setting scenes, grounding everything in concrete detail (especially place), and her prose feels so immediate and personal.
Strongly recommend this book and that you go check out her other books!!
I really loved this book — the main characters feel so real and rooted in themselves.
While I’m a beginner to hockey romance, I love how this book pushes boundaries and blends genres. It’s funny, romantic, introspective. I found I really related to the main characters’ search to re-find themselves in their thirties and try to make sense of where life had taken them and what they want in their future.
I really liked the themes of tarot and detective work sprinkled throughout.
The author has a wonderful mastery of setting scenes, grounding everything in concrete detail (especially place), and her prose feels so immediate and personal.
Strongly recommend this book and that you go check out her other books!!
June 22, 2025
Just re-read this in anticipation of reading Verdilak and I found it just as hard to put down as I did the first time around. King of Cups is filled with complex characters, each of whom has secrets. The author does an excellent job of unraveling the secrets one by one and a each is revealed the reader is drawn deeper into the story.
January 4, 2025
The least "hockey romance" of any hockey romance I've ever read. Didn't hit the usual beats, but had interesting characters
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