Penalized Love

Crestwood University #2

by Emery Paige

So far, nothing is going to plan for Isla Johnson, but she’s determined to navigate her new reality on her terms. After being forced to cut her semester abroad short due to her overprotective parents, Isla can’t help but be devastated. Her vow never to attend her hometown’s college because of a certain someone is thrown up in flames once her father pulls a few strings to get her transferred to Crestwood University. The only thing that makes her feel whole is her camera, which helps her look at the world through a different lens—one without pain.

Asher Bennett’s focus needs to be on hockey. Between helping his mother and sister financially, his studies, and his commitment to his teammates, his schedule is packed. But with Isla’s unexpected return to town, his whole world is flipped upside down, and all he can think about is the summer fling they had years ago.

Isla is pretending she doesn’t want anything to do with him, and he shouldn’t want to be involved with her, either. After all, Isla is now the new team photographer for the Crestwood Red Wolves, and she’s the coach’s daughter.

But they could have an encore before he finally lets her go.

Challenge: Accepted.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey Romance, Second Chance, College, Sports

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
Started: 13th July 2025
Finished: 17th July 2025
✩‧₊꒰ ⊹ ࣪—˚Final thoughts 


╭⊹ ₊˚⊹ “𝙃𝙚𝙮 𝙄 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮? 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙖 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚”.

˚ ┊✦ I am so glad I am starting this series off again I loved the first one so much! The characters and the hockey team knowing each male on the team individually just melts my heart I just hope this new male character melted me same way Levi did in the first book. I swear to god this series is by far my favourite hockey romance for this month to say I found this really intimidating when I first saw it now I’m hooked

╭⊹ ₊˚⊹
˚ ┊✦ isla- my sweet darling Isla she has been a rockstar during this book I admired her uniqueness especially having been diagnosed finally after suffering with her symptoms for so long after travelling in Europe she finally has the news she deserves to get the right treatment for her symptoms to get better for her daily life.! I admired that she didn’t let it ruin her outside /carrer life going to university where her ex is the star of a hockey player can get those mixed feelings back for sure.


╭⊹ ₊˚⊹.

˚┊✦ Asher - I loved Asher so much at first it took me a while to like him to say he had such shyness to him at the start with but of family issues in the background also trying to keep them out the spotlight with him being captain of major hockey team just ugh so sweet!!

╭⊹ ₊˚⊹" 𝙞 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣𝙩.𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪".
˚┊✦ romance - the romance was just epic in this book the way they both cared for each other they have come along way since being an ex to each other growing apart then being back in each others lives.
I really admired the authors writing style in this when it came to important health issues including the diagonisis for Isla why she now has these symptoms Asher being there for her on her worst days not giving a damn sometimes about hockey 😭😭like dude stop melting my heart like this!!

Even though it took me so long to finish (that’s just because I’ve been too busy with last week at work) this book was just so fun seeing new characters forming into enemies tobeing an ex to lovers scenario I just loved these too by far Isla killed it being the star of this book!
And I can’t wait to learn more about the next 2 characters in last 2 books of this series! So excited !! 
•̩̩͙✦𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛 & 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐•̩̩͙✦

⭐️4.5
🌶 5.6



🍉⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒

[ellie ୨୧*･ ( ivy’s version ) · Rating 2 out of 5]

i did loved the story between Asher and Isla

reunited after they broke up three years ago and dating with coach's daughter
forbidden hockey romance
but some of the parts weren't necessary in my opinion...

[Bendoos · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
🌶️🌶️

The characters felt like robots. I feel like the author wrote this with AI😞 The only thing that felt like it was written from the heart, was FMC’s illness, which the author has in real life. I also think the epilogue was not needed, the book kinda wrapped up randomly.

I didn’t DNF this, because I actually liked Asher, he was a sweetheart🙏

[belu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute book to read. I really liked it.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[AmyJ_booktok · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to LoveNotesPR for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Rating - 3⭐️
Spice - 1🌶️

In this book we follow Isla, who has just had to come home from studying I’m Italy as she is unwell. She then gets a diagnosis of PCOS, and it floors her. She decides to make the move back home and join the university where her dad works; there is only one problem; the person that broke her heart going to that university AND is on her dads hockey team. She bites the bullet and decides to ignore him, but that becomes impossible and she has to face the past…will an old flame be reunited or has their love for each over iced over😉

This was a quick easy read, I didn’t even know this book was the second in a series, and can say you do not need to read the first book before this. The banter was great and the PCOS representation was amazing to see in an ice hockey romance. My main complaint would just be that most of the book read very YA to me, which made the spice feel out of place. Other than that an easy quick romance!

[Michelle Oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! SUCH a quick, fun, palate cleanser of a book. I read 80% in one sitting and couldn’t put it down.

Story line - very cute! I haven’t read a ton of second chance romances and thought the plot was actually fun to follow. I loved the family aspects and Islas relationship with her dad.

Characters - again, loved.. but I would’ve liked a little more. More abt Asher’s family problems, Islas PCOS struggle, idk.. just itching for more. Everyone was love able and easy to read though.

Writing - this is what brings the book down for me.. I LOVED the story and the spice, but felt like the writing was just a happy medium. Not too intense, but not juvenile.. just easy to read and keep up with. Like I said, a palate cleanser, a perfectly fine book to get you out of a reading slump!

Thank you to the love notes PR team and the author for the advanced copy 🩶

[Savanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super super lucky to get an ARC of this!! I was excited and intrigued after reading the first one in the series because we had a mention of our MMC and I wanted to know more!

One of my favorite things about this book was the representation of PCOS. So often romance books struggle to talk about illness and the impact it can have on a woman’s ability to feel like she is her best self. The author did a wonderful job giving us insight into the struggles of the FMC and how she used her love interest as a support person.

And of course the love story had my kicking my feet! Second chance, working together and she’s the coaches daughter?! Chefs kiss!

I wanted more in certain areas but overall would definitely recommend to all my romance lovers out there!!

[Hannah Dailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a very cute, short read. When the Hockey Coach’s daughter returns home because of her medical condition, she finds herself crossing paths once again with her former flame.

Isla was supposed to be traversing Italy and living it up in her Junior year of college. Asher is supposed to focused on finishing his senior year and setting his family up for the future.

Well, when Isla returns home AND becomes the newest photographer for the Hockey Team at Crestwood U…well let’s just say, old habits die hard.

Give me spice, give me the hockey boys, and give me an adorable second chance at love? Yup, this one is a winner! If you are in your Hockey Romance era, please add this to your TBR! You will enjoy it 😉

[Emma !! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc read ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⭐️3

"I could watch you fall apart like that very day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it."

The book started of very strong with the epiloge, but for me the book started going down after that. It was an quick read but i had an hard time picking it up. Maybe i don't read enough second chance romances but i didn't get why isla got back with him. And i didnt understand why they broke up in the first place?? I read with so much time in between and just skimmed over some parts and the spice.

Asher was such an sweetheart! The things he remembers from their earlier relationship were so cute. The PCOS was so intresting to read about and i felt like such an good representation!!🤍

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Emery for sending me the file for me to Beta read.

In Penalized Love we read about Asher and Isla. They meet each other at a party, where they end up making out. Asher soon learns she’s his coach’s daughter. When there is a small problem of him not being able to stay in the dorm/apartment, coach suggests he stays with his family for a couple of weeks up until school starts.

Flash forward three years. Isla has to come ‘home’ from NYU due to health issues. She soon discovers to have an invisible illness. Thats when her father tells her, he asked the college he works for if Isla can enrol there to continue her studies. So she’ll be attending Crestwood University. Which happens to be the same college Asher attends. The same Asher that broke her heart three years ago. Can her heart handle it?

I absolutely adored Asher and Isla. They are absolutely incredible together. Between Levi and Hailey (from Sidelined Love) and them, they are my favourite couple out of the two. (But the next couples MIGHT kick them from their pedestal 🙈)

The sparks between the two were absolutely there and chemistry too. I’d loved for it to have a little more grovelling on Asher his side, but the things he did had me melting. He was very considerate and also understanding when he learned of her illness. I also love the side characters and can only hope that there will be book about some of the other teammates (Wilder, Knox and Blaise🙈)

Tropes;
🏒 Second Chance
🏒 Coach’s Daughter
🏒 Hockey player x Team Photographer
🏒 Invisible Disability
🏒 Found Family
🏒 No third act break up

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️📸🏒 Penalised Love 🏒📸❤️

⭐ 3.75/5 stars

This was a super cute, second chance romance by a new to me Author Emery Paige. The book tells of Isla and Asher's romance and starts three years in the past where a chance encounter at a college party leads to a love at first sight moment. Which is then in turn, turned upside down by the discover of Asher being on Isla’s fathers Ice Hockey team. And it is one thing we all know is that you don't mess with the Coach’s daughter. The story goes to present day when Isla is being diagnosed with PCOS and having to deal with the horrible side effects and this is all wrote in the most compassionate and truthful way. Isla has to move back home to get treatment etc and ends up going to the same University as her Father works at.
Asher is trying to juggle everything he has going on his life but seeing Isla again puts him in a different mind of what his priorities are. He is so sweet and endearing in this book and the moment he brought her goodies swoon worthy.
This kind of book isn't my usual cup of tea bit it is nice to have a change of pace. The book in general is low angst with no break ups or miscommunication thank gods and people talk to each other and normal conversation. The few spicy scenes there are you aren't sat there wondering how they do that or know that being college kids. I lovely written book all round.

“I loved you more than anything. Don’t ever think I didn’t. Even with all the things that happened, never for a second doubt my love for you.”

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and we follow Asher and Isla this time as they face each other for the first time after their break up 3 years ago. This is a second chance hockey romance, and you can tell things are a little tense at the beginning, but it doesn't take long for them to get that spark going again.

I like that Emery Paige represents another hidden condition in this book. She does a great job at bringing these conditions to life and showing us that we really don't know what people are going through under the surface. The way Asher handles the news of Isla's diagnosis and supports her is so sweet, and I can't get enough of the way he cares for her throughout this book. Asher is 100% a golden retriever and gets so much joy from making sure his girl is safe and happy, which just melts my heart.

That being said, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. I felt as though something was missing. Like it needed an extra kick to it. Some parts were beginning to feel predictable and a little repetitive. Their relationship was so cute and wholesome, but I would expect a little more heat/grovelling in a second chance romance. A character was introduced, and I was given the impression that something big was going to go down with them, but it didn't. If they aren't featured in a future book, then I'm a little confused regarding the interactions we had with them.

Thank you so much to LoveNotes PR and the author for allowing me the chance to read an e-ARC of this book.

[Ketki Tiwari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you Love Notes PR and Emery Paige for the ARC.

The story kicks off with Isla moving back home and transferring to Crestwood University after her PCOS diagnosis, which makes it tough for her to live far from her family. So, she decides to bring her love for photography to Crestwood, where her dad happens to be the hockey coach. Sounds straightforward, right? Not so much—because guess who’s the star player of the hockey team? Asher, the guy who broke her heart a few years ago. Cue all the tension, nostalgia, and second-chance vibes as these two navigate their unresolved feelings and slowly work toward a happy ending.

This was a fast paced and fun read. The PCOS representation and no third act of breakup was what I loved the most about the book. I wish I could had more insights on Asher's struggle and some heated banter and chemistry between main characters. After a point the chemistry and dialogues became a bit bland.

But if you’re in the mood for an easy, feel-good second-chance romance with a hockey twist, this one’s for you. And now I can't wait for the next book because I know Selena and Knox will be a banger!

*I haven't read the first book in series and still enjoyed the second book so the books can be read as standalone.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Isla and Asher is one that stayed with me long after I closed the book. Isla’s journey, especially with the sensitive representation of her illness, was inspiring and handled with so much care. Pairing her vulnerability and strength with Asher’s determination to win her back was just perfect. And let’s talk about Asher—his groveling was chef’s kiss. He knew he messed up, and he put in the work to make things right, which made their second-chance romance so satisfying.

The forbidden aspect of Isla being the coach’s daughter added just the right amount of tension to keep the stakes high, while the banter and sass between them had me laughing out loud. Isla’s wit and Asher’s charm were a match made in romance heaven.

What I especially loved was the absence of a third-act breakup—it’s so refreshing to see a couple face challenges and grow together rather than apart. The ending was beautifully done, and the teaser for the next book? Let’s just say I’m counting down the days until we see what happens next.

[Literally_Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ Arc Reader ✨️

Penalized Love was a fun read. I'm rating it 4 out of 5 stars. I thought it was a cute lil forbidden love book. I'm a sucker for a good hockey romance book so this book was right up my alley personally. I think parts of it were a teeny tiny bit slow, but once the book progresses it gets better! The spice was definetly spicey and I'd definitely recommend this book if you're on the market for something fun to read.

I also really appreciated the talk of PCOS in the book as it's something that often doesn't come up in romance books. I really appreciate that the mmc also had a moment where he was doing research to try and understand her and figure out things he could do to help the fmc. It was a sweet addition and was definitely swoon worthy.

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm greatful that I got to arc read this! 🩷

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penalized Love follows Isla who is forced to transfer to Crestwood University. She never wanted to attend Crestwood University because her ex-Asher goes there. They did not end things on the best of terms. Asher is determined to win her back. Isla wants nothing to do with him at first. But then she starts to realize maybe she should give Asher another shot. 

I am normally not really a fan of the second-chance romance trope. But in the case of this book I did. I thought Asher and Isla were super cute. I will say I felt like we did not get that backstory between the two of them. I wish that we did because I think they are such a cute couple. I love how this book had PCOS representation. I don't see that in many books and I love that the author brought awareness to that. I did think the ending of this book was a bit rushed. But this was such a cute lighthearted romance. 

Thank you so much Emery Paige and Love Notes PR for the ARC of this book! 

[Angies.hookedonbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penalized Love - Emery Paige
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

I’ve been loving second chance romances lately and this was the perfect read for it!

Isla Johnson, was off chasing her dreams before she had to put it all on pause and move home due to her health. The last thing she needed was to run into her ex. Did she expect to see him? Sure. Did she think she’d want to punch him if they ever crossed paths again? Maybe…

Asher Bennett, a rising hockey star, has a serious case of dejavu when he sees Isla on campus. Their history is complicated to say the least. How do you explain to your coach that you’re into his daughter? But more importantly, how will you prove to the girl that got away that you’re all in this time?

Thank you LoveNotesPR for the ARC copy🥹

Penalized Love is out now!!

[Art Rat · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Asher and Isla were so cute! Overall this book was a cute, second chance hockey romance. I loved the PCOS representation and awareness in this book especially since I was not really aware of this disorder before reading this book. This book is extremely detailed and thorough. One thing that I struggled with when reading this book was just a little bit of the dramatics to it. Somethings throughout felt blow out of portion and had the characters stressing over small things. Other than that and a few slightly cringey moments, I think this book is a fun read!

Thank you Emery Paige and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC Read this book!

[Lisa Hambridge (lisamareebooks1109) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written second chance coach's daughter hockey romance that is a must-read if you enjoy a hockey player who falls for the daughter of his coach plot.
Isla and Asher had a brief first meeting, and they hit it off, but it ends when Asher learns she is the coach's daughter, years later, they reconnect when Isla gets a job as the hockey team's photographer, I enjoyed the bond that formed between isla and Asher, especially when she is unwell.
The book had characters I loved and a plot that was brilliantly developed.

Thank you to Emery and LOVENOTES PR for the eARC.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute second chance romance! I really enjoyed Isla and Asher’s story.

Isla and Asher were so fun to read. The tension and chemistry between them oozed off the page and I loved how much they couldn’t resist each other even know they knew they shouldn’t. Asher is the star hockey player at their university and Isla is the coaches daughter so there is a little forbidden aspect to the story that I loved!

I’m so excited to see what’s next for this series! Thank you so much to Emery and Love Notes PR for allowing me to read this arc.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a second chance college romance between Asher and Isla who had been high school sweethearts before Asher broke up with her. When Isla returns home after a medical diagnosis she enrolls in Crestwood University where Asher is a player on the hockey team that her father coaches.

When Asher starts to make moves to try to win her back in spite of the past, she’s hesitant. When she gets a shot to be the hockey team photographer, she and Asher become close again and their love is rekindled.

It’s a sweet and steamy new adult romance. It was a very enjoyable read!

[LeeAnn Bringas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was your typical smutty college hockey romance. I loved that there was not a third act breakup. I was waiting for it and was pleasantly surprised when we didn’t get it.

Isla’s PCOS was such a big deal/theme at the beginning and I felt like it was brushed over very quickly. I wish we would’ve gotten more from her journey with it.

I loved their journey to reconnecting and opening up to each other. Asher was so supportive and we love him.

[Bookish_becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The invisible illness representation as the FMC has PCOS and struggles with it a lot through the book. It’s a second chance romance as the main characters dated at the start of college but mistakes were made and they broke up. She’s now transferred to his college and old feelings come back. She’s also the coaches daughter so they have to navigate the twists and turns of that. I felt like the spice level in this book was perfect.

[Mariah Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review 🖤

4.25/5⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

•Hockey Romance
•It’s always been you
•PCOS

Hockey romance books are some of my favorite to read. This book had me hooked. I loved Isla & Asher’s relationship.

This was my first book of Emery’s, but it won’t be my last. I can’t wait for Selene & Knox’s book!
Thank you LoveNotesPR & Enery for the ARC!

[M T · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure why I read this since I didn’t like the first book in the series. Still reads like it was written by AI!

[Clara Gilleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry between these two is off the charts!!!!!!!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

second chance cuties <3 <3 <3

[Kacey Daniels {hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I had no idea this book was a second chance romance between the two which led me to be a little confused at first. It was a little slow at the beginning. However, I got over this and it ended up being a very enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the friends. Asher’s groveling was super fun. Islas dad was great. I appreciated that he didn’t make a big drama when they announced that they were together. All the supporting characters were so fun and likable. I hope to see more of their books soon. This was a super fun second chance sports romance that was an easy quick read. I would definitely recommend.

[Pri · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I read many sports romances, and I think this story is healthy and beautiful. I love how the author described the story. It not only told their love but also highlighted their passion and career achievements.


Asher and Isla, the second-chance couple, are absolutely adorable. They are such a cute couple. And let me tell you, Asher's mouth is full of spice.
I love how the author doesn't portray Isla as weak because of her illness.


Favourite scene: when he gave her the pandent. It's so cute,this scene melt my heart


I'm very excited for Selene and Knox's story



⭐⭐⭐.9
🌶️🌶️🌶️