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Covey crushers #1
The Draft
He might be Covey U's hottest goalie, but he's been unknowingly tending my heart for years.
Brooding. Grumpy. Loyal.
Those were just a few words to describe the Goalie that captured my heart all those years ago in high school - Dash Bridges
I can't deny that I've always had my eye on my brother's pensive best friend and teammate. He's been there for me in ways I can't describe, so when the opportunity presented itself to go on a speed date with him, how could I say no?
It was supposed to be innocent. We were supposed to have fun, but when I realized there was a simmering hope for something more, I may have pushed the boundaries a little. Okay, okay. I shoved them right over the cliff and fell right along with them.Now, I'm in unchartered territory, hoping for more with Dash while he wonders if he can ever look at my brother again without feeling guilty. I have no one to blame but myself for the predicament I'm in, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up.
Dash Bridges is going to admit his love for me, it's just a matter of time.
Find out what happens when Madison's brother's best friend becomes the ultimate play?
Brooding. Grumpy. Loyal.
Those were just a few words to describe the Goalie that captured my heart all those years ago in high school - Dash Bridges
I can't deny that I've always had my eye on my brother's pensive best friend and teammate. He's been there for me in ways I can't describe, so when the opportunity presented itself to go on a speed date with him, how could I say no?
It was supposed to be innocent. We were supposed to have fun, but when I realized there was a simmering hope for something more, I may have pushed the boundaries a little. Okay, okay. I shoved them right over the cliff and fell right along with them.Now, I'm in unchartered territory, hoping for more with Dash while he wonders if he can ever look at my brother again without feeling guilty. I have no one to blame but myself for the predicament I'm in, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up.
Dash Bridges is going to admit his love for me, it's just a matter of time.
Find out what happens when Madison's brother's best friend becomes the ultimate play?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
486 people are currently reading
1819 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 5, 2025
2/5
This story was a cute and quick read. The tropes are forbidden romance and brothers best friend.
There’s no sub plot…
Quite literally it just seems like they have no life outside of each other. Madison literally has no friends.
Dash was cute and a good MMC but honestly his infatuation with Madison was a bit much especially when it caused him to be a horrible goalie.
Madison honestly pissed me off because there was nothing of substance to her character… at all…
Plus the fact that she kept thinking everything was a game was beyond infuriating. She kept going back and forth and overthinking absolutely everything.
She literally went to her classes and hung out with Dash… that’s it… that was her entire personality oh and flirting with everything that walked! She was just a bland character and not my favorite honestly. I did not like how she lied and then coerced him…
I liked the concept of the book. Just not sure it was for me.
This story was a cute and quick read. The tropes are forbidden romance and brothers best friend.
There’s no sub plot…
Quite literally it just seems like they have no life outside of each other. Madison literally has no friends.
Dash was cute and a good MMC but honestly his infatuation with Madison was a bit much especially when it caused him to be a horrible goalie.
Madison honestly pissed me off because there was nothing of substance to her character… at all…
Plus the fact that she kept thinking everything was a game was beyond infuriating. She kept going back and forth and overthinking absolutely everything.
She literally went to her classes and hung out with Dash… that’s it… that was her entire personality oh and flirting with everything that walked! She was just a bland character and not my favorite honestly. I did not like how she lied and then coerced him…
I liked the concept of the book. Just not sure it was for me.
August 3, 2025
Rating - ⭐.5
Spice - 🌶
Trope - brother's best friend, forced proximity, forbidden, college romance, it's always been you, secret crush and relationship, grumpy sunshine, sports romance, mention of cheating
Bonus chapter - 1
This was so bad that I wanted to hit myself repeatedly. When I don't like a book, I usually try to find something good regardless of how much I hate it. For this one, I could only name a handful of things, like some good comic moments and Dash's character, to a certain extent - the extra 0.5 star is just for them.
This book starts with Dash being forced to attend a dating event at his college. There, he talks about his best friend's beautiful little sister, whom he has always pined for.
Madison is Dash's best friend's sister, she has always had a thing for him but once she realises he's not gonna ever be with her - she starts playing mind games with him. This girl PISSED me OFF!! She behaved like a toddler who was told no for having their favourite candy. Her character had no depth. Most of the connections that Madison had felt forced/one-sided—it was mostly because of how scary her brother was —but I just wish people and she, tried a little. Also, her comebacks/retorts were embarrassing for both her and me.
The push and pull in their relationship,—because of him not wanting to ruin his friendship and her wanting what she can't have— was rather infuriating than angsty. Both the characters had NO life outside of each other - life doesn't work that way 😭.
Dash was broody and sweet, but his letting his relationship/attraction ruin his game got on my nerves, like boy, FOCUS!! His character was most intriguing- his emotions and feelings were the only things that made the book a bit interesting. However, one thing I didn't like about him was how he got so engaged in hiding the "truth" that he didn't even see his best friend struggling in front of him.
The final drama was again so childish, I literally skimmed through it.
Side character -
* Cade - After a certain point, I felt bad for him; he genuinely was worried about his sister, and both his sister and best friend kept lying to him.
* Henry - I kinda had mixed feelings about him. He truly sounded remorseful when he apologised to Madison about the past. He also made more amends than anyone in this book.
* Scotty, Alex, and Eric were fun, and so were Aiden, Adam and Devin.
I was shocked after seeing so many positive reviews after finishing the book. I couldn’t see anything those high ratings mentioned - yes, the plot was interesting, but the execution was not even a quarter as good.
I rarely rate books 1 star, so you can guess how bad this was. I think this was the first book that had a bonus epilogue that I didn't even care to open. I'm just glad that this torture ended.
Overall 1.5/5
Spice - 🌶
Trope - brother's best friend, forced proximity, forbidden, college romance, it's always been you, secret crush and relationship, grumpy sunshine, sports romance, mention of cheating
Bonus chapter - 1
This was so bad that I wanted to hit myself repeatedly. When I don't like a book, I usually try to find something good regardless of how much I hate it. For this one, I could only name a handful of things, like some good comic moments and Dash's character, to a certain extent - the extra 0.5 star is just for them.
This book starts with Dash being forced to attend a dating event at his college. There, he talks about his best friend's beautiful little sister, whom he has always pined for.
Madison is Dash's best friend's sister, she has always had a thing for him but once she realises he's not gonna ever be with her - she starts playing mind games with him. This girl PISSED me OFF!! She behaved like a toddler who was told no for having their favourite candy. Her character had no depth. Most of the connections that Madison had felt forced/one-sided—it was mostly because of how scary her brother was —but I just wish people and she, tried a little. Also, her comebacks/retorts were embarrassing for both her and me.
The push and pull in their relationship,—because of him not wanting to ruin his friendship and her wanting what she can't have— was rather infuriating than angsty. Both the characters had NO life outside of each other - life doesn't work that way 😭.
Dash was broody and sweet, but his letting his relationship/attraction ruin his game got on my nerves, like boy, FOCUS!! His character was most intriguing- his emotions and feelings were the only things that made the book a bit interesting. However, one thing I didn't like about him was how he got so engaged in hiding the "truth" that he didn't even see his best friend struggling in front of him.
The final drama was again so childish, I literally skimmed through it.
Side character -
* Cade - After a certain point, I felt bad for him; he genuinely was worried about his sister, and both his sister and best friend kept lying to him.
* Henry - I kinda had mixed feelings about him. He truly sounded remorseful when he apologised to Madison about the past. He also made more amends than anyone in this book.
* Scotty, Alex, and Eric were fun, and so were Aiden, Adam and Devin.
I was shocked after seeing so many positive reviews after finishing the book. I couldn’t see anything those high ratings mentioned - yes, the plot was interesting, but the execution was not even a quarter as good.
I rarely rate books 1 star, so you can guess how bad this was. I think this was the first book that had a bonus epilogue that I didn't even care to open. I'm just glad that this torture ended.
Overall 1.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
*ARC Review*
This was my first time reading Ana Shay, and it was SO sweet!!
Dash is Madison’s brother’s best friend, and also the hotshot goalie at their university. While Dash & Madison have been in each other’s lives forever, they have no idea that they’ve both been secretly in love with each other for years. With their new relationship comes an all new problem for them both - how do they tell Madison’s brother??
Brother’s best friend is a trope that’s not uncommon for romance books, but what I found refreshing about this one was the fact that he’d secretly been crazy about her just as long as she had been him. I think too often this trope is one where “she has loved him forever, and he only just realized she’s all grown up”. I liked the fact that there was so much mutual pining!!
Read this if you like:
🏒College Hockey Romance
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒”It’s always been you”
🏒 Broody MMC
🏒 Mutual Pining
This was my first time reading Ana Shay, and it was SO sweet!!
Dash is Madison’s brother’s best friend, and also the hotshot goalie at their university. While Dash & Madison have been in each other’s lives forever, they have no idea that they’ve both been secretly in love with each other for years. With their new relationship comes an all new problem for them both - how do they tell Madison’s brother??
Brother’s best friend is a trope that’s not uncommon for romance books, but what I found refreshing about this one was the fact that he’d secretly been crazy about her just as long as she had been him. I think too often this trope is one where “she has loved him forever, and he only just realized she’s all grown up”. I liked the fact that there was so much mutual pining!!
Read this if you like:
🏒College Hockey Romance
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒”It’s always been you”
🏒 Broody MMC
🏒 Mutual Pining
July 15, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
It’s always good when the book lives up to an amazing cover, and this one definitely did! There is one thing missing from the cover and that is Dash’s foam roller, the third person in this relationship 🤣
If I didn’t know in advance, I wouldn’t have realized that this is is the author’s first hockey book, as she really did a good job with having the perfect amount of hockey mixed in with the actual story. Dash has the personality I expect from a goalie but I love how he is a softy for Madison. Madison might just be the most flirtatious FMC I’ve ever read, but she has her reasons!
I laughed out loud at parts and there was very little angst, which is the best kind of book for me. There are a lot of side characters (of course because it’s about a hockey team) and I can’t wait to see where Ana takes this series next!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
It’s always good when the book lives up to an amazing cover, and this one definitely did! There is one thing missing from the cover and that is Dash’s foam roller, the third person in this relationship 🤣
If I didn’t know in advance, I wouldn’t have realized that this is is the author’s first hockey book, as she really did a good job with having the perfect amount of hockey mixed in with the actual story. Dash has the personality I expect from a goalie but I love how he is a softy for Madison. Madison might just be the most flirtatious FMC I’ve ever read, but she has her reasons!
I laughed out loud at parts and there was very little angst, which is the best kind of book for me. There are a lot of side characters (of course because it’s about a hockey team) and I can’t wait to see where Ana takes this series next!
July 15, 2024
The Draft is a delightful blend of sports and romance that captivates from the first page. The book captures tropes such as brother's best friend, mutual pining, secret relationship and grumpy x sunshine tropes, creating a rich narrative of tension, drama, and heartfelt moments.
The story revolves around Madison and Dash. Madison has always had a crush on Dash, but his stoic demeanor and close friendship with her brother have kept her at a distance. Dash, despite his gruff exterior, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Madison’s warmth and positivity. Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry light up the story, offering numerous moments of humor and tenderness.
The Draft is a charming and engaging read that perfectly balances romance and sports. With its endearing characters and lively dialogue, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance filled with wit, heart, and just the right amount of drama.
The story revolves around Madison and Dash. Madison has always had a crush on Dash, but his stoic demeanor and close friendship with her brother have kept her at a distance. Dash, despite his gruff exterior, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Madison’s warmth and positivity. Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry light up the story, offering numerous moments of humor and tenderness.
The Draft is a charming and engaging read that perfectly balances romance and sports. With its endearing characters and lively dialogue, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance filled with wit, heart, and just the right amount of drama.
July 15, 2024
ARC REVIEW!
Madison and Dash! Gosh where do I start?!
I’m obsessed with Madison! She’s the perfect mix of confident and awkward at the same time! Sometimes her confidence had me cringing with jealousy because I wished I was as bold as her!
Dash is SWOONY! He hates people that aren’t Madison and he is the grumpiest grump but you love him for it all the more! He’s possessive in all the best ways!
Spoilers? Kinda but not really?
They thought one night was going to be enough?
Sorry sir, I don’t think so!!
Dash and Madison’s banter was too notch and Madison didn’t put up with ANY of Dash’s bull!
We love a confident queen!
I know I’ll be doing a reread because I stopped highlight around chapter 18 because I became so engrossed in the story but I can wait to share my highlights when the book releases July 16th!!
Madison and Dash! Gosh where do I start?!
I’m obsessed with Madison! She’s the perfect mix of confident and awkward at the same time! Sometimes her confidence had me cringing with jealousy because I wished I was as bold as her!
Dash is SWOONY! He hates people that aren’t Madison and he is the grumpiest grump but you love him for it all the more! He’s possessive in all the best ways!
Spoilers? Kinda but not really?
They thought one night was going to be enough?
Sorry sir, I don’t think so!!
Dash and Madison’s banter was too notch and Madison didn’t put up with ANY of Dash’s bull!
We love a confident queen!
I know I’ll be doing a reread because I stopped highlight around chapter 18 because I became so engrossed in the story but I can wait to share my highlights when the book releases July 16th!!
July 30, 2024
I really, so desperately wanted to like this book. I saw all the hype for it on Instagram and I was so excited to read it. But the book was just lacking in so many areas. The characters had absolutely no depth, and it felt like the writer was trying to throw the background of so many different peoples' love stories that it drew focus away from the two main character. It just felt kind of chaotic and a little jumbled. It really hurts me to say this, but the only redeemable aspect of this book was Dash. I think it is just because I have a soft spot of broody, grumpy goalies. But I found this book kind of painful to read.
I found myself just skimming it at the end. The thing that made me really annoyed with the book was the FMC, Madison. Just very annoying. She gave me major "pick me" girl vibes. I hated how she was handling the tension with Dash. It was all just very juvenile. She was claiming how she is nineteen and wanted to be treated like an adult, but she was acting fourteen. She also could not be serious to save her life. Like I get being sarcastic from time to time as a form of protection, but she did not have a single moment of seriousness in the book. I just could not stand her.
The only reason why this book is 2 stars and not 1 is because of Dash.
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes: brother's best friend, grumpy x sunshine, childhood friends to lovers, "it's always been you," hockey
I found myself just skimming it at the end. The thing that made me really annoyed with the book was the FMC, Madison. Just very annoying. She gave me major "pick me" girl vibes. I hated how she was handling the tension with Dash. It was all just very juvenile. She was claiming how she is nineteen and wanted to be treated like an adult, but she was acting fourteen. She also could not be serious to save her life. Like I get being sarcastic from time to time as a form of protection, but she did not have a single moment of seriousness in the book. I just could not stand her.
The only reason why this book is 2 stars and not 1 is because of Dash.
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes: brother's best friend, grumpy x sunshine, childhood friends to lovers, "it's always been you," hockey
August 17, 2024
I liked the friendship between Madison and Adam and Aiden. It was adorable. And between Dash and other teammates. They really intrigued me, especially Scotty and Cade.
Dash's deceleration of love for Madison to Cade was really good. I knew I liked him for a reason. Together, Madison and Dash were funny and cute and at some point they totally got me and I was rooting for their happy ending.
There was a point tho, where it got a bit repetitive when Dash and Madison kept questioning if the other likes them, and when Dash kept thinking everyone knew about them. Like just tell him already if you're that scared of his reaction yk.
Overall I did have fun and I enjoyed their story. And I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Dash's deceleration of love for Madison to Cade was really good. I knew I liked him for a reason. Together, Madison and Dash were funny and cute and at some point they totally got me and I was rooting for their happy ending.
There was a point tho, where it got a bit repetitive when Dash and Madison kept questioning if the other likes them, and when Dash kept thinking everyone knew about them. Like just tell him already if you're that scared of his reaction yk.
Overall I did have fun and I enjoyed their story. And I am looking forward to the next in the series.
July 17, 2024
“𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕓𝕒𝕕. 𝕀 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤𝕟'𝕥 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕟𝕕, 𝕀 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟'𝕥 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕡 𝕞𝕪𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕦𝕥.”
• I had been waiting for this book to release and boy did it NOT disappoint me one bit.
• Madison, the kind of girl I’d want to be friends with honestly. Stellar FMC. Bright, sweet, and also stubborn. And Dash, the broody and antisocial guy/goalie. But totally swoon worthy in his own way. Watching this unfold was the absolute best. They made you crazy at times, but in a good way. I seriously love them.
• I am so invested in these characters now. The teammates, the brother. Ahhh I need more and all of it. Ana already knows from all my ramblings 😂 I highly suggest you try out her books. I promise you’ll feel the same way.
• I had been waiting for this book to release and boy did it NOT disappoint me one bit.
• Madison, the kind of girl I’d want to be friends with honestly. Stellar FMC. Bright, sweet, and also stubborn. And Dash, the broody and antisocial guy/goalie. But totally swoon worthy in his own way. Watching this unfold was the absolute best. They made you crazy at times, but in a good way. I seriously love them.
• I am so invested in these characters now. The teammates, the brother. Ahhh I need more and all of it. Ana already knows from all my ramblings 😂 I highly suggest you try out her books. I promise you’ll feel the same way.
January 1, 2025
This doom spiralled after chapter 2. Madison is a pushy b*tch and Dash takes the title "Dumb Jock" quite literally. Both characters were annoying.
This put me in a book slump with how bad it is!
July 13, 2024
First thought: This is the Romeo and Juliet story of College Hockey romance world but with an HEA. This is the perfect forbidden romance and you will fall in love Dash and Madison. Make sure you add to TBR so you can read when this comes out on July 16th.
Dash is a 6ft6 goalie for the college hockey team he’s the quiet grump and brooding type. Dash and his bestie Cade have been teammates since middle school and are signed to play in the NHL together after college. Dash and Cade’s bromance means everything to him which is why Cades little sister Madison is off limits, even though he’s had a crush on her since HS.
Madison is in her first year of college and she’s hoping she can finally have her chance with Dash. She’s crushed on him for years but now is her chance to make him see her as a woman. She knows she has to play dirty to make him notice her and that means flirt with football player and some of the hockey team to get his attention so be it.
So after an athlete social event where Dash carries Madison out over his shoulder cause he can’t stand her antics anymore she takes her chance. Madison kisses Dash and sets off a change reaction that will make season of hockey very interesting!
Literally Themes you’ll find:
* Teammates & Best Friend’s Sister
* College Hockey
* Forbidden Romance
* Grumpy vs Sunshine
* Just One Night
* She’s Mine!
* Flirty & Witty
* Dual POV
* Spicy 🔥
🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9WobKTRE...
Dash is a 6ft6 goalie for the college hockey team he’s the quiet grump and brooding type. Dash and his bestie Cade have been teammates since middle school and are signed to play in the NHL together after college. Dash and Cade’s bromance means everything to him which is why Cades little sister Madison is off limits, even though he’s had a crush on her since HS.
Madison is in her first year of college and she’s hoping she can finally have her chance with Dash. She’s crushed on him for years but now is her chance to make him see her as a woman. She knows she has to play dirty to make him notice her and that means flirt with football player and some of the hockey team to get his attention so be it.
So after an athlete social event where Dash carries Madison out over his shoulder cause he can’t stand her antics anymore she takes her chance. Madison kisses Dash and sets off a change reaction that will make season of hockey very interesting!
Literally Themes you’ll find:
* Teammates & Best Friend’s Sister
* College Hockey
* Forbidden Romance
* Grumpy vs Sunshine
* Just One Night
* She’s Mine!
* Flirty & Witty
* Dual POV
* Spicy 🔥
🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️💜🏒🐻❄️
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9WobKTRE...
July 16, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE 🔥🔥
Adorable book cover, adorable book, delightful MCs! This was a cute quick read with pining, college shenanigans and a lot of heart.
I was sold simply on the premise of brothers best friend + broody hockey goalie and let me tell you this one did not disappoint. Dash and Madison are so cute together, and mutual pining in a dual POV just makes my heart giddy
TROPES ⬇️
✨ College Hockey Romance
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Brother’s Best friend
✨ Secret Relationship
✨ It’s always been you
This one has some great friends to lovers vibes and all the angst and tension that I crave from a brothers best friend trope. Dash and Madison have had an unrealized thing between them ever since highschool, and now in college, Madison is sick of dash not noticing her. But he does, oh does he notice her and it was so fun watching him fight his loyalty to her brother and his attraction to Madison.
One trope I LOVE is “just this once” because it never works, and I am always a feral beast just clapping my hands as they can’t stay away. This one does that so well, and the spice is great. Dash is one who loves to please and Madison is a lucky girl.
This one is also fun because these characters act their age both is good and bad ways 🤣 and it kept me wanting more and more the whole time.
SPICE 🔥🔥
Adorable book cover, adorable book, delightful MCs! This was a cute quick read with pining, college shenanigans and a lot of heart.
I was sold simply on the premise of brothers best friend + broody hockey goalie and let me tell you this one did not disappoint. Dash and Madison are so cute together, and mutual pining in a dual POV just makes my heart giddy
TROPES ⬇️
✨ College Hockey Romance
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Brother’s Best friend
✨ Secret Relationship
✨ It’s always been you
This one has some great friends to lovers vibes and all the angst and tension that I crave from a brothers best friend trope. Dash and Madison have had an unrealized thing between them ever since highschool, and now in college, Madison is sick of dash not noticing her. But he does, oh does he notice her and it was so fun watching him fight his loyalty to her brother and his attraction to Madison.
One trope I LOVE is “just this once” because it never works, and I am always a feral beast just clapping my hands as they can’t stay away. This one does that so well, and the spice is great. Dash is one who loves to please and Madison is a lucky girl.
This one is also fun because these characters act their age both is good and bad ways 🤣 and it kept me wanting more and more the whole time.
July 14, 2024
A special thanks to the author Ana Shay allowing me to read and devour this book 🫶🏾
TROPES:
* Brother’s Best Friend
* Hockey Romance
* He falls first
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Golden Retriever MMC
* Flirtatious Teasing
* Dual POV
Now y’all know I am OBSESSED with sports romance! And to be more specific, hockey romance is where my heart will forever belong too! So when I saw the cover of The Draft, y’all already know I had to read this one! This is my first read from Ana Shay and I can tell you that it MOST certainly will not be my last. Now, let’s get into this book which I literally devoured and left no book crumbs behind. Madison has had a crutch on Dash for what seems like forever and feels that college is the chance where she can finally be noticed by him. We love a strong independent queen and Madison takes matters into her own hands to show Dash how she’s been feeling! And the rest is literally chefs kiss 🤌🏾 so you will have to read and see where Madison and Dash end up with this hockey season 🏒
Besties, we are rating this book a 4.5/5 🫶🏾
TROPES:
* Brother’s Best Friend
* Hockey Romance
* He falls first
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Golden Retriever MMC
* Flirtatious Teasing
* Dual POV
Now y’all know I am OBSESSED with sports romance! And to be more specific, hockey romance is where my heart will forever belong too! So when I saw the cover of The Draft, y’all already know I had to read this one! This is my first read from Ana Shay and I can tell you that it MOST certainly will not be my last. Now, let’s get into this book which I literally devoured and left no book crumbs behind. Madison has had a crutch on Dash for what seems like forever and feels that college is the chance where she can finally be noticed by him. We love a strong independent queen and Madison takes matters into her own hands to show Dash how she’s been feeling! And the rest is literally chefs kiss 🤌🏾 so you will have to read and see where Madison and Dash end up with this hockey season 🏒
Besties, we are rating this book a 4.5/5 🫶🏾
September 6, 2024
3.5
I thought this book was cute. I enjoyed it so much that the only times I stopped reading were when I had to work or make something to eat. 😂
I loved how Dash wanted to make sure Madison truly wanted him before he ruined his relationship with his best friend and with her.
He did let her distract him way too much. As well as the thought of betraying his best friend.
Madison is a carefree, very easygoing, and laid-back young lady. Having a bad relationship experience can have different effects on individuals. For her, she dumbed herself down.
Madison, she just wanted to be seen for her and not as Cade's little sister. She definitely went about it the wrong way. She also let people get inside her head too easily. This easily influenced her behavior when things were said out of context or when things went down, that she didn't understand what was going on.
Dash is the typical broody, grumpy hockey player. He is very possessive when it comes to Madison.
I thought this book was cute. I enjoyed it so much that the only times I stopped reading were when I had to work or make something to eat. 😂
I loved how Dash wanted to make sure Madison truly wanted him before he ruined his relationship with his best friend and with her.
He did let her distract him way too much. As well as the thought of betraying his best friend.
Madison is a carefree, very easygoing, and laid-back young lady. Having a bad relationship experience can have different effects on individuals. For her, she dumbed herself down.
Madison, she just wanted to be seen for her and not as Cade's little sister. She definitely went about it the wrong way. She also let people get inside her head too easily. This easily influenced her behavior when things were said out of context or when things went down, that she didn't understand what was going on.
Dash is the typical broody, grumpy hockey player. He is very possessive when it comes to Madison.
July 17, 2024
Ok, this was my first book by Ana, and I can confidently say that it will NOT be my last! I ate this book up! It hooked me from the very beginning and I flew through it. I loved Dash and Madison! I also really loved Dash’s teammates on the hockey team! They added so much fun to the story and were hilarious! They also looked out for both Dash and Madison which was awesome. There was definitely a found family vibe going on with their friend group ❤️. Also, the spice in here was 🤌🏻🔥
June 4, 2025
DNFed at 35%. I couldn’t stand either MC. You can’t call this miscommunication when she is super explicit about her feelings and he just warps it in his mind. She’s whiny, he is clueless. I hated it.
July 17, 2024
“he was looking at me like I was a bad, bad girl and he wanted to teach me a lesson or two.”
I’ve always been a fan of the brother’s best friend tropes, especially since I don’t have an older brother of my own so I just live through my books 😆
Madison has had a crush on Dash, her brother’s best friend and teammate. And now that they’re attending the same college, their paths just keep crossing even more. As much Dash seems to want to keep his distance, she also can’t help but see the looks that he gives her. And they for sure are not looks that you give to someone who you think of as a sibling. Madison is determined to push Dash out of his comfort zone, get him admit that he likes her too and hope to heck that her brother won’t mind!
Such a fun read! All the mutual pining! Yum! Madison is all sunshiny and Dash is all quiet and grumpy, the perfect opposites attract!
And these two have chemistry in spades! Makes for some hot and spicy times!
Lots of fun and cute moments! A great start to a series! Can’t wait for more!
I’ve always been a fan of the brother’s best friend tropes, especially since I don’t have an older brother of my own so I just live through my books 😆
Madison has had a crush on Dash, her brother’s best friend and teammate. And now that they’re attending the same college, their paths just keep crossing even more. As much Dash seems to want to keep his distance, she also can’t help but see the looks that he gives her. And they for sure are not looks that you give to someone who you think of as a sibling. Madison is determined to push Dash out of his comfort zone, get him admit that he likes her too and hope to heck that her brother won’t mind!
Such a fun read! All the mutual pining! Yum! Madison is all sunshiny and Dash is all quiet and grumpy, the perfect opposites attract!
And these two have chemistry in spades! Makes for some hot and spicy times!
Lots of fun and cute moments! A great start to a series! Can’t wait for more!
July 10, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
🏒one thing about me is i will always love a hockey romance! hockey is my absolute favorite sport. it is my go to sports romance especially during off season.🏒
thank you so much ana shay for sending me this eARC to read and review! it was such an honor to read the draft! 🩵
i absolutely love dash and madison!! i do wish that dash would have manned up sooner. i loved his whole possessive "you're mine" vibes. the banter and dynamic between them was just perfect.
not only are the main characters amazing but the side characters were well written and added so much depth. i am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
dont forget to check this book out when it releases on july 16th!!
read if you like:
-grumpy x sunshine
-hockey romance
-college romance
-friends to lovers
-brothers best friend
-its always been you
🏒one thing about me is i will always love a hockey romance! hockey is my absolute favorite sport. it is my go to sports romance especially during off season.🏒
thank you so much ana shay for sending me this eARC to read and review! it was such an honor to read the draft! 🩵
i absolutely love dash and madison!! i do wish that dash would have manned up sooner. i loved his whole possessive "you're mine" vibes. the banter and dynamic between them was just perfect.
not only are the main characters amazing but the side characters were well written and added so much depth. i am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
dont forget to check this book out when it releases on july 16th!!
read if you like:
-grumpy x sunshine
-hockey romance
-college romance
-friends to lovers
-brothers best friend
-its always been you
July 24, 2024
✨ A R C B O O K R E V I E W ✨
The Draft by @authoranashay
R A T I N G: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💜M Y T H O U G H T S💜
Man oh man oh man! This was my first Ana Shay read and let me tell you guys this; it will not be my last. Especially since the next books in this series is Scotty’s book! I love a lot of things about this books and one of them happens to be Scotty. BUT… more importantly, there’s DASH! Guys, this book is like all of my favorite things smashed into one. You’ve got hockey, brother’s best friend and grumpyxsunshine! YOU KNOW I ATE THIS ONE UP! This books is full of cute little moments and I feel like almost everyone can relate to the themes of the book. I mean, we’ve all had crushes and maybe we’ve all tried to get up the courage to tell them that we like them? Ahhhh! I truly couldn’t put the book down! There’s just something about a grumpy, broody goalie that I just cant resist! You get a couple “you’re mine” moments in there too which just made me weak in the knees! This book had me laughing out loud and falling in love with another fictional hockey boy. So if you like a bubbly & outgoing FMC with a grumpy, cinnamon roll, gentle giant MMC. This is the book for you! 💕
The Draft by @authoranashay
R A T I N G: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💜M Y T H O U G H T S💜
Man oh man oh man! This was my first Ana Shay read and let me tell you guys this; it will not be my last. Especially since the next books in this series is Scotty’s book! I love a lot of things about this books and one of them happens to be Scotty. BUT… more importantly, there’s DASH! Guys, this book is like all of my favorite things smashed into one. You’ve got hockey, brother’s best friend and grumpyxsunshine! YOU KNOW I ATE THIS ONE UP! This books is full of cute little moments and I feel like almost everyone can relate to the themes of the book. I mean, we’ve all had crushes and maybe we’ve all tried to get up the courage to tell them that we like them? Ahhhh! I truly couldn’t put the book down! There’s just something about a grumpy, broody goalie that I just cant resist! You get a couple “you’re mine” moments in there too which just made me weak in the knees! This book had me laughing out loud and falling in love with another fictional hockey boy. So if you like a bubbly & outgoing FMC with a grumpy, cinnamon roll, gentle giant MMC. This is the book for you! 💕
July 17, 2024
ARC REVIEW
4.5/5
This was one of my most aticipated summer releases and oh.my.god. it did not disappoint.
Dash and Madison have known each other from a very young age when Dash moved to Connecticut as a young boy and became friends with Cade, Madison's brother. They all attended high school together (their background story is in the prequel novella), but being 2 years older, Cade and Dash graduated and left for college.
Now, Madison is at college, the same one as Dash and Cade, and is known as the campus flirt. Dash is still the broody and quiet goalie whereas Madison is all sunshine. During the night of The Draft, a social mixer where students can mingle with athletes, Madison shows up with the intention of making Dash jealous.
Madison is tired of Dash pretending their is nothing between them, so she starts to push the boundaries and limits to get Dash to finally admit there is something between them. And the limits Madison is willing to go to honestly had me laughing and cheering for her.
This book was full of so much tension, drama, and angst and I ate every moment of it up!
If you're looking for a grumpy x sunshine / brother's best friend that hits HARD, you gotta read this one.
Thank you again to Ana Shay for the ARC.
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes/themes
✨brother's best friend
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨friends to lovers
✨possessive and jealous MMC
✨lots of banter/teasing
✨just once
✨secret relationship
✨mutual pining
✨it's always been you
4.5/5
This was one of my most aticipated summer releases and oh.my.god. it did not disappoint.
Dash and Madison have known each other from a very young age when Dash moved to Connecticut as a young boy and became friends with Cade, Madison's brother. They all attended high school together (their background story is in the prequel novella), but being 2 years older, Cade and Dash graduated and left for college.
Now, Madison is at college, the same one as Dash and Cade, and is known as the campus flirt. Dash is still the broody and quiet goalie whereas Madison is all sunshine. During the night of The Draft, a social mixer where students can mingle with athletes, Madison shows up with the intention of making Dash jealous.
Madison is tired of Dash pretending their is nothing between them, so she starts to push the boundaries and limits to get Dash to finally admit there is something between them. And the limits Madison is willing to go to honestly had me laughing and cheering for her.
This book was full of so much tension, drama, and angst and I ate every moment of it up!
If you're looking for a grumpy x sunshine / brother's best friend that hits HARD, you gotta read this one.
Thank you again to Ana Shay for the ARC.
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes/themes
✨brother's best friend
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨friends to lovers
✨possessive and jealous MMC
✨lots of banter/teasing
✨just once
✨secret relationship
✨mutual pining
✨it's always been you
July 10, 2024
Dash. He’s Madison’s Brother’s Best Friend, and teammate, making him forbidden to her, so what if they spend one forbidden night together to ease the tension between them both? Will one night be enough for them?
If you’re looking for a forbidden romance, sports novel that actually has a lot of sport in it, then look no further! I love a sports romance that actually features the training and matches, which is exactly what The Draft does.
This was such a fun novel to read. I loved all of the characters from Madison’s wit and Dash’s brooding. They both bring out the best in each other, which was so great to read!
If you’re looking for a forbidden romance, sports novel that actually has a lot of sport in it, then look no further! I love a sports romance that actually features the training and matches, which is exactly what The Draft does.
This was such a fun novel to read. I loved all of the characters from Madison’s wit and Dash’s brooding. They both bring out the best in each other, which was so great to read!
July 16, 2024
this book is so cute! the mutual pining was perfect and you find yourself rooting for them from the beginning. excellent easter eggs dropped for future books? definitely made me interested in what came next. this book is full of hockey romance, brother’s best friend/teammate, broody goalie goodness.
July 17, 2024
Arc Review : The Draft by Anna Shay 🏒🩵🥅💙
i knew i would adore this book the minute i picked it up. it had all of my favorite tropes in it. there was “brothers best friend, forbidden romance, mutual pining, and grumpy x sunshine”. this book had me in a chokehold from the minute i picked it up.
I absolutely adored dash and madison’s story. they’re end game and their banter was hilarious. The entire hockey team dynamic was adorable and funny. the book was exactly what i needed. it tugged on my heart strings and had spice.
this is going to be the me of my top hockey romance recs!
i knew i would adore this book the minute i picked it up. it had all of my favorite tropes in it. there was “brothers best friend, forbidden romance, mutual pining, and grumpy x sunshine”. this book had me in a chokehold from the minute i picked it up.
I absolutely adored dash and madison’s story. they’re end game and their banter was hilarious. The entire hockey team dynamic was adorable and funny. the book was exactly what i needed. it tugged on my heart strings and had spice.
this is going to be the me of my top hockey romance recs!
July 5, 2024
100% if you are a fan of brother's best friend, hockey romances, Grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers, and/or found family, you need to read this book.
I giggled throughout this whole book. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters. I absolutely loved the FMC, Madison! She was hilarious. Make sure to read the prequel before reading this. It's not 100% necessary, but it definitely gives you a good backstory to work from!! I can't wait to read the next book in the series 🥰😍
I giggled throughout this whole book. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters. I absolutely loved the FMC, Madison! She was hilarious. Make sure to read the prequel before reading this. It's not 100% necessary, but it definitely gives you a good backstory to work from!! I can't wait to read the next book in the series 🥰😍
July 14, 2024
Incredible ! The banter - the chemistry - the connection- the love—- ughhh Madison is just DIVA VIBES. She was an amazing FMC ! And Dash - ugh we love us a grumpy retriever 😂♥️😍 and the spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ it was such a great read ! I cnt wait to read more of this series! Ana great great story line! Thanks for bringing this series to fruition 🙏
July 12, 2024
I could not get enough of Mads and Dash!! 😍😍😍
“What’s wrong Big Man? You seem stressed.”
“And you seem hell-bent on giving me an aneurysm.”
😜😏
Their wit, their banter, their CHEMISTRY! Off the charts 📈 crazy amazing! I was invested into every chapter and I felt every single emotion. The highs, the lows, the chase of it all. This book brought me to tears a couple of times with how fleshed out these characters are! I might have delayed myself from finishing this book because I wasn’t ready to let go of Dash and Mads just yet 🥲. Also I was so moved to tears because of the deep rooted bonds these characters have with each other, it’s just amazing. You, ABSOLUTELY, MUST READ the prequel novella it lines up the whole story beautifully. Sometimes people try to write a prequel and it doesn’t really line up or fit in really well. Or sometimes it spins off entirely. But Pucking High School and The Draft are a dynamic duo 🤝. It really ushers you in and grabs you hooked to binge the entire love story 🥰. 10/10 I would 1,000% read this again and again.
“What’s wrong Big Man? You seem stressed.”
“And you seem hell-bent on giving me an aneurysm.”
😜😏
Their wit, their banter, their CHEMISTRY! Off the charts 📈 crazy amazing! I was invested into every chapter and I felt every single emotion. The highs, the lows, the chase of it all. This book brought me to tears a couple of times with how fleshed out these characters are! I might have delayed myself from finishing this book because I wasn’t ready to let go of Dash and Mads just yet 🥲. Also I was so moved to tears because of the deep rooted bonds these characters have with each other, it’s just amazing. You, ABSOLUTELY, MUST READ the prequel novella it lines up the whole story beautifully. Sometimes people try to write a prequel and it doesn’t really line up or fit in really well. Or sometimes it spins off entirely. But Pucking High School and The Draft are a dynamic duo 🤝. It really ushers you in and grabs you hooked to binge the entire love story 🥰. 10/10 I would 1,000% read this again and again.
July 17, 2024
There were so many moments in here that made me truly giddy!!! I know I love a book when within the first five minutes of reading I’m cackling on my couch to myself & that’s exactly what happened here.
I LOVE MADS!!! She was strong & brave & despite being a bit insecure went for what she wanted & wouldn’t let Dash hide from his feelings for her. I also really am obsessed with the fact that she was essentially CHASING him down to date her & making him jealous in the funniest ways
Dash 🥹 he was the ultimate protector and just wanted to love Mads, but the guilt of lying to his best friend truly eating him up.
Thank you to Ana & her team for the arc ✨💜
I LOVE MADS!!! She was strong & brave & despite being a bit insecure went for what she wanted & wouldn’t let Dash hide from his feelings for her. I also really am obsessed with the fact that she was essentially CHASING him down to date her & making him jealous in the funniest ways
Dash 🥹 he was the ultimate protector and just wanted to love Mads, but the guilt of lying to his best friend truly eating him up.
Thank you to Ana & her team for the arc ✨💜
July 15, 2024
I absolutely love brother’s best friend trope and he’s a hockey player! Yes please!
Dash & Madison were so much fun to read! The banter they had was chef’s kiss! Their freaking chemistry was undeniable! Such a good book and I can’t wait for more of this series!!!
“There’s no one I’d rather be fighting the world with than you”
**thank you Ana Shay for my arc copy!**
Dash & Madison were so much fun to read! The banter they had was chef’s kiss! Their freaking chemistry was undeniable! Such a good book and I can’t wait for more of this series!!!
“There’s no one I’d rather be fighting the world with than you”
**thank you Ana Shay for my arc copy!**
July 4, 2024
Obviously I love Dash and Madison, but dang did I just want Dash to man up so much sooner! Loved his possessive, "you're mine" vibes as it straight up killed him watching Madison flirt with other men. I'm always a sucker for a hockey romance and cannot wait for the next story in this series!
-Hockey
-Brothers best friend
-Childhood crushes
-Grumpy sunshine
-Secret romance
Thank you to Ana Shay and her team for the ARC. of this book! All opinions are my own!
-Hockey
-Brothers best friend
-Childhood crushes
-Grumpy sunshine
-Secret romance
Thank you to Ana Shay and her team for the ARC. of this book! All opinions are my own!
July 16, 2024
🏒 Brother’s Best Friend
🏒 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒 Childhood Crush
🏒 Always Been You
🏒 Guy Obsessed
🏒 Secret Relationship
🏒 College Hockey Romance
🏒 Moody Goalie
🏒 Dirty Talking Golden Retriever MMC
🏒 Hopeless Romantic
🏒 Campus Flirt
🏒 Acts Before She Thinks, FMC
🏒 Spicy
🏒 Guy Falls First
He might be Covey U's hottest goalie, but he's been unknowingly tending my heart for years.
Oh, Madison and Dash. You two are living in my heart rent-free. This was my first book from Ana Shay and I loved it. I could not put it down. I can’t wait to pick up her other series (🏈 The Covey U Series; ⚾ The Carolina Catfish Series).
Madison has always had a crush on her brother’s (Cade) best friend, Dash. She falls harder for him after an incident with her ex-boyfriend - I advise you to read The Prequel: Pucking High School to get a quick look at the backstory of Cade, Dash, and Madison. Unbeknownst to anyone, Dash has also had feelings for Madison since high school. But our cinnamon roll, grumpy goalie is super loyal and won’t do anything to hurt Cade and their friendship. Our Madison, miss-campus flirt, hopeless romantic, and I won’t take No for an answer has other plans. I loved watching everything play out. The frustration Madison put poor Dash through and the flirty banter between Dash and Madison was a chef’s kiss.
“This isn’t a dating event.
"Then what do you call this portion of the night?"
"Suffering”
I was sitting on the edge of my seat and so stressed waiting for Dash to come to terms and be honest about his feelings. Seeing Madison in her emotional turmoil was just as stressful. Even when she was questioning her ideas and her plan she was still SASSY. I loved it.
“Why are you always running from me?"
"Because I’m a Catch” Tell him, girl.
Hockey Romances are my favorite and this one did not disappoint.
🏒 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒 Childhood Crush
🏒 Always Been You
🏒 Guy Obsessed
🏒 Secret Relationship
🏒 College Hockey Romance
🏒 Moody Goalie
🏒 Dirty Talking Golden Retriever MMC
🏒 Hopeless Romantic
🏒 Campus Flirt
🏒 Acts Before She Thinks, FMC
🏒 Spicy
🏒 Guy Falls First
He might be Covey U's hottest goalie, but he's been unknowingly tending my heart for years.
Oh, Madison and Dash. You two are living in my heart rent-free. This was my first book from Ana Shay and I loved it. I could not put it down. I can’t wait to pick up her other series (🏈 The Covey U Series; ⚾ The Carolina Catfish Series).
Madison has always had a crush on her brother’s (Cade) best friend, Dash. She falls harder for him after an incident with her ex-boyfriend - I advise you to read The Prequel: Pucking High School to get a quick look at the backstory of Cade, Dash, and Madison. Unbeknownst to anyone, Dash has also had feelings for Madison since high school. But our cinnamon roll, grumpy goalie is super loyal and won’t do anything to hurt Cade and their friendship. Our Madison, miss-campus flirt, hopeless romantic, and I won’t take No for an answer has other plans. I loved watching everything play out. The frustration Madison put poor Dash through and the flirty banter between Dash and Madison was a chef’s kiss.
“This isn’t a dating event.
"Then what do you call this portion of the night?"
"Suffering”
I was sitting on the edge of my seat and so stressed waiting for Dash to come to terms and be honest about his feelings. Seeing Madison in her emotional turmoil was just as stressful. Even when she was questioning her ideas and her plan she was still SASSY. I loved it.
“Why are you always running from me?"
"Because I’m a Catch” Tell him, girl.
Hockey Romances are my favorite and this one did not disappoint.
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