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Boston Rebels #1.5
The Trade Up
The Trade Up is a short novella (15K words) that's part of the Boston Rebels hockey series.
- hockey player + nerdy girl
- one night stand turns to more
- he falls first
- instalove
Nothing rattles me.
My entire hockey career, I've been known as the guy who doesn't fight. I've never had trouble keeping myself in check because not only do I have Zen-like control over my mind and emotions, but when it comes to fighting, I'd always have an unfair advantage. I'm trained to be deadly with my hands, and I know better than to use my skills against unsuspecting victims.
But when my team, the Boston Rebels, have an away game in Seattle, I come face-to-face with my dream girl, Ashleigh. She's an even bigger StarTrek fan than I am, is about to start a PhD program in Astrophysics, and she's got a body to back up that sassy mouth and smart mind.
The nighttime tour of Seattle that she agrees to give me quickly turns into the hottest night of my life. I'm supposed to be leaving the next night, but I don't want to say goodbye. So the next morning, I give her a jersey and tickets to our game, hoping she'll come so I can see her one more time before I have to get on the plane and head back to Boston.
Little do I know that her ex plays for Seattle, and when he starts harassing her, I want nothing more than to knock some sense into him. But Ashleigh hates fighting, and the only thing I want more than to put him in his place is a chance at more than just one night with her.
- hockey player + nerdy girl
- one night stand turns to more
- he falls first
- instalove
Nothing rattles me.
My entire hockey career, I've been known as the guy who doesn't fight. I've never had trouble keeping myself in check because not only do I have Zen-like control over my mind and emotions, but when it comes to fighting, I'd always have an unfair advantage. I'm trained to be deadly with my hands, and I know better than to use my skills against unsuspecting victims.
But when my team, the Boston Rebels, have an away game in Seattle, I come face-to-face with my dream girl, Ashleigh. She's an even bigger StarTrek fan than I am, is about to start a PhD program in Astrophysics, and she's got a body to back up that sassy mouth and smart mind.
The nighttime tour of Seattle that she agrees to give me quickly turns into the hottest night of my life. I'm supposed to be leaving the next night, but I don't want to say goodbye. So the next morning, I give her a jersey and tickets to our game, hoping she'll come so I can see her one more time before I have to get on the plane and head back to Boston.
Little do I know that her ex plays for Seattle, and when he starts harassing her, I want nothing more than to knock some sense into him. But Ashleigh hates fighting, and the only thing I want more than to put him in his place is a chance at more than just one night with her.
60 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 7, 2023
23 people are currently reading
3699 people want to read
About the author
Julia Connors
14 books1,144 followersJulia grew up on the warm and sunny West Coast, but her first decision as an adult was to trade her flip-flops for snow boots and move to Boston.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 10, 2024
This was so freaking adorable, it should definitely be expanded into a whole book or at least a proper novella, not a short story. If it was three times as long, to include the Christmas meeting and then moving to Boston and moving, it would be so much better.
Right now it feels like just a rushed teaser and I definitely want more of those two!
Right now it feels like just a rushed teaser and I definitely want more of those two!
August 4, 2024
this was so short but so so sweet
August 6, 2024
Really more like 3.5. If it was just a bit longer it easily would be a 4 star ⭐️
February 13, 2025
It was just a novella, but it was so cute. Their chemistry was sweet; I would have loved to see more of their geeky side and stuff. And, omg, they moved so fast. Like, dude, you know her for a day, and now you bring your mom over for Christmas?
February 6, 2025
this was short & rushed but really cute!
June 2, 2024
Super cute novella. Hoping to see more of these two as the series continues.
June 13, 2024
Ok, I am going to say that I loved this story because it was a cute little novella that really piqued my interest in the Boston Rebels series (as if I needed any more motivation to get started on those books.) I actually thought this was a prequel to Center Ice and fitted in between this book and the final book of the Frozen Hearts series, On the Line. However, there was a comment in this book about the two MCs from Center Ice that actually makes me think this is book #1.5. and would fit in the timeline between Center Ice and Fake Shot. Either way, I hope to see more of Zach and Ashleigh in either book already written in the Boston Rebels series or see them in any of the upcoming books.
I actually wish that this was just a teaser for a full book coming up. Please Julia Connors, can you expand on their story?
I actually wish that this was just a teaser for a full book coming up. Please Julia Connors, can you expand on their story?
October 16, 2024
Such a cute read!! I wish we had gotten more!!
November 25, 2024
Normally I'm not a fan of insta love but this one left me wanting more of Zach and Ashleigh 😭😭
March 10, 2025
I need more of them. MORE
June 2, 2024
This novella is part of the Boston Rebels series.
I have read all the Boston Rebels books, and this novella is right up there with them.
What I liked most about Zach and Ashleigh is how hard they fell for each other. I do think he fell for her instantly and it took her a little longer. They had one night and then some and he was already planning when he could see her again – because he’s in Seattle at an away game. The best part is she’s just as excited about the future with Zach. I hope we get to read more about these two!
What I really like about this series is that Drew, Colt, and Zach all fall for strong female characters who have more going on in their lives and they are not puck bunnies. Audrey in Center Ice is an architect that has her own business she runs with her sister. Jules is Audrey’s sister, and she runs the architecture/construction company and the foundation they started to support women in construction/ building trade. Lastly Ashleigh is waiting to hear if she gets the funding to get into MIT’s PhD Aero Astro program. I very much like that while the hockey players professional athletes, the women also have their own careers and goals.
I have read all the Boston Rebels books, and this novella is right up there with them.
What I liked most about Zach and Ashleigh is how hard they fell for each other. I do think he fell for her instantly and it took her a little longer. They had one night and then some and he was already planning when he could see her again – because he’s in Seattle at an away game. The best part is she’s just as excited about the future with Zach. I hope we get to read more about these two!
What I really like about this series is that Drew, Colt, and Zach all fall for strong female characters who have more going on in their lives and they are not puck bunnies. Audrey in Center Ice is an architect that has her own business she runs with her sister. Jules is Audrey’s sister, and she runs the architecture/construction company and the foundation they started to support women in construction/ building trade. Lastly Ashleigh is waiting to hear if she gets the funding to get into MIT’s PhD Aero Astro program. I very much like that while the hockey players professional athletes, the women also have their own careers and goals.
December 19, 2024
4.7⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️
“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.”
“𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙.”
This was so cute loved every minute of it Zach literally the definition of fell hard. Zach & Ashleigh were just too cute together I would read a whole book about them.
“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.”
“𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙.”
This was so cute loved every minute of it Zach literally the definition of fell hard. Zach & Ashleigh were just too cute together I would read a whole book about them.
January 1, 2025
How cute this was in the way a meet cute should be. Zach is having dinner with a few of the guys from the team and their original waitress gets called home due to a sick child. Therefore, Ashleigh’s called in to help her out. Last night they played in San Jose and tomorrow they are playing Seattle so they had flown in earlier. Zack had been playing for the NHL for seven years starting at nineteen. He plays a mental game, not a physical one at twenty-six he feels it's a much smarter way to play.
Zach noticed her name tag. Ashleigh. And right next to that, her uniform is littered with pins, the largest of which is a Starfleet insignia badge from the first season of Star Trek. As she goes to walk away to get a dessert menu Zach calls out, “Hey Enterprise,”she turns back toward him. “I’d have taken you for a Voyager girl, not The Original Series,” He says, because Voyager is known for its strong female captain, Kathryn Janeway, and the season attracted a large fan base of women. “And I’ll take another cup of coffee, please.”
She smirks at him. “Funny, I’d bet you were introduced through Discovery,” she says, referencing one of the newest series and thereby insinuating that I’m a recent fan, “and never made it back to The Original Series. But let me grab you that cup of coffee anyway.” “Just some Star Trek talk.” “Dude, are you a Trekkie?” Drew laughs. “Actual fans prefer the term Trekker,” I tell him. “Do you, like, go to conventions and stuff?” Walsh laughs. “Do you have a Captain Kirk uniform that you dress up in?”
“No, I don’t have a uniform.” I don’t mention all the Comic Cons and Star Trek conventions I’ve attended. “If I’d have known there might be hot chicks like that hanging out at Star Trek conventions, I’d have started going to them a long time ago.” “Well believe it or not, hot girls can like Star Trek too,” he said. “Preach,” Ashleigh’s voice comes from right next to him as she reaches out to refill his coffee. “And even pretty boys in backward ball caps,” she says, with obvious distaste, “are allowed to enjoy the show too.”
I press my hand to my heart, and say, “Did you hear that? She thinks I’m pretty.” “Don’t worry,” I say quietly as I lean toward her, “they’re more mature than they seem.” “Doubtful,” “Just the bill,” I tell her. “So, you’re truly a Star Trek fan?” he asks. “Why would you doubt that I am?” “Lots of people are fans of a particular series or movie, fewer people are true fans.” “How do I know you’re really a Star Trek fan?” “Try me.” “Okay,” “What is the name of Section 31’s dangerous AI?” “Really? You’re going to start with a total softball like that?” “Control.” Want more questions and answers need to read the book.
Zack is not a fighter everyone knows this but when Ashleigh comes with her friend, Blake, and wears Zach’s number, Colby Clark goes crazy. Hits to glass where Ashleigh sits scaring her Zach is not having it. See what happens next. Taking ten years of Aikido training and a fifth-degree black belt means he knows better than to fight—the damage he could do to his opponent, even on skates, is too substantial. One of the foundational practices of Aikido is using your opponent’s momentum and strength against them, and your opponent's inability to make contact with me twice in a row is escalating their rage. They fight themselves.” So guess how this works out for Colby. See how things work out for Zach and Ashleigh.
Zach noticed her name tag. Ashleigh. And right next to that, her uniform is littered with pins, the largest of which is a Starfleet insignia badge from the first season of Star Trek. As she goes to walk away to get a dessert menu Zach calls out, “Hey Enterprise,”she turns back toward him. “I’d have taken you for a Voyager girl, not The Original Series,” He says, because Voyager is known for its strong female captain, Kathryn Janeway, and the season attracted a large fan base of women. “And I’ll take another cup of coffee, please.”
She smirks at him. “Funny, I’d bet you were introduced through Discovery,” she says, referencing one of the newest series and thereby insinuating that I’m a recent fan, “and never made it back to The Original Series. But let me grab you that cup of coffee anyway.” “Just some Star Trek talk.” “Dude, are you a Trekkie?” Drew laughs. “Actual fans prefer the term Trekker,” I tell him. “Do you, like, go to conventions and stuff?” Walsh laughs. “Do you have a Captain Kirk uniform that you dress up in?”
“No, I don’t have a uniform.” I don’t mention all the Comic Cons and Star Trek conventions I’ve attended. “If I’d have known there might be hot chicks like that hanging out at Star Trek conventions, I’d have started going to them a long time ago.” “Well believe it or not, hot girls can like Star Trek too,” he said. “Preach,” Ashleigh’s voice comes from right next to him as she reaches out to refill his coffee. “And even pretty boys in backward ball caps,” she says, with obvious distaste, “are allowed to enjoy the show too.”
I press my hand to my heart, and say, “Did you hear that? She thinks I’m pretty.” “Don’t worry,” I say quietly as I lean toward her, “they’re more mature than they seem.” “Doubtful,” “Just the bill,” I tell her. “So, you’re truly a Star Trek fan?” he asks. “Why would you doubt that I am?” “Lots of people are fans of a particular series or movie, fewer people are true fans.” “How do I know you’re really a Star Trek fan?” “Try me.” “Okay,” “What is the name of Section 31’s dangerous AI?” “Really? You’re going to start with a total softball like that?” “Control.” Want more questions and answers need to read the book.
Zack is not a fighter everyone knows this but when Ashleigh comes with her friend, Blake, and wears Zach’s number, Colby Clark goes crazy. Hits to glass where Ashleigh sits scaring her Zach is not having it. See what happens next. Taking ten years of Aikido training and a fifth-degree black belt means he knows better than to fight—the damage he could do to his opponent, even on skates, is too substantial. One of the foundational practices of Aikido is using your opponent’s momentum and strength against them, and your opponent's inability to make contact with me twice in a row is escalating their rage. They fight themselves.” So guess how this works out for Colby. See how things work out for Zach and Ashleigh.
February 1, 2025
4 ⭐️
I want moreeeeee. This was the cutest and TINIEST novella and I do not understand why it isn’t longer. I was so excited to read Zach’s story and this was all we get??? Especially since I ended up liking this more than Audrey and Drew’s story… This is a short hockey romance novella with a love at first sight trope. It was endearing for a “we’ve got one night let’s make the most of it” situation and seemed believable from what we already know about Zach. Really hoping we see their relationship play out in the rest of the series because it deserves to be told.
Zach, MMC, hockey player for Boston meets a girl waitressing in a diner in Seattle, FMC, Ashleigh. He only has one night before a game tomorrow before leaving for Boston. They bond at the restaurant over StarTrek, go sightseeing, and Ashleigh takes him home for the night. They spend the night together for her to find out in the morning he plays hockey and is playing her ex’s team tonight. He’s determined to win her over and see her again and luck or fate has it that in a month she’s moving to Boston to go to MIT for spring semester. They make plans for them to see each other at Christmas in a week and continue whatever they have in Boston thinking they won’t see each other until then. Zach drops off a package for her at work later that day with a jersey and tickets for tonight’s game. Her ex spots her wearing Zach’s jersey and freaks out causing our non fighting, zen Zach to full on break Colby’s hand and defend her honor. I loved that she showed up and in his jersey because she that felt very bold and from the little we know of Zach the possessiveness and fighting is unlike him unless it really matters so at least it seemed believable. I just wish there was MORE.
Love at first sight. Hockey romance. Sports romance. Dual POV. First person POV. Spicy. Language.
Rereadable? No
I want moreeeeee. This was the cutest and TINIEST novella and I do not understand why it isn’t longer. I was so excited to read Zach’s story and this was all we get??? Especially since I ended up liking this more than Audrey and Drew’s story… This is a short hockey romance novella with a love at first sight trope. It was endearing for a “we’ve got one night let’s make the most of it” situation and seemed believable from what we already know about Zach. Really hoping we see their relationship play out in the rest of the series because it deserves to be told.
Zach, MMC, hockey player for Boston meets a girl waitressing in a diner in Seattle, FMC, Ashleigh. He only has one night before a game tomorrow before leaving for Boston. They bond at the restaurant over StarTrek, go sightseeing, and Ashleigh takes him home for the night. They spend the night together for her to find out in the morning he plays hockey and is playing her ex’s team tonight. He’s determined to win her over and see her again and luck or fate has it that in a month she’s moving to Boston to go to MIT for spring semester. They make plans for them to see each other at Christmas in a week and continue whatever they have in Boston thinking they won’t see each other until then. Zach drops off a package for her at work later that day with a jersey and tickets for tonight’s game. Her ex spots her wearing Zach’s jersey and freaks out causing our non fighting, zen Zach to full on break Colby’s hand and defend her honor. I loved that she showed up and in his jersey because she that felt very bold and from the little we know of Zach the possessiveness and fighting is unlike him unless it really matters so at least it seemed believable. I just wish there was MORE.
Love at first sight. Hockey romance. Sports romance. Dual POV. First person POV. Spicy. Language.
Rereadable? No
September 2, 2025
This was such a sweet and refreshing sports romance! Zach, the Rebels hockey player, is so different from the usual cocky athlete—he’s zen, grounded, and honestly just the kind of hero you can’t help but fall for. Ashleigh is ambitious and hardworking, chasing her dream of getting into MIT’s grad program, and I loved how relatable her determination (and stress!) felt.
Their worlds collide in the most everyday way—at her job—and what starts as casual chats quickly grows into something so much deeper. The fact that they bond over Star Trek made their connection even cuter and so unique. The romance felt natural, heartfelt, and had just the right amount of swoon-worthy sparks to keep me hooked.
If you love sports romance with a twist, smart heroines, and heroes who are as kind as they are dreamy, Trade Up is a must-read.
Their worlds collide in the most everyday way—at her job—and what starts as casual chats quickly grows into something so much deeper. The fact that they bond over Star Trek made their connection even cuter and so unique. The romance felt natural, heartfelt, and had just the right amount of swoon-worthy sparks to keep me hooked.
If you love sports romance with a twist, smart heroines, and heroes who are as kind as they are dreamy, Trade Up is a must-read.
December 16, 2024
This was such a cute little novella to go with the Boston Rebels series.
Timeline wise I think this goes between Center Ice and Fake Shot. So if you haven’t read the series yet then I’d recommend…
1. Center Ice
2. The Trade Up
3. Fake Shot
This is a Novella so it’s shorter and they don’t go as in depth with Zach and Ashleigh’s stories, but it is still packed full chemistry, feelings, and spice.
What are the chances the Star Trek loving hockey player would meet and fall for a diner waitress who also loves Star Trek and is about to move across the country to his town to finish her degree at MIT.
I’m excited to hopefully see more little glimpses of them in Cross Checked.
Timeline wise I think this goes between Center Ice and Fake Shot. So if you haven’t read the series yet then I’d recommend…
1. Center Ice
2. The Trade Up
3. Fake Shot
This is a Novella so it’s shorter and they don’t go as in depth with Zach and Ashleigh’s stories, but it is still packed full chemistry, feelings, and spice.
What are the chances the Star Trek loving hockey player would meet and fall for a diner waitress who also loves Star Trek and is about to move across the country to his town to finish her degree at MIT.
I’m excited to hopefully see more little glimpses of them in Cross Checked.
November 13, 2025
I absolutely loved Zach and Ashleigh. This was the perfect little book and everything you would want from a novella. It was great for me because I am the daughter of a Trekkie and the wife of one as well. It was fun to have understand the references and loved the STEM elements with our FMC Ashleigh. Honestly, there are no two better people to have met than Zach and Ashleigh. They are simply perfect for each other and though for some it may seem quick, sometimes when you know, you know.
I love how supportive Zach was of Ashleigh and wanting nothing but the best for her. She will always be shining brighter than others in his eyes and he treats her as such.
I love how supportive Zach was of Ashleigh and wanting nothing but the best for her. She will always be shining brighter than others in his eyes and he treats her as such.
November 2, 2024
This was the perfect little snap shot novella 😍
It was spicy and sweet and all tied up I a cute festive bow. ADORED IT.
Zach is all man and he’s things for consent and silent strength and strategy is so hot.
Ashleigh is all sassy and super smart! While being driven and caring.
They are so cute together and this little insta love thing they have is just heaven I hope we see more of both of them in the rebels series!
It was spicy and sweet and all tied up I a cute festive bow. ADORED IT.
Zach is all man and he’s things for consent and silent strength and strategy is so hot.
Ashleigh is all sassy and super smart! While being driven and caring.
They are so cute together and this little insta love thing they have is just heaven I hope we see more of both of them in the rebels series!
December 21, 2024
Ashleigh and Zack have an instant connection when they meet. Ashleigh has reservations about dating another pro hockey player but the connection she felt with Zack was too much to pass up. This was a short, sweet and slightly spicy novella. I could have used a ton more of this couple! I look forward to hearing more about this couple as the series continues. I hope these two get their happy ending!
August 8, 2025
There were a lot of great ideas in this novella, but it was so short that it read like a play-by-play of events rather than a story. This would have worked so well if it were longer; at the current length, there wasn't room to expand on any of the plot points and everything felt incredibly rushed. Also, as an Ashley with the OG spelling of the name, I was personally offended by the decision to spell her name Ashleigh.
February 16, 2025
I loved getting this little glimpse of Zach and Ashleigh and how they met. Although this was a novella and short, this was packed with so much action and spice. Zach and Ashleigh had that instant connection, and it felt like fate that she was going to MIT for her PhD program. It was also so perfect that her ex just happened to be a hockey player and a part of the team the Rebels were playing that night. Who doesn’t love a good jersey moment and hockey fight over it. This was a great quick read and the perfect little addition to get more on the Boston Rebels hockey family.
February 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A cute, short, and insta-love novella. Definitely would have preferred Zach get a whole book since I liked him in the other 3 books.
Would have been a 4 star read if it was longer and if there was a little more development of their relationship since it moved QUICK! But I guess you can only do so much in 15k words and the author does tell you it’s an insta-love story so 🤷🏻♀️
A cute, short, and insta-love novella. Definitely would have preferred Zach get a whole book since I liked him in the other 3 books.
Would have been a 4 star read if it was longer and if there was a little more development of their relationship since it moved QUICK! But I guess you can only do so much in 15k words and the author does tell you it’s an insta-love story so 🤷🏻♀️
March 23, 2025
It was too short. Yes, I know it says “short novella (15k words) but DAMN. I didn’t think it would be that short. I definitely would read it if it was converted to a proper book instead of novella. Nevertheless, this was a beautiful book. I loved the way they met and how he definitely fell first. The chemistry between them was out of this world!
August 28, 2024
After reading the first book in the series, I really wanted to read more about Zach! I am SO sad that this story was so short because I really loved both main characters and I wish we saw more of them, more story, more plot. It was very well written and entertaining!
September 28, 2024
This was such a cute short story that follows Zach’s love story while they’re playing in Seattle. I loved seeing more of his backstory, and his love interest, Ashleigh, was an interesting character with depth. I hope we get more of these two characters!
September 30, 2024
Fantastic short story that I wish was full length bc that was just not enough of Zack and Ashleigh. I was intrigued by Zack in the first book, so I was really excited for this. These two are so darn cute and the spice was spicin 🔥🥵🫦 Loved everything about it and need more!
January 24, 2025
I really liked this novella in the Boston Rebels series! Zach and Ashleigh were so perfect for each other. I kind of wanted more of their story. :-) This falls between Center Ice and The Fake Shot. The more books I read in the series the more in love I am with the Boston Rebels.
April 11, 2025
I need more of these two! This was so adorable and short. This novella contained a lot for how short it was. Would love to read about their Christmas visit, Ashleigh moving to attend MIT, and Zach’s unfinished business with Ashleigh’s ex-NHL boyfriend.
June 6, 2024
Cute little novella but honestly I’d love to read a bit more about Zach and Ashleigh!
June 6, 2024
I wish it was longer!!!
4.75⭐️
I need more of Zach and Ashleigh!
4.75⭐️
I need more of Zach and Ashleigh!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews