Zane has had his fair share of a tumultuous childhood, and on the ice as the center of the Glaciers, he releases pent-up anger and frustrations from the relentless blows life has dealt him.
Off the ice, he avoids his teammates and dismisses anyone who tries to show him affection, especially women who are only drawn to his fame. But everything changes when he meets Pearl. Instantly captivated, he sets aside all his reservations and pursues her relentlessly, despite her clear rejections and disdain for hockey.
Pearl desperately wants marriage, commitment, and a man who shares her faith—definitely not a handsome, charming athlete like Zane who doesn’t believe in God and has women all over town swooning over him.
She is done using dating as a mission to convert guys to Christ, only to end up hurt.
As Zane persists in trying to maintain a 'just friends' relationship with her, he begins to question whether healing and grace can be his portion too?
Meanwhile, Pearl struggles to fully trust God and His will as she continues to grapple with past disappointments.
Will their “friendship” blossom into love? Or is the distance between them too vast to bridge?
The Game She Hates is a Christian hockey romance that intricately weaves an inspirational love story with strong themes of hope, healing, forgiveness, and the transformative power of grace.
Ella Marie is a pen name of a wife to the man of her dreams, and a mama to a cute little boy. Jesus is her Lord and personal Savior, guiding her in all aspects of life. After publishing her first clean and sweet romance series, God put it on her heart to share the greatest gift in her life—Jesus—in her love stories.
All her future books will not only be heart-melting but will also point readers toward the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Expect to see broken characters finding healing, faith, hope, and of course, love in each of her Christ-centered love stories.
Her greatest prayer is that her books will encourage readers to live out their faith boldly, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and remember that no other book is to be cherished like God’s letter to us— the Bible.
Ella Marie’s latest novel, The Game She Hates, masterfully intertwines the intensity of hockey with the profound depths of Christian faith, crafting a tale that’s both gripping and spiritually enriching. Set against the backdrop of the icy rink, this book is a refreshing blend of romance and faith, making it a must-read for those who crave a story rooted in Christ-centered relationships.
At its core, The Game She Hates is a celebration of unwavering faith. Ella Marie’s passion for glorifying Jesus shines through every chapter. The narrative doesn’t just advance the love story of Pearl and Zane; it intricately weaves a faith arc that is both authentic and inspiring. Pearl’s journey is a testament to the power of trusting in God’s plan, even when past disappointments make it hard to fully surrender.
Zane, the charming center of the Glaciers, is more than just a talented athlete. His tumultuous past and his struggle with faith add layers to his character that go beyond the typical sports romance trope. His relentless pursuit of Pearl, despite her clear rejections, is not just a chase for romance but a quest for something deeper—healing and grace.
Pearl, on the other hand, is a beacon of faith and resilience. Her struggle to trust God’s will amidst her past disappointments is a journey many readers will resonate with. Her interactions with Zane push her to confront her own biases and fears, leading to a spiritual growth that is as compelling as her love story.
Ella Marie’s writing is peppered with quotes that deeply resonate:
• “My heart operates on a completely different frequency.”
• “I’m on the side of getting you back to church. I don’t think a mere mortal should come between your relationship with Jesus.”
• “I’m sorry, Jesus. I’m sorry for not allowing You to comfort me. Forgive me for being so consumed with my own emotions instead of clinging to Your promises. Thank You for reminding me that everything in my life has purpose known only to You. Thank You for showing me that even in my brokenness, You are working for my good and for Your glory.”
The Game She Hates is more than just a romance novel; it’s a spiritual journey that challenges readers to look beyond the surface and find God’s grace in unexpected places. Whether you’re a hockey fan or someone who couldn’t care less about the sport, this book offers something for everyone—compelling characters, a heartwarming love story, and a robust exploration of faith.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a love story that glorifies Jesus and inspires a deeper trust in God’s plan. Ella Marie has truly outdone herself with this one, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
I received a digital ARC of The Game She Hates from the author. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
OH MY GOODNESS!! This was my first Ella Marie book but it most certainly won't be my last and I believe it's safe to say she's made it to one of my absolute favorite authors! Just wow! The faith content in this book was amazing like some of the best ive ever seen !! I honestly can't even pick one single faith excerpt or one single FMC/MMC excerpt it was just all too good!!! And yall how do I even explain how perfect this romance was I mean I genuinely have no words... like hello the way Zane Ortiz pursues his girl and the way Pearl Davis is determined to have a God-honoring relationship and guard her heart until she finds the one God has planned for her...chalk me up as completely obsessed!! I 100% recommend this book it is absolutely a must read!!
The Game She Hates is a beautiful love story combining hockey and faith... what could be better than that? This is Ella Marie's first Christian romance, and she absolutely nailed it! If you're looking for a romance with minimal Christian content--- well, this isn't it. While I certainly enjoy books without it too, I did really enjoy seeing a romance that truly kept Christ at the very center of the story. The romance aspects were absolutely wonderful, and I really enjoyed Zane and Pearl together. Their chemistry was really fun and evident right from their initial meeting. But it was watching their journeys of faith that really stood out to me the most in their stories. They both had some struggles in their pasts that they needed to work through, and I enjoyed seeing them do just that. If you love hockey romances and are looking for a faith-based romance with strong Christian content, this is absolutely one worth checking out.
While the overall story had a great message of redemption and forgiveness, there are references to topics that could be difficult to some readers such as death of a parent, neglect and abuse and alcoholism.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book because of how in-depth it got in terms of the emotional and spiritual development of Zane and Pearl. It's easy to see why this is the author's favourite couple as they are both winsome characters who are going through tough issues while trying to understand the role of God in their lives. I appreciate that both characters want to do what is right for the other person, even when their hearts might not feel like it at the time. Instead of giving in and compromising on their beliefs, I thought it was helpful to see Zane and Pearl both work on themselves instead of just jumping into a relationship together. Pearl's work as a therapist brought a level of maturity to the story, and it was endearing to see her grow over time as well.
This book is faith-filled and points to Jesus' love and redemption. Pearl's prayers are vulnerable yet striking, and I found myself relating to some of her concerns and fears. At the same time, Zane is a bold character, and seeing him heal from past wounds is most gratifying. It's wonderful to have Ella Marie's voice in the Christian fiction world as she offers both tenderness and conviction in a compelling manner. This was a gentle story that imparted some powerful truths alongside a sweet romance. Readers who enjoy hockey romances will cheer Zane and Pearl on in this heartwarming book that honours its characters who in turn strive to honour God.
my second christian romance and ugh i loved it so much! i’m honestly leaning towards a 4 but a 3.75 feels right. i really like pearl and zane together. pearl is 100100% relatable in the lacking faith in the love department, like girl me too. i felt their story was a bit more entertaining than charlie and enzo…tea. anyhoo i like ella marie’s work i shall be reading more
This was my introduction to this author and I'll be back for more!
That being said, it was so great to see an initial page that gives the reader an idea of what they're about to read with a little bit of a heads up on content.
We meet Zane who is a hockey player with a chip on his shoulder from a rough childhood. Thankfully, he's got people around him now who see his potential and are always trying to build him up. Then there's Pearl, who is a therapist for children in the foster care system.
Their initial meeting isn't quite the meet-cute, which makes everything even more awkward when they ARE brought together. Zane is all about Pearl, in an almost stalker-ish way, and Pearl doesn't have the time of day for him. She's been hurt before and she's determined to hold out for a man who is a believer and can lead them as a couple.
There was so much I appreciated about this story. Both characters had a passion for what they do for careers. They both have people around them who are incredibly supportive. While Zane's people are on his team and not really "friends" they do care. Pearl has Robyn and I've already made sure Robyn will be getting her own story! I need that to happen. lol We also see that even though Pearl has the best of intentions to only date a Christian man, it can be hard to keep that boundary when she's attracted to someone like Zane.
The thread of faith you guys!!!! This was SO awesome. The author does NOT hold back and I loved it! The story deals with healing, salvation, witness to unbelievers, and forgiveness.
*I received the book for review. This is my personal opinion.
I received an ARC of Ella Marie's first Christian Romance... and I loved it!
Hockey player meets therapist... therapist hates hockey... their pasts make them hesitant to pursue more.....BUT GOD.
The way their relationship grows and evolves is sweet ana relatable, yet still swoony.
This book is a page turner!
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️ 💋
The Stats:
🏒 star hockey player MMC
🏒pediatric therapist FMC
🏒faith arc
🏒he’s sworn off women
🏒she guards her heart
🏒he pursues & persuades her😉
🏒she hates hockey
Book Overview: 252 pages Christian Romance Releases July 12, 2024
Zane has had his fair share of a tumultuous childhood, and on the ice as the center of the Glaciers, he releases pent-up anger and frustrations from the relentless blows life has dealt him.
Off the ice, he avoids his teammates and dismisses anyone who tries to show him affection, especially women who are only drawn to his fame. But everything changes when he meets Pearl. Instantly captivated, he sets aside all his reservations and pursues her relentlessly, despite her clear rejections and disdain for hockey.
Pearl desperately wants marriage, commitment, and a man who shares her faith—definitely not a handsome, charming athlete like Zane who doesn’t believe in God and has women all over town swooning over him.
She is done using dating as a mission to convert guys to Christ, only to end up hurt.
As Zane persists in trying to maintain a ‘just friends’ relationship with her, he begins to question whether healing and grace can be his portion too?
Meanwhile, Pearl struggles to fully trust God and His will as she continues to grapple with past disappointments.
Will their “friendship” blossom into love? Or is the distance between them too vast to bridge?
The Game She Hates is a Christian hockey romance that intricately weaves an inspirational love story with strong themes of hope, healing, forgiveness, and the transformative power of grace.
Thank you @ella_marie_author for writing such a faith-filled swoon worthy hockey romance!!
When i tell you this is the best romance book i’ve ever read, i mean it. Not only was the writing amazing… BUT THE CHARACTERS?! They felt so real and genuine and i couldn’t love them more. And don’t get me started on the faith in this book. AND THE MANY BIBLE VERSES QUOTED NFKWNFJDNS. The Christian faith was written and displayed so well, i’ve never felt more seen in a book before. The character’s relationships with God were so real and also inspiring. It wasn’t just the easy parts of being a Christian and following and living for The Lord but also the hard parts. This book had me laughing out loud, talking to my camera man (Jesus), crying of happiness or sadness (what can i say, i’ve got a big heart), highlighting and noting a million paragraphs/sentences, and having to throw my kindle because of how cute it was. I saw myself in some aspects this book and God really put it on my heart to talk to Him about it. I’ll never forget this book. Please read. And thank you to my best friend who recommended this to me. God bless :)
Ok this books has faith written all over it! I LOVED how the author dove into Christian elements like prayer and using Jesus name instead of just God. However due to the length of the novel , it had a very rushed ending and fell into the category where the road to salvation was at some points unbelievable. I wished the author dug into it even more. If the author had like 2 years later next chapter it would have been nice. I am so intrigued until 73% and then I skimmed to finish it. Also the FMC stood firm that she will not date someone if they are not Christian but then still kissed the MMC even though she did know where he stood with his faith. Another thing that bothered me was how rude Duke and Kate were. They are supposed to be Christian but the way they talked about FMC did not sit well with me.
I loved many aspects of this story, the fact to use faith in a hockey book. The banter was also so good!
Pretty good, I loved that it was from a Christian perspective. Too many books work to draw people away from God instead of closer. That said… I have mixed feelings. She was very interested in someone who wasn’t a Christian and knew it was wrong, but she still stayed in touch with him. Two hour phone calls every night kinda stuff. He is an amazing guy but still… It ended up working out, she ghosted him for a bit, he ended receiving faith, and they get together. Obviously God used her to reach him, and that’s amazing, but the way it happened didn’t sit quite right with me. Also, the writing was a bit lacking is some places—repeated words, obvious things overstated, and other little stuff. However! Like I said before, it was refreshing to read a book infused with Christ. There were numerous scripture references along with prayers and conversations about God. I’m glad I read it. It’s just that a few things piqued my conscious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I like this stronger Christian theme that the author is now using. Although at 80, I’m not looking for guidance in romantic relationships, I’ve found that I always find a new truth or see one in a different way when I read books with a Christian theme. That said this one also has a wonderful romance and plenty of humor. I can just imagine the jolt Zane got when he realized that Pearl really wasn’t a fan and knew nothing about hockey. I loved this book and I really hope that there is one for Robyn down the road.
This book has a great plot and fantastic characters! The writing was good, but there were some over-emotional paragraphs and unnatural dialogue/descriptions. It was an interesting read, contrasting with other self-published novels. The epilogue was quite questionable, with some unneeded descriptions, but I enjoyed it anyway.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. While this isn't the author's first book that she's written, it is her Christian romance debut. It can be read as a standalone, though it will be part of a series that includes some of the characters introduced in this one. The book's blurb is straightforward. The Game She Hates is told through Pearl and Zane's pov and is a beautiful story about how God's love brings hope and healing.
CW: alcoholism, abuse and neglect, and loss are lightly touched on Spice: sweet kisses
Though it's difficult to miss when it's included in the title, blurb, and author's note, I want to make it clear that this is a Christian romance with characters whose beliefs guide them. As long as you don't have strong negative opinions about God, then you should still be able to enjoy the book.
After the disappointments that Pearl has experienced, she's even more committed to only dating a man who believes in God. When she meets Zane, who isn't a believer, she tries to keep him at a distance to protect her heart. Yet, the more time they spend together, the easier it is for things to feel right between them. One of the things I liked about Pearl is how steadfast she was, even when it may make readers' hearts sting for a bit. Her past and hopes understandably shaped her actions but it was nice to see her soften and really listen to God answering her prayers.
Because of his upbringing, Zane carries anger in his heart and, except for a select few, keeps himself closed off to others. Meeting Pearl not only helps him to face the troubles that have a hold on him but also inspire him to seek a relationship with God. As a hockey player, Zane was used to going after what he wanted and I like how that translated into his personal life in how he wanted to be friends with Pearl and satisfying his curiosity about God.
Both Pearl and Zane are characters that readers can relate to but, even if you've never been in their specific situation, their feelings and motives are clear so it's easy to be invested in them and root for them. Though their romance is a slow burn, with Pearl's thoughts about relationship, the pacing of the story is great. The development of their relationship and their individual journeys was done well. Aside from the romance and faith aspects, I really enjoyed the side characters. I like how both Pearl and Zane had friends who supported them. There were a few themes that this book touched one but acceptance and forgiveness were two that I want to mentioned were done beautifully well. This was an excellent Christian romance debut and I look forward to reading more from the author.
Pearl lives her life trying to help others by using her Christian principles to help children who are struggling in foster care. She seems successful in her work life but in as far as romance goes things aren’t so well as men have taken advantage of her and now she fears any relationship will end up the same way.
Enter the most popular ice hockey player in town who all the girls swoon over as well as the guys. His coach is a friend of hers and has asked her to help him with some issues but she doesn’t want to because of her attraction to him and because of her past experiences. He feels an attraction as well but tries to respect her wishes. They do get together as friends and she expresses her Christian beliefs to him. In talking to others on his hockey team he makes the decision to become a Christian even though Pearl doesn’t seem to want to have anything to do with him until she sees him at his baptism. From there on they are inseparable and have their happily ever after!
I enjoyed this book but it’s interesting that in Pearl’s case for one who centers all she does for others on Christian principles, that in the matters of her own heart she wouldn’t offer up prayers to the Lord about whether Zane was the one for her or not. She let her fear of her past experiences determine what her response would be and just about ruined her happiness. Fear is crippling and it can destroy a person’s happiness if allowed to remain unchecked!
No matter who we are fear can destroy the hopes and dreams one has if listened to and acted on. Hopefully you’re not alone in the battles you’re facing and you’re friends are there to give you the back up you need!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as one I think you’ll enjoy and also share it with your friends!
Every fibre of her being tells her that Zane is different to her ex Clay , yet here she is stating he’s an unbeliever. What she doesn’t realise is that Zane has found God and he’s learning about his teachings and followers them. “ you understand?” “ I’m starting to” He prays and is learning , it’s not just about Pearl anymore as he’s finally found his righteous path. If only she could see that they’re perfect for one another…and he wants , no needs her as his wife.. She seeks her friend Beatrice who helps her see the light. “ Honey remember God is never without a plan.” Having realised that she hasn’t once asked God about His will, she has only asked for Zane to vanish from her heart and her life, driven by fear instead of faith, she takes a giant leap when her friend Robyn shows her Zane’s new social media profile… I’m undone I really am . My cup runneth over with this awesome story by Elle Marie in all its glory. It is a very beautiful,wholesome , feel good love story. Told exceptionally well and portrayed with heart and God guiding the way, revealing that the two lovers have found not only each other but faith in love and friendship and of their new found joy to guide their way. A truly beautiful, heartfelt and inspiring story. It has good direction , perfect prose and the characters are enchanting. Anyone who knows me , I’m a sucker for an IceHockey feel good romance . This? Well it’s so immersive and sheer perfection 👌🏼when they decide to give love a chance.♥️ Crying not crying 😭
Wow, this was such an amazing book. It is actually my first Christian romance that I've ever read and it really put my expectations at the heavens for future ones. Also, it put my expectations for my future husband very high as well 😅
I also loved that there was no real third act breakup and that she gave us about two or three chapters (the last few) where they were just in love and together.
The ONLY thing I didn't really like is how she doesn't see herself as beautiful and finds that validation in what Zane says and not in God. I think you should always first look for validation in God, he's the one that said that we are all beautifully made. People can always fail you but He never will 🥰. God really helped me in seeing that I am beautiful, because Him I can truly trust, but when people say it to me it's much harder to believe.
A few spoilers ahead:
It was so beautiful in how it always pointed back to God and Jesus, but especially the scene where he's nervous over meeting his dad, she prays for him, and he said that he's the most attracted to her when she goes to the Father for him 🥹🫠🥹. Watch me just melting away for how sweet and hot that was. Also just her quoting scripture is so cool and makes me want to memorize more verses 😅.
Thank you so much Ella Marie for this book, and I am so looking forward to your future books. Now I'm going to try to find other Christian romances that will probably not live up to this book.
An inspiring romance, centered around faith, with all the classic elements you love in a typical romance read, but also all the new ones you didn't know you wanted.
Pearl and Zane's journey in this book is not only one of finding love in each other, but most importantly, it's a journey where the destination is to find the greatest love of all.
While the main characters are opposites in many ways, can their own strengths be what helps the other's weaknesses?
Could Zane's diligent pursuit of Pearl be driven by something deeper at its core? Could Pearl's fear of relationships be about more than hiding behind a mask of past hurts?
If you are a lover of faith based romance that will strengthen and grow you, as much as the characters, then you don't want to miss this one!
I also want to applaud the author Ella Marie for managing to authentically portray the aspects of actively living a life guided by faith. That includes showing the good and the ugly, mixed in with all the imperfections we face in ourselves and in those around us who may or may not be trying to live by faith as well. I received a free ARC copy of this novel. The review I supplied is my own personal opinion.
Pearl and Zane couldn’t be more different, but are drawn to each other the moment they meet for a therapy session set up by Zane’s coach. Christian Pediatric and Family Therapist, Pearl, tries to keep him at a distance, but famous hockey player Zane is persistent and desperately wants to be close to her, the girl who refuses to be his therapist and hates hockey. Pearl is a devout Christian who wants nothing more than a man with her same beliefs and values and wishes Zane were a believer, too. Zane is haunted by his childhood with an alcoholic father, leading to troubles on and off the ice, but, through Pearl and Christian teammates, learns more about and eventually gains a belief in a Jesus Christ. This is a short and sweet romance about second chances, and trusting your heart and the Lord.
I wish there was a little more drama and a little more detail. The end of the story felt a little abrupt, and the epilogue left me wanting more! This book was more faith-centered than any other books I’ve read, but I don’t see that as a bad thing. Some of the dialogue doesn’t seem completely realistic, but I appreciate the truths of Christ taught throughout the story.
ARC BOOK REVIEW 📖: THE GAME SHE HATES by Ella Marie
Rating: 4⭐️/5 Format: ebook
Thank you Ella for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Game She Hates will be released this Friday, July 12th.
Synopsis: Zane is a well known hockey player who is working through emotional frustrations from his childhood. Pearl is a child psychologist who uses her past experience to help children in the foster care system, and desperately wants a man whom shares her faith. But what happens when their paths are crossed? Will Zane avoid Pearl like he does all the other women he’s met or is she just the person he’s been needing most in his life?
Thoughts: This was my first Christian romance book and while I might not be running to read them more often, it was refreshing to read a book that incorporated some bible verses and had characters that attended church. This is definitely a slow burn that has you waiting for our leads to get together. Read if you love slow burn, hockey romance, bible verses, and second chances.
Favorite Quotes: “Reading is a great escape for me. It’s like traveling without spending a dime.”
Is a sweet Christian, opposites attract, hockey romance with no cliffhanger. Some of the lines I like ----- What’s meant for me, no one can take away.” ----- The goal, as always, is to become better with each stride, giving our all and a little bit more. ------ “It’s not that it’s hard. Marriage isn’t complicated, but in order to be happily married, two people have to put in the effort to understand each other, communicate openly, and grow together.” ------- “Reading is a great escape for me. It’s like traveling without spending a dime. ----- “What’s special is Jesus in me. Without him, I’m broken. We all are.” ----- “You know, children are just like us. They crave the same thing we do: to be heard, truly heard, not always being told what to do or what to think, although that also has its place in child rearing." ----- “Don’t let fear be the lens through which you view your life anymore." ----- I loved Pearl and Zane's story and l know you will too. I can't wait to read her next book. I received a free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
What a great book! This is not your typical hockey romance. It is full of Jesus and Biblical truth…and, yes, there’s hockey and romance. Zane and Pearl were so good together. Pearl was reluctant to form a friendship with Zane because she didn’t want to fall for an unbeliever. Zane didn’t understand why Pearl was so hot and cold for him. They were both letting fear run their lives. They had a lot work through. Zane had to make the initial decision to give his life to Jesus and Pearl had to surrender her relationship with Zane to God. She was afraid of bing hurt again and wasn’t listening to what God wanted for her life. This book was extra special to me because, like Pearl, I was a foster kid. I feel like a lot of times in movies and books, foster care gets a bad rap. Foster care saved my life. It’s definitely not always a positive thing, but without it a lot of kids would be a lot worse off. I really liked the Pearl was a well adjusted adult who used her past to help others like her.
**I was sent a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions express in the review are my own.
Zane is a man of determination, going after what he wants and not stopping until he gets it. What struck me the most was his unwavering certainty about Pearl. As the story unfolds, we see how God played a significant role in keeping him focused, especially since Pearl repeatedly rejected him. Yet, I can relate to Pearl’s reluctance to open her heart. She had been hurt countless times and was terrified of experiencing that pain again. This is where Ella Marie truly excels in illustrating how the Holy Spirit orchestrates the perfect circumstances for two souls meant to be together. The Lord is never late in fulfilling His promises.
The greatest lesson I took away from The Game She Hates is that kindness, generosity, and love—among other gifts of the Spirit—are the best ways to lead others to Jesus.
I cried many times while reading this book—happy tears, sad tears, nostalgic tears, even tears of regret. I saw myself in Zane, Pearl, and Robyn. Thank you for a wonderful read, I cannot wait for the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such a sweet, feel good read! This is the is kind of comfort pick-me up read that just brings a smile to your face when you want a story with a lot of character growth and faith and not too much angst. It is a little bit of a enemies to lovers with some funny moments and their interaction is lots of fun. More than that though it is the story of two individual's spiritual journey to come to a place where they are ready for a relationship with one another.
Ella Marie writes real relationships - not the fake ridiculous over the top issue that you see in some books. That said, Zane being a celebrity did come with some hilarious over the top scenes, and Pearl's attempt to grasp hockey, well, let's just say I'm not sure she knows which end of the stick to hold. There were times when they got in their own way and I was worried about which way it was going to go, but huge sigh of relief, prayers were answered, sometimes in a rather unexpected way.
The Game She Hates is a closed-door romance story following Pearl and Zane. I loved Pearl, who shines light on being in the foster system and is therefore an ultra sweetheart, who counselors children also in the system. I loved her strength and her heart for Jesus.
Zane on the other hand is an intense hockey player of a man, whom struggles to deal with his emotions and tends to take them to the ice. But throughout the story, we see him grow and find Jesus in his day-to-day life again, which was beautiful to witness.
The story of Pearl and Zane was absolutely admirable. I lived for the Christian theme and elements in the storyline. I’d recommend to anyone who loves closed-door hockey romances, and/or especially a Christian-themed romance! (Also on a side note, I loved watching Pearl’s friend, Robyn, grow too - she was such a solid character!)
This is a slow angsty, he falls first and falls hard type of book. I really loved all the faith elements worked into this story though, the realism of their faith struggles was incredibly well written.
At first you get frustrated with Pearl but at the same time when she speaks about why she is the way she is, you have no choice but to be understanding of her turmoil. Trust me, there were times I wanted to shake her! But then she'd talk about her exs and you feel for her.
Zane, my gosh, my heart broke for him so many times! Towards the end I couldn't stop reading, especially when it came to family matters. Ughh that was intense!
This was a nice Christian romance and I do look forward to reading more from this author! Only reason it was docked a star is because I wanted more of Pearl and Zane as a couple, especially as a Christian couple maneuvering their relationship.
Aww, Pearl and Zane. Both hurt from past trauma and life experiences, but one overcame by putting her life and faith in Jesus and the other takes it out on the ice. Pearl wants nothing to do with hockey or its players, but the man she just met keeps showing up. As God works in each of their lives, will they grow closer together, or will their past hurts push them away?
The Game She Hates is full of forgiveness, grace, and sweet moments between adorable characters. While the story is very much focused on the tension between the characters, there are also many touching moments and thought-provoking quotes. I highlighted multiple quotes from this book, some for their romantic swoon and some for being relatable truths that I want to remember.
“Zane wants me in a way that terrifies me, because my heart longs for him just as deeply, if not more.”
“This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced God’s grace, but I constantly need a reminder of His unfailing love and mercy.”
“Trusting [God] doesn’t mean understanding everything, but standing by Him even when we don’t understand our circumstances.”
This book was a wonderful story with a happy ending for several characters. Ella did a wonderful job blending a sweet romance story with God’s grace and redemption. I can’t wait to see what story Ella pens next!
If Christian romance is something you love, you NEED to read this book! God was woven throughout their entire love story and bought the two characters together in His timing. There were beautiful quotes and verses throughout the entire book!
I started this book during the cup final and though that didn’t end the way I wanted it to, it was a great time to read this story! The FMC even goes to his hockey game in his jersey!?!?
Something I’ve realized about myself is that I find it harder to enjoy and connect to books that are shorter which is what this book is. But, that’s just a personal thing.
To all hockey romance fans, I recommend this book! Thank you so much for sending me this arc!