What do you think?
Rate this book
Campus Confessions #1
The Breakaway
The only thing worse than crossing the line is wanting to...
Living with my boyfriend Logan was everything I wanted—until I realized his best friend, Rob Thompson, came with the deal. Rob and I are like oil and water, fire and gasoline, sworn enemies under one roof.
When Logan got selected for World Juniors in Germany, I thought I’d get a reprieve. I could handle the quiet loneliness of his absence. What I couldn’t handle was Rob. He’s still here, stomping around the house with that cocky grin, pushing every button I have. And somehow, when it’s just the two of us, the air feels heavier. Charged.
It’s infuriating how he can see right through me, past every wall I’ve built, calling me out in ways no one else ever has. But as much as I hate him, I can’t seem to stay away.
Logan will be gone for two months. Rob will be here every day. And I’m terrified that everything I thought I knew about love—and hate—is about to change.
One Click if you
Enemies to loversHe holds her at nightI hate youI love youSlow burnSnarky banterBook #1 in Campus Confessions, a spin-off of the best-selling Canadian Played series. High sizzle, fade-to-black hockey romance.
Living with my boyfriend Logan was everything I wanted—until I realized his best friend, Rob Thompson, came with the deal. Rob and I are like oil and water, fire and gasoline, sworn enemies under one roof.
When Logan got selected for World Juniors in Germany, I thought I’d get a reprieve. I could handle the quiet loneliness of his absence. What I couldn’t handle was Rob. He’s still here, stomping around the house with that cocky grin, pushing every button I have. And somehow, when it’s just the two of us, the air feels heavier. Charged.
It’s infuriating how he can see right through me, past every wall I’ve built, calling me out in ways no one else ever has. But as much as I hate him, I can’t seem to stay away.
Logan will be gone for two months. Rob will be here every day. And I’m terrified that everything I thought I knew about love—and hate—is about to change.
One Click if you
Enemies to loversHe holds her at nightI hate youI love youSlow burnSnarky banterBook #1 in Campus Confessions, a spin-off of the best-selling Canadian Played series. High sizzle, fade-to-black hockey romance.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2024
82 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 27, 2026
I mean.. I called it on page 70, 5 stars, that's a no-brainer. This was SO good.
I was maybe a bit afraid that Shar would give in and cheat, but 100% love it that she didn't. How much I low-key hated it when she pulled back during tense moments with Rob, I'm also so so glad that she did.
The tension, the fact that we all KNEW he was in love with her, the pancakes, the Christmas decorations, the skiing, all of it, chef's kiss.
I can't waittttt to start the next one
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
I was maybe a bit afraid that Shar would give in and cheat, but 100% love it that she didn't. How much I low-key hated it when she pulled back during tense moments with Rob, I'm also so so glad that she did.
The tension, the fact that we all KNEW he was in love with her, the pancakes, the Christmas decorations, the skiing, all of it, chef's kiss.
I can't waittttt to start the next one
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
January 3, 2025
This was a good slow-burn, collegiate hockey romance between Sharla and Rob, her boyfriend Logan’s best friend, and their roomate set in Calgary, Canada in 1994. I am not a fan of the cheating that is often found in love triangle tropes, and I was pleased that the author kept the tension, without any cheating, between Rob and Sharla throughout the story.
Sharla is a student concert violinist whose friendship with many of the colleges hockey players led to spending time and starting a relationship with Logan. She is a dedicated and loyal student and friend who is unfortunately scarred by some past trauma that remains with her since it was never fully addressed. At times in the beginning, this can make her seem whiny to the other characters, but for those who know what happened, it is her fear and trauma response.
Rob is a quiet and stoic grumpy gentleman who has a heart gold. He is a compelling and layered character who you cannot help but swoon over.
The secondary characters were varied and interesting, I love all the friendships and look forward to exploring their stories in the next books.
The book has some heavier themes at times, but I felt that they were handled respectfully, and in a way that was reflective of how mental health and trauma were handled in the 90s (thank God this has improved since then and hopefully the awareness and support will continue to improve).
—
❤️Hockey romance
🏒Enemies to lovers
❤️Forced proximity
🏒Slow-burn
❤️Forbidden love triangle
🏒Snarky banter
❤️Sexual assault (past)
🏒Abandonment (past)
❤️Homelessness (past)
🏒Stand-alone series
❤️1994
📍Calgary, Canada
—
Cover art: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
Thank you Cynthia Gunderson and BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review! 📚
Publishers release date 12/31/2024
Sharla is a student concert violinist whose friendship with many of the colleges hockey players led to spending time and starting a relationship with Logan. She is a dedicated and loyal student and friend who is unfortunately scarred by some past trauma that remains with her since it was never fully addressed. At times in the beginning, this can make her seem whiny to the other characters, but for those who know what happened, it is her fear and trauma response.
Rob is a quiet and stoic grumpy gentleman who has a heart gold. He is a compelling and layered character who you cannot help but swoon over.
The secondary characters were varied and interesting, I love all the friendships and look forward to exploring their stories in the next books.
The book has some heavier themes at times, but I felt that they were handled respectfully, and in a way that was reflective of how mental health and trauma were handled in the 90s (thank God this has improved since then and hopefully the awareness and support will continue to improve).
—
❤️Hockey romance
🏒Enemies to lovers
❤️Forced proximity
🏒Slow-burn
❤️Forbidden love triangle
🏒Snarky banter
❤️Sexual assault (past)
🏒Abandonment (past)
❤️Homelessness (past)
🏒Stand-alone series
❤️1994
📍Calgary, Canada
—
Cover art: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
Thank you Cynthia Gunderson and BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review! 📚
Publishers release date 12/31/2024
January 3, 2025
Stars 4.5
Spice: not much but sweet story
I enjoyed reading this book. I love the throwback to 90’s vibe it had. Dating life was so different then no quick photos, texting, and talking in home phones. It was a bit nostalgic.
This is a HEA. As I was reading I was not sure how the plot would work out between this love triangle but somehow the author had it all smoothed over in the end. I hate how some books just are so messy and don’t seem real. This book was not that. Also there is some sexual issues that occurred as a child and the author handled it so well. I felt like it was almost telling my story how families just didn’t “believe” that things occurred the way that they did. This was the norm at the time . I will be reading more of this authors books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spice: not much but sweet story
I enjoyed reading this book. I love the throwback to 90’s vibe it had. Dating life was so different then no quick photos, texting, and talking in home phones. It was a bit nostalgic.
This is a HEA. As I was reading I was not sure how the plot would work out between this love triangle but somehow the author had it all smoothed over in the end. I hate how some books just are so messy and don’t seem real. This book was not that. Also there is some sexual issues that occurred as a child and the author handled it so well. I felt like it was almost telling my story how families just didn’t “believe” that things occurred the way that they did. This was the norm at the time . I will be reading more of this authors books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2025
I got this advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I love a good hockey romance, enemies to lovers.
This story takes place in 1994 in Alberta, so I loved that, anyways... Shar and Logan are dating and live together with his best friend. There is always this tension that Shar cant figure out with Rob.
It isn't until Logan leaves for trials for hockey that little pieces start to connect and she realizes Logan is not who she thinks and Rob is so much more. I loved the slow burn. There is closed door romance, and some trigger warnings. I did love this book and read it in under 24 hours!
Recommend!
4.5 stars!
This story takes place in 1994 in Alberta, so I loved that, anyways... Shar and Logan are dating and live together with his best friend. There is always this tension that Shar cant figure out with Rob.
It isn't until Logan leaves for trials for hockey that little pieces start to connect and she realizes Logan is not who she thinks and Rob is so much more. I loved the slow burn. There is closed door romance, and some trigger warnings. I did love this book and read it in under 24 hours!
Recommend!
4.5 stars!
January 26, 2025
Quote: “Thank you for making this the only place I wanted to be.”
Pretending is so tiresome and will eventually catch up to you. Can Sharla realize that her life with her boyfriend Logan is mostly her pretending that she is happy, that she loves him, that she is okay with always being second or will she realize while he is away playing Hockey overseas that the person who she thinks hates her, who is Logan’s best friend and their roommate is actually her person. Months spent together Sharla and Rob don’t act on their feelings but their friendship grows stronger. Will Sharla and Logan slide right back into their relationship when he returns or will she start over with Rob?
If you like 🌹Slow Burn 🏒 Hockey Romance 🌹Forced Proximity 🏒Forbidden Love Triangle 🌹Snarky Banter, then this book is for you.
Thank you Author Cynthia Gunderson and Bookclub Sirens for an ARC Copy and honest review.
Pretending is so tiresome and will eventually catch up to you. Can Sharla realize that her life with her boyfriend Logan is mostly her pretending that she is happy, that she loves him, that she is okay with always being second or will she realize while he is away playing Hockey overseas that the person who she thinks hates her, who is Logan’s best friend and their roommate is actually her person. Months spent together Sharla and Rob don’t act on their feelings but their friendship grows stronger. Will Sharla and Logan slide right back into their relationship when he returns or will she start over with Rob?
If you like 🌹Slow Burn 🏒 Hockey Romance 🌹Forced Proximity 🏒Forbidden Love Triangle 🌹Snarky Banter, then this book is for you.
Thank you Author Cynthia Gunderson and Bookclub Sirens for an ARC Copy and honest review.
February 11, 2025
Love a good hockey romance.
This takes place in 1994 which is so fun!
Shar and her boyfriend live in an apartment with Rob. There is tension between Shar and Rob but Shar can’t quite figure out what the problem is that is until Rob leaves for hockey.
Shar starts to realize her boyfriend isn’t who she wants to be with. Slow burn story but worth the wait.
Loved this book!
Over all 4.5 ⭐️
This takes place in 1994 which is so fun!
Shar and her boyfriend live in an apartment with Rob. There is tension between Shar and Rob but Shar can’t quite figure out what the problem is that is until Rob leaves for hockey.
Shar starts to realize her boyfriend isn’t who she wants to be with. Slow burn story but worth the wait.
Loved this book!
Over all 4.5 ⭐️
January 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this book wasn’t expecting the ending at all. I honestly was waiting for her to cheat but she never did and honestly I was quite shocked.
This was one of the best enemies to lovers I have read yet.
This was one of the best enemies to lovers I have read yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
Perfect for anyone who loves a slow burn and yearning. Why have I never seen Rob on anyone’s book boyfriend list? That’s the real question here. I ate this book UP 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoughts & Notes:
Nothing that really grabbed me, but it was a decent read.
Genres & Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Summary:
Living with my boyfriend and his best friend, Rob, has mostly been fine. Until Logan gets selected for World Juniors in Europe, which means he’ll be away for two months, leaving Rob and I in the apartment, alone. Rob pushes my buttons, It's infuriating how he can see right through me, past every wall I've built, or how the room is so charged when he’s in it. The only thing worse than crossing the line is wanting to...
Characters:
Charlotte- music major, violinist
Logan- charlotte’s boyfriend, hockey player
Rob- roommate, logan’s bff, hockey player
Comparable Stories:
Thoughtless
Quotes From Book:
“Excuses are for losers.”
Thoughts & Notes:
Nothing that really grabbed me, but it was a decent read.
Genres & Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Summary:
Living with my boyfriend and his best friend, Rob, has mostly been fine. Until Logan gets selected for World Juniors in Europe, which means he’ll be away for two months, leaving Rob and I in the apartment, alone. Rob pushes my buttons, It's infuriating how he can see right through me, past every wall I've built, or how the room is so charged when he’s in it. The only thing worse than crossing the line is wanting to...
Characters:
Charlotte- music major, violinist
Logan- charlotte’s boyfriend, hockey player
Rob- roommate, logan’s bff, hockey player
Comparable Stories:
Thoughtless
Quotes From Book:
“Excuses are for losers.”
July 21, 2025
Sharla & Logan have been dating for years and it is just a bit stale if you ask me. Logan got this great opportunity to go play hockey for Team Canada which is going to take him away from Sharla for a bit of time during their college semesters. Sharla has her own priorities and throughout the book slowly realizes that maybe Logan hasn't been putting in the effort like she thought he was.. Maybe it was Rob?
While Logan is gone Rob and Shar become friends. & honestly, I thought from the beginning there was a reason why Rob steered clear and maybe it wasn't because he 'hated' her. Anyway, this low spice, slow burn, hockey romance is going to have you yearning for these two to get together.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
While Logan is gone Rob and Shar become friends. & honestly, I thought from the beginning there was a reason why Rob steered clear and maybe it wasn't because he 'hated' her. Anyway, this low spice, slow burn, hockey romance is going to have you yearning for these two to get together.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
This book took me through a whirlwind of emotions. I resonated with Sharla when she learned something about herself that she hadn't noticed before. In the beginning, I loved Logan. He was a literal dream of a boyfriend until you kept reading and realized he wasn't the person we all thought he was. I loved Rob so much. I disliked him in the beginning but he redeemed himself. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2025
Shar and Rob
My parents reacted the same way as Shar's when I told them what my cousin did to me. Like Shar's parents, my abuser has consistently been welcomed into the family home. It's even more difficult and devastating than Shar shares. I think it's next to impossible to explain and/or describe (to SHOW rather than tell) such trauma. Cynthia has done a fantastic job handling such a sensitive subject. Rob's reaction and his tenderness and steady love for Shar are absotively posolutely precious and wonderful. Logan is a decent guy, but most importantly, he's not Rob.
My parents reacted the same way as Shar's when I told them what my cousin did to me. Like Shar's parents, my abuser has consistently been welcomed into the family home. It's even more difficult and devastating than Shar shares. I think it's next to impossible to explain and/or describe (to SHOW rather than tell) such trauma. Cynthia has done a fantastic job handling such a sensitive subject. Rob's reaction and his tenderness and steady love for Shar are absotively posolutely precious and wonderful. Logan is a decent guy, but most importantly, he's not Rob.
January 3, 2025
So cute lol someone take hockey romance AWAY from me
December 28, 2025
I loved loved LOVED Rob🥹🥹🥹 they deserve each other love them so much 💞💞💞
February 10, 2025
Could not get into this one — emotional cheating is not cute !!
March 28, 2025
I loved it😍
March 23, 2025
I was beyond grateful to get an ARC of this book and the opportunity to leave an honest review! I have to say I loved this book, I couldn’t put it back and the tension between Rob and Sharla had me on the edge of my seat! The pacing of the book was fantastic and the book was a quick read! Perfect for a little Sunday afternoon pickup! I had to keep reminding myself that the book was set in the 90’s but that didn’t impact the overall story at all - I would definitely recommend!
March 16, 2025
A Gripping and Heartfelt Journey. I couldn't put it down! From start to finish, this book had me hooked with its unique blend of emotional depth and gripping suspense. The protagonist's journey is not only a thrilling ride but also a deep exploration of personal growth and resilience. Gunderson does an excellent job of creating relatable, complex characters that feel real, and their development throughout the story kept me invested in every twist and turn.
What really stood out to me was the pacing of the narrative. The way Gunderson weaves in suspense and emotion at just the right moments makes it impossible to stop reading. The writing is beautiful yet straightforward, and the setting feels vivid and immersive.
If you're a fan of novels that mix emotional depth with excitement and unpredictability, The Breakaway is definitely worth your time. Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What really stood out to me was the pacing of the narrative. The way Gunderson weaves in suspense and emotion at just the right moments makes it impossible to stop reading. The writing is beautiful yet straightforward, and the setting feels vivid and immersive.
If you're a fan of novels that mix emotional depth with excitement and unpredictability, The Breakaway is definitely worth your time. Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2025
3.5 Stars
March 21, 2025
It was an easy book. Slow burn. Perfect for a relaxing weekend.
March 14, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Very slow burn hockey romance book! Young college love. Trying to figure out who you are/ choosing you over others and what you want in a relationship. Little to zero spice . Easy to read about 300 pages! Honestly I would have done exactly what Shar did! She made a good choice. ;)
-Shout out to BookSirens for sending me this complimentary copy of this book! ❤️
Very slow burn hockey romance book! Young college love. Trying to figure out who you are/ choosing you over others and what you want in a relationship. Little to zero spice . Easy to read about 300 pages! Honestly I would have done exactly what Shar did! She made a good choice. ;)
-Shout out to BookSirens for sending me this complimentary copy of this book! ❤️
March 7, 2025
Oh wow!!! I absolutely loved this. It is really well written and kept me glues to the pages. I loved both main characters, especially Rob, how he looked out for her from afar, despite how hard it was for him.
Just amazing. A must read.
Just amazing. A must read.
February 1, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
🩷 Set in the 90s
🩷 He falls first and hard.
🩷 He makes a mixtape for her.
🩷 She's a violinist.
🩷 Hockey romance
🩷 She learns to stand up for herself.
🩷 He cooks for her.
The way I ATE this book in less than 48 hours can tell you how much I love it and how much I was hooked on it. I hate it that I needed to put the book down to work or do other things. From start to finish, this book was absolutely amazing!
The way the story was presented and the struggles Sharla was experiencing, not only in the relationship but also in handling her traumas, was beautifully done. I felt I could connect with her, seeing her grow, trying to become better, and understanding that her feelings were valid and that she had the right to demand attention, apologies, and to be loved and respected. I don't even have words to describe it!
Can we talk about Rob? He was absolutely perfect. There was no need for him to say he loved her; he showed it with every little detail. It was also nice to enjoy a book that wasn't only physical; you could see the complexity and intimacy in holding hands and brushing fingers.
And, can we talk about how the story has that 90s vibe? It was like I traveled back in time, and I love it so much! This book deserves 100 stars! ✨
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spice: 🌶️
🩷 Set in the 90s
🩷 He falls first and hard.
🩷 He makes a mixtape for her.
🩷 She's a violinist.
🩷 Hockey romance
🩷 She learns to stand up for herself.
🩷 He cooks for her.
The way I ATE this book in less than 48 hours can tell you how much I love it and how much I was hooked on it. I hate it that I needed to put the book down to work or do other things. From start to finish, this book was absolutely amazing!
The way the story was presented and the struggles Sharla was experiencing, not only in the relationship but also in handling her traumas, was beautifully done. I felt I could connect with her, seeing her grow, trying to become better, and understanding that her feelings were valid and that she had the right to demand attention, apologies, and to be loved and respected. I don't even have words to describe it!
Can we talk about Rob? He was absolutely perfect. There was no need for him to say he loved her; he showed it with every little detail. It was also nice to enjoy a book that wasn't only physical; you could see the complexity and intimacy in holding hands and brushing fingers.
And, can we talk about how the story has that 90s vibe? It was like I traveled back in time, and I love it so much! This book deserves 100 stars! ✨
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
Break away from the ordinary and read The Breakaway now. A story of choices, unrequited love, sacrifice, and friends, this is the perfect sports romance. I was given a courtesy copy of this book and am happy to give this honest opinion of the book.
Sharla is someone I’d choose to be friends with. She’s loyal, dedicated, and fun, but is also deep. A character with room to grow, she gives too much of herself, suppressing her desires, fears, and insecurities for the comfort of others including her boyfriend Logan.
Rob, Logan’s best friend has been in love with Sharla for the past year. He lives on the sidelines secretly making small gestures for her comfort, while watching her give everything to Logan. I love his selflessness and loyalty as he navigates living in a house with the woman he loves.
The community in this book is outstanding. They give and take, have each other’s backs. Each person is unique yet are integral to the group and added to the overall story. This was a great read.
Sharla is someone I’d choose to be friends with. She’s loyal, dedicated, and fun, but is also deep. A character with room to grow, she gives too much of herself, suppressing her desires, fears, and insecurities for the comfort of others including her boyfriend Logan.
Rob, Logan’s best friend has been in love with Sharla for the past year. He lives on the sidelines secretly making small gestures for her comfort, while watching her give everything to Logan. I love his selflessness and loyalty as he navigates living in a house with the woman he loves.
The community in this book is outstanding. They give and take, have each other’s backs. Each person is unique yet are integral to the group and added to the overall story. This was a great read.
February 10, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up ⭐️
This book was a fun, short hockey romance that I loved!
This book took me for a ride! At first I really liked her bf Logan, but as the story went on I realized he is not being added to the list of book boyfriends.
I loved the character development we saw in Sharla and being on her personal journey with her was really emotional. At first her character seems annoying but once you get to her trauma and past you understand why she is the way she is.
Rob is a total grump with a secret heart of gold which we absolutely love!
Their journey together is really interesting to read about and leaves the reader truly feeling their chemistry and connection. The banter is top notch.
This story does cover some heavier topics so please read the trigger warnings before starting. If you can read through these triggers then I absolutely recommend reading this one!
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
Forbidden Love
Hockey Romance
This book was a fun, short hockey romance that I loved!
This book took me for a ride! At first I really liked her bf Logan, but as the story went on I realized he is not being added to the list of book boyfriends.
I loved the character development we saw in Sharla and being on her personal journey with her was really emotional. At first her character seems annoying but once you get to her trauma and past you understand why she is the way she is.
Rob is a total grump with a secret heart of gold which we absolutely love!
Their journey together is really interesting to read about and leaves the reader truly feeling their chemistry and connection. The banter is top notch.
This story does cover some heavier topics so please read the trigger warnings before starting. If you can read through these triggers then I absolutely recommend reading this one!
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
Forbidden Love
Hockey Romance
February 3, 2025
Okay Cynthia, second book of yours I've read in a matter of a month and I adored this one too!
First of all, love this setting back in the 90's because lets be honest, what a time to be alive when there were house phones and pagers and little bits of email that could only be accessed on a computer.
I absolutely loved Shar's character and the development she had in this book. She had a stead boyfriend and was loyal, but when she finally gets some space, she realizes that she can set some boundaries - which we love!
I also knew I was gonna be a sucker for Rob the second his character was introduced and I was not wrong.
Great quick romance read and low spice level making it completely fine for younger readers!
Thank you for the free copy, Book Sirens, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
First of all, love this setting back in the 90's because lets be honest, what a time to be alive when there were house phones and pagers and little bits of email that could only be accessed on a computer.
I absolutely loved Shar's character and the development she had in this book. She had a stead boyfriend and was loyal, but when she finally gets some space, she realizes that she can set some boundaries - which we love!
I also knew I was gonna be a sucker for Rob the second his character was introduced and I was not wrong.
Great quick romance read and low spice level making it completely fine for younger readers!
Thank you for the free copy, Book Sirens, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 27, 2025
Has a bit of a slow start but it’s SO worth it and so good!
January 20, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a college hockey romance set in the mid-1990s but is unique in that it tries to deal with the problem of abuse. So, if that is an uncomfortable topic be forewarned. That said, it is done quite well and without lots of unnecessary detail.
The story follows all that I would expect in this type of novel, Sharla the artistic college student with the all-star boyfriend, and Rob, the third wheel in their housing situation. I liked how the characters slowly broke down the misunderstandings between them and built something meaningful.
I would recommend this book to any fan of the genre. It was on par with all the others I have read, but nothing extraordinary which is the reason for 4 stars.
This is a college hockey romance set in the mid-1990s but is unique in that it tries to deal with the problem of abuse. So, if that is an uncomfortable topic be forewarned. That said, it is done quite well and without lots of unnecessary detail.
The story follows all that I would expect in this type of novel, Sharla the artistic college student with the all-star boyfriend, and Rob, the third wheel in their housing situation. I liked how the characters slowly broke down the misunderstandings between them and built something meaningful.
I would recommend this book to any fan of the genre. It was on par with all the others I have read, but nothing extraordinary which is the reason for 4 stars.
January 27, 2025
Yes yes yes!
At first im like oh Logan is so perfect, I don't understand. And then as the story progress you really get to see what each character is actually like.
God this book had so much depth. I loved that she kept her friends and violin and didnt just throw them away for a guy.
Such a good balance of hockey, school, violin, friends and family.
Sharla's trauma was also so heartbreakingly accurate and I love the dynamic with the parents, even though it was hard to read.
I also love the conversation around sex. I love when the MMC wants to actually learn.
Loved this book. Honestly such a fantastic read that was so captivating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At first im like oh Logan is so perfect, I don't understand. And then as the story progress you really get to see what each character is actually like.
God this book had so much depth. I loved that she kept her friends and violin and didnt just throw them away for a guy.
Such a good balance of hockey, school, violin, friends and family.
Sharla's trauma was also so heartbreakingly accurate and I love the dynamic with the parents, even though it was hard to read.
I also love the conversation around sex. I love when the MMC wants to actually learn.
Loved this book. Honestly such a fantastic read that was so captivating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2025
My first book by this author I really enjoyed it.
A closed door/clean romance isn’t usually something I go for but there was sufficient angst and romance in this story to keep my interest piqued.
I liked both characters and loved the element of the MC’s seemingly disliking each other so much.
I guessed how the story would unfold for the most part but this didn’t takeaway from how the author wrote the story and developed the characters at all.
I also felt that the author allowed the characters to be young adults and not too grown up as is usually the way in college romances.
Being set in the 90’s was a twist for me, brought back some great and not so great memories for sure
A closed door/clean romance isn’t usually something I go for but there was sufficient angst and romance in this story to keep my interest piqued.
I liked both characters and loved the element of the MC’s seemingly disliking each other so much.
I guessed how the story would unfold for the most part but this didn’t takeaway from how the author wrote the story and developed the characters at all.
I also felt that the author allowed the characters to be young adults and not too grown up as is usually the way in college romances.
Being set in the 90’s was a twist for me, brought back some great and not so great memories for sure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews