What do you think?
Rate this book
Crane Hockey #5
One Pucking Chance
From USA Today best-selling author Ellie Wade comes a sizzling hockey player/movie star, fake relationship, slow burn romance.
Jaden Lewis, the star defenseman of the NHL team the Cranes, is used to getting what he wants—on and off the ice. Confident, charming, and relentless, he’s never backed down from a challenge. But when he finally meets his ultimate celebrity crush, the breathtaking and fiercely independent Annalise Sterling, he realizes he’s up against his toughest opponent yet. She isn’t impressed by his fame, and she definitely isn’t looking for love.
As the daughter of Hollywood royalty, Annalise Sterling has spent her entire life fighting to prove she’s more than just a famous last name. She’s worked tirelessly to earn respect in the industry on her own terms, determined to step out of her parents’ shadow. Relationships have never been part of the plan—too messy, too distracting. But when an unexpected situation threatens everything she’s built, Jaden offers the perfect a fake relationship.
It’s simple. No feelings. No complications. Just a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Until it isn’t.
The more time they spend together, the more the lines between pretend and reality blur. Annalise never expected to fall, but Jaden makes it easy. And for Jaden, Annalise is everything he never knew he needed.
But love comes with risks. She has to be brave enough to take the leap, and he has to hold on to the one thing he’s always wanted.
The only question is—will they be strong enough to fight for it?
***Book 5 in the Crane Hockey Series. Can be read as a standalone.
Jaden Lewis, the star defenseman of the NHL team the Cranes, is used to getting what he wants—on and off the ice. Confident, charming, and relentless, he’s never backed down from a challenge. But when he finally meets his ultimate celebrity crush, the breathtaking and fiercely independent Annalise Sterling, he realizes he’s up against his toughest opponent yet. She isn’t impressed by his fame, and she definitely isn’t looking for love.
As the daughter of Hollywood royalty, Annalise Sterling has spent her entire life fighting to prove she’s more than just a famous last name. She’s worked tirelessly to earn respect in the industry on her own terms, determined to step out of her parents’ shadow. Relationships have never been part of the plan—too messy, too distracting. But when an unexpected situation threatens everything she’s built, Jaden offers the perfect a fake relationship.
It’s simple. No feelings. No complications. Just a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Until it isn’t.
The more time they spend together, the more the lines between pretend and reality blur. Annalise never expected to fall, but Jaden makes it easy. And for Jaden, Annalise is everything he never knew he needed.
But love comes with risks. She has to be brave enough to take the leap, and he has to hold on to the one thing he’s always wanted.
The only question is—will they be strong enough to fight for it?
***Book 5 in the Crane Hockey Series. Can be read as a standalone.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
54 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Wade
44 books1,125 followersEllie Wade resides in southwest Michigan with her husband, three young children, and two dogs. She has a Master’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and is a huge University of Michigan sports fan. She loves the beauty of her home state, especially the lakes and the gorgeous autumn weather. When she is not writing, you will find her reading, snuggled up with her kids, or spending time with family and friends. She loves traveling and exploring new places with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 1, 2025
Ugh! I loved this one so much!!! Anna and Jaden are amazing! It was so much fun to read their story! This one is one of my favorites!
March 12, 2025
I absolutely love this series so much, and each book I fall more in love with the characters and the team. Jaden is so cocky and full of himself, and I adore him. He has a thing for our girl Annalise, the movie star, and he, with a bit of luck and help from Penny, is about to get his deam girl within reach.
These two are hilarious during their meet cute because Jaden is so off his game with Anna, and she is not having it. However, when the opportunity presents itself to help her, Jaden becomes exactly what she needs.
This tattooed hockey player is about to be head over heels for Anna, and he is just so smitten. He becomes everything she needs, especially when it comes to her family. The way this man takes care of her and becomes her biggest cheerleader is everything. I adore them so much.
These two are hilarious during their meet cute because Jaden is so off his game with Anna, and she is not having it. However, when the opportunity presents itself to help her, Jaden becomes exactly what she needs.
This tattooed hockey player is about to be head over heels for Anna, and he is just so smitten. He becomes everything she needs, especially when it comes to her family. The way this man takes care of her and becomes her biggest cheerleader is everything. I adore them so much.
October 8, 2025
As a whole (so far) this series is very cozy and low angst. One Pucking Chance would be the epitome of those cozy vibes. Yes, there's a little push and pull between Jaden and Annalise, but as a whole, they are friends and then they are lovers. It was just low drama overall.
This is my least favorite in the series at this point. The simple reason that I didn't care for it as much was the pacing. It was very fast paced. Every relationship milestone came far too quickly with little on-page buildup. I wanted more relationship building but it felt like everything that would have made this a great romance, was told to us rather than actually shown.
I loved the story overall. It had so much potential, it just lacked the follow through to make it great. Regardless, I'll continue with the series because while this wasn't amazing, it still was good as a whole.
This is my least favorite in the series at this point. The simple reason that I didn't care for it as much was the pacing. It was very fast paced. Every relationship milestone came far too quickly with little on-page buildup. I wanted more relationship building but it felt like everything that would have made this a great romance, was told to us rather than actually shown.
I loved the story overall. It had so much potential, it just lacked the follow through to make it great. Regardless, I'll continue with the series because while this wasn't amazing, it still was good as a whole.
May 20, 2025
Review: I really enjoyed this book. This book follows Jayden and Annalise. Jayden is the star defenseman for the Crane Hockey Team. Annalise is an actress. They meet at a charity event and Jayden asks her out and Annalise declines. Jayden is persistent. Annalise’s father tries to set her up with someone and Annalise says that she already has a boyfriend. Jayden volunteers to be her “fake” boyfriend. The relationship develops into something real. I loved this storyline. I loved the character development especially Annalise’s. I loved the dates Jayden set up for them. I can’t wait to read One Pucking Life.
Favorite Quote:“We were given one f*cking chance and if you’re brave enough to take it, it could change your life.”
Favorite Quote:“We were given one f*cking chance and if you’re brave enough to take it, it could change your life.”
June 17, 2025
Hollywood Hits the Ice
3.9 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
Jaden’s a cocky hockey star used to getting what he wants. She’s a Hollywood It Girl with zero interest in athletes or romance. When a fake relationship turns into something real, sparks fly and feelings sneak in.
Jaden falls fast, hard, and completely off his game. Annalise tries to stay guarded, but he becomes everything she didn’t know she needed, especially when her messy family drama hits center stage.
It’s flirty, funny, and full of heart. Another wonderful segment from Ellie Wade’s Cranes Hockey! That’s game!
3.9 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
Jaden’s a cocky hockey star used to getting what he wants. She’s a Hollywood It Girl with zero interest in athletes or romance. When a fake relationship turns into something real, sparks fly and feelings sneak in.
Jaden falls fast, hard, and completely off his game. Annalise tries to stay guarded, but he becomes everything she didn’t know she needed, especially when her messy family drama hits center stage.
It’s flirty, funny, and full of heart. Another wonderful segment from Ellie Wade’s Cranes Hockey! That’s game!
July 27, 2025
I am loving Ellie Wade's hockey series and Jaden and Annalise's story was fantastic!! I adored how much Jaden cared for Anna and how he was able to slowly show her what she deserved. I couldn't get enough of Miranda and the Appletons. Ellie does such a good job with secondary characters!! I loved seeing all of the team and I really hope we keep getting more of these hockey hotties. The book was full of feels, heat, and love!!
March 29, 2025
One Pucking Chance
Another fun hockey romance from Ellie Wade! I’m really loving her whole Crane’s Hockey world and was excited to get Jaden’s book. Anna’s family life was heartbreaking. I’m so happy she gave Jaden a chance to be more.
As far as this series goes- I can’t wait to read more! I think Miranda needs to find herself the ultime hockey souvenir to take home now in the next book.
Another fun hockey romance from Ellie Wade! I’m really loving her whole Crane’s Hockey world and was excited to get Jaden’s book. Anna’s family life was heartbreaking. I’m so happy she gave Jaden a chance to be more.
As far as this series goes- I can’t wait to read more! I think Miranda needs to find herself the ultime hockey souvenir to take home now in the next book.
April 13, 2025
Nice quick read! I love following the Crane organization through this series, but love that each book feels like a standalone. Anna and Jaden's love story feels less chaotic than others in the series and feels very genuine.
July 28, 2025
I literally enjoyed the whole series so far I read six books within four days because they are a nonstop read they’re fun. They’re funny they’re the spice is awesome is clean spice a very good pallet cleanser.
May 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love the cranes players and can’t wait for the next one.
August 12, 2025
Again with a great story
I can't put these books down. I'm already looking at which of her series I want to read next. Excellent read!
I can't put these books down. I'm already looking at which of her series I want to read next. Excellent read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews