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Campus Confessions #2
The Save
I came to Douglas University for a fresh start—for hockey games, new friends, and a life free from tangled family drama. But then I saw him.
Chase Wilson. My stepbrother. The boy I loved before I knew better.
He left six years ago and I hadn't seen or heard from him. Now he’s back—as the university’s newest assistant hockey coach. Older. Sharper. Completely off-limits for obvious reasons.
When the team’s grades threaten their season, the school assigns me as their academic tutor—and Chase’s only shot at saving his career. Working together wasn’t supposed to be personal, but every late-night study session pulls us closer, unraveling years of buried feelings. At least on my part.
We're walking a dangerous line. He’s determined to keep his distance, but I see the way he looks at me—like resisting me is the hardest game he’s ever played.
It’s reckless. Forbidden. Impossible.
But sometimes the only thing more dangerous than breaking the rules . . . is wanting to.
Chase Wilson. My stepbrother. The boy I loved before I knew better.
He left six years ago and I hadn't seen or heard from him. Now he’s back—as the university’s newest assistant hockey coach. Older. Sharper. Completely off-limits for obvious reasons.
When the team’s grades threaten their season, the school assigns me as their academic tutor—and Chase’s only shot at saving his career. Working together wasn’t supposed to be personal, but every late-night study session pulls us closer, unraveling years of buried feelings. At least on my part.
We're walking a dangerous line. He’s determined to keep his distance, but I see the way he looks at me—like resisting me is the hardest game he’s ever played.
It’s reckless. Forbidden. Impossible.
But sometimes the only thing more dangerous than breaking the rules . . . is wanting to.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2025
21 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 6, 2025
This book takes place in the mid-90s and I loved the old school vibe of this story. Letters sent through the mail, old school dialup and computer monitors the size of a small microwave. Wonderful story telling. Chase Wilson comes back into Maddie's life, her one-time step brother that she had an enormeous crush on. She thought he was so carfefree and got everything he went after. How wrong. Forbidden love in their eyes, obstacles to overcome. Plans gone awry, but finally believing in love and getting what you need and want. Keeping the thoughts inside your own head at bay and listening to your heart, score!
Chase and Madelyn are such a good couple. Closed door romance, a little steamy, but Gunderson gives you just enough of a picture to let your own imagination run hot.
Hockey was math in motion - poetry to a hockey lover.
Favorte piece of advice - don't let your emotions cloud your purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chase and Madelyn are such a good couple. Closed door romance, a little steamy, but Gunderson gives you just enough of a picture to let your own imagination run hot.
Hockey was math in motion - poetry to a hockey lover.
Favorte piece of advice - don't let your emotions cloud your purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Maddie was a very relatable character- her insecurities and drive. It also paired well with Chase. I would have liked to read more about chase! Again, can't wait for the next book in this series!
January 8, 2026
Look i devoured this book. Super easy read. characters were relatable, The Letter writing...did we know each other better writing letters, instead of texts, more confessional, more intentional, more..something. I'm actually surprised no one's brought it back in a cool kids retro thing to do type of way..anyhow.
I enjoyed reading their situation unfold, all those tiny moments, my heart when he says " I'm lonely and I think you may be too"...gahhhh shattered. and then.....lets just say if you're under , what...18? and /or don't like spice, or living vicariously through the characters when love is realised then this book is for you. literally then..the end.
So yeah, gotta say, reading this straight after reading the twisted series, I was....disappointed, like i sighed out loud with annoyance when i realized that's it.that's all we get... and because of my reading history..don't look, you will clutch pearls, when she goes to him in his time of need and lays on him, to comfort him, big bear hug, i was like "oh sheeet here we go but ah, ...ppl it was completely innocent. Next chapter.
All in all it was a seemingly quick story, i wanted more time with the characters.
So 3.5.Stars, did i take points away because I'm used to guys growling.. and the woman shattering multiple times.a passionate expression of emotions in physical form....maybe. But that's no reflection on the author, more on my corrupted soul having read the books I read, i have expectations now lol
I enjoyed reading their situation unfold, all those tiny moments, my heart when he says " I'm lonely and I think you may be too"...gahhhh shattered. and then.....lets just say if you're under , what...18? and /or don't like spice, or living vicariously through the characters when love is realised then this book is for you. literally then..the end.
So yeah, gotta say, reading this straight after reading the twisted series, I was....disappointed, like i sighed out loud with annoyance when i realized that's it.that's all we get... and because of my reading history..don't look, you will clutch pearls, when she goes to him in his time of need and lays on him, to comfort him, big bear hug, i was like "oh sheeet here we go but ah, ...ppl it was completely innocent. Next chapter.
All in all it was a seemingly quick story, i wanted more time with the characters.
So 3.5.Stars, did i take points away because I'm used to guys growling.. and the woman shattering multiple times.a passionate expression of emotions in physical form....maybe. But that's no reflection on the author, more on my corrupted soul having read the books I read, i have expectations now lol
July 26, 2025
I flew through this book because I simply couldn't put it down from start to finish! First off, the '90s were the best, and I absolutely love time traveling back there whenever I'm reading these books. I mean, dial-up and tiny computer screens really take me back! Maddie and Chase's love story was incredibly powerful and meaningful. It really teaches you that there's so much more to people than what meets the eye.
Cynthia did an amazing job with the storyline, giving us glimpses of the other characters; seeing Sharla and Rob evolve was fantastic, and the addition of all the new characters was great too. Even though it's a closed-door romance, the way she added some spice was beautifully done. She truly did amazing! I'm so excited for the next book, even if it is about a certain someone I didn't particularly warm up to.
I'm absolutely loving the "Campus Confessions" series and genuinely can't wait for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cynthia did an amazing job with the storyline, giving us glimpses of the other characters; seeing Sharla and Rob evolve was fantastic, and the addition of all the new characters was great too. Even though it's a closed-door romance, the way she added some spice was beautifully done. She truly did amazing! I'm so excited for the next book, even if it is about a certain someone I didn't particularly warm up to.
I'm absolutely loving the "Campus Confessions" series and genuinely can't wait for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2025
I just finished book two in the 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 series, and it was my first time reading this author. The premise caught my attention, and the story delivered a closed-door, slow-burn hockey romance with plenty of awkward charm. Maddie’s former teenage crush drives the story, and her perspective was easy to connect with from the start. The romance developed at a steady pace, with tension that felt genuine and believable. My biggest wish was for more of Chase’s perspective, which could have added depth and balance to the relationship. While this was not a standout favorite for me, it had sweet moments and captured the push and pull of unspoken feelings well. Overall, I would call this a solid, enjoyable read. If you like slow-burn sports romances with a softer, more tender style, this one is worth picking up.
𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 via BookSirens. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑖𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛. 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘.
𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 via BookSirens. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑖𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛. 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘.
July 29, 2025
Another Cynthia Gunderson ticked off of the list!
I found this book a bit slow to start with but after the first 30 minutes or so it picked up due for me and I flew through the rest!
I really enjoyed the 90’s vibe and reminded me of secondary school crushes, excessive hormones and being scared of my own feelings.
Maddie is a maths whizz and prefers study and problem solving to putting herself out there. Chase, a hockey coach who Maddie has known for years and had a crush on is also her ex step-brother.
Through Maddies love of study and problem solving, comes a way of crunching player statistics to improve the team on the ice and from here on, her and Chase’s new friendship/relationship moves forward.
Plenty of relatable humour, family dynamics, secret crushes, second guessing, dealing with personal issues and insecurities and much more.
Thank you Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for this ARC!
I found this book a bit slow to start with but after the first 30 minutes or so it picked up due for me and I flew through the rest!
I really enjoyed the 90’s vibe and reminded me of secondary school crushes, excessive hormones and being scared of my own feelings.
Maddie is a maths whizz and prefers study and problem solving to putting herself out there. Chase, a hockey coach who Maddie has known for years and had a crush on is also her ex step-brother.
Through Maddies love of study and problem solving, comes a way of crunching player statistics to improve the team on the ice and from here on, her and Chase’s new friendship/relationship moves forward.
Plenty of relatable humour, family dynamics, secret crushes, second guessing, dealing with personal issues and insecurities and much more.
Thank you Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for this ARC!
June 23, 2025
‘The Save’ was delightful. The plot involved a mini-reunion of sorts with an ex-stepbrother, crushing on the guy, providing tutoring services to help struggling hockey players, working closely with the coach, bits of humor, interesting family dynamics, applying for a Rhodes scholarship, coming up with mathematical formulas to help the coach, having an epiphany, corresponding through letters via the mail, having dreams and coming to some realizations about them, and falling in love.
Maddie, a math genius and the protagonist, worked hard to achieve her HEA with Chase, a hockey coach and her ex-stepbrother. I appreciated the author’s writing style: engaging yet flawed characters, appealing settings, vivid descriptions, and a captivating storyline. Overall, I liked the feel-good narrative.
I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.
Maddie, a math genius and the protagonist, worked hard to achieve her HEA with Chase, a hockey coach and her ex-stepbrother. I appreciated the author’s writing style: engaging yet flawed characters, appealing settings, vivid descriptions, and a captivating storyline. Overall, I liked the feel-good narrative.
I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
There nothing more exciting than a hockey game in overtime and “The Save” offers up game off and on the ice.
Maddie is analytical and not one to chase after men for no particular reason. She’s secretly been hung up on Chase, the boy who was temporarily her stepbrother, and the one who seemed to be everything she desired. When he shows up as a coach for her college hockey league she doesn’t quite know how to handle it.
This book is great at showing the awkwardness of attraction, the slow burn of reciprocal interest, the doubts, fear, and self reflection we put ourselves through in the hope of the recognition we desire.
I love how the relationships in this book develop both in the main characters and the side characters as well. It’s organic and real, and makes you want to jump in and be a part of the group.
This is a great book for hockey romance fans.
Maddie is analytical and not one to chase after men for no particular reason. She’s secretly been hung up on Chase, the boy who was temporarily her stepbrother, and the one who seemed to be everything she desired. When he shows up as a coach for her college hockey league she doesn’t quite know how to handle it.
This book is great at showing the awkwardness of attraction, the slow burn of reciprocal interest, the doubts, fear, and self reflection we put ourselves through in the hope of the recognition we desire.
I love how the relationships in this book develop both in the main characters and the side characters as well. It’s organic and real, and makes you want to jump in and be a part of the group.
This is a great book for hockey romance fans.
August 18, 2025
5⭐ 1🌶️
Oh wow, I was not disappointed with this book. I have been a fan of Cynthia's books and writing for a long time and this has cemented her place as one of my favourite authors. This book is the fabulous instalment to the Campus Confessions series, and while the subject matter is not as deep and confronting as the first in the series, this instalment is just wonderful.
The FMC has confessed feelings and doesn't know how to cope with them. The MMC is also torn but is so thoughtful and aware of the fmc's feelings. The touching scenes were just delightful and while there are no full spice scenes, it does not detract from the plot or how much I love this series. The connection to Cynthia's Canada Play series was so cute. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Big thanks to book sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Oh wow, I was not disappointed with this book. I have been a fan of Cynthia's books and writing for a long time and this has cemented her place as one of my favourite authors. This book is the fabulous instalment to the Campus Confessions series, and while the subject matter is not as deep and confronting as the first in the series, this instalment is just wonderful.
The FMC has confessed feelings and doesn't know how to cope with them. The MMC is also torn but is so thoughtful and aware of the fmc's feelings. The touching scenes were just delightful and while there are no full spice scenes, it does not detract from the plot or how much I love this series. The connection to Cynthia's Canada Play series was so cute. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Big thanks to book sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
September 22, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Since I loved book 1 of the Campus Confessions series, The Breakaway, more than expected, I had high expectations for The Save.
Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. The FMC, Maddie, is likeable, and I loved that she is a woman in STEM, breaking down barriers. And while I certainly don't mind a steamy stepbrother romance, the development of the relationship between Maddie and her former stepbrother, Chase, seemed unrealistic to me - perhaps a bit rushed?
What I did like about the book is the relationship that the girls have with each other as well as their friendship with the guys on the hockey team.
If you liked book #1 of the series, give this one a chance as well. You might like it more than I did.
Since I loved book 1 of the Campus Confessions series, The Breakaway, more than expected, I had high expectations for The Save.
Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. The FMC, Maddie, is likeable, and I loved that she is a woman in STEM, breaking down barriers. And while I certainly don't mind a steamy stepbrother romance, the development of the relationship between Maddie and her former stepbrother, Chase, seemed unrealistic to me - perhaps a bit rushed?
What I did like about the book is the relationship that the girls have with each other as well as their friendship with the guys on the hockey team.
If you liked book #1 of the series, give this one a chance as well. You might like it more than I did.
July 25, 2025
Math has always been a love of mine. All equations having an answer just works in my brain. So reading about Maddie and how her brain works just felt right.
She was hard core academics until she realized she needed more to earn a Rhodes scholarship to study abroad.
So when Maddie realized she needed some community service involvement, and that some of her friends on the hockey team needed tutoring, her brain went to work on a solution.
Not only did that solution bring her closer to the team and her scholarship…it also brought her closer to a certain coach!!
Coach Wilson and Maddie have a past that just keeps haunting them in the best way possible.
This love story is the perfect read for anyone in STEM who thinks they are just the brains. You are so much more!!
She was hard core academics until she realized she needed more to earn a Rhodes scholarship to study abroad.
So when Maddie realized she needed some community service involvement, and that some of her friends on the hockey team needed tutoring, her brain went to work on a solution.
Not only did that solution bring her closer to the team and her scholarship…it also brought her closer to a certain coach!!
Coach Wilson and Maddie have a past that just keeps haunting them in the best way possible.
This love story is the perfect read for anyone in STEM who thinks they are just the brains. You are so much more!!
September 5, 2025
Chase and Maddie girl.
I loved how Cynthia incorporated math and hockey in this book. Often times we believe that we will never use math after we finish out school but honestly, math is everywhere! It was nice to see the explanations and how they mirrored the actions of flying down the ice.
Chase and Maddie's story reminded me that sometimes with love you have to sacrifice and sometimes things align right when they are supposed to. This slow burn, light on the spice novel is the perfect number of pages to complete a beautifully written story.
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how Cynthia incorporated math and hockey in this book. Often times we believe that we will never use math after we finish out school but honestly, math is everywhere! It was nice to see the explanations and how they mirrored the actions of flying down the ice.
Chase and Maddie's story reminded me that sometimes with love you have to sacrifice and sometimes things align right when they are supposed to. This slow burn, light on the spice novel is the perfect number of pages to complete a beautifully written story.
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2025
I don't know how Cynthia does this. Perfection! Absolute perfection.
Currently in tears writing this.
Learning to move on from your dream, whether you are forced to or you choose to, to pursue something else is so hard. Learning to want again after losing everything. I just... I can't! This book perfectly captures that struggle with multiple characters.
I love Mads and I am so happy for her. Chase and Mads are perfect together.
And i love love love that the main characters don't just drop their friends when things are going good. These are complex whole characters. Amazing writing. Amazing storyline line. Super emotive.
Highly recommend this author and this series!!!
Currently in tears writing this.
Learning to move on from your dream, whether you are forced to or you choose to, to pursue something else is so hard. Learning to want again after losing everything. I just... I can't! This book perfectly captures that struggle with multiple characters.
I love Mads and I am so happy for her. Chase and Mads are perfect together.
And i love love love that the main characters don't just drop their friends when things are going good. These are complex whole characters. Amazing writing. Amazing storyline line. Super emotive.
Highly recommend this author and this series!!!
June 30, 2025
The author has written well developed main and side characters and the prose is descriptive without being too much. The plot is good, somewhat predictable, yet enjoyable. There is spice simmering throughout. Overall, this was a great book. This story is SO hard to put down! I was enthralled from the very beginning. Plot and all of its twists are always well thought out and keep me guessing. Overall, this book was written so well and absolutely beautifully! I loved everything about it and I’m so so excited to read her next book!
July 8, 2025
I really like this story despite not normally being a lover of clean romances.
I really engaged with the characters and their lives and how they intersected in youth and adulthood.
I felt that the past could have been expanded on more and really would have loved to hear more from Chases perspective but the story was very satisfying in its current form.
The roll back to the 90’s was strange yet comforting to read (having grown up in that era!) and a really differentiator for this author
I really engaged with the characters and their lives and how they intersected in youth and adulthood.
I felt that the past could have been expanded on more and really would have loved to hear more from Chases perspective but the story was very satisfying in its current form.
The roll back to the 90’s was strange yet comforting to read (having grown up in that era!) and a really differentiator for this author
December 31, 2025
You certainly don't have to be a hockey fan to enjoy Cynthia’s books but if you are, her books are heaven. Every one of Cynthia’s hockey books that I have read has been delightful and The Save is no exception. I love the characters and the team and the found family vibes.
If you are just here for the dreamy book boyfriends, the family of friends, and characters with problems and dreams just like you, you are in the right place. And you may just find that you have a heart for hockey after all.
If you are just here for the dreamy book boyfriends, the family of friends, and characters with problems and dreams just like you, you are in the right place. And you may just find that you have a heart for hockey after all.
September 7, 2025
This was okay. I wasn't viping with it if im being honest. The synopsis was quite intriguing, but then the execution was just fine. I didn't really care about anyone, and I wasn't on the edge of my seat while listening to it. Was it a big disappointment? not really. I went into it with an open mind. I liked book one and thought that book two would be enjoyable too. Maybe I was too wrapped up in my own head with how overwhelming my real life is. Anyway, I'm glad I gave it a go 🚶♀️
January 1, 2026
This story and especially the FMC was adorable. She was super smart and beautiful. The MMC was very talented and gorgeous, as well. I love this series! This is the second book. It was well-written, moves at a quick pace and is easy to digest. I loved the two main characters and the secondary characters, too. I hope they will all be getting books. I will be diving into book 3 because I enjoyed books 1 and 2 so much. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 14, 2025
I loved this book! I thought it was so cool how Maddie applied her math skills to the game and to help the coaches and team perform better! And I love how Chase gave her all the credit from the start!!
Also… DID MADDIE START THE LEAGUE THAT THE SNOWBALLS PLAY IN?!?! Because I LOVE that connection between the two series!!!
Also… DID MADDIE START THE LEAGUE THAT THE SNOWBALLS PLAY IN?!?! Because I LOVE that connection between the two series!!!
January 7, 2026
~ 3.5 stars ~
Cute, sweet, slow, clean romance with a lovely story between Maddie and Chase. Wish we found out more about Chase and his perspective but it was a quick, enjoyable read and I liked the maths and hockey connection.
July 17, 2025
Maddie and her older ex step brother! I loved reading their story! I loved that they fought the attraction and both thought it one sided.
August 25, 2025
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! it will be tough to find another great book to read now that I have finished this one
August 26, 2025
I don't have much more to say other than that this was a slay 👑
September 13, 2025
So gooooood. I am beyond obsessed with Cynthia's writing.
September 21, 2025
The second story in the Campus Confessions, Maddie and Chase, her step-brother meet again when she goes to Douglas University; they have not seen each other in six years. Their story is well written with a very good storyline, great characters and ups and downs as they work towards happy ending.I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2025
I enjoy this author’s stories. The mathematical calculations in this book were surprisingly interesting.
January 4, 2026
Cute. Shout-out to Chirp for the deal.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews