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Blades & Hearts #2
Chasing The Goal
A tender slow burn, friends to lovers romance with depth, laughs, and a pinch of spice. Chasing the Goal is a story of showing up, stepping in, and falling hard—when only love plays for keeps.
Mallory Quince has her hands full, balancing a demanding career as the Hellblades’ newest athletic trainer, keeping her messy dating life in check, while avoiding any and all complications. Especially the kind that come with charming hockey players who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Jaymie Prescott, star winger and secretly sweet nerd, isn’t Mallory’s type. He’s too genuine, too thoughtful, too… distracting. But after a flirty elevator ride, he’s suddenly everywhere—on the training table, in her apartment building, and, unintentionally, in her life in a much bigger way.
When a one-time mistake leads to a life-altering surprise… Jaymie doesn’t run, he shows up and just maybe he’s ready to prove he’s more than just a teammate, he might be exactly the partner Mallory didn’t know she needed.
Mallory Quince has her hands full, balancing a demanding career as the Hellblades’ newest athletic trainer, keeping her messy dating life in check, while avoiding any and all complications. Especially the kind that come with charming hockey players who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Jaymie Prescott, star winger and secretly sweet nerd, isn’t Mallory’s type. He’s too genuine, too thoughtful, too… distracting. But after a flirty elevator ride, he’s suddenly everywhere—on the training table, in her apartment building, and, unintentionally, in her life in a much bigger way.
When a one-time mistake leads to a life-altering surprise… Jaymie doesn’t run, he shows up and just maybe he’s ready to prove he’s more than just a teammate, he might be exactly the partner Mallory didn’t know she needed.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
32 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
August 12, 2025
ARC review:
I didn't dislike this book but I actually really struggled with the plot holes. I understand it's not a final copy but I read the first book and it had just as many so I don't have hopes of them being fixed inc. the name of the hockey team changing for a while in the middle!
The 3⭐️ comes from the quick scenes and like I loved Jaymie and Mal but when we'd talk about her not letting someone in it didn't feel like we discussed that earlier ? It just feels like we kind of just put ideas together and say Yep! Like Logan is Jaymies best friend but then he's hardly there but Connor and Darren are ? Unlikely.
I dunno it just felt like it wasn't thought through enough and like it's missing bits and pieces throughout.
And don't even get me started on proposing when it's been a maximum of 6? Weeks actually together.
And coach Eliza is making employee decisions? She's the assistant coach? I dunno. I did like it that's why it still got 3.
And topped the page 'I have an appointment tomorrow' bottom of the page 'can you come to my appointment next week?' 🙄
I love accidental pregnancy tropes so I would actually typically pro this story in every way and I am definitely pro the characters but the first book felt the same so I'm skeptical now and probably won't read the next book. I don't feel I need to.
I didn't even complain about the punctuation and spelling mistakes but I can't forget them 🤷🏼♀️ (every book has them so know that they were bad in here)
I didn't dislike this book but I actually really struggled with the plot holes. I understand it's not a final copy but I read the first book and it had just as many so I don't have hopes of them being fixed inc. the name of the hockey team changing for a while in the middle!
The 3⭐️ comes from the quick scenes and like I loved Jaymie and Mal but when we'd talk about her not letting someone in it didn't feel like we discussed that earlier ? It just feels like we kind of just put ideas together and say Yep! Like Logan is Jaymies best friend but then he's hardly there but Connor and Darren are ? Unlikely.
I dunno it just felt like it wasn't thought through enough and like it's missing bits and pieces throughout.
And don't even get me started on proposing when it's been a maximum of 6? Weeks actually together.
And coach Eliza is making employee decisions? She's the assistant coach? I dunno. I did like it that's why it still got 3.
And topped the page 'I have an appointment tomorrow' bottom of the page 'can you come to my appointment next week?' 🙄
I love accidental pregnancy tropes so I would actually typically pro this story in every way and I am definitely pro the characters but the first book felt the same so I'm skeptical now and probably won't read the next book. I don't feel I need to.
I didn't even complain about the punctuation and spelling mistakes but I can't forget them 🤷🏼♀️ (every book has them so know that they were bad in here)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
3.75⭐ – Quick, Sweet, and a Little Steamy
Chasing the Goal is a sweet hockey romance with just the right sprinkle of spice. If you’re looking for the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads, this one fits the bill. I enjoyed the storyline, but at times it felt a bit rushed, like a few moments or transitions were skipped that could have deepened the experience.
I’m always a sucker for a man who’s down bad and willing to do whatever it takes to win over the girl, especially when he actually listens to her and notices what she needs, then steps in to help in a meaningful way.
The found family element with the hockey players was another highlight for me. Their loyalty and willingness to show up for her added so much warmth to the story and made those moments feel top-tier.
Chasing the Goal is a sweet hockey romance with just the right sprinkle of spice. If you’re looking for the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads, this one fits the bill. I enjoyed the storyline, but at times it felt a bit rushed, like a few moments or transitions were skipped that could have deepened the experience.
I’m always a sucker for a man who’s down bad and willing to do whatever it takes to win over the girl, especially when he actually listens to her and notices what she needs, then steps in to help in a meaningful way.
The found family element with the hockey players was another highlight for me. Their loyalty and willingness to show up for her added so much warmth to the story and made those moments feel top-tier.
August 6, 2025
Emily woke up and really said, let's ruin her today with this ARC. I mean because what do you mean Jay is going to have to play the long game? What do you mean he's going to be the goodest boy?
I'm sobbed. I loved it. I cannot wait for round three. As it turns out friends to lovers is for me, who knew? Cinnamon roll for days, I'm team what in the everloving sugar, spice, and everything nice.
Flawless
I'm sobbed. I loved it. I cannot wait for round three. As it turns out friends to lovers is for me, who knew? Cinnamon roll for days, I'm team what in the everloving sugar, spice, and everything nice.
Flawless
October 20, 2025
DNF'd at 37%
I initially wanted to read this book because I'm a sucker for the accidental pregnancy tropes, but this book just wasn't it.
Starting off in the prologue - we get introduced to the ASSISTANT coach who acts and sounds more like the actual head coach. We don't meet the actual head coach until like 25% through the book. This isn't such a big deal in hockey terms as it's more realistic to have a female assistant coach than a head coach but again the way that she's presented makes her seem more important than she should be.
Then we meet the FMC - Mallory who is the new trainer. It's not specified if she's the Personal Trainer, Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist. All may seem the same but are different, especially in sports settings. Again minor details but it stays inconsistent.
What really started to piss me off wasn't that Mallory turned down our MMC, Jaymie Prescott. It makes sense due to the potential workplace romance but could have been easily discussed with coaches and HR/PR if the team had those departments- which they should at the major leagues they're in. What DID get me was that she decides to lie that she was in a relationship, when it was a guy she met off TINDER for only two dates. She states in part one that she doesn't even like the guy because he's self absorbed, but decides to be with him for some unknown reason. Despite her not getting a good vibe from him and her sister warning her.
THEN - five to six weeks later, she suddenly pukes and is .. *gasps* pregnant from the Tinder guy. Whom unshockingly ghosts and blocks her. I don't want to slvt shame a fictional character - but I truly cannot fathom that a woman who moved states for her degree and career would truly believe that a guy from Tinder would give her the white picket fence and be there for her through a pregnancy when they barely know each other. But she has endometriosis so this could be her only chance - I have endometriosis and as long as she regularly sees her GYN and is medication compliant than it could be possible to have children especially with egg extractions IF the endo is that bad.
I TRIED to give this book a chance after this because I'd like the think myself as a girls girl and not slvt shame - but then the author had inaccuracies and inconsistencies, like her saying that the six week old fetus is the size of a clementine orange and had limbs. It wouldn't. And then the FMC had a GYN appointment "tomorrow bright and early" but then the NEXT PAGE it was the following week.
I would like to say this book had gotten better - but I jumped to the epilogue in hopes that it gets better. It doesn't seem to. At least to me. It ends with the MC's getting married in Vegas and barely any mention of where the child is. I'm missing over half of the rest of the book, but these issues just got to me to the point where I just couldn't continue reading because I was so irritated and started getting a headache.
I initially wanted to read this book because I'm a sucker for the accidental pregnancy tropes, but this book just wasn't it.
Starting off in the prologue - we get introduced to the ASSISTANT coach who acts and sounds more like the actual head coach. We don't meet the actual head coach until like 25% through the book. This isn't such a big deal in hockey terms as it's more realistic to have a female assistant coach than a head coach but again the way that she's presented makes her seem more important than she should be.
Then we meet the FMC - Mallory who is the new trainer. It's not specified if she's the Personal Trainer, Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist. All may seem the same but are different, especially in sports settings. Again minor details but it stays inconsistent.
What really started to piss me off wasn't that Mallory turned down our MMC, Jaymie Prescott. It makes sense due to the potential workplace romance but could have been easily discussed with coaches and HR/PR if the team had those departments- which they should at the major leagues they're in. What DID get me was that she decides to lie that she was in a relationship, when it was a guy she met off TINDER for only two dates. She states in part one that she doesn't even like the guy because he's self absorbed, but decides to be with him for some unknown reason. Despite her not getting a good vibe from him and her sister warning her.
THEN - five to six weeks later, she suddenly pukes and is .. *gasps* pregnant from the Tinder guy. Whom unshockingly ghosts and blocks her. I don't want to slvt shame a fictional character - but I truly cannot fathom that a woman who moved states for her degree and career would truly believe that a guy from Tinder would give her the white picket fence and be there for her through a pregnancy when they barely know each other. But she has endometriosis so this could be her only chance - I have endometriosis and as long as she regularly sees her GYN and is medication compliant than it could be possible to have children especially with egg extractions IF the endo is that bad.
I TRIED to give this book a chance after this because I'd like the think myself as a girls girl and not slvt shame - but then the author had inaccuracies and inconsistencies, like her saying that the six week old fetus is the size of a clementine orange and had limbs. It wouldn't. And then the FMC had a GYN appointment "tomorrow bright and early" but then the NEXT PAGE it was the following week.
I would like to say this book had gotten better - but I jumped to the epilogue in hopes that it gets better. It doesn't seem to. At least to me. It ends with the MC's getting married in Vegas and barely any mention of where the child is. I'm missing over half of the rest of the book, but these issues just got to me to the point where I just couldn't continue reading because I was so irritated and started getting a headache.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
I received this as an ARC read — and so glad I did because 😍 obsessed with the writing here. This is my first read by Emily and I’m completely blown away by how amazing her writing is.
I won’t even lie 🫣 I immediately wanted to read this book because of the Unplanned Pregnancy Trope 🤰🏻 and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read this book— because I LOVED it.
If you love hockey romances 🏒 and unplanned pregnancy— here ya go.
This is Book 2. So now I’m going to go back and read the first book.
I won’t even lie 🫣 I immediately wanted to read this book because of the Unplanned Pregnancy Trope 🤰🏻 and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read this book— because I LOVED it.
If you love hockey romances 🏒 and unplanned pregnancy— here ya go.
This is Book 2. So now I’m going to go back and read the first book.
August 27, 2025
#Review: *Chasing The Goal* - Emily Campbell - ARC [18+]
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️
I wanna thank Emily for accepting me to be part of her permanent ARC team and for offering me this early copy of this book🤗.
Jaymie Prescott was part of the Hellblades hockey team and one game came with a serious injury for him. In order to quickly recover from that, he had to accept Mallory Quince's help, who was in charge with his treatment and rehab. Jaymie found himself instantly attracted to beautiful Mallory but she will stay pretty firm regarding their workplace relationship, not wanting to mix things up. But will Mallory be able to be unaffected by all Jaymie's charms when he will be present almost everywhere she's at?
I had a smile on my face for almost half of this book because of Jaymie🥰. He was such a cutie and a dorky guy, loving that he never gave up. It was so sweet and thoughtful how much he cared about Mallory and how he took responsibility to be the right person to help her in the surprising situation she found herself in. I almost didn't believe how she could be immune to him, because he was such a golden retriever, who would do anything for her, but I kind of understood her a bit for not wanting to mix up her personal life with her professional one, especially after her last relationship. But can she really be strong enough until the end? Or will she finally let her heart lead her life?
I'm sure that this book will make you fall in love with its characters and with the slow burn romance. It was equally as cute as it was spicy, thing which made this book so nice🥰. I'm definitely adding another book boyfriend to my list🤭. I finished this one in only one sitting, that's how much I've enjoyed it.💙
✨Tropes
#FriendsToLovers
#ForcedProximity
#AthleticTrainer
#CinnamonRollMMC
#WorkplaceRomance
#AccidentalPregnancy
#SportsRomance
#HockeyPlayer
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️
I wanna thank Emily for accepting me to be part of her permanent ARC team and for offering me this early copy of this book🤗.
Jaymie Prescott was part of the Hellblades hockey team and one game came with a serious injury for him. In order to quickly recover from that, he had to accept Mallory Quince's help, who was in charge with his treatment and rehab. Jaymie found himself instantly attracted to beautiful Mallory but she will stay pretty firm regarding their workplace relationship, not wanting to mix things up. But will Mallory be able to be unaffected by all Jaymie's charms when he will be present almost everywhere she's at?
I had a smile on my face for almost half of this book because of Jaymie🥰. He was such a cutie and a dorky guy, loving that he never gave up. It was so sweet and thoughtful how much he cared about Mallory and how he took responsibility to be the right person to help her in the surprising situation she found herself in. I almost didn't believe how she could be immune to him, because he was such a golden retriever, who would do anything for her, but I kind of understood her a bit for not wanting to mix up her personal life with her professional one, especially after her last relationship. But can she really be strong enough until the end? Or will she finally let her heart lead her life?
I'm sure that this book will make you fall in love with its characters and with the slow burn romance. It was equally as cute as it was spicy, thing which made this book so nice🥰. I'm definitely adding another book boyfriend to my list🤭. I finished this one in only one sitting, that's how much I've enjoyed it.💙
✨Tropes
#FriendsToLovers
#ForcedProximity
#AthleticTrainer
#CinnamonRollMMC
#WorkplaceRomance
#AccidentalPregnancy
#SportsRomance
#HockeyPlayer
August 6, 2025
There are not enough words. I read this in one 4 hour sitting. I couldn't get enough.
Jaymie is just lush, and adorable and a puppy dog.
Mallory is so damn strong and brave, and together they could rule the bloody world !!!
I loved the storyline, I loved the characters, l even liked the ice hockey . The exhilaration you actually feel by reading about a game .
I just loved it . I ate this up and refuse to spit it out !!!!
Tropes include :-
• Sports romance (Hockey)
• Grumpy/sunshine
• Forced proximity
• Roommates
• Slow burn
• Opposites attract
Jaymie is just lush, and adorable and a puppy dog.
Mallory is so damn strong and brave, and together they could rule the bloody world !!!
I loved the storyline, I loved the characters, l even liked the ice hockey . The exhilaration you actually feel by reading about a game .
I just loved it . I ate this up and refuse to spit it out !!!!
Tropes include :-
• Sports romance (Hockey)
• Grumpy/sunshine
• Forced proximity
• Roommates
• Slow burn
• Opposites attract
September 3, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
As someone who despises the accidental pregnancy trope I knew that this book wasn’t going to be for me.
Mallory is independent and responsible and I love that about her but…not very responsible to get pregnant from a tinder guy after two dates and no condom???
Jaymie is the definition of golden retriever and I love him because he’s stable, reliable and caring.
This is the second book in the series and it’s given me Icebreaker vibes where you get a story from each of the players perspectives.
It just had a lot of inconsistencies and as mentioned I’m not a fan of the pregnancy trope. I felt so icky when Jaymie said “I love how round you are. How full.”
THAT’S A NO FROM ME
Ava honestly was the most relatable for me with these two quotes.
"I'll take the role of fun, child-free aunt any day."
"I'm just here to coo over your child and go home to a silent apartment with central air and zero bodily fluids."
To sum up: this was okay, a very easy read but not for me
As someone who despises the accidental pregnancy trope I knew that this book wasn’t going to be for me.
Mallory is independent and responsible and I love that about her but…not very responsible to get pregnant from a tinder guy after two dates and no condom???
Jaymie is the definition of golden retriever and I love him because he’s stable, reliable and caring.
This is the second book in the series and it’s given me Icebreaker vibes where you get a story from each of the players perspectives.
It just had a lot of inconsistencies and as mentioned I’m not a fan of the pregnancy trope. I felt so icky when Jaymie said “I love how round you are. How full.”
THAT’S A NO FROM ME
Ava honestly was the most relatable for me with these two quotes.
"I'll take the role of fun, child-free aunt any day."
"I'm just here to coo over your child and go home to a silent apartment with central air and zero bodily fluids."
To sum up: this was okay, a very easy read but not for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Jaymie isn’t just the step-dad… he’s the dad who stepped up. And we love him for it!!!
(Thank you Emily Campbell for the ARC!!)
(Thank you Emily Campbell for the ARC!!)
July 16, 2025
I love Emily Campbells books so much🤭
Ive been waiting for this one for soo long and im so excited i finally got to read the eARC!!🧡
This is the second eARC i’ve read by her and she absolutely hooks me every time. I could not put it down at all and that says so much about the book.
This was such an easy, sweet, and funny read and im obsessed with these characters🥹🥹!! I cant wait for this book to be open to everyone🤭!
Available for preorder now!!
Release date: September 4th, 2025🧡
Ive been waiting for this one for soo long and im so excited i finally got to read the eARC!!🧡
This is the second eARC i’ve read by her and she absolutely hooks me every time. I could not put it down at all and that says so much about the book.
This was such an easy, sweet, and funny read and im obsessed with these characters🥹🥹!! I cant wait for this book to be open to everyone🤭!
Available for preorder now!!
Release date: September 4th, 2025🧡
September 4, 2025
ARC Read!!
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5🌶️
I loved Jaymie’s character, always one to think about others and care for them in a neutering manner. He’s the type of boy I’d want as a boyfriend, might even be my new favorite book boyfriend. There were moments i was smitten with their banter and loving moments, others i was tearing up and everything. I loved Mallory’s character as well, fierce and knows how to stand her ground but also very relatable. I can never make a decision on my own and have trouble relying on people. This book was an amazing read and I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Favorite Quotes - “God help me, I thought, the cute, awkward, glasses-wearing hockey player is actually working on me.” - Mallory
“And pretend I hadn’t just made a complete jackass of myself In front of the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in… maybe ever.” - Jaymie
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5🌶️
I loved Jaymie’s character, always one to think about others and care for them in a neutering manner. He’s the type of boy I’d want as a boyfriend, might even be my new favorite book boyfriend. There were moments i was smitten with their banter and loving moments, others i was tearing up and everything. I loved Mallory’s character as well, fierce and knows how to stand her ground but also very relatable. I can never make a decision on my own and have trouble relying on people. This book was an amazing read and I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Favorite Quotes - “God help me, I thought, the cute, awkward, glasses-wearing hockey player is actually working on me.” - Mallory
“And pretend I hadn’t just made a complete jackass of myself In front of the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in… maybe ever.” - Jaymie
August 6, 2025
HOLY CRAP!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mallory and Jaymie. They’ve stolen the show, this book. Was more than worth the read!!! I was hooked, it made me smile. The begging banter of the couple was everything, the sass from them both was pure genius. It was brilliant, this being the second book of the series? Made no difference to me, I had started the first book of the series and then I got the ARC of this one in my inbox and had to immediately read. It was/is pure genius. I loved it. The journey they both go through is so heartwarming that it was cute, it was perfectly written and the couple? Perfect!
I broke eye contact first. “Alright, lover boy. Cool down and we’re done.”
“Lover boy?” he asked, voice pitching up. “Is that my new nickname?”
“If the shoe fits.”
“You’re relentless.”
“You’re exhausting.”
“You’re mean.”
“You like it.”
PERFECTLY WRITTEN!!!!!
This is a MUST read!!!!!!!
Available for preorder now
Available September 4th!!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mallory and Jaymie. They’ve stolen the show, this book. Was more than worth the read!!! I was hooked, it made me smile. The begging banter of the couple was everything, the sass from them both was pure genius. It was brilliant, this being the second book of the series? Made no difference to me, I had started the first book of the series and then I got the ARC of this one in my inbox and had to immediately read. It was/is pure genius. I loved it. The journey they both go through is so heartwarming that it was cute, it was perfectly written and the couple? Perfect!
I broke eye contact first. “Alright, lover boy. Cool down and we’re done.”
“Lover boy?” he asked, voice pitching up. “Is that my new nickname?”
“If the shoe fits.”
“You’re relentless.”
“You’re exhausting.”
“You’re mean.”
“You like it.”
PERFECTLY WRITTEN!!!!!
This is a MUST read!!!!!!!
Available for preorder now
Available September 4th!!!!
September 4, 2025
Jaymie & Mallory.
Jaymie is our resident green flag alpha cinny roll. Mallory is our resident "I don't want to burden people with my crap" athletic trainer for the team Jaymie plays for. Jaymie has his sights set on Mal but she is trying to keep it professional so, they become friends. & we know how that works out when you're attracted to the person you're friends with.. *sparks fly*
Jaymie is just what Mallory needs when she finds out she is pregnant. With keeping the baby the only option for Mallory, Jaymie steps up and says "Hey, if you need help, I am your guy."
Emily always does a great job at taking the general trope and tipping it on its head and making it SO much better. This surprise baby is much more than just a baby. Especially with highlighting how difficult it may be for our FMC to conceive due to her female issues. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to book 3.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jaymie is our resident green flag alpha cinny roll. Mallory is our resident "I don't want to burden people with my crap" athletic trainer for the team Jaymie plays for. Jaymie has his sights set on Mal but she is trying to keep it professional so, they become friends. & we know how that works out when you're attracted to the person you're friends with.. *sparks fly*
Jaymie is just what Mallory needs when she finds out she is pregnant. With keeping the baby the only option for Mallory, Jaymie steps up and says "Hey, if you need help, I am your guy."
Emily always does a great job at taking the general trope and tipping it on its head and making it SO much better. This surprise baby is much more than just a baby. Especially with highlighting how difficult it may be for our FMC to conceive due to her female issues. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to book 3.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2025
3.5⭐️
✨ Arc Review ✨
I enjoyed this book. I loved Jaymie, I feel like everyone should have a friend or lover like him, always thoughtful, super present and supportive. He really was the whole package. I also liked Mallory, she’s fierce and strong and I really related to her because I also don’t know how to express and ask for help. The thing that kinda set me off with this book was the various plot holes it had and the fact that their relationship didn’t had clarity, they became friends then everything happened and then after some time they slept together and then nothing. No talk about it, nothing. For me that would’ve made a huge difference if it had happened but overall I liked the book and definitely want to read the next when it’s out.
✨ Arc Review ✨
I enjoyed this book. I loved Jaymie, I feel like everyone should have a friend or lover like him, always thoughtful, super present and supportive. He really was the whole package. I also liked Mallory, she’s fierce and strong and I really related to her because I also don’t know how to express and ask for help. The thing that kinda set me off with this book was the various plot holes it had and the fact that their relationship didn’t had clarity, they became friends then everything happened and then after some time they slept together and then nothing. No talk about it, nothing. For me that would’ve made a huge difference if it had happened but overall I liked the book and definitely want to read the next when it’s out.
September 27, 2025
Looking for a new book boyfriend? I’ve found the perfect guy with Jaymie Prescott! Give me all of that golden retriever energy.
This book was the perfect balance of sweet with a side of steam. The chemistry between Jaymie and Mallory had me smiling, swooning, and rooting for them the whole way through. My only small wish was for just a little more dialogue at the end, especially after Mallory finally says “I love you.” That moment was huge for her, and since it was something Jaymie cared so much about, I really wanted to see his full reaction on the page.
Still, Emily Campbell delivered such a heartfelt, feel-good romance that left me with a smile on my face and a new favorite book boyfriend. If you love golden retriever heroes, tender banter, and a love story that sticks with you, Chasing the Goal needs to be on your TBR!
This book was the perfect balance of sweet with a side of steam. The chemistry between Jaymie and Mallory had me smiling, swooning, and rooting for them the whole way through. My only small wish was for just a little more dialogue at the end, especially after Mallory finally says “I love you.” That moment was huge for her, and since it was something Jaymie cared so much about, I really wanted to see his full reaction on the page.
Still, Emily Campbell delivered such a heartfelt, feel-good romance that left me with a smile on my face and a new favorite book boyfriend. If you love golden retriever heroes, tender banter, and a love story that sticks with you, Chasing the Goal needs to be on your TBR!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Chasing The Goal is the second book in the Chicago Hellblades series. It follows Mallory and Jaymie, both who work for the Chicago NHL team, one as an Athletic Trainer and one as a star hockey player. If you want to read about a man who will do anything for his girl, this is the one for you.
Their slow burn romance felt real and their hesitations about being together made sense. While I enjoyed going right from the first book in this series (and seeing so much of Ava and Logan in the second) you could definitely read this as a standalone book.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC and letting me experience their story early ❤️
Their slow burn romance felt real and their hesitations about being together made sense. While I enjoyed going right from the first book in this series (and seeing so much of Ava and Logan in the second) you could definitely read this as a standalone book.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC and letting me experience their story early ❤️
August 22, 2025
Déjà, c’est une nouvelle pour personne ici je suis une grande zinzin des romances sportives et encore plus quand on touche au hockey. Vous savez également à quel point les livres des Windy City de @liztomforde.author ont une place importante dans mon cœur et pitié j’avais l’impression de me replonger dans le même genre d’histoire. Un found family incroyable, avec des personnages hyper touchants et une histoire très bien amené.
On y retrouve Mallory, une kinésithérapeute qui se retrouve à soigner une équipe de hockey à Chicago et plus particulièrement un des joueurs phares : Jaymie.
C’est un slow burn, friends to lovers qui m’a fait du bien au moral et dont j’avais besoin de lire en ce moment. Jaymie et le golden retriever qu’on rêve de trouver dans la vraie vie et Mallory et l’amie qu’on rêve d’avoir et qu’on veut protéger à tout prix.
Si vous cherchez une romance doudou qui fait du bien au moral je vous conseille de foncer le 4 septembre prochain pour découvrir Chasing the goal. 🧡
On y retrouve Mallory, une kinésithérapeute qui se retrouve à soigner une équipe de hockey à Chicago et plus particulièrement un des joueurs phares : Jaymie.
C’est un slow burn, friends to lovers qui m’a fait du bien au moral et dont j’avais besoin de lire en ce moment. Jaymie et le golden retriever qu’on rêve de trouver dans la vraie vie et Mallory et l’amie qu’on rêve d’avoir et qu’on veut protéger à tout prix.
Si vous cherchez une romance doudou qui fait du bien au moral je vous conseille de foncer le 4 septembre prochain pour découvrir Chasing the goal. 🧡
August 12, 2025
Golden retriever-energy, glasses-wearing hockey player ✅
New athletic trainer determined to get him back on the ice ✅
He falls first (and hard) ✅
A slow burn with friends-to-lovers sweetness, a dash of found-family warmth, and just enough tension to keep you flipping pages.
It’s cute, easy to read, and perfect for when you want a romance that leaves you smiling.
Release date: September 4th 🏒💙
And yes… I am now accepting applications for my own glasses-wearing hockey boy.
August 17, 2025
3.5⭐
Huge thank-you to Emily Campbell for an Arc!
This was a pretty quick read and I was sucked in from the beginning. I do feel like there were certain parts that it felt too rushed and some details that were somewhat confusing.
The way Jaymie stepped up when he didn't have too- reminds me of the Brad Paisley song, 'He didn't Have to be'. He was so attentive to Mallory and her needs/wants.
Huge thank-you to Emily Campbell for an Arc!
This was a pretty quick read and I was sucked in from the beginning. I do feel like there were certain parts that it felt too rushed and some details that were somewhat confusing.
The way Jaymie stepped up when he didn't have too- reminds me of the Brad Paisley song, 'He didn't Have to be'. He was so attentive to Mallory and her needs/wants.
July 22, 2025
Jaymie & Mallory may have stolen the show! Mallory is the newest athletic trainer who seems to fall for a hockey player who wears his heart on his sleeves! A one night magical experience with these 2 leads to bigger and shocking surprises!! Yall should read this is you’re interested in finding out what life brings for these 2 in life!!!! You’ll fall in love with this beautifully told story!!!
August 30, 2025
This story wrapped around my heart in the gentlest way. Chasing the Goal is about love, resilience, and finding the courage to believe in both yourself and someone else again. Emily Campbell has such a tender way of writing characters who feel achingly real—flawed, hopeful, and unforgettable.
I was completely swept up in the journey—every quiet moment, every ache, every spark of hope. It’s not just a romance, it’s a reminder that even when life feels messy and uncertain, love has a way of grounding us and guiding us home.
By the end, I wasn’t just cheering for the characters to find their happiness—I felt like I was carrying a piece of their story in my own heart. 💙
I was completely swept up in the journey—every quiet moment, every ache, every spark of hope. It’s not just a romance, it’s a reminder that even when life feels messy and uncertain, love has a way of grounding us and guiding us home.
By the end, I wasn’t just cheering for the characters to find their happiness—I felt like I was carrying a piece of their story in my own heart. 💙
September 9, 2025
I devoured this book.
I loved Jaymie and his nerdy golden retriever self!
Thank you for letting me read about Jaymie and Mallory's story before it comes out!
It's absolutely worth the read!
I loved Jaymie and his nerdy golden retriever self!
Thank you for letting me read about Jaymie and Mallory's story before it comes out!
It's absolutely worth the read!
September 10, 2025
Chasing the Goal is the prefect light hockey romance in the middle of a slump. It is the epitome of ‘sugar and spice and everything nice’🤭
Jaymie and Mallory were the cutest! Jaymie was the sweetest, dorkiest guy and he was so caring and thoughtful. He was such a golden retriever. Mallory was so strong and independent and I loved her. She was a bit hesitant to let Jaymie in because she didn’t want to overstep boundaries but once she decided to let others help her, she mellowed considerably.
I did enjoy the storyline but I also wanted something more, if you catch my drift. It had a few plot holes and it felt a bit rushed in some places. I also am not a huge fan of the other man’s baby trope but the author managed it perfectly. It was still a very good read with the slow burn romance. I would recommend this🤭
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC
September 10, 2025
"𝙄'𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖. 𝙄'𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚."
I was so looking forward to this read...and I was SO EXCITED when I found out that I was going to be part of Emily's ARC team...I felt so honored....but this just didn't come together for me the way I had hoped and that was really disappointing.
This is book two in the Blades & Hearts series...and we are focusing on Mallory, our FMC, and Jaymie, our MMC. Mallory is in Chicago, taking a new job as an Athletic Trainerfor the hellblades, and her newest client is Jaymie, who has suffered an injury and needs to be rehabed to get back on the ice. Jaymie is instantly smitten but Mallory is more guarded...using the fact that they work together as an excuse for why they can't cross the line. Which...fair...I get it...but also, they are adults and it hasn't been established that their are any no fraternization rules....so we are up in the air there.
Mallory is involved with a grade a loser she met on tinder...literally there is no one who is a fan of this guy...hes a walking red flag..just a typical tinder loser...and even Mallory herself says she doesn't even like him...but for some reason she continues to see him...in my opinion, to have a buffer to reject Jaymie....who by the way....is the ultimate green flag, cinnamon roll, golden retriever...literally the gold ring of boyfriends. Anyway, surprise surprise...Mallory ends up pregnant by tinder guy after having unprotected sex....no shaming here...but also, for a very smart girl...that was a stupid move. And to the surprise of LITERALLY NO ONE...tinder guy blocks her and disappears at the first mention of a baby or any responsibility...whose shocked?? Not me...
Mallory decides to keep the baby...and her reasoning was heartfelt and I sympathized with her. She suffers from endometriosis and that can be super debilitating for some women...and can cause infertility....so her saying that she was keeping it because she wasn't sure if she would ever get another chance to have a baby...I totally understood.
Jaymie...the man he is...he steps up and is there for her in any way he can be...being her friend and confidant....making sure she understood that she wasn't alone in all of this...and she didn't have to carry the weight of everything on her own...yes...they weren't together, but he cared about her and wanted to make things easier for her.
Their relationship progresses from friends to sleeping together once and never talking about it, to eventually lovers. It was definitely a slow burn and it was a relationship built on friendship and trust, which I think was very fitting...especially considering how guarded and independent Mallory was. They eventually have their happy ever after with a wedding in vegas and life is great....all in all a great quick read to cleanse the pallet between heavier reads.
Now...what didn't work for me...basically the entirety of how the book was written. I know that ARC's can have grammar and spelling mistakes....I do not even pay attention to those...but what was concerning for me was the lack of consistency throughout the book and the massive plot holes.
We first read about Mallory in the first book...shes in the background but she is there, integrated into the team and family. THIS BOOK, takes place a YEAR AFTER the first...and Mallory is JUST getting to chicago and working with the team...which....what?? How?? It baffled me. The name of the team kept changing throughout the book which was a little bizzare...there were inconsistencies within the same paragraphs of dialogue...Mallory says her drs appointment is early the next day then the next sentence shes saying its next week...then shes talking about getting a new doctor?? I was spinning...things that should have been elaborated on weren't and things that didn't matter seemed to get way too much attention...I'm not sure if this stuff was corrected before release, but reading it as an ARC it definitely made the book very hard to follow and very hard to understand...I had to keep going back to make sure I was reading it correctly because I was very very confused.
All in all I think the story had a good plot line...it definitely needed some more work and much better editing....if those issues don't bother you, then you'll enjoy it. Again, I'm not sure if those inconsistencies were fixed before publishing...so just keep that in mind.
Thank you so much to Emily Campbell for the opportunity to ARC read this book. 💛
🏒Hockey Romance
💛Accidental Pregnancy (not MMC’s)
🏒Hockey Player MMC
💛Team Athletic Trainer FMC
🏒Found Family
💛Friends to Lovers
🏒Forced Proximity
💛Cinnamon Roll Hero
🏒Independent Heroine
💛Golden Retriever x Black Cat
🏒Workplace Romance
💛He Falls First & HARD
🏒He Wins Her Over
💛Secret Tattoos
🏒Group Chats & Banter
💛Slutty Glasses
🏒No 3rd Act Breakup
💛Dual POV
🏒HEA
I was so looking forward to this read...and I was SO EXCITED when I found out that I was going to be part of Emily's ARC team...I felt so honored....but this just didn't come together for me the way I had hoped and that was really disappointing.
This is book two in the Blades & Hearts series...and we are focusing on Mallory, our FMC, and Jaymie, our MMC. Mallory is in Chicago, taking a new job as an Athletic Trainerfor the hellblades, and her newest client is Jaymie, who has suffered an injury and needs to be rehabed to get back on the ice. Jaymie is instantly smitten but Mallory is more guarded...using the fact that they work together as an excuse for why they can't cross the line. Which...fair...I get it...but also, they are adults and it hasn't been established that their are any no fraternization rules....so we are up in the air there.
Mallory is involved with a grade a loser she met on tinder...literally there is no one who is a fan of this guy...hes a walking red flag..just a typical tinder loser...and even Mallory herself says she doesn't even like him...but for some reason she continues to see him...in my opinion, to have a buffer to reject Jaymie....who by the way....is the ultimate green flag, cinnamon roll, golden retriever...literally the gold ring of boyfriends. Anyway, surprise surprise...Mallory ends up pregnant by tinder guy after having unprotected sex....no shaming here...but also, for a very smart girl...that was a stupid move. And to the surprise of LITERALLY NO ONE...tinder guy blocks her and disappears at the first mention of a baby or any responsibility...whose shocked?? Not me...
Mallory decides to keep the baby...and her reasoning was heartfelt and I sympathized with her. She suffers from endometriosis and that can be super debilitating for some women...and can cause infertility....so her saying that she was keeping it because she wasn't sure if she would ever get another chance to have a baby...I totally understood.
Jaymie...the man he is...he steps up and is there for her in any way he can be...being her friend and confidant....making sure she understood that she wasn't alone in all of this...and she didn't have to carry the weight of everything on her own...yes...they weren't together, but he cared about her and wanted to make things easier for her.
Their relationship progresses from friends to sleeping together once and never talking about it, to eventually lovers. It was definitely a slow burn and it was a relationship built on friendship and trust, which I think was very fitting...especially considering how guarded and independent Mallory was. They eventually have their happy ever after with a wedding in vegas and life is great....all in all a great quick read to cleanse the pallet between heavier reads.
Now...what didn't work for me...basically the entirety of how the book was written. I know that ARC's can have grammar and spelling mistakes....I do not even pay attention to those...but what was concerning for me was the lack of consistency throughout the book and the massive plot holes.
We first read about Mallory in the first book...shes in the background but she is there, integrated into the team and family. THIS BOOK, takes place a YEAR AFTER the first...and Mallory is JUST getting to chicago and working with the team...which....what?? How?? It baffled me. The name of the team kept changing throughout the book which was a little bizzare...there were inconsistencies within the same paragraphs of dialogue...Mallory says her drs appointment is early the next day then the next sentence shes saying its next week...then shes talking about getting a new doctor?? I was spinning...things that should have been elaborated on weren't and things that didn't matter seemed to get way too much attention...I'm not sure if this stuff was corrected before release, but reading it as an ARC it definitely made the book very hard to follow and very hard to understand...I had to keep going back to make sure I was reading it correctly because I was very very confused.
All in all I think the story had a good plot line...it definitely needed some more work and much better editing....if those issues don't bother you, then you'll enjoy it. Again, I'm not sure if those inconsistencies were fixed before publishing...so just keep that in mind.
Thank you so much to Emily Campbell for the opportunity to ARC read this book. 💛
🏒Hockey Romance
💛Accidental Pregnancy (not MMC’s)
🏒Hockey Player MMC
💛Team Athletic Trainer FMC
🏒Found Family
💛Friends to Lovers
🏒Forced Proximity
💛Cinnamon Roll Hero
🏒Independent Heroine
💛Golden Retriever x Black Cat
🏒Workplace Romance
💛He Falls First & HARD
🏒He Wins Her Over
💛Secret Tattoos
🏒Group Chats & Banter
💛Slutty Glasses
🏒No 3rd Act Breakup
💛Dual POV
🏒HEA
September 10, 2025
Holy smokes. I devoured this in one sitting. Why I waited so long to read this ARC was beyond me.
Jaymie Prescott was part of the Hellblades hockey team and one game came with a serious injury for him.
In order to quickly recover from that, he had to accept Mallory Quince's help. There first meeting Jamie fumbles with his words so terribly and nearly pokes hisself in the eyeball fixing his glasses. I LITERALLY laughed so hard at this moment with how nervous he was meeting this woman. For being a hockey guy he was the opposite, total cinnamon roll MMC. He falls for her right then and there but she makes him work for her.
Jaymie Prescott is such a good man and he’s the most adorable thing ever when he speaks to Mallory, he’s so nervous like he forgets how to speak to a woman. The banter between them is so easy, but he can’t tell if Mallory is into him or not and then he asks her to help him with some of the food that his mother cooked up for him since he is injured, and she takes a rain check when they meet in the elevator of the same apartment building.
Jaymie does not give up and he finally asks for help from his teammates on what he should do. Logan tells him to go for it and he does but then Mallory stays pretty firm regarding their workplace relationship, not wanting to mix things up. BUT Jaymie is just what Mallory needs when she finds out she is pregnant. With keeping the baby the only option for Mallory, Jaymie steps up and says "Hey, if you need help, I am your guy."
Mallory is still so hesitant because she has been there for herself always, so when Jaymie wants to help and he wants Mallory to let him in she tells him she doesn’t know how but slowly he shows up everyday for her and shows that he is there for the long haul. AND she finally gets it and lets him in when she nearly collapsed in the hallway, and he was there he never left when he could have.
It was so sweet and thoughtful how much he cared about Mallory and how he took responsibility to be the right person to help her in the surprising situation she found herself in. I almost didn't believe how she could be immune to him, because he was such a golden retriever, who would do anything for her, but I kind of understood her a bit for not wanting to mix up her personal life with her professional one, especially after her last relationship.
But can she really be strong enough until the end? Or will she finally let her heart lead her life? BUT it takes Mallory’s sister for her to finally take control and let him know where she stands and that she’s tired of being just friends now.
The ups and downs of this book and that man that came in then ghosted her just to come back and do it again, eck, he can just disappear and I AM so thankful that he did just that. I was team Jayime from the beginning.
I'm sure that this book will make you fall in love with its characters and with the slow burn romance. It was equally as cute as it was spicy. I LOVED Jaymie and Mallory more then Ava and Logan (sorry not sorry)
Jaymie Prescott was part of the Hellblades hockey team and one game came with a serious injury for him.
In order to quickly recover from that, he had to accept Mallory Quince's help. There first meeting Jamie fumbles with his words so terribly and nearly pokes hisself in the eyeball fixing his glasses. I LITERALLY laughed so hard at this moment with how nervous he was meeting this woman. For being a hockey guy he was the opposite, total cinnamon roll MMC. He falls for her right then and there but she makes him work for her.
Jaymie Prescott is such a good man and he’s the most adorable thing ever when he speaks to Mallory, he’s so nervous like he forgets how to speak to a woman. The banter between them is so easy, but he can’t tell if Mallory is into him or not and then he asks her to help him with some of the food that his mother cooked up for him since he is injured, and she takes a rain check when they meet in the elevator of the same apartment building.
Jaymie does not give up and he finally asks for help from his teammates on what he should do. Logan tells him to go for it and he does but then Mallory stays pretty firm regarding their workplace relationship, not wanting to mix things up. BUT Jaymie is just what Mallory needs when she finds out she is pregnant. With keeping the baby the only option for Mallory, Jaymie steps up and says "Hey, if you need help, I am your guy."
Mallory is still so hesitant because she has been there for herself always, so when Jaymie wants to help and he wants Mallory to let him in she tells him she doesn’t know how but slowly he shows up everyday for her and shows that he is there for the long haul. AND she finally gets it and lets him in when she nearly collapsed in the hallway, and he was there he never left when he could have.
It was so sweet and thoughtful how much he cared about Mallory and how he took responsibility to be the right person to help her in the surprising situation she found herself in. I almost didn't believe how she could be immune to him, because he was such a golden retriever, who would do anything for her, but I kind of understood her a bit for not wanting to mix up her personal life with her professional one, especially after her last relationship.
But can she really be strong enough until the end? Or will she finally let her heart lead her life? BUT it takes Mallory’s sister for her to finally take control and let him know where she stands and that she’s tired of being just friends now.
The ups and downs of this book and that man that came in then ghosted her just to come back and do it again, eck, he can just disappear and I AM so thankful that he did just that. I was team Jayime from the beginning.
I'm sure that this book will make you fall in love with its characters and with the slow burn romance. It was equally as cute as it was spicy. I LOVED Jaymie and Mallory more then Ava and Logan (sorry not sorry)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
I read this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Overall I enjoyed this book. There were some confusing moments, but those aside the story was worth the read.
I loved the relationship built between Mallory and Jaymie. Mallory is the tough team rehab physician, Jaymie is a dorky hockey player who starts the book with an injury in the first game of the season. Jaymie was gone for Mal since they met.
I was unsure at first how I felt when we found out Mallory was pregnant by the other guy she briefly dated. When Mal said she wanted to keep the baby because it may be her only chance since she has endometriosis, I loved that that was represented. As the book progressed we see Jaymie step up for her throughout the pregnancy and he is truly the sweetest guy ever.
Mallory is this strong badass woman and tries to do it all herself. This hit so hard “That maybe if I stopped being the strong one, there’d be nothing left of me worth showing.”. But the sisterly bond with Dakota softened the moment “You’re not a burden. You’re the strongest person I know. And you’re allowed to need someone.”. I loved that there was so much support for Mal from all those around her.
Some of the confusing moments I had throughout the book. In Off The Ice they had mentioned Mallory a few times but this book takes place a year after the first and Mallory just joined the team. I am not sure if they are meant to be the same character or just 2 characters with the same name.
There were a few details that would get changed and made it a little confusing. Mallory had told her sister she had a doctor appointment for the baby in a few weeks, then she was asking Jaymie to go cause it was bright and early the next day, then shortly after that it was stated the appointment was next week again. Another detail that changed when Mallory almost fainted in the hall of the arena, Conner and Logan came around the corner after Jaymie caught her, but then it was Darren who was driving in his car. At the hospital it was only Connor and Darren and Logan was not mentioned again. Even with the few confusing moments, I really enjoyed the book. I am looking forward to the future books in this series.
I loved the relationship built between Mallory and Jaymie. Mallory is the tough team rehab physician, Jaymie is a dorky hockey player who starts the book with an injury in the first game of the season. Jaymie was gone for Mal since they met.
I was unsure at first how I felt when we found out Mallory was pregnant by the other guy she briefly dated. When Mal said she wanted to keep the baby because it may be her only chance since she has endometriosis, I loved that that was represented. As the book progressed we see Jaymie step up for her throughout the pregnancy and he is truly the sweetest guy ever.
Mallory is this strong badass woman and tries to do it all herself. This hit so hard “That maybe if I stopped being the strong one, there’d be nothing left of me worth showing.”. But the sisterly bond with Dakota softened the moment “You’re not a burden. You’re the strongest person I know. And you’re allowed to need someone.”. I loved that there was so much support for Mal from all those around her.
Some of the confusing moments I had throughout the book. In Off The Ice they had mentioned Mallory a few times but this book takes place a year after the first and Mallory just joined the team. I am not sure if they are meant to be the same character or just 2 characters with the same name.
There were a few details that would get changed and made it a little confusing. Mallory had told her sister she had a doctor appointment for the baby in a few weeks, then she was asking Jaymie to go cause it was bright and early the next day, then shortly after that it was stated the appointment was next week again. Another detail that changed when Mallory almost fainted in the hall of the arena, Conner and Logan came around the corner after Jaymie caught her, but then it was Darren who was driving in his car. At the hospital it was only Connor and Darren and Logan was not mentioned again. Even with the few confusing moments, I really enjoyed the book. I am looking forward to the future books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
🏒Pro Hockey Player
🤍Athletic Trainer
🏒Dual POV
🤍Friends to Lovers
🏒He Falls First
🤍Cinnamon Roll
🏒Forced Proximity
🤍Accidental Pregnancy
🏒He Wins Her Over
🤍No 3rd Act Breakup
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️.5
This was my introduction into Emily Campbell’s world and I enjoyed it. My favorite tropes are friends to lovers and accidental pregnancy. Especially this way. This was book 2 in the Blades & Hearts Series and I will be going back to read book 1, because I adore Logan and Ava.
Jaymie Prescott is our MMC. He is the left wing forward for the Chicago Hellblades. He’s fast and strong and is a firecracker on the ice. But the man is a cinnamon roll golden retriever who falls hard and loves harder.
Mallory Quince is our FMC. She is the new athletic trainer for the Hellblades. She’s new in Chicago for a new job and a new start. She’s had her share of questionable dates so she is treading lightly.
After an injury on the ice Jaymie becomes Mallory’s first patient - for 6 weeks. Once he sees her, he falls. Mallory notices how handsome Jaymie is but she is determined to remain in the friend zone. And since he’s also her patient she wants to keep things professional. But that doesn’t stop Jaymie. He wants to show Mallory that he will always be there. Boy does he get his chance.
Jaymie shows up for Mallory in a way that nobody has ever done before. She is used to being the one in charge and in control. Asking for help is something she has never done and hasn't mastered. Jaymie knows when to be there without being overbearing; he knows what she needs, without coming off pushy; Jaymie knows when to show up when everyone else leaves.
I loved how their relationship progressed. From friends to more to lovers. They’re relationship wasn’t forced, and it felt right from the beginning. They’re flirting or “banter” was awesome. Jaymie is as sassy as Mallory. Throw in the friend group and Mallory’s sister and this book was great. I’m a hockey fan so I enjoyed the hockey scenes. I like that it had them especially since that’s the reason they met. I felt that everything tied in perfectly. Thank you Emily for giving us Mallory and Jaymie. I just hope Mal doesn’t mind sharing Jaymie with all of us ladies, because ladies we will be definitely swooning!
🤍Athletic Trainer
🏒Dual POV
🤍Friends to Lovers
🏒He Falls First
🤍Cinnamon Roll
🏒Forced Proximity
🤍Accidental Pregnancy
🏒He Wins Her Over
🤍No 3rd Act Breakup
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️.5
This was my introduction into Emily Campbell’s world and I enjoyed it. My favorite tropes are friends to lovers and accidental pregnancy. Especially this way. This was book 2 in the Blades & Hearts Series and I will be going back to read book 1, because I adore Logan and Ava.
Jaymie Prescott is our MMC. He is the left wing forward for the Chicago Hellblades. He’s fast and strong and is a firecracker on the ice. But the man is a cinnamon roll golden retriever who falls hard and loves harder.
Mallory Quince is our FMC. She is the new athletic trainer for the Hellblades. She’s new in Chicago for a new job and a new start. She’s had her share of questionable dates so she is treading lightly.
After an injury on the ice Jaymie becomes Mallory’s first patient - for 6 weeks. Once he sees her, he falls. Mallory notices how handsome Jaymie is but she is determined to remain in the friend zone. And since he’s also her patient she wants to keep things professional. But that doesn’t stop Jaymie. He wants to show Mallory that he will always be there. Boy does he get his chance.
Jaymie shows up for Mallory in a way that nobody has ever done before. She is used to being the one in charge and in control. Asking for help is something she has never done and hasn't mastered. Jaymie knows when to be there without being overbearing; he knows what she needs, without coming off pushy; Jaymie knows when to show up when everyone else leaves.
I loved how their relationship progressed. From friends to more to lovers. They’re relationship wasn’t forced, and it felt right from the beginning. They’re flirting or “banter” was awesome. Jaymie is as sassy as Mallory. Throw in the friend group and Mallory’s sister and this book was great. I’m a hockey fan so I enjoyed the hockey scenes. I like that it had them especially since that’s the reason they met. I felt that everything tied in perfectly. Thank you Emily for giving us Mallory and Jaymie. I just hope Mal doesn’t mind sharing Jaymie with all of us ladies, because ladies we will be definitely swooning!
July 26, 2025
ARC Review! Chasing the Goal by @author.emily.campbell ! Drop everything you are doing and go pre-order this book!
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Y'all. The world is a heavy place right now, and I think we all just want to see kind, loving, caring and good humans connecting, and this book gave me all that and more.
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Our FMC Mallory is my twinsie. I adore her with my whole heart. Strong, passionate, funny, kind, caring, and a planner. Our MMC Jaymie is the epitome of a golden retriever. Whether he gets the girl or not, he is going to make sure she is supported in every way he can.
.
The banter between the two had me kicking my feet and giggling. And their deeper moments individually and together brought me to tears. This book is perfect no matter what mood you are in!
.
BLURB
Mallory Quince has her hands full, balancing a demanding career as the Hellblades’ newest athletic trainer, keeping her messy dating life in check, while avoiding any and all complications. Especially the kind that come with charming hockey players who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Jaymie Prescott, star winger and secretly sweet nerd, isn’t Mallory’s type. He’s too genuine, too thoughtful, too… distracting. But after a flirty elevator ride, he’s suddenly everywhere—on the training table, in her apartment building, and, unintentionally, in her life in a much bigger way.
When a one-time mistake leads to a life-altering surprise… Jaymie doesn’t run, he shows up and just maybe he’s ready to prove he’s more than just a teammate, he might be exactly the partner Mallory didn’t know she needed.
A tender, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance with depth, laughs, and just enough spice, Chasing the Goal is a story of showing up, stepping in, and falling hard—when love plays for keeps.
.
Tropes
🧡 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🧡 Hot & Nerdy Hockey Player
🧡 Black Cat FMC
🧡 Athletic Trainer
🧡 Accidental Pregnancy
🧡 Secret Tattoos
🧡 He Wins Her Over
🧡 Dual POV
🧡 Friends to Lovers
🧡 Forced Proximity
.
Pre-Order now at the link in my bio! Out September 4th!
.
#bookrecs #bookstagram #booktok #romancebooks #Kindle #romancereader #spicybooks #hockeyromance #bookrecommendations #whatimreading
.
Y'all. The world is a heavy place right now, and I think we all just want to see kind, loving, caring and good humans connecting, and this book gave me all that and more.
.
Our FMC Mallory is my twinsie. I adore her with my whole heart. Strong, passionate, funny, kind, caring, and a planner. Our MMC Jaymie is the epitome of a golden retriever. Whether he gets the girl or not, he is going to make sure she is supported in every way he can.
.
The banter between the two had me kicking my feet and giggling. And their deeper moments individually and together brought me to tears. This book is perfect no matter what mood you are in!
.
BLURB
Mallory Quince has her hands full, balancing a demanding career as the Hellblades’ newest athletic trainer, keeping her messy dating life in check, while avoiding any and all complications. Especially the kind that come with charming hockey players who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Jaymie Prescott, star winger and secretly sweet nerd, isn’t Mallory’s type. He’s too genuine, too thoughtful, too… distracting. But after a flirty elevator ride, he’s suddenly everywhere—on the training table, in her apartment building, and, unintentionally, in her life in a much bigger way.
When a one-time mistake leads to a life-altering surprise… Jaymie doesn’t run, he shows up and just maybe he’s ready to prove he’s more than just a teammate, he might be exactly the partner Mallory didn’t know she needed.
A tender, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance with depth, laughs, and just enough spice, Chasing the Goal is a story of showing up, stepping in, and falling hard—when love plays for keeps.
.
Tropes
🧡 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🧡 Hot & Nerdy Hockey Player
🧡 Black Cat FMC
🧡 Athletic Trainer
🧡 Accidental Pregnancy
🧡 Secret Tattoos
🧡 He Wins Her Over
🧡 Dual POV
🧡 Friends to Lovers
🧡 Forced Proximity
.
Pre-Order now at the link in my bio! Out September 4th!
.
#bookrecs #bookstagram #booktok #romancebooks #Kindle #romancereader #spicybooks #hockeyromance #bookrecommendations #whatimreading
August 15, 2025
4 Stars✨
2 Spices🌶️
Chasing the Goal is the second novel in the Blades and Hearts Series by Emily Campbell. The story highlights themes of responsibility, connections, and personal growth while exploring the unanticipated consequences of unplanned predicaments. It tells the story of Mallory Quince, the new physical therapist with the Chicago Hellblades, and Jaymie Prescott, an NHL forward, recovering from an injury.
As a strong, independent, passionate, and responsible person, Mallory has always wanted to handle things by herself. She is responsible for helping Jaymie recover from an injury, and in spite of the instant attraction, she has been doing fairly well at the task. She's about to have an impact on her life after startling news has thrown her life into disarray.
For me, Mallory takes centre stage as the main character in this story, witnessing her growth as she wrestles with her apprehensions, weaknesses, and her journey towards embracing motherhood through growth and transformation, which was both relatable and heartwarming.
Jaymie's character, on the other hand, amazed me with his devotion, charisma, and patience. The walking green flag and ideal golden retriever that Mallory needs to get over heartbreak and rejection. Their romance had been slow to develop, even though they were immediately attracted to each other at the start of the novel. The wait had been worthwhile.
The plot is fast-paced, but it captures the complexities of life with poignant honesty, with moments of witty banter, relatable main and secondary characters, lighthearted camaraderie, and a heartfelt exploration of modern relationships.
While Chasing the Goal is largely romantic, it touches on topics that are relevant to life's unforeseen turns. It also presents a more thoughtful side, showing the character's growth and transformation, and promotes a feel-good experience for fans of romance.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy and am sharing my honest review based on my personal experience. Thank you to Emily Campbell for trusting me to read this book in advance.
2 Spices🌶️
Chasing the Goal is the second novel in the Blades and Hearts Series by Emily Campbell. The story highlights themes of responsibility, connections, and personal growth while exploring the unanticipated consequences of unplanned predicaments. It tells the story of Mallory Quince, the new physical therapist with the Chicago Hellblades, and Jaymie Prescott, an NHL forward, recovering from an injury.
As a strong, independent, passionate, and responsible person, Mallory has always wanted to handle things by herself. She is responsible for helping Jaymie recover from an injury, and in spite of the instant attraction, she has been doing fairly well at the task. She's about to have an impact on her life after startling news has thrown her life into disarray.
For me, Mallory takes centre stage as the main character in this story, witnessing her growth as she wrestles with her apprehensions, weaknesses, and her journey towards embracing motherhood through growth and transformation, which was both relatable and heartwarming.
Jaymie's character, on the other hand, amazed me with his devotion, charisma, and patience. The walking green flag and ideal golden retriever that Mallory needs to get over heartbreak and rejection. Their romance had been slow to develop, even though they were immediately attracted to each other at the start of the novel. The wait had been worthwhile.
The plot is fast-paced, but it captures the complexities of life with poignant honesty, with moments of witty banter, relatable main and secondary characters, lighthearted camaraderie, and a heartfelt exploration of modern relationships.
While Chasing the Goal is largely romantic, it touches on topics that are relevant to life's unforeseen turns. It also presents a more thoughtful side, showing the character's growth and transformation, and promotes a feel-good experience for fans of romance.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy and am sharing my honest review based on my personal experience. Thank you to Emily Campbell for trusting me to read this book in advance.
August 29, 2025
~ARC Review~
Chasing The Goal is a slow burn, heart-warming sports romance. It is the second book in the interconnected Blades and Hearts series. While I have yet to read the first book, after devouring this, I will definitely read it. I would advise you to read the trigger warnings before reading as some scenes may be triggering or upsetting.
I love Jaymie's quirky, awkward side. I particularly loved the scene in the beginning where he tried to push his glasses back up when he first met Mallory. It was such an adorable meet-cute! I loved the banter, the teasing and the mutual love and understanding they both had for each other.
Jaymie Prescott has definitely got a place in my heart. The way he takes care of Mallory, makes sure she doesn't feel alone, and cooks for her is so sweet. He's so cinnamon roll / golden retriever coded! Their dynamic, their unwavering support for one another, and their chemistry is out of this world. I love them both so much!
Mallory is sassy and funny. She's the kind of person who takes care of everyone but herself, without expecting anything in return. She's the loveliest and I was so glad she met Jaymie because they matched each other's energy perfectly. I love the scenes where Mallory and the girls have their chats and catchups, especially during "the Girls Room" group chat.
This story was so beautifully written, had all the feels and was a fast read. It was hilarious, heartfelt and so sweet. I am really looking forward to re-reading it and reading more of Emily Campbell's work.
The ending? Perfect. Absolutely, the best ending ever! Also, extra points for chapter 48!! With that being said, I would rate this 6 stars.
Favourite quotes:
"Thanks for making this feel less heavy."
“You are human. The best kind.”
"We didn’t say the words. But they were there. In every breath. Every touch. Every lingering second of silence."
“You made a life with me,”
“I want to remember this moment forever,”
“Messy. Iconic. Weirdly us.”
“You’re forever.”
Thank you so much to the wonderful author, Emily Campbell, and Bookfunnel for this ARC.
Chasing The Goal is a slow burn, heart-warming sports romance. It is the second book in the interconnected Blades and Hearts series. While I have yet to read the first book, after devouring this, I will definitely read it. I would advise you to read the trigger warnings before reading as some scenes may be triggering or upsetting.
I love Jaymie's quirky, awkward side. I particularly loved the scene in the beginning where he tried to push his glasses back up when he first met Mallory. It was such an adorable meet-cute! I loved the banter, the teasing and the mutual love and understanding they both had for each other.
Jaymie Prescott has definitely got a place in my heart. The way he takes care of Mallory, makes sure she doesn't feel alone, and cooks for her is so sweet. He's so cinnamon roll / golden retriever coded! Their dynamic, their unwavering support for one another, and their chemistry is out of this world. I love them both so much!
Mallory is sassy and funny. She's the kind of person who takes care of everyone but herself, without expecting anything in return. She's the loveliest and I was so glad she met Jaymie because they matched each other's energy perfectly. I love the scenes where Mallory and the girls have their chats and catchups, especially during "the Girls Room" group chat.
This story was so beautifully written, had all the feels and was a fast read. It was hilarious, heartfelt and so sweet. I am really looking forward to re-reading it and reading more of Emily Campbell's work.
The ending? Perfect. Absolutely, the best ending ever! Also, extra points for chapter 48!! With that being said, I would rate this 6 stars.
Favourite quotes:
"Thanks for making this feel less heavy."
“You are human. The best kind.”
"We didn’t say the words. But they were there. In every breath. Every touch. Every lingering second of silence."
“You made a life with me,”
“I want to remember this moment forever,”
“Messy. Iconic. Weirdly us.”
“You’re forever.”
Thank you so much to the wonderful author, Emily Campbell, and Bookfunnel for this ARC.
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