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New York Blaze Hockey Series #1
Fall Wherever They May: The New York Blaze Hockey Series Book 1
After a phone call, secrets about Aspen’s life are unveiled. Between the discovery of her past and the complications that arise in her small Oklahoma hometown, the single mom finds herself suddenly moving to New York to start a new career and a new life with her ten-year-old son.
Callan is the center iceman for The New York Blaze. He’s focused on one thing and one thing his professional hockey career. After his life was upended, he wants no complications, no distractions.
A series of chance encounters between Aspen and Callan force them together and turns their world upside down.
This is the first installment in The Blaze Hockey Series.
This book is a standalone and ends with a happily ever after.
Callan is the center iceman for The New York Blaze. He’s focused on one thing and one thing his professional hockey career. After his life was upended, he wants no complications, no distractions.
A series of chance encounters between Aspen and Callan force them together and turns their world upside down.
This is the first installment in The Blaze Hockey Series.
This book is a standalone and ends with a happily ever after.
338 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2025
50 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Elysia Wages
5 books31 followersElysia Wages is a contemporary romance author from Oklahoma. She creates stories filled with angst, relatable characters, heartfelt connections, comedy, spice, and book boyfriends that will have you downright swooning. Let's not forget about the pages that will leave you wanting more and more.
When she's not writing, Elysia enjoys curling up with a coffee and a spicy romance novel, spending time with her family, or vacationing on various beaches.
When she's not writing, Elysia enjoys curling up with a coffee and a spicy romance novel, spending time with her family, or vacationing on various beaches.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 4, 2025
Part 1
3 🏒📓💘⭐️s
A nice sports romance read, with a few emotional moments, a great 10 yo kid and plenty of spice.
3 🏒📓💘⭐️s
A nice sports romance read, with a few emotional moments, a great 10 yo kid and plenty of spice.
July 10, 2025
One of my favorite books from one of my top favorite new authors. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
March 26, 2025
The perfect sports romance
This is my first hockey romance and it did not disappoint! The writing kept me entranced, the storyline was perfect and I instantly fell in love with the characters.
Aspen and Cal are the main characters in this story. They both have suffered some trauma and secrets in their life but will they work through this together or succumb to their fears their tragedies have left them with? I can tell you that there is lots of spice and it may involve a puck and a mask!!!
This book had me laughing, gasping, sweating, and for sure crying. I loved every minute of it.
This is my first hockey romance and it did not disappoint! The writing kept me entranced, the storyline was perfect and I instantly fell in love with the characters.
Aspen and Cal are the main characters in this story. They both have suffered some trauma and secrets in their life but will they work through this together or succumb to their fears their tragedies have left them with? I can tell you that there is lots of spice and it may involve a puck and a mask!!!
This book had me laughing, gasping, sweating, and for sure crying. I loved every minute of it.
May 8, 2025
I definitely just added a new book boyfriend to my top 10 roster and his name is Callan Miles, because what do you mean he takes her favorite books with him on the road to read, and then recreates her favorite scenes.
I loved that this was real and raw. When Aspen moves to New York after the father she thinks abandoned her passes away, she finds herself the new owner of the Blaze hockey team. With her 10yo son and sister River in tow this is a new beginning for all of them. Aspen has trust issues after every man in her life abandoned her, including her 10yo son’s dad.
When her new neighbor literally rear ends her car she immediately doesn’t like him, but definitely feels more than hatred for him. Only this isn’t just her neighbor he’s a player on Blaze, and she’s his new boss.
After a tragic childhood, and losing his wife Callan is emotionally unavailable. He’s basically shut down and is just living for hockey. Until the firecrackers living across the street and her little boy make him feel. Trauma has a way of creeping up on him though, and the guilt of his feelings for Aspen but end their relationship before it can even begin. One thing Callan knows for sure is he loves her little boy and he can’t fight his feelings for his new boss.
This book had fantastic mental health representation, it was raw and emotional, but also so much fun to read. The way he lets Aspen explore her sexuality and brings all of her fantasies in her spicy books to life was fantastic. The fact that he truly notices and takes interest in what she likes, I mean really what more could a girl want. I cannot wait for Rivers story and to get more glimpses of Callan and Aspen in book 2!
I loved that this was real and raw. When Aspen moves to New York after the father she thinks abandoned her passes away, she finds herself the new owner of the Blaze hockey team. With her 10yo son and sister River in tow this is a new beginning for all of them. Aspen has trust issues after every man in her life abandoned her, including her 10yo son’s dad.
When her new neighbor literally rear ends her car she immediately doesn’t like him, but definitely feels more than hatred for him. Only this isn’t just her neighbor he’s a player on Blaze, and she’s his new boss.
After a tragic childhood, and losing his wife Callan is emotionally unavailable. He’s basically shut down and is just living for hockey. Until the firecrackers living across the street and her little boy make him feel. Trauma has a way of creeping up on him though, and the guilt of his feelings for Aspen but end their relationship before it can even begin. One thing Callan knows for sure is he loves her little boy and he can’t fight his feelings for his new boss.
This book had fantastic mental health representation, it was raw and emotional, but also so much fun to read. The way he lets Aspen explore her sexuality and brings all of her fantasies in her spicy books to life was fantastic. The fact that he truly notices and takes interest in what she likes, I mean really what more could a girl want. I cannot wait for Rivers story and to get more glimpses of Callan and Aspen in book 2!
February 11, 2025
THE NY BLAZE IS BLAZIN'.
Okay... let me start by saying I do not read sports romance. I also don't know the first thing about hockey. That being said? I honestly thought it would take alot to get me interested in this book.
WRONG.
First off...plot is plotting. Second off, FMC is country... which I can thoroughly appreciate. And third...Callan Miles? Sir...your creativity with a hockey puck will live rent free in my head forever. God bless you.
I am so absolutely giddy that I can say that this is my intro to sports romance. The book is so well written, the spice was fire. The story is emotional and perfect and I loved every second of this book. I didn't think I'd ever say that I was looking forward to reading the second book in a hockey series but Miss Wages? Respectfully? HURRY UP. I NEED.
Okay... let me start by saying I do not read sports romance. I also don't know the first thing about hockey. That being said? I honestly thought it would take alot to get me interested in this book.
WRONG.
First off...plot is plotting. Second off, FMC is country... which I can thoroughly appreciate. And third...Callan Miles? Sir...your creativity with a hockey puck will live rent free in my head forever. God bless you.
I am so absolutely giddy that I can say that this is my intro to sports romance. The book is so well written, the spice was fire. The story is emotional and perfect and I loved every second of this book. I didn't think I'd ever say that I was looking forward to reading the second book in a hockey series but Miss Wages? Respectfully? HURRY UP. I NEED.
November 1, 2025
I own your a**. Those words started something, and then it ended something. So definitely check your trigger warnings. Because there is a chapter in this that is seriously emotional and it's meant to be. But this is a wonderful hockey romance that it has a life that kicked people in the teeth.And that's what happens with life. But it is seriously good and the emotion that you hear in the narrator's voices so good.
March 20, 2025
SUMMARY:
After a phone call, secrets about Aspen Taylor’s life are unveiled. Between the discovery of her past and the complications that arise in her small Oklahoma hometown, the single mom finds herself suddenly moving to New York to start a new career and a new life with her ten-year-old son. Callan Miles is the center iceman for The New York Blaze. He’s focused on one thing and one thing his professional hockey career. After his life was upended, he wants no complications, no distractions. A series of chance encounters between Aspen and Callan force them together and turns their world upside down.
REVIEW:
Fall Wherever They May is the first book in the New York Blaze Hockey series, my first book by Elysia Wages and it is one of March's Weekly Highlight Authors for my discord book club Indie Ink Society. Aspen is a single mom that had moved out of her small Oklahoma hometown to move to New York after finding out her father who owned the Blaze Hockey team had passed away. Callan is the center iceman for the Blaze Hockey team that lost his wife and son with only his career what keeps him going on with living. I found the interaction between Aspen and Callan when they first meet after they have a minor car accident a funny moment as they are both flustered with how attracted they are to each other. I found the moment that Aspen asks Callan why he finds her unlovable after rejecting her heartbreaking especially when he tells her that she is perfect with him being the fucked up one.
It was so heartbreaking when Aspen found her father's journals that were basically letters to her that he couldn't send because he was trying to protect her from the life that comes with being a public figure. I found the moment that Callan mentions him reading Navessa Allen's Lights Out since he wanted to know what Aspen loved about those spicy scenes so that he could explore with her so that she would never feel like she needed to hide herself from him. Both Aspen and Callan are instantly attracted to each other after they meet for the first time when they have a fender bender on the way to their own homes. There was a lot of trauma that Aspen and Callan had to work through from both of their pasts in order to make the relationship that they both wanted to work especially since Callan had also fallen in love with Aspen's son Tucker. There were amazingly spicy scenes between Aspen and Callan that had be blushing. Elysia Wages has delivered a page turning spicy romance that has left me anxiously waiting to find out what happens with Carter and River next.
After a phone call, secrets about Aspen Taylor’s life are unveiled. Between the discovery of her past and the complications that arise in her small Oklahoma hometown, the single mom finds herself suddenly moving to New York to start a new career and a new life with her ten-year-old son. Callan Miles is the center iceman for The New York Blaze. He’s focused on one thing and one thing his professional hockey career. After his life was upended, he wants no complications, no distractions. A series of chance encounters between Aspen and Callan force them together and turns their world upside down.
REVIEW:
Fall Wherever They May is the first book in the New York Blaze Hockey series, my first book by Elysia Wages and it is one of March's Weekly Highlight Authors for my discord book club Indie Ink Society. Aspen is a single mom that had moved out of her small Oklahoma hometown to move to New York after finding out her father who owned the Blaze Hockey team had passed away. Callan is the center iceman for the Blaze Hockey team that lost his wife and son with only his career what keeps him going on with living. I found the interaction between Aspen and Callan when they first meet after they have a minor car accident a funny moment as they are both flustered with how attracted they are to each other. I found the moment that Aspen asks Callan why he finds her unlovable after rejecting her heartbreaking especially when he tells her that she is perfect with him being the fucked up one.
It was so heartbreaking when Aspen found her father's journals that were basically letters to her that he couldn't send because he was trying to protect her from the life that comes with being a public figure. I found the moment that Callan mentions him reading Navessa Allen's Lights Out since he wanted to know what Aspen loved about those spicy scenes so that he could explore with her so that she would never feel like she needed to hide herself from him. Both Aspen and Callan are instantly attracted to each other after they meet for the first time when they have a fender bender on the way to their own homes. There was a lot of trauma that Aspen and Callan had to work through from both of their pasts in order to make the relationship that they both wanted to work especially since Callan had also fallen in love with Aspen's son Tucker. There were amazingly spicy scenes between Aspen and Callan that had be blushing. Elysia Wages has delivered a page turning spicy romance that has left me anxiously waiting to find out what happens with Carter and River next.
April 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this hockey romance! Fall Wherever They May had me hooked from the very beginning. The chemistry between the main characters was everything—full of sass, wit, and incredible banter that had me smiling the whole time. I loved that both the female and male leads were sassy in their own right, and even more so when they were together. Their dynamic felt natural, playful, and full of heart.
What really made this story special was the depth beyond the romance. The best friends were fantastic, adding even more fun and warmth to the story, and the family aspect brought everything together in such a satisfying way. It truly came full circle by the end, and I didn’t want it to be over. I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the series!
I will say—I thought there would be more spice, especially after that prologue set the tone. That said, I’m not disappointed in the spice that was there. It worked with the story, and the tension and connection between the characters still delivered.
If you love hockey romances, witty characters, and found-family vibes, this book is a must-read.
What really made this story special was the depth beyond the romance. The best friends were fantastic, adding even more fun and warmth to the story, and the family aspect brought everything together in such a satisfying way. It truly came full circle by the end, and I didn’t want it to be over. I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the series!
I will say—I thought there would be more spice, especially after that prologue set the tone. That said, I’m not disappointed in the spice that was there. It worked with the story, and the tension and connection between the characters still delivered.
If you love hockey romances, witty characters, and found-family vibes, this book is a must-read.
June 30, 2025
amazing story
Narrated by: Brandon Francis and
Leanne Blade
This book is so good Aspen find out about her dad and who he was and what her parwnts action effected her life and the way she felt unwanted and a single mom when she moves to New york and meets a jerk Callan who is a hockey player and demons of his own after losing his wife and son he has been loss and dealing with it all by himself and he meets Aspen and her son he feels guilty moving on with someones else. when Aspen baby daddy come to see her pretending he want to be a dad only for him asking money for never seeing his son again Callan gives him the money and Aspen is heartbroken for her son knowing he was unwanted by his father but Callan show him the true meaning of being a dad.
I cant wait for what to come and getting to experience a new author
Narrated by: Brandon Francis and
Leanne Blade
This book is so good Aspen find out about her dad and who he was and what her parwnts action effected her life and the way she felt unwanted and a single mom when she moves to New york and meets a jerk Callan who is a hockey player and demons of his own after losing his wife and son he has been loss and dealing with it all by himself and he meets Aspen and her son he feels guilty moving on with someones else. when Aspen baby daddy come to see her pretending he want to be a dad only for him asking money for never seeing his son again Callan gives him the money and Aspen is heartbroken for her son knowing he was unwanted by his father but Callan show him the true meaning of being a dad.
I cant wait for what to come and getting to experience a new author
March 21, 2025
All the good things
I can’t think of a single thing I would change. Love, loss, new beginnings, found family, spice, adorable nicknames,… It is everything’s you’d want and expect from a hockey romance with so much more heart.
I can’t think of a single thing I would change. Love, loss, new beginnings, found family, spice, adorable nicknames,… It is everything’s you’d want and expect from a hockey romance with so much more heart.
July 22, 2025
3.0 stars. New hockey romance from a new author for me. The two main characters ride the roller coaster of highs, lows, and insecurities. My favorite character was the ten year old son of the female lead.
September 25, 2025
I had such a great time with this story!!! Definitely a swoonworthy MMC.
August 14, 2025
3.5⭐️
Overall; I think this book was a worthwhile listen with narrators who captured my attention through their incredibly emotional performances.
In short, Aspen and her 10 year old son Tucker move to NY from Oklahoma after the death of Aspen’s father (who she didn’t know) leaves her running the hockey team he owned. That team includes Cal, the center and her neighbor who she gets off on the wrong foot with.
Over time, they become dear friends and then more, while Cal and Tucker also bond deeply.
I won’t give away more so as not to spoil things but suffice it to say this was a complex story that explored tough subjects — trauma, abandonment, self-sabotage, and more.
I did feel like a few plot points could have been fleshed out more clearly (esp as it relates to Asoen’s dad’s motivations) but in all, I enjoyed this one. I attribute a lot of that enjoyment to the narration, most notably the incredible performanc from Brandon Francis. He brought so much emotion to really tough scenes that I was tearing up listening to the pain in his voice. And spicy scene-wise? Holy smokes!!! He is gooooood.🥵 Leanne Blade also did a great job capturing Aspen and was a strong partner to Brandon in this.
Thanks to High Gravity Productions for this ALC!
Overall; I think this book was a worthwhile listen with narrators who captured my attention through their incredibly emotional performances.
In short, Aspen and her 10 year old son Tucker move to NY from Oklahoma after the death of Aspen’s father (who she didn’t know) leaves her running the hockey team he owned. That team includes Cal, the center and her neighbor who she gets off on the wrong foot with.
Over time, they become dear friends and then more, while Cal and Tucker also bond deeply.
I won’t give away more so as not to spoil things but suffice it to say this was a complex story that explored tough subjects — trauma, abandonment, self-sabotage, and more.
I did feel like a few plot points could have been fleshed out more clearly (esp as it relates to Asoen’s dad’s motivations) but in all, I enjoyed this one. I attribute a lot of that enjoyment to the narration, most notably the incredible performanc from Brandon Francis. He brought so much emotion to really tough scenes that I was tearing up listening to the pain in his voice. And spicy scene-wise? Holy smokes!!! He is gooooood.🥵 Leanne Blade also did a great job capturing Aspen and was a strong partner to Brandon in this.
Thanks to High Gravity Productions for this ALC!
March 20, 2025
Fall wherever they may was an amazing read!
a hockey themed Romance that had me not wanting to put the book down!
a great storyline of how cal and aspen found one another
great banter that had me laughing out loud in throughout the book.
i hadn’t read a hockey romance yet so im glad this one was my intro into it because it was amazing 🖤
spice towards the end of the book was 🤌🏼chefs kiss 🤌🏼
I loved how Cal tooo Tucker in under his wing no questions asked, they just instantly clicked.
a heartfelt romance that will have you feel all the feels 😍
a hockey themed Romance that had me not wanting to put the book down!
a great storyline of how cal and aspen found one another
great banter that had me laughing out loud in throughout the book.
i hadn’t read a hockey romance yet so im glad this one was my intro into it because it was amazing 🖤
spice towards the end of the book was 🤌🏼chefs kiss 🤌🏼
I loved how Cal tooo Tucker in under his wing no questions asked, they just instantly clicked.
a heartfelt romance that will have you feel all the feels 😍
January 25, 2025
Loved this book! The author did a fantastic job capturing the raw emotions of the characters throughout the book. You can tell how much thought and detail went into creating each character. This book has something for everyone. An emotional storyline, AMAZING side characters, humor, romance (very spicy!). It will make you laugh and cry! Great read, especially for the hockey girls! CANNOT wait for River and Carters book!
March 1, 2025
I don’t even know where to begin… A hockey romance WITH ACTUAL SPICE?! Where do I sign up?! This book finished me. It had me going through all my emotions in such a short time span. It made me giggle like a teenager, cry like baby and gave me the happy ever after I didn’t know I craved so badly throughout the book! 🫶🏼
April 18, 2025
Oh my gosh, I loved this book! Hockey, single parent trope, hate you so hard even though I don't really hate you thing... It's great! Ladies, Callan is a dream boat! The banter was bantering, & don't get me started on the way he loves little Tuck! Gah! Fantastic job, Elysia! I can't wait for book 2!
July 14, 2025
ALC review for Fall Wherever They May by Elysia Wages
Thanks to Elysia and High Gravity Productions for the ALC opportunity!
Featured tropes: sports romance, dislike to lovers, workplace romance, age gap, single parent, neighbors, possessive MMC, forced proximity, found family, hurt/comfort, secret relationship
Trigger warnings: the author includes a comprehensive list at the beginning of the book. Check it out if you have any content concerns.
Review: 5/5
Y'ALL!! You HAVE to LISTEN to this book. Okay, first of all, the story was so great. Like, genuinely, you truly get taken on a ride in with these characters. They both have their pasts and, at the beginning, I was expecting some emotion with some sweet spiciness woven throughout. Emotion? Check. Sweet spiciness? Uhhhh, GD. The spice was not what I was expecting but I was SO here for it. Callan Miles is a growly man who does his research and the way that pays off for my girl Aspen? Jealous. She's one lucky damn lady. Hoooo boy. And yet, the spice doesn't take over the story. We still have a lovely cast of characters. Carter and River have a great set up for our next story. And Tucker?! We love Tucker! He's such a spunky kid and we love to see it.
The narration:
Now this, THIS, is where the story is truly made. I'm sure using your eyes to read this story is great. But the audio? THE AUDIO?! Brandon Francis and Leanne Blade freaking CRUSH this audio. Our FMC is from Oklahoma and in a great casting choice, so is Leanne. So often I find that southern accents end up having moments where you can tell they're inauthentic. Leanne is from Oklahoma so she truly nails the character voice. But Brandon? Brandon GD Francis BRINGS it in this audio. I've listened to Brandon previously and his narrations are always great but he is SO GOOD in this one. Our MMC has been through some stuff and it is decidedly unresolved. We are witness to that turning point in chapters 21 and 22 and when I say I was holding back tears, I'm not lying. The only reason I was not full out sobbing was because I was unfortunately at work and was doing everything I could to not completely lose it at my desk. Brandon brought so much pure emotion to the mic that it's impossible to not feel it with him. But on the flip side, the spice? Oh my lord, the spice! If you think the feels are great in narration the spice is next level. I just...I can't. Listen to this book. Listen the heck out of this book. But make sure you're in a dark room by yourself with some emotional support snacks for chapters 21 and 22. You've been warned.
Okay, so, I know I got really excited there. Just, please, listen to this book. It was great. I can't stop thinking about it and Elysia will never get rid of me now.
Thanks to Elysia and High Gravity Productions for the ALC opportunity!
Featured tropes: sports romance, dislike to lovers, workplace romance, age gap, single parent, neighbors, possessive MMC, forced proximity, found family, hurt/comfort, secret relationship
Trigger warnings: the author includes a comprehensive list at the beginning of the book. Check it out if you have any content concerns.
Review: 5/5
Y'ALL!! You HAVE to LISTEN to this book. Okay, first of all, the story was so great. Like, genuinely, you truly get taken on a ride in with these characters. They both have their pasts and, at the beginning, I was expecting some emotion with some sweet spiciness woven throughout. Emotion? Check. Sweet spiciness? Uhhhh, GD. The spice was not what I was expecting but I was SO here for it. Callan Miles is a growly man who does his research and the way that pays off for my girl Aspen? Jealous. She's one lucky damn lady. Hoooo boy. And yet, the spice doesn't take over the story. We still have a lovely cast of characters. Carter and River have a great set up for our next story. And Tucker?! We love Tucker! He's such a spunky kid and we love to see it.
The narration:
Now this, THIS, is where the story is truly made. I'm sure using your eyes to read this story is great. But the audio? THE AUDIO?! Brandon Francis and Leanne Blade freaking CRUSH this audio. Our FMC is from Oklahoma and in a great casting choice, so is Leanne. So often I find that southern accents end up having moments where you can tell they're inauthentic. Leanne is from Oklahoma so she truly nails the character voice. But Brandon? Brandon GD Francis BRINGS it in this audio. I've listened to Brandon previously and his narrations are always great but he is SO GOOD in this one. Our MMC has been through some stuff and it is decidedly unresolved. We are witness to that turning point in chapters 21 and 22 and when I say I was holding back tears, I'm not lying. The only reason I was not full out sobbing was because I was unfortunately at work and was doing everything I could to not completely lose it at my desk. Brandon brought so much pure emotion to the mic that it's impossible to not feel it with him. But on the flip side, the spice? Oh my lord, the spice! If you think the feels are great in narration the spice is next level. I just...I can't. Listen to this book. Listen the heck out of this book. But make sure you're in a dark room by yourself with some emotional support snacks for chapters 21 and 22. You've been warned.
Okay, so, I know I got really excited there. Just, please, listen to this book. It was great. I can't stop thinking about it and Elysia will never get rid of me now.
April 29, 2025
Summary: Single mom Aspen moves to New York with he 10 year old son after an unexpected phone that changes the course of her life. Callan is center iceman for New York Blaze and he only has one thing and one thing only which his main focus on his professional hockey career. His life was changed when an event happened that he wants no distractions or complications. The main characters have gone through so much and when time comes they come together and work through it together.
If you enjoy great banter, witty characters, found family and an emotional time in some parts of the book and HEA this book is for you.
This was a absolute masterpiece of a sports romance that did real life situations that we all could or have experienced before really well. Elysia as an author makes you fall in love with the characters so much and so quickly to. This is the very first book that I have fully related to the main characters so much that it makes me so happy to know that there’s a book out in the world that is me inside of it. Aspen and Cal grew and grew throughout the book as far as character growth goes which was very special due to the back story of the characters. The writing is so unique that makes you want so much more when the story ends. There was so many take aways in the book as life has so I really enjoyed that as well. I could not put this book down between the banter and the love that the characters gave it was just an absolute pleasure reading this book.
Here’s are my main takeaways from this incredible book.
Life lessons/struggles inside of a book or in real life come together and teach us that we can become a better version of ourselves as long as we choose to. No matter what life throws at you, choose to pick yourself up and go on as a learning journey from it. Don’t let it define who you are choose to love yourself and live life to the fullest. Let others in you never know that could be the best thing for you. Never doubt your true self and the right person for you will come at the right moment. Don’t let what you have gone through in the past make you not live in the now and enjoy what is in front of you. Make peace with your past events to be able to fully appreciate what’s in front of you in the present moment.
If you enjoy great banter, witty characters, found family and an emotional time in some parts of the book and HEA this book is for you.
This was a absolute masterpiece of a sports romance that did real life situations that we all could or have experienced before really well. Elysia as an author makes you fall in love with the characters so much and so quickly to. This is the very first book that I have fully related to the main characters so much that it makes me so happy to know that there’s a book out in the world that is me inside of it. Aspen and Cal grew and grew throughout the book as far as character growth goes which was very special due to the back story of the characters. The writing is so unique that makes you want so much more when the story ends. There was so many take aways in the book as life has so I really enjoyed that as well. I could not put this book down between the banter and the love that the characters gave it was just an absolute pleasure reading this book.
Here’s are my main takeaways from this incredible book.
Life lessons/struggles inside of a book or in real life come together and teach us that we can become a better version of ourselves as long as we choose to. No matter what life throws at you, choose to pick yourself up and go on as a learning journey from it. Don’t let it define who you are choose to love yourself and live life to the fullest. Let others in you never know that could be the best thing for you. Never doubt your true self and the right person for you will come at the right moment. Don’t let what you have gone through in the past make you not live in the now and enjoy what is in front of you. Make peace with your past events to be able to fully appreciate what’s in front of you in the present moment.
August 16, 2025
I am in love with this beautiful book.
I came across this book through my FYP doom scroll on instagram and happened to be at the right place, right time when Brandon Francis (who does the MMC narration for this, which I will for sure be doing for a reread before book 2 because I love to put myself through torture), and when I heard the snippet, and saw the author name (same as mine, also from Oklahoma), I just HAD to get my hands on it.
And I am sad I didn't get to it sooner! That dang TBR, I swear, but fuck, did this tickle me just as well as a Jennifer Hartmann novel.
I fell in love with Aspen's biting tongue and unwavering kindness to others, and her protectiveness for her son Tucker. Cal took me a hot second as he def comes across as this entitled broody asshat, but there is something lingering in his past that I just HAD to find out what made him, HIM, and truly see "was it really that bad?"
In that journey, we see Aspen and Cal's relationship develop from enemies to friends to lovers and it's beautiful, swoon-worthy, and equally devastating with the shared past trauma. I literally sobbed, and it takes quite a lot to do that.
I very much appreciated the maturity levels of all the characters, the banter, and the COMMUNICATION. Praise be! Adults that can TALK.
Added to my top 2025 for sure...and cannot wait for River and Carter's disaster - er - romance in the making LOL
I came across this book through my FYP doom scroll on instagram and happened to be at the right place, right time when Brandon Francis (who does the MMC narration for this, which I will for sure be doing for a reread before book 2 because I love to put myself through torture), and when I heard the snippet, and saw the author name (same as mine, also from Oklahoma), I just HAD to get my hands on it.
And I am sad I didn't get to it sooner! That dang TBR, I swear, but fuck, did this tickle me just as well as a Jennifer Hartmann novel.
I fell in love with Aspen's biting tongue and unwavering kindness to others, and her protectiveness for her son Tucker. Cal took me a hot second as he def comes across as this entitled broody asshat, but there is something lingering in his past that I just HAD to find out what made him, HIM, and truly see "was it really that bad?"
In that journey, we see Aspen and Cal's relationship develop from enemies to friends to lovers and it's beautiful, swoon-worthy, and equally devastating with the shared past trauma. I literally sobbed, and it takes quite a lot to do that.
I very much appreciated the maturity levels of all the characters, the banter, and the COMMUNICATION. Praise be! Adults that can TALK.
Added to my top 2025 for sure...and cannot wait for River and Carter's disaster - er - romance in the making LOL
October 3, 2025
This was a phenomenal read! My first hockey romance (I know there are a million out there, and I’m late to the show- but they just normally don’t appeal to me). This was well worth the read!! The audiobook was also top notch! As a former hockey season ticket holder, I loved all the references that were spot on- for example watching the men stretch- those hips and ways they can move is unlike any other!
Callan Miles… yes, yes, yes!!! 👏 The man frickin read her DR books and took note of what she liked by her annotations…. Then he recreated fun yet safe scenarios of those favorite moments… yes please!! Is there a perfect man, in this book there is!! ... I loved the trauma both characters went through and how relatable it felt. The way the characters perfectly molded together…they healed each other from their former traumas based on their own trauma…and it was beautiful to read. To keep it spoiler free…. I’ll drop a hint to one of the most beautiful things … the loss of one, the other filled the hole by having what the other lost.
This book was sad, funny, healing, happy, a little spicy, and just plain beautiful.
Callan Miles… yes, yes, yes!!! 👏 The man frickin read her DR books and took note of what she liked by her annotations…. Then he recreated fun yet safe scenarios of those favorite moments… yes please!! Is there a perfect man, in this book there is!! ... I loved the trauma both characters went through and how relatable it felt. The way the characters perfectly molded together…they healed each other from their former traumas based on their own trauma…and it was beautiful to read. To keep it spoiler free…. I’ll drop a hint to one of the most beautiful things … the loss of one, the other filled the hole by having what the other lost.
This book was sad, funny, healing, happy, a little spicy, and just plain beautiful.
April 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I was recommended to read this book from a book bestie! This book was very sweet. It had a lot of different emotional elements to it which I can appreciate in a romance book.
I am a sucker for a hockey romance, and this one was really good.
Fall Wherever They May revolves around a single mom and a professional hockey player that is also going through personal trauma himself after his wife passed away.
The banter in here is so hilarious. I was cry laughing so many times. I love the relationship between the MMC and the child (Tucker). I thought it was very sweet how caring and loving he was. It was like he was able to heal a part of himself with the loss that he had gone through.
The side characters are hilarious. I cannot wait for the next book. I have a feeling I know what the next book is based off of that last chapter. It is going to be a wild ride.
I really enjoyed the little bits that could connect me to the story personally because the author talks about being a Harry Potter fan and also talks about the show Roswell! I love those little bits of elements to the book.
If you love…
Single Mother
Hockey Romance
Found Family
Banter
Spice
You will love this book! This book does deal with grief, so just be aware and the spice scenes do not happen till closer to the end half of the book which I really loved! I liked that the author did not make it about the spice that she made it about the character building and the relationship building.
🌶️🌶️
I was recommended to read this book from a book bestie! This book was very sweet. It had a lot of different emotional elements to it which I can appreciate in a romance book.
I am a sucker for a hockey romance, and this one was really good.
Fall Wherever They May revolves around a single mom and a professional hockey player that is also going through personal trauma himself after his wife passed away.
The banter in here is so hilarious. I was cry laughing so many times. I love the relationship between the MMC and the child (Tucker). I thought it was very sweet how caring and loving he was. It was like he was able to heal a part of himself with the loss that he had gone through.
The side characters are hilarious. I cannot wait for the next book. I have a feeling I know what the next book is based off of that last chapter. It is going to be a wild ride.
I really enjoyed the little bits that could connect me to the story personally because the author talks about being a Harry Potter fan and also talks about the show Roswell! I love those little bits of elements to the book.
If you love…
Single Mother
Hockey Romance
Found Family
Banter
Spice
You will love this book! This book does deal with grief, so just be aware and the spice scenes do not happen till closer to the end half of the book which I really loved! I liked that the author did not make it about the spice that she made it about the character building and the relationship building.
October 18, 2025
Fall Wherever They May (The New York Blaze Hockey Series #1) by Elysia Wages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️
Contemporary Romance · Found Family · Hockey Romance · Boss x Employee · Single Parent · Trauma · Past Secrets · Hurt/Comfort · Secret Relationship
Oh, this book gutted me. I’m rarely emotional when reading, but after finishing another tearjerker just before this one, my heart didn’t stand a chance. This story was raw, real, and absolutely beautiful.
Narrated by two phenomenal voices, @brandonfrancisnarrator, who continues to be my top male narrator, and Leanne Blade (@brittanyricenarration), who was new to me. This audiobook was everything. Leanne’s accent was captivating and warm, while Brandon’s performance hit deep, especially in the grief-filled, emotional chapters. His delivery pulled every emotion right out of me. I bawled. Multiple times. Had to pause and breathe through it.
And that’s all thanks to Elysia Wages’ writing. She’s a new-to-me author, but I’m honestly in awe. The ability to shatter me emotionally while still crafting such a thoughtful, hopeful story? That’s true talent. I’m already counting down to book 2, especially since it’s going to have a multi-cast narration (and an absolutely stellar lineup!).
The story itself balances trauma and healing, with a slow build of trust, vulnerability, and rediscovery. But it’s not all heavy, there are beautiful scenes of friendship, compassion, and mentorship that give the book a wonderful emotional rhythm.
Mental health themes are woven in with care and authenticity, and I can’t overstate how important and refreshing that representation felt.
And yes, there’s spice! Some of it even made me laugh in the best way, especially when the FMC’s love for smutty romance books inspired her MMC to recreate some of those “book fantasy” moments. It was steamy, sweet, and delightfully meta.
Highly, highly recommend. This one will stay with me for a long time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️
Contemporary Romance · Found Family · Hockey Romance · Boss x Employee · Single Parent · Trauma · Past Secrets · Hurt/Comfort · Secret Relationship
Oh, this book gutted me. I’m rarely emotional when reading, but after finishing another tearjerker just before this one, my heart didn’t stand a chance. This story was raw, real, and absolutely beautiful.
Narrated by two phenomenal voices, @brandonfrancisnarrator, who continues to be my top male narrator, and Leanne Blade (@brittanyricenarration), who was new to me. This audiobook was everything. Leanne’s accent was captivating and warm, while Brandon’s performance hit deep, especially in the grief-filled, emotional chapters. His delivery pulled every emotion right out of me. I bawled. Multiple times. Had to pause and breathe through it.
And that’s all thanks to Elysia Wages’ writing. She’s a new-to-me author, but I’m honestly in awe. The ability to shatter me emotionally while still crafting such a thoughtful, hopeful story? That’s true talent. I’m already counting down to book 2, especially since it’s going to have a multi-cast narration (and an absolutely stellar lineup!).
The story itself balances trauma and healing, with a slow build of trust, vulnerability, and rediscovery. But it’s not all heavy, there are beautiful scenes of friendship, compassion, and mentorship that give the book a wonderful emotional rhythm.
Mental health themes are woven in with care and authenticity, and I can’t overstate how important and refreshing that representation felt.
And yes, there’s spice! Some of it even made me laugh in the best way, especially when the FMC’s love for smutty romance books inspired her MMC to recreate some of those “book fantasy” moments. It was steamy, sweet, and delightfully meta.
Highly, highly recommend. This one will stay with me for a long time.
July 14, 2025
This book will have you wishing Cal was a real life man! You will completely connect with the FMC and her son! The story will suck you and you’ll get so invested in what’s going on. I am so excited to know she’s releasing more books! I easily connected with so many scenes and emotions in this story! The quick whit, banter, and light spice was perfect! Highly recommend!
August 24, 2025
Laugh, cry, swoon
Wages’ book is SWOON worthy times a hundred. Can we have more of Cal? The perfect book boyfriend! I can’t wait for book 2 in the series! The banter, the sass, the spice… it has everything I want in a romance!
Wages’ book is SWOON worthy times a hundred. Can we have more of Cal? The perfect book boyfriend! I can’t wait for book 2 in the series! The banter, the sass, the spice… it has everything I want in a romance!
August 18, 2025
This was so good! Beautifully written. Narration was wonderful. And the spice....was spicy! oh my! 🌶🌶🌶🌶
February 20, 2025
I could not put this book down. The suspense, the kinks 👀. Such a great read. The love the characters have for each other was written so beautifully. Cannot wait to read book 2!
February 17, 2025
This book was SO good! It was emotional, HILARIOUS, and just all around a “feel good” time. It has a special place in my heart because I’m an Okie girl and it was so cool to see descriptions of a town a spent a LOT of time growing up in, in a book! I love the characters and their banter, I love their growth, and I just LOVE their story! I can’t wait for the next book (I pray it’s Carter + River’s story), and I can’t wait to see what Elysia puts to paper next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
Absolutely loved this story. Perfect for hockey season to start. Loved their friendship and banter. Cal and Aspen explore friendship that turns into so much more. Love this single mom meets the hot hockey player story. And the spice! Was not expecting the kinks but it was welcomed. Oh and the tear jerker moments had me actually crying. Excited to continue the story with the next couple.
October 27, 2025
This one will really stick with me. Not only was the narration a great delivery, but the writing. Wow. The writing. Elysia can really build a plot, and leave us on our toes. Not to mention that spice. Dang. Once it hit it was EXPLOSIVE.
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