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Lewiston Forge #1
Broken Lines
I hated him. Until I didn’t. Until I couldn’t.
Dane Whitaker plays it clean on the ice—but off it? He’s tangled in the kind of ugly family legacy that never lets go. As the captain of the Lewiston Forge, he’s used to control. Precision. Ice-cold composure. So when a reckless, infuriating new winger arrives, Dane’s ready for a fight.
Leo Campbell doesn’t do quiet, obedient, or apologetic. He’s returning to the league with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. His game is electric. His temper? Legendary. And his attraction to Dane? Impossible to admit.
They were never supposed to fit.
But sparks fly, tempers flare, and the tension between them threatens to explode into something neither man can ignore.
In the locker room, on the ice, and behind closed doors, control slips. Lines blur. And the last thing either of them expected—trust, desire, maybe even something like love—starts to feel like the most dangerous game of all.
Broken Lines is a 70,000-word enemies to lovers mm hockey romance with a guaranteed HEA.
Dane Whitaker plays it clean on the ice—but off it? He’s tangled in the kind of ugly family legacy that never lets go. As the captain of the Lewiston Forge, he’s used to control. Precision. Ice-cold composure. So when a reckless, infuriating new winger arrives, Dane’s ready for a fight.
Leo Campbell doesn’t do quiet, obedient, or apologetic. He’s returning to the league with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. His game is electric. His temper? Legendary. And his attraction to Dane? Impossible to admit.
They were never supposed to fit.
But sparks fly, tempers flare, and the tension between them threatens to explode into something neither man can ignore.
In the locker room, on the ice, and behind closed doors, control slips. Lines blur. And the last thing either of them expected—trust, desire, maybe even something like love—starts to feel like the most dangerous game of all.
Broken Lines is a 70,000-word enemies to lovers mm hockey romance with a guaranteed HEA.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
92 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 31, 2025
Broken Lines is an opposites-attract romance about two competitive hockey players who embark on a journey to overcome many obstacles, learn to work together, and gain insights from their past mistakes.
Both Leo and Dane feel strong emotional pulls from their families, which impact their ability to concentrate on their hockey performance. Together, they learn to rely on one another while learning from their faults and reflecting on their mistakes.
Overall, I truly enjoyed their story and witnessing their natural progression in forgiving and learning from their past.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Both Leo and Dane feel strong emotional pulls from their families, which impact their ability to concentrate on their hockey performance. Together, they learn to rely on one another while learning from their faults and reflecting on their mistakes.
Overall, I truly enjoyed their story and witnessing their natural progression in forgiving and learning from their past.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
April 2, 2025
There was something about this one that has me second guessing my review/rating.
Two MCs who aren't really enemies (just teammates who don't get along at first), two aggressive kisses and then they just sort of start being each other's person.
Even while reading it, I wasn't quite sure how the romance happened. The kissing out of the blue is an MM staple so I won't say too much on that but the confiding in each other bit was....unexpected.
Yes, they had their moments where it felt like they were seeing bits of each other that weren't visible to others, but none felt explored to a depth that would make their honing in on the other as a safe space reasonable.
Then there were the storylines that were set up to be big but ended up not really going anywhere. Leo's thing with his parents. Dane's thing with his parents. The resolutions were just too easy.
I guess I just felt like everything was touched on a little bit but without enough depth for me to really invest in either the MCs or their romance.
Which is why, absurdly, I really liked it when even close to the end, there were no declarations of wild romantic love.
Just-
"Is this real? Between us?"
"It could be."
Which was kind of validating because I would not have bought the alternative. At all.
I really liked the public claiming scene though. 🥰
And the epilogue, even more. It made sense for these characters. Especially Leo. He's the flighty one so I could totally see him doing that. He leads with his heart.
So. This isn't a romance that sets your heart aflame. But it's a very pragmatic romance.
Oh God. That sounds bad, doesn't it?
It's not bad, it's just—mmm. Right. Going to stop while I'm ahead.
This was an ARC. That I read. And if GR let us do halfsies, my rating would be higher.
But alas.
Two MCs who aren't really enemies (just teammates who don't get along at first), two aggressive kisses and then they just sort of start being each other's person.
Even while reading it, I wasn't quite sure how the romance happened. The kissing out of the blue is an MM staple so I won't say too much on that but the confiding in each other bit was....unexpected.
Yes, they had their moments where it felt like they were seeing bits of each other that weren't visible to others, but none felt explored to a depth that would make their honing in on the other as a safe space reasonable.
Then there were the storylines that were set up to be big but ended up not really going anywhere. Leo's thing with his parents. Dane's thing with his parents. The resolutions were just too easy.
I guess I just felt like everything was touched on a little bit but without enough depth for me to really invest in either the MCs or their romance.
Which is why, absurdly, I really liked it when even close to the end, there were no declarations of wild romantic love.
Just-
"Is this real? Between us?"
"It could be."
Which was kind of validating because I would not have bought the alternative. At all.
I really liked the public claiming scene though. 🥰
And the epilogue, even more. It made sense for these characters. Especially Leo. He's the flighty one so I could totally see him doing that. He leads with his heart.
So. This isn't a romance that sets your heart aflame. But it's a very pragmatic romance.
Oh God. That sounds bad, doesn't it?
It's not bad, it's just—mmm. Right. Going to stop while I'm ahead.
This was an ARC. That I read. And if GR let us do halfsies, my rating would be higher.
But alas.
April 6, 2025
2.5⭐️
I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. I felt like I was waiting and waiting for something to be explained in full, but it never came. There were parts of the story I did enjoy, for example, the banter between the players and the—to-the-point— coming out to the team. If they’d been more emotional or sweet about it, I wouldn’t have believed it.
The two of them were an odd combination from the start. I think I would have liked some background as to why they hated each other. I don’t feel like this was explained enough. It felt like we had come in mid-story and watched how it resolved itself with no idea why it was happening in the first place. One minute they’re throwing punches, and the next they’re having sex without any real on-page conversation between that to help us understand their developing feelings.
Also, the pacing is a little off for me. It has little time jumps without finishing with little snippet story lines that had already been planted in my mind. It was also quite a negative story. Each time I thought, “Right, now it can get a bit more upbeat,” something else happens, and the tone comes right back down again. So because of this, by the time good things do happen, I was just not feeling it.
There are just little inconsistencies throughout the book that made it feel patchy to me. I really wanted to enjoy it more, and like I said, I waited and waited, but too much was left unsaid for me. Sorry.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. I felt like I was waiting and waiting for something to be explained in full, but it never came. There were parts of the story I did enjoy, for example, the banter between the players and the—to-the-point— coming out to the team. If they’d been more emotional or sweet about it, I wouldn’t have believed it.
The two of them were an odd combination from the start. I think I would have liked some background as to why they hated each other. I don’t feel like this was explained enough. It felt like we had come in mid-story and watched how it resolved itself with no idea why it was happening in the first place. One minute they’re throwing punches, and the next they’re having sex without any real on-page conversation between that to help us understand their developing feelings.
Also, the pacing is a little off for me. It has little time jumps without finishing with little snippet story lines that had already been planted in my mind. It was also quite a negative story. Each time I thought, “Right, now it can get a bit more upbeat,” something else happens, and the tone comes right back down again. So because of this, by the time good things do happen, I was just not feeling it.
There are just little inconsistencies throughout the book that made it feel patchy to me. I really wanted to enjoy it more, and like I said, I waited and waited, but too much was left unsaid for me. Sorry.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
April 13, 2025
This book is about families , legacies, racism…It does feel like the love story takes a backseat to all the family drama off ice, on ice and the team drama, etc
A slow burn romance, where’s there’s deep and meaningful conversations, trust and connection. Push and pull . It doesn’t feel very romantic but it’s raw and honest and they do love each other. It just feels like a lot of romance and moments happen off page.
Dane is 29 and the Captain of the Lewiston Forge, a minor league hockey team. So not NHL? You’d think I’d know with the amount of M/M ice hockey/NHL books I read 🤣
Leo is new to the team, resident bad boy.
They both have their issues. Family issues. Racism issues.
There’s chemistry. There’s fisty cuffs where in they are having a full on punch up with one each other.
There’s some sexual tension in the locker room showers.
‘I grabbed him by the front of his jersey, twisting my hands into the fabric, and pulled him into me. It wasn't gentle. Without thinking and without hesitating, I crashed my mouth against his.’
It’s a hot, messy, desperate kiss but afterwards Dane bolts.
They are connecting on the ice, playing great hockey. Connecting in a bar.
Now there’s some real mouth connection against a cement wall. And unfinished hand jobs.
Dane see’s a different side to Leo when they are visiting sick children in hospital.
2am at the Arena, they both can’t sleep. Then it’s some sexy times in the locker room showers.
‘Dane was already retreating into his armor—shoulders squared, jaw tight. It was how he'd looked standing in that hospital hallway, eyes distant, like he wanted to disappear into the sterile walls.’
Danes brother comes into town to tell him the family business is struggling and that they need him back. His brother threatens to run a smear campaign against him if he refuses.
There’s a team mate trying to cause trouble , putting them against each other for the captain position.
‘But I did want us—the connection we'd found. On the ice, we were untouchable. Off the ice, I wanted the bond that had started to bleed into those long conversations over greasy diner breakfasts.’
Danes parents call to say they’ve set a deadline. Either he joins the company by his thirtieth birthday, or they cut him off. Not only financially. Completely. The four generations of Whitaker legacy must be preserved.
Dane and Leo have a D&M.
Leo’s family want him to take over their family restaurant, which has been around for generations too but not a big corporation.
They escape for the night to Portland, where they get closer. And then wrestle 🤣 I mean that’s a great way to burn up the sexual tension
They do end up having sweet intimate sex.
But then Dane wakes up to his brother releasing a media statement and causing shit.
Leo’s parents, who he hasn’t seen in 3 years want to meet. They want to reconnect.
So another thing that connects Dane and Leo is how close they were with their grandfathers.
"Dane's not only my captain—he's my person." For half a second, nobody moved. The confession hung in the air like a puck suspended at the height of its arc, waiting to fall. Then Carver let out a loud "Holy shit," breaking the silence.’
I think Leo just came out to their team? But the team have made so many comments throughout this book that I doubt it is a surprise.
Danes Dad calls and says he’s proud. I’m not sure what happened to make him change his mind.
It ends with them in love and heading to the NHL
A slow burn romance, where’s there’s deep and meaningful conversations, trust and connection. Push and pull . It doesn’t feel very romantic but it’s raw and honest and they do love each other. It just feels like a lot of romance and moments happen off page.
Dane is 29 and the Captain of the Lewiston Forge, a minor league hockey team. So not NHL? You’d think I’d know with the amount of M/M ice hockey/NHL books I read 🤣
Leo is new to the team, resident bad boy.
They both have their issues. Family issues. Racism issues.
There’s chemistry. There’s fisty cuffs where in they are having a full on punch up with one each other.
There’s some sexual tension in the locker room showers.
‘I grabbed him by the front of his jersey, twisting my hands into the fabric, and pulled him into me. It wasn't gentle. Without thinking and without hesitating, I crashed my mouth against his.’
It’s a hot, messy, desperate kiss but afterwards Dane bolts.
They are connecting on the ice, playing great hockey. Connecting in a bar.
Now there’s some real mouth connection against a cement wall. And unfinished hand jobs.
Dane see’s a different side to Leo when they are visiting sick children in hospital.
2am at the Arena, they both can’t sleep. Then it’s some sexy times in the locker room showers.
‘Dane was already retreating into his armor—shoulders squared, jaw tight. It was how he'd looked standing in that hospital hallway, eyes distant, like he wanted to disappear into the sterile walls.’
Danes brother comes into town to tell him the family business is struggling and that they need him back. His brother threatens to run a smear campaign against him if he refuses.
There’s a team mate trying to cause trouble , putting them against each other for the captain position.
‘But I did want us—the connection we'd found. On the ice, we were untouchable. Off the ice, I wanted the bond that had started to bleed into those long conversations over greasy diner breakfasts.’
Danes parents call to say they’ve set a deadline. Either he joins the company by his thirtieth birthday, or they cut him off. Not only financially. Completely. The four generations of Whitaker legacy must be preserved.
Dane and Leo have a D&M.
Leo’s family want him to take over their family restaurant, which has been around for generations too but not a big corporation.
They escape for the night to Portland, where they get closer. And then wrestle 🤣 I mean that’s a great way to burn up the sexual tension
They do end up having sweet intimate sex.
But then Dane wakes up to his brother releasing a media statement and causing shit.
Leo’s parents, who he hasn’t seen in 3 years want to meet. They want to reconnect.
So another thing that connects Dane and Leo is how close they were with their grandfathers.
"Dane's not only my captain—he's my person." For half a second, nobody moved. The confession hung in the air like a puck suspended at the height of its arc, waiting to fall. Then Carver let out a loud "Holy shit," breaking the silence.’
I think Leo just came out to their team? But the team have made so many comments throughout this book that I doubt it is a surprise.
Danes Dad calls and says he’s proud. I’m not sure what happened to make him change his mind.
It ends with them in love and heading to the NHL
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
"I didn’t know Leo Campbell yet. But the first time I saw him, I knew what he was: a spark looking for dry tinder. The kind of player who could light the Lewiston Forge up— or burn the whole team down."
This was my time reading Blair Brady and Broken Lines: A MM Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romance, book 1 in her Lewiston Forge series, was a great place to start! This was Dane and Leo's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM hockey romance
🖤Team mates
🖤Rivals to lovers
🖤Opposites attract
🖤Found family
🖤Family drama
🖤Some darkish themes
🖤HEA
Who doesn't love the enemies to lovers trope in a sports romance, with a bit of angst thrown in for good measure?!
3.75 stars rounded up
This was my time reading Blair Brady and Broken Lines: A MM Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romance, book 1 in her Lewiston Forge series, was a great place to start! This was Dane and Leo's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM hockey romance
🖤Team mates
🖤Rivals to lovers
🖤Opposites attract
🖤Found family
🖤Family drama
🖤Some darkish themes
🖤HEA
Who doesn't love the enemies to lovers trope in a sports romance, with a bit of angst thrown in for good measure?!
3.75 stars rounded up
April 12, 2025
Loved this book! It’s a hockey romance, so the first star is free. Another two stars because of the chemistry and the fact I loved both mc’s. Last star because it wasn’t an easy road and the story kept me entertained for the whole book.
Not a fifth star because I did miss some parts in this book. First we didn’t really get into their heads. A lot was left unsaid. Especially when Dane was upset. He just went home by himself. Why? And why not let us in on his feelings? Also the smut was minimal. No prep, no discussion about who and what, just a simple description of it happening and done…
And both their stories with their parents were a bit too quickly resolved. And the ridiculous brother? That just didn’t make sense.
I did appreciate the background story of Leo, the choice for his English name and his great grandfather. And I always appreciate it very much when there’s no homophobia.
So: definitely recommend and will probably reread!
I received and ARC for this book, and was very happy about that. The opinions are my own
Not a fifth star because I did miss some parts in this book. First we didn’t really get into their heads. A lot was left unsaid. Especially when Dane was upset. He just went home by himself. Why? And why not let us in on his feelings? Also the smut was minimal. No prep, no discussion about who and what, just a simple description of it happening and done…
And both their stories with their parents were a bit too quickly resolved. And the ridiculous brother? That just didn’t make sense.
I did appreciate the background story of Leo, the choice for his English name and his great grandfather. And I always appreciate it very much when there’s no homophobia.
So: definitely recommend and will probably reread!
I received and ARC for this book, and was very happy about that. The opinions are my own
April 10, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This is the first book in the Lewiston Forge series, which features the Lewiston Forge hockey team, a minor league American team whose players need to learn to get along on and off the ice if they stand a chance at winning. Dane and Leo hate each other at first sight, for no clear reason. As a result, the first chapter feels so forced, flat, and heavy handed, that it set the tone for the rest of the book — and the rest of my reading of it. There was absolutely no reason established for this dislike; it was just hate at first sight and, to me, it was clumsy and off-putting in a way I had to struggle past. And the real reason that first chapter bothers me is because the rest of the book is better than that.
The writing is solid, the pace is good, and Leo and Dane’s relationship — ignoring that first chapter — was thoughtfully put together. All in all, it’s not a terrible book, just a flawed one. However, if you do give it a shot, I hope you enjoy it.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This is the first book in the Lewiston Forge series, which features the Lewiston Forge hockey team, a minor league American team whose players need to learn to get along on and off the ice if they stand a chance at winning. Dane and Leo hate each other at first sight, for no clear reason. As a result, the first chapter feels so forced, flat, and heavy handed, that it set the tone for the rest of the book — and the rest of my reading of it. There was absolutely no reason established for this dislike; it was just hate at first sight and, to me, it was clumsy and off-putting in a way I had to struggle past. And the real reason that first chapter bothers me is because the rest of the book is better than that.
The writing is solid, the pace is good, and Leo and Dane’s relationship — ignoring that first chapter — was thoughtfully put together. All in all, it’s not a terrible book, just a flawed one. However, if you do give it a shot, I hope you enjoy it.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
April 4, 2025
I wasn't sure how to rate this one. There were parts I liked but then there were others that I just felt meh about.
I don't think them going from enemies to liking each other was that well fleshed out but I did enjoy seeing them start trusting each other.
But the parts I did not like were the family issues, on both sides. They were made into this big deal but then at the end it just phased out into to nothing. All neatly tied in a big bow. It did not feel that believable.
Also and I think this is just my preference and did not have any weight on my review, but the sex scenes were weird. Either flesh them out properly or just do fade to black IMO.
The writing felt slightly clunky here and there but I think this author has potential and I will read more from them.
I don't think them going from enemies to liking each other was that well fleshed out but I did enjoy seeing them start trusting each other.
But the parts I did not like were the family issues, on both sides. They were made into this big deal but then at the end it just phased out into to nothing. All neatly tied in a big bow. It did not feel that believable.
Also and I think this is just my preference and did not have any weight on my review, but the sex scenes were weird. Either flesh them out properly or just do fade to black IMO.
The writing felt slightly clunky here and there but I think this author has potential and I will read more from them.
April 5, 2025
This was fine, it just wasn't really my cup of tea. I prefer a bit more lightness and levity and humour in my books and this one was definitely more on the serious/morose side. If you're in the mood for a heavier hockey romance that tackles topics like racism, then this is a good one for you. But for me, all of those topics kind of took away from the romance aspect and their relationship just sort of...appeared? There wasn't a lot of relationship development, in my opinion.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
April 8, 2025
The plot was good but if you are looking for spice you won’t really get any. But I love Leo & Dane and how they are always there for each and can read each other like a book. Such a cute story with this two
June 8, 2025
The longest 285 pages of my life. It feels like I've been reading this book for years. The pacing was completely off, the characterisation made no sense, the way they treated each other gave me whiplash.
The writing was uneven, I had no sense of setting, we were just going through the motions. It's like the author got a manual how to write a hockey romance and followed the steps without deviation. It lacked feeling. I never forgot I was reading words on a page.
I wanted to read this story, I liked that it highlighted the racism in hockey and that Leo had this connection to his great-grandfather. As far as rich guys go, Dane was alright. I just wish it was done better. The idea was good, the execution was subpar.
The coming out scene had me tense because there had been no discussion on page about it, it was a one-sided decision. If you have some trauma around that, be mindful when you pick this up.
That elimination game was the best-written part of the entire book. The last chapter was a damper though. The epilogue makes no sense either. What so you mean they called Dane of all people? Man's so old.
1,75 stars
The writing was uneven, I had no sense of setting, we were just going through the motions. It's like the author got a manual how to write a hockey romance and followed the steps without deviation. It lacked feeling. I never forgot I was reading words on a page.
I wanted to read this story, I liked that it highlighted the racism in hockey and that Leo had this connection to his great-grandfather. As far as rich guys go, Dane was alright. I just wish it was done better. The idea was good, the execution was subpar.
The coming out scene had me tense because there had been no discussion on page about it, it was a one-sided decision. If you have some trauma around that, be mindful when you pick this up.
That elimination game was the best-written part of the entire book. The last chapter was a damper though. The epilogue makes no sense either. What so you mean they called Dane of all people? Man's so old.
1,75 stars
August 31, 2025
This just felt so strange to read, and I don’t really know how else to describe it. It was like the author kept forgetting what they’d written just moments ago, and then repeating it but just slightly different. Like they’d have a conversation, then a moment later have basically the same conversation again. They’d sit down on the couch to talk, and then a moment later they were moving to the couch to sit down and talk? There was just no consistency at all.
The issues also felt very manufactured. Like, obviously, because it’s a book, but…it was like the author needed some tension but couldn’t come up with a realistic plot, so they just plucked something out of thin air.
Just bizarre to read, honestly. Especially given that the romance element came out of absolutely nowhere, without any real build up or even development. One minute they hate each other, the next they’re kissing; one minute they’re ignoring each other, then they’re having heart-to-hearts.
Poorly planned out, and desperately needs an editor.
The issues also felt very manufactured. Like, obviously, because it’s a book, but…it was like the author needed some tension but couldn’t come up with a realistic plot, so they just plucked something out of thin air.
Just bizarre to read, honestly. Especially given that the romance element came out of absolutely nowhere, without any real build up or even development. One minute they hate each other, the next they’re kissing; one minute they’re ignoring each other, then they’re having heart-to-hearts.
Poorly planned out, and desperately needs an editor.
March 31, 2025
Broken Lines is far more than an enemies-to-lovers hockey romance. It is an outstanding exploration of the expectations we are sometimes forced to live under the weight of. It is about the courage to stand up and speak, to forge a life for yourself and above all it is about trust. It is also about hockey and there is a substantial amount of hockey in this story. I loved it!
A full length novel allows the author time to explore the world they are creating, in this case the world of the Lewiston Forge hockey team. We see them play, feel that we are on that ice with them, they are our team very quickly because Blair Brady wants us to root for them, and for their players. But this is not the NHL, this is all those who dream about getting into the NHl, it is perhaps grittier and dirtier games but there is real talent waiting to burst out of this team and as a reader we are inexorably drawn into that.
The hockey of course couldn't happen without a team of players and their captain. That would be Dane Whitaker, the man who has been in the team for the longest, who has worn the C for a couple of years, who plays it safe on the ice. Off the ice he is private but his name, well that is known for his the business his family run, the one they want him to give up hockey for. He is drowning under expectation and pressure and it is leaking into his game. But it is also riling him up.
Leo Campbell has been signed to the team so that he can have one last chance to redeem himself and play the hockey he is clearly so very good at. The problem is the giant chip on his shoulder, he plays without care, as if, he has nothing to lose. He has a firey temper on and off the ice, being paired up with Dane by Coach could go either way especially as he has an undeniable attraction to the other man which he will adamantly refuse to admit until he has no choice. He too has off ice troubles, his family have alienated him.
Both men are lost but that, along with art, poetry and of course their game, begins to bring them together. As both their control starts to slip both on and off the ice, the come closer, their game begins to improve, as does their relationship. They find themselves opening up to one another, telling one another truths which are heartbreaking but fit the story perfectly. As lines blur something is going to have to give. I started and I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know where it would go and if they would get the resolutions they both deserve so very much.
An explosive opening to a very promising new series of hockey stories, I can't wait to see whose story comes next!
A full length novel allows the author time to explore the world they are creating, in this case the world of the Lewiston Forge hockey team. We see them play, feel that we are on that ice with them, they are our team very quickly because Blair Brady wants us to root for them, and for their players. But this is not the NHL, this is all those who dream about getting into the NHl, it is perhaps grittier and dirtier games but there is real talent waiting to burst out of this team and as a reader we are inexorably drawn into that.
The hockey of course couldn't happen without a team of players and their captain. That would be Dane Whitaker, the man who has been in the team for the longest, who has worn the C for a couple of years, who plays it safe on the ice. Off the ice he is private but his name, well that is known for his the business his family run, the one they want him to give up hockey for. He is drowning under expectation and pressure and it is leaking into his game. But it is also riling him up.
Leo Campbell has been signed to the team so that he can have one last chance to redeem himself and play the hockey he is clearly so very good at. The problem is the giant chip on his shoulder, he plays without care, as if, he has nothing to lose. He has a firey temper on and off the ice, being paired up with Dane by Coach could go either way especially as he has an undeniable attraction to the other man which he will adamantly refuse to admit until he has no choice. He too has off ice troubles, his family have alienated him.
Both men are lost but that, along with art, poetry and of course their game, begins to bring them together. As both their control starts to slip both on and off the ice, the come closer, their game begins to improve, as does their relationship. They find themselves opening up to one another, telling one another truths which are heartbreaking but fit the story perfectly. As lines blur something is going to have to give. I started and I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know where it would go and if they would get the resolutions they both deserve so very much.
An explosive opening to a very promising new series of hockey stories, I can't wait to see whose story comes next!
April 11, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Well first off, I loved that Dane and Leo getting together was stigma-free in the locker room. Like, it was such a non-issue that i legit exhaled when their teammates' snark was about their UST, and didn't result in some hate crime or rancour or disgust. There was also a sombre, movie-like quality (80s-90s home movie or cinema/something grainy and moody) to the winter cold and the athletic grit in this. The visceral descriptions of each team's dressing room, the ice and the actual hockey -both in practice and the games- was captured really well!
Another thing i really dug was that racism in hockey was what was being called out instead of the usual homophobia! It was the more poignant emotional piece and was the layer that i locked into the most. The author gave this track quite a bit of support, with a lovely tie to Leo's great-grandad who was a famous Canadian poet, whose work was inspired by his time spent in Canadian internment camps during the Second World War. There was just so much to THIS aspect of the story and i found Leo's POV more moving because of it.
That being said, there was a quality to this narrative that read more like NA/college sports romance. Dane's family drama was pretty silly imo, especially since Dane was 29/30yo, but i guess there's no real age limit for being under the thumb of manipulative parental figures. Regardless, both Leo and Dane's issues with their families seemed a touch immature, and imo this story would have benefitted from the grace readers tend to give a new adult exploring their emotional intelligence.
Overall, I really really liked the beginning of this story. There was a grittiness to this with lots of hockey, and though not quite enemies-to-lovers, Dane and Leo had enough of a contentious enough start that made me enjoy the push and pull. But despite the strong beginning, a lot of this just lacked narrative and emotional depth, and Dane and Leo's romance, while sweet, didn't really have the chemistry that would have kicked this read up a few notches.
This was fun though, and i'll be curious to see where the rest of this series goes, and if Blair Brady will dig a bit deeper and add just a touch more depth to a narrative that i thought had the potential to really go the distance!
Well first off, I loved that Dane and Leo getting together was stigma-free in the locker room. Like, it was such a non-issue that i legit exhaled when their teammates' snark was about their UST, and didn't result in some hate crime or rancour or disgust. There was also a sombre, movie-like quality (80s-90s home movie or cinema/something grainy and moody) to the winter cold and the athletic grit in this. The visceral descriptions of each team's dressing room, the ice and the actual hockey -both in practice and the games- was captured really well!
Another thing i really dug was that racism in hockey was what was being called out instead of the usual homophobia! It was the more poignant emotional piece and was the layer that i locked into the most. The author gave this track quite a bit of support, with a lovely tie to Leo's great-grandad who was a famous Canadian poet, whose work was inspired by his time spent in Canadian internment camps during the Second World War. There was just so much to THIS aspect of the story and i found Leo's POV more moving because of it.
That being said, there was a quality to this narrative that read more like NA/college sports romance. Dane's family drama was pretty silly imo, especially since Dane was 29/30yo, but i guess there's no real age limit for being under the thumb of manipulative parental figures. Regardless, both Leo and Dane's issues with their families seemed a touch immature, and imo this story would have benefitted from the grace readers tend to give a new adult exploring their emotional intelligence.
Overall, I really really liked the beginning of this story. There was a grittiness to this with lots of hockey, and though not quite enemies-to-lovers, Dane and Leo had enough of a contentious enough start that made me enjoy the push and pull. But despite the strong beginning, a lot of this just lacked narrative and emotional depth, and Dane and Leo's romance, while sweet, didn't really have the chemistry that would have kicked this read up a few notches.
This was fun though, and i'll be curious to see where the rest of this series goes, and if Blair Brady will dig a bit deeper and add just a touch more depth to a narrative that i thought had the potential to really go the distance!
April 4, 2025
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Dane Whitaker is the heir to his father’s company (along with his brother Christopher) but he prefers to play hockey, even if it’s in a minor league. He hasn’t spoken to his family in a long time. Leo Campbell Is also a hockey player who was suspended by his Canadian league for punching an opponent who made racist comments (Leo is half Japanese) but who has been picked up by the Lewisport Forge, Dane’s team. He hasn’t spoken to his parents in at least a couple of years because they though he was eschewing his culture by changing his first name. Neither likes the other. In Leo’s case, he is convinced that Dane is just a trust baby playing at hockey, and in Dane’s case, he feels that Leo is nothing but a troublemaker who was correctly suspended for the punch. As they get close to each other, they start confiding about their previous lives and how they got where they are. They eventually become boyfriends and work their way to a happy ending.
This is my first book by this author and is an enemies to lovers trope on ice. Both MCs Appear to be justified in their enmity, at least on the surface, but in the medium term they discover the truth behind each of their stories. This slowly transforms into feelings for each other and eventually get into a relationship. They also bring the best in each other on the ice. The hockey is well-described, but I felt that the refereeing left something to be desired since there was a lot of aggression during games, but no penalties were called. It’s quite possible that others may have been called but the infractions described were so egregious that it is not likely that at least some would be called. As well, there the occasional mention of a game but the game itself was not described. In the epilogue, something is described but nothing was done to set it up. The various plot elements are wound up in a way that seems ok. There are several secondary characters who make greater or lesser contributions, but none is really superfluous.
Notwithstanding the above problems, I did enjoy the book.
Dane Whitaker is the heir to his father’s company (along with his brother Christopher) but he prefers to play hockey, even if it’s in a minor league. He hasn’t spoken to his family in a long time. Leo Campbell Is also a hockey player who was suspended by his Canadian league for punching an opponent who made racist comments (Leo is half Japanese) but who has been picked up by the Lewisport Forge, Dane’s team. He hasn’t spoken to his parents in at least a couple of years because they though he was eschewing his culture by changing his first name. Neither likes the other. In Leo’s case, he is convinced that Dane is just a trust baby playing at hockey, and in Dane’s case, he feels that Leo is nothing but a troublemaker who was correctly suspended for the punch. As they get close to each other, they start confiding about their previous lives and how they got where they are. They eventually become boyfriends and work their way to a happy ending.
This is my first book by this author and is an enemies to lovers trope on ice. Both MCs Appear to be justified in their enmity, at least on the surface, but in the medium term they discover the truth behind each of their stories. This slowly transforms into feelings for each other and eventually get into a relationship. They also bring the best in each other on the ice. The hockey is well-described, but I felt that the refereeing left something to be desired since there was a lot of aggression during games, but no penalties were called. It’s quite possible that others may have been called but the infractions described were so egregious that it is not likely that at least some would be called. As well, there the occasional mention of a game but the game itself was not described. In the epilogue, something is described but nothing was done to set it up. The various plot elements are wound up in a way that seems ok. There are several secondary characters who make greater or lesser contributions, but none is really superfluous.
Notwithstanding the above problems, I did enjoy the book.
April 11, 2025
The book had quite an impact on me. It addresses some historical things and made me aware of how little I know about history outside of Germany, where I grew up.
It took this book for me to learn about Japanese camps in the US and Canada.
Leo’s Japanese heritage is a huge topic in this book. He is faced with racism. His family struggles with his life choices of playing hockey and how he handled some situations.
I think he was written very well. How he reacted and handled things.
The issues with his family were resolved a bit too smoothly, but it was a wholesome way.
Dane also has issues with his family. He is the heir to the company, but isn’t interested.
He gets a lot of backslash from the family, especially his brother. Again I think the resolve was a bit too smooth. It was more like an afterthought in the end to make it all right, than an actual resolve. It was a huge deal through the book and felt a bit flat.
Leo and Dane start out as enemies. I never really got why they started on such a bad footing, but I loved the tension between them. How that shifted to an unexplainable pull and developed into them being in a relationship. They take steps slow and I really enjoyed that! Often the first kiss immediately follows a hook up and here it took time. It felt natural.
I really loved that queerness was never an issue with anyone in this book! No one blinked an eye when they announced their relationship.
Hockey had a big part. They did a lot of skating and training and also some games. It was a nice balance!
What I absolutely loved was the writing style! It had me hooked from page one and made me order the other books of the author!
It took this book for me to learn about Japanese camps in the US and Canada.
Leo’s Japanese heritage is a huge topic in this book. He is faced with racism. His family struggles with his life choices of playing hockey and how he handled some situations.
I think he was written very well. How he reacted and handled things.
The issues with his family were resolved a bit too smoothly, but it was a wholesome way.
Dane also has issues with his family. He is the heir to the company, but isn’t interested.
He gets a lot of backslash from the family, especially his brother. Again I think the resolve was a bit too smooth. It was more like an afterthought in the end to make it all right, than an actual resolve. It was a huge deal through the book and felt a bit flat.
Leo and Dane start out as enemies. I never really got why they started on such a bad footing, but I loved the tension between them. How that shifted to an unexplainable pull and developed into them being in a relationship. They take steps slow and I really enjoyed that! Often the first kiss immediately follows a hook up and here it took time. It felt natural.
I really loved that queerness was never an issue with anyone in this book! No one blinked an eye when they announced their relationship.
Hockey had a big part. They did a lot of skating and training and also some games. It was a nice balance!
What I absolutely loved was the writing style! It had me hooked from page one and made me order the other books of the author!
April 22, 2025
I have read a lot of hockey romances lately, and this one is joining my favorites list. The story of Dane and Leo is one of reluctant teammates to friends to lovers as the two navigate their on ice, then off ice relationship, while also dealing with estranged families and questioning themselves as to whether they deserved to be where they were on the team. The connection between them on ice seemed almost magical, the way they just knew where the other was and what they would do, and they just got better and better, even though the personal connection and trust took longer to develop, but the tension was always there. There were a couple parts which had me choking up, one when Leo was with the kids in the hospital, and the other when he learned the extra special connection to his great-grandfather’s history and to his heritage when he finally met with his parents. Dane’s relationship with his family, and especially his brother, was unsettling with all their destructive manipulation, but there was hope for more at the end. I had a very good feeling at the end of the book for both Leo and Dane moving forward.
All the characters came across as very real and were easy to relate to. The world building on the ice was great, almost felt like I was down on the bench watching the practices and the games (even though I’ve never been to a hockey game, I think I could go to one now and follow the action.). I will definitely watch for book 2 to see who the new captain will be and which player(s) will be featured.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All the characters came across as very real and were easy to relate to. The world building on the ice was great, almost felt like I was down on the bench watching the practices and the games (even though I’ve never been to a hockey game, I think I could go to one now and follow the action.). I will definitely watch for book 2 to see who the new captain will be and which player(s) will be featured.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2025
BROKEN LINES is the first book in the Lewiston Forge series. It's an enemies to lovers read.
Dane Whitaker is fighting his family legacy. He loves hockey but his family wants him to come home to run the family business. He's the captain of the Forge and likes control but he's slowly losing control of his life. When Leo Campbell joins the team Dane doesn't want him there. He's a liability. This is Leo's last chance to prove himself after the last team released him for his behavior. So he's willing to do whatever it takes to stay on the team. Dane doesn't really let his teammates in. They know the basics of his life but they don't really see him so when the stress of having Leo on the team and his family things Dane's control starts to unravel when he has no one to talk to.
The aggression Dane and Leo feel toward each other on the ice somehow pushes them closer off the ice. They shouldn't work but when they are both fighting for their hockey future they find out they have more in common than they think. While their relationship off the ice heats up the trust on the ice is starting to prove itself.
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed the pace of this read. Dane and Leo shouldn't work but they fit so well together. I loved seeing Dane's walls slowly drop when he lets Leo in. I was fully invested in this relationship and I can't wait to see where the series goes.
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Gay Romance Reviews.
Dane Whitaker is fighting his family legacy. He loves hockey but his family wants him to come home to run the family business. He's the captain of the Forge and likes control but he's slowly losing control of his life. When Leo Campbell joins the team Dane doesn't want him there. He's a liability. This is Leo's last chance to prove himself after the last team released him for his behavior. So he's willing to do whatever it takes to stay on the team. Dane doesn't really let his teammates in. They know the basics of his life but they don't really see him so when the stress of having Leo on the team and his family things Dane's control starts to unravel when he has no one to talk to.
The aggression Dane and Leo feel toward each other on the ice somehow pushes them closer off the ice. They shouldn't work but when they are both fighting for their hockey future they find out they have more in common than they think. While their relationship off the ice heats up the trust on the ice is starting to prove itself.
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed the pace of this read. Dane and Leo shouldn't work but they fit so well together. I loved seeing Dane's walls slowly drop when he lets Leo in. I was fully invested in this relationship and I can't wait to see where the series goes.
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Gay Romance Reviews.
April 20, 2025
This book definitely had some good bones, I just think some things were a little overly focused on while others were under focused on, which made the overall book feel just a bit off.
First, the good: there were some scenes in this book (more and more as the book went on) that I really enjoyed. Later in the book when Leo and Dean were together, some of their scenes were really great. This is a lower steam book, but I didn't think that detracted in any way from the story and I think it was done well.
The main issue with the book for me was that a lot of those really good scenes felt like just that...scenes instead of a whole story. Parts of the book just didn't seem connected to the rest of it, the beginning was a very abrupt start where we are just thrown into these two hating each other with no real explanation, and the external conflicts were just very overblown. Especially Dean's family, his brother felt like a cartoon villain, and the drama that they were causing to try to force him to stop playing hockey and join the family business was simply way too much. It did not come across as a believable or rational response at all, and I just couldn't connect to it because it felt so absurd.
I liked a lot of the characters, and this book definitely had some bright spots, it just didn't really ever come together as a full story for me. Rounding up because honestly the parts that I did enjoy were really, really good.
First, the good: there were some scenes in this book (more and more as the book went on) that I really enjoyed. Later in the book when Leo and Dean were together, some of their scenes were really great. This is a lower steam book, but I didn't think that detracted in any way from the story and I think it was done well.
The main issue with the book for me was that a lot of those really good scenes felt like just that...scenes instead of a whole story. Parts of the book just didn't seem connected to the rest of it, the beginning was a very abrupt start where we are just thrown into these two hating each other with no real explanation, and the external conflicts were just very overblown. Especially Dean's family, his brother felt like a cartoon villain, and the drama that they were causing to try to force him to stop playing hockey and join the family business was simply way too much. It did not come across as a believable or rational response at all, and I just couldn't connect to it because it felt so absurd.
I liked a lot of the characters, and this book definitely had some bright spots, it just didn't really ever come together as a full story for me. Rounding up because honestly the parts that I did enjoy were really, really good.
April 16, 2025
Broken Lines” isn’t your typical hate-to-love hockey sports MM romance. I'd call it dislike-to love romance and it goes deeper, focusing on the strong development of the characters and carrying a persistent sense of gloom I couldn’t shake off.
Dane and Leo both have their own issues to work through, and it takes a good portion of the book for them to finally confront and resolve them. In the end, they realize it’s much easier to face things when you have someone to lean on and open your heart to—and when they finally understood that, I cheered.
This book is an interesting read—it explores deeper connections, includes poetry, shows how family can still get in the way even when you're nearly thirty, and it doesn't shy away from addressing racism. If you're looking for a light, fun read, this isn't it. The story is wrapped in a constant sense of seriousness, and that’s exactly why I loved it. It forces you to confront different issues and think critically. It shows that yes, hockey can be fun, but it’s also layered with challenges that spill over into personal relationships.
Dane and Leo didn’t have a sudden, magical moment that brought them together. They connected after working through a lot of differences, and through serious communication, they managed to make it work—becoming each other’s invaluable support system. The way they handled their messes and emotions was a bit unconventional, but in some ways, it’s relatable. It’s one of many portrayals of how to navigate life seriously, focusing more on the journey than the happiness found at the end.
Definitely an interesting book—very different from what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Dane and Leo both have their own issues to work through, and it takes a good portion of the book for them to finally confront and resolve them. In the end, they realize it’s much easier to face things when you have someone to lean on and open your heart to—and when they finally understood that, I cheered.
This book is an interesting read—it explores deeper connections, includes poetry, shows how family can still get in the way even when you're nearly thirty, and it doesn't shy away from addressing racism. If you're looking for a light, fun read, this isn't it. The story is wrapped in a constant sense of seriousness, and that’s exactly why I loved it. It forces you to confront different issues and think critically. It shows that yes, hockey can be fun, but it’s also layered with challenges that spill over into personal relationships.
Dane and Leo didn’t have a sudden, magical moment that brought them together. They connected after working through a lot of differences, and through serious communication, they managed to make it work—becoming each other’s invaluable support system. The way they handled their messes and emotions was a bit unconventional, but in some ways, it’s relatable. It’s one of many portrayals of how to navigate life seriously, focusing more on the journey than the happiness found at the end.
Definitely an interesting book—very different from what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised.
April 17, 2025
This is the first book in the Lewiston Forge series. This is the story of Leo Campbell and Dane Whitaker. Dane is the captain of the team and Leo is a new player who comes in mid season. Both men have a lot of familial baggage in their lives. Dane is trying so hard to be everything that everyone wants that he has lost himself in the mix. Leo is on his last chance to succeed after a fight in a game with his old team. He reacted to racial slurs and lost his temper. No one is aware of that fact. When the two meet for the first time, sparks fly. And not the good kind of sparks. Leo is convinced that Dane is just a trust baby playing at hockey, and Dane believes that Leo is nothing but a troublemaker who was correctly suspended for the punch. This is their story. While this is a rival/enemies to lovers story, I did have a little confusion as to why they detested each other so much from the start. I have finished the book and I still don't understand it. But the story progresses from there. As they learn to trust one another their relationship slowly builds. I liked this book and look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2025
Low key hockey romance
This is a strange one to review because I enjoyed it but I'm not sure I can tell you why. I liked the floaty nature of the narrative, the abrupt endings to the chapters and subsequent time jumps. I'm sure it won't work for everybody but it did for me.
I liked Dane and Leo as characters, both with complicated relationships with their family and also with their hockey careers when they meet. They weren't really rivals, just new teammates who were circling each other with a bit of sniping and a lot of competitiveness on the ice.
The romance was very low key, with almost closed door scenes that left everything to the imagination, but that suited them. I loved Leo's favourite book and the part that played in the story. It was a very understated story all round, but that also suited them.
The family dramas were built up but then turned out to be damp squibs, which seemed to be a cop out and I don't understand why as it was established the dramas deeply affected their lives.
The time spent on the hockey itself was good, and the locker room dynamics too. There were the obvious candidates for the rest of the series and I look forward to reading their stories.
This is a strange one to review because I enjoyed it but I'm not sure I can tell you why. I liked the floaty nature of the narrative, the abrupt endings to the chapters and subsequent time jumps. I'm sure it won't work for everybody but it did for me.
I liked Dane and Leo as characters, both with complicated relationships with their family and also with their hockey careers when they meet. They weren't really rivals, just new teammates who were circling each other with a bit of sniping and a lot of competitiveness on the ice.
The romance was very low key, with almost closed door scenes that left everything to the imagination, but that suited them. I loved Leo's favourite book and the part that played in the story. It was a very understated story all round, but that also suited them.
The family dramas were built up but then turned out to be damp squibs, which seemed to be a cop out and I don't understand why as it was established the dramas deeply affected their lives.
The time spent on the hockey itself was good, and the locker room dynamics too. There were the obvious candidates for the rest of the series and I look forward to reading their stories.
April 3, 2025
ARC REVIEW: I love a good enemies to lovers hockey romance and this one did not disappoint. Broken Lines is first in a new series about Leo and Dane. I really loved the writing of this book. I loved the vibe it gave off and how it stands out from other hockey romance books. Yes this book is an enemies to lovers but there’s much more than that. I love the message of this book the author gave it. Hockey can put a lot of pressure on someone and this book is about the expectations people are sometimes faced with and the courage to stand up for yourself and others. I loved the balance of hockey and the romance.
The chemistry between Dane and Leo was amazing and I loved their dynamic. They both started off as hating each other. Both of them lost with the weight of the world on their shoulders but during time they found strength and understanding in each other and I thought their relationship was very sweet and beautiful.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it’s a great introduction to a new hockey series that I can’t wait to continue.
The chemistry between Dane and Leo was amazing and I loved their dynamic. They both started off as hating each other. Both of them lost with the weight of the world on their shoulders but during time they found strength and understanding in each other and I thought their relationship was very sweet and beautiful.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it’s a great introduction to a new hockey series that I can’t wait to continue.
April 6, 2025
I picked up this book because it was billed as an MM hockey romance.
There was actually 80% hockey. Which is abnormal as mostly books in this genre are often not about hockey at all they just happen to be hockey players.
There is a lot of on ice action. Playing, Practicing and middle of the night insomnia busting ice skating. As a hockey fan I loved this element.
The mood was mostly low the tone mostly serious. This was real- all the shine stripped away because even hockey players have to live in the real world with real problems.
The MCs are not exactly enemies but more distrusting of each other at first. Both carrying a chip. That changes gradually as they both see under the armour of the other until they forge a bond made of mutual respect and understanding.
The sex scenes are represented as a physical observance of this trust and respect. Not explicit in body but in mind.
I really enjoyed it but it is not a light hearted romance and not typical at all of the genre.
I am looking forward to more in this series.
There was actually 80% hockey. Which is abnormal as mostly books in this genre are often not about hockey at all they just happen to be hockey players.
There is a lot of on ice action. Playing, Practicing and middle of the night insomnia busting ice skating. As a hockey fan I loved this element.
The mood was mostly low the tone mostly serious. This was real- all the shine stripped away because even hockey players have to live in the real world with real problems.
The MCs are not exactly enemies but more distrusting of each other at first. Both carrying a chip. That changes gradually as they both see under the armour of the other until they forge a bond made of mutual respect and understanding.
The sex scenes are represented as a physical observance of this trust and respect. Not explicit in body but in mind.
I really enjoyed it but it is not a light hearted romance and not typical at all of the genre.
I am looking forward to more in this series.
May 17, 2025
Dane had pressure from all sides, captain of the Lewiston Forge hockey team, fighting his family over wanting hockey more. So when Leo enters the locker room, a new team player with a past, expects sparks to fly.
There was so much sexual tension in this book, I was expecting my kindle to short circuit. That being said when it happens it is not described in detail, so if you like not much detail than this a book for you.
Whilst I got involved in their relationships there were a few stop and starts which I would have liked to know what they were both thinking, when things happened, but I loved how they worked together both having an influence on each other to be the best.
There was a time jump that confused me at first, but as soon as I got used to the style of writing I found myself embroiled in this book.
With all the outside conflict, this was low angst and I liked how it was centred round their relationship and not the game of hockey. With the 2nd book due to be out soon and I looking forward to reading more about this team as I never saw the next couple coming
There was so much sexual tension in this book, I was expecting my kindle to short circuit. That being said when it happens it is not described in detail, so if you like not much detail than this a book for you.
Whilst I got involved in their relationships there were a few stop and starts which I would have liked to know what they were both thinking, when things happened, but I loved how they worked together both having an influence on each other to be the best.
There was a time jump that confused me at first, but as soon as I got used to the style of writing I found myself embroiled in this book.
With all the outside conflict, this was low angst and I liked how it was centred round their relationship and not the game of hockey. With the 2nd book due to be out soon and I looking forward to reading more about this team as I never saw the next couple coming
April 2, 2025
BROKEN LINES - BLAIR BRADY
This was my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed the book.
Dane and Leo clashed continuously at the beginning and the chemistry between them was hot! The more time they spent together, the more they discovered they liked about each other, and while their family dynamics were not the same, the stress they each felt was identical.
Their hockey team was a great support system for them, which was something Leo had not experienced in his career. While Dane had been captain for a few years, it wasn’t until training with Leo that he truly began to play for himself and not for the expectations everyone placed on him.
This was a true enemies to lovers story with many ups and downs for the main characters as they found their way to each other and the dream they both had for the future.
I look forward to reading additional books by Blair Brady.
This was my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed the book.
Dane and Leo clashed continuously at the beginning and the chemistry between them was hot! The more time they spent together, the more they discovered they liked about each other, and while their family dynamics were not the same, the stress they each felt was identical.
Their hockey team was a great support system for them, which was something Leo had not experienced in his career. While Dane had been captain for a few years, it wasn’t until training with Leo that he truly began to play for himself and not for the expectations everyone placed on him.
This was a true enemies to lovers story with many ups and downs for the main characters as they found their way to each other and the dream they both had for the future.
I look forward to reading additional books by Blair Brady.
April 7, 2025
This ARC from Bookfunnel was my introduction to Blair Brady.
There was so much passion, tension and pain in this book, that you'll feel like you're on the ice, on the streets and in the rooms with our main characters.
You'll have a front row seat to their anguish as they wrestle with family expectations, the slurs as they face opponents, and the pressure they feel from the press, teammates, and coaches.
To say nothing of the high bars they set for themselves.
Add in a desire that cannot be ignored, a fight to get into the playoffs that is not a guaranteed sure thing, and your pulse will race to the finish.
Be prepared for references to a book that meant so much to a player. To the impact it had on his life, his career and his view of the past and future. It's a beautiful glimpse of strength and courage.
I highly recommend this book. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series .
There was so much passion, tension and pain in this book, that you'll feel like you're on the ice, on the streets and in the rooms with our main characters.
You'll have a front row seat to their anguish as they wrestle with family expectations, the slurs as they face opponents, and the pressure they feel from the press, teammates, and coaches.
To say nothing of the high bars they set for themselves.
Add in a desire that cannot be ignored, a fight to get into the playoffs that is not a guaranteed sure thing, and your pulse will race to the finish.
Be prepared for references to a book that meant so much to a player. To the impact it had on his life, his career and his view of the past and future. It's a beautiful glimpse of strength and courage.
I highly recommend this book. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series .
April 8, 2025
I didn’t know Leo Campbell yet. But the first time I saw him, I knew what he was: a spark looking for dry tinder.
I cannot get over how wonderful this book was.
From the beginning until the very end, this book never ceased to amaze me.
This is an enemies to lovers hockey centered book with a new teammate, Leo, clashing with the team captain, Dane.
Although these two don't see eye-to-eye, they have amazing chemistry on the ice which at first annoyed the heck out of them, but now has become an asset.
Both Leo and Dane have personal issues that threaten to make them stumble but them growing from their hardships was poetic. I enjoyed seeing how their characters evolved during the duration of the book and it not being rushed.
He kissed like he fought—like he had something to prove. And, fuck me, I wanted him to prove it. Again and again.
This book is an absolute gem and centre's around growth, strength, resilience and within all that, love.
//ARC Review//
I cannot get over how wonderful this book was.
From the beginning until the very end, this book never ceased to amaze me.
This is an enemies to lovers hockey centered book with a new teammate, Leo, clashing with the team captain, Dane.
Although these two don't see eye-to-eye, they have amazing chemistry on the ice which at first annoyed the heck out of them, but now has become an asset.
Both Leo and Dane have personal issues that threaten to make them stumble but them growing from their hardships was poetic. I enjoyed seeing how their characters evolved during the duration of the book and it not being rushed.
He kissed like he fought—like he had something to prove. And, fuck me, I wanted him to prove it. Again and again.
This book is an absolute gem and centre's around growth, strength, resilience and within all that, love.
//ARC Review//
April 15, 2025
Dane & Leo — Broken Lines (Book 1) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enemies on the ice. Explosive behind closed doors. Broken Lines is a raw, fiery debut that shatters expectations—and emotional walls.
Dane Whitaker is hockey royalty: calm, calculated, the embodiment of quiet leadership. Leo Campbell? He’s all fire and chaos, returning to the league like a storm on skates. When the two are forced to share the ice—and a locker room—the tension is electric, charged with rivalry, resentment… and something far more dangerous.
Brady masterfully weaves an opposites-attract, slow-burn romance with gritty emotional depth. As Dane and Leo go from colliding to connecting, the stakes rise on and off the rink. It’s messy, magnetic, and impossible to look away.
If you like your sports romance with angst, spice, and heart, Broken Lines will hit you right in the feels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dane Whitaker is hockey royalty: calm, calculated, the embodiment of quiet leadership. Leo Campbell? He’s all fire and chaos, returning to the league like a storm on skates. When the two are forced to share the ice—and a locker room—the tension is electric, charged with rivalry, resentment… and something far more dangerous.
Brady masterfully weaves an opposites-attract, slow-burn romance with gritty emotional depth. As Dane and Leo go from colliding to connecting, the stakes rise on and off the rink. It’s messy, magnetic, and impossible to look away.
If you like your sports romance with angst, spice, and heart, Broken Lines will hit you right in the feels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2025
Broken lines was such a good book, I had a really hard time putting it down. I loved the MC's Dane and Leo, their characters were so well developed and angsty, I almost felt like I knew them personally. I felt their struggles; I felt their moods.
I wanted to hug them both and tell them everything will be ok!
Their relationship developed slowly starting with a huge dislike for each other right from page one. I'm not 100% sure where the dislike came from, could have been born of competition, but I liked the dynamic. No insta love. As their relationship built, they slowly started trusting each other turning from just lovers to partners. I would have liked them to win the series, but I was happy that Dane reached his goal and that they both reconnected with their families. The story had a good ending that kept with the mood of the book.
Overall, I loved this book, it was a first for me from this author. I will read more as they come.
I wanted to hug them both and tell them everything will be ok!
Their relationship developed slowly starting with a huge dislike for each other right from page one. I'm not 100% sure where the dislike came from, could have been born of competition, but I liked the dynamic. No insta love. As their relationship built, they slowly started trusting each other turning from just lovers to partners. I would have liked them to win the series, but I was happy that Dane reached his goal and that they both reconnected with their families. The story had a good ending that kept with the mood of the book.
Overall, I loved this book, it was a first for me from this author. I will read more as they come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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