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Crossing Lines: A Rivals-to-Lovers Hockey Romance Novel
She’s breaking barriers.
He’s chasing history.
One whistle could cost them everything.Olivia "Liv" Parker shattered hockey’s glass ceiling as the first woman to referee a Stanley Cup playoff game. But her groundbreaking career comes with a target on her back—especially when a controversial call puts her face-to-face with Ethan Holt, captain of the Whistler Wolves.
Ethan is hockey royalty. Sixteen wins stand between him and a championship that would finally silence his father's impossible expectations. He has no room for distractions—until Liv steps onto his ice, fierce, fearless, and completely off-limits.
On the ice, their clashes are explosive. Off the ice, their chemistry ignites into a dangerous, forbidden passion neither can resist.
But the league is watching. Rumors swirl. And when a powerful conspiracy threatens to destroy careers and dreams, Liv and Ethan must decide what's worth risking everything for—the game they both love, or a love neither saw coming.
In hockey, every move is under scrutiny.
In love, the penalties are even higher.
He’s chasing history.
One whistle could cost them everything.Olivia "Liv" Parker shattered hockey’s glass ceiling as the first woman to referee a Stanley Cup playoff game. But her groundbreaking career comes with a target on her back—especially when a controversial call puts her face-to-face with Ethan Holt, captain of the Whistler Wolves.
Ethan is hockey royalty. Sixteen wins stand between him and a championship that would finally silence his father's impossible expectations. He has no room for distractions—until Liv steps onto his ice, fierce, fearless, and completely off-limits.
On the ice, their clashes are explosive. Off the ice, their chemistry ignites into a dangerous, forbidden passion neither can resist.
But the league is watching. Rumors swirl. And when a powerful conspiracy threatens to destroy careers and dreams, Liv and Ethan must decide what's worth risking everything for—the game they both love, or a love neither saw coming.
In hockey, every move is under scrutiny.
In love, the penalties are even higher.
- GenresRomanceSports Romance
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 15, 2025
The first woman referee to officiate in an NHL playoff game, Liv at first is steadfast and sure, but between the cocky team captain against whom she called a penalty and it cost his team the game, and the social media scrutiny which followed, she doubts herself and her ability to make sound judgments. Add in the ratcheting tension between herself and the luscious hockey player Ethan, and it’s a recipe for a demotion.
When Liv is called back up to the pros after doing penance in the farm league, she’s set up by the owner’s daughter when leaked video footage of Liv and Ethan in a compromising position in the darkened arena after hours costs her both her job and her reputation. She flees Whistler for her hometown in Saskatchewan, but can she leave Ethan behind altogether?
This was a fairly short novella with an interesting premise. Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
I received an advance reader copy from booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
When Liv is called back up to the pros after doing penance in the farm league, she’s set up by the owner’s daughter when leaked video footage of Liv and Ethan in a compromising position in the darkened arena after hours costs her both her job and her reputation. She flees Whistler for her hometown in Saskatchewan, but can she leave Ethan behind altogether?
This was a fairly short novella with an interesting premise. Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
I received an advance reader copy from booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
April 6, 2025
Risking Everything . . .
Olivia "Liv" Parker is the first woman referee for a Stanley Cup playoff game. When an injury made her stop playing hockey, she chose to referee so she could stay close to the game she loved. Ethan Holt, the Wolves’ captain, sat in full gear in the locker room, realizing his chance for winning a championship would end soon. So tonight was extra special to him; he would lead his team to victory and establish a legacy for himself. Coach Wilson pulled him aside to put even more pressure on him, telling him he had to be his best tonight, incur no penalties, do not lose his cool. Then Olivia Parker walked past. He had seen articles about her and figured it was just a PR stunt. His body’s awareness of her made him angry; and she mentally compared his presence as a “storm front”, a very intimidating man. As soon as the warm-ups started, she felt the eyes of players, coaches, and fans watching every move she made. When Ethan made a sharp turn, a defender’s stick caught in his skate and Ethan fell hard, sliding into the boards. Liv’s whistle remained silent. Ethan was furious that she did not act on what he saw as a deliberate tripping move. But seeing the resolve in her eyes, he cursed and went back to the play, anger raging through him. Going into overtime, an Eagles forward broke free, headed toward the Wolves' net, and Ethan tried to prevent a goal, accidentally catching the player's skates and sending him crashing to the ice. Liv's whistle sounded and she signaled a penalty shot. And the Eagles won when the Wolves’ goalie fell for a fake move and the puck went into the net.
Social media went wild, Liv’s phone constantly buzzed, and the Wolves’ fans made their opinion of her known. The aftermath was going to be brutal. So it was surprising that they both were rather careless of their attraction to each other and risked a scandal when she showed up in a hockey bar, naturally being noticed. After their mutual insults and some hands-on activity, Liv finally stormed away from Ethan. But Senior Referee Mark Stephens stood near the entrance and helped her with a reality check, reminding her that from where he was standing, it looked exactly like a referee getting friendly in a bar with a player from a game she just officiated. Being “off the clock” is no defense. Would this harm both of them? Would Liv take the blame in the eyes of the public so the male hero would be unscathed? Or would they stop providing fuel to the scandal and walk away, if it wasn’t already too late?
Olivia "Liv" Parker is the first woman referee for a Stanley Cup playoff game. When an injury made her stop playing hockey, she chose to referee so she could stay close to the game she loved. Ethan Holt, the Wolves’ captain, sat in full gear in the locker room, realizing his chance for winning a championship would end soon. So tonight was extra special to him; he would lead his team to victory and establish a legacy for himself. Coach Wilson pulled him aside to put even more pressure on him, telling him he had to be his best tonight, incur no penalties, do not lose his cool. Then Olivia Parker walked past. He had seen articles about her and figured it was just a PR stunt. His body’s awareness of her made him angry; and she mentally compared his presence as a “storm front”, a very intimidating man. As soon as the warm-ups started, she felt the eyes of players, coaches, and fans watching every move she made. When Ethan made a sharp turn, a defender’s stick caught in his skate and Ethan fell hard, sliding into the boards. Liv’s whistle remained silent. Ethan was furious that she did not act on what he saw as a deliberate tripping move. But seeing the resolve in her eyes, he cursed and went back to the play, anger raging through him. Going into overtime, an Eagles forward broke free, headed toward the Wolves' net, and Ethan tried to prevent a goal, accidentally catching the player's skates and sending him crashing to the ice. Liv's whistle sounded and she signaled a penalty shot. And the Eagles won when the Wolves’ goalie fell for a fake move and the puck went into the net.
Social media went wild, Liv’s phone constantly buzzed, and the Wolves’ fans made their opinion of her known. The aftermath was going to be brutal. So it was surprising that they both were rather careless of their attraction to each other and risked a scandal when she showed up in a hockey bar, naturally being noticed. After their mutual insults and some hands-on activity, Liv finally stormed away from Ethan. But Senior Referee Mark Stephens stood near the entrance and helped her with a reality check, reminding her that from where he was standing, it looked exactly like a referee getting friendly in a bar with a player from a game she just officiated. Being “off the clock” is no defense. Would this harm both of them? Would Liv take the blame in the eyes of the public so the male hero would be unscathed? Or would they stop providing fuel to the scandal and walk away, if it wasn’t already too late?
March 30, 2025
3⭐️
I love a forbidden romance trope. Even though sports romance books aren't my initial go-tos, this book had the tension that I craved from both characters. I love when a book is a fast-paced read, and I devoured it within a few hours.
The only improvements that I would have liked to see were if it were a longer read and had dual POVs.
** I recieved an advance reader review copy for free and I am leaving this review volunatrily.**
I love a forbidden romance trope. Even though sports romance books aren't my initial go-tos, this book had the tension that I craved from both characters. I love when a book is a fast-paced read, and I devoured it within a few hours.
The only improvements that I would have liked to see were if it were a longer read and had dual POVs.
** I recieved an advance reader review copy for free and I am leaving this review volunatrily.**
April 9, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of Crossing Lines and want to thank Roxy Winters and BookSirens for giving me a chance to read this book! I was under no obligation to leave a review, and all thoughts shared are my own.
Crossing Lines is about Olivia (Liv) Parker, a former hockey player who has subverted expectations of the hockey world by becoming the first female linesperson to officiate Stanley Cup series games. Ethan Holt, the captain of the Whistler Wolves, plays a hard game and has his eyes on a Cup. However, from the first time they share the ice during a game, there’s something heated between the two of them, and Liv has to navigate the precarious situation she’s found herself in—balancing attraction and lust for the captain against protecting the career she fought so hard for.
As someone who loves hockey and romances, I’ve recently been trying to find more good books in this genre to read. I was immediately interested by the premise of this book: a forbidden romance, a woman doing what no other has done before, a serious captain, and high-octane hockey. It’s obvious that Winters loves hockey by the way she writes—she has an understanding of the game, the penalties, and the inner workings of the league that only comes from someone who has either done a lot of research or someone who actually watches and loves the sport. The premise of this book, a linesperson and the captain of an NHL team falling for each other, is definitely original in the world of forbidden hockey romances. However, I was left feeling disappointed by this book.
To start, Crossing Lines is extremely fast-paced. A lot happens, but while reading, it didn’t feel like what was happening in the book matched up with what would be happening in real life during a playoff series. I think Crossing Lines definitely would have benefited from being longer.
On that note, the book really didn’t feel completely developed. The idea was great, but it seemed like Winters put emphasis on writing Liv and Ethan’s trysts—and not much else. I would have loved to see more of Liv’s turmoil while she struggled to choose between her career or Ethan. Perhaps it could have been filled out more by writing in multiple perspectives rather than being a solo POV. I think the bones of the story are there, but it’s lacking the meat and muscle that make a great romance.
I really wanted to like the main characters, but there wasn’t enough there to make me actually end up relating to any of them. At face value, I loved Liv, but very quickly, she started to get on my nerves. A big point of this book was that she had to work so hard to get to where she was in her career, but she was immediately willing to risk it all for Ethan. There isn’t much material between their encounters that would make me believe she’d choose—time and time again—to risk the career she had to fight tooth and claw for, for this man. Ethan was also written poorly, in my opinion. He didn’t show many moments of tenderness toward Liv, especially after pursuing her the way he was. He was kind of an asshole through the majority of the book, to be honest.
This one’s a little petty, but one of the teams mentioned in the book is the Halifax Highlanders. If you’re a fan of hockey, I’m sure you’ve seen all the hockey movies (like me). I immediately had to walk away for a bit once I read that team. The Halifax Highlanders are a fictional team from the movie Goon. It feels sort of lazy that, in a world of options for hockey team names, Winters would choose one that has already been used. It isn’t a trademarked name, but in my opinion, it borders on IP infringement.
Despite my complaints about the book, I was surprised by the ending. I definitely did not see the twist coming, and I actually really liked it. I do wish it had been teased a bit more throughout the beginning of the book, though, because I did feel a bit blindsided by it. Additionally, seeing Liv and Ethan interact more in-depth toward the end of the book showed a lot of promise, and it made me wish Winters had included more of their interactions outside of hookups earlier in the book.
In conclusion, I believe Winters shows a lot of promise as an author. Debuts can be tricky, but I think with some time and effort, Winters will be able to grow and produce a solid and popular title in the hockey romance genre. Crossing Lines fell short of my expectations, so I can’t rate it higher than 3 stars. However, I feel confident that Winters will continue to grow and improve as an author, and I’m eager to read her next release.
Once again, a big thank you to Roxy Winters and BookSirens for allowing me to read Crossing Lines! I was under no obligation to review, and all thoughts shared are my own.
Crossing Lines is about Olivia (Liv) Parker, a former hockey player who has subverted expectations of the hockey world by becoming the first female linesperson to officiate Stanley Cup series games. Ethan Holt, the captain of the Whistler Wolves, plays a hard game and has his eyes on a Cup. However, from the first time they share the ice during a game, there’s something heated between the two of them, and Liv has to navigate the precarious situation she’s found herself in—balancing attraction and lust for the captain against protecting the career she fought so hard for.
As someone who loves hockey and romances, I’ve recently been trying to find more good books in this genre to read. I was immediately interested by the premise of this book: a forbidden romance, a woman doing what no other has done before, a serious captain, and high-octane hockey. It’s obvious that Winters loves hockey by the way she writes—she has an understanding of the game, the penalties, and the inner workings of the league that only comes from someone who has either done a lot of research or someone who actually watches and loves the sport. The premise of this book, a linesperson and the captain of an NHL team falling for each other, is definitely original in the world of forbidden hockey romances. However, I was left feeling disappointed by this book.
To start, Crossing Lines is extremely fast-paced. A lot happens, but while reading, it didn’t feel like what was happening in the book matched up with what would be happening in real life during a playoff series. I think Crossing Lines definitely would have benefited from being longer.
On that note, the book really didn’t feel completely developed. The idea was great, but it seemed like Winters put emphasis on writing Liv and Ethan’s trysts—and not much else. I would have loved to see more of Liv’s turmoil while she struggled to choose between her career or Ethan. Perhaps it could have been filled out more by writing in multiple perspectives rather than being a solo POV. I think the bones of the story are there, but it’s lacking the meat and muscle that make a great romance.
I really wanted to like the main characters, but there wasn’t enough there to make me actually end up relating to any of them. At face value, I loved Liv, but very quickly, she started to get on my nerves. A big point of this book was that she had to work so hard to get to where she was in her career, but she was immediately willing to risk it all for Ethan. There isn’t much material between their encounters that would make me believe she’d choose—time and time again—to risk the career she had to fight tooth and claw for, for this man. Ethan was also written poorly, in my opinion. He didn’t show many moments of tenderness toward Liv, especially after pursuing her the way he was. He was kind of an asshole through the majority of the book, to be honest.
This one’s a little petty, but one of the teams mentioned in the book is the Halifax Highlanders. If you’re a fan of hockey, I’m sure you’ve seen all the hockey movies (like me). I immediately had to walk away for a bit once I read that team. The Halifax Highlanders are a fictional team from the movie Goon. It feels sort of lazy that, in a world of options for hockey team names, Winters would choose one that has already been used. It isn’t a trademarked name, but in my opinion, it borders on IP infringement.
Despite my complaints about the book, I was surprised by the ending. I definitely did not see the twist coming, and I actually really liked it. I do wish it had been teased a bit more throughout the beginning of the book, though, because I did feel a bit blindsided by it. Additionally, seeing Liv and Ethan interact more in-depth toward the end of the book showed a lot of promise, and it made me wish Winters had included more of their interactions outside of hookups earlier in the book.
In conclusion, I believe Winters shows a lot of promise as an author. Debuts can be tricky, but I think with some time and effort, Winters will be able to grow and produce a solid and popular title in the hockey romance genre. Crossing Lines fell short of my expectations, so I can’t rate it higher than 3 stars. However, I feel confident that Winters will continue to grow and improve as an author, and I’m eager to read her next release.
Once again, a big thank you to Roxy Winters and BookSirens for allowing me to read Crossing Lines! I was under no obligation to review, and all thoughts shared are my own.
May 27, 2025
Thank to BookSirens for this ARC.
I do want to start off saying I read an ARC copy so I’m not sure what/if any changes were made to the published copy but here are my opinions on the ARC version.
The positives: Let’s start with the premise of the book. Enemies to lover, forbidden romance, hockey romance, hockey captain and the referee. Absolutely! I want all of these things in a book and I was so excited about it. I also loved seeing Liv in such a male dominated industry paving her way. I think Roxy Winters has a great talent for writing and can do really well as an author.
The negatives: As a hockey fan, there are just a few things I couldn’t get past like; using the same referee for multiple games in a row, back to back games in the Stanley cup finals, 3 games in a row in the same arena. I’m sure it was easier for the story to have it this way but as a hockey fan I couldn’t get over it. I also felt like I needed more buildup at the start of the book. It almost felt like I started on chapter 5. The last negative is that I didn’t feel an emotional connection with the characters. It felt like they jumped to serious really quickly and I wasn’t sure where it came from.
Overall: Overall I like the book and think it has lots of potential. If the negatives were changed this would be a big win for me but there are just some things I can’t get past.
I do want to start off saying I read an ARC copy so I’m not sure what/if any changes were made to the published copy but here are my opinions on the ARC version.
The positives: Let’s start with the premise of the book. Enemies to lover, forbidden romance, hockey romance, hockey captain and the referee. Absolutely! I want all of these things in a book and I was so excited about it. I also loved seeing Liv in such a male dominated industry paving her way. I think Roxy Winters has a great talent for writing and can do really well as an author.
The negatives: As a hockey fan, there are just a few things I couldn’t get past like; using the same referee for multiple games in a row, back to back games in the Stanley cup finals, 3 games in a row in the same arena. I’m sure it was easier for the story to have it this way but as a hockey fan I couldn’t get over it. I also felt like I needed more buildup at the start of the book. It almost felt like I started on chapter 5. The last negative is that I didn’t feel an emotional connection with the characters. It felt like they jumped to serious really quickly and I wasn’t sure where it came from.
Overall: Overall I like the book and think it has lots of potential. If the negatives were changed this would be a big win for me but there are just some things I can’t get past.
March 16, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Roxy and I throughly enjoyed it and hope to read more. Olivia is hoping to become the first woman to referee the Stanley Cup. Now being a ref in the NHL she one step nearer. Stepping out onto the ice she knows all eyes are on her, she's had to work twice as hard to prove herself. Ethan knows this may be his last chance to win the Stanley Cup with his team. Then he notices the ref and his mind is instantly drawn to her, he can't explain the draw just knows it's there. When she calls him out in the game he's straight in her face. The problem is can he risk his career on instant chemistry, he won't do it. Liv knows everyone that matters is watching for her to slip up, maintaining her professionalism is important. Can she keep ignoring the pull, her whole life has been to become a ref, she can't and won't risk everything. Sometimes the heart can't get what it wants. This book covers how easily it is to manipulate people and outcomes. The way the two main characters portrait themselves and their careers is so believable and shows that sometimes nothing is what it seems, and how PR plays a big part. Can love win out or will careers and integrity make them both walk away. I can't recommend this book enough and look forward to more from this author
March 27, 2025
Roxy Winters' debut romance had me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry between Ethan and Liv is electric, and the nonstop action of playoff hockey hooked me from page one. The attention to detail made me feel like I was right there in the stands at a Wolves game.
Liv is a woman who’s built her career against the grain, defying the expectations of the men around her. She’s given everything to the game she loves and the uniform she wears. But one heated altercation with a particular team captain threatens to unravel it all—as they navigate a powerful, undeniable attraction that could destroy everything she’s worked for.
The characters are complex and relatable, the romance is steamy, and the stakes are sky-high. I cannot wait for the next rivals-to-lovers installment—a must-read for Hannah Grace and Avery Keelan fans.
Liv is a woman who’s built her career against the grain, defying the expectations of the men around her. She’s given everything to the game she loves and the uniform she wears. But one heated altercation with a particular team captain threatens to unravel it all—as they navigate a powerful, undeniable attraction that could destroy everything she’s worked for.
The characters are complex and relatable, the romance is steamy, and the stakes are sky-high. I cannot wait for the next rivals-to-lovers installment—a must-read for Hannah Grace and Avery Keelan fans.
April 7, 2025
I really loved the plot in this book 📕 It’s about a girl who is a hockey referee and a hockey player 🏒 I really love the story about a girl in a man dominated world and that she is trying to make her way and to show that she’s capable of being there.
What made the grade only ⭐️⭐️⭐️ was that the author mixed his and her POV. It got very confusing and most times I didn’t know if it was the FMC or the MMC POV.
I received an ARC and leaving this review voluntarily.
What made the grade only ⭐️⭐️⭐️ was that the author mixed his and her POV. It got very confusing and most times I didn’t know if it was the FMC or the MMC POV.
I received an ARC and leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2025
I am so honoured that I had the opportunity to have an arc read of this novel. I loved Liv and Ethan! I devoured this in one sitting. It was also more than just a sports romance, it had a lot of depth for a smaller novel!would definitely recommend! Quick and easy read❤️
April 3, 2025
Okay this was actually so cute and its such a short read I couldn't put it down my only complaint? That it wasn't longer haha honestly yeah please read this 🩷
April 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75/5)
Reviewed by TheBourbonSippingBibliophile
If you like your romance with a whistle, a slapshot, and a healthy dose of sexual tension on ice—Crossing Lines might just be your next book binge.
Roxy Winters drops us straight into a sizzling rivals-to-lovers romance between Olivia "Liv" Parker—the first woman to referee a Stanley Cup playoff game—and Ethan Holt, star captain of the Whistler Wolves. Sparks fly, tempers flare, and the whole "you’re off-limits" thing? Yeah, that lasts about five pages.
What Works:
🏒 The Hockey Love Is Real: Winters clearly knows her hockey, and it shows. From power plays to locker room politics, the game isn't just a backdrop—it’s a fully fleshed-out world, adding authenticity and tension to every scene.
💥 Liv = Icon: Liv is tough, trailblazing, and not here to be anyone’s token. Watching her navigate a male-dominated sport, shut down sexist nonsense, and still make time for flirty chirps with a certain cocky captain? We love to see it.
🔥 The Banter + Tension: The chemistry between Liv and Ethan is undeniable. Their snarky exchanges are sharp and entertaining, and yes, they make out in a hallway like absolute pros.
What Could’ve Hit Harder:
⏩ Fast-Paced Feelings: The romance moves quicker than a breakaway goal. While the heat is there, some readers might wish for deeper emotional buildup and more time to explore Liv and Ethan’s internal worlds.
📉 Depth vs. Drama: At times, the plot leans into the drama more than the development. We get the conflict, the external pressures, but we don’t always get the why behind the characters’ actions.
🎭 Supporting Cast = Missed Potential: Some side characters, especially those tied to the twisty finale, could’ve used more dimension (though they do bring the drama).
Crossing Lines is an entertaining, quick-hit sports romance with heat, heart, and a fierce female lead breaking barriers on and off the ice. While it rushes a few emotional moments, the premise is fresh, the chemistry is fire, and the blend of romance and professional sports stakes makes it worth the read—especially for anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers showdown.
Grab it if you’re into:
Enemies to lovers with locker room tension
Women breaking glass ceilings (and maybe a few rules)
Hockey, hallway kisses, and a hero who learns to respect the power of a whistle
Would I read the sequel? If Liv’s calling the shots again—drop the puck.
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by TheBourbonSippingBibliophile
If you like your romance with a whistle, a slapshot, and a healthy dose of sexual tension on ice—Crossing Lines might just be your next book binge.
Roxy Winters drops us straight into a sizzling rivals-to-lovers romance between Olivia "Liv" Parker—the first woman to referee a Stanley Cup playoff game—and Ethan Holt, star captain of the Whistler Wolves. Sparks fly, tempers flare, and the whole "you’re off-limits" thing? Yeah, that lasts about five pages.
What Works:
🏒 The Hockey Love Is Real: Winters clearly knows her hockey, and it shows. From power plays to locker room politics, the game isn't just a backdrop—it’s a fully fleshed-out world, adding authenticity and tension to every scene.
💥 Liv = Icon: Liv is tough, trailblazing, and not here to be anyone’s token. Watching her navigate a male-dominated sport, shut down sexist nonsense, and still make time for flirty chirps with a certain cocky captain? We love to see it.
🔥 The Banter + Tension: The chemistry between Liv and Ethan is undeniable. Their snarky exchanges are sharp and entertaining, and yes, they make out in a hallway like absolute pros.
What Could’ve Hit Harder:
⏩ Fast-Paced Feelings: The romance moves quicker than a breakaway goal. While the heat is there, some readers might wish for deeper emotional buildup and more time to explore Liv and Ethan’s internal worlds.
📉 Depth vs. Drama: At times, the plot leans into the drama more than the development. We get the conflict, the external pressures, but we don’t always get the why behind the characters’ actions.
🎭 Supporting Cast = Missed Potential: Some side characters, especially those tied to the twisty finale, could’ve used more dimension (though they do bring the drama).
Crossing Lines is an entertaining, quick-hit sports romance with heat, heart, and a fierce female lead breaking barriers on and off the ice. While it rushes a few emotional moments, the premise is fresh, the chemistry is fire, and the blend of romance and professional sports stakes makes it worth the read—especially for anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers showdown.
Grab it if you’re into:
Enemies to lovers with locker room tension
Women breaking glass ceilings (and maybe a few rules)
Hockey, hallway kisses, and a hero who learns to respect the power of a whistle
Would I read the sequel? If Liv’s calling the shots again—drop the puck.
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2025
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily***
I will do my best to not include major spoilers but for an honest review I will have to use some specifics from the book so please do not continue if you don't want any spoilers! Also, this is gonna be a long one… I don't like to give critical reviews without plenty of explanation… I'm sure Winters poured a lot of herself into writing this book and that takes so much guts and vulnerability; I don't want to be disrespectful to her in any way.
Ok, first I wanna say that this story and these characters have SO much potential. With that said, if I am being completely honest in my review… this feels like a first draft rather than a book ready for release. My overall biggest concern is how impossible it was as the reader to believe that these two characters even so much as know each other's names, let alone love each other. It doesn't make sense because there just isn't enough there.
The relationship between Ethan Holt and Olivia Parker goes from non-existent to "in love" in a way that does not make any sense. It feels like as the reader we are suppose to believe that the miniscule interactions Holt and Parker share on and off the ice (yes, I am even including the intimate ones) is something that would lead up to this overwhelming and all consuming love for one another. In reality, nothing about their relationship feels developed or organic or believable. The only reason I knew we were supposed to believe there was chemistry was because of lines like "she pulled back as if she had been burned" and it felt very forced. There is barely any individual character development so to believe that these two could feel so strongly for one another just didn't jive.
For my other point of what didn't work for me, I get to to also talk about what I did like so yay! The very thought of having female officials in the NHL makes my heart so happy. We finally have an assistant coach… I wholeheartedly believe that we could see this happen in reality and I really love that Winters wanted to explore what that world could look like. There are parts that I feel she nailed, for example, how hard Liv would have to work to earn half the respect her male counterparts would get by doing nothing. Loved that. The flip side of that coin is that Winters had to try and find a balance between an NHL that doesn't exist in reality but still staying true to the game and rules of the game because of this being about NHL officials, and I don't think she found it. As a diehard hockey fan, I know to reign in my expectations of how realistic hockey romances can be when it comes to actual hockey rules/play… but there was way too much back and forth between citing actual rules in the real NHL and then making choices for this book that would never happen in reality. Then to further that, in general, SO many of the choices both Liv and Ethan make throughout the entire book would NEVER actually happen. EVER. I won't go into specifics because then I would just be telling you what happens, but its written in a way that the reader is supposed to believe it COULD happen in a world that actually does exist in real life, which it literally could not.
I wanted so badly to love this book. I do love the premise and think there are great bones here.
I will do my best to not include major spoilers but for an honest review I will have to use some specifics from the book so please do not continue if you don't want any spoilers! Also, this is gonna be a long one… I don't like to give critical reviews without plenty of explanation… I'm sure Winters poured a lot of herself into writing this book and that takes so much guts and vulnerability; I don't want to be disrespectful to her in any way.
Ok, first I wanna say that this story and these characters have SO much potential. With that said, if I am being completely honest in my review… this feels like a first draft rather than a book ready for release. My overall biggest concern is how impossible it was as the reader to believe that these two characters even so much as know each other's names, let alone love each other. It doesn't make sense because there just isn't enough there.
The relationship between Ethan Holt and Olivia Parker goes from non-existent to "in love" in a way that does not make any sense. It feels like as the reader we are suppose to believe that the miniscule interactions Holt and Parker share on and off the ice (yes, I am even including the intimate ones) is something that would lead up to this overwhelming and all consuming love for one another. In reality, nothing about their relationship feels developed or organic or believable. The only reason I knew we were supposed to believe there was chemistry was because of lines like "she pulled back as if she had been burned" and it felt very forced. There is barely any individual character development so to believe that these two could feel so strongly for one another just didn't jive.
For my other point of what didn't work for me, I get to to also talk about what I did like so yay! The very thought of having female officials in the NHL makes my heart so happy. We finally have an assistant coach… I wholeheartedly believe that we could see this happen in reality and I really love that Winters wanted to explore what that world could look like. There are parts that I feel she nailed, for example, how hard Liv would have to work to earn half the respect her male counterparts would get by doing nothing. Loved that. The flip side of that coin is that Winters had to try and find a balance between an NHL that doesn't exist in reality but still staying true to the game and rules of the game because of this being about NHL officials, and I don't think she found it. As a diehard hockey fan, I know to reign in my expectations of how realistic hockey romances can be when it comes to actual hockey rules/play… but there was way too much back and forth between citing actual rules in the real NHL and then making choices for this book that would never happen in reality. Then to further that, in general, SO many of the choices both Liv and Ethan make throughout the entire book would NEVER actually happen. EVER. I won't go into specifics because then I would just be telling you what happens, but its written in a way that the reader is supposed to believe it COULD happen in a world that actually does exist in real life, which it literally could not.
I wanted so badly to love this book. I do love the premise and think there are great bones here.
May 3, 2025
Roxy Winters wastes no time throwing us straight into the fire with Crossing Lines. From page one, the tension is palpable—both on and off the field—and the heat between Liv and Ethan sizzles even before they share a word, let alone that scorching first kiss. While the shifting POVs early on were a bit jarring, it didn’t take long for the story to find its footing, especially once it locked into Liv’s perspective. And thank God it did—because Liv? She is the story.
Liv Parker is a force. She’s fighting tooth and nail not just for her place in a brutal, male-dominated world, but for every woman who dares to dream of standing where she stands. And what does she get for it? Constant scrutiny, betrayal, and an unfair share of the fallout. Honestly, the way the men in charge tried to tear her down made my blood boil. And don’t even get me started on Sarah Carlisle. That woman was pure poison—blackmailing both Liv and Ethan? She deserved every bit of karma that came her way.
Liv’s journey is raw, empowering, and heartbreakingly real. She’s knocked down, humiliated, and left to rebuild from the ashes, but she never stops swinging. And thank heavens for Linda, who knows exactly what Liv’s going through and isn’t afraid to back her up when it counts.
Now, let’s talk about Ethan. He’s... complicated. The chemistry between him and Liv is undeniable—every stolen glance and fiery exchange made my pulse race. But emotionally? He was kind of lacking. His "confessions" often came across more like accusations, and for a guy who didn’t seem to have as much to lose, he acted like Liv was the only one running from something. Still, props to him for sticking it out and standing by her in the end, even if I wanted to shake him a few times.
My only real gripe? I wish there had been more time for the emotional connection to really breathe. The romance felt a bit rushed in places, and I wanted more of those quiet, vulnerable moments to truly feel the depth between Liv and Ethan.
That said—what a ride. Fierce, fiery, and deeply satisfying, Crossing Lines is a story of resilience, redemption, and fighting back even when the whole damn system wants to see you fail. Liv Parker is a hero I won’t forget any time soon.
Liv Parker is a force. She’s fighting tooth and nail not just for her place in a brutal, male-dominated world, but for every woman who dares to dream of standing where she stands. And what does she get for it? Constant scrutiny, betrayal, and an unfair share of the fallout. Honestly, the way the men in charge tried to tear her down made my blood boil. And don’t even get me started on Sarah Carlisle. That woman was pure poison—blackmailing both Liv and Ethan? She deserved every bit of karma that came her way.
Liv’s journey is raw, empowering, and heartbreakingly real. She’s knocked down, humiliated, and left to rebuild from the ashes, but she never stops swinging. And thank heavens for Linda, who knows exactly what Liv’s going through and isn’t afraid to back her up when it counts.
Now, let’s talk about Ethan. He’s... complicated. The chemistry between him and Liv is undeniable—every stolen glance and fiery exchange made my pulse race. But emotionally? He was kind of lacking. His "confessions" often came across more like accusations, and for a guy who didn’t seem to have as much to lose, he acted like Liv was the only one running from something. Still, props to him for sticking it out and standing by her in the end, even if I wanted to shake him a few times.
My only real gripe? I wish there had been more time for the emotional connection to really breathe. The romance felt a bit rushed in places, and I wanted more of those quiet, vulnerable moments to truly feel the depth between Liv and Ethan.
That said—what a ride. Fierce, fiery, and deeply satisfying, Crossing Lines is a story of resilience, redemption, and fighting back even when the whole damn system wants to see you fail. Liv Parker is a hero I won’t forget any time soon.
May 20, 2025
Crossing Lines by Roxy Winters is the story of hockey referee Olivia (Liv) and ice hockey captain Ethan.
This was such a lovely and interesting novel. Liv is a woman referee and she lives for her job. She is fierce and honest, but has a hard time just because she is a woman in a man’s world. She clashes constantly with the ice hockey captain, but all her moves are right. Bur she also feels an attraction to Ethan and he feels the same way. But as she is a woman, she constantly has to be careful, which is absurd, but it is what it is. When their relationship grows, nothing goes easy, especially with a former girlfriend.
I loved reading this story, as it is somewhat different because of the job Liv has. It is absurd that she has to be careful, just because she is a woman. And when things get out of control, as she gets blackmailed, she makes a tough discission.
The story is filled with romance, some drama, and with a not completely unexpected twist, which made me read on and on. As the story progresses, some things come to the light and I loved how it all worked out.
Roxy Winters has written a lovely hockey romance story, with a great FMC who stands for who and what she is and that I just loved. Ethan is also a great character and his teammates are so supportive. The writing style is flowing, the book is easy to read.
If you love reading hockey romance stories, like I do, this book you have to read.
This was such a lovely and interesting novel. Liv is a woman referee and she lives for her job. She is fierce and honest, but has a hard time just because she is a woman in a man’s world. She clashes constantly with the ice hockey captain, but all her moves are right. Bur she also feels an attraction to Ethan and he feels the same way. But as she is a woman, she constantly has to be careful, which is absurd, but it is what it is. When their relationship grows, nothing goes easy, especially with a former girlfriend.
I loved reading this story, as it is somewhat different because of the job Liv has. It is absurd that she has to be careful, just because she is a woman. And when things get out of control, as she gets blackmailed, she makes a tough discission.
The story is filled with romance, some drama, and with a not completely unexpected twist, which made me read on and on. As the story progresses, some things come to the light and I loved how it all worked out.
Roxy Winters has written a lovely hockey romance story, with a great FMC who stands for who and what she is and that I just loved. Ethan is also a great character and his teammates are so supportive. The writing style is flowing, the book is easy to read.
If you love reading hockey romance stories, like I do, this book you have to read.
June 1, 2025
I was immediately interested by the premise of this book and it’s obvious that Winters loves hockey by the way she writes or at least has done a lot of research—she has an understanding of the game, the penalties, and the inner workings of the league. However, I was left feeling a little disappointed by this book.
To start, it is extremely fast-paced. A lot happens, but while reading, it didn’t feel like what was happening matched with the timeline. I think Crossing Lines would have benefited from being spanned over a longer time frame.
Also, I really wanted to like the main characters, but there wasn’t enough there to make me actually end up relating to any of them. At face value, Liv is great, but very quickly, she started to get on my nerves. And, Ethan was also written poorly, in my opinion. Honestly, he was kind of an asshole through the majority of the book.
Despite my complaints about the book, I was surprised by the ending. I truly did not see the twist coming. I do wish it had been teased a bit more throughout the beginning of the book, though, because I did feel a bit blindsided. Additionally, seeing Liv and Ethan interact more in-depth toward the end of the book showed a lot of promise, and it made me wish Winters had included more of their interactions outside of hookups earlier in the book.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Author Roxy Winters for the ARC ✨
To start, it is extremely fast-paced. A lot happens, but while reading, it didn’t feel like what was happening matched with the timeline. I think Crossing Lines would have benefited from being spanned over a longer time frame.
Also, I really wanted to like the main characters, but there wasn’t enough there to make me actually end up relating to any of them. At face value, Liv is great, but very quickly, she started to get on my nerves. And, Ethan was also written poorly, in my opinion. Honestly, he was kind of an asshole through the majority of the book.
Despite my complaints about the book, I was surprised by the ending. I truly did not see the twist coming. I do wish it had been teased a bit more throughout the beginning of the book, though, because I did feel a bit blindsided. Additionally, seeing Liv and Ethan interact more in-depth toward the end of the book showed a lot of promise, and it made me wish Winters had included more of their interactions outside of hookups earlier in the book.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Author Roxy Winters for the ARC ✨
March 29, 2025
In Roxy Winters' novel Crossing Lines, the first instalment of the Whistler Wolves series, the author explores the tumultuous relationship between Olivia Parker, a promising young hockey referee on the cusp of making history, and Ethan Holt, a veteran player striving for one last shot at championship glory in the twilight of his career.
While the premise of their instantaneous attraction holds potential, the execution falls short, resulting in a plot that lacks both originality and depth. Olivia's characterization proves particularly problematic; despite being portrayed as an intelligent, driven woman of integrity, her actions throughout the novel are often confounding and difficult to reconcile with her supposed values. Rather than demonstrating the discipline and sound judgment one would expect from a trailblazing professional, she repeatedly rushes headlong into compromising situations with Ethan, undermining the credibility of their romance and her own character development.
Ultimately, the novel fails to fully capitalize on its promising setup, delivering a story that, while entertaining at times, struggles to leave a lasting impact due to its reliance on well-worn tropes and underdeveloped central characters.
While the premise of their instantaneous attraction holds potential, the execution falls short, resulting in a plot that lacks both originality and depth. Olivia's characterization proves particularly problematic; despite being portrayed as an intelligent, driven woman of integrity, her actions throughout the novel are often confounding and difficult to reconcile with her supposed values. Rather than demonstrating the discipline and sound judgment one would expect from a trailblazing professional, she repeatedly rushes headlong into compromising situations with Ethan, undermining the credibility of their romance and her own character development.
Ultimately, the novel fails to fully capitalize on its promising setup, delivering a story that, while entertaining at times, struggles to leave a lasting impact due to its reliance on well-worn tropes and underdeveloped central characters.
April 9, 2025
Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me.
I was really intrigued by the premise (female referee in the NHL, yes!!!) but this wasn’t executed well.
First of all, while I don’t have an issue with third person narration I think this one should’ve been in first person - i found it really hard to follow and keep track of who we were meant to be following.
Secondly, the romance was almost non-existent but suddenly they were both in love? It just didn’t feel believable considering the limited amount of interactions they actually had.
My main gripe was that in the start of the book, the FMC said something about how referees could only referee each team once to keep it all fair and objective - but then she went on to referee the one team four times? And she was getting in trouble for not being objective - but then WHY WAS SHE REFEREEING THE SAME TEAM OVER AND OVER? Make it make sense????
Overall this had promise and I think it could’ve been a cute story if the author had shown more of the romance blossoming between the characters, or even showed some of Liv’s backstory of her journey to becoming a professional referee.
Thank you to BookSirens for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was really intrigued by the premise (female referee in the NHL, yes!!!) but this wasn’t executed well.
First of all, while I don’t have an issue with third person narration I think this one should’ve been in first person - i found it really hard to follow and keep track of who we were meant to be following.
Secondly, the romance was almost non-existent but suddenly they were both in love? It just didn’t feel believable considering the limited amount of interactions they actually had.
My main gripe was that in the start of the book, the FMC said something about how referees could only referee each team once to keep it all fair and objective - but then she went on to referee the one team four times? And she was getting in trouble for not being objective - but then WHY WAS SHE REFEREEING THE SAME TEAM OVER AND OVER? Make it make sense????
Overall this had promise and I think it could’ve been a cute story if the author had shown more of the romance blossoming between the characters, or even showed some of Liv’s backstory of her journey to becoming a professional referee.
Thank you to BookSirens for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 22, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crossing Lines by Roxy Winters follows a female referee in the National Hockey League, which is a huge step for our female protagonist.
She has followed her passion and has ended up being a referee due to fate's pull. But her strong-heartedness had made her take this change in her life way better.
She is having a struggle with her judgments while a certain hockey team captain is involved.
As the story revolves around our female protagonist, trying to make her presence in the NHL as a female referee and also trying to navigate her growing feelings, it made us all connect with her inner turmoil.
Her conflicting emotions are clearly depicted, and we can see some character development along the way as the story progresses. At first, our protagonist wasn't willing to accept help from others around her, but as the story progresses, she has started to lean on others for help.
The romance between the protagonists felt nostalgic, it made me feel like I was back in my school days, reading romance books on Wattpad.
As this was my first hockey-themed book, I struggled to keep up with the terms.
A few pages, describing the game rules and certain technical words, would have been nice and easy.
Crossing Lines by Roxy Winters follows a female referee in the National Hockey League, which is a huge step for our female protagonist.
She has followed her passion and has ended up being a referee due to fate's pull. But her strong-heartedness had made her take this change in her life way better.
She is having a struggle with her judgments while a certain hockey team captain is involved.
As the story revolves around our female protagonist, trying to make her presence in the NHL as a female referee and also trying to navigate her growing feelings, it made us all connect with her inner turmoil.
Her conflicting emotions are clearly depicted, and we can see some character development along the way as the story progresses. At first, our protagonist wasn't willing to accept help from others around her, but as the story progresses, she has started to lean on others for help.
The romance between the protagonists felt nostalgic, it made me feel like I was back in my school days, reading romance books on Wattpad.
As this was my first hockey-themed book, I struggled to keep up with the terms.
A few pages, describing the game rules and certain technical words, would have been nice and easy.
April 12, 2025
Finished Crossing Lines and honestly? I didn’t think I’d get this hooked. Olivia’s story pulled me in right away—there’s something about a woman walking into a space she was never “meant” to be in and owning it anyway. She wasn’t just strong for the sake of it—she was tired, determined, vulnerable… and real. I felt that.
The romance had me soft. It’s a slow burn, full of tension and little moments that hit way harder than expected. The kind where you catch yourself smiling at a line or re-reading a scene just for the vibe. Their banter, the friction, the undeniable pull—ugh, I ate it up. He was the penalty she didn’t see coming, and I loved watching her lose her balance a little.
Sure, the middle slowed down a bit, but not enough to lose me. I was still in it for her—for the fire in her, for the way she kept showing up even when everything felt against her. It’s not just about love on the ice—it’s about proving you belong, even when the rules weren’t made for you.
A quietly fierce, heartfelt read with just the right spark. I’m definitely in for book two.
Grateful to BookSirens and the author for the ARC—always love getting the chance to dive in early.
The romance had me soft. It’s a slow burn, full of tension and little moments that hit way harder than expected. The kind where you catch yourself smiling at a line or re-reading a scene just for the vibe. Their banter, the friction, the undeniable pull—ugh, I ate it up. He was the penalty she didn’t see coming, and I loved watching her lose her balance a little.
Sure, the middle slowed down a bit, but not enough to lose me. I was still in it for her—for the fire in her, for the way she kept showing up even when everything felt against her. It’s not just about love on the ice—it’s about proving you belong, even when the rules weren’t made for you.
A quietly fierce, heartfelt read with just the right spark. I’m definitely in for book two.
Grateful to BookSirens and the author for the ARC—always love getting the chance to dive in early.
June 23, 2025
Crossing lines
Crossing Lines is the first book in the Whistler Wolves series
We meet Olivia “Liv” the FMC who is a referee in the NHL! Go Liv (I’m all for smashing the patriarchy ✊🏼)
Ethan is the MMC and the captain of the Wolves.
This book is written in the third person which isn’t really my fave but the story that the author was able to weave was great so I kept on.
We follow Liv and Ethan as they navigate the world of professional hockey and how internal politics can impact professional lives
Liv and Ethan find themselves in a “situiationship” due to their respective careers and how taboo it is to have a romance with a power over dynamic.
Liv and Ethan go through some rough patches in their careers which I felt in Liv’s case the author was able to make you feel the emotions
At the end of the book I was hoping for an intro to the possible next Wolf that we would see in book two and that had me disappointed that we don’t get the sneak peak
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
If you love a hockey sports romance with a strong female lead you’ll enjoy Crossing Lines
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Crossing Lines is the first book in the Whistler Wolves series
We meet Olivia “Liv” the FMC who is a referee in the NHL! Go Liv (I’m all for smashing the patriarchy ✊🏼)
Ethan is the MMC and the captain of the Wolves.
This book is written in the third person which isn’t really my fave but the story that the author was able to weave was great so I kept on.
We follow Liv and Ethan as they navigate the world of professional hockey and how internal politics can impact professional lives
Liv and Ethan find themselves in a “situiationship” due to their respective careers and how taboo it is to have a romance with a power over dynamic.
Liv and Ethan go through some rough patches in their careers which I felt in Liv’s case the author was able to make you feel the emotions
At the end of the book I was hoping for an intro to the possible next Wolf that we would see in book two and that had me disappointed that we don’t get the sneak peak
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
If you love a hockey sports romance with a strong female lead you’ll enjoy Crossing Lines
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 30, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had a pretty middle-of-the-road experience with this one. It was a short, easy read that I finished in a day, and while I really wanted to love it, it just didn’t fully click for me. A lot of the focus was on hockey (understandably, given the setting), but since I’m not very familiar with the rules or the game itself, I felt a bit disconnected. That emphasis also seemed to take away from the romance, which I was hoping would be more central.
Ethan felt more like a background character—we know he's good at hockey and into Liv, but I would’ve liked to learn more about him as a person. Liv had more presence, and I appreciated her drive and the challenges she faced as one of the first female NHL referees. Still, their relationship felt rushed, and I was left wanting more development and time with them together.
That said, the writing was smooth, and I can see this appealing to readers who enjoy sports romances with a strong female lead. It just wasn’t quite the story I was hoping for.
I had a pretty middle-of-the-road experience with this one. It was a short, easy read that I finished in a day, and while I really wanted to love it, it just didn’t fully click for me. A lot of the focus was on hockey (understandably, given the setting), but since I’m not very familiar with the rules or the game itself, I felt a bit disconnected. That emphasis also seemed to take away from the romance, which I was hoping would be more central.
Ethan felt more like a background character—we know he's good at hockey and into Liv, but I would’ve liked to learn more about him as a person. Liv had more presence, and I appreciated her drive and the challenges she faced as one of the first female NHL referees. Still, their relationship felt rushed, and I was left wanting more development and time with them together.
That said, the writing was smooth, and I can see this appealing to readers who enjoy sports romances with a strong female lead. It just wasn’t quite the story I was hoping for.
May 11, 2025
Crossing Lines follows the adventures of Ethan and Olivia. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between these two characters is absolutely outstanding and smoking hot. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both Ethan and Olivia as well as witnessing their story come to life throughout the book. I do love that they have a happy ending to their story with them being a couple. Crossing Lines is captivating from start to finish, entertaining and an absolute pleasure to read. This novel has a marvelous plot, wonderful characters and an ending which I wasn’t expecting for the main characters. Crossing Lines is fabulously written, well balanced and beautifully executed by Roxy Winters. This is the first book I’ve read by her thus far and was blown away by the storyline. I’m definitely going to be checking out more of Roxy Winters’s work in the future. I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone to checkout and give it a read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2025
Unfortunately not a book for me.
I really wanted to love this, I thought the rivals-to-lovers premise set up between a referee and hockey player was going to be a fun read. I was excited to see a build-up between the two of them over the course of the story.
But I found that I disliked both MCs, and I really couldn't bring myself to care about either of them. Really, after finishing the last page all I can say that I know about them is their jobs and that they wanted to bang each. There wasn't really any substance to the characters, which I personally need to see at least a little bit of to be able to have fun with reading about their relationship.
Reasons this might be a book for you though: if you enjoy rivals to lovers trope, if you love a lot of hockey talk and emphasis on the gameplay, if you like workplace scandals.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really wanted to love this, I thought the rivals-to-lovers premise set up between a referee and hockey player was going to be a fun read. I was excited to see a build-up between the two of them over the course of the story.
But I found that I disliked both MCs, and I really couldn't bring myself to care about either of them. Really, after finishing the last page all I can say that I know about them is their jobs and that they wanted to bang each. There wasn't really any substance to the characters, which I personally need to see at least a little bit of to be able to have fun with reading about their relationship.
Reasons this might be a book for you though: if you enjoy rivals to lovers trope, if you love a lot of hockey talk and emphasis on the gameplay, if you like workplace scandals.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2025
This book was okay, but for me personally, it was missing a lot of things. 2.5 ⭐️
1) I couldn't really find structure in the timeline and places, but maybe that was just an issue for me because it kind of falls flat for me when there isn't a thred to follow
2) Something about writing in third-person POV is just usually a big challenge for me to get through. Especially when it's manly one of the MCs we follow, because I really would love to see more hockey and feelings from Ethan's perspective and get to know his teammates too.
I did however like how short the book was, so it was like a fast read, since it can be hard to put so much infomation into such a short novella, and then it can get mixed up and you might miss some info to give it structure.
I do also love a book with strong independent women, because why can't women do what men does, and why should we look down at our selves, just because we have curves, so that was really nice to see in this book.
1) I couldn't really find structure in the timeline and places, but maybe that was just an issue for me because it kind of falls flat for me when there isn't a thred to follow
2) Something about writing in third-person POV is just usually a big challenge for me to get through. Especially when it's manly one of the MCs we follow, because I really would love to see more hockey and feelings from Ethan's perspective and get to know his teammates too.
I did however like how short the book was, so it was like a fast read, since it can be hard to put so much infomation into such a short novella, and then it can get mixed up and you might miss some info to give it structure.
I do also love a book with strong independent women, because why can't women do what men does, and why should we look down at our selves, just because we have curves, so that was really nice to see in this book.
April 18, 2025
This was bad. I thought the idea was fantastic - female ref, male dominated sport, forbidden love, etc. Sadly, the concept was the best part and the book did not deliver.
This was a story about two people that were horny for each other and made out a couple times without having any kind of meaningful conversation, then they are suddenly in love - still no meaningful conversations. Nary a one to be had. Ever.
There was an overarching plot with a conspiracy that was done poorly, though the corruption angle was far more believable than the love story here. And the FMC kept telling us how she made all these tough choices and put everything into her career to prove herself but wouldn't stop doing stupid things against their ethics code.
The only reason I finished this is because I received it as a free ARC and thought I should see it through - these reviews are voluntary, but there is no reason I shouldn't read the entire book and leave my thoughts as planned. I would have DNFd this as a library book and been sad if I had paid for it.
This was a story about two people that were horny for each other and made out a couple times without having any kind of meaningful conversation, then they are suddenly in love - still no meaningful conversations. Nary a one to be had. Ever.
There was an overarching plot with a conspiracy that was done poorly, though the corruption angle was far more believable than the love story here. And the FMC kept telling us how she made all these tough choices and put everything into her career to prove herself but wouldn't stop doing stupid things against their ethics code.
The only reason I finished this is because I received it as a free ARC and thought I should see it through - these reviews are voluntary, but there is no reason I shouldn't read the entire book and leave my thoughts as planned. I would have DNFd this as a library book and been sad if I had paid for it.
June 24, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens for the eArc!
This was my first hockey romance and I enjoyed it immensely!
But at the same time I liked that this isn't "just" romance. There's a subplot tying it all together and an important truth about the imbalance of power in workplaces.
I love Ethan?! I hate the miscommunication trope with a fiery passion, but he's trying to communicate and she's just not having it. GIRL! I really wanted to smack some sense into her in those moments but other than that Liv is great. Her no-nonsense integrity is admirable and how it clashed with the building attraction was SO well done. I honestly could not put this down and read it in a day.
My very minor criticism is that some sentence structures were very samey (the puck dropped and chaos errupted, the captain's mask going back into place). Yes, I understand that some phrases are hard to replace but it's simply something that throws me off while reading.
This was my first hockey romance and I enjoyed it immensely!
But at the same time I liked that this isn't "just" romance. There's a subplot tying it all together and an important truth about the imbalance of power in workplaces.
I love Ethan?! I hate the miscommunication trope with a fiery passion, but he's trying to communicate and she's just not having it. GIRL! I really wanted to smack some sense into her in those moments but other than that Liv is great. Her no-nonsense integrity is admirable and how it clashed with the building attraction was SO well done. I honestly could not put this down and read it in a day.
My very minor criticism is that some sentence structures were very samey (the puck dropped and chaos errupted, the captain's mask going back into place). Yes, I understand that some phrases are hard to replace but it's simply something that throws me off while reading.
April 7, 2025
Liv is living her dream of being an NHL Female Referee and is so excited to be officiating in her first playoff game. Ethan is Captain of the Whistler Wolves and is hoping to win the Stanley Cup. Getting the first win tonight will hopefully set the tone. However he had no idea how he his life would change after some heated confrontations over calls with Liv. As the pressure builds to be at her absolute best, her intense draw to Ethan threatens to ruin her career. LOVED this quick read sports romance! It was so unique to see the MFC as an official in a male dominated sport and watch her strive to hold her own. Watching her give her all to live her dream of being an NHL Official at the same time she was fighting her feelings for Ethan was so gut wrenching to watch! It goes to show you don’t have to give up your dreams if you find the right person who loves and supports you through it all.
March 31, 2025
Super cute hockey romance with a great mix of plot and hockey. I loved the main characters in this story. Olivia “Liv” Parker (NHL Official) and Ethan Holt (Captain of the Whistler Wolves are explosive from the jump. You can feel the tension burning between these two.
I had a hard time in the beginning with both pov’s being written in the same chapter but once I recognized this as the writing style it was easier to up with what was going on.
I wish there had been a little more interaction from the team as that is always a precursor to another book involving another member of the Wolves. But I loved this story and enjoyed reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I had a hard time in the beginning with both pov’s being written in the same chapter but once I recognized this as the writing style it was easier to up with what was going on.
I wish there had been a little more interaction from the team as that is always a precursor to another book involving another member of the Wolves. But I loved this story and enjoyed reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 25, 2025
⭐️3.75( rounded up to 4) 🌶️1.5
I’m a hockey fan and I enjoy a good hockey romance, so I was intrigued when I stumbled upon this forbidden romance between a referee and a player.
It’s a quick read that I devoured in no time flat and really enjoyed.
I do wish the book was longer and we saw more of the couple together before the HEA, but I I appreciated how the author showcased the struggles that women face in male dominated fields and I was rooting for Olivia from start to finish.
I look forward to reading more from this author and in the series!
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I’m a hockey fan and I enjoy a good hockey romance, so I was intrigued when I stumbled upon this forbidden romance between a referee and a player.
It’s a quick read that I devoured in no time flat and really enjoyed.
I do wish the book was longer and we saw more of the couple together before the HEA, but I I appreciated how the author showcased the struggles that women face in male dominated fields and I was rooting for Olivia from start to finish.
I look forward to reading more from this author and in the series!
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
April 1, 2025
Crossing Lines was a smaller cute hockey romance between Olivia, the newest NHL ref and Ethan, captain of his hockey team. These two quickly hit it off in their forbidden romance journey. They try to keep their relationship a secret from the board, fans, coaches, and even themselves at times. Will they fizzle their relationship into nothingness or will they forget the prying eyes and unite.
This book overall was cute and very easy to read, which I enjoyed. My only "complaint" was how quickly the two MC's fell for another as it didn't feel genuine as I barely felt we knew who we were as the FMC. The longing gazes heated up pretty much within the first few pages. Overall, I'd recommend this to someone who would like a small easy hockey romance book and I'd be interested in seeing what happens in the next in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book overall was cute and very easy to read, which I enjoyed. My only "complaint" was how quickly the two MC's fell for another as it didn't feel genuine as I barely felt we knew who we were as the FMC. The longing gazes heated up pretty much within the first few pages. Overall, I'd recommend this to someone who would like a small easy hockey romance book and I'd be interested in seeing what happens in the next in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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