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The Boards Between Us

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When a devastating injury ended Levi Montgomery’s hockey career, his life was turned upside down. Not only did he lose his roster spot, but he also lost his long-term girlfriend who seemed to want his fame and status more than him. When he got the call to join the coaching staff of the Golden City's hottest hockey team, his life—at least career-wise—finally turned around. Finally, the youngest coach in the NHL has love again—even if it's just his job.

Alex Bennett is no stranger to loss. When she got pregnant at twenty, her boyfriend—and the man who she thought was the love of her life—all but abandoned her and her son. He was out to chase a life of luxury, and she was left alone. Now, juggling two unfulfilling jobs and an even more disappointing love life, she’s sworn off men in suits—especially ones who remind her of her ex.

When Alex and Levi cross paths at a Flames game, neither expects the immediate spark between them. What starts as a simple attraction soon turns into a secret arrangement—but keeping things strictly physical proves harder than they imagined. As their walls begin to crumble, they’re forced to face the truth. Will they risk their hearts for something real, or will they be stuck with more than just the boards between them?

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

31 people are currently reading
304 people want to read

About the author

Cassandra Moll

6 books69 followers

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5 stars
123 (53%)
4 stars
72 (31%)
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27 (11%)
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6 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for Lacey.
305 reviews99 followers
September 5, 2025
tropes:
- single mom
- hockey coach
- ex hockey player
- he falls first
- slow burn
- different worlds

When a devastating injury ended Levi Montgomery's hockey career, his life was turned upside down. Not only did he lose his roster spot, but he also lost his long-term girlfriend who seemed to want his fame and status more than him. When he got the call to join the coaching staff of the Golden City's hottest hockey team, his life-at least career-wise-finally turned around. Finally, the youngest coach in the NHL has love again-even if it's just his job. Alex Bennett is no stranger to loss.
When she got pregnant at twenty, her boyfriend-and the man who she thought was the love of her life-all but abandoned her and her son. He was out to chase a life of luxury, and she was left alone. Now, juggling two unfulfilling jobs and an even more disappointing love life, she's sworn off men in suits-especially ones who remind her of her ex. When Alex and Levi cross paths at a Flames game, neither expects the immediate spark between them. What starts as a simple attraction soon turns into a secret arrangement-but keeping things strictly physical proves harder than they imagined. As their walls begin to crumble, they're forced to face the truth.

Will they risk their hearts for something real, or will they be stuck with more than just the boards between them?

I absolutely loved this hockey romance!!! Cassandra Moll never misses, but there is something about a man who wants to do everything in his power to get his girl on his side!

I loved the slow burn of this one, I really couldn't wait for that tension and chemistry to blossom!

This one also showed a lot of character growth which I always love in a book! It showed how important it was to have Alex let her guard down!
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
392 reviews20 followers
June 16, 2025
This is the first book in the Golden City Series and the third book that I’ve read by Cassandra Moll. And she is Three for Three!! All have been 5 stars! She has just been added to my auto buy list of authors.

I just loved both Alex and Levi. Both have had their hearts broken and built up walls to guard their hearts. Alex, a single mom, was left to raise her son pretty much on her own since her selfish ex Nick, a lawyer, only seems to care about himself, money and not keeping his word whenever it has to do with his time with their son, Cooper. Levi, losing it all, when an injury cost him his hockey career as well as his girlfriend who obviously was only in it for what he could provide her.

When Alex and Levi meet during a tour of Golden City’s hottest NHL team with her 12 year old son’s team, where Levi is the coach, the bantering between the two begins! Levi doesn’t know it but he falls first. He does everything to keep bringing Alex around. Alex digs in her heels or at least tries to. There were parts that tugged at my heart, made me laugh out loud and made me clench my thighs 🥵 Their chemistry was off the charts and the way Levi would say or text “Good Girl” whew!😅

The writing was amazing, had me feeling as though I was part of the friend group with Alex and Brooke and right there to watch everything unfold. Had me up into the night finishing the book because I couldn’t put it down. One I could read again, it’s that good! Highly recommend and can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Serena Dale.
250 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2025
This was my first book by Casdandra, and I absolutely loved it!
These characters are fantastic! The banter is excellent and could read that all day!
Cooper was a really cute wee boy and loved his confidence shining!
Levi was great with Cooper but loved seeing him with his niece!

Finished within 24 hours! Look forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Sharon A..
95 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2025
The Boards Between Us

By Cassandra Moll

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Quote: “We used to have so many walls up, him and I. It's how we survived, but it's also what kept us alone.”

The way Cassandra Moll brings the characters to life and makes them so believable that you fall in love with them is an absolute gift.

Levi an ex professional hockey player turned coach is the perfect balance of gentlemen with charisma, sex appeal, drive, determination and charm. When you first meet him he has that typical player way about him until he meets Alex a single mom with her walls way up and the I have seen your type before attitude. There is an attraction of course but Alex is not about to let her guard down for him. Levi devises a plan to spend more time with her by making her son the face of a program to bring children and hockey together in the community. The more time Alex and Levi spend together the more Alex realizes she might have misjudged Levi or did she?

Cassandra Moll is an auto buy Indie author for me and one of the sweetest humans - Grab this book, you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Dominique.
431 reviews24 followers
July 21, 2025
This book was so great! This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I can’t wait to read more.

I love hockey romances but this might be the first coach one I’ve read and it was perfect!
I loved the chemistry and banter between Alex and Levi. It was such a fun read especially watching their relationship journey.
They are both likable characters. I immediately liked Alex. She was a great single mom. So dedicated to her kid.
Don’t even get me started on Levi. That man was perfection! He went from avoiding and never wanting to be in a relationship to being the one that was trying to convince Alex to be in one with him. He was broody but also gave major golden retriever energy.
The spice in this book was top tier! 🔥

Rating ⭐️: 5/5
Spice 🌶️: 3/5
Dual POV

💙 Sports romance
💙 Single mom
💙 Forced proximity
💙 Slow burn
💙 He falls first
💙 Strangers to friends to lovers

Thank you so much to the author for the arc!
Profile Image for Terri.
123 reviews29 followers
July 8, 2025
Levi is a former NHL hockey player turned coach after an injury ends his playing career. He not only loses his job but his girlfriend too. He has sworn off love and relationships since then. Alex is a single mom working 2 jobs and raising her son after her lawyer boyfriend left her when she was pregnant. They meet at a hockey game when Alex’s son Cooper’s youth hockey team is invited to a game. Their attraction is instant but Alex refuses to date let alone acknowledge a man in a suit because they remind her of her ex. Levi wants her and will do whatever he needs to do to get Alex to fall for him.

“You scared you’re gonna fall for me, Bennett?”

I loved these two together! Their chemistry and their banter was awesome! I love how their walls came down over the course of the book and the spice was spicy! Levi has instantly become my new book boyfriend! I’m obsessed! I love an alpha MMC who likes to take control! 🔥

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t put it down! I can't stop thinking about it! This will be a book I come back to read again and again!

This is my second book by Cassandra Moll and that was a 5 star read as well. I just love her writing and how engaging her stories are. She has quickly become an auto-buy author for me and I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you to Cassandra Moll for an ARC of this book! You knocked it out of the park again!
5 ⭐️
3/5🌶️

Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
💘 NHL Coach MMC
🏒Single Mom FMC
💘Dual POV
🏒He Falls First
💘Different Worlds
🏒Secret Arrangement
💘Slow Burn
Profile Image for Susete Kunkel.
381 reviews27 followers
July 7, 2025
4.5⭐️

"𝓙𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓘 𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓾𝓭𝓮, 𝓭𝓸𝓮𝓼𝓷'𝓽 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽."

So my review might be biased, since I saw so much of myself and my own story through Alex's.

Has a single mom, This story will touch you, but it's such a beautiful story.

Nothing warms your heart more than a man who heals a heart he didn't break and raise a child he didn't make, and this is exactly what Cassandra gives us 🥰 .

Wishing that all single moms find their Levi 💜
Profile Image for Mckenzee Pyeatt.
52 reviews14 followers
July 8, 2025
This book you guys was really so dang cute at first the fmc was annoying and made me angry but we all have a past we are in deep need of getting over and this power couple exceeded in that. Levi was amazing and so perfect for what Alex needed him to be. To prove that not all “suits” are alike!
I’m so happy for them my favorite part however was the epilogue!! I cannot wait to read more books by you girl!!
Profile Image for Amy Nero.
4 reviews
October 15, 2025
4 ⭐️

I actually can’t wait to read book #2! I chose to read this book because I was lucky enough to be chosen for an arc for book 2. And I am so glad I did because I loved this book!! It was so easy to read and it was just a beautiful story in every way!
76 reviews
August 13, 2025
UGH!!!!! So much potential but holy gosh THE SMUT. I literally sat and flipped through pages on pages of just straight bleh. I really liked Levi but “good girl” oh my god. NO. Cute story line and I liked the hockey aspect but way too physically focused for me
Profile Image for Haley Cooper.
91 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Omg MUST READ
For 2 people fighting the complete opposite of what they both wanted actually were running to what they really needed.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Loved Alex and Levi. I really teaches you a lot about relationships. Love is hard! Hard to find. Harder to keep. But the right one will come along! Patience is truly a virtue.
Profile Image for Tala Anderson.
92 reviews10 followers
June 18, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
♾️/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️

YALLLLLLLLL I CANNOT LOVE THIS BOOK MORE IF I TRIED🙌🏼 Cassandra knows that I will never NOT be obsessed with her writing and then she came out with TBBU and said “let me just make sure of that forever”😩🫶🏼

‼️First of all… she gave us a F*CK IT moment with a HAND NECKLACE😌 What more do you need?‼️

Anyways… Alex is a single mom and she is rocking it✨ I mean, clearly she’s tired, exhausted, and hasn’t seen a 🍆 in years🤣 But as a mom, she knows how to protect her kid, even though she’s been missing out on a lot of life. So when the hot “doesn’t date anyone” hockey coach catches her eye. She decides it’s finally time to do something or someone for herself😏❤️

Levi is PERFECTION✨ Give me a million please🙌🏼 He’s a walking green flag and ALSO has money 💰 (We all know this only happens in books😂) He’s trying to convince Alex to fall in love with him because he ACTUALLY wants a relationship and not just sex😂 Ironic & Iconic❤️

Their chemistry is off the charts and once again Cassandra knows how wrote characters truly falling in love and giving us the most swoon worthy scenes😩🫶🏼 I love you @author_cassandramoll ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Kelli Cooke.
Author 2 books61 followers
June 6, 2025
Cassandra Moll has done it again!!! A book that not only gives you that good yearning for the characters but also makes you laugh. This one is the very definition of hockey romance… it’s spot on with the sports vibe, it’s spicy, and will make your heart do a happy dance! Do not miss it!
Profile Image for Jerrika Romero.
64 reviews
June 18, 2025
Okay, listen up, because I adored this book! The Boards Between Us by Cassandra Molls gave me everything I wanted—spice, laughs, heart, and characters that felt real in the best way.

Let’s start with Alex. She’s a single mom trying to quiet the voice of her useless ex-husband and live boldly for herself and her son, Cooper. She's careful—because duh, single mom life—but she’s also strong and trying to put herself first. Cooper, by the way, is the coolest kid ever. He plays junior league hockey, which is how they end up at this youth event hosted by Golden City’s pro team, the Flames.

Cue Levi Montgomery—former player, now coach, ridiculously hot, and giving off major alpha energy. He’s a walking red flag when it comes to relationships: loves a good few-nights stand, will NOT do brunch or coffee, and he’s very clear that he’s not interested in anything serious. Until… he meets Alex.

Their first meeting? Hilarious. The kind that immediately tells you: yup, these two are gonna have chemistry for DAYS. And Levi, who usually forgets a girl before the sheets are even cold, cannot stop thinking about her. He starts plotting youth events just to be around her (sneaky little coach... But... Respect).

Alex feels the spark too but she’s not here for another man in a suit trying to ruin her peace. And when she tells Levi she knows his type and it's not hers? GAME. ON. He’s determined to prove he’s not like her ex, and the journey he goes on to show her she’s worthy and adored? SWOON. It's one of those "when you know, you know" kinda things.

But this is just a temporary thing... Get it out of their system... No big deal. 😉

Honorable mention...Levi’s brother Liam and his daughter Ruthie! Ruthie is the cutest, sassiest little thing and if she doesn’t get a book someday, I’m rioting. Oh and Brooke... Please give her a HEA!!

This book is spicy in all the best ways, full of sharp and funny banter, and packed with heart. If you're looking for a romance that brings the steam and the feels, The Boards Between Us is the one. 🏒 💙
Profile Image for Stephanie Torres.
117 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2025
✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨
The Boards Between Us by Cassandra Moll
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

Okay… The Boards Between Us by Cassandra Moll?? Absolutely DELIVERED. I’m talking full-body swoon, can’t-stop-grinning, “Good Girl” text-induced blushing kinda read. Levi Montgomery is my new book boyfriend and I’m not even sorry. 😮‍💨

Levi Montgomery is reeling from the loss of his NHL career and long-term relationship. He is now a coach and has major golden retriever energy (if golden retrievers were hot, broody, and also annoyingly charming). Alex Bennett is a bada$$ single mom juggling 2 jobs who’s been burned before, especially by men in suits. So she protects her heart and her son’s. When their worlds collide on the ice (and off), it’s all sparks, stubborn pride, and a secret arrangement that’s supposed to stay physical… but hearts don’t follow rules. 🥶🔥

The banter? Chef’s kiss. The chemistry? Off. The. Boards. 🏒🔥 To watch this relationship unfold? ELECTRICAL! This book had me hooked from the very first few chapters. Definitely could not put it down!!

I think Levi is the definition of AMAZING book boyfriend d. He made my top 3! This man was building youth programs just to be around Alex and her son. And the way he showed up for her son first and foremost! He took my heart with those actions! Let’s hear it for obsessed, respectful MMCs with real feelings. 👏🏼

Cassandra Moll nails that perfect mix of flirty fun, emotional depth, and steamy moments that sneak up on you and leave you breathless. You’ll laugh, cry, blush, and probably re-read Levi’s texts more than once. Don’t judge me. 🤭

Trope heaven:
🏒 Ex hockey player turned hockey coach
❤️‍🩹 Single Mom FMC
🏒 Secret Arrangement (situationship!)
❤️‍🩹 Dual POV
🏒 Slow Burn with a spicy payoff
❤️‍🩹 Forced proximity
🏒 He falls first
❤️‍🩹 sort of enemies to lovers

Would you risk everything for something real? Or stay stuck with just “the boards” between you? 💭💙 If you love hockey, sizzling tension, and emotional healing, The Boards Between Us is the perfect face-off between heart and heartbreak. 💔➡️💘

#HockeyRomance #SportsRomance #BookReview #TheBoardsBetweenUs #CassandraMoll #SlowBurn #Bookstagram #EnemiesToLovers #SingleMomRomance #RomanceReads
Profile Image for Sunny D.
154 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2025
You should read this book, and then be like me and read it again. You want to talk about set-up, plot, and a decent slow burn with a bit of heat added? Yes, Cassandra gives you all of that and more. And make no mistake….it's’ everything.

For starters, I love a single mom who’s taking care of business. Alex is that person. She’s got the most adorable son, who loves hockey and is obsessed with it. She’s just in her own world though, and doesn't give anyone the time of day. She’s herself, even when she doesn't want to be. But then Levi enters her life…and honey…Alex…finds herself in more ways than she thinks.

What I loved about this story is how similar they are as characters. They hid from similar things, they wanted similar things, and tried to keep each other at arm's length but Levi fellhard and first and he just knew that she rocked his world. I loved watching his development from this coach who just did whatever, to meeting the woman that would change that.

Let us take a moment to gush about him for a second because….LEVI MONTGOMERY??? Yes, he is the standard, the blueprint, the answer of all answers. I could talk about him for days. The way he showed her that their worlds could work, the way he leaned into her, made jokes, and just was an all around man! Like genuinely he is for sure in the Top Book Boyfriends list.

My favorite scene in the entire story was when she was having car troubles, and he takes care of her. It's truly when things shift for them. And that moment was so sweet.

Overall…this book is going in my top 20 reads of the year. There is no doubt about it. I loved every minute of it, and would praise this book multiple times.

Thank you Cassandra for this read, can’t wait for the next story with Brooke!!
Profile Image for Samantha Draws.
213 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨ 4⭐️ If you know me then you know I’m a sucker for a good hockey romance! I really enjoyed Alex and Levi’s story! Levi became the youngest coach in NHL history after an injury that took away his dream of playing professionally. Alex is a single mom trying to do right by her son since all his dad cares about is his career and money. When Levi stumbles upon Alex outside his office before a game one day he’s immediately taken by her. After her horrible ex all but abandoned her when she found out she was pregnant, Alex has a struck “no suits” rule. Levi doesn’t do relationships. When he lost his career and his long term girlfriend went with it he wrote off ever finding love again. But when he meets Alex he’s determined to make her rethink her rule and fall in love with him even if the relationship has to start out as a friends with benefits situation. Will Levi be able to break down her walls and show the only girl who has ever caught his attention that he’s nothing like her ex and worth taking a chance on? I truly can’t get over how sweet Levi is to Caleb. He may want to get his mom’s attention but you can tell that he truly cares about him too. He’s so protective of him! I can understand why they both have so many walls built up and are hesitant to let someone in again. Levi making it a point to never act like her ex and try to have a solution for all of her problems that isn’t just throwing money at it is so heartwarming. Seeing them finally let each other in and give in to those feelings was just the icing on the cake! A fun take on hockey romance you don’t want to miss!

Tropes:
✨Hockey Romance
✨Single Mom
✨Friends with Benefits
✨Slow Burn
✨He Falls First
Profile Image for Bluemoonchild.
181 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2025
There are so many hockey romances out there now thanks to the genre exploding in popularity. However, few of them are good enough to grab you by the heart and refuse to let you go. With layered, emotionally resonant characters and the kind of chemistry that threatens to scorch the pages, this is everything I look for in a sports romance.

Levi is the perfect blend of wounded and wonderful, who has found a new purpose after an injury cost him what he thought was everything. Alex is one of those heroines that we don't see often enough - resilient, relatable, and refreshingly strong. When Levi meets Alex - and Cooper - it becomes clear that there might be something worth more than hockey in life. But Alex has trust issues - and kudos to the author for portraying them as earned and not exaggerated - so watching her slowly let Levi in felt authentic and rewarding.

The banter in this book is top-tier and hilarious and the physical connection is absolute fire, but it's the emotional depth that truly makes this book. Both Levi and Alex are carrying wounds and the book doesn't shy away from their fears. But it also doesn't hold back on the hope, their healing, or the swoon-worthy moments. Their immediate attraction to each other - no matter how much Alex tries to deny it - very quickly turns into something that's impossible for anyone to ignore.

This is a romance with heart and it belongs on your shelf immediately. It's sexy, smart, and deeply satisfying, and I didn't want it to end. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Profile Image for Sefora Darling.
28 reviews
June 14, 2025
Question: How do you punch someone virtually, specifically NICK, (a virtual man in a book)?
“To Nick, money means success, success means power, and power means you can treat people however you want.” Well, Nick boy you’re a very ugly-mannered man 🥲. Take a boot to the hind, will you?

“It’s why I’ll never again date a guy in a suit.” Well, honey bun, never say never. 🤭 On that note, GO FLAMES 🔥 🥳

The adults in this book are cute 🥰 but wanna know my favourites??? THE KIDS 😂 I love kids so much and having them in this book made things so lovely 🥺 and nice 💯 while I read. Cooper & Ruthie…awww 🥰, their wit, humour…and them just being kids. I badly wanted them to meet and interact too but…well, there’s more coming I can feel so not all hope is lost. Loved everything about it. “Sometimes this kid drives me absolutely crazy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Same Lexi, same.

The first encounter between the MMC & FMC…speechless 😶. The trope that never gets old. Love love it! Levi & Alex 🥺🥰💯❤️ He loves kids??? Like can he be any cuter? 😍

This was a magnificent 😍 read!!! Enjoyed every bit of it especially the domestic quality about the characters. They felt so real. It was easy to get into their lives and root for them. ❤️🥰 The tension and electricity between these two is off the charts!!! 💯❤️ “Miss I-Don’t-Date-Suits” smiled when I read that from his POV. Then “Coach Jawline” 😂 from her POV. These two just kept cracking me up. “But I don’t want perfect. I want us–win or lose.” YES. YES. YES.
Do you know whose story I look forward to? LIAM 🤭
Profile Image for LostinABook.
76 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2025
The Boards Between Us was a fun hockey romance! There was a perfect balance of banter, emotional depth, hockey lifestyle, healing, spicy scenes, romance and COMMUNICATION. This is what I want to read when I pick a sports romance!
I loved how relatable and believable the characters were. I connected with both MCs. Levi was the perfect definition of "you shouldn't judge a book by its cover".

I was frustrated by Alex a few times at the start. Even though I understood where she was coming from, i didn't like how judgemental she was of Levi without knowing him.
That being said, her character development was everything that I needed in this story. When she finally decided to not let her past experiences rule her decisions, I found myself screaming "that's my girl!". I was so proud of her!

I loved the secondary characters as much as I loved the main ones in this book. I don't know what's next in this series, but please Cassandra give us more of Brooke, Drew, Liam and Ruthie. 🥹

Thank you Cassandra for giving a voice to mothers through Alex's struggles. It's nice to see the good and the difficult aspects of parenthood depicted in a book. Your words found me at the perfect time.

"I'm sure every parent feels stressed and overstimulated the majority of the time. Raising kids without royally screwing them up is flat out hard."
201 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2025
This book is a hidden gem! This is a new author to me, and she has created a fan for life now!
I am a sucker for a good single parent trope! Add in some hockey and killer chemistry…YES!
Levi Montgomery had it all. He was a star hockey player living his best life until it all came tumbling down. He found his way out and picked himself back up, but he made sure his walls were high and solid.
Alex is a single mom who learned the hard way that doesn’t need anyone else, thank you very much. Her walls are built so high from her past, and her life is centered on protecting her son.
When their paths cross, it’s game on! Alex is not about to let her guard down, but Levi is determined and just might have a plan that will break both of their walls down…piece by piece.
This author develops her characters and her scenes so you feel as if you are right there with them. I laughed so hard, and there were moments that I got emotional. The banter between the two and diving into their thoughts with the dual POV was superb!
I love the character growth throughout the story along with how relatable it was. The side characters were just as memorable…Cooper-I love that kid!
This is a book that kept me up reading at night and made me sneak off to read some chapters whenever I could. I am excited for book 2!
Profile Image for Michelle Fry.
100 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2025
The Board Between Us felt like a book being written about my life…minus the sexy NHL coach falling in love with me and my son

I don’t think I have ever related to a FMC the way I related to Alex…growing up with a single mom and no father, having a little boy in our wake 20’s with someone who could honestly careless about being a parent, being a hockey mom and juggling multiple jobs to make ends meat…It was so refreshing to see a character that I could relate to

Levi and Alex’s relationship definitely didn’t start off all sunshine and rainbows, but the way that Levi went about making sure he got more time with Alex was amazing…He didn’t make it about himself, he made the spotlight for Cooper and was just lucky enough that Alex wanted this opportunity for her son, which obviously was great for all of them

I adored how much Levi worked to show Alex that he was nothing like her ex and that not everyone is going to brush her off or make her feel like she isn’t good enough…Levi, shows right away how much he cares for the people in his life…Liam and Ruthie being the most important until Alex and Cooper of course…He also shows that he is human and struggles to find a work/life balance at times
59 reviews
July 8, 2025
ARC Review – The Boards Between Us by Cassandra Moll ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Single mum Alex and professional hockey coach Levi make such a memorable pair. Both are guarded by their pasts, though Alex’s walls are so much higher than Levi’s. From the moment they meet, Levi is a total goner — he would do anything for her and her son, Cooper. Alex is drawn to him but refuses to let herself fall easily, making this almost a reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic that I loved.
Their banter, the way Levi gently pushes her boundaries, and especially the way he communicates (except for that one moment — ouch) was so well done. Alex’s growth in this book — from spending time with Levi, learning to believe in herself, and standing up and fighting for what she wants — was beautiful to watch.
Cooper was written beautifully too. I loved how involved he was throughout the book, and how Levi included him in so much, even if it started out as a way to spend more time with Alex. He ends up being an incredible role model for Cooper.
Alex’s ex, Nick, is a waste of space and a sorry excuse for a parent — I was so frustrated with him, but it made me root even harder for Levi.
The side characters — Liam, Ruthie, and Brooke — were fantastic and I’m 100% invested in their happiness too. Please tell me Brooke and Drew’s story is next?!
Profile Image for Megs.
449 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2025
🏒❤️ARC Review❤️🏒


YES! Thanks to my OBBs for recommending I sign up for Cassandra Moll's team! Thank you so much for this ARC copy of The Boards Between Us!

I loved the characters, I loved the set up, I loved the build up and I love how it all worked and how it ended! Basically I LOVED this book!!

The way that you wrote these characters, not just the MCs but also Cooper and Nick (ugh I don’t wanna give Nick credit for anything). If Nick wasn’t who he was *cough* a jerk and selfish and terrible father *cough* then I truly don’t believe that the relationship between Alex and Levi would have become what it was. Because of the simple fact that, in the beginning, Alex could care less about Levi.

The way everything played out in the end was PERFECt between the conflict Levi was dealing with and Alex having an epiphany, and Cooper being the smartest kid EVER.

I can not wait for more, as all the side characters were something special, and I’m already pairing off potential couples in my head🙃

Tropes:
🏒Dislike to Love
❤️He won’t fall in love
🏒She doesn’t want to fall in love
❤️Forced Proximity
🏒Acquaintance with Bennies
❤️He falls first
🏒No Third Act Break Up
❤️Single Mom
Profile Image for Dawn.
43 reviews
July 9, 2025
Let me just say once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. These are my thoughts and my thoughts alone.

This book by far is one of my favorite this year. I was not prepared for the emotion behind this book. I have a lot of broken pieces or I feel like I do and this book brought them to life and I felt like I healed a little with them. Alex a single mom doing the best she can, works through her fears and finds love in a place she never thought she would. Thanks to Nick her Ex that can’t be bothered with anything other than work and woman, she swears off men( or suits as she calls them). Levi a coach (ex NHL player)who has sworn off love or relationships because of past experiences sees Alex and I mean really sees Alex and what happens next you will not be prepared for. The way he takes care of her not because he’s trying to be a knight in shining armor but because she’s special. Let’s not leave out Cooper, a sweet young man whose dad doesn’t make time for him. He’s one of the reasons Levi and Alex meet. There is so much to say but I don’t want to spoil it. Who doesn’t love a single mom hockey romance? This book was definitely a 5/5 star for me with a 3/5 spice. I love that the spice didn’t overpower the story.
Profile Image for EVANGELIA  MARAGKOPOULOU.
699 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2025
A sweet funny and hot story . Alex is a single mom of a 12 year old boy who loves playing hockey . When she meets Levi Montgomery the coach of the Flames Golden City's NHL team her first impression is very bad although she finds him very attractive . Levi is feeling amazed with the most beautiful woman he ever seen wearing that red vest and glaring darts at him . With the hockey youth program and her son as the being the player the team involved with the team . Levi and Alex can't deny their attraction so they decide to only have sex as long the program runs and then it ends . Alex is afraid to trust any man because of the way the father of Cooper treated her when she told him about her pregnancy and the way he is towards his son until now . Levi before becoming the youngest coach in NHL he was a great hockey player but an injury stopped his career and so his then girlfriend dump him because he would no more have the money he used to so his only family was his big brother Liam and his amazing niece Ruth . Now with Alex he wants more but will he be able to win her heart ?
I received this book from the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .
Profile Image for Dayna.
9 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2025
My first hockey romance read and I couldn’t be happier! As an avid reader, this book easily made it to my favorite books list! Cassandra’s writing in this is top tier. The plot and the connections and the teasing. You’ll be giggling and falling in love, trust! Oh and Coach Montgomery is just 🥵🥵 He is respectful, a gentleman, and has a sweet spot for kids but hockey isn’t the only thing he’s skilled in if ya know what I mean!

- hockey romance
- secret arrangement
- he falls first
- slow burn
- dual pov

Levi Montgomery faces a career ending injury but then takes a job as an NHL head coach. He doesn’t date. He doesn’t let anyone in. That is until, Alex Bennett enters his life. Alex is a single mom who stays far away from any man that wears a suit. But Alex and Levi’s chemistry? Instant. Undeniable. Alex won’t admit it at first but then agrees to a secret no strings attached arrangement which ends up with walls falling down and hearts taking risks.

This is a MUST READ. It was SO GOOD! Cassandra’s writing even made you fall in love with all of the side characters..well, except Nick. (Hate Nick!) can not wait for the rest of the series!!
Profile Image for Lemonnyyy.
165 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2025
🏒💙The Boards Between Us by Cassandra Moll💙🏒

251 Pages

Golden City Series Book 1

I have been looking forward to getting into this one as soon as I read the Blurb! This was certainly a wild adventure. 

The Boards Between us follows Alex, navigating her busy life with 2 jobs and raising her 12 year old, Cooper. After swearing off men, specifically those in suits she is not expecting to be knocked off her feet by the Flames head Coach Levi Mongomery, after settling into a strictly physical relationship, can she let in another man in a suit.

This book had me laughing and gagging in the same breath, Alex has been through a lot and I was rooting for her to come out on top, figuratively and literally speaking. I just loved getting to know everyone from Alex's support system and how that started out as well as the Levi's closest friends and his family.

I am looking forward to seeing more from this universe and reading more from Cassandra! 
I would highly recommend that you start this series, you will struggle to put it down, For fans of Hockey Romances, Single Mum, Slow Burn, Secret Arrangement, He Falls First and some delicious Spicy Goodness.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bell.
176 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A sizzling, emotional knockout!”

Cassandra Moll absolutely crushed it with The Boards Between Us! This book had everything I love in a hockey romance—grumpy yet soft hero, fierce and relatable heroine, off-the-charts chemistry, and so much heart.

Levi Montgomery might be my new favorite fictional man. He’s broody, damaged, and wildly protective—but the way he slowly unravels for Alex? SWOON. And Alex? A strong, single mom just trying to survive and protect her heart. I loved how independent and real she felt. Their connection was magnetic from the start, but watching their physical arrangement turn into something deeper gave me all the butterflies.

This story had just the right amount of tension, spice, and vulnerability. Cassandra beautifully balanced the steamy scenes with emotional growth and healing, making it impossible to put down. I laughed, I teared up, and I rooted for them every step of the way.

If you’re a fan of single parent romances, redemption arcs, and a hockey world full of heart, The Boards Between Us is a must-read. I’m officially obsessed with the Golden City Series—and I need more now!
Profile Image for Sav.
28 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2025
Ahhhhhhhh!!!!! 🤩 I am smitten!!! I picked this book up from a local bookstore in the blind date with a hockey romance section…I have grabbed blind dates with books before and have been severely disappointed but this, THIS BOOK, I devoured in less than 24 hours. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

This rom-com is about a single mom (Alex) of a 12 y.o. (Cooper) pee-wee hockey player who meets the head coach (Levi) of the NHL Flames. Levi & Alex start a FWB situationship that quickly turns into more.

Alex & Levi’s love story was perfect. The banter, tension, & vulnerability was chef’s kiss 🤌😍 I fell in love with Levi & Alex 💛 Cooper and Brooke were icing on the cake. I hope Nick the Dick loses his firm.

Hockey romances have me hooked and it was refreshing to read one about a professional hockey coach rather than a hockey player. Moll did a fantastic job with incorporating the actual sport of hockey into her story!

If you are a fan of hockey, romance, humor, and a good cheeseburger 🍔 go read this book ASAP! If you’re not a fan of longer rom-coms (334 pages) go read something shorter and with less sustenance & banter, ya punk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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