What do you think?
Rate this book
Pine Barrens University #1
Beyond the Lines
A steamy new college hockey romance that has a dollop of humor, a ton of enemies-to-lovers & brother’s best friend goodness, and a guaranteed HEA.
HER RULES
After her heart was shattered, Lea arrives at Pine Barren University with three unbreakable focus on her art, avoid distractions, and above all—no boys (and especially no hockey players, because her brother’s teammates are the sort of jerks she needs to avoid!).
No exceptions, no matter how tempting.
HIS SECRET
Declan Andrews has NHL prospects and a future already mapped out. But beneath the uniform beats the heart of an artist with gallery dreams. Three years of hiding his true passion has left him trapped between two worlds, longing for someone who sees the real him.
And then she comes along.
THE PERFECT DILEMMA
When they collide at a frat party, Declan and Lea are electrified by an instant connection that keeps them talking until dawn at a 24-hour diner. But just as their night is sealed by one hell of a kiss, and Lea is preparing to bend her rules just a little, Declan decides to keep a tiny he plays hockey alongside her brother.
Cue a whole lot of hating, until they’re forced to do a semester-long project together…
Key
Brother’s best friend (he’ll kill us both!)Forced proximity (thanks, Professor Lucas!)Secret hookups (have you tried hiding when you’re the hockey captain’s brother?!)First in series (but read as standalone!)Steamy 'open door' spice level
Get it now!
HER RULES
After her heart was shattered, Lea arrives at Pine Barren University with three unbreakable focus on her art, avoid distractions, and above all—no boys (and especially no hockey players, because her brother’s teammates are the sort of jerks she needs to avoid!).
No exceptions, no matter how tempting.
HIS SECRET
Declan Andrews has NHL prospects and a future already mapped out. But beneath the uniform beats the heart of an artist with gallery dreams. Three years of hiding his true passion has left him trapped between two worlds, longing for someone who sees the real him.
And then she comes along.
THE PERFECT DILEMMA
When they collide at a frat party, Declan and Lea are electrified by an instant connection that keeps them talking until dawn at a 24-hour diner. But just as their night is sealed by one hell of a kiss, and Lea is preparing to bend her rules just a little, Declan decides to keep a tiny he plays hockey alongside her brother.
Cue a whole lot of hating, until they’re forced to do a semester-long project together…
Key
Brother’s best friend (he’ll kill us both!)Forced proximity (thanks, Professor Lucas!)Secret hookups (have you tried hiding when you’re the hockey captain’s brother?!)First in series (but read as standalone!)Steamy 'open door' spice level
Get it now!
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
725 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 28, 2025
Barely made it through, skimmed a lot. The heroine was incredibly immature and acted like a highschooler. The fact she spent 200 pages mad at the dude for not telling her he was on the hockey team the ONE night the talked was insanity. So much of this book felt incredibly forced. This was 200 pages too long. I think it was supposed to be funny, but was mainly just cringey when she saw the H coming and his behind her friend because she was embarrassed to see him after they had sex. Who does that? She kept saying "He's just doing this to get in my pants!" while she was the only one initiating anything sexual. I'm also bummed he wasn't more pissed at her for her whole drunken strip card game where she got naked with another dude and was just going to let whatever happened happen. So gross. What friend tells you to go find another guy to get over the guy you got with to get over ANOTHER GUY! Girl! Have the smallest amount of self respect! Really, these books just were 💯 not for me, they are next door to YA, but with some random sex thrown in.
July 27, 2025
She is insufferable
December 1, 2025
he should’ve avoided her like the plague!
April 22, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page. If you’re into college romances with a hockey twist, off-the-charts chemistry, and characters that make you feel everything—Beyond the Lines is a must-read.
Lea and Declan aren’t just about attraction (though trust me, that part is on fire). What really got me was their profound connection. The way they opened up to each other—through their shared love of art—was so raw and real. You could feel how safe they made each other feel, how much they just got one another. It wasn’t just about sneaking around or breaking the rules—it was about finding someone who saw you, really saw you. Their conversations, those quiet vulnerable moments... they added so much depth and made the romance all the more powerful.
And then—boom—Lea is revealed to be Declan’s best friend’s sister. Mike, of course, has her firmly in the "off-limits" zone, which throws everything into chaos. But that doesn’t erase the bond she and Declan share—it only adds more intensity. The tension, the longing, the push and pull—it’s addictive. And when they finally give in to that slow-burn build-up? Let’s just say Clara West knows her way around a steamy scene.
What also stood out was the richness of the side relationships. Lea’s best friend Em is loyal and supportive through everything, always in her corner. Declan’s banter-filled, unshakeable friendship with his teammates Linc and Mike brings so much heart and humor. And I really loved Lea’s sibling dynamic with Mike. Despite the protective older brother role, their relationship is layered with real care and affection. You could feel how much they mean to each other, even when things get tense—it added emotional weight to the whole “off-limits” dilemma, making everything even more complicated and real.
If I had one small critique, it’s that Lea’s past heartbreak from the summer felt a bit overemphasised at times. It slightly slowed the pace, but honestly? That’s a minor thing in an otherwise amazing read.
This book had heart, heat, and depth. Lea and Declan are one of those couples that truly leave a mark. I’ll be thinking about them—and their art-filled love story—for a while. Clara West is absolutely one to watch!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lea and Declan aren’t just about attraction (though trust me, that part is on fire). What really got me was their profound connection. The way they opened up to each other—through their shared love of art—was so raw and real. You could feel how safe they made each other feel, how much they just got one another. It wasn’t just about sneaking around or breaking the rules—it was about finding someone who saw you, really saw you. Their conversations, those quiet vulnerable moments... they added so much depth and made the romance all the more powerful.
And then—boom—Lea is revealed to be Declan’s best friend’s sister. Mike, of course, has her firmly in the "off-limits" zone, which throws everything into chaos. But that doesn’t erase the bond she and Declan share—it only adds more intensity. The tension, the longing, the push and pull—it’s addictive. And when they finally give in to that slow-burn build-up? Let’s just say Clara West knows her way around a steamy scene.
What also stood out was the richness of the side relationships. Lea’s best friend Em is loyal and supportive through everything, always in her corner. Declan’s banter-filled, unshakeable friendship with his teammates Linc and Mike brings so much heart and humor. And I really loved Lea’s sibling dynamic with Mike. Despite the protective older brother role, their relationship is layered with real care and affection. You could feel how much they mean to each other, even when things get tense—it added emotional weight to the whole “off-limits” dilemma, making everything even more complicated and real.
If I had one small critique, it’s that Lea’s past heartbreak from the summer felt a bit overemphasised at times. It slightly slowed the pace, but honestly? That’s a minor thing in an otherwise amazing read.
This book had heart, heat, and depth. Lea and Declan are one of those couples that truly leave a mark. I’ll be thinking about them—and their art-filled love story—for a while. Clara West is absolutely one to watch!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
The immediate sensory overload introduction to roommate Amélie, aka Em, made me giggle and instantly love her. And honestly, she's likely the only reason that I kept reading because by 25%, both MCs were insufferable and unlikeable, and if it wasn't an ARC, I’d have DNF 🤷🏻♀️
Lea and Declan have a super cute meet cute, and then she finds out he's her brother’s teammate, and she turns into a whiny, pouty hermit. Totally normal for a 19yo girl, but still mildly annoying to read because she started out a fun and interesting character. She and Declan are believably their ages, so their behavior makes sense, but it’s also annoying because I guess I didn't realize that so much of the start of the book would be them “hating” each other from a misunderstanding as opposed to the story I thought it would be from the blurb (I thought it was going to be more of a secret brother's best friend kinda story, my fault for missing the enemies to lovers tag).
Eventually, the two MCs start to become likeable again at about 44%. And it is an enjoyable book from that point on. Although, the ending feels very abrupt, like there should be something else…
I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout.
The immediate sensory overload introduction to roommate Amélie, aka Em, made me giggle and instantly love her. And honestly, she's likely the only reason that I kept reading because by 25%, both MCs were insufferable and unlikeable, and if it wasn't an ARC, I’d have DNF 🤷🏻♀️
Lea and Declan have a super cute meet cute, and then she finds out he's her brother’s teammate, and she turns into a whiny, pouty hermit. Totally normal for a 19yo girl, but still mildly annoying to read because she started out a fun and interesting character. She and Declan are believably their ages, so their behavior makes sense, but it’s also annoying because I guess I didn't realize that so much of the start of the book would be them “hating” each other from a misunderstanding as opposed to the story I thought it would be from the blurb (I thought it was going to be more of a secret brother's best friend kinda story, my fault for missing the enemies to lovers tag).
Eventually, the two MCs start to become likeable again at about 44%. And it is an enjoyable book from that point on. Although, the ending feels very abrupt, like there should be something else…
I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout.
July 20, 2025
Lea and Declan's story isn't just about attraction (though, yes, that tension is delicious), it's about connection — the kind that feels lived-in and honest.
Declan is the soft-hearted, art-loving hockey player you don’t see coming. He listens. He remembers. He shows up. And Lea? She’s guarded, determined, figuring out who she is and how to let someone in again. Watching them stumble their way toward each other felt vulnerable in the best way.
The moment the best friend’s sister's twist dropped? I felt that chaos. And the guilt, the longing, the "we shouldn’t, but we already did" energy that followed? Addictive. I adored their stolen moments, the sketchbooks, the late-night talks, the way they quietly kept choosing each other even when everything said not to.
The sibling tension between Lea and Mike was layered in a way that made everything messier and more meaningful.
It’s soft, slow-burning longing with sharp edges, heartfelt friendship, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up and wrecks you.
Declan is the soft-hearted, art-loving hockey player you don’t see coming. He listens. He remembers. He shows up. And Lea? She’s guarded, determined, figuring out who she is and how to let someone in again. Watching them stumble their way toward each other felt vulnerable in the best way.
The moment the best friend’s sister's twist dropped? I felt that chaos. And the guilt, the longing, the "we shouldn’t, but we already did" energy that followed? Addictive. I adored their stolen moments, the sketchbooks, the late-night talks, the way they quietly kept choosing each other even when everything said not to.
The sibling tension between Lea and Mike was layered in a way that made everything messier and more meaningful.
It’s soft, slow-burning longing with sharp edges, heartfelt friendship, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up and wrecks you.
May 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW
✨ Beyond the Lines by Clara West
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Where do I even begin? This book was soft, emotional, and somehow still managed to set my soul on fire. I highlighted SO many quotes I want to tattoo on my heart.
The chemistry? Delicate but intense. The emotions? Raw and real. And the way Clara West writes about pain, healing, and falling in love again—it made me feel like I was living the story, not just reading it.
It’s about two people carrying more than they let on, meeting at the wrong time... but maybe for the right reasons. I laughed, I cried, and yes—got absolutely flustered at some of those moments (you know the ones).
This one’s going straight to my “books that hurt so good” shelf. 💔💫.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
✨ Beyond the Lines by Clara West
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Where do I even begin? This book was soft, emotional, and somehow still managed to set my soul on fire. I highlighted SO many quotes I want to tattoo on my heart.
The chemistry? Delicate but intense. The emotions? Raw and real. And the way Clara West writes about pain, healing, and falling in love again—it made me feel like I was living the story, not just reading it.
It’s about two people carrying more than they let on, meeting at the wrong time... but maybe for the right reasons. I laughed, I cried, and yes—got absolutely flustered at some of those moments (you know the ones).
This one’s going straight to my “books that hurt so good” shelf. 💔💫.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
This book was really good. After a failed summer fling, Lea is starting her first year of college. She meets Declan, fellow artist. Of course they hit it off but there’s complications. They now have to figure out their tangle of emotions and if they should follow what they are supposed to do or what they truly want.
Lea’s character felt realistic as she tried to figure out who she is and what she wants. You truly get to see growth of her character. Declan, is both artist and athlete and juggles both worlds. I like that his character is solid, especially when it comes to Lea. He shows a care for her that’s amazing to read.
If you like secret romances then this is a book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lea’s character felt realistic as she tried to figure out who she is and what she wants. You truly get to see growth of her character. Declan, is both artist and athlete and juggles both worlds. I like that his character is solid, especially when it comes to Lea. He shows a care for her that’s amazing to read.
If you like secret romances then this is a book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
This book was so much fun omg! I was so intrigued by the FMC & MMCs first meeting and then what happened straight after to throw them into an enemies to lovers dynamic, pair that with the brothers best friend trope and I was HOOKED! This book was exactly what I needed to pull me out of my slump. The MMC & FMCs forced proximity through an art project was chefs kiss. Devoured in under 24 hours. I also really liked her roommate and the fact that she called her out multiple times - that's a good friend. I have already started the second one. Not sure what else I could ask for from a hockey romance book.
December 27, 2025
With the way their relationship started I don’t know why it had to be enemies to lovers. I get it, it was to give the book plot, but seem forced and unnecessary. I enjoyed reading the male perspective over the female and almost feel this was written for a male romance reading if those exist
Also anyone dumb enough to give up an NHL career to do art must be a secret millionaire. I’m almost positive he would have enough free time in an NHL career to still enjoy art
Also anyone dumb enough to give up an NHL career to do art must be a secret millionaire. I’m almost positive he would have enough free time in an NHL career to still enjoy art
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
Let me say that what got me was the hockey. Im a huge hockey romance girl and this book delivered. The right amount of that hockey aspect to the romance of the book. I love Dec and Lea. I want a Declan in my life rn.
The relationship between them and the friendships between their separate friends is amazing. Definitely would love to read more.
The relationship between them and the friendships between their separate friends is amazing. Definitely would love to read more.
August 4, 2025
Almost a 5 star read
4.5 stars
Some moments in the begging were a bit to unrealistic and hyped up like Em. The writing was incredible at vulnerable moments but sometimes I felt they didn’t talk it all the way through. Like you didn’t get that exact satisfaction of them talking it out. Besides that this was an amazing read
4.5 stars
Some moments in the begging were a bit to unrealistic and hyped up like Em. The writing was incredible at vulnerable moments but sometimes I felt they didn’t talk it all the way through. Like you didn’t get that exact satisfaction of them talking it out. Besides that this was an amazing read
October 26, 2025
Fun book - although the FMC was annoying because she wouldn't listen or even talk to the MMC - its annoying when a conversation is what really could figure things out - i liked the art aspect for the MMC - however they never really talked about what originally happened and I thought that a bit of a cop out. Anyways, cure start to the series looking forward to the next one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
🩷 ARC REVIEW 🩷
Steamy, swoony, and full of heart—this hockey romance hit all the right notes. The chemistry was electric, the banter was sharp, and the emotional moments packed a punch. I couldn’t put it down! Absolutely loved this book 🤩
Steamy, swoony, and full of heart—this hockey romance hit all the right notes. The chemistry was electric, the banter was sharp, and the emotional moments packed a punch. I couldn’t put it down! Absolutely loved this book 🤩
May 21, 2025
Declan is a hockey player. Lea is his teammate’s brother. But it felt less about that and more about them being art students. They are amazing. I really liked them. They had a sweet energy. Very real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
I thought the book was ok for me. It just got a bit repetitive with the summer fling reminder. I also don't know if I really believed how much Lia really disliked Declan in the beginner as a result. Otherwise, it was an easy read. 3.5 stars
December 17, 2025
Shouldn’t have tried another hockey romance after Heated Rivalry it wasn’t fair. But I didn’t realize it was based in college which i sort of feel miles away from now and also it just lacked depth. sorry to this book
January 30, 2026
This book moved along quickly. To be young and in college again. I was happy to read that the evil Chris ex boyfriend did not make a reappearance. This read like a soap opera plenty of humor, tension and a interesting twist on the hard work of being a artist.
July 30, 2025
Adorable!
Absolutely loved this book! It’s definitely in my top 3 hockey books and I highly recommend. The writing was fun and I was sucked into the story!
Absolutely loved this book! It’s definitely in my top 3 hockey books and I highly recommend. The writing was fun and I was sucked into the story!
Want to read
September 15, 2025good
September 23, 2025
Fun read
Instant connection. Misunderstanding that blows everything up. Not your typical hockey read that had it standing out and fun characters.
Instant connection. Misunderstanding that blows everything up. Not your typical hockey read that had it standing out and fun characters.
October 2, 2025
College hockey romance… not terrible not great
October 27, 2025
Ugh maybe it’s my mood but dnf
October 29, 2025
2.5⭐️
An entertaining enough read. The miscommunication trope is annoying any time but for whiny teenagers even more so, but they were at least acting their age I suppose. Em was a great character.
An entertaining enough read. The miscommunication trope is annoying any time but for whiny teenagers even more so, but they were at least acting their age I suppose. Em was a great character.
November 29, 2025
I like the layout of the book and the way it progressed. And I’m excited for Mike’s book.
December 7, 2025
like objectively really bad but I honestly enjoyed it
2.5 🌟
2.5 🌟
January 2, 2026
3.5 stars. but I'm coming off reading a book I LOVED so 🤷🏽♀️
January 27, 2026
1.5. 1 point for declan, half a point for linc and em. that's it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews