Three years after her humiliating divorce from hockey star Jason Martinez, Elliot Waltman has meticulously rebuilt her life with one unbreakable no hockey players. Ever.
Until Brody Carter moves in next door.
The brooding defenseman has harbored feelings for Elliot since a single intense conversation at a Christmas party years ago, when she was still married to his teammate. Now, a trade back to Phoenix has given him a second chance he never thought he'd get.
As walls crumble and carefully guarded hearts begin to open, Elliot's ex resurfaces with a vengeance, threatening to destroy everything they've built. His vindictive campaign forces Elliot to make an impossible choice—stay and risk Brody's career, or flee and sacrifice the love she never saw coming.
In a high-stakes game where the past collides with the present, Elliot and Brody must decide if what burns between them is worth fighting for—even when the odds are stacked against them and the penalty for losing is devastation.
A scorching, emotional slow-burn about the price of vulnerability, the courage to trust again after betrayal, and finding love in the most unexpected penalty box.
This is so hard to rate because all the elements were there to make this a solid 4 star read, it just fell short in part to the editing. There were redundancies throughout, more in the beginning, explaining scenes from previous chapters as if it’s just happening. Gave a weird deja vu vibe leaving me questioning my page in the book. Aside from that I adored the couple in the first book of the Seattle Puckaneers series. Hockey defenseman Brody has major golden retriever energy which I adore throughout, though I did share Eliot’s first impression, he has minor stalker tendencies, but it really didn’t matter after she got to know him. Elliot’s ex was a hockey player too, and there’s tension when their teams compete that was fast paced and descriptive. Eliot’s bestie is married to a teammate of Brody, and they both are comic relief from the start to finish, which had me chuckling. Plus some flirty texts that helped set the spice. I believe this is authors first published work and I’m excited for book 2 that was set up at the end of this.
Cute hockey romance. Golden retriever male main character. Honestly, I don’t love Elliot’s character. I think Brody carries the book. Sometimes the dialogue is repetitive and I think they focus too much on Jason. I get how it kinda revolves around him, but I wish we saw more of Elliot and Brody’s relationship outside of the Jason issue. I think it would make the book a little more interesting and engaging. Overall, a cute and easy read! I received this as an arc, and I’m leaving a review by choice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Elliot and Brody's story is a slow burn that's totally worth it. Elliot progresses so much throughout the novel as she deals with her terrible ex (seriously, Jason, who hurt you??), and Brody's golden retriever vibes are just super fun to read. Special shout-out to Sarah and Tommy, who keep the action (and the laughs) moving with some extra nudges here and there. Thank you to Tisha Patrick for sharing the ARC - I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
This book had a lot of things that I love. A male MC that is obsessed and will do anything for the FMC, a guy who doesn't give up and who is great at communication. I loved this book up until the 70% mark and I just couldn't get on board with what the FMC did. I didn't understand it, but the MMC made up for it with how steadfast he was.
Across The Boards With Tisha Patrick! Thank you to @Tisha.Patrick_author for taking the chance and popping my ARC Cherry!
#ARCCHERRY is that a thing? Can we make it a thing?
After meeting Elliot Waltman at a team event three years prior Brody Carter is given an opening to go for the girl of his dreams!Without Hesitation Brody skates right past her icy walls to catch her when she falls!
Across The Boards is such a fun Second Chance / Golden Retriever/ Black Cat, Open Door Hockey Romance!
Brody Carter is TOP TEIR when it comes to Book Boyfriends as he shows Elliot Waltman that it's ok to love again after years of destruction and that not all Hockey Players are built the same! Some have green flags to go with their abs!
Brody is your hockey player who is thoughtful, attentive, and bookworm-ish. Elliot is the quiet, strong, and introverted wife of the Captain of Brody's current hockey team. Their meeting is very unconventional. & don't worry there is no cheating by either main character.
Brody ends up getting traded across the country away from Elliot. & Elliot's life now has changed so much. She gave up a lot to be married to Jason. & honestly, she lost herself along the way. Elliot's story is a reclaiming of one's self in identity and learning how love is supposed to look. When someone actually loves you and cares for you in a way that they not only want you to be happy but they want you to make the decisions based on yourself, not them.
Brody is the golden retriever you want in your corner because he has a little bit of pit bull in him. Don't touch or talk to what's his because he will implode if you poke the bear enough. He not only defends Elliot but he also is there when she needs support in other ways. I just love his character so much because he is the quiet giant that loves so deeply.
This story was beautifully written and I loved every moment of it.
TW - Cheating, Narcissism, Emotional, mental, and ever so slightly physical DV, as well as manipulated consent not from MMC. . If you love the banter of Lights Out and the sweet and steamy of contemporary romance, boy do I have a book for you. Brody and Elliot had me giggling and kicking my feet with their witty and sweet banter. Absolutely swooned at Brody’s emotional intelligence and awareness. Teared up at the mental gymnastics navigating life post-traumatic relationship. Such a well developed story, I felt I was right there with them!
Thank you Tisha, for allowing me access to read Brody and Elliott’s story early!
I loved this. I’m an easy critic when it comes to a hockey romance but I really enjoyed this story. Brody is such a golden retriever, right from the prologue we see that he’s loyal, intellectual, and swooooooning for Elliott. Elliott is smart, shy and so hidden based on how she’s taught to be in public from her husband. Brody and Elliott’s first interaction completely puts Elliott’s guard down, they share an amazing conversation and then they don’t see eachother for 3 years - thanks to the husband - but Brody does not forget that convo.
These two had the best banter. While Elliott was an over thinker and very protective of her heart from her past, Brody was always so understanding, reassuring and so so in love with her. I loved their texting conversations, and how he was always all for Elliott and her feelings. I loved Tommy and Sarah so much, the comedic relief king and queen. Always butting into Brody and Elliott’s love life, making it even more entertaining. (Can we get a throwback book for their origin story please!?!)
I found the prologue/epilogue a bit rushed. I wish the prologue was written as a few chapters with some more context, we learn a lot about our fmc/her ex and the mmc in short blurbs. We don’t meet any of our Seattle players for the remainder of Tisha’s series until the epilogue, I’m excited for Dex’s story to come next but I wish we had a few chapters to really rope us in more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
🏒 Hockey Romance 🧡 Golden Retriever x Black Cat 🏒 He falls first 🧡 Reverse Age Gap (She’s 36, He’s 27)
This is book one in the Seattle Puckaneers Series. It follows Brody Carter and Elliot Waltman. When they meet for the 1st time Elliot is married to a defenseman on the same team as Brody. The two briefly meet at a Christmas party, for Brody it is love at first sight, but he doesn’t act on it since Elliot is still married. After three years Brody is traded back to Phoenix and Elliot divorced her husband. That’s when Brody decides to act on his attraction towards Elliot.
„Because some things in life are worth fighting for. Some things demand everything you have to give. Some things—some people—are worth the risk, worth the vulnerability, worth facing the possibility of rejection.“
In my personal opinion I feel like Brody deserved a lot better than Elliot. I feel like he put a lot more effort into their relationship than her. Still I enjoyed their relationship. Brody is a green flag, he doesn’t do anything wrong and does everything to prove to Elliot that he is a lot better than her ex. Elliot is hiding and afraid to experience something new and stands in her own way of happiness. Their relationship is really sweet and I love the text messages and the dry humor they both share!
I received an e-arc and voluntarily left a review.
Super cute hockey romance with a reverse age gap! Golden retriever MMC.
Overall, it was a super cute sports romance that I enjoyed reading! Not too much spice, and a good plot! Can't wait to read the second book in the series!
I was so happy to be able to participate in an ARC for the first time! I absolutely adored this cute hockey romance! 🏒
Reverse Age Gap / Dual POV / He Falls First
This book was a really slow burn and had minimal spice, but the plot was a 10/10. The second chance between Brody Carter and Elliot Waltman just made my heart melt. I think their story was so sweet.
The fact that Brody pined for Elliot for 3 years and moved cities to live right next store was a bit stalker-ish, but overall so sweet. He really did anything for her.
Elliot’s Ex-Husband Jason was a big part in the story and I think it was very well played out. The way Elliot overcame all her trauma to move on was written so well!
I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to the next books to come!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Be prepared for a very long prologue- one full of important details that sets the story of Elliot and Brody. Three years is a long time to remember one simple conversation, but for Brody Carter- that one conversation sparked a course of change in his life that would set the course for a new spark. Elliot Waltman- ex wife to hockeys greatest- Jason Martinez- is that spark! When opportunity knocks, Brody decides to uproot his life and head back to Phoenix, a fresh start for hockey but more importantly- a second chance to meet Elliot and get to know her. What I love most about this story was how true to himself Brody remained steadfast to his feelings. He may just be my new book boyfriend and I’m not sure anyone can top Brody. The banter was TOP NOTCH!
Across the Boards is a beautiful story of healing and finding yourself again after surviving a toxic marriage/relationship that reads much like an Abby Jimenez book. Brody is the perfect golden retriever MMC who helps Elliot work through her own doubts and fears. There were times I found the dialogue a little repetitive, but overall, this was a really great read that hooked me from start to finish.
Tropes to expect:
🌟 Hockey star x technical writer 🌟 Reverse age gap 🌟 They bond over a shared love of books 🌟 He falls first (and hard) 🌟 Golden retriever MMC 🌟 Mild spice/open door
Note: There is some content that might be triggering to some readers (cheating, marital abuse, gaslighting).
**I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Received an ARC for this cute hockey read! Brody is the greenest green flag! Love his approach to life and how patient he was with Elliot! I wish we could've get to know his backstory a little more though, left me wanting to learn more.
Elliot confused me in some aspects, I kinda wanted her to fight a little bit more for him. I understand that she had scars but it felt like she was leaving Brody to save the relationship all alone. Loved that she understood how they could balance each other out and let herself be brave to re-enter the hockey world. Also, can't wait to read about Dex, count me in!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this book! Were there times I wanted to shake Elliot and tell her that she was being ridiculous…yes but learning about the trauma she went through it made sense. Carter was the ultimate golden retriever boyfriend and was truly the best part of the book. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to tell her. It was sweet how much of an impact she had made on him after. Short conversation three years prior. I was low key sad about the ending because I didn’t realize they’d end up where they did, but then realized the series name. I think this was a wonderful set up to what I’m sure will be a fun and interesting series!
I was lucky to receive this book as an ARC💗this book was very well written! Elliot has gone through trauma with her ex-husband and she is reserved. Brody is the definition of a great book boyfriend, always putting Elliot first no matter what it costs him. The ending of the book said it best, “That sometimes, the most extraordinary love stories begin with coffee, continue through heartbreak and separation, and find their way home in the most unexpected ways. That sometimes, against all odds and logic, love simply wins. Even in Seattle. Even in the rain.”
Very cute hockey romance with some spice 🌶️ sprinkled in!
Can’t wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
thank you to Tisha Patrick for the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader! I loved it. Brody Carter is in the running for the best book boyfriend. he is nothing but a huge green flag. He is determined to get the girl, but constantly reminding her that it is all up to her and that she is in charge when it comes to everything. Elliot has been stuck in a tiny shell because of her ex-husband, but Brody does he possibly can to make her see what being loved by the right person can do for someone!!!
This is the first book I have read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Brody is the perfect guy. He has such a big heart and a huge capacity to love. Elliott carries so much baggage and damage imposed by her ex cheating husband. Brody sees something in Elliott that she doesn't see herself. He loves the person he sees hidden from others. There is so much to love about this story. Brody is so sweet and caring. He is persistent and caring. I love a good reverse age gap and this is one of the best I have read.
Across the Boards is a very cute hockey romance between a golden retriever energy hockey player Brody and Elliot, black cat energy.
Elliot has her walls up after a messy divorce with her hockey playing ex-husband. Brody is determined to tear them down after one conversation years ago.
If you are looking for a quick and easy read, this one is for you. Thank you Tisha Patrick for the ARC of Across the Boards. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
3.5 stars I enjoyed the slow burn that was Brody and Elliots' relationship. I was waiting for Elliot to wake up and stop living in fear, but I did understand the reservations. Brody was relentless in his pursuit, and sometimes, this is necessary because consistency is important. I couldn't stand ex-husband Jason - big adult bully. I would have liked to see more consequences for his actions. I loved bestie Sarah, who was supportive but also told it like it is.
There are several reasons I enjoyed this story, such as the strong hockey player with a heart of gold and the physiologically abused divorcee who is scared to let him in. But I found a lot of repetitive lines and paragraphs that slowed the story down to the point of being boring. It’s too bad because these characters have a lot of depth, and there is a good lesson here about never giving up. Overall, a good read.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC.
I enjoyed Brody and Elliot’s story, I wish we got a bit more about their relationship, I felt like a lot of the book was about Jason. I liked the reverse age gap and Brody’s character. I liked aspects of Elliot’s overthinking and anxiety. Book is a slow burn, but overall an enjoyable and cute read!
Admittedly, I was a little nervous to start this book, it’s not one I would typically read but I have absolutely no regrets! From start to finish I was in absolute love with the storyline. It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. This book made me happy, sad, and even angry at times but I’d go through it all again! I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
* I received this arc from the author. I’m super grateful to have been able to read it. Thank you Tisha Patrick! All my opinions are my own!*
“You deserve someone who sees your worth completely who would move mountains, change teams, rearrange the entire universe if necessary-just for the chance to have you properly. The way you’ve always deserved.”
I adored this book. The slow-burn romance between Elliot and Brody was so satisfying—full of chemistry, witty banter, and heartfelt text exchanges that made their connection feel real. It beautifully explored healing from a toxic relationship with care and emotional depth. And Brody? Golden retriever energy in the best way—loyal, patient, and endlessly supportive. Loved it!
He was so devoted and gone for her down bad from the start. The longing the devotion ahh chefs kiss which made her behavior even more infuriating because he didn’t deserve that treatment. Was a four star rating until third arc nonsense which pissed me off so much as well as them having repetitive convos multiple times yet never told each other important things they thought in their povs?!
The story idea is very good, can't remember if I read this trope before. But the book needs serious formating and proofreading and editing. Some texts are not correctly shown. There is also an issue of a lot of timeline discrepancies and detail inconsistencies. Sometimes it was hard to follow a story due to the lack of coherence.
This author writes the best banter! The dialog between the main characters are so funny, and he says all the right things but she is to stubborn for her own good. I understand the 3d act break up needed to happen but it was too drawn out for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyable hockey romance. The texts were fun and really gave a sense of the characters banter. It was a quick read perfect for the weekend. I do wish we would have had a scene with the bolognese since we heard so much about it. I’m looking forward to reading the future books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such a cute hockey romance with an incredible MMC. Therapy really does wonders ✨️ I loved reading this, it was comfy and I am so excited for the rest of the series! The epilogue did such a great job at hinting at the next book, I'm hooked already!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had so much fun reading this book!! It made me laugh so hard at some parts and also made me also hate the fmc's ex husband just as much as everyone else in it. If you love hockey romance and are tired of the collage aspect this is a great read! I cant wait for the second book!