I’ve spent my entire career playing for a team that became my family. But now I’ve been traded… To our rivals. And I’m playing for the man whose daughter I’m in love with. Jean-Michel Dubois—owner of the Oakland Eagles and my new boss—has made it clear that anyone who so much as looks at his daughter will find themselves out of the league. But I find that the more time I spend with Christina, the harder it is to stay away. Only…I can’t have her. Because if I do, I’ll lose everything.
USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.
Elise is quickly becoming one of my favorite hockey romance authors. I absolutely devoured this book in less than 24 hours. This book is the first in her new series, Eagles Hockey. It was so easy to read and the way it started out created an amazing suspense for the whole book. I was not expecting a prologue quite like that but it was genuinely what made the book so much more intriguing.
This story follows Rome and Chrissy. Rome is a recently traded Gold player to the Eagles, who didn't want to be traded. Chrissy is a woman who runs a cat rescue but also helps out with her father's hockey organization, The Eagles. Something happens in Chrissy's life to have her seem a little over the top when it comes to security and her father is also overprotective of her. Being neighbors adds to the drama of what is happening between them.
Rome was a sexy cinnamon roll of a male character. He didn’t cower at her dad’s threat and would literally be there for Chrissy for anything. PLUS…he loved all the fur babies. And the end with Petal!!! AH! My heart!
After reading this one I need to go back and read more of Elise’s backlist. SO MANY HOCKEY ONES! I cannot wait to read more from Elise. Thank to Elise and team for the eARC.
i liked it! it was a pretty quick read! chrissy & rome were likable characters with lots of chemistry
an issue i had was that there was that one specific storyline with chrissy that never got resolved that i really wish did. i was left with questions i didn’t need if there was another chapter added
all in all it was a good book; not the best book i’ve ever read, but not the worst. elise is a good author and i do like her writing!
A new hockey team to follow from Author Elise Faber! A book I read much to quickly, but loved. Rome has been traded from the Gold to the Eagles. While the previous series are good, they are not necessary to read for this series, but if you like easter eggs…
The prologue sets the book up for a little mystery and danger. Chrissy and Rome are great characters, they keep you in the story with their banter and steam. Plenty of funny moments and a moment or two I did not anticipate. For my sports/hockey loving friends, take a look at this new series.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
It was a solid read. A little sweet. A little spicy. So many animals. A hockey twist on Rapunzel’s story.
Chrissy and Rome are next door neighbors and it slowly becomes more. Chrissy’s dad is the owner of the hockey team that Rome plays on. Her father is also extremely protective of his daughter which isn’t the only complication added to their relationship. Broken Laces is the first book in the Eagles Hockey Series.
Otra novela atractiva a la que, para mí gusto, le falta un hervor. Chrissy DuBois es hija de millonario propietario de un equipo de hockey. Lleva un centro de acogida de gatos, lo que da lugar a muchas escenas (perfectamente prescindibles) para quienes gustan de videos de gatitos. A Rome Dawson lo acaban de traspasar al equipo a ver si, con él como capitán, pueden empezar a ser un grupo de verdad y a ganar algún partido. Broken laces tiene el potencial para ser buena pero para mí que se pierde en escenas irrelevantes, en (¿cómo no?) ese cansino estilo NA, primera persona dual sin distinción entre la voz de cada protagonista y una forma de escribir muy descuidada. No sé si es la presión de sacar varios libros al año, pero este tipo de novelas me parecen como borradores de la versión definitiva. Tengo que plantearme seriamente qué puedo hacer para dejar de llevarme estos chascos. Reseña más extensa, en mi blog.
Christina (also known as Chrissy) has a love for rescuing animals, and helps out with the Eagles Hockey team because her dad is the owner (Jean-Michel Dubois). Rome recently joined the Eagles Hockey team and quickly finds out that he’s neighbors with Chrissy. Rome and Chrissy quickly fall for each other, and their chemistry is so cute! Chrissy’s dad, Jean Michel Dubois, is very protective of Chrissy and who she dates because of a calamity in her past relationship. That doesn’t stop Rome from seeing Chrissy. They have a great connection because they support one other and their careers.
I will say, this is a very different hockey romance from what I usually read. The “Eagles Hockey team” is mentioned quite a bit, but there is not a lot of writing about the hockey game/practice “action” itself. Most of the writing entails Chrissy and Rome interacting with the rescue cats and corgis. So if you have a love for animals and want to dip your toes into a sport romance book for the first time, then this book might be for you!
I was not expecting that epilogue—I’m excited to read the second book when that comes out!
Am I the only one who is conflicted and heartbroken about Britt and Stefan? Am I the only one who feel duped. I could barely focus on Chrissy and Rome after that bomb drop. Not the authors best writing. Loved the Gold series Eww on her dad calling her baby doll- sorry just ick vibes not to mention dads spy cameras ( 🤢) Also since when does the owner travel with the team? Not sure if I will continue with this series. I really thought with the last series tie ins there would be more charcter and plot development but for me it really felt like someone else was writing or it was just lazy sloppy writing. Come on Faber you’re better than this.
Hockey romance with the owners daughter. I loved the vibe in this book, had me giggling obsessed with cats & corgis and eager for the next books in the series. Only had one small ick which I didn’t vibe with which was *****spoiler*** Rome Described the estranged mother. Could have done with out that line.
But Rome and Chrissy were perfect for each other, how protectiveness and the way he immediately took care of the woman who caught his attention by climbing a tree to get to her grumpy cat.
- hockey romance - captain x owners daughter - overcoming past traumas - neighbours - forbidden/ secret relationship - cinnamon roll MMC
Hockey-player/Owner's daughter, talk of PTSD, golden retriever hero, and amazing spice!
This is the first book of a new series and can be read as a complete stand-alone. However, there are Easter eggs to two of this author's other series. So if you are a fan of the author those will give you a little giggle. No need though to have read any other books by this author to enjoy the book to its fullest.
When Rome gets traded to the Eagles from the Gold he finds himself without his hockey family and feeling slightly lonely. When he spots his neighbour up a tree he hurries out to help. Startling her, she and her cat, who she was trying to rescue, fall out of the tree right into Rome. Getting closer, Rome sees that Chrissy is capable but often startled at the slightest thing. Chrissy finds an instant attraction with Rome but worries as her father is the owner of the Eagles and Rome has no idea! Can they find the truth in each other to create a future they both need? Will they struggle in their relationship due to.outside pressure? I couldn't put this book down. It's characters were full of layers and the book peeled them back, producing something beautiful. Can't wait for the next book in the series
This is my first book by Elise and I really enjoyed it! Such a cute story and so easy to read! I really loved their relationship and the cute animals! I loved how Rome and Chrissy were neighbors, these two had me cracking up and this story had some great character development. Hockey romances are always a go to read for me and this one did not disappoint!
💙 Hockey Romance 💙 Owner’s Daughter 💙 Forbidden 💙 Forced Proximity 💙 Secret Relationship 💙 Golden Retriever MMC
The twists and turns of this story made it hard to put down and I cant wait to see where this series goes!
Rome's not sure what he did to the universe to make it hate him so much - why it got him traded from his found family the Gold hockey team, to the Eagles, but he'll just have to soldier on. Then he meets his new neighbor and suddenly life's looking up, a lot. Until he realizes she's off-limits as the owner Jean-Michel's daughter. Yep. But the heart wants what the heart wants and Rome's determined to get his animal rescuing Chrissy to let him in. Even if they have to keep their relationship a secret, for awhile anyway...
Ever since that night all those years ago, when something horrific happened to her, Chrissy has lived under her father's protective thumb. She practically lives with him, allows him to watch over her 24/7, works part time with his team, and basically does nothing to upset him because she knows he could not take it if something happened to her again. But when she meets her new neighbor, who happens to be the new captain of her father's new hockey team, she's finding she wants something just for herself, regardless of what her father is bound to think. But until she can shore up her backbone, she needs to keep Rome a secret, even if it may hurt them. Has she left it too late, or can she grow enough nerve to stand up for herself and let her father know she's going to be with Rome, regardless of what he thinks?
Rome, oh Rome...what a sweet, patient swoony guy! He's Chrissy's rock, patiently waiting for her, comforting her, standing by her even when it could mean he'll lose hockey. Chrissy, wow, I felt for her, knowing how badly that night damaged her, but more significantly, her father, to the point they had this co-dependent relationship that wasn't healthy for either of them. I cheered her on when she stood up to him, and shed a few tears when it looked like it was going to be for nothing. I know this is the start to a new series, and if it's any indication, the Eagles crew is going to be just as amazing as the Gold!
I wanted to try another hockey romance book after the previous one was awful - and I have to say this one was much more enjoyable. Overall pretty good book for a beach read, but will probably be my last hockey romance book HA.
From the "hockey" perspective, it actually made sense for the most part. There are obviously parts you still need to suspend belief about, but its manageable.
I was able to breeze through the first 80% of the book in <2 days. The romance was fun, the plot was moving along, there were minor conflicts getting solved, and overall the ML was obsessed with the FL which we love to see. The FL also spends most of her time handling adoptions for kittens / puppies, so that adds cuteness to the story too.
While the FL's dad is overbearing in some ways, because of her past it sort of makes sense (spoiler alert below). For the most part the FL and her father have a great relationship, and you know it's all going to work out in the end.
**Spoiler alert / trigger warning for those starting the book though:** The book literally starts off with the FL getting kidnapped as a teenager, which I was not expecting at all?? She spends a lot of the book ~overcoming this trauma so she can be comfortable in a relationship -- which again was not the conflict I was expecting at all based on the description. TBH I don't ever think it was explained why exactly she was kidnapped, but the story didn't go too deep into it lol.
The last 20% of the book though took me a lot longer to finish and really took me out of the book. The plot ~twist that randomly pops up is SO random and then never is really resolved. It felt like the author wanted to add on an even bigger conflict because it was obvious they would resolve the main conflict (the dad approving of her relationship with the ML).. but then nothing ever comes of it at the end of the book? Seriously it was SO weird I was like ??? HUH
Also super minor criticism, but I really dislike when pet names are used as frequently as they are in the book - and when it's mainly only 1 person being called the pet name & the other isn't. The ML calls the FL "Kitten" the majority of the time - even in front of other people - and I started cringing so hard after the first few times. But again that might be a me thing.
This book was so smooth! I mean it was the way it started out and created an amazing suspense for the whole book. I was not expecting a prologue quite like that but it was genuinely what made the book so much more fun! And then we had the great banter between the mmc and the mfc. I mean their banter was hilarious and at no point did I want to put the book down! Their chemistry was amazing and ahh I don't know how to say it but Rome and Chrissy are absolutely adorable and fit each other like puzzle pieces!
Their whole *meet cute* was super cute too! and no I'm not talking about the whole coffee spilling scene but the one which included a tree, a very grumpy cat and a super hot, hockey captain who is actually the new neighbour 🤭
I swear this book had me giggling and silently screaming all throughout! It was - like I said before - super smooth. I mean the characters could be doing the most random things and it would still be interesting and gosh the way both Rome and Chrissy were attracted to each other from the very beginning was literal chef's kiss! The whole tension was top tier and I loved the forbidden aspect to it but gosh their *sneaking around* had me stressed! (and giggling)
Ah Rome! I love him 😩 He's so perfect and gosh can we talk about his patience and gentleness when it came to Chrissy?? Not only her but with his other as*hole teammates too! The patience this man showed in the face of many testing times was applaudable and the way he was absolutely enamoured by Chrissy from the very beginning had me obsessed with him. Add to that his confidence in his love for her when they started their secret relationship and I was a puddle on the floor! He's definitely a grump but there's this easy air about him that is so attractive and actually I need a Rome in my life now.
And then we had Chrissy who had seen the ugly face of the world quite early on but still kept pushing and ahh it was truly a joy to see her finally take charge of her life and get out of her father's shadow! Also in the beginning she was kind of hesitant about her secret relationship with Rome but I loved how she finally gathered the courage let the world know about them! She's literally the sweetest and I actually related to her quite a lot throughout the book.
Broken Laces by Elise Faber is a heartwarmingly sweet & spicy hockey romance that effortlessly tugs on your heartstrings emotionally in the best way. Broken Laces features the owner of a professional hockey teams’s daughter meeting the team’s new veteran transfer player when sparks & paws fly in this animal lover’s delight of a novel. I am not kitten around, this had me enthralled right from the start & the rescue animals took over my heart along with this gorgeous couple.
Broken Laces is great for fans of… 🏒 Hockey Romance 🏒 Forced Proximity 🏒 Owner’s Daughter Meets Hockey Player 🏒 Rescue Animals
I dare any romance fan to read the first chapter of this book & not be completely curious to know this story. Without giving too much away, the heroine especially is on a very emotional journey to healing, independence & confidence & it was heart-wrenching & beautiful to witness. This is also a pawsitively swoon-worthy hero & I love a man that falls fast & is supportive & he delivers on both fronts & so much more. Furthermore, I am keeping this generic spoiler free vague but I really appreciated the authentic mental health representation as well.
& if you’re sold on the sweet, but need more enticement on the spice, let’s just say it’ll melt the ice at the arena or oh wait, was the the Zamboni??
I absolutely adored the fact that rock climbing was apart of this book! It is a part of the heroine’s life & a therapeutic hobby/love of hers. As a fellow rock climber, I loved seeing it in a romance novel because it’s so rare!
I ended this book clamoring for the next one. I have so many questions & curiosities about the side characters, teammates & their stories. It looks like epic romances with dashes of mystery are on the way. The snippet of the next two books had me so excited to read whatever comes next!
If you’re looking to get lost into a hockey romance with a lot of heart, heat, intrigue, & enough four legged furry friends to make you grin, I highly recommend checking out Broken Laces!
Massive thanks to the author for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
Elise Faber kicks off her new series, Eagles Hockey, with a bang. The unexpected prologue adds an enticing layer of suspense to the story, setting the tone for the entire book.
Meet Rome and Chrissy, the charismatic protagonists of this tale. Rome, a recently traded Gold player to the Eagles, exudes a sexy cinnamon roll vibe. His unwavering support for Chrissy, the woman running a cat rescue and assisting with her father's hockey organization, adds depth to his character. Their neighborly connection adds a layer of drama to their evolving relationship.
Rome's character is irresistible—a perfect blend of sexy, confident, and patient. His love for animals, especially the fur babies, adds a heartwarming touch to the story. The chemistry between Rome and Chrissy is palpable, and their banter is not only hilarious but also keeps readers hooked.
The book unfolds smoothly, with a perfect blend of mystery, danger, banter, and steam. The meet-cute between Rome and Chrissy is adorable, involving a grumpy cat, a tree, and a charming hockey captain who becomes the new neighbor. The tension and forbidden aspect of their relationship add an extra layer of intrigue, making it impossible to put the book down.
Rome's patience and gentleness shine, not only in his relationship with Chrissy but also with his challenging teammates. Chrissy's character, having faced the hardships of life early on, grows beautifully throughout the story. Her journey from hesitation to courage in embracing her relationship with Rome is a joy to witness.
Overall, this book is a delightful mix of humor, suspense, and heartwarming romance. Rome and Chrissy's love story is adorable, and their connection feels like a perfect puzzle coming together. Elise Faber has created a compelling start to the Eagles Hockey series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you're a fan of hockey romance with a touch of mystery and plenty of chemistry, this is a must-read!
Ms. Faber has done it again with her riveting storyline, characters that you can relate to, banter that will have you laughing and screaming at the same time, as well as a plot twist that will have your jaw hitting the floor. Broken Laces is the first book in her new series Eagles Hockey and it is going to be one that you will not want to miss. I'm a huge sports trope fan and love reading about the so-called bad-boy athletes. Here Ms. Faber gives us Rome and Chrissy, two people who are completely different. He is a recently traded Gold player to the Eagles, who didn't want to be traded. She is a woman who runs a cat rescue but also helps out with her father's hockey organization, The Eagles. Something happens in Chrissy's life to have her seem a little over the top when it comes to security and her father is also overprotective of her. Being neighbours adds to the drama of what is happening between them. Will their secret get revealed? Will Roman help Chrissy with dealing with her past and what she endured? Just when you think all is going well, Ms. Faber throws you for a loop with the introduction of a new character and all hell breaks out. I loved how Rome fell first and was determined to be with Chrissy even though his career could be over. Chrissy's character developed so much throughout the book as she became more and more confident and willing to stand up for herself. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. The epilogue had me needing the next book now.
Rome Dawson had a pretty good life, he was playing professional hockey, had an awesome relationship with his teammates, and the team was doing great. Then the unthinkable happened, he got traded, to the Eagles, a team that wasn’t doing good at all, in fact last in the league. But like any other player he took it well and was trying his best to get a connection with his new team as their captain but some of the players seemed to be blocking his every move. Then he met his neighbor Chrissy and there was an instant connection. But there was just one problem, she was the daughter of Jean-Michel Dubois, the man who owned the team. Was he willing to risk his place on the team for love?
Chrissy’s father had always been protective of her, especially after an incident happened when she was a teenager. But sometimes that protection was a little bit too much for her and her life outside hockey and the rescue center. There wasn’t any life, that was until she met her neighbor Rome and the sparks flew between them right from the start. Now she just had to convince her father that she was a big girl now and she could handle somethings on her own. Or would her father trade away the one man who showed her what love was?
Broken Laces is the first in a new series of books by Elise Faber and it is definitely not disappointing at all. She is able to touch on some sensitive situations but in a way that is tasteful while still getting the point across. Can’t wait to see where this series is going to go from here
I received an ARC from 1852 Media for my honest review on this book.
Rome Dawson is brought in as the Eagles new captain. He has a lot on his shoulders as the team is currently a complete mess. And to top it off his hot new neighbor who he can’t stop thinking about just so happens to be the team owner’s daughter. You know, the completely off limits I will unalive you if you touch her daughter of his new boss. So you can see where this is going.
Chrissy works part time with the team even though her passion is animal rescue. Years ago experienced something horrific and carries guilt over it, which leads her to trying to please her father. She doesn’t want to let him down even if that means her own happiness is set aside.
I loved Rome and Chrissy being neighbors. It made for so many great moments and of course escalated the tension. Hockey is always a win for me but adding animal rescue made this one even better. I laughed and smiled a lot. And I’m on the lookout for my own Rome with that ending. Broken Laces has a lot going on aside from hockey: the past, family dynamics, twists and turns, healing, fun banter, and some spice. Looking forward to seeing where Elise takes the series.
“So, yeah, I know we’ve barely started, and I know I can’t promise that you and I will work out forever”—“but I fucking hope so. Because for the first time since I left Massachusetts, I truly feel at home”
Elise Faber soars with BROKEN LACES (Eagles Hockey #1). Rome Dawson is traded from the San Francisco Gold to their rivals the Oakland Eagles. He is named the captain and expected to turn the dysfunctional team around. He meets his new neighbor, Christina, and is immediately mesmerized. Then he finds out she is the daughter of Jean-Michel Dubois, the owner of the Eagles.
Elise Faber does a fantastic job with this story. It is an amazing addition to her hockey universe. Rome is upset about being traded. He was drafted by the Gold. He won two cups with them. They are his family. The Eagles were last in the division. There is no team comradery. There is a lot of work to do to turn the team around.
Christina (Chrissy) is a wonderful character. She was kidnapped when she was sixteen. This makes her father extremely protective of her. She has some PTSD from her experience. She owns a cat rescue, and she is a physical therapist for the Eagles.
I was excited that Kingston Bang was introduced in this story. His character is part of the upcoming six author Bang Brothers Hockey series collaboration that is going to be released in a few months.
BROKEN LACES is an excellent start to the Eagles Hockey series. The characters are dynamic. The story was interesting and entertaining. I am looking forward to following this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Wonderful beginning to a new hockey series by Elise Faber! There’s a perfect amount of MC story with hints of characters that may have their own stories later!
Rome is a true gem! Being traded to a new team (the Eagles) with players that haven’t jelled is challenging. Meeting his new neighbor? No problem at all!
Christina (Chrissy) has a love of animals in need of rescue which leads to her meeting her new neighbor, Rome. This is quite a funny scene!
Things aren’t quite what they seem though. Rome isn’t aware that the woman literally next door is the Eagles owner’s daughter. Yes, she does contract work for the team as a physical therapist but Rome doesn’t know she’s Jean-Michel Dubois’s daughter.
Chrissy and her father have a complicated relationship. No spoilers here but…it’s complicated.
As their attraction grows, so does the complications of Chrissy’s past and, especially for Rome, the reality that she is his boss’s daughter.
There are many twists and turns in this story! Not all is what it seems. Also, some of the players are surprisingly supportive in stepping up to better the team which is refreshing, having enjoyed the closeness of the Gold players in the Gold series!
Plus, we get a glimpse of stories in this series to come!
An enjoyable story that will keep you thoroughly entertained! Can’t wait to read the next story in this series!
Broken Laces is just the start to the new Eagles Hockey series and it is loaded with a whole cast new characters for us to love (and maybe sometimes not) and a storyline that has me hooked right from the start with peaks of what might be coming later in the series! Book one is all about Chrissy Dubios, the daughter of the Eagles owner and a new player for the team Rome Dawson who was traded from the Gold. She is a sweet animal loving person who is just trying to figure out her life and he is just trying to find his footing on his new team. They may have started off as neighbors but their connection and chemistry has pushed them to become so much more. This story has many moments of sweet but it also has that emotional ribbon running through it as Chrissy’s past is always keeping her from the carefree life she deserves. Rome has a few things he is processing as the new member of the team who was brought in to take on a leadership role for the team only to find that the team has a few difficult personalities that are causing the team to be a dysfunctional nightmare instead of a cohesive unit. With the exception of a few of the guys he definitely has work to do. This story also brings forth some secrets and surprises that keep things interesting and I for one cannot wait to see what is in store for us as this series continues.
This storyline is full of some emotional situations that made Rome and Chrissy feel real and engaged my emotions. Chrissy has a past full of emotional baggage that she is determined to overcome.
Being traded from the Gold to the Oakland Eagles devastated Rome. The Gold had become his family and now he was headed to a team with a dismal record and a toxic environment. Rome runs into a beautiful woman in the Eagles practice facility and is instantly smitten, calling her Kitten.
I loved how Rome and Chrissy ran into each other and then discover they are neighbors. The inclusion of kittens and puppies, and a creamy senior cat named Joan of freaking Arc was a fun element.
Chrissy relationship with her father was strong yet his overprotective streak had her keeping her budding relationship with Rome a secret. I kept flip flopping between being a fan of her dad and then not. Some of his decisions were a little troublesome, yet it was obvious he loved her and was trying to protect her.
Rome was a sexy cinnamon roll of a male character. He didn’t cower at her dad’s threat to dismember and he loved all the fur babies.
I’m intrigued by some of the Eagle players and looking forward to more books in this series and seeing more of Chrissy/Rome, and the others.
I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
This book isn't your standard romance story; it does have a lovely love story between Rome, a recently traded hockey player who falls for his neighbor, and Chrissy, the team owner's daughter, with some unexpected twists that add intrigue and keep you on your toes.
The characters of Rome and Chrissy are endearing and honest as they explore their secret relationship and address some of Chrissy's past trauma. You will love their romance story and swoon over how understanding and supportive Rome is to Chrissy. Add in a couple of adorable rescue cats and a litter of corgi puppies; this book really delivers on the feels.
I was surprised by the subtle use of drama and mystery and thought it added to the book. There are a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, and I liked how the drama did overshadow the romance.
The chemistry and spice do not disappoint. It kicks early at about 35% and is hot and endearing throughout the book, with a few public adventures sprinkled in.
Note that this book does cover several triggering topics. Please check into the themes and issues before you dive in.
Broken Laces is the first book in the Eagles Hockey Series. Chrissy and Rome are next door neighbors and slowly but surely, their connection begins to develop. Her father is the coach of the hockey team he plays for, but that’s not the only complication that runs between them. Will their love outweigh any of their challenges, or will too much attack them at one time?
Oh my goodness, this book was absolutely wonderful! I loved the feelings I felt while reading, even when I was crying, because by the end, I just felt like I was swooning! This couple was everything I want in a romance: sweet, full of chemistry, and in total support of one another. Chrissy had so much to overcome, both physically and mentally, but I loved her journey to becoming her own woman, full of strength with love to guide her actions. She was really a wonderful character and I’m so intrigued to see her backstory continue to develop in the next books. Rome was straight swoon-worthy. I adored that he never wanted to keep their relationship a secret and that he was willing to stand up against her dad and even face the consequences of that, just to keep Chrissy by his side. I loved them together. They just clicked and seemed to work. I loved their ups and downs, and there definitely is a lot of drama in this book that isn’t fully resolved. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
Rome Dawson has played and been part of the Gold family hockey team, one that he loved, to being traded to the Oakland Eagles. Yes, traded! To a team that was last in the standings and with a locker room that's in disarray. Now he's the newest captain, one that's supposed to bring the team together.
When Rome meets his new neighbor Chrissy as she's trying to rescue her cranky cat out of a tree, he realizes he had already met her at the training facility thinking she worked there. He is quite taken with her. What he does not know is she's the daughter of his team owner, Jean-Michel Dubois. She also has a love of animals and runs a rescue center for them.
As their connection grows, Rome is finding out how hard it is to "date" the boss's daughter and not get caught as well as dealing with some issues that Chrissy has due to things that happened to her in the past.
There are some twists and things you don't see coming but also love some of the players that become his friend and show support.
Looking forward to reading King and Cam's stories.
This is the first of a new series and features Rome Dawson, who is traded from the Gold to the Eagles. He has found a family with the Gold, so moving to a completely dysfunctional team is incredibly hard. As he works hard to try to find some camaraderie with his new teammates, and settle into his new home. That's where he meets his next door neighbor, Chrissy, a gorgeous brunette with a beautiful heart and something scary in her past. (The prologue to this book was a wonderful addition and set the scene for things to come!) As the chemistry between these two starts to intensify, Rome discovers that Chrissy is actually Christina Dubois, the daughter of the Eagles owner, his boss who has made it very clear that his girl is off limits to his players. The adorable animals really do make for fun moments in this story, especially Joan, the grumpy cat!
This is a beautifully written story, Rome is so resentful of the move to start with, but you can see how he grows into his role of captain, and forges bonds with his new teammates. Chrissy learns to trust, to love, and to advocate for what she wants, becoming a stronger person. This is a great start!