The Blocks We Make: A Coach's Secret Daughter Hockey Romance

Rixton U #2

by Brooke O'Brien

A protective hockey romance by USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O’Brien about a coach’s daughter kept in the shadows, a season unraveling under scandal, and the one player willing to risk everything for her.
BONUS! Preorder or purchase on release day and get access to an exclusive bonus scene.

I wasn’t supposed to notice her.

The girl behind the bar with a guarded smile has something in her eyes that pulls me in. The one who insists she doesn’t need protecting—even after I watch them threaten her right in front of me.

Brinley isn’t just a risk. She’s a secret that certain people don’t want getting out.

I knew she was my head coach’s daughter. What I didn’t understand was why no one else did.

I’ve spent my whole life building a name on the ice. Now I’m being warned to stay away from her or risk losing everything I’ve worked for.

And the pressure doesn’t just come from the bench. The threats aren’t subtle anymore—stopping at nothing until she leaves town. They expect me to fall in line, focus on blocking shots, keep my mouth shut, and choose my career over her.

But they’re wrong.

Because this time, I’m not just protecting the net.

I’m protecting her. And the truth they’ll do anything to keep silent.

___________________________________________

What you get in The Blocks We Make...

Coach's Secret Daughter
Close Proximity
Hockey Goalie
Small College Town
Secrets, Lies, & Corruption
Interconnected Standalone

___________________________________________

The Blocks We Make is book two in the Rixton U series—a set of interconnected standalones featuring the hockey players of Rixton University and the women who flip their world upside down. While each book includes a swoony romance with a HEA, the suspense arc unfolds across the series.

Genres: Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Suspense, He Falls First

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2026

About the author

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USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's best known for her sports and rock star romances.

Brooke believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

When she isn't writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to ASMR, or binge-watching the latest true crime documentary. She loves rockin' a comfy hoodie with leggings and believes the best days include a good nap.

If you're new to Brooke and are wondering where to start, visit authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke and download the reading order guide.

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Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed The Blocks We Make.
In this third installment (I count the novella as first) of the Rixton U series the mystery around the college hockey team is still not solved, but we keep gathering clues.

I liked Brooke O'Brien writing, I was totally engrossed by the storyline and the pace of the story.

Brinley came to Rixton with a secret, she needs answers but looking for them put her at risk. Cooper meets her and instinctively he wants to save her save her, even if he has to risk his hockey future.

I loved Brinley and Cooper since the beginning, their chemistry and connection is immediately noticeable but their reluctance to open up and trust each other is also undertsandable. Cooper is just a good guy, I find him irresistible, but at times he should share his worries with Brinley because she is strong enough to protect herself.

I can't wait to read next book in the series, I'm so curious!

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

👏👏The mystery “arc” continues to build, and I am here for all of it!👏👏 We get just enough clues/hints in the story to keep you going hmmmmmmmm, but not quite enough that you could possibly even guess “what’s what” and I am really liking this! I’ve read all kinds of stories penned by Brooke in the last “almost” decade and I don’t think I’ve ever come across a story that I haven’t liked. MAD PROPS to her for consistency and reliability! I like what she’s doing with this series aside from the sports and romance aspect of each individual story and I think the wait is going to be worth it when she decides to finally reveal it all.

I love the dynamic between our main characters in this story. Brinley & Cooper had an good spark that built from the very beginning of their connection and it felt very organic and realistic. I love how these two were written with Cooper being supportive of Brinley even when she was cagey and Brinley knowing she could count on Cooper to help her carry her burdens. The book was captivating both in the romance journey and also the suspense arc journey. Speaking of suspense … 👏well played👏 with that ending! LOL I mean … when is the next book releasing??? I have so many questions! *gimme*

The only thing I dislike right now is that these books are not being released as audiobooks simultaneously. I say that because I KNOW these are going to make epic listens but also because once I know the “who what where” behind all the mystery, it’s going to probably be difficult to reinvest time in these stories and I LOVE MY AUDIO ERA! *sigh*

[Jessika S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke O’Brien honestly keeps raising the bar with this series because THE BLOCKS WE MAKE completely consumed me from start to finish. This book had me stressed, emotional, obsessed, and fully invested in every single secret unfolding in Rixton.

Cooper Rowden??? Someone hand me this man immediately. Protective, loyal, hardworking, emotionally mature, and absolutely gone for Brinley from the very beginning. Watching him balance being Rixton’s star goalie while still helping on his family farm made him feel so grounded and real. But the way he instinctively protected Brinley without trying to control her? That was EVERYTHING. He didn’t just defend the net — he defended her, her safety, and her right to exist without fear.

Brinley completely broke my heart in the best way. Her entire life was built around survival and instability, constantly moving and never truly belonging anywhere. Seeing her come to Rixton searching for answers about herself while trying to stay invisible was emotional enough on its own… but adding in the harassment, secrets, and corruption surrounding her? I could not stop reading.

This story leans much heavier into suspense than the first book and WOW does it work. Every chapter made me more desperate to know the truth. Between the attacks, the hidden connections, the corruption surrounding the hockey program, and the pressure mounting on Cooper and Brinley, the tension never let up.

And then finding out they had unknowingly been gaming together for years?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME 😭 That reveal was honestly one of my favorite moments in the entire book. The connection between them felt natural, emotional, and inevitable long before they officially met.

I absolutely loved the found family dynamics with the hockey boys and how they all came together to protect Brinley and uncover the truth. The mystery threading through this series just keeps getting stronger and now I’m dying for the next book because I NEED answers immediately.

If you love:
🏒 College Hockey Romance
🖤 Protective Goalie MMC
🔥 Slow Burn Tension
🕵️ Secrets & Corruption
💕 Found Family
👀 Coach’s Secret Daughter
🎮 Online Gamer Connection
✨ Small Town / College Town Drama

…you need this series on your TBR immediately.

Huge thank you to Brooke O’Brien and the author agency for the ARC and opportunity to review this book. This series just keeps getting better and I already know I’ll be counting down the days until the next release.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for me.

Being a coach daughter it's bad enough,yet Cooper can't stay away from Brinley.Brinley just wanted to see her father and find out why he was not present in her life.Last thing she expected is to being attacked,and Cooper helping her.Cooper is not was she was was looking for,but maybe he's a one person she needs.Will they find who wants Brinley to leave town?

It was a second installment in hockey romance series.Brinley and Cooper get together vey fast,slowly started to trust and falling for each other.I liked Cooper protective and sweet side,he was not a playboy I usually read about in books with sport players,which was a nice change.I get Brinley and her need to know her father,I was rooting for her to get a happy ending.A spicy hockey romance with suspense added to it,and the end...I mean come on,leaving me shocked like that:)Can't wait for book three,I can feel it will be a explosive read.

Thank you The Author Agency and the author for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Rixton U series by Brook O'Brien and it was a good one. There is always some element of suspense and mystery in her books - along with romance and of course some sports. This is a college hockey romance - with Cooper and Brinley - but it winds up being so much more. Brinley is the coach's daughter - but hasn't ever met her dad or had contact with him. Cooper is the star goalie - but from their first interaction - he can't get Brinley out of his head. There are a ton of "coincidences" that seem to happen to Brinley that always go back to her father or someone in her father's world. And add in the history that Cooper and Brinley have but don't realize - and this was a really good story. I like the element of suspense and for a college romance - it had some good spice too. Definitely recommend if you like this genre of books.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Brinley and Cooper’s story.
Cooper is a hockey goalie, and from the moment he sees Brinley, who is the coach’s secret daughter, he is instantly drawn to her.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, secret identity, scandal, lies, betrayal, corruption, close proximity, suspense, intrigue, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, small town hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper + Brinley

-college hockey romance
-coach’s secret daughter
-closed proximity
-he falls first & hard
-small town drama

this was the perfect amount of mystery & merging plot lines for a contemporary romance to be just that step more! i love that! & cooper was a total sweetheart but also SOOOO HOTTT!! loved it!

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blocks We Make is a sports romance with secrets, unexpected moments and a scandal. This is Cooper and Brinley’s story with romantic gestures and protective Hockey players. I love how strong Brinley is and how far she went just to see her father, even when things aren’t what they seem. Cooper is more than just a goalie, he protects those he loves and would do anything for Brinley. I love their chemistry and how they both couldn’t fight the attraction anymore. I also love how the book pulls you in with the suspenseful twist at the end that makes us love the hockey teammates more. I also love that unexpected surprise at the end making me want to know what will happen next.

I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance reader

[Farrahlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke O'Brien has done it again. wow I cannot get enough of her books. I haven't been disappointed with anything, I have read multiple books by her and have loved every single one of them. they're just good. amazing. I love her writing. this has got to be one of my favorites of hers though I could reread it all the time.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Started very strong. I quickly fell into the story. I liked the characters; they were both very intriguing. There was some back and forth that I didn't like as much, and the story seemed a bit stretched. I also wanted more confrontation with the coach, but it ended very quickly. The ending was awesome, left a bit of desired mystery, and I'm very interested in the next book.

[autwenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading from this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked that the story had a bit of suspense and mystery, which kept things interesting.

I really liked Brinley and Cooper. Brinley felt strong yet vulnerable, while Cooper was protective, loyal, and always chose her first. I loved that about him.

Their relationship developed well and their chemistry was easy to root for. Overall, such an enjoyable read for me.

Thank you The Author Agency and Brooke O’Brien for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone find me Cooper Rowden!!! This man knows how to protect not only the net for his team but his girl as well. He works hard on and off the ice, the star goalie for his university team and the farm boy doing chores on his family's farm after practice and classes. After all the work is done, he unwinds playing multi player games online where he met a fellow gamer who he enjoys playing with. He is a great friend and good big brother to his sister. He has a chance at the NHL if everything continues on its current trajectory.

Brinley is new in town, transferring to Rixton to learn more about who she is. Her biological father lived and worked in Rixton. She was raised by a single mother who moved around a lot. They went where she could find work. Due to a nomadic lifestyle, Brinley didn't have many possessions but she took care of the things she did own. Her car was old but well cared for. She moved in secret, not even telling her mother where she was going. She found a,cheap apartment and a job to help cover the cost of rent.

Brinley and Cooper officially meet shortly after she arrived in town. There was something about Brinley that drew Cooper to her. He could always find her in the room or arena when she came to watch practice. They became friends and he became her unofficial protector. He offered her a safer place to live after she was attacked and she reluctantly agreed. This was the start of them becoming something more and the beginning of a new mystery for the hockey boys. Someone was watching Brinley, someone was trying to drive Brinley and Cooper apart. Someone other than coach, who was actively trying to hide the fact that Brinley was his daughter and benching Cooper for being with her. Coach wasn't happy Brinley showed up, he didn't want anyone to find out and ruin his picture perfect life. He didn't want anyone looking too closely at his program or his personal affairs.

With coach benching him Cooper was angry and he was trying to figure out what coach was up to. There were inconsistencies that seemed similar to before and with the help of his friends, they were trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. Brinley thought Cooper was pulling away and she moved back to her apartment, it was a bit safer after cameras were added for surveillance and better lighting. Then the rumors started and the truth came out. Everyone knew that coach had a college aged daughter he kept a secret, his brother was discovered to be Brinley's attacker and he was using his job as a police officer to intimidate and harass her into hopefully leaving Rixton. He was suspended pending investigation and coach resigned from his job. Whether he left willingly or was pressured to do so is unknown. When the dust settled, Cooper knew he needed to get Brinley back in his jersey permanently, especially after finding out that she was his gamer friend. The one he had been playing with for years, the one who didn't hesitant to beat him and his teammates without any mercy. She was his perfect match.

I loved the evolution of Brinley and Cooper's story that started years before they officially meet. The invisible pull that Cooper felt was immediate and undeniable. They were destined for each other and I can't wait for the next book in this series. I am intrigued how Cooper will react to his sister's relationship with his newest teammate. Thank you Brooke O'Brien and the author agency for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒 Sports Romance
🚫 Forbidden Romance
👨‍👧 Coach’s Daughter
🤫 Secret Relationship
🛟 Protective Hero
😤 High Stakes Pressure
💔 Emotional Angst
👀 Stolen Moments
🔥 Slow Burn
🧸 Soft for Her Hero
🕵️‍♀️ Hidden Truths
⚠️ Threats and Danger
💞 Against All Odds

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25

The Blocks We Make by Brooke O’Brien is a gripping and emotional follow-up in the Rixton U series that blends forbidden romance with suspense and high stakes tension in a way that keeps you completely hooked from start to finish. This story leans into the pressure of expectations, the weight of secrets, and the kind of connection that refuses to be ignored no matter the cost.

From the moment Brinley and Cooper cross paths, there is an undercurrent of intrigue that makes their dynamic impossible to look away from. Brinley is strong but clearly carrying more than she lets on, and that guarded vulnerability makes her incredibly compelling. Watching her try to maintain control while everything around her threatens to unravel adds a layer of emotional depth that really elevates the story.

Cooper is exactly the kind of protective, determined character that works so well in this type of romance. His life has always been about discipline, performance, and proving himself on the ice, but Brinley challenges all of that. What makes his character stand out is the shift from simply being focused on his career to being willing to risk everything for her. That internal conflict between ambition and loyalty is written with just the right amount of tension and emotion.

The forbidden element adds a constant sense of pressure, especially with the connection to his head coach and the looming threat to his future. It is not just about sneaking around or stolen moments, it is about real consequences and the fear of losing everything. That intensity is heightened by the suspense running through the story, with the threats against Brinley adding a darker, more dangerous edge that keeps the stakes high.

The pacing works well, balancing emotional moments with tension and plot development. The romance builds in a way that feels natural despite the chaos surrounding them, and the chemistry between the characters is strong without overshadowing the bigger story unfolding behind the scenes.

Overall, this is an addictive and emotionally charged sports romance that delivers both heart and suspense. It is a story about choosing what matters most, even when the cost is high, and about standing up for the truth when it would be easier to stay silent. Fans of protective heroes, secret relationships, and layered, tension filled romance will find a lot to love in this one.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden, Fiery and Unputdownable—A Hockey Romance That Will Steal Your Heart!

The Blocks We Make by author Brooke O’Brien delivers sizzling slow burn, forbidden longing and moments so hot you’ll need a cold drink.
This is an exceptional, unputdownable hockey romance that had me hooked from the very first pages.

Come on…the blurb had me at coach’s daughter👀

The characters? Brinley is fierce, guarded and magnetic, while Cooper is the ultimate book boyfriend, protective, dominant, dirty talking and as unstoppable as a power play on the ice.

Her mission? To meet the man who could pour himself into everyone else…her father, the man she never truly knew, whose absence left a hollow ache in her chest.
And yet? Cooper steps into her life, that ache twists into an intense, burning need she can’t ignore.

Their chemistry? Scorching…every touch, every whispered word, every lingering look ignites a fire that left me breathless and craving more.
Every stolen moment felt like a rush of adrenaline and raw desire.
The tension between them? Like a penalty box standoff, you know something explosive is coming, and it’s impossible to look away.

The forbidden desire and the razor-edge tension of what they shouldn’t do versus what they can’t resist had me completely gripped, especially with the risks Cooper is taking and the looming threats surrounding them. It left me flushed, captivated and consumed… like a hat trick of emotion, lust and suspense all at once.
And Cooper isn’t just a goalie protecting his team, he’s the man willing to stand in front of everything coming for Brinley and the truth they’re fighting to keep buried. That level of devotion? OH MY🔥Absolutely unmatched.

And it doesn’t stop there, this story is about more than just romance. The family dynamics, the complicated emotions tied to Brinley’s past and the friendships woven throughout Rixton add so much depth and heart. You feel the loyalty, the pressure, the bonds and the cracks forming beneath it all.

Brooke O’Brien truly shines here, her writing is immersive, emotionally charged and incredibly addictive.
She masterfully balances spice, suspense and heartfelt storytelling, creating characters that feel real, flawed and impossible not to fall for.
This is the kind of writing that pulls you in, wrecks you and leaves you wanting more.

This isn’t just a romance…it’s a burning , heart-pounding, mind-blowing ride.
Cooper and Brinley will checkmate your emotions and score straight to your soul.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BLOCKS WE MAKE is the second instalment in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult RIXTON U erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off set in the author’s BRAYSEN U world.. This is college goalie Cooper Rowden, and student Brinley Taylor’s story line. THE BLOCKS WE MAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but there is an ongoing premise throughout.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brinley and Cooper) THE BLOCK WE MAKE follows in the wake of the arrival of new Rixton U student Brinley Taylor, a young woman with a secret that is about to blow up not only her life but the life of the Rixton U hockey team. A part time job at a local bar, a loft apartment, and a car that is struggling to survive find Brinley on the brink of spiral when she becomes the target of some powerful yet unknown people. Meeting university star goalie Cooper Rowden finds Brinley at odd when their personal lives are about to collide, a collision that threatens Cooper future, and any chance of happiness for our story line couple.

The world building follows several intersecting pathways including the threats against Brinley, Cooper’s need to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, and the possibility that the events in their lives are all part of a larger conspiracy.

The relationship between Brinley and Cooper is one of immediate attraction but Brinley is struggling to find with a direction in life, and the threats against our heroine seem personal and dark. Cooper is determined to protect Brinley , even at the risk of his future career, a future that he is hoping includes our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the stop, sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and determined secondary and supporting characters including Cooper’s teammates: Kade, Reed, Talon, Gavin and his sister Wren, Rowdy, Coach Dawson, Coach Glasgow, and Cooper’s sister Atlee Rowden, and the introduction of new player Macklin Greer, a transfer.

THE BLOCKS WE MAKE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is provocative and fated; the characters are desperate, dynamic and determined.


copy supplied for review

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up The Blocks We Make on the same day I had therapy where I unpacked a lot about my biological father—and the irony was not lost on me. Reading about Brinley confronting her father while I had just done the same (mine just happened to be virtual) made this hit way deeper than I expected.

My heart really went out to Brinley. It had me thinking… what’s worse—having a father who knows you exist and doesn’t show up, or one who only reaches out when it’s convenient for them and ignores the damage that inconsistency causes? That emotional layer added so much depth to her character.

I loved Cooper. He’s physically bigger but always gentle, patient, and supportive with Brinley. He doesn’t push her unless it’s necessary, and I really appreciated that dynamic. Their relationship felt very intentional, and I liked that the story focused more on building their connection and how her situation affected everything around them rather than adding a ton of chaotic subplots.
Small town energy definitely showed up—because of course, new people don’t stay a mystery for long. And the second “bad guy” reveal caught me off guard at first, but once everything connected, it made sense.

I did jump into this mid-series, and while you can read it as a standalone, I definitely finished with more questions—mainly about the bad guys, why they’re so manipulative, and how they tie into the bigger ongoing issue/scandal from earlier books. I was also really curious about how Cooper’s friends are going to react to the new information he gathered near the end.

There’s also a bit of a cliffhanger, which I kind of expected based on certain reactions, but it still left me wanting the next book immediately.

The intimate scenes were written really well—like you can read this in public…until you hit those chapters 😭

I also loved that neither of them had to choose between their relationship and outside circumstances. They found a way to make both work, which felt realistic and refreshing.
This was a lighter, fast-paced read with one main emotional conflict. I read this during my night shifts—got about 40% through in my first sitting (around an hour and a half) and finished the rest the next day. Super easy to stay engaged.

Overall, I’d give this 4⭐. If you like small-town romance with emotional depth, a supportive MMC, and a little bit of suspense, this is definitely worth picking up—just be ready to want answers in the next book.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sizzling, emotional return to Rixon U from Brooke O’Brien that blends hockey, heart, and a touch of danger into one addictive read.

It feels like forever since we last stepped onto the ice at Rixon U, and honestly—this college hockey series has been missed. The first book left us with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning, and I’ve been craving more ever since. Because let’s be real, college hockey romances are already elite—but ones that weave in a thread of suspense? Even better. And Brooke O’Brien delivers it beautifully.

So when I got my hands on The Blocks We Make, I didn’t hesitate. A coach’s secret daughter? A broody, protective goalie? Say no more. I was all in.
But what I wasn’t expecting… was just how emotional this story would be.

Brinley completely stole my heart. There’s something so powerful about a heroine who quietly carries her pain while trying to rebuild her life. Leaving everything behind and starting fresh at Rixon U shows her strength—but those lingering shadows in her eyes tell you there’s so much more beneath the surface. She’s resilient, brave, and impossible not to root for.
And then there’s Cooper.

The moment he sees Brinley, something shifts. His protective instincts kick in hard, and from that point on, you feel his need to keep her safe. As the tension builds and danger begins to creep closer, Cooper doesn’t hesitate—he’s there, steady and fierce. But when his own future is suddenly on the line, and the pressure starts to mount, the question becomes: can he be everything Brinley needs… without losing everything he’s worked for?

The chemistry between them? Off the charts. This is a slow-burn that builds into something deeply intense and seriously steamy.

What makes this story shine even more is the supporting cast. The hockey house brings that brotherhood, banter, and team loyalty we love, while Cooper’s sister adds such a warm, grounding presence that enhances the emotional core of the story.
And that ending?

Let’s just say… I am more than ready for book three.
If you love:
Protective hockey heroes
Strong but wounded heroines
Coach’s daughter tropes
A touch of suspense with your swoon
Found family vibes
Then Brooke O’Brien’s Rixon U series needs to be on your TBR immediately.

[Amber H · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Goalie Falls

Some books pull you in gently. This one grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.

The Blocks We Make isn’t just a college hockey romance—it’s tension, secrets, and emotion wrapped in late-night practices and stolen moments. Brooke O’Brien leans hard into the suspense this time, and it pays off.

Brinley walks onto campus carrying more than just a fresh start. There’s a quiet heaviness to her, like she’s always bracing for something. You don’t get all the answers right away—and that’s what makes her story so gripping. Piece by piece, her past unravels, and every reveal hits a little harder than the last.

Cooper, on the other hand, is control. Discipline. Focus. Until her.

What starts as curiosity quickly turns into something deeper, something protective. He’s not just watching out for her—he’s anchoring her, even when everything around them starts to tilt. But life doesn’t pause for feelings, and when his future collides with her reality, the cracks start to show.

Their connection isn’t instant fireworks—it’s a slow ignition. The kind that simmers, tightens, and then suddenly burns hotter than you expect.

And just when you think you’ve settled into the rhythm of the story, the suspense sharpens. The stakes rise. The sense that something is coming never really leaves—and when it finally does hit, it lands.

The hockey world feels lived-in, not just a backdrop but a pulse running through everything—loyalty, pressure, brotherhood. It adds weight to every choice Cooper makes, and every risk Brinley takes.

By the end, you’re not just invested—you’re a little wrecked, a little breathless, and very aware that this story isn’t done with you yet.

Book three can’t come fast enough.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second instalment in the Rixton U series centres on ice hockey goalie Cooper Rowden and his growing connection with Brinley, the mysterious new student who has arrived on the campus carrying more than a few secrets. Things quickly become complicated when Cooper discovers she’s actually his coach’s secret daughter, and even more so when he witnesses her being threatened outside the bar where she lives and works. From that moment, his protective instincts kick in but getting involved with her could jeopardise the future he’s spent years working so hard towards.

The Blocks We Make blends a classic forbidden romance with the coach’s daughter and a slow-burn dynamic that really pays off. Cooper is very much a ‘golden retriever’ type hero, fiercely protective, loyal, and impossible not to like, his willingness to put Brinley first, even when under pressure from his coach, only makes him all the more endearing. While Brinley is a far more guarded character, shaped by a lifetime of always moving around that has left her hesitant to trust or open up which adds an emotional depth to her character, while giving a reason to bring her to Rixton to discover more about the father she hadn’t known existed. Despite her initial reluctance, a slow-burn romance develops between them that simmers with their undeniable chemistry.

Alongside their romance, there is an intriguing underlying and arching plot involving conspiracies and corruption within college sports, which adds tension while building a sense of impending danger across the series. The supporting cast, particularly Cooper’s teammates, adds strength to the story, but a particular standout for me is his bond with his sister whose journey is clearly being set up for the next book.

[Whitney Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Cooper saw Brinley, he knew there was something about her he couldn’t ignore.
Brinley arrives in Rixton with a secret—she transferred schools without telling her mother. Her father is the hockey coach and meeting him is at the top of her list. With little to her name, she jumps at the chance to rent an apartment above a bar, and it is a bonus when the owner offers her a job, too. When a coworker invites her to a hockey house party, Brinley agrees, hoping to settle into her new college life. But the night takes a dark turn when she’s dropped off at home and confronted by a man dressed in black who tells her to leave. Luckily, Cooper had followed her—and from that moment on, he feels responsible for keeping her safe. Brinley is fiercely independent, and Cooper has to tread carefully. He’s determined not only to protect her, but to figure out who’s targeting her and why. After last year’s scandal involving Wren’s father, her relationship with Cooper’s teammate Talon, and the coach’s involvement, it’s clear there’s more going on beneath the surface—especially after it came to light that the coach had a secret daughter and that her mother had been paid off. As Cooper grows closer to Brinley, his coach warns him to stay away, threatening his future as the starting goalie if he doesn’t. But Cooper isn’t backing down—not when Brinley could be in danger and he is falling for her. When Brinley finally lets him in, their connection deepens in ways neither of them expected. She realizes that Cooper is “Rowdy87,” the person she’s spent countless hours talking to and gaming with online. But even as everything begins to fall into place, Brinley hesitates—afraid that telling him who she is.

[Karen Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this third book in the series. The suspense is kept up throughout the book. The thread that weaves its way through the series continues.
Brinley moves to Rixton to find her hockey coach father, who has never acknowledged her existence. Being stopped by the police on the way in leaves her with a weird feeling.
Finding a job and a flat above the pub where she’s working, Brinley meets Cooper when a customer complains about a mistake she’s made.
Cooper sees her again at the hockey practice and a hockey party and feels an attraction. As she leaves he follows at a distance to make sure she gets home safely, seeing a dark figure accost her, he rushes to her rescue.
The push and pull between the two continues throughout, especially when his group of friends who had previously researched the coach tell Cooper she is the coaches daughter.
The tension is raised when following an injury on the ice, coach benches Cooper using his injury as the reason but it starts to feel like blackmail.
When Brinley gets stopped by the police when talking to Cooper she leaves the phone on when she talks to the policeman as she wasn’t doing anything to be pulled over. Cooper comes to save her being arrested as he and his friends have found some interesting information about the cop.
The next day it’s announced coach has resigned and Greer the hockey player who caused Cooper’s injury is joining the team.
Coach resigning appears to be part of the reason the whole plot that has been investigated throughout the series.
At the next game Greer, who has unusually transferred mid season, announces why he’s moved and it’s because of Cooper’s sister, blindsiding Cooper.
The next book will be interesting.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blocks We Make ( Rixton U Series Book 2 ) Tropes 🏒Coaches Secret Daughter 🏒 Hockey Goalie/ Hockey Romance 🏒Close Proximity 🏒Small College Town 🏒Secrets , Lies and Corruption Well Brooke has officially wrecked me , just wrecked me in all the best ways and by the end all the shattered pieces of my heart were somehow put right back together again . I only have one question, how do you not fall in love with this absolutely amazing , Steamy and addictive series/ world that Brooke has so brilliantly created? . We’re only on book 2 and I’m just utterly obsessed and equally in love with each couple and their journey !! . That being said, something about Brinley and Cooper really had my heart , I just felt such a connection to both . I loved the chemistry between them but it was so much more than that . The things they went through both together and separately, just resonated with me in the most unexpected of ways. I loved how different they were yet how perfectly they complemented each other so perfectly. The progression of their relationship, all the different layers and complexities, the angst and the humor and the witty banter , the intrigue and suspense, the family and friendships. I genuinely could not devour it fast enough, I literally felt like I was on a emotional rollercoaster the whole way through. Smiling and laughing out loud one second then crying ugly tears and yelling so so hard the next . What never ever wavered though was how utterly invested I found myself in these two and how hard I cheered for them to find the happy ending they so desperately wanted wanted and clearly deserved.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved The Blocks We Make by Brooke O'Brien. And I've read that trope a few times and I loved what Brooke O'Brien did with it. I mean the coach's daughter and a player on his team. And don't forget that absolutely addicting suspense line that runs through the whole series and if you ask me there's more to it. And I suspect at least one more book in the series after that plot twist at the end of this one. Because that ending was explosive. Cooper and Brinley were so good together. I loved it that they knew each other for a long time before they met in real life. And he knew her little secret from the start. Brinley came to Rixton to meet her father and she totally didn't expected what she found. And from the start a little events started piling up and added to the suspense. Brinley was sweet, smart and hardworking, strong and independent and I loved that Cooper admired all of that and wanted to help her. Cooper was the goalie who was her online game partner for years. And he and his friends are in the middle of a sports conspiracy. So it was quite surprising when his coach started acting out and threatened his career. And that slightly messed with him. Let's just say that I loved it how Brinley managed with the situation as a boss lady. And when the secret about her father is revealed a lot of things happened at once and the plot twists are coming from everywhere. Loved the last couple of chapters and those epilogues and their happily ever after. But if you ask me I really need to read Atlee and Greer's story because after that plot twist I know it'll be epic.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I just finished The Blocks We Make by Brooke O’Brien and I loved it. I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, so I can’t say I fully grasped everything going on with the entire storyline following the scandal. But even without that context, I was completely pulled into this one and I still really enjoyed the outcome.

From the very beginning, the tension feels sharp and personal. The story centers on that kind of danger that isn’t announced. The moments where you can feel how much control people think they have, how tightly they’re trying to keep a secret contained, and how badly they don’t want certain truths to come out? Those were the parts that hooked me.

I also really appreciated the emotional core of it. The romance and the connection between the characters don’t feel shallow or forced. There’s a strong sense of loyalty, protectiveness, and growing determination. Cooper isn’t just doing something because it’s expected of him, but because he can’t stand by while someone is being threatened. And honestly, that I’m protecting her turn felt satisfying in a way that matched the stakes of the plot.

This was an intense, dramatic, page-turner with great pacing and high emotional stakes. I can’t wait to go back and read the first book so I can catch up on everything I missed because after this, I’m fully invested in the series.

I highly recommend it if you like hockey romance and secrets with "serious" consequences, and a story where the protective instincts hit hard.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping me on my toes

This story brings another layer to the Rixton U campus and their hockey team

Cooper is honestly an MMC you cannot help but fall for. He's got everything, brains, looks, jock energy and the overprotective alpha you absolutely know you're gonna fall for....but my god that boy made me want to shake him on occasion ...

Brinley is totally take no nonsense, one hundred percent feisty and fiercely independent. However there are things which evolve as the story develops, she's a lot more vulnerable then the reader originally believes and owing to that a risk for herself, Coop and the Rixton U team members we care about...

The swear words and the venom a certain character evoked were real and let's be frank O'Brien knows how to make us hate the bad guys.... She also knows how to make us love the found family... Those team mates, clique, brotherhood are truly inspiring....AND she knows how to keep us on the hook.

I have so many questions yet to be answered and yet Cooper and Brinleys story feels finished.

This book can totally 100 percent be ready as a standalone BUT for me there's a story arc within the series which is best read in chronological order... Although please note you don't miss anything if you pick this one first.

Now before I go, let's just
Talk about the end, Soooo many expletives, left my brain... Then no words could be found. Seriously O'Brien knows how to lay it out for the next book and make you want to read it ...yesterday...

I'll be waiting, anxiously

[Barbara Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping, emotional ride that definitely turns up the heat compared to the first book, while still keeping a strong balance between romance and plot. Brooke O’Brien delivers a protective hockey romance that blends tension, secrecy, and heart in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. There’s an intensity to their connection that builds naturally—he’s drawn to her from the start, but it’s not just attraction. It’s concern, curiosity, and eventually something much deeper. Brinley’s guarded nature adds layers to her character, and watching her slowly let someone in felt authentic and rewarding. The secrecy surrounding her identity and the growing threats create real stakes, giving the story a slightly darker, more suspenseful edge than your typical sports romance. The pressure from the team, the looming scandal, and the constant sense of danger keep the plot moving at a steady pace. The chemistry is undeniable, and the intimate moments are well-written without overpowering the story. They enhance the emotional connection rather than distract from it. If there’s anything that keeps it from a full five stars, it’s that some plot elements feel a bit predictable, and a few conflicts wrap up a little too neatly. Still, the emotional payoff and character development make it more than worth the read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SherrecePQ Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I am absolutely devouring this Rixton U series, and in this we see Brinley and Cooper. There is a definite suspenseful thread running thru this series, so in my opinion, reading in order will make this easier to follow. But, you will be left guessing jaw dropping.

Brinley swoops in to town and suddenly draws the attention of not only Cooper, but some of its residents. But, when you are the coaches daughter..... However Cooper is not only the teams number one goalie, he also finds himself being warned off from starting ANYTHING Brinley, even his career is threatened, but he knows there is so much more to this.

Of course it is personal but why, and what is the coach hiding? Cooper, though, knows that there is something dodgy going on, rumours of match fixing, but why? I can't even formulate sentences because I literally felt taken on a suspenseful journey where every page I turned had me asking more questions and absolutely devouring every word. Brinley and Cooper have a chemistry that neither of them expected, but choosing each other comes with consequences. But, Cooper and his teammates have been piecing together parts that just don't add up. Whomever 'they' are, they just want Brinley to leave town, and Cooper to just play, but these two have other plans in mind. BROOKE I need the next book. **Each book as a HEA but this suspenseful story underneath continues, and why would you not want to read the whole series!!

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Blocks We Make is the third book in the Rixton I series, and while it can technically be read on its own, I definitely recommend reading the previous books to fully appreciate the character dynamics and ongoing story threads.

This installment follows Cooper, the Rixton I hockey team’s goalie, and Brinley, the daughter of Coach Dawson. Brinley arrives in Rixton I determined to confront her father and finally learn whether he truly knew about her—and chose not to be part of her life. What makes their connection even sweeter is that Cooper and Brinley unknowingly met before through their shared love of video games, forming a virtual bond long before they met in person.

I really admired Brinley’s perseverance and her determination to stand on her own without relying on others. The suspense element—trying to figure out who was following her and attempting to push her out of town—added a fun layer of tension that kept me engaged. And Cooper’s steady, protective nature made him such an easy character to root for.

One thing I didn’t fully understand was why Coach Dawson was so adamant about keeping Brinley a secret, especially since the relationship happened when he was so young. His resistance felt a bit extreme compared to the situation.

Overall, this was a strong, emotional addition to the series, and I’m already excited for what’s next. I can’t wait to learn more about Greer and Atlee.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Sassy Southern Book Blog

This is the second book in the series and I did not read the first book but I recommend doing so for some of the mystery that began in the first book and continued through this one.

This is a college romance where the action goes from 0 to 60 in a matter of days for the characters. The book is full of spice but an underlying tone of something mysterious in which are two main characters are involved.

Brinley has come to town to finally meet her father who has had nothing to do with her in her life. She wonders if he even knows that she exists sp she decides to transfer to Rixton University where her dad is the hockey coach.

Cooper Rowden is a hockey goalie with a bright future ahead of him if he stays out of trouble and doesn't get distracted by the new girl in town, Brinley. There is something about Brinley that draws Cooper and almost instantly he decides that he is going to protect her from everything.

The book is pretty much insta-love with a lot of hiccups and mystery involving Brinley and her dad with Cooper and his friends getting involved.

I thought the book was good and I had to remind myself that college kids go at a pace faster than most. There were a few annoying aspects of the main characters that got on my nerves with the way they handled things with each other but they are young.

The mystery is much deeper than just one book and it should continue in the next book.

3.5 Stars

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protective has never looked so good or been so heartstoppingly sexy as it is when Cooper Rowden is protecting Brinley Taylor, the swoon is real, heart fluttering is happening, and loving this MMC is a guarantee!
First off, yay for being back at Rixton U! Loved seeing Talon and Wren again and I am so into this suspense storyline that builds with every book in the series. As for Cooper and Brinley, my heart is so freaking happy with their entire romance. It is beyond cute that they’ve actually had a connection for years, I highly enjoyed that their relationship was lightning fast and that it felt so instinctual for them to gravitate to each other because it really played in to that earlier connection perfectly even when they had no idea it was there, and I really loved that there’s so much going on and so many secrets these two are keeping from each other that you basically have to binge read it because you have to know how it all shakes out. It has it’s spicy moments, it has it’s oh my gosh that’s so sweet moments, and it’s fair share of frustration when both Cooper and Brinley don’t share the full truth or one of them pulls back, but it one hundred percent always has your heart because this protective goalie and his fiercely independent and closed off girl are fantastic together.