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New York Blaze Hockey Series #2

Fall To Me: The New York Blaze Hockey Series Book 2

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River and your swoon-worthy book boyfriend, Carter, are back to tell their story in this heart-gripping, page-turning romance.

River

Carter Graham has been after me for a year now; leaving my favorite coffee on my desk every morning, showing up when I think I’ve successfully avoided him. I don’t want to find him attractive. God, I really don’t. Every time he pierces me with those glacier-blue eyes, it feels like he sees right down to the depths of my soul. I become confused, my pulse races, my cheeks warm, and tingles spread throughout my body. It literally feels like the ground shifts under my feet. Usually, that’s when I run. Running is something I’ve become very good at.

Carter

River Hendrix. Man, I’ve had it bad for that woman since the day I laid eyes on her. She took my breath away. But it wasn’t only her beauty that shook me, it was how she looked at me like I was an idiot when I held out my hand to shake hers. Since then, that girl has lit me up and torn me down in the same breath. Chasing her is a high that makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt in my life. Every glance, every time she brushes me off, or pops off with one of her smart remarks, only makes me crave her more. The more she turns me down; the more determined I become. I’m not one to give up easily. I don’t quit . . . ever. Mark my words. One day, she will be mine.

After a painful divorce, River is still piecing herself back together, wary of letting anyone in. Carter is relentless, determined to win her heart. When a wild night in Vegas ends in an accidental marriage, they’re forced to confront what they truly want. Will River’s past destroy their chance at happiness?

Or will Carter prove he’s worth the risk?

Be sure to read Fall Wherever They May first for the best reading experience.
This book is an interconnected stand-alone and ends in an HEA.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

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About the author

Elysia Wages

6 books62 followers
Elysia Wages is a contemporary romance author from Oklahoma. She creates stories filled with angst, relatable characters, heartfelt connections, comedy, spice, and book boyfriends that will have you downright swooning. Let's not forget about the pages that will leave you wanting more and more.

​

When she's not writing, Elysia enjoys curling up with a coffee and a spicy romance novel, spending time with her family, or vacationing on various beaches.

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5 stars
223 (54%)
4 stars
135 (33%)
3 stars
43 (10%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for GCR | Book Realm.
320 reviews84 followers
Read
June 27, 2026
I received this ALC from High Gravity Productions.

After finishing the first book, I immediately jumped into River and Carter’s story, and I’m glad I did because this one completely pulled me in. This one had me laughing throughout and felt even more entertaining for me.

The biggest reason this worked for me was Carter. I absolutely loved the way he loved River. He was all in, and that devotion was what kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end. Their relationship had sweetness, chemistry, tension, and enough humor mixed in that I found myself genuinely enjoying their dynamic.

The spice was definitely spicy, and the funny moments actually made me laugh, which is always a plus because sometimes “romcom” humor makes me question if anyone involved has ever spoken to another human.

There were a couple of things throughout the story that threw me off a bit, but not enough to take away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience.

The audiobook narration was phenomenal. With a cast that includes Teddy Hamilton, Andi Eloise, Corvin King, Stella Hunter, Aaron Shedlock, Lauren Beck, Brandon Francis, Leanne Blade, and Audrey Obeyn, I expected it to be good, but it honestly exceeded my expectations. This was my first time listening to some of these narrators, and I really enjoyed their performances. The cast brought so much personality and energy to the story that it made an already entertaining hockey romance even better.

I’d recommend it to listeners who enjoy spicy hockey romance, devoted love interests, humor mixed with emotional moments, full-cast audiobooks, and interconnected standalone series.
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,325 reviews768 followers
January 10, 2026
Part 2

3,5 🏒❤️‍🔥💘⭐️s

Carter and River’s journey was intriguing, romantic and had some intense moments.
There were a few times though that the flow lost its harmony.
Regardless, I liked their chemistry and connection and enjoyed their story a lot!
Profile Image for HolleeJane.
531 reviews16 followers
June 27, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

📖 Fall to Me
✍️ Elysia Wages
🎧 Audiobook by High Gravity Productions
🎙️ Full Cast Duet featuring Teddy Hamilton, Andi Eloise, Corvin King, Stella Hunter, Aaron Shedlock, Lauren Beck, Brandon Francis, Leanne Blade, and Audrey Obeyn

Thank you to High Gravity Productions for the ALC!

Y’all… this book was DELICIOUS. I absolutely devoured it.

Book one was a solid read for me, but book two? It completely blew it out of the water.

This is Carter and River’s story, and let me tell you… Carter Graham is officially book boyfriend material. He’s protective without being overbearing, stubborn in the best way, completely obsessed with his woman, and has the biggest golden retriever energy. This man would do absolutely anything for River, and watching him patiently love and support her had me swooning from beginning to end.

River’s journey was just as incredible. After surviving an abusive and manipulative marriage, she’s trying to figure out who she is again. Watching her slowly reclaim her confidence, her independence, and her life was so beautifully written. I loved that Carter never tried to “fix” her—he simply stood beside her, encouraged her, nurtured her, and reminded her of the strong woman she had always been. Their relationship felt healthy, supportive, and incredibly rewarding to watch unfold.

The pacing was fantastic, the emotional moments hit exactly where they needed to, and the suspense sprinkled throughout kept me completely invested. I finished this in one day because I genuinely couldn’t put it down.

And can we talk about this audiobook? Absolutely phenomenal. High Gravity Productions knocked it out of the park with another incredible full-cast duet production. The performances brought every emotion to life, and honestly, if you have a favorite romance narrator, there’s a good chance they’re part of this cast. Every single narrator elevated an already amazing story.

If you’re looking for a hockey romance packed with healing, unwavering devotion, emotional growth, protective hero energy, and an audiobook production that is top tier, Fall to Me needs to be at the top of your TBR.

⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️ 3 Chili Peppers
Profile Image for Jen Baldwin.
411 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2025
One of the easiest 5 stars I've ever given. This book is actually perfect. Zero critique.
Both MCs are amazing, well rounded, and there is so much healing and growth. Not to mention, it's hilarious, side characters are awesome, no one ever acts like an overly dramatic fool, it flowed perfectly and there are twists and action at the end. Absolutely perfect.
Profile Image for Ashley Miller.
297 reviews24 followers
July 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

I enjoyed Fall Wherever They May (book 1), but wow… Fall to Me completely exceeded my expectations. From the moment we met River and Carter in book one, I knew their story was going to be my favorite. Their chemistry and banter were already some of my favorite parts of the first book, and getting to see that dynamic take center stage here did not disappoint.

After a drunken night in Vegas changes everything, River and Carter are forced to face feelings they’ve been dancing around while River continues healing from the trauma of an abusive marriage. What I wasn’t expecting was just how much suspense was woven into the story. It added an entirely different layer to the romance, and as someone who loves romantic suspense, it was such a pleasant surprise. Between the emotional moments, the twists, the laughs, and the 🌶️ romance, I was completely invested from beginning to end.

River’s journey was heartbreaking and I really connected to her, and there were several moments that had me tearing up. Watching her slowly reclaim herself while Carter loved her with so much patience, respect, and support made this relationship feel perfect. And Carter Graham… 🥵 welcome to my book boyfriend list. This man is thoughtful, protective without crossing the line, endlessly patient, and somehow still manages to be hilarious. Every time I thought he couldn’t raise the bar any higher, he did.

I also have to talk about the audiobook because it absolutely elevated the experience. High Gravity Productions delivered another phenomenal full-cast duet narration. Every narrator brought so much emotion and personality to their characters. This cast completely immersed me in River and Carter’s story. Bravo to the cast🎙️Teddy Hamilton, Andi Eloise, Corvin King, Stella Hunter, Aaron Shedlock, Lauren Beck, Brandon Francis, Leanne Blade, and Audrey Obeyn

And that epilogue?! Excuse me, Elysia… you can’t leave me hanging like that. If book three is giving us what I think it’s giving us, I need it immediately.

This book made me laugh, cry, swoon, and completely fall in love with these characters. Easily my favorite in the series so far, and I cannot wait to see what’s next.
Profile Image for Stef.
82 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2026
Okay first off—Elysia… WHAT THE HECK DID YOU PUT IN THIS??? And where do I get more???

Because EXCUSE ME???

Just when I thought my love for fictional men couldn’t get worse—BAM—here comes Carter Graham.

The way this incredibly goofy, caring, emotionally intelligent man slowly breaks through River’s emotional walls as they navigate their relationship backwards (no… I won’t spoil it, you’ve gotta read this) was so satisfying and genuinely rewarding to witness.

And River’s backstory as a survivor of DV made her journey hit so much harder. There were multiple moments where I was literally tearing up because of how gentle Carter was with her. The patience. The care. The way he understood her and made it his mission to make her smile because THAT is how he brought her back to him???

I’m not crying… I am crying 😭

I genuinely have no words other than 👏👏👏

Actually—nevermind. I do.

6 stars.
No—wait. 7.

Yep. 7. SEVEN stars because Carter Graham just broke my rating scale and honestly? It was well deserved.

I mean—I read this in 24 hours… so hello??? Of COURSE it broke the scale.

I have read many books. I have fallen in love many times. But you know what I haven’t done yet?

Needed the audiobook immediately so I could hear him exist—AGAIN. Outside of my head.

So when that audiobook drops this summer???

Oh boy.

I’m sorry to my TBR, but you can wait—because Cal, Carter, and SEAN can respectfully come collect me and take me back to the New York Hockey Blaze.
Profile Image for Jessica Ehmcke.
146 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2026
I loved everything about this book. Very enjoyable sports romance with appropriate amount of spice, humor and suspense. I feel like it was the perfect length. There was no miscommunication, no filler, it just flowed very well.
The MMC is what every girl dreams of and deserves.
Profile Image for jenn.
70 reviews29 followers
October 27, 2025
Fall To Me didn’t just end my reading slump. It grabbed me by the face, kissed my forehead, and said “we’re back, baby.” From page one I was gone. Fully unwell. I was sneaking chapters like it was contraband. Finished in two days because I physically could not stop. The characters felt like they marched right into my heart and claimed squatter’s rights. Every moment pulled me deeper until suddenly it was 3AM and I had no regrets. Like thank you Elysia for saving my serotonin levels. I love her, I love this story, and I am absolutely feral waiting for the rest of the series. If you need a book that reminds you why we read… respectfully… this one.
Profile Image for H.B. Elliott.
Author 8 books146 followers
August 1, 2025
I've officially sold my soul to Carter Graham.

My second hockey romance... and I don't even like hockey. But I'll freeze my arse off to watch this man any damn day of the week.

And if you don't wanna grow up to be River? Do you actually have goals? A fierce, strong, badass survivor that's more than relatable and takes her OWN route to self discovery? Yes, please.

This book has everything. I laughed. I cried. I scrumpt. I drank a gallon of water.

It'll be the best book you read this year. And yall get your significant others ready for the relief you'll need after the spice in here. Just go read it. Trust me.
Profile Image for smutty.spade.queen.
265 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2026
“Who are you, River?”

“That’s exactly how I see you. Those are just a few of the many reasons why I fell in love with you.”

Let me take a deep breath here and clap for another unapologetic beautifully written book by Miss Wages.

The moment I finished book 1 and seeing Carter call River “his wife” and stake claim put me in automatic feral mode and this book did not disappoint.

While book 1 was full of emotional damage and toll Cal went through and we painfully endured that with him, whereas this one to me felt more of a book about the healing journey itself and we rode that journey with River. We watched River grow into rediscovering who she is after a very traumatic moment in her past and other past experience. We walked hand in hand with her as she began to see what a true and healthy relationship is supposed to be and what that looks like, thanks to none other than Carter Graham himself. Oh, and hell, why not throw in a drunken Vegas escapade to catalyze this journey and pairing.

Carter Graham — this MAN 🤌🏻🤌🏻😩. I’m in love with this man. He fights and loves this woman. Every. Single. Day. Since book 1. But he chooses her. Every. Day. And he is so emotionally mature (which balances his Fight Club vibe) that he is the perfect balance for River and her healing journey. Does he make mistakes? Yes. They both do. But what’s also amazing about this series is that these relationships are relatable, realistic, and healthy.

Oh and the spice 🥵🤌🏻 — well worth the bit of a slow burn and tension to get there but damn, the mouth on both of these two. 😮‍💨

As mentioned, this book isn’t as emotionally gut punching as book one but is very triggering and has heavy themes— definitely moments I stopped breathing while reading certain sections.

I am very much looking forward to book 3 for Sean and Hannah and getting more of our book 1 and 2 couples.

Also, here’s some (just some) moments that made my knees week for Carter:

—“A lifetime with you will never be enough. My heart belongs to you. Always. Forever. Even after I’m gone, when my bones turn to dust, my soul will find its way back to you, and I’ll love you all over again.”

—“You’re my obsession. An unhealthy form of addiction. My fatal flaw. You may very well be my demise. You could wreck me. Ruin me. Crush my fucking soul. The power has always been yours.”

—“Damn, you’re stunning. I’m going to break you in the best fucking way. Fuck you until you can’t see straight. Make you scream my name for everyone in that goddamn house to hear,”

—“My wife is fucking delicious.”

—“[...] Pull your hair, choke you, spank you . . . tie you up . . . manipulate the fuck out of your body, watch you submit to me and fall apart in the most beautiful, fucking, erotic way with my name spilling from your lips. I don’t want to control you. I want to worship every inch of you. There’s power in dominance, but there’s far more in submission. I may hold the lock, but you’ll always hold the goddamn key.”

—“Loving her will never be a sacrifice. Nor will anything that comes along with it.”
Profile Image for Literally Booked Johanna .
350 reviews68 followers
October 18, 2026
Review:
Fall to Me 🏒🍂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖Book: 31/75
📚 Title: Fall to Me
✍️ Author: Elysia Wages
💫 Genre: Fiction | Sports Romance
••••••••••••••••••••••
🍂🏒 Synopsis 🏒🍂
After a drunken night in Vegas, Carter and River are forced to confront the feelings they’ve been trying to ignore. As River continues to heal from the trauma of her first marriage, she finds herself falling into an unexpected romance that could change everything.

💕 My Review 💕
I was such a huge fan of book one that I couldn’t wait to dive into the second installment, and WOW! This book completely exceeded my expectations!

When I first met Carter and River in book one, I knew their story would be something special, and they absolutely delivered! Their chemistry, witty banter, and undeniable connection had me hooked from the start. 🥹💕

What truly stole my heart was Carter himself. The way he patiently supported River, helped her navigate her trauma, and showed her what love could look like after heartbreak had me completely swooning! 🫶🏼 He was everything you could want in a book boyfriend, and I was fully invested in their journey.

Wages gave us a romance filled with heart, healing, chemistry, and all the feels. This one was an absolute winner for me! If you loved book one, trust me, you don’t want to miss Carter and River’s story! ❤️‍🔥

#BookReview #FallToMe #ElysiaWages #SportsRomance #RomanceBooks #Bookstagram #BookRecommendations #BookBoyfriend #Bibliophile

Profile Image for Spicy BookNook Reviews.
376 reviews63 followers
October 7, 2025
This book had me absolutely hooked from the very first page. The prologue literally had my heart all twisted and I knew I was in this fully. It took me two days to read this because I literally couldn't stop. Everything about this book was so incredible. The characters were amazing ans so incredibly full of personalities. The storyline was top notch. The smexy time was hottttt!

Carter is everything and more someone could ever want from a man. He's perfect in every single way. Okay, maybe not when he psychoanalizes you lol but I mean I could totally handle that flaw 🤣

River is the sweetest woman ever. Her heart is bigger than anything. She cares and loves deeply for everyone, except herself.

The connection that Carter and River has is absolutely untouchable. And beautiful. The way he sees her. The way he adores her. The way he loved her. The way she loves him but tries to hide it. Gahh. Everything. I'm literally obsessed with everything about this book.

Buuuut I need more of them! I need to see what their future is like. I need to see that broken past truly in the past. I need more of them like I need water!
Profile Image for Nicole Zarut.
138 reviews9 followers
October 7, 2025
“Chasing her is a fucking high that makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt in my life.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️

I was left speechless with this book. This is one of those books that you said omg another hockey story but them OMG - WTF is this - Just fantastic, i loved everything about this story. This book would teach you that being persistent always works at the end of the day! Carter Graham stole my heart from the very first page, the love he feels for our girl River is unbelievably beautiful. He fought for that love until the last page, just true love all over this book. And OMG can we talk how funny half of the book is I mean i was laughing my ass off, not every author can do that.

I loved the way the story develops. The twist and turn that Elysia gives us. It is definitely an emotional roller coaster to read, our girl River went through some trauma that NO woman should live but the way she builds herself stronger thanks to our gorgeous MMC. Just phenomenal.
Profile Image for Shelly .
109 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2025
Omg.. I cannot get the MMC out of my mind! This was one of the best love stories that I’ve read all year!!! Carter… yummy yummmm!! If he isn’t your new book boyfriend after this then there must be something the matter! This author does such a great job at storytelling and developing her characters…So much so it feels like I personally know them. Both main characters were introduced in book one so I think it’s necessary to read it first. The FMC River, is one badass tough cookie!! She unfortunately went through some DV early on and the MMC Carter is the rock she didn’t know she needed. And the spicy scenes are incredible… make note of the audio book scene 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I absolutely loved and devoured this book!
Profile Image for Haley Law.
58 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
If you are looking for the perfect book boyfriend stop. You just found him. Elysia has done it again. She has made me fall in love with another couple that I don't think I can live without. The feelings this book made me feel were so overwhelming and beautiful.

The relationship between these two characters is so beautiful. Watching River a victim of DV learn to love again is absolutely beautiful. Carter is everything she needs through every step of their relationship. It just makes it more fun to see where they start off.

I can't wait to see where this series leads. It has been my favorite introduction to the sports romance.
Profile Image for Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d).
1,766 reviews27 followers
June 30, 2026
I absolutely loved this audiobook! River and Carter completely had my heart. Their journey was emotional, healing, and so incredibly swoony. Carter is the kind of hero who shows up over and over, and I loved watching River slowly learn to trust and love again.🥹

The full cast duet narration was amazing! Teddy Hamilton and Andi Eloise were perfection as Carter and River, and the entire supporting cast made the story feel so immersive. It honestly felt like I was right there with them.

If you love emotional hockey romances with found family, all the feels, and an incredible full cast performance, definitely add this one to your listening list! 🎧💕
Profile Image for Stephanie Bennett.
260 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2025
PHENOMENAL!!! OMG I am obsessed! The MC’s are both so charismatic and swoon-worthy. River is so strong, fighting against previous trauma, and has such amazing character growth. Carter is almost perfect! Almost! They accidentally get married, but can they survive? Please read their story. Their connection is beautiful and ugly, sexy and spicy, easy and difficult. Their banter is hilarious and their love for each other is breathtaking. So many life lessons are learned. I laughed, cried, gasped and tingled. Highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for hotpinksam.
212 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2025
Oh geez this book starts out in such a fun way! Book two in the series and we are exploring Carter and River. She’s a DV survivor and resistant to starting a relationship with this hockey hunk. The way he pursues her with so much patience is everything. This couple makes me laugh and their spice is plenty hot. The flow of the story is great and you get more background and some surprises for other characters in the series too. Definitely had me in my feelings and crying a few times. Ended with a big fat HEA. Just like I love. I definitely recommend it and it can totally be read as a standalone but I think it’s more fun as a part of the series.
11 reviews
October 7, 2025
I’m so excited to share how much I loved this book. I think I may have enjoyed it even more than the first! I already adored the glimpses of River and Carter in book one, so I knew their story wouldn’t disappoint. River’s fiery spirit paired with Carter’s unwavering persistence made them the perfect match. The way they pushed each other to grow, discover themselves, and build something stronger together was beautifully written. I absolutely love these two!
Profile Image for WASSAMATTAYOU BOOKSLOOT.
780 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2026
loved loved loved

I loved love loved this story. I think I fell head over heels in love with carter within the first few pages of this book. Well, actually like in chapter 1. And I love river. I love her strength. I love her attitude. I love the way that her and carter banned her back-and-forth constantly. The spice was great. I just love the story!
Profile Image for Sabrina Lightsey.
111 reviews
October 23, 2025
Absolutely love this series. Carter and River’s story is so heartwarming and touching. This series is amazingly written and will absolutely have you feeling all the feelings. I highly recommend The New York Blaze Hockey series. You will not regret it.
Profile Image for Shelby.
273 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2025
😍

Carter the love sick puppy determined to take River on a date. River who’s sworn off men and makes it a daily goal to infuriate Carter. Their story was amazing! Perfect amounts of trauma and spice. I can’t wait for book 3!!
Profile Image for Megan.
517 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2025
Carter is one of the best MMCs ever. Overall romantic suspense plot was solid. I just don’t think I enjoy the side character/interpersonal relationship drama. It reads very immature to me.
Profile Image for Amanda.
6 reviews
July 9, 2026
this book was amazing ! it made me feel so many different ways, the jokes cracked and quick wit between all the characters made me wish I could be a friend in their group, the passion and tension between MMC and FMC was delicious, and the way he takes care of her so attentively had me swooning ! definitely a good read !
Profile Image for Candace  Townsend .
24 reviews
October 22, 2025
always wanting more

You always make it where I always want more!! You kill it every time and I love how you write! Truly a blessing and gift.
Profile Image for Carrie Hagen.
177 reviews12 followers
November 3, 2025
I’m embarrassed to say it took me so long to get through this BUT let my clarify that I was doing a TON of driving and going on work trips so I didn’t have much time to pick up the physical, otherwise I woulda devoured it!

Carter is such an amazing golden retriever. The patience this man had… he is a saint. Our FMC, River, has been through it and is on a healing journey. No one could have been better than Carter. A hottie with all the patience in the world, he knows how to read her emotions and all the right things to say. The one time he lost it was sooooo understanding. You can only take sooo much. I loved that scene. It was so heartbreaking.
Profile Image for Kayla Price.
216 reviews16 followers
September 27, 2025
Holy sh!t!!! This story is an emotional rollercoaster with some twists and turns!! And let’s be real he falls first is one of my ultimate favorite tropes. Carter and River are everything together and the way he treats her like a goddess I am obsessed. I don’t like telling spoilers but the way River finds her true self is truly amazing.
Please check your triggers.
Profile Image for Melissa Khamchanh.
60 reviews
June 12, 2026
Fall to Me (Cal & River) – Book Review
I absolutely loved Fall to Me! Cal and River’s relationship was unexpected in the best possible way, and their journey kept me invested from beginning to end.
River has been through so much trauma after surviving an abusive marriage, and it was heartbreaking to see how deeply it affected her ability to trust and open herself up to love again. Her fears and hesitations felt realistic, making her character easy to sympathize with. On the other hand, Cal was patient, determined, and never gave up on her, even when she tried to push him away.
The chemistry between them was undeniable, and their story took an exciting turn after one drunken night led to an unexpected marriage. From there, they had to navigate their complicated feelings, overcome past wounds, and learn what it truly meant to love and support each other. Watching them grow individually and as a couple was one of my favorite parts of the book.
This story was emotional, heartwarming, and full of moments that made me root for Cal and River. I couldn’t help but fall in love with their dynamic and the way they fought for their happily-ever-after. It was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys emotional romance with strong character growth and a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Bette.
3,569 reviews24 followers
July 13, 2026
Fantastic Story, Characters, Narration & Audiobook Listen🎧

Fall To Me
The New Blaze Hockey Series, Book 2
By: Elysia Wages
Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Andi Eloise, Corvin King, Stella Hunter, Aaron Shedlock, Lauren Beck, Brandon Francis, Leanne Blade, Audrey Obeyn

There is nothing better than getting blown away by a new-to-me author, going in with no expectations, and coming out loving not only the story and characters but the author’s writing style. Kudos to Elysia Wages for creating such an impressive story, one that grabbed my attention and held it captive throughout. This second book in her “New York Blaze Hockey” series is River Hendrix and Carter Graham’s story, and while their story stands on its own, there is a connection to the characters of the first book, “Fall Wherever They May”, There is nothing better than getting blown away by a new-to-me author, going in with no expectations, and coming out loving not only the story and characters but the author’s writing style. Kudos to Elysia Wages for creating such an impressive story, one that grabbed my attention and held it captive throughout. This second book in her “New York Blaze Hockey” series is River Hendrix and Carter Graham’s story, and while their story stands on its own, there is a connection to the characters of the first book, “Fall Wherever They May”, Aspen and Callan’s story, and both River and Carter were secondary characters in that book. That said, the author provides all the necessary details so you don’t feel lost or like you missed something if you haven’t read or listened to the first book, though this book will make you want to go back to enjoy it, because it is that good. River escaped an abusive marriage from a man who is evil through and through, and not only did he leave scars on her physically, but he also did a number on her mental health. After her failed marriage, River moved to be close to Aspen, whom she considers a sister, and got a job working with her for the New York Blaze hockey team. Carter is one of the hockey players and friends with Callan from the first book, and he has a reputation for being a player on and off the ice, a ladies’ man, getting anyone he wants, except for River, who turns down his advances every single time. River has her reasons, but Carter is relentless and never turns off the charm or gives up on pursuing her. His efforts paid off, but not in the way he anticipated or expected, when a celebration in Vegas and a few too many drinks ended in an unplanned marriage. It was great watching these two navigate their new situation and seeing their relationship grow into something so much more. Carter was amazing with River, such a caring and understanding guy, a perfect book boyfriend/husband, and someone Violet could use in her corner, because as strong as she appeared, there was another side to her, one she kept hidden, a fragile and broken side. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, charming and heartwarming moments, witty dialogue to lighten things up and put a smile on your face, some twists and turns, profound emotions, and steamy romance. The writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the complex characters, their growth, and development. Elysia Wages, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing multi-cast audiobook production and line-up of talent led by Teddy Hamilton and Andi Eloise as the two lead characters, Carter and River, with Corvin King, Stella Hunter, Aaron Shedlock, Lauren Beck, Audrey Obeyn, Brandon Francis, and Leanne Blade jumping in the support roles covering the side and secondary characters, all delivering an incredible performance, a treat for your ears and a gem of a listen. Hamilton and Eloise aced their roles, embodying the characters completely and convincingly, and the rest of the cast did the same for their characters. Their expressive performance conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. Each one is an entertaining storyteller, and together they are brilliant. Their captivating performance not only hooks you to the story, but it also takes the already amazing story to another level. Another fantastic High Gravity Production!
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