The Comeback: A slow burn, forbidden college romance.

by Cynthia Gunderson

They say it's hoes before bros. Too bad love never got the memo.

I knew getting tangled up with Logan was a bad idea.
Last spring he broke my best friend’s heart. But with both my friends in love and Logan back to skate for the Blizzard, we were the last two misfits left standing.

Then one of Logan’s connections lands me an interview for a gallery job with a Calgary art icon. The only problem? He’s only interested because he thinks I have a famous boyfriend. Logan Kemp.

What started as a fake-dating favour was never supposed to become public.
But secrets don’t stay buried forever.

When we’re forced to spend a PR weekend together in Banff and Logan suggests our fake relationship could benefit from…benefits? It doesn’t exactly stay fake for me, either.

Now my dream job—and my heart—are both on the line.

Because falling for Logan could cost me everything I’ve worked for…
and trusting him might be the biggest mistake I ever make.

One Click if you

Fake DatingSecret RomanceTight knit girlfriendsSlow burnSnarky banterFound FamilyBook #3 in Campus Confessions, a spin-off of the best-selling Canadian Played series. High sizzle, fade-to-black hockey romance.

Genres: Audiobook

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Zara Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ARC Read

We love a redemption story 👏

I really enjoyed The Comeback, the vibes of it being set in the good old days before social media made this such a fun read and really added to the overall feel of the book. The corded handset phone calls brought back all the nostalgia for me.

I loved how funny Crystal's inner monologue was! She's a relatable and fun fmc and despite having read tons of hockey/sports romances, this book felt fresh and fun.

I'll definitely be picking up more by the author.

Thanks to Cynthia and Booksirens for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

[Lani Norris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow this book turned me into a sympathizer... for a cheater???

Also. This is my 50th book of the year. My goal is officially met 🎉

[Adrianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Alright, let’s start off by saying that this book is a closed door romance. I prefer my books with some added spice, though, the lack of spice was the least of my issues here.

Let’s get into it. This is a redemption story for the MMC Lucas who was the cheating ex-boyfriend in book one. I love a redemption story, however, this book is a single POV from the perspective of the FMC which is a total missed opportunity to gain insight into Lucas’s head space. Especially since his character has the most growth over the course of the entire series.

The story feels very immature. It feels like the target audience should be teens rather than adults. The characters talk about intimacy like middle school children. At one point Crystal, the FMC, gets really embarrassed talking about hooking up (*cough* making out) with some guy. Let me remind you, these characters are supposed to be 21 or over. Then later she’s discussing the birth of her friend’s baby with said friend and they use the word “hoo-haw” to refer to her vagina. 🙄 Are these adult women or 12 year olds? I really can’t tell.

This book is advertised as a “slow burn”. Honestly, it’s slow but I was really missing the burn. For most of the book the FMC is hostile and ashamed to be seen with the MMC. There’s no yearning. They go from not speaking to engaging in a physical relationship. The pacing of the book didn’t help anything.

There’s a complete lack of communication between these two characters. The author is relying heavily on the fact that the story takes place in the mid 90’s so they don’t have the ability to be in constant contact. However, they often go weeks at a time with zero communication. That’s a little excessive even for the pre-cellphone era.

Overall, this book was not for me.

Honest ARC review ❤️📖

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this cute hockey romance. Our MMC, Logan, is the guy you want to hate, but you just can’t because he is trying hard to be better. Crystal, the FMC, wants to kick herself for even getting involved with Logan, but can’t stop her feelings for him from growing.

I loved the nostalgic tidbits of the book that told you it didn’t take place currently, like the 2020’s. More like 1990’s. At first I wanted to dislike Logan for his past indiscretions, but I can’t help liking him as Crystal gets to know him and what really happened.

The author keeps the story moving, which is great and, along with a low page count (which I love, especially when an author can fill tell their story!), makes it a quick read. I have read other books by Cynthia Gunderson and enjoyed them as well. This is a fake relationship story with a real happy ending and low spice. It could easily be a YA read. I will likely go back to read the first two books in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t like Logan in “The Breakaway” but let me tell you this is more than just a redemption story. This is a man who was lost, had no redeeming qualities other than a pretty face, and his ability to play hockey. He took advantage of his girlfriend and his best friend, focused on himself and his own desires.

In this book he’s grown up, seen himself through the eyes of others, and found his way to who he was always meant to be. And to the woman he was meant to be with.

Crystal is an unlikely friend for Logan since she’s part of the group he left behind. His old teammates don’t begrudge him his success, but being friends with his ex, even if she’s moved on, makes him off limits. After all, there is a girl code—right?

I love how the changes in Logan show up progressively throughout the story and how Crystal’s perception of him changes as she sees who he always was.

This is an altogether great story that had me rooting for the underdog.

[Steff Gwilliam-Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Cynthia book that I really enjoyed and I really do love a series - getting to revisit places and other characters only previously touched on in other books to find out more!

I was surprised to find myself sympathising with the MMC given his history however as you understand more about him, you can see that communication may well have been the biggest problem in his previous relationship.

I found Crystal the FMC funny and relatable and loved her inner voice!

Whilst at times it felt aimed at a younger audience, I took a moment to remember the time frame in which it is set and how language and behaviours have changed.

I think Cynthia did well to capture this time change.

I’m now eagerly await Smash Point book 2 in Cynthia’s newest series having already finished the first one!!

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE a redemption story. So very much. Logan is a man hurting. As we know, hurt people hurt people. Just because we do things we are ashamed of or wish we'd made better decisions doesn't mean that we're bed people… that we deserve [complete] ostracism… that we deserve to be judged, tried, and hung for our sins. What we do need in such circumstances is love and forgiveness, as Crystal is finally able to give Logan. Consequences are certain. But no one is beyond redemption. Logan and Crystal are a beautifully imperfect couple learning that only love is perfect. Beautiful. Well done, Cynthia. Well done.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s giving seventh heaven and sweet valley high nostalgia and wholesomeness… I genuinely enjoyed this so much! I read it in one day, and I will definitely be going back to book 1 as I appear to have joined in on the final book in this series.

Not a lot of spice but it isn’t really needed. Sometimes flirting with spice is just as nice when it’s done right! I would definitely recommend this to friends - who are all big hoes (sorry not sorry girls 🫶🏼) - I would describe the reading experience as a weighted blanket for your soul 💗

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Serena Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Booksirens allowed me the opportunity to be part of the review team for this Arc. I enjoyed this book about a senior college art student trying to figure out her life when an NHL hockey player who used to go to the same college comes into her life. He is able to make an incredible introduction that helps her dreams start to come together. All she can offer is help him with learning how to be in a real relationship even if they are faking it or are they? It is sweet story of growing, learning how to be an adult and leaning on your friends. It had a little spice to the story but nothing that would make you blush. I truly love reading this authors books!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ ARC read

I am an absolute sucker for redemption stories and this delivered. MMC is a hurt man and someone hurt will hurt people, but that doesn’t make one a bad person. Those hurt need love and forgiveness as our FMC provides. I adored how perfectly these two were imperfect and their journey of learning to love and that love can be perfect.

I love Cynthia’s writing style and am going to go binge read the rest of this series now.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you tell your former roommate you're falling in love with her ex-boyfriend. The one who broke her heart? You don't, not yet. See if it's real, if he's changed.

Loved Loved this series and the portrayal of strong female friendships between Crystal, Shar and Maddie. The relationship between Crystal and Logan begins innocently, but grows into something so much more that they ever thought they deserved. Gunderson shows their progression from enemies to friends to lovers expertly.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE a redemption story. So very much. Logan is a man hurting. As we know, hurt people hurt people. Just because we do things we are ashamed of or wish we'd made better decisions doesn't mean that we're bed people… that we deserve [complete] ostracism… that we deserve to be judged, tried, and hung for our sins. What we do need in such circumstances is love and forgiveness, as Crystal is finally able to give Logan. Consequences are certain. But no one is beyond redemption. Logan and Crystal are a beautifully imperfect couple learning that only love is perfect.

[ES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yessssss!!!!

Okay i liked Logan in book 1, except for when he did what he did...... yikes. And i thought no wayyyy could I ever like him again but godammmnn it!!!!

I love him and honestly I feel kind of bad for him. Everyone in his life seems to use him.

And it sucked that Crystal felt like she had to keep everything a secret from her friends but I know that pain. And i feel for her, with all of her friends just going about their lives without her. I was so happy when they all showed up for her.

And Logan!!! What a comeback

[raysasbookishbliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect ending to the series! I love how refreshing and meaningful Cynthia’s books have been so far.

If you need a breather from the 'spice,' or if you just prefer a cleaner read, this is the perfect closed-door romance. I loved seeing Logan’s perspective on intimacy; he truly did his best to show how much he wanted to change. The chemistry between Chrystal and Logan was also incredible; it felt so much deeper than just physical attraction; it was truly emotional.

Thank you so much for the ARC!

[Teri Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the third in this series and I think there is a spinoff. I loved this one so much, as I did the other two. This series was set in a time before cell phones! It was kind of nice and brought back sentimental memories. I don’t long for the days before cells, but it’s nice to go back. There is some angst and a little bit of drama and it sure was a slow burn, but well worth the wait. This book was well-written and fun to read. I loved the relationship between the women in this and the other two books in this series. I loved this book and would recommend it.

[Jenny Lynn Curry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hockey romance?? Say less!!

Or…write more, because these books are my current obsession!!! I loved this book from start to finish!

There is just something about an angsty start to a relationship. Fake boyfriend turns into sex ed? What?? Yep!! It happened!!

This is a must read for sure!! And keep reading all the books!! You won’t be disappointed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[blinkwithbrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

*thank you to BookSirens and the author for this e-arc*

Tropes:
Hockey romance
Bestfriend’s ex
Found Family
Fake Dating
Closed Door

This book follows Crystal and Logan as they navigate a fake dating arrangement to help secure Crystal’s art career with a famous artist. I really enjoyed the conflict these two had and how they handled it. This book is a closed door romance but there is alot of allusions to what’s happening between the two. I will pick up more by this author!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The characters, Crystal and Logan, make the book come alive. Makes you feel like part of their journey. Absolutely loved the like bantering and arguments they have.

Loved the book, and can't wait to read more by this author.

[Karen Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vulnerability in the characters in this book shows how one person's life choice can have profound effects on others, especially parents' choices. Lies and their consequences are at the heart of this book and the characters work to own up with the help of their friends, to get their happy ending.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Logan's character development was very heartwarming. Relationships are complex and things aren't always what they seem. I think Crystal was a very relatable character. The desperation as graduation creeps closer to get a job. I really enjoyed their story, their friendship and romance.

[Teon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Logan’s redemption after cheating on his girlfriend. He is now playing in the NHL and is essentially shuffled to the outer edge of the friend group. Crystal feels like she is on the fringe because everyone is in a relationship. Crystal reaches out to Logan due to loneliness. Logan has a family connection that he is able to help Crystal into the art world that is her career dream. How much is too much time spent with the guy who cheated on your best friend? I highly recommend reading this book in series order as there are so many interconnected stories and relationships that it can be confusing. As always the main storyline couple gets their HEA. Wonderful hockey romances make my Kindle Unlimited worth every penny!

[Rebecca Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

great little story where the characters explore growth and forgiveness while also exploring how friendships change as you grow up.

[Brooke Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the PERFECT story for Logan! 100% a Come Back story and I loved every minute of it!