Becoming Mine

Blades of Heart #1

by Roxanne Tully

CORA

I'm in my senior year of college and done it interned at my dream job, stumbled home drunk, even gone sky diving.

Can you guess the one thing I've never done and everyone around me is doing?

Kind of hard to when you've been raised by men - with a hard-working single father, an overprotective older brother who would drop dead if he knew I'm musing on the three-letter-word. And let's not forget his best friend and team Captain, Nicolas Kane; who, aside from his magnetic green eyes and cocky smile, is the worst offender when it comes to keeping me in a bubble.

And he happens to be the only one I want breaking it . . .

NICHOLAS

This girl is going to be the reason I go to jail. Especially if she keeps acting out the way she has been . . . coming home drunk, jumping off planes, talking about sex?

I've been through it all with my best friend ever since his mother passed, including keeping his defiant kid sister in line. But it's becoming damn hard when suddenly my protective nature looks more like possessive when she's around.

Because Cora Knight is slowly but surely . . . becoming mine.


Brother's best friend
Hockey romance
Age gap
Forbidden love
Dual POV

Becoming Mine is the first book in the MUST-LISTEN Blades of Heart hockey romance series. Perfect for fans of Becka Mack, Liz Tomforde and Elle Kennedy.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

Audible Audio

Published November 13, 2025

Reviews

[⭐Adèle⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review contains A LOT OF SPOILERS
!! Please read at your own discretion !!

Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall Opinion: A story that has been told many times, but this is one of the better ones. Both protagonists are likeable characters, and it's nice to follow their insecurities, fears and inner struggles until the obligatory HFN ending.

Favourite quote:

For whatever It's worth, Cora. I didn't make love to you that night. I've been making love to you since the day we started.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Nicholas and Cora's story.
Nicholas and Jace (Cora's older brother) have been best friends since they were 16. When Jace and Cora's mother died, Jace helped his father raise Cora, and Nicholas was by his side throughout.

Today, Nicholas is captain of the Buffalo Blades, and Cora is a senior at college. She lives with her brother, while Nicholas lives a few doors down, and he visits them daily.
When a tipsy Cora unwittingly confesses that she is considering getting rid of her V-card, Nicholas finds his urge to protect her (as a brother) evolving into becoming possessive. At first, he tries to deny his developing feelings and their mutual attraction. He makes a deal with Cora: he will show her how a man should treat her in and out of the bedroom. Needless to say, the arrangements regarding the timeliness of the deal and the exclusion of feelings do not last long.
The rest of the story follows the familiar pattern:
Something happens.
H pushes her away, regrets it, has to grovel, and gets forgiveness.
They become a happy couple again and get an HFN ending.

Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Nicholas and Cora's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Was OK. Although I didn't skip any scenes while reading, it soon became apparent that this is the first book in a series and that the other (future) couples will have their own stories. The focus should have been more on Cora and Nicholas; the other characters can tell us their story in due course. IMO, the author has missed the opportunity to add depth to h and H's relationship, so I give the story four stars instead of 5.

Insta-love: No. Cora has been in love with Nicholas for years, he only discovers his feelings

H (Hero) Nicholas Kane, 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Although he has anger issues, he is very likeable. I hope he gets as big a storyline in the next stories as Jace and Coach got in this one.

h (heroine) Cora Knight, 19 → 20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ She is a typical 19-year-old girl. Although she may seem a little young for the H now, I am confident she will grow into a fine young woman.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Safe sex: Yes, he uses a condom, birth control is not mentioned.

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes One of Nicholas' old conquests reappears and wants another chance with him. She tries to belittle Cora, but Nicholas hears this and immediately puts her in her place.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes H pushes h away, but soon he regrets that decision and does everything he can to ensure that she would give him another chance. There was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time.

Linguistics/Grammar ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Some "I"vs."me" issues. Example:" there is something going on with Cora and I." GRRR "with I", really??? GRRR, but overall, the grammar was OK.

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the h pushing the H away
- Does have a separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does have a HFN ending Epilogue : She has graduated, he asks her to move in with him.

[Liz (LoverOfBooks80) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book from Roxanne x

I adored everything about this. Brothers best friend is a fav troupe and this one will be a top read for me.

Nick was so possessive of Cora, even before he realised his feelings had changed and love when a childhood crush becomes more x their journey was great to read and so genuine! Fabulous and addictive

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want to make you feel the way you make me feel.”

This follows Cora 20 who has always been looked after by her dad and big brother Jace after her mum died. Cora was young at the time and Jace has always been overprotective, even now as an adult, he is chasing boys away and treating her like a child. But when her brother’s best friend and hockey captain named Nicholas 27 who is like family agrees to help her. Things and feelings start to change and she becomes a little secret with one of his rules being this is only temporary, but is it and for how long?

I enjoyed this sports romance. The way Cora grew and finally got some independence by putting her foot down against her brother who was a little over the top for someone that is an adult. I found Cora also bratty at times and would push Nick's buttons which was delicious. Jace was acting like a child when the fallout did happen between siblings. Love Nick but the way he hurt her sucked. I was mad because the tension and banter were so good and then Nick went and ruined it but this man’s grovel at the end made up for it. I did enjoy the story which also has me excited to explore Jace and Angel's story in the next book. I will say a couple of times I had to re-read a few sections to grasp what was happening and the poems at the end were a little much and cringe which is more personal preference. Overall excited for the next book in the series.

🔹Sports Romance
🔹Best Friends Brother
🔹Age Gap (8yrs)
🔹Secret Relationship
🔹Tension and Banter
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice

Genre/Type: Adult Sports Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 328
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Blades Of Heart Series
Tropes or Themes: Sports (Hockey), Brothers Best Friend, Age Gap (8yrs), Secret Relationship, Third Act Breakup, Protective and Possesive MMC, Bratty FMC, Tension, College, Grovelling, Alcohol, Cursing Sexual Content and Virgin
Mentions: Drugs, Past SA and Rehab
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Ms. Tully. It is, in one word, amazing! Love the storyline and the characters are genuine and feel real. I love when a book is so good it sucks you in and makes you feel what they feel and that's exactly what this story does. It's been a good minute since a book has made me cry.

I look forward to any future books Ms. Tully releases, both upcoming books in this series sound amazing!

[KelsBookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness.

Nicholas has stolen my darn heart. No spoilers but that scene, yes girl you know the one literally had my heart racing and swooning. Forgot that i am in LOVE.

This beautiful journey is captured so effortlessly by Roxanne. I absolutely adore the real, raw, emotions the characters feel and their own battles really enables you to connect to the characters.

I devoured in a matter of hours and so so keen to see the other interconnected books!! The sweetness. The romance. The banter. EVERYTHING in this book is real.

I highly recommend this sweet romance story!!❤️

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes**
Author: Roxanne Tully
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Nicholas and Cora
Trope(s): Sport, Brother’s Best Friend, Age-Gap, Small Town, Virgin h,

This is my first read by Roxanne Tully. It was the sweet palate cleanse I needed after a string of Dark Romances I had read and reviewed. This story has layers to it. We are reading Nick and Cora’s story, but Roxanne is laying the groundwork for other books involving characters who we come to love. The angst is there, but mild. The sweet is high. The comradery between the characters is so enjoyable. Watching Cora come into her own and Nick grovel is priceless.

Cora Knight lost her mother at a young age. Her brother Jace stepped up to help raise her while their father worked to support them. And, his best friend and teammate Nick has also been a huge part of their life. But, their overprotectiveness has really put a damper on her life experiences.

Now Cora is finishing up her last year of college. And, determined to live a little.

Nicholas (Nick) grew up with an absentee drug-addicted mother. He spent much of his childhood in Knights house. He has watched Cora grow up and looked after her like a brother.

But, all it took was a drunken confession by Cora to send his thoughts spinning. Now all he can see is just how much and how well Cora grew up.

And, high on Cora’s list of things to do- lose her virginity.

He tries to deny and ignore their chemistry.

Cora tries to tempt him all the same.

So, Nick offers a solution, but he has “ground rules.” He will be her first because he wants it done right. No telling Jace, if she is uncomfortable- they stop, and they will not be permanent.

But, you know how it goes with rules…

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I utterly loved this book, and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for the other books in the series.

The book follows Cora, who is only really seen as her professional ice hockey players little sister or as everyone calls her his kid sister. Wanting to finally break free of this label, she does practically everything from stumbling home drunk to spontaneously going sky diving, I particularly loved these scenes as it definitely solidified the plot for the two main characters.

Then we have Nicolas, the brother's best friend totally off limits kind of guy who has always looked at Cora like a little sister until when she stumbles home drunk and spills some secrets, it's like the attraction he had hid for her just snapped on. Cora's biggest secret, she would call it a flaw is that she is still a virgin. And when Nicolas finds this out, he literally does anything to keep men away from her until he propositions her, himself.

Things quickly heat up between them, and it was so amazing to read. And the whole aspect of the relationship being forbidden just made it so much better. And when her brother found out, he handled it pretty maturely, which was surprising seeing how protective he is of his sister.

Things do get pretty rocky in this book towards the end when Nicolas pushes Cora away, and surprise, surprise, he wants her back. I actually really enjoyed the scenes when he was working to win back her love. There were also some pretty cool side characters, and I can't wait to see what their stories have in store.

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freakin loved this! I devoured it so fast!

Brother's best friend is my all-time FAVORITE trope and this one was just absolutely AMAZING!
Add in hockey and it's PHENOMENAL!

Cora has always had a massive crush on Nicolas since she first met Nicolas. Her older brother's best friend. Nicolas always saw Cora as his best friend's kid sister and treated her like she was his sister. He was protective of her too. It's not until Cora grows up and starts to act like young women her age act when he starts seeing her in a whole new light.

They have this undeniable chemistry and tension. Nicolas has had to deal with obstacles growing up and having to help his twin sister Nicole after she gets out of rehab. There's a lot of emotions that Nicolas has felt especially anger. He doesn't feel like he is worthy of Cora or her love.

I just loved these two so much! I was captivated by the characters and how real they were.

Now, I need Nicole and Coach Rollins!! ;)

[Laura Reads Too Much]

My first read of this author and I'll definitely be reading more!
Cora has been sheltered since her mum passed when she was a kid. Her dad is barely around as he buries himself in work which means it's her older brother who has raised her and protective isn't in it!
Seriously, that girl can't sneeze without him crowding her. Add in Nicolas who has been there throughout it all as well as having his own family problems (I can't wait to get his sister's story!!) Again, protectiveness is to the extreme.
And when Nicolas finally realises that Cora is more to him than his brothers lil sister, he doesn't know what to do and when Cora steps up and tells him what she wants? He's lost!

He knows what's at risk of he takes it further, would he really risk a lifetime friendship and support?.....

A good read, interesting characters, good storyline and steam - loved it!!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since discovering sports romance, more specifically hockey romance, I’ve been obsessed. Becoming Mine is the first book in the Blades of Heart series centering on Cora and Nicholas. It’s a brothers best friend romance that has just the right amount of spice and angst and groveling that had my heart in a twist the whole time. She’s the younger sister and totally off limits but then again rules are meant to be broken and when she gives Nick the opportunity, he seizes it. But when things start to get too real for Nick, decisions are made…questionable decisions were made. Hearts were broken and serious groveling was needed to repair what he broke. From start to finish, Becoming Mine captured my attention and my heart. From sweet moments between Cora and Nick to heart breaking moments between them, you felt every ounce of pain they felt. Such a great story with hints of a second chance romance and coming of age for our FMC. And opening up avenues for other potential couples to come in the series. I loved it and would 10/10 reread this again.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. Read it all in one day. It was that good. This is my first book by the author. I will have to check out more of her books. This one is a hockey romance and brothers best friend romance. Cora has always had a crush on her older brothers best friend Nick. Cora had a rough childhood. Her brother was pretty much playing mom and dad. So at almost 20 she’s living with her brother but not doing much living. Her brother Jace and his best friend Nick keep her sheltered and protected. Cora just wants to live a normal life. She breaks the rules a few times. Her and Nick strike up a bargain. He will be with her but he can’t promise forever. Cora agrees. Will Cora get her heart broken by Nick? Will her brother find out? Check out Cora and Nick’s story to find out.

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

B̽e̽c̽o̽m̽i̽n̽g̽ M̽i̽n̽e̽ b̽y̽ R̽o̽x̽a̽n̽n̽e̽ T̽u̽l̽l̽y̽

🏒🏒🏒🏒
4/5

I received this arc from Midnight Readers, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cora is a senior in college, and she’s living it to the fullest, to her brother Jace’s dislike.

Nicolas had been Jace’s best friend since they were little. He been there through it all with Jace, including the death of his mother. Nicholas has bell Jace keep his little sister Cora out of trouble.

I loved the evolution from Nicholas from seeing Cora as Jaces’s sister, to someone he wanted to be with.

Includes
- brother’s best friend/teammate
- Forbidden love
- Angst
- Virgin heroine
- Groveling

[Brandy Dunigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxanne Tully really said, “What if I make you feel every emotion and you thank me afterward?” And honestly? I did.

I decided to start Mine thinking I’d read a couple chapters before I started cleaning my house and suddenly it’s 3 pm, my snack stash is gone, my dishes are not done, the bathroom has not cleaned itself, and I’m emotionally invested in fictional people like it’s my full-time job.

This book was slow-burn that suddenly isn’t slow anymore, emotional gut-punches, and the kind of chemistry where you can practically hear the “oh no… oh yes” soundtrack playing.

If you like love that aches, moments that sizzle, and banter sharp enough to slice your last nerve… congratulations, you’ve found your next obsession.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora & Nicolas
I really enjoyed Cora and Nicolas's story.
There was drama, humor, angst and steam.
I loved Cora. She was smart, sassy and sweet. I liked seeing the growth in her throughout the story.
I loved that Nicolas was always protective and supportive. I loved getting his POV. Hearing his thoughts and seeing him come to realize how much he truly cares for Cora. The secondary characters were great as well. I can't wait for Jace and Angel's book!

[nikkyireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's playoff season, and if you're craving a hockey romance, stop the hunt! Nick has always helped his best friend look out for his little sister Cora, but one drunken confession has him unraveling. Rules are set, but we all know rules are made to be broken. 😬

Nick and Cora's story was great, but the groundwork for Nicole and Jace are set, and I can't wait for more of them! I'm absolutely hooked!

✨️ Sports Romance - Hockey
✨️ Brother's Best Friend
✨️ Age Gap
✨️ Secret Relationship
✨️ Virgin Heroine
✨️ Protective + Possessive MMC

[BeaC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge Roxanne Tully's fan, her writing always transports me to amazing places full of fun times and great storylines.

I loved this book, not only because the storyline was really engaging, but because it's the beginning of a series that after introducing most of the characters in this first book, I just want to know all their stories.

Cora, Nicole and Angel are our new MFC, and all strong women who have had to endure more than we could have expected.

This first book was a beautiful love story between Cora and Nicholas, it was heartwarming, witty and very original.

I'm really looking forward to the next book!

4.5 stars!

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it will have you feeling all the emotions! Cora and Nicholas have excellent chemistry and the storyline is great. I loved that their story wasn’t insta-love and they had known each other for years. Their growth was perfect and I can’t wait for more from this series! Bring on Nicole and Coach Collins!

[Elaine Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxanne does such a good job with her books and this one is included . This is a sports romance brothers best friend book. I really enjoyed the storyline and the flow of the book. I was definitely invested in. Reading this book. I loved the chemistry between Cora and Nicolas . Highly recommend reading especially if you love the hot hockey player romance , That does it for me 😍.

[Abbies_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Received an ARC from Midnight Readers and loved it!

A brothers Best friend/ forbidden / hockey romance are one of my favorites. I always love a feisty, headstrong FMC . Character growth for her was just the best. Our MMC is a possessive man and everyone loves those, well at least I do 😉 Lines get a little blurred for both characters and can I just say I am beyond excited for a Jace book. I already know I'm going to love it 💕

[Felicia's Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! New series coming your way! And it was amazing! Nicholas and Cora story was amazing to read. What happens when you have a crush on your brothers best and tell him all your secrets drunk. Well you need to read this book to find out. Also I can't wait for the next two books in this series

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was ok, a bit boring up until 65-70%. But I'm actually hyped for the next 2 books in this series. I really hope they would be great.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much. Cora and Nicholas story was absolutely fantastic. All the growth shown between these two. It was everything and more. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. 🩷

[LuvACheekyBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Becoming Mine was an amazing read for me that I couldn’t put down! I am a massive fan of sports romances (in particular hockey romances) and this was a 5 star read from Roxanne.

Nicholas and Cora are the main characters in this story. Cora in the younger sister of Nicholas’s best friend and fellow hockey player Jace and is strictly off limits, or is she? The heart wants what the heart wants and sexual tension buzzes around in this book like crazy.

The secondary characters in this book were also great and I can’t wait to see their stories in the next few books in the Blades of Heart series (keeping my eyes peeled for these).

What I loved:
• Sports romance
• Brothers’ best friend (a new trope I am dipping my toes into and loving)
• The sexual tension between Nicholas and Cora was ahhhmazing!
• Dual POV

Do yourself a favour and add this to your TBR ASAP 😊

[Nikole · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I really enjoyed this story. It was a sweet Hocky romance.

She asked to be treated like every other girl, that was her rule. He goes and tells her that it won't be like what he did in the garage. He won't catch her by surprise he is basically wanting to pre-plan their sexual relations and treat it like lessons which is exactly how she didn't want it. Thank God that's not how it went though. lmao He had said she 'deserves romance' but maybe she just wanted to get fucked in the back of a car or in a backroom out in public ... basically whenever the mood strikes... and if it has to be fast and hard up against a wall then so be it. He was still treating her like a kid even though he was going to screw her.

I loved seeing her growth and become the woman she saw herself to be. I hated how both Jace and Nick still treated her like a kid. No matter what. Nick kept acting like he didn't want her but also no one else could have her either. Then he decided to have her but not fully. I mean come on, in what universe did he think that was better? like ' Oh yeah I'm just fucking your little sister because she wanted to lose her virginity and instead of admitting my feelings and being with her, I'll just screw her until I end it' lmao like come on nick! HOW is that any better?!?

But Jace's obsession with treating her like a child was just CRAZY. I hated how he treated her. I know he had to step up and raise her, which he also took kind of obsessively, but I mean, come on. She is an adult and still hadn't experienced any of the things High school AND College kids do because he was so controlling. He was hurting her more than he was helping her. I really want to read him and Angel's story. Also, Nicole and Coach :D GOD I can't wait to see how that goes down with Nick LMAO

So Nick got a little confusing there for a while. He's saying basically that he knows once he has her, he won't be able to let her go, saying he would go through anyone that tries to get between them including her brother. But then keeps saying its temporary.... Like so which is it? When he started saying the stuff about not letting her go, it felt like he was saying he had given up on the lie that it was temporary and he wouldn't fight it any more... but then he would say something else and you realize that nothing changed. Like why you gotta mess with my emotions like that?

I think if Nick would've came to Jace and told him that he wanted to be with his sister, things would've been better. When their teammates was talking to Cora Nick asked Jace if he'd mind if he stepped in and Jace said "better you than them" basically saying he would rather it be Nick than their other teammates flirting with her. Then when that shit with the reporter went down, Jace didn't even blink at the fact Nick was making out with Cora. Jace was pissed at what the reported had said to his sister more than anything and was grateful for Nick to step in. I mean come on.. all that points to him being okay with them being together... if they hadn't lied.

I think I missed something at the end there. He asked why she wont give him another chance and she said some shit about losing love which didn't make sense but then also about not having much to start with she said she had trusted herself to love Nick and she LET herself knowing the risks of their relationship. For the most part, I understood all of this.
Now, he said he got it that she took a chance on him and she didn't want him to be the last one she took a chance on. THIS is what is so confusing. From my understanding, this meant she wanted a chance to love other people.?? IDK I'm honestly confused about this because it sounded like what they were saying was bad for their relationship. It sounded like a break up. But then she said she loved him and they kissed and next thing you know its their HEA Epilogue. So Obviously it wasn't bad what they were saying... but I don't understand how what they said was good? Am I missing something or just not understanding what she had been trying to say?



Spice 0.5/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 1/5
World building 3/5
Overall 4/5

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace Knight and Nick Kane play hockey for, the Buffalo Blades. Jace’s younger sister lives with him, being a pro hockey player affords him that luxury. Their mom died of cancer. When that happened, their dad checked out mentally, by overworking, to numb out. Jace is the one, who took over the care of, Cora. Becoming the father figure, but now that she is so close, to twenty and in college. He is taking things way, too far out of the boundary lines. Making it embarrassing for, her and himself.

The thing is, she didn't just have her overly protective brother, to contend with, but his best friend. She also has the team's, captain, Nick. He too is protective, sometimes bordering on possessive. Which doesn't sit right with, Cora. You see she has had a crush on, Nick, since forever. So, she would know if, Nick is flirting or making a pass at her. No such event has occurred. Her brother, Jace the assistant captain, has not killed, Nick so nope, never happened. Cora is in a stage of rebellion, concerning her brother. He wants, to know where she’s going, with who, what time she will be back, and how she will get, to and from.

That does it, her last straw. She says she is going out with, Ava. Cora really didn’t want to, but she did want, to get a normal college experience. To be free of, her two jailers. So, they end up at a seedy bar. Thank goodness they are with, Ava a teacher/friend. When she left, she had two of the guys in the band, her students promise, to get her home safely, and untouched. Or bad grades for them. Well, she got home blitzed, and it is, Nick who met her at the door. Her brother is dead, to the world. He is the one that put her in her pj’s. Grrr! He didn't like, that she was out and so drunk, she didn't remember any of it, the next day. So, quietly he reminds her. But, in a gruff, and scary reality way.

So starts their need, to be a secret part of, their innermost secrets that, become a reality. But, must keep on the down low with rules and everything. There’s too much to lose, too many to hurt, and a lot of commitment issues that can’t possibly be fulfilled, or dealt with. But, when someone from Nick and his twin Nicky's background ambushes them. Their presents can possibly tip, Nicole's sobriety over the edge. Yet, it affects, Nick almost more. Leaving him in a dark place, taking it out on, Cora.

So, no more sexy nights, or cuddling. No more being in each other's pockets. This story does have triggers, for sure. Let's just put that out there. Anger issues are real, druggie parents are real, brain-dead uncaring, and selfish parents are real, but asking for help is also the first step. So, hope is there. Loved all the characters, and the storyline that kept me reading straight through.

[BookReviews_by_MissaPoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas Kane.Team Captain of the NHL Hockey Team, the Buffalo Blades. Hot, Broody and somewhat broken. Fiercely Protective. Possessive.

Cora Knight. Sister of Jace Knight, Nick's best friend and alternate captain of the hockey team. She's younger, cute & somewhat quirky. Sassy yet sweet. She's also testing boundaries left and right, trying to prove she's not a child anymore, which is exactly how her brother treats her.

After losing her mother at an early age, her father emotionally checked out and Jace stepped into the "parental" role, with the help of Nick. Now that she's all grown up, Nick is starting to see her differently.

Cora has always crushed on Nick. She's decided now is the time to step up her game. Slowly, Nick starts to drop his defenses where she's concerned. After an unexpected conversation/incident one night, that Nick can't seem to forget, things begin to change between the two of them but with Nick's rules firmly in place. Rules that seem to be broken from the very beginning.

This one was a super slow burn and not very spicy, but that's ok.

The surrounding cast of characters helped build up the storyline well and gave us more insight into Nick's anger issues and ultimately the reasons that lead to him making the decisions that he does.

Realizing quickly that he messed up, he begins to try and fix his mistakes and it was sweet seeing him try. His poems were cute too 🥰😉

I feel as if this journey and the stumbling blocks between them helped Cora mature in a way that she truly needed.

Ultimately the got their HEA. 💗

This is the first book from this author that I've read. I enjoyed it enough to continue with the series, but, the reason for my 4 star rating versus a 5 star has everything to do with the way Nick handled the age difference between the two of them (it was only 7 years and it's not like she was a child at 20), and the slight immaturity of Cora at that age. After a while, it became annoying. Even with all that, I'd still recommend it. ☺️

[Jaymie | Girlogic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and a fun read.

Becoming mine is the first book I’ve ever read by Roxanne Tully and it was a good introduction to her work.

Cora and Nicholas are in for a wild ride of hiding their feelings from each other and others as well as hiding what they are doing together. But once it all out in the open, will they make it or break it?

I like their relationship and the characters as individuals. I really liked how Nicholas was with his sister Nikki and how he just wanted to protect her from everyone including himself.

I also really liked Cora and how she was trying to be independent and come into herself even if that meant rebelling a little.

These two together were super interesting and I was intrigued to see how it would end and thankfully there’s a HEA.

I really enjoyed the character growth and the storyline. I also really like the side characters. I can’t wait for them to get their own books. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out.

3:75 stars.

The only thing I didn’t like was how Cora’s brother behaved at times and how certain situations where handled at the time. I also noticing a few things being repeated throughout the story which came off as if it was to convince the reader more than the actual characters inner dialogue.

It also did take me much longer than usual to finish this book but that’s probably due to my eyes being a little weird lately.

Please note: I am a mood reader, my review is honest at the time of posting and may change if I read it again when in a different mood.

Thank you to Midnight Readers for the ARC. I’m sorry it’s late.

[Andrea M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love This

“ Nicholas has a way of always keeping me warm and I feel safe in his arms. “

Cora lost her mother when she was younger and while their father tried to be present, it was her older brother, Jace, who always look out for her.

Because of that, he has always seen within as her protector which at times can be a little suffocating even though she knows he has the best intentions. Lately it feels like she has a second protector who is demanding answers from her, her brothers best friend, Nicholas.

“Seeing you and turning your frown upside down was always the highlight of my day.”

The man that she has secretly crushed on for a long time and the one man she knows that she can’t have because Jace would never stand for it. But now, she notices that he is looking back and when certain truths are unveiled, that is when the lines get blurry.

Nicholas is going through his own issues now that his sister, who is freshly out of rehab, is staying with him. He has made them decision to focus on her and his career, so why does his attention keep getting pulled to the one girl he can’t have.

Seeing how they get together, how they are torn apart and the growth that all the characters go through during this book.

“ She’s been the one for longer than either of us realize. “

Look, I love a grovelling hero especially when he deserves to work for it after messing up. What he does and the notes that he would give her, had me swooning. I love that Cora didn’t give in right away and took the time that she needed to heal and figure out what was next for her.

I’m so excited for the rest of this series!

[Ally Doan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicolas and Cora.. oh how I loved them so much!

Coras older brother and Nic have been best friends for years and they play hockey together. Nic has always thought he only saw Cora as a little sister but she recently moved in with her brother and he is seeing her in a whole new light. Cora goes out drinking one night and drunkenly confesses that she wants to have sex and Nic cant get it out of his head once she says it. He fights his attraction to her for as long as he can before he gives in. Coras brother has always treated her more like a daughter since their mom died and their father was no very present. They start secretly seeing each other and of course get caught and then there is conflict.

I loved Cora. She grew on me I wasn't sure about her at first because she acted so young but she realized she needed to grow up and be on her own to grow as a person. She was able to communicate really well that she needed to be on her own for awhile. I really enjoyed how she was there for nics sister when she got out of rehab, I loved their relationship and how it grew.

Nic made some big mistakes and said some really messed up things to Cora but his groveling was top notch! He knew he messed up and was willing to put in the work to fix things and he made sure Cora knew he wasn't going to give up and that she was the only one for him. It took him awhile to figure it out but once he did he realized he needed to fix things.

Roxanne did a really good job setting this story up for the future books. I am so excited for nics sisters story!!

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine is a college senior "good girl" that finally wants to get loose...as in, lose her virginity. She had been sheltered and raised by an overprotective brother and hard-working father after losing her mom years ago. Also roped into this circle is her brother's best friend, a fellow NHL player and the one that she wants to help her lose her v-card. After a drunken confession, the hero's view of his best friend's sister changed, and other feelings come into the forefront. Thus, the story of the couple's romance begins...

This is my first Roxanne Tully book and it's been a wonderful start to this author's works. I enjoyed this best-friend's-sister, friends-to-lovers, contemporary sports romance. This book has dual perspectives, and there are trigger warnings that readers should know about before reading this story. There are also a set of secondary characters that supports the couple, including ones that may have their own books in the future. I liked both the couple individually and together, especially when the romance began to start. I would have liked a bit more details in certain areas of the book, but the story flowed so well that I didn't mind too much about them. I also liked the story vibe and the author's writing style, so I look forward to reading more Roxanne Tully books in the future.


** Thanks to the author and Midnight Readers for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **