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Buitenspel Vallen: Een Los Angeles Comets Romance (De Los Angeles Comets Book 1)

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USA Today bestselling auteur, Alexandra Silva, komt met een gloednieuwe, duistere hockeyromance die zich afspeelt in de wereld van The Los Angeles Comets.

Het was eigenlijk maar een zomerbaantje.

Het was de bedoeling dat alles netjes en professioneel zou blijven.

Maar nadat Auguste Broussard me op de eerste dag van het trainingskamp per ongeluk met een puck raakte, me naar huis bracht en mijn buurman bleek te zijn?

Alle professionaliteit verdween als sneeuw voor de zon.

Auguste is stil, bruut, mooi – en volkomen buiten bereik. Hij is de sterspeler van mijn vader. Maar hij kijkt naar me alsof ik al zijn bezit ben.

Kennelijk, doet hij meer dan alleen kijken.

Hij kent mijn favoriete boeken. Hoe ik mijn koffie drink. Hoe ik klink als ik mezelf 's avonds aanraak.

En als hij zegt dat ik van hem ben?

Dan meent hij dat.

Dit had nooit waarheid mogen worden.

Maar nu val ik voor de man die me tot het einde van de wereld zou stalken... alleen maar om me eraan te herinneren dat ik bij hem hoor.



Buitenspel Vallen is een duistere hockeyromance met thema's, settings en scènes die de oplettendheid van de lezer vereisen

513 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

84 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Alexandra Silva

30 books1,111 followers
Alexandra Silva is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. Her stories are raw, heartfelt, and sexy. With flawed, dirty talking and sexy as hell heroes, and feisty heroines that give them a run for their money.

Alex is a tequila loving book hoarder. She lives in London with her boys and man, as well as their three cats.

Salted Caramel Coconut lattes are a real weakness, along with dark, taboo romance and angst heavy new adult reads.

She blames the classics and a nutty English teacher for her obsession with books and fiction. Come rain or shine with either coffee or wine in hand, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book and her head in the clouds.

FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BOOKBUB / AMAZON

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Chiara^•^.
438 reviews118 followers
July 16, 2025
Falling Offsides by Alexandra Silva
4/5⭐
3,5/5🌶️

I had such a blast reading this! The chemistry and tension between the main characters were off the charts. I mean, the slow burn had me wanting to scream, but when they finally got together—wow, it was pure fire! Courtney just graduated, and her dad, who is the coach for the Los Angeles Comets hockey team, helps her land her first temporary job as the team photographer. On her very first day, she gets hit by a puck from one of the players, Auguste. From that moment on, Auguste can’t seem to get enough of her!

Auguste plays center for The Comets, and he's got that grumpy, brooding vibe down. But he’s also incredibly sweet and caring. If you could mix a bit of red flags with a golden retriever's energy, Auguste would be the perfect blend! He’s protective of Courtney, sometimes to the point of obsession—stalking her, but he balances it out by sending her favorite food, buying her favorite dog breed, and baking her cakes. I also enjoyed seeing his relationship with his family.

Courtney is a lovely girl who is trying to reconnect with her dad after her parents’ divorce. She’s independent, kind, and I admired how she stood her ground. That said, she also guarded and has trust issues, thanks to her stepfather. Her struggles with her mom are genuinely heartbreaking, and honestly, I wish she would just cut ties for her own peace.

What I loved most was how Auguste helped her lower her walls and build trust. He’s clear about his feelings towards her. From the start, he’s determined to win Courtney's heart, and even when she pushes him away, he’s always there, making her feel comfortable and safe. When she worries about maintaining their relationship long-distance, he reassures her and shows her that they can make it work. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with fantastic characters and an engaging plot. I also liked the side characters and look forward to reading their stories!
Profile Image for Yvonne Ptk.
52 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2025
ARC review

Een donkere, meeslepende ijshockey-romance die me vanaf het begin wist te grijpen! 🏒🔥

Buitenspel vallen is een ijshockey-romance met een duister randje. Het boek volgt Courtney, die een zomerbaantje krijgt als fotograaf voor de spelers van de Los Angeles Comets. Ze hoopt in die periode ook een betere band op te bouwen met haar vader, de coach van het team. Maar dan ontmoet ze Auguste, een getalenteerde maar complexe speler die haar leven volledig op z’n kop zet.

Auguste is vanaf het eerste moment geobsedeerd door Courtney. Hij is een tikkeltje stalkerig, maar tegelijkertijd ook grappig, lief en zorgzaam. Die combinatie maakt hem een intrigerend personage. De chemie en spanning tussen hen waren geweldig; je voelt hun aantrekkingskracht op elke pagina.

Ik vond dit een heerlijk, vlot te lezen boek, met precies de juiste mix van romantiek, emotie en een vleugje duisternis. Alexandra Silva weet de passie en intensiteit goed over te brengen, en ik ben heel benieuwd naar de rest van deze serie! 💜
Profile Image for ˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚.
560 reviews74 followers
July 18, 2025
3.5★

i was eagerly waiting for this book after reading the tropes! it was definitely a good book if not amazing.

auguste broussard was the 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. quiet, brutal, obsessive in the best way the kind of man who watches, waits, and burns slowly for her. he was rude to her face but silently took care of her, his ott gestures were so amazing. he wasn’t loud. but the way he watched her, memorized her, knew every tiny detail — from her coffee to the way she sounded at night? it was disturbingly tender and dangerously hot. he was a 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆-𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒆𝒓.

courtney was fine nothing extraordinary but she was good and strong.

there was forbidden aspect as courtney was his coach's daughter, he tried to stay away from her but couldn't. i would highlight that the sex scenes weren't amazing, the writings was vague but i enjoyed it nevertheless.

‼️no cheating, no ow drama‼️
Profile Image for Hayley Edwards.
224 reviews29 followers
July 16, 2025
Arc review

5🌟

4.5🌶️

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, it has me hooked from the first page. 


I loved augste Straight away who doesnt like a hot hockey player with a dirty mouth. 😍🥵

Courtney I loved her character she is sassy and fun. 


Courtney takes a job for the summer as a team photographer and her dad is hockey captain they are trying to re- connect after living apart for years. 


Auguste attraction to Courtney starts not long after he accidentally hits her with a stray Puck at the ringside while she's taking photos of the team on her first day. 


He  becomes obsessed and watches on camera feed on his phone/laptop that the last team mate left installed only doing it  as hes making sure she's okay after the head injury then he just can't stop. He turns up every morning outside waiting for her

Courtney thinks he's a stalker but she's doesn't know he lives next door 


He falls hard for her even Tho they are friends he wants more, he becomes obsessed with her. 

He has so many Red flags but who could not love a dirty talking hockey player thats obsessed with you and he buys a puppy boxer dog as he overheard Courtney talking saying that was her favourite breed and it's actually for her. 

Courtney falls for him hard even Tho she fights with herself about the attraction.. 



This book had me laughing and sobbing in places in the book as some bits of the book are quite hard to read. Please check your triggers. 


They both went on a journey in this book and got there hea. 


Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader can't wait to read more from you as this was the first book I've read by this author. 




“Honestly, I’m fine.” Her laugh turns to a grimacing hiss. Okay. She says she’s fine. Acting like it too. Doc has the bleeding under control… I think it’s safe to leave her in his hands now. Slowly backing out of the room, I ignore the assholes loitering in the corridor, waiting to drill me. As predicted, a laugh snorts from nearby. Fucking Rio. “Smooth, Bruce,” Jayden says behind him. “Damn. That how you hit on all your girls? Literal head trauma?” “She's not my girl,” I snap, flipping him off over my shoulder without looking back. “You sure?” Matheo chimes. “You carried her like she is.” “Shut up.”



“Are you sure?” I nod and she asks, “You’re not one of those weirdos that sits outside a girl’s apartment and rubs one off⁠—” “No,” I retort before she can finish only for the voice in my head to kindly point out that… I’ve done worse. I’ve hacked into the doggie cams in her place and beat one out while I listened to her get herself off while thinking about me. Putting it that way, it doesn’t even sound that bad.



“I have a job to do,” I say softly. “And you’re…”“I’m…?”“My dad’s player… and I… I don’t do this. Relationships. Especially not with hockey players… never.”“You sure?” His voice is quiet. Dangerous. “Positive,” I lie. Then I shoulder past him. But as I reach the door, his voice follows me. “For the record, I don’t want to be just friends.” I don’t turn around. Because I already know that if I look back, I won’t be able to pretend I don’t feel the same anymore."


Trigger warnings are as follow:

💜contains explicit language

 💜sexual content

💜stalking

💜obsession

 💜primal play

💜near death experience 

(secondary character)

💜manipulation & narcissistic behavior

 💜emotional and mental abuse

💜broken family dynamics. 

💜 detailed MF sex scenes that include 

💜elements of impact play

💜 choking

💜 voyeurism

💜degradation

 💜spit play
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
July 18, 2025
This is the first book in a new series, and this is Auguste and Courtney’s story.
Courney is the coach’s daughter, and is spending her summer photographing the players, to get closer to her dad. Auguste is the youngest player and star hockey player. On the first day of her job Auguste manages to hit Courtney with a puck, only to find out that they are also neighbors.
This is a well written slow burn story, with family, friendships, emotions, forced proximity, tension, dirty talking alpha, star player / coach’s daughter, opposites attract, challenges, neighbors / lovers, and undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, dark hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Vivien Richards.
1,437 reviews20 followers
July 29, 2025
This is a great romance starring Auguste and Courtney. Auguste is a hockey player, one of the best on the team. Courtney is the coach's daughter and Auguste has a strong obsession with her, to the point of being st@lkerish. Our hero is definitely morally gray with the way he goes about things but he is determined to make Courtney his. What is it about reading about hockey players with lotsa red flags that is so alluring? This begins as a slow burn romance but when things heat up, their chemistry is combustible. I loved their spicy scenes and the he falls first scenario. This is a great dark sports romance. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Anita Otten.
62 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2025
Met this author last year at Spicy & Steamy in Amsterdam, and now I got to arc read this book for her 🥹 so grateful!

Obsessed with this book, with the main characters, with the storyline, with the plot twists, etc. The way this man is FERAL for her, protective of her, there for her… oh, and she’s his COACH’S daughter. What could go wrong, right? Getting my trophy of this book in October 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Ashleigh B.
41 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2025
Genre: Hockey Romance
Tropes: Coach's daughter, Obsessed MMC with/ stalker vibes, Secret Relationship

Ratings
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Do I Recommend: Yes! I can't wait for the next book in the Comet's universe!

Favorite Quote: "This, right here, is your safe space. Me."


Review

Wow - This was my first read from Alexandra Silva, but it isn't my last, as I've already devoured several more of her books since reading this one.

The book immediately pulled me in with the strong bond and hilarious banter between Courtney and her best friend, Delilah, but her connection with Auguste kept me sucked in until the end.

Courtney shows up in LA with two goals: to try to build a relationship with her father and get valuable experience before starting her job in New Orleans at the end of the summer. Auguste is instantly pulled into Courtney's orbit when he literally knocks her off her feet. From there, his obsession and need for her only grows.

Auguste and Courtney are a couple I won't soon forget. I love an MMC with stalker vibes, but one of the things I adored most about this story is how Auguste handled the whole situation when showing her who he really is, which was very different from what we often see in these types of stories. He continued to show up for Courtney even when she pushed him away and made it hard. He worked to lift her up, while also being her safe place to fall. I loved watching Courtney heal throughout the book and embrace her actual value with Auguste's help.

While this is technically a hockey romance, there isn't much of the sport as it takes place during the preseason. Additionally, I liked seeing the glimpses of Auguste's teammates, but wish we had gotten more time with them and more of his relationship with the team, particularly about the next main characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what is next for the Comet's universe. Until then, I'll be enjoying some of the author's backlog!

*Recieved a copy as an ARC. Review was posted voluntarily*
Profile Image for Amber Romualdo.
12 reviews
August 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Falling Offsides is a steamy, slow-burn hockey romance that caught me off guard in the best way. Alexandra Silva delivers solid storytelling, weaving in classic tropes like the coach’s daughter and a green flag hero with red flag tendencies. The stalker vibes add an extra layer, that kept me flipping pages.

The chemistry between Courtney and Auguste is deliciously slow, before igniting into a praise-and-degradation-fueled inferno that toes the line between protective and obsessive—With just enough tension to keep you hooked. Primal play and light 8D5M elements are well done, and while the spit play wasn’t for me, the rest of the spice was absolutely top notch.

It’s dark, messy, and addictively readable. If you love your romance with edge, grit, and a hockey stick swung straight at your heart, this one’s worth checking out. Received copy as an ARC for honest review
Profile Image for 🖤 alyssa 🩶.
82 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2025
“Auguste and I keep wandering into dangerous territory, and I’m too hooked on the high to pull back. To stay safe.”



Falling Offsides was a really great read that was funny, spicy, heartwarming, and had an interesting plot that moved at a good pace, with well written and developed characters 🤍 I loved the family and friends aspects that were intertwined with the plot, and the story had me hooked right away from Courtney and Auguste’s first meeting!

Courtney has a lot of development and changes throughout the story, and her personality had it all 🤍 Reading about her past and seeing her relationships develop and change in the present time was really interesting, especially with the way she began to grow and work through and handle situations differently. The family side to her character was a great addition and added tons of depth to her story! I also loved her relationship with her friend and their conversations, and a lot of times they were making me laugh! Courtney’s relationship and spark with Auguste was instant, and it became very difficult to fight the forbidden feelings. She connected with him on a deeper level, and the way that she was there for him when he needed it and saw him past his hockey number and stats was so sweet and heartwarming 🤍 She is also very spicy and confident, and at times she is such a tease—and she knows exactly what she’s doing 😏

Auguste is like a green flag, with red stripes, and I loved him 😍 He may have some red flag behaviors, but the intent behind them and the way he goes about it are definitely green flags! Surely that makes sense… He was so sweet in many ways, and I really enjoyed his relationships with his family and hockey teammates, and thought that added a lot to his character. His team group chat was so funny, and I loved the way his teammates would tease and poke at him 😂 He has close family relationships, and it gave me warm and fuzzy feelings from how much he cares about them and how tightly knit his family is 🤍 He has an immediate need and want for Courtney, and he goes absolutely above and beyond for her, even if she doesn’t always know it! Some of the things he did were impulsive, wild, and so over the top, but I was here for it, giggling at him even if it made my jaw drop at first 🤭 He also frequently turns Courtney into a puddle, which is totally understandable because of his own teasing, actions and words 🥵

This was a very gripping read that had me invested from start to finish! I loved the pacing and build up of their relationship, and the tension and forbidden aspect 🤍 There was a lot of character development internally, and outwardly with their relationships. The banter between Courtney and Auguste felt natural, and I loved how they encouraged and built each other up. Their story was well written, felt real, and was filled with tension, alllllll the emotions, family, character development, and yummy spice 🤍
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,444 reviews156 followers
July 17, 2025
4.25 Stars! 💜🏒

The moment that I saw a social media post for this book I was instantly intrigued! I wanted to read it so badly. I always look so forward to more from this author. I got right into the Los Angeles Comets world as soon as I could. I really enjoyed this story so very much!

Courtney and Auguste's journey pulled me in so quickly! Courtney's dad is a hockey coach for the Los Angeles Comets and Auguste is a hockey player on the team. These two collided in quite a memorable fashion. As feelings burn bright between them, Will Courtney and Auguste give into how they feel?

As soon as Auguste and Courtney met I was glued to these two and needed so much more of them. I enjoyed how they were brought together and getting to see what was in store for them. From personal things, being around each other, Courtney's dad, all things Los Angeles Comets, and everything in their hearts for one another, I couldn't wait to see how Courtney and Auguste would take it all on!

I felt for and related to Courtney, especially when it came to dealing with family. I adored her passion for photography and how Auguste got right to her heart. Auguste was ALL about Courtney! He couldn't get enough of her which I so loved. The chemistry between these two was fantastic and had me blushing. Courtney and Auguste kept me turning the pages and feeling oh so many feels throughout!

There were so many aspects of this story that I loved. I so enjoyed being in the Los Angeles Comets world for the first time and what other characters brought to the story. It already has me excited for more of this world!

With Falling Offsides, Ms.Silva has created such an awesome and dark hockey romance that brought coach's daughter x hockey player, forbidden goodness, realness, blushworthy steam, uniqueness, and a lot of feels! I can't wait to dive back into the Los Angeles Comets world! 💜🏒

Check out the author's content warnings.



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Profile Image for Veronica Turner.
107 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2025
Falling Offsides by Alexandra Silva is book 1 in the Los Angeles Comets Series following Courtney Nilsson and Auguste “Bruce” Broussard. 🚩This is a dark hockey romance with a list of possible triggers so check out the authors content warning before you dive in.

Main Characters ✨
📸 Courtney is a temp hire for the LA Comets as the photographer for the Marketing and PR Department. She also just so happens to be the only daughter of the team’s head coach. Her relationship with her mother is so heartbreaking so being able to possibly build a stronger bond with her dad is something she plans to make a priority. Of course that all changes starting the first day of being on the job when she’s hit in the head by a puck from the infamous Auguste Broussard. The days that follow she suddenly sees him everywhere giving her exactly what she needs and all she keeps asking herself is how does he know where I’m at all the time…

🏒 Auguste is our morally grey, broody and sexy MMC who just happens to be obsessed with his head coaches daughter..who is also off limits to any and all. What starts off as innocent curiosity quickly turns into obsession with Courtney. There is no line he won’t cross to make it known that she’s his and he’s in it for life. The only challenge is…will she ever put down her walls and let him in?

My thoughts 💭
The slow-burn in this book is crazzzzy but when the action starts 🥵 it’s sooo good. The relationship Courtney had with her mother was so horrible, my heart broke for her. I’m so glad we got to see Courtney’s character built into so much more than someone who is against love and affection. Auguste had such a full heart and just wanted to love and be loved because that’s all he knew from his own close family, he just had a different way of making it known to Courtney 😉 I loved their friendship and how it grew beyond anything they could imagine. This book made me smile so much and ends with a HEA ♥️💫

I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,487 reviews35 followers
July 6, 2025
“There is no line I won’t cross for you. That I haven’t crossed just to be near you.”

Falling Offsides is an angsty, emotional, and deliciously steamy hockey romance that completely swept me off my feet. Courtney and Auguste are pure fire—their chemistry ignites the pages from the moment they meet, and I was instantly hooked on their story.

“I want every part of you, Courtney. Every last little bit that makes you who you are.”

Auguste is the definition of OBSESSED. From the second his puck hits Courtney and their eyes lock, he becomes relentless in his pursuit—crossing lines, breaking rules, and wearing his heart on his sleeve with reckless devotion. And yet, despite his borderline stalkerish intensity, I fell hard for him. He’s kind, caring, fiercely protective, and so single-mindedly devoted to Courtney that he’d burn the world down just to make her smile.

“When his hand is in mine, the whole world feels quieter, brighter…better.”

Courtney, shaped by a difficult past, is guarded and fiercely independent. Trust doesn’t come easily, but Auguste’s unwavering presence chips away at her defenses. He throws up every red flag—but when it counts, he’s the one lifting her up, giving her safety, warmth, and a love she never thought she could have.

“You can break here. With me. I’ll catch you. Whenever, wherever, however.”

Their banter snaps with snark and wit, and the chemistry? Off the charts. Auguste offers Courtney a glimpse of a life she secretly craves but doesn’t believe she can ever have. However, once Auguste sets his mind to it, there’s no turning back—she’s IT for him. Now he just needs to convince her to fight for their version of forever.

“This, right here, is your safe space. Me.”

Falling Offsides is pure romance crack: equal parts heart-stopping angst, blazing passion, and a hero so gone for his girl that nothing else matters.

Profile Image for Rachel Russell.
687 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2025
This book deserves a standing ovation. I was immediately hooked when it came to Break The Ice and then as soon as this book was delivered I dove straight into it. This author really knows how to hook a reader because by the end of the first chapter I could not put this book down.

And I love the paperback cover, it's beautiful. Falling Offsides is set in The Los Angeles Comets' world and is the story of Auguste and Courtney's story. She is the coach's daughter and Auguste is the star hockey player who quite literally knocks Courtney off her feet.

He quickly becomes obsessed with her and will do anything and everything to have her. There is no boundary that he won't cross. Obsessive, filthy talking hockey player. He waves the red flags high and proud in this 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 And I am very much colorblind 😂

These books set in this world are addictive. The characters this author creates with personalities that standout. Each with their own history that you can connect with in someway or another. Courtney who has issues with her mom's husband and her father.

Auguste who was searching for something he didn't even know he was looking for and all of which he finds in Courtney. A love he shouldn't have but can't stop. This is a masterpiece of writing; an epic slow burn. A story of friendships, laughter, forced proximity and let's not forget Auguste's dirty mouth and I am here for it. It has spice... I mean... that bench. IYKYK.

This book delivered everything and more and I am gutted that it's finished. I will definitely be reading this book again and I cannot wait for Cross The Line. I really hope that we get books for ALL the Comets players because take my money right now.

I cannot recommend this book enough and for me this book deserves more than 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Good Booking Girl.
428 reviews16 followers
July 26, 2025
What starts as a simple summer job spirals into an intense, all-consuming romance in this scorching, character-driven hockey story that’s light on the sport but heavy on obsession, emotional healing, and magnetic chemistry. Auguste Brussard is the ultimate paradox—sunshine and golden retriever in public, but behind closed doors, he’s a possessive alpha with a dark, singular focus: her. From the moment he lays eyes on her, it’s lust and love at first sight, and his unrelenting attention crosses stalker-level lines that somehow feel perfectly right in the twisted, tender world they build together.

She’s sarcastic, guarded, and shaped by childhood wounds she’s never fully unpacked—until Auguste begins peeling back her layers with quiet devotion and feral need. Their dynamic simmers with delicious tension and just enough edge to hint at a darker side she’s only beginning to explore.

And the spice? Off. The. Charts. Auguste doesn’t just love—he claims, commands, and consumes. Their intimacy is explosive, raw, and deeply unbalanced in the most delicious way. He leads, and she submits—eagerly, shamelessly—releasing control in the only place she’s ever truly felt safe. It’s the kind of heat that will leave you breathless, blushing, and desperate for more.

This is less about hockey and more about heart—how love can be obsessive, imperfect, and exactly what someone needs. Auguste’s fierce love for his family adds depth to a character who’s both terrifyingly intense and achingly soft when it counts. Red flags? Sure. But for her, every single one is a green.

I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion
Profile Image for ReadingWithNikki.
134 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2025
📹 Obsession, Redemption & a HEA: A Darker Ride Than Expected
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 Stars)
ARC Review
This was my first read by Alexandra Silva, and while the writing was solid, the story pushed into darker territory than I typically prefer. Auguste and Courtney's relationship was intense — sometimes too intense for me. Auguste had moments where his behavior felt overly forceful, especially when boundaries were crossed (like the camera situation). These scenes lacked the emotional fallout or growth I hoped for, and the quick forgiveness sometimes felt unearned.
That said, Auguste wasn’t all sharp edges. He had genuinely protective and tender moments — like standing up for Courtney at the gala or dropping everything to support her during a family crisis. Those glimpses showed the kind of love he was capable of, and they helped soften some of the harder parts of his character.

I appreciated that Courtney ultimately found her voice and that both she and Auguste got their HEA, surrounded by a found family that felt authentic and heartwarming. If you like your romance with a darker edge and a possessive hero, this might be your vibe. For me, it was a mixed bag — but I’m curious enough to try another by Silva.

📚 Tropes: Possessive Hero, Found Family, Second Chances
⚠️ CWs: Stalking elements, emotional manipulation, family trauma

#ARCReview #DarkRomance #PossessiveHero #FoundFamilyFeels #RomanceReads #AlexandraSilva #HEA #BookishThoughts #RomanceReview 💔❤️‍🔥📖
Profile Image for Kat Mary.
472 reviews
July 14, 2025
Alexandra is back and not playing around! Falling Offsides was the perfect start to her journey in to hockey romance with Auguste and Courtney. I love the edge Alexandra always has to her stories and she really pulled me right to it with the obsession and stalker vibes in this book. I loved that Auguste KNEW he was on the edge but couldn't help himself. I loved the chemistry that literally exploded off the page between him and COurtney. They are spicy together! There is so much more to their story than that though and that's where Alexandra always excels. Courtney really held my heart. I understood her deeply. I loved the way Alexandra wrote their story in that when that special person enters your life the boundaries blur and can get very cloudy. That when that person pays attention and cares for you-loves you-the way you need it means everything and changes your life. Alexandra's stories never fail to take my heart to new depths as I read. I LOVED Falling Offsides and can't wait for more in this world!
Profile Image for Sharon.
873 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2025
This is need. An obsession - twisted and sharp and bottomless Because whether Courtney knows it or not, she's mine.

Screaming. This was so freaking GOOD.

I've read countless of hockey romances, they're my favourite kind. But, after a while, none of them surprise you. None of them are refreshing, new, exciting.

This one though? Falling Offsides blew me away. Auguste was everything and MORE. The dirty talk was out of this world, holy moly. He got me blushing and that does not happen very often.

I absolutely adored Auguste's family. They were the best, so sweet, so caring. Coach was amazing, I'm so glad Courtney and him got a second chance to strengthen their bond.

Auguste put the bar up real fucking high in regards to book boyfriends. You're telling me this man cooks and bakes, watches you to make sure you're okay, gets a puppy and he plays professional hockey? Sign me up.

Once again Alexandra showed her ability to write across all genres, surprising me over and over with all sorts of twists and turns. I'm amazed and I can't wait for the next book.
3,304 reviews70 followers
July 16, 2025
Well it’s official I really have become equally In love and obsessed with this absolutely amazing series . A series that is a must read for anyone and I mean anyone who is a lover of Dark Hockey Romances . This time around we get Auguste and Courtney’s story and OMG Guys !! The degree to which these two hooked me from page one , all the emotions I was reeling with from start to ending, how in love I fell with their story . Well I’m not even sure words can start to describe. But common who does love a MMC who’s the perfect blend of morality gray , unhinged, obsessive, possessive and protective. That’s Auguste to a tee . And our heroine - his polar opposite/ you know what they say though opposite reality do attract. The insane chemistry between them is the perfect example of just that . Add in the angst and the humor and the witty banter, the forbidden aspect , the obstacles, the drama , the love , the passion, the pain , the family and friendships. I really was just taken on the ride of my life and blown away in all the best ways
Profile Image for Emma Barnett.
187 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2025
4.25⭐️
I have been steering clear of hockey romances for a while, the only reason is the can become quite samey (which isn’t a negative as it’s what the people like & want) but I just was loosing interest a bit. I saw this book through some illustrations for the promo & thought actually it’s been a while & this one sounds good I’m gonna grab. BOY, am I glad I did. This was SUCH a good sports romance I am so glad I picked it up. There is so much about this book that made me love it if you enjoy these tropes
🏒 hockey star x team photographer
📸 coach’s daughter
🏒praise (lots of it) & exploring degrading
📸 he is DOWN bad
🏒slight stalker vibes
📸dysfunctional family / broken family
🏒 would go to the end of the earth for her

Fast paced, lots happens to keep you gripped & wanting more, perfect balance of story & spice also so invested in alllll the side characters I look forward to exploring more of Alexandra’s work.
Profile Image for Liz Lopez.
266 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2025
Falling Offsides really was a great read! Alexandra Silva’s writing draws you right into the gritty, exciting world of hockey, and the romance is so raw and real. Auguste is such a captivating character. Quiet, intense, and with this magnetic pull that makes you root for him and the heroine from the start.

I loved the slow-building chemistry between them and how the story explores what it means to take risks for love, even when it feels scary. The emotions hit hard, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.

The hockey backdrop adds a cool energy to the story, and Silva’s attention to detail really makes the setting come alive. It’s a fresh take on sports romance with a darker edge, which I found really refreshing.

If you’re looking for a passionate, emotional read with complex characters and a bit of edge, Falling Offsides is definitely worth checking out. I’m excited to see where Alexandra Silva takes this series next!
Profile Image for m_readsbooks.
107 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2025
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹ 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 ⊹˚₊𐙚⋆

First off all, thank you so much for the arc @alexandrasilvaauthor and this amazing book is out now (july 16th) for the rest of the world to read it!

Second of all, what did i just read in one day?? Omg i was absolutely hooked from te beginning. It’s been a while since I started a book and couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.

This man was absolutely UNHINGED and not in a red flag way. Every time this man spoke to Courtney or touched Courtney i was SAT.

How far Auguste went for Courtney did something to my heart. Each time he was there to catch her or take care of her.

I loved how Courtney grow in her mental struggles and how she had her bestie Delilah to support her and root for her even though she was on the other side of the world.

Give me a bestie as Delilah and a man like Auguste and i die peacefully.

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 4/5
💜 obsessed now with Alexandra her work
Profile Image for Nina.
145 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2025
This is my first Alexandra Silva book and now I’m off to go read read her backlist. Auguste is the perfect man. He’s the best cinnamon roll with just a touch of the jealous/possessive gene and the tiniest touch of a red flag stalker (hello… doggie cams!) that makes him a keeper. Courtney is the best match for him. She reads just enough smut to love all these sides of him. Her banter is refreshing when he already can read her like a book and loves everything about her. He used every available tidbit of information about Courtney he could learn and used it all to his advantage to stack the deck in his favor. He gave Courtney promises and followed through with them. Every woman wants a man who will be by our side when we need to fall apart and break and who will be there on the other side to help put us back together. Auguste is the ultimate book boyfriend where his personality and actions aren’t so far fetched that he could easily be plucked from the book and be a real life man.
Profile Image for Extraspicybooklover.
380 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2025
“This is the part I’ve waited for. Where I get to piece her together with every last drop of my love. Where I get to put my heart in her chest and beat for her. Live for her.”

Auguste is the most delicious man 🤤 🥵😏 who doesn’t love and man that falls first and does everything in his power to make her fall for him too? Auguste hits Courtney in the head with a hockey puck knocking her out. He feels horrible and decides he needs to make up for it. Maybe a lil stalkerish maybe a little crazy but so hot.
Courtney has a little trauma from her parents and doesn’t trust easy so she keeps Auguste at arms reach. Until she doesn’t 😏 gotta love it when it’s the FMC having the fck it moment!! She goes through some rough stuff in finding herself but August is ALWAYS there to put her back together. I love them. I loved this book so many emotions and heart wrenching moments ❤️‍🩹💕amazing read!!!
Profile Image for Emily .
33 reviews
July 15, 2025
The thing that hooked me the most was that Courtney is a dark romance reader herself!
Who doesn't love a good book with a bit of stalking and morally grey men!
Just like this book!
Alexandra has portrayed both characters really well and you get a good view right into their heads about this forbidden connection!
The coaches daughter is not who Augustes thought he would become obsessed with but wow how feral this guy becomes!!!

I loved the story, plot twists, the push and pull between the character!
Another amazing addition is Delilah everyone needs a bestie just like her!
as well Samson, he just made the book even better when I didn't think it could!!!!
This book was Spicy and beautiful!

I have already been recommending this book to all my friends and fellow readers!
Can't wait to read some of you're other books!!
Profile Image for Jill.
529 reviews12 followers
July 16, 2025
The way that I ate this story up should maybe concern me but I am ALL IN with the MAJOR red-flags/cinnamon-roll thing that Auguste has going on! Did Alexandra Silva just create a new microtrope? I think she did. Auguste takes possessive obsession and caring to a level I'm not quite sure I've seen before. This man is down bad BAD! And the way that Courtney kind of but not really fights it because let's be honest it's really freaking hot is icing on the cake. I loved this author's spin on hockey romance. You still get that fun banter and ribbing between teammates, but the dark twists sprinkled in just make the story that much more engaging and kindle-melting. Plus, the moments of vulnerability between Courtney and Auguste are sweet and emotional. I'm so excited to see where this new series goes next! Great sports romance, great darker vibes, great characters all around.
Profile Image for Carrie Adele Reads.
24 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2025
Read this as an Advanced Reader
Was not expecting to fall for a guy who is so pathetic over a girl but still be so dominant in the spice.. wow this was done beautifully.
Courtney comes into the Comets Facility as a stand in photographer straight out of College. Its a chance to reconnect with her Dad whos the Coach of the Comets... Cue a stray puck and a freaking hot guy.. Auguste Broussard and you have a match made in heaven.
Auguste develops stalkerish tendancies in his growing obsession with Courtney whilst she doesnt trust and man due to a borderline abusive relationship with her Step Dad and Mother... The Slow Burn scorches and when the spice gets going its fireworks.
Really enjoyed it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
2,101 reviews31 followers
July 14, 2025
Falling Offsides is book one of the Los Angeles Comets Series.

Auguste was intense. He was super arrogant at the start and I didn't really like him at first. However, that quickly changed when I saw his $t@lker tendencies. I love a good $t@lker story and while this wasn't full blown about it, there were some sketchy things going on. Once you really got to know him, you saw how perfect he was for Courtney. She needed someone who would be there for her and put her first before anything else and he did that perfectly. He was perfection with her.

There was a ton of chemistry between Courtney and Auguste, even thought there was a bit of hatred between them at the start. But this grew into something so much more.
Profile Image for Lucy Saints.
79 reviews
July 8, 2025
Hockey romance with and obsessive dominating MMC?! My 1st thought was sign me up!

I was pleasantly surprised with the main and side characters. All engaging in their own way and with their own quirks and stories to tell.
I am trying to do this without spoilers so bare with me.
The "meet cute" is kind of not cute but still made me giggle and kick my feet.

I love how his own obsessiveness strikes him as weird as well but he just cannot help himself.
She had reason enough to be wary of new things, but then he shows his golden retriever side and patience.

All in all this book is well written, will take hold of you and makes you want to keep reading to know what happens
341 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2025
This is a great start to the Los Angeles Comets series with Auguste and Courtney. I loved how Auguste is so strong and is one way with everyone except Courtney, who he lets eventually see the real him. He is still strong for her while she heals and works towards being herself, but he lets her in. Auguste is a morally gray full on stalker who is completely obsessed with Courtney and he is determined to make her see that they're it for life. There is a slow burn that quickly morphs into full on heat. Lots of love, plenty of spice, and a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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