After a divorce from a inconsiderate man, who didn't take her or her values seriously, Honor sets out to change her story, and start over on a journey of self discovery. Little did she know that she would meet someone who would change her perspective on life.
Not only is this book a hockey romance, but it's about self discovery and finding your purpose again in unlikely places!
"I don't know why fate led us together that night, but I do know that this is a second chance. I'm going to make it up to you."
I adored Honor. It's refreshing to read about an FMC with disabilities, that doesn't let that determine who she is at her core. Honor is such a strong woman, and it really shows. And, she's a plus size baddie!! Kudos to the author for depicting that in the character art. I love to see it!!!
I really resonated with Honor, and admired her strength to realize that she was in an unforgiving relationship. It's so hard to come to terms with a relationship that you're comfortable in, and realize that it doesn't serve you in the way that it once did. Especially when you feel like you don't deserve more than what's given, because it's often not true. The way she went through that process, as an adult, was refreshing and so relatable. No one wants to feel like they're being set back in life, but it often happens, and it's okay! I love how the author, B. Celeste, wrote about Honor being able to reclaim her power, and confidence, as a plus size woman.
I really went through the motions with this FMC. Honor struggles with PCOS, and that was enough for me to become emotionally attached to this character. The struggles and symptoms of PCOS are well researched, accurate, and handled with so much compassion! Honor also struggles with epilepsy, and I don't know much about it to speak on, but that was also handled with much compassion!
"I'm simply asking for a chance to prove to you that there are good people out there who can give you everything you want and then some."
Men written by women is a beautiful thing, I swear to god. Bodhi is the most swoon worthy man. I have nothing bad to say about this guy. He's affectionate, attentive, and his love language consists of baking and physical touch... A true "golden retriever" mmc. Him being a hockey player was an added bonus!
Bodhi yearning for Honor the whole book was everything I needed, and more. The way he was a constant in her life, at her most vulnerable time, was so beautiful. He did it in a way that wasn't pushy, and worked with her timeline and how she wanted to go about things. A true MAN!
He's also a single dad with a sad past, and the way he puts his daughter before anyone else makes him even more swoon worthy. He's such a "girl dad", and it shows in the way he treats and respects women!
"You're not a bad person, honey. You were in a loveless relationship. I'm going to do my damndest to give you the kind of love that he never could. No matter how long it takes."
I will note that this is a slooooooow burn, which I love, but if you're looking for just a spicy, hockey romance, this might not be it. It focuses more on the trust and foundation of the relationship, rather than spice. Their first spicy kiss isn't until about 70% in, or so.
With that being said, the buildup is everything! The yearning from the mmc, alone, was enough to do me in!!!! B. Celeste did such a great job at creating a romance that didn't feel rushed, and considering both of the character's past, I appreciate that so much. Real life situations are hard to mentally come out of, so the slow burn made this feel that much more realistic.
I picked this book up after seeing a post that the author made on a Facebook group that I'm in, and I'm SO glad that I did! This unexpectedly became one of my favorite reads of the year! Can't wait to read more by this author!
I also want to highlight the dedication in the beginning of the book. Made my heart so happy that someone GETS IT!
"(...) This is not for those who always ask when people are going to have kids. Respectfully, shut the f*ck up. It's none of your business."