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Blackwood Blades #2
Cross-Check: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance
Teaming up was the smart move. Falling for him again wasn’t.
Luke King isn’t just the captain of Blackwood’s hockey team—he’s the guy who made it his mission to break me the second I came back. But the truth we uncovered changed everything, and now we’re on the same side. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves.
In public, we’re distant. Guarded. Careful. Behind closed doors, it’s a different story—charged looks, stolen moments, and a connection neither of us can shake.
But this town runs on secrets. And we’re sitting on a powder keg.
If anyone finds out we’re working together—worse, that we’re not just allies but something deeper—we won’t survive the fallout. Not with enemies watching. Not with his family pulling the strings.
We can’t afford to fall for each other. But the harder we try to play it smart, the more dangerous this game becomes.
And I’m starting to wonder if the real risk… is not falling at all.
Cross-Check is a steamy, angst-filled, second chance, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance tangled in power plays, forbidden desire, and dangerous truths. Perfect for fans of elite academy romance with dark twists and ruthless hockey captains.
Luke King isn’t just the captain of Blackwood’s hockey team—he’s the guy who made it his mission to break me the second I came back. But the truth we uncovered changed everything, and now we’re on the same side. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves.
In public, we’re distant. Guarded. Careful. Behind closed doors, it’s a different story—charged looks, stolen moments, and a connection neither of us can shake.
But this town runs on secrets. And we’re sitting on a powder keg.
If anyone finds out we’re working together—worse, that we’re not just allies but something deeper—we won’t survive the fallout. Not with enemies watching. Not with his family pulling the strings.
We can’t afford to fall for each other. But the harder we try to play it smart, the more dangerous this game becomes.
And I’m starting to wonder if the real risk… is not falling at all.
Cross-Check is a steamy, angst-filled, second chance, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance tangled in power plays, forbidden desire, and dangerous truths. Perfect for fans of elite academy romance with dark twists and ruthless hockey captains.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
6 people are currently reading
4800 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 13, 2025
4.5 stars
It's everything I love: dark, scandalous, steamy, electric and Isla is a master at creating such palpable tension set with a dark atmosphere that she weaves so easily into her stories.
Cross-Check is the second book in the Blackwood Blades series, featuring a second chance enemies-to-lovers sports storyline. It combines elements with plenty of angst filled moments, drama, dark secrets, lies, forbidden desire, dangerous truths, dark twists and much more delicious goodness. The narrative is intriguing, and the tension between the characters is palpable.
She believed that moving away would help her conceal her truth and secrets. However, in a world where he exists, nothing could be further from reality. She has made a deadly enemy, but she is determined not to lose this battle.
He is one of the ice hockey stars of the Blackwood Blades and a member of the privileged boy cohort that rules both on and off the ice. They play to win, and anyone who stands in their way will be taken down. It’s a dangerous game where lies and lives are at stake. She is back and in danger because, in this world, revenge is sweet.
The chemistry sizzles, and the suspense builds to a heated pace as the darkness grows in and around this journey.
It's everything I love: dark, scandalous, steamy, electric and Isla is a master at creating such palpable tension set with a dark atmosphere that she weaves so easily into her stories.
Cross-Check is the second book in the Blackwood Blades series, featuring a second chance enemies-to-lovers sports storyline. It combines elements with plenty of angst filled moments, drama, dark secrets, lies, forbidden desire, dangerous truths, dark twists and much more delicious goodness. The narrative is intriguing, and the tension between the characters is palpable.
She believed that moving away would help her conceal her truth and secrets. However, in a world where he exists, nothing could be further from reality. She has made a deadly enemy, but she is determined not to lose this battle.
He is one of the ice hockey stars of the Blackwood Blades and a member of the privileged boy cohort that rules both on and off the ice. They play to win, and anyone who stands in their way will be taken down. It’s a dangerous game where lies and lives are at stake. She is back and in danger because, in this world, revenge is sweet.
The chemistry sizzles, and the suspense builds to a heated pace as the darkness grows in and around this journey.
Currently reading
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November 18, 2025Please someone tell me this book is as good as the cover its gorgeousssssss <3
December 18, 2025
I don’t even know where to start with this one. Cross-Check pulled me in faster than I expected. I went in anticipating a dark, gritty story with emotional weight, and that’s exactly what I got—along with some moments that were genuinely hard to sit with. Ilsa Vaughn doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable subject matter, and the book carries a heavy, tense atmosphere from the very beginning.
The pacing is a strong point. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged without feeling rushed, letting the tension build naturally. There’s a constant sense that something is about to go wrong, and that unease follows the characters through every choice they make. Vaughn does a great job of balancing plot progression with emotional depth.
The characters feel raw and deeply flawed, which made them compelling. Their reactions to trauma and pressure felt believable, even when their decisions weren’t always easy to agree with. You can feel the weight of their experiences shaping who they are, and that emotional realism is one of the book’s strongest elements.
That said, I struggled with the sexual exploitation of teenagers portrayed in the story. While I understand it may be intended to reflect the darkness of the world and the harm inflicted on these characters, it’s not subject matter I personally enjoy reading about, and it pulled me out of the story at times. For me, that content overshadowed some of the otherwise strong storytelling.
Overall, Cross-Check is well-written, intense, and emotionally grounded, with strong characters and a gripping atmosphere. While I did enjoy the story itself, the themes of sexual exploitation made this a tougher read for me, which ultimately affected my rating. Still, for readers who can handle very dark subject matter, there’s a lot here to appreciate. 3.5/5
The pacing is a strong point. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged without feeling rushed, letting the tension build naturally. There’s a constant sense that something is about to go wrong, and that unease follows the characters through every choice they make. Vaughn does a great job of balancing plot progression with emotional depth.
The characters feel raw and deeply flawed, which made them compelling. Their reactions to trauma and pressure felt believable, even when their decisions weren’t always easy to agree with. You can feel the weight of their experiences shaping who they are, and that emotional realism is one of the book’s strongest elements.
That said, I struggled with the sexual exploitation of teenagers portrayed in the story. While I understand it may be intended to reflect the darkness of the world and the harm inflicted on these characters, it’s not subject matter I personally enjoy reading about, and it pulled me out of the story at times. For me, that content overshadowed some of the otherwise strong storytelling.
Overall, Cross-Check is well-written, intense, and emotionally grounded, with strong characters and a gripping atmosphere. While I did enjoy the story itself, the themes of sexual exploitation made this a tougher read for me, which ultimately affected my rating. Still, for readers who can handle very dark subject matter, there’s a lot here to appreciate. 3.5/5
December 23, 2025
5 out of 5 stars
Cross-Check (Blackwood Blades #2) by Isla Vaughn
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. This is the second book in the Blackwood Blades Series and you will need to read the first book to understand this book. Mila and Luke are back, but they’re back better than before. Cross-Check might be my favorite this year, saying that is a defeat because I read a lot of stinking books.
Mila is back where she needs to be. Or is she just a pawn in a game? Her and Luke are working on the friendship if you can call it that. They know that people are being targeted and they’re right in the middle. When Mila and Avery go to a party things don’t go the way they want it to. Avery is hurt and Mila is right there. She tells Avery this about Luke: “Right now? Partners and becoming friends again. Maybe more. Friday night was…intense. Like every wall I’d built between us crumbled in one breath. And I hate that part of me still wants to believe it wasn’t just heat-of-the-moment.”
Luke knows that he can’t live without Mila now. They make a pact. No more running when things get ugly. No more lies to each other. And definetly no more secrets. Things crumble from the inside and it’s not good. A fight between Jax and Chase, then an almost fight between Chase and Luke. Things are being said and he isn’t sure who to trust. He knows that things aren’t going to get better, they are just going to get worse. He tells Mila this when talking about schools: “Not Michigan. He hates the idea of me going there. Calls it a waste. He’s already handed me the list of ‘approved’ schools— the ones that keep me under his thumb. That’s the point. He doesn’t want me making choices he can’t control.”
Cross-Check (Blackwood Blades #2) by Isla Vaughn
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. This is the second book in the Blackwood Blades Series and you will need to read the first book to understand this book. Mila and Luke are back, but they’re back better than before. Cross-Check might be my favorite this year, saying that is a defeat because I read a lot of stinking books.
Mila is back where she needs to be. Or is she just a pawn in a game? Her and Luke are working on the friendship if you can call it that. They know that people are being targeted and they’re right in the middle. When Mila and Avery go to a party things don’t go the way they want it to. Avery is hurt and Mila is right there. She tells Avery this about Luke: “Right now? Partners and becoming friends again. Maybe more. Friday night was…intense. Like every wall I’d built between us crumbled in one breath. And I hate that part of me still wants to believe it wasn’t just heat-of-the-moment.”
Luke knows that he can’t live without Mila now. They make a pact. No more running when things get ugly. No more lies to each other. And definetly no more secrets. Things crumble from the inside and it’s not good. A fight between Jax and Chase, then an almost fight between Chase and Luke. Things are being said and he isn’t sure who to trust. He knows that things aren’t going to get better, they are just going to get worse. He tells Mila this when talking about schools: “Not Michigan. He hates the idea of me going there. Calls it a waste. He’s already handed me the list of ‘approved’ schools— the ones that keep me under his thumb. That’s the point. He doesn’t want me making choices he can’t control.”
December 15, 2025
Cross-Check is the second instalment of Isla Vaughn’s Blackwood Blades series, and is described as a dark hockey romance, but I wouldn’t really call it that. For starters, it doesn’t feel like a romance because the two main characters are essentially together from the first page. It’s not really a hockey romance, it’s just that the boys happen to play hockey, although we rarely actually see them play, or even train. It is written like it’s dark - like a mystery or thriller - but nothing dark ever really happens. To be honest, it doesn’t feel like much happens at all. The writing style is really good but the plot doesn’t have much substance. There’s some really beautifully written passages, strong characters and relationships, but I honestly had no idea what was going on the majority of the time, it was never explained and characters would talk but most of it didn’t mean anything to me as a first-time reader, and I think the passages would stand out so much more if the whole novel wasn’t attempting to write like that. It was quite repetitive and nothing really happened apart from the halfway point and the end, with an unsatisfying ending as you have to read the next book in the series to find out what happens. But I did find those sections interesting and engaging. I liked Luke and Mila, and I liked side characters such as Jax and Avery. My least favourite character was Elise, naturally. I’d probably recommend the series as a whole rather than reading this as a stand-alone, as I imagine the series is really interesting and would be good to follow the different characters. “Loving her makes me honest.”
December 23, 2025
I went into Cross-Check expecting hockey, enemies-to-lovers tension, and maybe a little emotional damage. What I did not expect was to question my morals, my sanity, and whether I would survive falling for a walking red flag in skates.
This book is dark, spicy, and unapologetically intense. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done the right way—actual enemies, not “he was mildly rude once.” These two genuinely dislike each other, and the banter is sharp enough to qualify as a weapon. Every interaction feels like foreplay mixed with a threat, and honestly? I was here for all of it.
The hockey element is chef’s kiss. There’s enough grit, aggression, and locker-room energy to remind you this man could absolutely cross-check someone into next week… and also ruin your life emotionally before breakfast. The hero is toxic in that fictional-only way where you yell “ABSOLUTELY NOT” while still turning pages at lightning speed.
The heroine? Strong, stubborn, and clearly allergic to making safe choices. Her internal monologue had me laughing more than once because same, girl. SAME.
Is this book dark? Yes. Is it spicy? Extremely. Did I keep saying “one more chapter” like a liar? Also yes.
If you like your romance enemies-to-lovers, morally questionable, emotionally unhinged, and served with a side of hockey violence and heat—Cross-Check will absolutely deliver. Just don’t read it in public unless you enjoy explaining your facial expressions to strangers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would recommend. Would reread. Would probably forgive the hero for crimes I would not tolerate in real life.
This book is dark, spicy, and unapologetically intense. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done the right way—actual enemies, not “he was mildly rude once.” These two genuinely dislike each other, and the banter is sharp enough to qualify as a weapon. Every interaction feels like foreplay mixed with a threat, and honestly? I was here for all of it.
The hockey element is chef’s kiss. There’s enough grit, aggression, and locker-room energy to remind you this man could absolutely cross-check someone into next week… and also ruin your life emotionally before breakfast. The hero is toxic in that fictional-only way where you yell “ABSOLUTELY NOT” while still turning pages at lightning speed.
The heroine? Strong, stubborn, and clearly allergic to making safe choices. Her internal monologue had me laughing more than once because same, girl. SAME.
Is this book dark? Yes. Is it spicy? Extremely. Did I keep saying “one more chapter” like a liar? Also yes.
If you like your romance enemies-to-lovers, morally questionable, emotionally unhinged, and served with a side of hockey violence and heat—Cross-Check will absolutely deliver. Just don’t read it in public unless you enjoy explaining your facial expressions to strangers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would recommend. Would reread. Would probably forgive the hero for crimes I would not tolerate in real life.
December 24, 2025
If you like your hockey romance with sharp edges, heavy tension, and “I hate you, why do I still want you?” energy, then Cross-Check delivers. Book 2 in the Blackwood Blades series, Cross-Check leans heavily into the dark romance genre, featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and a story full of angst, silence, and a fractured romance with all the jagged edges and pull of unfinished business. Following Luke, who is the “cold calculating” team captain with a vengeance streak, and the girl who got away while carrying secrets that make his anger feel personal and even more dangerous. With forced proximity, the engine of this book leaps revving from beginning to end.
When I picked up this book, I was looking for a book with grit. From the first chapter, this book gave me exactly what I was looking for. The push-pull of chemistry made this a love-hate read for me. Even when I wanted to shake both characters, I couldn’t deny the tension was addictive. The romance is messy on purpose—more “collision” than “cuddly”—and the emotional stakes stay high the whole way through. If you’re a reader who loves a ruthless edge, morally gray moments, and that “we shouldn’t, but we can’t stop” kind of heat, Cross-Check hits. For me, the only downside was that the darkness and intensity can be a lot if you’re not in the mood for heavy conflict—this isn’t a comfort read, it’s a binge read. Still, I finished it feeling wrung out in the best way: satisfied, a little stunned, and already curious about what the Blackwood Blades series will throw at me next.
When I picked up this book, I was looking for a book with grit. From the first chapter, this book gave me exactly what I was looking for. The push-pull of chemistry made this a love-hate read for me. Even when I wanted to shake both characters, I couldn’t deny the tension was addictive. The romance is messy on purpose—more “collision” than “cuddly”—and the emotional stakes stay high the whole way through. If you’re a reader who loves a ruthless edge, morally gray moments, and that “we shouldn’t, but we can’t stop” kind of heat, Cross-Check hits. For me, the only downside was that the darkness and intensity can be a lot if you’re not in the mood for heavy conflict—this isn’t a comfort read, it’s a binge read. Still, I finished it feeling wrung out in the best way: satisfied, a little stunned, and already curious about what the Blackwood Blades series will throw at me next.
December 30, 2025
We are straight back into the world of Blackwood, with its dark secrets and twists which uncovered will blow things up. Mila is back and although she has forgiven Luke they have to keep there relationship secret because if people know they are working together it would not be good for wither one of them.
Luke has to have chosen moments with Mila but within public he has to be the closed off, privileged idiot he was before but when they have stolen moments the chemistry between them explodes and he wants to investigate the feelings he has for her.
As the story goes on you get to uncover the secrets and lies that are buried within the small town and can they recover from the information they find out.
I will say this is a fast paced story which has you hooked from the first word, although this can be read as a stand alone book, I would recommend reading the first book un this series just to get the ground work for the relationship and how the two main characters got to this point in time.
The chemistry between Luke and Mila is of the charts and has you feeling the feels as you read the adventure they are push along. The story is well developed and the secondary characters add to the overall pace and twists and turns in the story.
Thank you again Isla for a page turning story with twists and turns with a hint of mystery.
Luke has to have chosen moments with Mila but within public he has to be the closed off, privileged idiot he was before but when they have stolen moments the chemistry between them explodes and he wants to investigate the feelings he has for her.
As the story goes on you get to uncover the secrets and lies that are buried within the small town and can they recover from the information they find out.
I will say this is a fast paced story which has you hooked from the first word, although this can be read as a stand alone book, I would recommend reading the first book un this series just to get the ground work for the relationship and how the two main characters got to this point in time.
The chemistry between Luke and Mila is of the charts and has you feeling the feels as you read the adventure they are push along. The story is well developed and the secondary characters add to the overall pace and twists and turns in the story.
Thank you again Isla for a page turning story with twists and turns with a hint of mystery.
January 3, 2026
"Cross-Check" was my first experience reading anything by Isla Vaughn, and I genuinely enjoyed it. Going in, I didn’t know what to expect, especially since I’m not well-versed in hockey, but the story was easy to follow and felt very approachable. Even if you’re new to sports-themed books, this one is quite accessible.
What stood out to me the most were the characters. They felt realistic and relatable, particularly the main character, who faces challenges both on and off the ice. I appreciated that the story focused not only on the sport itself but also on personal growth, relationships, and the journey of figuring things out along the way. The hockey elements added excitement without overwhelming the narrative.
The writing style is smooth and straightforward, making it a quick and enjoyable read. Some moments were emotional, while others were fun, and I felt there was a good balance between the two. As a newcomer to Isla Vaughn’s work, I appreciated how easily I was drawn into the story.
Overall, "Cross-Check" was a solid read and a great introduction to Isla Vaughn’s writing. If you enjoy contemporary stories with a sports theme and strong character development, this book is definitely worth checking out. I would be open to reading more from this author in the future.
What stood out to me the most were the characters. They felt realistic and relatable, particularly the main character, who faces challenges both on and off the ice. I appreciated that the story focused not only on the sport itself but also on personal growth, relationships, and the journey of figuring things out along the way. The hockey elements added excitement without overwhelming the narrative.
The writing style is smooth and straightforward, making it a quick and enjoyable read. Some moments were emotional, while others were fun, and I felt there was a good balance between the two. As a newcomer to Isla Vaughn’s work, I appreciated how easily I was drawn into the story.
Overall, "Cross-Check" was a solid read and a great introduction to Isla Vaughn’s writing. If you enjoy contemporary stories with a sports theme and strong character development, this book is definitely worth checking out. I would be open to reading more from this author in the future.
January 3, 2026
This is an intense, gritty addition to the Blackwood Blades series. As the second installment, it leans heavily into the "dark sports romance" subgenre, blending the high stakes of elite academy life with a volatile, second-chance romance. The story follows Mila, who returns to the town of Blackwood after a sudden disappearance that left her relationship with Luke King in ruins. Luke isn't just the captain of the Blackwood hockey team; he’s the king of the academy—ruthless, guarded, and initially determined to punish Mila for leaving. The narrative shifts from an "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic into a "forced alliance" as Mila and Luke uncover dangerous truths about the town’s power structures and Luke’s own family. To survive the political games of their elite world, they have to work together in secret, leading to a high-tension hidden relationship. Vaughn is great at creating a tense and emotional story. Luke and Mila have a complicated past that leads to a lot of "hate-to-love" drama and a deep longing for each other. Luke is a very protective and obsessed hero, and the chemistry between the two makes the book move quickly. Most of the excitement comes from the couple having to hide their relationship from their controlling families in a high-pressure world where reputation is everything. This was a great addition to this series and I look forward to reading the next book.
December 15, 2025
This was a true sequel with the same main characters and started shortly after the first book ended. Mila and Luke were a couple in this first book until Mila disappeared. Luke went searching but finally realized she was gone. Mila is brought back to town when her mom gets a job with the rival company she worked for before they left. Luke is really terrible when he sees Mila and doesn’t feel like he could ever forgive her. They fight and finally start to tell each other the truth and start to build trust again. The popular kids are circling and spreading rumors. Luke is trying to dig out information and keep Mila safe. There is mystery and tension running through the entire book but also some hockey. I feel like the events happening really do run the story. What is Luke’s family keeping from him? Why is Mila’s mom really back and how much does she know? Will they have to keep their relationship a secret or can they be out and happy? I like Avery, Mila’s best friend, and her story with Jax. I like Luke’s friends and how protective they are of Mila and Avery. It seems crazy that the characters are high schoolers and they are having to deal with so much. Another great book by this author!
January 1, 2026
This is the second book in The Blackwood Blades series.
It is a second chance, enemies to lovers sports romance filled with high stakes, twists and turns, secrets, lies and so much more. To fully enjoy this story you do need to start with the first book in the series to understand how Luke and Mila got to the position they are now.
We are back with Luke and Mila. After Mila's return to Blackwood Luke made it his mission to make her life hell. However that changes when certain secrets are brought to light. Secrets which bring this couple closer together and they decide to work together to uncover the truth.
What neither of them expected was for there romantic connection to be just as strong as it was before.
However this couple won't have it easy, as they have enemies lurking around every corner and with Luke's family pulling his strings will the couples love have a chance of growing as strong as it once was?
This is a story filled with chemistry, angst, dangerous secrets and different players all with hidden agendas. This is a story which will keep you hooked from the start. Luke and Mila go through so much you can't help but want them to succeed even when the odds seem stacked against them.
It is a second chance, enemies to lovers sports romance filled with high stakes, twists and turns, secrets, lies and so much more. To fully enjoy this story you do need to start with the first book in the series to understand how Luke and Mila got to the position they are now.
We are back with Luke and Mila. After Mila's return to Blackwood Luke made it his mission to make her life hell. However that changes when certain secrets are brought to light. Secrets which bring this couple closer together and they decide to work together to uncover the truth.
What neither of them expected was for there romantic connection to be just as strong as it was before.
However this couple won't have it easy, as they have enemies lurking around every corner and with Luke's family pulling his strings will the couples love have a chance of growing as strong as it once was?
This is a story filled with chemistry, angst, dangerous secrets and different players all with hidden agendas. This is a story which will keep you hooked from the start. Luke and Mila go through so much you can't help but want them to succeed even when the odds seem stacked against them.
December 12, 2025
Mila Callahan and her mom ran away from their town for their own safety, after they are sure they see the dead body of someone they know, with someone standing over them. When they are drug back because of a job offer her mother literally couldn't refuse by the competing company in town, Mila is thrown into a world of danger that not only involves the catty girls at her private school who are far too used to getting their own way, but also the constant fear of when the other shoe will drop. Mila manages to fix her relationship with Luke King, which had been destroyed by her sudden disappearance. Luke and Mila try to navigate the politics of their school, Luke's families position in the city, and the danger they are all in while trying to keep their relationship a secret for their own protection. In a world where nothing is as it seems, being careful and always aware has to be everyones focus, and losing that focus could be more dangerous that Mila, Luke, or their friends could possibly understand, for everyone.
While this book is the second book in the Blackwood Blades series, it can be read as a stand-alone
While this book is the second book in the Blackwood Blades series, it can be read as a stand-alone
December 13, 2025
I have read a few books from this author and she is becoming one of my favorites. I love a good hockey romance but she again exceeded my expectations. This is the second book to the amazing series Blackwood Blades. This book can be read as a stand alone but I would read the first one to get the back story. I could not help but to fall in love with these characters right from the start. I was hooked on this book and I could not put it down. It took me only a few hours to devour this amazing story. I can’t wait to see who she will write about next.
Mila Callahan ran away from her hometown because they were no longer safe. She knows she made some enemies there as well. Mila’s mom got an amazing job that takes them right back to Blackwood where she swore she would never return. She has to be strong for her mom. Mila is afraid of the captain of the hockey team Luke King. She starts to gain his trust back little by little. Mila and Luke find themselves liking each other more than they thought. They have to keep their relationship quiet or there will be horrible repercussions. Will Mila and Luke figure out the whole truth or will they make themselves the next target?
Mila Callahan ran away from her hometown because they were no longer safe. She knows she made some enemies there as well. Mila’s mom got an amazing job that takes them right back to Blackwood where she swore she would never return. She has to be strong for her mom. Mila is afraid of the captain of the hockey team Luke King. She starts to gain his trust back little by little. Mila and Luke find themselves liking each other more than they thought. They have to keep their relationship quiet or there will be horrible repercussions. Will Mila and Luke figure out the whole truth or will they make themselves the next target?
December 13, 2025
4 - 4.5 Stars
Cross-Check is the second book in The Blackwood Blades series by Isla Vaughn. It is an intense enemies to lovers/elite academy/secret relationship/hockey romance with darker elements, a dangerous game, forbidden desire x passion, angsty drama, tension, suspense, power plays, secrets, chemistry, steam, risk, danger, intrigue, discoveries, meddling, emotion, and much more.
The story continues Mila and Luke’s story that we started in Book #1, where we discovered their tangled and complicated history, and undeniable chemistry. They have gone from enemies to having a secret understanding that they can’t afford for anyone to discover. The stakes are high. There are enemies at every turn. And their chemistry is electric. So how long before things get even more out of hand?
If you love sports romance with dark edges, ruthless yet magnetic leads, and a storyline that keeps you flipping the pages late into the night, then Cross-Check will hit you right in the feels — and maybe leave you a little breathless.
Can’t wait to get my hands on ‘Sudden Death’ (Book #3 – coming in April 2026)
Happy Reading…
Cross-Check is the second book in The Blackwood Blades series by Isla Vaughn. It is an intense enemies to lovers/elite academy/secret relationship/hockey romance with darker elements, a dangerous game, forbidden desire x passion, angsty drama, tension, suspense, power plays, secrets, chemistry, steam, risk, danger, intrigue, discoveries, meddling, emotion, and much more.
The story continues Mila and Luke’s story that we started in Book #1, where we discovered their tangled and complicated history, and undeniable chemistry. They have gone from enemies to having a secret understanding that they can’t afford for anyone to discover. The stakes are high. There are enemies at every turn. And their chemistry is electric. So how long before things get even more out of hand?
If you love sports romance with dark edges, ruthless yet magnetic leads, and a storyline that keeps you flipping the pages late into the night, then Cross-Check will hit you right in the feels — and maybe leave you a little breathless.
Can’t wait to get my hands on ‘Sudden Death’ (Book #3 – coming in April 2026)
Happy Reading…
December 16, 2025
5 Stars
Cross-Check: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance (Blackwood Blades Book 2) By Isla Vaughn
Cross-Check is the second book in the Blackwood Blades Series and is a Dark Romance/Enemies to Lover’s Hockey Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you’ve finished. Just like with every other books this author has written I say its my favorite yet but who am I kidding. Everyone of her books are my favorite. She never ceases to amaze me with her style of writing and attention to detail that makes you feel like you are apart of the story. The characters are always spot on,creative, strong, relatable and fully developed. This story is packed with drama, secrets, second chances, romance, tension, suspense and so much more. These two have some serious chemistry between them but they have to be careful and keep it a secret. Lots of eyes are watching. I’m going to highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next as I don’t want to spoil anything . This author is one of my favorites and I’m always looking forward to reading whatever she brings us.
Cross-Check: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance (Blackwood Blades Book 2) By Isla Vaughn
Cross-Check is the second book in the Blackwood Blades Series and is a Dark Romance/Enemies to Lover’s Hockey Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you’ve finished. Just like with every other books this author has written I say its my favorite yet but who am I kidding. Everyone of her books are my favorite. She never ceases to amaze me with her style of writing and attention to detail that makes you feel like you are apart of the story. The characters are always spot on,creative, strong, relatable and fully developed. This story is packed with drama, secrets, second chances, romance, tension, suspense and so much more. These two have some serious chemistry between them but they have to be careful and keep it a secret. Lots of eyes are watching. I’m going to highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next as I don’t want to spoil anything . This author is one of my favorites and I’m always looking forward to reading whatever she brings us.
December 18, 2025
A dark and angst-filled enemies-to-lovers hockey romance which kept me happily turning the pages. As this is book two in the series, and continues the second chance romance between captain of Blackwood’s hockey team Luke King and Mila, I recommend reading ‘Iced Out’ first. Luke wasn’t happy when Mila returned and was set on revenge, until the truth was uncovered and changed everything. They now find themselves on the same side but no one in town can know they are working together, or that they are more than allies. With enemies watching them and Luke’s family pulling the strings, they act distant in public but in private they share charged looks, stolen moments and a connection as strong as it ever was. However, they can’t afford to fall for each other, again. Once again I was pulled into Luke and Mila’s world, and I felt fully immersed in the story. The storyline includes power plays, dangerous truths and forbidden desires, all of which kept me hooked. The chemistry between the main characters continues to sizzle off the page and leads to some steamy scenes. I look forward to book three!
December 23, 2025
Cross-Check: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance (Blackwood Blades Book) by Isla Vaughn. This is the 2nd book in the Blackwood Blades Series and I highly recommend reading the first book in order to better understand the story line. It's the continuing story of Luke & Mila when Mila and her mom return to town after they left in the middle of the night not telling anyone. When she first returns Luke is set on revenge because he feels betrayed by Mila but when she explains everything he accepts it and they are back on the same team again but they can't tell anyone because if the wrong people find out they could be in deep trouble. So they begin to work together behind the scenes but they are determined not to fall for each other again but its hard. The chemistry is still there but they know with Luke's family running the town they will be separated faster than they can blink if they are found out. The night of the Charity Gala it all comes to a head and Luke makes it known to everyone that he loves Mila so she has to choose between Luke and her mom and Luke's family can either accept Mila or lose Luke! I can't wait for the next book!
December 17, 2025
In this continuation, Mila and Luke are starting to find their footing after realizing that Mila didn’t hurt Luke on purpose. Mila and Luke are starting to trust each other again. They try to take it slow as there is so much past and present to work out. But their attraction doesn’t allow for that to happen.
Luke and Mila are dodging attacks from Elise and her merry band of problem children. They have to protect each other and their group of friends. Luke and Mila manage to get through most of the attacks by keeping to their agreement, no lies, no games. Luke is even making headway with his investigation of the reason Mila left town in the first place.
Everything comes to a head the night of the Charity Gala. Luke publicly claims Mila as his girlfriend to his family. Mila is given an impossible choice. Mila has to choose between Luke and her mother. Not sure who she will choose. Well, stick around for the next book to find out. Just like the rest of us.
This author continues to thrill and engage the reader. This series is just fantastic.
Luke and Mila are dodging attacks from Elise and her merry band of problem children. They have to protect each other and their group of friends. Luke and Mila manage to get through most of the attacks by keeping to their agreement, no lies, no games. Luke is even making headway with his investigation of the reason Mila left town in the first place.
Everything comes to a head the night of the Charity Gala. Luke publicly claims Mila as his girlfriend to his family. Mila is given an impossible choice. Mila has to choose between Luke and her mother. Not sure who she will choose. Well, stick around for the next book to find out. Just like the rest of us.
This author continues to thrill and engage the reader. This series is just fantastic.
December 23, 2025
Cross Check is the second book in the Blackwood Blades series. It features Mila Callahan and Luke King. Mila and her mother had to run a year ago, but they were mysteriously brought back to Blackwood under the protection of the Dunn family. Even after she crossed paths with the King family, they were offered a job. Both are the most powerful families in Blackwood. Luke and Mila can’t seem to stay away, but they promise to keep their relationship private while they figure out who is behind all the trouble being directed at Mila and her mother. Along the way, it becomes clear that Elise Dunn has been behind all the trouble directed at Mila. With Luke and Mila working together without everyone knowing, it becomes harder for them not to fall for each other all over again. However, they know it's not safe for either of them to make a public move just yet. Is the risk really worth it, or can they handle the pressure? Amazing second book. I have loved every book I have read by this author, so no surprise there 😂 Can’t wait for the next book to find out the rest of Mila and Luke’s story.
December 27, 2025
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer! Cross Check is the next book in the potentially new series by one of my favorite authors! However this one has so many twists and turns it’ll keep you turning the page.
We pick Mila and Luke back right where we left them in the last book. The Dunn’s are up to something and the King’s are caught up in a war of whose company is better than the other At What point does Mila become the target?
Mila and Luke are tiptoeing around trying to gather evidence on what’s really going on and why Mila and her mom were driven out in the first place. It appears Mila also has some trivial things that can't be ignored. One by the name of Elise. She had decided to make things hard. Trying to give her a hard time to drive her out.
Will Elise succeed?
While on another hand Luke has been digging for the information on the business side. What’s really going on? How Milla’s mom fits in the picture, ect
Hopefully they succeed before someone gets hurt. However you won’t know till you catch up, happy reading!
We pick Mila and Luke back right where we left them in the last book. The Dunn’s are up to something and the King’s are caught up in a war of whose company is better than the other At What point does Mila become the target?
Mila and Luke are tiptoeing around trying to gather evidence on what’s really going on and why Mila and her mom were driven out in the first place. It appears Mila also has some trivial things that can't be ignored. One by the name of Elise. She had decided to make things hard. Trying to give her a hard time to drive her out.
Will Elise succeed?
While on another hand Luke has been digging for the information on the business side. What’s really going on? How Milla’s mom fits in the picture, ect
Hopefully they succeed before someone gets hurt. However you won’t know till you catch up, happy reading!
December 28, 2025
Where to even start?! Mila returns to the town her mother and her ran away from a year ago. But obviously not everything can fall right back into place but some things are just inevitable. She has her best friend back, but the boy she left behind without a single word is looking at her like he can’t decide how he feels to see her again. Luke thought life with Mila was planned out and their future was set. But she disappeared without a word, without a trace. Only to reappear a year later more confused and closed off than ever. Everything in their lives are trying to keep them apart, but sometimes true love has a way of finding the right people, wrong time. Can Mila learn to trust Luke again, all while learning new secrets? Can Luke trust that Mila isn’t going to disappear again? They be tied together in a way no one can seem to break but can they last? Is true love really unbreakable? Dealing with all this and scandals, and lies, while in high school can really take a toll on a person. Someone will break, but who?
January 3, 2026
Isla Vaughn has done it again with another amazing book series that gives you all the angst of a second chance at romance with enemies to lovers. Cross-Check is the second book in the Blackwood Blades book series. It picks up right where we left off with Luke, Blackwood's hockey captain, and Mila, the girl who left him broken-hearted without a goodbye. As the two work together to unearth the hidden secrets that led to Mila and her mom leaving town in the night, they must be careful whose attention they attract. The closer they get, the more danger they are all in. Will Luke and Mila be able to resurrect their broken romance? Will they be able to find the answers that they seek, without losing their lives or each other? Once you get started, you are not going to want to put this book down. I highly recommend that if you haven't read the first book in this series, you go back and read that one first. I cannot wait to read more by this author; she is one of the best when it comes to bringing a thrilling storyline with high school drama.
@Brandy Rymer
1/2026
@Brandy Rymer
1/2026
December 14, 2025
Cross-Check by Isla VaughnMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 ⭐️
Isla Vaughn has done it again! I fell in love with her writing when I read her Fall Lake Ballers books.
The characters (Mila and Luke) are the epitome of a second chance romance. This book has it all. Danger, romance, drama, and of course hockey.
Now I need to go back and read the first book in this series while I wait for the next book to be released.
View all my reviews
December 16, 2025
This is the second book in this series and you need to read the first one in order for you to fully grasp the second one. I don't know that it's a requirement but I think the backstory is important to the overall storyline. Isla is a fairly new author to me. I like mixing it up a bit and while I'm not a big sports fan, I like to branch out and read different things to keep it interesting. In this book, you get more acquainted with Luke and Mila. In the first book, they both finally get together but an issue takes Mila and her mom out of town. They're brought back into town with a job for Mila's mom and while they try to avoid each other and keep the dislike, they find they are drawn to each other. Can they keep their dislike to a minimum and work together to stay safe or is something more sinister and dangerous at work? You'll have to read to find out! The perfect blend of suspense, heat, and angst to keep you enthralled! A definite good read!
December 20, 2025
Cross Check is the second book in a series and I should have know that going in, because it is stated, but I didn't. Now I'm kicking myself for not paying attention and not reading the first one because I am sure it builds up these characters that I have come to cheer for, and cheer against.
However, even though I didn't read the first, I caught up pretty quickly. I love when an author writes a series and does so wel enough that no reader feels lost. Kudos to Isla Vaughn.
It reminds me of a mix of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars but for the now young and new adult generation. Kids who had to grow up too quick, and involve themselves in adult business when they shouldn't have, but are forced into it.
A mystery that unfolds as we read and has you guessing at the answers. The characters are grown beyond their year, I
suppose, because they had to be, but they create a wonderful story that keeps you flipping pages.
However, even though I didn't read the first, I caught up pretty quickly. I love when an author writes a series and does so wel enough that no reader feels lost. Kudos to Isla Vaughn.
It reminds me of a mix of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars but for the now young and new adult generation. Kids who had to grow up too quick, and involve themselves in adult business when they shouldn't have, but are forced into it.
A mystery that unfolds as we read and has you guessing at the answers. The characters are grown beyond their year, I
suppose, because they had to be, but they create a wonderful story that keeps you flipping pages.
December 12, 2025
This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the previous book. This is a series that can be read as a stand alone. I highly suggest reading the previous book as well to help your enjoyment of this author’s writing skills and enjoyment of characters. One of the things that I enjoy the most about this author is their heartfelt characters that just pop off the pages. This is a hockey romance story that has characters that are connectable and engaging. They have great chemistry and attraction. I also enjoyed watching the growth of their relationship throughout. A romance story that is second chance and easy to read and entertaining as well. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story and one you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed reading this story. I look forward to seeing what is next for this series. I highly recommend this story.
December 17, 2025
I went into this one without reading book one first… and while I definitely should have, I was still fully locked in.
This story is dark, messy, and charged in a way that keeps you leaning forward. The tension isn’t loud — it’s heavy. Looks that linger too long, history that refuses to stay buried, and that constant feeling that something is about to explode. The chemistry is undeniable and sharp enough to cut, and the spice lands exactly where it should.
There’s clearly deeper context from the first book, and I felt that — not in a confusing way, but in a “yeah, I need to go back immediately” way. Isla Vaughn does atmosphere incredibly well, and the push-and-pull between these characters kept me hooked the entire time.
Read book one first if you’re smart. But either way? Cross Check delivers dark tension, heat, and obsession in the best way.
This story is dark, messy, and charged in a way that keeps you leaning forward. The tension isn’t loud — it’s heavy. Looks that linger too long, history that refuses to stay buried, and that constant feeling that something is about to explode. The chemistry is undeniable and sharp enough to cut, and the spice lands exactly where it should.
There’s clearly deeper context from the first book, and I felt that — not in a confusing way, but in a “yeah, I need to go back immediately” way. Isla Vaughn does atmosphere incredibly well, and the push-and-pull between these characters kept me hooked the entire time.
Read book one first if you’re smart. But either way? Cross Check delivers dark tension, heat, and obsession in the best way.
December 19, 2025
Cross-Check: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance by Isla Vaughn
5 Star Review
If ever there was a feeling of if looks could kill through the pages of a book, that is the emotional vibe that I got from just the first chapter. The dislike between these two is immediate and is almost as compelling as the attraction between them. Through in a great hockey story, and you will be up until the early morning reading this one. This book is great even if you are not a hockey fan, the story is that good.
Isla Vaughn is a master at weaving a romance with consequences. The conflicts are real and the emotional stakes are high. You can feel the intensity in the writing and feel instantly that you have a front row seat. Vaughn’s writing is real and emotional, leaving the reader wanting and needing to read more.
5 Star Review
If ever there was a feeling of if looks could kill through the pages of a book, that is the emotional vibe that I got from just the first chapter. The dislike between these two is immediate and is almost as compelling as the attraction between them. Through in a great hockey story, and you will be up until the early morning reading this one. This book is great even if you are not a hockey fan, the story is that good.
Isla Vaughn is a master at weaving a romance with consequences. The conflicts are real and the emotional stakes are high. You can feel the intensity in the writing and feel instantly that you have a front row seat. Vaughn’s writing is real and emotional, leaving the reader wanting and needing to read more.
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