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The Blue Ox Boys #2
Don't Cross the Blue Line
What happens when you discover your anonymous pen pal is the hockey player you've been secretly writing a book about—and you're trapped in a mall with thieves?
⭐ A Secret Identity Hockey Romance That Will Steal Your Heart ⭐
Everly Hart has mastered the art of hiding. As E.J. Hartley, she writes heart-pounding thrillers. As Sutton Blake, she pens sweet hockey romances about players who are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve. Both identities are secrets—especially from her father, Blue Ox Assistant Coach Hart.
Her current project? Blue Line Redemption—a romance about Beckett 'Blue Line' Benson, the disgraced center she can't stop thinking about. He's her ultimate book boyfriend. Her muse. Her fantasy hero. And he has absolutely no idea.
But there's one reader who truly sees her work. For six months, Beckett has been writing thoughtful fan mail to Sutton Blake's publisher address. The scandal-plagued hockey star finds solace in her stories about heroes who matter for who they are, not what they do. If only someone could see him that way in real life.
When a charity gala elevator malfunction traps them in darkness, Everly and Beckett are devastatingly honest with each other—without exchanging names. He confesses about 'this romance author I'll never meet' who makes him feel seen. She realizes with growing he's been writing to ME.
Weeks later, a blizzard locks them in an abandoned mall during a charity event. Awkward? Yes. Survivable? Maybe. Until thieves break in for a heist. Suddenly Everly's thriller-writer brain kicks into overdrive as they dodge criminals, hide in the old rink, and bicker their way through escape attempts. It's hilarious. It's terrifying. It's definitely not the meet-cute either of them planned.
As danger escalates and secrets spill, they must outsmart thieves, survive a Minnesota blizzard, and decide if they can trust each other—and their feelings.
This swoony contemporary romance He Falls FirstBook Boyfriend Come to LifeAnonymous AdmirerDual Secret IdentitiesSnowed‑In Forced ProximityRomantic Suspense ShenanigansBig Reveal SceneEpic Public Grand GestureIf you love hockey romance with heart, secret identities with danger, and book boyfriends who come to life while dodging bad guys, Don't Cross the Blue Line will have you laughing, swooning, and cheering.
One-click now and fall for your new book boyfriend!
⭐ A Secret Identity Hockey Romance That Will Steal Your Heart ⭐
Everly Hart has mastered the art of hiding. As E.J. Hartley, she writes heart-pounding thrillers. As Sutton Blake, she pens sweet hockey romances about players who are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve. Both identities are secrets—especially from her father, Blue Ox Assistant Coach Hart.
Her current project? Blue Line Redemption—a romance about Beckett 'Blue Line' Benson, the disgraced center she can't stop thinking about. He's her ultimate book boyfriend. Her muse. Her fantasy hero. And he has absolutely no idea.
But there's one reader who truly sees her work. For six months, Beckett has been writing thoughtful fan mail to Sutton Blake's publisher address. The scandal-plagued hockey star finds solace in her stories about heroes who matter for who they are, not what they do. If only someone could see him that way in real life.
When a charity gala elevator malfunction traps them in darkness, Everly and Beckett are devastatingly honest with each other—without exchanging names. He confesses about 'this romance author I'll never meet' who makes him feel seen. She realizes with growing he's been writing to ME.
Weeks later, a blizzard locks them in an abandoned mall during a charity event. Awkward? Yes. Survivable? Maybe. Until thieves break in for a heist. Suddenly Everly's thriller-writer brain kicks into overdrive as they dodge criminals, hide in the old rink, and bicker their way through escape attempts. It's hilarious. It's terrifying. It's definitely not the meet-cute either of them planned.
As danger escalates and secrets spill, they must outsmart thieves, survive a Minnesota blizzard, and decide if they can trust each other—and their feelings.
This swoony contemporary romance He Falls FirstBook Boyfriend Come to LifeAnonymous AdmirerDual Secret IdentitiesSnowed‑In Forced ProximityRomantic Suspense ShenanigansBig Reveal SceneEpic Public Grand GestureIf you love hockey romance with heart, secret identities with danger, and book boyfriends who come to life while dodging bad guys, Don't Cross the Blue Line will have you laughing, swooning, and cheering.
One-click now and fall for your new book boyfriend!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Susan May Warren
229 books3,902 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Like the blue lines on a hockey rink, Blue Ox’s defenseman, Beckett Benson, also has a boundary line. He’s been forced to erect it because he needs a reminder not to let people take up residence in his heart. In his view, letting people in is “just giving them a head start on leaving.” As you get to know #49, the pride of Minnesota hockey, you’ll discover that he’s running from the past. He’s also tired of performing and of wearing ‘costumes’. The author highlights vulnerability here, not something you expect from a hockey player … and I loved it!
I loved reading about people who were brave enough to love and who discovered that they’re worthy of the thing that they’re afraid to want and ask for. The focus on rest was what kept me reading; I needed the reminder that resting isn’t quitting and it certainly isn’t weakness. The biggest impact for me was reading that “resting is trusting that you don’t have to be enough because God is.”
If you prefer action over characters, there’s plenty of tension and race-against-the-clock escapes. If you need ‘bookish’ threads throughout, there’s an author featured and interaction with the author’s fans. I feel fortunate to have found this writing duo that ensures their readers get BOTH authentic characters and adventure.
If you love a clean hockey romance, second chance themes, he falls first and secret identity tropes, and REAL heroes, check out this series. There’s still time to read book one before this one publishes!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I loved reading about people who were brave enough to love and who discovered that they’re worthy of the thing that they’re afraid to want and ask for. The focus on rest was what kept me reading; I needed the reminder that resting isn’t quitting and it certainly isn’t weakness. The biggest impact for me was reading that “resting is trusting that you don’t have to be enough because God is.”
If you prefer action over characters, there’s plenty of tension and race-against-the-clock escapes. If you need ‘bookish’ threads throughout, there’s an author featured and interaction with the author’s fans. I feel fortunate to have found this writing duo that ensures their readers get BOTH authentic characters and adventure.
If you love a clean hockey romance, second chance themes, he falls first and secret identity tropes, and REAL heroes, check out this series. There’s still time to read book one before this one publishes!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 19, 2026
WOW OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS THAT WAS AMAZINGGGGGGG. The plot was so much fun and I cried so much during this book. The redemptive arcs and I just related so much to so many parts and the healing and generational legacy and the like. Oh my gosh. This was so beautiful. We are worthy because God already calls us worthy and has already loved us. We don’t need to earn it.
The Christian content was great!!
The plot of getting stuck in a mall overnight and having to solve a mystery as well was just so much fun!!!! Ahh and having an author as the FMC super fun!!! I loved this one! Recommend 10/10!!!
The Christian content was great!!
The plot of getting stuck in a mall overnight and having to solve a mystery as well was just so much fun!!!! Ahh and having an author as the FMC super fun!!! I loved this one! Recommend 10/10!!!
June 3, 2026
I enjoyed this no spice Christian contemporary romance. It felt very different from the first book in this series, but was also full of some great lessons about belonging, not needing to earn God‘s love, and being who He made you to be.
Our FMC Everly is an author. An author with more than one hidden identity. At times we get to see pieces of her writing and sometimes feel like both MCs are talking directly to us as readers. Beckett, our MMC and a player on Everly‘s dad‘s hockey team, has spent his entire life trying to be good enough, and to prove that he deserves the breaks he’s been given. Currently under investigation because of false allegations, his life is stressful.
This contemporary romance blends the contemporary with the addition of suspenseful elements. With the forced proximity of enemies – courtesy of regretted teenage outbursts – these two are thrown together, first in an elevator, and then in a mall with thugs closing in. I enjoyed the sweet moments and the reminder of where our worth is found. I liked seeing past characters from Warren’s series. I look forward to reading more. The romance in this book is just kisses, intimacy level 1.5.
TW: Mentions of Steroids and Gambling, Injuries and Threats
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Our FMC Everly is an author. An author with more than one hidden identity. At times we get to see pieces of her writing and sometimes feel like both MCs are talking directly to us as readers. Beckett, our MMC and a player on Everly‘s dad‘s hockey team, has spent his entire life trying to be good enough, and to prove that he deserves the breaks he’s been given. Currently under investigation because of false allegations, his life is stressful.
This contemporary romance blends the contemporary with the addition of suspenseful elements. With the forced proximity of enemies – courtesy of regretted teenage outbursts – these two are thrown together, first in an elevator, and then in a mall with thugs closing in. I enjoyed the sweet moments and the reminder of where our worth is found. I liked seeing past characters from Warren’s series. I look forward to reading more. The romance in this book is just kisses, intimacy level 1.5.
TW: Mentions of Steroids and Gambling, Injuries and Threats
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 2, 2026
What a fun and suspenseful read! It had a good amount of humor and more suspense than I was expecting. There was also a sweet and swoony romance, a lot of depth, and a wonderful message of faith too. I absolutely adored this book!
I really liked both Everly and Beckett. She’s an author with two pen names. And the inspiration for her upcoming hockey romance is Blue Ox defenseman Beckett Benson. Beckett was super likable and endearing. He’s a reader who’s been sending secret fan mail to one of Everly’s pen names. Neither one knows the real identity of the other. Not yet, at least. The two have a past. A not-so-great one. But I loved seeing them reconnect and was rooting so hard for them.
I loved this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, lightly suspenseful read with a lot of heart and a strong message of faith. I can’t wait for book three.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I really liked both Everly and Beckett. She’s an author with two pen names. And the inspiration for her upcoming hockey romance is Blue Ox defenseman Beckett Benson. Beckett was super likable and endearing. He’s a reader who’s been sending secret fan mail to one of Everly’s pen names. Neither one knows the real identity of the other. Not yet, at least. The two have a past. A not-so-great one. But I loved seeing them reconnect and was rooting so hard for them.
I loved this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, lightly suspenseful read with a lot of heart and a strong message of faith. I can’t wait for book three.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
July 16, 2026
Super enjoyable! Susie May and Sarah May are a dynamic duo. I'm really into this series, and I can't wait for the next one. Don't Cross the Blue Line offers the perfect blend of swoon-worthy romance plus a little bit of suspense. I adored the author-with-multiple-pen-names subplot, hockey's role as both a source of joy and angst, and the delicious satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
July 17, 2026
If this series continues reducing me to tears with each new release . . . I’m not going to complain because it is so far the best Christian romance series I’ve read!! Everly and Beckett truly stole my heart! From their fun banter (and hilarious inner monologues) to their sweet moments to the moments that made me cry, Don’t Cross the Blue Line definitely deserves its spot on my favorites shelf!
The depth of this book! Ahhhh I can’t even describe how much I loved it!! Both Everly and Beckett had struggles and insecurities that they had to work through and watching them go on that journey was so heartwarming and inspiring! The side plot with the mall and the thugs was so creative and fun!
It was hilarious watching them use stuff from the mall to survive and I thoroughly enjoyed every single page of this book! Highly recommend for fans of deep, faith filled romance and flirty banter with some suspense thrown in!
The depth of this book! Ahhhh I can’t even describe how much I loved it!! Both Everly and Beckett had struggles and insecurities that they had to work through and watching them go on that journey was so heartwarming and inspiring! The side plot with the mall and the thugs was so creative and fun!
It was hilarious watching them use stuff from the mall to survive and I thoroughly enjoyed every single page of this book! Highly recommend for fans of deep, faith filled romance and flirty banter with some suspense thrown in!
July 1, 2026
Holy slap shot Batman… I loved this book so much. 😂❤️
A hockey player, a romance author, secret identities, forced proximity, and a blizzard trapping them together with thieves? This story had such a fun mix of swoony romance, suspense, humor, and heart.
Beckett Benson was so much more than the tough hockey player image. Behind the stats and the reputation was someone who was tired of performing, tired of proving himself, and afraid to let anyone truly see him. I loved watching him learn that vulnerability isn’t weakness and that he doesn’t have to earn love by being perfect.
Everly was such an interesting character too. Living behind different versions of herself, she had to learn that being known and loved for who she truly is is far better than hiding behind what others expect from her. Watching these two discover they were both worthy of love was such a beautiful part of the story.
The hockey romance and bookish elements were so fun (because a romance author falling for the man she wrote about? YES PLEASE), but what impacted me most was the message about rest, identity, and trusting God. The reminder that “resting is trusting that you don’t have to be enough because God is” was such a powerful thread throughout the story.
The suspense added an unexpected layer that kept me turning pages, and I loved how the action balanced with the deeper emotional journey. This wasn’t just a hockey romance—it was a story about belonging, healing, and realizing you don’t have to become someone else to be loved.
A swoony, faith-filled hockey romance with heart, humor, and a reminder that the greatest love stories begin when we stop hiding.
A hockey player, a romance author, secret identities, forced proximity, and a blizzard trapping them together with thieves? This story had such a fun mix of swoony romance, suspense, humor, and heart.
Beckett Benson was so much more than the tough hockey player image. Behind the stats and the reputation was someone who was tired of performing, tired of proving himself, and afraid to let anyone truly see him. I loved watching him learn that vulnerability isn’t weakness and that he doesn’t have to earn love by being perfect.
Everly was such an interesting character too. Living behind different versions of herself, she had to learn that being known and loved for who she truly is is far better than hiding behind what others expect from her. Watching these two discover they were both worthy of love was such a beautiful part of the story.
The hockey romance and bookish elements were so fun (because a romance author falling for the man she wrote about? YES PLEASE), but what impacted me most was the message about rest, identity, and trusting God. The reminder that “resting is trusting that you don’t have to be enough because God is” was such a powerful thread throughout the story.
The suspense added an unexpected layer that kept me turning pages, and I loved how the action balanced with the deeper emotional journey. This wasn’t just a hockey romance—it was a story about belonging, healing, and realizing you don’t have to become someone else to be loved.
A swoony, faith-filled hockey romance with heart, humor, and a reminder that the greatest love stories begin when we stop hiding.
Read
July 18, 2026It’s the perfect smash up of romcom and suspense which is, admittedly, an odd combination. Trust me, it works. I do believe this mother-daughter duo has crafted a new genre!
Every is an author, writing in two different genres:hockey romance and suspense/thriller. But she writes under two different pseudonyms. Which causes a bit of an identity crisis.
Beckett is a hockey player, nicknamed The Blue Line. He plays hard and he plays fast. He’s good, and he’s broken. Losing his dad at the age of eight created a desperate hunger to be the best on the ice. And led him to deeply wound someone from years ago.
A power outage traps the two in an elevator. The darkness hides their identities and hearts open up and things are shared. When the lights come back on what felt safe in the dark feels like potential trouble now.
Hijinks and danger await the two when they get trapped inside the local mall during a blizzard (they do get trapped a lot, don’t they?) and they’ll have to team up to survive.
This wasn’t the story I was expecting, but it was definitely the one I needed. I think you might need it too. I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
Every is an author, writing in two different genres:hockey romance and suspense/thriller. But she writes under two different pseudonyms. Which causes a bit of an identity crisis.
Beckett is a hockey player, nicknamed The Blue Line. He plays hard and he plays fast. He’s good, and he’s broken. Losing his dad at the age of eight created a desperate hunger to be the best on the ice. And led him to deeply wound someone from years ago.
A power outage traps the two in an elevator. The darkness hides their identities and hearts open up and things are shared. When the lights come back on what felt safe in the dark feels like potential trouble now.
Hijinks and danger await the two when they get trapped inside the local mall during a blizzard (they do get trapped a lot, don’t they?) and they’ll have to team up to survive.
This wasn’t the story I was expecting, but it was definitely the one I needed. I think you might need it too. I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
July 3, 2026
Lots of fun and super cute. The middle dragged a teeny bit, but then things picked back up. I enjoyed this a lot.
July 14, 2026
Suuuuuuper unrealistic but still cute!
August 3, 2026
Such a fun read!
July 6, 2026
Don't Cross the Blue Line is vintage Susan May Warren, coupled with the new edge of her daughter Sarah and the new edge of a hockey romance series. Two books in, and I want as many of these as the duo can come up with. And considering these books are significantly shorter and lighter than I usually read, that's saying something.
As a writer, I of course identified heavily with Everly. I know the terror of the blank page intimately, and I also know the thrill of writing so long, so hard, that I lose track of time. Moreover, I identified with her because I don't have two pen names, a wig, or personas created by publishing companies and agents. But I have masked for different reasons. I have hidden parts of myself. The way Everly felt when ice was sprayed in her face, is how I have often felt and why I hid. So watching Everly find a safe place for her true self, a place for love--with Beckett, with God, and in her life--kept me so engaged I was loath to come up for air.
Beckett Benson is, of course, a more than worthy hero for Everly and for me. Like Everly, I didn't have the best first impression of him--he comes across like a "typical hockey player," for his own self-preservation and yes, so he can be seen. But as with Everly, that desire to be seen drives him, and I understand exactly where it comes from. Plus, yes, Beckett does eventually become swoony--attentive, protective, and completely masculine. Yet unlike a lot of other heroes, even in Christian and Christian-adjacent romances, Beckett isn't "too good to be true." He's human, he's sometimes dense and unfeeling, and he owns that. He learns from it, and he does so organically, not because of some contrived revelation. I rooted for him, not to win hockey matches but to win Everly's heart--and in so doing, taking a journey that would guide Beckett's heart home.
The plot itself surprised me at every turn and kept me racing through the pages. I don't want to spoil anything, but let's just say, I was expecting a hockey romance, which I got. But then the book swung solidly into suspense territory, and I was completely on board. That suspense, interspersed with quiet, tender moments like talking about life over day-old pastries, made for a perfectly balanced plot.
I also loved the spiritual and emotional threads interspersed in that plot. They're mostly subtle, but Don't Cross the Blue Line is one of those rare novels where subtlety shines *because* it stays mostly in the background. And when the emotional threads become a bit more overt, such as during the scene when Coach Hart confronts Beckett about his treatment of Everly--well, those pop and sparkle in ways I never expected. Plus, the emotional and spiritual concept of being truly seen--as I said, I identify heavily with it because that's a journey I'm taking right now. But even if I hadn't been on a similar journey, that thread hit all my most tender places. It hurt at times, but the pain was almost gentle, as if Someone were saying to me, "Don't be afraid of this. Sit with it. Let yourself be seen, even when it costs you something."
Overall then, Don't Cross the Blue Line is a fairly little book that packs a huge punch. I could fit in a thimble what I know about hockey, but I'd call it a brilliant slap shot. I'm already looking forward to the third book in this series and hope Susie May and Sarah can give readers many more romances like this one.
As a writer, I of course identified heavily with Everly. I know the terror of the blank page intimately, and I also know the thrill of writing so long, so hard, that I lose track of time. Moreover, I identified with her because I don't have two pen names, a wig, or personas created by publishing companies and agents. But I have masked for different reasons. I have hidden parts of myself. The way Everly felt when ice was sprayed in her face, is how I have often felt and why I hid. So watching Everly find a safe place for her true self, a place for love--with Beckett, with God, and in her life--kept me so engaged I was loath to come up for air.
Beckett Benson is, of course, a more than worthy hero for Everly and for me. Like Everly, I didn't have the best first impression of him--he comes across like a "typical hockey player," for his own self-preservation and yes, so he can be seen. But as with Everly, that desire to be seen drives him, and I understand exactly where it comes from. Plus, yes, Beckett does eventually become swoony--attentive, protective, and completely masculine. Yet unlike a lot of other heroes, even in Christian and Christian-adjacent romances, Beckett isn't "too good to be true." He's human, he's sometimes dense and unfeeling, and he owns that. He learns from it, and he does so organically, not because of some contrived revelation. I rooted for him, not to win hockey matches but to win Everly's heart--and in so doing, taking a journey that would guide Beckett's heart home.
The plot itself surprised me at every turn and kept me racing through the pages. I don't want to spoil anything, but let's just say, I was expecting a hockey romance, which I got. But then the book swung solidly into suspense territory, and I was completely on board. That suspense, interspersed with quiet, tender moments like talking about life over day-old pastries, made for a perfectly balanced plot.
I also loved the spiritual and emotional threads interspersed in that plot. They're mostly subtle, but Don't Cross the Blue Line is one of those rare novels where subtlety shines *because* it stays mostly in the background. And when the emotional threads become a bit more overt, such as during the scene when Coach Hart confronts Beckett about his treatment of Everly--well, those pop and sparkle in ways I never expected. Plus, the emotional and spiritual concept of being truly seen--as I said, I identify heavily with it because that's a journey I'm taking right now. But even if I hadn't been on a similar journey, that thread hit all my most tender places. It hurt at times, but the pain was almost gentle, as if Someone were saying to me, "Don't be afraid of this. Sit with it. Let yourself be seen, even when it costs you something."
Overall then, Don't Cross the Blue Line is a fairly little book that packs a huge punch. I could fit in a thimble what I know about hockey, but I'd call it a brilliant slap shot. I'm already looking forward to the third book in this series and hope Susie May and Sarah can give readers many more romances like this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Holy slap shot Batman" - is one of my favorite quotes. You will have to read this perfect book to understand. I do not even know where to begin as I ponder what to write in this review. I have so many thoughts that I could write a book myself. There were so many great lessons about life outlined in this story about two people who were battling their own inner enemies of self-worth, even though they were both highly successful in their careers.
NHL player Beckett Benson and author Everly Hart (or E. J. Hartley as she is known on the front cover of her books) have a difficult past with one another. Both are hiding secrets from everyone, secrets that are explosive. I believe in divine providence; that God places people in places together for a reason, which is exactly what happens in a blackened elevator.
This was a romance with a wonderful side of suspense as Beckett and Everly get trapped in a mall with a band of thieves in the middle of the night. I was not expecting this brilliant plot twist, and it added so much to an already incredible story.
One of my favorite parts is when Everly has the light bulb moment about "languages we speak". This did not apply to literal language, but love language. It was an inspiring moment for me because sometimes people think they are so much different, when in fact their language is just not the same. However, the end result is the same if you just examine the reasons behind their language.
Vulnerability was also a key component to this story, and something every person struggles with. These authors penned a story that showed vulnerability is not a liability but an asset.
Finally, one of my favorite hymns, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross", was the final portion of this story that laid my soul bare with the last verse - "Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all." Sweeter words have never been spoken or written. We can do nothing to earn God's love, and we are all worthy to be loved.
This is a Christian hockey romance, but it is packed with so much more than hockey and romance. Prepared to be wowed. This book has been on my mind for days, after finishing it. That is a sign of very good book.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
NHL player Beckett Benson and author Everly Hart (or E. J. Hartley as she is known on the front cover of her books) have a difficult past with one another. Both are hiding secrets from everyone, secrets that are explosive. I believe in divine providence; that God places people in places together for a reason, which is exactly what happens in a blackened elevator.
This was a romance with a wonderful side of suspense as Beckett and Everly get trapped in a mall with a band of thieves in the middle of the night. I was not expecting this brilliant plot twist, and it added so much to an already incredible story.
One of my favorite parts is when Everly has the light bulb moment about "languages we speak". This did not apply to literal language, but love language. It was an inspiring moment for me because sometimes people think they are so much different, when in fact their language is just not the same. However, the end result is the same if you just examine the reasons behind their language.
Vulnerability was also a key component to this story, and something every person struggles with. These authors penned a story that showed vulnerability is not a liability but an asset.
Finally, one of my favorite hymns, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross", was the final portion of this story that laid my soul bare with the last verse - "Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all." Sweeter words have never been spoken or written. We can do nothing to earn God's love, and we are all worthy to be loved.
This is a Christian hockey romance, but it is packed with so much more than hockey and romance. Prepared to be wowed. This book has been on my mind for days, after finishing it. That is a sign of very good book.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2026
If you love clean hockey romance with a side of suspense, you have found your next story. Don’t Cross the Blue Line is book two in the Blue Ox Boys series by Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren. This book can be read as a standalone. This book has a lot of internal dialogue for the Main characters, and it's almost like the characters are talking to the reader, which brought a different dynamic to this story; it was unique.
The FMC, Everly, is an author. She writes under two different pen names-one for her thrillers and one for her hockey romance. Throughout the story, we get to read clips of her story, which adds a fun dynamic. Everly has a lot of issues she is dealing with. The divorce of her parents as a teen and the struggle between jockeying for attention between her father and Bensen. So, when Everly and Bensen have a meet-cute in an elevator during a storm and end up stuck in there, secrets get released. Bensen does not know that he is talking to Everly, but rather the author’s assistant, but Everly figures out who it is at the end.
The MMC Bensen is trying to find himself and overcome doping allegations. He has had a hard time with things- the death of his father at a young age, trying to live up to the hockey legacy expectations, and more. Bensen has some secrets, and one of them is his love for hockey romance, and Everly, or Sutton Blake as she goes by, is his favorite author.
But that is not where this story ends. We find out the root of the doping allegations. And when another snowstorm hits Minnesota, and Everly and Bensen get locked in a mall together, they find themselves running from some bad characters.
Each layer of this story brought me something different that I was not expecting. I enjoyed this story a lot.
This enemies-to-lovers romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.
Susan and Sarah did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The FMC, Everly, is an author. She writes under two different pen names-one for her thrillers and one for her hockey romance. Throughout the story, we get to read clips of her story, which adds a fun dynamic. Everly has a lot of issues she is dealing with. The divorce of her parents as a teen and the struggle between jockeying for attention between her father and Bensen. So, when Everly and Bensen have a meet-cute in an elevator during a storm and end up stuck in there, secrets get released. Bensen does not know that he is talking to Everly, but rather the author’s assistant, but Everly figures out who it is at the end.
The MMC Bensen is trying to find himself and overcome doping allegations. He has had a hard time with things- the death of his father at a young age, trying to live up to the hockey legacy expectations, and more. Bensen has some secrets, and one of them is his love for hockey romance, and Everly, or Sutton Blake as she goes by, is his favorite author.
But that is not where this story ends. We find out the root of the doping allegations. And when another snowstorm hits Minnesota, and Everly and Bensen get locked in a mall together, they find themselves running from some bad characters.
Each layer of this story brought me something different that I was not expecting. I enjoyed this story a lot.
This enemies-to-lovers romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.
Susan and Sarah did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
June 28, 2026
If you love clean hockey romance with a side of suspense, you have found your next story. Don’t Cross the Blue Line is book two in the Blue Ox Boys series by Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren. This book can be read as a standalone. This book has a lot of internal dialogue for the Main characters, and it's almost like the characters are talking to the reader, which brought a different dynamic to this story; it was unique.
The FMC, Everly, is an author. She writes under two different pen names-one for her thrillers and one for her hockey romance. Throughout the story, we get to read clips of her story, which adds a fun dynamic. Everly has a lot of issues she is dealing with. The divorce of her parents as a teen and the struggle between jockeying for attention between her father and Bensen. So, when Everly and Bensen have a meet-cute in an elevator during a storm and end up stuck in there, secrets get released. Bensen does not know that he is talking to Everly, but rather the author’s assistant, but Everly figures out who it is at the end.
The MMC Bensen is trying to find himself and overcome doping allegations. He has had a hard time with things- the death of his father at a young age, trying to live up to the hockey legacy expectations, and more. Bensen has some secrets, and one of them is his love for hockey romance, and Everly, or Sutton Blake as she goes by, is his favorite author.
But that is not where this story ends. We find out the root of the doping allegations. And when another snowstorm hits Minnesota, and Everly and Bensen get locked in a mall together, they find themselves running from some bad characters.
Each layer of this story brought me something different that I was not expecting. I enjoyed this story a lot.
This enemies-to-lovers romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.
Susan and Sarah did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The FMC, Everly, is an author. She writes under two different pen names-one for her thrillers and one for her hockey romance. Throughout the story, we get to read clips of her story, which adds a fun dynamic. Everly has a lot of issues she is dealing with. The divorce of her parents as a teen and the struggle between jockeying for attention between her father and Bensen. So, when Everly and Bensen have a meet-cute in an elevator during a storm and end up stuck in there, secrets get released. Bensen does not know that he is talking to Everly, but rather the author’s assistant, but Everly figures out who it is at the end.
The MMC Bensen is trying to find himself and overcome doping allegations. He has had a hard time with things- the death of his father at a young age, trying to live up to the hockey legacy expectations, and more. Bensen has some secrets, and one of them is his love for hockey romance, and Everly, or Sutton Blake as she goes by, is his favorite author.
But that is not where this story ends. We find out the root of the doping allegations. And when another snowstorm hits Minnesota, and Everly and Bensen get locked in a mall together, they find themselves running from some bad characters.
Each layer of this story brought me something different that I was not expecting. I enjoyed this story a lot.
This enemies-to-lovers romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.
Susan and Sarah did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a great new book in the Blue Ox Boys Series! It’s a Rom-Com with heart and drama and ruthless villains who test the survival skills of the main characters. Everly Hart is the coach’s daughter and a published author with a lot of pseudonyms. Using her fake names, she writes thrillers and romance, but prefers to remain unknown since she is writing about hockey from the point of view of some of the players on her dad’s team. Separated from her dad by a heartbreaking divorce, Everly has emotional issues with attachment and that makes the book so poignant at times. Beckett Benson, the boy who broke her heart is now a man, and hasn’t learned when not to say stupid and hurtful things. In the plot line of the absorbing story, Beck learns who he really is and who he could be. Everly learns how much her father really has loved her in spite of their distance from each other. And most importantly, Everly learns that it’s okay for people to get to know the real her. The chase scenes in the closed mall are riveting as the ingenuity of Beck and Everly are both tested as they strive to survive the night. There are so many fun escapades as they elude the killers while also getting to know one another on a personal level. I am not a fan of any sport, but after reading the two books in this series, I think I might even enjoy a hockey game as I sat and pondered which player would be best matched with which fan. Great rom-com with a fast pace and a story with a foundation of faith even as the author’s wit and masterful imagination took over and kept me totally entertained.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 4, 2026
"”But I failed you," he says, voice stripped to the studs. "Not by choosing hockey. By not learning your language…””
Don’t Cross the Blue Line by Susan and Sarah May Warren is finally here and it was worth the wait. This is the second book in The Blue Ox Boys series and I think it’s my favorite one so far.
Everly Hart is juggling a few different hats. First and foremost she’s is the Blue Ox Assistant Coach’s daughter. Second she an author and is writing under two different names. Three she receives inspiration for her sweet hockey romances from the man she hates, Beckett Benson. The man who Everly hates because of how he treated her growing up. With a deadline looming and her dad wanting her to attend hockey functions with, something is going to give.
Beckett Benson has one goal this hockey season, to clear his name for the scandal he was framed for. He doesn’t have time for Everly Hart. He doesn’t have time to looking into a team player who just might be the one who framed him. But getting stuck in the elevator with a stranger after a charity gala could change his mind. Now he is thinking he needs to be a better person to Everly. With her brushing off his attempts at being friends multiple times, Beckett isn’t willing to give up. What could go wrong?
These authors hit it out of the park with the enemies to lovers trope. I could not down the book because I had to know what was gonna happen next. There’s so many good things that happened in this book. I think my favorite part was reading about Everly and Beckett’s relationship and seeing what happened when they gave each other chance.
I can’t wait see who else gets a story in this series.
These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Don’t Cross the Blue Line by Susan and Sarah May Warren is finally here and it was worth the wait. This is the second book in The Blue Ox Boys series and I think it’s my favorite one so far.
Everly Hart is juggling a few different hats. First and foremost she’s is the Blue Ox Assistant Coach’s daughter. Second she an author and is writing under two different names. Three she receives inspiration for her sweet hockey romances from the man she hates, Beckett Benson. The man who Everly hates because of how he treated her growing up. With a deadline looming and her dad wanting her to attend hockey functions with, something is going to give.
Beckett Benson has one goal this hockey season, to clear his name for the scandal he was framed for. He doesn’t have time for Everly Hart. He doesn’t have time to looking into a team player who just might be the one who framed him. But getting stuck in the elevator with a stranger after a charity gala could change his mind. Now he is thinking he needs to be a better person to Everly. With her brushing off his attempts at being friends multiple times, Beckett isn’t willing to give up. What could go wrong?
These authors hit it out of the park with the enemies to lovers trope. I could not down the book because I had to know what was gonna happen next. There’s so many good things that happened in this book. I think my favorite part was reading about Everly and Beckett’s relationship and seeing what happened when they gave each other chance.
I can’t wait see who else gets a story in this series.
These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Why isn’t there a way to add more stars for my review. I literally say it every time and I will say it til I have no more breath in my lungs. SUSAN MAY WARREN is legit the best author, but listen to this, add in Sarah her daughter and you have PERFECTION. 👌🏼 I didn’t think anything could top The Not So Neutral Zone but I do believe we have a winner for Don’t Cross the Blue Line. I know you can’t see me but I’m doing a happy dance. Okay, okay back down to calm.
We have an author not one pen name but 2 - EJ Hartley & Sutton Blake. Two very different genres: Sweet Hockey Romance & Thriller. She writes about hockey players one in particular, Beckett “Blue Line” Benson. He’s the main character in her hockey romance. Beckett has been secretly writing fan mail to Sutton Blake for 6 months. Little do they know the identity of each. This has one a little more suspense which of course is my thing. They get trapped in a mall together with some thieves/bad guys. It’s like they are living in their own little suspense romance life. These two have hated each other for the last 17 years but when it comes down to it they’ve totally misunderstood each other. Can love bloom when they come together to stay in a race for their very lives?
I couldn’t get enough of these two and I didn’t want the book to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
We have an author not one pen name but 2 - EJ Hartley & Sutton Blake. Two very different genres: Sweet Hockey Romance & Thriller. She writes about hockey players one in particular, Beckett “Blue Line” Benson. He’s the main character in her hockey romance. Beckett has been secretly writing fan mail to Sutton Blake for 6 months. Little do they know the identity of each. This has one a little more suspense which of course is my thing. They get trapped in a mall together with some thieves/bad guys. It’s like they are living in their own little suspense romance life. These two have hated each other for the last 17 years but when it comes down to it they’ve totally misunderstood each other. Can love bloom when they come together to stay in a race for their very lives?
I couldn’t get enough of these two and I didn’t want the book to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Don’t Cross the Blue Line
By Susan & Sarah May Warren
Book 2 in the Blue Ox Boys series
Rating: 5/5
Wow. I wish I could rate this story 10 out of 5! LOL. After reading the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoying it, I was excited to read an ARC of this next installment but I was not ready. This story is just so much more nuanced and complex. But how can a rom-com do this you say? They add in some suspense and action and a whole dollop of vulnerability and insecurities and you have me crying and laughing and sitting on the edge of my seat (metaphorically) trying to stay calm while I read (or have Siri read to me so I can try to multitask). This is a fabulous story about second chances (maybe 4th and 5th?), pen pals, and trusting God in the midst of crazy circumstances. I was definitely not prepared for this story and I am so looking forward to what comes next from this mother-daughter writing team. The quality of the story and writing is just so good. This needs to be a movie.
Highly recommend this unexpected but brilliant story that will make you sigh, laugh and cry and not want the story to end!
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
By Susan & Sarah May Warren
Book 2 in the Blue Ox Boys series
Rating: 5/5
Wow. I wish I could rate this story 10 out of 5! LOL. After reading the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoying it, I was excited to read an ARC of this next installment but I was not ready. This story is just so much more nuanced and complex. But how can a rom-com do this you say? They add in some suspense and action and a whole dollop of vulnerability and insecurities and you have me crying and laughing and sitting on the edge of my seat (metaphorically) trying to stay calm while I read (or have Siri read to me so I can try to multitask). This is a fabulous story about second chances (maybe 4th and 5th?), pen pals, and trusting God in the midst of crazy circumstances. I was definitely not prepared for this story and I am so looking forward to what comes next from this mother-daughter writing team. The quality of the story and writing is just so good. This needs to be a movie.
Highly recommend this unexpected but brilliant story that will make you sigh, laugh and cry and not want the story to end!
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
July 25, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It's going on the favorites list, it will get reread and Beckett Benson is my new book boyfriend!
This book was all the best things! The banter, the romance, the suspense and the hockey. I loved every single page!
Everly was a fantastic female character! I loved her writing voice, her commentary to us and herself, and everything about her. I love it when the main characters are writers and I really, really want to read all of her books!
Beckett was every hockey reader's dream! I love his back story, his history with Everly and her dad, and how much he desires to put down his burdens and live his life out from under the microscope. His journey throughout this book was full of vulnerability, heart, and determination. I loved everything about his character...even the screw ups and face palm moments.
Also, the whole plot in the mall? It fed my suspense loving heart and I loved the fact that Everly was living a real life version of one of her books! Absolutely fantastic.
All in all, I loved this book. Every thing about it. Susan & Sarah make a beautiful writing duo and I am looking forward to many more books under both of their names. And I would love it if this series went on until we covered the whole team!
This book was all the best things! The banter, the romance, the suspense and the hockey. I loved every single page!
Everly was a fantastic female character! I loved her writing voice, her commentary to us and herself, and everything about her. I love it when the main characters are writers and I really, really want to read all of her books!
Beckett was every hockey reader's dream! I love his back story, his history with Everly and her dad, and how much he desires to put down his burdens and live his life out from under the microscope. His journey throughout this book was full of vulnerability, heart, and determination. I loved everything about his character...even the screw ups and face palm moments.
Also, the whole plot in the mall? It fed my suspense loving heart and I loved the fact that Everly was living a real life version of one of her books! Absolutely fantastic.
All in all, I loved this book. Every thing about it. Susan & Sarah make a beautiful writing duo and I am looking forward to many more books under both of their names. And I would love it if this series went on until we covered the whole team!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Don't Cross the Blue Line is literary PERFECTION! The blend of murderous bad guys, misunderstood hunky hero, and brilliant author hiding behind her pen name is seriously fun - but when you throw in childhood hurt longing for acceptance, the oh-so-deep life lessons, and sizzling romance - it takes a great book to a whole 'nother level.
So obviously, I loved this latest hockey romantic suspense, and since the romantic factor is really high here, that's saying something - because while I enjoy that, I prefer the high-stakes chases. Don't Cross the Blue Line just has both in the perfect combo, though.
I can tell that I'm going to be recommending this book often - and I already have - because it's just that good. But it's the lessons that are going to stick with me the most, I think - that sometimes love speaks different languages, and we have to learn how to understand the one that's being spoken to us - that I'm going to be pondering for a long time.
So whether you like sports, or fun mysteries, romance, or whodunnits, Don't Cross the Blue Line needs to be on your TBR list NOW.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
So obviously, I loved this latest hockey romantic suspense, and since the romantic factor is really high here, that's saying something - because while I enjoy that, I prefer the high-stakes chases. Don't Cross the Blue Line just has both in the perfect combo, though.
I can tell that I'm going to be recommending this book often - and I already have - because it's just that good. But it's the lessons that are going to stick with me the most, I think - that sometimes love speaks different languages, and we have to learn how to understand the one that's being spoken to us - that I'm going to be pondering for a long time.
So whether you like sports, or fun mysteries, romance, or whodunnits, Don't Cross the Blue Line needs to be on your TBR list NOW.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2026
Loved the second entry in the Blue Ox Boys stories! Everly is an author hiding her real identity; Beckett is a hockey star afraid of letting his true self show because he has to be the best at everything. These two have a bit of a rivalry from the past that has shaped who they are as adults, but, when they are thrown together in a closed mall during a blizzard, they soon realize that not only do they have more in common then either realized. They also have some big feelings to deal with together!
You don't have to be a hockey fan to love this story, but it adds to the excitement. There is a little bit of everything in this book - hockey, romance, thrills! More than fighting bad guys, Beckett and Everly need to fight for each other against the prejudices each one holds.
*Author with a secret identity FMC (and coach's daughter with father-daughter relationship problems)
*Super star hockey player MMC with some self-esteem issues
*Bad guys chasing them in a mall after hours
*Secret pen pal letters!
*Clean, closed door (kissing only, no swearing)
*Christian values - themes of God's love and identity in Christ
You don't have to be a hockey fan to love this story, but it adds to the excitement. There is a little bit of everything in this book - hockey, romance, thrills! More than fighting bad guys, Beckett and Everly need to fight for each other against the prejudices each one holds.
*Author with a secret identity FMC (and coach's daughter with father-daughter relationship problems)
*Super star hockey player MMC with some self-esteem issues
*Bad guys chasing them in a mall after hours
*Secret pen pal letters!
*Clean, closed door (kissing only, no swearing)
*Christian values - themes of God's love and identity in Christ
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Don’t Cross the Blue Line by Sarah and Susan May Warren is a romance lover’s story. Both heroines have issues with each other and other items in their lives. In order to allow love to come into their hearts, they have to learn how to heal from those past hurts. Warren does a wonderful job at internal monologue that both characters possess. Readers will truly feel how they feel about each other. As for the setting, being a HUGE hockey fan, I love the idea and concept of hockey players off the ice. It is nice when I spend so much time with their games that I can see another side of the characters. As for the romance, it fits nicely into the romance genre. Plenty of emotions and questions pinging around on the pages. Overall, Don’t Cross the Blue Line by Sarah and Susan May Warren fits nicely into the hockey romance category. Readers who enjoy that genre should pick up this story.
I received a complimentary copy of Don't Cross the Blue Line by Sarah and Susan May Warren from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Don't Cross the Blue Line by Sarah and Susan May Warren from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rating 4.25
I loved how the authors wrote this story, it felt like the main characters had a conversation with the readers and that we could see some internal thoughts and feelings which we do not always are able to see.
Everly and Beckett clearly had a lot of chemistry, but also a lot of past history between them which caused a wall and wrong assumptions.
This story flowed easily. The danger the characters were in during their shut in in the mall showed how well they could work together finding their way out of the situation. Like most of us, they could only see the future when they realised what from their past was holding them back. Expectation we sometimes put on our shoulders weighing us down, past hurt which makes us place barriers around our hearts.
I don’t know much about hockey, but the writing made me feel like I was there on the ice with the players.
This was fun but also with a dash of suspense.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I loved how the authors wrote this story, it felt like the main characters had a conversation with the readers and that we could see some internal thoughts and feelings which we do not always are able to see.
Everly and Beckett clearly had a lot of chemistry, but also a lot of past history between them which caused a wall and wrong assumptions.
This story flowed easily. The danger the characters were in during their shut in in the mall showed how well they could work together finding their way out of the situation. Like most of us, they could only see the future when they realised what from their past was holding them back. Expectation we sometimes put on our shoulders weighing us down, past hurt which makes us place barriers around our hearts.
I don’t know much about hockey, but the writing made me feel like I was there on the ice with the players.
This was fun but also with a dash of suspense.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
July 21, 2026
Yeah, I'm impressed this book got five stars out of me, but it was just THAT good! The conflict in this story made MUCH more sense than Book 1 and these two characters getting first trapped in an elevator together and then in a hockey rink mall all night long...the dialogue and narration was also PERFECTLY done throughout, SO GOOD! And then the closure BOTH characters get at the end with Coach Hart was the cherry topping. I didn't understand why the epilogue was a separate download, never had that happen before, but I went for it because I fell so in love with Everly and Beck, but was hopeful that after six months of dating they would go to the next level and that didn't happen. It was nice seeing Chloe from the first book briefly at the end. The timing in the plot, the letters, the misunderstandings, the hurt and forgiveness...it was all written SO WELL. And to find out that the dads in the story were besties, just so good for my heart. It was also very inspiring as a writer to experience Everly's journey, just loved this story :)
July 26, 2026
Have you ever picked up a book that seemed written just for you? That’s exactly how I felt about Don’t Cross the Blue Line. It had everything I love in a romance.
I’ve been enjoying hockey romances lately, and this one checked every box. It blends enemies-to-lovers, hidden identities, humor, suspense, and heartfelt romance into a story that kept me turning pages long past bedtime.
What I appreciated most was that the romance didn’t take forever to get going. The chemistry between Beckett and Everly felt genuine, and I found myself cheering for them as they slowly worked through years of hurt and misunderstanding. Their journey wasn’t just about falling in love. It was about forgiveness, healing, and learning to see each other with fresh eyes.
Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it took an unexpected turn that added suspense, danger, and even more heart. The action kept the story moving, but it never overshadowed the relationships. Instead, it deepened them and reminded me why I was so invested in these characters.
Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren created characters who felt real, flawed, and easy to love. There was plenty of witty banter to make me smile, emotional moments that tugged at my heart, and a satisfying romance that left me closing the book with a huge grin.
If you enjoy clean Christian romance with memorable characters, hockey, humor, suspense, and a romance that’s impossible not to root for, I highly recommend adding this one to your reading list.
This was an easy five-star read for me and one of my favorite hockey romances I’ve read this year.
I’ve been enjoying hockey romances lately, and this one checked every box. It blends enemies-to-lovers, hidden identities, humor, suspense, and heartfelt romance into a story that kept me turning pages long past bedtime.
What I appreciated most was that the romance didn’t take forever to get going. The chemistry between Beckett and Everly felt genuine, and I found myself cheering for them as they slowly worked through years of hurt and misunderstanding. Their journey wasn’t just about falling in love. It was about forgiveness, healing, and learning to see each other with fresh eyes.
Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it took an unexpected turn that added suspense, danger, and even more heart. The action kept the story moving, but it never overshadowed the relationships. Instead, it deepened them and reminded me why I was so invested in these characters.
Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren created characters who felt real, flawed, and easy to love. There was plenty of witty banter to make me smile, emotional moments that tugged at my heart, and a satisfying romance that left me closing the book with a huge grin.
If you enjoy clean Christian romance with memorable characters, hockey, humor, suspense, and a romance that’s impossible not to root for, I highly recommend adding this one to your reading list.
This was an easy five-star read for me and one of my favorite hockey romances I’ve read this year.
June 6, 2026
This book was so good in ways I did not expect! Don’t Cross the Blue Line is another 5 star read from this super- talented mother-daughter duo.
This book has everything. It’s a delightful rom-com with suspense, bad guys, and enough life lessons to evoke some tears.
Everly Hart is the daughter of the Blue Ox’s coach and Susie author E.J Hartley. Everly also secretly writes romance novels as Sutton Blake. Teammate Beckett Benson is her inspiration for her latest romance.
Beckett “Blue Line” Benson is a player for The Blue Ox. When Beckett faces unfounded accusations he is in the middle of a PR nightmare.
Everly and Beckett find themselves locked in a closed mall, hiding from some very scary men. Their survival includes tense moments, heart to heart talks, and antics reminiscent of Home Alone.
I absolutely loved this book. It was sometimes fun and light hearted, sometimes suspenseful, and sometimes tear invoking. This forced proximity romance deals with issues of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the importance of understanding a situation instead of jumping to conclusions.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
This book has everything. It’s a delightful rom-com with suspense, bad guys, and enough life lessons to evoke some tears.
Everly Hart is the daughter of the Blue Ox’s coach and Susie author E.J Hartley. Everly also secretly writes romance novels as Sutton Blake. Teammate Beckett Benson is her inspiration for her latest romance.
Beckett “Blue Line” Benson is a player for The Blue Ox. When Beckett faces unfounded accusations he is in the middle of a PR nightmare.
Everly and Beckett find themselves locked in a closed mall, hiding from some very scary men. Their survival includes tense moments, heart to heart talks, and antics reminiscent of Home Alone.
I absolutely loved this book. It was sometimes fun and light hearted, sometimes suspenseful, and sometimes tear invoking. This forced proximity romance deals with issues of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the importance of understanding a situation instead of jumping to conclusions.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
June 15, 2026
What a ride!
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, couldn’t wait for the second, and it did not disappoint!
Everly and Beckett weren’t just enemies, they despised each other from childhood. What will it take for them to fall in love? A lot! Including but not limited to getting stuck in an elevator during a blackout, more than one mistaken identity, secret pen pals, several novels, plus getting locked in a mall overnight during a blizzard with no less than 4 men who are trying to end them. And if that’s not enough excitement, toss in a media frenzy, a doping scandal, and a multitude of misunderstandings.
Susan May Warren is always a must-read, but add in her daughter Sarah May? A brilliant duo! I had to stop and re-read lines so many times because the writing is so clever, so hilarious, so beautiful, so inspiring.
Now anticipating book 3!
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, couldn’t wait for the second, and it did not disappoint!
Everly and Beckett weren’t just enemies, they despised each other from childhood. What will it take for them to fall in love? A lot! Including but not limited to getting stuck in an elevator during a blackout, more than one mistaken identity, secret pen pals, several novels, plus getting locked in a mall overnight during a blizzard with no less than 4 men who are trying to end them. And if that’s not enough excitement, toss in a media frenzy, a doping scandal, and a multitude of misunderstandings.
Susan May Warren is always a must-read, but add in her daughter Sarah May? A brilliant duo! I had to stop and re-read lines so many times because the writing is so clever, so hilarious, so beautiful, so inspiring.
Now anticipating book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wonderful addition to the series, captivating and unputdownable! I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend Don't Cross the Blue Line by Sarah and Susan May Warren!
Everly Hart and Beckett ‘Blue Line’ Benson star in this wonderful edition of The Blue Ox Boys series where secrets, past wounds, and danger abound.
Both Everly & Beckett have issues they need to deal with, including ones with each other from a lifetime ago. (I loved the elevator scene during a Gala). Then they get trapped in a closed down mall during a snowstorm with some very bad guys who are out to make an example of his teammate. "Suddenly they’re living their own romantic suspense novel".
Romantic comedy, with suspense and depth. You will love it!
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Everly Hart and Beckett ‘Blue Line’ Benson star in this wonderful edition of The Blue Ox Boys series where secrets, past wounds, and danger abound.
Both Everly & Beckett have issues they need to deal with, including ones with each other from a lifetime ago. (I loved the elevator scene during a Gala). Then they get trapped in a closed down mall during a snowstorm with some very bad guys who are out to make an example of his teammate. "Suddenly they’re living their own romantic suspense novel".
Romantic comedy, with suspense and depth. You will love it!
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Two hurting people. They have been hurting for years. A night stuck in a dark elevator that breaks down starts a change they couldn't see coming. I enjoyed this book and how both the male and female characters had to work through years of pain to figure out who they are. And some of that pain was caused directly from one character to the other. Circumstances find them trapped, again, and they must choose between the burt between them or getting out. Working together could bring healing or more hurt. The choice is theirs. But it's not easy to simply let go of 15 years of hurt.
I enjoyed this book, the arc of healing and knowing you're seen for who you are, not for what you do that builds throughout the story.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed this book, the arc of healing and knowing you're seen for who you are, not for what you do that builds throughout the story.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
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