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Boston Bandits #2
Cross Over
𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁.
After a lifetime of conditional love and "friends" who vanished when her body changed, Andie Moore is taking control. Her mission? Radical self-love and a crash course in everything she’s missed in the bedroom. She needs a teacher she can trust—someone who sees the woman she is now and doesn’t look away.
The glaring fact that he’s a tattooed broody and her brother’s best friend isn’t enough to deter her from having him fulfill all her wishes in bed. Even if that’s all it is–just physical.
𝗡𝗼𝗮𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗴𝗲.
To the NHL, he’s an untouchable god between the pipes. To himself, he’s a man drowning in a quiet, gray numbness he can’t escape. He’s spent years playing it safe, keeping his distance from anything that stirs his emotions—especially his teammate and best friend’s younger sister, who’s off-limits.
Regardless of his convictions, he can’t help but notice the way her eyes light up when she talks about her students, or the way her smiles hide so much pain.
So when Andie comes to him with a scandalous proposal, Noah’s icy resolve doesn't just melt—it shatters.
The deal is simple: just physical, just practice, just the two of them. But in the dark, where his depression meets her desire, the lines aren't just blurred—they’re burned away.
Behind closed doors, the "non-violent" goalie discovers there’s only one thing he’s willing to fight for: Her
After a lifetime of conditional love and "friends" who vanished when her body changed, Andie Moore is taking control. Her mission? Radical self-love and a crash course in everything she’s missed in the bedroom. She needs a teacher she can trust—someone who sees the woman she is now and doesn’t look away.
The glaring fact that he’s a tattooed broody and her brother’s best friend isn’t enough to deter her from having him fulfill all her wishes in bed. Even if that’s all it is–just physical.
𝗡𝗼𝗮𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗴𝗲.
To the NHL, he’s an untouchable god between the pipes. To himself, he’s a man drowning in a quiet, gray numbness he can’t escape. He’s spent years playing it safe, keeping his distance from anything that stirs his emotions—especially his teammate and best friend’s younger sister, who’s off-limits.
Regardless of his convictions, he can’t help but notice the way her eyes light up when she talks about her students, or the way her smiles hide so much pain.
So when Andie comes to him with a scandalous proposal, Noah’s icy resolve doesn't just melt—it shatters.
The deal is simple: just physical, just practice, just the two of them. But in the dark, where his depression meets her desire, the lines aren't just blurred—they’re burned away.
Behind closed doors, the "non-violent" goalie discovers there’s only one thing he’s willing to fight for: Her
583 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
Myra Bloom
4 books44 followersAfter getting her degree in Economics Honors, Myra Bloom was compelled to write about women who make hard choices to advance in their careers and find a home in the love that understands and uplifts them.
Her books will always be sweet, swoony, and spicy with hints of thriller, and will take you into an immersive world and have you on the edge of your seat with every page you turn.
When she’s not seated in front of her screen, drafting yet another unforeseen twist, she can be found talking her family’s ears off with stories that are yet to see the light of day, watching kdramas like her life depends on it, and diving into the ever-growing list of TBR.
Find her on IG and Threads: @authormyrabloom
Her books will always be sweet, swoony, and spicy with hints of thriller, and will take you into an immersive world and have you on the edge of your seat with every page you turn.
When she’s not seated in front of her screen, drafting yet another unforeseen twist, she can be found talking her family’s ears off with stories that are yet to see the light of day, watching kdramas like her life depends on it, and diving into the ever-growing list of TBR.
Find her on IG and Threads: @authormyrabloom
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
hard-dnf-s
April 23, 2026DNFd on April 23rd, 126 pages in (32%).
I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
While I enjoyed the beginning of this book more than the beginning of the first book, there were some things that I just couldn't get over.
1. The FMC never swearing. I get, that she works with children. I work with children. But to never swear, even at home, and to use things like cream on top of a pie or similar was just.....childish. She told her brother to stop treating her like a child and I literally laughed because uhm, hellllllllooooooo.
2. It needed more editing. In one chapter, the MMC and his best friend (FMC's brother) finished a game and talk about hanging out that same night because there's a girl's night going on. But in the next chapter....there's no girls night and the FMC comes over to the MMC's home.
3. I didn't feel the chemistry, which meant the sex felt awkward.....very badly so.
4. Practically every interaction the FMC had with someone not in her inner circle, they were outwardly calling her fat. As a fat woman...this doesn't happen. They may look at you with contempt, but they never outwardly call you fat, especially when just meeting you. It was literally......frustrating?
I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
While I enjoyed the beginning of this book more than the beginning of the first book, there were some things that I just couldn't get over.
1. The FMC never swearing. I get, that she works with children. I work with children. But to never swear, even at home, and to use things like cream on top of a pie or similar was just.....childish. She told her brother to stop treating her like a child and I literally laughed because uhm, hellllllllooooooo.
2. It needed more editing. In one chapter, the MMC and his best friend (FMC's brother) finished a game and talk about hanging out that same night because there's a girl's night going on. But in the next chapter....there's no girls night and the FMC comes over to the MMC's home.
3. I didn't feel the chemistry, which meant the sex felt awkward.....very badly so.
4. Practically every interaction the FMC had with someone not in her inner circle, they were outwardly calling her fat. As a fat woman...this doesn't happen. They may look at you with contempt, but they never outwardly call you fat, especially when just meeting you. It was literally......frustrating?
not-gonna-read
May 7, 2026Hahahahahaha
https://youtu.be/wBw9nmLL4rA?si=8vFDV...
https://youtu.be/wBw9nmLL4rA?si=8vFDV...
April 26, 2026
This book gets ALL the stars! Myra absolutely blew me away with this one! I personally connected to this book in a way that it now owns a piece of me. When you find a book that absolutely shatters you and puts you back together, you know it's one that you'll remember forever. Cross Over, is that book! The emotions she is able to pull forward with her words in this book, you can tell she wrote a piece of her heart and soul into it and put it on a shelf so others could have it. The absolute bravery in that is awe-inspiring.
This book focuses on body acceptance and the pressures women face surrounding their weight and size and also mental health in men and the stigma around it. Myra did a phenomenal job in the care she took with these issues and the compassion in which she wrote about them from a real standpoint was incredible.
Noah and Andie's romance is a hard won love. Yes, their feelings were very apparent and real but the work they put into themselves to get to their happy ending was well earned.
This book had so many microtropes that I felt like I was collecting them like pokemon! Just to name a few, she takes care of him, he wants her in his clothes, hand necklace, she's fiercely protective of him, and there are so many more!
Thank you so much, Myra Bloom for allowing me to be a part of your team and allowing me the absolute honor of reading an advanced copy of this book! I am looking forward to the next instalment of this series!
This book focuses on body acceptance and the pressures women face surrounding their weight and size and also mental health in men and the stigma around it. Myra did a phenomenal job in the care she took with these issues and the compassion in which she wrote about them from a real standpoint was incredible.
Noah and Andie's romance is a hard won love. Yes, their feelings were very apparent and real but the work they put into themselves to get to their happy ending was well earned.
This book had so many microtropes that I felt like I was collecting them like pokemon! Just to name a few, she takes care of him, he wants her in his clothes, hand necklace, she's fiercely protective of him, and there are so many more!
Thank you so much, Myra Bloom for allowing me to be a part of your team and allowing me the absolute honor of reading an advanced copy of this book! I am looking forward to the next instalment of this series!
April 24, 2026
⭐️3.5⭐️ Good pieces, but not quite a full hit for me.
I received an ARC for this one and I wanted to love this one more than I ultimately did.
There is a lot here that works. Noah is very much a four star MMC. He is her older brother’s best friend, teammate and very aware that Andie is off limits.
Andie is a law school drop out who became an elementary school teacher, and the kind of genuinely lovely person who would help a little old lady cross the street and then apologize for taking up space while doing it. She is sweet, innocent and so unsure of herself that even her bold moments feel like they cost her something. So when she propositions Noah to teach her about sex, under the influence, it actually does show a little spark under all that insecurity.
The emotional pieces are where the book is strongest. Andie’s body dysmorphia is handled with care and Noah’s PTSD and anxiety felt well drawn. Her having to repeat a mantra to remind herself she is worthy was honestly heartbreaking. That part worked for me.
Where the book lost me was around the prejudice Andie experiences because of her weight gain, especially professionally. And maybe this is my own privilege showing, because I have not personally experienced that. I have worked in the corporate world for twenty years, people may think plenty of things privately, but openly discriminating over weight gain? In a professional capacity? That part was harder for me to fully buy into or emotionally connect with. I understood what the story was doing and I appreciated the representation but I did not personally resonate with that piece the way I think I was meant to.
The romance itself had moments I really liked. Noah choosing The Notebook for their first “date” was a top tier moment. H has the makings of Great MMC, protective but, damaged without making it everyone else’s problem, and gentle in the places Andie needed him to be.
But as a whole, the story fell a little flat for me. Noah was stronger than the romance around him and Andie had moments that hurt my heart but did not always fully click for me, the book landed somewhere in the middle.
I received an ARC for this one and I wanted to love this one more than I ultimately did.
There is a lot here that works. Noah is very much a four star MMC. He is her older brother’s best friend, teammate and very aware that Andie is off limits.
Andie is a law school drop out who became an elementary school teacher, and the kind of genuinely lovely person who would help a little old lady cross the street and then apologize for taking up space while doing it. She is sweet, innocent and so unsure of herself that even her bold moments feel like they cost her something. So when she propositions Noah to teach her about sex, under the influence, it actually does show a little spark under all that insecurity.
The emotional pieces are where the book is strongest. Andie’s body dysmorphia is handled with care and Noah’s PTSD and anxiety felt well drawn. Her having to repeat a mantra to remind herself she is worthy was honestly heartbreaking. That part worked for me.
Where the book lost me was around the prejudice Andie experiences because of her weight gain, especially professionally. And maybe this is my own privilege showing, because I have not personally experienced that. I have worked in the corporate world for twenty years, people may think plenty of things privately, but openly discriminating over weight gain? In a professional capacity? That part was harder for me to fully buy into or emotionally connect with. I understood what the story was doing and I appreciated the representation but I did not personally resonate with that piece the way I think I was meant to.
The romance itself had moments I really liked. Noah choosing The Notebook for their first “date” was a top tier moment. H has the makings of Great MMC, protective but, damaged without making it everyone else’s problem, and gentle in the places Andie needed him to be.
But as a whole, the story fell a little flat for me. Noah was stronger than the romance around him and Andie had moments that hurt my heart but did not always fully click for me, the book landed somewhere in the middle.
April 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cross Over by Myra Bloom completely stole my heart. This book delivers everything I want in a sports romance - chemistry, emotional depth, tension, and characters who feel incredibly real. Noah and Andie’s connection was magnetic from the very beginning, and watching their relationship grow from something casual into something meaningful was impossible to put down.
Andie was such a refreshing heroine: strong, vulnerable, funny, and learning to truly see her own worth. Noah was absolutely swoon-worthy. He was the perfect mix of protective, caring, and emotionally complex. Beneath his confident hockey star exterior was a man carrying so much weight, and seeing him slowly open up made me love him even more. He was tender, supportive, and completely devoted in a way that made every scene with him unforgettable.
The brother’s best friend trope was executed perfectly, adding just the right amount of tension and longing. The romance was steamy, but it also had heart, healing, and genuine character growth.
Myra Bloom writes with warmth and authenticity, creating a story that is sexy, emotional, and uplifting all at once. Cross Over is one of those romances that leaves you smiling long after the last page. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it for sports romance fans!
Cross Over by Myra Bloom completely stole my heart. This book delivers everything I want in a sports romance - chemistry, emotional depth, tension, and characters who feel incredibly real. Noah and Andie’s connection was magnetic from the very beginning, and watching their relationship grow from something casual into something meaningful was impossible to put down.
Andie was such a refreshing heroine: strong, vulnerable, funny, and learning to truly see her own worth. Noah was absolutely swoon-worthy. He was the perfect mix of protective, caring, and emotionally complex. Beneath his confident hockey star exterior was a man carrying so much weight, and seeing him slowly open up made me love him even more. He was tender, supportive, and completely devoted in a way that made every scene with him unforgettable.
The brother’s best friend trope was executed perfectly, adding just the right amount of tension and longing. The romance was steamy, but it also had heart, healing, and genuine character growth.
Myra Bloom writes with warmth and authenticity, creating a story that is sexy, emotional, and uplifting all at once. Cross Over is one of those romances that leaves you smiling long after the last page. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it for sports romance fans!
April 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
Thanks to the author and to Luna Literary for the ARC! I really did enjoy this book, I loved that the FMC was plus-size and experienced real struggles with self confidence, and self doubt in all areas of her life, not just romantically.
I loved the fact we got to explore men’s mental health also while still having a fun, spicy romance. I do wish we had more of Noah’s backstory earlier in the book, and I do feel as if this can be read as a standalone (as I did not read book 1 as I only just found the author and was interested to see how they portrayed a plus sized FMC + the mental health aspect). But there is quite a few what I presume to be nods to the first book in the series.
I really truly did not expect the ending, and I hope that book 3 will explore more of the depth that both the relationships highlighted in this book have.
If you’re looking for a spicy but also relatable romance in terms of the struggles of everyday life and your past, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Thanks to the author and to Luna Literary for the ARC! I really did enjoy this book, I loved that the FMC was plus-size and experienced real struggles with self confidence, and self doubt in all areas of her life, not just romantically.
I loved the fact we got to explore men’s mental health also while still having a fun, spicy romance. I do wish we had more of Noah’s backstory earlier in the book, and I do feel as if this can be read as a standalone (as I did not read book 1 as I only just found the author and was interested to see how they portrayed a plus sized FMC + the mental health aspect). But there is quite a few what I presume to be nods to the first book in the series.
I really truly did not expect the ending, and I hope that book 3 will explore more of the depth that both the relationships highlighted in this book have.
If you’re looking for a spicy but also relatable romance in terms of the struggles of everyday life and your past, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
April 21, 2026
If there is someone who can make you ugly cry while reading their book, it’s Myra! The way this book is written, amazing work! And i’m gonna need a minute or two to try to write a review that this book deserves!
I could actually relate to the FMC, Andie , she was thinking same things that i do too. The way she loved people and was kind, that is so amazing. She was so fierce but she still didn’t believe that she could be loved, that broke my heart.
But i cryed more when Noah tells his story and the way he is broken, i just cryed my eyes off! I wanted to crawl my way in to this book and just hold him and made him see that he is worthy of good things in life!
So i cryed about 80% of the time.. yeah, my eyes and head did not like that..
oh oh oh! But Ezra and Kaeli, and the other team mates are in this too! Oh i loved that so much! And got a bit of that Ezra and Kaeli banter, yeah, they are best! And their story got continue in this, that was awesome!
I’m not even romantic person but this book made me be one, just for a little while. And that tells just how well written this book is! You love every character and you feel what they feel. There is few characters that if i could, i would torture them and then let the sharks eat them.. They really got on my nerves!
You have no idea how i loved this story and these characters! Because i don’t have words, i can’t think straight! It’s been 4 hours and i still am a mess who doesn’t know how to write!
I could actually relate to the FMC, Andie , she was thinking same things that i do too. The way she loved people and was kind, that is so amazing. She was so fierce but she still didn’t believe that she could be loved, that broke my heart.
But i cryed more when Noah tells his story and the way he is broken, i just cryed my eyes off! I wanted to crawl my way in to this book and just hold him and made him see that he is worthy of good things in life!
So i cryed about 80% of the time.. yeah, my eyes and head did not like that..
oh oh oh! But Ezra and Kaeli, and the other team mates are in this too! Oh i loved that so much! And got a bit of that Ezra and Kaeli banter, yeah, they are best! And their story got continue in this, that was awesome!
I’m not even romantic person but this book made me be one, just for a little while. And that tells just how well written this book is! You love every character and you feel what they feel. There is few characters that if i could, i would torture them and then let the sharks eat them.. They really got on my nerves!
You have no idea how i loved this story and these characters! Because i don’t have words, i can’t think straight! It’s been 4 hours and i still am a mess who doesn’t know how to write!
April 26, 2026
Ms Myra has carved out a lane of her own in hockey romance. She has depth and real emotions similar to Riley Paige or even Chelsea Curto’s Riley, but there’s an edge and darker themes similar to GN Wright or even those red flag mafia men we love so much.
I love a best friend’s sister teach me moment, and this one was raw and real as Noah can’t resist Andie after admiring her for years.
You felt the connection within the team, but the demons Noah was fighting, the secrecy of the relationship did distance this dark goalie from his team. (Props to Rookie’s group chat though!!)
I still love Ezra and Kaeli now that they are together and felt the same once Andie and Noah truly committed to each other.
I was enthralled and engaged with this couple and read almost straight through, but it’s not fluffy that you might expect from a sports romance. I praise Myra for sharing a piece of her heart with us.
Thank you to the Luna Lit team and Myra for providing me with an advanced copy, I was sick this week and read it through KU on release day. 💜💜
I love a best friend’s sister teach me moment, and this one was raw and real as Noah can’t resist Andie after admiring her for years.
You felt the connection within the team, but the demons Noah was fighting, the secrecy of the relationship did distance this dark goalie from his team. (Props to Rookie’s group chat though!!)
I still love Ezra and Kaeli now that they are together and felt the same once Andie and Noah truly committed to each other.
I was enthralled and engaged with this couple and read almost straight through, but it’s not fluffy that you might expect from a sports romance. I praise Myra for sharing a piece of her heart with us.
Thank you to the Luna Lit team and Myra for providing me with an advanced copy, I was sick this week and read it through KU on release day. 💜💜
April 29, 2026
Thank you Luna literary for an ARC of this book
I love a good sports romance book and this was such an easy read. Best friends brother? Check. Her asking him to teach her spicy lessons? Check
I loved the characters of Andie & Noah and seeing their character growth. For someone who said he wasn’t good at showing love, he was always showing his love for a die in all his actions. I loved seeing the mental health rep in this book.
Where it lost me was Andie and her catch phrases instead of swearing. They really took me out of the story. I also felt like it’s a sports romance series but book one has kidnapping and this book had the fmc being attacked by two men. It just feels like they don’t need to be included in a sports romance?
I love a good sports romance book and this was such an easy read. Best friends brother? Check. Her asking him to teach her spicy lessons? Check
I loved the characters of Andie & Noah and seeing their character growth. For someone who said he wasn’t good at showing love, he was always showing his love for a die in all his actions. I loved seeing the mental health rep in this book.
Where it lost me was Andie and her catch phrases instead of swearing. They really took me out of the story. I also felt like it’s a sports romance series but book one has kidnapping and this book had the fmc being attacked by two men. It just feels like they don’t need to be included in a sports romance?
April 24, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
Okay… so from the very start of this book, my heart really went out to Andie! Her self image struggles and the way people treat her made me hella mad. When a blind date starts talking crazy to her, Noah (her brother’s best friend) overhears and steps in to save her.
In her distress, she admits she doesn’t have much sexual experience and asks if Noah would help her.
Little does she know, she’s the girl of his dreams and his greatest temptation 👀🔥 When he tries to play hard to get, Andie flips the script and makes him sweat (dresses in a sexy outfit and talking to another man all night at the bar). Let’s just say… a jealous Noah is HOT 🥵
I swear, I just wanted to give Andie the biggest hug. She has such a heart of gold. She’s perfect for Noah, who’s dealing with his own emotional trauma and trying to heal from past experiences.
Read this for:
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Friends to Lovers
✨He Falls First
✨Possessive MMC
✨Virgin MFC
Spice level~ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Okay… so from the very start of this book, my heart really went out to Andie! Her self image struggles and the way people treat her made me hella mad. When a blind date starts talking crazy to her, Noah (her brother’s best friend) overhears and steps in to save her.
In her distress, she admits she doesn’t have much sexual experience and asks if Noah would help her.
Little does she know, she’s the girl of his dreams and his greatest temptation 👀🔥 When he tries to play hard to get, Andie flips the script and makes him sweat (dresses in a sexy outfit and talking to another man all night at the bar). Let’s just say… a jealous Noah is HOT 🥵
I swear, I just wanted to give Andie the biggest hug. She has such a heart of gold. She’s perfect for Noah, who’s dealing with his own emotional trauma and trying to heal from past experiences.
Read this for:
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Friends to Lovers
✨He Falls First
✨Possessive MMC
✨Virgin MFC
Spice level~ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
April 25, 2026
I think I loved Cross Over even more than the first book 🥹📚 I found myself relating so much to Andie Moore and everything she was feeling, it just hit very close to home. Watching her grow into a more confident version of herself, especially with Noah by her side, was so beautiful to see. And Noah?? yeah… I wouldn’t mind having someone like him in my life either 🫠 Their chemistry was absolutely sizzling and kept me hooked the entire time.
I’m honestly so grateful and honoured to receive my second ARC and another sports romance at that 😭🏒✨ thank you so much for trusting me with this opportunity 🥰
Spice Rating : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m honestly so grateful and honoured to receive my second ARC and another sports romance at that 😭🏒✨ thank you so much for trusting me with this opportunity 🥰
Spice Rating : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was able to receive an arc of this for an honest review!
So this is my first Myra Bloom book and hockey book actually and I feel like she made my expectations high’ I really really loved the FMC in this because she felt real and relatable in this. Like the decisions she made had me sitting back and I’m like “yep I would do that too” and the MMC is a very grumpy goalie and even grumpier when not around the FMC. I loved seeing how they grew together and learned to love not just each other but themselves. I will say that there was fat phobia through the book that felt VERY over the top (her blind date yelling that she’s fat in a restaurant) and I’m like..:I don’t think that happens in real life
I was able to receive an arc of this for an honest review!
So this is my first Myra Bloom book and hockey book actually and I feel like she made my expectations high’ I really really loved the FMC in this because she felt real and relatable in this. Like the decisions she made had me sitting back and I’m like “yep I would do that too” and the MMC is a very grumpy goalie and even grumpier when not around the FMC. I loved seeing how they grew together and learned to love not just each other but themselves. I will say that there was fat phobia through the book that felt VERY over the top (her blind date yelling that she’s fat in a restaurant) and I’m like..:I don’t think that happens in real life
April 24, 2026
Easily a five star read for me! I loved everything this book had to offer. I was giggling and blushing, I was laughing like a hyena, and moments I was tearing up. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I will be highly recommending this book for sure!
April 24, 2026
This book is so good! I love how they help each other through their struggles, her with her body image, him with his past. They are so cute together and love the little bit of forbidden in the relationship (he’s her brothers best friend). Super cute! Please read this book! The spice is spicy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
Overall Rating: 2.5 Stars (rounded up)
Thank you to Myra Bloom and Luna Literary for an eARC of this story!
When I originally read the blurb and saw the cover for this book I immediacy requested it because this type of story is right up my alley. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me, and I really struggled with finishing it. There are so many things that this author did really well in the book but the things that didn't work are what made the story really hard to enjoy.
This story follows Andie (MFC) a law school dropout turned 2nd grade teacher who struggles with her self-esteem and Noah (MMC) a hockey goalie and Andie's older brother's best friend.
The things that I struggled with:
1. I hate that we don't get a lot of descriptors for either MMC....other than she's overweight and he has tattoos plus some hair/eye color I don't feel like I can picture what our characters look like. It would have been nice to get some other descriptors like for example, what kind of tattoos does he have?
2. The fact that the MFC is overweight was taken too far at times. The fact that people would blatantly say she's fat in a public/professional setting (blind date, strangers, vice principal) seemed really unrealistic. If anything, I feel like a quick look of disgust would be easier to believe.
3. The MFC's lack of swearing. I understand that she is a teacher and doesn't want to swear in front of her kids, but the replacements were wild. I'm a what the fudge kind of girlie to avoid swearing but the random phrases like "cream on a fudge cake," "cheesecake on a bag of crackers," and "choco cookies on a sundae" (amongst others) that were used to replace the swearing just seemed really childish and quite frankly annoying. More often than not when these were being used, Andie had gotten spooked/scared by someone and in real life a single word swear would likely be used so the drawn-out phrases were not as cute as I feel like they were intended to be.
4. The MMC's main excuse for not wanting to develop a relationship with the MFC is that he is damaged goods and doesn't know how to love but despite the fact that we get his POV multiple times we don't know anything about his trauma until like 75-80% if the way through the story. It made it really hard for me to empathize for him when he's just broody. I feel like this also made their emotional growth difficult as Andie couldn't ask any personal questions without Noah getting mad.
The things I enjoyed:
1. The fact that the MFC is overweight. I don't feel like there is enough representation for all body types in books these days, so I love that more normal bodies are being introduced into media especially as someone who isn't a size 2 like a lot of MFC's are. In general, I think the author did a phenomenal job of describing Andie's struggles with her self-esteem and how she's trying to get her confidence back.
2. A lot of the romance was really well done. The fact that they could be vulnerable together at different points, take care of each other, and a first date of the Notebook....10/10
3. The emotional support cat....I will always love a pet in a book
4. The sections with the hockey team were great (I honestly wish there were more since its marketed as a sports romance lol)
5. The brother's best friend trope was so well done here especially since they are also teammates so the forbidden romance could ruin multiple things and felt like it was higher stakes.
Overall, this book has potential. As someone who has read a lot of sports romances and romances with darker themes this one didn't work for me but I could definitely see how it would work for others!
Thank you to Myra Bloom and Luna Literary for an eARC of this story!
When I originally read the blurb and saw the cover for this book I immediacy requested it because this type of story is right up my alley. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me, and I really struggled with finishing it. There are so many things that this author did really well in the book but the things that didn't work are what made the story really hard to enjoy.
This story follows Andie (MFC) a law school dropout turned 2nd grade teacher who struggles with her self-esteem and Noah (MMC) a hockey goalie and Andie's older brother's best friend.
The things that I struggled with:
1. I hate that we don't get a lot of descriptors for either MMC....other than she's overweight and he has tattoos plus some hair/eye color I don't feel like I can picture what our characters look like. It would have been nice to get some other descriptors like for example, what kind of tattoos does he have?
2. The fact that the MFC is overweight was taken too far at times. The fact that people would blatantly say she's fat in a public/professional setting (blind date, strangers, vice principal) seemed really unrealistic. If anything, I feel like a quick look of disgust would be easier to believe.
3. The MFC's lack of swearing. I understand that she is a teacher and doesn't want to swear in front of her kids, but the replacements were wild. I'm a what the fudge kind of girlie to avoid swearing but the random phrases like "cream on a fudge cake," "cheesecake on a bag of crackers," and "choco cookies on a sundae" (amongst others) that were used to replace the swearing just seemed really childish and quite frankly annoying. More often than not when these were being used, Andie had gotten spooked/scared by someone and in real life a single word swear would likely be used so the drawn-out phrases were not as cute as I feel like they were intended to be.
4. The MMC's main excuse for not wanting to develop a relationship with the MFC is that he is damaged goods and doesn't know how to love but despite the fact that we get his POV multiple times we don't know anything about his trauma until like 75-80% if the way through the story. It made it really hard for me to empathize for him when he's just broody. I feel like this also made their emotional growth difficult as Andie couldn't ask any personal questions without Noah getting mad.
The things I enjoyed:
1. The fact that the MFC is overweight. I don't feel like there is enough representation for all body types in books these days, so I love that more normal bodies are being introduced into media especially as someone who isn't a size 2 like a lot of MFC's are. In general, I think the author did a phenomenal job of describing Andie's struggles with her self-esteem and how she's trying to get her confidence back.
2. A lot of the romance was really well done. The fact that they could be vulnerable together at different points, take care of each other, and a first date of the Notebook....10/10
3. The emotional support cat....I will always love a pet in a book
4. The sections with the hockey team were great (I honestly wish there were more since its marketed as a sports romance lol)
5. The brother's best friend trope was so well done here especially since they are also teammates so the forbidden romance could ruin multiple things and felt like it was higher stakes.
Overall, this book has potential. As someone who has read a lot of sports romances and romances with darker themes this one didn't work for me but I could definitely see how it would work for others!
May 11, 2026
Found this book on instagram, so so disappointed. I should have dropped the box the moment i first cringed. This book was so all over the place. I couldn’t even wrap my head around it. There were so many errors too ):
1. A common dislike is the FMC not cussing. I get it, she works with kids. It was way too much and cringy. It was repetitive as well. It wasn’t needed THAT much
2. The date. I felt like that it was out of pocket and did not seem real? And yes I know this book isn’t real. It just felt too out of pocket to be true? Idk if that makes sense
3. There were a few things in this book that the author never followed up on (that I can remember):
- The school play? Never happened
- rude principal? Never brought up again
- the fan account? Never brought up again
4. Some of the sentences didn’t make sense. I would have to read it over again to make sure i understood. Some of the grammar was off as well. It didn’t feel like it was proofread enough.
5. The constant explanation points 😭. It was so unnecessary and it was giving high school relationships. Idk why but it just does.
6. THE NICKNAME. Rainbow?..Interesting? Feather? 😟 Now what the helly is that. (Yes I know Feather isn’t from this book but I still had to mention it😭)
7. The math is mathing for how long they’ve liked each other.
MMC was 21 and she was 16/17?? They’re 7 years apart, she’s 23. If he started liking her 6 years ago…idk how I feel about that.
8. The break up was unnecessary BECAUSE there wasn’t enough context. If the break up happened in the middle, fine, whatever, but the fact it happened around the 80% mark?? That made my eyes roll. I mean I understand the break up but still, it should have happened earlier.
9. MMC’s parents showing up randomly was weird. FMC got a weird message literally in the beginning of the book, but was never followed up on until towards the end.
10. The cover didn’t make much sense? In the book FMC is 5’3 and MMC is 6’5 lol. The man in the cover is like 5’10💀.
11. There went very many descriptions of the characters either. What kind of tattoos did MMC have? Since they are a HUGE part of his storyline..what were they? Same thing with FMC. As a plus sized girly, I wanted to know more about her characteristics.
12. The cat definitely was not needed. It was thrown in for no reason?? Poor cat ): I don’t even remember its name
13. Her whole job shouldn’t have been mentioned. It made no sense either. The author would just throw things in there. Like the kid that was talking back? The rude principal?
14. The GC that the rookie made seemed rude? Bc he just told MMC he would tell anyone…
What I did like:
(The only reason why this book had a star tbh)
The mental health representation in the book was really nice to read. Some parts didn’t quite make sense, but it was the thought that counted and I appreciated it. I loved how the author wrote MMC’s mental health struggles. I loved how patient FMC was with him.
Overall, this book had so much potential. So so so much. If it would have been proofread more..then it could have really been an amazing book. Do I recommend this? No
1. A common dislike is the FMC not cussing. I get it, she works with kids. It was way too much and cringy. It was repetitive as well. It wasn’t needed THAT much
2. The date. I felt like that it was out of pocket and did not seem real? And yes I know this book isn’t real. It just felt too out of pocket to be true? Idk if that makes sense
3. There were a few things in this book that the author never followed up on (that I can remember):
- The school play? Never happened
- rude principal? Never brought up again
- the fan account? Never brought up again
4. Some of the sentences didn’t make sense. I would have to read it over again to make sure i understood. Some of the grammar was off as well. It didn’t feel like it was proofread enough.
5. The constant explanation points 😭. It was so unnecessary and it was giving high school relationships. Idk why but it just does.
6. THE NICKNAME. Rainbow?..Interesting? Feather? 😟 Now what the helly is that. (Yes I know Feather isn’t from this book but I still had to mention it😭)
7. The math is mathing for how long they’ve liked each other.
MMC was 21 and she was 16/17?? They’re 7 years apart, she’s 23. If he started liking her 6 years ago…idk how I feel about that.
8. The break up was unnecessary BECAUSE there wasn’t enough context. If the break up happened in the middle, fine, whatever, but the fact it happened around the 80% mark?? That made my eyes roll. I mean I understand the break up but still, it should have happened earlier.
9. MMC’s parents showing up randomly was weird. FMC got a weird message literally in the beginning of the book, but was never followed up on until towards the end.
10. The cover didn’t make much sense? In the book FMC is 5’3 and MMC is 6’5 lol. The man in the cover is like 5’10💀.
11. There went very many descriptions of the characters either. What kind of tattoos did MMC have? Since they are a HUGE part of his storyline..what were they? Same thing with FMC. As a plus sized girly, I wanted to know more about her characteristics.
12. The cat definitely was not needed. It was thrown in for no reason?? Poor cat ): I don’t even remember its name
13. Her whole job shouldn’t have been mentioned. It made no sense either. The author would just throw things in there. Like the kid that was talking back? The rude principal?
14. The GC that the rookie made seemed rude? Bc he just told MMC he would tell anyone…
What I did like:
(The only reason why this book had a star tbh)
The mental health representation in the book was really nice to read. Some parts didn’t quite make sense, but it was the thought that counted and I appreciated it. I loved how the author wrote MMC’s mental health struggles. I loved how patient FMC was with him.
Overall, this book had so much potential. So so so much. If it would have been proofread more..then it could have really been an amazing book. Do I recommend this? No
Review of advance copy received from Author
First ever Myra Bloom book. It was so good. I do have to say if you didn’t read book 1(that’s me) in this series first you may want to. There are a few things said in this one that had happened to the FMC in book 1 so it’s a bit of a spoiler.
Andie doesn’t like to curse. She used to a lot when she was younger but since she works with children and they have such an impressionable mind and such a young age she’s worked hard to not swear, even outside of her work. The things she says instead of cursing were pretty good. Might have to try some of those out for myself(I curse a lot).
The way Noah defends Andie whenever he hears someone being disrespectful towards her. Oh my!!! He also makes sure she doesn’t talk down about herself and makes sure she knows she beautiful and not too much. And the way Noah is jealous of the idea of any other guy being with Andie is next level. He gets so jealous and possessive if another guy is looking at her a certain way or flirting with her. He can’t bear to see her with someone that’s not him.
Noah gets a little irritated when his teammates/friends call him daddy, but when it comes to Andie calling him that in the bedroom he goes feral over it.
The kinks and dirty talk that come out of this man. 😰 🥵 The spicy scenes were spicy. Holy cow!!
This story had way more to it than just the spice though. Both Noah and Andie have trauma from their past. Noah has some anxiety and depression going on and Andie is dealing with changes to her body and how people around her judge her on her size. Being a plus size woman myself I can relate to Andies struggles. When you’re bigger, there are people in society that say you’re a waste of space. That you’re ugly, or not worthy of love. And hearing comments like that over and over again, especially if it comes from family or friends, can really mess with your head. I’m glad Andie was seeing someone to try and overcome her issues.
I also understand Noah on some level as well. Depression and anxiety are no joke. But having them also doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable of being a good person. Sometimes things in our life traumatizes you and you get these thoughts in your head that won’t stop. It’s okay to not always be okay. Doesn’t make you any less.
Being with each other seems to be helping. Noah is smiling and laughing more. He’s opening up to her more and even seeks out help. And Andie is starting to learn to love herself again and find her confidence.
It was a cute moment when he asked her to teach him how to love. He didn’t have good examples growing up and was never truly loved. He didn’t know how to love or be loved but wanted to learn, just like Andie wanted to find her confidence and be sexy and find herself when she asked Noah to teach her about sex.
Andie doesn’t like to curse. She used to a lot when she was younger but since she works with children and they have such an impressionable mind and such a young age she’s worked hard to not swear, even outside of her work. The things she says instead of cursing were pretty good. Might have to try some of those out for myself(I curse a lot).
The way Noah defends Andie whenever he hears someone being disrespectful towards her. Oh my!!! He also makes sure she doesn’t talk down about herself and makes sure she knows she beautiful and not too much. And the way Noah is jealous of the idea of any other guy being with Andie is next level. He gets so jealous and possessive if another guy is looking at her a certain way or flirting with her. He can’t bear to see her with someone that’s not him.
Noah gets a little irritated when his teammates/friends call him daddy, but when it comes to Andie calling him that in the bedroom he goes feral over it.
The kinks and dirty talk that come out of this man. 😰 🥵 The spicy scenes were spicy. Holy cow!!
This story had way more to it than just the spice though. Both Noah and Andie have trauma from their past. Noah has some anxiety and depression going on and Andie is dealing with changes to her body and how people around her judge her on her size. Being a plus size woman myself I can relate to Andies struggles. When you’re bigger, there are people in society that say you’re a waste of space. That you’re ugly, or not worthy of love. And hearing comments like that over and over again, especially if it comes from family or friends, can really mess with your head. I’m glad Andie was seeing someone to try and overcome her issues.
I also understand Noah on some level as well. Depression and anxiety are no joke. But having them also doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable of being a good person. Sometimes things in our life traumatizes you and you get these thoughts in your head that won’t stop. It’s okay to not always be okay. Doesn’t make you any less.
Being with each other seems to be helping. Noah is smiling and laughing more. He’s opening up to her more and even seeks out help. And Andie is starting to learn to love herself again and find her confidence.
It was a cute moment when he asked her to teach him how to love. He didn’t have good examples growing up and was never truly loved. He didn’t know how to love or be loved but wanted to learn, just like Andie wanted to find her confidence and be sexy and find herself when she asked Noah to teach her about sex.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚🏒 ARC Review: Crossover by Myra Bloom
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings provided by the author of this book.
If you love a broody, tattooed goalie and a heroine determined to reclaim her confidence, Crossover delivers plenty of heat, tenderness, and a hero who defines “consent king,” which is absolutely 🔥🔥🔥.
This was a mixed reading experience for me. Some parts really worked, and others pulled me out of the story.
The setup:
Andie is ready to take control of her life after years of conditional friendships and shrinking herself to take up less space. Enter Noah, her brother’s best friend, Boston Bandits goalie, and the only person who seems to truly see her. He agrees to a “just physical” arrangement that quickly becomes anything but. Noah’s quiet depression and Andie’s desire to finally be chosen spark something neither of them can ignore.
A few things worked for me:
- Noah in the bedroom is pure 🔥🔥🔥
- The tender “who hurt you” moment in Chapter 15 hit me right in the chest
Where I struggled:
The first third was rocky. Andie faces repeated, very public fat‑phobic encounters — a blind date, a stranger, even her vice principal. As a plus size woman myself, these moments felt exaggerated to the point of pulling me out of the story. I’ve lived in this body for 40 years, and while cruelty exists, the frequency and extremity here didn’t match my lived experience. For example, the vice principal situation would be an immediate HR issue, and who sets someone up on a blind date with a person who would behave like that?
Some character actions, like Ezra offering to call Andie’s boss, also didn’t feel believable for adults in professional settings. These were just a few of the plot holes and storyline choices that didn’t quite land for me. There were other threads that felt disconnected or under‑explained, but I won’t list them all.
The middle third found its rhythm with chemistry, lessons, and emotional beats. The final third lost momentum again. The last 10 percent did help redeem the story, even if the ending was predictable.
Overall:
There are strong elements here: a tender, dominant MMC, a heroine learning to take up space, and some genuinely spicy moments. But the repetitive body shaming, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped plot threads kept this at a solid three‑star read for me. Readers who love high‑heat hockey romance with a protective hero may connect with this one more than I did.
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings provided by the author of this book.
If you love a broody, tattooed goalie and a heroine determined to reclaim her confidence, Crossover delivers plenty of heat, tenderness, and a hero who defines “consent king,” which is absolutely 🔥🔥🔥.
This was a mixed reading experience for me. Some parts really worked, and others pulled me out of the story.
The setup:
Andie is ready to take control of her life after years of conditional friendships and shrinking herself to take up less space. Enter Noah, her brother’s best friend, Boston Bandits goalie, and the only person who seems to truly see her. He agrees to a “just physical” arrangement that quickly becomes anything but. Noah’s quiet depression and Andie’s desire to finally be chosen spark something neither of them can ignore.
A few things worked for me:
- Noah in the bedroom is pure 🔥🔥🔥
- The tender “who hurt you” moment in Chapter 15 hit me right in the chest
Where I struggled:
The first third was rocky. Andie faces repeated, very public fat‑phobic encounters — a blind date, a stranger, even her vice principal. As a plus size woman myself, these moments felt exaggerated to the point of pulling me out of the story. I’ve lived in this body for 40 years, and while cruelty exists, the frequency and extremity here didn’t match my lived experience. For example, the vice principal situation would be an immediate HR issue, and who sets someone up on a blind date with a person who would behave like that?
Some character actions, like Ezra offering to call Andie’s boss, also didn’t feel believable for adults in professional settings. These were just a few of the plot holes and storyline choices that didn’t quite land for me. There were other threads that felt disconnected or under‑explained, but I won’t list them all.
The middle third found its rhythm with chemistry, lessons, and emotional beats. The final third lost momentum again. The last 10 percent did help redeem the story, even if the ending was predictable.
Overall:
There are strong elements here: a tender, dominant MMC, a heroine learning to take up space, and some genuinely spicy moments. But the repetitive body shaming, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped plot threads kept this at a solid three‑star read for me. Readers who love high‑heat hockey romance with a protective hero may connect with this one more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Myra Bloom and Luna Literary for the opportunity to ARC review this book!
Please read the trigger warnings before reading this book. There are some very sensitive topics explored that may be triggering/upsetting for some readers.
If you love an OTT possessive, broody goalie, and an innocent, virginal heroine who wants spice lessons, Cross Over definitely delivers! Noah is the goalie for the Boston Bandits and Andie is the team captain's little sister. Andie asks Noah to give her lessons in the bedroom and he quickly agrees to the arrangement with certain rules.
This was a mixed reading experience for me. Some parts I really enjoyed and others just didn't work for me.
Things I enjoyed:
- The spice! Noah in the bedroom is HOT! Yes, please. Especially because he requires clear, verbal consent.
- Andie's dedication to her job. It is amazing to see her passion for her job.
- Men's mental health rep. This needs to be talked about more so it was great to see it here. I really want to give Noah a hug.
- Talk about healing from trauma and therapy. I found this to be really realistic. Mental health support is a subject very dear to me, so it was great to see the rep here.
Things that didn't work for me:
- OTT MMC. I only enjoy an OTT MMC in dark romance. Since this is a more sweet, swoony romance it felt off to me. Yes, I am aware this is highly personal but it did affect my rating so I want to be clear that this is a personal issue for me specifically. This was my largest issue with the story and I think this style just doesn't work for me.
- Uneven pacing. Some things felt very rushed and it made it feel unrealistic to me.
- The fatphobia felt extremely exaggerated at times. Yes, fatphobia exists, but it is rare to be called fat in a cruel and derogatory way during every single public interaction one has. This pulled me out of the story a bit.
This is Myra Bloom's second book and overall I did enjoy it. This is a good read for a second book, and I foresee each book only getting better and better as Bloom further solidifies herself as a writer.
Please read the trigger warnings before reading this book. There are some very sensitive topics explored that may be triggering/upsetting for some readers.
If you love an OTT possessive, broody goalie, and an innocent, virginal heroine who wants spice lessons, Cross Over definitely delivers! Noah is the goalie for the Boston Bandits and Andie is the team captain's little sister. Andie asks Noah to give her lessons in the bedroom and he quickly agrees to the arrangement with certain rules.
This was a mixed reading experience for me. Some parts I really enjoyed and others just didn't work for me.
Things I enjoyed:
- The spice! Noah in the bedroom is HOT! Yes, please. Especially because he requires clear, verbal consent.
- Andie's dedication to her job. It is amazing to see her passion for her job.
- Men's mental health rep. This needs to be talked about more so it was great to see it here. I really want to give Noah a hug.
- Talk about healing from trauma and therapy. I found this to be really realistic. Mental health support is a subject very dear to me, so it was great to see the rep here.
Things that didn't work for me:
- OTT MMC. I only enjoy an OTT MMC in dark romance. Since this is a more sweet, swoony romance it felt off to me. Yes, I am aware this is highly personal but it did affect my rating so I want to be clear that this is a personal issue for me specifically. This was my largest issue with the story and I think this style just doesn't work for me.
- Uneven pacing. Some things felt very rushed and it made it feel unrealistic to me.
- The fatphobia felt extremely exaggerated at times. Yes, fatphobia exists, but it is rare to be called fat in a cruel and derogatory way during every single public interaction one has. This pulled me out of the story a bit.
This is Myra Bloom's second book and overall I did enjoy it. This is a good read for a second book, and I foresee each book only getting better and better as Bloom further solidifies herself as a writer.
April 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Cross Over by Myra Bloom
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5)
The premise of Cross Over is a sports romance classic—little sister asks her older brother’s best friend/teammate to take her virginity. In this case, Andie propositions Noah, the broody goalie she’s crushed on since she was a teenager, not realizing he’s been quietly obsessed with her from the start. It’s a solid setup, but the execution didn’t fully land for me.
I really liked a lot about Andie—her inner strength, her desire to feel comfortable in her changing body, and her boldness (especially when she asks Noah for “lessons”). That said, her behavior sometimes skewed juvenile, which made the seven-year age gap harder to buy into. Some of her catchphrases—“Chocolate on a pie!” and “Cheese cake on a cracker!”—pulled me out of the story and made her feel much younger than she was meant to be. And at times, her expectations didn’t quite track; if she’s the one initiating, it felt odd that she’d expect Noah to take the lead from there.
I will always have a soft spot for a broody, wounded man like Noah. It hurt to watch him wrestle with the belief that Andie deserved better than him. I just wish we got more of him. Outside of his strained relationship with his parents and his fixation on Andie, his character felt underdeveloped. I wanted more insight into his friendships—especially with Ezra—and his life beyond hockey.
The chemistry between Andie and Noah is definitely there, and the steamy moments deliver. But outside of that, I struggled to feel the emotional progression. It often felt like I was being told they were falling in love rather than seeing it unfold on the page. More early conversations—where they could open up and actually connect—would have made their relationship feel more believable.
Be sure to check your trigger warnings.
Cross Over by Myra Bloom
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5)
The premise of Cross Over is a sports romance classic—little sister asks her older brother’s best friend/teammate to take her virginity. In this case, Andie propositions Noah, the broody goalie she’s crushed on since she was a teenager, not realizing he’s been quietly obsessed with her from the start. It’s a solid setup, but the execution didn’t fully land for me.
I really liked a lot about Andie—her inner strength, her desire to feel comfortable in her changing body, and her boldness (especially when she asks Noah for “lessons”). That said, her behavior sometimes skewed juvenile, which made the seven-year age gap harder to buy into. Some of her catchphrases—“Chocolate on a pie!” and “Cheese cake on a cracker!”—pulled me out of the story and made her feel much younger than she was meant to be. And at times, her expectations didn’t quite track; if she’s the one initiating, it felt odd that she’d expect Noah to take the lead from there.
I will always have a soft spot for a broody, wounded man like Noah. It hurt to watch him wrestle with the belief that Andie deserved better than him. I just wish we got more of him. Outside of his strained relationship with his parents and his fixation on Andie, his character felt underdeveloped. I wanted more insight into his friendships—especially with Ezra—and his life beyond hockey.
The chemistry between Andie and Noah is definitely there, and the steamy moments deliver. But outside of that, I struggled to feel the emotional progression. It often felt like I was being told they were falling in love rather than seeing it unfold on the page. More early conversations—where they could open up and actually connect—would have made their relationship feel more believable.
Be sure to check your trigger warnings.
May 10, 2026
Love a good brother’s best friend, virgin FMC/teach me book.. this one had so many good parts, just a couple things that for me really detracted from the overall story.
Andie (23) has spent life lately as a curvier woman, after some weight gain post college, and is now seen as too big or fat to some. This really tanks her confidence and self worth. The book doesn’t shy away from showing how people talk about her body, and honestly, those moments hurt. But what makes the story shine is Noah (30): her brother’s best friend, his teammate, and the man who has been quietly obsessed with her since the day they met.
Noah doesn’t just like Andie’s body, he adores it. He defends her, stands up for her, and makes it clear that she deserves to be loved exactly as she is. Their dynamic is tender, reverent, and incredibly spicy, especially as Andie decides she wants Noah to be the one to teach her everything she’s been too scared to want.
Underneath the heat, though, is a surprisingly emotional core. Noah’s traumatic childhood; the neglect, the abuse, the belief that he was unlovable is handled with care. Andie becomes the first person who makes him feel chosen, wanted, and safe. They’re messy and imperfect, but they fit together in a way that feels inevitable.
I was fully invested… until the third‑act breakup hits in the last 40 pages. It felt abrupt and unnecessary for a couple who had already fought so hard to trust each other. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but it definitely pulled me out of the emotional momentum.
My only other frustration was Andie’s brother, Ezra. His overprotectiveness crosses into condescending territory, and the way he still treats her like a child didn’t land for me, especially when the entire story is about Andie stepping into her own power.
All in all, Cross Over is a heartfelt, spicy, body‑positive romance with a MMC who learns love and a FMC who finally gets the devotion she deserves. Andie and Noah are perfect for each other, and their journey is worth the read.
A huge thank you to Myra Bloom & Luna Literary for the early copy!
Andie (23) has spent life lately as a curvier woman, after some weight gain post college, and is now seen as too big or fat to some. This really tanks her confidence and self worth. The book doesn’t shy away from showing how people talk about her body, and honestly, those moments hurt. But what makes the story shine is Noah (30): her brother’s best friend, his teammate, and the man who has been quietly obsessed with her since the day they met.
Noah doesn’t just like Andie’s body, he adores it. He defends her, stands up for her, and makes it clear that she deserves to be loved exactly as she is. Their dynamic is tender, reverent, and incredibly spicy, especially as Andie decides she wants Noah to be the one to teach her everything she’s been too scared to want.
Underneath the heat, though, is a surprisingly emotional core. Noah’s traumatic childhood; the neglect, the abuse, the belief that he was unlovable is handled with care. Andie becomes the first person who makes him feel chosen, wanted, and safe. They’re messy and imperfect, but they fit together in a way that feels inevitable.
I was fully invested… until the third‑act breakup hits in the last 40 pages. It felt abrupt and unnecessary for a couple who had already fought so hard to trust each other. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but it definitely pulled me out of the emotional momentum.
My only other frustration was Andie’s brother, Ezra. His overprotectiveness crosses into condescending territory, and the way he still treats her like a child didn’t land for me, especially when the entire story is about Andie stepping into her own power.
All in all, Cross Over is a heartfelt, spicy, body‑positive romance with a MMC who learns love and a FMC who finally gets the devotion she deserves. Andie and Noah are perfect for each other, and their journey is worth the read.
A huge thank you to Myra Bloom & Luna Literary for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
More like a 4.5
Please pay attention to trigger warnings. Both MC's deal with stuff that can be triggering for some readers.
When I signed up for this ARC, I did NOT expect to get this emotional. I teared up multiple times, and my heart genuinely went out to both main characters. Even the dedication set the tone for something special.
Noah and Andie’s connection is layered from the start. They met five years ago, and he immediately had a crush however as his captain’s sister, nothing happens at the time. Years later, she comes to him with a proposal, and the rest is history. Their chemistry is undeniable, and once they finally give in to it, it’s intense, emotional, and full of vulnerability.
Noah is clearly carrying a lot and believes he doesn’t deserve love, while Andie’s journey is about stepping into her confidence and self-worth in a really relatable way. I also appreciated her side storyline as a teacher, especially dealing with someone actively trying to undermine her, she really stood her ground and kept pushing forward.
What stood out most was how real their emotional journeys felt. Both characters are working through deeply rooted issues that affect how they love, trust, and open up. At times it was frustrating in a very human way, especially when communication faltered, but it always felt true to who they are. When they do choose each other, it hits hard.
The side characters and found family elements were another highlight, bringing humor, warmth, and balance (Seb especially had me laughing).
His parents deserve a special place in hell!!! Horrible people.
Overall, this is an emotional, angsty romance about healing, self-worth, and learning to accept love when you don’t believe you deserve it. It pulled on my heart in the best way.
Now I’m impatiently waiting for the release so I can read that epilogue.
Thank you to Luna Literary and Myra Bloom for the ARC!
Please pay attention to trigger warnings. Both MC's deal with stuff that can be triggering for some readers.
When I signed up for this ARC, I did NOT expect to get this emotional. I teared up multiple times, and my heart genuinely went out to both main characters. Even the dedication set the tone for something special.
Noah and Andie’s connection is layered from the start. They met five years ago, and he immediately had a crush however as his captain’s sister, nothing happens at the time. Years later, she comes to him with a proposal, and the rest is history. Their chemistry is undeniable, and once they finally give in to it, it’s intense, emotional, and full of vulnerability.
Noah is clearly carrying a lot and believes he doesn’t deserve love, while Andie’s journey is about stepping into her confidence and self-worth in a really relatable way. I also appreciated her side storyline as a teacher, especially dealing with someone actively trying to undermine her, she really stood her ground and kept pushing forward.
What stood out most was how real their emotional journeys felt. Both characters are working through deeply rooted issues that affect how they love, trust, and open up. At times it was frustrating in a very human way, especially when communication faltered, but it always felt true to who they are. When they do choose each other, it hits hard.
The side characters and found family elements were another highlight, bringing humor, warmth, and balance (Seb especially had me laughing).
His parents deserve a special place in hell!!! Horrible people.
Overall, this is an emotional, angsty romance about healing, self-worth, and learning to accept love when you don’t believe you deserve it. It pulled on my heart in the best way.
Now I’m impatiently waiting for the release so I can read that epilogue.
Thank you to Luna Literary and Myra Bloom for the ARC!
April 25, 2026
Mať crush na najlepšieho kamaráta svojho staršieho brata nie je úplne ideálne. Opiť sa pred ním po nevydarenom rande je hrôza. No úplná katastrofa nastane, keď ho v tomto stave požiadate, aby vás zbavil panenstva a naučil ako mať sex. Čo sa stane, keď bude súhlasiť? Bude vôbec súhlasiť?
Túto knihu som mala možnosť čítať ako ARC. Už je vonku, tak ak máte radi plus-size hlavnú hrdinku a dudroša, ktorý namiesto pocitov chytá puk, šup do čítania!
Reading slump slumpoval ostošesť, takže toto je môj prvý dočítaný ARC v tomto mesiaci; po jednom DNF a druhom takom, čo tiež asi bude DNF – a k ostatným som sa ešte nedostala, lebo absolútne nemám náladu čítať. Možno aj to ovplyvnilo to, ako som vnímala túto knihu.
Mňo, neviem, aké mám z knihy pocity. Po dočítaní mi to takto spätne príde meh. Dobrý, ale nevyužitý potenciál. Celý charakter hlavnej hrdinky, Andie Moore, stál len na tom, že je tučná. Preto stratila kamošky, preto ju zástupkyňa riaditeľa odsudzovala a považovala za neschopnú, preto si myslí, že nemá u chlapov šancu… Do istej miery som sa vedela s hlavnou hrdinkou stotožniť, keďže som sama tučná a tá druhá vec, no potom mi začínala liezť na nervy. Bola taká nemastná, neslaná, plná protikladov. Najprv žiada svojho brata, aby sa k nej nesprával ako k decku a jej nadávky sú typu „Lentilky na narodeninovej torte!“ Síce má na to dôvod, ale veď aj malé deti už teraz škaredo nadávajú.
Noah Miller, hviezdny brankár bol tiež taký priemerný charakter. Depresie, panické ataky, občasné návaly zúrivosti… Všetko relevantné dôvody, prečo sa správal tak, ako sa správal, ale v knihe to bolo naozaj zle vykreslené.
Mentálne zdravie nie je sranda a treba s takýmito témami a záležitosťami pracovať opatrne.
ARC verzia knihy nemala epilóg, čo ma osobne dosť nahnevalo, tak ak si náhodou knihu prečítate na KU, či ako paper back, cvaknite mi ho, pls.
Túto knihu som mala možnosť čítať ako ARC. Už je vonku, tak ak máte radi plus-size hlavnú hrdinku a dudroša, ktorý namiesto pocitov chytá puk, šup do čítania!
Reading slump slumpoval ostošesť, takže toto je môj prvý dočítaný ARC v tomto mesiaci; po jednom DNF a druhom takom, čo tiež asi bude DNF – a k ostatným som sa ešte nedostala, lebo absolútne nemám náladu čítať. Možno aj to ovplyvnilo to, ako som vnímala túto knihu.
Mňo, neviem, aké mám z knihy pocity. Po dočítaní mi to takto spätne príde meh. Dobrý, ale nevyužitý potenciál. Celý charakter hlavnej hrdinky, Andie Moore, stál len na tom, že je tučná. Preto stratila kamošky, preto ju zástupkyňa riaditeľa odsudzovala a považovala za neschopnú, preto si myslí, že nemá u chlapov šancu… Do istej miery som sa vedela s hlavnou hrdinkou stotožniť, keďže som sama tučná a tá druhá vec, no potom mi začínala liezť na nervy. Bola taká nemastná, neslaná, plná protikladov. Najprv žiada svojho brata, aby sa k nej nesprával ako k decku a jej nadávky sú typu „Lentilky na narodeninovej torte!“ Síce má na to dôvod, ale veď aj malé deti už teraz škaredo nadávajú.
Noah Miller, hviezdny brankár bol tiež taký priemerný charakter. Depresie, panické ataky, občasné návaly zúrivosti… Všetko relevantné dôvody, prečo sa správal tak, ako sa správal, ale v knihe to bolo naozaj zle vykreslené.
Mentálne zdravie nie je sranda a treba s takýmito témami a záležitosťami pracovať opatrne.
ARC verzia knihy nemala epilóg, čo ma osobne dosť nahnevalo, tak ak si náhodou knihu prečítate na KU, či ako paper back, cvaknite mi ho, pls.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ 4.5 hearts for me
Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for the ARC!
This book surprised me in the best way.
At first glance it looks like a typical brother’s best friend & lessons in the bedroom romance, but it ended up being so much deeper than that. What really stood out to me was how real the emotional journeys felt.
Andie’s story hit hard. Watching her go from someone who spent years feeling unwanted and invisible to someone trying to reclaim her confidence and learn self-love was honestly painful and empowering at the same time. Her insecurities, especially around her body and the way people treated her before, felt painfully realistic.
Then there’s Noah. On the outside he’s this untouchable NHL goalie, the quiet, broody, tattooed type everyone assumes has everything together. But internally he’s dealing with depression and emotional numbness, and I really appreciated how that struggle was written. It didn’t feel exaggerated or romanticized. It just felt… human.
Their arrangement starts as something simple just practice, just physical, no emotions involved but of course it quickly becomes more complicated. What I liked was that their connection wasn’t only about attraction. It was about two people who are both hurting in different ways slowly finding comfort in each other.
The emotional tension was strong, and at times frustrating in that very realistic “why can’t you two just talk honestly” way. But when they do choose each other, it hits hard.
I also loved the side characters, they added warmth and humor that balanced out the heavier emotional themes.
And Noah’s parents? Yeah… straight to the villain list.
Overall this was an emotional, angsty romance about healing, self-worth, and learning to accept love when you don’t think you deserve it.
Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for the ARC!
This book surprised me in the best way.
At first glance it looks like a typical brother’s best friend & lessons in the bedroom romance, but it ended up being so much deeper than that. What really stood out to me was how real the emotional journeys felt.
Andie’s story hit hard. Watching her go from someone who spent years feeling unwanted and invisible to someone trying to reclaim her confidence and learn self-love was honestly painful and empowering at the same time. Her insecurities, especially around her body and the way people treated her before, felt painfully realistic.
Then there’s Noah. On the outside he’s this untouchable NHL goalie, the quiet, broody, tattooed type everyone assumes has everything together. But internally he’s dealing with depression and emotional numbness, and I really appreciated how that struggle was written. It didn’t feel exaggerated or romanticized. It just felt… human.
Their arrangement starts as something simple just practice, just physical, no emotions involved but of course it quickly becomes more complicated. What I liked was that their connection wasn’t only about attraction. It was about two people who are both hurting in different ways slowly finding comfort in each other.
The emotional tension was strong, and at times frustrating in that very realistic “why can’t you two just talk honestly” way. But when they do choose each other, it hits hard.
I also loved the side characters, they added warmth and humor that balanced out the heavier emotional themes.
And Noah’s parents? Yeah… straight to the villain list.
Overall this was an emotional, angsty romance about healing, self-worth, and learning to accept love when you don’t think you deserve it.
May 3, 2026
My first Myra Bloom book and I was really excited to read this. Hockey romance, virgin and plus size FMC, a protective and broody MMC who falls for his best friend’s sister— like yes please! Sign me up! Overall it was a cute book. Low angst, sweet moments, spicy in all the right ways, and even a little thrilling.
Andie is the super sweet, heart of gold, virgin FMC who has truly been through society’s bashing of being overweight. Myra does a good job at portraying the looks people give and how hard dating really is as a curvy woman (here, and proud of it!). She is a second grade teacher and truly has a passion for teaching. I loved that Andie had a secret obsession (in a good way!) with Noah, even before she really got to know him. Noah is the broody, sometimes grumpy, very “you are mine” kind of guy and I am here for it! He has had heart eyes for Andie from the first time he saw her, and even though he didn’t want to get involved because of his past, their instant connection and attraction made that hard to escape. Andie may not cuss (which was a little weird for me, but to each their own), but she definitely has her freak in the sheets side come out when she’s with Noah. And I love that he makes her comfortable in her own skin enough to own that. These two weren’t always up, and it was mainly on Noah not wanting his past to cross over with his present. But when he finds out that she’s the calming presence he needs, he can’t help but stay away.
Did it hit at all times? Eh, not as hard as others. But it definitely had its really good parts about half way through, and then at the end. It was enough that I am glad I finished.
It is the second book in the series, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from the first. Myra doesn’t great job at making this a true standalone.
3.5 stars and rounded up.
This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
Andie is the super sweet, heart of gold, virgin FMC who has truly been through society’s bashing of being overweight. Myra does a good job at portraying the looks people give and how hard dating really is as a curvy woman (here, and proud of it!). She is a second grade teacher and truly has a passion for teaching. I loved that Andie had a secret obsession (in a good way!) with Noah, even before she really got to know him. Noah is the broody, sometimes grumpy, very “you are mine” kind of guy and I am here for it! He has had heart eyes for Andie from the first time he saw her, and even though he didn’t want to get involved because of his past, their instant connection and attraction made that hard to escape. Andie may not cuss (which was a little weird for me, but to each their own), but she definitely has her freak in the sheets side come out when she’s with Noah. And I love that he makes her comfortable in her own skin enough to own that. These two weren’t always up, and it was mainly on Noah not wanting his past to cross over with his present. But when he finds out that she’s the calming presence he needs, he can’t help but stay away.
Did it hit at all times? Eh, not as hard as others. But it definitely had its really good parts about half way through, and then at the end. It was enough that I am glad I finished.
It is the second book in the series, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from the first. Myra doesn’t great job at making this a true standalone.
3.5 stars and rounded up.
This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
April 30, 2026
2 stars
I really wanted to enjoy this book. It’s a brother’s best friend, hockey romance, two of my favorite tropes. However, this was rough to finish. The FMC is a plus size elementary teacher who has suffered from bullying about her weight. The MMC is a depressed NHL hockey goalie who has unknowingly been pining over the FMC for years.
Here were some of the issues:
-The FMC is described as plus size, yet her actual size is not mentioned. I have absolutely no issue with a plus size character. It was actually another perk of the story for me. However, her actual size was never mentioned. Is she a plus size woman at a size 16 or 24? More? It helps visualize the character and her bullying struggles when you can picture the physical traits of the character.
-The FMC doesn’t curse and is often startled and instead of cursing she says what I’m guessing is supposed to be endearing sayings. It’s not endearing, it’s a lot. Also the frequency of these sayings is too much. Some examples: “nuts on an apple pie!”, “crappy snackers!”, “crappers on a cracker,” “choco cookies in a sundae!”, “cream on a fudge cake!” “chocolate on a pie!” “nuts on a cracker” and several more.
-The cat. It wasn’t needed, it didn’t add to the story.
-The MMC is described as having tattoos. His tattoos are covering up scars from his abusive childhood. The tattoos themselves are not described. Again, being able to picture the main characters sets the story and keeps the reader engaged.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. It’s a brother’s best friend, hockey romance, two of my favorite tropes. However, this was rough to finish. The FMC is a plus size elementary teacher who has suffered from bullying about her weight. The MMC is a depressed NHL hockey goalie who has unknowingly been pining over the FMC for years.
Here were some of the issues:
-The FMC is described as plus size, yet her actual size is not mentioned. I have absolutely no issue with a plus size character. It was actually another perk of the story for me. However, her actual size was never mentioned. Is she a plus size woman at a size 16 or 24? More? It helps visualize the character and her bullying struggles when you can picture the physical traits of the character.
-The FMC doesn’t curse and is often startled and instead of cursing she says what I’m guessing is supposed to be endearing sayings. It’s not endearing, it’s a lot. Also the frequency of these sayings is too much. Some examples: “nuts on an apple pie!”, “crappy snackers!”, “crappers on a cracker,” “choco cookies in a sundae!”, “cream on a fudge cake!” “chocolate on a pie!” “nuts on a cracker” and several more.
-The cat. It wasn’t needed, it didn’t add to the story.
-The MMC is described as having tattoos. His tattoos are covering up scars from his abusive childhood. The tattoos themselves are not described. Again, being able to picture the main characters sets the story and keeps the reader engaged.
May 14, 2026
This story transcends the typical hockey romance; it dives deep into how two individuals, each shaped by their own struggles, can illuminate the path for one another out of darkness.
Noah embodies the classic "broody" hero, yet Myra Bloom infuses him with remarkable depth. His past traumas and ongoing fight against anxiety and night terrors are portrayed with sensitivity. Witnessing a man who believes he’s “unlovable” discover his worthiness of a safe haven is both heart-wrenching and beautifully uplifting.
Andie is a character many readers will relate to. Her journey through body shaming and the loss of friendships due to her evolving appearance is depicted with raw honesty. Her bold "physical-only" proposal to Noah, driven by a desire to reclaim her confidence, sets the stage for a connection that blossoms into something far deeper than mere lessons.
Character development takes center stage here. Noah doesn’t simply "fix" Andie; he reflects her beauty back to her until she recognizes it herself. In turn, Andie offers the unwavering, unconditional love that Noah lacked from his parents.
The "Brother’s Best Friend" dynamic injects just the right amount of tension. The allure of their forbidden relationship—knowing her brother Ezra is the team captain and Noah's best friend—keeps the pages turning.
Bloom skillfully navigates profound themes such as mental health, physical abuse, and self-worth with a gentle touch. She masterfully balances moments of "spice" and "turmoil" with genuine healing, creating a narrative that resonates deeply. I think she did and amazing job with their story and I really enjoyed every moment.
Noah embodies the classic "broody" hero, yet Myra Bloom infuses him with remarkable depth. His past traumas and ongoing fight against anxiety and night terrors are portrayed with sensitivity. Witnessing a man who believes he’s “unlovable” discover his worthiness of a safe haven is both heart-wrenching and beautifully uplifting.
Andie is a character many readers will relate to. Her journey through body shaming and the loss of friendships due to her evolving appearance is depicted with raw honesty. Her bold "physical-only" proposal to Noah, driven by a desire to reclaim her confidence, sets the stage for a connection that blossoms into something far deeper than mere lessons.
Character development takes center stage here. Noah doesn’t simply "fix" Andie; he reflects her beauty back to her until she recognizes it herself. In turn, Andie offers the unwavering, unconditional love that Noah lacked from his parents.
The "Brother’s Best Friend" dynamic injects just the right amount of tension. The allure of their forbidden relationship—knowing her brother Ezra is the team captain and Noah's best friend—keeps the pages turning.
Bloom skillfully navigates profound themes such as mental health, physical abuse, and self-worth with a gentle touch. She masterfully balances moments of "spice" and "turmoil" with genuine healing, creating a narrative that resonates deeply. I think she did and amazing job with their story and I really enjoyed every moment.
April 24, 2026
Cross over
Noah and Andie have my heart!
This book was everything, personally being a plus size woman I can relate to Andie and the struggles that comes with being not “the norm”. I also can personally relate to Noah with the struggles of mental health, past trauma and expressing emotions.
This book hit on so many situations that we deal with in everyday life. It was written so well. One minute I was laughing, giggling, sad, mad , crying, sympathizing, blushing and hoping. When you feel all these feelings you know it’s too good.
Andie is a young, vibrant, beautiful, smart, sweet loving woman who is Noah’s best friend’s little sister whom is off limits.
Noah, is the tough broody, not easily exited, deep down sweet hockey player who happens to be Andies older brother’s best friend.
They end up being friends with benefits he is to teach her spicy lessons but one thing turns into another and they end up learning about love and admiration and they are just drawn to one another a deep bond underneath it all. It turns out there each other’s one true love!
The way they over come the obstacles thrown at them and always find their way back to each other will have your heart leaping. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next.
⭐️/5 loved it
🌶️/ 3 the mouth on him…. Hot!
💜/ 4( personal rating) the heartfelt moments in this book.
Noah and Andie have my heart!
This book was everything, personally being a plus size woman I can relate to Andie and the struggles that comes with being not “the norm”. I also can personally relate to Noah with the struggles of mental health, past trauma and expressing emotions.
This book hit on so many situations that we deal with in everyday life. It was written so well. One minute I was laughing, giggling, sad, mad , crying, sympathizing, blushing and hoping. When you feel all these feelings you know it’s too good.
Andie is a young, vibrant, beautiful, smart, sweet loving woman who is Noah’s best friend’s little sister whom is off limits.
Noah, is the tough broody, not easily exited, deep down sweet hockey player who happens to be Andies older brother’s best friend.
They end up being friends with benefits he is to teach her spicy lessons but one thing turns into another and they end up learning about love and admiration and they are just drawn to one another a deep bond underneath it all. It turns out there each other’s one true love!
The way they over come the obstacles thrown at them and always find their way back to each other will have your heart leaping. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next.
⭐️/5 loved it
🌶️/ 3 the mouth on him…. Hot!
💜/ 4( personal rating) the heartfelt moments in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This was one of those reads that pulled me in like a late night conversation you don’t want to end… and yet, somehow, it finished before I was ready to.
Andie’s journey toward self-worth felt raw in a way that lingered. Her voice carried both sharp humor and quiet ache, and I liked how her growth wasn’t polished into perfection. Noah, on the other hand, had that brooding, storm-cloud presence that romance readers tend to gravitate toward, but what surprised me most was the softness tucked underneath all that gray. Their dynamic had heat, yes, but also a vulnerability that made the connection feel more than just physical.
The pacing worked for me for most of the story, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their walls crack, piece by piece. There’s a particular kind of tension here that simmers rather than explodes, and when it finally does spill over, it’s satisfying.
That said, by the time I turned the last page, I found myself hovering in that strange in-between space… like reaching the end of a song only to realize the final note wasn't expected.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the characters stayed with me, which always counts for something. I just wish the ending had settled a little more firmly, instead of drifting off like a promise half-whispered.
This was one of those reads that pulled me in like a late night conversation you don’t want to end… and yet, somehow, it finished before I was ready to.
Andie’s journey toward self-worth felt raw in a way that lingered. Her voice carried both sharp humor and quiet ache, and I liked how her growth wasn’t polished into perfection. Noah, on the other hand, had that brooding, storm-cloud presence that romance readers tend to gravitate toward, but what surprised me most was the softness tucked underneath all that gray. Their dynamic had heat, yes, but also a vulnerability that made the connection feel more than just physical.
The pacing worked for me for most of the story, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their walls crack, piece by piece. There’s a particular kind of tension here that simmers rather than explodes, and when it finally does spill over, it’s satisfying.
That said, by the time I turned the last page, I found myself hovering in that strange in-between space… like reaching the end of a song only to realize the final note wasn't expected.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the characters stayed with me, which always counts for something. I just wish the ending had settled a little more firmly, instead of drifting off like a promise half-whispered.
May 9, 2026
3.5
I was super excited to continue on with the Boston Bandits. I loved Sweep Stakes and the plot twist in that one had me speechless.
I finished the whole book, because I can't DNF and I did enjoy the read but there was just a few parts that just didn't do it for me.
What I loved: I loved that concept of the "spicy lessons" and the spicy scene were very well written.
I loved that they both had internal battles that they were not comfortable sharing. Also the suspense storyline within this too was a great concept.
What I didn't love so much: I felt that the MMC was almost pressured into being the one to take her virginity. There wasn't a lot of feelings shown from the MMC to the FMC. There wasn't a lot of development at the beginning to show that it kinds just took off. Which isn't a negative, it just didn't have an emotional impact. I love a plus size rep and I feel like maybe half of the parts that spent time on this internal struggle was relatable but there were a few times that just made it seem too far fetched and not so believable.
I think you should still give this book a try especially if you read Sweep Stakes because there is more of Ezra and Kaeli.
Thank you Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
I was super excited to continue on with the Boston Bandits. I loved Sweep Stakes and the plot twist in that one had me speechless.
I finished the whole book, because I can't DNF and I did enjoy the read but there was just a few parts that just didn't do it for me.
What I loved: I loved that concept of the "spicy lessons" and the spicy scene were very well written.
I loved that they both had internal battles that they were not comfortable sharing. Also the suspense storyline within this too was a great concept.
What I didn't love so much: I felt that the MMC was almost pressured into being the one to take her virginity. There wasn't a lot of feelings shown from the MMC to the FMC. There wasn't a lot of development at the beginning to show that it kinds just took off. Which isn't a negative, it just didn't have an emotional impact. I love a plus size rep and I feel like maybe half of the parts that spent time on this internal struggle was relatable but there were a few times that just made it seem too far fetched and not so believable.
I think you should still give this book a try especially if you read Sweep Stakes because there is more of Ezra and Kaeli.
Thank you Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
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