Crossing The Line

by Misty Moore

Sutton Webb swore she’d never give her ex-boyfriend another chance.But the hotshot hockey captain knows how to push all her buttons... and when they’re not at each other’s throats, they’re in each other’s arms. But she still can’t escape the suspicions of infidelity which broke her heart—and their relationship—in their junior year.

Declan is everything she craves and everything that drives her mad, all rolled into one. But he’s hiding a big secret. He tells himself it’s to avoid ruining things with her. But the truth always comes out.

And when it does, it will reopen old wounds that never fully healed. Caught between his hockey career, his family’s overbearing demands, and the fiery woman he’s come to love, can Declan find a way to follow his passion and his heart? And will Sutton discover what really happened in their junior year?

Gear up for a sweet & spicy sports romance series that will sweep you away with a steamy mix of forced proximity, second chances, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

Genres: Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

I really enjoyed this book. The writing style is a little different compared to other books I’ve read. I do wish they were longer books.

[Ashley Egipciaco]

I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review.

Close Quarters - Prequel

First, I love the women's hockey team representation. You can feel the spark between them right away. A simple miscommunication separated them freshman year, but could this be their second chance? Looking forward to seeing what happens in "Crossing the Line Part 1."


Part 1

As Sutton and Declan start to rebuild, he has the added stress from his dad and doesn't know how to tell her. I loved how Declan is really trying to do it right this time. Sutton is still drawing her own conclusions from what she hears from his dad, which is causing their first speed bump. The plot is moving at the perfect pace, and I love how they are broken up into smaller parts for added suspense.

[Keisha Foon · Rating 4 out of 5]

*APPROVED ADVANCED READING COPY BY AUTHOR*

Before reading this book - I HIGHLY recommend reading the prequel. It does help fill in some plot points.


So I came across this author while going through books that I knew I wanted to finish. Her writing style is very different from what I normally read considering she does very short books over a time period of the series so it was very much an adjustment for a reader who likes to read everything in a single book. With that being said, I did really enjoy the book. I did feel like even though I read the prequel - there are some things that are a bit missing from the background, how they met what kind of relationship when they were together originally? I do know this is book one so I am highly anticipating book 2 to see a lot more from the light about them, especially communication because Declan is driving me up the wall!

Overall - I think the plot is very cute. I love a good hockey romance, where the father is pushing the hockey player, but doesn’t really know him as a son and the female lead interest is helping him realize that life is not about hockey.

Storyline wise- I am wondering more, which will lead me to read more of the series which is kind of smart for the author in these types of short story for a series types of books. There is a big cliffhanger where I read it and I was like I need the second book now.

Characters: both leads have really big chips off of their shoulders so they are slightly insufferable. One of them is getting better at it and the other one sucks at communication so I’m excited to see how they grow.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 out of 10

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘛𝘰𝘰 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘦

🏒 x 🥅 Hockey Player x Hockey Player
🎓 College Campus
📚 Senior Year
🔁 Second Chance Romance
🚪 Boy Next Door (in the same house!)
❤️‍🔥 Jealousy
🤫 Secrets

This story takes place immediately after the novella “Close Quarters” which serves as a prequel to the whole Avalon Wolves Series. We follow Declan and Sutton as they navigate their new (again) relationship and the pressures of figuring out senior year and their plans thereafter. I’m not going to lie Sutton is really starting to get to me in this one. The conflicts are too juvenile for my taste and I can kind of understand why Declan is hesitant to communicate, even though that probably was not the author’s intention. Hopefully it will pick up in the next one! One thing I do appreciate is how easy these are to read and that they are bite sized books that make for the perfect palette cleansers.

"Declan is everything she craves and everything that drives her mad, all rolled into one. But he’s hiding a big secret. He tells himself it’s to avoid ruining things with her. But the truth always comes out.”

“Crossing the Line” is Book One in The Avalone Wolves series by Misty Moore and is out March 10! Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨

Rated MA for Spice 🌶️

[Gina Blades · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 1🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 CROSSING THE LINE 📖 by Misty Moore✨ This is book 1 of a 6-book continuous story in the Avalon Wolves college hockey 🏒 series. Each book (more like a novella) is less than 100 pages, and leads into the next.

Sutton Webb thought that her boyfriend, campus hockey god Declan Hayes, cheated on her during freshman year but he just never corrected her. Now, 2 years later, with mold in her dorm and no place to live, she’s forced to stay with Declan at the hockey house. Declan finally tells her he didn’t cheat, and Sutton gives him a second chance, but he’s keeping another secret. They are young, and have a LOT of miscommunication to work on. There’s tension, and things trying to break them apart.

It ends on a cliffhanger, and I want to know what happens next in book 2.

Sutton is supposed to be on the women’s hockey team but other than practice, there’s no mention of games or scores, or him watching her play. Yet she goes to his games. The whole focus is on the men and their games, so it’s discouraging, and confusing why that’s part of the storyline.

❤️ He washes her hair
❤️ Look at me 👀

Read this if you like:
*College hockey romance
*Second chance romance
*Forced proximity
*Jealousy
*Secrets

Thank you to Misty Moore for the gifted ARC!

[Kelsey | KLS Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossing the Line is a college hockey romance that ends on a cliffhanger. While I like Sutton and Declan, there is so much to their story than what's in this book. What really bothered me about the story was how Declan's father treated his son and Sutton. He seemed like a helicopter parent always aware of what their child was doing. Even though Declan is in college, his future seems to be set for him due to his dad. Sutton tries to communicate with him because he seems to be pulling away from her. Despite her best efforts, he doesn't share with what's going on. When it comes to their relationship, it seems very fragile and surface level.

Overall, Crossing the Line does cross the line when it comes to Declan's dad being a controlling figure in Declan's life. While there are parts of it that I wasn't necessarily fond of, it is still a good hockey romance and it does explore the pressures that players face, especially when it comes to being selected for the pro leagues.

When it comes to who I would recommend this book to, I would recommend it to readers who enjoy short reads. This is a 78 page book and can be read in a day. I also recommend it to readers who enjoy spicy college hockey romances.

Thank you to the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Karlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced readers copy from the author.

This was short and left on a cliffhanger. Definitely have to read part 2!

Sutton Webb swore she'd never give her ex-boyfriend another chance. But the hotshot hockey captain knows how to push all her buttons... and when they're not at each other's throats, they're in each other's arms. But she still can't escape the suspicions of infidelity which broke her heart-and their relationship-in their junior year. Declan is everything she craves and everything that drives her mad, all rolled into one.

But he's hiding a big secret. He tells himself it's to avoid ruining things with her. But the truth always comes out. And when it does, it will reopen old wounds that never fully healed. Caught between his hockey career, his family's overbearing demands, and the fiery woman he's come to love, can Declan find a way to follow his passion and his heart? And will Sutton discover what really happened in their junior year?

Gear up for a sweet & spicy sports romance series that will sweep you away with a steamy mix of forced proximity, second chances, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

[Sarah Putrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review.

This was definitely the shortest novella I've ever read and ends on a cliffhanger. I think it would have just been easier to combine book one and two.

The book is about Sutton and Declan who used to date back two years ago but because of a misunderstanding and lack of communication they broke up. Sutton has to stay in the same dorms with the hockey guys since hers had something wrong with it. She plays hockey as well. Sutton and Declan end up reconciling what happened in the past, admit they still have feelings for each other, agree to communicate properly and start dating again.

I do like Sutton and Declan together and I can see the potential there but Declan promised to communicate then goes right back into doing the opposite. I feel like they made little progress in growth from two years ago. At the moment I'm definitely frustrated with them both with not trying to communicate. Sutton should have asked questions before storming off at the end as well.

I do enjoy a good hockey romance and this did have its sweet moments. I hope a lot turns around in book two and I'll be there for it.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review.

This was a whole romance wrapped up in a novella. Honestly, it was pretty fleshed out. The beginning felt like a season opener episode to catch you up to where the story is now.

I was thrown by how they got back together and promised to communicate this time around, but when it came to Declan's knowledge of the West Coast scouts coming, he chose to lie by omission. He spoke aggressively and immaturely to Sutton which was infuriating because he urged her to talk it out when she was upset. True for me, not for thee.

The conversations Declan was having with his dad felt the same each time. I had to look at the page count to make sure I didn't accidentally go backwards. I respect that while he does avoid telling Sutton about his potential future, he does push back against his dad. He's not a complete doormat the way the typical sports romance MC tends to be.

I'm interested to see what happens next!

[Alix Bliffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great quick read. Two college students who are trying to be together again after a misunderstanding in their freshman year.

Declan has a huge secret he is keeping from Sutton - telling himself it won't hurt her but just add stress they shouldn't have to deal with.

Sutton knows Declan is hiding something she can tell he is stressed out but he won't talk to her.

There is just enough in this short read that it leaves you wanting to know what happens between Sutton and Declan. This is book 1 in the series. There is a prequel book that should be read to give a better understanding of what happened between them before they reconnected. I honestly can't wait to read the next installment.

I do wish these were a solid book but I like the fun in having individual stories for each stage of their relationship.

Thank you Misty Moore for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

[Toni Marquis (cognac.chapters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.

After reading the prequel, Close Quarters, I’m was rooting for Declan and Sutton. I’m such a sucker for a good Hockey romance and this story is filled with my favorite things: love and drama! Declan and Sutton once dated their freshman year of college and broke up due to a misunderstanding. Now in their senior year, the lovebirds are reunited but life is about to get very real and pull these 2 in different directions.

Both Sutton and Declan are hockey players for their school’s teams. Sutton enjoys hockey but it’s not her end goal. Whereas, Declan’s dream is to play hockey professionally. Or is it his dad’s dream? These 2 kind of worked my nerve with the declaration of let’s be better this time around and communicate while doing the complete opposite! Looking forward to see where book 2 leads them.

[Makenna McNaughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel love rating this novellete series is going to be a bit hard for me. Each book is less than 80 pages, so you're only getting tiny bits of a bigger story. I definitely wish it was all just 1 book, but unfortunately it's not. With that being said, the first installment is a bit clichéd but still an easy read. At the beginning there's moments where you just get told the Sutton and Declans history instead of getting to read and experience it yourself. I think that would've been a great chance to do flashbacks or something to that extent instead of just being told bluntly their backstory asks l and history. So far the story plays out exactly as you would expect it, which is the only reason I say its a bit clichéd. Hopefully in book 2 you get more detailed history or twists. On to novellete #2!
Thank you to Misty Moore for letting me snag an ARC copy to read and review.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review!

I am new at reviewing but here goes! I highly recommend you read the prequel Close Quarters to fill in some back story!

Sutton and Declan are both college hockey players who have a past together (freshman year of college) and decided after 2 years apart that they were end game. I love how they both have grown up over the years they were separated.

After a pre-game dinner on parents weekend, the first game of the season starts with all adrenaline and wins until Sutton overhears Declan's Dad hints that Declan is going pro! But has Declan talked to Sutton about the future? Not yet!

I truly excited to see how this story continues! I am honored to be able to read this as an advanced reader!

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sutton and Declan have finally found their way back to each other and seem to be in a much better place. They’re trying to work through their worries and be better for one another. Communication has always been an issue for them, and even though they say they’re talking things through now, it’s clear they still struggle with it.

Declan is dealing with a lot of stress and worrying about his future, and Sutton can tell something isn’t right even if he refuses to open up about it.

This was a short, fast-paced read that kept me hooked the whole time. Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger, which immediately makes you want the next book. I received this as an ARC and couldn’t wait to dive in, especially since I love a good hockey romance.

[Angee Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the series, and it starts right where book 3 left off with Sutton debating Declan’s father’s offer of money and her dream job if she leaves Declan so he can focus on his pro hockey career. She finally comes clean with Declan about the offer. Declan defends his relationship with Sutton and defies his father. However, Sutton makes decisions behind Declan’s back that could affect both of them. This is a very short read and really, nothing is settled by the end of the book. Will they or won’t they? And even if they do, will they last? The characters are okay. The story is ok. It’s just a little frustrating that they really didn’t make any headway with their decisions in this book.

[Destiny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely pulled into Crossing the Line by Misty Moore. Sutton and Declan have that kind of love that never really fades, even when it’s bruised by misunderstandings and secrets. Their banter, chemistry, and lingering heartbreak made every scene feel intense and emotional. I loved watching them struggle between holding onto the past and fighting for a future together, especially with the added pressure of Declan’s hockey career and family expectations. Even when thingIs seemed ready to fall apart again, I couldn’t stop rooting for them. I’m so invested in their story and can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review.

[Sheri Jelinek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free and this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this hockey romance book and can’t wait for the next in the series. It is left on a cliffhanger with not knowing what is next for Sutton and Declan after betrayal once again creeps into their relationship. I am anxious to see if they can overcome this and move forward and both achieve their dreams and still be together. I do recommend reading the prequel that the author offers by joining her email list as it really gives the insight into how their story began two years prior to where this book starts.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review.

Such a cute story. Declan and Sutton are forced back into each other’s lives and end up getting a second chance at love. Their path is not easy. There are plenty of meddling characters trying to pull them apart, which keeps the story fun. It is light, a little spicy, and a quick, entertaining read.

My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book. I wanted more by the end, which is honestly a good problem to have.

If you are in the mood for a light hockey romance, which is very on trend right now, this one is worth picking up.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review The Avalon Wolves book 1
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
A new novella will be released 1 week apart from the previous.
Sutton - FMC, hockey girl, unexpectedly nneded to move into an ex's hockey gods house. ❤️ F hockey representation.
Declan - MMC, the ex hockey player
What secret are you keeping Declan???
The family pressure!
Who does dad have on the inside?
Self-sabotage?
One can't expect communication when they don't reciprocate.
Dad trying to live his desired life through the child??
Sutton, can you help Declan realize there is life after college hockey??? Where's his spark? Joy? Love of the game??

[Reece Andriese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this as an arc reader! I’m so thankful to misty for being a part of her arc team for crossing the line. This is book one and I’m so looking forward to book two! I love Declan and Sutton’s story. I love how they are with one another. I can’t wait to see how things are going to go for them. I need book two already lol. And yes there is some steamy moments for those wondering. Crossing the line is a college hockey romance and a second chance romance as well. It is a short read so it’s perfect to get you out of a reading slump and back into the reading realm. Sometime we just need a short, fun steamy read!

[Manda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I READ the prequel, Close Quarters, last month and had such high hopes for this. Close Quarters was only 58 pages and I thought this was going to be a full length novel, or even a novella, but it was only 78 pages. It seemed like everything in it was based on Declan and Sutton’s insecurities and it didn’t really go anywhere. There was some spicy, but it wasn’t anything too great. While I’m curious to see how everything works out between Declan and Sutton, I don’t think I will be continuing in the series. If all of the books are like this, they could have been combined and blended into a full series.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was more intense than I was expecting for a shorter read. I was immediately hooked and had to keep reading to know what was going to happen to Declan and Sutton. And now I need Book Two. I must know where this goes! I really felt for Sutton through this whole book. She didn’t deserve all this. Declan needs to pull his head out of his butt and talk to her. He should have talked to her already. Granted he doesn’t deserve the treatment he’s getting from his dad but still. I just want them to talk! But all in all this was a good short read that has me chomping at the bit to read the next book. Please let this work out for Declan and Sutton!

[Norahsbookworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quick Hockey Romance That Ends with a Bang

ARC Review
No spoilers

This was such a sweet and emotional hockey romance. Declan and Sutton felt incredibly real as they navigate love, family pressure, and the uncertainty of life after college. Watching Sutton stand by Declan when things get difficult shows just how strong their connection is.
Their story is full of heart, a little angst, and the kind of relationship you can’t help rooting for. It’s a quick, enjoyable read that ends on a cliffhanger, and now I’m definitely eager to see what happens next for them.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Erica Wagenblast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review.

This book brought me back to college days although I didnt play sports but the spicy relationship and drama for that age setting was fantastic! I highly recommend reading the prequel Close Quarters to get a full history of Declan and Sutton. Definitely has a cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the next book! If you want a short but very juicy and spicy book this is the one for you! This was my first sports Romace book and first for Second chance love and I highly enjoyed every minute of it.

[Missy curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two hockey players try a second time to make a go of their relationship after a misunderstanding ended them the first time. Declan’s dad puts pressure on him to go pro and is living vicariously thru his son. Sutton knows her hockey career ends with college as she wants to stay In Boston and work in forensics. They haven’t really talks about what happens after college. Some college jealousy and miscommunication or lack of communication ends this one on a cliffhanger. Is Declan hiding things from Sutton again? Did she make a mistake giving him another chance? Awaiting book 2!!!

[Alexis H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is pretty much your typical college hockey romance but tbh, I’ll read them all 😄 I would also say this is definitely more of a novella as opposed to a full on novel that’s just being released in parts. Because of that, each part/book isn’t super detailed but just enough where I do still feel like I’m getting enough of a story and am genuinely engaged with the characters & their relationship.

Can’t wait for book 2!

[Tianna Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was book was going ti be short and part of a many book series. With that being said a lot happened within this short read. Former lovers who ended up living together are back together and navigating what that looks like now. They both pay hockey in college, she says it’s for fun and she’s done after this year. He says hockey is life and has dreams of playing pro, he is also under a lot of pressure from Dad. I’m curious to see how this story continues in the next parts to come.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series about Declan and Sutton. They had a relationship freshman year that ended badly and in the prequel you learn that she has to move into the hockey house with Declan once her door becomes unavailable. They finally get back together to find out that they may be separated once he goes pro. This book is where you see their dynamic and get to know how their history plays into the relationship. It ends with another issue so I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Sarah Gormong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, spicy-ish college theme hockey romance.
Sutton and Declan dated their freshman year, but broke up after several months.
Now that they are seniors, a housing issue brings them together again. They realize the feelings are still there and are able to communicate more maturely.
However, life after college is leaving Declan confused about how Sutton will fit into his plans.
I’m ready for book 2!!

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossing The Line is a sweet, emotional, second-chance hockey romance. This novella features Sutton and Declan, who have just found their way back to one another. But their happiness is short-lived because of more secrets. If you’re looking for a quick binge that leaves you wanting more—because there is a cliffhanger—this is it!

I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.