No Matter What, Fight For Us

by Astrid Whispers

He’s the distraction she never saw coming.
She’s the healing he needs.

Chase

When I think about returning to hockey, the death of my best friend and brother overshadows the rink. It’s impossible to move forward when all I have are questions.

Desperate for answers, I bring someone in to find out what really happened, all while trying to keep my pain and secrets hidden from everyone around me.

Until her.

Erin Callahan is beautifully broken in ways I can’t place—and completely irresistible. She makes me believe I don’t have to pay for the sins of my past.

But the thing is… I’m not so sure she’s right.

Erin

My survival strategy has always been to keep people out. But then I meet Chase Harper, who has every intention of getting to know me. He smiles at me like I’m his anchor, breaks through every wall I’ve built, and pulls me dangerously close to lines I swore I’d never cross.

When old demons resurface, I have no choice but to face them head-on. It’s not so simple when my mother’s lingering voice refuses to let me forget that letting someone in is a dangerous mistake.

As time passes and truths come to light, it’s clear what Chase and I share runs deeper than just a connection.

But the thing is… it may be more than either of us can handle.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Romance

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

Astrid writes slow burn love, hidden truths, and complicated hearts. Even when the path isn’t easy, love finds a way - one backward cap at a time.

When not writing in her cozy cave, you can find her diving into a good romance book, watching a hockey game, indulging in nachos, or sipping on a cup of coffee in one of her many bookish mugs.

Much like her characters Astrid believes in the power of love, the beauty of connection, and the magic that can happen when two hearts that belong together find each other.



Reviews

[Koisty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Jelly Tots Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5

So this was sweet. But I think what anybody needs to know going into this is that it’s not going to fit into the traditional norms of what you’re expecting... as it's not a fluffy rom-com or typical hockey romance.

He made me permanent before the words were ever spoken. Before I was ready. Before I understood. Before I knew. Before he was sure I’d stay. A silent promise to be here. He chose me. And I chose him right back.

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
This follows Chase and Erin and starts off on a pretty brutal prologue where Erin endures an incredibly emotionally abusive mother, and then, at eight years old, witnesses her dad being murdered. She eventually ends up in foster care, and because of that, she’s left with a very deep fear of men and of letting new people into her life. Then we have Chase, who is a professional hockey player struggling after losing three of the most important people in his life… his best friend, his brother, and his father… all on the same day. That grief is completely impacting his life and his ability to get back on the ice. Spontaneously, one night, Erin and Chase meet in a bar while they’re both out with friends who are now dating, so they’re kind of forced together. But very quickly, they form this deep connection built on trust and understanding. However, Erin isn’t ready for a relationship, so they decide to just be friends, be there for each other, and see where things go...

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Now, yes, this is technically a hockey romance… but that’s not really the main plot. As I said in the start, if you’re used to reading a fluffy contemporary hockey romance, this is not the same. This is a lot deeper, a lot more emotionally driven, and very much focused on the characters rather than just the love story.

These two kind of become a couple quite quickly, and then it’s everything around them that drives the story. There’s also this almost "light thriller" element running through it, which I didn’t expect. It’s part of the plot, but not strong enough to fully define the book; it just kind of sits there in the background.

I did find that at times that the book felt a little bit slow. I can understand the intention when you look at the bigger picture, but while reading, I did have moments where I wasn’t really sure where the story was going. Was it about their relationship? Was it about figuring out what happened with her dad? It felt like it moved between a few directions before it all came together.

What I will say is that this was beautifully written, and it really focuses on the emotional journey of trauma and grief. It’s not about fixing each other; it’s about having someone there while you’re working through it and learning how to move forward with that weight.

Chase… I mean… this man is unreal
He is so emotionally intelligent, thoughtful, patient, constantly checking in, respecting boundaries… like to the point where you’re like, no man is this perfect. But I did like that this is balanced with his own trauma and the guilt he carries, because otherwise I think he would have felt too unrealistic.

Erin is a lot more closed off, insecure, and cautious about letting people in, which makes complete sense. I did feel her age come through at times, though, because she could feel a little immature, especially compared to Chase’s level of emotional maturity.

Then we have the spice… it’s one of those where you’re waiting for it, and its EXCEPTIONALLY SLOW but when it hits, it hits really well.

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Small Town Romance
▶ Strangers to Lovers
▶ Hockey Romance
▶ Age Gap
▶ He Falls First
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Found Family
▶ Dual POV

and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Virgin FMC
▷ Potato Sack Over Shoulder
▷ Under Table Touching
▷ Chin Lift
▷ Hockey Jersey "Heat"
▷ Mental Health Rep
▷ "It Won't Fit", "More", "Tell Me To Stop", "Don't Stop", "Fuck It", "Mine"
▷ Good Girl
▷ Gets a Tattoo for Her

Overall, this isn’t going to be for everyone. If you’re looking for something light and fluffy, this probably won’t fully land. But if you enjoy deep, emotional, character-driven stories about healing and growth, this will definitely work for you.

Astrid Whispers has definitely piqued my interest, though, and I’d be curious to see what else she writes.

I received this book as a gifted copy from Astrid Whispers, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. I was not expecting that to happen.. I love the MMC and FMC.. I hope there is more story’s about them coming soon

[Briana smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Wow. Wow wow wow. This was so devastating beautiful. 😭😭 this was a rollercoaster of emotions I did not know how to handle. The twists and turns...I felt blindsided and hurt myself. This was so well written I am just in awe!

We have our beautiful broken fmc Erin who has gone through it all. I truly wanted to just be this girls friend, be there for her and listen. Growing up not having much family and creating a wall for men so she wouldnt feel like someone she has nightmares about. The twists this girl went through made my gut churn. Chase came in to her life at the perfect time, helping her blossum and open up to a brand new life and showed her its okay to trust people😭 she had the best growth I've seen in a while and I'm incredibly proud 🥹

I will never get over a He Falls First. And this man fell H.A.R.D!!! He was patient and his patience showed. Chase was soft and such a safe space for Erin. Never pushing her to do things she didn't want to do, but pushing herself to do things that would be better for herself🥹 Now, he also had a rough past so seeing them comfort eachother?! MY HEARTTTT 😭😭😭

The burn was SLOW BURNIN but oh so beautiful. They created such a deep relationship that the physical didn't need to be there for them to love eachother. But once they collided it was ❤️‍🔥.

I am still so shocked with the twist. The way I trust everyone🫣 the people who deserve to be hated in this book DESERVE IT.

While she was a thick book, it needed to be to show character growth and create such a bond between these characters. Adding in all the unexpected twists. Chefs kiss🤭

Thank you Astrid for this beautiful earc🥹

Booksta- romance.with.bri

[Erika Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional rollercoaster that everyone should experience!

When I received this eARC version of Fight for Us, the first in Astrid's No Matter series, I expected what many other hockey romance authors give us... a hockey player famous for his playboy ways, not expecting to be reformed by the girl who came out of nowhere and put hearts in his eyes. What Astrid gave me was a story that broke me into a million pieces and put me back together again.

Erin is a young woman who is hiding from just about everything... her past, her present, and everyone around her. As a young girl, she witnessed the unspeakable death of a loved one and was mysteriously placed in the foster care system. After years of living in an abusive foster home, she ends up being adopted by a family that loved her no matter what. Even though safe, Erin still couldn't confess or confront what she witnessed. Years later, she's an adult trying to heal from her tumultuous past, but she can't let go of her secrets or of her inability to trust anyone but her new family.

When Chase, a mentally and physically injured local hockey hero, accidentally knocks Erin down in a crowded bar, his life completely changes. He, too, has had a rough go of things... Less than a year ago, he lost his brother, his best friend and teammate, and his father in a tragic accident, an accident that only he survived and now blames himself for. While trying to solve his own mysteries and recover enough that he can finally get back on the ice, he meets the one person who helps to clear his mind of the guilt and shows him that loving someone isn't always dangerous.

This book absolutely blew my mind. From the moment I started it, I could not put it down. These two characters, although damaged beyond belief, were two of the most emotionally intelligent characters I've ever read. Astrid created two beautifully vulnerable characters and wrote their difficult stories with so much compassion, sensitivity, and gentleness. Through most of the book, I had a perma-smile on my face because it's so damn cute and funny. In several parts, I cried because the emotion was intense. And in the rest of the book, I was holding in gasps of surprise so as not to alarm my husband. This story literally gives off all the feels... love, sadness, fear, anger, happiness, more sadness, and a whole lot of surprise.

For lovers of hockey romances with damaged characters and tropes like strangers-to-lovers, slow burn, virgin FMC, golden retriever MMC, romantic suspense, emotional romance, small town with fun side characters... I highly HIGHLY recommend putting this on your TBR. Or better yet - pre-order it! You will not be disappointed!

[Jorgiagood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Arc review

This book is both swoon worthy and heart wrenching 🥹
Erin is a bookworm with a novels with of trauma, Chase is a Hockey player with grief that’s turned everything he’s known upside down. He’s a classic pretty boy but with a heart or love, who’s caring and attentive, who puts others needs before his own. She’s haunted by the abusive words of her birth mother and fearful of men after her foster father’s abuse to her and her foster brother. Unable to love without her mother’s hurtful words and disgust and fear of turning into her.
Chase’s grief and Erin’s trauma drew to each other. After a meet cute moment, a scheming sister and her bf (who happened to be a certain hockey players best friend) Erin and Chase seemed to find them selves together more and more.
Their mutual struggles, though vastly different, drew them to each other, slowly unraveling the walls they both had built.
Their romance is all consuming, beautiful, painful, healing and heart breaking.
Even with an instant attraction on both sides, Chase is patient and attentive with Erin, understanding there’s a past to her that haunts her, she’s not ready, and he’s just suffered a great grief that keeps him from the ice and in his head.
A friendship blossoms with growth, love and support. They helped each other with their traumas, both knowing what the other person needed without them even knowing what they need.
Unfortunately for them their trauma doesn’t stop with their pasts, as both of their stories seem to cross paths, secrets reveal, and the past and present come to haunt.
This book had everything, it’s not just a love story, it’s mysterious and haunting, it’s both painful and beautiful. As chaos starts to unravel everything starts to connect. Chases Hockey team isn’t just a team but a family, I could imagine all of them and their personalities so clearly. They adopted Erin into their found family like they were all her protective older brothers! When it come to their family if one shows up they all do. One gets hurt they all do. You need one, they all come. No matter what

[Naylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5⭐
Spice: 2🌶️
FMC: Erin Callahan
MMC: Chase Harper

This isn't just a romance. No, it's a story about dealing with trauma's, hurt, and finding out what happened in their pasts. But it's also about friendship, love and finding the one where you can be yourself with. The one you can be vulnerable and honest with, who you know won't leave when it all gets too much.

Chase and Erin were those people for each other. Both dealing with their own trauma's and the demons in their heads. It's a story that brings you a rollercoaster of emotions. It was heavy, it was sweet, and it was exactly what you need it to be.

Chase is the biggest sweetheart, and I really fell for him. He was constantly so considerate of what Erin needed, and it warmth my heart. Even after everything he has been through himself, he still managed to be caring and patient. And Erin is the strongest woman ever. Her past is heavy, and it doesn't stop there. She goes through a lot, but still, she fights and deals with the battles that get thrown at her.

The love between Chase and Erin is slow, very slow. But very understandable. Chase falls hard for her and wants more, but his patience is outstanding. Erin falls as well, but because of her past, she's careful and scared. But along the way, they build a strong friendship, and eventually, the love between them explodes. When they finally get together, they are unstoppable, there for each other, and always giving what the other needs.

I had such a wonderful time reading their story, and I am eternally grateful for Astrid Whispers for giving me an arc, and a chance of reading and reviewing their story early.

Tropes:
🔵 small town
🔵 hurt x comfort
🔵 slow burn
🔵 he falls first
🔵 hockey romance
🔵 virgin fmc
🔵 found family
🔵 dual first person pov

Quotes:
“If you thought the only thing you could give to me for now was a smile a day. I’d be perfectly content with that. Just being in your orbit and existing in your world is enough for me, Bookworm.”

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️ Slow burn, suspense, and soul stirring

No Matter What, Fight For Us by Astrid Whispers is the standout read of 2026 so far for me. Wow, I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel. This is not your average sports romance, I’ve never read anything like it before. This is a story about trauma, romance, suspense, crime, found family and most of all, resilience.

I was totally hooked and read the bulk of it in one sitting. From the prologue, I could tell this was not going to be a hockey romance, and my goodness did it deliver. The crime storyline was so interesting, there were so many twists and turns and genuinely surprising plot twists. Erin and Chase’s relationship was the standout storyline and boy did it pull on my heartstrings. Both of the MCs have DEVASTATING back stories and I found myself crying over their bravery and how they overcame so much trauma. I loved both of them as characters and couldn’t believe just how much I was rooting for them, both as a couple and as individuals.

I found myself going through the full spectrum of feelings throughout Erin and Chase’s relationship; giddy and hopeful, anxious and frustrated, raw and cut open. What I loved most was that this is not just a sports romance book. There’s exceptional character development, dark and gritty backstories, crime and mystery, wholesome small town vibes and of course… hockey.

I am blown away and this author is definitely on my radar now. I can’t wait for the next book!! I would DEFINITELY recommend this book, especially to readers who enjoy reading stories of overcoming trauma and heavy emotional stakes. This is not a light and fluffy story so please be aware of trigger warnings before reading.


📚Tropes:
- found family
- small town romance
- hockey player x bookworm

Trigger warnings:
- murder
- grief
- child abuse
- anxiety
- infidelity

[Sehaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Arc review:

The story follows Erin and Chase, two people deeply affected by the events happened in their past. Erin, after witnessing her father’s murder at the age of eight and having a mother who emotionally abused her, has developed a strong fear of men. Chase is a hockey player who, after losing the three most important people in his life, is having trouble getting back on the ice and play the game he’s loved all his life. Erin and Chase meet on a crowded bar when both of them are trying to get on with their lives the best they could and grow a deep connection filled with trust and love. But after a series of events, like Erin’s mother making a sudden appearance in her life, both of them realise that the traumatic events that shaped them might be linked and the secrets run deeper than they imagined.

Thank you to Astrid Whispers for sending me the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the book and the found family dynamic it had but I also felt like the main couple of the book was lacking something. I love Erin and Chase individually but it felt like their relationship was a lot rushed and fast paced. Another thing I didn’t like was how childlike Erin was written in some instances, which I can understand as to why considering what she went through in her childhood but it also felt repetitive. Lastly, I would’ve preferred if the aftermath of what happened after discovering who the real villain was portrayed a little more rather than solving everything at the last chapters.

What I loved the most about the book was the found family relationship Erin had with Chase’s family/friends, it felt nice to read about her only having her sister in her corner at the start of the book to her having this giant loving family at the end. Side characters were also very well written, especially characters like Rudy and Brax (I hope they get their own books one day🤞🏻).

[Diana James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it turned out to be completely different from what I expected. Rather than being just a hockey romance, it blended romance with a suspenseful mystery—two genres I wouldn’t normally pair together, but it worked surprisingly well. The way everything came together at the end left me genuinely speechless.

Erin, a 20-year-old navigating the weight of childhood trauma and grief, forms an unexpected bond with Chase, a 25-year-old professional hockey player who is also trying to rebuild his life after a recent loss. Their friendship—and eventual relationship—felt layered by the emotional struggles they both carry.

I’m giving this book 4.5 stars because I did have a few minor issues with it:

First, Chase tended to overuse terms of endearment. He bounced between “sweetheart,” “baby,” and “Bookworm” within the same conversation, which made it feel less natural. It might have been more effective if he had stuck to one or two consistent nicknames. “Sweetheart,” in particular, didn’t quite match his character or age.

Second, there was a lot of emphasis on Chase’s wealth. From casually offering $10,000 for speeding to mentioning large donations and his multimillion-dollar income, it felt excessive at times. Given the small-town setting—with places like a cozy shop called Baked by the Lake—the constant references to money felt unnecessary and a bit out of place.

Finally, the ending felt somewhat rushed and underdeveloped. Since the story leaned heavily into the mystery, I expected a more direct confrontation once the culprit was revealed. Instead, the narrative skipped ahead a few days, leaving some key moments unexplored.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and am looking forward to the next installment in the series. Growing up, one of my favorite authors was Mary Higgins Clark, and this story gave me a similar—though more modern and steamy—vibe, which made it a fun and engaging read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

[Rebecca Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Astrid Whispers for the eARC of this book.

I'm not quite sure what I expected when I started this book, but it sure wasn't this story.

Chase is a professional hockey player, who is recovering from injury and dealing with several losses in his personal life.

Erin is a quiet, shy woman who loves all things books and really only spends time with her sister Bella, in large part due to an extremely tragic past.

When the two literally run into each other in a bar at a Tornadoes team event, they begin a friendship that slowly builds to more, all while helping both of them learn about and from their pasts.

Chase is such a gentleman with Erin, understanding that friendships are new for Erin, let alone ANYTHING in the romance department, and he allows her enough control to feel comfortable in new situations, and enough support that his gentle nudges to try some new things aren't grating or forced. He takes things at a pace she's comfortable with and is always open to discussions of what her boundaries are and how she's feeling at a given moment.

There is a LOT happening at the beginning of the book - to the point where it can feel like a bit of an info dump. I actually went to see if this wasn't the first book in the series, because some of the names and histories felt thrown at me, almost like I should have been introduced to them before. But once I got through the pile of information, and got to experience the found family of the Tornadoes team (and Chase's friends outside the team), the story grew on me so much.

There's romance and friendships and family dynamics that made me want to root for these characters. There's suspense and intrigue and drama that had me on the edge of my seat and hoping for their safety. And the way the epilogue ended? Let's just say I am absolutely looking forward to book 2 already.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big hurt/comfort, trauma/healing, trauma bonding trope kinda gal and hooooooly crap this one fit the bill.

As others have said, this is not your run of the mill hockey romance. It's emotional and deep. Not the book you're looking for if you want a light, fluffy, feel good. I knew this going in and it surpassed my expectations! Erin, our FMC, has had a traumatic upbringing. Her mom was abusive, when she was 8 she witnessed her father being murdered, and then she ended up in foster care where she experienced more abuse. Girl has been through the freakin wringer. As such, she's super guarded, unable to trust pretty much anyone, and has a fear of men. Chase, our MMC, is still trying to process and and accept the loss of the 3 most important men in his life. Less than a year ago, he lost his father, his brother, and his best friend in an accident, and the guilt and pain he carries is immense, and carries over into difficulty getting back on the ice.

The journey these two go on together 🥹 These two traumatized, "broken" individuals come together and form such a deep relationship, bonding over trauma, grief, and trying to move on. Erin's growth throughout the book is exceptional, and Chase is so supportive, encouraging, and patient with her. He falls HARD from the beginning, but due to her past she is nowhere near ready for any sort of romantic relationship. They agree to be just friends and see where it takes them, and as a result their connection grows so pure and deep despite not having a physical relationship. Chase is just a massive walking green flag, emotionally mature, respectful of boundaries, and truly *there* for Erin and his friends and family. It was such a beautiful story 😭

Thank you sooo much to the author for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own, and I look forward to future releases from her!

[Monmonreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading No Matter What, Fight For Us by Astrid Whispers absolutely wrecked me in the best way. When I say this book had me deep in my feelings… I mean it. For a debut novel, Astrid is out here stealing hearts like it’s nothing—and let’s talk about the real reason: Chase Riley Harper ♥️ your next certified book boyfriend.

This is only my second hockey romance, and I was fully locked in. The slow burn? Perfectly done. The pacing, the tension, the way little mysteries unravel with every chapter—I was completely invested from start to finish.

Erin’s journey really stood out to me. Watching her navigate her past trauma at her own pace, while Chase stood by her side with patience and unwavering support, made me so emotional. Their relationship never felt rushed, and that made every moment between them hit even harder. I was so proud of her growth.

And the banter? So fun. So natural. But what truly got me was the way Chase yearns for Erin. It needs to be studied. This man would wait for her as long as it takes, ready to build a future with her while still respecting her healing process. That kind of love? Yeah… I folded.

Also—when he calls her “bookworm”? Instant heart melt. Erin being a fellow book lover just made me love her even more, and Chase knew exactly how to win her over… and honestly, me too.

If you’re into slow burn, “he falls first,” found family, emotional depth, trauma representation, and just the right amount of secrets and betrayal—this is your sign to pick it up.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical hockey romance. I went into this book thinking that it was a light read. I did not expect to be so engaged on guessing what will happen next and who is the one at fault. It was really a really great hockey romance with a little mystery.

Erin was a very brave woman. I did not expect what she did and I am so proud of her for accepting the love that Chase wants to give her. She may be scared at frist but she knew that it will something good for her and she is not afraid of voicing out her insecurities. I love that she is into books that made her great at deducing the issue at hand. She is really smart for realizing the bigger picture.

Chase is not just a hockey player. He fights for the people he love. There wasn't a formal investigation but he knew something was wrong and he isn't afraid of asking help. I do appreciate his patience so much especially when Erin is taking time to internalize everything he said to her. Some men wouldn't have the same patience and would bolt if you not give them an answer. He loves her that is the most prominent thing in his character and he gave her a family that loves her as well and willing to be there for her.

I love the found family in this book. I enjoyed all their interactions with Roman and how smart that kid is. The team was so fun and their relationships are so strong. I am excited for the next book. Love this so much. One of my best reads this year.

[bookyapperjess · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ✨

No Matter What, Fight For Us - Astrid Whispers

Erin is a girl who is haunted by the harshness of her past and has questions that she feels will never be answered. She trusts no one, outside of her sister Bella, whose family she was adopted into. She is constantly putting up walls around her to keep herself safe from any kind of pain that could send her backwards, and she does everything to keep herself together — until she meets Chase.

Chase. A “hot” hockey player, who has his own battles from his past, and still is drowning in grief. When he runs into Erin, he’s immediately enamored with her but recognizes really quickly that she is a very shut off and guarded person. He realizes that he will do anything to make her smile, and that he only wants the best for her. He will fight for her, no matter what.

Okay Astrid… I don’t know what you put into this book but I could NOT put it down. I GIGGLED OUT LOUD. I cried. I reread some pages a few times because I needed to process what I was reading - because holy twists and turns.

I fell in love with Chases character. His love. His yearning. His patience. The kindness.

I fell in love with Erin’s character too. She went through so much, but she always put others above herself. (Idk if I could be as strong as she is.)

THE LITERAL HOCKEY TEAM - A FAMILY UNIT. I think it might be one of my favorite parts of this book.

Anyways,
Don’t sleep on Astrid yall. This book is GOOOOD.

[Katya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars!
(late entry) ARC REVIEW!

thank you so much to Astrid and team for an ARC of this book!

The book was not at all what I expected, but in a good way. It's a heavier read so please keep that in mind as you start, but it's truly worth the end result.

It's a SLOW burn and a long read, but worth it? Absolutely. If you think this is just a hockey romance, think again- it's more of almost a romantic suspense novel. There's an aspect of mystery as the characters navigate traumatic events that they've recently and previously been through while falling in love.

The therapy representation was wonderful, and although I was first wary of the potential trauma bond these two could have shared, the end result was truly two individuals navigating and healing on their own, with support from each other that aids in the growth. They didn't become co-dependent or needy; they truly supported each other's healing and sat with each other's pain as they healed their own traumas. The romance built beautifully- the MMC's steadfast character was exactly what the FMC needed, and the FMC supplied the MMC with the patience he needed as well.

Not what I expected in terms of storyline, but beautiful, nonetheless. I *cannot* wait for what Astrid does next with these characters and this town.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the little hints Astrid had already shared online, I suspected I was going to really like this book.
I just hadn't expected that this book would completely sweep me away into unexpected events and that she would now make me crave for part two in this series.

The story begins with Erin, who is born with a different name and had a different life when as a child she witnesses a traumatic event unfold before her eyes and is kidnapped.

After a terrible foster family, she eventually finds her new foster sister and new family who give her all the love she needs.
But no matter how much love she receives from them, she continues to feel guilty about what happened that one day.

When Chase's path literally crosses Erin's one evening in a bar, he can no longer stop thinking about her.
Chase struggles with feelings of guilt since his best friend, brother, and father died, but when he sees Erin, those horrible feelings subside, and he feels complete peace and not long after love.
When they are together, they strengthen each other, give each other confidence, and heal each other's broken hearts. They care for each other's pain and not long after they are inseparable even without being a couple.

Only as soon as there is a victory over guilt that has finally vanished, does the past seem to come back.
A lost family member here and there, and suddenly the two seem to have a connection between their traumatic memories. One that no one sees coming.

I knew I would love this story. What starts as a focus on Erin and Chase helping each other recover from their traumatic experiences broadens as the story suddenly takes off in all different directions. The story had unpredictable aspects. While I found their development so sweet at the beginning and had to laugh at them, I sometimes held my breath at the next unpredictable surprise.
Apparently, Astrid really enjoyed giving those surprises to her readers, because the book ends with a cliffhanger.

At the end, I noticed a bit of confusion for myself, but because of how much I like the story in general, I give the story about Erin and Chase four stars and can't wait for part 2!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cow did this book have my flabers gasted. Any time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong. And the ending felt like getting the rug ripped from underneath me. I was racing through this book, hunting for answers for my girl Erin. The way Astrid writes makes you hungry for the truth.

I also really loved the character building in this story. I feel like I know each person in Chase's and Erin's circle personally. And I just know that means each of these hockey bro's are gonna find their person. I am absolutely looking forward to each and every book this series brings. Chase and Erin are absolutely adorable together. Both of them have horribly sad backstories and when they each break down and explain their pain; soul crushing. But the love that is built chapter by chapter shows that the bonds of love can withstand and heal anything.

Seriously guys, I give this a 4.6. Started reading today, kept reading today, finished today. And this is not a short book, I just didn't want to stop reading it. It's a nail biter for sure, and don't say I didn't warn you that the twists and turns would get you.

[Mellany Corona Nunez · Rating 4 out of 5]

⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊

First off, a huge thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the book !!

⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊

[ 🦢 My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars !! ]

Review:
This was suuuuch a gut wrenching book. Definitely shed a few tears. It was sooo damn good.

I found myself unable to put this book down, completely hooked to the story.

The characters were soooo well written, I honestly felt so sad for everything they went through. I love how vulnerable and real they were, and especially loved how gentle and caring they were towards each other.

Erin and Chase have become some of my favorite book pookies and I will defend them when everything.

Something I really liked about the story was the way that their vulnerability was handled. I absolutely adored the way they were able to be soft and have a lot of support systems. It was so refreshing to see it!

I honestly just really loved this book and will keep this review short so I don’t spoil anything <3

Can’t wait to read the full thing since the arc missed a bit of the last chapters !!

⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊

[Nicole Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one definitely leans more emotional than plot-heavy, and I think that is where it works best.
Chase is dealing with a lot of grief, and you really feel how stuck he is in it. It is not just sadness, it is confusion, guilt, and not knowing how to move forward. I liked that the story did not rush him out of that.
Erin was probably my favorite part. She is very guarded, and her internal struggles felt really believable. The way she pushes people away while also wanting connection added a lot to the story.
Their relationship is very much about two people trying to figure things out while still dealing with their own issues. It is not perfect or easy, and there is definitely some frustration at times with the lack of communication, but it feels intentional.
There is also a bit of a mystery element with what happened to Chase’s friend, which adds some tension, though the emotional side is still the main focus.
Overall, a softer, emotional romance about grief and healing that will work if you like character-focused stories.

[Bookish Barista · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Astrid Whispers for the ARC of No Matter What, Fight For Us.

Omg the way I am obsessed with this book. I was hooked from the very beginning. This book was an emotional roller coaster and I felt my heart crack and be stitched back together piece by piece. There were so many tears, I fear my eyes will be red and my face will be puffy for a while because of how much I cried today. I loved every single thing about this book. There were so many plot twists and everything tied so well together. And the ending??? And to think that this is a debut?? I have no words. This book was perfection. My jaw was on the floor and every time I thought I figured something out I realized how far off I was. The found family in this book was everything. How Chase’s hockey team became Erin’s family. Loved them all so much!! Some honorable mentions of my favs: Brax, Roman, Griff, and obv Chase! The slowburn was slowburning! Everything was just perfection. Wow i genuinely have no words right now but everyone needs to read this book!!

[Emily Langan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of No Matter What Fight for Us by Astrid Whispers.

Going in I expected sweet hockey romance. Boy was I wrong. This is a thriller with twists and turns in every chapter. Just when I thought I figured it out, there’s another surprise.

The story is about Chase and Erin. Chase is a gorgeous professional hockey player. 🏒 He’s a golden retriever. Chase is recovering from an injury as well as grieving major losses in his personal life. Erin is a quiet, extremely shy women who loves to get lost in books. 📖 Her past is extremely tragic and not one she openly shares.

There is a lot of emotional healing in this book. Along with a mystery/thriller aspect. It’s fast paced and will keep you guessing into the end.

I don’t want to give anything away but Griff &🪿 💞

Amazing debut novel! I can’t wait for book 2.

“The truth doesn’t always bring the peace you hope it will.”

❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
🔐Secrets/Mystery
🫶He Falls First
🏒Hockey Romance/Thiller

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was more than just a hockey romance. I was and continue to be blown away by this story. Astrid did an amazing job tying in trauma, mystery, and a beautiful love story.

Chase and Erin were such a cute couple. Chase is up there with my favorite hockey book boyfriends. The genuine care and patience he had with Erin was a total green flag. I’m here for a golden retriever MMC and he is one of my new favorites.

Erin - she was such a relatable character in a lot of ways. Her trauma and fear of letting anyone one in was heartbreaking - but watching her learn to trust herself and Chase was so beautiful.

Watching the two of them conquer their past traumas together was done beautifully. They gave each other the space to be themselves, to work through their grief/traumas, but remained a steady support system for each other.

I was definitely in Astrid’s DMs swooning and theorizing in live time. There were handful of twists and betrayals that I didn’t see coming.

[Samm Sciarratta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a complex set of characters & emotions for them all. When I went into this book, I understood that Erin & Chase were healing from past trauma, Chase's more recent than hers. I was unprepared for the suspense, the twists & turns, the found family & ultimate healing but Astrid was able to combine two of my favourite genres (suspense & sports) & make the most fabulous of books. The way Chase becomes the ultimate dream book boyfriend for a reader like me, the way Erin begins to understand that she is SO much stronger than that voice in her head. I love how she found the men & women in her life that are/have become the siblings she never had. How Chase made sure she had the space she needed, but that he'd ALWAYS support her. No matter what. Did I see the book going the way it did? No, but it was SO much better & I cannot wait for book 2!

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional rollercoaster! I knew going into this it was going to be an emotional ride, with that said wow!

2 very beautiful broken people, both Erin and Chase have been through so much and honestly i just wanted to jump into the pages and hug them both. The twists and turns I definitely did not see coming!

Reading through there was a lot of highs and lows, the slow burn was definitely next level slow, but it worked beautifully for this couple. As for the found family aspect, this delivered on all counts.

I would also love to point out all the book/reader nods in this book, i swooned over the book store scene.

For a debut author this was a perfect start to a new series and I will definitely be carrying on when each book comes out.

Thank you Astrid for reaching out and giving me an ARC copy.

[Meredith Fulbright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooooow! This book had me hooked from the start!! Erin is one of the most complex FMCs I’ve read in a while and Astrid did a great job writing her! She is hiding from about everything in her life. Her and the MMC Chase quite literally bump into each other and from then on he’s down bad!

Chase has also had his fair share of bad cards dealt to him which is one of the reasons I think they mesh so well. Chase lost his brother, best friend and dad in a tragic accident that he still blames himself for. As Chase and Erin get closer we also unfold the full story and truth of that night.

Astrid completely blew my mind with the twist and turns of this story and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this book. Astrid also wrote some of the most emotionally complex characters I’ve read in a minute. Over I rated the story a 4/5 ⭐️! I can’t wait to read more from Astrid!

[Erin Wilkens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time with an FMC with my name, and she even chose it herself!

This story is steeped in trauma for both the FMC and the MMC. There is a lot of in-depth character development that revolves around the trauma, working through it and coming out of the other side with the characters- however, it is persistent through the whole story, informing decisions, interactions and the pace of events. They both deserve to enjoy happiness, and once they let themselves have it, we are all better off.

The added mystery of the circumstances of both of their traumas adds an air of intrigue to the story, there is plenty to discover and uncover along side of the characters.

If you like a slow burn, with deep human connections, some trauma bonding, and a mystery to solve then you will not be disappointed.

[Chante De Wit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely consumed me. I couldn’t put it down. One minute I was smiling at the banter, the next I was crying, and then suddenly sitting there like what just happened?! The mix of romance and mystery was so well done, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I am a suspense lover so this book was just everything I needed.

Chase and Erin were everything. Both so broken in their own ways, yet written with so much care and emotional depth. Chase’s patience and quiet devotion made me absolutely MELT. And Erin’s strength, even after everything she’s been through, just made me love her more. The entire hockey team is easily one of my favorite parts of this book. That found family dynamic added so much heart to the story and it's one I always enjoy in stories. Do not sleep on this book because this is sooooo sooo good.

[Bri Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Erin (FMC) is literally me in book form; a bookworm to the core. I love how Astrid was able to portray the trauma the characters faced and how they continued to fight to heal. It was such an emotional book, the characters were so relatable and their development was incredible to read.

Chase (MMC) fell first and he fell hard. He fought to be in Erin’s life, however, he was aware of her traumas and allowed Erin to control the narrative of their relationship. Erin is such a powerful character, showing strength in vulnerability and continuing to move forward despite all of the challenges thrown at her.

The twists and turns that happened throughout the book were so unpredictable. The last 20%-25% of the book kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens next. I highly recommend it!! But make sure you have tissues near, you’ll need them!

[Nat’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel knocked me off my feet in the best way imaginable. Chase “87” and Erin “Bookworm” were so easy to fall in love with. The way Chase was endlessly there for Erin made my heart melt. When Erin showed up for Chase in her own ways, my heart became a puddle. I absolutely adore all of the side characters and the found family moments. Especially Rudy - sent me into tears. The plot twist towards the end had my jaw on the floor. I was not prepared for the unraveling of so many secrets.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a slow burn, found family, group text messages, and secrets in a small town.

Thank you to the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Emily Fellstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very grateful for receiving an ARC copy of this book.

Erin’s had a rough life. Her pain is raw, and real, and her story reminds us of that at every turn. She’s always kept guys at a distance, with good reason, until Chase. Chase is dealing with his own pain, which is just as heartbreaking as Erin’s. But he still shows up for her, and doesn’t give up no matter how many times she runs. When the secrets of Erin’s past collide with Chase’s, they don’t just have to fight for each other, they have to fight for their future together as well.

I started this book thinking it was just another hockey romance. Wrong! Erin and Chase’s story is a romance, mystery, and thriller all rolled into one. It kept me up at night turning the pages, because I needed to know what happened next.