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.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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

[Jessica Kalman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book absolutely swept me off my feet and then casually skated circles around my heart. Chase “87” is in a league of his own. Pretty boy? Yes. But also soft, attentive, quietly wrecked in the most tender way. The kind of man who remembers your coffee order, cooks for you, listens to your ramblings about your books like they’re sacred texts, and then teaches you how to skate like it’s a love language. Sir… respectfully… I am unwell.
Chase is carrying grief like a shadow stitched into his bones, trying to find his way back to hockey and himself. And then there’s Erin, his “bookworm,” who has mastered the art of emotional self-defense by pushing everyone away before they get too close. Watching these two slowly unravel around each other? Delicious. Painful. Healing. Electric. What starts as friendship simmers into something deeper, richer, and completely consuming.
This story doesn’t just tug on your heartstrings, it plays them like a full symphony. The twists keep you hooked, the emotions hit like a tidal wave, and the romance builds with that slow-burn tension that makes every little moment feel earned. It’s soft and sharp all at once… like a warm hug that still manages to knock the wind out of you.
And the tropes? A full-course meal:
hockey romance, slow burn, small town charm, “he falls first,” found family, healing through love… with just enough spice to keep things interesting without stealing the spotlight from the emotional depth.
By the time I finished, I just sat there like… wow. This book didn’t just tell a love story, it felt like one.
Mark your calendars for 04.30.26, because this one deserves a full emotional preparation kit: tissues, snacks, and absolutely no plans afterward. It’s easily one of my favorite reads this year. 5 infinites. 5 stars. 👏🏻
Astrid Whispers… you beautiful genius. Thank you for this gift. 💐

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[Kennedy Ivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy From the Author:
This was so cute!! Chase was so sweet and fell hard for Erin. They were both struggling with their own grief and demons. The way that the author handled the topics was perfect and very touching. I loved seeing how Chase loved Erin and the way he would do anything for her. Erin always wanted the best for Chase even when they weren’t together! My one complaint is that Chase fell very fast and not just fell…was already in love with her which kind of took me out of it. Overall a great read!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an early ARC of this book, and might I say it was an amazing debut novel. This is the kind of book that makes a book girlie like me be seen in a romance novel. The golden retriever hockey player MMC is always at the top of my book boyfriend list, and Chase was no exception. The perfect amount of romance, suspense, and slow-burn spice. I never saw the twist at the end coming. Speaking of ending, how dare you leave me hanging like that, I need book 2 stat! This was a perfect read for all the BOOKWORM girlies!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lucky gal I am for getting an ARC of this debut novel! Thank you to the author.
The book comes out on April 30th!

Chase and Erin are very sweet MC’s, and Chase falls first and hard for Erin. He is kind and patient and lets Erin lead the pace. Erin is shy and sweet, and slowly comes into her own strength and it’s so lovely to see her bloom!

The complex emotions and grief are written very well, we are given an excellent slow burn between characters, found family, and some twists and turns!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow….

Chase and Erin’s story is a literal rollercoaster - it never stops - and yet they still stick to each other and their love is endless.

This is such a beautiful story - rollercoaster aside - and it only makes their love stronger.

Thank you Astrid for an advanced copy.

[Courtney Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God.

This was my first ARC and I absolutely loved it. Top to bottom amazing. The writing is perfect. Tone is perfect. Characters are to die for.

Chase may be my new book boyfriend.