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The Cresport Corsair: A BWWM Fake Dating Hockey Romantic Comedy Romance
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
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July 16, 2026Ummmm…so is…is this AI? I’ve read a few books like this this year (Fair Play, Voice Note, and The Plus-One Problem) where it just feels off. This being books that are highly repetitive with phrases or information, no separation of chapters in the Kindle app, and have an incredible amount of information or descriptive moments that are just completely unnecessary during the course of the story.
The problem is: I sometimes choose books based on the cover. And that is how I find myself four books into something that feels like an AI story. All of the ones above suffer from multiple issues that I listed, one of them was supposed to be a black woman, white man romance but never had descriptive physical qualities of the characters in the book so they literally could’ve been anyone.
I’ve never read anything that was definitively written by AI so it’s hard for me to say that this is but, again it just does not feel like something that was written by a person and if these are actual authors, my apologies, but yikes. That being said, of the books listed above this was the better of all of them. If you’re looking for something that’s slow burn, this is it because nothing happened until 75%. I’ll try not to engage with books like this going forward.
The problem is: I sometimes choose books based on the cover. And that is how I find myself four books into something that feels like an AI story. All of the ones above suffer from multiple issues that I listed, one of them was supposed to be a black woman, white man romance but never had descriptive physical qualities of the characters in the book so they literally could’ve been anyone.
I’ve never read anything that was definitively written by AI so it’s hard for me to say that this is but, again it just does not feel like something that was written by a person and if these are actual authors, my apologies, but yikes. That being said, of the books listed above this was the better of all of them. If you’re looking for something that’s slow burn, this is it because nothing happened until 75%. I’ll try not to engage with books like this going forward.
June 5, 2026
Tropes: Sports, Friends to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Slow Burn, Opposites, Mental Health Representation
The Cresport Corsair by Jasmine Chantel is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed the pacing, the characters and their sweet interactions.
Bianca and her family manufacture beauty products which are then packaged and sold by other companies. While her father Vernon is the genius behind their varied products, Bianca keeps the plant running while dealing with possible investors and other pressures. The stress of business often finds her on the roof top of her building relaxing by repeatedly shooting hoops. Unfortunately, one person’s relaxation can be another person’s disturbance. Quiet reclusive hockey phenom Nikola wanders to the roof top to see who or what is keeping him from sleeping. He stays to critique Bianca’s shooting form 😊. The pair gradually embark on a cute friendship where they share ideas, fears and gentle humor, talking about everything except that Nikola is a famous hockey player. He fears that once she knows it will change the trajectory of this budding relationship. However, once Nikola shares his truth, nothing changes and their friendship continues to blossom…..until his mother comes to visit with the intent of fixing Nikola up with a suitable woman. His response to this mother’s shenanigans was to blurt out that Bianca was his GIRLFRIEND!! Now that they are considered more than just friends will their budding relationship wither under the weight of pretense and lies?
Conclusion:
As noted, this story was enjoyable and I liked Ms. Chantel’s relaxed storytelling. The book had a few closed-door love scenes, great humor, and I liked the character development and story dynamics. Nikola and Bianca were extremely likable as they worried (maybe too much) about how their deceit would affect their families once they eventually found out. I did notice that the book had a few issues with continuity. Final words, this story was easy to read, and the characters were easy to like (a more than pleasant palate cleanser😊).
Favorite Lines:
The ball hits the bottom of the rim, drops straight down, and rolls sadly into the corner of the court like it's embarrassed for me.
He's in dark joggers and a hoodie and bare feet again, because apparently this man has a philosophical opposition to footwear that I'm going to need to address at some point.
"She hasn't asked again. I told her that when people know, it changes how they see me. She said she'd wait."
The corner of his mouth. I'm going to start a loyalty card. Ten almost-smiles and the eleventh is free.
“Running a business isn't like that. There's no finish line. There's just... more track. And the lane keeps shifting. And people are depending on you to keep running even when you're not sure where you're going.”
"The thing you do between the work," I repeat. "That's exactly what it is."
"You can skate backward while holding someone who can't skate forward. That's — that's a skill. That should be on your resume."
My girlfriend. The lie is the truest thing I've ever said.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-cr...
The Cresport Corsair by Jasmine Chantel is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed the pacing, the characters and their sweet interactions.
Bianca and her family manufacture beauty products which are then packaged and sold by other companies. While her father Vernon is the genius behind their varied products, Bianca keeps the plant running while dealing with possible investors and other pressures. The stress of business often finds her on the roof top of her building relaxing by repeatedly shooting hoops. Unfortunately, one person’s relaxation can be another person’s disturbance. Quiet reclusive hockey phenom Nikola wanders to the roof top to see who or what is keeping him from sleeping. He stays to critique Bianca’s shooting form 😊. The pair gradually embark on a cute friendship where they share ideas, fears and gentle humor, talking about everything except that Nikola is a famous hockey player. He fears that once she knows it will change the trajectory of this budding relationship. However, once Nikola shares his truth, nothing changes and their friendship continues to blossom…..until his mother comes to visit with the intent of fixing Nikola up with a suitable woman. His response to this mother’s shenanigans was to blurt out that Bianca was his GIRLFRIEND!! Now that they are considered more than just friends will their budding relationship wither under the weight of pretense and lies?
Conclusion:
As noted, this story was enjoyable and I liked Ms. Chantel’s relaxed storytelling. The book had a few closed-door love scenes, great humor, and I liked the character development and story dynamics. Nikola and Bianca were extremely likable as they worried (maybe too much) about how their deceit would affect their families once they eventually found out. I did notice that the book had a few issues with continuity. Final words, this story was easy to read, and the characters were easy to like (a more than pleasant palate cleanser😊).
Favorite Lines:
The ball hits the bottom of the rim, drops straight down, and rolls sadly into the corner of the court like it's embarrassed for me.
He's in dark joggers and a hoodie and bare feet again, because apparently this man has a philosophical opposition to footwear that I'm going to need to address at some point.
"She hasn't asked again. I told her that when people know, it changes how they see me. She said she'd wait."
The corner of his mouth. I'm going to start a loyalty card. Ten almost-smiles and the eleventh is free.
“Running a business isn't like that. There's no finish line. There's just... more track. And the lane keeps shifting. And people are depending on you to keep running even when you're not sure where you're going.”
"The thing you do between the work," I repeat. "That's exactly what it is."
"You can skate backward while holding someone who can't skate forward. That's — that's a skill. That should be on your resume."
My girlfriend. The lie is the truest thing I've ever said.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-cr...
June 8, 2026
This is a good story, and I love the relationship between the main characters, but God does it need more editing. It's so full of internal inconsistencies that I almost DNF'd it. Also frankly, the lying plot seemed like it was just blow way out of proportion. Plus god the mothers. The constant talk of how strong they were, how they were such forces or nature, it got so old. Bianca's mom in particular just seemed overbearing and invasive. Sharon was overbearing. They were all so dramatic about something that really wasn't that big a deal. Don't want your son to lie to you? Don't come to his apartment dragging some woman he's never met to set him up with. Honestly I really wish there had been a more substantial plot, worthy of the relationship. I also wish there had been at least two more editing passes on the book because it REALLY needed it. It had so much potential but it fell really flat for me in places. (Literally inconsistencies like 2 pages apart! So frustrating!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
Good writing; good story
I rarely give a 5-star review but I felt book deserved the recognition.
The writing: the writing was not just prose; it was poetic. It was lyrical. I had quite a few highlights. The way Ms. Chantel described settings made it almost visual. The dialogue was great. For example, “The noise has a color and the color is you are not from here and we want you to know it.” And a funny one, “"I'm observing." "That's just staring with better posture."”
The characters: great characters. Both the ML and the FL’s families were interesting and integral to the story. The female friend group was hilarious; I would love to be part of that group.
The story: there was a lot of humor in this story. The story allowed the relationship between the lead characters to develop without the rush. It made sense. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing.
I rarely give a 5-star review but I felt book deserved the recognition.
The writing: the writing was not just prose; it was poetic. It was lyrical. I had quite a few highlights. The way Ms. Chantel described settings made it almost visual. The dialogue was great. For example, “The noise has a color and the color is you are not from here and we want you to know it.” And a funny one, “"I'm observing." "That's just staring with better posture."”
The characters: great characters. Both the ML and the FL’s families were interesting and integral to the story. The female friend group was hilarious; I would love to be part of that group.
The story: there was a lot of humor in this story. The story allowed the relationship between the lead characters to develop without the rush. It made sense. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing.
June 29, 2026
Good but I ended up DNFing at 80%
I enjoyed but got repetitive and continity was lacking. I can't say much without spoilers but Mila met someone then was introduced to them again shortly after as it it were the first time. In the end it was my strong dislike of grown people letting nosey parents have such all use impact on their lives just for the plot. It was unrealistic. And the Author forgot the sister know everything. It just got so annoying. I wasn't invested enough to continue. Such a bummer.
Continuity is why different types of editing used to exist. Four types of editors should be looking at the book before publishing. That doesn't happen anymore and readers can tell. This one needs a copy editor.
I enjoyed but got repetitive and continity was lacking. I can't say much without spoilers but Mila met someone then was introduced to them again shortly after as it it were the first time. In the end it was my strong dislike of grown people letting nosey parents have such all use impact on their lives just for the plot. It was unrealistic. And the Author forgot the sister know everything. It just got so annoying. I wasn't invested enough to continue. Such a bummer.
Continuity is why different types of editing used to exist. Four types of editors should be looking at the book before publishing. That doesn't happen anymore and readers can tell. This one needs a copy editor.
July 28, 2026
3.5⭐️
Beautiful concept where you definitely saw the slow burn love between Nikola and Bianca.
To see their worlds merge and bond over food and similar experiences despite the separate cultures showed that if someone wanted to they would.
My only criticisms were that there were bits with repetition and over explaining which was a bore at times, it would’ve been nice to include more of Bianca’s culture (other than pound cake) and physical description seeing as we got that brief curtesy from Bianca’s POV.
Also, the spice is non existent, nishhhh. So if you want spice this ain’t for you but it’s definitely heartwarming, especially seeing Vernon become Nikolai’s biggest fan.
Beautiful concept where you definitely saw the slow burn love between Nikola and Bianca.
To see their worlds merge and bond over food and similar experiences despite the separate cultures showed that if someone wanted to they would.
My only criticisms were that there were bits with repetition and over explaining which was a bore at times, it would’ve been nice to include more of Bianca’s culture (other than pound cake) and physical description seeing as we got that brief curtesy from Bianca’s POV.
Also, the spice is non existent, nishhhh. So if you want spice this ain’t for you but it’s definitely heartwarming, especially seeing Vernon become Nikolai’s biggest fan.
May 18, 2026
Great Love Connection
I really loved Nikola and Bianca's story. The way they met and had the instant connection,but was too afraid to believe in it so instead they treaded very carefully until Nikola'panic turned things up. The way they saw each other and was there for each other was sweet and how they became each other's person then partner. I loved how they were with their family and friends ,but just reading how they became a relationship and didn't question it or fight it was great to see. This was such a sweet love connection that you loved and could see parts of realism in it. Would definitely read again or recommend.
I really loved Nikola and Bianca's story. The way they met and had the instant connection,but was too afraid to believe in it so instead they treaded very carefully until Nikola'panic turned things up. The way they saw each other and was there for each other was sweet and how they became each other's person then partner. I loved how they were with their family and friends ,but just reading how they became a relationship and didn't question it or fight it was great to see. This was such a sweet love connection that you loved and could see parts of realism in it. Would definitely read again or recommend.
June 22, 2026
super sweet but inconsistent
I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Bianca and Nikolai and them navigating their lives and different cultures. BUT there was some annoying religion of phrasing and an entire chapter that was the same as the previous one but from her perspective and didn’t really provide anything different to the story. Also, some aspects were inconsistent like timelines of events and if his sister knew or not. Overall, cute book! I’d read another book from the author.
I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Bianca and Nikolai and them navigating their lives and different cultures. BUT there was some annoying religion of phrasing and an entire chapter that was the same as the previous one but from her perspective and didn’t really provide anything different to the story. Also, some aspects were inconsistent like timelines of events and if his sister knew or not. Overall, cute book! I’d read another book from the author.
June 30, 2026
This is a decent read but veeeerrry slow burn and it takes A LOT of text to say one thing or the same thing multiple times. At times while reading, I just wanted the author to make the point and move on.
We're pretty much 40% into the book before the "fake dating" premise even comes up. Also, seems like they were basically dating before the "fake dating"...they just didn't label it.
The "conflict" with the family was blown out of proportion, in my opinion.
Also no heat on page.
Just ok. I skimmed and scanned after the fake dating started since it was so repetitive.
We're pretty much 40% into the book before the "fake dating" premise even comes up. Also, seems like they were basically dating before the "fake dating"...they just didn't label it.
The "conflict" with the family was blown out of proportion, in my opinion.
Also no heat on page.
Just ok. I skimmed and scanned after the fake dating started since it was so repetitive.
July 14, 2026
Good idea yet serious inconsistency
The author had a good base story but some very clear AI signs and inconsistent storytelling and details took away from the base idea. Hockey players don’t skate at 90mph. The Ai tells became clearer closer to the end of the book. The same description for different characters. The inconsistency in basic details about the romance and the same description structure I’ve now read in 3 other books by different authors. I hope to see the authors true writing eventually without AI mishaps.
The author had a good base story but some very clear AI signs and inconsistent storytelling and details took away from the base idea. Hockey players don’t skate at 90mph. The Ai tells became clearer closer to the end of the book. The same description for different characters. The inconsistency in basic details about the romance and the same description structure I’ve now read in 3 other books by different authors. I hope to see the authors true writing eventually without AI mishaps.
June 9, 2026
I loved Nikola and Bianca’s story. Their first and continuous meetings on the basketball court and in the elevator let the reader see their relationship develop. There were both painful and beautiful, heart-felt scenes. All of the characters (both major and minor) were well-developed and helped the story’s development. It was nice to read a story with a “slow-burn” love when so many of today’s love stories start “hot and fast.”
June 21, 2026
I would have rated this higher if it wasn't for the overwhelming inconsistency. The inconsistency is read one page after the other. I also was not a big fan of the mother's intrusions. A lie that I felt was between their children. Although I understand that the foundation was built upon a lie them owning that lie should have been sufficient. Cite story but definitely needed to be reviewed and edited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2026
it’s ok
Super repetitive. I’m suspicious that at least half of it was written by AI. That’s how you can kind of tell it will repeat a chapter from a different point of view right after it had already been told. Almost the exact chapter .And this happened at one point. It’s OK story but the confusion about who told what earlier in the story and mixed up facts at the end kind of pissed me off.
Super repetitive. I’m suspicious that at least half of it was written by AI. That’s how you can kind of tell it will repeat a chapter from a different point of view right after it had already been told. Almost the exact chapter .And this happened at one point. It’s OK story but the confusion about who told what earlier in the story and mixed up facts at the end kind of pissed me off.
July 16, 2026
Loved the story!
It was an easy read. I loved the characters and the humor behind them (Asia is my girl 😂😂) but I will say, some of it was pretty repetitive and some of the chapters seemed to be out of order. Also, my question toward the end is Mila’s reaction to the reveal of the “fake relationship”, I thought she knew all along, especially when she said “you’re finally going to tell her” to Nikola just before he told his mom the truth. Other than that, it was really good!
It was an easy read. I loved the characters and the humor behind them (Asia is my girl 😂😂) but I will say, some of it was pretty repetitive and some of the chapters seemed to be out of order. Also, my question toward the end is Mila’s reaction to the reveal of the “fake relationship”, I thought she knew all along, especially when she said “you’re finally going to tell her” to Nikola just before he told his mom the truth. Other than that, it was really good!
August 4, 2026
Love this
If you don't like spice but love a good love story this is for you. I don't know how many times you're book made me stop and hold my heart cause just ugh they were so stinking cute. And Vernon had me crying laughing on the floor like sir please put the notebook away lol i loved this, I'm more of a spice kind of girl but this was too good not to read the next book.
If you don't like spice but love a good love story this is for you. I don't know how many times you're book made me stop and hold my heart cause just ugh they were so stinking cute. And Vernon had me crying laughing on the floor like sir please put the notebook away lol i loved this, I'm more of a spice kind of girl but this was too good not to read the next book.
May 31, 2026
pretty good
The book was pretty good. However, I really didn’t understand why the fake girlfriend thing was blown so out of proportion. Why did the moms and the sister act like they stole money from their purse or something? It was peculiar.
The book was pretty good. However, I really didn’t understand why the fake girlfriend thing was blown so out of proportion. Why did the moms and the sister act like they stole money from their purse or something? It was peculiar.
June 24, 2026
so beautiful
Hockey romances are trending right now but I think this story feels more grounded. The pace was real, the conversations, personalities and vulnerability were real. Thank you contributing this story to the literary universe. I look forward to reading this story again
Hockey romances are trending right now but I think this story feels more grounded. The pace was real, the conversations, personalities and vulnerability were real. Thank you contributing this story to the literary universe. I look forward to reading this story again
July 5, 2026
Too many inconsistencies
This book felt like it was written by AI. Or by someone who wrote several drafts of the story and forgot to go back and edit or proofread. The timeline and inconsistencies throughout the story made it too difficult to enjoy. Very close to DNF.
This book felt like it was written by AI. Or by someone who wrote several drafts of the story and forgot to go back and edit or proofread. The timeline and inconsistencies throughout the story made it too difficult to enjoy. Very close to DNF.
April 30, 2026
Cute slow burn
A new to me author, clean cosy romance worth a read. A little too slow for my taste but a good read
A new to me author, clean cosy romance worth a read. A little too slow for my taste but a good read
June 27, 2026
Sweet and engaging
This is a love story. No erotica, no spice, yet it had me engaged and invested and finishing the book in 3 days! Excellent writing
This is a love story. No erotica, no spice, yet it had me engaged and invested and finishing the book in 3 days! Excellent writing
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