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IceHawks #3
Chasing Hope
Some love stories are written in the stars, theirs was written in silence.
When Evie's life seemingly shatters in a day she expects her brother to come running. The last person she expects to show up is Matteo Valenti.
Her brother's best friend. Her childhood crush. The man she's loved in silence since she was a little girl.
What Evie doesn't know is that Matteo has spent a lifetime loving her right back.
With nowhere else to turn, Evie reluctantly lets Matteo help pick up the pieces of her broken world. But for Matteo, being there for her isn't a burden, it's everything he's ever wanted. The chance to be the one she leans on. The one she trusts. The one she loves.
And this time, neither of them can ignore the tension that's been simmering between them for over twenty years.
But while Matteo is determined to help her find her spark again, Evie carries the weight of a devastating secret, one powerful enough to destroy everything. Because some wounds cut deeper than anyone can see and even Matteo's unwavering love might not be enough to save the woman he's spent a lifetime wishing upon every star.
When Evie's life seemingly shatters in a day she expects her brother to come running. The last person she expects to show up is Matteo Valenti.
Her brother's best friend. Her childhood crush. The man she's loved in silence since she was a little girl.
What Evie doesn't know is that Matteo has spent a lifetime loving her right back.
With nowhere else to turn, Evie reluctantly lets Matteo help pick up the pieces of her broken world. But for Matteo, being there for her isn't a burden, it's everything he's ever wanted. The chance to be the one she leans on. The one she trusts. The one she loves.
And this time, neither of them can ignore the tension that's been simmering between them for over twenty years.
But while Matteo is determined to help her find her spark again, Evie carries the weight of a devastating secret, one powerful enough to destroy everything. Because some wounds cut deeper than anyone can see and even Matteo's unwavering love might not be enough to save the woman he's spent a lifetime wishing upon every star.
482 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2026
About the author
Mads Rafferty
8 books3,347 followersNever in a million years would I have thought my life would look like what it does today. If I told my younger self that I not only love to read but that I write books for a living … well let’s just say we would be attending her funeral. Books will forever hold a special place in my heart. At the age of nineteen, I immersed myself in the world of fiction and was lucky enough to be dragged out of a dark abyss. Books have been there for me through thick and thin, helping shape the person I am today and I hope for some, my books will do the same. In whatever capacity that may be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
August 4, 2026
Authors Note: “I hope I gave a voice to the girls and boys within us that were silenced.”
Writing a review for this doesn’t seem fitting, it’s a book that’s felt and words don’t always capture a feeling. I know mine would never do it justice.
For anyone who has ever been a victim, I hope you find your Matteo, I hope you find peace, and I hope like Evie you find the strength to heal.
“I will always choose you, Evie. In every situation, in every room, and in every lifetime. I will always choose you.”
I personally loved this book, and this whole series so much. Like her previous books I found the starts slow because yes they are long, but the ends are always worth the pay off. These are not fluffy sports romance, they are not perfectly written love stories, these are raw and honest, and there is something so unique in that.
Thank you Mads for giving me
Matteo “my woman, my jersey.” Valenti
Evie “now stop being a gentleman and kiss me” Ellington
- childhood friends to lovers
- brothers best friend
- forced proximity
- one of the best found families (my guy Kieren in this one again 🥹)
- no 3rd act break up
4.5 ⭐️ 1🌶️ 3.5 🤍
Writing a review for this doesn’t seem fitting, it’s a book that’s felt and words don’t always capture a feeling. I know mine would never do it justice.
For anyone who has ever been a victim, I hope you find your Matteo, I hope you find peace, and I hope like Evie you find the strength to heal.
“I will always choose you, Evie. In every situation, in every room, and in every lifetime. I will always choose you.”
I personally loved this book, and this whole series so much. Like her previous books I found the starts slow because yes they are long, but the ends are always worth the pay off. These are not fluffy sports romance, they are not perfectly written love stories, these are raw and honest, and there is something so unique in that.
Thank you Mads for giving me
Matteo “my woman, my jersey.” Valenti
Evie “now stop being a gentleman and kiss me” Ellington
- childhood friends to lovers
- brothers best friend
- forced proximity
- one of the best found families (my guy Kieren in this one again 🥹)
- no 3rd act break up
4.5 ⭐️ 1🌶️ 3.5 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beta reader spoil free review. All thoughts are my own.
5⭐️ for rating and emotional damage.
If I could rate this higher, I genuinely would. Mads never misses on the emotional devastation and this - in my humble opinion - is her most emotional and best IceHawks book yet! I didn't think it could get harder, but boyyyyyy was I in for a journey.
The unfinished bits and closure I was seeking from book two goes deeper in this and blends well with Evie and Matteo's storyline. I love how seamlessly the books in this series have been woven in together and we continue to get amazing found family moments with the team and their partners. We even get more of Emmy and my heart just bursts. My tears lately have all been shed for Mads characters, so thanks a bunch!
Evie and Matteo are just perfection with their banter and friendship. The tension from their forbidden affections and their 'almost' moments are kick-your-feet insane. The boiling point is delicious! Matteo has the perfect nickname for Evie, and I love the long reveal of its meaning.
We delve into hard topics of depression and trauma, making me so genuinely emotionally invested in these characters. I wanted to hold and protect these two at all costs as their stories are so devastating! Mads handled the mental health representation with delicacy and tenderness as always, but especially in Chasing Hope. It's in the title itself! The journey is never linear as we find with these two, but the unwavering support from everyone makes it so rewarding and seems like it's going to fit seamlessly with the next book. I already cannot wait!
5⭐️ for rating and emotional damage.
If I could rate this higher, I genuinely would. Mads never misses on the emotional devastation and this - in my humble opinion - is her most emotional and best IceHawks book yet! I didn't think it could get harder, but boyyyyyy was I in for a journey.
The unfinished bits and closure I was seeking from book two goes deeper in this and blends well with Evie and Matteo's storyline. I love how seamlessly the books in this series have been woven in together and we continue to get amazing found family moments with the team and their partners. We even get more of Emmy and my heart just bursts. My tears lately have all been shed for Mads characters, so thanks a bunch!
Evie and Matteo are just perfection with their banter and friendship. The tension from their forbidden affections and their 'almost' moments are kick-your-feet insane. The boiling point is delicious! Matteo has the perfect nickname for Evie, and I love the long reveal of its meaning.
We delve into hard topics of depression and trauma, making me so genuinely emotionally invested in these characters. I wanted to hold and protect these two at all costs as their stories are so devastating! Mads handled the mental health representation with delicacy and tenderness as always, but especially in Chasing Hope. It's in the title itself! The journey is never linear as we find with these two, but the unwavering support from everyone makes it so rewarding and seems like it's going to fit seamlessly with the next book. I already cannot wait!
July 31, 2026
Two broken souls finding peace in each other…
I kid you not, the minute I received the email that I was selected to be an ARC reader for ‘chasing hope’, I screamed. I’ve read Mads her other two books as well, and they were so good! I laughed, I fell in love and I’ve cried during those, and when she started teasing this one, I was overly excited and knew I needed to read this one.
I was about sixty pages into another book when I received this ARC, and immediately (which I never ever do) started this book and put the other one aside.
I was hooked from chapter one. The way it was written, the way were introduced to the story, I couldn’t put it down.
I love how easy the dynamic between Evie and Mattheo is. Their banter, riling each other up, it’s adorable. This is a slow burn story, and a slow burn it is. The way we read about how they’re slowly but surely, realizing they’re falling for each other, is so well written.
The amount of ‘almost’ moments there were, oh my god, it had me screaming at my kobo. They were so, so good.
Okay, I always love how ‘book boyfriends’ talk about their girls. But the way Matteo talks about Evie, rises above all the 35 books I’ve read so far. That man is down bad.
I cried so hard at the end of chapter 54 and at chapter 55. I can’t spoiler, but those broke me. Mads, you’re such a good writer and I don’t know how, but you’re able to bring the story in a way that makes it feel like I’m sucked right into it, and standing nearby, watching. You were not kidding when you said this book was going to be even more gut-wrenching than the other two.
But hey, at least there’s no third-act breakup, so we’re all good, right?
Let’s also not forget about Matteo. His story is so sad, and I just want to crawl into the book and hug him. Tightly.
The epilogue was so beautiful, the best way to close the book.
Evie and Matteo will always be holding a special place in my heart. They’re so lovable, and need all the love they can get.
I kid you not, the minute I received the email that I was selected to be an ARC reader for ‘chasing hope’, I screamed. I’ve read Mads her other two books as well, and they were so good! I laughed, I fell in love and I’ve cried during those, and when she started teasing this one, I was overly excited and knew I needed to read this one.
I was about sixty pages into another book when I received this ARC, and immediately (which I never ever do) started this book and put the other one aside.
I was hooked from chapter one. The way it was written, the way were introduced to the story, I couldn’t put it down.
I love how easy the dynamic between Evie and Mattheo is. Their banter, riling each other up, it’s adorable. This is a slow burn story, and a slow burn it is. The way we read about how they’re slowly but surely, realizing they’re falling for each other, is so well written.
The amount of ‘almost’ moments there were, oh my god, it had me screaming at my kobo. They were so, so good.
Okay, I always love how ‘book boyfriends’ talk about their girls. But the way Matteo talks about Evie, rises above all the 35 books I’ve read so far. That man is down bad.
I cried so hard at the end of chapter 54 and at chapter 55. I can’t spoiler, but those broke me. Mads, you’re such a good writer and I don’t know how, but you’re able to bring the story in a way that makes it feel like I’m sucked right into it, and standing nearby, watching. You were not kidding when you said this book was going to be even more gut-wrenching than the other two.
But hey, at least there’s no third-act breakup, so we’re all good, right?
Let’s also not forget about Matteo. His story is so sad, and I just want to crawl into the book and hug him. Tightly.
The epilogue was so beautiful, the best way to close the book.
Evie and Matteo will always be holding a special place in my heart. They’re so lovable, and need all the love they can get.
August 15, 2026
Meu deus… estou quebrada.
Me destruiu
Arrasada
Foda demais
Pesado demais
Me destruiu
Arrasada
Foda demais
Pesado demais
August 13, 2026
Wow, this one hurt. This is such a heartbreaking and important story, which Mads portrayed in such a beautiful way.
Please, please read the trigger warnings before diving into this book. This is a love story, but it is so much more than that.
Two people whose souls were broken by the very people who were supposed to protect them. And sadly, this is the reality for so many people. My heart hurts just thinking about it.
Matteo is truly the ultimate book boyfriend and the perfect example of yearning. You can really feel the love and soulmate connection between Evie and Matteo. They are both so protective of each other, gentle and compassionate. Nothing can come between them and their love.
Once again, the found family aspect was portrayed so beautifully and it was so important for both Evie and Matteo. I also really felt for Caleb.
Despite the heavy topics, we still got plenty of banter and funny moments, which took away a little bit of the heaviness and provided a needed relief.
My only criticism is that I sometimes found the dialogue or inner thoughts a little corny or cringey. I mean, we get the nickname Dove, and it’s cute, but I think it was used a little too often. Nevertheless, the story itself was written beautifully and those things didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
I am SO excited for the next book in this series, and I really hope it will be Caleb’s story. He deserves to find his peace and his person too.
And the author’s note… uff. I really hope Mads and everyone who has had to survive any kind of abuse, can heal, find peace, and know that they deserve so much better.
This story hurt, but it was also beautiful, hopeful and full of love.
Please, please read the trigger warnings before diving into this book. This is a love story, but it is so much more than that.
Two people whose souls were broken by the very people who were supposed to protect them. And sadly, this is the reality for so many people. My heart hurts just thinking about it.
Matteo is truly the ultimate book boyfriend and the perfect example of yearning. You can really feel the love and soulmate connection between Evie and Matteo. They are both so protective of each other, gentle and compassionate. Nothing can come between them and their love.
Once again, the found family aspect was portrayed so beautifully and it was so important for both Evie and Matteo. I also really felt for Caleb.
Despite the heavy topics, we still got plenty of banter and funny moments, which took away a little bit of the heaviness and provided a needed relief.
My only criticism is that I sometimes found the dialogue or inner thoughts a little corny or cringey. I mean, we get the nickname Dove, and it’s cute, but I think it was used a little too often. Nevertheless, the story itself was written beautifully and those things didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
I am SO excited for the next book in this series, and I really hope it will be Caleb’s story. He deserves to find his peace and his person too.
And the author’s note… uff. I really hope Mads and everyone who has had to survive any kind of abuse, can heal, find peace, and know that they deserve so much better.
This story hurt, but it was also beautiful, hopeful and full of love.
August 14, 2026
── review
(make sure you read the author's note for trigger warnings.)
this book.
i don't think i even have the words for it.
if Breaking Point showed me that healing can begin even in the darkest moments, and Fighting Chance taught me what healing looks like, then Chasing Hope reminded me that healing is never linear—and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let someone love you through it.
evie absolutely broke my heart. watching her carry something so heavy while convincing herself she had to do it alone (and that it was her fault) was devastating. every setback, every moment she questioned herself, every tiny victory... i felt all of it. seeing her slowly reclaim pieces of herself was one of the most beautiful journeys i've ever read.
and matteo...
twenty years of loving someone without asking for anything in return. twenty years of choosing her, protecting her, and showing up whenever she needed him. he's patient, unwavering, and somehow manages to love evie exactly the way she needs to be loved. if green flags were a person, they'd be matteo valenti.
together, they're everything. they prove that love can't erase trauma, but it can give you a safe place to begin healing. they chose each other over and over again, even when it was hard, and that's what made their story.
⛸️ hockey romance
🩷 brothers best friend
⛸️ 20 years of yearning
🩷 f*ck it moment
⛸️ found family
🩷 childhood trauma
⛸️ guaranteed to make you cry
(make sure you read the author's note for trigger warnings.)
this book.
i don't think i even have the words for it.
if Breaking Point showed me that healing can begin even in the darkest moments, and Fighting Chance taught me what healing looks like, then Chasing Hope reminded me that healing is never linear—and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let someone love you through it.
evie absolutely broke my heart. watching her carry something so heavy while convincing herself she had to do it alone (and that it was her fault) was devastating. every setback, every moment she questioned herself, every tiny victory... i felt all of it. seeing her slowly reclaim pieces of herself was one of the most beautiful journeys i've ever read.
and matteo...
twenty years of loving someone without asking for anything in return. twenty years of choosing her, protecting her, and showing up whenever she needed him. he's patient, unwavering, and somehow manages to love evie exactly the way she needs to be loved. if green flags were a person, they'd be matteo valenti.
together, they're everything. they prove that love can't erase trauma, but it can give you a safe place to begin healing. they chose each other over and over again, even when it was hard, and that's what made their story.
⛸️ hockey romance
🩷 brothers best friend
⛸️ 20 years of yearning
🩷 f*ck it moment
⛸️ found family
🩷 childhood trauma
⛸️ guaranteed to make you cry
"Come on, Dove, let's see if you can fly."
"I'll always believe you." That's what scares me."I can do hard things."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
I received an advance copy of Chasing Hope by Mads Rafferty.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️… honestly, this deserves a million stars.
Mads never misses with her books, but I genuinely think this is the best one she’s written so far. It also covers the hardest topic she’s tackled to date, and I honestly don’t think it could have been handled with more care or compassion.
Stories that centre around sexual assault and abuse carry such a huge responsibility, and Mads did this topic complete justice. You don’t just read about what Evie has been through, you feel it. You feel her pain, her dissociation, her fear, and the way she’s trying to navigate life after everything that’s happened to her. It was heartbreaking, but it also felt incredibly real.
These things happen every single day to women, men, girls, and boys, and I don’t think they’re talked about nearly enough. I’m so grateful that Mads chose to tell this story with so much honesty while also showing that healing isn’t linear.
Even though this book deals with such heavy topics, it also gives us one of the most beautiful romances. Matteo and Evie have been orbiting each other since they were children, and it honestly feels like they were always meant to find their way back to one another. Matteo’s yearning absolutely stole my heart. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of a man who’s completely gone for his girl, and Mads somehow manages to write the best book men every single time.
I also loved seeing the strength of the female friendships throughout the story. And getting to see Grayson, Kieran, Layla, Bella, and everyone else again felt like coming home. They’re the reason I fell in love with this series in the first place. But this is Evie and Matteo’s story, and their love is something really special.
I’m going to keep this review spoiler-free because I genuinely think everyone should experience this book for themselves.
Please make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading. As beautiful as this love story is, it doesn’t shy away from some incredibly difficult subjects.
As a woman whose own experiences resonated with parts of Evie’s story, this book hit me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I know there will be other women and men who see pieces of themselves in these pages too. My hope is that if this story resonates with you, it reminds you that you’re not alone, that healing is possible, and that asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.
Thank you, Mads, for writing a story that is as devastating as it is hopeful. This book is one I’ll be thinking about for a very long time, and it’s one I’ll recommend to everyone.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️… honestly, this deserves a million stars.
Mads never misses with her books, but I genuinely think this is the best one she’s written so far. It also covers the hardest topic she’s tackled to date, and I honestly don’t think it could have been handled with more care or compassion.
Stories that centre around sexual assault and abuse carry such a huge responsibility, and Mads did this topic complete justice. You don’t just read about what Evie has been through, you feel it. You feel her pain, her dissociation, her fear, and the way she’s trying to navigate life after everything that’s happened to her. It was heartbreaking, but it also felt incredibly real.
These things happen every single day to women, men, girls, and boys, and I don’t think they’re talked about nearly enough. I’m so grateful that Mads chose to tell this story with so much honesty while also showing that healing isn’t linear.
Even though this book deals with such heavy topics, it also gives us one of the most beautiful romances. Matteo and Evie have been orbiting each other since they were children, and it honestly feels like they were always meant to find their way back to one another. Matteo’s yearning absolutely stole my heart. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of a man who’s completely gone for his girl, and Mads somehow manages to write the best book men every single time.
I also loved seeing the strength of the female friendships throughout the story. And getting to see Grayson, Kieran, Layla, Bella, and everyone else again felt like coming home. They’re the reason I fell in love with this series in the first place. But this is Evie and Matteo’s story, and their love is something really special.
I’m going to keep this review spoiler-free because I genuinely think everyone should experience this book for themselves.
Please make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading. As beautiful as this love story is, it doesn’t shy away from some incredibly difficult subjects.
As a woman whose own experiences resonated with parts of Evie’s story, this book hit me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I know there will be other women and men who see pieces of themselves in these pages too. My hope is that if this story resonates with you, it reminds you that you’re not alone, that healing is possible, and that asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.
Thank you, Mads, for writing a story that is as devastating as it is hopeful. This book is one I’ll be thinking about for a very long time, and it’s one I’ll recommend to everyone.
August 12, 2026
I simply do not have the words to do this book justice. This book is a feeling, and nothing I say will convey those feelings and emotions appropriately. I was wrecked while reading this. I utterly adore this series, and wasn’t really prepared for how raw and emotional this one would make me.
Every victim deserves a chance to heal. To be heard. To let it out. To not be ok. To rebuild yourself. To have their own Matteo. Mads put very difficult emotions and topics into words and I am beyond thankful for that. I feel she respected the topic and didn’t hide from the devastation that follows. She didn’t sugar coat it but allowed Evie her chance to heal.
5 stars isn’t enough for me. I don’t think I can adequately describe what this book means to me.
Every victim deserves a chance to heal. To be heard. To let it out. To not be ok. To rebuild yourself. To have their own Matteo. Mads put very difficult emotions and topics into words and I am beyond thankful for that. I feel she respected the topic and didn’t hide from the devastation that follows. She didn’t sugar coat it but allowed Evie her chance to heal.
5 stars isn’t enough for me. I don’t think I can adequately describe what this book means to me.
August 12, 2026
I am broken.
Mads can give the most incredibly hard subject matter a voice in the most beautiful way.
This book broke me. I broke for Evie, Matteo. Caleb and Keiran all over again!
The inner strength and character development was amazing. The found family in this are top tier.
Although I am broken, I am so glad I read it. And cant wait to read more from this amazing author.
Mads can give the most incredibly hard subject matter a voice in the most beautiful way.
This book broke me. I broke for Evie, Matteo. Caleb and Keiran all over again!
The inner strength and character development was amazing. The found family in this are top tier.
Although I am broken, I am so glad I read it. And cant wait to read more from this amazing author.
August 13, 2026
What a difficult read but so well done
August 10, 2026
I don’t know where to start.
This has to be the saddest book I’ve read this year. I’m somewhere between disbelief and just pure emotional distress. I haven’t been able to stop crying, and the pain in my chest is not a pain I thought I could get from a book.
Evie… oh, Evie. She deserves the entire world. Her story broke my heart. There were moments where I felt so physically ill that I genuinely didn’t think I’d be able to pull through, to literally choking on my own tears. Her story shifted something inside of me today. It was so raw and so tremendously emotional that I just couldn’t stop crying. I don’t think there are words to describe how glad I am that, after everything she went through, she was somehow able to keep going. She is so incredibly strong for pulling through and not giving up when it seemed like she had no one around her.
I’m so glad she let Matteo into her life and her heart. I could see the difference whenever they were together, it genuinely felt like you could feel her breathe a sigh of relief, if that makes sense? Like, for once, she was able to escape the thoughts inside her head because she was focusing on something else completely. That beautiful, momentary escape.
Matteo went above and beyond for Evie, and Jesus, he loves her so much. Guys. HE LOVES HER SO FRICKING MUCH. He loved her for TWO DECADES before he ever made a move. He watched from afar, listened whenever her brother gave him updates about what she was doing, and simply waited for his chance. I genuinely think the only correct term for these two is soulmates. There’s no other way to describe them.
And it’s the fact that even after two decades of waiting for her, for his chance, he never rushed her into anything. Instead, he continuously reassured her that he wanted to take things slowly so that she always felt safe around him. He did everything he possibly could to make her feel safe. He went above and beyond, and quite frankly, made my standards skyrocket. But putting all of that aside, I ugly cried reading and learning about his story. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such anger? Disgust? Towards fictional characters before. It genuinely made me want to teleport into this book and punch them all for the things he was put through, but alas, I cannot do that.
Just sitting here trying to think about what to write is making my heart ache.
I loved this book.
I know I’ve said I cried. And it hurt. But I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I’ve spent the majority of my day sitting here reading it, and I’d do it all over again. I think this book is for all the people who have felt silenced. For those who felt like they couldn’t speak up. For those who were terrified that if they did, they’d be called liars. This book represents those who have gone through horrendous things in the places where they were supposed to feel safest, or at the hands of the people they were supposed to feel safest with.
This book was everything. And it was so beautifully written.
Mads, firstly, thank you for sending me your entire series, but secondly, thank you for pouring your heart into this book. It was magnificent. You are truly such a talented author and an incredible storyteller. I hope people can connect with Evie and Matteo the way I did, because their story was everything.
And if you’ve made it this far, the last thing I have to say is:
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS. Do not take them lightly.
This has to be the saddest book I’ve read this year. I’m somewhere between disbelief and just pure emotional distress. I haven’t been able to stop crying, and the pain in my chest is not a pain I thought I could get from a book.
Evie… oh, Evie. She deserves the entire world. Her story broke my heart. There were moments where I felt so physically ill that I genuinely didn’t think I’d be able to pull through, to literally choking on my own tears. Her story shifted something inside of me today. It was so raw and so tremendously emotional that I just couldn’t stop crying. I don’t think there are words to describe how glad I am that, after everything she went through, she was somehow able to keep going. She is so incredibly strong for pulling through and not giving up when it seemed like she had no one around her.
I’m so glad she let Matteo into her life and her heart. I could see the difference whenever they were together, it genuinely felt like you could feel her breathe a sigh of relief, if that makes sense? Like, for once, she was able to escape the thoughts inside her head because she was focusing on something else completely. That beautiful, momentary escape.
Matteo went above and beyond for Evie, and Jesus, he loves her so much. Guys. HE LOVES HER SO FRICKING MUCH. He loved her for TWO DECADES before he ever made a move. He watched from afar, listened whenever her brother gave him updates about what she was doing, and simply waited for his chance. I genuinely think the only correct term for these two is soulmates. There’s no other way to describe them.
And it’s the fact that even after two decades of waiting for her, for his chance, he never rushed her into anything. Instead, he continuously reassured her that he wanted to take things slowly so that she always felt safe around him. He did everything he possibly could to make her feel safe. He went above and beyond, and quite frankly, made my standards skyrocket. But putting all of that aside, I ugly cried reading and learning about his story. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such anger? Disgust? Towards fictional characters before. It genuinely made me want to teleport into this book and punch them all for the things he was put through, but alas, I cannot do that.
Just sitting here trying to think about what to write is making my heart ache.
I loved this book.
I know I’ve said I cried. And it hurt. But I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I’ve spent the majority of my day sitting here reading it, and I’d do it all over again. I think this book is for all the people who have felt silenced. For those who felt like they couldn’t speak up. For those who were terrified that if they did, they’d be called liars. This book represents those who have gone through horrendous things in the places where they were supposed to feel safest, or at the hands of the people they were supposed to feel safest with.
This book was everything. And it was so beautifully written.
Mads, firstly, thank you for sending me your entire series, but secondly, thank you for pouring your heart into this book. It was magnificent. You are truly such a talented author and an incredible storyteller. I hope people can connect with Evie and Matteo the way I did, because their story was everything.
And if you’ve made it this far, the last thing I have to say is:
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS. Do not take them lightly.
August 12, 2026
WOW.
If you are planning to read this story, please know that while this series is a sports romance, it is so much more. Please check the trigger warnings and read the authors’ personal note. This story is not for a faint of heart.
For me, Chasing Hope is Evie’s story with everyone else as a supporting character fighting alongside her. We follow her journey as a sexual assault survivor after her primary memories of what she endured over 10 years are triggered and while she finally gets the justice she deserves.
Evie and Matteo are childhood friends who reconnect after a year of no contact when Matteo is called by his best friend and Evie’s brother, Caleb to help her. I absolutely loved their reunion, this is exactly how friends show up. No questions asked.
Through Matteo’s POV, we slowly see him recognise Evie’s struggles as she keeps a 10-year secret from her loved ones. Chapter 55 and Caleb’s chapter alone deserves 5 freaking stars. This is not a book that I will pick up again, but Evie’s story and her relationship with Matteo will stay with me forever.
To be truly seen and loved by each other, I absolutely adored their tenderhearted friendship and everything they became. Mads, truly thank you for writing this hauntingly beautiful story — 5 stars!!
“Because if I told you, you’d end up committing murder”
“This right here is proof that you are never asking for too much, you may just be asking the wrong person”
If you are planning to read this story, please know that while this series is a sports romance, it is so much more. Please check the trigger warnings and read the authors’ personal note. This story is not for a faint of heart.
For me, Chasing Hope is Evie’s story with everyone else as a supporting character fighting alongside her. We follow her journey as a sexual assault survivor after her primary memories of what she endured over 10 years are triggered and while she finally gets the justice she deserves.
Evie and Matteo are childhood friends who reconnect after a year of no contact when Matteo is called by his best friend and Evie’s brother, Caleb to help her. I absolutely loved their reunion, this is exactly how friends show up. No questions asked.
Through Matteo’s POV, we slowly see him recognise Evie’s struggles as she keeps a 10-year secret from her loved ones. Chapter 55 and Caleb’s chapter alone deserves 5 freaking stars. This is not a book that I will pick up again, but Evie’s story and her relationship with Matteo will stay with me forever.
To be truly seen and loved by each other, I absolutely adored their tenderhearted friendship and everything they became. Mads, truly thank you for writing this hauntingly beautiful story — 5 stars!!
“Because if I told you, you’d end up committing murder”
“This right here is proof that you are never asking for too much, you may just be asking the wrong person”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2026
First I would like to thank Mads for letting me be an arc reader again.
This book was so well written and the dark subject matter was written in a way that was so emotional but so respected and carefully looked after.
Matteo was such a softie with Evie and I appreciated that we did get glimpses into parts of their childhood together despite the troubles that were surrounding in the book.
Evie was such a strong FMC for what she went through and how she was able to continue living her life despite the struggles faced with the people around her.
Maybe spoiler but idk…
There was anticipation in that the name of the antagonist in the story was not revealed until later in the book which left me wanting to turn the page until I found out for sure that my assumption was right.
Ultimately I really enjoyed this book although idk if enjoyed is the right word considering I cried and felt sick at many points but this series so far is truly incredible and I’m so happy to see fellow aussies crushing it. <333
This book was so well written and the dark subject matter was written in a way that was so emotional but so respected and carefully looked after.
Matteo was such a softie with Evie and I appreciated that we did get glimpses into parts of their childhood together despite the troubles that were surrounding in the book.
Evie was such a strong FMC for what she went through and how she was able to continue living her life despite the struggles faced with the people around her.
Maybe spoiler but idk…
There was anticipation in that the name of the antagonist in the story was not revealed until later in the book which left me wanting to turn the page until I found out for sure that my assumption was right.
Ultimately I really enjoyed this book although idk if enjoyed is the right word considering I cried and felt sick at many points but this series so far is truly incredible and I’m so happy to see fellow aussies crushing it. <333
August 11, 2026
🖤💗⛸️🏒Chasing Hope by Mads Rafferty🏒⛸️💗🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: ARC (and literally changed my life)
I AM NOT OKAY😭 Getting the ARC for this book was already the absolute peak of my existence, but actually reading it??? Chasing Hope completely, utterly ruined me in the best way possible.🌸🌸
I literally ugly cried so hard my chest hurt. Mads Rafferty put her ENTIRE soul into this book, I swear. The absolute angst?! The slow burn?! Evie and Matteo are officially permanently etched into my brain. The way Matteo is so DOWN BAD for her had me screaming, throwing my kindle across the room, and clutching my chest every five seconds. The tension between them was so thick I could barely breathe.🦋🦋
I was an emotional wreck from start to finish, but that ending healed me. If you love a good brother’s best friend, years of unrequited longing, and books that will emotionally destroy you before piecing you back together GO ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR RIGHT NOW!🔥🔥🔥🔥
Matteo is the ultimate book boyfriend and I am proud to say that I will never recover. 🫠✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: ARC (and literally changed my life)
I AM NOT OKAY😭 Getting the ARC for this book was already the absolute peak of my existence, but actually reading it??? Chasing Hope completely, utterly ruined me in the best way possible.🌸🌸
I literally ugly cried so hard my chest hurt. Mads Rafferty put her ENTIRE soul into this book, I swear. The absolute angst?! The slow burn?! Evie and Matteo are officially permanently etched into my brain. The way Matteo is so DOWN BAD for her had me screaming, throwing my kindle across the room, and clutching my chest every five seconds. The tension between them was so thick I could barely breathe.🦋🦋
I was an emotional wreck from start to finish, but that ending healed me. If you love a good brother’s best friend, years of unrequited longing, and books that will emotionally destroy you before piecing you back together GO ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR RIGHT NOW!🔥🔥🔥🔥
Matteo is the ultimate book boyfriend and I am proud to say that I will never recover. 🫠✨
August 13, 2026
Chasing Hope by Mad Rafferty
480 Pages
The IceHawks Series Book 3
... There are no words, truly no words I can write down that can accurately depict how this book utterly destroyed me and put be back together in the same breath.
I knew I was in for a ride with this one but damn I didn't think it would hit me quite like it did, I adore the relationship between Matteo and Evie and honestly Childhood best friends to lovers is such an underrated trope, I was lapping this up like I was on a 6 hour hike myself.
I love how incredible this Found Family is and how they rally together when its needed, this obviously is full of all the favourites from the previous in the series, I have devoured all 3 books in this series in the past 7 days, I cannot wait for what is next to come and I hope I am picking up on what Mads is putting down and hinting towards for the future.
I cannot wait to move these to my basket and add them to my trophy shelf.
480 Pages
The IceHawks Series Book 3
... There are no words, truly no words I can write down that can accurately depict how this book utterly destroyed me and put be back together in the same breath.
I knew I was in for a ride with this one but damn I didn't think it would hit me quite like it did, I adore the relationship between Matteo and Evie and honestly Childhood best friends to lovers is such an underrated trope, I was lapping this up like I was on a 6 hour hike myself.
I love how incredible this Found Family is and how they rally together when its needed, this obviously is full of all the favourites from the previous in the series, I have devoured all 3 books in this series in the past 7 days, I cannot wait for what is next to come and I hope I am picking up on what Mads is putting down and hinting towards for the future.
I cannot wait to move these to my basket and add them to my trophy shelf.
August 13, 2026
This book was heartbreaking, inspiring & beautiful all at the same time! I don’t think I can do this book justice with my review tbh!! What happened to Evie was heartbreaking and sickening and then what she had to go through afterwards aswell!! Matteo was incredible, the lengths he went too to help Evie get her strength was just something else, they were perfect for each other and the love they shared was so evident even when they weren’t together! I sobbed so many times during this book! I loved the ending, the justice she got, the life that her and Matteo were going to live, I wish we would have gotten a more distance look at there future too! I’m so worried for Caleb at the end of this book, I hope we get a book for him so we can see how he heals!!
August 10, 2026
This book completely pulled me in. 🤍
Some stories are entertaining, but this one was emotional, raw and unforgettable.
Evie’s journey was heartbreaking to read, but seeing her find her strength and begin to heal made everything so worth it. ❤️🩹
And Matteo… 🕊️Their relationship had EVERYTHING. The history, the friendship, the protectiveness and the way he constantly chose his Dove had me completely invested 🥹
I’ve loved this series, but this book definitely hit differently. It’s honest and emotional and I think that’s what made it so special.
Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some stories are entertaining, but this one was emotional, raw and unforgettable.
Evie’s journey was heartbreaking to read, but seeing her find her strength and begin to heal made everything so worth it. ❤️🩹
And Matteo… 🕊️Their relationship had EVERYTHING. The history, the friendship, the protectiveness and the way he constantly chose his Dove had me completely invested 🥹
I’ve loved this series, but this book definitely hit differently. It’s honest and emotional and I think that’s what made it so special.
Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Did Not Finish
August 13, 2026dnf’d 8/12/26 @ 21% - sorry i tried i really did but i cannot get passed the writing. i should’ve known since i also dnf’d the first one but i was intrigued with the storyline but the writing reads like a wattpad fanfic and not in a good way. this one has potential but the writing is cannot get passed
August 11, 2026
Every book just gets better and more heart breaking!
5 stars, I can’t believe I got to beta read and now I’m reading the completed work.
Dove and Matteo broke my heart and rebuilt it piece by piece. I will forever recommend this series to anyone who will listen to me.
5 stars, I can’t believe I got to beta read and now I’m reading the completed work.
Dove and Matteo broke my heart and rebuilt it piece by piece. I will forever recommend this series to anyone who will listen to me.
August 11, 2026
4.5. Another great installment of this series. Definitely the darkest one of them so far. I love that the story, while about Matteo and Evie, also includes lots of times with the friends. I was so glad that Caleb got a chapter. Here’s to hoping he is next!! Maybe. 😇😇
August 13, 2026
i’m so sorry, i really tried, like i tried with the second one, it’s just too predictable and feels like a tiktok book. i bet the book gets better as it goes on and really has an important message, i just couldn’t keep reading.
August 12, 2026
this series just keeps getting better and better
August 13, 2026
she does it again, making me emotional the whole damn book
August 15, 2026
Matteo had me biting my fist!!!! The man that he is! Evie deserves the world 🕊 please check the trigger warnings 💔
August 12, 2026
If I’m being honest, I went into this knowing it would most likely make me cry at least once. Going off Mads’ previous books, I knew this was going to be emotional and I knew she was probably going to make me sob, but gods, I don’t think I realized just how much.
Evie and Matteo actually broke my heart. The things they went through in this book were beyond terrible. My poor Evie girl- I would do anything, absolutely anything, to change what happened to her. Seeing everything she carried, the fear and guilt she lived with, the things she blamed herself for and the way everything she had been through affected how she saw herself absolutely destroyed me. There were so many moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and hug her.
And gods, my Matteo. He broke my heart in a completely different way. The guilt he carried over not knowing, looking back at their childhood and realizing there were things happening around him that he never understood, was devastating. There was so much he wished he could go back and change, so much anger and guilt over things he couldn’t have possibly known, and watching him try to come to terms with all of it while loving Evie through it absolutely broke me.
Because Matteo has always loved Evie. He has always wanted her, always cared about her and always been drawn to her. And Evie has always loved him too. She has always wanted him, even when everything she carried made it difficult for her to believe that she could actually have him. Their love wasn’t something that suddenly appeared because of everything happening around them- it had always been there. They had spent their entire lives gravitating toward each other, and seeing two childhood friends who had always had this connection finally give in and show their love for one another was so fucking beautiful.
The way Matteo would- and did- do absolutely anything for Evie was beautiful. The way he loved her, protected her, stood beside her and constantly tried to show her that none of what she carried changed the way he saw her made my heart hurt. And the way Evie, even while going through something so horrific, still loved Matteo and made sure he knew how important he was to her was just as beautiful. They were both hurting in completely different ways, but they continually found their way back to each other and I truly loved that. They both hold so much trauma from their childhoods but seeing the way that they both still help one another was perfect, they truly are made for one another
This was heavy. It is not a light, fluffy romance. It was painful and difficult to read at times. I sobbed, I gasped, I was shocked and everything was just terrible. But amongst all of that pain, there was so much love. There was so much tenderness and comfort between Matteo and Evie that somehow made everything both hurt more and feel a little less devastating at the same time.
And seeing everyone else again just made everything more emotional. Seeing Kieran help Evie, seeing Greyson and Bella and Layla again, seeing the hockey guys come together and seeing how much love and support surrounded these characters was so heartwarming while also being completely heartbreaking given the circumstances.
And Caleb. My goodness, my heart broke for him too. His guilt over not knowing and everything he had to come to terms with absolutely destroyed me. Seeing both him and Matteo have to look back at someone they had loved and looked up to and reconcile that with everything they were learning was devastating. There was so much guilt throughout this book carried by people who didn’t deserve to carry it, and I think that was one of the things that hurt me the most.
There was just so much pain in this story. Evie’s fear and guilt, Matteo and Caleb’s guilt and anger, the helplessness of wishing you could go back and change something that has already happened- it was fucking heartbreaking. But at the same time, there was so much love. So much love, friendships (new and old), family, loyalty and people coming together when someone they loved needed them most.
This was such a beautiful book filled with sadness and despair. It was filled with love and loyalty, but also pain and suffering. It was filled with comfort and longing, but also guilt and anger. It somehow managed to be heartbreaking and heartwarming at the exact same time.
It was just everything all at once, and I loved it.
Evie and Matteo actually broke my heart. The things they went through in this book were beyond terrible. My poor Evie girl- I would do anything, absolutely anything, to change what happened to her. Seeing everything she carried, the fear and guilt she lived with, the things she blamed herself for and the way everything she had been through affected how she saw herself absolutely destroyed me. There were so many moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and hug her.
And gods, my Matteo. He broke my heart in a completely different way. The guilt he carried over not knowing, looking back at their childhood and realizing there were things happening around him that he never understood, was devastating. There was so much he wished he could go back and change, so much anger and guilt over things he couldn’t have possibly known, and watching him try to come to terms with all of it while loving Evie through it absolutely broke me.
Because Matteo has always loved Evie. He has always wanted her, always cared about her and always been drawn to her. And Evie has always loved him too. She has always wanted him, even when everything she carried made it difficult for her to believe that she could actually have him. Their love wasn’t something that suddenly appeared because of everything happening around them- it had always been there. They had spent their entire lives gravitating toward each other, and seeing two childhood friends who had always had this connection finally give in and show their love for one another was so fucking beautiful.
The way Matteo would- and did- do absolutely anything for Evie was beautiful. The way he loved her, protected her, stood beside her and constantly tried to show her that none of what she carried changed the way he saw her made my heart hurt. And the way Evie, even while going through something so horrific, still loved Matteo and made sure he knew how important he was to her was just as beautiful. They were both hurting in completely different ways, but they continually found their way back to each other and I truly loved that. They both hold so much trauma from their childhoods but seeing the way that they both still help one another was perfect, they truly are made for one another
This was heavy. It is not a light, fluffy romance. It was painful and difficult to read at times. I sobbed, I gasped, I was shocked and everything was just terrible. But amongst all of that pain, there was so much love. There was so much tenderness and comfort between Matteo and Evie that somehow made everything both hurt more and feel a little less devastating at the same time.
And seeing everyone else again just made everything more emotional. Seeing Kieran help Evie, seeing Greyson and Bella and Layla again, seeing the hockey guys come together and seeing how much love and support surrounded these characters was so heartwarming while also being completely heartbreaking given the circumstances.
And Caleb. My goodness, my heart broke for him too. His guilt over not knowing and everything he had to come to terms with absolutely destroyed me. Seeing both him and Matteo have to look back at someone they had loved and looked up to and reconcile that with everything they were learning was devastating. There was so much guilt throughout this book carried by people who didn’t deserve to carry it, and I think that was one of the things that hurt me the most.
There was just so much pain in this story. Evie’s fear and guilt, Matteo and Caleb’s guilt and anger, the helplessness of wishing you could go back and change something that has already happened- it was fucking heartbreaking. But at the same time, there was so much love. So much love, friendships (new and old), family, loyalty and people coming together when someone they loved needed them most.
This was such a beautiful book filled with sadness and despair. It was filled with love and loyalty, but also pain and suffering. It was filled with comfort and longing, but also guilt and anger. It somehow managed to be heartbreaking and heartwarming at the exact same time.
It was just everything all at once, and I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Mads Rafferty for an ARC of this! This was a highly anticipated read for me so I feel super grateful to have been lucky enough to have received an early copy of this.
Just an FYI..
*There might be spoilers ahead with this review so please read ahead with caution. This book deals with detailed on page abuse, please take care of yourselves and check the author's website for a full list of trigger warnings*
OH MY GOSH, I sit here writing this review trying to hold back my tears, because if there was a way to reach through my kindle and hug Matteo and Evie I absolutely would. This was one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, yet wholesome stories I have ever read. Believe me when I say that this is so much more than just another ice hockey romance. Yes, this is a childhood best friends to lovers, brothers best friend romance, but at its core this is about two people with 20 years of history and 20 years of yearning, both harbouring an immense amount of trauma that only each other can help them heal.
Matteo, our 6 ft 5 ice hockey player, who is a bit grumpy, quiet and has only had eyes for his best friend's younger sister. Matteo is protective, attentive, safe. He is an acts of service man who not only hears, but listens, he is in tune with his feelings and can read the emotions of others. He is a green flag all around, even with the childhood trauma and neglect he faced at the hands of his parents. Evie, oh Evie. I am actually at a loss for words on how to describe our Evie. A complex FMC who has been dealt the worst possible cards imaginable and has had to deal with some of the most despicable and horrible humans I have ever had to read about. Her strength, her growth and every raw emotion was written so perfectly. I felt for her, I cried for her. Together, Evie and Matteo are each other's pillars, they have the best communication, banter and are so flirty at times, it was the best thing ever.
Given this is book three in the series, the found family was perfection. Getting to see Grayson and Bella, Kieran and Layla and the rest of the team genuinely made me smile and feel giddy. The group chats were hilarious, the team interactions were priceless and the way they all huddled around Evie when her truth came to light truly made me sob.
Honestly, everything about this story was perfect. I think the author handled the extremely sensitive topics discussed with such care and consideration, and the fact that I felt all the emotions the FMC and MMC felt is a testament to Mads and her writing. Gosh, I could go on about this for days…
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ / 5
Quotes that have stuck with me:
"My best friend's little sister, the girl I watched grow into a woman, the one that I would throw myself in front of a moving car for, take a bullet for, stab myself in the heart for if it meant saving her." - Matteo
"Losing him would feel like losing a part of myself, and I don't have a lot to give as is. If I lost him, I'd be left with nothing and float away into the depthless pit of the universe, waiting aimlessly for him to find me." - Evie
Just an FYI..
*There might be spoilers ahead with this review so please read ahead with caution. This book deals with detailed on page abuse, please take care of yourselves and check the author's website for a full list of trigger warnings*
OH MY GOSH, I sit here writing this review trying to hold back my tears, because if there was a way to reach through my kindle and hug Matteo and Evie I absolutely would. This was one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, yet wholesome stories I have ever read. Believe me when I say that this is so much more than just another ice hockey romance. Yes, this is a childhood best friends to lovers, brothers best friend romance, but at its core this is about two people with 20 years of history and 20 years of yearning, both harbouring an immense amount of trauma that only each other can help them heal.
Matteo, our 6 ft 5 ice hockey player, who is a bit grumpy, quiet and has only had eyes for his best friend's younger sister. Matteo is protective, attentive, safe. He is an acts of service man who not only hears, but listens, he is in tune with his feelings and can read the emotions of others. He is a green flag all around, even with the childhood trauma and neglect he faced at the hands of his parents. Evie, oh Evie. I am actually at a loss for words on how to describe our Evie. A complex FMC who has been dealt the worst possible cards imaginable and has had to deal with some of the most despicable and horrible humans I have ever had to read about. Her strength, her growth and every raw emotion was written so perfectly. I felt for her, I cried for her. Together, Evie and Matteo are each other's pillars, they have the best communication, banter and are so flirty at times, it was the best thing ever.
Given this is book three in the series, the found family was perfection. Getting to see Grayson and Bella, Kieran and Layla and the rest of the team genuinely made me smile and feel giddy. The group chats were hilarious, the team interactions were priceless and the way they all huddled around Evie when her truth came to light truly made me sob.
Honestly, everything about this story was perfect. I think the author handled the extremely sensitive topics discussed with such care and consideration, and the fact that I felt all the emotions the FMC and MMC felt is a testament to Mads and her writing. Gosh, I could go on about this for days…
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ / 5
Quotes that have stuck with me:
"My best friend's little sister, the girl I watched grow into a woman, the one that I would throw myself in front of a moving car for, take a bullet for, stab myself in the heart for if it meant saving her." - Matteo
"Losing him would feel like losing a part of myself, and I don't have a lot to give as is. If I lost him, I'd be left with nothing and float away into the depthless pit of the universe, waiting aimlessly for him to find me." - Evie
August 14, 2026
“𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐞. 𝐈𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
Chasing Hope is heartbreaking story written with care and filled with hope.
Grab your tissues and bubble wrap your heart because, unless you're a sadist, this one is guaranteed to wreck you over and over and over again.
I lost track of how many times I cried, like full-on sobbing, tears streaming down my face. Parts of Chasing Hope left me feeling raw, broken, and exposed. I didn't fully realize the depth of what I was getting into when I started reading, but I have no regrets, just a bruised, battered heart. While Evie's past hurts, it brings to light the stark reality many children and adults live with. It also gives hope that with time, support, therapy, and care, there's sunshine after the storm. I'm so profoundly happy that Evie found her home and unconditional love in Matteo.
Mads Rafferty's dedication spoke to me, and I hope it speaks to those who need to hear it: For everyone searching for the ending they were denied. Let these pages remind you that your story was never meant to end in silence. This is for the justice we all deserve.
Anyone who's bottled things up, afraid to open up because they fear the devastation the truth could wreak on themselves and loved ones, needs a Matteo in their life—someone they can trust, who will stick by their side during tough times, while listening, supporting, and holding them through the numbness, fear, and rage.
Chasing Hope is aptly named. Evie is devastated by what her subconscious reveals after years of suppression; add in her boyfriend and best friend's betrayal, and she's shattered, ready to give up. Evie's at the lowest point of her life, where things could go from bad to worse, and what pulls her back from the edge each time is the hope Matteo gives her by just being there, even when he doesn't know what's going on. His unwavering support makes Evie want to believe that something better lies beyond her dark memories and nightmares.
“𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ. 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟.”
“𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢.”
“𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑, 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒.”
“𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑦.”
“𝐼’𝑚 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠, 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑜. 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒?”
“𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑." <...> " 𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠. 𝐼𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝐴𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝐷𝑜𝑣𝑒.”
𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒. 𝐸𝑣𝑖𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒—𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠ℎ, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑐𝑟𝑦, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐼 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙.
Chasing Hope includes many heavy topics, so for your mental health, please check the trigger warnings before starting.
My heart will weep every time I think of this book.
Chasing Hope is heartbreaking story written with care and filled with hope.
Grab your tissues and bubble wrap your heart because, unless you're a sadist, this one is guaranteed to wreck you over and over and over again.
I lost track of how many times I cried, like full-on sobbing, tears streaming down my face. Parts of Chasing Hope left me feeling raw, broken, and exposed. I didn't fully realize the depth of what I was getting into when I started reading, but I have no regrets, just a bruised, battered heart. While Evie's past hurts, it brings to light the stark reality many children and adults live with. It also gives hope that with time, support, therapy, and care, there's sunshine after the storm. I'm so profoundly happy that Evie found her home and unconditional love in Matteo.
Mads Rafferty's dedication spoke to me, and I hope it speaks to those who need to hear it: For everyone searching for the ending they were denied. Let these pages remind you that your story was never meant to end in silence. This is for the justice we all deserve.
Anyone who's bottled things up, afraid to open up because they fear the devastation the truth could wreak on themselves and loved ones, needs a Matteo in their life—someone they can trust, who will stick by their side during tough times, while listening, supporting, and holding them through the numbness, fear, and rage.
Chasing Hope is aptly named. Evie is devastated by what her subconscious reveals after years of suppression; add in her boyfriend and best friend's betrayal, and she's shattered, ready to give up. Evie's at the lowest point of her life, where things could go from bad to worse, and what pulls her back from the edge each time is the hope Matteo gives her by just being there, even when he doesn't know what's going on. His unwavering support makes Evie want to believe that something better lies beyond her dark memories and nightmares.
“𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ. 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟.”
“𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢.”
“𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑, 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒.”
“𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑦.”
“𝐼’𝑚 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠, 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑜. 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒?”
“𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑." <...> " 𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠. 𝐼𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝐴𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝐷𝑜𝑣𝑒.”
𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒. 𝐸𝑣𝑖𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒—𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠ℎ, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑐𝑟𝑦, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐼 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙.
Chasing Hope includes many heavy topics, so for your mental health, please check the trigger warnings before starting.
My heart will weep every time I think of this book.
August 7, 2026
Mads. Every single time I think you have written the book that will break me the most, you somehow prove me wrong and write one that completely destroys me in the best possible way. And somehow, with every story you give us, I find myself becoming more emotionally attached than I ever thought possible. At this point, I already know every book after this is going to take another piece of my heart, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What you do with your stories is something I will never stop appreciating. You give voices to people who have been silenced, to people who are still finding the courage to speak, and to people who never received the justice they deserved. You remind readers that their stories matter, their pain matters, and their healing matters. And that is exactly why Evie’s story meant so much. You gave her the justice, love, and peace she always deserved.
Matteo. If you looked up the definition of yearning, I’m convinced his picture would be there. Not because of one grand gesture, but because of every little way he loved her. The kind of love that started when he was seven years old and never faded. The kind of love that noticed the smallest things—the bath prepared exactly how she needed it, the bracelet he kept for twenty years because it reminded him of her, the way he knew how to bring her back from nightmares when no one else could. The kind of love that didn’t just want to save her, but wanted to remind her that she was already worth saving. And more than anything, I hope every survivor finds their Matteo. Someone who believes them, stands beside them, fights for them, and reminds them that what happened to them does not define them. Everyone deserves to find that kind of love and that kind of justice.
Evie, you are everything. You are proof that surviving is not the end of the story. You didn’t just survive what tried to break you—you grew into someone stronger, softer, and more powerful because of it. Watching you become a 911 dispatcher, a book club bandit, a survivor, a visionary, Dove, and a sister was such a beautiful reminder that healing is not linear. You showed that strength can look like tears, vulnerability, and choosing yourself over and over again.
And Kieran…having you throughout this story only reminded me why you continue to be my favorite. The way you understand the people you love, the way you see them when they need someone the most, and the way you continue to show up is something I will never stop loving.
Mads, I fear six books are not going to be enough because the Easter eggs you gave us have me begging for more. So consider this my official request for Kai, Irving, Caleb, Johnson, O’Connor, and Lewis because I am absolutely not ready to say goodbye to this world yet. 🤍
What you do with your stories is something I will never stop appreciating. You give voices to people who have been silenced, to people who are still finding the courage to speak, and to people who never received the justice they deserved. You remind readers that their stories matter, their pain matters, and their healing matters. And that is exactly why Evie’s story meant so much. You gave her the justice, love, and peace she always deserved.
Matteo. If you looked up the definition of yearning, I’m convinced his picture would be there. Not because of one grand gesture, but because of every little way he loved her. The kind of love that started when he was seven years old and never faded. The kind of love that noticed the smallest things—the bath prepared exactly how she needed it, the bracelet he kept for twenty years because it reminded him of her, the way he knew how to bring her back from nightmares when no one else could. The kind of love that didn’t just want to save her, but wanted to remind her that she was already worth saving. And more than anything, I hope every survivor finds their Matteo. Someone who believes them, stands beside them, fights for them, and reminds them that what happened to them does not define them. Everyone deserves to find that kind of love and that kind of justice.
Evie, you are everything. You are proof that surviving is not the end of the story. You didn’t just survive what tried to break you—you grew into someone stronger, softer, and more powerful because of it. Watching you become a 911 dispatcher, a book club bandit, a survivor, a visionary, Dove, and a sister was such a beautiful reminder that healing is not linear. You showed that strength can look like tears, vulnerability, and choosing yourself over and over again.
And Kieran…having you throughout this story only reminded me why you continue to be my favorite. The way you understand the people you love, the way you see them when they need someone the most, and the way you continue to show up is something I will never stop loving.
Mads, I fear six books are not going to be enough because the Easter eggs you gave us have me begging for more. So consider this my official request for Kai, Irving, Caleb, Johnson, O’Connor, and Lewis because I am absolutely not ready to say goodbye to this world yet. 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC REVIEW | I am deeply grateful to the author for her trust and for the honor of being among the first to read it! 🥰 ✨
"I hope I gave a voice to the girls and boys within us that were silenced." (Author's Note)
To be honest, I don’t know when was the last time I felt so deeply that I couldn’t find the right words to express what this book took away from me and what it gave me—words that would convey what I felt while reading it. That pain, that disappointment, that disgust that certain characters evoked in me. That sense of wonder, that uplifting emotion—that’s how I’d describe the relationship between the two main characters.
Before I go into more detail about the emotions I’m feeling, I’d like to point out that this is far from the lighthearted, typical hockey romance it might seem at first glance. It dives into the very real and hard topics of sexual assassult, depression and menthal health, including dissociation and anxiety. Please take care of both your own emotional well-being and that of the author, whose own experiences, along with her soul, are woven into this book that deals with a horrific trauma.
Matteo and Evie have been an integral part of each other’s lives ever since they were children—Matteo fled his own cold, empty home, devoid of love and care, to the Ellington family’s home, where everyone welcomed him with open arms and more love than his own parents ever showed him. If there’s a true example of the phrase "man written by woman” - it’s Matteo Valenti. If you thought Grayson, Kieran, or anyone else was “down bad,” you’re wrong—just like I was. Because this man… Oh my f*cking god. Matteo has been in love with Evie Ellington ever since her brother became his best friend—an indescribably strong attraction has always existed between them, but over the years, they never had the chance for it to fully blossom. Right now, Evie is going through the hardest time of her life: she lost her job one day and was betrayed by her current partner and her best friend—though no one knows that she’s been struggling with something much deeper for almost a year, which has caused her to drift apart from her loved ones.
As Matteo tries to help her get through this difficult time and they finally allow themselves to express their feelings, Evie’s secret is also revealed—and these are exactly the chapters that tore me apart inside. As a woman, as a daughter, as a mother. In every sense.
Mads, I’m so proud of you and so grateful to you for stepping up—just like Evie—when you could have easily hidden away, and for writing this life-changing miracle. Never stop doing what you do, because it matters. 🥹❤️🩹
Chasing Hope is a brutal and beautiful story about two lost souls who fight their darkest demons together, only to step into the light together. 🤌🖤✨
"I hope I gave a voice to the girls and boys within us that were silenced." (Author's Note)
To be honest, I don’t know when was the last time I felt so deeply that I couldn’t find the right words to express what this book took away from me and what it gave me—words that would convey what I felt while reading it. That pain, that disappointment, that disgust that certain characters evoked in me. That sense of wonder, that uplifting emotion—that’s how I’d describe the relationship between the two main characters.
Before I go into more detail about the emotions I’m feeling, I’d like to point out that this is far from the lighthearted, typical hockey romance it might seem at first glance. It dives into the very real and hard topics of sexual assassult, depression and menthal health, including dissociation and anxiety. Please take care of both your own emotional well-being and that of the author, whose own experiences, along with her soul, are woven into this book that deals with a horrific trauma.
Matteo and Evie have been an integral part of each other’s lives ever since they were children—Matteo fled his own cold, empty home, devoid of love and care, to the Ellington family’s home, where everyone welcomed him with open arms and more love than his own parents ever showed him. If there’s a true example of the phrase "man written by woman” - it’s Matteo Valenti. If you thought Grayson, Kieran, or anyone else was “down bad,” you’re wrong—just like I was. Because this man… Oh my f*cking god. Matteo has been in love with Evie Ellington ever since her brother became his best friend—an indescribably strong attraction has always existed between them, but over the years, they never had the chance for it to fully blossom. Right now, Evie is going through the hardest time of her life: she lost her job one day and was betrayed by her current partner and her best friend—though no one knows that she’s been struggling with something much deeper for almost a year, which has caused her to drift apart from her loved ones.
As Matteo tries to help her get through this difficult time and they finally allow themselves to express their feelings, Evie’s secret is also revealed—and these are exactly the chapters that tore me apart inside. As a woman, as a daughter, as a mother. In every sense.
Mads, I’m so proud of you and so grateful to you for stepping up—just like Evie—when you could have easily hidden away, and for writing this life-changing miracle. Never stop doing what you do, because it matters. 🥹❤️🩹
Chasing Hope is a brutal and beautiful story about two lost souls who fight their darkest demons together, only to step into the light together. 🤌🖤✨
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