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Chasing Forever
He was chasing history.
I was just trying to find a place where I belonged.
PATRICK
Breaking records is easy.
Living up to them is another story.
As the Chicago Wolves' hottest rookie, everyone expects me to keep scoring, keep winning, and keep smiling. They see the highlights, the headlines, and the streak that won't quit. They don't see the pressure.
Then Ellie crashes into my life.
She doesn't care about hockey. She doesn't care about the cameras. She just sees me. For the first time, I don't want to be known as the guy wearing number seventeen.
I just want to be the man she comes home to.
ELLIE
I never expected to fall for a hockey player.
Especially one who somehow makes burned toast feel romantic.
Patrick is patient when I'm scared, steady when I fall apart, and somehow makes me believe I'm worthy of a love I've spent my whole life convincing myself didn't exist. With him, I've finally found home.
Rumors spread faster than truth. Trust is tested. Hearts are broken. And suddenly the future we'd started building together feels like it's slipping through my fingers. The hardest part about loving someone isn't falling. It's choosing to trust them when everything around you tells you not to. Because some loves are worth fighting for.
And some are worth finding your way back to.
A heart-stopping, emotional hockey romance filled with laughter, healing, unforgettable grand gestures, and a hero who refuses to stop fighting for the woman he loves.
I was just trying to find a place where I belonged.
PATRICK
Breaking records is easy.
Living up to them is another story.
As the Chicago Wolves' hottest rookie, everyone expects me to keep scoring, keep winning, and keep smiling. They see the highlights, the headlines, and the streak that won't quit. They don't see the pressure.
Then Ellie crashes into my life.
She doesn't care about hockey. She doesn't care about the cameras. She just sees me. For the first time, I don't want to be known as the guy wearing number seventeen.
I just want to be the man she comes home to.
ELLIE
I never expected to fall for a hockey player.
Especially one who somehow makes burned toast feel romantic.
Patrick is patient when I'm scared, steady when I fall apart, and somehow makes me believe I'm worthy of a love I've spent my whole life convincing myself didn't exist. With him, I've finally found home.
Rumors spread faster than truth. Trust is tested. Hearts are broken. And suddenly the future we'd started building together feels like it's slipping through my fingers. The hardest part about loving someone isn't falling. It's choosing to trust them when everything around you tells you not to. Because some loves are worth fighting for.
And some are worth finding your way back to.
A heart-stopping, emotional hockey romance filled with laughter, healing, unforgettable grand gestures, and a hero who refuses to stop fighting for the woman he loves.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2026
About the author
Alexis Noelle
94 books817 followersAlexis Noelle lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, and kids. She loves spending time with her kids, although she has to hide the computer from them when she is writing! She love being active and being outdoors, especially if it involves any kind of shopping.
She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Alexis believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.
She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.
She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Alexis believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.
She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 15, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
I had a lovely time with this one.
Ellie’s love of books made her instantly relatable, while Patrick was the sweetest combination of charming, thoughtful, and swoony. Their first meeting had me laughing, the banter was so much fun, and I absolutely loved their text conversations. Jade was also a total standout and brought so much personality to every scene.
I loved watching Ellie and Patrick grow closer, especially seeing how naturally she fit into his family and friend group. Their chemistry was effortless, the emotional moments added depth, and there were so many little things about their relationship that made me smile. I did find a few moments repetitive, but overall, I was completely invested in these two and loved the warmth surrounding their relationship.
The other woman drama and the third act breakup tested my patience, especially because I wanted Patrick to handle things differently. Still, Ellie and Patrick gave me plenty of laughs, butterflies, and sweet moments to keep me invested.
I closed this book knowing I wanted more from this friend group.
~~~~
A huge thank you to the lovely author, Alexis Noelle, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
I had a lovely time with this one.
Ellie’s love of books made her instantly relatable, while Patrick was the sweetest combination of charming, thoughtful, and swoony. Their first meeting had me laughing, the banter was so much fun, and I absolutely loved their text conversations. Jade was also a total standout and brought so much personality to every scene.
I loved watching Ellie and Patrick grow closer, especially seeing how naturally she fit into his family and friend group. Their chemistry was effortless, the emotional moments added depth, and there were so many little things about their relationship that made me smile. I did find a few moments repetitive, but overall, I was completely invested in these two and loved the warmth surrounding their relationship.
The other woman drama and the third act breakup tested my patience, especially because I wanted Patrick to handle things differently. Still, Ellie and Patrick gave me plenty of laughs, butterflies, and sweet moments to keep me invested.
I closed this book knowing I wanted more from this friend group.
~~~~
A huge thank you to the lovely author, Alexis Noelle, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked this story overall and loved the characters, and I would give it 3.5 stars. If it was based on just the last 40% of the book, I would rate it a 4, but there was some editing, repetitive, consistency issues that I just couldn’t get past as I was reading. I'm very particular so that could just be me, and I would still recommend this book!
As for the things that bothered me, I felt like belonging is mentioned way too many times - how she belongs in literally every situation, about how she fits, she belongs, etc. I mean, almost every few pages it’s stated. The word "belong" appears 57 times in the book, and I would say at least 50 of those are referring to how she belongs in a particular situation or how she feels like she doesn't belong. It just started getting on my nerves as I was reading.
Also, for the FMC, Ellie says “It’s a lot” a bunch like she’s overwhelmed in almost every situation. Specifically, Patrick told Ellie his friends were flying in for the game, and she said, “I’m in,” but then acted surprised that his friends were at the game in the next chapter or two and said “It’s a lot” again about being overwhelmed. That was confusing and I wish Ellie would have articulated how she felt using other phrases or just show her feelings in other ways.
Things got better once I hit about 50-60%. I loved the personalities of both MC's, but it seemed very out of character for Patrick to not even listen to what Ellie had to say when the conflict happens. It was out of nowhere and very unlike him. He had been a green flag type guy up until then - all about communication, etc. and then to just kick her out without even talking. It seemed like it was only there because there needed to be a conflict to push the book forward, but it went against everything we had learned about him and his character.
Loved the trips to his hometown and the banter/relationship with the friend group (including Jade, who is just a 10 in personality) and I loved Patrick and Ellie’s relationship arc. Also, his family was 10 out of 10 - so supportive and loving!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review. I look forward to reading the next book and digging into Blake’s story!
As for the things that bothered me, I felt like belonging is mentioned way too many times - how she belongs in literally every situation, about how she fits, she belongs, etc. I mean, almost every few pages it’s stated. The word "belong" appears 57 times in the book, and I would say at least 50 of those are referring to how she belongs in a particular situation or how she feels like she doesn't belong. It just started getting on my nerves as I was reading.
Also, for the FMC, Ellie says “It’s a lot” a bunch like she’s overwhelmed in almost every situation. Specifically, Patrick told Ellie his friends were flying in for the game, and she said, “I’m in,” but then acted surprised that his friends were at the game in the next chapter or two and said “It’s a lot” again about being overwhelmed. That was confusing and I wish Ellie would have articulated how she felt using other phrases or just show her feelings in other ways.
Things got better once I hit about 50-60%. I loved the personalities of both MC's, but it seemed very out of character for Patrick to not even listen to what Ellie had to say when the conflict happens. It was out of nowhere and very unlike him. He had been a green flag type guy up until then - all about communication, etc. and then to just kick her out without even talking. It seemed like it was only there because there needed to be a conflict to push the book forward, but it went against everything we had learned about him and his character.
Loved the trips to his hometown and the banter/relationship with the friend group (including Jade, who is just a 10 in personality) and I loved Patrick and Ellie’s relationship arc. Also, his family was 10 out of 10 - so supportive and loving!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review. I look forward to reading the next book and digging into Blake’s story!
Review of advance copy
💙 Hockey Romance
🏒 He plays hockey
📚 She is a bookaholic
❤️🔥 Banter!
🪵 Flannel wearing MMC
🥰 His family love her
I would rate this a 4 because it had OW drama and had the brutal breakup. The story was so good until those additions.
The FMC Ellie is a sweetheart who just wants to read and stay inside. Her bestfriend was so funny though. She held her kindle hostage to go out and handed it the MMC Patrick to hold on to until Ellie had her drink with him. Everything about their meet was funny. Their was banter that was spot on. I loved the text threads so much. However, there also was a bit more repetitive wording that felt like sometimes they were parrots.
The whole hiding his hockey playing side was something I understood but the FMC kind of acted like he lied and was trying to hurt her. The Best friend was always the voice of reason because Ellie could not be reasonable at times.
His family loved her and his friends also support the relationship. I was confused a bit about him saying he thought of her before he even met her. I assume it was him meaning had dreamed of having a person like her.
The OW drama and everything that followed was frustrating because he didn't even communicate or give her Ellie a chance. He knew her, lived with her, and he still had to act like a fool. I wished their would have been punishment that happened for the two people who caused the problems. I also thought their should have been groveling after Patrick's horrible behavior to her. Even his family was massively disappointed in him. I think Jade as main character is going to be amazing! I loved her energy.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity!
🏒 He plays hockey
📚 She is a bookaholic
❤️🔥 Banter!
🪵 Flannel wearing MMC
🥰 His family love her
I would rate this a 4 because it had OW drama and had the brutal breakup. The story was so good until those additions.
The FMC Ellie is a sweetheart who just wants to read and stay inside. Her bestfriend was so funny though. She held her kindle hostage to go out and handed it the MMC Patrick to hold on to until Ellie had her drink with him. Everything about their meet was funny. Their was banter that was spot on. I loved the text threads so much. However, there also was a bit more repetitive wording that felt like sometimes they were parrots.
The whole hiding his hockey playing side was something I understood but the FMC kind of acted like he lied and was trying to hurt her. The Best friend was always the voice of reason because Ellie could not be reasonable at times.
His family loved her and his friends also support the relationship. I was confused a bit about him saying he thought of her before he even met her. I assume it was him meaning had dreamed of having a person like her.
The OW drama and everything that followed was frustrating because he didn't even communicate or give her Ellie a chance. He knew her, lived with her, and he still had to act like a fool. I wished their would have been punishment that happened for the two people who caused the problems. I also thought their should have been groveling after Patrick's horrible behavior to her. Even his family was massively disappointed in him. I think Jade as main character is going to be amazing! I loved her energy.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity!
August 23, 2026
This is book number 1 of the Playing for Keeps series and focuses on Patrick and Ellie. Patrick is a rookie in the NHL for the Chicago Wolves. Patrick has dedicated his whole life to hockey and making something of himself professionally. He didn’t realize what he was missing in his life until he ran into Ellie and found everything he needed in her. Ellie is a college student who has been burned by relationships in the past but she knows that there is something special about Patrick. Together they let their walls down and tackle the hurdles that come with the spotlight. They have some bumps in the road and they have to both work on navigating the ups and downs of their relationship. This book was my first read for this author but it will definitely not be the last. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2 of the series! This was a great story and a great start to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story Ellie and Patrick. This is the first book in the Playing for Keeps Series. Ellie is a girl who loves to read. It is an obsession actually. She and Patrick are best friends, and he is a hockey player. They are total opposites but somehow, they work. They are both insecure but together they battle and get over those insecurities. Sound good in theory. But when one is keeping secrets from the other that is bound to spell trouble. Patick is the secret keeper. And he is hiding from her that he is a hockey player. He is also not the best communicator. These two certainly have things to work through. You get to go along and enjoy the ride of this story. I really loved these characters, and this is a good story. You will find yourself cheering these two on as you are reading.
This is the story Ellie and Patrick. This is the first book in the Playing for Keeps Series. Ellie is a girl who loves to read. It is an obsession actually. She and Patrick are best friends, and he is a hockey player. They are total opposites but somehow, they work. They are both insecure but together they battle and get over those insecurities. Sound good in theory. But when one is keeping secrets from the other that is bound to spell trouble. Patick is the secret keeper. And he is hiding from her that he is a hockey player. He is also not the best communicator. These two certainly have things to work through. You get to go along and enjoy the ride of this story. I really loved these characters, and this is a good story. You will find yourself cheering these two on as you are reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You’re not the one who needs to fit into my world. You are my world. You make everything else feel like background noise”. 🥹
I absolutely loved Ellie and Patrick! I saw myself through Ellie’s eyes from the first chapter. She’s a Kindle loving girl who would rather sit on her couch and read than go out (don’t we all?!), but unfortunately she’s very timid because of her past.
Patrick was one of the sweetest hockey players I have ever read about. There was a time (or two) that I wanted to slap him, but then I would think of Jade and smile because everyone in life deserves to have a Jade. I hope I get a Jade story someday soon!
For anyone who is looking for a hockey romance, this one is for you! 🏒🖤
“You’re not the one who needs to fit into my world. You are my world. You make everything else feel like background noise”. 🥹
I absolutely loved Ellie and Patrick! I saw myself through Ellie’s eyes from the first chapter. She’s a Kindle loving girl who would rather sit on her couch and read than go out (don’t we all?!), but unfortunately she’s very timid because of her past.
Patrick was one of the sweetest hockey players I have ever read about. There was a time (or two) that I wanted to slap him, but then I would think of Jade and smile because everyone in life deserves to have a Jade. I hope I get a Jade story someday soon!
For anyone who is looking for a hockey romance, this one is for you! 🏒🖤
August 16, 2026
Review:
🏒Chasing Forever🏒
By Alexis Noelle
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Contemporary Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
⭐ 4/5
Elli and Patrick
Their story could be the perfect meet cute and everything wonderful that followed, until one misunderstanding and miscommunicated situation ends it all terribly.
I really liked Ellie and felt with her so strongly when Patrick broke her heart.
Yes he did grovel but personally? I think he could have done more of that.
Ellie’s soft heart and her feelings were so fine and wonderful. And he, I also love her best friend Jade. That girl is awesome.
Of course they get their sweet happy end and could make every mistake right.
And also get back to the mean people that played their part in their timely misery.
🏒Chasing Forever🏒
By Alexis Noelle
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Contemporary Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
⭐ 4/5
Elli and Patrick
Their story could be the perfect meet cute and everything wonderful that followed, until one misunderstanding and miscommunicated situation ends it all terribly.
I really liked Ellie and felt with her so strongly when Patrick broke her heart.
Yes he did grovel but personally? I think he could have done more of that.
Ellie’s soft heart and her feelings were so fine and wonderful. And he, I also love her best friend Jade. That girl is awesome.
Of course they get their sweet happy end and could make every mistake right.
And also get back to the mean people that played their part in their timely misery.
August 20, 2026
All the emotions are felt in this book from love to complete and utter devastation to laughing everything was there throughout. Patrick and Ellie’s start was so real and as their story progressed you due truly learn how both of these characters have been through a lot and continue to have to work hard to make this relationship work. Some moments you feel everyone is against them and the utter scum that want to tear them apart. The way Ellie is completely accepted by Patricks friends and family was such a bittersweet understanding of how friends and family play a vital role in someones life. Watching this story progress made my heart happy in ways that makes me continue reading and always wanting more.
August 16, 2026
Chasing Forever ( Playing For Keeps Book 1 ) hooked from the very first page , devouring every single word until yes I actually did lose track of time . Smiling, laughing, crying and cheering so freaking hard . To put it simply , I absolutely adored every single thing about this book so so much. Elle and Patrick really were everything together. The chemistry between them was just so natural, watching them fall and the way they fit in each others lives and family was so beautiful.l just had such a great time with both . It was fun , it was steamy , it was emotional, it had the perfect amount of angst. And humor and banter . And I was so there for it all .
August 4, 2026
Overall, I really enjoyed Chasing Forever! 🏒✨
What I loved:
The Supporting Cast: The hockey teammates and best friends were absolute highlights and brought so much energy to the page. Jade made me laugh out loud! I hope she gets her own book!!
Relatable Conflicts: The story tackles real emotional walls—Ellie dealing with insecurities about being enough for Patrick, and Patrick struggling to communicate when things get tough.
If you love romance driven by working through deep-seated fears and miscommunication—plus a great friend group—definitely give this one a read.
What I loved:
The Supporting Cast: The hockey teammates and best friends were absolute highlights and brought so much energy to the page. Jade made me laugh out loud! I hope she gets her own book!!
Relatable Conflicts: The story tackles real emotional walls—Ellie dealing with insecurities about being enough for Patrick, and Patrick struggling to communicate when things get tough.
If you love romance driven by working through deep-seated fears and miscommunication—plus a great friend group—definitely give this one a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Chasing Forever and falling in love with Patrick (MMC) and Ellie (MFC). Ellie's insecurities were a bit much at times but Patrick's big misunderstanding (NFI as not to spoil anything) made me want to slap him upside the head!! Jade, Ellie's best friend, however, was amazing and made me laugh out loud several times! I want to be best friends with Jade and I really hope that she gets her own story. I would love to read her story. :-) Overall, this is a heartwarming story that I really enjoyed.
August 15, 2026
My first sports romance, and I loved it! 🏒💕 Ellie (FMC) was so relatable as a fellow homebody/bookworm, and her best friend holding her Kindle hostage had me laughing 😂 Everyone deserves a friend like Jade, someone who can bring you out of your comfort zone while also being your voice of reason. Patrick(MMC) was such a sweetheart, and I loved his friendship with his best friends. The banter was spot on and felt so natural and never forced. Definitely a 4.5 ⭐️ read in my book and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
Such a fun read! 📚✨ Thank you to Alexis Noelle for the ARC!
Such a fun read! 📚✨ Thank you to Alexis Noelle for the ARC!
August 15, 2026
Arc review
Rating: 4.5 stars
Chasing Forever had me hooked from the very first page — and yes, I absolutely was I’m just going to read another chapter…till very early hours the next morning. 📖✨
This book had me smiling, laughing, crying, and cheering so hard. Elle and Patrick were everything together: their chemistry felt so natural, their banter was effortless, and watching them fall into each other’s lives, hearts, and families was just beautiful. 💕
It was fun, steamy, emotional, swoony, and packed with the perfect amount of angst, humour, and heart. I adored every single thing about this story and had the best time with these characters.
Thank you Alexis Noelle for the ARC
Rating: 4.5 stars
Chasing Forever had me hooked from the very first page — and yes, I absolutely was I’m just going to read another chapter…till very early hours the next morning. 📖✨
This book had me smiling, laughing, crying, and cheering so hard. Elle and Patrick were everything together: their chemistry felt so natural, their banter was effortless, and watching them fall into each other’s lives, hearts, and families was just beautiful. 💕
It was fun, steamy, emotional, swoony, and packed with the perfect amount of angst, humour, and heart. I adored every single thing about this story and had the best time with these characters.
Thank you Alexis Noelle for the ARC
August 15, 2026
This was such an emotional and addictive read! I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and the way their relationship developed. There was plenty of tension, drama, and those moments that had me wanting to keep turning the pages.
Alexis Noelle did a great job keeping the story engaging while giving the characters enough depth to make me care about what happened to them. Definitely a good read for anyone who loves a steamy romance with plenty of emotions and relationship drama.
Alexis Noelle did a great job keeping the story engaging while giving the characters enough depth to make me care about what happened to them. Definitely a good read for anyone who loves a steamy romance with plenty of emotions and relationship drama.
August 15, 2026
This book was so cute. Patrick was living his dream and he just wanted someone to want him for him . Ellie was so cute love she was a reader and had her kindle. I enjoyed the realistic heartache when other people... misunderstanding and not communicating has on a relationship. The devastating break up made me yell at my kindle. Look forward to the rest of the series. Absolutely loved Patrick's childhood best friends and their protective circle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book seriously gave me all the feels. Butterflies, little smiles, heartbreak and hope. This hockey players journey through love is everything. EVERYTHING!!!
Currently about to search for the next story in the series and dive in!
Currently about to search for the next story in the series and dive in!
August 15, 2026
I thought Chasing Forever was such a beautiful book. There was a great connection between the two narrators, and it never felt boring. I could genuinely empathize with the characters, and I even shed a tear a few times. Definitely worth reading!
August 15, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a little bit of everything. The characters are well developed and face every day real issues. Love Ellie's character she's beautifully flawed and is easy to relate to. Looking forward to the next installment!
August 15, 2026
Emotional, heartfelt, and addictive. This is one book you won’t want to put down. The characters are relatable and the story is well written. Be prepared to skip household chores to live within the pages.
August 15, 2026
Chasing Forever is Ellie and Patrick’s entertaining, emotional and witty story. It’s book one in the new Playing for Keeps Series and it didn’t take me long to become invested in this couple and their story. This is a story about best friends, hockey players and overcoming insecurities.
Ellie is a bookaholic and on the face of it the complete opposite of hockey player Patrick but together can they get over their insecurities. Problem is he is keeping secrets and hiding the fact he is a hockey player is the biggest one of all. So what happens when secrets are revealed……..
This story drew me in and didn’t let me go, I smiled, I swooned and I held my breath as I cheered this couple on but it was watching Patrick struggling to express himself when the going gets tough that took this book to another level. This is a great start to this hockey playing group of friends stories.
Ellie is a bookaholic and on the face of it the complete opposite of hockey player Patrick but together can they get over their insecurities. Problem is he is keeping secrets and hiding the fact he is a hockey player is the biggest one of all. So what happens when secrets are revealed……..
This story drew me in and didn’t let me go, I smiled, I swooned and I held my breath as I cheered this couple on but it was watching Patrick struggling to express himself when the going gets tough that took this book to another level. This is a great start to this hockey playing group of friends stories.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews