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Campus Confessions #2
The Save
I came to Douglas University for a fresh start—for hockey games, new friends, and a life free from tangled family drama. But then I saw him.
Chase Wilson. My stepbrother. The boy I loved before I knew better.
He left six years ago and I hadn't seen or heard from him. Now he’s back—as the university’s newest assistant hockey coach. Older. Sharper. Completely off-limits for obvious reasons.
When the team’s grades threaten their season, the school assigns me as their academic tutor—and Chase’s only shot at saving his career. Working together wasn’t supposed to be personal, but every late-night study session pulls us closer, unraveling years of buried feelings. At least on my part.
We're walking a dangerous line. He’s determined to keep his distance, but I see the way he looks at me—like resisting me is the hardest game he’s ever played.
It’s reckless. Forbidden. Impossible.
But sometimes the only thing more dangerous than breaking the rules . . . is wanting to.
Chase Wilson. My stepbrother. The boy I loved before I knew better.
He left six years ago and I hadn't seen or heard from him. Now he’s back—as the university’s newest assistant hockey coach. Older. Sharper. Completely off-limits for obvious reasons.
When the team’s grades threaten their season, the school assigns me as their academic tutor—and Chase’s only shot at saving his career. Working together wasn’t supposed to be personal, but every late-night study session pulls us closer, unraveling years of buried feelings. At least on my part.
We're walking a dangerous line. He’s determined to keep his distance, but I see the way he looks at me—like resisting me is the hardest game he’s ever played.
It’s reckless. Forbidden. Impossible.
But sometimes the only thing more dangerous than breaking the rules . . . is wanting to.
246 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 26, 2026
Zero chemistry between Chase and Maddie... legit felt like they weren't even together for 10% of the book. I actually liked Maddie's math storyline more than any romance.
January 27, 2026
I'm inhaling these books. Sleep is for the weak, I only need the Outlaws now ✌️.
Maddie is such a baddie and the way she is smart and driven? Love it.
Why 4 stars and not 5:
x I connected less to Maddie because I understand about 15% of any type of maths and use a calculator for everything. So I didn't understand her drive for it tbh.
x This book contains maybe more technical(?) hockey facts and terms while I honestly have NO idea how hockey works and have never even seen a game. Maybe I should check out a game.
x "No thank you" on the moustache (sorry not sorry).
But honestly I read this in 2 days and couldn't stop thinking about them (again) so that says it all.
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
Maddie is such a baddie and the way she is smart and driven? Love it.
Why 4 stars and not 5:
x I connected less to Maddie because I understand about 15% of any type of maths and use a calculator for everything. So I didn't understand her drive for it tbh.
x This book contains maybe more technical(?) hockey facts and terms while I honestly have NO idea how hockey works and have never even seen a game. Maybe I should check out a game.
x "No thank you" on the moustache (sorry not sorry).
But honestly I read this in 2 days and couldn't stop thinking about them (again) so that says it all.
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
July 16, 2026
I rounded up on the first one, I am rounding down on this one. I loved Maddie and her math skills and how that related to hockey. The relationship between her former older step-brother felt like grooming and icky. They did not have a lot of chemistry and there really was no relationship building. Hugely disappointed.
July 6, 2025
This book takes place in the mid-90s and I loved the old school vibe of this story. Letters sent through the mail, old school dialup and computer monitors the size of a small microwave. Wonderful story telling. Chase Wilson comes back into Maddie's life, her one-time step brother that she had an enormeous crush on. She thought he was so carfefree and got everything he went after. How wrong. Forbidden love in their eyes, obstacles to overcome. Plans gone awry, but finally believing in love and getting what you need and want. Keeping the thoughts inside your own head at bay and listening to your heart, score!
Chase and Madelyn are such a good couple. Closed door romance, a little steamy, but Gunderson gives you just enough of a picture to let your own imagination run hot.
Hockey was math in motion - poetry to a hockey lover.
Favorte piece of advice - don't let your emotions cloud your purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chase and Madelyn are such a good couple. Closed door romance, a little steamy, but Gunderson gives you just enough of a picture to let your own imagination run hot.
Hockey was math in motion - poetry to a hockey lover.
Favorte piece of advice - don't let your emotions cloud your purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Maddie was a very relatable character- her insecurities and drive. It also paired well with Chase. I would have liked to read more about chase! Again, can't wait for the next book in this series!
March 2, 2026
Not my favorite. I feel like there wasn’t enough for their connection to make sense. Still feels like she likes him way more than he likes her. More could’ve been written about their situation
June 7, 2026
Level One Spice
Second Chance Meeting with Former Crush
This is the second novel in the Campus Confessions series. It gives a close look at Maddie who is a numbers wizard that can break down a hockey game into critical pieces as if it were child’s play. She was entirely ready to get what she needs for community service for her Rhodes scholarship application. Everything is going according to plan for Maddie until she crosses paths with Chase, her former stepbrother and High School crush, again. Her friends are benched from the Outlaws squad until their grades are up. She offers her services as a tutor; however, the compliance officer is none other than Chase. Can she ignore those feelings and focus on simply tutoring her friends?
Chase is simply doing his job to ensure that the players get a “fair shake” and what they need to get on the ice again. What he did not account for was crossing paths with Maddie. She is driven to assist his players to become eligible again; however, he has a plan in play already. He can’t go down that path with his emotions. Can he focus on what is best for his players?
The university decides that their athletes need additional support and the committee brings Maddie and Chase into close quarters to come up with a solution. Tensions and emotions flare and make for a few steamy situations. Gunderson paints a lively scene with her down to Earth characters. Thanks @Cynthia Gunderson and @BookSirens for the Advanced Copy.
90s-time capsule
Hockey Centric
Dual POV story line
Strong Willed, Smart FMC
Stubborn, Chiseled MMC
Close Quarters
Off limits Romance
Second Chance Meeting with Former Crush
This is the second novel in the Campus Confessions series. It gives a close look at Maddie who is a numbers wizard that can break down a hockey game into critical pieces as if it were child’s play. She was entirely ready to get what she needs for community service for her Rhodes scholarship application. Everything is going according to plan for Maddie until she crosses paths with Chase, her former stepbrother and High School crush, again. Her friends are benched from the Outlaws squad until their grades are up. She offers her services as a tutor; however, the compliance officer is none other than Chase. Can she ignore those feelings and focus on simply tutoring her friends?
Chase is simply doing his job to ensure that the players get a “fair shake” and what they need to get on the ice again. What he did not account for was crossing paths with Maddie. She is driven to assist his players to become eligible again; however, he has a plan in play already. He can’t go down that path with his emotions. Can he focus on what is best for his players?
The university decides that their athletes need additional support and the committee brings Maddie and Chase into close quarters to come up with a solution. Tensions and emotions flare and make for a few steamy situations. Gunderson paints a lively scene with her down to Earth characters. Thanks @Cynthia Gunderson and @BookSirens for the Advanced Copy.
90s-time capsule
Hockey Centric
Dual POV story line
Strong Willed, Smart FMC
Stubborn, Chiseled MMC
Close Quarters
Off limits Romance
July 26, 2025
I flew through this book because I simply couldn't put it down from start to finish! First off, the '90s were the best, and I absolutely love time traveling back there whenever I'm reading these books. I mean, dial-up and tiny computer screens really take me back! Maddie and Chase's love story was incredibly powerful and meaningful. It really teaches you that there's so much more to people than what meets the eye.
Cynthia did an amazing job with the storyline, giving us glimpses of the other characters; seeing Sharla and Rob evolve was fantastic, and the addition of all the new characters was great too. Even though it's a closed-door romance, the way she added some spice was beautifully done. She truly did amazing! I'm so excited for the next book, even if it is about a certain someone I didn't particularly warm up to.
I'm absolutely loving the "Campus Confessions" series and genuinely can't wait for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cynthia did an amazing job with the storyline, giving us glimpses of the other characters; seeing Sharla and Rob evolve was fantastic, and the addition of all the new characters was great too. Even though it's a closed-door romance, the way she added some spice was beautifully done. She truly did amazing! I'm so excited for the next book, even if it is about a certain someone I didn't particularly warm up to.
I'm absolutely loving the "Campus Confessions" series and genuinely can't wait for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2025
I just finished book two in the 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 series, and it was my first time reading this author. The premise caught my attention, and the story delivered a closed-door, slow-burn hockey romance with plenty of awkward charm. Maddie’s former teenage crush drives the story, and her perspective was easy to connect with from the start. The romance developed at a steady pace, with tension that felt genuine and believable. My biggest wish was for more of Chase’s perspective, which could have added depth and balance to the relationship. While this was not a standout favorite for me, it had sweet moments and captured the push and pull of unspoken feelings well. Overall, I would call this a solid, enjoyable read. If you like slow-burn sports romances with a softer, more tender style, this one is worth picking up.
𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 via BookSirens. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑖𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛. 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘.
𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 via BookSirens. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑖𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛. 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘.
July 29, 2026
This is the second book in this trilogy. I will say I liked it more than the first book but still didn’t WOW me by any means.
This book followed Maddie and Chase. The brainiac and the ex-brother/hockey player/coach.
Growing up, Maddie had a huge crush on Chase while Chase was the hockey star that had a girlfriend and didn’t notice her.
Now, Maddie is finally in college and still unable to find the one.
Maddie and Chase reconnect after finding out his coaching the hockey team at her college and she helps to tutor some of the players who are falling behind in their classes.
Char and Rob are also in this book and still follows their growing relationship (no pun intended) and the choices they are making for their future.
Overall, this book was a simple 3-star book. Their love story is not something I will remember and probably will not think about again. But better than Char and Rob soft cheating the whole book and gaslighting Logan into thinking he’s the bad guy because he physically kissed 2 people.
This book followed Maddie and Chase. The brainiac and the ex-brother/hockey player/coach.
Growing up, Maddie had a huge crush on Chase while Chase was the hockey star that had a girlfriend and didn’t notice her.
Now, Maddie is finally in college and still unable to find the one.
Maddie and Chase reconnect after finding out his coaching the hockey team at her college and she helps to tutor some of the players who are falling behind in their classes.
Char and Rob are also in this book and still follows their growing relationship (no pun intended) and the choices they are making for their future.
Overall, this book was a simple 3-star book. Their love story is not something I will remember and probably will not think about again. But better than Char and Rob soft cheating the whole book and gaslighting Logan into thinking he’s the bad guy because he physically kissed 2 people.
July 29, 2025
Another Cynthia Gunderson ticked off of the list!
I found this book a bit slow to start with but after the first 30 minutes or so it picked up due for me and I flew through the rest!
I really enjoyed the 90’s vibe and reminded me of secondary school crushes, excessive hormones and being scared of my own feelings.
Maddie is a maths whizz and prefers study and problem solving to putting herself out there. Chase, a hockey coach who Maddie has known for years and had a crush on is also her ex step-brother.
Through Maddies love of study and problem solving, comes a way of crunching player statistics to improve the team on the ice and from here on, her and Chase’s new friendship/relationship moves forward.
Plenty of relatable humour, family dynamics, secret crushes, second guessing, dealing with personal issues and insecurities and much more.
Thank you Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for this ARC!
I found this book a bit slow to start with but after the first 30 minutes or so it picked up due for me and I flew through the rest!
I really enjoyed the 90’s vibe and reminded me of secondary school crushes, excessive hormones and being scared of my own feelings.
Maddie is a maths whizz and prefers study and problem solving to putting herself out there. Chase, a hockey coach who Maddie has known for years and had a crush on is also her ex step-brother.
Through Maddies love of study and problem solving, comes a way of crunching player statistics to improve the team on the ice and from here on, her and Chase’s new friendship/relationship moves forward.
Plenty of relatable humour, family dynamics, secret crushes, second guessing, dealing with personal issues and insecurities and much more.
Thank you Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for this ARC!
February 12, 2026
I have enjoyed all of the books from the series so far and love how the characters from the other books in the series appear in the next books. I love the 90s nostalgia and since I’m also from Canada I find it really awesome to read a book that makes Canadian references. The banter and relationships that are created in these books is so fun. Maddie is an interesting MFC and I enjoyed her storyline and hope she used her smarts. The books in this series are well written and make me feel something…I’m often smiling or even laughing out loud at times. I found this book to be refreshing and original. Something a little different which I love.
I will continue to read books from this author.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although I feel that out of any books I’ve reviewed so far with ARCs, that this authors books were the most enjoyable and I would pay to read her books. Her books are worth the read. :)
I will continue to read books from this author.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although I feel that out of any books I’ve reviewed so far with ARCs, that this authors books were the most enjoyable and I would pay to read her books. Her books are worth the read. :)
June 23, 2025
‘The Save’ was delightful. The plot involved a mini-reunion of sorts with an ex-stepbrother, crushing on the guy, providing tutoring services to help struggling hockey players, working closely with the coach, bits of humor, interesting family dynamics, applying for a Rhodes scholarship, coming up with mathematical formulas to help the coach, having an epiphany, corresponding through letters via the mail, having dreams and coming to some realizations about them, and falling in love.
Maddie, a math genius and the protagonist, worked hard to achieve her HEA with Chase, a hockey coach and her ex-stepbrother. I appreciated the author’s writing style: engaging yet flawed characters, appealing settings, vivid descriptions, and a captivating storyline. Overall, I liked the feel-good narrative.
I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.
Maddie, a math genius and the protagonist, worked hard to achieve her HEA with Chase, a hockey coach and her ex-stepbrother. I appreciated the author’s writing style: engaging yet flawed characters, appealing settings, vivid descriptions, and a captivating storyline. Overall, I liked the feel-good narrative.
I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
There nothing more exciting than a hockey game in overtime and “The Save” offers up game off and on the ice.
Maddie is analytical and not one to chase after men for no particular reason. She’s secretly been hung up on Chase, the boy who was temporarily her stepbrother, and the one who seemed to be everything she desired. When he shows up as a coach for her college hockey league she doesn’t quite know how to handle it.
This book is great at showing the awkwardness of attraction, the slow burn of reciprocal interest, the doubts, fear, and self reflection we put ourselves through in the hope of the recognition we desire.
I love how the relationships in this book develop both in the main characters and the side characters as well. It’s organic and real, and makes you want to jump in and be a part of the group.
This is a great book for hockey romance fans.
Maddie is analytical and not one to chase after men for no particular reason. She’s secretly been hung up on Chase, the boy who was temporarily her stepbrother, and the one who seemed to be everything she desired. When he shows up as a coach for her college hockey league she doesn’t quite know how to handle it.
This book is great at showing the awkwardness of attraction, the slow burn of reciprocal interest, the doubts, fear, and self reflection we put ourselves through in the hope of the recognition we desire.
I love how the relationships in this book develop both in the main characters and the side characters as well. It’s organic and real, and makes you want to jump in and be a part of the group.
This is a great book for hockey romance fans.
August 18, 2025
5⭐ 1🌶️
Oh wow, I was not disappointed with this book. I have been a fan of Cynthia's books and writing for a long time and this has cemented her place as one of my favourite authors. This book is the fabulous instalment to the Campus Confessions series, and while the subject matter is not as deep and confronting as the first in the series, this instalment is just wonderful.
The FMC has confessed feelings and doesn't know how to cope with them. The MMC is also torn but is so thoughtful and aware of the fmc's feelings. The touching scenes were just delightful and while there are no full spice scenes, it does not detract from the plot or how much I love this series. The connection to Cynthia's Canada Play series was so cute. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Big thanks to book sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Oh wow, I was not disappointed with this book. I have been a fan of Cynthia's books and writing for a long time and this has cemented her place as one of my favourite authors. This book is the fabulous instalment to the Campus Confessions series, and while the subject matter is not as deep and confronting as the first in the series, this instalment is just wonderful.
The FMC has confessed feelings and doesn't know how to cope with them. The MMC is also torn but is so thoughtful and aware of the fmc's feelings. The touching scenes were just delightful and while there are no full spice scenes, it does not detract from the plot or how much I love this series. The connection to Cynthia's Canada Play series was so cute. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Big thanks to book sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
September 22, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Since I loved book 1 of the Campus Confessions series, The Breakaway, more than expected, I had high expectations for The Save.
Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. The FMC, Maddie, is likeable, and I loved that she is a woman in STEM, breaking down barriers. And while I certainly don't mind a steamy stepbrother romance, the development of the relationship between Maddie and her former stepbrother, Chase, seemed unrealistic to me - perhaps a bit rushed?
What I did like about the book is the relationship that the girls have with each other as well as their friendship with the guys on the hockey team.
If you liked book #1 of the series, give this one a chance as well. You might like it more than I did.
Since I loved book 1 of the Campus Confessions series, The Breakaway, more than expected, I had high expectations for The Save.
Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. The FMC, Maddie, is likeable, and I loved that she is a woman in STEM, breaking down barriers. And while I certainly don't mind a steamy stepbrother romance, the development of the relationship between Maddie and her former stepbrother, Chase, seemed unrealistic to me - perhaps a bit rushed?
What I did like about the book is the relationship that the girls have with each other as well as their friendship with the guys on the hockey team.
If you liked book #1 of the series, give this one a chance as well. You might like it more than I did.
July 1, 2026
2.75✨
Madie and Chase!! ❤ They are so cute!
I wish I could have liked this book more, but I really feel like Chase and Maddie didn't have chemistry, and the hockey and math terms were just really confusing and really deterred me from reading for a few days. But I ended up devouring the last 20%
Can I just say that I loved the 90's vibe, and that it was set in the 90's it was kind of fun to be able to feel a little bit of what my mom experienced in school without social media and everyone in your face all the time.
I also really just love the Found Family trope, and I think Cynthia does it well.
I decided I am going to read the 3rd book, I'm too addicted to these characters to not see how it ends.
Thanks to Booksirens and the author for a Free Ebook for my honest review
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Madie and Chase!! ❤ They are so cute!
I wish I could have liked this book more, but I really feel like Chase and Maddie didn't have chemistry, and the hockey and math terms were just really confusing and really deterred me from reading for a few days. But I ended up devouring the last 20%
Can I just say that I loved the 90's vibe, and that it was set in the 90's it was kind of fun to be able to feel a little bit of what my mom experienced in school without social media and everyone in your face all the time.
I also really just love the Found Family trope, and I think Cynthia does it well.
I decided I am going to read the 3rd book, I'm too addicted to these characters to not see how it ends.
Thanks to Booksirens and the author for a Free Ebook for my honest review
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
Math has always been a love of mine. All equations having an answer just works in my brain. So reading about Maddie and how her brain works just felt right.
She was hard core academics until she realized she needed more to earn a Rhodes scholarship to study abroad.
So when Maddie realized she needed some community service involvement, and that some of her friends on the hockey team needed tutoring, her brain went to work on a solution.
Not only did that solution bring her closer to the team and her scholarship…it also brought her closer to a certain coach!!
Coach Wilson and Maddie have a past that just keeps haunting them in the best way possible.
This love story is the perfect read for anyone in STEM who thinks they are just the brains. You are so much more!!
She was hard core academics until she realized she needed more to earn a Rhodes scholarship to study abroad.
So when Maddie realized she needed some community service involvement, and that some of her friends on the hockey team needed tutoring, her brain went to work on a solution.
Not only did that solution bring her closer to the team and her scholarship…it also brought her closer to a certain coach!!
Coach Wilson and Maddie have a past that just keeps haunting them in the best way possible.
This love story is the perfect read for anyone in STEM who thinks they are just the brains. You are so much more!!
March 7, 2026
There was something that kept me glued to these pages. Something that I can't put my finger on, but perhaps there were too many to just single out one. From the time that Maddie saw Chase again, it felt like time had been suspended just for them to cross paths again. Perhaps it was time their paths converged.
Maddie was on a mathematical track at Douglas University when Chase joined the hockey coaching team. Her problem solving skills were put to use improving positions and timing of moves. Their backgrounds and teen years were difficult growing up, something that they could share empathy and assistance to improve the situation with others.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Maddie was on a mathematical track at Douglas University when Chase joined the hockey coaching team. Her problem solving skills were put to use improving positions and timing of moves. Their backgrounds and teen years were difficult growing up, something that they could share empathy and assistance to improve the situation with others.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 9, 2026
This was an audiobook I picked up through one of Chirp's daily audiobook deals. Hockey romance. Duh.
Maddie is a math whiz. She's made her way so far, now she just wants to make it one more step. She is itching to apply and receive the Rhodes Scholarship to study in Oxford. That's the dream. When Chase Wilson shows up again in her life, he stuns her the same way he did when they were step siblings. Now, he's around all the time and Maddie's come up with a way that she can be around Chase and apply for the scholarship. But things change and people change. What will Maddie want at the end of the day?
This was a short listen. I liked the way Maddie was so intelligent and driven. I was happy but also a little disappointed in the way this went. Just predictable, not in a great way.
⭐⭐⭐
Maddie is a math whiz. She's made her way so far, now she just wants to make it one more step. She is itching to apply and receive the Rhodes Scholarship to study in Oxford. That's the dream. When Chase Wilson shows up again in her life, he stuns her the same way he did when they were step siblings. Now, he's around all the time and Maddie's come up with a way that she can be around Chase and apply for the scholarship. But things change and people change. What will Maddie want at the end of the day?
This was a short listen. I liked the way Maddie was so intelligent and driven. I was happy but also a little disappointed in the way this went. Just predictable, not in a great way.
⭐⭐⭐
September 4, 2025
Chase and Maddie girl.
I loved how Cynthia incorporated math and hockey in this book. Often times we believe that we will never use math after we finish out school but honestly, math is everywhere! It was nice to see the explanations and how they mirrored the actions of flying down the ice.
Chase and Maddie's story reminded me that sometimes with love you have to sacrifice and sometimes things align right when they are supposed to. This slow burn, light on the spice novel is the perfect number of pages to complete a beautifully written story.
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how Cynthia incorporated math and hockey in this book. Often times we believe that we will never use math after we finish out school but honestly, math is everywhere! It was nice to see the explanations and how they mirrored the actions of flying down the ice.
Chase and Maddie's story reminded me that sometimes with love you have to sacrifice and sometimes things align right when they are supposed to. This slow burn, light on the spice novel is the perfect number of pages to complete a beautifully written story.
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2025
I don't know how Cynthia does this. Perfection! Absolute perfection.
Currently in tears writing this.
Learning to move on from your dream, whether you are forced to or you choose to, to pursue something else is so hard. Learning to want again after losing everything. I just... I can't! This book perfectly captures that struggle with multiple characters.
I love Mads and I am so happy for her. Chase and Mads are perfect together.
And i love love love that the main characters don't just drop their friends when things are going good. These are complex whole characters. Amazing writing. Amazing storyline line. Super emotive.
Highly recommend this author and this series!!!
Currently in tears writing this.
Learning to move on from your dream, whether you are forced to or you choose to, to pursue something else is so hard. Learning to want again after losing everything. I just... I can't! This book perfectly captures that struggle with multiple characters.
I love Mads and I am so happy for her. Chase and Mads are perfect together.
And i love love love that the main characters don't just drop their friends when things are going good. These are complex whole characters. Amazing writing. Amazing storyline line. Super emotive.
Highly recommend this author and this series!!!
June 30, 2025
The author has written well developed main and side characters and the prose is descriptive without being too much. The plot is good, somewhat predictable, yet enjoyable. There is spice simmering throughout. Overall, this was a great book. This story is SO hard to put down! I was enthralled from the very beginning. Plot and all of its twists are always well thought out and keep me guessing. Overall, this book was written so well and absolutely beautifully! I loved everything about it and I’m so so excited to read her next book!
July 8, 2025
I really like this story despite not normally being a lover of clean romances.
I really engaged with the characters and their lives and how they intersected in youth and adulthood.
I felt that the past could have been expanded on more and really would have loved to hear more from Chases perspective but the story was very satisfying in its current form.
The roll back to the 90’s was strange yet comforting to read (having grown up in that era!) and a really differentiator for this author
I really engaged with the characters and their lives and how they intersected in youth and adulthood.
I felt that the past could have been expanded on more and really would have loved to hear more from Chases perspective but the story was very satisfying in its current form.
The roll back to the 90’s was strange yet comforting to read (having grown up in that era!) and a really differentiator for this author
December 31, 2025
You certainly don't have to be a hockey fan to enjoy Cynthia’s books but if you are, her books are heaven. Every one of Cynthia’s hockey books that I have read has been delightful and The Save is no exception. I love the characters and the team and the found family vibes.
If you are just here for the dreamy book boyfriends, the family of friends, and characters with problems and dreams just like you, you are in the right place. And you may just find that you have a heart for hockey after all.
If you are just here for the dreamy book boyfriends, the family of friends, and characters with problems and dreams just like you, you are in the right place. And you may just find that you have a heart for hockey after all.
February 3, 2026
Emotional and character-driven, this sequel delivers deeper relationships and stronger emotional stakes. A beautifully written continuation of a compelling sports romance series. This one brings together stepsiblings Chase and Maddie. Our FMC has been in love with him forever, but of course she can't do anything about it, can she? Unfortunately, she now has to see him every day, as she tutors the guys he coaches.
This forbidden romance was so great! I loved reading the second installment of Campus Confessions!
Thanks, BookSirens!
This forbidden romance was so great! I loved reading the second installment of Campus Confessions!
Thanks, BookSirens!
April 28, 2026
3.5/4
Quick read. It was different because she focused on numbers/math and it made the hockey feel more real? It waswas fun to see in the beginning all the women’s hockey accomplishments.
Not entirely clean (closed door but slightly more descriptive, couple curse words). I liked it minus the second act break up but I guess they weren’t really dating. Not sure they had chemistry it was like a hate relationship at times. He wasn’t described in the beginning as a green flag guy even if he made up for it in the end.
Tropes
Enemies to lovers kinda?
Forbidden romance
Knew each other in HS
Quick read. It was different because she focused on numbers/math and it made the hockey feel more real? It waswas fun to see in the beginning all the women’s hockey accomplishments.
Not entirely clean (closed door but slightly more descriptive, couple curse words). I liked it minus the second act break up but I guess they weren’t really dating. Not sure they had chemistry it was like a hate relationship at times. He wasn’t described in the beginning as a green flag guy even if he made up for it in the end.
Tropes
Enemies to lovers kinda?
Forbidden romance
Knew each other in HS
September 7, 2025
This was okay. I wasn't viping with it if im being honest. The synopsis was quite intriguing, but then the execution was just fine. I didn't really care about anyone, and I wasn't on the edge of my seat while listening to it. Was it a big disappointment? not really. I went into it with an open mind. I liked book one and thought that book two would be enjoyable too. Maybe I was too wrapped up in my own head with how overwhelming my real life is. Anyway, I'm glad I gave it a go 🚶♀️
January 1, 2026
This story and especially the FMC was adorable. She was super smart and beautiful. The MMC was very talented and gorgeous, as well. I love this series! This is the second book. It was well-written, moves at a quick pace and is easy to digest. I loved the two main characters and the secondary characters, too. I hope they will all be getting books. I will be diving into book 3 because I enjoyed books 1 and 2 so much. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 14, 2025
I loved this book! I thought it was so cool how Maddie applied her math skills to the game and to help the coaches and team perform better! And I love how Chase gave her all the credit from the start!!
Also… DID MADDIE START THE LEAGUE THAT THE SNOWBALLS PLAY IN?!?! Because I LOVE that connection between the two series!!!
Also… DID MADDIE START THE LEAGUE THAT THE SNOWBALLS PLAY IN?!?! Because I LOVE that connection between the two series!!!
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