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Gold Hockey #12
Crashed
Once upon a time she’d had the happy ending.
The doting fiancé.
The expensive wedding.
The happily-ever-after resting just at the tips of her fingers.
Then in an explosion of glass, in a splintering of metal, everything had been taken from her.
She’d shattered herself, had broken into a million tiny pieces.
But eventually, she’d patched herself together, had hauled herself back into life, had built something she was content in.
Content, but not happy. Never quite inching into happy again.
Still, she had her friends, her job as a skating coach for the Gold, and she had her life. That was enough.
And it had been enough.
Until he knocked on her door.
Until he came back and changed everything.
The doting fiancé.
The expensive wedding.
The happily-ever-after resting just at the tips of her fingers.
Then in an explosion of glass, in a splintering of metal, everything had been taken from her.
She’d shattered herself, had broken into a million tiny pieces.
But eventually, she’d patched herself together, had hauled herself back into life, had built something she was content in.
Content, but not happy. Never quite inching into happy again.
Still, she had her friends, her job as a skating coach for the Gold, and she had her life. That was enough.
And it had been enough.
Until he knocked on her door.
Until he came back and changed everything.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2021
69 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Elise Faber
157 books1,067 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 20, 2025
It was ok
I honestly felt the premise of this book was great, just poorly executed IMO.It was ok. I never say this, but i wish there was a before and after in the book or at least a few flashbacks. You feel bad for Fanny but it's not super gut-wrenching or anything because you dont read about or live through it with her. It's mentioned in passing what happened. I'm still confused about what actually happened after his last surgery. It was so vague. Did Brandon ask her to leave? How long after she left, did he start a relationship with the rehab nurse? What was his marriage with OW like? If he felt like something was always missing, why didn't he feel anything with Fanny after the surgery? Also, side note what woman flirts and encourages flirting with a man she knows not only has memory problems but also has a fiancée???? IMO, a shitty one. Moving on. All these questions are never answered. Then the box with the photo book and keepsakes made no sense. If Fanny was showing up every day, showing him photos and songs, then why did he never see these momentos?? Also, if he knew she was his fiancé because his parents and Fanny told him, why didn't he try with her? It seems like he was like i dont remember you, i know you've been the one constant in my life for the past 9 years and we were bffs but Im just gonna go with this hot nurse instead??? Just to many unanswered questions 🤷♀️
I honestly felt the premise of this book was great, just poorly executed IMO.It was ok. I never say this, but i wish there was a before and after in the book or at least a few flashbacks. You feel bad for Fanny but it's not super gut-wrenching or anything because you dont read about or live through it with her. It's mentioned in passing what happened. I'm still confused about what actually happened after his last surgery. It was so vague. Did Brandon ask her to leave? How long after she left, did he start a relationship with the rehab nurse? What was his marriage with OW like? If he felt like something was always missing, why didn't he feel anything with Fanny after the surgery? Also, side note what woman flirts and encourages flirting with a man she knows not only has memory problems but also has a fiancée???? IMO, a shitty one. Moving on. All these questions are never answered. Then the box with the photo book and keepsakes made no sense. If Fanny was showing up every day, showing him photos and songs, then why did he never see these momentos?? Also, if he knew she was his fiancé because his parents and Fanny told him, why didn't he try with her? It seems like he was like i dont remember you, i know you've been the one constant in my life for the past 9 years and we were bffs but Im just gonna go with this hot nurse instead??? Just to many unanswered questions 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked the premise and the story but felt there were huge gaps that I just couldn’t shake while I was reading that I needed answers to, never did and I just couldn’t make sense of it. When the story starts, the heroine receives a visit from her ex-fiancé, who she’s been separated from for the past 10 years. So basically, this girl was in a relationship for years with a guy that got (brain?) cancer (I don’t think it was ever explained), and had to have surgery, twice. The first time, he lost his memory but regained it after a bit, but then a few years later, while they were planning the wedding, he gets cancer again, and loses his memory, again. He is unable to remember his fiancée, but not only that, he falls in love with his nurse. The martyr heroine, steps out of the way and basically lets him move on with the nurse. He then goes on and married this other woman, was with her for 5 years and later divorced her. Years later he “remembers” the heroine and realizes that he loves her, but still doesn’t really find her, it’s later that he sees her (through work) and decides to go to her.
So, anyway, the backstory is basically only referred to or explained in conversations but never really shown, so there’s no flashbacks or anything that could make me identify with her and the pain she endured. Instead it made me super rages that this guy basically moved on and was with someone else for years, while the heroine remained a martyr, faithful and of course celibate! Not only that but the hero comes back with all these “feelings” and all of these emotions and how she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and blah, blah, but was basically unable to do that 10 years earlier, didn’t try with his fiancée, who was supposedly at the hospital, by his side every day for months, but instead fell for (and married) the nurse? I mean, how are we supposed to buy that. There’s a box with albums, diaries and mementos that he had with him for years that are part of the story, but yet, he never saw them? Or felt anything when he did? Like I said, the story had huge gaps that were just brushed off and rushed and shot the credibility of the story down. Also, we seriously need to stop making these poor women martyrs and celibate while we give the men all the fun and very serious and fulfilling relationships with other women.
Anyway, their story in the present was cute, even if I’m not sure I would’ve taken his ass back, he was very sure of what he wanted “now” and was very dreamy, and of course she always got a serious case of body betrayal syndrome, lol.
So, anyway, the backstory is basically only referred to or explained in conversations but never really shown, so there’s no flashbacks or anything that could make me identify with her and the pain she endured. Instead it made me super rages that this guy basically moved on and was with someone else for years, while the heroine remained a martyr, faithful and of course celibate! Not only that but the hero comes back with all these “feelings” and all of these emotions and how she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and blah, blah, but was basically unable to do that 10 years earlier, didn’t try with his fiancée, who was supposedly at the hospital, by his side every day for months, but instead fell for (and married) the nurse? I mean, how are we supposed to buy that. There’s a box with albums, diaries and mementos that he had with him for years that are part of the story, but yet, he never saw them? Or felt anything when he did? Like I said, the story had huge gaps that were just brushed off and rushed and shot the credibility of the story down. Also, we seriously need to stop making these poor women martyrs and celibate while we give the men all the fun and very serious and fulfilling relationships with other women.
Anyway, their story in the present was cute, even if I’m not sure I would’ve taken his ass back, he was very sure of what he wanted “now” and was very dreamy, and of course she always got a serious case of body betrayal syndrome, lol.
December 20, 2024
I’m sorry but the one thing I can’t get over is a disappointing HEA. I felt sorry for Fanny. Second chance is a tough sell and if it had just been about him forgetting her because of the treatment then no worries, sure it is hard not to be hurt in that circumstance but that is not an insurmountable challenge because he did nothing wrong, but it was so frustrating to have that be the focus. He fell in love with someone else while she sat there and she felt bad for being in the way trying to help him remember whilst he was falling in love with someone else. Marrying someone else. Having a life with someone else whilst she was a ball of hurt. She lost his parents and was alone and she felt bad. This is where it felt like a bad friends to lovers. Where she sits by basically celibate, hurt and alone whilst he loves another woman, marries another woman and somehow we are supposed to believe in their HEA. He might not have remembered her but if this was true love, the kind of love that overcomes everything why didn’t he fall in love with her all over again, memories or not. He didn’t want her or love her until he remembered their past. I keep waiting for the moment where he truly truly apologises for not loving her when the memories where gone, for something always being missing with Angela and rather than that Fanny apologises for being in the way - WTF. A random but favourite ?microtrope of mine is when they fall in love in different settings ie the challenges of how can he like the woman in the coffee shop so much when simultaneously falling for the girl he’s texting and voila turns out to be same girl yay. This is the exact opposite, in the universe where Brandon doesn’t have his memories there is no spark, he does not fall in love with her in fact it sounds like he tolerated her, how is that the beginning of a HEA. Obviously she was never going to end up with Charlie but I wish she could have gotten and untainted HEA. It would be easier to have faith it would all work out if you could trust Brandon would love her no matter what except he has already proven that he won’t and that is never reconciled. Fanny has broken pieces duct taped together because he broke them. I wanted so much more for Fanny. I shouldn’t want to give her a hug and say I’m sorry when a character gets their HEA, it should feel joyous not like second place, the fact that he is head over heals for her now was not enough for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
4 Star review of Crashed (Gold Hockey #12) by Elise Faber
Crashed is an emotional second chance at love story that had me hooked from the first chapter to the last. This is Stephanie (aka Fanny ) and Brandon’s story at at times it was heart breaking. My heart just about broke for Fanny at times. The emotions and everything that they have both been through got to me. Particularly how it related to Brandon and their history.
One of the things I loved the most was Brandon’s determination not to give up on Fanny; he was focused and driven. Both these characters frustrated me at times but underneath it all you could tell that these two are meant to be together.
Can Brandon convince Fanny to give him another chance? One click and find out.
Crashed is an emotional second chance at love story that had me hooked from the first chapter to the last. This is Stephanie (aka Fanny ) and Brandon’s story at at times it was heart breaking. My heart just about broke for Fanny at times. The emotions and everything that they have both been through got to me. Particularly how it related to Brandon and their history.
One of the things I loved the most was Brandon’s determination not to give up on Fanny; he was focused and driven. Both these characters frustrated me at times but underneath it all you could tell that these two are meant to be together.
Can Brandon convince Fanny to give him another chance? One click and find out.
August 20, 2021
I felt this book was lacking big chucks of the story. What happened within the 10 yr separation. We know the H fell in love/lust with another woman, his nurse. Why would a nurse, who knew his history with amnesia, who has a fiancée continue flirting with him. The ow divorced him, why did she divorce him. I finally had to dnf it at 75%. This book was just not for me.
July 17, 2023
CRASHED is the twelfth book in the Gold Hockey series but you can read it as a standalone as I have.
Fanny is single and happy to be so after she has spent ten years trying to piece her heart back together. It feels broken all over again when the man she has been trying to forget comes back into her life. Brandon has more regrets about Fanny than he knows what to do with, but one thing is sure. He loves her and wants her back.
This is another winner for Elise Faber. Not only does she have a couple of fantastic characters in Fanny and Brandon, but the story itself sweeps you off your feet. My heart broke for Fanny as she remembered, and the reader found out, just what had happened to hurt her so badly. But then it also broke for Brandon, for forgetting so much. The other characters support them and move the story forward.
I was able to read this as a standalone although I am now left wanting ALL the others, including Scar and Kaydon's story which is due next! Fanny and Brandon have made me smile, laugh, and feel sorrow, so it's only right that I recommend you have all the feels I did! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 28, 2021
Fanny is single and happy to be so after she has spent ten years trying to piece her heart back together. It feels broken all over again when the man she has been trying to forget comes back into her life. Brandon has more regrets about Fanny than he knows what to do with, but one thing is sure. He loves her and wants her back.
This is another winner for Elise Faber. Not only does she have a couple of fantastic characters in Fanny and Brandon, but the story itself sweeps you off your feet. My heart broke for Fanny as she remembered, and the reader found out, just what had happened to hurt her so badly. But then it also broke for Brandon, for forgetting so much. The other characters support them and move the story forward.
I was able to read this as a standalone although I am now left wanting ALL the others, including Scar and Kaydon's story which is due next! Fanny and Brandon have made me smile, laugh, and feel sorrow, so it's only right that I recommend you have all the feels I did! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 28, 2021
August 12, 2022
⛔️
H and h have been together for years, H loses his memory after cancer, he decides that nah, I won’t be together with my fiancée of nine years because I have no memory of us so instead of getting to know her again and falling in love with her again he goes and marries his nurse, what a nice guy🥰
H and h have been together for years, H loses his memory after cancer, he decides that nah, I won’t be together with my fiancée of nine years because I have no memory of us so instead of getting to know her again and falling in love with her again he goes and marries his nurse, what a nice guy🥰
August 3, 2021
Burned and risen from the flames!
Stephanie, also known as Fanny works for Gold Hockey as a skating coach. In her youth she dated Brandon and after two bouts of cancer where he lost his memory, they ended up going their separate ways. Fanny has never gotten over Brandon. When he turns up on her doorstep after ten years, Fanny is shocked and doesn't think she's strong enough to try again. Brandon has lost so much due to his cancer but the one thing he doesn't want to lose is Fanny, it's taken him ten years to remember and he doesn't want to forget again. This book was an emotional roller coaster of a ride and have all the feels! It was a read of trying again but also of healing and the future. Another great read from Elise
Stephanie, also known as Fanny works for Gold Hockey as a skating coach. In her youth she dated Brandon and after two bouts of cancer where he lost his memory, they ended up going their separate ways. Fanny has never gotten over Brandon. When he turns up on her doorstep after ten years, Fanny is shocked and doesn't think she's strong enough to try again. Brandon has lost so much due to his cancer but the one thing he doesn't want to lose is Fanny, it's taken him ten years to remember and he doesn't want to forget again. This book was an emotional roller coaster of a ride and have all the feels! It was a read of trying again but also of healing and the future. Another great read from Elise
July 24, 2021
Crashed is Book 12 of Elise Faber’s Gold Hockey series and is the mother of second chance romance reads. This book destroyed me in a good way. What I was expecting and what I got are two very different things, but that’s okay. The plot twist was unexpected but intriguing and kept me glued to my kindle. I absolutely loved watching Fanny and Brandon fall head over heels in love (for the second time) and could not put this book down. If you are a fan of hockey and/or second chance romances then this is a definite must read romance. TBR Crashed and Enjoy!
July 18, 2021
Angsty and emotional, Fanny and Brandon's story puts your heart through the wringer and gives your own emotions a workout. I felt so badly for these two. The storyline is very powerful and it kept me engaged easily. This book delivers some major feels. I enjoyed it. This is my objective, elective review.
July 29, 2021
Brandon and Fanny oh my did this pluck my heartstrings. These two are so hot together yet there is so much pain from their past. I love all the characters in this book. Scar, Charlie, Kaydon and Ethan. All such great friends and so supportive. This story is about making your way back to a past love. Such great writing! I LOVE this story. Brandon and Franny are hot and steamy and so delicious!
July 28, 2021
Stephanie and Brandon are awesome. They show that even the past can come back to haunt you and it isn’t always a bad thing. These two are hot and this was a great story of heartache and overcoming fear.
July 16, 2021
My heart broke for Fanny when I was reading this book. The story of her and Brandon's relationship was truly heartbreaking. They went through so much in their young lives and Fanny never really felt complete without Brandon. I don't want to spoil anything by giving away any bits of the story, but they both felt that way. Although, Brandon doesn't fully get why he feels that way. This story tears you apart and puts you back together. You do NOT need to read books 1-11 before you read this book because it holds up as a standalone.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
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July 30, 2025So I can't rate this one. The writing was great, and I will definitely be checking out other books by this author, but there was a lot missing from this book, and my biggest issue is that there was never really a discussion between Brandon and Fanny about their almost 10 years apart. I'm really angry that Fanny never moved on, never even had a ONS or anything with anyone else. I'm not blaming Brandon for his cancer, and I know he couldn't help the amnesia, but it seems everything came back to him except for Fanny. Fanny talked about them being magnets, always pulling back to each other no matter what, but that is so untrue. He forgot her for 9 years, no feelings of familiarity or of her at all being important to him. She took care of him for 6 months after his surgery, but the way it was described didn't seem like he was at all interested in trying to remember her or trying to start over with her, getting to know her again to see if they could fall in love again. And the nurse is absolutely disgusting. She should have known about his amnesia and his history. She should have known Fanny was his fiancee and was working with him to try to get him to remember, but instead she flirted with her patient and ended up marrying him, knowing his fiancee whom he forgot was caring for him. Nope! And Brandon mentioned multiple times that he loved Angela, and he said he couldn't promise her he wouldn't get sick again and forget her, yet he got mad when Fanny took off after hearing the doc's VM. He even thinks she was hurt almost as much as him by his cancer. OK I'm not saying cancer is fun, but he got to forget her, move forward, fall in love and marry another woman and not care; Fanny did not. She remembered everything and had to watch him fall in love with his nurse and eventually had to give him up. So yeah, she's allowed to panic and run. I'm sorry but Fanny should have left this guy behind and been with Charlie or someone else. I know Brandon couldn't help any of it, but it's not ok after 10 years to just show up on her porch and say I love you and want you back cuz I remember you after 10 years. And oh btw, I fell in love with my nurse and was married to her for 5 years, and I fought for her when she tried to divorce me. I just get a very ick feeling from him and this whole relationship. He never said now that I remember you I realize my feelings for Angela weren't real or they weren't the same. I also needed to know more of their past and how he got to the point of showing up on her doorstep. I just don't feel like these two were ever to a point to just move forward when they didn't have a real, honest discussion about the past. I understand there are no guarantees for anyone, but I just can't see Fanny giving in so easily, or at all, after so long.
July 27, 2025
I had mixed feelings about this one. The premise was fantastic and emotionally charged, but the execution fell short of expectations. It felt like a story brimming with potential, yet riddled with frustrating gaps and vague explanations that made it hard to invest fully.
The backstory was compelling: a couple torn apart when the hero—after being diagnosed with what seemed to be brain cancer (never clearly stated)—underwent two surgeries that wiped his memory. Despite the heroine being by his side every day during his recovery, he forgot her and fell in love with his nurse, whom he later married and spent five years with before divorcing. Ten years pass before he suddenly "remembers" his former fiancée and seeks her out through work, declaring his undying love for her.
But here's the problem—none of this is shown. We're told these major, emotionally pivotal events through dialogue and exposition, never through scenes or flashbacks that would help us feel the heroine's pain. I had concerns about her alcohol consumption. We're expected to empathize with her, but it's hard when her suffering is only described, not lived. It's also never clear what happened after the second surgery. Did he ask her to leave? Was she simply forgotten? The lack of clarity undermines the emotional weight of the story. His family, who had spent years loving and cheering her dropped her as soon as he got with the nurse as well. We are supposed to buy that his mom loved her so much she wrote about it in her journal.
Even the hero's rediscovery of love feels rushed and unconvincing. He had a box full of mementos and photos he kept through those years, yet supposedly never looked at them or felt anything. It strains credibility. Helpfully sent to him by his ex-wife, the nurse. So many redflags about getting involved with a patient and the possible misuse of influence on a dependent person. Meanwhile, the heroine is depicted as a martyr—faithful, celibate, and endlessly patient—while the hero enjoyed a full marriage and another love. That double standard is tiresome and needs to go.
That said, their present-day interactions were sweet, and the hero was undeniably charming in his "now" mode. But would I have taken him back? Hard to say. She certainly came down with a textbook case of body betrayal syndrome, lol. Still, the emotional payoff could've been so much richer with deeper character exploration and a stronger narrative structure.
The backstory was compelling: a couple torn apart when the hero—after being diagnosed with what seemed to be brain cancer (never clearly stated)—underwent two surgeries that wiped his memory. Despite the heroine being by his side every day during his recovery, he forgot her and fell in love with his nurse, whom he later married and spent five years with before divorcing. Ten years pass before he suddenly "remembers" his former fiancée and seeks her out through work, declaring his undying love for her.
But here's the problem—none of this is shown. We're told these major, emotionally pivotal events through dialogue and exposition, never through scenes or flashbacks that would help us feel the heroine's pain. I had concerns about her alcohol consumption. We're expected to empathize with her, but it's hard when her suffering is only described, not lived. It's also never clear what happened after the second surgery. Did he ask her to leave? Was she simply forgotten? The lack of clarity undermines the emotional weight of the story. His family, who had spent years loving and cheering her dropped her as soon as he got with the nurse as well. We are supposed to buy that his mom loved her so much she wrote about it in her journal.
Even the hero's rediscovery of love feels rushed and unconvincing. He had a box full of mementos and photos he kept through those years, yet supposedly never looked at them or felt anything. It strains credibility. Helpfully sent to him by his ex-wife, the nurse. So many redflags about getting involved with a patient and the possible misuse of influence on a dependent person. Meanwhile, the heroine is depicted as a martyr—faithful, celibate, and endlessly patient—while the hero enjoyed a full marriage and another love. That double standard is tiresome and needs to go.
That said, their present-day interactions were sweet, and the hero was undeniably charming in his "now" mode. But would I have taken him back? Hard to say. She certainly came down with a textbook case of body betrayal syndrome, lol. Still, the emotional payoff could've been so much richer with deeper character exploration and a stronger narrative structure.
July 27, 2021
This is part of the Gold Hockey series and the 12th book in the series. It also easily stands alone. It features an all star cast from previous book and introduces some new characters as well. In this story we get to know Fanny and we meet Brandon who is her ex sorta.
I enjoy this hockey series and have read some of the ones in the series that intrigue me. I have not read every single book but a majority. They are a different kind of hockey series, usually the author uses her characters to deal important issues and this book deals with Cancer.
It is not a light reading story. It is very heavy, probably the most intense story I have read by this author ever. I cried in many different spots and my heart truly broke for Fanny and while I hated her pain, I also was in awe of her character. She was one tough cookie and I admired how she got on with her life after what life and Brandon did for her. I have never read another character like her before and for me she made this book. It was a really hard book to read but if you want a tear jerker well this is the book for you.
This was a fast book to read. The author has a great writing style that I really enjoy. She also creates these awesome characters and I adored Fanny. But my heart also broke for her. I am not sure I could have survived what she did. And then when Brandon re-enters her life, well I would have fought him just as hard as she did and I admired how hard she fought against her feelings for him.
My real issue with this book was Brandon. On one side he has had a very hard life. Cancer twice in his life is a really rough road. And well he made it to the other side. But what he did to Fanny, was awful and on one hand we love who we love but he utterly broke her heart and in this story he works very hard to get her to give him a second chance. I loved that she didn't make it easy on him and even dated others and really made him work for her heart.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoy this hockey series and have read some of the ones in the series that intrigue me. I have not read every single book but a majority. They are a different kind of hockey series, usually the author uses her characters to deal important issues and this book deals with Cancer.
It is not a light reading story. It is very heavy, probably the most intense story I have read by this author ever. I cried in many different spots and my heart truly broke for Fanny and while I hated her pain, I also was in awe of her character. She was one tough cookie and I admired how she got on with her life after what life and Brandon did for her. I have never read another character like her before and for me she made this book. It was a really hard book to read but if you want a tear jerker well this is the book for you.
This was a fast book to read. The author has a great writing style that I really enjoy. She also creates these awesome characters and I adored Fanny. But my heart also broke for her. I am not sure I could have survived what she did. And then when Brandon re-enters her life, well I would have fought him just as hard as she did and I admired how hard she fought against her feelings for him.
My real issue with this book was Brandon. On one side he has had a very hard life. Cancer twice in his life is a really rough road. And well he made it to the other side. But what he did to Fanny, was awful and on one hand we love who we love but he utterly broke her heart and in this story he works very hard to get her to give him a second chance. I loved that she didn't make it easy on him and even dated others and really made him work for her heart.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2021
I have been wanting to read a story by this author for ages and I finally decided to make time and read this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can honestly say this author knows how to write romance. I really liked how she included sprinkles of humor throughout the book, it helped enormously because the two lead character’s background is one of true emotional angst.
The slow burn of their relationship in this story continued to still have some angst but it’s totally understandable though. Both Stephanie, aka Fanny, and Brandon are great people, both very dedicated to their jobs, both caring for others and both stuck in this unusual situation. They have amazing chemistry that literally sizzles whenever they are close by each other.
Scarlett is a crackup of a character and sneaky too, I really enjoyed her in this story and her brother Charlie, too. Actually, all of the secondary characters in this story were fabulous and humorous too. I like the sound of the next book, Cycled, with Scarlett’s story.
This second chance, or possibly third chance, at love romance story is one that is fast-paced and easy to read. It also leaves you feeling wonderful when you finish the book, I always appreciate it when that happens.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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The slow burn of their relationship in this story continued to still have some angst but it’s totally understandable though. Both Stephanie, aka Fanny, and Brandon are great people, both very dedicated to their jobs, both caring for others and both stuck in this unusual situation. They have amazing chemistry that literally sizzles whenever they are close by each other.
Scarlett is a crackup of a character and sneaky too, I really enjoyed her in this story and her brother Charlie, too. Actually, all of the secondary characters in this story were fabulous and humorous too. I like the sound of the next book, Cycled, with Scarlett’s story.
This second chance, or possibly third chance, at love romance story is one that is fast-paced and easy to read. It also leaves you feeling wonderful when you finish the book, I always appreciate it when that happens.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
November 21, 2021
Crashed is the twelfth book in the Gold Hockey series. It is a stand alone, but if you’ve read any of the previous books, the experience of reading will become richer as characters do show up often in later books. Fanny gave up on love a long time ago, that is until her ex shows up at her door unexpectedly. Brandon knows he’ll never give up on his dream of forever with Fanny, but will he be able to convince her to give them a chance, especially when his health might be at risk again?
Oh my goodness, this book was teased at the end of Caged and I immediately needed to read this book! And then I could barely put it down! I loved Fanny and Brandon! I cried, I giggled, and I completely swooned with how Brandon just kept sweeping Fanny off her feet and proving to her over and over again that she could depend on him. I felt so much pain for this couple, as they had been through so much in their past. Years of building dreams and their future ripped away so fast. Fanny, especially, made my heart ache, as she had a fantastic life she was proud of building, yet wouldn’t reach out for happiness and love. She was scared, but I liked that she didn’t let fear rule what she wanted with Brandon. And man oh man, Brandon was pretty swoon worthy! I loved that he took care of Fanny in the little ways. Giving her comforts where he could, spoiled her, and did nothing except be her biggest fan. I loved how well they both fit together, and I loved how their past offered shades of complexity and richness to their current relationship. I really enjoyed this book! I have loved every Gold Hockey book that I’ve picked up!
Oh my goodness, this book was teased at the end of Caged and I immediately needed to read this book! And then I could barely put it down! I loved Fanny and Brandon! I cried, I giggled, and I completely swooned with how Brandon just kept sweeping Fanny off her feet and proving to her over and over again that she could depend on him. I felt so much pain for this couple, as they had been through so much in their past. Years of building dreams and their future ripped away so fast. Fanny, especially, made my heart ache, as she had a fantastic life she was proud of building, yet wouldn’t reach out for happiness and love. She was scared, but I liked that she didn’t let fear rule what she wanted with Brandon. And man oh man, Brandon was pretty swoon worthy! I loved that he took care of Fanny in the little ways. Giving her comforts where he could, spoiled her, and did nothing except be her biggest fan. I loved how well they both fit together, and I loved how their past offered shades of complexity and richness to their current relationship. I really enjoyed this book! I have loved every Gold Hockey book that I’ve picked up!
July 23, 2021
I have been wanting to read a story by this author for ages and I finally decided to make time and read this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can honestly say this author knows how to write romance. I really liked how she included sprinkles of humour throughout the book, it helped enormously because the two lead character’s background is one of true emotional angst.
The slow burn of their relationship in this story continued to still have some angst but it’s totally understandable though. Both Stephanie, aka Fanny, and Brandon are great people, both very dedicated to their jobs, both caring for others and both stuck in this unusual situation. They have amazing chemistry that literally sizzles whenever they are close by each other.
Scarlett is a crack up of a character and sneaky too, I really enjoyed her in this story and her brother Charlie, too. Actually all of the secondary characters in this story were fabulous and humorous too. I like the sound of the next book, Cycled, with Scarlett’s story.
This second chance, or possibly third chance, at love romance story is one that is fast-paced and easy to read. It also leaves you feeling wonderful when you finish the book, I always appreciate it when that happens.
July 27, 2021
Crashed was a wonderful second-chance romance story — but not the typical story I've read in this trope before! Brandon and Stephanie (Fannie) have such a tangled, sad history, and I loved the journey that they went on in finding their way back to one another. After a brain tumor took all of his memories of their relationship, Brandon has finally remembered her — but will she be able to forget the pain and heartbreak that his illness caused in the past and move forward in the here and now?
I usually don't connect well with 3rd person POV stories -- it's a personal preference of mine -- but I connected with these two characters right away, and loved reading both of their POVs. I thought both sides were so well-written. I got all the feels as Fannie waffled about whether or not she could allow her heart to let Brandon back in, and he made it his mission to let Fannie know that while he may have forgotten who she was 10 years ago, he now remembered every detail about their relationship and there was no doubt in his mind that she was the one he wanted.
Crashed is part of the Gold Hockey series, and it reads as a standalone. There are interconnected characters on the periphery who have had (or will have) other books, but I didn't feel as if I was missing pieces of Fannie's story by not having read those books.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
I usually don't connect well with 3rd person POV stories -- it's a personal preference of mine -- but I connected with these two characters right away, and loved reading both of their POVs. I thought both sides were so well-written. I got all the feels as Fannie waffled about whether or not she could allow her heart to let Brandon back in, and he made it his mission to let Fannie know that while he may have forgotten who she was 10 years ago, he now remembered every detail about their relationship and there was no doubt in his mind that she was the one he wanted.
Crashed is part of the Gold Hockey series, and it reads as a standalone. There are interconnected characters on the periphery who have had (or will have) other books, but I didn't feel as if I was missing pieces of Fannie's story by not having read those books.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
July 27, 2021
Loved this book and the emotional tsunami it inspired. Stephanie/Fanny has loved Brandon since she was 13 and he 15. She stood by his side twice when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and broke her heart when he forgot about her. The first time his memory came back within a week, the second time it didn’t and she watched as he fell for another woman.
She was emotionally devastated to lose her fiancé to something that was out of their control and no one’s fault. It’s ten years later and she has slowly built a life with a great job and wonderful friends, but she no longer wants a romantic relationship. Then her past shows up unexpectedly one night and tells her he remembers everything.
The emotional hits Fanny has taken are unimaginable and to then have the chance to be with the man she’s always loved and lost twice…can she risk her heart …can she not risk it?
This was a wonderful story that tugged at my heartstrings because they so deserved a happy ending together, but they had a lot of emotional trauma and ten years apart to overcome. I enjoyed their intense connection, steamy moments and plenty of laughs to break up the heavy emotions. Seeing characters again from previous books is always a treat as I feel like they are good friends rather than just characters at this point.
The next book in the series has definitely captured my attention!
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
She was emotionally devastated to lose her fiancé to something that was out of their control and no one’s fault. It’s ten years later and she has slowly built a life with a great job and wonderful friends, but she no longer wants a romantic relationship. Then her past shows up unexpectedly one night and tells her he remembers everything.
The emotional hits Fanny has taken are unimaginable and to then have the chance to be with the man she’s always loved and lost twice…can she risk her heart …can she not risk it?
This was a wonderful story that tugged at my heartstrings because they so deserved a happy ending together, but they had a lot of emotional trauma and ten years apart to overcome. I enjoyed their intense connection, steamy moments and plenty of laughs to break up the heavy emotions. Seeing characters again from previous books is always a treat as I feel like they are good friends rather than just characters at this point.
The next book in the series has definitely captured my attention!
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2021
4.5 Stars for Crashed ( Gold Hockey #12)
This is Stephanie (Fanny) and Brandon’s emotional, second chance at love that captivated me from the first page to the last line. At times their journey was heartbreaking and this book touched me on so many levels. This is definitely a journey rather than a story, Brandon’s history broke my heart but I loved how determined this man was to get a second with the woman he sees as his soulmate.
Fanny has built a life that doesn’t include Brandon, he broke her heart but she has never really gotten over him so when he comes back into her life it could be easy to fall back to how they where before life took everything away from them but is she prepared to give home one more chance….
I’m really not sure I could do this emotional read justice, it’s a story you need to read with no preconceived ideas, it’s very emotional but it’s still entertaining, it’s a heartfelt romance that will tug in your heartstrings but it will also make you smile. This is book 12 in the Gold Hockey Series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. I was excited to catch up with the Gold team abd now I’m excited for what’s to come next .
This is Stephanie (Fanny) and Brandon’s emotional, second chance at love that captivated me from the first page to the last line. At times their journey was heartbreaking and this book touched me on so many levels. This is definitely a journey rather than a story, Brandon’s history broke my heart but I loved how determined this man was to get a second with the woman he sees as his soulmate.
Fanny has built a life that doesn’t include Brandon, he broke her heart but she has never really gotten over him so when he comes back into her life it could be easy to fall back to how they where before life took everything away from them but is she prepared to give home one more chance….
I’m really not sure I could do this emotional read justice, it’s a story you need to read with no preconceived ideas, it’s very emotional but it’s still entertaining, it’s a heartfelt romance that will tug in your heartstrings but it will also make you smile. This is book 12 in the Gold Hockey Series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. I was excited to catch up with the Gold team abd now I’m excited for what’s to come next .
July 27, 2021
Elise Faber gets a win with CRASHED (Gold Hockey #12). This is the Gold’s skating coach Stephanie “Fanny” Douglas’ and her childhood sweetheart Brandon Cunningham’s story. Brandon is the sports agent of Gold player Kaydon Lewis, who had recently been traded to the team.
My heart went out to Brandon and Fanny for everything they endured. Brandon had brain cancer and forgot who Fanny was (twice). Years later, he remembers her and seeks her out. Fanny was devastated from the loss and could not endure the pain a third time, so she is reluctant to give Brandon another chance despite being the love of her life.
Elise Faber does a great job with this story. She gets you into the characters' heads, understanding their viewpoints. I love how the Gold’s players look out for Fanny. They are terrific support system and family. CRASHED was skillfully written and attention-grabbing. I recommend CRASHED to people who enjoy sports romances and/or second chance romances. I’m looking forward to Kaydon’s and San Francisco Gold’s publicist Scarlett’s story CYCLED expected to be released October 5, 2021. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
My heart went out to Brandon and Fanny for everything they endured. Brandon had brain cancer and forgot who Fanny was (twice). Years later, he remembers her and seeks her out. Fanny was devastated from the loss and could not endure the pain a third time, so she is reluctant to give Brandon another chance despite being the love of her life.
Elise Faber does a great job with this story. She gets you into the characters' heads, understanding their viewpoints. I love how the Gold’s players look out for Fanny. They are terrific support system and family. CRASHED was skillfully written and attention-grabbing. I recommend CRASHED to people who enjoy sports romances and/or second chance romances. I’m looking forward to Kaydon’s and San Francisco Gold’s publicist Scarlett’s story CYCLED expected to be released October 5, 2021. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
August 1, 2021
Returning to the Gold Hockey family for the 12th stand-alone in the dynamic series, Elise Faber has delivered another winner that will hook you right from the start and have you staying up all hours to see how it ends. Highly recommend, especially if you know and love Elise’s other work (especially the rest of the series), or if you happen to love Helena Hunting’s Pucked series, which has a similar vibe.
I NEVER get tired of this series. I absolutely adore the Gold Hockey family and watching it grow in number and in love as we get to see their love stories play out. Fanny and Brandon’s story is no different. Back in Caged, Dani and Ethan’s story, we got to see that Fanny had some serious history, but I couldn’t have envisioned how heartwrenching it would be to see her get a second chance at her first—and only—love. This book hits in all the feels, from the very beginning where Fanny is haunted and reminiscing over what she once had and what she’s lost, only to have Brandon return to fight to win her back. Because of their history, Brandon is determined to make things work, and Fanny understandably struggles to trust his sincerity and dedication. But watching him persevere is inspiring in the best way, and watching them fall back in love—while realizing they never really fell out of love in the first place—is sure to keep other readers just as glued to their copies as I was to mine.
I NEVER get tired of this series. I absolutely adore the Gold Hockey family and watching it grow in number and in love as we get to see their love stories play out. Fanny and Brandon’s story is no different. Back in Caged, Dani and Ethan’s story, we got to see that Fanny had some serious history, but I couldn’t have envisioned how heartwrenching it would be to see her get a second chance at her first—and only—love. This book hits in all the feels, from the very beginning where Fanny is haunted and reminiscing over what she once had and what she’s lost, only to have Brandon return to fight to win her back. Because of their history, Brandon is determined to make things work, and Fanny understandably struggles to trust his sincerity and dedication. But watching him persevere is inspiring in the best way, and watching them fall back in love—while realizing they never really fell out of love in the first place—is sure to keep other readers just as glued to their copies as I was to mine.
July 27, 2021
Crashed - book 12 in the Gold Hockey series by Elise Faber - is an emotionally charged, gripping addition to the series, that readers absolutely cannot miss.
Fanny, one of the skating coaches for the Gold, had everything taken from her in the blink of an eye. My heart ached for everything she'd gone through, the devastation of losing the other half of her soul. After the devastation of the last ten years, she is extremely guarded when Brandon shows up, seemingly out of no where.
Brandon lost ten years with Fanny, and he's not willing to miss one more day. So despite her misgivings, he is all in, and he's not taking no for an answer. He will do anything to prove to Fanny that everything will work, that they will make it through anything life throws at them. Nothing could be worse than the curve ball fate threw into the mix, and he's determined to make up for lost time.
Crashed gave me ALL of the feels - their story is tragic - but if their willing to fight, they can have an amazing happy ending.
Fanny, one of the skating coaches for the Gold, had everything taken from her in the blink of an eye. My heart ached for everything she'd gone through, the devastation of losing the other half of her soul. After the devastation of the last ten years, she is extremely guarded when Brandon shows up, seemingly out of no where.
Brandon lost ten years with Fanny, and he's not willing to miss one more day. So despite her misgivings, he is all in, and he's not taking no for an answer. He will do anything to prove to Fanny that everything will work, that they will make it through anything life throws at them. Nothing could be worse than the curve ball fate threw into the mix, and he's determined to make up for lost time.
Crashed gave me ALL of the feels - their story is tragic - but if their willing to fight, they can have an amazing happy ending.
July 15, 2021
spice level: 3/5
emotional investment: 3/5
fantasy level: n/a
romance level: 4/5
HEA: yes
I came into this book having never read the 11 books in the series prior. This works as a standalone, but does make you want to explore those other books/relationships in the series. I really liked the premise of this book and the author did a good job explaining the angst of the main characters. This was a story line that had she dug deeper into their older history/emotions/examples they experienced would definitely have increased by emotional investment. I did get excited with the characters, but this was a perfect time that the author could have made me cry too. I was ready to. Good bantor/fun of the other characters. I would have appreciated another 100 pages of this story as the premise was GREAT. I will be backing up to book 1 of the series as I like the character dynamics and want to dive in more. Good pooltime or weekend fun read.
emotional investment: 3/5
fantasy level: n/a
romance level: 4/5
HEA: yes
I came into this book having never read the 11 books in the series prior. This works as a standalone, but does make you want to explore those other books/relationships in the series. I really liked the premise of this book and the author did a good job explaining the angst of the main characters. This was a story line that had she dug deeper into their older history/emotions/examples they experienced would definitely have increased by emotional investment. I did get excited with the characters, but this was a perfect time that the author could have made me cry too. I was ready to. Good bantor/fun of the other characters. I would have appreciated another 100 pages of this story as the premise was GREAT. I will be backing up to book 1 of the series as I like the character dynamics and want to dive in more. Good pooltime or weekend fun read.
July 25, 2021
I love this Gold series by Elise Faber and although this issue book 12, it can be read as a standalone. Fanny is an olympic figure skating medalist who now teaches lessons and works as a skating coach to the Gold ice hockey team. For the past 10 years this has been her life, ever since the man she loved forgot who she was. Brandon had cancer, twice, and with the removal of brain tumors, he forgot who Fanny was, the fact that they were so in love and that whey were planning to spend the rest of their lives together. But as these memories comes back to him, he vows to find Fanny and make her fall in love with him again. But having been hurt so badly by Brandon, twice, Fanny is not willing to open her heart again. Brandon refuses to accept that, and pulls out all the stops to show Fanny that he is not going to give up, he is in it for the long haul and that she is the only woman for him.
July 27, 2021
Fanny has loved one man in her life and the way it ended devastated her. She has spent the last decade rebuilding her life and is content with her life and enjoys her career with the Gold. She wasn’t prepared for him to come back into her life but the one thing she does know is that she needs to protect her heart as she couldn’t survive losing him once again.
Brandon has valid reasons for not being with Fanny for the last decade but that doesn’t make up for the pain that she endured because of it. He understands her wariness, but he has overcome so much to find his way back to her and he is determined to show her that they are soulmates and it is finally their time.
The journey that Fanny and Brandon traveled to find their way back to each other is filled with emotion and healing. The past they share is complicated and painful, but they prove that some things are just meant to be.
Brandon has valid reasons for not being with Fanny for the last decade but that doesn’t make up for the pain that she endured because of it. He understands her wariness, but he has overcome so much to find his way back to her and he is determined to show her that they are soulmates and it is finally their time.
The journey that Fanny and Brandon traveled to find their way back to each other is filled with emotion and healing. The past they share is complicated and painful, but they prove that some things are just meant to be.
July 27, 2025
I wish that she had been able to have a love interest n the 10 years before he came back to her life.
How unfair that he forgot her and he gets to move on and be very happy with someone else. Meanwhile, she remains sad with no one except friends / work colleague and all these memories of the love that she fought so hard for and had to watch as he fell in love with someone else. It’s all the pain and heartbreak of cheating except it’s not his fault since he has amnesia.
I struggled so hard to believe their HEA because there’s this film of sadness on everything. He’s all “our love is worth fighting for’ but sir, how can you say that when you wouldn’t even try 10 years ago when she was trying so hard to help you remember. He even took her on a trip to the vineyard where they were going to get married. That just pissed me off and hurt my heart so much because, why?
Anyway, this book was sad. It’s a sad HEA that I don’t believe.
How unfair that he forgot her and he gets to move on and be very happy with someone else. Meanwhile, she remains sad with no one except friends / work colleague and all these memories of the love that she fought so hard for and had to watch as he fell in love with someone else. It’s all the pain and heartbreak of cheating except it’s not his fault since he has amnesia.
I struggled so hard to believe their HEA because there’s this film of sadness on everything. He’s all “our love is worth fighting for’ but sir, how can you say that when you wouldn’t even try 10 years ago when she was trying so hard to help you remember. He even took her on a trip to the vineyard where they were going to get married. That just pissed me off and hurt my heart so much because, why?
Anyway, this book was sad. It’s a sad HEA that I don’t believe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
I haven't read every book in this series, but the books I have read I have enjoyed, this one is no different. I like getting back into this world and seeing familiar faces while still reading something 'new'. Brandon and Fanny have a second chance at love, years later through no fault of either of them. Their story is a little different because of the circumstance behind their break-up. Fanny doesn't know if she can trust it, her walls are strong and high. Brandon knows he wants it but isn't sure if he should push the issue and try to break through or if it would be better for her to let her go. Add in friends that are more like family, a new guy showing interest, undeniable connection and a lot of history and you have another great installment of this series. I'm looking forward to Kaydon's story next!
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