Facing Calgary's Dream

Black Gold Management Agency: The Ferguson's #1

by Anne Stone

Ryne Ferguson has always dreamed of playing for his hometown team, the Calgary Storm. A born leader and captain of his current team, he knows it’s bound to happen soon. He’s in the best shape of his career and playing better than ever. When he’s unexpectedly traded to the St. Louis Generals, his life is turned upside down forcing him to move from Canada to St. Louis, Missouri, crushing his dream of playing for the Storm. He has no interest being in St. Louis until a near accident changes his mind.

Jennifer Steele is a teacher in St. Louis, with a passion for hockey and photography—well, hockey anyway. When she lost her parents in a tragic car accident, she lost her love of photography too. Her father owned a photography studio, and now being behind the camera brings nothing but aching memories of loss. Instead, she focuses on her grandparents and work. When Jennifer is offered the chance to coordinate a huge fundraiser for her school showcasing her photos, she’s unsure. How can she reopen a chapter in her life that is so painful? Then hockey great, Ryne, is asked to assist Jennifer with the fundraiser and she convinces herself that all will be well.

As the couple work together, love blossoms and they become inseparable. Ryne discovers Jennifer’s talent and knows she’s happier behind the lens of a camera. How can he persuade her to chase her real dream when he’s not even achieved his own? Then an injury forces Ryne to question his future in hockey. He will do anything to play for his beloved Storm before his career ends, but a trade would mean moving back to Canada.

Jennifer doesn’t want to leave her grandparents.

Ryne doesn’t want to give up one love for another.

Will they both take a chance and follow their dreams?

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2021

About the author

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Anne Stone was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. but now lives in the cold state of Wisconsin with her faithful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She writes heartfelt sweet contemporary romance and is the author of the Show Me and Williams & Company series. She loves to tell a story and that’s what you’ll definitely get in an Anne Stone novel.

Anne’s degree is in education but she has worked in the corporate sector managing a large number of staff. Now, she works from home where part of her day is still spent in the corporate world and the other part is dreaming of her heroes and heroines.

Learn more about Anne by visiting www.AnneStoneAuthor.com. You can also connect with her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAnneStone and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnneStoneAut....

Reviews

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Fated Dreams Unite

Jennifer and Ryne meet when she almost runs him over in the ice rink parking lot as he is on his way to his first game playing hockey after being traded to the St.Louis Generals. A professional athlete and a fourth grade teacher; what would they have in common.

But working on a community service/fundraiser for the school and team, these two disparate individuals find a surprising ease with each other. The more time they spend talking, the more time they want to continue to spend together.

Jen rediscovers her love of photography which she had shared with her late father, an award-winning professional photographer. Ryne reclaims his dream to play for his hometown NHL team in Calgary, to play with his brothers, with the goal to win The championship trophy. Sports injuries, changes of career, communications, business trip separations, meshing families, health crises, marriage, relocation, emigration; these were all challenges this couple needed to meet and conquer.

I thought it was a book that provided an honest and realistic look at the life of a sports star. We see the game on TV, but there is a lot of hard work and sacrifice on the part of both the athletes and the families to make that game happen. This story provides a small glimpse into that world.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I received a free copy of the clean full length National Hockey League based novel Facing Calgary's Dream: Black Gold Management Agency: The Fergusons book 1 by Anne Stone and this review was given freely.

A bittersweet instant attraction story with the themes of finding love and happiness after loss, the injuries and hard work typical at a top NHL level, the struggle with compromising and, the drive needed to pursuit ones dreams are blended with scenes of Ryne Ferguson’s tender pursuit of Jennifer, of his rocky path as he strives to join his brothers’ Calgary Storm team with hopes of winning the Stanley Cup, of his close-knit large rowdy family, and scenes including Jennifer Steele’s protective and at times unfiltered grandparents. While bitter sweet featuring Jennifer and Philip’s struggles with grief, this novel also contains some humor and a heartwarming happy ending.

Blindsided after signing a 3 year extension and fighting his way back after an injury to score the winning game goals, Ryne Ferguson, Captain and star player for the Vancouver Eagles hockey team finds himself suddenly transferred from Canada to the St. Louis, Missouri Generals, almost run over by preoccupied fourth grade teacher Jennifer Steele, and late to his first game.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in this series, opens the door to a very promising series. One in which the Ferguson brothers, all hockey players and sons of a hockey legend, will have starring roles.
This first one belongs to Ryne Ferguson who’s dream is of playing with his father’s old team, the Calgary Storm, and winning the Stanley Cup. But that dream derails when he’s traded to the St Louis team.
Little did he know that moving there and almost being run over by a hockey fan, would change his life , and dreams forever.
Jennifer Steele is that fan. A woman who loves all things hockey but also carries a great deal of sadness in her heart.
As we get to know these two , their dreams and their families, all we want is for them to overcome all obstacles presented to them. Though I am not a hockey fan, it didn’t deter my enjoyment of the book. My only “but” is that it gave me more details than I wanted.
Still, it’s a wonderful story about life, losses, hope, family and finding love when one least expected.
I am looking forward to more stories in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new series, Black Gold Management Agency: The Ferguson's. If this book is any indication, this is sure to be a very entertaining and enjoyable series! The story centers around Ryne, whose dream has always been to play on his hometown team, the Calgary Storm, and Jennifer, who is a teacher and loves photography and all things hockey. However, since a very tragic car accident took her parents from her, her love for photography has taken a back seat. Ryne also faces some setbacks as he is traded to another team and also faces some injuries. Ryne and Jennifer end up working together on a fundraiser and as they spend more time together, they develop a bond and grow closer to each other. I like that this story showed us life after the hea and marriage and the obstacles that the couple face. It was so refreshing to see them face those problems and obstacles together with respect and understanding and great love. Truly a well-written, lovely story and I look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a clean saga about the life and love of Jen and Ryne. It follows them as a couple as they begin to date and eventually get married. While most books stop at the “happily after” part, this book continues after the marriage takes place. They have a “real” marriage where they face difference and obstacles, and they even disagree at times.

Their relationship revolves around Ryne’s life as a professional ice hockey player. This presents a lot of situations that affect Ryne’s and Jen’s life as a couple. For the hockey fan, this author does a fantastic job of realistically narrating some actual hockey events that includes Ryne and his hockey playing brothers.

It is nice to read a story where “happily ever after” occurs as the couple work through their problems together with respect and great love for each other.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a hockey fan so my opinions are from a place of ignorance regarding the game. This did not inhibit my pleasure in read this clean romance that details the lives of Jen and Ryne. There wasn’t the typical love triangle (thank goodness) or multiple misunderstandings about who Ryne was wooing. It was straightforward devotion from the outset. The language was mild and there was absolutely no sexual content. I would recommend this book especially to hockey fans. I received an advanced reader copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read and perfect start to the Black Gold Management Agency: The Ferguson's with characters you want to know more about and a heartwarming and emotional story with a great family dynamic, ice hockey action and so much more that immediately captivated me and kept me totally immersed in all that was happening until I read the last word. I loved the instant attraction and sweet romance between fourth grade school teacher Jennifer Steele and Ryne Ferguson, center iceman who meet when he is traded to the St. Louis Generals. If you enjoy clean contemporary sports romance, you will love "Facing Calgary's Dream" by gifted author Anne Stone. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. Because this is definitely a book that I want to read again, I purchased a copy for my keeper library.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryne and Jen are from two different worlds but they have one thing in common. Hockey.
Ryne is playing the game he loves and gets traded to a team in St. Louis.
Jen is a teacher in St. Louis that has season tickets to the local hockey teams games. Running late, she looks at her mobile while driving and almost his a man. Unknown to her, he is the new star on the team.
This is their story. This is a story that has a beginning, middle, and end. It feels real, with happy and sad moments. I love how there is no cliffhanger. There is friendship, love, family, friends, support, and acceptance.
I highly recommend this book. It has a clean storyline.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ryne is almost run over in the parking lot at the hockey stadium, little does he know that it’s going to play a major part in his life. Coming from a large ice hockey-playing family, Ryne is now at this new team’s headquarters getting ready for his first match. Jen is a little distracted and almost runs him down.
As a fourth-grade school teacher, she is enlisted to help head up the fundraiser for the school. She has no idea why she was chosen for this job but agrees to meet with her principal and be introduced to her co-head for this task.
A great book with a small group of important characters. You won’t want to put it down.

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Facing Calgary's Dream" by Anne Stone
A Heart Stopping Romance and…
A sweet clean contemporary romance with plenty of emotion packed within the pages of this story. This was a long read for me because I had to take breaks and clear my mind and emotions, thereby reducing: my tendency to anticipate what the future held for Ryne and Jennifer, and, my antsy-ness to get to that future. I didn't fall in love with this story but really, really liked it. Thus the 4 star rating rather than a 5. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the author.
This review is my honest opinion

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan is a professional hockey player who was hoping to be traded to the team in Calgary for family reasons instead is disappointed when he finds himself heading to St. Louis. All he wanted was to find a way back to Calgary until Jennifer came crashing into his life.

Jennifer is a teacher who has been asked to help with a fundraiser however in doing so it will mean that she will need to deal with the past she still hasn’t healed from. From her first meeting with Ryan they are drawn to each other in a way they never expected but will they be to overcome their very different plans for the future?

This is a heartwarming story about family, love and realizing what and who you need to be truly happy.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a dream is good, having the courage to follow it is even better. Jen and Ryne had an unusual meeting, and this follows through in the changes which they face. Jen is encouraged to face her dream she put on hold, while Ryne has a sudden change which makes him reevaluate what his dream is. Working together, they encourage each other to face their dreams and make a success of life. An encouraging read.

I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I especially love that it didn't end with them getting married, we got to see some of the after marriage relationship. I love Ryne's family and Jen's grandparents and Lauren! All great characters. So well written! This is a clean read!!

I received an advanced copy of this book from bookfunnel, but this is my honest opinion that I am sharing voluntarily.

[Paula Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen is an avid hockey fan she attends all home games and meets Ryne, the player recently traded to the Generals in an unconventional way. Tasked with holding a fundraiser the two are thrown together and the attraction simmers. Jen is still struggling with the death of her parents and gave up her dream of following in her father's photography footsteps. Ryne wants to play hockey and win the Stanley Cup with the Calgary team.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Facing Calgary's Dream - this amazing start of a new spin off series. I fell in love with Jennifer and Ryne. This is a clean, heartwarming romance packed with sparkling characters, tons of emotion, a meet cute, moving on from grief and more. I did not get much done besides reading until I reached the end. Now I am hungry for more. I am sure we will see Jennifer and Ryne in the books about his brothers. I highly recommend this book.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet love story about a sports figure and a teacher. I enjoyed this story which was well written. The characters were like able if a bit too nice to be true. My only issue was the female protagonist who seemed to fall apart for the slightest reason.

Ryne an NHL hockey star comes from a family of hockey stars. His goal is to play for the team his father retired from and where two of his brothers play. When a teacher in a rush to get to a game almost runs him down he is smitten and sets out to win her heart.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book that has just enough drama, suspense and romance to keep you turning the pages. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. I highly recommend this book! Loved it.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a volunteer ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. This was the first time I have read a book from this author. I loved the story line. I felt like there were strong characters. There was just enough suspense to keep me reading. I loved Ryne and his brothers. The love that Ryne’s family had for their sons and then included Jen was great. I liked that Ryne was so reassuring to Jen throughout the book and how they were supportive of each other. Can’t wait to read the next book!

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hockey and photography.

Ryne, just traded to St. Louis meets Jennifer, first she almost ran over him then later in a bar. After a rocky start, they enjoy each other’s company, but their goals are taking them in different directions.

[Jean West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I found it to be a well written story, with realistic characters and situations.
Set in the world of hockey, Jen, a teacher who has experienced a great loss that has kept her from allowing herself to find her dreams, meets Ryne, a hockey player who has dreams of his own. Can they find love and fulfill their dreams? Read to find out.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, clean, contemporary romance. This delightful story begins with a meet cute and continues long into their happily ever after. Lots of hockey details. Family involvement and issues. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review.

[NJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, first book of a series about the Ferguson’s, a family of Canadian hockey players. I loved the story and am definitely looking forward to more in the series.

[NanaX8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet journey on the road to reaching all of your dreams brings Ryne and Jen to that once in a lifetime love. ❤❤❤❤

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. A great start to the new series. A story of two individuals that have dreams that they work hard to accomplish. The wonderful characters have an instant attraction.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Black Gold Management Agency, the first book in the Ferguson's series a well written story with a great storyline. What a way for Ryne Ferguson and Jennifer Steele to meet. I enjoyed seeing their story, with its ups and downs come together come together. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Merged review:

Part of the Black Gold Management Agency, the first book in the Ferguson's series a well written story with a great storyline. What a way for Ryne Ferguson and Jennifer Steele to meet. I enjoyed seeing their story, with its ups and downs come together come together. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was heartwarming and lovely. It was a struggle to find that happy ending but it was well worth it. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Jen almost ran Ryne over on his way to his new stadium and NHL team he was begrudgingly traded to they had a connection. Their romance wasn't always smooth and they had their share of emotional and stressful times, but the support of each other, friends, and family got them through. I don't know much about hockey, but the book brought up how physical the sport is and all the risks for injury. Ryne was temporarily out of commission multiple times for injuring the same area. Jen hadn't gotten past the loss of her parents, seeming to hold herself back in time, but not on the same career path as she originally wanted. Working on the fundraiser with Ryne helped her discover her love of photography again. His wonderful parents and siblings gave her more family to love and heal with. I liked her friend Lauren and I'm hopeful about her potential romance.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read. Full of emotion and plenty of drama but so much love.
Ryne has been traded to St Louis Generals when what he really wants is to play for the Calgary Storm from his home town. When he nearly gets run over before he has even started playing for them he can't get the driver off his mind.
Jen can't believe that she nearly killed the new star player for her home team.
The love story that follows has so many ups and downs but also plenty of tears.
Can they make their relationship work and get their HEA.
Absolutely loved the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

It was a good read I really got into it didn't want to put it done until I found out what happened between r