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For the Boys
Berkley Daniels is no one special. Sure, she’s going to be a kick ass lawyer soon, but otherwise she’s your average 20-something. Since she started law school, the promise of her career has sustained her, no man necessary. She has great friends, a family that adores her, and a love of Detroit Warriors hockey.
Brent Jean is a professional hockey player for the Warriors. He’s young, single, and living a charmed lifestyle. He has everything he could ever want and yet, something is missing. He’s ready to settle down, and when he first lays eyes on Berkley, he can’t help feeling she could be the one.
Too bad she won’t give him the time of day.
When he finally gets her attention, she’s less than impressed. But she doesn’t say no when he asks her out.
Things between them heat up quickly, but dating a hockey player isn’t always smooth skating, and both of them have some serious emotional baggage. Will they be able to find a way to work through those hang ups to save their relationship, or will they lose each other forever?
Brent Jean is a professional hockey player for the Warriors. He’s young, single, and living a charmed lifestyle. He has everything he could ever want and yet, something is missing. He’s ready to settle down, and when he first lays eyes on Berkley, he can’t help feeling she could be the one.
Too bad she won’t give him the time of day.
When he finally gets her attention, she’s less than impressed. But she doesn’t say no when he asks her out.
Things between them heat up quickly, but dating a hockey player isn’t always smooth skating, and both of them have some serious emotional baggage. Will they be able to find a way to work through those hang ups to save their relationship, or will they lose each other forever?
374 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2022
192 people are currently reading
3538 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Chaperon
12 books372 followersAmanda Chaperon realized her passion for books and writing at a young age. Growing up, she was rarely found without a book in her hands, a hobby she carried into adulthood and which ultimately gave her the confidence to begin writing her own stories. She writes what she loves to read: heartfelt, passionate characters, lots of steam, and always a happily ever after.
Amanda lives in Michigan with her Golden Retriever, Gryffin. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found hanging out with her niece and nephew or binge watching her favorite TV shows.
Amanda lives in Michigan with her Golden Retriever, Gryffin. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found hanging out with her niece and nephew or binge watching her favorite TV shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
May 20, 2022
I don’t think the idea of saving someone after they have been roofied for sexual assault is a romantic meet-cute. I was so off put by the beginning that I set it down at first. I did pick it back up again because I requested this arc since it was a Detroit sports (Hockey! - LGRW 🙌🏻) romance novel. But unfortunately it didn’t get better and it went into the DNF pile 😒 (super bummed). Of every single meet-cute idea of having the hero save the heroine, the author went with drugging at bar? And it was just executed oddly. The whole situation after is uncomfortable and creepy.
In fact, the hero Brent, is not sweet, he’s creepy, has control and jealously issues. Berkley doesn’t know her own mind and flip flops decision so swiftly you get whiplash. One minute, she’s angry at him, the next minute, she’s kissing him.
My final straw was at 54% when Berkley said, “Well, actually, he saved me after being drugged and then threw me a birthday party, but that’s a story for a different time.” (I’m reading an arc so this could change in the final print.) This was said endearingly to explain the relationship after the Berkley, the female MC, has been weirded out by the drugging situation and told Brent that she doesn’t like surprises multiple times, but now suddenly she does? 😒
Typically when I DNF a book I only give it 1⭐️ because it takes a lot for me to DNF and it is usually because of a lot of flaws that make me discontinue it. But this one does get 2⭐️ because of a couple factors and they are the reason I stuck around for so long. 1) It’s a Detroit romance novel. There are so few books based in Detroit/Michigan. I loved reading about my hometown and where I live. 2) Mitch and Lexie. TBH, I love them so much. Exceptional side characters. 😍 I liked reading about them more then Brent and Berkley.
Content Warnings up to 54% for the arc on Kindle: drugging, attempted sexual assault
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
In fact, the hero Brent, is not sweet, he’s creepy, has control and jealously issues. Berkley doesn’t know her own mind and flip flops decision so swiftly you get whiplash. One minute, she’s angry at him, the next minute, she’s kissing him.
My final straw was at 54% when Berkley said, “Well, actually, he saved me after being drugged and then threw me a birthday party, but that’s a story for a different time.” (I’m reading an arc so this could change in the final print.) This was said endearingly to explain the relationship after the Berkley, the female MC, has been weirded out by the drugging situation and told Brent that she doesn’t like surprises multiple times, but now suddenly she does? 😒
Typically when I DNF a book I only give it 1⭐️ because it takes a lot for me to DNF and it is usually because of a lot of flaws that make me discontinue it. But this one does get 2⭐️ because of a couple factors and they are the reason I stuck around for so long. 1) It’s a Detroit romance novel. There are so few books based in Detroit/Michigan. I loved reading about my hometown and where I live. 2) Mitch and Lexie. TBH, I love them so much. Exceptional side characters. 😍 I liked reading about them more then Brent and Berkley.
Content Warnings up to 54% for the arc on Kindle: drugging, attempted sexual assault
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
June 27, 2022
I can read books written in a third person pov and I quite enjoyed the one's I've read till this date but I had a hard time grasping the writing style because of it in this book. The whole meet cute situation with Berkley & Brent put me off. Mitch & Lexi wre the only likeable characters, everyone else just felt overly dramatic and cringey. I usually love hockey romances but this book just felt flat for me. Everything in the book was very abrupt. The only thing I liked about it was the cover and Mitch & Lexi.
August 18, 2022
** Some spoilers **
I don’t even know how to summarise this one. Boy likes girl. Girl likes boy. They haven’t met. Until she gets roofied and he saves her and her unconscious friends by putting them in a hotel room and leaving them there. Then he stalks her on social media and messages her. He throws her a surprise birthday party even though she hates surprises. He tells people he’s dating her when he hasn’t even met her. Drama. Drama. They’re engaged. Happily ever after.
What you’ll find:
🏒 Sports romance
👩❤️💋👨 Insta love
💊 Drug induced meet-cute, where one person is unconscious
👨 MMC who loves a grand gesture, but is a bit of a stalker
👫 Lexi and Mitch, who are the shining light of this entire story. The only two characters who think this is all crazy and are very verbal about it. The only reason this book got two stars, tbh.
🌶 Spice
💕 Happily ever after ending
I liked the premise of this story and appreciate that this is a debut novel. The writing was a bit immature and the characters weren’t as well developed and I would have liked. I’m a bit worried that readers find this story romantic, actually. Brent decides that he’s in love with Berkley before he’s even met her. He saves her from a roofie incident, which is nice of him, but then goes on to stalk her on social media, message her to tell her he saved her and put her in the hotel room, discovers it’s her birthday soon through said SM stalking and then contacts her friends to tell them that he wants to throw her a surprise birthday party. When her friends say she hates surprises, he says “trust me, she’ll love it”. DUDE. He then tells people he’s seeing someone when he still hasn’t met Berkley. But also sleeps with another woman, which Berkley finds out about later and is upset by? I’ll be honest, this book lost me early on and I skimmed a lot. In the end, they fight and break up because he spends too much money on her or something. THEN Brent decides he’s going to crash her graduation ceremony and make a speech to try to win her back, even though everyone tells him not to. At the last minute, he realises that if he does this, it’ll make it all about him, so he changes his mind. Next minute, they’re engaged. This isn’t romantic, this is weird. Brent is creepy and jealous and controlling and Berkley is inconsistent.
I think this was a good first try for the author and I would read her next book about Lexie and Mitch because they were the only saving grace.
TW: attempted rape, violence against women, stalker behaviour
I don’t even know how to summarise this one. Boy likes girl. Girl likes boy. They haven’t met. Until she gets roofied and he saves her and her unconscious friends by putting them in a hotel room and leaving them there. Then he stalks her on social media and messages her. He throws her a surprise birthday party even though she hates surprises. He tells people he’s dating her when he hasn’t even met her. Drama. Drama. They’re engaged. Happily ever after.
What you’ll find:
🏒 Sports romance
👩❤️💋👨 Insta love
💊 Drug induced meet-cute, where one person is unconscious
👨 MMC who loves a grand gesture, but is a bit of a stalker
👫 Lexi and Mitch, who are the shining light of this entire story. The only two characters who think this is all crazy and are very verbal about it. The only reason this book got two stars, tbh.
🌶 Spice
💕 Happily ever after ending
I liked the premise of this story and appreciate that this is a debut novel. The writing was a bit immature and the characters weren’t as well developed and I would have liked. I’m a bit worried that readers find this story romantic, actually. Brent decides that he’s in love with Berkley before he’s even met her. He saves her from a roofie incident, which is nice of him, but then goes on to stalk her on social media, message her to tell her he saved her and put her in the hotel room, discovers it’s her birthday soon through said SM stalking and then contacts her friends to tell them that he wants to throw her a surprise birthday party. When her friends say she hates surprises, he says “trust me, she’ll love it”. DUDE. He then tells people he’s seeing someone when he still hasn’t met Berkley. But also sleeps with another woman, which Berkley finds out about later and is upset by? I’ll be honest, this book lost me early on and I skimmed a lot. In the end, they fight and break up because he spends too much money on her or something. THEN Brent decides he’s going to crash her graduation ceremony and make a speech to try to win her back, even though everyone tells him not to. At the last minute, he realises that if he does this, it’ll make it all about him, so he changes his mind. Next minute, they’re engaged. This isn’t romantic, this is weird. Brent is creepy and jealous and controlling and Berkley is inconsistent.
I think this was a good first try for the author and I would read her next book about Lexie and Mitch because they were the only saving grace.
TW: attempted rape, violence against women, stalker behaviour
March 30, 2022
For the Boys was my first ARC and I couldn’t have asked for a better one.
This contemporary sports romance is perfect for both diehard contemporary romance readers and would be the perfect introduction for readers venturing into this genre for the first time!
One of the best and most magical things about contemporary romance is just how much you can visualize yourself into the story and know that these situations absolutely could happen, but at the same time still have the certain magic that only fictional romances can have.
The story follows professional hockey player, Brent Jean and law student, Berkeley Daniels. I absolutely loved how different Brent and Berk’s personalities were and how they balanced one another out to help each other concur the hurdles in their lives while falling in love.
No matter if you’re like me and know absolutely nothing about hockey, FTB will make you want to become a fan very fast, or at least a fan of a certain hunky fictional hockey star 😉
This is Amanda’s debut novel and I couldn’t be more proud. From amazing character development, steadfast and spunky supporting characters, snarky and sexy banter, real world situations and relationship hurdles that will leave you thinking and taking to heart, super steamy scenes that are sexy but oh so sweet that you’ll melt, and a HEA that will leave you smiling for days. FTB has it all and I cannot recommend it enough!
This contemporary sports romance is perfect for both diehard contemporary romance readers and would be the perfect introduction for readers venturing into this genre for the first time!
One of the best and most magical things about contemporary romance is just how much you can visualize yourself into the story and know that these situations absolutely could happen, but at the same time still have the certain magic that only fictional romances can have.
The story follows professional hockey player, Brent Jean and law student, Berkeley Daniels. I absolutely loved how different Brent and Berk’s personalities were and how they balanced one another out to help each other concur the hurdles in their lives while falling in love.
No matter if you’re like me and know absolutely nothing about hockey, FTB will make you want to become a fan very fast, or at least a fan of a certain hunky fictional hockey star 😉
This is Amanda’s debut novel and I couldn’t be more proud. From amazing character development, steadfast and spunky supporting characters, snarky and sexy banter, real world situations and relationship hurdles that will leave you thinking and taking to heart, super steamy scenes that are sexy but oh so sweet that you’ll melt, and a HEA that will leave you smiling for days. FTB has it all and I cannot recommend it enough!
June 7, 2022
I will preface this with I HATE writing reviews that are negative but I also feel like constructive criticism can only help make a writer stronger.
This book was a big miss for me. I love a good hockey romance. I really do. But there were so many problematic and toxic situations that I couldn't find the good to overpower the bad. While there may have been trigger warnings about certain situations, it was HOW the situation was handled that was shocking and scary. Anytime sexual assault is mentioned, the police should have been involved. What scares me is that I KNOW the right thing to do but younger readers may not. They may read this book and think that it's ok to just take it and do nothing; to not hold someone accountable for their actions. Everything in this book was literally swept under the rug and that is terrifying.
I also found both mc to be hugely problematic. Nothing is cute about basically stalking a girl before getting up the nerve to talk to her. On the flip side, Berkley had really no good qualities. She was flighty, rude, and childish.
The story had potential but it just fell completely flat for me. I ended the book angry and and upset. I sincerely hope that these critics can be taken into account on the next book. Lexie was a fantastic character and I hope she only improves.
This book was a big miss for me. I love a good hockey romance. I really do. But there were so many problematic and toxic situations that I couldn't find the good to overpower the bad. While there may have been trigger warnings about certain situations, it was HOW the situation was handled that was shocking and scary. Anytime sexual assault is mentioned, the police should have been involved. What scares me is that I KNOW the right thing to do but younger readers may not. They may read this book and think that it's ok to just take it and do nothing; to not hold someone accountable for their actions. Everything in this book was literally swept under the rug and that is terrifying.
I also found both mc to be hugely problematic. Nothing is cute about basically stalking a girl before getting up the nerve to talk to her. On the flip side, Berkley had really no good qualities. She was flighty, rude, and childish.
The story had potential but it just fell completely flat for me. I ended the book angry and and upset. I sincerely hope that these critics can be taken into account on the next book. Lexie was a fantastic character and I hope she only improves.
July 26, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I think I am coming into my romance era.. and this just did everything for me.. I was cheesing the majority of the story. Felt some strong emotions. But, I ultimately related with the FMC and her internal struggles.
I definitely recommend it.
I definitely recommend it.
June 14, 2022
“She had resigned herself to the fact that they weren’t meant to be anything more than two strangers passing in the night.”
Soooo, I liked Brent right from the bat. But how could I not?! He hates running and watches Criminal Minds. But I wish I hadn’t because then what happened in Nashville wouldn’t have mattered much. But I did. And I was mad. And then Parker comes and I just wanted to throw pucks at everybody’s heads 🤬 Poor Berk. She was just being a fantastic self and being either attacked, forgotten or simply not consulted (yes, Brent, not all women love to be *taken care of* 🙄). So, I quickly became team… Berkley. That was it and I was fine with it. I was perfect. My girl deserved better *flips hair. Snaps fingers*
But then we get to know Brent more. And I couldn’t help it: I jumped on that Brent Jean’s train - painted face and all the gear Brent Jean train - and I was yelling at Berk to stop self sabotaging because girl, he was it. And this was it too: Just the right amount of swoon, cheesiness and heartbreak. And if Amanda Chaperon tells me she’s writing a book on Mitch and Lexie I will need to write up a will because I’ll soon be deäd 😳😱 (please, I need it 🥺).
Back to Brent and Berkley. I need to just add two things: peonies are absolutely lovely and him learning how to compromise was everything. EVERYTHING. Adult. 5 stars ⭐️ and a hockey puck
Soooo, I liked Brent right from the bat. But how could I not?! He hates running and watches Criminal Minds. But I wish I hadn’t because then what happened in Nashville wouldn’t have mattered much. But I did. And I was mad. And then Parker comes and I just wanted to throw pucks at everybody’s heads 🤬 Poor Berk. She was just being a fantastic self and being either attacked, forgotten or simply not consulted (yes, Brent, not all women love to be *taken care of* 🙄). So, I quickly became team… Berkley. That was it and I was fine with it. I was perfect. My girl deserved better *flips hair. Snaps fingers*
But then we get to know Brent more. And I couldn’t help it: I jumped on that Brent Jean’s train - painted face and all the gear Brent Jean train - and I was yelling at Berk to stop self sabotaging because girl, he was it. And this was it too: Just the right amount of swoon, cheesiness and heartbreak. And if Amanda Chaperon tells me she’s writing a book on Mitch and Lexie I will need to write up a will because I’ll soon be deäd 😳😱 (please, I need it 🥺).
Back to Brent and Berkley. I need to just add two things: peonies are absolutely lovely and him learning how to compromise was everything. EVERYTHING. Adult. 5 stars ⭐️ and a hockey puck
March 14, 2022
AHHH THIS BOOK! Amanda, first, if you’re reading this review please know how proud I am of you.
Ok, but where to start?? Jk I know where to start. BRENT JEAN. I typically think cinnamon roll heroes aren’t my thing but then Amanda said “oh here let me write Brent Jean” and then I just don’t ever look back. He’s sweet and flawed but has such wonderful growth. And he’s just so freakin’ perfect.
Berkley is a girl I can get behind! I loved her as an individual but I also loved her with Brent. Like they felt like best friends and I love seeing that in a relationship.
Amanda’s writing was just so good and I love that I could FEEL the characters love for each other (not just the romantic love but the familial love and friendship love) and it wasn’t just told to me.
The steam in this book was written to perfection. Brent brought the banter into the bedroom and had me cheesin’.
If you love contemporary or sports romance (particularly hockey) then there’s no question you’ll love this one! ADD THIS TO YOUR SHELF NOW
Ok, but where to start?? Jk I know where to start. BRENT JEAN. I typically think cinnamon roll heroes aren’t my thing but then Amanda said “oh here let me write Brent Jean” and then I just don’t ever look back. He’s sweet and flawed but has such wonderful growth. And he’s just so freakin’ perfect.
Berkley is a girl I can get behind! I loved her as an individual but I also loved her with Brent. Like they felt like best friends and I love seeing that in a relationship.
Amanda’s writing was just so good and I love that I could FEEL the characters love for each other (not just the romantic love but the familial love and friendship love) and it wasn’t just told to me.
The steam in this book was written to perfection. Brent brought the banter into the bedroom and had me cheesin’.
If you love contemporary or sports romance (particularly hockey) then there’s no question you’ll love this one! ADD THIS TO YOUR SHELF NOW
November 24, 2022
3.5 stars
I think I’m officially entering my sports romance era! My favourite aspect of For the Boys was definitely the hockey! At times I found the book to be slow, particularly at the beginning, but it held my attention until the end. I loved the dual POV and the friend group that developed throughout this book. I liked how Berkley was so independent, smart and driven, but wished she wasn’t so hard on Brent so frequently, as I found that she got mad at him easily without fully communicating her reasoning. While I liked Berk and Brent, I didn’t connect to them as much as I hoped to. I ended up liking other characters more (specifically Mitch and Lexie!) which is why I’m excited to check out the author's next book in this standalone series, On the Line, for Mitch and Lexie’s story!
Please note that sexual assault comes up quite a few times in this one.
I think I’m officially entering my sports romance era! My favourite aspect of For the Boys was definitely the hockey! At times I found the book to be slow, particularly at the beginning, but it held my attention until the end. I loved the dual POV and the friend group that developed throughout this book. I liked how Berkley was so independent, smart and driven, but wished she wasn’t so hard on Brent so frequently, as I found that she got mad at him easily without fully communicating her reasoning. While I liked Berk and Brent, I didn’t connect to them as much as I hoped to. I ended up liking other characters more (specifically Mitch and Lexie!) which is why I’m excited to check out the author's next book in this standalone series, On the Line, for Mitch and Lexie’s story!
Please note that sexual assault comes up quite a few times in this one.
February 13, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book, and I absolutely could not put it down 😊
I’ve not read many sports romances, but this was a great one to start with, and Amanda’s description and insight she gave into hockey got me so interested into the sport!
I love the way that Brent and Berkley’s relationship came about, both having noticed each other from afar without realising the other existed. The alternating POV chapter’s gave the reader a view into both of their heads, and it got me so excited for them to both finally come together knowing how they viewed one another!
I loved Berkley’s drive and hard work, and the strong independent woman that she was. She loved Brent, but struggled to deal with being in the public eye and the money and fame that his career brought. Brent also had to adjust to the type of girl that Berkley was, being used to girls that loved to be spoiled and loved his money!
We got to watch as they adjusted to try and figure these things out about each other, attempting to come to a compromise to suit them both.
I loved the way the book ended and I’m so excited that Amanda is working on a book 2! Every character and the plot was detailed and well thought out, in a way that meant I felt like I got to know all the secondary characters as well as Brent and Berkley.
This was an amazing debut novel and I’m excited to read anything Amanda writes next 😊 thank you so much for the advanced copy! ❤️
I’ve not read many sports romances, but this was a great one to start with, and Amanda’s description and insight she gave into hockey got me so interested into the sport!
I love the way that Brent and Berkley’s relationship came about, both having noticed each other from afar without realising the other existed. The alternating POV chapter’s gave the reader a view into both of their heads, and it got me so excited for them to both finally come together knowing how they viewed one another!
I loved Berkley’s drive and hard work, and the strong independent woman that she was. She loved Brent, but struggled to deal with being in the public eye and the money and fame that his career brought. Brent also had to adjust to the type of girl that Berkley was, being used to girls that loved to be spoiled and loved his money!
We got to watch as they adjusted to try and figure these things out about each other, attempting to come to a compromise to suit them both.
I loved the way the book ended and I’m so excited that Amanda is working on a book 2! Every character and the plot was detailed and well thought out, in a way that meant I felt like I got to know all the secondary characters as well as Brent and Berkley.
This was an amazing debut novel and I’m excited to read anything Amanda writes next 😊 thank you so much for the advanced copy! ❤️
March 28, 2022
I thought the beginning was so strong and I was so excited. A delicious man who saved her and her friends from the abhorrent side effects of being drugged at a club by safely checking them into a hotel and leaving? *Perfection.*
I didn't love the heroine because of how upset she got at the hero for very little things. He wanted to fly her out for a big game, fight. He wanted to spend time with her on her vacation from law school, fight. He wanted to spend time with her after publicly declaring her his girlfriend on social media, fight. He was a cinnamon roll and I loved him.
This was a solid start though and an authors first book.
A copy of the book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
I didn't love the heroine because of how upset she got at the hero for very little things. He wanted to fly her out for a big game, fight. He wanted to spend time with her on her vacation from law school, fight. He wanted to spend time with her after publicly declaring her his girlfriend on social media, fight. He was a cinnamon roll and I loved him.
This was a solid start though and an authors first book.
A copy of the book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
July 12, 2022
I tried. It’s a no. The premise seemed promising and it’s been a while since I’ve touched a sports romance so I was hopeful…but this was a hard no. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, the whole kick off for their meeting was bizarre, and yes this is not a book rooted in reality … but just because something is fantasy doesn’t mean you can’t approach it with real reactions and experiences in mind. By the time I got to page 100 I was just skimming, but I think I decided I wasn’t into it when a group of girls reacted passively to an experience that would’ve shaken anyone up. (I’m vague because I’m being spoiler free.)
July 6, 2022
"He could feel it deep within his bones, as sure as he knew his own name. As sure as he knew the sun would rise tomorrow, that the world would keep spinning, that he was meant to play hockey, he knew."
I'm in awe. I have no words.
For The Boys were pure nostalgia for me.
Michigan State. Hockey. Law school.
It was my first love wrapped in pages but with a completely different ending.
I can't wait to see what happens with everyone. From Brent and Mitch, Mackenzie and Logan, Berkley and Lexie, to Danica and Kimber.... my heart remains in Detroit now.
I'm in awe. I have no words.
For The Boys were pure nostalgia for me.
Michigan State. Hockey. Law school.
It was my first love wrapped in pages but with a completely different ending.
I can't wait to see what happens with everyone. From Brent and Mitch, Mackenzie and Logan, Berkley and Lexie, to Danica and Kimber.... my heart remains in Detroit now.
August 14, 2022
I loved everything about Amanda’s debut, For The Boys! I found myself smiling through the entire book and couldn’t put it down. The main characters were so relatable and the side characters and setting were perfection. Mix that all together with sports romance and 🤌🏻😍Make sure to pick this one up this summer to get a taste of what’s to come from Amanda!
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July 5, 2022This ain’t it chief🚫
Ja ostaiv na 40 strana zoso kako moze da mu slavis rodenden na nekoj so ne go znaes creepy af🫣
Ja ostaiv na 40 strana zoso kako moze da mu slavis rodenden na nekoj so ne go znaes creepy af🫣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2022
For The Boys is a story revolving around two stubborn individuals who share a passionate love that is hot enough to melt the ice!
But that’s not all. FTB is a true sports romance, one that you will devour whether you like hockey or not. There are many hockey romances out in the world, but none that are as special as this one. Amanda truly gives the reader great detail and insights into the world of hockey, with her knowledge about the game. This made For The Boys more real and so much better than other books that I have read with this trope.
Brent and Berkley are two people who first noticed each other from afar before they ever met. They both thought the other didn’t know they existed, and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the moment they would meet and prove each other wrong.
Berk is easily described as a firecracker: she’s independent, stubborn, hard working, and a badass (soon-to-be) lawyer. Brent, on the other hand, is a hopeless romantic who likes to dish out grand gestures, and shower those he cares about with his money and his charm. Not to mention he’s an easy-on-the-eyes professional hockey player.
These two couldn’t be more different from each other. But they have two very important things in common: their ability to love fiercely and their passion for the game of hockey!
The real treat of this story, though, was the realness of their struggles. Their love story wasn’t perfect, and that made it more enjoyable, in my opinion. Berkley struggled with her feelings for Brent when it came to being in the public eye, along with the fame and fortune that came along with being involved with him. And Brent had a hard time understanding why Berkley didn’t want to sacrifice her life of independence for someone who wanted to woo her with his money and luxurious lifestyle. And both of them are too stubborn for their own good. But I loved watching them overcome their personal struggles and find ways to come together. These struggles were real, raw and so relatable. Which for me, made this story all the more beautiful.
I cannot say enough about this DEBUT novel by Amanda Chaperon! Read For The Boys if you’re into swoon-worthy MCs, slow-burn romances, sassy best friends, real life struggles, hot hockey players, strong female heroines, AND spice, spice and everything else that’s nice.
But that’s not all. FTB is a true sports romance, one that you will devour whether you like hockey or not. There are many hockey romances out in the world, but none that are as special as this one. Amanda truly gives the reader great detail and insights into the world of hockey, with her knowledge about the game. This made For The Boys more real and so much better than other books that I have read with this trope.
Brent and Berkley are two people who first noticed each other from afar before they ever met. They both thought the other didn’t know they existed, and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the moment they would meet and prove each other wrong.
Berk is easily described as a firecracker: she’s independent, stubborn, hard working, and a badass (soon-to-be) lawyer. Brent, on the other hand, is a hopeless romantic who likes to dish out grand gestures, and shower those he cares about with his money and his charm. Not to mention he’s an easy-on-the-eyes professional hockey player.
These two couldn’t be more different from each other. But they have two very important things in common: their ability to love fiercely and their passion for the game of hockey!
The real treat of this story, though, was the realness of their struggles. Their love story wasn’t perfect, and that made it more enjoyable, in my opinion. Berkley struggled with her feelings for Brent when it came to being in the public eye, along with the fame and fortune that came along with being involved with him. And Brent had a hard time understanding why Berkley didn’t want to sacrifice her life of independence for someone who wanted to woo her with his money and luxurious lifestyle. And both of them are too stubborn for their own good. But I loved watching them overcome their personal struggles and find ways to come together. These struggles were real, raw and so relatable. Which for me, made this story all the more beautiful.
I cannot say enough about this DEBUT novel by Amanda Chaperon! Read For The Boys if you’re into swoon-worthy MCs, slow-burn romances, sassy best friends, real life struggles, hot hockey players, strong female heroines, AND spice, spice and everything else that’s nice.
July 18, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of For the Boys and let me just say, I immediately fell in love with these characters and the story. For the Boys is such a great hockey romance. I love hockey romances, but often get bored because I feel like the plots just repeat it each other. Amanda brought a fresh view to it though and I absolutely loved it!
Berkley and Brent have each seen and liked each other from a distance, but when Brent finally gets the courage to make the first move, Berkley doesn’t know what to think. She doesn’t understand why Brent would like her and she doesn’t like all the money being spent on his grand gestures for her.
When Berkley and Brent admit there feeling and get together they are a super cute couple, but they are also super realistic and very relatable! I feel like in fiction some times we gloss over the hard parts of relationships, but Chaperon made sure to even show the parts that were difficult. They got into arguments and were passionate about everything, and were their very different selves. When there problems from the beginning of why they didn’t get together sooner and some miscommunication tries to break them, they fight for their love and their relationship. I seriously enjoyed reading through both of their eyes and they were an amazing, sweet couple!
I also loved seeing the other character relationships! The friendship and family bonds in this book were so great and I just loved seeing all the character connections as well as their development.
I really went through a roller coaster of emotions with this one, especially towards the end. I would be happy, anxious, frustrated, and sad and I enjoyed every second of the ride. If I feel all that, then it means the writer did something right!
I definitely recommend checking out For the Boys if you’re a fan of contemporary romance. It is a dual POV, sweet story full of love, compassion, and some laughs, that remains relatable the whole way through!
Berkley and Brent have each seen and liked each other from a distance, but when Brent finally gets the courage to make the first move, Berkley doesn’t know what to think. She doesn’t understand why Brent would like her and she doesn’t like all the money being spent on his grand gestures for her.
When Berkley and Brent admit there feeling and get together they are a super cute couple, but they are also super realistic and very relatable! I feel like in fiction some times we gloss over the hard parts of relationships, but Chaperon made sure to even show the parts that were difficult. They got into arguments and were passionate about everything, and were their very different selves. When there problems from the beginning of why they didn’t get together sooner and some miscommunication tries to break them, they fight for their love and their relationship. I seriously enjoyed reading through both of their eyes and they were an amazing, sweet couple!
I also loved seeing the other character relationships! The friendship and family bonds in this book were so great and I just loved seeing all the character connections as well as their development.
I really went through a roller coaster of emotions with this one, especially towards the end. I would be happy, anxious, frustrated, and sad and I enjoyed every second of the ride. If I feel all that, then it means the writer did something right!
I definitely recommend checking out For the Boys if you’re a fan of contemporary romance. It is a dual POV, sweet story full of love, compassion, and some laughs, that remains relatable the whole way through!
February 11, 2022
“Brent Jean was the kind of man love songs were written about, but he was also the kind that inspired the heartbreak ones, too.” For the Boys, Amanda Chaperon.
A hockey romance, need I say more?
(Okay, fine, I’ll say more because this deserves it)
Brent and Berk literally dance around each other for months before finally taking the plunge. They learn a lot a long the way; particularly they learn all about compromise. Brent learns he can’t buy everyone’s affection & Berkley learns she has to let people take care of her….at least sometimes. Most importantly, they learn a lot about love and even more about what it takes to make a real, lasting relationship work, because even when you love someone with your whole heart it doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.
I related to Berkley in so many ways. As a law student myself who is graduating soon, Berk’s stress, excitement, and worries are all too real. It was really nice to read a book where I can relate first hand with the MC (although I will NOT be practicing contracts law……that is so not my forte).
There are not nearly enough hockey romances out there and the ones that are out there don’t often give you any real insight into the game, which is part of what makes this special. As someone who grew up playing hockey, it was nice to have someone writing a hockey romance with first-hand knowledge of the game. It just makes it that much better & that much more real.
All in all? An easy 5/5. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this, but I’m even luckier to call the author, Amanda Chaperon, my friend. She crushed it with her debut novel and I am so proud of the blood, sweat, and tears she put into For the Boys.
A hockey romance, need I say more?
(Okay, fine, I’ll say more because this deserves it)
Brent and Berk literally dance around each other for months before finally taking the plunge. They learn a lot a long the way; particularly they learn all about compromise. Brent learns he can’t buy everyone’s affection & Berkley learns she has to let people take care of her….at least sometimes. Most importantly, they learn a lot about love and even more about what it takes to make a real, lasting relationship work, because even when you love someone with your whole heart it doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.
I related to Berkley in so many ways. As a law student myself who is graduating soon, Berk’s stress, excitement, and worries are all too real. It was really nice to read a book where I can relate first hand with the MC (although I will NOT be practicing contracts law……that is so not my forte).
There are not nearly enough hockey romances out there and the ones that are out there don’t often give you any real insight into the game, which is part of what makes this special. As someone who grew up playing hockey, it was nice to have someone writing a hockey romance with first-hand knowledge of the game. It just makes it that much better & that much more real.
All in all? An easy 5/5. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this, but I’m even luckier to call the author, Amanda Chaperon, my friend. She crushed it with her debut novel and I am so proud of the blood, sweat, and tears she put into For the Boys.
July 11, 2022
I DNF’d this at the 25%mark. I can count on one hand the number of books I’ve DNF’d. I follow the writer on socials, she seems sweet, she’s from Michigan and the book is set in and around Detroit. I so wanted to like it and support her, but this just wasn’t a good fit.
The writing felt like a first book - that’s not a knock against her, just that the writing has a place to grow to make things run more smoothly and hopefully some better choices for the characters’ actions will be made going forward.
Brent just isn’t that likable. He’s supposed to have lusted after Berkeley for a bit, while remaining total strangers, and instead of approaching her one of the multiple times they’re in the same space (???) he decides to stalk her friends on Instagram (????), make a plea to one of the friends to allow him to throw Berkeley a surprise party (???), and then meet for the first time AT the party he threw for a STRANGER (???) because he doesn’t want to make things awkward by interacting with her before then (???). What???
Oh and he and his friends saved her and her friends after they were drugged at a bar, got them a hotel room, left them alone and didn’t leave a note or a number or anything. And then when he told her it was him that helped, she somehow saw this as a bad thing and got a little mad(???).
I just…I can’t.
The writing felt like a first book - that’s not a knock against her, just that the writing has a place to grow to make things run more smoothly and hopefully some better choices for the characters’ actions will be made going forward.
Brent just isn’t that likable. He’s supposed to have lusted after Berkeley for a bit, while remaining total strangers, and instead of approaching her one of the multiple times they’re in the same space (???) he decides to stalk her friends on Instagram (????), make a plea to one of the friends to allow him to throw Berkeley a surprise party (???), and then meet for the first time AT the party he threw for a STRANGER (???) because he doesn’t want to make things awkward by interacting with her before then (???). What???
Oh and he and his friends saved her and her friends after they were drugged at a bar, got them a hotel room, left them alone and didn’t leave a note or a number or anything. And then when he told her it was him that helped, she somehow saw this as a bad thing and got a little mad(???).
I just…I can’t.
July 1, 2022
✨SWOON✨
Real characters? Check. Hot hockey players? Check. Supportive, fleshed out best friends? Check.
For The Boys is a beautifully written romance that gets you in all the feels! Brent and Berkley have a bumpy relationship that feels real in a way that a lot of romance novels don’t. It doesn’t shy away from their flaws, traumas, and insecurities, but shows how two people realistically work through them and learn to love each other, not in spite of them, but because of them! It was so easy to root for B+B!
Some of my favorite things:
- the bromances 🏒
- the cabin 🏕
- the best friends 👯♀️
- the set up for future books 👀
Amanda made me fall in love with these characters and I can’t wait to see them again in her next book in the series! Fans of Chloe Liese and Lyssa Kay Adams will want to pick this one up!
Read if you love:
- love at first sight 😘
- hockey 🏒
- found family
- raw relationships
- strong, independent women 💪🏼
- michigan/midwest vibes
- steamy, open-door romance 🌶
Real characters? Check. Hot hockey players? Check. Supportive, fleshed out best friends? Check.
For The Boys is a beautifully written romance that gets you in all the feels! Brent and Berkley have a bumpy relationship that feels real in a way that a lot of romance novels don’t. It doesn’t shy away from their flaws, traumas, and insecurities, but shows how two people realistically work through them and learn to love each other, not in spite of them, but because of them! It was so easy to root for B+B!
Some of my favorite things:
- the bromances 🏒
- the cabin 🏕
- the best friends 👯♀️
- the set up for future books 👀
Amanda made me fall in love with these characters and I can’t wait to see them again in her next book in the series! Fans of Chloe Liese and Lyssa Kay Adams will want to pick this one up!
Read if you love:
- love at first sight 😘
- hockey 🏒
- found family
- raw relationships
- strong, independent women 💪🏼
- michigan/midwest vibes
- steamy, open-door romance 🌶
March 11, 2022
I am freaking smiling like a school girl right now. THIS BOOK AMANDA THIS BOOK. Stole my heart.
So stinking good. I’m not one who usually like sports romances but holy moly did this one change my mind.
All the characters were amazing and had moments where their own unique personality shines through the pages. Brent Jean is a GOD and Berkley Daniels is a GODDESS. They both have their flaws but man their romance is just spot on. Seriously, perfect together.
Speaking of romance, the spicy scenes. *chefs kiss*
The hockey team and family and friends definitely added the cherry on top of this book. All the relationships were so dynamic and important.
If contemporary romance is your thing READ THIS!
So stinking good. I’m not one who usually like sports romances but holy moly did this one change my mind.
All the characters were amazing and had moments where their own unique personality shines through the pages. Brent Jean is a GOD and Berkley Daniels is a GODDESS. They both have their flaws but man their romance is just spot on. Seriously, perfect together.
Speaking of romance, the spicy scenes. *chefs kiss*
The hockey team and family and friends definitely added the cherry on top of this book. All the relationships were so dynamic and important.
If contemporary romance is your thing READ THIS!
October 11, 2023
APPALLING. massive trigger warning for sexual assault as there are FOUR! different instances of it occurring/being attempted. the mmc is an absolute fuckwit who refuses to listen to the fmc and the fmc is a dumbass who should have ran away from him kicking and screaming.
side note that i listened to the audiobook and it had the weirdest enunciation i have ever heard from the female narrator? i had to listen at 2.9x speed just to try to get through it. awful time.
side note that i listened to the audiobook and it had the weirdest enunciation i have ever heard from the female narrator? i had to listen at 2.9x speed just to try to get through it. awful time.
December 7, 2022
This man is my worst nightmare. If a dude I’d never even met threw me a surprise birthday party after being informed that I hate surprises? I would call the cops.
I’ve read so many hockey romances this year, and I feel pretty sure this is the worst one.
I’ve read so many hockey romances this year, and I feel pretty sure this is the worst one.
January 31, 2023
So it took me a minute to write this review as I am conflicted because I know the author. But good things come from honest feedback so I decided to go ahead and provide my thoughts. I dnf this book at the 50% mark. I have a few reasons as to why. While I absolutely LOVED that it was based in Michigan, I was not a fan of the characters. I found Brent and Berk to both be immature and insecure. Neither of them should be in a relationship in my opinion. Because of my dislike for the characters it was extremely hard for me to find any chemistry between them. Brent came across as clingy and needy and Berk came across as disinterested and skeptical. It was at this point for me that I felt the book began to stall and become wordy.
I gave it two stars because I give the author major props in writing and publishing her own book and being brave enough to put herself out there. I did love the Michigan setting and being able to relate to many of the locations referenced in the book. I’d give a different book of hers a shot but the romance in this one just wasn’t for me.
I gave it two stars because I give the author major props in writing and publishing her own book and being brave enough to put herself out there. I did love the Michigan setting and being able to relate to many of the locations referenced in the book. I’d give a different book of hers a shot but the romance in this one just wasn’t for me.
March 14, 2022
***review to come***
March 26, 2022
A really fun read with characters you can’t help but adore! A fantastic debut from Amanda.
August 2, 2022
I was having an okay time reading this, the whole roofie thing at the beginning wasn't the worst thing to me since I could kind of see the side of 'what else does a guy do when girls are drugged?' they automatically end up in a bad stereotype or just an awkward position of trying to prove that they are helping. But why didn't the cops take over?? Also the sexual assault scene later with the hockey team member just really added to make this feel really uncomfortable. On top of that these guys were just so over the top. I get that they are professional hockey players, but betting 5 grand on a huge monopoly game? I hate that to the depths of my soul.
I didn't like the hero, he ended up giving major stalker vibes and really didn't seem to care about what Berkley wanted. She says she hates surprises and he throws her a surprise party?? No thanks, that isn't endearing no matter how rich you are. Was not the book for me, which is too bad because I love a good sports romance.
I didn't like the hero, he ended up giving major stalker vibes and really didn't seem to care about what Berkley wanted. She says she hates surprises and he throws her a surprise party?? No thanks, that isn't endearing no matter how rich you are. Was not the book for me, which is too bad because I love a good sports romance.
January 22, 2022
In this captivating debut from Amanda Chaperon, readers will fall in love with Brent and Berkley as they figure out life and fall in love with each other.
Berkley Daniels thought she had life figured out. Just a few months away from finishing law school, Berkley had the perfect balance of family, friends, and studying. Then Brent Jean entered her life. A star hockey player, Brent is used to living large and having women in every city. But seeing Berkley in the bar changed everything. With attraction hot enough to melt the ice, both Brent and Berkley will have to learn from their past relationships in order to find love their forever love with each other.
I truly enjoyed this sports romance. Between an action-filled plot, steamy scenes, and wonderfully dynamic characters, there is a lot to love in For the Boys.
Chaperon came out strong in her debut. Every chapter had so much development. I loved the action of the hockey games just as much as I loved the one-on-one time between Brent and Berk. For the Boys had such a fantastic cast of characters. From Brent and Berkley to their friends and teammates and classmates, everyone was fully-realized and full of personality. Just based on limited page time in this book, it's easy to see so many of these secondary characters carrying their own story in the future.
Both Brent and Berkley are flawed individuals, and the story was so much better because of these flaws. They both had to learn from their past, and realize their past relationships do not define their love for each other. It wasn't an easy road for either of them, but the drama and uncertainties made for an interesting romance.
Between the action on and off the ice, the spicy romance, and the great main and secondary characters, there was a lot to keep me turning the page. I can't wait to see what comes next, both from Chaperon and in this sports romance world she has created.
Berkley Daniels thought she had life figured out. Just a few months away from finishing law school, Berkley had the perfect balance of family, friends, and studying. Then Brent Jean entered her life. A star hockey player, Brent is used to living large and having women in every city. But seeing Berkley in the bar changed everything. With attraction hot enough to melt the ice, both Brent and Berkley will have to learn from their past relationships in order to find love their forever love with each other.
I truly enjoyed this sports romance. Between an action-filled plot, steamy scenes, and wonderfully dynamic characters, there is a lot to love in For the Boys.
Chaperon came out strong in her debut. Every chapter had so much development. I loved the action of the hockey games just as much as I loved the one-on-one time between Brent and Berk. For the Boys had such a fantastic cast of characters. From Brent and Berkley to their friends and teammates and classmates, everyone was fully-realized and full of personality. Just based on limited page time in this book, it's easy to see so many of these secondary characters carrying their own story in the future.
Both Brent and Berkley are flawed individuals, and the story was so much better because of these flaws. They both had to learn from their past, and realize their past relationships do not define their love for each other. It wasn't an easy road for either of them, but the drama and uncertainties made for an interesting romance.
Between the action on and off the ice, the spicy romance, and the great main and secondary characters, there was a lot to keep me turning the page. I can't wait to see what comes next, both from Chaperon and in this sports romance world she has created.
June 16, 2022
First, overall, this was a quick, fun romance read, and a promising debut for a new author! My personal issues with some of the triggers were what kept me from giving this 4 stars. I know there’s a sequel coming for this book, so I’m excited to see what’s in store for these characters next!
Let’s get into specifics.
What I loved: This is a modern romance featuring my city of Detroit and heavily features hockey! I love both (#LGRW), so this was great to read. I loved all the little tidbits and names of neighborhoods that I recognized. The cast of characters was unique and fun to read about. I loved Lexie as a side character and found myself wishing she was featured more often!
What I didn’t love: While there are trigger warnings for SA, drugging at a club, etc., I felt that they weren’t really handled realistically (the roofie situation happens and someone mentions getting the police involved, but then it never happens) and I didn’t expect the majority of the plot to hinge on SA and what I would consider sort of possessive behavior from the main male character. This behavior and that type of situation is a personal trigger for me, so it was hard to get through. I also found it a little troubling the way that Brent went about getting to know Berkley - he’s pretty fixated on her from the start, and while I love a meet-cute, it was a little tricky to perceive his actions after their first “meeting” as romantic rather than stalker-y. It’s not cringey, but I admit I had a hard time rooting for them at first.
Still, I’m looking forward to reading more. Publishing your first novel is so exciting, scary, and honestly— as someone who writes casually for fun — brave! Definitely interested to see what’s up with Lexie and Mitch in the sequel!
Let’s get into specifics.
What I loved: This is a modern romance featuring my city of Detroit and heavily features hockey! I love both (#LGRW), so this was great to read. I loved all the little tidbits and names of neighborhoods that I recognized. The cast of characters was unique and fun to read about. I loved Lexie as a side character and found myself wishing she was featured more often!
What I didn’t love: While there are trigger warnings for SA, drugging at a club, etc., I felt that they weren’t really handled realistically (the roofie situation happens and someone mentions getting the police involved, but then it never happens) and I didn’t expect the majority of the plot to hinge on SA and what I would consider sort of possessive behavior from the main male character. This behavior and that type of situation is a personal trigger for me, so it was hard to get through. I also found it a little troubling the way that Brent went about getting to know Berkley - he’s pretty fixated on her from the start, and while I love a meet-cute, it was a little tricky to perceive his actions after their first “meeting” as romantic rather than stalker-y. It’s not cringey, but I admit I had a hard time rooting for them at first.
Still, I’m looking forward to reading more. Publishing your first novel is so exciting, scary, and honestly— as someone who writes casually for fun — brave! Definitely interested to see what’s up with Lexie and Mitch in the sequel!
February 23, 2022
*ARC REVIEW*
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
Release Date: June 1, 2022
Sports (Pro) Romance | New Adult | Love at First Sight | Alpha Hero | Slow-ish Burn | Dual POV
I was so excited to receive an ARC of For the Boys! I am obsessed with sports romance books - especially hockey players 😍 - if you are the same way, you'll definitely enjoy this book.
I felt like I went through so many ups and downs in this book. Brent and Berkley were both working through their difficult pasts and insecurities, so when you add in their strong feelings/attraction for one another - you get all the drama. This made the dual POV so helpful since it gives the reader insight into how each character is feeling.
For the Boys has all the spice, a lot of drama, a little comedy, and some fabulous side characters - all wrapped up with a wonderful HEA. I am looking forward to the second book in this series!
Thank you to Amanda Chaperon for providing an ARC for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
Release Date: June 1, 2022
Sports (Pro) Romance | New Adult | Love at First Sight | Alpha Hero | Slow-ish Burn | Dual POV
I was so excited to receive an ARC of For the Boys! I am obsessed with sports romance books - especially hockey players 😍 - if you are the same way, you'll definitely enjoy this book.
I felt like I went through so many ups and downs in this book. Brent and Berkley were both working through their difficult pasts and insecurities, so when you add in their strong feelings/attraction for one another - you get all the drama. This made the dual POV so helpful since it gives the reader insight into how each character is feeling.
For the Boys has all the spice, a lot of drama, a little comedy, and some fabulous side characters - all wrapped up with a wonderful HEA. I am looking forward to the second book in this series!
Thank you to Amanda Chaperon for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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