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Chesterboro University #4
The Grinder
Ash Draper has some work to do if he wants to win back the heart of the girl he's never forgotten, Camila Alvarez. Can he prove to her that their love is worth another chance?
THE GRINDER is a full-length, sexy college-set hockey romance with a happily ever after. If you like redemption stories, cinnamon roll heroes, and slow-burn chemistry, preorder your copy now and fall in love with the Chesterboro Bulldog hockey team!
THE GRINDER is a full-length, sexy college-set hockey romance with a happily ever after. If you like redemption stories, cinnamon roll heroes, and slow-burn chemistry, preorder your copy now and fall in love with the Chesterboro Bulldog hockey team!
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2022
About the author
Josie Blake
11 books208 followersJosie Blake writes feel-good contemporary romance with heat and emotion. Originally from a small town in western Pennsylvania, she now battles traffic in southern New Jersey where she lives with her hero husband and their happily-ever-after: two very energetic sons. When she isn't writing, she can be found next to a hockey rink or swimming pool, cooking up something sweet, or hiding from encroaching dust bunnies with a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 14, 2022
Ummm WTH!!
I loved Ash, Cami and their love story. The chemistry between them was hot. The supporting characters were fun and I appreciated characters from past books of the series making appearances in this book.
This story was great right up until the last sentence, then I turned the page and NOTHING. I actually thought there was something wrong with my Kindle so I opened it up on the Kindle App on my phone and nope, that was really it. The story came to an abrupt end. No epilogue letting us know whether Ash healed or didn't heal. Whether he made it to the pros or ended up becoming a doctor. Did the team win the championship? We'll never know. This was the most bizarre ending, or lack of and ending to any book I have read. Its extremely disappointing to get invested in a story and characters and never know how things turn out.
I loved Ash, Cami and their love story. The chemistry between them was hot. The supporting characters were fun and I appreciated characters from past books of the series making appearances in this book.
This story was great right up until the last sentence, then I turned the page and NOTHING. I actually thought there was something wrong with my Kindle so I opened it up on the Kindle App on my phone and nope, that was really it. The story came to an abrupt end. No epilogue letting us know whether Ash healed or didn't heal. Whether he made it to the pros or ended up becoming a doctor. Did the team win the championship? We'll never know. This was the most bizarre ending, or lack of and ending to any book I have read. Its extremely disappointing to get invested in a story and characters and never know how things turn out.
August 8, 2022
Ash & Cami
Try as I might, I could not get past my dislike of Cami. I got 44% into the book and I couldn't get further. I felt bad for Ash, her attitude was horrendous. I also felt sorry that Judd couldn't be his true self.
Try as I might, I could not get past my dislike of Cami. I got 44% into the book and I couldn't get further. I felt bad for Ash, her attitude was horrendous. I also felt sorry that Judd couldn't be his true self.
October 10, 2022
why am i still reading these? oh yeah, men obsessed with women.
December 3, 2022
Here we are with Camila (Cami) and Ash’s story. You see they used to be high school sweethearts. Even with, Cami being a year ahead of, Ash in school. He is an up-and-coming hockey player, there in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. When offered an opportunity, to play for a junior team in, Toronto. His father and family are from, Canada.
He felt the opportunity, could lead him directly, to the NHL, right out of high school. Being able, to play pro longer and not, to mention the money possibilities. Mind you, she is starting her freshman, year of college. The one that they planned on being at, the next year, together. He is not even in, the same country, now. Before he could finish out the year, he blew out his ACL and MCL.
His parent's divorce and the methods of, how to go about treatment are a bone of, contention. Dad wanted less aggressive surgery, and then, Ash could go, to college and take over the family's highly successful business. Mom wanted him, to move to, Florida where her family is from, for a new more aggressive surgery. It is with more progressive rehabilitation methods, too. He chose his mom’s method.
However, during all of this, he wanted, Cami to transfer, to a college near him, but she would never leave her family. He was in a bad place, feeling like a loser with his grades tanking, and not even doing well enough to get into, Chesterboro. So, he tells her that maybe they should be, just friends. Cami said she couldn't be, just friends. So, Ash let her go.
Now, three years have passed, and, Cami and Ash are on the same campus. Cami knows, Ash is on campus because he is part of the hockey team, but she has avoided seeing him. But, that is about, to change because being an actress in, Hollywood means you have, to deal with the paparazzi, and fixing bad press. Her co-star, Judd is going to be presented as her boyfriend, yup, he’s fake.
But, the fancy fake dinner in, Chesterboro is not a 5-star, in NY. So, to get seen and hit the most multimedia, and in more light, they head, to the hockey game. Cue hockey hunk ex! Yup, Ash doing a hat trick for her. Grrr! See why, by reading the book. A fun book with the sneaking around. The jealousy over the fake date and the secret held by the fake daters.
He felt the opportunity, could lead him directly, to the NHL, right out of high school. Being able, to play pro longer and not, to mention the money possibilities. Mind you, she is starting her freshman, year of college. The one that they planned on being at, the next year, together. He is not even in, the same country, now. Before he could finish out the year, he blew out his ACL and MCL.
His parent's divorce and the methods of, how to go about treatment are a bone of, contention. Dad wanted less aggressive surgery, and then, Ash could go, to college and take over the family's highly successful business. Mom wanted him, to move to, Florida where her family is from, for a new more aggressive surgery. It is with more progressive rehabilitation methods, too. He chose his mom’s method.
However, during all of this, he wanted, Cami to transfer, to a college near him, but she would never leave her family. He was in a bad place, feeling like a loser with his grades tanking, and not even doing well enough to get into, Chesterboro. So, he tells her that maybe they should be, just friends. Cami said she couldn't be, just friends. So, Ash let her go.
Now, three years have passed, and, Cami and Ash are on the same campus. Cami knows, Ash is on campus because he is part of the hockey team, but she has avoided seeing him. But, that is about, to change because being an actress in, Hollywood means you have, to deal with the paparazzi, and fixing bad press. Her co-star, Judd is going to be presented as her boyfriend, yup, he’s fake.
But, the fancy fake dinner in, Chesterboro is not a 5-star, in NY. So, to get seen and hit the most multimedia, and in more light, they head, to the hockey game. Cue hockey hunk ex! Yup, Ash doing a hat trick for her. Grrr! See why, by reading the book. A fun book with the sneaking around. The jealousy over the fake date and the secret held by the fake daters.
October 11, 2023
Dual POV, sports romance, second chance, third act break up, weird ending
I read the other books in this series but just could not get into this one. It put me in a reading funk. Admittedly, second chance romances are not my thing at all, but I figured since I liked the supporting cast I'd be ok but no.
Cami is an up and coming star who is going to college but is famous enough to have reporters bothering her about her love life...and yet the rest of the college doesn't seem phased? And Ash is injury prone but has his NHL dreams reawakened after playing well but is terrible at communication. Cami was ok but Ash was a complete bore and I feel like Judd (Cami's hollywood fake boyfriend) was probably the most exciting character of this book.
Honestly, I think I'll read the next book in the series just to finish the series (and I was curious about the Penny incident) but I was not into this book at all. Plus the romance gets resolved but it almost ends on a cliff hanger as they are about to go to the championship game? I doubled back cause there was no epilogue and it just ends abruptly enough that I thought there was an error.
I read the other books in this series but just could not get into this one. It put me in a reading funk. Admittedly, second chance romances are not my thing at all, but I figured since I liked the supporting cast I'd be ok but no.
Cami is an up and coming star who is going to college but is famous enough to have reporters bothering her about her love life...and yet the rest of the college doesn't seem phased? And Ash is injury prone but has his NHL dreams reawakened after playing well but is terrible at communication. Cami was ok but Ash was a complete bore and I feel like Judd (Cami's hollywood fake boyfriend) was probably the most exciting character of this book.
Honestly, I think I'll read the next book in the series just to finish the series (and I was curious about the Penny incident) but I was not into this book at all. Plus the romance gets resolved but it almost ends on a cliff hanger as they are about to go to the championship game? I doubled back cause there was no epilogue and it just ends abruptly enough that I thought there was an error.
April 22, 2022
Ash and Cami . . .
Ash Draper and Camila Alvarez (“Cami”) were high school sweethearts whose relationship fell apart. Cami moved on to work on her career and her first movie will be releasing in several months. Because an established actor needs some PR for his reputation, he and Cami are put together as a dating couple which will improve his image and get her well-known.
Ash is now at Chesterboro University playing for their hockey team. The gossip-hungry tabloids dig up the fact that Ash and Cami used to date, and they maneuver a story that puts her in the middle of a fake love triangle. Ash and Cami are brought back together to pretend to be friends. Instead, being together brings back old feelings for both of them. Ash wants another chance for them to get back together. But with her movie releasing soon, does she want to invest time in a relationship that has already failed once? Or will he convince her to try again?
Ash Draper and Camila Alvarez (“Cami”) were high school sweethearts whose relationship fell apart. Cami moved on to work on her career and her first movie will be releasing in several months. Because an established actor needs some PR for his reputation, he and Cami are put together as a dating couple which will improve his image and get her well-known.
Ash is now at Chesterboro University playing for their hockey team. The gossip-hungry tabloids dig up the fact that Ash and Cami used to date, and they maneuver a story that puts her in the middle of a fake love triangle. Ash and Cami are brought back together to pretend to be friends. Instead, being together brings back old feelings for both of them. Ash wants another chance for them to get back together. But with her movie releasing soon, does she want to invest time in a relationship that has already failed once? Or will he convince her to try again?
January 17, 2023
I love Ash. I don't love that Ash got a very short book. He and Cami are great so I really wish we would have gotten more about the rekindling of their relationship. I feel a little shortchanged and feel like the characters were shortchanged as well. It's like the author didn't want to put in time to really dig into their story - there was a lot there that could have been built upon with their secret relationship yet that was barely talked about before we went right into the problem being mostly solved.
My biggest pet peeve in these books is that they also end so abruptly, leaving multiple storylines open and not really letting us know what the characters go on to do. Sure, the characters are secondary in future books and give us little hints about their post-book lives but not enough to be really satisfactory. ESPECIALLY in this book where we're left in limbo on if he heals enough to try out or if he has to reroute his future.
My biggest pet peeve in these books is that they also end so abruptly, leaving multiple storylines open and not really letting us know what the characters go on to do. Sure, the characters are secondary in future books and give us little hints about their post-book lives but not enough to be really satisfactory. ESPECIALLY in this book where we're left in limbo on if he heals enough to try out or if he has to reroute his future.
April 22, 2022
such a cute story
I was so excited for this book and she did not disappoint. The little glimpses that we get from Cami and Ash just got me more excited for their story.
The thing I love about second chance romance is that you usually get in sight of what broke them and you see the road they take to find each other again.
Ash is such a swoon worthy character and I loved seeing a deeper side of things and figuring out what makes him tick. Cami is trying to find her way in the media as an upcoming star.
Are they able to get it right this time around or is history meant to repeat itself.
The raw passion was so great to see and I loved the interactions with all the other characters. I absolutely love the world that Josie has created and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
3.5/5
I was so excited for this book and she did not disappoint. The little glimpses that we get from Cami and Ash just got me more excited for their story.
The thing I love about second chance romance is that you usually get in sight of what broke them and you see the road they take to find each other again.
Ash is such a swoon worthy character and I loved seeing a deeper side of things and figuring out what makes him tick. Cami is trying to find her way in the media as an upcoming star.
Are they able to get it right this time around or is history meant to repeat itself.
The raw passion was so great to see and I loved the interactions with all the other characters. I absolutely love the world that Josie has created and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
3.5/5
April 24, 2022
Oh my heart, all the yearning!
Camila Alvarez is a fresh face in the movie industry, and she's fake dating Judd, another film star. No, wait, I know what you're thinking, but it's not that. Judd and Camila are just friends, and going to stay that way. Cami is still into Ash Draper, an ice hockey player she used to be inseparable with, back in high school, before they became separable. They drifted apart because they could not deal with a long distance relationship. Now they're back on the same college campus and there is still a lot of chemistry but Cami is afraid getting back together would end up just as badly as the first time.
I love this because of all the yearning gave me so many feels.
Steam level: They are compatible in bed.
Favorite quote: Will you keep arguing with me until we get this right?
I received a booksprout copy and this is a voluntary review.
Camila Alvarez is a fresh face in the movie industry, and she's fake dating Judd, another film star. No, wait, I know what you're thinking, but it's not that. Judd and Camila are just friends, and going to stay that way. Cami is still into Ash Draper, an ice hockey player she used to be inseparable with, back in high school, before they became separable. They drifted apart because they could not deal with a long distance relationship. Now they're back on the same college campus and there is still a lot of chemistry but Cami is afraid getting back together would end up just as badly as the first time.
I love this because of all the yearning gave me so many feels.
Steam level: They are compatible in bed.
Favorite quote: Will you keep arguing with me until we get this right?
I received a booksprout copy and this is a voluntary review.
August 19, 2024
Book #4 of the Chesterboro series is a definite improvement over the early works which lacked a little something something. I enjoyed the story of Ash and Cami. Their history meant that the story felt more in depth than previous ones. Ash is a likeable character and a relatable one too. Cami is sweet and together they have a sweet chemistry that makes them feel like an old soul, star crossed kind of love that has you rooting for them from the beginning. I enjoyed seeing Cami grow and learn what she wants from her career and for her life. One thing I really enjoy about this series is that the "third act breakups" aren't really "breakups" as such. They're hurdles that the couples overcome and I enjoy that much more than a big dramatic break up and recoupling. Overall, there wasn't much to fault about this story. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!
June 7, 2022
Ash is an intense hockey player living his dream! He was severely injured never thought he would play the game he loved again but through sheer will he has recovered and enrolled at a college of his dreams. At one time this college was his and his high school sweethearts dream. Cami, aspiring actress who has just finished her first blockbuster film and has one semester left at college. The same college that he high school sweetheart is now enrolled. This book is another great addition to the Chesterboro University series, don't miss this book!!
April 19, 2022
I am really enjoying this series! it is a standalone but if you have read the ones previously, it is even better! I adore Ash as he is a sweetheart as is Cami. I really feel for them as they obviously love each other but Cami is afraid of of whether they would work out. I found this romance sweet, fun and entertaining.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
November 12, 2022
Love A Second Chance
I loved Ash and Cami’s love story! They were in love in high school, but different events kept them apart. Now they are at the same university and can’t stay away from each other. I loved the way (no spoilers from me) they worked everything out. I love this series and am excited for the next book. There were a few editing issues here and there, but the story was great so I still gave 5 stars.
I loved Ash and Cami’s love story! They were in love in high school, but different events kept them apart. Now they are at the same university and can’t stay away from each other. I loved the way (no spoilers from me) they worked everything out. I love this series and am excited for the next book. There were a few editing issues here and there, but the story was great so I still gave 5 stars.
December 27, 2022
this is the 4th book in the Chesterboro Uni series and I have not read the others. Happily, this book works as a stand-alone with slight references to the couples in the other books.
Cami and Ash broke up after high school when life got in the way. But now life is still in the way and is thrusting them back together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cami and Ash broke up after high school when life got in the way. But now life is still in the way and is thrusting them back together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2023
This was a good second chance romance. Ash grew up/ matured since high school. Cami was scared to let him break her heart again. The development of their relationship from not speaking for years to friendship ( while she fake dated a movie star) to reigniting their romantic relationship (which had to be kept under wraps for a while) was enjoyable yet intense to navigate.
This was the first book in the series that I’ve read. Now I’m interested in reading the first three.
This was the first book in the series that I’ve read. Now I’m interested in reading the first three.
June 25, 2023
This told the story of Ash and Cami—the second chance that they got to make their relationship work. It was a really good book, but I didn’t give it a full 5 starts, because I never really knew what happened the first time. Ash was injured and moved to Florida and that was it? It just didn’t make sense to me. Overall, a great series.
July 1, 2023
I put the book down last night cause I really really did not like Cami or Ash. Very immature … as immature as they had been in high school. I did like Judd and I did like the Hockey players and friends. So, I picked it up and finished it today. Thanks for their friends and Judd that I really liked, they got their heads pulled out of their tushes. Nice ending.
April 25, 2022
Cute, highly recommend
The Grinder is a nice continuation of the Chesterboro university series. Ash and Camila were well written and likeable. It was nice to see the returning characters and get a glimpse of how they are doing too. 5 stars, highly recommend.
The Grinder is a nice continuation of the Chesterboro university series. Ash and Camila were well written and likeable. It was nice to see the returning characters and get a glimpse of how they are doing too. 5 stars, highly recommend.
May 2, 2023
loved it
This was a very interesting story that takes on a vey complex plot. You can see all the ways things could go wrong right from the start. But it was fun to watch them all play out!
This was a very interesting story that takes on a vey complex plot. You can see all the ways things could go wrong right from the start. But it was fun to watch them all play out!
January 30, 2022
I’m dying for Asher’s story!!! I need it like yesterday
May 1, 2022
End It!
Good story line with believable characters, well plotted and well written! But not a resolution to the story itself. What happens?.
Good story line with believable characters, well plotted and well written! But not a resolution to the story itself. What happens?.
May 3, 2022
I liked Ash & Cami’s book. It was an entertaining read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 8, 2022
Loved it!!
August 11, 2022
prob would’ve liked more if i could’ve just read it
all at once
all at once
December 19, 2022
Not that good. Declan and ivys book is still my fav
December 31, 2022
I’m normally not a huge fan of second chance romances, but this one was pretty nice.
January 15, 2023
Hiiii ash
January 23, 2023
Actors act.
Such a sweet story of love in the bleachers. This author has captured the insiders look at sports injuries. The emotions involved with rehabilitation.
Such a sweet story of love in the bleachers. This author has captured the insiders look at sports injuries. The emotions involved with rehabilitation.
March 3, 2023
I have been enjoying this series...however I am struggling with this book...I am generally not a fan of second chance romance and couldn't find it in me to finish it. Started skimming about 40%...
April 27, 2023
G
The only one thing I've ever heard from a four was to get that the other hand. But the fact
The only one thing I've ever heard from a four was to get that the other hand. But the fact
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews