Cross Check

Ridder U Hockey #1

by Lynn Stevens

She’s too trusting... Elora has never been so cold. Growing up in the tropics did not prepare her for a new life in Minnesota. For the first time, she’s living in a place that doesn’t float and her best friend isn’t also her family. Everything is a new experience, a new adventure. Including hockey. The arena is freezing, but the game is fierce, fast, and fascinating. She can’t take her eyes off the action… or off a certain player. He’s wary of everyone... Wyatt is done with puck bunnies. He just wants to play, go to class, and be left alone. The opposite sex dishes out nothing but misery. School and hockey must come first. Then he meets Elora, and she’s totally clueless about hockey, about school, about a little bit of everything. And she’s the opposite of the ice queen who crushed his heart. But he’s not ready to light that lamp. When Elora suffers a crisis of confidence, Wyatt’s willing to help her regain her faith in people, especially him. Even if it takes confronting his past to have a future. Can Wyatt show Elora that he’s the man she thinks he is or will they end up being two ships passing in the night?

Genres: Hockey Romance, Romance, Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2022

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐

Featuring ~ dual POV, college, sports ~ hockey, slow burn, minimal steamage

Sweet, naïve Elora was used to living on a boat her whole life, so when she gets to Ridder U she doesn't know what she's in for. And I'm not just talking about with possessive and sweet hockey player, Wyatt. Wyatt had his heart broken, can he ever trust anyone again?

I really love that it's told in dual point of views, which shows Wyatt's apprehension to trust again and Elora's eagerness to experience new things. It was refreshing that it was a slow burn and they took their time to get to know each other..

I really enjoyed the first half, but the second half was meh for me. Some of the characters choices had me saying, really? But, overall, I did like it and will read the rest of the series when they come out.

*Thanks to the author and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a honest review*

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[Twyla Rae Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Jane Austen style hockey stars!

I'm a sucker for the sports romance genre. Even though IRL I'm not a fan of hockey. At all.

LOL. You'd think a Canadian gal like me would be all in for the sport. But it's Wyatt, the sexy and oh so sweet hero in Elora's life, that gives me every reason to show up at the rink in Cross Check.

I don't know if the author is a fan of Jane Austen's works, but they are what kept coming to mind as I read through the novel. To be clear, this isn't a contemporary retelling of an Austen novel. But the emotional push and pull between the main characters in Cross Check resembles much of what you'd find in Austen's works: a push and pull that is the result of past hurts and creates misunderstandings between two people who are drawn to each other almost instantly.

I didn't connect with Elora as much as I'd like to. At times I didn't understand her motivation. But the stellar ensemble of characters that Stevens wrote to revolve around her lessened my ambivalence toward her. They weren't one dimensional, and had just the right amount of flaws to make them realistic.

I loved that all of the characters made me react and feel depending on their actions. Like with real friends and family there were times I wanted to wrap them up in a big bear hug and other times when I wanted to shake some sense into them.

And (minor spoiler alert) when the bad guy is bad...he's really bad. I loved to hate him.

Most importantly, Wyatt made the romance real. He was like hot chocolate on a winter evening by the fire. He was warm, sweet and made me smile. No Alpha alert here. This guy is more like a warm protective blanket to go with the hot chocolate.

This is a gentler read than most sports romances I've read. It's not a steamy one, but it's definitely romance. The relationship between Elora and Wyatt is tender when it's physical, and for a love story in this genre I found that very refreshing.

The epilogue made me smile. It was sweet and perfectly written.

Now I'm looking forward to finding out if a particular roommate of Wyatt's will find love. Stevens' athletes have me looking forward to seeing what comes next for them.

Although this is hockey romance set in a cooler climate, I'd recommend this as a pleasant summer vacation read. I don't usually sip hot chocolate at the beach, but for time spent with Wyatt and his roommates I'd do just that.



This is a voluntary and honest review after receiving an ARC from the Goodreads New Adult Book Club.

[Sa’Je · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spicy rating: 1/5 🌶

Okay, let’s talk about this book I had the honor of reading via the New Adult Book Club! Let me preface by saying I never once thought much about hockey but after this I can’t say it didn’t peak my interest to look into it.

This slowburn romance had me hooked from chapter one as Elora is at college to break out of her comfort zone and try new experiences which reminds me of myself. Wyatt is this super sweet jock who is dealing with a bad breakup. Their relationship was everything to me and I loved every second of it. Each character was interesting in their own right (although some really pissed me off towards the end) and it was like they each had their own arc of character development which was nice to see. Aside from some of the characters, I hated the amount of miscommunication with the side couples, it was frustrating to say the least but I digress. I’m a sucker for dual POVs so I ate that up each and every chapter.

Overall, this was a heartwarming story and I would definitely recommend this to others! This was my individual and completely impartial review~


Check TWs: Mention of suicide, cheating, attempted assault

[disha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks New Adult Book Club Group for this beautiful oppurtunity to review this book

Check out My Debacle with De Lorenzo (Second Chances, #2)
by Jacqueline Francis (Disha's previous book review)

This book was cute and well written. I found myself returning to the book every time I stopped. It's not a heavy book, so I felt it easier to read through as my exams are going on.

Tropes:-
Strangers to Friends to lovers
Good Boy x Good Girl

About MMC:-
Wyatt is currently a hockey player on his team. He is majoring in business. He loves to travel. Recently single after his girlfriend cheated on him.Afraid to trust again someone. However, he is kind, understanding, and cute! Loves his siblings and parents.

About FMC:-
Elora is adorable, she is naive, innocent, and kind. The best part is she's a bookworm. Loves to read biography and memoirs. She lived in a boat with her parents and brother. She is on good terms with them which is nice to see.

Smut:-
2⭐

Feelings:-
Cry: 2⭐
Anger: 3.5⭐

TW:- (This is very important)
Mention of suicide, cheating, attempted assault.

Now it's time for My Opinions:-
Honestly I love the book. I loved all the couples. When Apollo and Carlos broke up, I cried. I liked Carlos more than Apollo. Mel and Dean were same so adorable, I genuinely felt bad when Mel broke up with Dean. He loved her. Well, maybe not Mel. The assuring part when they both assured each other that they are not like their exes or Lawrence was heartwarming. I enjoyed it when they gave time to each other. After so many days, I enjoyed the book.

Random Question :-

1. Will I recommend this book to anyone?
And: Of course Yes.

If you don't have any triggers, READ IT NOW!!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! If you like sport romances with a sweet female main character, and a grudgingly romantic (and hot) hockey player, then this is for you. I really felt that I connected with Elora, she had such heart and a beautiful personality. I loved her characters growth throughout the book, as she definitely started out as being a bit naive. However, I was very happy that she ended up staying true to herself and overcoming so many obstacles. Her relationship with Wyatt was endearing, he tried so hard to always do his best for Elora. He isn't by any means perfect, but this ultimately makes his character better since he is so much more realistic. The dual POV made me feel like I was right there along for the ride with both characters, sometimes making me so frustrated at both characters knowing what they individually felt.

The slow burn romance and bits of drama sprinkled throughout kept me on my toes and eager for more from this author. I've never read a sport-based romance novel, and was pleasantly surprised. Once I picked this book up, I couldn't set it down! I was hooked from the very beginning.

I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Goodreads New Adult Book Club.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate this book 4,5 stars.

I thought this was such a sweet romance. I really loved Elora as she is so genuine and caring. Wyatt was a real sweetheart too and such a gentleman until that gruff exterior. The chemistry between Wyatt and Elora was sizzling and I adore their conversations as Elora makes me giggle. I really enjoyed this book as I thought it was quite entertaining as it had some dram-filled moments.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.

[Jen Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun college sports (hockey) romance. Heroine is an eternal optimist with an unusual upbringing that left her a little naive. Main male character has been betrayed and it’s left him angry and unwilling to trust. These two find each other and help each other. Dual point of view, mild spicy.

Potential triggers: suicide is mentioned but not a major story line, an attack that could have progressed to rape, anger issues, and infidelity.

[Arceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Wyatt is one of my favorite heroes. I loved the steamy scenes. I enjoyed the characters a lot. There was a ton of chemistry. I highly recommend this book.

[J.C. Doan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet college romance and finished it in three days. Wyatt and Elora are perfect together and the supporting characters aren't predictable. Definitely recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elora and Wyatt are such opposites that their story almost seems unrealistic. I love the storyline. I love the suspense and mystery. I love the drama and the family feel of the friends. I love the family members, Apollo and Jane especially. The writing is good. The story flows easily. The story gives you several bumps in your heart. Elora is such a unique and interesting character with a different childhood or upbringing. I love her drive. I love her strength. I love her fight. This is very enjoyable. TJ is interesting, Damon is cute. The bad guy is creepy from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book; it's a great addition to the series. It's well written, and a great story that grabbed my attention at the very beginning. Wyatt and Elora are opposites. A misunderstanding when they meet almost derails their future friendship/romance. He's had a bad break up and betrayal, leading to unresolved anger issues that spill out onto the ice. She had a very unconventional upbringing and is a bit of a free spirit, kind and caring, and maybe just a bit naive. I just love her. And Wyatt proves that he's swoon-worthy when he stands up for her, and takes action to reduce his anger. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good read. Elora and Wyatt's story was fun, sweet, spicy and packed with heart. I liked both these characters a lot and LOVED them as a couple! Their chemistry was absolutely undeniable, and the burn here is slow but enjoyable and completely worth the wait. Elora was such a unique character and that added an air of freshness to this romance that I welcomed with open arms. A solid start to this new series that left me excited about future entries. This is my independent and completely impartial review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable sweet sports romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good sizzling chemistry. The story is an entertaining slow burn sweet sports romance read. The story is about finding your feet in life, and learning about yourself story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It made me laugh ( I mean, come on who brings a book to a hockey game? :) ) I loved the first person point of view of the story, this is always a deal breaker for me. I couldn't put this story down. 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a first time author for me, pleased to say this book was a really good slow burn read throughly enjoyed the storyline between Wyatt and Elora and their chemistry made it even better, it was a different story for me to read but glad I did. Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elora and Wyatt are beautifully written characters. Wyatt scared of future heartbreak, keeps his feelings inside now and Elora is like a newborn, everything is so new to her. Can they meet grow together and get a HEA?. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute sports romance discovering who you are from your past. Wyatt and Elora were cute and developed great chemistry. Good read.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!! Elora and Wyatt are adorably smitten. Lawrence can fuck off though

[Cassy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was… fine. There was nothing particularly bad about it but nothing particularly good either.

I will say, it did touch on some important issues: things like campus safety and toxic men and I really appreciate the author’s approach to mental health. She gets the point across that therapy is good and helpful but manages to do it without making me feel like I’m being preached to.

I liked Wyatt and Elora well enough. I appreciated that they took it slow and took time to know each other. I like that Wyatt never pushed her when she set boundaries. I like that he helped protect her without violating those boundaries.

I’m kinda annoyed that there wasn’t any spice. Mainly because the tone and vocabulary suggested it (the word c*ck was said multiple times) but when we actually got to the spot where Wyatt and Elora had sex it was mostly fade to black. Like, not every book needs to be smutty but then like… don’t be. Either be all in or don’t bother. I will be happy either way but this middle of the road stuff annoys me.

There were also a few consistency errors that annoyed me (mostly that Elora was 19 but a junior?! While her friend was a freshman? I kind of got the sense that maybe she completed courses before college started but it was never quite made clear.)

Over all an ok book but nothing that makes me want to finish the series.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elora and Wyatt. This is the first time Elora is at a college and going to classes. She lived on a yacht since she was small and has been home schooled. She has been everywhere with her parents and brother especially in the Caribbean. And especially with the warm weather. She is now in Minnesota and she is freezing. Her roommate, Melody, is great. She is trying to bring Elora out of her shell. Elora met Wyatt and it did not go too well. They both misunderstood the encounter. Things get better. Wyatt plays hockey for the college along with Melody’s boyfriend. Wyatt has some deep seated anger and also trust issues from his past and he gives mixed messages to Elora. Will these two find a way to get together? Or will their pasts make that impossible.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Check is book 1 in the Ridder U Hockey series by Lynn Stevens. This one pulls you in from the beginning and just makes you keep turning pages.

Wyatt and Elora meet through Elora's roommate, who is dating Wyatt's teammate. They both feel that instant pull towards each other, but Wyatt was majorly burned by his ex only months before. Wyatt knows he has trust and anger issues, but realizes that Elora is a great reason to work on both. But Elora has some issues of her own to work through. She has to learn to trust her instincts.

I loved Cross Check! Wyatt and Elora are great together and their story makes you crave more. 10/10 - highly recommend!

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story that will have you going through a lot of emotional stages throughout the story. Elora is so sweet and kind. Wyatt is troubled and it is a wonderful journey to experience his and Elora's relationship bloom. There are so many twists that kept me turning the pages. Some of them surprised me and squeezed my heart. Others were so heartwarming it melted my heart. This story is very well written and all the characters are relatable. I felt like I was right there in the story. Lynn is a wonderful author. I highly recommend this book. It's definitely a must read. Enjoy everyone

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story in the new "Rider U Hockey" series. It is a stand alone and slow burn read about college students finding more than they were looking for. This story about Elora and Wyatt. She is from the south and used to the heat and living on the water. She is naive and looking for new experiences in Minnesota at Ridder U. Wyatt is a hockey player that has been burned and betrayed by love. This is such an emotional and touching story. I love their story! I could not put it down once I started the story.

[Paige Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in my monthly book box. I love a good hockey romance and this was that. I loved the story line and how they just so naturally became an item. I loved how he was so protective of her and sweet. It was also very refreshing to see how they chose to wait to have sex, because let's be real, in life and even in books, that is not the quota we know or even go by and it is sad, so to read that it is okay to wait and see how a guy can resect that, it can really change your perspective a little. I highly suggest this book. Great read.

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt & Elora
I struggled a bit with the pacing of this one. I found the start a bit repetitive, very slow burn & obvious and put it aside for a few days. Today I finished the second half in one go, I think Elora was the issue for me as that niggle persisted. A lot more happens in the second half & it even made me cry. If Elora is studying physcology / philosophy surely she could read people better even with her sheltered childhood?

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elora & Wyatt: Book 1 of Ridder U Hockey: College Hockey Romance: Tame/ Interconnected standalone. Lynn Stevens has done a great job with the beginning of this series. Elora and Wyatt’s story has a well written storyline and well developed main and side characters. I am obsessed with Ridder U Hockey series and I can’t wait to read more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abby N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lowkey wanted a bit more spice but it was a very enjoyable slow burn romance. The minor characters have a lot of development which I really liked and I enjoyed how there was still plot outside of the romance!

[Caiti Hacker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like it, but I couldn't. There were glimmers here and there of tension and playfulness, but the characters' constant doubtfulness was insufferable. Overall the spice just wasn't there for me, but it was a quick read.