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haneyhayespr's review against another edition
4.0
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a steamy, off-limits romance with a dash of humor, friendship, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of professional hockey.
readingkeepsmesane's review against another edition
3.0
I went into this book, very excited based on the description and felt like it was a cute read that missed the mark on some big things. I loved the author’s description of introversion and the way that she describes the main male character and his journey with becoming more confident in his introversion. I felt like the female main character’s experience with emotional abuse was handled in a very true and appropriate manner.
However, there was a lot of basic stuff, but I felt like just missed the mark. A lot of the dialogue felt very clunky both in day-to-day scenes and especially in the spicy scenes. I definitely saw some moments of foreshadowing for some other characters (should the author decide to make this into a series) but even that was barely alluded to and felt forgotten.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
However, there was a lot of basic stuff, but I felt like just missed the mark. A lot of the dialogue felt very clunky both in day-to-day scenes and especially in the spicy scenes. I definitely saw some moments of foreshadowing for some other characters (should the author decide to make this into a series) but even that was barely alluded to and felt forgotten.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
julez_book_shelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kaveeshabandara's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thatbeccagirl_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Ben is this hockey jock who's so good on the ice but an absolute mess off it, especially when it comes to public speaking (literally, he’d rather play naked).
Enter Mabel, his best friend's sister, who's basically sunshine in human form—outgoing, super social, and just the kind of person Ben needs to help him step up as team captain. But of course, they’ve got history, so it’s all kinds of complicated.
I loved how this isn’t your typical sports romance where the jock is all cocky. Nope, Ben’s the shy, awkward guy who needs Mabel’s help to “fake it 'til he makes it.” Meanwhile, Mabel’s got her own personal stuff to deal with, so their chemistry just makes things so much more real and steamy (hello, apartment-sharing situations!). The way they support each other, flaws and all, is just a chef's kiss.
I also loved how their relationship develops—watching them go from awkward tension to full-on OMG they’re perfect for each other moments is everything.
3.5⭐️
I received an advance review copy from netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Enter Mabel, his best friend's sister, who's basically sunshine in human form—outgoing, super social, and just the kind of person Ben needs to help him step up as team captain. But of course, they’ve got history, so it’s all kinds of complicated.
I loved how this isn’t your typical sports romance where the jock is all cocky. Nope, Ben’s the shy, awkward guy who needs Mabel’s help to “fake it 'til he makes it.” Meanwhile, Mabel’s got her own personal stuff to deal with, so their chemistry just makes things so much more real and steamy (hello, apartment-sharing situations!). The way they support each other, flaws and all, is just a chef's kiss.
I also loved how their relationship develops—watching them go from awkward tension to full-on OMG they’re perfect for each other moments is everything.
3.5⭐️
I received an advance review copy from netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
one_more_book's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you NetGalley, Kelly Jamieson, and Boldwood books for allowing me to read an advance copy of Crossing the Line. While I’m not a hockey fan, Jamieson makes it an easy read with just the right amount of sports scenes so the reader is not overwhelmed.
Ban, an extremely talented professional hockey player and introvert, has been tapped to contend for team captain because of his outstanding leadership skills in the locker room and on the ice. However, his introversion causes him to struggle with small talk with anyone who is not a close friend and public speaking, even with just a sportscaster and cameraman. How can he be the team spokesperson? Management suggests he attend Toastmasters which nearly causes Ben to withdraw his name.
Mabel, just out of an emotionally abusive relationship, quits her job and moves in with her twin brother Marek and Ben (hockey teammates and best friends) who is waiting for his new condo to be ready. She is quirky, outgoing, appears to a bit flaky at times, and definitely an extrovert! Marek suggests that Ben hire Mabel to help him with public speaking and awkward situations.
And here you have a wonderful set-up for Marek’s warning to his teammates to “keep your hands off my sister”! This is a fast moving story filled with humor, innuendos, and steamy scenes countered with very emotional, touching moments as both Ben and Mabel share their weaknesses, worst moments, greatest fears, and learn that trusting the right people is crucial to your mental health and a successful relationship.
Ban, an extremely talented professional hockey player and introvert, has been tapped to contend for team captain because of his outstanding leadership skills in the locker room and on the ice. However, his introversion causes him to struggle with small talk with anyone who is not a close friend and public speaking, even with just a sportscaster and cameraman. How can he be the team spokesperson? Management suggests he attend Toastmasters which nearly causes Ben to withdraw his name.
Mabel, just out of an emotionally abusive relationship, quits her job and moves in with her twin brother Marek and Ben (hockey teammates and best friends) who is waiting for his new condo to be ready. She is quirky, outgoing, appears to a bit flaky at times, and definitely an extrovert! Marek suggests that Ben hire Mabel to help him with public speaking and awkward situations.
And here you have a wonderful set-up for Marek’s warning to his teammates to “keep your hands off my sister”! This is a fast moving story filled with humor, innuendos, and steamy scenes countered with very emotional, touching moments as both Ben and Mabel share their weaknesses, worst moments, greatest fears, and learn that trusting the right people is crucial to your mental health and a successful relationship.
kungelbach's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
emmareads0911's review against another edition
I only read about 30% of this book but in the bit that I read, the writing was incredibly immature and felt like a first draft. The author chooses to create words like 'awkweird' and 'schmucknut' rather than use actual English words. I also did not like the emphasis on the FMC being so 'quirky' when she just wasn't a straight laced, buttoned up, corporate type even though her career didn't require that for her in the slightest.
nix21230's review against another edition
4.0
Ice hockey player Ben close to being named team captain, but first he needs to come out of his shell and believe in himself so he can be the voice of the team to media and supporters. His best friend's sister Mabel - outgoing, bubbly and confident - agrees to help him manage his fear of public speaking.
It turns out that Mabel had a teenage crush on Ben, and all those feelings are coming back as they work together.
Ben and Mable are likeable, with believable vulnerabilities, but the story does lack depth and the plot is rather predictable - but hey, it's a hockey romance with brother's best friend and a great way to escape the outside world.
It turns out that Mabel had a teenage crush on Ben, and all those feelings are coming back as they work together.
Ben and Mable are likeable, with believable vulnerabilities, but the story does lack depth and the plot is rather predictable - but hey, it's a hockey romance with brother's best friend and a great way to escape the outside world.
_lc_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Omg. There’s a scene where they sit in a pub next to some Aussie tourists and the way they talk is fucking hilarious. And also kinda spot on 🤨
I loved Ben. He was cute and introverted but also kinda raunchy. Like he doesn’t talk at all but put him in bed with a hot lady and you couldn’t get him to shut up.
CN for death of a baby, not one of the MCs, and shitty abusive ex boyfriends.
Thanks to #netgallery, the author and publisher for a copy of this book.
Genre: Romance MF
Format: Digital
POV: Dual
Tropes: brothers best friend/teammate, roommates, forced proximity, shitty ex boyfriends, introvert/extrovert, extrovert lessons, secret hookups, hockey, random Australian characters spotted, let’s get maggot.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
Age suggestion: 18+