We originally met Charlie in Crashed when his sister, Scarlett, had tried fixing him up with her friend Fanny. Scarlett thought they'd make a great couple, but if you've read Crashed, then you know that Fanny was all about Brandon. No one else would measure up to him. Anyways, in this book we catch up with Charlie. He has recently returned from South Korea, and he came back with a broken heart. It isn't that simple though, as Charlie and Ji-Ho worked together, and Ji-Ho has just transferred to the San Fransisco office. This has Charlie on edge, and he is avoiding Ji-Ho as much as possible. With his mind running at warp speed, he is just looking to escape from his seat at the hockey game (Ji-Ho is in the suite next to where Charlie is). So as he's in flight mode he runs right into Goldie, the team mascot. It is in that moment that Charlie and Kacee meet for the first time. Kacee just wants to get away because she is sweaty from the costume, and she knows she smells horrible. Yet Charlie isn't backing away. Scarlett will catch us up on why he isn't having issues. Anywho...What happens next has these two becoming fast friends, and eventually rolling that into a relationship. That relationship isn't without issues though. Kacee has been hurt in the very recent past, and she's just trying to make it through from day to day. So when there's a flood at her house, she panics. Thankfully Charlie happens to be there, and helps her out. Can Kacee be there for Charlie when he needs her the most? Can she still love him once she learns of his most recent relationship? Then there is Ji-Ho, and the chaos they are bringing.
Caught is another wonderful book set in the Gold Hockey series. I fell for Charlie and Kacee almost immediately, and then bringing back the familiar faces just made it all feel so comforting. These characters have a soft spot in my heart, and I love when we can catch up with previous characters. Caught gave us that option when Charlie asked Scarlett for a spare television. Scarlett then took that request, and elevated it to the Gold family who came out in droves to help out. It was the team that showed Kacee what a family they truly are, and how they take care of their family members. Kacee has been adopted by the team, and they are not letting her go.
Charlie and Kacee are two people who have been hurt by their previous partners, so both are on edge. Yet here they are trying their best to push forward, and claim their happily ever after. Although there are forces at work that are trying to destroy their efforts. Some are outside forces, and others are internal battles. Charlie and Kacee see each other through panic attacks, accepting assistance, and just being a positive force in each other's lives. They lift each other up, and help them see the other side of things. Kacee also fills Charlie in on her past, and that helps him to know her better. He understands why she lives the way she does, and how she is trying to better the situation how ever she can. Kacee also let's Charlie know that she is a safe place to land. That when he's ready to talk, she's there for him.
Because he felt like her safe landing in the stormy sea. An anchor, a pier, something to tie herself to, for however long it took for the storm to pass.
"You're important, Kacee. You're a part of this team--you're family."
Throughout the book I was trying to figure out what Charlie's ex had done, and when it finally came out, I was crushed. I want to expand on that character, and their scenes together, but I can't because spoilers. Just know that there is a trigger warning when it comes to Ji-Ho, and when you read their first scene together, I think you'll get it. When everything was finally revealed, I was so thankful that Charlie had people in his corner. These people didn't question him about it. They witnessed bits and pieces, and did what needed to be done.
As for the moment of conflict between the two, I wasn't expecting that. Looking back, now that I know the full story, I can see how it was building. But as I was in the moment, it took me by surprise.
Also, loved the set up for the next book! But at the same time it has me a bit bummed because it's the end of an era for another OG character. Yet at the same time I know I am going to love Josh and Jess. I can feel it just based off the little tidbit we had in this book.
As for the moment of conflict between the two, I wasn't expecting that. Looking back, now that I know the full story, I can see how it was building. But as I was in the moment, it took me by surprise.
Also, loved the set up for the next book! But at the same time it has me a bit bummed because it's the end of an era for another OG character. Yet at the same time I know I am going to love Josh and Jess. I can feel it just based off the little tidbit we had in this book.
If you've read the Gold Hockey series, or you are just a hockey romance fan, you need to read Caught. Remember, this is an interconnected series, so you don't have to read them in order. It's just my preference. :) I'm also going to push for you to read the entire series if you haven't already. I've loved them all.
If you're wondering about my rating, I gave it 4 stars over on Goodreads. Loved the story, and obviously loved the characters. All of them. Well except Ji-Ho. Ji-Ho can kick rocks.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts about Caught. I hope that you will go pick up a copy. You're going to fall for Kacee and Charlie.
Laura
It had been love at first sight…or at least love at first sight of a toppling, glittering, unfortunately-shaped mascot.
Semantics.
Charlie had been spending time in San Francisco with his sister—who was a publicist for the San Francisco Gold hockey team. And by spending time with her, he meant he was licking his wounds and trying to pretend that he hadn’t just had his heart broken.
But it was really hard to pretend he was fine when he was surrounded by happy couples.
He didn’t know what the hell was in the water, but the freaking Gold seemed to breed happy endings like some people bred…horses? Hot house roses? A never-ending supply of hard seltzers in his fridge?
Whatever. The point was that he’d been alone and heartbroken…
To reveal Kacee.
If you're wondering about my rating, I gave it 4 stars over on Goodreads. Loved the story, and obviously loved the characters. All of them. Well except Ji-Ho. Ji-Ho can kick rocks.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts about Caught. I hope that you will go pick up a copy. You're going to fall for Kacee and Charlie.
Laura
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| Cover Art: Jena Brignola |
It had been love at first sight…or at least love at first sight of a toppling, glittering, unfortunately-shaped mascot.
Semantics.
Charlie had been spending time in San Francisco with his sister—who was a publicist for the San Francisco Gold hockey team. And by spending time with her, he meant he was licking his wounds and trying to pretend that he hadn’t just had his heart broken.
But it was really hard to pretend he was fine when he was surrounded by happy couples.
He didn’t know what the hell was in the water, but the freaking Gold seemed to breed happy endings like some people bred…horses? Hot house roses? A never-ending supply of hard seltzers in his fridge?
Whatever. The point was that he’d been alone and heartbroken…
Until that giant, glittering gold mascot had toppled over, its head falling off to reveal the woman within.
To reveal Kacee.
Add to your Goodreads TBR!
Meet
USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys.
She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elisefaberauthor@gmail.com.
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Thank you to Elise Faber, and Elle Woods PR, for providing me with an early review copy of Caught.
