Crushed by Elise Faber {a review}

 It's release day for Crushed by Elise Faber!! If you know me, then you know how much I adore the Gold Hockey series. I have read each, and every, book. Not only that but I have fallen HARD for the characters. This found family is one of my absolute favorites. Gold Hockey will always have a place in my heart as it is just simply wonderful.

With Crushed being book 18, it makes me wonder how much longer Elise Faber will continue on with the team. We've already witnessed many retirements, and there is a big one looming. I also am curious as to how Elise will handle Brit's retirement. That's been alluded to a couple of times now in different stories, and I'm not ready for her to retire. Her story was the first!

Will and Lily's story was enjoyable. Yes there were tense moments, steamy moments, as well as plenty of laughter and tears. These two have known each other for so many years. After all it was when Lily was 12, and Will was 16, that this crush first developed. Will squashed it then, and is still trying to put his distance to this day. Yet having Lily live in the same city, work at the same place, and become friends with the same people, it's getting more difficult to ignore any attraction. Plus Will needs to work through the mental hurdles that he has when it comes to Lily. Yes, she was like a sister to him all those years ago, but she's grown up. Maybe it's time to look past what used to be, and look toward the future.

That third act breakup was a doozy. I knew a breakup was coming, I just wasn't sure how it would play out. Especially since a breakup had been thwarted previously. When all of it did play out though, I wanted to knock some sense into the character. Yes it was a protective measure. Yes they thought they were doing the right thing. But clearly they were not. Now the reunion? Perfection. The grand gesture? FABULOUS! 

I also loved that we started to get the lay of the land for the next book, Changed. You already know I'll be reading it. Heck I have it preordered! Lucas and Maddy's story will be filled with enemies to lovers, hate to love, frustration, and realization. I am here for it! Now to wait until the end of August to read it.

Real quick note about the underlying storyline in Crushed. If you read the news reports a couple of years ago about the US gymnastics team, and the doctor- something similar plays out within this book. You don't see any of it, or really hear any of it, but it is a big part of Lily's story. There is also mention of a character succumbing to self harm. I mention this, because if those topics are things you want to avoid, then this might not be the book for you. I will say that the self harm is a small part of a chapter, whereas the other part is an undercurrent throughout. 

Have you read any of the books in the Gold Hockey series? How about the Rush series? Breakers Hockey? I haven't read any of the Breakers hockey books, but they are on my kindle waiting for me.

Thank you for reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thank you Elise Faber, and 1852 Media, for providing me with an advanced copy of Crushed.

Covered by Elise Faber {a review}

Holding her had felt right. Helping her felt right. Standing here, talking to her, no matter how stilted, felt right.

I freaking love the Gold Hockey series. Just about every single book has held my attention, and had me falling for the characters. This cast is like family now. A fictional family, but a family none the less. So when I heard that another book was being released, I immediately preordered a copy, and then also signed up for an advanced reader copy (ARC). What can I say except I'm obsessed! Ever since reading Blocked, I've been hooked, and each book is a must read. Even as the players retire, that connection to the team is still there.

My rating for Covered:

Covered was no different. The moment we met Jordyn in Cap I knew I was going to need her story. Jordyn is going through the motions after her marriage has ended. Her life has been upended, and she's just trying to find a safe place for her and her sons to land. Thankfully Josh and Jess have provided just that. With Josh playing for the Gold, he also is bringing an extended family into her life. One of those new acquaintances is Ben. This man's life hasn't been easy, and he sees Jordyn. He sees her grief, her pain, her heartache, but he also sees her power, her passion, and her strength. There is something about her that draws him in.

Covered had me swooning, it had me laughing, it sent so many different emotions coursing through my body. I could not get enough. From the moment I started reading Jordyn and Ben's story, I didn't want to put it down. I fell into their world, and I felt like a fly on the wall as I witnessed everything. I watched as Jordyn transformed right before our eyes, and I also saw the bond that her boys were building with Ben. Those little boys were also finding their footing. It was glorious to see.

Of course there had to be drama. I love when that pops up in romance stories. We had the expected conflict between Josh and Ben. I mean how could that NOT be present! We had the ex husband showing his face, and trying to insert himself where he doesn't belong. Then there was the emotional scenes with Ben's family. Those scenes had me holding my breath, and shedding a few tears. All of these conflict scenes just added that little extra to the book that made it so enjoyable, and had me not wanting the story to end.

Also I have to say I can relate to Ben with his need to do a drive by when finding a new place. That had me laughing, and saying "that's me". That man has a special place in my heart. He's just this amazing man.

Between the emotional scenes, the steamy scenes, and the drama filled ones, it all came together to create this fantastic romance. Then there were the scenes with Ben and the boys. That bond was established, and continued to grow stronger. Those kiddos knew that they had a safe space with Ben, and that he would do whatever he could to protect them. I will admit that when Josh discovered the seriousness of the relationship I had to laugh out loud. All while shaking my head. Gotta love those comedic breaks.

That set up for Crushed? Uh, yes please! I need that immediately. Too bad it's scheduled for April 2023!

Oh, if you're wondering about tropes for Covered, here are what I believe them to be:

Brother's Best Friend
Single Mom
Found Family
Forbidden

Have you discovered the Gold Hockey series yet? There are so many tropes that take place throughout the series that there is a little something for everyone. I think if you give this team a chance, you'll fall for them like I have.

Now go order a copy of Covered, and then after you read it be sure to share your thoughts. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

She’s his best friend’s sister.

He’s going to keep her anyway.

Getting caught in bed with his friend’s sister wasn’t the welcome Ben had planned when joining the roster of the San Francisco Gold.

Neither was the black eye he sported for several weeks afterward.

Jordyn was a newly divorced, single mom of two boys, and not looking for love, but Ben wasn’t easily scared off.

Not when her brother threatened dismemberment.

Nor when Jordyn told him she was swearing off men and relationships forever.

Because she was his forever…

And he’d fight tooth and nail to keep her.

Thank you to Elise Faber, and Elle Woods PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Covered.

Note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above will allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you for any purchases you make. I appreciate it.

 

Caught by Elise Faber {a review}

Caught by Elise Faber is now available! If you know me, you know that I LOVE the Gold Hockey series. I fell hard from the first book, and these characters now feel like family. So when I was presented with the opportunity to read an early copy of Caught, I was all over it.

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.

I will say that I loved how the team rallied around Kacee, and gave her a sense of normalcy. As well as a family to call hers. This group is just incredible. From the banter, to the support, to the judgement free space, just all of it. This found family is amazing.

"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. 

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

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!

Available on all platforms!

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.

Connect with Elise!

Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter | BookBub

Thank you to Elise Faber, and Elle Woods PR, for providing me with an early review copy of Caught.

Caught by Elise Faber {teaser}

Caught by Elise Faber releases on February 1st! Caught is the FIFTEENTH book in the Gold Hockey series. Fifteen. That is just wild.

Get ready for this instalove story between Charlie and Kacee. It's going to be intense. I just know it.

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.

Preorder now!

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.

Connect with Elise!

Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter | BookBub

Newest addition to Gold Hockey!

The THIRTEENTH book in the Gold Hockey series is coming soon!

Cycled by Elise Faber releases on October 26th!

If you are a hockey romance lover, then you need to go pre-order this one NOW!

Trust me.

And yes, I have placed my pre-order.

No matter how hard Scarlett tried to be good, she always ended up being bad.

But everything was different now.

She was making her way up the ranks in her dream job, working as a publicist for the San Francisco Gold.Finally, her life was back on track.

Then she met Kaydon. He was new to the team—a power forward—and the moment she laid eyes on his sexy-as-sin body she’d dreamed about what that power might feel like in bed. But he was off-limits.

She worked for the team, and though she’d spent much of her life being bad, she couldn’t risk her job by jumping into a relationship that could easily get her fired.

Even if it was with a man like Kaydon. Unfortunately, despite her best intentions at keeping her distance, he was good—very good—at convincing her to be bad.

Pre-order with your preferred retailer now!

Add Cycled to your Goodreads TBR!