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Off the Ice #1
Collide
Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
An ultimatum from her professor thrusts Summer Preston into an unexpected collision with hockey captain Aiden Crawford. She’s caught in a delicate balance between fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a sport psychologist and veering far away from this god-awful sport.
For Aiden Crawford, being the captain of the college hockey team has its perks, except when a reckless mistake by his team threatens to jeopardize their entire season. Consequently, his coach nominates him as the subject of a research paper. It's the last thing he wants to do, especially since the girl leading the project looks like she could wield his skates as a weapon.
Summer can't stand his blasé approach to life, and Aiden doesn't understand her uptight, scheduled one. They are off to a rocky start, and provoking each other is what they do best, but defeat isn't something either of them is willing to accept.
An ultimatum from her professor thrusts Summer Preston into an unexpected collision with hockey captain Aiden Crawford. She’s caught in a delicate balance between fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a sport psychologist and veering far away from this god-awful sport.
For Aiden Crawford, being the captain of the college hockey team has its perks, except when a reckless mistake by his team threatens to jeopardize their entire season. Consequently, his coach nominates him as the subject of a research paper. It's the last thing he wants to do, especially since the girl leading the project looks like she could wield his skates as a weapon.
Summer can't stand his blasé approach to life, and Aiden doesn't understand her uptight, scheduled one. They are off to a rocky start, and provoking each other is what they do best, but defeat isn't something either of them is willing to accept.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2023
About the author
Bal Khabra
3 books1,859 followersBal is a Canadian writer, romance enthusiast, and book lover. Before she decided to jump into the romance pool, she spent her time gushing about books on social media.
She loves reading about love, watching movies about love, and now, writing about it herself. There really isn’t much else that gets her heart fluttering the way HEAs do. She fell in love with writing and hopes to continue living out her romance author dreams.
She loves reading about love, watching movies about love, and now, writing about it herself. There really isn’t much else that gets her heart fluttering the way HEAs do. She fell in love with writing and hopes to continue living out her romance author dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,830 reviews
December 4, 2023
➸ 3 stars
this book was pretty decent tbh, i didn’t love it or hate it, i just feel very indifferent towards it. i love the whole premise of the book but it felt very much like icebreaker and the deal.. like mix both of those books together and you get this (but like icebreaker this book is like 100 pages too long) even tho it was a bit of a slow burn it did feel very insta-lovey and everyone knows that just isn’t my thing, i absolutely loathe that trope 🙄 like where was the characterisation and where was the developing feelings between the mcs?? it was an instant sexual attraction and idk why but it just pissed me off.
summer: for someone who “hates” hockey players she sure did hang out with them A LOT. and when she said she ended her friendship with kian once she found out he was a hockey player?? now girl, you are way too dramatic lmaoo. but what’s funny to me is that all of aiden’s friends act like they were already her bestie and had her number when she didn’t like these so called “hockey players” the math ain’t mathing. her reason for not liking them was also so dumb to me but anyway. but what drove me insane was her severe daddy issues omgg. it was constantly “my dad never loved me and abandoned me for his hockey career” but he was the one who CONSTANTLY reached out to her and she just ignores him, dismisses him and was just so mean to him even tho he was trying his best. i also hated how she was so dismissive of aiden’s feelings?? like she knows that man is so down bad for her and aiden constantly proved time and time again that his interest in her was genuine and he only wants her and then she pushes him away bc her dumbass ex made some angry comments and then she throws “i think we should see other people” in his face?? and the way she got mad at him bc he was too “gentlemanly” bc he didn’t want their first time to be in the backseat of his truck. NOW GIRL WHY DID YOU THROW A HISSY FIT ABOUT HIM BEING A GENTLEMAN?? 🤡 give my man the respect he deserves or i’ll snatch him off you so FAST. the back and fourth between them and constantly making each other jealous got so exhausting.
aiden: aaa the most perfect cinnamon roll and golden retriever mmc, he was an absolute gem!! he has the biggest heart and is just so gentle and kind to everyone around him, but i hated how he constantly took the blame for EVERYONE. like when he took the blame for summer at the end made me so angry bc it was so stupid for him to do that and jeopardise his hockey career. but plss the way he was so soft for summer had me giggling n kicking my feet. he falls first and he falls HARD. aiden was so devoted to summer and even though she had a tough time opening up, he was patient with her and very attentive by giving her time and space to get in her touch with her feelings. he was honestly her biggest supporter, we love that. but mans was way too spineless!!! ain’t no way he constantly let summer treat him like shit and then would forgive her easily.
this book could’ve used so much more editing. the writing felt clunky, there were so many inconsistencies with the story and the characters backstories, the pacing was all over the place and the whole project thing was glossed over. like what did aiden contribute to her research?! i honestly don’t know what his whole purpose was bc it was never expanded on even tho that was the whole premise towards the plot. i wanted to see what data she was inputting towards her paper but it was pushed aside and it never rly got mentioned again.. and for a hockey romance there was barely any hockey lol.
despite my qualms, i did somewhat enjoy this book and the banter between summer and aiden and i also LOVE that there was no third act breakup. even tho this story kind of felt unoriginal and was very much predictable it was still a cute book and a good debut novel that was filled with a lot of lighthearted and cute, cheesy moments. i loved the diversity, but i honestly wish we got to see more of summer’s heritage bc it was never rly touched on or discussed much.
”summer is my sun, and i’m the simple planet revolving in her orbit."
this book was pretty decent tbh, i didn’t love it or hate it, i just feel very indifferent towards it. i love the whole premise of the book but it felt very much like icebreaker and the deal.. like mix both of those books together and you get this (but like icebreaker this book is like 100 pages too long) even tho it was a bit of a slow burn it did feel very insta-lovey and everyone knows that just isn’t my thing, i absolutely loathe that trope 🙄 like where was the characterisation and where was the developing feelings between the mcs?? it was an instant sexual attraction and idk why but it just pissed me off.
summer: for someone who “hates” hockey players she sure did hang out with them A LOT. and when she said she ended her friendship with kian once she found out he was a hockey player?? now girl, you are way too dramatic lmaoo. but what’s funny to me is that all of aiden’s friends act like they were already her bestie and had her number when she didn’t like these so called “hockey players” the math ain’t mathing. her reason for not liking them was also so dumb to me but anyway. but what drove me insane was her severe daddy issues omgg. it was constantly “my dad never loved me and abandoned me for his hockey career” but he was the one who CONSTANTLY reached out to her and she just ignores him, dismisses him and was just so mean to him even tho he was trying his best. i also hated how she was so dismissive of aiden’s feelings?? like she knows that man is so down bad for her and aiden constantly proved time and time again that his interest in her was genuine and he only wants her and then she pushes him away bc her dumbass ex made some angry comments and then she throws “i think we should see other people” in his face?? and the way she got mad at him bc he was too “gentlemanly” bc he didn’t want their first time to be in the backseat of his truck. NOW GIRL WHY DID YOU THROW A HISSY FIT ABOUT HIM BEING A GENTLEMAN?? 🤡 give my man the respect he deserves or i’ll snatch him off you so FAST. the back and fourth between them and constantly making each other jealous got so exhausting.
aiden: aaa the most perfect cinnamon roll and golden retriever mmc, he was an absolute gem!! he has the biggest heart and is just so gentle and kind to everyone around him, but i hated how he constantly took the blame for EVERYONE. like when he took the blame for summer at the end made me so angry bc it was so stupid for him to do that and jeopardise his hockey career. but plss the way he was so soft for summer had me giggling n kicking my feet. he falls first and he falls HARD. aiden was so devoted to summer and even though she had a tough time opening up, he was patient with her and very attentive by giving her time and space to get in her touch with her feelings. he was honestly her biggest supporter, we love that. but mans was way too spineless!!! ain’t no way he constantly let summer treat him like shit and then would forgive her easily.
this book could’ve used so much more editing. the writing felt clunky, there were so many inconsistencies with the story and the characters backstories, the pacing was all over the place and the whole project thing was glossed over. like what did aiden contribute to her research?! i honestly don’t know what his whole purpose was bc it was never expanded on even tho that was the whole premise towards the plot. i wanted to see what data she was inputting towards her paper but it was pushed aside and it never rly got mentioned again.. and for a hockey romance there was barely any hockey lol.
despite my qualms, i did somewhat enjoy this book and the banter between summer and aiden and i also LOVE that there was no third act breakup. even tho this story kind of felt unoriginal and was very much predictable it was still a cute book and a good debut novel that was filled with a lot of lighthearted and cute, cheesy moments. i loved the diversity, but i honestly wish we got to see more of summer’s heritage bc it was never rly touched on or discussed much.
June 29, 2024
ೃ⁀➷ 5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
AidenSummer were so perfect to meee kahdjd everything in this book just hit and made me feel like I was living on clouds 🤸🤸🤸
When ur physically screaming “THEYRE SO FUCKING CUTEEE 👹👹” the entire time ur reading their scenes it speaks VOLUMES. And especially coming from me bc I never vocalise irl hm im loving a book. But this? I was FORCED to show my appreciation in every sense of the word. It’s that good like I cannottttttt 🤭🦋💕💘💅💞🤸
Also if ur looking to this book for the plot ur gna be heavily disappointed. This is all romance/fluff and vibes no solid plot, there’s no standard structure to this, which is what I abs LOVE abt it. Idc I will take the MCs being cute and adorable over random tropes thrown in, which don’t even help the romance but are there just to please the reader.
It was so refreshing to read thisss I cannot express hm it made me giddy just to see what would happen next.
Their progression was chefs kiss. Every scene was there to show them overcoming little milestones in their relationship. I don’t think I could ever get tired of themmmm I didn’t want the book to end 😭
Summer Preston, my precious adorable pookie. I love that she knew her worth and stood up for herself. I love that she grew in this book from taking everything on alone to sharing the burden and allowing others to handle the load with her. I’m glad she got closure from whatever happened with her dad and that he wasn’t made out to be the 2D villain like almost every other book.
I love how when she goes all in she doesn’t hold back on reciprocating the affection.
Tyler and summer’s friendship was so 🥹🥹🥹 like the way he would be so soft w her and then start bickering like siblings ugh I want a Tyler rfn
AND THE WAY SHE EASILY INTEGRATED HERSELF INTO THE GROUP 💅💅💅 the GCs were fucking hilarioussss they’re all a bunch of clowns, especially Kian 🤣 (he gave Seth/gibsie vibes so hardddd) and they read some of her smutty books 🧚🏻
When the team had her back 🥹 it made me wanna just drop to the floor and clutch my chest bc it was painfully adorable 😩 Eli and Tyler are MY MEN. They are MINE.
Aiden Crawford, my hot sexy kind bf was such a golden retriever it literally broke my heart. Him being a dad to his entire hockey team 🥹🔫 and also him volunteering to teach kids how to play hockey 🥹🔫🔫🔫🔫
He’s the dilf I never knew I needed.
I love how he just sits there admiring how silky her hair is likeee pls that’s just too fucking quteeeee 🦋🦋
Sometimes the authors make the mmc’s say ‘I will do anything to keep u happy’ and then never make him follow thru or never put them in a position where he actually proves that BUT MISS KHABRA?? She has Aiden MF Crawford jumping thru fire and crawl up mountains for her. He makes mistakes but he GROVELS and he does it right 💅 He always puts her first and makes her his priority without fail. I just wanna hug him so fucking tight for the next 296384 years 😩💗💘💕💞🦋🧸
The way he’s so unapologetically himself and secure in what he feels has me gagged. He never questions how he feels but patiently waits for her to catch up LIKEEE 😭✋ he says all the right things to get my heart skidding and slipping into his hands 😣❤️🩹
And he’s so fucking funny pls their banter was TOP TIER. It had me laffing like a hyena on acid ✋
My cheeks are actually trembling from hm I’ve been giggling blushing grinning the entire book like stop being so fucking ADORABLE 😩
This has ALL the small moments you could ever want from a romance. Everything. The small pecks on the temple or jawline, the acts of service, the thoughtfulness, the cuddles, playing w each other's hair, watching “their” tv show, the hurt-comfort, him making a playlist for her ugh I wanna reread alr just recounting it 😭
AND THE SMUT IN THIS GOT ME 🤰🤰👩🍼
The way Summer gave back as good as she got 🤭🤭
The epilogue was so scrumptious my serotonin levels went 📈📈📈📈
All in all this book is gna be one I remember and cherish for the rest of my life. I cannot wait to see whose book is next in the series! (IT BETTER BE ELI OR TYLER👺)
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I ship TyAmara sfb. I love Eli but I want them to happennnnn 🤞🤞🤞
And Donny can go die in a ditch 🧚🏻
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Mr brand new — Donnell Shawn
RockYaBody — Donnell Shawn
Summer too hot — Chris brown
Musta heard — Charlie Wilson
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀: I have TOO MANY and this is only a fraction of what I’ve highlighted in the book but I just couldn’t help myself 🤭
♥︎ “What changed your mind?”
“Your desperation,”
“Pity? I’ll take it.” He beams.
♥︎ “So, you want to marry a robot.”
“I want to marry a stable man.”
“A stable man who probably can’t make you come.”
~THE GASP I JUST GUSPED
♥︎ “Last one in the pool has to pay for the other’s dinner,”
Just as I’m about to hop off the edge and dive into the pool, Aiden’s arm hooks around my waist, and we spin into the water, his back hitting it first. I’m engulfed in chlorine-treated water and him. When we break through the surface I’m still trapped against his hard body.
“I don’t lose, Preston,” he whispers against the shell of my ear.”
~SCREAMINGGGG
♥︎ A large hand encircles my arm and stops my rapid movements. Aiden pulls me in so we’re only a few inches apart. Concern is etched on his features. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
“Summer.”
~🥹🥹🥹
♥︎ “I haven’t talked to you all day. I’m thinking this punishment is a bit cruel,” I whisper against her ear.
She shifts to look at me. “Not talking to me is punishment?”
“The worst kind.”
~ nahhh I can’t take it anymore ✋
♥︎ Summer: Why are you in my room?
Aiden: Practice ended early. Amara let me in before she left.
Summer: Don’t touch my stuff, and definitely don’t look in any more drawers.
Aiden: Too late. You’re kinkier than I thought, Preston.
Aiden: And your bed is super comfy. I’m exhausted, I think I’ll take a nap.
Aiden: Naked.
~ILHSFMMM
♥︎ He made me tea.
Forest green eyes watch me. “Good?”
“It’s…it’s—yeah. It’s good.”
His eyes flicker, and the curve of his smile does something swirly to my chest before it starts to burn. Thought that might be the spoonful of cinnamon I just ingested.
~STOP ITTT WHY IS HE SO ADORABLE FOR MAKING HER THE MOST BITTER TEA 😭✋
♥︎ “Aiden, I’m not running with you.”
“Don’t. I’m just running the path over there,” he calls over his shoulder.
“That’s my path!”
“What a coincidence.”
I stare at his back. “You said you were exhausted.”
“Did I? I feel great.”
~STOP IT 😩😩
♥︎ “Now that you mention it, I wouldn’t mind a tip.”
“Come here and pull it out yourself.”
~ HAHAHAHHAHAHHA I WAS NOTTT EXPECTING HIM TO SAY THATTTT OMG IM LEGIT BLUSHING RN 🤭💞💕💗🤸♂️
♥︎ “So you came to the farthest library on campus?” she presses.
“Took me three tries.”
“For what?”
“To find this one.”
“The others didn’t have what you were looking for?”
I smile. “Not even close.”
~he’s so fucking perfect pls
♥︎ “Look at us, agreeing on something without bickering.”
“We did bicker.”
“That wasn’t bickering.”
“Yes, it was.”
“No—”
“We’re doing it right now!”
~haha I love themmmm
♥︎ “Are you incapable of having a normal conversation?”
“No, but I do like seeing you blush.”
“I do not blush,” she argues, blushing.
~🤭🤭🤭
♥︎ “I’m wherever you are, Summer.”
♥︎ It’s the tea my dad used to buy me, and there’s a note attached to the bottom.
For all those headaches I give you - A.
~lmaooo
♥︎ “Words, Summer. I need your words.”
~mouth open for this man
♥︎ “I need your words, Aiden.”
“Yes, Summer.”
~YES MAKE HIM BEG
♥︎ “You’ve been practicing?”
“Dylan’s been teaching me. Apparently, his mom loves chai.”
The thought of two hockey players hovering over a stove to make the perfect chai makes me smile. “Thank you.”
♥︎ He nods and leans in to kiss my forehead. Once, twice, three times. Each kiss causes a devastating flutter to erupt in my stomach.
♥︎ Aiden was carrying one of the kids on his shoulders as she proudly held up her medal. It was so ridiculously cute, I made it his contact picture.
♥︎ “Didn’t take you as someone who backs out of a challenge.”
“Seriously? You’re trying to reverse-psychology me into this.”
“I don’t think you can use that as a verb.”
~the way they’re using their subjects to take a jab at each other 😭
♥︎ “Your hair’s wet,” she whispers. Man, I love her fucking voice. I kiss the warm column of her throat up to her jaw. “Aiden.”
“Hmm?”
“You’re getting me wet.”
“I’d hope so.”
~HAHAH I LOVE THEMMM
♥︎ “Girls are like buttons—”
Coach clears his throat, cutting him off. “Ishida, what have I told you about gossiping in the weight room?”
~WUAHHAHAHAHHA IM DEDDD
♥︎ “You can pretend all you want, Summer, but we both know it’ll be me in the end.”
♥︎ “I forgot how much you feel like home.”
Home. She thinks I feel like home.
~brb gna go cry a river
♥︎ “Yeah, Summer was getting that vitamin A with a side of that D, if you know what I mea—ow!” Kian yelps when I elbow him.
~cryinggggg
♥︎ “So you’ve been reading my books?”
“Yup. I’m a big fan of the ones that have all the red tabs.”
~I cannottttt
♥︎ “You’re missing the view.”
He focuses on my face, and his smile makes my stomach dip. “No, I’m not.”
♥︎ His bright smile surfaces. “Can’t you see how lucky I am to have you?”
~ Stab me in the heart alr 😩✋
♥︎ “You and me, Preston. That’s the only way I want it.”
♥︎ “You can’t watch our show without me. We’ll have to figure out a schedule.”
“Can’t we just watch, then discuss it later?”
Her gasp startles me. “That is so sick and twisted. Of course we can’t do that!”
~Haha I love herrr
♥︎ I wipe a tear off her cheek. “Babe, the only time I want to see tears in your eyes is when I’m hitting the back of your throat.”
“How romantic,” she mutters, but her smile shines through.
“It made you smile, didn’t it?” Her eyes glisten, and I smile.
~I WANT HIM SFB
♥︎ “You and me, Crawford, that’s the only way I want it.”
♥︎ “I love you.” She scrunches her nose. “Like, a lot.”
“I love you, too, Preston. Like, a lot.”
♥︎ “When I hold her like this, I realize my entire world fits in my arms. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
♥︎ “Crawford,” I warn, using my favorite name for him in college.
His lips tip into a smirk. “Crawford,” he shoots back.
~giggling screaming blushingggg
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Icebreaker - Hannah Grace
Midnight kisses - Jeanine Benedict
Spring tide - Ki Stephens
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
We ate good 💅💅
***
No third act breakup? Let’s EATTTT
AidenSummer were so perfect to meee kahdjd everything in this book just hit and made me feel like I was living on clouds 🤸🤸🤸
When ur physically screaming “THEYRE SO FUCKING CUTEEE 👹👹” the entire time ur reading their scenes it speaks VOLUMES. And especially coming from me bc I never vocalise irl hm im loving a book. But this? I was FORCED to show my appreciation in every sense of the word. It’s that good like I cannottttttt 🤭🦋💕💘💅💞🤸
Also if ur looking to this book for the plot ur gna be heavily disappointed. This is all romance/fluff and vibes no solid plot, there’s no standard structure to this, which is what I abs LOVE abt it. Idc I will take the MCs being cute and adorable over random tropes thrown in, which don’t even help the romance but are there just to please the reader.
It was so refreshing to read thisss I cannot express hm it made me giddy just to see what would happen next.
Their progression was chefs kiss. Every scene was there to show them overcoming little milestones in their relationship. I don’t think I could ever get tired of themmmm I didn’t want the book to end 😭
Summer Preston, my precious adorable pookie. I love that she knew her worth and stood up for herself. I love that she grew in this book from taking everything on alone to sharing the burden and allowing others to handle the load with her. I’m glad she got closure from whatever happened with her dad and that he wasn’t made out to be the 2D villain like almost every other book.
I love how when she goes all in she doesn’t hold back on reciprocating the affection.
Tyler and summer’s friendship was so 🥹🥹🥹 like the way he would be so soft w her and then start bickering like siblings ugh I want a Tyler rfn
AND THE WAY SHE EASILY INTEGRATED HERSELF INTO THE GROUP 💅💅💅 the GCs were fucking hilarioussss they’re all a bunch of clowns, especially Kian 🤣 (he gave Seth/gibsie vibes so hardddd) and they read some of her smutty books 🧚🏻
When the team had her back 🥹 it made me wanna just drop to the floor and clutch my chest bc it was painfully adorable 😩 Eli and Tyler are MY MEN. They are MINE.
Aiden Crawford, my hot sexy kind bf was such a golden retriever it literally broke my heart. Him being a dad to his entire hockey team 🥹🔫 and also him volunteering to teach kids how to play hockey 🥹🔫🔫🔫🔫
He’s the dilf I never knew I needed.
I love how he just sits there admiring how silky her hair is likeee pls that’s just too fucking quteeeee 🦋🦋
Sometimes the authors make the mmc’s say ‘I will do anything to keep u happy’ and then never make him follow thru or never put them in a position where he actually proves that BUT MISS KHABRA?? She has Aiden MF Crawford jumping thru fire and crawl up mountains for her. He makes mistakes but he GROVELS and he does it right 💅 He always puts her first and makes her his priority without fail. I just wanna hug him so fucking tight for the next 296384 years 😩💗💘💕💞🦋🧸
The way he’s so unapologetically himself and secure in what he feels has me gagged. He never questions how he feels but patiently waits for her to catch up LIKEEE 😭✋ he says all the right things to get my heart skidding and slipping into his hands 😣❤️🩹
And he’s so fucking funny pls their banter was TOP TIER. It had me laffing like a hyena on acid ✋
My cheeks are actually trembling from hm I’ve been giggling blushing grinning the entire book like stop being so fucking ADORABLE 😩
This has ALL the small moments you could ever want from a romance. Everything. The small pecks on the temple or jawline, the acts of service, the thoughtfulness, the cuddles, playing w each other's hair, watching “their” tv show, the hurt-comfort, him making a playlist for her ugh I wanna reread alr just recounting it 😭
AND THE SMUT IN THIS GOT ME 🤰🤰👩🍼
The way Summer gave back as good as she got 🤭🤭
The epilogue was so scrumptious my serotonin levels went 📈📈📈📈
All in all this book is gna be one I remember and cherish for the rest of my life. I cannot wait to see whose book is next in the series! (IT BETTER BE ELI OR TYLER👺)
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I ship TyAmara sfb. I love Eli but I want them to happennnnn 🤞🤞🤞
And Donny can go die in a ditch 🧚🏻
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Mr brand new — Donnell Shawn
RockYaBody — Donnell Shawn
Summer too hot — Chris brown
Musta heard — Charlie Wilson
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀: I have TOO MANY and this is only a fraction of what I’ve highlighted in the book but I just couldn’t help myself 🤭
♥︎ “What changed your mind?”
“Your desperation,”
“Pity? I’ll take it.” He beams.
♥︎ “So, you want to marry a robot.”
“I want to marry a stable man.”
“A stable man who probably can’t make you come.”
~THE GASP I JUST GUSPED
♥︎ “Last one in the pool has to pay for the other’s dinner,”
Just as I’m about to hop off the edge and dive into the pool, Aiden’s arm hooks around my waist, and we spin into the water, his back hitting it first. I’m engulfed in chlorine-treated water and him. When we break through the surface I’m still trapped against his hard body.
“I don’t lose, Preston,” he whispers against the shell of my ear.”
~SCREAMINGGGG
♥︎ A large hand encircles my arm and stops my rapid movements. Aiden pulls me in so we’re only a few inches apart. Concern is etched on his features. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
“Summer.”
~🥹🥹🥹
♥︎ “I haven’t talked to you all day. I’m thinking this punishment is a bit cruel,” I whisper against her ear.
She shifts to look at me. “Not talking to me is punishment?”
“The worst kind.”
~ nahhh I can’t take it anymore ✋
♥︎ Summer: Why are you in my room?
Aiden: Practice ended early. Amara let me in before she left.
Summer: Don’t touch my stuff, and definitely don’t look in any more drawers.
Aiden: Too late. You’re kinkier than I thought, Preston.
Aiden: And your bed is super comfy. I’m exhausted, I think I’ll take a nap.
Aiden: Naked.
~ILHSFMMM
♥︎ He made me tea.
Forest green eyes watch me. “Good?”
“It’s…it’s—yeah. It’s good.”
His eyes flicker, and the curve of his smile does something swirly to my chest before it starts to burn. Thought that might be the spoonful of cinnamon I just ingested.
~STOP ITTT WHY IS HE SO ADORABLE FOR MAKING HER THE MOST BITTER TEA 😭✋
♥︎ “Aiden, I’m not running with you.”
“Don’t. I’m just running the path over there,” he calls over his shoulder.
“That’s my path!”
“What a coincidence.”
I stare at his back. “You said you were exhausted.”
“Did I? I feel great.”
~STOP IT 😩😩
♥︎ “Now that you mention it, I wouldn’t mind a tip.”
“Come here and pull it out yourself.”
~ HAHAHAHHAHAHHA I WAS NOTTT EXPECTING HIM TO SAY THATTTT OMG IM LEGIT BLUSHING RN 🤭💞💕💗🤸♂️
♥︎ “So you came to the farthest library on campus?” she presses.
“Took me three tries.”
“For what?”
“To find this one.”
“The others didn’t have what you were looking for?”
I smile. “Not even close.”
~he’s so fucking perfect pls
♥︎ “Look at us, agreeing on something without bickering.”
“We did bicker.”
“That wasn’t bickering.”
“Yes, it was.”
“No—”
“We’re doing it right now!”
~haha I love themmmm
♥︎ “Are you incapable of having a normal conversation?”
“No, but I do like seeing you blush.”
“I do not blush,” she argues, blushing.
~🤭🤭🤭
♥︎ “I’m wherever you are, Summer.”
♥︎ It’s the tea my dad used to buy me, and there’s a note attached to the bottom.
For all those headaches I give you - A.
~lmaooo
♥︎ “Words, Summer. I need your words.”
~mouth open for this man
♥︎ “I need your words, Aiden.”
“Yes, Summer.”
~YES MAKE HIM BEG
♥︎ “You’ve been practicing?”
“Dylan’s been teaching me. Apparently, his mom loves chai.”
The thought of two hockey players hovering over a stove to make the perfect chai makes me smile. “Thank you.”
♥︎ He nods and leans in to kiss my forehead. Once, twice, three times. Each kiss causes a devastating flutter to erupt in my stomach.
♥︎ Aiden was carrying one of the kids on his shoulders as she proudly held up her medal. It was so ridiculously cute, I made it his contact picture.
♥︎ “Didn’t take you as someone who backs out of a challenge.”
“Seriously? You’re trying to reverse-psychology me into this.”
“I don’t think you can use that as a verb.”
~the way they’re using their subjects to take a jab at each other 😭
♥︎ “Your hair’s wet,” she whispers. Man, I love her fucking voice. I kiss the warm column of her throat up to her jaw. “Aiden.”
“Hmm?”
“You’re getting me wet.”
“I’d hope so.”
~HAHAH I LOVE THEMMM
♥︎ “Girls are like buttons—”
Coach clears his throat, cutting him off. “Ishida, what have I told you about gossiping in the weight room?”
~WUAHHAHAHAHHA IM DEDDD
♥︎ “You can pretend all you want, Summer, but we both know it’ll be me in the end.”
♥︎ “I forgot how much you feel like home.”
Home. She thinks I feel like home.
~brb gna go cry a river
♥︎ “Yeah, Summer was getting that vitamin A with a side of that D, if you know what I mea—ow!” Kian yelps when I elbow him.
~cryinggggg
♥︎ “So you’ve been reading my books?”
“Yup. I’m a big fan of the ones that have all the red tabs.”
~I cannottttt
♥︎ “You’re missing the view.”
He focuses on my face, and his smile makes my stomach dip. “No, I’m not.”
♥︎ His bright smile surfaces. “Can’t you see how lucky I am to have you?”
~ Stab me in the heart alr 😩✋
♥︎ “You and me, Preston. That’s the only way I want it.”
♥︎ “You can’t watch our show without me. We’ll have to figure out a schedule.”
“Can’t we just watch, then discuss it later?”
Her gasp startles me. “That is so sick and twisted. Of course we can’t do that!”
~Haha I love herrr
♥︎ I wipe a tear off her cheek. “Babe, the only time I want to see tears in your eyes is when I’m hitting the back of your throat.”
“How romantic,” she mutters, but her smile shines through.
“It made you smile, didn’t it?” Her eyes glisten, and I smile.
~I WANT HIM SFB
♥︎ “You and me, Crawford, that’s the only way I want it.”
♥︎ “I love you.” She scrunches her nose. “Like, a lot.”
“I love you, too, Preston. Like, a lot.”
♥︎ “When I hold her like this, I realize my entire world fits in my arms. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
♥︎ “Crawford,” I warn, using my favorite name for him in college.
His lips tip into a smirk. “Crawford,” he shoots back.
~giggling screaming blushingggg
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Icebreaker - Hannah Grace
Midnight kisses - Jeanine Benedict
Spring tide - Ki Stephens
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
We ate good 💅💅
***
No third act breakup? Let’s EATTTT
Want to read
September 27, 2023it looks like icebreaker 2.0 so i hope it’s not actually icebreaker 2.0💀
September 29, 2023
i hate when men 😕
July 15, 2024
⁀➷ ★.5
🩰
This was icebreaker 2.0….
So basically my worst nightmare!
*ೃ༄ God how do I say this nicely. This book was…. boring. Like really really fucking dull. Dry as fucking dust. Like I would much rather watch slow drying paint dry, type boring. The plot is basically the same as every other cookie cutter hockey romance, but with even more monotonous, toneless, flat characters it would put post season 3 Riverdale to shame. But hey, as wacky as is, at least shit happened in Riverdale.
And don’t even get me started on the writing 😧- OH MY GOD! There’s something about it that was soo jarring it was driving me insaneee, like I was THIS CLOSE to shoving a needle in my eye!
*ೃ༄ Ms Summer Preston was a big pessimistic, overly ambitious, hateful, spiteful bitch. (Relatable bc those are my only personality traits too🤧) Now these qualities makes me love, adore and root for female characters and I would’ve liked her somewhat if she wasn’t so fucking immature! This girl was breaking up friendships bc what? They played fucking hockey? Grow up omg! And the whole reason is bc her dad was a hockey player and she doesn’t like him? Girl whatever 🙄, I like petty but this is stupidity.
The author could’ve made her angry, and angsty and complex by showing how her daddy issues affected her and how it impacted others around her but no. She just had to be boring, annoying, and lowkey hypocritical.
*ೃ༄ Aiden Crawford? He has the same energy as unseasoned, white chicken. Mashed potatoes with no pepper. Smooth unsalted butter. Boiled carrots. PLAIN, FLAVOURLESS AND BORING! LIKE Go girl! Give us nothing! Now I def think that we need more nice, mature golden retriever characters in literature- but not like this. Also the author at the start tried so hard to make him into some sort of ‘player’ at the start, didn’t work. (Also he lowkey looks like a mix of Dream and young gravy in my head which I don’t think helps my opinion)
*ೃ༄ Did not give a fuck about the background characters. In fact if you held me at 🔪 point and asked me to name them, tell my family goodbye.
*ೃ༄ Now you might all be thinking, “Gosh Addie, you’re such a bitch this wasn’t that bad, why are you so extreme?” You’re right I’m sorry, because I actually don’t have that strong of a dislike for this drab book like I have for otherslike icebreaker. Apart from the weird writing style and a bit of a pacing issue, this book has no other valid criticisms except that I just didn’t like it. I think it was so dull and forgettable and wasted my time (yes ik it’s my own fault for the last one 🙄). In fact I can literally just feel everything I read in the last 3 hrs just wipe away and soon it’ll no longer be attached to my last 5 braincells.
*ೃ༄ Do I think they’ll end up together? Noo sorry. I give them a year at most before they get into a major argument, probably initiated by Summer and held in a car park, and Aiden screams that they should break up and Summer screams FINE and storms off to her car leaving him stranded. They never really speak again after that. Aiden’s next girlfriend is either a blonde girl with curly hair that’s in law school, wears those flower claw clips and likes to travel or a dark skin woc with long straight brown hair, who’s a rich city girl with daddy’s money, is in STEM and a pink Pilates princess. Idk who Summer ends up with but she def ends up in a suburban 4 bedroom house and when her kids point at Aiden in old photos asking who’s that she’ll reply “oh that’s just my college bf, he was a cutie.”
✦ Google synonyms for ‘uninteresting’ and ‘forgettable’.
🩰
This was icebreaker 2.0….
So basically my worst nightmare!
*ೃ༄ God how do I say this nicely. This book was…. boring. Like really really fucking dull. Dry as fucking dust. Like I would much rather watch slow drying paint dry, type boring. The plot is basically the same as every other cookie cutter hockey romance, but with even more monotonous, toneless, flat characters it would put post season 3 Riverdale to shame. But hey, as wacky as is, at least shit happened in Riverdale.
And don’t even get me started on the writing 😧- OH MY GOD! There’s something about it that was soo jarring it was driving me insaneee, like I was THIS CLOSE to shoving a needle in my eye!
*ೃ༄ Ms Summer Preston was a big pessimistic, overly ambitious, hateful, spiteful bitch. (Relatable bc those are my only personality traits too🤧) Now these qualities makes me love, adore and root for female characters and I would’ve liked her somewhat if she wasn’t so fucking immature! This girl was breaking up friendships bc what? They played fucking hockey? Grow up omg! And the whole reason is bc her dad was a hockey player and she doesn’t like him? Girl whatever 🙄, I like petty but this is stupidity.
The author could’ve made her angry, and angsty and complex by showing how her daddy issues affected her and how it impacted others around her but no. She just had to be boring, annoying, and lowkey hypocritical.
*ೃ༄ Aiden Crawford? He has the same energy as unseasoned, white chicken. Mashed potatoes with no pepper. Smooth unsalted butter. Boiled carrots. PLAIN, FLAVOURLESS AND BORING! LIKE Go girl! Give us nothing! Now I def think that we need more nice, mature golden retriever characters in literature- but not like this. Also the author at the start tried so hard to make him into some sort of ‘player’ at the start, didn’t work. (Also he lowkey looks like a mix of Dream and young gravy in my head which I don’t think helps my opinion)
*ೃ༄ Did not give a fuck about the background characters. In fact if you held me at 🔪 point and asked me to name them, tell my family goodbye.
*ೃ༄ Now you might all be thinking, “Gosh Addie, you’re such a bitch this wasn’t that bad, why are you so extreme?” You’re right I’m sorry, because I actually don’t have that strong of a dislike for this drab book like I have for others
*ೃ༄ Do I think they’ll end up together? Noo sorry. I give them a year at most before they get into a major argument, probably initiated by Summer and held in a car park, and Aiden screams that they should break up and Summer screams FINE and storms off to her car leaving him stranded. They never really speak again after that. Aiden’s next girlfriend is either a blonde girl with curly hair that’s in law school, wears those flower claw clips and likes to travel or a dark skin woc with long straight brown hair, who’s a rich city girl with daddy’s money, is in STEM and a pink Pilates princess. Idk who Summer ends up with but she def ends up in a suburban 4 bedroom house and when her kids point at Aiden in old photos asking who’s that she’ll reply “oh that’s just my college bf, he was a cutie.”
✦ Google synonyms for ‘uninteresting’ and ‘forgettable’.
May 21, 2024
THIS WAS SO CUTE!!! I REALLY ENJOYED IT💗
rtc
rtc
October 10, 2023
•✿•➳2✫
yeah, this one is not for me....
First of all, why is this so long when the plot basically ended at 30% of the story? I feel like it needs more editing, and the story can be cut down to only 200 pages.
Aiden; he started it wrong for me when he opened his pov with him in bed with another woman😶
Summer; gosh, she's annoying😭😭😭😭 She's so emotionally immature, I'm so frustrated with her, and the reason she hates hockey is so stupid. At first I thought she fell on the ice and broke her head or something if that happened I would understand the trauma🥲
The friends with benefit thing, and the denial is stressing the hell out of me. There's nothing interesting going on and the story is just bland. It feels like so many things happen but it just ends so abruptly. The pace is so all over the place and so unorganised. I was basically just bored after the 30% in and just skimmed till the end😵💫
People said if you like icebreaker you would like this.. well I should've listened 😀👍🏼
yeah, this one is not for me....
First of all, why is this so long when the plot basically ended at 30% of the story? I feel like it needs more editing, and the story can be cut down to only 200 pages.
Aiden; he started it wrong for me when he opened his pov with him in bed with another woman😶
Summer; gosh, she's annoying😭😭😭😭 She's so emotionally immature, I'm so frustrated with her, and the reason she hates hockey is so stupid. At first I thought she fell on the ice and broke her head or something if that happened I would understand the trauma🥲
The friends with benefit thing, and the denial is stressing the hell out of me. There's nothing interesting going on and the story is just bland. It feels like so many things happen but it just ends so abruptly. The pace is so all over the place and so unorganised. I was basically just bored after the 30% in and just skimmed till the end😵💫
People said if you like icebreaker you would like this.. well I should've listened 😀👍🏼
Want to read
August 8, 2024Imagine getting Icebreaker, the deal, blindside's mixture 💀
July 18, 2024
4.5 stars
“Well then, let me make it really clear, Summer. You could strip me of every championship and every award I’ve ever earned, but if I had you none of it would matter.”
This book was very similar to Icebreaker, so if you loved that book, you'll absolutely devour this book. We even get out own version of Aaron in the form of Donny Rai. I personally dnf'd Icebreaker lmao but this being 4.5 stars for me says a lot.
✅ Hockey Romance
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Friends/Enemies with benefits (she hates him)
✅ Black cat x Golden Retriever
✅ Slow Dancing by his car
✅ Rainy love confessions
Summer : Summer is a psych student and I personally related a lot to her with all the study pressure and how big of a headache writing research papers, reports, conducting interviews, organizing campaigns and all that stuff can be. I'm just waiting for the day when I also get to co-work with a hot hockey team captain 😋😋
But otherwise, her character wasn't as appealing or likeable but yes one thing I liked about her is she knew how to stand up for herself and never hesitated to say whatever the hell was on her mind. The chemistry and tension between the two mcs was so intense, you could cut it with a knife.
Aiden: Sir, you should be in jail right now because it's criminal of you to raise my expectations so high. When I tell you, this guy was perfect, I MEAN THIS GUY WAS PERFECT. He was so caring and thoughtful but also a bit possessive and would do anything for her. It's just jgjsakfhdsskd I'm in love. I need this guy. He is so cute and goes overboard and does all these things for her aah 😩😩
(As an apology to her, he wanted to buy her flowers and accidentally bought funeral flowers, but otherwise he's perfect).
Other characters: The thing I love the most about reading sports romance is reading about the team and their friendship. And the personalities of all the team members were so different but so perfect and I loved how they would do anything for Summer. She and the guys even have a separate group chat where they talk and joke about the Captain aka Aiden 😂😂🤭
Overall, I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did but this was so cute and if you're looking for a light heart rom com or a series breaker, this one is perfect for you!
***
The microtropes being slow dance by his car, rainy love confessions and she's a psych student??? I'M SOLD 😍😍
“Well then, let me make it really clear, Summer. You could strip me of every championship and every award I’ve ever earned, but if I had you none of it would matter.”
This book was very similar to Icebreaker, so if you loved that book, you'll absolutely devour this book. We even get out own version of Aaron in the form of Donny Rai. I personally dnf'd Icebreaker lmao but this being 4.5 stars for me says a lot.
✅ Hockey Romance
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Friends/Enemies with benefits (she hates him)
✅ Black cat x Golden Retriever
✅ Slow Dancing by his car
✅ Rainy love confessions
Summer : Summer is a psych student and I personally related a lot to her with all the study pressure and how big of a headache writing research papers, reports, conducting interviews, organizing campaigns and all that stuff can be. I'm just waiting for the day when I also get to co-work with a hot hockey team captain 😋😋
But otherwise, her character wasn't as appealing or likeable but yes one thing I liked about her is she knew how to stand up for herself and never hesitated to say whatever the hell was on her mind. The chemistry and tension between the two mcs was so intense, you could cut it with a knife.
Aiden: Sir, you should be in jail right now because it's criminal of you to raise my expectations so high. When I tell you, this guy was perfect, I MEAN THIS GUY WAS PERFECT. He was so caring and thoughtful but also a bit possessive and would do anything for her. It's just jgjsakfhdsskd I'm in love. I need this guy. He is so cute and goes overboard and does all these things for her aah 😩😩
(As an apology to her, he wanted to buy her flowers and accidentally bought funeral flowers, but otherwise he's perfect).
Other characters: The thing I love the most about reading sports romance is reading about the team and their friendship. And the personalities of all the team members were so different but so perfect and I loved how they would do anything for Summer. She and the guys even have a separate group chat where they talk and joke about the Captain aka Aiden 😂😂🤭
Overall, I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did but this was so cute and if you're looking for a light heart rom com or a series breaker, this one is perfect for you!
***
The microtropes being slow dance by his car, rainy love confessions and she's a psych student??? I'M SOLD 😍😍
June 22, 2024
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!*
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
❝Who are you and what have you done with Summer?❞
❝She fell in love.❞
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Alexa... play Streets by Doja Cat
0:00 ♡──────── -3:48
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
"Cause you're a one in a million, there ain't no man like you"
"Everything about her feels like it's one in a million. Being able to be this close to her makes me feel like I'm one in a million."
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
જ*⁀➷Includes:
જ*⁀➷Summary In the Form of a Quote
❝Her five year plan has been thoroughly dismantled, but mine has just begun, and she is its focal point. Summer is my sun, and I'm the simple planet revolving in her orbit.❞
જ*⁀➷Themes
જ*⁀➷Characters
Summer
It sometimes surprises me when I read new adult books and the main characters are actually interesting. Like, Summer had a backstory, she had actual feelings and thoughts I could relate to, and she didn't annoy me at all (except when she was supposed to). She wasn't a pick me (Autumn, I'm GLARING at you) and her chapters were actually entertaining. But in contrast, she wasn't anything special either. If I'm being honest, she was just kinda meh, but not in any type of bad way!
"She makes a face. 'You're nauseatingly perfect. I think I really like you.'"
Aiden
AHHH this MAN!! 🤭
Now, if we're talking perfection that's basically the best way to describe him. He was sweet, thoughtful, caring, and just so amazing. He quite literally made me kick my feet and giggle every time he opened his mouth. WHERE CAN I GET ME AN AIDEN CRAWFORD???
"What happened to never losing?"
"I'm fine with it if you're the one winning."
Kian
HONORABLE MENTION TO MY BABY KIAN!!!
His roommates were actually so mean to him throughout this whole book, with creating a separate group chat, to telling him to shut up every time he opened his mouth...
LET HIM BREATHE
And he was so nice too!!
Justice for Kian!!
"Hey, you never told me what it was like."
"What?"
"Being dropped on your head as a child."
LEAVE HIM BE 😭😭
જ*⁀➷Plot
"I forgot how much you feel like home." 🤭🤭🤭
જ*⁀➷Quotes
જ*⁀➷Rating
Characters: 4.25/5 ⭐
Plot: 4/5 ⭐
Quotes: 5/5 ⭐
Ending: 4/5 ⭐
Overall: 4.30/5 🌟 (Rounded down)
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
❝I love you. Like, a lot.❞
❝I love you, too, Preston. Like, a lot.❞
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
pre-read
My second arc!! Thank you netgalley <3
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
pre-review
i have mixed emotions
it was good
but it was also bad
review to come? (someday soon, i swear)
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
❝Who are you and what have you done with Summer?❞
❝She fell in love.❞
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Alexa... play Streets by Doja Cat
0:00 ♡──────── -3:48
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
"Cause you're a one in a million, there ain't no man like you"
"Everything about her feels like it's one in a million. Being able to be this close to her makes me feel like I'm one in a million."
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
જ*⁀➷Includes:
➵enemies to friends with benefits to lovers
➵forced proximity
➵sworn off relationship
➵rejected as unworthy by parent
➵grumpy x sunshine
➵smut
જ*⁀➷Summary In the Form of a Quote
❝Her five year plan has been thoroughly dismantled, but mine has just begun, and she is its focal point. Summer is my sun, and I'm the simple planet revolving in her orbit.❞
જ*⁀➷Themes
Unexpected love can arise from the ashes of ruined plans.
Love sometimes comes when we least expect it.
જ*⁀➷Characters
Summer
It sometimes surprises me when I read new adult books and the main characters are actually interesting. Like, Summer had a backstory, she had actual feelings and thoughts I could relate to, and she didn't annoy me at all (except when she was supposed to). She wasn't a pick me (Autumn, I'm GLARING at you) and her chapters were actually entertaining. But in contrast, she wasn't anything special either. If I'm being honest, she was just kinda meh, but not in any type of bad way!
"She makes a face. 'You're nauseatingly perfect. I think I really like you.'"
Aiden
AHHH this MAN!! 🤭
Now, if we're talking perfection that's basically the best way to describe him. He was sweet, thoughtful, caring, and just so amazing. He quite literally made me kick my feet and giggle every time he opened his mouth. WHERE CAN I GET ME AN AIDEN CRAWFORD???
"What happened to never losing?"
"I'm fine with it if you're the one winning."
Kian
HONORABLE MENTION TO MY BABY KIAN!!!
His roommates were actually so mean to him throughout this whole book, with creating a separate group chat, to telling him to shut up every time he opened his mouth...
LET HIM BREATHE
And he was so nice too!!
Justice for Kian!!
"Hey, you never told me what it was like."
"What?"
"Being dropped on your head as a child."
LEAVE HIM BE 😭😭
જ*⁀➷Plot
I was fairly surprised with this one! I expected it to be fully stocked with smut, but it honestly wasn't! The smut itself didn't even start until about the 20% mark, and the last 50% was smut free. This book mainly focused on growing Aiden and Summer's relationship in an emotional way instead of physical, which was really surprising and I really appreciated it! They had so many cute moments oh my lord! 🤭
"I forgot how much you feel like home." 🤭🤭🤭
જ*⁀➷Quotes
🌷"Well, you said it's your favorite thing. If it makes you happy I'd do it."
🌷She adds the latter suggestion purposely, but her smile is so pretty I have a hard time focusing on anything else.
🌷It's her sated smile when she drops her forehead to mine that cracks my chest wide open.
🌷He nods and leans in to kiss my forehead. Once, twice, three times. Each kiss causes a devastating flutter to erupt in my stomach.
🌷This girl is fucking sunshine embodied, and she has no clue.
🌷Because that is what Aiden does-he makes me feel safe even in moments where I've never felt more alone.
🌷"I can't understand how someone so fucking amazing is bound up into one human being. You make everything so much brighter, Summer, and it drives me crazy that you can't see that."
🌷"You make it sound like I'm perfect."
"To me you are. You're beautiful, strong, kind, and so deserving of love that I hope I can prove it to you in this lifetime. Because that's how overwhelmingly perfect you are to me."
🌷This fucking guy. He's ridiculously attractive and sweet. I didn't stand a chance.
🌷"Of course you would say something like that. You just had to be everything I wanted."
🌷Never did he make my feelings seem less than because of his own experience. No one has ever understood me like he does.
જ*⁀➷Rating
Characters: 4.25/5 ⭐
Plot: 4/5 ⭐
Quotes: 5/5 ⭐
Ending: 4/5 ⭐
Overall: 4.30/5 🌟 (Rounded down)
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
❝I love you. Like, a lot.❞
❝I love you, too, Preston. Like, a lot.❞
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
pre-read
My second arc!! Thank you netgalley <3
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
pre-review
i have mixed emotions
it was good
but it was also bad
review to come? (someday soon, i swear)
September 29, 2023
someone said “the smut is smutting” and that’s why i gave 5 stars even without reading the damn thing
October 16, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐
3/5 spice 🔥
“I forgot how much you feel like home.”
Home. She thinks I feel like home.
Books that sound like Taylor Swift songs>>>>
If you LOVED Icebreaker and The Deal this book is their child. I could guarantee you'd love this one too.
This was a very light-hearted read, exactly what I was looking for. The FLUFF? THE SMUT? THEIR BANTER HAD ME BY THROAT 😭 IT WAS SO GOOD. It was so funny, my cheeks hurt from their banter and I BLUSHED AND GIGGLED SO HARD AT EVERYTHING THEY SAID ESPECIALLY AIDEN🧎♀️😭
SummerI love her simply. Cz she would do things that would literally define me 😭. I loved her character development sfm, the easy people pleaser, never gonna date a hockey athlete, miss got it all planned-out girl she was in the beginning of the book. To becoming a literal queen. And FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE CAPTAIN OF HOCKEY ✋🤌
Her favorite sweet dish is Gulab jamun🧎🏽♀️Her daddy issues were on point. I hated how he made her feel like that. But I liked how things were handled when the conflict between her and her dad happened. I am so proud of her 🥹
Her friend Amara WAS SO GOOD I LOVE HER. SHE IS MA BITCH.
KAHSKSJDMDN The way Summer got all the boys around her finger✋. Eli and Kian babe I'm looking at you guys.
AIDEN I WANT HIM. Seriously where can I find these sweet-hearted hockey players😭 CZ I AM IN DESPERATE NEED of them! He is the most perfect DILF. How can he be so perfect? How does he know to say the MOST HEART MELTING THINGS AND DO THEM AT THE RIGHT TIME!?!?! He groveled, he teased her and his sweet smile. It's the care he does for summer that makes me want to jump off a building.
He was such a cutie patootie. Asshole at first but such a romantic after. HE WAS SO SWEET AND CARING AND SUCH A GOOD FRIEND/BOYFRIEND 😭.
I loved loved loved how their relationship developed so much. At first, it was light enemies but then Summer made this man grovel, LITERALLY CRAWL ON HIS KNEES to get her attention. Damn if I wasn’t giggling so hard at his groveling because it was done so well. He was the sunshine and Summer was the grumpy one🥹
She placed a Bratz bandage on his cheek and he didn’t take it off for like a week✋. Seriously where can I find him?
This has ALL the small moments you could ever want from a romance. Everything. Cz most of the time we just see the main characters either fucking fighting or just bantering. But this book showed all those sweet and small parts of romance I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED AND NOW I CRAVE THEM!
All those side characters felt like a big hug. I love found family trope sfm and in this book, it was done so well. The banter and the love between Kian (am obsessed with him), Tyler, Dylan, and Eli were JUST SO GOOD IT MADE ME CRY CZ I WANT IT ALL SO BADLY!!! Like they were her partners in every crime🤌. How they teased, embarrassed, and loved the shit out of Summer it was ✨GOLD✨
The smut… it was smutting *drops mike*
That epilogue was after nine years AND IT MADE ME TEAR. I mean the whole book didn’t just the epilogue was so sweet and so warm😭🤌
I need the next book in the series. IDC if its Kian's or Eli's or Tyler's i JUST NEED IT😭
Donny i hate you sm. Go rot in hell! What you did was just so disgusting and i am so glad you go caught you mf🗡️
~Quotes~
-Aiden has the same mesmerizing eyes. Eyes that make you forget your words until you make a conscious effort to remember them again. Eyes that tell you with just one look how pure the soul behind them is. He has them, and I hate that he does. Even more, I hate that I notice.
-It’s her sated smile when she drops her forehead to mine that cracks my chest wide open.
---OW😭🥹
-Summer: Why are you in my room?
Aiden: Practice ended early. Amara let me in before she left.
Summer: Don’t touch my stuff, and definitely don’t look in any more drawers.
Aiden: Too late. You’re kinkier than I thought, Preston.
Aiden: And your bed is super comfy. I’m exhausted, I think I’ll take a nap.
Aiden: Naked.
-Aiden: Kian’s still sulking over Cassie?
Eli: Poor kid saw her on a date with Julia Romero. An ice skater.
Eli: He’s been listening to Folklore on repeat, and watching The Cutting Edge.
--PLS KIAN IS SO DRAMATIC HDJLASKA
-“Girls are like buttons—”
Coach clears his throat, cutting him off. “Ishida, what have I told you about gossiping in the weight room?”
-“Yeah, Summer was getting that vitamin A with a side of that D, if you know what I mea—ow!” Kian yelps when I elbow him.
---LMFAO
-I take a cautious step into his office. “Have you tried talking to him about reducing my community service hours?” He finally meets my eyes and the wrinkles on his forehead deepen. “Of course. I asked him at our sleepover after we giggled about our crushes.”
--WHY ARE COCHES SO FUNNY!?
-“There’s a reason we skate on ice, Summer. If I wanted to wear sneakers and walk in the woods, I would be a serial killer,” argues Dylan.
-aidencrawford: I see you’ve reconsidered your stance on following athletes.
summerluvin: Temporarily. But I have to say, I’m disappointed.
aidencrawford: And why’s that?
summerluvin: No nude cereal box ad. Unfollowing.
aidencrawford: I’ll do a private one just for you. Can’t afford to upset a fan.
summerluvin: pass.
-- THEIR TEXTS WERE EVERYTHING
-“I’ll use teeth, Crawford,” she threatens. That draws a laugh out of me. “Nah, you won’t injure your favorite little man.” “You did not just refer to it as that.” “What do you prefer I call it? My hockey sti—”
--😂
The words process slowly in my brain. “You and Kian are buddy-reading a romance book?”
“What? Men can’t read romance? Selfish of you to deprive us of this gold mine of information. Aiden, you gotta read one too, she’s onto something.”
“I have.”
That shocks the hell out of me. “When?”
“Babe, you fall asleep twenty minutes into every movie, and you made me promise not to watch them without you. I gotta do something to keep occupied.”
“So you’ve been reading my books?”
“Yup. I’m a big fan of the ones that have all the red tabs.”
--- SCREAMINGSHJDAHAD
_________
THAT EPILOGUE OMG I am crying 😭😭
----------------
Dropping everything to read this cz Iqra loved it and said it gave Icebreaker vibes ✋😗
3/5 spice 🔥
“I forgot how much you feel like home.”
Home. She thinks I feel like home.
Books that sound like Taylor Swift songs>>>>
If you LOVED Icebreaker and The Deal this book is their child. I could guarantee you'd love this one too.
This was a very light-hearted read, exactly what I was looking for. The FLUFF? THE SMUT? THEIR BANTER HAD ME BY THROAT 😭 IT WAS SO GOOD. It was so funny, my cheeks hurt from their banter and I BLUSHED AND GIGGLED SO HARD AT EVERYTHING THEY SAID ESPECIALLY AIDEN🧎♀️😭
SummerI love her simply. Cz she would do things that would literally define me 😭. I loved her character development sfm, the easy people pleaser, never gonna date a hockey athlete, miss got it all planned-out girl she was in the beginning of the book. To becoming a literal queen. And FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE CAPTAIN OF HOCKEY ✋🤌
Her favorite sweet dish is Gulab jamun🧎🏽♀️Her daddy issues were on point. I hated how he made her feel like that. But I liked how things were handled when the conflict between her and her dad happened. I am so proud of her 🥹
Her friend Amara WAS SO GOOD I LOVE HER. SHE IS MA BITCH.
KAHSKSJDMDN The way Summer got all the boys around her finger✋. Eli and Kian babe I'm looking at you guys.
.
Aiden. Any place that made you who you are has to be the closest thing to heaven on earth.”
AIDEN I WANT HIM. Seriously where can I find these sweet-hearted hockey players😭 CZ I AM IN DESPERATE NEED of them! He is the most perfect DILF. How can he be so perfect? How does he know to say the MOST HEART MELTING THINGS AND DO THEM AT THE RIGHT TIME!?!?! He groveled, he teased her and his sweet smile. It's the care he does for summer that makes me want to jump off a building.
He was such a cutie patootie. Asshole at first but such a romantic after. HE WAS SO SWEET AND CARING AND SUCH A GOOD FRIEND/BOYFRIEND 😭.
“You have a sex playlist?” He appears unfazed. “Of course. Some girls are quiet.” “Girls? Do you know how awkward it is when guys don’t make a sound?” He shrugs. “I wouldn’t know. I make plenty.”
Aiden pulls me in so we’re only a few inches apart. Concern is etched on his features. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
“Summer.”
I loved loved loved how their relationship developed so much. At first, it was light enemies but then Summer made this man grovel, LITERALLY CRAWL ON HIS KNEES to get her attention. Damn if I wasn’t giggling so hard at his groveling because it was done so well. He was the sunshine and Summer was the grumpy one🥹
She placed a Bratz bandage on his cheek and he didn’t take it off for like a week✋. Seriously where can I find him?
“So you came to the farthest library on campus?” she presses.
“Took me three tries.”
“For what?”
“To find this one.”
“The others didn’t have what you were looking for?”
I smile. “Not even close.”
This has ALL the small moments you could ever want from a romance. Everything. Cz most of the time we just see the main characters either fucking fighting or just bantering. But this book showed all those sweet and small parts of romance I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED AND NOW I CRAVE THEM!
“What can I say? Our kids will be lucky to have me as a dad.”
“You’re crazy if you think I’d ever carry your big-headed children. Your wife better have a wide birthing canal.”
“I’ll add it to my list. A wide birthing canal for large-headed children.”
“Don’t forget, willing to suffer through your idiocy.”
All those side characters felt like a big hug. I love found family trope sfm and in this book, it was done so well. The banter and the love between Kian (am obsessed with him), Tyler, Dylan, and Eli were JUST SO GOOD IT MADE ME CRY CZ I WANT IT ALL SO BADLY!!! Like they were her partners in every crime🤌. How they teased, embarrassed, and loved the shit out of Summer it was ✨GOLD✨
“You ask stupid questions, Kian,” retorts Dylan, shooting Summer a sympathetic smile.
“As my very hot sixth-grade teacher Ms. Marple once said: There are no stupid questions, even if Kian is asking them.” “Didn’t she quit teaching after our year?” Dylan retorts.
Kian shrugs. “No one can prove it was because of me.”
The smut… it was smutting *drops mike*
That epilogue was after nine years AND IT MADE ME TEAR. I mean the whole book didn’t just the epilogue was so sweet and so warm😭🤌
I need the next book in the series. IDC if its Kian's or Eli's or Tyler's i JUST NEED IT😭
Donny i hate you sm. Go rot in hell! What you did was just so disgusting and i am so glad you go caught you mf🗡️
~Quotes~
-Aiden has the same mesmerizing eyes. Eyes that make you forget your words until you make a conscious effort to remember them again. Eyes that tell you with just one look how pure the soul behind them is. He has them, and I hate that he does. Even more, I hate that I notice.
-It’s her sated smile when she drops her forehead to mine that cracks my chest wide open.
---OW😭🥹
-Summer: Why are you in my room?
Aiden: Practice ended early. Amara let me in before she left.
Summer: Don’t touch my stuff, and definitely don’t look in any more drawers.
Aiden: Too late. You’re kinkier than I thought, Preston.
Aiden: And your bed is super comfy. I’m exhausted, I think I’ll take a nap.
Aiden: Naked.
-Aiden: Kian’s still sulking over Cassie?
Eli: Poor kid saw her on a date with Julia Romero. An ice skater.
Eli: He’s been listening to Folklore on repeat, and watching The Cutting Edge.
--PLS KIAN IS SO DRAMATIC HDJLASKA
-“Girls are like buttons—”
Coach clears his throat, cutting him off. “Ishida, what have I told you about gossiping in the weight room?”
-“Yeah, Summer was getting that vitamin A with a side of that D, if you know what I mea—ow!” Kian yelps when I elbow him.
---LMFAO
-I take a cautious step into his office. “Have you tried talking to him about reducing my community service hours?” He finally meets my eyes and the wrinkles on his forehead deepen. “Of course. I asked him at our sleepover after we giggled about our crushes.”
--WHY ARE COCHES SO FUNNY!?
-“There’s a reason we skate on ice, Summer. If I wanted to wear sneakers and walk in the woods, I would be a serial killer,” argues Dylan.
-aidencrawford: I see you’ve reconsidered your stance on following athletes.
summerluvin: Temporarily. But I have to say, I’m disappointed.
aidencrawford: And why’s that?
summerluvin: No nude cereal box ad. Unfollowing.
aidencrawford: I’ll do a private one just for you. Can’t afford to upset a fan.
summerluvin: pass.
-- THEIR TEXTS WERE EVERYTHING
-“I’ll use teeth, Crawford,” she threatens. That draws a laugh out of me. “Nah, you won’t injure your favorite little man.” “You did not just refer to it as that.” “What do you prefer I call it? My hockey sti—”
--😂
The words process slowly in my brain. “You and Kian are buddy-reading a romance book?”
“What? Men can’t read romance? Selfish of you to deprive us of this gold mine of information. Aiden, you gotta read one too, she’s onto something.”
“I have.”
That shocks the hell out of me. “When?”
“Babe, you fall asleep twenty minutes into every movie, and you made me promise not to watch them without you. I gotta do something to keep occupied.”
“So you’ve been reading my books?”
“Yup. I’m a big fan of the ones that have all the red tabs.”
--- SCREAMINGSHJDAHAD
_________
THAT EPILOGUE OMG I am crying 😭😭
----------------
Dropping everything to read this cz Iqra loved it and said it gave Icebreaker vibes ✋😗
August 6, 2024
cute but lacked in chemistry and was a tad heavy handed for me sadly🥲
April 30, 2024
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ 3 ☆ ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺ ˖
I was excited to start this book because I was CRAVING for a sports romance. I enjoyed it but tbh, not as much as I was expecting.
❥ Summer ☀️ ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “Summer is my sun, and I’m the simple planet revolving in her orbit” 💖 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
Summer girl, they called you Sunny and Sunshine, but you were the most mean, insufferable, and annoying character I’ve read lately.
The funny thing is that at first, I liked her grumpy and bad b*tch attitude who doesn’t fall for an athlete so fast and does what she wants. But the more I read, the more I realized that she wasn’t just grumpy, she was SO mean and cruel for NO reason. I get that she had daddy issues and with good reasons because she was neglected by him for almost her whole life. But that wasn’t Aiden's fault nor was enough reason to be so mean towards him when all he wanted was to get to know her, make her happy, and support her at his most. So why the need to be so mean to him? UGH
❥ Aiden 💗 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “You could strip me of every championship and every award I’ve ever earned, but if I had you none of it would matter.” ❤️🩹 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
This man could do no wrong for me. He was so caring, sweet, supportive, attentive, gentle, responsible, loyal, respectful, and funny. He takes consent very seriously every time and always has his friend’s back no matter the consequences for him. He takes care of Summer by being so attentive, gifting her little things that make the whole difference, letting her make her own decisions and empowering her, and always putting her first. Before her, his only priority was playing hockey but after Summer, she was his number 1 priority and so was her happiness and wellbeing (even before his).
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “Summer’s presence is luminescent. She’s the last fragment of sunlight in the overwhelming darkness.” 🦋˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
Did I mention he read books? Because he does. And not just any books. He reads the books Summer likes to read and takes the reading as a learning process to show her later what he learned🛐
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “She’s mesmerizing. Nothing I’ve imagined holds a candle to the reality of her.” 💗 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
❥ My thoughts 💭 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
➴ I enjoyed this book, but I found Summer’s attitude and behavior so insufferable that even though I was having a good time reading, I was so frustrated when it came to her. Why does she depend so much on her ex’s opinions? Why did she hide Aiden in her bathroom just because she didn’t want her ex to find him? Why did she trust him with her application papers? Why did she let him be so mean to her? She was so grumpy and smart but when her ex came to the picture, she lowered herself so much. Like girl, STAND UP like you do with so many aspects. Couldn’t she be mean and insufferable with him like she was with Aiden and the others? That was so frustrating. She treated Aiden like garbage with all her mean comments and behavior, and like a dirty secret when he was the sweetest with her.
➴ was she seriously mad at him because he didn’t want their first time to be in his truck in a parking lot? Girl, come on💀
➴ where was the chemistry between Aiden and Summer? Because I didn’t find it anywhere. There were many cute scenes between them, but I think it was more like the act per se, and not the chemistry. I didn’t find a strong connection between them because most of the book was Summer being mean and Aiden trying to win her. And when the cute scenes came into the picture it felt empty idk.
➴ Summer didn’t appreciate Aiden until the very end. He did everything for her since the beginning and showed her that he could commit to being with her. He prioritized her over hockey so she wouldn’t have to worry about being neglected by him like she was by her dad. But she didn’t care and just was being indifferent and difficult with him. So glad at the end she left that attitude and finally gave Aiden the treatment he truly deserved.
➴ also, she kept insisting on seeing other people. Uh? I get that they weren’t exclusive but something was happening between them. She knew how he was feeling and decided to throw him that news. That sucks. If she didn’t want him, she should’ve told him that and not played with him like he didn’t have feelings. I don’t get why she needed to go on dates with other people. To prove what exactly? If the case were the other way around where Aiden was the one who wanted to see other people and went on other dates while having this situation with Summer, we would’ve been throwing hands.
❥ Other quotes just because I loved them ✨
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “This girl is fucking sunshine embodies, and she has no clue.” ☀️ ⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “Everything about her feels like it’s one in a million. Being able to be this close to her makes me feel like I’m one in a million.” 💕 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “The house could have lit on fire, and I’d be fine just lying there in his arms. Because that is what Aiden does, he makes me feel safe in moments where I’ve never felt more alone.” ❤️🩹 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “I’m all in. Mind, body, and soul. Down to my core, I’m hers.” 🤍 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “If you can count on one person to be on your side no matter what, it’s me. I don’t ever want you to think you’re alone because there isn’t a second that goes by when I’m not thinking about you” 🥰 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
Anyways, these 3 stars go to Aiden for being the sweetest and caring guy ever andd the Sunny’s Angels aka the hockey players: Kian, Eli, and Dylan who carried this book. They were funny, cute, loyal, and supportive. Also, I loved that Dylan and Kian were buddy-reading a romance book! They’re the best, seriously! I can’t wait to read their books💫
≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾
pre-read: craving for a hockey romance!🤍 so, let's get into it🦋✨
I was excited to start this book because I was CRAVING for a sports romance. I enjoyed it but tbh, not as much as I was expecting.
❥ Summer ☀️ ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “Summer is my sun, and I’m the simple planet revolving in her orbit” 💖 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
Summer girl, they called you Sunny and Sunshine, but you were the most mean, insufferable, and annoying character I’ve read lately.
The funny thing is that at first, I liked her grumpy and bad b*tch attitude who doesn’t fall for an athlete so fast and does what she wants. But the more I read, the more I realized that she wasn’t just grumpy, she was SO mean and cruel for NO reason. I get that she had daddy issues and with good reasons because she was neglected by him for almost her whole life. But that wasn’t Aiden's fault nor was enough reason to be so mean towards him when all he wanted was to get to know her, make her happy, and support her at his most. So why the need to be so mean to him? UGH
❥ Aiden 💗 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “You could strip me of every championship and every award I’ve ever earned, but if I had you none of it would matter.” ❤️🩹 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
This man could do no wrong for me. He was so caring, sweet, supportive, attentive, gentle, responsible, loyal, respectful, and funny. He takes consent very seriously every time and always has his friend’s back no matter the consequences for him. He takes care of Summer by being so attentive, gifting her little things that make the whole difference, letting her make her own decisions and empowering her, and always putting her first. Before her, his only priority was playing hockey but after Summer, she was his number 1 priority and so was her happiness and wellbeing (even before his).
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “Summer’s presence is luminescent. She’s the last fragment of sunlight in the overwhelming darkness.” 🦋˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
Did I mention he read books? Because he does. And not just any books. He reads the books Summer likes to read and takes the reading as a learning process to show her later what he learned🛐
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “She’s mesmerizing. Nothing I’ve imagined holds a candle to the reality of her.” 💗 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
❥ My thoughts 💭 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
➴ I enjoyed this book, but I found Summer’s attitude and behavior so insufferable that even though I was having a good time reading, I was so frustrated when it came to her. Why does she depend so much on her ex’s opinions? Why did she hide Aiden in her bathroom just because she didn’t want her ex to find him? Why did she trust him with her application papers? Why did she let him be so mean to her? She was so grumpy and smart but when her ex came to the picture, she lowered herself so much. Like girl, STAND UP like you do with so many aspects. Couldn’t she be mean and insufferable with him like she was with Aiden and the others? That was so frustrating. She treated Aiden like garbage with all her mean comments and behavior, and like a dirty secret when he was the sweetest with her.
➴ was she seriously mad at him because he didn’t want their first time to be in his truck in a parking lot? Girl, come on💀
➴ where was the chemistry between Aiden and Summer? Because I didn’t find it anywhere. There were many cute scenes between them, but I think it was more like the act per se, and not the chemistry. I didn’t find a strong connection between them because most of the book was Summer being mean and Aiden trying to win her. And when the cute scenes came into the picture it felt empty idk.
➴ Summer didn’t appreciate Aiden until the very end. He did everything for her since the beginning and showed her that he could commit to being with her. He prioritized her over hockey so she wouldn’t have to worry about being neglected by him like she was by her dad. But she didn’t care and just was being indifferent and difficult with him. So glad at the end she left that attitude and finally gave Aiden the treatment he truly deserved.
➴ also, she kept insisting on seeing other people. Uh? I get that they weren’t exclusive but something was happening between them. She knew how he was feeling and decided to throw him that news. That sucks. If she didn’t want him, she should’ve told him that and not played with him like he didn’t have feelings. I don’t get why she needed to go on dates with other people. To prove what exactly? If the case were the other way around where Aiden was the one who wanted to see other people and went on other dates while having this situation with Summer, we would’ve been throwing hands.
❥ Other quotes just because I loved them ✨
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “This girl is fucking sunshine embodies, and she has no clue.” ☀️ ⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “Everything about her feels like it’s one in a million. Being able to be this close to her makes me feel like I’m one in a million.” 💕 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “The house could have lit on fire, and I’d be fine just lying there in his arms. Because that is what Aiden does, he makes me feel safe in moments where I’ve never felt more alone.” ❤️🩹 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “I’m all in. Mind, body, and soul. Down to my core, I’m hers.” 🤍 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ “If you can count on one person to be on your side no matter what, it’s me. I don’t ever want you to think you’re alone because there isn’t a second that goes by when I’m not thinking about you” 🥰 ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺˖
Anyways, these 3 stars go to Aiden for being the sweetest and caring guy ever andd the Sunny’s Angels aka the hockey players: Kian, Eli, and Dylan who carried this book. They were funny, cute, loyal, and supportive. Also, I loved that Dylan and Kian were buddy-reading a romance book! They’re the best, seriously! I can’t wait to read their books💫
≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾
pre-read: craving for a hockey romance!🤍 so, let's get into it🦋✨
October 4, 2023
⋆⁀➷4.5★
"𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹"
I had soooo much fun with this book. The romance? The side characters? The main characters? 😋😋
Was this book anything new? No, BUTTT it still hit where other books don't.
The way the romance develops is incredibly well done. At the begining we have a 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 enemies to lovers situation but that quickly changes as Aiden starts groveling for Summer. 💐 (don't expect too much from the enemies to lovers though! - but from the groveling you can 🤭💅)
While they spend more time with one another, they learn all those little details about the other person. And Summer starts fidgeting with his hoodie straps at some point- the way that's so cute, ahh I wanna melt. The details in the romance are immaculate!!
Some of the side plots were lacking a real development, but I'm still glad they were there.
The side characters though--
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁!!! They're adorable, nice, hilarious and loyal. When I say I want all of their books equally, I mean it. Bal Khabra, how fast can you write a book? The way Kian is literally as if Gibsie and Kenji had a child?? And the way they immediately took Summer into their friend group? And joked around with her? I'm so in love with them can you tell 🦋🦋🦋
Aiden is literally mine, I'm gonna lock him away and keep the keys. (Sorry Sum ily)
Almost everything he says are love confessions and their love just hiiiit. When Summer gave him a purple bratz doll band-aid and he wore it ON HIS FACE. Also I loved his POVs (which is very rare for me).
I still wish we had a few more chapters from Summers POV. Her banter with Aiden was so adorable, funny, 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁.
Orrrr you give me next book rfn.
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴
The blue (Gracie Abrams)
TELL ME THAT'S NOT THEIR SONG
𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
(it was so hard to choose but I don't wanna get sued for posting the entire book 🥲)
"As I open the door, the faint smell of peaches hits my nose before I see her. “Summer?”"
➺ the way he notices her by her smell omg
"I even Googled serial killer tendencies because I’m sure smelling someone's hair is a fucking weird thing to do. But hers is different. It's soft and smells like sweet peaches. I don’t even like peaches."
➺ he's so down for her but also he's so hilarious & relatable
"“So you came to the farthest library on campus?” she presses.
“Took me three tries.”
“For what?”
“To find this one.”
“The others didn’t have what you were looking for?”
I smile. “Not even close.”"
➺ WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT, BAL, WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT
"Satisfied, I lean back in my chair. “Look at us, agreeing on something without bickering.”
“We did bicker.”
“That wasn’t bickering.”
“Yes, it was.”
“No—”
“We’re doing it right now!”"
➺ I love it when they do it and I love when they don't do it, I just love them
"“Not bad. You practice on a lot of girls?” I smirk.
“Just you. But I am naturally good with my hands.”
“Are you incapable of having a normal conversation?”
“No, but I do like seeing you blush.”
“I do not blush,” she argues, blushing."
➺ this doesn't even need to be commented
"“I spent two hours studying. You stared into space.”"
➺ okay, I'm suing for unrealistic expectations
"She thinks for a minute.
“How long have I known you?”
“Two months,” I say.""
➺ the way he immediately blurts that out
"“No, but you do look pretty when you cry.”
She pushes me away, and when her eyes hit the clock on the nightstand, she gasps. “It’s 11: 11. Make a wish!”"
➺ adorable
If anyone needs any more convincing after these quotes, HE READS, HE'S A READER!!
____
no words, just the cover.
"𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹"
I had soooo much fun with this book. The romance? The side characters? The main characters? 😋😋
Was this book anything new? No, BUTTT it still hit where other books don't.
The way the romance develops is incredibly well done. At the begining we have a 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 enemies to lovers situation but that quickly changes as Aiden starts groveling for Summer. 💐 (don't expect too much from the enemies to lovers though! - but from the groveling you can 🤭💅)
While they spend more time with one another, they learn all those little details about the other person. And Summer starts fidgeting with his hoodie straps at some point- the way that's so cute, ahh I wanna melt. The details in the romance are immaculate!!
Some of the side plots were lacking a real development, but I'm still glad they were there.
The side characters though--
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁!!! They're adorable, nice, hilarious and loyal. When I say I want all of their books equally, I mean it. Bal Khabra, how fast can you write a book? The way Kian is literally as if Gibsie and Kenji had a child?? And the way they immediately took Summer into their friend group? And joked around with her? I'm so in love with them can you tell 🦋🦋🦋
Aiden is literally mine, I'm gonna lock him away and keep the keys. (Sorry Sum ily)
Almost everything he says are love confessions and their love just hiiiit. When Summer gave him a purple bratz doll band-aid and he wore it ON HIS FACE. Also I loved his POVs (which is very rare for me).
I still wish we had a few more chapters from Summers POV. Her banter with Aiden was so adorable, funny, 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁.
Orrrr you give me next book rfn.
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴
The blue (Gracie Abrams)
TELL ME THAT'S NOT THEIR SONG
𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
(it was so hard to choose but I don't wanna get sued for posting the entire book 🥲)
"As I open the door, the faint smell of peaches hits my nose before I see her. “Summer?”"
➺ the way he notices her by her smell omg
"I even Googled serial killer tendencies because I’m sure smelling someone's hair is a fucking weird thing to do. But hers is different. It's soft and smells like sweet peaches. I don’t even like peaches."
➺ he's so down for her but also he's so hilarious & relatable
"“So you came to the farthest library on campus?” she presses.
“Took me three tries.”
“For what?”
“To find this one.”
“The others didn’t have what you were looking for?”
I smile. “Not even close.”"
➺ WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT, BAL, WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT
"Satisfied, I lean back in my chair. “Look at us, agreeing on something without bickering.”
“We did bicker.”
“That wasn’t bickering.”
“Yes, it was.”
“No—”
“We’re doing it right now!”"
➺ I love it when they do it and I love when they don't do it, I just love them
"“Not bad. You practice on a lot of girls?” I smirk.
“Just you. But I am naturally good with my hands.”
“Are you incapable of having a normal conversation?”
“No, but I do like seeing you blush.”
“I do not blush,” she argues, blushing."
➺ this doesn't even need to be commented
"“I spent two hours studying. You stared into space.”"
➺ okay, I'm suing for unrealistic expectations
"She thinks for a minute.
“How long have I known you?”
“Two months,” I say.""
➺ the way he immediately blurts that out
"“No, but you do look pretty when you cry.”
She pushes me away, and when her eyes hit the clock on the nightstand, she gasps. “It’s 11: 11. Make a wish!”"
➺ adorable
If anyone needs any more convincing after these quotes, HE READS, HE'S A READER!!
____
no words, just the cover.
May 31, 2024
3.25 🌟!!!! I didn't love neither hate this book. This book has been on my TBR for so long and I'm glad I finally read it.
This book reminded me a lot of Icebreaker, with several similarities that stood out. While I enjoyed reading it, I found it hard to become fully invested in the story.Summer came across less as a grump and more as a mean person. Her harsh words towards Aiden, who was nothing but kind and caring, were heartbreaking. Aiden, on the other hand, was a sweetheart but his caveman-like personality was frustrating at times.The banter between Summer and Aiden was entertaining, but I struggled to root for them as a couple. While there were some cute and funny moments, their constant hooking up overshadowed the emotional connection, making it hard to feel invested in their relationship.There were definitely moments in this book that had me laughing out loud.
Other than that,I loved the side characters in this book. Kian is an absolute cutie and a hilarious guy and I can't wait for his book. I also loved Eli who was nothing but caring, considerate and willing to help his friends.CAN'T WAIT FOR BOTH OF THEIR BOOKS!!!!!!♥️
This book reminded me a lot of Icebreaker, with several similarities that stood out. While I enjoyed reading it, I found it hard to become fully invested in the story.Summer came across less as a grump and more as a mean person. Her harsh words towards Aiden, who was nothing but kind and caring, were heartbreaking. Aiden, on the other hand, was a sweetheart but his caveman-like personality was frustrating at times.The banter between Summer and Aiden was entertaining, but I struggled to root for them as a couple. While there were some cute and funny moments, their constant hooking up overshadowed the emotional connection, making it hard to feel invested in their relationship.There were definitely moments in this book that had me laughing out loud.
Other than that,I loved the side characters in this book. Kian is an absolute cutie and a hilarious guy and I can't wait for his book. I also loved Eli who was nothing but caring, considerate and willing to help his friends.CAN'T WAIT FOR BOTH OF THEIR BOOKS!!!!!!♥️
May 21, 2024
i’m blocking everyone who said this was good on booktwt
Shelved as 'would-need-to-buy-to-read'
August 22, 2023guys guys something about the colors is drawing me in
October 12, 2023
This is why alien won’t talk to us, if this is what’s become of our literature
May 29, 2024
zero swag
something about this book just feels lifeless. it doesn’t feel like a story it just feels like tropes written on pages to get mindless readers and booktok smut readers to enjoy. no shade but i like substance in my books.
aiden was weird to me from the jump im sorry im starting to hate when men think it’s ok to make sex jokes about girls they don’t know it’s so unattractive. summer is like emotionally not there because one minute she wanted him then the next minute she did then she didn’t then she did LIKE GIRL-.
summer’s project didn’t make since and also her reason for not liking hockey was fucking stupid. hating a whole sport because your dad abandoned you or whatever because he played hockey? they treated it like it was some huge secret until the reveal and i was like ok? plus she’s an adult like i could see if she was a teen but girlie go to therapy and work on that.
i’m not understanding why it’s 390 pages because everything seemed to be resolved around the 30% mark. friends with benefit trope doesn’t do it for me at all like there’s nothing fun! i need more substance than just sex. just read icebreaker jfc
something about this book just feels lifeless. it doesn’t feel like a story it just feels like tropes written on pages to get mindless readers and booktok smut readers to enjoy. no shade but i like substance in my books.
aiden was weird to me from the jump im sorry im starting to hate when men think it’s ok to make sex jokes about girls they don’t know it’s so unattractive. summer is like emotionally not there because one minute she wanted him then the next minute she did then she didn’t then she did LIKE GIRL-.
summer’s project didn’t make since and also her reason for not liking hockey was fucking stupid. hating a whole sport because your dad abandoned you or whatever because he played hockey? they treated it like it was some huge secret until the reveal and i was like ok? plus she’s an adult like i could see if she was a teen but girlie go to therapy and work on that.
i’m not understanding why it’s 390 pages because everything seemed to be resolved around the 30% mark. friends with benefit trope doesn’t do it for me at all like there’s nothing fun! i need more substance than just sex. just read icebreaker jfc
November 24, 2023
i experienced a range of conflicting emotions, particularly towards the fmc. i’m unsure of how to feel.
i planned to give this a 2.5-star rating but considering the fast pace, i'd say it's more of a 3-star read for me.
numerous people have said that the book has a similar feel to an icebreaker (which i did not like) … so it caused me to feel quite apprehensive. initially, i found the characters to be bothersome, but this is more of a personal issue than a fault of the book. however, after reaching the 100-page mark, i began to enjoy the book.
the plot and storyline were intriguing but can we talk about why this story feels excessively long? i mean, the plot wrapped up by the time we hit the 35-40% mark! it could really benefit from some serious editing. i'm convinced that can trim it down to just 200 pages and make it much more captivating.
aiden—
aiden's pov began on the wrong foot for me, with him in bed with another woman. however, thanks to icebreaker, i was somewhat prepared for this but that doesn’t make it okay. it made me want to dnf this so bad. despite his initial behavior as an unpleasant person, he has shown himself to be much more than that. as the team captain, he displays a genuine concern for everyone and everything, including summer, which is truly admirable.
at the same time,
she wears anything or simply exists—
him: i feel my blood rush to my groin
aiden: summer i won’t dictate how you live your life.
*goes around and dictates her life.*
summer—
ah summer, i can't help but feel a bit infuriated with her emotional immaturity. she constantly denies her feelings for aiden, while simultaneously being quite irritating. she does have the ability to be relatable, but that's to some extent.
when donny, her ex-boyfriend, made a comment about her being with aiden, she completely lost it and goes OMGG, YES! he's like a saint, always taking care of me and knowing what's best for me." i’m like girl, you've completely lost your mind. let me set you straight. it's clear that she constantly seeks donny's approval in everything she does.
he’s (donny) not wrong. i can’t let what i’ve worked so hard for be on the line for—for this.”
personally, i found that there were spicy scenes in almost every chapter, which did not appeal to me. also, i didn’t liked how abruptly the chapter ends.
and don't even get me started on the whole friends with benefits situation and her denial. it's been driving me crazy! it seems like there's nothing captivating happening, and the story itself feels quite dull with so many events unfold.
final thoughts—
if you're looking for a story about a grumpy fmc who is always seeking her ex-boyfriend's approval, got daddy issues and a sunshine mmc who tries to convince her that she is worth more than that (but at the same time, he’s a bit similar to her ex), then this is the perfect read for you.
quotes and moments—
ʚɞ “i’ve never been to a dalton hockey game and i’m not planning on going.” (her)
“not a fan?” (him)
“you haven’t done anything to make me one.” (her)
ʚɞ “you dance?”
“no,” he says. “but i want to with you.”
ʚɞ wiping that cocky grin of his face has become my sole purpose for the next thirty minutes.
ʚɞ “you’re missing the view.” he focuses on my face, and his smile makes my stomach dip. “no, i’m not.
ʚɞ “babe, the only time i want to see tears in your eyes is when i’m hitting the back of your throat.” “how romantic,” she mutters, but her smile shines through.
ʚɞ “summer is my sun, and i’m the simple planet revolving in her orbit.”
“you have a sex playlist?”
“of course. some girls are quiet.”
“girls? do you know how awkward it is when guys don’t make a sound?”
“i wouldn’t know. i make plenty.”
i planned to give this a 2.5-star rating but considering the fast pace, i'd say it's more of a 3-star read for me.
numerous people have said that the book has a similar feel to an icebreaker (which i did not like) … so it caused me to feel quite apprehensive. initially, i found the characters to be bothersome, but this is more of a personal issue than a fault of the book. however, after reaching the 100-page mark, i began to enjoy the book.
the plot and storyline were intriguing but can we talk about why this story feels excessively long? i mean, the plot wrapped up by the time we hit the 35-40% mark! it could really benefit from some serious editing. i'm convinced that can trim it down to just 200 pages and make it much more captivating.
aiden—
ʚɞ if making her angry ends with her naked and in my bed, i don’t think i’ll ever stop.
ʚɞ “i hate you,” she mutters. a chuckle escapes me as i move closer. “you’re going to hate me even more when you can’t walk tomorrow.” “is that a promise?” “it’s a guarantee.”
ʚɞ it’s almost amusing that the only time she's listened to me is when my d!ck is inside her.
aiden's pov began on the wrong foot for me, with him in bed with another woman. however, thanks to icebreaker, i was somewhat prepared for this but that doesn’t make it okay. it made me want to dnf this so bad. despite his initial behavior as an unpleasant person, he has shown himself to be much more than that. as the team captain, he displays a genuine concern for everyone and everything, including summer, which is truly admirable.
at the same time,
she wears anything or simply exists—
him: i feel my blood rush to my groin
aiden: summer i won’t dictate how you live your life.
*goes around and dictates her life.*
summer—
ʚɞ apparently, my plan to abandon people before they abandoned me isn’t healthy.
ʚɞ i don’t create attachments to people in fear i won’t be good enough for people to stick around.
ah summer, i can't help but feel a bit infuriated with her emotional immaturity. she constantly denies her feelings for aiden, while simultaneously being quite irritating. she does have the ability to be relatable, but that's to some extent.
when donny, her ex-boyfriend, made a comment about her being with aiden, she completely lost it and goes OMGG, YES! he's like a saint, always taking care of me and knowing what's best for me." i’m like girl, you've completely lost your mind. let me set you straight. it's clear that she constantly seeks donny's approval in everything she does.
he’s (donny) not wrong. i can’t let what i’ve worked so hard for be on the line for—for this.”
personally, i found that there were spicy scenes in almost every chapter, which did not appeal to me. also, i didn’t liked how abruptly the chapter ends.
thanks, but sharing my daddy issues with the guy i’m sleeping with isn’t exactly my idea of unwinding.” reducing me to the guy she’s sleeping with feels like she’s tossing my heart into a blender.
and don't even get me started on the whole friends with benefits situation and her denial. it's been driving me crazy! it seems like there's nothing captivating happening, and the story itself feels quite dull with so many events unfold.
final thoughts—
if you're looking for a story about a grumpy fmc who is always seeking her ex-boyfriend's approval, got daddy issues and a sunshine mmc who tries to convince her that she is worth more than that (but at the same time, he’s a bit similar to her ex), then this is the perfect read for you.
quotes and moments—
ʚɞ “i’ve never been to a dalton hockey game and i’m not planning on going.” (her)
“not a fan?” (him)
“you haven’t done anything to make me one.” (her)
ʚɞ “you dance?”
“no,” he says. “but i want to with you.”
ʚɞ wiping that cocky grin of his face has become my sole purpose for the next thirty minutes.
ʚɞ “you’re missing the view.” he focuses on my face, and his smile makes my stomach dip. “no, i’m not.
ʚɞ “babe, the only time i want to see tears in your eyes is when i’m hitting the back of your throat.” “how romantic,” she mutters, but her smile shines through.
ʚɞ “summer is my sun, and i’m the simple planet revolving in her orbit.”
June 22, 2024
Aiden & Summer
August 18, 2024
not me randomly rereading a book i gave 3 stars😭 because once again i was craving jealousy and angst and funny banter‼️ i should find something good with the same vibe
~~~~
i wouldn’t read this normally because some parts bothered me when i saw reviews. but i needed angst and jealousy and funny banter and this one delivered.
shoutout to tiktok girlies for making amazing edits about this book because i was sending all of them to simra until i caved in and read this🤭
~~~~
i wouldn’t read this normally because some parts bothered me when i saw reviews. but i needed angst and jealousy and funny banter and this one delivered.
shoutout to tiktok girlies for making amazing edits about this book because i was sending all of them to simra until i caved in and read this🤭
May 14, 2024
happy rerelease!
black cat x golden retriever is probably one of my fav set ups. Summer is working towards getting into grad school for sports psychology, and needs a research subject. Aiden needs to do some community service. So Aiden’s coach pairs them together. But there’s a problem: Summer hates hockey players.
I ate this book up! It’s charming, funny, lighthearted, and steamy af. Summer was so so relatable and I loved her character arc. Aiden is a selfless golden retriever boy and I fell for him SO HARD. The found family and banter between all the side characters had me kicking my feet.
summer did annoy me at times and the third act drama was a little sus but I still had a good time.
Read if you like
✨ college hockey romance
✨ opposites attract (nerdy girl x athlete)
✨ grumpy x sunshine, but she’s the grump
✨ forced proximity
✨ he falls first and HARD
✨ no third act breakup
Thank you sm berkley romance and netgalley for an arc! It’s out now 💖
black cat x golden retriever is probably one of my fav set ups. Summer is working towards getting into grad school for sports psychology, and needs a research subject. Aiden needs to do some community service. So Aiden’s coach pairs them together. But there’s a problem: Summer hates hockey players.
I ate this book up! It’s charming, funny, lighthearted, and steamy af. Summer was so so relatable and I loved her character arc. Aiden is a selfless golden retriever boy and I fell for him SO HARD. The found family and banter between all the side characters had me kicking my feet.
summer did annoy me at times and the third act drama was a little sus but I still had a good time.
Read if you like
✨ college hockey romance
✨ opposites attract (nerdy girl x athlete)
✨ grumpy x sunshine, but she’s the grump
✨ forced proximity
✨ he falls first and HARD
✨ no third act breakup
Thank you sm berkley romance and netgalley for an arc! It’s out now 💖
March 31, 2024
Collide" serves up a whirlwind of a college hockey romance, brimming with banter and heat, featuring a chosen family, a tumble-first dynamic, and an inverted grumpy x sunshine trope. Meet Aiden, who, taking one for the team, finds himself unwillingly partnered with Summer for her research project. Despite initial reluctance, sparks fly, revealing a connection beyond mere verbal jousting. Aiden's unwavering commitment to Summer faces hurdles due to her past hang-ups and the demands of the project. Nevertheless, Aiden persists, showing he's ready to go all-in.
This book is a scrumptious, feel-good romance with charm to spare. Aiden's sweetness and attentiveness shine, triumphing over the hurdles in their love story. Summer's stubborn streak adds a delightful twist, making their dynamic a joyride. While there's a slight deduction for external relationship drama, Aiden and Summer's eventual connection pays off handsomely. As a newbie to Bal Khabra's work, I'm already itching for more!
This book certainly lives up to its social media hype. It delivers on the promise of so much fun, sizzling and palpable chemistry, the best book boyfriend, likable side characters, and great execution that endears it to sports romance enthusiasts. The romance? Sizzling. The characters? Absolute delights. The plot? Just the right blend of mystery. Aiden and Summer became each other's pillars, navigating personal challenges in a positively uplifting manner.
The icing on the cake? "Collide" boasts a topsy-turvy grumpy x sunshine dynamic! Who doesn't love a male lead channeling golden retriever vibes while the female lead rocks the perpetual scowl? The banter is off the charts!
Overall, this book is a breezy, entertaining read with unexpectedly steamy moments. If you're yearning for a concoction of hockey, romance, and laughter, this book is your golden ticket!
A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this entertaining book's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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This book is a scrumptious, feel-good romance with charm to spare. Aiden's sweetness and attentiveness shine, triumphing over the hurdles in their love story. Summer's stubborn streak adds a delightful twist, making their dynamic a joyride. While there's a slight deduction for external relationship drama, Aiden and Summer's eventual connection pays off handsomely. As a newbie to Bal Khabra's work, I'm already itching for more!
This book certainly lives up to its social media hype. It delivers on the promise of so much fun, sizzling and palpable chemistry, the best book boyfriend, likable side characters, and great execution that endears it to sports romance enthusiasts. The romance? Sizzling. The characters? Absolute delights. The plot? Just the right blend of mystery. Aiden and Summer became each other's pillars, navigating personal challenges in a positively uplifting manner.
The icing on the cake? "Collide" boasts a topsy-turvy grumpy x sunshine dynamic! Who doesn't love a male lead channeling golden retriever vibes while the female lead rocks the perpetual scowl? The banter is off the charts!
Overall, this book is a breezy, entertaining read with unexpectedly steamy moments. If you're yearning for a concoction of hockey, romance, and laughter, this book is your golden ticket!
A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this entertaining book's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
May 12, 2024
Creativity is dead
November 28, 2023
3.5 stars
This was so cute. Aiden was so sweet and funny. Summer kinda got on my nerves with all of her back and forth, her daddy issues, and how she could sound like a brat sometimes. I loved all the side characters and the romance was so cute and sweet. I loved that she was so grumpy and he was mr sunshine. Also, the cover is so freakin cute.
This was so cute. Aiden was so sweet and funny. Summer kinda got on my nerves with all of her back and forth, her daddy issues, and how she could sound like a brat sometimes. I loved all the side characters and the romance was so cute and sweet. I loved that she was so grumpy and he was mr sunshine. Also, the cover is so freakin cute.
July 29, 2024
3.4 ⭐️ “You could strip me of every championship and every award I’ve ever earned, but if I had you, none of it would matter.” 🥹
Okay, this did what it needed to do - It was definitely trope heavy (captain of the hockey team + academic girl, enemies to FWBs to lovers, FMC with abandonment issues, found family, jealous scenes, problem ex…)
It’s a dual first person POV, and we’re introduced to Summer and Aiden pretty early on. Both are good characters with your standard traits - Summer’s a ‘type a’ academic student who’s obsessed with getting into a masters programme to become a sports psychologist Aiden is Captain of the Hockey Team, popular with all the girls and his team mates.
It was a good story. There some great love declarations, and it’s the type of writing you can devour in two/three days. I just didn’t really get the relationship obstacle…I wasn’t really sure what their storyline was in terms of the actual relationship. like, it wasn’t forbidden? And although she ‘hated’ hockey, she ends up being best friends with the whole hockey team pretty early on?… we are constantly told she HAtEs hockey and omg she’d NeVEr date an athlete…short of the issues with her dad, there was nothing feeding this storyline. I just couldn’t tell you why this wasn’t just a 300 page book instead of almost 500 🤷🏾♀️
It’s very Icebreaker coded 😭 but I don’t know if I’m allowed to critique this aspect because let’s be honest.. these types of stories can only be told a certain way. It’s hard to look for something unique in a college sports romance.
What I did love was the Indian culture rep in our FMC though!
I’d recommend this as a read in between reads!
——————————-
In desperate need of a new adult college sports romance with allllll the tropes! God please let this deliver 🤞🏾⛸️🥅
Okay, this did what it needed to do - It was definitely trope heavy (captain of the hockey team + academic girl, enemies to FWBs to lovers, FMC with abandonment issues, found family, jealous scenes, problem ex…)
It’s a dual first person POV, and we’re introduced to Summer and Aiden pretty early on. Both are good characters with your standard traits - Summer’s a ‘type a’ academic student who’s obsessed with getting into a masters programme to become a sports psychologist Aiden is Captain of the Hockey Team, popular with all the girls and his team mates.
It was a good story. There some great love declarations, and it’s the type of writing you can devour in two/three days. I just didn’t really get the relationship obstacle…I wasn’t really sure what their storyline was in terms of the actual relationship. like, it wasn’t forbidden? And although she ‘hated’ hockey, she ends up being best friends with the whole hockey team pretty early on?… we are constantly told she HAtEs hockey and omg she’d NeVEr date an athlete…short of the issues with her dad, there was nothing feeding this storyline. I just couldn’t tell you why this wasn’t just a 300 page book instead of almost 500 🤷🏾♀️
It’s very Icebreaker coded 😭 but I don’t know if I’m allowed to critique this aspect because let’s be honest.. these types of stories can only be told a certain way. It’s hard to look for something unique in a college sports romance.
What I did love was the Indian culture rep in our FMC though!
I’d recommend this as a read in between reads!
——————————-
In desperate need of a new adult college sports romance with allllll the tropes! God please let this deliver 🤞🏾⛸️🥅
June 17, 2024
if summer preston has no haters its bc im dead!!!!
dnf at 63% because i cannot handle the bitch that is summer preston for one more minute lol. this was my second go at trying to read this book, the first time i got 6 chapters in and stopped because i thought summer was a massive bitch. i bought the audio while it was on sale to give it another go and found i liked it much better, didnt feel like she was being a bitch UNTIL SHE WAS LOL
somewhere around the carnival summer became a massive cunt, like to the point where i dont think that cunt is a strong enough word for her behavior. it is a absolute wonder to me how an author can create an fmc SO unlikeable and think yep this is the version of her that i should publish!!!!
summer is a pretentious spoiled brat that thinks its ok to treat people like shit bc her daddy didnt pay attention to her enough growing up and aiden deserves so much better than to be stuck with her and playing her stupid ass mind games. the way this book had me so fooled when i started the audio my god.
i have NEVER in my life read a more snobby hateable fmc. and truthfully i think this is the meanest review i have ever written and i could go on for hours THAT is how insufferable summer preston is.
dnf at 63% because i cannot handle the bitch that is summer preston for one more minute lol. this was my second go at trying to read this book, the first time i got 6 chapters in and stopped because i thought summer was a massive bitch. i bought the audio while it was on sale to give it another go and found i liked it much better, didnt feel like she was being a bitch UNTIL SHE WAS LOL
somewhere around the carnival summer became a massive cunt, like to the point where i dont think that cunt is a strong enough word for her behavior. it is a absolute wonder to me how an author can create an fmc SO unlikeable and think yep this is the version of her that i should publish!!!!
summer is a pretentious spoiled brat that thinks its ok to treat people like shit bc her daddy didnt pay attention to her enough growing up and aiden deserves so much better than to be stuck with her and playing her stupid ass mind games. the way this book had me so fooled when i started the audio my god.
i have NEVER in my life read a more snobby hateable fmc. and truthfully i think this is the meanest review i have ever written and i could go on for hours THAT is how insufferable summer preston is.
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