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Boston Rebels #1
Center Ice
I’ve always been a wild card – the first to start a fight on the ice, and the life of the party off it – but appearances can be deceiving.
Being traded to the Boston Rebels could not have come at a better time. With serious family obligations to fulfill and a contract renewal with a new hockey team on the line, I have no time for anything else. I return to Boston knowing I need to buckle down and focus on what really matters.
But the first night I’m back in town, I come face to face with Audrey, my college calculus tutor. We had a brief fling right before I was drafted into the NHL. Now, her five year old son is standing by her side, and I don’t need a tutor to do that kind of math.
Audrey insists she doesn’t want me involved in Graham’s life unless I can commit to being a dad. With everything else going on, this is the worst possible timing.
But every minute I spend with Graham and Audrey feels exactly right, and I’m left questioning everything I thought I wanted.
Because now my goals are shifting, and getting what I really want might come at the expense of the game I’ve given my entire life to.
Being traded to the Boston Rebels could not have come at a better time. With serious family obligations to fulfill and a contract renewal with a new hockey team on the line, I have no time for anything else. I return to Boston knowing I need to buckle down and focus on what really matters.
But the first night I’m back in town, I come face to face with Audrey, my college calculus tutor. We had a brief fling right before I was drafted into the NHL. Now, her five year old son is standing by her side, and I don’t need a tutor to do that kind of math.
Audrey insists she doesn’t want me involved in Graham’s life unless I can commit to being a dad. With everything else going on, this is the worst possible timing.
But every minute I spend with Graham and Audrey feels exactly right, and I’m left questioning everything I thought I wanted.
Because now my goals are shifting, and getting what I really want might come at the expense of the game I’ve given my entire life to.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2024
4,698 people are currently reading
16.4k people want to read
About the author
Julia Connors
12 books827 followersJulia grew up on the warm and sunny West Coast, but her first decision as an adult was to trade her flip-flops for snow boots and move to Boston.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,149 reviews
July 18, 2024
this wasn’t for me i guess. my biggest issue was def the kid who’s supposed to be the main plot point and even when he’s present and on page he’s still completely sidelined. used as a prop to bring the couple together again and then tossed to the uncles house for the rest of the book. where’s the family scenes?
what’s the point of the secret baby trope if the parents don’t bond through their love of the child? this kid still doesn’t know drew is his father 70% into the book. you’d think this guy was just the soon to be stepdad instead of graham’s biological father the way he spends next to no time with his son bc he’s too caught up with the mother of his child to care.
authors pls don’t write a kid into your book if you’re just going to write them off “staying with relatives” and out of sight the majority of the time. i gave up on this book after graham revealed he already figured out drew was his father FOR WEEKS and basically brushed it off??? what kind of five year old does that? and as for audrey and drew together? i’m so boreeeedd. forgotten about them already. they were giving absolutely nothing.
what’s the point of the secret baby trope if the parents don’t bond through their love of the child? this kid still doesn’t know drew is his father 70% into the book. you’d think this guy was just the soon to be stepdad instead of graham’s biological father the way he spends next to no time with his son bc he’s too caught up with the mother of his child to care.
authors pls don’t write a kid into your book if you’re just going to write them off “staying with relatives” and out of sight the majority of the time. i gave up on this book after graham revealed he already figured out drew was his father FOR WEEKS and basically brushed it off??? what kind of five year old does that? and as for audrey and drew together? i’m so boreeeedd. forgotten about them already. they were giving absolutely nothing.
August 8, 2024
3.5/5 - It's so sweet it gave me toothaches.. lol I want more anger and real-ness
January 19, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
✨Professional Hockey Romance
✨Single Mom
✨Secret Baby
✨He Falls First & Hard
✨Second Chance
✨Strong Female Friendships
This was such a cute hockey romance read. My first read by Julia Connors and now I want to go read all her books. Thank you Julia for this ARC. I loved it so much.
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series following Audrey & Drew. They went to college together and Audrey was tutoring him in math. One night, they let the attraction they have towards each other happen before he was drafted into the NHL & moves to Vancouver. Five years later, he was traded to his hometown in Boston. Once he is back, he then finds out that he has a kid named Graham. He is positive he knows its his kid with how much he looks like him. The secret baby trope has recently become one of my top tropes.
Drew falls hard for Audrey. The feelings never really went away since college. Audrey is a bit more reserved and is always keeping Graham’s needs first. She wants to see more from Drew before moving towards a relationship. The relationship between Drew & Graham is the cutest thing ever. Drew is sooo swoon worthy. The way he takes care of his women. I need a Drew in my life. He showers her in love & support.
I already want book 2!! Can’t wait to read about Colt & Jules! You can tell at the end something is going on there.
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
✨Professional Hockey Romance
✨Single Mom
✨Secret Baby
✨He Falls First & Hard
✨Second Chance
✨Strong Female Friendships
This was such a cute hockey romance read. My first read by Julia Connors and now I want to go read all her books. Thank you Julia for this ARC. I loved it so much.
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series following Audrey & Drew. They went to college together and Audrey was tutoring him in math. One night, they let the attraction they have towards each other happen before he was drafted into the NHL & moves to Vancouver. Five years later, he was traded to his hometown in Boston. Once he is back, he then finds out that he has a kid named Graham. He is positive he knows its his kid with how much he looks like him. The secret baby trope has recently become one of my top tropes.
Drew falls hard for Audrey. The feelings never really went away since college. Audrey is a bit more reserved and is always keeping Graham’s needs first. She wants to see more from Drew before moving towards a relationship. The relationship between Drew & Graham is the cutest thing ever. Drew is sooo swoon worthy. The way he takes care of his women. I need a Drew in my life. He showers her in love & support.
I already want book 2!! Can’t wait to read about Colt & Jules! You can tell at the end something is going on there.
January 24, 2024
2⭐️s
Interesting enough premise
Overly earnest.
More smut than substance.
Pretty forgettable.
JC does a nice job of convincing us about the set up as to how Drew has no idea that he has a 5 yo son with Audrey. But there’s not nearly enough understanding of Drew and Audrey’s backstory and then when they do chance upon one another again, the relationship is a lot less convincing. The book reads like a series of vignettes. Mostly b/c our dear author focuses on sexual connection more than anything else. There’s a lot of steam in this one… which is probably why it’s so highly rated on goodreads. Most of it was pretty unnecessary and to be honest, I was bored by it. It read like a solid first draft. I was surprised there was a whole other loosely connected series before it.
It did give me Elsie Silver “Reckless” (Theo and Winter’s story) vibes. But not nearly as good.
I finished it though… so there is that. A lot of people seemed to like this one so maybe it’s a me problem.
Interesting enough premise
Overly earnest.
More smut than substance.
Pretty forgettable.
JC does a nice job of convincing us about the set up as to how Drew has no idea that he has a 5 yo son with Audrey. But there’s not nearly enough understanding of Drew and Audrey’s backstory and then when they do chance upon one another again, the relationship is a lot less convincing. The book reads like a series of vignettes. Mostly b/c our dear author focuses on sexual connection more than anything else. There’s a lot of steam in this one… which is probably why it’s so highly rated on goodreads. Most of it was pretty unnecessary and to be honest, I was bored by it. It read like a solid first draft. I was surprised there was a whole other loosely connected series before it.
It did give me Elsie Silver “Reckless” (Theo and Winter’s story) vibes. But not nearly as good.
I finished it though… so there is that. A lot of people seemed to like this one so maybe it’s a me problem.
January 22, 2024
2.5⭐️ - I grabbed this book for a few reasons: I loved the cute cover, the blurb sounded interesting & I normally love hockey romance.... Unfortunately this one fell short for me. I usually don't mind a secret baby storyline, but the reasoning behind it being a secret with BOTH of the main characters in this book made me want to throw my Kindle across the room. The immaturity between both of these characters was unbearable at times. I found myself starting to skim about 60-70% into this book because I just honestly wanted it to be over. This wasn't it for me.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: secret baby, second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Secret baby trope is my all time fave, so I never hesitate even with a new to me author. Center Ice was a sweet and spicy romance with a cinnamon roll hero and a girl who's a bit jaded - but because life (and the MMC, lol) has made her so. Our MMC has made some colossal screw ups in the past, but is trying his best to straighten his sheet out, both professionally as well as in his personal life. Our FMC definitely makes him work for her trust before entrusting him with her heart and their son's. Fan's of this trope will definitely not walk away disappointed.
Trope: secret baby, second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Secret baby trope is my all time fave, so I never hesitate even with a new to me author. Center Ice was a sweet and spicy romance with a cinnamon roll hero and a girl who's a bit jaded - but because life (and the MMC, lol) has made her so. Our MMC has made some colossal screw ups in the past, but is trying his best to straighten his sheet out, both professionally as well as in his personal life. Our FMC definitely makes him work for her trust before entrusting him with her heart and their son's. Fan's of this trope will definitely not walk away disappointed.
January 14, 2024
Drew is a Hockey hottie but he was traded to Boston. This is where his family lives. His mum is diminishing in health and he needs to be there for her.
Aubrey is a single Mum since college running an architect agency with her sister that only hires females and runs it with her sister. Super Badass and her five year old son Graham is super cute and loves birds.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Hook:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Length:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Range Of Emotions:🔥💗🌶️🥰🥵🥹😭😡
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫 {DUAL}
📚 Genre: Romance
✨ Tropes: Accidental Pregnancy to Hidden Child, Single Mom, Hockey player, He falls first and Harder, College Relationship
💋⛓️ Kinks: N/A
⚠️ Warning: This is spicyyyyy , but also you will cry at the sweetness and be pissed of with some characters
🗂️ Type: Center Ice is Book 1 of the Boston Rebels Series but can be read as a standalone.
Yes. This was a great book. She is not prepared for the feelings she will face. They overcome a range of challenges. They’re so cute together and help each other through the challenges. He’s such a sweetheart expect with his filthyyy mouth. Their are so adorable and you should really read this book. After a hot as hell on night stand where they complete the living hell out of each other. In a turn of events Aubrey gets pregnant with her child in college and after trying to get a hold of him 20 times she decides she's now a single mother raising her child Graham with her sister. In a random turn of events he's at her brother/his agents party with his teammates and then he sees her. His high school sweetheart who he abandoned, then she runs off, way too to talk to him. He finds out and wants to be involved, she slowly lets him in and he keeps scaring her off. Eventually they get closer, growing together and more and more people start to figure out the father. They get closer and closer together. You know how in epilogues they have marriage/proposals and kids, well his proposal is just adorable.
Aubrey is a single Mum since college running an architect agency with her sister that only hires females and runs it with her sister. Super Badass and her five year old son Graham is super cute and loves birds.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Hook:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Length:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Range Of Emotions:🔥💗🌶️🥰🥵🥹😭😡
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫 {DUAL}
📚 Genre: Romance
✨ Tropes: Accidental Pregnancy to Hidden Child, Single Mom, Hockey player, He falls first and Harder, College Relationship
💋⛓️ Kinks: N/A
⚠️ Warning: This is spicyyyyy , but also you will cry at the sweetness and be pissed of with some characters
🗂️ Type: Center Ice is Book 1 of the Boston Rebels Series but can be read as a standalone.
Yes. This was a great book. She is not prepared for the feelings she will face. They overcome a range of challenges. They’re so cute together and help each other through the challenges. He’s such a sweetheart expect with his filthyyy mouth. Their are so adorable and you should really read this book. After a hot as hell on night stand where they complete the living hell out of each other. In a turn of events Aubrey gets pregnant with her child in college and after trying to get a hold of him 20 times she decides she's now a single mother raising her child Graham with her sister. In a random turn of events he's at her brother/his agents party with his teammates and then he sees her. His high school sweetheart who he abandoned, then she runs off, way too to talk to him. He finds out and wants to be involved, she slowly lets him in and he keeps scaring her off. Eventually they get closer, growing together and more and more people start to figure out the father. They get closer and closer together. You know how in epilogues they have marriage/proposals and kids, well his proposal is just adorable.
January 28, 2024
I had such high hopes for this book. I love a secret baby it is a top trope for me. I have read a couple of other books by this author and I was so excited to read this... and then I read it.... Seriously...
The MCs in this book have almost no personalities. Beige wallpaper was more exciting. There was zero chemistry. The reason he did not know about the child for 6 yrs even though her brother is very closely connected to him- was lame. Make it make sense... But he was just-- all I did not answer the phone- what? she called 20 times in a matter for 48 hrs? Meh- Meh- Meh- Meh..
I DNF'd at 45% I am on the fence about giving this author another try. It feels like she writes an ok book every other book.
The MCs in this book have almost no personalities. Beige wallpaper was more exciting. There was zero chemistry. The reason he did not know about the child for 6 yrs even though her brother is very closely connected to him- was lame. Make it make sense... But he was just-- all I did not answer the phone- what? she called 20 times in a matter for 48 hrs? Meh- Meh- Meh- Meh..
I DNF'd at 45% I am on the fence about giving this author another try. It feels like she writes an ok book every other book.
May 4, 2024
Another hockey romance ✅
Another hot and steamy hockey player ✅
Another total simp of a man for his girl (and his son) ✅
Super mad at myself for waiting so long to read this. I met Julia in Denver and brought Center Ice home to read. Can we talk about how cute the cover is?!
Anyway, Drew and Audrey went to college together. Audrey was Drew’s math tutor. Drew was drawn to Audrey for multiple reasons.. eventually their attraction to each other became inevitable and they hooked up. Audrey ends up pregnant and tried telling Drew.. however, Drew was about to leave for the NHL and didn’t call Audrey back or listen to her voicemails (tsk tsk, Mr. Jenkins). Audrey raised their child on her own (with family help) for the past 5 years.
Drew played elsewhere for the past 5 years but is not back in his hometown, Boston. When he runs into Audrey and Graham (their son) he automatically releases that he has a child. Now Drew is determined to show Audrey and Graham that he will be the man that they both need in their lives. But with the attraction they both still have for each other, it becomes hard for them both to hold back. Drew also has a fear that he will have to up and leave Boston, and now with his own family in the picture, he is nervous to let himself be happy and create a family with them both.
Tropes:
- secret baby
- hockey romance
- found family
- he falls first
Another hot and steamy hockey player ✅
Another total simp of a man for his girl (and his son) ✅
Super mad at myself for waiting so long to read this. I met Julia in Denver and brought Center Ice home to read. Can we talk about how cute the cover is?!
Anyway, Drew and Audrey went to college together. Audrey was Drew’s math tutor. Drew was drawn to Audrey for multiple reasons.. eventually their attraction to each other became inevitable and they hooked up. Audrey ends up pregnant and tried telling Drew.. however, Drew was about to leave for the NHL and didn’t call Audrey back or listen to her voicemails (tsk tsk, Mr. Jenkins). Audrey raised their child on her own (with family help) for the past 5 years.
Drew played elsewhere for the past 5 years but is not back in his hometown, Boston. When he runs into Audrey and Graham (their son) he automatically releases that he has a child. Now Drew is determined to show Audrey and Graham that he will be the man that they both need in their lives. But with the attraction they both still have for each other, it becomes hard for them both to hold back. Drew also has a fear that he will have to up and leave Boston, and now with his own family in the picture, he is nervous to let himself be happy and create a family with them both.
Tropes:
- secret baby
- hockey romance
- found family
- he falls first
August 22, 2024
Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Professional Hockey Romance
- Second Chance Romance
- He Falls First
- Gold Retriever MMC
- Secret Baby/Child
- Single Mom
- Found Family
- Strong Female Friendships
- Mental Health Rep
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series and tells the story of Drew and Audrey. Drew and Audrey went to the same college. Drew was a hockey player, and Audrey tutored him in calculus. Right before Drew was drafted to the NHL, he and Audrey had a fling. Shortly after, Drew moved to Vancouver. Five years later, Drew gets traded and moved back to his hometown in Boston. Less than 24 hours after returning to Boston, Drew attends a get-together at his sports agent’s house, sees Audrey, and finds out he has a son named Graham. The story follows Drew and Audrey as they navigate Drew’s involvement in Graham’s life and the possibility of Drew and Audrey having a second chance at love.
I love sports romance books and am definitely in my hockey romance era. I was fully immersed in the world of Drew and Audrey. The character development is top-notch. The main characters are relatable, and both have strong personalities. I was unsure about the secret baby trope, but it was done exceptionally well in this book. I enjoyed witnessing the development of Drew and Audrey’s relationship.
I adore Drew! He definitely fell hard and FAST, but I love it when a man is ALL IN. After being a single mom for five years, Audrey is very cautious about how much of their lives she wants to share with Drew. Drew eased her worries by showing his commitment to being there for her and Graham. Drew and Graham’s relationship is super cute! I loved how he genuinely wanted to be a great father. Drew and Audrey’s story is so good and had all the feels. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
NARRATION:
Teddy Hamilton and Andi Arndt were the perfect voices for Drew and Audrey. Teddy and Andi are two of my favorites, and I always know when I see their names, the audiobook is going to be a good time. They are great storytellers and really brought Drew, Audrey, and Graham’s story to life. They flawlessly captured all of the emotions elicited by this heartwarming story and made the story feel real.
Thanks to Julia Connors and Home Cooked Books for the gifted audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Professional Hockey Romance
- Second Chance Romance
- He Falls First
- Gold Retriever MMC
- Secret Baby/Child
- Single Mom
- Found Family
- Strong Female Friendships
- Mental Health Rep
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series and tells the story of Drew and Audrey. Drew and Audrey went to the same college. Drew was a hockey player, and Audrey tutored him in calculus. Right before Drew was drafted to the NHL, he and Audrey had a fling. Shortly after, Drew moved to Vancouver. Five years later, Drew gets traded and moved back to his hometown in Boston. Less than 24 hours after returning to Boston, Drew attends a get-together at his sports agent’s house, sees Audrey, and finds out he has a son named Graham. The story follows Drew and Audrey as they navigate Drew’s involvement in Graham’s life and the possibility of Drew and Audrey having a second chance at love.
I love sports romance books and am definitely in my hockey romance era. I was fully immersed in the world of Drew and Audrey. The character development is top-notch. The main characters are relatable, and both have strong personalities. I was unsure about the secret baby trope, but it was done exceptionally well in this book. I enjoyed witnessing the development of Drew and Audrey’s relationship.
I adore Drew! He definitely fell hard and FAST, but I love it when a man is ALL IN. After being a single mom for five years, Audrey is very cautious about how much of their lives she wants to share with Drew. Drew eased her worries by showing his commitment to being there for her and Graham. Drew and Graham’s relationship is super cute! I loved how he genuinely wanted to be a great father. Drew and Audrey’s story is so good and had all the feels. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
NARRATION:
Teddy Hamilton and Andi Arndt were the perfect voices for Drew and Audrey. Teddy and Andi are two of my favorites, and I always know when I see their names, the audiobook is going to be a good time. They are great storytellers and really brought Drew, Audrey, and Graham’s story to life. They flawlessly captured all of the emotions elicited by this heartwarming story and made the story feel real.
Thanks to Julia Connors and Home Cooked Books for the gifted audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2024
3.5✨
It felt like I was missing her brother and his wife’s entire story.. but this was book 1 in a series? Very strange.
It was an insta love book that somehow ended up over 400 pages. And by somehow I mean after they slept together for the first time there was 2 5-10 page smut scenes every single chapter til like the last 20% then never again lol
It felt like I was missing her brother and his wife’s entire story.. but this was book 1 in a series? Very strange.
It was an insta love book that somehow ended up over 400 pages. And by somehow I mean after they slept together for the first time there was 2 5-10 page smut scenes every single chapter til like the last 20% then never again lol
July 23, 2024
yep thank you very much julia connors!
October 9, 2024
Dnf! Not the surprise pregnancy romance I was expecting.
The fmc didn’t try hard enough to tell him about the baby. A couple of calls and some voicemails that were left unanswered is not a good reason for me to not let him know about his child. I don’t care what other readers say, we are talking about a pregnancy here, she could have fought harder to get in touch with him. Because let’s face it, it wasn’t that hard for her to reach him when he was an nhl player and HER BROTHER was HIS freaking agent. The mmc and her brother were constantly in contact with each other, she could have just said: Hei tell Drew to call me, it’s really important!! End of story. But noo, of course not, instead she decided that he didn’t want her and the child, so she raised him on her own. But she didn’t tell anyone (but her sister) who the father was because she wanted to protect Drew from her brother. Make it make sense.🙃 I am not saying that Drew wasn’t an asshole for completely ignoring her and her calls after their ONS..but she was the once with the knowledge about the pregnancy. She should have tried harder to get in contact with him.
Drew wasn’t much better. We were told that she was actually really important to him during college, that he cared for her, but after his ONS with her, he never once called her, he completely ignored her and never answered her calls. All because hockey was more important and his most important priority and so he didn’t need any distractions. After sleeping with her he basically dropped her like an old sack of potatoes. Yeah..not my kind of hero!
Also, his reaction when finding out that he was a dad was very underwhelming and indifferent. I expected a bit more regret for not being there for his son, but what do I know…😅
Graham, their kid, was supposed to be the main focus of the book but he really wasn’t. He was only there to bring them together and then was sidelined so they could reconnect with each other. I wanted more domestic scenes with them as a family.
The fmc didn’t try hard enough to tell him about the baby. A couple of calls and some voicemails that were left unanswered is not a good reason for me to not let him know about his child. I don’t care what other readers say, we are talking about a pregnancy here, she could have fought harder to get in touch with him. Because let’s face it, it wasn’t that hard for her to reach him when he was an nhl player and HER BROTHER was HIS freaking agent. The mmc and her brother were constantly in contact with each other, she could have just said: Hei tell Drew to call me, it’s really important!! End of story. But noo, of course not, instead she decided that he didn’t want her and the child, so she raised him on her own. But she didn’t tell anyone (but her sister) who the father was because she wanted to protect Drew from her brother. Make it make sense.🙃 I am not saying that Drew wasn’t an asshole for completely ignoring her and her calls after their ONS..but she was the once with the knowledge about the pregnancy. She should have tried harder to get in contact with him.
Drew wasn’t much better. We were told that she was actually really important to him during college, that he cared for her, but after his ONS with her, he never once called her, he completely ignored her and never answered her calls. All because hockey was more important and his most important priority and so he didn’t need any distractions. After sleeping with her he basically dropped her like an old sack of potatoes. Yeah..not my kind of hero!
Also, his reaction when finding out that he was a dad was very underwhelming and indifferent. I expected a bit more regret for not being there for his son, but what do I know…😅
Graham, their kid, was supposed to be the main focus of the book but he really wasn’t. He was only there to bring them together and then was sidelined so they could reconnect with each other. I wanted more domestic scenes with them as a family.
April 23, 2024
What's the book about:
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series following Audrey & Drew. They went to college together, where Audrey tutored him in math. One night, they let the attraction they have towards each other happen before he was drafted into the NHL and moved to Vancouver. Six years later, he was traded to his hometown in Boston. Once he is back, he then finds out that he has a son named Graham, who bears a striking resemblance to him.
My thoughts:
This book hits all the right spots. Drew goes from party animal to super dad, which is adorable, and Audrey is the kind of gal you just want to high-five. Their chemistry? Off the charts! You'll be cheering them on as they tackle co-parenting and their lingering feelings for each other. But the best part of Center Ice is how real it feels. Yeah, it's got all the romance stuff - secret babies, second chances, and sparks flying - but it's also packed with everyday struggles and emotions. Drew and Audrey's journey is a rollercoaster of laughs, tears, and swoons, and you'll enjoy every minute of it!
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series following Audrey & Drew. They went to college together, where Audrey tutored him in math. One night, they let the attraction they have towards each other happen before he was drafted into the NHL and moved to Vancouver. Six years later, he was traded to his hometown in Boston. Once he is back, he then finds out that he has a son named Graham, who bears a striking resemblance to him.
My thoughts:
This book hits all the right spots. Drew goes from party animal to super dad, which is adorable, and Audrey is the kind of gal you just want to high-five. Their chemistry? Off the charts! You'll be cheering them on as they tackle co-parenting and their lingering feelings for each other. But the best part of Center Ice is how real it feels. Yeah, it's got all the romance stuff - secret babies, second chances, and sparks flying - but it's also packed with everyday struggles and emotions. Drew and Audrey's journey is a rollercoaster of laughs, tears, and swoons, and you'll enjoy every minute of it!
January 20, 2024
I have been anticipating this one ever since we got a little teaser at the end of On The Line…and Julia did not disappoint.
Center Ice is book one in Julia’s new Boston Rebels series and follows Audrey and Drew. Audrey and Drew have sort of history. She was his tutor in college and they ended up hooking up before he left for the NHL six years ago. Now Drew recently got traded to bring him back to Boston. Him and Audrey end up coming face to face where he finds out that she has a son…that kind of looks just like him.
I ate this up. Secret baby is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes and everyone knows I am obsessed with hockey and Center Ice delivered on both.
Drew falls so hard for Audrey. He always had some feelings for her in college but never really acted on them…well except the once. I love that he found out that Graham was his son and was immediately here for it. I just love when a MMC goes full daddy…no questions. He was completely swoony and loved how he cared for both Audrey and Graham!!
Audrey is slow to let Drew in with good reason. She has some issues of her own that Drew helps her work through. Loved seeing her open up to Drew and help her navigate their relationship with each and their son.
Graham!!! Uh…my heart. I just loved him so much. He knows so much more than he let one. LOL I just loved his relationship with Drew and his knowledge/obsession with birds.
This book was such a breath of fresh air, light and easy to read. I just love a MMC who turns into a total simp from the moment he lays eyes on the FMC. The side characters in this are easy to love and I'm so excited to read about more of them in the future. Thank you to Julia and team for the eARC.
Overall: ♾️
Spice: 2.5
Tropes:
-Hockey Romance
-Second Chance
-Single Mom
-Secret Baby
-He Falls First
Center Ice is book one in Julia’s new Boston Rebels series and follows Audrey and Drew. Audrey and Drew have sort of history. She was his tutor in college and they ended up hooking up before he left for the NHL six years ago. Now Drew recently got traded to bring him back to Boston. Him and Audrey end up coming face to face where he finds out that she has a son…that kind of looks just like him.
I ate this up. Secret baby is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes and everyone knows I am obsessed with hockey and Center Ice delivered on both.
Drew falls so hard for Audrey. He always had some feelings for her in college but never really acted on them…well except the once. I love that he found out that Graham was his son and was immediately here for it. I just love when a MMC goes full daddy…no questions. He was completely swoony and loved how he cared for both Audrey and Graham!!
Audrey is slow to let Drew in with good reason. She has some issues of her own that Drew helps her work through. Loved seeing her open up to Drew and help her navigate their relationship with each and their son.
Graham!!! Uh…my heart. I just loved him so much. He knows so much more than he let one. LOL I just loved his relationship with Drew and his knowledge/obsession with birds.
This book was such a breath of fresh air, light and easy to read. I just love a MMC who turns into a total simp from the moment he lays eyes on the FMC. The side characters in this are easy to love and I'm so excited to read about more of them in the future. Thank you to Julia and team for the eARC.
Overall: ♾️
Spice: 2.5
Tropes:
-Hockey Romance
-Second Chance
-Single Mom
-Secret Baby
-He Falls First
January 20, 2024
This book is all my favorite tropes, second chances, secret baby, sports, plenty of angst, and a new series!
In college, she is his tutor, a celebratory night and then he leaves to begin his hockey career. Years later Drew is now with the Rebels, he needs to prove himself this year. He has many other things on his plate in addition to finding out he has a child. Audrey has trust issues, and very few know who the father of her child is. But Drew is a good guy, which is not what the press has reported. Audrey makes him work to return to her life, and the girls surrounding Audrey are quite entertaining.
Highly recommend, and I am looking forward to book two.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
In college, she is his tutor, a celebratory night and then he leaves to begin his hockey career. Years later Drew is now with the Rebels, he needs to prove himself this year. He has many other things on his plate in addition to finding out he has a child. Audrey has trust issues, and very few know who the father of her child is. But Drew is a good guy, which is not what the press has reported. Audrey makes him work to return to her life, and the girls surrounding Audrey are quite entertaining.
Highly recommend, and I am looking forward to book two.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
July 24, 2024
four stars for aud, drew, and graham!!!! this was a spectacular hockey romance read. it hit all the comfort spots and has all the feels! julia connors, you will be getting my therapist’s invoice in the mail!!!!
December 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I want to read AJs book 😩
I want to read AJs book 😩
March 27, 2024
There are much better secret baby, sports, second chance, and single parent romances out there than this one.
!! Mild spoilers !!
If you're here for the secret baby trope, this is not your stop. The kid is NOT the focus of this story at all, like I actually felt bad for him. The MMC finds out he had a baby with his college tutor/ONS, and all he cares about is getting back with the FMC. Being a dad is secondary, getting to know his son is secondary, the kid comes as goes as needed, and the guy really just wants to spend a ton of alone time with the FMC. Why make this a secret baby trope if you're not going to explore that past a few scenes here and there? The kid was just a tool to get the two MCs back together, and he rarely plays into the storyline. In fact, the kid actually gets sick, and the MMC is more worried about taking care of the FMC once she's "done" taking care of the kid. And by taking care, I mean finishing the orgasm he was about to give her before they were interrupted. *eye roll*
And I'm not sold on his feelings either. He keeps saying how into her he was in the past, but then he goes on and on about how little he actually knew about her, or how little he even cared to find out back then. After he left, he didn't return any of her phone calls because she wasn't important enough to him. Despite how "hard" he worked to get her attention back then, and how deeply captivated her was by her, he didn't even listen to her messages beyond the first one!! He "wanted a clean break" and didn't even give her the courtesy to treat her like a human being.
But the second he's back 6 years later, he suddenly wants her. Like immediately. Not just to date/sleep with, but to marry. He had a one night stand with her after pursuing her during their tutoring sessions and then he dropped her for 6 years without even thinking of her or returning her calls. Yet two whole days after he returns he's jealous when he sees a text message from her FWB (good on you, girl) and immediately asks her not to see him. Like????? Boy I know you're not out here acting like this.
And I could have accepted all of this if we had been able to see ANY development between them in the present timeline. Unfortunately, the writing didn't allow for that. There was SO much telling instead of showing. They'd actually have entire conversations where part of it was spoken by the characters while every other response or even action was paraphrased to us to let us know how they responded. It was actually pretty annoying. And we didn't get to see feelings develop, we were just told that they did.
Kind of like we were just told that he felt something for his kid, but we never saw them together more than a few times. The kid didn't even know he was his dad until 3/4 of the way through the book because the FMC wanted to keep hiding everything from everyone until she was emotionally ready (smh grow up). They would start good conversations sometimes, and then they'd just have sex, or they'd be interrupted. Nothing actually happened until they were both suddenly all in with nothing leading up to that moment.
Truthfully, I was more interested in the side characters than the main characters, which is just sad.
!! Mild spoilers !!
If you're here for the secret baby trope, this is not your stop. The kid is NOT the focus of this story at all, like I actually felt bad for him. The MMC finds out he had a baby with his college tutor/ONS, and all he cares about is getting back with the FMC. Being a dad is secondary, getting to know his son is secondary, the kid comes as goes as needed, and the guy really just wants to spend a ton of alone time with the FMC. Why make this a secret baby trope if you're not going to explore that past a few scenes here and there? The kid was just a tool to get the two MCs back together, and he rarely plays into the storyline. In fact, the kid actually gets sick, and the MMC is more worried about taking care of the FMC once she's "done" taking care of the kid. And by taking care, I mean finishing the orgasm he was about to give her before they were interrupted. *eye roll*
And I'm not sold on his feelings either. He keeps saying how into her he was in the past, but then he goes on and on about how little he actually knew about her, or how little he even cared to find out back then. After he left, he didn't return any of her phone calls because she wasn't important enough to him. Despite how "hard" he worked to get her attention back then, and how deeply captivated her was by her, he didn't even listen to her messages beyond the first one!! He "wanted a clean break" and didn't even give her the courtesy to treat her like a human being.
But the second he's back 6 years later, he suddenly wants her. Like immediately. Not just to date/sleep with, but to marry. He had a one night stand with her after pursuing her during their tutoring sessions and then he dropped her for 6 years without even thinking of her or returning her calls. Yet two whole days after he returns he's jealous when he sees a text message from her FWB (good on you, girl) and immediately asks her not to see him. Like????? Boy I know you're not out here acting like this.
And I could have accepted all of this if we had been able to see ANY development between them in the present timeline. Unfortunately, the writing didn't allow for that. There was SO much telling instead of showing. They'd actually have entire conversations where part of it was spoken by the characters while every other response or even action was paraphrased to us to let us know how they responded. It was actually pretty annoying. And we didn't get to see feelings develop, we were just told that they did.
Kind of like we were just told that he felt something for his kid, but we never saw them together more than a few times. The kid didn't even know he was his dad until 3/4 of the way through the book because the FMC wanted to keep hiding everything from everyone until she was emotionally ready (smh grow up). They would start good conversations sometimes, and then they'd just have sex, or they'd be interrupted. Nothing actually happened until they were both suddenly all in with nothing leading up to that moment.
Truthfully, I was more interested in the side characters than the main characters, which is just sad.
June 9, 2024
(Updating this rating to 5 stars due to the fact that it’s been 6 months and this book has not left my head)
Accidentally just read almost the exact same book as the last one I read just do the man was a hockey player instead of a lawyer. Surprise 5 year old and all.
I, in my flu-dazed state, have just been adding any random book I see a tik tok about to my kindle and reading it so I really have no idea what I’m getting myself into with any of them.
This story was nice, nothing groundbreaking, really no complaints, they be fuckin A LOT but I suppose that’s some people’s sole reason for reading these books sooooo whatever. The next one seems like it’s gonna have hella banter which I’m excited to see
Accidentally just read almost the exact same book as the last one I read just do the man was a hockey player instead of a lawyer. Surprise 5 year old and all.
I, in my flu-dazed state, have just been adding any random book I see a tik tok about to my kindle and reading it so I really have no idea what I’m getting myself into with any of them.
This story was nice, nothing groundbreaking, really no complaints, they be fuckin A LOT but I suppose that’s some people’s sole reason for reading these books sooooo whatever. The next one seems like it’s gonna have hella banter which I’m excited to see
February 6, 2024
I picked this book because of the blurb, I thought it was cute and it drew me in. Also, I saw it is a hockey romance and knew I wanted to read it. Unfortunately, I didn't like this book. It fell short for me. I didn't really like the characters or the storyline. It got pretty boring for me and I eventually skimmed most of it but, I barely finished it. I felt that the main characters were immature and it just took away from the story for me.
January 24, 2024
I’m not going to lie, I hated this book.
For one I can’t stand Audrey— Drew was willing to try and she kept cutting him down and it got old so fast.
Neither Drew nor Audrey really had a personality and it was just so dry.
Finishing this was a chore.
For one I can’t stand Audrey— Drew was willing to try and she kept cutting him down and it got old so fast.
Neither Drew nor Audrey really had a personality and it was just so dry.
Finishing this was a chore.
September 6, 2024
The audio was so good
January 21, 2024
3.75⭐️
No puedo esperar por el siguiente libro. Necesito ver como Colt se traga sus palabras de que ve a Jules como una hermana.
No puedo esperar por el siguiente libro. Necesito ver como Colt se traga sus palabras de que ve a Jules como una hermana.
June 22, 2024
⭐ 4.5
I can say that the "secret baby" trope is my guilty pleasure when it is well written and this was no exception.
Julia brings us the first book in her new series and what a good start, I really liked the story of Audrey and Drew but the one who carried the whole book was little Graham and no one can say otherwise; the relationship starts off a little stormy because come on, Audrey hid her son from Drew (we know the reason for all that in the book) although I was also surprised by Drew's attitude because of that, he was literally so happy to be a father right there when he found out. And I didn't find it forced, the author knew how to play with that aspect and I applaud her because it turned out very well.
There is no more drama of Drew's thoughts about wanting to stay in Boston with his family and his team and Audrey's thoughts about whether or not to give Drew a chance and let him into her family.
It was a good story to start this series, I can't wait for the next book and I also liked the cameos of some of the characters from the previous book.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
---
Puedo decir que el “secret baby” es mi placer culposo cuando está bien escrito y aquí no fue la excepción.
Julia nos trae la primera entrega de su nueva serie y que buen comienzo, la historia de Audrey y Drew me gusto muchísimo pero el que llevó todo el libro fue el pequeño Graham y nadie puede decir lo contrario; la relación empieza un poco tormentosa porque vamos, Audrey le oculto a Drew su hijo (sabemos el porqué de todo eso en el libro) aunque también me asombro la actitud de Drew por eso, literal se mentalizo enormemente en ser padre allí mismo que se entero y no lo vi forzado, la autora supo jugar con ese aspecto y le aplaudo porque le quedó muy bien.
Estos dos ya tenían una atracción desde sus días de universidad pero ya es ahora de adultos que quieren ver hasta donde llega sin alterar la vida de su pequeño hijo, no hay un drama más de los pensamientos de Drew sobre querer quedarse en Boston con su familia y equipo y los de Audrey sobre darle o no una oportunidad a Drew y dejarlo entrar en su familia.
Fue una buena historia para empezar esta serie, no puedo esperar para el siguiente libro y además de que me gustó los cameos de algunos de los personajes del libro anterior.
I can say that the "secret baby" trope is my guilty pleasure when it is well written and this was no exception.
Julia brings us the first book in her new series and what a good start, I really liked the story of Audrey and Drew but the one who carried the whole book was little Graham and no one can say otherwise; the relationship starts off a little stormy because come on, Audrey hid her son from Drew (we know the reason for all that in the book) although I was also surprised by Drew's attitude because of that, he was literally so happy to be a father right there when he found out. And I didn't find it forced, the author knew how to play with that aspect and I applaud her because it turned out very well.
There is no more drama of Drew's thoughts about wanting to stay in Boston with his family and his team and Audrey's thoughts about whether or not to give Drew a chance and let him into her family.
It was a good story to start this series, I can't wait for the next book and I also liked the cameos of some of the characters from the previous book.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
---
Puedo decir que el “secret baby” es mi placer culposo cuando está bien escrito y aquí no fue la excepción.
Julia nos trae la primera entrega de su nueva serie y que buen comienzo, la historia de Audrey y Drew me gusto muchísimo pero el que llevó todo el libro fue el pequeño Graham y nadie puede decir lo contrario; la relación empieza un poco tormentosa porque vamos, Audrey le oculto a Drew su hijo (sabemos el porqué de todo eso en el libro) aunque también me asombro la actitud de Drew por eso, literal se mentalizo enormemente en ser padre allí mismo que se entero y no lo vi forzado, la autora supo jugar con ese aspecto y le aplaudo porque le quedó muy bien.
Estos dos ya tenían una atracción desde sus días de universidad pero ya es ahora de adultos que quieren ver hasta donde llega sin alterar la vida de su pequeño hijo, no hay un drama más de los pensamientos de Drew sobre querer quedarse en Boston con su familia y equipo y los de Audrey sobre darle o no una oportunidad a Drew y dejarlo entrar en su familia.
Fue una buena historia para empezar esta serie, no puedo esperar para el siguiente libro y además de que me gustó los cameos de algunos de los personajes del libro anterior.
January 21, 2024
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Audrey was Drew’s math tutor in college, and there’s always been secret feelings between the two of them. They spend one night together before he is drafted to the NHL, and they part ways. But when he’s traded back to their hometown of Boston 6 years later, he’s surprised to learn not only is Audrey his agents little sister, but she also has a 5 year old that looks just like him…
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series, and I feel like Julia set us up for this series so nicely!! I am already so obsessed with the side characters she introduced, and can’t wait to see where she takes this series!
When I tell you, that Drew became the biggest SIMP so fast for Audrey I mean it. He was declaring Audrey was going to be his future wife and love of his life within weeks of being back in each others lives, and not only did Audrey call him out on it, but Drew’s mom did too, and I kind of loved it. We got to see lots of character development with Drew, from hot headed hockey player, to someone who really starts to think about his words and actions.
Audrey is easily the kind of FMC I want to be when I grow up. She is so intelligent (she’s an architect), she’s sassy, she was a single mom who finished college and started her own business, AND! She does pole dancing lessons as a workout. She is everything.
I love that she and Drew chose to not live in the past, where they both made mistakes. They moved forward together, and I just fell in love with them.
This book also has multiple caretaking scenes for all my girlies who love the caretaking microtrope. I absolutely eat it UP, and just was giddy reading through different scenes of him taking care of her.
I know the secret baby trope is a point of contention for everyone, but this trope throughout the story showed so much character development, strength, and vulnerability.
I think where this book missed 5 stars for me, was it took a bit for me to get into the book. I felt like the first 40/50% was a little slow, but once Audrey and Drew started opening up to each other I was invested and couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to Julia Connors and Wordsmith Publicity for the eARC!!!
Tropes:
🏒 Professional Hockey Romance
🏒 Secret Baby
🏒 Second Chance
🏒 Agent’s Sister
🏒 Caretaking
🏒 He Falls First and HARDDDDDDD
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Audrey was Drew’s math tutor in college, and there’s always been secret feelings between the two of them. They spend one night together before he is drafted to the NHL, and they part ways. But when he’s traded back to their hometown of Boston 6 years later, he’s surprised to learn not only is Audrey his agents little sister, but she also has a 5 year old that looks just like him…
Center Ice is the first book in the Boston Rebels series, and I feel like Julia set us up for this series so nicely!! I am already so obsessed with the side characters she introduced, and can’t wait to see where she takes this series!
When I tell you, that Drew became the biggest SIMP so fast for Audrey I mean it. He was declaring Audrey was going to be his future wife and love of his life within weeks of being back in each others lives, and not only did Audrey call him out on it, but Drew’s mom did too, and I kind of loved it. We got to see lots of character development with Drew, from hot headed hockey player, to someone who really starts to think about his words and actions.
Audrey is easily the kind of FMC I want to be when I grow up. She is so intelligent (she’s an architect), she’s sassy, she was a single mom who finished college and started her own business, AND! She does pole dancing lessons as a workout. She is everything.
I love that she and Drew chose to not live in the past, where they both made mistakes. They moved forward together, and I just fell in love with them.
This book also has multiple caretaking scenes for all my girlies who love the caretaking microtrope. I absolutely eat it UP, and just was giddy reading through different scenes of him taking care of her.
I know the secret baby trope is a point of contention for everyone, but this trope throughout the story showed so much character development, strength, and vulnerability.
I think where this book missed 5 stars for me, was it took a bit for me to get into the book. I felt like the first 40/50% was a little slow, but once Audrey and Drew started opening up to each other I was invested and couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to Julia Connors and Wordsmith Publicity for the eARC!!!
Tropes:
🏒 Professional Hockey Romance
🏒 Secret Baby
🏒 Second Chance
🏒 Agent’s Sister
🏒 Caretaking
🏒 He Falls First and HARDDDDDDD
February 15, 2024
boring.
January 30, 2024
Uuuugggghhhhhhh....
The premise of this book was set up perfectly. It should have been fantastic. Instead it fell completely flat. There was zero chemistry between Audrey and Drew. They were a one night stand that produced a child but we're supposed to believe they harboured secret feelings for each other. Drew was supposed to be this hot head that was traded because he couldn't get along with people but where? When? This author relied on sex to push the story forward and that was the nail in the coffin for me. I'm so disappointed. I wanted to love it and I didn't even like it.
The premise of this book was set up perfectly. It should have been fantastic. Instead it fell completely flat. There was zero chemistry between Audrey and Drew. They were a one night stand that produced a child but we're supposed to believe they harboured secret feelings for each other. Drew was supposed to be this hot head that was traded because he couldn't get along with people but where? When? This author relied on sex to push the story forward and that was the nail in the coffin for me. I'm so disappointed. I wanted to love it and I didn't even like it.
February 6, 2024
I’m sorry you trying to play the victim after you didn’t think something was maybe up when she gave you 20 voicemails !!!! MEN ARE STUPID
January 21, 2025
I finished this book only because I thought maybe it will be better at the ending but this shit was BAD.
At first everything seems to play nice, y'know the male protagonist comes back home and he finds out he has a baby boy and he feels bad cuz he didn't know and he missed the baby/toddlers years, wants to step up and be there on the other side we have the female protagonist being a single mom for five years and finding difficult to adjust to this new reality, okay everything good with that.
MY PROBLEM is that nothing in this book made sense, at first Audrey tells Drew that she tried to contact him to tell her she was pregnant and she was mad (obviously) because he didn't return her calls and was being an asshole and in the whole book it was never mentioned why he didn't answer those calls ( yes he said he had too much on his plate but it doesn't really matter that's not an excuse), and then Audrey didn't want to tell her brother who's also is AGENT that Graham was her baby daddy cause she was afraid what he might do to him and then out of the blue she tells Jameson and he's like okay, cool and NEVER spoke of the subject again ?????
Also Audrey at one point was talking to her sister about that he never really tried harder to contact Drew because she was afraid that he might ruin his career like he's done before AND THEY NEVER MENTIONED THAT AGAIN!!!
They told their side of their family and everyone seems instantly fine that they had a child together and no one really cared that those years were missed
Graham the little kid was supposed to be the main plot of this story and he could've been idk a year old and it would make no difference cause he was completely sidelined for the whole book, this child doesn't even know Drew was his dad until about 65 - 70% into the book and then they told him and he was like "I know" and he left to do what he was doing.(Also he doesn't even talk like a five year old 😭)
I thought that involving a kid in the book meant that they would bond over the love of their kid and exploring this new relationship as parents but NO they only focussed on themselves and tossed the kiddo to his uncles house like every other day
They had a one night stand that after reconnecting they acted like they had a relationship at college and it felt so off fast cause at one point it's revealed that drew actually cared for her but when he was drafted he ignored calls, her never once called her back and ignored her message I mean if someone calls you 20 times, send you messages and voice mails you feel like something might be wrong and call back to be sure nothing happens
Drew swears that he loves hockey but idk he could've been another type of professional and nothing would've changed cuz you take the sports out of the equation and it's all the same
I liked the first 15% but I felt that after that the author was in a rush to get to the spicy scenes and failed at that too
I got mad again just writing this...
At first everything seems to play nice, y'know the male protagonist comes back home and he finds out he has a baby boy and he feels bad cuz he didn't know and he missed the baby/toddlers years, wants to step up and be there on the other side we have the female protagonist being a single mom for five years and finding difficult to adjust to this new reality, okay everything good with that.
MY PROBLEM is that nothing in this book made sense, at first Audrey tells Drew that she tried to contact him to tell her she was pregnant and she was mad (obviously) because he didn't return her calls and was being an asshole and in the whole book it was never mentioned why he didn't answer those calls ( yes he said he had too much on his plate but it doesn't really matter that's not an excuse), and then Audrey didn't want to tell her brother who's also is AGENT that Graham was her baby daddy cause she was afraid what he might do to him and then out of the blue she tells Jameson and he's like okay, cool and NEVER spoke of the subject again ?????
Also Audrey at one point was talking to her sister about that he never really tried harder to contact Drew because she was afraid that he might ruin his career like he's done before AND THEY NEVER MENTIONED THAT AGAIN!!!
They told their side of their family and everyone seems instantly fine that they had a child together and no one really cared that those years were missed
Graham the little kid was supposed to be the main plot of this story and he could've been idk a year old and it would make no difference cause he was completely sidelined for the whole book, this child doesn't even know Drew was his dad until about 65 - 70% into the book and then they told him and he was like "I know" and he left to do what he was doing.(Also he doesn't even talk like a five year old 😭)
I thought that involving a kid in the book meant that they would bond over the love of their kid and exploring this new relationship as parents but NO they only focussed on themselves and tossed the kiddo to his uncles house like every other day
They had a one night stand that after reconnecting they acted like they had a relationship at college and it felt so off fast cause at one point it's revealed that drew actually cared for her but when he was drafted he ignored calls, her never once called her back and ignored her message I mean if someone calls you 20 times, send you messages and voice mails you feel like something might be wrong and call back to be sure nothing happens
Drew swears that he loves hockey but idk he could've been another type of professional and nothing would've changed cuz you take the sports out of the equation and it's all the same
I liked the first 15% but I felt that after that the author was in a rush to get to the spicy scenes and failed at that too
I got mad again just writing this...
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