I knew I would love this based on how much I loved Breakaway, but I somehow forgot this would be the end of the Callahan series and now I’m sad. I loved Nik and Izzy and their relationship. The emotions in this book really got me and I was crying at the end. It was just perfect

3.5 stars rounded up to 4!

Isabelle and Nikolai spend a secret summer together, not expecting to see each other again. What happens when Nikolai transfers to his rival schools hockey team, who's captain also happens to be Isabelle's brother?? Lot's of sneaking around and a very forbidden romance.

I thought this book was very cute! I loved Isabelle and Nikolai's romance and the development of their romance into something more. The character development for Nik was so good, especially with everything regarding his past. I loved the Russian that was included and the nickname he calls Isabelle is adorable. Major respect to Nik for putting his mental health first and working on being the best version of himself for his relationship and just for himself in general.

I really liked Isabelle, I feel like I relate a lot to her anxious perfectionist tendencies and seeing her work through that was really nice. However, I do believe she came off a little pushy when it came to Nik and his past but I know she had good intentions.

The book was too long for a romance book in my opinion. The 75 chapters seemed like a bit much, especially since there were multiple parts that could have been cut out without changing the story. It kind of dragged in some areas. I also would have loved to learn more about Nikolai and Isabelle's summer fling. We got some flashes but I would have loved more details.

Overall, this book was so cute I enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the arc!

I really enjoyed this college hockey romance about Nick and Izzy. Nick is Izzy’s brother’s rival turned teammate so Izzy and Nick keep their relationship hidden from everyone. They tell each other that they’re casual, but both develop deep feelings for the other. There is domestic abuse and mental health representation, but it’s handled maturely through great character development. This is an interconnected standalone and I will definitely be going back to read the previous books.

By far my favorite of this series. Full review to come, but I will most CERTAINLY recommend not to miss this installment. Loved it!

I think this authors writing just isn't for me. I didnt particularly enjoy this. I just dont really enjoy this type of hockey romance.

3.5 stars! I enjoyed this! I think that overall this was more of a book concluding the Callahans' story than a standalone romance. This book was very entertaining, and for the most part, I liked how sweet it was and how healthy Nik and Izzy's communication was. I did not expect some of the things that happened: (i.e. Nik's very dark past and how the people involved resurfaced), but I feel it contributed to a very growth-centric character arc for him. Oh, sweet tortured Nikolai was for sure my favorite character in this, honestly followed closely by Cooper, who also exhibited a lot of growth from the time of his book, and I respect how he owned up to his actions over the course of building a relationship with Nik. Also I loved how Izzy's struggles with her sport and identity surrounding it were included. I resonated with her anxious perfectionist tendencies and think her actions aligned with real behaviors/feelings. In terms of their interactions with Russian and Nik's identity/past, I love a nickname in another language, and I was so happy that Nik was able to attribute positive feelings to names/characteristics he originally resented. It is always empowering to watch someone reclaim a part of themselves.
My issues with the book: While I loved how Izzy was headstrong and a FMC who wasn't afraid to act "girly", her approach to prying Nik's past out of him bothered me a bit. There was specifically a time where some of her dialogue just came off a bit pushy and I just couldn't get on board with how she conducted that conversation. Secondly, while I really liked them together, I felt like once the spice came in, it didn't stop for a while. I'm just someone who needs to be a bit more invested before the next 15 chapters are just spice or transitioning to/from. Lastly, this book was long, and I think could have been shorter in other places, but I felt like the ending/epilogue was a bit rushed. There was some "tell, don't show" that happened, and I just would have preferred to see certain moments.
To summarize, I enjoyed the glimpses into the other family members and the way in which all of them, spouses included, had a hand in this book and this love story. While I am not certain that I will be thinking about Nikolai and Izzy's journey for forever and ever, I had a great time with them. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this, so thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy, and I'm very happy with how things panned out for the Callahan family.

Isabelle and Nikolai were so cute together. I loved the forbidden & secret dating that they started off in. I always enjoy that moment when the characters realize they’re way in over their head and can’t just casually hookup.

Isabelle really helped Nik to overcome his problems and trauma. She wasn’t afraid to upset him and forced him to choose his own path. I think that made her a perfect partner for him. Nik always encouraged Isabelle to go after what she really wanted in volleyball and to also branch out and try new things. I really loved how he made her realize she was always enough and successful in her family’s eyes.

I did feel the story could have been a little shorter and it would’ve been a higher rating for me but I did enjoy it overall. The epilogue was perfect and I loved getting to see their happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Avon Voyager publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
Having read the previous Callahan family books prior to this, I was excited to read Izzie's story.
I also love sports romance, with hockey being my favorite. This book did not disappoint. We get plenty of the other siblings and their significant others throughout the book and I loved the cameos

Both Izzie and Nicolai have depth to their stories and I particularly liked the author's take on panic attacks. I was happy she showcased anxiety in her MMC. So many books focus more on the mental aspects of the female, it was nice to see a male depict the daily struggle of overcome past demons and trauma.

There was a lot going on with this book and a lot of family dynamics thrown in the mix. Izzie in particular was a college student, wedding planner, volleyball player, and volunteer. Sometimes I felt the story lost its path, but would course correct later on. The book was a little long and became a little bit repetitive towards the last quarter. However, I love Grace's writing style. She can write a steamy scene like no other and I always find her books to be entertaining. If you read the previous books in the series, you don't want to miss this one.

I am a big fan of Grace Reilly's books and the Beyond the Play series, so when I got the chance to ARC read for this book I couldn't pass it up. This was so stinking cute! I absolutely loved it as well as Izzy and Nikolai's relationship. I laughed, teared up and blushed throughout the entire book. This is probably my second fave in the series. If you are looking for a really fun sports romance book, this is definetly a great one to read. Plus it has the brother's rival trope which is just a cherry on top.

Grace Reilly popped off with this. Nik and Izzy were so cute together. I love how we got to see a continuation of previous main characters’ stories. This gave comfy cozy vibes and the spicy was spicin.

Steamy right off the bat- ok Nickolai! I love the support and banter between Izzy and Nic. Hands down my favorite from Grace Reily.

This book fell flat for me. There were some enjoyable parts, for sure, but they were overshadowed by some character flaws and plot holes. I would have loved to have seen more of Nic and Izzy's romance from the summer and the development of their relationship instead of references to their "summer together" and how it marked them - without any real evidence of their time together. I had mixed feelings regarding Isabelle and her tendency to run hot/cold. It felt a bit repetitive after awhile and I just wanted her to make up her mind and stick with her decision. I felt like this story had potential and I could appreciate the representation of different elements (trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, etc) but all in all, I felt like the most detailed scenes were the steamy ones - while some of the "real issues" were glossed over. I would have liked to to have seen as much time and emphasis placed on the heart of the story and the characters' development as the shower scenes and locker room hijinks. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars! I thought this was a really cute story. The MMC was just so sweet and supportive of FMC and just loved her really well. I just wish the author would have focused more on the buildup of their relationship over the summer so I could have gotten to know how and why they fell in love. Also there is a point when steam overtakes the plot and I think she crossed that line which I know some people enjoy but that just wasn’t for me.

I loved Izzy's and Nikolai's story.

Izzy and Nikolai had a summer fling, but both of their feelings ran deeper then that. They go their own ways and don't expect to see eachother.

Nikolai gets kicked out of his school and ends up attending Izzys school and becomes part of the hockey team there. Izzys brother is captain of the team and doesn't like Nik from playing against him when he was at his previous school.

Izzy is full of life, and wants to please everyone, she feels like a failure as all her brothers have been accomplished their dreams.

Nik has come from a troubled background and he suffers from panick attacks, believing he will turn Into his father.

I love the way Izzys family welcome Nik into their family once Izzys brother becomes friends with him. This happens at around 50% of the book and I did think well what else is there to see.

Grace continues to write about Niks Trauma and how he needs to find himself and deal with the demons his fighting, Nik really grew through this book, and It was great to see, as young men think they shouldn't express their feelings, it mens their not manly. It's OK to get help. Whilst Nik was working on himself, Izzy waited for him. When they see eachother for the first time in months, it was beautiful and I got choked.

I always have such a rough time writing reviews for books that I find absolutely amazing. This book was truly touching and a splash of angst and heartfelt emotions. It just felt so realistic and such a beautiful love story.

*Brothers rival turned teammate
*secret summer romance
*hockey and volleyball
*found family
*he’s Russian!
*and spicy! Don’t let that cute cover full you!

This book also touches on a bit heavier, topics like childhood trauma, child abuse, and the effects that it can take on your mental health as well as future relationships.
This book takes a journey on anxiety, panic attacks, and an overworked mental health load,

But there is such a beautiful romance in this story. The plot was just beautiful. The characters are fantastic. I loved that both characters had their own sport that they excelled in and had to find their self-worth one and together. Nikolai honestly is going to live rent free in my head for a long time. He is an absolute gem of a book boyfriend. A Russian hockey player that whispers, sweet and sexy Russian words in your ear. He was absolutely swoon worthy.
“Our love has felt like springtime. Warmth chasing away shadows, light spilling into the open. I imagined sun-drenched days ahead, but the frost hasn’t left the ground. The flowers haven’t bloomed.”

This is an epic journey of love. I wish I can read this all over again for the first time.

I can’t believe I was provided the opportunity to read this ARC!!! What a great way the close out the Callahan sibling’s stories. My immediate reaction is that this is my favorite of the four. I want to start from the beginning and experience the love from this family all over again.

Volleyball is a love of mine and this is the first volleyball romance I’ve read so I may be a bit biased. Was this a little long winded, yes, but not in a way where it detracted from the story. Although I do have to say I am a sucker for a sports romance where the sport is actually played on page.

Isabelle and Nikolai were so freaking perfect! There chemistry was off the charts from start to finish. The spice was pretty darn spicy and i think this is the spiciest of the bunch. Their banter was everything! I actually enjoyed the fact that they said they shouldn’t be together, when in reality then never even really tried not to be. Also the moments where they realized they loved each other… beautifully done.

There individual struggles were not lost in translation and were developed and resolved smoothly. Also their dog, yes please. Though I’m low key upset that she wasn't given a fruit name! There are some difficult topic discussed, so make sure to read the content warnings.

TROPES:
✧ found family
✧ secret relationship
✧ hockey player x voleyball player
✧ brother’s rival and now teammate

i just can’t believe this series is over and done. one of the best family ever, i envy the callahan’s but in the good way !!! and the sabrina’s mentions??? i love it in here !

i thought we would see more of their summer together and how they started having a fling but it happens ! what i didn’t get was how izzy forgave him so fast and got back together in september, it was quick but one thing that i hated was how izzy kept pressuring nikolai into talking when he didn’t even mention about what she was avoiding.

from the beginning of the series i thought isabelle’s book would be my favorite and now i need to think about which book is my top one because this isn’t grace’s best work so far. hopefully her plotting and writing get better with future projects !!! i believe in it. that’s my rating for this one because i didn’t appreciate izzy’s attitude (as mentioned) but also the sex scenes were excessive and it was making the read a boring one

what i LOVED in this one is the bromance. nik and cooper bromance !!!! I NEED IT AND THEY DIDNT DISAPPOINT ME !!!!

i’m glad that nik and isabelle are doing well and that they’re living their dreams <3 they went through too much and it’s a relief to see they’re doing good ! tbh seeing the whole callahan family is a relief and such a happy ending that they deserve :,)

thank you netgalley and avon & harper voyager team for this arc !!!!

This book just wasn’t it for me.

While this book was enjoyable at times, I felt like it was too long. There were many scenes I felt didn’t need to be included because they didn’t advance the plot. I found myself confused as well when there were time jumps or just an internal monologue from a a character about things that had happened that the reader had missed. If this book was shorter with more concise scenes it would have been better.

I also think this book could have benefited from showing us the summer the hooked up. Even some flashbacks or to have the book start off there and then jump to where we are now. That would have been better since I know the characters have chemistry, but it is too instant for me.

I had mixed feelings with Isabelle. In the beginning she was hot and cold with Nik. I get he didn’t leave on the best of terms, but she would forgive him and then run away. It was a bit weird.

Nik was a good character. He is working through some things that he is afraid to tell Izzy about. I could relate to his character in many ways.

*an ARC was received from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really did enjoy this book. I will say the only complaint that I have is that there were periods where it seemed to drag on. That being said, I think that the overall story line was good.

I loved the relationship between Nik and Isabelle! Their relationship was so pure and honest even though they started out hiding it from others. It was so refreshing to read about. a couple that wasn't toxic. Grace Reilly's writing flows so well, it is easy to slip into her stories and feel fully immersed in the world she has created. I did feel as though there was some potential lost for this couple, by starting in the middle of their relationship. I wish we could have gotten more about the start of their relationship. While I enjoyed this book, it did feel as though it was longer than it needed to be. I appreciated the commitment to sports romance, but did feel as though the sporting events were a bit overdone and could have been cut back some.