I enjoyed this read from Kelly Jamieson about Ben, a shy hockey player who needs to step out of his comfort zone to become captain, and Mabel, an extrovert librarian starting over after leaving a narcissistic relationship. I will give a content warning that if you are a survivor of narcissistic abuse, this book could be triggering for you. Mabel had a major crush on Ben when they were teenagers and when she moves in with her brother after leaving her ex, she has no idea that Ben is staying there too while he waits for his condo to be ready. Ben asks Mabel to help him come out of his shell and their forced proximity blossoms to more.

Ben's sweet demeanor was a welcome change from other hockey romances who feature the MMC as an outgoing, loud, confident hockey player. And I found Mable's quirky personality making me laugh.

I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because this book would have been a normal 4 star read for me but I found the loss of child by a side character to be unnecessary in the book. It didn't really add to the story and seemed quickly forgotten for the remainder of the book.

Thank you to Boldwood books and Netgalley for the arc A cute best friends, twin sister, hockey romance with all the vibes.
Be warned there is a serious topic with this romance namely living with an abusive partner. So, let's start with that because it's on page frequently with the book.
Mabel has been living in a toxic relationship until she decides she can't take it anymore and leaves to live with her twin brother who happens to be Ben's best friend. Ben is the NHL player too.
The author handles narcissistic behavior expertly there must have been extensive research which explains how well she could describe in detail how Mabel felt.
Ben on the other hand is socially awkward and that too is handled with empathy.
This isn't your average fluffy steamy hockey book.
It has all of that in it, of course but it is deeper which creates an empathy with the characters. You find yourself emotionally drawn to them, very cleverly written.
The romance is of course dreamy and swoony. I also enjoyed that the author knows her hockey game.
Overall a good read and now I'll be looking at more titles by this author.

I'm between a 3 and a 4 on this one!

The start to this book was really strong, I loved how quirky Mabel was and an introverted, quiet professional hockey player is a sweet take on MMC in a hockey romance - we tend to get brooding, grumpy guys instead. I really enjoyed Ben as a character, and he reminded me a lot of Felix from Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor.

This book took a bit of a turn for me when it became so fully enveloped in the narcissist/abusive story line. At the start of the book, when we had the scene of Julian and Mabel having a falling out, the delivery wasn't as emotionally charged as it should have been for the caliber at which the rest of the details about Julian played out. I wish I had felt more from that beginning scene or a little bit more background on their relationship to set up for the rest of the story.

I also don't think we needed a car accident and a dead baby to help Ben become more of a captain figure, he was already there figuring it out, that was just another layer of trauma that wasn't needed to drive any point home.

The overall development of brother's best friend to lover was adorable, and I'm happy Mabel and Ben could grow together!

3.75 Stars rounded to 4! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Spoilers ahead, beware!

The first 75% of the book was fantastic. We got to know the characters on a deeper level and I was able to connect with not only our main characters but also some of the teammates. They felt like real people and were each unique and quirky. I appreciated that the author took such good care of her characters. The spice was SPICCYYY, get a glass of milk while reading. I really fell head first into this story.

Here are my criticisms
1. Twice the word rizz was used (same story, many pages apart). There is zero chance a late twenties used the word rizz in high school. It felt out of place and threw me off, a lot. 2024 elementary kids use that word.
2. I really, really don't think we needed a dead baby in this story. That was wild and then suddenly ignored and only briefly mentioned at the very end of the book? That put a huge damper on my reading experience.
3. Too many heavy topics were encompassed. We had a dead child, narcissist (I feel like this word and diagnosis is highly overused), abuse, family members victim blaming, children of abuse.... it was too much! Pick one, preferably NOT the dead child. Please.

This book was good- it went into some really deep and uncomfortable topics some of which I didn’t feel were necessary to the book. I thought there was a lot of hockey talk which isn’t what I look for in a hockey romance but I know some people enjoy that aspect. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

I'm not used to reading about a hockey player that is an introvert. Which Ben is plus some. Mabel might be an extrovert but she is a lot more cautious now around people after a really bad break up. She is coaching Ben on how to deal with people especially in circumstances that have to do with him getting captain of his hickey team. I really enjoyed reading, Crossing the Line.

I really enjoyed the way the relationship developed between Mabel and Ben. Mabel is a free spirited librarian and Ben is a hard worked and introverted hocjey player.
Hockey didn't feature to heavily here. Mostly just team dynamics which painted a picture of Ben's character.
Mabel, dealing with an emotionally abusive ex, is trying to find herself and reconnects with Ben whom she had a major crush on a a teen.
Spice was spicy and I felt sleepiest appropriately included.
My biggest gripe was the trauma a secondary character endured. I'm not sure why it was needed in the book, I don't see it impacting the main characters in a major way. I would rather it not be included and just have a slightly shorter book.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my review

I saw it was a hockey romance with a librarian and I couldn’t resist!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelly Jamieson, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

The Plot:
Trying to change up her life, librarian Mabel moves in with her pro hockey player twin brother “Smitty” aka Marek. Ofc Smitty lives tho with his teammate and Mabel’s unrequited high school crush Ben who she hasn’t seen in 10 years… what could possibly happen ;)

The Basics:
• First Person
• Dual PoV (Mabel and Ben)

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book and wish it longer so we could get more moments with Ben and Mabel! For once he’s more shy, awkward, quiet, and introverted whereas she’s “full of life,” extroverted, and enjoys socializing. Way to go for changing librarian stereotypes, I love it!!
There’s just enough hockey talk, references, and description that I understand what’s going on but am not weighed down by semantics to get what’s happening in the story. I did cringe a bit tho when there was a reference to Taylor Swift songs (x2) and having “rizz.” Felt a bit weird to say rizz when mentioning something that happened so far in the past since its more of a newer slang. Otherwise, the writing is superb and easy to get into, so much so that I could not put it down. I especially could not put it down since in the last 50 pages or so A LOT happens

I definitely have a soft spot for Mabel and her love of saying “crappleberries” plus her Cheez-it eating habits. It made her very relatable. Same goes for Ben and his preference for dogs over people and his quiet demeanor. It was a lil insta love and lusty given the circumstance but it honestly felt right for the characters.

Truthfully, the understanding of librarian jobs really did it for me tho. I really enjoyed the references to the many roles a library/librarian takes on and the activities a librarian may need to do. OFC there’s one sexy librarian joke thrown in but it was in good taste. In fact I think this book does a great job of creating a non-stereotypical librarian character

There were a few spicy scenes and I found them well written + they really added to the characters and their relationship.

Similar to Mister Hockey and Sin Bin Situation, it is a hockey player and librarian or soon to be librarian. However, as a trained librarian and former library staff I think this book best showcases what it can be like to be a librarian without it overshadowing the rest of the story.

If you’re a fan of Rachel Reid or Elle Kennedy, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

I’m excited to see where this series goes!

Content Warnings: Death of a child, mentions of past controlling relationships, creepy ex, child abuse, brief mention of sexual assault victim blaming.

4.5/ 5 stars !!

"Crossing the line" is a classic brother's-best-friend romance novel, with some other tropes mixed in as well. It was a short and sweet story about how two people can overcome issues and baggage, and become a couple who are bettering each other. It reads kinda like if fanfiction was given a structure and professional editing, which perfectly fits the story and plot.

Some of the topics in the story is so important, such as highlighting that mental and verbal abuse, is still considered abuse, and should be taken seriously. I think it was written in a tasteful way, where i think the majority can read it and understand the full story and plot. So in conclusion:

Was this the best romance novel I have read? No
But was it addicting as hell, and I couldn't put it down? Hell yeah, it was

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this sports romance between a hockey player and his best friend's sister. It is very much opposites attract, with Ben's introversion and shyness contrasting with Mabel's friendliness and effusive sociability. I found the strongest part of the romance to be Mabel's understanding of and patience with Ben as he tries to come out of his shell and gain confidence over the course of the book.
I found the plot to be predictable but I don't think this detracted from it at all; I liked being able to see where the story was going and instead focusing on Mabel and Ben's feelings towards each other. The exception to this is [SPOILER] that a tragic event happens to a side character in the middle of the book, which I did not think was handled with all the sensitivity it needed purely because it did not get enough page time and was not that big an event in the plot. I felt like it might have been setting up the scene for another book in a series (I'm thinking Carson and Ayla marriage in trouble/second chance) which would explore the topic of baby loss and grief more, but nonetheless it was somewhat jarring in this book.
Overall, though, I liked reading this and didn't want to put it down. I would be up for reading more from this author!

Thank you NetGalley, Kelly Jamieson, and Boldwood books for allowing me to read an advance copy of Crossing the Line. While I’m not a hockey fan, Jamieson makes it an easy read with just the right amount of sports scenes so the reader is not overwhelmed.

Ban, an extremely talented professional hockey player and introvert, has been tapped to contend for team captain because of his outstanding leadership skills in the locker room and on the ice. However, his introversion causes him to struggle with small talk with anyone who is not a close friend and public speaking, even with just a sportscaster and cameraman. How can he be the team spokesperson? Management suggests he attend Toastmasters which nearly causes Ben to withdraw his name.

Mabel, just out of an emotionally abusive relationship, quits her job and moves in with her twin brother Marek and Ben (hockey teammates and best friends) who is waiting for his new condo to be ready. She is quirky, outgoing, appears to a bit flaky at times, and definitely an extrovert! Marek suggests that Ben hire Mabel to help him with public speaking and awkward situations.

And here you have a wonderful set-up for Marek’s warning to his teammates to “keep your hands off my sister”! This is a fast moving story filled with humor, innuendos, and steamy scenes countered with very emotional, touching moments as both Ben and Mabel share their weaknesses, worst moments, greatest fears, and learn that trusting the right people is crucial to your mental health and a successful relationship.

This book was OK. There really wasn't a lot of drama over the brothers best friend trope. What took me out of the story was the tragedy that occurred to a minor character. It came out of nowhere and was pretty triggering to just drop on. I found myself not caring about the main couple after that because it threw off the tone of the book so much. It was hard to care about their contrivedproblems. .

4.5 stars.
A terrific story, with awesome characters and amazing dialogue, “Crossing the Line”, by Kelly Jamieson, features a fascinating introverted hero and is an interesting outlook on how to be quiet and reserved in a world of constant exposure.
I loved the depth of the leads and how they’re so different in some aspects and yet fit so well together.
Ben is an incredibly hot hockey player who enjoys reading by the fireplace! Mabel is the opposite, an outgoing, extroverted and impulsive librarian.
I liked watching them getting close, going from friends to lovers, and how their past played into the romance. The dialogue is fabulous, really engaging and often funny.
I enjoyed how Ben’s issues are handled and adored the “king of awkward” and how cool Mabel helps him.
They both have a heart of gold and reveal it differently. They’re both vulnerable, too, and honest, and those traits are wonderfully written.
A really enjoyable read!

Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy! I devoured this in one day. A spicy brothers best friend that becomes roomates to lovers with a splash of ice hockey, heartbreaks and drama this is one for your tbr!!

Kelly Jamieson has a new addition to the series. We follow Ben and Mabel as they try to help each other navigate a break up and the support of an extrovert. There are complications of course including a brother, family issues and a storyline that includes a sad storyline. s a new book in the

Mabel has just walked away from a manipulative boyfriend, but when she needs somewhere to stay she turns to her hockey star brother. But he already has someone staying in the spare room and her only option is to sleep on the couch.

But Ben needs her help to become more extravert so he can become the new team captain, but soon sparks are flying and will the two be able to stay away, when Mabel's brother has warned him away?

I loved that this novel was split between the two main characters, and love how Mabel flourished being away from her ex-boyfriend. Ben coming out of his shell with Mabel's help was lovely to see.

There were several side characters and friendships in this novel, who all made me laugh and were people you want to have your back.

There was definitely a scene in this that was hard to read (but was short), so I recommend being aware of trigger warnings, such as death, but this was a novel had a great story line with great character, and this is an author I will visit again.

This is an entertaining, fun, spicy read. Ben and Mabel are interesting, intriguing, relatable, complex, strong, complicated, wounded, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. These two are fun to spend time with. I loved the family and friend relationships and the roles they played in the story. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The book contains some heavy themes but they are handled in a compassionate and empathetic way by Jamieson. Do note that they can be difficult for some to read so check for trigger warnings. The story is easy to get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first Kelly Jamieson book I've read & it definitely will not be the last. Crossing the Line is a well written sports romance with the brother's best friend trope. Mabel is fresh out of an emotional abuse relationship when she moves into her brother's place & runs back into her old crush/brother's best friend Ben. Sparks fly pretty quickly & they help each through some ups & downs in their current lives. Fun, witty characters, a little drama, & some spice that'll get your heart going a few beats faster.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book on #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, but overall, Crossing the Line is a cute story with a great balance between romantic swoon & passion that will definitely make you want to keep reading.

Thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review purposes!

2.5 ⭐
The story follows Mabel, a quirky librarian and sister of a hockey player, and Ben, an introvert who happens to be her brother’s best friend. The two end up living in the same apartment and striking up a deal in order to help Ben become more outgoing, and that’s how the story unfolds.
I’m a sports romance enthusiast so when I found this in my read now section I had to read it. It was my first time reading this author, so it was also my first approach to her writing style which is my main problem with this book. Especially in the fmc pov, I found the style hard to enjoy. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make her seem quirky and funny, but, again, I haven’t read anything else from her so I could be misinterpreting it.

Thank you to Netgalley & Kelly Jamieson for the ARC! This review is my honest opinion after reading the book.

I just finished this book a few minutes ago, I finished it in two days and it was a good book! One thing I will say is that there *should* have been some content warnings for emotional abuse & also talking about the loss of a baby, even if it wasn't a main character's baby and even if it was a very tiny part of the book.

I enjoyed the characters, I loved Mabel especially - she's very outgoing and enthusiastic, I love her development. I liked Ben's character as well, he was very relatable; I'm also an introvert, so it was good to see him being loved and not told to change.

The book did say "rizz" twice - I personally don't like modern slang in books, it's just a personal ick but it did take me away from the story for a few seconds. That's just my personal opinion, it didn't affect my opinion of the book.

This was a cute story, I liked the ending even if it was predictable, I loved all the side characters. There wasn't anything bad about this book. It made me feel happy, I think it was a perfect length - it didn't drag out and it had so many good scenes, i had a good time reading this book and would definitely recommend it if you're looking for something cute and easy-to-read!!