Golden by Elise Faber

4 Stars

I’ve seen her.

I’ve watched her.

But…I can’t allow myself to have her.

My job as the owner of an elite security company for celebrities and athletes alike means that I don’t have a problem putting myself in harm’s way to protect my clients.

But I do have a problem when it’s Lauren who’s caught in the crossfire.

Literally.

I need to protect her.

I need to keep her safe.

I just…

Can’t let my heart get involved.

Way too short. I wanted more with Lauren and Pascal. It was so good and I loved seeing Pascal get his HEA since he’s been in so many other books. Flowed nicely but for some of the development of characters you need to read the previous books.

Part of the Gold Series

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Changed by Elise Faber

4 Stars

Maddy is trying to make up for her past mistakes and Lucas just doesn’t believe she’s going to stay clean and not break her brother’s heart. He’s going to make sure she’s being truthful and staying clean. Will he ever believe she’s trying to make up for her past errors?

Maddy and Lucas getting their HEA. They have trauma they’re working through that has to deal with addiction. Lucas is an asshole through most of this book. Once he gets his head out of his ass, I was happy to see him getting his HEA. My biggest issue was the last chapter (NO SPOILERS) where I may have screamed when I read it and immediately went to see when it comes out to see when a resolution happens. Definitely happy with this one.

Book 19 Gold Hockey

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Crushed by Elise Faber

3.5 Stars

Lily used to be like Will’s little sister but now she’s all grown up and needs his help. She’s supposed to be off limits and just there for a fresh start, but they can’t seem to stay away from each other. When Lily’s past comes back to haunt them will they come together, or will they split up?

I wanted to like this more than I did. I enjoyed Lily and Will a lot and their relationship was fun to see it go from friends to lovers. My issue was there was something that happened to Lily that is never explained. I figured it was talking around it to have them explain it later for the conflict. I was sort of right about this, but it literally was NEVER explained. It’s alluded to but not explained. It’s vital to the story as Lily spirals throughout the book because of this big thing. I felt it needed to be said. I loved the breakup scenes. They were able to finally admit their feelings for each other. The other big issue was Will’s mom. She plays a pretty big role in this book, and I wanted to know how she knew about Lily’s big bad secret. This was a secret that no one was to know but somehow this woman knew about it. Overall, it was a good read and I enjoyed it. I just wanted some clarity.

Book 18 Gold Hockey

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Covered by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

Jordyn is living on the goodwill of her brother after her ex left her for her best friend. She’s trying to take care of their two kids and start over after being a stay-at-home mom for years. She doesn’t know how she is going to do anything let alone repay her brother for everything he’s done for her. Her brother has asked all of his teammates to chip in and help move her in, but she doesn’t want to wait. When one of her sons’ boxes breaks it is just one too many things and she has a breakdown and Ben stumbles upon her. He is one of her brother’s teammates and is off limits even if she was ready for a relationship. Ben has never had it easy. His dad left when he was a child and his mom checked out. He had to take care of his sister and mom. When horrible things happen to his sister while he’s gone for college she turns to drugs. He’s made to feel guilty for doing anything. When he meets Jordyn, he wants her but doesn’t think he deserves her. Will they be able to work through their traumas and find their happy ending?

I loved these two. Jordyn and Ben have so much crap to work through. I love that they lean on each other to heal from their past trauma. I’ve seen in other books where the guy would withhold his trauma to deal with it on their own instead of leaning on the love interest. Ben didn’t do this, and I loved that he was willing to open up to Jordyn and lets her help him figure things out. It was nice to see a healthy relationship. When I got to the end of the book, I was surprised it was already over with. I wanted more. I would love to see a short story with them getting married or having a kid.

Book 17 Gold Hockey

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A Gold Christmas by Elise Faber

 

3 Star

Stefan has officially retired from the Gold and is wanting the next stage of life to start. The problem his wife Brit is still a goalie for the Gold and can’t really get pregnant and continue to play for them. The alternative is adoption but there are risks with that option. Will they figure out what they both want and get it?

This wasn’t one of my favorites by Faber. This is book 13.5 and you do need to have at least some of the other books in the series to understand what is going on in this book. This book is just a snapshot of one of their Christmas. I liked the writing but felt it ended too soon and kinda not feeling like it wasn’t a complete story. It was nice to see how they got their kids. It fit in with the rest of the series and Faber’s writing was good just  needed to be a bit longer.

Book 13.5 Gold Hockey

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Caught by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

After a bad break-up sent Charlie home to San Francisco he's not looking for love. But he finds it with

Kacee, Gold's newest mascot. Everything is going great until his ex-shows up and his putting the pressure on to get back together. Charlie's not interested but will his ex-boyfriend ruin what they have?

I really liked Charlie and Kacee. They were a super cute couple working through their own issues. I wanted them both to get their HEA. I also liked that this book shown a light on male domestic abuse. It was handled well, and it showed the shame he had for the abuse plus his difficulty in reporting it. Really good addition to the series.

Book 15 Gold Hockey

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Cycled by Elise Faber

4 Star

Scarlett always tries to be good, but things go wrong for her. She is trying to not be bad as she works her dream job with San Francisco Gold. The problem hockey player Kaydon. He brings out her naughty side. She wants to have him but thinks he doesn’t want her. This leads him to think Scar hates him. Once he figures out that Scar wants him, he will do whatever it takes to win her over and prove they are meant to be together. When Scar’s family shows up will this scare him off?

I loved these two. They both thought the other didn’t want. I loved how Kaydon took steps to win Scar over with action and not words. There is one scene with Scar’s brother that had tears rolling down my cheeks from laughing so hard. The brother is moving home and needs a place to stay so Kayden offers up his home which shocked Scar and her brother since Kayden doesn’t know him. They give a tour of the house until they get to the library where prior to the brother showing up Scar and Kaydon had gotten up to some sexy time that broke some things. The brother decides it might be safer and need less bleach to live at Scar’s home and she moves in with Kaydon. Best scene of the book. I can’t wait to see the brother get his happy ending.

Book 13 Gold Hockey

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Crashed by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

Fanny thought she had it all until she didn’t.  She was engaged to the love of her life and then he is diagnosed with a brain tumor.  The first time it took him a week to remember her.  When it came back and months later, he still didn’t remember her and was falling for someone at the hospital she walked away.  Now years later he remembers everything and wants her back.  She is gun-shy to believe it will work out this time.  Will she be able to get past their history and fine their happy?

This one was just heartbreaking.  The book fit within the series, and I loved both Fanny and Brandon.  I felt for both of them.  They were dealt a crappy hand and it tore them apart just to come back together later.  I loved the whole story.  I also liked that Fanny is the one who screwed up and she does make it right with Brandon.  Definitely a good addition to the series.

Book 12 Gold Hockey

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Caged by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

Dani is incredibly shy and doesn't know what to do with the people around her unless it has to do with electronics.  She is surrounded everyday by hot men but there is only one she really wants, Ethan.  When he makes a move for her, she thinks he just needs help with some electronics but he wants her heart.  Will he be able to get through her shyness to prove to her he's all in?

This couple was so freaking cute.  I loved how Ethan just wanted to be with Dani, weirdness and everything.  This was also one of those slowburn stories as Ethan had wanted Dani for years until he made his move.  He knew Dani wasn't ready so he bided his time until he took his shot.  She had more negative thoughts about whether they belonged together then he did.  There were some inconsistencies in Dani's character.  One minute she is this quiet mouse who doesn't know what to do with people around her ready to give up her man because someone thought he and lady b would look cute together.  Then the next minute she is telling like it is and making demands.  It was a bit whiplashy for me.  Overall, I enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next book.

Book 11 Gold Hockey

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Block and Tackle by Elise Faber, Stephanie Fournet, Kristin Vayden

 

3 Stars overall

Offsides by Elise Faber

4 Stars

CEO for the Prestige Media Group, Devon has fantasies about his temp assistant Becca but doesn't feel he can act on them.  When she is threatened by an ex he takes a hands on approach to protecting her.  Will he be able to keep his hands off her?

The writing was really good and the story was even better.  I really enjoyed these two.  Becca was determined to make it on her own and he was trying to do the right thing by staying away from an employee.  The miscommunication between them was sad but at least Devon makes up for it. Really good addition to the Gold Hockey Series.

Off Guard by Stephanie Fournet

4 Stars

Charlie used to run track and cross country in college.  Since she graduated and started working at her dream job she's very regimented on her food intake and her exercise.  While out running one night she meets Hutch Barlow.  They're attracted to each.  She's all in until she finds out he is represented by her company and there is a no fraternization policy.  Will they find away to be together?

I have never read anything by Stephanie Fournet before and this book makes me want to track down another book by her.  I enjoyed her writing and her character development of Charlie and Hutch.  Particularly because this was a short story set in the world of Gold Hockey there's always that chance that an author won't do the world justice and this was not the case.  Charlie and Hutch were so cute together and I wanted to see how they would work things out to end up together.    

Off Limits by Kristin Vayden

1.5 Stars

Marcus as represented Bryce for years.  He's also loved Ava for just as long.  When Bryce suffers a major injury and Marcus supports him on rehab vs quitting Ava will never forgive him.  Five years later she's held too this.  Bryce decides to end the feud and bring them together.  Will he be successful?  

Well written but I HATED Ava.  She wasn't someone I understood or liked.  She blamed everything on Marcus EVEN though her brother was a freaking adult.  I really liked Marcus and Bryce (Ava's twin brother).  

Coasting by Elise Faber

 

3.5 Star

Calle Stevens thought she had everything figured out until the pregnancy test came back positive.  She just started her job as assistant coach for the Gold Hockey team.  Her boyfriend broke up with her via text and wants nothing to do with her or the baby and is willing to sign away his rights. She's questioning what she how she is going to do everything.  The cherry on top of the shit sundae is losing her lunch in front of star player Cooper.  When he takes her to her obgyn for her appointment after her car died she's even more mortified.  Cooper didn't mind her leaning on him.  He's all in whether she knows it or not.  He'll use it to his advantage to keep her forever the question is will she let him.

This book was interesting.  I liked both Cooper and Calle.  My biggest issue was it felt rushed.  It went from Cooper and Calle not really knowing each other into being all in.  She's pregnant and before she has the kid she's all in with him and vice versa.  There was no real relationship development between them before this.  It was just a little bit much for me.  It was still good and the characters were good just not my favorite trope.

Book 8 Gold Hockey

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Checked by Elise Faber

 

3.5 Star

The other Rebecca on team Gold has worked hard to create healthy meals for the players.  She earned her PhD in Nutritional Sciences to create the perfect athlete.  Dr. Gabe Carter didn't really appreciate what Rebecca brought to the table for the hockey team.  He thinks everything she creates is too restrictive and doesn't have any benefits to the team.  When she brings some suggestions to the board about making the athletes even better he argues against them.  When he finally starts seeing the benefits will he be able to get her forgiveness?

I was looking forward to these two finding their happy ending but I was not a huge fan of this book.  I still loved Rebecca but Gabe was a massive dick.  He didn't really do anything to redeem himself in my eyes.  He mansplained her job to her and used the same research she GAVE him to do it.  She did call him on it but it just rubbed me the wrong way.  There were way better books in the series.

Book 7 Gold Hockey

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Breakaway by Elise Faber

 

3.5 Star

Anna Hayes is trying to decide what to do with her life since she isn't needed as a nanny anymore.  She gets along with everyone except Blue.  Blue is the playboy of the Gold team.  She doesn't need that in her life.  Blue has seen all of his friends fall for their women and wants to stay far away from love.  It's working out well until he kissed prickly Anna, now he can't get her out of his head.  Can he break through her defenses and win her over?

We met Anna in a previous book and I really liked her.  She seemed down to earth and had her shit together.  Blue was a bit of an asshole through previous books and parts of this one.  I did like seeing them come together in the end but they weren't my favorite couple.  I got tired of the we can't be together for whatever reason but I can't stay away.  It wasn't a bad book just not one of my favorite.

Book 5 Gold Hockey

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Breakout by Elise Faber

 

4 Stars

Rebecca Stravokraus has worked hard to get where she is.  She is supposed to spin any story for the Gold to be the best story out there.  When Kevin decides they are meant to be together he will pull out all the stops to get her see that age is just a number.  She is firmly in the category of LOVE is overrated and hot sweaty nights are one thing but actual forever love no thank you.  Will Kevin wear her down?

Rebecca's past is heartbreaking.  I was rooting for her from the beginning and wanted her to have her happy ending.  Kevin was so sweet and was willing to hold out for everything with Rebecca.  I liked seeing the age difference between them with Rebecca being older than Kevin.  Overall, a good addition to the series. 

Book 6 Gold Hockey

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Benched by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

Max seems to have everything going for him.  He's at the height of his career.  His kid has adjusted to Max's divorce and is doing well in school.  The one thing not working out well is his love life.  He's seeing all his friends finding their partners and wishing things could be different.  Even his son Brayden is wanting him to find love.  Brayden is desperate for a new mom. When Max meets Mandy's half sister, Angelica he is intrigued by her.  He wants to encourage her to connect with Mandy but doesn't want to overstep.  Angelica is very interested in meeting her half sister but is worried.  When Max starts in on her it makes it even harder for her to stay away from her sister.  Will she be able to work through her own issues with her dad to find a family?

Angelica was handed just as crappy of a hand as Mandy and you feel for her.  She's trying to decide if she's causing more harm by connecting with her sister.  As you read through the her reasons you feel for her.  Watching her connect with Max on all levels was heartwarming.  One of the big reasons why I loved the book so much was when Max royal fucked up she understood why he did and they talked it out.  She didn't make him beg for forgiveness.  This was a really good addition to the series. I also still wanted to kill Angelica's dad.

Book 4 Gold Hockey

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Boarding by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

Mandy was hired to keep the players muscles in peak form.  Having been raised by NHL legend she knows what players are like and she's not interested in anything but working their muscles.  That is until Blane wormed his way into her heart.  She's not acted on because she doesn't want to go down that road until he is injured on the ice and he realizes that his feelings for her are not just one-sided.  Will she be able to work through her trust issues and let Blane in?  

I really enjoyed seeing Mandy and Blane come together.  Mandy was a bit bumbling about everything.  She had a crappy family growing up and had a lot of issues because of her treatment.  The way she had to work through her hang ups to except that Blane wasn't like her dad in anyway was really awesome.  This was by far one of the better books in the series.  You will want to go and kill Mandy's parents for the things they did to her.

Book 3 Gold Hockey

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Backhand by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

Mike Stewart has a bad boy reputation that he's trying to clean up.  He runs into an old friend, Sara Jetty, and wants her.  After her gold medal win at the Olympics and her fall from grace for a cheating allegation she just wants to keep her head down and forget everyone from her old life.  Mike is willing to go to bat for her because he knows her and knows she wouldn't cheat on anything.  Now he just has to get everyone to leave them alone so they can see if they still work.  

I love Sara and Mike.  They were such a cute couple.  The sort of proposal was so freaking cute.  I figured out how some of the issues had popped up for both of them but the getting there was well worth the read.  The only question I have is if her family came back after the truth came out about the cheating?  Really good addition to the series.

Book 2 Gold Hockey

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Blocked by Elise Faber

 

3 Star

Brit has finally been drafted to the big league as a goalie for the Gold Hockey team.  She's used to all the bull of being the only female on a professional team.  What she doesn't anticipate is liking her team and wanting to get way closer to the captain, Stefan.  When some scandalous pictures come to light Brit is blackmailed into a pretend relationship with Stefan.  Two problems with that. One he doesn't know and two she doesn't want it to be pretend.

This is the one time I am glad I started with a later book.  This book was ok.  There were a lot of cliché moments in this book.  What I liked was the main character was a woman playing professional hockey.  She works her ass off to get where she's at and has to deal with a lot of shit to get there.  I liked the chemistry between Brit and Stefan.  I didn't like her lying to him to keep people out of trouble.  If she had just been honest then a lot of the BS wouldn't have happened.  I also didn't like some of the stuff with Stefan's mom.  The way it was written she did something pretty bad ish that affected Stefan his entire life.  Like it wasn't intentional but it was bad and had a lot of consequences and it was just kind of swept under the rug.  It was interesting to read to get the context of the series but not one of the better books in the series.  Start with one of the other ones first.

Book 1 Gold Hockey

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Charging by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

When Charlotte was an intern, she made the critical error of dating a rookie hockey player, Logan, and he broke her heart.  Now she’s older and built up her defenses against him.  As the GM for Gold, she decided to bring him and in to play and he’s been driving her crazy ever since.  Logan also has gotten older and wiser.  He wants Charlotte back and will do anything to fill the whole he made in her heart.

I forget how much I enjoy the books in this series until I’m reading them.  This was a really good addition to the series.  It’s a second chance at love done right.  I very much enjoyed the slow burn to get Charlotte and Logan together.  It wasn’t insta forgiveness.  Once Logan explained his reasoning for the heartache 8 years ago, she understood, and she eventually forgave him.  It took longer for Logan to forgive himself.  It was the eventually that worked for me so well.  A lot of times forgiveness is almost instantaneous.  This was not the case and it really worked.  If you are looking for a light romantic read this is a really good one to pick up and to try.

Book 10 Gold Hockey

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Centered by Elise Faber

 

4 Stars

Liam Williamson’s family was legendary in the NHL.  He plays but doesn’t feel he’s meeting the same goals has the rest of the family did.  He’s been trade to four teams in four years and is wondering if hockey is where he is meant to be.  He figured his playing days are almost over until he met Mia.  Mia gets him out of his own head and enjoying life again.  Mia’s had a hard life.  She lives a minimalist’s life because of her dad until she saves Liam.  Now he’s turning her world upside down.

The book was pretty good.  I enjoyed the Liam and Mia’s relationship.  It didn’t feel like insta relationship.  It had a nice slow build.  I also really enjoyed the interplay between the two.  This is book 9 and I haven’t read the rest of the series and it was very much a stand-alone story.  There was an epilogue at the end that leads into the next book that sounds really good so it will be a series I go and read all of because it was that good.

Book 9 Gold Hockey