I came into theIs book with the expectation of a good fun hockey romance based on my previous enjoyment of Kelly Jamieson's books. Of course, she delivered this front, but but she exceeded my expectations with the characters' personalities. An outgoing FMC who can be a bit all over the place and a painfully shy MMC who needs his routines; they're not the typical romance characters, but it was refreshing to see to very real, but different personalities find their way to each other. One thing I found distracting were the made up words that the FMC used, it took away from a character that otherwise would have felt very real and relatable.

Crossing the Line

2.5/5 stars

It’s a small detail to mention in a review, but one thing I really liked in this book was that Mabel is a librarian. As a book lover who wishes she’d become a librarian, I really love when a romance book has an FMC with that profession. Mabel’s love of her job is one of the things that first really comes through in this book. The author conveys that well.

The spice between Ben and Mabel is *phew* in the way that Kelly Jamieson books often are. Definitely lives up to what I’ve come to expect from her books.

If you enjoy hockey romances, give this one a try!

I’ve read books by this author before (huge fan of the Heller Brothers series, I’ve read it multiple times) and really enjoyed them. But this one just didn’t grab me in the same way. It felt a little underdeveloped, too simple, a bit forced. Almost as if the writing was less mature than the author’s previous work.

The characters also felt immature and underdeveloped. Honestly I found most of them unlikable. The way Marek aced really irritated me throughout the entire book. I don’t mind a book with some unlikable characters so long as there’s something compelling or redeeming about the plot itself elsewhere. I just didn’t get that from this book. It was hard to keep reading.

Overall this book just wasn’t a fit for me. I will definitely still be reading other books by this author, though.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

Love the tropes, but the story wasn‘t mine


For me, "Crossing the Line" was the first book by Kelly Jamieson that I read.

We follow Mabel, who has broken up with her toxic boyfriend and has now moved in with her brother to build a new life for herself. Who Mabel didn't reckon with is Ben. Ben, her brother's teammate, who is not only her temporary roommate, but also her secret crush.

With "Crossing the Line", the author presents us with a Brothers best Friends - Icehockey story with a lively protagonist and a shy, socially awkward character.

Unfortunately, I have to say that the story didn't catch me at all. For me, there were no surprises or anything unique about the characters.

Even though I could relate to Ben as a character and also somewhat to Mabel, they remained a bit superficial and flat for me. I didn't really like the spicy scenes between them either. They often felt quite "off" to me.

I give "Crossing the Line" 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

“Rule #1 Do not cross the line with best friend's sister”

On the ice Ben is formidable, but off the ice is another story! His coach wants him to step up as Captain but he’d rather ‘play hockey naked than do any kind of public speaking!’

To make matters even more complicated, his best friend’s sister has moved in with them and they have history. She’s starting to invade his fantasies and he can’t escape her - could she be the answer to his problems?

For Mabel moving in with her brother wasn’t part of her life plan, but she’s out of options. She needs a fresh start but just wishes she didn’t have to live under the same roof as Ben. Mabel thought her teenage crush was long buried, but the close proximity of living together has reignited the spark. Especially when he asks for her help in becoming more confident, as this brings a lot of time along. Surely she can resist temptation… right?

I really felt for Mabel in the opening chapter of this book. She tones herself down so she doesn’t annoy her partner as he’s so critical of her all the time. No one should have to be anyone other than themselves in a relationship. He’s actually the worst - so manipulative!

They compliment each other so well - she brings him out of his shell and he accepts her quirkiness. They balance each other out.

I also loved the team dynamics - hopefully there’ll be more in the series focusing on the other guys in the team!

ARC copy provided by Boldwood Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Four and a half stars

CROSSING THE LINE is the first in a new hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. Librarian Mabel Smits has left her awful ex and she just need an opportunity to breathe and get her feet back under herself. When she moves in temporarily with her hockey playing brother, she doesn’t expect to find her former crush also sharing the space. Ben Antonov is happy with his team and place but he’s been told he needs to improve his public image to be considered a candidate for captain. It means working on the things he enjoys the least but the outgoing Mabel is happy to coach him a bit…

Kelly Jamieson’s story is a good one, with Mabel and Ben’s growing connection at the core. Ben’s anxieties over public engagements are very relatable and Mabel’s desire to present her best face to her family understandable if frustrating. Loved the growing sense of team unity as well, and also look forward to more in this series!

I only read about 30% of this book but in the bit that I read, the writing was incredibly immature and felt like a first draft. The author chooses to create words like 'awkweird' and 'schmucknut' rather than use actual English words. I also did not like the emphasis on the FMC being so 'quirky' when she just wasn't a straight laced, buttoned up, corporate type even though her career didn't require that for her in the slightest.

I liked this, read is in 3days while I had to go to work. This book has one of the worst thing in novels that I hate ans that is the quirky girl trope but the author has been able to blend that in beautifully and not for a single moment it felt like she's been quirky just for the heck of it. Emotions were clear and resolved properly like an adult.

I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this book and bloody loved it wow it’s only 280 pages it releases on 12 January read it xxx

The Good: The overall plot and ideas behind the writing were decent. The characters were likeable and the tropes were everything I love. Brothers best friend? YES. Hockey romance? Yess. Forced proximity, and childhood crushes? Yes yes. The intention was there and it had good potential.

The Bad: There were tons of hockey cliche’s, mansplaining about hockey, and a real lack of depth (even when dealing with some pretty ouch topics). There was barely any tension or emotion from the characters and it just fell flat for me. There were also side stories that didn’t contribute to the overall arc of the couple - is this seed planting for future couples in future books? Either way, it was distracting and left me dazed and confused.

The Ugly: This story includes undisclosed child loss (not to a main character). This didn’t advance the plot one bit and should have been edited out - or at the very least, disclosed in a trigger warning list.

Hockey romances are my absolute soft spot, and Crossing the Line hit all the right notes! I laughed so much while reading this—seriously, some moments had me in stitches. Mabel is such an inspiration with her quirky, unapologetic personality and fierce determination to fight for what she wants. And Ben? Don’t even get me started. He stole my heart with his sweet, quiet demeanor and simple desires: hockey, friends, and, of course, Mabel. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I couldn’t get enough of them.

Now, where are the books about the rest of these hockey players? I need more ASAP!

Kelly Jamieson kicks off her *New Jersey Storm* series with a hit! *Crossing the Line* delivers everything I love in a sports romance: hockey hunks, a sweet yet steamy storyline, and characters you can’t help but root for. If you’re a fan of light, romantic reads with just the right touch of spice, this book is a must-read.

The standout for me was the dynamic between Ben, the shy and socially awkward hero, and Mabel, the bold and sunshine-filled heroine. Their opposites-attract chemistry is heartwarming, as Mabel gently encourages Ben to embrace his confidence while still respecting his authentic self. The story’s message—that imperfection is what makes us unique and lovable—was beautifully woven into their relationship.

Jamieson balances lighthearted fun with moments of emotional depth, touching on themes like emotional abuse and healing without weighing down the overall feel-good tone. The pacing is smooth, making this an easy, uplifting escape, perfect for fans of hockey romance or anyone in need of a palette cleanser after heavier reads.

With tropes like brothers-best-friend and friends-to-lovers, this book is sure to hit the sweet spot for romance readers. *Crossing the Line* is the kind of cozy, relatable story that stays with you long after the final page. Highly recommended for hockey romance fans!

Mabel goes back to her borther's, a hockey player, after she breaks up with her abusive boyfriend. Little did she know that her brother was sharing his house with his best friend, Ben, whom Mabel had a crush as a teenager.

I like the way both Mabel and Ben grew up and went outside of their comfort zone. I did not like some tropes or events that took place in the second half of the book though.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an ARC of the novel. All opinions are my own.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

A cute, fun, mildly spicy, brother’s best friend, hockey romance. I found it to be cute, but not all that, ya know?

There was a big focus on the difference between introverted and extroverted people which was interesting to see. We see introverts in books, but I’ve never seen a bigger introvert than Ben. It was similar to the grumpy/sunshine trope honestly with how opposite Ben and Mabel were.

It was a cute quick read :)

I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked at hockey romance, and brothers best friend.
This was a beautifully written love story, and the spicy scenes were well written. It was not ALoT of smut so I wouldn’t necessarily class this as erotica, but it was an amazing love story. I would recommend this book to people for sure!

Mabel and Ben were cute together. Mabel is a free spirit. Ben is a hockey star who is an introvert. He asks her for help to get better about public speaking as he is in the running to be the team captain but starts to fall for her. Big issue- Mabel is his teammate (and best friend's) sister. Overall, low angst, sweet and fun with good steam. The characters felt young with some growing up to do but overall, a fun way to spend a few hours! Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an early read.

The off-limits brother’s best friend trope is so fun in Crossing The Line. Loved the social anxiety rep.

Would warn other readers about the mentions of past verbal/emotional abuse as well as off-page fatal car accident.

Thank you Net Galley for the arc!

I started off really loving this book, there’s so much to love. I loved best friends bother trope, forced proximity, and emotionally vulnerable FMC. I love the silent love from the MMC. There’s a lot of great things about this book and it’s a quick read!

The only thing that knocked it down for me is the infant death….it felt unnecessary and somewhat glossed over. I didn’t find it taken with appropriate care that I would’ve liked to see.

The first book in what I hope is a new series, focusing on the Ben Antonov of the New Jersey Storm and his teammate’s twin sister, Mabel Smits.

Ben and Mabel have know each other since high school, yet they don’t really know each other as well as they think. I enjoyed getting to know Ben and Mabel, and watch their relationship evolve from an uncomfortable reunion to friends and more.

Each of these characters had issues to overcome, and together they each grow and mature a great deal. Ben develops into a strong leader for his team on and off the ice. Mabel overcomes the gaslighting and confidence crushing impact of her former boyfriend.

A few of Ben and Smitty’s teammates were introduced and crumbs left that will hopefully turn into books for some of them!

I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

THANK YOU THE BOLDWOOD BOOKS AND NETGALLEY for sharing me the arc of Crossing The Line.

Hockey Romance YES and also brother's best friend YES, with mutual pining from childhood UMM!!! yes yes yes yeszzzzz sign me up 🙌✨😎.
I read Crossing The Line in a single day, it completely had me. I loved the plot and the characters : Mabel and Ben. And how they understood each other. The tension 🥵😘 and chemistry between them was amazing 🤗🥰. I loved how the author showed vulnerability side of Ben and how he came across it with help from Mabel.
3.5 stars 🌟
Negative : I felt like it was missing something maybe the romance spark was less. Also spicy scenes were not spicing 🤐😑.
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Hoping this is a series and we get Smitty's and other hockey player's book too 📚🧡🏒.
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𝘽𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢. 𝘼 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩. 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩.