Falling for the Forward Angel Lawson

 

Published October 19th 2023

Read July 30th - August 5th 2026

Angel Lawson | Review

After blasting through a couple of shorter books, I was in the mood for something with a little more meat on its bones, but not so heavy that I'd need emotional support and a recovery snack afterward. Enter Falling for the Forward, a college hockey romance featuring fake dating, forced proximity, attractive people making questionable decisions, and enough feelings to keep the pages turning. 

Was it groundbreaking? Not really. 

Did I have a generally good time? Absolutely. 

Let's lace up the skates and get into it. 

🏒 Characters: 7/10

The real MVP of this book is Twyler. 

She's an intern trainer for the Whitmore University hockey team, and she's determined to make something of herself. As a woman trying to break into a male-dominated profession, she's convinced that hard work has to come before everything else. School, career, goals, ambition... those come first. 

A boyfriend? 

Yeah, that's not currently on the schedule. 

Twyler has built walls around herself that would make medieval castle architects jealous. Some of that comes from her fear of abandonment, and some of it comes from simply not wanting to risk everything she's worked so hard for. 

Then there's Reese, the hockey team's captain and resident heartthrob. 

On paper, he has everything. Looks. Popularity. Talent. 

Unfortunately, he also has an ex-girlfriend who seems to have mistaken "we're done" for "I'll just keep showing up until you change your mind." 

What I appreciated most was that neither character stayed frozen in place. Twyler slowly learns that letting people in doesn't automatically end in disaster, while Reese discovers that being a good partner isn't just about showing up when things are easy. Relationships require empathy, communication, and compromise. 

It's always nice when character growth feels earned instead of downloaded directly into someone's brain during the final chapter. 

❄️ Atmosphere: 7/10

One thing this book does well is make Whitmore University feel like an actual place. 

Sure, hockey is the centerpiece, but the story extends beyond the rink. The team dynamics felt believable, and the friendships added a lot of warmth to the overall experience. 

I especially enjoyed the bond between Twyler and the players. She wasn't simply standing off to the side as "the female love interest." She felt like a genuine part of the team's world, which helped the setting come alive. 

The hockey romance girlies will probably feel right at home here. 

✍️ Writing: 7/10

This was my first Angel Lawson book, so I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into. 

Thankfully, the writing was easy to sink into. 

The pacing was smooth, conversations flowed naturally, and the romance developed at a believable speed. Nothing felt excessively rushed or dragged out. The story simply moved from point A to point B in a way that felt comfortable. 

Not every romance needs to reinvent literature. Sometimes you just want a story that knows exactly what it is and delivers it well. 

💕 Plot: 6/10

Let's be honest. 

This is fake dating. 

If you've read one fake dating romance, you've probably seen at least a few of these story beats before. 

And that's okay. 

Tropes are popular for a reason. 

While Falling for the Forward doesn't exactly break new ground, Twyler's position as an intern trainer adds a fresh element to the familiar formula. It helped separate the story from the endless pile of "college athlete meets random girl" romances. 

The breakup near the end was visible from several miles away, but it made sense. Twyler wasn't simply creating drama for the sake of drama. She was struggling with fears and emotional baggage she hadn't fully dealt with yet. 

Predictable? 

Yes. 

Forced? 

Not really. 

The one storyline that genuinely frustrated me was the Nadia situation. 

Without going into spoiler territory, seeing her become a target online while the creep behind it seemed to escape meaningful consequences absolutely drove me up the wall. 

I spent a good chunk of that section muttering at the book. 

The book did not care. 

🤷 Intrigue: 6/10

Was I hooked? 

Kind of. 

I was enjoying myself and moving through the story at a solid pace until the Nadia incident popped up. 

Then my annoyance level reached critical mass. 

I actually put the book down for several days because I was so irritated by how everything played out. 

That's never a great sign. 

The frustrating part is that I had genuinely been invested up until then. The book was doing exactly what it needed to do, and then one storyline completely knocked me out of my reading groove. 

✅ Logic: 8/10

One area where the book really shines is consistency. 

From the opening fake kiss in the equipment cage all the way through the job opportunity in Hartford, everything felt believable within the story's world. 

There weren't any random twists appearing from another dimension just because the plot needed excitement. 

Character actions made sense. 

Conflicts made sense. 

Resolutions made sense. 

Even when I wasn't thrilled with what was happening, I could understand why it was happening. 

That's worth points. 

😊 Enjoyment: 7/10

I'm actually giving this a slightly higher score than my frustration might suggest. 

Why? 

Because if I'm being fair, I enjoyed most of the book. 

One annoying storyline shouldn't completely erase several hundred pages of entertainment. 

And that ending? 

The scenes at Twyler's mother's house absolutely landed for me emotionally. Those moments brought some much-needed heart and reminded me why I'd been rooting for these characters in the first place. 

⭐ Final Verdict: 6.85/10 | ⭐⭐⭐

Falling for the Forward is a charming, familiar college hockey romance that succeeds largely because of its characters. 

Twyler is easy to root for, Reese turns out to be a genuinely decent guy, and watching them grow together was the strongest part of the story. The intern trainer angle adds a fun twist to the fake-dating formula, even if many of the plot beats feel familiar. 

Unfortunately, the Nadia storyline took a big chunk out of my enjoyment and completely stalled my momentum. For me, putting a book down for several days is usually a pretty bad sign. It's the literary equivalent of a hockey player heading to the penalty box and never quite recovering the rhythm of the game. 

In the end, I liked this book more than I loved it. 

The characters were great. 

The romance was sweet. 

The growth was satisfying. 

The overall experience? 

A little bit of a shrug and a little bit of a smile. 

I'm still standing at the crossroads wondering whether to continue the series. Part of me wants more time with these characters, and part of me is eyeing my ever-growing TBR pile like, "Maybe next season." 

Favorite Thing: Twyler's character growth and her role as the team's trainer. 

Least Favorite Thing: The Nadia storyline and the lack of consequences for the creep involved. 

Would I Recommend It? If you're a fan of college sports romances, fake dating, and lovable characters, this is definitely worth a look. Just don't expect it to reinvent the playbook. 

I Can Be the One By Ellie Backbourne

Published February 14th 2025 

Read July 18th-19th

 Review: I Can Be the One by Ellie Blackbourne

After my last disappointing read, I was desperately in need of a palate cleanser—something quick, fun, and engaging. At under 250 pages, I Can Be the One by Ellie Blackbourne was exactly what I was looking for. It delivered a sweet romance, lovable characters, and just enough emotional depth to keep me invested from start to finish. 

Characters – 8/10

Alexis is an English major struggling to keep her education afloat due to tuition issues. As the younger sister of a hockey player, she's already familiar with that world, but she's carrying challenges of her own. Living with fibromyalgia impacts nearly every aspect of her daily life, and Blackbourne handles this part of her character with care and realism. Alexis isn't out searching for romance, but love has a funny way of showing up when it's least expected. 

Then there's Blake—the future captain of the hockey team and, on paper, someone who seemingly has it all. As a trust fund kid, financial struggles are the last thing on his mind. Yet despite all the advantages money can provide, there's one thing he's always wanted that can't be purchased: genuine love. 

Normally, I find myself gravitating toward one protagonist more than the other, but that wasn't the case here. I genuinely enjoyed both characters equally. 

Alexis was easy to root for because we get to watch her slowly rediscover herself. Seeing her learn to accept both love given and love received was incredibly rewarding. Her fears and doubts about whether she'd ever find lasting love again felt authentic rather than manufactured for drama. 

Blake was equally charming. At first glance, he's the stereotypical confident, tough hockey player, but beneath that exterior is a man who simply wants the person he's been quietly longing for. His vulnerability balanced out his confident persona beautifully, making him much more than your typical sports romance hero. 

Atmosphere – 7/10

This category was a little harder to score. Given the book's shorter length, I understand there wasn't room to fully flesh out every aspect of the world. I would have loved a bit more campus life and a stronger sense of the college environment. 

That said, Blackbourne does an excellent job making readers feel grounded in the world she creates. Even with limited page space, the setting feels believable and supports the story well. 

The reality competition element adds an extra layer of excitement and creates opportunities for both conflict and character development. It gives the story its own identity beyond being "just another hockey romance." Overall, the atmosphere enhanced the reading experience and helped immerse me in the story. 

Writing – 7/10

This was my first experience reading Ellie Blackbourne, and it definitely left a positive impression. 

One of the biggest strengths of the writing is its efficiency. Because this is a shorter novel, the story needs to keep moving, and Blackbourne handles that expertly. The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed, and every scene feels like it has a purpose. 

What I appreciated most was that the author focused on telling an actual story rather than relying heavily on steamy scenes to carry the romance. The emotional development between Alexis and Blake takes center stage, which made their relationship feel far more meaningful. 

Could the story have gone deeper in certain areas? Absolutely. However, I also think Blackbourne deserves credit for knowing exactly where to stop. Rather than overcomplicating the narrative with unnecessary subplots or drama, she keeps the focus where it belongs. 

Her writing style is clean, accessible, and engaging. She allows the story to unfold naturally without cluttering it with extra complications that would only slow the momentum. 

Plot – 8/10

The premise immediately grabbed my attention: fake dating on a reality show where the winner receives a full scholarship. 

That's a fresh spin on a familiar trope. In many hockey romances, the athlete is usually the one who stands to gain the most from the story's setup. Here, Alexis is the person with the most at stake, which changes the dynamics in an interesting way. 

For Blake, the rewards aren't financial. Outside of potentially winning the heart of the girl he's always wanted (and let's be honest, of course he does 😉), there's little personal gain involved. That made his motivations feel genuine. 

I also loved that Alexis openly acknowledging her crush on Blake wasn't dragged out unnecessarily. It added a layer of honesty to the story and prevented the romance from becoming frustrating. 

Another element woven into the background is the impact stalking can have on its victims. Blackbourne approaches this topic thoughtfully and realistically, adding an unexpected layer of seriousness that enriches the story without overwhelming it. 

Intrigue – 8/10

This book hooked me almost immediately. 

The fast pacing worked in the story's favor, keeping the momentum high while maintaining emotional investment. I found myself genuinely caring about Alexis and Blake and eagerly turning pages to see how their relationship would develop. 

Watching their feelings grow felt natural and heartfelt, making it easy to stay invested throughout the entire journey. 

Logic – 7/10

One thing I really appreciated was the absence of unnecessary drama. 

The story remains true to the foundation it builds from the beginning. There aren't any ridiculous twists thrown in solely for shock value, and best of all, there's no frustrating third-act breakup designed to manufacture conflict. 

Even when more serious events occur, including a hospital visit, everything unfolds in a way that feels believable within the context of the story. The plot progresses naturally without forcing characters to make obviously bad decisions. 

Enjoyment – 8/10

Simply put, I had a great time with this book. 

I laughed at the humorous moments, smiled at the sweet ones, and found myself completely charmed by Alexis and Blake's journey. It's the kind of story that leaves you with a grin on your face and reminds you why romance can be such a comforting genre to read. 

I'm extremely glad I picked this one up. 

Final Verdict – 7.57/10 (★★★★☆)

I Can Be the One was exactly the palate cleanser I needed. 

For my first Ellie Blackbourne novel, I came away thoroughly impressed. She creates two distinct, complex characters and develops their relationship with warmth, sincerity, and heart. The story balances emotional depth with a light, engaging tone, making it an enjoyable read from beginning to end. 

While I would have loved a little more world-building and deeper exploration of certain themes, what Blackbourne delivers is a sweet, charming romance that knows exactly what it wants to be. 

If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable hockey romance featuring fake dating, genuine emotional growth, and characters worth rooting for, I Can Be the One is absolutely worth adding to your TBR. 📚🏒💙

Rule Breaker by Stephanie Alves

Published July 25th 2025 

Read July 1st-16th 2026

 Rule Breaker – A Cute Romance That Needed More Romance

Final Rating: 3⭐️ | 6.42/10 

Rule Breaker delivers exactly what its title promises: a forbidden romance between a star hockey player and the one woman he absolutely should not be falling for. While the book has plenty of chemistry, a lovable heroine, and a few genuinely sweet moments, it ultimately left me wanting more emotional depth and less focus on physical attraction. 

Characters – 7/10

Ryan is the classic college hockey heartthrob. As team captain, he's talented, confident, and used to having women fall at his feet. He's also known for having one important rule—one he's inevitably going to break. 

What I appreciated most about Ryan was that he wasn't completely static throughout the story. As his feelings for Isabella deepen, he genuinely tries to become a better man. His growth comes from learning that love requires more than charm and attraction. Watching him realize that Isabella deserves someone dependable and protective was one of the stronger aspects of the novel. 

Isabella, on the other hand, was easily the standout character for me. 

An incoming freshman, daughter of the hockey coach, sister to the team's starting goalie, and a sports management major helping with the hockey program, Isabella has a lot going on before the romance even begins. She's recovering from a painful breakup with her high school boyfriend and initially sees Ryan as a distraction from her heartache. 

However, her journey becomes much more than finding a rebound. Throughout the story, she gains confidence, discovers what she truly wants out of life, and begins to realize that she belongs in the sports management world. Her growth feels authentic and rewarding. 

What really made Isabella shine was her personality. She was witty, quick with a sarcastic comeback, and never afraid to challenge Ryan. Watching her evolve into a capable, confident young woman was easily the most enjoyable part of the book. 

Atmosphere – 7/10

The hockey elements were fairly well done. The team dynamic felt believable, and the sports backdrop added energy to the story. The local bar served as another recurring setting that helped establish the social side of college life. 

That said, for a college romance, the campus itself felt surprisingly underutilized. There were very few scenes centered around classes, academics, or the broader college experience. Outside of hockey and the bar, the world often felt a little small. 

I kept wanting more immersion into college life and the university atmosphere. Expanding the setting beyond a handful of familiar locations would have made the story feel richer and more lived in. 

Writing – 6/10

The writing itself was perfectly readable and moved at a steady pace. Whenever the story focused on character interactions, friendships, or relationship development, it held my attention well. 

My biggest criticism is that the book relied far too heavily on intimate scenes. After a while, they started feeling repetitive and took time away from moments that could have strengthened the emotional connection between the characters. 

One example that stood out was when Ryan and Isabella were caught in the hot tub by Austin. The conversation they shared afterward had the potential to be an important emotional turning point, yet it was only briefly touched upon before the story moved on. I would have happily traded one of the many steamy scenes for several more pages exploring that heartfelt conversation. 

The emotional moments were there—the author simply didn't spend enough time with them. 

Plot – 6/10

The plot is fairly straightforward: star hockey player falls for the coach's daughter, who also happens to be his best friend's younger sister. 

It's a trope-filled setup that has a lot of potential, and there are certainly fun moments that come from all the complications attached to their relationship. Their attempts to keep things secret range from mildly believable to unintentionally hilarious at times. 

However, the story often felt like it prioritized attraction over storytelling. The central conflict was always present, but it never developed much beyond the basic forbidden relationship premise. 

While the romance moved forward, I found myself wishing for more substance, more obstacles, and more meaningful relationship development beyond physical chemistry. 

Logic – 7/10

Overall, the story remained consistent and believable within its own world. The characters generally acted in ways that made sense, and the plot moved in the direction I expected. 

There weren't any major twists or shocking reveals, but there also weren't any glaring plot holes that pulled me out of the experience. It was a straightforward romance that largely delivered what it set out to do. 

Intrigue – 6/10

One of the biggest indicators of my engagement with a book is how quickly I want to return to it. 

Unfortunately, Rule Breaker didn't create that feeling for me. 

It took me nearly two weeks to finish because I never felt a strong urge to pick it back up. There was no "just one more chapter" energy. In fact, I often found myself setting it down for days before coming back to it. 

That's not to say it was bad—it simply never became compelling enough to demand my attention. 

Enjoyment – 6/10

This one ended up being a miss for me overall. 

The excessive focus on physical encounters eventually became repetitive and less impactful. Ironically, my favorite moments in the entire book were the scenes where Ryan and Isabella were simply talking, teasing each other, or building a genuine connection. 

Those quieter moments showcased the chemistry and charm that made me root for them. They were adorable together, and every time the story slowed down enough to let their personalities shine, I found myself wishing there was more of that and less emphasis on attraction. 

Final Thoughts

I went into Rule Breaker hoping for a heartfelt hockey romance packed with emotional growth, tension, and a memorable love story. While the book certainly had flashes of those elements, it leaned much more heavily into lust than love. 

The biggest strength of the novel is unquestionably Isabella. She was funny, intelligent, and easy to root for from beginning to end. Ryan's character growth was also enjoyable to watch, particularly as he learned to prioritize someone else's happiness over his own desires. 

Unfortunately, the story's heavy reliance on intimate scenes prevented the emotional side of the romance from fully developing. The glimpses we did get of Ryan and Isabella simply being together were incredibly sweet and often far more compelling than the steamy content surrounding them. 

Would I read another book by this author? Honestly, I'm still undecided. There is certainly enough talent here to make me curious, especially considering how much I enjoyed the character interactions. If I pick up another book by this author, it'll be because I'm hoping for more of those tender, relationship-building moments and a little less reliance on physical chemistry to carry the story.