Review of Cross-Checked (Boston Rebels, #3) by Julia Connors
When I first heard about Cross-Checked, the latest installment in Julia Connors’ Boston Rebels series, I was immediately intrigued. The idea of a strong female general manager navigating the pressures of the professional sports world while finding love is a fresh take I couldn’t resist. I didn’t read the previous books, but let me tell you, diving into this one was like stepping into a captivating world full of heart and grit.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked by AJ, the fearless general manager of the Boston Rebels hockey team. Julia Connors masterfully crafts her character; AJ is a force of nature, balancing the high stakes of running a team with her personal struggles. It’s the kind of complexity that makes you root for her relentlessly. She’s been through so much, and her resilience resonates deeply. The themes of gender stereotypes and the challenges women face in sports—those resonate all too well. AJ isn’t just a trophy in a male-dominated arena; she’s a pioneer, and you can’t help but cheer her on, especially when she’s nominated for GM of the Year!
And then there’s Ronan, the swoon-worthy captain of the team. His initial tension-filled dynamic with AJ adds a delicious spark to the story. I loved how their relationship evolved from barely tolerating each other to an undeniable chemistry that explodes during that fateful kiss. It’s the kind of slow burn that had me turning pages in anticipation. Ronan’s character brings warmth and strength to the narrative; he sees AJ for the capable woman she is while also knowing how to support her emotionally. His adorable daughter, Abby, adds another layer of tenderness, making their family moments some of the sweetest in the book. Those interactions tugged at my heartstrings!
One of the highlights of Connors’ writing is her ability to make you feel the characters’ emotions. The communication between AJ and Ronan feels genuine and mature, devoid of unnecessary drama—refreshing in the romance genre! I found myself chuckling at their banter and sighing at their emotional breakthroughs. The writing flows effortlessly, the pacing picks up perfectly as the plot thickens, and the steamy scenes have just the right balance of heat without overwhelming the narrative. Here’s a personal favorite quote of mine: “Pretending I don’t have feelings for you is, by far, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And I don’t want to pretend anymore.” Can you say swoon?
Cross-Checked is a love letter to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of support, and I can’t help but feel that this book embodies so much of what we need to see more of in contemporary romance. Whether you’re a fan of sports romances or just enjoy strong character development, this book will embrace you like a warm hug.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a heartfelt read filled with strong characters, swoon-worthy moments, and a dash of social commentary, then Cross-Checked is a must-read. Julia Connors has crafted a beautifully engaging story that left me excited for what’s next. I can’t wait to dive into the earlier books in the series and see where this journey takes me! Grab your copy and prepare to fall in love with the Boston Rebels world.
Discover more about Cross-Checked (Boston Rebels, #3) on GoodReads >>