He’s a hard hitter, she’s a straight shooter. Can they stop the sparks from flying? Do they want to?Zane Winchester is a beast on the ice, known for racking up penalties and delivering hard blows. No one would suspect the complicated nature of his personal life, or just what it entailed. And no one, not even him, would have suspected what one unexpected encounter with a remarkable woman would do … remarkable woman would do to his life.
Mara Matthews is a regular woman with a regular job and a regular life. Then she meets the father of one of her little students, and regular becomes the last word to describe her life. Zane is intense, funny, charming, and drop dead gorgeous; he shouldn’t pay any attention to someone like her. But Zane isn’t giving up, and Mara doesn’t want him to.
Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite!
Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.
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Northbrook Hockey Elite Series:
Faceoff
Powerplay
Rebound
Crosscheck
Breakaway
Shootout
more
Have you ever finished a book with your mouth hurting from grinning so much? It is a rare occurrence for me, but I truly think I had a grin on my face the entire time I read Crosscheck. Rebecca Connolly knocked this book out of the park…or rink!
Since starting the Northbrook Hockey Elite series I have been in love with Zane Winchester, and have been impatiently awaiting to read his story, so hopes were high when I was finally able to pick it up, and boy did it NOT disappoint!
Zane meets Mara and instantly they have the sweetest chemistry! It actually feels organic and true to life, and though they are worlds apart in so many ways, you see the effort to make their relationship real, and it is so inspiring! I believe what really made me truly enjoy this novel was the small similarities between the budding relationship of Zane and Mara and my own love story, evoking beloved memories in my mind and heart.
Zane is a charming, doting father to the lovable and adorable Hope, and the single parent trope, especially when it comes to single fathers, always tugs at my heartstrings. The two of them together were some of my favorite parts of the book, always making me smile. So sweet!!
This series has been such a joy to read, seeing the connection and genuine friendship between the members of The Pit is heartwarming. The action scenes on the ice are amazing! It is because of this series that I have actually started watching real hockey games, which is something I never thought I’d hear myself say.
Mara and Zane are the perfect couple, and officially my favorite couple of the group. I devoured this novel, the writing fun and engaging, the characters fleshed out so perfectly, and so down to earth. I could see giving Crosscheck a second read! Yes, it is that good!
As with the rest of the Northbrook Hockey Elite series, Crosscheck can be read as a standalone, but I don’t think you will connect to Zane as much if you do not read the other books in the series and truly see where Zane has been, and why the rest of us are so in love with him. Hands down, this was one of my favorite reads of 2020!
Ever since I started the Northbrook Elite series, I have been dying to read Zane’s book. I was crossing my fingers that I would love it as much as the first book in the series. Y’all I’m happy to announce that I loved it more! It may be because the single parent trope is one of my favorites or it may be seeing a big, bad hockey player melt when it comes to his little girl. Either way I loved this book!
I absolutely adored Mara, Zane and Hope! Seriously you guys.. they are amazing! Their love for each other is strong. They made it so easy for me to root for them from the very beginning. Hope was seriously the cutest! I loved how she had everyone wrapped around her finger. She definitely helped make this on a favorite of mine. And lets not forget all the swooniness going on. I. Was. Dying! WOWZERS! Once again, this girl was a big ol’ puddle of goo. Y’all I never wanted their book to end. I finished it a couple of hours ago and I’m still playing out scenes I wish were in the book. Haha. And let me just tell you. That epilogue?! LOVED it! It was just what this girl needed! *dreamy sigh*
One of my favorite things about this series is that everyone seems down to earth, real and easy to relate to. The close friendship between them all is another added bonus and it really showed in one scene of this book. They don’t even think twice about rallying around each other when one of them is in need of anything. They stand together like brothers.
Another great addition to this series! I already know this will be one that I read over and over again. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. Crossing my fingers that the other books are just as good.
Ms. Connolly really knows how to write a great contemporary. I’ve loved the ones I’ve read so far. I’m also looking forward to reading her regency books as well. Several of my bookish friends love them!
I never thought my love for hockey, when I was a teenager, would serve me well in reading a book. This is a fun sweet romantic story, about a professional hockey player, finding the love of his life. The chemistry between Mara and Zane was pretty intense. The author was able to write the scenes, with proper decorum, to keep it a clean romance, but still make you feel the butterflies. We meet Zane’s adorable daughter Hope. There were a lot of hockey references that one might not understand if not familiar with the game, but are a minor part of the story. This is the first book I’ve read of the series. I would say it is definitely a standalone story. I am anxious to read the rest of the series.
I’m loving these sports romances! It’s so fun that they all fit together. I love the characters and how they really have each other’s backs, even though they’re not on the same team any more.
This one features Zane and Mara. Zane is probably my favorite Northbrook Elite player so far! I love the way he takes care of his sweet daughter, Hope. He’s a big guy, but he’s really putty in her hands. And it was really funny that all the other guys were too.
Mara is a nurse/Zumba instructor. In fact, she’s Hope’s Zumba instructor. That was one thing I really loved about Mara. She is around kids an awful lot and she’s amazing with them.
I really loved the way these two characters just fit together. As I was reading the places in the book where they were separate, it just seemed like something was missing. When they were together, it just worked.
I loved everything about this one! And now I need to watch some hockey!
I was sent an e-copy of Crosscheck as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Meeting Zane in the previous books he seemed like a jerk and I wasn’t super excited for a his story. Boy was I wrong! Probably my favorite so far! He was such a great guy off the ice and lovably obnoxious on the ice. I loved the hockey parts almost as much as the romance parts, which was also unexpected for me. All around, a very pleasant surprise!
Of the 4 books in this series that I’ve read so far, this is my favorite. Zane is absolutely fantastic and Mara is exactly who he needs. I appreciate the realistic approach to the romance and the realistic dialog. I also appreciate the natural way in which they meet and the banter / flirting is fantastic.
There also seemed to be balance between them together, him on the ice, and the Northbrook guys. Even the stress over the ex wife seemed to work. I appreciate how they are open and honest with each other and respect each other’s wishes. That is strong relationship material. And, finally, the ending is the best yet! Love it.
Romance – pushing to Steamy PG with lots of kissing
Language – PG / mild cursing
Violence – on ice fights
My rating – 5 stars
Crosscheck (Northbrook Hockey Elite #4) by Rebecca Connolly
I never thought my love for hockey, when I was a teenager, would serve me well in reading a book. This is a fun sweet romantic story, about a professional hockey player, finding the love of his life. The chemistry between Mara and Zane was pretty intense. The author was able to write the scenes, with proper decorum, to keep it a clean romance, but still make you feel the butterflies. We meet Zane’s adorable daughter Hope. There were a lot of hockey references that one might not understand if not familiar with the game, but are a minor part of the story. This is the first book I’ve read of the series. I would say it is definitely a standalone story. I am anxious to read the rest of the series
Another favorite in the Northbrook Hockey Elite series! The chemistry between Zane and Mara is off the charts, and the author skillfully keeps the focus on their feelings and I appreciated the maturity of the characters in controlling their physical attraction in order to strengthen their relationship. Zane is larger than life on and off the ice- known for his aggression in the games, he is a devoted father and friend in life. I loved the natural and realistic development of their friendship and interest in one another, and Zane’s adorable daughter Hope allowed the reader to see deeper layers of both the characters. A great balance between romance, hockey, and banter with the other members of the Pit kept the pace steady and swift where it was needed. I’m already looking forward to reading this one again!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
This book was an intense whirlwind of action, on the ice and between the protagonists. Excellent writing style, pacing, and great conflict resolution. Definitely can stand alone, but my interest in the rest of the series is piqued!
I received a complimentary book. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
While I’ve enjoyed reading about two of my favorite things (hockey and romance) in the Northbrook Hockey Elite series, Crosscheck turns it up with two more things I love—Tennessee and Zumba.
Those who have followed this series met Zane Winchester and his sweet little girl in book one. Now we get a formal introduction to the man also known as Zamboni. The guy may be an animal on the ice but when it comes to his daughter, he’s a complete marshmallow. And it’s no wonder Mara Matthews is drawn to him.
As a Nashvillian, I can attest to several things the author included in the book. We do notice the stars when we’re out and about but we also leave them alone. The people are also fanatic about their college football, and hockey fans tend to us that (with a little Nascar thrown in) at the games.
Readers new to hockey can learn about the game right alongside Mara. Her interest in the game once she realized who Zane was is adorable. One little hockey correction to the book, though. Overtime during the regular season is played four-on-four (not the full five-on-five) as depicted in Crosscheck. Since this is a fictionalized version of the NHL, though, I’ll let that little slip go.
Crosscheck is an excellent combination of hockey, the hockey life for players when family is involved, and romance. With the addition of Hope (who, at times, steals the show), this one is my favorite in the series thus far.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
It’s another Northbrook Hockey Elite book! I’m not a hockey fan but I wish I were. There aren’t many opportunities to watch hockey where I live but if there were, I think I could be a hockey fan. This book really makes me want to watch hockey.
Zane is the best. He’s just an all around good guy- well, on the ice he’s got a bit of a reputation for intentional rough play but aside from that, he’s got all the qualities that make for a great lead man. I loved how Zane recognized Mara’s goodness right away, probably due to his daughter, but still. Yes, he was attracted to her but it was more than her looks. I loved how intentional Zane was and how he handled Mara and his daughter. It was so attractive. And, speaking of attraction. . . . There is plenty of attraction between Zane and Mara. Holy cinnamon roll scene, Batman. And can I please get some of that? Flame on.
This is probably my favorite book in this series so far. Did I say that last time? Hmmm. I love this group of hockey player friends. I love how they support each other and how they all rally around Zane and especially his little girl in this book. It melted my heart.
Content: Clean romance, kissing
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Loved this book for so many reasons! I loved the chemistry between Zane and Mara (super intense!) as well as their willingness to be open and honest with each other. Their relationship progressed quickly but it seemed to fit with their personalities. Loved the laughs and fun with Zane’s Pit buddies as well as little Hope – what an adorable little girl!
This was a fabulous romance story and even though the kissing scenes were swoony and steamy, it was a clean read and I so appreciated that. The rest of the series just jumped to the top of my “to read” list – can’t wait to read more.
*Many thanks to the author for an advance copy – my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rebecca Connolly is a really talented romance author (I really liked her Arrangement Series) and she shows that talent in this book. Mara really works for what she wants and that Zane is portrayed as a passionate lover. I also liked that passion can be felt while staying true to its clean content.
However, I think the romance here was a bit rushed, the build-up was too fast and the attraction was just too instant (at least, for me).
Nonetheless, it was a light and very entertaining read.
I feel such a renewed zest for life after reading this! It was just the right length, made me laugh, caught me off guard, was heartwarming and yet had unexpected turns that brought a good dose of reality. It was so refreshing to have just enough of the world mixed in that the characters were people I could relate to. Some situations renewed my hope for humankind and some validated my baser tendencies 🙂 or at least helped me laugh at them. I love how this story helped me celebrate who I am, with my great qualities and all of the ‘other’ qualities that I have. I love the feeling I get after reading a great story like this: I want to give myself a big bear hug, give my kiddos a big bear hug, give my hubby more than a big bear hug, and celebrate life in general. I even feel like doing dishes, tidying toys and scrubbing toilets [well, okay, my steam will run out before I get to the toilets….it is already fading, in fact]. Time to read another in this series. Seriously, though, I love these sports series. It takes me back to a time when I enjoyed the intensity of the game (I was an athlete) and renews my interest in keeping that spark alive.
The dialogue was awesome. The minor characters supported the story so well. The element of conflict was effective and the resolutions were satisfying. I’m excited to read more. Congrats on a great story! I recommend it highly. I asked my library to buy it so more people can get hooked :).
Everyone was adorable and I sighed and giggled like a school girl through most of it.
I love this fun hockey series by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, and Heather B. Moore. And Crosscheck was a fantastic addition to the series. I really enjoyed Zane’s story. I really enjoyed his character and Mara’s character as well. They were so well-written for each other and their love story was sweet and clean with nicely added spice and a great ending. This series has me seriously thinking about watching the manly sport of hockey!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I have enjoyed reading this series about these guys who play a rough sport and yet are truly caring family men. The players are larger than life, both physically and responsibly. I love how they interact with each other, on and off the field. Such big physical men brought to their knees by a precocious 5-year-old. Poor Hope when she is old enough to date, boyfriends being vetted by ice hockey stars. Mara is perfect for Zane. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series.
Crosscheck by Rebecca Connelly (5 stars)
I am still grinning and have happy tears in my eyes about the ending of this story…such a clever and appropriate epilogue with everyone yelling,”yes!” whether they knew why or not!
Yes, there was insta-love, but there was also some time apart to reflect and that helped me with the eye-rolling that accompanies insta-love (not a favorite factor in romances for me).
Lots of great kissing and some really cute flirting! Two easy-to-like main characters, a sassy cousin/nanny and one adorable little girl.
*spoiler* There was one birthday scene where I felt that the little girl should have been a bit traumatized and need some explanations, etc. but it simply wasn’t in the book. I mean, was she oblivious to the brawl and not wondering why she was suddenly whisked away without finishing her party by someone other than her dad?
Anyway, that moment was a tiny one in a well-written, clean sports romance.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
Why do I insist on judging? When I first met Zane “Zamboni” Winchester, I thought, “What a jerk!” He’s rough and tough on the ice, but a big ol’ teddy bear off–especially where his adorable daughter is concerned. I absolutely loved learning Zamboni’s story, especially as it shows how stand up, respectable, utterly adorable, and extremely hardworking he is. I’m a total fan!
To be honest, I was a little worried that this series couldn’t possibly live up to the Belltown Six Pack baseball set, but don’t worry–it totally does. This group may not have been tight when they actually played together, but their banter and the way they have each other’s backs almost brings tears to my eyes every single time.
As for Mara, she’s the perfect companion for Zane and precocious Hope. I love her playfulness and the way she interacts with this father and daughter. The romance was as sugary sweet, with a hint of spice, as a hot, delicious cinnamon roll, melting my heart like it’s straight from the oven.
I can’t get enough of this series and I’m dreading when it’s over, but I just know another charming group will show up. Don’t worry–my heart has plenty of room.
Content: mild romance, mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I am loving this series! These authors have created great characters that are so much fun. The interactions between the Northbrook Hockey Elite players (aka the Pit) is often hilarious both on and off the ice. This book features Zane/Zamboni and his 5 year old daughter’s Zumba class leader, Mara.
While this is not an insta-love book, the relationship between Zane and Mara happens quickly but reads like a true love story that could actually happen. These characters have in-depth conversations, digging deep into who they are as well as some lighthearted moments. Zane’s relationship with his daughter was my favorite portions of this book. There were many sensual parts that featured kissing and the descriptions made me want to reach for my husband and say “Pucker up!”
The author delivers a clean, romantic novel that I will enjoy reading again and again. 5 million stars!