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Sweet Collide
A standalone hockey romance.
Aiden Slate.
Pro hockey star. Captain of the Redville Saints. And the bane of my existence.
All it takes is a little liquid courage to storm his castle.
Or, in this case, a cushy five-star hotel suite.
I’m supposed to give him a piece of my mind.
To unleash a decade of pent-up anger.
What I’m not supposed to do is sign an NDA meant for another woman.
He thinks I’m here to relieve his stress.
Well, he’s in for a rude awakening.
Problem #1? The boy I grew up with doesn’t remember me.
Problem #2? I fall to my knees at his command. Literally.
Next thing I know, I agree to be his fake girlfriend.
He doesn't realize I’m the girl he left behind ten years ago.
The last thing I'll do is admit it.
Because Aiden might have abandoned me all those years ago.
But me? I’ll forever be his.
Aiden Slate.
Pro hockey star. Captain of the Redville Saints. And the bane of my existence.
All it takes is a little liquid courage to storm his castle.
Or, in this case, a cushy five-star hotel suite.
I’m supposed to give him a piece of my mind.
To unleash a decade of pent-up anger.
What I’m not supposed to do is sign an NDA meant for another woman.
He thinks I’m here to relieve his stress.
Well, he’s in for a rude awakening.
Problem #1? The boy I grew up with doesn’t remember me.
Problem #2? I fall to my knees at his command. Literally.
Next thing I know, I agree to be his fake girlfriend.
He doesn't realize I’m the girl he left behind ten years ago.
The last thing I'll do is admit it.
Because Aiden might have abandoned me all those years ago.
But me? I’ll forever be his.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2024
About the author
Ava Harrison
38 books3,298 followersAva Harrison is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 28, 2024
Skimmed, almost DNF. Started out promising then just got boring. 🥱
*I felt I needed to explain a little more…
The early years had me hooked, but once I got to the first part of the adult years - I had a gut feeling how the first ‘meeting’ or ‘reunion’was going to turn out between ‘Pip’ and Aiden. As I was reading I kept cringing and hoping beyond all hope that it was not going to be what I thought it was going to be….alas, it was 🫤. I hung in there and continued to read, pretending that it didn’t happen that way, and it wasn’t too bad it was just something about the way everything came together was slow and I felt pieces were missing. I don’t know. I can’t quite pinpoint it. I just know it did not grab my attention.
*I felt I needed to explain a little more…
The early years had me hooked, but once I got to the first part of the adult years - I had a gut feeling how the first ‘meeting’ or ‘reunion’was going to turn out between ‘Pip’ and Aiden. As I was reading I kept cringing and hoping beyond all hope that it was not going to be what I thought it was going to be….alas, it was 🫤. I hung in there and continued to read, pretending that it didn’t happen that way, and it wasn’t too bad it was just something about the way everything came together was slow and I felt pieces were missing. I don’t know. I can’t quite pinpoint it. I just know it did not grab my attention.
April 24, 2024
This book started out with a bang and a super interesting backstory of the two MC's as friends that bonded from trauma and parental neglect. She gives him her last little bit of money so that he can make his tournament and get out of that environment, the only thing she asks is that he never forget her. Unfortunately, that was the last time she saw him. When Pip felt abandoned and forgotten, I felt that for her. 10 years later the MMC is in the NHL and FMC is going through new adult growing pains, without a job, sleeping on her friends couch, trying to find a way into grad school. Through shenanigans, she ends up drunk walking into his hotel room to confront him while he is waiting for a hook-up situation that his agent set up for him. We get fast burn which I love, they end up having a steamy night together. Aiden feels that Cassidy's a calming influence on him after she helps him with one of his compulsions without judgment. This part really doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but he hires her as a full-time compulsion assistant or something, but he needs her there after hours and doesn't want people to think he's having sex with her, (even though he did) so he gets her to agree to be his fake girlfriend. Even though nothing about this makes sense, I like the storyline enough to just go with the plot. After this, the storyline kinda slows down and drags a bit. We get to see a lot of their interactions, we see them both loving through the results of their traumas and the ways they have grown and changed and also the ways they've stayed the same and that connection was grea. However, when the truth of everything finally came out, I was disappointed in that the H truly did abandon her. He didn't even attempt to find her for over 5 years. Sure he saved money to pay her back, but he never contacted her or let her know how he was or anything. He didn't recognize her and he was not nearly as heartbroken about not seeing her again as she was. She wrote him letters for YEARS and he barely spared more than a thought for her other than a few little homages to their friendship and put some money aside for her, but even that was a miniscule amount in comparison to what he actually made. He admits that if she'd told him who she was, he'd never have started a romantic relationship with her and he would have sent her away. That just didn't sit well with me at all. Especially the way the h excuses it all and let's it go. I was really hoping for him to have the same longing to be near her as she had for him. That being said, seeing him finally put down his walls and her learning to trust him again was well done. I was hoping for more from her dark reveal of why she was so upset he left her, but overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
April 14, 2024
5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
That was so dang good. It was more emotional than I expected, but also funny and so sweet. The tension you feel as a reader just waiting for her secrets to spill was unbelievable. I usually don't love that trope, but there was something about this story that made it so good. I think in part because you knew Cassidy had good reasons and that she tried many times to tell him, but just couldn't...
I adored both of these characters to pieces. I loved Aiden and his OCD and the way he treated Cass. He was so swoon worthy, but also this broke boy I wanted to wrap up in a hug and never let him go. Cassidy was amazing, I loved how well she took care of Aiden and always put his needs first. She was even more broken than I expected as well, and in much different ways.
The ending was incredible. Watching these two find their happily ever after together was everything and more. I loved seeing them find peace in their pasts as well.
I'm really hoping we get more from this world. I'm unaliving for Dane's story especially, but also Emma and Molly and pretty much everyone but Billy, that guy can duck off. *laughs*
3/5 🌶️
That was so dang good. It was more emotional than I expected, but also funny and so sweet. The tension you feel as a reader just waiting for her secrets to spill was unbelievable. I usually don't love that trope, but there was something about this story that made it so good. I think in part because you knew Cassidy had good reasons and that she tried many times to tell him, but just couldn't...
I adored both of these characters to pieces. I loved Aiden and his OCD and the way he treated Cass. He was so swoon worthy, but also this broke boy I wanted to wrap up in a hug and never let him go. Cassidy was amazing, I loved how well she took care of Aiden and always put his needs first. She was even more broken than I expected as well, and in much different ways.
The ending was incredible. Watching these two find their happily ever after together was everything and more. I loved seeing them find peace in their pasts as well.
I'm really hoping we get more from this world. I'm unaliving for Dane's story especially, but also Emma and Molly and pretty much everyone but Billy, that guy can duck off. *laughs*
April 24, 2024
These two broken cuties, they just melt my heart <3
April 19, 2024
This had such a good first half. The h and H met when she was 12, moving to a trailer park where the 18 year old H lived, after her alcoholic father had lost them everything else. They became friends and she helped him get to the start of his hockey dreams by giving him what little money she had. He promised not to forget her.
The story begins 10 years down the track.
Unsure why I skipped through the 2nd half. Can’t really put my finger on it.
The story begins 10 years down the track.
Unsure why I skipped through the 2nd half. Can’t really put my finger on it.
April 18, 2024
She's almost 13 and moves into a trailer park with alcoholic deadbeat dad. His mom is just as awful. He's 17 and excelling at a private school bc he'd good at hockey. They have a friendship, but we're just told about it. It's not defined at all, so I didn't see any real relationship. He needs money for a tryout, she gives it to him, he succeeds and doesn't look back. Ten years later, he's a pro hockey player. She's changed her name bc of the trauma she experienced after her left. She has an opportunity to confront him, but here's the thing, it's not his fault. She's responsible for her life and vice-versa, there wasn't enough storytelling, more just info,I didn't feel engaged, so I quit at 11%, so disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
Thank you Literally Yours PR & Ava Harrison for the ARC! All thoughts are my own!
Aiden and Cassie have great chemistry from the beginning. They have some great banter! It was so nice to see how caring and helpful Cass was with Aiden’s OCD rituals. This book was more emotional than I expected but it was still cute and sweet! You couldn’t help but root for these two! After reading their sad upbringing I kept thinking please let these two have a HEA!
What to expect:
Hidden Identity
Fake Dating
Mental Health Rep
Friends to Lovers
Hockey
Aiden and Cassie have great chemistry from the beginning. They have some great banter! It was so nice to see how caring and helpful Cass was with Aiden’s OCD rituals. This book was more emotional than I expected but it was still cute and sweet! You couldn’t help but root for these two! After reading their sad upbringing I kept thinking please let these two have a HEA!
What to expect:
Hidden Identity
Fake Dating
Mental Health Rep
Friends to Lovers
Hockey
April 15, 2024
Secrets between the hero and heroine is one of my biggest pet peeves in romance, so I am surprised that I liked this one as much as I did. The secret made sense for the story and worked. I especially loved the hero and his quirks were endearing. I even teared up several times. So yay finally a win from AH!
arc
arc
April 28, 2024
3.7 ⭐️’s
Started out really good. I personally feel it started to drag towards the end and I found myself getting a little bored.
Cassidy and Aiden are Pip and Slate all grown up. The thing is that only Pip is aware of this at first.
As kids, they were more like best friends. Maybe even the closest these two ever had to a brother or sister. The age difference was significant. Pip was 12 turning 13 and Slate was just about to be 18.
Pip comes through for Slate in a major way. Leading to Slates life changing for the better. But because of this he never comes back. She rightfully feels abandoned.
10 years pass and she has a chance to confront him and find out why he left and never looked back. From here an opportunity presents itself to join his new life. Except she never tells him about being a part of his old life.
They fall for each other. They fix the broken pieces left behind from their childhood traumas. He discovers her secret. She discovers that he may have left her behind but he never forgot her.
I liked the story. Had the pacing been a bit better and the side characters developed better I’d read another book from this author. However, as it stand now those things didn’t happen so I’ll be moving on to other series.
Started out really good. I personally feel it started to drag towards the end and I found myself getting a little bored.
Cassidy and Aiden are Pip and Slate all grown up. The thing is that only Pip is aware of this at first.
As kids, they were more like best friends. Maybe even the closest these two ever had to a brother or sister. The age difference was significant. Pip was 12 turning 13 and Slate was just about to be 18.
Pip comes through for Slate in a major way. Leading to Slates life changing for the better. But because of this he never comes back. She rightfully feels abandoned.
10 years pass and she has a chance to confront him and find out why he left and never looked back. From here an opportunity presents itself to join his new life. Except she never tells him about being a part of his old life.
They fall for each other. They fix the broken pieces left behind from their childhood traumas. He discovers her secret. She discovers that he may have left her behind but he never forgot her.
I liked the story. Had the pacing been a bit better and the side characters developed better I’d read another book from this author. However, as it stand now those things didn’t happen so I’ll be moving on to other series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
no me gustó, no le encontré eso que se supone que te hace disfrutar la lectura, me pareció innecesariamente denso, redundante y chato, no me generó nada, me aburrió y parecio tedioso, lo lei buscando ese momento, ese capítulo en el que todo hiciera clic y fluyera, pero lamentablemente llegue al final y dije AL FIN !
es un libro que en otro momento hubiera dnf pero le tuve fé y me salió mal.
es un libro que en otro momento hubiera dnf pero le tuve fé y me salió mal.
April 9, 2024
The beginning was good and then it just dragged and just stayed stagnant.
April 27, 2024
I make these specific notes for myself because I read a lot of books and I’m trying to keep which one is which in my head. But you’re welcome to them.
Overall rating: 2/5 I'm sorry, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't what it should have been.
Romance sub-category: Second chance, workplace, sports
How weird were the MCs names? Aiden and Cassidy/Pippa - normal white American names
What were the MCs ages, and did those ages make me uncomfortable? Mid- to late-20s in the present, and 13 (her) and 18 (him) in the past. But nothing romantic happened when they were kids, so don't stress.
Red hair and/or green eyes check: It's been a few days since I read it, but I don't think so.
Sweet, spicy or filthy? A bit spicy. Open door but nothing too graphic.
It’s a romance book, so was it clear WHY the MCs fell in love? Yes, but her love is rooted in their past and his is rooted in their present. MMC has a lot of what they refer to as 'rituals' (very broadly, OCD behaviours) that he's been trying to keep secret his whole life. FMC seems to be the only person who accepts these rituals without making him feel embarrassed or awful about them and helps him deal with them without judgement, so he finds in her a sense of peace that has been seriously lacking. For FMC, he was the boy who protected her when she was a kid, until he didn't and she ended up hating him. In the present she gets past her anger and starts falling back on those feelings of safety around him. They both had terrible childhoods and there is a shared sense of survival between them.
Was the drama/tension that impacted the romance/led to third act break up before the HEA believable? [SPOILERS] Okay, so FMC spent most of the book keeping her 'real' identity secret from him. She knows from the first second of their meeting as adults who he is, but he doesn't recognise her (which I actually loved because, for real, if I ran into someone as an adult who I knew for 8 months as a kid, I absolutely would not recognise them). Also, she goes by a different name as an adult than she did as a kid. She spends months living with this guy, anticipating all his 'rituals' and helping him cope, and when he finally finds out that she's that girl who he used to think of as a little sister and she's known all along, he blows up and walks out. To me, totally understandable and believable. But then the next day, he's like 'oh well, you had your reasons, let's fuck some more'. He just seemed to rationalise it very quickly. And the whole part with MMC's agent threatening FMC to tell the truth OR ELSE just seemed very low stakes.
Was it funny? No.
Did I cry? No. And given the plot points, I should have been crying a lot. For me, there just wasn't enough depth to it to drag me in. The villains (plural!) came across as almost cartoonish and surface level, so I didn't connect with the emotional harm they laid at the MCs' feet.
How strong were the supporting characters? Villains everywhere! MMC's mother was your garden variety evil book mother with a drug addiction who was always scheming for money. There was an evil local news reporter who was going to BLOW THIS STORY WIDE OPEN by EXPOSING that the MMC had anxiety and OCD, like that was somehow going end MMC's career or something? And there was an EVIL teammate who openly sexually harassed FMC and hated MMC for reasons and got MMC's mother involved or something...I don't know, it got pretty boring.
Did the supporting characters have names that were too similar, making me have to stop and think hard about which one was which before I could move on? Didn't care enough to be confused.
Was there a pregnancy/children in the epilogue? Can't remember anymore, but probably.
Did I have to Google something, and if yes, was that something dirty? Nope.
Was there a dog? Nope.
What else? For a story that had a professional sports star who apparently liked to be in control sexually, a FMC who fought her way out of an abusive, poverty-striken childhood, a FMC who felt abandoned by the MMC as a kid, a hidden identity trope and a FMC who [SPOILER] allegedly killed someone, this book should have been significantly better. But nothing really went beyond the surface. It was like a situation was presented to us, and the reader was left to draw on previous books they may have read with similar situations to recognise that the situation was emotional or bad. For me, there wasn't an attempt to make those situations and feelings exist in their own right in this book.
[SPOILER] The whole thing with FMC thinking that she killed a guy when she was a kid was glossed over and resolved in, like, half a chapter with MMC throwing some money around to get the autopsy report so he could reassure her she wasn't responsible for it, and then FMC immediately got over it.
The stuff with the reporter about to expose the MMC's OCD behaviour was treated by everyone as they enormous thing, with his agent being like "We've got to get ahead of this story and release a statement to the press and public immediately!". While I fully understand that this was a really big thing for the MMC, it made no sense that the agent was feeding into it instead of trying to reassure him that no one would give a shit.
Anyway. Overall, I didn't feel like I was given enough material to connect with, the drama wasn't handled well, and in the end I didn't really care about any of these people.
Overall rating: 2/5 I'm sorry, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't what it should have been.
Romance sub-category: Second chance, workplace, sports
How weird were the MCs names? Aiden and Cassidy/Pippa - normal white American names
What were the MCs ages, and did those ages make me uncomfortable? Mid- to late-20s in the present, and 13 (her) and 18 (him) in the past. But nothing romantic happened when they were kids, so don't stress.
Red hair and/or green eyes check: It's been a few days since I read it, but I don't think so.
Sweet, spicy or filthy? A bit spicy. Open door but nothing too graphic.
It’s a romance book, so was it clear WHY the MCs fell in love? Yes, but her love is rooted in their past and his is rooted in their present. MMC has a lot of what they refer to as 'rituals' (very broadly, OCD behaviours) that he's been trying to keep secret his whole life. FMC seems to be the only person who accepts these rituals without making him feel embarrassed or awful about them and helps him deal with them without judgement, so he finds in her a sense of peace that has been seriously lacking. For FMC, he was the boy who protected her when she was a kid, until he didn't and she ended up hating him. In the present she gets past her anger and starts falling back on those feelings of safety around him. They both had terrible childhoods and there is a shared sense of survival between them.
Was the drama/tension that impacted the romance/led to third act break up before the HEA believable? [SPOILERS] Okay, so FMC spent most of the book keeping her 'real' identity secret from him. She knows from the first second of their meeting as adults who he is, but he doesn't recognise her (which I actually loved because, for real, if I ran into someone as an adult who I knew for 8 months as a kid, I absolutely would not recognise them). Also, she goes by a different name as an adult than she did as a kid. She spends months living with this guy, anticipating all his 'rituals' and helping him cope, and when he finally finds out that she's that girl who he used to think of as a little sister and she's known all along, he blows up and walks out. To me, totally understandable and believable. But then the next day, he's like 'oh well, you had your reasons, let's fuck some more'. He just seemed to rationalise it very quickly. And the whole part with MMC's agent threatening FMC to tell the truth OR ELSE just seemed very low stakes.
Was it funny? No.
Did I cry? No. And given the plot points, I should have been crying a lot. For me, there just wasn't enough depth to it to drag me in. The villains (plural!) came across as almost cartoonish and surface level, so I didn't connect with the emotional harm they laid at the MCs' feet.
How strong were the supporting characters? Villains everywhere! MMC's mother was your garden variety evil book mother with a drug addiction who was always scheming for money. There was an evil local news reporter who was going to BLOW THIS STORY WIDE OPEN by EXPOSING that the MMC had anxiety and OCD, like that was somehow going end MMC's career or something? And there was an EVIL teammate who openly sexually harassed FMC and hated MMC for reasons and got MMC's mother involved or something...I don't know, it got pretty boring.
Did the supporting characters have names that were too similar, making me have to stop and think hard about which one was which before I could move on? Didn't care enough to be confused.
Was there a pregnancy/children in the epilogue? Can't remember anymore, but probably.
Did I have to Google something, and if yes, was that something dirty? Nope.
Was there a dog? Nope.
What else? For a story that had a professional sports star who apparently liked to be in control sexually, a FMC who fought her way out of an abusive, poverty-striken childhood, a FMC who felt abandoned by the MMC as a kid, a hidden identity trope and a FMC who [SPOILER] allegedly killed someone, this book should have been significantly better. But nothing really went beyond the surface. It was like a situation was presented to us, and the reader was left to draw on previous books they may have read with similar situations to recognise that the situation was emotional or bad. For me, there wasn't an attempt to make those situations and feelings exist in their own right in this book.
[SPOILER] The whole thing with FMC thinking that she killed a guy when she was a kid was glossed over and resolved in, like, half a chapter with MMC throwing some money around to get the autopsy report so he could reassure her she wasn't responsible for it, and then FMC immediately got over it.
The stuff with the reporter about to expose the MMC's OCD behaviour was treated by everyone as they enormous thing, with his agent being like "We've got to get ahead of this story and release a statement to the press and public immediately!". While I fully understand that this was a really big thing for the MMC, it made no sense that the agent was feeding into it instead of trying to reassure him that no one would give a shit.
Anyway. Overall, I didn't feel like I was given enough material to connect with, the drama wasn't handled well, and in the end I didn't really care about any of these people.
April 17, 2024
Amazon Worldwide
Cassidy was left behind by the boy who meant everything to her. Aiden had been her friend, her protector, but he left and never came back even though he promised. Now as an adult, she finds out he's near, so she's set out to confront him. Unfortunately, it looks like the boy she's never forgotten is now a man who doesn't even remember her. Somehow though, they end up in a fake dating situation, and now Cass has to decide if she'll ever tell him who she ever is, and the other BIG secret she's kept from everyone. She knows she risks losing him again if she reveals everything, but can a relationship survive if it's always based on an unrevealed secret?
Aiden left everything and everyone behind because he had to. Now his only focus is his hockey. He has a reputation that may or not be undeserved, and he keeps himself from others, hiding behind well constructed walls. Then a woman walks (back) into his life that though he doesn't recognize, there's an attraction. And it's that attraction that leads to now - a fake relationship that is quickly turning real. But it remains to be seen if this relationship can weather hidden secrets and their past.
Wow, I so was not expecting this. I should have, considering that Ava's writing tends to fall in the emotionally harrowing end of the romance genre, but hockey romance in my mind is usually fluffy and fun. Cassidy's heartbreaking past, Aiden's OCD, both things giving this couple a very emotional rollercoaster love story. Cassidy is such a great FMC, not broken but scarred for sure. And yet, she maintained a big, loving heart throughout, never judging, never giving up on Aiden. Aiden in turn, equally loving, but brooding and distant, but not so much with his true love. I cannot say enough how much I love Ava's take on a hockey romance, and I really hope she decides to write another one.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
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April 30, 2024
Sweet Collide was such an easy book to find myself immersed with the story. Aiden Slate (Slate) and Cassidy Baker (Pippa or Pip) meet when she and her dad moved into the trailer park that where Aiden lived. The two became fast and best friends in spite of the age difference between them. Pippa was twelve and Aiden was seventeen. Both lived with their abusive parent Pippa with a drunken dad after the loss of her mom. Aiden lived with his mom who berated him because of his OCD. Together these best friends found their way to make their lives manageable. In Aiden, Pippa found a big brother who protected her. But the kindness and patience that Pippa showed to Aiden and his OCD rituals was without judging was just what he needed too.
For years Aiden’s mom had bashed his dream to one day play professional hockey, telling him he would never amount to anything. The final straw was when things got to the boiling point between Aiden with his mom and she has bashed his chance of going to a hockey game where he had a chance to be noticed. Finding a defeated Aiden it‘s Pippa who helps him achieve his chance and begin his journey playing hockey. With what little cash she had, Pippa made it possible for him to go to the game. So, with a “pinky promise on your puck” to never forget her Aiden was gone.
Ten years have passed with life moving forward for Aiden and Pippa. Aiden, who now is referred to as Slate is a pro hockey player and Captain of the Redville Saints. Known for his fast and aggressive playing he is a fan favorite. During this time Pippa has graduated from both high school and college. Broke and with no prospects of a job she is currently couch diving at her friend Emma’s apartment. It’s when she sees Aiden on tv she decides that she needs to see him and find out exactly why he ghosted her all these years. Especially since he had promised to never forget her. With a little help from her friend, who just so happens to work at the hotel he is staying in plus know the room number too, this is all Pippa needed to add to her alcohol infused night to fuel her plan of action.
To Pippa’s surprise, she was able to get up to Slate’s room easily enough. What worked out even better for her was that Slate had an appointment scheduled so it was a breeze to get past his security as they expected a guest. It wasn’t until Pippa was asked to sign a NDA that she quickly understood that his appointment was to be a one-night stand. Realizing that Aiden had no idea who she was made her even more determined to get answers. Not only that she told him that she was Cassidy Banks now no longer Pippa to him.
Needless to say things begin to get very interesting here. After their night together Slate offers Cassidy a job as his assistant and agree to be his “fake” girlfriend. She will be there to help keep him calm and help with the OCD quirks under control. Wouldn’t you know that feelings would develop between the two? And I loved it!!
But remember Cassidy has a secret that Slate isn’t privy to!!
What will happen when the truth comes out?
For years Aiden’s mom had bashed his dream to one day play professional hockey, telling him he would never amount to anything. The final straw was when things got to the boiling point between Aiden with his mom and she has bashed his chance of going to a hockey game where he had a chance to be noticed. Finding a defeated Aiden it‘s Pippa who helps him achieve his chance and begin his journey playing hockey. With what little cash she had, Pippa made it possible for him to go to the game. So, with a “pinky promise on your puck” to never forget her Aiden was gone.
Ten years have passed with life moving forward for Aiden and Pippa. Aiden, who now is referred to as Slate is a pro hockey player and Captain of the Redville Saints. Known for his fast and aggressive playing he is a fan favorite. During this time Pippa has graduated from both high school and college. Broke and with no prospects of a job she is currently couch diving at her friend Emma’s apartment. It’s when she sees Aiden on tv she decides that she needs to see him and find out exactly why he ghosted her all these years. Especially since he had promised to never forget her. With a little help from her friend, who just so happens to work at the hotel he is staying in plus know the room number too, this is all Pippa needed to add to her alcohol infused night to fuel her plan of action.
To Pippa’s surprise, she was able to get up to Slate’s room easily enough. What worked out even better for her was that Slate had an appointment scheduled so it was a breeze to get past his security as they expected a guest. It wasn’t until Pippa was asked to sign a NDA that she quickly understood that his appointment was to be a one-night stand. Realizing that Aiden had no idea who she was made her even more determined to get answers. Not only that she told him that she was Cassidy Banks now no longer Pippa to him.
Needless to say things begin to get very interesting here. After their night together Slate offers Cassidy a job as his assistant and agree to be his “fake” girlfriend. She will be there to help keep him calm and help with the OCD quirks under control. Wouldn’t you know that feelings would develop between the two? And I loved it!!
But remember Cassidy has a secret that Slate isn’t privy to!!
What will happen when the truth comes out?
April 18, 2024
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Pippa had a really rough childhood, first losing her mom then her father losing himself in a bottle. He didn’t pay her any attention and didn’t even provide food or water. She was on her own to pay the bills and feed herself from a very young age. The trailer park where they lived was a very bleak place and even had a bully to make things tougher on her. Her only friend was Aiden Slate, but he was older and had his own reasons to escape. Pippa was sad for herself but thrilled for her friend, until she realized he ghosted her.
Once her protector and confident, the man had left behind without a second thought and it hurt. Years later, Aiden is an NHL superstar and Pippa has the opportunity to confront him to ask why he abandoned her. She goes there to give her old friend hell and let him know how badly he hurt her, but when she arrives, Aiden doesn’t recognize her at all.
To be fair, she did dye her hair and change her name (she's now Cassidy), plus she’s grown up a lot and looks nothing like the twelve-year-old Aiden left behind but that really doesn’t lessen the sting. As much as she’d like to teach this cocky man a lesson, he’s gorgeous and flirty and has no idea they’ve ever met before. Cassidy decides it won’t hurt to give in and have some fun with this perfect male specimen, but before their one hot night even ends, Aiden offers her a job as his assistant. It’s almost too good to be true but there is one catch: Cassidy has to pretend to be his girlfriend. He needs an assistant to help him manage his anxiety disorder but that’s his secret, one that can’t get out. He goes to great lengths to hide his anxiety from the world, so he decides a cover story works best and proposes a fake relationship.
This was such a sweet and funny story. I really loved the characters because they’re unique and real. Cassidy is my new girl crush, she’s just so resilient and determined, I love everything about her. I didn’t expect to like her so much because of the secret identity but she was so sympathetic and just wanted to help her old friend. Yes, she was hurt and angry that he forgot about her, but she can’t get enough of him and just wants to stick close for a little while. Aiden was adorable too and not afraid to admit Cassidy gave him things he didn’t even know he needed.
April 27, 2024
“𝘈𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘵, 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦.”
Aiden & Pippa found each other when they need each other the most, the type of bond that is unbreakable. The two come from rocky childhoods and trauma bond, while having big dreams to escape the lives they are living. Aiden’s talents on the ice lead him to be the star NHL player , while it seems he has it all. He’s still dealing with his own issues and trauma from the past. When Pippa “Cassidy” shows up at his hotel room one night, hiding her identity and hoping to find closure. What was suppose to be one night, turns into fake dating and the two uncovering secrets, and healing on their journey while also getting a second chance at love.
✨R E V I E W ✨
The way I was milking this book, I didn’t want to finish it because I love these characters so much.
First, this isn’t your average Hockey book. It’s packed with so much depth and emotional trauma between the Aiden and “Pip”/Cassidy that you literally feel so invested in their individual stories from start to finish. When the first secret was revealed, it made me so relieved and I love how it didn’t change the way Aiden felt for her. When the second secret was revealed, my heart was shook. I am so happy with how it ended , and literally feel these two are the definition of “soulmates”.
I couldn’t get enough of sexy Aiden. Oh my gosh, the “crawl to me’s”, “good girl”, and “mine” made me blush! Whew! Especially coming from him, I love an MMC who is quiet, mysterious and a little damaged.
Ava did an incredible job at dealing with such emotional topics and was so sensitive in telling this story. I loved how Aiden handled the response to his reveal of his rituals. And especially how “Pip”/Cassidy was the one to help him with normalizing and accepting him for who he is.
I listened to the audiobook for the last half of this book and thought the performance was done really well!
You’ll love this if you enjoy:
❤️🔥Second Chance Romance
🥅Hidden Identity
❤️🔥Protective NHL MMC with a dirty mouth
🥅Childhood friends to Lovers
❤️🔥”It’s Always Been You” vibes
🥅Found Family
❤️🔥Rags to Riches
🥅Mental Health Representation
❤️🔥EMOTIONAL
🥅Fake Dating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5 stars and I can’t wait to continue this series, hoping for Dane’s book!
Aiden & Pippa found each other when they need each other the most, the type of bond that is unbreakable. The two come from rocky childhoods and trauma bond, while having big dreams to escape the lives they are living. Aiden’s talents on the ice lead him to be the star NHL player , while it seems he has it all. He’s still dealing with his own issues and trauma from the past. When Pippa “Cassidy” shows up at his hotel room one night, hiding her identity and hoping to find closure. What was suppose to be one night, turns into fake dating and the two uncovering secrets, and healing on their journey while also getting a second chance at love.
✨R E V I E W ✨
The way I was milking this book, I didn’t want to finish it because I love these characters so much.
First, this isn’t your average Hockey book. It’s packed with so much depth and emotional trauma between the Aiden and “Pip”/Cassidy that you literally feel so invested in their individual stories from start to finish. When the first secret was revealed, it made me so relieved and I love how it didn’t change the way Aiden felt for her. When the second secret was revealed, my heart was shook. I am so happy with how it ended , and literally feel these two are the definition of “soulmates”.
I couldn’t get enough of sexy Aiden. Oh my gosh, the “crawl to me’s”, “good girl”, and “mine” made me blush! Whew! Especially coming from him, I love an MMC who is quiet, mysterious and a little damaged.
Ava did an incredible job at dealing with such emotional topics and was so sensitive in telling this story. I loved how Aiden handled the response to his reveal of his rituals. And especially how “Pip”/Cassidy was the one to help him with normalizing and accepting him for who he is.
I listened to the audiobook for the last half of this book and thought the performance was done really well!
You’ll love this if you enjoy:
❤️🔥Second Chance Romance
🥅Hidden Identity
❤️🔥Protective NHL MMC with a dirty mouth
🥅Childhood friends to Lovers
❤️🔥”It’s Always Been You” vibes
🥅Found Family
❤️🔥Rags to Riches
🥅Mental Health Representation
❤️🔥EMOTIONAL
🥅Fake Dating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5 stars and I can’t wait to continue this series, hoping for Dane’s book!
April 23, 2024
This book ticks all the boxes for me as you have a hockey romance with mistaken identity, fake dating, second chance romance, twists and turns and some spiciness. Add in the character depth with their trauma growing up that left them both a little broken as well as the rawness of the author’s discussions into the mental health topics and I just couldn’t put it down. Both characters felt real to me in a way that I haven’t experienced with a sports romance in a while and I attribute that to the author’s character development.
Growing up in a trailer park Cassidy known as Pip or Pippa to Aiden, they were each other’s support system. They both felt safe with each other and had a soul mate connection at the age of 12 and 17 but Aiden left to go make a go of playing hockey with the promise of never forgetting his Pip. Cassidy always thought he moved on without looking back and struggled after he left.
Time jump and Cassidy is now out of college, struggling to find a job and sleeping on her best friend’s couch until she can figure her life out when she sees Aiden on tv. Aiden is a hockey superstar and doing really well in life. She wants a chance to connect to see why he forgot about her but when she gets to his hotel room, his agent mistakes her for his a “one time” hookup to help him relieve stress. But Cassidy knows this is her only chance to see Aiden but when they have an instant connection the night quickly takes on a different path and she holds all her secrets in. Afterwards when Aiden has an OCD episode and she calmly diffuses the situation, he ends up hiring her to be his fake girlfriend/assistant to help manage all his little quirks to get him through the end of the hockey season. Feelings develop between them, but he still doesn’t realize that Cassidy is his Pip from when they were younger. Drama causes everything to unravel but I loved watching both Cassidy and Aiden grow in this story and mature. It felt like they were incomplete puzzles, and the other person was the missing piece. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Growing up in a trailer park Cassidy known as Pip or Pippa to Aiden, they were each other’s support system. They both felt safe with each other and had a soul mate connection at the age of 12 and 17 but Aiden left to go make a go of playing hockey with the promise of never forgetting his Pip. Cassidy always thought he moved on without looking back and struggled after he left.
Time jump and Cassidy is now out of college, struggling to find a job and sleeping on her best friend’s couch until she can figure her life out when she sees Aiden on tv. Aiden is a hockey superstar and doing really well in life. She wants a chance to connect to see why he forgot about her but when she gets to his hotel room, his agent mistakes her for his a “one time” hookup to help him relieve stress. But Cassidy knows this is her only chance to see Aiden but when they have an instant connection the night quickly takes on a different path and she holds all her secrets in. Afterwards when Aiden has an OCD episode and she calmly diffuses the situation, he ends up hiring her to be his fake girlfriend/assistant to help manage all his little quirks to get him through the end of the hockey season. Feelings develop between them, but he still doesn’t realize that Cassidy is his Pip from when they were younger. Drama causes everything to unravel but I loved watching both Cassidy and Aiden grow in this story and mature. It felt like they were incomplete puzzles, and the other person was the missing piece. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2024
When Pippa arrives at the trailer park with her deadbeat dad, she knows she'll have to fend for herself. That's true until she meets Slate. He takes her under his wing, though he's as broken as her, if not more. His only solace is hockey but his abusive mother won't let him pursue his dreams and a very selfless act by Pippa sends him off to a bigger and better life. He leaves with a promise: to never ever forget her. Pinkie promise on his puck.
Fast forward ten years and Pippa is no longer Pippa, but Cassidy, her given name. While watching TV, she sees Aiden Slate, now captain of the Redville Saints, NHL star is "home". A little liquid courage and she decides to confront him at the hotel he's staying. That's when the Universe intervenes and Aiden mistakes her for someone else. He doesn't even remember her. She's devastated but she agrees to his proposal to pretend she's his girlfriend. So many secrets. So much hurt. But they were always meant to be together. And she will always be his girl.
I felt so much for Cassidy and Aiden. Cassidy grew up in the worst conditions and Aiden was berated and diminished for his OCD by his awful mother. They were pivotal in each other's lives from a very young age and their path to each other as adults is not an easy one. I loved the mental health discussion in this one and the author based it on her own experiences and it rings true. (I just wish they both sought help earlier, especially Aiden, who definitely had the means, but I understand the reasoning behind it.)
Narration:
The audiobook is GOLD! This was the narrator pairing I didn't know I needed in my life! Angelina Rocca is phenomenal as the feisty and so incredibly selfless and loving Cass. Everybody knows how much of a fan I am of The Fox and he's in top form in this one. Aiden is all yummy and all but CF shines when Aiden is vulnerable. Amazing audiobook!
Rep: MMC has OCD
Content notes: Child abuse and neglect, attempted SA (historical), ableism, bullying, alcohol and drug abuse, deaths by drug overdose
Fast forward ten years and Pippa is no longer Pippa, but Cassidy, her given name. While watching TV, she sees Aiden Slate, now captain of the Redville Saints, NHL star is "home". A little liquid courage and she decides to confront him at the hotel he's staying. That's when the Universe intervenes and Aiden mistakes her for someone else. He doesn't even remember her. She's devastated but she agrees to his proposal to pretend she's his girlfriend. So many secrets. So much hurt. But they were always meant to be together. And she will always be his girl.
I felt so much for Cassidy and Aiden. Cassidy grew up in the worst conditions and Aiden was berated and diminished for his OCD by his awful mother. They were pivotal in each other's lives from a very young age and their path to each other as adults is not an easy one. I loved the mental health discussion in this one and the author based it on her own experiences and it rings true. (I just wish they both sought help earlier, especially Aiden, who definitely had the means, but I understand the reasoning behind it.)
Narration:
The audiobook is GOLD! This was the narrator pairing I didn't know I needed in my life! Angelina Rocca is phenomenal as the feisty and so incredibly selfless and loving Cass. Everybody knows how much of a fan I am of The Fox and he's in top form in this one. Aiden is all yummy and all but CF shines when Aiden is vulnerable. Amazing audiobook!
Rep: MMC has OCD
Content notes: Child abuse and neglect, attempted SA (historical), ableism, bullying, alcohol and drug abuse, deaths by drug overdose
April 24, 2024
This book was so good! It was a beautiful, emotional love story.
The book starts out as a flashback. Cassidy and Aiden met when Cassidy moved into the same trailer park as him. Aiden was a bit older than Cassidy but they soon became best friends in a brother/ sister kind of way. Aiden was an aspiring hockey player, and couldn’t wait to move away from his mom. He finally got his opportunity and he promised he would never forget her but to Cassidy she believed he did. Then it picks up eight years later and Aiden is a pro NHL player while Cassidy is struggling to make ends meet. Cassidy then sees Aiden on tv and makes it her mission to confront him. Except when she gets to his hotel room he believes she is someone else and that is the start of how she begins to work for him. Cassidy calms Aiden and he needs her in his life except he doesn’t know she’s the girl from his childhood.
The story has a lot of secrets revealed and they both have so many struggles of their own but their journey from friends to lovers is wonderful. It was great to see Aiden put his walls down to finally be able to trust again. They both helped each other grow so much throughout the book.
At times I wanted to yell at Cassidy to open up and show her past to Aiden but I also understand that she was scared and did not want to lose him.
The story was a bit predictable but I didn’t mind it at all. The chemistry between Aiden and Cass was off the charts and the slow burn was worth it!
I really enjoyed this book and I loved the ending! I can’t wait for the next book because I want to know more about Aiden’s teammates.
- Sports romance
- Secret identity
- Forced proximity
- Fake dating
- Found family
- Friends to lovers
- Mental health rep
- Age- gap
- Dual POV
- Spice 🌶️🌶️
Favorite quote:
"Pinky promise on your puck."
Thank you to Literally Yours PR and Ava Harrison for the ARC!
The book starts out as a flashback. Cassidy and Aiden met when Cassidy moved into the same trailer park as him. Aiden was a bit older than Cassidy but they soon became best friends in a brother/ sister kind of way. Aiden was an aspiring hockey player, and couldn’t wait to move away from his mom. He finally got his opportunity and he promised he would never forget her but to Cassidy she believed he did. Then it picks up eight years later and Aiden is a pro NHL player while Cassidy is struggling to make ends meet. Cassidy then sees Aiden on tv and makes it her mission to confront him. Except when she gets to his hotel room he believes she is someone else and that is the start of how she begins to work for him. Cassidy calms Aiden and he needs her in his life except he doesn’t know she’s the girl from his childhood.
The story has a lot of secrets revealed and they both have so many struggles of their own but their journey from friends to lovers is wonderful. It was great to see Aiden put his walls down to finally be able to trust again. They both helped each other grow so much throughout the book.
At times I wanted to yell at Cassidy to open up and show her past to Aiden but I also understand that she was scared and did not want to lose him.
The story was a bit predictable but I didn’t mind it at all. The chemistry between Aiden and Cass was off the charts and the slow burn was worth it!
I really enjoyed this book and I loved the ending! I can’t wait for the next book because I want to know more about Aiden’s teammates.
- Sports romance
- Secret identity
- Forced proximity
- Fake dating
- Found family
- Friends to lovers
- Mental health rep
- Age- gap
- Dual POV
- Spice 🌶️🌶️
Favorite quote:
"Pinky promise on your puck."
Thank you to Literally Yours PR and Ava Harrison for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
I was excited to dive into Ava Harrison’s hockey era and enjoyed Aiden and Cassidy’s story. “Sweet Collide” is a steamy, emotional, and healing second chance with the one who helped you get away.
Aiden Slate is a force to be reckoned with on and off the ice. He commands respect on the reputation he’s built. But with that has come a wall that he has built around himself to keep himself safe. The one person that can break it down is someone who thought she had been forgotten. Cassidy Baker grew up with Aiden and when she finds out he’s in town, she goes to his hotel. But he thought she was someone else and she goes along with it. The two have an incredible night together and when Aiden realizes that she can help with some of his quirks and be her fake girlfriend, he hires her. But the secret Cassidy is keeping can only be hidden for so long.
This was a different take on a secret romance and I enjoyed it. Cassidy is incredibly sweet and wanted to find and reconnect with the friend she had all those years ago. She was never malicious when it came to Aiden and you could tell from the beginning how much she cared for him. The young girl inside her wanted some answers and I don’t blame her at all. Aiden is a complex guy who has a lot of quirks from trauma when he was younger. To anyone on the outside, it would be weird but Cassidy knew and understood him. And when he didn’t recognize right away, something in his soul did because he was able to be himself around her. Even with the secret, they were able to build something solid that got them through any of the bumps they experienced. The last few chapters were great and really solidified the connection they had.
Aiden Slate is a force to be reckoned with on and off the ice. He commands respect on the reputation he’s built. But with that has come a wall that he has built around himself to keep himself safe. The one person that can break it down is someone who thought she had been forgotten. Cassidy Baker grew up with Aiden and when she finds out he’s in town, she goes to his hotel. But he thought she was someone else and she goes along with it. The two have an incredible night together and when Aiden realizes that she can help with some of his quirks and be her fake girlfriend, he hires her. But the secret Cassidy is keeping can only be hidden for so long.
This was a different take on a secret romance and I enjoyed it. Cassidy is incredibly sweet and wanted to find and reconnect with the friend she had all those years ago. She was never malicious when it came to Aiden and you could tell from the beginning how much she cared for him. The young girl inside her wanted some answers and I don’t blame her at all. Aiden is a complex guy who has a lot of quirks from trauma when he was younger. To anyone on the outside, it would be weird but Cassidy knew and understood him. And when he didn’t recognize right away, something in his soul did because he was able to be himself around her. Even with the secret, they were able to build something solid that got them through any of the bumps they experienced. The last few chapters were great and really solidified the connection they had.
April 18, 2024
What an incredible start to a new series. Aiden and Cassidy have both escaped their trailer park upbringing. Although they each still suffer from that time in their lives. Aiden's mother is still trying to cause him problems. All his life she called him worthless and he would never amount to anything. Always ridiculed him for his compulsions. Instead of being supportive and loving like a real mother should she made his life a living hell.
Cassidy didn't have it any easier. Although she was never physically abused by her father, she had to grow up fast when she was 12 years old. Doing everything she could to make the best out of her living situation. Being an adult at such a young age because her father couldn't hold down the job and was a drunk.
When Aiden left he promised he wouldn't forget Cassidy. But as time and years went by he never returned. Now 10 years later their paths have crossed. She was devastated when he didn't recognize her but deep down whether he realized it or not he felt a connection to her. Same as he did to Pippa all those years ago. A connection they shared that would stand the test of time.
The story will be hard to put down. It pulls you in with every word. Proof of a soul mate, your other half. Fate brought them back together after years apart. Aiden always said he would never be in a relationship. Mostly because of his compulsions that were now practically taking over his life. His heart belonged to one person, Pippa. Now she's back in his life and he's never letting her go.
Cassidy didn't have it any easier. Although she was never physically abused by her father, she had to grow up fast when she was 12 years old. Doing everything she could to make the best out of her living situation. Being an adult at such a young age because her father couldn't hold down the job and was a drunk.
When Aiden left he promised he wouldn't forget Cassidy. But as time and years went by he never returned. Now 10 years later their paths have crossed. She was devastated when he didn't recognize her but deep down whether he realized it or not he felt a connection to her. Same as he did to Pippa all those years ago. A connection they shared that would stand the test of time.
The story will be hard to put down. It pulls you in with every word. Proof of a soul mate, your other half. Fate brought them back together after years apart. Aiden always said he would never be in a relationship. Mostly because of his compulsions that were now practically taking over his life. His heart belonged to one person, Pippa. Now she's back in his life and he's never letting her go.
April 20, 2024
Easy 4.5 stars. I love me some Hockey Romance, add in some childhood trauma, second chance, with a splash of mental health issues, I am all in. I love how this wasn't exactly your typical hockey romance. These characters are damaged and trying their best to move on from their childhoods. Aiden grew up with a terrible mother who did nothing but put him down, especially when it came to his "rituals". AKA OCD. He had one chance to get away from that town and pursue his hockey dream, but that is squished when his mother steals his money. Our female lead Cassidy, doesn't have a better living situation. Bouncing from living situation to another, her mom died leaving her with a very broken dad who doesn't care. They meet at a very vulnerable moment in her life, he becomes her safe place.
She gives him all the money that she has and tells him to go, but promise not to forget her.
10 years later they still haven't seen each other, she changed her name the first chance she got and he was to scared to go back to that town.
She finds out that he is staying at a hotel in her town and gets the courage to show up and give him a piece of her mind. When she finally comes face to face with him he doesn't recognize her, next thing you know she is his "fake" girlfriend to help with his rituals. He feels so comfortable being around her and isn't sure why.
Not 1 but 2 balls drop at the hieght of the story that I wasn't exactly expecting.
Over all I loved the story and liked how she added some mental health in the story.
She gives him all the money that she has and tells him to go, but promise not to forget her.
10 years later they still haven't seen each other, she changed her name the first chance she got and he was to scared to go back to that town.
She finds out that he is staying at a hotel in her town and gets the courage to show up and give him a piece of her mind. When she finally comes face to face with him he doesn't recognize her, next thing you know she is his "fake" girlfriend to help with his rituals. He feels so comfortable being around her and isn't sure why.
Not 1 but 2 balls drop at the hieght of the story that I wasn't exactly expecting.
Over all I loved the story and liked how she added some mental health in the story.
April 20, 2024
Easy 4.5 stars. I love me some Hockey Romance, add in some childhood trauma, second chance, with a splash of mental health issues, I am all in. I love how this wasn't exactly your typical hockey romance. These characters are damaged and trying their best to move on from their childhoods. Aiden grew up with a terrible mother who did nothing but put him down, especially when it came to his "rituals". AKA OCD. He had one chance to get away from that town and pursue his hockey dream, but that is squished when his mother steals his money. Our female lead Cassidy, doesn't have a better living situation. Bouncing from living situation to another, her mom died leaving her with a very broken dad who doesn't care. They meet at a very vulnerable moment in her life, he becomes her safe place.
She gives him all the money that she has and tells him to go, but promise not to forget her.
10 years later they still haven't seen each other, she changed her name the first chance she got and he was to scared to go back to that town.
She finds out that he is staying at a hotel in her town and gets the courage to show up and give him a piece of her mind. When she finally comes face to face with him he doesn't recognize her, next thing you know she is his "fake" girlfriend to help with his rituals. He feels so comfortable being around her and isn't sure why.
Not 1 but 2 balls drop at the hieght of the story that I wasn't exactly expecting.
Over all I loved the story and liked how she added some mental health in the story.
She gives him all the money that she has and tells him to go, but promise not to forget her.
10 years later they still haven't seen each other, she changed her name the first chance she got and he was to scared to go back to that town.
She finds out that he is staying at a hotel in her town and gets the courage to show up and give him a piece of her mind. When she finally comes face to face with him he doesn't recognize her, next thing you know she is his "fake" girlfriend to help with his rituals. He feels so comfortable being around her and isn't sure why.
Not 1 but 2 balls drop at the hieght of the story that I wasn't exactly expecting.
Over all I loved the story and liked how she added some mental health in the story.
April 21, 2024
Aiden Slate captured her heart when they were young but his love of hockey took him away and he never kept his promise to come back for her when the time was right. She waited and waited but he never came... and now she is about to have the chance to ask him why.
The pages of Sweet Collide will grab ahold of you and not let go, it's words so captivating and rich with feeling that it's all you will be able to think about and feel. These two have a past, one that wasn't always happy, he was the one who saved her time and time again, and then he left. So she felt abandoned by him, hated him for not keeping his promises, but then once they were face to face again all of that didn't seem to matter. The attraction took hold and she forgot what she set out to do, she knows she needs to tell him who she is, share her secrets with him. But she's afraid it will put an end to what is happening between them... she can't lose him again.
This one had an emotional side to it that took me by surprise. It was deeply moving at times, especially once these two finally let go of their secrets and just felt what was happening to them. It was a beautifully penned love story, one that I think everyone should take a chance on, it will have you feeling all the feels and leave your heart soaring.
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The pages of Sweet Collide will grab ahold of you and not let go, it's words so captivating and rich with feeling that it's all you will be able to think about and feel. These two have a past, one that wasn't always happy, he was the one who saved her time and time again, and then he left. So she felt abandoned by him, hated him for not keeping his promises, but then once they were face to face again all of that didn't seem to matter. The attraction took hold and she forgot what she set out to do, she knows she needs to tell him who she is, share her secrets with him. But she's afraid it will put an end to what is happening between them... she can't lose him again.
This one had an emotional side to it that took me by surprise. It was deeply moving at times, especially once these two finally let go of their secrets and just felt what was happening to them. It was a beautifully penned love story, one that I think everyone should take a chance on, it will have you feeling all the feels and leave your heart soaring.
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 29, 2024
I gave it 3 🌟 as a reward for me for actually finishing the book. I actually wanted to know her secret which was revealed at the end.
So it starts with a one night stand. Obviously 🙄, like almost every other romance book out there.
She could have revealed who she was, but despite her anxiety and apprehension she was in lust with him. Okkkk
Anyway, to be excused, she knows him from her past.
He doesn’t know her though, and after a one night stand to be infatuated with someone who offers her body for athletes’ body stress relief! 🤦🏻♀️ the things romance authors come up with these days!
There’s something that I can’t wrap my head around! Whatever happened to the woman who was supposed to come “destress” him?
It sounds weird that Emma, Cassidy’s best friend just accepted nonchalantly Cassidy’s agreement with someone who she hasn’t seen in years! And just accepted it matter of factly, no questions asked!
Both of them are too fragile, too anxious, too influenced by their social surroundings. Both of them stuck up and milking that grumpy mood.
I can’t relate or care about either of them.
The thing that irks me is that both of them are in dire need of love and affection yet they come out as so distant and cold. There’s absolutely no loving gestures between them. It’s just constantly lusting after one another.
He’s not in love he just feels the revelation is monumental. One chapter later, he is falling in love with her! 🙄
So it starts with a one night stand. Obviously 🙄, like almost every other romance book out there.
She could have revealed who she was, but despite her anxiety and apprehension she was in lust with him. Okkkk
Anyway, to be excused, she knows him from her past.
He doesn’t know her though, and after a one night stand to be infatuated with someone who offers her body for athletes’ body stress relief! 🤦🏻♀️ the things romance authors come up with these days!
There’s something that I can’t wrap my head around! Whatever happened to the woman who was supposed to come “destress” him?
It sounds weird that Emma, Cassidy’s best friend just accepted nonchalantly Cassidy’s agreement with someone who she hasn’t seen in years! And just accepted it matter of factly, no questions asked!
Both of them are too fragile, too anxious, too influenced by their social surroundings. Both of them stuck up and milking that grumpy mood.
I can’t relate or care about either of them.
The thing that irks me is that both of them are in dire need of love and affection yet they come out as so distant and cold. There’s absolutely no loving gestures between them. It’s just constantly lusting after one another.
He’s not in love he just feels the revelation is monumental. One chapter later, he is falling in love with her! 🙄
April 17, 2024
Sweet Collide by Ava Harrison.
Release date: 17/4/24
Tropes:
🏒Fake Dating.
🏒Hidden Identity.
🏒Friends to Lovers
🏒Professional Hockey Player.
🏒Childhood Friends.
🏒Mental Health Rep.
🏒Age Gap.
First I would like to thank Ava Harris for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read her wonderful book Sweet Collide. A wonderful and emotional hockey romance.
During Sweet Collide we follow Cassidy and Aidan. Two people that have both had their fair share of emotional issues from early childhood till grown ups. Some just have a good way of hiding things.
These two are destined to be together and have such wonderful chemistry. No matter how much time has passed between them some things never change even if at first you don’t recognise the girl right in front of you.
Cassidy and Aidan have wonderful banter, amazing chemistry and they help each other heal.
Sweet Collide really does take you on a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions but when the truth finally reveals its self all makes sense. Make sure you check out Sweet Collide out 17/4/24.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
“Promise you will never forget me.”
“I’ll never forget you.” I stick my pinky out. “Pinky promise on your puck.”
“Don’t overthink this, Aiden. I’m yours if you want me. Let me take care of you.”
Gorgeous. F$&ing stunning. And in my jersey.
Hudson looks over from me to Cass and laughs. “Bro, you better hurry. Not sure you’ve got time before Coach castrates you.” He shakes his head, walking away.
Release date: 17/4/24
Tropes:
🏒Fake Dating.
🏒Hidden Identity.
🏒Friends to Lovers
🏒Professional Hockey Player.
🏒Childhood Friends.
🏒Mental Health Rep.
🏒Age Gap.
First I would like to thank Ava Harris for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read her wonderful book Sweet Collide. A wonderful and emotional hockey romance.
During Sweet Collide we follow Cassidy and Aidan. Two people that have both had their fair share of emotional issues from early childhood till grown ups. Some just have a good way of hiding things.
These two are destined to be together and have such wonderful chemistry. No matter how much time has passed between them some things never change even if at first you don’t recognise the girl right in front of you.
Cassidy and Aidan have wonderful banter, amazing chemistry and they help each other heal.
Sweet Collide really does take you on a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions but when the truth finally reveals its self all makes sense. Make sure you check out Sweet Collide out 17/4/24.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
“Promise you will never forget me.”
“I’ll never forget you.” I stick my pinky out. “Pinky promise on your puck.”
“Don’t overthink this, Aiden. I’m yours if you want me. Let me take care of you.”
Gorgeous. F$&ing stunning. And in my jersey.
Hudson looks over from me to Cass and laughs. “Bro, you better hurry. Not sure you’ve got time before Coach castrates you.” He shakes his head, walking away.
April 17, 2024
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW
Sweet Collide - Ava Harrison
5/5⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
✨✨✨✨✨✨
This one was seriously so good! The moment I started reading I did not want to put it down! I loved seeing them as kids in the beginning but it seriously made my heart hurt for them! Cassidy and Aiden growing up together didn’t help the moment she went to his hotel and he didn’t recognize her. She decided to not say anything, a lie of sorts. At the end of the night in the hotel Aiden decides he really needs this girl to be his fake girlfriend and help him with his quirks so they don’t become public. How long can Cassidy keep the secret before Aiden realizes it’s her. The way both characters care and love each other was so amazing. This book was such a great read and ugh i need more already! I felt so many emotions throughout this one!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
~ Wrong side of the tracks
~ Hockey
~ Fake Dating
~ Romance
~ Bug Secrets
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.
✨?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
ARC REVIEW
Sweet Collide - Ava Harrison
5/5⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
✨✨✨✨✨✨
This one was seriously so good! The moment I started reading I did not want to put it down! I loved seeing them as kids in the beginning but it seriously made my heart hurt for them! Cassidy and Aiden growing up together didn’t help the moment she went to his hotel and he didn’t recognize her. She decided to not say anything, a lie of sorts. At the end of the night in the hotel Aiden decides he really needs this girl to be his fake girlfriend and help him with his quirks so they don’t become public. How long can Cassidy keep the secret before Aiden realizes it’s her. The way both characters care and love each other was so amazing. This book was such a great read and ugh i need more already! I felt so many emotions throughout this one!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
~ Wrong side of the tracks
~ Hockey
~ Fake Dating
~ Romance
~ Bug Secrets
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.
✨?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
April 18, 2024
Epic Love Story for Pip/Cassidy and Slate/Aiden
Ah! This was such a beautiful love story and I enjoyed every minute of Cassidy and Aiden’s story. This story has one of my favorite tropes (fake dating) but with a little twist and I was totally here for it. I also loved the strong “found family” vibes in this one. Throw in some hockey and a little “age gap” and you’ve got a great read. And the main characters? They were both sublime. I always love when characters are not the usual cookie cutter variety and that was indeed the case here. Aiden was so swoony but tortured from both his past and his quirks/compulsions. It made him a very real and relatable MMC and hallelujah, he was a hockey star that wasn’t a huge player off the ice. Sweet, sweet Cassidy loved so hard. She loved and sacrificed for Aiden when she was just a girl and she loved and sacrificed for him as a grown woman. She was such a strong FMC and the perfect partner Aiden. I just loved getting to know these characters both in the past and present. You just couldn’t help but cheer them on. My only complaint with this one is that there were a couple of editing errors, wrong words used and odd phrasing. Otherwise with a great plot and interesting characters, this one was a hit with me. And, you get “an epic ending for two people who were always destined to make each other whole.”
Ah! This was such a beautiful love story and I enjoyed every minute of Cassidy and Aiden’s story. This story has one of my favorite tropes (fake dating) but with a little twist and I was totally here for it. I also loved the strong “found family” vibes in this one. Throw in some hockey and a little “age gap” and you’ve got a great read. And the main characters? They were both sublime. I always love when characters are not the usual cookie cutter variety and that was indeed the case here. Aiden was so swoony but tortured from both his past and his quirks/compulsions. It made him a very real and relatable MMC and hallelujah, he was a hockey star that wasn’t a huge player off the ice. Sweet, sweet Cassidy loved so hard. She loved and sacrificed for Aiden when she was just a girl and she loved and sacrificed for him as a grown woman. She was such a strong FMC and the perfect partner Aiden. I just loved getting to know these characters both in the past and present. You just couldn’t help but cheer them on. My only complaint with this one is that there were a couple of editing errors, wrong words used and odd phrasing. Otherwise with a great plot and interesting characters, this one was a hit with me. And, you get “an epic ending for two people who were always destined to make each other whole.”
April 19, 2024
I was really waiting for a new book from Ava Harrison and about hockey, one of my fav tropes, but I didn’t like Sweet Collide as much as I anticipated.
So, I didn’t feel any kind of chemistry between main characters. They had more like brother-sister relationships and then bam 10 years later 2 minutes after meeting they are having sex. It was different for Aiden as he doesn’t recognise her and just thinks he’s banging a hot stranger. And that’s the thing I didn’t like it at all… that he did not recognise her. I hurt along with Pip at that moment and during many moments after that.
Overall the story was emotionally and I did love some parts. They both had a difficult and traumatic upbringing. Cassie is incredibly sweet and kind person, who puts Aiden needs before her own. She wanted to reconnect with a childhood friend and make sure that he is happy and okay. Aiden and his quirks, it was endearing and emotional to watch him struggle. He is a tortured hero with swoony personality. As I said I was really dissatisfied that he doesn’t recognise Pip, but I do give him some credit as she was a teen and could change physically very much, so I am trying to overlook that.
Till the end of the book I was more invested in their story and did see some relationship/chemistry growth between them. But I think I was expecting something different.
My rate is 3,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
So, I didn’t feel any kind of chemistry between main characters. They had more like brother-sister relationships and then bam 10 years later 2 minutes after meeting they are having sex. It was different for Aiden as he doesn’t recognise her and just thinks he’s banging a hot stranger. And that’s the thing I didn’t like it at all… that he did not recognise her. I hurt along with Pip at that moment and during many moments after that.
Overall the story was emotionally and I did love some parts. They both had a difficult and traumatic upbringing. Cassie is incredibly sweet and kind person, who puts Aiden needs before her own. She wanted to reconnect with a childhood friend and make sure that he is happy and okay. Aiden and his quirks, it was endearing and emotional to watch him struggle. He is a tortured hero with swoony personality. As I said I was really dissatisfied that he doesn’t recognise Pip, but I do give him some credit as she was a teen and could change physically very much, so I am trying to overlook that.
Till the end of the book I was more invested in their story and did see some relationship/chemistry growth between them. But I think I was expecting something different.
My rate is 3,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 22, 2024
This book was so good! I love a broken character who succeeds in his career and gives back to kids like him. Aidan was this character. He grew up in a horrible environment, getting verbally abused by his mom everyday and getting told he's worthless. He had one shining light, his best friend Pippa. She had equal of similar situation as him. They grew up together, helping each other forget about their problems and when the time came for Aidan to chase his dreams, Pippa gave him the help to make it happen. Fast forward to the present, He's made a name for himself in Hockey but he keeps a lot of his life in secret. He has quirks and likes to have certain things for him on game day. When he gets to wound up, his agent suggests he lets off some steam. Enter Cassidy
Pippa aka Cassidy, is a strong woman, who has some pain and secrets of her own. She has moved away but the past is still over her head. Taking a chance to see Aidan changes her life for the good. She gets to see him in a different light and helps him cope with the quirks he has. She's the calm he's been searching for.
This book has some very sweet moments in it and has some healing these two characters desperately need. The author handles the abuse and quirks with care and brings forth real characters that you feel their pain and rejoice with them when they pass a hurdle. I was so hooked on this book and need more!!!
Pippa aka Cassidy, is a strong woman, who has some pain and secrets of her own. She has moved away but the past is still over her head. Taking a chance to see Aidan changes her life for the good. She gets to see him in a different light and helps him cope with the quirks he has. She's the calm he's been searching for.
This book has some very sweet moments in it and has some healing these two characters desperately need. The author handles the abuse and quirks with care and brings forth real characters that you feel their pain and rejoice with them when they pass a hurdle. I was so hooked on this book and need more!!!
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