Book Review: Cross Checked

Title:  Cross Checked (ARC)

Author: Cala Riley 

Genre:  Sports Romance (College)

Rating: Enjoyed

Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto

Synopsis: Kellan comes back to Walker U, a new man, with a new outlook and is looking for new opportunities to turn his life around, after the debacle that was his freshman year of college. 

Cora is new to Walker U and not really feeling the college experience. Meeting Kellan is making it equally better and worse. Now she’s gotta find the strength to either let him go and be the good little sister, or stand up for what she wants and finally shrug off the expectations of her family. Will these two be able to move past their own issues, or will life knock them into the boards for good? 

Thoughts: The second book in the Walker University series is just as cute and fun as the first book. If you’re into redemption stories, this is the one for you.  With the help and guidance of Cora, Kellan is able to make amends with his team and begin mending the fence he broke with Grace. His growth is gradual and meaningful and his insta respect and adoration for Cora is adorable. He was definitely a cutie pie with a yummy, warm and gooey center. Although Kellan had me wanting to punch him through the first book, seeing him man up to his mistakes in this book made me want to hold him close. Cora may have pushed him to be better now, but his desire to make amends and turn himself around was really what got me. Kellan goes from Grade A asshole to the puppy dog of my dreams in just a matter of chapters. From the moment they meet, Cora knows who he is, he’s the guy who hurt her future sis in law, the guy who made her brothers previous hockey season a drama filled mess but how could that matter when he looks at her the way he does? When he makes her feel special in a way she’s never experienced before? Cora’s stuck in the middle of what she wants and what is expected of her and her growth; from a girl who does what she’s told, to a young woman making her own way in life, was encouraging to read.  If you’re looking for a redemption story with a hot hockey player and a strong willed young woman, Cross Check by Cala Riley is for you. Filled with fun banter, tummy butterflies and spice, this story will have you aching in all the best ways. 

Quotes: 

“I’m not most men, and you sure as hell aren’t most women.” -Kellan

“I love you more than words could ever express. They will be writing poetry about the way I feel about you, but they will never get it right.” 

-Kellan

**************                                              

                                        @booksteantravel

Rating:

LOVED= 5 Stars. A new fav. Will be talking about every chance I get. 

ENJOYED= 4-3 Stars.  It wasn’t a life changer but I would recommend. 

0-2 Stars/ DNF= I will not post a review about a book I didn’t enjoy or did not finish. Good vibes only. I support anyone who’s brave enough to create their own work and put it out into the world for others. 

Spice: 

Puffy Cheeto- No Spice. 

Crunchy Cheeto- Closed Door/Fade to Black

Flamin Hot Cheeto- Spicy. A few detailed scenes. 

Takis- Erotica. With more mature themes.