An electrifying blend of sports drama and forbidden romance…
As his time on the ice runs out, an aging goalie faces a dangerous love with the team owner’s daughter, whose ambitions could unravel everything in Jean’s thrilling first installment of the Los Angeles Quakes Hockey Series. Lincoln Cavanaugh, the Quakes’ beloved goalie, is at a crossroads. Once a hero in the crease, celebrated by roaring fans, he now faces the harsh reality of aging out of the sport he loves. At thirty-six, his injuries, declining performance, and swirling trade rumors cast a long shadow over his future. Then comes a love as dangerous as a breakaway shot—one with Catherine Bishop, the daughter of Robert Bishop, the owner of the Los Angeles Quakes hockey team.
Jean’s writing is immersive and deeply engaging, seamlessly blending the pulse-pounding energy of hockey with the nuanced emotional struggles of her characters. Lincoln’s vulnerability is depicted with a deft touch, making him a protagonist who feels both authentic and deeply human. Catherine is a revelation—a fiercely intelligent woman striving to shatter ceilings in the male-dominated world of professional hockey management. Her journey as a trailblazer in her field brings a fresh perspective, grounding the romance in a broader narrative of perseverance and ambition. With his magnetic charisma, clever wit, and impressive athletic abilities, Lincoln makes for an endearing character. The supporting cast is equally compelling. The camaraderie among the Quakes players provides humor and heart, while the quiet, reflective moments offer insight into the characters’ thoughts and feelings, revealing their vulnerabilities and aspirations. The locker room dynamics and on-ice action are portrayed with striking realism, capturing not just the physicality of hockey but also its emotional toll.
The story’s emotional core, however, lies in Lincoln’s bond with Catherine. Their relationship is a tender yet precarious dance between passion and consequence. Catherine is determined to become the NHL’s first female owner of color. However, her growing connection with Lincoln threatens her dreams, creating a relationship fraught with tension and impossible stakes. Jean masterfully develops their chemistry, building a romance that feels genuine and electrifying, as both characters weigh the cost of their bond. Themes of gender dynamics, ambition, and self-worth are seamlessly woven throughout the story. By centering Catherine’s aspirations and struggles, Jean challenges traditional gender roles and spotlights the systemic barriers women face in male-dominated industries. The novel also delves into the sacrifices demanded by elite sports, the complexities of team dynamics, and the unrelenting pressure to perform. While a few exposition-heavy sections affect the pacing, the novel’s genuine emotional depth and realism keep the reader thoroughly invested. Readers will find themselves immersed in the lives of the Los Angeles Quakes and eager to see where the series leads next.
A gripping tale of love, ambition, and resilience on and off the ice.
Pub date January 14, 2025
ISBN 979-8227092496
Price $12.99 (USD) Paperback, $5.99 Kindle edition
