Passing the Red Line

Chicago Dark Knights #2

by Jocelyne Soto

The majority of my life has centered around one thing and one thing only.

Hockey.

Being the daughter of a player, I know the ins and outs of the sport. Including the hurt that can come with it.

I’ve grown to hate it.

That hate runs so deep that when a player steps into my life in a towel, I do everything I can to hate him too.

After a few summer nights, though, it starts to become impossible.

Especially as the season starts and we spend more time together when I take the position as lead photographer on his team.

The same team my dad coaches.

Now I’m back in the hockey world, falling for a grumpy hockey player I should want nothing to do with and dealing with my dad and his apologies.

Fingers crossed being back in this world doesn’t hurt me anymore than it already has.

* Passing the Red Line is book 2 of the Chicago Dark Knight's series. Its a complete standalone and can be read out of order but for best experience it's recommended to be read after Skating the Blue Line. *

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Workplace Romance

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2023

About the author

Jocelyne Soto is a writer, born and raised in California. She started her writing journey in 2015 and in 2019 she published her first book. She is an independent author who loves discovering new authors on Goodreads and Amazon. She comes from a big Mexican family, and with it comes a love for all things family and food.

Jocelyne has a love for her mom’s coffee and writing. In her free time, she can be found reading a romance novel off her iPad or somewhere in the black hole of YouTube.

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Who knew that breaking into a hockey player's house would be a blessing in disguise."

Being a coach's daughter has taught me a lot of things.
One being, never trust hockey players.
I made that mistake once and I am not going to make it again.
At least that's what I thought, until the Dark Knight's left winger bulldozed his way into my life.

"There is no doubt in my mind that I will ruin her for all other men. That's a fucking guarantee and I'm going to make sure she knows it."

Eliana is the daughter for the coach of the Dark Knights NHL team.
She also happens to be their new photographer.
So what happens when she finds herself breaking into the house of Christian Rodriguez A.K.A left-winger for her dad's team?
And what happens when he doesn't plan on letting her go?

"There is something about her that has me invested in everything that she does."

Thank you to The Author Agency and Jocelyne Soto for this arc ❤️❤

You know I love me a hockey romance.
And you know I love me a plus size fmc. Add to that the sass, the banter, and the spice, and I am good to go.

Christian Rodriguez.
I honestly want him to be real so I can go to his game and cheer him on and meet Eliana of course.

I say this all the time and it is relevant here as well.

I would let Christian and Elianna run me over with a zambonie (not the part that I say all the time) and I would say thank you and offer to clean off the ice.

And in case you were wondering…. The dirty talk is 🥵🥵🥵

"Great, now shut up and only speak to scream out my name."

Tropes:
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Plus Size FMC
🏒 Hate to Love
🏒 Office Romance
🏒 Coach's Daughter
🏒 Forbidden Romance

[Melly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a hockey romance?!? They have quickly become my favorite! I knew I had to sign up for this when I saw it was a hockey romance and the FMC was plus size! This is the second book in the Chicago Dark Knights series.

It took me a while to get into the book but once I did I could not put it down! I loved the instant connection between Eliana and Christian even though they were both trying to deny the feelings! The sassy banter between the two was great!

I am use to hockey romances taking place during the game season but this one takes place during the off season and that was interesting to see that side. I did feel like the ending felt rushed and a little Incomplete. I am assuming there may be a third book!

Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Plus Size FMC
🏒Hate to Love
🏒Office Romance
🏒Coach's Daughter
🏒Forbidden Romance

If you enjoy any of these tropes then you should definitely check out this book!

Thank you to The Author Agency and Jocelyn Soto for the ARC

[Sarina Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For me, you will always be the most important thing in my life. No sport will ever come before you. You have my word.” “Promise?” “I promise, hermosa. From now until my last breathe.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

I’m a huge sports romance fan. So when I saw this book I was drawn to it immediately. Hockey, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, and secret relationship? Give it all to me. I’m here for it. Jocelyne Soto has a new fan.

Eliana and Christian meet at his California beach house during the off season after she broke-in. She instantly recognized him as the hockey player for the NHL team she now is going to work for and her father coaches. They immediately are bickering at each other. Eliana hates hockey players due to past experiences. Christian is grumpy but he seems to be fascinated by her sassy mouth. The pull that they have for each other brings them to a friends with benefits situation, that turns into a deep relationship. Then the hockey season begins and they return to Chicago back to work which there is a no fraternization policy in place. Will this be the end of their new found relationship? Is Eliana completely over her past issues? Or did their time together solidify the relationship?

I love the connection between Eliana and Christian. The banter was hilarious. She is so sassy. The attraction for each other was undeniable. The dirty mouth on Christian was so hot. When he would speak to her in Spanish it was hot af. Like melt your panties hot. I love this story. Christian Rodriguez is pure perfection. My only complaint is that I felt the end just needed an epilogue.

Tropes: hockey romance, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, coaches daughter, secret relationship, curvy FMC, opposites attract.

Jocelyne you rocked this book. 🤌🏼🫶🏼 Thank you and The Author Agency for the ARC.

[Ashlee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian + Eliana

-hockey romance
-coaches daughter
-workplace romance
-annoyances to lovers
-forced prox
-om drama

these two were super cute honestly! & i loved christian! the communication here too was very refreshing!

[vixen ‹𝟹 reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 ✩) The situation Eliana finds herself in from the very beginning had me already craving her HEA, because seriously THAT was top level asshat behaviour all round from all parties involved. If I were there accidental elbows would be hitting their targets as I was passing her some tissues 😡

(also note my accidental elbows appeared several more times throughout, they’re bruised and it was worth it)

“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙪𝙥𝙩 𝙖 𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙚.”

Being so ready for it had me anticipating the meet cute, but let me tell you, theirs is definitely one to tell the grandkids, the enemies situation starts blooming and the ‘friendly argument’ between them was *chefs kiss* his grump and her sass, delicious combo, the kind comes back to bite him in the ass.

“𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙨.”

And then having my memory jogged on how she slotted into the first book had me swooning over Liam Crawford for a hot minute, that man has a gift when it comes to stealing my attention.

“𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚.“

But it wasn’t long before Chris was stealing it back again, and all because of a bad day turned best night situation… and then it begins 😮‍💨👌🏼 the spice vibe is enemies to lovers, the definition of I might hateish you but I still want you, and WOW, from their first moment I was expecting a steaming parcel and it got delivered in perfect condition.

“𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.

I know this series is gonna leave me dizzy because unlike Chris who’s sight is firmly on Eliana <3 my head keeps turning for all the Chicago Dark Knights players.

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩,”

✞ 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜 ✞
• opposites attract • coach’s daughter • workplace • enemies to lovers • forbidden • curvy FMC • grumpy MMC • asshat ex •

✞ 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜 ✞
• driving activities • bossy vibes • top swap • say please • kitty sphank • biting •
• dirty talk + dirty sass = dirty banter •

✞ 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 ✞
• parental grief • blackmail • body shaming •

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Chicago Dark Knights #2
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: hockey romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Christian & Eliana

*𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜*

[Drey Blackbeak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eliana es la hija de un famoso ex jugador de hockey y entre que él las ignoraba a ella y a su madre y que su ex solo la usó para poder llegar a la NHL le ha cogido asco al hockey.

Cuando tiene 28 años la contratan para ser fotógrafa en el equipo del que su padre es entrenador, cosa que hará que se reconcilien y conozca a un jugador de hockey.

Al principio Eliana y Christian solo tienen una relación física (porque se odian) pero la cosa va subiendo en lo que se enamoran.

El romance me ha parecido muy rápido, el odio que se tenían habrá durado tres capítulos. Después de eso se encuentran en un bar y ya no se sueltan.

Si eso es bueno o malo júzgalo tú, cada quien tiene sus gustos. Aún así a mi me ha decepcionado un poco eso, me esperaba un gran enemies to lovers. El romance en sí es muy bonito (se supone que él es un gruñón pero es una masita), pero me ha dejado con la espinilla. No lo leáis con las ganas de enemies to lovers slow burn, es muuuy fast burn.

También he sentido que la historia en sí estaba muy apresurada. Todo en general era rápido (o ha sido que lo he leído yo muy rápido, ns).

La trama con el padre me ha gustado mucho. Cuando se reúnen padre e hija en los libros siempre me toca la fibra.

Lo que no me ha gustado ha sido el personaje de Kalen. Sé que está para meter drama en la trama pero me ha tocado mucho los huevos su existencia. Ojalá desde la primera amenaza Eliana le hubiera amenazado de vuelta con acabar con su carrera😭 habría sido todo más fácil.

Te recomiendo este libro si te gustan los (mini) enemies to lovers y el fast burn. Entonces te encantará.

[Kimberlyyyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute hockey read!!

I really enjoyed this book, it's definitely a book I see myself rereading in the future. One of the important things about this book is essentially the fact that it really doesn't have a plot. Most of of is relationship building + filler. Personally, I didn't really have a problem with it given that I was a fan of these characters and honestly was just happy for the content.

Ms. Jocelyne Soto ate with this one, my man Christian was so fine. I FR need him in my life. Him being a Mexican hockey player in a sport that is predominately white men was perfection. I also loved how Jocelyne also highlighted the fact that hockey is predominately white men not many hockey romance authors address this fact, so I truly appreciated it.

Apart from Chirstian being Mexican, our FMC Eliana is Half Puerto Rican. All my Latinx hockey romance loving besties this book is our shining moment!

I have one simple request for Jocelyne, I NEED more Spanish dirty talk in her books. We got a couple moments in this book but like the Spanish speaking whore that I am, I simply need MOREEEE.

I FR cannot wait for Blakes book, I am CROSSING FINGERS for angsty scenes given that it's a best friends to lovers romance. Also, with that ending??? Yeah, I need book 3 in my life.

[christyheartsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having her heart broken by her ex-boyfriend and her dad, both hockey players, Eliana has sworn them all off and vows that hockey has ruined her life. Despite vowing that she wanted nothing to do with hockey ever again, she accepted a position as the team photographer for the Chicago Dark Knights, the team her father coaches for. She has the summer to relax before she has to report to the team. While trying to relax and soak up the California sun/beach some rude person has loud and obnoxious music playing that takes away the serenity of the beach. She stomps up to his house to get him to turn down the music and runs straight into Christian Rodriguez, one of the players on her dad's team. He doesn't instantly recognize her but she sure recognizes him. Thus begins their enemies to lovers story. But what happens when the summer is over and they both have to report to the real world?

I loved this story. I adored both Eliana and Christian. I loved watching their relationship develop and seeing them fall in love. Their chemistry was palpable and the spice was pretty delicious. I liked how all in Christian was and wasn't letting go of Eliana. I loved how hard they both fell and how they talked things out aka no miscommunication - we all love that. I loved the way their story unfolded. I really just loved all things Christian and Eliana. However, I felt that the conflict was very rushed, unsatisfying and very much unresolved. Good read for the most part that felt a bit lacking.

[brazenandbookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to The Author Agency and Jocelyne Soto for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a spicy and fun sports romance! I definitely wish there was a little more focus on the sport, but overall this was a fun one. It was a short and easy read that I absolutely flew through. Not a favorite for me, but definitely a solid read! I want to go back and read book one in this series too so I can have a little better context! I feel like the plot took a minute to get started, but once it picked up the pacing was solid and enjoyable!

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Chicago Dark Knights Series, following Christian & Eliana. Christian plays professional hockey for the Dark Knights but during the off season, he stays at his home in California, which is where he meets Eliana. After a little misunderstanding where she broke into his beach house one day, the two of them become enemies. It’s not until a few weeks later when he sees her out with his friends that he learns she is not only the new team photographer but also the head Coach’s daughter — which also means she’s off-limits. Eliana having been burned by a hockey player in the past, has sworn off hockey players all together… up until she meets Christian. So what happens when a summer of being frenemies with benefits turns into something more?

I loved these two! Their tension was so strong right off the bat, the chemistry just flowing. I love a good frenemies with benefits situation, especially when the player turns into an absolute simp for his girl which is exactly what happened with Christian. He was so broody & focused on hockey, not interested in a relationship until Eliana walked into his life & got completely under his skin & into his heart. Eliana was so sassy but also strong & confident. Not settling for anything less than she deserved.

Tropes:
- Sports Romance 🏒
- Coach’s Daughter
- Workplace Romance
- Forbidden Romance
- Frenemies to Benefits

3.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️

[Kaitlyn Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book and ARC and wow! I love a good hockey romance even with all the BookTok drama going on. This book is the perfect hockey romance with a little bit of grumpy sunshine! Some tropes include: opposites attract, coach’s daughter, workplace romance, enemies to loves, forbidden, & of course hockey romance!!! The MMC AND MFC have the perfect little relationship and I absolutely loved the character development! It’s available in Kindle Unlimited on Amazon ❤️

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is a hockey romance, most of the story occurs in the off season. Christian is a left wing for the Chicago Dark Knights, and vacationing in California for the off season. Ellie is a sports photographer and is in California for the soccer season, but she is headed to Chicago for her next job with the Chicago Dark Nights. Hockey players do not interest her at all; her father is a former player and current coach.

Watching Ellie and her father reconnect and how she and Christian develop their friendship makes for a good read. Then there is her trouble making ex; he is a piece of work.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kinldy provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

Jocelyne Soto wrote another amazing book for this series! As with the first book in Chicago Dark Knights, Passing the Red Line was not at all what I expected and I LOVED every moment of it: the love story between Christian & Eliana is one of the best enemies to lovers I've ever read, these two are so sweet and funny, and the whole vibe of this book was perfect for them, plus the plot of the series is getting better and better and I'm dying to read the author's future books because I think she's giving us some clues that have me VERY excited!

Eliana is undoubtedly one of my favorite heroines! I loved that her weight was never an issue for her and her plot didn't revolve around insecurities with her body, even though her size is mentioned several times throughout the book. But that's not all, Eliana's personality is also one of my favorite things about her: she's one of the strongest, bravest and most beautiful girls I've ever read, she stops at nothing, says what she thinks, feels and wants, and I think the author did an excellent job conveying this girl's love for photography. Also, her personal story was full of surprises, especially her relationship with her dad, it broke my heart to read all the damage he did to her, but I really liked the arc that this plot had and in the end I was very happy with it, and I think it was also interesting the way Jocelyne decided to approach the situation between Kalen & Eliana.

Christian stole a little bit of my heart since Skating the Blue Line and every sneak peek Jocelyne shared about him made me love him a little bit more, that's why my expectations in this character were enormous! and I'm very happy to say that he did not disappoint me. I loved reading him being the grumpy hockey player, a bit of a jerk at times and with a beautiful heart too. And although I would have loved to read a little more about his relationship with his family, to see them interact and have more moments in which his Mexican heritage was present, I was very pleased to know that his family has always been there for him and that they share an unconditional love, and that moment of terror we had thanks to his brother Adrian was fun once we got over the trauma!😅

Without a doubt, what I liked most about this book was that the love story of Eliana & Christian did not start in the expected place, and from the first moment we can see that explosive chemistry that this characters share, in the form of a very funny dislike for each other. I also loved that the meeting that leads these two to be something else happened by coincidence and that from there they become inseparable in the most natural, tender and sexy way, their conversations are deep, fun and I fell in love reading a Christian who cannot stop smiling, wanting to be with Eliana, supporting her and wanting to know more and more about her. I don't know if Passing the Red Line falls into the "he falls first" category, but Christian is the one who is most sure of where he wants to take his relationship with Eliana, obviously all this is due to the past that she shares with hockey players and the countless times that they have broken her heart, but it is that everything between Eliana and Christian is given at such a perfect pace that I couldn't help but love them with all my heart.

🏒Christian: 5/5
📸Eliana: 5/5
🏒Plot: 5/5
📸Love story: 5/5
🏒Secondary charcaters: 5/5
📸Cover: 5/5
🏒Universe: 5/5

🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Jocelyne Soto escribió otro increíble libro para esta serie! Al igual que con el primer libro en Chicago Dark Knights, Passing the Red Line no fue para nada como lo esperaba y AMÉ cada momento: la historia de amor entre Christian & Elina es de los mejores enemies to lovers que he leído, estos dos son de lo más tienos y divertidos, y toda la vibra de este libro fue perfecta para ellos, además, la trama de la serie se está poniendo cada vez mejor y me muero por leer los futuros libros de la autora porque creo que nos esta dando algunas pistas que me tienen MUY emocionada!

Eliana es sin duda una de mis heroínas favoritas! Me encantó que su peso nunca fuera un problema para ella y su trama no girara en torno a inseguridades con su cuerpo, aún cuando su talla es mencionada varias veces a lo largo del libro. Pero eso no es todo, la personalidad de Eliana también es de mis cosas favoritas: es una de las chicas más fuertes, valientes y hermosas que he leído, no se detiene ante nada, dice lo que piensa, siente y quiere, y creo que la autora hizo un trabajo excelente transmitiendo el amor e esta chica por la fotografía. Además, su historia personal estuvo llena de sorpresas, especialmente su relación con su papá, me rompió el corazón leer todo el dañó que él le hizo, pero me gusto mucho el arco que esa trama tuvo y al final fui muy feliz con ellos dos, y creo que también fue interesante la manera en la que Jocelyne decidió abordar la situación entre Kalen & Eliana.

Christian se robó un poquito mi corazón desde Skating the Blue Line y con cada adelanto que Jocelyne compartía sobre él me hacía amarlo un poco más, así que mis expectativas en este personaje eran enormes! y estoy muy feliz de decir que no me decepcionó. Me encantó leerlo siendo el jugador de hockey gruñón, un poco idiota a veces y con un corazón hermoso también. Y aunque me hubiera encantado leer un poco más de su relación con su familia, verlos interactuar y tener más momentos en los que su herencia mexicana estuviera presente, me gustó muchísimo saber que su familia siempre ha estado ahí para él y que comparten un amor incondicional, y ese momento de terror que tuvimos gracias a su hermano Adrian fue divertido una vez que superamos el trauma! 😅

Sin lugar a dudas, lo que más me gustó de este libro fue que la historia de amor de Eliana & Christian no comenzó en el lugar esperado y desde el primer momento se ve esa química explosiva que sus personajes comparten, en forma de un desagrado por el otro muy divertido. También me encantó que el encuentro que lleva a estos dos a ser algo más se diera a manera de una coincidencia y que a partir de ahí se vuelvan inseparables de la manera más natural, tierna y sexy, sus conversaciones son profundas, divertidas y me enamoró leer a un Christian que no puede dejar de sonreír, de desear estar junto a Eliana, apoyarla y con deseos de saber más y más de ella. No sé si Passing the Red Line cae en la categoría de "él se enamora primero", pero si es Christian quien está más seguro de hacia donde quiere llevar su relación con Eliana, obviamente todo esto se da por el pasado que comparte ella con los jugadores de hockey y las incontables veces que estos le han roto el corazón, pero es que todo entre Eliana y Christian se da a un ritmo perfecto que no pude evitar amarlos con todo mi corazón.

🏒Christian: 5/5
📸Eliana: 5/5
🏒Trama: 5/5
📸Historia de amor: 5/5
🏒Personajes secundarios: 5/5
📸Portada: 5/5
🏒Universo: 5/5

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for the continuation of this series and it did not disappoint me, Christian and Eliana's story is what I expected and much more.

She is the daughter of the team's coach and also the newest member of the photography team. With all this, she screams forbidden everywhere, but our Christian finds out about it a little later and he treats her a little badly, but come on, Eliana doesn't make it easy for him either, these two have a little friendship before they succumb to their desires and oh my friend, I like that! I really liked the way this relationship grew slowly but surely, it felt fast but it felt real to me.

I really liked that Christian was proud of his roots and when he spoke Spanish? He melted my heart, I tell you. In addition to Eliana, even though she said she hated hockey for things in her past, seeing her fall in love with the game little by little was very nice to read; these two are pure dynamite and I live for it.

Now why didn't I give it 5 stars when I really liked the book? it was that ending, I feel that the author left it open and I don't particularly like that, I feel that they left many loose ends like in the first book, although here they are felt a lot.

Other than that it was a good read, no third act breakup but drama that was acceptable to me; I am now looking forward to the third book in this series because we are OBSESSED here.

Thanks to Jocelyn Soto and The Author Agency for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!

---

Estaba esperando la continuación de esta serie y no me defraudo, la historia de Christian y Eliana es la que esperaba y mucho más.

Ella es la hija del entrenador del equipo y también la nueva integrante del equipo de fotografía con todo esto grita prohibido por todas partes, pero nuestro Christian no se entera hasta un poquito más adelante y la trata un poco mal pero vamos que Eliana tampoco se lo pone fácil, estos dos tienen un pequeña amistad antes de sucumbir a sus deseos y oh my friend i like this!!!! Amé mucho la manera en que esta relación creció de a poco pero con firmeza, se siente rápido pero yo lo sentí real.

Me gustó mucho que Christian estuviera orgulloso de sus raíces ¿y cuando hablaba español? derretida estaba les digo, además de Eliana a pesar de decir que odiaba el hockey por cosas de su pasa ver cómo poco a poco le agarraba el amor otra vez fue muy lindo de leer; estos dos son dinamita pura y vivo por eso.

Ahora el porque no le di una calificación de 5 estrellas cuando el libro me gusto mucho? fue ese final, siento que la autora lo dejo abierto y a mi particularmente no me gusta eso, siento que dejaron muchos cabos sueltos como en el primer libro aunque aquí los sentí muchísimo mas.

Pasando eso fue una buena lectura, no hay third act breakup pero si drama pero para mi fue pasable; ahora espero con ansias el tercer libro de esta serie porque aquí estamos OBSESIONADOS.

[Lexi Reneá · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - Official Rating: 4.5🌟
I could not pass on the opportunity to read a hockey romance novel, so thank you to the author and the ARC team for providing me with an advanced copy.

I honestly had trouble starting this because the plot didn’t develop until much later, but it was still an okay read. I can say that it was worth it.

I try to find similarities in characters and myself, which make for a more enjoyable reading journey for me. Eliana and I are both coach’s daughters and boy if I could not relate to all of Eliana’s feelings about being a coach’s kid. Everything she felt, I had experienced a time or two in my life.

Christian has now joined my ever-growing list of book boyfriends.

This book didn’t dive into the sport side as much due to a bulk of the time the characters spent together was during the off-season, but that gave me another point of view for reading. Most sport romance novels take place in the middle of a season and the athlete has to navigate their relationships during the season, so having a majority of the story happen in the off-season provided the extra realness to Eliana and Christian’s story.

¡Estoy aquí por la representación hispana! I’ve been getting into books that have more and more diversity amongst the characters and I love it!

This is the second book in the Chicago Dark Knights series and can be read as a standalone, but after completing this book, I am going back to read book one.

[Kaity V · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Passing the Red Line by Jocelyn Soto

I signed up for this arc because it had a handful of tropes that I enjoy: hockey romance, coach’s daughter, and enemies to lovers. Elianna has been burned by hockey players- her ex-NHL dad and an ex boyfriend, so she’s sworn off all men who play hockey. Yet, she got a job to be the team photographer for the same team her dad coaches. Before going, she takes one last free lance job over the summer, working for a different team (soccer). This is where she officially meets our MMC, Christian. This meet was a little far fetch for me - she walks into a strangers house to turn down the music? Not only that, but it’s Christian’s house - he plays in Chicago but is home in Cali. Little too coincidental, even in a book for me. While they have great banter and argue in the first quarter of the book, I wouldn’t ever categorize this as enemies. From here, they have on and off run-ins, and he can’t stop thinking about her. He doesn’t know her job or her true identity, but about 30% in, he finds out - this is also where they start their relationship. They stay in Cali together for like three months, and this is when they go back to Chicago together - where it is more of a hockey/workplace romance. So much happens in this book that I feel we didn’t get to see, such as her relationship with her dad and it’s improvement. There’s big plot points that are skimmed over, as well. This is a quick, easy, feel-good type of read that is not very climactic, so if you need more of a palate cleanser, this may be more for you. I wish I enjoyed this book more than I did.

Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️

Quote:
“Even though she is a pain in my ass and hates me because I’m a hockey player, she just might be made for me.”

Thank you, @theauthor.agency and Jocelyn for the arc.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨Hockey Romance
✨Coach’s Daughter
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Forbidden Romance

•Dual POV
•Stand-alone, but part of a series

This book was just too cute! I love a good hockey romance and this did not disappoint! 😍

Christian & Eliana meet one day at his beach house in California when she barges in. She immediately recognizes him as the hockey player for the team her dad coaches, and the one she will be the new photographer for. Christian doesn’t recognize her, but can’t help but be enthralled by her sassy mouth. They find themselves forming a friends with benefits situation until it turns into more. When they go back to Chicago for the hockey season, they technically aren’t allowed to be together because of a policy by the team, but that can’t stop them. The time they spent together solidified their relationship. But, Eliana has some past issues with a former hockey player boyfriend that makes it hard to love forward.

I loved the connection between these two MMCs. They had this instant connection with one another they couldn’t deny. From their smart mouths, down to the dirty talk, I loved it all!

I’m looking forward to Blake’s book next!

[gabispring · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had such a relaxing beachside setting that made it a truly enjoyable read. The atmosphere was light and breezy, perfect for when you just want to unwind with a story that flows smoothly. It’s an easy, tranquil read, without too many twists or dramatic turns—just a simple story that’s pleasant to follow.

However, I wish the characters had been developed more deeply. Their backstories felt a bit shallow, and I would have loved to connect with them on a deeper level.

And what really left me conflicted was the open-ended finale. After following the story so comfortably, I was expecting a more satisfying conclusion. Instead, I was left with questions, which made the ending feel a little incomplete.

[Sara Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.


I literally jumped at the opportunity to read this book. It’s a hockey romance and since I’m in my hockey Romance era it was an immediate Yes. This is my first time ever reading this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style. Eliana and Christian were so much fun from the very beginning of this book. I absolutely love the banter, bickering, and the chemistry that they have between each other. It was so good. I really enjoyed the story overall and I would love to read more by this author in the future. I’m definitely going to go back and and read book one.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Booksreviewedbyskyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of ARC the book. & let me tell you I devoured the book in one day I couldnt put it down. Passing the area dine is book 2 in the Chicago Dark Knights Series.
Christian is everything that Eliana doesn’t want the cocky grumpy hockey player. yet they are unable to stay away from each other.
The Latin vibes from the book i loved! The spice was on point. Christian & chemistry was amazing to read. Their progression in the book was everything! Eliana’s rough relationship with her father and their progress was really sweet to read.
This book is a hockey romance. coach’s daughter s it is now live!
Cant wait to continue the series!
Favorite quote “competitiveness. I watch her as she moves around the table. She may be a big pain in my ass, but there is something about her that has me invested in everything that she does. Her laugh is sweet”

[bookish.ez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

= ARC REVIEW =

biggest thanks to The Author Agency for the arc 🥰 i’m so grateful 🫶🏻

let’s be honest, i actually liked it. it’s just, i couldn’t find it in me to love this book.

the main characters had this instant attraction when they first met so it didn’t really click with me. i also found the storyline was a bit unrealistic, but i enjoyed it regardless.
the sassy and banter between the main characters was amazing.

however, the conflict at the end also felt too rushed for me. i just wished there were more, but that’s all we got.

on the other hand, this was a cute, steamy, and easy read. i would definitely recommend this book to anyone ✨

[Stacey Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie used to love Hockey but got burned by her ex highschool boyfriend and NHL father. Wanting nothing to do with hockey because of them. Years later she is offer a position she can’t ignore. Being a photographer and her work speaks for itself. She is being recruited to take over a Dark Knight team photographer. But, being the coach’s daughter will people think that’s why she got it? But before she starts this new position she goes to California to soak up the sun. But she meets Christian Rodriguez the new forward. When they meet professionally back in Chicago things start to get interesting. I love how Christian steps up for her to prove not every hockey player are the same. Not allowing anyone to disrespect her. Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passing The Red Line is such an incredible story. I loved the glimpses of Christian in Skating The Blue Line. And I’m so happy he got his own story. With none other than Eliana. The instant they meet each other there at each other throats. I love the banter from the very beginning. When they start a summer fling they didn’t know what it would turn into. Especially Eliana, Christian is everything she hates because he is a hockey player. A grumpy hockey player that plays for her fathers team. And she is way off limits for being the coach’s daughter and the newest team photographer. But what happens in the ends is absolutely beautiful. This story had a lot laughs, heart ache, happiness and love. 🏒❤️

Arc provided for honest review.

[Brittany Bohn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this author has a lot of potential. But this book was not good. Not bad enough for me to not finish it, though. The plot structure was basically non existent. There was no climax, no resolution. The characters fell in love almost instantly and then that's it. I was excited about this because I liked Elianas back story with her dad and ex but then... Nothing really happened. And Christian didn't have much of a back story. This book could've used some more proof reading. There were a lot of grammatical errors and typos.

[Kendra ♡ Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good! At first it was a little rocky for me writing wise, but the rest of the book was really cute and i enjoyed it! Not sure where the resolve was with the conflict in the book but perhaps the author is planning to resolve it in the next book in the series. Overall, I would recommend this book, it’s a quick and easy read.

[What.Nikki.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interconnected standalone, can be read alone (I did!).

🏒 Hockey Romance
⛱️ Workplace romance
🏒 Banter
⛱️ Coaches daughter
🏒 Feisty FMC
⛱️ Grumpy MMC
🏒 The spice 🥵
⛱️ NO third act breakup

Christian Rodriguez 🥵 + Eliana

"Who knew that breaking into a hockey player's house would be a blessing in disguise."

I FLEW through this. The spice was 🥵🥵🥵🥵. Just call me a puck bunny now?! Idk. Eliana is hilarious and feisty, taking NO shit after a rocky past.

I was pretty worried about half way through when things were all happy sunshine expecting a killer third act breakup. BUT was pleasantly surprised. A certain scene really blew me away not being a third act breakup (I can't spoil it for you).

I do however wish we got more with that ending. Its a HEA ending in terms of the romance but the plot itself I felt like I was left on the edge of the cliff wondering what happened next.
Are we going to get more in book 3 maybe?!

Thank you to @authorjocelynesoto
And @theauthor.agency for this ARC 🫶.

[Tracy Gilmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

I think what I liked best about this book was the fact that there wasn’t a third act break-up. The whole book was filled with the relationship between Eliana and Christian. They maintained a healthy relationship throughout the book and excelled at communicating with each other. It was quite a refreshing read. I look forward to other books in the series as well.

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good cute read. I couldn't put it down despite the errors which I hope we all corrected by final proof. The banter and chemistry were great

[Jesi Blanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, I missed reading Jocelyne's books. I'll have to go back and read book 1 in this series when I'm not being attacked left and right by my other ARC teams. But anyway, I adored Eliana and Christian. Their banter in the beginning was so great. It added character to their personalities and allowed me to connect to them as a reader.

Eliana is hired to be the photographer for the Dark Knights NHL team. She also happens to be the coach's daughter. Eliana has also made it her life's mission to never date a hockey player ever again. Her ex-boyfriend broke her heart and used her to try to get a connection with her dad. As she embarks into her new job, she breaks into Christian's house (but don't call her out on it, she'll deny it). Christian is the left-winger for the Dark Knights and swooney af. This man can dirty talk... and in Spanish too. I had my Latina legs kicking the air and giggling every single time. It was too good. I rooted for them every single second of their book. Her ex does make a come back after blackmailing his way into the team. The boys are having none of it.

❀•◦𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔+𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔◦•❀
• artist romance (photographer fmc)
• coach's daughter
• forbidden romance
• forced proximity
• grumpy x grumpy elements
• hate to love
• hidden identity
• hockey romance
• indecent proposals (ONS)
• mutual pining
• plus size fmc
• workplace romance
• om drama (her ex)

[Cassidy Villegas · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF