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Chicago Steel #4

Speared by You

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Tristan
Since he was little, Tristan’s dream has been to play in the NHL. Then he falls in love with his soul mate in high school. A few years after being drafted, an injury cuts his professional career short. Devastated, he questions what is next for him. Instead of seeking solace from the woman who’s remained faithfully by his side, he pushes her away.

Stephanie
Since high school, Stephanie’s known she is going to do two marry Tristan Murphy and get a degree in business. Her plan is to work for a non-profit that focuses on breast cancer. Several years later, though, she finds herself recently divorced and in a new city with a new job. And she’s learned a couple of major life lessons. 1. Life can be tricky. 2. We don’t always get what we want.
What happens when their paths cross again?

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2023

7 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Buss

16 books160 followers
Jessica Buss was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two sons. Although she has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology, she stepped away from that field to be a stay-at-home mom. Now that her kids are growing up and she’s getting more time to herself, she’s giving this writing thing a chance.


https://www.jessicabuss.com

https://linktr.ee/jessicabussauthor?u...

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5 stars
34 (65%)
4 stars
10 (19%)
3 stars
3 (5%)
2 stars
4 (7%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Janet Taggart Baldwin.
907 reviews21 followers
November 3, 2023
CHOCK FULL OF ANGST AND SEXY STEAM...OH AND HOCKEY!

Jessica is a new to me author and I was excited to read this Hockey Best Friends Lovers Second Chance Romance! Stephanie and Tristan became sweethearts in high school. They couldn't be any closer and considered themselves soulmates. Tristan was accepted to the Boston Storm NHL and Stephanie to College in Boston. The demands on each of their individual lives take a toll on their relationship, especially with Tristan's constant absences for away games. Compounded is Tristan's total lack of empathy for what Steph is going through and dealing with. His demands and attitude were both hurting and angering her.

After Tristan suffers an injury, things go from bad to worse. Their communication litterly shuts down and lies come into play. My heart broke for them, especially for Steph. For all they had to endure. I wanted to put the book down but I couldn't stop reading! I had to get to the end! I had to see if they would work things out, and I really was doubtful. It does have a happy ending but you will have to read it to see who they end up with. There is another twist at the end which brought more angst. Did I tell you I love angsty books? You probably figured it out by now. This book is chock full of angst and sexy steam and if those are your type books, this one is for you!
Profile Image for My Own Bookshelves.
717 reviews136 followers
November 14, 2023
Oh wow - I knew I was going to be reading some heartbreak to a happily ever after. Check your triggers and know the author tosses the readers heart around but puts in back together. Because that is the best thing about a happily ever after.

This novel is the story of all sorts of love, how to heal from hurdles, and come out stronger in the end. We get to know Tristan and Stephanie as their love story is at the core. Which means, because so much of the story occurs outside of the hockey rink and before Chicago Steel, a reader could pick this one up as a standalone.

If you love angst, slow burn, rocky roads to reconciliation, this book is for you. But then the author throws another hurdle to test the lovers resolve in sticking together. I loved this covered so much of their relationship from teenage love to heartbreak growing up and apart to right time is now.

I am not often a crier in stories but how the families came together and supported the main characters touched me. Recommend to read.

*Triggers: alcohol abuse, divorce, cancer treatment
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,255 reviews61 followers
October 29, 2023
Speared by You has speared my heart, this is so much more than a brilliant romance story, it is an emotional second chance romance spanning over 17 years, starting in high school, it is raw and doesn’t sugar coat the pressures that all couples go through there are breathtaking highs full of love and passion, and there is the heart-wrenching lows that will have you sometimes reaching for a tissue and other times closing the book for a couple of seconds before diving back in but if any romance couple this year deserve their HEA it is Tristian and Stephanie.

I am sad to say that this is my first dive into the series, but if this is the calibre of writing from this talented author, I will be downloading the first three books right now.
Profile Image for Karrie.
382 reviews
November 4, 2023
Tristan and Stephanie were supposed to be meant for each other, then they weren’t no more. They meet again and it’s time for their second chance to be together cause they’re meant for each other. No one else compared for them. While they get their second chance life happens in a big way, but they do get their happy ending.
Profile Image for Alaina  J Graves.
1 review1 follower
November 6, 2023
Speared by You

I loved the depth of the story. I wish it had been a longer book with more post-cancer family starting. Absolutely love this series
Profile Image for Amanda M.
2,866 reviews16 followers
January 8, 2024
I loved, loved this book. All sorts of enotions reading Stephanie and Tristan's story. They've got so much stuff happening, things to figure out, and a fight to make it together. So darn good. An amazing, beautifully written book that I couldn't put down.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,264 reviews46 followers
November 4, 2023
I have so many emotions and feelings that I don't even know where to start. I loved getting to go on the journey of Tristan and Steph from their beginning. The good times, the highs, the growth, the lows, the sadness. There are ups and downs that hit the emotions hard. I fought the tears, I gave up and cried. Their reconnection is sweet, how they'd changed yet were the same. This story took turns I wasn't expecting, ugly tears I didn't want, pop up throughout the read. This is a great read, but be ready for the emotion, the amazing people that they are, even when you are frustrated with them. I love this series and this read is intense but so worth it.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
943 reviews
November 9, 2023
This is book #4 in the Chicago Steel series. Emotional roller coaster! Grab a box of tissues. This is my favorite emotional read in this series. Favorite couple is still Monica & Christian.

Each book gets better and better. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
CAWFILE: 10.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa
248 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
What can I say about this book except it’s spectacular! We get to see the love grow between Tristan and Stephanie and you can feel it through the pages of the book. In the blink of an eye their world implodes. Every thing is turned upside down. A chance meeting brings them closer to each other again can they find their way back to what they had?
Jessica Buss has another hit on her hands!
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,082 reviews51 followers
November 4, 2023
My heart totally took a dive the first half of the book but I’m glad that Tristan and Steph found their way back to each other and got their HEA.
Profile Image for Kasie Harvey.
200 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2024
20% in, and I already need a tissue! Tristan & Stephanie’s story is truly heartbreaking! I honestly have so many feelings about this book, but I don't want to give the story away. All I can say is that tragedies in life all affect us in different ways & to different levels of severity. I don't know about you, but when I read, I put myself in the characters' shoes, and I can not imagine what I would do or how I would feel. Terrifying! But so many people have lived this very thing. This book was so good! Be prepared to keep tissues on hand because you will need them!
Profile Image for Colorado.
831 reviews17 followers
November 11, 2023
Lackluster second chance romance

I expected to like this book, with its high school sweethearts who marry young, split up when hard times occur, and reconnect when older. I skimmed many of the pages to get to the end. The writing felt stilted to me - a narrative of events. First, this happened, then, that happened. I didn't engage emotionally with the characters.
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
1,118 reviews28 followers
March 24, 2024
OMG! This book is so amazing! This is Tristan & Stephanie's story. This book gave me all the feels! Happiness, sadness & hopefulness. This book rocks! They had a lot of obstacles to get their HEA, but the rollercoaster of emotions was worth it! I highly recommend this series & author!!!
Profile Image for Red Panda Reads.
479 reviews
Read
September 6, 2024
"Like a good boy, I sit quietly and wait for the show" is my favorite line.
'Speared by You' is Stephanie and Tristan's story. It is a slow read for me. About a quarter of the way in, I feel as if I should be much farther along. And while enough has happened, it also seems as if I should have reached the climax by now. I read a lot and likely just need to slow my expectations, but this one is drags until it reaches the climax. Then, times moves too quickly and the transitions between years are very abrupt leaving skid marks in their wake.

A person's self worth is not tied to their job. Or at least should not be and I am beyond pissed off at all the one sided rants I have had to have over this in the last few chapters.

"...a few weeks before summer break after my sophomore year." This time frame does not make sense. If the school year is complete, summer break has started.

"Slowly, I turn my head and there, staring at me, is the man I’ve loved since I was a teen..." You are a freshman in college. You are a teen now. And so is he.

"...room and board are part of my tuition." No, these are separate. Tuition is money for classes. Room and board is accommodation. If a person has a scholarship, it is possible that this funding covers both.

"With eighty—yes, that’s right, eight dash zero—plus games a season..." Eight dash zero reads 8-0, as if a team has eight wins and zero losses. It does not read 80. This is a whole number with no dash.

Who answers a cell phone with "hello, Murphy residence?" Apparently one person. That is a greeting from the landline era.









Profile Image for Angels.
2,067 reviews17 followers
November 3, 2023
This was an emotionally raw story that tugged on the reader's heartstrings and it felt like you were breaking your heart in two.

Tristan and Stephanie were high school sweethearts who were deeply in love and never saw a couple in love more than this couple. They both made mistakes the insecurities got the best of them both. We felt that Stephanie was making all the sacrifices in their relationship but, we think both characters were naive to think their relationship/ marriage would not struggle especially knowing what Tristan did for a living.

This story had its ups and downs and struggles and the couple made it harder on themselves because communication was lacking in their relationship.

Overall we enjoyed the story and we are glad a second chance was given to this couple because they truly belonged together. They played a part in not getting it right the first time around especially when your careers are going in two different directions.

After so many years apart we loved that they never stopped loving one another their bond was still there and their chemistry was still awesome. We will say we loved the growth of Tristan's character and that he found happiness even if his dreams changed.

After being on Tristan and Stephanie's journey of love and happiness our hearts went to the couple's pain and suffering we never saw the ending to the story happening the way it did not sure we enjoyed it but, we will say Tristan you kept your promises this time around.
Profile Image for Camille Newman.
535 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2023
This is my first book from this author. I am pleasantly surprised. It was good, emotional, and different. I really enjoyed this story of Tristan and Stephanie. Tristan and Stephanie are high school sweethearts and this is their journey throughout life. There is heartbreak and it definitely breaks you.

Tristan has a dream of hockey and making the pros. Once he does, he realizes it isn’t everything he dreamed of. The pressures of hockey and maintains a relationship become to much.

“Because the truth is, there is no replacing your soul mate. And I still believe that’s what we are.”

Stephanie is the loving and supportive girlfriend while going to college. Trying to balance her goals and supporting Tristan, might be overwhelming mentally and physically. Stephanie does what she believes is right for herself knowing it’s painful.

“No relationship is perfect. All couples fight. It’s how we resolve them that speaks volumes. In the future, can you promise me you’ll tell me what you’re thinking?”

This was very different of a read for me. I wasn’t sure of the writing style. Then I started to throughly enjoy it. The author doesn’t just go month by month. She jumps a bit so it spans from then to now without skipping too much.

The surprise towards the last 10% of the book is a tough journey and emotional. Breast Cancer is no joke and I’m happy it ended with a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for N.D. Jackson.
Author 18 books256 followers
November 6, 2023
I enjoyed Tristan and Stephanie's story. They are the classic high school sweethearts in every sense of the word. Best friends. Madly in love. Too young to marry when they did.

I liked that the struggle between them was real. It was understandable that it was difficult for them to make it the first time around because they weren't equipped to deal with their problems. It was also maddening because they just WOULD NOT TALK to each other! There was a lot of good emotion during their separation and time apart and in my opinion it was probably the best part of the book.

I didn't like that a lot of the story just seemed to drag. It wasn't a bad story but at times it just felt very, very long. The only other thing that I didn't really enjoy was the extra drama at the end. It was unnecessary, I thought, and kind of took me out of these two getting their happily ever after.

Overall, Speared By You was a good story. Incredibly emotional and multi-faceted with layers that enhanced the love and the drama.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
December 6, 2023
Tristan and Stephanie fell in love when they were younger, and honestly, they were each other's person but yet, they were young when life took a turn. They end up splitting up which put my heart through the ringer that's for sure as the pain seeped out of my kindle. I will say they were young when things happened, and they didn't react as well as they could of like using their words more to communicate so that was frustrating on top of the pain LOL! However, when two people are perfect for each other, fate tends to give them a second chance, and fate stepped in here but it still wasn't easy. I don't want to say anything else about the story except what it did to my emotions because I don't want to give anything away. I was mentally exhausted from all the angst because I felt it so deeply like I was going through it myself, but I was also happy that their connection was still so strong when they came face to face again like no time had passed but I won't tell you how it all played so you know what to do to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
October 31, 2023
This is the fourth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Tristan and Stephanie’s journey. Tristan always had a dream of NHL, and he feel in love with his soulmate in high school, while Stephanie has her own dreams of getting a business degree and marrying Tristan. Tristan’s professional careen ends due to injury, and instead of leaning on the one he loves, he pushes her away. Stephanie moves to a new town and a new job after getting divorced, but fate destines them to cross paths again years later. Will these two get another chance at love, or is it too late?
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with heartbreak, challenges, second chances, and love, which leads to a heartwarming, tragic, haunting, unpredictable, and heartwarming addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
17 reviews
February 11, 2024
High school sweethearts who are planning their future together. Tristan to the NHL and Stephanie to college. They are in the same town and completely committed to each other.They struggle with demanding schedules, very little time together and both with their own insecurities. Jessica carries this theme of their insecurities, fear they aren’t good enough for each other, throughout the book. They marry and suffer the same problems. Tristan suffers a career ending injury. They withdraw from each other and divorce. Move ahead 10 years. This was my favorite part of the book! They rebuild their relationship as mature, accomplished, unselfish and loving adults. Read on to see how they handle some serious challenges. The people in Jessica’s Chicago Steel Series present as confident, bold and sometimes outrageous but she revels their inner self.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
November 3, 2023
As teenagers Tristan and Stephanie fell in love and were planning their future together. They thought that their relationship was strong enough to withstand any challenge that life threw at them but when an injury ended Tristan’s dreams of playing hockey professionally, they realized how wrong they were.

Years later fate brings them together once again and they soon realize the feelings between them haven’t diminished over time. Will this be their chance to right the wrongs of the past or are they headed for heartbreak a second time?

Tristan and Stephanie have always belonged to each other, and I enjoyed seeing them heal from their pasts, both when they were together and when they were apart, and realize that what really mattered is the love they shared and each other.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews53 followers
October 31, 2023
Tristan Murphy found his soul mate Stephanie while in high school. He was drafted by the Boston Storm out of high school. Life was good until he suffered a career-ending injury, and everything changed. Years later, Tristan and Stephanie cross paths again in Chicago. Neither one of them ever got over the other.

SPEARED BY YOU is a heartwarming and emotional read. I enjoyed experiencing the couple’s growth spanning years. The story was realistic and believable. The trials and tribulations they faced were moving. I love that this couple gets a second chance.

SPEARED BY YOU is an amazing addition to the Chicago Steel series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
734 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2023
This book just tore me apart emotionally. It was a little close to home in one part, but very well written. I felt there was a bit much on Coach and Stephanie’s backstory, almost another whale story. However it did help connect the reader to connect with both characters. Stephanie’s journey was so emotional. I loved how they found eachother again and got a second chance after they both had time to grow and move forward. You have to meet these amazing characters, they will draw you in. I highly recommend you read this book, it was wonderful to have Coach find happiness. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,829 reviews45 followers
October 28, 2023
This series has been amazing and this latest addition will bring you to your knees.
Stephanie and Tristan have been friends for so long and when their hearts lead them to dating, college, and eventually marriage it was truly a match made in heaven.
But young love is never easy and life throws so many trials and tribulations their way that they find themselves divorced and without their soulmate.
And what happens if they are given a second chance?
This story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
It will have you crying ugly tears and cheering at the top of your lungs.
review by C. Seymour - blogger
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
476 reviews36 followers
October 30, 2023
Stephanie and Tristan's journey in Speared by You is a captivating second-chance romance that spans over 17 years, starting from their high school days. As long-time friends, they eventually end up dating, going to college together, and finally getting married. However, their young love is tested by numerous trials and tribulations that life throws their way. Fate indeed works in mysterious ways, as they eventually meet again years later. Despite the challenges, their emotional bond and connection are undeniable, making for a truly heartwarming story. Overall, this series has been amazing!
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,798 reviews26 followers
November 2, 2023
Quite a tale. I loved how Stephanie and Tristan met, childhood friends and more. They had quite a rough road as they grew up and married. Tristan lost everything when his life took a downward turn. It was full of pain, hurt, and longing. I enjoyed their reunion and rekindling of their relationship. My emotions went up and down along with theirs. Overall, this was a good story, showing more sides to the hockey world and how strong love can be.

I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,553 reviews132 followers
October 20, 2023
If you love hockey romances or you just love romances you need to read this book and this series. Speared By You ( Chicago Steel #4) is Tristan Murphy and Stephanie’s second chance at love and it’s the perfect addition to this fantastic series. This is the coaches journey.
From the moment Tristan and Stephanie got close in high school she always believed she would marry him. Her future was mapped out, get a business degree and marry her high school sweetheart……
From a young age Tristan knew he would end up in he NHL and he was planning to take his high school sweetheart with him but when an injury ruins his career he pushes away the one woman who was prepared to support him.
Fate works in mysterious ways and a few years later it seems fate is determined to put this couple back in the same town at the same time with no partners. So will Tristan convince Stephanie to open up her heart and take one more leap of faith, you will need to one click to find that out.
Speared By You ticked all my boxes, I smiled, I swooned, I held my breath and more importantly I found myself cheering this couple on. I fell hard and fast for Tristan and Stephanie is the woman I would love in my corner but what made this a special read was Ms Buss’s beautifully written, captivating journey that took over my life. I highly recommend this read and this series to all romance lovers.
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
827 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2023
This series has been amazing and this latest addition will bring you to your knees.
Stephanie and Tristan have been friends for so long and when their hearts lead them to dating, college, and eventually marriage it was truly a match made in heaven.
But young love is never easy and life throws so many trials and tribulations their way that they find themselves divorced and without their soulmate.
And what happens if they are given a second chance?
This story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
It will have you crying ugly tears and cheering at the top of your lungs.
Profile Image for AddictedToReadingRomance.
774 reviews32 followers
November 4, 2023
Lovely and perfect reading

This story was heartbreaking, sweet, romantic, hot and so perfect. If you read the blurb you know your heart is going to suffer but gosh!!!! Jessica broke my heart with no mercy. I love their beginnings fall in love with them so hard and then when I was at 60% I was dying, my heart was broken!!! Thankfully I keep reading and little by little my heart was full of love for them again. The emotional roller coaster in this story is really good. It was really amazing. I enjoyed reading this book so much. I had never read a story like that. Thank You for this wonderful story 💗
Profile Image for Dawn Foster.
1,321 reviews19 followers
November 2, 2023
Speared by You is the fourth book in Jessica Buss's Chicago Steel series and is a wonderful addition to the series. I loved reading and following Tristan and Stephanie's second chance romance. High school sweethearts, they had a plan till Tristan was injured, pushing the woman he loves away. They meet again years later and must over come challenges. I have loved this entire series, and look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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