Delayed by You

Chicago Steel #6

by Jessica Buss

She’s always been his. He’s always been hers. Best friends since they were kids, everyone always assumed they’d end up together. But Rocco and Jasmine forge their own life paths. Despite remaining close, she discovers she needs a break from the life she’s been living in Chicago. When she moves to New York, things change for him. And he panics, thinking he’s lost her forever.RoccoSince the day she moved in across the street when we were kids, Jasmine has held my attention with her sparkling green eyes and spunky spirit. She’s independent and headstrong, and I’ve always admired that about her. Hiding behind my bachelor status, no one is the wiser about the secret feelings I harbor for her.JasmineRocco has always been by my side. Whether it’s making me laugh, teaching me something new, or sharing confidences, he’s been steadfast. When he morphs into a man seemingly overnight, I find it tough to temper my attraction to him. But he doesn’t see me as anything more than a friend.

Genres: Hockey Romance, Sports Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2024

About the author

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...

Reviews

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for these two. They had a chemistry each time they make an appearance in the earlier books. So I knew once they figured out they were in love with each other - it'd be OH SO SWOONY!

This story takes you from the first childhood meet-cute, all the ups and downs of best friends to where they find themselves knowing that they already found their hearts.

This is a must read recommendation from me!.

[Jennifer VanDriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! You will fall in love with Rocco and Jasmine just like I did. They are clearly meant to be together. However getting there is the hardest part. It’s also the sexiest part of the book. I definitely recommend this book.
Jessica Buss is in my opinion the best new author out there! Love her!

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um, k ......I'm going to lead with this...... "we sort of kissed," I admit, rushing through the last bit. "What do you mean, sort if? Did you trip and your lips landed on each other? Did you need CPR, and he performed it? How did it happen exactly?" You guys, this was everything! I tell you the heartbreak I had for the main characters was legit! It is just a simple confession! Ekk......But the quote above was just the beginning of the push that needed to happen. These two were childhood friends who remained that way for life. Can you imagine the slow burn vibe this book gives off? You just have to know how HOT and MAGICAL the experience is once the two get together and get over themselves. Totally drool worthy! There's another quote in this book that got me thinking that all previous Steel Men have just been teasers, and I'm going to stick around and keep reading to find out just how EQUIPPED they all are! IYKYK 😘

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine has always treasured her friendship with Rocco, and he been there for here through all the successes and setbacks she has had. The time has come for a fresh start even if it means leaving Chicago and him.

Rocco has been in love with Jasmine for years but didn’t want to jeopardize the most important relationship in his life. Realizing that that he is going to lose her anyway he has a choice to make and either maintain the status quo or go after the woman who has always owned his heart.

The way that Rocco and Jasmine understand and support each other is only one of the reasons that they are destined to be together, and I enjoyed seeing them finally take a chance on the beautiful life they could have together.

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was definitely a lovely reading

Rocco and Jasmin what a wonder couple. From neighbors to best friends to lovers. I love it so much. I really enjoy a good friends to lovers romance and this one was totally amazing. I love everything. From how they keep everything for themselves to how they profess their love. My heart ached for Rocco a couple of times and I was frustrated with them too. But I was all the reading falling in love with them more and more. These Chicago Steel players are the best! You are going to laugh, swoon and scream like a school girl when things get better for them. It was a one sit reading. Can’t wait for Ace and the rest of the boys.

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocco and Jasmine have been friends forever but they both want more. Will they have the chance to have that? These two were both conflicted on whether they should take that leap. Sometimes the one is only a decision away. The detail in this book was so rewarding for me because I got to know it all.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah this book was amazing. I loved the best friends concept surrounding the main characters. I really liked Rocco and Jasmine's story. These two couldn't of been more perfect for each other. An absolute must read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #6 in the Chicago Steel Series. Love the Chicago Steel men!!! Rocco and jasmine were definitely delayed in realizing that one other had feelings for each other. Best friends since the day Jasmine moved in. They were always there for one another. Everyone sees they belong together, but they don't.

So sweet. Written beautifully! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Claudia Reinbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-star review of Delayed By You (Chicago Steel #6) by Jessica Buss

This has become one of my favourite hockey series in the last few months. Jessica Buss has delivered another well written, emotional, and heart-warming story that ticked all the boxes for me.

I fell hard and fast for Rocco and Jassmine and quickly became invested in the story that Ms. Buss wove. From the first chapter to the last I was all in with their story. I love friends to lovers’ stories and this was a good one.

I loved how their journey to love was based n a deep friendship. Both Rocco and Jasmine were always there for one another. Although their journey to love had its up and downs, it was certainly worth it.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Delayed by You" is the sixth installment of the Chicago Steel series by Jessica Buss. From the first page, readers are introduced to Rocco and Jasmine, who meet as children. Their initial encounter sets the stage for a deep bond that evolves from best friends to eventual lovers. The journey is filled with challenges, but as the saying goes, nothing worth fighting for comes easy. The passion between them grows and ultimately explodes, creating a compelling and immersive story. Readers are taken along for the ride, feeling intimately connected to Rocco and Jasmine's journey from the very beginning.

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine and Rocco’s relationship has definitely been delayed by each other. Though if they had gotten together earlier chances are they may not have lasted and could have very well ruined their friendship. They’ve been best friends since Jasmine moved in right across the street from the Romano’s. It took Jasmine moving from Chicago where they both grew up to New York where she was hoping to get a fresh start. That’s when Rocco had to look deeper into his feelings for her. He finally pulled his head out of his pants and went to get his girl. It took a few months after they both revealed their feelings for each other for Jasmine to move back to Chicago where they get their happy ending.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars
Rocco and Jasmine have finally admitted to themselves and each other that they belong together. Everyone knew they belonged together from the start but it took them a little longer to admit to each other. A lot longer than needed to be. All the back and forth started to get tiresome but they finally figured it out.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Rocco! This one grabbed me and didn't let go. I really loved getting to know Rocco and Jasmine. Their history, their amazing friendship that was started when they were both so young, and how that friendship continued through the years. There are some ups and downs, but they have such a great connection it keeps the pages turning. This is another great read in this series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving and honest review.

[SB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Rocco and Jasmine’s story and it definitely didn’t disappoint. These best friends have had chemistry in every previous book in the series and I’m so glad it finally exploded and they admitted their true feelings!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book #6 in the Chicago Steel series and it's Rocco and Jasmine's story.
Since childhood, these two had been best friends, and as they grew older, their bond grew. Jasmin and Rocco are such an amazing couple. From neighbors to close friends to lovers. I really enjoy it. I really love good friends-to-lovers romances, and this one was wonderful. They didn't tell each other for fear of not being reciprocated and losing the friendship that meant so much to them. I love everything. From the way they declare their love to the way they keep everything to themselves. It required Jasmine to go to New York in the hopes of starting over after they both grew up in Chicago. At that point, Rocco had to look deep into his feelings for Jasmine.
The ending was so good and the Epilogue was perfect! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Lorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh! I adored Rocco and Jasmine's story. It was a rollercoaster of a ride with the hero and heroine not wanting to express their feelings out loud or to each other. I was so happy with who "jumped" first. Rocco and Jaz's story is heartwarming with sizzling chemistry. Well-written spicy hot scenes made me swoon. Their story is beautiful and something very special. The tension and angst add to this fantastic storyline. Rocco and Jaz's best friends to lovers story has all the feels and is deserving of your reading time. 5-stars. Highly recommend.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. These stories just get better and better the more you read. This book tells the story of Rocco and Jasmine from when they were children. I couldn’t put it down like the ones before this is a must read

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to dive back into this series so as soon as I found out about this sixth installment through social media, I started looking forward to it right away! The blurb caught my eye immediately. I picked it up and headed right back into the Chicago Steel world! I enjoyed this story so very much!

Jasmine and Rocco's journey drew me right in! Sometimes someone comes into your life that forever changes things which Jasmine and Rocco know all too well as they've been best friends since they were kids. The bond that Rocco and Jasmine share means the world to them. As they grow up, things change, especially when feelings come into the picture. Could there be more for Rocco and Jasmine? and can they risk things by taking a chance on their hearts, together?

Right from the get go both Jasmine and Rocco had my full attention and pulled me in! I adored the friendship that these two shared and getting to see their bond grow. I didn't know how they'd tackle the truths of their hearts and other things in their lives which got me even more into their story. I was so glad that I got to dig deeper with both Rocco and Jasmine and how there was such relatability to both of them.

The connection between Jasmine and Rocco shined. The chemistry that they shared was so wonderful and undeniable. I enjoyed the realness shown by both of them when it came to their feelings and figuring out things in their lives. These two had me feeling many things with them throughout!

It was awesome being back in the Chicago Steel world!

With Delayed By You, Jessica Buss has created a great best friends to lovers story that brought heart and had me feeling so much! I am so looking forward to diving back into this series! 💜🏒


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions / the author*

[Angels · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved the characters in this one and the special connection Rocco & Jasmine had and how they always had each other back for all those special moments they shared.

The story had its emotional ups & downs and as the author took us through the stages we saw the characters grow life plans change, dreams change and they may have drifted apart but, always found their way back to one another again. It was clear from the moment these two met they were destined to be one another soulmate.

Although we loved Jasmine and Rocco's characters we became frustrated with them for the lack of communication with one another and things just got boring and seemed to drag on for a while. They had such an open and honest friendship but, took so long to be honest with their feelings.

There were many parts we loved about this story Rocco & Nonna's special relationship the amazing friendships that Jasmine had with Nicole and Rocco all those memories that Jasmine & Rocco shared. We even understood sometimes you need to kiss some frogs before you find your prince and we even understood Jasmine's decision to spread her wings but, at some point, we just felt that Rocco was putting all the work into their newly developed feelings nurturing what could be it just felt onesided

Overall we did enjoy this tale even if we had mixed feelings about the story we love a good slow-burn story but, things took too long to take off for us and we were starting to lose interest but, once things did for this couple we were rooting for Rocco to win his girl and make his dreams become a reality. We love the characters in this series as Rocco's teammates keep things real. One of our favorite parts of the story is the jokes this couple played with one another which had us laughing out loud.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Buss hits it in the net with book six in the Chicago Steel series DELAYED BY YOU. This is Rocco Romano and Jasmine’s story. Jasmine was Nicole’s roommate from HAPPY HO, HO, HOLIDAYS (Book 4.5). Rocco is a wingman on the Chicago Steel. Rocco and Jasmine (Jaz) have been best friends since they were seven and eight years old respectively.

I loved this story. It is a slow burn. It starts when Rocco and Jazmine first met when she moved in across the street. It goes through their major milestones, other relationships, and then when they finally realize they are attracted to each other. They face numerous obstacles, including not wanting to make a move on the other for fear of losing their friendship.

DELAYED BY YOU is a heartwarming and entertaining read. I love Rocco and Jazmine. They are likable characters that you want to see wind up together. The novel is skillfully written. It is the perfect addition to the Chicago Steel series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed by You is a special read and from the moment I picked this book up I knew I was going to fall hard and fast for Rocco and Jasmine. If you love friends to lovers look no further than this one.
Rocco and Jasmine have been best friends since childhood and everyone thought they would end up together but as adults they find their own way in the world and it wasn’t with each other. He moves to New York and she stayed in Chicago until she needs a fresh start. Moving to New York has Jasmine moving in the same circles as Rocco and that means she could see the feelings he has hidden so well…..
So will this couple finally admit how they really feel, one click this gem to find out.
I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Rocco, I adored Jasmine but what took this book to another level was watching a couple who are soulmates open up to their true feelings. Delayed by You ticked all my boxes and I highly recommend it to all romance lovers.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in this impressive series, and this is Rocco and Jasmine’s story.
Rocco and Jasmine have been best friends since childhood, and were always meant to be together, which everyone knows except them. Rocco is based in Chicago as he is on the Chicago Steel hockey team, and when Jasmine moves to New York when she needs a break, he panics thinking he has lost her.
This is a well written easy to read slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with friendships, soulmates, challenges, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, heartwarming, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Jasmine and Rocco were best friends, supported each other until life and feelings changed. His passion for hockey led him to the NHL, and his time was taken up there. Jasmine was then left to find her way with only sporadic get togethers. The two did not want to lose their friendship, kept up the long-distance communication, but when they did spend time near each other, the attraction blossomed. To sort out her future, Jasmine left Chicago. As each worked out their hearts' desire, they realized what was important. The story was good, a bit too much back and forth with their true feelings and not speaking up, but overall, an interesting read.

I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's #6 in The Chicago Steel Series. This is Jasmine & Rocco's story & I loved it! They grew up together & as they got older their attraction grew. They sure fought it & when they finally get together the sparks fly!! It took a while for them to get their HEA, but it was worth it!! Highly recommend this series & author!!

[Janae Peterson Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocco and Jasmine have been best friends since childhood. They both realize they have feelings for each other but neither one will admit it, afraid of losing a friendship that means so much to them. It takes Jasmine moving to New York for these two to finally admit their feelings. They finally realize what everyone else already knew! I loved these two! Another great read by Jessica Buss!

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed By You is the sixth book in the Chicago Steel series by Jessica Buss. I loved following Rocco and Jasmine's best friends romance. Having been friends for years, their feelings change as they get older but don't tell each other. But when Jasmine leaves, Rocco doesn't want to loose her. As with the previous books once you start reading it's hard to put down. I can't wait to read book seven.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed By You is the sixth book in the Chicago Steel series by Jessica Buss. I loved following Rocco and Jasmine's best friends romance. Having been friends for years, their feelings change as they get older but don't tell each other. But when Jasmine leaves, Rocco doesn't want to loose her. As with the previous books once you start reading it's hard to put down. I can't wait to read book seven.

[Carol Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocco and Jasmine have been friends since the day Jasmine moved in across the street when they were just kids.
As they grew up and their friendship only got stronger there was always that pull for more.
This story contains a beautiful, emotional tug of war.
If you love a great friends to lovers and of course a bit of hockey thrown in for good measure (LOL) Jessica has created a masterpiece.

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a special book and a must read one! Jasmine and Rocco have been best friends since they were little and everyone knew they were meant to be together. But both were afraid to tell the other how they felt in case the feelings weren't reciprocated and I could feel their angst about it. I loved how their relationship was built on a deep friendship, how they knew each other so well and supported each other. The epilogue was absolute perfection.