Blocked by You

Chicago Steel #8

by Jessica Buss

For years, we've been like two ships passing in the night, bound to collide eventually. When it finally happens, will we both survive unscathed?
Jersey
From the first moment we meet, I hate her. She is the epitome of what's wrong in the world. She's a yoga instructor. Can you imagine anything worse? Unfortunately, I need her help to deal with a possible career-ending injury. Will I be able to swallow my distaste for her for the sake of the game I love? And what happens when I realize she's nothing like I assumed?
Emily
He intrigues me from the moment I first hear about him. Then we meet. And the fantasy I've entertained about us shatters. Instead of Mr. Amazing, I discover he's a class-A jerk. When an injury threatens his hockey career, he's sent to me for help. What am I to do? Is he really as bad as I think he is? How will I handle it if he's not?

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 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

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

Jessica Buss begins Blocked By You,the eighth book in the Chicago Steel Series, with a heartfelt and insightful dive into the backgrounds of both main characters. From Miles' early family life, shaped by a loving father who coached him through his formative years, to Emily's contrasting upbringing with her foster family, Ms Buss crafts a captivating storyline that draws readers in from the start.

Emily's journey is particularly enchanting, with her passion for yoga taking off in creative ways—from mastering the downward dog to introducing animal-inspired yoga poses. This unique twist adds a delightful layer to the story, showcasing Jessica Buss’s knack for thinking of everything, and that's just the beginning. When Miles and Emily finally meet, the story accelerates, and a wonderful romance unfolds.

The conflict Miles experiences with yoga, rooted in his strained memories of his mother and childhood, adds an unexpected depth to the story. The slow burn of their romance is expertly handled, building tension until it finally explodes in the most passionate way. Ms uBuss weaves a heartfelt story that not only delivers on the enemies-to-lovers trope but also dives deep into the complexities of past traumas, personal growth, and the healing power of love when you least expect it.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Blocked by You (Chicago Steel #8) 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.

This was a great addition to the series and is Jersey (aka Miles) and Emily’s story and may well be my favorite.

When Jersey is injured, his coach suggests yoga to help him. He is adamant that won’t happen but as he gets to know Emily, they realise that there is more to the relationship than friendship.

Neither were looking for love but fate had other plans for these two. I loved their journey, it was heartwarming and left me with a smile on my face.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars Miles and Emily are like two ships in the night passing each other and it takes a while for them to finally get together. Especially since Miles hate Emily’s profession.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another enjoyable read in this series. I've loved getting to know these players, the close friendships that they've built and the women that add so much to their lives. We get to know Miles and Emily at different points in their lives, each on their own, building their careers as they go. The story is very hockey heavy, even for a hockey read, and I wish we'd have gotten to have Miles and Emily interacting much earlier in the story than we did. Once we eventually get that first meeting... things don't go so well. Miles is definitely set with his opinions and I loved seeing his growth as he connected with her. They have a good back and forth, and a friendship that builds a strong bond. The story picks up from there with the sweet, the heat, and much more!

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

[Lorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storytelling at its best! Another 5 out of 5 stars for Miles (Jersey) and Emily's story in the Chicago Steel series. Jessica did it again! Their story will keep you wanting more. The chemistry and steam in Miles and Emily's story are explosive! Blocked By You is a wonderful story, with appreciable dialog, and personable characters. If you’re looking for a book that will make you swoon and cheer then you need to one-click Blocked By You and the rest of the series, too. Highly recommend!

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars Miles and Emily are like two ships in the night passing each other and it takes a while for them to finally get together. Especially since Miles hate Emily’s profession.

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that Jersey and Emily just maybe my favorite couple out of all of the Steels. They overcame so much considering how Jersey first felt about Yoga and that it’s Emily’s occupation. Once he was on board it was full steam ahead.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic addition to the series. I absolutely loved all the components in this story. It hits in the feels and gives you a well thought out and developed story. I really liked the storyline. I also liked the pacing of this story. The main characters are very much relatable and likable. This is a must read.

[Melissa]

This is book #8 in the Chicago Steel series. Another great Chicago Steel book! Jessica Buss has once again delivered an emotional read!!

I can’t wait to read the next book. I am sad to see this series be done.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

love at first chapter

I love Miles since chapter 1, his young version is so sweet and cute. I love it. And seeing him growing was perfect. I don’t usually like reading past history from the characters but this time I really enjoyed reading both characters past. I love how the teammates nickname him Jersey hahaha it was so fun! And Emily what can I say? She is strong, independent, smart, talented woman. I love how she endured her life, and her goals, love how she reached them all. And together, gosh, they are fire. Love how they went from enemies to friends to best friends to lovers. So so good! What a perfect end to an amazing series. My favorite book of the series.

[Jennifer VanDriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Chicago Steel book!! I’m so excited! These men are so swoon worthy. And Miles doesn’t disappoint. He does have his moments but hey what guy doesn’t right? Emily is a sweet and brassy yoga instructor. They don’t hit it off right away. He has issues with her job. But due to circumstances beyond his control they have to spend time together. Will it work out?

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, has anyone else ever had to Google things while reading because you needed a visual? Well, it's not my first time having Google in one hand and my Kindle in the other, but I have to say I googled every damn yoga pose mentioned 🥵😜

Once again, Jessica Buss has me hooked on another hockey guy! JERSEY (Miles) This man.....wow! I think he is my favorite! ❤️ This story is perfect & how it supports both MCs and past trauma. Both of them have my heart. Interactions with Miles and his dad and their conversations pulled my heart strings and had me crying every time. I feel like I could live in the Chicago Steel world forever because each story is never enough. I want the story to continue!

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

Having read other installments in this series I've been so looking forward to getting back into it. As soon as I found out about this eighth installment I wanted to read it. I picked it up and headed right back into the Chicago Steel world. I so enjoyed this story!

Jersey and Emily's journey got my attention quickly! These two souls have been on their own journeys in life. Both of them working towards their dreams. Now, Jersey is a goalie for the Chicago Steel hockey team and Emily is a yoga instructor. When Jersey is dealing with an injury, It's Emily who he needs to see. These two don't exactly get along. Can Jersey and Emily find a way to be around each other? and could it lead to so much more?

Both Jersey and Emily got me right into their story from the start. I really loved getting to see these two go after their dreams. As these two were brought together, I couldn't wait to see how it'd all unfold for them from things in their lives, to having to be around each other, and dealing with their feelings.

Both Jersey and Emily were so real to me. From personal stuff to their passions, I truly enjoyed getting to know these two! Both of them got to each other. I liked getting to see things bloom between Emily and Jersey. I related so much to Emily. Jersey got to my heart. These two had me going through many emotions throughout for sure! 

I was so glad to be back in the Chicago Steel world!

With Blocked By You, Ms.Buss has created such a good story that brought depth and heart that kept me turning the pages! I adored the yoga and hockey aspects of it all. I will definitely be going back and reading the installments I haven't picked up yet. I am so looking forward to reading what this author brings our way next! Be sure to check this series out if you haven't already. 🏒❤️🧘‍♀️


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

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love hockey romance look no further than Chicago Steel player Jersey (Miles)and yoga instructor Emily’s entertaining and at times emotional journey. This is a wonderful addition to the Steel family and I have to say for me Miles is the man of the series.
Miles has an injury that is not responding to traditional treatment so his coach suggests yoga but for reasons he is not prepared to discuss, Miles will never enter a yoga studio. When his teammates and their partners host a surprise yoga day he ends up having some harsh words with yoga instructor, Emily. Problem is his team are insisting he spends time in the studio with the woman he is determined to avoid…… and as they spend time together they realise they want more than friendship.
What follows is a heartwarming story that took over my life. I loved everything about this book, I swooned, I smiled, I cried and I held my breath as I cheered this couple on. I knew I had read something very special when Miles, Emily and the rest of the Steel family were still on my mind long over reading the final word. I highly recommend this book and this series to all romance lovers.

[Lilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️
At the start we are introduced to Miles, and we see him become the hockey player that he is today – thanks to his father who was a single dad to him and his other siblings. Emily, on the other hand, is a foster kid who has managed to survive the system and now owns her own yoga studio.

Due to his past, Miles hates yoga and despite their friends’ intentions to introduce the two of them, it is only years later that they finally get to know each other. The first meeting at the mid point of the book is a disaster thanks to Miles being an @sshole.

However, Emily soon sees him for who he truly is and their friendship continue to strengthen over the months. Soon, they cannot fight the attraction and they start dating. Their dates and chats (when Miles is travelling) are always sweet and makes me chuckle at times. And, I never thought yoga could be “hot” till I read this book. 😆

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles is a professional hockey player who is trying to deal with the physical demands of his career. He has his own personal reasons about why he has been adamant that he will never practice yoga and it will take some persuading by his friends before he will finally give in.

Emily is a yoga instructor who isn’t sure what to make of how grumpy and rude that Miles is. It is only when they spend time together that she realizes that there is a lot about him that she doesn’t know as what began on less than cordial terms turns into a love that neither saw coming.

Although their upbringings were very different once they overcame the roadblock between them it soon became apparent that the feelings between them were too strong to deny.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Miles / Jersey and Emily’s story.
Miles is a hockey player who ends up with a possible career ending injury, and when normal treatments don’t seem to be working, he is encouraged to try yoga. Emily is a yoga instructor, and from the moment she meets Miles, they butt heads.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, engaging and relatable characters, humor, witty banter, enemies / lovers, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, twisted, unpredictable, and heartwarming addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we are the end of the Chicago Steel series and this last book brings all the feelings and swoony heroes to a perfect finish.

This is a slow burn with character building back story. The author gives us a complete back story of the hero and how he comes to his place on the Chicago Steel team. However, injury sends him to recovery and the yoga studio of Emily.

The clash of the MCs is unexpected especially for likable Emily. Jersey digs his heels in but the men and women finally get him to give this "everyone sees it but him" chemistry a chance. Once he gives in - it's sparks! Big sparks.

I loved we got to see the scenes with our favorites from the rest of the series and a wonderful epilogue.

Definite recommend digging into the series for hockey romance readers.

[Janae Peterson Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book in the Chicago Steel Series did not disappoint!! Jersey plays for the Chicago Steel and is encouraged to take yoga which leads him to meet Emily, the yoga instructor. They did not start out on the best foot. Eventually a friendship develops annd evolves into them finding their HEA together! Another great story by Jessica and you just can’t help but fall in love with these two characters! Up until now, Christian and Monica have been my favorite couple, but I think Jersey and Emily have them beat. And as someone else pointed out in their review, I googled all of the yoga poses as well!

[Carol Seymour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Buss has certainly given us an amazing read with the introduction of the lives of Miles (Jersey) and Emily.
They each come from such unique backgrounds. I was eager to learn their backstories and what had shaped their lives and emotions.
I was worried that they might not allow any possible friends or each other in as they both had some major negative events in their young lives.
I'm so sad that this is where this series has begun it's conclusion but I am hoping to see many "easter eggs" with these characters in future endeavors.

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Buss has certainly given us an amazing read with the introduction of the lives of Miles (Jersey) and Emily.
They each come from such unique backgrounds. I was eager to learn their backstories and what had shaped their lives and emotions.
I was worried that they might not allow any possible friends or each other in as they both had some major negative events in their young lives.
I'm so sad that this is where this series has begun it's conclusion but I am hoping to see many "easter eggs" with these characters in future endeavors.
review by C. Seymour/blogger

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Chicago Steel team and Miles was as swoon worthy as his fellow hockey players. Miles ended up with an injury which messed with his head & his attitude which is understandable and he was not happy to have to try yoga to see if that would help him heal. Miles and Emily clash at the beginning because of her job but it doesn't take long before they become friends and then more. I loved their journey to forever and getting their well deserved HEA.

[Janet Taggart Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

SLOW BURN THAT TURNS INTO A ROARING FIRE!!🔥🔥🔥

Miles (Jersey) Smith is the goalie for Chicago Steel. He has quite the trip getting to this point in his life and is having some problems with groin pain and strain. He has been recommended yoga many times but he has adamantly refused, he has a deep seated aversion to it.

Emily has recently moved to Chicago and has opened her own yoga studio. She has had the Steel women as her customers and they have become friends. She has met Jersey a few times and he has been very rude.

When Jersey and Emily finally get together for yoga, sparks fly between them! Jersey must get thru his aversion to yoga and lay the blame where it should go. Not on Emily. They realize they have a lot in common and their attraction is mutual. This story is a very slow burn, there is a lot of back story before these two even meet, but once they do it's worth the wait! Another Steel man meets his Soulmate!

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! It's Jersey & Emily's story & they had an awesome one!! I've loved all of the Chicago Steel & this one was just as perfect!! You catch up on the other players' families which I loved! This is a slow burn, but when they finally meet (despite him being a jerk) the sparks were freaking awesome!! They're perfect for each other & I loved how their story unfolded!! The spice was fantastic!! I highly recommend this series & author!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jersey's coach recommends yoga to help him heal from his injuries. He is sure that this would not happen, but as he gets to know Emily, they realize there is more to their connection than friendship. Though neither of them was seeking love, destiny had different plans for them. I enjoyed every part of this book. This is a must-read.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story even if it was the end of this series. Emily was sweet, determined to pursue her dream, and willing to accept new friends. She was pulled into the Steel world by the other women. Miles was a bit impatient. He could not wait to show off his talent, but I loved his work ethnic to improve his stamina and strength. He was even willing to try yoga. There they met with the ups and downs of a new relationship and the hockey world. I have enjoyed all the characters in this series and loved how they help each other throughout.

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