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Crossing the Line #2
Delayed Offsides
I’m Leo Orting. Team captain for the Chicago Blackhawks.
I have stick skills and puck control. I’m not afraid to be creative with the puck and shove it in your face. You want fancy, I can do that too.
I can show you skill and style all night long.
I’m also the one nobody takes seriously. The bad boy player. I’ve certainly earned my title.
Being the star front-man of the team, I’m involved in every play, on and off the ice. And because of that, my lifestyle—much like any professional athlete—has its perks, or should I say, countless puck bunnies.
Until I went and scored a goal with my best friend.
It wasn’t like I was in love with her, but I had a plan to skate my way out of the friend zone.
The friend zone should have been the least of my concerns. She crashed the net and I lost all puck control.
Because now I’ve found myself offsides, trying to avoid a penalty.
I have stick skills and puck control. I’m not afraid to be creative with the puck and shove it in your face. You want fancy, I can do that too.
I can show you skill and style all night long.
I’m also the one nobody takes seriously. The bad boy player. I’ve certainly earned my title.
Being the star front-man of the team, I’m involved in every play, on and off the ice. And because of that, my lifestyle—much like any professional athlete—has its perks, or should I say, countless puck bunnies.
Until I went and scored a goal with my best friend.
It wasn’t like I was in love with her, but I had a plan to skate my way out of the friend zone.
The friend zone should have been the least of my concerns. She crashed the net and I lost all puck control.
Because now I’ve found myself offsides, trying to avoid a penalty.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2015
88 people are currently reading
1535 people want to read
About the author
Shey Stahl
63 books2,194 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, Shey Stahl is a lover of sunsets, dirt track racing, collecting antiques, and the south, where her soul wants to be. Writing is her passion, giving words meaning, and readers experiences they’ll never forget. Currently she’s living in the pacific northwest with her husband and daughter, she can usually be found near a dirt track with an iced coffee in hand.
Visit her website for additional information and keep up to date on new releases: www.sheystahl.com
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Visit her website for additional information and keep up to date on new releases: www.sheystahl.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Want to read
June 18, 2013 I don't wanna wait till WINTER for Leo and Callie's story!! I want it yesterday!
March 14, 2015
Sports-themed hockey romance - that really was more like porn without plot for 90% of the book. Too bad, too, because both characters had depth and their story could have been so good if only the author had given them their story. This one really needed a huge dose of substance.
Want to read
June 14, 2013I haven't even finished the first book yet, but I'm so glad Leo has he's own book.. I Love him.. Yay!
February 23, 2015
This book was a struggle to get through. Shey Stahl made Callie into a puck-slut and not the attempted watered down version of a "puck-bunny". Instead of making Callie a woman empowered in her sexuality, she constantly had her sexual history thrown in her face and used to explain why bad things had happened to her. Not once did Shey Stahl knock Leo down for being a raging man-whore for having slept with his own share of women. It's sad that in the 'Crossing the Line' series, that all the women are victims and have to be rescued by men. The only parts I truly enjoyed were the pranks the guys played on one another. I think if I read the third installment in this series it will be solely out of spite. Disappointed on all fronts.
August 10, 2014
Known plagiarist.
February 28, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (I have a fan of hockey ever since my family had season tickets to the Coyotes), but where Evan "Mase" and Ami's romance blossoms tenderly after he finds her left for dead in an alley, Leo and Callie's romance is very wishy-washy all the way through. I can get on board with Callie as a side-kick to Ami and a good-friend for her to have during her recovery, but Callie is introduced to us as a puck-bunny who has "slept with the entire Chicago Blackhawks roster. Leo is her male counter-part, a man-whore. I can see how they could form a relationship deeper than just a hook-up. It is even reasonable that their mutual appreciation for one another would naturally evolve into a friends-with-benefits situation that ends in a happily ever after. Alas, I don't feel like that happened at all. They entire book they seem to be in a weird, prideful, immature stand-off with each other. Callie is very sensitive about the fact that she has slept with the entire Chicago Blackhawks roster, and Leo can not get over the fact that she has slept with the entire Chicago Blackhawks roster. This issue never goes away, never gets resolve, gets brought up on multiple sensitive occasions. SPOILERS*** I will never understand why Callie brings a positive pregnancy test with her to to the airport, where security then tries to confiscate it for being a potential hazard (WTF!!!) that whole scene was ridiculous. Still, though, Leo doesn't find out she is pregnant with his child until he finds her crying in the bathroom with a bottle of Gin in one hand and Orange Juice in the other. She wasn't drinking it though! Then she rushes out and throws the test on the table. Leo, understandably stunned, questions whether it's his. I mean, she hasn't spoken to him since they slept together and they never talked about exclusivity, and she has SLEPT WITH HIS ENTIRE TEAM. Im not a fan of Callie because she doesn't garner any of my sympathy of loyalty. She is not funny, she is not that nice, especially to the father of her unborn child. Really all she does throughout the book is complain. Leo, on the other hand, just comes across as an immature playboy who caught feelings for a puck bunny and doesn't have the emotional competency to successfully deal with Callie's bullsh*t. I feel bad for Leo mostly, but he is a good sport and rallies. He is doing the best he can.
Ultimately this book wasn't a good romance for me because it wasn't romantic.
Ultimately this book wasn't a good romance for me because it wasn't romantic.
March 2, 2015
It was ok. I felt there was too much immaturity when it came to Callie and Leos relationship. When Leo would get scared, he would lash out and be a dick. When Callie got scared, she would run away. They constantly danced around their issues and kept saying the same thing over and over and over again. I mean Jesus...sit down and really has out the issues. And im sorry, I do think Leo had every right to start to have a problem with knowing that Callie slept with every single one of his friends. I mean, he fell in love with her. If you knew the person you loved slept with all your friends, I think you would start to feel really uneasy. Im not saying he should have said it the way he did...but if Shey had the characters be more mature, he could have sat her down and told her he was struggling with this. I mean geez....she slept with the WHOLE TEAM!!! And when they finally did start talking like adults, Shey would write in a crude joke from Leo and I would be pulling my hair out in frustration. Ugh....the only reason I will finish this series is because I have issues with not finishing a series...but she better step up her game and the maturity level.
April 26, 2022
Friends with benefits to second chance romance and a whole lotta LOL moments mixed in. Witty banter and explosive chemistry make this an unputdownable book.
I loved this story of Leo and Callie navigating their feelings for one another with so many obstacles thrown in their way. Shey did an amazing job mixing humor into the intense moments of the storyline. The banter is on point with all the characters of this book.
If you like hockey players that are cocky but hilarious then you will undoubtedly love Leo! He was fun to read with his close bond with his teammates Evan and Remy and all their shenanigans they pull on one another. Mostly I feel like you see the deeper side of Leo this time around and him trying to figure out how to show Callie he is in it for the long game now.
Callie was a character that embraced her sexuality and was okay with her actions. That being said when she had a huge wake call and seen maybe she wasn't as okay with everything she was doing ends up bring her and Leo closer than ever before. Callie may come off as stand-offish at times but her past makes her guarded mostly even with Leo.
These characters have a lot of trust issues and bad experiences throughout their lives, that make them slowly move towards that end goal of a HEA. If you like a good friends (with benefits) to lovers, second chance romance with heart and heat this will be the perfect book for you. So the spicy moments are fast paced compared to the love aspect of the story, because remember these are two individuals who never make real commitments in relationships. You have a slowburn romance but highly combustible heat levels between these two.
I voluntarily signed up for an ARC to give an honest review with nothing to gain. I highly recommend this book if you love sports romance with hilarious lol moments but with a slowburn romance mixed in that brings all the feels. It's a definite must read.
I loved this story of Leo and Callie navigating their feelings for one another with so many obstacles thrown in their way. Shey did an amazing job mixing humor into the intense moments of the storyline. The banter is on point with all the characters of this book.
If you like hockey players that are cocky but hilarious then you will undoubtedly love Leo! He was fun to read with his close bond with his teammates Evan and Remy and all their shenanigans they pull on one another. Mostly I feel like you see the deeper side of Leo this time around and him trying to figure out how to show Callie he is in it for the long game now.
Callie was a character that embraced her sexuality and was okay with her actions. That being said when she had a huge wake call and seen maybe she wasn't as okay with everything she was doing ends up bring her and Leo closer than ever before. Callie may come off as stand-offish at times but her past makes her guarded mostly even with Leo.
These characters have a lot of trust issues and bad experiences throughout their lives, that make them slowly move towards that end goal of a HEA. If you like a good friends (with benefits) to lovers, second chance romance with heart and heat this will be the perfect book for you. So the spicy moments are fast paced compared to the love aspect of the story, because remember these are two individuals who never make real commitments in relationships. You have a slowburn romance but highly combustible heat levels between these two.
I voluntarily signed up for an ARC to give an honest review with nothing to gain. I highly recommend this book if you love sports romance with hilarious lol moments but with a slowburn romance mixed in that brings all the feels. It's a definite must read.
January 16, 2019
I love the character of Leo. His witty humor and fun banter with the guys on his team is hilarious. I didn't love the beginning of this book. Callie and Leo kind of frustrated me with their back and forth drama and fighting. However, I do like how the author made a point about how men can sleep around and not get a reputation, but if a girl does, she gets a reputation. The author explained the unfairness of that in this book, which I could appreciate I guess. I like how you could see the characters grow up and mature because of hardship that happened. I won't share it or it will spoil it. My favourite part was when Evan and Leo were babysitting the baby and ducked tape the diaper with hockey tape... absolutely halarious chapter... I was laughing out load. Overall I enjoyed the series... an easy quick read... not the best of writing but I liked the plot line. I also enjoy reading sports romances with some hardship in it.
May 2, 2022
Another amazing book by Shey...and she NEVER disappoints! This is a story of 2 perfectly imperfect people that don't know what love is and that have never really experienced it in there personal lives. It takes a tragedy and the realization that someone close to them is just pure evil for them to see that they can be perfect together.
Leo and Callie have known each other for years and have always been friends with their real feelings hidden inside because of their own personal insecurities. Their path is a rocky one but through determination and an unexpected happening of events they learn how to navigate their new lives as well as learning each other in new ways.
There are not enough words to describe how awesome this book is and how much growing you see these two characters do. It is a must read but I recommend reading book 1 first as it will give you more background to these two wonderful and funny characters.
Leo and Callie have known each other for years and have always been friends with their real feelings hidden inside because of their own personal insecurities. Their path is a rocky one but through determination and an unexpected happening of events they learn how to navigate their new lives as well as learning each other in new ways.
There are not enough words to describe how awesome this book is and how much growing you see these two characters do. It is a must read but I recommend reading book 1 first as it will give you more background to these two wonderful and funny characters.
May 3, 2022
Great reading material!
I couldn’t wait for this book to be re-released so I could soak up each and every word. I loved the friendship that turned into more between Leo and Callie! It was wonderful to see how patient and understanding Leo is with Callie when she said that she needed time/space to work through her issues because in doing that he realizes he had his own to settle so they could all in together. It was helpful to have dual POV’s so the reader can understand what each other was thinking and feeling in a given situation (ex: bumps in the road H/h faced). It was wonderful to see him so protective of her when it came her still traumatized by what that horrible Dave did to her.
The extra bonus for me was to have Mase and Ami be in the book along with the rest of Mase’s crazy family, especially his totally inappropriate Granny B that had me rolling with laughter! I highly recommend this book to read.
I couldn’t wait for this book to be re-released so I could soak up each and every word. I loved the friendship that turned into more between Leo and Callie! It was wonderful to see how patient and understanding Leo is with Callie when she said that she needed time/space to work through her issues because in doing that he realizes he had his own to settle so they could all in together. It was helpful to have dual POV’s so the reader can understand what each other was thinking and feeling in a given situation (ex: bumps in the road H/h faced). It was wonderful to see him so protective of her when it came her still traumatized by what that horrible Dave did to her.
The extra bonus for me was to have Mase and Ami be in the book along with the rest of Mase’s crazy family, especially his totally inappropriate Granny B that had me rolling with laughter! I highly recommend this book to read.
May 5, 2022
Good
Ok here we go. Usually I absolutely love her books but this one, while heartbreaking at the end, it just didn't feel complete. There was nothing about him & Walker or her & her father. Nothing about the guy who attacked her, nothing about his mother or brother. Like did part of the book not download? If you're going to add the major issues they had with these people & not tell how they ended things then why add them in the first place? If you are comfortable enough with reading where these, in my opinion big holes are, then go ahead. Not gonna continue but also not going to recommend unless you're aware that there will be unfinished business. I will continue to read books from her though so on to the next!
Ok here we go. Usually I absolutely love her books but this one, while heartbreaking at the end, it just didn't feel complete. There was nothing about him & Walker or her & her father. Nothing about the guy who attacked her, nothing about his mother or brother. Like did part of the book not download? If you're going to add the major issues they had with these people & not tell how they ended things then why add them in the first place? If you are comfortable enough with reading where these, in my opinion big holes are, then go ahead. Not gonna continue but also not going to recommend unless you're aware that there will be unfinished business. I will continue to read books from her though so on to the next!
April 21, 2022
Perfect
What a great read. I loved Leo! What a great character, I loved how he said exactly what he thought, and could admit when he was wrong. He was such a likeable guy! Callie was great too! That doubts and thoughts that they both have of one another! They were both so a like.
Having just attended my first Ice hockey game myself I’d say I’m definitely a fan of the sport and loved to hear about all the pranks and how the guys had loads of banter! I hadn’t realised how many games they have to play both home and away!
These two belonged together and I was so invested in them making it.
Absolutely recommend this book you will not be disappointed.
What a great read. I loved Leo! What a great character, I loved how he said exactly what he thought, and could admit when he was wrong. He was such a likeable guy! Callie was great too! That doubts and thoughts that they both have of one another! They were both so a like.
Having just attended my first Ice hockey game myself I’d say I’m definitely a fan of the sport and loved to hear about all the pranks and how the guys had loads of banter! I hadn’t realised how many games they have to play both home and away!
These two belonged together and I was so invested in them making it.
Absolutely recommend this book you will not be disappointed.
April 27, 2022
I really enjoyed Delayed Offside which is the second book in the Crossing the Lines series. I enjoyed reading Leo and Callie's story. I thought they had great chemistry together. Their story is a little different than what I normally read and has a little darker undertone. And I normally am not a big fan of friends to lovers story but this one had a nice balance. I also thought Shey did a great explaining the sport without it being over my head, I really don't know much about hockey. I found myself laughing out loud at guys jokes and pranks. I would highly recommend reading Delayed Offsides.
April 25, 2022
Phew, Leo🥰🥰 where to start?! First, you don’t have to be a hockey fan to love this book. Shoot, you don’t have to even know what hockey is to love this book! Leo’s character is so much fun to get to know. He has his cocky moments, but he’s a hockey player. He earned them! Callie is one of my favorites. She’s strong, independent and you find yourself craving their chemistry. This isn’t the fairytale love, and that’s what makes it so good! Shey’s writing shines in this book, she grabs you from the first chapter.
May 14, 2022
Another enjoyable hockey romance with a great storyline to it and fantastic characters. Friends with benefits who share intense chemistry and lots of laugh out loud moments throughout.
Main protagonists Leo and Callie are just perfect together, however they have their trust issues which don’t help matters between them, slowly but surely they do get the happily ever after they both deserve. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more in The Crossing The Line series.
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
Main protagonists Leo and Callie are just perfect together, however they have their trust issues which don’t help matters between them, slowly but surely they do get the happily ever after they both deserve. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more in The Crossing The Line series.
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
January 30, 2021
No
I purchased this book awhile and just got around to reading it. I like thus author but not this book. I don't care what anyone says no man is going to be marry, live with, etc, a woman or a man that all his friends and/or co-workers slept with, that's just a no. It's not the same as sleeping around before you got together with people the other one doesn't know, but not their friends and/or co-workers, that's just nasty.
I purchased this book awhile and just got around to reading it. I like thus author but not this book. I don't care what anyone says no man is going to be marry, live with, etc, a woman or a man that all his friends and/or co-workers slept with, that's just a no. It's not the same as sleeping around before you got together with people the other one doesn't know, but not their friends and/or co-workers, that's just nasty.
May 14, 2022
First and foremost, you must read this book! And I believe I will be taking up watching hockey! Lol! Leo and Callie are a pair, the love, the friendship, the whole story makes you wanna jump in the storyline and watch is all unfold. From the good to the bad it all is worth reading. The way Shey writes all her books is awesome and so far doesn’t disappoint and I don’t think she ever will! Awesome book, awesome author! A must Read Author!
February 7, 2021
This book is incredible
What an unforgettable book! This s a great sports romance it’s a far better book. I laugh a few times when Grandma B was involved and I cried. Leo & Callie did not have the best lives growing up, both were missing real love every child needs. Getting together was easy staying together was the difficult part. Do not miss this book, it is fantastic!
What an unforgettable book! This s a great sports romance it’s a far better book. I laugh a few times when Grandma B was involved and I cried. Leo & Callie did not have the best lives growing up, both were missing real love every child needs. Getting together was easy staying together was the difficult part. Do not miss this book, it is fantastic!
April 19, 2022
Leo and Callie!
I absolutely love this book and have read it multiple times. I laugh, I cry and I think to myself how relatable these characters are.
I am going to say that Granny B takes the cake again with her crazy talk 😂.
I would recommend this book time and time again. I don't like to give anything away but you'll love Leo and Callie
I absolutely love this book and have read it multiple times. I laugh, I cry and I think to myself how relatable these characters are.
I am going to say that Granny B takes the cake again with her crazy talk 😂.
I would recommend this book time and time again. I don't like to give anything away but you'll love Leo and Callie
April 28, 2022
best friends romance
Delayed offsides
Leo and Callie have amazing chemistry!! They are best friends with benefits. However, one cannot prepare for a pregnancy test to change the course of fate! Leo and Callie both have to work through their own issues to really be ready to love deeply and uncover their soul mate.
Delayed offsides
Leo and Callie have amazing chemistry!! They are best friends with benefits. However, one cannot prepare for a pregnancy test to change the course of fate! Leo and Callie both have to work through their own issues to really be ready to love deeply and uncover their soul mate.
May 1, 2022
This book drew me in not only with the awesome hockey scenes, but also with the love that Leo has for Callie. He is alpha all the way, but the tenderness that he has with her. . . amazing. I love how Shey was able to build all of the characters in this story to keep you so involved there was no putting this book down until the end. . . then all you wanted was more.
May 1, 2022
Feeling all the feels here! Leo and Callie had me always wondering what was next. It’s so much fun uncovering Leo’s character. Callie is strong and independent and their chemistry…wow! Not the fairytale love you expect, but that’s one of my favorite things about it. Definitely don’t have to be a hockey fan to love this book but I sure am and I loved it even more because of it!
March 6, 2020
Nice story, even if I prefer the first book of the series.
Anyway I like the characters, most of all the male one 'cause u need a very strong guy to accept such a situation, now watching for the third one!
Anyway I like the characters, most of all the male one 'cause u need a very strong guy to accept such a situation, now watching for the third one!
April 21, 2022
I absolutely loved Callie! Leo was okay but Callie….I love her resilience and ability to be who she is without question. No excuses and you see her blossom without letting her past define her. She and Leo are perfect for one another and both deserved to find that everlasting love!
April 22, 2022
Another great book by Shey Stahl. I absolutely fell in love with Leo. My main question is how do I find my own Leo??! Callie is a spitfire and the chemistry with Leo is HOT HOT HOT!! I pray there are more books coming in the series so we can keep up with the cast of characters.
April 22, 2022
Fantastic book, a little in the darker side, like the first in the series. Leo and Callie are fantastically flawed and nothing like the typical shiny, perfect, sometimes boring protagonist you see in romance so often.
April 29, 2022
I had a great time reading this book! Certainly kept me on the edge of my seat! Callie is someone who knows exactly what she wants and takes well to learning new things and accepts people for who they are! Absolutely wonderful!
April 30, 2022
This book will bring ALL THE FEELLS!! Jam packed with HAH chemistry these two could light pages on fire!!! Leo and Callie had me on edge always waiting for the other shoe to drop and when it did my heart literally sank. I loved their fight for happiness. I can’t wait for what comes next!
May 1, 2022
This was a enjoyable story to read. I wasn't hooked like I have been with some of the other books by this author but it was still a very good read. The story had a good storyline to it and the characters were easy to read about. Overall a good read and I'm looking forward to more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews