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Gold Hockey #3
Boarding
He was her fantasy.
But having him would get her fired...
Plus, everyone knew that relationships between normal women and gorgeous, talented men were doomed to fail.
Or maybe it was just that Mandy knew that firsthand.
She’d lived that life—always being the one left behind—and wasn’t willing to go there again.
Hockey was Blane’s job, and it was all consuming.
There was no room for her.
But then…Blane told her she was his fantasy, too.
And suddenly, Mandy began to wonder what might happen if all those fantasies became reality.
But having him would get her fired...
Plus, everyone knew that relationships between normal women and gorgeous, talented men were doomed to fail.
Or maybe it was just that Mandy knew that firsthand.
She’d lived that life—always being the one left behind—and wasn’t willing to go there again.
Hockey was Blane’s job, and it was all consuming.
There was no room for her.
But then…Blane told her she was his fantasy, too.
And suddenly, Mandy began to wonder what might happen if all those fantasies became reality.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2019
191 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Elise Faber
161 books1,073 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 15, 2020
It’s not that the writing is bad, it’s just that there’s just nothing...there. There’s nearly no character or storyline development. If you like happily ever after stories with literally no angst, you may appreciate this one. However, if you need depth of any sort, look elsewhere, including to other releases by this author. I’ve read others by this author and wasn’t let down at all, not sure what went wrong here. 😞
February 11, 2021
2,5 to 3 stars.
It’s not that I didn’t like this book, it was just very similar to the previous book which starred Mike and Sara. Not the storyline, but the plot was so similar that I lost interest a couple of times. Hero and heroine have a crush on each other but don’t know this, they share a kiss, which leads to sex very early in the book, she is hesitant for a relationship, they decide to go for it, but first have to get approval from management, he fucks up, get back together, investigation in the end which reveals the truth. The same thing happened in book 2. This one really lacked originality.
With three books in this story I must say the author has a pattern. All heroes call their women “sweetheart”. To make each hero stand out, please let them use another nickname. At least Mike used Jumping Bean for Sara, which was very funny. I don’t think she will change her pattern in the next book with Max. Because with the mentioned insta love I think this will follow the same timeline. I am looking forward to reading Max’s story, because I really like his character.
I had an issue with Blane. He was sweet, hot and one of the good guys. What I didn’t like was him being in love with his best friend for a decade. He only opened his eyes when Brit got together with Stefan, but even in the beginning of their dating (book 1) he was still in love with her. If it was just a crush in their teens, but for him it was so much more. There was no drama because of this. He just went from loving Brit for a decade to loving Mandy in a time period of 6 months. I find that a bit unbelievable. Then the moment he forgot Mandy.. just no. How can you forget she’s there, forget she’s your girlfriend and forget to pick her up? I don’t buy it, especially since she’s all he can think about.
Overall a decent addition to the series. Not my favorite and hope the next books in this series won’t disappoint.
It’s not that I didn’t like this book, it was just very similar to the previous book which starred Mike and Sara. Not the storyline, but the plot was so similar that I lost interest a couple of times. Hero and heroine have a crush on each other but don’t know this, they share a kiss, which leads to sex very early in the book, she is hesitant for a relationship, they decide to go for it, but first have to get approval from management, he fucks up, get back together, investigation in the end which reveals the truth. The same thing happened in book 2. This one really lacked originality.
With three books in this story I must say the author has a pattern. All heroes call their women “sweetheart”. To make each hero stand out, please let them use another nickname. At least Mike used Jumping Bean for Sara, which was very funny. I don’t think she will change her pattern in the next book with Max. Because with the mentioned insta love I think this will follow the same timeline. I am looking forward to reading Max’s story, because I really like his character.
I had an issue with Blane. He was sweet, hot and one of the good guys. What I didn’t like was him being in love with his best friend for a decade. He only opened his eyes when Brit got together with Stefan, but even in the beginning of their dating (book 1) he was still in love with her. If it was just a crush in their teens, but for him it was so much more. There was no drama because of this. He just went from loving Brit for a decade to loving Mandy in a time period of 6 months. I find that a bit unbelievable. Then the moment he forgot Mandy.. just no. How can you forget she’s there, forget she’s your girlfriend and forget to pick her up? I don’t buy it, especially since she’s all he can think about.
Overall a decent addition to the series. Not my favorite and hope the next books in this series won’t disappoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
a meh friends to lovers romance
August 6, 2020
Moving forward!
Amanda Shallows is the physical therapist for the Gold Hockey team and has been harbouring a secret crush on Blane Hart for a while. Mandy is the daughter of a hockey legend but What the outside world saw wasn't what she lives and struggles with hockey players because of it. What happens when Mandy and Blane become romantically involved? Will her past cause them problems or can they overcome and come together? This was a book of growth and deep love! A book to sink into and enjoy! The added Harry Potter references were like icing on the cake! A must read for hockey and romance lovers alike!
Amanda Shallows is the physical therapist for the Gold Hockey team and has been harbouring a secret crush on Blane Hart for a while. Mandy is the daughter of a hockey legend but What the outside world saw wasn't what she lives and struggles with hockey players because of it. What happens when Mandy and Blane become romantically involved? Will her past cause them problems or can they overcome and come together? This was a book of growth and deep love! A book to sink into and enjoy! The added Harry Potter references were like icing on the cake! A must read for hockey and romance lovers alike!
November 19, 2024
Blane and Mandy were a solid inclusion. It’s a shame in the book prior we hadn’t got some glances from Blane, the fact that it was still Brit was quite off putting. The fact that he could realise what he felt for Brit was the love of a sister and young love/crush rolled up when he saw her with Stephan would have made sense and that releasing him to realise his feelings for Mandy but it’s a shame that build up was never provided. The one downside of this series is that it continues the abrupt endings. The final chapters give tiny snippet of their being together long term but rather than that being delivered completely the epilogue jumps to the next book
January 31, 2024
Okay, I thought it was just me but after looking at some other peoples reviews I realize I wasn’t the only one who clearly did not connect to these characters. I’m not sure what the problem was but I have even read several more books in the series since this one and I enjoyed them.
I felt like this book didn’t have enough character development or even storyline development. I was part way into the book when it seemed like I missed something. Almost as if I didn’t start it at the beginning, which I did.
I felt like this book didn’t have enough character development or even storyline development. I was part way into the book when it seemed like I missed something. Almost as if I didn’t start it at the beginning, which I did.
April 20, 2019
Loved it
Loved this book and the others leading up to it.This series was my first by this author who will now be added to my favorites list. I was pulled into their lives and felt like I was apart of the hockey family. I cried with and laughed and smiled with them. Who wouldn't want a hot sticky hockey player? I can't wait to hear Max s story. I hope they continue on after each on each player.
Loved this book and the others leading up to it.This series was my first by this author who will now be added to my favorites list. I was pulled into their lives and felt like I was apart of the hockey family. I cried with and laughed and smiled with them. Who wouldn't want a hot sticky hockey player? I can't wait to hear Max s story. I hope they continue on after each on each player.
December 16, 2019
I loved it
Another great hockey romance for the Gold Hockey series from Elise Faber. Mandy is the head Physical Therapist for the San Francisco Gold Hockey team, she has a crush on Blane, one of the players but it is in her contract that players are forbidden to have relationships with the staff. Blane also wants to be with her so they need to find a loophole in their contracts, what good is all their money if they can't be with the person they love?
Another great hockey romance for the Gold Hockey series from Elise Faber. Mandy is the head Physical Therapist for the San Francisco Gold Hockey team, she has a crush on Blane, one of the players but it is in her contract that players are forbidden to have relationships with the staff. Blane also wants to be with her so they need to find a loophole in their contracts, what good is all their money if they can't be with the person they love?
February 18, 2021
I received this audiobook free for an honest review as a member of the Pink Flamingo Productions Review Team. This was a very cute romance on ice story. Blane, the hunky hockey star, and Mandy, one of the teams physical therapists. They can't let their relationship cause them to get fired for fraternizing. The author did a great job with these two characters and the overall story. The narrators did an excellent job with the characters and their personalities bringing this story to life.
June 16, 2021
The third book in the Gold Hockey series by Elise Faber "Boarding" continues the story of San Francisco hockey players. I was rooting for Blane and Mandy to be a couple, but I could only rate it 3.5*. There are similar situations from book 2; but I urge you to read "Boarding" to learn of the complexities that Blane and Mandy face as co-workers.
Elise Farber's writing will have you sneak in time from your daily work to read what happens next.
Elise Farber's writing will have you sneak in time from your daily work to read what happens next.
May 19, 2021
Third book in the series of the Gold hockey team and crew. All standalone books with HEA.
She’s the teams PT and has a complicated past, he is one of the super star jockey players. Contracts forbid players and staff to be involved with each other. Read this to see how they overcome personal and professional obstacles to find their HEA.
She’s the teams PT and has a complicated past, he is one of the super star jockey players. Contracts forbid players and staff to be involved with each other. Read this to see how they overcome personal and professional obstacles to find their HEA.
May 30, 2022
Another great hockey romance, this time between the team's physical therapist (Mandy) and Blane. Again, there are a lot of great topics here, and the author covers them well and with a lot of thought. I like how Blane works for her, works for it, and doesn't give up. Standalone, but you'll definitely get more out of the story if you read books 1 & 2. HEA.
July 26, 2022
not as good as the first two but ok
I guess I like the drama. There was a lot more tension between Mike and Sara and Brit and Stefan and I didn’t know I liked drama but it does make for a more exciting story. This one was pretty basic and went by and then was over and I was like ok… Blane is too nice and too perfect.
I guess I like the drama. There was a lot more tension between Mike and Sara and Brit and Stefan and I didn’t know I liked drama but it does make for a more exciting story. This one was pretty basic and went by and then was over and I was like ok… Blane is too nice and too perfect.
June 19, 2019
I still know absolutely nothing about hockey, but I love the Gold series! I love how Elise Faber breathes life into these characters and makes you root for each one. Mandy’s vulnerability vs Blane’s strength just worked for me. I needed a good HEA and got it! Starting Benched right now!
June 16, 2020
Boarding
Just as great & wonderful as the first two in the series. Right along with being another can't stop reading it until I was finished. While keeping the feel of the first two.
Just as great & wonderful as the first two in the series. Right along with being another can't stop reading it until I was finished. While keeping the feel of the first two.
March 27, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Just enough drama and angst. The characters and situations were believable.
Nice little surprise at the end, introducing a new character for a future book that further ties with the team.
Just enough drama and angst. The characters and situations were believable.
Nice little surprise at the end, introducing a new character for a future book that further ties with the team.
September 25, 2022
Future
It was an emotional journey for blane and mandy. It shows that even the people around you still have emotional and abuse issues. It helps to know you can have any type of family.
It was an emotional journey for blane and mandy. It shows that even the people around you still have emotional and abuse issues. It helps to know you can have any type of family.
November 5, 2024
Mandy is the PT for the Gold. Blane plays for the Gold. When Blane gets hurt, Mandy helps him heal. But the time spent together makes feelings start to grow. Both already had feelings before Blanes' accident. Can they expand on those feelings or will their contracts be haulted.
December 25, 2020
Finally read this and loved it! Full review to come.
Want to read
April 30, 2021🎁 Part of Iced box set (Gold Hockey #1-3) which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/30/2021)!🎁
books-boxed-sets
May 2, 2021In boxed set - "Iced"
June 27, 2022
y’all gotta go on like more than one date before you fall in love
January 29, 2023
I have no clue what happened. This book just didn’t have a storyline.
July 1, 2023
I love mandy and Blanes story- it’s starting to be clear coach Bernard fancies himself a matchmaker but this story is just too cute
November 1, 2023
3.25
We never see the relationship develop between the MCs. From one book to another, he's just in love with someone else.
We never see the relationship develop between the MCs. From one book to another, he's just in love with someone else.
Read
February 4, 2025My least favorite of the series. There was no real story, plot, drama, struggle, etc. It was just a filler story.
June 3, 2020
More Gold Hockey Greatness! Fabulous Narration🎧📚🎧
Boarding
Gold Hockey, Book 3
By: Elise Faber
Narrated by: Lacy Laurel, Gregory Salinas
Elise Faber does not disappoint one bit with her 3rd book in her “Gold Hockey” series. Each book is a stand-alone but I highly recommend enjoying the first two books before this one for two reasons, they are great books and you’ll know more about these characters since they appear in those books too. This book is Mandy and Blane’s story, Mandy is the team’s physical therapist and Blane is one of their star players. Mandy secretly crushed on Blane, she never acted on it because it is not allowed plus she thought he had a crush on Brit, the two have history and know each other for years. But Brit is with Stefan and when Blane gets injured Mandy could no longer hold back and she goes after Blane. Turns out he was crushing on her as well. But she does not want to jeopardize his career plus she is afraid of getting close to anyone, afraid she will get hurt. The story is plotted out nicely, it is fast moving and there is plenty of drama, some angst, twists and turns, some heartfelt and emotional moments and some smoking hot romance.
I listened to the Audible edition, Lacy Laurel and Gregory Salinas are terrific narrators and voice artists. They do an amazing job portraying these characters, humanizing them, capturing their emotions as well as their personal which is reflected in their performance. Both have a natural talent and are entertaining storytellers. It is always a pleasure to listen to their work. Thank you for another fabulous listen🎧
Thank you 🎧@AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧
Boarding
Gold Hockey, Book 3
By: Elise Faber
Narrated by: Lacy Laurel, Gregory Salinas
Elise Faber does not disappoint one bit with her 3rd book in her “Gold Hockey” series. Each book is a stand-alone but I highly recommend enjoying the first two books before this one for two reasons, they are great books and you’ll know more about these characters since they appear in those books too. This book is Mandy and Blane’s story, Mandy is the team’s physical therapist and Blane is one of their star players. Mandy secretly crushed on Blane, she never acted on it because it is not allowed plus she thought he had a crush on Brit, the two have history and know each other for years. But Brit is with Stefan and when Blane gets injured Mandy could no longer hold back and she goes after Blane. Turns out he was crushing on her as well. But she does not want to jeopardize his career plus she is afraid of getting close to anyone, afraid she will get hurt. The story is plotted out nicely, it is fast moving and there is plenty of drama, some angst, twists and turns, some heartfelt and emotional moments and some smoking hot romance.
I listened to the Audible edition, Lacy Laurel and Gregory Salinas are terrific narrators and voice artists. They do an amazing job portraying these characters, humanizing them, capturing their emotions as well as their personal which is reflected in their performance. Both have a natural talent and are entertaining storytellers. It is always a pleasure to listen to their work. Thank you for another fabulous listen🎧
Thank you 🎧@AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧
January 3, 2020
Hockey romances are so much fun and Elise Faber has captured the essence of this team. Each player we get to know has a different personality and situation, but together form a cohesive unit! I am loving the series as we get to know each one. This one isn't too long, but it's packed full of love. Blane is injured and has to be checked out. Mandy is the team physical therapist, but when Blane comes to her, she is dumbstruck. The man of her dreams is there and needs her help. What could be better? Well, a lot!! Mandy is hesitant to let the attraction take hold. There is no way a relationship with Blane would work. History has proven it, her contract states it, but her heart doesn't. Can these two find love? Faber delves deep into her characters, finds the flaws and helps us get to know them. I love Blane, not only because he is that incredible man, but because his heart is true. Mandy is easy to relate to and I can fully appreciate her perspective. Add in the secondary characters, like Blane's mom, and the team and we have a fun filled, humorous at times, passionate story.
Gregory Salinas and Lacy Laurel are creating this team together with wonderful performances.Salinas has one of those voices that is smooth and silky. I love the way he becomes his characters and lets us understand them so well. Laurel always gives it all. She finds the heart of her characters and breathes all the emotions into them. This team compliments each other so well and I loved their narration.
Gregory Salinas and Lacy Laurel are creating this team together with wonderful performances.Salinas has one of those voices that is smooth and silky. I love the way he becomes his characters and lets us understand them so well. Laurel always gives it all. She finds the heart of her characters and breathes all the emotions into them. This team compliments each other so well and I loved their narration.
March 16, 2020
I read this one in a day! This one was my favorite of the series so far. I was vested in Blane from the previous books so I was happy to see him finally find his true love.
Blane plays for the Gold and has loved the game and Brit for as long as he can remember. Brit is with Stefan now and he has finally realized they were meant to be best friends over anything more. Now that he has closed that chapter his eyes have opened to what is right in front of him...Mandy.
Mandy works for the Gold and is around these hot shot hockey players all of the time. As head of their PT she sees them half dressed all of the time, but one player has caught her eye recently and she can’t seem to let it go. Only problem...no fraternizing with the players. She can’t risk the only thing she has in her life or can she.
I liked both of their stories and how Blane fought for her. We got to see their love develop nicely and the secondary characters are seamlessly written in with just the right amount of information to catch up on them.
Again...only issue “preview epilogue”. I don’t care for that. I expect more about our main characters that we just spent hours reading about. Also, even though you may be able to read this as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are secondary characters from the previous books that are good for the complete story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blane plays for the Gold and has loved the game and Brit for as long as he can remember. Brit is with Stefan now and he has finally realized they were meant to be best friends over anything more. Now that he has closed that chapter his eyes have opened to what is right in front of him...Mandy.
Mandy works for the Gold and is around these hot shot hockey players all of the time. As head of their PT she sees them half dressed all of the time, but one player has caught her eye recently and she can’t seem to let it go. Only problem...no fraternizing with the players. She can’t risk the only thing she has in her life or can she.
I liked both of their stories and how Blane fought for her. We got to see their love develop nicely and the secondary characters are seamlessly written in with just the right amount of information to catch up on them.
Again...only issue “preview epilogue”. I don’t care for that. I expect more about our main characters that we just spent hours reading about. Also, even though you may be able to read this as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are secondary characters from the previous books that are good for the complete story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 14, 2020
Title: Boarding
Author: Elise Faber
Format: Audio
Narrators: Lacy Lauren and Gregory Salinas
Genre: Romance - Sports (Hockey)
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 3 of the Gold Hockey series
POV: Mandy and Blane
Steam Level: Toasty at times
5/5
Boarding is the third book in the Gold Hockey series. While it's a standalone, it's also a treat for those who have read Blocked and Backhand (Books 1 and 2 respectively) as you see some more of Brit/Stefan's and Mike/Sara's HEAs. Mandy and Blane's story is sweet, funny and emotional. I like how Mandy and Blaine's relationship was strengthened by honesty and overcoming obstacles together. This series keeps getting better and I cannot wait for the next book.
I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Author: Elise Faber
Format: Audio
Narrators: Lacy Lauren and Gregory Salinas
Genre: Romance - Sports (Hockey)
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 3 of the Gold Hockey series
POV: Mandy and Blane
Steam Level: Toasty at times
5/5
Boarding is the third book in the Gold Hockey series. While it's a standalone, it's also a treat for those who have read Blocked and Backhand (Books 1 and 2 respectively) as you see some more of Brit/Stefan's and Mike/Sara's HEAs. Mandy and Blane's story is sweet, funny and emotional. I like how Mandy and Blaine's relationship was strengthened by honesty and overcoming obstacles together. This series keeps getting better and I cannot wait for the next book.
I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews