Clipped by You

Chicago Steel #3

by Jessica Buss

Monica

She’s his.
Or she has been since her freshman year of college.
According to Monica Fields, no man will ever hold a candle to Christian Fox.
Too bad he’s completely unaware. Or is he?

Christian

Since meeting her, a sweet dairy farm girl has captivated Christian entirely.
But he’s a guy. And he’s the one who isn’t quite ready to be done sowing his wild oats.
Will he ever be?


In this game called love, sometimes chasing after a woman is just the wake-up call you need. But what if chasing her to her family’s farm and following her through a field scattered with cow patties in limited-edition white Nike Air Force 1s is the only way to catch her? And, when you finally do catch her, will she want you? Forever?

Genres: Romance

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2023

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've been waiting for this couple since I started binging on the series and their story did not disappoint!
Readers have been watching Christian deny, deny, deny those feelings. When he finally comes around and realizes she might just finally moves on, he gets his act together.

Usually in Friends to Lovers there is some backstory trauma that keeps one of the main characters apart. This story is just one characters fears they think they have just to realize their bigger fear is losing the one they love. Oh wow! Did I love seeing him crash into his feelings!! And Christian realizes that its not fancy gifts to win her over, but getting to see all the sides of her including the people who mean so much in her life.

I don't want to spoil it further. But you've been reading this couple dance around and watching them fall is the best. Recommended read!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For several years Monica has had feelings for her best friend’s brother however she has grown weary of his inconsistent actions and believes that she may have to ace a future without him.

Christian has been denying his feelings for Monica as he doesn’t believe he can give her what she needs. When he finally acknowledges how he feels about her will he be able to convince her to give him a second chance before it is too late.

I enjoyed seeing the evolution of Christian as he finally realized that what he has been looking for has been in front of him all this time.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica is settling into her dorm room at University with her room mate Samantha. Samantha’s parents and brother Christian are also there. Monica gets a crush on Christian which continues for years. He thinks she is too good for him and gives her a hard time. This is a great book and I can’t wait to see if there’s more. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given.

[Melissa]

This is book #3 in the Chicago Steel series. I was looking forward to this story so much since I read book #1. It was such a sweet story for Monica and Christian.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

CAWFILE: 9.71
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Story!

This book was so fun to read. This book was started when Christian and Monica were in college and went forward through their relationship trajectory.

This went through some of the scenes that were written in Lucas and Samantha’s book but instead of word for word putting them in she put them in perspective from Christian or Monica’s POV and expanded them or changed as needed. It was nice to revisit them just enough to understand what was happening but not rehash everything.


These two had a super rocky road to their HEA but once they both finally solidified their feelings they didn’t wait too long to make things legal ❤️❤️

The epilogue was super sweet also ❤️

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited that I was selected as an ARC reader for this book. I absolutely LOVED Monica and Cristian's story. The history, backstory, and roller-coaster of emotions set this story up to cover all of the feels. Jessica has done a wonderful job of setting up the story for these two in the prior books, but this can also be easily read as a stand-alone without the reader being lost.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! Christian & Monica took FOREVER to get together! Miscommunication, missed signals etc. I was so happy when they finally got it together!! Theirs was an awesome love story! Highly recommend!

[moms_library_therapy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked forward for Christian and Monica’s story. I really wanted to know what unraveled between them and this book definitely delivered.

What I liked-
That Monica believes in Christian, she doesn’t give up and sees all his good attributes and true self.
I enjoyed getting g to know all their history and what transpired before we meet them in the first book.

What I didn’t like ( and the reason for three stars and not more )

The Dual POV was at time repetitive and I didn’t understand why certain things that were mentioned and not very important appear for both characters.

I felt at certain times that Monica does not have a sense of self worth. I appreciate her beliefs in him but at certain moments I wanted to yell at her to be with other men and see that she can be treated differently! .

Christian’s understating why he backed away every time is relatable and interesting for his character, however the thought process was not stressed enough

The time lapses to quickly, it feels at some points like skipping through there story and not delving in.

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

loving those Steel men

Finally Monica and Christian!!!! Oh I was really desperate for their story and secrets! And yes this book didn’t disappoint me at all. I love Monica even more and Christian definitely stole my heart. I love how their inevitable collision brings sparks between then each time. That “Yours, Christian” at 68% broke my heart, watered eyes and everything. Gosh it was hard but I love every up and down, every connection and every feeling. It was more beautiful that I imagined. And their HEA unique and perfect like them. I love everything. Lucas and Sam awww I love them and seeing them from another POV is really good. And what about those farmer boys?!? Jessica please I need Josiah?? And Mike and Will? I need those too. Please, pretty please! And all the Steel team members including coach. Thank You!!!!

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

AHHHH this is book 3 in the series and I LOVEDDDD it! I am obsessed with the steel men and I need more! So happy that we got Monica and Christians story💗

For many years our fmc Monica has had feelings for her best friends brother however after all his inconsistency, she starts to think she may not have a future with him after all.

Our mmc Christian had been putting away his feelings for Monica as he believes she is too good for him and he can give her what she deserves. After finally admitting his feelings he has to try and get a second chance from her after all the time!👀

Their story is beautiful and I loved the HEA. You can feel the tension and pull to each other from the book! Couldn’t stop reading and definitely recommend 💗

🫶🏻 hockey
🫶🏻 sports romance
🫶🏻 HEA
🫶🏻 best friends brother
🫶🏻 hidden feelings

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I was excited to read a full length novel about Monica and Christian I honestly didn’t know how much more could be added to their storyline as they featured heavily in the first two books.
Well I am here to say there is so much more that needed to be revealed. For me it was mainly reading Christian’s side because he didn’t come across as the best of guys. And there is part of me that still doesn’t like how he treated Monica, but it does make a little bit more sense.
The author has also excelled in intertwining all three books timelines so all the books come together beautifully. So for this alone I do recommend reading this series in order but it’s not paramount to do this.
I honestly cannot recommend this series enough and look forward to the next book released.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!! I have been waiting on Christian and Monica since we met them in the first book of this series and I was not disappointed!! I loved getting to see their history, the ups and downs, the feelings, and how they navigate that through the years. They have a great chemistry you can feel and it really keeps the pages turning. These are strong characters, and the story flows well. A must read!

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

[Janae Peterson Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite story in this series but I have loved them all! I was so happy to read Monica and Christian’s story! I have loved these two characters since the first book. Christian was so frustrating in how he handled (or didn’t handle)his feelings for Monica. Always leaving Monica feeling rejected. They finally figure it out and have their HEA!

[Jennifer VanDriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clipped by you is is the best! Monica and Christian have been eyeing each other for years. However they can never get together because either Christian ignored her or she has decided to take her time by going home. They are perfect for each other but can they figure it out?
Jessica Buss is the best new author out there! Can’t wait to read the next book!

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars
This book was a definite slow burn. At times a little too slow. It was great that Christian and Monica took the time to get to know each other but after each meaningful encounter, Christian does something stupid. The push and pull from him gets to be a little too much and you just want to shake him and tell him to man up.

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, finally, Christian & Monica's story! I've been waiting for it! Y'all, this book gave me trust issues! Lol, I love how all of the books so far revisit previous books and characters and each from a different POV. The story is detailed enough that you understand everything without having to re-tell each story in each book. I loved watching Christian and Monica's story unfold even though they battled it out for YEARS. Right around the 60% mark, my emotions got the best of me, I cried as the story unfolded.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian is so different than the others in this series. I mean he knows what he wants but just doesn't admit until he works through his feelings. As for Monica she's always had a thing for him. I really enjoyed reading their story and seeing things come together for them.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Buss scores with CLIPPED BY YOU (Chicago Steel #3). Monica Fields has had a crush on her best friend’s brother, Christian Fox, since she met him her freshman year at NYU where she was studying to be a teacher. Despite frequently seeing the Fox family, Christian and Monica have had a falling out.

Christian is the brother of Samantha (HOOKED BY YOU, Chicago Steel #1). Samantha is Monica’s best friend. Christian is also friends and the agent of Mika Popov-Stevenson (CHECKED BY YOU, Chicago Steel #2). Mika’s girlfriend, Shiloh Erickson, is friends with Monica and Samantha.

Monica’s family runs a dairy farm a few hours from Chicago. After college, Monica moved to Chicago to teach kindergarten. Christian comes from a wealthy family. After graduating Samantha and Christian go to work at their families’ business Fox Sporting. They open an office in Chicago that Samantha and Christian are going to run. Years since they first met, Christian and Monica finally decide to date. They have some interesting situations along the way, especially some humorous events on the dairy farm.

CLIPPED BY YOU is a heartwarming and entertaining read. I like that it runs parallel to the previous two books and has some events that run simultaneously in those stories. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

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

"As much as I was excited to read a full length novel about Monica and Christian I honestly didn’t know how much more could be added to their storyline as they featured heavily in the first two books.
Well I am here to say there is so much more that needed to be revealed. For me it was mainly reading Christian’s side because he didn’t come across as the best of guys. And there is part of me that still doesn’t like how he treated Monica, but it does make a little bit more sense.
The author has also excelled in intertwining all three books timelines so all the books come together beautifully. So for this alone I do recommend reading this series in order but it’s not paramount to do this.
I honestly cannot recommend this series enough and look forward to the next book released." ~Sharon


Clipped by You is the third book in Jessica Buss's Chicago Steel series. I loved reading and following Monica and Christian's story that started in college and they meet again years later. I love this series and this book a wonderful addition to the series and look forward to reading more from this author. ~Dawn

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian is the brother of Monica's best friend, and honestly, her soulmate if he ever got his head out of his behind LOL! She's harbored secret feelings for him for some time, and honestly, he had some of his own but he's definitely the holdout in this situation. I'm going to be honest, I haven't had the best opinion of him to this point as they've been in the previous books, and it almost felt like he was playing games but I couldn't say for sure. In Clipped By You, we get his side of things, and while I still held him responsible for things (#GIRLPOWER and all) it was good to see inside his head even if I didn't understand it completely LOL! I know it sounds like I'm talking about my friends in person, but that's the beauty of Jessica Buss, her characters become my friends so my emotions are all kinds of involved throughout. These two are perfect for each other that's for sure, and it was amazing once he realized he would do anything to make her his so I finally fell for this man. On top of the emotions this story brought out in me, there's the fun banter, great supporting cast, and of course heat so yeah, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clipped by You is book 3 in the Chicago Steel Series and it’s a wonderful addition to this entertaining, witty and at times emotional hockey romance series. This is bad boy, wild oats seeking player Christian Fox and diary farm girl Monica Field’s second chance at love story.
Monica fell for Christian in freshman year of college but he was completely oblivious to her or so she thought…….
Love often happens when we least expect it and Christian hasn’t been able to get the sweet and witty Monica out of his mind so he decides to follow her to the family dairy farm. What he didn’t expect was to be walking amongst the cow patties in his brand new Nikes trying to prove he is worthy of a chance.
This book ticked all my boxes, I adored Monica, I fell hard and fast for Christian, the chemistry is steamy and the banter is witty but it was watching Christian do what ever was needed to win the woman who haunts his dreams that took this book to another level. Looking forward for more from the players of the Chicago Steel.

[Carol Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a hot executive who works with amazing athletes while still managing to keep a sweet farm girl/kindergarten teacher waiting for you to get your head on straight - Jessica Buss, Author has brought us Christian who needs to open his eyes and his heart. Worth all the angst in the end!

Monica has loved him up close and from afar for so long that all other men pale in comparison to Christian. He's her bestie's brother and her bestie as well. Of course what she has hidden from him since freshman year of college is her need, want and all consuming love for him.
Christian has loved Monica from afar as she is off limits for so many reasons. He has filled his life with his career and easy women. He really would love to settle down with this amazing woman but he's never been built for that non-bachelor life.
And so these two play the game of tag with their hearts, crushing each other and their faith in love.

More, Jessica, More - please give us more of this incredible series

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a hot executive who works with amazing athletes while still managing to keep a sweet farm girl/kindergarten teacher waiting for you to get your head on straight - Jessica Buss, Author has brought us Christian who needs to open his eyes and his heart. Worth all the angst in the end!

Monica has loved him up close and from afar for so long that all other men pale in comparison to Christian. He's her bestie's brother and her bestie as well. Of course what she has hidden from him since freshman year of college is her need, want and all consuming love for him.
Christian has loved Monica from afar as she is off limits for so many reasons. He has filled his life with his career and easy women. He really would love to settle down with this amazing woman but he's never been built for that non-bachelor life.
And so these two play the game of tag with their hearts, crushing each other and their faith in love.

More, Jessica, More - please give us more of this incredible series
review submitted by C. Seymour - blogger

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review of Clipped by You (Chicago Steel #3) by Jessica Buss

Having read and enjoyed the previous two books in the series I was excited to read Clipped by You. This is Monica Fields and Christian Fox’s story, and it was well written and entertaining.
I quickly became invested in Monica and Christian’s story; it ticked all the boxes for me. The attraction sizzles between them and it is obvious to those around them that these two are meant to be.

This is the third book in the series and was a fabulous addition to one of my favorite hockey series. This is a second chance at love story for Monica who fell in love with Christian in college, but he didn’t appear to notice her.

The last thing Monica expects is for Christian to turn up at her family dairy farm, but that’s what happens. What follows is an entertaining, witty, passionate story about two people who are meant to be together once Christian realizes his feelings finally.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author***

I can't lie, I love a good forbidden romance, even when the only reason it's forbidden is that one (or both) of the characters think that being together is a bad idea.

Monica and Christian have known one another forever, and have been attracted to one another for just as long, but Christian has convinced himself she is too good for him and that he doesn't want to be involved with her. She's his sister's best friend, so he uses this as a reason to stay away...even though he doesn't want to.

Once he finally decides she is what he really wants, we get to go along for the ride while he figures out how, and convinces Monica that she wants to be with him too. And, it's fun.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this incredible series, and this is Christian and Monica’s journey.
Monica always knew Christian was the one for her, but he is not in the same headspace, and is not ready to give up his player ways. When Monica decides it is time to move on, this is a wake-up call for Christian, but is he too late?
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, friends / lovers romance, with engaging and realistic characters, humor, witty banter, romance, family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Sarah Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story delivers a light, engaging look at two people whose timing has never quite matched up. Monica has admired Christian for years, and Christian drawn to her sincerity and sweetness has been stuck between his old habits and what he truly wants. The book blends humor, small-town charm, and character growth, especially as Christian is pushed to finally figure out what matters to him. The scenes on Monica’s family farm add warmth and personality, showing the contrast between their worlds. It’s a fun, easy read centered on self-realization, accountability, and the sometimes messy journey of figuring out love and commitment.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLIPPED BY YOU was definitely a slow burn, but it was worth the wait to see these two finally get together. They've been dancing around each other for years, and it's been so much fun to watch. This book is heartwarming and entertaining, and Monica is such a lovable character. As for Christian...well, let's just say I fell hard and fast for him. The chemistry between these two is so steamy, and the banter is witty and charming. But what really got me was watching Christian do whatever it took to win the woman who haunts his dreams. It was such a journey, and I loved every minute of it.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! I absolutely loved Monica and Christians story, it was so worth the wait. I truly enjoyed the time Monica spent with her brother, Josiah. All of her brothers were so protective, it was cute. There is so much to love in this story from time in the city to on the farm, sports, romance and humor. You have to read it just to read about the engagement and wedding, they are so romantic. I highly recommend you meet Monica and Christian. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[I Dont Get Sundays · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was a little hard. These two just are so back and forth with each other. No labels. Seriously, you are only with each other however if a label is talked about, it's like they go right back to ground zero. I was a wonderfully told story however the wishy washy and back and forth just didn't cut it for me. Christian kept disappearing, sweet one minute and then gone, no contact. This would drive me insane and I don't know how Monica had it in her heart to forgive him.