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Boston Rebels #3
Cross-Checked
Some people might call it a grudge, but in reality, hating Alessandra Jones is more like an obsession.
AJ is the league’s first female general manager, and my boss. As the team captain, I have to play nice with her—in public, at least.
But in private, the gloves come off. And then one time, our clothes do too.
We vow it won’t happen again.
Not only can we not stand each other, but we’re in tense negotiations over my contract right now, and AJ is up for the league’s GM of the Year award. Getting involved wouldn’t just be a PR nightmare—it would be unethical.
It doesn’t help that we have a history, or that she and my daughter adore each other. When AJ is injured protecting my baby, there’s no choice but to move her into my place.
Taking care of someone I hate shouldn’t feel so right. Getting to know her better shouldn’t break down my defenses. She’s hurt me once before, and I’d be a fool to trust her again.
But the more time we spend together, the more I realize that maybe I’m not obsessed with hating her . . . maybe I’m just obsessed with her.
AJ is the league’s first female general manager, and my boss. As the team captain, I have to play nice with her—in public, at least.
But in private, the gloves come off. And then one time, our clothes do too.
We vow it won’t happen again.
Not only can we not stand each other, but we’re in tense negotiations over my contract right now, and AJ is up for the league’s GM of the Year award. Getting involved wouldn’t just be a PR nightmare—it would be unethical.
It doesn’t help that we have a history, or that she and my daughter adore each other. When AJ is injured protecting my baby, there’s no choice but to move her into my place.
Taking care of someone I hate shouldn’t feel so right. Getting to know her better shouldn’t break down my defenses. She’s hurt me once before, and I’d be a fool to trust her again.
But the more time we spend together, the more I realize that maybe I’m not obsessed with hating her . . . maybe I’m just obsessed with her.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2025
1616 people are currently reading
7474 people want to read
About the author
Julia Connors
13 books1,044 followersJulia grew up on the warm and sunny West Coast, but her first decision as an adult was to trade her flip-flops for snow boots and move to Boston.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 753 reviews
February 1, 2025
There's just something awesome about a reverse age gap hockey romance novel. One where the female main character is in her 40s. Sadly, it's so rare.
This book was so cool in opinion because, yes, AJ is 40, but she's also a GM. She's successful, driven, and is being recognized for her achievements.
One person who's not an AJ fan is her teams captain, Ronan McCabe. She and McCabe have some complicated history from years ago when he was a new NFL player and the person who found him. That was years ago, but there's still some bad blood on his end (and some new bad blood happening currently).
McCabe is a fantastic player and a new single dad to a sweet baby. And when AJ saves his baby from an accident, it brings the two of them closer together in ways neither one saw coming.
Ya'll, the characters have an angsty past, which I loved the complications it brought to them in the present. There's also the fact that he's a player and she's his BOSS. I loved that. We get so many with it being the other way around. Write them in reverse 👏👏👏.
The realizations that McCabe slowly goes through are super sweet to read. There is nothing better than a man coming to realize that he's been so wrong. And the way he treats her like she's never been treated before? Yes, please.
Give this one a chance, I had such a fun time reading it.
This book was so cool in opinion because, yes, AJ is 40, but she's also a GM. She's successful, driven, and is being recognized for her achievements.
One person who's not an AJ fan is her teams captain, Ronan McCabe. She and McCabe have some complicated history from years ago when he was a new NFL player and the person who found him. That was years ago, but there's still some bad blood on his end (and some new bad blood happening currently).
McCabe is a fantastic player and a new single dad to a sweet baby. And when AJ saves his baby from an accident, it brings the two of them closer together in ways neither one saw coming.
Ya'll, the characters have an angsty past, which I loved the complications it brought to them in the present. There's also the fact that he's a player and she's his BOSS. I loved that. We get so many with it being the other way around. Write them in reverse 👏👏👏.
The realizations that McCabe slowly goes through are super sweet to read. There is nothing better than a man coming to realize that he's been so wrong. And the way he treats her like she's never been treated before? Yes, please.
Give this one a chance, I had such a fun time reading it.
February 1, 2025
I would like to own that I called AJ and McCabe back when Drew met AJ for the first time at the start of Center Ice and McCabe was there pushing away AJ's frilly cushion like it was dog crap (he wasn't even a single dad back then)
Edit: oooooh we have a very very beautiful cover I love it!!!!!
Edit (before first read): oh god it just released today I am SHAKING!!! No way am I gonna shut up I'm starting a Twitter thread I'm so excited!!!
Edit (first read): woo-hoo. This was a journey and I loved it. I had hyped McCabe way too much inside my head and strangely enough he lived up to those unreal standards. Love him even more now. AJ is the boss bitch I knew she would be and what I want to be when I grow up. Loved loved loved this. So much!!
There's only one thing that broke my heart: Luke. Not that I blame anyone here but I was so in love with him since the beginning and I was shipping him so hard with Sloane that now I feel a physical ache in my chest. I'm sure Evie is awesome and all but I'm gonna need a couple of months to mend my shattered heart and prepare myself to read them. Still, excited for that book.
Edit: oooooh we have a very very beautiful cover I love it!!!!!
Edit (before first read): oh god it just released today I am SHAKING!!! No way am I gonna shut up I'm starting a Twitter thread I'm so excited!!!
Edit (first read): woo-hoo. This was a journey and I loved it. I had hyped McCabe way too much inside my head and strangely enough he lived up to those unreal standards. Love him even more now. AJ is the boss bitch I knew she would be and what I want to be when I grow up. Loved loved loved this. So much!!
There's only one thing that broke my heart: Luke. Not that I blame anyone here but I was so in love with him since the beginning and I was shipping him so hard with Sloane that now I feel a physical ache in my chest. I'm sure Evie is awesome and all but I'm gonna need a couple of months to mend my shattered heart and prepare myself to read them. Still, excited for that book.
January 31, 2025
Cross-checked by Julia Connors
5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"You deserve every good thing in life, and I plan to make sure you get what you deserve."
I haven't read the earlier books in this series, but wow, this book is just amazing! I love everything about it! The main characters are fantastic, and the tension and chemistry between them are off the charts. Julia does such a great job addressing gender stereotypes in professional sports, which I appreciate. AJ, the FMC, has been through so much, it makes you root for her even harder. And Ronan? He’s just swoon-worthy! He supports her, protects her, and treats her like the strong, capable woman she is, and I couldn’t help but fall for him.
AJ is the general manager of the Boston Rebels hockey team. She’s poured her heart into building the team into one of the most successful in the league, and now she’s even been nominated for GM of the Year! She’s strong, resilient, and a workaholic, but she also has a guarded side due to some past trauma. Dating isn’t really on her radar until Ronan comes along. I loved how she can be herself with him; we see her softer, more vulnerable side. Her interactions with Ronan’s adorable daughter, Abby, are the sweetest.
"Pretending I don't have feelings for you is, by far, the hardest thing I've ever done. And I don't want to pretend anymore."
Ronan is the captain of the Boston Rebels and a devoted single dad to his little girl, Abby. At first, he and AJ don’t have the best relationship because of some history between them, but there’s a spark. Everything changes when they share a kiss that takes things to another level. I love how Ronan treats AJ as an independent, smart woman, but when they’re in the bedroom, he knows how to take charge! His commitment to her is so heartwarming, and he always has her back, no matter what. There are so many moments that made me go “Aww”!
The dynamic between AJ and Ronan is just beautiful. Their communication feels so real and mature. The sweet moments between AJ and Abby tugged at my heartstrings. I loved seeing both main characters grow throughout the story. The way the conflict is resolved is handled really well, too. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this series!
"You've infiltrated every part of my souland overrun all my defenses. There's no part of me that doesn't want to be with you."
5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"You deserve every good thing in life, and I plan to make sure you get what you deserve."
I haven't read the earlier books in this series, but wow, this book is just amazing! I love everything about it! The main characters are fantastic, and the tension and chemistry between them are off the charts. Julia does such a great job addressing gender stereotypes in professional sports, which I appreciate. AJ, the FMC, has been through so much, it makes you root for her even harder. And Ronan? He’s just swoon-worthy! He supports her, protects her, and treats her like the strong, capable woman she is, and I couldn’t help but fall for him.
AJ is the general manager of the Boston Rebels hockey team. She’s poured her heart into building the team into one of the most successful in the league, and now she’s even been nominated for GM of the Year! She’s strong, resilient, and a workaholic, but she also has a guarded side due to some past trauma. Dating isn’t really on her radar until Ronan comes along. I loved how she can be herself with him; we see her softer, more vulnerable side. Her interactions with Ronan’s adorable daughter, Abby, are the sweetest.
"Pretending I don't have feelings for you is, by far, the hardest thing I've ever done. And I don't want to pretend anymore."
Ronan is the captain of the Boston Rebels and a devoted single dad to his little girl, Abby. At first, he and AJ don’t have the best relationship because of some history between them, but there’s a spark. Everything changes when they share a kiss that takes things to another level. I love how Ronan treats AJ as an independent, smart woman, but when they’re in the bedroom, he knows how to take charge! His commitment to her is so heartwarming, and he always has her back, no matter what. There are so many moments that made me go “Aww”!
The dynamic between AJ and Ronan is just beautiful. Their communication feels so real and mature. The sweet moments between AJ and Abby tugged at my heartstrings. I loved seeing both main characters grow throughout the story. The way the conflict is resolved is handled really well, too. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this series!
"You've infiltrated every part of my souland overrun all my defenses. There's no part of me that doesn't want to be with you."
April 6, 2025
Added audiobook review! 4/5/25
Audiobook coming out soon!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• She's his GM
• Hockey Romance
• Single Dad
• He takes care of her when she's hurt
• SPICY mirror scene
• Reverse age gap
• BOSS BABE
"Holy sh*t. She’s going to be the death of me one way or another, so it might as well be through pleasure."
I have LOVED this series and each book for many different reasons. First, we had Drew and Audrey in an adorable second-chance romance. Then Jules and Colt in a brother's best friend romance. And now Julia has given us the SWEETEST single dad romance with AJ and McCabe. And while each of these could be read as standalones. Getting to know each of these characters individually and then seeing them as returning characters throughout this series has honestly been the best part of this series. The way that Julia works each of them back into these books as side characters had me squealing!
The incredible characters:
AJ was one STRONG FMC, but you truly would have to be if you're going to spend your career bossing around rowdy hockey players and keeping them in check! And my gosh, did she do a good job. And the respect each of them had for her was one of my favorite parts of this book! Because not only was McCabe protective of her, but her team also was! But as strong as she was in her career, it really didn't hold a candle to how strong she was in her personal life. This woman understood heartbreak in so many forms. Julia has given us so many FMCs we can relate to. But I know that AJ will be one that many women need to read about. Because she gives so many a voice! And Julia handled this topic so well!
The more I read single dad books, the more they grow on me! And it's especially because of characters like McCabe. He will have you swooning in so many ways it's unreal. From the sweet, tender moments with his 9-month-old daughter and the way he continuously puts her first and fights to give her the best. To his history with AJ and her ex and the way he protected her even when he didn't have much history with her.
The way these two celebrated each other's wins had to be one of my favorite parts of this book! AJ was in the stands cheering him on, wearing his sweet baby girl while he played. McCabe encouraging her to keep pursuing the award he knew she deserved. And the excitement he felt for her when she won! This book is full of so many wins! Even moments cheering on McCabe's sweet baby girl for her first steps. It was all so CUTE!
If you're looking for a book with a single dad with a caretaking heart not only for his baby girl but also for our FMC, this book is for you! I promise he will have you swooning far before you expect!
🎧Audiobook review🎧
Duet Narration
Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca
Its no secret I'm obsessed with this book after eyeball reading it. But hearing these two narrators bring these two characters to life in my ears!!! Absolute perfection. When the narration were announced I knew they would nail these two characters so well! With Sebastian gruff voice he brought out the grumpy and possessive side of McCabe so well! Angelina can play a boss babe, shes proved that so many times. And her performance for AJ was PERFECT. Eyeball reading AJ's character first had me putting so much focus into AJ's badass side. But hearing Angelina voice her character truly made me see so much more of AJ. Not only her bossy badass personality, but also her sweet tender side shined in Angelina's performance for her. Absolutely recommend this audiobook. It was perfectly cast!
Audiobook coming out soon!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• She's his GM
• Hockey Romance
• Single Dad
• He takes care of her when she's hurt
• SPICY mirror scene
• Reverse age gap
• BOSS BABE
"Holy sh*t. She’s going to be the death of me one way or another, so it might as well be through pleasure."
I have LOVED this series and each book for many different reasons. First, we had Drew and Audrey in an adorable second-chance romance. Then Jules and Colt in a brother's best friend romance. And now Julia has given us the SWEETEST single dad romance with AJ and McCabe. And while each of these could be read as standalones. Getting to know each of these characters individually and then seeing them as returning characters throughout this series has honestly been the best part of this series. The way that Julia works each of them back into these books as side characters had me squealing!
The incredible characters:
AJ was one STRONG FMC, but you truly would have to be if you're going to spend your career bossing around rowdy hockey players and keeping them in check! And my gosh, did she do a good job. And the respect each of them had for her was one of my favorite parts of this book! Because not only was McCabe protective of her, but her team also was! But as strong as she was in her career, it really didn't hold a candle to how strong she was in her personal life. This woman understood heartbreak in so many forms. Julia has given us so many FMCs we can relate to. But I know that AJ will be one that many women need to read about. Because she gives so many a voice! And Julia handled this topic so well!
The more I read single dad books, the more they grow on me! And it's especially because of characters like McCabe. He will have you swooning in so many ways it's unreal. From the sweet, tender moments with his 9-month-old daughter and the way he continuously puts her first and fights to give her the best. To his history with AJ and her ex and the way he protected her even when he didn't have much history with her.
The way these two celebrated each other's wins had to be one of my favorite parts of this book! AJ was in the stands cheering him on, wearing his sweet baby girl while he played. McCabe encouraging her to keep pursuing the award he knew she deserved. And the excitement he felt for her when she won! This book is full of so many wins! Even moments cheering on McCabe's sweet baby girl for her first steps. It was all so CUTE!
If you're looking for a book with a single dad with a caretaking heart not only for his baby girl but also for our FMC, this book is for you! I promise he will have you swooning far before you expect!
🎧Audiobook review🎧
Duet Narration
Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca
Its no secret I'm obsessed with this book after eyeball reading it. But hearing these two narrators bring these two characters to life in my ears!!! Absolute perfection. When the narration were announced I knew they would nail these two characters so well! With Sebastian gruff voice he brought out the grumpy and possessive side of McCabe so well! Angelina can play a boss babe, shes proved that so many times. And her performance for AJ was PERFECT. Eyeball reading AJ's character first had me putting so much focus into AJ's badass side. But hearing Angelina voice her character truly made me see so much more of AJ. Not only her bossy badass personality, but also her sweet tender side shined in Angelina's performance for her. Absolutely recommend this audiobook. It was perfectly cast!
August 26, 2025
arc review >>
4.25
I had high hopes for this one, and Julia absolutely delivered on every single one. Ronan McCabe;what a man. He was everything I wanted and more,an incredible father and the perfect partner. His character was written with such warmth and charm that it was impossible not to fall for him.
Our female main character? She was a total badass, and I loved every second of her chapters. She was strong, resilient, and so well-developed that I found myself rooting for her the entire time. On the other hand, her ex-husband? An A-class jerk, if you ask me.
This book felt like a warm hug on a cold day-comforting, heartfelt, and exactly what I needed. It had everything I look for in a great read, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
4.25
I had high hopes for this one, and Julia absolutely delivered on every single one. Ronan McCabe;what a man. He was everything I wanted and more,an incredible father and the perfect partner. His character was written with such warmth and charm that it was impossible not to fall for him.
Our female main character? She was a total badass, and I loved every second of her chapters. She was strong, resilient, and so well-developed that I found myself rooting for her the entire time. On the other hand, her ex-husband? An A-class jerk, if you ask me.
This book felt like a warm hug on a cold day-comforting, heartfelt, and exactly what I needed. It had everything I look for in a great read, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
February 10, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Another amazing read by Julia Connors!! This is my favorite in the series so far!! I ate it up!
Ronan McCabe is perfection!! Am I going to obsess over him?! Yes, yes I am. The way he was with Abby was SWOON worthy!! He will do anything for that little girl! Even with AJ, he has been looking out for her since the moment he laid eyes on her! He is so protective and that’s hot. He knows AJ can take care of herself but that doesn’t stop him from showing her he can be there for her!
AJ!! I loved her! I love how Julia put her as a powerful female GM in a men dominated sport, especially hockey!! The way she cared for Abby like she was her own! I was giddy! So so so good!!
They were everything! I will always recommend this series!!
Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
🩷Single Dad
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🩷Workplace Romance
🏒Reverse Age Gap
🩷She’s His Boss
2/5🌶️
Another amazing read by Julia Connors!! This is my favorite in the series so far!! I ate it up!
Ronan McCabe is perfection!! Am I going to obsess over him?! Yes, yes I am. The way he was with Abby was SWOON worthy!! He will do anything for that little girl! Even with AJ, he has been looking out for her since the moment he laid eyes on her! He is so protective and that’s hot. He knows AJ can take care of herself but that doesn’t stop him from showing her he can be there for her!
AJ!! I loved her! I love how Julia put her as a powerful female GM in a men dominated sport, especially hockey!! The way she cared for Abby like she was her own! I was giddy! So so so good!!
They were everything! I will always recommend this series!!
Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
🩷Single Dad
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🩷Workplace Romance
🏒Reverse Age Gap
🩷She’s His Boss
May 29, 2025
Okay then … three for three and now Julia Connors and I are gonna be ❤️besties❤️!!
I met Julia’s word wizardry with this series, and not only do I want to devour her backlist now, but this series is fast becoming one of my favorite sports romance series! I don’t just love the stories, I love the players, and of course their significant others, and the team as a whole!
I’m an audiobook junkie so of course I’ve already devoured the first two books via audio as well as reading, and 🎧✨I just cannot wait to get this story in my ears!!✨🎧 So far, the narrating teams that Julia has picked for her stories have been excellent and have truly brought the stories to life for me vividly. I am positive that she will not fail me with Cross-Checked :)
Speaking of Cross-Checked … what an absolute rollercoaster of emotions this story turned out to be, in the best possible ways! Every emotion you can think of right now, I felt it. I was invested from the very beginning, and it did not let up one bit as the story progressed. If anything, my investment in the story got more intense as the story unfolded and I wanted to feel all the things! This is a story not just about the journey of two people to HEA, but also their own journey over some hurdles of their own in order to even try to get to a HEA. Their dynamic was intense all the time, whether they were at odds or not, intense was the name of the game with these two. And rightly so when you have McCabe, the team Captain and newly single dad, and AJ, the team’s GM, which makes her McCabe’s boss’s boss and a woman holding a position that is predominantly held by her male counterparts, you are bound to have intense be the precursor to just about any circumstance in their journey. And you know what? That entire dynamic was perfectly written and realistically portrayed. The struggle was real, as they say, for these two throughout the story and it was exciting for me as a reader to experience this story unfold so closely to reality.
They start off as opposites and on the defensive but soon figure out that together they are the perfect team. They each bring to each other what the other needs in one way or another, and isn’t that just the perfect romance story to get lost in? Did they have conflict? Sure, but their journey forward and all the other little side circumstances happening to move the story forward were so powerful that whatever drama happened was just a bleep. At least it was to me. I was completely consumed with all things ❤️AJ + McCabe❤️ that everything else was white noise I barely heard. Feel me?
OKAY, that’s all the notes I have so I’m exiting stage left now. See ya next time! :)
I met Julia’s word wizardry with this series, and not only do I want to devour her backlist now, but this series is fast becoming one of my favorite sports romance series! I don’t just love the stories, I love the players, and of course their significant others, and the team as a whole!
I’m an audiobook junkie so of course I’ve already devoured the first two books via audio as well as reading, and 🎧✨I just cannot wait to get this story in my ears!!✨🎧 So far, the narrating teams that Julia has picked for her stories have been excellent and have truly brought the stories to life for me vividly. I am positive that she will not fail me with Cross-Checked :)
Speaking of Cross-Checked … what an absolute rollercoaster of emotions this story turned out to be, in the best possible ways! Every emotion you can think of right now, I felt it. I was invested from the very beginning, and it did not let up one bit as the story progressed. If anything, my investment in the story got more intense as the story unfolded and I wanted to feel all the things! This is a story not just about the journey of two people to HEA, but also their own journey over some hurdles of their own in order to even try to get to a HEA. Their dynamic was intense all the time, whether they were at odds or not, intense was the name of the game with these two. And rightly so when you have McCabe, the team Captain and newly single dad, and AJ, the team’s GM, which makes her McCabe’s boss’s boss and a woman holding a position that is predominantly held by her male counterparts, you are bound to have intense be the precursor to just about any circumstance in their journey. And you know what? That entire dynamic was perfectly written and realistically portrayed. The struggle was real, as they say, for these two throughout the story and it was exciting for me as a reader to experience this story unfold so closely to reality.
They start off as opposites and on the defensive but soon figure out that together they are the perfect team. They each bring to each other what the other needs in one way or another, and isn’t that just the perfect romance story to get lost in? Did they have conflict? Sure, but their journey forward and all the other little side circumstances happening to move the story forward were so powerful that whatever drama happened was just a bleep. At least it was to me. I was completely consumed with all things ❤️AJ + McCabe❤️ that everything else was white noise I barely heard. Feel me?
OKAY, that’s all the notes I have so I’m exiting stage left now. See ya next time! :)
February 9, 2025
This started somewhat good and ended up being...so long and dragged and overdone and they were all annoying after like 50% of the book
February 3, 2025
Good start. In the middle the plot kind of stopped.
February 13, 2025
At first the plot was plotting, the enemies to lovers trope was tropping but then it all got kinda flat. There were some heartbreaking moments. Overall I rate it 3.75 🌟
April 16, 2025
5 ⭐️ audiobook
🎧 Cross-Checked by Julia Connor’s
Why you’ll love this audiobook!
Enemies To Lovers
Single Dad
Reverse Age Gap
Forces Proximity
Female GM x Hockey Captain
I loved listening to this audiobook the narrators Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca brought these characters to life I loved every second of it!! I loved getting to hear AJ and McCabe they came even more alive to me than they did in the book I read a while ago.. I loved getting to hear there banter in audiobook..I have giving this a higher review in audiobook I am giving 5 ⭐️
4⭐️ kindle version
This is my first book to read of Julia Connors and what an awesome slow burn 🔥.. I am a sucker for a hockey romance and single parent but I just started reading reverse age gap I don’t know why I waited so long to read them but dang I was missing out!! These two the connection they both they have is 🔥 smoking hot after the event that made them have a meeting but dang after that there the fight to stay away kept getting harder to keep it professional.. I love how Abby connects with Abby ..
🎧 Cross-Checked by Julia Connor’s
Why you’ll love this audiobook!
Enemies To Lovers
Single Dad
Reverse Age Gap
Forces Proximity
Female GM x Hockey Captain
I loved listening to this audiobook the narrators Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca brought these characters to life I loved every second of it!! I loved getting to hear AJ and McCabe they came even more alive to me than they did in the book I read a while ago.. I loved getting to hear there banter in audiobook..I have giving this a higher review in audiobook I am giving 5 ⭐️
4⭐️ kindle version
This is my first book to read of Julia Connors and what an awesome slow burn 🔥.. I am a sucker for a hockey romance and single parent but I just started reading reverse age gap I don’t know why I waited so long to read them but dang I was missing out!! These two the connection they both they have is 🔥 smoking hot after the event that made them have a meeting but dang after that there the fight to stay away kept getting harder to keep it professional.. I love how Abby connects with Abby ..
May 26, 2025
Ok, listen. I came into the middle of this series and am definitely going back to read the first two books. This was ADORABLE. I loved them both. Enemies to lovers, second chance, hockey, low angst (some triggers though so check those) and no third act break up? Sign me UP. AJ and McCabe... gah. I loved them both and this was spicy but still gave me the most amazing butterflies.
January 24, 2025
WE LOVE WOMEN IN MALE-DOMINATED FIELDS!!!!
alessandra jones is an icon and the first female gm in nhl history??? QUEEN!
i loved this book so much and aj & mccabe are officially my new favorite boston rebels couple <3 everything about them was so perfect like 10/10 no notes. their shared history made their story so fun and it gave them so much depth and room from growth (which they did)
the found family of it all was so good and the way aj was with abby was so good and everything about this was so good
i CANNOT WAIT for the next book!! my jaw was on the floor when i knew for sure who the next couple would be. i need book 4 to come out asap!!
thank you julia for the arc!!
alessandra jones is an icon and the first female gm in nhl history??? QUEEN!
i loved this book so much and aj & mccabe are officially my new favorite boston rebels couple <3 everything about them was so perfect like 10/10 no notes. their shared history made their story so fun and it gave them so much depth and room from growth (which they did)
the found family of it all was so good and the way aj was with abby was so good and everything about this was so good
i CANNOT WAIT for the next book!! my jaw was on the floor when i knew for sure who the next couple would be. i need book 4 to come out asap!!
thank you julia for the arc!!
August 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
After reading 4 emotionally devastating, dark fantasy book, a good hockey romance is the best pallet cleanser 🙌🏻
3 🌶️
After reading 4 emotionally devastating, dark fantasy book, a good hockey romance is the best pallet cleanser 🙌🏻
February 9, 2025
The series has kinda lost me.
I don’t know anymore.
I really loved book one, and the hype around book #2 was there but then I felt like Colt and Jules fell really flat.
Same here, I liked AJ and McCabe and thought they brought a nice dynamic you don’t see often but the book just dragged and didn’t keep me interested.
I think I’m done with the series, not sure I’ll read the next one.
I don’t know anymore.
I really loved book one, and the hype around book #2 was there but then I felt like Colt and Jules fell really flat.
Same here, I liked AJ and McCabe and thought they brought a nice dynamic you don’t see often but the book just dragged and didn’t keep me interested.
I think I’m done with the series, not sure I’ll read the next one.
February 10, 2025
algumas partes foram mt boas, outras mt ruins. tem TANTO sexo que eu pulei algumas paginas pq ja nao aguentava mais!!!
February 21, 2025
I started in the middle of a series because I really wanted this story. I had trouble with this because I JUST read Caught up with the amazing Kai Rhodes so he may be unmatched for single father so McCabe wasn't really doing it for me. Like often I was like where is your child, sir?
February 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Cross Checked was another solid read in the Boston Rebels series. I appreciate a book where there are women dominating in the sports world without it being a feminist rant. It was tasteful, believable and made her so likable especially with how those on the team and within the organization treated her because her work spoke for itself, not her gender. This books about a hockey player who’s a single dad and his female GM falling in love during his contract negotiation year amidst their stolen moments and hidden past. I loved the found family of this book with the universe of characters we’ve been reading in the series, but I felt like the author glossed over both of their familial histories, past relationships, and Ronans grandma dying. There were a lot moments that felt like the build up was more exciting than the moment it led to because once we got to things like why they hated each other, why she got divorced, what happened with his grandma, what happened with his contract, what was the message for social media, and so on it just felt like a let down or we moved on too quickly. It was a slow burn sports romance with lots of (skippable) spice, a girl boss breaking sports glass ceilings, a brooding hockey player that’s actually a big, protective softie, and an adorable 9 month old girl that loves to knock down blocks at its core.
This story follows independent, girl boss, first female GM in the NHL, FMC, AJ, and MMC, Ronan, a hockey player for AJ’s team during a year of contract negotiations with a secret shared past, a long harbored crush, and a 9 month daughter. Ronan hides his crush on AJ by projecting that he hates her, he’s closed off, and insists on pissing her off every chance he gets. Once she’s finally had it and the metaphorical gloves come off, the two of them work through some intense past history dating nearly a decade at the beginning of both of their careers and both of their not so secret crushes from their early days get the best of them. AJ determines it can never happen again while Ronan will not stop until she’s his. AJ is determined to keep him at bay with the playoffs in motion, the logistics of her being his boss, her being up for the GM of the Year award, and the PR nightmare this would cause questioning her morals and ethics. As they get to know each other and Ronan sees how she is with his sweet daughter, Abby, they begin to trust each other and really realize found family and the family you make is sometimes stronger than the one you were given and that’s okay. The two of them go through some crisis’ throughout the book, but secretly and then with the help of found family work through them together making their love strong, believable, and seemingly real.
Trigger warnings: death of family member mentioned, cheating relationship, toxic family, toxic ex, ex husband, divorce, emotional abuse
Enemies to lovers. Workplace romance. Hockey Romance. Sports romance. Single dad. Neighbors. Age gap. Slow Burn. First person POV. Dual POV. Language. Spicy.
Rereadable? No
Cross Checked was another solid read in the Boston Rebels series. I appreciate a book where there are women dominating in the sports world without it being a feminist rant. It was tasteful, believable and made her so likable especially with how those on the team and within the organization treated her because her work spoke for itself, not her gender. This books about a hockey player who’s a single dad and his female GM falling in love during his contract negotiation year amidst their stolen moments and hidden past. I loved the found family of this book with the universe of characters we’ve been reading in the series, but I felt like the author glossed over both of their familial histories, past relationships, and Ronans grandma dying. There were a lot moments that felt like the build up was more exciting than the moment it led to because once we got to things like why they hated each other, why she got divorced, what happened with his grandma, what happened with his contract, what was the message for social media, and so on it just felt like a let down or we moved on too quickly. It was a slow burn sports romance with lots of (skippable) spice, a girl boss breaking sports glass ceilings, a brooding hockey player that’s actually a big, protective softie, and an adorable 9 month old girl that loves to knock down blocks at its core.
This story follows independent, girl boss, first female GM in the NHL, FMC, AJ, and MMC, Ronan, a hockey player for AJ’s team during a year of contract negotiations with a secret shared past, a long harbored crush, and a 9 month daughter. Ronan hides his crush on AJ by projecting that he hates her, he’s closed off, and insists on pissing her off every chance he gets. Once she’s finally had it and the metaphorical gloves come off, the two of them work through some intense past history dating nearly a decade at the beginning of both of their careers and both of their not so secret crushes from their early days get the best of them. AJ determines it can never happen again while Ronan will not stop until she’s his. AJ is determined to keep him at bay with the playoffs in motion, the logistics of her being his boss, her being up for the GM of the Year award, and the PR nightmare this would cause questioning her morals and ethics. As they get to know each other and Ronan sees how she is with his sweet daughter, Abby, they begin to trust each other and really realize found family and the family you make is sometimes stronger than the one you were given and that’s okay. The two of them go through some crisis’ throughout the book, but secretly and then with the help of found family work through them together making their love strong, believable, and seemingly real.
Trigger warnings: death of family member mentioned, cheating relationship, toxic family, toxic ex, ex husband, divorce, emotional abuse
Enemies to lovers. Workplace romance. Hockey Romance. Sports romance. Single dad. Neighbors. Age gap. Slow Burn. First person POV. Dual POV. Language. Spicy.
Rereadable? No
April 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cross Checked is the 3rd book in the Boston Rebels series. However, this was my first book by Julia Connors. This book hooked me from the beginning, and it stole my heart. I am definitely interested in reading the previous books in this series.
AJ is the first female general manager of a hockey team and up for a big award for all her accomplishments. Ronan is a single father of a 10-month-old baby and not a fan of AJ. They have some bad history between them, and now he is fighting with her regarding his contract. They have a contentious relationship due to their complicated past. Things change when she gets injured, protecting his baby when his nanny is a no-show for a game. He offers to take care of her, and they spend a lot of time together, especially since she is his neighbor.
AJ and Ronan finally communicate about their past and get to know each other on a deeper level. I loved all the intimate conversations they had, and their chemistry was amazing. This was a beautiful, slow burn romance. Once they get involved with each other, they are forced to keep their relationship secret because this could look bad for AJ, as his GM.
I adored both of these characters, and AJ was such a strong heroine who was not afraid to fight for herself and her career. I loved how she opened up to Ronan about her inability to have children and how supportive he was.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
The audiobook had duet narration by Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca. They did such an amazing job with their performances. I loved Sebastian’s sexy and gruff voice for Ronan. Angelina showed the feisty and badass traits of AJ perfectly. I couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook and finished it in a day. Highly recommend it!
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cross Checked is the 3rd book in the Boston Rebels series. However, this was my first book by Julia Connors. This book hooked me from the beginning, and it stole my heart. I am definitely interested in reading the previous books in this series.
AJ is the first female general manager of a hockey team and up for a big award for all her accomplishments. Ronan is a single father of a 10-month-old baby and not a fan of AJ. They have some bad history between them, and now he is fighting with her regarding his contract. They have a contentious relationship due to their complicated past. Things change when she gets injured, protecting his baby when his nanny is a no-show for a game. He offers to take care of her, and they spend a lot of time together, especially since she is his neighbor.
AJ and Ronan finally communicate about their past and get to know each other on a deeper level. I loved all the intimate conversations they had, and their chemistry was amazing. This was a beautiful, slow burn romance. Once they get involved with each other, they are forced to keep their relationship secret because this could look bad for AJ, as his GM.
I adored both of these characters, and AJ was such a strong heroine who was not afraid to fight for herself and her career. I loved how she opened up to Ronan about her inability to have children and how supportive he was.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
The audiobook had duet narration by Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca. They did such an amazing job with their performances. I loved Sebastian’s sexy and gruff voice for Ronan. Angelina showed the feisty and badass traits of AJ perfectly. I couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook and finished it in a day. Highly recommend it!
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ALC.
April 9, 2025
~ALC Review 🎧 ~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
~Boston Rebel Series Book 3~Interconnected Standalone~Julia Connors~
~Duet Narrated~Sebastian York & Angelina Rocca~
♡The duet narration for this book was absolutely phenomenal!! Sebastian & Angelina embodied these characters in this audio! The chemistry was spot on, and I loved every second of it! Sebastian was an amazing choice to play Ronan and came across perfectly for a grumpy hockey player. Angelina is one of my favorite female narrators & she voiced the MMC's daughter so perfectly along with bringing boss energy for the FMC♡
♡Cross Checked was my first read by Julia Connors & it definitely will not be my last! This book was amazing! The spice, banter, & chemistry between Ronan, the grumpy captain hockey player & and AJ, the sassy general manager of his hockey team, ticked every box for me!! On top of that, this book was also a reverse age gap (she's older), & he's a single dad, which added to the forbidden chemistry♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
~Boston Rebel Series Book 3~Interconnected Standalone~Julia Connors~
~Duet Narrated~Sebastian York & Angelina Rocca~
♡The duet narration for this book was absolutely phenomenal!! Sebastian & Angelina embodied these characters in this audio! The chemistry was spot on, and I loved every second of it! Sebastian was an amazing choice to play Ronan and came across perfectly for a grumpy hockey player. Angelina is one of my favorite female narrators & she voiced the MMC's daughter so perfectly along with bringing boss energy for the FMC♡
♡Cross Checked was my first read by Julia Connors & it definitely will not be my last! This book was amazing! The spice, banter, & chemistry between Ronan, the grumpy captain hockey player & and AJ, the sassy general manager of his hockey team, ticked every box for me!! On top of that, this book was also a reverse age gap (she's older), & he's a single dad, which added to the forbidden chemistry♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
February 16, 2025
Best book so far. I loved every page of it. Tbh, I just started the series for this book, and it didn't disappoint!
Enemies to Lovers, single dad and she's a boss lady. It was so good. Their chemistry was awesome from the start and the way they evolved from hating and misunderstanding to loving each other was so wholesome.
I love how much this series is about women being awesome in male-dominated fields. Especially AJ. I want to be like her when I grow up. The way she goes from being a workaholic to showing that she can be successful and be a loving devoted mom at the same time was everything.
McCabe was awesome with the way he was always supporting her and having her back. He is such a proud husband and so whipped. He's worshipping the ground AJ walks on and she deserves nothing less!
Enemies to Lovers, single dad and she's a boss lady. It was so good. Their chemistry was awesome from the start and the way they evolved from hating and misunderstanding to loving each other was so wholesome.
I love how much this series is about women being awesome in male-dominated fields. Especially AJ. I want to be like her when I grow up. The way she goes from being a workaholic to showing that she can be successful and be a loving devoted mom at the same time was everything.
McCabe was awesome with the way he was always supporting her and having her back. He is such a proud husband and so whipped. He's worshipping the ground AJ walks on and she deserves nothing less!
April 21, 2025
I haven’t read the first two books in the Boston Rebels series (YET!), but I was given the opportunity to listen to the ALC & I had such a great time! The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York & Angelina Rocca and they bring life to these characters!
This installment follows AJ, the league's first female general manager (badass!!) and Ronan McCabe, the captain of the hockey team, who recently became a single dad. As he is navigating through this new journey, his relationship with AJ is built by tension due to a complicated 😜 history and professional disagreements, however there’s one thing that isn’t disagreeable, their attraction! When an accident leaves AJ injured, McCabe feels responsible and agrees to take care of her.
What to expect:
🏒 slow-burn
🏒 enemies to lovers
🏒 single dad
🏒 reverse age gap
🏒 forced proximity
🏒 mental health rep
Thank you so much to Valentine PR & Julia for the audiobook. 🩷
This installment follows AJ, the league's first female general manager (badass!!) and Ronan McCabe, the captain of the hockey team, who recently became a single dad. As he is navigating through this new journey, his relationship with AJ is built by tension due to a complicated 😜 history and professional disagreements, however there’s one thing that isn’t disagreeable, their attraction! When an accident leaves AJ injured, McCabe feels responsible and agrees to take care of her.
What to expect:
🏒 slow-burn
🏒 enemies to lovers
🏒 single dad
🏒 reverse age gap
🏒 forced proximity
🏒 mental health rep
Thank you so much to Valentine PR & Julia for the audiobook. 🩷
January 22, 2025
I just love book characters with HISTORY
This book had so much substance and so much history it was amazing. I love being so deep in the Julia Connors-verse that I can recognize all of the people mentioned from the other series.
AJ being a badass woman in sports has never missed in the previous books from this series, and absolutely did not miss here. I loved reading her realize that she doesn't always have to be a badass woman in sports and can also just be a girl (she's 40 but yknow, in spirit) hanging out with friends who care about her.
Ronan seems like kinda not a great team captain (he said it himself, don't get mad at me) BUT he's a great dad and boyfriend, sooooooo
This story was such a good slow burn though. They had CHEMISTRY from the start, but it just kept building. The conflict in this story was handled really well and felt like real necessary conflict and not just random petty drama
So far this year it seems that I'm into stories with secrets... we'll see how that goes.
Huge thanks to Julia and her team for my spot on the ARC team!
This book had so much substance and so much history it was amazing. I love being so deep in the Julia Connors-verse that I can recognize all of the people mentioned from the other series.
AJ being a badass woman in sports has never missed in the previous books from this series, and absolutely did not miss here. I loved reading her realize that she doesn't always have to be a badass woman in sports and can also just be a girl (she's 40 but yknow, in spirit) hanging out with friends who care about her.
Ronan seems like kinda not a great team captain (he said it himself, don't get mad at me) BUT he's a great dad and boyfriend, sooooooo
This story was such a good slow burn though. They had CHEMISTRY from the start, but it just kept building. The conflict in this story was handled really well and felt like real necessary conflict and not just random petty drama
So far this year it seems that I'm into stories with secrets... we'll see how that goes.
Huge thanks to Julia and her team for my spot on the ARC team!
February 4, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay but for real, I did not realize I could love a couple more than I did Drew and Audrey, but here we are!
I couldn’t put this down and I cursed the fact that adulting kept taking me away from this book. AJ and Ronan were everything. I loved their enemies to lovers vibe, and then finding out what really happened between them all those years ago… I was so invested.
Julia’s writing always tugs on your heart strings, and I felt so seen when I read about AJs fertility struggles and watching her find this family in McCabe and Abby that loved her just the way she was, I melted. I swooned and I cried . I love them
And I loved the way Ronan was absolutely gone for her.
.
Also I love when woman slay in male dominated fields ans AJ was the girl boss we all needed right now and Ronan, I just loved him and his dirty mouth! And boy was it dirty. 🥵🥵🥵
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay but for real, I did not realize I could love a couple more than I did Drew and Audrey, but here we are!
I couldn’t put this down and I cursed the fact that adulting kept taking me away from this book. AJ and Ronan were everything. I loved their enemies to lovers vibe, and then finding out what really happened between them all those years ago… I was so invested.
Julia’s writing always tugs on your heart strings, and I felt so seen when I read about AJs fertility struggles and watching her find this family in McCabe and Abby that loved her just the way she was, I melted. I swooned and I cried . I love them
And I loved the way Ronan was absolutely gone for her.
.
Also I love when woman slay in male dominated fields ans AJ was the girl boss we all needed right now and Ronan, I just loved him and his dirty mouth! And boy was it dirty. 🥵🥵🥵
June 27, 2025
Julia Connors does it again!!! I am already waiting for book 4 to come out!
After I devoured book 1 & 2 in a weekend I preordered this one and then my TBR got so long I just got to it. Did NOT disappoint because I always was hoping to get an AJ POV book because let’s face it … she’s so interesting to me and a freaking girl boss!!!
McCabe is the perfect level grumpy MMC. In this book you get to see him transform into his role as single father and captain of Rebels that you didn’t get to see in the first 2 books of the series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ If you’re not into smut or on page romance this isn’t for you because once the spice is there you’re in for a ride.
Tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- girl boss / “workaholic”
- single father
- second chance romance
- found family
- age gap
After I devoured book 1 & 2 in a weekend I preordered this one and then my TBR got so long I just got to it. Did NOT disappoint because I always was hoping to get an AJ POV book because let’s face it … she’s so interesting to me and a freaking girl boss!!!
McCabe is the perfect level grumpy MMC. In this book you get to see him transform into his role as single father and captain of Rebels that you didn’t get to see in the first 2 books of the series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ If you’re not into smut or on page romance this isn’t for you because once the spice is there you’re in for a ride.
Tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- girl boss / “workaholic”
- single father
- second chance romance
- found family
- age gap
March 2, 2025
First of all I would like to acknowledge how amazing AJ is, she's like the most amazing GM and person and the only way I can describe her is just a literal girl boss
McCabe is like all grumpy to everyone but then we get to see his super sweet side with his baby daughter which was the absolute cutest
AJ had divorced her absolute loser of an ex husband who treated her so horribly, that when Ronan did the most simple things like caring about her overall wellbeing, she was like on the verge of tears
Anyway it was really good but some parts were a tad boring to me so I had some trouble figuring out what I wanted to rate it
McCabe is like all grumpy to everyone but then we get to see his super sweet side with his baby daughter which was the absolute cutest
AJ had divorced her absolute loser of an ex husband who treated her so horribly, that when Ronan did the most simple things like caring about her overall wellbeing, she was like on the verge of tears
Anyway it was really good but some parts were a tad boring to me so I had some trouble figuring out what I wanted to rate it
April 18, 2025
Reverse age gap has been my jam lately and Cross-Checked brings it along with hockey! AJ is the very successful and driven general manager of the hockey team, making her Ronan's boss. To say the two have some bad blood might be an understatement. Ronan is trying to navigate life with his ten month old daughter and struggling to find a reliable nanny. This leads AJ to stepping in so Ronan is able to play and sparks fly when AJ ends up getting hurt while carrying for his daughter. The angst and enemies to lovers was strong making the tension and build up so good and spicy!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca. They both portray their characters with such ease bringing the chemistry and tense to life. They are phenomenal as AJ and Ronan. Highly recommend!!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca. They both portray their characters with such ease bringing the chemistry and tense to life. They are phenomenal as AJ and Ronan. Highly recommend!!!
January 31, 2025
I have loved every book in this series, but Cross Checked is my favorite because I'm obsessed with AJ and Ronan. AJ is the first female General Manager in the NHL. She's 40 years old, and she has been divorced for years. Ronan is a player on her team, and he has known AJ for years. He had a crush on her in the past, but they have an enemies to lovers, slow burn vibe.
When AJ and Ronan discover that they are neighbors, they start to spend more time together. Ronan is a single father, and when his nanny abruptly quits, AJ watches his daughter during the hockey game. After AJ is injured protecting his daughter, Ronan takes care of AJ. This is where they start to learn more about each other, and things get spicy!
I loved these characters so much, and there are so many amazing tropes: forbidden relationship, she's his boss, age gap (she's 40, and he's 33), hockey romance, and forced proximity.
Thanks to Wordsmith Publicity for an ARC of this amazing book.
When AJ and Ronan discover that they are neighbors, they start to spend more time together. Ronan is a single father, and when his nanny abruptly quits, AJ watches his daughter during the hockey game. After AJ is injured protecting his daughter, Ronan takes care of AJ. This is where they start to learn more about each other, and things get spicy!
I loved these characters so much, and there are so many amazing tropes: forbidden relationship, she's his boss, age gap (she's 40, and he's 33), hockey romance, and forced proximity.
Thanks to Wordsmith Publicity for an ARC of this amazing book.
February 6, 2025
I love seeing women in male dominated professions being trailblazers. Seeing them respected and pushing the limits. AJ was badass in the best possible ways. And I loved Ronan with his daughter and having AJs back. Wanting to see her succeed and stand by her while not overshadowing her path!
February 2, 2025
4.5⭐. Loved this! McCabe and AJ had the best chemistry and McCabe was so down bad for her ♥️♥️♥️.
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