A spicy, character‑driven sports romance where loyalty, ambition, and love collide.
This review is for book 1, in The Los Angeles Hockey Series Bundle by Alisa Jean. As a hockey fan, I’m always drawn to stories that capture the intensity of the game and the heart behind the players. Lincoln delivers both, along with a complicated forbidden romance that tests two flawed but deeply likable characters. While the spice level was higher than I prefer, the emotional depth and authenticity of the hockey world kept me turning pages.
About the Book
Lincoln Cavanaugh is a beloved goalie for the Los Angeles Quakes, known to fans as “Caveman” for his powerhouse saves and gritty determination. But at thirty‑six, rumors swirl about trades, retirement, and whether his future in the crease is slipping away. Catherine Bishop, ambitious, caring, and the daughter of the team’s owner, has dreams of becoming the first female and person of color to own an NHL team. A chance encounter sparks chemistry neither expects, but their connection threatens both of their futures. With careers, reputations, and family expectations pressing in, Lincoln and Catherine must decide whether love is worth the risk.
Book Hook Up: Book Review Lincoln Book 1
While this is a series bundle, this reivew is for Book 1: Lincoln. This story shines because of its characters. In Book 1, Lincoln is a down‑to‑earth hockey star, despite his fame. His vulnerability makes him instantly relatable. He’s loyal, protective in that old‑fashioned way, and quietly wrestling with the reality of aging out of the sport he loves. Catherine is equally compelling. She's ambitious yet caring, deeply connected to her father (owner of the team), and torn between her growing feelings for Lincoln and her dream of owning the Quakes. Her conflict feels real and sympathetic.
Their relationship begins with attraction, but quickly becomes more than physical. They share a preference for a grounded lifestyle over the glitz of fame, and their emotional connection grows alongside the forbidden‑love tension. The secrecy, misunderstandings, and moments of frustration felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for them even when circumstances pulled them apart.
The hockey elements are a major strength. As a fan, I appreciated how authentic the game felt—the locker‑room camaraderie, the adrenaline of big saves, the pressure of a career winding down. Lincoln’s uncertainty about his future pairs beautifully with Catherine’s struggle to step into leadership, creating layered conflict that keeps the plot unpredictable.
This book is spicy, and the intimate scenes are explicit and frequent. While the story itself is strong, engaging, and well written, I personally would have enjoyed it more without the level of sexual content. Still, for readers who enjoy high‑heat sports romance, this will be a hit.
Overall, Lincoln is a compelling blend of sports intensity, emotional growth, and forbidden love. The characters are flawed in the best way, the stakes are clear, and the hockey backdrop adds excitement and authenticity.
There is a King Sumo Giveaway for this tour.
Prize:
Giveaway - $25 Amazon Gift Card plus an eBook of "Brian" - the 4th in the series.
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BookHookUp Content Note
Readers who prefer closed‑door romance should be aware that this is a high‑heat sports romance with explicit intimate scenes central to the relationship. Profanity is present throughout. Themes include career uncertainty, ambition, family conflict, and navigating a forbidden relationship. No graphic violence.
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I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours with no compensation, and all opinions are my own. Book HookUp participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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Taking Shots by Toni Aleo — hockey romance with personal growth and team dynamics
About the Author Alisa Jean
Alisa Jean is the pseudonym for award-winning authors Marla A. White and C J Bahr. They first teamed up over thirty years ago over a bottle of Zima (don’t ask) while polishing their gear for a horse show. They’ve since moved on to better beverages and writing novels.
Separately, Marla prefers to murder characters in the usual way, while C J uses paranormal means. The long-time best friends joined together as a writing team through their mutual love of hockey. Wonder twin powers activated! Their hockey romances examine flawed characters with heart, humor, and sexy sizzle.
Author Links
Website: https://www.alisajean.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567301825132
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52557012.Alisa_Jean
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alisa-jean
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisajean.author/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YMhrYi
Purchase Links:
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