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Julia Connors
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Center Ice (Boston Rebels Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Julia Connors (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 9,985 ratings

I’ve always been a wild card – the first to start a fight on the ice, and the life of the party off it – but appearances can be deceiving.

Being traded to the Boston Rebels could not have come at a better time. With serious family obligations to fulfill and a contract renewal with a new hockey team on the line, I have no time for anything else. I return to Boston knowing I need to buckle down and focus on what really matters.

But the first night I’m back in town, I come face to face with Audrey, my college calculus tutor. We had a brief fling right before I was drafted into the NHL. Now, her five year old son is standing by her side, and I don’t need a tutor to do that kind of math.

Audrey insists she doesn’t want me involved in Graham’s life unless I can commit to being a dad. With everything else going on, this is the worst possible timing.

But every minute I spend with Graham and Audrey feels exactly right, and I’m left questioning everything I thought I wanted.

Because now my goals are shifting, and getting what I really want might come at the expense of the game I’ve given my entire life to.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Center Ice is book 1 in the Boston Rebel series, which features interconnected standalones about the players on a fictional professional hockey team.

Tropes:
* Secret baby/child
* Second chance
* Single mom
* He falls first
* Strong female friendships

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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Boston Rebels
  2. Print length
    442 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 19, 2024
  5. File size
    1.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “If you ever speak about the mother of my child and my future wife that way again, you and I are done. For good. Understand?”
    Highlighted by 2,774 Kindle readers
  2. “I appreciate the thought, but the only name I wear on my back is my own.” He leans in so close his lips graze my earlobe and the sparks of desire shoot straight through me. “Don’t worry, baby, one day my last name will be yours.”
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  3. Pretty sure I’ve made it clear that you’re my future wife. But sure, you can call yourself my girlfriend if you need to put a label on this.
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From the Publisher

She's the weak side
I didn't know I had...
and I'm not sure I want to give her up.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C3Z24C7Q
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (January 19, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 19, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 442 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 196256004X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 9,985 ratings

About the author

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Julia Connors

Julia Connors

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Julia Connors is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling author of spicy sports romances. She 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.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
9,985 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance book for its roller-coaster of emotions and hockey romance elements, with one review highlighting its healthy relationship trope. Moreover, the characters are well-developed, and customers find the writing easy to read, with one noting the smooth character growth. Additionally, the book features sweet moments with a little spice, and customers find it entertaining with plenty of laughter. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it good while others say it's slow at the beginning.

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70 customers mention "Readability"70 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and amazing, with one customer describing it as swoon-worthy.

"One of the best hockey romances I've read in a while. Secret child is one of my favorite tropes...." Read more

"This book was good I enjoyed the story and characters...." Read more

"...I think it was a cute idea, but when everyone started just knowing that little fun moment between characters was lost and felt repeated...." Read more

"Center Ice by Julia Connors is the perfect blend of hockey, Boston charm, and sizzling romance...." Read more

48 customers mention "Emotional content"42 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the emotional content of the book, describing it as a roller-coaster of feelings with the right amount of drama and family dynamics, particularly appreciating Drew and Audrey's story.

"...It's a gorgeous romance and has some realistic details about a pro hockey player's life. The book just flows naturally...." Read more

"...I loved the roller-coaster of emotions and was truly invested in finding out what would happen at the end." Read more

"...♥︎ While the narration alone is incredible, the story itself draws me in completely...." Read more

"...There was plenty of tension hinted through the book, and I’m so ready to see where her journey leads" Read more

34 customers mention "Romance"34 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as sweet and filled with love, with one customer noting it's a fun-filled second chance romance.

"...Secret child is one of my favorite tropes. It's a gorgeous romance and has some realistic details about a pro hockey player's life...." Read more

"This book was good I enjoyed the story and characters...." Read more

"Amazing story with lots of spice. Great backstory and very relatable...." Read more

"...undeniable chemistry, it delivers all the spice and tension you crave in a sports romance." Read more

26 customers mention "Character development"23 positive3 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer noting their smooth development and another highlighting the strong female lead.

"This book was good I enjoyed the story and characters...." Read more

"...Great backstory and very relatable. The characters are very realistic, which helps the reader really get involved in the story...." Read more

"...With a broody hockey star, a strong heroine, and undeniable chemistry, it delivers all the spice and tension you crave in a sports romance." Read more

"...has one of the most amazing voices, even mastering female character interpretations flawlessly...." Read more

25 customers mention "Spice content"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the sweet and spicy elements in the book, with one customer noting it's melt-worthy.

"...There was spice which was good also, although I felt the movement between the very sweet storyline to the spice was a little awkward...." Read more

"Amazing story with lots of spice. Great backstory and very relatable...." Read more

"...hockey star, a strong heroine, and undeniable chemistry, it delivers all the spice and tension you crave in a sports romance." Read more

"...way Drew jumped right in to parenthood like he was born for it was so swoony, and I could respect Audrey’s hesitations throughout the start of their..." Read more

22 customers mention "Writing quality"17 positive5 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting the spot-on editing.

"...♥︎ While the narration alone is incredible, the story itself draws me in completely...." Read more

"...It’s a cute book. Nice, quick, fluffy read with some spice." Read more

"...The way I was able to feel all the emotions and insecurities, it read so easy and fast!..." Read more

"...Let’s focus on the happy stuff. So well written, but the beginning was a little slow. Not bad, just slower to get started...." Read more

17 customers mention "Fun read"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining with funny moments, and one customer notes how the characters challenge each other in a great way.

"There were some fun moments, but there was just a lot that felt like it was lacking with characters and plot. It all just felt rushed, I’m not sure...." Read more

"...Overall I liked this book. It was fairly lighthearted and entertaining. I liked seeing Drew develop a relationship with Graham...." Read more

"...This read suddenly made me love the healthy relationship trope. Overall really enjoyed, but not sure I would read again." Read more

"...These two are perfect for each other and challenge each other in a great way...." Read more

13 customers mention "Pace"9 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it good and flowing naturally, while others note it starts a bit slow.

"...The book just flows naturally. Nothing seems forced or prolonged to equal a certain number of pages...." Read more

"...Together, they deliver a smooth and impressive performance...." Read more

"...Let’s focus on the happy stuff. So well written, but the beginning was a little slow. Not bad, just slower to get started...." Read more

"...It was fast paced, and sweet focusing mostly on Audrey and Drew with little glimpses of their son...." Read more

Second Chance Romance… Say Less
5 out of 5 stars
Second Chance Romance… Say Less
Center Ice by Julia Connors is an amazing hockey romance book. It has tropes like second chance romance and semi reverse grumpy/sunshine. Additionally, the FMC is a single mom and the MMC is a famous hockey player (who is obviously the baby daddy… which we love 🤭). I loved this book for several reasons, not only do we see Drew grovel to Audrey, but in a way he also “grovels” to build a relationship with his child. We see our MMC start to second guess everything he thought he stood for prior to coming back into Audrey’s life, and having Graham (their child) in the picture now too, we see some serious character growth from Drew (and it’s swoon worthy 😮‍💨). Overall, Julia Connor’s is able to capture an amazing second-chance hockey romance. This trope is unique for hockey romances (at least that I have read) and it was done really well. This book definitely deserves 5/5 stars and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a second chance with a happy ending 🏒💙 (Review Written by Audrey… Susan is my mom lol)
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Patilu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent example of a good hockey romance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best hockey romances I've read in a while. Secret child is one of my favorite tropes. It's a gorgeous romance and has some realistic details about a pro hockey player's life. The book just flows naturally. Nothing seems forced or prolonged to equal a certain number of pages. There was tension of course which makes the book interesting but nothing was prolonged to the point that the reader gets frustrated with a characters.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Hockey Trope
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book was good I enjoyed the story and characters. There was spice which was good also, although I felt the movement between the very sweet storyline to the spice was a little awkward. Still Ill read more
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  • Courtney perry
    3.0 out of 5 stars SPOILERS.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There were some fun moments, but there was just a lot that felt like it was lacking with characters and plot. It all just felt rushed, I’m not sure. When they took the kid to introduce him it was like everyone just knew. 70% through the book everyone around him but him knows and when they tell him he just magically knows too. I think it was a cute idea, but when everyone started just knowing that little fun moment between characters was lost and felt repeated. I get they looked a lot alike but it was like everyone just went with it and even the kid, we waited the whole book for a huge reveal and nothing really happened it just felt brushed off. It’s not a terrible read, it was a cute read. I just think it really needed some more moments with the kid and that him finding out and others shouldn’t have been so easy. When reading a secret baby book, the kid and everyone knowing is one of the big moments to push in books like this.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing story with lots of spice. Great backstory and very relatable. The characters are very realistic, which helps the reader really get involved in the story. I loved the roller-coaster of emotions and was truly invested in finding out what would happen at the end.
    Helpful
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  • Amanda.b
    4.0 out of 5 stars Yes yes and yes❤️
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Center Ice by Julia Connors is the perfect blend of hockey, Boston charm, and sizzling romance. With a broody hockey star, a strong heroine, and undeniable chemistry, it delivers all the spice and tension you crave in a sports romance.
    Helpful
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  • Ashley Garcia
    5.0 out of 5 stars the sweetest.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was hands down one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read. With their previous history, the instalove didn’t feel too cheesy. The way Drew jumped right in to parenthood like he was born for it was so swoony, and I could respect Audrey’s hesitations throughout the start of their relationship too. I love the lack of third act break up but still a conflict to resolve…and….spoiler….

    That was without a doubt the absolute sweetest damn proposal I’ve ever read.
    Helpful
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  • 🌼Daisy H.
    4.0 out of 5 stars 🎧amazing narration🎧
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    🎧𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
    𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐀𝐫𝐧𝐝𝐭 & 𝐓𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧

    𝐇𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
    𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲
    𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦
    𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

    ♥︎ In their college days, Drew and Aubrey had a fling. Years later, fate brings them together once again. Little did Drew know, he had a son with Aubrey. Now, they find themselves in a predicament, uncertain of how to reveal the truth to their son and their families. However, Drew is determined to get to know his son, refusing to walk away.

    🎧When I discovered that Teddy Hamilton and Andi Arndt were the narrators of this book, I knew I had to drop everything and listen. Andi's talent for seamlessly transitioning between voices and adding unique qualities to each character never fails to impress. Meanwhile, Teddy Hamilton has one of the most amazing voices, even mastering female character interpretations flawlessly. Together, they deliver a smooth and impressive performance.

    ♥︎ While the narration alone is incredible, the story itself draws me in completely. I admire how Drew quickly immerses himself in his newfound role as a father. Aubrey, on the other hand, exhibits a natural instinct to protect her child, which any mother could relate to. However, I can't help but find it slightly irritating that Drew never reached out to Aubrey after many missed calls. That said, I thoroughly enjoy this narrative and look forward to exploring more works by this author.

    ♡︎ All in all, this audiobook is a delight for your ears with a great story and brilliant performances. If you have a soft spot for hockey romances, then this is the perfect audiobook for you.

    𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟓 ⭐️
    𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟑/𝟓🌶️
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Karina Albarran
    3.0 out of 5 stars Julia Connors is becoming a go-to author
    Reviewed in Spain on February 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If you are looking for a recommendation to confirm that you SHOULD read this book and you have not read Julia Connors Frozen Heart series (or at least the last book, On the Line, stop right now and go read that first.

    Center Ice may be the official first book of the Boston Rebels series but On the Line is both the end of the Frozen Heart series as well as the prequel to this one. Please, just trust me. There are so many details in Center Ice that you won't fully understand if you don't get the backstory first. Julia quickly summarized some important details in this book that were given with more detail before so I could follow along, but it makes more sense when you have the full picture.

    OK, so have you read On the Line? Were you so fascinated with Jameson Flynn and his family and friends that you want to know more? Well. here you have it in the Boston Rebels series. Unfortunately, it didn't start off quite as high as my expectations had set. Don't get me wrong. There are a lot of things that I like about the story of Audrey and Drew, but there are also so many questions that I have that did not get answered.

    Assuming you followed my advice and read On the Line, you know that Audrey is a single 26/27-year-old mother with a 5-year-old son. She was basically raised as a late teen by her older half-brother, Jameson Flynn, who was a hockey player for the Boston Rebels but then retired early to raise his younger sisters and became a sports agent. Audrey and her sister, Jules, took over their father's failing construction company and reopened it with the financial help of Jameson, promoting women in the construction industry. Audrey had a child in her last year of college, and along with raising his teenage sisters to young adulthood, Jameson is now helping raise his nephew because his sister refuses to divulge the identity of the boy's father. So here we have the story of Audrey, her son and, *gasp* the child's father is now back in Boston. However, he didn't return to take his son. Why? Well, basically because he didn't know he had a son. And here is my first problem. So apparently, Drew and Audrey knew each other in college when she would tutor Drew in calculus. They had a one-night hook-up and then Drew was drafted to a hockey team in Canada and left. Audrey shortly learned she was pregnant and tried to get a hold of Drew but he ignored her calls. Umm... this screams douchebag to me. Why? Well, according to the story (view spoiler)
    Next, are you seriously telling me that Jameson is Drew's agent and didn't see any similarity between Drew and Graham? Okay, he could have his doubts if he didn't know that his sister and Drew knew each other, but he obviously knows what university they both went to and the years that they were there. It's not so far-fetched to think that maybe they had bumped into each other at some point. I mean, if Drew's mother just looked at Graham and knew instantly because of the resemblance...hell, if GRAHAM KNEW because he saw a picture of Drew at 5 years old and thought it was a picture of himself, how could Jameson not at least suspect something?
    Then, Drew and Audrey. I liked the spice between the two but it felt like it moved fast. I mean, we went from them seeing each other at a BBQ, while Audrey was with Graham, Drew instantly realized that this was his son. Then he is telling Audrey that he wants to be in Graham's life, as well as Audrey's marry her and spend forever with her all this over the span of a few days to a few weeks. This after ignoring her calls 6 years before, not thinking about her in 6 years. What?!?! How did his feelings just appear so quickly? When did he get to know the adult version of Audrey? I mean, Audrey is pretty cool. Badass businesswoman, smart, loving, and is there for her family and friends. But Drew hasn't witnessed any of this and he is already ready to spend forever with her?

    And then we have Graham. He is 5 but it feels like he is 50 sometimes. I think he is an old soul who is wise beyond his years and is ZEN. The kid was drawn to Drew from the moment they met, then realized that Drew is his father and just accepts it without question or trauma and is happy go lucky. I call BS. I have 2 children and they have questions about EVERYTHING. There is no way that Graham didn't have any questions and just accepted this but of information like it was only natural that his father is Drew.

    Good story but not great. There were some in the Frozen Hearts series that I liked more. With that said, I'm glad we still have Jameson and Lauren as our anchor between the two series and that Morgan also continues with us here. I want to learn her backstory better and see her fall in love. I know the next book needs to be on Jules Flynn, Jameson's other sister, but I'm hoping Morgan is next.
    Report
  • Maguie75
    5.0 out of 5 stars Secret kid and second chance
    Reviewed in France on January 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is really good. Audrey, Jamison's sister and single mom is surprised when the father of her son is traded to the local team. They soon reconnect and their story is really nice. Drew is perfect for her. I m looking forward to read the next one.
    Report
  • Taylor M
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hockey, Second Chances, and a Secret Son? This One's a Total Page-Turner!
    Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Center Ice by Julia Connors is everything you want in a sports romance! We’ve got Drew, a hotshot hockey player with a bad boy past, and Audrey, his no-nonsense former college tutor. Oh, and did I mention the secret son? Yep, Drew’s life is about to take a major turn when he finds out he’s a dad!

    The chemistry between Drew and Audrey is electric. Their banter, the unresolved tension, and watching them navigate their way through their complicated history made it impossible to put this book down. I loved how Drew went from carefree athlete to a man trying to prove himself to Audrey and their son, Graham. It’s a redemption arc done right!

    Audrey is a fantastic leading lady—smart, strong, and not about to let Drew off the hook too easily. Their journey back to each other is full of emotional highs and lows, but it’s also sweet and heartfelt in all the right ways. And Graham? He’s the cutest little addition, making every scene with him extra heartwarming.

    If you’re into sports romances with a great mix of heat, heart, and second-chance vibes, Center Ice delivers. It’s the kind of story that’ll have you cheering for the characters from start to finish. Definitely a must-read!
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  • Jayd
    4.0 out of 5 stars Really sweet story
    Reviewed in Australia on April 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the comming back together and them working together for there sons best intrest a diffrent story that I really enjoyed
    Report
  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Centre Ice for the Boston Rebels
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Drew and Audrey are fated to meet again and for Drew to realise he has a son from their one night stand back in college. Coming back to Boston to play hockey for his home town team being him back to Audrey who still lives there.
    An intriguing story line and a cast of good friends and family on both sides make for a good read.
    Report

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