Review: Offside (Rules of the Game #1) by Avery Keelan

*I received a copy of this book from Bramble Books in exchange for an honest review.

Offside

(Rules of the Game #1)

by Avery Keelan

July 8, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

After her ex dumps her on her 21st birthday, Bailey James rebounds right into the arms of her ex's biggest competition, Chase- Antagonizer, womanizer, and infamous left winger for the Boyd University Falcons.

Following a string of scandals and substandard grades, Chase is on thin ice with his teammates and tyrannical coach. The last thing he needs is to have his focus and loyalty called into question by fraternizing with his team's #1 rival. But a beautiful stranger who throws herself at him one night is too tempting to pass up... Until she throws up on his shoes.

Caught in the midst of a bitter rivalry that extends far beyond the arena, Bailey and Chase are on opposite sides of the bench. He's worked his entire life to secure a future in the NHL. She's tagged along for the ride while her brother Derek, star defensive for the Bruder College Bulldogs, has done the same. Fraternizing with the enemy is definitely out of the question. Except this enemy is impossible to resist.

Quick Thoughts: The Night Ends with Fire (The Night Ends with Fire #1) by K.X. Song

The Night Ends with Fire

(The Night Ends with Fire #1)

by K.X. Song

July 2, 2024

Goodreads Summary:

Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.

In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.

With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.