Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)

“Don’t assume the score until the final buzzer sounds.”

Now, here’s a sports analogy that has real world applications, and Kingston Rush and Ellie Kaufman would do well to heed this advice because the journey that they take in Nicole Edwards’ latest release, The Season: Rush, is emotional, frustrating, and extremely complicated for a relationship that’s supposed to be pretend.

Kingston Rush is definitely a mountain of a man, and as goalie for the Austin Arrows, he commands that body with precision and finesse, and those moves also make him quite the dirty-talking alpha in bed. He’s lusted after his best friend’s sister, Ellie, for sixteen years, so when he sees an opportunity to have something real with the girl who’s always been off-limits, he takes it, but he seems to get more than he’s bargained for when that arrangement turns his emotions upside down, forcing him to lose his focus, his patience, and his quick reaction time when things matter most.

There’s nothing more important to Ellie Kaufman than her family, especially her daughter, Bianca, and her brother, Spencer. Bianca is her number one priority so she puts herself last in everything she does, which means when her brother asks for a favor and it’s one that puts her in a rather precarious position with a man she’s had a crush on for many years, she can’t help but give in regardless of what it does to her body and her heart.

What I found most interesting about Rush is the fact that Edwards is telling two stories in one and each one has an impact on the other in both positive and negative ways. Personally and professionally, there’s a lot at stake for both Kingston and Ellie, and, at times, the risks seem far greater than the reward, but that’s only because they’re more invested than they’re willing to admit to themselves and each other.

Operation Scale Mount Rushmore is definitely a mission I can get behind, and let me tell you, Ellie takes on that challenge with every part of herself, even though she tries to keep her distance and her feelings hidden from Kingston. I do have to say that Kingston and Ellie frustrated me several times towards the end of the story because they refused to communicate with one another and those things left unsaid ended up changing the dynamics of their relationship.

I’m a huge fan of Nicole Edwards’ stories. She’s a fantastic storyteller because she provides her readers with a complete view of the main characters and the plot line, allowing us to get inside her hero and heroine’s heads and work through their issues with them while also understanding why they act and say the things they do.

I’m a sucker for a sexy sports romance, and that is exactly what Edwards gives readers in Rush, and with the small hints along the way about a certain captain of the Austin Arrows, I’m sure readers are in for a fantastic second book.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Poison Apples

Let me start with saying that I love this author. I've read two of her series so far and I have yet to be disappointed. I get excited when I receive an email from one of my favorites saying they have a new book coming out, even though the anticipation and wait is grueling.

In Rush we get introduced to Kingston Rush the goal tender for the Austin Arrows. A bad boy in the media (unfounded), a bad boy on the ice (definitely founded), and a bad boy in the sheets (I might need to spend some time with him to substantiate this one). I can admit that I don't know a thing about hockey, but that didn't hinder me at all reading this. I didn't feel lost or have to consult Mr. Google. I could feel his anticipation and dedication when he was on the ice, as if I were also behind his mask. He's been having a hard time with his image and it's been messing up his game. I loved the idea that was presented to fix it. Who doesn't like a long time friend to lovers story?

The female protagonist was completely relatable, and I enjoyed being inside her head for her point of view. I felt myself feeling things right along with her. When she laughed, I laughed. When she cried, I felt the pain. Nicole Edwards seems to have a way of bringing you right into the story so that when you look up from the book, you find yourself surprised you're still sitting in your room, going through some form of emotional ride. This is probably one of my favorite female characters of Nicole's thus far.

I laughed out loud and caught myself giggling many times, especially the text conversations. I've said it before but I feel it needs repeating, Nicole Edwards can write a sex scene. If I didn't have air conditioning I think I'd have to continuously fan myself. Quite a few times I had to look around to make sure no one was looking at me because some scenes were so intimate, I swear it had to be showing on my face.

I highly recommend you read this book. If you don't you're missing out on something great. I know it might seem odd that my review is completely positive, but I really couldn't find a fault with this book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is not just another hockey story, it is the foundation for another great hockey series.
For the non hockey lovers, please note you will be able to read this book and not feel that it is all about hockey. In fact there are many different stories melded into one. You will find the forbidden love of a girl and her brothers best friend, a daughter of a single mom who is looking for answers and a behind the scenes look of what it is like to being famous.

Kingston Rush has the body of a temple, I mean really you have to be to Stanley Cup winning goalie. But unfortunately the press has beaten him down pretty badly with false accusations. This has hurt Kingston both personally, but also his image with the fans and the world of hockey. Affecting his game and it is time to do something about it.

Ellie is a single mom and her family means everything to her. Bianca is her world, and a close second is the Penalty Box Bar that she owns with her best friend. It is clear that Ellie has put everything else first in line when it comes to her love life. Being the sister to the Captain of the Austin Arrow, Ellie is no stranger to the world of hockey.

When Ellie is approached to be the "pretend girlfriend" to Kingston to help bring his image back to where it was before that horrible accusation, she doesn't struggle too long. She has secretly crushed on him for so many years, she figures this might be her only opportunity to get a little bit of Kingston. Funny how everyone around them can see the chemistry they have with each other while they fight it every step of the way. Is there any possibility to them becoming more than pretend? How would everyone react to that? Would it be worth the risk to the friendship they currently have?

I always seem to fall in love with Nicole's characters. I think it is because she has a way of making me feel like I am there and part of the story, not just watching in. I see great stories to come with the secondary characters of the Austin Arrow. Can't wait for more.

4.5 Stars
Rush was one of the most refreshing books I have read in a while. It has all the elements of a great story. Sexy hockey player, spunky single mom, and adorable kid. I love children in books, but only if they enhance the story, and it definitely did with Rush. It also holds all the hotness we have come to expect from a Nicole Edwards book.

Kingston Rush has been falsely accused of being a bad guy and player in the media, distracting him effectively from his game. Yet, he’s determined to turn things around this season and ignore the gossip, until management proposes a solution to his PR problem. A solution he cannot ignore because it presents him with the perfect opportunity to go after what he always wanted.

Ellie Kaufman is a successful single mother. But between her bar and her daughter, she doesn’t have much spare time on her hands, especially to date. Until her brother and his best friend, Kingston, need a favor. A favor that might very well break her heart and blur the lines of friendship she is so careful to maintain with Kingston.

Will they be able to overcome their insecurities and preconceived notions? Will they be able to take the leap or maybe let the best thing that happened slip through their fingers?

I loved Ellie and Kingston. They were hot as hell, especially in the bedroom. But what else do you expect from Nicole Edwards. She truly knows how to heat it up between the sheets. Rush is a sexy, funny, charming, and refreshing hockey book. I loved both characters and their attitude. Ellie is a strong and independent heroine, while Kingston is the perfect gentleman, at least outside the bedroom. However, I did get annoyed with them both at times. The back and forth was a little much. But then, I also understood where each of them is coming from.

Rush was nevertheless a delight to read. And I’m sure Nicole Edwards fans will definitely love this one though, I know I did. It’s a fun read I can’t recommend enough. I can’t wait for the next one!

I have loved every Nicole Edwards book I have read so far and Rush is right up there as one of my favorites! It was really great to read a sports romance from this author and she did a fantastic job in portraying the sports side of the book. Even if you're not a sport fan, you could still follow and understand what was happening.

Kingston Rush can talk dirty to my anytime he wants!!! He made for the perfect book boyfriend! He was so sweet, kind, caring and deliciously HOT but he also had this insecure side to him that just made him adorable. I loved how Ellie was so level headed, she always put her daughter first. She is a heroine to truly admire.

The storyline was fantastic!!! It wasn't something I was expecting so that made the story that much more interesting. These are characters who are in their thirties, so there a maturity within the characters and the writing. It was fun having bits and pieces of the story told through the daughters point of view. She plays an important part in the story to it was great to get her thoughts and feelings. One of the big parts to the story was mentioned pretty early on, so you knew what was going to eventually happen, but you didn't know when or how it was going to play out. It was a big waiting game.

Overall, the story was amazing. In true Nicole Edwards fashion, it was hot, super hot! But it was also funny, sweet, romantic, with some drama thrown in there. The writing was fantastic. The reader gets multiple point of views but its writing in a way so it's not confusing. I am looking forward to reading more, not only from the author but hopefully more in the series. There are some secondary characters that I think would make for some interesting stories!

Read and Reviewed for FMR Book Grind

4 Stars

I love Nicole Edwards books so I was dying to get my hands on this one, I knew I would end up having a new book boyfriend and I jumped straight into this one with high expectations.

Kingston has had some bad press lately so his team comes up with the idea of a pretend girlfriend to show that he has matured and settled down. When I first read the synopsis for this I didn’t expect Kingston to be the type of guy he was, I expected him to be a bit of a jerk and a complete player but that couldn’t be further than the truth. I really liked Rush, he won me over early on and kept my heart throughout.

Ellie’s character was a little harder for me to warm to, there were times I really liked her then others I could barely stand her. She was a great parent to Bianca.

I wanted to knock Ellie and Rush’s head together in certain parts of this story, they were both a bit too stubborn at times and not very good at the whole talking to each other gig.

There was plenty of emotion lining the pages of this book, I felt it as if I was living through it myself.

While I did really enjoy this book there were a few parts I felt dragged on a little long. I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes next for the Austin Arrows and I really hope Noelle and Spencer get a book.

Was I surprised to hear Nicole Edwards would be writing a hockey romance? Hell ,yeah. Was I surprised she could write a book as good as she did? Hell, NO! It seems the queen of ménage can write just about anything. We already knew she could write down and dirty romance and contemporary romance but now she dips her feet into sport romance and man can she write sports romance!

This is my most favorite genre to read with hockey romance at the top of my list. Add a sexy goalie god and you have a fabulous book. This book had everything I love about hockey and romance. The excitement of watching those larger than life men take the ice, the sweet and sexy romance, the conflict, angst and a perfect ending were all there.

As always Nicole added some stellar sub-characters to make the story that much better. Also setting us up to drool over more Austin Arrows and expect more. She weaved a deliciously sexy story with romance, heat and budding new romance.

The Austin Arrows are my new favorite team. There are so many sexy men to drool over but I’m hoping Spencer’s story is next to unfold. Don’t delay and one-click this one.

I have never wanted to climb anything until I met Rush...I would gladly climb #MountRushmore any day!! Not only is he an excellent athlete, he is normal, he has feelings, knows his faults, and would do anything for his friends. Even stay away from a woman he has liked for more years than he would like to count. When an opportunity to get closer to her, he takes that chance. Hoping that he can make it permanent.

Ellie is a single mom trying to get enough sleep everyday to function and make sure her almost teenage daughter stays out of trouble. Rush has been on her radar for a long time but she doesn't want to be anyone's Puck Bunny. She gets talked into(sorta) helping Rush fix his image but maybe she has more than that on her mind.

Enter the world of hockey and sports bars! You won't be disappointed!! Can't wait for the next book!!

Nicole Edwards has hit the puck into the net with this one!

This is a story of best friends who turn to lovers but it is not all smooth sailing for these too. Kingston Rush needs to improve his image after being falsely accused of something but what his captain and best friend suggest could either break or make his friendship with who they want as his "girlfriend".

There are some ups and some downs in this relationship but as the book continues you can see what they are hiding from each other and when they finally admit this then sparks literally fly.

This is a non stop ride that takes you through the development of this relationship to where it needs to be be.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - Naughty Book Eden

Warning Kingston & Ellie will set fire to your kindles.

I have read A Million Tiny Pieces so I was already a tiny bit familiar with the Austin Arrows and was really hoping for more from them. So to say I was a little excited for RUSH was a understatement and Holy smokes Nicole Edwards did not disappoint. However I am ashamed to say I thought the story started off slow at first. Then BAM, as I kept reading I found that more and more the characters were very evolving. I was charmed by their romantic banter and so engrossed by the ending I just couldn't put the book down. I truly enjoyed this book and Im looking so looking forward to what Nicole Edwards has in store for us in the next book in this series..

Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog

When the sexy "Goalie God", Kingston " Mt. Rushmore " Rush, needs a " pretend" girlfriend to help change his image with the fans, who better than to fill the role than his best friend's little sister and the woman he has been crushing on for over a decade, Ellie Kaufman.
Let me start by saying, that I don't, nor have I ever, read a sports novel. It's not my thing. But after reading Rush, I want to find my own "Goalie God", to score on!
The chemistry between Ellie and Kingston is evident to everyone but them. Leaving you wanting to smack them more than one time for not seeing it.
If you like sports reads with hot couples steaming up the pages, then Rush is definitely a book you will enjoy.

My new favorite!! Love Love Love this book!! I was excited to read this story in multiple POVs not just the main characters.

I love Ellie and Kingston their story was written beautifully.
Ellie is a single mom/bar owner with her best friend. Her brother is a famous hockey player who is best friends with Kingston.
Kingston is having bad press and is interfering with his hockey career. A plan is made and a beautiful story is written....

I hope there will be more to read about from the Austin Arrows!!

I just finished reading RUSH. Absolutely loved it. Kingston and Ellie lit up the pages. The under current between the two was felt immediately. Nicole does not disappoint with this book. There is romance, scorching hotness, sweaty, "huge", sexy hockey players and some comic relief by Ellie's best friend, Noelle. The secondary characters leave you wanting more. Maybe in the next book we can coerce Nicole into having Spencer dance for us. I think There is more than one of us who would love to see a sexy as sin man shaking his booty ?
Thank you Nicole for a pleasurable night❤️.
One click now everyone!!

Kingston Rush is definitely sexy
And Ellie, i adore her, I really do .... and I usually don't like women but there is nothing about Ellie you wont fall in love with ....
This book is very well written and the characters are all fantastic and go so well together. I am looking forward to the next in the series
I highly recommend this book
I also highly recommend the author and everything she writes.... shes amazing

I received this for an honest review

First I would like to say thank you big time to Nicole for an amazing alpha and just holy freaking hotness that was jumping straight from the pages of my kindle...

I loved this book from the very beginning to the very freaking end...

Kingston and Ellie are hot and amazing together that they just freaking blew me away!!! I cant not wait for more from this series!! YAY~

I really loved this book by Nicole Edwards.......it's a book about a hot alpha hockey player! This is the story of Kingston "Mount Rushmore" Rush, goalie for the Austin Arrows and single mom Ellie Kaufman. In an interesting twist not only do you get this story in the POV of Kingston and Ellie but also Ellie's 12 year old daughter Bianca which I really loved. I can't wait for next book in this series. #kinkify

I LOVED this book, it was AMAZING. From the moment that I started reading, I could not put it down. The characters are amazing and you cannot help but fell as though you know them personally, the story will grab you and not let go until the very end and the book moves along at a very comfortable pace making it an enjoyable read. There is no doubt in my mind that this book needs to be on your list to be read. It is an amazing read.

I know absolutely zilch about hockey but after reading this, well let me say my interest has been peaked, especially if the players are like Kingston ‘Mount Rushmore’ Rush. Ooh what a hottie!

Rush is the goaltender for the Austin Arrows playing in the NHL. They have been a little down on their luck for the past two years and added to that some bad press for Rush has led to management taking some drastic actions. One being that Rush needs a pretend girlfriend to improve his tarnished image of his one night stand hook up status. His captain and best friend, Spencer has the perfect solution – his sister Ellie. As they have all been mates for years he doesn’t see an issue and Rush wouldn’t ever make a real play for her would he? Well there are things that Spencer doesn’t know and one being that Rush has carried a torch for Ellie for years. Little does he know that the torch carrying is reciprocated.

Ellie is a single mom to Bianca and owns the Penalty Box, a bar that the Arrows team have adopted as their home from home. Her love life is lacking but she’s not one for relationships, in fact her daughter is the result of a one night stand in Vegas well over a decade ago, but having no idea who that guy was, she has pretty much raised Bianca on her own. Her brother and Rush have always been there for her though. She has always had good banter with Rush and anything else she has yearned for with him, she has kept tightly under wraps. Imagine her inner turmoil when the request is put to her. Can she go through with this pretend game without her heart getting crushed?

This was another hit from Nicole Edwards and kept me on tenterhooks throughout. As always the passion and chemistry between the two main characters was intense and smoking hot. I loved how Rush was in ‘kinkyfying’ Ellie, it was hilarious but oh so sexy at the same time.

Something that was a little different was having the third POV as Bianca’s thought process and mainly her intention to try and track down her Dad though Facebook. At first I found this a little off putting but I soon got with the programme and saw how clever it was to add another dimension to the storyline and was kind of like a third party observation of the relationship between her Mom and her beloved ‘Uncle Kingston’ (obviously not all things!)

I was really invested in this sexy read and has got me wanting to know more, especially about Spencer and his dalliances with Ellie’s friend and business partner. Also what’s going to happen with his ex who has been brought in to market the team? Hmm interesting things being put in place for the next books in the series I bet. Loved it and loved Rush! Five stars.

The Season:Rush by Nicole Edwards

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

This whole books it a Goal! I swear Mrs Edwards gets better and better and bring you characters you not only love but that stick with you. Which is why when she throws out people from previous books you eat it up because like the one your reading now, you loved them too!

Rush...where to begin. I loved the H Kingston. He was confident without being cocky. He was hot as heck but what I enjoyed most was how down to earth he seems. Throw in the h with a daughter who also happened to be your best friends sister... You can't help but keep reading. I enjoyed how sassy and take no crap Ellie was and you have me hooked. She was not a doormat at all which was a major score.

My only ehh moment with the books was Bianca at times I felt I wanted to see more of her relationship with Kingston. I felt that was missing a bit for me personally by over all I freaking loved it! And as a friendly reminder.... Go grab her other books while your at it ?

Not your typical, sports, sexy, romance! I just loved the hot, intense, complex and well developed characters introduced in this read. The story was hot, sexy, funny and beautifully written!
Successful hockey player Kingston goes along with false press to improve his image. The outcome was more than he ever imagined!

Another good story from Nicole Edwards. Very enjoyable... Loved the main characters and secondary characters. Rush, the goalie for the Austin Arrows, really is a great guy. Last year he did run into some trouble and the season did not end well. This year the team is doing a makeover and it starts with Rush. Rush needs a pretend girlfriend and that's where Ellie comes in (Rush's best friend, Spencer's sister) Ellie and Rush will become a pretend couple so the fan's believe that Rush has changed his ways and he is not what some fans believe he is. Love the chemistry between the two. Also Ellie has a 12 year old daughter, Bianca, that Rush is great with since she was born. Love the POV from Bianca. The girl has her little story going on.
Looking forward to more books from this series.

Great start to a new hockey series about the Austin Arrows, a Texas based hockey team. This story is about the goalie, Kingston (Mount Rushmore) Rush, and the woman he has been secretly lusting after for many years, Ellie Kaufman, part owner of The Penalty Box, a sports bar. Ellie also happens to be the sister of the team Captain, Spencer (Optimus) Kaufman. Ellie is a single mom to a twelve year girl named Bianca, as she got pregnant during a one night stand in Vegas years ago to someone she only knew as "James" and no way to let him know he is a father. Kingston is very hot, very good at his job and very loyal to his best friend Spencer so stays away from Ellie all these years except as a friend to keep him happy. Ellie is a very dedicated mom and focuses most of her life on her job and her daughter even though she also has lusted after Kingston all these years. Due to circumstances things change dramatically with Kingston and Ellie and things heat up in a big big way. Also other events take place to make this a really great read and a page turner to figure out if a happily ever after is ever going to happen. Totally recommend this book and am looking forward to hopefully getting Spencer's story next. Thanks for this one Nicole - great job as usual.

Kingston Rush fell from grace as a goalkeeper. His life of one night stands is constantly wearing him down. Never recognizing a single face or remembering a name he falls for the owner of the Penalty Box. It was interesting how he fell in the love with one of his Spencer's sister and the dynamics that evolved between the two of them. As his focus changed his abilities on the ice improved as he was no longer distracted by the life he once lead. Ellie gave him the focus he needed as they tentatively take steps forward to have a relationship with one another. He assumed the role of stand in father effortlessly to Ellie's daughter Bianca. Loved the action on and off the ice.

Who knew? Learned a lot about ice hockey. Loved the book, at times it seemed slow, but I love details in a story and this book had it. A long with Kingston and Ellie's point of view, there is the point of view of Bianca, Ellie's 12 year old daughter. A lot going on but easy to follow. A romance with the complication of a 12 year d and the demands of professional hockey.

No cliffhanger
Standalone though book 1 of a larger series
Told from multiple POVs
No major editing issues

I have read every single book by this author and have yet to be disappointed. This book was no exception. It was filled with hotness and just the perfect amount of drama.

Kingston Rush is one of the NHLs hottest goalies. Both on the ice and off. Until someone makes a claim against him that tarnished his name and messes with his game.

Ellie is his best friends sister. She has a 12 year old daughter due to a one night stand in Vegas when she was 21. Something she regrets but doesn't at the same time. How could she when it brought her her daughter.

They have both harbored feelings for each other for years but a pretend relationship to help Kingston's image is what finally brings them together. That is until a twist of fate beings the father of her daughter into her life.

When the chips fall will Kingston and Ellie be able to make it past the surprise reappearance of her baby daddy or will Kingston bow out gracefully.

The book is hot but also loving. The author did a great job setting up the next book too so I can't wait for that to come out.

I always know that Nicole Edwards is going to take me on a crazy emotional ride with her books. Every single one of them. I've read them all and I genuinely love them all. She writes complex, real and likable characters with stories that are well thought out and emotional. I'm always prepared to laugh, cry, get hot and bothered and smile and I'm never disappointed. Ever. Her new series, The Season is off to an epic start with Rush. It's a hockey romance people! I love hockey romances! Rush plays for the Austin Arrows (those of you who read A Million Tiny Pieces, this is Phoenix's team) and he's best friends with the captain, Spencer. The Arrows are about to start a new season and they need to pick up their game. When Phoenix, the manager and the new PR team decides the players need a PR makeover, they start with Kingston Rush, their goalie. He's a veteran player who was accused of something he didn't do and they want to get him back into the good graces with the fans. Against his better judgement, he agrees to have a pretend relationship with Spencer's sister, Ellie, for the media. The only problem? He's had a thing for Ellie since he met her sixteen years ago, but never pursued her because she's his best friends sister. He sees this as an opportunity to finally taste her. Be near her. Openly touch her. What can go wrong? Ellie thinks they are all crazy. She can't pretend to date Kingston. She's been crushing on him since she was eighteen. He's the goalie god for pete's sake! But, here's her opportunity to maybe end her really long dry spell and who better to do it with than Rush? What happens with they stop pretending? Will hearts get broken or just egos? Ellie and Rush have scorching hot chemistry and verbal foreplay that had me fanning myself. He's sexy and pushy, but sweet and funny. Ellis is a single mom who owns the most popular hockey bar in Austin. She's hilarious, smart and kick-ass! This story is filled with ups and downs, twists and turns and a few 'oh s' moments. I laughed, cried and squirmed in my seat! The secondary characters were the icing on the cake. I loved them all, and I loved that they are in their thirties!
Bring on Kaufman!

Right. Pretend girlfriend - which means no chocolate. And no sex. And no . Damn. My loss.

"I shouldn't do this."
"Do what?"
"Kiss you."
Yes, you can. Kiss me. Please. Kiss me. "Why not?"
"Because I'm not sure I'll be able to stop."
Who cares? It's clear my inner hussy doesn’t object.

"I know you want slow," she whispers softly, "but if you keep looking at me like that…I'm going to come without you."
Damn. "Do you even know how hot it is when you say s like that?"

After reading A Million Tiny Pieces, I had hoped that Nicole Edwards would give us more of these characters and she didn't disappoint in this book. I found I couldn't stop reading and when I finished I craved more. I have been a fan of Nicole's books for years and I gobble up every one. The Season: Rush did not disappoint. I loved Rush's struggle and then when he gets the one thing he wanted but was afraid to hope for, it made me love him all the more. He is not some hearts and flowers guy. He is a man who knows what he wants and doesn't apologize for it. What starts as a PR boost turns into to something more, it will change everything. The story pulls you in and makes you fall in love with the characters. I know I personally want more of these characters and I hope Nicole writes more about them. If you are looking for a great romance with heat that will burn up your kindle, look no further. I would gladly give this book my high recommendation. Nicole Edwards has never disappointed her readers and this book just proves what an amazing author she truly is.