Cross Checking

By S.J. Crawford

Right person, wrong time zone.

Luke

Call me jaded, but dating in Toronto is a nightmare. Erik Norberg doesn't just wake me up-he manages to make me forget. We didn't mean to share more than a quick moment after locking eyes in a bar, but nothing about that quiet, attractive hockey player is easy to shake.

I'm crushing hard, in too deep, and I couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, every good thing I have eventually flies off a cliff, or in Erik's case, off to Sweden.

He was a breath of fresh air. Now that he's gone, I'm left gasping for more.

Erik

The first time I wore skates, I found my footing within seconds. I wish talking to new people came as easily. Guys tend to take what they want and let go, but Luke Tremblay sticks around.

He's cool, confident, and I'm hooked from day one-for the first time, I'm not waiting for the other shoe to drop. But when my place in the AHL falls out from under me, staying in Canada isn't an option.

It turns out Luke isn't someone I can leave behind. Step one of moving on is wanting to, and that's where I'm stuck.

Cross Checking is a cozy, low-angst MM hockey romance with a quick spark. It is the second standalone novel in the Off the Bench series. Reading in order is not required.

While situational challenges do arise, this is not a conflict-driven or high-drama narrative, which may not appeal to readers who enjoy angst and considerable internal tension. But for those who enjoy high-heat pining between guys who can't help falling for each other, you'll find that here.

Tropes:

Quick Spark (Instalove)Slice of LifeLong DistanceOpposites AttractHockeyPining

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1069119636
• ISBN13: 9781069119636
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: Evernorth Books
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"