Lincoln (A Los Angeles Quakes Hockey Series Book 1)

Lincoln is the first book in the Los Angeles Quakes hockey series by Alisa Jean. This narrative examines the high-stakes world of professional hockey and follows Lincoln Cavanaugh, a seasoned goalie struggling with a recent slump, personal doubts, and injuries. The book takes readers on a rollicking ride through some of the Lincoln’s wins and losses on the ice, complicated by his growing romantic tension with Catherine Bishop, the ambitious daughter of the Quakes’ owner. As Lincoln fights to regain his confidence after a string of defeats, he also has to tactfully handle a secret relationship with Catherine, an influential businesswoman with her own ambitions to own an NHL team. Their chemistry ignites and grows against the backdrop of team rivalries, media scrutiny, and personal sacrifices. Can their romance endure the tests of time, and will Lincoln be able to regain his glory on the ice?

As I read this book, I became painfully aware of how fan sites and the media can undermine an athlete's confidence. And Alisa Jean is adept at exploring this aspect of the relationship between players and their fanbase. The author vividly depicts the intense atmosphere of the hockey world—locker rooms, arenas, and team-bonding moments—against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles and New York. The characters are richly developed: Lincoln is a dedicated veteran with a fierce love for the game, facing physical injuries and a growing lack of self-confidence, while Catherine exudes ambition, intelligence, and control. These characters are likeable and deeply flawed, and the author cleverly develops them around themes of loyalty, love, ambition, and the struggle to balance personal desires with professional obligations. The setting captures the glitz and grit of professional sports, and I loved the brutal competitiveness and the friendships that are characteristic of hockey culture. You are treated to a delightful combination of adrenaline-pumping hockey action with heartfelt romance in this tale of passion, sport, and sacrifice. I couldn’t put Lincoln down, and I was utterly invested in the genuinely flawed, finely drawn characters.