Rebound Control: Chicago Thunder, Book 5

PoV: dual, 1st person Genre: sport romance, MM Tropes / tags: age gap, hurt / comfort, love after loss Oh how my heart ached for Elliot in this one - I already knew that he'd be the kind of character that tugged hard on my heartstrings, but there was a lot more to him than I expected! I've enjoyed seeing Elliot in the previous books, and Rebound Control was a highly anticipated read for me. I completely adored Elliot, and I could recognise myself a lot in his feelings and struggles. The ADHD and autism rep felt very genuine and realistic to me, and I think that Jodi Oliver did an amazing job with his character. He was such a loveable character, and his story had me both crying and laughing. Hunter and Elliot were very sweet together, and the beginning of their relationship made me feel all giddy and happy. They kept running into each other, and the slow build up between them worked very well. They both had their reasons for needing time and patience, and it was super sweet to see them slowly falling in love. Their dates were adorable, and I loved how aware Hunter was of Elliot, he knew how to read him and took care of him. He was the perfect partner for Elliot, even if he didn't always see that himself. Rebound Control was a highly anticipated read for me, and it was everything I could have wished for! It was an emotional and beautiful story, and I loved seeing the pieces fall into place for Elliot - both about himself but also together with Hunter. I pretty much read…

I love Eliot and Hunter. So much love and big hearts. The way Hunter understands Eliot. Such pure joy. The amazing friends are so supportive.

Is it possible to find your top read of the year only three books in? Because I think that just happened. This book is something spectacular and it destroyed me in a good day. I’ve never felt more seen by a character than that of Elliot. I don’t connect so much with his ADHD struggles - but I was sobbing over his struggles of feeling alone while surrounded by people who he knew loved him, feeling lonely and unchosen as the only single one, and wondering what was wrong with him. He carried everything inside and tried not to crack and I felt his struggles viscerally as my own. There was so much tenderness and heartfelt love in this story between Elliot and Hunter. These two made you believe in love and believe in what’s meant to be, will be. They were vulnerable with each other, they were each other’s safe haven and I can’t imagine either of them with someone else. They were simply meant for each other. They both healed something in the other and as much as Hunter was there for Elliot, Elliot was there for Hunter. This book will stay with me for a long long time. I can’t put into words how beautiful it was and how much I loved it. Jodi Oliver is a master writer and this might just be her best work yet. What you’re getting: ADHD rep | found family | hurt x comfort | hockey goalie x firefighter | “show me” | “good boy” | HEA | spice: 🌶️🌶️

Thank you Jodi Oliver for a copy of this book. This review is entirely my own. Elliot Olsen is here and he will live rent free in my head forever!! From the moment we met Elliot in Trade Deadline, there was something about this character, he is what you get when you combine sunshine, a golden retriever and a chaos demon. He is pure sunshine on the page and that sunshine grew brighter and brighter. Hunter Bowen is the fireman that stole Elliot's heart and getting to know him was a joy. He may be a grumpy little storm cloud but you can see bits of the sky pop out, even more once him and Elliot get to know each other. This book is sunshine incarnate, a heartwarming story that will leave you with such joy and absolute happiness that you will want to reread this book over and over to keep that feeling going. This author wrote a character with ADHD with such depth and understanding. The emotions that they were able to write brings this book to life and gives it such vibrancy. From the very first letter to the last you will laugh, you will cry, and the smiling will not stop. The bad thing? The book ended. This book is a top favorite and one that I will read and reread.

i’ve been waiting for Elliot’s book. his character has been one i’ve loved since the first book and i love the demisexual and ADHD rep <3