Against All Odds

Holt Hockey, Book 2

By: C.W. Farnsworth

Narrated by: Connor Crais, Erin Mallon

Rylan Keller is dreading the start of spring semester. After choosing a college across the country and spending the past fall abroad, she’ll be a Holt University student. Worse than starting over at a new school? Starting over at a new school where your dad is the head coach of the men’s hockey team. And reluctantly agreeing to tutor a player, then coming face-to-face with the guy you thought you’d never see again.

Aidan Phillips has a reputation on campus. One he’s carefully curated to include limited reliability or responsibility. Outside of hockey, he spends his free time drinking, partying, and flirting. Often all three.

He’s a player off the ice as well as on it. Gorgeous, carefree, reckless. His one goal is to finally win Holt a championship, which he can only do if he keeps up his end of the tutoring arrangement. Hooking up with his tutor would be stupider than failing in the first place, even if the tutor in question wasn’t his coach’s daughter.

Rylan is determined to excel at Holt and make her fresh start a success. To finally have some fun, and not with a hockey player. Except, the more time they spend together, the harder it is to hold back.

But no matter how tempting giving in might be…the odds are stacked against them.

©2024 C.W. Farnsworth (P)2024 C.W. Farnsworth

A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Sports, and Redemptio

I recently enjoyed listening to the ALC copy of the audiobook “Against All Odds” by CW Farnsworth, narrated by Connor Caris and Erin Mallon. This remarkable audiobook stands out for its exceptional storytelling and captivating characters. Farnsworth has a knack for creating solid and well-rounded stories that resonate with the audience, and this book is no exception.

The story revolves around Rylan Keller, a college student starting over at Holt University, where her father is the head coach of the men's hockey team. Rylan's initial reluctance to tutor a player leads her to Aidan Phillips, a charming and carefree hockey player with a reputation on campus. As the story progresses, Farnsworth skillfully explores the complexities of their relationship, delving into themes of personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and the power of connection.

What sets this audiobook apart is the depth and authenticity of the characters. Rylan and Aidan are not mere stereotypes; they are flawed and multi-dimensional individuals who undergo significant development throughout the story. Farnsworth's portrayal of their emotional journey is compelling and heartfelt, allowing listeners to connect with their experiences truly.

The narration by Connor Caris and Erin Mallon further enhances the story's quality. Both narrators bring the characters to life with their exceptional performances, capturing the nuances of their personalities and emotions. Caris and Mallon's voices are engaging and expressive, making it easy for listeners to immerse in the story entirely.

Additionally, Farnsworth's writing style is engaging and fluid, making the audiobook a pleasure to listen to. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping the audience engaged without feeling rushed. The dialogue is natural and believable, adding depth to the interactions between the characters.

Overall, Against All Odds is a standout audiobook that combines romance, sports, and personal growth compellingly and authentically. CW Farnsworth's masterful storytelling, combined with the excellent narration by Connor Caris and Erin Mallon, makes this audiobook a must-listen for anyone looking for a captivating and emotionally satisfying story.

Aidan and Rylan

Star Rating: 4.5/5
Heat Rating: 3/5
Audiobook 5/5

What to Expect:
- College Hockey Romance
- Forbidden Romance
- Coach’s Daughter
- Hockey Player x Tutor
- Reformed Playboy
- He Falls First
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- Dual POVs

Against All Odds is the second book in the Holt Hockey series. I have not read book one, which is about Conor and Harlow, so this is my introduction to the Holt Hockey guys. This was a really fun read. Aidan is a playboy who does everything he can to coast through life, but one thing he does care about is winning a hockey championship. Rylan is smart, confident, and looking for a fresh start at Holt. She is also the head hockey coach's daughter. When Aidan struggles academically, Rylan's father asks her to tutor him. I loved Aidan and Rylan's relationship. Everything seemed natural to them. Aidan and Rylan had amazing chemistry, and the banter was fun. I loved getting to know the characters, especially Aidan. I liked that Aidan was not the hockey team's star, and I enjoyed witnessing his growth. Rylan had faith in Aidan and helped him realize he was much more than what he was giving himself credit for. I loved the main characters, the secondary characters, and the friendships. Against All Odds is a well-written, feel-good story that is easy to read and hard to put down.

NARRATION:
The narrators, Connor Crais and Erin Mallon, did a wonderful job. Their performances were exceptional, and they really brought Aidan and Rylan to life. Connor and Erin expertly portrayed the characters' personalities and the emotions they experienced. The audiobook was highly entertaining and kept me engaged in the story. Connor and Erin's narration absolutely enhanced my listening experience by pulling me into the story.

Great audio

I received this audiobook to listen to and post my reviews by Valentine PR.
Connor Crais & Erin Mallon did an amazing job. I thought both of them did the characters justice. When I was listening I felt I was really listening to two college age students falling in love. This is the third book of Connor’s I have listened to and he is becoming a favorite of mine. Erin again rocks it and is why she is one of the best female narrators out there.
This is the second book in the Holt University series. This is a standalone so you don’t need to read the first book. We meet Aiden & Rylan. They have a one night stand and a few weeks later Aiden finds out she is his tutor along with being the coach’s daughter. This was a great slow burn & forbidden romance. I love the Farnsworth’s writing. I loved the chemistry & love these two had. Not much drama but this was a great sweet story.

Another great NA Romance!!

A steamy college romance that follows the school’s hockey playboy and the good girl tutor.. who happens to be his coach’s daughter

On audio, Connor Crais and Erin Mallon, two of my favorites, did a great job bringing the characters and undeniable chemistry to life. It was so easy to fall in love with Rylan and Aidan and the entire Holt Hockey crew.

Read if you like:
-Coach’s daughter
-He’s my tutor
-One Night Stand
-Hockey player
-He falls first

ADORED THIS

I just ADORED this!!

🏒 college hockey romance
🏒 player & coach's daughter
🏒 dual POV
🏒 multiple open door scense
🏒 no 3rd act break-up

This was just a fun college hockey romance! After a one-night hook up over winter break, both Aidan (our MMC) and Rylan (our FMC) find themselves thrust together when she transfers to the school her dad coach's at and ends up tutoring Aidan! These two had great chemistry and it was a slow build to a full relationship, which I enjoyed. I also just really enjoyed that there was no 3rd act break-up!

Thank you to Valentine PR for an ALC of this audiobook - all opinions are my own!