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Rebound Control: Chicago Thunder, Book 5

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4.5 / 5.0
Published: 2026

Description

Elliot Olsen has spent the last year defined by what he lost. As a veteran player for the Chicago Thunder, his life on the ice has become a hollow routine, a way to numb the grief that follows him into every locker room. He is tired of being the man everyone worries about, yet he lacks the strength to rebuild the pieces of himself left shattered in the wake of tragedy. Enter the new season and an unexpected connection that threatens to break down his carefully constructed walls. The age gap between him and his newest teammate creates an immediate, magnetic friction, but it is the quiet moments of comfort that truly change everything. Their bond grows not through grand gestures, but through the gentle, persistent act of showing up for one another when the rest of the world fades away. This is a story about finding light after a long winter and learning that healing does not mean forgetting the past. With dual perspectives that pull you deep into their hearts, this slow-burn romance explores the beauty of second chances. It is a tender, deeply emotional journey that proves love can be the most effective medicine for a weary soul.

Customer Reviews

Top 3 from Amazon
T
The Secret Librarian
February 28, 2026
Verified Purchase

I adored Elliot and Hunter!

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…
J
jodikayti
January 21, 2026
Verified Purchase

oh wow

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.
B
Brittney K
January 10, 2026
Verified Purchase

Will be hard to beat this as top read of the year!!

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: 🌶️🌶️