If you’re in the mood for a sizzling, emotionally rich romance with a touch of sports drama, “Strictly for Now” by Carrie Elks might just be your next obsession. As the third book in the Salinger Brothers series, this installment brings a fresh blend of tension, chemistry, and heart. With a grumpy ex-athlete and a determined businesswoman forced to work side-by-side, you can expect sparks to fly, both on and off the ice.
Having already read the first two books in the series, I was eager to dive into Eli Salinger’s story. And wow, did it live up to expectations. It is a swoon-worthy series that charmed me throughout with lighthearted humor, steamy romance, and everything in between.
- Author:- Carrie Elks
- Series:- The Salinger Brothers (Book 3)
- Pages:- 306 Pages
- Genre:- Rom-Com, Enemies-to-Lovers, Sports, Hockey, Workplace.
- My Rating:- 5 Stars
- Goodreads:- 3.89 Stars
About Strictly for Now
Mackenzie doesn’t just dislike hockey; she hates it. Mackenzie’s goal? To turn around her grandfather’s financially struggling hockey team. Eli’s goal? To whip the team into a winning shape, no matter the cost. Clearly, these two are headed towards a collision.
From their very first (cringey and hilarious) meeting, Mackenzie and Eli have been at odds with each other. She’s all about numbers and efficiency. He’s all about heart and grit. And while they might not agree on how to save the team, it is clear that there is serious tension between the two individuals. Of course, neither wants to admit it. But when proximity breeds attraction, their professional arrangement gets complicated. Fast.
With family and relationship drama blended with a few misunderstandings and a press conference that had me internally screaming, you’ve got yourself a very trendy romance that’s both zesty and hot. Whatever the story the reader is looking for, whether it’s the best trope of enemies-to-lovers or sports romance, Strictly for Now delivers.
Strictly for Now Review: Characters with Chemistry
Carrie has done fairly well crafting compelling characters with Mackenzie and Eli. Mackenzie is smart, competent, and driven, but to me her vulnerability was the most striking. She works so diligently to try to prove her value, especially to a family that at times doesn’t seem like they are good enough for her. She is unreasonably loyal, and while that did make her admirable at times, it was heartbreaking as well.
Eli, on the contrary, was grumpy but had a soft side to him. His golden protectiveness and gradual softening around Mackenzie were beautifully written. He was the only one who truly saw her, and he treated her better than anyone with kindness and respect.
Their chemistry was unparalleled. The banter was sharp, the tension juicy, and the way they steadily lowered their defenses felt very organic. It was much more than lust; it was layered with emotion, profound understanding, and unexpressed feelings. The best part of the book for me was watching them fall in love.
Plot That Balances Romance and Sports Drama
Carrie Elks books always have the perfect balance of romance and external conflict. While the budding relationship between Mackenzie and Eli took center stage, the backdrop of the hockey team’s financial crisis added depth and momentum. As someone who isn’t a huge sports fan, I appreciated how accessible and engaging the hockey aspects were. It was clear that the focus remained on the emotional arcs of the characters, while still making the setting feel authentic.
One of the standout scenes was the press conference, which was particularly dramatic. All of the bubbling emotions throughout the story were released here. This is what I believe was one of the main turning points in the entire narrative, showcasing how much was on the line for both characters professionally but also personally.
Writing Style: Accessible, Engaging, and Emotional
Carrie Elks makes sure that her books are unputdownable, and I was enchanted with her writing style and choice of words. She has an exceptional ability to touch with her words and provide sharp, witty, and emotionally stimulating narratives. The pacing never felt rushed or excessively slow. Each chapter advanced the plot, and I never lost interest or skipped anything.
Strictly for Now is an extraordinary enemies-to-lovers book. It emphasizes self-acceptance and relieving oneself of the need to validate their existence through someone else’s perception. It teaches you how to love and be loved on your terms. Eli and Mackenzie are perfect reflections of “strength” and “fragile kindness.” Together, they are boundless.
Final Thoughts
More than just a story of romance, Strictly for Now is a unique experience on its own. It effortlessly makes readers smile at the Kindle and wish to hold it during the emotional parts. If you enjoy strong female leads paired with broody male counterparts, wild imagination, and the perfect amount of steam, this story is a must-read. I recommend starting the Salinger Brothers series if you haven’t read it yet.
We would love to hear thoughts from readers of Mackenzie and Eli’s story. Please let us know what you think about the story in the comments!
