What We Knew Then by: Rachel LaBerge

What We Knew Then (Great Lakes U #1)
Author: Rachel LaBerge
Published: July 2026
Publisher: Rachel LaBerge
Format: ARC eBook
Pages: 327
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary:

He should know better. She’s the coach’s daughter.

Lane Maxwell has one season left to prove he’s more than the reputation that followed him from his last school. Transferring to Great Lakes U wasn’t a fresh start—it was his last shot at keeping his NHL dream alive.

Cora Banks has built her life on being the one everyone can count on. Between classes, extra research projects, and doing whatever the Great Lakes U hockey team needs behind the scenes, she keeps everything moving—even when it means there’s nothing left for herself.

She’s always known the don’t get involved with hockey players. Not when your dad is the coach. But Lane keeps showing up… on the ice and behind the scenes. The more time they spend around each other, the harder it is to ignore what’s between them.

Until one reckless moment changes everything.

Suddenly, Lane is back in the same spotlight. Same accusations. Same assumptions. Different college.

Only this time, Cora knows the truth—and how much it will cost to prove it.

WHAT WE KNEW THEN is a college hockey romance with forbidden chemistry, a hero with everything to lose, and consequences neither of them can outrun.

Review:

First, I'd like to thank Rachel for sending me a copy to review! I have to say as the first book in the series, I already know it's going to be a favorite for me!

Right from the start you're hooked on Cora and Lane's attraction, and it doesn't stop after their one night together. Of course him being the new guy at Great Lakes U, AND now hooking up with the coaches daughter? Some rules are meant to be broken, and Lane and Cora are finding themselves right in the middle of these rules.

I honestly couldn't stop reading and I could NOT put this down! I was so drawn to both characters for different reasons, and watching them both kind of grow (and maybe do some really dumb shit) one thing that never changes is how they feel for one another. Even if they don't want to admit it, or want to accept that they just can't keep this thing between them a secret any longer.

Throughout the story you see Lane dealing with his past, and the reasons why he ends up coming to Great Lakes U show up, and I'll say I'm a little surprised in the sense that the reasons didn't go exactly how I thought they would, but it's a good thing because in my head, it was much worse! LOL. With Cora, you see her dealing with migraines. And not just little ole migraines. Debilitating ones. The kind that makes you want to hurl into the toilet, curl up into a ball and admit defeat. I do wish there was a touch more on this with her, but overall the way it was written was really good. Rachel showcased a type of issue that's not exactly visual for everyone to see, but something she deals within her body. 

I also really loved the way that Lane was always there for her no matter what. Even when he knew he should stay away. Even when he felt like he was reliving some things that he definitely didn't want to deal with. Even through the stress of trying to fit in with this team when he was an outsider in his senior year... through all of it, he was there for Cora with whatever she needed. So when things started tilting on it's axis, you could really feel the pain he was dealing with.

One thing I will say is I did not expect to have a moment of hatred for Cora later on in the book. Like it kind of came out of nowhere, but I feel like that's exactly how Rachel wanted you to view it. How sometimes things can be going so perfectly and then one little mishap and life can become a shit show. Cora fell into this pretty hard, but in the same breath, you see her realize the error she's made and the things she does to fix her mistakes. It was great to see her own up to it too.

Now... when these two get together, hot damn... get a fan because things get steamy! Even from the very beginning!

Lastly, one thing I do kind of hope to see going into the rest of the series is more of the group of guys. Like I know that for Lane, it was hard trying to fit in, but now we know how this team truly is with one another, and I would so love to see even more of that found family dynamic to shine through. Nothing gets me more than when a group of friends have that perfect banter!

Overall, this was a really really good start to the series! I couldn't get enough, and found myself at the end of this rollercoaster ride of emotions from beginning to end. The way Cora and Lane help one another individually and together was amazing! It was hot, heavy, emotional, deep, and the perfect amount sports to the romance! I so cannot wait for the next book because I am hooked on Great Lakes U!!

That's all for my review, I hope you enjoyed it and be sure to grab your copy today!

So until the next time, keep reading!

your Graduated Bookworm!! :)