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Off the Ice #2
The Scoring Secret
Hook up with the irritating hockey player living downstairs? Never. Fall in love with his sexy online alter-ego, on the other hand… a girl might just accidentally do that.
The first time I meet Ty Connor, he comes off as a privileged jerk. The second time, he’s breaking into my best friend’s apartment…apparently, with her permission. And his arrival in my life coincides with the start of a brutal dry spell in my dating life. Do I blame him for that? Maybe a little.
So we’re not going to be friends. But it’s impossible to fully ignore a guy I share a stairwell with.
The only bright spot is an online sexting buddy who I can’t meet in person, because I can’t handle one more bad date. That is, until my feelings for my anonymous online pen pal collide headfirst with the sizzling attraction starting to burn with the jerk downstairs.
Now my best friend is marrying his teammate, and things are getting complicated.
It can’t be more than a secret, summer fling... one that ends before the hockey season starts again. Because I won’t risk falling for another beautiful, talented man who is so far outside my league, nobody would ever believe us as a real couple.
The Scoring Secret is a spicy, blush-inducing slow burn hockey romance with “You’ve Got Mail for the Tinder age” vibes.
The first time I meet Ty Connor, he comes off as a privileged jerk. The second time, he’s breaking into my best friend’s apartment…apparently, with her permission. And his arrival in my life coincides with the start of a brutal dry spell in my dating life. Do I blame him for that? Maybe a little.
So we’re not going to be friends. But it’s impossible to fully ignore a guy I share a stairwell with.
The only bright spot is an online sexting buddy who I can’t meet in person, because I can’t handle one more bad date. That is, until my feelings for my anonymous online pen pal collide headfirst with the sizzling attraction starting to burn with the jerk downstairs.
Now my best friend is marrying his teammate, and things are getting complicated.
It can’t be more than a secret, summer fling... one that ends before the hockey season starts again. Because I won’t risk falling for another beautiful, talented man who is so far outside my league, nobody would ever believe us as a real couple.
The Scoring Secret is a spicy, blush-inducing slow burn hockey romance with “You’ve Got Mail for the Tinder age” vibes.
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
May 11, 2026
What a fun, sexy hockey romance! Im going to start off with the narrators because they did such a phenomenal job! Our MMC had the perfect rough yet fun, sexy voice that you want when listening to a hockey player and the FMC was funny, entertaining and was just the perfect match to her character! The casting was perfection for this storytelling experience.
The story itself was so good. It was emotional, funny, I loved the banter between the 2 love interests! It was so much fun watching them interact in person while they didnt know that through the internet they were connecting on a deeper level. I enjoyed it and highly recommend if you are a sport romance individual!
The story itself was so good. It was emotional, funny, I loved the banter between the 2 love interests! It was so much fun watching them interact in person while they didnt know that through the internet they were connecting on a deeper level. I enjoyed it and highly recommend if you are a sport romance individual!
April 3, 2024
It pains me to rate this book so low, but The Scoring Secret didn’t do it for me. In fact, this may be the only time it’s taken me 11 days to read a book by this author (in any of her alter ego offerings).
Bottom line, and simply put, there was too much time spent making things steamy and not enough time giving the story heart. I don’t mind steam, I’m not opposed to steam. But not at the expense of a story having emotional substance. I feel like the first book in this series, The Playing Game, balanced that perfectly…which meant my expectations were fairly high for this one.
I did enjoy the last 10 percent of the book. Once we got away from all the sexy texting/DMing and the hero and heroine had to deal with life and their personal baggage, I was finally pulled into the story. But of course it was too late by then.
Overall, this book was just missing the “it” factor that usually makes me love this author’s writing. Throw in an uncharacteristically abundant amount of editing/proofreading errors, and I feel like the author was off her game with this one. 😔
Edit to add the morning after I wrote my review because it turns out I have more disappointment to purge...
The most romantic thing the hero says in this book - "These shoulders are strong enough to carry Kiley forever. But she has to let me pick her up." (OMG SO swoony!) - is said to the heroine's brother. Her BROTHER!!! And that's just not okay.
Bottom line, and simply put, there was too much time spent making things steamy and not enough time giving the story heart. I don’t mind steam, I’m not opposed to steam. But not at the expense of a story having emotional substance. I feel like the first book in this series, The Playing Game, balanced that perfectly…which meant my expectations were fairly high for this one.
I did enjoy the last 10 percent of the book. Once we got away from all the sexy texting/DMing and the hero and heroine had to deal with life and their personal baggage, I was finally pulled into the story. But of course it was too late by then.
Overall, this book was just missing the “it” factor that usually makes me love this author’s writing. Throw in an uncharacteristically abundant amount of editing/proofreading errors, and I feel like the author was off her game with this one. 😔
Edit to add the morning after I wrote my review because it turns out I have more disappointment to purge...
The most romantic thing the hero says in this book - "These shoulders are strong enough to carry Kiley forever. But she has to let me pick her up." (OMG SO swoony!) - is said to the heroine's brother. Her BROTHER!!! And that's just not okay.
April 27, 2026
The Scoring Secret was such a fun and easy audiobook to get through. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers entertaining character dynamics, strong chemistry, and enough emotional depth to keep you invested.
What worked best for me was the relationship between Ty and Kyle. They both come into the story carrying personal baggage, and I liked that neither of them was immediately “ready” for romance. Their connection develops through tension, banter, and vulnerability, which made it feel engaging rather than rushed.
Kyle was probably my favorite part of the book. I really appreciated her determination to rebuild herself after heartbreak and reclaim her confidence on her own terms. She had a lot of personality and brought great energy to every scene. Ty starts off as exactly the type of MMC you expect, but I enjoyed watching him slowly peel back those layers and become more than the charming hockey player stereotype.
The online messaging element was also a highlight for me. It added a playful layer to the romance and created some of the best moments in the story. The contrast between their real-life friction and their anonymous connection kept things interesting and made the progression of their relationship even more satisfying.
As an audiobook, this was a great listen. Both narrators did a fantastic job, and I especially loved that they shifted voices during dialogue depending on who was speaking. It made the whole production feel more immersive and polished.
Overall, this was a quick, funny, and enjoyable sports romance with solid chemistry, good banter, and a very entertaining audio performance. Perfect if you’re looking for something light, flirty, and easy to binge.
For more bookish content follow me on instagram at@onetoomanybooks.ac 💫📚
What worked best for me was the relationship between Ty and Kyle. They both come into the story carrying personal baggage, and I liked that neither of them was immediately “ready” for romance. Their connection develops through tension, banter, and vulnerability, which made it feel engaging rather than rushed.
Kyle was probably my favorite part of the book. I really appreciated her determination to rebuild herself after heartbreak and reclaim her confidence on her own terms. She had a lot of personality and brought great energy to every scene. Ty starts off as exactly the type of MMC you expect, but I enjoyed watching him slowly peel back those layers and become more than the charming hockey player stereotype.
The online messaging element was also a highlight for me. It added a playful layer to the romance and created some of the best moments in the story. The contrast between their real-life friction and their anonymous connection kept things interesting and made the progression of their relationship even more satisfying.
As an audiobook, this was a great listen. Both narrators did a fantastic job, and I especially loved that they shifted voices during dialogue depending on who was speaking. It made the whole production feel more immersive and polished.
Overall, this was a quick, funny, and enjoyable sports romance with solid chemistry, good banter, and a very entertaining audio performance. Perfect if you’re looking for something light, flirty, and easy to binge.
For more bookish content follow me on instagram at@onetoomanybooks.ac 💫📚
March 26, 2024
Pretty disappointed with this book. I loved the first one so much, I preordered the sequel 6 months ago and I’m very annoyed that I did.
There were SO MANY TYPOS to the point that it pissed me off. Also the story was just very meh as was the smut. Idk, you can pass on this one.
There were SO MANY TYPOS to the point that it pissed me off. Also the story was just very meh as was the smut. Idk, you can pass on this one.
May 12, 2024
My first mistake was to hold myself back from judging the book by its cover. And second, was hoping it couldn’t be any worse than the very said cover. Simply, should have been scored out
May 13, 2026
i love a pen pal / you’ve got mail retelling. for that alone this is three stars.
i didn’t love the low self esteem of the fmc. distancing yourself from someone who reminds you of a terrible ex is totally reasonable, but making multiple jabs at him for liking women opposite from her (when he isn’t seen with anyone and is open about the fact that he likes curvy girls) screamed insecure to me in the worst way.
the dual narration was great! they both captured the tone of the characters and their black cat/golden retriever vibes. thank you netgalley for the arc!
i didn’t love the low self esteem of the fmc. distancing yourself from someone who reminds you of a terrible ex is totally reasonable, but making multiple jabs at him for liking women opposite from her (when he isn’t seen with anyone and is open about the fact that he likes curvy girls) screamed insecure to me in the worst way.
the dual narration was great! they both captured the tone of the characters and their black cat/golden retriever vibes. thank you netgalley for the arc!
March 25, 2024
The rare book where I wanted more of an epilogue, not because I didn't believe in the couple, but just because I found the ending too abrupt! But I REALLY liked this, the twist on the You've Got Mail situation was great and I really liked how the window of figuring it out was shortened and dealt with. This series is great and the hockey in it makes me happy. Really looking forward to the next book!
August 6, 2025
I had a lot of fun here! Kylie is great, and I enjoyed the “you’ve got mail, but sexy” plot. Also: the fake “lusty” app sounds like a great idea, and if I were still single I would want it. A hybrid sort of Yelp/Reddit/Foursquare social network that people have sort of turned into a hookup app? Fun!
maybe
May 23, 2024Want to read because I like this author, but I haaaaate hidden identity. Because that means you’re talking to and like two girls at once, it doesn’t matter that they’re really the same person. He doesn’t know that so hidden identity is so icky to me
currently-listening
April 15, 2026AVAILABLE NOW ⇒ https://geni.us/TheScoringSecret
CHECK OUT AN EXCERPT
It takes me a second to realize that we aren't alone as we wait for the elevator.
Ty Connor is leaning against the far wall, and he's smirking at me.
“Hey, best friend,” he says.
I wonder if he's forgotten my name. I put my headphones in my pocket. “Hey, hockey player.”
“What were you listening to that made you smile like that?”
Was I smiling? I am now. “A podcast.”
“What about?”
I almost don't tell him. But then his gaze dips, dragging down my body, and I don't like it. It's slow and indulgent, like he didn't just have Little Miss High Maintenance on his arm and in his bed last night.
So when that gaze that knows no bounds finally makes its way back to my face, I tell him the truth. “You.”
“Me?”
“And your tragic plight of not having enough hot girls in bikinis to perv on during your morning run.”
Ty's eyes narrow. That worked to pop his balloon. “That wasn't the quote.”
I shrug and push the elevator call button again. “Close enough.”
“It was a joke about how I have to focus on work because it's winter here. It wasn't a dig at anything but Mother Nature. If you want to wear a bikini, I'd be happy to run laps—”
“But it's not really about the literal meaning of a quote, you know?” Why is the elevator still up on the fifth floor? “It's the figurative bruise being pushed.”
He stares at me.
I sigh. “Literal means exactly what the words say, and figurative means a hyperbolic symbolism that—”
“I know the difference between literal and figurative,” he snaps, cutting me off. “What do you mean, a bruise being pushed?”
The elevator arrives, and the doors slide open.
Neither of us move.
“It's not exactly a state secret that you didn't like being traded here,” I finally say.
His jaw rocks back and forth, but he doesn't say anything before the elevator doors start to close. He lunges forward, thrusting his hand out to get them to re-open.
Then he presses his palm over the sensor, holding the elevator for me. Expecting me to join him.
“I won't bite,” he growls under his breath when I don't step on.
I choke on a startled laugh. “Okay. But I might, so…watch out.”
“I'll take my chances.”
CHECK OUT AN EXCERPT
It takes me a second to realize that we aren't alone as we wait for the elevator.
Ty Connor is leaning against the far wall, and he's smirking at me.
“Hey, best friend,” he says.
I wonder if he's forgotten my name. I put my headphones in my pocket. “Hey, hockey player.”
“What were you listening to that made you smile like that?”
Was I smiling? I am now. “A podcast.”
“What about?”
I almost don't tell him. But then his gaze dips, dragging down my body, and I don't like it. It's slow and indulgent, like he didn't just have Little Miss High Maintenance on his arm and in his bed last night.
So when that gaze that knows no bounds finally makes its way back to my face, I tell him the truth. “You.”
“Me?”
“And your tragic plight of not having enough hot girls in bikinis to perv on during your morning run.”
Ty's eyes narrow. That worked to pop his balloon. “That wasn't the quote.”
I shrug and push the elevator call button again. “Close enough.”
“It was a joke about how I have to focus on work because it's winter here. It wasn't a dig at anything but Mother Nature. If you want to wear a bikini, I'd be happy to run laps—”
“But it's not really about the literal meaning of a quote, you know?” Why is the elevator still up on the fifth floor? “It's the figurative bruise being pushed.”
He stares at me.
I sigh. “Literal means exactly what the words say, and figurative means a hyperbolic symbolism that—”
“I know the difference between literal and figurative,” he snaps, cutting me off. “What do you mean, a bruise being pushed?”
The elevator arrives, and the doors slide open.
Neither of us move.
“It's not exactly a state secret that you didn't like being traded here,” I finally say.
His jaw rocks back and forth, but he doesn't say anything before the elevator doors start to close. He lunges forward, thrusting his hand out to get them to re-open.
Then he presses his palm over the sensor, holding the elevator for me. Expecting me to join him.
“I won't bite,” he growls under his breath when I don't step on.
I choke on a startled laugh. “Okay. But I might, so…watch out.”
“I'll take my chances.”
March 28, 2024
I wanted to like this book. I was excited for it. Really excited since I loved Kieran and Harper’s story.
But this fell flat for me.
I just want to read a book about a curvy girl whose body is portrayed in a positive light instead of the FMC complaining about her size and how much her stomach “jiggles”. It’s fucking weird.
Also there were so many grammar mistakes in this book, I felt so surprised by it.
The ending was super rushed. One of the conflicts didn’t get resolved until literally 99% of the book. It was confusing. No epilogue either which is annoying.
But this fell flat for me.
I just want to read a book about a curvy girl whose body is portrayed in a positive light instead of the FMC complaining about her size and how much her stomach “jiggles”. It’s fucking weird.
Also there were so many grammar mistakes in this book, I felt so surprised by it.
The ending was super rushed. One of the conflicts didn’t get resolved until literally 99% of the book. It was confusing. No epilogue either which is annoying.
![Profile Image for Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1642113904i/116166019._UY200_CR2,0,200,200_.jpg)
April 14, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ RTC!
omg I don't know if I like the audiobook or the normal physical book better but... they are both amazinnnnnngggggg
omg I don't know if I like the audiobook or the normal physical book better but... they are both amazinnnnnngggggg
March 30, 2024
3.5/5 stars
I think I went into this with too high expectations because I liked the first one so much. This was still good, just didn't quite reach those highs for me. I did really like how the You've Got Mail aspect of this was handled though. This may be the best adaptation of the You've Got Mail concept that I've read.
I think I went into this with too high expectations because I liked the first one so much. This was still good, just didn't quite reach those highs for me. I did really like how the You've Got Mail aspect of this was handled though. This may be the best adaptation of the You've Got Mail concept that I've read.
March 25, 2024
Loving this series!
This was super cute! And sexy. I’m really enjoying this series, and I can’t wait for book three! Ainsley is definitely a new favorite.
This was super cute! And sexy. I’m really enjoying this series, and I can’t wait for book three! Ainsley is definitely a new favorite.
April 26, 2026
Such an adorable cute meet romance!! The characters are funny and charming. Look forward to the rest of the series.
April 1, 2024
2⭐️
it's fully on me for having very high expectations for this book. but also all that typos... i still found one on the very last chapter and that made me feel like weeping a little bit.
i feel like the author hinted at so many things about the kiley and ty's individual pasts, but she ended up glossing over them which i thought was a waste!!! considering it could have been used to enrichen the plot and allow us to understand their motivations better.
now i'm not the biggest slow burn fan so i'm only reviewing from experience, but the push and pull went on for too long! the actual romance was squeezed into the last 10% of the book... plus that weird last chapter 😭 what was it for 😭
this was a letdown imo because the playing game was paced well and overall just muuuch better than this one.
i got to the end still feeling like kiley wasn't fleshed out as well as she could have been. for the most part, she still read to me as harper's sidekick unfortunately -- we didn't even get to read about her ACTUALLY pursue theater!!
i'm still looking forward to read shannon's book, though.
it's fully on me for having very high expectations for this book. but also all that typos... i still found one on the very last chapter and that made me feel like weeping a little bit.
i feel like the author hinted at so many things about the kiley and ty's individual pasts, but she ended up glossing over them which i thought was a waste!!! considering it could have been used to enrichen the plot and allow us to understand their motivations better.
now i'm not the biggest slow burn fan so i'm only reviewing from experience, but the push and pull went on for too long! the actual romance was squeezed into the last 10% of the book... plus that weird last chapter 😭 what was it for 😭
this was a letdown imo because the playing game was paced well and overall just muuuch better than this one.
i got to the end still feeling like kiley wasn't fleshed out as well as she could have been. for the most part, she still read to me as harper's sidekick unfortunately -- we didn't even get to read about her ACTUALLY pursue theater!!
i'm still looking forward to read shannon's book, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
I don't think this was as well written as the first book in this series, it was oddly paced and could have easily cut 30 pages from the first half of the book before the 2 MCs discover the truth about each other (that they've been communicating online for months). But the real reason I'm 2 starring this is because the FMC mentions she reads Dramione fan fiction and it's little pointless throwaway line really, but in 2024, why are authors still using HP fandom in their books??
March 23, 2024
Just like everything else Zoey York / Ainsley Booth / Chloe Maine writes, I love this. 5/5 on vibes.
I felt like I’d been anxiously awaiting this book since last May when I read the Playing Game. It’s been 10 months since I read the Playing Game, but Ainsley is a talented writer - I was quickly brought back into the world of the Hamilton Highlanders.
The Lusty App and Kiley (and Ty) ‘s dedication to trying and reviewing local eateries, coffee shops and hiking trails really helped me feel immersed in the books’ setting. I wish I was stopping for brunch in Hamilton!
I’m always a fan of enemies to lovers (and even bigger fan, apparently, of “idiots to lovers” as Ainsley called this), and a big fan of secret pen pals (is that even the right microtrope? Basically they’re anonymous pen pals so we see their online relationship unfolding at the same time as their very different IRL relationship) so this story felt perfect for me. Of course he falls first (IRL) and she needs to overcome something to accept that they can be together.. you know the basic formula, but I can assure you that nothing Ainsley wrote felt tired or boring. I couldn’t put this book down!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I felt like I’d been anxiously awaiting this book since last May when I read the Playing Game. It’s been 10 months since I read the Playing Game, but Ainsley is a talented writer - I was quickly brought back into the world of the Hamilton Highlanders.
The Lusty App and Kiley (and Ty) ‘s dedication to trying and reviewing local eateries, coffee shops and hiking trails really helped me feel immersed in the books’ setting. I wish I was stopping for brunch in Hamilton!
I’m always a fan of enemies to lovers (and even bigger fan, apparently, of “idiots to lovers” as Ainsley called this), and a big fan of secret pen pals (is that even the right microtrope? Basically they’re anonymous pen pals so we see their online relationship unfolding at the same time as their very different IRL relationship) so this story felt perfect for me. Of course he falls first (IRL) and she needs to overcome something to accept that they can be together.. you know the basic formula, but I can assure you that nothing Ainsley wrote felt tired or boring. I couldn’t put this book down!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
March 27, 2024
Ainsley Booth gives great app!
I boldly declared that the first book in this series (The Playing Game) was my favourite contemporary romance ever. Ty and Kylie's book therefore had a lot to live up to, and it 100% delivered everything I wanted and needed.
It has all my favourite elements - slow burn, great banter, characters with depth, and absolute sizzle. A lot of the romance plays out over text message, and although I thought that might be a bit stilted, it was actually fun to see the relationship develop this way. The fun and progressively sexier banter felt intimate, and contrasted perfectly with the spiky frenemies vibe this pair has when face-to-face.
I had a massive book hangover when I finished the story and immediately went back and re-read The Girl in the Hockey Jersey (pre-quel) and The Playing Game, plus my fave bits from this book as well. This could be read as a stand-alone but I strongly recommend first reading The Playing Game because Harper and Kieran's wedding is a big part of this book.
Seeing the Highlanders from Ty's perspective was delightful. This series really makes me wish this team existed and I could be friends with these people - I'd wear the ugly socks!
I boldly declared that the first book in this series (The Playing Game) was my favourite contemporary romance ever. Ty and Kylie's book therefore had a lot to live up to, and it 100% delivered everything I wanted and needed.
It has all my favourite elements - slow burn, great banter, characters with depth, and absolute sizzle. A lot of the romance plays out over text message, and although I thought that might be a bit stilted, it was actually fun to see the relationship develop this way. The fun and progressively sexier banter felt intimate, and contrasted perfectly with the spiky frenemies vibe this pair has when face-to-face.
I had a massive book hangover when I finished the story and immediately went back and re-read The Girl in the Hockey Jersey (pre-quel) and The Playing Game, plus my fave bits from this book as well. This could be read as a stand-alone but I strongly recommend first reading The Playing Game because Harper and Kieran's wedding is a big part of this book.
Seeing the Highlanders from Ty's perspective was delightful. This series really makes me wish this team existed and I could be friends with these people - I'd wear the ugly socks!
April 2, 2024
Fantastic addition to the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this modern twist on you’ve got mail. The online aspect of their connection was a fresh approach and I could understand the heroine’s desire to keep their relationship behind a screen. Dating can be brutal…
I loved their banter, their chemistry and the way their characters grew throughout the story. Such a fun read.
I received an arc of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this modern twist on you’ve got mail. The online aspect of their connection was a fresh approach and I could understand the heroine’s desire to keep their relationship behind a screen. Dating can be brutal…
I loved their banter, their chemistry and the way their characters grew throughout the story. Such a fun read.
I received an arc of this book.
March 22, 2024
It's been more than a year since I read the Off the Ice series starters, The Girl in the Hockey Jersey (the free prequel novella) and The Playing Game (the first full-length novel), so when I say I've been eagerly anticipating the next book, well, that's what happens when everything that came before it impressed me so. And surprise, surprise, The Scoring Secret is here, and Ainsley Booth has rewarded my patience with an enemies-to-lovers story with You've Got Mail feels. If you've read the previous book, then you'll most probably remember Kiley Forge, best friend of Harper Roberts. This is her journey towards her happily-ever-after, one that she shares with Ty Connor, a hockey star who has just been traded from sunny and sultry Miami, Florida to not-as-sunny-nor-sultry Hamilton, Ontario. Not to worry, because these two brought the heat, all thanks to their sizzling connection and more tension than you could shake a hockey stick at.
Ty Connor is living the life. He's been with a professional hockey player for a decade and has been with the same team for just as long. Finding someone to hook up with is just one swipe away every single time. One phone call changes all that, leaving Ty hastily packing up and heading up north from the US to Canada to become part of the Hamilton Highlanders. The new team is welcoming, but his teammate's girlfriend's best friend? Not so much. Kiley Forge makes it glaringly obvious she isn't a fan of his, even as she notices just how hot he is. It's a good thing she's recently connected with a guy named BeastMode on the Lusty app. Her developing crush is the perfect distraction...or could it turn out to be a complication?
I FLOVED Ty and Kiley! From the banter to the bickering plus the flirting and, well, you-know-what, these two kept things lighthearted with a smidgen of angst to keep the angst addict in me rather sated. Kiley's history when it comes to cheating has led her to wanting one year without the complication of committed relationships and expectations past sexual satisfaction. Her assumptions regarding Ty may have been unfair, but for Kiley, it was a matter of self-preservation. Speaking of Ty, I'm just going to say that he was this combination of typical pro athlete and unexpected romantic that had me smitten. He was charming, confident, and cute--although I have a feeling that he may balk at that last one. Since 2023, the he-falls-first trope has became one of my favorites, and Ainsley Booth delivers. Five stars for The Scoring Secret.
Ty Connor is living the life. He's been with a professional hockey player for a decade and has been with the same team for just as long. Finding someone to hook up with is just one swipe away every single time. One phone call changes all that, leaving Ty hastily packing up and heading up north from the US to Canada to become part of the Hamilton Highlanders. The new team is welcoming, but his teammate's girlfriend's best friend? Not so much. Kiley Forge makes it glaringly obvious she isn't a fan of his, even as she notices just how hot he is. It's a good thing she's recently connected with a guy named BeastMode on the Lusty app. Her developing crush is the perfect distraction...or could it turn out to be a complication?
I FLOVED Ty and Kiley! From the banter to the bickering plus the flirting and, well, you-know-what, these two kept things lighthearted with a smidgen of angst to keep the angst addict in me rather sated. Kiley's history when it comes to cheating has led her to wanting one year without the complication of committed relationships and expectations past sexual satisfaction. Her assumptions regarding Ty may have been unfair, but for Kiley, it was a matter of self-preservation. Speaking of Ty, I'm just going to say that he was this combination of typical pro athlete and unexpected romantic that had me smitten. He was charming, confident, and cute--although I have a feeling that he may balk at that last one. Since 2023, the he-falls-first trope has became one of my favorites, and Ainsley Booth delivers. Five stars for The Scoring Secret.
March 22, 2024
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. Three letters to sum up this book...O...M...G... what a wild ride. This may be my FAV Ainsley book to date! We met Kylie in the previous book as Harper's take no crap from anyone BFF!! We start off Kylie's finding her actor/producer boyfriend cheating on her in their apt. She is done with relationships where she ends of getting her heart broken. Licking her wounds back in Hamilton, Kylie decides the next year with be a year of fun and no relationships...bring it on. We meet Ty, a hockey player who was trader from Miami to Hamilton...sheesh...he doesn't want to go back to the cold but it's part of the job. He's moping bc he will miss his Miami life so the best way to do that is dating apps! He swipes right on one cutie and saves it for later. Kylie can't believe who was traded Hamilton...ugh...she knows the type Ty is, now if only she can avoid him..hard to do when your brother is the team dr and your BFF is dating the star player. Well well well...Ty finally meets the best friend and hot dayum. Kylie is a firecracker and there is smtg about her that makes Ty's blood run. To pass the time, Ty joins another dating app in town but strikes up good conversation with TheatreGirl. She knows her way around the good eats in the city. Kylie is smiles these days when her online friendship with BeastMode becomes more of a confidante. Kylie is having a hard time getting away from obnoxious and sexy Ty esp since he's moved into Harper's apt...nooo! Ty likes getting under Kylie's skin and makes note to bug her at every possible chance. Getting on one another's nerves is what they do best....that's what nemesis' are for! Secrets, drama, past hurt and a dog named Puck make this a fantabulous story! Great job Ainsley! Next story please!
June 26, 2024
Book 118 of 2024
When I read the first in this series last year, it was really my first foray into hockey romance that I enjoyed. While not everything in it was/is my cup of tea, I really loved Kieran’s story and was excited to get Ty’s story in this one. Ty starts the book a little wild, but quickly learns that he wants more than he realizes. Kiley is a strong female character who’s had it rough in past relationships. She’s never had or seen a healthy love story, so she’s hesitant to want that for herself.
This book is definitely a slow burn, which allowed the characters to bond and connect. There were a lot of fun elements in this book that I really liked. It was a quick read & I enjoyed it.
Format: ebook (KU)
When I read the first in this series last year, it was really my first foray into hockey romance that I enjoyed. While not everything in it was/is my cup of tea, I really loved Kieran’s story and was excited to get Ty’s story in this one. Ty starts the book a little wild, but quickly learns that he wants more than he realizes. Kiley is a strong female character who’s had it rough in past relationships. She’s never had or seen a healthy love story, so she’s hesitant to want that for herself.
This book is definitely a slow burn, which allowed the characters to bond and connect. There were a lot of fun elements in this book that I really liked. It was a quick read & I enjoyed it.
Format: ebook (KU)
May 4, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The audio production and performance of this audiobook was excellent. Both narrators did a good job with the duet-style narration and the sound quality was great. The performances were even good during the many texting/DM scenes which I find can sometimes be awkward in audio.
This book unfortunately did not otherwise do it for me. I soft DNF-ed after 10% because I was instantly annoyed by Ty’s constant/exclusive thoughts about sex. When I came back to it, I was not any more into it than I had been initially. I thought the texting/DM-ing stage was a bit too long with absolutely zero progress on the face-to-face such that when it finally happened, I wasn’t that into it.
The audio production and performance of this audiobook was excellent. Both narrators did a good job with the duet-style narration and the sound quality was great. The performances were even good during the many texting/DM scenes which I find can sometimes be awkward in audio.
This book unfortunately did not otherwise do it for me. I soft DNF-ed after 10% because I was instantly annoyed by Ty’s constant/exclusive thoughts about sex. When I came back to it, I was not any more into it than I had been initially. I thought the texting/DM-ing stage was a bit too long with absolutely zero progress on the face-to-face such that when it finally happened, I wasn’t that into it.
May 9, 2026
Excellent narrating Stella Hunter and Robert Hatchet are great narrators that do an awesome job as Ty and Kiley
Ty first sees Kiley's profile on Tinder app and swipes but she does not respond. They meet once he meets his new teammates. They start off as enemies more like she can't stand him. Funny she was hating on him for doing the same she was which was hooking up with people. I did enjoy how they got ro know each without realizes it through an app. Once the truth was revealed that was priceless. Her past did a number on her and it effectively had an impact on her present and how she guarded herself. It is steamy, fun and enjoyable.
Ty first sees Kiley's profile on Tinder app and swipes but she does not respond. They meet once he meets his new teammates. They start off as enemies more like she can't stand him. Funny she was hating on him for doing the same she was which was hooking up with people. I did enjoy how they got ro know each without realizes it through an app. Once the truth was revealed that was priceless. Her past did a number on her and it effectively had an impact on her present and how she guarded herself. It is steamy, fun and enjoyable.
April 2, 2024
What a great story!
Eep! Loved the witty banter between Kylie and Ty. What can I say? I’m a complete nut for text message/app messaging repartee. We first meet Kylie in the previous book, the take no crap BFF, and that has not changed. This is true when it comes to her recovery from a cheating jerk, year of playing the field. But underneath that armour is such a good soul. Doesn’t take long for Ty to figure out that she’s special. Can’t wait for the next one!
Eep! Loved the witty banter between Kylie and Ty. What can I say? I’m a complete nut for text message/app messaging repartee. We first meet Kylie in the previous book, the take no crap BFF, and that has not changed. This is true when it comes to her recovery from a cheating jerk, year of playing the field. But underneath that armour is such a good soul. Doesn’t take long for Ty to figure out that she’s special. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this and I thought the You've Got Mail of it was really well done (especially since ) but I also needed the antagonistic part of it to move a little faster? Or be softened a smidge more? I kind of teased it out with Katie but I think written versions spend too much time creating a wall between the in-person actions and the connections their online personas have and it gets repetitive after awhile.
Anyhow, I was glad I was reminded of this series because I did really enjoy it otherwise. And I'm very intrigued by the next book. 3.5 stars.
(Also, is Grant getting a book eventually? I need Grant to have a book.)
Anyhow, I was glad I was reminded of this series because I did really enjoy it otherwise. And I'm very intrigued by the next book. 3.5 stars.
(Also, is Grant getting a book eventually? I need Grant to have a book.)
March 24, 2024
I finished this book with a big ole grin on my face. It's got definite "You've Got Mail" vibes with two people who keep rubbing each other the wrong way IRL but have tons of chemistry and enjoy each other's company anonymously through a social app. This one really builds and the last third is so fun and romantic.
March 26, 2024
Ainsley Booth does 👏 not 👏 miss! A naughty-mouthed himbo and the prickliest black cat? Crossed-wires, sexy DMs and accidental almost-roommates? All set in a beloved universe? Hockey girlies, run don’t walk!
March 25, 2024
Love Ainsley Booth and her fun steamy hockey romances!
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