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Seattle Serpents #3

Delayed Penalty

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I have two goals this season:
1. Prove to the Seattle Serpents I’m not a complete screwup.
2. Stay away from the nanny.


I’m hardly able to keep myself out of trouble, let alone a seven-year-old, but when my estranged brother gets a life sentence, I have no choice but to clean up my act and take the kid in.

It’s all going according to plan…until I’m forced to hire Quinn Benson.

She’s everything I need to avoid—flighty, messy, creating chaos everywhere she goes. But she makes my niece happy, so I hire her anyway, keeping our interactions as brief as possible, even when she moves in with me.

Thing is, the more she’s around, the more I want her around—and not just as a nanny. I can’t seem to stop falling into bed with her even when I know I shouldn’t. Quinn goes against everything I’m trying to accomplish, but I can’t stay away.

This might be one delayed penalty I don’t mind serving…

DELAYED PENALTY is a standalone hockey romance novel. There's a single guardian a bit on the grumpy side, a sunshine nanny who doesn't take any crap from him, an adorable little girl you'll want to hug and keep safe, ridiculous teammates who make way too crude jokes, plenty of steam, and a happy ending.

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

1298 people are currently reading
10397 people want to read

About the author

Teagan Hunter

50 books5,412 followers
TEAGAN HUNTER writes steamy romantic comedies with lots of sarcasm and a side of heart. She loves pizza, hockey, and romance novels, though not in that order. When not writing, you can find her watching entirely too many hours of Supernatural, One Tree Hill, or New Girl. She’s mildly obsessed with Halloween and prefers cooler weather. She married her high school sweetheart, and they currently live in the PNW.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 746 reviews
Profile Image for glavreads.
479 reviews8,010 followers
September 16, 2024
i just love a single parent and nanny and this one hit me right in the feels 😭

hayes got the surprise of a lifetime when his brother went to jail and left him as guardian for his daughter… who he never knew about. so overnight, he was forced to grow up from the notoriously rebellious hockey player he’d become known as and figure out how to be the best uncle he could be for her. step one? find a nanny. step two apparently? fall in love with said nanny.

this was everything! quinn and hayes had so much banter and chemistry and i loved the way their friendship and romantic connection was just as important as their (molten hot) seggsual tension. FLORA, MY GOD, has to be one of the cutest and most heart-wrenching book children i’ve ever read and their family is just everything to me
Profile Image for Teagan Hunter.
Author 50 books5,412 followers
Currently reading
September 13, 2024
Available now!

𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱!
👉 https://geni.us/DelayedPenaltySS

𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞:
Guy Cover ➜ https://geni.us/DelayedPenaltyPB
Alternate/Special Cover ➜ https://geni.us/DPSpecialPB
Audiobook coming November 19th!

Add to TBR ➜ https://bit.ly/DelayedPenaltyTBR

What you can expect...
- Single Guardian/Nanny Romance
- Dislike to Love
- Forced Proximity
- An adorable kiddo you'll want to hug
- A heroine who doesn't take crap from our hero
- STEAM, STEAM, STEAM (there's a mirror scene!)
- Some tug-at-your-heart moments
- Group chats with far too many "your mom" jokes
- Found Family alllll the way










Profile Image for Christy.
4,541 reviews35.9k followers
September 21, 2024
4.5 stars

Delayed Penalty is Teagan Hunter at her best! This book was so dang good. It kept a smile on my face throughout and brought me to happy tears by the end. Quinn, Hayes, and Flora were everything! I adored it. I can never get enough of the nanny/single dad (uncle/guardian in this case), and I’m so happy I picked this one up!

Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,742 reviews961 followers
did-not-finish
September 16, 2024
Dnf @ 15%

 
Not feeling the MCs probably because it's only the beginning, but idk, I have this gut instinct that I'm not going to love them. 🤷‍♀️

Quinn (h) is a chaotic mess of a character. Sure, we have to explore to find out the things that we love and didn't, but this girl, just from the glimpses of her decision-making, proved and showed time and time again that she never learned her lessons. She said she hates disappointing other people, yet her decisions always bring that result.

Also, this could be a me problem, but she got fired from her last job because she slept with her engaged boss; granted, she didn't know that fact. But she's so nonchalant about her faults, blaming it on "generally because I can’t keep my own impulses under control". And now she's going to be Hayes' sitter and again will have the same setup with her boss. 🤦‍♀️
 
Then Adam/Hayes won't stop b*tching and moaning about how his life is now finally over because he took temporary guardianship of his niece—a niece that he didn't know about the existence at all.

I get that everything happened so fast, but if his niece could read his mind, I wouldn't blame her if she decides to run away. His superficial problems were so annoying to read, like, that his carefree life is over and that having women and driving fast cars are no longer possible. Or how much he's going to miss his bachelor pad. Or that now he has to think about school schedule, waking up at a decent hour, and going straight and narrow. I just can't deal with him. 🤦‍♀️
 
He's not the only fictional character that I read who had gone through this kind of change, but wow, his reaction was the worst I've read by far. 🤧
 
I'm getting annoyed, so I'm going to stop while I still can. These MCs are definitely something, and obviously not the fun kind. 🥴
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie Beasley.
692 reviews86 followers
September 23, 2024
This series had been showing up on my feed for a minute. So I was very excited when I got the ARC for this one! This was a very fun, spicy, nanny to more read. I liked the characters. Hayes was a semi-grump when we started the book, but his whole life had been upended. Quinn was our carefree, little miss sunshine over here who came in and saved the day by agreeing to nanny for Quinn's niece Flora. Quinn and Hayes were HOT together. There was instant chemistry- even when Hayes was trying to stay away. I absolutely LOVED the texting banter with the hockey players! Even though they weren't all in this one a ton, they added something to it.

Quinn has decided she is not going to tell her mom about her current predicament. The predicament where she has no job and no place to live. She already knows what her family thinks of her. She will just endure and figure it out. But then her mom suggests she nanny for Adam Hayes and his niece. The same Adam who was so rude to her about his coffee earlier in the year. The same one who is also SUPER hot and a star for the local hockey team. Should she do it? She knows nothing about kids. But what does she have to lose besides her sleep since she will be living with Adam as well. That's ok though. She can put her big girl pants on and just us her toys as a distraction. There will be no going near Adam like she wants. But then things change. They kiss and it's obvious they both want it to happen again. So Quinn decides she wants to do a friends with benefits situation. There is no way she would fall for him right? Not when he now treats her like a queen (behind closed doors) and stands up for her in front of her family and gets all possessive when other guys hit on her. I mean none of that is attractive...right? Wrong- now she has to figure out a way to not get hurt in all of this unless there is a chance he feels it too??

Adam;s life has completely changed over the summer. He now has a niece that he didn't know about, and not only does he now know about her but he is her official guardian. He doesn't know what he is doing. All he knows is hockey and women but not relationships. He is completely outside of his element. He needs to find a nanny and stat since the season is about to start. But he doesn't know anyone until someone recommends their daughter Quinn. The same one who ruined his coffee that one time. But when Quinn meets his niece Flora it's like Flora is a different person. She lights up like he has never seen before. So what does he do? He offers Quinn the job of course. He then decides that though she is hot she is absolutely off limits. Nothing can happen between them. His focus is going to be hockey and Flora. Until it isn't. He finds himself constantly thinking about Quinn. And so he makes his move which turns into more moves. And then they find themselves in a bit of a situationship. They are together almost every night but outside of the bedroom no one knows. This goes on for a while until it starts to grate on Adam. He wants to be able to hold her hand in public. He wants to be able to do things outside of the bedroom with her. Does she feel the same way soon? Or will he lose her because he thinks they are on the same page when they aren't?

These two had wonderful chemistry. The progression of the book felt very natural. I loved seeing Adam open up not only to Quinn but also his niece. Their relationship was adorable to watch. The spicy scenes were SPICY, and I loved it. I love when there is a jersey involved with the last name- possessive much LOL. I am looking forward to going back to read books 1 & 2 and then Fox's book whenever that is coming.

Thank you to Valentine PR and Teagan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for megan ◡̈.
846 reviews589 followers
September 13, 2024
I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR

holy hell i have been chomping at the gates of my enclosure for hayes’ book for what feels like ages and my god he did not disappoint!!!!

this book entire book could honestly just be the boys’ group chat and i would be a-ok with it, its so much fun seeing these guys be goof balls with one another, i love that even when we close one of the boys books we still get to see plenty of them when we open the next.

if you know me you know teagan hunter is one of my favorite authors that i simply just dont shut the hell up about. there is everything you could ever need in her books, theyre fucking hilarious, theyre comfy reads, plenty of fluff and delicious spice, we get amazing plots with beautiful character developments and one of my all time favorite things her love for hockey. it sounds silly but as a huge hockey fan myself you can tell when an author either doesnt care about or really know much about hockey and writes it because its a hot market and it sells. but in teagan’s books her love and knowledge of hockey really shines and makes it 10000x more fun to read, its realistic and action packed and quite honestly makes me pissed that the seattle servants and carolina comets arent real teams bc damn would i love to actually watch these games irl 😂

i binged this book in less than 24 hours because i just could not get enough of hayes, flora and quinn. the transformation these three have from start to the end of the story was just so beautiful to me, i loved loved lovedddd the way quinn was with flora, i love how she helped bridge the gap between hayes and flora, seeing hayes go from reckless party boy to scared new guardian to an amazing parent and role model to his equally scared niece was just UGHHH SO GOOD 🥹

if you are looking for a fun, fast paced and hilarious hockey series i cannot recommend this one and the carolina comets books enough. so beyond underrated in my humble opinion so seriously do yourself a favor and get started on them 🤭
Profile Image for Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three.
1,254 reviews108 followers
September 2, 2024
There’s no comparison when it comes to witty, engaging banter. Hunter isn’t just the best; she manages to outdo herself with each release. The group chat conversations added a whole new level of banter to the story, bringing a much-needed smile to my face.

Delayed Penalty had me laughing out loud within the first few pages, and it only got better from there. Not only are there tons of laughs, but you get a front-row seat as Hayes, Quinn, and Flora become better versions of themselves.

Quinn was a bit of a mess, but in a way that made her character especially relatable. She was human; she made mistakes, changed her mind, and was still trying to figure out who she was and what she wanted to do with her life. She was sassy sunshine with a good heart that seemed to be overlooked by those who should have nourished her spirit. I loved that with Hayes she was fiery, and with Flora, she was soft and gentle.

Hayes was the perfect combination of cocky athlete, ovary-exploding uncle, and dirty-talking hottie. I adored seeing him embrace his role as Flora’s guardian. Watching the three of them find their way, not only as individuals but as a team, melted my heart. They were a bit lost until they found their way to one another; they fit together seamlessly in a way that allowed them not only to flourish but to thrive.

The connection between characters was a little different than “normal.” Not only did Quinn and Hayes share an undeniable connection, but Flora and Quinn instantly shared a special bond. Quinn and Hayes were steaming up the pages before they ever even touched one another. For as hard as they tried to keep their distance, it was only a matter of time before the rules they made went out the window along with their clothes.

Flora and Quinn’s connection stole my heart. They may not have recognized it at first, but it was undoubtedly love at first sight. They may not have been mother and daughter by blood, but their hearts knew the moment they met. The easy dynamic between them also allowed Flora and Hayes to find their stride. The more Flora came out of her shell, the more she melted my heart. She is the essence of the word “heartwarming”; this sweet girl could melt even the coldest hearts.

My emotions were completely tangled up in this fictional world from the start. The raw talent that Hunter possesses is nothing short of extraordinary. Her words have the power to make the world around you disappear; everything you see and feel is from the “power of the pen.” It’s a fictional world that feels like home, with a group of people who encompass you with the love of family they share. You aren’t a spectator; you’re a part of the story.

Delayed Penalty is an unputdownable, forced proximity, nanny, hockey romance that will no doubt become a new favorite. Hayes, Quinn, and Flora’s story was everything I didn’t know I needed. Monumentally epic banter, laughs that soothe the soul, a few tears to heal your hurt, and the unyielding love of this slightly insane found family will stay with you long after you reach the end. My heart is full and my head feels lighter; how can you possibly thank an author for giving you that level of peace?

I need an entire book with texting conversations between Hunter’s characters. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard at “your mom” jokes since the '90s.

Profile Image for Rebekah | adventuresinpages.
225 reviews74 followers
September 8, 2024
Thanks Valentine PR for the ARC copy.

I so desperately wanted to love this, but it just wasn't for me. I absolutely loved Face Off, Lawson and Rory's dynamic and mature conversations made their relationship so easy to root for. I didn't see any of that in Delayed Penalty and with this being a single guardian + nanny romance, l'd argue that mature communication is a must in a book like this or at the very least, seeing them grow into that.


There was absolutely no romance in this romance book and that made it nearly unbearable to get through. There's plenty of rushed smut, skipping from plot point to plot point, but there's little to no fodder. I felt like the characters never got to know each other (if they did, we weren't shown that) and that made for a big lack of believability and a lot of eye rolling. I was really looking forward to this story and I'm so disappointed. I'm hopeful that the rest of the series will recapture the magic we got to see in Face Off.


CW for mentions of substance abuse and child neglect.
These are mentioned in passing and there aren't any descriptive on page scenes.
Profile Image for Ashley.
510 reviews17 followers
September 10, 2024
TEAGAN!!!! How fitting that Delayed Penalty was delayed .. you did that on purpose didn’t you?!?? (Kidding lol) excuse this long winded review because I’m all up in my feels writing this.

When the dedication hits harder after you finish the book, you know you’ve got a winner of a story.

Hayes & Quinn, you two were unexpected and sneakily wormed your way into my heart. I’m absolutely in love with these two.
And let’s not forget Flora, she had main character energy the whole time!!

The character development and depth for Hayes & Quinn was heartwarming. Who doesn’t love watching the “screw up” get his ass handed to him by a woman? Quinn we are a twin flame, I connected to this character SO hard. I shed quite a few tears for this gem of a woman. A gentle reminder to never let anyone but YOU define what you are capable of doing in life. You as you are, are enough.

Okay so story, Hayes ends up the sole guardian to his 7 yr old niece and needs a nanny to help him through the hockey season. Quinn, is in between jobs and her mother volunteers her to help out. Quinn moves in, and the slow burn between these two, the almost moments are SO good. I actually squealed when they finally gave in!

It’s a Teagan Hunter book, so expect top tier banter and tension. Laugh out loud moments. Ridiculous team group chats. And a story that just gives you all the feelings.
Profile Image for Hailey Goshert.
340 reviews55 followers
January 23, 2025
this was even better on the second read!

absolutely adored watching all three of my babies grow, learn, and find themselves all over again in one of my fav hockey romances ever. at first you kinda have to agree with the fact that quinn needs to get her shit together and stop making dumb impulsive decisions. and you can also tell that hayes needs to step up and take responsibility without complaint. flora is a whole other can of worms, that poor sweet baby.

but then it’s so easy to fall in love with the three of them, and watch them fall in love with each other. all of them continue to struggle for a bit, but they eventually all learn from their mistakes and actively make better choices for themselves individually and for each other’s sakes too. gahhh it’s just so wholesome and i love how they all stick up for and be there for each other in the moments they need most.

perfection all around. i just really can’t sing enough praise about the found family teagan hunter built, the meaningful messages i exctracted, and the contentment that i felt at the end- knowing they all ended up exactly where they belonged, at long last💕👏

——first time reading was just on my kindle, and then the audio came out a month or so ago, and i’ve been itching to reread ever since. so glad i bit the bullet bc this audio was terrific and i 10/10 recommend!
Profile Image for The Love Librarian.
722 reviews1,362 followers
September 7, 2024
4.5 stars - I love a good nanny/guardian romance, and the author delivered with Hayes and Quinn’s book. Hayes is the new guardian to his niece, and Quinn is his nanny as a favor to her mom. I loved how Quinn made an effort to bond with Flora immediately, and how she helped Hayes and Flora grow closer as a family. Hayes and Quinn’s chemistry was GOODT, and the author did not hold back with those scenes.

As usual, we love catching up with the couples from the last few books. The author’s hockey books are the best found family vibes, and I can’t wait for the next book!

Tropes: nanny/guardian, forced proximity, hockey player, found family

TWs: mentions of drug and alcohol abuse, emotional abandonment trauma
Profile Image for all.the.smut.things.
627 reviews458 followers
March 12, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE : 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Give me a single guardian romance anytime. This was by gateway into Teagan Hunter and let’s just say that obsessed is an understatement.

I get it . I GET IT as to why everyone was yelling at me to read her and I’m so glad I did.

Hayes and Quinn were everything. and Flora, that girl was a complete gem. I love a story with character growth and this one was just absolutely heartwarming.

✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Single Guardian x Nanny
✨ He Falls First
✨ Golden Retriever

Hayes and Quinn have some of the best banter I’ve ever encountered. I love a single dad/guardian nanny, and watching Hayes take care of his niece and really show up for her made me and absolute puddle. Quinn, girl I see you and I love you. She is the perfect character and such a great match for Hayes.

I loved everything about this and especially the team dynamics and the guys showing up for Hayes and Quinn.

I cannot wait for more.
Profile Image for Lindsey  Domokur.
1,850 reviews124 followers
March 12, 2025
This series is giving the Carolina Comets series a run for it's money! I was so excited to get Hayes' story and it was even better with his adorable niece, Flora.
When Hayes meets Quinn it is lust/annoyance at first sight. Hayes thinks she is beautiful, but she is a mess and he definitely doesn't need any more of those in his life. His life has been turned upside down since his niece has been placed with him. He is just trying to stay above water. He is in need of help, and Quinn's mom thinks she is the perfect fit.
Quinn is floundering. She has just been let go from another job, and is not sure what she wants to do with her life. When the nanny gig comes up, it sounds perfect, except that Hayes is her boss and she will have to live with them.
There is simmering tension through this whole book, even after it snaps, it is still building back up again. There is also something so heartwarming about the family that Quinn and Hayes unwittingly build with Flora and how they gain her trust and show her love. I can't wait for all the books in this series. I hope Teagan's hockey romances never end.
967 reviews72 followers
September 7, 2024
Thank you to Valentine PR for this ARC!

The Seattle Serpents is such a great Hockey series!
Adam Hayes was a playboy hockey player until he found out he had a niece and now he’s her guardian. Hayes has to find a nanny to help him during the season, but comes up empty until he meets Quinn Benson. Quinn is the youngest child and the unsettled sibling. She’s lost another job and can tell her family is judging her flighty tendencies.

When Quinn first met Adam, there was a bad impression for both of them. But when Quinn meets Flora, the little girl smiles for the first time in months. Hayes notices and hires Quinn as his nanny.

Hayes and Quinn feel the chemistry and tension, which causes them to fool around. They both know it’s wrong, but it feels so right!

I really loved this story and how Quinn was with Flora. Flora was such a special kid who had been through so much. Hayes was also such a caretaker! I loved that Flora was able to have a pet too! Overall, a great hockey romance! I can’t wait for more Seattle Serpents!
162 reviews
September 21, 2024
There were so many things about this book that I didn’t love. I felt like there was no pining or tension between Hayes & Quinn. She becomes the nanny and the first day they kiss, and immediately after fall into a friends with benefits situation. Like what? Quinn goes from one thing to the next, hasn’t found her purpose yet, okay whatever. But why do you immediately start sleeping with your boss after getting fired from the previous job for sleeping with the boss? 😑
The highlight of this book was the guy group chat. That was funny.
Profile Image for Lenny_reads.
496 reviews34 followers
December 17, 2025
Môžem na túto sériu povedať niečo zle? Nemôžem. Pretože ja tieto holejovky zbožňujem a pri každej ďalšej knihe sa utvrdzujem v tom, že autorka dokáže vysmyslieť nové a nové zápletky a každej postave vtlačiť originálne vlastnosti.

Hayesa som si obľúbila ešte v sérii Carolina Comets a mrzelo ma, že tam nedostal viac priestoru. V tretej knihe serie Seatlle Serpents mu autorka dala priestoru habadej, aby som mohol predviesť. A že sa veru predviedol.

Predtým divoký a nezodpovedný hokejista dostáva do opatery svoju malíčku neter, okolo ktorej sa začne točiť celý jeho svet. Lenže jej výchovu nemá šancu zvládať sám a na scénu prichádza chaotická Quinn, ktorú najme ako opatrovateľku.

Chémia medzi nimi by videli aj z vesmíru, a tak nikoho neprekvapí, že skončia v jednej posteli a užívajú si nezáväznú zábavu. City však nemôžu ignorovať a k láske k maličkej Flore sa dostaví aj láska jeden k druhému a Flora napokon získava milujúci rodinu, aj napriek krušným prvým rokom života.

Ako som už povedala, tieto hokejovky sú moja srdcovka a každý jeden hokejista si zaslúži vlastný príbeh.
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,302 reviews88 followers
September 12, 2024
This story is so heartfelt, engaging and steamy. The characters melted my heart, had me tearing up a few times AND the spice is scorching hot. It’s also very humorous and has a unique vibe that’s adorable and so fun.

Hayes is an NHL hockey player who has recently been given full custody of his 7 year old niece, whom he didn’t know existed until he was contacted in an emergency. He’s completely overwhelmed and unprepared. He’s patient, intelligent and generous. I adore him so much. He’s also extremely loyal.

Quinn comes from a big family, she’s the youngest and she’s treated like she’s flighty and unreliable by her siblings. She hasn’t found her passion or calling in life. She’s quirky, upbeat, witty and caring.
Both characters are unique, I love them both so much and Hayes’ niece, Flora is a scene stealer in such a quiet way, she adds so much heart to the story and brings the best out in Hayes and Quinn.

This is a beautiful story with amazing characters. There’s so much depth and so much entertainment. I adore the way both characters support and encourage each other. The way they love Flora is so special as well.
The hockey players group texts are hilarious as usual, they add found family vibes, humor and some great serious scenes.
This is such a fresh, engaging story. The romance is s£xy and forbidden and then it becomes deeper and beautiful.
This is a fantastic book, I love the series…. This is my favorite couple so far. In love!!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are entirely mine. Thank you so much for the arc!*
Profile Image for Sav | SavtheBookish.
438 reviews57 followers
September 15, 2024
This was everything I hoped for it to be honestly!

Single Guardian, grouchy, NHL Player, Alex Hayes is now the sole guardian of his niece and has no idea about how to take care of himself, let alone a child.

Quinn is about to hit rock bottom, she is her families disappointment, is about to be evicted from her apartment, and can’t seem to hold a solid job… until now. Hayes needs a nanny and she is his last resort option.

The growth of Flora, Hayes’s niece, throughout the book was so fun to watch. I loved the grumpy X sunshine aspect of this story. It was literally perfect for this couple.

Great mix of hockey content and family content. I loved everything about this book. Teagan Hunter writes the best feel good sports romances and I will always be a fan.

Tropes:
-single dad X nanny
-grumpy X sunshine
-hockey romance
-forced proximity

5/5 stars
2/5 spice
Profile Image for Ace✨.
152 reviews9 followers
September 7, 2025
4/5

Ngl this book made me buy some pickles. I'm also curious to try it in a grilled cheese. This book was so cute. I loved the fact that Quinn had outrageous earrings because I do the same thing. This book was a fun, quick read and definitely got me dreaming about hokey players.
Profile Image for Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut.
310 reviews484 followers
September 8, 2024
I've been waiting for this book for so long and let me tell you something, Hayes and Quinn's story was well worth the wait! I loved this book so much!

One trope that I love? The single parent trope, but a single guardian just hits differently. This was my first book with this trope and won't be the last. Teagan perfectly executed this one! This books starts off with Hayes learning that he is now the legal guardian of his niece that he didn't even know existed. But being in the NFL and having no clue how to raise a child he was looking for a nanny. In comes Quinn. Quinn is the quirky daughter of the bakery owner that Hayes and Flora frequent. Quinn is kind of the black sheep of her family and can't keep a job to save her life. Hayes needs a nanny and Quinn needs a job and I am sure you can see where this goes.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have been patiently waiting for Hayes's book. And I loved him so much! Hayes was a trouble maker who didn't have to answer to no one and then bam one day he wakes up and he is now a legal guardian to his 7 year old niece and he was thrown into a parental role. Needless to say he had to grow up real quick. But I feel like it was so needed! And to see him blossom warmed my heart. Now Flora, this girl was the sweetest little girl. She also transformed into a beautiful little soul. A moment that got me during this book was when she made a comment about almost having a mommy, since her and Quinn became super close. And when Hayes told her that Quinn is not her mommy she told him she likes to pretend that him and Quinn are her parents because it makes her happy. Talk about making me shed a tear or two! Now Quinn, I loved her quirky personality. I loved how she was so authentically her, with her weird earrings and all!

I do want to say, this book made me realize how much I missed this universe that Teagan has created. I love this group of hockey players. All of their personalities just blend perfectly today. What I am most thankful for? The serpent singles group chat. Those chapters gave me life! I have never laughed more in my life. So, Teagan, thank you!

You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Single Guardian Romance
- Hockey Player x Nanny
- Roommates
- Forced Proximity
- Opposites Attract
- Found Family

*I would like to say thank you to Valentine PR and Teagan Hunter for allowing me to read Delayed Penalty as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review!
Profile Image for Sam.
98 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2024
I had more tension with my pint of ice cream than the two MCs. Also the miscommunication at the end? Why.

My favorite part was Flora and how she slowly began to flourish like the little flower she is 🥹
Profile Image for Nadia.
148 reviews7 followers
April 17, 2025
No both mc are insufferable 🙅🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Anca A.
461 reviews34 followers
September 12, 2024
#Review: *Delayed penalty* - ARC - Teagan Hunter [18+]
4.8/5✨
3.5/5🌶️

This was the first book I read by Teagan Hunter and I can say that she won me over! I'm so glad I got the chance to receive an e-ARC from her and Valentine Pr - so thank you!!

Adam Hayes is a hockey player at Seattle Serpents. He is now in the situation of taking care of her sweet, awesome niece, Flora, after his brother did some shady things. Because she didn't have anyone else to be left with, Flora ended up with to stay with her uncle, who was very panicked and didn't know exactly how to handle her. On top of this crisis, he will soon start his hockey season and he will be away for games and he doesn't have anyone yet to take care of Flora.

Quinn is the daughter of the restaurant owner where Adam and Flora usually take their breakfast. Only one interaction between Quinn and Flora, and Adam sees how happy the kid is in her presence. So, even though Quinn seemed a mess in Adam's eyes, he decides to do what's best for Flora and hire her as her nanny.

Because Quinn had to move in Adam's house, this close proximity is not in their favour, because they'll soon start to look at each other with different eyes and small flames ignites between them. And the spice definitely didn't miss in this story, having some pretty steamy parts.

Ok, I really need to talk about Flora, because for me she was the cherry on top of this story! She evolved so beautiful and slowly opened herself. Also, she literally had the best lines ever, even though she was only a kid. Of course that I loooved the guys from the team, which also made me laugh so hard with their tease. One of my favorites things in books are these boy bands, for which I'll always have a soft spot.

Another book which brought me a big smile on my face and I'm looking forward to the next book😍

✨Tropes:
#SportsRomance
#SecretRomance
#Nanny
#BossEmployee
#RoommatesToLovers
#SingleUncle
#Athlete
#BandOfBrothers
#Billionaire
#Grumpy/Sunshine
Profile Image for Jess • bestiebookshelf_.
692 reviews52 followers
September 9, 2024
This is the third book in the Seattle Serpeants Hockey series by Teagan Hunter. This one follows Adam Hayes and Quinn Benson. He's a reformed playboy who becomes the sole guardian of his 7 year old niece due to his brother's incarceration. He needs a nanny for the hockey season and in steps Quinn; the hot mess, fun woman with quirky earrings and in need of a fresh start.

I really liked this. It was low angst, low tension and the text message threads were hilarious. I could have read a whole book of those, let's be honest. I wasn't vibing with some of the offhanded comments Adam made at the beginning of the book in relation to both Flora and Quinn but he did redeem himself, thankfully. I liked these two together a lot; they both healed parts of each other and it was so heartwarming to see the three of them come together as a family. They are everything they both didn't know they needed. The relationship between Flora and Quinn was so beautiful. They were absolutely smitten with each other; that was truly love at first sight and I just loved how Quinn was able to bring Flora out of her shell.

"That's who we are. We're both messes, and that's why we work so well together."

I did really enjoy this book; there is a great balance of everything you love in a romance book and I am looking forward to Fox's book next!

Add to your tbr if you like:
- single parent / guardian x nanny
- forced proximity
- secret friends with benefits
- nhl hockey
- crazy text threads
- cute kittens

Thank you to Teagan and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read and review.
Profile Image for Jamie Engel.
598 reviews238 followers
September 11, 2024
This is the 3rd book in Teagan’s Seattle Serpents series. We finally get Hayes’ story. I have been chomping at the bit for Hayes to get a story since we found out he got traded. And Teagan did not disappoint.

This story follows Hayes and Quinn. Hayes becomes guardian of his 7 year old niece all of a sudden and is in need of a nanny for the upcoming hockey season. Quinn…let’s just say she is kind of a hot mess and who is really in need of a fresh start. Right place right time and Quinn is now a nanny.

Hayes was everything I have been waiting for. He was the perfect combo of cocky playboy, cinnamon roll, and dirty talker. I couldn’t get enough. I loved watching him really grow into being a guardian to Flora. Quinn was exactly what those two needed to be absolutely complete.
Flora and Quinn’s bond I think I might of liked more than the chemistry between Quinn and Hayes. They just had an immediate connection that allowed Flora to really grow and be more comfortable with what had happened in her life.
This book got me out of a slump. Teagan’s books are so easy to read. They are engaging, low angst and all the hilarious banter. She has such a way to write the found family aspect..I eat it up every time. Now I am ready for Foxy!!!

Thank you Teagan and team for the eARC. I cannot wait to continue the series.

Overall: 4
Spice: 3

Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Guardian x Nanny
- Forced Proximity
- Secret Relationship
- Found Family
Profile Image for Claire Ingledew.
1,091 reviews13 followers
September 12, 2024
Book 3 in the Seattle Serpents series, we finally get to meet Adam Hayes 💓

Hayes we have known from Carolina Comets series and I loved his character then but now I’m head over heels in love with him, his character has grown so much bring Flora and Quinn into his life he excelled even more.

Quinn is a FMC is a character I connect with easily she’s sassy but also vulnerable, I loved how her character grew over the book.

Flora my god my heart melted for that little girl.

And I cannot end without mentioning the single club text chat that has had me lol , love the whole camaraderie these have.

Roll on book 4 Fox’s book next
382 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2025
boss x nanny

I don’t think it’s the books fault, but after only reading MM for a year, it was hard to get into this. I just don’t like reading women being treated badly anymore. The way Quinn’s siblings treated her bothered me. Honestly the way the whole hockey team treats Lawson bothers me. It actually takes away from me being able to like them. What kind of good person makes their friend feel that way. Ugh idk I didn’t care.

I liked Quinn and felt she was relatable. Flora was the real star of the show.
Profile Image for staci ❥.
119 reviews36 followers
June 28, 2025
i love this book. and adam hayes the man you are. my god.

this would’ve been a whooping 5 star book until that stupid ass “conflict” at the end of the book. like why tf would you bring this woman in to be your new “nanny” in front of your old nanny/girlfriend instead of just TALKING to her about it? my god men are stupid.

but he gets redemption points with how adorable he is with his niece 🥹 i almost cried quite a few times bc of her 🥹🥹🥹🥹
Profile Image for Taylor Gonser.
203 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2025
Lollll speed read this one. I really liked the storyline and the characters but I feel like there were so many things left unfinished or that like should have had a different response in the moment they happened that I was like ?? Come on! It’s right there why aren’t we addressing it? But overall it was sweet :)
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