To him, she's an uptight Shrutebag. To her, he's a lumpatious A-hole. This college hockey star and this A+ student can't stand each other. So why can neither of them stop thinking about the searing kiss they never meant to share?
There's no way I'm falling for a chick like Leilani. Ugh, dating her would be like spending an entire game in the sin bin. I don't care that her lips are an addictive oasis that I want to dive straight back into. She's a she-devil and I won't succumb to the wicked spells she's casting on me.
Except that I can't help myself.
Why did I engage? Why did I have to start the conversation and find out how much we have in common?
Why is that I feel like if I let her in, she'd get me better than anyone else I've ever known?
But I can't go there…
Until she tells me something I will never get over.
I don't think she meant to share her secret but it all came out in the heat of the moment, and now that I know… I can't forget it… and I can't hate her anymore.
If anything, I'm on a mission to make sure no one ever hurts her again. And while I'm on that mission, I might just have to fall hard and fast under her spell, because why fight something that sets my heart on fire?
Oh yeah, I'm gonna get burned. There's no doubt she's my love penalty. But do you think I can skate away from her?
Not a chance…
The Love Penalty is a passionate stand-alone NA hockey romance with no cheating and a guaranteed happy ending. Perfect for fans of Off-Campus by Elle Kennedy, #Nerd by Cambria Hebert and Don't Let Me by Kelsie Rae.
Katy Archer is the author of sweet and spicy college sports romance. Her debut novel, The Forbidden Freshman, released in February 2024 and is for fans of slow burn hockey romance, forbidden love, and found families.
In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer…
You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!
The Love Penaltyhas us going back to Nolan University with book 4 from author Katy Archer’sNolan U Hockeyseries. In this Enemies to Lovers, College, Sports Romance, we follow the story of head of Hockey HouseAsher Bensen and Leilani ‘Lani’ Iona through their dual perspective.
The story of Asher and Lani was definitely an enjoyable read, especially given how they both had me intrigued from the peeks we were given into them. For Asher it was throughout the series, whereas Lani it was upon her introduction in her best friend Caroline’s storyThe Game Changerand the tidbits we were shown of her.
Seeing these two go from enemies to lovers was entertaining due to their bickering, going back and forth from their punches, making for some laughable moments to say the least. Which in turn kept me reading on to see how Asher and Lani’s relationship would evolve. At the same time, there was some deeper moments that bought out exploration of impactful emotions, considering the sensitive subject matters that came into play, bringing forth tough topics that were mentioned and discussed. This resulted in emotional charged moments with some angsty-ness, given the highs and lows it led to for both Asher and Lani, ultimately allowing you to connect with the characters on a personal level, feeling all that they were from the in-depth view author Katy showcased through their POV inner monologue. As for their relationship, when it came to no longer being enemies and flourishing into something more, you could see the building of their connection from the way they bonded and would try to be there for one another. Especially Asher who always tried to uplift Lani, given her ordeal. You could feel and see the love between them continue to blossom as they grew closer overtime.
It needs to be mentioned the found family that came in the form of the Hockey House guys and their girls was enjoyable to see. Despite being secondary characters, you could see the impact they made in being there for both Asher and Lani by helping them out when needed. And IMO it led to some sweet moments.
Although the predictability of the identity of the villain had me making my guess very early on, it didn’t deter me from wanting to see how it would all play out. Mostly because there were a few different ways it could go, which IMO author Katy did a good job in the path she chose from what was showcased.
There were a few little critics for me upon reading that couldn't be ignored in my opinion. The last third of the book seemed to move at too slow of a pace for my liking, as opposed to the first third which moved too fast for me personally. This may have just been me, but there did not seem to be enough building of Asher and Lani’s relationship considering how they seemed to jump into insta-love fairly fast. The results led to the enemies trope being short lived with how quickly it skipped over IMO, never allowing it to truly begin. It would’ve been nice to see more of the enemies aspect play out considering one of the main tropes was Enemies to Lovers.
In the end, author Katy Archer still did a great job in coming through with Asher and Lani’s story. So much so that this bookThe Love Penaltyprobably has to be my favourite alongside Ethan and Mikayla’s storyThe Forbidden FreshmanfromNolan U Hockeyseries.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
{📖🤓} {ARC Review} ~⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐~ The Love Penalty Nolan U Hockey ~Book #4~ {Author Katy Archer} @addictedtocollegesportsromance
I knew Lani and Asher’s book was going to pack a punch ( in a good way)but I wasn't expecting that at all. I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to know more about them both. I loved their story, a very unexpected match but man do they fit well together. They compliment each other and bring out the best in each other and I just love that. This book gave me all the feels.
I cannot wait to read Baxter, which was an unexpected surprise at the end. I loved even getting a glimpse of his story and to read more about him in this book.
Lani and Asher are a force, but they can’t fight their connection. While they started off in the previous book as more enemies, they quickly find more common ground in The Love Penalty.
After coming to terms with a bad situation from her recent past, and bringing this to Asher’s attention, she decides to continue pursuing things with him. Things are going well, until she realizes who the bad situation occurred with, and who this person is to Asher. Asher is torn up, but ultimately he stands by Lani. As do all the guys in Hockey House.
More than the romance, I love the guys all coming together and supporting Ash!
Really enjoyed Asher and Lani's story! I fell in love with these two in Casey and Caroline's story 'The Game Changer' and stupidly didn't think I could love them more... but I did! Their "geeky" back and forth was just so lovely! Additionally, with the fact you could tell they just wanted what was best for one another and for them to be happy was glaringly obvious. Both characters faced some incredibly difficult times which made some emotional storylines regarding Lani's SA and Asher's relationship with his family. However, it was clear that not only did they have each other to lean on, but also the rest of Hockey House. This is precisely why I love the found family trope.
I feel like this book and 'The Forbidden Freshman' are fighting for the title of favourite Nolan U book currently, however, with Asher's story coming in a couple of months I feel like that may come out on top. But who knows? Thank you so much to Katy Archer and her team for giving me the privilege of steeping into yet another Nolan U story early! Cannot wait for 'The Only Goal' release in the coming months!
I read this book on vacation so it took me a while to finish it, but I still enjoyed it.
I was invested in the story from the start and I was curious to see how everything would play out. These two had excellent chemistry, but since they kissed pretty early on, it made their romance insta-lovey. Their bickering was cute and I liked how they didn’t lose that once they entered into a relationship.
There were some cringey dialogue and phrases/terms that were used, especially when it came to the smut. It was something I noticed in the first three books, but just ignored. I guess after reading so many books from this series, it became a bit more apparent for me.
All in all, this was a nice addition to the series, but I’m not really curious to read Baxter’s story as it has a trope that I personally dislike.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Katy Archer did it again. This book was so good, I couldn’t put it down. Asher and Lani’s story just grabs you from the first chapter that you don’t want to stop reading. It makes you feel so many emotions. I didn’t want the book to end. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. It will be hard to say goodbye to all of these characters when the series ends.
I love how the hockey house and the girls all became a family. I also love how Asher and Lani had such a fun banter during this book. These two characters can bond with each other by having each other to get through their trauma. Defiently recommend reading!! Who doesn’t love a college hockey romance.
It was so easy to get completely caught up in Asher and Lani's story. These two characters generate huge amounts of sizzling sparks in equal amounts due to both their animosity and desire. The story is an enticing blend of drama, emotion, angst, twists heart, spice and tension that give your own heart and feelings an intense workout. This book and these characters had me swimming in an ocean of feels. I mean ALL. THE. FEELS. Be they good, bad or ugly. Really looking forward to reading the next book in this terrific series.
The Love Penalty is an amazing read!! Asher and Leilani’s story is so heartwarming and emotional. I love their interaction and how strong and protective they both are for each other. Their story really surprised me and made me want to know more. I love how they became a family and continued to be there and support each other. I can’t wait to read more and meet new characters.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this advanced readers copy.
It’s official Asher is my favorite MMC in the hockey house! (So far Baxter might take it next book 😉) I really loved the way Asher turned out being the sweetest guy always making sure Lani was ok. Also he calls her Boo 🫠🫠🫠
Lani starts out being very closed off like she was in The Game Changer but she does start showing her true self to Asher and finally it gets to the point where she shares what she’s been keeping bottled up for months. Lani might start trimmed and stand offish but she ends up being strong and standing up for what she needs.
Also Asher finally realizing that the Hockey House guys aren’t just his friends for the free housing. They truly love him and will stick up for him!
Asher was always in the periphery in the previous books in this series so I really enjoyed getting to know him better in this book. He has so many different layers to him - he’s quite a catch and Lani better appreciate it! - but the one thing that stands out is how honorable and supportive he is when he learns Lani’s secret. He always chooses her, and when they both choose each other and their hockey family, you just know it’s a great HEA! I wasn’t sure about Lani at first - she has a secret and she has insecurities - but I love how she picks herself up and opens up to Asher. The villain in this story was predictable (I knew who it was right away) but I still liked how the central plot was resolved. And the rest of the gang just gets more amazing with each book. They’re a family and they support each other no matter what. Can’t wait for Baxter’s story.
This came as a total surprise for me, but Asher’s giving Liam a run for his money as my favorite Hockey House guy. And Lani? I adore her and love her to pieces! These two gave me all the warm fuzzies, and they are so perfect for each other. I appreciated the way Katy Archer handled yet another serious issue and found the perfect balance between heart-wrenching and heart-warming (and hot!).
Can’t wait to read Baxter’s story! (Oh, and I hope there will be a “Football Frat-not-a-real-frat” spin-off, too!)
Asher was doing Lani and their friends a favour by dropping her home. She sat in the back! He thinks she is an ice queen and she is going through a personal hell and hates him but not really. Who knew that the hockey star and the ice queen were really geeks and had so much in common. My head was spinning with their on again off again. When the truth came out she expected a different reaction but everyone was there for her. Some of the sex scenes had some cringe worthy dialogue but I'm just feeling old. Still loved the storyline. These characters showed their true strengths during these hard times. I really enjoyed the ending too and can't wait for the next story.
I was able to be an arc reader for this book. I loved seeing a different side of Asher than we have in the first three books. This book showed personal growth in both Asher and Leilani. This story tugged at your heart strings and is a great read.
I’m absolutely loving this series! If you haven’t done so - start with the Forbidden Freshman and work your way through because you will not be disappointed! I’ve loved every book so far - and while each book is unique to each couple, the theme of friendship, support, humor, and kindness remain in each book. Lani and Asher faced troubles and challenges but through it all they supported and encouraged each other and it just made for a wonderful novel. Can’t wait to read Baxter’s story next!
While all these books have talked about difficult topics, I do think this one tackled one of the more serious ones of sexual assault, that no means no, and how it’s usually viewed by authorities, which can be triggering, so please check those out and read with caution. (I got very pissed off reading some parts because I know how realistic it was)
When I started this series, Asher got on my nerves with his rich boy attitude but now that I’ve read his book and have gotten a better understanding of his character, I love him just as much as the others. He’s a gentleman and a secret geek, what’s not to love.
I felt the same way with Lani after reading Caroline and Casey’s book, I thought she was cold and could be unsupportive at times, but now understanding why she was acting the way she was makes me wanna hug her tight and protect her from the world.
The bond between Asher and Lani is so special, there’s so much trust and needing that feeling of safety and comfort involved that I just love the two together, they’re literally perfect for each other. It was also heartbreaking to see all that they went through, apart and together, but they made it work.
I can’t wait for Baxter book, we don’t know much about his this far besides he keeps mostly to himself, doesn’t care to talk much and is considered shy, and loves Casey and Caroline’s dog. I can’t wait to uncover what the mystery man is like.
The book starts with a prologue from the last book. The gang are away for the weekend and Leilani wants to go home so Asher offers to drive her. The are the bits we didn’t see. She sits in the back which pisses him off and they hardly speak. They pull over for food and win a quiz at the same time. They kiss but then she slaps him and yells at him that she hates him which I honestly thought was harsh.
She was raped during the events of the last book but hasn’t told anyone and honestly it was obvious who did it from the first 10% of the book which I wish it would have been later
She has flashbacks of the night. She was into it at first but he got rough and she asked him to stop and he wouldn’t. She is worried its changed her too much so she agrees to a night out but when Asher grabs her hip she runs off and throws up.
They hang out mainly cos of the group and one night they start having sex. Its pretty early into the book, not even 30% but she tells him to stop halfway through and he does. She is shocked but he is more shocked that she’s shocked saying of course he stopped. She is so surprised she ends up telling him which I’m glad it didn’t take the whole book.
The have some steamy scenes after – the elevator – and I loved how he always made sure she was ok and comfortable. When she figures out who the guy is she breaks up with Asher but he is not having that and while he’s trying to figure it all out he notices Casey looks shifty and gets it out of him.
He confronts the guy who says he never met Leilani before and she must have him confused. When he tells Leilani that she gets mad which I get.
Asher goes to a party at him uncles and confronts the guy again and he still denies it but this time Asher thinks he is lying. Then the guys sister says its not the first time someone has said that about him.
Asher and Leilani work things out and I’m glad there break up wasn’t long. They go to the football house (who must be in the next series as there were too many of them for it to be a casual add in) and asks if they remember anything and they say they have surveillance which confirms it was the guy.
Asher confronts the whole family. Says if they know what he does to women but do nothing then there as bad as him, then he punches the guy. His Uncle then throws them out of the house.
I actually really felt for Asher here. He thought he was about to loose his friends. Convinced they only liked him cos of the house. When he sees there all with him he finally feels like he belongs with them.
The guy confronts Leilani and basically says she wanted it and it didn’t matter if she said stop cos she liked it. It was fucked up! But sadly what happens a lot I suspect but one of the girls videos it she has her evidence
I did enjoy this and I don’t want to sound heartless but I just feel like once we found out who the guy was then that’s all that was focused on and their love story was put on the back burner and I wanted some more of those sweet moments between them. I wish we had found out later so it didn’t take up so much space.
I’m glad she got therapy though.
No epilogue just a bit from Baxter’s book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another great read from Katy. I am really enjoying this series. I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book at first but it was really enjoyable and may be a new favourite for me out of the series so far.
I really enjoyed Lani and Asher together, they were great to read about. There was a lot of good moments in this book.
I am looking forward to the next book, excited to see how that will go!
O M G this was so feisty!!! I ate this book up! It was “hate to lovers” but they truly never hated each other! The cosmic connection and sparks between them were sisslin from the very beginning! This book was the definition of he would do ANYTHING FOR HER! I loved it soooo much!!!! Lani and Asher <<<<3333 forever !!!
Lani and Asher had chemistry in spades. Their back and forth of teasing each other and messing with each other was fabulous!! The protectiveness that Asher has for her even before she tells him what happened to her only got better once the truth was out. I loved that the all the Hockey House boys had her back, and so did the football boys (or was it basktball?). Loved seeing the other characters and the fun that they bring. The third act break up made sense, from Lani's POV because she didn't want to come between Asher and his family. Kudos to Asher for standing up for his girl and saying eff you to his family and the money they were holding over his head.
Can't wait for Baxter's story and the series epilogue.
Asher was doing Lani and their friends a favour by dropping her home. She sat in the back! He thinks she is an ice queen and she is going through a personal hell and hates him but not really. Who knew that the hockey star and the ice queen were really geeks and had so much in common. My head was spinning with their on again off again. When the truth came out she expected a different reaction but everyone was there for her. Some of the sex scenes had some cringe worthy dialogue but I'm just feeling old. Still loved the storyline. These characters showed their true strengths during these hard times. I really enjoyed the ending too and can't wait for the next story.
The special edition of Asher and Lani's story deserves the one-click treatment. These two characters generate huge amounts of sizzling sparks in equal amounts due to both their animosity and desire. The story is an enticing blend of drama, emotion, angst, twists heart, spice and tension that give your own heart and feelings an intense workout. This book and these characters had me swimming in an ocean of feels. I mean ALL. THE. FEELS. Be they good, bad or ugly. The art that has been added to this book is a big bonus that I found irresistible.
I would have given this book 3.5 stars if not for the treatment of a very serious issue with the MFC. It was glossed over a bit to lightly seemingly so the connection could occur between her character, and the MMC. It is not until further on in the book that the main female character begins to have a reckoning with what happened to her and seeks avenues to help her get over it as well as a address who the perpetrator might be, but up until then she too quickly. (in my opinion) went from having this very traumatic episode to testing out the sexual waters that are available at college for student students. And for me it just did not pass the sniff test. The second thing was the ending of this book. All of the students interconnected in this book, live at what is called hockey house. As things come to light the family member who owns the house, kicks everyone out in a very spiteful way, and by the end of the book all of a sudden these kids are gifted the house that is rather large and has potential to house all of them as well as be a bed-and-breakfast and/or small restaurant. These students suddenly become general contractors, launching businesses and basically tyiking things off in a very neat bow. I’m not sure if Miss archer is old enough to remember that a lot of kids are responsible but even more are disorganized and figuring their lives out. The sexy parts of the book are good and not too problematic. I just had a lot of trouble with the way that everything wrapped up in a nice bow give him the action that was committed against LEILANI.