The Penalty

Lakeview Lightning #4

by Nikki Jewell

Follow along with Devlin's story in the fourth installment in the Lakeview Lightning college hockey romance series. Perfect for those who love grumpy sunshine and brother's best friend stories. Blurb coming soon.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2024

Reviews

[Heather Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cece is a twin to Beau, who is the captain of the ice hockey team. Going to the same school as her brother their father thinks that will keep her in line and she will focus on school instead of parting and getting in trouble like she had been doing at her last school.

Devlin is a senior on the ice hockey team. He and Beau have been best friends for awhile. Devlin grew up in foster homes and is never sure where his next meal or clothing will come from. Being around Devlin who grew up with money is hard for him, as he makes every dollar count.

Devlin and Cece meet at a comic con event before school started and really hit things off. However neither knew who they were, just used first names. Once school starts and Cece has Beau come over to help move things into her new place Devlin comes along and they are both surprised to see each other again. They know they shouldn’t be around each other because of Beau and not wanting to hurt him / ruin the friendship. But they are both drawn to each other and try to spend time together behind Beau’s back.

This book was on the slow burn side. There is a romance story but other side items kept coming into play.

I did receive a free ARC book copy. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Ingrid van Straaten · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY ARC IS HERE! Time to dive into The Penalty and watch sparks fly between Cece and Devlin!

Starting today you'll find me: 🛋️ Curled up with my Book☕ Caffeinating heavily 📚 Falling for another hockey player 💕 Swooning over forbidden romance 🔥 Melting from all the tension

Thanks @nikkijewell_books and @literaryinspired for letting me be part of this journey!

Tropes to Explore: 🏒 College Hockey 💕 Brother's Best Friend 🌞 Grumpy & Sunshine 🔥 Slow Burn 🏡 Found Family 💘 Secret Crush 🎓 College Life Drama

I am not lying if tell you I DEVOURED this book! It's not just the romance, the found family and college life drama (or the very very spicy scenes!) but the humor, comradery, and all the feels! I absolutely loved that Dev was vulnerable (not all men are always stoic and an alphahole) he was human and that bled through the pages and made me fall in love with him even more!
This is an absolute must read!

[Sanri Du · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Lakeview Lightning series follows the story of Dev and Cece.

Brother’s best friend, secret relationship, meet cute with some spice - what more can you ask for?? Loved this one. If you love Nikki Jewell’s writing, you should definitely read this. Her characters all feels like family.

[Londyn Strandquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Jewell does it again and delivers yet another hit with The Penalty! It’s the fourth installment in her Lakeview Lightning series. This college hockey romance has everything fans love: heart, humor, and a perfect blend of tension and spice. The story kicks off with Devlin ("Dev"), a college hockey player, meeting Cecilia ("Cece") at Comic Con. 🤓Their shared passion quickly turns a casual weekend hangout into something more meaningful, but they agree to leave it at that. However, fate intervenes when Cece transfers to Lakeview for her final year to be closer to her twin brother, Beau—who, as it turns out, is also Dev's best friend. The romance that ensues is filled with secret dates and the thrill of hiding their relationship.

Dev and Cece's dynamic is irresistibly charming. Dev is reserved, with a vulnerable side stemming from a difficult past, while Cece's warmth and strength are a perfect counterbalance. Their chemistry is electric from their first meeting, and their secret relationship makes for plenty of delicious tension. Dev stands out as an unforgettable MMC—flawed, vulnerable, and genuine, which only makes him more endearing. Cece's journey, facing her own challenges, adds a layer of depth to her character, making her equally lovable.

Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVED this book! Nikki Jewell has such an incredible talent for breathing life into her characters—it's not just the swoon-worthy romance that gets you hooked but also the rich themes of found family, personal growth, and deep, genuine friendships. The way she crafts her supporting characters adds so much humor, heart, and warmth to the story, making Lakeview feel like a world you never want to leave. And don't even get me started on the perfect mix of college hockey culture and geeky Comic Con vibes—it's the most delightful, refreshing combination. The emotional depth and chemistry between the characters just took my breath away. I couldn’t get enough of it! This book was an absolute joy from start to finish. I don’t even know if I can pick a fave from the series! They are all too good!

If you’re into college sports romances, the "brother’s best friend" trope, or the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, this book is a must-read. The heat level is high, though be prepared for a few cringey phrases in the spicy scenes. Overall, The Penalty is another slam dunk (or rather, a perfect goal) by Nikki Jewell—she never disappoints!

[NikkiSanztana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penalty by Nikki Jewel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

ARC Team Review

Omg Nikki…. I swear everytime I read one of your books I fall more and more in love with the Characters!!!

The Penalty, is the fourth book in her Lakeview Lightning college hockey romance series. This story is packed with everything fans love: humor, heart, and just the right mix of tension and spice.

The story begins when Devlin (“Dev”), a college hockey player who meets Cecilia (“Cece”) at Comic Con. A comic con nerdy hockey hottie. (Can we talk about how cute their meet up was) What starts as a fun weekend connection turns into something deeper, but they agree to part ways afterward. Fate steps in, though, when Cece transfers to Lakeview for her senior year to be closer to her twin brother, Beau—who OF COURSE happens to be Dev’s best friend. They have to hide their secret romance.

Dev and Cece are a perfect match. Dev is reserved and carries emotional scars from his past (as do so many of us), while Cece is warm, strong, bubbly and supportive. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their relationship feels real and heartfelt. Dev is so vulnerable and genuine—while Cece’s personal growth makes her equally compelling.

Jewell’s writing shines, not just in the romance but also in the themes of found family, personal growth, and friendship. The supporting characters bring humor and warmth, making Lakeview feel like a place you’d never want to leave. The mix of college hockey culture and geeky Comic Con vibes is refreshing and fun.

This book is an absolute joy, with rich emotions, electric chemistry, and unforgettable characters. Ooooh and Spice those scenes… 🥵 GOOD LORD. I loved every moment and couldn’t pick a favorite in the series—they’re all that good!

Thank you so much for my ARC copy Nikki!!

[Tasma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I COULD NOT be any more excited getting back into the Lakeview Lightning series. I have been DYING for Dev’s story and I am JUMPING OFF WALLS because it’s FINALLY HERE.

First off, I AM IN LOVE WITH DEV. OH MY GOD. 100% already in my blanket burrito FOR SURE. My heart broke for him on multiple occasions, and I am smuggling that man all of the love. Not only is he incredibly charming, funny and gorgeous… BUT HE IS A NERD. A HOT NERD. FUCKING BONUS. Oh, and he DEFINITELY lives up to his nickname *smirk*. Lucy comes out to play and IT IS EVERYTHING. Especially in the bedroom *wink*.

Meeting Cece was everything I thought it would be. The bad ass, gorgeousness who is also curvy (WE LOVE THIS). I wanted her to get everything she wanted because she didn’t want to live under the scrutiny of her family name, and to be able to explore. And by all means if that means a secret fling at Comic Con, FUCKING GET IT QUEEN. She was everything Dev needed, and I could not with them. TOO FUCKING CUTE.

We can’t go wrong with a little forbidden brother’s best friend romance *swoon*. Dev and Cece happened to be in the right place, at the right time and were able to all at once heal one another as well as themselves and GOOD GOD DID THE EMOTIONS RUN HIGH. The chemistry, the banter, and the wit, MY GOD THE BANTER AND WIT. It was FANTASTIC. Overall, everything was so adorable and incredible! Not to mention Cece’s house mates?! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Georgia, and Anna and Blake are SUPER CUTE. I hope to see more of them in the future! And WE NEED Beau’s happy ending. He’s been here since the beginning and this bitch needs to see him happy. HE DESERVES IT.

[Sara Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Nikki does it again in the 4th book in the Lakeview Lightning series. Dev and Cece are so charming and lovable and I want more more more of them!

This story features Devlin ("Dev" for short), a college hockey player, who goes to Comic Con by himself. While waiting in line to get in, he meets Cecilia ("Cece" for short), a fellow Comic Con fan who is there by herself, too. They hang out all weekend together and decide to let it just be for the weekend.
BUT...when Cece has to switch schools to go to her twin brother, Beau's school where he is the Captain of the hockey team...she runs into none other than her Comic Con buddy himself...Dev. They have to date in secret because Dev is Beau's best friend.

I absolutely ADORED this meet cute (seriously, I am obsessed with them meeting at Comic Con!!!) and watching their relationship unfold. I just want to hug and squeeze young Dev and the Dev of today for what he had to go through as a child. And I want to hug Cece who has her own struggles. They are just such sweet characters!!

I devoured this book, but my one complaint were some of the phrases in the spicy scenes. They made me cringe so hard, but other than that...the spice was hot!!

In this book:
Meet Cute (at Comic Con)
Brother’s Best Friend/Roommate/Teammate
College Hockey Player MMC
College student who’s writing a comic book FMC
Grew up VERY different
Guine Pigs and Ferret
Complicated Family Dynamics (rough childhood for Dev)
Found Family

Thank you for this ARC, Nikki Jewell and Literary Inspired team. All opinions are my own.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book was how both characters were able to uplift, support and encourage the other one. Cecelia “Cece” Whitaker has lived a life along with her twin brother of the rich and famous but with no love or support from her father or stepmother. Devlin “Dev” Connell had a much harder childhood, losing his mother at a young age causing his father to become an alcoholic and leaving Devlin alone and without food for days on end until finally he was placed in the foster care program. In one foster home he was introduced to hockey and now plays on the Lakeview college hockey team along with Cece’s twin brother Beau. Cece and Dev met at the Great Lakes Fan Con, complete strangers with Cece not knowing that Dev is Beau’s teammate, roommate and best friend nor Dev knowing she’s his sister. They share a weekend together but part ways without swapping last names or phone numbers. Yet their paths were destined to cross again and Beau unknowingly plays a big part in it. This is a best friend’s sister forbidden romance and the author did a fabulous job of showing the conflicts the two faced as they tried to keep their relationship a secret from Beau. As I mentioned at the beginning, the best part of the book is how the two characters supported each other. Cece was a curvaceous women and very self-conscious about her body having been lectured her whole life on not over eating, to be careful what she ate, that she needed to look a certain way but Dev, a perfectly built athlete, continuously told her she was perfect, she was beautiful, which helped her regain her confidence. Dev has had a life of having to guard every little thing he has, including his food, and he holds onto a backpack that’s been with him through all the hardships and all the foster homes so he felt he was broken and not good enough but Cece lovingly listened comforted and encouraged him. The additional characters of Cece’s roommates and the hockey players added extra charm and humor to the book and Cece’s pets added extra entertainment and contributed to one of the more deeper scenes between Cece and Dev at the Veterinarian’s office. This book has a little for the comic book nerd, the gaming enthusiast, the hockey fan, the Guinea pig and ferret lover, and a whole lot for the romantic. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberly Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

when the trust is broken who will end up in the penalty box..

Cecilia Whitaker is on thin ice, after her parents force her out of Cornell, she’s now spending her senior year of college under the watchful eye of her twin brother Beau. Hoping to slip under his radar since he is the captain of his hockey team and busy with them.

She’s decided to enjoy her last weekend before school and a comic con and live her best life. What’s even better is the hunk of man she meets in one of the lines. Deciding no holds back she takes him back to her room for a one time thing. Because what’s the odds of ever seeing him again. He could be a college athlete anywhere in the country…

Devlin Connell has decided hockey will give him the life he always wanted. Not having to worry about his next meal or if he’ll have a roof over his head to sleep. His hockey family is the only family he knows and would do anything to keep them and their trust. But when he helps his best friend Beau move his sister into her college apartment, Dev never expects to see his comic beauty from before school started.

Only problem, she’s the one girl his best friend has made off limits to everyone & Dev is supposed to help him keep a watchful eye over. Will Dev & Cece break Beau’s trust? Who will end up in the penalty box when it’s all said and done….

📚 College Hockey Romance
📚 Brother’s Best Friend
📚 Forbidden
📚 Secretly Dating
📚 Found Family
📚 Special Tattoo
📚 He Falls First
📚 4th Book in Series
📚 Dual POV

Nikki Jewell knows how to bring the emotions from the page directly into your feels. The passion and emotions I felt as Cece & Dev shared them, incredible. I loved how they both didn’t have the stereotypical hobbies most people had but super different comic book lovers. Representing all different backgrounds. I can’t wait to see who we get next in our Lakeview boys 😍🥵

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penalty: Nikki Jewell

I don't know why, but I think this is my favourite couple of the series? Maybe? I don't know, I'm torn...

So we have our main characters are Cece and Devlin/ Dev.

Cece is so special. She is considerate, kind, caring and you can't help but be drawn to her. She tends to talk alot but I love that because in the moment she can ground you with her little chats.

Dev, he is a man of few words but what he does say has an impact and meaning. He is very reserved and cautious of others. Due to his devastating history, he doesn't trust others easily but he does trust Cece.

I really loved Cece and Dev's story. After an interesting (spicy) weekend shared together, Dev and Cece are unknowlingly spending time together again when Cece enlists the help of her twin. That twin aka Beau, is also bestfriends with Dev. Things get extremely intense when Cece and Dev can't stand to stay away from each other but they also need to keep it a secret from Beau, Cece's brother. This story is so sweet. I love how Dev was able to open upto Cece so easily and she was able to give him the space to take the time to do so. Cece is so amazing and Dev helped her remember that. They compliment each other so well and I'm so excited to see what the future holds for them both, it sucks that Cece's parents and brother make is so hard for them...

I highly recommend reading this series. It is worth it 🙌🙌🙌

Thank you so much to Nikki and your beautiful team for giving me the chance to read this story. I am forever grateful to be apart of an amazing ARC team 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

🏒 dual pov
🏒 Brother's best friend
🏒 Hockey romance
🏒 forbidden
🏒 hurt/ comfort
🏒 spicy

[Sam Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor, spice and lots of pinning can be found in The Penalty by Nikki Jewell. This is a “my brother’s teammate” hidden romance. An heiress who can do nothing right and a hockey player from the wrong side of tracks just trying to make something of his life.
Cece finds herself being forced to attend her brother’s school after a drunken incident with her previous school. Before she has to go, she goes to Comic Con for a bit of fun before having to be serious. At con, she meets Dev and they become fast friends. The attraction is there and it leads to a mind-blowing one-night-stand. Skip forward to move-in day, and her brother and his best friend come to help Cece. Surprise! The best friend is Dev. Now they have to decide on how they are going to keep this budding relationship up while hiding it from her overprotective brother Beau. Cece and Dev soon realize they are both people who have been let down by their family and that family doesn’t have to only mean those who are blood related. Their relationship grows even with the fear of others finding out. In the end, they confess their relationship and love for each other and live happily ever after.
My favorite thing about this was how funny it was. There was a lot of snark and just overall humor. I was laughing at my Kindle wayyyy too often. I also liked that there was representation of Comic-Con/Comic artists especially in a sports romance book.
My least favorite thing about this story is that there was some editing issues. There was some typos and whatnot. Not a huge amount, just a thing I noticed.
Five out of five for sure. It was pretty predictable but so funny and cute. Dev is absolutely swoon worthy and soooo sweet. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a new hockey book boyfriend.

[Holly | Raise Your Words · Rating 1 out of 5]

| 1/5 Stars | ★☆☆☆☆

Trigger Warnings for The Penalty: Sexual Content, Explicit Language, Violence, Emotional Manipulation, Power Imbalance, Past Trauma, Grief, Mental Health Struggles, Abuse, Dubious Consent

The Penalty is the fourth novel in the Lakeview Lightning series, though does act as a standalone. In this book we meet Cece, our FMC, and Dev, our MMC. They have an unforgettable weekend at Comic Con knowing they will likely never see each other again, until Cece transfers to Lakeview per her father's orders, to be closer to her twin brother, Beau. Fun fact? Beau is Dev's best friend! How will Cece and Dev figure this one out?

Truly, I think hockey romances may just be too close to home for me. I am a hockey fanatic - I've literally won our hockey fantasy league three years in a row. There either needed to be less of a focus on Dev & Beau's hockey careers, or way more. Dev was a background "goon" type player in the beginning, hoping for his chance at the big leagues, but then was suddenly the star who has already been drafted to the Vancouver Canucks?

All of this being said, if you don't have a huge eye to hockey, I think it's pretty easy to understand the pieces of hockey thrown in here. This book was not my favorite and I likely won't pick up future hockey romances due to it. Thank you to Nikki Jewell and Literary Inspired for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

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[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I thought this book was really well written and I loved the characters. This was the first book in the series that I have read but it’s the fourth book in the series so far. Sports romances are some of my favorite to read, and hockey tops that list. What I liked about this story is that it was a college hockey romance. So not only do we get a sports romance, but also a college romance. Honestly, my favorite part is that the two MCs meet at a con. As a nerd, I have been to my fair share of cons. I’m a nerdy sports lover, so this is right up my alley. On top of all of that, one of my favorite tropes is brother’s best friend. The Penalty really scored a home run. Or I guess a hat trick to use hockey terms.

As I said, I really liked these MCs. Dev is one of those characters that really just hits me and makes me love him. He has been through stuff with his family and it shapes the guy he is. He just seems so genuine and not like a lot of the MMCs you find in sports romances. CeCe is such a strong FMC, dealing with her own family issues that are very different but no less hard on her. They were such great characters.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the first I read from this author and I think she really hit it out of the park. It was wonderfully spicy and the MCs had such great chemistry. It made me want to read the other books in this series.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Penalty is the fourth college hockey romance in the Lakeview Lightning series. After a few questionable choices Cece’s dad pulls from Cornell and sends her to Lakeview for her final year of college so her twin brother can watch over her. Cece’s bummed about the change, but when her brother’s teammate just happens to be a guy she met at comic con the change isn’t looking so bad after all. Dev and Cece hit it off, but will they be able to turn this thing into a relationship or will it be too hard to hide from Cece’s brother? Are they in this for the long haul or just a few fun nights?

College hockey romances are my favorite romance reads and brother’s best friend tops my list as well, so there was no shock when this book pulled me in and didn’t let me go. I was hooked on this story from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down. Dev and Cece were so opposite in temperament, but so perfect together and I loved seeing this story unfold. I loved the characters in this book and thought the supporting characters were great and the perfect found family. The tension, chemistry, humor and spice in this book kept me coming back for more. If you are a college sports romance fan, like brother’s best friend romances or have a thing for grumpy/sunshine then this book is for you.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was suck a sweet fluffy read! Dev is everything you would want in a book boyfriend! The sweet golden retriever enforcer of the hockey team who is also a huge nerd! I loved him so much! And Cece I just wanted to hug her! She might have had a better childhood financially but she was just as emotionally abused and Dev was neglected and traumatized. I hated her parents so much but her relationship with her twin was heartwarming!

As a brothers best friend trope I was anticipating the fallout when the brother finally found out what was going on behind his back and my heart broke for poor Dev! Losing not only the friend who became a brother to him, the first person in his life to ever really be there for him but also the girl he fell in love with. That ending was perfection!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5

It was interesting to see opposites and how they connected. It def helped that they had some similar interests and that it started out physically and grew into something more. I love how protetive Dev was for Cece and how she brought out the best of him and gave him a family much more than just her brother.

It did seemed a little rushed at the end of them coming back together but it was super swet and i love how Beau turned it around and tried to give it all for his twin sister.


Spicy Rating
🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

From what ive read in this series (have to go back to read the first two ahah) this is the spicest one yet! From their first encounter, where he had her against the window. *fans self* Woof.

P.s. Secretly hoping Beau ends up with Georgia haha

[Kianna K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't ask me why, but I am a sucker for books with sensitive & vulnerable men. 🤷‍♀️ Which is exactly what Dev was. And Cece was so upbeat and positive, despite her family life. They are the epitome of grumpy x sunshine.

I love the way they met and clicked instantly. They had amazing chemistry. But it was a typical brother's best friend, gotta keep it hidden, secret dating book that I've read a hundred times, where I'm screaming in my head to just go tell him together already!

And did I miss why Cece and Beau's family is so well known and famous? That felt like a big unknown detail but perhaps I breezed past it.

Overall it was good. Just good. Dev being so vulnerable and in the process of healing is probably the biggest reason I enjoyed this book. I wanted to see his happy ending so bad, and it wrapped up perfectly.

3.5 ⭐️
🌶🌶

ARC Review 🤍 All opinions are my own

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penalty is book four of the Lakeview Lightning Series.

I just loved Cece and Dev together. They were perfect. Each had their own vulnerabilities, but together they made the other stronger. There was such a great friendship as the basis of this relationship. They had a lot of similar interests and I was glad they were able to bond and become something strong and resilient together.

Dev shows a strength is forgiveness and is able to move on from his traumatic past. Cece really has been made to feel poorly about herself from her family and she really needed to have someone in her corner and I was glad that person was Dev.

This was a really great addition to the series! I enjoyed it a lot and can't wait for the next one!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulnerability isn’t taking away this hot guy’s masculinity. Wow . Dev , com e back me next when you’ve done with Cece eh? This is hot stuff and I couldn’t get enough of their great story . I did chide I’m on their side honestly . …well mostly. What happens at Comic Con is all well and good and wow Cece/Cecelia made good use of his wood . Little did this college hockey hero know that he’d soon be seeing his Cece again. She transferred for her final year to be with her brother Beau and what do you know he’s Devlin’s best friend.what ensues in secret dating and it’s heaven to see that they’re growing close as can be. Great writing, storytelling too. I had a good time reading so would you . Nikki Jewell Thank you.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

I LOVED Dev and Cece's meet cute. The way they met and connected was just so sweet, and really let me know that their HEA was guaranteed!

Nikki Jewell does a fabulous job with The Penalty. I loved how Dev and Cece understood so much of each other instinctively. I loved how Dev got over his one biggest fear for Cece.

I also loved Cece's relationship with her brother Beau, and how he watched out for her, and protected her.

And let me just say that Cece's stepmother is insane! THAT scene with her made me want to do nasty things to her...

So much to enjoy in this fun, passionate read...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Nikki!! She does such an amazing job bringing her characters to life and making them so likable. I fell in love with Dev so quick it wasn’t even funny. I love that he has a deeper backstory, that he showed his vulnerability and that he wasn’t just another perfect MMC. His imperfections made him more human, and more lovable, his kindness and the small details when he showed he cared were just perfection . Loved the relationship development and the spice between Dev and Cece. Their chemistry was off the charts and their first meet was just adorable. Definitely would recommend!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute!! I have read a few other books in this series and I loved them!! Dev and Cece were so cute, they were both nerdy and I loved that so much. I feel like I don't see many books, where they do like a comic con and both of them love it. Cece was so cute, I loved her. She really had a it going on at the begining of the book and reading her find someone with the same intrests as her and even though it was her brother's best friend. Dev I love him so much, I wanted to wrap him in a hug after hearing his story, I really just loved him, he was the cute nerdy boy, but also very dirty mouth, its always the silent ones. I loved this book and I can't wait to see what is next!!

[Jessica Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

(ARC REVIEW)

As this was my first of the Lakeview Lightning series books to read, I have quickly added the rest to my TBR list. I fell in love with Cece as a character - a girl with curves and the confidence any woman should have about themselves! I just loved her so much! And don't get me started on quiet but hot as hell Dev.....OMG that man... I love that he is not the typical hockey jock that a lot of books make them out to be. He's quiet but he's also into so many other things other than JUST hockey. He doesn't live, eat and breathe it. And he also FEELS feelings...I truly think Cece and Dev balance each other out so well. I mean who cannot fall in love with them!?!

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Nikki Jewell does it again. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. I've been waiting for Dev's book and boy oh boy did it not disappoint.

Dev and Cece have such a cute bond that you can't help but fall in love with them from their nerdy sides matching to having a secret romance it was everything and more then what I wanted.

Definitely give this a read if you love:
🏒 College Hockey
💕 Brother's Best Friend
🌞 Grumpy & Sunshine
🔥 Slow Burn
🏡 Found Family
💘 Secret Crush
🎓 College Life Drama

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️

-Brothers Best Friend
-Dual POV
-Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
-College Hockey
-Found Family

I loved this. Dev and Cece are adorable. They’re hidden from almost everyone but they make the most of it. The two of them find love and family in each other and it’s beautiful. The ending had me actually sobbing. Well most of it was both happy and surprised tears. Nikki Jewell is a fantastic author. The writing style is really good and the plot takes you for a ride. I definitely recommend if you love a hockey spíce filled romance!

[Jamie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! Dev and Cece were complete opposites except for their love of all things comic book related. But they completed each other and helped each other be better. They both grew so much throughout the book, separately and together. I loved that Cece was plus sized, and also that her graphic novel character was too. Dev’s backstory was heartbreaking, but seeing how it shaped him into the person he became was so inspiring. This was a well written story with such amazing characters, I was sad for it to end. I will definitely be reading more from this author!!

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

☆Absolute must-read♡

Nikki did it again with another amazing story! I couldn't put this one down! The Penalty had all of my favorites! Brother's best friend, secret relationship, hockey romance, spice, and so much more! Devlin and Cecilia were amazing. The dynamic between them was everything, and their chemistry was off the charts, which I loved so much! Nikki is such a talented author with everything she writes. I loved this story so damn much, and I highly recommend giving it a shot!!

Thanks so much to the author and LiteraryInspiredARCs for the ARC!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dev's story was so good from the very beginning! I loved learning a little more about the stoic, quiet, enforcer of the Lakeview Lightning (iykyk). Cece was the perfect yin to his yang and OMG the steam between the two of them was to die for. I always had a feeling that Dev was truly a teddy bear under that gruff exterior and the way Cece brought it out was chefs kiss. I love that Cece had her own things that she had to overcome in her first year at Lakeview and that she was a woman who marched to the beat of her own drum and found her way. I love revisiting Lakeview with each new story!!

[Anna Kaaiakamanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved getting to know each of the men on the Lakeview Lightning team. This time we get to know Dev, a man of few words. As his character develops it is easy to see that he is a lovable teddy bear with a difficult past. Cece is the twin brother of Beau (the captain of the team). Cece and Dev meet at comic con and don't know who the other truly is. As they begin to figure out their connections they have a harder time pulling away from each other. I 100% recommend this book for romance lovers alike.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chemistry at Comic Con

Comic Con weekend brings Devlin and Cecilia together in an explosive way. When they are unexpectedly reunited, the revelation of their connection deepens, and they end up sneaking around. Oh boy, was this story entertaining as these two had to navigate the murkiness of their situation. It had me turning the pages until the very end.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.