Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Grizzlies Hockey #1

Married to Number Twenty-Two

Rate this book
I signed the contract.
I just didn't expect her to show up ten years later, ready to cash it in.
Recently traded to the Grizzlies, I’m struggling to find my place on the team. I’ve changed coasts, moved away from my best friend, from the Breakers who became family, and…I’m alone.
And it’s my birthday.
A fact that everyone around me seems to have forgotten.
Until a knock at the door proves differently.
I was in love with Luna when I was a teenager, and now she's on my doorstep, vivacious and beautiful and…holding a piece of paper I barely remember.
One that says we’ll get married…
And I think I’m just insane enough to say yes.

Married to Twenty-Two is the first book in the brand new Grizzlies Hockey series. If you love big, bearded hockey players who fall hard and fast for the women they love, this series is for you!

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

156 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

Elise Faber

157 books1,063 followers
USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
154 (40%)
4 stars
139 (36%)
3 stars
69 (17%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,017 reviews23 followers
July 21, 2025
A fabulous, second chance romance in Eluse Faber's newest hockey based series. Here we have Aiden and Luna, friends from childhood, apart for 10 years, renewing their connection in an unconventional manner. Luna is in trouble and turns to the person she trusts most in the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Both main characters are kind, funny, loyal and so clearly in love that it comes as no surprise to see the reigniting of those feelings, but as adults. The book is engaging, as are the new and old characters we meet up with. Luna's situation is one which her found family will step up for! I thought the inclusion Brit was fabulous, underlining the tender hearts of these people. As always, a soft hearted, loud, giant, Smitty is among this great bunch, and he is fabulous. A really good read that was so satisfying 💖💖💖💖
752 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2025
A new series by Elise Faber is always a promise of great books to come. And this first book in the new Grizzlies series dues not disappoint!
When a woman from his past shows up on his 25th birthday Aiden doesn’t know what’s going on. Then he realizes it’s his first love, Luna, and she still has the paper he signed agreeing to marry her if they aren’t married by their twenty-fifth birthday. He’s never gotten over her! And she only jet him Ho so he could realize his potential!
But now she needs to be married to get her inference! So, why not? Their chemistry is still out of this world! Let’s hope it works out for everyone!
Profile Image for Demi.
1,410 reviews32 followers
July 21, 2025
Love is real! When Luna shows up at Aiden's door it is if it was meant to be! They are both so glad to see one another and though Luna worries everything just falls into place so easily. Aiden and Luna are both so careful with one another and so genuinely caring. This is a lovely book about belonging and family
Profile Image for Isabella Grace.
477 reviews27 followers
August 18, 2025
“𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭. 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”

Oh Elise…I truly adore you and everything you write. We are back with a brand new hockey series from the queen of spicy hockey herself. And let me tell you, it does NOT disappoint 😍

This book centres around Aiden and Luna. They were best friends as children. And at 15 they made a pact that if they weren’t married by their 25th birthdays, they would marry each other. They became romantically involved as teens, but life took them in different directions. And Luna let him go, not wanting to stand in the way of his hockey career.

So imagine Aidan’s surprise when he sees Luna standing on his doorstep on their 25th birthday…hand written contract in hand after years of no communication.

Luna is in trouble. Her family sucks and the only one who had her back, her grandmother, has passed and left her an inheritance…only problem is she has to be married to get it…oh grannie 😩 Logically, Luna turns to the only man she’s ever trusted…Aiden.

Aiden truly has a heart of gold…and when Luna shows up he knows he will do anything to help her. Especially since he knows how terrible her family is.

This book is full of found family, suspense and some toxic men on Lunas side that make you rage. I love love loved seeing characters from previous books and series. One of my favorite things about Elise’s books is how all of the teams rally around the MC’s and help protect them.

I loved seeing Aiden and Luna find their way back to each other. Aiden was truly the only person who could break down Lunas walls. He loved her in a way that left no doubt and truly just wanted to protect her in every way.

I’m so excited to see what the rest of this series has in store!

Thank you so much to Elise Faber for the opportunity to ARC read this incredible book ! 🩵

🏒Hockey Romance
🩵Second Chance
🏒Found Family
🩵Guarded FMC
🏒Protective MMC
🩵Heroine in Trouble
🏒Golden Retriever Hero
🩵Forced Proximity
🏒Touch Her & 💀
🩵Marriage of Convenience
🏒He Falls First
🩵It was Always You
🏒First Love
🩵Childhood Friends to Lovers
🏒Toxic Family
🩵Dual POV
🏒HEA
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
19.9k reviews253 followers
July 21, 2025
This is the first book in this series, and this is Aiden and Luna’s story.
Aiden and Luna were childhood friends, and first loves, and they signed a contact that is they were both single at 25 they would marry.
This is a well written easy to read story, with found family, friendships, emotions, drama, chaos, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, touch her and die vibes, friends / lovers, second chances, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and fun, hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,863 reviews210 followers
July 21, 2025




Universal



Luna and Aiden used to be best friends, then more as teens, but life took them in separate ways. But when she needs help years later, the only person she can think to ask is him. After all, they have a signed marriage agreement that says they'll marry if they're both single at the time. She needs that marriage, and she'll end up needing Aiden, too.



Though Aiden and Luna haven't been in each other's lives in a long time, when she ends up on his doorstep one night, it's as if time has stood still and he's in love with her all over again. She's reminding him of their old marriage contract, and he can't think of anyone else he'd rather be married to, even if it's just to help her fulfill her grandma's will stipulations. Aiden knows how to play the game though, he's going to make their marriage a real one, to remind Luna that they're soulmates.



Elise and hockey always equal a hot combo. I already know I'm going to love this spinoff of Eagles Hockey and Eagles Oakridge Vineyards - Jean-Michel (Bottles & Blades) and Jace (Beauty & the Boardroom) step in to help Luna deal with her terrible father and brother, and Aiden's teammates are around for laughs (Smitty!), support and giving Luna the family she deserved. And Aiden and Luna proved they were really soulmates destined to be together, even if they had years apart in the middle of their journey. But when they reunite, their friendship unfolds so naturally, as if they'd never been apart. And that young love develops into the timeless, adult kind of love that soulmates have. I love this couple meant for each other, all their found family, with hints at stories to come. Gray and Faye are next when Divorced from Number Thirty-Eight drops, and I can't wait.



ARC provided by for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub | StoryGraph | Linktree
Profile Image for Betsy.
41 reviews
July 2, 2025
I really, really wanted to love this book, but it kind of fell flat. I wanted more conflict and angst. Loved the characters but everything resolved too easily and came together too quickly. The story idea is good, I just think it’s needed a bit more
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,200 reviews205 followers
July 18, 2025
MARRIED TO NUMBER 22 is the first instalment in Elise Faber’s contemporary, adult GRIZZLIES HOCKEY erotic,hockey romance series, a spin off from the author’s EAGLES HOCKEY/ OAKRDIGE VINEYARDS series. This is twenty-five year old, Grizzlies hockey player Aiden Black , and twenty-five year old, heiress Luna Maybelle’s story line. MARRIED TO NUMBER 22 can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several characters cross over for cohesion between series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Aiden and Luna) MARRIED TO NUMBER 22 follows the rebuilding relationship between our story line couple. Aiden Black and Luna Maybelle were childhood best friends but ten years earlier, at the ages of fifteen, Aiden signed a contract with our heroine agreeing to marry when they turned twenty-five but Aiden and Luna’s lives went in opposite directions, and Luna’s reappearance in Aiden’s life means something must have gone wrong Her personal and professional life are spiraling out of control; desperate for help, Luna is hoping Aiden’s promise of marriage was real.

The world building follows Luna and Aiden’s rekindling friendship, a relationship that fell apart ten years earlier but the death of Luna’s beloved grandmother has snowballed with promises, pledges and caveats, and Aiden is the only man Luna has ever loved.

The relationship between Luna and Aiden is one of second chances. Ten years earlier, having made a pledge, and each of their lives went in different directions, Aiden had never stopped loving the woman who walked away but Luna is in trouble, and Aiden is determined to help our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are seductive and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include the introduction of Luna’s questionable brother John and father Frank, and Aiden’s supportive family and friends including teammates Smitty and Gray. We are reintroduced to the return of billionaire Jean-Michel Dubois, owner of the Eagles Hockey, Oak Ridge Vineyards and Titan Capital; Jace Henderson, and teenage Bri.

MARRIED TO NUMBER 22 is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is thought provoking, captivating and emotional; the romance is spirited; the characters are edgy and sassy.

copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Laura .
1,007 reviews25 followers
July 7, 2025
I fully admit that I enjoy every hockey romance that Elise Faber writes. So when I learned of this new series, I knew I would be hooked from the beginning. Meeting Aiden and Luna just solidified that fact. These two are childhood friends who just so happened to try having a romance in their teen years only to be driven apart. Then there is this supposed Maybelle curse that Luna is struggling with, and now Grams has left her one last task to accomplish.

Who does Luna turn to? Obviously it's Aiden, and what a better birthday gift than her showing up on his doorstep. Everything that happened after that just felt right. Aiden showed himself to be a protector, and of course fell head over heels for Luna.

Aiden's family was absolute perfection. His mom is amazing, and I love how she tucked these two chickadees (Luna & Bri) under her wing to protect them, and gave them both the push to fly with confidence. She was truly a blessing to both those gals. Oh who is Bri? Well you'll have to read to find out, but I hope to see more of her in the future and maybe as a love interest for a Grizzly player. But time will tell on that one.

Getting to see JM and Jace again brought a smile to my face. JM continues to be the wonderful person he is, and he's not afraid of confrontation. (which if you know him from other books, you know the type of man he is.) Witnessing those two interact with Luna, and give her the confidence she needed was a fantastic thing. They were the mentors she needed for her business.

If you've read any of Elise's hockey romances, then you know how the bonds are between the players, and seeing them bring Luna into the fold was everything. Of course them also gravitating to Bri, and sensing her uncertainty, just speaks to the type of men they truly are.

Married to Number Twenty Two was another marvelous hockey romance, and I will absolutely be continuing on with the Grizzlies Hockey series.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,476 reviews47 followers
August 11, 2025
Aiden plays for the Grizzlies Hockey Team. He is now 25, he isn't sure if his family is celebrating his birthday, if so it'll be the first one they've never celebrated in person with. When he hears a knock on his door at 2am he isn't sure if it's the drunk neighbors next door, or someone else. The knocking doesn't stop and Aiden opens it up to find Luna standing outside his door. He is taken back, he hasn't seen Luna in a few years now. Luna burst inside his room, Aiden thinks a ray of sunshine just burst in at 2am, which no one should be that cheery!

Luna was raised mostly by her grandmother. They had been living with her father and brother after her grandmother's health took a bad turn. Now that she's gone, Luna isn't sure what to do. She moved back into their shared house, but, she doesn't want to replace broken items, put away her thinks, box up her grandmother's things. She is just lost. Her father kicked her out of the family company she was working with. Now she just doesn't know where to turn or what to do. At the reading of the Will the lawyer handed her a letter which stated she could get her grandmother's shares of the company if she was married within a year of her passing. Now that it's been 8 months, she thinks of Aiden and the 'contract' they made when they were younger. She wants to cash in on their deal to marry by the time they turn 25. But will Aiden? Will he still be open to being with her?

When she left Aiden when they were teenagers, she thought she was breaking up with him for a good reason, to let him to be the hockey golden boy she knew he would become. Now that Aiden is on the pro hockey team has he really made his dreams come true? Does his dream also include Luna?

I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review. Thank you so much to Elise Faber for the opportunity to read this incredible book

Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,638 reviews51 followers
July 21, 2025
Engaging second chance romance

Elise Faber has always delivered terrific hockey stories, so when she announced a new series, I was in. MARRIED TO NUMBER 22, book #1 in Grizzlies Hockey , was a wonderful introduction to this new series. This is a second chance, marriage of convenience, first love romance which was fun, at times crazy, and definitely entertaining.

Aiden Black and Luna Maybelle were childhood friends who became each other's first love. When they were thirteen they signed a contract stating they would marry each other, if still single, at twenty-five. Well guess what, that time has arrived, and so has Luna on Aiden's doorstep! Even though they hadn't had any contact for ten years, the chemistry between them still existed. Luna is there for a reason; her grandmother put a stipulation in her will and Luna has four months to fulfill it if she is to gain her inheritance. Will Aiden agree to Luna's request?

This story was such a fun read, I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. Aiden and Luna's friendship instantly picks up from their teen years. Falling hard for them was easy, Aiden had such a laid-back persona, while Luna had strength and determination I loved. I loved Aiden's protectiveness of Luna and his growly ways, especially when Smitty was around. Add in Aiden's family and his teammates, you'll find plenty of craziness, lots of laughs, and love galore. There is some drama brought on by Luna's father and brother, but they're handled brilliantly by two surprise cameo appearances (thank you Elise).

MARRIED TO NUMBER 22 was another enjoyable and engaging story from Elise. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Cat.
2,164 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2025
This was my first Elise Faber book and I have to say I really enjoyed it..I feel I have been missing out...There are more Hockey books she has written and I will have to check those out too..
This is part of a new Grizzlies Hockey series and I loved meeting the characters,family and friendships etc..
Aiden and Luna are just Amazing and are fated to be together,they made for one another.
Luna and Aiden are childhood friends who became a dating couple in their teens,but things didn't work out and they went their seperate ways.
10 Years later Aiden is a Hockey star and Luna is in a dilema and there is only one man she can think about who could help her.
Because her grandmother had put a stipulation in her Will for Luna to achieve before she would get her inheritence.
The thing is when they were 13 Luna and Aiden made a contract that they would marry one another,if they were not married by a certain age.
Luna finds that contract and it is perfect for her situation,to ask Aiden to marry her and stay true to their promise to eachother.
Loved this story...
Aiden and Luna have so much chemistry that never went away along with an attraction between them.
Would they give into their feelings and stop pretending,making the marriage a real one?
Their friendship is so easy and I just loved them together..this is such a fantastic second chance romance..I adored reading it,the romance,the steam,the humour was perfect.
I am really looking forward to reading more from this series and getting to know Elise Fabers writing and Hockey world more.
Married to number 22 is an Amazing start to what will be a wonderful new series.
I Enjoyed it very much.
Brilliant 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,019 reviews52 followers
July 21, 2025
Cute Second Time Around Story

This first book in a brand-new hockey romance series introduces us to Aiden and Luna, childhood friends who once scribbled a life-changing deal on a piece of paper. Fast forward ten years, and life throws them back together in a way neither of them expected.

Luna shows up at Aiden’s doorstep in the middle of the night—on their shared birthday, no less—clutching that old piece of paper and feeling completely lost. Her life is kind of a mess, and in that moment, the only thing she can think of is Aiden, their childhood promise, and her grandmother’s final words to her. That’s pretty much where the story takes off. Luna’s on a bit of a mission, and luckily for her, Aiden turns out to be as kind and grounded as ever.

I liked both Luna and Aiden as characters. They had a sweet dynamic and a history that made their reconnection believable. That said, I wasn’t totally sold on how quickly things moved between them. I get that they were close as kids, but I would’ve loved just a bit more buildup, maybe some tension or a hint of angst before everything started falling into place so smoothly. The "insta-whatever" between them felt a little rushed for my taste.

Still, the book is well-written and packed with likable, helpful supporting characters, especially Aiden’s family, who completely stole the show in some scenes. They added a lot of warmth and made the story feel even more grounded. It’s a charming second-chance romance with a feel-good vibe, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next one in the series to see what’s in store.

Review for Renee Entress’s Blog
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,021 reviews67 followers
July 22, 2025
A great beginning to yet another captivating hockey series. Ms. Faber graces us with a heartwarming, second chance romance where you'll swoon over the MMC and want to stand right beside the FMC and tell her she's got this and all will work out. Their story was filled with love, laughs, witty banter and found family.
Married to Number Twenty-Two starts off with a marriage contract between teenage Aiden and Luna. The only thing is now they are twenty-five, both single and have a history that saw Luna break Aiden's heart. Why after all these years did she show up at his door on both of their birthdays? Well, her life is falling apart. She lost her only family that she felt close to, her grandma, and to see a vision come true, she has to make a big decision: get married. Adien has always owned her heart and when she shows up on his doorstep, she is praying that he feels the same way. Aiden, a professional NHL player for the Grizzlies, sees the one woman he has always loved on his doorstep. He sees the contract and that has his heart beating faster. Not because he doesn't want her but the complete opposite. She has owned his heart since they were teens and even though she broke it, it remained hers. The chemistry they shared all those years ago never disappeared. It was simmering just under the surface. When truths are shared, the love they shared seemed to get stronger and stronger.
Throughout this book, we saw the Grizzly guys step up and embrace Luna as a part of the hockey family. Although Luna's life was a mess, Aiden, his family, both blood and hockey, were there cheering her on and supporting not only her but her and Aiden.
Profile Image for Mags.
3,024 reviews34 followers
July 24, 2025
4.25⭐

Married to Number Twenty-Two is the beginning of a new series by Elise Faber, and what an engaging start it is! The story follows Luna and Aidan, who were childhood friends that made a pact to marry if they were both still single by the age of twenty-five. However, they loose touch after the pact was made.

But on the night of their shared twenty-fifth birthday, Luna shows up unexpectedly, piece of paper in hand, and announces that they are getting married. And she has a compelling reason for this decision—her life is in chaos, and at that moment, all she can think about is Aidan and their childhood promise, along with her grandmother's final words to her.

This is where the story truly begins, with Luna on a mission. Thankfully, Aidan takes the news in stride and remains as kind and grounded as ever.

And I loved the dynamic between Luna and Aidan. As they have such a fun and sweet connection, and their history makes their reconnection feel believable. That said, I wasn't entirely convinced by how quickly things progressed between them. However, I thoroughly enjoyed their romance and the secondary characters—especially Aidan's family, who stole every scene they were in.

And with a charming second-chance romance, a feel-good vibe, a touch of spice, and just the right amount of drama thanks to Luna's brother and father, this was a fantastic start to a new series.

I definitely look forward to reading more from this series in the future and would happily recommend Married to Number Twenty-Two to all.

My thanks to The Author Agency and Elise Faber for the opportunity to read an early copy of Married to Number Twenty-Two. All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊
Profile Image for greenapplemojito.
761 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2025
I picked up this book, seeing the good number of positive reviews on it on GoodReads. While it didn't disappoint, it did leave me craving for more or wishing there were more to some aspects of the book.

This book needs a little bit of editing/proof-reading to be done - there were some mistakes here and there. Plus, it felt like a lot of the storyline could have been written stronger, or there could have been more story to connect with the characters. I wish there were alternating timelines where we could read about the past of the MCs together to really understand their connection. I also wish there were a couple of things that could have been handled differently to justify that the spark between the two never left - some sort of pining etc. Because, we instead got the MMC not being able to recognize the FMC and the FMC suddenly still trusting the MMC and coming back with the pact. I wish all this could have been handled a bit more strongly and could be a bit more convincing. Right before the time jump to the epilogue, I still felt like the story was unfinished and that the FMC was still not convinced that the marriage-of-convenience was no more a marriage-of-convenience and that they will be continuing forward. It still felt like she needed to be convinced more but then we landed with the epilogue. There were more narration or "whispering out loud" than conversations alot of times and i also felt that to make this an even more fun hockey romance, I would have loved to see more of the team and how they all bond together.

I know I spoke about so many "could have beens", but nevertheless, the story was nice.
Profile Image for Yugie Caroline.
308 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2025
This book is certainly another undeniable winner in the second- chance romance storytelling that Elise is so good at creating. The reunion scenarios she comes up with are always unique, ones you would never see coming. In this book, the middle-of-the-night sudden appearance of the heroine into the hero's condo - and yes, his life - was simply unexpected and entertaining. And the reason for said reunion? It's a great backbone around which the entire story is wrapped, and the way it unfolds is engrossing to see through to the end.

Another reason I love about Elise's books is how characters from previous books pop up and make a statement. Especially in this case, one of my all-time favorite male characters did just that; Jean-Michel Dubois acting like the formidable and protective business titan that he always is. Those chapters where he was mentioned and made his captivating appearance were definitely my most favored of all in the book.

Lastly, as it always shows in all her books, the sense of family and kinship is one again strong in this story. The MMC's immediate family and inner circle of friends create one protective cocoon for the FMC, who in this story has no one else but her horrible father and brother. I loved the part in the story where they all stood up for her as she confronted their cruel scheming. I reveled in the vicarious experience of seeing her stand tall and strong with all those people backing her up. It was a glorious scene indeed.

I received a free review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mazzie.
148 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2025
Luna and Aiden are a high school sweetheart couple that broke up and rekindled their relationship 10 years later. While they rekindle their relationship in an unconventional way you can tell they were always meant to be together! Their love and bond picks up right where they left it buts it’s even stronger than before! While he battling to prove he’s a great hockey player, she’s battling her brother in father to get what is rightfully hers.

When her father and brother find out they eloped, they are not to pleased and do everything they can to make sure she’s unhappy. However, they didn’t expect her to be more powerful because of the love everyone has for her. She’s backed by so many people that she finally learns what a true family and true love really is!

This isn’t the first book by Elise Faber I’ve read and it’s just as great as the others! I couldn’t believe it was finished when I turned and saw I was at the epilogue, because I was so into the story! This book had me wanting more and more! It was a quick read but it covered so much and it flowed very well together. It had some moments of laughter (some really funny hockey guys singing Backstreet Boys) to some cute nicknames, like tiny tornado and lead tornado (think of your mother in law as the lead) and also some moments where you feel emotional for the characters in the book. I highly recommend this book and this author!
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,063 reviews205 followers
July 22, 2025
We're freshly into a hockey romance series and I already need more. I’m mouth guard over skates for this group of players – their camaraderie, their good-natured teasing, and the way they have each other’s backs is so compelling and appealing.

Aiden and Luna were BFFs and quietly in love with each other years ago. Aiden went to the NHL and Luna's life went on, not treating her too well along the way. Her brother and father are truly awful, and then she has to deal with her grandmother's death. And that pesky stipulation in the will that says Luna must be married to inherit.

Irrespective of the way she crashes back into his life, Aiden has always had a special place in his heart for Luna. And knowing her family, he's willing to do whatever he needs to help Luna to fulfill her grandmother’s wishes.

This one has so many elements that are amazing, not the least of which is the found family aspect. I adore Aiden’s family and the way they embrace Luna, as well as the way Luna does the same for others in need.

Second chance romance is my favorite, and this one did not disappoint. I adore an alpha hero with a soft heart of gold and loved watching Aiden and Luna find their happy forever. Charming, sweet, and funny with just the right amount of heart, you’ll love this story of finding what was lost, healing old hurts, and new beginnings.
Profile Image for Marea.
377 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2025
Aiden and Luna were destined to be together from the start. Not only did they grow up together, but they also shared a birthday. Right before they were driven apart as teenagers, special contract was made. If they are both not married by a certain age, then they have to marry each other. Ten years later Aiden is making it in the NHL and by himself for his birthday. When there was a knock on his door, he never imagined that it would be Luna with the contract wanting follow through. Not for the reason he hoped, but because Grams left Luna one more thing she needed to complete in order to gain her inheritance and break the curse. There was no doubt that Aiden was a protector, especially of Luna and that his family loved her. But could it all work out in the end and be a happily ever after?

This is the first book in a new hockey series Grizzlies Hockey by Elise Faber. While this is a stand alone it does help if you have read some of the other ones because the characters in here, especially Smitty, are back. Not only helping but making sure that the friends become part of the big family who will always help each other out. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

Thanks for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Mona .
169 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2025
Another amazing sweet love story from Elise.

Elise’s books are my comfort reads. I know every time when I pick up one of her books that she will leave me feeling happy at the end.

Of course, until we get there, I might cry, laugh, gasp, giggle and blush, but by the time I reach that last page, my heart will be warm with happiness.

Aiden and Luna were childhood sweethearts. They first fell in love as skating at the same rink.

But Aiden moved on with his hockey career, and Luna felt that with her family history it was better to let him go.

Years later on their joint 25th birthday, she shows up at his door with their childhood “marriage contract” in hand on an impulse and also desperate for help.

Her family troubles have gotten more serious and after the first impulse passes, she tries to back down, but Aidan will not let her sleep through his fingers again.

Aiden is such a sweet supportive MMC. I I love him to bits. And Luna is kind, strong and generous. She just needs to learn to trust life. And Aiden along with his nosy family and even nosier team are just the ones to help her do that.

Beautifully sweet love story .

I have received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

2🌶️ / 5 ⭐️
484 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
** 5 stars **

Married to Number Twenty-Two was such a sweet and emotional story. I loved the characters and it was a wonderfully written second chance romance.

Aiden and Luna were friends when they were younger. They signed a contract that if they were both single at 25 they would get married. Luna shows up at Aiden's house on his birthday. He doesn't know who she is because they hadn't seen each other since they were younger. Luna is now a grown woman who is beautiful. Aiden is surprised to see that she still has the contract. He is not expecting to still have the same feelings for her as he did before. Luna explains that she needs to get married in order to claim her grandmother's will's inheritance. She needs the money. Aiden takes the opportunity to tell her that they will get married. He intends to make her his and have this be a real marriage.

I love the relationship and chemistry between Aiden and Luna. They picked up on their friendship from the minute she walks back into his life. I look forward to more in this series.

Reasons you will love this story:
* Hockey romance
* Second chance
* Friends to lovers

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann .
1,699 reviews17 followers
July 21, 2025
*4 stars*
The first one in a brand new series that will definitely steal your heart away. It was a short sports romance read about two people that were young kids and now years later they find each other again after making a pact. I liked the relationship between Aiden & Luna and how each was portrayed in the story that really evolved into something more. Truly enoyed this story and can't wait to see what comes next.

When Luna arrives at Aiden's door, she doesn't really know what to expect as it's really the one thing that keeps her going but she's pleasantly surprised by his reaction even though he doesn't really know what is really going on. After spending some time together, they both realise that the love they shared is still lingering underneath it all. While they are trying to figure things out and having a great time together, Aiden offers her the one thing she needs the most and they get married. Now trying to move forward, their relationship is going strong but they still need to figure things out but it seems that everything is going to work out. Will everything be okay in the end?...
Profile Image for Melissa Woodard.
48 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2025
I was lucky enough to get to Arc read Married to 22. Let me just put this out there that I am not a hockey romance girlie, I think it is because my son is a hockey player and that is too close to home. I did however love this book.
This is Aidan and Luna’s story. Together when they were just kids, to Luna showing up 10 years later with a marriage contract, that they made when they were younger. Aidan is such a golden retriever that you cannot help but love him. Luna and her childhood, her horrible family except grams, you feel for, making them the perfect couple.
Luna’s family is awful and a clause in a will throws a wrench in everything. Luna doesn’t understand but it is made clear what the clause was supposed to help Luna step out of her closed off cage and become the person she is supposed to be.
Her father and brother are vile characters and Aidan is her knight and shinning armor. I we wouldn’t expect less from him.
This story has not only love, second chances,crazy families, hockey teams, billionaires, it introduces us to the break out star in Smitty. Pick this book up! @Elise Faber books #booktok #smuttok #arcreader #hockeyromancebooks #smitty
Profile Image for Michele.
141 reviews
July 22, 2025
Luna let Aiden go all those years ago so he could focus on his career. Now in the NHL, he has been traded to a local team. One night she pounds on his door with a contract and a cupcake. She needs his help to get her inheritance. Aiden doesn’t care what she needs because he needs her back in his life for good this time.

These two are great. I love how Aiden takes care of her for no other reason than he wants to. They get to know each other again, but you see how they never really stopped loving each other. I can relate to Luna’s character in that she has never been taken care of, so it is hard to ask for help when you are used to nothing but disappointment.

I love a book with great side characters and this one did not disappoint. His family is lovely and loud and I can’t wait to learn more about his teammates. I need to go look to see if there is one about Smitty! I love how everyone rallied around her and it will be interesting to see how the series unfolds and who pairs off.

This was my first book by Elise and I will be headed into her backlog for sure. 4/5⭐️ 5/5🌶️

I received an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
2,105 reviews75 followers
July 4, 2025
When Elise Faber announces a new hockey series she gets my full attention! This is the first book in the Grizzlies Hockey and promises all the things I’ve come to expect from her. As with all of Elise’s books, the strong found family vibes that she is famous for, comes shining through.

If you are familiar with her books, then brace yourself, because the one, the only, Smitty is back to wreak his special kind of adorable havoc on everyone! He wastes no time making his presence known and lending our two protagonists - Aiden and Luna - a hand in getting their act together and giving their second chance at love, a chance.

I was drawn to both main characters and their backstory. The feelings they had for each other in their teens was buried but not forgotten. I liked the fact that this was a (relatively) drama free read that let all the characters (both primary and secondary) shine. I will always root for these kinds of stories because they are what keep me coming back for more.

I’m giving MARRIED TO NUMBER TWENTY-TWO the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,406 reviews14 followers
July 17, 2025
Grizzlies Hockey #1

It's Aiden Black's twenty-fifth birthday and he's asleep when someone is pounding on his door. Thinking it's his crazy neighbors he's shocked when he opens the door to Luna Maybelle. This was his best friend and first love and someone he hasn't seen in ten years.
She shows up as it's her twenty-fifth birthday too, showing him the contract they had put together at age 13 saying if they were still single at age twenty-five they would marry each other and it happens they are both single.

Aiden is now an NHL hockey star and Luna is struggling to get by and is in a dilemma because of what her grandmother put in her will for Luna to gain access to her inheritance.

For Aiden he fell in love with her as a thirteen year old boy and the love has always been there, so now he has a chance to make that into something more. He's more than happy to help her out. The chemistry is still so strong, it never went away.

Will Luna be able to stand up to her father and brother to get her inheritance and find love along the way?

4 stars
Profile Image for Angels.
2,000 reviews17 followers
July 21, 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed the story of Luna and Aiden, high school sweethearts who get a second chance at love. The chemistry between them was beautiful, and their relationship was filled with passion and playfulness. We loved the premise of how their reunion came about from a pact they made long ago.

The characters in this new series were lovable, especially Aiden's supportive hockey team and his family. We loved them all; they were wonderful, engaging, fun, and sassy. The story was engaging with elements of meddling grandmothers, family drama, and deep emotional connections. Aiden was a charming and caring character, while Luna, also known as the "Tiny Tornado was sassy and fun. Their love for each other never wavered, and their journey of self-discovery and growth was heartwarming.

Overall, we loved the story, its characters, and the mix of drama, humor, love, and second chances. We found ourselves laughing and smiling throughout. We are eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,411 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
Aiden and Luna were childhood friends, and they were each other’s first love. When they were young, they signed a contract, that at 25 if they were still single, they would marry each other.

So… now it's that time and Luna has come to make good on the contract. She shows up and looks like the chemistry between them is definitely still there. But Luna is on a clock, and she has four months to get married, or she won't get her grandmother’s inheritance.

Now it's all up to Aiden... Will he, or won’t he?

This was definitely a good read for me after my previous read. It was a fun, lol kind of read. Luna and Aiden’s friendship definitely didn’t waiver even though they haven’t seen each other in years. Lots of laughter and fun, with all the teammates and Aiden’s family. And some drama thrown in from Luna’s family, but definitely a good read.

I haven’t read much from this author, but I am definitely a fan. And looking forward to the next book in this new series 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Profile Image for Pauline.
969 reviews
July 6, 2025
I loved this first book in the Grizzlies Hockey series and Aiden and Luna were very likable and relatable. I loved that the angst and turmoil (and there wasn't a huge amount) was from outside the forces and so showed Aiden and Luna's togetherness. Of course the family and found family of the grizzlies teammates featured prominently and brought such love and fun to the book especially Smitty, who is from the Breakers series. Smitty is his usual brash, funny, insulting, understanding self and you wouldn't have it any other way.

If you enjoy Elise Faber's books, you will love this and if you're new to this author, it's well worth investing the time. The book is wonderful, the story flows quickly and naturally and the characters grow and develop with that story. This is such a good start to the new series and I am very excited about what's to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.