Sven

Glendale Magic #4

by Mary Warren

Find out what happens when Sven get an unexpected surprise knocking at his door one morning.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Plus Size, Hockey Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Hockey

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

Reviews

[suonnahbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sven by Mary Warren
-The foreword and authors note 🔥
-Sven’s dad can catch these hands
-the fortune teller gets me everytime I love her lol
-Natalie being fired for reading a banned book is crazy but also our reality rn so sad
-I love how Sven is stepping up to being a father period , gotta love a single dad/ nanny trope 🤪, I love the support system he has as well , he’s really good with communicating which I love too
-Seeing him adjust and step up in his new normal is beautiful
-I love Natalie she’s adorable and kind, the only thing I don’t like about her is that she like pineapple on pizza 🤣
-this book is truly making me delulu into thinking I just need to nanny for hockey player then we fall in love loll
-the tension between them , the dream, the want i loveee
-they make so giddy I love them so much and seeing their relationship build up slowly is beautiful because in a lot of romances it goes so quick
-love the bisexual rep
-this romance was so smooth and adorable I loved it
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heartfelt dual POV, steamy single dad x nanny hockey romance set in the world of the New York Glendale Magic team. This book features playboy, Sven who is shocked when a one night stand shows up on his doorstep with a five month old baby girl she claims is his. Sven steps up no questions asked and when the mother disappears, he hires Natalie to be his live-in nanny. New to the city after getting fired from her Alabama teaching job for reading a banned book, Natalie falls fast for Sven.

This book has some great messages about standing up to book banning, embracing found family and not letting toxic, abusive parents harm your mental health. There's also positive bisexual and fat rep (Natalie). This was the perfect book to binge during Freedom to read week!! Many thanks to the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I voluntarily read this book and all opinions are my own.

Fav quote:
"Love is love, and it is okay if it looks different...It is important for people to see themselves in books. We need that representation. We all deserve love reflected back at us in the stories we read."

[Stephanie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author Mary Warren for an advance copy!

This book will be out on Feb 27th.

We are onto book 4 in the Glendale Magic series and just like with the others I ate it up. Mary's writing makes the reading experience a breeze.

Sven's gaze fell straight to the camera, and Natalie's stupid heart skipped a beat.
"I had to win a goal for someone"

Sven has been written as a playboy in the prior books and even at the start of this one he has his meandering tendencies. We do eventually learn why he chose the more bachelor lifestyle but those hook ups caught up to him. He learns he is a dad to a baby and he does a complete 160. He won me over by being a complete gentlemen and putting all his focus on his baby girl Winnie. He also wanted to help out Stacie, the mother, as much as he could. I felt bad that Stacie left him in an impossible situation and really forced him to take on the role of dad.

Enter Natalie, she had just been fired from her job and wanted a change. And just like how things are in books, she was at the right place at the right time and the job kind of fell into her lap. What she hadn't expected was to be so attractive to Sven. And same goes for Sven. He did not realize he would fall so hard for his hired nanny.

It's always a fun to watch two characters play the "we shouldn't do it" or "we need to remain professional" game. Warren is so good with the flirty banter and the internal monologue for each of the characters. And of course when they just cannot take the tension anymore, the spice! The intimacy! I am not usually into jealous men but there is a moment where Sven gets a little TOO jealous and yet I was very into it.

Also one thing I'm not sure I mentioned in prior reviews is the drama that Warren adds in her books! I don't want to say this is the case in all but I can think of two others besides this one where you are nervous for the characters because of the actions that are happening around them (I'm trying to be super vague to avoid spoilers). But whew! My heart was so sad for Sven. And I'm glad this pressure and storyline was on the MMC as oppose to the FMC to show that this can happen to men.

"I'm going to make you so fucking happy."
"You already have."

Just like with her prior books and something that is important to me when I read sport romances, we did get to see some ice hockey on page! I always love when the love interests interact while at the game and this one of course was super cute!

There is also a subplot as to why Natalie moves to New York from Alabama - she read a book about different families, essentially a banned book, and was fired from her teaching role. Especially in today's climate where book banning is a real event happening. The author is even giving a portion of the proceeds from this book to the ACLU.

And it looks like we are getting one more in this series! Which I feel like I may know who it will be???

This can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the series just because I love them. I recommend this if you love insta connection/love, single daddy x nanny, and sports romance!

PS - Once again LOOK AT THIS COVER!! I love that she puts real bodies on the covers. Bravo!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sven is a hockey player for the Glendale Magic. One day, everything changes; he finds out that he has a daughter. His life is turned upside down, but he knows he will do anything for his daughter. Natalie recently moved from Alabama to New York. She soon finds herself working for Sven as a nanny. They are supposed to be off-limits for each other. But they can't seem to stay away from each other. 

Oh my gosh, this book!! I know I have probably said this about every book in this series. BUT this was my favorite one. This series just keeps getting better! I felt so bad for Sven at the beginning of the book because his whole life changed. I loved that Natalie was there for both his daughter and him. I loved how this book made me wait for the romance to happen. It just made it even better when it finally happened. I also loved that this book had a few easter eggs to the other books in the series. This book was just so perfect. I LOVE this series, and I highly suggest you read it. 

Thank you so much, Mary Warren, for letting me read this book. I loved it so much, and I can't wait to read more! 

[Reader Retiree Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired teacher and a woman with curves I found a lot that resonated with me. Sven has taken responsibility for his actions and fell in love with his daughter. He still has demons from his childhood that plague him. Natalie was unfairly fired for expressing to her students that there are different types of families. The group that attacked Natalie exists not in name but they definitely are book banners. As a teacher, I had a student that had two moms. I handled it very matter of factly. As such there are lots of families. Two moms, dads, mom and dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and outside of the family. My students took no notice. Natalie fell in love with Winnie first and the her father. There’s lots of spice included in the book. They truly enjoy each other’s bodies. I very much enjoyed reading Natalie and Sven’s love story.
I received Sven as an ARC readers.

[Luna ꪆৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐

Before I begin I want to thank the author, Marry Warren, for giving me this ARC.

It was okay I was entertained. I just think it missed that wow you know. Maybe it just needed more time. I don't know I'm not a writer I'm just a reader. I really don't have much to say about this other than that it was okay.

I know all of this sound pretty harsh but I'm just trying to be honest.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hockey romance with the Magic!
A single-dad meets his match with the nanny.
I enjoy reading more about the Magic family.

[Keshia Bigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and y’all, it did not disappoint.

Listen, Sven by Mary Warren is exactly what I want in a hockey romance - sexy, heartfelt, and full of the kind of swoony tension that keeps you flipping pages way past bedtime. We’ve got a reformed playboy, a fiercely independent heroine, and a baby that turns a notorious flirt into a total girl dad. Sign me up!

Sven has been living his best hockey bro life until one day, surprise! He finds out he has a five-month-old daughter, Winnie. (And let me tell you, watching a clueless hot guy figure out fatherhood? Here for it.) Enter Natalie - an ex-teacher from Alabama who lost her job over a book-banning controversy (we love a woman who fights for the right books to be read!). She takes the nanny job, but she’s not about to put up with Sven’s nonsense. Cue the banter, the tension, the slow-burn that has you kicking your feet.

But here’s what makes this book special: it’s not just steamy, it means something. Mary Warren weaves in discussions about censorship, the importance of representation in books, and the fight for inclusive stories. And the body positivity? The bisexual rep? The way Natalie and Sven see each other for who they are? YES to all of it.

And let’s talk about Sven. Watching this cocky, tattooed hockey player turn into a devoted dad and a man who actually listens to his love interest? Absolute gold. And Natalie? She’s the kind of heroine I adore - strong, passionate, and the perfect mix of tough and soft. Their chemistry is off the charts, and when things finally heat up? Whew.

Tropes you’ll love:
- Single Dad
- Forced Proximity (live-in nanny)
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Player Falls First
- Found Family
- Slow Burn with Plenty of Steam

If you love sports romance with heart, spice, and characters that feel real, you need to read Sven. Mary Warren never misses, and I can't wait for the next Glendale Magic book!

[TeetotheTee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
🍼Single dad x nanny
🍼Hockey romance
🍼Reformed playboy
🍼Toxic family
🍼Found family
🍼Advocates
🍼Plus Size+Strong FMC

This is the first book I have read from Mary Warren and I am thankful I received the opportunity to be apart of the ARC reader's team! This book IS SO GOOD. It has a good plot and honestly during this difficult time-so relatable. The main character Natalie is an advocate and a fighter-someone who we need during this scary time. Fate intervenes and she meets Sven a hockey player who is in desperate need of a nanny. From the moment they made contact, these two felt a connection. I really need Sven to pop out of this book and be real please because he is SO GOOD. This man stepped up everytime and even when he was dealing with his own issues and trauma he was still present for both his baby girls❤️. I was happy with the ending as well so sweet❤️. Another reason why I was so interested in reading this book is because the FMC is a plus size beauty and it doesn't focus on her "needing to lose weight" or having a "makeover" Natalie was perfect. I have been wanting to start reading more sports romance books and I am glad I was introduced to this one because it was such a good way for me to start this sports romance journey.

I also want to take a moment to Ms. Warren-like hello?This woman is amazing! she founded Fat girls in Fiction which was how I was first introduced to her and found her books. This is a space created to advocate and share positive fat representation for women, femmes, and non-binary people in books. Ms. Warren is also sending all proceeds from the preorder of this book to the ACLU to fight book banning! This is the first book in the series I have read, I have to do some homework and read books 1-2 and check out the rest of her books!

[Virginie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first word that comes to mind after reading this book is ‘swoon’. Honestly, although the book deals with some very important and sometimes difficult topics, my heart kept beating to the rhythm of the story between Natalie and Sven as I read it. I think I fell as much in love with the characters in the book as I did with their love story. So, I can safely say that I loved reading Sven.

Of course, even though Sven and Natalie have found a special place in my heart, no one will ever be able to compete with Winnie. This baby is absolutely perfect—no, I’m not exaggerating. I admire the way Sven has accepted and embraced his role as a father so quickly. Overnight he goes from being a playboy to a father whose world revolves around his daughter’s life, and it’s really good to see that kind of change, especially as it feels more like the exception than the norm.

I also admire Natalie. Although she could have complied with the rules imposed by the board at the school where she worked, she chose to act in the best interests of her students and to fight against the bigotry of a few. Even though this book is a work of fiction, this event resonates strongly with what is happening in the United States today, and I pay tribute to Mary Warren for tackling this issue in this book. Coming back to Natalie—our Southern belle—we really feel that the bond she formed with Winnie was very natural. Initially hired as her nanny, she very quickly takes on a much more important role in the infant’s life.

I loved seeing how Natalie and Sven were there for each other. They take turns supporting each other through the difficult times they face. I also feel a deep contempt for Sven’s father. I abhor that kind of character, and I think the author has done a very good job of showing how despicable he is.

I’m really proud to have had the chance to discover Sven a few weeks early, even though I would have read it the day it came out if I hadn’t been fortunate enough to get an ARC.

Thanks to Mary Warren for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC of Sven. This review is my own. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Joanne Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since discovering Mary Warren and Fat Girls in Fiction last year, she has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. Each of her series is engaging in its own way, but the boys of Glendale Magic will always hold my heart, and I’m not even a hockey girlie!

I don’t think Sven will steal my heart from Cash or Connor, but I enjoyed his instant development from playboy to single Dad. You could be forgiven for wondering if this is realistic, but as the story digs deeper into Sven’s family dynamics it all makes sense. He will become the man his father never could be. Natalie is the kind of woman you want in your corner and that you want to fight for. She isn’t taking the world’s nonsense - she is there to support all types of families and people, even if that is a detriment to herself. I love that she took a stand against book banning, something that we need to do ourselves today. The development of the relationship between Sven and Natalie is a pleasure to read and keeps you engaged and wanting more.

It wouldn’t be a Glendale Magic book without a bit of controversy but that just means we get to see a bit more of some of my favourite characters in this series - Cash, Sasha, Connor and Alice. You can read this book as a stand alone but I highly recommend the other books in this series so you can meet all of the amazing characters from the Magic.

At its core, this is a book about family - the family you find and make your own. Family made up of friends, loved ones and those who support you. I can’t wait to visit with the Magic family again soon!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ | 🌶🌶🌶

Sven by Mary Warren completely stole my heart! Just when I thought I had a favorite in this series, Sven came in and changed the game. His natural, effortless way of stepping into fatherhood was both heartwarming and unexpected, making it impossible not to fall for him. His deep sense of responsibility, shaped by his past, adds so much depth to his character—he’s not just a swoon-worthy hockey player, but a man who knows how to love fiercely.

Then there’s Natalie, the sweetest southern belle, whose arrival as Winnie’s nanny brings a whole new dynamic. From the very start, there’s an undeniable attraction between her and Sven, but they try to keep things professional—keyword: try. The slow build, the tension, and the inevitable fall? Absolutely perfect. Their relationship is filled with romantic moments, playful banter, and just the right amount of jealousy to keep things interesting. And let’s not forget the incredible found family Natalie gains from Sven’s teammates and their partners, adding even more warmth to the story.

The spice? A delicious mix of steamy, soft, and sweet, with just enough heat to keep things exciting. But what really makes this book shine is how Natalie helps Sven see the incredible man and father he truly is, while he, in turn, loves her the way she deserves.

If you love sports romance with heart-melting fatherhood moments, undeniable chemistry, and a touch of found family, Sven is a must-read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mercedes Narain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Huge Thank You to Mary Warren for the Advance Copy!

This is the fourth book in the Glendale Magic series, and just like the others, I absolutely loved it! Mary Warren has a way of weaving magic into her stories—creating characters and moments that feel so relatable yet dreamy at the same time.

When Sven suddenly finds out he's a dad—paired with a mom who has struggles of her own—he quickly realizes he needs a nanny to help balance his demanding hockey schedule. Enter Natalie, and neither of them has any idea just how much their lives are about to change… in the best possible way.

Sven and Natalie's story was truly magical. Watching their dynamic evolve as they fell in love was an absolute joy. This book made me laugh, swoon, and even get frustrated at times with everything they had to go through. Sven’s love for baby Winnie and the way he cared for his girls melted my heart. And let’s talk about the chemistry—just the right mix of steamy, soft, and sweet to keep things exciting!

I also adored Natalie’s character. She’s such a badass—strong, independent, and unwavering in standing her ground. And I have to mention the escape room scene where Sven crashes uninvited and gets ridiculously jealous over Natalie’s interaction with Murphy—I was laughing so hard!

If you love tropes like single dad x nanny, reformed playboy, forced proximity, family pressure, and plus-size FMC, then you are going to love this book. I’m calling it—this is my favorite Glendale Magic book yet! And now, I seriously can’t wait for Mary Warren’s next one.

[Nicole Wollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I just love this series so much. Mary does such a fantastic job writing strong dominant men who have no issues showing their emotions and love for their women.
And don’t get me started on the FMCs. I LOVE her representation of plus size women. Insecurities will pop up but they never last long. These women are strong, smart, badass, beautiful woman. And their men love EVERYTHING about them and their bodies.

Sven is a professional hockey playboy that accidentally knocked up a puck bunny he had a one night stand with.
When she showed up at her door with their daughter, he was the best man and offered to not only step up for the daughter (obviously) but also wanted to make sure the mother was taken care of too. He let her stay there with their daughter Winnie, but she ended up robbing him and leaving Winnie there for Sven to care for full time without a trace.

Winnie was fired from her job as a Kindergarten teaching for reading the classroom a banned book. They threw the book at her, made an example, and SEVERELY exaggerated her reason for being fired.
She ends up moving to Glendale to live with her best friend while she sorts out her life.
She finds out from a connection to the Glendale Magic, that one of the players needs a Nanny, and she takes the job to care for Sven’s daughter.

Tropes:
Single dad/Nanny
Hockey player MMC
Reformed playboy
Forced proximity
Plus size FMC.

🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @fatgirlsinfiction for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the sixth book I’ve read by Mary Warren. She has the amazing ability to capture my attention from beginning to end with stories of hockey jocks and their bingeworthy relationships.
This is the story of Sven and Natalie (and Winnie). Sven met Natalie out of need, but they had immediate sparks although they didn’t act on their feelings for a while.
They have one major thing in common and that’s coming from well known families and the pressure that it adds to your life. Although Natalie is a Roper, she did have the pressure of having to be composed in while out in public. Sven on the other hand, was constantly pressured and verbally abused by his dad, a retired hockey star. I got so mad at their confrontations and how those moments broke Sven little by little. What’s amazing though is that Sven is nothing like his dad. He is kind and sensitive, and will do anything for the people he loves. And he is not afraid of to show up during difficult times. But, he is not perfect.
Natalie not only brings him peace, but also grounds his cocky side. They are a great match and once again, I am so happy that the Glendale Magic team is made up of good guys with great stories. Thank you Mary for adding Sven and family to the Glendale Magic Series.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sven is known as a bit of a playboy on the Glendale hockey team, but was still shocked when a past one night stand shows up on his doorstep with a little baby girl. Sven takes one look at her and knows that she is his hands down. He steps up and is excited but scared to be a dad when the mother disappears and leaves the little baby alone with Sven.
Sven knows he can't do it alone and hired a nanny "Natalie". Natalie is new to the city, she recently moved to New York after being fired from her teaching position for reading a banned book to her kindergarten class that spoke about how all families are different.
The attraction between Sven and Natalie is pretty instant. They go back and forth quite a bit. Not wanting to ruin the setup they have. Him not wanting to lose the nanny who is absolutely amazing with his daughter.
When they finally are together it's amazing. They support one another, they stand up for one another. There is a lot of growth and healthy healing. They find the family/friends that support and rally behind them. Over all this was a really nice feel good story. Yes there was spice but there was also a lot of important/heavy topics but it came together really well, and I enjoyed it so much.
Thank you very much to the author Mary Warren for letting me ARC this! 💚

[Krista Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every book I have read in this series has been true magic!
Every character always pulls at my heart strings and I just fall in love with them all the time.
This story didn't disappoint in the slightest.
And may I say this may have been the spicest book of hers yet.

To Sven hockey is his life....even if he doesn't always want it to be. Having a father that is a Hall Of Famer for a it isn't easy living up to him or his expectations. Sven just wants to enjoy the game but it's hard when your father could care less about you and only what you can do on the ice. When his life gets uprooted by a baby I wouldn't have expected him to act the way he did but seeing as how he was raised it all made sense. I loved Sven so much. That man made my heart hurt in the best possible way. That man is fiercely loyal, insanely obsessed and absolutely in love with his nanny.

Natalie has always lived in the shadow of her grandfather but to her she didn't mind to much because she loves her grandfather (I think he was based off of Mr. Rogers and that made me smile). A terrible situation lands her as a nanny for Sven and it's one of the best decisions of her life. There is instant attraction between those two and the steam is building quickly.

I love this series so much and I am looking forward to the next one!

[meevreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much! I liked Sven and Natalie and I think they had amazing chemistry.

Sven did a complete 360 with his life when he learned about having a daughter and unexpectedly becoming her sole caretaker. I really loved seeing his caring and loving side instantly emerge, he was definitely meant to be a father. But being a hockey player meant that with his heavy schedule, he needed a nanny to take care of his daughter Winnie, and that's where Natalie came in.

While they were attracted to each other, they tried really hard to keep things professional, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and it wasn't long before they gave into their feelings for each other.

It was an equally sweet and spicy story. I liked how easily Natalie seemed to fit in Sven's life, and how he was all-in from the start when they decided to see where this thing between them was going.
The Magic family was awesome and supportive compared to some of their actual family... particularly that one person who got what was coming for him in a very satisfying way 😌

If you enjoy hockey romance, check out this single dad x nanny story with plus size rep and a side of fighting book banning.

𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.

[Traveling Bookie Monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Glendale Magic series is full of sexy hockey players and plus size babes, and the latest book in the series, Sven, is no different. Blending flirty banter, real world problems and spice, Sven is a beautiful story of learning your worth and finding your way in a world that seems set against knocking you down.
Sven’s instant transformation from Playboy to PapaBear put my heart in a chokehold and wouldn’t let go. The way he jumped in with both feet ready to give his daughter the world was such a panty wetter for me. His determination to turn his life around to be baby friendly, turning a guest room into a nursery overnight, and making the ultimate Target run for baby gear, and then learning of his craptastic parents, really clinched it for me. Sven is the BEST of the Best when it comes to single daddydom.
Natalie’s inability to break past her “Southern good-girl” upbringing to stand up for herself was tough to watch but the way Sven helped her get through her emotions in a healthier way than just bottling it up, was sweet and spicy.
As usual the Magic team pulls together when shit hits the fan. Their dedication to not only their sport but to one another really gives you all the familia feels.

[Lynnmarie542_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sven Olsson knows what’s important in life, hockey and women, in that order. When an unexpected surprise shows up on his doorstep it has him questioning everything. It might be time to rethink his priorities and get his life in order.
Natalie Roper’s life is about to change. She leaves her problems behind in Alabama to move to New York where she finds a job working for one the hottest men she’s ever known. What could go wrong?

As Sven and Natalie struggle with the pressure of family expectations they find a common bond. Will they be able to keep their relationship professional or will they take a chance on their very own happily ever after?

Thoughts!
Omg I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book I have read by Mary but you bet your booty I’m gonna make my way through everything else she has out and puts out. I love a good hockey romance but throw in some nanny single dad trope in the and I’m sold! Sven and Natalie are just to freakin cute. Not to mention Winnie! I just wanna squish her. I really wanted to jump into this book and slap a certain someone! Gahhh.
This book has spice but the perfect amount.
I can’t wait to read the books before this and after this

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Sven and it was my first book by Mary Warren.

The main characters Sven and Natalie were flawed yet lovable in just the right amounts, which made them very relatable. You rooted for their relationship to work! Winnie was possibly the only character that felt a little too angelic for a baby hehe

I appreciated the way their relationship was developed and its pace, cos I've read too many books where the main characters either fall in love too "unrealistically" fast or I don't feel their connection in the first place. Also loved how Natalie is a plus-size FMC and that she is that balance of being okay with one's body - neither loathing it nor spouting body positivity. At the same time, while Sven loves her body, there wasn't an excessive amount of emphasis on her size - I thought the balance was really well achieved.

No third act breakup too! Sven is a great example of how a book can be great even without one, yet still put the characters under some adversity to prove the strength of their relationship.

Just really loved reading this, and I'm looking forward to read some of the others in the Magic Series.

Thank you to Mary Warren for the ARC copy of Sven!

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sven is the first book by Mary Warren that I read and is the fourth in the Glendale Magic series. It is a fun and steamy read about the romance between a hockey player and his nanny. Sven is a very likable character, and he won my heart the moment he had laid eyes on baby Winnie knowing she was his. Sven and Natalie are very likable and relatable characters. Sven is charming and naughty, confident and playful. But he is also very responsible, caring and protective. He has been living in the shadow of his father, who was a hockey star in the past. Sven feels he is disappointing his father with his womanizing and not paying enough attention to his hockey career. Natalie is a sweet and kind person. She was fired from her teaching position after reading a banned book to her students. She doesn't know how to express her anger and disappointment because of her upbringing, since she was taught to be docile and supress strong feelings. I found the book an enjoyable and captivating read. I believe the topics the book is dealing with, such as book-banning, parents bulying their kids, and sexual representation very important. Sven is an entertaining and fun read and I hope other readers find it such as well.

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

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review:

I absolutely loved this book! It was cute, heartfelt, and incredibly real. What stood out most to me was the character development. Natalie and Sven character at their own paces, making their journeys feel REAL.

Sven’s kindness was truly remarkable. Despite everything he had been through, he remained one of the most compassionate characters I’ve read in a while. Honestly, we should all strive to be a little more like Sven.

Natalie was sweet, genuine, and strong-willed. What made her story even more powerful was the realism—an author writing about a teacher losing her job for reading “banned” books to kids? That hit hard because it’s actually happening in the world right now. I really admired that choice, and it added an extra layer of depth and relevance to the book.

I loved the quirky, chaotic moments that showed a lot of personality, but really grew the sexual tension. Im a sucker for cocky playboy turned reformed. SO I ATE THIS SHIT UP. 🥵🔥

I AM 1000% Diving into the rest of the series because getting introduced to all the characters made me want to know everyone else’s love story.

Tropes
Nanny x Professional Hockey Player
Forced Proximity
Sports Romance
Plus Size FMC
Dual POV
Single Dad
Reformed playboy

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[BSB by Juliana Lago · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of reading an advanced reader copy of "SVEN" by Mary Warren, and I must say, it was an exhilarating experience! 🌟Thank you so much @fatgirlsinfiction for the opportunity!

Mary Warren has truly outdone herself with this one. The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down! Natalie and Sven, they’ve been such a cute couple with a wonderful story and since they met we can realize there is no way for them stick together!😍

Favorite Quote: “They said goodbye, and she couldn’t help feeling like she had just been struck by lightning in the best way possible.”,,,”He couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Something about her called to him. It almost felt like he’d been struck by lightning when they shook hands.” These quotes are from the day when Natalie and Sven saw each other for the first time!

Tropes:
• Sports Romance: The story revolves around the exciting world of hockey.
• Opposites Attract: Natalie and Sven come from different backgrounds, but their chemistry is undeniable.
• Second Chances: Both characters have pasts they need to overcome to find happiness together.

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series. I just adore this entire series.

Sven is the son of hockey royalty who immediately steps up when he learns he has a child. After meeting Natalie, he falls fast for his daughter's nanny and quickly reforms his playboy ways. Natalie takes a job as a nanny after being fired from her teaching job for reading a banned book to her students. A book about how families look different but are no less important. Mary Warren beautifully woven this poignant message into the fourth installment of the Glendale Magic series.

I appreciated that boundaries, in this case, meant going NC with toxic relatives. The strength and vulnerability of both Sven and Natalie through their individual adversities was SO well written. The way this team steps up for its players and their partners was also uplifting. The found family trope that is so strong in sports romance is VERY prevalent in this series.

Don't sleep on this one!

#imwiththebanned

I'm so grateful to Warren for the opportunity to both beta read and review the ARC for this book.

[SydneyLieske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sven Olsson is a player for the Glendale Magic hockey team, and he has always been a bit of a playboy. Until one day someone knocks on his door and he is hit with an unexpected surprise. He finds out he has a daughter, and he has to figure out how to navigate being a single father.

Natalie Roper was a kindergarten teacher until she got wrongfully fired for reading a book to her students about how all families look different. Her best friend invites her out to stay with her in New York, so that she can get away from Alabama and hopefully find a new job. Fortunately, Sven Olsson needs a nanny, and Natalie is great with kids. Can their relationship stay professional or will it grow to more?

I have absolutely loved every book in this series, and honestly have loved everything I have read by Mary Warren! This story was amazing, it had the perfect amount of sweet and spicy moments while still tackling some tough but very important topics! Sven and Natalie have my heart! This is out February 27th, and you should all check it out.

[Charleys Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sven: A Hockey Romance by Mary Warren is the fourth book in the Glendale Magic series. I have been following this series from the beginning, and each book is just as good as the next! I am normally not a fan of surprise pregnancies, but this book caught me off guard because of how much I loved it!

Sven is the Hockey boyfriend of your dreams. He is sweet, patient, supportive of your dreams, and a reformed playboy who doesn't deny his past! I loved Sven immediately taking responsibility for his child and being a fantastic father, one he could be proud of (unlike his father). While struggling with her public image and messed up way, Natalie was fired from her teaching job. As a couple, they were everything I was hoping for; I love that we were both secretly falling for the other just by how they treated one another before anything was said.

This quote had me swooning!
"I'm going to make you so fucking happy."
"You already have."

I love that the book highlights book banning in schools and themes of found family, allowing yourself to be angry, standing up for yourself, and NO third-act break up! Overall, this book was incredible. Mary Warren gave us another fantastic big girl in the book, and we loved it!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four of the Glendale Magic series focuses on Sven Olsson who has always put hockey first and has been pressured to do so by his dad. One day, he gets the surprise of his life when an old one night stand shows up at his door. Natalie has run into a lot of trouble at her teaching job in Alabama so her college roommate convinces her to pack up and move up to New York. Natalie ends up getting a job working for Sven and sparks fly immediately.

I loved this story. There are so many big issues that are handled beautifully in this book including toxic family, book banning, single parenthood, childhood trauma, and found family. It also has wonderful bisexual and fat representation in Natalie. I absolutely loved how she had moments of insecurity (don’t we all), but the story didn’t focus on her needing to lose weight or get healthy and the MMC absolutely loved her body. I also really loved Sven and how he stepped up to take responsibility, but still worried about missing things when he was away for work.

I am so happy to have received an early copy of Sven and I 100 percent recommend checking it out asap! Also, I think it is awesome that the author is donating a portion of the proceeds to help fight book banning. I will definitely be ordering a copy!

[CurvyGirlBookGuide · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - Sven by Mary Warren - I loved this book so much! I was really looking forward to reading Sven’s story from the snippets we got in the previous Glendale Magic books and Warren did not disappoint! Sven is your classic playboy, but the way he steps up for his daughter and falls for Natalie is so beautiful. He fights hard for them, which made me melt. Natalie, is my heroine! As a former teacher and current librarian, I feel her struggle and cannot thank Mary Warren enough for tackling the very real topic of book banning in this story! The way these to MCs work with each other, communicate and advocate for each other made me so happy! There is plenty of drama in this story, but Sven and Natalie are on the same team and that was so comforting. I highly recommend you read Sven, coming out February 27th. You can read it as a stand alone, but to get an immersive experience of the Glendale Magic world read Conner, Cash, and Taylor as well!

[NikkiReads365 · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨eARC Review✨

Wow. Just unbelievable wow with this book.

It has been a minute since I’ve read an ARC on the same day I received it AND was the first to leave a review on the book — HOT DAMN that’s how freakin’ great this book is.

Hockey romance? Win.
Single dad x nanny? WIN.
A book that talks about how fucked up the present day censorship rules are with books and hate in general AND isn’t a stretch of the truth at all? BIGGEST WIN.

Sven, reformer playboy & natural father, is swoon worthy from the first page until the end of the epilogue. Natalie, fierce, loving, and strong, is everything I want to be as a teacher and mother: someone who fights for what is right AND maintains love for most around her.

This romance read quickly and I couldn’t put it down.
I started crying in the epilogue because teaching is hard, and romance books are wonderful.

This is the first in the hockey series I have read, but oh boy, I love that I have a back catalogue to now work my way through. For lovers of hockey romances, plus size girlies finding love, and of course the ever wonderful dad x nanny trope, absolutely read this gem of a book.

💕 Special thank you to Mary for allowing me the honor to read and review this beauty early — it made my weekend! 💕