Through the Five-Hole

by S.L. Sterling

She loved him first. He disappeared out of her life. Now he's a star hockey player in need of an image rebuild, and she is the only PR genius who can help him.

I'd based my career in hockey on true talent and strength, but the life of a public figurer comes with illusions and temptations, and somehow, I lost myself to those temptations. Over the years I'd learned to thrive from the attention, and the press seemed to thrive from me, especially after I got arrested.
Suspended from the team and with my reputation on the line for good this time, my agent decides to hire some PR genius to spend time with me and rehabilitate my public persona. With rumours building, I reluctantly agree, and that is when Emma Hart walks into the room.

It's been fifteen years since I last laid eyes on her, yet she pretends she doesn't know me.
She quickly and quietly makes it clear to me that I shouldn't get my hopes up because there will never be anything between us. According to her she is happily involved with someone else. Emma's confident she can fix my image and dives right in navigating the scandal hungry media. While I love that she is coming to my rescue, the difficult side of me continues to push her, but she seems unfazed.
While things begin looking better for me, things start spiraling out of control for Emma. Her so called happy private life isn't as perfect as she's made it out to be.

I should have known better than to comfort her.
I should have known better than to kiss her.
This whole thing was about fixing my image, not about rewriting the story of us.

Genres: Second Chance

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario.

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.

When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

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Reviews

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is the end of the series! Book 5, a stand alone with interconnected characters from the Vancouver Dominators Hockey team. These guys are like one big family and they rally around Colton when he needs them the most. Colton is having a rough time with his personal image off the ice and the team have hired a specialist PR guru to fix it. Unknown to him, they have hired his one and only love from back in high school, and Emma was left broken hearted when Colten left. Now she's the ice queen, fitting really, as she now has to deal with the grumpy ice giant. There's a lot of hate and bad feeling between them when they reconnect, but the chemistry between them hasn't faded. A little angsty and a lot of sass bring this series to a conclusion. Loved the group dynamics and how Colton and Emma were able to find their way back to each other.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Emma and Colton’s story.
These two were high school sweethearts, until they were torn apart by circumstances. Now 15-years later, Colton is a star hockey player, and after he is arrested, suspended from the team, and with his reputation ruined, the team hire Emma, who is now a PR genius, to become his fake girlfriend, in order to redeem himself.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, emotionally charged story, with friendships, camaraderie, challenges, childhood friends / enemies / lovers, forced proximity, heartbreak, rumours, second chances, humour, witty banter, revelations, redemption, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Amanda Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing the best out of the series for me i couldn't put it down until I finished it definitely my favourite so far.
Colton and Emma love these two how there story has been written is fabulous it pulls you in that you can’t stop for anything it’s so raw in the best possible five stars seems so wrong it is worth more.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the Five-Hole by S.L. Sterling is another delightful addition to the Vancouver Dominators series: heartfelt, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. This book follows Colton, a star hockey player whose reputation has hit rock bottom, and Emma, the PR genius hired to fix his public image, unbeknownst to him, the love of his life from high school.

The story delivers everything fans of the series have come to love: a tight-knit hockey team that feels like family, lovable characters, and just the right mix of sass, tension, and romance. Colton and Emma’s reunion is electric. The chemistry is undeniable, and their battle of wills and stubborn clashes make for an engaging read. Both characters carry past heartbreaks and personal struggles that make their journey to love all the more satisfying.

The pacing is perfect: fast, easy to read, and full of moments that keep you hooked. I especially loved the team dynamics of the Dominators; they rally around Colton during his scandal and embrace Emma immediately, adding warmth, humor, and camaraderie. The mix of second-chance romance, personal growth, and hockey life add depth to the story.

Even when things take an unexpected turn, the tension keeps building but ultimately, love prevails. This is a lighthearted, fun, and heartwarming slow-burn romance.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an outstanding 2nd chance romance. It’s a 2nd chance at a new career, a 2nd chance to right some wrongs, to set the record straight and most of all a 2nd chance at love. Emma and Colton were teenage sweethearts with big plans for the future. But Colton being forced to move away with his father, due to his parents divorce, they eventually lost touch. Both left brokenhearted and lost. But Colton went off to have a huge hockey career and Emma got a good job as PR fixer. But as for a love life, she’s just broken up with her live-in boyfriend who if truth be told, she never really loved.

Colton has a history of getting bad press due to anger issues. The owner of the team has had enough when Colton hits a reporter (even though he was defending his friend’s wife when it happened). The owner hires Emma’s firm to fix his image and she is sent to pretend to be his live-in girlfriend for 3 months to fix his image. Both are bitter about the way the other ghosted them years ago, so needless to say this assignment is going to be a wild one for us readers, as well as for Emma, Colton and his teammates. Emma is determined to fix Colton’s image while protecting her heart, while Colton is determined to win back the love of his life as well as his career.

This is a well written book that is a great read and part of an outstanding series. I can’t recommend all the Vancouver Dominators Hockey Series enough. Grab them up, you won’t regret it.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Liberty Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bad boy hockey player needs his image improved/repaired after being arrested for hitting a journalist who was spreading lies about his relationship with the girlfriend of one of his teammates. He gets help from his high school sweetheart who is also his one true love, setting the stage for an emotionally engaging page turner.

Colton doesn't realize that his image consultant is Emma, his high school girlfriend who he ghosted, until she shows up at the hockey facility. She pretends not to know him, enacting her ice queen persona that Colton doesn't like, and at the same time, she is dealing with an emotionally abusive ex. She's trying to do her job while controlling her feelings for Colton. He eventually sees through her facade and realizes they need a second chance. But they have a lot of obstacles to overcome on their way to their HEA.

There are a few plot holes and inconsistencies in the storyline (e.g., the tattoo storyline could have been so much more, but it doesn't go beyond Colton discovering by accident), but the push and pull of the relationship keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

This is the last book in this series, and I will miss this band of brothers.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Five-Hole is book five in the Vancouver Dominators series and this time we follow Colton and Emma's story. Although, I highly recommend that you read this series from the beginning, I do believe that this hockey romance can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. What I always enjoy about this series is that you get reunited with all the other characters you have previously met. I love how they all interact and support one another, not only as a team but individuals. Colton has always been portrayed as the 'player' of the group with some anger issues, however after reading his book I think he is now my favourite. I loved that these characters got their second chance at love since they knew each other in high school then ended up being kept apart. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to help explain their past, however at times I found it hard to understand Emma. I would have loved just a little bit more in this story as these two found their way to their happiness, as I felt the end seemed to happen rather quickly but maybe I just wanted more:) This was another enjoyable read about one of my favourite hockey teams and if you love your sports romance then definitely have a look at this series!!!

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton’s reputation is not one the Vancouver Dominators like at all, they need him to follow the rules now. The only solution is to hire a special PR person, Emma who will pretend to be his girlfriend for 3 months and straighten him up. What no one was expecting though was the fact that the two of them being together is not new at all. They were together back in high school but circumstances beyond their control pulled them apart. Can they work it all out and realize that the connection between the two of them never actually died. Or will it continue to be a big pretend until the few months is over and Colton’s reputation is fixed.

This is the 5th book in the Vancouver Dominators NHL series and is just as intense as the others before it. It touches on hurt, heartbreak, love, reputations and so much more. It grabs your attention and will hold it until the last page is turned. While you don’t have to read the others in the series, it does help to understand the players. This is a great hockey series to read.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another hit in this series! Colton and Emma, well they will steal your heart in this one! 5 hockey stars for this!
Colton has gotten himself in big trouble this time, even though he was just defending his teammates girlfriend, but the Dominators have had enough. They've enlisted a "fake girlfriend" to help clean up his ruined reputation. Little does the team know he has a history with Emma! They were high school sweethearts until Colton moved away and left her behind, but it's not all his fault, there were other factors at play here. Needless to say, when Emma is tasked with this job, she treats him like they never had any connection at all.
These two are damaged from their past relationship, and need to heal. Can they heal each other, while she helps him keep his position on the hockey team? Read along and find out.
These two won my heart in this story! They need each other to help heal, but they're stubborn, and they need to work it out, and you will love following along with their story! Grab this asap!

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, this book was fan-freaking-tastic!!! I was hooked by chapter 1 and couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. S.L. Sterling has created a fun and exciting series. This book was not what I was expecting, and I loved that. I loved the drama, the old lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers again trope, and the angst and spice were on point in this book. The characters were complex, had a history with each other, and their chemistry was intense and undeniable. Colton and Emma were kismet, and I loved the journey they went on in this book. I loved the flashbacks; they were insightful into why these characters felt how they felt for each other. This storyline was original and page-turning. This book had me all in my feels for both characters. This book is part of the Vancouver Dominators series and can be read as a standalone, but I recommend starting with Inside the Penalty Box!!! This is an amazing and exciting series. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author. 4.5 stars-By Brooke

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th and final book in the Vancouver Dominator series. The couple in the book are Colton and Emma. This is a second chance romance story. Have known each other since high school but broke up when he for force to leave by his father. His father is a mean and abusive man. Did thing
that wrecked his sons relationship but Colton didn't find out until he died.
They are brought back together because she was sent to fix his very bad reputation in the hockey world. So played a fake couple but old feeling started again. They fought is but in the end couldn't anymore. Issue is Emma's abusive ex boyfriend showed up and made a mess of all of it again.
Secrets that came out after all help broke loose made things worse until Colton got hurt in a game and Emma came running to the hospital. They talked and he realize the secret coming out was a good amazing thing.
Let's just say they got their HEA and she got a new job with the team.
Thank you for another amazing series.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth and final instalment in S.L. Sterling’s outstanding hockey series, Through the Five Hole, delivers everything fans could hope for—and more. PR expert Emma is recruited to help restore hockey star Colton Fox’s tarnished reputation, dubbing her mission “Operation Fix the Fox.”

There’s just one small problem: Emma and Colton share a past. While she pretends not to remember him, Colton never forgot her. What follows is a heartfelt, emotional, and perfectly paced story filled with chemistry, redemption, and second chances.

S.L. Sterling wraps up this series with the ideal mix of heat, humour, and heart. Through the Five Hole is the perfect conclusion to a series that has become one of my favourites—proof once again that Ms Sterling knows exactly how to deliver a brilliant hockey romance.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author***

DNF at 29%

I love a good bad boy redemption story. And, I like them a little darker. But this one? He was a gambling addict who needed anger management and had a past relationship with the heroine. Ok...this is a lot, but I will give it a shot.

And then I got to this part: Her employer telling her she had to accept the position to help revamp his image, she needed to be the one to pretend to be his girlfriend, and it required her to live with her client.

Sorry, but there is nothing fun, or sexy, about taking away a woman's agency or making her an indentured servant because it's either good for the plot or the author couldn't find another way to get them in the same space.

Regardless, I was out at that point. I am unable to recommend this title.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton is a professional hockey player who actions off the ice has placed his career in jeopardy. Team management has hired a successful PR agent to help change how he is perceived by the public however not only is she the woman he loved as a teenager, but she has also agreed to pretend they are in a relationship.

Emma hasn’t forgotten how Colton disappeared from her life and made no attempt to contact her. She will do what is required of her, but her determination to keep their relationship strictly professional is proving to become more difficult the more time they spend together.

The feelings between Colton and Emma haven’t diminished over time as they take us on a romantic and emotional journey as must overcome the secrets of the past as well as the challenges in the present.

[Peggy Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through The Five Hole is the fifth book in the Vancouver Dominators series by S. L. Sterling. This one is a fake relationship, second-chance sports romance, and it was really good! Emma works for the PR firm representing the Dominators, and she is assigned to fake a relationship with Colton, in order to clean up his reputation with the team; the problem is, Emma and Colton dated throughout high school but lost touch when he left town for college. Emma is also married but is unhappy in her marriage. I loved how the author flashed back to the past, since it really helped me feel their connection; however, I didn't understand the reasoning behind Emma being married. That being said, I did enjoy it and would recommend it.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vancouver Dominators Hockey

Colton Fox and Emma Cooper have known each other and dated throughout high school. Now fifteen years later Colton, the Vancouver Dominator's bad boy finds himself in trouble and gets suspended from the team, his reputation is on the line.
His agent decides to hire a PR firm to fix his reputation which he's none too happy about but has no choice.

Emma Cooper works for Image Hackers and it's her job to fix Colton's reputation. When Colton walks in the room and sees her he's surprised but she acts like she doesn't even know him.

A lot has happened since they last saw each other. Will they finally tell each other everything and can she fix his reputation?

4 stars

[Desiree Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Vancouver Dominators series and I gobbled it up in one day. The story picks right up from the ending of book four and you find out why Colton got arrested. To clear up his public image, management brings in Emma Cooper. She is the best in her field and also happens to be his old high school sweetheart. I loved the camaraderie of the team and how the members pull together for one another. I loved reading about the other couples too. The journey of Colton and Emma is filled with hurt, loss, attraction, and second chances. I'm saddened to see the series end and I did not start as a hockey romance reader. S.L. Sterling changed my heart through this wonderfully written series.

[Jasmine Zuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, addictive, and full of second chances.

Through the Five-Hole is everything I love about a good sports romance, passion, heartbreak, and redemption all wrapped in a story that feels real. S.L. Sterling captures that perfect mix of tension and tenderness between two people who were never supposed to find their way back to each other, yet somehow do.

Emma and the hero’s chemistry leaps off the page, and the emotional growth each of them goes through makes the story hit even harder. I especially loved how Sterling doesn’t shy away from the messy, human side of fame and forgiveness, it made the ending feel so well-earned.

If you love heartfelt, character-driven romance with just the right amount of heat and heart, this one’s for you.

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in The Vancouver Dominators and Colton is the final outstanding player to find love or should I say reconnect with his first and only love. He’s had a lot of struggles in his life with an abusive father who interfered with his relationship with Emma , his high school sweetheart and a loving mother who struggled with cancer . Having to move away in order to pursue his professional hockey career which he succeeded at, he also lost the love of his life. Colton has issues he needs to work at and Emma is the one who’ll be assigned professionally to help with his public image. A very compelling reading with an amazing ending to this series.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through The Five-Hole is Colton and Emma’s story and it was a bittersweet read because this is book five and the final book in the Vancouver Dominators Series. I loved everything about this second chance, entertaining read from the camaraderie the team share to the touch of drama and sass.
Colton is having a hard time of the ice and the team hire a PR guru to fix his image but the problem is Emma the Ice Queen PR Guru is the girl who had her heart broken in high school when Colton left ……
Fate has put the Ice Queen and the grumpy player together for a reason but can they see past the past.
This is a well written, conclusion to the series.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playboy of the Dominators, Colton gets himself into trouble again. The team hire a PR consultant, Emma. They suggest that she pretends to be his girlfriend for 3 months in order to improve his image. But they have history as they were together in high school. When Colton moved away, Emma was left with a broken heart. However, Emma agrees to try and help him at the same time keeping her heart out of it this time. As they spend more time with each other though Emma realises that the chemistry between them is still there and the reasons why their relationship didn't work out when they were younger. Great finale to this series.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

The story has laughs, secrets, pain, second chance, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Inside the Penalty Box (Vancouver Dominators #1)
Ten Minute Misconduct (Vancouver Dominators #2)
Two Minutes for Holding (Vancouver Dominators Book 3)
Playing the Neutral Zone (Vancouver Dominators Book 4)

This is Emma and Colton’s story. She was hired to fix his image. They have a history that she is pretending not to remember. While she helps him, he knows he wants another chance with her. He is willing to put in the work to get her but in the end will he have her or just a great image?

I recommend this book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to believe this is the last one in the series. Was a great series that I am sad to have come to end. Colton’s is struggling with his off the ice image and the team has decide to help him by hiring Emma to help with his image. Turns out these two have history. While they are not happy at first, their chemistry and attraction cann’t be denied. They both tried hard to ignore their unresolved feelings. It all comes to a head, when pass secrets and an injury have them confronting their unsolved past. Overall this whole series was truly enjoyable to read. This was a perfect to end the series on, it had a little bit of everything, that helps to keep you engaged in its pages!

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances and Second Shots
Fifteen years ago, Colton disappeared from Emma’s life without a word. Now she’s working at a PR firm, and her newest client just happens to be him—the hockey player with a temper and a suspension hanging over his head. Seeing each other again stirs up memories, regrets, and questions that never really went away.
As Emma works to repair Colton’s image, old wounds resurface, and long-buried truths finally come out. Can she forgive the man who once ghosted her? And can Colton find redemption—not just in his career, but in love?
An emotional, heartfelt sports romance about love, forgiveness, and finding your way back.

[Brandy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton was arrested for protecting Lorelai? He then gets suspended from the team after that? His agent brings in his ex girlfriend to play his fake girlfriend? They don't know that was his ex from high school? All the heat and drama and I loved every second of it. Sadly, this is the last book of the series but at least it ended on a happy note. Colton got the girl and Emma got her happily ever after with the love of her life. S.L. Sterling did it again and I cried and laughed and didn't want it to end. I'm glad Colton got his love story and the love of his life back.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC for honest review

I love SL Sterling characters. However, due to personal issues for me I was unable to give this book the attention it deserved. Being in a hurry to fulfill my duty as an ARC reader I zoomed through it without paying close attention.

I love this series so it is wonder I enjoed the book. Once life resumes to normal for me I will re-read the book to provide a more substantial review.

If you are looking for a quick read with likeable characters then this is for you.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the Five Hole by S.L. Sterling is the story of Colton and Emma. They knew each other years ago…and had a relationship. But, years later, he’s dealing with a publicity nightmare. He has a reputation and needs help putting it to rights. Emma is the ‘star’ in her PR firm. She’s slated to turn his image around. But, she doesn’t know it’s him…until it’s too late

Loved this story, along with the issues and emotions that the characters deal with…all of the outside influences that trigger some of their issues. Sweet, intense read!!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vancouver Dominators
I love this series! Emma and Colton drew me in with their realistic personalities and engaging story. This is an emotional roller coaster, of a second chance/enemies-lovers romance.
There’s history and heartbreak between Emma and Colton but the chemistry is still there, but they need to work together to heal their hurts and his career.
It’s sweet, steamy, heartfelt and romantic with great team camaraderie, banter, action, hockey, growth and understanding - a perfect close to this wonderful series.

[Amanda Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is funny and really sweet. Colton's story is really amazing. Second chances shouldn't be taken for granted or to be run away from. Emma and Colton's story begins when they're in high school and confronts death and abuse and relationships that fall together and fall apart and then fall together again. They definitely go through a lot. It's beautiful to see them come together after all the hurts that were caused. I cannot love these characters and series enough... they're all soo amazing!

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series and the author has produced another interesting couple. Colton, the NHL star has image issues and Emma has been hired as his PR to enhance it. Unfortunately, they have a history and Emma is not going to go easy and be willing to smooth out his path. It is filled with hurt, uncertainty and uncomfortable truths. Emotional and engaging couple.
If you like sport bad boys, strong characters and second chance, you should enjoy this book.