Unleashed

Austin Aces Hockey Club

by Jenna McCall

Three years ago my career imploded when I was blacklisted from the film industry. Now, I'm clawing my way back with a documentary series following a professional hockey team through their season. Everything's going according to plan until my boss demands more scandal, more controversy, more drama.

And now I’ve got the kind of story that could save my career… if I’m willing to betray the man at the center of it.

Legendary team captain Jack "Viggy" Vignier—a grumpy hockey god with a heart of gold—is playing through a career-threatening injury, risking everything for one last shot at the Stanley Cup. He's exactly the kind of story that could resurrect my career.

The problem? Somewhere between analyzing game footage and late-night conversations over the best grilled cheese this side of Texas, I've fallen hard for the brooding captain whose rare smiles make my heart forget how to beat.

But with my boss threatening to pull the plug on the show, I have to make a choice.

The story or the man.

Austin Aces Hockey Club... where enemies become lovers on and off the ice, cameras capture everything, and some stories cut too close to the heart.

Genres: Sports, M M Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Hockey

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2025

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that this book didn't hook me right away but I am very glad that I chose to keep reading because I was hooked after the first few chapters and by the end I was crying and cheering for Lily and Viggy.

Unleashed is book 2 in the Austin Aces Hockey series. Jack "Viggy" Vignier is the Veteran Captain of the Austin Aces at the end of his career attempting to finally hoist the Stanley cup once in his seventeen seasons. He is fighting a knee injury that could take him out early and hiding it from his teammates and management. Lily Sutton is a TV producer filming the Aces on and off camera for her series trying to drive ratings demanded by an unethical executive producer. Lily wants to tell Viggy's story and not make click bait but he refuses to let her in.

Over the course of the final weeks of the season, Lily and Jack become closer, trusting each other with pieces of each other and starting a hidden relationship. They both let their guards down but during this time Lily is forced to make a choice between rebuilding her career or hurting the man she started to love. Lily's career was everything to her so she made a choice that she instantly regretted but it was too late. She hurt Viggy and betrayed his trust revealing his injury not only to his team but the entire world, giving his opponents ammunition against him. By doing this she lost what was left of her integrity and Viggy as well.

With the help of her best friend and colleague, Lily tried to reverse some of the damage by creating a tribute episode hidden from her boss showcasing Captain Vignier's true legacy not just his stats. That episode was her farewell piece as she resigned after pushing the show through. Lily and her friend decided to create their own company in Adele's hometown near the Hockey Development center that Viggy had once mentioned as a possibility after retirement.

After losing out on the Cup, Viggy had surgery to repair his knee and during his recovery his teammates encouraged him to watch the tribute episode but only after several months he did. Once he did, Jack made the decision to partner at the development center and find Lily. Lily and Adele's found new and real stories to tell including junior hockey and the NHL team that beat the Aces with Viggy's support.

Lily and Jack were an unlikely duo draw together even though they both wanted different things. Their story is compelling and well written. I fell in love with then and cheered and their triumps and cried at their loses. I would recommend reading this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving an ARC. Thank you, Jenna McCall for allowing me the privilege.

[PlotTwist&Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Spice Level: Think dirty chai latte…with extra cinnamon and a surprise slap – slow build, then kaboom.

Trigger Warnings:
• Explicit sexual content (and yes, it’s worth every syllable)
• Offensive language (if you’re allergic to F-bombs, wear a hazmat suit)
• Injury/PTSD themes (sports edition: pain + pride + stubborn men)
• Parental pressure and toxic expectations (Daddy Issues™ incoming)
• Career sabotage and manipulation (aka workplace trauma but make it ✨dramatic✨)
• Emotional warfare disguised as flirtation

The Tea (spiked with whiskey, obviously):
You know when a man is so broody he could singlehandedly power a small emo town? Meet Jack Vignier — hockey captain, aging legend, walking wound, and all-around Hot Mess Express (with biceps). He’s got a knee held together by duct tape and pure spite, and a deep hatred for cameras – enter Lily Sutton, the documentary showrunner sent to immortalize his downfall… and accidentally set his pants (and ours) on fire.

This is enemies-to-lovers done with foreplay so intense it should come with a damn cardiac warning. They argue, they glare, they almost combust by merely breathing near each other. Half the book is Jack thinking, “I can’t stand her” while undressing her with his eyes like a desperate sinner in church.

Jack’s pain (both physical and emotional) could be bottled and sold as Grade A Angst, while Lily’s “I’m not here to fall for you but I’ll accidentally stare at your abs for three pages” energy is downright delicious.
Also, did I mention there’s a badass cat in a backpack and a chaotic canoe race featuring an iguana? Because yes. THIS BOOK SAID GIVE ME ALL THE CHAOS.

Highlights Include:
• Banter so sharp it could cut a hockey puck in half
• Public sexual tension so thick, a crowbar wouldn’t help
• Male leads who don’t just brood—they monologue internally with angst and lust like Shakespeare with a six-pack
• Actual plot (yes, Jenna McCall remembered you like stories WITH your smut)
• The sweetest, grumpiest cinnamon roll disguised as a battle-scarred hockey king

Low Points:
• You may want to slap Jack and Lily repeatedly…out of love
• You will yell at Jack for being a stubborn dumbass who doesn’t know how to ask for help (but you’ll still want to climb him like a tree)
• Some scenes may have you aggressively fanning yourself while pretending you’re reading for the “plot”

Final Thoughts:
If you like your romance with mutual pining, emotional band-aid ripping, spicy lake water shenanigans, and hot men with broken bodies and even more broken hearts, Unleashed will have you screaming, “Bury me under the Zamboni!”
10/10 would volunteer to be filmed falling in love with a hockey captain who smells like leather, citrus, and very bad decisions.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unleashed by Jenna McCall delivers a compelling blend of sports drama and emotional depth, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars.​

Set against the high-stakes backdrop of professional hockey, the story follows Jack Vignier, the seasoned captain of the Austin Aces, as he grapples with a concealed injury during his final season. Enter Lily Sutton, a determined documentarian aiming to revive her career by capturing the raw, behind-the-scenes moments of the team. Their worlds collide when Lily uncovers Jack's secret, forcing both to confront personal and professional dilemmas.​

The narrative excels in portraying the tension between ambition and integrity. Jack's internal struggle to maintain his legacy while battling physical limitations is palpable, and Lily's moral quandary adds layers to her character. Their evolving relationship, marked by initial resistance and growing mutual respect, adds a heartfelt dimension to the plot.​

While the romance unfolds with a slow burn, the payoff is satisfying, offering moments of genuine connection and vulnerability. The supporting cast and the depiction of the hockey world enrich the story, providing a realistic and immersive experience.​

However, some readers might find the pacing uneven, with certain plot points resolving too conveniently. Additionally, the exploration of Lily's career challenges could have been more nuanced.​
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Overall, Unleashed is a well-crafted tale that balances the thrill of sports with the complexities of personal growth and ethical choices. Fans of sports romances and character-driven stories will find much to appreciate in this engaging read.

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack “Viggy” Vignier just doesn’t play for the NHL team Austin Aces, he is the Captain of the team and the one thing he wants right now is that precious Stanley Cup. He can make it, he knows he can and then he will retired. There are only 2 things in his way, a knee injury that he has hidden but is now him major pain issues and Lily Sutton. The producer of the tell all series about the team. There is no doubt there is an attraction between them, it is a hot and spicy chemistry, but she is hiding something and that secret could ruin them being together.

Lily Sutton had been heading to Hollywood stardom several years ago but it all came crashing down when she had been betrayed by her assistant. Over the past 3 years she had struggled to find her way into the business again. Being a producer for a documentary series on the NHL team Austin Aces isn’t the dream job especially since she has a boss that is made from everything she hates. When Lily notices something significant about Viggy she knows it could be her ticket out of there, but it also means that she compromises everything she stands for. Will she do it not only causing harm to him but also to their relationship or will she keep it hidden and hope for a break somewhere else?

This novel is one that does keep you on your toes throughout the book. It is one of those slow burning romances that builds as it goes along before turning into an inferno! It is about 2 very determined characters wanting it all, each fighting their own demons that can make or break them. Loved reading it!

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

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agreed to give my honest opinion about this book so I’m going to do that because I trust other readers to do the same for me. First, I’m a Jenna McCall fan and have thoroughly enjoyed several of her books from cover to cover with Dahlia Made A List probably being my all-time favorite. I also enjoyed this book just not from cover to cover. The beginning was good, captivating, especially the Paddle for the Playoffs which gave the book some of its humorous moments. During this event, I felt the reader was introduced to the main characters fairly thoroughly and I could relate to their back stories. From that point until Jack “Viggy” and Lily finally gave in to their attraction and then during their brief week together, I felt the backstory and drama of what Lily should do or not do was hashed out just too much causing me to lose interest in the story; however, I stuck with it and was so glad I did because the latter part of the book was more like I’m used to with a Jenna McCall book. More sass and laugh, less sap and drab. Now honestly, there are some great scenes throughout with the teammates and lots of hockey action. Viggy is a character we all can get behind and love but not so much Lily, that is until she gets a good dose of the goodness of Captain Jack “Viggy” Vignier, the thirty-seven year old seventeen year veteran of the NHL, leader of the Austin Aces, mentor to Puppy and many others, questionable buddy to Bright and lover of Lily. Honestly, I still recommend the book even if I felt it could have left out a few chapters and still been just as fabulous. I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viggy & Lily
A solid 4.5 🌟 for my first MF romance in more than a year. I didn't know the Austin Aces series would be a mix of MM & MF, but I enjoyed Unleashed.

A real antagonistic enemies to lovers story between a hockey hotshot and a reporter looking for her own redemption after being chased out of her last positions by her shady and thieving assistant. Lily spends much of this story trying to find the "it" thing to share in the Austin Aces special she's been creating. Unfortunately, since her producer is a very mean-spirited and unethical person who only cares about his own profits, Lily struggles to do what she's told versus what she wants to/should do. She makes some unfortunate decisions that disappoint many, despite the ratings and views it receives.

Viggy has his own struggles with him and his team already knowing it's to be his last season with the Aces, but he's no longer sure if he'll be strong/well enough to finish the season on a high note for both him and his team. As the team's captain, they all look to Viggy to keep up the motivation and camaraderie, but his injury is making it difficult to maintain his consistent leadership role.

The crux of the story comes between the airing of the final two episodes of the Aces special. The first causes strife, and the second heals hearts (and wows the sports industry). In the end, it was an inspirational story about perseverance, stubbornness, leadership, and the love between two seemingly opposing forces coming together to make a new and happy life. I enjoyed Unleashed, and look forward to what the other authors have to offer to the collaborative series as they come.

I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Austin Aces world and it had such a compelling story.

Jack “Viggy” Vignier is the seasoned captain of the Austin Aces hockey team and he is determined to get his team the cup in his final season. What he didn’t plan for was a behind the scenes reality show, Aces Unleashed, and their hotshot producer Lily Sutton. Three years ago Lily was betrayed and exiled from the world that she knew and she has spent the whole time trying to find a way back. Aces Unleashed is supposed to be her big break, but she keeps getting pressure to bring more drama and controversy. Her attraction to Jack and her careful observations of him uncover a secret, but she has to decide if saving her career is worth betraying his confidence.

I absolutely loved Jack’s character in this book and I felt like he was very relatable. He was a steady, calming presence for the team and he truly enjoyed helping other players to be better. Lily took a little while for me to warm up to. It seemed like she would do almost anything to get back to her former life even if it meant manufacturing drama. But as the book went on, we really got to see more of her struggle with her conscience about which lines were too far.

I would definitely recommend checking out this book if you enjoy hockey romance.

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Vignier, aka “Viggy”, is a veteran hockey player with an amazing career and a huge sense of professionalism. His team depend on him and his leadership, so he risks everything by playing with an injury and help his team win the Cup.
Lilly Sutton is a determined producer, that after being blacklisted from the film industry by a very unfair situation, is struggling with the urgency to revive her career. She is tasked in following the Aces team and create a compelling documentary.
Viggy is dedicated into winning and helping his team sacrificing himself and dealing with pain on a daily basis.
Lily is fighting with her own conscience, the love for Viggy and her boss’s needs to have great entertainment by any means and exploiting the scandals.
While Viggy tries to hide his injury from everyone, he is also trying to hide his attraction to Lily, but she soon discovers what he is hiding and is forced to use her knowledge on the documentary.
Their romance is definitely a slow burn one, but their attraction and connection is unmistakable.
A testament of love and how sometimes you have to struggle to get what you want, to decide what really matters, to sacrifice yourself and to respect your values.
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC! I loved it!

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the "Austin Aces Hockey Club" series by various authors but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.
Jack Vignier is the captain of the Austin Aces Hockey team. It is his last season and his team has a chance to win the Stanley Cup so he decides not to mention that his knee is injured and to just skate on regardless. Lily Sutton is filming a series about the Aces and her producer pressures her to concentrate on fights and scandals because then the viewings will increase. So when Lily suspects that Jack is injured will she exploit that to further her career even though Jack and her are attracted to each other?
To be honest it took me a while to warm up both main characters but after I did I couldn't wait to see how the story would turn out and I wasn't disappointed. This is a book full of attraction, spice, heartbreak and deciding how far one is prepared to go for one's goals. I loved the ending and especially enjoyed how the story interconnected with the Renegade series by the author. Can't wait to read more books in both series after this.
Thank you Jenna McCall for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three years ago Lily Sutton was blacklisted in the film industry after her producer friend stole her show concept and put it off as her own. Now Lily is working her way back doing a documentary called Aces Unleashed following a professional hockey team for the season.
Things are going well until her boss wants her to give him controversy and drama and dig up or make up dirt on the players which goes against what she wants the series to be.

Jack Vignier "Viggy" is the captain and the face of the franchise. He is grumpy, doesn't care to be involved with her series but is a great leader. He's 37 and this is his last year playing and wants to go out with the Cup but he is playing through what could be a career ending injury that he is hiding.

This is the kind of story that could get Lily back on top. The problem is she has finally broken through Jack's wall and they've become close and she's fallen for him.
Her boss is threatening her to come through with something or he's pulling the plug on her show.
What's it going to be?

4 stars
I really liked the side characters/his teammates. Loved the pranks that were pulled.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A read that excels at giving you a character driven story with murky lines drawn between the hero, Jack, who's poured blood, sweat, tears, and seventeen years into an NHL career and the villain, Lily, who had all her dreams crushed by betrayal and is faced with the dilemma of choosing her dream and her one shot at making it or her integrity and the man she's rapidly falling in love with. The angst, drama, and blind panic of two people with their careers on the line is in your face, the intensity and the relationship building between Jack and Lily written brilliantly, and it has the ability to drag you in emotionally until you're drowning in it. It's two people forced to see themselves through someone else's eyes, questioning choices and decisions and if they're doing this all for themselves or for something bigger, and it's just incredible. The romance and chemistry is alive and thriving through the whole read, the connection deeper and bigger than either Jack or Lily expected, and combined with the the pressures of NHL hockey and the cutthroat producing business this is just one excellent read that will shock you, anger you, and touch you.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy hockey captain vs. loveable Hollywood producer? What more could one ask for!

This book takes you into the lives of two very different characters who are both going through some unresolved trauma. You have Viggy, Austin Aces hockey captain who is in his last season in NHL, also has a secret that he is terrified about anyone learning. Next, you have Lily, a down on her luck Hollywood producer who is fighting her way back to the top but currently an assistant to the producer for a show based on Austin Aces.

Both of these characters make questionable choices, bu there is a happily ever after ending, so have no fear. It's a great love story overall about how relationships are never perfect. Couples do have to live and learn, which is so relatable and work through their quarrels. I absolutely loved their banter and their overall antics of their friends as well, Adele and Riley are such great side characters who bring support to both Lily and Viggy, and are also hilarious in their own right. Highly enjoyed reading this book!

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting storyline that follows the lives of two people, each with personal difficulties and fears. Jack, aka Viggy, is Captain of his professional hockey team. He is also at the age of being on the edge of his career ending. His fears lie in continuing to play, hiding his injury and pain, in order to do so. It could also result in permanent damage and long term effects to his physical appearance. He also fears what the future holds post retirement. Lily is in the documentary business. A cutthroat media, where dog eats dog and for which she has suffered. Her reputation ruined when her colleague stole her ideas, rose to the top and tarnished her name as Lily tried to get the tru recognition.
The Aces have brought in a media team. Jack has sidestepped the fray thus far, until he becomes involved with Lily and then, unfortunately gets stabbed in the back, and in the heart, when she sells him out for herself.
Anxiety, subterfuge, threats, reputations and repercussions rise and fall. Public scrutiny and opinions are the height of their relationship and character.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to be blunt - I really struggled with this book for the first 50+% as Lily made choices out of desperation and knowing how her actions were going to devaste Jack/Viggy. It was like watching an accident happen that you couldn’t stop in time.

BUT - by seeing how much Lily and Jack fit as a couple made the emotional impact so much stronger when the crash happened and then the second chance/redemption story was so much more meaningful and powerful. Both characters really grew and developed before they came back together and moved forward.

The 5-star review is because this author’s writing had me reading something I didn’t want to read only because I quickly become invested in her characters and their relationship despite my resistance. The book in its entirety is truly worth the experience and pushing through my initial thoughts.

The Austin Aces are definitely a big part of the book, but it easily stands alone from the first book. Definitely give this book a chance!

I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unleashed is written by Jenna McCall.

💜 Hockey romance
💜 grumpy MMC
💜 grumpy cat
💜 witty banter
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice

Jack Vignier, also known as Viggy, is the captain of the Austin Aces Hockey team. The problem? He injured his knee during a game a few weeks prior and it was still causing him issues. The same injury that he has yet to report because they are so close to the playoffs. This is also going to be his last year of playing and last year of trying to get the elusive Stanley Cup. The other problem? Her, the one directing the cameras for the Aces Unleashed show that the PR team helped drive home the importance of keeping the fans interested. Can he get through the season? Will the Aces Unleashed show get in his way? Will the team win the Stanley cup?

This was a fun contemporary romance. I enjoyed the amount of hockey references in it. The character building was done well. The storyline kept me engaged and wanting to come back for more. The banter was done well and we even got to enjoy a grumpy cat in the mix as well. This was a fun story to read.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and an angsty, enemies to lovers, contemporary sports romance. I picked up this story because I’ve read others by this author and really enjoyed them. Unfortunately, I struggled with this story because I really didn’t like the situation that Lily, the female lead, found herself in and the ethical dilemmas that she faced. I’m reading for escapism and fun and the beginning of the story had a bit much angst from Lily for my preferences. I enjoyed Jack, the male lead, and understood his choices and thoughts. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the emotional last third of the story, connecting with the characters there in a way I couldn’t for the first two thirds. If you like drama, and betrayal and redemption story arcs, this is a beautiful story in a hockey setting and I recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Kenzie May · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review <3

Tropes: grumpy hockey MMC, blacklisted filmmaker FMC, strong & ambitious FMC, betrayal, banter, grumpy cat

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Another cozy hockey romance! I absolutely LOVED this one! The hockey player/reporter dynamic was absolutely AMAZING! Viggy is drool-worthy, I love myself a good grumpy hockey player! And the slow burn *chefs kiss*!

At first, I wasn’t really sure about Lily, just because she knew the impact her betrayal would have on Viggy and still continued to follow through with her career plans, however her redemption arc was VERY well written! I do wish we had a little more insight on her career and maybe flashbacks of how her career went downhill, but I’m still very happy with it!

The only reason I rated this book 4 stars was because the ending felt a little drawn out, which kind of made me lose interest a little, but I was absolutely OBSESSED with the rest of the book and I will definitely be re-reading!

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three years ago, Lily Sutton's life exploded, and now she's back picking up the pieces and trying to get back on top. She knows she is good at what she does, and she will fight tooth and nail to get what she deserves. People have underestimated her, but she's about to show them what she's made of. Someone else who underestimates her is the captain of the Austin Aces hockey team, Jack "Viggy" Viginer. She wants to do a story on him, and she knows he's hiding something. Jack has had a great career and loves his time. His body is put through the ringer daily, but he wouldn't have it any other way. However, one incident threatens everything he has worked for. And then there’s Lily, the beautiful, annoying woman who thinks she knows something. These two will butt heads, and they will fight. But one thing is for certain: their chemistry is off the charts. Can they help each other out? Or will they let their minds ruin it all?

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Viggy and Lily’s story in the Austin Ace’s hockey world. Viggy is captain of the team and fighting through a lot of pain and injuries to lead his team to the playoffs with the goal of the Stanley Cup this year. His retirement is knocking at the door and he isn’t sure what he wants to do next as hockey has been his life. Lily was devastated when her friend stole her ideas for a production and was blacklisted in Hollywood and is now digging her way out. She is now part of Unleashed which is a TV show based on the lives of the Austin Aces. There is an attraction between these two where they danced around each other for a bit until they decided to take the chance. Greed from the TV producer overseeing Lily and a compromise of beliefs comes between these two. Lily makes attempts to make amends but Viggy is too hurt at the time. Can they find the forgiveness needed to continue their love story? Loved this story in which a great second chance comes to play. The author pulled me into the story where I could feel compassion towards both of the main characters for the situations they were in.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Vignier or Veggie is his team's captain and a stand up guy willing to work threw pain just to help his team win greatness at the Stanley Cup and Lily Sutton is at the very bottom of her career the only thing she had left was her integrity but when a new job lands on the Aces Hockey team documenting there rise she's tasked with bringing them down her boss dosen't want a feel good piece he want a hatchet job a complete scandle and Lily has just found the evidence she needs but is her career rise worth loss of trust with Veggie they could have something but she has a choice to make and Jack if he doesn't come clean about his injury is his career over can they have a second chance to get her or will it all end.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unleashed shattered my heart and put the pieces back together.

Two people with everything at stake: Viggy has one last shot at the Cup before retirement—hockey is his whole world. Sutton’s journalism career hangs by a thread, with one final story that could make or break her. Though they try to resist the pull between them, their attraction is undeniable.

Sutton discovers Viggy's secret and is just what she needs to make it back to the top. Exposing Viggy could cost him everything he worked so hard for.

This is a scorching, emotional romance about love, sacrifice, and what truly matters.

One of the most intense moments? The Aces’ Game 7, which felt more like a battlefield than a hockey game much like Viggy and Sutton's relationship.

A perfect blend of hockey and heat. A striking second-chance romance.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna McCall scores with UNLEASHED (Austin Aces Hockey Club). In this story, Aces Unleased assistant producer Lily Sutton is trying to get her career back on track. Her boss wants a scandal and drama. Austin Aces team captain Jack "Viggy" Vignier is playing hurt. As Lily develops feelings for Viggy, she needs to decide if betraying him for her career is worth it.

Jenna McCall does a nice job with this story. I like how each chapter starts with a Hockey Rule and a Media Rule that usually contradict each other. The characters are well developed and likeable. The plot is interesting.

This is the first book that I have read by Jenna McCall. I enjoyed her writing style. UNLEASHED is part of the Austin Aces Hockey Club series. Each book is written by a different author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unleashed is Jenna McCall's contribution to the Austin Aces multiauthor series. Jack is the Austin Aces team captain. He's in his last year and is playing injured. Lily is on the recovery side, once a top film producer, a scandal had her on the skids. They meet, they clash, she finds out his secret and she has a moral dilemma. Sell him out for the sensation factor or not and risk losing her job.
Slightly angsty. Slow burn. Jack and Lily's attraction starts at their first meet. Pain and anger at betrayal. The hockey rules were amusing. His team members were rather sweet.
Fun and quickly read. The series is good, very cohesive.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOCKEY ROMANCE! My current go-to romance genre. Jenna McCall wrote a great book. There is hockey and Lord Stanley but there is a hard-working woman trying to pull herself back up to make a name for herself. There is the Captain of the Aces hockey team, fighting to finish his career on top. Put these two together and the sparks start flying! Not just sparks but a full five-alarm fire.

I could not put this book down. I even took it to work with me, stealing a few minutes here and there to get just a little more of Jack and Lily. I enjoyed the romantic relationship, but I also enjoyed Jack’s relationship with his teammates. The way he was captain of the team is a model that all athletes should want to follow.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unleashed

Fun hockey romance. Lilly is a producer for a documentary series following The Aces run for the Stanley Cup. Jack is team captain and trying to get his team to playoffs to win that coveted cup.

Lilly is clawing he way back into the industry after 3 years of being black balled by a former friend. Now she’s working for a man with no conscience. He only cares about ratings. Lilly and Jack spend time together away from the lights and cameras. Lilly pick up on jack playing injured. When her boss demands something with controversy will she sell out Jack?? Will that be the end of their bidding romance? You need to read to find out!! I ‘m sure you’ll love this as much as I did!

[Jess Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Vignier is finishing his last season in the NHL and is facing pressure to finally win a championship.

Lily Sutton is filming a reality show of the hockey season and trying to come back from a betrayal that derailed her career.

What happens when these two collide in a story of betrayal, truth, and love?

Unleashed is an enemies to lovers hockey romance that is a great read for your weekend. McCall’s storyline and in depth characters create a novel that will pull you into the story from the first page. The MCs are both dynamic, determined characters that have to learn how to deal with pressure, betrayal, and how to come back from that.

Unleashed is a book that anyone who loves a great enemies to lovers romance should to read.

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unleashed is my first book from the author and enjoyed it very much. Being a hockey series also helped that will me being a huge fan of the game.
The couple in this book are Jack( Viggy) Vignier and Lily Sutton. He is the captain of the Austin Aces HC and she is a reporter that have been given completely access to the arena and the team.
Viggi isn't happy about it. Makes her work more difficult for her. She is trying to regain her reputation because some thing in the past that too it all away from her.
Lily has discovered the Viggy is hiding a huge medical secret from his team. He wants one more chance at winning the Cup. Lily has a chance of getting a huge scope on this and get her back to the top.
One problem... she has falling for Viggy and started a relationship him.
She is tore between loving him and exposing him.
You will have to read to find out which one she chooses.
Thanks for amazing read Jenna.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tv producer is embedded with a hockey team to follow their season and produce a show detailing all the drama it can find. A dual POV tale that features the captain of the hockey team and the tv producer. The drama swirls around their past, the present and the future. Seems like a typical story but it unleashes so much more. The decisions made effect the way they are able to move forward. There are secrets revealed and secrets kept that impact the choices they are forced to make. There is a grumpy cat that monitors it all, a puppy that gets into everything and a three legged iguana that wants to steal the show. It produces cheers and tears. The story has a tremendous pull this way and that with great book hero’s and villians. A story sure to please and impossible to put down.

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A change of pace for Jenna McCall and it's terrific! Set in the Austin Aces Hockey Club universe, one of eight books in a multi-author series, this is all about the captain, Jack 'Viggy' Vignier who is hiding his knee injury in the last season of his career. In town is journalist Lily who is making a documentary about the team. She's smart and hard working but under a lot of pressure. They have been circling each other for eight months and when they finally give into it, it's go-go-go!

In a change-up from the usual tropes, it's Lily who betrays Viggy, just when things are becoming more than just physical. I loved Lily's redemption and how these two manage to find their way back to each other, and consider career moves outside of what they have expected of themselves. It's hard to read at times - things are tough for both of them - but the reward is excellent 🥰 It's steamy and angsty - in the best way. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this hockey series!

Thank you so much Jenna McCall for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good ice hockey romance?? This is a great story - one of a series on the Aces team written by multiple authors. I loved that this explores the impacts of the pressures of conflicting careers on a budding romance. Viggy and Lily are a couple that are clearly meant for each other, with chemistry that is off the charts (read: the door is *wide* open).
Here you’ll get grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, a grumpy cat overlord, lots of rain (it’s kinda their thing), and a three legged iguana. There’s a lot to enjoy about this story and it will definitely earn its place on your TBR.