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Get ready to meet Hel and Frost on April 28th 2025

She saves lives. He plays to win. But can they find love before the final buzzer?
Dr. Ethel “Hel” Rayleigh has spent years working as a Consultant Doctor in the Emergency Room, but this season, she’s adding a hockey rink to the hospital halls, volunteering as the team doctor for an Australian Ice Hockey League club, the Burra Wombats. She expects more work, bruised players, and a fast-paced challenge—but she doesn’t expect Jake “Frost” Forster.
An NHL veteran playing one last season before retirement, Frost came to Australia for the love of the game, not for distractions. But Hel is impossible to ignore—sharp-witted, fiercely capable, and no-nonsense. There’s something about Hel that gets under his skin in a way no opponent ever has.
Hel knows she can’t get involved with an athlete whose real life is half a world away, and Frost’s career is a ticking clock counting down to the day he leaves.
Will they take the risk and go all in—or let love slip through their fingers before the final buzzer sounds?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2025

21 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Quinn Hart

4 books16 followers

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5 stars
36 (37%)
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36 (37%)
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18 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Freya Mae.
63 reviews154 followers
April 29, 2025
The most adorable cute Aussie, STEM, slowburn romance 🥹 he’s a Canadian ice hockey player, she’s an Australian (badass) doctor & they seriously have the best chemistry and banter!
And the BEST side characters (special love to you Gloria xx)

This book is truly the definition of a cozy romance and the fun, fast paced writing makes it super easy to fall in love with the characters & the story (& to stay up all night to read the book) 🥰
Profile Image for mistys_bookobsession.
48 reviews
April 30, 2025
What a cute, fun read. This is the first ARC book I have read from Quinn Hart and I will definitely be reading more.
This can be read as a standalone however I read Doc Hollywood first as there are some characters from that book in this book.
I love the friendship and the relationship between Frost & Hel. I love the banter, the flirting and the chemistry between them. This book made me smile and laugh 😊
Profile Image for Shushi.
308 reviews26 followers
May 2, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice - 0

Trope - team doctor × hockey player, strangers to lovers, old-mature MC's, badass FMC, roommates, forced proximity, slow burn, romcom, mutual pining, banter, closed door romance, third-act-breakup, slight separation, HEA

This book was a package deal; it had angst, drama, banter, and lots of sweet moments.

Frost is nearing the end of his career, but he is given one last opportunity to play and promote ice hockey in Australia, and he seizes the chance. Hel, a strong and determined emergency doctor, has recently been appointed as the team doctor for the team Frost will be playing for. I loved how both the characters had such mature, dynamic and likeable personalities.

Their initial interactions are full of spark, but neither acts on it because the MMC is in a relationship. However, things take a turn when Frost suffers a career-ending injury and his girlfriend breaks up with him. While I found Frost's career-ending disappointing, it felt plausible given the risks associated with playing a sport at that age.

Frost and Hel's relationship centres on the constant push and pull of their attraction for one another. Despite the challenges, their chemistry is undeniable; the banter, the fun, and the intensity of their connection all resonate perfectly.

It pained my heart seeing the couple struggle with their feelings, and the goodbye was the worst. I hate it when distance becomes a problem for a couple. HOWEVER, I liked how things eventually panned out—so worth the pain and time. The reunion and final chapters were wholesome; they were packed with love, emotions, fun, and lots of moments between the couple.

Favourite characters (except MC's) and moments :
1. The medication scenes have to be my all-time fav ones. Watching a grump turn into a golden retriever because of drugs was not on my bingo list. And, I loved every second of it.
2. Clara was such a supportive and loving friend, and she stole the show with that one big gesture.
3. Most moments involving the hockey team were hilarious and sweet.
4. Gloria was funny throughout, though sometimes I felt she was too much.
------------------

This was such a sweet, cosy romance, with no spice but so much chemistry and emotions.
I'm so glad I picked this book.
Overall 4.5/5
Profile Image for Julia S.
52 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2025
This is the second book in the Two Worlds Collide Romance series and it’s a wonderfully sweet and cozy closed-door romance.

When Dr. Hel (Ethel is her name, but no, you wouldn’t dare call her by that!) Rayleigh takes on the position of the Team Doctor for an Australian Ice Hockey team, she becomes aware of two things:

1. Walking on ice is not an easy feat.
2. The strong arms of one of the team that sweeps her up in his arms to carry her to treat the first team casualty.

The strong arms belong to Frost, who is an Ice hockey legend who is finishing up his career in Australia with the local team, the Burra Wombats.

I loved the characters in this story. The friendships shown throughout the story are so warm and full of fun. The Burra Wombats are a likeable, if occasionally, unruly team with great banter and comradeship, while Hel’s friendship with Clara and Sadie add such a great feel and extra heart to the story.

I loved seeing the friendship develop between Frost and Hel. They were both extremely likeable characters that had me cheering them on from the very beginning! This light-hearted rromance is for anyone looking for a feel-good read. Doc Defence is out 28 April!

Thank you to Quinn Hart for the ARC copy of this book in return for
an honest review.
Profile Image for Laurie.
298 reviews39 followers
April 28, 2025
POV: You’re a doctor with zero time for distractions… until a pro hockey player crashes into your ER and your life.

Just finished Doc Defence by Quinn Hart and I’m OBSESSED. It’s a slow-burn, closed-door romance with smart, career-driven leads and sooo much heart. Hel (the doc) and Frost (the athlete) have insane chemistry, but it’s the emotional depth and real-life feels that got me.

Think:
• Grey’s Anatomy meets NHL
• No spice, all soul
• Perfect for cozy nights or beach days

If you love romances where competence is hot and the tension is slow but worth it—run, don’t walk.

Rating: 5/5
Profile Image for DeAnna Beeman.
100 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
This was an absolutely adorable read and a great introduction to Quinn for me! I will absolutely have to go back and read book one!
Profile Image for Kats.
146 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2025
Dr Ethel Rayleigh is an Emergency Consultant, although call her Ethel and you'll find out how fiery she is. She prefers Hel, and she's not afraid to give it. Taking on the role of Team Doctor for the Kookaburra Creek Wombats, the local ice hockey team, she soon meets Jake Forster, aka Frost, a Canadian player in Australia for a season to make a documentary with the Wombats.

Frost is soon taken off the ice following an injury and Hel finds herself suddenly in need of a place to stay, so it makes sense for her to stay with him. A little forced proximity to heat up the banter between them is just what the doctor ordered! But seriously, he makes her food, reminds her to hydrate - *swoon*. He's such a cinnamon roll disguised as a burly hockey player. Who could resist? Certainly not Hel, despite her independent streak.

Inevitably there comes the obstacle, that Frost is due to return home and Hel cannot leave her life behind. With one last night together they make the most of it before saying goodbye 😭😭😭 because how can they make this work with a world between them?

If you've read book 1, Doc Hollywood, you'll enjoy more scenes with those characters, especially Gloria who always steals the show. The books are standalone but interconnected. One of the things I love about this series is the friendship between Clara and the other women, their friend group genuinely show up for each other. I'm so excited for more in this series and to find out what's the deal with Maisie?!

Thank you to Quinn Hart for the advanced copy, my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Thibodeaux.
171 reviews10 followers
April 17, 2025
I found Quinn Hart’s first book, Doc Hollywood, through looking for books on Threads. I loved Doc Hollywood, so I was so happy to get an ARC for Doc Defence! Both of these books are standalone reads but contain some of the same characters and same setting. At first, I confused the FMC Hel (Ethel) with Helen as both were in Doc Hollywood. I quickly realized that Hel was the doctor. Hel has a great sense of humor, and her being the Hockey team’s doctor with no clue about Hockey was funny. One of the best things I enjoy about Hart’s writing is that she never resorts to tired tropes like making jerks of her main characters. She authentically portrays how people meet and develop relationships. Frost and Hel are two great people and watching them become friends and figure out their relationship reminded me of falling in love with my husband. I also thought the influencer character Star was written so comically without being a caricature. I was actually trying to finish a library book when I received this book; yet, I kept gravitating to Doc Defence wanting to see what was happening with Frost and Hel. The pub quiz events are some of my favorite scenes in both books. Many of the minor characters such as Rocky, Aiden, Gloria, Sadie, and Coach Morgan are well written and interesting in themselves. Hart could easily write a number of books exploring any of these characters. The friendly banter between characters especially Hel and Frost is realistic and fun to read. This is just a warm, cozy, feel good book that is enjoyable to read. I loved it!
Profile Image for Liisa.
710 reviews22 followers
April 14, 2025
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5 stars)
Release Date: 28 April 2025

Doc Defence is the second book in Quinn Hart’s Two Worlds Collide Romance Series—and my first introduction to her work. It’s not my usual genre, and when I first came across “Kookaburra Creek Base Hospital” and the “Kookaburra Creek Wombats” ice hockey team, I groaned a little. (Yes, I really do live near a place called Kookaburra Creek—but still!) I wasn’t sure this was going to be my kind of book.

Then we meet Hel, a no-nonsense Aussie doctor with a guarded heart, and Frost, a Canadian ice hockey superstar in a passive relationship with a young puck bunny. It all felt a bit over the top… but strangely, that’s when the charm kicked in.

Because Doc Defence knows exactly what it is: warm-hearted, escapist, comfort romance. And once I accepted the Hallmark-style simplicity and leaned into the fantasy, I found myself cheering them on. It’s the kind of book you curl up with on a rainy afternoon or pack for a holiday—unrealistic, yes, but also sweet, satisfying, and unexpectedly uplifting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenvale for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynda Malone.
123 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2025
Having read Doc Hollywood last month, I was super excited to join Quinn's ARC team for Doc Defence. Having a doctor write a novel with a medical theme means that you know it's going to be true. So yay.

Having met Hel (DO NOT call her Ethel!) in Doc Hollywood, it was amazing to dive into her life and get her story. She's strong, determined, smart and sassy, the whole package really. She's exactly who Jake "Frost" Forster wants even if she doesn't see it.

Jake thought he was going to be in Australia for a year to finish out his career but things take a different path for him. And meeting Hel was definately not on his score card.

Having an ice hockey sports romance set in Australia may seem weird but let me tell you, it works. Quinn writes well rounded characters, be they the main characters or the side characters. They pull you into their world and you can't help but become invested in them.

It was nice to catch up some of the characters from Doc Hollywood and see what they are up to but each book can be read as a stand alone
Profile Image for Tams Book Corner.
41 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2025
Need some yearning? Need a little bit of what feels like forbidden love thrown into a career driven world? Ohhhh let me tell you tell you that this book is PERFECT for you. The storyline is so perfectly paced and the writing so easy to read. I swear I was speed reading the book with how good and easy it was to read. I will say, jumpscare of the Australian slang I heard as an Aussie myself. Never did I think I’d hear the word ‘Ranga’ in a book, but laughed when I did. I didn't read the first book before this one, but even then I still understood the previous characters.. and honestly it's making me consider the first book even more than before. All the tropes in the book SPOKE TO ME too. I loved the feeling of it being forbidden love when it wasn't really, but also the mix of it being more of a slow burn throughout the book, with a lot of yearning and both of them wishing. And the ending? Couldn’t have been more perfect. I have so much to say about this book, but I will conclude with this. Someone get me a hockey player.
Profile Image for Amber Higgs.
88 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2025
My Review | My Recommendation

Title | Doc Defence

Author | Quinn Hart

Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review - Release date 28/04/2025
I read this book in 1 day - I could not put it down.
I never read the first book, but you don’t need to - This is a great standalone.
Frost and Hel 🥹 the cutest friendship to blossom! This book had me smiling the whole entire read, maybe a little emotional towards the end!
‘Star’ was an instant annoying character for me.
However I thoroughly enjoyed this book - would recommend for a easy little romance read!

Quotes |

“You have to want it and believe you deserve it.”

“Some people struggle to see a loved one hurt, and some people just want all the attention to be on them, even when it’s not about them,”

“Things which seemed so important at twenty-six, seem much less important at thirty-six.”

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained”

“Follow your heart”

“It may seem impossible now, but things have a way of working out”



This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chapter Chirp (Jessica).
230 reviews2 followers
Read
April 19, 2025
ARC Review-
“Doc Defence” a sports romance that centers around Aussie ER Doctor Ethel “Hel” Rayleigh as she starts also working as the doctor for the local ice hockey team, the Burra Wombats. While working for the Wombats Hel’s life intersects with Canadian veteran NHL player and newest Wombats player Jake “Frost” Forster. This was such a sweet, funny and cozy romance with adorable characters. Hel is a humorous spitfire of a woman who not only has brains but also beauty. Leading man Frost is absolutely swoon-worthy and will have readers fawning over his love struck persona. The plot had me hanging on by a thread with the will they/ won’t they aspect but the ending was so satisfying. This would be a perfect addition for any romcom and sports romance lovers.
Profile Image for Belle Hami.
2 reviews
May 2, 2025
It’s my first time being an ARC Reader. This story makes me believe on the romance happens in unexpected ways. Hel and Frost story will give you a lesson not only about how to respect each other differences, weakness but also accepting the value of timing in everything with love, being part of the family being the eldest daughter of Hel and Frost valuing the unity of the team. It was slow burning romance story at the same time makes you smile, giggles especially the sofa moment and appreciate the effort of the characters on their working fields especially Hel who is working on medical field for her lot of care to her patients and her family.

Thank you so much for letting me read this wonderful story of yours, Ms. Quinn Hart. More stories to come!
Profile Image for raysasbookishbliss.
132 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: none

This was a really cute and easy read, perfect for finishing in one sitting – it was seriously fun! I was cracking up at the banter between Hel, Saddie, Clara, and Gloria; it was everything.

I absolutely loved how the relationship evolved. The support they received from the other characters and how they were there for each other no matter what was great to see. It was also important to see the MMC navigate the new changes in his life, and it was amazing to watch him stand up for himself.

This was my first book by Quinn Hart and I loved it! I can't wait to read more of her work. Thanks for the ARC copy; this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Domnitz.
32 reviews
May 11, 2025
I received this book for free as an ARC reader in return for my honest review. Thanks, Quinn Hart, for sharing this with me!

Doc Defence by Quinn Hart was such a great read! Even though the characters came from completely different backgrounds, Quinn did a great job at showing their chemistry through her writing and I fell for every word of it. Hel and Frost were such lovable characters and their romance was so enjoyable to read. A “slow-burn” romance novel that didn’t feel like I was missing out on the “spice” at all!

I would definitely recommend this novel to others and plan on reading other books by Quinn Hart when I get the chance!
116 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2025
This book was only 3 stars for me.
I had higher hopes going in, but I found it to be very cliché and unfortunately I personally didn't really connect with any of the main characters either. I did like the touches of Aussie culture in there and the banter at times was good, albeit maybe a little bit repetitive. Over all I did enjoy it, but it just lacked that magic spark of something special. It was an easy, quick rom com read and if you're into the cheesy, hallmark type romance ( who doesn't love that every so often am I right?) then you'll eat this up too!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this cute romance.
Profile Image for Samantha.
67 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2025
No spoilers in this review.

I have had the extreme pleasure of receiving this book as an ARC and these opinions are my own.

This is the second book from this author that I have read. It can be read as a stand-alone but does have some characters from the first (if you haven't read Doc Hollywood please do read it is a really good book)

Loved the main characters, good storyline and a few funny insights to the world of an influencer. Definitely shows some of the Aussie humour and slang. Look forward to reading more and highly recommend.

Solid 4.5 ⭐
4 reviews
April 11, 2025
Thanks to Quinn Hart for the ARC for book two in this series, Doc Defence.
I read Doc Hollywood first, but it isn't necessary to enjoy this second installment, Doc Defence.

Hel is a unique FMC, with endearing Aussie qualities, and Frost off sets her with his Canadian charm and down-to-earth traits.
This is a sweet, slow burn romance set in an authentic Australian small town. I enjoyed it and would recommend to those looking for lots of yearning, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Profile Image for Hannah.
869 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2025
Well, looks like hell has frozen over, people - this is a book about ice hockey in Australia.

Yes, really.

It’s a huge amount of fun. This is a slow burn, closed door romance with enough longing looks and covert hand touches to keep even the most dedicated Austen fan squee-ing. It is written by a doctor, so the medical stuff is accurate - which was enough to keep *me* squee-ing. The characters are larger than life - I genuinely wanted to join them in their pub trivia. I really enjoyed the whole experience. Do yourself a favour and add this to your TBR.
Profile Image for Chelsea Elliott.
Author 1 book2 followers
April 21, 2025
I got the opportunity to read an early copy and I have to say.... I will definitely be reading more of Quinn Harts books!

I DEVOURED this book in over 2 days. I only put it down when I had to. So many times I felt myself shouting at both Hel and Frost skating (see what i did there?) around each other. I was hoping for spice however it really was great the way it was so I won't mark it down for no spice.

It was hilarious (I wish I had a Gloria!), tense and had me swooning on every page!

i never read the first one, but i will now and will read more of this authors work! amazing!
Profile Image for Daisy.
28 reviews
April 25, 2025
*** Received this book as an ARC. This review is honest and completely my own***
I don't read a lot of hockey romance but I saw the FMC was a doctor and HAD to apply to get the ARC! I am so glad I did! This book was great from the moment that the two main characters meet to their whole journey throughout the book. I will say that this book is definitely a slow burn that does take a little bit of time. Either way, I loved the characters, the love story, and the ending so much. This book is definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
209 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2025
I absolutely loved *Doc Defence*! Quinn Hart delivered the perfect sequel to *Doc Hollywood*—capturing the charm, heart, and humor of the original while taking the story and characters to an exciting new level.

The writing was sharp, the pacing was spot-on, and it was such a joy to revisit characters I already loved. Hart strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, making it feel both familiar and brand new.

I couldn’t put it down, and now I seriously can’t wait for the next installment. A fantastic, five-star read!
Profile Image for Courtney Gittins.
73 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2025
Cute sports romance! This was a sweet closed-door romance with two likeable characters that was an easy read. I liked the depth of the characters and that they were each dealing with their own issues but the pace flowed well between the two throughout the story. I loved the fun, quirky supporting characters (some of which are from the first book in the series) and even though this is the first book I've read by Quinn Hart, I would love to read the first book and any others in this series.
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,092 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2025
In honour of the hockey playoffs, I'm adding some more hockey into my rotation. Hel is an ER physician and Frost is a retired NHL defenseman spending a season in Australia to promote their professional hockey league. It is a cute rom-com with some laughs and a slow-burn love. There are a few what I think are 'Australianisms' in reference to hockey but overall, seems fairly accurate with the hockey facts. If you're looking for hot scenes, this isn't the story for you but if you want that HEA, it's a pretty good read. 4 stars.
Profile Image for YonYon.
8 reviews
April 26, 2025
This book was a nice easy read and really good to read after you’ve read something heavy. That’s a lot of reads in that sentence.

I hadn’t read a good sports book in a while and it was a nice break. The characters were pretty good. It would’ve been nice to delve a bit more into the MMC‘s background. There were glimpses of it, but not enough to really tell us who he was.

If you like hockey romance, you’ll like this one. It’s not too heavy, more let’s keep things positive focused, and nice.
Profile Image for Dewey.
2,082 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2025
I know it's petty but I HATE these women's names. Why use such old-fashioned names for them? Ethel? Clara? Even her nickname, Hel, is annoying. Then there's the utter cliche stupid bimbo, Star. "Babbbeeeeee" she yells at him in the bar. Why would Frost not break up with her?

The writing is juvenile. "Hel" is 35 and apparently is starved for the touch of a man, like Frost, who has the dumb girlfriend.

I can't read this. DNF at 13%.
88 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2025
A cutesy rom com is what this one was! Sports romance has always been my fav and this one is no less! the awesome plot and the undeniable attractions between the mc's was a cherry on the cake! plus, usually i've mostly read young adult romance novels but this one explores how love happens and stays even when you get older, so it has been insightful in a way too! Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Gisselle Quiles.
38 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2025
ARC Review

What a fun and suspenseful read! This was my first ARC and definitely be reading more of her books.
I loved the dynamic between Brenda and Kyle — the tension, the trust, the slow build.
There’s action, romance, and just the right touch of faith.
Fast-paced and engaging from beginning to end!
Profile Image for Rose Dinsmore.
148 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2025
This book was really good. I devoured it, reading it almost in one sitting. The couple’s chemistry was off the charts! I came late to the party and this is the second book in the Two Worlds Collide, after Doc Hollywood- which I will definitely add to my TBR. I loved the camaraderie of the friends represented in this book and hope we get at least one more!

4 1/4 💜’s.
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