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D.C. Renegades #3
Unlaced Love
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26Crosby's book coming February 2026
- GenresSports
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
7 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Erin Marie Bassett
11 books90 followersErin Marie Bassett is a geriatric millennial, wife and mother of two living in Chicago. (A mile west of Wrigley Field but she, like her husband and kids, are St. Louis Cardinal Fans). When she’s not reading or writing romance, Erin helps small businesses and local organizations use the magic words to connect with their communities. She volunteers hard at her kids school and she believes in the power of S.L.O.W. Living.
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.
Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.
Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 16, 2026
ARC review! What can I say dog dad that portrays anxiety in a very real way 10/10! I’m very happy this book focused on the MMC having anxiety since the stigma around men’s mental health seems so taboo!
Stella the girly pup you are made this book even more enjoyable!
Laila the way she stood behind Crosby in everything was refreshing! She didn’t turn her back or act like he wasn’t man enough!
2.5🌶️ just the right amount of spice to not over throw the plot!
Stella the girly pup you are made this book even more enjoyable!
Laila the way she stood behind Crosby in everything was refreshing! She didn’t turn her back or act like he wasn’t man enough!
2.5🌶️ just the right amount of spice to not over throw the plot!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC.
This is probably my favorite in the series so far. I know I'm a minority when I say I like the accidental pregnancy trope but it definitely worked for this couple. Crosby was just 100% a green flag man and I loved that he struggled with anxiety. this was a super cute and easy read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is probably my favorite in the series so far. I know I'm a minority when I say I like the accidental pregnancy trope but it definitely worked for this couple. Crosby was just 100% a green flag man and I loved that he struggled with anxiety. this was a super cute and easy read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
January 22, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! Every single character in the D.C. Renegades series is very special to me but something about Crosby hits super close to home.
Crosby’s internal struggles with his anxiety is so accurately depicted from my own personal experiences. His inner monologue was unbelievably relatable and comforting to see in a book character like him (hot, jacked hockey player).
Laila, my love. How I love you. A short, curvy, knows-who-she-is FMC? Yes please! I loved watching Laila stand up to Crosby’s AHole dad. From watching her freak out at the gala with him to playing his games in her and Crosby’s home 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Laila taught Crosby everything he didn’t know when it came to living how he wanted. She did it in such a gentle and subtle way that the flow was so easy and natural that it felt like I was reading a story from a friend. Soft love, gentle moments, trying times but it all comes together like life has a habit of doing.
I love the pregnancy trope. I know, I know. Hot take. But hear me out. The accidental pregnancy trope can be some of the most relatable content to read about in a romance novel. Sometimes it’s done questionably. Sometimes it’s done well. I can say, this book has done it in the most beautiful way I’ve read. Every moment of panic, celebration, awe and fear felt so very real.
A huge thank you to Erin for the ARC! And if you haven’t read the D.C. Renegades, check them out.
Crosby’s internal struggles with his anxiety is so accurately depicted from my own personal experiences. His inner monologue was unbelievably relatable and comforting to see in a book character like him (hot, jacked hockey player).
Laila, my love. How I love you. A short, curvy, knows-who-she-is FMC? Yes please! I loved watching Laila stand up to Crosby’s AHole dad. From watching her freak out at the gala with him to playing his games in her and Crosby’s home 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Laila taught Crosby everything he didn’t know when it came to living how he wanted. She did it in such a gentle and subtle way that the flow was so easy and natural that it felt like I was reading a story from a friend. Soft love, gentle moments, trying times but it all comes together like life has a habit of doing.
I love the pregnancy trope. I know, I know. Hot take. But hear me out. The accidental pregnancy trope can be some of the most relatable content to read about in a romance novel. Sometimes it’s done questionably. Sometimes it’s done well. I can say, this book has done it in the most beautiful way I’ve read. Every moment of panic, celebration, awe and fear felt so very real.
A huge thank you to Erin for the ARC! And if you haven’t read the D.C. Renegades, check them out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can't get enough of the DC Renegades!! 🏒🏒
Crosby, my guy, I just wanted to hug him!! The representation of anxiety for a male was properly done.
Laila, a reasonable FMC that doesn't react on emotions first and took time to observe everything. Yes, girl!!
Let's not forget Stella, best supporting character goes to this wonderful, loving furball!! 🐕🐕
The way the accidental pregnancy trope played out in their story was *chef's kiss* 🤌🏼🤌🏼 No automatically assuming the worst, like for fame or money, and they had the "we'll get through this together" mentality from both characters.
Also loved seeing the Renegade family make their mark and show their support in Crosby and Laila's story (still impatiently waiting on Felix's book). 😊😊
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2/5🌶🌶
Crosby, my guy, I just wanted to hug him!! The representation of anxiety for a male was properly done.
Laila, a reasonable FMC that doesn't react on emotions first and took time to observe everything. Yes, girl!!
Let's not forget Stella, best supporting character goes to this wonderful, loving furball!! 🐕🐕
The way the accidental pregnancy trope played out in their story was *chef's kiss* 🤌🏼🤌🏼 No automatically assuming the worst, like for fame or money, and they had the "we'll get through this together" mentality from both characters.
Also loved seeing the Renegade family make their mark and show their support in Crosby and Laila's story (still impatiently waiting on Felix's book). 😊😊
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2/5🌶🌶
January 19, 2026
4.25 stars, ARC Review
I dislike an accidental pregnancy trope, HOWEVER this is one of the best I’ve seen. The characters felt relatable, and the found family was perfection. We all need a Felix organizing our events. Some of the communication felt like it was incomplete, like I wanted just a little more explanation as things happened, but it was so good to be back with the DC Renegades.
Thank you to EMB and the publisher for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
I dislike an accidental pregnancy trope, HOWEVER this is one of the best I’ve seen. The characters felt relatable, and the found family was perfection. We all need a Felix organizing our events. Some of the communication felt like it was incomplete, like I wanted just a little more explanation as things happened, but it was so good to be back with the DC Renegades.
Thank you to EMB and the publisher for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
received as ARC.
This was actually my first introduction to the D.C. Renegades series and I was not disappointed.
Crosby and Laila have that perfect meet cute love story come together in the most beautiful way.
The character development is great to see and the complexities of anxiety and family trauma are written with such understanding and care.
The wit, the banter, and the pure love between all the main characters really pull it all together at the end and just leaves you wanting the next one already. I can't wait to go back and read what I've missed!
This was actually my first introduction to the D.C. Renegades series and I was not disappointed.
Crosby and Laila have that perfect meet cute love story come together in the most beautiful way.
The character development is great to see and the complexities of anxiety and family trauma are written with such understanding and care.
The wit, the banter, and the pure love between all the main characters really pull it all together at the end and just leaves you wanting the next one already. I can't wait to go back and read what I've missed!
January 19, 2026
This one pulled at the heart strings. Erin didn’t leave out the laugh out loud moments though. I’m forever here for the Big Gun Chats (iykyk). But I was feeling all the feels & need to protect Crosby at all costs.
& let’s not forget the added bonus of Stella 🐶. Who doesn’t love a good romcom pup.
& let’s not forget the added bonus of Stella 🐶. Who doesn’t love a good romcom pup.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Erin Marie Bassett’s Unlaced Love is the kind of book that ruins your mood in the best way because suddenly nothing else you’re reading feels quite good enough.
Thank you to Erin Marie Bassett for gifting me an ARC of Unlaced Love.
This was technically my first introduction to the D.C. Renegades series, and yes, I am fully aware that starting at book three is a bold life choice. That said, Unlaced Love made it painfully clear within the first few chapters that I’ve been missing out. Crosby and Laila don’t just meet cute, they meet meaningful. Their connection builds in that slow, natural way that feels less like fiction and more like watching two people accidentally stumble into something that matters. I didn’t just want them together, I needed it for my own emotional stability.
Crosby is the kind of character who quietly unravels you. He’s thoughtful, guarded, and carrying anxiety in a way that feels achingly real rather than romanticized. Laila, on the other hand, is warmth with edges. She’s strong without being invincible, caring without being self-sacrificing, and watching her navigate family trauma felt deeply honest. Erin Marie Bassett writes these heavier themes with so much care that they never overshadow the romance, they deepen it. Nothing felt rushed, brushed aside, or thrown in for drama points. It all mattered.
The banter deserves its own moment because it is sharp, funny, and perfectly timed. The dialogue crackles with wit and that comfortable sarcasm that only works when characters genuinely understand each other. I laughed out loud more than once, then immediately felt emotionally attacked in the next paragraph. The dynamic between the main characters, and honestly the entire cast, has that found-family energy that makes you want to pull up a chair and never leave. By the end, I felt like I knew these people, which is always the highest compliment I can give a romance novel.
One of my favorite lines, and one that perfectly captures the heart of this story, is: “Loving someone doesn’t make the hard things disappear, it just means you don’t have to face them alone.” That sentence alone explains why Unlaced Love works so well. This book understands that love isn’t a cure, it’s a companion. It’s patience, humor, late-night conversations, and choosing each other even when things are messy.
What surprised me most was how cozy this book felt without losing emotional depth. Unlaced Love by Erin Marie Bassett balances softness and substance beautifully. It’s the kind of romance that makes you sigh happily one minute and stare at the wall contemplating your feelings the next. By the time I finished, I didn’t just want the next book, I wanted to go back and read everything I skipped so I could spend more time in this world.
Overall, Unlaced Love is heartfelt, witty, emotionally grounded, and quietly addictive. It’s a reminder of why I love contemporary romance when it’s done right. Erin Marie Bassett has officially secured a spot on my auto-read list, and I will absolutely be backtracking through the D.C. Renegades series like my life depends on it.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 stars
#UnlacedLove #ErinMarieBassett #DCRenegades #RomanceBookReview #ARCReview #ContemporaryRomance #CozyRomance #BookReview #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram
Thank you to Erin Marie Bassett for gifting me an ARC of Unlaced Love.
This was technically my first introduction to the D.C. Renegades series, and yes, I am fully aware that starting at book three is a bold life choice. That said, Unlaced Love made it painfully clear within the first few chapters that I’ve been missing out. Crosby and Laila don’t just meet cute, they meet meaningful. Their connection builds in that slow, natural way that feels less like fiction and more like watching two people accidentally stumble into something that matters. I didn’t just want them together, I needed it for my own emotional stability.
Crosby is the kind of character who quietly unravels you. He’s thoughtful, guarded, and carrying anxiety in a way that feels achingly real rather than romanticized. Laila, on the other hand, is warmth with edges. She’s strong without being invincible, caring without being self-sacrificing, and watching her navigate family trauma felt deeply honest. Erin Marie Bassett writes these heavier themes with so much care that they never overshadow the romance, they deepen it. Nothing felt rushed, brushed aside, or thrown in for drama points. It all mattered.
The banter deserves its own moment because it is sharp, funny, and perfectly timed. The dialogue crackles with wit and that comfortable sarcasm that only works when characters genuinely understand each other. I laughed out loud more than once, then immediately felt emotionally attacked in the next paragraph. The dynamic between the main characters, and honestly the entire cast, has that found-family energy that makes you want to pull up a chair and never leave. By the end, I felt like I knew these people, which is always the highest compliment I can give a romance novel.
One of my favorite lines, and one that perfectly captures the heart of this story, is: “Loving someone doesn’t make the hard things disappear, it just means you don’t have to face them alone.” That sentence alone explains why Unlaced Love works so well. This book understands that love isn’t a cure, it’s a companion. It’s patience, humor, late-night conversations, and choosing each other even when things are messy.
What surprised me most was how cozy this book felt without losing emotional depth. Unlaced Love by Erin Marie Bassett balances softness and substance beautifully. It’s the kind of romance that makes you sigh happily one minute and stare at the wall contemplating your feelings the next. By the time I finished, I didn’t just want the next book, I wanted to go back and read everything I skipped so I could spend more time in this world.
Overall, Unlaced Love is heartfelt, witty, emotionally grounded, and quietly addictive. It’s a reminder of why I love contemporary romance when it’s done right. Erin Marie Bassett has officially secured a spot on my auto-read list, and I will absolutely be backtracking through the D.C. Renegades series like my life depends on it.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 stars
#UnlacedLove #ErinMarieBassett #DCRenegades #RomanceBookReview #ARCReview #ContemporaryRomance #CozyRomance #BookReview #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by this author! She's been on my TBR for a bit now and when I saw an ARC opportunity I HAD to jump on it!! Even though it's book 3 in the series (out of order 🫣 I'm a rebel I know🤣) I can't wait to go back and read the others plus some!
Crosby- Our dog dad to Stella who's a hockey player and has anxiety. Which I loved the male mental health rep in this btw! More importantly, it wasnt downplayed. The author did a great job at showcasing all the moments where you felt it right along with Crosby. The attention to detail put into this was *chefs kiss*
Laila- our organized labor and delivery nurse. I fell in love with her instantly. Shes the rock, his grounding person. I think her character was beautifully thought out and she's just full of calmness and understanding throughout.
The banter between the guys and girls!!! Oh my gosh. This was funny!!!! Especially the fanny pack. I was cracking up before ch. 2 even started. The laughter continued after the WAGS got introduced!!
This was such a perfectly balanced read. You definitely have your heavy emotional moments but there's plenty of laughter as well. I love how real this is. Such a realistic heartfelt steamy story. My eyes totally leaked! I needed tissues at the end. The village and family these characters have created is just everything!!! Always there for each other no matter what.
We can't forget the real MVP of this story which is Stella. She plays such a huge role and honestly how can you not love her?!? Her entire fur care spa and food routine gives Crosby major brownie points!
I was sad when this ended but I'm excited for the next one and I also still need to go back and read the first two while I wait for the next in the series.
✔️Hockey Romance
✔️Accidental pregnancy
✔️Spicy RomCom
✔️He falls first
✔️Sunshine/ stoic
✔️Found family
✔️Dog parent MMC
✔️"Just one night"
✔️ Shared crocs love
✔️Quirky MMC organized FMC
Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Crosby- Our dog dad to Stella who's a hockey player and has anxiety. Which I loved the male mental health rep in this btw! More importantly, it wasnt downplayed. The author did a great job at showcasing all the moments where you felt it right along with Crosby. The attention to detail put into this was *chefs kiss*
Laila- our organized labor and delivery nurse. I fell in love with her instantly. Shes the rock, his grounding person. I think her character was beautifully thought out and she's just full of calmness and understanding throughout.
The banter between the guys and girls!!! Oh my gosh. This was funny!!!! Especially the fanny pack. I was cracking up before ch. 2 even started. The laughter continued after the WAGS got introduced!!
This was such a perfectly balanced read. You definitely have your heavy emotional moments but there's plenty of laughter as well. I love how real this is. Such a realistic heartfelt steamy story. My eyes totally leaked! I needed tissues at the end. The village and family these characters have created is just everything!!! Always there for each other no matter what.
We can't forget the real MVP of this story which is Stella. She plays such a huge role and honestly how can you not love her?!? Her entire fur care spa and food routine gives Crosby major brownie points!
I was sad when this ended but I'm excited for the next one and I also still need to go back and read the first two while I wait for the next in the series.
✔️Hockey Romance
✔️Accidental pregnancy
✔️Spicy RomCom
✔️He falls first
✔️Sunshine/ stoic
✔️Found family
✔️Dog parent MMC
✔️"Just one night"
✔️ Shared crocs love
✔️Quirky MMC organized FMC
Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was chosen to be an ARC reader for this third installment of the D. C. Renegades series. I am excited to be one of the early readers of the advanced copy of Unlaced Love. This review is my personal opinion about this story.
Laila and Crosby were cute. I am Team Crosby! I know that Crosby had some issues but he worked through them. He never gave up. He was always honest with Laila. Laila on the other hand…She was something. I have to like her because she is a fellow nurse but she was all over the place. I don’t know if I should’ve blamed the hormones or if that was her personality in general. She acted as if she wanted her independence and didn’t need Crosby at the same time required Crosby to be a certain way and completely fix all of the issues in his life. I couldn’t blame Crosby because he did everything she asked but at the same time it wasn’t in the way she would’ve done it. I see a little of myself in her and need to make some changes in myself, relinquish some control.
My guy Crosby was always present. The way that he displayed and catered to the love languages touched my heart. There is open door spice in this novel (3/5). I don’t know much about hockey but I appreciated the pieces of knowledge the author inserted about the sport. Crosby’s teammates are friend goals. His friends and their family members were everything. I would love people like that as a part of my village. In the end, I wish that Crosby had the opportunity to fully tell off his father. The best part of this novel was Stella! She was the best girl! Now I have to read books 1 and 2 before Duncan’s story comes out (love him too!).
I recommend you check this out 😊
Laila and Crosby were cute. I am Team Crosby! I know that Crosby had some issues but he worked through them. He never gave up. He was always honest with Laila. Laila on the other hand…She was something. I have to like her because she is a fellow nurse but she was all over the place. I don’t know if I should’ve blamed the hormones or if that was her personality in general. She acted as if she wanted her independence and didn’t need Crosby at the same time required Crosby to be a certain way and completely fix all of the issues in his life. I couldn’t blame Crosby because he did everything she asked but at the same time it wasn’t in the way she would’ve done it. I see a little of myself in her and need to make some changes in myself, relinquish some control.
My guy Crosby was always present. The way that he displayed and catered to the love languages touched my heart. There is open door spice in this novel (3/5). I don’t know much about hockey but I appreciated the pieces of knowledge the author inserted about the sport. Crosby’s teammates are friend goals. His friends and their family members were everything. I would love people like that as a part of my village. In the end, I wish that Crosby had the opportunity to fully tell off his father. The best part of this novel was Stella! She was the best girl! Now I have to read books 1 and 2 before Duncan’s story comes out (love him too!).
I recommend you check this out 😊
January 23, 2026
After Laila dog sits on Stella for Crosby, they become friends and then some…
Unlaced Love completely surprised me in the best way.
I’m usually not a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, so I went into this book feeling sceptical. But because it’s Erin Marie Bassett and I’ve loved every book of hers so far, I decided to give it a chance. And I’m so glad I did, because this is exactly how that trope should be written!
The situation is handled realistically and with maturity, care, emotional depth and immense respect for each other and their journeys, without ever making the baby feel unwanted or the parents disrespected.
Crosby won me over completely, even though he wears Crocs 😜. His anxiety is woven into the story in a thoughtful, relatable way and his inner spirals genuinely made me laugh out loud. And what’s not to love about the strong, independent Laila?!
The Big Guns and their WAGs are a top tier found family. The chat conversations are hilarious, the way they take care of each other in challenging (I mean, how can a dad be so awful to his own son?!) and happy situations sets an example, the banter between friends and the couples is fantastic and just when you think you can’t love Felix more: he chooses Shake It Off by Taylor Swift as this season’s hype song!
This was a story that was hard to put down: I loved every part of it and I already can’t wait to read the rest of the series: the D.C. Renegades have become my tribe!
Thank you Erin for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Unlaced Love completely surprised me in the best way.
I’m usually not a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, so I went into this book feeling sceptical. But because it’s Erin Marie Bassett and I’ve loved every book of hers so far, I decided to give it a chance. And I’m so glad I did, because this is exactly how that trope should be written!
The situation is handled realistically and with maturity, care, emotional depth and immense respect for each other and their journeys, without ever making the baby feel unwanted or the parents disrespected.
Crosby won me over completely, even though he wears Crocs 😜. His anxiety is woven into the story in a thoughtful, relatable way and his inner spirals genuinely made me laugh out loud. And what’s not to love about the strong, independent Laila?!
The Big Guns and their WAGs are a top tier found family. The chat conversations are hilarious, the way they take care of each other in challenging (I mean, how can a dad be so awful to his own son?!) and happy situations sets an example, the banter between friends and the couples is fantastic and just when you think you can’t love Felix more: he chooses Shake It Off by Taylor Swift as this season’s hype song!
This was a story that was hard to put down: I loved every part of it and I already can’t wait to read the rest of the series: the D.C. Renegades have become my tribe!
Thank you Erin for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review I have not read the prior books in the series.
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
All ready from the cover and inside page, you have me with the golden furbaby. Crocs??
Dedication page is so me!! I am one!
Crosby - MMC, NHL, dog dad, doesn't have a solid parental relationship
Best 🐕 👨 ever! Is Stella a Team Roastie or Team Cronch though?!??!
Laila - FMC, LnD nurse who night nannies on the side
Crosby, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, nor should you judge a person based on their name. 🤦♂️
What in the world is happening? What type of intervention is this?? 😆 It just keeps being better! 🤣🤣
Yes, sour candy can reset anxious thoughts.
I love how Laila, and some others, aren't minimizing her or her natural beauty.
A man who prioritizes his mental health. 😍
"How am I supposed to just let her out into the world to fend for herself." 🤣
Big Guns Chat is the support everyone needs.
Stick Handlers Chat 😂
Stella gets micellar water on her face 😄
Oh Duncan, your brutal honesty as a wing man.
4th of July party...OMG!!
Laila, Way to stand up to him!
Hug?
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
All ready from the cover and inside page, you have me with the golden furbaby. Crocs??
Dedication page is so me!! I am one!
Crosby - MMC, NHL, dog dad, doesn't have a solid parental relationship
Best 🐕 👨 ever! Is Stella a Team Roastie or Team Cronch though?!??!
Laila - FMC, LnD nurse who night nannies on the side
Crosby, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, nor should you judge a person based on their name. 🤦♂️
What in the world is happening? What type of intervention is this?? 😆 It just keeps being better! 🤣🤣
Yes, sour candy can reset anxious thoughts.
I love how Laila, and some others, aren't minimizing her or her natural beauty.
A man who prioritizes his mental health. 😍
"How am I supposed to just let her out into the world to fend for herself." 🤣
Big Guns Chat is the support everyone needs.
Stick Handlers Chat 😂
Stella gets micellar water on her face 😄
Oh Duncan, your brutal honesty as a wing man.
4th of July party...OMG!!
Laila, Way to stand up to him!
Hug?
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Unlaced Love" by Erin Marie Bassett is such a cute book! I immediately fell in love with dog dad Crosby and his girl Stella (and her furcare routine). Even though I knew from the book description that Crosby and Laila would have a one-night stand and find out she was pregnant as a result, I kept hoping they would sort themselves out and start a true relationship. Their relationship building seemed so believable, with its ups and downs and gradual integration into each others lives. For Crosby he has the "Big Guns", a group of loveable hockey players, and Laila easily merges into the "Stick handlers" group of hilarious hockey wives and girlfriends. This is book 3 in the series and I have not read the others (yet!), but I felt it could easily be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 27, 2026
Unlaced Love by Erin Marie Bassett is everything I want in a hockey romance and more! With an unplanned pregnancy trope done so well, this story had the perfect mix of heart, heat, and humor.
What I loved most? The group dynamics. Seriously, the friend groups throughout this book stole the show. Their banter, chaos, and ride-or-die energy had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. They added so much life and warmth to the story and made every scene feel even richer.
The romance was swoony, emotional, and completely addictive, and the way the characters navigated unexpected twists felt honest and heartfelt. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.
If you love hockey romance, found family vibes, and a story that makes you laugh and feel all the things—Unlaced Love is a must-read. 🏒❤️
What I loved most? The group dynamics. Seriously, the friend groups throughout this book stole the show. Their banter, chaos, and ride-or-die energy had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. They added so much life and warmth to the story and made every scene feel even richer.
The romance was swoony, emotional, and completely addictive, and the way the characters navigated unexpected twists felt honest and heartfelt. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.
If you love hockey romance, found family vibes, and a story that makes you laugh and feel all the things—Unlaced Love is a must-read. 🏒❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am always so excited when a new member of the DC Renegades "Big Guns" gets a book and Crocs is no different. This story was not what I expected, but I was plesantly surprised. It jusst goes to show that you never know what someone is going through behind closed doors, but having people that do know that CAN and WILL surround you with the love and support you need is just so freaking beautiful. We love an unexpected- accidental pregnancy! I think they are some of the cutest moments throughout the book, but also seeing two people who barely know each other know shift their entire life around is so funny but also so cute. I think Crosby and Laila truly came into each other's lives at the right time. They were not what the other expected, and it worked out for them in the end.
January 30, 2026
I was so excited to read Unlaced Love and jump back into the DC Renegades world. This hockey family is such a breath of fresh air, and I was incredibly thankful to receive an ARC.
This was a fast, enjoyable read. Crosby and Laila are lighthearted and feel like a couple that can truly work together. I loved watching Crosby grow in confidence, especially when it came to standing up to his dad…Their accidental surprise storyline didn’t feel cringe at all and was handled really well! (Disclaimer I know nothing about having kids so in my mind… yay! They are a family!😂)
Laila and her girl group were such a fun addition, though I will say Laila kind of pissed me off at times with how harsh she was toward Crosby, especially when dealing with his dad issues. I understood her perspective, but I think some of her thoughts/words just clashed with my own personality and how I’d personally deal/stand up for my loved ones. However, I have friends that can be more upfront so I can totally see it!🤝
Stella the dog absolutely stole the show and provided the best comic relief, especially the scene where she tries to get Crosby and Laila to sleep in the same bed. I was laughing out loud.🐶
Overall, Unlaced Love was a great continuation of the DC Renegades series and a fun, heartfelt hockey romance!!!!
This was a fast, enjoyable read. Crosby and Laila are lighthearted and feel like a couple that can truly work together. I loved watching Crosby grow in confidence, especially when it came to standing up to his dad…Their accidental surprise storyline didn’t feel cringe at all and was handled really well! (Disclaimer I know nothing about having kids so in my mind… yay! They are a family!😂)
Laila and her girl group were such a fun addition, though I will say Laila kind of pissed me off at times with how harsh she was toward Crosby, especially when dealing with his dad issues. I understood her perspective, but I think some of her thoughts/words just clashed with my own personality and how I’d personally deal/stand up for my loved ones. However, I have friends that can be more upfront so I can totally see it!🤝
Stella the dog absolutely stole the show and provided the best comic relief, especially the scene where she tries to get Crosby and Laila to sleep in the same bed. I was laughing out loud.🐶
Overall, Unlaced Love was a great continuation of the DC Renegades series and a fun, heartfelt hockey romance!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book. The characters were all relatable, and all of them were funny. I think I laughed the most reading this book, then I have any book so far in my life. These characters are all amazing. this is my first Erin Marie Basset book, and now I want to read the rest of them. I need the other characters stories now. but for now I shall read what she has out.
If I could rate this a 10/10 I would rate it an 11/10. I have never liked the accidental pregnancy trope, but the shenanigans of the characters made me forget.
characters: 6/5
Story: 5/5
dialog: 6/5
spice: 6/5 🥵
overall: 10/5
If I could rate this a 10/10 I would rate it an 11/10. I have never liked the accidental pregnancy trope, but the shenanigans of the characters made me forget.
characters: 6/5
Story: 5/5
dialog: 6/5
spice: 6/5 🥵
overall: 10/5
January 25, 2026
ARC review:
I usually don’t read romance novels. I mean, I love a good love story as much as the next girl and I’m a huge sucker for a HEA but I’m usually in it for the fantasy, the world building, the magic. However, I fell in love with Crosby, Laila and Stella and adored being a part of their journey to get to know each other, find their own strengths and discover what being a family means. Crosby’s growth through his anxiety and Laila learning that wanting to have a partner is not a weakness were so relatable and heart warming. And Stella? Stella is just the perfect pup!
I usually don’t read romance novels. I mean, I love a good love story as much as the next girl and I’m a huge sucker for a HEA but I’m usually in it for the fantasy, the world building, the magic. However, I fell in love with Crosby, Laila and Stella and adored being a part of their journey to get to know each other, find their own strengths and discover what being a family means. Crosby’s growth through his anxiety and Laila learning that wanting to have a partner is not a weakness were so relatable and heart warming. And Stella? Stella is just the perfect pup!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
ARC Review
IM OBSESSED WITH CROSBY! He is the absolutely sweetest man and I just want to hug him🥹
Crosby & Laila's relationship is one of my favorites. I love how the accidental pregnancy trope & their relationship evolves throughout the story. Every plot point is intentional and makes the story complete.
EMB thank you so much for these characters & this story and for letting me love on them early!
ARC Review
IM OBSESSED WITH CROSBY! He is the absolutely sweetest man and I just want to hug him🥹
Crosby & Laila's relationship is one of my favorites. I love how the accidental pregnancy trope & their relationship evolves throughout the story. Every plot point is intentional and makes the story complete.
EMB thank you so much for these characters & this story and for letting me love on them early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always knew I would love Crosby and man this didn’t let me down! The dog dad who hires a nanny for her. I mean come on this man is a walking green flag, learning for his dad unfortunately how he doesn’t want to be a dad and to be better. One night is all it took for their lives to completely change! But the way he ended up standing up for her, and the ending!! Anxiety is no joke Ann I love how Erin didn’t down play it and let us see how it can affect a person!
January 26, 2026
Crosby and Laila are my favorite couple so far! What they went through is tough and they handled it wonderfully. From his protective tendencies to his anxieties he grew so much and found his happily ever after and I’m all for it! Stella was a great character and I enjoyed all the other secondaries as well. Impatiently waiting for Felix’s story.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave this honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave this honest review.
Review of advance copy
AMAZING STORY!!!! I don’t think I’ve read another book so full of love and has the best example of we don’t always turn into our parents and we choose our own destination in life. True showing of how to break the cycle of mental abuse in my opinion of a parent. Crosby is by far my favorite renegade so far in this series!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not put this book down! I loved the connection between Laila and Crosby and how you could feel all the feels. I'm a sucker for a romance that pulls at your heart strings and has you rooting for both FMC & MMC. I can't wait to deep dive into the other books in the D.C. renegades series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Okay Erin Marie Bassett is becoming one of my favorite authors. This love story is so so relatable!
anxiety ✅
crazy parent ✅
dog child ✅
I absolutely love Crosby and Laila 😍. I was presently surprised by the Miguel crossover. Stella is the absolute best wingdoggo.
Okay Erin Marie Bassett is becoming one of my favorite authors. This love story is so so relatable!
anxiety ✅
crazy parent ✅
dog child ✅
I absolutely love Crosby and Laila 😍. I was presently surprised by the Miguel crossover. Stella is the absolute best wingdoggo.
January 30, 2026
ARC Reader— I absolutely loved Crosby’s story!! I think this is definitely my favorite in the series so far. I loved how patient they were with each other, and just loved their love 🥹 Can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out!!
January 18, 2026
3.25 stars
Will get a review together soon.
Will get a review together soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a cute read! I enjoyed the evolution of the relationship. And I love when stories have a quirky pet in them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book by the author. It was a sweet quick read. I couldn't put the book down. I'll be reading more in her Renegades series.
Thanks for the ARC.
Thanks for the ARC.
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