The Final Faceoff

The Crawford Family Playbook #3

by Kendall Hale

The universe has a twisted sense of humor.

I’ve spent years building a life I could pack in a carry-on. No ties, no mess, no exes lingering like bad draft picks. Just me, my camera, and a healthy fear of anything resembling emotional stability.

Enter Leif Crawford. NHL goalie. Human brick wall. Best friend since high school.

He’s the guy who always shows up, even when I don’t ask (especially when I don’t ask).

We’re opposites in every way.

He’s calm, collected, charming—alphabetizes his fridge and probably color-codes his emotional baggage.

I’m a documentary disaster who panic-texts from foreign countries and gets rescued from dates with guys who think “baby” is an acceptable nickname for someone they just met.

It worked. Until one tequila-fueled night with someone else blew it all up.

Now I’m pregnant. Back in New York. Living with Leif while I figure out what the hell comes next.

He wants to step up. Be involved. Be… more.

Which would be easier to ignore if he didn’t look like a Norse god with goalie reflexes, rumpled T-shirts, and a tendency to whisper things that turn my spine into hot pudding.

So here we are—arguing over strollers, dodging feelings, and breaking every friendship rule we ever made.

And somehow, the scariest part isn’t falling for Leif Crawford.

It’s realizing I might’ve already belonged to him.

The Final Faceoff is a sizzling, hilarious friends-to-lovers, accidental pregnancy, he falls first hockey romance featuring a disaster documentary filmmaker and her broody NHL goalie best friend.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, He Falls First, Audiobook

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2025

Reviews

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIO REVIEW
RATING : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️

✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Accidental Pregnancy (not his baby)
✨ It’s Always Been You

This audio was absolutely fantastic and made this enjoyable book even better with duet style narration!

I really enjoyed this book, it was my first read by Kendall Hale and I will absolutely read more. Hailey and Leif had such chemistry from the very beginning and I was giddy with excitement to see them figure out their feelings. This is a friends to lovers done absolutely right.

Plus I love the spin on accidental pregnancy of it not being his baby but him still falling for both Hailey and her child just the same. talk about swoon.

And did I already say how great the narration was? Because it truly was so enjoyable. The way he growled “good girl” during the spicy parts, altered my brain chemistry.

Thank you MUST LOVE AUDIO For the advanced copy.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

4 Stars
3 on the spice scale

[Maddy Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED. Wow. My ARC Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I went into The Final Faceoff completely blind—signed up for the ARC/ALC purely because: hockey romance. I barely read the blurb (oops), but after a string of disappointing hockey reads, I honestly didn’t expect much. I’m SO happy to say this one completely blew me away.

Let’s talk about Leif. He is dreamy. Sweet, supportive, funny, and the definition of “book boyfriend goals.” He’s the rock Hailey needs when her life is turned upside down by an unexpected pregnancy, and their connection as best friends-turned-lovers was written beautifully. His emotional awareness and unwavering support had me swooning constantly.

Hailey, meanwhile, was so relatable and strong in her own right—navigating massive life changes while still clinging to humor, love, and vulnerability. Their text message exchanges, and teasing made me laugh out loud, and their chemistry? Off the charts. This book had the perfect blend of heart, humor, and heat.

This was an easy, fun, emotional read that still packed depth and warmth. I only wish there had been more hockey scenes because I loved every second of those too. Still, it was an absolute win in every way.

📚 Tropes:
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Single parent
✓ Slow-burn with sizzling payoff
✓ Hockey + heart

Highly recommend this one to hockey romance lovers, friends-to-lovers fans, and anyone needing a feel-good, full-heart read.

Huge thank you to Kendall Hale for the ALC—I loved this story!

📚 Find me on Booksta + BookTok + Tome: @bookishsirensong – always down to scream about fantasy romances & ocean magic with fellow readers 💬🌊

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book on audio!!! The casting was so good for Hailey and Leif. These were two characters who shared an amazing friendship that somewhere along the way became so much more. I really liked how we could hear and feel both emotions (friendship and romance) in their voices.

The two narrators really brought the chemistry and banter too - I was swooning and laughing and smiling throughout this book. And the spicy scenes were 🔥🔥

Leif had it so bad for Hailey and he went above and beyond to support and care for her and the baby. He was completely swoon worthy and charming. She had resisted the idea of relationships for so long and was really thrown for a loop - I found her to be very relatable (I mean who hasn’t done a little panic texting now and then??)

Also, Ioved the chapter titles! They made me smile. I highly recommend giving this book a listen!!!

✨What To Expect:
💖Romantic Comedy
🏒Hockey Romance
❤️‍🔥He Falls First
🤰Accidental Pregnancy (not his)
💋Friends to Lovers
⁉️Who Hurt You vibes
🩵Close proximity
🧲Opposites Attract
🎥She’s A Documentary Film Maker
🥅 He’s A Hockey player

[Dana 🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: 5⭐️
Spice Rating: 2🌶️
Format: Audiobook 🎧

🌻🦋 My Review 🦋🌻

This audiobook? Perfection.

No notes. I was drawn in from the start. Just everything about this book was amazing. I don’t even know what more to say except read this book.

This couple? Fantastic. The chemistry, the history, the spiciness!!
The circumstances? Hilarious but perfect. I feel like this was the push that was needed to bring the MCs together.
The narrators? No notes. Fantastic. Perfection.

Highly recommend!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leif is the perfect book boyfriend. He's been in love with his best friend Hailey for years but knew she doesn't trust love, from others and herself. He loved and supported her in every way throughout the years. When she came to him after she found out about her pregnancy, he never hesitated. He was all in.
Hailey was a strong and independent character, she's always just had herself to rely on.
As always, The Crawfords are an amazing and supportive family.

[Bre · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, and I didn’t hate it. But I was seriously disappointed in how the characters seemed to become entirely different people the moment they confessed their feelings. Maybe it was the focus on spice? But back to back spicy scenes with no character development was a little hard to swallow. I thought I was going yo love Leif as a male lead, but he was barely likeable after he confessed his feelings. Hailey became entirely manic pixie, where was all her fight, and sass and the banter? She was in therapy and she brings up an insecurity and says “but I’m talking to my therapist about it” and all of a sudden never mentioned again?

There were so many parts missing, what happened at the Crawford house? What about all of Leif’s siblings?

All of the things he did to “take care of her” were sex related. I’m sure things happened behind the scenes, but I would have loved to see more of it on page. Cut out that awkward helicopter scene and add a whole chapter of Hailey interacting with the family and calling the baby their grandchild. Cut another spicy scene and replace it with a wholesome date night or a therapy session. This book had so much potential combining 2 of my favourite tropes, and it fell short. Great concept and a terrible execution.

[Queen B]

Did Not Finish.

The "I got pregnant from a one night stand but I don't know his name but then my BFF turned lover helps me raise the baby" is not a trope for me. I tried but that trope just isn't for me.

[My Reading Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leif and Hailey have been best friends since high school and have stayed inseparable over the years. When Hailey discovers she's pregnant after a night of tequila fueled fun, Leif doesn’t hesitate to step up and support her. She moves in with him, and he stands by her side through it all. As they navigate this new chapter together, their bond deepens, and they begin to fall for each other but Hailey worries about risking their lifelong friendship. Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker do a beautiful job bringing Leif and Hailey’s sweet, heartfelt story to life. Their performances truly capture the love and connection between the two characters. This is such a touching story, definitely one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend giving it a listen!

Thank you, Kendall Hale for the ALC/ARC.

[Lindsey (Linz Readz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook was so much fun. It was an absolute bonus that it was done in duet narration!

While this is the third book in a series of interconnected standalones, I wasn’t lost at all. I easily fell in love with Hailey and Leif, and was quickly rooting for them to go from friends to lovers.

This has so many of my favorite tropes in it and I was swooning over watching Leif be completely gone for Hailey, and watching him fall in love with the baby that isn’t his was the cherry on top.

Grateful for a complimentary ALC to honestly review.

[Munazzah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ★★☆

Hailey & Leif, loved their friendship,
books started to get very.. freakingishly fast from 50% especially that kiss..
it felt lacking.. the emotional connection that to you usually make with the main characters and those around them was missing.
Hate how the time skip for some important chaps was there.. like when they stay at the Crawfords place what happens??
and like why didn't we see more of her therapy sessions? or what about more of her pregnancy? also hated how Leif kept repeating himself..
overall the story had good plot, wasn't executed well.

I would say skip it unless, you are ok with reading a book that's so fast paced that you miss the main plot andd a book with almost only 5% connection to the characters.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leif Crawford has been in love with his best friend, Hailey Castilla, for years. He has not acted on his feelings because he knew Hailey ran whenever emotions got involved and he didn’t want to lose her. Hailey is a documentary filmmaker and is a nomad, and the only person that she consistently connects with is Leif, a hockey goalie. When Leif moved to the New York team, and Hailey finds herself in New York because she got pregnant from a one night stand in Greece. Leif stepped in and took care of her. He didn’t care that the baby wasn’t biologically his, because he loved that baby as if it was.

The Final Faceoff is lower angst despite the tropes, and it worked! The friendship that evolved into lovers was well done! Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and Aaron Shedlock were fantastic! They match each other perfectly, and elevated the well written banter! The story was well written and once Leif had Hailey in his bed, the spice level exploded! That and his dirty talk! It was well done!

Thank you to Must Love Audio of the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a best friends to lovers done perfectly! I loved every minute. The way Leif was there for and supported Hailey had me swooning the whole way through. They are complex but fun and relatable characters, with an interesting relationship, and chemistry that kept me hooked. And it’s the best kind of slow burn (but when the spice hits, it doesn’t stop)!

🎧The audiobook completely blew me away, it is so good!! Not only is it narrated in duet, but it’s done by two of my favorites - Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Németh-Parker. They are amazing and their voices pair incredibly well together. I had the best time listening to this one.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
•Hockey romance
•Best friends to lovers
•Accidental pregnancy (not his)
•Close proximity
•Found family
•Who hurt you vibes
•Opposites attract
•He falls first
•Slow burn
•Dual POV
•Spice

[cakecoffeeandbooks]

Thank you to the author for this ARC.

This was my first book by Kendall Hale and I love a good hockey romance, but unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me.

Leif has been in love with his best friend Hailey forever but we never really find out why, or any background about this. It was all telling, but no showing. Even some flashbacks might have helped.
We don’t really ever see any interactions between them for a while in the book except for 1 brief meet up when she’s in town, and a few texts they exchange, but nothing particularly deep or meaningful.- again, we’re told they have this super close relationship and he has feelings for her, but we never actually see it.

Leif felt like 2 different characters especially when the spice started and then he was kind of full on and to be honest made me cringe. Before that he was very anxious and nervy, and a bit annoying at points.

Hailey is very very immature and after getting pregnant by a one night stand barely makes any attempt to find the father.

There were some pacing issues- for example one chapter ends in his kitchen, the next starts and they’re in a helicopter but it’s sudden switch and doesn’t really make sense why/ how they made that switch.

At one point Leif takes Hailey to his dads house to make her feel less alone, and we see 1 conversation between him and 1 of his dads, but no interaction between her and either of the dads…how does that make her feel less alone?!

Her sister only knows she’s back because she sees her on a train- in NYC?! Or this could have been in her hometown- to be honest I had no idea which as it was not clear at all where she was on the train when her sister saw her.

Her dad happens to bump into them outside a doctor’s office in Manhattan?!

It felt a bit like time wasn’t clear- sometimes no time has passed at all, then all of a sudden she’s 32 weeks pregnant with nothing in between. There is a lot of repetitive spice scenes and I didn’t feel any chemistry between them so it felt forced.

The ending and baby arriving felt rushed, and it would have been nice to see a bit more of this and perhaps of further into their future.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Swoony & Heartwarming!

The Final Faceoff
The Crawford Family Playbook, Book 3
By: Kendall Hale
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Stephanie Németh-Parker

Kendall Hale pens another fabulous novel set in her wonderful “Crawford Family Playbook” series, a friends-to-lovers sports romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. There is something about these Crawford men and you can’t help but fall for them. This third book is Leif’s and Hailey’s story, who have been best friends since they were young and they just get each other. Their friendship morphed into something more, but neither wanted to admit to that. Hailey does not stay in one location very long, always running to her next location, her next job, so romantic relationships are not in her foreseeable future. Leif is one of the best goalies in the league, but his team hasn’t delivered a win to the playoffs, so he is looking to trade to a more promising team, despite not liking change, but Hailey gives him some encouraging words. These two were in denial of who they really were to each other, but when the unexpected happens for Hailey, it is Leif who finally realizes what he wants and takes that step to move their relationship to where it should be. I thought these two were perfect for each other and it was great to watch him convince her of that. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out, with a perfect balance of drama, humor and witty dialogue, charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Kendall Hale, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 With Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Németh-Parker at the mic, you know it will be an amazing listen, and they certainly deliver just that. A captivating performance that is entertaining and keeps you glued to the story. Shedlock’s portrayal of Leif was spot on, showcasing his personality and demeanor perfectly, and Németh-Parker did the same in Hailey’s role and was just as fabulous. Both were naturals in their roles and handled the witty dialogue effortlessly and with ease. They were fantastic performing the roles of the side and secondary characters too. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complemented each other and a performance that takes the already wonderful story to another level.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final Faceoff is the third book in the Crawford Family Playbook Series. It tells the story of Leif Crawford, a professional hockey player, and his best friend, Hailey Castilla, a documentary filmmaker. Since high school, Leif and Hailey have danced around the line of friends or something more. They always show up for each other in the good and the bad, support each other’s goals and dreams, and rescue each other. Hailey struggles with feeling worthy of people’s love and therefore finds it difficult to make long-term commitments to people and places. The one constant in her life is Leif, and he is always her home base. So, when she finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand, it’s a no-brainer that she’d head home to Leif. As they navigate the pregnancy, what that means to them individually, and as friends, Hailey starts to see that she is falling for Leif. And coming to terms with the fact she was more than likely lying to herself all these years, as she’s always been Leif’s.
The author does a good job with character development through the book and the snippets you get about Leif and Hailey in the previous two books. What I loved the most about the book is that you continue to see that the traditional societal idea of what love is, should look, and be, is not the only way. Family doesn’t have to be biological. People earn their place in your circle through love and consistency. Leif and Hailey each have their hangups that they work through; they find a beautiful way to show up for each other and never give up on their love for each other. With the guidance from family and friends and getting out of their own way, Leif and Hailey allow their foundation of friendship to turn into a beautiful forever love story that everyone knew was endgame.

Thank you, Kendall Hale for the ARC. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Crawford family's love stories.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

As with all of Kendall Hale’s books, each one is better than the last. Not only have I loved watching her grow as an author and strengthening her writer’s voice, but the characters continue to be strong, layered, and dynamic; without feeling repetitive. The Final Faceoff, book three in the Crawford Family Playbook series, is a testament of this. As each book sheds new light on characters that we have been getting to know for the entire series, I fall more and more in love with this series over all.

Leif and Hailey have been best friends for some time. Their friendship is solid and that came across easily in Kendall’s writing of them. They support each other, are there for everything, and when life throws one a curveball, the other doesn’t even hesitate to step up to the plate and do what must be done. It’s pretty easy to do when Leif has been in love with Hailey for years. Having her as his best friend would suffice for now, because having her in his life is more important than acting on his feelings.

Hailey tends to run when feelings get deep and heavy. She prefers light and airy rather than serious, but when a one night stand with someone halfway around the world results in a pregnancy, she can’t run from it. What she does instead is run to New York where her best friend lives and confides in him. Never would she ask Leif to her partner, but she doesn’t have to. He steps in immediately and selflessly. Being everything she needs, not only through the pregnancy, but in life. How has it taken her so long to see what has been right in front of her this whole time?

Watching friends become lovers is a favorite trope of mine and always will be. Both characters are everything the other needs and so much more. The side characters add so much to the story and it was great seeing past characters again. Leif is the perfect best friend, never pushing Hailey, but once he knows she’s his, he’s not letting go! A wonderful read by Kendall and I highly recommend it!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Friends to Lovers
🎥Accidental Pregnancy
🏒Not His Baby
🎥He Falls First
🏒Broody Goalie MMC
🎥Filmmaker FMC

[jensbooknookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

This audiobook is a must add to TBR now, this duet is just pure magic. You can feel the character’s love, friendship, banter and the sizzling chemistry radiating in the narration. Unpopular opinion I like accidental pregnancy ONLY when done right, and this book is done right. As someone who struggled with infertility for many years this topic can be triggering for me. This is my third book by Kendall and she just worked her way onto my autobuy list!

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Leif likes routine and structure in his life, he is a star goalie in Phoenix but is up for a trade to New York. He’s been best friends with Hailey for over 15 years and she is the chaos to his calm. Hailey loves her life as a Nomad traveling the world wherever the next assignment takes her. They are each other’s ride or die but Lief has always wanted more and been to afraid to tell her she’s the one he loves.

So when Hailey finds out the news she’s pregnant from a one night stand, her world is rocked it wasn’t in the plan. How can she raise a baby when she lives out of a suitcase and doesn’t know the first thing about stability. But Lief is right there to support her, helping her through the process and give her a home.

Come follow these besties as they navigate the 3 trimesters of pregnancy full of ups and downs. Will Lief finally tell Hailey how he feels and will Hailey finally settle down in one place and accept love? Plus add in a splash of hockey!

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“I’ve always loved her. That’s never been in question. It’s a truth so ingrained in me that I don’t even remember when it started—it just is.”

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Besties For Last 15 Years to Lovers (Finally!)
* She’s a Professional Nomad
* He’s Best the Goalie in the League
* LOL Texting Chats
* He’s Loved Her Forever - “She’s Mine”
* Surprise Baby - Not His
* Forced Proximity: She Moves in With Him
* New York City
* Dual POV w/ Spice

🔥🍼✈️🥅🏒🔥 🍼✈️🥅🏒🔥 🍼✈️🥅🏒🔥

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJP9I7JRF...

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final Faceoff is a swoony, friends-to-lovers romance that will melt your heart. This addicting story has all the feels that I love, making me laugh, sigh, smile and swoon all at the same time. Leif Crawford and Hailey Castilla have been best friends since high school. They are total opposites who live totally different lives but are each other's compass. Leif is the calm to Hailey's chaos. She comes from a home that treats her like she is unloveable so she travels the world, running from any relationships. Leif has always been there when she needed someone and when she becomes pregnant from a one night stand, she runs to the one person who is her comfort and home. Leif has always been in love with Hailey, and now is his chance to prove that they are perfect for each other and he can prove to her that she is worthy of love. Leif and Hailey are so perfect for each other. I loved the journey from friends to lovers, the push/pull between them along with their flirty banter, and their sizzling chemistry, was all so much fun to watch. I fell so hard for Leif, he was so thoughtful, loving and deliciously dirty, and he tried so hard to be there for Hailey. Every conversation, every little attention, every declaration made me fall harder and had my heart skip a beat. There is so much to love about this story, the great writing, wonderful characters, making me laugh out loud so many times, and an emotional, heart-melting storyline that I could not get enough of, and it all left me extremely happy!
Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker are spectacular bringing Leif, Hailey, and this addictive story to life. They really brought out the push/pull between both Leif and Hailey, and allowed us to experience their strengths and vulnerabilities, and their chemistry was explosive! Shedlock and Nemeth-Parker really made this hilarious, heartfelt, and sweet & steamy romance even better!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me. I went in not knowing much—Kendall Hale is a new-to-me author—but now I’m fully obsessed and immediately need to go back and read books 1 and 2 in the Crawford Family series. If they’re even half as good as this one? I’m in for a treat.
The Final Faceoff is a friends-to-lovers, sports adjacent romance with a slowwww burn. Hailey and Leif have been orbiting each other forever, but things really kick off when she flies into NYC for her grandma’s birthday. They hang out, tension simmers as always, and then she flies back to Greece... only to find out she’s pregnant after a one-night stand with a guy she barely remembers.
Naturally, she panics and ends up back in NYC—and Leif is right there. Full golden-retriever energy. He invites her to stay with him, helps with appointments, basically starts acting like the baby’s dad (he’s not), and just completely shows up for her. It’s caretaking, pining, flirting, and emotional tension all rolled into one perfect package.
Also? The narration was fantastic. The dual POV really worked here, and the narrators nailed both the heat and the heart. I could feel the longing, the awkward moments, the comfort—and don’t even get me started on the steamy scenes. In the helicopter?? HELLO.

If you're into found family, caretaking heroes, and slow-burn friends-to-lovers done right, grab this. And if you’re new to Kendall Hale like I was—do yourself a favor and start the series from the top with me!

*Thank you to the author for a review copy!

#romance #romancebooks #newtomeauthor #audiobooktok #slowburnromance #sportsromance #bookreview #friendstolovers #caretaking #series #contemporary

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I cannot get enough of these Crawford brothers! And Leif is coming in HOT in The Final Faceoff, Book 3 in the series.

📌 Tropes you’ll love:
💙 Friends to Lovers
🏒 He Falls First
🤰 Accidental Pregnancy
🚪 Forced Proximity
🏠 Roommates to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn
👫 Best Friends
❤️ Found Family
🎽 Sports Romance
🥅 Hockey Romance
💬 Banter-Filled Relationship

Hailey and Leif have been friends forever! Best friends! Despite their growing feelings for each other over the years, neither one brave enough to risk taking it a step further.
He's a professional hockey player who has been feeling stuck where he's been at with his team and his life.
Hailey travels the world creating documentaries - never in the same place for too long. She struggles with relationships as she has never felt worthy or good enough to be loved. After a tequila fuelled night with a man in Greece, Hailey is pregnant.

Feeling alone and scared she returns to New York.
And here is where it all goes from good to AMAZING! Leif is so far gone for Hailey and it's time she catches up! Their chemistry is sooooo good. it's, in fact, scorching! He gives her EVERYTHING she needs. He is such a dirty talker too, and his control in hockey and life is also in the bedroom.
He is so emotionaly intelligent and aware, that he just makes you melt. He is also so attuned to Hailey; her needs,; her fears; her self-doubt. He really is an amazing partner.

I loved this book so much, I could not put it down. Kendall Hale is an incredible writer! I love how readers feel like they are right there with the characters, feeling all their feelings. You're gonna love Leif and Hailey. They just might be your favourite so far!

I was given a free ARC of this book, and this review is only my opinion

[Live2readbookluva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Final Faceoff is book three in the Crawford Family series and it was another hit! It's a steamy, slow burn style, sports romance. The story is told in dual pov and follows the MCs Hailey and Leif. The audiobook is dual narrated by Stephanie Nemeth- Parker & Aaron Shedlock. Their narration was a great listening experience. They brought these characters and all of their chemistry to life.

Hailey is free spirit, fly by the seat of her pants, documentary maker who finds her world unexpectedly rocked after a one night stand. She freaks out and turns to her BFF, who also happens to be a pro hockey player. He welcomes her with open arms and decides that be is all in from day one! Leif is truly a dream man and has been added to the book hubby list. He pays attention to the small things and is a great support to Hailey.

This book features all of Kendall’s signature style banter, irresistible characters, and steamy dirty talk. I also loved the character chemistry. Hailey tried to fight it, but she was no match for Leif’s seductive charm and pursuit. My favorite moments were the morning sickness routine, Leif’s pregnancy updates, and of course the steamy scenes. I don’t know which was hotter the bath tub, car, helicopter, or shower scene. This book sizzles in the best of ways.

Themes & Tropes:

💙Hockey Romance
🩵Friends to Lovers
🤍He Falls First
💙Accidental Pregnancy
🩵FMC with Black Cat Energy
🤍Found Family
💙Slow Burn
🩵Unrequited Love
🤍Opposites Attract

Overall, loved this read. I highly recommend this series to lovers of sports and hockey romances.❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 5

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Yeah. I called her. Because when everything feels wrong, she’s the one thing that still makes sense.”

The Final Faceoff | Kendall Hale | Crawford Family Playbook #3

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

“I’ve always loved her. That’s never been in question. It’s a truth so ingrained in me that I don’t even remember when it started— it just is. Like the way she always calls me first when something goes wrong, or the way I know exactly how she takes her coffee no matter what country she’s in. Like the way I memorize the little things that matter to her, even when she doesn’t realize it. But I’ve never said it. Because she wasn’t ready.”

Read this if you love: friends to lovers | roommates | he falls first | slow burn | accidental pregnancy | found family

I want her here. Not for a week. Not for a few months. I want to come home to her. I want to figure out a way to make her stay.

This one will destroy you because you’ll melt into an absolute pile of goo. Men with babies who aren’t theirs, but make them theirs, will always be my weakness. I will always love a story where he’s been in love with her forever, and he’s just waiting for her to get on board. Leif handled the baby situation well considering his complexities with his hockey routine. Hailey’s response to the baby news and Leif’s declaration of love were realistic and made her more endearing. The banter in this one was so good throughout the entire book.

Thank you @authorkendallhale for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Audio Review **
Leif Crawford = Swoonworthy! The Final Faceoff by Kendall Hale was a sweet and spicy best friends-to-lovers hockey romance that had me blushing and happy sighing from start to finish. I adored everything about Hailey and Leif’s steadfast journey to HEA. Each Crawford keeps getting better and better and a little bit hotter.

Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and Aaron Shedlock performed this audiobook in duet-style narration. I absolutely loved these two paired together! Stephanie’s performance conveyed Hailey’s chaotic, stubborn, and passionate demeanor perfectly at times, making me want to shake her and say, “Just go for it!” Aaron’s warm, mellow voice matched Leif’s faithful and dedicated demeanor. Not to mention, turning on the charm with Leif’s delicious dirty talk. Plus, the duet-style narration made you feel even more of their “it's always been you” chemistry.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a hockey romance with a hot, charismatic goalie, a passionate documentary filmmaker, friendly text banter, supportive family, accidental pregnancy (not his), close proximity, hockey games, New York City, spicy times, dirty talk, becoming a family, and a HEA that will finally warm your heart, then you will love Hailey and Leif’s story. I always look forward to more from Kendall Hale.

[Tasma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now already halfway through the Crawford Family Playbook series, I was SUPER excited to dive into Leif and his best friend Hailey and see what shenanigans that they got up to *smirk*.

When getting into this, I didn’t know what to expect as I’m not going to lie, but an accidental pregnancy or the pregnancy trope isn’t really one of my favourites, HOWEVER the way this was added into the story and how it progressed… I actually LOVED IT. Not to mention how Leif stepped up, I kid you not, I was swooning. AND SWOONING HARD. For the fact that he already would literally drop anything he was doing to help her out, he now was ready and willing to help her with this?! UGH. This man WAS IN LOVE. And how Leif showed that to Hailey had me CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR DESPERATE FOR SOMEONE TO DO THIS TO ME. Oh, and let’s not gloss over the fact that Leif and Hailey HAVE BEEN BEST FRIENDS FOREVER but also have been IN LOVE with each other FOREVER? I LOVE THIS FUCKING TROPE. This definitely added cherry on top to the wit, banter and all-round feels that this story got out of me, for real.

It was warm, fuzzy and had happiness WRITTEN ALL OVER IT. The way that Leif’s parents and family welcomed Hailey in, and everything in between, this SCREAMED found family, and it was so goddamn beautiful! I can’t wait to see what’s instore next for the Crawford’s!

[Jennifer Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! Best friends to lovers with mutual pining?? Yes please!!

Leif and Hailey have been best friends for years! They are each others person and when Hailey shows up in New York pregnant Leif does not second guess anything. He moves Hailey in with him immediately and realizes its time to show her how he has felt about her all this time!

Leif Crawford is the most charming man! The way he adored Hailey had me swooning so hard! And when he started reading everything he needed to know about pregnancy?? I was a puddle!! He never hesitated one bit!! Hailey and that baby was his!! I LOVED Hailey and Leif's banter! And once they gave into their chemistry for one another! Holy Cow!! SOOO GOOD! Leif stepped up and loved Hailey in a way she craved but I loved that he needed her to love herself first. It was beautiful and sexy and emotional and I loved it!

AUDIO: This was a duet narration with Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. These two were perfect together! Seriously loved this audio!! I felt like their voices complimented each other so well and the the chemistry and banter was amazing! Highly recommend!!

-Hockey Romance
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Accidental Pregnancy (Not his)
-Secret Pining
-He Falls First

Thank you Kendall, Must Love Audio, and Lyric Audiobooks for this ALC!

[Thao | lostinliterarybliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️| Spice: 4🌶️| Audio: 5🎙️

Thank you Kendall Hale for the #gifted audiobook in exchange for my honest review, it was a wonderful read 📚💖

The Final Face Off by Kendall Hale hit that sweet spot where you’re laughing one minute and swooning the next 💕

Hailey and Leif’s friends-to-lovers journey is full of heart, longing, and emotional depth. Hailey, always running from anything that feels permanent, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and back in New York, turning to the one person who’s never let her down—her best friend Leif, a steady, swoony NHL goalie with the emotional range of a rom-com hero and the patience of a saint.

These two are opposites in every way—chaos meets calm—but their connection is undeniable. Leif’s quiet devotion and slow-burn charm made me melt. He’s soft in the right places, dirty in the best ones, and shows up over and over again. Their love story unfolds in stolen glances, shared routines, and the kind of little moments that sneak up on you.

As someone who reads a lot of romance (especially the spicy kind), I will say a few of the steamier scenes felt a little more frequent than necessary for the story. But honestly? I was so invested in Hailey and Leif’s emotional journey and their hard-earned HEA, that it didn’t take away from how much I loved this book. Definitely a must add to your TBR!

🎧Audio Notes🎧
The audiobook narration by Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Németh-Parker in duet style was pure perfection. They brought Hailey and Leif to life with effortless chemistry and spot-on delivery. Every joke, every vulnerable pause, every whispered moment of tension is amplified in their performance.

[Cuban Ana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒 Friends-to-lovers
🎥 Accidental pregnancy
🏒 He falls first
🎥 Total opposites attract
🏒 NHL Goalie
🎥 Documentary Filmmaker
🏒 Slow Burn
🎥 Found Family
🏒 Hockey Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was a good best friends to lovers story. Leif Crawford - NHL goalie - and Hailey Castilla - Documentary Filmmaker/World Traveler- have been best friends since they were in high school. Leif has been in love with Hailey just as long. He has never told her afraid to ruin the friendship and lose her. Hailey has also been in love with Leif and guess what?! Doesn’t want to tell him either because losing him would be too painful. If only they would communicate!

Hailey also doesn’t do relationships or commitments due to some trauma she had. What she does is enjoy her ONS. During one of her projects in Greece she realizes her ONS (who’s name she didn’t get) has left her with a gift. A 9 month gift, so the only person she can turn to is her person, the one who is always there for her: Leif.

These two were great. Once Hailey told Leif she was pregnant, he was 100% all in. “Okay, what’s the plan? Are we keeping the baby?” He told Hailey he was gonna be there for her through everything and forever. He took on the role of “dad” even before Hailey and him were together. The Crawford family was awesome. I love how Hailey had them in her corner. She felt judged by her family and also that they weren’t always in her corner. Overall this was a great story. The accidental pregnancy (not his) was amazing and done great. The way Leif was had me believing the baby was his. The love story was beautiful, I’m a sucker for Best friends to Lovers. But this also had learning to love yourself and believe you can be loved. Even with your flaws.

#TheFinalFaceoff #LeifAndHailey #HockeyRomance #FriendsToLovers #KendallHale #RomanceReaders
#crawfordfamily #hefallsfirst #slowburn #CubanAnaReads

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey and Leif are best friends and each other’s back bone. Always turning to one another during hard and good times.

Hailey is always traveling. She’s strives for searching for that next documentary. Losing her mom and dad was in the military, she was use to constantly moving but she also didn’t get that love from her parent. Leif is one of the best goalies in the NHL and getting traded from AZ to NY, he is excited for that next chapter. Hailey ends up getting pregnant by a ONS, freaked out she doesn’t know what to do. When Leif tries reaching her while she’s in Greece finishing up a documentary, he gets worried. Leif secretly always in love with Hailey, and Hailey has always loved him as well but never wanted to accept it since she doesn’t know “how to love”. Hailey finally tells Leif about her pregnancy and he tells her to move in with him. The love and comfort Leif brings to Hailey, was so so comforting as a reader. Hailey needed that right person and Leif showed her just that.

Tropes:
Best friends to lovers
Accidental Pregnancy
Baby isn’t MMC
He Falls First and hard
Hockey Romance
Roommates

[Leslie Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, Hailey and Leif came in and blew me away. I’m such a sucker for the friends to lovers trope and this one definitely didn’t disappoint.

Leif and Hailey have been friends for many years. Hailey is used to traveling the world for her job and really had no desire to stay in one place. Leif just moved to a new city and hockey team. She finds out she’s pregnant and Leif immediately steps in to help. Can he convince her to finally settle in one place with him?

I loved Hailey and Leif’s friendship before everything changed. Their banter was hilarious. I also loved how they simply got each other. Leif knew when to push her and when to give her space. When things started to change, he wasn’t letting her past hurts determine her future. He was patient and very sensitive to her fears. Also, Hailey’s baby was not Leif’s and I feel like this doesn’t get represented enough in books. Sometimes you become a parent by choice and Leif is a perfect example of this. This baby was his, regardless of genetics. This series has been one of the best I’ve read this year so far and I cannot wait to see what’s next.