The Dying Seconds

Canadian Played #8

by Cynthia Gunderson

The hardest thing isn’t watching it fall apart. It’s knowing you’re the one who has to walk away.

I’ve spent four years loving Sean Thompson. But lately, I can feel him slipping through my fingers.

He’s the captain of the Snowballs, a legend on the ice, and closing in on the end of his career whether he’s ready to admit it or not.

I want a future—marriage, a family, a home. We always thought we’d build that in Calgary, but now my father’s health is failing, and I need to go home. Not just for a visit—for good. But every time I bring it up, he acts like we haven’t spent every Sunday dinner at his parents' house for our entire relationship.

Then he gets the a spot in an Elite League all-star game. One last shot at glory. One final face-off against Jordan Wheatfill, the captain of Puck’s Deep before he ages out of the league.

Now I’m watching him fight like hell to keep his place when he won’t do the same for me. I love him. But I can’t be the only one in this relationship with elbows up.

Some things don’t come back after the final whistle.
And I’m terrified we’re one of them.

One Click if you

Second-chance romanceRelationship in troubleLost and found familyHigh stakes gamesHockey rivalry

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Sports, Hockey, Sports Romance, Hockey Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Cait · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this book is a good example of the tropes and trends that are running rampant - relentlessly - through the romance genre and the way they hold back storytelling so often. Meanwhile, I just straight up wanted the couple in this book to call it quits with each other because there were just too many red flags here for me to get past.

[Steff Gwilliam-Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Canadian played book and another happy reader!

I received an advance review copy of this book for free courtesy of Book Sirens and the author and as a result I am leaving this review voluntarily!

I have read all of these and all of the Campus confessions!
I love that they can be read as standalone, but that there is enough insight into other characters for you to want to read the others as well.

Kelty has tried hard to be there for Sean and loves him more than anything but if he isn’t going to open up, talk and move their relationship forward, it’s time for Kelty to move on and this time, for good.

Follow along as the entire hockey team and Sean’s family intervene in little ways and see if anyone can finally get Sean to understand his feelings so that he can get his happy ever after with Kelty!

[Brooke Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all… I can’t believe I didn’t realize that Rob and Sharla who have been in like every single one of these books are THE Rob and Sharla from Breakaway the Campus Confessions series?!😭❤️

Second of all… I LOVE THIS BOOK😭 since book one I’ve been DYING for Kelty and Sean’s book and it couldn’t have been more perfect!! I love it, I love them, I love their growth, I love the return of all the Campus Confessions characters. Currently sobbing over everything about this book❤️😭

[Barbara Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This could be read as a standalone yet I recommend possibly reading the books prior for full understanding
Sean and Kelty are a strong couple when it comes to him playing hockey but will that be enough?
Kelty puts everything into pretty much everything except when it comes to what she actually wants
Sean has it all but words matter more
Through twists and turns plus lots of tears I'm not sure I realized how this would actually turn out

[Karen Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather sweet tale of a man who doesn’t know what he has and is afraid to think about it. Kelly has the patience of a saint as she waits for her man. With the background of Sean playing for an underdog hockey team trying to win the cup and renovate their rink.

A heartwarming read

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

sad truths

This book really touched my heart, it´s a sad truth that many relationships aren´t well balanced, it´s often a one way street when things should be about give and take and mutual support - in the long run no relationship is going to work when it´s always the same person drawing the short straw. Still I kept reading, hoping that things would turn out well in the end.

[Erika Anestedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this story and the amount of times I cried is ridiculous.

I don’t know what I expected out of this story but it was so much better than I ever could have imagined. I felt so much for these characters and just adored their romance.

This one is 100% my favorite in the series

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first page.
It's nice to have a hockey romance set in Canada, first of all and to truly know that the writer loves the sport in how she describes it. I really loved reading the scenes with Sean and his team on the ice - it made this a four-star read for not glossing over the sports part of a sports romance and knowing the lingo players use on the ice and in their heads.

Kelty and Sean were so great to get to know.

The author did a wonderful job making you feel both their feelings/shortcomings/values, the situation they were in and how they grew in separate ways but closer together in the end.

Kelty had expectations, and Sean had barriers to giving her what she wanted.

I think they could have explored the whole situation with Mason and the original start-up that Sean and his friends had going - it was a bit vague for me in how things ended and where they began, but that wasn't really the main gist of the story - more a plot point to get them to the roof so that you could feel the slow desintigration to their relationship.

I liked seeing how Kelty interacted with his family - even though there were so many people, it was sometimes hard to keep track of everyone, but it gave you a backstory and a feel for the support he has in his life and the support they gave to them both.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several of Cynthia's books already, my favorite so far being The Breakaway. Sadly, I wasn't very fond of this book. I picked it up for the blurb, as relationships in crisis are among my favorite tropes to read. So I expected to be somewhat overcome by the heartbreak of the main characters' crumbling relationship. Alas, I didn't get that satisfaction with this book.

The positives of this book, though, continue to be the strong family and friendship ties that bind the various characters together. Rob and Sharla (from The Breakaway) are now the parents of Sean (the male MC in this book) and I love how their marriage is as strong as ever, and that they have maintained their tight friendship with Logan Kemp (the "other man" in The Breakaway). I love the motherly guidance Sharla gave here to Kelty (the female MC), and the fatherly support Rob and his friends gave to Sean at a time he needed it the most to win Kelty back. That kind of family kinship is always a beautiful thing to see in a story.

I received a free review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒 Book Review 🏒

4⭐ 1🌶️

This is the perfect end to this series even though I didn't really want the series to end at all. I have absolutely enjoyed this non-NHL look at ice hockey ports romance. It has brought together a different type of character who have different priorities to standard NHL Slsports romance stories. I am an absolute sucker for something a little different within a genre filled with similar stories and this story really hit those notes. While it included the big game with the high stakes, it also included real life and day-to-day worries that we all have. The relationship in trouble and the almost second chance aspect of this story was fabulous. I think one of the highlights was Rob and Sharla from Campus Confession series and realising this is a second generation series. I do love that they are all still friends. No spice needed. Great work Cynthia!

Big thanks to Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion. Really? Who else has grammar this bad?

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet yet sometimes heartbreaking story of a couple who love one another but don’t really understand their partner.

Sean doesn’t easily show emotion. Over the top is not his gig so he blunders through relationships, but he feels deeply. When he inadvertently leads Kelty to believe after years together he’s proposing to her, he sets them both on a path neither of them expected. Sometimes love isn’t enough, or is it?

When Sean doesn’t propose, Kelty begins to see her hopes may never be realized in their relationship. Despite how much she loves him it could be time to give up and move on—no matter how hard it will be.

This is a different hockey romance. It has all the excitement of the game but the underlying story filled with raw emotions and character growth is what makes it a winner. I love this book.

I received a copy courtesy of the author through BookSirens. This is my honest opinion of the book.

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so hesitant to start this book. Kelty and Sean have been the yardstick all the Canadian Played couples portrayed in the series measured themselves against. They witnessed their steadfast love for each other, and I knew Kelty was going to be heartbroken, so I was too. I've never cried so much reading a book and even though I knew it would have an HEA, I couldn't help it. Gunderson ended this series with a bang, and several boxes of kleenex.

Pulling all the couples together from this series, including the prelude Campus Confessions series was masterful. Even after over seven years of being together Kelty and Sean still so much to learn about each other, and forgive. The past/present layout of the book was initially hard to read, but after I saw the set-up for events it made so much sense and truly could not have been done any other way. This one may be my favorite of the series and I see why she saved them for last. Well Done!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Verity S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good:
How miserable the MCs are is written beautifully. The author is great at describing things. It is an immersion experience.
The chemistry between the MCs was strong.
Therapy done correctly! Yay!

The Bad:
This book is supposed to be an interconnected standalone. But characters from earlier books in the series are in it, living out their HEA. I know the results of several previous books in the series.
I am also very confused. So many characters are introduced all at once (a whole hockey team, plus partners) and the author uses first names and last names interchangeably. Its like she expected you to have read the first 7 books and know the characters already.

Tropes:
Second chances, forced proximity, healing/comfort

I am thankful I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took an immediate dislike to both Sean and Kelty with this one. Neither impressed me or made me root for him/her. As the story progressed, I began to wonder how many other couples don't make it to their HEA because at least one of couple struggles as Sean does with feelings and expressing feelings. My heart broke for Sean as he clearly loves Kelty, but he us unable to give her what she wants as she wants it and when she wants it. My husband is so much like Sean, it makes my heart hurt. I'm going to try harder to see his love in the things he does to show me just as Sean does for Kelty. I love seeing all the players from this whole series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4*

Well I first have to apologise for stopping my reading part way into the story. That is because I am not fond of a to and fro in years continually. Yet the next book I chose to read was the same scenario and I took this to mean I had a lesson to learn from our histories and where we made silly decisions. Hence I returned to complete this book.
Kelty (unusual name) and Sean met in a conference room while negotiating the sale of his shared company many years ago. His focus changed and is more afraid to trust those around him.
I am glad I changed my stance and went back to learn what went wrong.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been together 7 1/2 years. She saw a jewelry store charge on his credit card statement and well, you know how this will go. He doesn’t want her to leave but he says absolutely nothing to get her to stay.

They have to be around each other to plan his parents surprise anniversary. Sounds like H has anxiety issues. He misses her terribly, but still doesn’t tell her. Over 8 years ago his gf slept with his best friend. And all these years later he can’t commit. Oh brother.

The angst was spot on except being irritated with the H. He did work to improve.

[LuluLobbesReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Dual Time Second Chance !

🍂I had been waiting for Sean's story for sooo long, he is a full grump with a golden heart but man of man so much baggage to deal with.

🍂It was great to see both timelines to fully understand their relationship, it made it easier to root for them.

🍂I love that Kelty and Sean irregardless of their issues showed up for one another.

🍂Also the found family aspect of this book / series is amazing!

🍂Spice: 3: Fade to black, innuendos, touches,lusty

🍂Language: 1: honestly don't remember any words but if anythinf one or two.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulling all the couples together from this series, including the prelude Campus Confessions series was masterful. Even after over seven years of being together Kelty and Sean still have so much to learn about each other and things to forgive.

The past/present layout of the book was initially hard to read, but after I saw the set-up for events it made so much sense and truly could not have been done any other way. This one may be my favorite of the series and I see why Cynthia saved them for last.

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

📝 The Vibe: Angsty second-chance hockey romance

💬 Thoughts: Emotional and raw, but it ultimately felt like it lacked depth. I wanted more from the characters’ motivations and their journey toward healing. It's a 2.5-star for me.

❤️‍🔥 Loved For: Reconnecting with familiar characters and enjoying the hockey backdrop.

⚠️ Heads-Up: Fade-to-black intimacy and emotional angst.

✅ Listen If You Like: Hockey romances, second-chance love stories, angst-leaning relationships, and redemption arcs.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the book not really love it. It would have earned a 5 star if it didn't jump from 7.5 years ago to present... would have loved to have the past as a part 1 and present as part 2. You could really feel the characters frustration in the book towards her life and the way it was going and how she wanted it to go.

[Gabriella Herman · Rating 2 out of 5]

the summary was more interesting than the actual book.

I really wish this wasn't such a disappointing read for me cause I was really excited I'm not exaggerating when I say I was counting down the days and maybe I assumed their would be alot of angst cause it was relationship in trouble but thus was insanely boring I lost interest after 40% and just started skimming and I'm gonna be honest I wouldn't have said yes at the end of the book

[Jenny Lynn Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love something, let it go. If it comes back it was meant to be. — Isn’t that how the saying goes??

Except when Kelty decided it was done and she had to leave, it wasn’t just hurting her, it was killing him.

But what was Sean supposed to do? He didn’t want the same things out of life that Kelty did. He didn’t want marriage. He didn’t want kids. He didn’t want to move.

Or was he just scared of playing the game again and losing?

This book was breaking my heart, I was literally yelling at the characters to just TALK TO ONE ANOTHER!!!!

But I loved the way that the Snowballs and the Thompsons all helped bring this story where it needed to be! True friends to family and I love that!!

You will too!! Give it a read!

I was gifted this booked as an advanced reader copy in return for my unbiased review.

[Janine Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book. I always love stories about characters who are already in a relationship and need to overcome some hardships together. This book describes this in the blurb, but then doesn’t deliver in the actual story. Sean’s reasoning for not committing to their relationship didn’t make sense to me. And it didn’t feel like he had enough redeeming qualities to warrant such loyalty and love from Kelty. He was just grumpy, selfish, and brooding. Taking out the trash doesn’t change that.

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of Kelty and Sean. Going throughout their relationship with some flashbacks to their past helps me (the reader) see why the way Sean is. This book is definitely about Second Chances, and the intervention of Sean's family might just be the cure that these two need. Great addition to this series.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story about Sean and Keltie that will keep you on edge and you'll figjt not to skip immediately to end to see how it will end up!
Another great story from Cynthia that i highly recommemd if you like romance, hockey, relationship in trouble, slow burn heat.

[Tenneal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Kelty and Sean's story. I felt every emotion in this book. It was such a great read and I can’t wait for more!

I have read a lot of books in this series and have enjoyed every one of them!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about this book really resonated with me. I really felt for Kelty and understood her pain and grief, along with her frustration with Sean. Sean was so dense and frustrating, in a maddening way me. Can sometimes be! I really love anything Cynthia Gunderson writes.

[Jen389 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it's going to be great! when is it coming out?

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the series!

[Frances Packingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. This one got me right in the feels. I was crying for Kelty and Sean. All their big feelings and thoughts. I felt so hard for them. When you read this book make sure you have tissues near by.