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Love and Hockey #5
Cross Check Hearts
I’m the coach’s daughter. He’s the team's new rookie—and the man who gave me the hottest night of my life.
After a messy breakup, I wanted one night to forget. No names. No complications. Just heat, chemistry, and a handsome, dark-haired stranger who made my knees weak and my heart race.
But when pre-season training starts, guess who shows up on the ice wearing my father’s team’s jersey?
Declan Murray. Rookie defenseman for the Denver Aces. My dad’s newest project… and the guy who had me pressed against a wall six months ago, whispering things that still make me blush.
Now we’re stuck in each other’s orbit. He’s off-limits for a million reasons—including the fact that my father has expressly forbidden any of his players from touching me. I’ve always been a good girl, the one who plays by the rules and tries to live up to my parents’ expectations.
But Declan? He’s not playing fair.
He remembers everything about me. He sends me food when I forget to eat, crochets adorable outfits for my cat, supports my dreams—and gets all growly and possessive in front of my ex.
Worst of all? My dad thinks yoga will help Declan’s game… so now I’m stuck giving him private lessons.
The more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember why we shouldn’t be doing this.
He wants more. I want to stop wanting him.
But when the guy you’re trying not to fall for is already all in?
Staying away might be the biggest penalty of all.
TROPES IN THIS
Forbidden romance
Coach’s daughter
Forced proximity
Anonymous one-night-stand
Golden retriever with a dominant side
He falls first and hard
Boy obsessed
Praise / dirty talk
Angst and banter
Cross Check Hearts is a contemporary coach’s daughter/rookie hockey romance loaded with banter, a touch of angst, and deliciously dirty steam. It can be read as a complete standalone.
After a messy breakup, I wanted one night to forget. No names. No complications. Just heat, chemistry, and a handsome, dark-haired stranger who made my knees weak and my heart race.
But when pre-season training starts, guess who shows up on the ice wearing my father’s team’s jersey?
Declan Murray. Rookie defenseman for the Denver Aces. My dad’s newest project… and the guy who had me pressed against a wall six months ago, whispering things that still make me blush.
Now we’re stuck in each other’s orbit. He’s off-limits for a million reasons—including the fact that my father has expressly forbidden any of his players from touching me. I’ve always been a good girl, the one who plays by the rules and tries to live up to my parents’ expectations.
But Declan? He’s not playing fair.
He remembers everything about me. He sends me food when I forget to eat, crochets adorable outfits for my cat, supports my dreams—and gets all growly and possessive in front of my ex.
Worst of all? My dad thinks yoga will help Declan’s game… so now I’m stuck giving him private lessons.
The more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember why we shouldn’t be doing this.
He wants more. I want to stop wanting him.
But when the guy you’re trying not to fall for is already all in?
Staying away might be the biggest penalty of all.
TROPES IN THIS
Forbidden romance
Coach’s daughter
Forced proximity
Anonymous one-night-stand
Golden retriever with a dominant side
He falls first and hard
Boy obsessed
Praise / dirty talk
Angst and banter
Cross Check Hearts is a contemporary coach’s daughter/rookie hockey romance loaded with banter, a touch of angst, and deliciously dirty steam. It can be read as a complete standalone.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
1403 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 30, 2025
Declan’s story
New player to the team but already has a connection with coaches daughter who he met at a sex club- yes goes there! This was good but 3 because a little more smut than story, and for sex club should have been a little more I guess??? Still loved though, and don’t like 3rd act (not spoiling) but this one was intense!
New player to the team but already has a connection with coaches daughter who he met at a sex club- yes goes there! This was good but 3 because a little more smut than story, and for sex club should have been a little more I guess??? Still loved though, and don’t like 3rd act (not spoiling) but this one was intense!
June 5, 2025
DNF’d at 58%.
I absolutely loved the second book in the series and I’ve looked forward to each new release, but have been increasingly disappointed each time and this one was the final straw. I don’t think this author is for me anymore which I’m really bummed about because I thought she was going to be one of my new favorite authors.
For this book: The coach’s daughter plot is a popular trope, but this story was the most derivative and formulaic telling of that plot without actually having the plot play out. The FMC constantly either states or has internal dialogue stating that her dad doesn’t want her to date hockey players, but we’re not given background as to why, and there is never a conversation with her dad about it (at least there wasn’t in the first 58% of the book when I gave up). When you read 265 pages about 2 MCs that want to be together, but the only thing stopping them is her parents, except that is only really addressed via the FMC’s internal dialogue and done so constantly, you get bored and frustrated pretty fast.
The story was extremely repetitive and the FMC has no spine whatsoever to the point that she’s a doormat. I love a spicy book, but even I felt there was way to much “spice” without it actually being spicy if that makes sense. I just wanted the book to be over and it never got better, so I finally gave up.
I absolutely loved the second book in the series and I’ve looked forward to each new release, but have been increasingly disappointed each time and this one was the final straw. I don’t think this author is for me anymore which I’m really bummed about because I thought she was going to be one of my new favorite authors.
For this book: The coach’s daughter plot is a popular trope, but this story was the most derivative and formulaic telling of that plot without actually having the plot play out. The FMC constantly either states or has internal dialogue stating that her dad doesn’t want her to date hockey players, but we’re not given background as to why, and there is never a conversation with her dad about it (at least there wasn’t in the first 58% of the book when I gave up). When you read 265 pages about 2 MCs that want to be together, but the only thing stopping them is her parents, except that is only really addressed via the FMC’s internal dialogue and done so constantly, you get bored and frustrated pretty fast.
The story was extremely repetitive and the FMC has no spine whatsoever to the point that she’s a doormat. I love a spicy book, but even I felt there was way to much “spice” without it actually being spicy if that makes sense. I just wanted the book to be over and it never got better, so I finally gave up.
April 15, 2025
Beta reader
This book had perfect amount of angst, spice, drama, and romance! It is a great continuation of the series. I do wish these books intertwined the relationships between the players more but it is very much a standalone.
This book had perfect amount of angst, spice, drama, and romance! It is a great continuation of the series. I do wish these books intertwined the relationships between the players more but it is very much a standalone.
June 9, 2025
✔️Kink club
✔️Let's not use our real names
✔️Whoops that was the coaches daughter
✔️He speaks dirty French to her
✔️fated mates?
Okay, maybe not, that went off the rails. I am a fan of Nikki's stories. We did get to briefly see our old friends from the earlier books but this one heavily focused only on Declan and Hannah. We meet our friends at a kink club far away from the likes of Denver -- where it's safe for Hannah to let her freak flag fly. On her way to deciding that she couldn't do it, she runs straight into a wall named Declan. And the rest is history... They have a good night and never see each other again...
For 6 months. Declan, the golden retriever - boy obsessed- yearned to learn more about his unnamed lady, only to have her walk into the locker room of his new home. Now he's hooked up with her to learn yoga to help his hip flexibility, what could go wrong?
This story had me laughing and silently crying in my bed. My husband definitely side eyes me. I enjoyed this story. I hated Aaron. I got caught off guard by the end twist, but thankfully there wasn't a third act breakup. #blessedbethefruit. The third act twist is what had me silently sobbing into my kindle
As you know, my strict rating system demands that this gets 5 stars and it was well deserved. I very much enjoyed this read and their exploration into individual kink. It was steamy at the start and throughout. We even got an under the desk scene. Obviously, to protect them from nuclear attacks.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.85
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.78
✔️Let's not use our real names
✔️Whoops that was the coaches daughter
✔️He speaks dirty French to her
✔️fated mates?
Okay, maybe not, that went off the rails. I am a fan of Nikki's stories. We did get to briefly see our old friends from the earlier books but this one heavily focused only on Declan and Hannah. We meet our friends at a kink club far away from the likes of Denver -- where it's safe for Hannah to let her freak flag fly. On her way to deciding that she couldn't do it, she runs straight into a wall named Declan. And the rest is history... They have a good night and never see each other again...
For 6 months. Declan, the golden retriever - boy obsessed- yearned to learn more about his unnamed lady, only to have her walk into the locker room of his new home. Now he's hooked up with her to learn yoga to help his hip flexibility, what could go wrong?
This story had me laughing and silently crying in my bed. My husband definitely side eyes me. I enjoyed this story. I hated Aaron. I got caught off guard by the end twist, but thankfully there wasn't a third act breakup. #blessedbethefruit. The third act twist is what had me silently sobbing into my kindle
As you know, my strict rating system demands that this gets 5 stars and it was well deserved. I very much enjoyed this read and their exploration into individual kink. It was steamy at the start and throughout. We even got an under the desk scene. Obviously, to protect them from nuclear attacks.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.85
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.78
May 25, 2025
I thought this series couldn’t get better but then Nikki dropped this. I absolutely loved this book! Declan had me eating out of the palm of his hands. This man shut down a restaurant because she was having a miserable time on there. “Date” Declan speaking French, sexy as hell. Hannah and him are so spicy. And there’s the suspense of the dad/coach finding out. I hate that Hannah felt the need to end things because of all the test. When the dad asked Declan what was going on he immediately was like “no that’s Hannah’s decision” he wasn’t spilling ANYTHING until she was ready. Declan respected and loved Hannah so much. This book was 100% crack and I do not feel bad with how fast I read it.
August 1, 2025
This entire series is so underrated! I loved Declan and Hannah! From their intense first meeting to their out of the blue second meeting you could feel their chemistry.
Declan is the gold standard for boyfriends. They way that he supported Hannah in her dreams, and never pushed her, but stood solidly by her side supporting all the way! His attention to detail and his drive to be a good human all make him perfect!
Hannah’s past is so sad, and living with the pressures she put on herself was so sad. I understood her through process, but it was so sad to see everything play out.
I truly loved the ending, it was a full circle moment and Declan did not disappoint!
Declan is the gold standard for boyfriends. They way that he supported Hannah in her dreams, and never pushed her, but stood solidly by her side supporting all the way! His attention to detail and his drive to be a good human all make him perfect!
Hannah’s past is so sad, and living with the pressures she put on herself was so sad. I understood her through process, but it was so sad to see everything play out.
I truly loved the ending, it was a full circle moment and Declan did not disappoint!
September 7, 2025
The FMC was too passive for my liking and I got VERY frustrated with her at the 85% mark. As in "do I DNF this" frustrated, because there was some mental gymnastics going on at that point.
For my line of work I was familiar with one of the plot points and it wasn't represented perfectly (so I'm aware I'm being picky)
I LOVED that the MMC crocheted! and for her cat no less! Big massive tick in my book!
It felt less like the "supporting cast" were involved i.e the other team mates, so it made some of the camaraderie less believable. FMC's college bestie was hardly mentioned unless she was right next to her - which was all of twice in the whole book.
It's supposed to be a forbidden romance, but it is never really explored exactly WHY her dad doesn't want her dating hockey players - does he view hockey players as manwhores? Does he not want his precious daughter involved with who he coaches because of them being smug about it? Does he not want her distracting his player(s) by banging them? who knows. She wants to explore kink but the closest she gets is which I think barely qualifies as "exploring".
I can't wait to read about Grant!
For my line of work I was familiar with one of the plot points and it wasn't represented perfectly (so I'm aware I'm being picky)
I LOVED that the MMC crocheted! and for her cat no less! Big massive tick in my book!
It felt less like the "supporting cast" were involved i.e the other team mates, so it made some of the camaraderie less believable. FMC's college bestie was hardly mentioned unless she was right next to her - which was all of twice in the whole book.
It's supposed to be a forbidden romance, but it is never really explored exactly WHY her dad doesn't want her dating hockey players - does he view hockey players as manwhores? Does he not want his precious daughter involved with who he coaches because of them being smug about it? Does he not want her distracting his player(s) by banging them? who knows. She wants to explore kink but the closest she gets is which I think barely qualifies as "exploring".
I can't wait to read about Grant!
May 25, 2025
3.5 🌟
3 🌶
I absolutely love this entire series! Hannah and Declan first meet in a sex club and spend an entire night together under the assumption they will never cross paths again. Flash forward to 6 months later and Declan is the new rookie on the NHL team that Hannah's father coaches. He takes yoga lessons from her to help his flexibility and the two quickly pick back up where they left off. There's of course some back and forth because Hannah's father has always forbidden her from dating hockey players, but in the end he realizes he wants his daughter to be happy and she's happy with Declan.
I wish there was more interaction between those three especially since it was such a big reason why Hannah was hesitant to be with Declan. I also was surprised that Hannah mentioned wanting to explore her kink side but that really wasn't shown. The first half of the book was a little slow going and kind of repetitive both with what was said in monolgues and the scenes themselves. The second half was a much better pace and the scenes were different and exciting. Declan did the sweetest things for Hannah, like making sure she ate between classes and yoga and crocheting her cat some adorable hats. He was Nikki's signature golden retriever MMC and I loved that she added in some French into this book. I didn't personally like this book as much as the others, but that's okay. I'm excited for Grant's book and can't wait to see her take on grumpy/sunshine!
3 🌶
I absolutely love this entire series! Hannah and Declan first meet in a sex club and spend an entire night together under the assumption they will never cross paths again. Flash forward to 6 months later and Declan is the new rookie on the NHL team that Hannah's father coaches. He takes yoga lessons from her to help his flexibility and the two quickly pick back up where they left off. There's of course some back and forth because Hannah's father has always forbidden her from dating hockey players, but in the end he realizes he wants his daughter to be happy and she's happy with Declan.
I wish there was more interaction between those three especially since it was such a big reason why Hannah was hesitant to be with Declan. I also was surprised that Hannah mentioned wanting to explore her kink side but that really wasn't shown. The first half of the book was a little slow going and kind of repetitive both with what was said in monolgues and the scenes themselves. The second half was a much better pace and the scenes were different and exciting. Declan did the sweetest things for Hannah, like making sure she ate between classes and yoga and crocheting her cat some adorable hats. He was Nikki's signature golden retriever MMC and I loved that she added in some French into this book. I didn't personally like this book as much as the others, but that's okay. I'm excited for Grant's book and can't wait to see her take on grumpy/sunshine!
June 13, 2025
So I caught up just in time to continue with the love and hockey series since the most recent book was released recently. This one is about two new characters who haven't been in the previous books. The rookie hockey player just arrived on the team and coach wants his newbie to work on his flexibility with his daughter who is a yoga instructor AND just happens to be the woman he met and shared one amazing night with at a kinky club in San Diego not knowing she was from Denver. So much to their surprise they are unexpectedly reunited. At first they try to deny their attraction is still there, after all it was just one night months ago, and a relationship would be taboo now. But of course the truth eventually gets revealed and surprise to them everyone is actually okay with their happiness. Their story was a lil different but their relationship follows the same format with the same cut and paste spice scenes and similarities that each previous book and relationship does so it gets a lil redundant so you either like it or find it annoying. I guess I liked it enough to keep reading and read this book pretty quickly. Now I have to wait until next year for the next book to come out but luckily it will be hockey season again by then. I've been enjoying reading this series while the Panthers have made their way through the playoffs and are currently trying to win the Stanley Cup again.
June 4, 2025
Do you want a book that’s so hot you need oven mitts to hold it? How about a boy obsessed hero who falls first, and a soulmate connection that dreams are made of? If your answer is yes, this is the book for you!
What can I say about Declan? Sweet, attentive, observant, dirty, and dominant…all wrapped up in a cinnamon roll inside that will make you sigh. The way he falls fast and hard for Hannah, and how he is committed from day one, probably without even realizing it, made me fall in love with him instantly. I loved how understanding and unconditionally supportive he was of her, without her even having to ask. He always put her first and proved time and time again he was everything she needed and everything any woman could want.
I loved how complex a character Hannah was, and how she found herself during the book. It took her a while to let Declan in, but, luckily for her, he wasn’t about to give up the chase when all he wanted to do was catch and keep her forever.
Their connection was beautiful and rare; their chemistry was scorching. If they didn’t end up together, the author and I would definitely have had words. Luckily, that wasn’t necessary because she gave us a satisfying, sigh-inspiring ending. As you might have guessed, I loved this book!
What can I say about Declan? Sweet, attentive, observant, dirty, and dominant…all wrapped up in a cinnamon roll inside that will make you sigh. The way he falls fast and hard for Hannah, and how he is committed from day one, probably without even realizing it, made me fall in love with him instantly. I loved how understanding and unconditionally supportive he was of her, without her even having to ask. He always put her first and proved time and time again he was everything she needed and everything any woman could want.
I loved how complex a character Hannah was, and how she found herself during the book. It took her a while to let Declan in, but, luckily for her, he wasn’t about to give up the chase when all he wanted to do was catch and keep her forever.
Their connection was beautiful and rare; their chemistry was scorching. If they didn’t end up together, the author and I would definitely have had words. Luckily, that wasn’t necessary because she gave us a satisfying, sigh-inspiring ending. As you might have guessed, I loved this book!
May 26, 2025
I was so excited to see that this next book in the Aces series finally dropped. Declan is just the most gentlemanly of golden retrievers. Hannah is the hummingbird that she is nicknamed after - quick and nimble, strong, and flighty. But for me, it was just good - not great.
I loved their first meet cute and how their one-night adventure reveals their true identities months later. It was clear they had all the vah-vah-voom chemistry. Declan is the perfect guy. Taking her lead. Allowing her space while making his intentions clear. I just couldn’t relate to Hannah and after a while, she just annoyed me. I get it. She’s the coaches daughter. The forbidden romance. But - girl - you are full fledged adult! So daddy won’t be happy. It’s not like you’ve slept through his entire roster. And the whole “I’m going to law school to please my parents”. Ugh. I wanted her to be stronger and stand for what she wanted instead of constantly flitting away from her own wants.
I did love that the entire story came full circle. It felt right and felt complete. Now to wait for Grant’s turn!
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
📖: KU
I loved their first meet cute and how their one-night adventure reveals their true identities months later. It was clear they had all the vah-vah-voom chemistry. Declan is the perfect guy. Taking her lead. Allowing her space while making his intentions clear. I just couldn’t relate to Hannah and after a while, she just annoyed me. I get it. She’s the coaches daughter. The forbidden romance. But - girl - you are full fledged adult! So daddy won’t be happy. It’s not like you’ve slept through his entire roster. And the whole “I’m going to law school to please my parents”. Ugh. I wanted her to be stronger and stand for what she wanted instead of constantly flitting away from her own wants.
I did love that the entire story came full circle. It felt right and felt complete. Now to wait for Grant’s turn!
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
📖: KU
May 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
"It would probably be better for both of us if we just pretend we've never met before now."
"You can pretend all you want, hummingbird, but I'm not giving up that easily."
This is a book in the Love And Hockey series. We meet the new rookie for the Denver Aces. His first day at practice the coach’s daughter walks in, when she turns his heart stops. She’s the mystery woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about in 6 months ago. The had the most incredible and passionate night of his life but now just as he’s found her again… she’s off limits.
✨Tropes✨
- Dual POV
- Hockey Pro Rookie
- Yoga Teacher/Law Student
- Coach’s Daughter
- Forbidden Love
- Forced Proximity
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Met at a sex club… 👀
MMC - Declan 🏒
I feel something powerful swelling between us. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it's a pull, a gravitation like she's the sun in my solar system. Like she's everything I want my life to revolve around.
MFC - Hannah 💚💙
In an arena full of people, he can find me instantly, as if there's some invisible thread connecting us.
"It would probably be better for both of us if we just pretend we've never met before now."
"You can pretend all you want, hummingbird, but I'm not giving up that easily."
This is a book in the Love And Hockey series. We meet the new rookie for the Denver Aces. His first day at practice the coach’s daughter walks in, when she turns his heart stops. She’s the mystery woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about in 6 months ago. The had the most incredible and passionate night of his life but now just as he’s found her again… she’s off limits.
✨Tropes✨
- Dual POV
- Hockey Pro Rookie
- Yoga Teacher/Law Student
- Coach’s Daughter
- Forbidden Love
- Forced Proximity
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Met at a sex club… 👀
MMC - Declan 🏒
I feel something powerful swelling between us. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it's a pull, a gravitation like she's the sun in my solar system. Like she's everything I want my life to revolve around.
MFC - Hannah 💚💙
In an arena full of people, he can find me instantly, as if there's some invisible thread connecting us.
May 26, 2025
This has turned into one of my favorite hockey romance series.
Hannah and Declan first meet anonymously, and the sparks fly. 6 months later, they meet again, but he's the new rookie on the NHL team her Dad coaches.
Hannah is trying to finish law school, teach yoga, and figure out what she wants out of life. Declan is the charming, dirty mouthed, French speaking rookie defenseman looking to remain a career athlete. What follows and a sweet and spicy forbidden romance with the Coach's daughter.
I will say you never know with a Coach's daughter trope if you're going to end up with a completely unhinged dad when he finds out about the relationship. I was happy to see that while he was angry it didn't turn into the Dad ruining the relationship with his daughter over it.
All In all, it's another fantastic addition to the series, and I'll likely read it again.
Hannah and Declan first meet anonymously, and the sparks fly. 6 months later, they meet again, but he's the new rookie on the NHL team her Dad coaches.
Hannah is trying to finish law school, teach yoga, and figure out what she wants out of life. Declan is the charming, dirty mouthed, French speaking rookie defenseman looking to remain a career athlete. What follows and a sweet and spicy forbidden romance with the Coach's daughter.
I will say you never know with a Coach's daughter trope if you're going to end up with a completely unhinged dad when he finds out about the relationship. I was happy to see that while he was angry it didn't turn into the Dad ruining the relationship with his daughter over it.
All In all, it's another fantastic addition to the series, and I'll likely read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
The mysterious, steamy meet cute. 🥵 Hannah being Coach Dunaway's daughter is definitely forbidden for them. The fact that Coach suggests his own daughter's yoga class for Declan is a hilarious coincidence. I love that Declan reserved the restaurant to get Hannah out of the unwanted dinner with her douche of an ex. The chemistry between Declan and Hannah is hot and undeniable. Hannah telling off Aaron while Declan services her was epic. Declan's blow on the ice was brutal but glad their relationship is out in the open. The supply closet was hot. Hannah's headaches are concerning. Listen, I love a strong, independent woman, but the whole pushing Declan away when she finds out about her headaches is a little cliche and sad. I do love how they came back together even if it took her collapsing. Tying their first meeting to the proposal was so sweet. I cannot wait to read Grant's story.
May 24, 2025
I thought Sawyer was my favorite of the series… but Declan is now my number one golden retriever MMC. The main characters have a hot night at a sex club six months prior but she leaves without giving him her actual name or number. Present day- shows up as the new rookie on the team her dad coaches. He was adorably persistent on getting her to give him a chance and helped support her in pursuing what she really wanted as a career. The book was spicy, but the FMC said she had gone to the club because she was into kink. But nowhere was there anything that really fit that so that part was disappointing. Also - the fact that his pregame relaxation ritual was crochet- absolutely adorable and completely unique!
May 25, 2025
I was so excited to read after finishing the other Acers earlier in the week to realise that the next instalment was out Friday!!
Nikki didn’t disappoint with the MMC - his golden retriever energy was everything we could wish for! Along with a secret adorable hobbie!
I wish we explored Hannah’s Kink side more as why she ended up there in the first play
I also feel like we needed more from coach and the fall out when he found out - Declan officially meeting the parents things like that would have been with Declan trying to win coach round
Overall was such a good read and the spice was off the charts - Hannah is a lucky girl
So excited for Grants book but got to wait a whole year!!!!!!!! 😩
Nikki didn’t disappoint with the MMC - his golden retriever energy was everything we could wish for! Along with a secret adorable hobbie!
I wish we explored Hannah’s Kink side more as why she ended up there in the first play
I also feel like we needed more from coach and the fall out when he found out - Declan officially meeting the parents things like that would have been with Declan trying to win coach round
Overall was such a good read and the spice was off the charts - Hannah is a lucky girl
So excited for Grants book but got to wait a whole year!!!!!!!! 😩
June 2, 2025
Great until the ending
I REALLY liked this book, until it got to the ending and the why they broke up (temporarily). She has headaches and one of the potential causes could be a brain tumor and she breaks up with him to save him the pain of watching her die?? It’s just so illogical and rash and makes zero sense. It ended up it wasn’t even a brain tumor. I would understand a break up if she found out she had a brain tumor, but to break up with him before the test results even came back and there’s dozens of other things it could have been?? That was so frustrating to read and ruined the book for me.
I REALLY liked this book, until it got to the ending and the why they broke up (temporarily). She has headaches and one of the potential causes could be a brain tumor and she breaks up with him to save him the pain of watching her die?? It’s just so illogical and rash and makes zero sense. It ended up it wasn’t even a brain tumor. I would understand a break up if she found out she had a brain tumor, but to break up with him before the test results even came back and there’s dozens of other things it could have been?? That was so frustrating to read and ruined the book for me.
July 18, 2025
I don’t hate this book but I did have several issues with it.
It felt like nothing really happened in this book. Like it was fine just very one dimensional with the plot lines.
I LOVED a few of the previous ones in this series, it felt like each book got better and better. But this one felt very disconnected I did not get the same vibes
Girl is such a pushover people pleaser. I can’t stand these kinds of FMC like stop bitching no about doing what everyone else wants and just do what you want if you don’t like it?
Then the whole climax/argument that caused the breakup was so dramatic and came out of nowhere.
2.5 stars for being meh
It felt like nothing really happened in this book. Like it was fine just very one dimensional with the plot lines.
I LOVED a few of the previous ones in this series, it felt like each book got better and better. But this one felt very disconnected I did not get the same vibes
Girl is such a pushover people pleaser. I can’t stand these kinds of FMC like stop bitching no about doing what everyone else wants and just do what you want if you don’t like it?
Then the whole climax/argument that caused the breakup was so dramatic and came out of nowhere.
2.5 stars for being meh
May 27, 2025
Declan and Hannah first met anonymously and shared a steamy night together, fast forward 6 months and Declan is introduced as the rookie on Hannah's Dads hockey team.
"All you have to do is find what matters to you, what really matters, and hold on tight. Because once you know what you want everything else becomes clear and falls right into place".
I found the way they supported each other really beautiful and I loved how he was obsessed from the get go no matter how much Hannah convinced herself she couldn't give into him. Unable to fight their undeniable chemistry and compatibility these two worked through some bumps and came out stronger for it. I think they were so well suited! I would have loved more from the other characters from the series but what we did get was great! I am excited for Grant and Heather's book next!
"All you have to do is find what matters to you, what really matters, and hold on tight. Because once you know what you want everything else becomes clear and falls right into place".
I found the way they supported each other really beautiful and I loved how he was obsessed from the get go no matter how much Hannah convinced herself she couldn't give into him. Unable to fight their undeniable chemistry and compatibility these two worked through some bumps and came out stronger for it. I think they were so well suited! I would have loved more from the other characters from the series but what we did get was great! I am excited for Grant and Heather's book next!
May 28, 2025
new book boyfriend alert!🚨
I loved their story especially Hannah’s gradual growth at accepting herself and Declan becoming a part of my top book boyfriends :) Only giving it 4stars because it irked me that the professional hockey player who works out and skates constantly was made to act as if a plank was not well known and very difficult for him to do. I felt that was very unrealistic and I just kept thinking back to it all throughout the book. Otherwise the book is great and the addition of Ralph really adds a cuteness to this book 🥰 can’t wait for grants book !
I loved their story especially Hannah’s gradual growth at accepting herself and Declan becoming a part of my top book boyfriends :) Only giving it 4stars because it irked me that the professional hockey player who works out and skates constantly was made to act as if a plank was not well known and very difficult for him to do. I felt that was very unrealistic and I just kept thinking back to it all throughout the book. Otherwise the book is great and the addition of Ralph really adds a cuteness to this book 🥰 can’t wait for grants book !
June 14, 2025
Great dynamic
This was cute and enjoyed the couple. The Spice was good as well. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
The conflict seemed to be the coach with not allowing her to date a hockey player but when it all came out there wasnt really any fallout from the specifically. It was just kinda weird to have this big buildup and that be the main reason she doesn't want to date him. But then no big conversation happens with her dad. The buildup just kinda seemed pointless. But overall I did enjoy this book! Loved their dynamic.
This was cute and enjoyed the couple. The Spice was good as well. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
The conflict seemed to be the coach with not allowing her to date a hockey player but when it all came out there wasnt really any fallout from the specifically. It was just kinda weird to have this big buildup and that be the main reason she doesn't want to date him. But then no big conversation happens with her dad. The buildup just kinda seemed pointless. But overall I did enjoy this book! Loved their dynamic.
June 25, 2025
This story really reminded me of the first book in the series in the best possible way, and somehow made me fall even more in love with Nikki Lawson’s writing!!! Declan has my heart, and is the embodiment of the he fell first and harder trope. Plus I loved finally getting to see the coach’s daughter trope (one of my favourite sports romance tropes) make an appearance in this series. My only complaint is that everything ended up being very concentrated on the couple, meaning we didn’t get to see much of the team and their banter, unlike other books in this series. 4.85⭐️
Tropes
- Second chance romance
- He falls harder
- He falls first
- Coach’s daughter
- Instant attraction
- Secret relationship
Spice level- 3/5🌶️
Tropes
- Second chance romance
- He falls harder
- He falls first
- Coach’s daughter
- Instant attraction
- Secret relationship
Spice level- 3/5🌶️
July 26, 2025
just okay
I’ve read all of this series so far and I can firmly say this one was simply just okay. Declan is a good guy who knows what he wants and won’t stop at anything to get that. Hannah on the other hand, needs a freaking backbone and some anti anxiety medicine. Good lord. Everything was so overly thought out and over it was hard not to want to skip past her droning internal monologue. I hate how she cuts things off and never stands up for herself. Overall I found her annoying. I liked them together, but separately she has been my least favorite character this series.
I’ve read all of this series so far and I can firmly say this one was simply just okay. Declan is a good guy who knows what he wants and won’t stop at anything to get that. Hannah on the other hand, needs a freaking backbone and some anti anxiety medicine. Good lord. Everything was so overly thought out and over it was hard not to want to skip past her droning internal monologue. I hate how she cuts things off and never stands up for herself. Overall I found her annoying. I liked them together, but separately she has been my least favorite character this series.
October 14, 2025
This book was another amazing addition to this series. Loved Hannah and Declan so so much.
My only little criticisms if you'd call it that, is I wish there was a little more of the side characters present in the book. Hannah could've stood up for herself a little more, some of the issues could've been vocalized with her parents more...like a few things feel like they got breezed over after they got mentioned..or weren't gone into or experienced more.
But I still throughly enjoyed this book, and the characters..and overall story.
My only little criticisms if you'd call it that, is I wish there was a little more of the side characters present in the book. Hannah could've stood up for herself a little more, some of the issues could've been vocalized with her parents more...like a few things feel like they got breezed over after they got mentioned..or weren't gone into or experienced more.
But I still throughly enjoyed this book, and the characters..and overall story.
January 13, 2026
More like 1.5 stars but since I like the other books by this author, I rounded up. If this is going to be your first by Nikki Lawson, start with another one, because I'm not sure I would've continued after this one.
Declan, I loved. Hard working, thoughtful, and respectful of the FMC's wishes.
Then there's the FMC. I wish she was written better, but just comes off as self absorbed. I can't really think of a time when she's did something for Declan that showed she was thinking of him beyond sex. Her decisions just seem to hurt him and there's not enough groveling after.
Declan, I loved. Hard working, thoughtful, and respectful of the FMC's wishes.
Then there's the FMC. I wish she was written better, but just comes off as self absorbed. I can't really think of a time when she's did something for Declan that showed she was thinking of him beyond sex. Her decisions just seem to hurt him and there's not enough groveling after.
May 22, 2025
Thank you for the ARC
Declan and Hannah, what a brilliantly written book couple. This book was a joy to read, and I love the connection that Hannah had with her family, especially when she had to tell them her change of career. There were some emotional moments, which added to the plot. Nikki did an amazing job. Her writing always has me hooked on the plot and the characters and their personalities.
Declan and Hannah, what a brilliantly written book couple. This book was a joy to read, and I love the connection that Hannah had with her family, especially when she had to tell them her change of career. There were some emotional moments, which added to the plot. Nikki did an amazing job. Her writing always has me hooked on the plot and the characters and their personalities.
May 28, 2025
I felt relived when this book ended, which isn’t a great sign. I just couldn’t get into this one. The bones of the story were there but it just didn’t all get fleshed out. And a lot of the spicy scenes felt very gratuitous and just seemed like too much. It’s weird because I liked the characters of Declan and Hannah. But I just didn’t really enjoy this book all that much. It got a bit better toward the end, but it was too late to save the whole thing for me.
May 29, 2025
This book was great. It was def a solid five star BEFORE the end of the book but I loved the fact the MFC has IIH! I was just told in January that’s what I have so when I was reading about her migraines I totally felt for her and I totally had a feeling where the author was going by the hospital scene. IIH is no joke and I love how well this author showed that in the story. I don’t know if she had it herself but this seriously meant the world to me.
June 14, 2025
worth the read
As much as I wanted to DNF this in the first 35%, I’m glad I stuck with it. The beginning is a bit boring and the inaccuracies about yoga (a hockey player being unable to hold a plank? Come on.) are distracting, but the second 2/3 of the book redeems itself. The book could have used a trigger warning for medical trauma, but otherwise lives up to the precedent set in the first two books of the series!
As much as I wanted to DNF this in the first 35%, I’m glad I stuck with it. The beginning is a bit boring and the inaccuracies about yoga (a hockey player being unable to hold a plank? Come on.) are distracting, but the second 2/3 of the book redeems itself. The book could have used a trigger warning for medical trauma, but otherwise lives up to the precedent set in the first two books of the series!
June 18, 2025
Lots of steam!
I've enjoyed the series thus far! I was hopeful that Grant's story was going to be this book, BUT it was wonderful nonetheless! Bringing in a troubled-life youth rookie and letting the boss's daughter show she's a woman plus not a meek mouse sexually and (eventually) in her family life: Beautiful. His history gave him a more hopeful/realistic dimension & thankfully bypassed he classic & old trope of "never growing/manning up until her".
I've enjoyed the series thus far! I was hopeful that Grant's story was going to be this book, BUT it was wonderful nonetheless! Bringing in a troubled-life youth rookie and letting the boss's daughter show she's a woman plus not a meek mouse sexually and (eventually) in her family life: Beautiful. His history gave him a more hopeful/realistic dimension & thankfully bypassed he classic & old trope of "never growing/manning up until her".
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