Deked

Connecticut Commodores #4

by Skye McDonald

"Definitely A Fun, Swoon-Worthy Read!"
He’s a laid back d-man with a mess on his hands. She’s the matchmaker his mom hired to find him a date.

to deceive (an opponent) by a fake.



I just wanted to help clean up my hometown after a flood. But someone snapped a few photos, and now I’m the thirst trap of the season. Overnight, I’ve gone from the low-key, perpetually single defenseman on the Commodores to the man of the moment, and I want no part of it.

Worse, a TV producer spotted me and offered me a spot on a reality dating show. In a panic, I lied and said I had a girlfriend. Problem is, I’ve sworn off love. But maybe my mom and her meddling friends are onto something with hiring a matchmaker. Maybe this matchmaker can find me someone willing to fake it for the cameras. No drama. No feelings. Just low-key and easy — exactly how I like it.

Except when Dani Moon walks in the room, I know things ain’t gonna be easy. My matchmaker is about to make this season very, very hard.

And by the season, I definitely mean me.



I get the irony of someone who’s sworn off relationships running one of the biggest matchmaking companies in the country. But I’m damn good at what I do. So when my mom says her friend’s son needs some “special handling” to make a match, I agree to help.

What I don’t expect is the panty-melting smile on the 6’3” wall of muscle who shakes my hand.

One look at Max Daring, and I don’t want to find him a match.

I want to be his match.

Naturally, I do the responsible I set him up with my sister. Even though they’re a total "deke," I can't give into filthy fantasies with a client — not when my reputation and company are on the line. I'm the oldest daughter. The responsible one. The one who never screws up.

Or am I?

The chemistry between Max and me could melt an ice rink. Can we survive a messy media circus? Or is this “daring deke” a blocked shot?

Either way, it’s going to be one hell of a season.

Genres: Hockey Romance, Sports

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Skye McDonald is a wellness coach, blogger, and contemporary romance novelist. She believes in the power of falling in love with oneself as the real path to a happily ever after. Her books and coaching draw on her own life experiences. Her novels are sure to make you laugh, cry, and swoon.

Skye's first novel, *Not Suitable for Work*, won the Linda Howard Award for Romance in 2019. Her co-authored Unlikely Pairings series (written with Sarah Smith) have been Amazon bestsellers and #1 New Releases. Skye shares her thoughts on living life with an open heart in her "A Bit Much" Substack.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Skye now lives and works in Montclair, New Jersey. In her free time, she hikes with her dogs, runs Spartan races, travels, Scuba dives, and is learning to ski. Someday she’ll chill out, preferably on a beach. But not yet. There’s so much life to live first.

Reviews

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deke - in ice hockey it is a feint or fake technique used by an offensive player with the puck to deceive the opposing team’s defenders or goaltender. The word deke comes from the word decoy, as the move is intended to trick the opponent. The purpose of a deke is to create opportunities to score or pass.

Deked is a perfect title for this book. Just like the words definition, when I thought it was going one way it went a completely different direction. What happens when you’re in the running for a reality show you don’t want any part in? Your mother hires you a matchmaker duh…what you’re not supposed to do is fall for said matchmaker at your first meeting. Or start “dating” her younger sister.

I enjoyed this book so much, the chemistry between Dani and Max was intense. I’m a romantic at heart and loved the attraction at first sight (don’t wanna say love at first sight). Between Dani trying to find Max a girl to be in the media with him, the flirting and the jealousy, Max and Dani were definitely soul mates it just took them a while to get out of their own way. Deked is spicy, and exciting, if you enjoy love stories with bad-a** FMC that needs someone to take charge and a MMC that is all too happy to oblige Deked is definitely a book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the fourth book in the Commodore series. Dani runs a successful Matchmaking business, although it cost her more than hardwork. When her marriage ended work was her main priority. When her mom asks her to help find a match for her friends son little did she know how much her life would alter. Max lived a quiet single life knowing he never wanted a relationship, hockey, his mom and now his newly adopted kitten filled is life enough. Now forced to either date or be part of a dating show his life was about to become very complicated. What will happen when two confirmed singles are put together. Will Dani make the right choice or will she just put everybody else before herself. Can Max finally move on from his past. This is a brilliant story that shows how sometimes the obvious isn't always the easiest option. Can these two finally help each other to rebuild themselves and believe happiness is easy if you try and believe. Sit back and enjoy this funny easy to read spicy story. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern charm on the ice

Deked by author Skye McDonald is sexy, steamy, yet full of self-respect, family bonds, self-awareness and devotion. Main characters Dani Moon and Max Daring aren't destined to be together, but meet through their mommas, during their weekly poker game. Could anything be sweeter for this southern gentleman hockey player and self-made CFO of a successful matchmaking company? The initial attraction between Max and Dani is sizzling hot, but fate and technicalities interfere, forcing Dani to make a challenging business choice regarding Max's situation. As the story unfolds, and family, love, and attraction interfere with fate, Max and Dani are brought together in what leads to a tantalizing, erotic yet charming romantic novel that is challenging to stop reading! The Moon sisters, Max and Dani's mommas, combined with the Commodore hockey team are such a tight-knit, loving family, showing strength, respect for each other and unity, such an inspiration! Highly recommend!

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye McDonald's book Deked is a perfect extension to her Connecticut Commodores series. In this round tender-hearted Max is thunderstruck by extremely guarded Dani, and while everyone around them sees the sparks between them, they both bring so much baggage to the table, that they first need to toss some luggage first.
I genuinely loved both these characters. While you'll see from my reviews that I always enjoy McDonald's books, this one really struck a chord with me. I think it was how beautifully vulnerable she depicted both characters and the authenticity in which she developed them.
Don't get nervous if you are really just looking for something steamy to read. There is enough steam to fill a sauna!
I'm really enjoying this series and the Epilogue in this one has me counting down the days until book 5 comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deked is an engaging read from start to finish. This steamy hockey, older woman, younger man romance was a perfect addition (Book 4) to the Connecticut Commodores series. The characters are well-rounded and developed throughout. Dani and Max are a dynamic pair that really connect with one another as they navigate through life full of work, family, and personal growth. The secondary characters of colleagues, family, and friends are very likeable and add to the story’s depth. I love the trio of sisters, Dani, Sierra, & Neve. They bring a whole new dimension, making this story even more enjoyable. I’m looking forward to reading the next story of the Connecticut Commodores.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gavin Sessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚✨ Book Review ✨📚

Just finished Deked by Skye McDonald and I’m obsessed! 🏒💙

Dani being a matchmaker but totally oblivious to how perfect she and Max were for each other had me grinning the whole time. Their banter, chemistry, and slow realization of what was right in front of them made this story so addictive. 🔥

And now I finally know what “deked” means in hockey terms 👀🙌 love when a book teaches me something while giving me all the feels.

PLUS that twist about her sister Neva secretly getting married?! 😱 I cannot wait for the next book to dive into her story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — sports romance perfection!

#BookReview #RomanceBooks #SportsRomance #HockeyRomance #Deked #SkyeMcDonald #BookObsessed #BookRecommendations #BookAddict #Bookish

[Sarah Freilinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and I love Max. He is such a sweet guy who is just looking to play hockey and hang out with his kitten. Except he is seen saving animals during a flood and turns into the next hunk of hockey. To avoid all the attention from women, he decides to fake date (deke) until the season is over and he enlists Dani to be his matchmaker. But you know how the story goes, the matchmaker is the one that falls for the client.
I do not think it is fair to classify this book as a older woman/younger man book. There is only 5-6 years between the MCs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, it's not a HUGE age gap, but it is often seen as weird if the woman is older than the man... That said, Dani and Max's story is a truly fabulous one! There are so many difficulties that they have to overcome, but Skye McDonald does an amazing job taking the reader through their journey. It's an entertaining read the whole way through, and you truly find yourself rooting for Max and Dani...

I love Max's relationship with his Power Club. They're a truly fun bunch, and their machinations are brilliant and fun. And Bobbi is super cute as well!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This D man’s momma got him a date . You been deked Max mate . Well she actually got him a matchmaker ,but she was made in heaven . And she’s in heaven dreaming of his perfect date. But none on her books will suffice and anyway she would certainly love to be his sacrifice because she thinks he’s rather nice . Is she in paradise because she feels so hot but there’s ice. This is a brilliant story. It’s a perfect storyline with compellingly sweet characters that melt your heart. Great storytelling from the start.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Max. He is funny. He is so sweet and he gives Dani what she wants and definitely what she needs. He also gives her space and time and so much more. I love how he protects his friends and his team and how he protects himself. I love how he and Sierra are such good friends. This book lifted my heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled into the storyline right from the start! Max and Dani are amazing character. Their story is spicy, entertaining and fun. They are made for each other but it took them a minute to get out of their own way. I enjoyed their character growth and how they supported each other. This was a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dewey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm just not into the 'aw shucks, I have no idea how to date' hockey player. Personal peeve is I dislike meddling moms. Also, why would Dani set him up with a 'medium', a psychic? How would they ever match in her dating app? She also thinks his dating mishaps, which she sets up, are hilarious. Then, she's all hot for him. The plot is very predictable. This one just isn't for me. DNF.