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Checked and Balanced
A hockey romance experiment written by Aurora Steinhart.
Aurora had never written this sort of story before. So she took a risk, and thus Checked and Balanced was born.
One with low stakes, low mental bandwidth and just a break from the large stories she created else where.
With Checked and Balanced, she tries her hand at a Golden Retriever MMC with a heart of gold. As well as a reclusive Black Cat FMC that finds out she's not unlovable, just that no one has loved her the right way.
Our MMC is a goofy 6 foot 6 brand new rookie enforcer that loves his old truck and his dog. When he gets drafted for the team of his dreams, he realizes he'll be working with the pretty lawyer down the hall. Even if he doesn't know why she's so closed off, he makes it his very mission to break down those walls and find out why.
With our FMC being a withdrawn lawyer for the team her father coaches, she's never been interested in hockey players. She's also never really enjoyed men or relationships in general. So when the brand new rookie on their team attempts to pursue her, not only is she confused. She's rather annoyed. What does this goon want with her?
And why is she falling for him faster than she has for anyone else in the past?
Aurora plays with tropes and ideas in this book she would be afraid to take a risk with on a higher stakes project. She wrote this for fun, and to share with her readers. Nothing more, nothing less. Just a fun time writing that she could enjoy with her readers without the heaviness that comes with a bigger book release.
This book contains mature subject matter and should only be consumed by adults 18 years or older.
Aurora had never written this sort of story before. So she took a risk, and thus Checked and Balanced was born.
One with low stakes, low mental bandwidth and just a break from the large stories she created else where.
With Checked and Balanced, she tries her hand at a Golden Retriever MMC with a heart of gold. As well as a reclusive Black Cat FMC that finds out she's not unlovable, just that no one has loved her the right way.
Our MMC is a goofy 6 foot 6 brand new rookie enforcer that loves his old truck and his dog. When he gets drafted for the team of his dreams, he realizes he'll be working with the pretty lawyer down the hall. Even if he doesn't know why she's so closed off, he makes it his very mission to break down those walls and find out why.
With our FMC being a withdrawn lawyer for the team her father coaches, she's never been interested in hockey players. She's also never really enjoyed men or relationships in general. So when the brand new rookie on their team attempts to pursue her, not only is she confused. She's rather annoyed. What does this goon want with her?
And why is she falling for him faster than she has for anyone else in the past?
Aurora plays with tropes and ideas in this book she would be afraid to take a risk with on a higher stakes project. She wrote this for fun, and to share with her readers. Nothing more, nothing less. Just a fun time writing that she could enjoy with her readers without the heaviness that comes with a bigger book release.
This book contains mature subject matter and should only be consumed by adults 18 years or older.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2025
26 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Steinhart
8 books57 followersGrowing up in Alaska, Aurora indulged in a variety of outdoor past times. Canoeing on lakes, snowmachining in her backyard, mountain biking through the wilderness and trails around Anchorage.
She grew up as an Air Force daughter and had an affinity for books at a relatively early age. Being enthralled by history and ancient egypt. She was a proficient reader and writer all throughout school.
With her interest growing in the works of macabre and dark poetry, like that from Edgar Allen Poe.
Over time, she wrote poems. Read to her hearts content.
For a long while, she slipped into a reading hiatus. Still continuing to collect books and frequent her local Barnes and Noble.
It wasn't until right before her husband deployed in 2023 that she fell back in love with reading like a star falling from the cosmos.
Collecting more history books in a 4 month period than one should be allowed to.
In the beginning of 2024, she started reading romance after being introduced to Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
She had never been one for romances. But she fell in love with them. Reading over 36 romance novels in the span of 3 months.
One fateful day in June 2024, a friend of hers came to her asking for help on a story he was writing. Asking for help with a conflict.
The more her mind worked, the more her own story idea started to take place within her.
Before she knew it, Elevated Ambitions was born. And she set out on her biggest journey yet.
She grew up as an Air Force daughter and had an affinity for books at a relatively early age. Being enthralled by history and ancient egypt. She was a proficient reader and writer all throughout school.
With her interest growing in the works of macabre and dark poetry, like that from Edgar Allen Poe.
Over time, she wrote poems. Read to her hearts content.
For a long while, she slipped into a reading hiatus. Still continuing to collect books and frequent her local Barnes and Noble.
It wasn't until right before her husband deployed in 2023 that she fell back in love with reading like a star falling from the cosmos.
Collecting more history books in a 4 month period than one should be allowed to.
In the beginning of 2024, she started reading romance after being introduced to Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
She had never been one for romances. But she fell in love with them. Reading over 36 romance novels in the span of 3 months.
One fateful day in June 2024, a friend of hers came to her asking for help on a story he was writing. Asking for help with a conflict.
The more her mind worked, the more her own story idea started to take place within her.
Before she knew it, Elevated Ambitions was born. And she set out on her biggest journey yet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
August 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars
Now listen, I was promised a smutty hockey romance, and I got that and so much more.
I love when a book seems like it’s going to be all spice with no plot, and then it surprises you with a storyline that’s not only engaging but also completely relatable. That’s exactly what happened here.
The MMC, Gunnar, is a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. He respects boundaries, notices the little details, and delivers all the swoon-worthy lines to make Tiana blush. He is the perfect mix of sexy hockey god and genuinely good man, which is such a winning combo.
Tiana, the FMC, is set in her ways and completely content with her life as it is. She has zero interest in hockey guys or men at all right now. But when Gunnar barges into her world, everything starts to shift. What I loved most was how he helped her come out of her shell without ever pushing too hard. He was steady, respectful, and always made her feel comfortable. That kind of male lead is absolute perfection on the page. Chef’s kiss.
This was not only a hot and smutty read, but it also had an amazing story running underneath. I cannot wait to see what kind of trouble the rest of the characters in this series get into.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a hockey romance with plenty of spice and a plot that delivers.
Now listen, I was promised a smutty hockey romance, and I got that and so much more.
I love when a book seems like it’s going to be all spice with no plot, and then it surprises you with a storyline that’s not only engaging but also completely relatable. That’s exactly what happened here.
The MMC, Gunnar, is a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. He respects boundaries, notices the little details, and delivers all the swoon-worthy lines to make Tiana blush. He is the perfect mix of sexy hockey god and genuinely good man, which is such a winning combo.
Tiana, the FMC, is set in her ways and completely content with her life as it is. She has zero interest in hockey guys or men at all right now. But when Gunnar barges into her world, everything starts to shift. What I loved most was how he helped her come out of her shell without ever pushing too hard. He was steady, respectful, and always made her feel comfortable. That kind of male lead is absolute perfection on the page. Chef’s kiss.
This was not only a hot and smutty read, but it also had an amazing story running underneath. I cannot wait to see what kind of trouble the rest of the characters in this series get into.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a hockey romance with plenty of spice and a plot that delivers.
July 14, 2025
Ok Miss “This book has no plot, doesn’t make sense and is just all about the smut” Steinhart. I was so nervous going into this thinking it was going to be just an “alright” read. I was wrong and Aurora Steinhart is a liar who played with my emotions and made me fall in love with a book with “no plot”. I honestly loved every second of this book, it’s a smut filled love story that is just pure happiness. I love our Golden Retriever BFG MMC and our “knows what she’s wants and right now it’s for everyone to get out my face” FMC Tiana. I just bloody loved this so much! Don’t believe the Author when you read the disclaimer, she’s a cheeky little fibber who had me kicking my little feet and feeling all of the feels. I finished this story feeling all warm and fuzzy 🤣
August 21, 2025
Aurora promised a smutty hockey romance and she delivered! Now don’t worry there is plot, and it’s relatable!
The mouth on Gunnar, the 6’6” golfer retriever hockey god with a breeding kink, and a swoon worthy mouth! He literally barges into the FMCs life unapologetically, Tiana is a black cat energy lawyer that’s pretty much just sworn off men, especially hockey players.
This was a short quick smutty hockey romance that will have you turning the pages, it’s fast paced, and filthy just the way I like it! Aurora never lets me down!!
The mouth on Gunnar, the 6’6” golfer retriever hockey god with a breeding kink, and a swoon worthy mouth! He literally barges into the FMCs life unapologetically, Tiana is a black cat energy lawyer that’s pretty much just sworn off men, especially hockey players.
This was a short quick smutty hockey romance that will have you turning the pages, it’s fast paced, and filthy just the way I like it! Aurora never lets me down!!
July 14, 2025
Why you should read this book:
- it will make you laugh and cheer and...it will just do everything.
- there is a story, a great one. the characters are complex and the love story just evolves naturally.
- it's an easy read, not overly written. I couldn't put it down once I started.
- There is spice. The spice adds to the story. It isn't just throw in spice here kinda thing.
- Gunner is my new book friend so back off he's mine. He really surprised me.
- I will warn you there are no grey sweatpants.
My review is not going to do this book any justice. Just read it, it's worth it.
I will be buying a copy of it when it's available in paper back. This story will be on my re-read list.
- it will make you laugh and cheer and...it will just do everything.
- there is a story, a great one. the characters are complex and the love story just evolves naturally.
- it's an easy read, not overly written. I couldn't put it down once I started.
- There is spice. The spice adds to the story. It isn't just throw in spice here kinda thing.
- Gunner is my new book friend so back off he's mine. He really surprised me.
- I will warn you there are no grey sweatpants.
My review is not going to do this book any justice. Just read it, it's worth it.
I will be buying a copy of it when it's available in paper back. This story will be on my re-read list.
July 20, 2025
Nothing like a good old fashioned hockey romance!! Okay this book WAS SO MUCH FUN! It focuses on the relationship development between hockey player Gunnar and lawyer Tiana.
Gunnar is an absolute golden retriever MMC who is the definition of a gentlemen and “if he wanted to he would”. I appreciated how much he loved Tiana so loudly and fiercely. He always showed up for her and would do the absolute sweetest things for her. HE IS SUCH A SWOON WORTHY BF! AND HE SET THE BAR OUT OF THE SKY!
And Tiana! I love her so much! She was always confident in who she was, and never compromised who she was for anyone. I love how she is independent and strong willed. She is such a baddass in so many ways! It was extremely rewarding to see her finally open up and develop a relationship with Gunnar.
AND THE SPICE ON THIS WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD! I loved every minute of it and it had me sweating!! I NEED MORE!!
Gunnar is an absolute golden retriever MMC who is the definition of a gentlemen and “if he wanted to he would”. I appreciated how much he loved Tiana so loudly and fiercely. He always showed up for her and would do the absolute sweetest things for her. HE IS SUCH A SWOON WORTHY BF! AND HE SET THE BAR OUT OF THE SKY!
And Tiana! I love her so much! She was always confident in who she was, and never compromised who she was for anyone. I love how she is independent and strong willed. She is such a baddass in so many ways! It was extremely rewarding to see her finally open up and develop a relationship with Gunnar.
AND THE SPICE ON THIS WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD! I loved every minute of it and it had me sweating!! I NEED MORE!!
July 15, 2025
AURORA… AU 👏🏻ROR👏🏻A!!!!!
Little miss never have written a hockey romance, little miss all smut no plot book, little miss “this book is trash and I’m writing it as an experiment”!?!????
What I just read was genuinely mind numbingly wonderful.
No plot you said?? 100% a plot and it was delightful. I felt all of the feelings and the character development within their relationship was perfect.
This was genuinely the perfect amount of spice/smut, like it wasn’t just thrown in all of the wrong places, it was cohesive and it wasn’t just smut, it was FLIPPIN ROMANCE!!!!!!
OUR MC’S?!?! AMAZING GORGEOUS LOVABLE!!!
BUT A BIG OLE ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR MMC, GUNNAR MF HAYZE BABY. MY KING DINGALING IF YOU WILL. 😩😩😩 he’s magnificent and made the breeding kink 10x more enjoyable gosh darn it.
This book was easy and flowed so well and guess what… now I want more of Tiana and Gunnar. Forever. Titi & Mr. Hayze 4lyfe my babies AGH
Little miss never have written a hockey romance, little miss all smut no plot book, little miss “this book is trash and I’m writing it as an experiment”!?!????
What I just read was genuinely mind numbingly wonderful.
No plot you said?? 100% a plot and it was delightful. I felt all of the feelings and the character development within their relationship was perfect.
This was genuinely the perfect amount of spice/smut, like it wasn’t just thrown in all of the wrong places, it was cohesive and it wasn’t just smut, it was FLIPPIN ROMANCE!!!!!!
OUR MC’S?!?! AMAZING GORGEOUS LOVABLE!!!
BUT A BIG OLE ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR MMC, GUNNAR MF HAYZE BABY. MY KING DINGALING IF YOU WILL. 😩😩😩 he’s magnificent and made the breeding kink 10x more enjoyable gosh darn it.
This book was easy and flowed so well and guess what… now I want more of Tiana and Gunnar. Forever. Titi & Mr. Hayze 4lyfe my babies AGH
July 15, 2025
The way I CONSUMED this book. I was lucky enough to get an ARC after seeing some of Aurora’s (unhinged) Threads posts and the moment it hit my inbox it was all I could think about. I would have read it in one sitting but people wanted me to do my job or something.
I went into this fully expecting no plot whatsoever and just horny kinky smut. It exceeded all expectations. I cried at one point - silly smut books don’t make me actually cry.
The dual POV was perfect and I loved seeing the change in tone for both MCs.
Gunnar is #1 book boyfriend. He was such a gentleman and represented the literal definition of if he wanted to he would. I don’t want to spoil anything but if you want to read about a guy who goes out of his way to learn more about the girl he’s interested in while respecting every one of her boundaries and then fucking her like the little cumslut she is, this book is for you.
Tiana was so fun as well and very relatable to me. She had her quirks and her faults, they both did, and they felt genuinely real to me.
I cannot wait for the holiday specials to come out.
I adored their dynamic and I really need an artist to draw Gunnar sitting on the edge of a bed leaning with his elbows on his spread knees with his chain between his teeth and nothing but a sheet covering him. PLEASE.
This will for sure be a preordered paperback. I need this on my shelf.
I went into this fully expecting no plot whatsoever and just horny kinky smut. It exceeded all expectations. I cried at one point - silly smut books don’t make me actually cry.
The dual POV was perfect and I loved seeing the change in tone for both MCs.
Gunnar is #1 book boyfriend. He was such a gentleman and represented the literal definition of if he wanted to he would. I don’t want to spoil anything but if you want to read about a guy who goes out of his way to learn more about the girl he’s interested in while respecting every one of her boundaries and then fucking her like the little cumslut she is, this book is for you.
Tiana was so fun as well and very relatable to me. She had her quirks and her faults, they both did, and they felt genuinely real to me.
I cannot wait for the holiday specials to come out.
I adored their dynamic and I really need an artist to draw Gunnar sitting on the edge of a bed leaning with his elbows on his spread knees with his chain between his teeth and nothing but a sheet covering him. PLEASE.
This will for sure be a preordered paperback. I need this on my shelf.
July 17, 2025
Checked and Balanced
I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC team for this, so thank you Wings & Words and Aurora Steinhart for the opportunity.
Now the disclaimer states 'this is just smut' and around a 3* read but my goodness, it is so much more! It has a strong independent FMC (always here for that) and a beautifully, sexy MMC to go along side plot and a delicious sprinkle of spice.
Checked and Balanced follows Gunner, a 6ft something, stacked hockey player and his obsession over the coaches daughter Tiana (oh yes, the tea). She is highly strung and knows what she wants (her own space and books duhh) and he is a proper man with a dirty mouth (in the bedroom of course 🥵). Will they have their happily ever after or with the ethics and legality of being his lawyer be their downfall. Well you will just have to read it to find out yourselves! You won't be disappointed, I promise 😉
This book is a fun, spicy, easy read
I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC team for this, so thank you Wings & Words and Aurora Steinhart for the opportunity.
Now the disclaimer states 'this is just smut' and around a 3* read but my goodness, it is so much more! It has a strong independent FMC (always here for that) and a beautifully, sexy MMC to go along side plot and a delicious sprinkle of spice.
Checked and Balanced follows Gunner, a 6ft something, stacked hockey player and his obsession over the coaches daughter Tiana (oh yes, the tea). She is highly strung and knows what she wants (her own space and books duhh) and he is a proper man with a dirty mouth (in the bedroom of course 🥵). Will they have their happily ever after or with the ethics and legality of being his lawyer be their downfall. Well you will just have to read it to find out yourselves! You won't be disappointed, I promise 😉
This book is a fun, spicy, easy read
July 19, 2025
❤️Rookie x Team Lawyer
❤️Breeding Kink
❤️He falls first, she falls harder
Aurora warned us this was just pure smut less plot... so how come it was such a cute story between Gunnar and Tiana?
Absolutely loved this, and yes the spice was spicy 🥵
❤️Breeding Kink
❤️He falls first, she falls harder
Aurora warned us this was just pure smut less plot... so how come it was such a cute story between Gunnar and Tiana?
Absolutely loved this, and yes the spice was spicy 🥵
September 11, 2025
The way that this book consumed me! I devoured it! Have I already started rereading it!? Yes!
I don't think I've given a book 5 star so fast! I laughed, I teared up, and I was screaming at the pages! It was so good! Aurora well done! I can't wait for the next one!
If you want a new boyfriend, look no further!!!!! He. Is. Right. Here!!!!
I don't think I've given a book 5 star so fast! I laughed, I teared up, and I was screaming at the pages! It was so good! Aurora well done! I can't wait for the next one!
If you want a new boyfriend, look no further!!!!! He. Is. Right. Here!!!!
July 17, 2025
This book!!!!!
The disclaimer lied to me, the author stated it’s 3stars at best!!! Not a chance 5 stars all the way. The start from the disclaimer had me howling, at the at was the first pages!!!
Strong male character dominance but soft at the same time, it’s brilliant!!! Just a green flag of a man, golden retriever type but would happily make you scream in the bedroom
Strong female character aswell, has my heart melting. And shout out to the Mother in the story what a badass harsh but fair. She knows her shit!!!
The spice started earlier on but was a slow burner at the same time. Had me HOOKED
If you like hockey romance strong characters and brilliant writing this book is you for. Definitely an amazing read. Didn’t want to put the book down!!
I’m now going to not patiently wait for the next book!!! I need it now
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FC5XDXN1
^^^^This book is available for pre order ^^^^
The disclaimer lied to me, the author stated it’s 3stars at best!!! Not a chance 5 stars all the way. The start from the disclaimer had me howling, at the at was the first pages!!!
Strong male character dominance but soft at the same time, it’s brilliant!!! Just a green flag of a man, golden retriever type but would happily make you scream in the bedroom
Strong female character aswell, has my heart melting. And shout out to the Mother in the story what a badass harsh but fair. She knows her shit!!!
The spice started earlier on but was a slow burner at the same time. Had me HOOKED
If you like hockey romance strong characters and brilliant writing this book is you for. Definitely an amazing read. Didn’t want to put the book down!!
I’m now going to not patiently wait for the next book!!! I need it now
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FC5XDXN1
^^^^This book is available for pre order ^^^^
July 20, 2025
Ice hockey ✅
Strong FMC ✅
Filthy mouthed MMC ✅
I devoured this book in one sitting. I love ice hockey romance and the MMC in this is 🥵🥵there’s a lot of spice but the author warned us of that at the start. She just wrote this for fun and boy did I have fun reading it! He’s the new rookie, she’s the teams lawyer and coaches daughter -off limits- but that doesn’t stop him! She’s built walls around her and she just needed someone to break them down and introduce her to some kinks 😂 and boy does he! If you love spicy hockey romance you’ll love this!
Strong FMC ✅
Filthy mouthed MMC ✅
I devoured this book in one sitting. I love ice hockey romance and the MMC in this is 🥵🥵there’s a lot of spice but the author warned us of that at the start. She just wrote this for fun and boy did I have fun reading it! He’s the new rookie, she’s the teams lawyer and coaches daughter -off limits- but that doesn’t stop him! She’s built walls around her and she just needed someone to break them down and introduce her to some kinks 😂 and boy does he! If you love spicy hockey romance you’ll love this!
July 15, 2025
‼️ ARC Review ‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You lied to me with “100% no plot, just smut. Just an experiment ”, thats not true. The story has plot and super 🔥smuty 😍 and I loved it.
A beautiful story full of fun, a strong sassy fmc, an obsessed and determined mmc that he knows what he wants and what he wants is his Tiana. I enjoyed so much their story. Gunner and Tiana were perfect for each other, who doesn’t want their man to see them, to listen and respect the way they are. I try so hard not to give spoilers but I need to say the mock trail lives rent free in my mind 🤭🤭🤭.
Thank you Aurora Steinhart for giving me the chance to read this beautiful story.
Troupes
Closed proxemity
Coach’s daughter
Golden retriever mmc
Grumpy fmc
Breading kink
He falls first and hard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You lied to me with “100% no plot, just smut. Just an experiment ”, thats not true. The story has plot and super 🔥smuty 😍 and I loved it.
A beautiful story full of fun, a strong sassy fmc, an obsessed and determined mmc that he knows what he wants and what he wants is his Tiana. I enjoyed so much their story. Gunner and Tiana were perfect for each other, who doesn’t want their man to see them, to listen and respect the way they are. I try so hard not to give spoilers but I need to say the mock trail lives rent free in my mind 🤭🤭🤭.
Thank you Aurora Steinhart for giving me the chance to read this beautiful story.
Troupes
Closed proxemity
Coach’s daughter
Golden retriever mmc
Grumpy fmc
Breading kink
He falls first and hard
July 16, 2025
To be loved is to be seen (& understood)
Golden retriever MMC with a splash of cockiness
Grumpy FMC or a FMC who needs her structure, her space, her peace?!
Hockey man player
Female sport lawyer
Forbidden love
Close proximity
Breeding kink
The plot? The author said it was an option & just about smut but she lied. Kind of. In a good way.
There is spice 🌶️
AND a story about 2 persons who found their other half.
Who found the person who really understands them… because you are enough and the right person will know!
Ah and he fell first and hard.
*** SPOILER ***
HE BOUGHT HER BOOKS! A lot of them!!
This book was an easy, funny, loving read.
Golden retriever MMC with a splash of cockiness
Grumpy FMC or a FMC who needs her structure, her space, her peace?!
Hockey man player
Female sport lawyer
Forbidden love
Close proximity
Breeding kink
The plot? The author said it was an option & just about smut but she lied. Kind of. In a good way.
There is spice 🌶️
AND a story about 2 persons who found their other half.
Who found the person who really understands them… because you are enough and the right person will know!
Ah and he fell first and hard.
*** SPOILER ***
HE BOUGHT HER BOOKS! A lot of them!!
This book was an easy, funny, loving read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
Arc read
Wow. what can I say.. we were told it was a 3 star read with no plot just lots of smut. Aurora is such a fibber. The story was beautiful. Who doesn't want a man that sees and hears you. FMC dominant in her job but submissive in private. And MMC with such a filthy mouth. not going to give much away but I will say I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. If you dont put this on your reading list what are you doing
Wow. what can I say.. we were told it was a 3 star read with no plot just lots of smut. Aurora is such a fibber. The story was beautiful. Who doesn't want a man that sees and hears you. FMC dominant in her job but submissive in private. And MMC with such a filthy mouth. not going to give much away but I will say I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. If you dont put this on your reading list what are you doing
July 28, 2025
4.75 Stars!
Many thanks to Aurora Steinhart for an ARC of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own!
The author called this book an "experiment" and good Lord did she f*cking succeed!!
Holy crap!! Someone find me my own Gunnar Hayze fast!
This man was gone for Tiana from the word go and I loved him. He was such a golden retriever and I loved the way he learned her. He never tried to push her out of her comfort zone, he always did what he could to match her. Yes, both Gunnar and Tiana mention it a few times, but I just loved that it was never a question for him. I loved how he wanted to keep his grandfather with him and how he kept the truck. While he was a little insistent, he knew what he wanted and he was willing to go after it, but he also didn't push where he shouldn't.
Tiana was great as well. She was a little closed off but she admitted a few times that she'd never really seen the point before. That no one had bothered to basically meet her on her side of things before Gunnar. I did wish we'd gotten a little more on her relationship with Charlotte specifically (because it seems like they were comparatively close, all things considered) but also on her relationship with her parents. It seemed like she and her father mostly let things go because he figured she was never going to have any interest in hockey players and before Gunnar, she didn't. But her relationship with her mother was definitely slightly...tense(?). Granted, the author admits there was less plot going into this, but still! I did like the fact that when things came out, Tiana figured out how to keep them together. Admittedly, that was my thought in the first place, when she first told him that she'd be his girlfriend but they couldn't tell anyone, but at the same time, I think Tiana still needed to figure out her feelings, so it was maybe a little bit of an excuse to keep hiding but it was a truthful excuse.
There is a list of the spicy scenes at the beginning, so check it out. And the scenes were a spicing! I loved them! Gunnar figuring out what Tiana needed and talking her through it. And honestly, breeding kink? With Gunnar? Hell yes!
It took me about 10 days to read this, but this is actually a pretty quick read. My issue was that I had other stuff going on so I didn't have as much time to pick up my Kindle.
I think my biggest issue(?) with this is that it's very clear there weren't additional/editor type eyes on this. And the author admits it in the acknowledgements. But there were a few times that stuff got missed (words missing, words added, etc) and it did make things a little confusing having to go back and reread to figure out what was going on. I just wanted to read about Gunnar and Tiana!
July 19, 2025
♡”𝚒’𝚖 𝚜𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜. 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 , 𝙸’𝚖 𝚜𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚝. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚏𝚞𝚎𝚕, 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚊𝚍𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚋𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚔 , 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎.”♡
🏒₊˚⊹♡ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠🏒₊˚⊹♡
⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅.
i had the pleasure of reading this book through all of its phases & it ATE everytime. thank you aurora for always sharing your work with me , i devour it , consume it and end up falling in love with the story and mmc’s like its literal air. i’m so thankful for our friendship and am forever grateful for meeting you on booktok. love you bitch
i’m not joking , i need gunnar hayze in my bloodstream.
tiana - ugh , i love her. i can relate to her in so many ways. to her meticulous scheduling & also her fighting not to fall for someone who she isn’t supposed to , but did anyway-she fought for what she wanted & it was love. lemme just sob from her sass , to her seriousness & openness with gunnar , a true queen if you tell me.
gunnar - listen to me , when she came up with this idea and told me about him , i was already weak at knees. this goofball of a man who knows what he wants and moves heaven and earth to have it. PLS. i’m sorry & his kink ? sign me tf up , I VOLUNTEER. he’s just so ugh , like , so sweet , loving and just such a golden retriever. everybody needs a gunnar in their life. i love him sm.
if you’re into spicy reads , hockey & mmc’s who are down bad for the fmc’s please read this. & also add her other books to your tbr bc they are *chefs kiss*
now ill be patiently waiting for their novellas k thx
rating: 5 ⭐️
spice: 4 🌶️
releases august 21st !!!
tropes:
♡ hockey romance
♡ forbidden
♡ team lawyer x rookie
♡ breeding kink
♡ coach’s daughter
🏒₊˚⊹♡ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠🏒₊˚⊹♡
⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅. ⋆⁺₊❅.
i had the pleasure of reading this book through all of its phases & it ATE everytime. thank you aurora for always sharing your work with me , i devour it , consume it and end up falling in love with the story and mmc’s like its literal air. i’m so thankful for our friendship and am forever grateful for meeting you on booktok. love you bitch
i’m not joking , i need gunnar hayze in my bloodstream.
tiana - ugh , i love her. i can relate to her in so many ways. to her meticulous scheduling & also her fighting not to fall for someone who she isn’t supposed to , but did anyway-she fought for what she wanted & it was love. lemme just sob from her sass , to her seriousness & openness with gunnar , a true queen if you tell me.
gunnar - listen to me , when she came up with this idea and told me about him , i was already weak at knees. this goofball of a man who knows what he wants and moves heaven and earth to have it. PLS. i’m sorry & his kink ? sign me tf up , I VOLUNTEER. he’s just so ugh , like , so sweet , loving and just such a golden retriever. everybody needs a gunnar in their life. i love him sm.
if you’re into spicy reads , hockey & mmc’s who are down bad for the fmc’s please read this. & also add her other books to your tbr bc they are *chefs kiss*
now ill be patiently waiting for their novellas k thx
rating: 5 ⭐️
spice: 4 🌶️
releases august 21st !!!
tropes:
♡ hockey romance
♡ forbidden
♡ team lawyer x rookie
♡ breeding kink
♡ coach’s daughter
August 16, 2025
Checked and balanced
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was warned before reading this that it was essentially porn with some plot but oh how you miss sold me Aurora!
So I had fully prepared myself to not have much plot, to be reading all smut but the plot is here and it’s great. Watching Gunnar and Tiana navigate things and come out on top was truly a lovely experience.
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed, a black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC with all the spice!
Gunnar truly is an “if he wanted to he would” boyfriend, he truly does what very few men would do for a woman and its swoon worthy, not only for Tiana but for me reading it. He’s also the true embodiment of a gentleman - except when in bed then he’s a freak for his girl.
I read this book in one day over 3 sittings, only stopping to eat and do the bare minimum of being an adult that I could get away with and I found myself a bit sad when I finished it. I could have read a lot more of these two but by no means does the book feel unfinished when you reach the end.
All and all for a book that was experimental (said so by Aurora) I loved it! If you like a hockey romance or even if you don’t please consider giving it ago, if not for the plot - that does exist - then do it for the immaculate spicy smut that had me blushing.
So while yes it’s not perfect it truly has a place in my heart, this book came at a time that was hard for me to navigate and gave me a wonderful distraction for a day and for that I can’t thank Aurora enough. I can t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you so much Aurora for letting me read this book in ARC form and thank you to the words&wings community for having me and letting me take part.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was warned before reading this that it was essentially porn with some plot but oh how you miss sold me Aurora!
So I had fully prepared myself to not have much plot, to be reading all smut but the plot is here and it’s great. Watching Gunnar and Tiana navigate things and come out on top was truly a lovely experience.
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed, a black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC with all the spice!
Gunnar truly is an “if he wanted to he would” boyfriend, he truly does what very few men would do for a woman and its swoon worthy, not only for Tiana but for me reading it. He’s also the true embodiment of a gentleman - except when in bed then he’s a freak for his girl.
I read this book in one day over 3 sittings, only stopping to eat and do the bare minimum of being an adult that I could get away with and I found myself a bit sad when I finished it. I could have read a lot more of these two but by no means does the book feel unfinished when you reach the end.
All and all for a book that was experimental (said so by Aurora) I loved it! If you like a hockey romance or even if you don’t please consider giving it ago, if not for the plot - that does exist - then do it for the immaculate spicy smut that had me blushing.
So while yes it’s not perfect it truly has a place in my heart, this book came at a time that was hard for me to navigate and gave me a wonderful distraction for a day and for that I can’t thank Aurora enough. I can t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you so much Aurora for letting me read this book in ARC form and thank you to the words&wings community for having me and letting me take part.
July 19, 2025
Gunnar. Haze. The man that you ARE.
When I say I was beyond excited for this book that is an understatement. This woman posted that she was writing a hockey romance with a breeding kink and I was SAT. If you are a slow burn girlie this is not the book for you. Gunnar knows what he wants and absolutely goes for it. I literally read it too fast the first time and had to read it again so I could write this review.
For the book that was supposed to be just “silly smut with no plot” somehow had me locked in and reading with bated breath.
The way that Gunnar cares for Tiana and meets her right where she is absolutely took my breath away. Somehow this silly little smut filled book has absolutely raised my standards for men.
Aurora has already teased more books with Gunnar and Tiana and I absolutely cannot wait to get to experience more of their story.
27/10 would recommend.
When I say I was beyond excited for this book that is an understatement. This woman posted that she was writing a hockey romance with a breeding kink and I was SAT. If you are a slow burn girlie this is not the book for you. Gunnar knows what he wants and absolutely goes for it. I literally read it too fast the first time and had to read it again so I could write this review.
For the book that was supposed to be just “silly smut with no plot” somehow had me locked in and reading with bated breath.
The way that Gunnar cares for Tiana and meets her right where she is absolutely took my breath away. Somehow this silly little smut filled book has absolutely raised my standards for men.
Aurora has already teased more books with Gunnar and Tiana and I absolutely cannot wait to get to experience more of their story.
27/10 would recommend.
August 5, 2025
Tiana is a lawyer for the Stags, a pro hockey team, and Gunnar is a new player for the team. She wants nothing to do with engaging in any man right now, let alone a team member. She has to focus on her career and can never find the right man that will care for her and her needs. Gunnar will stop at nothing to satisfy every need she desires and some she didn’t know she wanted. He will give up everything for her!
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good sports romance with a lot of spice. The spice will leave you panting as you read 🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️
Gunnar will become your next book boyfriend. He is so sweet, sexy and total cinnamon roll.
Tiana is such a smart, strong, beautiful FMC who has such amazing character growth.
I loved this book and I hope there’s more!
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good sports romance with a lot of spice. The spice will leave you panting as you read 🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️
Gunnar will become your next book boyfriend. He is so sweet, sexy and total cinnamon roll.
Tiana is such a smart, strong, beautiful FMC who has such amazing character growth.
I loved this book and I hope there’s more!
August 1, 2025
Gunnar and Tiana are couple goals, point blank! Gunnar learns things that make Tiana unable to function with her low needs undiagnosed Autism, so he does his absolute best to make sure she doesn't have to deal with them! Is he perfect, absolutely not, but does he try his best every time, yes.
Gunnar is the new man on the Stags Hockey and Tiana is the team's lawyer, oh, and she's the Coach's daughter. He is 6'6, pure muscle, and southern gentleman charm with a filthy mouth and a breeding kink. Tiana is multiracial, a lawyer, the coach's daughter, and not looking for love because it hasn't ever ended well for her.
I am a part of Aurora's beta team and she never disappoints with her work! If you want a smutty, hockey read then this is the one for you!
Gunnar is the new man on the Stags Hockey and Tiana is the team's lawyer, oh, and she's the Coach's daughter. He is 6'6, pure muscle, and southern gentleman charm with a filthy mouth and a breeding kink. Tiana is multiracial, a lawyer, the coach's daughter, and not looking for love because it hasn't ever ended well for her.
I am a part of Aurora's beta team and she never disappoints with her work! If you want a smutty, hockey read then this is the one for you!
July 15, 2025
WOW!!!
This book is an absolute fun filled ride, it's not all about the plot it's all about the characters relationship and how it grows and yes all the smut, and I was so here for it,
Gunner is an absolute cutie pie seriously the way he just gets Tiana, he doesn't want to change her he doesn't expect anything from her, he just wants her exactly the way she is, he's the absolute dream guy,
Tiana is such a strong, independent, driven woman who doesn't know what's hit her when she meets Gunner does she try and fight it Yes does she believe it's too good to be true Yes but in the end does she get the happiness she deserves Definitely Yes,
I really enjoyed this book I couldn't put it down, it was so fun and kinda made me a little bit jealous that there isn't real men like Gunner, I know silly but seriously he sets the bar so high you can't see the bar anymore, I really hope this gets turned in to a series as I'd love to see the dynamics of some of the other characters too
This book is an absolute fun filled ride, it's not all about the plot it's all about the characters relationship and how it grows and yes all the smut, and I was so here for it,
Gunner is an absolute cutie pie seriously the way he just gets Tiana, he doesn't want to change her he doesn't expect anything from her, he just wants her exactly the way she is, he's the absolute dream guy,
Tiana is such a strong, independent, driven woman who doesn't know what's hit her when she meets Gunner does she try and fight it Yes does she believe it's too good to be true Yes but in the end does she get the happiness she deserves Definitely Yes,
I really enjoyed this book I couldn't put it down, it was so fun and kinda made me a little bit jealous that there isn't real men like Gunner, I know silly but seriously he sets the bar so high you can't see the bar anymore, I really hope this gets turned in to a series as I'd love to see the dynamics of some of the other characters too
August 29, 2025
Ok so firstly, I enjoyed this hockey romance. I loved the banter and interactions between the main characters. The mmc was infectious and its hard to not love him. Secondly I love that we have a neurospicy fmc and I liked that her view on the world was clearly explained and well written. I did find myself unable to give it a 5 because I felt like there was so much focus on the breeding kink that I expected to see his reaction to finding out shes pregnant. And whilst I enjoyed the story it felt like the "solution" element of this story (trying not to give spoilers!), should have been glaringly obvious to her as a solicitor. It was the first thing I thought at the time so I just felt a bit like it needed to have been a bit more complexity since it seemed to take a long time for her to reach that conclusion. But still an enjoyable read.
October 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! My first hockey romance and although there was a list of terminologies at the beginning of the book, I still struggled with them slightly, but I will say, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book!
It was spicy, feel-good and Gunnar is just bloody lovely! The reps in this book were amazing, and it was very interesting to read from a pov of someone with undiagnosed autism.
Currently reading the second instalment courtesy of Wings and Words and Aurora Steinhart. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Tiana and Gunnar!
It was spicy, feel-good and Gunnar is just bloody lovely! The reps in this book were amazing, and it was very interesting to read from a pov of someone with undiagnosed autism.
Currently reading the second instalment courtesy of Wings and Words and Aurora Steinhart. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Tiana and Gunnar!
August 27, 2025
Well, for a book that the author wrote (and I quote) “for fun” this was thoroughly enjoyable! I loved the banter and the quips from the MMC! He is a huge hockey player that is dreamy (panty wetting dreamy).
The FMC is a badass lawyer and values her time and energy, so she wasn’t ready for the 6ft plus Adonis that crashed into her life like a wrecking ball.
He falls first, however she says it first 😜 they make the most beautiful couple!
Oh, did I mention the very hot breeding kink!? Yeah didn’t think that kink was one that was going to be unlocked in my psyche …. But I was wrong lol.
This sports romance is written so well, I really enjoyed reading it, it helps that from about chapter 18 it’s pure filth from then on …. And I was there for it! The smut was definitely smutting and damn did I often have a pulse because of the filth that came out of the MMC’s mouth!
Anyway! Definitely worth a read and makes a great palette cleanser at 410 pages.
Dark, raunchy and addictive! 👏
The FMC is a badass lawyer and values her time and energy, so she wasn’t ready for the 6ft plus Adonis that crashed into her life like a wrecking ball.
He falls first, however she says it first 😜 they make the most beautiful couple!
Oh, did I mention the very hot breeding kink!? Yeah didn’t think that kink was one that was going to be unlocked in my psyche …. But I was wrong lol.
This sports romance is written so well, I really enjoyed reading it, it helps that from about chapter 18 it’s pure filth from then on …. And I was there for it! The smut was definitely smutting and damn did I often have a pulse because of the filth that came out of the MMC’s mouth!
Anyway! Definitely worth a read and makes a great palette cleanser at 410 pages.
Dark, raunchy and addictive! 👏
October 7, 2025
3.5/5🌟 this was truly the brain rot i needed. This was a fun time & helped me come out of a slump
July 15, 2025
SMUT with no plot was the first thing I noticed when I received this ARC copy of Checked and Balanced. Aurora Steinhart didn't give her abilities the proper credit because this book was a hat trick for me. An uptight, don't f with me attitude FMC and a rock hard teddy bear of a MMC brought about giggles, tears and WTF moments in almost every chapter. The smut was there but so was a story that I was sad to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
This is an enjoyable book. Well written. Interesting. Very funny. With excellent characters and lots of spice.
August 10, 2025
If you’re here for plot—walk away. But if you’re here for filthy, dirty, unapologetic hockey smut? This is your book. And trust me, the smut is smutting.
Gunnar, our MMC, lives by a code and is the definition of a gentleman… until it comes to Tiana, our FMC. The second he lays eyes on her, he’s locked in. She swears she’ll never date a hockey player, but every “no” she throws at him just fuels his determination.
This is golden retriever MMC meets black cat FMC at its finest. He’ll bend to her every whim outside the bedroom—but inside? He calls all the shots. And a golden retriever man turning into a full-blown dom in the bedroom? Nothing hotter. Oh, and the breeding kink? Omggg. He’s got me ready to sign up to have his babies.
If you read nothing else, at least read the kitchen scene and the elevator scene. I’m still blushing.
3.75 ⭐️ rounded to 4 ⭐️
Gunnar, our MMC, lives by a code and is the definition of a gentleman… until it comes to Tiana, our FMC. The second he lays eyes on her, he’s locked in. She swears she’ll never date a hockey player, but every “no” she throws at him just fuels his determination.
This is golden retriever MMC meets black cat FMC at its finest. He’ll bend to her every whim outside the bedroom—but inside? He calls all the shots. And a golden retriever man turning into a full-blown dom in the bedroom? Nothing hotter. Oh, and the breeding kink? Omggg. He’s got me ready to sign up to have his babies.
If you read nothing else, at least read the kitchen scene and the elevator scene. I’m still blushing.
3.75 ⭐️ rounded to 4 ⭐️
August 11, 2025
Firstly thank you to miss smut peddler Aurora Steinhart. Seriously thank you. lol.
This book was cute, hot and just the right amount of plot. Not everything has to be so serious all the time.
This is the first hockey romance I’ve read and it’s set a very high expectation.
In the authors words this book was an experiment and a 75/25 smut/ plot ratio. It’s definitely a successful experiment! I’d go with more of a 50/50 ratio but the sexy scenes don’t feel thrown in for the sake of it.
Gunner may go in the top 10 book boyfriends list if I didn’t think Tiana might come out of the book and sue me for thinking about her man.
He’s such a golden retriever I don’t think anyone could not love him. And Tiana is such a strong, independent woman who wars with her brain vs her heart when she meets Gunner.
I only wish we’d seen Gunner take Tiana home to meet his family… book two??
❤️ I received an advanced review copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily ❤️
This book was cute, hot and just the right amount of plot. Not everything has to be so serious all the time.
This is the first hockey romance I’ve read and it’s set a very high expectation.
In the authors words this book was an experiment and a 75/25 smut/ plot ratio. It’s definitely a successful experiment! I’d go with more of a 50/50 ratio but the sexy scenes don’t feel thrown in for the sake of it.
Gunner may go in the top 10 book boyfriends list if I didn’t think Tiana might come out of the book and sue me for thinking about her man.
He’s such a golden retriever I don’t think anyone could not love him. And Tiana is such a strong, independent woman who wars with her brain vs her heart when she meets Gunner.
I only wish we’d seen Gunner take Tiana home to meet his family… book two??
❤️ I received an advanced review copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily ❤️
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