Jensen and Lainey’s emotional past anchors their connection, but when their present becomes unsteady, will their future together be enough to save them from succumbing to the darkness?
Lainey Bradford has always been the shoulder for everyone else to cry on. After surviving an attack that left her broken and scarred—both physically and mentally—she clings to her boyfriend, Cole, regardless of the endless red flags he does little to hide. But when she gets a dream offer to become a professional hockey team’s physical therapist, a fire reignites inside of her, and she’s ready to fight for what she wants. There’s only one problem with this team, and it's a six-foot-five hockey player she used to call her best friend.
Jensen Donnelley, a notorious defenseman for the New York Nighthawks, has always struggled with his mental health, especially after enduring a horrific car accident that took his older sister’s life when they were kids. He’s good at internalizing everything, much like he did when Lainey cut him off after years of friendship because of his hockey rival, Cole, and much like he’s doing now, hiding something that could put him on injury reserve for the season…or even longer.
The tension is palpable when the two are reunited, Lainey’s disdain an equal match for Jensen’s yearning. But a relationship thirteen years in the making doesn’t come without tribulations. As they chip away at each other’s walls, uncovering new scars and dredging up old, haunting memories, they’ll have to decide if their struggles with the darkness in their minds will unite them once and for all or tear them apart for good.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 [rounded Up] 🌶️🌶️/5 📚 Book #6 in the Interconnected Standalone Series "Nighthawks" 🗣️ Dual POV 💥 Check Your Trigger Warning for some Heavy Material 🏒 Hockey Romance w/Actual on Page Hockey 🖤 M/F
This book starts out with a literal bang, grabbing you by the throat and throwing you head first into a story of grief and trauma. Jensen and Lainey both lose someone fundamental to their childhoods in that car accident and it alters them.
Something that I was hoping to see more of, was a mental health rep for both of these characters. We see a glimpse in the beginning after the accident, but with the trauma that Jensen & Lainey go through, I figured there would have been more.
I really did adore Jensen & Lainey together though. His protectiveness of her, and wanting the best for her even from afar is goals. He has always loved her, and he let her take the wheel on how their story played out, because he cared about her triggers and needs in general. I didnt love that we were a bit duped with a certain crucial part of the story. I'll admit secret pregnancy trope or pregnancy in general isnt a fav of mine, but I normally can get past it if the entire plot isnt about it. This one threw me for the reason listed in the spoiler.
Lainey and her new found friend group was a redeeming factor for me. The way they clicked, and gave support for their own trauma's made the friendships more genuine. While I did feel that the epilogue tied up everything, I do feel the ending was rushed and I would have like to have known if Morgan did get her ring, and if Cole got his just desserts.
Tropes: 🖤 Roommates 🏒 Ex Boyfriends Rival 🖤 Secret Pregnancy 🏒 Found Family 🖤 Childhood Best Friends
Solid hockey friends to lovers romance. I loved these two ending up together, especially after all those years. Loved how supportive they were of each other as teens.
Adore how devoted the MMC is from the moment she comes back into his life. They had a strong connection that was clear from the chapters in their teens, and from the moment they saw each other again. They knew each other so well it was hard to understand why they hadn't been together before then or they drifted apart in the first place, but I get that it can happen when someone is manipulated in a relationship.
The characters deal with some heavy things: grief from loss of a loved one in their teens, and the FMC is still dealing with trauma from being raped at knife point a year earlier. However, these things are pretty surface level, and are either already worked through when the present timeline begins, or they're addressed quickly and never an issue again. Would have liked to have seen more importance placed on working through these things since they're brought up as such huge parts of the storyline.
Even still, this book was going to be a 4 star for me until some pretty big things had me bringing it down to 3 stars.
‼️ Spoilers
1. The FMC finds out she's pregnant with her ex's child. While I LOVE that the MMC immediately viewed the baby as his and wanted them both, I hate that they took the ex's parental rights away because they didn't want to deal with shared custody. We're supposed to agree with this because he was cheating on her and an asshole and sports betting on his own games and [insert whatever else is needed for the reader to label him as a bad guy], but he never once said that he didn't want anything to do with his baby, they just told him then immediately blackmailed him into signing his rights away to keep from having to deal with him.
Um okay. Y'all know I'm never ever ever a man [derogatory] apologist, but now I'm heated because I'm having to defend one. 🙄 He wasn't abusive, he was just a complete asshole. Their daughter deserved the chance to know her father too even if it made things hard for the MCs.
2. The MMC tears his ACL pretty early on and is like...just sent straight home. From a professional sports league. And then while waiting for surgery (the rest of the entire book is him waiting for surgery), he just goes on walkabout. He has sex with the FMC many times (always with her on top because of course), walks around the world's largest aquarium, beats someone with his crutches, and a myriad of other things. The entire second half of the book is him hobbling around on crutches waiting for surgery. I'm sure he could do a lot, but all of that???? And with no additional injuries or pain??? Idk
3. The ending was rushed. We have half a book setting them up to get together and then he tears his ACL before they're even officially together. Then the days or weeks (we don't know how long it actually is bc it doesn't happen on page) that he's waiting for surgery, the rest of the story happens and the book ends. They have sex for the first time a day or two after his injury (with zero pain for him), and then in the next days (weeks?) their relationship is solidified. Then the story ends and a year later he's healed and she's had the baby, and that's it. I really wish we had seen more of what happened because these were important things.
No third act breakup. OM drama but no OW drama (when I tell you this man was yearning for years 🥺). Cute side characters. Will read others' books.
“I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.”“Thanks to Pru Schuyler and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.”
Such a good story line!! Your heart is broken in the first chapter for our MMC & then put back together throughout the book. Jensen & Lainey are childhood best friends who find themselves back together playing/working for the same NHL team. Lainey has the worst boyfriend ever & Jensen is not going to stand for anything better than perfection for Lainey. I loved their friendship growing into love ❤️ (even though they were always secretly in love with each other!!) Definitely add this one to your TBR!!
Book 6 in the series is the perfect addition. Lainey and Jensen will take you through an emotional journey of friendship, tragedy, mental health struggles and love. You will root for each of them individually and want for their love to finally have its moment. Have some tissues ready because your heart will start broken and break throughout, but it will be put back together beautifully.
**Triggers** Car Accident/Death Sexual Assault Mental Health Cheating
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Loved This Book
Find Me in the Dark by Pru Schuyler completely pulled me in. The writing is moody in the best way, and the story has this slow‑burn tension that kept me turning pages way later than I planned. The connection between Lainey and Jensen feels real, messy, emotional, and easy to root for.
What I liked most is how the book balances Jensen’s past trauma with Lainey’s recent trauma with heart. They save each other because growing up together taught them so much about the other. Some parts are dark, but not heavy in a way that drags you down. It’s the kind of story you finish and immediately want someone else to read so you can talk about all the twists and moments that stick with you.
If you’re into atmospheric reads with great characters and a story that stays with you, this one’s absolutely worth it.
This novella broke my heart but it also put me back together. I absolutely love the vulnerability and raw love that Jensen and Lainey have. This book is heavy in terms of the topics it covers and it shows grief and hardships, but it also was beautiful to see Jensen and Lainey rekindle their friendship and fall in love. Their love story is one I’ll treasure and keep close to my heart forever!
Thank you so much House of Hearts and Pru for allowing me to read and review this love story before it releases!
It’s been a while since I’ve read a slow-burn as good as this one. It was less of a “will they/won’t they” and more of a “when are they gonna?!” And I loved the build up and pay off!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Any fear you have is a fear we’ll conquer together. I didn’t choose you, Lainey. It’s only ever been you. Nothing is going to change that. I promise.” 💖
Pru was looking to break some hearts with this one friends! I was 25% in and had already teared up twice. This story has such emotional depth that it truly just captured my heart. I loved both Jensen and Lainey. Their happy ending was years in the making but it was worth the wait!
“There’s never been any other path for me but you.”
The way Jensen YEARNED, for YEARS over Lainey was next level. There was quite literally only her in his heart and soul. He was such a sweet MMC who could flip the switch and go full protector mode. REAL QUICK
“You are all I’ve ever wanted and all I’ll ever need. I’m sure you’ve figured that out by now.”
Lainey had a lot of healing to go through to overcome her past and every negative moment she had with her ex. Jensen was there for her and never rushed her into explaining her trauma. He always prioritized her comfort and did everything he could to make her feel safe and loved.
“He may be the one tied up, but I’m tethered to him by invisible bounds.”
PS: The way this man reacts to her “surprise” news, was so SWEET & HOT.
“Mine,” he growls, his stare possessive and scalding hot. “Just like you. Mine.” “I’m yours,”
I could read this story over and over again! The found family created by the Nighthawks teams was amazing. The guys protect each other and their loved ones. There’s a scene towards the end that had me smiling ear to ear over their antics!
I read this series out of order but I am so ready to go back and read everyone else’s books! I freaking adore Jensen’s teammates!
If you love hard fought happy endings, emotional journeys and SWOON worthy hockey players, please go read Find Me in the Dark!
Tropes: 🫶🏼 Childhood Friends to Lovers ⛸️ Hockey Romance 💖 Found Family 🥹 YEARS of Yearning 🎀 Pregnancy + Not His Baby ❤️🔥 Slowww Burn + Spice 🪢 She Ties Him Up (His Idea, For Her Comfort)
Very quick read this book was ok as it was so short. It was also a little surface level even though there were some deep themes of grief and sexual assault they were just touched on and not really delved into this might have been due to the length of the book.
Jenson is in a car crash that kills his older sister. He blames himself and so do his parents however no one else does. He is best friends with Luca and his sister Lainey. Lainey and Jenson have a connection that only grows as Lainey supports Jenson with his grief and PTSD. They remain friends but obviously they both want more but don't want to lose their friendship. Jenson is slightly older so heads off to become a professional hockey player while Lainey heads off to collage.
Lainey has been dating Cole who is a bad guy and I have no clue why Lainey stays with him for 6 years. Jenson has beat Cole up in a hockey game and injured him and Lainey hasn't spoken to Jenson in a year because of this. Lainey suffered a sexual assault at knife point that I think she has only told Cole about he has not helped her and she has found a way to shut down when they are intimate. Cole realised this and just doesn't care. He is also cheating on her.
Lainey has managed to secure a job working for the same hockey team as Jenson and they instantly connect again. Lainey finally sees that Cole is horrible and has been treating her badly and they split up. However Lainey is pregnant with Coles baby, she tells Jenson who immediately wants to be the father.
Jenson is so sweet with Lainey and I have no clue why they didn't get together so much sooner. He is quick to reassure her with the baby and with the sexual assault and fine a way to enable her to enjoy being intimate.
Lainey is so strong and determined even when she has Cole coercing her she manages to train to do the job she wants and even applies for a job half way across the country and moves. She is so quick to support Jenson and she seems to have a natural way to calm him it was a really sweet connection they had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Pru’s writing is so seamless I enjoyed this book in one sitting because I just needed to know what was going to happen with all the characters involved. Especially with Jensen and Lainey and the long history they shared with all the emotions.
This book throws head first into a story of grief and trauma. Jensen and Lainey both lose someone fundamental to their childhoods in that car accident and it alters them. Jensen and Lainey both endured something so deep and heartbreaking that no one should, did they go to dark places, yes but they also made it out and onto a better mental state.
Jensen's patience and attention to detail when it came to his interactions with Lainey were everything she needed after being with that man child Cole! Jensen fell first and fell hard for his woman. He never once doubted his love for her. Jensen knew what he wanted and took the time and thoughtfulness to plan how he should pursue that relationship in a way that was healthy for both him and Lainey. Jensen’s protectiveness of her, and wanting the best for her even from afar is goals. He has always loved her, and he let her take the wheel on how their story played out, because he cared about her triggers and needs in general.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster from hating Cole and how he treated Lainey to watching her fall in love with Jensen, who was the guy she knew all along was her forever! The tragedies in this book are heavy but having everything fall into place throughout the book made it that much better!
I could read this story over and over again! The found family created by the Nighthawks teams was amazing. The guys protect each other and their loved ones. Lainey and her new found friend group was a redeeming factor for me. The way they clicked, and gave support for their own trauma's made the friendships more genuine.
This book was the perfect representation of how characters can work through trauma to have more fulfilling relationships.
Ugh, Jensen is everything. The kind of man who’s steady, patient, and absolutely devoted — even when it hurts. He’s loved Lainey for years, through loss and distance and silence, and watching him finally step back into her life made my heart ache in the best way.
This story is heavy at times, touching on trauma and healing, but it’s done with so much care. Seeing Lainey struggle after her assault and cling to a toxic relationship out of fear and self-doubt was heartbreaking, but also so real. You feel how lost she is, and that makes her growth, her slow reclaiming of self-worth, that much more powerful.
I totally get why Jensen and Luca kept the truth about her ex from her, but part of me wished it came out sooner. Still, the way Jensen never hesitated to be there for her, never made her feel small or broken, just loved, was everything. He’s secure in his feelings, gentle in his care, and never once made her healing about himself.
Their connection feels deep-rooted and inevitable, the kind of love built from shared pain and quiet moments rather than grand gestures. And while we got a small taste of closure with the ex, I would’ve loved to see that moment fully play out on page.
Overall, Find Me in the Dark is a tender, emotional, and beautifully introspective story about finding light again, and the person who helps you believe you’re worthy of it. I adored Lainey and Jensen’s journey, and I’m begging for Luca’s book next. 🤍
Thanks to the Pru Schuyler and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Another fantastic edition to the Nighthawks Series, I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down!
The raw emotion that is portrayed in this book is so beautifully written by the author, Pru once again does such a fantastic job of representing somebody's every day struggles which in the case of this book was mental health, grief and trauma. I feel that a lot of people will relate to both characters in this book for various different reasons, me personally it was the devastating effects grief can cause, it resonated with me despite it being very different circumstances.
I thought both characters were written with a lot of depth, the rawness of their emotions was really clear and you felt it as you read. I was captivated by their journey throughout the book, both together and individually. The book was well paced, thought out and flowed well.
The found family vibes were once again immaculate with the team, I loved the banter with the team and the pure support for each other the girls have. I loved that once again there was some great hockey content throughout the book, something Pru does so well.
🏒 Slow Burn 🏒 Second Chance 🏒 Childhood Friends 🏒 Mental Health Rep 🏒 Workplace Romance 🏒 Found Family
🔴 This book has trigger warnings, please for your safety and mental health read them first
I was an arc reader for this book and want to share my love for the book.
This one is quite an emotional journey! From the tragedies Lainey and Jensen have each endured to the childhood friendship they shared only to have it severed due to Jensen's hockey rival, Find Me in the Dark will put your heart through the wringer! I wasn’t expecting it to hit quite as hard as it did, but the heartache is worth it because Pru heals it so beautifully by the end.
🏒 Hockey Romance 💙 Childhood Friends-to-Lovers 🏒 Found Family 💙 Secret Pregnancy 🏒 Years of Yearning
Jensen & Lainey were childhood best friends until they weren't. There’s so much shared pain between them, along with individual trauma they’ve each carried for years. And now Lainey is back in Jensen's life as the physical therapist for his hockey team, and it’s clear that the connection never truly disappeared between these two. ESPECIALLY for Jensen. It has only ever been Lainey for him!
Watching them rebuild a friendship and navigate a new relationship while still uncovering & confronting old wounds and secrets was raw and heart-wrenching. The slow burn. The tension. The yearning! I was fully invested in all the messiness and the journey it took to reach their hard-earned HEA.
Thank you House of Hearts Lit for the ARC opportunity! I am so excited to dive back into the rest of the Nighthawks series <3
I received an ARC, without further ado let’s proceed with my review:
Find Me in the Dark Pru Schuyler
Lainey. We already love her immediately. Jensen. We already love him immediately.
We also hate Cole. Obviously.
Let me just preface this: if you pick up a Pru Schuyler book and you’re easily triggered, please actually read her content warnings. I’m four chapters in and have already cried like… a lot.
I adore slap hellos. They make me stupidly happy—probably because I’ve never gotten to do one myself. One day. Until then, I will live vicariously through Lainey.
Jensen loves Lainey. We know this instantly. And we also know he despises her boyfriend. In case you missed it: Cole. We hated him on sight.
That table moment? Whew. We finally see just how much Lainey cares. A whole bunch.
Also—Luca. We love Luca.
And then the ice scene? Jensen’s knee? The possibilities?? I was unwell.
Team dinner. Kisses. That first kiss? Swoon. Jesus. And athletic tape? Yes, please.
Jensen taking care of literally everything? Whew. Sign. Me. Up.
Honestly, the way Pru tells a story just hits. Sad moments, happy moments, spicy moments—it’s all real, raw, and exactly the kind of emotional whiplash we crave.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Pru Schuyler and House of Hearts for the gifted copy, all opinions are my own.
This story grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me hooked through all the twists and turns. The emotional depth of Jensen, Lainey, and Luca's journey is powerful, from tragic accidents and heartbreak to resilience, love, and new beginnings. The characters are richly developed, with each facing their own struggles, secrets, and hopes.
I was particularly moved by the themes of friendship, forgiveness, and finding strength in vulnerability. The story balances intense dramatic moments with heartfelt tenderness, especially as Jensen and Lainey navigate their complex feelings, past trauma, and their future together. Their chemistry is palpable, and I loved the way their connection deepened amid adversity.
While the book has plenty of drama, it was written beautifully and thoughtfully. The twists kept me guessing, and I appreciated how the author handled sensitive topics with care. The ending was satisfying yet hopeful, leaving me eager for what's next.
Overall, a compelling and emotional read that I highly recommend for fans of heartfelt contemporary romances with a touch of sports and drama.
Happy release day to the one and only @pruschuylerauthor!
Intense. Emotion. Raw. Honest.
I knew this book was going to be powerful, but it surpassed my expectations. Every trope-theme was delivered in a delicate but honest and transparent way, making it very easy to empathize with (and relate to) the characters. Who were adorable, with a lot of depth, we were able to know their true feelings.
As always on this series, the found family, the other characters, are always present with their affection for the present couple and supporting them. And, of course, the hockey representation is extremely well written.
The MC's relationship wasn't easy; neither of them was in a good place and had gone (are going) through a lot, but they were able to get over the problems. They started their way to healing, grew up, and accepted happiness.
Reading a Pru's book is always a beautiful experience, but being picked as an ARC is truly an honor. Thank you so much to @houseofheartslit and @pruschuylerauthor
What a rollercoaster of emotion this book was! Jensen and Lainey have been friends from forever and they also have feeling for each other, they just don't have the courage to act on them. But life gets in the way, they both go through the lost of Carly, Jensen sister, and after that he goes away to college and they slowly grow a little apart. But then Lainey gets a boyfriend, Cole, and let me tell you, the HATE i have toward this person, ew. He isolates her, makes her stop talking to Jensen, or really anyone near her, she went through the most traumatic experience a woman can have and he have zero support for her. But after all of this Lainey decide to do something for her, she applies and gets accepted as a physical therapist for the Nighthawks in New York and who plays for them? Jensen. They finally riunites and the connection is still there, even though they didn't talk for a long time they still know each other to the very core. Little by little they start to interact again, Jensen is struggling with his knees and when he gets hurt during a game the event brings them even more closer. Both of them gets what they deserve, love and support from the people close to you and little by little Lainey open her eyes about her relationship and after finding out he cheated on her she broke up with him and it only feels natural to get closer with Jensen. They truly were meant to end up together. I would love to sign up and find a man like him, he worship the ground where Lainey walks and makes sure she gets all his attention and help, nothing can make him shy away from her. After all this years of longing, of wanting they can finally be together and it feels so wright. This was the first book i read from this author but now i need to read the one before this because i loved the whole crew, they really are a big family ready to support each other. If you're looking for a book full of emotion, slow burn and with a good mental health rep this one is definitely gonna be the one!
If you want to read a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the majority of the time.... this is the one for you!
Lainey and Jensen have been connected for a long time, and over time they have lost touch, both have suffered so much emotionally that when fate has them back in close proximity to each other its hard to deny that connection.
This book had me in such a chokehold that I struggled to put it down, I just wanted to spend more time with Jensen and Lainey, they are both full to the brim with such emotional baggage but heal each other in the best ways, and the way the mental health side of things was handled was absolute perfection.
As always Pru brings back all our favourite Nighthawks and their beautiful better halves, and proving that they are one of the best found family's that I have ever read! Always coming to defend their own.
I would highly recommend this book as well as the previous books in the series! And frankly anything that Pru Schuyler writes! For fans of Hockey Romance, Found Family, Estranged Childhood Friends To Lovers, Secret Pregnancy, Mental Health Rep, and some very delicious Spicy goodness.
This is my first read by @pruschuylerauthor and venture into the Nighthawks Series.
I was not prepared for Jensen! He’s protective, he’s patient, he’s a total goner for Lainey (proper “it’s only ever been you” vibes!). 10/10!
“Don’t think for a second that I don’t want to kiss you absolutely senseless. I’ve been thinking about it my entire life. But we’re not doing that tonight. Not until you’re certain, without a shred of doubt, that I’m the last person you want to ever touch you”
Our FMC, Lainey, is SO. STRONG. She’s survived trauma, her relationship with shitty ex Cole. We get to watch her heal and evolve. She’s in New York, prioritising her career, making new friends and reconnecting with Jensen.
I genuinely couldn’t put this down. I’ll be downloading the rest of the Nighthawks books ASAP! Be sure to check the trigger warnings for this one before diving in - take care of you!
A big thank you to the author and to @houseofheartslit for the opportunity to read this ARC.
A fantastic read full of deep emotions, hope and the lesson that sometimes fate is inevitable…
Even though that first scene leads us to believe that this story is going to be painfully emotional I think it’s on a lighter note, of course, given the fact that it portrays themes like grief and severe trauma in several ways it’s still heartbreaking but with a gentleness, subtle moments and how the characters owns their narrative the story is full softness and braveness… is just heartfelt to read!
Jensen and Lainey story is beautiful, their connection? Unmatched, it was almost tangible how much they are in tune with each other every move and thought, I really love that their story had a happy ending, it was so well deserved!
I really enjoyed how much the hockey storyline was developed, it was not a second thought or a background plus, you really feel in the games and in the narrative so as a sports girly I really appreciate it.
Definitely recommend, is a fast read with emotion, sports and a second chance romance all in one story!
Thanks to the Pru Schuyler and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
This is like a second chance book for childhood bestfriends that turned to strangers then lovers. Not really strangers in a way but bec of a cliche boyfriend separating her from the friendgroup and her being not strong enough /manipulated into staying into the relationship. idk what is her fear but having that kind of supportive brother and a bestfriend, i think she had the way to go out of that early on even before the cliche cheating trope. it was almost a three stars read for me, what redeemed it a bit is that when she found out she was pregnant, he basically claimed it as his and even went on his way to threaten the shitty ex to handover the parent right to him and u know what, i applaud that. I also liked that the kiss and even the spice happened near the end of the book. I was expecting the new girl friend to be a villain too since she was too good to be true and also, expecting the ex to come back til the end, i was like holding my breath even at 90% cause it seemed all is resolved but there is still 10% left on the book, but thankfully that author did not go that route.
ARC review. Two childhood friends are bonded by tragedy, and pulled apart by life. Can they find their way back to one another and heal the wounds created along the way?
So let me start by saying no matter how emotionally prepared I *think* I am for Pru Schuyler, she still manages to (wonderfully) devastate me. The first scene in this book is so heartbreaking, and the subsequent snapshots manage to build so much history, connection and emotion in so few pages. The pain described is so accurate to the mountain of grief this kind of loss brings. It solidifies Lainey and Jensen’s unshakable foundation. Life has not been kind to Lainey, and somewhere along the way, her shine was dulled. Despite her and Jensen being at odds, he’s still the person in her corner waiting for her. He’s so patient and sweet, going the extra mile every time to make her feel safe and giving her space to take her power back. These characters go through hell and back to find each other again, but it makes their reunion so, so sweet. I love their story so much…And let’s be real, we all need a Jensen in our lives.
Find Me in the Dark was my first book by Pru Schuyler (even though it’s the sixth in the Nighthawks series) and I’m happy to say it worked perfectly well as a standalone. I never felt lost or overwhelmed, which is always a big plus when jumping into a series mid-way 😌
What really worked for me was Jensen and Lainey’s dynamic. I’m a sucker for the “it’s always been you” trope, and this one delivered 🤭 I loved how certain Jensen was of his feelings, never once doubting what Lainey meant to him (while still respecting her space and timing). That quiet patience?! Loved it!
That said, I did struggle a bit with the pacing. Some parts of the story moved very quickly, and I found myself wishing certain moments had been given more room to breathe. I also felt that the relationship progressed a little too fast on the page. I understand there’s a shared past that explains some skipped steps, but emotionally, I wanted to see more of that evolution happen in real time.
Another small hiccup for me were some of the internal dialogues, which occasionally felt a bit too simplistic and pulled me out of the story just a little.
Still, there’s a lot to enjoy here: a solid romance, a dependable hero, and a trope that really worked for me. While it wasn’t a complete hit across the board, it was an enjoyable read and a good introduction to the author! (one that makes me curious to explore more of her work, especially within this series! 💙)
Thank you, Pru Schuyler and House of Hearts, for the ARC.
I just know Pru is always going to break me, but luckily she puts me back together too 🥹 Jensen and Lainey absolutely tore me to shreds. These two had me so captivated, I could not put their story down. This series has been one of my absolute favs, and this one just took the top spot. Something about these two just stole my heart 🥹 They were just heartbreakingly beautiful.
Jensen is a protector, and the way he cared for Lainey, and had patience with her.. claimed her and her baby 🥹🫠 He is the ultimate MMC. But also seeing his mental health struggles, and how open he was with Lainey, and how she always seemed to help him find peace? Gosh my heart was just losing it.
I just needed to hug these babies. “𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘰.” This line took me out.. I just wanted to see them happy. And once they found it? It was just a beautiful ending for them 🤍
I love this world, these characters, the emotional depth of all of them. Pru has created one of the best and if you haven’t started this series yet — you NEED to 👏🏼
Hockey Romance Estranged Childhood Best Friends Secret Pregnancy x Not his Baby SA Survivor FMC Mental Health Rep Ex’s Rival
🏒 Pru Schuyler is a master of creating the swooniest of hockey players & creating some of the strongest heroines. This book is so heartfelt, emotional & passionate. Both Lainey & Jensen might be a physical & an emotional mess at the beginning but in the end they have found ways to heal themselves & each other. I love how Lainey and Jensen end up saving each other. This book is one to read!
🤰🏻Lainey & Jensen were childhood best-friends who went their separate ways. They have been apart for years, each dealing with trauma - some they share from their childhood & some individually through the years.
🏒 As Lainey starts fresh in a new city & a new job she is once again reunited with Jensen. Jensen is caught off guard when Lainey appears as the new team physical therapist. Their reunion is tense, emotional, and full of chemistry. It seems for Jensen & Lainey all the stars are aligning. As they work through past guilt, grief, and even new secrets, their feelings begin to truly show. Their happily ever after is just around the corner!
ARC Review: 5⭐️ Find Me in the Dark is book 6 in the Nighthawks series featuring Jensen Donnelley & Lainey Bradford.
Jensen, Lainey and her brother Luca all grew up tougher and were very close. After a devastating accident, Luca & Lainey were the ones to help Jensen through his tough time.
Jensen & Luca go away to play hockey and that’s when their friendship changes. Lainey starts dating a guy named Cole, who Jensen doesn’t like and it causes a major rift in their friendship.
Now in the present, Lainey is offered a job working as a PT for Jensens hockey team and moves to take the job. She later finds out that her boyfriend has been unfaithful and they break up. Jensen is there to support her, however when she finds out she’s pregnant with her exes baby, will Jensen stick by her?
Pru was a new to me author and I have to say I am already a huge fan! This book hit me in all the feels and Jensen was absolute perfection ! I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future !
Tropes: 🫶🏼 Childhood Friends to Lovers ⛸️ Hockey Romance 💖 Found Family 🥹 YEARS of Yearning 🎀 Pregnancy + Not His Baby ❤️🔥 Slowww Burn + Spice 🪢 She Ties Him Up (His Idea, For Her Comfort)
Jensen’s patience and attention to detail when it came to his interactions with Lainey were swoon worthy! This man fell first and fell hard for his woman. He never once doubted his love for her. Jensen knew what he wanted and took the time and thoughtfulness to plan how he should pursue that relationship in a way that was healthy for both him and Lainey.It is a sports romance that explores dark themes (check the TWs!) and how characters can work through trauma to have more fulfilling relationships.The found family vibes were once again immaculate with the team, I loved the banter with the team and the pure support for each other the girls have. I loved that once again there was some great hockey content throughout the book, something Pru does so well.
Thank You House of Hearts and Pru for allowing me to ARC read this.
This book is feral in the way only a hockey romance with years of unresolved feelings can be. The kind where every glance hurts, every almost-touch matters, and you can feel the weight of everything they’ve never said pressing down on the page. Childhood friends to lovers always hits, but when you add that slow, aching yearning? Absolutely lethal.
The found family energy wraps around the story like armor, grounding the chaos and making the emotional stakes feel even higher. The pregnancy element adds tension and vulnerability without overshadowing the romance, and the slow burn makes the eventual payoff so satisfying. When the spice hits, it’s earned — intimate, intense, and very much matching the feral energy this book builds so well.
This is hockey romance that understands longing, loyalty, and the kind of love that waits — even in the dark.
Why you’ll love it: childhood friends to lovers hockey romance found family YEARS of yearning pregnancy (not his baby) slow burn with spice she ties him up 🏒🔥