My Wife

Love in Hockey Town #2

by Ellie Hall

Liam: I don't know what I'm doing. I have no idea where this kid came from. I mean, I know that part, but when he showed up on my doorstep, not only did I have to put everything on hold, but my hockey coach threw me into the sin bin.

Jess: I'm a certified wreck, then I meet the guy who I think is my prince. On our wedding day, he leaves me at the altar. This means I'm headed back home to my small town and into Granny Dolly's meddling arms.

Liam: I'm drowning in potty training, team commitments, and legal documents. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep my newfound father status secret.

Jess: I get a job helping the Big Bad Wolf. Yet, somehow, I don't get bit. Except by his son.

Liam: I was all about that loner life, but when my money-grubbing ex attempts to ruin me, I propose a marriage of convenience to my assistant.

Jess: I need a favor that comes in the size and shape of my boss, so when he suggests we get married, I have to remind myself that it's not real. Nor are my feelings for him. Probably. Maybe a little. Like crumb-sized.

Between lingering looks, arguments over the toothpaste cap, and tingly moments, will this grumpy sunshine pair let love bloom?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Sports Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Fiction, Hockey

Audible Audio

Published December 23, 2025

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

♥

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

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Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

♥

The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

♥

Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

♥

Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

♥

Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

♥

The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

♥

The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

♥

Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

♥

On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in a sweet romance stage. This was my first book by this author and she has TONS of books! I really enjoyed this hockey story, first time I’ve read a hockey book as well. It’s a sweet grumpy/sunshine story and was just want I wanted to read.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read (then skimmed) to 19% (66 pages out of 400+) and this is just way too silly for me.

The FMC just met the grumpy MMC and kept saying immature, embarrassingly perky things like, “Someone is wearing cranky pants this morning.” Sure, she said that line for the toddler’s benefit but it was still socially weird. He’s obviously not in the mood to chat with an eccentric, freakishly chipper woman in a limp wedding dress and makeup running down her face. He rebuffs her repeatedly. But she keeps talking to him and then asks for an autograph. Like, read the room, lady. *face palm*

I can’t take her seriously when she exclaims, “Woah Nelly with a side of jelly!”

The writing is super unrealistic. Like this lady just got stood up at the alter and none of the wedding party even cares (people aren’t that cruel IRL), and she is super flippant about it. She should be crushed but she’s pasting a smile on and being genuinely peppy to the MMC whom she stood in line next to at a coffee shop after leaving the failed wedding (still in her ruined wedding dress, like she doesn’t care what a sight she is). It’s just weird! The whole story of how her engagement happened, and the skinks/lizards, is pretty out there and odd.

The writing is just too juvenile for me.


****However, the toddler who speaks sign language is definitely interesting! Oh my gosh, the author nailed one scene where he is laying down, silently watching the MMC, and sucking his thumb and then starts to smile, and his thumb slips a little bit. It reminded me of my own babies and melted my heart! The writing in that description was perfect!!! I want more of that kind of nuanced writing.
I love the idea of their marriage of convenience happening. The plot has great potential! I’d keep reading for sure if the bulk of the writing wasn’t cringy.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book like all of Ellie Hall’s triumphs is a treasure, an absolute pleasure to read . It’s so bright and frightfully funny and sunny with great quips in the storytelling that just sneak in,and make you grin . Like this snippet of a trumpet fit wedding dress that Jess was not impressed with …It’s more like a tube on the top, giving way to a wide skirt .In the back is a bustle and a long train. I look like a bloated, upside-down goose. Well at this I certainly let loose with a grin as I looked around me to see if I was showing myself up looking like a loonie laughing out loud ,in the library I wasn’t but I was in a crowd . Then I get to the point and find out what the groom is up to and the swine! In Vegas without Jess/ Jessica . So she’s at their wedding venue but there’ll be no after wedding breakfast menu . That’s all done and Jess although she is in a mess she must move on. But do or die ,nobody ever sees her cry! Liam Ellis is a hockey player for the Nebraska Knights and just of late he was given her fright , well a surprise it was , to be left an infant boy to take care of . His of course. He’s had a couple of weeks and things aren’t coming together but he needs to get to the Arena and on the ice ,he’s already made one sacrifice because of ill timing . So he can’t risk being late and needs the money now too since he’s got the young sonny that’s his,up to his eyes in potty training while IceHockey training too . Trying to keep the fact he even has the boy so needs to keep secrets. Well Jessica is back home in her small town feeling down . Behind the wheel of her ancient Nissan she heads home ,soon to be back in Silver Queen Street and in the arms of her grannie Dolly . Grandma Dolly lives in Cobbiton ,known as Hockey town and the home of Nebraska Knights. This story absolutely delights. It really does .Young Liam who has to sign and a dad who is grumpy and clueless by design,when caring for his son . In comes Jess to show them how to get along together while caring for the boy and after a time ,maybe they’ll all have joy in their hearts, He needs his ex wife off his back so a false engagement is on track for Jess and King Liam ( you have to read it). I loved this book ,it’s so invitingly exciting and full of great things ,the humour in the story is top class as always and funny as ever. Ellie Hall weaves her beautiful prose so well ,she’s ever so clever . Absolutely adorable storyline , the characters are divine and ever so endearingly cute ,especially the boy who after a while wasn’t so coy as he settled in and more and more wore a grin.The relationships between them all is the most beautiful overall . Awesomeness ,I did NOT want to put down and now I’m looking forward to the next book with joy in my heart as Ellie Hall and her writing skills and storytelling prowess leave me feeling great for hours at what she did impart.

[Meagan Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. There were times I was irritated at Liam, but he and Jessica had a great connection. I loved the supporting characters! I felt like the special needs storyline was really well done!
I was able to get an ARC copy of the audio book and it's fantastic! the voice actors are well cast! I finished it in less than 24 hours!

[Olivia Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

No language. ☺️
It does say a guy used a word that rhymed with Witch but he apologizes and it's not actually said which I appreciate.

No Spice! 🥳
Just some kisses. One towards the end got a bit more intense but they still kept it clean.

This book was amazing.
I loved every part of it!
I haven't read that many Romcoms yet but this is by far my favorite!
This was not just a Hallmark movie book edition,😅the characters felt more real then most of the other contemporary books I have read.
I have read three different Romcoms that were advertised as A Grumpy/Sunshine and none of them did it properly! The guys were never actually that grumpy they just didn't talk that much and were more reserved. But Liam! 🤣🤣He was a total Grump and I loved it!!
Jess was great fun too! The humor was hilarious and it had it's fair share of sweet moments too. 🥰

And one of the best parts?! No miscommunication/third act breakup!!! 🥳🥳🥳

This was a very enjoyable read and kept me from going into a total book slump. ☺️Definitely give it a try if you like Romcoms. I can't wait to try more from this author.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio book was so much fun to listen to! The narrators did a wonderful job of bringing this grumpy/sunshine, single dad, marriage of convenience romance to life. In addition to the tropes I just mentioned, this story also has the set up that Jess worked for Liam, first as his personal assistant and then as his nanny.

There were plenty of humorous moments in this sweet romcom, but there were also serious issues that the main characters had to face and overcome in order to move forward in their lives and also in a relationship together. Ellie struggled with her past as a foster child and feeling as if she was never chosen and that people always left her. Liam carried a huge burden of guilt about a tragedy that occurred years earlier. He also recently discovered he was a father when the child he never knew existed was abandoned at his apartment. He was really struggling when Jess entered his life.

I loved listening to this story and seeing the way these two grew as characters throughout the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this audio book. All opinions are my own.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Hockey 🏒 sports romance and a marriage of convenience. This is a grumpy/sunshine romance.

Liam is a new Mr.Mom. A young boy is left on his doorstep. He doesn’t know where the child came from. He is struggling with legal documents and keeping his fatherhood a secret.

Jess is a woman who is a walking talking romance wreck. She is a jilted bride and so she heads back to her small hometown where she meets grumpy Liam and his young son. Jess becomes his live-in nanny and his assistant. She is sunshine personified. Liam learns that his son has trouble with his hearing and she does ASL with his son. Liam begins to fall for Jess. Because of the woman who left the child at his doorstep Liam has to have a marriage of convenience to Jess.

This has cute moments in this story and really sweet moments as well. I really liked reading this book.

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ cute read

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

-this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

-this is told from Liam & Jess’s points of view

*Liam’s brother Hendrix has his own story called Cross Check Christmas by Gigi Blume and there are mentions in this book of his team members (the Toronto Titans) who have their own stories in the same series as Hendrix, but none of those books need to be read to enjoy this story

-it is mentioned that a character was abandoned as a child & grew up in foster care (past events)

-it is mentioned that a character passed in an accident and others are still feeling the loss (past event, current emotions)

Review:

I adored this book! I loved getting to know Liam, his little boy, Jess, and Granny! I loved that I kinda went into this one a bit blind (I don’t think I read the summary this time around) and had to figure out why the dynamic between Liam and his son wasn’t what I expected 😅. But honestly that made this story so much better! I loved seeing Liam trying to figure out how to be a dad and what kind of kid his son was. I loved that Jess had an instant connection to Liam’s son and how much the child loved her. I also loved that there was sign language shown throughout the story (in the sense of characters were signing, not the actual motions). It was an interesting addition that I enjoyed!

I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

Summary:

Liam is one bad move away from possibly getting kicked off his hockey team for the second time. So finding out he’s a father to a toddler just before he’s to return to his family oriented hockey team is not the greatest. Especially in the small town of Cobbiton where the busybodies are sure to out Liam’s secret before he’s ready if he’s not careful. So when he’s assigned an assistant it’s both a blessing and a curse. Jess is not only capable of connecting with his son in a way Liam hasn’t been able to, but she keeps him floating above water when everything is trying to drown him. If Liam isn’t careful, he may be in danger of falling for Jess – who has already told him she can’t be interested…

Jess thought she was going to have her happily ever after. She even made it to the wedding, but the groom never did. Jilted, Jess returns to the loving arms of Granny Dolly and the small town of Cobbiton she grew up in. When Jess runs into an old friend, she is given an opportunity of employment for possibly the most grumpy guy to have walked the earth. Liam is stand-off ish and very determined not to have Jess around, but Jess is just as stubborn. She’ll bring life and light to Liam’s son’s life, even if she has to worm her way in every step of the way…

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this author's writing style is that the words just jump off of the page. The stories are always compelling filled with humor, banter, romance and always a deeper underlying story that will be revealed. Each of these Love in Hockey Town books can be read as a stand alone story but you will see characters from previous books in each.

In this story our hockey player Liam Ellis has the nickname of the Beast and he plays for the Nebraska Knights. He is a grumpy serious player who has just had a life altering situation dropped off on his doorstep, a 3 year old son he didn't know he had. He is also coming off a two week suspension and just been named the new team captain. He's juggling his life and not doing very well so he is given a new assistant, Jessica Fuller, that he never asked for to help him get organized.

Jessica Fuller was living in Los Angeles trying to get into acting. She got hooked into assisting a family of con artists and got engaged to the son of the group. When Rexlan leaves her at the altar to marry Cassleigh, the woman his mother hates, Jessica heads back to Cobbiton. Jessica has only wanted to be loved and wanted her whole life. She had been put into the foster care system and moved from family to family. When she finally closed up her life and stopped speaking, she found herself with Grandma Dolly. A woman who embraced her and slowly got her out of herself. From that point she decided to make each day count and she had a positive sunny attitude.

Liam and Jessica have a very rocky start because he doesn't want any help. He has a hard time being around her sunny outlook and she has a way of communicating with his son that is unknown to him.
Liam and Jessica may come to realize that they actually need each other.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝 Quick Take:
While this wasn’t my favorite book by Ellie Hall, it still offered meaningful moments and a redemptive arc that made sticking with it worthwhile. Though I struggled with some of the themes early on—particularly what felt like toxic positivity—I ultimately appreciated the heart behind the story and the message it aimed to share.

🖋️ Writing Style & Tone:
Ellie Hall writes with a light, inspirational tone, blending sweet romance with emotional growth. In this book, that same style touches on themes of forgiveness, identity, and the power of choice in love and healing.

❤️ Highlights:

💕 The story gains depth and emotional traction in the second half, which made me glad I stayed with it.

💕 I appreciated the message about forgiveness and letting go, especially captured in the quote:
“Forgiving them was a matter of life and death when I realized the only person that was hurting by holding onto all that pain, was me.”

💕 The book encouraged reflection—not just about the characters, but about how we process pain and healing in our own lives.

💕 While I felt the positivity sometimes came across as overly idealistic, I could see the author’s intent to uplift and offer hope.

🤔 What Didn’t Work for Me:

- The early chapters felt a bit disconnected for me, mostly because the positivity didn’t leave room for the rawness and complexity of pain.

- I would’ve liked a deeper dive into the characters’ inner struggles early on to build more emotional resonance.

📚 Final Thoughts:
This may not be the most emotionally nuanced book from Ellie Hall’s collection, but it still carries a heartwarming message. It reminded me that stories—even imperfect ones—can challenge us to reconsider how we forgive and move forward.

⭐ Final Rating: 3.5/5
📖 Shelf Status: Light read — not a top favorite, but glad I finished it.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her fiancé doesn't make it to the wedding and an accidently dialed video call goes through to a family member, the reason why he's not there becomes apparent. Jilted bride Jessica takes off with literally only the clothes on her back and the wedding cake! Got to love a girl with her priorities! She returns to her Granny Dollie's home in Cobbiton, Nebraska to her only family. In a pit stop downtown for a bathroom and coffee, Jess encounters a rude father with an adorable toddler, renewing her commitment to be done with men. Of course fate is not listening!
An insightful and emotional story of one man's struggle with having fatherhood thrust upon him unexpectedly. The fact that Liam is a professional Hockey player (Go Knights!) only reinforces his panic and decision to keep this private news from his team. Unprepared for instant fatherhood and not knowing his son's special needs results in profound frustration! Meanwhile, Jess reconnects with her best friend (manager of the Knights) and secures a job as a personal assistant to the newest captain of the hockey team. Imagine her shock when she discovers she's now the PA for Liam. And the surprises just keep on coming!
I absolutely adored this book. So many great characters, a plot that throws zingers at you, and all tied together with compassion and attitude. (Attitudes that aren't always good...) Fast paced fun that left me breathless at times, feeling all sorts of emotions, and oh so happy how it ended. Another wonderful book by Ellie Hall you won't want to miss!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wife is the second book in the Love in Hockey Town series. I had not personally read the previous book, but found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone. There are also some connections to other previous books, which is fun for those of us who have read them, but again, not entirely necessary to enjoy this one.

Jess and Liam were both such great characters. She is a bride who gets left at the altar. He's a grumpy hockey player who has recently learned that he has a son... and is not adjusting to unexpected fatherhood well. Even before their first meeting, these two drew me right into their stories. And that first meeting? So fun! Liam is one of the grumpier grumps I've ever read... to the point that he almost shouldn't have been likable at all... and yet, somehow, it worked. Like all good grumps, the more we get to know him and see his past (and that slightly softer side), the more you root for him. Jess is the perfect sunshine to balance him out. She's had a lot of struggles in her life-- what with being left at the altar ad growing up in foster care, but I loved how she always tried to look for the positive... and how she didn't back down with Liam. These two had a really fun dynamic that I couldn't help but enjoy. Their story was a good blend of laugh out loud moments, tender romance and some twists to keep things interesting and I found myself enjoying every moment.

My Wife is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cobbiton, Nebraska is the home for the Nebraska Knights hockey team, and we have met a wide range of players, but are you prepared to meet the grumpiest of them all? 

Liam Ellis is perhaps the grizzliest of them all!  Liam has recently experienced some life upheaval when a child turns up to his building with nothing more than a bag of clothes, 2 toys, hermit crab and a note!  The adjustment period is still going on and it appears both Liam and the boy are both passengers on the struggle bus!  Their lives get turned upside down when in the line at the Busy Bee and they encountered a crazy looking woman, who Liam dubs as “witch bride!”

Let’s backtrack, Jess Fuller isn’t a witch or even a bride… sorta!  She was meant to be a bride, but the groom didn’t show and so instead of sticking around, Jess headed back home to the only family she has.  While on her drive, she called into a radio love expert who told her that a “king” was still out there waiting for her.  Good luck with that one!  With the help of Grandma Dolly giving her a roof over her head and her bestie, Cara, securing her a job assisting the new team captain.  


There are many more quirky moments in this book, but let’s be honest that’s why we love Ellie Hall’s writing!  Between Liam being a beast, KJ being adorable, Jess’ aggressive positivity and Grandma Dolly being the biggest Knights fan ever, amazing things are bound to happen!  There are plenty of highs and lows throughout this story, both on page and off, they allow for our characters to have the necessary growth to help them grow into who they are meant to be!  If you’re looking for a book that has a FMC that finds, it’s okay to go home and a MMC that’s more of a gummy bear than you could ever imagine… this is the book for you!  There is a crossover to Gigi Blume’s Toronto Titans Hockey books but not required reading.  Eagerly awaiting whose story is next for Ellie and her Nebraska Knights!

[Jacklynn Crummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Wife by Ellie Hall is the kind of small-town romcom that sneaks up on you with heart, humor, and a whole lot of Bundt cake.

It kicks off with Jess, a jilted bride—though honestly, she’s more relieved than heartbroken. Her ex’s family was weirdly controlling, so she bolts back to her roots and the one person who truly feels like home: Granny Bell. Still wearing her wedding dress, she crosses paths with Liam, the grumpy hockey player who’s about to have his whole world flipped upside down.

This is a classic grumpy/sunshine setup: Jess becomes Liam’s assistant (chaotic, adorable), and soon finds herself helping him adjust to life with his newly discovered son.

What makes this book shine?
• Deaf representation that’s woven in with care
• Found family vibes
• Bundt cakes (!!)
• Hockey players and heart
• Banter that’s actually funny

Jess is bright and optimistic, but still real. Liam is gruff and guarded, but deeply kind. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their growth? So satisfying.

It’s sweet, swoony, and just a little messy—in the best way. Definitely recommend if you love books that make you smile and feel something too.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam & Jessica

Liam was totally overwhelmed by unexpected single fatherhood of an adorable three-year old wirh hearing deficiency. Trying to homd down a career in professional ice hockey was his entire life since his high school days. He was so sleep deprived that he really had not the faintest clue what he needed any longer. I loved that his team had his back, not even knowing his full circumstances. From the coach who benched him a couple of weeks to give him time to get his life reorganized, to the team admin who assigned him a PA to clear routine duties off his agenda, to the teammates who are willing to support him as team captain in spite of his grumpy closed off attitude.
Pair him with his new, unsolicited PA & nanny, Jessica. She is the only one who is unrelentingly upbeat and positive enough to organize his life, over his protests if necessary. And the only one who recognizes KJ's problems.
Mr.Grumpy meet Ms.Sunshine. She can melt the iciest heart with her smile. I just loved the point Jess made that it is a choice to be happy, whatever your circumstances.

I purchased copy of this story and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wife ~ Love in Hockey Town #2 by Ellie Hall
Publisher Description He’s a new Mr. Mom. She’s a jilted bride. When her role as the nanny develops into a marriage of convenience, will playing house become less of a game?

Another gem from Ellie!
Ellie has done it again with this fantastic addition to her new series. Her writing never fails to impress me—the way she brings characters to life with rich, descriptive detail is just brilliant.

The story flows beautifully and is easy to get lost in. I loved the chemistry between Liam and Jess. Liam’s journey as a single dad, juggling fatherhood and his hockey career, felt real and heartfelt.

If you're into small-town romances with a closed-door style (no cheating, no explicit scenes—just sweet, swoony kisses), this book will definitely hit the spot.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for a feel-good, romantic read!

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read

Entertaining

Happily Ever After

Page-turner

Romantic

Realistic

Wonderful characters

[jennie.and.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS HOCKEY 🏒 ROMANCE 💕 is such a winner!

I really loved this book!! A hockey grump, an optimistic sunshine, thrown together!
He gets the surprise of his life when a three year old boy shows up on his porch. She takes a long road trip back home when she finds out minutes before walking down the aisle her fiance eloped with another woman the night before.

These two are such great characters and I love what they bring out in each other! I really enjoyed their backstories and how each of them had things they went through that shaped who they became.

As always, the hockey was amazing and I love the vibes of hockey games and the brotherhood of the team!

I adore KJ. I love how he was able to find a place and the love and support he needed! His unique and special position truly added to the story, and I loved Granny Dolly's connection with him!

A great hockey romance that you need to add to your list!

[Savannah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this sweet romcom! A lot of aspects make this a unique and fun story!
Jess is a cup half full person and she's not afraid to share her optimism with the broody and grumpy hockey caption that she becomes the assistant to.
I loved how Jess' optimism and sunny outlook wasn't just natural for her but rather a choice that she actively worked on making.
Liam is a true grump; and his character arc was so well done! My heart went out to him juggling so many changes in his life and still hanging on to the past. The way he slowly and then quickly falls for Jess and opens his heart to KJ and Grandma Dolly was the sweetest!
One thing that really made this book special to me was the use of ASL and highlighting how incredible that language is! I have learned to sign a little but reading this really made me want to learn how to sign fully!
I don't want to give spoilers, but just know that this book will make you laugh, smile, tear up, and sigh with happiness!

[Danie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit when I started the book and it began with crazies and a lizard cult, I was a little hesitant.... but I know Ellie Hall writes great books and I wanted to see where things went... it DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Honestly, this is probably my favorite Ellie Hall book so far. It is just so, so good (and I'm not usually one for the single parent trope). I am glad I went in pretty much blind to the book and just let it unfold.

I know nothing about hockey, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this story. Honestly, there are a bunch of things I could talk about, but instead, I'm just going to say GO READ THIS BOOK.

I highly recommend this to all of my fellow grumpy/sunshine & marriage of convenience fans out there! (Although be warned, the marriage of convenience comes later in the book).

I received an advance audio copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

grumpy x sunshine
single dad
new father
deaf representation
foster care representation
found family
marriage of convenience
grumpy MMC
sports romance
hockey romance
flirty banter
no spice

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica was quite upbeat for someone who had been abandoned most of her life, recently by her fiancé at the altar. Liam is grumpy and pushes everyone away including those who are just trying to help him like Jess who almost immediate realizes that his new son TJ is deaf when Liam just thought he had a problem communicating. Liam made me angry at first how he put his pride ahead of getting the help he and TJ needs and how mean he was to Jess. But she and her funny grandmother break through his tough shell. Jess may have come off as perpetually cheerful, but she wasn’t naïve with all her knowledge to use against those who would try to do her, Liam, and TJ wrong. I loved Liam’s family along with his extended hockey family who are all funny and welcoming. Reading about all the cakes Jessica baked made me hungry. This was a sweet opposites attract marriage of convenience romance.

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s a jolted bride and he’s a grumpy Beast

Liam is the classic grumpy tortured hero and Jessica is the cheery heroine. I love being back with the team in Cobbiton. Liam is portrayed with no heart or feelings when in reality he feels strongly and is deeply scarred from an event 10 years earlier. He reacts by shutting people out. Jessica had a horrendous childhood shuffling through the system, feeling unwanted and unlovable until she didn’t even talk. Grandma Dolly was her salvation and she rediscovered herself. The story is about 2 broken people who found what they hadn’t dreamed possible. KJ is a young child that was dropped off and is a son Liam didn’t even know he had, and had hearing loss so that’s explored also. This is a complex story with many moving parts, but Ellie navigates it skillfully. Loved this. Clean.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read a book by Ellie for quite some time but I have also been struggling with navigating arc’s and not signing up for too many. I remedied that problem by signing up for an ALC of hers. 😂 I’m so glad I finally did!! I adored this book. Liam is a hockey player who ends up with his toddler (he didn’t know existed) on his porch one day. The boy is always upset and Liam thinks it’s because he is a bad father. After running into the FMC, Jess, she notices the toddler is signing. Through a whirlwind of circumstances they end up in a marriage of convenience. Meanwhile Jess is falling in love with the toddler and teaching Liam sign. This was such a sweet story that had me smiling and kicking my feet. If the rest of Ellies books are like this one, she will become an auto-buy for me! Thank you so much to the author for allowing me an ALC.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wife is sweet, funny, small town, marriage of convenience, romantic comedy. Liam is way out of his league when he gets his previously secret son dumped on him. Jess, left at the alter, is back home and needs a job. I am always eager to start any book by Ms. Hall. This one is just yummy. I devoured it while Jess was eating wedding cake! I do not want to give any spoilers, so let me just say that, Jess connects with Liam's son, KJ, right away. KJ's mom should be tarred and feathered. Liam is determined to keep his son a secret from his hockey team. All of this leads to some funny and many emotional incidents in this well written, well paced book. This is a great series and you do not want to miss Jess and Liam's journey to their HEA. I did not put the book down until I reached the end!

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story in the Love in Hockey Town series. It focused on Liam and Jesse. Poor Jesse was left at the altar and so she left California for her Grandma Dolly in Cobbiton. She needed a job so her best friend, Cara, got her a job for the Knight's new team captain, Liam. She was going to be his personal assistant. It was interesting to find out how they already knew each other.

Liam had just learned he had a three year old son, King, that he knew nothing about. I enjoyed watching him grow as a dad. It was fun to watch Liam and Jesse fall in love and make a real family. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wife: a sweet hockey romcom

Liam and Jess have a wonderful story. He is grumpy by nature but has become even more so since he had an unexpected three year old son he knew nothing about left at his front door. Jess is a bride left at the altar on her wedding day when her fiancé eloped with another woman. She lost her fiancé, her home, and her job all the same day. Jess is usually a ray of sunshine and positivity. When her best friend assigns her to be Liam’s personal assistant, they are like oil and water, but his boy seems to love her and she takes on the role of nanny. I recommend their story for your next romcom read.

[Ginger’s Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a lovely easy read and flowed well through the events. Jess was the true definition of sunshine and Liam was the true definition of being grumpy. Together they had some really fun interactions which really built on their relationship together.

I loved how the story used ASL to bring in a different approach to the “single dad” trope. It really increases my want to learn sign language.

It was a great sports romance as it filtered in all things Hockey from games and training to number 1 fans (aka Grandma Dolly). It really added to the story.

𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒙𝒆𝒓. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒑. - 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed being back in the small town of Cobbiton Nebraska with the Knights Hockey team. The team that focuses on family!

Jess and Liam had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the meeting they first had at the Busy Bee Bakery. True grumpy vs sunshine troupe that I really enjoyed. The banter between Jess and Liam was great and had me laughing. KJ, Liam’s son was so cute and Grandma Dolly was amazing with her connection to him.

This is book two in the Love in Hockey Town series. But can be read as a standalone. A clean read rom com that you are sure to enjoy.

Listened to on @hoopla
Narrated by Derek Dysart and Carolyn Eve. Great narration.

[Coventry Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wife is book two in the Love in Hockey Town series by Ellie Halle. This book was so cute. As I was listening to it, it made me laugh, smile, and cringe at parts. She definitely brought quirky energy with the FMC.

The FMC is Jessica or Jess who has a dumpster fire of a wedding day to start the book off with. She’s basically left at the alter and chooses to return to her hometown. This is where she meets Liam who is the epitome of grump. He’s a pro hockey player who has recently received a surprise son to be in charge of.

Jess ends up infiltrating his life as a personal assistant, nanny, housekeeper, and work wife turned wife. Liam is getting used to having noise, a son, and an always optimistic woman in his life.

I love the inclusion of sign language and the deaf community. I love this twist to the story and the learning of sign language to communicate.

I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for fun, romcom vibes.

[Michele Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional story! Liam is a grumpy hockey player who has had a lot thrown at him and something in his past he can’t get over. And, boy is he grump! Jessica has had a terrible life and finds the positive in everything. Together with his deaf son, they forge a path that works for them. The side characters in this story added some lightness to their heavy situations and no one shied away from anything that came their way. This was a very good story with past characters, a lot of emotions and an HEA not to be forgotten.