What do you think?
Rate this book
That Steamy Hockey Romance #2
The No Touch Roommate Rule
Parker and Makena's steamy, roommates-to-lovers romance arrives this fall!
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
306 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Lili Valente
152 books4,081 followersVisit Lili at www.lilivalente.com
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 24, 2025
I loved going back into this series and this was such a fun addition to the series. “The No Touch Roommate Rule” is a swoony, heartfelt and flirty friends to lovers reverse age gap romance that was such a fun read.
Makena is a chef and has been working hard to keep her restaurant open. She’s cut out all things in life, including a place to live so she sleeps in the back storage room. And for months, she’s been actively trying to avoid Leo Parker. Parker plays for the Voodoo and he has been obsessed with Mckena for years, she actually was his sitter when he was 12 and she was 18. And after a wedding, the city they live in is flooded. Mckena tries to save her restaurant but is the one who needs saving when the water reaches dangerous levels and Parker is there to rescue her. And offer her a place to stay until she can figure things out. Mckena insists on some rules to keep everything platonic but the attraction she’s been running from for the last few months starts to surface.
Mckenna and Parker’s story was so much and I enjoyed reading about them. Mckena is kind, hard working and just wants to have a successful restaurant to prove to everyone that she can do it. Cooking has always been her passion and having a restaurant was her dream. The flood was so devastating to so many people in the town. Parker is a hockey playing ray of sunshine and I loved his positivity. Once he saved Mckena from the flood, he would do anything to help her. From offering a roof over her head and the moral support she needed as worked through things. They had a great friendship and I loved how they approached things as roommates. The connection was there but it needed time to grow before they could think about doing more. The road trip they took was the perfect way to get to know each other as adults. The ending was perfect for them and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Makena is a chef and has been working hard to keep her restaurant open. She’s cut out all things in life, including a place to live so she sleeps in the back storage room. And for months, she’s been actively trying to avoid Leo Parker. Parker plays for the Voodoo and he has been obsessed with Mckena for years, she actually was his sitter when he was 12 and she was 18. And after a wedding, the city they live in is flooded. Mckena tries to save her restaurant but is the one who needs saving when the water reaches dangerous levels and Parker is there to rescue her. And offer her a place to stay until she can figure things out. Mckena insists on some rules to keep everything platonic but the attraction she’s been running from for the last few months starts to surface.
Mckenna and Parker’s story was so much and I enjoyed reading about them. Mckena is kind, hard working and just wants to have a successful restaurant to prove to everyone that she can do it. Cooking has always been her passion and having a restaurant was her dream. The flood was so devastating to so many people in the town. Parker is a hockey playing ray of sunshine and I loved his positivity. Once he saved Mckena from the flood, he would do anything to help her. From offering a roof over her head and the moral support she needed as worked through things. They had a great friendship and I loved how they approached things as roommates. The connection was there but it needed time to grow before they could think about doing more. The road trip they took was the perfect way to get to know each other as adults. The ending was perfect for them and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
September 27, 2025
Love, food and forever
I loved this story so much. Parker and Makena’s age gap, forbidden, first crush, roommate romance made my romance, loving heart so very happy. It had all the best parts of a story - witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, a heartwarming storyline, snort worthy laughs, and fun spice - to give you all the swoons and all the big feels. Parker is a professional hockey player. McKenna is a chef with her own small restaurant. When McKenna was 18, she babysat 12-year-old Parker. When they meet again as adults there is explosive chemistry and attraction. Parker is interested in McKenna but she thinks dating the kid you babysit for is a hard no. Everything changes when an unexpected flood destroys McKenna‘s restaurant where she works and lives. She moves into Parker‘s guest room temporarily. Knowing the attraction, they agree to “rules” to stay in the friend zone. But feelings never stay in the boxes we try to shove them in and there's no force on heaven and earth that could keep these two apart especially once the epic road trip starts. I loved the way Parker gently, lovingly, and beautifully encouraged Makena to come out of her safe impenetrable wall of armor until she was ready to embrace love and a relationship. It was so sweet. To get to all the best parts of their happily after there of course needs to be baggage unpacking but the journey was so much happy fun to read. I am loving the series and the Voodoo team and looking forward to the next book. 4.5 stars.
I loved this story so much. Parker and Makena’s age gap, forbidden, first crush, roommate romance made my romance, loving heart so very happy. It had all the best parts of a story - witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, a heartwarming storyline, snort worthy laughs, and fun spice - to give you all the swoons and all the big feels. Parker is a professional hockey player. McKenna is a chef with her own small restaurant. When McKenna was 18, she babysat 12-year-old Parker. When they meet again as adults there is explosive chemistry and attraction. Parker is interested in McKenna but she thinks dating the kid you babysit for is a hard no. Everything changes when an unexpected flood destroys McKenna‘s restaurant where she works and lives. She moves into Parker‘s guest room temporarily. Knowing the attraction, they agree to “rules” to stay in the friend zone. But feelings never stay in the boxes we try to shove them in and there's no force on heaven and earth that could keep these two apart especially once the epic road trip starts. I loved the way Parker gently, lovingly, and beautifully encouraged Makena to come out of her safe impenetrable wall of armor until she was ready to embrace love and a relationship. It was so sweet. To get to all the best parts of their happily after there of course needs to be baggage unpacking but the journey was so much happy fun to read. I am loving the series and the Voodoo team and looking forward to the next book. 4.5 stars.
October 7, 2025
I really really enjoyed most of this book, it was going to be a 4 1/2 or five star rating…except for one thing.
The gluten-free thing.
As someone who eats gluten-free myself (although I do not have celiac disease, I am gluten intolerant) I was really excited when I saw the mention right before they started their road trip that he was gluten-free. And hard-core gluten allergy, as in he had two EpiPen‘s with him at all times. So that is a very serious allergy. And then like five pages later, they are at some rural Louisiana crawfish festival and he is drinking beer and eating gumbo and this and that, and I guarantee none of that was gluten-free. Then they stop at a hole in the wall diner and he eats more gumbo and he eats pie, and later he has pastries, etc., etc. etc. He would have been dead a dozen times over if he actually ate this stuff! Can you get gluten-free versions of all of these foods? Yes you can. But you have to ask for it, it has to be made available for you. I mean, I’m only gluten intolerant, not celiac, but whenever I go to an unfamiliar eatery I ALWAYS have to ask for an ingredient list. I ALWAYS have to check what is in the food before I eat it. That is non-negotiable, and every person who eats gluten-free knows this.
So, please authors, from the bottom of my heart, if you are going to do zero research and put in zero effort, then don’t write it into the book. Do better.
The gluten-free thing.
As someone who eats gluten-free myself (although I do not have celiac disease, I am gluten intolerant) I was really excited when I saw the mention right before they started their road trip that he was gluten-free. And hard-core gluten allergy, as in he had two EpiPen‘s with him at all times. So that is a very serious allergy. And then like five pages later, they are at some rural Louisiana crawfish festival and he is drinking beer and eating gumbo and this and that, and I guarantee none of that was gluten-free. Then they stop at a hole in the wall diner and he eats more gumbo and he eats pie, and later he has pastries, etc., etc. etc. He would have been dead a dozen times over if he actually ate this stuff! Can you get gluten-free versions of all of these foods? Yes you can. But you have to ask for it, it has to be made available for you. I mean, I’m only gluten intolerant, not celiac, but whenever I go to an unfamiliar eatery I ALWAYS have to ask for an ingredient list. I ALWAYS have to check what is in the food before I eat it. That is non-negotiable, and every person who eats gluten-free knows this.
So, please authors, from the bottom of my heart, if you are going to do zero research and put in zero effort, then don’t write it into the book. Do better.
December 10, 2025
I went into this book with high hopes—it features one of my favorite tropes, the reverse age gap. But saying I’m disappointed feels like an understatement. This book was rough. I only managed to finish it by skipping large sections.
Leo was the biggest letdown. I expected that behind his sunshine persona, he’d still be a responsible adult. Instead, he comes across as a complete manchild. His celiac disease, which should require strict gluten-free eating, is inconsistently written. He and Mack go on a road trip eating all sorts of festive foods without any mention of gluten concerns. Then there’s his knee injury. Instead of resting and attending physical therapy, he’s off on a car trip? He’s an NHL player—shouldn’t maintaining his career take more dedication than that?
And Makenna… I felt like ripping my hair out reading her chapters. I loved her in previous books, but here? Wow. I get that she has trauma, and she’s older, but the level of indecision is exhausting. She kisses Leo and immediately insists he means nothing. She seduces him, then slams down boundaries. It’s emotional whiplash.
The scene at the beginning where Leo races off to “save” Makenna by driving to the building was the first red flag for me. It’s overly dramatic and doesn’t mesh with the otherwise grounded tone the book seems to be aiming for.
Overall, this book was a major disappointment.
Leo was the biggest letdown. I expected that behind his sunshine persona, he’d still be a responsible adult. Instead, he comes across as a complete manchild. His celiac disease, which should require strict gluten-free eating, is inconsistently written. He and Mack go on a road trip eating all sorts of festive foods without any mention of gluten concerns. Then there’s his knee injury. Instead of resting and attending physical therapy, he’s off on a car trip? He’s an NHL player—shouldn’t maintaining his career take more dedication than that?
And Makenna… I felt like ripping my hair out reading her chapters. I loved her in previous books, but here? Wow. I get that she has trauma, and she’s older, but the level of indecision is exhausting. She kisses Leo and immediately insists he means nothing. She seduces him, then slams down boundaries. It’s emotional whiplash.
The scene at the beginning where Leo races off to “save” Makenna by driving to the building was the first red flag for me. It’s overly dramatic and doesn’t mesh with the otherwise grounded tone the book seems to be aiming for.
Overall, this book was a major disappointment.
September 28, 2025
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the second book in the series and we were introduced to Makena and Leo in book one and i really couldn't wait for their story.
With Makena being 6 years older than Leo she certainly had issues with the age gap at first. Especially as she has not had the best luck with the men in her life.
Leo has had a crush on Makena since he was 13 and the crush is more now he is an adult. However he knows that she has had some bad luck with the men in her life and is not scared of putting in the hard work to get what he wants, and he wants her bad!
I loved Leo's Nana, I would have loved a Nana like her for sure.
Both Leo and Makena manage to work through their issues and have a good amount of supportive friends and family between them, and with the introduction more of Charlotte and Nix we know who book three is going to be about and how they start their relationship.
Another great book in another great series.
This is the second book in the series and we were introduced to Makena and Leo in book one and i really couldn't wait for their story.
With Makena being 6 years older than Leo she certainly had issues with the age gap at first. Especially as she has not had the best luck with the men in her life.
Leo has had a crush on Makena since he was 13 and the crush is more now he is an adult. However he knows that she has had some bad luck with the men in her life and is not scared of putting in the hard work to get what he wants, and he wants her bad!
I loved Leo's Nana, I would have loved a Nana like her for sure.
Both Leo and Makena manage to work through their issues and have a good amount of supportive friends and family between them, and with the introduction more of Charlotte and Nix we know who book three is going to be about and how they start their relationship.
Another great book in another great series.
September 26, 2025
Funny, loving, raunchy romance…
I love sports romance – hockey in particular – and, whew, does this author know how to steam up the locker room. This is the second in the series and Parker and Makena’s story sizzles hotter than a summer day…
What do you do when your dreams begin to fall apart around you. Or drown as it were. McKenna was stuck and Parker was there for her. The story began with me laughing – Parker’s inner voice is hilarious! – and I don’t think I stopped for long. The banter between them was infectious and seeing them muddle through the situation with Parker a knight in sweaty hockey armor was a delight to read. I loved these characters – so real, muddling through life the best they know how. Relatable, sweet, and impossible to not fall in love them while they were doing the same.
Another great series addition!
*I happily reviewed this story
I love sports romance – hockey in particular – and, whew, does this author know how to steam up the locker room. This is the second in the series and Parker and Makena’s story sizzles hotter than a summer day…
What do you do when your dreams begin to fall apart around you. Or drown as it were. McKenna was stuck and Parker was there for her. The story began with me laughing – Parker’s inner voice is hilarious! – and I don’t think I stopped for long. The banter between them was infectious and seeing them muddle through the situation with Parker a knight in sweaty hockey armor was a delight to read. I loved these characters – so real, muddling through life the best they know how. Relatable, sweet, and impossible to not fall in love them while they were doing the same.
Another great series addition!
*I happily reviewed this story
October 6, 2025
Loved this!!
I loved this story of Parker and Makena! She was his babysitter when they were younger, but they aren't kids anymore. There was a kiss several months ago, but Makena ran away. Now they are at a friend wedding and it happens again. A bad storm comes and Parker saves Makena. He insists on her staying with him to get back on her feet while he rehabs from getting injured while saving her. They take a trip to get away and the craziness continues. I love these two together. They were made for each other. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I can't wait for Nix and Charlotte's story!
I loved this story of Parker and Makena! She was his babysitter when they were younger, but they aren't kids anymore. There was a kiss several months ago, but Makena ran away. Now they are at a friend wedding and it happens again. A bad storm comes and Parker saves Makena. He insists on her staying with him to get back on her feet while he rehabs from getting injured while saving her. They take a trip to get away and the craziness continues. I love these two together. They were made for each other. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I can't wait for Nix and Charlotte's story!
October 8, 2025
4 stars
Very cute. Book 2 in a hockey series. There will be a book 3, the epilogue here sets that up.
This one is younger man, slightly older woman. She babysat him when she was 18 and he was 12.
He’s carried a torch for her since.
He loves her. Lists after her as well. There are so many (too many) s3x scenes.
Makena has had terrible luck with men. As soon as she swears off them, Parker re-enters her life.
There’s a lot of push and pull to getting them both on board with being together.
But they have hilarious hijinks along that path.
Very humorous but also very sweet. Love conquers most.
Very cute. Book 2 in a hockey series. There will be a book 3, the epilogue here sets that up.
This one is younger man, slightly older woman. She babysat him when she was 18 and he was 12.
He’s carried a torch for her since.
He loves her. Lists after her as well. There are so many (too many) s3x scenes.
Makena has had terrible luck with men. As soon as she swears off them, Parker re-enters her life.
There’s a lot of push and pull to getting them both on board with being together.
But they have hilarious hijinks along that path.
Very humorous but also very sweet. Love conquers most.
October 5, 2025
The drama was non-existent, the sexy moments were meh at best, the FMC was an idiot and the MMC was ok but could have been a lot hotter.
And way to kill any sexy vibes! Crawfish?! Sausage fest?! The book started off great but then fizzled very quickly and was just a collection of awkward ideas mixed with below average sex scenes.
Kinda disappointed but hoping Nix and Charlotte would have a better story.
And way to kill any sexy vibes! Crawfish?! Sausage fest?! The book started off great but then fizzled very quickly and was just a collection of awkward ideas mixed with below average sex scenes.
Kinda disappointed but hoping Nix and Charlotte would have a better story.
October 2, 2025
3.75 stars. This book was adorable. Really cute. Right up until the gramma just was a bit too much for me and I felt the 3rd act conflict was out of character for Parker and he also got off a little too easy for what he said / did. So in my opinion that portion of the book is best skimmed really fast and then enjoy the rest of the book.
November 8, 2025
one of my favorite reads!
I’m generally a dark romance girlie…. But this is hands down, one of my most favorite reads! I was laughing out loud, tearing up, and absolutely invested in our MMC and his golden retriever go with the flow energy! This book has my all time most favorite rom-com dialogue in it and it starts early! Check your triggers and enjoy!
I’m generally a dark romance girlie…. But this is hands down, one of my most favorite reads! I was laughing out loud, tearing up, and absolutely invested in our MMC and his golden retriever go with the flow energy! This book has my all time most favorite rom-com dialogue in it and it starts early! Check your triggers and enjoy!
November 18, 2025
It's a sweet book. A childhood crush to grownup love. The grandma makes the book. I wish there was more of her.
The ending was a little confusing, but I think the next book should help with clearing that up?
The third act break-up was jarring (in a bad way) but then it ended anti-climactic.
I'm interested in the female older age-gap romance in the next installment.
The ending was a little confusing, but I think the next book should help with clearing that up?
The third act break-up was jarring (in a bad way) but then it ended anti-climactic.
I'm interested in the female older age-gap romance in the next installment.
September 27, 2025
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this tale! The flawed characters were so entertaining and engaging and the fact that they managed to patch and strengthen each other’s broken parts gave hope for future relationships even though it’s a story.
I really enjoyed this tale! The flawed characters were so entertaining and engaging and the fact that they managed to patch and strengthen each other’s broken parts gave hope for future relationships even though it’s a story.
September 27, 2025
loved it
Older woman younger man romance for the win. This was so sweet and had a great storyline. The heat is scorching and I was laughing throughout. A great read, with great characters.
Older woman younger man romance for the win. This was so sweet and had a great storyline. The heat is scorching and I was laughing throughout. A great read, with great characters.
September 29, 2025
Almost perfect 4.5 stars!
✔️dual pov
✔️he falls first and harder
✔️spice
✔️reverse age gap (he's 27, she's 33)
✔️dual pov
✔️he falls first and harder
✔️spice
✔️reverse age gap (he's 27, she's 33)
October 4, 2025
nice!
Not much hockey in this one but the story made up for it. Sweet with a touch of bizarre. Just the way I like it. Nana was a hoot!
Not much hockey in this one but the story made up for it. Sweet with a touch of bizarre. Just the way I like it. Nana was a hoot!
October 14, 2025
It was pretty awful with a lot of cringe commentary. Had to skip to get through it
March 1, 2026
Cute but not life changing. For the reader or the people inside the book 😬
October 14, 2025
Zany, sweet fun!
I loved Parker and Makena. These two are just right for each other even if they have to grow to realize it.
Parker saves Makena from a flood that takes over her restaurant and also the storage space where she's been sleeping & living. So these two become roommates and that's when the story really begins.
These two were such fun and oh so sweet together.
"But I have a feeling I'm already in deep water of a different kind." Awww - you totally are!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
I loved Parker and Makena. These two are just right for each other even if they have to grow to realize it.
Parker saves Makena from a flood that takes over her restaurant and also the storage space where she's been sleeping & living. So these two become roommates and that's when the story really begins.
These two were such fun and oh so sweet together.
"But I have a feeling I'm already in deep water of a different kind." Awww - you totally are!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews