The summer before my senior year was supposed to be filled with exploring our new town and making friends.
Instead, a tragic car crash took both of my parents. And now the state is threatening to take my seven-year-old twin siblings, too.
I have six months to prove I can keep it together. There’s no space in my world for distractions.
Especially not in the form of Kamden Stryker. Hockey captain. Campus legend. Dangerously charming.
But Kam doesn’t just see me. He shows up. With patient smiles, gentle persistence, and a way of making the twins laugh like they used to.
I can’t afford to fall for him. And yet, when he looks at me like I’m not just surviving, but shining...for the first time in months, the storm inside me begins to still.
Kam
Being the son of an NHL legend means my future has never been mine. Play for Dad’s team. Sign with Dad’s agency. Live Dad’s dream.
Then Lila Sullivan crashes into my life. Late to class, guarded in her silence, and carrying the kind of grief most people would never recover from.
She calls me Trouble. I call her Sunshine.
She doesn’t see it yet, but she’s the strongest person I know.
I’ll walk with her through every storm until the day her eyes look cloudless again.
And maybe, just maybe, her eyes will be looking at me.
This isn’t just a love story. It’s a story about holding on, letting go, and learning to breathe again. If you love found family, emotional slow burns, and hockey boys with soft hearts,Cloudlesswill stay with you long after the final page. HEA guaranteed.
Katie B. Wright is a contemporary romance author who lives in Tennessee. When she's not writing, she loves checking off books from her mile long TBR list, gaming, and spending time with her husband.
5/5 “What’s your story, Sunshine?” My body threatens to buckle under the weight of my grief as I shake my head. “It’s not a happy one, Kam.” “Trust me with it, anyway.”
TROPES: -college -friends to lovers -dual virgins -FMC who is trying to get guardianship of her twin 7 year old siblings -found family -hockey
Oh mannnn. This book was SO incredibly heartwarming!! The FMC recently lost her parents and is trying to get guardianship of her little brother and sister. She’s in a new town, at a new college, and trying to make it- one day at a time.
She meets Kam in class, then again at her little brother’s hockey practice where Kam was the coach. He’s also the captain of the college hockey team. Kam wants her instantly, but she’s very hesitant because she just went through something traumatic and she doesn’t want to bring his life down.
With the help of Kam, his amazing roommates, and his sister, they form a strong bond and take care of the two little kids. Their little (big) family is so cute. I literally screamed into my pillow when they finally got together. 😆 It was such a great book!!
SAFETY: Virgin/celibate/manwhore: dual virgins OM/OW: there’s another girl who tries to get MMC’s attention but he doesn’t even glance at her Cheating/sharing: none Triggers: death of parents, mentions of cancer (her mom), alcoholism (his dad) HEA: yes 🥹
A blush creeps over his face. “I’ve never done this before. I mean, I’ve kissed other girls before you, and, uh,” his nose wrinkles, “done a few other things, but, um, I’ve never gone all the way.”
Hmmm. Not sure how to feel about this book tbh. It has its good and meh moments, but I think that's kind of expected with any book. But I really think this is way too long for a story that isn't even that complicated. I probably would've understood the need for that length if the buildup between Kam and Lila was gradual, but this was very much instant attraction from the get-go. And while they agree to be "friends," that didn't even last long because eventually we all know they're going to go for it anyways.
Yet, when I really think about it, there isn't a whole lot going on in the story. It was just mainly about the mundane things they do every day. Like going to school, taking care of the Lila's twin siblings, and the interactions with their friends. Idk, but it seems like there's just a lot of filler here. 🫣
There are just some things that didn't hit the mark for me the way I think the author intended. Like the group chat with the Kam and his friends/teammates. I think the author was aiming for humor or wit there, but idk, it just felt forced, imo. I didn't really find them entertaining, and some of the dialogues came off as a bit stilted and just felt unnatural.
Then there's the sudden friendship between Lila and Kam's twin sister, Ellie. I think that's cool overall, but it felt like it only happened because she's the girl Kam likes, not really because Ellie wanted to be friends with her. If I'm being honest, Ellie was totally giving off the whole "pick me" vibes. She doesn't really have any female friends and feels more at ease hanging out with her brothers' friends. I’m not saying all women like this are “pick me” in general, but there was something in her explanation (I can’t quite remember what) that just didn’t sit right with me and made me feel a bit off about her. Don't get me wrong. She was nice to Lila and her siblings, but my first impression of her lingers until the end of the book.
Then there's the supposed romance. Gawd, I tried, man did I try really hard to get invested in them. But they were not just giving anything—no sparks, no chemistry, no tension; it was all blah. How did they end up liking one another, I still have no clue. Then again, I guess it just really comes down to how the story is told and the way it's written. It didn't resonate with me, but I still pushed through hoping it'd get better; it didn't, imo.
We also have the friends who I assume are going to have their books. Ngl, I didn't see much of a difference in their personalities, and that quite made it hard to pinpoint who's who.
It was also hinted that Ellie and Wyatt are going to be a couple, but man, whenever they're in the same scene, they didn't give any chemistry (like the MCs). Then we got a glimpse of Dax's FMC, who happens to be their coach's daughter. They didn't interact in the story, but he said he finally found his wife. So I'm going to assume their story would include Insta-something as well. I'm not sure of who's going to be Mace's FMC.
Anyway, I think the premise was actually okay. It was just the delivery that didn't work for me. I like the found family aspect. I appreciated how these college guys willingly helped Lila in caring for her siblings and welcomed all three of them into their chosen family. I liked that she found the people who care for her. I really liked how the MCs found each other and how they're always there for one another. But yeah, while I do like some things, it still took me quite a long time to actually get invested in the story because of the storytelling. Also, I just saw that this is the author's second book, and that might be the reason??? That said, I think she can still grow as a writer, and I'll look forward to reading her future works.
Book info: - College romance - Grief - Single guardian - Instant attraction - Slooowburn - Dual V (but he already did other things; just didn't all the way through 😒) - No cheating, separation - Minor OM (one guy tried to ask Lila, but she told him off) - Minor OW (Bc ofc, there were 3 women who flirted/threw themselves at Kam. He didn't encourage them but didn't put a stop to it as well; he even let them get close to him and touch him) - HFN (a month later, still in a relationship)
Note: - I skipped all the spicy scenes. I couldn't be bothered by them, especially since this has a non-virgin virgin MMC. It's rare to find books where the H isn't a hoe, and even harder to find one with virgins. But apparently these Hs still can't be trusted. Because, unlike when you read virgin h, you can bet your ass most of the time these heroines have never done anything with anyone at all. Yet when it comes to these "virgin" Hs, there's a 50-50 chance they might have done other things, just not the actual p-in-v part, and that's actually the case here. Tbf, he didn't mention what he did, just that he did other things. Guess it's up to the readers' imagination what those things were.
I don’t even really have words to describe all the feelings I felt while reading this book, but I’ll give it a go.
This book in the beginning had my eyes leaking! They were dripping down my face like they were getting paid to do so. It was ridiculous.
Then came the sunshine and all my tears dried up and the feel good and happy moments. They were warm and sweet and they were coming from all the characters. It was special.
Lila’s journey starts with heartache, devastation, pain and grief. She’s on her own at such a young age with the responsibility of two 7 year olds thrusted upon her by a tragic accident. She struggles while trying to provide a safe space for the twins she loves with her whole heart but sometimes forgets to give herself some grace while doing it.
Kam had me swooning. He came in with the sweetest lines and help the clouds in Lila’s eyes lift. He continuously showed up for Lila, Jasper and Posey. It was the most beautiful thing to read. Kam has his own struggles and is on his own journey of figuring out who he is and who he is meant to be.
These two were always meant to be in each other’s orbit. They were destined. No one can convince me otherwise. The vulnerability, strength, understanding and support they give each other is everything. The way they slowly heal from their pasts and move forward.
I absolutely adored the Twins, Jasper and Posey. They had me laughing with their innocence and the crazy things only kids do. It so flashed me back to my own childhood, especially with that tomato sauce scene.
I thoroughly enjoyed the found family vibe this book also had. The little family includes Wyatt, Dax, Mace, Ellie, Kam, Lila, Jasper and Posey. They always step up for each other and always there to help. It’s what family is meant to be like.
This book is Katie B Wright’s second book and it is amazing!
It’s not full of spice and you know what? It’s definitely not needed. I am here for the slow burn that is Lila and Kam. I was completely wrapped up in them as characters and their connection that I would have been fine without any spice scenes all together because Their relationship is everything.
Oh and don’t even get me started on that final journal entry. It was beautiful and shows acceptance, peace and strength. I will say, most of those journal entries broke my heart though. 😅
Cloudless gave me all I needed from a romance book and I cannot wait to see what Katie does next.
I’m also calling it right now, Wyatt and Ellie are totally meant to be. Those two have chemistry like no other.
“The roughest mornings can turn into the brightest days. All it takes is a little bit of sunshine.” - Kamden Stryker.
I knew that just from this line, Kam was gonna be sweet with his words and have me swooning like it’s a hobby. Then he hit me with this line and I legit made an audible ‘aww’ sound.
“Because you’re my favourite time of day.” Like excuse me Kam, how dare you make me smile the way I did.
And the tears I cried over this line.
“They never made it home.” - Lila Sullivan.
I nearly ended up dehydrated.
It really hit home that every day is not a given, it’s a blessing and we really need to hug our family and friends harder.
If you can’t tell, I absolutely loved this book and I will not apologise for the long review.
Thank you so much Katie for offering me and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. It was so darn cute and emotional. I loved all the things Kam did and said he was so perfect and loved the kids and Lila so much. Lila was so good for Kam and I enjoyed seeing her fall for him. I loved all the side characters and how they were all friends and so supportive. The ending was so great
Cloudless completely stole my heart. Lila’s strength and vulnerability were so real. And Kam? Absolute perfection. He's patient steady and exactly the kind of hero you root for. Cloudless is emotional in the best way. I laughed cried and stayed up way too late reading.
Thank you to the author and her team for providing me with an eARC xxx
this was like a 3.9-4.5 star read.
okay first of all, so many emotions. I didn't realize this would hit so close to home because of the kind of similar experience I had at seven years old. so yes there were tears for the last 7 chapters.
I went into this thinking it would be somewhat lighthearted, but as with every good book, I love a touch of romance, and so many troubles. That's what makes these characters real.
This friend group was too cute, and I absolutely loved all the texts and 'handwritten' words included in the book.
It seemed special that Lila's siblings are twins, as well as Kam and Ellie. I don't know, I just loved that detail.
Lila has so much potential to be the most sunshine-y person you'll ever meet, and she would not let the grief that she's met with let her light fade out. I think that shows her true strength. Sometimes you can just tell when a character has a bright future ahead of them. She ended up with so much responsibility on her plate after the loss of her parents but you can just see how hard she's trying.
Kam was the perfect book boyfriend. A patient, strong, empathetic guy who wanted to do everything he could to be there for his girl. He came into this story with his own grief, which I also think moved this story along further. You'll be rooting for him the whole way through.
They were just such a lovely pair, and going from strangers, to friends, to lovers, absolutely did work for them.
A sweet story that had me teary eyed, and absolutely ready for any more books by this author (seven million exclamation marks).
This was a cute and easy read following hockey star, Kam, & sweet Lila! Getting to read such a precious story that struggles with guardianship and parental loss was a fun little surprise because it truly felt like you were getting the best of both worlds! I adored Posey and Jasper and found myself caring more about the side characters than the main!
Although it was adorable, it just felt very thrown together. There’s a lot of mini scenes within the original story and it felt like the author just kept thinking of cute ideas and wanted to find a way to plug them in! I’m also not a huge fan of “insta-love” and this was one WAS SO SO QUICK! Not to mention, the entire tone was very innocent until they did a whole 180 towards the end and got freaky weaky!
Overall, it was easy. It was cute. But, it felt a bit unpolished and could have been so much better if the author fleshed out certain things a bit more!!
I recommend to anyone who loves: 🏒Hockey boyfriend 🏒Found family 🏒He falls first 🏒Themes of grief and loss 🏒Adorable dates and meet-cutes 🏒Strangers to friends to lovers
This was an emotional but heartwarming read. Lila is a strong FMC stepping in to raise her siblings after the tragic loss of their parents. The struggle of being a young adult while grieving and then to also be a guardian of 7yr olds, was gut wrenching. She shows so much heart and perseverance! I LOVED her siblings too, such cuties with big personalities. And oh how I wish Kam and his teammates were real?! Talk about supportive, thoughtful, green flag men! They are just what Lila needs. The found family is touching and so sweet. I recommend this story for those who want an emotional yet uplifting read with some spice and lots of love! 💕
How is this only a sophomore release? This was one of the best books I've read all year in the contemporary romance genre.
My favorite trope of all time is found family and this book delivered it on each page.
For such a deep emotional backstory our fmc carried she was light and refreshing and hardworking and I loved her grit.
Kam our cinnamon role mmc definitely fell first and never strayed. No third act break up no miscommunication just love and friends and family and hope.
Absolutely loved this book! So cute and so much emotion. I couldn’t imagine losing my parents and being left to take care of my 7 year old twin siblings - with no support. Lila did everything she could to make sure her siblings were taken care of, always putting them first. Meeting Kam changed their whole life for the better! She found their family, their support system and it was not in the place she originally thought she would.
This was such a heartfelt and beautifully written story. The found family trope was incredibly well done and added so much emotional depth. I absolutely loved the college hockey romance between Lila and Kam—watching their relationship grow was such a joy. It's a story about love, vulnerability, and finding your people, even when it’s hard to ask for help. I couldn’t put it down and can’t recommend it enough!
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Kam and Lila are the sweetest! Kam is so patient and kind and always does what he can for everyone around him! Lila is a strong amazing woman that put others first! The story line was amazing! I couldn’t put this book down! ❤️
The slow burn was done just right. Trouble and Sunshine navigating their way through grief, college and other adult situations were so relatable. This is a couple that will stay together for the rest of their lives.
I feel truly lucky to have read this ARC . This is an emotional, beautifully written story about grief, healing, and allowing yourself to love again. Kam is the most cinnamon roll of cinnamon rolls, and I adored him from the very first meeting-truly an amazing man and such a well-crafted character. The found family in this book is hands down my favorite l've read in a very long time; the warmth, support, and connection between them made my heart so full. Katie B. Wright delivers a story that's tender, heartfelt, and unforgettable. An amazing book that will stay with me for a long time.
Let me start by saying I was given the amazing opportunity to ARC read Cloudless, now that that’s out of the way I absolutely loved this book it was super cute and emotional! I totally fell in love with Lila and Kam. They are truly amazing. Katie really did an amazing job with this book. It couldn’t have been any better!
I wholeheartedly believe Kam & Lila will forever hold a special place in my heart. This story line was everything to me. Kam is everything your looking for in your next book boyfriend! He’s sweet, compassionate, caring, funny and loyal. I loved how once he decided he wanted her to be his friend he did everything in his power, that friendship resume was the perfect touch! Lila is trying her best to keep her and her siblings heads above water. She’s a super women who’s juggling it all and not letting the bad days keep her down. I loved getting to watch her realize she can have it all and doesn’t have to handle everything by herself. She deserves the world and makes sure her siblings are taken care of! One thing I will always LOVE in a book is a found family trope and let me just say this book did NOT disappoint. I loved also getting to see the text on the page! So funny! I can’t wait to see what’s to come for this amazing group of friends!
From the very first page, I felt such a strong connection to Lila. The way she carries the weight of her world, always putting her twin siblings and everyone else before herself, resonated with me deeply. Her strength and quiet resilience shine through every chapter, even when she doesn’t realize it herself.
What I adored most about this story was how quickly Kam, his sister Ellie, and his closest friends/roommates create this warm, safe space for Lila and her twin siblings. It’s the kind of found family that feels so genuine and comforting, the kind that reminds you your people don’t always have to come from blood. Sometimes they show up in the form of sweet, supportive, and yes… very lovable college hockey players who instantly make you feel at home.
And I have to say I will always love a good college sports romance, and this hockey backdrop was done so well. There’s just something about the mix of intensity on the ice paired with soft, tender-hearted athletes off the ice that makes my reader heart so happy. Kam and his world pull you in instantly.
The author weaves together a story of grief, healing, and love in such a heartfelt way. Cloudless is about learning to breathe again after heartbreak, finding your tribe in unexpected places, and slowly allowing yourself to let someone in. It’s tender, emotional, and beautifully hopeful. One of those books that will emotionally stay with me for a long time.
I am left absolutely speechless. Don’t get me wrong I am going to unload on you about this masterpiece but seriously I am in awe...
THIS BOOK.… Beautifully Emotional. I cried the whole time. But I am an emotional butter ball. BUT… I always say you know it is a good book if you cry. Don’t get me wrong I was cheesing and giggling all throughout as well.
Before I get too far, all the characters, main or side, were so beautifully written into the story. They all had great personalities and you felt like you were missing anything or forgetting about someone. Even if they were a side character they sewed everything together just as much as the main characters.
Lila - our FMC - loses her parents to a tragic car accident, leaving her the guardian for her twin siblings - Jasper and Posey… which by the way are absolutely adorable, I just want to hug them. We follow Lila as she navigates college, work and raising these two kiddos. Lila is so strong, this girl deserves a damn vacation! She is a fighter, and she loves these kiddos like they are her own.
Kam - our MMC - when she says green flag MMC, she is not kidding you guys.. This man is amazing …. He had me swooning left and right… I could not believe it … I mean this man made a friend's resume for Lila … like are you kidding me…. He was a rock for Lila, Jasper and Posey. Kam, his friends and of course Ellie really make them feel like a whole family which is so beautiful and heart warming and everything they needed and more. Kam from the beginning was all in with the kids. He loves them so much. Everything he does for them has you swooning over this man more and more.
Jasper and Posey - these kiddos are amazing, their personalities are to die for, they just melt your heart.
For being slow burn , it was perfect. Any other way would've felt too rushed and off. I loved the way their relationship progressed. Being friends first, really helps Lila open up to Kam, and seeing that he was truly there for her no matter what.
This book is one you can’t just read once, this is a book I will continuously pick up time and time again. These characters mean everything to me. I cannot say enough about them. When I say I love this book it is probably an understatement because I can’t get over this book. I won’t shut up about it.
I hope you guys grab this book up, I promise you won’t regret it! 🤍⛅
Thank you Katie B Wright for letting me ARC read this book for you, this was just a beautifully emotional book. I loved every minute of it.
This is not just your typical romance book. To say the least, I was hesitant to pick this one and read it because I am not a big fan of sport college romance stories. But when I read the dedication, I was hooked. And then came the first line: "You never know how important someone is to you until they're dead." My overly sensitive tear glands broke and I just kept on thinking about my parents and the thought that I can't imagine the hurt and brokenness I'll feel when their time on earth will be done... even at the age of almost 30. Yes, I do often take time for granted but this book reminded me of its value even on its first line. So that's when I admitted, this book has swooped my feet totally off the ground. I came for the romance story, I left with a heart full of joy, realizations and a newfound family. (I felt like I did)
Lila's story is heart-breaking and honestly, I was ugly crying for her on the first chapter. The loss, the grit, love and dedication she has to keep things together, and the hopefulness in her heart. Katie Wright is so good at crafting the plot and the characters that you can't help but be touched and feel as though they exist irl. I mean, I'm pretty sure someone, somewhere might be experiencing what Lila had experienced. I just hope they get to experience the happiness, too. Thank you, Katie for writing her.
Kam is the best man ever, while reading him I can't help but see glimpses of my husband. I hope everyone finds a partner as loving, intentional, thoughtful and kind as Kam. And that's just the surface. You guys should really check this book out!
The squad is the most beautiful thing. How they are feels so real it makes me want to be part of their friendship. "We take care of our own" is the sweetest line. Wyatt, Mace, Dax and Ellie. What more can we ask for? And the tenderness and cuteness of the twins: Posey and Jasper. They're adorable and I'm so happy how these characters were well thought of and developed. I want to meet them and be around them. In short, I just want to read more stories from Katie Wright (let's say, Wyatt and Ellie's *wink), she clearly has a gift in writing these real and heart-warming stories.
Thank you Katie for giving me the privilege of reading an ARC of this book. Hoping to read more books from you in the future! So glad to have met Kam and Lila!
ARC Review – Thank you for the opportunity to read this story early. Here’s my short review:
📖 Plot Cloudless follows Lila, a 21-year-old suddenly thrust into the role of guardian for her seven-year-old siblings after the tragic loss of their parents. As she navigates grief, responsibility, and young adulthood, she meets Kamden “Kam” Stryker, the captain of the college hockey team. Their story evolves from strangers to friends to something deeper, weaving in romance, found family, and moments that hit surprisingly close to home. It’s emotional, uplifting, and sprinkled with just the right amount of spice.
📖 Characters Lila is an inspiring and resilient protagonist, whose light and determination never fade despite everything she faces. Kam is the ultimate green-flag love interest—patient, empathetic, and incredibly supportive. The sibling dynamics with Jasper and Posey are adorable, and the found family of friends and teammates adds extra warmth. You can’t help but root for everyone.
📖 Worldbuilding & Setting Summit State University and the college hockey environment feel vibrant and realistic. The mix of campus life, team interactions, and Lila’s personal struggles gives the story a cozy yet dynamic feel. The handwritten notes and texts sprinkled throughout made it feel even more intimate and personal.
📖 Writing Style The writing flows smoothly, balancing heartfelt moments with humor and lighthearted interactions. The emotional beats hit hard, especially in the final chapters, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys.
📖 Recommendation A sweet, emotional, and heartwarming romance about love, resilience, and found family. Perfect for readers who enjoy college sports romances, slow-burn relationships, and characters who rise above life’s challenges. Definitely a read that will leave you teary-eyed and smiling.
I received a digital ARC of 'Cloudless' by Katie B. Wright in exchange for an honest review.
✨tropes✨ College hockey romance Found family Single guardian FMC Grief and healing Slow burn
I honestly loved this book and it definitely adds Katie B Wright into my list of authors to follow for more books! The dedication alone made me know that I would love it!
The summer before her senior year of college Lila’s life takes a sudden turn when she finds herself as the guardian of her twin siblings and six months to prove she can be their guardian. No distractions or deviations from the plan, but all that might change when campus hockey star Kamden Stryker sits next to her in class. With more than meets the eye their friendship surprises her when Kam cannot only truly see her, but he shows up for her. She can’t fall for him. She just can’t. So why does she feel weightless with him.
First and foremost, Katie writes grief in such an amazing tender way that really has me understanding my own healed grief and yet knowing exactly how the character was feeling. As someone who knows the loss of a parent when you’re that young, it’s so beautifully written without being over done. Lila is a girl after my own heart with the lavender lattes and it’s such a little detail that warmed my heart. Now seriously let’s talk about a green flag MMC. He makes a resume and friendship application when she says that’s all she can give him! And he’s her brother’s hockey coach!! Plus he continuously communicates and shows up for her. Come on it’s just tugging on my heart strings. If you love a found family this is for you 100%. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series and I even have a guess at where it might go and I hope I’m right.
••• quotes I loved ••• “For everyone who never felt like they fit in. Welcome home.”
“I miss the blissful ignorance that comes with not yet knowing the feeling of your worst day”
“If my dad can’t be here to give Jasper and Posey an example of what a man should be, I can’t imagine a better man for the job than Kamden Stryker.”
This story is so much more than just a sports romance. The amount of love, patience, and grief experienced brings this to life. Watching the growth of these characters was phenomenal.
Lila's life was flipped upside down the summer before her senior year in college. When a car crash killed both of her parents, leaving her two siblings in her care, she had a challenge to take on. She has 6 months to prove she can be the guardian these kids need. Meanwhile, Kam, the college's hockey captain, shows up in her life. Offering her support, she never expected. This story goes beyond just the slow-burning relationship.
As for contemporary romances, this one will stick with me for a while. Being something new and intriguing for me, I was hooked from the beginning. The depth alone had me wanting to see where this journey took these characters. Having such tragic backstories, I loved seeing how they were able to overcome. Healing from open wounds while showing that it's possible to still show up.
This is a sports romance as well, while there is less focus on the sport itself, I think it worked here. The balance of sport vs. romance flowed beautifully. All of these characters were amazing. From Lila and Kam to Posie and Jasper, they all had a fun depth to them. I definitely loved Ellie's character and her fiery spirit that she had. Overall, these characters will sit with me for a while.
Being a slow-burning romance, the pacing was done nicely. The transition in the relationship felt natural and not rushed or forced at all. I'd say this isn't an overly spicy book, being as there were only a few spicy interactions. I was not disappointed by that at all since the story alone has so much to offer to the reader.
Thank you, Katie, for the chance to read this as an ARC. I am in love with this story and cannot wait to see what you do next!
A hockey romance where they’re *all* green flag guys?! Hell yes!
This was a really beautiful novel. We start with Lila as she takes custody of her 7 yr old twin brother and sister after their parents’ death. She is facing the world alone and is determined to succeed, even if she doesn’t know how.
Enter Kam - captain of the hockey team with a bright future in front of him. He is quickly besotted with Lila and the twin, and becomes determined to help how he can. It turns out the best way he can help is by bringing her into his found family.
This was one of those stories that feels like it could actually happen. The miracles are ordinary, day to day life stuff - like friends showing up unexpectedly when you need them. The bad guys are regular people - a coworker or team mate who has taken offense, an absent/demanding parent, people with money who always expect to win. But that is one of the things that makes this book really special.
There’s plenty of moments of humour (with a pair of kids and several overgrown kids in hockey jerseys, they really don’t stop). It’s a slow burn, one scene open door book where both are inexperienced. This story could definitely be triggering for readers, as it deals with parental death, alcoholism/addictive behaviour (not on page), controlling behaviour and custody issues. They are all handled really beautifully and sensitively.
This book feels like it could be the beginning of a series, with at least two other potential couples that I could spot. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of hockey romance, contemporary romance, and green flag guys.
“I’m scared of the overwhelming truth that I could love Kamden Stryker if given the chance. He would be so easy to love.”
Cloudless is the first in the Summit State University series.
Characters: Lila Sullivan, 21 years old. Fighting for guardian of her two 7 yr old siblings Jasper & Posey.
Kamden “Kam” Stryker, 22 years old. Hockey player (Captain).
Lila suddenly finds herself as the sole guardian of her two 7 year old siblings Jasper & Posey and without a support system. She meets Kam and everything changes.
Kam is the greenest flag. He meets Lila where she is at and remains a steady presence. He shows a maturity beyond his years. Lila is doing the best that she can with what she is given. She has a hard time trusting. Both Kam and Lila have broken families and their found family are the perfect support network for everyone.
This is a sweet read. I love Kam’s whit and persistence.
What to Expect: ☀️ Dual POV ☀️ College Hockey Romance ☀️ Found family ☀️ Single parent ☀️ Strangers to friends to lovers ☀️ Green flag MMC ☀️ Virgin MMC ☀️ He falls first
Microtrope: Jersey moment
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Katie B. Wright for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!