Evening the Score

by Lexi LaFleur Brown

USA TODAY bestselling author, NHL insider, and TikTok influencer Lexi LaFleur Brown is back with another trope-packed, spicy, hockey-accurate rom com!

Don't get mad — get even.

A grudge hates to see Olivia Hinckley coming. Years ago, a dirty hit ended her late father’s NHL career with the Minnesota Freeze. It was never fair that Erik Parker walked away with little more than a penalty, but it’s worse that her father's rival is now up for Hall of Fame induction. On top of that, Erik's son—hockey’s golden boy, Brody—just signed on to play for the Freeze. Determined to dismantle the Parker legacy, Olivia enacts a revenge plot that has her donning the Freeze’s mascot costume to gain intel on the Parkers. And she can’t help but mess with Brody’s gameplay—and his heart for good measure. After all, what’s a little fake dating between enemies?

Brody Parker only ever wanted to play hockey for fun, but the pressure of being part of hockey’s “First Family” has him dodging nepotism allegations along with high sticks. Erik might act like Father of the Year when the cameras are on, but behind closed doors, Brody struggles with his father’s impossible expectations. Preserving Erik’s image is a full-time job, but lucky for Brody, his new connection with Olivia is a welcome (spicy) distraction.

When Brody finally opens up to Olivia, she never expected she’d pity a Parker for anything. Suddenly, she wants to protect her once-enemy. The romantic feelings she faked are now unexpectedly real, but after leading Brody on for so long, can she keep the lies and the truth straight before she accidentally blows up his whole life?

FOR FANS Fake dating He falls first Secret identity Adversaires to lovers Bookish heroes

Genres: Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Hockey, Fiction, Sports

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

Lexi LaFleur Brown is the Indigenous, USA TODAY bestselling author known for witty, emotional, hockey-packed rom-coms like Evening The Score and Shoot Your Shot. She has an MS in Public Relations and a PhD in Education. With a large social media following, she advocates for greater inclusivity in hockey, cracks jokes, and shares glimpses into her post-meet-cute hockey life. Lexi currently resides in Seattle, WA, with her family. When she’s not writing her next love story, you’ll find her beading or in the goal crease.

Reviews

[yvonne ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★.25

i love a good revenge plot in a story and while evening the score did a good job with this trope, it fell a bit flat in other aspects of the story.

i enjoyed the banter between the main characters, olivia and brody, though some of their dialogue was a bit cringey. it wasn’t enough for me to completely stop reading. the humor in this book was top notch and definitely had me laughing at multiple scenes. it was also way more comical to me than romantic. it was clear they liked each other but the chemistry did lack a bit towards the end. so the romance was a bit lackluster but the main characters overall were enjoyable. i love how olivia was written as a woman who was struggling with the death of her father. you could feel how angry and grief stricken she still was after 7 years. brody was a green flag despite him being a bit too gullible. but it was so heartwarming seeing him reconnect with his mother again. i also enjoyed the representation that was filled throughout the story.

this book is perfect if you’re looking for a lighthearted hockey romance with very accurate hockey knowledge. an easy and enjoyable read!

thank you to netgalley and harlequin trade for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[jade ⋆₊˚ ᰔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks you to Harlequin Trade Publishing & Lexi Lafleur Brown for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for feedback


4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 🌶️


tropes:
•revenge plot
•toxic family legacy
•team mascot + nhl player
•secret identity
•fake dating

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

this book was a fun and heartfelt read that really leaned into the author’s knowledge of hockey <33

brody’s journey was the standout for me. his family history, the pressure he carried, and the way he tried to rise above it all gave his character so much depth. i really felt for him and found myself rooting for him from the first chapter. the romance between him and olivia was sweet and engaging, and i flew through the pages because i wanted to see how it all played out. i even cried a few times because some moments really tugged at my heart.

olivia was where i struggled a bit more. i enjoyed her character and the idea behind her plan, but there were parts of her storyline that felt a little unrealistic and drawn out. the fake dating was cute and fun, but sometimes i caught myself thinking girl be for real because of how far she pushed things. still, the chemistry between them worked, and the softer moments between the two really landed for me.

overall, this was fun, emotional, and super engaging. the revenge angle, the toxic family legacy, and the secret identity twist added a lot of drama, but there was also so much heart underneath it. the ending left me really satisfied, and as this was my first book by lexi lafleur brown, i’m genuinely looking forward to reading more from her. if you like hockey romances with big feelings and a little chaos, this one definitely delivers.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Lexi’s sophomore novel. The banter between Olivia and Brody was perfect and I found myself laughing out loud. It was a fun revenge fake dating to healing and finding your person journey. I also LOVED the women in hockey representation, PWHL mentions and the indigenous representation.

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful love story between a woman still dealing with massive grief, anger, and PTSD after the death of her father 7 years earlier and a man desperately trying to separate himself from the toxic legacy his terrible father is constantly trying to force onto him. Of course, the same man is responsible for both Olivia and Brody’s issues: his dad, Erik, a mean, abusive narcissist who has not only made Brody and his mom’s life hell but is the player who ended Olivia’s dad’s career and life with a dirty hit that went unpunished. The emotional thunderstorms in this book are unsurprising given the character’s backstories. Olivia, of course, wants to hate Brody when she meets him because she assumes he’s just like his dad, and she comes up with a completely stupid Revenge plan that makes little sense.

I loved the representation and authenticity in this book. You can tell the author and Olivia by proxy have a deep connection to their indigenous heritage and the love of hockey that exists in their blood. I also enjoyed seeing Brody reconnect with his mom, once she’s broken free from his father, and start learning more about his Korean heritage. It’s clear that they both end up in a better place mentally and emotionally by the end of the book, but not without some really difficult confrontations and conversations. I wish they would have gone to therapy, honestly, because they both clearly needed it.

My biggest issue with this book is the clunky writing — it felt at times like the author was trying to hard to make her word choice more interesting, and they ended up just being out of place and strange. The one that stood out the most to me was when Olivia was talking Brody into getting his hair cut: “I wince at the thought of steel scissors chopping at my beloved follicles.” Follicles? Who thinks that? And why does it matter if the scissors are steel? There were also some inconsistencies in scene blocking at times, like saying a character was sitting and then suddenly they were standing on the other side of the room.

As for the character relationships, I liked Olivia and Brody’s chemistry together but I couldn’t always tell if they really liked each other or not, at least until the end. Maybe that was the point, as they fell in love and Olivia waffled between her revenge plans and being honest with Brody (who is indeed very gullible, btw. He really never googled “Olivia O’Chairlock”??). But I had a hard time figuring Quinn out — were she and Olivia really friends? And I didn’t really feel like I got to know any of the other side characters very well.

Overall, I think you’d enjoy this one if you like sports romances, especially if you’re picky about the hockey content. If it’s a massive secret, I have to imagine they would have a better cover story prepared for why the human inside the mascot is always around the arena, instead of having her make up her own, but the actual hockey play and strategy is accurate and on-point, as you might expect from a former player and former player’s spouse. I really enjoyed every time Olivia popped into a convo with the perfect tip or hockey knowledge, and can totally see how coaching is the perfect fit for her.

Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA/Harper Collins for an advance copy of this book for review purposes.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from Lexi Lafleur Brown and I’m officially sold. I’m so glad I picked this one up because now I’ll be diving into Shoot Your Shot soon.

Olivia is barely holding it together. She’s grieving her father, still carrying the weight of how hockey ultimately shaped, and shattered, her family. So when Brody, hockey’s golden boy, joins her local team, she sees red. In her mind, he represents everything that went wrong in her life. If she can ruin his career the way hockey ruined hers, maybe that’ll feel like justice.

What she doesn’t expect? Becoming the team’s interim mascot.

Now armed with a fuzzy disguise and a front-row seat to the action, Olivia is determined to dig up dirt on Brody and his family. If she can’t take him and his family down publicly, maybe she can get inside his head and throw off his game. But somewhere between the banter, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and seeing who Brody really is beneath the spotlight, her plan starts to unravel.

Because Brody isn’t just his last name. He isn’t just hockey and he for sure as shit is this father’s son.

And in this delicious he-falls-first romance, it becomes very clear that Olivia might be exactly what Brody’s been missing all along. Of course, that realization comes at a cost, her job, her pride, and maybe even her heart.

Their dynamic was genuinely adorable. The silly back-and-forth? Top tier. And can we please have a slow clap for that unmasking scene because WOW. An absolute mess, in the best, most chaotic way possible.

I love when a hockey romance brings something fresh to the trope, and this one absolutely did. Cute, angsty, a little unhinged, and full of heart. Count me in as a new fan.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year I had to opportunity to arc read her debut novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This one however, in my personal opinion is better than that one. It was simply such an easy read and I had such a great time with it. Our two main characters started out in a relationship for convenience, which is always an interesting choice. This book had pretty minimal spice which I definitely prefer to other stuff. I can’t fully explain why I enjoyed this book so much, I just simply did. I binged it on my snow day and it was worth it! As always a huge thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc!!!

[Kate Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very cute, but I felt the pacing was a bit off for the second half. It felt like the conflict lasted FOREVER, after the first half of the book breezed. I would have maybe liked to spend more time in world building and exposition rather than spending so much time in Olivia’s head in the second half.

[Bex · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC read.

Sorry to say, but this is probably my LEAST favorite hockey romance book I have ever read. I was going to DNF it, but I wanted to stick it out and give it a chance. I did approve of how hockey forward the story was, I did like how much knowledge the author seems to have for the sport, but that's probably as far as my approval for this book went.

From the very beginning when we find out Olivia's motivation for her revenge plan, I was out. I am so sorry but please be so for real!!!!! You are going to hold a grudge against a family for something that happened BEFORE YOU WERE EVEN BORN?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Spoiler alert.......


Befriending the son of the man who "ruined" your dad's career to enact your revenge plan, is shortsighted, but not all together a bad plan, get to the son to get to the father, I can understand that plan. HOWEVER the whole reason is a moot point, your father has already died, and he could have tried more to settle the issues between the adults at the time. But you decided that when he died you were going to engage in some revenge story and bring your fathers "perpetrator" down. You could have gone to the media to bring up the old subject to ruin his chances at the hall of fame, but instead you brought his son into the mix, which may I say is really immature; and flawed logic. Yes his son is also really good at playing hockey, but just as you weren't born when the events happened, he wasn't born either! What is the saying "the son takes on the sins of the father"? That's just stupid. You might have seen the news on what happened between fathers, and may have heard your fathers version of events, but that does not mean that your nemesis is Brody... You don't know Brody! And very clearly Brody was not like his father. If she could have pulled her head out the sand for a single minute, she would have seen by the very first date, that he was different than the persona that he felt he had to put out!

Also why did this book feel like one giant woke book? It's one thing to have characters of different backgrounds and orientations, its another to shove it down the readers throats...Like I got it the FMC's sister was a lesbian in a relationship, you didn't have to make a thousand gay jokes, or commentary about it. Another thing, at one point the FMC is in a night club bar, and a sleazy man approaches her, she doesn't reciprocate so the MMC steps in, and all of a sudden the dumb character makes a racist slur towards the MMC, so the FMC attacks him and punches him to the ground. Like what?!?!?! First of all, why wouldn't you just tell the security staff and ask them to take the man out (like the MMC said he was going to do)? And why jump to violence immediately anyways? That is telling the reader that if one stupid racist comment is made, you should immediately respond with violence...... That is not an appropriate response, it is an overreaction to the situation, escalating into something it shouldn't.

I honestly could probably go on, but I'd rather keep it to that. Overall this was probably even less than 1 star for me.....

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to get out of the way, this was a good book. I enjoyed it. But other than it’s a hockey romance, it’s not really like Heated Rivalry.

Ok, back to my review:

Olivia Hinckley is set on avenging her father who received a traumatic brain injury during a hockey game from a dirty hit. Brody Parker’s father Erik Parker was the player who made that dirty hit and while Brody has spent his entire life trying to escape from his father’s hockey legacy and abuse, it follows him to his new team, in Minnesota.
When Olivia learns that Brody is coming to her father’s former team she is livid and decides she needs to get close to Brody so she can sabotage Erik Parker’s chances of getting into the hall of fame. She takes a temp job as the team mascot for recon and to better ingratiate herself into Brody’s life. Little did she know that Brody was a really good guy. How can she destroy someone who she is falling in love with?

Olivia was an interesting character. A lot of FMCs can feel a little generic but she seemed to have a lot of personality and she was flawed and she was funny. I loved how it wasn’t only about her finding a romantic partner but also discovering what was important to her and letting go of pain from the past that she had been holding onto. I like Brody, he was really sweet, if a bit dense. For a book guy he seemed a bit naive…maybe because it sounded like he didn’t have much of a normal life growing up. He was a good love interest though because he seemed like a genuinely good guy who was trying to escape a crappy situation and find happiness.

The hockey felt a lot more detailed than in like Heated Rivalry, lots of description of game play or playing styles, moves on the ice, strategies etc. I don’t know anything about hockey but it sounded good to me. I do know about libraries and it sounds less accurate to me. They would be unlikely to let someone have a picnic in the middle of the library and having sex in the library would be definitely off limits. This is a dumb thing, but it bothered me. Please don’t get naked and have sex in a library, people have to use that space later.

Even though the characters have trauma and Olivia is literally out for revenge, this is not a super dark or depressing book. There were emotional moments that made me tear up but overall, it is a positive read with a well earned HEA. I enjoyed this book and while I don’t think this is the most unique romance novel I’ve read, it’s a welcome addition to the genre.

Final comment: taxidermy is gross.

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the ARC.

[sambavi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did want to love this, and in some ways I did but not as much as I was hoping given the premise of the story. The author fleshed out everything with hockey that was involved with Brody and Olivia. I loved it, I love hockey and it was really well represented throughout and the author is evidently super knowledgeable about the sport which is amazing! The Indigenous representation was also incredible and I loved learning about the role of Olivia’s heritage on her character and the importance of family for her. The side characters were entertaining, there were definitely humorous parts to the story (rip Brody’s living room) and it was a light, fun read.

Themes included:
- Fake dating
- He falls first
- Grief
- Mascot x Hockey Player
- FMC secret identity
- Second act breakup
- Revenge plot

Where the story fell flat for me however was with Olivia and Brody’s relationship. I found myself way more invested in Brody’s character growth as he learned to separate himself from his father’s identity to find who he is in his career. Olivia’s growth was definitely notable nearing the end of the book but I didn’t find myself as interested in her character as the story progressed (which was understandable given the second act breakup). I did enjoy their relationship as the story progressed into the 2/3rds of the book but it was definitely an insta-lust which didn’t click well for me given how badly Olivia wanted revenge against the Parkers? It was also a very, very one sided rivalry which kind of sucked since I didn’t see the adversaries to lovers that was meant to be there.

The other part that threw me off was the constant mention of same sex couples because of Olivia’s sister? It was established really clearly at the beginning but the amount of jokes pointing towards it was weird especially with the main couple being heterosexual? The same applies to Brody’s Korean heritage… it felt like it was an addition to his character instead of being part of it? This could have been interesting for him to explore throughout the book given his existing identity issues.

Overall I did like Brody’s character, he was an amazing golden retriever MMC and it was really sweet seeing how supportive Olivia became and the two grew to depend on each other to an extent for the traumas they endured.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always down for a revenge plot—especially when it involves rivalry and fake dating. Evening the Score had such a fun setup, and while it delivered in some areas, it didn’t in other areas.

Olivia’s anger and lingering grief over her father’s career-ending injury felt very real. Seven years later, she’s still carrying that weight, and I appreciated how deeply her resentment fueled her actions. Her decision to infiltrate the Minnesota Freeze (yes, including mascot shenanigans) added a layer of chaotic humor that made this way more comedic than I expected—in a good way. I laughed more than once, and the hockey knowledge throughout felt authentic and grounded.

Brody was such a green flag, even if he could be a little too trusting at times. Watching him navigate the pressure of being part of hockey’s “First Family” added emotional depth, especially as the story explored his strained relationship with his father and his reconnection with his mom. That thread, along with the inclusion of concussion-related issues in professional sports and Indigenous representation through Olivia, gave the book substance beyond the romance.

That said, I struggled a bit with the chemistry. The banter was fun, though occasionally veered into cringey territory, and while it was clear they cared about each other, the romantic tension felt strongest in the first half. Toward the end, some emotional shifts and conflict resolutions felt a little rushed, and I found myself wanting more depth in certain character developments to really sell the payoff.

Ultimately, I think this came down to writing style for me. The tone leaned more lighthearted and comedic than romantic, and while that works beautifully for a lot of readers, it didn’t fully click with what I personally look for in a romance book. Even so, this is an easy, entertaining read with solid representation and accurate sports detail—and I can absolutely see it being a favorite for readers who love playful revenge plots, fake dating, and a softer, low-angst vibe. So while it wasn’t a total win for me, I definitely think it will be for others!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this eARC!

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mascot revenge plot meets golden boy hockey angst and somehow it works.

📚 Evening the Score by Lexi LaFleur Brown
Genre: Hockey romance
Vibes: revenge scheme, fake dating, toxic family legacy, secret identity, he falls first

Olivia is out for blood. Years ago, a dirty hit ended her father’s NHL career. Now the man responsible is headed for Hall of Fame status and his son just signed with her dad’s old team.

So naturally she infiltrates the organization in a mascot costume to take down the Parker legacy.

Unhinged? A little. Entertaining? Absolutely.

What worked for me:

🏒 Hockey details that actually feel authentic
💔 A hero crushed under toxic family expectations
🔥 He falls first energy that hit every time
🎭 Fake dating with real emotional payoff
🥹 Soft moments that genuinely made me tear up

Brody was the standout. The pressure of being part of hockey’s first family, the constant nepotism whispers, the impossible standards from his father… it all gave him depth. I was rooting for him from chapter one. His vulnerability is what makes the romance land.

Olivia is where I struggled more. I liked her motivation and the revenge angle, but parts of her plan felt unrealistic and stretched a bit too far. There were moments where I wanted to say girl please. Still, the chemistry between them worked, and when the emotional walls started coming down, it was worth it.

Underneath the chaos and drama, there is a lot of heart here. Grief. Legacy. Pressure. Learning to separate who you are from who your family expects you to be.

This was fun, emotional, and engaging, and as a first read from Lexi LaFleur Brown, I am definitely curious to pick up more.

💬 Do you love a revenge plot in romance, or do you prefer your couples to start on softer ground?

#LexiLaFleurBrown #EveningTheScore #MIRABooks #HockeyRomance #SportsRomance

[Yesenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a cute hockey romance! If you need a good revenge, healing journey, finding your person, and a little competitiveness story, this is for you. The story is about Olivia and Brody. Two hockey legend adults who are just trying to go through life. Each one has their own trauma and crap they’re going through. One held on by their past and one looking for their place. This story is so freaking cute, you honestly can’t help but fall in love with not only the characters but the culture and love. Plus the story is literally written by a former WAG, home girl knows her hockey. It’s cutesy, bantery, funny, and most of all one of finding your person.

Olivia is just a hot mess. She’s in such a limbo state of mind that and in life. So when opportunities arise she literally can’t help herself. She’s a strong willed girl with a crazy mind set….. but I love it 😆. You can’t help but kick your feet at the recklessness that’s to come but you keep cheering her on. That’s until she figures out her feelings and we just have to watch the complete explosion that she’s bringing upon herself. We must all learn one way or another 🤷‍♀️. She will have you laughing the whole book 🖤.

Brody 🖤. Can I take one order of this hockey man please. All you want to do is protect him at all costs. He’s more than capable, but you can’t help but want to hold his hand the whole way through. He’s a strong, competitive, funny, and caring hockey player. But he’s got a past and present that haunts him. I love his journey in this book. You see him start to grow his back bone and claim his life. I loved it 🖤. Plus his tendency to pass out made me laugh. And please!!!!! Can we all address his video game loss 🤤.


I got this as an arc from NetGalley and 1000% recommend to anyone!

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately, I have been deep in my sports romance era, and hockey romances in particular have completely won me over. There is just something about the combination of intensity, vulnerability, and high emotional stakes that always pulls me in. From the moment I picked up this book, I could tell it was going to deliver not just on the emotion, but also on the humor, which made it even more enjoyable.

This story grabbed my attention right from the beginning. I really loved that it is told in first person with alternating perspectives, which made it easy to connect with both main characters and understand what was driving them. It is the kind of romance where you find yourself rooting for both people equally, even when the situation feels complicated and the outcome is anything but certain. That tension kept me fully invested because I genuinely did not know how everything was going to come together.

I also appreciated the extra layers this story brought to the table. The one-sided enemies to lovers element added an interesting twist and made the emotional growth even more satisfying to watch. Seeing both characters evolve, one of the main characters confront their assumptions, and slowly shift how they saw the other was one of my favorite parts of the book.

All in all, I really enjoyed this story. It had heart, humor, and a romance that felt earned. This is a slight spoiler, but the epilogue was one of the most satisfying I have read in a long time, and it left me finishing the book with a big smile on my face.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Ashley Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin for this e-arc! 'Tis the season for a good hockey romance and Evening the Score has all the antics you need to warm your rom com heart. I really enjoyed Lexi LaFleur Brown's first book, but I felt like she really shone in this one. We have a bonkers premise - a woman takes a job as a team mascot to get closer to/exact revenge on the son of the man who ended her dad's career. Olivia's plans are obviously foiled when Brody turns out to be sweet, studious, selfless, and sexy. This book goes hard on a little white lie about who Olivia is - a thing that usually takes me out of a plot, but their chemistry was so fun and the situations so silly, that I was ok waiting for her to come clean. There are moments where Olivia feels a little juvenile, but I think that the work she is doing by the end helps advance her character. I really appreciated that the world Brown builds here is full of life and a diverse cast of characters - Olivia comes from a family of indigenous people and Brody is Korean-American - that give the story some verisimilitude that you don't always get in a hockey romance. The book also tackles some tough terrain - grief and difficult parent relationships; definitely take a look at TWs if that might be tough for you. But if not, this is a fun silly hockey rom com ride!

[Allison Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and the author Lexi LaFleur Brown for a Netgalley ARC!

Olivia's father who played professional hockey had a career ending injury from a dirty hit from a rival player. Brody's father was the one who forced the hit and took over the legacy of Olivia's father. Torn by the loss of her father and her family's passion, Olivia has moved far away to escape any mention of hockey or her family. Needing a job, she takes on the role as a mascot for her father's original team to mess with Brody and destroy his chance of a legacy.

This was a cute read to find out Olivia's next antics and Brody's exploration of his self identity. With multiple side characters (with some interesting talents), they provide some light-heartedness to a family vs family hockey story.

I did find myself interested in the characters and the story overall, but I felt less interested in Olivia and more in Brody. I also felt at times the legitimacy of the character backstories and plots felt somewhat exaggerated.

My favorite scene is the apartment sprinkler scene (beautifully connected the characters)!

Tropes:
- Hockey
- Enemies to Lovers
- Son of my enemy
- Dating of Convenience
- Dual POV
- Forced Proximity
- Revenge
- Spice (3 Peppers)

Warnings:
- Taxidermy
- Loss of Family

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lighthearted humorous fake-dating romance story wrapped in grief.

I enjoyed this debut novel, having had no prior experience with the author. This is a love story, but it’s also a story about grief and how differently everyone processes loss. It highlights how isolating it can feel to grieve differently than your peers, and how we can sometimes fixate on moments that mean far more to us than they do to others. I appreciated the snippets of women’s hockey, though I wish there had been more exploration of Olivia’s experience specifically as a coach.

I was initially hoping for a vengeful plot but Olivia quickly begins fake-dating Brody which softened the hook early on. It was hilarious when Brody had no idea who she was or why she secretly despised his family so much. It goes to show that moments of importance for one person can be completely insignificant to another.

I did struggle with Olivia’s character at times where she came off very childish for her age. I know people process grief differently but Olivia’s loss of her father 7 years ago seems to have had her lose seven years of maturity. Despite my frustrations the book was a fun read that made me reflect on how people process events and loss differently.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with free eARC access for an honest review.

[Samantha S. (TikTok: RADHouse - RileyAnthonyDesigns) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evening the Score surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a fun revenge-meets-hockey romance, but what I got was a layered story about legacy, grief, and choosing who you want to be outside of other people’s expectations.

Olivia is fueled by righteous anger, and honestly? I loved that about her. Her grief over her father and the injustice surrounding his career feels raw and real, and her plan to take down the Parker name is messy, impulsive, and deeply human. She’s not perfect—and that’s what made her arc so compelling.

Brody, though, completely stole my heart. He’s carrying the weight of a hockey dynasty he never asked for, constantly trying to live up to a father who cares more about image than impact. Watching him slowly open up, especially as he falls first, added so much emotional depth to what could’ve been a lighter sports romance.

The fake dating and secret identity elements were genuinely fun, but it’s the emotional pivot—when Olivia starts seeing Brody as more than just collateral damage—that really elevates the story. The tension between revenge and love is handled thoughtfully, and while some moments felt slightly rushed, the payoff was worth it.

This is a strong hockey romance with heart, humor, and just enough spice. If you enjoy adversaries-to-lovers with emotional growth on both sides and a hero you want to protect at all costs, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a solid, engaging read that I genuinely enjoyed. The writing style flowed well and kept me invested in the story, making it easy to settle in and keep turning the pages. Overall, it’s a well-written book with a strong emotional core.

While I did find myself wishing the female protagonist had been more upfront about her intentions, I also understand that doing so would have removed much of the conflict that drives the story. Even so, her choices sometimes caused frustration, especially when honesty might have spared unnecessary hurt.

That said, the emotional impact of the book really worked for me, particularly when it came to the male main character. I felt for him throughout the story, and his perspective added depth and heart to the narrative. His struggles and emotional journey were handled in a way that made them feel real and relatable.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and well-executed story with good writing, strong emotions, and compelling characters. A 4 out of 5 stars read for me.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I struggled with whether to give this a rounded down 3/5 or a rounded up 4/5. I decided on the rounded down 3/5 because I was very confused about the "rivalry" part of this. That's the start to their whole situation and it really didn't make much sense to me. Maybe I missed something.

But overall, this was cute and fun and quick and easy. And if you're looking for a new hockey romance, I would definitely recommend!

This follows Brody (the son of a famous hockey player who is currently trying to fight the nepo-baby allegations) and Olivia (an indigenous woman who gets a job as the hockey team's mascot).

This has a focus on the emotional aspect of these two characters without much plot (but it is a hockey romance and I don't find that to be uncommon). I do think that their rivalry (the really is one-sided) making no sense to me is why I felt that this isn't very plot heavy.

I did like the storyline of Brody trying to not be deemed a nepo-baby and the complicated relationship he has with his dad because of that.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, charming and cute story that also explored grief, anger, toxic parents and cultural identity. There were so many witty observations that had me cackling. As much as Olivia's revenge plan (and taking her time to confess) was frustrating, I understood why she went that way and I appreciate her journey to reconciling her father's death. Erik was a sweetheart, desperate to climb out of his controlling father's shadow and also estranged from his mum. The way their relationship developed felt natural, that I never saw any real faking it because they behaved like a real couple from the get go. I also really liked how the author also layered in Olivia's Indigenousness (though I wish that came a bit earlier in the story, at the very least more crumbs dropped) and Erik being half-Korean and the pressures of being a POC hockey player in a very white sport.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love sports romance when the heroine is also an athlete. There's something far more interesting when you can have two athletes in a relationship - even if one isn't a professional, there's an appreciation and understanding for the same passion. This book didn't disappoint. I love that Olivia was a talented player in her own right and the epilogue was a perfect full circle for her.

[ena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! As a huge fan of hockey, the author, Lexi, does a great job depicting the sport into the story in an accurate way. Fun, quick read to start off the new year!

This book gave me some "John Tucker Must Die" vibes and I loved that a lot. The revenge plot Olivia comes up with, with her scheming behind Brody's back in order to avenge her father was exactly what I was looking for in a book. It felt very unique.

Honestly, I did kind of hope for more of the fun, chaotic moments while Olivia was inside of the mascot uniform than outside of it. Olivia's relationship with Brody certainly felt natural but also a bit rushed at times. For me, there were some details that could have been pivotal moments that I wish had been expanded on in a few POV switches. Overall, I really did love the plot and the tropes within the story! It's definitely worth picking up and would recommend it to others if they're into sport romances.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

[juhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the rare occasions I think the second book outshines an author’s debut novel. I believe Lexi LaFleur Brown really grew her storytelling with Brody and Olivia’s novel. Off the bat, the one-sided beef towards the Parker family creates a silly, but engaging motive. The dual perspectives help grow the tension and build up their relationship in a way that’s fun and engaging. It gives off the same energy as a classic romantic comedy.

I love the subtle but present elements of showcasing diversity within the sport of ice hockey, which historically lacks that. Brody is the prodigal son, but subtly shares his half-Korean heritage from his pre-game meal. Similarly, Olivia’s indigenous background is present from the language, her philosophies, and storytelling. A unique spin of the stereotypical sports romance book, I’m excited to see the author continue to grow in her storytelling within this genre and beyond.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy gifted to me, all thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

[Layla V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evening the Score by Lexi LaFleur Brown 5 Star Review (Honest NetGalley gifted ARC)

The world they're in is described so vividly and the details about the hockey area and other spaces are incredibly realistic.

The characters in this story are amazing, with the main ones having so much depth, and the side characters, from teammates to family and coaches, all having well thought out and unique personalities.

From the opening line, this book had me hooked, its perfectly paced plot drawing me deeper into the story with each passing page.

The writing is top-notch, packed with small details and nuances that make a big impact on the reading experience.

I'm loving her quest for revenge, going undercover, and the unique mascot twist - it's a first for me! The secret identity is everything and the pettiness of her sabotaging his hockey gear 😭😂 is hilarious. Both characters undergo significant growth, especially Brody finding his voice and living life on his terms. If you're into sports romances like Elle Kennedy or Bal Khabra, you'll devour this!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this book in a day.

The relationship between Olivia and Brody was just so EASY. They fell into each other so freely and naturally even though Olivia was hiding this huge secret the whole time. Great rom com, Incredible hockey IQ, and i feel like i learned a lot about indigenous Canadians honestly.

As i said with Shoot Your Shot, a lot of the humor in here is so supremely Lexi that you kinda need to know her a little to fully appreciate it. But since i do know her and have watched/read every tik tok/tweet/instagram story she’s posted in the last two years, i had an incredible time.

The spice was the least interesting part of this story which is exactly what im after sometimes. All of the little side character stories were super fun. The goalies and their codependency? Hilarious. The tales of mascot struggles? Perfect. The beer league sub plot? Amazing. Horrifying references to taxidermy? Incredible.

Also hell yeah, spread awareness for cte research in hockey

arc from NetGalley and Harper Collins

[Lindi Weier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though entertaining and undeniably an easy read, this novel ultimately fell a little flat for me. The pacing moved quickly, and the writing style made it simple to stay engaged, but as a romance reader, I found myself wanting more emotional depth and character development.

The FMC's motivations were almost entirely driven by her desire for revenge against the MMC's father. Because of this, many of her choices felt frustrating and, at times, difficult to read.

What made this especially challenging was how genuinely good the male main character turned out to be. As his character unfolded, it became harder to reconcile the FMC’s decisions with the reality of who he was. This imbalance created tension, but not always in a satisfying way. Instead of deep emotional stakes or layered romantic conflict, the story leaned heavily on revenge.

Overall, the book was enjoyable in a light, quick-read sense, but it lacked the emotional depth and character complexity I look for in a romance novel.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia is a former college hockey player with an NHL dad, and Brody is a current NHL player with an even more famous hockey father, the one responsible for ending Olivia’s dad’s career. Complicated, to say the least. When Brody is traded to the Freeze, Olivia takes a job with the team, initially hoping to undermine Brody and his well-known hockey family. As expected, things are not quite what they seem, and Olivia and Brody begin to grow closer.

I appreciated many aspects of this story. Olivia being Indigenous adds important representation, and Brody’s struggle under the weight of his father’s reputation and abuse is handled with care. The inclusion of concussion-related issues in professional sports is also a thoughtful and relevant thread that adds dimension to the romance. At times, I wished the character development had been given more room to unfold. Some shifts in motivation felt a bit quick, and certain conflicts could have benefited from deeper exploration. With more depth, the novel’s themes might have had even more impact.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Collins and Lexie Lafleur Brown for sending me Evening the Score in exchange for my review 💗.

I was intrigued to read this novel after being a fan of Lexie and her family for a while as well as coming from a hockey family.

What I absolutely loved about this book was the inclusivity. The FMC is Indigenous, the MMC is half Korean and there's a supportive queer character as well! The character development and backstories all around were well done!

Lexie's lifelong connection to hockey really shines through. The real life hockey references along with the acknowledgement of CTE were an intricate touch to the novel, making the story flow organically and authentically.

Where it lost points for me was the pacing. At around the 60% mark the story slowed, and often seemed to repeat itself - I struggled a bit until it picked up again.

That said, the ending was absolutely beautiful - touching on grief and acceptance in a way that felt heartfelt and meaningful, especially for the FMC's growth!

If you're a fan of hockey, romance, or both, I definitely recommend this book! It's equal parts sweet and heartwarming!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an early copy to read for free from HarperCollins. I'm a sucker for a good sports book, so I had high hopes that I would enjoy this, and it exceeded my expectations. It felt like a really funny and well-paced romcom, which is hard for a book to pull off. It had some vibes of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 10 Things I Hate About You. The characters were really interesting and likeable and well fleshed out and diverse and had consistent characterization throughout the book. The writing style was so funny that it had me laughing out loud regularly, which is rare for me. Between that and the short chapters and really well-executed switching POVs had me speeding through this and struggling to put it down when I needed to. Plus, all the hockey writing was very accurate, but also written in a way that wouldn't be confusing or too much for someone with less background knowledge about it. I definitely recommend this.

[Breezy · Rating 4 out of 5]

with the unfortunate light of the men’s hockey team right now, i almost dnf’d with the hope of coming back later. instead, i pushed through and im glad i did truthfully.

this story follows Olivia, daughter of a former hockey player who ended up with a injury sustained from a dirty hit that ended his career.
and Brody, the son of the player who ended Olivia’s fathers career.

Olivia wants revenge for what happened to her dad, and when Brody ends up taking up a spot on her dads former team she takes a job! what job you ask? as the team mascot.

it was nice seeing Brody and Olivia grow and heal. they had good banter and even better history. there was a lot of chuckles from my read and i definitely needed that.

overall, i love seeing Lexi’s growth in her writing and im really glad to have had the opportunity to read this one early. thank to both netgalley and harlequin trade for this eARC