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Boston Rebels #5
Penalty Play
We were never meant to see each other again. It was a one-night, no-names fling in Bermuda . . . until the next day when I watch her walk down the aisle at our parents’ wedding and discover she’s now my stepsister.
We say it won’t happen again, but we give in to the temptation of “just one more time” . . . twice. We tell ourselves there’s no harm in it. Given my stepdad’s and her mom’s rocky marital histories, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see each other again.
Except, a few days later, I walk into the Boston Rebels’ offices to assure management that I’ll focus on nothing but hockey after I missed last season thanks to an injury. Instead, I find myself face-to-face with my stepsister, Morgan, who now works for the team.
At first, we pretend we’ve never met and try to steer clear of each other. But it’s impossible. Her friends are tangled up with my teammates. Her dad is my agent. She’s everywhere: at the rink, out with our friends, and in my head.
I have every reason not to pursue her. I tell myself I’ll stay away. And yet, I can’t get enough of her.
So we make a deal: a secret friends with benefits arrangement—no feelings, no commitment.
The more I truly get to know her, the more I can’t imagine my life without her. But forever is the one thing I promised myself I’d never give anyone again.
TROPES:
✨ stepsiblings
✨ vacation fling
✨ agent’s daughter
✨ opposites attract
✨ workplace romance
✨ secret relationship
We say it won’t happen again, but we give in to the temptation of “just one more time” . . . twice. We tell ourselves there’s no harm in it. Given my stepdad’s and her mom’s rocky marital histories, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see each other again.
Except, a few days later, I walk into the Boston Rebels’ offices to assure management that I’ll focus on nothing but hockey after I missed last season thanks to an injury. Instead, I find myself face-to-face with my stepsister, Morgan, who now works for the team.
At first, we pretend we’ve never met and try to steer clear of each other. But it’s impossible. Her friends are tangled up with my teammates. Her dad is my agent. She’s everywhere: at the rink, out with our friends, and in my head.
I have every reason not to pursue her. I tell myself I’ll stay away. And yet, I can’t get enough of her.
So we make a deal: a secret friends with benefits arrangement—no feelings, no commitment.
The more I truly get to know her, the more I can’t imagine my life without her. But forever is the one thing I promised myself I’d never give anyone again.
TROPES:
✨ stepsiblings
✨ vacation fling
✨ agent’s daughter
✨ opposites attract
✨ workplace romance
✨ secret relationship
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2026
550 people are currently reading
2744 people want to read
About the author
Julia Connors
14 books1,192 followersJulia grew up on the warm and sunny West Coast, but her first decision as an adult was to trade her flip-flops for snow boots and move to Boston.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.
You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.
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January 6, 2026Releasing January 23, 2026!
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Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/4gsrp9M
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3JYYs9l
January 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the perfect ending to the series. And honestly? Usually step-sibling romances are not my thing, but somehow this one just worked. Crazy, I know.
I really loved the banter between them. It felt natural, fun, and full of chemistry. What stood out most for me was how intentional he was about making her feel safe and comfortable. That care and patience added so much depth to their relationship and made it easy to root for them.
There were a few moments where I felt frustrated and just wanted them to communicate and clear things up already, but I also understand why it was paced the way it was. In the end, it all came together in a really satisfying way.
Overall, this was a strong, emotional conclusion to the series, and I’m excited to jump into whatever comes next as we start learning all about the Hartmann brothers. 💙📚
This was the perfect ending to the series. And honestly? Usually step-sibling romances are not my thing, but somehow this one just worked. Crazy, I know.
I really loved the banter between them. It felt natural, fun, and full of chemistry. What stood out most for me was how intentional he was about making her feel safe and comfortable. That care and patience added so much depth to their relationship and made it easy to root for them.
There were a few moments where I felt frustrated and just wanted them to communicate and clear things up already, but I also understand why it was paced the way it was. In the end, it all came together in a really satisfying way.
Overall, this was a strong, emotional conclusion to the series, and I’m excited to jump into whatever comes next as we start learning all about the Hartmann brothers. 💙📚
January 18, 2026
This was good because everything Julia writes is worth reading. There was really never anything critical that happened. I was “oh they’re step siblings! Except not really because that’s not his dad and also these people never stay married long” and then “oh no she works for the team! But actually she doesn’t at all”
The biggest stakes were truly just how to overcome the embarrassment of explaining how they met.
Good characters, good references to the rest of the series, and it was nice to see Morgan get a story after being in the background of like 9 previous books
ARC from Julia Connors <3
The biggest stakes were truly just how to overcome the embarrassment of explaining how they met.
Good characters, good references to the rest of the series, and it was nice to see Morgan get a story after being in the background of like 9 previous books
ARC from Julia Connors <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
thank you my dear Julia for making me part of your ARC team and read this beautiful, funny and incredible story.
perfect ending, perfect story, there's nothing more beautiful like see how a series end and all of them were perfect
perfect ending, perfect story, there's nothing more beautiful like see how a series end and all of them were perfect
January 23, 2026
ARC REVIEW
“For anyone who ever felt the need to make themselves small in order to fit the mold of someone else’s expectations…this is your world, take up all the space you need.”
•
Penalty play is the last book in the “Boston Rebels” series, here you’ll find:
🏒Vacation fling
🛥️Agent’s daughter
✨Opposites attract
🌆Secret relationship
This was such a fun, entertaining, and engaging read. It was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style—it was smooth, easy to follow, and pulled me in right away.
Morgan is such a relatable character. She’s a romantic at heart who keeps ending up disappointed by love, and I really connected with her desire to find something real and meaningful instead of just another temporary connection. She’s not the kind of girl who can do casual, and I loved watching her growth throughout the book—especially the way she finally finds her voice and learns to stand up for herself, particularly in her relationship with her mother. That development felt honest and earned.
Aiden (Danny) was a great male lead. Coming back after a year away due to his hand injury, he’s clearly dealing with more than just physical recovery. I loved seeing his character growth and how he actively works on becoming a better person. His personal struggles were handled really well, and while I would’ve loved a bit more depth and conversation about his past, I still found his journey compelling and emotional.
Their relationship was such a fun dynamic. What starts as a casual vacation fling quickly becomes complicated when they discover they’re now step-siblings and coworkers—hello tension 😅. The banter was great, the chemistry was strong, and I loved how their relationship evolved from something purely physical into something much deeper and more emotional. Aiden made Morgan feel seen and understood, and she did the same for him, which made their connection feel genuine and meaningful.
Sure, some of the “final drama” could’ve been avoided with better communication—but honestly, that’s realistic, and it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the story was overall.
Overall, this was such a fun, emotional, and satisfying read. Great chemistry, strong character growth, and an engaging romance that kept me invested from start to finish.
Thank you so much to @valentine_pr_ & @juliaconnorsauthor for the ARC!
“For anyone who ever felt the need to make themselves small in order to fit the mold of someone else’s expectations…this is your world, take up all the space you need.”
•
Penalty play is the last book in the “Boston Rebels” series, here you’ll find:
🏒Vacation fling
🛥️Agent’s daughter
✨Opposites attract
🌆Secret relationship
This was such a fun, entertaining, and engaging read. It was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style—it was smooth, easy to follow, and pulled me in right away.
Morgan is such a relatable character. She’s a romantic at heart who keeps ending up disappointed by love, and I really connected with her desire to find something real and meaningful instead of just another temporary connection. She’s not the kind of girl who can do casual, and I loved watching her growth throughout the book—especially the way she finally finds her voice and learns to stand up for herself, particularly in her relationship with her mother. That development felt honest and earned.
Aiden (Danny) was a great male lead. Coming back after a year away due to his hand injury, he’s clearly dealing with more than just physical recovery. I loved seeing his character growth and how he actively works on becoming a better person. His personal struggles were handled really well, and while I would’ve loved a bit more depth and conversation about his past, I still found his journey compelling and emotional.
Their relationship was such a fun dynamic. What starts as a casual vacation fling quickly becomes complicated when they discover they’re now step-siblings and coworkers—hello tension 😅. The banter was great, the chemistry was strong, and I loved how their relationship evolved from something purely physical into something much deeper and more emotional. Aiden made Morgan feel seen and understood, and she did the same for him, which made their connection feel genuine and meaningful.
Sure, some of the “final drama” could’ve been avoided with better communication—but honestly, that’s realistic, and it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the story was overall.
Overall, this was such a fun, emotional, and satisfying read. Great chemistry, strong character growth, and an engaging romance that kept me invested from start to finish.
Thank you so much to @valentine_pr_ & @juliaconnorsauthor for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Being with you is like being seen for the first time. It’s being appreciated for who I am, not who I could be.”
Morgan has a problem…she can’t stop dating assholes. So, when she promises herself she’s done with them and goes to Bermuda for her mom’s wedding, it only makes sense to have a one night stand with the hot guy at the bar just for fun. Aidan doesn’t do relationships, so casual hook ups aren’t new for him. But. he’s never had as much fun as he did with the girl from the resort bar. Both of are riding the high of their night together until their real identities are revealed, and they realize that they absolutely shouldn't have a repeat.
But when they get back to Boston the next week and learn they will be working together for this hockey season, they have a big decision to make: let what happened in Bermuda stay in Bermuda, or explore the fun connection they had…with no strings attached, of course.
Will they be able to stay away from each other when their lives are suddenly so closely intwined? And if not, will they be able to keep things casual?
Julia Connors has a way with irresistible characters and angsty love stories. Penalty Play gives us even more of the heartstrings-tugging romance she’s known for!
—
this and that:
♡ agent’s daughter
♡ dual pov
♡ grumpy x sunshine
♡ hockey romance
♡ hurt x comfort
♡ no strings attached
♡ open door spice
♡ opposites attract
♡ secret hook ups
♡ taboo-adjacent relationship
♡ workplace romance
triggers:
☞ death of loved ones (past, off page)
☞ drug addiction (not mc, past, off page)
☞ high risk pregnancy (not mc)
☞ toxic parental relationship
—
thank you to Julia Connors for the gifted review copy!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
Morgan has a problem…she can’t stop dating assholes. So, when she promises herself she’s done with them and goes to Bermuda for her mom’s wedding, it only makes sense to have a one night stand with the hot guy at the bar just for fun. Aidan doesn’t do relationships, so casual hook ups aren’t new for him. But. he’s never had as much fun as he did with the girl from the resort bar. Both of are riding the high of their night together until their real identities are revealed, and they realize that they absolutely shouldn't have a repeat.
But when they get back to Boston the next week and learn they will be working together for this hockey season, they have a big decision to make: let what happened in Bermuda stay in Bermuda, or explore the fun connection they had…with no strings attached, of course.
Will they be able to stay away from each other when their lives are suddenly so closely intwined? And if not, will they be able to keep things casual?
Julia Connors has a way with irresistible characters and angsty love stories. Penalty Play gives us even more of the heartstrings-tugging romance she’s known for!
—
this and that:
♡ agent’s daughter
♡ dual pov
♡ grumpy x sunshine
♡ hockey romance
♡ hurt x comfort
♡ no strings attached
♡ open door spice
♡ opposites attract
♡ secret hook ups
♡ taboo-adjacent relationship
♡ workplace romance
triggers:
☞ death of loved ones (past, off page)
☞ drug addiction (not mc, past, off page)
☞ high risk pregnancy (not mc)
☞ toxic parental relationship
—
thank you to Julia Connors for the gifted review copy!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
January 23, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨ 5⭐️ oh my Aiden Renaud!! There’s just something about these Boston Rebels! Aiden and Morgan meet at a bar in Bermuda and share one incredible night together. There’s something different about their connection and it has Aiden wondering for the first time in a long time what something more would be like. That is until they discover the next day that they are both there for the exact same reason…their parents wedding! Even that might not be enough to stop them though, but finding out when they get back home that they are now working together just might. Aiden is back to hockey after being out for a year due to an injury and Morgan is working with the team to manage their social media. With the reputation that Aiden has he seems to be spending a lot of time with Morgan. That connection from Bermuda didn’t just go away though so when things heat up Aiden offers to show Morgan what a casual relationship look like. Although things don’t seem so casual anymore…
This entire series has been so incredible!! I absolutely adore Morgan and Aiden! The connection these two shared from the first time they met was so strong and I loved that it had Aiden questioning so many things. He’s been through so much not just in the last year but in his entire life and to finally have someone like Morgan on his side is exactly what he deserves. Morgan has horrible luck with her love life until Aiden comes along. The way he treats her and shows her exactly what she deserves and just how special she truly is just melted my heart. I could go on and on about these two and this whole crew but all I’m gonna say is GO READ THIS SERIES!!
Tropes:
✨Hockey Romance
✨Step-Siblings
✨Vacation Fling
✨Workplace Romance
✨Agent’s Daughter
This entire series has been so incredible!! I absolutely adore Morgan and Aiden! The connection these two shared from the first time they met was so strong and I loved that it had Aiden questioning so many things. He’s been through so much not just in the last year but in his entire life and to finally have someone like Morgan on his side is exactly what he deserves. Morgan has horrible luck with her love life until Aiden comes along. The way he treats her and shows her exactly what she deserves and just how special she truly is just melted my heart. I could go on and on about these two and this whole crew but all I’m gonna say is GO READ THIS SERIES!!
Tropes:
✨Hockey Romance
✨Step-Siblings
✨Vacation Fling
✨Workplace Romance
✨Agent’s Daughter
January 24, 2026
My first 5 star of 2026
Being the last of the series, I’m so sad to say goodbye to the Boston Rebels family, but what a way to end the show
I have been waiting for Morgan’s book the entire series and my girl didn’t disappoint. Morgan was so vulnerable in this book and my heart ached for her. So many people showing her that she hasn’t been good enough to stay for, but once Aidan shows up he proves that she’s the only one worth staying for. Whilst she was soft and sweet, don’t be fooled because she knew exactly how to keep that man in line and she really grew into her confidence. I loved that at the end she demanded what she deserved.
Aidan, what a broken boy. God I loved this man, he went into my book husband list straight away because this man. I love a broken man and I love it even more when they are grumpy & difficult 🤭 The way he knew from the moment he saw her but he closed off that side of him a long time ago. His actions screamed louder than his words though when he turned up for her at every turn. Literally. He gave off the illusion of being a dick to everyone else but there was so much happening under the surface with him.
I loved seeing more of the found family and how they continually bond together, bringing Aidan into their fold. I also loved meeting some new fun character whilst wrapping up the Rebels family perfectly 🩵
Being the last of the series, I’m so sad to say goodbye to the Boston Rebels family, but what a way to end the show
I have been waiting for Morgan’s book the entire series and my girl didn’t disappoint. Morgan was so vulnerable in this book and my heart ached for her. So many people showing her that she hasn’t been good enough to stay for, but once Aidan shows up he proves that she’s the only one worth staying for. Whilst she was soft and sweet, don’t be fooled because she knew exactly how to keep that man in line and she really grew into her confidence. I loved that at the end she demanded what she deserved.
Aidan, what a broken boy. God I loved this man, he went into my book husband list straight away because this man. I love a broken man and I love it even more when they are grumpy & difficult 🤭 The way he knew from the moment he saw her but he closed off that side of him a long time ago. His actions screamed louder than his words though when he turned up for her at every turn. Literally. He gave off the illusion of being a dick to everyone else but there was so much happening under the surface with him.
I loved seeing more of the found family and how they continually bond together, bringing Aidan into their fold. I also loved meeting some new fun character whilst wrapping up the Rebels family perfectly 🩵
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars rounded up.
This was my first Julia Connors book and I'm actually SO sad that I didnt know about the other books in this series before reading this. Julia crafted a love story between Morgan and Aiden that was so fun to read about. Their easy banter and natural pull towards one another made it easy to root for them from the very beginning. I normally am not a fan of a miscommunication trope because I feel like they could be so easily avoided. But, Julia handled it so well. I am a HUGE fan of the step-siblings trope, but actually think that this was handled in a way that someone who isn't a fan of it would still enjoy this book.
The characters in this were so easy to love. I related to Morgan on such a deep level. And, the way Aiden continuously validated her and highlighted all the beautiful things about her insecurities was *chefs kiss*. Aiden is probably one of the most mature MMCs I've read in a long time. Not to mention that the SPICE ... 😅 This was such a fun and refreshing read and I can't wait to read more by Julia in the future.
**thank you so much to Julia Connors and Smuthood for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
This was my first Julia Connors book and I'm actually SO sad that I didnt know about the other books in this series before reading this. Julia crafted a love story between Morgan and Aiden that was so fun to read about. Their easy banter and natural pull towards one another made it easy to root for them from the very beginning. I normally am not a fan of a miscommunication trope because I feel like they could be so easily avoided. But, Julia handled it so well. I am a HUGE fan of the step-siblings trope, but actually think that this was handled in a way that someone who isn't a fan of it would still enjoy this book.
The characters in this were so easy to love. I related to Morgan on such a deep level. And, the way Aiden continuously validated her and highlighted all the beautiful things about her insecurities was *chefs kiss*. Aiden is probably one of the most mature MMCs I've read in a long time. Not to mention that the SPICE ... 😅 This was such a fun and refreshing read and I can't wait to read more by Julia in the future.
**thank you so much to Julia Connors and Smuthood for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
January 25, 2026
Aiden (Danny) + Morgan.
Penalty Play shares a story that is a bit unconventional but I will say these two main characters are not related. Let's just get that out the way before you clench your pearls at the tropes.
Aiden (Danny) & Morgan meet in Bermuda and there is an instant connection. Making them want to continue it but how? Well, fate seems to have a hand in them finding their way.. at the same employer.
Morgan is covering for the PR person who is out due to surgery and she is also running her own business. The woman has a lot on her plate and secretly she's insecure.
Aiden makes her feel wanted and seen but there's one problem. Her dad is his agent. So, this just adds to the complexity of the story. They get there in the end but let me tell you these two have some communication issues throughout the book. & friends with benefits with no strings, babes there always ends up being some sort of string with intimacy is involved.
Julia did a great job of finishing out this series and I truly loved the outcome of these two's journey.
Thank you to the author and The smuthood for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Penalty Play shares a story that is a bit unconventional but I will say these two main characters are not related. Let's just get that out the way before you clench your pearls at the tropes.
Aiden (Danny) & Morgan meet in Bermuda and there is an instant connection. Making them want to continue it but how? Well, fate seems to have a hand in them finding their way.. at the same employer.
Morgan is covering for the PR person who is out due to surgery and she is also running her own business. The woman has a lot on her plate and secretly she's insecure.
Aiden makes her feel wanted and seen but there's one problem. Her dad is his agent. So, this just adds to the complexity of the story. They get there in the end but let me tell you these two have some communication issues throughout the book. & friends with benefits with no strings, babes there always ends up being some sort of string with intimacy is involved.
Julia did a great job of finishing out this series and I truly loved the outcome of these two's journey.
Thank you to the author and The smuthood for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Penalty Play by Julia Connors was a story that I found myself quickly invested in. Aidan and Morgan sucked me into their story in a way that very few books have. I rated it 5 stars. Thank you for allowing me to ARC read!
It's a dual pov, hockey and step-sibling romance. Normally, I'm not really into step-sibling romance, but I've found that if the author can portray it well, with the right context behind it, then I can get behind it. Julia Connors did this very well! While there was a 3rd act breakup, which is objectively annoying, it was executed in a way that was resolved well with proper communication in the end. Everything about this book was done phenomenally, and I commend the author for that!
I have yet to read any of the other books within the Boston Rebels series as of now. At times, it did feel as though I was missing some context, and the amount of times that I confused the characters and their relationships ought to be record-breaking. 😂 However, it didn't really affect my perception of the story at all. Penalty Play can easily be read as a standalone. If any of this sounds like it may be down your alley, I would highly recommend this one!
It's a dual pov, hockey and step-sibling romance. Normally, I'm not really into step-sibling romance, but I've found that if the author can portray it well, with the right context behind it, then I can get behind it. Julia Connors did this very well! While there was a 3rd act breakup, which is objectively annoying, it was executed in a way that was resolved well with proper communication in the end. Everything about this book was done phenomenally, and I commend the author for that!
I have yet to read any of the other books within the Boston Rebels series as of now. At times, it did feel as though I was missing some context, and the amount of times that I confused the characters and their relationships ought to be record-breaking. 😂 However, it didn't really affect my perception of the story at all. Penalty Play can easily be read as a standalone. If any of this sounds like it may be down your alley, I would highly recommend this one!
January 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I can’t believe this series has come to an end. I loved their found family and how intertwined their lives are. Morgan and Aiden’s story was the cherry on top of the cake.
It was a fun read. The little reveals that they’re step siblings and work together were so fun. I was immediately obsessed with Aiden and how he treated Morgan, how he made her feel secure with her body, and how he validated her feelings.
The beginning of the book was amazing, I got sucked right into the story and wanted to keep reading. The middle had a little dip, it got repetitive and a little boring. They wanted each other, for more than just sex, but they couldn’t, so they keep having just sex…
But! The ending more than made up for this. Aiden stepped up his game, talked about his feelings, and opened up to Morgan. The ending of the book is the ending this book and this series deserve.
Thank you, Julia Connors, for letting me experience this and for making me fall in love with all the Rebels 🥺
I can’t believe this series has come to an end. I loved their found family and how intertwined their lives are. Morgan and Aiden’s story was the cherry on top of the cake.
It was a fun read. The little reveals that they’re step siblings and work together were so fun. I was immediately obsessed with Aiden and how he treated Morgan, how he made her feel secure with her body, and how he validated her feelings.
The beginning of the book was amazing, I got sucked right into the story and wanted to keep reading. The middle had a little dip, it got repetitive and a little boring. They wanted each other, for more than just sex, but they couldn’t, so they keep having just sex…
But! The ending more than made up for this. Aiden stepped up his game, talked about his feelings, and opened up to Morgan. The ending of the book is the ending this book and this series deserve.
Thank you, Julia Connors, for letting me experience this and for making me fall in love with all the Rebels 🥺
January 19, 2026
thank you for the opportunity to read the eARC of this book!
4.5 🌟
wow, I cannot say how much I LOVED Aiden and Morgans story. what started out as the most horrifying and bizarre way to meet your new step sibling (kind of), turns into the most adorable, lovely story about finding who you are through falling in love.
The banter and the CHEMISTRY between these too is top tier. they are both so perfectly matched but also so broken from
their past, that getting over their internal dialog and fears might just be there biggest challange to lead to their HEA.
this book has so much more then spice and good chemistry. it has found family, amazing friendships and support systems, overcoming past trauma, and lots and lots of self reflection
overall, I loved this book so much and devoured it in 2 days. pick this one up if you love
💕 hockey romance
💕accidentally-kind of step siblings
💕workplace romance
💕friends with benefits
💕found family
4.5 🌟
wow, I cannot say how much I LOVED Aiden and Morgans story. what started out as the most horrifying and bizarre way to meet your new step sibling (kind of), turns into the most adorable, lovely story about finding who you are through falling in love.
The banter and the CHEMISTRY between these too is top tier. they are both so perfectly matched but also so broken from
their past, that getting over their internal dialog and fears might just be there biggest challange to lead to their HEA.
this book has so much more then spice and good chemistry. it has found family, amazing friendships and support systems, overcoming past trauma, and lots and lots of self reflection
overall, I loved this book so much and devoured it in 2 days. pick this one up if you love
💕 hockey romance
💕accidentally-kind of step siblings
💕workplace romance
💕friends with benefits
💕found family
January 18, 2026
I thought that AJ’s book was my favorite in this series, but watch out because Aidan and Morgan have blown the lead for my favorite Julia Connors couple!
👙Stepsiblings
👙Vacation fling
👙Workplace romance
👙Player x PR rep
Aidan and Morgan meet one night and have the most amazing time together. They never expect to see each other again, until they do. The next day at their parent’s wedding. This throws a wrench into their carefully curated plans to move on after their night. But life likes to mess with them, so while being step siblings was a bump in the road, working together is an even bigger roadblock!
Aidan has sworn off relationships and Morgan can’t do casual. But they try to have a friend’s either benefits situationship.
Their falling in love story was so beautiful. I have never read a MMC that is more down bad for the FMC without even realizing it! This man is ALL IN from the very beginning it, while masking and ignoring all of his feelings.
Morgan is such a great FMC and she reminds me so much of AJ. I connected with her so much!
I really loved this book!
👙Stepsiblings
👙Vacation fling
👙Workplace romance
👙Player x PR rep
Aidan and Morgan meet one night and have the most amazing time together. They never expect to see each other again, until they do. The next day at their parent’s wedding. This throws a wrench into their carefully curated plans to move on after their night. But life likes to mess with them, so while being step siblings was a bump in the road, working together is an even bigger roadblock!
Aidan has sworn off relationships and Morgan can’t do casual. But they try to have a friend’s either benefits situationship.
Their falling in love story was so beautiful. I have never read a MMC that is more down bad for the FMC without even realizing it! This man is ALL IN from the very beginning it, while masking and ignoring all of his feelings.
Morgan is such a great FMC and she reminds me so much of AJ. I connected with her so much!
I really loved this book!
January 24, 2026
Another great from Julia Connors to round out the Boston Rebels series! And it was so good from start to finish! A trope I don’t usually go for (she falls for her step brother) worked in the best way — with meet cutes that make you laugh. Morgan is a people pleaser with a big heart and body insecurities. She does the most for every person in her life, even if she struggles in other areas. Add her sexy step brother, Aidan, with his own fear of loving someone so much that he looses them, and ultimately puts his first love (hockey) on the line. Together, these two set out to show each other that you can mix a little business with pleasure (friends with benefits never works out ha!), while showing that it’s better to be loved and lose it than to never be loved. These two have the best banter that’s so natural and some of the charts chemistry! This book also had some updates to previous characters that I was obsessed with finding out! Overall, I loved Morgan and Aidan and loved their story!
This was an ARC read for me, and my honest review.
This was an ARC read for me, and my honest review.
January 23, 2026
*ARC review*
This was the PERFECT ending to such a perfect series. I adored the concept of this one and I just love how Aidan was protective of Morgan from the very beginning. There is just something so good about protective hockey men.
Aidan is coming back from a season on IR and is determined to stay on this Boston team. Morgan is a PR guru, helping out the Rebels' social media. These two meet in a wild turn of events, when their parents get married (it's not weird, I promise), to then later find out they work for the same team. What starts out as a fling, turns into friends-with-benefits to a beautiful relationship.
I loved getting to see Morgan over the span of multiple books finally get her own happy ending and while I am super sad to see this series come to a close, I can't wait to see what's next!!
*Thank you to Julia Connors for this ARC*
This was the PERFECT ending to such a perfect series. I adored the concept of this one and I just love how Aidan was protective of Morgan from the very beginning. There is just something so good about protective hockey men.
Aidan is coming back from a season on IR and is determined to stay on this Boston team. Morgan is a PR guru, helping out the Rebels' social media. These two meet in a wild turn of events, when their parents get married (it's not weird, I promise), to then later find out they work for the same team. What starts out as a fling, turns into friends-with-benefits to a beautiful relationship.
I loved getting to see Morgan over the span of multiple books finally get her own happy ending and while I am super sad to see this series come to a close, I can't wait to see what's next!!
*Thank you to Julia Connors for this ARC*
January 23, 2026
This is the fifth book in this amazing series, and this is Morgan and Aiden’s story.
These two meet in Bermuda, and spend a night together with no names, only to find out the next day that their parents are getting married, and they are stepsiblings, Aiden is a hockey player who has been off for some time due to an injury, but when he walks into the Boston Rebels offices, he finds out that Morgan works for the team as their PR, and her dad is his agent.
This is a well written easy to read story, with found family, friendships, emotions, secrets, temptations, stepsiblings, opposites attract, workplace romance, humour, witty banter, combustible chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
These two meet in Bermuda, and spend a night together with no names, only to find out the next day that their parents are getting married, and they are stepsiblings, Aiden is a hockey player who has been off for some time due to an injury, but when he walks into the Boston Rebels offices, he finds out that Morgan works for the team as their PR, and her dad is his agent.
This is a well written easy to read story, with found family, friendships, emotions, secrets, temptations, stepsiblings, opposites attract, workplace romance, humour, witty banter, combustible chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
January 18, 2026
I smiled through this entire book (ok except for a few tears at 70% but my smile was quickly returned)
Aidan and Morgan were the cutest funniest couple with incredible banter and 🥵 chemistry
I did not want this book to end and I think I could happily read their story for days on end but I also couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next
It starts with a no names, no strings vacation one nightstand and turns into an epic complicated mess that is brilliantly written, funny, charming and one you must add to your TBR immediately 🥰 you will not be sorry
Thank you Julia Connors and The Smuthood for the fantastic ARC opportunity 💕
Aidan and Morgan were the cutest funniest couple with incredible banter and 🥵 chemistry
I did not want this book to end and I think I could happily read their story for days on end but I also couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next
It starts with a no names, no strings vacation one nightstand and turns into an epic complicated mess that is brilliantly written, funny, charming and one you must add to your TBR immediately 🥰 you will not be sorry
Thank you Julia Connors and The Smuthood for the fantastic ARC opportunity 💕
January 19, 2026
aidan renaud my beloved!!! julia is never gonna write bad mcs and i LOVE her for that!!
morgan and aidan are now def tied for my favorite rebels couple (aj & mccabe are literally my mom and dad)!!! their relationship and the way it progressed with everything to be tbh. there was angst, insane chemistry, and a fantastic back & forth! exactly what i need in a book!!!
i also think there’s something so special about the girl who’s afraid she’s unloveable ending up with the boy who’s afraid to let love in. morgan and aidan are truly a perfect match and i’m soo happy they found each other <3
morgan and aidan are now def tied for my favorite rebels couple (aj & mccabe are literally my mom and dad)!!! their relationship and the way it progressed with everything to be tbh. there was angst, insane chemistry, and a fantastic back & forth! exactly what i need in a book!!!
i also think there’s something so special about the girl who’s afraid she’s unloveable ending up with the boy who’s afraid to let love in. morgan and aidan are truly a perfect match and i’m soo happy they found each other <3
January 22, 2026
Loved this hockey romance 😍. I loved how are MCs meet and the beginning on their relationship. Also, we love a fuller figure baddie snagging herself a man who loves her curves. Our FMC was just really relatable and I just enjoyed her character arc so much. Plus, our MMC worshipped her like the queen she is. We love that for her ❤️❤️.
Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team for this book!
Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team for this book!
January 23, 2026
Aiden & Morgan cracked me up! This book had great banter, frustrating miscommunication, and some GREAT characters. The stepsibling thing was like whoa what? But then as you get into it, they’re basically not step siblings. I really enjoyed this read!
Thank you VPR & author for this ARC :)
Thank you VPR & author for this ARC :)
January 24, 2026
Absolutely fantastic. Fun, heart-wrenching, sexy and funny. The full package
January 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤍step siblings
🤍vacation fling
🤍agent’s daughter
🤍workplace romance
��hockey romance
💋Dramatic Thoughts💋
Oh my hotness! This book got off to a spicy start! Who doesn’t love a little vacay romance?!
Aidan + Morgan my sweet, sweet loves!! What a perfect way to round out a series that I absolutely adore!
Morgan was a people pleaser through and through. She was always falling for the wrong guys and never prioritizing herself. I think we can all find a little of ourselves in Morgan!!
Aidan was definitely a broken boy and we all know I’m a sucker for them!! I’m absolutely gutted that the Boston Rebels series has come to a close but I cannot wait for Julia’s next series + more characters to fall in love with!!
🤍step siblings
🤍vacation fling
🤍agent’s daughter
🤍workplace romance
��hockey romance
💋Dramatic Thoughts💋
Oh my hotness! This book got off to a spicy start! Who doesn’t love a little vacay romance?!
Aidan + Morgan my sweet, sweet loves!! What a perfect way to round out a series that I absolutely adore!
Morgan was a people pleaser through and through. She was always falling for the wrong guys and never prioritizing herself. I think we can all find a little of ourselves in Morgan!!
Aidan was definitely a broken boy and we all know I’m a sucker for them!! I’m absolutely gutted that the Boston Rebels series has come to a close but I cannot wait for Julia’s next series + more characters to fall in love with!!
January 24, 2026
This series has one of the best found families and we get even more of that family in Penalty Play. I love Morgan and Aidan! I love the way that their story unfolds. Aidan is the perfect man and he doesn’t even know it. It is the perfect end to the series! I can’t wait for the next.
January 23, 2026
Amazon
Morgan's in Bermuda for her mother's latest wedding, when she meets a gorgeous stranger and spends the hottest night with him. Neither is looking for more, and they know they'll never see each other again...until they do - at the wedding of their parents! Not only are they stepsiblings, but as they find out - she's his agent's daughter. Now they have to figure out how to deal with their still present chemistry that they cannot do anything about.
I normally avoid stepbrother stories like the plague, but in Penalty Play, it's not much of an issue. The two aren't technically steps, and even though they kind of are, there are many more important things in their story to deal with - his aversion to letting himself be vulnerable, her awful mother and the way she's affected Morgan's poor heart. But thankfully both of them do more than a little growth, and they finally allow themselves to be with each other. I love these two, love the Boston Rebels, and am sad that this series is ending. But what a way to conclude - with a wonderful couple who have delicious chemistry and tons of heart.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
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January 24, 2026
Author Julia Connors is back with Penalty Play, Book 5 in her fantastic, romantic, heartwarming Boston Rebels series. The cast of lovable characters gets larger and larger with each new book, with looks back to the stories you loved, so many welcome repeat appearances, and another tender, funny steam story about a new couple to enjoy.
Penalty Play is Morgan and Aidan’s story, and it starts out with an unbelievably humorous premise that sets up everything you need to fall fully into this book. Morgan’s horrible mother Anne is getting married – again – and Morgan has reluctantly agreed to attend, even if she doesn’t give this latest marriage six months. Danny’s stepfather Max is getting married again, too. Even though Danny doesn’t expect this marriage to last either, Max isn’t a horrible guy and Danny wants to support him. When a storm delays all flights into Bermuda Morgan and Danny meet in the hotel bar, feel an instant attraction and decide what could be the harm, they’ll never see each other again, anyway. It kind of feels like something that could last for more than a night, but neither of them is in the right place for a relationship, so no-repeats, no further contact is perfect.
Except ha ha ha, wait for it . . . guess who’s getting married? Yep, Anne and Max. Morgan and Danny don’t let on that they already know each other, but spending a little more time together means that no-repeats thing doesn’t really hold. So they amend it to no contact once they leave the island.
Well, ha ha ha, wait for it again . . . because guess whose PR firm is under temporary contract to the Boston Rebels and guess who is the player returning after a year away due to injury? Yep, Morgan and Danny. Except Danny is really Adian; only Max calls him Danny. And even better, her father is his agent.
Not good. All that fun in the sun has to stay secret. Unfortunately, however, Morgan has already shared with her friends a lot of details about her fantastic vacation hookup. Sorry, multiple hookups. And those friends include the GM of the Rebels, players’ wives, her cousins who are also connected to the Rebels . . . this could be a disaster if it gets out. Also a disaster? That attraction hasn’t gone away. Even though Aidan isn’t the easy-going guy she had such a great time with while in Bermuda – he’s edgier, moodier, has a reputation – he’s still obsessed with her and she can’t stop thinking about him. So their perfect, no-risk solution? A friends-with-benefits relationship, secret of course. They’ll just enjoy each other for a while, until her contract ends or whatever, and then it will be over. No one needs to know because it’s not serious and doesn’t have a future. Fun times, then the end. Yeah, no risk there.
Aidan keeps saying it’s casual, but his behavior towards her, the tenderness, consideration, protectiveness, jealousy sure don’t say casual. And Morgan is confused, afraid she’s picked yet another jerk that won’t last but feeling so wonderful in his presence, at the way he makes her feel seen and more than enough, the opposite of how her mother has always made her feel. Both frantically dragging their feet but sliding hopelessly, helplessly toward each other. And the whole idea of keeping it secret? You know how that always works out.
Penalty Play has everything you’ve come to love in a Julia Connors book: men whose entire viewpoint on life changes when they meet a certain woman, women who have never felt safer or more secure. The sexy spiciness, delightful humor and true love will pull you into Moran and Aidan’s story, keep you turning pages, laughing, crying, yelling at the page for them to get a clue – just immersing yourself into this satisfying love story.
I will never get tired of reading about (or listening to) the Boston Rebels. Author Julia Connors just gets better and better. I received an advance copy of Penalty Play from the author as part of her team, thoroughly enjoyed it, recommend it without hesitation, can’t wait for the audiobook and for whatever is next from this talented, remarkable author. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Penalty Play is Morgan and Aidan’s story, and it starts out with an unbelievably humorous premise that sets up everything you need to fall fully into this book. Morgan’s horrible mother Anne is getting married – again – and Morgan has reluctantly agreed to attend, even if she doesn’t give this latest marriage six months. Danny’s stepfather Max is getting married again, too. Even though Danny doesn’t expect this marriage to last either, Max isn’t a horrible guy and Danny wants to support him. When a storm delays all flights into Bermuda Morgan and Danny meet in the hotel bar, feel an instant attraction and decide what could be the harm, they’ll never see each other again, anyway. It kind of feels like something that could last for more than a night, but neither of them is in the right place for a relationship, so no-repeats, no further contact is perfect.
Except ha ha ha, wait for it . . . guess who’s getting married? Yep, Anne and Max. Morgan and Danny don’t let on that they already know each other, but spending a little more time together means that no-repeats thing doesn’t really hold. So they amend it to no contact once they leave the island.
Well, ha ha ha, wait for it again . . . because guess whose PR firm is under temporary contract to the Boston Rebels and guess who is the player returning after a year away due to injury? Yep, Morgan and Danny. Except Danny is really Adian; only Max calls him Danny. And even better, her father is his agent.
Not good. All that fun in the sun has to stay secret. Unfortunately, however, Morgan has already shared with her friends a lot of details about her fantastic vacation hookup. Sorry, multiple hookups. And those friends include the GM of the Rebels, players’ wives, her cousins who are also connected to the Rebels . . . this could be a disaster if it gets out. Also a disaster? That attraction hasn’t gone away. Even though Aidan isn’t the easy-going guy she had such a great time with while in Bermuda – he’s edgier, moodier, has a reputation – he’s still obsessed with her and she can’t stop thinking about him. So their perfect, no-risk solution? A friends-with-benefits relationship, secret of course. They’ll just enjoy each other for a while, until her contract ends or whatever, and then it will be over. No one needs to know because it’s not serious and doesn’t have a future. Fun times, then the end. Yeah, no risk there.
Aidan keeps saying it’s casual, but his behavior towards her, the tenderness, consideration, protectiveness, jealousy sure don’t say casual. And Morgan is confused, afraid she’s picked yet another jerk that won’t last but feeling so wonderful in his presence, at the way he makes her feel seen and more than enough, the opposite of how her mother has always made her feel. Both frantically dragging their feet but sliding hopelessly, helplessly toward each other. And the whole idea of keeping it secret? You know how that always works out.
Penalty Play has everything you’ve come to love in a Julia Connors book: men whose entire viewpoint on life changes when they meet a certain woman, women who have never felt safer or more secure. The sexy spiciness, delightful humor and true love will pull you into Moran and Aidan’s story, keep you turning pages, laughing, crying, yelling at the page for them to get a clue – just immersing yourself into this satisfying love story.
I will never get tired of reading about (or listening to) the Boston Rebels. Author Julia Connors just gets better and better. I received an advance copy of Penalty Play from the author as part of her team, thoroughly enjoyed it, recommend it without hesitation, can’t wait for the audiobook and for whatever is next from this talented, remarkable author. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
January 25, 2026
✨Summary✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
HEA with a 3rd act breakup
POV: dual
Tropes: Hockey, Vacation Fling, Step siblings, FWB, Secret Relationship, Fear of Commitment MMC, Agents Daughter, Workplace Romance, Curvy FMC, Forbidden
Morgan Kaplan is a PR/social media whiz who is unlucky in love and in serious need of a reset. She flies to Bermuda for her mom’s wedding, hoping for a quick escape. Aidan Renaud is a commitment-phobic NHL hockey player who has been on IR for over a year and is finally gearing up to return to the ice. Before that, he also has to fly to Bermuda for his dad’s wedding. When a storm delays their parents’ flights, Morgan and Aidan end up at the hotel bar and meet for the first time, completely unaware of who the other is. One passionate night later, they assume that’s the end of it…but it’s not. They reunite at their parents’ wedding and realize they are now step siblings! They try to resist the attraction, but they keep finding themselves together over the weekend and giving in anyway. They think they won’t see each other after that weekend but imagine their surprise when they both return home and discover they work for the same hockey organization…and she’s his agent’s daughter! After failing miserably at staying away from each other, they agree to a secret FWB relationship. Neither of them is good at keeping their relationship “casual,” and they both struggle as feelings deepen. Eventually, they have to decide if this arrangement is all they will ever be, or if they are willing to risk more.
We have met Aidan through anecdotes in previous books, but he was mostly MIA while recovering from his injury, so I truly didn’t know what to expect going into his story. At first, the team dynamics felt slightly off for one of Julia’s hockey romances, and it threw me. But the more I read, the more I realized that disconnect mirrors how Aidan himself feels…detached, guarded, and unsure of where he fits. If that was intentional, it was very well done, because by the end everything felt right again, both for Aidan and for the team.
Aidan has been through a lot in his life, which explains his fear of emotional connection. That fear was manageable until Morgan came along and challenged every wall he had carefully built. I have enjoyed Morgan in previous books, but seeing her fully in her element here and watching her grow in confidence was incredibly satisfying. She has a history of falling for men who love B0mb her and ultimately let her down. She deserves more, and while Aidan insists he is not the commitment type, he constantly blurs lines and sends mixed signals, forcing Morgan to confront what she truly wants and needs.
What I loved most is that Morgan does not lose herself in their relationship. Instead, she gains confidence, learns to demand more, and makes it clear that if Aidan cannot step up, she will walk away and find someone who will. That growth also helps her finally address her complicated and frustrating relationship with her mother, who is truly awful.
As for the spice, it starts early and is sprinkled consistently throughout the story. The chemistry and attraction between Morgan and Aidan is undeniable and never feels forced or unnatural. There are two scenes where they could get caught, which definitely adds to the excitement. That said, while the spice is satisfying, it is not quite adventurous, frequent, or intense enough for me to rate it a full 4🌶️.
At first, I was unsure how I would ultimately rate this book, mostly because of that initial sense of disconnect. But by the end, I knew it deserved nothing less than 5⭐️. The writing is solid, the story is engaging, and everything clicks perfectly as it unfolds. This was a perfect way to close out the Boston Rebels series, and I am very excited to see the Hartmann brothers get their own series next. (And please, let Liam have his story, he deserves it)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
HEA with a 3rd act breakup
POV: dual
Tropes: Hockey, Vacation Fling, Step siblings, FWB, Secret Relationship, Fear of Commitment MMC, Agents Daughter, Workplace Romance, Curvy FMC, Forbidden
Morgan Kaplan is a PR/social media whiz who is unlucky in love and in serious need of a reset. She flies to Bermuda for her mom’s wedding, hoping for a quick escape. Aidan Renaud is a commitment-phobic NHL hockey player who has been on IR for over a year and is finally gearing up to return to the ice. Before that, he also has to fly to Bermuda for his dad’s wedding. When a storm delays their parents’ flights, Morgan and Aidan end up at the hotel bar and meet for the first time, completely unaware of who the other is. One passionate night later, they assume that’s the end of it…but it’s not. They reunite at their parents’ wedding and realize they are now step siblings! They try to resist the attraction, but they keep finding themselves together over the weekend and giving in anyway. They think they won’t see each other after that weekend but imagine their surprise when they both return home and discover they work for the same hockey organization…and she’s his agent’s daughter! After failing miserably at staying away from each other, they agree to a secret FWB relationship. Neither of them is good at keeping their relationship “casual,” and they both struggle as feelings deepen. Eventually, they have to decide if this arrangement is all they will ever be, or if they are willing to risk more.
We have met Aidan through anecdotes in previous books, but he was mostly MIA while recovering from his injury, so I truly didn’t know what to expect going into his story. At first, the team dynamics felt slightly off for one of Julia’s hockey romances, and it threw me. But the more I read, the more I realized that disconnect mirrors how Aidan himself feels…detached, guarded, and unsure of where he fits. If that was intentional, it was very well done, because by the end everything felt right again, both for Aidan and for the team.
Aidan has been through a lot in his life, which explains his fear of emotional connection. That fear was manageable until Morgan came along and challenged every wall he had carefully built. I have enjoyed Morgan in previous books, but seeing her fully in her element here and watching her grow in confidence was incredibly satisfying. She has a history of falling for men who love B0mb her and ultimately let her down. She deserves more, and while Aidan insists he is not the commitment type, he constantly blurs lines and sends mixed signals, forcing Morgan to confront what she truly wants and needs.
What I loved most is that Morgan does not lose herself in their relationship. Instead, she gains confidence, learns to demand more, and makes it clear that if Aidan cannot step up, she will walk away and find someone who will. That growth also helps her finally address her complicated and frustrating relationship with her mother, who is truly awful.
As for the spice, it starts early and is sprinkled consistently throughout the story. The chemistry and attraction between Morgan and Aidan is undeniable and never feels forced or unnatural. There are two scenes where they could get caught, which definitely adds to the excitement. That said, while the spice is satisfying, it is not quite adventurous, frequent, or intense enough for me to rate it a full 4🌶️.
At first, I was unsure how I would ultimately rate this book, mostly because of that initial sense of disconnect. But by the end, I knew it deserved nothing less than 5⭐️. The writing is solid, the story is engaging, and everything clicks perfectly as it unfolds. This was a perfect way to close out the Boston Rebels series, and I am very excited to see the Hartmann brothers get their own series next. (And please, let Liam have his story, he deserves it)
January 25, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Penalty Play by Julia Connors
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ (4.25/5)
Aiden and Morgan meet during a tropical storm in Bermuda and fully expect their one-night, no-names fling to stay exactly that. Except the next day they’re staring at each other across a wedding aisle—the wedding of his stepdad and her mom. Awkward! They give in to temptation the rest of the trip (because of course they do) and swear they’ll go their separate ways once they’re back home. That plan lasts approximately five minutes.
Aiden is returning to the ice after a brutal year off rehabbing a broken hand that required multiple surgeries. He’s ready for changes in the locker room—but not for the discovery that Morgan is now acting as in-house PR for the Boston Rebels as a favor to the GM. Morgan is equally blindsided to learn that “Danny,” the man she hooked up with in Bermuda, is very much that Aiden.
Once it becomes obvious their chemistry is not going anywhere, they agree to a strictly casual friends-with-benefits situation. No feelings. No promises. Morgan refuses to invest in another walking red flag, and Aiden—still wrecked by his last serious relationship—has no intention of handing his heart over again. Naturally, it gets real anyway, and they have to choose if they are willing to risk being hurt for a chance at forever.
There is nothing I love more than a broken man with a hidden soft core, and Aiden absolutely wrecked me. Watching him heal, open up, and fall—reluctantly but completely—hit every emotional pressure point. He’s lost his parents, his first love, and people he trusted, so his fear makes sense. And when he finally lets himself love? He dives.
Morgan is a little broken too—tired of giving more than she gets and desperate to be chosen. I loved watching her finally be seen for who she is: a fiercely loyal friend, a caring daughter (even when her mom makes it hard), and a capable, kickass business owner. Frankly, it’s wild she dated that many losers before Aiden.
Their chemistry is off the charts. The banter, the sex eyes, the jealousy—it’s all there. I genuinely don’t believe a single person in the Rebels organization didn’t clock them immediately as a (very obvious) secret couple.
Penalty Play is book five in the interconnected Boston Rebels series, and while it can be read standalone, I highly recommend reading in order—this team is pure found family, and there are spoilers for earlier relationships.
Thank you to Julia Connors and @valentine_pr_ for providing an ARC!
For fans of: 🏒 Hockey Romance | 🧑🤝🧑 Stepsiblings | 🌴 Vacation Fling | 📋 Agent’s Daughter | 💘 Friends with Benefits | 🤐 Secret Relationship | 🏢 Workplace Romance | 🖤 Broken Boy x Good Girl
#PenaltyPlay #JuliaConnors #BostonRebels #HockeyRomance #SportsRomance #BookstagramRomance #RomanceReaders #ARCReview #FoundFamily #SecretRelationship #FriendsWithBenefits #HockeyBooks
Penalty Play by Julia Connors
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ (4.25/5)
Aiden and Morgan meet during a tropical storm in Bermuda and fully expect their one-night, no-names fling to stay exactly that. Except the next day they’re staring at each other across a wedding aisle—the wedding of his stepdad and her mom. Awkward! They give in to temptation the rest of the trip (because of course they do) and swear they’ll go their separate ways once they’re back home. That plan lasts approximately five minutes.
Aiden is returning to the ice after a brutal year off rehabbing a broken hand that required multiple surgeries. He’s ready for changes in the locker room—but not for the discovery that Morgan is now acting as in-house PR for the Boston Rebels as a favor to the GM. Morgan is equally blindsided to learn that “Danny,” the man she hooked up with in Bermuda, is very much that Aiden.
Once it becomes obvious their chemistry is not going anywhere, they agree to a strictly casual friends-with-benefits situation. No feelings. No promises. Morgan refuses to invest in another walking red flag, and Aiden—still wrecked by his last serious relationship—has no intention of handing his heart over again. Naturally, it gets real anyway, and they have to choose if they are willing to risk being hurt for a chance at forever.
There is nothing I love more than a broken man with a hidden soft core, and Aiden absolutely wrecked me. Watching him heal, open up, and fall—reluctantly but completely—hit every emotional pressure point. He’s lost his parents, his first love, and people he trusted, so his fear makes sense. And when he finally lets himself love? He dives.
Morgan is a little broken too—tired of giving more than she gets and desperate to be chosen. I loved watching her finally be seen for who she is: a fiercely loyal friend, a caring daughter (even when her mom makes it hard), and a capable, kickass business owner. Frankly, it’s wild she dated that many losers before Aiden.
Their chemistry is off the charts. The banter, the sex eyes, the jealousy—it’s all there. I genuinely don’t believe a single person in the Rebels organization didn’t clock them immediately as a (very obvious) secret couple.
Penalty Play is book five in the interconnected Boston Rebels series, and while it can be read standalone, I highly recommend reading in order—this team is pure found family, and there are spoilers for earlier relationships.
Thank you to Julia Connors and @valentine_pr_ for providing an ARC!
For fans of: 🏒 Hockey Romance | 🧑🤝🧑 Stepsiblings | 🌴 Vacation Fling | 📋 Agent’s Daughter | 💘 Friends with Benefits | 🤐 Secret Relationship | 🏢 Workplace Romance | 🖤 Broken Boy x Good Girl
#PenaltyPlay #JuliaConnors #BostonRebels #HockeyRomance #SportsRomance #BookstagramRomance #RomanceReaders #ARCReview #FoundFamily #SecretRelationship #FriendsWithBenefits #HockeyBooks
Review of advance copy received from Author
So Julia Connors may or may not have been watching "He's Just Not That Into You" when writing this (I'm assuming, obviously I don't know). But I kept getting "I'm not the exception, I'm the rule" vibes from Morgan. Meanwhile, Aiden kept his feelings on the inside, because feelings are bad. He gave me major Justin Long vibes from that movie (much better looking though, of course).
One thing I appreciate about Julia's books is that all her FMCs keep their jobs. They are all driven and while their guys may be millionaires, it doesn't stop their drive. They don't become SAHWs. She also doesn't write women without flaws. I love that they're multifaceted and seem real. I love that Morgan wasn't perfect. I love that she wasn't pencil-thin. I love that she had such a sorted dating history full of bad luck. One thing I didn't love, just because of the overuse, was the "he's my agent and can take my career". I'm honestly glad that McCabe said "then get a new agent". That's real. I get that you don't want to do that, but like it's real. And the whoopsie, I touched my agent's was a common trope in this series. Also, can we just give Morgan a break. One person cannot work that often. I'm glad she takes back her time toward the end.
So should you read this? Yes, it pulls the series together well and sets us up for a new generation and/or a few different types of series. I'm personally chomping at the bit for a possible football series, but that's definitely not confirmed. The Hartmann Brothers series is though and some real interesting events happen toward the end of the book that have me thinking "oooh, that sounds juicy". Unfortunately, I didn't cry so I can't give it the full 5 stars. I really enjoyed it and it did make me laugh at times. My heart hurt for the characters, but it didn't bring me to my knees. I loved Aiden's growth in the story, I do wish they showed it a bit more, but I understood that it occurred. I would say that this one is a medium speed read. It took me two nights to finish, but that also shows it's a bit more in depth. Definitely give this a read. You'll see your old friends and meet some new ones. Aiden was part of the old guard, but he wasn't engrained - so the interactions are minimal.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I received an ARC from the Author. My opinions about this book are my own.
One thing I appreciate about Julia's books is that all her FMCs keep their jobs. They are all driven and while their guys may be millionaires, it doesn't stop their drive. They don't become SAHWs. She also doesn't write women without flaws. I love that they're multifaceted and seem real. I love that Morgan wasn't perfect. I love that she wasn't pencil-thin. I love that she had such a sorted dating history full of bad luck. One thing I didn't love, just because of the overuse, was the "he's my agent and can take my career". I'm honestly glad that McCabe said "then get a new agent". That's real. I get that you don't want to do that, but like it's real. And the whoopsie, I touched my agent's was a common trope in this series. Also, can we just give Morgan a break. One person cannot work that often. I'm glad she takes back her time toward the end.
So should you read this? Yes, it pulls the series together well and sets us up for a new generation and/or a few different types of series. I'm personally chomping at the bit for a possible football series, but that's definitely not confirmed. The Hartmann Brothers series is though and some real interesting events happen toward the end of the book that have me thinking "oooh, that sounds juicy". Unfortunately, I didn't cry so I can't give it the full 5 stars. I really enjoyed it and it did make me laugh at times. My heart hurt for the characters, but it didn't bring me to my knees. I loved Aiden's growth in the story, I do wish they showed it a bit more, but I understood that it occurred. I would say that this one is a medium speed read. It took me two nights to finish, but that also shows it's a bit more in depth. Definitely give this a read. You'll see your old friends and meet some new ones. Aiden was part of the old guard, but he wasn't engrained - so the interactions are minimal.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I received an ARC from the Author. My opinions about this book are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Morgan has a history of ignoring red flags and not being able to do “casual” relationships. Her career is doing amazing but her love life definitely needs help. While attending another one of her mother’s weddings she decides to do something completely out of character and have a one night stand. The chemistry between them is off the charts and the conversation is funny and relaxing. Aidan has had a difficult year recovering from a devastating injury. He just wants to get through his step-dad’s wedding and focus on hockey again. He is a little disappointed that his one night stand isn’t there in the morning but figures it is for the best. Until the wedding ceremony starts and they realize they are now step-siblings. It gets even worse when they both return to the real world only to learn that they are now coworkers as well. Despite the fact that they can’t seem to stay away from each other, both Aidan and Morgan are determined to keep things casual. Unfortunately for them, their feelings didn’t get that memo.
Read this if you love:
🌴 Vacation Fling
🏒 Stepsiblings
🌴 Opposites Attract
🏒 Workplace Romance
🌴 Agent’s Daughter
So much to love about this book! One of the best things about this whole series is the closeness of the friend group and all of those interactions. We get to see other characters that we loved throughout the series and see how they all lean on and support each other. Aidan was a bit of an unknown because he wasn't featured in the early stories but I loved him. The last year has been extremely difficult for Aidan causing him to not stay in touch with his teammates. As excited as he is to rejoin the team, he knows that things have changed in the time he's been gone. He is determined to put his focus on hockey and getting back to the top of his game but fate has other plans.
The absolute last person Morgan expects to be working with while she's on contract with the Boston Rebels is her new step-brother and vacation fling. It turns out her father is also his agent meaning that her dad holds a lot of power over Aidan's future. There are plenty of reasons to keep their distance from each other but actually staying away is not as easy as it sounds. Deciding to keep things casual sounds great and Aidan insists he doesn't do relationships, but he keeps showing her in so many ways that he cares and making it hard to keep her emotions out of this thing.
I'm so sad this series is over! I've loved every book and all of the characters, but I'm very happy it ended on such a high note.
Thank you so much to Julia Connors for the ARC of this book.
Read this if you love:
🌴 Vacation Fling
🏒 Stepsiblings
🌴 Opposites Attract
🏒 Workplace Romance
🌴 Agent’s Daughter
So much to love about this book! One of the best things about this whole series is the closeness of the friend group and all of those interactions. We get to see other characters that we loved throughout the series and see how they all lean on and support each other. Aidan was a bit of an unknown because he wasn't featured in the early stories but I loved him. The last year has been extremely difficult for Aidan causing him to not stay in touch with his teammates. As excited as he is to rejoin the team, he knows that things have changed in the time he's been gone. He is determined to put his focus on hockey and getting back to the top of his game but fate has other plans.
The absolute last person Morgan expects to be working with while she's on contract with the Boston Rebels is her new step-brother and vacation fling. It turns out her father is also his agent meaning that her dad holds a lot of power over Aidan's future. There are plenty of reasons to keep their distance from each other but actually staying away is not as easy as it sounds. Deciding to keep things casual sounds great and Aidan insists he doesn't do relationships, but he keeps showing her in so many ways that he cares and making it hard to keep her emotions out of this thing.
I'm so sad this series is over! I've loved every book and all of the characters, but I'm very happy it ended on such a high note.
Thank you so much to Julia Connors for the ARC of this book.
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