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Boston Rebels #5

Penalty Play

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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

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

1060 people are currently reading
3092 people want to read

About the author

Julia Connors

12 books1,262 followers
Julia Connors is a USA Today bestselling author who grew up in warm and sunny California. At seventeen, she traded her flip-flops for snow boots, and moved to Boston.

She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer ever since, 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 603 reviews
Profile Image for Sandy (Sandy.Reads).
960 reviews533 followers
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. 💙📚
Profile Image for all.the.smut.things.
659 reviews518 followers
February 6, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Okay, so I knew going into this book that I was absolutely goin got love this, but even I underestimated exactly HOW much I was going to love this. This book is one of my favorites in the series and Aiden Renaud shocked me in all the best ways.

I loved him and Morgan so much, and I was so happy to see our girl get her happily ever after since she's been part of this world for so long.

And her HEA was well deserved. Everyone deserves to go on vacation and have your back blown out by a hot hockey player who turns into the love of your life. Love that for her.

✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Vacation Fling
✨ Surprise Step- Siblings
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ Friends with Benefits

I love Julia's writing as a whole, and this was no exception. Her characters ae rich and complex, and I could read abut the Boston Rebels world forever. Aiden was kind of an enigma in the previous books, but this man showed up and showed out.

He is my favorite kind of hero, he has a mouthy side, but he's a caretaker at his core. I love when they guy that doesn't think he's ever going to want an Hea just kind of have it blindside him, and that's exactly what happened with him and Morgan. And Morgan, god I love her and related to her so much. She needed to learn to put her eats first and watching that happen. well I cheered for her a little.

this book was the perfect combination of heartfelt and spicy. Oh, did I mention this might be Julia's spiciest book... hello vacation fling...and I absolutely loved every second of it.

The Rebels may be over, but I will never get over this series. I love them with my whole heart.
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
169 reviews29 followers
January 28, 2026
5🌟, 3🌶️

From the first interaction, the chemistry and emotional pull are undeniable.

Aidan and Morgan’s connection is immediate, but what made me fall for them was the care beneath the heat. Morgan is strong, capable, and actively unlearning her people pleasing habits, and the way Aidan instinctively supports her boundaries and makes her feel safe gives their romance real emotional weight.

For a so called red flag hero, Aidan is nothing but green when it comes to Morgan. Watching him fall hard while navigating his own fears and career setbacks added depth and vulnerability to their story. There is no over the top drama here, just two adults grappling with messy timing, temptation, and feelings they never planned to catch, which somehow makes everything hit even harder.

As a series finale, this absolutely delivered. Even as a step sibling romance, which is not usually my thing, it worked beautifully. The banter, emotional growth, and authenticity of their relationship made this a standout.

This was an unforgettable finale that left me full, emotional, and already missing these characters.

~~~~

Thank you, Julia Connors & Valentine PR, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Chiara^•^.
442 reviews126 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 11, 2026
Penalty Play by Julia Connors
4,25/5⭐
3/5🌶️

This book includes some of the tropes I really love. Forbidden, stepsiblings, and forced proximity tropes in one book are my cryptonite. Aidan and Morgan spent the night together, but the next day they discovered they were actually stepsiblings. However, that doesn't stop them from having a fling. They believed that the situation would end once they left the island and went their own separate ways. But life had a way of bringing them back together, since Morgan is now on the same hockey team as Aidan, and her father is Aidan's agent. At first, they try to keep their distance, but the tension between them is palpable. As they work closely together, they can't help but feel attracted to each other.

I really liked how Aidan is sure about what he wants and he keeps chasing her without giving up. Morgan tries to resist at first, but of course, it doesn't last long. Aidan and Morgan have a chemistry that's full of fire and passion, yet it's also filled with sweetness. I really appreciated how Morgan's presence helps to soothe Aidan. I loved how Aidan looks out for her and seems to understand what she needs.

The friendship in this book is amazing. I really enjoyed watching how other couples were getting along. Their friendship always brought me joy and made me laugh. Overall, this was really great, and I enjoyed every moment of reading it.

🏒Hockey romance
🛥️Vacation fling
🏒Stepsiblings
🛥️Forbidden
🏒Forced proximity
🛥️Workplace romance
🏒Secret relationship
Profile Image for Tara.
543 reviews14 followers
February 14, 2026
This was good because everything Julia writes is worth reading. There was really never anything critical that happened. It 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
Profile Image for Anca A.
523 reviews48 followers
February 2, 2026
#Review: *Penalty Play* - Julia Connors - ARC [18+]
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️

What can go wrong when you have a super hot one night stand on a beautiful island in Bermuda? Well, in Morgan's case, everything!😅 Because the next day came with a huge surprise.🤭 In the moment her mom was getting married, Morgan discovered that her one night stand was, in fact, her stepbrother. On top of that, Morgan and her newfound sibling will have to work in the same place too, at the Boston Rebels hockey team. The lust was still very much present and they said that they wouldn't give into it anymore, but one time turns into more, becoming harder to leave what they had behind. But he swore that he would never give his heart away again. How will their story end?

Haha, this story had, even from the start, a surprise element which made me laugh because of that awkward situation 🤭. Morgan and Aiden tried really hard to leave that one night stand behind and forget about it, but the pull to each other was way stronger and made it impossible. Their secret romance was so juicy, being super captivating because of their strange situation. I liked that we got to learn more about the characters too, besides their romance story, being able to create a picture about them and their lives, with all the ups and downs.

Another super fun and easy to fall in love story, having a great time reading this book because of their secret relationship, one of my favorite tropes.

So grateful for being part of Julia's permanent ARC team and I wanna thank her and her team for offering me this e-ARC🫶🏼.

✨Tropes
▫️Step Siblings
▫️Secret Romance
▫️Vacation Fling
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Workplace Romance
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey Player
Profile Image for Reading Romance with Kate.
111 reviews52 followers
January 26, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶
First Person, Dual POV

I enjoyed the start of this book, but I found myself losing interest around the 50-60% mark. That being said, if the book were shorter, I may have liked it better. I’m all for smut in books, but I began to feel like Aidan and Morgan evolved into hookup buddies—not two people with real feelings for each other, which is why I found myself struggling to push through the end of the book.

What to Expect:
🏒Step-Siblings
🌴Vacation Fling
🏒Agent’s Daughter
🌴Opposites Attract
🏒Secret Relationship
🌴Friends with Benefits
🏒Workplace Romance

Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for this opportunity and the gifted eARC. This review was left voluntarily, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

⚠️A brief list of content warnings is provided in the Author’s Note along with a link to the author’s website for a full list of content warnings.
Profile Image for Mary.
467 reviews7 followers
January 26, 2026
Ok, there were some odds stacked against Morgan and Aidan (Her dad is his agent, she works for the team he plays for in a PR capacity) and one of them being step siblings did make me pause... but I did enjoy them together and how their relationship progressed. Slight spoiler...
They were not step siblings for long.
Their insecurities were believable and valid and were handled pretty well and overall, I enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for lucialeelibros.
478 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
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
Profile Image for Cokiereads.
726 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 2, 2026
How does she keep writing such great books in one series? Like how am I supposed to pick a favorite couple?

After a one night stand in Bermuda, Morgan and Aiden weren't going to see each other again. Except they did, on the same trip. Because Morgan's mom married Aiden's step-dad. So of course nothing else happened the rest of the trip.

When Morgan gets home its back to work. She's helping out with the PR for the Boston Rebels for a short term. While there she runs into Aiden. Who's back playing with the team. The team shes working with.

Aiden is... into her so much but does he really know he is? The jealousy that pops up during this story just made me so happy. I love a guy who doesnt know what he wants but acts up anyways!!

Theres just so much thats keeping them apart. The parents married, working together (and something else!) thats just keeping them separated. Too many ties. But when you have the chemistry that these two have. Whew. It would be impossible.

I love how Morgan stands up for others and finds that strength for herself. And this book delves into a corner of sports I'd never come across, when youre part of a team but you've been gone for awhile and how the changes affect your teammates and how you view them.

Is this the end? I dont know, but I do know the world's not finished!!!
Profile Image for AnnaMeansFun.
843 reviews224 followers
February 9, 2026
The squeaks and giggles I squeaked and giggled in the beginning of this book!

It was such a cute and funny comfort read with two lovingly dumb characters, lying to themselves and each other right from the start with their “no feelings attached” nonsense. Well, I had all the feelings and so did Aidan and Morgan.

A great ending to the series, I will miss this bunch a lot.
Profile Image for Amber Tentnowski.
131 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

👙 agent’s daughter
👙 step siblings
👙 workplace romance
👙 opposites attract
👙 secret relationship

The Boston Rebels series is one of my favorite hockey series. Julia’s ability to build tension between the leads, blend witty banter and make them show enough vulnerability to have their connection feel genuine is on point.

The chemistry between Aidan and Morgan was instant and I didn’t hate getting some spice early on. The ending was fairly more fast paced than the rest of the book but the character growth was so satisfying that I was fully routing for their love story. If you haven’t already definitely read the bonus epilogue because it was truly the perfect way to wrap up the end of this series.

Thank you Julia for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Monica.
239 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2026
I’m obsessed with Morgan & Aiden and I want you guys to be just as unhinged with me because who knew step siblings were our thing?

I love them each in their way but together they are unstoppable. He loves her and is gentle and remembers the small things 🥹
She’s strong and resilient with her soft edges that we just want to hug her and squeeze her.

Julia you really created a master piece with this one. 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Not sure how I’ll get over them any time soon.
Profile Image for D. L. Foley | My Last Romance.
1,029 reviews24 followers
January 31, 2026
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5

General Thoughts:I discovered Julia Connors last year, and I have loved reading her books ever since. Her books are enjoyable, fun, and ones I fly through. She did the tropes in this one so well! She handled the step-sibling trope in a way I think people who love the trope will enjoy and those who don't will.

Julia Connors' books are always a treat to read, and I'm so glad I read this one. The series is interconnected standalone, so you could jump in wherever, but they are fun to read in order, too. If you're looking for banter, fun, spice, and connection, then Julia has you covered. I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and Valentine PR.

Spice Meter:❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Spicy, and so so good!

Romantic Tropes and Things:
-contemporary realistic
-sports romance
-hockey romance
-taboo-lite
-step siblings (meet as adult)
-workplace/office romance
-one night stand to more
-friends with benefits to more

You can read more of my reviews on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Profile Image for _.Beckyslibrary._.
267 reviews4 followers
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!
Profile Image for skyeslibrary.
541 reviews166 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
“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!
Profile Image for Emmy Wong.
390 reviews12 followers
January 28, 2026
I love a hockey romance and this book was just what I needed. It was a fun, spicy yet emotional read that had me hooked onto every moment. A stepsiblings, situationship kinda thing where they can’t stay away from each other? Sign me tf up! I loved seeing them go from the bliss an amazing one nightstand to seeing each other at their parents wedding and realising they’re stepsiblings. Truly was a highlight of the book for me. I loved their dynamic and it truly did carry a lot of the book. My only little complaint is the slower bit in the middle, I was starting to lose focus as the plot kind of felt off track. But it was very minor as they. But overall there was an amazing plot; that had scarred my emotionally at the end. For characters, I loved both MCs, but I admit while they may not be my favourite out of the series they worked really well with the plot and we got to see lots of growth. There were just times I couldn’t get around Aiden, because man was so damn stupid and oblivious. But that man is a yearned and I love that, even though he made many mistakes. I loved Morgan, and I saw my self in her quite a lot which was part of what kept me so intrigued by this book. This book isn’t the first I’ve read that mentions body image issues but this one felt really real, because it’s often the subtle details that people don’t notice, that hurt the most. Moving away from the heavy stuff… let’s talk smut! This book was quite spicer than I anticipated and I was loving every bit of it! Aiden may have had insecurities but none of them were about his skills in bed. This book has been back in my hockey romance era and Im really hoping to see more from this series! I’m not ready to let the Boston rebels go yet! I give this a 4/5
Profile Image for Samantha Draws.
307 reviews14 followers
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
Profile Image for Sara.
2,421 reviews14 followers
February 1, 2026
I loved everything about this book and the series.

Morgan and Aidan are perfect for each and despite some crazy obstacles (step siblings, work together and his agent’s daughter) they can’t help but fall in love. The characters both really grow into better versions of themselves as a result of their friendship with benefits that is more relationship than casual.

Aidan has suffers some tremendous losses and he has refused to let anyone close other than his childhood best friend and stepfather. His return from a year on the injured reserve list finds him coming back to a different team dynamic and Morgan in every facet of his life.

Morgan has extremely low self confidence mostly due to her narcissistic mother and several loser
boyfriends. Meeting Aidan (Danny) in the resort bar during a tropical storm the night before her mother’s wedding is just what her friend told her she needed - a hit fling with a sexy stranger.

When that sexy stranger turns out to be so much more the story gets complicated in a delicious and delightful way. I’m not a fan of 400+ page books, but this author uses every page to pull readers into captivating and entertaining stories.

Her books are so worth the time it takes to read books this long because they are more than a fun distraction- they are an experience not to be missed or rushed!

I can’t wait for the Hartmann brothers to find love.

I received a free ARC from the author and Valentine PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Fernanda Dzib.
464 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2026
4.5⭐️

I knew I was going to love this book the moment I finished Goal Line because I loved the friendship between Eva and Morgan 🥹

And I have to say, I was enjoying and swooning all over Morgan and Aidan when Morgan’s thoughts felt too personal to me, because there’s this part when she’s thinking how she seems to be enough to be the person to spend a good time with, but not good enough to make someone stay with her and loving her for just who she is, and oh my god, I was sobbing with that because like I said, it felt too personal to me because that’s exactly how I felt before and I completely understood her and also I hurt for her because that feeling is so heartbreaking and I hated that she was convinced no one would ever love her enough to stay 😭💔

Enter here, Aidan, he was so afraid of relationship, like, he was all about not catching feelings because at the end it won’t be worth it the heartbreak, and I get it, he had to get through some really sad and hard things when he was younger and you can understand where his fears are coming from, it’s not just that he likes messing around because he’s immature or a compete playboy, his fears are legit and so relatable and I hurt for him too ❤️‍🩹 that’s why it was so beautiful to read how Morgan and Aidan were this two strangers in a bar in Bermuda, having a good time together, to be step siblings the next day, to work together, to try to stay away from each other, to try to convince themselves that they weren’t falling for each other, to finally accept and embrace those feelings 😩💖 but of course they had their hiccups because not everything is easy but trust me, it was so worth it when they finally found the way to be together 💖💖💖💖

I loved this book very much and I literally can’t wait to keep reading more about this characters because now I’m intrigued about that last chapter and the PR scandal Morgan was dealing with 🙂‍↔️
Profile Image for Vianca (Vee).
312 reviews
January 25, 2026
I enjoyed reading Morgan and Aidan’s story as it was filled with adventure, sneaky spicy moments, and amazing friends. Morgan first meets Danny (Aidan) in Bermuda when she travels for yet another one of her mother’s weddings. When she gets there she learns her mother’s plane is delayed and won’t be in until the next morning. While she’s sat at the bar a handsome man sits next to her and they get to talking. One thing leads to another and they make their way to one of their rooms for a one night stand.

Well, what was suppose to just be a one time rendezvous suddenly is complicated when it is revealed that their parents are marrying each other. They both try to stay away but their forced proximity makes it impossible for remainder of their trip and later on for their home life. Their paths just can’t seem to stop crossing especially seeing as how Morgan is temporarily working with Aidan’s hockey team, the Boston Rebels. In addition their friend groups are just too intertwined that it is impossible to stay away from one another and a friend with benefits relationship is born.

I liked the character growth from both of our MCs because they recognized their insecurities that stemmed from their past and worked to fix them. Their eye opening revelations while hurtful led them to face the truth and work towards what they wanted from their situation. Also, enjoyed the cameo of the other couples and the dynamic that makes their group feel like a family! 🥰

⭐️ 5/5 recommend
Profile Image for Amy O.
293 reviews11 followers
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 🩵
Profile Image for Brittany Hernandez.
208 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
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**
Profile Image for Amanda.
511 reviews12 followers
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.
Profile Image for Addy.
185 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Robin Primo.
117 reviews3 followers
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 🥺
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