The Christmas You Crash: Going Rogue, Book 2

Going Rogue #2

by Piper Hale, Kelsey Navarro Foster (Narrator), Lucas Dixon (Narrator)

One blizzard. One cabin. One uninvited hockey player.

Ho, ho, humbug.

Normally, I love Christmas. The lights, the snow, the cozy traditions. Then my parents divorced. Intent to avoid awkward holiday drama, I head to our family's secluded cabin for a nice, relaxing week alone.

At least that's the plan until Ryder Hanson shows up uninvited and dressed like a serial killer.

Ryder has three strikes against him. He saw me naked. He's a hockey player. And My dad likes him better than me.

I want to hate him, but when he walks around the cabin all shirtless and sexy, I forget why I should. Or that the coach's daughter and the hotshot rookie only work out in novels. But the longer we're snowed in together, the more my heart and body warm to Ryder.

When the roads are cleared and the real world beckons, will we ring in the new year as a couple, or will our budding romance crumble like a poorly built gingerbread house?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Holiday

Audible Audio

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Piper Hale is a Midwestern girl who loves golden-retriever heroes, imperfect heroines, and some coffee with her sugar. She lives with her two crazy (but amazing) kids in the middle-of-the-map USA.

Piper grew up listening to her dad’s silly stories at bedtime, became a voracious reader as a child, and never forgot her high school creative writing teacher, who told her she had what it took to write romance. Even if she didn’t give it a go until the pandemic.

These days, you’ll find Piper writing contemporary romance that’s sassy, sexy, and chock-full of cinnamon rolls.

Reviews

[Katyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really, really great. I cried a couple times.

He's a golden retriever, but one with surprising depth (don't get me wrong, I love golden retrievers, but they're often written a bit shallow), and she's a grumpy, but for really good reasons.

There were some frustrations in the first third because it felt like she just wouldn't get out of her own way, but as the book progressed and you could see why she avoided everything hockey, I not only understood, I empathized. I'm going to put this part in spoiler tags.

Her dad is the head coach of the Rogues (the professional hockey team that this series features), and he's an absolute piece of shit. He's why I used the abuse tag for this book. At first you think that he was just a neglectful parent - super career driven and everything else gets dropped to the bottom of the priority list. And while that's shitty, it's sadly not uncommon, and so Lexi felt a bit over the top in her anger. But then you see the depth of it. Her father cuts her down, I mean, just SHREDS her. Repeatedly. He is condescending and horrible, acting like her wanting anything from him - by which the book makes clear we're talking about things like meeting her for dinner (Lex, despite being 23 and having dealt with this for decades, still makes effort to win her father's love, still reaches out to see him ... and so right at the start of the book, she's smarting from him standing her up for dinner - he didn't call, didn't say he was running late, just didn't show, and never apologized), attending her graduation (we're told he didn't go to her high school OR college graduation), LITERALLY ANYTHING FROM HIM AS A PARENT - makes her a spoiled, entitled bitch. A thing he actually calls her, right to her face. He is the worst kind of ugly misogynist. You got a little of that in book 1, but it's glossed over as if it is just the light general misogyny that exists in the sports world (and I say this as a girl who has been a football fan since birth - it is huge in my family - but who is CONSTANTLY forced to deal with guys who think girls can't be real fans). In this book, we see it is NOT just that general systemic crap. He's an actual fucking monster.

So I got worried because by the midway point, you haven't seen the depth of it and you wonder if the story is going to resolve with a reveal that daddy does love her, but didn't know how to talk to her, blah blah ... and everything is fixed. But as more layers peel back and you get how fucking awful he is, then I started to worry that there would be that kind of make-nice ending and I would hate it. But the book doesn't go there. He's kicked to the curb, as Lex finally accepts that her father will never love her and it's time to stop trying. It hurts, but it is good.

The other thing I appreciated about this book was that there was no melodramatic Big Misunderstanding or crap like that. It was enough for them to deal with the shitshow that is her father. Having them be firmly united was so important, and I was so thrilled to see the author didn't push us into ridiculous melodrama just for the sake of melodrama. Because that is frankly not who Ryder (MMC) is. And because with how shredded Lex was, I don't know that I believe she'd let him have another chance if he did something terrible. Like, if he did something like Maddox did in book 1, that would be The End. Lex would light him on fire before she'd take him back. And I understand and respect that. I'm so glad the author didn't take us there.

So that's that. It was excellent. I'm a little dubious about the next book, but the author has definitely earned my leap of faith, so onward we go.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Spice: 3.5/5

MF
Hockey/Sports Romance
He Falls First
Snowed In
She’s Been Hurt
Forbidden Coach’s Daughter
Found Family

Ryder is an injured hockey player sent to recuperate and stay out of trouble at his coach’s remote cabin.

Lexi is the coach’s daughter who avoids hockey and especially hockey players. She is holing up at the cabin for Christmas and neatly avoiding her family.

The two have a great meet cute and soon find that a blizzard has snowed them in. Hijinks and smexy time ensue. Can they make their perfect week long chemistry into something more that they can explore in the ‘real world’ or will job and family pressures end their romance before it can really begin?

This is a fantastic read. I absolutely adored the characters in this book - both primary and secondary (hoping to see them in their own books later). The witty banter was excellent. The heart warming romance was swoon-worthy. The supportive found family made me want to be a part of this hockey world. Ryder is perfect book boyfriend goals.

[María · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me dejó COMPLETAMENTE INDIFERENTE. Es ligero, y entretenido, pero también muy mediocre. Los personajes tenían una historia interesante pero todo se dejó de lado para darle foco a lo sexual, así que POTENCIAL DESPERDICIADO.

[Meg🎊 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
Started: 28th July 2025
Finished: 1st July 2025
✩‧₊꒰ ⊹ ࣪—˚Final thoughts 


╭⊹ ₊˚⊹ "𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧"

˚ ┊✦ I cannot believe that I read a Christmas theme book in June where it’s supposed to be summer books and kind of fall books to get ready 🤭 this was totally such a cute book even though at the beginning there is always a family drama or relationships crisis. To say this is a 500 pgs book is it worth it yes and no shouldn’t really be that long of a hockey romance books prefer them when it’s 300+ 😭

╭⊹ ₊˚⊹ "𝙣𝙤, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢"

 ˚ ┊✦ Lexi- Lexi was complicated Character to like in this book for the first half, the way she is being so isolated from everyone in her family cabin like you do you girl to get away from drama from her father etc I kinda get it but also do feel bad for her aswell. I do find it rather odd how her father never mentions about his own daughter to his team like that’s real damage right there between those two for him to keep it a secret.

╭⊹ ₊˚⊹.

˚┊✦ Ryder- I found his character really funny at the beginning but also felt bad with the risk of his injury having less perks of his leftie it did make me giggle when he mentioned he couldn’t jerk off with his dominant hand like oh okay sir right off the bat are we before we get to know your attitude and success you wanna talk about you dick 🤭😭


╭⊹ ₊˚⊹ '𝙬𝙚'𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙭, 𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢"

˚┊✦ the romance in this was so sexy! The fact they were both stuck together in a blizzard inside of the cabin with no power only had each other for body warmth like dang that was hot 🥵 I loved that Ryder always thinking about lexi needs unlike her dumb ex who gave her nothing in return. I did love the fact that even after there winter fling in the cabin they still took the romance next level see where it takes them which I find so adorable together even being surronded by ryders friends/team mates.
I loved seeing Maddox back in this book seeing how he has his happy ending aswell pour his wisdom and charm talent to his friend Ryder tell him what is wrong and right. 


╭⊹ ₊˚⊹ "𝙞'𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙞𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤. 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙗 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙥"

Epilogue 
 ˚┊✦ the ending of this book was just so adorably cute I cannot believe that about the coach though with spoilers can go into much detail but damn he was an asshole towards lexi. The romance was just lush between them the way Ryder was so protective of lexi with everything despite the drama he’s committed to her 100% which I love that.

I do really hope the next book comes out soon hope the next book will be a Mira and garrett one I love those two so much I want their own pov book 😏
•̩̩͙✦𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛 & 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐•̩̩͙✦

⭐️4.6
🌶4.7
❤️ 3.2


🍉⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒˚.⋆🍉⋆⭒

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I think of Christmas movies and books, I think of stories like this one. It has everything to make it work perfectly during my favorite time of year; a snowed in trope, a hilarious meet-cute, a cinnamon-role hockey player with filmstar-quality looks, and an fmc who was hurt in the past and who’s reluctant to believe in love again.

It’s rare, but I do think Ryder is the perfect man. He does absolutely everything right in this story, and you can’t help but root for him. The story of him and Lexie has all the qualities of a good emotional rom-com, even though the ending still managed to surprise me. And that is not a typical thing for these type of books.

I’m really hoping for more standalones with some of the side characters in the future. I’m seeing lots of possibilities at the moment, and I wouldn’t mind reading all about them.

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is so ridiculously long it’s actually wild

[Vivian Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I aged 30 years reading this book

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this on my kindle I did not realize how long this book was lol that did not stop me from reading this in two days. If you want a cute not so meet cute book to read this winter then look no further. I loved the banter between them 😩 Lexi’s family stuff had my heart hurting. I love that Ryder was still all sunshine after the heartbreak he’s had in his life. The way he was willing to fight for Lexi when she’s used to feeling like no one has cared about her most of her life 🫠🫠

[Macie Brady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Messy, mid, and cringe. This read like a wannabe elle kennedy book 😬

[Raquel | mommagracereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously adored this book. Lexi and Ryder are so perfect for each other. She understandably has reservations about dating a hockey player, but she wants to give her heart a chance. Ryder gives her zero doubts for where his intentions lay and I loved it.

Piper Hale mastered the atmosphere for this book. I legit had to curl up under a blanket while reading because I was feeling cold just reading about the characters being surrounded by snow… and it’s an average of 90° where I live. 😂

I enjoyed reading about the characters again, seeing how the friend group is and I am so excited for more stories. I ended up loving this even more than the first book. Lexi and Ryder are end game and yeah, I was crying by the end. Need my shelf trophy asap now, ahaha.

Rating System

C- 10
A- 10
W- 10
P- 10
I- 10
L- 10
E- 10

Total- 10 = 5 ⭐️

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy. I think I fell in love with this pair pretty much as the book opened. Lexi and Ryder had so much chemistry, even if most of it started as something pretty close to “hate”. But Ryder was just such an incredible sweetheart, I knew Lexi wouldn’t be able to resist him forever. They also happened to be carting around more than their fair share of emotional and family dramas that made everything between them trickier. I loved seeing the Rogue family again and I adored the way they rallied around Ryder and Lexi. I already can’t wait to discover who will be the next player to fall. And my fingers are crossed that Lexi’s besties might become leading characters in future books of their own.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Margarida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing feel good Christmas read!
I'm really enjoying this series. All the guys are incredibly sweet and focused on their girls and Ryder is no different with Lexi.
Loved the descriptions of their relationship developing and how solid Ryder was throughout and suffered with Lexi through everything she was put through.
Def one to go back and read again!

[Caroline Norelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it but it was too long

[Morgan Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was so bad it made me stop reading for a month. it was so bad i want to give you a zero, but that's not possible, so i give you a one.

[Karis Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I only read trashy romcoms that are low quality, and unfortunately this one was actual quality with like a plot and character development 🙄. But I did really like it!!! A Christmas sleigh!!! 💚❤️

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning was super cuter but it went on about 200 pages too long.

[annylynch ୨ৎ (aoife’s version) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - 24%

I swear i tried, but this is so boring, there are only sexual references. From the plot i excepted something more 😭

[Samantha Branch · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This is a classic Christmas, romcom meet cute mixed with some hockey, sports romance. The MMC is a professional hockey player that gets snowed in a cabin with his head coaches daughter and falls first and quickly. I’m rounding up to 4 for this because the last third of the book genuinely had my attention locked in and surprised me at every page. This was not closed door and there is some language but overall the story had a lot of emotion and suspense with some fun banter and the characters grew together and supported each other in finding their “home” with the help of found family. I’m super hopeful for more in the Going Rouge series because I have to know what happens with Griffin, Bash, and Logan.

This story follows FMC, Lexi, the daughter of head NHL coach who quite literally is the worst father I’ve ever read and she’s holding a torch for him to love her and want her. She shows up for a week alone at her family’s cabin during Christmas because her relationship with her parents is rocky at best after their divorce when MMC, Ryder, ultimate golden retriever, hockey player, crashes her plans. He’s injured and has been sent up there by Lexi’s father and his head coach to relax and get away from the ice. He tries to leave after realizing the awkwardness of the situation but they get snowed in by a blizzard in classic romcom fashion and even have to cuddle to keep warm when the power goes out. She wants a relationship and to be loved more than anything but she’s been hurt by hockey players (her ex) and coaches (her dad) too many times that she won’t give Ryder a chance. He’s absolutely infatuated by her and eventually convinces her to go on a date in the real world. They quickly find out that they want to spend every possible second together and are falling fast. He helps her face her fears and mend the relationships with her mom and her boyfriend with hopes to help mend her relationship with her dad as well. They keep their relationship a secret from him for a while and when he finds out the reaction is far worse than even I could’ve imagined. She finds though that not only does she have a sweet boyfriend backing her but a whole team of friends that have become found family along with their girlfriends. The last third of the book sincerely surprised me and I love the outcome. (Spoiler) I truly loved that she and her dad didn’t make up. That he was a jerk and she didn’t cower to him but with the help of Ryder defended herself and let him defend her too. My favorite of the series so far!

An ick for me was the amount of nicknames and the amount of times he called her “baby”. Not sure why but it really got on my nerves after a while.

Trigger warnings: divorce, fighting, toxic family relationships, mention of parents passing

Holiday romance. Hockey romance. Sports romance. Found family. Golden retriever MMC. Dual POV. First Person POV. Language. Spice.

Rereadable? No

[DeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
“Because you’ve stolen my heart too. Except, I don’t want it back. I want you to keep it for me. Keep it safe. Can you do that?” ❤️
“I fell in love with you here, and I’ve never stopped loving you. Will never stop loving you. I’ll love you through sickness, I’ll love you through hardships and triumphs and joys. I’ll love you through the quiet moments and the ones the whole world sees. If you let me, I’ll love you forever.” ❤️
“This is everything I’ve ever wanted. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted. And I’m never—not ever—letting her go.” ❤️

Tropes
Hockey romance (NHL)
Player x coaches daughter
Spicy Christmas / holiday romance
Snowed in
He falls first
Found family

I loved this so much more than I thought I would. This was a full length book (almost 500 pages), and I’ve realized that I’ve been enjoying my Christmas reads in novellas or shorter reads around 200 pages or so. But this was so much more than just a spicy Christmas read, and I loved it.
Ryder was perfect. He was everything that a woman would want. He was sweet, loving, passionate, affectionate, attentive, and so protective. Once he saw he was falling for Lexi, he made it his purpose to do anything to keep her happy. He would go up against anyone and anything to make sure she was ok.
Lexi was so strong and I felt for her. Even though she never got the father daughter relationship she wanted with her own dad, I’m glad she had Ryder, who was more than willing to pick up whatever slack he needed to, and I’m glad that her, her mom, and Jeff got closer too.
Their chemistry was so good, the spice was spiciiiiiiiiiiing, and the pacing of the story was good and not all over the place. I loved all of the “OTG/Oscar/baby/sweetheart/my girl” moments from Ryder, and I loved their friend groups. Griffen and Rachel were my favorites, and I can’t wait to see more of them in future books.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas You Crash by Piper Hale is a captivating contemporary romance that you simply can't miss. Lexi intends to spend Christmas alone at her family cabin after her parents’ divorce, seeking solace and solitude. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when Ryder, a charming player on her father's team, arrives just as a winter storm sets in, leaving him stranded with her. Despite the potential fallout with Coach Cross, the undeniable attraction between Lexi and Ryder pulls them together. They agree to take a Snow pass and part ways after the storm, but both are beginning to realize they don’t really want to leave each other’s side. Can Lexi trust her heart with a hockey star who plays for her dad, or will he follow in her father’s footsteps and break it?

I absolutely adored this book. Ryder is irresistible—tall, handsome, sweet, and genuinely thoughtful. Lexi, though a bit prickly, is a perfect match for him, and their chemistry is electric. The story is heartwarming and relatable, especially for anyone who has experienced heartache. It brilliantly illustrates that sometimes, taking a chance on love is the best decision you can make.

If you love contemporary sports romance featuring themes like being snowed in, forced proximity, found family, plenty of spice and the bittersweet feelings of loneliness during the holidays, then The Christmas You Crash by Piper Hale is definitely for you. This is Book 2 in the Going Rogue series, with each standalone focusing on various players from a hockey team finding their special someone. You won’t want to miss it!

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

3am….that was the time I finished this book. I am not a night owl, I am very much an early bird, but I had to stay up to finish Ryder and Lexi’s story. I am so tired right now but the book was oh so worth it, I would do it all over again and have no regrets!

This book hooked me in from the very first page. I loved Ryder’s character so much,I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug whenever he felt his parents' loss. There is also so much humour in this book, you really experience all the emotions.

More than half of this book is Lexi and Ryder alone together, so you get to know them and watch them fall for each other, every step of the way. You can’t help but get emotionally involved in their story. With everything they have been through and then have to go through, they showed each other so much love and support.

If you read Maddox and Isla’s story, you get to catch up with them and the guys as Ryder is pulled into their friend group. I love the found family the team has, and after the first book, Griffin will always be my favourite and I’m hoping he gets his girl soon.

Ryder was a perfect everything, not one red flag even remotely close, the way he looked after Lexi was so swoon worthy.

I’m so sad I’m finished, I want to read this all over again. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series and this author. She has absolutely been added to my ‘don’t need to read the blurb, I’m reading it anyway’ list.

[Diego Busmail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this book 3 out of 5, primarily because it did not meet expectations based on its title, The Christmas You Crashed. Despite the holiday-themed name, only a few chapters were actually related to Christmas, which felt misleading.

While the premise had potential, the execution fell short in several areas. The story lacked both character development and plot depth — much of the narrative focused on the physical attraction between Lexi and Ryder, rather than building meaningful emotional stakes. Their first encounter, where Lexi mistakes Ryder for an intruder but they immediately find each other attractive and are nearly ready to sleep together, felt rushed and unconvincing.

One of the most frustrating aspects was Coach Cross, who was portrayed as deeply misogynistic. His treatment of his own daughter, Lexi, was particularly troubling — he saw her as a burden, prioritized hockey over family, and made demeaning remarks that revealed a complete lack of empathy or interest in knowing her.

However, a redeeming element was the found family dynamic within the Minnesota Rogue team. The players consistently showed up for each other, most notably when they supported Ryder after Coach Cross made cruel comments about Lexi, implying she was only dating Ryder to spite him. Their decision to stand together and take action to get the coach fired added a much-needed sense of unity and emotional payoff to the story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas you Crash by Piper Hale is book two in the Going Rogue series. I’ve read a few other books by this author and I always had a pleasant reading experience. So when I saw a holiday rom-com I knew I had to read it. My poor kindle got a bit of a workout as it took me about a day to finish; my attention was captured from the start and held to the very end. Not to mention as I was reading some of my favorite things happened… forced proximity and he falls first. Now that I think about it, I enjoyed this book more than the first. These characters are just well done. Lexi and Ryder were a great couple. He was perfect for her… sweet and there for her. Absolutely 100% a cinnamon rollI! I completely understood Lexi and what she went through and the hurt she was dealing with. What I enjoyed most was how it was fluffy and sweet but with the heavier topics woven in seemlessly. I thought it was written really well with a perfect snowed in backdrop and the characters were such a highlight and it was an enjoyable read! The descriptions of people and the place was great to the point where you could close your eyes to see it all. In all honesty I just loved everything about this book. This is a definite recommendation from me so grab a blanket and get comfy! Two thumbs up!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read from start to finish!

From the very first page, this book had me hooked. Ryder’s character is incredibly moving, and I found myself wanting to wrap him in a hug every time he struggled with the loss of his parents. His pain feels so raw and real, yet there’s also a great deal of humor woven throughout, making the emotional journey all the more impactful.

The heart of this story is the evolving relationship between Lexi and Ryder. Over the course of the book, they spend so much time together, and you truly get to know them—watching them fall for each other with each passing moment. Their connection is beautiful, and it’s impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journey.

With everything they’ve been through—and all they continue to face—they show each other an immense amount of love and support. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it’s clear they both deserve all the happiness in the world. I’m quickly falling in love with the entire cast of characters, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series! As always, my book reviews are totally voluntary. No monetary compensation was received and the opinions that I’ve expressed are completely my own.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi all she ever wanted was her father to see her and love her, and here she was on the way to the family cabin to spend Christmas alone. Her mother is with her new boyfriend and it is awkward. Her father could talk about anything hockey all day but he does not care to listen to anything concerning her life. All Lexi’s father focus on is about Hockey. Lexi’s her car packed with food and favorite true-crime podcast. Planning on spending a relaxing holiday from her college studies. She is relaxing in the hot tube when she hears a noise in the cabin! Of all the things that pop up when you are not prepared. Who is standing in the cabin but a very big man with blue eyes Ryder Hanson, defenseman on the Minnesota Rogues, banished to the cabin so his hand that was hurt in a hockey game can heal. Oh, now what, as he was going to leave there is a blizzard and his car is stuck. Lexi is not interested in a hockey player or anything hockey. You will have to read this story to read all their witty, sometimes snarky, and the heartbreaks in life about the subject of Christmas, families, and relationship. You have heard the comment “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we….” This story will keep you so engrossed just to see what happens.

[KT Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK this was such a fun romcom to read. Lexi has had a rough life where her dad chose his coaching profession over her. She decides to sneak off to their family cabin for the holidays instead of spending it with her Dad (because who believed the invitation he gave her to come anyway). She’s looking forward to time away from everyone to relax and have some alone time.

Ryder is bummed that he got hurt (in a bar fight no less instead of the ice rink) and his hockey coach sends him out of town to his cabin in the middle of nowhere to cool off and heal. We can see where this is going right? Lexi is wrapped in a towel heading in from the hot tub, Ryder is coming in the front door and both thing the other is an intruder. Of course, massive amounts of snow is dropped on them and they are forced to spend time together.

Lexi thinks all hockey players only want to get close to her because of her father (because duh, that’s happened to her more than once) and Ryder wants to keep his distance because he knows Coach would not be happy if he touched his little girl. Ryder is perfect for Lexi in every way…will she give him a chance?

This book was a fantastic feel good read. I love holiday books and this one is starting the season off right!

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the previous book in this series with the Minnesota Rogues but I loved this one even more!

Ryder Hanson goes to his Coach's cabin to recuperate from a hand injury oblivious to the fact that Lexi, the coach's daughter has already arrived intending to spend Christmas there, alone. Lexi originally mistakes him for an intruder but once that is sorted out he intends to leave but the weather has other plans and they end up snowed in together.

This story was just so beautiful and Ryder was just perfect (swoon). Lexi struggled at first as she was seriously attracted to Ryder but was determined it couldn't go anywhere as he was everything she swore she didn't want. He however realised quite quickly she she was everything he did want and was determined to prove himself to her which he did quite spectacularly. I loved the nicknames that Ryder gave her and there were a few giggles but it was mostly a beautiful story about overcoming obstacles and family and friendships.
I really want more of this series as there are at least 3 more of the rogues that we need to see find love and I would love maybe a spin off with Lexi's bestie and Ryder's nemesis! Wherever this series goes next and whatever direction the author takes, I will most certainly follow

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ This was basically my idea of a perfect evening: books, good food, a crackling fire, and true crime. ✨

❄️ Snowed in forced proximity
🏒 Hockey romance with banter
❄️ Found family
🏒 Grumpy FMC and Sunshine MMC

🖤 : You ever read a book and think is this FMC me? Well if you’re a true crime lover, book nerd, and have complicated issues with your dad then you’ll feel the same way I did and really relate to Lexi. This story was all gushy crap you love in holiday hallmark movies. I couldn’t put it down. The spicy scenes were done really well too and weren’t over the top like a lot of books are these days. I really really loved the cozy cabin setting.

📚 : this is a holiday hallmark type of romance book. Our FMC, Lexi wants a peaceful, solo Christmas after her parents' divorce but ends up stuck in a cabin with Ryder.Ryder is an unwanted guest (a hockey player her dad likes), and their initial interactions are full of animosity and awkwardness, especially after he sees her naked. Snowed in together, they're forced to interact, leading to undeniable attraction, playful banter, and emotional intimacy. They must decide if their budding romance can survive when the roads clear and real life calls.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

When are authors going to learn that I have a life. I cannot afford to sit and read a story from start to finish in less than 24 hours!

All kidding aside another absolute blockbuster from page one! Alexis is a daughter who always came second to her father, the hockey coach for the Minnesota Rogues, and Ryder is the hot-shot ROokie sent away to ride out the Christmas season at the family cabin because of an injury that, if not rested, would end his career. What follows is one of the most realistic, heartwarming, funny, sarcastic, emotionally gut-wrenching snowed-in love stories I've ever read. This book is hilarious (OTG and HCB anyone?) and irreverent and still brought tears to my eyes at times.

Just know that coach's behavior while atrocious in book 1 of this series does not hold a candle to how crap of a creature he is in this book. Honestly I applaud the author for not giving in to what I'm sure was a very strong impulse to allow death and dismemberment to fall upon that cretin!

This book is a standalone but the emotional depth is even more when you have read part 1 to get Ilsa's backstory. Can't wait for more from this author!

[Libby Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love you, Alexis Genevieve Cross. So f*cking much, I feel like my heart might explode.”
Oh my god!!! This is my first winter/Christmas book of the year and it did not disappoint, it was so good!
Lexi wants a quiet Christmas on her own, so she goes to her parent’s cabin without them knowing. However she is shocked to discover that her dad has given one of his hockey players Ryder the key for him to go to. So she gets a fright by him showing up! He decides to leave her to it but fate or the weather has other ideas and his car gets stuck! So he goes back, he calls a company but they can’t get out so he stays there. But things take a turn when theirs a blizzard they get stuck in and electric goes, so they have to get warm together!
They get to know each other and they just click but Lexi is determined not to like him, due to him being a hockey player and one that her dad coaches too! But it doesn’t take long for Ryder to change her mind with his sweet ways.
I thought this was just going to be a sweet simple romance but there was actually some drama with Lexi’s dad.
Overall an amazing read!!