Check or Treat

by Aurora Steinhart

Book Two in Aurora Steinhart's Hockey Experiment


Hello friends.

I see we're back again for more of Gunnar and Tiana.

I'm glad because I'm happy to be back writing more of their story.

Now... where did we leave off with our lovable goon and his hot lawyer?

Oh! Yes, Gunnar asked Tiana to marry him!

We didn't get her answer in Book One, so now we are BACK to see what she says.

Of course, we already know, otherwise we wouldn't be here. But what else do we see from these two?

Tiana realizes more about herself and some of her insecurities, while trying not to be afraid of losing Gunnar to those same quirks she fought in the past.

Gunnar, as always, tries to help Tiana in the best way that he can, while also letting her explore some things she learns about herself.

Come with me as we follow Gunnar and Tiana in this Fall/Halloween sequel, where the two continue falling for each other... alongside some of our favorite side characters and even some more shenanigans with the Hayze brothers.



Tropes

Corn Maze Chase Light Primal PlayBrat PlayUndiagnosed Autism RepBlack Cat x Golden RetrieverHockey Player x Team Lawyer/Coach's DaughterEstablished Relationship/Sequel"Meet The Family" Self Discovery"To be loved is to be seen."Breeding Kink

Check or Treat is intended for mature audiences only.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Growing up in Alaska, Aurora indulged in a variety of outdoor past times. Canoeing on lakes, snowmachining in her backyard, mountain biking through the wilderness and trails around Anchorage.
She grew up as an Air Force daughter and had an affinity for books at a relatively early age. Being enthralled by history and ancient egypt. She was a proficient reader and writer all throughout school.
With her interest growing in the works of macabre and dark poetry, like that from Edgar Allen Poe.
Over time, she wrote poems. Read to her hearts content.
For a long while, she slipped into a reading hiatus. Still continuing to collect books and frequent her local Barnes and Noble.
It wasn't until right before her husband deployed in 2023 that she fell back in love with reading like a star falling from the cosmos.
Collecting more history books in a 4 month period than one should be allowed to.
In the beginning of 2024, she started reading romance after being introduced to Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
She had never been one for romances. But she fell in love with them. Reading over 36 romance novels in the span of 3 months.
One fateful day in June 2024, a friend of hers came to her asking for help on a story he was writing. Asking for help with a conflict.
The more her mind worked, the more her own story idea started to take place within her.
Before she knew it, Elevated Ambitions was born. And she set out on her biggest journey yet.

Reviews

[Marissa E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add this to the list of books my husband loved but didn’t read. If a book could get you pregnant it would be this one.

Gunnar is literally setting the standard for book boyfriends, and the mouth on him phewwwww. The way Gunnar just supports Tiana in whatever way, shape or form she needs is so healing. He’s the definition of “he’s a good man Savannah.” Watching their relationship grow in this book was everything I needed, it almost makes me want to cry that he’s fictional.

Tiana is so relatable, the way she just keeps giving, even to the point she forgets to eat, which is honestly so relatable. Watching her be more vocal about her needs and watching Gunnar take care of her, swoon worthy. He’s may be a little unhinged, man knows what he wants, and he’s not afraid to go after it, but he’s a true cinnamon roll at heart.

Getting to meet the chaotic brothers had me laughing so hard! This book picks up where Checked and Balanced left off so you do have to read them in order, but I promise it’s worth it. Aurora knows how to write the heck out of an MMC and the spice, it was delicious.

Thank you so much to Aurora Steinhart for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review

[Shannon's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely gobbled up this gorgeous read!

[⋅˚₊‧ ana⋅˚₊‧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

‧₊˚ ☾. ⋅“𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎,” “𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢.”‧₊˚ ☾. ⋅

.𖥔 ݁ ˖🕸️🕷.𖥔 ݁ ˖𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠.𖥔 ݁ ˖🕸️🕷.𖥔 ݁ ˖

i just wanna thank my baby , aurora , for always allowing me
to read her work early on. it’s my favorite thing in the world & i love reading about her babies.

in check or treat , we follow gunnar and tiana as they navigate through their relationship and learn about each other & fall even more in love. when i tell you i love these characters with my whole being , PLEASE.

tiana, we dive deeper into tiana’s mind here & the way this poor girl is so hard on herself pls i just wanna give her a big ol’ hug. 🫂 i relate to her in the way she keeps going and going until she can’t stop, forgetting to eat and do things to take care of herself. but when i tell her this MAN takes care of her ??? BYEEEEE

ugh gunnar is just perfect , that’s it , that’s literally it. i love him sm. he’s so chaotic & unhinged but his heart is literally so full of love and he care deeply.

the spice ??? LORD HAVE MERCYYYYYY. my kindle literally got pregnant like huh so good omfg

god & the chaotic bothers pls they’re so funny for what. when they started screaming “puck-ins” i lost it lmaooooo

now , you do have to read checked and balanced beforehand … so if you haven’t , what are you doing ? read that one, then come back & dive into this cutie one filled with all the fall vibes, hot smut & emotions. thank me later. 😘

rating: 5 ⭐️
spice: 4 🌶️

tropes:
🎃 black cat x golden retriever
🎃 self discovery
🎃 established relationship
🎃 hockey player x team lawyer
🎃 undiagnosed autism rep
🎃 reverse grumpy x sunshine
🎃 he falls first and hard

[Stephie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Aurora did it again! I love Gunnar and Tiana! Thank you for this early reader copy, it was a great holiday read. Check or Treat (COT) continues with Gunnar and Tiana as they deepen their relationship and explore their own personal growth through the fall season.

Once again, these two characters are totally realistic and relatable. You can feel the love and respect that they have for each other and how hard they work to make sure the other is happy. The spice is great and I feel it helps the plot develop rather than just being there to be there. I also enjoyed that we got to know more of the side characters. Charlotte and Banks seem perfect for each other and Gunnar's family seems insane, but full of love.

My only issue, as a Canadian who loves hockey, the team the Stags should have played was Edmonton, not Toronto. Edmonton went to game seven of the Stanley Cup finals the last two years and is way closer to Seattle than Toronto is. Also, Leafs suck 😊

I just love Gunnar and Tiana. They give me all the feels. I can't wait to read the next one!

4 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “They deserve to have their moon hinges every night ”
Read this if you like: Hockey romance, primal play, breeding, corn maze chase, HEA
F*ck appears: 413 times
Spicy chapters: ch. 1, ch. 3, ch. 7, ch. 9, ch. 15, ch. 17, ch. 23, ch. 28, ch. 30

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiana and Gunnar are back for book 2. Set during halloween we join the newly engaged couple as they continue to explore their relationship. Reading book 1 first is definitely recommended.

The book is nice and spicy for smut lovers and I like that the author tells you at the beginning of the book which chapters are the spicy ones so you can skip them or run straight to them. Gunnar knows what he likes and takes charge. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t connecting with me though. I think it was maybe the language he was using, it just wasn’t sexy for me but I know a lot of readers will love it. He also has a breeding kink which I wasn’t a fan of.

This is perfect for hockey romance fans though looking for a spicy read with a black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC.

[Rainbowsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

​A delightful mix of high heat and surprising heart! This is definitely one for the smut lovers, as Aurora Steinhart delivers on the spice right from the start. You'll absolutely get your money's worth in steam!
​But what I truly appreciated is that the adventure of Tiana and Gunnar continues with genuine momentum. The writer masterfully balances the spice with a compelling storyline, ensuring the overall plot never gets lost in the passion.
​I found Tiana’s character journey to be incredibly relatable. I saw so much of my own quirks and struggles reflected in her, which really elevated the reading experience for me.
​And Gunnar? Swoon. He’s the ultimate book boyfriend. His terribly sweet and dedicated ways of learning how to help Tiana—and doing absolutely anything and everything to make sure she feels good—makes him a real modern-day Prince Charming. He completely steals the show.
​It was a solid, highly entertaining read that I flew through. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment in December!

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

I really really loved this one. I absolutely love the way Gunnar loves Tiana, and how he’s so willing to learn how to properly love her. I think this book beautifully depicts how it is loving someone who is different. Reading about Tiana and getting to know her more makes me feel more validated in how much I want/love my alone time. She deserves the world and more, and I’m SO so glad she gets it from Gunnar. Their chemistry is literally everything.

TUCKER AND WAFFLE!!! MY HEART. I cannot. That is all.

[Danielle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the continuation of gunner and tianas story, couldn't put it down, cannot wait for more

[Rebecca Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I was hooked from the start. I couldn’t put it down I loved the storyline and all the characters

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore Gunnar and his love for Tianna. He is the type of human we not only want for ourselves but for our children. Thank you, Aurora, for continuing with Gunnar and Tiana's story. They are feeling like family. The spice is spicing and I truly love the dual POV which allows us to truly know what they are thinking. They are funny and serious and not only discovering themselves, but each other.

The reverse Grumpy-Sunshine is well done and an easy read. Aurora, you were able to create not only a Cinnamon Roll Alpha who learns to submit and will destroy whomever he needs to to protect his lady, but a Black Cat female without making her a b*tch who enjoys the freedom Gunnar gives her to be bratty, submissive, dominant, herself. Thank you.

[Louise Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another amazing book by Aurora this book is part two from checked and balanced highly recommend reading first book to understand the storyline. This is a hockey romance with a lot of spicy moments eg a lot of smut as aurora puts it lol I loved the next level better Tina and gunner though Tina struggles with anxiety and other issues gunner helps her overcome them as best as he can Tina feels safe with gunner all gunner wants is to make her his wife and it all starts with asking her to marry him this book was a good romance read and loved the spicy parts couldn’t put the book down would definitely recommend reading this book

[Emma Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

and once again this book the 2nd installment in Gunnar and Tianas story had me hooked
the spice hits right from the start.
I wont give anything away as I hate spoilers.
but I would love me a man like gunnar

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora Steinhart’s “Check or Treat" takes us on a thrilling and heartwarming journey as we catch up with Gunnar and Tiana through the autumn and Halloween. This sequel to the beloved Hockey Experiment series not only continues the romance between our main characters but also deepens their relationship against a backdrop filled with laughter, love, and seasonal mischief.

As the leaves change and Halloween festivities approach, we find Gunnar and Tiana navigating their way through their newfound engagement. The tension from Tiana's initial hesitation to accept Gunnar’s proposal is expertly explored, revealing her vulnerabilities while showcasing her growth.

Gunnar, our charming goon, remains a devoted partner, pushing Tiana to embrace her quirks instead of letting them hold her back. His unwavering support and comedic spirit show throughout the story, making us fall for him even more. Their chemistry is electric, filled with playful banter that brings both humor and depth, ensuring that we are thoroughly entertained.

The author weaves the autumn and Halloween themes into the storyline, using them as delightful backdrops for Gunnar and Tiana’s romantic escapades. The scenes depicting seasonal events are charming and festive, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the spirit of autumn.

Whether it’s pumpkin picking, costume parties, or spooky celebrations, the author captures the essence of the season beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.

The pacing of "Check or Treat" is well balanced, juggling romantic tension with comedy and thoughtful moments.
Whether it’s the sweet moments of connection or the hilarity of misunderstandings, each chapter flows effortlessly, drawing us deeper into Gunnar and Tiana’s world.

Overall, “Check or Treat" is a delightful continuation of Gunnar and Tiana’s journey filled with love, laughter, and a touch of fall magic.
Aurora Steinhart has crafted a charming tale with a perfect blend of romance and humor, this book is a must read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

It would definitely pay to read the first book before this one, as you get to read Gunnar’s attempt at wooing Tiana.

I can’t wait to see where we go next.

🦋

[scribsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check or Treat is the treat I never knew I needed, but I’m glad I had it! First of all, this is one of the spiciest things I’ve ever read and it does not disappoint! Secondly, to see the evolution of Gunnar Hayze and Tiana Dawn is a really fun roller coaster because their dynamic feels so real. With Check or Treat being the second book in The Lady and The Stag series, it feels like readers are getting a peek behind the curtain with the two characters. The story picks up immediately where Checked and Balanced ends and throughout the novel, audiences get to watch as Gunnar and Tiana process the choices they make.

There were many moments where I laughed and there were also moments where I definitely felt horrified for the characters. At the same time, it was really fun to be able to experience the highs and lows with them. I felt seen at various points and Tiana is a girl after my own heart, especially when it comes to the thrill of planning and then the desire for cozy vibes to rest and recharge away from people. I love how Gunnar takes the time to learn more about her and how he really makes it about her so that it is not something performative - everything he does is genuinely about Tiana, and he goes above and beyond for that.

Thank you so much to Aurora Steinhart for this wonderful treat (ARC) and I can’t wait to see what happens next (omg that ending!)! All opinions are my own.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart 🥹 Gawdddd I loved seeing more of Gunnar and Tiana's beautiful relationship as they really settle into each other. Tiana seems to truly be enjoying how safe Gunnar makes her feel, and even trying new or challenging things. Gunnar on the other hand, is just being the best he possibly can be to her at all times. He just simply supports her, and all her intricacies, whenever and however he can.

Their whole relationship is just the sweetest, and really shoots straight to the heart. There's something really healing about reading a relationship where he meets her where she is, unfailingly. It's just too good. Again, if we can figure out how to make this man real, and clone him, that would be greeeeaaaat!

Oh. And the smut. The spice. The sauce. Whatever you wanna call it. I don't know how, but somehow Check or Treat is even smuttier than CAB! It comes out SWINGING in chapter 1, so hold on to your hats. Gunnar is the king of dirty talk. It just gets better and hotter throughout the story!!

Yes, yes there is a touch of plot of course! Meeting Gunnar's family (so brave, so funny!), the pumpkin patch (I am changing his name to Gunnar Maze TYVM), the whole, well, everything at the ranch (Tucker and Waffle 4ever!). As Gunnar said: Sideways, upside down and from the front - this book is so good! As always, so excited to have been able to read this story and cannot wait for the next installment!

[Reading.With.Flo📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, damn lady, your disclaimer had me crying 😂😂 “But Aurora, the cove—” AHP BUP BUP! NO. It’s a seasonal book. What am I supposed to do, slap some leaves on it? This isn’t fall, people, it’s Hallos-ween! 👻😂

This story picks up right where book one left off, and I loved diving back in. Tiana’s struggles with everything new in her life felt so real, and Gunnar… my sweet cinnamon roll MMC. 🥺 The way he’s there for her every step of the way—always making sure she’s happy and comfortable—ugh, my heart. When he explained why he wanted her to carry his baby? Full. On. Tears. 😭

We also get to meet Hayze’s family, and oh my god, I laughed so hard. Mama Hayze and those slippers? ICONIC. 😂 Their family dynamic is wild in the best way. Plus, seeing more of Adrian and Charlotte was such a treat—they’re so precious together and deserve their own book ASAP.

And let’s talk spice. 🥵 Gunnar is 🔥🔥🔥. That mouth of his? Yeah… that alone should come with a warning label. 🥵

All in all, this book was the perfect mix of heart, laughter, family chaos, and heat. But that cliffhanger? RUDE. Not fair, missy, not fair at all. Now I’m stuck counting down until the next one.

[Miss Francess Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I absolutely love these two they are everything you could want in a romance book,

this book picks up where book 1 ends, you get to see a lot more character development in this book from both Gunnar and Tianna, it's so nice to be able to see more of their dynamics and where they relationship is going to grow,

I have cried and laughed my whole way through this book, the way Gunnar loves Tianna is just everything he accepts her for who she is exactly the way she is, he goes out of his way to learn more about her so he can help make her life easier and happier, It really makes you wish for your own Gunnar Hayze

Tianna is learning more about herself and what her worth is the whole way through this book, she realises she doesn't have to settle for less, and she's learning how to express her thoughts and feelings in a safe environment that Gunnar helps her find,

The more I learning about these two the more I can't get enough I just want more, I'm convinced Aurora writes the perfect book boyfriends, she has just gone and wrote another install of the most amazing book couples,

this is a very spicy ready so if that's not your thing this isn't the book for you

[Kelsey Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There’s my girl. Not a thought behind those pretty eyes,” he says

Just when I thought I couldn’t love this couple more Aurora drops this. In Checked and Balanced (CAB) I fell in love with Gunnar for going after what he wanted with Tiana; in this book I feel in love with him because of his personality. Not that he was a flat character- but he was just so silly in this book and I was so obsessed with him.

LISTENN when Tiana discovers that she likes to be the brat? Yo girl was giggling and kicking her feet. Throughout this book I really connected with Tiana and her inner struggle of worrying if she was “too much” for Gunnar. Knowing how others in the past reacted to certain aspects of her and being nervous that it would drive Gunnar away- but it didn’t (and won’t) was very healing to see.

Just like in CAB I’m obsessed with how Gunnar loves her. Weather it’s getting her out of her own head so she can enjoy what’s happening around them ( *cough* corn maze chase *cough* ) or planning five steps ahead so she can plan steps 2-4 to her hearts content.

Overall this book is an amazing continuation of the Lady and the Stag series and I can’t wait for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Danielle Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review for Check or Treat (5 ⭐)

Ugh, I just cannot with Aurora Steinhart. She delved into a newer type of writing with her last book in this series and it was such a smashing success that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second one and to say that I was not disappointed would be a GIANT understatement!! Just as I did with the previous one, I read this cover to cover including all of the "extra" stuff besides the story and honestly, I just don't do that with anyone else so that should tell you where this is at for me.

I loved the continued dedication that Gunner and Tiana had to each other and the absolute love and acceptance in every conversation and interaction. This book delved more into how Tiana ticks and I appreciate how it was handled and accepted by the characters throughout the story. This book also really gets into character growth for both our MMC and FMC and how both learn more about how to be better partners by allowing each other to explore their wants and needs.

In case it isn't absolutely obvious, I'm in love with this book and I simply cannot wait for the next one to be released.

[A Buckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen.. I laughed, I cried, I fanned myself, and then I cried some more 😭🔥 Aurora Steinhart really said, “Here’s some emotional healing with your spice, babe,” and I accepted it, but then took it all way too personally, lmao..

This one hit harder than the first for me. I related to Tiana so much: her quirks, her fears, that feeling of being "too weird" or "too much". I even saw bits of myself in Banks, which I wasn’t ready for 😅 And when Ms. Tamisha gave that little speech about why she was harder on Tiana? Actual tears. Like full-on, had to put the book down, tears!

Gunnar continues to be the blueprint: patient, grounding, passionate, and the literal definition of *talks you through it*.
“And I never want to change who you are. I just want to help make the hard days easier.” 🥺
That line alone got me, ok?! The man is emotionally bilingual, fluent in reassurance and filth 😭💋

And while I’m still mad at Aurora for ending it like she did, I’m also in awe and will be here WAITING for book 3! Because no one blends humor, heart, and heat like she does.

[Kimberley_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again! Aurora Steinhart has written the book boyfriend of my dreams and put him in a Halloween costume.
I first met our MC’s, Gunnar Hayze and Tiana Dawn in Checked and Balanced and have been in love with them ever since. Gunnar is a HUGE golden retriever who is so in love with his woman, he would literally do anything for her. He has a breeding kink and a filthy mouth and I am obsessed with him. Tiana is EVERYTHING, smart, strong, beautiful and funny. Tiana also, 100% has autism (she is not diagnosed in the book but she definitely does) and reading her “quirks”, feelings, hyper fixations etc really made me sit back and think “Yep, that’s me”. It also showed me it’s normal and the right person will love you for you no matter what. I am obsessed with this series and I am now off to harass the author for book 3 because I NEED IT! Please read book 1 before this one, they HAVE to be read in order. It’s a must! 🥰

[Disneysparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora, you have done it again! Yet another amazing book 🙌

I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC team for this so thank you Aurora and Beth at Wings & Words for the opportunity.

Check or Treat continues from where we left off in Checked and Balanced, following the lives of Gunner and Tiana. In this second instalment we dive deeper into Tiana and her insecurities, whilst learning new things about her. Her loveable Goon Gunner is there by her side as always ready to pick her up whenever she may fall.

This is a fun, easy read with romance, plot and for course spice!! It is well written, with plenty of lighthearted moments, plus we get another pet cameo in the form of a cute Corgi named Waffle!! I love Aurora's writing and she represent's kink, insecurities and mental health very well!

Overall I loved this read and I urge you to read it too! This series has bought me laughs, swoons and the feels and I cannot wait to enjoy book three! I know it won't disappoint. 🫶🫶

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.m.gggg. offft this book 👌 chapter 1 spice... ends with spice and happiness.. 🤯😬👌 I cant believe i read it so quickly

Book 2 continues the love story of Gunnar & Tiana & O.M.G could they BE ANY CUTER??!?!?!?!?!
I read this in like...18 hours. Literally in 2 sittings... so amazing..

Im not 1 for sports/hockey romances but @author.aurorasteinhart has me tied knotted and bound to EVERY.SINGLE.BOOK. in this series. Now im sat here waiting for book 3 around Christmas !!!

I cant post much with regards to the story cuz it would just be spoilers but 😭😱 ... you totally gotta read this when its released (i think its gonna be on KU!!!) But to read this you need to also read the first book (Checked and balanced)

#theladyandthestagseries #checkortreat #gunnar #tiana #Charlotte #adrian #stags #aurorasteinhart #wingsandwords #arcreader

[Rebecca Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read courtesy of Aurora and Beth@ Wings and Words. Thank you guys for the opportunity and another fantastic ARC read!

I enjoyed the second instalment of Tiana and Gunnar’s journey. Aurora has done us dirty with a cliff hanger though 😒. In the first book, I struggled with the terminologies and speech patterns of the characters, but definitely coming around with it now after this book.

For reference to other readers; this is NOT a Halloween book. It is a seasonal read, and a damn good one at that!

I love following the thought processes of both characters and love that Aurora brought emotion to the secondary characters also. It really is interesting to read a book from the pov of someone with undiagnosed autism.

Congrats on another fabulous book Aurora! Now quit your lying and just tell it how it is…. It’s no longer a Smut read, it’s a full blown romance 😜❤️

[lemonbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up yall Aurora has done it again!!! Gunnar and Tiana are back and smuttier than ever in the fall themed Check or Treat sequel to Checked and Balanced!

I was giggling, laughing out loud, kicking my feet, and swooning the whole way through this book! The corn maze?! 🥵 yesssss! Like Checked and Balanced this does have a plot and will leave you yearning for more of Gunnar and Tiana. It hits some heavier themes while staying light and smutty. I loved being able to resonate with Tiana and her mannerisms so much. If you haven’t read Checked and Balanced read that first because these are not stand alone reads!

I will be (not so) patiently waiting Merry Checkmas to hit my inbox because girlie pop that was *chef’s kiss* thank you for this arc/early copy!!

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunnar and Tiana pick back up where they left off; a proposal, marriage plans, Gunnar learning Tiana as best he can, and them living their spicy/romantic and busy lives together. This book takes you on a journey as Gunnar plans for their future and continues to show us just how sweet a hockey goon can be for his woman.

I don’t know what to say. I mean, I do. But in this character limit?? No way. Aurora. I never once thought I’d fall in love with a high spice hockey romance. And then you wrote these books. I adore Tiana so much. It makes me so giddy to see Gunnar learning how she ticks and taking time to truly love her as she is. And the plot you added is so cute and a lovely journey. I couldn’t put this down when I start (as always for an Aurora read). Beyond 10/10.

[Donna M Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. this book is amazing.... i love following tiana and gunnar's story. i have said it before and i'll say it again... Everyone needs a gunnar. i so can not wait for the next book. and even better, its a christmas book. i read this book as a EAC copy given to me by auraora through the wings and words community. i was actually dancing a little strange happy dance when i found out i was going to get an early copy of this book. so glad i didnt have to wait for the release date 😂😂😂 if you like spicy romance you seriously need to read checked and balanced and check or treat because it is soooo good 🥵🔥🥰 can not wait to see what is next for Tiana and gunnar. keep them coming Aurora 😉🤣😂

[Erica Egel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️This book just screams October. Absolutely devoured this book. It was an entertaining read for sure, it just felt like home. We got to see so much more of Tianna and Gunnar’s domestic life and how they’ve grown as a couple. Takes off right after Checked and Balanced, and just builds. The book being set in October gave us such good fall vibes with corn mazes, trunk or treat, costumes, and more. Adored the relationship insight on Charlotte and Adrian and Waffle 😍 my little queen!!! So so loved the mental health representation!!

[iesha Bright]

what a read!!!! this book ATE! i couldnt get enough of it. it screamed october spooky to me. it starts off right where checked and balanced left off. tianna and gunnars character growth was great. i loved looking at the domestication and the development of their relationship. gunnar that big ole cinnamon roll making me swoon with his actions and caring. (swoon) it was like a roller coaster with the highs and lows we were taken on. i enjoyed the entire trip through the book and look forward to whats next to come

[Devika Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* read!!

What a brilliant second book in the series! Following on from the fabulous Checked and Balanced we get to delve deeper into the relationships built in the first book. What’s even better is that there is a great view of neurodiversity and how it can affect relationships!

There is so much spice in this book, it is hot hot hot 🥵.

Tiana is navigating her way through her feelings and neurodiversity while pushing boundaries and Gunnar is the perfect gentleman who is pushing the boundaries while supporting and accommodating Tiana. These two are perfect for each other!!