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Thin White Lies
‘You're going to be the end of me.’
Dakota Quinn lives life on the edge of the spotlight. As the younger sister of a pro ice hockey player, she understands the consequences of playing games and sticking to the rules better than most, both on and off the ice. But the one rule she can't ignore? Hockey players are off-limits, thanks to her protective older brother.
Although she's no stranger to being chased, Dakota has never been tempted to cross that line. Until Wyatt Stryker. He's the charming, handsome, and wickedly talented left winger of her brother's team—and his best friend. From the moment they met, Dakota has ignored her feelings for him, trying miserably to keep the fragments of her broken family together. But the closer she gets to Wyatt, the harder it is to resist him.
When a moment of reckless, aching need shatters the fraying thread between temptation and fate, Dakota realises that nothing will ever be the same. Giving in has never felt so euphoric—or terrifying. As the aftermath drags her firmly into the spotlight with a chilling grip, the fragile secret between them starts to unravel.
Dakota knows she can't force her feelings back beyond the sidelines, but that also leaves her with a heart-wrenching choice: risk everything for Wyatt, or leave their blossoming love frozen beneath the ice where it will never bloom.
Dakota Quinn lives life on the edge of the spotlight. As the younger sister of a pro ice hockey player, she understands the consequences of playing games and sticking to the rules better than most, both on and off the ice. But the one rule she can't ignore? Hockey players are off-limits, thanks to her protective older brother.
Although she's no stranger to being chased, Dakota has never been tempted to cross that line. Until Wyatt Stryker. He's the charming, handsome, and wickedly talented left winger of her brother's team—and his best friend. From the moment they met, Dakota has ignored her feelings for him, trying miserably to keep the fragments of her broken family together. But the closer she gets to Wyatt, the harder it is to resist him.
When a moment of reckless, aching need shatters the fraying thread between temptation and fate, Dakota realises that nothing will ever be the same. Giving in has never felt so euphoric—or terrifying. As the aftermath drags her firmly into the spotlight with a chilling grip, the fragile secret between them starts to unravel.
Dakota knows she can't force her feelings back beyond the sidelines, but that also leaves her with a heart-wrenching choice: risk everything for Wyatt, or leave their blossoming love frozen beneath the ice where it will never bloom.
284 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2025
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Elena Moriarty
4 books32 followersElena Moriarty is an indie author living in the sunshine state of Australia. She loves to write dark, needy and violent fantasy books as well as soft, salacious and whimsical romance books. Her poetry is full of torturous longing and every word drips with feeling.
She lives with her son, two cats, and her best friend who won’t leave. Outside of her writing, Elena enjoys collecting special edition hardcover and indie out of print books, buying glittery and sparkly trinkets off the internet, crafting funky merchandise to sell at farmer’s markets, and drinking copious amounts of iced coffee at room temperature.
She lives with her son, two cats, and her best friend who won’t leave. Outside of her writing, Elena enjoys collecting special edition hardcover and indie out of print books, buying glittery and sparkly trinkets off the internet, crafting funky merchandise to sell at farmer’s markets, and drinking copious amounts of iced coffee at room temperature.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 21, 2025
What a fun and sweet read this story was. It's a sport romance, but because of some heavier subjects it gave the book more depth for me. The story was fast paced and I liked the writing style of the auhtor. And look at that cover isn't it gorgeous!
The story is about Wyatt, who is a professional hockey player, and Dakota, his best friends and teammates little sister. They are both secretly in love with each other, but Dakota's brother has one strict rule for her. Never be involved with one of his teammates. Will they follow their hearts or will they be friends forever?
📚 Brother's best friend
📚 Past trauma
📚 Found family and friendship
📚 Secretly in love
📚 Friends to lovers
📚 Spice
The story is about Wyatt, who is a professional hockey player, and Dakota, his best friends and teammates little sister. They are both secretly in love with each other, but Dakota's brother has one strict rule for her. Never be involved with one of his teammates. Will they follow their hearts or will they be friends forever?
📚 Brother's best friend
📚 Past trauma
📚 Found family and friendship
📚 Secretly in love
📚 Friends to lovers
📚 Spice
October 12, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I was hooked for the first chapter I fell in love with all the characters. It’s a beautiful brother’s best friend romance.
My heart broke a few time but was well put back together 💖
I was hooked for the first chapter I fell in love with all the characters. It’s a beautiful brother’s best friend romance.
My heart broke a few time but was well put back together 💖
September 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I picked up Thin White Lies because the cover immediately caught my eye, and I’m so glad I did — this book completely swept me up from the very first chapter.
The story follows Dakota Quinn, the younger sister of a pro hockey player, who has always lived under the rule that hockey players — especially her brother’s teammates — are strictly off-limits. But when her feelings for Wyatt Stryker, her brother’s best friend and teammate, can no longer be ignored, Dakota finds herself torn between loyalty, family expectations, and the pull of a love that feels both forbidden and irresistible.
The plot is paced beautifully, with natural highs and lows that kept me turning the pages. It never dragged, and every scene felt purposeful. The characters are where this novel really shines: they’re complex, flawed, and deeply human. I especially loved Dakota’s friendship with Hunter — it reminded me so much of my own best-friendship that it made their connection feel real and personal.
Elena Moriarty’s writing style is descriptive, soft, and emotionally tender. She has a way of capturing atmosphere and intimacy that makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. The book doesn’t shy away from heavier themes either — it explores family abuse, egotistical behavior, and the challenges of healing — while also tenderly portraying consensual exploration of sex and kinks in a respectful, nuanced way.
Overall, Thin White Lies was an absolute joy to read. I flew through it quickly and closed the final page with a huge smile, feeling happiness for the characters I had grown to care about. If you love emotional, character-driven romances with depth and tenderness, I’d highly recommend this one.
⛸️❄️💙
The story follows Dakota Quinn, the younger sister of a pro hockey player, who has always lived under the rule that hockey players — especially her brother’s teammates — are strictly off-limits. But when her feelings for Wyatt Stryker, her brother’s best friend and teammate, can no longer be ignored, Dakota finds herself torn between loyalty, family expectations, and the pull of a love that feels both forbidden and irresistible.
The plot is paced beautifully, with natural highs and lows that kept me turning the pages. It never dragged, and every scene felt purposeful. The characters are where this novel really shines: they’re complex, flawed, and deeply human. I especially loved Dakota’s friendship with Hunter — it reminded me so much of my own best-friendship that it made their connection feel real and personal.
Elena Moriarty’s writing style is descriptive, soft, and emotionally tender. She has a way of capturing atmosphere and intimacy that makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. The book doesn’t shy away from heavier themes either — it explores family abuse, egotistical behavior, and the challenges of healing — while also tenderly portraying consensual exploration of sex and kinks in a respectful, nuanced way.
Overall, Thin White Lies was an absolute joy to read. I flew through it quickly and closed the final page with a huge smile, feeling happiness for the characters I had grown to care about. If you love emotional, character-driven romances with depth and tenderness, I’d highly recommend this one.
⛸️❄️💙
September 25, 2025
Thin White Lies is an addictive romance that completely pulled me in. It follows a woman who falls for her brother’s friend—who also happens to be on his hockey team. Of course, her brother has one rule: never date any of his hockey friends. Naturally, that only makes the forbidden tension between them even more intense.
The build-up was incredible. I was dying for the moment they would finally kiss, and when it happened, it was so worth the wait. Each page left me wanting more. I couldn’t put the book down, and I stayed up way too late just to finish it. Honestly, I was in a bit of a depressive state afterward—I didn’t want it to end. It was one of those books that totally pulls you in and makes reality feel a little dull once you’re done.
The writing was easy to follow, the story was filled with anticipation, and there was just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Moisture control, anyone?
I highly recommend this book, and I truly hope Elena Moriarty writes more in this style. I’d read anything she puts out after this.
The build-up was incredible. I was dying for the moment they would finally kiss, and when it happened, it was so worth the wait. Each page left me wanting more. I couldn’t put the book down, and I stayed up way too late just to finish it. Honestly, I was in a bit of a depressive state afterward—I didn’t want it to end. It was one of those books that totally pulls you in and makes reality feel a little dull once you’re done.
The writing was easy to follow, the story was filled with anticipation, and there was just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Moisture control, anyone?
I highly recommend this book, and I truly hope Elena Moriarty writes more in this style. I’d read anything she puts out after this.
December 13, 2025
Let’s start by saying how gorgeous is this cover? Honestly one of the prettiest ice hockey romance books I’ve seen, and it looks stunning on my shelf 🩵🩵
This story was fun and fast paced which kept me interested in the storyline and where it was going. I absolutely adored the friendships and found family in this book and how family isn’t always blood. I loved reading about hockey as well and i definitely think Elena explained it perfectly and I could picture sitting at the games watching the boys play.
I’m so glad it ended the way it did and drew redeemed himself because that over protective big brother attitude just turned nasty and I didn’t like that. I really hope there is another book coming… 🫣
I just want to say a massive thankyou to Elena for sending me a physical ARC of this book (it’s beautiful I am obsessed) as well as a PR package, I feel so grateful to have received it.
This story was fun and fast paced which kept me interested in the storyline and where it was going. I absolutely adored the friendships and found family in this book and how family isn’t always blood. I loved reading about hockey as well and i definitely think Elena explained it perfectly and I could picture sitting at the games watching the boys play.
I’m so glad it ended the way it did and drew redeemed himself because that over protective big brother attitude just turned nasty and I didn’t like that. I really hope there is another book coming… 🫣
I just want to say a massive thankyou to Elena for sending me a physical ARC of this book (it’s beautiful I am obsessed) as well as a PR package, I feel so grateful to have received it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
If you’re looking for a new sports romance (with the love interest being your brothers best friend) this one is for you!
I absolutely devoured Thin White Lies, I’m only annoyed that it ended 🥲 I’m a sucker for angry and secret yearning and this book was the perfect cure for it and I hope to see more from this universe and the characters 😍
I absolutely devoured Thin White Lies, I’m only annoyed that it ended 🥲 I’m a sucker for angry and secret yearning and this book was the perfect cure for it and I hope to see more from this universe and the characters 😍
November 24, 2025
I picked up a copy of Thin White Lies at Elena’s release event as I am really feeling like I’m in my contemporary romance era right now ✨
This was a quick read for me, a real page turner! Dakota and Wyatt have great chemistry and their relationship was realistic. The large friend group in the novel is a breath of fresh air and I particularly enjoyed any scene that Hunter was in, she was an absolute riot! The book was funny and so wholesome. It tackled fairly deep issues in a respectful manner and I loved the redemption arc towards the end.
I have to mention the spice. THE SPICE WAS NEXT LEVEL. It was hot and spared no detail. Very, very well written.
Thin White Lies was very close to a 4 star read for me, however, I did have a few minor issues. The book has no real plot, the plot is the relationship. Not that this is a major issue, there are lots of books out there where the plot is character focused, I just felt like I wanted more. At times, the pacing felt a little wobbly and some character to character dialogue felt odd. The ending felt rushed and a few story elements towards the end felt like they had been thrown in for no explained reason.
I want to follow up on that previous paragraph by prefacing that in no way did these things remove my reading enjoyment. I flew through this book. I think Elena has a LOT of potential as a contemporary author and I cant wait for more witty romance novels from her!
This was a quick read for me, a real page turner! Dakota and Wyatt have great chemistry and their relationship was realistic. The large friend group in the novel is a breath of fresh air and I particularly enjoyed any scene that Hunter was in, she was an absolute riot! The book was funny and so wholesome. It tackled fairly deep issues in a respectful manner and I loved the redemption arc towards the end.
I have to mention the spice. THE SPICE WAS NEXT LEVEL. It was hot and spared no detail. Very, very well written.
Thin White Lies was very close to a 4 star read for me, however, I did have a few minor issues. The book has no real plot, the plot is the relationship. Not that this is a major issue, there are lots of books out there where the plot is character focused, I just felt like I wanted more. At times, the pacing felt a little wobbly and some character to character dialogue felt odd. The ending felt rushed and a few story elements towards the end felt like they had been thrown in for no explained reason.
I want to follow up on that previous paragraph by prefacing that in no way did these things remove my reading enjoyment. I flew through this book. I think Elena has a LOT of potential as a contemporary author and I cant wait for more witty romance novels from her!
December 4, 2025
FRTCThis couple, that cover, THIS BOOK?! Love, love, love!
THIN WHITE LIES by @elenamoriartyauthor
My format: eBook 📱 #ARC
Main relationship: MF
Spice level: 4
Feels: 🥹😂🫠🤭
What To Expect (tropes, rep present, k!nks etc):
🐨 Australian author
💌 friends to lovers
🧠 mental health
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ rep
🤫 hidden feelings
🌶️ “That’s my good girl”
🏒 Ice hockey players
🩷 The sacred bonds of sisterhood
🐺 A german shepherd MMC
💭 words of affirmation
🩸 Trauma & grief
🥵 “We’ll make it fit”
❤️🔥 Slow emotional burn
🔥 Fast sexual burn
& so much more
I loved this book so much, and I feel incredibly honoured to have been given this stunning PR box by Elena!
Thin White Lies hits all of the points you’d expect from a sport romance but adds a little extra spice with some deeper/darker topics that really balance this out.
The story is really fast paced (in the best way) so you’re just taken along for this ride and love every second of it.
You want tension? You’ve got tension! Holy dooly you are just DESPERATE for them to get together and when they finally do it’s soooooo hot - love love love!
𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 is available to read on Amazon via ebook or KU! TWL is an adult contemporary romance book with open door spice and a hella lot of thirsty scenes 🥵🫦💦😮💨
Cover: @estheticah.artes
Artists: @veravero.art and @lizzie.bizzii
THIN WHITE LIES by @elenamoriartyauthor
My format: eBook 📱 #ARC
Main relationship: MF
Spice level: 4
Feels: 🥹😂🫠🤭
What To Expect (tropes, rep present, k!nks etc):
🐨 Australian author
💌 friends to lovers
🧠 mental health
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ rep
🤫 hidden feelings
🌶️ “That’s my good girl”
🏒 Ice hockey players
🩷 The sacred bonds of sisterhood
🐺 A german shepherd MMC
💭 words of affirmation
🩸 Trauma & grief
🥵 “We’ll make it fit”
❤️🔥 Slow emotional burn
🔥 Fast sexual burn
& so much more
I loved this book so much, and I feel incredibly honoured to have been given this stunning PR box by Elena!
Thin White Lies hits all of the points you’d expect from a sport romance but adds a little extra spice with some deeper/darker topics that really balance this out.
The story is really fast paced (in the best way) so you’re just taken along for this ride and love every second of it.
You want tension? You’ve got tension! Holy dooly you are just DESPERATE for them to get together and when they finally do it’s soooooo hot - love love love!
𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 is available to read on Amazon via ebook or KU! TWL is an adult contemporary romance book with open door spice and a hella lot of thirsty scenes 🥵🫦💦😮💨
Cover: @estheticah.artes
Artists: @veravero.art and @lizzie.bizzii
November 2, 2025
“Tell me when you want me, baby girl. I’m not opposed to getting on my knees and begging for you.”
Move over Icebreaker. There’s a new kid in town.
Elena Moriarty’s debut into contemporary romance is an absolute standout. I loved this book from start to finish. The emotional pull, the chemistry, the tension, it was all perfection.
Wyatt’s quiet pining and the undeniable connection between him and Dakota were easily five stars for me. Their story had the perfect balance of longing and heart, with moments that genuinely made me melt. Elena’s writing is beautiful, witty, emotional, and so easy to fall into. The banter between characters felt natural and sharp in all the best ways.
I’ll be honest, Dakota’s brother Drew’s protective big brother energy turned frustrating at times, but I did appreciate how his story wrapped up toward the end. And I would love to see a second book featuring Dakota’s best friend Hunter. There’s so much potential there for another slow-burn romance.
Thank you so much to Elena for sending me an ARC. I absolutely loved it. 💙
Move over Icebreaker. There’s a new kid in town.
Elena Moriarty’s debut into contemporary romance is an absolute standout. I loved this book from start to finish. The emotional pull, the chemistry, the tension, it was all perfection.
Wyatt’s quiet pining and the undeniable connection between him and Dakota were easily five stars for me. Their story had the perfect balance of longing and heart, with moments that genuinely made me melt. Elena’s writing is beautiful, witty, emotional, and so easy to fall into. The banter between characters felt natural and sharp in all the best ways.
I’ll be honest, Dakota’s brother Drew’s protective big brother energy turned frustrating at times, but I did appreciate how his story wrapped up toward the end. And I would love to see a second book featuring Dakota’s best friend Hunter. There’s so much potential there for another slow-burn romance.
Thank you so much to Elena for sending me an ARC. I absolutely loved it. 💙
October 28, 2025
ARC Review:
Thin White Lies has a really fun and interesting concept — I loved the setup and thought it had a lot of potential. The story definitely has a youthful energy, though at times it felt a bit more on the juvenile side for my taste.
Dakota, our FMC, is surrounded by a lively friend group and often spends time with her brother Drew and his hockey team. I wasn’t always sure how old everyone was supposed to be, which made it tricky to connect with them as adults. Dakota herself remains a bit of a mystery, and I would’ve loved to know more about her outside of the drama surrounding Drew and Wyatt.
Speaking of Drew — he’s quite the complicated brother. His behavior toward Dakota and Wyatt created a lot of tension (and frustration!) throughout the story. Poor Dakota really goes through it — every obstacle imaginable seems to land in her lap.
On the brighter side, the spicy scenes were really well done and definitely a highlight! Overall, this was a solid 3-star read for me — entertaining and quick, a nice filler read between heavier books.
Thin White Lies has a really fun and interesting concept — I loved the setup and thought it had a lot of potential. The story definitely has a youthful energy, though at times it felt a bit more on the juvenile side for my taste.
Dakota, our FMC, is surrounded by a lively friend group and often spends time with her brother Drew and his hockey team. I wasn’t always sure how old everyone was supposed to be, which made it tricky to connect with them as adults. Dakota herself remains a bit of a mystery, and I would’ve loved to know more about her outside of the drama surrounding Drew and Wyatt.
Speaking of Drew — he’s quite the complicated brother. His behavior toward Dakota and Wyatt created a lot of tension (and frustration!) throughout the story. Poor Dakota really goes through it — every obstacle imaginable seems to land in her lap.
On the brighter side, the spicy scenes were really well done and definitely a highlight! Overall, this was a solid 3-star read for me — entertaining and quick, a nice filler read between heavier books.
November 18, 2025
Thank you to the author for a #gifted copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🩵 Mutual pining
🩵 Brothers best friend
🩵 Friends to lovers
🩵 Spicyyyyyy 🥵
🩵 Found family
🩵 Fierce female friendships
Ahhhh, this was so fun! Truly an easy and pleasant and more-ish read right from the get go.
I adored so many of the characters (ok, not so much Drew), and getting to know their little stories along the way. I definitely feel as though this world has been set up for some intertwined stories with other side characters (GIVE JESSE THE LOVE STORY HE DESERVES).
The storyline was as spicy as it was cozy, and as fun as it was meaningful. It’s really nice to read a book and just so easily fly through it without having to think too much. I totally lost track of time whenever I picked up this book.
My Rating: 4.5/5
PS: I’m still so obsessed with this cover- gorgeous!!!
🩵 Mutual pining
🩵 Brothers best friend
🩵 Friends to lovers
🩵 Spicyyyyyy 🥵
🩵 Found family
🩵 Fierce female friendships
Ahhhh, this was so fun! Truly an easy and pleasant and more-ish read right from the get go.
I adored so many of the characters (ok, not so much Drew), and getting to know their little stories along the way. I definitely feel as though this world has been set up for some intertwined stories with other side characters (GIVE JESSE THE LOVE STORY HE DESERVES).
The storyline was as spicy as it was cozy, and as fun as it was meaningful. It’s really nice to read a book and just so easily fly through it without having to think too much. I totally lost track of time whenever I picked up this book.
My Rating: 4.5/5
PS: I’m still so obsessed with this cover- gorgeous!!!
October 12, 2025
Thin White Lies by
Elena Moriarty
Omg where do I start.. this book is incredible, the way it sucked me in was the way an Elle Kennedy book does & the spice reminiscent of one of Emily Rath's 🌶️😜🔥
If you love smutty sports romance this is 100% a book for you.. hot hockey players umm yes please 😜🔥❤️
I love Elena's earlier work but her writing has really grown in this book in every way!
Put this on your must read list asap & you won't be disappointed!
Really hoping this is just a first book in a series I could see the next book in my head as I was reading this one & cannot wait!!
5 stars all the way!!
Elena Moriarty
Omg where do I start.. this book is incredible, the way it sucked me in was the way an Elle Kennedy book does & the spice reminiscent of one of Emily Rath's 🌶️😜🔥
If you love smutty sports romance this is 100% a book for you.. hot hockey players umm yes please 😜🔥❤️
I love Elena's earlier work but her writing has really grown in this book in every way!
Put this on your must read list asap & you won't be disappointed!
Really hoping this is just a first book in a series I could see the next book in my head as I was reading this one & cannot wait!!
5 stars all the way!!
October 13, 2025
Such a fast paced book that has everything from sports, romance, and even heartbreak . Loved it just wished it would have been a little bit longer due to some situations that just seemed to be rushed but overall a four almost five star read :) Hope to get more from the other characters!
November 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thin White Lies by Elena Moriarty
A sweet, addictive hockey romance that hooked me from the first chapter. Wyatt and Dakota have incredible chemistry equal parts soft, tense, and irresistible. I loved the mix of friendship as well as courtside moments, emotional vulnerability, and the slow unraveling of the secrets between them. It’s the perfect blend of heart, heat, and healing. A quick, satisfying read for anyone who adores sports romance.
Thin White Lies by Elena Moriarty
A sweet, addictive hockey romance that hooked me from the first chapter. Wyatt and Dakota have incredible chemistry equal parts soft, tense, and irresistible. I loved the mix of friendship as well as courtside moments, emotional vulnerability, and the slow unraveling of the secrets between them. It’s the perfect blend of heart, heat, and healing. A quick, satisfying read for anyone who adores sports romance.
November 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
If you love brothers best friend, hidden relationships, swoonworthy mmc, HOCKEY romance then this is for you! It’s one of those books you can’t stop reading! Cannot wait for the next one 🥳
If you love brothers best friend, hidden relationships, swoonworthy mmc, HOCKEY romance then this is for you! It’s one of those books you can’t stop reading! Cannot wait for the next one 🥳
December 13, 2025
I was surprised when I started reading this at some of the small mistakes/continuation errors/language. I have read multiple books from this author and it’s not something I expect from them. I really hope that her beta and arc readers would have pointed these things out.
In the first chapter there was a few lines that hit me really well. The reference about Drew “catching stays” really hit home with me. I’ve been known to pick up people who are lost and adopt them under my wing.
Then came chapter 8, which is where I felt things started to shift. The outfit she wore to the hockey rink while cute, was not at all suitable for the cold air conditioning of a hockey rink. It gave off “puck bunny” vibes. During this chapter it was mentioned that her bestfriend Hunter left the rink, then she’s later having a conversation with one of the other characters before her “return” to the meet up. I had to go back in the book and confirm that I hadn’t missed her arrival, or misread about her departure.
In chapter 8 “edible brownies” were all mentioned, I understand it was a reference to weed brownies, but all brownies are edible. They’re food. Also professional athletes doing drugs? They get drug tested. The whole scene gave off a frat party vibe and not a group of grown adults celebrating a win.
Chapter 10 I read the words “cock sleeve”. I would have been totally fine with never having those words together. But dirty talk can get weird so that’s fine.
A word that’s used a fair bit throughout the book, especially from chapter 20 was the c word. Being from Australia I’m quite used to the word, but this book being based in America it felt out of place. That word isn’t really used apart of their culture. It just felt wrong in the book.
“Sorrow found the spaces between my ribs, growing like wildflowers” that was just pure poetry and I loved it.
Chapter 25 reading the reunion with Drew I felt like I missed part of the story. There wasn’t references to him being an addict of drugs or alcohol before, so hearing that his “sober” and in a program was confusing.
Overall did I enjoy the book? Yes. But did some of it feel out of place and pull me out of the story? Also yes
In the first chapter there was a few lines that hit me really well. The reference about Drew “catching stays” really hit home with me. I’ve been known to pick up people who are lost and adopt them under my wing.
Then came chapter 8, which is where I felt things started to shift. The outfit she wore to the hockey rink while cute, was not at all suitable for the cold air conditioning of a hockey rink. It gave off “puck bunny” vibes. During this chapter it was mentioned that her bestfriend Hunter left the rink, then she’s later having a conversation with one of the other characters before her “return” to the meet up. I had to go back in the book and confirm that I hadn’t missed her arrival, or misread about her departure.
In chapter 8 “edible brownies” were all mentioned, I understand it was a reference to weed brownies, but all brownies are edible. They’re food. Also professional athletes doing drugs? They get drug tested. The whole scene gave off a frat party vibe and not a group of grown adults celebrating a win.
Chapter 10 I read the words “cock sleeve”. I would have been totally fine with never having those words together. But dirty talk can get weird so that’s fine.
A word that’s used a fair bit throughout the book, especially from chapter 20 was the c word. Being from Australia I’m quite used to the word, but this book being based in America it felt out of place. That word isn’t really used apart of their culture. It just felt wrong in the book.
“Sorrow found the spaces between my ribs, growing like wildflowers” that was just pure poetry and I loved it.
Chapter 25 reading the reunion with Drew I felt like I missed part of the story. There wasn’t references to him being an addict of drugs or alcohol before, so hearing that his “sober” and in a program was confusing.
Overall did I enjoy the book? Yes. But did some of it feel out of place and pull me out of the story? Also yes
November 16, 2025
My gosh, the way I ate this book up! It has all the best tropes and delivers on every single one.
The secret pining? Obsessed.
The tension? Absolutely feral. My lord — everything Wyatt says 🥵
And when he called her baby girl? I damn near melted into a puddle. Chapter 10 had me feral 🥵… and the chapters after? Yeah. Good luck 🤭
Wyatt is possessive in the hottest way possible, and Dakota’s friend group? They had me laughing so hard. Such an incredible, supportive bunch. And Jesse? Not gonna lie… I need his story.
But that emotional ending? I was not prepared. Definitely check the trigger warnings — but trust me, it gets better, and it is absolutely worth every second.
The secret pining? Obsessed.
The tension? Absolutely feral. My lord — everything Wyatt says 🥵
And when he called her baby girl? I damn near melted into a puddle. Chapter 10 had me feral 🥵… and the chapters after? Yeah. Good luck 🤭
Wyatt is possessive in the hottest way possible, and Dakota’s friend group? They had me laughing so hard. Such an incredible, supportive bunch. And Jesse? Not gonna lie… I need his story.
But that emotional ending? I was not prepared. Definitely check the trigger warnings — but trust me, it gets better, and it is absolutely worth every second.
November 26, 2025
Elena's debut into the contemporary romance world did NOT disappoint! The spicy scenes were honestly so brilliantly written - probably some of the best I've ever read. So vivid and so incredibly hot! I loved Wyatt and seeing his feelings slowly come to light, and the banter between the characters was so fun and natural. It was a joy to read and I can't wait to see what Elena brings out next!
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