Ring around the rink once more, love came back and changed the score.
I thought I knew heartbreak. I thought I knew what it meant to feel unimaginable loss. When Harper Richardson walked away just before I was drafted into the league, my world shattered. I wanted a future with her more than I wanted hockey. She was the one. I would have chosen her over everything.
But she didn’t give me that choice.
Ten years later, she’s standing in front of me like we’re strangers. Just a devoted mother to a boy in my youth hockey program. A ten-year-old boy who, come to think of it, looks an awful lot like…me.
Her confirmation hits me like a punch to the chest. Ten years gone. Ten years of missed firsts, of being a father I never knew I could be. If I had only known…
But I can’t rewrite the past. All I can do now is fight for our future. For the woman I love. For my son. For the family I didn’t know I was meant to have.
This is my second chance. My chance at a love I never wanted to let go of, and a chance at a family I will fight for every single day.
International Best Selling author, Susan Renee, wants to live in a world where paint doesn't smell, book boyfriends are real, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she's not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.
I hate this trope but read because I loved Meers and wanted to finish out series but omg I hated her choices wtf. I cannot believe she hid their child from him for ten years then the way she has him find out is diabolical and then again for their second kid she doesn't tell him for weeks?!?? wtf did I read, I haven't been this mad reading a book in ages. Her behavior was unforgivable and her reasoning was pretty ridiculous, she should have have had to grovel. Also this was painfully slow and way too much of the kid and his team 😹😹. Meers was iconic but yikes her horrendous decisions... they were cute together when finally together and having actual conversations you know??
Twenty seven chapters of delicious story. Harrison Meers and Harper Richardson round out the Anaheim Stars series.
She comes back into his life after many years apart and brings a surprise with her that he has to process like there is no tomorrow
This book was super emotional but so powerful also!
I loved seeing the last man standing find his way with love 🥰🥰
And Harper? Loved her! So emotionally intelligent and smart and fun and sweet!
Also the triplets that Harper takes on as clients in this book are going to be so fun! College seniors getting ready for the draft of their respective sports and so much trouble lol
I really hate this trope. Meers is a great guy, and Harper totally sucks. I hated her, her decisions, and her stupid reasoning behind hiding his kid from him for 10 YEARS. I felt actual rage toward her for the first 60% of the book and then I had to resolve myself to the fact that he still loved her despite this… I wanted to give up on this book so badly, but I’m a completionist who needed to finish the series. I thought maybe she’ll get better, but no, at the end, she just proved to me how much she sucked again. Please don’t make her a big part of the next series, Susan.
Holy smokes the emotions were intense! I absolutely love a second chance and this read had everything I love and then some. The feelings rolling off of Harrison hit hard and my heart hurt for him and was frustrated right along with him. The pull he has to Harper is so strong, something that neither of them have forgotten or can deny. This story is a roller coaster and I loved every moment. The chemistry is off the charts, the ups and downs, and all of these lovable characters all come together for a great read. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Harrison has been in love with Harper ever since she walked away from him 10 years ago. Harper gets the chance to move to California for business and jumps at the opportunity for a new life for her and her son. Her son that is also Harrison’s son that he doesn’t know exists. What will Harper do once Harrison knows?
Harrison has been alone for 10 years because his only love left and he couldn’t move on. When she popped up in his life again I knew he would never be the same. How sweet is it that Harrison started “Skates & Blades”. I can’t believe that meet & greet with the kids. The dinner they had together was hysterical but cute at the same time. I can’t believe Harper didn’t tell Harrison about his son. The way Harrison felt broke my heart. I couldn’t stop crying. It hurt so bad. The ending was very good.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion. I absolutely loved What If It’s Too Late by Susan Renee, and honestly, this entire Anaheim Stars Hockey series has been a standout for me. Susan Renee delivers another great hockey romance, strong chemistry, emotional depth, characters that feel real and easy to root for, and of course, some great spice. I especially enjoyed how seamlessly this book fits into the series while still standing strong on its own. I love the dynamic of this team being a big family with the players and the WAGS. Each book adds something special, and What If It’s Too Late is no exception. If you’re a fan of hockey romance, interconnected series, and emotionally satisfying love stories, I can’t recommend this author, this book, or the series enough.
This was an amazing second-chance romance with a child book! The fact that both FMC and MMC are still so in love with each other even after 10 years apart. I thought it was going to be very similar to other second-chance romance books with a child but it surprisingly wasn't. The MMC didn't blame the mother, he didn't threaten to take the child. This was a perfect storyline and I'm obsessed!! I gave this book 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A good book makes you think but a great book give you feels. You are laughing and crying and making your kids wonder what you are doing when you accidentally wake them up. This book is that for me though I will admit that it felt incomplete. What happened to the triplets? Did they run out and get married right away or plan a big wedding? How long did Harrison stay with the Stars? Did he become a stay at home dad? Then the bonus epilogue appeared via bookfunnel and most of those questions were answered. I have read the Chicago Red Tails series and loved those books so much, it was nice to see a few cameos in thus book too.
Harrison and Harper were meant to be together but one decision make without all the facts lead them to be apart for a decade after being together for three years. Harper thought she was doing what was best for Harrison, protecting his dreams and future. She was also hoping to protect herself from the unknown. Her choice felt safer even though she regretted it all those years. The what ifs can be a person greatest fear and cause of great stress and anxiety.
Harper finished her degree and made a name for herself as a sports agent while raising her hockey obsessed son. When a promotion lead her to Anaheim, she knew it was only a matter of time before she ran into Harrison. The sports world is huge but pretty small at the same time. With her son enrolled in the Stars hockey program, she knew that she couldn't hide from him for long. He was her first and only love, the man she gave her heart to and never forgot. Harper was so relatable and seemed like she could be the best friend, the hockey league mom or next door neighbour. She was so well written even though I didn't agree with her all the time. She tended to put everyone else's priorities above her own, like most moms.
Harrison was devastated when Harper left him but he didn't stay and fight. He went to the draft and moved to join his NHL team. For ten years he has risen to be a leader on and off the ice becoming a star. He chose to stay single because he gave his heart away ten years ago and nothing and no one came close to what he had with Harper. When he caught sight of her after all those years he knew that he couldn't let her get away again. Harrison may be a hockey star but he seemed so down to each and genuinely wanted to share his love of hockey with the kids he coached. His relationship with his teammates was great and it is obvious that they would do anything for each other. They truly are a family.
When the truth was revealed, they all had decisions to make. There were a lot of hurt feelings and anger but the love was still there. What happened in the past couldn't be erased but they had to decide if a future together as a family was better than a future apart. They needed to be honest and communicate because trying to protect the other could lead to future heartbreak. Would they choose each other? Could two highly competitive people make a relationship work with hectic schedules? Could they be a family after all this time? Would one of them need to give up their dreams or make a new one?
Harper and Harrison's love story was not an easy one but nothing truly worthwhile ever is. I loved reading this book and the entire series. I would recommend the Chicago Red Tails abd the Anaheim Stars series to any hockey romance book fan or anyone wanting to read this genre. Thank you so much Susan Renee for the ARC and the opportunity to review!
Susan Renee is the type of Author that I can read over and over again and never get bored with. I restarted the Anaheim Star series just to read book seven and I am so glad I did. Every book in this series plays on one another and keeps growing the Anaheim family. I was so excited to be able to read Harrison's story.
Susan kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, I was anxiously waiting for what was going to happen next and when! I gasped, laughed and cried throughout this whole read. Susan just had a way with worlds that made me feel every emotion you possibly could. Susan really brought out the emotions with this book.
I loved Connor. He is the funniest and cutest little kid in all existence. The way he continues to roast his mom has me laughing so hard. I hope to see something from him in the future.
Harrison is goals. He is the perfect golden retriever boyfriend. Even when he has every right to be pissed and angry, he's not. He is still there for Harper and Connor and stepping up in any way he can. Harrison could have easily walked away but he stepped up and put his little family first.
Harper is a harder character. She kept a really big secret that she shouldn't have but with all the best intentions. You see her go through the guilt of holding that secret and learning that everything will turn out fine as long as they are together as a family.
My favorite quotes:
"" You deserve to be happy, Harrison," she whispers. "We all want that for you. And maybe... just maybe... this is the universe's way of giving you everything you've ever wanted.""
"I skate away from them, pretending to stretch out my legs near the boards but they follow like persistent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes I can't smack to death. Mosquitoes that never seem to fly into the electric bug zapper."
Ring around the rink once more, love came back and changed the score. I thought I knew heartbreak. I thought I knew what it meant to feel unimaginable loss. When Harper Richardson walked away just before I was drafted into the league, my world shattered. I wanted a future with her more than I wanted hockey. She was the one. I would have chosen her over everything. But she didn’t give me that choice. Ten years later, she’s standing in front of me like we’re strangers. Just a devoted mother to a boy in my youth hockey program. A ten-year-old boy who, come to think of it, looks an awful lot like…me. Her confirmation hits me like a punch to the chest. Ten years gone. Ten years of missed firsts, of being a father I never knew I could be. If I had only known… But I can’t rewrite the past. All I can do now is fight for our future. For the woman I love. For my son. For the family I didn’t know I was meant to have. This is my second chance. My chance at a love I never wanted to let go of, and a chance at a family I will fight for every single day.
Personal Thoughts 🤔: I was prepared to hate Harper as an FMC because of what she did to Harrison but she might be the most likeable and relatable woman I’ve ever read! Susan made it clear she regretted everything about how she handled the breakup with Harrison in college and would do everything differently if she could. Harrison’s process of dealing with the shock of having a 10 year old son was heartbreaking but so mature! These two are made for each other and Connor is one of my very favorite book kids I’ve ever read!
Get ready because Susan Renee brings all the feels this one!
Harrison fell hard for Harper when they were younger. He would have given up everything, even his beloved hockey, to be with her, but she pushed him away. After ten years, he finds out why when he meets the son he never knew existed, and his world tilts on its axis.
The hurt and confusion Harrison goes through after finding out Connor is his son was poignant and touching. It wasn’t an easy, instant family fix, but rather the characters went through real, true to life emotions. I liked that both Harrison and Harper were cautious, yet open to seeing where things might go. They knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but were willing to put in the work. And the fact Harrison loved Harper enough to forgive and let them move forward truly spoke to his character.
The interactions between Harrison and his son were sweet and at times funny. Connor has a great sense of humor for a kid and there were a lot of fun interactions between the two, as well as some deep-seated feelings and growth. The author handled their relationship deftly, with honesty and realism. And when Harrison explains love to his son? I guarantee it’ll melt your heart.
As always, the found hockey family was amazing. Ella was a standout with her talk with Harrison, and the scenes with the Anaheim Stars giving the kids tours of the hockey facility had me literally laughing out loud. And the heart to heart with some key family members brought out all the feels.
This was an angsty, touching slice of life that made it easy to believe true love and romance really do exist.
This was another hit by Susan Renee! It was a great stand alone but also fantastic ending to the Anaheim series. I loved how all the characters are sprinkled throughout the series and some across the Chicago Redtails Series. These series show real friendship and family and how they truly support each other. This book focused on Harrison and Harper. Harper and Harrison were together in college about 10 years ago. She broke up with him right before he was drafted. Harrison runs a hockey camp with some other players for kids that want to learn. Towards the end of camp they host a meet and greet for the kids and their families, that's when he finds out she's in town and has a 10 year old son that was in his hockey camp. Things start to come together when he realizes he might have a son he never knew about. They have to learn to talk to each other again, all while trying to fight the feelings that they both still have for each other. While Harrison is trying to sort through his feelings, he's trying to learn everything he can about Connor while keeping it to himself that Harrison might be his dad. When things come to light quickly and in an unexpected way there are too many emotions for everyone to deal with. We get to see how they process all the feelings and help each other work through them.
Wow .. what if it’s too late is an amazing ending to the Anaheim series. Harrison & Harper’s second chance love story is one that you won’t be able to put down. It will have you feeling all the emotions right along with them. Even with the hurt & lost time between Harrison & Harper they never stopped loving each other. It just shows no matter the amount of time apart soulmates will always find their way back to each other. Susan Renee is a remarkable author who doesn’t just write a book she makes her readers feel like your actually one of Harrison & Harper’s friends & your watching them let go of the past & move forward together. I loved seeing Connor & Harrison relationship develop over the course of the book from being Connor’s idolized hockey hero to a coach/mentor to being his dad. I highly recommend this book and all the other Anaheim books in the series. I have loved seeing all the boys find their leading lady but I am so sad to see this series ending but so looking forward to seeing what is gonna come next from Susan Renee.. I hope it involves the Hayes Boys 😀😀
I received What If It’s Too Late as an ARC from Susan Renee, and all opinions in this review are mine and mine alone. First off, it’s been a minute since I have read anything by Susan, and honestly, I’m kicking myself for it. She’s a fantastic writer and knows how to bring the spice!
What If It’s Too Late is the sixth book in the Anaheim Stars series. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading the first five, so you know who is who.
What If It’s Too Late is a slow burn, but spicy when it finally hits, dual POV second chance story that follows Anaheim Stars stand out Harrison Meers and Harper Richardson. The two dated in college, but Harper broke things off when Harrison was going to be drafted. Fast forward ten years, when Harper finds her and her son, Connor, not just living in Anaheim, but attending a kids hockey camp put on by Harrison and his team. Soon Harrison realizes that Connor is his son and that he’s missed out on 10 years of his life. Will Harper let Harrison back in and the chance to know their son? Read What If It’s Too Late and find out!
1000% in love with Harrison and Harper. And of course we can't forget about Connor. As per usual, the kid absolutely STEALS THE SHOW. But then again he is the center of his parents' world too. At least once Harrison learns about him. 10 years is a long time and there is a lot of hurt that Harrison has to work through. I loved that the love between them never truly faded though and that you can clearly see the love they have for Connor. Their relationship took work, not just between the two of them as a couple, but also with the three of them as a family. It was a true pleasure to watch them walk through that. I absolutely loved the way that the team supported Harrison and the immediate acceptance they had for both Harper and Connor. While I cried for the missed time between Harrison and Connor, I smiled so big when their family was reconciled to how it was always meant to be.
I am devastated to see this series come to an end because these characters have become family for me. HOWEVER, I am very excited about where Susan will go next and I am happy to be along for the ride.
Entiendo la decisión que Harper tomó diez años antes, ya que era joven y tonta, pero que durante todo ese tiempo no se diera cuenta de su error ni intentara decírselo a Harrison se me hizo terrible. Ellos eran novios y justo cuando él iba a firmar contrato con los profesionales, ella quedó embarazada y decidió no decirle porque pensó que elegiría el hockey sobre ellos, cuando en realidad Harrison habría renunciado a ser profesional. Lo peor es que nueve años después tiene la oportunidad de trabajar cerca de Harrison y por fin decirle que es padre, pero decide no hacerlo. Durante casi un año Connor y Harrison viven cerca sin saber el uno del otro. Él solo se entera porque coincide con Connor en un campamento de hockey.
También me molestó cómo todos los amigos y familiares de Harrison justificaron la decisión de Harper. Él jamás dio señales de que ella no fuera su prioridad ni de que sería un mal padre, al contrario, todo indicaba que habría estado presente desde el principio.
Harrison and Harper’s story was absolutely captivating and took me on a full emotional journey. This is truly a second-chance romance done right…no unnecessary third-act breakup in sight. Their shared history felt raw and authentic, and I loved that nothing was dragged out or danced around. That level of honesty was incredibly refreshing. Susan writes with such passion and enthusiasm that it makes me want to immediately pick up more of her work. Without revealing more than what the blurb gives us, this story beautifully explores growth and acceptance. I’ll admit, I was fully prepared to hate Harper because all I wanted was for Harrison to finally find the happiness and peace he deserves. But Susan’s writing completely changed that…she made me understand Harper’s choices and feel the weight of her guilt. Ugh, the talent 😂 And Connor? Hands down my favorite character in the entire series. That ten-year-old roasted his mother nonstop, and I couldn’t stop laughing!
Wow. So that was a heavy read but in the best possible way. The emotions were literally dripping off the pages. The pull between the two MCs was paramount to their story. First loves, secrets and second chances. Beautifully written much like all of Susan’s work. The drama is never too deep, the angst only ever a little bubbly but not too much. The perfect balance to make the stories pop. Susan became a fast favourite of mine when I stumbled across her Chicago Red Tails series last summer and I’ve never looked back. Read the entire series in a weekend and then cracked in with the Anaheim Stars. The characters from all of these interlinked stories are wonderful and the writing pulls you in, I can picture these being a Netflix series! Harper was actually really sweet and Harrison, our final player to find his forever, in the form of his first.
I am writing this review after receiving an Advanced copy from Susan and I am leaving an honest review.
Do you like sports romance and happy endings? Then this book is for you. What if it is Too Late is the final book in the Aneheim Stars series. This is Harrison's happily ever after. Susan's writing makes you have all the feelings. As usual, the team and thier sopuses/significant others are always there for each other, and their banter will make you laugh. You might need some tissue when Harrison learns he has a son and has missed the first ten years of his life. Susan writes in a way that you are invested in the characters and their feelings. I will miss this series just like the Chicago Redtails.
If you have not done so, you need to read the entire Chicago Redtails and Aneheim Stars series.
I’m so glad I had the pleasure of being one of the first people to read this book. I won’t spoil it too much obviously but Harrison’s and Harper’s story is amazing and captivating. No third act breakup or any cheating which I LOVED, just pure emotional connection and two souls finding each other after years apart. I laughed, I cried and devoured the book in 1 day! I super recommend this story to anyone who wants to read a cute adult romance with the occasional spice obviously! This was my first book of Susan’s and I plan on going back and reading the other guys and girls book in this series! Thank you Susan for the opportunity xx
Omg this was SO good!!! 😭💔 It had me completely in my feelings from start to finish. You can feel the heartbreak and the love on the pages, and my god… Harrison is a MAN 🥵❤️🔥
The characters absolutely made this story. Their journeys, the challenges they had to overcome, and the emotional depth just pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. And Conner… the moment he finds out?? My jaw literally DROPPED—I actually said “oh crap” out loud 😳
The plot had me hooked the entire time, and not a single moment felt wasted. Susan truly knows how to write a story that hits you right in the heart and leaves you thinking about it long after you’re done. I loved every second of this book! 📚✨
With a heavy heart, I say goodbye to this amazing series. What If It's Too Late is the conclusion of the Annaheim Stars series I've been fortunate enough to follow since book 1 and I can safely say that Susan Renée went out with a bang.
I've waited patiently for this one because it is finally Harrison Meers' time to shine! Harrison has only had one great love in his life. Harper, his college girlfriend. She left him out of the blue 10 years ago. He thought he'd never see her again. That was until she showed up at hockey camp, with her son. Her 10 year old son that looks suspiciously a lot like him at that age.
He has missed it all. The first steps, first words, first time on the ice. Harrison is determined not to miss anything else.
I love how Harrison and Harper's love for each other hasn't faded even a little bit after such a long time. Susan Renée does this so well. The way there is room for his hurt, doubts and very real feelings without an instant forgiveness or those things getting lost in their undeniable chemistry. As always, his chosen family, the team and their spouses are a supportive bunch we adore. The guys with their teasing, the WAGS with their great advice.
I was excited to finally read Harrison’s happily ever after, though I began the story with a bit of apprehension, anticipating the challenges Connor and Harrison would inevitably face. The buildup of their relationship was beautifully written—truly the kind of love story dreams are made of. Watching their connection grow felt rewarding and heartfelt every step of the way.
I especially loved the ending of the Anaheim Stars, and I’m sad to see it end.
I can’t wait to meet future characters and see where Susan takes us next. I feel a trip to Portland in my future… ARC honestly reviewed
Book 7 in the Anaheim Stars Series & what a book to finish with!!! I was hooked from the first chapter & devoured the book!! This book had me tearing up in certain parts & laughing out loud the next 🥹 …..& of course we had the usual banter between all of the characters from the previous books….that is a must 🤣🤣 Loved this book so much & I think it’s one of the favs in this series ❤️
Cannot wait for the Hayes triplets!!!! 😂
I was so excited to receive this ARC, & to be a part of the team, thank you 🫶🏼 I have loved this series so much but the journey started with Off Your Game for me 🥰
Being the last man to get his book I was very excited to read this. Story after thinking he spotted a person from his past then meeting her son and her.
This story was great the way they handled this Wes perfect if you love accidental pregnancy found Later when the kid is older. this book is perfect for you and you can read it as a standalone.. or read all of the stars stories there great this book was more serious then I am used to from Susan not as much comedy with that being said it was a wonderful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I haven’t read any other books from this series. Received an advanced reader copy of this book and it was the first official book I have read for 2026 and from Susan Renee. That being said. Her character hooks make you crave more time in their world. I was devouring their relationship, history and present time interactions. Connor the child in the book reminds me of my sarcastic 4yr old. I will be getting into the full series but I hope HOPE that Connor, Harper and Harrison return for a PT2 about them and the ongoing changes.
PS cliffhanger ending alert!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was everything I had hoped for and more. I cannot beleive this series is over. This was the perfect ending. Harrison gets the surprise of a lifetime and honestly the way he handles it is everything. The vulnerability and compassion these men have for each other and for the others in their lives. The positive masculinity that is portrayed. The found family.. The way the WAGS openly accept Harper and support her as she enters the life of a hockey partner. Add in Connor and the way everyone loves him and the emotion and fear and love. This book had all the feelings.
I totally enjoyed the story of Harrison and Harper. What do you do when the woman you fell in love with 10 ears ago walks back into your life with a boy that looks a lot like you? You don't let her walk away again. Harper thought she was doing the right thing ten years agon when she walked out of Harrison's life and didn't tell him she was pregnant. Now ten years later they must learn to trust one another and fall back in love along the way. I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more from this series.
Let me start by saying the second chance genre is my least favorite, Susan told me that she would change my mind and hot damn if she wasn't right! I absolutely loved Harrison and Harper's story! The selfless of Harper and the understanding from Harrison on why she made the choices she did. Conner's heartbreaking reaction to finding out who his dad is was so well written and how it helped build the bond between father and son was just perfect! I am sad to see the Anaheim Stars series end but I can't wait to see what Susan has in store for us next!
What If It’s Too Late is an emotional, second-chance sports romance that hits hard in all the right ways. Susan Renee delivers deep longing, unresolved heartbreak, and tender hope as past love collides with the present. The chemistry is intense, the emotions feel raw and real, and the story beautifully explores forgiveness, timing, and whether love can survive the years between. A satisfying, heartfelt read for fans of angsty romance with a strong emotional payoff. 💔❤️