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The Blade Kings #5
Within Range
Fresh out of a failed marriage and with an old injury threatening to resurface, I only have one priority right now: rebuild my life both in and out of the rink. At thirty-five, I know it won’t be easy, but hockey is all I have, and cutting my pro career short is not an option that I’m willing to take.
Feeling down on my luck, I conclude my best move is to focus on the positives, including the good people around me. So when a close friend approaches me with a predicament concerning his twenty-one-year-old only daughter, Billie Quinn, I figure the least I can do is help his family out. After all, they’re practically my family, too, and being a decent friend always makes me feel good.
Except, I’m not a good friend; I’m a bad one. While my initial intentions might’ve been innocent, my attraction to Billie when I see her for the first time in over three years definitely isn’t.
Is she into me too? Or am I grasping at straws, interpreting fleeting glances from a stunning younger woman as more than friendship? We’ve always had banter, although there’s nothing funny about the burning tension growing between us and especially when my ex-wife is in the same room.
My teammates are urging me to back off before it’s too late. But staying away from my best friend’s little princess is way harder than it should be … and now that she’s in my bed, there’s not a chance I’m letting Billie—or her baby girl—go.
Even if us being together makes me the worst friend in history, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.
Feeling down on my luck, I conclude my best move is to focus on the positives, including the good people around me. So when a close friend approaches me with a predicament concerning his twenty-one-year-old only daughter, Billie Quinn, I figure the least I can do is help his family out. After all, they’re practically my family, too, and being a decent friend always makes me feel good.
Except, I’m not a good friend; I’m a bad one. While my initial intentions might’ve been innocent, my attraction to Billie when I see her for the first time in over three years definitely isn’t.
Is she into me too? Or am I grasping at straws, interpreting fleeting glances from a stunning younger woman as more than friendship? We’ve always had banter, although there’s nothing funny about the burning tension growing between us and especially when my ex-wife is in the same room.
My teammates are urging me to back off before it’s too late. But staying away from my best friend’s little princess is way harder than it should be … and now that she’s in my bed, there’s not a chance I’m letting Billie—or her baby girl—go.
Even if us being together makes me the worst friend in history, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
462 people are currently reading
6648 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Stilling
13 books866 followersRuth Stilling is a lover of all things escapism and can be mostly found with her head buried in a spicy book, writing her latest romance novel or out in the open air and nature, away from the bustle of life. As clumsy as she is crazy, Ruth enjoys creating relatable, loveable, swoon-worthy and strong willed main characters who find their happy ending. That said, she prides herself on taking her readers on emotional rollercoasters and always recommends reading her books with tissues on hand to wipe away the tears of joy, laughter and sometimes heartache.
Ruth lives in Derbyshire, England with her own personal book boyfriend (lucky girl), her six year old son and her two feisty chihuahuas.
Keep up to date with Ruth's latest content and exciting projects by following her on social media: @authorruthstilling
Ruth lives in Derbyshire, England with her own personal book boyfriend (lucky girl), her six year old son and her two feisty chihuahuas.
Keep up to date with Ruth's latest content and exciting projects by following her on social media: @authorruthstilling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
January 24, 2026
I love an age gap, alpha male, daddy, down bad tropes. They’re definitely faves but this one gave me the ick.
Emmett and Billie talked too much about memories from when Billie was a kid. I cant read about him blowing up summer floaties when she was a kid on family vacay and a couple chapters later he’s pining after her at barely 21 with a newborn baby while secretly giving her dad money to support her.
Just wasn’t for me 😭
Emmett and Billie talked too much about memories from when Billie was a kid. I cant read about him blowing up summer floaties when she was a kid on family vacay and a couple chapters later he’s pining after her at barely 21 with a newborn baby while secretly giving her dad money to support her.
Just wasn’t for me 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
I can definitely say after reading only 2 Ruuth Stilling books that I'm in love with her writing and her characters!
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance and this has just that and best friend's daughter and a baby that is not his. I was literally blown away by this story and read it in less that 4 hours. It's perfection and I can't believe that it's the final one in the series... but I'm also soo excited for what comes next.
Billie is such a strong fucking woman and such a good mother. And Emmett is just the most perfect man ever!!! The nickname he calls her!!! PERFECT!!!
The only reason why this isn't a 5 ⭐️ is because some scenes felt not completely done to me... like the author just stopped in the middle of an even when I wanted a little more and this happened more than 3 times.
Either way I loved it, I love Billie and Emmett and I can't wait to read many many more books from Ruth Stillig!!!
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
I can definitely say after reading only 2 Ruuth Stilling books that I'm in love with her writing and her characters!
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance and this has just that and best friend's daughter and a baby that is not his. I was literally blown away by this story and read it in less that 4 hours. It's perfection and I can't believe that it's the final one in the series... but I'm also soo excited for what comes next.
Billie is such a strong fucking woman and such a good mother. And Emmett is just the most perfect man ever!!! The nickname he calls her!!! PERFECT!!!
The only reason why this isn't a 5 ⭐️ is because some scenes felt not completely done to me... like the author just stopped in the middle of an even when I wanted a little more and this happened more than 3 times.
Either way I loved it, I love Billie and Emmett and I can't wait to read many many more books from Ruth Stillig!!!
January 24, 2026
DNF @ 56%
Sooo confused by this book.
Now I love an age gap and I love hockey romances but this just didn’t hit. You can’t reminisce on memories from when she was a kid then have her in your bed in the next scene - like no.
The money situation gave me so much ick - I’m sorry, but who just lets their dad give them 190k, or what kind of friends asks for that amount? I genuinely don’t understand.
Sooo confused by this book.
Now I love an age gap and I love hockey romances but this just didn’t hit. You can’t reminisce on memories from when she was a kid then have her in your bed in the next scene - like no.
The money situation gave me so much ick - I’m sorry, but who just lets their dad give them 190k, or what kind of friends asks for that amount? I genuinely don’t understand.
January 31, 2026
4.5🌟, 3.5🌶️
This book quietly ruined me in the best possible way.
This forbidden, age-gap hockey romance is layered with emotion, longing, and a slow burn that completely pulled me in. Billie is a 21-year-old single mom forced to rebuild her life after betrayal, and Emmett Richards is her dad’s best friend, freshly divorced, and absolutely off limits. Watching their connection grow from quiet support into something deeper felt raw, tender, and incredibly real.
The tension is where this story truly shines. Every moment of restraint, every lingering glance, and every almost-touch was dripping with yearning. Emmett’s steady devotion and protective instincts balanced beautifully with Billie’s strength and resilience as a young mother. This story felt like a love letter to healing, motherhood, and finding safety in someone when you least expect it, with found family moments that made the emotional depth hit even harder.
A few moments felt like they could have lingered longer, but that never took away from how powerful the emotional payoff ultimately was. Billie and Emmett’s story is messy, complicated, and full of heart, and the ending wrapped up the Blade Kings series in such a satisfying way. This was my first full read in this world, and it absolutely will not be my last.
A beautiful, emotional read that nearly hit perfection.
~~~~
Grateful to Ruth Stilling and Hambirght PR for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
This book quietly ruined me in the best possible way.
This forbidden, age-gap hockey romance is layered with emotion, longing, and a slow burn that completely pulled me in. Billie is a 21-year-old single mom forced to rebuild her life after betrayal, and Emmett Richards is her dad’s best friend, freshly divorced, and absolutely off limits. Watching their connection grow from quiet support into something deeper felt raw, tender, and incredibly real.
The tension is where this story truly shines. Every moment of restraint, every lingering glance, and every almost-touch was dripping with yearning. Emmett’s steady devotion and protective instincts balanced beautifully with Billie’s strength and resilience as a young mother. This story felt like a love letter to healing, motherhood, and finding safety in someone when you least expect it, with found family moments that made the emotional depth hit even harder.
A few moments felt like they could have lingered longer, but that never took away from how powerful the emotional payoff ultimately was. Billie and Emmett’s story is messy, complicated, and full of heart, and the ending wrapped up the Blade Kings series in such a satisfying way. This was my first full read in this world, and it absolutely will not be my last.
A beautiful, emotional read that nearly hit perfection.
~~~~
Grateful to Ruth Stilling and Hambirght PR for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
January 21, 2026
Phew! I am going to have to say I have been blessed with some REALLY great hockey romance ARCs lately and this one really nailed it on the tropes and the spice! I give the spice 4/5 🌶️!
Billie is a recent college dropout and soon to be mom. At 21 years old, Billie thinks her future is about to be filled with a life being a single mom to a baby whose father is too immature and selfish to want to take care of them. Before she even has her baby, he blatantly admits he’s cheating on her and blames her for their entire situation.
And then we have Emmett. Billie’s dad’s best friend and NHL star. A lifelong family friend. When Emmett sees Billie for the first time after returning home from college, you can tell it’s over for him. He’s recently divorced from a toxic and abusive marriage as well. And the web gets thicker, people! Emmett’s ex wife is Billie’s mom’s BEST FRIEND! 😱
So when Emmitt finds himself desperate to spend every waking moment with Billie and her new daughter, Blake, he knows he’s in deep trouble. Not only is she his best friend’s daughter, she’s 21 and he’s 35, AND his controlling ex wife is besties with his best friends wife…. Oh the tangled webs we weave.
But once he has his mind set to prove everyone he’s the man than can love Billie and Blake more than anyone else in the world can, there’s no stopping him. Ugh, the swoon and the spice! Yummy! Go enjoy this hot hockey romance like I did when it comes out! Like it’s so good. Page turning! Here are the tropes:
TROPES ✨
💋 Best Friend’s Daughter
⏳ Age Gap
🚫 Forbidden
💗 He Falls First
✨ Slow Burn – He Yearns
🏠 Forced Proximity
Thank you Hambright PR and Ruth Stilling for the opportunity to provide my honest review in exchange for an ARC!
Billie is a recent college dropout and soon to be mom. At 21 years old, Billie thinks her future is about to be filled with a life being a single mom to a baby whose father is too immature and selfish to want to take care of them. Before she even has her baby, he blatantly admits he’s cheating on her and blames her for their entire situation.
And then we have Emmett. Billie’s dad’s best friend and NHL star. A lifelong family friend. When Emmett sees Billie for the first time after returning home from college, you can tell it’s over for him. He’s recently divorced from a toxic and abusive marriage as well. And the web gets thicker, people! Emmett’s ex wife is Billie’s mom’s BEST FRIEND! 😱
So when Emmitt finds himself desperate to spend every waking moment with Billie and her new daughter, Blake, he knows he’s in deep trouble. Not only is she his best friend’s daughter, she’s 21 and he’s 35, AND his controlling ex wife is besties with his best friends wife…. Oh the tangled webs we weave.
But once he has his mind set to prove everyone he’s the man than can love Billie and Blake more than anyone else in the world can, there’s no stopping him. Ugh, the swoon and the spice! Yummy! Go enjoy this hot hockey romance like I did when it comes out! Like it’s so good. Page turning! Here are the tropes:
TROPES ✨
💋 Best Friend’s Daughter
⏳ Age Gap
🚫 Forbidden
💗 He Falls First
✨ Slow Burn – He Yearns
🏠 Forced Proximity
Thank you Hambright PR and Ruth Stilling for the opportunity to provide my honest review in exchange for an ARC!
January 30, 2026
EDIT
Ruth was one of my very favorite authors that i read regularly, and was on her ARC team.
However, she was added to an edit of a book quote, making light of Su!c!de. This is not, has not, and never will be a joke.
As someone who has lost 3 people to Su!c!de in the past three years, knowing that this was in the book immediately turned me off. I’d also like to point out that she attempted to backtrack by stating this was taken “out of context.”
There was no context. A friend pops in the room, says “it’s Valentine’s Day, so I came to make sure that you weren’t hanging from your ceiling”, and walks out.
I attempted to ask how this could’ve taken out of context, yet no response was ever given, and promotion was continued as if nothing happened. After she turned her comments off on her apology post.
Only after this happened did I learn that Ruth has people go and report 1 star reviews on Goodreads, so I’m sure that this won’t be up long, but reader beware.
I find her treatment disgusting. I find the fact that people may be wary in posting reviews in fear of their accounts being banned horrible, and her lack of taking responsibility abhorrent.
If you read for her, use caution. Be honest. And do all of your research before joining her street or arc teams.
*DNF. Actually never started. She knows why.
I’ll be respectful of the release for this author, and will return to post my review after release day.
Ruth was one of my very favorite authors that i read regularly, and was on her ARC team.
However, she was added to an edit of a book quote, making light of Su!c!de. This is not, has not, and never will be a joke.
As someone who has lost 3 people to Su!c!de in the past three years, knowing that this was in the book immediately turned me off. I’d also like to point out that she attempted to backtrack by stating this was taken “out of context.”
There was no context. A friend pops in the room, says “it’s Valentine’s Day, so I came to make sure that you weren’t hanging from your ceiling”, and walks out.
I attempted to ask how this could’ve taken out of context, yet no response was ever given, and promotion was continued as if nothing happened. After she turned her comments off on her apology post.
Only after this happened did I learn that Ruth has people go and report 1 star reviews on Goodreads, so I’m sure that this won’t be up long, but reader beware.
I find her treatment disgusting. I find the fact that people may be wary in posting reviews in fear of their accounts being banned horrible, and her lack of taking responsibility abhorrent.
If you read for her, use caution. Be honest. And do all of your research before joining her street or arc teams.
*DNF. Actually never started. She knows why.
I’ll be respectful of the release for this author, and will return to post my review after release day.
January 16, 2026
“Go after the one because when you hang your skates for the final time, you’ll wish that you’d quit f****** around and made her yours.” 🥹💖
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT THE BLADE KINGS SERIES IS OVER?! Nope, no way am I ready to say goodbye to these characters. Ruth, you didn’t have to swoop in and have Emmett Richard’s wreck my soul like you did, but I’m so happy you did!
“Give yourself to me, Bill, and I promise to keep you safe.”
Every single one of Ruth’s characters is filled with so much heart & emotional depth. Emmett & Billie Quinn were no different. This forbidden romance absolutely broke all the rules and had me rooting for their HEA!
“What are you doing?”
“I already told you, Bill—showing you exactly how you deserve to be treated.”
Their relationship wasn’t built in a day, it was built over a friendship years in the making. When Billie needed more than just friendship from him, he stepped up to be her & her daughter’s EVERYTHING. Their strongest supporter, their fierce protector, and their loving home.
“Your pleasure is for my ears only, Billie. Every whimper and moan I pull from you belongs to me. Every time you cry my name and beg me to stop because you’re too sensitive to go on—they’re words only I get to witness.”
This slow burn romance EDGED me for ages before literally spanking me with seriously the HOTTEST spice! 🤣🤭🥵 Emmett stepped up to be a dad for Blake and a DADDYYYYY for Billie! These two were insatiable! (Glad to see Jack’s guest room make a special appearance in this story! IYKYK 🤣❤️🔥)
“You’re dripping down me, Mama.”
There are a couple different ‘villains’ in this story. I got supreme satisfaction in how they were handled by our leads.
“But what I’ve recently learned about the metric of time is that it doesn’t actually matter at all. Not when you realize that love doesn’t play by the rules. All it cares about is how two souls fit together, never to be torn apart.”
This particular book was filled with literally so many nostalgic faces from all of Ruth’s books. We get to see how their stories have progressed, their new milestones and their kiddos!
Buckle up readers, Daddy Emmett is ready for you! (PS: I am SO EXCITED FOR WHAT’S TO COME IN THE RUTH STILLING UNIVERSE!) 🫶🏼🥹💖
Tropes:
⛸️ Pro Hockey
🍷 Age Gap (21/35)
🤭 Forbidden Romance
🫶🏼 Father’s Best Friend
🎀 Not His Baby
❤️🔥 Angst & YEARNING
🥵 Slow Burn & Sizzling Spice
💖 Found Family
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT THE BLADE KINGS SERIES IS OVER?! Nope, no way am I ready to say goodbye to these characters. Ruth, you didn’t have to swoop in and have Emmett Richard’s wreck my soul like you did, but I’m so happy you did!
“Give yourself to me, Bill, and I promise to keep you safe.”
Every single one of Ruth’s characters is filled with so much heart & emotional depth. Emmett & Billie Quinn were no different. This forbidden romance absolutely broke all the rules and had me rooting for their HEA!
“What are you doing?”
“I already told you, Bill—showing you exactly how you deserve to be treated.”
Their relationship wasn’t built in a day, it was built over a friendship years in the making. When Billie needed more than just friendship from him, he stepped up to be her & her daughter’s EVERYTHING. Their strongest supporter, their fierce protector, and their loving home.
“Your pleasure is for my ears only, Billie. Every whimper and moan I pull from you belongs to me. Every time you cry my name and beg me to stop because you’re too sensitive to go on—they’re words only I get to witness.”
This slow burn romance EDGED me for ages before literally spanking me with seriously the HOTTEST spice! 🤣🤭🥵 Emmett stepped up to be a dad for Blake and a DADDYYYYY for Billie! These two were insatiable! (Glad to see Jack’s guest room make a special appearance in this story! IYKYK 🤣❤️🔥)
“You’re dripping down me, Mama.”
There are a couple different ‘villains’ in this story. I got supreme satisfaction in how they were handled by our leads.
“But what I’ve recently learned about the metric of time is that it doesn’t actually matter at all. Not when you realize that love doesn’t play by the rules. All it cares about is how two souls fit together, never to be torn apart.”
This particular book was filled with literally so many nostalgic faces from all of Ruth’s books. We get to see how their stories have progressed, their new milestones and their kiddos!
Buckle up readers, Daddy Emmett is ready for you! (PS: I am SO EXCITED FOR WHAT’S TO COME IN THE RUTH STILLING UNIVERSE!) 🫶🏼🥹💖
Tropes:
⛸️ Pro Hockey
🍷 Age Gap (21/35)
🤭 Forbidden Romance
🫶🏼 Father’s Best Friend
🎀 Not His Baby
❤️🔥 Angst & YEARNING
🥵 Slow Burn & Sizzling Spice
💖 Found Family
Read
January 31, 2026Ruth, sweetie.... why'd you have to go and make it weird getting him to call her, and think of her as his fucking NIECE. Why did you have to write it that way babe? WHY!
January 29, 2026
I am disappointed this book has still been promoted and released given the amount of hurt caused by an extremely insensitive ‘joke’ in the original copy sent out to ARC readers. Removing it before release with a half hearted ‘apology’ that was only triggered because of the outrage of others does not make it ok.
Search threads and Instagram if you haven’t seen it, though I urge you to do so with caution and protect your own mental health.
This author has been problematic since her first release and not once taken accountability or addressed the plagiarism, bullying an arc reader, asking her team to mass report 1 star reviews and now this issue. The fact her ‘apology’ states she took time to reflect and could see why it ‘could appear insensitive’ is very troubling- I’m not sure why any reflection would be needed, it is very clearly disgusting and highly insensitive. Removing it because others brought it to your attention is not ok.
Search threads and Instagram if you haven’t seen it, though I urge you to do so with caution and protect your own mental health.
This author has been problematic since her first release and not once taken accountability or addressed the plagiarism, bullying an arc reader, asking her team to mass report 1 star reviews and now this issue. The fact her ‘apology’ states she took time to reflect and could see why it ‘could appear insensitive’ is very troubling- I’m not sure why any reflection would be needed, it is very clearly disgusting and highly insensitive. Removing it because others brought it to your attention is not ok.
January 30, 2026
#Review: *Within Range* - Ruth Stilling – ARC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5 🌶️
Emmett has just finalized his divorce from Maria, their relationship being over for a long time before this step was made. He didn’t think that love will struck him again so hard and so soon, but there he was. And that wasn’t an easy love at all. Why? Because he fell hard for his best friend’s daughter, who was 14 years younger than him.
Billie was in a very tough situation because her boyfriend broke up from her even if she was carrying his baby. Because of that she accepted that she needed to come back to her parents, who were the only ones who could help her in her situation. Billie never thought that something more was going to happen with this movement - to grow some really strong feelings for his dad’s best friend. Their forced proximity didn’t help too much, the tension and desire growing stronger with each day passing. Will they be able to ignore all those feelings so as not to hurt their loved ones? Or will they fight for that cute thing they started to built?
Arghh!! This was story was filled with so much pent up tension and so much yearning! And that was something which I completely ADORED! I also looved how Emmett has slowly become an obsessed and protective man, who just couldn't keep his hands to himself. He was simultaneously sweet and kind, but also a man without inhibitions behind closed doors, which was super hot! Billie didn’t really knew what hit her, but it was something she deeply needed after that failed relationship with her ex boyfriend. Of course that I liked that forbidden feeling and all that secrecy about their connection. The age gap between them was definitely a plus, especially because Billie needed someone stable and mature due to her situation as a single mother and Emmett was exactly the perfect man for her.
This was the perfect way to end this series, still being a bit sad that it’s complete now, but I’m super hyped for what Ruth has prepared next for us!! I’m confident that I’ll love anything she will release, after adoring all her 9 books she has published so far🥰.
So proud to be part of your permanent team, Ruth, and to be able to scream about your amazing books. Thank you so much for offering me this e-copy.🤗
✨Tropes
▫️Single Mom
▫️Age Gap (21/35)
▫️Best Friend’s Daughter
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Slow Burn
▫️Secret Romance
▫️He Falls First
▫️He Wears Glasses
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey
4.9/5✨
3/5 🌶️
Emmett has just finalized his divorce from Maria, their relationship being over for a long time before this step was made. He didn’t think that love will struck him again so hard and so soon, but there he was. And that wasn’t an easy love at all. Why? Because he fell hard for his best friend’s daughter, who was 14 years younger than him.
Billie was in a very tough situation because her boyfriend broke up from her even if she was carrying his baby. Because of that she accepted that she needed to come back to her parents, who were the only ones who could help her in her situation. Billie never thought that something more was going to happen with this movement - to grow some really strong feelings for his dad’s best friend. Their forced proximity didn’t help too much, the tension and desire growing stronger with each day passing. Will they be able to ignore all those feelings so as not to hurt their loved ones? Or will they fight for that cute thing they started to built?
Arghh!! This was story was filled with so much pent up tension and so much yearning! And that was something which I completely ADORED! I also looved how Emmett has slowly become an obsessed and protective man, who just couldn't keep his hands to himself. He was simultaneously sweet and kind, but also a man without inhibitions behind closed doors, which was super hot! Billie didn’t really knew what hit her, but it was something she deeply needed after that failed relationship with her ex boyfriend. Of course that I liked that forbidden feeling and all that secrecy about their connection. The age gap between them was definitely a plus, especially because Billie needed someone stable and mature due to her situation as a single mother and Emmett was exactly the perfect man for her.
This was the perfect way to end this series, still being a bit sad that it’s complete now, but I’m super hyped for what Ruth has prepared next for us!! I’m confident that I’ll love anything she will release, after adoring all her 9 books she has published so far🥰.
So proud to be part of your permanent team, Ruth, and to be able to scream about your amazing books. Thank you so much for offering me this e-copy.🤗
✨Tropes
▫️Single Mom
▫️Age Gap (21/35)
▫️Best Friend’s Daughter
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Slow Burn
▫️Secret Romance
▫️He Falls First
▫️He Wears Glasses
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey
February 1, 2026
wtf???
this was so weird and creepy
this was so weird and creepy
February 1, 2026
After the high I felt reading Full Tilt, I had such high expectations for Emmett. His story deserved so much more. The plot was weak, no development at all and not even a chapter on Scott and Emmett making up? Billie was also a terrible FMC. This was an extremely lackluster conclusion to this series. Sort of pissed that I wasted my time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2026
I really like this team and universe but this book didn’t do it for me. I like Emmett and Billie and the way they act and care for each other, but I just can’t get over the fact that he’s know her since she was little. It just weirds me out. I don’t think I would have a problem with the age gap if it wasn’t for this detail.. 🫤
Also, I would have loved to see more of Emmett and Blake together, I was missing scenes with them interacting more ✨
But disregarding the ”knowing her since she was a child” their relationship was soo cute 🥹
Also, I would have loved to see more of Emmett and Blake together, I was missing scenes with them interacting more ✨
But disregarding the ”knowing her since she was a child” their relationship was soo cute 🥹
February 11, 2026
A nice end to the series
KU Read
386 Pages
#5 The Blade Kings Series
Hockey Romance
Forbidden
Dad's Best Friend
Age Gap (14 years)
Pregnancy/New Baby (not MMC's)
This wrapped up the series nicely and the epilogue at the end lead onto to the next book; which will be the start of a third hockey series but with the next generation and a whole new team.
I enjoyed Emmett's and Billie's story because they are both so likable and deserve some happiness after everything they both have gone through separately.
KU Read
386 Pages
#5 The Blade Kings Series
Hockey Romance
Forbidden
Dad's Best Friend
Age Gap (14 years)
Pregnancy/New Baby (not MMC's)
This wrapped up the series nicely and the epilogue at the end lead onto to the next book; which will be the start of a third hockey series but with the next generation and a whole new team.
I enjoyed Emmett's and Billie's story because they are both so likable and deserve some happiness after everything they both have gone through separately.
January 15, 2026
ARC review - 3.5/5 - I couldn’t wait for this one to come out but it slightly missed the mark for me. I think I had a hard time getting over the age gap (Billie being 21). I think I could have got over it if they didn’t mention multiple times memories of when she was younger and playing monopoly together. Just gave me a bit of an ick feeling and hard to see her as an adult. I also felt like Scott and Emmett’s relationship wasn’t really shown at the beginning of the book and I wish we could have seen those dynamics more. I did like the book overall but some parts made it hard to look past.
February 4, 2026
Listen, all I am going to say is if my dad had a best friend like Emmett, I too would climb that man like a tree. I know we are all thinking it so I'll say it. The way that this man yearned for Billie. The restraint that he showed. He's a better man than I ever would be because if I was yearning for my best friend's daughter the way he was, I wouldn't think twice.
For those of you who do not know, I am a huge Ruth Stilling fan. Within Range is everything that we love about Ruth's writing but like every other book, she continues to push the limits and delivers us with a hockey romance unlike the rest. This one isn't your typical hockey romance. Ruth decided to enter into her dad's best friend era and I am sat! I am here for it! Because like I said, Emmett is perfect!
I am truly sad to say good bye to the Blade Kings but I can't wait to see what Ruth has in store next!
You should read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Age Gap (14 years)
- Accidental Pregnancy (Not His Baby)
- Dad's Best Friend
For those of you who do not know, I am a huge Ruth Stilling fan. Within Range is everything that we love about Ruth's writing but like every other book, she continues to push the limits and delivers us with a hockey romance unlike the rest. This one isn't your typical hockey romance. Ruth decided to enter into her dad's best friend era and I am sat! I am here for it! Because like I said, Emmett is perfect!
I am truly sad to say good bye to the Blade Kings but I can't wait to see what Ruth has in store next!
You should read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Age Gap (14 years)
- Accidental Pregnancy (Not His Baby)
- Dad's Best Friend
Review of advance copy received from Author
REVIEW POST - Book 5 of 2026
Within Range by Ruth Stilling
I don't quite know how to put into words how I feel about this book. Everyone knows I alpha read for my girl Ruth, but this may be, hands down, my favourite read I've ever had with her.
From the first idea on a vn for this one, I knew it was gonna be all kinds of delicious. And yes that became the word of the book! Also I think a certain phrase got used WAAAAYYYYY too much during those early chapters 🤣🤣🤣
But what Ruth does with this book, these characters, and this trope is quite magical.
That's before we even get into how she rounds up a whole series, and manages to recap some OGs for us all in the meantime. The Scorpions stans are drooling at this one, I just know it.
The layers within this trope are written beautifully. It's a complex situation that doesn't always clean up nicely. And ohhh the tension, the awkwardness, the emotion, the words, the actions, we have it all!!!!
Emmett Richards made it into my bio after I'd read the first few chapters. I just knew he was that special. And I don't take my bio lightly. He is a gentleman (in public at least 😏) and both Emmett and Billie know what they are risking to be together. What a glorious feeling to see them both upgrade!!
As an alpha, I get VERY few surprises when reading. I tend to be aware of what's happening before I read it. And that's great. But my girl genuinely had me SQUEALING so hard at the final chapter that Craig stopped gaming to check I was okay 😅 Even I didn't know what would be happening there and my heart burst!!!
I was not ready to say goodbye to Emmett and Billie, and I certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye to the Blade Kings. But, that epilogue. Oh, that epilogue. Yeah. Stick a fork in me, I am DONE!!
So, with my pop tarts in hand (yes JJ, I love my diabetes 😂) and my glass of milk, I closed my kindle on what has been a rollercoaster of emotion on yet another spectacular series from Ruth Stilling...
(and then I read it again for beta, and again for ARC!)
Within Range by Ruth Stilling
I don't quite know how to put into words how I feel about this book. Everyone knows I alpha read for my girl Ruth, but this may be, hands down, my favourite read I've ever had with her.
From the first idea on a vn for this one, I knew it was gonna be all kinds of delicious. And yes that became the word of the book! Also I think a certain phrase got used WAAAAYYYYY too much during those early chapters 🤣🤣🤣
But what Ruth does with this book, these characters, and this trope is quite magical.
That's before we even get into how she rounds up a whole series, and manages to recap some OGs for us all in the meantime. The Scorpions stans are drooling at this one, I just know it.
The layers within this trope are written beautifully. It's a complex situation that doesn't always clean up nicely. And ohhh the tension, the awkwardness, the emotion, the words, the actions, we have it all!!!!
Emmett Richards made it into my bio after I'd read the first few chapters. I just knew he was that special. And I don't take my bio lightly. He is a gentleman (in public at least 😏) and both Emmett and Billie know what they are risking to be together. What a glorious feeling to see them both upgrade!!
As an alpha, I get VERY few surprises when reading. I tend to be aware of what's happening before I read it. And that's great. But my girl genuinely had me SQUEALING so hard at the final chapter that Craig stopped gaming to check I was okay 😅 Even I didn't know what would be happening there and my heart burst!!!
I was not ready to say goodbye to Emmett and Billie, and I certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye to the Blade Kings. But, that epilogue. Oh, that epilogue. Yeah. Stick a fork in me, I am DONE!!
So, with my pop tarts in hand (yes JJ, I love my diabetes 😂) and my glass of milk, I closed my kindle on what has been a rollercoaster of emotion on yet another spectacular series from Ruth Stilling...
(and then I read it again for beta, and again for ARC!)
November 21, 2025
Beta read. Full RTC.
Ruth’s best yet. Full stop.
Ruth’s best yet. Full stop.
February 15, 2026
Thank you Ruth and Hambright for the ARC!
I’m honestly not sure how to approach this review because I usually love age gap and forbidden romance. Those tropes are right up my alley. But this one felt weird and a little off to me :(
One of the biggest things that bothered me was how often the characters reminisced about times when she was a literal child, and then the narrative would suddenly shift to him pining or thinking about how it would feel in between her thighs. Like??? It also did not help that he REPEATEDLY referred to Billie as his niece while also clearly wanting her. That just did NOT sit right with me.
Even though the author tries to make it clear that no grooming happened, it still felt that way at times. Maria is a very unlikeable character, but when she pointed out that Billie and Emmett had been “flirting” even before she turned 21, it raised valid concerns. The way Emmett and Billie brushed it off as playful banter because “Billie just gets him” made it feel uncomfortable rather than cute. That particular detail did not land the way I think it was intended to. It felt poorly executed.
Also, I think the “hanging from the ceiling” line was removed before release, but the fact that it was written that way in the first place was insensitive. This is the kind of story that really could have benefited from sensitivity readers because that line was very off putting.
I truly wanted to love this book because it includes so many tropes I normally enjoy, but unfortunately it did not resonate with me the way I had hoped.
I’m honestly not sure how to approach this review because I usually love age gap and forbidden romance. Those tropes are right up my alley. But this one felt weird and a little off to me :(
One of the biggest things that bothered me was how often the characters reminisced about times when she was a literal child, and then the narrative would suddenly shift to him pining or thinking about how it would feel in between her thighs. Like??? It also did not help that he REPEATEDLY referred to Billie as his niece while also clearly wanting her. That just did NOT sit right with me.
Even though the author tries to make it clear that no grooming happened, it still felt that way at times. Maria is a very unlikeable character, but when she pointed out that Billie and Emmett had been “flirting” even before she turned 21, it raised valid concerns. The way Emmett and Billie brushed it off as playful banter because “Billie just gets him” made it feel uncomfortable rather than cute. That particular detail did not land the way I think it was intended to. It felt poorly executed.
Also, I think the “hanging from the ceiling” line was removed before release, but the fact that it was written that way in the first place was insensitive. This is the kind of story that really could have benefited from sensitivity readers because that line was very off putting.
I truly wanted to love this book because it includes so many tropes I normally enjoy, but unfortunately it did not resonate with me the way I had hoped.
January 18, 2026
“We may have our doubters, and to them, I say, Watch me love this girl and our baby until I breathe my last goddamn breath.”
Well Ruth has gone and done it again 😭😭 This was such a good wrap up to a series that I love more than life itself! Billie and Emmett’s love story was the perfect conclusion to the series, and getting SOOO many cameos from the entire gang all back together, seriously had me tearing up.
Emmett fell fast and hard for Billie once he realized his feelings, and we love a man down bad. I loved the way he was so tender and gentle with Billie, which made their gradual relationship even more special. You could truly feel the pull these two felt with each other with every page you read. They were so ‘Invisible String’ coded it wasn’t even funny.
The epilogue was such a sweet glimpse into the far future for not only Billie & Emmett, but for the entire Scorpions and Blade Kings family 😭🥹 (like literally cue the tears). And the last pages of the epilogue… just know if you’re a fan of these two series, you will be SCREAMING.
No one and I mean no one, writes such beautiful, spicy, real, and raw couples as Ruth does. And the group of found family she has created with the Blade Kings and Scorpions… there’s nothing else like it, I love them and this series so so much!
(Also, couldn’t let my review post without including how much Maria and Tucker sucked. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to throat punch a character as much as I did with Maria.)
Read if you enjoy:
🥅Hockey Romance
👶🏻Not his baby
🤍Age gap (14 years)
🩵Best friends daughter
🥅Found family
🤍Forbidden Love
Well Ruth has gone and done it again 😭😭 This was such a good wrap up to a series that I love more than life itself! Billie and Emmett’s love story was the perfect conclusion to the series, and getting SOOO many cameos from the entire gang all back together, seriously had me tearing up.
Emmett fell fast and hard for Billie once he realized his feelings, and we love a man down bad. I loved the way he was so tender and gentle with Billie, which made their gradual relationship even more special. You could truly feel the pull these two felt with each other with every page you read. They were so ‘Invisible String’ coded it wasn’t even funny.
The epilogue was such a sweet glimpse into the far future for not only Billie & Emmett, but for the entire Scorpions and Blade Kings family 😭🥹 (like literally cue the tears). And the last pages of the epilogue… just know if you’re a fan of these two series, you will be SCREAMING.
No one and I mean no one, writes such beautiful, spicy, real, and raw couples as Ruth does. And the group of found family she has created with the Blade Kings and Scorpions… there’s nothing else like it, I love them and this series so so much!
(Also, couldn’t let my review post without including how much Maria and Tucker sucked. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to throat punch a character as much as I did with Maria.)
Read if you enjoy:
🥅Hockey Romance
👶🏻Not his baby
🤍Age gap (14 years)
🩵Best friends daughter
🥅Found family
🤍Forbidden Love
February 2, 2026
I had been patiently waiting for this one. The tropes were ones I LOVE. Not his baby? Age gap? Yes!
Emmett is fresh off a divorce. Right now I his life are hockey and his friends. When his best friend mentions how he's having trouble supporting his families new circumstances, Emmett steps up to help him. Financially and in other ways too.
His best friends daughter is pregnant, and back home after breaking up with the father of her baby. She's back home because... well just you wait and meet him. Ugh!
Billie has known Emmett for years. He and his ex were great friends with her parents and Emmett has continued to be a great friend. When her parents get in a tough spot Emmett steps up to help. Did I mention that hes a great guy and handsome too? Poor Billie and her hormones.
I was surprised at Emmetts timing. Nothing bad, but I was like... really? I love a guy who provides, who take cares even though the situation is a little bit messy.
People get their just desserts and I was there for it! The good desserts and the bad ones.
And I love, love, loved every time this crew got together or texted. Nothing beats a great group of friends.
Emmett is fresh off a divorce. Right now I his life are hockey and his friends. When his best friend mentions how he's having trouble supporting his families new circumstances, Emmett steps up to help him. Financially and in other ways too.
His best friends daughter is pregnant, and back home after breaking up with the father of her baby. She's back home because... well just you wait and meet him. Ugh!
Billie has known Emmett for years. He and his ex were great friends with her parents and Emmett has continued to be a great friend. When her parents get in a tough spot Emmett steps up to help. Did I mention that hes a great guy and handsome too? Poor Billie and her hormones.
I was surprised at Emmetts timing. Nothing bad, but I was like... really? I love a guy who provides, who take cares even though the situation is a little bit messy.
People get their just desserts and I was there for it! The good desserts and the bad ones.
And I love, love, loved every time this crew got together or texted. Nothing beats a great group of friends.
February 16, 2026
This was a tough read. Took me forever to get through. It was especially difficult after how good the previous book in this series was.
I just couldn’t get behind the relationship at all. It felt so forced and awkward.
Also the age gap made me so uncomfortable! I don’t mind an age gap - I loved Heartless by Elsie Silver and that’s a 13 yr age gap - but add in the fact that he knew her when he was 23 and she was 9!!! It’s just gross to me. And!!! the MMC was giving the FMC’s dad money without her knowing??? It just screams grooming and power over her in every direction. I don’t think the author properly resolved the conflict either.
The MMC and FMC were both sooo boring. I don’t get how Billie is offered her dream job by Felicity & Kate after one lunch conversation. I never saw Billie have any passion for law, it felt more like an afterthought.
The writing style was also much worse than previous books. It felt like the author would write normal sentences and then would look up synonyms to replace “easy” words with more “difficult” ones but in my opinion, it would completely disrupt the flow of the text and take me out of the story. Didn’t feel like natural storytelling at all.
I only finished the book so that I could find out what happens with the characters from the other 4 books.
I just couldn’t get behind the relationship at all. It felt so forced and awkward.
Also the age gap made me so uncomfortable! I don’t mind an age gap - I loved Heartless by Elsie Silver and that’s a 13 yr age gap - but add in the fact that he knew her when he was 23 and she was 9!!! It’s just gross to me. And!!! the MMC was giving the FMC’s dad money without her knowing??? It just screams grooming and power over her in every direction. I don’t think the author properly resolved the conflict either.
The MMC and FMC were both sooo boring. I don’t get how Billie is offered her dream job by Felicity & Kate after one lunch conversation. I never saw Billie have any passion for law, it felt more like an afterthought.
The writing style was also much worse than previous books. It felt like the author would write normal sentences and then would look up synonyms to replace “easy” words with more “difficult” ones but in my opinion, it would completely disrupt the flow of the text and take me out of the story. Didn’t feel like natural storytelling at all.
I only finished the book so that I could find out what happens with the characters from the other 4 books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Within Range by Ruth Stilling
Emmett is above and beyond any book-boyfriend goals I could have ever imagined. Wow. Just… wow. I’m actually speechless.
This is not a book I would’ve picked up on my own if it weren’t written by my queen Ruth Stilling. I usually avoid forbidden romance and best friend’s daughter like the plague, so I went in fully convinced that even if it was perfectly written, it could never be more than a 4⭐️ because of personal preference.
AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO BE WRONG.
This book was INCREDIBLE. How does Ruth make me fall head-over-heels for a trope I normally hate? Don’t ask me... just know I’m obsessed. 😅😂
Emmett and Billie delivered the most perfect slow-burn romance. I could feel the tension in my bones. The yearning. The restraint. The SHIVERS. Ruth could honestly teach a masterclass on edging and emotional payoff 🙌
Their connection felt so real and so deep! True soulmates fighting through every obstacle together. I believed in them with my whole heart, and the journey was absolutely breathtaking.
This book felt like a love letter to moms. The strength, the sacrifices, the quiet resilience we carry every single day. As a mom, this hit so much deeper and genuinely made me feel proud of my postpartum body and everything it has done for me.
I have no notes.
WELL. DONE. 👏👏👏
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review 🩷
Within Range by Ruth Stilling
Emmett is above and beyond any book-boyfriend goals I could have ever imagined. Wow. Just… wow. I’m actually speechless.
This is not a book I would’ve picked up on my own if it weren’t written by my queen Ruth Stilling. I usually avoid forbidden romance and best friend’s daughter like the plague, so I went in fully convinced that even if it was perfectly written, it could never be more than a 4⭐️ because of personal preference.
AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO BE WRONG.
This book was INCREDIBLE. How does Ruth make me fall head-over-heels for a trope I normally hate? Don’t ask me... just know I’m obsessed. 😅😂
Emmett and Billie delivered the most perfect slow-burn romance. I could feel the tension in my bones. The yearning. The restraint. The SHIVERS. Ruth could honestly teach a masterclass on edging and emotional payoff 🙌
Their connection felt so real and so deep! True soulmates fighting through every obstacle together. I believed in them with my whole heart, and the journey was absolutely breathtaking.
This book felt like a love letter to moms. The strength, the sacrifices, the quiet resilience we carry every single day. As a mom, this hit so much deeper and genuinely made me feel proud of my postpartum body and everything it has done for me.
I have no notes.
WELL. DONE. 👏👏👏
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review 🩷
January 31, 2026
This is a tough review to write because the blade kings series and Seattle scorpion are two of my favorite hockey series but here goes.
I’m not saying that Emmett had groomed Billie, but the fact that I even have to question that is a huge red flag. Emmett referred to Billie as his niece more than once. There was more than one joke not joke from others referencing her being his niece and his family. He spoke on how they were “friends” and they always were “drawn to each other” even when Billie was underage.
This was really tough to stomach as someone who experienced CSA. Anyone with any past trauma like this should avoid the book. There was no trigger warnings given that would even hint to this. It does say there’s a 14 year age gap but I’ve read dozens of age gaps that don’t involve the MMC referring to the FMC as his niece more than once and referencing their close relationship prior.
Protect yourselves, y’all. And let’s hope that author’s will avoid this type of age gap story in the future.
I’m not saying that Emmett had groomed Billie, but the fact that I even have to question that is a huge red flag. Emmett referred to Billie as his niece more than once. There was more than one joke not joke from others referencing her being his niece and his family. He spoke on how they were “friends” and they always were “drawn to each other” even when Billie was underage.
This was really tough to stomach as someone who experienced CSA. Anyone with any past trauma like this should avoid the book. There was no trigger warnings given that would even hint to this. It does say there’s a 14 year age gap but I’ve read dozens of age gaps that don’t involve the MMC referring to the FMC as his niece more than once and referencing their close relationship prior.
Protect yourselves, y’all. And let’s hope that author’s will avoid this type of age gap story in the future.
February 10, 2026
ARC Review-
I wanted to love this book. Age gap in a hockey romance is usually one of my favorite things in a book. But this one? This one felt like grooming..
Having flashbacks to when she was a teenager and you knowingly flirted with her but said it was all in good fun and didn’t mean anything? Ick.
Telling everyone when they ask you about who she is?
“Oh this is my niece. She’s my best friend’s kid.”
MAJOR ICK.
I wanted to DNF and started to multiple times, but as just hoping it would get better, and it definitely didn’t, unfortunately.
Thank you for this arc, but this one was not for me.
I wanted to love this book. Age gap in a hockey romance is usually one of my favorite things in a book. But this one? This one felt like grooming..
Having flashbacks to when she was a teenager and you knowingly flirted with her but said it was all in good fun and didn’t mean anything? Ick.
Telling everyone when they ask you about who she is?
“Oh this is my niece. She’s my best friend’s kid.”
MAJOR ICK.
I wanted to DNF and started to multiple times, but as just hoping it would get better, and it definitely didn’t, unfortunately.
Thank you for this arc, but this one was not for me.
February 15, 2026
I was really wanting to like this one. Especially as someone who loves the cheesy sports romance books.
But this one just rubbed me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong - I love age gaps. But this one just felt really groomish instead of actual romance.
Not only that, but there were soooo many side characters that it was hard to keep track. I know - they are probably introduced in books earlier in the series. I saw this on an ad and decided to give it a go. I feel like because of it being a standalone/series book - thr characters still should have been introduced better.
All in all - even though I forced myself to finish this one, I am still giving it a one star.
But this one just rubbed me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong - I love age gaps. But this one just felt really groomish instead of actual romance.
Not only that, but there were soooo many side characters that it was hard to keep track. I know - they are probably introduced in books earlier in the series. I saw this on an ad and decided to give it a go. I feel like because of it being a standalone/series book - thr characters still should have been introduced better.
All in all - even though I forced myself to finish this one, I am still giving it a one star.
January 30, 2026
This was…so bad. Listen I’m all for an age gap but when he’s referring to her as his niece and talking about playing monopoly together when they’re 9 idk man I just got the ick
So sad because I actually loved this series and the only reason I gave it a 2 is for highlights of the other characters but mentally I’m pretending this ended with the last book lmao
So sad because I actually loved this series and the only reason I gave it a 2 is for highlights of the other characters but mentally I’m pretending this ended with the last book lmao
January 31, 2026
I’ve enjoyed Ruths books in the past but from the outset this one gave me the ick. But I couldn’t pinpoint why. I thought about DNFing but persisted. I wished I didn’t. For me it did not get better.
I do like an age gap but this one felt different. Perhaps the reminiscing of things they did while she was still a child - it all didn’t sit well with me. Other comments and lines in the book didn’t land good either. Overall I tried to like it, but this is a no from me.
I received an ARC in return for my honest opinion
I do like an age gap but this one felt different. Perhaps the reminiscing of things they did while she was still a child - it all didn’t sit well with me. Other comments and lines in the book didn’t land good either. Overall I tried to like it, but this is a no from me.
I received an ARC in return for my honest opinion
January 29, 2026
this was weird
February 1, 2026
This was painful
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