Big Stick Energy

New York Legends #2

by Sarina Bowen

A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy.

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, Hockey, Contemporary Romance, Fake Dating

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!

You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.

Reviews

[Sarah]

AHHH WE GOT A COVER!!! 😱😍😍

[Erica Binges Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I really enjoyed book 1 of the series, so when the widget all of a sudden popped up in my email, I dropped all the other books I planned to read, and hopped right into this one. And let me tell you, Sarina Bowen KNOWS how to write a hockey romance. There's less ice time in this one, but still a lot of team dynamics/ shenanigans. But the big star of the book is the burgeoning relationship between Darcy (team owner's admin) and Eric (team captain). They both realize that they have to attend the same wedding (and the way this comes about is pretty hysterical), and because family affairs can be a lot, they decide to deflect the drama by pretending to be a couple. AKA... fake dating. And of course, this leads to an only one bed moment. Darcy and Eric are honestly perfect for one another. They both have VERY complicated family relationships, and they both actually have similar jobs. Darcy is essentially on call to her very needy boss, and as captain, Eric makes himself available to his teammates' every whims. Importantly, both Darcy and Eric show up for one another, in really big ways. And interestingly, they're both kind of golden retriever-esque (Eric more so), but also kinda of dirty. Don't let the illustrated cover fool you, there are definitely some open door scenes. I really enjoyed book 1, but dare I say, I enjoyed book 2 even more. Which is shocking to me, since book 1 had some suspenseful moments (I'm a sucker for romantic suspense), which was not the case in book 2.
I can 100% say that dropping all my other books to read this one was the right choice! Thanks so much to Bowen, Forever, and Netgalley for the advanced ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[yueting ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mutual crushes here were crushing! It's the classic case of she falls first, but he falls harder, and I was absolutely there for all of Eric's pining and preoccupation with Darcy. Her accidental dirty text that sets everything in motion also sets the tone for a super fun and flirty time—until this book hits you hard with all the heartfelt family drama.

Big Stick Energy was such a great blend of emotional but also cheeky—which also describes Darcy and Eric's relationship perfectly. The added risk and tension of their fake dating only made their heart-to-heart, honest talks feel more real. And before they ever have their first kiss, I was already giddy over their interactions and rooting for both of them so hard. Both of their family members are despicable, flawed, but also incredibly human. And watching the two of them navigate these tricky personal situations while confiding in, leaning on, and supporting each other made me believe in their connection wholeheartedly.

They both kind of fall into the fake dating—and it's also another classic case of both of them using it to cover up what they really want: to date, for real. When all of it starts to crumble and their weekend away ends, I loved seeing Eric put in the work to be with Darcy. He is a Good Man, Savannah! I wrote in one of my updates that even though I love my MMCs a little mean and kind of shitty at first that does not mean I don't appreciate a competent, thoughtful, and communicative man (I am a woman of duality!!) and that is where Eric squarely falls. He's the captain; he's the guy who always has it together. Until he doesn't. And when he doesn't, Darcy is the one he reaches for.

And Darcy—brilliant, independent, hard-working, and a girl after my own heart because she's a huge fan of mini foods. She was so fun, but she was also so brave. And seeing her constantly doing her best to be there for Eric in his moments of vulnerability made me adore her more. I wish she would have communicated with him a bit more towards the end of the book, especially post-amazing wedding weekend, but I can always, always respect and relate to a girl with trust issues, and seeing them work past that together was so sweet and satisfying.

I will be adding this one to my list of fake dating recommendations (never can have enough of those!), because it has everything that the perfect fake dating book requires: heaps of tension, simmering feelings, and just a dash of hilarity and drama.

﹙ three-point-five stars ﹚

— thank you to forever for the e-arc via netgalley to review!

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book releasing in June 2026.

I could not put this down, the way this author writes just has such an ease to it. You get drawn in and don’t wanna leave. The tension, the chemistry, the banter - all great.

This book is the 2nd in the series of interconnected hockey romance standalones - this is about Darcy and Eric. Eric is the captain, the dependable, if not predictable one. He runs the team on and off the ice, but also takes responsibility for his family and their problems as well. Darcy is the outcast of her complicated family. Working as the assistant to the GM she spends a lot of time with the team and she makes sure everything is organized and running smoothly. Darcy and Eric usually keep their distance, because Darcy is prickly towards Eric - little does he know, it’s because she’s got a little crush on him. But one little mistaken click - and Darcy accidentally slides into his DMs revealing all her spicy thoughts on the man. Thus begins Eric’s awakening to noticing Darcy. Add in a lot of family drama, a wedding and a fake dating plot and it’s a love story and a mess all in one.

[Katie’s Bookshelf]

4⭐️
I have always enjoyed Sarina Bowen's hockey stories and this was no exception! Book two in the New York Legends series has Darcy and Eric getting their happily ever after, which was hinted at in book one. Our story starts off at the end of hockey season when Darcy accidentally sends Eric a naughty text about him, meant for her friend Zoe. The two begin talking and quickly discover that they're headed to the same wedding that summer- they decide to go as each others dates as buffers for their respective families.

This has a slight fake-dating trope, but it's also sort of not fake? They're dates for the wedding and then say that they're together but are very vague on timelines and how serious they are.

The chemistry between Darcy and Eric was fine- they had some really good conversations about their childhoods and goals in life, but I still felt like they could have connected on a deeper level. They got along and were good together but I never really felt like their feelings for each other were very strong. I think it would have helped if we actually got to see them together as a couple more- the book spends so long with Darcy pushing Eric away because she can't believe he would 'settle' for someone like her. I'm a sucker for the quiet, domestic moments and we never really got any.

The whole wedding week was full of their terrible and toxic family members and it was never really resolved? Like all this buildup and we got off handed remarks about the resolutions and lack thereof.

Also, the nickname here was so cringey I died a little every time Darcy said it. She- with full seriousness and MULTIPLE times, called Eric "E-Train". God-awful.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Big Stick Energy! I’m always a sucker for a fake dating trope, and this one totally delivered. The characters were easy to root for, even when they were being a little stubborn. It’s definitely a little cheesy at times, but the banter and chemistry between Darcy and Eric made it impossible not to have fun with it. If you’re looking for a light, swoony, and entertaining romance, this one’s for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for the opportunity to read and review this eARC early!

[Courtney]

I'm so looking forward to this book after having just finished reading Zoe and Chase's story!

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy + Eric

We all remember team captain Eric and GM assistant Darcy.
Darcy has had a bit of a crush on Eric for years.
But Eric thinks that she kinda hates him - him! He, who is so nice and kind to everyone.
When a super sexy text accidentally lands in his inbox instead of Zoe's - it's on! Eric can't stop thinking about Darcy. About her thinking of him that way.
When they're both - separately - invited to a wedding near their home town ...they decide to go together.
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN...

══════════════════




That was so adorable!
Eric is this super hot golden retriever hockey captain - we can't fault Darcy for having a thing for him. Same, girl!
The season's over and now they have time to get to know each other as fake dating wedding guests. But the more time they spend together, the more real it gets.
But we also have lots of complicated family and work problems. So it won't be easy for our darlings.

I really enjoyed reading this. We don't get too much over the top drama and silly immature stuff.
This was a sweet and sparky and funny and just adorable hockey romance without too much hockey in it - loved that!

I also loved all the adorable cameos. Can't wait to read DeLuca's book next!

BIG STICK ENERGY was such a cute romance! Sparky, Funny, Sexy, Adorable...
I loved reading it! Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Eric!

If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


💜 💜

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg, Sarina has done it yet again!!! Thank you so so much to the publisher for inviting me to read and review this one early!
Now, I do have to start by saying that I did knock down one star for the third act break up, followed by months of Darcy and Eric moping around being sad because they can't talk like adults and figure out how to be together. And why did it have to take them Soo long to work through all of that??! This is my only negative note about this book. Otherwise, absolute BANGER.
I love Darcy.. she's a total badass who knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to step on some toes occasionally to stand up for herself and others. She's a BOSS. and Eric?? Man, he had it baddddd for her, and I was so here for it! I think that deep down, they both had always wanted each other, but they wouldn't let themselves get caught up in that fantasy, at least until the wedding when they pretended to be in a relationship. I knewww that would end in hurt feelings for both of them, especially with Darcy thinking that Eric doesn't do relationships and that he was just having fun with her for a while. But really? Eric was falling for her from the first kiss.
I adore Eric. He's always there for everyone else, and always puts everyone on the team and in his family before himself. But he realizes that he also needs to do something for himself, something that makes him happy. And that is being with Darcy. Once he got his head out of his ass and talked to Darcy, it all worked out!
To think this all started with a compromise to avoid each other's family drama.
Also, I HATE TESSA. she is the most obnoxious, self centered, rude person I have ever read about. And I was Soo happy when Darcy went off on her for the jet ski incident!! She totally deserved that.
Overall, this book was absolutely incredible and I cannot wait for DeLuca's book!!!

[Eden · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded down

While Big Stick Energy is classified as a sports romance, the "sports" are few and far between. The story also relies too heavily on the reader knowing the characters from book 1: specifically, the FMC. There was a lot about her character that I was supposed to remember from the first book, and I think that did her and her story a disservice.

What did I like? The setup of why these two were attending the wedding together was great. I also really enjoyed both of their family's backstories. They were unique and heartwrenching and a great addition to a romance story. However, the backstories did start to overshadow the romance, so this didn't feel like a romance story anymore.

What did I dislike? What I listed above about the "sports" romance and the characterization of the FMC is sparse. I also don't like it when the villain is another woman who is "jealous" of the FMC. I wish the dynamic between the FMC and the "villain" had a more satisfactory ending, because I think there was potential for growth there. Now... let's talk about the romance. Initially, I liked it. But it moved too fast. The author would start a romantic scene, and then jump to it being over and the characters remembering it... like bro... what am I reading this for?! There was no tension, and everything was predictable. I did skim the last 20% of the book because I was so bored with it.

And... yeah. That's it. I really, really enjoyed book 1, but book 2 lost me, and I'm not interested in the MC for book 3. Another sports romance series bites the dust.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna DiCiurcio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I devoured this book, it was SO good! I really enjoyed Thrown for a Loop, but I LOVED this one! Eric Tremaine is on of the best MMCs I have read in a long time. This book has fake dating and it’s a workplace romance. The spice was great I would give it 2.5-3 out of 5 and it was written really well.

This book follows Darcy, the assistant to the GM of New York’s professional hockey team and Eric, who is the captain of the team. She accidentally slides into his DM explaining the dirty things she wants to do to him and mentions bringing him as a date to her half-brother’s wedding. He talks to her about it and reveals he is also invited to that wedding.

They decide to go to the wedding shower as dates and end up in a fake relationship. All the while, they are both trying to navigate trauma with their own families. Eric is one of the best MMCs I have read in a long time. He pays attention and shows his love in quiet ways. Darcy had a traumatic childhood and struggles with communicating her feelings with Eric (which I usually hate) but it was easy to understand where she was coming from I think.

I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to read the next one! Thank you so much to NetGalley, Forever, and Sarina Bowen for letting me read the ARC for this book

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This can be read as a standalone. Darcy Kendrick is the administrative assistant to the owner of a hockey team. She has a crush on the hockey captain, Eric Tremaine. She accidentally sends him an Instagram message (originally intended for her best friend) that talks about how handsome she finds him and what she wants to do to him. Darcy knows that her reputation at her job will take a hit if she starts a relationship with a player. When Eric and Darcy realize that they have to go to the same wedding, Eric suggests that they pretend to fake date to make the weekend go more smoothly. (The bride is the ex-fiancée of Eric's dead brother, and the groom is Darcy's somewhat estranged half-brother.) The chemistry between Eric and Darcy was great. I thought both characters were likable, but I was distracted with Darcy's toxic family. Her half-sister is horrible. I felt like this book built up the sexual tension, but then it fell flat. I still plan on reading the next book in the series.

Too much dysfunctional families, but I loved Darcy and Eric together. Eric's mom is struggling to cope and grieve for her eldest son who died in his early 20s. His ex-fiancée is getting married and Eric's mom sneaks in photos of her dead son to the wedding???????? Unhinged behavior . Meanwhile, Darcy learns that her mom never told her about the trust fund she has from her dad's child support payments. Darcy's parents are divorced (her dad had a second family while he was married to Darcy's mom). Also, her dad is a trash human who doesn't treat her as kindly as his other kids.

Spice rating: 3.5 out of 5 🔥 (Barely any spice?? Disappointed.)

Content: sex, toxic family, gaslighting, death of a child, depression, cheating

[Ashley W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so when this one popped up, I immediately moved it to the top of my reading list.

Darcy is the admin for the owner of the hockey team and Eric is the team captain. When they realize they’re both attending the same wedding, they decide that fake dating is the easiest way to deal with complicated family situations.

Darcy and Eric are very relatable. They both have complicated family lives and take a lot on in order to keep the peace. Darcy is it always on call for her boss, while trying to finish college. Eric always puts his teammates and his mom first. With the help of each other, they realize it’s OK to tell their families how they feel. Zoe and Chase, from the first book, make an appearance and I enjoyed the interaction between Darcy and her best friend Zoe.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Breanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect lighthearted romp to cleanse the palate. After enjoying her domestic thrillers, I decided to finally try out Bowen’s romance, and I will definitely be reading more. BSE struck a good balance between external plot and relationship focus. There were family issues, but it never veered into dramatics or heaviness. The relationship developed at a good pace - you got to see them actually get to know each other rather than purely lusting. If hockey men were actually like Eric, what a wonderful world it would be. 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Mai | mai.readingnook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating+sports romance? Say less. When I read the description+author on NetGalley, I couldn't hit Read It fast enough! Thank you so much for the ARC, Forever.

I have been reading Sarina Bowen's books for yeaaars. Even though I haven't read them all, I feel like I've read a good chunk of them to know I can expect a good time.

I enjoyed the premise and how the fake dating came about. I felt our MCs had great chemistry, in and out of the bedroom. Oh! And I absolutely adored that we got to see a familiar friend from one of the older series 🥹

Overall, an enjoyable read! Pick this up if you're looking for something fun. 🙂

[Nicole Allbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the whole book from start to finish! This book hit the spot like the most perfect comfort food. Who doesn’t love a “text sent to the wrong person” trope?!

FMC Darcy accidentally sent a spicy text to her crush, when it was intended for her best friend. MMC Eric receives the text in the best way possible - he has feelings for Darcy, too. Neither are willing to fess up to their feelings and admit the text was true, rather than a joke. But Darcy & Eric have to go to the same wedding shower and wedding due to mutual family connections, and decide to be each other’s dates. But Eric slips up and says Darcy is his girlfriend, and now she has to play along. Alongside both family’s dramas, the two navigate the events with little mayhem, but lots of spice!

I read this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. I can’t wait for the audiobook to come out!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy & Eric
Hockey Romance
Workplace
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
Accidental DM
Slow Burn

I really enjoyed this one!!

Darcy accidentally sends a DM to the hockey team captain, of her NSFW fantasy 🤭🤭🤭

These two are so good for each other! They have amazing chemistry and great banter!

I loved it!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read! It included some of my favorite tropes (fake dating, only one room) and the characters and story were great. I quickly got sucked into the family drama of it all and couldn’t put it down. If you enjoy a good sports/hockey romance, you won’t want to miss this one.

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy.

Pub date: June 30, 2026

[charisse ♡]

thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review but unfortunately, i will NOT be reading this book.

anyways you can read my reasoning in my "will not read" review for book 1: thrown for a loop

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was so excited for darcy & eric's story after seeing glimpses of them in the first book of the series and this book did not disappoint! i finished this read in one day, i could not put it down 🤭 this story felt so real and i think that's why you get hooked from the start. darcy & eric are real people with real problems and watching them fall in love was beautiful. life is messy but it can also be incredible.

hockey romance ✔️
fake dating ✔️
dual pov ✔️

also let's all pull a darcy and send our crush a risky dm 🤪

thank you to netgalley for the arc!!

[ashlin.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the first book in this series and I was so excited to see this one and requested it immediately!

Darcy and Eric were the cutest together and it was so fun seeing them skirt around each other for so long when they obviously had a thing for each other. But Darcy accidentally DMing him what she wants to do to him had me giggling so much. And him finding out it was her so quick was even better! When they realize they need to attend the same wedding together they decide to fake date for the sake of their families. Naturally with that bringing them in close quarters they can't deny their attractions, even if it seems forbidden because she's the team admin and he's the team's captain. These two together were so heartwarming with how they helped each other through their family's drama and how Eric took care of her regarding the team and her boss. Overall, even though this had some emotional moments, this was a very entertaining and somewhat lighthearted read.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book we and Darcy deserve!!! After falling in love with her as the ultimate bestie in Thrown for a Loop, I was so excited for her book and Sarina delivered.

Darcy is THE admin keeping the New York hockey team afloat. From managing a nightmare of a boss to the needs of each member of the team and staff, she is basically the glue holding the whole franchise together. So who can blame her for spending her minimal free time day dreaming about the team captain, Eric. Until one day when she accidentally DMs her dirtiest thoughts directly to him instead of her bestie. Inspired by her message, Eric suggests that they attend a wedding that they are both attending as a pretend couple.

The only reason that I didn't devour this in one sitting is because I desperately needed sleep. I already loved Darcy from the first book but learning more about her story made me adore her even more. Her relationship with Zoe is lovely, and her friendships with all the team and staff are so heartwarming. Eric and her chemistry is off the charts and their banter is perfect. Their arc from fake dating to real dating was addictive.

I can't wait for more stories from this universe of characters.

CW: emotional abuse

Thank you to the author and publisher for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Tania Gregoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

I love Sarina Bowen, and this is other great hockey romance from the author. Set in the same universe as Thrown for a Loop (although you don't have to read that one to pick this one us). Both main characters have difficult families, and they team up to fake date for a family wedding weekend. I love a fake date turned romance! Really enjoyed it.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

With thanks to Hachette/NetGalley for the ARC

[Brooke Keefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen is the ideal hockey romance! I really enjoyed book 1, Thrown For a Loop, which was one for the first ARC's I ever read. I have to say though, Big Stick Energy raised the bar even higher! The chemistry between Darcy and Eric immediately hooked me.

After an accidental DM, Darcy, the GM's assistant and Eric, the hockey team's captain, discover they are both attending a wedding in their hometown. What starts off as a road trip partner quickly turns into a fake-dating, one bed situation. I loved their banter and felt like the characters were so well written. Eric is everything you want in a book boyfriend and Darcy is such a strong lead. This story navigates grief and loss while bringing two characters together through a mutual appreciation. The support and care Eric shows Darcy was so romantic.

I am truly hooked on the New York Legends series and can't wait to see what else Sarina Bowen has in store for the other players.

[Kelsey reviews•books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love most all hockey romance books and this one is no exception! I highly recommend to hockey romance lovers. This is book 2 in the New York Legends series, but I read as a standalone and thought it was great!

▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★.5 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
I read this as a gifted eARC from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This book comes out June 30, 2026.
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○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○

– About: Darcy accidentally slides into the DMs of the captain of the hockey team she’s the admin for…with an indecent fantasy that she meant to send to her best friend. Oops! But as fate would have it, the two of them are invited to the same wedding and decide that instead of dealing with their respective families alone, they would team up as fake dates to lessen the burden for each other. But when the lines of real and fake start blurring, and the wedding weekend ends, will they be able to go back to being just coworkers?
– FMC: Darcy Kendrick (aka “honey” or “baby”). Strong, red-headed hockey team admin who is also taking classes to get her degree. Has a very, very complicated family.
– MMC: Eric Tremaine. Blonde hockey captain with a heart of gold. Had never been interested in relationships but somehow always knows what Darcy wants.
– Location: Mostly NYC and Massachusetts
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: 2-3 open-door explicit and romantic spicy scenes
– Tropes: fake dating, workplace romance, golden retriever MMC, somewhat black-cat FMC (but not mean), light bondage, “just for the weekend”, she’s the team owner’s admin, he’s the hockey captain
– Content warning: complex family dynamics (FMC: divorced parents, half-siblings; MMC: grieving parents, dead brother), Atrial fibrillation and long QT (not in a MC)
– Representation: mental health (MC with panic attacks), MC with migraine auras

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↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12

Now Playing: Can’t Feel My Face by The Weeknd

╰┈➤ ❝I can’t feel my face when I’m with you, but I love it…❞

─────────────────────────

★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★

➼ Sports romances that are equal parts cute, funny, and emotional with a touch of spice and cheese, like The Deal by Elle Kennedy, First and Forever by Lynn Painter, and Mile High by Liz Tomforde
➼ Emotional backstories that don’t get TOO deep, but are deeper than surface level
➼ Messy, complex family dynamics

─────────────────────────

⍟»This or That«⍟

Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn———————✧————Slow Burn
Sweet————✧———————Spicy
Light/Fluffy——————✧—————Heavy/Emotional

─────────────────────────

🎯 My Thoughts:

I had never read anything by this author before, but I will be now! I’m a sucker for hockey romances, but this one took me by surprise. It was well balanced with the romance, the character building, and the conflict/resolution. You may have to suspend your disbelief a bit for this one, but no more than other similar genre sports romance books.

What really stole the show here was the dynamic and chemistry between Darcy and Eric. They really were so much alike but in a way that worked for them. I am sometimes on the fence with fake dating, but I liked how it was done here. It didn’t carry their relationship like it does in other books, but actually was just a catalyst for their relationship to advance. I even loved the conflict/resolution in this book, which sometimes frustrates me in other books. There was a little bit of him chasing her affections…which SWOON.

That said, if you’re looking for hockey-heavy books, this one may not meet your criteria. This had the perfect amount *for me* which means that it was a background character vs. the main focus. BUT it still had plenty of hockey and hockey-related content (I remember reading a sports romance book one time and I cannot even recall them actually playing sports… that is not the case here).

I also am a sucker for complex families and this one had TWO. My heart broke for Eric’s mom. As it did for Darcy with her own family issues. Added the needed depth to this story.

Would I Recommend?: 100% yes—if you love sports romance. And even if you don’t. 😉

•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and Sarina Bowen for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

NOTE: Goodreads does not offer partial stars. In the interest of fairness, I'm rounding this up to four-stars.

With the success of Heated Rivalry, hockey romances have showed up in droves on shelves this year, and Sarina Bowen's Big Stick Energy is a fun, flirty, perfect-for-the-offseason story filled with the magic (and drama!) of a summer wedding.

The story follows Darcy Kendrick, the much-beleaguered assistant to the general manager (GM) of the New York Legends hockey franchise. Darcy balances her demanding job with the difficult relationships within her blended family, particularly with her half-sister, Tessa, and her semi-estranged father, an executive at the prestigious Wayfair hotel group. When she receives an invitation to her brother Theo's wedding, she finds herself overcome with anxiety, tempted to skip the entire occasion. After a particularly stressful day, she finds herself scrolling Instagram when her eyes catch on the newest photo of Legends captain Eric Tremaine dressed to the nines in a perfectly-fitted tuxedo. She sends a joking DM to her best friend (and Legends skating coach) Zoe, detailing exactly how she'd put that brand-new bow tie to use with Eric. It's only when she finds Eric staring intensely at her at a team dinner that she realizes that she didn't send the DM to Zoe, she sent it to Eric.

Embarrassed, worried, exhausted, Darcy's sure she's going to have to give up her job with the team (and move to some remote island where they've never heard of hockey), except that look Eric gives her isn't anger, it's interest. And suddenly, the secret attraction she's harbored for years doesn't seem quite so one-sided anymore. It's only compounded when she learns that Eric will also be attending Theo's wedding, and has family issues of his own to navigate. As the two spend a memorable weekend at "The Wedding Experience," what started as an ember of desire threatens to ignite into flames, and both of them may risk getting burned.

What I loved about this book:

--The pacing. This was a fast, fun, flirty read that caught me up from the very first page. It's told in dual POV, so we get to learn little secrets from each of the two main characters as they find themselves caught in a fake-dating conundrum that threatens to be all-too-real. We get to experience some of the hockey season (the story begins during the playoffs), but the majority of the novel takes place during the offseason, meaning we get to travel along with Darcy and Eric as they go to the wedding, training camp, and other team obligations that aren't quite as so regimented as a standard hockey season.

--The family dynamics. Both Darcy and Eric have difficult family dynamics, from Eric's grief-stricken mother to Darcy's spoiled and abrasive half-sister. Each of them recognize the pain and frustration the other has experienced, and not only does it trauma-bond them immediately, but it also lets them show up for each other in a way that someone who hadn't experienced that kind of family life would. Despite the banter (which I loved), there's also tenderness and vulnerability in the way they care for each other, strengthening their bond.

--The lighthearted, flirty banter. Sometimes I want to read works with heavy angst, elaborate worlds, and intricate plotting. Sometimes I just want to be swept away as two people explore their initial connection and watch that connection grow. Big Stick Energy had the latter in spades. Though there is definitely some angst and miscommunication, and I still found myself smiling all the time as the story progressed, from down-bad Eric to flustered and blushing Darcy. The first kiss, under the moonlight in a quiet secluded setting, was deliciously done.

I think you'll enjoy this book if you're looking for a breezy summer read that screams "off-season" and new possibilities. If you're a fan of hockey romances, fake dating, and "he falls first," this will be right up your alley. It's the second in a series, but it works perfectly as a standalone. I'll be looking for the next installment when it's released in 2027.

[Just Blue Through Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to Forever Grand Central Publishing for the ARC of the Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen.

I really liked this book! And it's a great continuation of the trilogy, and the continuing expansion of Sarina Bowen's domination of hockey romance novels across the genre. (For those Heated Rivalry fans out there -- Bowen's Him and Us came out a few years earlier and are the OG, not to mention her wealth of other hockey romance novels).

Darcy, Zoe's coworker and close friend from the first book, is the admin for the team and handles all the travel logistics and the team owner's needs. Anxious about her half-brother's upcoming wedding she jokingly sends a comment on a new photo of team captain, Eric Tremaine, to Zoe about him being her date. Unwittingly, she actually has dm-ed Eric. Turns out, Eric grew up only a few towns away from Darcy, and he is actually going to the same wedding as family of the bride. The two opt to fake date through the wedding to deal with both of their family issues - but when the wedding is over, what happens next?

Now, while Darcy and Eric's family issues have been maximized to be the most dramatic/traumatic, what was comforting and relatable to me was the way these family issues weren't meant to be solved. Darcy's advice that you can't change them, you can only change how you engage with it is exactly the kind of advice I think a lot of people in their 20s/30s need to gain in dealing with their families and growing their own lives away from previous trauma. It can matter for little things and big scale life things, and it can allow for love to be there while still protecting yourself. Darcy and Eric both have reasons to be completely incapable of maintaining a healthy relationship, but Bowen doesn't let their family drama focus around that - instead she turns it into how you can be a resilient person who believes in love even if you've seen the ways love can horribly transform people you're supposed to care about. I was glad Bowen took the story this way. The drama feels contained mainly around their family issues, I was glad that Bowen wrote Darcy and Eric to be confident and capable in spite of their hardships and with the ability to be kind given the losses in their upbringings. I also liked that it was Eric who is more of the pushover and who falls first -- Darcy is such a strong character and I appreciate the boundaries she put in place for Eric as the story developed. She's someone who knows her worth and Eric had to learn his worth too.

I also appreciated that this book took place over about five months, and Darcy and Eric had long been crushing on each other, so there is a nice slow-burn aspect to it. I also liked the realistic ways both their friends call them out when the inevitable third-act-issues occur. For the parts that are maximized for drama with family, there are a lot of other parts, like Darcy's exchanges with the team owner or Eric's office hours or the players text exchanges that offered just the right amount of random levity to the overall story.

[Demi Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Tropes: dual POV, hockey romance, fake dating, work place romance, forced proximity, only one bed, grumpy sunshine, accidental DM, golden retriever MMC

“He can tie my hands to the bedpost with his new bow tie. That’s what I’d written in my DM. It had been a joke, but only sort of. I mean—it’s a top-tier fantasy of mine. Fantasies, though—they usually don’t come true.”

You know how you message your bestie the most unhinged messages?! Now imagine you accidentally sent that to the man you’ve had a crush on for the longest time, the same man who’s the hockey captain of the hockey team you work for!! Darcy was mortified and hoped Eric wouldn’t be able to figure out she was the one who sent it - but in true romcom fashion she was obviously not lucky enough. Now Eric not only brought it up but also proposed they go as each other’s date to a wedding they were both dreading having to go to. Easy enough right?!

“This wasn’t supposed to happen. We work together. There will be consequences. But God help me, I want it. I want this wild, unscripted thing that’s happening between us.”

The chemistry?! Was off the charts 😍🥵 Darcy and Eric had the best banter, and the way they connected was everything! And the spice?! 🥵 let’s just say Darcy’s fantasies were met and exceeded.

“If I do anything you don’t like, just holler. I can be...a lot.” She looks me dead in the eyes. “I’m counting on that, Captain. If we’re doing this reckless thing, let’s do it right.”

They both signed up to help each other out to make it through not only a wedding but a “wedding experience” an overwhelmingly pretentious wedding neither of them wanted to attend. They didn’t expect what came next and it was EVERYTHING!

“You should know that you’re at the top of my list. Honestly, you’re the only thing on the list…. if you change your mind, I’m here to try for more, maybe for the first time in my life. I’ve avoided entanglements for years. But all I want now is to be entangled with you.”

Like are you kidding me?! The way Eric was ready to go all in with Darcy when he was known to never date made this even better!! He was seriously swoon worthy in every way 😍

This is the second book in interconnected standalone series the New York Legends and I loved this so much more than the first one! I’m obsessed with the characters, the banter, the team; literally everything about this! Cannot recommend this series enough, and I can’t wait for the next one 😍

Ranking this far:
1. Big Stick Energy
2. Thrown for a Loop

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for an eARC in exchange for and honest review.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

She slipped into his DMs accidentally, but it opened the door to possibilities.

Eric and Darcy have a professional relationship, but after discovering they will both be attending the same wedding, they decide to be each other's plus-one for all the "Wedding Experience". Facing family drama is a little easier with a partner, even a fake one.

I will never say "no" to a Sarina Bowen romance because I know it will be smart and funny with just the right amount of drama and emotion. I was already a HUGE fan of this world after reading Thrown For a Loop . I was giddy to be back with the Legends, but even more excited to get to know Eric better.

O Captain! My Captain! Eric was a total giver. He took his role as captain very seriously and was always providing support to his teammate...at all times. He was the same way with his loved ones, and it was starting to take its toll. I was glad that Darcy helped him find a quiet place and learn to set boundaries for the sake of his mental health. Regardless of all his inner turmoil, Eric was always a shining star, and I loved seeing him realize he wanted more for himself because I wanted more for him and that more was Darcy.

Darcy lived quite the family drama, and being at her half-brother's wedding just amplified those "outsider" feelings. My heart ached for her, but there were also many surprises revealed during The Wedding Experience which pleased me. I felt so much better knowing Eric was there for her, to support and stand up for her. Darcy was independent and capable, but it's always good to know someone is in your corner.

All the wedding festivities provided a fun backdrop as the romance unfolded. From the dance off to the maze race, there were many hilarious moments and lots of tiny food to delight me. [Bowen really had me thinking about tiny food, and I think she's right about it being better than full-sized.] And, I loved the way the team was incorporated into the story. There were some great bromantic scenes which made me smile as well as group texts that always made me laugh.

Overall: My second outing with the NY Legends was outstanding! I laughed so much and cheered for Darcy and Eric on the way to their HEA.

*ARC provided by publisher

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