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Five for Fighting

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He promised to protect her. He never expected to want her.

When star hockey captain Beckham Harrington’s best friend asks him to watch out for his little sister at BU, he agrees without a second thought. But the girl he can’t stop thinking about—the one who sparks something in him he’s never felt before—turns out to be the one person he’s sworn to stay away Lennon Thatcher.

Lennon’s always had a soft spot for Beckham. His swagger. His fire. The way he sees right through her walls. But to him, she’s always been off-limits—until one night changes everything.

Now Beckham’s torn between loyalty and desire, fighting a battle he’s not sure he can win. Because the more time he spends with Lennon, the harder it gets to walk away.

Bro code says she’s forbidden. His heart says she’s the only one.

Content
This book is intended for adult readers (18+) and contains explicit sexual content, mature language, and adult themes. Please read responsibly. This is not a clean or closed-door romance.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2025

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Gracie Monroe

14 books34 followers

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5 stars
35 (72%)
4 stars
12 (25%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Arianna Holmstrom.
Author 9 books22 followers
January 20, 2026
Spicy Hockey Romance!

Beckham friend Cole asks him to look after his little sister Lennon. Beckham and Lennon have a very spicy connection and they have to keep it from Cole. I was not able to put the book down because it was soo good!
Profile Image for Julie Grayson.
Author 43 books16 followers
January 8, 2026
Fast-Paced, Wholly Addictive, and Worthy of Your Love and Affection

Grab your hockey helmet and get ready for a rush down the Ice—Gracie Monroe’s Five for Fighting (For You) is a fast-paced, completely addictive romance that you’ll race through like a breakaway goal!

From the opening chapter, the spark between Beckham, the loyal hockey star, and Lennon, his best friend’s fiercely independent sister, is electric. Told through clever alternating first-person perspectives, readers are let in on every delicious secret thought and smoldering glance long before they are. It’s delightfully tense, dramatically satisfying, impossible to put down—I read it in one sitting!

What truly sets this story apart is its emotional authenticity. Beckham and Lennon’s chemistry builds with perfect pacing, blending heartfelt connection, simmering tension, and plenty of steam against an energetic hockey backdrop that never overshadows the romance.

With snappy chapters and smooth, emotionally resonant writing, the story moves at full speed. My only wish was for a touch more depth in the final emotional beats—but that’s a minor note in what is otherwise a wildly satisfying and engaging read.

If you love hockey romance stories, this will be your next favorite book. Don’t skip it—Five for Fighting (For You) is a total win!
Profile Image for Jac Winters.
Author 5 books6 followers
February 25, 2026
As a die-hard hockey fan with 50 years of loyalty to the Edmonton Oilers—Mark Messier was my childhood hero, the heart and soul of those dynasty years—I don't often stray into contemporary sports romances.

But Five for Fighting (for You) by Gracie Monroe pulled me in despite the generational shift toward Millennials and Gen Z. Since I've started publishing my own books, I've committed to exploring beyond my usual gritty reads, and this one was a rewarding detour.

What hooked me right away was the author's talent for simple, sexy, page-turning dialogue that keeps the story skating forward effortlessly. The dynamic between Lennon and Beckham feels authentic and charged, with Monroe's methodical storytelling leaving no gaps—every beat of tension, vulnerability, and growth is carefully placed. It's a romance that dives into the perils of love while landing on a reassuring, heartfelt resolution.

The book's imaginative leap into the hockey world, including the speculative idea of women breaking through to the NHL level—such as the possibility of female players being drafted—adds a bold, aspirational layer.

Yes, that's exactly what the story suggests through its "what if" exploration of gender barriers in professional hockey. As a lifelong fan who's watched the sport evolve, I love the dream it represents: pushing boundaries and imagination.

In reality, though, it's a massive challenge due to the brutality of the sport and physical demands. —opening that door would mean addressing physical, structural issues for everyone involved, and the NHL remains deeply male-dominated for good reasons tied to the game's demands.

Though not the core message -----the optimism is refreshing and fits the hopeful spirit of romance, making the story feel forward-thinking without losing its emotional center.

Overall, it's a steamy, well-orchestrated college hockey romance with strong characters, genuine heat, and just enough fantasy to make you root for the impossible. If you're a hockey purist like me who can appreciate a fresh take on the ice, or simply want a fun, addictive read, give it a shot. Glad I stepped out of my Oilers-blue and orange comfort zone—this one's a winner.

That’s Hockey Baby!
Profile Image for Sonia Rompoti.
175 reviews11 followers
November 25, 2025
Fast-paced, addictive, and seriously steamy

This is the type of book that grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t let up. The chapters are short, which makes it incredibly easy to fly through... you know how “just one more” turns into finishing half the book before you even notice. The dual POV is a huge win, because getting inside both Beckham and Lennon’s heads raises the emotional stakes and makes their chemistry impossible to ignore.

Speaking of chemistry… the heat starts early. This isn’t one of those romances where you wait until the 70% mark for things to finally happen. The attraction crackles right from the start, and the spicy scenes kick in before the storyline fully builds, but instead of feeling rushed, it actually raises the tension between loyalty, desire, and the consequences waiting to crash down on them.

Beckham’s internal struggle between protecting his best friend’s sister and wanting her anyway is done so well, and Lennon stepping out of that “off-limits little sister” box is deeply satisfying. Their dynamic is messy, magnetic, and impossible not to root for.

If you want:
• short, bingeable chapters
• dual POV done right
• early spice with emotional payoff to match
• a protective hockey hero and a heroine who owns her power

…then this book absolutely delivers. I devoured it in a day! Gracie Monroe just landed on my must-read list.
Profile Image for Dahlia Hart.
Author 5 books6 followers
January 8, 2026
I’ll be honest: I had to get past the premise at first. Two consenting adults is perfectly fine, but it’s still a problem to date your friend’s sister—especially when he asks you to look out for her, not hook up with her. On top of that, it was tough for me to get around the “young adult/teenage infatuation” vibe, where she’s been crushing on an older guy who remembers her as a kid. That dynamic made parts of the beginning feel uncomfortable.
Once I got over that hurdle, though, I ended up enjoying the ride. The story is fun and messy in a way that actually resembles how love can happen in real life—impulsive, emotionally charged, and not always convenient or socially tidy. By the end, it reminded me a lot of young love: fast-moving relationships, big feelings, and choices driven more by passion than long-term partnership logic.
If you want a romance that leans into heat, drama, and that “we shouldn’t, but we will” tension—and you’re okay with a setup that may take a minute to warm up to—this one delivers.
Profile Image for Olivia Troy.
Author 1 book16 followers
November 25, 2025
love it

Five for Fighting (for You) is the kind of emotional romance that grabs you by the heart in the very first chapter and refuses to let go. Gracie Monroe delivers a story that feels intimate, raw, and beautifully human. The chemistry between the characters is electric, but what really makes this book shine is the depth—the vulnerability, the tough choices, the moments where love feels both like a battlefield and a lifeline.

The pacing is perfect, the dialogue hits all the right notes, and the emotional payoff is everything I hoped for. I found myself rooting for the characters through every twist, setback, and stolen moment. Monroe knows exactly how to make you feel invested, connected, and completely swept away.

If you love romance with heart, heat, and characters who linger in your mind long after the last page, this book is an absolute must-read. I devoured it and already want more.
Profile Image for Unscripted Chic.
Author 9 books23 followers
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story. Beckham and Lennon’s chemistry was off the charts — the whole best friend’s sister angle made it even more addictive. I liked how Beckham tried to do the right thing but couldn’t fight his feelings forever. Lennon was strong and witty, and easy to root for — not your typical damsel at all. I like the emotional mix of loyalty, love, and temptation in this book. Overall, it was a good read.
Profile Image for Ali zabala.
Author 67 books5 followers
Read
November 22, 2025
I don't usually like romance novels, but the cover of this one caught my eye, so I decided to read it to see how good it was, and I was truly blown away by its brilliance.
Five for Fighting (for You) offers a captivating blend of romance, emotional tension, and inner conflict that keeps the reader hooked until the very last page. With a smooth and immersive style, Gracie Monroe tells the story of a forbidden love affair between hockey legend Beckham Harrington and the girl who has always been off-limits to him—Lennon Thatcher, the sister of his best friend. The story not only relies on the intense chemistry between the two characters but also constructs a realistic human conflict: between loyalty to friendship and a deep, undeniable desire. The character development is clear and compelling, and the transition from suppressed admiration to blazing attraction is presented with intelligence and enjoyment.
I give this novel 5 yellow stars.
Profile Image for Stefanie DiDominzio.
Author 6 books17 followers
January 5, 2026
Sweet college love story

Friends to lovers on another level. This was another hockey romance with a long power struggle before these two MCs finally stop fighting the urge that you see from chapter 1. The back and forth dual perspective gives you the dramatic irony of knowing what each is thinking before they really know what the othet is thinking.
A page turned that I consumed in only a few hours! Don't let this one slide by.
31 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2025
Love, Loyalty, and Temptation on the Ice

This cute story by Gracie Manroe follows a hockey heartthrob who unexpectedly falls in love with Lennon, a girl he is supposed to protect as her guardian angel. What makes the book unusual is that the story is narrated equally from both perspectives, allowing readers to experience the conflicting emotions of both main characters. It is a story of possessiveness, twisted emotions, passion, and seduction, which makes it especially attractive to young readers.
141 reviews8 followers
July 21, 2026
Five for Fighting (for You) was a fun and addictive hockey romance with plenty of chemistry and emotional tension. Beckham and Lennon’s push-and-pull dynamic kept me turning the pages, and I enjoyed watching them struggle between loyalty, expectations, and what they truly wanted.

The short chapters and engaging writing made this an easy book to get lost in, while the mix of romance, sports, and forbidden attraction gave the story plenty of energy. Lennon was a great character with her own personality and goals, and the connection between her and Beckham felt intense and complicated in the best way.
Profile Image for Elise Freund.
55 reviews32 followers
December 6, 2025
Beckham is written with a lot of heart. He’s confident on the ice, but vulnerable and thoughtful when it comes to Lennon. And Lennon is strong, warm, and easy to root for. Watching both of them struggle between loyalty, desire, and doing what's right made the story feel authentic. The conflict wasn’t just drama for drama’s sake; it felt grounded and believable.

The author does a great job showing how messy and beautiful it can be when two people are drawn to each other even when the world says they shouldn’t be. Their journey from boundaries, to tension, to acceptance was emotional, romantic, and honestly addictive.
Profile Image for Angela.
1,192 reviews56 followers
December 8, 2025
sweet romance

This is the second novel I’ve read by Ms. Monroe. This one is much shorter, but equally sweet. Lennon and Beckham’s chemistry is off the charts. This is a must read. I highly recommend.
28 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2025
Five for Fighting (For You) by Gracie Monroe is everything a sports romance should be—and more. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the tension, the heart, and the slow-burn chemistry between Beckham and Lennon.

Gracie Monroe delivers a story packed with real emotion, electric chemistry, and the perfect balance of heat and heart. Beckham is the kind of hero who steals your breath—protective, loyal, and maddeningly irresistible. Lennon is strong, brave, and beautifully layered, a heroine you can’t help but root for. Their connection feels raw, genuine, and deeply romantic.

Beyond the swoon-worthy love story, Monroe captures the gritty, adrenaline-filled world of college hockey with incredible authenticity. The friendships, the locker room banter, and the emotional stakes all make this story come alive.

By the end, I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to reread every page just to experience it again. If you love sports romance, protective heroes, and strong heroines who can hold their own, Five for Fighting (For You) deserves a top spot on your shelf.

Gracie Monroe is a name to remember in the world of steamy sports romance. I can’t wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Caroline avila.
Author 13 books1 follower
April 20, 2026
He Was Supposed to Protect Her… Not Fall for Her

This book delivers exactly what a forbidden, brother’s-best-friend romance should—tension, chemistry, and emotional stakes that keep you hooked from the start.

Beckham and Lennon’s dynamic is the heart of the story. The push-and-pull between loyalty and desire feels real, not forced, and Beckham’s internal conflict adds depth beyond the typical “bro code” trope. Lennon isn’t just the girl he’s not supposed to want—she has her own presence, and their connection builds in a way that makes their breaking point feel earned.

The pacing keeps things engaging, especially once that “one night” shifts everything. From there, the story leans into angst, longing, and undeniable attraction, making it hard to put down. If you’re a fan of protective heroes, emotional tension, and steamy payoff, this will hit all the right notes.

Definitely one for readers who enjoy college romance with high stakes, strong chemistry, and a touch of forbidden love.
Author 1 book
April 25, 2026
Great, quick, easy read and exactly what I needed.
It’s a feel good story for when you’re craving romance with quite a bit of spice and don’t want anything too heavy. The pacing kept me engaged and it was the kind of book I could easily get through in 1-2 sitting.

The only thing for me is that the ending felt a little rushed. I would have loved a bit more build up or drama before the resolution, just to sit a little longer with the characters and their story. But overall, it delivered exactly what I was looking for at the time.
29 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2025
Beckham and Lennon—just, wow. This book had me laughing, blushing, and even tearing up. The slow burn is perfect, and the tension between them is off the charts. It’s not just a sports romance; it’s a story about loyalty, love, and learning to trust again. Easily one of my favorite hockey romances ever.
31 reviews
October 27, 2025
Couldn’t put it down! Beckham and Lennon completely stole my heart. The chemistry, the banter, the emotion—it all felt so real. This story has the perfect mix of heat, heart, and hockey. I was hooked from start to finish and already want to reread it. A must-read for sports-romance fans!
Profile Image for Mindy Mather.
Author 34 books13 followers
March 5, 2026
I am going to be honest. I really do not understand why hockey romances are so wildly popular. The bro code drama, the campus athletes, the forbidden best friend’s sister trope, it all feels very familiar at this point. That said, while this book did not convert me into a hockey romance fan, I can admit that it was okay.
The core of the story, Beckham being asked to protect his best friend’s little sister Lennon and then catching feelings for her, is a classic setup. There is built in tension with the loyalty versus desire conflict, and the book leans heavily into that emotional tug of war. If you enjoy that kind of angst, it definitely delivers.
Lennon was probably my favorite part of the story. She is not just a helpless younger sister character. She has feelings, agency, and her own perspective on what is happening. I appreciated that the romance did not feel entirely one sided and that she was allowed to want Beckham just as much as he wanted her.
Beckham fits the typical star captain mold, confident, intense, protective. While he did not feel particularly groundbreaking to me, he was written well enough to make the emotional conflict believable. The chemistry between them was solid, and their shared moments had enough heat and vulnerability to keep the story moving.
For me, though, the hockey element and the bro code drama still feel overhyped. The sports setting adds atmosphere, but it does not elevate the romance in a way that makes me fully understand the obsession with this subgenre.
Overall, this was a decent read. It was not life changing, and it did not make me suddenly fall in love with hockey romances, but it was entertaining enough for what it was. Fans of the trope will likely enjoy it more than I did, especially if forbidden love and locker room tension are your thing.
Profile Image for Linda Sanchez.
Author 49 books51 followers
November 13, 2025
A Sweet and Fiery Forbidden Romance That Hits All the Right Notes

This story delivers the perfect mix of tension, longing, and heart. Beckham Harrington has all the intensity of a star hockey captain, but beneath that tough exterior is a loyalty that runs deep. When he promises to look out for his best friend’s little sister, he means it. What he does not expect is for Lennon Thatcher to be the one girl who shakes every bit of his resolve.

Lennon feels just as drawn to Beckham, and their connection has a natural spark that makes every moment between them feel charged. The author captures that forbidden pull so well. You feel Beckham’s struggle between honoring a promise and following what his heart keeps insisting is real. Lennon’s strength and vulnerability balance him in a way that makes their pairing feel both tender and electric.

The emotional push and pull keep the story engaging from the start, and the chemistry is undeniable without ever feeling forced. It is a romance that mixes sweetness with heat and loyalty with desire.

A heartfelt and addictive read, perfect for anyone who loves a forbidden love story with genuine emotion and a couple you cannot help rooting for.
117 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2026
"Five for Fighting (for You)" is a delightful and uplifting romance that completely won me over from the first page. Gracie Monroe has created characters that feel incredibly real, and their chemistry is both sweet and sizzling. The story follows a fun and engaging journey of love, second chances, and personal growth that is both relatable and refreshing.

What I loved most is how the book balances lighthearted, humorous moments with emotional depth. The banter between the characters made me smile, while the more intimate scenes touched my heart. The pacing is just right, and the writing style is smooth and easy to read. I also appreciated how the story didn’t rely on clichés but still delivered all the feel-good romance vibes I was hoping for.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy romantic comedies with substance—where characters grow, make mistakes, and find their way back to love. I’d especially recommend it to fans of clean romance or anyone looking for a story that makes you feel warm and happy inside.

Overall, it’s a well-written, joyful read with a strong message about love and trust. I gave it 5 stars because it truly deserves them!
Profile Image for Evie Rey.
Author 4 books17 followers
November 30, 2025
I was hooked from the very first page. I love forbidden romances, but this one stands out because the emotions feel so real. Beckham wants to do the right thing by looking out for his best friend’s little sister, but it’s obvious he’s falling for her, and that made me smile. Lennon is great too. She’s confident, sharp, and much more than just the “off-limits girl” people think she is. Their chemistry is amazing. This is the kind of book where you plan to read just one more chapter and suddenly you’re halfway through.

The short chapters and switching between both characters’ perspectives make it easy to keep reading. The romance gets intense early on, but it feels natural. The writing is smoother and more emotional than I expected for a sports romance, and it adds depth without slowing down the story.

If you like protective hockey heroes, stories about loyalty versus desire, or that “we shouldn’t, but we will” feeling, you’ll love this book. I finished it in a day and right away wanted to read more by Gracie Monroe.
Profile Image for H.S. Harding.
Author 3 books5 followers
March 25, 2026
Five for Fighting is a fun, fast-paced romance that delivers exactly what I was hoping for. It was quick, flirty, and entertaining. While it’s marketed as a hockey romance, the hockey element feels more like background flavor than a central part of the story. That said, I didn’t mind at all.
What I really enjoyed was the FMC, Lenny. She’s no pushover or lovestruck heroine who instantly falls at the MMC’s feet. She has real fire, resists her own feelings, and isn’t afraid to say no. This made her refreshing and easy to root for. Beck is charming as the typical cocky athlete, if a bit controlling, but Lenny’s strength keeps their dynamic interesting.
Like most romance novels, this one leans heavily into familiar tropes and clichés, but it does so with charm and energy. My only real complaint is that the main conflict, Lenny’s brother Cole finding out about his best friend dating his sister, felt underdeveloped. It was hinted at throughout, but the actual confrontation and resolution were rushed and crammed into the final few pages, which left me wanting more emotional payoff.

Profile Image for Kelly Miller.
Author 16 books446 followers
January 16, 2026
“Five for Fighting (for You)” by Gracie Monroe is a hockey romance in which a star hockey captain, Beck, agrees to watch out for his buddy’s kid sister, a female hockey player, who is starting school as a freshman. He agrees. Although the FMC is a 19-year-old virgin, this is not a sweet story, but a spicy one. (Trigger warning for controlling behaviour from the MMC.) Upon Beck’s first sight of Lennon, whom he does not recognize, his attraction to her is so strong that he introduces himself and propositions her in almost the same breath. Lennon is attracted to her brother’s friend that she used to follow like a puppy as a child. When she reveals who she is, Beck proceeds to tell everyone he knows that she is off limits. His behaviour is outrageous, but Lennon is torn, because she wants him. The author’s skilful writing elevates this contemporary new adult romance.
92 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book ('Five for Fighting') and flew through it faster than I expected. The forbidden romance angle works well, and the chemistry between Beckham and Lennon feels natural and emotional, not forced. I liked that Lennon isn’t just “the best friend’s sister” but her own strong person with clear feelings and agency. The hockey setting adds energy without taking over the story. The writing is smooth and easy to read, with short chapters that keep things moving. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that I wanted a bit more depth in some emotional moments, especially near the end. Still, it’s a fun, steamy romance with heart, tension, and characters you want to root for. Definitely worth reading if you like sports romance and forbidden love.
Profile Image for Sheila Fowler.
Author 54 books554 followers
November 12, 2025
Loved this story from the start. There is sexual tension, high sports action, and a forbidden romance that will have you rooting for both Beck and Lennon.
Beckham, the bad boy who could get any woman he wanted. Except his eyes locked on Lennon's even before he knew who she was. The last time he saw her she was a 14 year old skinny girl. Now, she's all grown up and way too hot for him.
The back and forth was fun between them. I really enjoyed the writing style that Gracie Monroe used in this book. The chapters are short, but pack a deep punch to them. The book is sexy and I can't wait to read more from Ms. Monroe!
Profile Image for Gail Fisher.
Author 2 books3 followers
December 4, 2025
I'm really enjoying this author and her hockey books! Now we have one set in Boston, where my hockey-addicted granddaughter lives - hoping to go to BU after she graduates from high school. So I was hooked! We have here a steamy relationship, both forbidden and little-sister-grows-up tropes, short and enticing chapters that kept me turning pages and reading "just one more chapter" instead of all the other things I should have been doing! I feel the reality of college life, the commitment to a regimen that a college athlete has to make, and the irresistible tug between Beck and Lennon that they can't deny. Recommended even if you don't love hockey!
Profile Image for Kahlani Steele.
Author 6 books42 followers
May 4, 2026
“Five for Fighting (For You)” by Gracie Monroe is an ice hockey sports romance between Beckham and Lennon. Lennon has always had a crush on Beckham (her older brother’s best friend). One night, Beckham propositions Lennon, not recognizing her as Cole's tagalong little sister. Spicy sex scenes are woven throughout the story, and their relationship quickly becomes serious. The only problem is that, because of the “bro code” and the promise he made to his friend, Beckham and Lennon decide to keep their relationship a secret. Monroe’s writing style is engaging, and the pacing is smooth. I recommend “Five for Fighting” to readers who love steamy romances.
Profile Image for Mehmet Çalışkan.
Author 15 books227 followers
November 10, 2025
Gracie Monroe’s Five for Fighting (For You) is a sports romance novel. At the center of the story are Boston University’s star hockey captain Beckham and his best friend’s sister Lennon. The book combines emotional depth, authentic character development, and the high-energy atmosphere of college hockey. Blending forbidden love, intense romantic tension, and elements of sexual attraction, this novel could appeal to adult readers who enjoy sports-themed stories with emotional and romantic suspense.
Profile Image for ReadingIsFun.
122 reviews16 followers
January 1, 2026
I love best-friend-falls-for-his-buddy's-little-sister stories.
The struggle between loyalty to his friend and his interest in Lennon felt real. The attraction between them felt real, too. Although I know nothing about hockey, I was interested in the couple and their dynamics.
Sizzling scenes sprinkled throughout made the story even more romantic for me.
Love the cover. Enjoyed the plot. The characters were really likable.
This is not the first book I read from this author and will not be the last. ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews