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Your Masked Valentine: A dark, stalker, hockey rom-com

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Professional matchmaker, Serena Rafferty, has dedicated her career to finding love for others, but this time, love—in the form of a six-foot-six pro hockey player—is finding her.

Bates Finnegan, leading forward for the Saint Paul Sinners, has been obsessed with his coach’s daughter since they first met last fall. Being a goody-two-shoes, she refuses his pursuits, so he takes a step back, ready to play the long game.

After months of running off her suitors, infiltrating every aspect of her life, and waiting for her favorite holiday to come around, he’s not holding back. When Serena discovers handmade valentines and presents at her door, she begins falling for her secret admirer, who’s stopping at nothing to gain her affection, including becoming the best secret-dog-dad to her mini dachshund, Freddie.

Soon, presents begin showing up inside her house, her chores magically complete, and her car somehow starts on cold, wintry mornings. Boundaries vanish completely as Serena and Bates get swept up in their intense dynamic.

Will Serena find the love she’s always dreamed of in the arms of a forbidden masked man hellbent on never letting her go?

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

81 people are currently reading
426 people want to read

About the author

Pru Schuyler

27 books485 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for De Rijdende Boekenwurm.
405 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 14, 2026
3,5 star

Thanks to House of Hearts for this eARC! Here is my honest review.

When Romance Starts Watching Back

This is one of those romances that quietly plays with the thin line between mystery and obsession. That underlying unease adds an extra layer to the story and makes it more engaging than a straightforward sports romance.

The anonymous admirer, hiding behind Valentine gestures and secrecy, creates a constant sense of being watched. It’s subtle and never fully crosses into dark territory, but it lingers in the background and gives the story its edge. Especially in the first half, that tension works well and keeps the pages turning.

The use of cameras fits neatly into this atmosphere. It isn’t an original concept, but it doesn’t need to be. Rather than feeling like a gimmick, it blends naturally into the narrative and strengthens the feeling that Serena’s private space isn’t entirely her own. The familiarity of this trope didn’t bother me; it helped ground the tension instead of distracting from it.

At the same time, the story leans heavily on familiar romance elements. Certain plot developments are easy to anticipate, and the emotional depth of the characters doesn’t always reach as far as it could have. Some moments hint at deeper internal conflict, but don’t fully explore it.

Still, the pacing is smooth and the writing accessible. The balance between romance and suspense keeps the story moving, even when the direction becomes clear. It’s a book that knows what it wants to be and delivers exactly that: an entertaining Valentine-themed romance with a slightly unsettling edge.

'Your Masked Valentine' may not reinvent the genre, but the playful stalker undertone and mysterious setup give it a distinct flavor. An enjoyable read that lingers just long enough after the final page.

secret admirer | stalker vibes | sports romance | hockey romance | Valentine’s Day setting | mystery romance | slow burn tension | masked identity | hidden admirer | obsession undertones | romantic suspense | protective love interest | forced proximity | he falls first
Profile Image for lucialeelibros.
446 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
I finished this book 24 hours after I started it. Could I have finished it sooner? Yes. But wow, what an exquisite thing I just read. This is one of the books with the biggest red flags I’ve seen in months. My dear Book Boyfriend Bates, thank you for being so incredibly morally unacceptable, because that’s exactly the kind of morality I love reading about.
I don’t even know where to start, because this book has it all. It has comedy, it has romance, because of course, it’s a romance book. It has all kinds of red flags, from stalker behavior to home intrusion. It has a very cute dog that you just want to hug and kiss all the time. It has letters, because obviously, what kind of lover doesn’t leave letters? And it also has the spiciest, craziest moments you can imagine. This book has spice, and when I say spice, I give it a 4.5 out of 5 without hesitation.

In conclusion, I loved this book. It’s spectacular. Their story unfolds in a way that’s both really funny and solid at the same time. If you read the synopsis, you get a sense of the theme, and when the problem finally shows up, it happens in the least chaotic way possible, and that’s exactly what I loved. At the end of the day, this is a book with all the hallmarks of Dark Romance. It’s dark, especially because of the stalker theme, which is the main focus, but it’s executed spectacularly.

Now I have so many questions about who the next protagonists will be, because obviously I want to read book two as soon as possible. I’m so thankful to the author for letting me read this advanced copy, because honestly… I am so in love. Hockey player, a mask, and a super dark story… that’s exactly where I always want to be.

thank you Pru and thank you House of Hearts for this ARC!!
Profile Image for Charlea Simpson.
160 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2026
Spoiler free ARC review!

💋ice hockey
💋coach’s daughter x player
💋dark romcom
💋masked man
💋valentines

Such a fun, dark & light hearted romcom!

The banter between the hockey players was entertaining both on and off the ice. The microtropes were written beautifully, some had me weak at the knees🥹🤭

I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book entails.. more importantly, who it entails👀

I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re in the mood for an easy read that includes dark humour & a sprinkle of rom com magic!

happy reading! 🏒
Profile Image for Kendra Renae.
172 reviews41 followers
January 18, 2026
⭐️3.9 🌶️3


When I say this was such a fun and refreshing quick read for me. Whew I love me some good banter and I love when the leads appear opposites, but when you find out they’re both parts of the same puzzle is just chefs kiss👏🏾
Profile Image for Megan Roo.
150 reviews
January 15, 2026
THIS BOOK WAS PERFECT!! NO NOTES OF CRITICISM AND IF YOU HAVE ANY YOU BETTER NOT TELL ME CAUSE I’LL JUST THINK YOU HAVE BAD TASTE!! Bates and Serena had so much chemistry! The banter was incredible!! Im really in my stalker romance era and throw in hockey romance which you know I love and together they make an incredible duo!

I love Bates so so much! THE MAN IS EVERYTHING TO ME!! I mean he literally cleans her house for her and does her chores as well as starts her car when it’s cold outside!!! This man has literally stolen my heart and he’s going to keep it!! In sports romances one of my favorite tropes included is found family within the team and I LOVE THE CODE OF SILENCE GROUP CHAT!! CAS AND KOL are the best wingmen to Bates and it’s so hot that they help him with all his plans to win over Serena’s heart!!

I really love that Serena is a matchmaker and started her own company with her best friend Kerrigan! Who can I say was so supportive and was the best wingwomen anyone could ask for!! Also let’s talk about the cutest animal sidekick ever in Freddie the dachshund!!! I really love the bond that he has with Bates!! Also how obsessed Bates is with him aswell as her!! Like he’s his son!! He buy him toys and comes over to cuddle with him when he doesn’t go to work with Serena! Honestly if only real men could ever live up to the expectations that this man has set!! THE SPICE WAS SPICY AND I WAS HERE FOR EVERY MOMENT!!

Thank you so much House of Hearts and Pru for letting me read and review this book before it releases!! PRU YOU KEEP TOPPING YOURSELF!! My new favorite book from her!
Profile Image for Madison.
489 reviews14 followers
January 15, 2026
This book had me chuckling all the way through. It makes me want a masked stalker…as long as he’s a hot six foot six hockey player and is totally obsessed with me. Let’s be real just give me Bates Finnegan and I’ll be happy 😍

Bates is obsessed with Serena from the moment they meet and honestly I love the lengths he goes too to make her his. It’s true commitment and I’m here for it. I loved the unhinged personality of Bates, he was unapologetically himself.

I didn’t fully vibe with Serena. When she interacts with Bates (without the mask) she’s just a bitch to him and honestly there was no need. He was nice, polite and took the rejection well after their first meeting, but for her to be rude to him after that was uncalled for.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The stalker tendencies, the cameras, the spicy games and of course Bates cleaning her entire house, making sure she’s looked after and spending time with Freddie (Serena’s dog). It was a super fun book.

Thank you to Pru and House of Hearts Lit for the ARC.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
281 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy
January 14, 2026
This was my first Pru Schuyler book and I already want to read her whole back list!

Well damn this book is wild it had me hooked from the very first chapter!!
A stalker hockey with a bit of comedy. Bates and Serena were truly excellent together. I loved all the banter and chemistry between them was written so well. This book also had its unhinged moments. I was turning the pages so fast that if I had a physical book I would have ripped it because I needed to know more right away. I never wanted this book to end it was that good!!
Profile Image for Sandy.
354 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2026
Bates / Serena & Freddie !!! Jesus I AM OBSESSED !!!

This was absolutely the best most amazing dark romance rom com EVER !!!!!!

Serena - obsessed with love and Valentine’s Day - rule follower but falls in love with her masked stalker and her dog Freddie

Bates - resident HOCKEY BAD BOY- plays for Serena’s father’s team, & utterly obsessed with Serena and her dog Freddie

And the connections they have when he keeps showing up for her as her masked stalker 🥵😍. EPIC !! But Freddy Krueger lol I swear I never laughed so hard lmfaoooo. GREAT READ !

Profile Image for Notyourmomsshelf.
577 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2026
If you’re a lover of masked men, sassy banter, and a bit of stalking with care - this is for you. Serena and Bates were so fun to read. The suspense of the stalking & primal play were perfectly done and it was just enough for me to anticipate more (rather than being scared lol). Bates really went all out for Serena and I really liked how their relationship progressed after all the secrets were revealed. The banter and all around vibes were very similar to that of Lights Out without being exactly like it which I really loved.
725 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
A stalker hockey romance with a touch of comedy that had me obsessed. Bates and Serena were so excellent together. The banter and chemistry between the main characters was brilliantly written, and it had me hooked on the relationship that was forming between the two characters. There were definitely some unhinged moments, and these moments absolutely added to the overall experience of this book.

There are trigger warnings.
Profile Image for memoriediunalettricedisperata francesca.
106 reviews18 followers
January 16, 2026
#arc
Thank you the author for provided me to a copy of this wonderful book.
Thank you house of heart for the opportunity.
I love Pru’s books and this was one of my favourite ones.
I truly enjoyed Serena and Bates’ story and personality I was always laughing and vibing with this book.
I really hope in the next book of the series ( hopefully), because I loved so much the side characters and also the two main characters!
Please, read it as soon as possible
Profile Image for Leandra Parsons.
457 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2026
This was such a cute stalker romance!! Didn’t really change a whole lot or have a super big impact on me but it was a very fun read! Made me laugh and smile! I definitely had a fun experience and the matureness of the characters was really nice! I also love how it’s a little based for Valentine’s Day so definitely a good read for February!
Profile Image for Alyssa Brannon.
262 reviews14 followers
January 16, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨ Thank you House of Hearts for the e-arc! If my stalker did all of that for me, I too would be down bad. The man was obsessed and I was living for it. The banter was top tier, I love an FMC that doesn’t take shit. This book had everything - hockey player MMC, a cute dog, and of course heavy stalking. I’d fold like a lawn chair for Bates’ 6’6 self.
Profile Image for Maria Dolenko.
88 reviews
January 20, 2026
It was so much fun! It you liked “light out” but mafia plot felt wrong for you, you definitely should try this one. It was such a cute story! I loved it!
Profile Image for Morgan.
444 reviews116 followers
January 12, 2026
📖 Your Masked Valentine by Pru Schuyler

“Do you get it now, Little Cupid? Your heart, soul, and every single inch of you is mine.”

This book was WILDLY unhinged and I can honestly say I haven’t had this much fun while reading in a long time! I ate this book up like candy! I also highlighted like 80% of the book. 🤣

The author has a full lists of triggers at the beginning of the book, so definitely read through those prior to reading!

“She’s my feral Little Cupid, hungry for love and starving for affection. I’m going to fill her up with both. Eagerly. Vigorously.”

The spice and different ‘scenes’ Bates & Serena setup were absolutely sinful and so dang DECADENT! The exploration was so fun and always very much consensual. Serena felt safe with Bates and as a reader I could feel how much he cared about making her desires come true while also maintaining her safety.

This book was just so deliciously spicy I literally messaged my bestie and told her I need her to read this one the moment it comes out! I know she’s going to LOVE it!

From the moment Bates met Serena, this man was ALLLL in. He is obsessive & possessive but insanely sweet too. There is so much caregiving in this story, I seriously loved this man. I’m also quite feral for his friend’s stories! (They are also just as unhinged & I loved their commitment to helping Bates get his girl!) 🤭❤️‍🔥

“She feels like absolute bliss and the darkest temptation. I’m never going to be able to get enough of her.”

Serena was a powerhouse! She runs her own matchmaking business and lives with her cute pup, Freddie. She ran with the knowledge that she had a helpful stalker. 😂 I felt like she truly bloomed into herself with Bates help. I just loved them together!

“She looks like a kid in a candy store, and I’m suddenly realizing that she may be pure, dark, twisted desire, wrapped in a pretty, innocent-looking red package.”

She’s the coach’s daughter and Bates truly couldn’t care less! He was going to have her, one way or another!

If you love darker romances that walk the line of really cute and insanely spicy, I recommend devouring this one!

Tropes:
🫶🏼 Man Literally Obsessed
🧺 Breaking & Entering but to do Her Chores
🤭 Loathe to Love
💌 Arts & Crafts w/ Hockey Players
❤️‍🔥 Masked Stalker
🎭 Secret Identity
💋 K!nk Exploration
Profile Image for Eva.
596 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
There’s something about cocky hockey players Pru writes that always makes me fold.

And Bates was not going to be the exception. This man puts the down in ‘down bad’… because he’d love to go down on Serena (lol!). He was charming, devoted, obsessed, persistent and caring of every and all her wishes and desires. He listened even when she didn’t realize he was paying attention, he manipulated and made space for him in her life because he was just that sure about their future…the house! THE DOG!! He’s the blueprint and I love him and his mask, and his arts and crafts, and his friends…ugh IM DOWN BAD!!

Now Serena is where it got a little tricky for me. She was bratty and I lived for all her defiant moments…but the way she treated Bates before and even for a while after the reveal was just mean. The guy approached her once at a dinner, was nice, took the rejection and didn’t bother her again. And yet, every time they interacted after she was rude and bitchy. No justification worked for me but she still had her strong points. Her job and her friendship was a highlight for me, even her relationship with her dad was sweet, but her little dog won me over.

Overall I liked more the plot and the relationship as a whole than I disliked that one single attitude thing. I was living for the spicy games, the cameras and the overall unhinged personality of these two while falling in love.

I can’t wait to see the other two helpers ( Cass and K) fall just as hard and cash in their favors with Bates!

Thank you so much, Pru and House of Hearts, for the e-arc!!


Quotes:

"Cry out for me when you come on my fingers. I don't care if this entire place hears you. There's no shame in being mine. And if anyone dares to say so, they'll regret it."

He was right all along. I am his; mind, body, and fucking soul.
And I'm totally screwed.

"You have no idea how insane you drive me." Thrust. "You make me feral, possessed by my feelings for you." Thrust. "I can't think straight anymore. I'm ruined." Thrust. "And I'm taking you with me."

"You have no idea the things I want to do to you, with you, for you ..."

How many times can I make you come until you quit and take it out? Think I can find your breaking point?

"You made your bed. Now you can come in it"
Profile Image for Claire Montgomery.
191 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
I am not one for dark romance often but the fact this was a rom-com with dark elements made for an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read!

Bates Finnegan was undoubtedly unhinged yet completely lovable. The way he cared for her was spectacular but his truly unhinged moments were equally spectacular, his character was the whole package honestly, he was writing so well and Pru did an amazing job of truly showing all sides of him.

Serena was relatable to me in the sense that she was the good girl who follows all the rules but every good girl needs that moment of being bad, breaking through her usual barriers and the way Serena did that was honestly fantastic to read. I loved her character and how Bates unleashed that unhinged side of her she has never explored, he allowed her to freely express a part of herself that's always been there.

I really enjoyed this book and could barely put it down, I thought the stalking element was different and really well written, there were some funny moments, thoughtful moments and moments where I swooned. I sat in anticipation throughout waiting for everything to come to a head and really appreciated that this wasn't rushed in any way. The scenes of fantasies being played out were thrilling and brilliantly written. Freddie was the cutest extra in this book and I loved how Bates called him his son. This book was a good time with lots of aspects to enjoy, I highly recommend it.

❤️ Stalker Romance
❤️ Unhinged MMC
❤️ Matchmaker
❤️ Hockey Player
❤️ Cleans For Her
❤️ He Wears A Mask
❤️ Dog Mum

I was gifted an arc of this book and choose to review it based on how much I enjoyed the book
Profile Image for Kelsi.
538 reviews27 followers
January 16, 2026
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Absolutely could not put this book down for even one second behave I just had to know what was going to happen next! If you’re looking for a read that is full of spice, romance, so much banter, amazing characters that you’ll love immediately and a happily ever that will leave you wanting to read so much more of these character then Your Masked Valentine is an absolute must add to your TBR!


Page one yall… page one and I was hooked on Your Masked Valentine immediately! And I do mean immediately because I stayed up way into the early morning hours reading this book because I simply had to know what was going to happen next, what new banter was going to happen between Bates and Serena, and of course the sweet romantic moments had me just as hooked! Individually Bates and Serena were amazing I mean Serena is a hopeless romantic, a boss babe, who is full of sunshine and just wants to find the love she’s helped so many people around her find. And Bates honestly he’s just a hilarious psycho. He’s obsessed with Serena from the moment he lays eyes on her. And honestly he feels zero remorse about deciding they’re going to end up together one way or another. His banter with Serena is hilarious, as well as his banter with his friends which just kept me laughing through out this book. And honestly while he was obsessed and possessive of Serena, he also took the time to make sure she was cared for and safe. Truly this book was just amazing and I can’t wait to read more from this series! And would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a dark,spicy, hockey romance grab a copy of this boon immediately!
Profile Image for Dawn Cornelius.
98 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
January 14, 2026
Stars: 4.5

WOW. This book drew me in immediately! I absolutely loved these two so much!

Bates is a DOWN BAD boy obsessed with Serena as soon as he lays eyes on her - one problem, she's his coach's daughter and she refuses to date her dad's players.

Serena owns a matchmaker company with her best friend, but hasn't been as lucky in her own love life to find that spark.

When they cross paths at a hockey fundraiser, she immediatley dismisses him and tells him it's a no since he plays for her dad. He just can't accept that since he KNOWS they are meant to be together forever. So like anyone else, he gets a custom masks, creates custom cards/gifts, and begins to stalk Serena in all facets of her life.

The way that the stalking takes place and how Serena reacts had be giggling so much (obviously stalking is a serious issue in real life), but Bates is a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When things progress, Bates get more serious on his quest and has a full plan to reveal himself, but things get rushed when she finds a clue to his identity.

Her dog Freddie is such a great addition to the book too! I love him!

My only con is that I wish their talk when she found out had a little more reprecussions on her end to him and telling her dad would have been discussed between them before it happened.

Thank you to House of Hearts Lit for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

Profile Image for Rondi.
139 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
January 15, 2026
First things first: yes, I received this as an ARC—but as always, I only sign up for books I want, and I love Pru’s writing. Full stop.

In a non-fiction world, coming home to a spotless house with laundry done, dishes cleaned, and the dog walked is a fantasy that would be scary if you didn’t know it was happening. But in this world? Top-tier. This is love languages in their purest, most unhingedly perfect form.

Serena is the daughter of Bates’ hockey coach, and their attraction is immediate. Unfortunately, Serena has a strict rule about not dating her dad’s players, which leaves Bates fully spiraling. But let’s be real—these two were always meant to be together, and no one can convince me otherwise.

The text messages between the “masked stalker” and Serena? Elite. I love that consent and boundaries are openly discussed—something that feels more important than ever in romance books. Consent is cool.

Also… cameras? I approve.

“I’m not going to apologize for being obsessed with you.”
swoooooon

Text threads might be a microtrope, but it’s one I will always devour. And men who recognize that strong, hardworking women deserve to be carefully cared for at home? Yes. Immediately.

The waiting for her. The evening that follows. Lord have mercy.

“The longer you keep me on a leash, the more feral I become.”
PRU.

I enjoy unhinged craziness, and this delivered.

And the arena? Yeah. Let’s just leave it at that.

Honestly… 844/10
Profile Image for Elle Davis.
90 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
This book gave me everything I wanted from an obsessive/possessive MMC and then some. Bates Finnegan is down bad from the minute Cupid taps him, and honestly? It was over for him right then and there. I loved how completely he integrates himself into every corner of Serena’s life. Blocking out suitors, sliding into her routine, showing up in ways she doesn’t even realize at first. He’s patient, strategic, and absolutely feral for her in the most romantic way.

And Serena? Poor girl didn’t stand a chance. She’s such a sweetheart that even the borderline-stalker vibes give her butterflies instead of fear. Her reactions felt so real for someone who has spent her entire life helping other people find love. Suddenly being the target of such intense devotion hits her differently. I adored how she slowly stops fighting it and just leans into the fantasy.

The mystery valentines, the gifts, the chores magically done, her car warming up on winter mornings… it all builds this perfect blend of sweet and unsettling that somehow works so well for their dynamic. And the mask? I LIVED for the detail that he had it custom made instead of grabbing something cheap and generic. He was invested from day one.

Their chemistry is intense, their boundary-blurring tension is addictive, and the way Bates worships Serena is honestly the whole point.

Now I’m just over here desperate for books about Bates’ friends because clearly they have the potential to be just as devoted as him, and I need it!
Profile Image for morganinpages.
414 reviews24 followers
January 19, 2026
UMMM EXCUSE ME???!!!!!! This book was SO GOOD! This was literally so adorable and consuming from the literal prologue!!! If you loved Lights Out and love the Circle of Trust from the Pucking Wrong series by CR Jane then you absolutely HAVE to read this bc this book gave me ALL of those vibes!!!! Bates and his Little Cupid were actually so adorable and I will never get over them. I love how he continually showed up for her and literally wrote her the sweetest notes. And can we just talk about their friends???? I love how crazy and unhinged Bates’s friends were and they were literally so hot! And Serena’s friend was so adorable and I just loved their friends so much! This book left me entertained the whole time and swooning over this absolutely unhinged and adorable masked man. I mean come on he literally calls her little dachshund his SON! And buys him little treats. The only thing I’m upset about is I really wish we could have seen more of them in an actual relationship! Like I really wish this book was longer and had an epilogue. The book kinda just left off so abruptly and I literally was like it’s over????? I just want more of them bc I just loved this story so much and want to see them as an actual couple! Other than that this book was so good and I can’t wait to read the next book! This book is an absolute MUST READ!!!!!
Profile Image for Marlee Elizabeth.
337 reviews15 followers
January 21, 2026
If you love a man so obsessed with his girl he can't not have his eyes on her at all times then allow me to introduce you to the KING of down bad men 🤭

This was my first Pru Schuyler book and certainly not my last! This was such an easy read I devoured it in record time! This book is perfect for the baby dark romance reader, like myself, who wants some unhinged and obsessed men with sprinkles of dark romance and darker humor, but still carries a fun and light hearted tone at times.

Serena and Bates were unhinged in the BEST way!! Every page held my interest from start to finish. The banter between them was off the charts. I was giggling so hard and the spice had my jaw literally hanging open at some points 🥵Don't be fooled though because its also sweet and romantic and the discussions of grief had tears brimming for sure 🥹 And listen, I know having a stalker is bad but... Bates Finnegan, you can come stalk me ANY DAY and I would not be mad about it 😮‍💨 I mean, a stalker who breaks in to do chores, loves on your dog and starts your car for you??? Sign me up!!!

I loved the found family that the Code of Silence boys have and the way they are down to do some unhinged shit but also download pinterest and make glittery cards to help Bates get the girl had me laughing out loud! I am so so excited to see more from this Saint Paul Sinners series!!

Thank you so much to the author and House of Hearts for the eARC 💕🫶🏼
Profile Image for Skye Louise.
378 reviews13 followers
January 20, 2026
The first in a new series, the Saint Paul Sinners; Bates Finnegan is the leading forward for the team. He's also obsessed with the Coach's Daughter. He's spent every moment since their first meeting preparing, researching and watching Serena, putting all the pieces in place before he makes her his.

Serena is such a hopeless romantic, she built her career and business around helping others find love.
She’s only ever had one rule for herself. No dating hockey players, especially in her dad's team.

Mysterious handmade Valentine’s start appearing on her door, her apartment is cleaner than she remembers leaving it at times, and food starts filling her fridge. She should be freaked out right? Not melting at the thoughtful gestures and care her Masked Valentine is offering. When he starts fulfilling her desires too, there's no way she's giving up her obsessed Valentine stalker.

I enjoyed this book! No full 3rd act breakup either!
Bates is the sweetest, most thoughtful, obsessed man, and he can stalk me anytime. He is such a good doggo dad to Freddie and has the best *date nights* planned out. That's one way of getting over a fear of heights!

Talk about good friends who will help set up your kinky night with your girl!
There are brief mentions of the other guys' dark and deviant sides, and I can't wait to find out what they are!
Profile Image for Cassie.
74 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2026
Ok I know I say I love every book I read, but I REALLY loved this one! I ate this story up in a day! Serena is a headstrong woman who knows what she wants and goes after it, while Bates is a cocky hockey player (rightfully so with his skills 🙄)...who happens to play for the team her dad is coaching 😫. He conceals himself behind a mask and stalks her showing her the side of him he wishes she would see, which is exactly what she ends up falling in love with. When I tell ya'll this man is unhinged, I say that with all the love in my damn heart cause my man Bates is unhinged at its finest! His mouth and actions tho 🥵 Bates tells Serena "Be aware though: the longer you keep me on a leash, the more feral I’m going to become." I mean, who says something like this and is legit perfectly sane?! No one, that's what I thought 🤣. Ker, Kol, and Cas are all such epic friends; which leaves me wondering which of them with be main characters in the next book! I'm excited to see! The book technically ends on a cliffy, I gotta know which side of her man she chose in the end! 😂. This comes out on the 15th, if your a hockey lover you'll wanna read this! Thank you @pruschuyler and @houseofheartslit for the privilage to be part of your ARC team!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ryan  Fitch.
249 reviews
January 16, 2026
I had the absolute BEST time reading this book! I flew through it because it was just that good!

Bates is the funniest unhinged MMC and I was so obsessed with him from the start. He was so GONE for Serena from the first time he saw her, but she says she doesn’t date anyone on her father’s team. But that did not deter him…he plays the long game.

Bates has some unconventional methods in how he plans to win Serena over - he wears a mask, he leaves her handmade valentine cards, he puts cameras in her home/work, he does chores in her house while she’s at work, and he buys a house with her in mind. I’m telling you - OBSESSED. Some of my favorite moments involved her mini dachshund, Freddie, who Bates started calling his “son” and purchased a bed and toys for his new house.

Serena made me giggle so much as well because she was so taken with her masked valentine. She was just an unhinged as Bates and they were the perfect match. When the truth about his identity comes out, she is fairly upset but Bates doesn’t give up.

These two have chemistry off the charts and like the role play of a chase and putting up a fight. Serena loves her moments of being a brat too!

So excited to see what’s up next for this new series! Give me all the unhinged hockey players!

Thank you to Pru and House of Hearts for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
758 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2026
I seriously had the best time with this book! As soon as Bates lays eyes on Serena, he knows she’s HIS, and nothing will keep him from her. Except… Serena has a hard rule: No dating her dad’s hockey players. Does that stop Bates? Absolutely not. This man is so gone for Serena, his obsession is unmatched. Bates plays a perfect long game. As Serena falls for her masked stalker, she discovers her own unhinged side. These 2 are absolutely made for each other.

Bates Finnegan is everything you’d ever want in a stalker! I mean seriously, he breaks into her house, leaving the SWEETEST homemade Valentine’s, does her freaking laundry, and cuddle with Freddie, Serena’s dog. Bates and Freddie’s relationship is so stinking cute. I cackled every time Bates referred to Freddie as his son 🥹 These three make the perfect little family. Not only is Bates unhinged, he’s so sweet for Serena as well. The emotion behind his obsession for her was so good.

I fell instantly for Bates and loved Serena just as much. She was strong, independent, and freaking fiesty! Her and Bates were so much fun together. I devoured this book from start to finish. I enjoyed Kol and Cas so much and cannot wait for the rest of this series!
Profile Image for Jessica Marksbury.
214 reviews
January 19, 2026
Oh my, this was an absolute fun and wild ride of a book to read! When a book has this much good banter? oh it has me grinning like a loon, and I could not stop grinning this entire book. Bates and Serena had so much chemistry even when they weren't interacting through his deliciously masked stalking.

Bates was obsessed with Serena from the moment they met and he honestly went to lengths that had me questioning if I wanted a hot six foot six hockey masked stalker that was totally obsessed with me. He was so unhinged but at the same time I was eating up every second of it with Serena. He was just so unapologetically himself and the ways he helped her? yes please.

I did struggle with Serena though, I didn't understand her attitude toward Bates when he was himself. I understand he was flirty and playful and possessive (like he was as her masked valentine) but he took her rejections in stride. Her reactions were a bit unnecessarily over the top rude. But at the same time you need some conflict in a story right? I just didn't vibe with her rudeness.

Despite that I really enjoyed this story and I think I may be falling into the dark romance/stalker genre because of it. Buying her groceries? MAKING her valentine cards? (yes this inspired some book art) cleaning her house and buying her groceries? This was just so fun and unhinged in the absolute best ways and I cannot recommend it enough for a quick read.

Thank you so much to House of Hearts Lit for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Briana smith.
340 reviews45 followers
January 16, 2026
5⭐️

Ya'll the feels I got from this book. Every emotion and feeling possible. I was blushing and kicking my feet onr minute and tearing up the next. This was my first by this author and will not be my last! I cant wait for the next book in this🥹

Bates my GOSH. A golden retriever masked man if I could describe him. I would absolutely let this man willingly break in my house to clean and cuddle my dog. Then leave cute handmade notes. DONT PLAY WITH ME. 😭😭😭 He was so freaking sweet. All green flags for this guy. Dont mind the million cameras for stalking, hiding his identity and all that😏

I absolutely loved Serena and how she KNEW what she wanted and wasn't afraid. From the very start she was like "oh cute little love notes🥹 do i call the police? nah he didnt hurt anything 😀" Cause I get it girl. It was so funny to me how clueless she was cause she was so blinded by this masked valentine😉

The spice was 😚🤌. I was blushing HARDCORE and my lip hurts from biting it and giggling💀 She didn't come to play with with those kinks🙂‍↕️

thank you pru & love notes pr for this earc!💌

booksta- romance.with.bri
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