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Enemy Zone: Enforcers MM Hockey Romance
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Expected 3 Apr 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
9 days and 19:40:24
100 copies available
U.S. only
Enemies to teammates—with one shot at love
Jamal
My life is almost perfect. I’m out, comfortable with who I am, and focused on hockey. Sure, I don’t have love—but it’s too complicated.
Then Theo O’Keefe gets traded to my team. My stepbrother, who I only met once, hates me. And he’s the one who stole my life.
But when he steps up to defend me when no one else does, my world turns sideways.
Getting to know Theo only confuses me more. We can't... I can't... let things go further because I’m not participating in my own destruction.
A scandal will ruin both of us.
Theo
Joining the Enforcers should be a fresh start. They should be thrilled to have me—assuming Jamal hasn’t already poisoned them.
My stepbro talks about the importance of family, but he's made my life a living hell.
Still, Jamal isn’t the monster his bio-father described.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop antagonizing him and digging for honesty.
And the truth I’m afraid to admit?
Maybe I’m the villain in this story.
Because we were never meant for each other.
And Jamal will never feel the way I do.
Enemy Zone is book four in the Enforcers MM Hockey series. Read if you love enemies to lovers, stepbrothers, rivals, hurt/comfort, a slow burn, and no breakup.
Jamal
My life is almost perfect. I’m out, comfortable with who I am, and focused on hockey. Sure, I don’t have love—but it’s too complicated.
Then Theo O’Keefe gets traded to my team. My stepbrother, who I only met once, hates me. And he’s the one who stole my life.
But when he steps up to defend me when no one else does, my world turns sideways.
Getting to know Theo only confuses me more. We can't... I can't... let things go further because I’m not participating in my own destruction.
A scandal will ruin both of us.
Theo
Joining the Enforcers should be a fresh start. They should be thrilled to have me—assuming Jamal hasn’t already poisoned them.
My stepbro talks about the importance of family, but he's made my life a living hell.
Still, Jamal isn’t the monster his bio-father described.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop antagonizing him and digging for honesty.
And the truth I’m afraid to admit?
Maybe I’m the villain in this story.
Because we were never meant for each other.
And Jamal will never feel the way I do.
Enemy Zone is book four in the Enforcers MM Hockey series. Read if you love enemies to lovers, stepbrothers, rivals, hurt/comfort, a slow burn, and no breakup.
- GenresSportsContemporary
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 3, 2026
4 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Heather Leighson
8 books118 followersHeather has always been an obsessive reader and is prone to staying up all night to binge books. Follow me on BooKBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heath...
She’s a skeptic, a hopeless romantic, a jaded book addict, and in love with love.
Heather's books contain spicy scenes with a bit of kink, lots of heart, and angst to make the happily ever after even sweeter. Heather falls madly in love with her leading men and hopes you will too. She creates stories to take readers on a journey of broken men finding and accepting love. She believes everyone deserves their happy ending especially people who have been hurt or denied love in the past. Love is the best human experience.
Heather read her first romance that she snuck off her mother’s bookshelf as a pre-teen. Her favorite books break her heart and then put it back together. She wants to do the same, so her goal is to write books that unbreak your heart.
She’s a skeptic, a hopeless romantic, a jaded book addict, and in love with love.
Heather's books contain spicy scenes with a bit of kink, lots of heart, and angst to make the happily ever after even sweeter. Heather falls madly in love with her leading men and hopes you will too. She creates stories to take readers on a journey of broken men finding and accepting love. She believes everyone deserves their happy ending especially people who have been hurt or denied love in the past. Love is the best human experience.
Heather read her first romance that she snuck off her mother’s bookshelf as a pre-teen. Her favorite books break her heart and then put it back together. She wants to do the same, so her goal is to write books that unbreak your heart.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 18, 2026
This one is my favorite so far!
I loved Jamal and Theo and the progression of their story—from guttural hate to pure love. They’re currently living rent-free in my brain :)
Although they’re depicted in the media as brothers, they’re only related by marriage… phewf! Theo’s mom is married to Jamal’s dad, who abandoned Jamal at a young age for being “too dark.” What a f*&^$er, good thing Jamal has an amazing mom and stepdad!. Jamal’s sperm donor then proceeds to turn young Theo against his stepbrother by feeding him lies about Jamal. Thus, the rivalry and hatred are born.
When they’re forced together as adults after being drafted to the same hockey team, they have to re-examine both their past and present relationship. I loved the development from hate to unconditional love. The support they showed one another—even through the hate—made my heart melt. I also loved Jamal’s family; they were so supportive of both him and Theo. Both main characters were well-written and completely endearing, and the side characters, as always, were amazing. It’s nice to get a glimpse of previous happy endings :)
I look forward to more from this series and would definitely recommend it!
I loved Jamal and Theo and the progression of their story—from guttural hate to pure love. They’re currently living rent-free in my brain :)
Although they’re depicted in the media as brothers, they’re only related by marriage… phewf! Theo’s mom is married to Jamal’s dad, who abandoned Jamal at a young age for being “too dark.” What a f*&^$er, good thing Jamal has an amazing mom and stepdad!. Jamal’s sperm donor then proceeds to turn young Theo against his stepbrother by feeding him lies about Jamal. Thus, the rivalry and hatred are born.
When they’re forced together as adults after being drafted to the same hockey team, they have to re-examine both their past and present relationship. I loved the development from hate to unconditional love. The support they showed one another—even through the hate—made my heart melt. I also loved Jamal’s family; they were so supportive of both him and Theo. Both main characters were well-written and completely endearing, and the side characters, as always, were amazing. It’s nice to get a glimpse of previous happy endings :)
I look forward to more from this series and would definitely recommend it!
March 16, 2026
Funnily enough I received the email for the book this weekend and I spent it at the Trans-Tasman Ice Hockey series in Melbourne. So I read this in between the 3 games. Perfect timing. I enjoyed the read and felt relief there was no breakup angst drawn out drama to annoy me. Good pacing and character development over the course of the plot. Love it when the real villains get what’s owed to them. Happy Theo got his found family. Looking forward into Mav and Larks story. I got the perfect blend of the sport and fiction, thanks for a brilliant reading fit for my weekend of hockey xx
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Enemy Zone (Enforcers Hockey) di Heather Leighson
USCITA: 3 apr 26
VOTO: 4⭐
RECENSIONE: Enemy Zone è il 4 libro della serie (Enforcers Hockey) di Heather Leighson. Nonostante questo sia il quarto libro di una serie, non ho avuto problemi e si può leggere come standalone. I protagonisti sono Theo e Jamal. Il padre biologico di Jamal è sposato con la madre di Theo ma i collegamenti tra i due finiscono qui perché vivono la loro vita sempre separati e solo quando Theo finisce per giocare nella squadra di Jamal che i due cominceranno a conoscersi meglio e a capire che John, il padre biologico di Jamal, ha sempre raccontato bugie pur di tenere i due ragazzi separati. Jamal prova risentimento per Theo perché ha vissuto la “sua vita” quando lui è stato abbandonato dal padre quando era piccolissimo e quindi è stato costretto a vivere con solo sua madre e decisamente in povertà rispetto a Theo. Jamal nonostante tutto ha trovato nel nuovo compagno della madre un padre vero e proprio che gli vuole bene davvero. Jamal è il primo giocatore nero che gioca in NHL e ho amato come l’autrice abbia saputo decsrivere perfettamente i sentimenti che prova e ho amato anche come lui sia molto attaccato ai suoi capelli. Proprio un episodio che li riguarda porterà Theo e Jamal ad avvicinarsi e Theo capirà che per molto tempo non solo John lo ha sempre maltrattato, ma gli ha sempre raccontato bugie su Jamal. John è stato davvero un personaggio orribile ma fortunatamente Jamal e Theo riescono a superare tutte le avversità. L’ho trovato ben scritto per quanto riguarda Jamal e anche gli attacchi di panico, come si sviluppa la relazione l’ho trovata perfetta, con i suoi tempi. C’è stata una crescita incredibile in Theo, che, devo ammetterlo, all’inizio non mi piaceva per niente. Consigliato! Ho ricevuto una copia Arc in cambio della mia opinione.
English Review
This is book 4 of “The Enforcers Hockey” series but you can read it as a standalone. Theo and Jamal are “step brothers” but they never grow up together and share no blood.
They play in the same NHL hockey team. Jamal is mixed race, Theo lives with John, Jamal’s biological father, who abandoned Jamal at a young age and he and his mother lived poor.
Theo realizes that everything John has said about Jamal were lies when he tries to be friends with Jamal. There is a scene in the bathroom between Jamal and Theo that I found one of the best in the book. I really liked the chemistry between characters and how the author described the hockey team like they were a found family. I think that Heather Leighson described very well Jamal. I received an Arc copy for my honest review.
Enemy Zone (Enforcers Hockey) di Heather Leighson
USCITA: 3 apr 26
VOTO: 4⭐
RECENSIONE: Enemy Zone è il 4 libro della serie (Enforcers Hockey) di Heather Leighson. Nonostante questo sia il quarto libro di una serie, non ho avuto problemi e si può leggere come standalone. I protagonisti sono Theo e Jamal. Il padre biologico di Jamal è sposato con la madre di Theo ma i collegamenti tra i due finiscono qui perché vivono la loro vita sempre separati e solo quando Theo finisce per giocare nella squadra di Jamal che i due cominceranno a conoscersi meglio e a capire che John, il padre biologico di Jamal, ha sempre raccontato bugie pur di tenere i due ragazzi separati. Jamal prova risentimento per Theo perché ha vissuto la “sua vita” quando lui è stato abbandonato dal padre quando era piccolissimo e quindi è stato costretto a vivere con solo sua madre e decisamente in povertà rispetto a Theo. Jamal nonostante tutto ha trovato nel nuovo compagno della madre un padre vero e proprio che gli vuole bene davvero. Jamal è il primo giocatore nero che gioca in NHL e ho amato come l’autrice abbia saputo decsrivere perfettamente i sentimenti che prova e ho amato anche come lui sia molto attaccato ai suoi capelli. Proprio un episodio che li riguarda porterà Theo e Jamal ad avvicinarsi e Theo capirà che per molto tempo non solo John lo ha sempre maltrattato, ma gli ha sempre raccontato bugie su Jamal. John è stato davvero un personaggio orribile ma fortunatamente Jamal e Theo riescono a superare tutte le avversità. L’ho trovato ben scritto per quanto riguarda Jamal e anche gli attacchi di panico, come si sviluppa la relazione l’ho trovata perfetta, con i suoi tempi. C’è stata una crescita incredibile in Theo, che, devo ammetterlo, all’inizio non mi piaceva per niente. Consigliato! Ho ricevuto una copia Arc in cambio della mia opinione.
English Review
This is book 4 of “The Enforcers Hockey” series but you can read it as a standalone. Theo and Jamal are “step brothers” but they never grow up together and share no blood.
They play in the same NHL hockey team. Jamal is mixed race, Theo lives with John, Jamal’s biological father, who abandoned Jamal at a young age and he and his mother lived poor.
Theo realizes that everything John has said about Jamal were lies when he tries to be friends with Jamal. There is a scene in the bathroom between Jamal and Theo that I found one of the best in the book. I really liked the chemistry between characters and how the author described the hockey team like they were a found family. I think that Heather Leighson described very well Jamal. I received an Arc copy for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ENEMY ZONE - HEATHER LEIGHSON
This is book 4 in the Enforcers Hockey series, but can be read as a standalone.
Step-brothers who were never around each other growing up, and believed each stole the life the other should have, until the day they became teammates and eventually find out neither of them knew the truth that will either bring them together or destroy their relationship forever.
Jamal and Theo are enemies trying to figure out how to survive on the same NHL team and work together as a unit, rather than ignore each other and cause tension among everyone else in the group.
Jamal has stress just trying to remain focused on hockey without letting the fact he is a gay player who happens to be bi-racial affect his game. Add in the fact his stepbrother who hates him just got traded to his team, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Theo is the new guy hoping to fit in, but over confident in his skills and lack of experience being part of a cohesive team. With a few rough starts, he is able to prove he knows how to play a great game, it’s just his attitude that needs some work.
Jamal and Theo believe a lot of falsehoods about each other’s lives, and it takes them awhile to figure out how to trust each other and start building a relationship. Both admit they are attracted to each other, but it is still hard to let their feelings show, and rely on one another for support.
There are a lot of great characters in the book and the author writes a compelling and realistic story. I will definitely go back and read the series from the start, and look forward to the what comes next.
This is book 4 in the Enforcers Hockey series, but can be read as a standalone.
Step-brothers who were never around each other growing up, and believed each stole the life the other should have, until the day they became teammates and eventually find out neither of them knew the truth that will either bring them together or destroy their relationship forever.
Jamal and Theo are enemies trying to figure out how to survive on the same NHL team and work together as a unit, rather than ignore each other and cause tension among everyone else in the group.
Jamal has stress just trying to remain focused on hockey without letting the fact he is a gay player who happens to be bi-racial affect his game. Add in the fact his stepbrother who hates him just got traded to his team, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Theo is the new guy hoping to fit in, but over confident in his skills and lack of experience being part of a cohesive team. With a few rough starts, he is able to prove he knows how to play a great game, it’s just his attitude that needs some work.
Jamal and Theo believe a lot of falsehoods about each other’s lives, and it takes them awhile to figure out how to trust each other and start building a relationship. Both admit they are attracted to each other, but it is still hard to let their feelings show, and rely on one another for support.
There are a lot of great characters in the book and the author writes a compelling and realistic story. I will definitely go back and read the series from the start, and look forward to the what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Don‘t start, if you have plans for the day.
I already read the previous books in the series and really liked them, so I shouldn‘t have been surprised, when just one hour of reading before dinner turned into four and the only reason for the interruption was my stomach getting a pitchfork. I finished the book after dinner, staying up much too late.
This was the first book in the series, in which race was an issue and the author dealt with it really great. She showed not only the huge problem of racism and openly racist people, but also small racially insensitivities born out of ignorance and some cultural differences.
The book starts with Theo getting traded to the Enforcers. In the beginning I really wanted to strangle Theo. He was being such an ass to everyone. But over the course of the book, we learned that he had a reason for his behavior. And when he started calling people out on racially insensitive behavior towards Jamal (who is mixed African-American and white), he proved that he‘s not beyond betterment. Still took a while (in which I often had the urge to shake him to get his head out of his behind (and maybe something else in)) before he got likable.
Then there is Jamal. He grew up poor, despite having a rich father, but has loving (and lovely) parents. He resents Theo (his stepbrother) for having everything growing up. He certainly isn‘t innocent in the whole situation.
And somehow the author makes the transition from them hating each other to coming to an understanding to love seamless.
I really enjoyed the book and can‘t wait for the next in the series.
I already read the previous books in the series and really liked them, so I shouldn‘t have been surprised, when just one hour of reading before dinner turned into four and the only reason for the interruption was my stomach getting a pitchfork. I finished the book after dinner, staying up much too late.
This was the first book in the series, in which race was an issue and the author dealt with it really great. She showed not only the huge problem of racism and openly racist people, but also small racially insensitivities born out of ignorance and some cultural differences.
The book starts with Theo getting traded to the Enforcers. In the beginning I really wanted to strangle Theo. He was being such an ass to everyone. But over the course of the book, we learned that he had a reason for his behavior. And when he started calling people out on racially insensitive behavior towards Jamal (who is mixed African-American and white), he proved that he‘s not beyond betterment. Still took a while (in which I often had the urge to shake him to get his head out of his behind (and maybe something else in)) before he got likable.
Then there is Jamal. He grew up poor, despite having a rich father, but has loving (and lovely) parents. He resents Theo (his stepbrother) for having everything growing up. He certainly isn‘t innocent in the whole situation.
And somehow the author makes the transition from them hating each other to coming to an understanding to love seamless.
I really enjoyed the book and can‘t wait for the next in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is #4 in the Enforcers series. Works fine as a standalone. This is step-brothers, enemies to lovers, found family. While Theo and Jamal are technically step brothers, they did not grow up together and share no blood. Both are NHL players. Jamal is of mixed race & his character seems to be well done.
Theo gets traded to Jamal's team. Problem is, he hates his step brother because of all the lies Jamal has told about him. The family situation is a bit complicated. They share the same father/step-father, John King. Jamal is John's biological son, but his biological mother never married him and is now married to another man. Theo's mother is married to John King, but Theo's father is another man who he has never met. Theo lives with John (who has control over his money). Jamal hasn't spoken to John in years. Eventually Theo realizes that everything John has said about Jamal were lies. At this point, Theo & Jamal are free to admit they are attracted to each other.
There's arguing and confusion over all the family drama. The spice doesn't exist until the last part of the book when these 2 finally admit they're in love - there's a bit of kink in the spice (choking). Theo has to come to terms with John, who has taken advantage of him and stolen his money. John also outs them to the public before they are ready.
Lots of character development, lots of family drama. Loved it.
Theo gets traded to Jamal's team. Problem is, he hates his step brother because of all the lies Jamal has told about him. The family situation is a bit complicated. They share the same father/step-father, John King. Jamal is John's biological son, but his biological mother never married him and is now married to another man. Theo's mother is married to John King, but Theo's father is another man who he has never met. Theo lives with John (who has control over his money). Jamal hasn't spoken to John in years. Eventually Theo realizes that everything John has said about Jamal were lies. At this point, Theo & Jamal are free to admit they are attracted to each other.
There's arguing and confusion over all the family drama. The spice doesn't exist until the last part of the book when these 2 finally admit they're in love - there's a bit of kink in the spice (choking). Theo has to come to terms with John, who has taken advantage of him and stolen his money. John also outs them to the public before they are ready.
Lots of character development, lots of family drama. Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enemy Zone: Enforcers MM Hockey Romance
Author: Heather Leighson
Genre: Sports Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Tropes: MM, Enemies to Lovers, Mental Health
This is the first of the Enforcers Hockey books that I have read. It is a standalone but reading the previous 3 will introduce you to additional couples & characters in the book. It is a duo – there is a lot of conversation, and I did find myself confused as to which of the MMC was speaking. It is more likely the reader and not the writing! There is a bunch of on ice/locker room content if you enjoy hockey. You don’t have to understand the game to enjoy the series. The characters are well written and we are given good insight into their mental state, how it developed and how their relationship began. The spicy in this one is giving! I love Theo & Jamal together and Theo’s obsession with Jamals hair. The MMC’s are stepbrothers, not raised together and have only met once – basically strangers but is adds to the angst that the MMC’s experience throughout. The secondary characters standout and I will be reading the first 3 books and the next to see how those relationships developed.
I received this book as an ARC copy for my honest review.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indie
Author: Heather Leighson
Genre: Sports Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Tropes: MM, Enemies to Lovers, Mental Health
This is the first of the Enforcers Hockey books that I have read. It is a standalone but reading the previous 3 will introduce you to additional couples & characters in the book. It is a duo – there is a lot of conversation, and I did find myself confused as to which of the MMC was speaking. It is more likely the reader and not the writing! There is a bunch of on ice/locker room content if you enjoy hockey. You don’t have to understand the game to enjoy the series. The characters are well written and we are given good insight into their mental state, how it developed and how their relationship began. The spicy in this one is giving! I love Theo & Jamal together and Theo’s obsession with Jamals hair. The MMC’s are stepbrothers, not raised together and have only met once – basically strangers but is adds to the angst that the MMC’s experience throughout. The secondary characters standout and I will be reading the first 3 books and the next to see how those relationships developed.
I received this book as an ARC copy for my honest review.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indie
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enemy Zone by Heather Leighson is packed with drama, tension, and so much character growth—I was hooked the whole way through.
This is stepbrothers, enemies-to-lovers, and found family all rolled into one. Theo and Jamal may technically be stepbrothers, but they didn’t grow up together and aren’t related by blood, which adds an interesting layer to their dynamic—especially when you throw in the fact they’re both NHL players.
The story really shines in the complexity of the family situation. Theo has grown up under John’s control, both emotionally and financially, while Jamal has cut ties completely. Watching Theo slowly realise that everything he’s been told about Jamal is a lie was such a strong turning point, and it made their eventual connection feel earned.
There’s plenty of tension, arguments, and emotional confusion as they work through everything, and the payoff is worth it. The romance builds slowly, with the spice coming later in the book once they finally admit their feelings, which made it feel more meaningful.
I also loved the representation—Jamal’s character in particular felt well written and layered—and the team dynamic added that found-family element that balances out all the heavier themes.
Overall, this is a messy, emotional, drama-filled read with great character development and a satisfying romance. Absolutely loved it.
This is stepbrothers, enemies-to-lovers, and found family all rolled into one. Theo and Jamal may technically be stepbrothers, but they didn’t grow up together and aren’t related by blood, which adds an interesting layer to their dynamic—especially when you throw in the fact they’re both NHL players.
The story really shines in the complexity of the family situation. Theo has grown up under John’s control, both emotionally and financially, while Jamal has cut ties completely. Watching Theo slowly realise that everything he’s been told about Jamal is a lie was such a strong turning point, and it made their eventual connection feel earned.
There’s plenty of tension, arguments, and emotional confusion as they work through everything, and the payoff is worth it. The romance builds slowly, with the spice coming later in the book once they finally admit their feelings, which made it feel more meaningful.
I also loved the representation—Jamal’s character in particular felt well written and layered—and the team dynamic added that found-family element that balances out all the heavier themes.
Overall, this is a messy, emotional, drama-filled read with great character development and a satisfying romance. Absolutely loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, let me say I'm a fan of these boys. Finding them from book to book is heartwarming, sort of a come back home.
Here we get to know better Jamal King, and really meet Theo O'Keefe for the first time. I apreciated how their stories felt so true. I really loved being smoothed in their transition from enemy to something completely different. So smooth ad solid.
I also really appreciated the realistic mental health and coping techniques representation. Visibility for this topics as a part of each normal life is really needed, and here you find it andled with care and not too much heaviness. You face it in the developing of the story, you can feel it, but you also see how is possible to cope with it and live a good life.
Discriminations, as in queer and color-based discriminations, are well represented too. The story rises awareness, make you consider think in a different way. I like when I feel like I understed some things better after a reading.
There is a bit of angst, which is just the right amount. I don't like angst, so for me it is a real thumbs up.
p.s.
sorry if you find some mistakes, I tried my best, but.
p.p.s.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review.
Here we get to know better Jamal King, and really meet Theo O'Keefe for the first time. I apreciated how their stories felt so true. I really loved being smoothed in their transition from enemy to something completely different. So smooth ad solid.
I also really appreciated the realistic mental health and coping techniques representation. Visibility for this topics as a part of each normal life is really needed, and here you find it andled with care and not too much heaviness. You face it in the developing of the story, you can feel it, but you also see how is possible to cope with it and live a good life.
Discriminations, as in queer and color-based discriminations, are well represented too. The story rises awareness, make you consider think in a different way. I like when I feel like I understed some things better after a reading.
There is a bit of angst, which is just the right amount. I don't like angst, so for me it is a real thumbs up.
p.s.
sorry if you find some mistakes, I tried my best, but.
p.p.s.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy buckets Batman! This book was amazing!
I received an ARC copy, and am speaking honestly about it.
Jamal’s character is riddled with anxiety, but found a peace with Theo.
Theo’s character was self sabotaging and quick to anger, but found a peace with Jamal.
Walls that were once presumed impenetrable, were broken down (smashed to bits in some cases).
We were teased with Jamal and Theo’s characters in previous books. The chirping and animosity between them, the step-brother component, the horrible stepfather component, and the (potential) homophobia and racist components. This book takes you on a roller coaster of feelings through all of these (and more). Insight into them, their relationship (with family, friends, and each other), and how they overcame it all to find their way to each other.
With the way this book ended, I don’t know if it’ll be my favorite of the series yet. But, so far it is.
I received an ARC copy, and am speaking honestly about it.
Jamal’s character is riddled with anxiety, but found a peace with Theo.
Theo’s character was self sabotaging and quick to anger, but found a peace with Jamal.
Walls that were once presumed impenetrable, were broken down (smashed to bits in some cases).
We were teased with Jamal and Theo’s characters in previous books. The chirping and animosity between them, the step-brother component, the horrible stepfather component, and the (potential) homophobia and racist components. This book takes you on a roller coaster of feelings through all of these (and more). Insight into them, their relationship (with family, friends, and each other), and how they overcame it all to find their way to each other.
With the way this book ended, I don’t know if it’ll be my favorite of the series yet. But, so far it is.
Review of advance copy
Not once have I read a book by Heather Leighson that I haven’t really enjoyed, and this one was no different. This fourth instalment in the Enforcers Hockey series delivers a great mix of tension and emotion. Jamal and Theo—stepbrothers who grew up apart and were shaped by years of lies—are forced onto the same NHL team, where they have to push past resentment and learn to work together. The shift from enemies to something more feels natural and well-paced.
The story also touches on heavier themes through Jamal’s experience as a biracial, openly gay player, exploring both overt and subtle racism. Theo’s growth adds depth as he gradually lets go of his arrogance and comes to terms with the truth about their family. Their connection builds into something genuine, with a satisfying emotional payoff and strong found-family dynamics. Loved it!
The story also touches on heavier themes through Jamal’s experience as a biracial, openly gay player, exploring both overt and subtle racism. Theo’s growth adds depth as he gradually lets go of his arrogance and comes to terms with the truth about their family. Their connection builds into something genuine, with a satisfying emotional payoff and strong found-family dynamics. Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enemy Zone is about Jamal and Theo. They are stepbrothers, but Jamal hasn't been in touch with his father in years. Theo's stepdad has painted Jamal as the golden boy, so Theo started to hate Jamal even thought he didn't know him. When Theo is transferred to Jamal's team, they clash a lot but then Theo sees through all the lies that his stepdad has been saying about Jamal.
This was a really good story, I liked it a lot. Theo and Jamal was a perfect to each others and I liked how Jamal's mom and stepdad accepted Theo part of their family.
This is the fourth book of the Enforcers series, but can read as a standalone.
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I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
This was a really good story, I liked it a lot. Theo and Jamal was a perfect to each others and I liked how Jamal's mom and stepdad accepted Theo part of their family.
This is the fourth book of the Enforcers series, but can read as a standalone.
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I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Could not wait for this book… and I really need the next 2 asap… please Heather please?!!
Jamal, I knew you were going to have such a good storyline and couldn’t wait to see where Theo and all the animosity stemmed from between you both.
No kidding, wasn’t a fan of Theo for guitar third of the book… I want to second Brant in saying “read the room” or simply “patience, think before you speak”. But without that impulsiveness he would be Theo in all his hurt/comfort vibes that made Jamal and the found family wrap him up!
Read it! If you haven’t read the other books, read them first maybe but this can be a standalone if possible a spoiler though.
Jamal, I knew you were going to have such a good storyline and couldn’t wait to see where Theo and all the animosity stemmed from between you both.
No kidding, wasn’t a fan of Theo for guitar third of the book… I want to second Brant in saying “read the room” or simply “patience, think before you speak”. But without that impulsiveness he would be Theo in all his hurt/comfort vibes that made Jamal and the found family wrap him up!
Read it! If you haven’t read the other books, read them first maybe but this can be a standalone if possible a spoiler though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jamal and Theo have to be one of my favorite couples I read about in a long time. They were never truly enemies. They just didn’t know each other. I really enjoyed how there was no relationship drama or break up and how they stuck together during the scandal. Jamal’s mom and stepdad accepted Theo as part of their family almost immediately and he got to experience a true family for the first time. It’s one of the best books I read so far this year I would definitely reread.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok so I can safely say I love every single.book from Heather. Not one book disappoints me and this one is no different. Talk about a slow burn and obstacles and Miscommunication let's just say there is someone who really puts a bug in Theos ear about Jamal and the perfect life he lived. I have to say I think these two were meant to be and I am glad they figure it out. I love a hard-earned and fought HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
Theo and Jamal are step-brothers that resent each other. Theo because his step-father always compared him to his bio son and Jamal because because Theo had all the money and advantages that his father never gave him. Eventually they uncover the truth about each other's past and their relationship with the elder Mr. King. Sometimes your chosen family loves you more unconditionally than your blood.
Review of advance copy received from Author
thankyou to Heather for allowing me to read and review this ARC copy ❤️
this is the 4th book of the series and yet again I ate it up, MM hockey romance... step brothers... emotional depth... need i say more?! I really enjoyed the connection and chemistry between the characters and I love the found family of the hockey team in general! cant wait for the next book!
this is the 4th book of the series and yet again I ate it up, MM hockey romance... step brothers... emotional depth... need i say more?! I really enjoyed the connection and chemistry between the characters and I love the found family of the hockey team in general! cant wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an arc from the author.
I really enjoyed this book, read it in a day. It had just the amount of angst I like but w/o a 3rd act break up, which I hate. It’s nice to see a well thought out Black man as the MC too, as this genre tends to be very ⚪️ ✋🏻. So diversity FTW. I highly recommend reading this :)
I really enjoyed this book, read it in a day. It had just the amount of angst I like but w/o a 3rd act break up, which I hate. It’s nice to see a well thought out Black man as the MC too, as this genre tends to be very ⚪️ ✋🏻. So diversity FTW. I highly recommend reading this :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
A love story that reads well.
It is always nice to read that there are families who simply accept someone as they are. Unconditionally.
I recieved this ARC from the Author and I am honest in my review
It is always nice to read that there are families who simply accept someone as they are. Unconditionally.
I recieved this ARC from the Author and I am honest in my review
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
A very rewarding read that got me captivated from the start. Theo and Jamal are two interesting characters with lots of luggage. I love how the MC's relationship progresses from enemies to lovers. At first they are determined to hate each other, but as time goes by they get to see one another in a new light, and starts to change their opinions.
This was sweet and heart warming. Love Jamals family members and their friend group. Highly recommendable to read this book.
A very rewarding read that got me captivated from the start. Theo and Jamal are two interesting characters with lots of luggage. I love how the MC's relationship progresses from enemies to lovers. At first they are determined to hate each other, but as time goes by they get to see one another in a new light, and starts to change their opinions.
This was sweet and heart warming. Love Jamals family members and their friend group. Highly recommendable to read this book.
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