Enemy Zone

Enforcers #4

by Heather Leighson

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.

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Sports, Hockey Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2026

About the author

Heather 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.

Reviews

[Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Starts off a bit rocky, but gets pretty good about 45% in. The start is full of my least favorite tropes in interracial romance: a white character being unreasonably evil towards a minority and that minority somehow musters up sympathy for the white character anyway. It takes quite a while before Jamal finally tells Theo that his childhood and family situation doesn't excuse him being an ass, and even that is after Jamal sympathizes and lusts after him so... mixed bag.

This was almost even in how much the boys support each other. A lot of Theo's attempts at helping Jamal are rude and abrasive instead of outwardly helpful, but there's progress made as the story goes along. Jamal is just sort of perfect? It was a bit iffy for me to read him so concerned about being viewed as an angry Black man when Theo constantly talks about liking to see him angry. As a Black woman, not my favorite thing to read, but I enjoyed other aspects of the book.

I liked having an interracial romance that didn't just write the Black male character as super growly and possessive and stereotypically large. A lot of this book was Theo being upset anyone even looked at Theo and he was protective enough that this didn't fall into those books where it seemed like the Black character was some sort of therapist and bodyguard. I think it leaned a bit more towards handling Theo's issues overall, but the relationship never felt one sided.

For those concerned, the stepbrother thing is pretty neutralized by the fact that they weren't ever really raised or treated that way. It made Jamal's mother's handling of this whole thing a bit interesting IMO. She's the only parent really present to comment on it and she kinda just blows past it.

This is one of those queer sports romances where somehow the entire team is queer. A bit unlikely, but it makes the fears of experiencing homophobia seem like a purely outside fear. They only worry outside of the locker room so this felt like a little contained world where everyone's into hockey and most of the couples are queer. I wasn't sure if this was setting up for Sarah to have a romance down the line with some unknown character.

There's still so few hockey sports romances with Black characters. Even fewer with Black queer characters. This was one of the better ones I've read. A lot of Theo's researching into Black issues read like someone was assigned to write an essay on them, but the effort he made was appreciated. Recommend if you're into hockey romances. There's plenty of play descriptions.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we got Theos and Jamal’s book and I’m so glad they got over their hatred for each other. So much miscommunication and I’m glad that Theo got away from step dad. I love how Jamal never gave up Theo and that he found someone who loves him. I cant wait to get Mavs book next. I love this series.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for (Enforcers-4) Enemy Zone by Heather Leighson

I have read several books by Heather Leighson, and she just gets better and better. I haven't read that many sports stories till the last few months. I have to say I am really enjoying them due to some wonderful authors who can write a story that just sucks you into the story, and Heather Leighson is one of them.

Tropes-

Enemy-to-lovers
Hockey
stepbrothers (Which I find very hot)

I found this story of Jamal and Theo. The rivalry they had in the game was so hot. I loved the build-up of hate to more between these two. I didn't like Jamal's father because of how he treated Jamal when Jamal was younger. I didn't want to like him due to that. I fell in love with Theo's Mom. She was so sweet and caring. Jamal's Dad did so much damage to him that I just wanted to go into the book and slap him silly. He should have felt proud of Jamal, not treated him like he did. The way he turns Theo against Jamal made me so mad. But the way Heather Leighson wrote this story was fantastic. The buildup of their relationship and the pain that needed healing, and then add in hockey. I just loved it. Can't wait to read more by this author.

Nicole Harvey

[CreativeFreake · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kelly Viccars · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this and I inhaled this to the point that I had to make myself go to sleep past 2 am so that I could save some of this awesome book for the morning!
Jamal and Theo are absolutely everything and I kept calling them babies, just like Kenya did. They were both such well written characters. Neither of them had easy lives, but their hardships were different. It was great to see them comfort each other and be each others safe spaces. It was beautiful to witness them seeing each other like no one else in their lives.
They felt so real and raw with their different fears and concers and it was beautiful to see them come together and support each other. I loved seeing them stand up to Jamal's bio-dad who was also Theo's step dad and be a united front.

It was great to see the Enforcers family and see how the of couples are getting on. I also got really excited for the upcoming book/books and I'm excited to see more of this big family.

This book is lighthearted, sweet and fun, but I still got teary eyed a couple of times. This book was exactly what I needed right now and it resonated with me a lot. This was beautifully written with so much respect and love towards Jamal, his culture and heritage.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to receive an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.

Everything promised in the blurb was delivered — enemies to lovers, stepbrothers, rivals, hurt/comfort, slow burn, no breakups, but also found family, first times, and someone to have their backs.. Both found acceptance and protection from and for each other, they learned to trust in themselves, each other and what they were building together, and both found the one person to see and accept them, flaws and all. Their journey wasn’t easy as they navigated Theo’s ego issues, misunderstandings and miscommunication, lack of trust, fear of rejection or leaving, coming out, anxiety, plus team dynamics — both had so many issues, it would never be easy. But once the barriers were down, the unwavering support was there and the feelings grew.

Jamal and Theo are step brothers through Jamal’s sperm donor and Theo’s mother marrying Jamal’s bio-dad. The boys met just once at the wedding of Theo’s mom, but their lives were both impacted for years. Both felt the other lived the life they should have had. After his dad was gone, Jamal thought Theo lived a life of privilege and luxury (true to an extent, on the surface) but reality was nothing like what he thought. Meanwhile, Theo had Jamal’s accomplishments thrown in his face, always compared to him, but never in a good light. He believed everything his step-father told him about Jamal, and hated him for it. Little did either realize the truth on both their sides.

I was quickly invested in the lives of these two relatable and realistic characters, both damaged by the same person, all with intent. Thankfully, karma worked and justice was served, paving the way for Theo and Jamal to build the life they wanted. Jamal’s family was able to begin to compensate Theo for the lack of family love and care he had missed out on growing up, accepting him into a huge, loving family, overwhelming at first, but giving him a found family where he knew he was accepted and loved for himself. Jamal was able to turn his hatred into understanding then friendship, then love for this damaged man who had never felt love, his biggest challenge being to convince Theo he wasn’t leaving for any reason, they belonged to each other.

The supporting characters, teammates and team owners and staff, friends of Jamal, and Theo’s friend Sarah, all helped add layers to the story. I loved Theo’s fascination with Jamal’s hair, and I learned some things I didn’t know. The hockey was layered in and out of the tale, an integral part, but not overwhelming if you aren’t a big hockey aficionado (I’ve never been to a game or watched one on tv, but think I could follow along with all the hockey romances I have read.).

This book really held my interest, the characters kept me engaged, rooting for things to work out (and for karma to play its part). I think this may be my favorite hockey romance so far, (and I have read a lot from several authors), these two really spoke to my heart and my mind, and I was very happy with where Theo and Jamal are at the end of the book. If you want a story of two deserving guys to invest your heart, mind and time in, I think this could be for you. Give it a try.
(Now, it’s time to turn to Maverick and his big reveal at the end. Must be quite a story there, can’t wait to find out.)

[Danielle Cordsen]

Enemy zone
By: Heather Leighson

Better together?

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

In book 4 in the Enforcers Hockey series we get Jamal and Theo’s story. This book took me on an intense roller coaster of emotions. The depth of emotion from both men is so fundamentally the same and so completely different I wasn’t sure who to root for. Page after page the story uncovered so many truths and lies I’m surprised each man knew which end was up! The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some have quick witted story lines that are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.


Authors blurb: 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.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

I was gifted a copy by the author for a honest review!📚💕

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jessika S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is officially my favorite in the series so far!

Jamal and Theo??? I’m not okay. The progression of their story, from guttural hate to something so soft and real, had me completely hooked. They’re living rent-free in my brain and I’m not even mad about it.

Their history is messy in the most heartbreaking way. Theo grows up believing lies about Jamal, fed to him by the very person who should have protected both of them. And Jamal? He’s been carrying the weight of abandonment and prejudice his entire life. So when they’re thrown together again as adults on the same hockey team… the tension is immediate, heavy, and so emotionally charged.

What I loved most is how their relationship evolves.

It’s not just enemies to lovers; it’s unlearning, healing, and rebuilding something entirely new from the wreckage of what they were told to believe about each other. Even when they’re clashing, there’s this underlying pull, this need to understand, and it made every moment hit that much harder.

And the support?? UGH. The way they show up for each other, even before they fully get along, was everything. Jamal’s family especially brought so much warmth and balance to the story, and I loved how they embraced Theo too.

Theo and Jamal are both such well-written, layered characters. Their struggles with identity, mental health, and past trauma felt real and handled with care. Watching them find not only each other, but also themselves, was incredibly satisfying.

Also… the tension? The slow burn? The spice?? Absolutely delivering. And Theo’s obsession with Jamal’s hair?? I will never recover.

If I had one tiny note, it’s that with both POVs, there were moments where dialogue blurred a bit and I had to double-check who was speaking, but that’s a minor thing compared to how much I loved everything else.

The side characters continue to shine, and I loved getting glimpses of previous couples and their HEAs. It honestly makes me want to go back and read the earlier books just to experience their journeys too.

If you love MM hockey romance with enemies-to-lovers, stepbrother tension (not raised together), emotional depth, and a no-breakup payoff… this one is a must read.

[Kate Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Leighson’s Enemy Zone is an emotionally addictive five-star read that delivers everything I love in a romance: intensity, character growth, and a deeply satisfying payoff.

Theo completely stole the show for me. His character arc is one of the strongest parts of the book. Watching him unravel the lies he’s believed, confront his own behavior, and grow into someone more self-aware and independent was incredibly satisfying. The shift from antagonism to understanding feels natural and earned. But listen if jumping to conclusions was an Olympic sport Theo would be taking home gold.

Jamal is just as compelling. His vulnerability, especially surrounding his panic attacks, is handled with care and authenticity. The way Theo steps up to support him adds a beautiful layer of tenderness to their relationship. Their dynamic is messy, emotional, and full of tension, but also grounded in genuine growth and healing. Jamal works hard to bridge the gap between him and Theo and it definitely pays off in the end.

These two take a little bit to get together but once they do it is explosive. That first kiss was full of yearning and anger and it was pure perfection. The spice is so well done and adds so much to their overall story and connection.

The found family aspect shines through the team, who consistently show up with support and loyalty. And the presence of Jamal’s bio father as a villain adds real weight to the story. His impact is deeply felt, and his eventual comeuppance is well deserved.

Enemy Zone is perfect for readers who love hockey, stepbrother romances, hate to love, found family, caregiving, and meaningful character growth. I feel incredibly grateful to have been both an ARC and beta reader for this series, thank you to Heather for continuing to trust me with your stories.

[ੈ♡˳ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book, it was so worth the wait!

I loved Jamal from the first book in the series and I’m so glad he lived up to my expectations. Jamal and Theo were everything together and I’m glad they got their happy ending. Theo was just a hurt boy hurting other people, but learning about the way he grew up and the lies his step-dad (John King, Jamal’s bio dad who he had no relationship with) told him, mase a lot of sense for why he was that way although I’m not excusing his behaviour. Also poor Jamal always having to be careful about what he says and what he does because of his skin colour, reading his thoughts were genuinely so upsetting but I’m glad by the end he was a lot more comfortable in doing things he never would’ve thought of. Also Theo was the sweetest boy ever, always defending and protecting Jamal and it was hard sometimes to read how he thought he did t deserve to be loved by Jamal. Reading about their relationship progress was the the best and I’m glad they have each other.

I also loved the family scenes, especially between Jamal’s mom Kenya, his step-dad and Theo. But I’m also happy Theo was accepted by the extended family too, and he realised he didn’t need his step-dad. I will say though, that considering how we read about how much he loved his mom, there was no follow up about where she was or even and real conversation between them other than the one towards the beginning.

I can’t forget about the team and how they love acting like idiots but they’re all so loveable, I loved their banter!

I’m excited for Mav’s book especially because it’s second chance and that’s one of my favourite tropes. But I am still more intrigued by Rhys Brant My Dimon, really loving the tension so far between them and can’t wait to learn about their story.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alexandra Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.✨

Wow, Theo and Jamal😭 Their story was so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

I hate what Jamal’s father did to them. Making them hate each other for no reason other than him being pro white, intolerant to queer people😡

I can’t decide which of them suffered the most. While Jamal had a wonderful mother and stepfather, he suffered unspeakable cruelty from his aunt. He also had to live with the consequences of being a biracial man playing in the whitest sport.

Jamal had to refrain from being himself in order to fit in. He had to be extra careful not to show any kind of anger so he wouldn’t be seen as ghetto. There was so much of himself that he had to hide in order to avoid conflicts.

Theo was supposed to have had a better life with his stepfather and his mom. After all, he had the financial security that was denied to Jamal, yet, he had it just as bad. The verbal abuse, demeaning comments and the constant comparisons between them was the catalyst to his dislike towards Jamal.

Theo had to cope somehow with the hell he was living in, and that coping mechanism was to be a jerk to everyone and push them away. But underneath all that was a broken boy who only wanted to be loved.

Despite their animosity, they saw the real men in them. The ones that felt unworthy and the ones who just wanted to belong. Theo was the only one who saw Jamal’s real emotions and Jamal was the only one who saw how much Theo yearned to be loved by someone.

Little by little they let their walls down and let in the feelings that were growing between them. They knew how risky it would be if they got together, but they also knew it was worth the fallout.

I’m so glad Jamal helped Theo become his own person. He helped him free himself from his stepfather’s toxic grip and become the man he was always meant to be.

I loved this story so much. It’s such a relatable story that millions of people deal with. Racism and bigotry is so real these days and it’s so sad to see it’s only getting worse 😔

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - April 3, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- enemies to lovers
- stepbrothers
- teammates to lovers
- mm hockey romance
- forced proximity
- protective hero
- hurt/comfort

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Enemy Zone follows Jamal and Theo, two hockey players on the same team who absolutely cannot stand each other at first. Their rivalry is intense, their tension is even stronger, and things become even more complicated when they end up connected as stepbrothers. What starts with anger, competition, and resentment slowly turns into attraction, vulnerability, and something much deeper.
This book was such a fun sports romance with so much tension between the characters. Jamal and Theo had that perfect enemies-to-lovers energy that kept the story entertaining from the beginning. Their banter, jealousy, and emotional moments made their relationship development feel really satisfying.
I loved how the story balanced hockey scenes with personal struggles. Theo’s complicated family situation and Jamal’s emotional battles added depth to the story and made their connection feel more meaningful. Watching them slowly go from rivals to supportive partners was honestly the best part.
The chemistry between them was strong and intense, but there were also many soft and emotional moments that made my heart melt. Their journey felt messy, dramatic, and passionate in the best way.
Overall, this was an engaging MM hockey romance with great tension, lovable teammates, and a relationship that slowly grows into something real and powerful.
Thank you author for the ARC!

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamal King and Theo O’Keefe find themselves on the same professional hockey team and sparks fly immediately – and for good reason, so it seems. Jamal’s biological father is Theo’s step-father as well, and the evil and controlling older man is the main contributor to the vitriolic hatred between the two. As the two men come to grips with their duties and responsibilities on the team and spend more time with each other, however, the acerbic lies told to each other by their father seem to melt away.

I really enjoyed reading Enemy Zone! The book is wonderfully written, and I had trouble setting it down to rest my eyes. The main characters are so well developed and relatable, and the plot is vivid and multi-dimensional… the detail of a hockey player’s life is not an easy one! In the center of it all, however, is the budding romance between Jamal and Theo – seemingly an impossibility in the beginning, but becomes a reality quickly.

I especially enjoyed the secondary characters in the book – namely Jamal and Theo’s hockey teammates and coaches. They all add a very loving and familial sense of rightness to the novel - that Jamal and Theo have their support no matter what happens between them. Jamal’s mother and step-dad are also essential allies, as they offer the two a sense of real family – something Theo has rarely experienced in his young life.

Enemy Zone is a fabulous novel! The feelings that are written into the characters make this an especially extraordinary romance – one not to be missed! 5 stars, definitely!

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear old dad has a lot to answer for

Stepbrother romance always comes with its own set of complications and this time, the wicked stepfather managed to fuck up both his son's and his stepson's lives, leaving one in poverty and the other isolated, controlled, manipulated and angry.
Jamal is happy being an Enforcer. His teammates are all like family but when his actual family, in the form of his surly stepbrother, appears, his anxiety reaches new heights.
Theo is the complete opposite of King, often seeming to talk or act without any thought at all, let alone taking into account the consequences of those decisions.
It was never going to be easy for them but Theo did his damnedest to tank not only any chance for them to be friends but also, the rest of the team are on the short end of his temper.
I love how Heather has delved into Jamal's anxieties, offering awareness of how much anxiety can rule your entire life, showing how much it affects his thinking and his actions. I felt that it was very sensitively dealt with.
As before, there's quite a lot of interaction with the rest of the team, and it was good to see them all again. This is a series not just about sport romances but a found family series too. The camaraderie, love and affection between them all shines through. I loved Jamal's mum and stepdad, who were great characters, loving, affectionate and acccepting.
Mav's story is next and that looks to be a good one.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Karyn Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Heri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC from the author.

Rating: 4⭐️

Tropes
Enemies to lovers
Stepbrothers
First times
Breathplay
Mental health rep
Found family

Heather is 4 for 4 on the Enforcers Series!

Stepbrothers, a favorite trope of mine and well done.

Jamal and Theo grew up hating each other only meeting once in their young age. Jamal believed his stepbrother, Theo, lived a privileged life with his biological father that he never had. Theo believed he needed to do better to make his stepfather respect him the way he believed his stepbrother, Jamal, was respected. Neither knew the actual truth about the other’s life.

I’ll be honest the first few chapters I wasn’t getting fully hooked with the slow start. But when I was hooked, I was very well hooked to the very end!

Jamal said Theo “helped me out and has stood up for me in a way no one else in my life has.” The thing is he ended up doing the same for Theo when he needed him the most. Loving him in a way no one else in his life had.

When Jamal’s mom cheered for her “babies” out loud…ugh. Besides the love between the main characters you could feel the motherly love encompassing you.

Jamal is a freaking sweetheart that needs all the protection. But he has his personal enforcer to fight his fights on the ice and his Kitten to help take gum out of his hair with peanut butter.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemy Zone delivers a powerful mix of stepbrothers tension and enemies-to-lovers angst, wrapped up in a story that hits way deeper than you might expect.
Jamal and Theo both go into this relationship carrying completely wrong assumptions about each other’s lives. Each thinks the other had it easy—but the reality? Not even close. Watching those layers peel back was one of the most compelling parts of the story.
Theo’s journey, especially as he works through his past abuse, is handled with care and emotion. And Jamal dealing with his anxiety adds another layer that makes their connection feel real and grounded. These aren’t perfect characters—they’re messy, hurting, and trying—and that’s exactly what makes them so easy to root for.
What really stood out to me was the sense of family. Jamal’s family accepting Theo, along with the broader “found family” vibes, brought so much warmth to balance out the heavier themes. It gave the story heart in all the right places.
This is more than just a hockey romance—it’s about healing, understanding, and realizing that sometimes the person you clash with the most might be the one who sees you the clearest.
Definitely recommend if you love emotional MM romance with depth, growth, and a satisfying payoff.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susanna Meloni · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[tobifun.pp · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
darkness: 🖤
feelings: 😭🥰😱🥵😍🫠😡🤣🥹🤩

What to expect:

🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🥰 Stepbrothers
🏒 New teammates
😡 Bad behavior
😊 Rescue moment
😱 Hair emergency
👱🧔🏿‍♀️ Cultural Differences
💔 The truth hurts
🤯 It can’t be HIM
🔥 Spicy first times
💘 A very happily ever after


Ever since he first appeared in the Enforcers series, Jamal King has fascinated me! I couldn’t wait to read his story. When the time finally came, I practically devoured the book.

Enemy Zone is darker than the previous books in the series. Since I’d already met Theo briefly in the previous volume, I was really curious to see how the relationship between the two stepbrothers would develop.

It takes Theo a while to fit into the Enforcers team. He comes across as arrogant and selfish. But you quickly realize that he, too, is traumatized by Jamal’s father, John King.

Enemy Zone is a beautiful enemies-to-lovers story between two stepbrothers who couldn’t be more different.

I was also really happy to see the other team members again. I adore Jamal's family and his community.

My favorite part is when the villain reaps what he has sown.


Heather's surprise in the epilogue has me eagerly counting down the months until the next book!

[Hannah Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series just keeps getting better but truly, they are all phenomenal. The Enforcers have easily become one of my most favorite series. Each book in this series, Heather tackles a sensitive subject (or two) but gives our characters a hard fought and well deserved HEA. Theo and Jamal were no exception. I have truly loved Jamal from the beginning and I was so excited to find out he was getting a book. When I first started this book, I had no idea how Heather would get me to like Theo but she certainly managed that and more. I can’t wait for the next book.

“But for once, I want to stay and stop fighting. Believe in him. Believe in us.”

“Someone without anxiety could never understand the mental fixation of our fears and problems. They loop in our heads over and over until we pass out or figure out a solution.”

"Love is a verb and a noun. Feelings aren't enough if you aren't actively showing someone you love them. My moms and dad tell me they love me, but I believe them because they show me... You don't fall in love and things magically slot into place like a sappy movie. You have to choose who you love and then choose how to show them."

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This is book four in the author’s Enforcers MM Hockey Romance series and features bi-racial stepbrothers and reluctant teammates, Theo and Jamal.

Theo, newly joined with the Enforcers, despised Jamal for all of the despicable things he’d been told had been said about him over the years. Jamal, for his part, resented Theo because of all of the advantages he’d received from Jamal’s sperm donor when he and his mother were always struggling for money.

There were tons of unresolved insecurities (on both sides) in this one that each struggled to set aside but none more so than Theo who had faced emotional abuse from his stepfather since he was a young child though the anxiety Jamal suffered from was a lot in itself. These two are gonna break your heart but it was worth it to see them grow closer and learn to be there for each other.

This was my first read in this series so I wasn’t familiar with the breakdown of the other couples but I’m really looking forward to reading Mav’s book next. For Theo and Jamal though, 4.25 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepbrothers is my favourite trope, so of cause I will read this book.
Jamal King has had conflict with Theo O'Keefe on the ice forever, yes he is his stepbrother but Jamal does not know what he has done to be hated so much. Now they are playing on the same team, will it bring them together or break the team.
First impression of Theo for me and the team was not good, he was arrogant, insensitive and as us Brits say, a complete dick, but as the story continues, you see the reasons behind this. Jamal was the complete opposite, I have always liked Jamal, not one for conflict, respected by players and fans.
They say opposites attract and as Theo spends time with Jamal, you can see the attraction and the things they do for it each other.
I really like this series and seeing how close this team are and having each other's backs. Loved how Rhys had a part to play and I hoping he gets his story, as I have my suspicions. Mav was a character I want to know more about especially after his revelation. As for Finn, I think he needs to lie down in a dark room and sleep for a week, after all his hard work.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me hooked!

Jamal and Theo completely stole my heart. They’ve both been through so much, just in very different ways, and watching them become each other’s safe space was honestly beautiful. The way they saw and understood each other when no one else really did? I loved that.

Their relationship felt raw and emotional, and I really appreciated that they stood together when things got hard, especially when it came to Jamal’s dad. I hated him, but seeing Jamal and Theo face that together as a united front was so satisfying.

I also loved getting more of the Enforcers family and seeing where everyone is at. It just adds to that found family feel, and I’m already excited for what’s coming next.

That said, the shift from enemies to lovers did feel a bit quick for me, and I would’ve liked a little more depth around the family conflict, especially with how much it impacted both of them. Theo could also be a bit all over the place at times, but when he was soft with Jamal? That’s when I really loved him.

Overall though, this was sweet, emotional, and easy to get lost in. It made me smile, made me a little teary, and was just a really enjoyable read.

[Myriame · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had potential, but unfortunately it didn’t fully deliver for me. The first 40% felt very slow, with little to no meaningful interaction between the main characters. Because of that, it was hard to feel invested early on.

I also struggled with the lack of chemistry between the main characters. There was very little tension or buildup, and their relationship seemed to jump from nothing to suddenly being together without enough development to make it believable or satisfying.

The plot itself had some weird elements, especially the storyline involving the stepfather/genitor. However, it wasn’t strong enough to carry the story on its own.

Another issue was the number of secondary characters introduced. There were simply too many, and most of them didn’t add much value to the story. Instead, they made the narrative feel cluttered and distracted from the main plot and relationships.

Overall, an okay read with a few interesting ideas, but it lacked the emotional depth and character development I was hoping for.