The Book Club Boyfriend

Must Love Hockey #2

by Kendall Ryan

She doesn’t believe in love. He doesn’t believe in losing.
Let the games begin.

Scarlett “Scottie” Calloway built her career writing books about why women don’t need men. Romance? Overrated. Soulmates? A marketing ploy. The last thing she wants is to spend a summer co-hosting a romance book club with an arrogant, insufferably handsome hockey player who thinks he knows a thing or two about love. Immediate no.

Chase Remington lives for three hockey, winning, and pushing Scarlett’s buttons. He’s never met a challenge he couldn’t charm his way through—until her. The queen of anti-romance loathes him, and frankly? He’s having the time of his life getting under her skin.

But when a PR stunt forces them together, their battle of wits turns into something far more dangerous—an attraction neither can afford. She swears she won’t fall. He bets she will.

By summer’s end, only one will be right.
And if there’s one thing they do have in common?
Neither likes to lose.The Book Club Boyfriend is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers sports romance featuring professional athletes, shameless flirting, and a hero who falls first—and hard. Expect banter, chemistry, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

What to
• Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
• Banter as Foreplay
• Peanut Butter Bribery
• He Falls First
• A Wingman with Paws

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, Hockey, Enemies To Lovers

350 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Kendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of flirty, feel-good romance filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. An American author who has lived all over the world, her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into multiple languages. She writes swoony heroes, bold heroines, and stories that make you laugh, blush, and fall in love. When she’s not dreaming up new plotlines, she is a proud mom to two amazing sons and the wife of her real-life hero.


VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/Kendall-Ryan/e...

VISIT MY FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/kendallryanbooks

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM!
www.instagram.com/kendallryan1

GET 2 FREE READS!
www.kendallryanbooks.com/freebooks

Reviews

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and satisfying little listen, The Book Club Boyfriend has all the perfect rom com components.

Grumpy versus Sunshine
Frienemies to lovers
A lovable, if disloyal pet to MMC
Hockey player versus author (this is the stuff my friends)
and a slow, slllloooow burn.

I had just finished up a deep, dark academia tale and this was the perfect reset with meet cutes and funny banter. The narration was perfect with rotating POVs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for a copy to listen to!

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but the multiple epilogues became exhausting.

[BookSiren Baddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute concept and packed with laugh-out-loud moments. Liam is adorable, sweet, a little awkward, and totally committed to winning her over. Where it lost me a bit was Sophie. The setup promises "book-smart and career-focused," but she comes across as more insecure than self-assured. If she really loved her life as it was, I wanted to see her own it, happy, successful, and unworried, not constantly second guessing herself.

If you’re here for a charming small-town vibes, and a sweet, feel-good story, you’ll enjoy this one.
On spice: pretty mild. A few kisses, some longing glances, but nothing explicit.
Fun read, but could have been better.

[Anita Byars · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ultimate slow-burn romance in this enemies-to-lovers tale. It has the perfect blend of heart, charm, and witty banter that crackles and sizzles. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the hero, along with his four-legged companion Rip, is utterly smitten with the woman who makes a living writing books about why women don’t need men.

This is Chase Remington and Scarlett ”Scottie” Calloway’s journey to a HEA and I fell so hard for these two along the way!!

Scottie Calloway, struggling with writer’s block, embarks on a month-long vacation at a lake cottage in Michigan. However, her peaceful retreat is disrupted when she encounters her neighbor, a charming and arrogant hockey player for the Dallas Stampede.

After a month of avoiding and fantasizing about her charismatic neighbor, she unexpectedly finds herself paired up with Chase in a Stampede book club PR stunt when she returns home.

Entertaining with lots of witty banter between Scarlett and Chase, as well as enough sexual tension to melt the pages. Every interaction, every snarky remark, every stolen glance… it was all so perfect. I giggled. I smiled. I laughed, and I fell hard for these two and so will you!

I received an early copy from the author and this is my honest review!!

[Afton Gross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was overall a cute hockey romance. It was a bit dragging in parts, especially the endings, and the burn was slowwwwwwwww. The overall plot was good but I felt like I wanted a bit more in most parts - more energy, more passion, more wow factor.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of my favorite tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- sports romance
- enemies to lovers

Told from dual POV, Scottie and Chase are two totally different vibes. Scottie is a jaded writer who is anti-relationship and anti-man. Chase is a golden retriever in human form.

I loved how this relationship developed. Their banter as top notch, making me laugh out loud multiple times. The author managed to take so many common tropes but not making them typical. It was really enjoyable being surprised by both characters. Scottie's growth was healing to me, and while I've already found my Chase, it was really heartwarming and hopeful.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this audio book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Marina Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this was the most amazing, entertaining story!
Scottie is something else entirely and I’d love to be her friend!
Chase is the charming professional hockey player!
The sparks fly when they meet and honestly the banter is top notch!
I found these two to be like chalk and cheese! But together in a room with an audience at a book club, well they both give as much as they get!
I wholeheartedly loved this book and honestly felt for Scottie too!
Make sure you put this book high on your tbr list!

[Mia Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers. A sunshiney hockey player. A grumpy, romance-hating writer. And a small town filled with book club chaos. Sounds like a good time, right? The Book Club Boyfriend definitely delivers on the charm and humor—but it didn’t completely steal my heart.

We meet Scarlett “Scottie” Calloway, an author who built her entire career proving that women don’t need men to be happy (love that for her!). She’s smart, stubborn, and a little too convinced that romance is a scam. Enter Chase Remington—a professional hockey player with golden retriever energy, a heart of gold, and a habit of getting under Scottie’s skin. When they’re forced to co-host a summer romance book club, sparks fly… and not the kind Scottie is ready to admit to.

The setup had everything I love: witty banter, a slow burn that teases just enough, and a hero who falls first (and hard). Chase was such a sweetheart—patient, funny, and endlessly determined to make Scottie smile. But I’ll be honest, there were moments where I struggled with Scottie’s attitude. I get her whole “love is a distraction” thing, but girl… let the poor man breathe! She could be downright prickly for no real reason at times, which made it hard to root for her.

That said, the overall story was cute, easy to read, and had plenty of heart. I adored the book club scenes, the meddling side characters, and the gentle humor woven throughout. The chemistry was there, but it leaned more “sweet” than “steamy,” so if you prefer your romances on the clean side, this one will hit the spot.

Was I completely obsessed? Not quite. But I still smiled my way through it and closed the book feeling good—and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Happy reading!

Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Maybe
Would I read future books by this author: Yes

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scottie Calloway writes books about empowering women and affirming they don’t need a man to be happy, but she's having a bout of writer's block. She takes a month-long vacation at a lake cottage in Michigan, only to find her neighbor is a gregarious, egotistical hockey player for the Dallas Stampede.

After a month of dividing her time between being annoyed by/avoiding Chase Remington and drooling over him, she heads back home only to be roped into the Stampede's book club PR stunt. And of course, she's paired up with Chase.

The epic banter makes this one is so much fun. Scottie is sassy, prickly, and sarcastic, and Chase has the same personality as his golden retriever with the addition of an irreverent smirk, hidden depths, and a big marshmallow heart. Lighthearted and fun but with hidden depths, this story of finding oneself and healing the past will be your new favorite read.

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Book Club Boyfriend was good. It didn’t blow me away, but I was able to listen to the audiobook and the narrators both did a great job getting me invested in the “Will they? Won’t they?” of their enemies to lovers dynamic. They really sold me on the tension of it all. The heroine had been hurt before, so she’s sort of a love non-believer. The hero has always just been a good time, but with his friend settling down and wanting to settle more on his career he is looking at love and relationships a different way. These two end up “getting away” on the same lake shore at the same time. After a series of not so sweet encounters they get used to having each other around.

Like I said, this story was good. I think it was just missing something to make it GREAT. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a lower spice read, but wants that angsty “I don’t like you” romance journey.

AVAILABLE NOW!
*ALC from Libro.fm

[Hollyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book Club Boyfriend is the second book in the Must Love Hockey series. This book is about Scarlett "Scottie" and Chase and is told from both of their points of view.

Scarlett and Chase meet when they are both away on a retreat to get a break from life. However, when they have an encounter in the grocery store, it does not start off well. Only to discover they are now neighbors.

Scarlett is a writer, who writes books about women not needing men, and Chase is a hockey player, who wants Scarlett from the beginning, and pushing her buttons is just as fun. When they end up working together will feelings start to develop between the two? Can Scarlett learn that having a man in her life isn't that bad?

I loved the banter between these two characters. As well, as the funny moments from Chase's dog. I am excited to continue on in this series!

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett “Scottie” Calloway is not a romance writer. She considers herself a serious lady that writes about women being alone but her writers block has her going away for some R&R. Chase Remington has to clean up his hockey reputation and decides to take a trip to clear his head. They both end up in the same small town and their first impressions are not the best of each other so when she agrees to co host a romance book club with him he is a little shocked. Can this hockey hottie get this nonfiction writer to become a romance fan? What a cute and fun enemies to lovers, slow burn romance. Their banter is great and I really enjoyed her finding out that love isn’t a bad thing after all. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An author and a hockey player romance!

This book is really cute and sweet. No spicy scenes. I love a good enemies to lovers trope and this definitely delivers. It has the sass, the angst, humor, and romance that I think rounds out a good story.

Characters were well written. The story never dulled. It was interesting from start to finish. I found myself laughing and smiling at several parts during the story. And let’s let’s a round of applause for our side puppy Rip. (He’s a good boy!)

I listened to the audiobook version and I loved the narrators for this one. Ryan West and CJ Bloom are among my fave narrators. Production was well done.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape! I am loving hockey romance right now.

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When author Scarlett ("Scottie") goes away on a writing retreat, she doesn't expect her neighbour to be famous hockey player Chase. Considering Scottie writes books on how romance isn't needed for women, it isn't exactly getting the creative juices flowing having this hunky specimen next door. When Chase and Scottie front a PR stunt in the form of a book club meet, their witty banter explodes.

I adored these two characters. They were so opposite in personality but together, they clicked so well. Their banter was fabulous and had me grinning as I read through their interactions. Told through dual POVs, this charming enemies to lovers story had me already ready to pick up the next in the series.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book Club Boyfriend, book 2 of the Must Love Hockey series is written by Kendall Ryan. KR is a favorite of mine for many reasons and this book tells all! It’s got lots of witty banter between Scarlett and Chase, as well as enough sexual tension to melt the pages. I literally stayed up all night to finish it before I flipped right back to page one to devour it again. The writer and hockey player get thrown together to cause friction but it totally sets them both aflame. I am now really looking forward to reading the next one in this perfect series! Grab it quick!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review The Book Club Boyfriend (Must Love Hockey #2) by Kendall Ryan

This is writer Scarlett “Scottie” Calloway and hockey player Chase Remington’s enemies to lovers story.

The Book Club Boyfriend was a well written, entertaining story that ticked a numerous boxes for me.

I found both characters easy to relate to and it was entertaining to watch the push and pull dynamic as their relationship developed.

There was plenty of heat, the banter witty and I quickly became invested in their story.

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Kendall Ryan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, slow burn, low angst, low spice book.

The FMC is a writer focusing on how woman don’t need a man to be happy. The MMC is a hockey star whose reputation could use help.

After running into each other at their respective monthlong lakefront cabin rentals they keep crossing paths and pushing buttons. They start to voluntarily spend time together and then the MMC oversteps and they part without speaking again. Fast forward a few weeks and they’re being forced together for a book club through the MMCs hockey team and the FMCs agent.

Enemies to lovers and grumpy sunshine trope lovers rejoice and they’re officially “shipped” by the bookclub.

The book was a cute easy read. Very low stakes and while enjoyable left me wanting a little more.

The audio narrators did a good job. The male voice sometimes felt a little performative but I don’t get to listen to as many male voices so that might be normal.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent. I felt like some of the plot was missing and things didnt always add up. I enjoyed Chase and Scotty as a whole. I liked the premise behind it, a love doubter who writes about independent woman who don't need love and hockey player who's a hopeless flirt are reluctantly teamed up for some PR. It was just missing something. I didnt really connect with the characters at all, but the dog was the best side character. I did listen to this on audio and enjoyed the narrators.

Thank you to libr.io for the gifted copy.

[Caitlynn Baysinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute!!! The writing in the last 30% of the book was not great in my opinion. The first 70% of the book was darling, though!!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh this one was nice but it just fell flat for me. I wasn’t invested.

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies-to-lovers perfection! The Book Club Boyfriend gives us everything—banter that crackles, chemistry that builds slow and hot, and a hero who’s absolutely gone for the girl who swears she doesn’t believe in love. Scarlett’s cynicism meets Chase’s charm in a battle of wits that turns into so much more, and I was hooked from the first page.

Chase falls first (and hard), and I adored how he slowly broke through Scarlett’s walls with teasing grins, shameless flirting, and maybe a little peanut butter bribery. Rip is the ultimate four-legged wingman—he’s the bestest boy and he completely stole my heart.🐾

It’s a deliciously slow burn with the perfect mix of humor, heart, and heat. Kendall keeps delivering stories that make me smile, swoon, and root for every single Stampede player. I am truly loving this series, and I can’t wait to see who falls next!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sporty, sexy, and irresistibly playful!⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 is a passionate enemies-to-lovers romance starring Scarlett, a frustrated, world-weary writer who’s built a career on not believing in love, and Chase, the hard-bodied, irresistible charmer determined to change her mind.⁣
⁣
The writing is sweet and light. The characters are fun-loving, endearing, and kind. And the plot is a perfect blend of heat, drama, emotion, humour, snappy banter, sparkling chemistry, friendship, love, and hockey.⁣
⁣
Overall, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 is a passionate, sassy, heartfelt addition to the Must Love Hockey series by Ryan, that I thoroughly enjoyed, and which is a fantastic pick for anyone craving a romcom packed with hope, humour, and heart.⁣

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s a jaded romance author (ironic, right?). After hitting a serious case of writer’s block, she decides she needs some time away a reset. Little did she know, she’d meet the guy who would help her in every way possible!

This story was just so cute and heartwarming. I couldn’t get enough of it the chemistry, the growth, the way it all came together. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and swoony!

[Sara Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this novel we follow Scottie and Chase. Scottie is a woman who writes novels about how women can be independent and find happiness within themselves. I truly loved this. Chase is a hockey player and is quite the golden retriever. When these two meet, it is insta love for Chase, but Scottie cannot stand him. They are neighbors for the next month and have to make it work.

While many remarked on the witty banter, I actually didn’t like it. I thought Scottie was mean for no reason. I get that her whole genre of writing is a vibe, but girl just be nice. How hard is it to be nice to another human being?

That is what irked me. I think Chase could have done better.

Cute story/plot and the side characters were fun.

*An ARC was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess Reads2Much · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like The Book Club Boyfriend because the premise sounded fun. An anti-romance author joining a summer book club with a hot hockey player? It had potential. But honestly, it just didn’t work for me. Scottie, the main character, is weirdly rude from the very beginning for no real reason. Instead of coming across as strong or guarded, she just feels mean and kind of boring. I couldn’t understand why this rich, super attractive, famous hockey player was suddenly obsessed with her. The romance didn’t feel believable at all.

The pacing was all over the place too. Some parts dragged forever, and then the emotional moments felt rushed or totally unearned. The banter tries to be cute and flirty but mostly feels awkward

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.G. Reviews The Book Club Boyfriend by Kendall Ryan
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Libro.fm for my gifted ALC!

Let’s be clear: I was not emotionally prepared to fall for a cinnamon roll hockey player who uses peanut butter as a weapon of flirtation. But here we are. The Book Club Boyfriend sneaks up on you like that—one minute you’re rolling your eyes at a “romance cynic meets hot athlete” setup, and the next, you’re screaming internally when a fictional dog named Rip interrupts a nearly-kiss. Kendall Ryan, I didn’t ask for this emotional sabotage. And yet… thank you?

Scarlett “Scottie” Calloway is what would happen if you took every romance reader’s sarcastic inner monologue and gave her a book deal. She’s sharp, cynical, allergic to emotional vulnerability, and she’s made a full-on career out of telling women they don’t need men. Which—respect. Enter Chase Remington, walking locker room fantasy with a six-pack, a soft heart, and an alarming amount of patience for being insulted on the regular. He’s the golden retriever to her black cat. A professional hockey player who’s temporarily exiled himself to a quiet lakeside town for PR reasons, only to find his next-door neighbor is basically the Grinch in yoga pants.

The premise is delightfully chaotic: a book club, a forced PR stunt, a dog named Rip who deserves his own novella, and the slowest of slow-burns between two people who would rather commit tax fraud than admit they like each other. It’s enemies to lovers done with just enough bite to keep it fun, and just enough heart to keep it grounded.

Now, about the audiobook. Narrated by CJ Bloom and Ryan West, this thing lives and dies on the banter—and they nail it. CJ gives Scottie just the right amount of dry sarcasm and vulnerability, while Ryan West somehow manages to sound like a smirking flirt without being obnoxious. Their chemistry carries the pacing, especially in scenes where the plot leans a little trope-heavy. And let me tell you, when they argue about oat milk and book club picks, it’s oddly captivating. Ryan’s delivery of Chase’s one-liners is the kind of confident charm that makes you want to throw your phone, and CJ’s ability to layer in that quiet emotional unraveling—chef’s kiss. I’d honestly listen to them read grocery lists.

Plot-wise, is it reinventing the romance wheel? No. But it’s self-aware enough to lean into the tropes while winking at them, which I appreciate. There’s forced proximity, mutual pining, a classic third-act breakup (predictable but thankfully short-lived), and the “it was all a bet” setup that should make you roll your eyes but somehow doesn’t. Mostly because Scottie doesn’t let it linger long enough to derail the entire story. She has the emotional intelligence of someone who’s been through it and is just tired of the nonsense, which honestly makes her feel like your snarky older sister who’s always right.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it’s funny. Like actually funny, not “romance novel trying too hard” funny. The banter pops. The pacing moves. There are moments where I laughed out loud (alone, like a gremlin) because Chase and Scottie were bickering over the proper way to dog-ear a book page or whether a romance novel with a shirtless vampire counts as “literary.” It’s cozy, but not cloying. Flirty without being over-the-top. And for a closed-door romance, the tension is there. Oh, it’s there. Just don’t expect steam—it’s sweet and satisfying, but your Kindle won’t overheat.

Quote I underlined:
“You’re exhausting, infuriating, and completely off-brand for everything I claim to believe in.”
“Cool. So you’re saying there’s a chance?”

If you’re the kind of reader who wants steamy spice on every page, this might feel a bit tame. But if you like your love stories with banter, big heart, and a dog who regularly steals scenes like he’s gunning for an Oscar, this one’s a win.

So, final verdict?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)
It’s charming. It’s fast-paced. It’s a little ridiculous, but in the way you want a romcom to be. The audiobook is an absolute treat—CJ Bloom and Ryan West bring these characters to life with enough warmth and wit to make you forget that you meant to do something productive today.

Would I read more in this series? Absolutely. Would I like a standalone spin-off for Rip the dog? Also yes.

#TheBookClubBoyfriend #KendallRyan #MustLoveHockey #RomComReads #HockeyRomance #EnemiesToLovers #GrumpySunshine #CJBloom #RyanWest #AudiobookReview #BookReview #RomanceBooks #CozyReads #CleanRomance #SlowBurn #NetGalley #LibrofmALC #DreamscapeMedia #FictionReview #RomanticComedy #BookClubDrama #ARCReview

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖✨ She hates romance. He is romance. Summer chaos ensues.

Read if you like: enemies-to-lovers · hockey romance · grumpy/sunshine · slow burn · small-town vibes · hero falls first

📚 Scarlett “Scottie” Calloway has made a career out of proving women don’t need men—or love—to thrive. Romance is a scam, and soulmates are just good marketing. So being forced to co-host a romance book club for the summer with Chase Remington, an annoyingly charming professional hockey player, is her personal nightmare. For Chase? It’s the most fun he’s had in a while. As banter turns into tension and tension into something neither planned, one thing becomes clear: this PR stunt might change more than reputations.

👨‍👧 Chase Remington is pure sunshine—competitive, flirtatious, and all-in once he decides he wants something (or someone). He falls first and hard, and honestly? He’s a sweetheart. Scottie is smart, driven, and fiercely independent, but also deeply resistant to letting anyone in. At times her prickliness made it harder to root for her, even when her motivations made sense on paper.

💞 The romance is a true slow burn, driven by witty banter, forced proximity, and mutual stubbornness. The chemistry is more sweet than steamy, with emotional moments outweighing spice. If you love a hero who’s patient and persistent, this will work for you.

👧 The side characters—and especially the book club chaos—add warmth and humor. Meddling townspeople, group discussions, and community vibes give the story its heart and charm.

✍️ Kendall Ryan delivers an easy, breezy read filled with humor and feel-good energy. The pacing is smooth, the banter lands, and while the emotional depth doesn’t fully soar, the story is comforting and consistently enjoyable.

🌟 The Book Club Boyfriend is a cute, low-angst sports romance that doesn’t reinvent the wheel—but does exactly what it promises. I wasn’t completely obsessed, but I smiled a lot, enjoyed the journey, and closed the book feeling good. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📲 QOTD: Do you love when the hero falls first—or when both characters fight their feelings until the very end?
Alternate QOTD (for non-romance readers): Would you ever join a small-town book club?

👇
#BookReview #TheBookClubBoyfriend #KendallRyan #HockeyRomance #EnemiesToLovers #GrumpySunshine #SlowBurnRomance #RomanceBooks #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #SportsRomance #LowAngstRomance #BookishLove #RomanceRecs #BookCommunity

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An enemies to lovers, sports romance

My Review: The Book Club Boyfriend by Kendall Ryan is book #2 in the Must Love Hockey series. It is scheduled for release on 11/11/25.

About the Book: "She doesn’t believe in love. He doesn’t believe in losing.

Scarlett “Scottie” Calloway built her career writing books about why women don’t need men.

The last thing she wants is to spend a summer co-hosting a romance book club with an arrogant, insufferably handsome hockey player..."

In My Own Words: A hockey player and a seeming anti-romance writer clash, click, and connect over oat milk, a lovable pet, hockey, live Q & As, and a romance book club.

About the Characters/Conflict: Living down a reputation that is no longer valid can be hard for anyone. Such was the case with Scarlett and Chase. At one time, she was perceived as being against love and romance, but the truth was far more personal. On the flip side, Chase was perceived as the playboy player with mad game on and off the ice. He was more than he appeared to be.

When they met each other, they both felt something that caused them to take notice. Unfortunately, internal and external pressures and insecurities disrupted their relationship.

My Favorite Scenes (coded, so as to avoid spoilers):

- The Firsts: Meeting, Game, Kiss
- Bets Off
- The Charm Offensive
- Water Games
- Enemies, Frenemies

About the Audiobook: This lighthearted hockey romance was narrated by Ryan West and CJ Bloom. It was a fun listening experience. I laughed and even shed a tear or two. That speaks to how effective this duo was at communicating the story. I was able to lose myself in their words.

My Final Say: This story was just what I needed today. It was entertaining, sweet, and swoonworthy, all in one. The leads were likable and fit together well. I can see myself listening to this again and again. It was just that good.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Level: 💞
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have voluntarily offered are my own thoughts and opinions. I am grateful for the opportunity.

[Jennifer Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 Stars) | The Book Club Boyfriend (Must Love Hockey #2) – Kendall Ryan

It’s hard to pin down exactly how I feel about this one—not because it was bad, but because it’s simply not my usual style. I prefer a little (okay, a lot of) spice 🔥… and this book is zero-spice, extremely slow burn, and honestly not even “closed door”—just very little focus on intimacy overall. So I don’t want to judge it unfairly, because the writing matches the lane it’s meant to be in.

This book follows Scottie Callaway, an author known for her strong, independent-woman, “don’t need a man” how-to guides. She’s sarcastic, witty, sharp-tongued, and honestly pretty fun—though she definitely has some Debbie Downer moments. Her fear of love makes total sense considering her past: growing up watching her parents fight constantly, then dealing with failed relationships of her own. Her blueprint for romance is basically nonexistent.

Enter the hero Chase Remington: a funny, flirty, aging-in-the-league hockey playboy who suddenly needs a little PR clean-up. Through a twist of fate, they end up in forced proximity at neighboring lake houses in Michigan. As they open up about their pasts—his fear of getting hurt, her belief that men only hold women back—you slowly watch their walls come down. Like… very slowly.

He’s drawn to her dry humor and relentless sarcasm. She’s wary but intrigued by how he sees through her defenses. And somewhere between banter, lake days, and emotional growth, they fall for each other.

But let’s be honest… my favorite character was Rip the dog. 😂
The big, goofy, needy emotional-support mascot of the series completely stole the show. (Kendall Ryan’s commitment to a “dog as a supporting character” each book is a trend I fully support.)

There’s a small miscommunication toward the end, but thankfully it’s resolved quickly—no dragged-out third-act breakup, which I appreciated.

Overall, this was a sweet, slow, character-driven romance that fits the cozy, small-stakes vibe of the Must Love Hockey series. Book 1 gave us a podcast host tied to the book club, this one gives us a man-hating author pulled into the book club universe… so now I’m really curious who will be next to fall into this hockey-romance-book-club chaos. 📚🏒💕

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You were chaos wrapped in sarcasm, and I couldn’t look away.”

The Book Club Boyfriend is a low-spice, high-swoon enemies-to-lovers gem that hits all the right emotional notes. Scottie, a bestselling romance author with a serious case of writer’s block (and existential dread), is questioning everything she’s ever written about love. Enter Chase—the annoyingly charming hockey player next door who treats emotional walls like a personal challenge.

“Whiskey, biting sarcasm, and a total disregard for small talk. You’re my dream woman.”

From the moment they meet, it’s verbal sparring and mutual irritation. Chase lives to poke the bear, and Scottie? She’s all claws and sarcasm. But beneath the snark and eye rolls is a simmering attraction that neither of them is ready to admit. Chase is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero—sweet, persistent, and completely unfazed by Scottie’s prickly exterior. He sees through her defenses, calls her out, and somehow makes her feel safe enough to unravel.

“It was a kiss that didn’t just mean something—it changed something.”

Scottie’s emotional armor is thick, and she lashes out like it’s her love language. But Chase doesn’t flinch. He loves her fire, her wit, and even her messy vulnerability. Watching her slowly let him in—grudgingly, awkwardly, beautifully—was the emotional payoff I didn’t know I needed.

“You saw me. You made space for me. And then you stayed.”

While the spice level is mild, the emotional intimacy is off the charts. It’s tender, funny, and full of heart. This second installment in the Must Love Hockey series is pure comfort reading with just enough bite to keep it interesting. I adored it—and now I’m impatiently waiting for the next book club chaos to unfold.