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I talked a grumpy hockey player into being my co-host… but I didn’t expect to fall for him!My apartment flooded, my startup was about to go public, and I needed a miracle before my entire dating app—Flutter—flatlined.

Enter Nico
The Dragons’ hockey star, single dad, and walking definition of “off-limits.”
He offered me his spare room and agreed to co-host my matchmaking events.

It was supposed to be simple.

He’s steady where I’m chaos.
Private where I overshare.
And completely immune to my glitter-covered optimism… or so I thought.

Between midnight strategy sessions, baking cookies, and his daughter’s giggles,
I start to see the man behind the walls.
And my heart stopped listening to logic.

I fell for him.

Then I mistook his grand gesture as a bid to control my business.
So I walked away.

I told myself it was for independence, for strength, for me.

Now my business might survive—
But success feels hollow if I lost the man who made me believe in real love.

Sweet enough to make you sigh, and clean enough to share with your grandma--no steamy scenes, no salty language, just sweet romance.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2025

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Susie Heart

21 books20 followers

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5 stars
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13 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
1,398 reviews28 followers
January 7, 2026
I received an ARC copy from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I HAD to after reading this wonderful book which made me feel so good!

Susie’s latest book in this series about a grumpy hockey player and the sister of the wife of his hockey player captain is a sure fire winner! Lexie is full of optimism but she happens to be in a tight spot as her apartment is flooded and she’s dealing with trying to get her fledging business off the ground at the same time. The captain of the team asks Nico to let Lexie stay at his place while hers is being fixed up and he reluctantly agrees to that arrangement and then to be her co host after her ex takes her ideas and goes to the competition with them.

Through her ex’s devious underhanded dealings to sabotage her business and ruin her reputation, she finds she is falling for Nico and his adorable young daughter Sophia while Nico helps her at the gatherings leading up to the finale! Then she finds out something that makes her leave in anger and later wonders if she’s lost her chance of happiness for good.

Susie’s series on these hockey players and the women who they fall for is full of moments that seem so real you forget you’re reading a book and believe you are reading about real people instead!

I loved the interaction between Lexie, Nico and Sophia as I know you will as well! Again what makes this book so wonderful is that their interaction is just like a real situation! I was cheering for Lexie throughout the book even when the experience she had with her ex clouded her judgement against Nico!

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend not only this book but this entire series as ones you will truly enjoy! They are clean, no spice stories which you’ll relate to because of their content and the characters involved! I feel sure you’ll agree with me after reading this book and will also want to read the other books in the series as a result!
Profile Image for Brandi Jackola.
329 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2025
Lexi, the sister of the Dragons’ PR wizard Josie, is in a bad spot. She’s been working on a matchmaking event with her own AI, but her co-host bailed and her apartment flooded, leaving her homeless, and without help for her event. Nico is drafted by Josie into being Lexi’s co-host, and also his houseguest. He thinks Lexi is chaos and glitter, and he’s already got scheduling problems due to his ex being unable to take care of their daughter, Sofia, for several weeks, leaving him as the only option. Not that he doesn’t love his daughter; she’s everything.

Just before Lexi was about to go public with her matchmaking events, her now-ex boyfriend stole all of her work and took it to another buyer. Now she’s competing with a wealthy company, and her ex has been planning events at the same time as hers, stealing her caterers and decorations, and basically being a class-A jerk. Nico, though not happy to be housing Lexi, sees that his daughter adores her, and slowly starts easing out of his grumpy exterior.

It’s quite the journey, watching these three (yes, I’m counting Sofia) navigate the family that they’re slowly evolving into. Nico is wonderfully protective over his girls, though he doesn’t realize that his relationship with Lexi has evolved. The road to happiness is not without its potholes, though.

If I could punch a fictional character in the face repeatedly, it would be Lexi’s ex, Eric. He’s a smarmy, disgusting, self-important user, and thinks he can politely threaten, charm, and cheat Lexi out of her company. Seriously, that guy is irredeemable. But don’t worry, this isn’t a dark tale, even though the characters go through some really low points.

Bottom line — true love conquers all. The trick is recognizing it when you find it. Thankfully, this little found family will have their happily ever after.
644 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
Advanced Readers Copy -

A delightful story about Lexi an app developer trying to release her app - Flutter with Nico and his charming daughter Sofie whose spare room she is staying after life causes choas for Lexi. Story hooked me on with great home scenes,

However Nico seems more willing to give a relationship with Lexi a chance while still cautious with his daughter getting attached whereas Lexi is in denial and running scared from getting attached after her last love and working relationship blewup and still haunting her current app release.

The books descriptions practically gives the story away like a synopsis leaving nothing guessing for the reader. Some mystery allows for twists and turns along with the hoped for happy ending.

Favourite quotes from this book :

A sweet interaction in Chapter 14 between Nico and Lexi:
“You make it sound like I’m the heart of the whole thing.”
His eyes soften. “You are.”

Lexi's helpful friends Josie and Harper in Chapter 18:
Are you happy?”
“Yes,” I say, too quickly. Then, quieter: “And terrified.”
“You’re allowed to be scared,” Josie says. “Just don’t let fear talk louder than your heart.”

Chapter 30 quote -
Harper’s gaze softens. “Have you considered that he might want to jump into your chaos because he cares? That you shouldn’t have to carry all of this alone?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kellyanne.
282 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2025
When Lexi's apartment floods and her matchmaking event co-host quits, she's left in crisis—homeless and without event help. Enter Nico, drafted by Lexi's sister, Josie (the Dragons' PR wizard), to step in as both houseguest and co-host. Nico, already navigating the complexities of solo parenting his daughter, Sofia, finds Lexi's chaotic energy challenging.

The pressure mounts when Lexi's ex-boyfriend, Eric, steals her work to launch a wealthy, competing company. Eric, an irredeemable and smarmy jerk, actively sabotages Lexi's events with threats and manipulation, stealing caterers and decorations.

Despite the initial grumpiness, Nico begins to soften as Sofia quickly adores Lexi, and a deep, protective instinct takes root. Unaware of the true depth of his feelings, Nico's relationship with Lexi evolves.

This story follows Lexi, Nico, and Sofia as they transform into a fiercely protective found family. Though their path to happiness is challenging, and despite the low points caused by Eric's malicious actions, this is ultimately not a dark tale. True love conquers all, ensuring this found family finds their happily ever after.

I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,494 reviews14 followers
November 10, 2025
Nico is a secret single dad who has been roped into helping Lexi.
Not only is her ex a douchenozzle trying to steal her business idea, she’s been kicked out of her apartment and just all-round needs help. On the ex… oh my lord, I wanted to reach in and throttle him! What a twat!

The premise behind this is interesting. His daughter is an angel, a sweetheart, and a little cutie.
Forced proximity and a new (hopefully successful) business venture mean that they start to know each other pretty well. Nico’s protective vibes come out strong, people think they’re ‘together’, and lines start to blur…

There was one moment in the book where my heart broke for Lexi. I didn’t expect there to be any truly deep moments, but oh my lord, Lexi was heartbreaking. I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her not to give up, and to 100% definitely not overreact…

Even though Nico is a hockey player, this is more than a sports novel. It’s a madcap romance based around an AI dating app, and two people finding love, learning to trust again and forming a family together. It’s actually quite a sweet story.
209 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2025
MC: Nico Santoro and Lexi Dale, First person Dual POV, 4/5 stars

Lexi and Nico have to overcome the hurt and distrust from their exes in order to accept each other's love. Seeing Lexi unintentionally infiltrate Nico's carefully constructed world was entertaining. Nico's daughter Sofia was a delight and brought warmth and truth like only a 6-year old could to the story. It was nice to see both Nico and Lexi acknowledge and move on from the hurts caused by their exes. Overall a sweet story.

I felt like the main focus of the book was about the launch of Lexi's matchmaking app: the David vs Goliath of Lexi's app vs her ex-boyfriend's app, which is a rip-off of her app with a corporate spin. We did not get to see too much of Lexi and Nico together outside of that realm, which for me would have made me a little more invested in their relationship. As I said an overall sweet story that, if you're looking for a light read is a great addition to your TBR shelf.

Related books: "Falling for The Dragons of Firth City" series - this is Book 4

I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.
440 reviews4 followers
December 24, 2025
Is a sweet opposites attract, single dad, close proximity, hockey romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “A real pig would probably have made this house smell a lot less fresh. A stuffed pig is definitely a superior roommate.” --- “Didn’t burn the place down, so I’m calling it a win.” --- "you’ve forgotten how it feels to believe in something completely impractical.” --- I exit with all the grace of a penguin on roller skates, --- “I’m little. So three little wishes equal one big grown-up wish.” --- “Because love is messy and playful and so much more human than any formula. Algorithms shouldn’t replace connection; they should highlight it. Maybe it’s not polished or perfect. But that’s the magic.” --- “Sometimes you can measure everything but still miss the real magic.” ---
What's Josie up to? What's Eric up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Lexi and Nico's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.
877 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
Nico's adorable daughter voices what she wants without fear or thoughts of consequences, unlike grown-ups Nico and Lexi. Maybe they should take an example from her.
Lexi's cheer and glittering chaos, contrasting with Nico's responsible, neat life with his daughter, are elements missing in their lives and are needed to create balance in their shared life together. To have a happy family, they need to be brave and committed.
I like how Lexi impacts Nico's household, bringing joy and laughter, and she gains something for herself too. Everything she does is with enthusiasm, a smile, and a positive attitude in different happy and tough situations. Even when feeling down, she doesn't show it. I didn't like some of Lexi's comments in previous books in the series. I wasn't sure I'd like her, but she seems likable enough.

I have questions which are unrelated to the romantic couple.


I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Liberty Munson.
750 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2025
A lovely romance between a matchmaker and hockey player and his daughter. This is a story of two people who have reasons not to trust others. She is a matchmaker whose ex stole her idea and is set on destroying her. His ex left when she going got tough and his hockey schedule was too much. Close proximity and a precocious daughter bring them together until the pressure becomes too much. No spoilers, but I loved this story until the third act breakup (I am calling it that although it’s not exactly right... let's just say there's a point in this story when she does something that is unfortunate and they don't talk for days... maybe let's say she's mean to Nico and given his history, he should find difficult to forgive). If that was handled differently, this would be 5 stars. 

Grab tissues and embrace the tears because you will be drawn into this story easily and quickly from page 1.
Profile Image for Julie.
156 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2025
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
Part of the Dragons hockey team series
Grumpy/Sunshine but also Single Dad Trope
The competition company is playing dirty
Safety is loneliness in disguise
Sophia (Sofia) is adding a lot of fun to these events, not to mention adding to the human factor.
Nico uses the best adjectives to describe Lexi.
Nico and Lexi = logic and sparkle. It isn't just a way to define Lexi.
Sophia (Sofia) softens Nico enough so he can enjoy Lexi's personality.
Nico, good job on the #TeamFlutter #RealConnections posts. Welcome to the team!
Eric is a lump of coal who is obviously intimidated by Lexi, Santa's Main Matchmaking Elf!!
Lexi, all boys are not stand-up men.
Don't let Carmen get the last word.
Go Nico! Go Nico! Show up!!!
Lexi, your speech was amazing!
Profile Image for Sheri Bolinger.
499 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2025
This book was fabulous! It's a grumpy/sunshine story featuring Lexi, Nico, and his daughter, Sophia. Lexi creates a match making program and is all set to launch using the 12 days of Christmas. Along comes her slick, creap of an ex, Eric, stealing her work and taking it to a competitor. Along with this super fun news, her apartment floods and she has to move out temporarily for repairs and her Co-host for the launch bails on her! Then Josie steps in and gets Nico, super hot hockey player single dad, to let her stay with him and co-host the launch if she helps with Sophia. Things go on a major rollercoaster from there... Highs, lows and everything in between! It was so fun to watch this sweet little temp family grow closer. Will they be brave enough to reach for it though? Love it!!!
Profile Image for Angee Owens.
653 reviews35 followers
November 18, 2025
This book is part of her hockey romance series about the players and the women they fall for; this one is about Nico and Lexi. Lexi is a sunshine optimist, and Nico is a grump and has a daughter, Sophia. Lexi is the sister of his hockey captain and when her apartment flooded, he asked Nico if Lexi could stay with him while it is taken care of. That’s not the only trouble she has going on. Her ex is trying to sabotage her business. He agrees to help her out. Her ex takes her business ideas and enters a competition to hurt her reputation and business. During all of this, Lexi starts to fall for Nico and Sophia. They are perfect together. I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series.
Author 26 books6 followers
December 16, 2025
Pretty nice story & writing. A little cheesy. It’s a nice romance, though.

Lexi and Sofia are girlfriends! (The platonic kind, not romantic.)

I like the message that love doesn’t need to be perfect, but honest.

Lexi is like the main character of my short story “Natural Disaster,” just more energetic and sunshiny.

And Eric is ridiculous.
And some of the deals the companies were doing to pick Sweetheart over Flutter seemed illegal, or at least like bad business practices that should get them in trouble...

(The conflict around Chapter 30. Oy vey…)

“…This might spiral into the biggest fiasco since Pandora thought, ‘It’s just one little box.’”
Profile Image for Rhonda Cooper.
325 reviews11 followers
January 7, 2026
Lexi’s view: “…in just a few short hours, I’ll be hauling…into the kingdom of Strong and Silent.” Nico’s view: “…it’s starting to sound … like the season premiere of a disaster-themed reality show.” Both have armor to keep people from getting too close, in other words, trust issues. My favorite quote; “Love’s not meant to be logical. Maybe not, …but it should be honest.” I was in a puddle by the end.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
3,084 reviews47 followers
November 5, 2025
A modern matchmaking story using algorithms, AI, and old fashioned fun. The book is full of ups and downs, lightness and unnecessary nasty behavior. It's about friends, family, and possibilities. Yes there was hockey, but it wasn't about hockey or hockey players. It was about friendships, helping others and learning to trust and love. Captivating story with wonderful characters!
1,068 reviews13 followers
November 14, 2025
This is the kind of book where the outside world just seems to disappear and putting it down becomes a real challenge. It is a feel good read that kept me smiling. The characters are lovely, Sofia is heartbreakingly adorable, and the romance is sweet.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Mac.
123 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2025
What is a girl to do, flooded apartment interfering girlfriends and voila you're sharing a house with Rico and his daughter while launching your dating app. 
Suddenly the lines are blurred and your fake dating sort of or is it real!
Loved this story, loved the sparkles, the snark, and most of all the dynamics between Nico and Lexi. 
The algorithm worked for me..
1,612 reviews7 followers
March 15, 2026
Successful in Love

Lexi, Nico, Sofia, and the rest of the Dragons are so cute and funny in this book. There is an evil ex-boyfriend and underhanded sabotage at work on the dating app, while glitter and joy are working on the home front. It's an entirely delightful romance with a great ending.
196 reviews
March 15, 2026
She did it again, Love It!!

This is an amazing story about finding love and how it can grow. Even after being hurt and thinking that you never want to take that leap again. You ha e to be careful because you could just miss out or mess up the best thing that has ever happened to you!! Let LOVE in when you find that person for you!
219 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2025
This was a nice read. The main characters and the world they live in is built well. It's a bit of a slow burn. Clean, sweet and an HEA. Tropes: single dad, sports star, forced proximity, found family
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,733 reviews16 followers
November 14, 2025
Part of an interconnected series with overlapping characters. Can be read as a standalone.
He's very private about his personal life
She's needing help getting her new business going
An adorable little girl who draws attention
An ex desperately trying to interfere
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
3,140 reviews24 followers
November 19, 2025
This series just gets better and better. Lexi and Nico are the ultimate match. Sophia is just the sweetest. Absolute perfection. Great holiday hockey romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by bookfunnel.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,467 reviews95 followers
November 8, 2025
Loved this opposites-attract hockey romance! Endearing and adorable..
4,611 reviews34 followers
March 19, 2026
My heart does a little pitter patter just thinking about being forced to move into a handsome hunky hockey player’s spare room. This was a fun book to read and it shows that sometimes overthinking can get you in trouble. I look forward to Susie Heart’s next book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews