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Forecheck, Backcheck, Heartcheck: A BWWM Single-Mom x Swedish Defenseman Love Story of Desire, Privacy & Playoffs
Jordan meets Kris at a gas station at midnight. He's blasting SZA's "Snooze" from his G-Wagon. She's a single mom and romance author driving home in her red QUEEN MADE hoodie. He's a 6'7" Swedish NHL player who's tired of being just a number on a jersey.
The chemistry is instant. But Jordan has a three-year-old son and rules about who she lets into their life. Kris has a hockey schedule that keeps him on the road for weeks at a time. Her ex-husband chose his career over their family. His body is aging out of the only thing he's ever known how to be.
This is about two people who've learned to protect themselves trying to figure out if they're brave enough to let each other in.
He cooks pasta the way his Swedish mother taught him. She writes love stories but stopped believing in them for herself. He brings her a warm cloth after sex. She tells him exactly what she needs and he listens. He says "I want to watch your face while I make love to you" and means it. She says "my son comes first, always" and he says "I know."
It's explicit. It's honest. It's about consent and communication and what it costs to trust someone when you've been left before. It's about showing up, not just showing off. It's a Black single mom and a white Swedish hockey player figuring out if different worlds can hold the same love.
Spicy. Grounded. Real as hell.
Single mom romance, athlete x author, he falls first, slow burn with immediate heat, interracial romance, soft dominance, found family
The chemistry is instant. But Jordan has a three-year-old son and rules about who she lets into their life. Kris has a hockey schedule that keeps him on the road for weeks at a time. Her ex-husband chose his career over their family. His body is aging out of the only thing he's ever known how to be.
This is about two people who've learned to protect themselves trying to figure out if they're brave enough to let each other in.
He cooks pasta the way his Swedish mother taught him. She writes love stories but stopped believing in them for herself. He brings her a warm cloth after sex. She tells him exactly what she needs and he listens. He says "I want to watch your face while I make love to you" and means it. She says "my son comes first, always" and he says "I know."
It's explicit. It's honest. It's about consent and communication and what it costs to trust someone when you've been left before. It's about showing up, not just showing off. It's a Black single mom and a white Swedish hockey player figuring out if different worlds can hold the same love.
Spicy. Grounded. Real as hell.
Single mom romance, athlete x author, he falls first, slow burn with immediate heat, interracial romance, soft dominance, found family
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
About the author
Raven DeNoir
237 books33 followersSign up for my newsletter to stay in the know of all things in the House of DeNoir:
https://ravens-forms.netlify.app/f/ra...
I write BWWM romance across four lanes: dark mafia, contemporary, paranormal, and erotic short stories—all built on obsession, power, and the kind of love that leaves bruises on your pride (in the best way).
My stories live where leverage matters. Where desire is a decision. Where the man doesn’t chase—he claims. And the woman isn’t a prize—she’s the one who can burn the whole operation down if she’s pushed wrong.
My debut novel, Dark Vows, released May 1, 2025, and it set the tone for what I do: high heat, hard choices, ruthless devotion, and heroines who don’t fold just because a powerful man wants them. Whether I’m writing mafia wars and bloodline politics, a contemporary romance that hits like a confession, a paranormal world with teeth, or a fast, filthy short meant to be read in one breath—my focus stays the same:
competent Black women, dangerous men, clear consent, and HEAs that are earned.
If you like romance with edge, intensity, and consequences—welcome.
If you want sweet, soft, and polite… you’re probably in the wrong place.
Start with Dark Vows. Then pick your poison.
https://ravens-forms.netlify.app/f/ra...
I write BWWM romance across four lanes: dark mafia, contemporary, paranormal, and erotic short stories—all built on obsession, power, and the kind of love that leaves bruises on your pride (in the best way).
My stories live where leverage matters. Where desire is a decision. Where the man doesn’t chase—he claims. And the woman isn’t a prize—she’s the one who can burn the whole operation down if she’s pushed wrong.
My debut novel, Dark Vows, released May 1, 2025, and it set the tone for what I do: high heat, hard choices, ruthless devotion, and heroines who don’t fold just because a powerful man wants them. Whether I’m writing mafia wars and bloodline politics, a contemporary romance that hits like a confession, a paranormal world with teeth, or a fast, filthy short meant to be read in one breath—my focus stays the same:
competent Black women, dangerous men, clear consent, and HEAs that are earned.
If you like romance with edge, intensity, and consequences—welcome.
If you want sweet, soft, and polite… you’re probably in the wrong place.
Start with Dark Vows. Then pick your poison.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 1, 2026
The writing is a little too stilted and juvenile.
July 7, 2026
2.5 stars but rounding up. Cool story concept- the delivery could have been better.
Kris was a dope character. I liked Jordan but she annoyed me at times making things that didn’t have to be a problem into a problem.
The family support from both sides was great. Loved the epilogue
Kris was a dope character. I liked Jordan but she annoyed me at times making things that didn’t have to be a problem into a problem.
The family support from both sides was great. Loved the epilogue
April 29, 2026
Interesting characters but errors and repetition spoil the story
The characters and meet cute are great however we have characters talking about things that have yet to occur in the book such as Brielle talking about Kris acing the family dinner and getting approval before it happens. That occurs a few times. There is also the feeling that AI has written portions and the author didn’t proof and edit them. It was a good plot but it could have been a smoother read.
The characters and meet cute are great however we have characters talking about things that have yet to occur in the book such as Brielle talking about Kris acing the family dinner and getting approval before it happens. That occurs a few times. There is also the feeling that AI has written portions and the author didn’t proof and edit them. It was a good plot but it could have been a smoother read.
October 9, 2026
The storyline was good. A Swedish hockey player falls for a successful black mom who’s a writer. The book was categorized under the BWWM genre, but at times, it felt like both characters were white. The author provided detailed and continuous descriptions of the Viking hockey player with blue eyes, but often neglected to describe Jordan in detail, except for her short platinum hair. There was one point in the book where the author described her skin tone as pale, which raised doubts about whether this was truly a BWWM genre.
There was one point in the story where I thought the book was concluding, only to find out that there were three more chapters to read. The excessive repetition made it a longer read than necessary.
There was one point in the story where I thought the book was concluding, only to find out that there were three more chapters to read. The excessive repetition made it a longer read than necessary.
December 15, 2025
Okay, I admit it. I usually skip sports romances because they feel like the same plot recycled with different jerseys. But THIS? This book wrecked me in the best way. Jordan isn't just a prop for the hero; she's a powerhouse. A Black single mom who writes romance novels and actually has a spine? Yes, please. And Kris... sweet, stoic, Swedish Kris. The way he loves her isn't just about heat (though the heat is OFF THE CHARTS); it's about logistics. He loves her by building a safety net around her life centered around her son. If you want a book that treats single motherhood with respect and still delivers top-tier spice, read this immediately.
The "I Never Read Sports Romance" Convert
The "I Never Read Sports Romance" Convert
March 25, 2026
Loved Heartcheck
This was my first read by this author and hopefully it won't be my last. Jordan and Kris had strong chemistry from the beginning and watching their relationship grow into the strong bond and true love. I loved how protective Jordan was over her son Cam and how much Kris and Cam's relationship became close. The family and friends were all supportive of the relationship and made the everything between Jordan and Kris make sense. This is such a good book and the sweet romance between Jordan and Kris will make this a repeat read for me. Definitely worth reading.
This was my first read by this author and hopefully it won't be my last. Jordan and Kris had strong chemistry from the beginning and watching their relationship grow into the strong bond and true love. I loved how protective Jordan was over her son Cam and how much Kris and Cam's relationship became close. The family and friends were all supportive of the relationship and made the everything between Jordan and Kris make sense. This is such a good book and the sweet romance between Jordan and Kris will make this a repeat read for me. Definitely worth reading.
December 15, 2025
HOLY HOTNESS!!! I need a cold shower and maybe a priest. I don't know what kind of pheromones Ms. DeNoir put into this book, but the chemistry between Kris and Jordan is electric. The 'First Night' chapter? The desk scene? I am unwell. But what makes it 5 stars isn't just the smut (which is elite); it's the intimacy. The phone sex scene when he was in Sweden? It was somehow hotter than the physical stuff because you could feel how desperate they were for each other. 10/10 would recommend if you want your standards for men raised to an impossible level."
March 19, 2026
First time reading this writer.
This writer is new to me and I must say I really enjoyed this book. I will be looking into her catalog of books to see what the next story will be.
This story was really good and I loved the characters. Jordan needs someone like Kris in her life. He stood up to her ex the right way, through the legal system. Kris helped her break down the walls she placed around her without pushing her. Jordan' s son Cam was adorable.
I wish you continue success with your writing. God bless.
This writer is new to me and I must say I really enjoyed this book. I will be looking into her catalog of books to see what the next story will be.
This story was really good and I loved the characters. Jordan needs someone like Kris in her life. He stood up to her ex the right way, through the legal system. Kris helped her break down the walls she placed around her without pushing her. Jordan' s son Cam was adorable.
I wish you continue success with your writing. God bless.
June 11, 2026
Kris is the Book Boyfriend of my dreams
This book is so good- the lead characters are strong and so perfect for each other. Her son Cam is a scene stealer. The supporting characters are great- her parents, his family and teammates, even the ex-in-laws are good people. Now that ex husband and that ex wife are trash and luckily didn’t get a lot of page time. I enjoyed this book, I like stories with dialogue that makes me giggle & laugh; and will read it again before my summer break is over.
This book is so good- the lead characters are strong and so perfect for each other. Her son Cam is a scene stealer. The supporting characters are great- her parents, his family and teammates, even the ex-in-laws are good people. Now that ex husband and that ex wife are trash and luckily didn’t get a lot of page time. I enjoyed this book, I like stories with dialogue that makes me giggle & laugh; and will read it again before my summer break is over.
August 15, 2026
Kris, Jordan and Cam
This was a very interesting and enjoyable read
With relatable characters and content
Kris and Jordan meet and both are intrigued
He is a hockey player and she is a single mom with adorable Cameron
Their journey to HEA was not without some obstacles but with family, friends, and a love that would not go away they reached it
I wish the epilogue gave us a glimpse of their marriage/life before a grown Cam
Otherwise I highly recommend it you will not be disappointed
This was a very interesting and enjoyable read
With relatable characters and content
Kris and Jordan meet and both are intrigued
He is a hockey player and she is a single mom with adorable Cameron
Their journey to HEA was not without some obstacles but with family, friends, and a love that would not go away they reached it
I wish the epilogue gave us a glimpse of their marriage/life before a grown Cam
Otherwise I highly recommend it you will not be disappointed
December 18, 2025
☺️ you never disappoint!
A gas station meet cute turned into one of those classic stories where the love is loud.
I am a fan because you write stories about strong women and show that even in the ‘ughs’ there can be ‘ahhs’.
Kris gets 5 stars off the strength of sending a picture via airdrop!
Jordan…I enjoyed seeing her supporting cast and her courage.
Not me tearing up at the epilogue 😭
A gas station meet cute turned into one of those classic stories where the love is loud.
I am a fan because you write stories about strong women and show that even in the ‘ughs’ there can be ‘ahhs’.
Kris gets 5 stars off the strength of sending a picture via airdrop!
Jordan…I enjoyed seeing her supporting cast and her courage.
Not me tearing up at the epilogue 😭
July 23, 2026
Kris and Jordan
Yes this was hockey love story but it was so much more. It dealt with a child’s night terrors, male bullying, self doubt, the evidence of an athlete’s real physical struggles and strengths and the importance of being grounded.
It’s well written and a lot is crammed into this book. It’s the first time I read anything from you and I’ll plan to read more.
It’s a must read!!
Yes this was hockey love story but it was so much more. It dealt with a child’s night terrors, male bullying, self doubt, the evidence of an athlete’s real physical struggles and strengths and the importance of being grounded.
It’s well written and a lot is crammed into this book. It’s the first time I read anything from you and I’ll plan to read more.
It’s a must read!!
January 3, 2026
Real life behind the scenes
I really liked this book. You had a strong single mom, Jordan and a complex hockey star in Kris. He taught her how to be vulnerable and count on someone showing up for her. She gave him the home and stability he craved. This was a love story that was more than what everyone saw but those important moments behind closed. Definite must read.
I really liked this book. You had a strong single mom, Jordan and a complex hockey star in Kris. He taught her how to be vulnerable and count on someone showing up for her. She gave him the home and stability he craved. This was a love story that was more than what everyone saw but those important moments behind closed. Definite must read.
July 10, 2026
My favorite so far!!!
I simply loved this hockey romance. It was so worth reading. I loved the characters and the simplicity of their romance. I especially like Jordan. She was a strong woman who loved her son. She made room in her heart for a hunky hockey player. This is the best book I've read by this author .
I simply loved this hockey romance. It was so worth reading. I loved the characters and the simplicity of their romance. I especially like Jordan. She was a strong woman who loved her son. She made room in her heart for a hunky hockey player. This is the best book I've read by this author .
March 3, 2026
Loud music!
These two met because he was thumping loud music as he pulled up to gas station and she checked him. Letting him know some people have kids who need not be awaken by the loud.
These two met because he was thumping loud music as he pulled up to gas station and she checked him. Letting him know some people have kids who need not be awaken by the loud.
July 24, 2026
Loved it!
Grown-up and gritty. I loved Jordan and Kris' story! I would have read this in one sitting but put it down to sleep! Would definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Grown-up and gritty. I loved Jordan and Kris' story! I would have read this in one sitting but put it down to sleep! Would definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
September 26, 2026
Check
Kris was the ultimate man. He knew what he wanted and by gosh he got it. Jordan was just the perfect match for him, child included. Every aspect of this story was on point! The perimeters set, the love that was front and center, the family support.
Kris was the ultimate man. He knew what he wanted and by gosh he got it. Jordan was just the perfect match for him, child included. Every aspect of this story was on point! The perimeters set, the love that was front and center, the family support.
December 20, 2025
Good read! But is a cliffhanger!?
I really did like this book. I would have liked to know it was a cliffhanger before I purchased it.
I really did like this book. I would have liked to know it was a cliffhanger before I purchased it.
December 29, 2025
Made me cry
Just excellent writing. Made laugh and cry. My first time reading this author, however I enjoyed this story and characters. Loved the epilogue. Highly recommend.
Just excellent writing. Made laugh and cry. My first time reading this author, however I enjoyed this story and characters. Loved the epilogue. Highly recommend.
March 28, 2026
Its real
I enjoy them. Elliot and Emma can kick rocks. Love can be messy, but its worth it. I want this for them. They click.
I enjoy them. Elliot and Emma can kick rocks. Love can be messy, but its worth it. I want this for them. They click.
June 28, 2026
Good Read
I liked the book its very easy to dive into but there are a couple of gaps. Not big gaps but enough to make you go - huh?
I liked the book its very easy to dive into but there are a couple of gaps. Not big gaps but enough to make you go - huh?
July 30, 2026
Page Turner
Lovely story not too much drama but loads of feelings. Great easy reading, that could have been any athlete’s story of finding their forever love. 🥰
Lovely story not too much drama but loads of feelings. Great easy reading, that could have been any athlete’s story of finding their forever love. 🥰
September 2, 2026
Omg!!!
What a piggin fabulous read!!
I struggled to put it down.. I woke up a1hr early to get some reading time in before leaving for work.
Raven, thank you
What a piggin fabulous read!!
I struggled to put it down.. I woke up a1hr early to get some reading time in before leaving for work.
Raven, thank you
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews