Within Range

The Blade Kings #5

by Ruth Stilling

Fresh out of a failed marriage and with an old injury threatening to resurface, I only have one priority right now: rebuild my life both in and out of the rink. At thirty-five, I know it won’t be easy, but hockey is all I have, and cutting my pro career short is not an option that I’m willing to take.

Feeling down on my luck, I conclude my best move is to focus on the positives, including the good people around me. So when a close friend approaches me with a predicament concerning his twenty-one-year-old only daughter, Billie Quinn, I figure the least I can do is help his family out. After all, they’re practically my family, too, and being a decent friend always makes me feel good.

Except, I’m not a good friend; I’m a bad one. While my initial intentions might’ve been innocent, my attraction to Billie when I see her for the first time in over three years definitely isn’t.

Is she into me too? Or am I grasping at straws, interpreting fleeting glances from a stunning younger woman as more than friendship? We’ve always had banter, although there’s nothing funny about the burning tension growing between us and especially when my ex-wife is in the same room.

My teammates are urging me to back off before it’s too late. But staying away from my best friend’s little princess is way harder than it should be … and now that she’s in my bed, there’s not a chance I’m letting Billie—or her baby girl—go.

Even if us being together makes me the worst friend in history, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports, Slow Burn

396 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 29, 2026

About the author

Ruth Stilling is a lover of all things escapism and can be mostly found with her head buried in a spicy book, writing her latest romance novel or out in the open air and nature, away from the bustle of life. As clumsy as she is crazy, Ruth enjoys creating relatable, loveable, swoon-worthy and strong willed main characters who find their happy ending. That said, she prides herself on taking her readers on emotional rollercoasters and always recommends reading her books with tissues on hand to wipe away the tears of joy, laughter and sometimes heartache.

Ruth lives in Derbyshire, England with her own personal book boyfriend (lucky girl), her six year old son and her two feisty chihuahuas.

Keep up to date with Ruth's latest content and exciting projects by following her on social media: @authorruthstilling

Reviews

[lucialeelibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️, THIS. FUCKING. BOOK
DESERVE ALL. THE. FUCKING. STARS

[Larareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️

I can definitely say after reading only 2 Ruuth Stilling books that I'm in love with her writing and her characters!
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance and this has just that and best friend's daughter and a baby that is not his. I was literally blown away by this story and read it in less that 4 hours. It's perfection and I can't believe that it's the final one in the series... but I'm also soo excited for what comes next.

Billie is such a strong fucking woman and such a good mother. And Emmett is just the most perfect man ever!!! The nickname he calls her!!! PERFECT!!!

The only reason why this isn't a 5 ⭐️ is because some scenes felt not completely done to me... like the author just stopped in the middle of an even when I wanted a little more and this happened more than 3 times.

Either way I loved it, I love Billie and Emmett and I can't wait to read many many more books from Ruth Stillig!!!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Go after the one because when you hang your skates for the final time, you’ll wish that you’d quit f****** around and made her yours.” 🥹💖

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT THE BLADE KINGS SERIES IS OVER?! Nope, no way am I ready to say goodbye to these characters. Ruth, you didn’t have to swoop in and have Emmett Richard’s wreck my soul like you did, but I’m so happy you did!

“Give yourself to me, Bill, and I promise to keep you safe.”

Every single one of Ruth’s characters is filled with so much heart & emotional depth. Emmett & Billie Quinn were no different. This forbidden romance absolutely broke all the rules and had me rooting for their HEA!

“What are you doing?”
“I already told you, Bill—showing you exactly how you deserve to be treated.”

Their relationship wasn’t built in a day, it was built over a friendship years in the making. When Billie needed more than just friendship from him, he stepped up to be her & her daughter’s EVERYTHING. Their strongest supporter, their fierce protector, and their loving home.

“Your pleasure is for my ears only, Billie. Every whimper and moan I pull from you belongs to me. Every time you cry my name and beg me to stop because you’re too sensitive to go on—they’re words only I get to witness.”

This slow burn romance EDGED me for ages before literally spanking me with seriously the HOTTEST spice! 🤣🤭🥵 Emmett stepped up to be a dad for Blake and a DADDYYYYY for Billie! These two were insatiable! (Glad to see Jack’s guest room make a special appearance in this story! IYKYK 🤣❤️‍🔥)

“You’re dripping down me, Mama.”

There are a couple different ‘villains’ in this story. I got supreme satisfaction in how they were handled by our leads.

“But what I’ve recently learned about the metric of time is that it doesn’t actually matter at all. Not when you realize that love doesn’t play by the rules. All it cares about is how two souls fit together, never to be torn apart.”

This particular book was filled with literally so many nostalgic faces from all of Ruth’s books. We get to see how their stories have progressed, their new milestones and their kiddos!

Buckle up readers, Daddy Emmett is ready for you! (PS: I am SO EXCITED FOR WHAT’S TO COME IN THE RUTH STILLING UNIVERSE!) 🫶🏼🥹💖

Tropes:
⛸️ Pro Hockey
🍷 Age Gap (21/35)
🤭 Forbidden Romance
🫶🏼 Father’s Best Friend
🎀 Not His Baby
❤️‍🔥 Angst & YEARNING
🥵 Slow Burn & Sizzling Spice
💖 Found Family

[Nay · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW POST - Book 5 of 2026

Within Range by Ruth Stilling

I don't quite know how to put into words how I feel about this book. Everyone knows I alpha read for my girl Ruth, but this may be, hands down, my favourite read I've ever had with her.

From the first idea on a vn for this one, I knew it was gonna be all kinds of delicious. And yes that became the word of the book! Also I think a certain phrase got used WAAAAYYYYY too much during those early chapters 🤣🤣🤣

But what Ruth does with this book, these characters, and this trope is quite magical.

That's before we even get into how she rounds up a whole series, and manages to recap some OGs for us all in the meantime. The Scorpions stans are drooling at this one, I just know it.

The layers within this trope are written beautifully. It's a complex situation that doesn't always clean up nicely. And ohhh the tension, the awkwardness, the emotion, the words, the actions, we have it all!!!!

Emmett Richards made it into my bio after I'd read the first few chapters. I just knew he was that special. And I don't take my bio lightly. He is a gentleman (in public at least 😏) and both Emmett and Billie know what they are risking to be together. What a glorious feeling to see them both upgrade!!

As an alpha, I get VERY few surprises when reading. I tend to be aware of what's happening before I read it. And that's great. But my girl genuinely had me SQUEALING so hard at the final chapter that Craig stopped gaming to check I was okay 😅 Even I didn't know what would be happening there and my heart burst!!!

I was not ready to say goodbye to Emmett and Billie, and I certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye to the Blade Kings. But, that epilogue. Oh, that epilogue. Yeah. Stick a fork in me, I am DONE!!

So, with my pop tarts in hand (yes JJ, I love my diabetes 😂) and my glass of milk, I closed my kindle on what has been a rollercoaster of emotion on yet another spectacular series from Ruth Stilling...
(and then I read it again for beta, and again for ARC!)

[Jen | The Jenny Edit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read. Full RTC.

Ruth’s best yet. Full stop.

[Janie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Within Range by Ruth Stilling

Emmett is above and beyond any book-boyfriend goals I could have ever imagined. Wow. Just… wow. I’m actually speechless.

This is not a book I would’ve picked up on my own if it weren’t written by my queen Ruth Stilling. I usually avoid forbidden romance and best friend’s daughter like the plague, so I went in fully convinced that even if it was perfectly written, it could never be more than a 4⭐️ because of personal preference.

AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO BE WRONG.

This book was INCREDIBLE. How does Ruth make me fall head-over-heels for a trope I normally hate? Don’t ask me... just know I’m obsessed. 😅😂

Emmett and Billie delivered the most perfect slow-burn romance. I could feel the tension in my bones. The yearning. The restraint. The SHIVERS. Ruth could honestly teach a masterclass on edging and emotional payoff 🙌

Their connection felt so real and so deep! True soulmates fighting through every obstacle together. I believed in them with my whole heart, and the journey was absolutely breathtaking.

This book felt like a love letter to moms. The strength, the sacrifices, the quiet resilience we carry every single day. As a mom, this hit so much deeper and genuinely made me feel proud of my postpartum body and everything it has done for me.

I have no notes.
WELL. DONE. 👏👏👏

Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review 🩷

[Melanie Sharpe · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review - 3.5/5 - I couldn’t wait for this one to come out but it slightly missed the mark for me. I think I had a hard time getting over the age gap (Billie being 21). I think I could have got over it if they didn’t mention multiple times memories of when she was younger and playing monopoly together. Just gave me a bit of an ick feeling and hard to see her as an adult. I also felt like Scott and Emmett’s relationship wasn’t really shown at the beginning of the book and I wish we could have seen those dynamics more. I did like the book overall but some parts made it hard to look past.

[Erica Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth has created this incredible world and I’m sad to say goodbye. The characters are lovable and flawed, the emotions are real, the conflict always feels authentic. And Emmett and Billie are no different - in fact, they might be the best yet.

I will admit, I’m a sucker for a forbidden slow burn romance, so this book is right up my alley. Best friend’s daughter you say? Not his baby?! Say less. I was blown away by this story - by the maturity Billie shows as she navigates single motherhood with a less than involved baby daddy and the restraint that Emmett shows in his attraction to her. He knows that there would be huge consequences to acting on his feelings for Billie and he holds off as long as he can. In the meantime …the longing, the pining …I was ready to combust.

The situation they find themselves in doesn’t feel contrived …it feels very real life, like something that could happen to someone you know. But to be able to crawl in their minds and their hearts, like Ruth does, solidifies the story.

The Blade Kings will forever have a special place in my heart - thanks to Ruth for allowing me to beta read this book!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We may have our doubters, and to them, I say, Watch me love this girl and our baby until I breathe my last goddamn breath.”

Well Ruth has gone and done it again 😭😭 This was such a good wrap up to a series that I love more than life itself! Billie and Emmett’s love story was the perfect conclusion to the series, and getting SOOO many cameos from the entire gang all back together, seriously had me tearing up.

Emmett fell fast and hard for Billie once he realized his feelings, and we love a man down bad. I loved the way he was so tender and gentle with Billie, which made their gradual relationship even more special. You could truly feel the pull these two felt with each other with every page you read. They were so ‘Invisible String’ coded it wasn’t even funny.

The epilogue was such a sweet glimpse into the far future for not only Billie & Emmett, but for the entire Scorpions and Blade Kings family 😭🥹 (like literally cue the tears). And the last pages of the epilogue… just know if you’re a fan of these two series, you will be SCREAMING.

No one and I mean no one, writes such beautiful, spicy, real, and raw couples as Ruth does. And the group of found family she has created with the Blade Kings and Scorpions… there’s nothing else like it, I love them and this series so so much!

(Also, couldn’t let my review post without including how much Maria and Tucker sucked. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to throat punch a character as much as I did with Maria.)

Read if you enjoy:
🥅Hockey Romance
👶🏻Not his baby
🤍Age gap (14 years)
🩵Best friends daughter
🥅Found family
🤍Forbidden Love

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW- WITHIN RANGE
Stars: ♾️/5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶��

Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
⛸️Age Gap
🏒Best Friend's Daughter
⛸️NOT HIS BABY
🏒SLUTTY LITTLE GLASSES
____________________________
Thanks to Ruth Stilling ARC! I received an advance copy as part of her ARC team and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
____________________________
NO NOTES. PERFECTION. ALL THE INFINITY STARS. There's a new Yearn King in town and his name is Emmett Richards. Just go read the book and be done with it. Nothing I say here will come close to explaining how amazing this book and the characters are in it.

Emmett and Billie's story is one that I will think about for a long time. A story about wanting to be happy, knowing it will hurt people in the process but it being too late to do anything but fall. The amount of yearning and wishing away circumstances so that you can have what you want and what is honestly the best for you was beyond my expectations.

It's so refreshing to read a book with an emotionally intelligent man, who isn't afraid to put his feelings out there and actually communicate what he wants. Emmett is the man of my dreams, we should all want a man who wants us whole heartedly, with his entire being. Billie was so mature for only being 21 and it made me wish I had been that mature and strong when I was her age.

Emmett and Billie and baby made such an adorable little family, even before anything even happens. There is a solid foundation being laid, well into the book, where you can see the connection between the two of them and how they were friends to begin with.

I don't really want to give anything away, this book should be experienced with limited information going in, so you can get the most enjoyable experience out of it. This wraps up Ruth's Blade Kings series and I'm so sad to say goodbye to everyone. I thought the same thing when the Scorpions series came to an end, but was so glad to dive into a new series of Ruth's. She is my top author, an auto buy, auto reread author and I just love her writing and books to bits. You can't go wrong in the Stilling Verse.

[Becca Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love an age gap, alpha male, daddy, down bad tropes. They’re definitely faves but this one gave me the ick.

Emmett and Billie talked too much about memories from when Billie was a kid. I cant read about him blowing up summer floaties when she was a kid on family vacay and a couple chapters later he’s pining after her at barely 21 with a newborn baby while secretly giving her dad money to support her.

Just wasn’t for me 😭

[Lindsay (LindsayTurnsThePage) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨ Full review to come!!

[Briana Bailon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️/ 4-5🌶️

*Thank you so much to Ruth Stilling for providing me an ARC of this book.

*Please check trigger/ content warnings before reading.

YOU GUYS!!!! THIS IS IT! THE FINAL BOOK IN, “The Blade Kings” SERIES! Just like Ruth’s first series, we now have reached the end of this series, BUT…have no fear because as per usual Ruth made sure to include many familiar and beloved faces in this story to round out the ever growing found family, and seeing our favorites end off on a high note. This time around we got to meet our newest main characters, Emmett and Billie as the two of them faced a complicated situation as they found themselves falling for each other. A forbidden romance with an MMC who YEARNED, and was DOWN BAD for the FMC, an accidental pregnancy…the baby wasn’t his, and more. Ruth Stilling wrote a unique and loving storyline showcasing Emmett and Billie defying the odds stacked against them and finding they happily ever after.

Where do I begin with this book? Hmmm… let’s start with how AMAZING Emmett was with Billie and her newborn baby, Blake. In case you didn’t know, this story has the accidental pregnancy trope, but the baby wasn’t his. With Billie facing her pregnancy on her own, and trying to raise her baby as best she could, it felt like a lot at times for her, but luckily she had the support of her parents, and Emmett to help. Emmett was a natural when it came to helping Billie with Blake. Honestly, in my eyes, Emmett was Blake’s dad from the moment he came into her life. The way Emmett just took on the role of “dad” without officially saying it early on made me appreciate how much he cared about Blake from the start. Seeing Emmett assume the role of father to Blake was heartwarming and (sniff) just you wait once you read this book, you’ll just how devoted and thoughtful Emmett was when it came to Blake! Most guys would probably do the bare minimum, but not Emmett! Emmett took it upon himself to help with Blake in any and EVERY capacity possible. From ensuring Billie got rest, and Emmett doing the feedings and changing diapers for Blake to taking both Billie and Blake out for outings together, and a mini vacation where they spent together, there was a lot more than Emmett did that just made me admire his dedication and love for Billie and Blake.

For being a twenty-one year old, Billie dealt with a lot from motherhood, raising her child, and trying to figure out her future. When I think about being twenty-one, I imagine going out with friends, college, and just being young. When Billie was pregnant and then gave birth to her daughter, Blake, her priorities in life changed dramatically. Being a mom changed Billie’s view on life especially when it came to parenting and seeing who was allowed to be part of Blake’s life. Seeing Billie as a mom made me see that despite her feeling overwhelmed at times, I think she did the best that she could, and did a wonderful job being Blake’s mom. I also loved seeing Billie go out and enjoy life by making new friends with the wives/ girlfriends of Emmett’s teammates, and seeing them embrace her as part of the friend group. Over the course of this book, I think Billie really came into her own person and I loved seeing her stand up for Blake when it came to her trash of an ex baby daddy or standing her ground when her father inevitably found out about her relationship with Emmett. For being twenty-one, Billie thought and acted older than her age which I appreciated since had she acted immature, I would have immediately disliked her. Thanks to Ruth’s amazing writing she crafted Billie’s character perfectly in a way that showed the gradual growth of Billie becoming a grown woman, and loving mom, as well as being the perfect partner for Emmett.

There are so many wonderful things about this book, but more so seeing how the series came to a conclusion made me sentimental and recall how each couple’s stories had been at the start to now the ending. The thing I appreciate seeing on each of Ruth’s book is how she includes familiar characters from her previous books. If you really think about it, Ruth has essentially created her own “Ruth Stilling Universe” the way all these characters have become friends and more importantly family to each other. The way that this fina book was written not only illustrated the passionate and beautiful romance between Emmett and Billie, but also seeing how the characters interact and how their stories are never truly over. By the end of this book, it closed out with a fantastic epilogue that in my opinion will leave readers wanting more, and excited. Plus, you’ll feel all kinds of happiness seeing everyone together and living their best lives. At the start of this book, both Billie and Emmett were dealing with things that changed their lives, but when it came to them falling in love, and forming their own family, it was so gratifying and beautiful seeing them get the happy ending they deserved. Nothing but high praise as usual when it comes to Ruth’s books. Highly recommend this book, and every single one of Ruth’s book as you’ll never be disappointed and more importantly get a wide range of beloved characters and intriguing plot lines that will have you falling in love with the fictional characters in this series.

[Thorunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well, if this wasn't just the surprise I had no idea was coming and that I needed! Emmett!!! You dirty dog, you. *Gasp*Blush*Swoon*

I'm so still all up in my feels over this book. I binge-read this one, much like all the other books Ruth's written for my reading pleasure... okay fine, for everyone's reading pleasure, but truthfully it feels like they're just for me because... just like Emmett and Billie who are a match made in perfect heaven, so are Ruth's stories of obsessed men: they are so perfect for me. *Oh hum* Don't mind me while I just swoon thinking of all my favorite MMCs and our torid love affairs on the pages of their stories.

I digress... to my lust-filled daydreams that is The Blade Kings series. Don't judge because IYKYK and you're in the same dang boat!

So now, this is the - omg, what is this? The sixth book? - in The Blade Kings series and Ruth has made us fall harder with each book. That said, this book? Emmett? I didn't see this coming! Emmett, for me, hadn't played a pivotal role up until this point. He hadn't been a character in The Blade Kings ongoing story enough to make me take real notice. And am I regretting that now? BIG time!!! So big. Such big regret. Because, omg you guys! I'm blushing all over again. ... it's always the quiet ones ... yes, I'm giggling like a little schoolgirl right now just thinking of Emmett and all his *ahem* "ways"... Good grief, this man.

So from the "teasers" that Ruth's put out about this book, I knew that it was an age gap and a best friend's daughter trope. Did it prepare me for the pages of this book that would consume me? Abs-a-fudging-lutely not! I literally BINGED this book - forwent work, life, sleep, responsibility - everything - while I could not put this story down. The twists and turns, the multitude of layers that were unfolded before our eyes that added such complexity of not just story and angst, but of life. So much of this story felt so real... and perhaps that's why it hit so hard - in all the ways. Billie's story leading up to the start of the book, for example, is a real-life story that we've all heard about happening to some poor girl / woman in real life whether it be her pregnancy, an idiot of an ex, having to pause her dreams... take your pick. The result of that? Life and responsibility and the showing up of those that love us most, and no matter what. And that's part of the core of this book, and that is fierce love and devotion to those that you love - the sacrifice you're willing to make for those you love. Whether we're talking about Billie's parents' love, Billie's for Blake, or then Emmett for Scott and Freya, and ultimately one of the biggest - Emmett for Billie. It's quite something.

Now. Let's talk about something that had me spinning my wheels and SCREAM-messaging Ruth. Emmett Richards???? OMFG. This quiet, mostly reserved guy... so like, ok hang on, let me calm down. ... I'm calming. So I'm not one to blab and ruin spoiler-y things. I was so close to diving into something that I shouldn't... but I need to scream about it. So let me figure a way to say this without saying it, but still saying it. So this book is built on the premise of half a dozen important things, like the love and sacrifice I mentioned above, but specifically this book is built on Emmett and Billie's forbidden love. As you can imagine, the angst is INSANE!!! The intensity is a real-live-living-breathing thing in this book, so that said, once you reach a "point" in this book, and once you reach it YOU WILL KNOW!!!! So once you reach it, *ahem*, omg is there a shift. The things "said"... The things "done"... The chemistry "elevated"... GAH!!! I just never suspected it could all be brought up that many notches! Like... RUTH!! I'm still blushing. I hope you guys can see me figuratively admonishing Ruth, fake smacking her while mock-scolding her with that, "Ruuuuth!!" and adding a very fake *gasp* into it that I in no way really mean. But I say that because YOU'LL BE DOING THE SAME DANG THING!!!

Get ready to be shocked. Be ready to get really pissed off... oh yeah! There's a character or two in here that's going to make you LIVID!!! Get ready to swoon, to have baby fever, to feel all your feels. Get ready to want to call your parents and hug them. Get ready to want to swallow your kiddos up in love. Get ready to need a drink, coffee, scone and jam. Get ready to see all of your favorite characters from the last two series!! And can I just say that that part felt like a flipping homecoming???? Get ready... oh my god, you guys - just get ready. Get... so ready. You won't even know if you're coming or going - just like me. You're just going to be in this "blah" land where your mouth is flapping in the wind and your head is still exploded. OMG AND THEN!!! THENNNNN the epilogue? What's to come next - I literally SCREAMED!!! Do you see all my caps here? Do you?!?! Because I was schaaa-reaaam-ing! ... Yes, I'm still screaming.

Wow, I'm so emotionally drained right now. This book really put me through it all. Like... seriously! Ruth, did you really have to put me through every single emotion in this book? And it's a good thing that I'm my own boss, because I probably would have gotten fired today for day-reading at work... but I'm so not sorry ... just like Ruth is about making all of us lose our minds over Emmett flipping Richards!

[Vic (novelsandnoodles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
Utter perfection. There are no other words for this book other than all the infinity stars and Ruth’s best work yet. Now you might think I say that about all of her books and I do. And that’s because this book, like the others in the series, brings together the whole team with the most epic found family EVER!
And yes this is totally forbidden love, and yes there is a huge age gap. Billie and Emmett know that they shouldn’t be crossing this line, but ultimately they are two kindred spirits that have aligned at the right time of life when they both need each other. They’ve always been good friends, Emmett and his ex wife have been in Billies parents lives for years as mutual besties.. so the the fact that Emmett tries to stay away from Billie so hard but can’t help but reach to touch her even when he tries to back off is even better than any of the spicy scenes because that yearning? That need he has for her? It just made my heart feel so full.
For Billie, witnessing a real man step up, show up and prove his love was everything she needed after the terrible experience she had with Blakes biological father. And the way Emmett is with Blake? My ovaries did the happiest dance about the way this man dotes on Billie’s little girl.
For Emmett, to finally have someone who truly sees him and not manipulate and coerce him (unlike his awful ex wife) showed him that he never really had that truest form of deep rooted love with his ex wife. It was more a dance of being told to conform to her standards and in the end, after being worn down Emmett couldn’t continue to live that life. But from the moment Billie is back in his orbit he has this wild attraction to her and pure peace. Also can we please get a hell yeh for his slu€€y little glasses? Because boy do they do something to me! (And Billie obvs🤣)
The parallels in this book with Sawyer being a safe space for Emmett to vent and his wife Collins being a voice of reason for Billy were just incredible. The fact that the past characters all have their own cameos moulded and intertwined into this beautiful story in the most effortless of ways was just spectacular. Needless to say to say there are hilarious group chats from the boys and the girls, words of wisdom and hysterical one liners from all of our faves.
This book was a safe place to land for me when my personal life felt very heavy and it gave me the space to escape, to watch a beautiful, forbidden love grow with the inclusion of all the other characters from previous books popping up and giving me flashbacks to the most incredible series that will always have a special place in my heart. The final 10% had my heart beating out of my chest, and the epilogue??? Holy cow, it was just the best ending to this series and all I could of hoped for. Now, let’s talk about the sneak peak at what is to come next?? Now my friends, that will have you in a chokehold- I can promise you that!

♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review I was disappointed with this book I was really hoping to like it after not enjoying the previous book but I felt the same way as I did with Tommy and Jenna’s book. I love the found family and I enjoyed seeing all of the characters from this series and the characters from the first series. I just didn’t enjoy the plot of this book and I didn’t like both main characters that much. I am excited for the next generation series.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within Range by Ruth Stilling
The Blade Kings #5

One phrase to describe this book: forbidden but inevitable 🏒🔥

This book absolutely wrecked me in the quiet, emotional, grown up way that only Ruth Stilling can pull off. Within Range is tender, angsty, and deeply intimate, and it might be my favorite in the Blade Kings series.

We have a thirty five year old pro hockey player trying to hold onto his career while healing from a failed marriage and a body that is threatening to give out 🧊🏒. He is exhausted, lonely, and barely keeping it together. Enter Billie Quinn, his best friend’s daughter, now grown, a single mom, and absolutely not someone he should want. But the pull between them is immediate and devastating.

What I loved most is how careful and intentional this story feels. The age gap is handled with so much thought and emotional awareness. There is guilt. There is restraint. There is so much longing in the stolen looks and loaded silences that it physically hurt 😮‍💨. When they finally cross that line, it feels earned, intimate, and impossible to walk back.

Billie is such a strong character. She is young but not naive, soft but resilient, and her role as a mother adds so much emotional depth. Watching him fall not just for her but for her baby girl completely shattered me 🥹. Found family does not even begin to cover it.

The hockey is present but this is really a story about rebuilding your life when everything feels like it is already behind you. Second chances. Choosing love even when it costs you something. And yes, being the worst friend in history for the right reasons.

Genres and tropes:
🏒 Hockey romance
🔥 Slow burn
💔 Second chance life romance
👶 Single mom
⏳ Age gap
🚫 Best friend’s daughter
🤍 Found family

I would recommend this if you like:
📖 Emotional sports romance with depth
🏒 Older athletes and real life stakes
💞 Angst heavy slow burns
👨‍👧 Soft men who fall hard for family
📚 Ruth Stilling style character driven storytelling

This one is tender, messy, and full of quiet longing. If you love hockey romance that leans emotional over flashy, Within Range absolutely delivers 🖤🏒

#WithinRange #RuthStilling #HockeyRomance #SportsRomance #PlotTwistMarketing

[Jamie Tuckwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚BOOK REVIEW📚

Within Range - @authorruthstilling

Wow! Well, this is how you end a series! Ruth Stilling is quite simply a genius and she has ended the Blade Kings series in style. I was so excited for this release but also a little sad because I just never wanted this series to end. It is such a comfort series for me as is the Scorpions series but as always Ruth has done her characters and stories absolute justice and provided pure joy in this book.

This story focuses on Emmett & Billie. And has the deliciousness that comes with a forbidden romance. We have the age gap, fathers best friend and daughter and then thrown in is not his baby and it is perfectly executed. With each book Ruth writes she perfects her craft a little bit more and it really gives her readers an excellent experience as she has tackled some tropes that you don't often see in order to deliver a cracking read.

The pining in this book is top level as Emmett tries his hardest to stay away from Billie but the connection is just too strong. And he's so loving to her baby girl, Blake after the biological father is a complete tool.

It was so lovely to see Billie find a man that actually steps up and gives her everything she needs but Billie also provides Emmett with unconditional love after his divorce and enables him to find true happiness despite the consequences. Their love story was truly special and it was beautiful to have it unfold naturally.

As always with Ruth books the found family element is strong and I love how she did it in this book. We had cameos from all our favourites and group chats galore with all the different personalities shining through that felt like catching up with old friends. And it made me just want to go back and really her other books again and again.

It was pure joy from start to finish. Once I'm in a Ruth book, I'm completely immersed in her world as my poor husband found out as he had to wait for his supper until I had finished.

I'm so excited for what Ruth will produce next as all her books are fantastic. The world is a better place when I have a Ruth book in my hands.

[Katie Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
Within Range
By: Ruth Stilling

Have I stepped into a parallel f***ing universe? Because Billie Freya Quinn went and got hot over the last three years, and regardless of the pregnancy, she turned all fucking woman.

He’s all man but gracious in how he carries himself, and I conclude that it only adds to my attraction. No one can ever know that I have the hots for him. Emmett discovering my crush would be enough to bury me alive with embarrassment.

I’m an addict, and Billie Quinn is my vice.

Have you ever read a book that you are so engulfed in you just want to keep reading? But at the same time you’re upset cause you know that you are getting closer to the story ending? That’s this book!!
Let me introduce you to your new book boyfriend. Emmett F***ing Richards, you sexy freaking man you! Emmett’s filthy mouth, boy down bad vibes and slutty glasses, oh my god he is perfection!! Billie and Emmett might have known each other for a decade and been family friends. But crashing all those boundaries down and seeing them give in is so freaking satisfying! And seeing Emmett take on the role of dad to Blake is so heart melting!
Ruth Stilling has hit every single time she writes a book and this is no different. Each new book from Ruth becomes my favorite, they just keep getting better and better. And every single man written by Ruth is my favorite. These men are the rule not the exception to follow to make book boyfriends! Thank you Ruth for giving us readers not 1 but 2 amazing series! I am so excited for what is to come next!

Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Best Friend’s Daughter
He Falls First
Not His Baby
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Forbidden
Found Family

Spice starts at: 50%

Spice: 3/4
Stars: 5/5 ⭐️♾️

Available on Kindle Unlimited January 19th

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe we are saying goodbye to The Blade Kings Series. Ruth has ended the series with her best couple yet, with Emmett and Billie.

Billie is a spitfire and has top-tier banter. She is mature beyond her 21 years as she navigates being a single mom. Determined to maintain her independence and put her baby girl first.

Emmett is newly divorced. Navigating being single and coming to terms with his hockey career ending in the near future.

Emmett and Billie find themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances. She’s his best friend’s daughter. He is 14 years older than her. They both just got out of bad relationships. She is a single mom figuring out her future. What started as a friendship of banter, love of sports quickly turns into something more when Emmett sets his eyes on Billie for the first time in three years. Ruth promised a man who yearns, and she delivered. The tension. The longing looks. The pining. The restraint to keep things platonic. I loved every torturous minute, waiting for the “f*ck it” moment. Both aware of the complications of acting on their feelings. Despite the complications, being together makes everything in their lives easier, simpler, natural.

One of my new favorite tropes has to be not his baby. Emmett took to fatherhood naturally. The way he is protective of his girls just makes me swoon every time.

My favorite thing about this series is the authentic, lovable but flawed characters. No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Ruth writes these characters in a very authentic and relatable way. To the point I get lost in the story and characters and feel their emotions along with them. I can’t recommend The Blade Kings series enough. I still need to read Ruth’s Seattle Scorpions series. But I know I will love them just as much just based on their cameos in The Blade Kings.

Thank you, Ruth, for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions, and a review.

[Rondi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how I freaking ended up on Ruth’s arc team—but I’ll take it as a win every single time. (Obviously I applied. Duh.)

Emmett and Billie (and Blake)

Every time Ruth writes a book, I fall in love with her MMC… and somehow fall even harder for her FMC. The way she writes characters makes you feel for them so deeply—it’s impossible not to.

At the start of this story, Emmett is just finishing a divorce from his very cold, very calculating ex-wife, and that detail matters. There’s also a fairly large age gap between Emmett and Billie, and you really feel it when Billie comes home from college—especially because her ex-boyfriend (fuck you, Tucker) has decided he doesn’t want to be a dad. And let’s be real… we all know where that’s heading.

As I will always say: text chains will get me every single time, and Ruth writes them so well.

There’s definitely drama here. Emmett is Billie’s dad’s best friend, and he struggles hard with the fact that he really, really likes her. He’s constantly questioning his feelings, fighting them, trying to do the “right” thing—even when it hurts. We get stolen moments, quiet longing, and Emmett doing everything he can to make sure Billie feels safe and supported.

We also get to see Billie meeting the other hockey girls, the dynamic of the team Emmett plays with, and plenty of familiar faces—most of the Seattle boys make an appearance. And when Ruth says there’s yearning? There is 100% yearning. Deep, aching, soul-gripping yearning.

Is there turmoil? Of course. But one thing Ruth always does flawlessly is set us up for a perfect happily ever after. They just have to get there first.

This book is pure perfection. I don’t even know how else to say it—except that I loved it, and I truly think you will too.

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Stilling never fails to give us raw emotion and soul deep love. It’s always, always a 5-star read!
Billie is a 21-year-old student, just dropped out of college to come back home and lean on her parents for help, after being abandoned by the guy that promised to take care of her and their baby.
Emmett is a 35-year-old hockey player fresh out of a failed marriage and dedicated to his career, but always ready to help his friends.
When he sees Billie, his best friend’s daughter, after 3 years, he struggles to breathe. Billie was always beautiful and they were friends, but now she looks a devastatingly attractive woman and wise for someone her age.
Their friendship quickly turns into something else and their attraction is undeniable, but can they let their feelings take over? Too much to lose, too many people to hurt and too many people judging.
Within Range is a beautifully written romance with a significant age gap between the main characters, but when you read it, you will immerse yourself in the story and that will become just a tiny detail, because love is so much more than age. What they have is real, overwhelming and forever.
There is also enough spice to power an entire city (OMG) and the sweetest moments that will make you jealous of such a perfect book boyfriend.
Ruth Stilling writes about the truest of loves, lifelong friendships, slow burn attraction, deep connection and about risks and obstacles that mean nothing when there is genuine selfless love.
Thank you for the ARC.

[Catie M | SmuttyCocktails · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blades family is back in full swing! I felt totally prepared to leave the Blades universe after Tommy and Jenna’s story but I’m so happy we got just one more story before that chapter closed. This book really makes you fall in love with all the blade boys again. Archer and his wit, Jack and his unwavering friendship, sawyer and his words of wisdom and of course Tommy and his smart mouth. Emmett really ties it all together with his soft nature and filthy mouth, rounding out the whole series.
I love a forbidden romance, there is just something about not being able to be together that just really sues it for me. I was so curious how this was going to go paired with she’s pregnant but it’s not his baby but truly never doubt Ruth. She finds a way to make it so hot! I was living for the stolen moments and ever we can’t do this. Emmett is such a perfect MMC and the way he loves his girls just brought tears to my eyes. I loved that Billie struggled and showed how hard it is to be alone but don’t worry Emmett is there to help her in more ways than one. This book is so hot and sweet, I couldn’t put it down. And that epilogue!!!! I cannot wait to be back in Seattle. Ruth really outdid herself with the Blade boys and I know what’s next will be just as good!
4/5 stars 2.5/5 spice
Tropes
Forbidden romance
Best friends daughter
She’s pregnant but it’s not his
Sports romance
Age gap

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW | Within Range by Ruth Stilling

The Blade Kings series has been like crack to me for the past few months
This is the 5th and final book in the series and I don’t think Ruth could’ve ended it any better

Emmett just got out of a 13-year marriage with an absolute witch 😂 (I hate Maria, not sorry)
When his best friend’s daughter comes back home, and he stops by on her 21st birthday, he only sees the woman she’s become, not the teenager he would joke around with years ago

Here’s the kicker - she’s heavily pregnant (literally weeks from giving birth) with a deadbeat for the daddy

- Enter Daddy Emmett 😏
——

Having the MMC call the FMC ‘Mama’ wasn’t really something I was ready for. I have a thing for Daddies and Mama sent me to the moon okay 😭

There’s just something about men who step up and father children that aren’t their own I just… 🥹

Emmett is just the sweetest fictional man to ever exist

And his FILTHY MOUTH 🥵
I also inhaled this book in less than 24 hours - pretty standard for me with all the books in this series 👀

If you want something light and spicy and heart-warming, pick this up IMMEDIATELY
well, not immediately… it’s out on Jan 29th 🤭

Thank youuu Ruth for the ARC ✨ I can’t wait for the next series 👀

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Emmett is officially one of my favourite MMCs.
I loved everything about this book, the chemistry was so good, the forbidden feelings and slow burn was sooo good.

Emmett is fresh out of a failed marriage and has an old knee injury threatening to resurface and put his hockey career at risk, he’s 35 now and this is putting pressure on him as he’s not ready to retire yet. Hockey is all he has right now.

But when one of his best friends asks for his help with a situation regarding his pregnant 21 year old daughter, Billie, he’s more than happy to help out.

It’s been 3 years since Emmett last saw Billie and he’s not expecting the feelings he has for his best friend’s daughter. The more time they spend together the deeper the feelings become even though they know her parents won’t approve. It doesn’t help that Emmetts ex wife is Billies mums best friend too!

Emmetts team mates advise him to back off before things get too bad but this man has it bad and he can’t stay away from Billie and her daughter.

Emmett is such a protective gentleman but don’t let that fool you…. This man is filthy! The mouth on him was 🥵.

Tropes:

Best Friends Daughter
Touch her and 💀
Age Gap (14years)
Forbidden Romance
He Falls First
Not His Baby
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review
First off I would like to thank Ruth for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Billie & Emmett
Oh my God! This book was so well done. I absolutely love her. She was the perfect end to a series and I'm so sad she is over. I had such a good time reading her. I giggled and kicked my feet so hard. I absolutely didn't want her to end. I love Billie and they way she embraces life and all the curve balls it through her way. I love that she constantly made sure her baby girl came first and never hesitated to do what's best for her daughter. Emmett is that MAN! Like I absolutely can't say enough good things about him. The way he handle life and all the crazy things that came his way, also the way he stepped up for Billie & Blake 🫠🥹. Watching these two overcome every in life to get their forever was so beautiful.

5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all I absolutely adore the way Ruth writes beautiful stories, while this series is over I'm so excited for what's to come next & I honestly can't wait for the new journey. (I'll be going back to read her Seattle scorpion series 😂) 

[Daphne Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.

I was beyond excited to get the chance to read this ARC. Romance has never been my #1 genre, but this is the second book I’ve read by Ruth Stilling and I am officially SOLD.

Emmett… do I have a new favorite MMC? The love and tension between the characters were palpable. They loved each other so deeply, yet couldn’t touch—and that longing was written so well.

As a mom, this one really spoke to me. The way he made her feel beautiful and desired even after just having a baby took this book to the next level for me.

Billie? A true badass FMC. I loved how she stood up for herself and her daughter. The side characters (the main characters from the rest of the series) were also fantastic, and I was absolutely living for the group chats 🙌👌

The spice… don’t even get me started. Wow. Ruth is definitely at the top of my list when it comes to spicy scenes. I’m a sucker for a good slow burn and forbidden love, and this delivered.

The ending was perfect.

I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series.

Thank you to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

📅 Release date: January 29th
Don’t walk—RUN and add this to your TBR!!

[Reading.With.Flo📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️ 4.5 | 🌶️ 3

What a finale for The Blade Kings series. Saying goodbye to this world is bittersweet.

Emmett and Billie’s story brings togethe: age gap, best friend’s daughter, and a beautifully handled “not his baby” dynamic. Even at just 21, Billie shows such strength and maturity—she navigates every challenge with grace, proving that age really can be just a number. Emmett, fresh out of a toxic marriage, never expected to fall for someone fourteen years younger, let alone his best friend’s daughter. But the way he steps up, accepts Blake as his own, and becomes fiercely protective of them both absolutely melted me.

And that ending… I did not see it coming.

I adored getting to witness Jenna and Tommy’s vows 🥹, and Jon in full wedding-planner mode was perfection. Jack’s infamous “spare bedroom” making another appearance had me laughing, especially when the realisation hit him. The found family vibes in this series are unmatched, and this final book ties all those relationships together in such a heartfelt way.

I’ve loved every single book in this series. Thank you, Ruth Stilling, for the ARC.

[kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 49%

As much I love Ruth Stilling and I’ve read every book she’s written. I have tried to get past the Emmett used to only think of Billie as a non blood related niece and he hasn’t seen her in 3 years, so now he sees her as a hot grown women and has sudden feelings for her. I tried but I genuinely cannot, it feels wrong. If it was a distant family friend that hung out with her dad all the time but never came around her, i think i’d feel differently but he’s known her since she was a kid and I can’t get past that. Also don’t love the “joking” little fits/tantrums Billie throws or the way she acts so immature sometimes, proving their age gap is not one that makes sense. And I usually don’t mind age gap tropes but this is a completely different age gap situation. Especially when they both keep reminiscing on memories from when she was a child and Emmett was going on family vacations with their family and his then wife. I understand that Emmett never looked at Billie that way until she came back home from college pregnant and 21 but it’s still something that made me uncomfortable. There were also a few lines that he would think to himself that gave me the ick.

[Hayley M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth has done it again! Have you ever read a book that you are so engulfed in you just want to keep reading?

At the same time you're upset cause you know that you are getting closer to the story ending? That's this book!!
Let me introduce you to your new book boyfriend.
Emmett Richards, Emmett's filthy mouth, boy down bad vibes and slutty glasses, oh my god he is perfection!! Billie and Emmett might have known each other for a decade and been family friends. Crashing all those boundaries down and seeing them give in is so freaking satisfying!

Ruth Stilling has hit every single time she writes a book and this is no different. Each new book from Ruth becomes my favourite, they just keep getting better and better. Every single man written by Ruth is my favourite. These men are the rule not the exception to follow to make book boyfriends! Thank you Ruth for giving us readers not 1 but 2 amazing series!

🏒Hockey Romance
💙Best Friend's Daughter
🏒 He Falls First
💙Not His Baby
🏒Forced Proximity
💙Age Gap
🏒Forbidden
💙Found Family