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How To Un-Grump The Hockey Coach: A Sweet Off Limits Later in Life Romance
I got stranded on Christmas Eve…now I’m sharing a house with a grumpy hockey coach who makes my widow’s heart feel alive again.
Rob McAllister is everything I don’t need.
Stoic, guarded, impossible to read–and my son’s future father-in-law.
But we’re stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve
And somehow he’s the first man I flirt with in four years.
Maybe it’s the exhaustion.
Maybe it’s my new resolution to live again.
His Cancelled.
My Overbooked.
And I find myself unpacking in the guest room of his quiet, lonely house.
Days blur into shared breakfasts, slow smiles, and late-night planning sessions for the surprise engagement party for our children.
It feels impossible.
It feels perfect.
It feels like falling in love again.
Then his gorgeous ex shows up like a reminder that I don’t belong in his life.
So I do what I do I run.
But it turns out running from him won’t protect my heart–
It will break it all over again.
Rob McAllister is everything I don’t need.
Stoic, guarded, impossible to read–and my son’s future father-in-law.
But we’re stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve
And somehow he’s the first man I flirt with in four years.
Maybe it’s the exhaustion.
Maybe it’s my new resolution to live again.
His Cancelled.
My Overbooked.
And I find myself unpacking in the guest room of his quiet, lonely house.
Days blur into shared breakfasts, slow smiles, and late-night planning sessions for the surprise engagement party for our children.
It feels impossible.
It feels perfect.
It feels like falling in love again.
Then his gorgeous ex shows up like a reminder that I don’t belong in his life.
So I do what I do I run.
But it turns out running from him won’t protect my heart–
It will break it all over again.
- GenresChristmas
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 9, 2025
Advanced Ready Copy - my honest review
I enjoyed the steady pace of this story with Rob McAllister and Mae Kim resisting wanting a relationship due to the ending of their previous relationships (divorce and widowed, with feelings of guilt and being enough to figure out) while planning a surprise engagement party for Sage and Drew. Though each approach life differently they compliment each other well.
Wow Elaine, Sage's mother and Rob's ex wife really craves attention from being on the baking reality tv show as special guest in a previous book to only wanting Rob's attention and focus at family dinner despite encouraging him to give love another chance in her way 🤦♀️.
"Look, we get it. Relationships are terrifying. Especially when you've been burned before. But you taught us that the fights worth winning are the ones that scare you most." - love this quote when Coach gets intervention from his team
I enjoyed the steady pace of this story with Rob McAllister and Mae Kim resisting wanting a relationship due to the ending of their previous relationships (divorce and widowed, with feelings of guilt and being enough to figure out) while planning a surprise engagement party for Sage and Drew. Though each approach life differently they compliment each other well.
Wow Elaine, Sage's mother and Rob's ex wife really craves attention from being on the baking reality tv show as special guest in a previous book to only wanting Rob's attention and focus at family dinner despite encouraging him to give love another chance in her way 🤦♀️.
"Look, we get it. Relationships are terrifying. Especially when you've been burned before. But you taught us that the fights worth winning are the ones that scare you most." - love this quote when Coach gets intervention from his team
December 31, 2025
This hockey romance stands out from the typical narratives by centring on a more mature couple and exploring the complexities of second-chance love. The focus shifts away from a younger player to Rob McAllister, a seasoned coach, as he navigates the emotional landscape of seeking love again. This fresh perspective adds a layer of depth and realism often missing in conventional sports romances.
The female lead, Mae Kim, is equally well-developed and compelling. As a widow of four years, she carries the emotional weight of grief, which manifests as feelings of guilt and a sense of unworthiness about moving on with her life. Her internal struggle is sensitively portrayed, making her journey toward accepting new love deeply resonant and relatable.
The foundation of Rob and Mae’s budding romance is complicated by the shadows of their past relationships. Rob is a divorcee, carrying the baggage of a failed marriage, while Mae’s experience is coloured by the profound loss of her husband. This shared history of relationship turbulence, though different in nature, creates an immediate, albeit complex, connection between them.
Their relationship is allowed to breathe, developing at a satisfyingly steady and enjoyable pace. The catalyst for their collaboration, and thus their closeness, is the joint effort to plan a surprise engagement party for Sage and Drew. This task provides a natural, low-stakes environment for them to interact, observe each other’s strengths, and form a bond based on mutual respect.
Despite their different approaches to life—perhaps Rob being more pragmatic due to his coaching career and Mae being more reserved due to her loss—they discover that they complement each other beautifully. Their differences, rather than creating friction, provide a dynamic balance, showcasing a mature partnership where two individuals fill in each other's gaps.
Ultimately, the story delivers a powerful message: the challenges inherent in finding love and the need for guidance, whether internal or external, do not cease with youth. It underscores the universal truth that emotional growth and the pursuit of happiness are lifelong endeavours, demonstrating that second chances are not just possible, but can be profoundly fulfilling at any stage of life. The narrative successfully proves that older characters have equally, if not more, compelling stories to tell about love, loss, and new beginnings.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving an honest voluntary review.
The female lead, Mae Kim, is equally well-developed and compelling. As a widow of four years, she carries the emotional weight of grief, which manifests as feelings of guilt and a sense of unworthiness about moving on with her life. Her internal struggle is sensitively portrayed, making her journey toward accepting new love deeply resonant and relatable.
The foundation of Rob and Mae’s budding romance is complicated by the shadows of their past relationships. Rob is a divorcee, carrying the baggage of a failed marriage, while Mae’s experience is coloured by the profound loss of her husband. This shared history of relationship turbulence, though different in nature, creates an immediate, albeit complex, connection between them.
Their relationship is allowed to breathe, developing at a satisfyingly steady and enjoyable pace. The catalyst for their collaboration, and thus their closeness, is the joint effort to plan a surprise engagement party for Sage and Drew. This task provides a natural, low-stakes environment for them to interact, observe each other’s strengths, and form a bond based on mutual respect.
Despite their different approaches to life—perhaps Rob being more pragmatic due to his coaching career and Mae being more reserved due to her loss—they discover that they complement each other beautifully. Their differences, rather than creating friction, provide a dynamic balance, showcasing a mature partnership where two individuals fill in each other's gaps.
Ultimately, the story delivers a powerful message: the challenges inherent in finding love and the need for guidance, whether internal or external, do not cease with youth. It underscores the universal truth that emotional growth and the pursuit of happiness are lifelong endeavours, demonstrating that second chances are not just possible, but can be profoundly fulfilling at any stage of life. The narrative successfully proves that older characters have equally, if not more, compelling stories to tell about love, loss, and new beginnings.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving an honest voluntary review.
December 21, 2025
When Natalie Carter was sixteen, she kissed her brother’s best friend, Zeke, behind her garage. Zeke, being the selfless guy he is, knows that he wants Natalie, but there’s an age difference, and Zeke doesn’t believe that he’s worthy of being loved.
Fourteen years later… yeah, that’s right, they’ve been pining for each other for FOURTEEN YEARS — on the cusp of her brother getting married, Natalie’s mom is trying to set her up with a date for the wedding. (Parents — moms especially — never set up your daughters or sons with a date for a wedding. It’s already an awkward enough situation.) Natalie panics, says she has a date, then claims the date is her fiancé, and Zeke comes to the rescue, confirming that he is the fiancé. Which is definitely going to cause some problems that neither of them expect, as Zeke is a defenseman for the hockey team The Dragons, and Nat is one of their physical therapists.
Cue mayhem.
The sad (and very realistic) truth is that both Natalie and Zeke don’t believe that they’re lovable. Zeke’s family life was full of abuse, and he spent more time with the Carter family, as they claimed him as theirs. Not legally, of course, but in every other way that mattered. Zeke thinks this makes him too damaged to be loved, because he has no idea what a real, committed relationship looks like. Uh-huh. As if the Carters weren’t a prime example of love.
Natalie’s problem is that everyone she’s ever dated has said she’s too much or not enough. Hoo boy, do I know what that feels like. Thankfully I’m well past those days, as I have been happily married for twenty-eight years, but I remember often being told that I didn’t measure up in one way or another. It destroys a person’s self-confidence, especially when it keeps happening over and over.
This book made me ugly cry, which is a compliment. It will really get you right in the feels, and makes those characters earn their happy ending. I even cried during the epilogues. It’s a journey well worth taking, and since I am a sucker for hockey romances, I tore through this book in one sitting.
Nothing in life is perfect, but love can reconnect what two people thought was broken beyond repair. Get your HEA here!
Fourteen years later… yeah, that’s right, they’ve been pining for each other for FOURTEEN YEARS — on the cusp of her brother getting married, Natalie’s mom is trying to set her up with a date for the wedding. (Parents — moms especially — never set up your daughters or sons with a date for a wedding. It’s already an awkward enough situation.) Natalie panics, says she has a date, then claims the date is her fiancé, and Zeke comes to the rescue, confirming that he is the fiancé. Which is definitely going to cause some problems that neither of them expect, as Zeke is a defenseman for the hockey team The Dragons, and Nat is one of their physical therapists.
Cue mayhem.
The sad (and very realistic) truth is that both Natalie and Zeke don’t believe that they’re lovable. Zeke’s family life was full of abuse, and he spent more time with the Carter family, as they claimed him as theirs. Not legally, of course, but in every other way that mattered. Zeke thinks this makes him too damaged to be loved, because he has no idea what a real, committed relationship looks like. Uh-huh. As if the Carters weren’t a prime example of love.
Natalie’s problem is that everyone she’s ever dated has said she’s too much or not enough. Hoo boy, do I know what that feels like. Thankfully I’m well past those days, as I have been happily married for twenty-eight years, but I remember often being told that I didn’t measure up in one way or another. It destroys a person’s self-confidence, especially when it keeps happening over and over.
This book made me ugly cry, which is a compliment. It will really get you right in the feels, and makes those characters earn their happy ending. I even cried during the epilogues. It’s a journey well worth taking, and since I am a sucker for hockey romances, I tore through this book in one sitting.
Nothing in life is perfect, but love can reconnect what two people thought was broken beyond repair. Get your HEA here!
December 20, 2025
I received a ARC copy of this book from the author and wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impressions I had after reading it even though I didn’t need to post a review.
Susie has written a series about a team of hockey players who have found their better halves and this time the spotlight shifts to their coach!
When a blizzard strands passengers in a airport terminal overnight two strangers strike up a conversation and trade good natured flirting and conversation when everything is shut down. Then they find out their children are going to get married and it’s going to be to each other!
A grumpy hockey coach and a widowed mother who brings sunshine wherever she goes. Perfect opposites in every way but they complement each other until his ex shows up and she gets scared and feels like she’s being disloyal to her husband who passed away four years previously.
Love finds a way but it comes when you overcome feelings of panic and not feeling you’re good enough or deserving enough to be happy again.
I loved this book and I’ve loved this series! These are warm, heart rending stories of young love or in this case a second chance to have love again if you can overcome your fears of not being enough or disappointing the other person!
It’s true to life in my book because those fears exists in every relationship and one has to decide whether that relationship is worth fighting for or for casting it aside.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book and this series to one and all! I have read all the books and have loved every one and now the mother and father of Sage and Drew in book 3 Sweet on the Coach’s Daughter have their moment to experience this wonderful thing called love once again!
If you’re looking for sweet, no spice romance with a story you’ll truly enjoy I urge you to not only get this book but to get the full series! I can guarantee that you’ll not be disappointed but will have a truly enjoyable reading experience instead!
Susie has written a series about a team of hockey players who have found their better halves and this time the spotlight shifts to their coach!
When a blizzard strands passengers in a airport terminal overnight two strangers strike up a conversation and trade good natured flirting and conversation when everything is shut down. Then they find out their children are going to get married and it’s going to be to each other!
A grumpy hockey coach and a widowed mother who brings sunshine wherever she goes. Perfect opposites in every way but they complement each other until his ex shows up and she gets scared and feels like she’s being disloyal to her husband who passed away four years previously.
Love finds a way but it comes when you overcome feelings of panic and not feeling you’re good enough or deserving enough to be happy again.
I loved this book and I’ve loved this series! These are warm, heart rending stories of young love or in this case a second chance to have love again if you can overcome your fears of not being enough or disappointing the other person!
It’s true to life in my book because those fears exists in every relationship and one has to decide whether that relationship is worth fighting for or for casting it aside.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book and this series to one and all! I have read all the books and have loved every one and now the mother and father of Sage and Drew in book 3 Sweet on the Coach’s Daughter have their moment to experience this wonderful thing called love once again!
If you’re looking for sweet, no spice romance with a story you’ll truly enjoy I urge you to not only get this book but to get the full series! I can guarantee that you’ll not be disappointed but will have a truly enjoyable reading experience instead!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mae and Rob.... grumpy hockey coach meets sunshine at the airport...
What you’ll get:
Later in life
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Widow
OW drama
Runaway heroine
‘It’s complicated’
Stranded at the airport, Mae and Rob decide to stay together until flights resume.
She’s a softie, and he’s grump, and this opposites attract romance is on the sweeter side. There’s just something about a sweet later-in-life romance. Done well, they’re gorgeous, otherwise, they make me cringe.
Luckily, this is done well, and when you consider the other connections between them, it becomes complicated.
This was painful, with the MMC and FMC afraid, my heart hurt for them, but I was also frustrated. It was great to have the players incolved in the story - to catch up with them, even if it was only a page here or there.
An emotional journey, still a bit more surface level than I would hope for considering the history, but still a good read.
What you’ll get:
Later in life
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Widow
OW drama
Runaway heroine
‘It’s complicated’
Stranded at the airport, Mae and Rob decide to stay together until flights resume.
She’s a softie, and he’s grump, and this opposites attract romance is on the sweeter side. There’s just something about a sweet later-in-life romance. Done well, they’re gorgeous, otherwise, they make me cringe.
Luckily, this is done well, and when you consider the other connections between them, it becomes complicated.
This was painful, with the MMC and FMC afraid, my heart hurt for them, but I was also frustrated. It was great to have the players incolved in the story - to catch up with them, even if it was only a page here or there.
An emotional journey, still a bit more surface level than I would hope for considering the history, but still a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading (I do not read the author's blurb giving me book snippets. I like a completely neutral start to reading books.) This is part of the Dragon Hockey Team series; the third one I'll be reading. They can be read a standalones or read as a series, but they are such happy, easy reads, so why not read them all?!?!
Mae - husband passed, "seasoned" woman, get your flirt on!
Rob - Dragons Hockey Team Coach, grumpy
..."the true purpose of marshmallows: they’re not garnish, they’re emotional support." 💯
Middle aged grumpy vs sunshine. Perfect example..."You're chaos." "You're calcified." 😆
Hockey team throwing back Coach's words at him. That had to have stung!
Good for you Coach
Antecdotal thoughts while reading (I do not read the author's blurb giving me book snippets. I like a completely neutral start to reading books.) This is part of the Dragon Hockey Team series; the third one I'll be reading. They can be read a standalones or read as a series, but they are such happy, easy reads, so why not read them all?!?!
Mae - husband passed, "seasoned" woman, get your flirt on!
Rob - Dragons Hockey Team Coach, grumpy
..."the true purpose of marshmallows: they’re not garnish, they’re emotional support." 💯
Middle aged grumpy vs sunshine. Perfect example..."You're chaos." "You're calcified." 😆
Hockey team throwing back Coach's words at him. That had to have stung!
Good for you Coach
January 18, 2026
MC: Mae and Rob, First person dual POV, 4/5 stars
This is a later in life romance, not something that I typically gravitate towards. While they are the parents of Drew and Sage we don't really see much of them, which I kind of liked, it allowed us to focus on Mae and Rob as a couple. There were some moments I could have done without but they did not take away from the overall cuteness of the book. This is not to say that it is all light and fluffy. Mae was still grieving her husband and Rob had to learn how to turn off from work so they had their challenges. I would recommend this book.
I read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
This is a later in life romance, not something that I typically gravitate towards. While they are the parents of Drew and Sage we don't really see much of them, which I kind of liked, it allowed us to focus on Mae and Rob as a couple. There were some moments I could have done without but they did not take away from the overall cuteness of the book. This is not to say that it is all light and fluffy. Mae was still grieving her husband and Rob had to learn how to turn off from work so they had their challenges. I would recommend this book.
I read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
December 21, 2025
Such a ridiculously cute and sweet story. Unconventional romance often times is awkward and leaves me feeling put off. However this book was the complete opposite of that. I finished reading it feeling warm and fuzzy all over. Mae and Rob were so relatable. I think I know parents just like this. The fears and trepidation that’s felt are real. The story didn’t feel overly cheesy or corny. It was adorable and true. I literally read it so fast without putting it down. I love a good story that feels like it can really happen. And that’s precisely what this book gave. Definitely should read.
December 21, 2025
When May Kim's husband Daniel died she felt her heart died with him and that she would never love again.
Four years later while stranded at the Airport in Firth City she sees Rob McAllister and decides to flirt with him.
She is sunshine to his grump, after chatting a little she is horrified to discover they are related..
Well not actually related but their children will be, her son Drew is marrying his daughter Sage.
So that's that then.
However fate has other plans for the pair after they end up sharing a house.
I loved this book so much, it drew me straight in glitter and all.
Four years later while stranded at the Airport in Firth City she sees Rob McAllister and decides to flirt with him.
She is sunshine to his grump, after chatting a little she is horrified to discover they are related..
Well not actually related but their children will be, her son Drew is marrying his daughter Sage.
So that's that then.
However fate has other plans for the pair after they end up sharing a house.
I loved this book so much, it drew me straight in glitter and all.
December 22, 2025
A sweet later in life, second chance romance that brings together the grumpy coach and the future mother in law of his daughter. While it's better to read this after Drew and Sage's story to understand the history, the story will hit your emotions in a big way as Drew's mother works through her guilt of potentially loving someone other than her deceased husband and Sage's father works through his fears that he isn't enough to stay. A very emotional story that will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next.
January 1, 2026
This was a very fun book. It was different being about a coach instead of a player. Mae gets stranded at the airport and suddenly decides to flirt with one of the others stranded with her. It turns out to be her son's fiancée's father, Rob, and he offers her a room to stay in his house. Their children are a little weirded out when they find out, but mostly supportive. I loved how the players were roasting Rob in their group chat, and the intervention they did at the end.
I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
At Christmastime in a blizzard, a coincidence brings together Mae and Rob, parents to their engaged children. It's the start to of a fragile, vulnerable relationship, which includes fears, doubts, past hurt, grief, nuisance, smiles, positive changes, love. When initial shock is over, it's great that their children show acceptance and support. I like team players' teasing and support when it matters.
January 11, 2026
A second chance at love for the coach and the lady he meets in the airport. Such a tender story of truths and learning to trust again. “I learned to cook for one. It’s the saddest math there is.” There is glitter and maybe a glitter war. They both know “…how empty rooms feel when they’re filled with routine instead of life.” “…chaos isn’t meant to be avoided. It’s meant to be chosen.” is a theme throughout. Does love multiply or divide? Thoroughly immersed in this story!
January 21, 2026
Nice cozy Christmas romance. Interesting tie-in to Sweet on the Coach’s Daughter!
“Two marshmallows bob on the surface like tiny life rafts—tragically under-supplied, considering I asked for extra. Clearly, whoever made this has never understood the true purpose of marshmallows: they’re not garnish; they’re emotional support.”
“Two marshmallows bob on the surface like tiny life rafts—tragically under-supplied, considering I asked for extra. Clearly, whoever made this has never understood the true purpose of marshmallows: they’re not garnish; they’re emotional support.”
March 15, 2026
No One On The Team Avoids Love
Coach Rob, Sage's Dad is getting all the advice he ever gave his team members launched right back at him, and it's hilarious! Drew's Mom Mae is involved in this "complicated" relationship. All the team and their wives and girlfriends are involved in the mayhem in this delightful book. I couldn't stop reading it and laughing.
Coach Rob, Sage's Dad is getting all the advice he ever gave his team members launched right back at him, and it's hilarious! Drew's Mom Mae is involved in this "complicated" relationship. All the team and their wives and girlfriends are involved in the mayhem in this delightful book. I couldn't stop reading it and laughing.
December 12, 2025
I'm a fan of hockey romance and was excited to discover this book. Great characters, an interesting meet cute, and fun discovery when their respective children are horrified!
It was refreshing to read about a hockey coach and his having a second chance for love rather than about a hunky younger hockey player. I also enjoyed the female lead who was doubtful that she deserved a second chance for love after being a widow for four years.
But sometimes age does not really change the challenges or the need for guidance from others.
It was refreshing to read about a hockey coach and his having a second chance for love rather than about a hunky younger hockey player. I also enjoyed the female lead who was doubtful that she deserved a second chance for love after being a widow for four years.
But sometimes age does not really change the challenges or the need for guidance from others.
Review of advance copy
A very cute grumpy/sunshine romance that brought all the emotions. Love both characters and their (minimal) development as the story went along. While I read this book out of order, totally going to go back and read the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A lovely story with genuine characters with genuine emotions. My favourite quote is: “The fights worth winning are the ones that scare you most.”
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
Short and sweet romance. Delightful meet cute. Small world. Quick attraction. Interesting back stories. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
December 8, 2025
Quick and easy read. Likable characters that have you cheering them on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cute later-in-life romance.. Grumpy/sunshine. Heartfelt and sweet.
December 25, 2025
I loved this later in life, stuck together holiday story. It was wonderful to see these two realize what they were missing and how they are better together. Amazing, quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Part of an interconnected series with overlapping characters. Can be read as a standalone but best if read in order.
Second chances
Forced proximity
Blended family
Role reversal
Second chances
Forced proximity
Blended family
Role reversal
January 1, 2026
This was adorable and so fun! 2 strangers get stranded in an airport only to learn that he is her future dil's dad and she is his future sil's mom. The attraction they feel is quick, real and strong.. but the situation is too weird and awkward to pursue.. isn't it? When an unexpected storm caused them to shelter together, their determination to keep things platonic weakens.
I read this one not realizing at first it was part of a series. I wil go back and read the others, but this one works as a stand alone for sure!
I read this one not realizing at first it was part of a series. I wil go back and read the others, but this one works as a stand alone for sure!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews