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Hockey Ever After #1
Just Breaking the Rules: Hockey Ever After, Book 1
Performed in duet by Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton!
Everyone knows the golden rule of business—don’t bang your business partner.
Especially if he’s your brother’s hot-as-sin, hockey-star best friend.
But when the sexy single dad athlete saves me from a cake contest catastrophe—and shows me how good he is with his hands—I blurt out the world’s worst business Want to invest in my bakery?
With no loan or backup plan, this is my last shot at proving I’m more than my past mistakes, and shockingly, he says yes.
We set one don’t mix business with pleasure.
Except Corbin Knight’s impossible to resist.
When he’s not scoring goals, he’s staying up late with me to test tempting recipes.
Braiding my hair before we bake like it’s foreplay.
Giving me his jersey to wear to games.
I try to keep a professional distance from the bossy, possessive and dangerously flirty hockey player, but soon we’re testing the limits of the kitchen counter.
This bakery is my chance to finally get my life right, so I fight the messy feelings.
Until one night, he shows up after closing and admits he can’t stop thinking about me.
Suddenly I’m ready to break every rule—no matter the cost to our dreams.
And breaking the rules has never tasted so good.
This exclusive special edition audiobook includes a cameo by James Joseph and a full reel of bloopers!
This is Corbin and Mabel's romance. Tropes Brother's best friend, single dad, workplace romance, hockey, the one who got away, love letters.
Everyone knows the golden rule of business—don’t bang your business partner.
Especially if he’s your brother’s hot-as-sin, hockey-star best friend.
But when the sexy single dad athlete saves me from a cake contest catastrophe—and shows me how good he is with his hands—I blurt out the world’s worst business Want to invest in my bakery?
With no loan or backup plan, this is my last shot at proving I’m more than my past mistakes, and shockingly, he says yes.
We set one don’t mix business with pleasure.
Except Corbin Knight’s impossible to resist.
When he’s not scoring goals, he’s staying up late with me to test tempting recipes.
Braiding my hair before we bake like it’s foreplay.
Giving me his jersey to wear to games.
I try to keep a professional distance from the bossy, possessive and dangerously flirty hockey player, but soon we’re testing the limits of the kitchen counter.
This bakery is my chance to finally get my life right, so I fight the messy feelings.
Until one night, he shows up after closing and admits he can’t stop thinking about me.
Suddenly I’m ready to break every rule—no matter the cost to our dreams.
And breaking the rules has never tasted so good.
This exclusive special edition audiobook includes a cameo by James Joseph and a full reel of bloopers!
This is Corbin and Mabel's romance. Tropes Brother's best friend, single dad, workplace romance, hockey, the one who got away, love letters.
Audible Audio
First published January 21, 2026
2928 people are currently reading
5275 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
246 books24.8k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,007 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I finished this book a couple of days ago, but I was too busy to write about it. However, it's a very amusing book. I loved the respectful nature of the relationship between the main characters and how humorous their banter is. I absolutely adored Lauren Blakely's writing style. It's so very funny, and I'll absolutely seek out her other books.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
SKIP CHAPTERS: 17, 24, 27, 32, 36, 38, 41, 51,
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Everything has a first, and this is my first Lauren Blakely book, so shout out to Good Girl PR for sending me the eARC and ALC
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
SKIP CHAPTERS: 17, 24, 27, 32, 36, 38, 41, 51,
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Everything has a first, and this is my first Lauren Blakely book, so shout out to Good Girl PR for sending me the eARC and ALC
January 29, 2026
Another sweet and cheeky romantic comedy from Lauren Blakely! I enjoyed the set up and the friends to lovers in this one. I also loved the slow burn, up to a point.
I do think this went on for a bit too long and I got a bit fatigued with the secrecy when there didn't seem to be a reason for it. Everyone seemed to be on their side, except for them getting in their own way.
I loved Corbin as a single dad and Mabel was a kind, if a bit ditzy at times. They were a great pairing and had great chemistry together.
Narrated in Duet by Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton with some supporting cast members to fill in for other characters as well.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ALC & ARC of this title.*
I do think this went on for a bit too long and I got a bit fatigued with the secrecy when there didn't seem to be a reason for it. Everyone seemed to be on their side, except for them getting in their own way.
I loved Corbin as a single dad and Mabel was a kind, if a bit ditzy at times. They were a great pairing and had great chemistry together.
Narrated in Duet by Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton with some supporting cast members to fill in for other characters as well.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ALC & ARC of this title.*
January 24, 2026
I was really enjoying this one until about the 60% mark. That is where I started to feel that the length of this book was unnecessary, and that the pacing from the beginning was off. I liked these characters- Mabel and Corbin. I liked the immediate chemistry we saw between them. I liked the *forbidden* love element, but I got a little tired of the back and forth. Every time I felt like they were making progress and ready to admit that they had feelings for each other, they would step away. And then when they finally got it together, the third act breakup kicked in. I felt like there was a lot of filler and maybe that is going to help set the scene for future books, but it made the story get a little lost in the weeds for me.
Mabel is trying SO hard to get her bakery off the ground, but it seems that the world is determined to make her fail. So imagine her surprise when she finds out that her late grandmother got her a fire department in her old home town that she can now use as a bakery. The problem is that she still lacks funding. Which is where her brother's best friend, Corbin, comes in. The guy she has always thought was hot but who has seemed to not be interested in her at all. The guy who she had a VERY hot kiss with the other day. The guy she can't touch with a ten foot pole. Yeah him- she is now going into business with him. Which makes him even more off limits. But Mabel can't stop thinking about that kiss. She can't stop thinking about him. And seeing more into all of the flirting he is doing now. Which is how they end up hooking up again and again. Which turns more into Corbin doing little things for Mabel. Things that make her think he has feelings for her just like she has feelings for him. And then they decide to go for it. Everything is clicking. The business is working. They are working, and then they hit a bump. And Mabel realizes she was lying to herself about how much she liked Corbin. Because not having him in her life is so so much worse.
Corbin has had a crush on his best friend's little sister for years now. He decided to not go for it. There was too much going on. He let it go, but now somehow she is back in his life. As a business partner for the bakery he has always wanted to open up. And now he really can't stop thinking about her after that kiss they shared. The kiss that said they both want more. That they want things they can't have which is what Corbin has to remind himself. He can't have her. She is off limits in so many ways. But he can't help himself. She is so beautiful in all ways. He can't help spoiling her a little bit. He can't help but treat her like she is his. And the longer he does that, the more he realizes he wants her to be his. He is ready to try this thing for real. No more hiding or retreating. So he makes the move. He makes his stand, but then his life starts to spin a little out of control. And he freaks. He has too much on his shoulders for one thing to go wrong. He can't have it all. And yet when he gives one thing up it, he feels empty. Which is why he has to start figuring out a way to make everything work because right now it isn't.
This was a solid hockey romance for me until I got kind of bored :/ Sorry to say but it was just too stretched out for me. I will try book 2 and hope that one is a little better.
Thank you to Hambright PR and Lauren for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Mabel is trying SO hard to get her bakery off the ground, but it seems that the world is determined to make her fail. So imagine her surprise when she finds out that her late grandmother got her a fire department in her old home town that she can now use as a bakery. The problem is that she still lacks funding. Which is where her brother's best friend, Corbin, comes in. The guy she has always thought was hot but who has seemed to not be interested in her at all. The guy who she had a VERY hot kiss with the other day. The guy she can't touch with a ten foot pole. Yeah him- she is now going into business with him. Which makes him even more off limits. But Mabel can't stop thinking about that kiss. She can't stop thinking about him. And seeing more into all of the flirting he is doing now. Which is how they end up hooking up again and again. Which turns more into Corbin doing little things for Mabel. Things that make her think he has feelings for her just like she has feelings for him. And then they decide to go for it. Everything is clicking. The business is working. They are working, and then they hit a bump. And Mabel realizes she was lying to herself about how much she liked Corbin. Because not having him in her life is so so much worse.
Corbin has had a crush on his best friend's little sister for years now. He decided to not go for it. There was too much going on. He let it go, but now somehow she is back in his life. As a business partner for the bakery he has always wanted to open up. And now he really can't stop thinking about her after that kiss they shared. The kiss that said they both want more. That they want things they can't have which is what Corbin has to remind himself. He can't have her. She is off limits in so many ways. But he can't help himself. She is so beautiful in all ways. He can't help spoiling her a little bit. He can't help but treat her like she is his. And the longer he does that, the more he realizes he wants her to be his. He is ready to try this thing for real. No more hiding or retreating. So he makes the move. He makes his stand, but then his life starts to spin a little out of control. And he freaks. He has too much on his shoulders for one thing to go wrong. He can't have it all. And yet when he gives one thing up it, he feels empty. Which is why he has to start figuring out a way to make everything work because right now it isn't.
This was a solid hockey romance for me until I got kind of bored :/ Sorry to say but it was just too stretched out for me. I will try book 2 and hope that one is a little better.
Thank you to Hambright PR and Lauren for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 20, 2026
Brother’s Best Friend
Single Dad
Workplace Romance
Hockey Romance
Love Letters
ESTUVO DELICIOSO 😮💨🍰💜
De esos romances que se sienten divertidos, sexys y con corazón.
Mabel es una protagonista que quiere probar más que nada a sí misma que es capaz de salir adelante. Su panadería no es solo un negocio, es su última oportunidad para dejar atrás errores del pasado y hacer algo bien por fin. Me gustó mucho verla luchar por su sueño, con inseguridades pero con muchas ganas.
Y luego está Corbin… ay Corbin 😮💨🏒
Jugador de hockey, single dad, mejor amigo del hermano y además súper protector, mandón y coquetísimo. De esos hombres que parecen tenerlo todo bajo control, pero cuando se enamoran lo hacen con todo. Me encantó verlo en su faceta de papá y cómo poco a poco se involucra no solo con Mabel, sino con su mundo.
La dinámica entre ellos fue de mis cosas favoritas: trabajar juntos, hornear de noche, probar recetas, las miraditas, el coqueteo constante y esa tensión de “esto no debería estar pasando” pero claramente está pasando. La regla de no mezclar negocios con placer… duró lo que tenía que durar 😏🔥.
Tiene momentos muy cute (el jersey, las cartas, los detalles pequeños) y otros bastante spicy, pero todo se siente natural, nada forzado. El romance se va cocinando lento, entre harina, azúcar y sentimientos que ninguno quiere aceptar.
Sí hubo drama y miedo a arruinarlo todo especialmente por parte de Mabel pero se entiende desde dónde viene. Al final, cuando Corbin dice lo que siente, yo ya estaba completamente dentro 🥹.
Si te gustan los romances de hockey, el brother’s best friend, los single dads y las historias donde los sueños y el amor van de la mano, este libro es para ti.
Romántico, divertido y muy adictivo… como un postre bien hecho 💜🍰
Single Dad
Workplace Romance
Hockey Romance
Love Letters
ESTUVO DELICIOSO 😮💨🍰💜
De esos romances que se sienten divertidos, sexys y con corazón.
Mabel es una protagonista que quiere probar más que nada a sí misma que es capaz de salir adelante. Su panadería no es solo un negocio, es su última oportunidad para dejar atrás errores del pasado y hacer algo bien por fin. Me gustó mucho verla luchar por su sueño, con inseguridades pero con muchas ganas.
Y luego está Corbin… ay Corbin 😮💨🏒
Jugador de hockey, single dad, mejor amigo del hermano y además súper protector, mandón y coquetísimo. De esos hombres que parecen tenerlo todo bajo control, pero cuando se enamoran lo hacen con todo. Me encantó verlo en su faceta de papá y cómo poco a poco se involucra no solo con Mabel, sino con su mundo.
La dinámica entre ellos fue de mis cosas favoritas: trabajar juntos, hornear de noche, probar recetas, las miraditas, el coqueteo constante y esa tensión de “esto no debería estar pasando” pero claramente está pasando. La regla de no mezclar negocios con placer… duró lo que tenía que durar 😏🔥.
Tiene momentos muy cute (el jersey, las cartas, los detalles pequeños) y otros bastante spicy, pero todo se siente natural, nada forzado. El romance se va cocinando lento, entre harina, azúcar y sentimientos que ninguno quiere aceptar.
Sí hubo drama y miedo a arruinarlo todo especialmente por parte de Mabel pero se entiende desde dónde viene. Al final, cuando Corbin dice lo que siente, yo ya estaba completamente dentro 🥹.
Si te gustan los romances de hockey, el brother’s best friend, los single dads y las historias donde los sueños y el amor van de la mano, este libro es para ti.
Romántico, divertido y muy adictivo… como un postre bien hecho 💜🍰
January 30, 2026
4.25⭐️
If not now then when!! Okay I absolutely loveeeee brothers best friend romances, there’s a smidge of taboo/forbidden & there’s always history which just adds to the romance!
Mabel, oh Mabel. Our little hot mess but one that is so perfectly curated & I just love her! She has to go back to the small town that only remembers her for being a mess and it makes my heart so sad. Especially bc her shitty ex publicly says the same thing everyone always does about her. But she is motivated & ready to make everyone forget the old her!! Corbin is the organized to her wildness & they are such a cute pair. These two met many years prior & hit it off but never could let anything happen bc Corbin realized she was his best friend’s younger sister. Years later they get the great idea of open a bakery & book FORCED PROXIMITY DOES WHAT IT DOES BEST!! You already know!!
Oh did I mention Corbin is a hockey star and a single daddy with the most amazing daughter named charlotte!!!
I ❤️ dry humping & we get FED in this book yallllll
Also…if you are into love letters of any variety then you NEED this to read this book. That’s all I’m gonna say **ugh my heart is melting & im swooning**
Type: audio (so so good Samantha Brentmoor& teddy Hamilton)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Brother’s best friend
Forced proximity
Sound family
Fake dating
Single dad
Small town vibes
If not now then when!! Okay I absolutely loveeeee brothers best friend romances, there’s a smidge of taboo/forbidden & there’s always history which just adds to the romance!
Mabel, oh Mabel. Our little hot mess but one that is so perfectly curated & I just love her! She has to go back to the small town that only remembers her for being a mess and it makes my heart so sad. Especially bc her shitty ex publicly says the same thing everyone always does about her. But she is motivated & ready to make everyone forget the old her!! Corbin is the organized to her wildness & they are such a cute pair. These two met many years prior & hit it off but never could let anything happen bc Corbin realized she was his best friend’s younger sister. Years later they get the great idea of open a bakery & book FORCED PROXIMITY DOES WHAT IT DOES BEST!! You already know!!
Oh did I mention Corbin is a hockey star and a single daddy with the most amazing daughter named charlotte!!!
I ❤️ dry humping & we get FED in this book yallllll
Also…if you are into love letters of any variety then you NEED this to read this book. That’s all I’m gonna say **ugh my heart is melting & im swooning**
Type: audio (so so good Samantha Brentmoor& teddy Hamilton)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Brother’s best friend
Forced proximity
Sound family
Fake dating
Single dad
Small town vibes
Review of advance copy
#Review: *Just Breaking The Rules* - Lauren Blakely - ARC/ALC [18+]
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️
They've known each other for a while, but they've kept their feelings hidden. Mabel and Corbin always had something for each other. The fact that Theo was her older brother and Corbin's hockey team general manager and because Corbin had a hectic schedule and a daughter to raise, pushed things to remain at a platonic level.
Their common passion for baking lead to a deal, which was presented by Theo, from which both Mabel and Corbin could win. But what will that close proximity mean for them? Will they be able to keep at bay their burning feelings and just be partners in that business?
First of all, this book got me craving all those delicious things mentioned in this book, because of how well they were depicted. Yummy! Second of all, how sweet, fun and tensioned the connection between Corbin and Mabel was! Phew!🔥 Even from the first scene they've shared together you could clearly feel that there was something more between them. I enjoyed so much those stolen glances and touches, like they were constantly drawn to each other. But they didn't feel like they were in the right time of their lives for a relationship. Or were they?🤭 I liked the awesome presence of Corbin's daughter, who was super smart and really fun.
This was such a wonderful and fun read, having a bit of everything in it. I liked that it was focused on the character's growth and on understanding their feelings, not focusing only on their physical connection. I also loved those mysterious love letters, which were a great addition to the romantic vibe of this story.
Of course, I couldn't forget about our lovely narrators, Samantha Brentmore and Teddy Hamilton, who did such an incredible job with this story, being completely captivated by them. As usual, I loved how expressive and full of passion their interpretation was and how lovely and fun it was to listen to them.
I must thank Hambright Pr for this amazing opportunity, for offering me this e-ARC and ALC of this fun book!💞
✨Tropes
▫️Brother's Best Friend
▫️Single Dad
▫️Workplace Romance
▫️The One That Got Away
▫️Love Letters
▫️Close proximity
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️
They've known each other for a while, but they've kept their feelings hidden. Mabel and Corbin always had something for each other. The fact that Theo was her older brother and Corbin's hockey team general manager and because Corbin had a hectic schedule and a daughter to raise, pushed things to remain at a platonic level.
Their common passion for baking lead to a deal, which was presented by Theo, from which both Mabel and Corbin could win. But what will that close proximity mean for them? Will they be able to keep at bay their burning feelings and just be partners in that business?
First of all, this book got me craving all those delicious things mentioned in this book, because of how well they were depicted. Yummy! Second of all, how sweet, fun and tensioned the connection between Corbin and Mabel was! Phew!🔥 Even from the first scene they've shared together you could clearly feel that there was something more between them. I enjoyed so much those stolen glances and touches, like they were constantly drawn to each other. But they didn't feel like they were in the right time of their lives for a relationship. Or were they?🤭 I liked the awesome presence of Corbin's daughter, who was super smart and really fun.
This was such a wonderful and fun read, having a bit of everything in it. I liked that it was focused on the character's growth and on understanding their feelings, not focusing only on their physical connection. I also loved those mysterious love letters, which were a great addition to the romantic vibe of this story.
Of course, I couldn't forget about our lovely narrators, Samantha Brentmore and Teddy Hamilton, who did such an incredible job with this story, being completely captivated by them. As usual, I loved how expressive and full of passion their interpretation was and how lovely and fun it was to listen to them.
I must thank Hambright Pr for this amazing opportunity, for offering me this e-ARC and ALC of this fun book!💞
✨Tropes
▫️Brother's Best Friend
▫️Single Dad
▫️Workplace Romance
▫️The One That Got Away
▫️Love Letters
▫️Close proximity
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey
January 7, 2026
Oh my gosh. Talk about one of the BEST single-dad romances I’ve ever read. He’s also her brother’s best friend! Talk about some swoons tropes.
Mabel is recovering from her ex’s attempt to publicly humiliate her on reality TV but enter Corbin Knight. Hot pro hockey player who swoops in and rescues Mabel. They’ve known each other for 7 years because he’s also Mabel’s big brother’s best friend but now that they’re reconnecting, sparks are flying EVERYWHERE! They literally have a moment in the on set trailer but are like, whoa this cannot happen between us. Mabel, also realizing they shouldn’t be getting hot and heavy, decides to ask Corbin to go into business with her and help her open her new bakery! And get this, Corbin knows how to bake too!
The sweetest and sexiest story starts to unfold and Corbin literally can’t keep his hands off of Mabel. They’re LITERALLY always together and then every time they have a hot and steamy session, they look at each other and are like, ok this can’t happen again. 🤣 Even after 5 more times they’re like, ok we need to stop…we’re business parters. Yeah right!
It’s so cute reading the back and forth and the spice was so good. There’s an actual fuck it moment. The old firehouse that Mabel’s grandmother left her gets turned into their bakery and Mabel has to struggle up get the whole town to rally behind it. Thanks to Corbin and his super smart daughter, the bakery has some luck!
I also loved the lost love letters! Gotta read this. Lauren Blakely knows how to check alllll the boxes every time and I’m so excited for this new hockey romance series!
🧁 Corbin - “Is an apron kink even a thing?”
🧐 Wait until you learn about “The Dirty Gentleman”
👨🍳 INAPPROPRIATE USES OF BASTING BRUSHES 👀
TROPES ✨
🏒 Hockey Romance
👨👧 Brother's Best Friend
⚡ Opposites Attract
💗 It's Always Been You
👨👧 Single Dad
💔 The One That Got Away
Mabel is recovering from her ex’s attempt to publicly humiliate her on reality TV but enter Corbin Knight. Hot pro hockey player who swoops in and rescues Mabel. They’ve known each other for 7 years because he’s also Mabel’s big brother’s best friend but now that they’re reconnecting, sparks are flying EVERYWHERE! They literally have a moment in the on set trailer but are like, whoa this cannot happen between us. Mabel, also realizing they shouldn’t be getting hot and heavy, decides to ask Corbin to go into business with her and help her open her new bakery! And get this, Corbin knows how to bake too!
The sweetest and sexiest story starts to unfold and Corbin literally can’t keep his hands off of Mabel. They’re LITERALLY always together and then every time they have a hot and steamy session, they look at each other and are like, ok this can’t happen again. 🤣 Even after 5 more times they’re like, ok we need to stop…we’re business parters. Yeah right!
It’s so cute reading the back and forth and the spice was so good. There’s an actual fuck it moment. The old firehouse that Mabel’s grandmother left her gets turned into their bakery and Mabel has to struggle up get the whole town to rally behind it. Thanks to Corbin and his super smart daughter, the bakery has some luck!
I also loved the lost love letters! Gotta read this. Lauren Blakely knows how to check alllll the boxes every time and I’m so excited for this new hockey romance series!
🧁 Corbin - “Is an apron kink even a thing?”
🧐 Wait until you learn about “The Dirty Gentleman”
👨🍳 INAPPROPRIATE USES OF BASTING BRUSHES 👀
TROPES ✨
🏒 Hockey Romance
👨👧 Brother's Best Friend
⚡ Opposites Attract
💗 It's Always Been You
👨👧 Single Dad
💔 The One That Got Away
February 16, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
Although being duet-narrated would’ve already earned it extra points, the end bloopers and the fact that it’s a live duet made it even more enjoyable ❤️.
Mabel’s (34) competing on a baking show when disaster strikes 🫠 and her ex talking smack about it worsens it all 🤬. She doesn’t wanna give up her dreams of having her own business; lucky for her, her brother’s best friend, Corbin, step in to help 🫶, and even pretends to be dating her 😉 proof that she’s moved on from her ahole ex 💁🏻♀️.
Corbin plays hockey; as a single father, he understands what it’s like to struggle and do whatever needs to get done in order to make ends meet. When Mabel inherits a fire house from her late grandmother, she and Corbin agree to renovate it and make it a bakery that services people later in the afternoon, unlike so many other bakeries around there that close early. Corbin wants to do this as a way to honor his mother, who passed away two years before from Parkinson’s disease ☹️and wanted to do something like this herself, but because of the disease, she wasn’t able to ☹️.
As time passes, both of them feel a connection 👀. And although mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea, maybe it’s not TOO bad of an idea 😅
Right? 👀👀👀
What I like/loved: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
— the tension 👀. Even though they’re “pretending” it becomes obvious that they’re developing real feelings 😉. I mean. Don’t all “thank you” kisses come with grinding as well? 🤣
— the times I giggled 🤣. This is a light hearted, low angst book ❤️, so it definitely feels like a cozy, romcom 🫶 and I smiled many times
— the 🔥. First REAL kiss happens close to 40%; a little after 50% there’s some questionable use of kitchen tools 🔥🫣😅, and by 60%, full on 🔥🥵💦😉😅🫠 happens 😮💨
— she uses his face… to sit 🥵
— the connection 🥹. When they’re apart for too long, they miss each other
— interesting use of a basting brush 👀, and thighs too 👀
— the reading of her grandma’s letters was so cute ❤️ especially because we see how her grandparents fall in love and continued to love each other for years 😭
— the color blind rep 🫶. I love that Corbin makes it a point to figure out what colors are what, especially when it comes to Mabel 🥹. Like, the color of her hair? And her favorite color??? 😭😭😭 so freaking sweet!!! He listens!!! 🥹 and this becomes it more important, especially when it comes to the business and trusting in her ❤️
— smash adult cakes should be a thing 🤷🏻♀️. We need to make this a priority people 🤣🤣🤣
— fake dating/business partner/friends with benefits/so much more lol
— the fostering of dogs ❤️. I’m a big advocate for this 🫶
— the OMD 😈. Mabel’s ex is an ahole, and I’m glad that Corbin puts him in his place 💁🏻♀️
— he calls her firecracker
— throws her over his shoulder 👀 and also spaaaanks her 😉
— he grovels! Well, he messes up 🤷🏻♀️ but what he does to make up for it is so cute 🥹
—how JP and POSSESSIVE he gets 😈😉
— the epilogue ❤️
— the bloopers at the end!
What I needed more of: SPOILERS
— the third act came out of nowhere for me 😐. It really was out a character for Corbin 🤷🏻♀️
— some parts felt dragged on for me 🫠, but because I was enjoying this book so much, it didn’t bother me as much
— he’s always had a thing for her? 🙄 I personally rarely find this swoony- and unless he’s been celibate this entire time 🤣. Even though she also had some kind of feelings for him, she was in a relationship, so it didn’t bother me as much as it normally would
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd*
-parent passing away from Parkinson’s disease recounted
-color blindness rep ❤️
-no really omd, but the h’s ex makes an appearance and talks badly about the h publicly. The H gets back at him at the end 🤣
-dirty talk/hand necklace
-condoms/then none/IUD/both clean
-HEA/epilogue/months later
Although being duet-narrated would’ve already earned it extra points, the end bloopers and the fact that it’s a live duet made it even more enjoyable ❤️.
Mabel’s (34) competing on a baking show when disaster strikes 🫠 and her ex talking smack about it worsens it all 🤬. She doesn’t wanna give up her dreams of having her own business; lucky for her, her brother’s best friend, Corbin, step in to help 🫶, and even pretends to be dating her 😉 proof that she’s moved on from her ahole ex 💁🏻♀️.
Corbin plays hockey; as a single father, he understands what it’s like to struggle and do whatever needs to get done in order to make ends meet. When Mabel inherits a fire house from her late grandmother, she and Corbin agree to renovate it and make it a bakery that services people later in the afternoon, unlike so many other bakeries around there that close early. Corbin wants to do this as a way to honor his mother, who passed away two years before from Parkinson’s disease ☹️and wanted to do something like this herself, but because of the disease, she wasn’t able to ☹️.
As time passes, both of them feel a connection 👀. And although mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea, maybe it’s not TOO bad of an idea 😅
Right? 👀👀👀
What I like/loved: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
— the tension 👀. Even though they’re “pretending” it becomes obvious that they’re developing real feelings 😉. I mean. Don’t all “thank you” kisses come with grinding as well? 🤣
— the times I giggled 🤣. This is a light hearted, low angst book ❤️, so it definitely feels like a cozy, romcom 🫶 and I smiled many times
— the 🔥. First REAL kiss happens close to 40%; a little after 50% there’s some questionable use of kitchen tools 🔥🫣😅, and by 60%, full on 🔥🥵💦😉😅🫠 happens 😮💨
— she uses his face… to sit 🥵
— the connection 🥹. When they’re apart for too long, they miss each other
— interesting use of a basting brush 👀, and thighs too 👀
— the reading of her grandma’s letters was so cute ❤️ especially because we see how her grandparents fall in love and continued to love each other for years 😭
— the color blind rep 🫶. I love that Corbin makes it a point to figure out what colors are what, especially when it comes to Mabel 🥹. Like, the color of her hair? And her favorite color??? 😭😭😭 so freaking sweet!!! He listens!!! 🥹 and this becomes it more important, especially when it comes to the business and trusting in her ❤️
— smash adult cakes should be a thing 🤷🏻♀️. We need to make this a priority people 🤣🤣🤣
— fake dating/business partner/friends with benefits/so much more lol
— the fostering of dogs ❤️. I’m a big advocate for this 🫶
— the OMD 😈. Mabel’s ex is an ahole, and I’m glad that Corbin puts him in his place 💁🏻♀️
— he calls her firecracker
— throws her over his shoulder 👀 and also spaaaanks her 😉
— he grovels! Well, he messes up 🤷🏻♀️ but what he does to make up for it is so cute 🥹
—how JP and POSSESSIVE he gets 😈😉
— the epilogue ❤️
— the bloopers at the end!
What I needed more of: SPOILERS
— the third act came out of nowhere for me 😐. It really was out a character for Corbin 🤷🏻♀️
— some parts felt dragged on for me 🫠, but because I was enjoying this book so much, it didn’t bother me as much
— he’s always had a thing for her? 🙄 I personally rarely find this swoony- and unless he’s been celibate this entire time 🤣. Even though she also had some kind of feelings for him, she was in a relationship, so it didn’t bother me as much as it normally would
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd*
-parent passing away from Parkinson’s disease recounted
-color blindness rep ❤️
-no really omd, but the h’s ex makes an appearance and talks badly about the h publicly. The H gets back at him at the end 🤣
-dirty talk/hand necklace
-condoms/then none/IUD/both clean
-HEA/epilogue/months later
January 9, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
This book was cute, fluffy, low-stakes, and an easy listen. This is a sweet sports romance featuring a baker and a hockey player, which honestly tells you everything you need to know about the vibes. There’s chemistry, banter, and just enough tension to keep things moving without ever getting stressful.
The duet audiobook narration is a huge plus. Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton are absolute staples in the romance audiobook world, and they once again deliver a smooth, engaging performance. Both narrators bring warmth and charm to their characters, making the story easy to sink into and perfect for listening while doing literally anything else. Also, bloopers were included at the end and they were hilarious. More of this!!
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good sports romance that doesn’t ask too much of you emotionally and just wants to be fun, this one hits the spot. Low angst, high charm, and narrators you can always trust.
1.5/5 🌶️
This book was cute, fluffy, low-stakes, and an easy listen. This is a sweet sports romance featuring a baker and a hockey player, which honestly tells you everything you need to know about the vibes. There’s chemistry, banter, and just enough tension to keep things moving without ever getting stressful.
The duet audiobook narration is a huge plus. Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton are absolute staples in the romance audiobook world, and they once again deliver a smooth, engaging performance. Both narrators bring warmth and charm to their characters, making the story easy to sink into and perfect for listening while doing literally anything else. Also, bloopers were included at the end and they were hilarious. More of this!!
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good sports romance that doesn’t ask too much of you emotionally and just wants to be fun, this one hits the spot. Low angst, high charm, and narrators you can always trust.
February 4, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Bother’s Best Friend
✨ Business Partners
✨ Single Dad
✨ Mutual Pining
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Bother’s Best Friend
✨ Business Partners
✨ Single Dad
✨ Mutual Pining
January 28, 2026
Just Breaking the Rules by Lauren Blakely
Duet narration by Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor
Romantic Comedy. Standalone, first in a related hockey series.
4.5 stars
Complimentary copy received. This post contains affiliate links
Warning: Just Breaking the Rules by Lauren Blakely is bad for your diet! That didn’t stop me from loving every minute of listening to it, though. I’m not going to lie, I may have ended up trying potato chip chocolate chip cookies because of this book. Just Breaking the Rules is the first in a new hockey series (that I think features single dads?) called Hockey Ever After. When it comes to Lauren’s books, I always listen to the audio. She writes with narrators in mind, and this duet performance made a great book even better.
Mabel is a bit of a hot mess. She’s a fantastic baker, but things never seem to go her way. She has always dreamed of owning a bakery, so she enters a baking contest in the hopes of winning enough money to finance that dream. Her cake is absolutely perfect… until a mishap turns it into a smash cake. Corbin Knight, her brother’s best friend and a sexy-as-sin pro hockey player who loves to bake, is there and helps rescue her from further embarrassment.
"Mabel, have I not made myself clear? I was taken with you the first timeI met you. And I'm not missing my chance this time around. Even if we have to break the rules."
Corbin has a lot on his plate. He plays pro hockey and is a single dad. He dreams of owning a bakery and making his late mother’s recipes after he retires from the sport. But when Mabel suddenly has the perfect opportunity right now, she convinces Corbin to partner with her and open a bakery together. And let’s just say the bakery isn’t the only thing opening, if you know what I mean.
“I don’t want to stop touching her, and this is a problem. A problem I like far too much.”
The banter is fantastic and the chemistry leaps off the page. Just Breaking the Rules is an easy, feel-good read, but Lauren’s books are always a step above. They’re just a little smarter and sexier, and there are always adorable rescued or foster pets.
Before I can get a word in, though, he arches a brow and leans closer. “Is that a new sport for you?”
“Is what?”
“Mocking me?”
“New? Please. I’ve been playing it for a while.”
“I think you took it to a new level today,” he counters.
I blow on my fingernails. “What can I say? I’m good at baking and teasing.”
I loved how the couple tried to keep things strictly business even when they clearly could not resist each other. I wouldn’t be able to resist this sexy and sweet baking girl-dad either.
“I meant everything I said earlier. How much I think about you, it’s ridiculous. But I’ve got to do a better job at resisting you.”
Corbin’s daughter completely stole my heart, and the ancient firehouse love letters added one more romantic layer to an already delightful story. Corbin is colorblind, and I love the way Mabel was his eyes.
Likes:
•Lauren's books just always make me happy. There is no unnecessary drama.
•The perfect amount of sexy time and it's never cringe.
•Amazing chemistry from the start.
•He is an amazing girl-dad, even French braiding hair.
•He was colorblind and I loved how she described the colors.
•Cute fosters and rescues.
•I loved the addition of the love letters.
•The bloopers at the end (Samantha's giggles are amazing).
Dislikes:
•This book was BAD for my diet!
•As much as I loved it, it won't stick with me as being memorable.
The Narration:
Lauren Blakely is a must-listen author for me. Her audiobooks have landed on my favorites lists every year since 2016, and she’s one of only a handful of authors where I automatically listen to every release. Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor are one of my all-time favorite narrator pairings, and when Lauren writes characters with them in mind, it makes the audiobook even more immersive and addictive. Make sure you stay till the end, after the preview, for bloopers!
The Down & Dirty:
How does Lauren Blakely release so many books when every single one hits for me? Just Breaking the Rules floats right to the top with a fun, sexy, engaging, and ridiculously entertaining listen that balances sweetness, spice, and humor in all the right ways. Add in baking competitions, a swoony single dad, and nonstop chemistry, and I was completely in. If this is how the Hockey Ever After series is starting, I am absolutely ready for the rest because I have a feeling it’s only going to get better from here.
Rating 4.5 Stars, 3 Heat, 5 Narration
Purchase Just Breaking the Rules by Lauren Blakely
Kindle | Hardcover | Paperback | Audible
The Hockey Ever After Series by Lauren Blakely
The next in the series, Just Playing for Keeps is up for preorder
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January 18, 2026
Just Breaking the Rules is one of those books that is simply a delight. Witty, flirty, sexy, heartfelt, funny and dare I say, made for audio? Because when you hear Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor come together in duet narration as Corbin and Mabel, you can't help but fall in love with their characters.
Mabel is one of those characters that is part messy, but has a huge heart and knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to prove all her naysayers wrong and succeed. But when she enters a cake contest, her hopes and dreams are literally smashed and she just needs to find one good thing to hopefully bring her dreams to life. When Corbin comes in and saves her from her miserable fail, you can already feel the chemistry they have and hope they can continue on. A man that can braid a woman's hair, be an amazing father to a 12 year old daughter, play hockey and kiss like no one's business?! Too bad he's her brother's best friend and actually works for him as well. Mixing friendship, business and pleasure should not work. But what happens when an opportunity falls in their laps, forcing them to work together and making all of Mabel's and Corbin's future dreams come true??
What a fun start to a whole new series from Lauren Blakely! We have hockey, a bakery with the name of Afternoon Delight, a single dad, a smart as a whip preteen, fun pickle ball outfits, an amazing cast of supporting characters and found love letters that make this story shine. The friendship and chemistry between Corbin and Mabel is felt right from the very start. I loved that there was no playing around when it came to that aspect. Plus, they both had a desire to open a bakery and actually have quite a lot in common. And the parts they don't are what make their partnership and relationship work to help balance what the other is lacking. Then there are the letters they found in the bakery that they are renovating. That is the part that had my heart. I loved that they shared their successes with those letters and one another. It was just a sweet little addition to their love story.
Of course Corbin and Mabel's journey wasn't perfect but I loved that through it all, they communicated their worries with each other. Doubt and fear of failure is hard to overcome, but these two just complimented each other in all the ways that you can't help but to love them. Plus, Corbin is a man that loves to take care of those around him and LEARNS when he can't see #iykyk. He steps it up and goes out of his way to show he cares. And for that, he gets all of the boyfriend flowers. We all need a Corbin in our life supporting us. ;)
With that said, I think this was a great start to a brand new series of standalone stories.
If you you enjoy:
Hockey
Best Friend's sister
Romcom
Bakery shenanigans
Single Dad
Love letters (from Mabel's grandma)
Small town with sprinkle of city
With a slight age gap
Then Just Breaking The Rules will have you laughing and swooning. AND like I mentioned before...the audiobook is amazing and I couldn't have loved Samantha and Teddy's performances more. They captured the banter and humous nuances between the characters bringing their love story to life. I can't wait for what's to come in this series!
Mabel is one of those characters that is part messy, but has a huge heart and knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to prove all her naysayers wrong and succeed. But when she enters a cake contest, her hopes and dreams are literally smashed and she just needs to find one good thing to hopefully bring her dreams to life. When Corbin comes in and saves her from her miserable fail, you can already feel the chemistry they have and hope they can continue on. A man that can braid a woman's hair, be an amazing father to a 12 year old daughter, play hockey and kiss like no one's business?! Too bad he's her brother's best friend and actually works for him as well. Mixing friendship, business and pleasure should not work. But what happens when an opportunity falls in their laps, forcing them to work together and making all of Mabel's and Corbin's future dreams come true??
What a fun start to a whole new series from Lauren Blakely! We have hockey, a bakery with the name of Afternoon Delight, a single dad, a smart as a whip preteen, fun pickle ball outfits, an amazing cast of supporting characters and found love letters that make this story shine. The friendship and chemistry between Corbin and Mabel is felt right from the very start. I loved that there was no playing around when it came to that aspect. Plus, they both had a desire to open a bakery and actually have quite a lot in common. And the parts they don't are what make their partnership and relationship work to help balance what the other is lacking. Then there are the letters they found in the bakery that they are renovating. That is the part that had my heart. I loved that they shared their successes with those letters and one another. It was just a sweet little addition to their love story.
Of course Corbin and Mabel's journey wasn't perfect but I loved that through it all, they communicated their worries with each other. Doubt and fear of failure is hard to overcome, but these two just complimented each other in all the ways that you can't help but to love them. Plus, Corbin is a man that loves to take care of those around him and LEARNS when he can't see #iykyk. He steps it up and goes out of his way to show he cares. And for that, he gets all of the boyfriend flowers. We all need a Corbin in our life supporting us. ;)
With that said, I think this was a great start to a brand new series of standalone stories.
If you you enjoy:
Hockey
Best Friend's sister
Romcom
Bakery shenanigans
Single Dad
Love letters (from Mabel's grandma)
Small town with sprinkle of city
With a slight age gap
Then Just Breaking The Rules will have you laughing and swooning. AND like I mentioned before...the audiobook is amazing and I couldn't have loved Samantha and Teddy's performances more. They captured the banter and humous nuances between the characters bringing their love story to life. I can't wait for what's to come in this series!
January 15, 2026
Another great book by Lauren Blakely!!
This was a gifted ALC copy & let me tell you, Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor never let me down! These two had me laughing and just made this one so much fun! This book was a little on the longer side, but the audio made it so easy to wanna fly through!!
I absolutely loved Corbin & Mabel! She is a baker whose goal is to own a bakery & he is a hockey player who enjoys baking and long time friend! Their chemistry was there from the beginning and this story just had me rooting for them!! This was such a fun hockey romance, with single dad, brothers best friend and so many things I love!!
I can always count on a LB book to make me laugh and this one was no different!! I loved the heartfelt story and emotional aspect of her grandmas past tied in! It had me in my feels at times and just made me love these characters even more!
While I wish this one had been a tad bit shorter, it was overall a great story with audio perfection!!
This was a gifted ALC copy & let me tell you, Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor never let me down! These two had me laughing and just made this one so much fun! This book was a little on the longer side, but the audio made it so easy to wanna fly through!!
I absolutely loved Corbin & Mabel! She is a baker whose goal is to own a bakery & he is a hockey player who enjoys baking and long time friend! Their chemistry was there from the beginning and this story just had me rooting for them!! This was such a fun hockey romance, with single dad, brothers best friend and so many things I love!!
I can always count on a LB book to make me laugh and this one was no different!! I loved the heartfelt story and emotional aspect of her grandmas past tied in! It had me in my feels at times and just made me love these characters even more!
While I wish this one had been a tad bit shorter, it was overall a great story with audio perfection!!
Review of advance copy
The narrators were amazing. They story was great. Lauren has a way of making you want to kick your feet, touch your soul, and make you hot around the collar all in the same book. This best friend's little sister trope is always fun. Add hockey and a super fun dad to the mix and it all fell into place.
January 14, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Ahhh I loved this book SO much!! I swear Lauren Blakely truly doesn’t write a bad book. This was the perfect slow burn and I was hooked from the start.
Mabel and Corbin were everything. I loved how mature this relationship felt - actual communication, respect, and emotional depth. Even the third act breakup made sense and didn’t feel over the top or ridiculous, which I appreciated so much.
And can we talk about the sweet moments between Corbin and Mabel?! 😭💛 Corbin being colorblind and Mabel helping him with colors absolutely melted me. The fact that he was so dedicated to understanding the colors she loved - knowing what color her hair was, her eyes, the clothes she wore - UGH my heart. The care and intention behind that was everything.
AND HE BRAIDS HER HAIR.
LIKE WHAT?!? 😩🫠 So god damn cute I cannot handle it.
The bakery concept? Adorable. Him being a single dad? Immediate yes. And the side characters absolutely stole the show. His hockey friends had me cracking up, especially Miller. I need that man to get his own book because the banter would be unmatched.
This locker room scene literally had me laughing out loud:
“You take off your pants one leg at a time. Try it,” Miller says…
Sir. Please 😭😂
The comebacks, the chemistry, the heart - this book just worked on every level.
Huge thank you to Lauren for the ALC & ARC!!
Five stars and HIGHLY recommending this one 💛
Ahhh I loved this book SO much!! I swear Lauren Blakely truly doesn’t write a bad book. This was the perfect slow burn and I was hooked from the start.
Mabel and Corbin were everything. I loved how mature this relationship felt - actual communication, respect, and emotional depth. Even the third act breakup made sense and didn’t feel over the top or ridiculous, which I appreciated so much.
And can we talk about the sweet moments between Corbin and Mabel?! 😭💛 Corbin being colorblind and Mabel helping him with colors absolutely melted me. The fact that he was so dedicated to understanding the colors she loved - knowing what color her hair was, her eyes, the clothes she wore - UGH my heart. The care and intention behind that was everything.
AND HE BRAIDS HER HAIR.
LIKE WHAT?!? 😩🫠 So god damn cute I cannot handle it.
The bakery concept? Adorable. Him being a single dad? Immediate yes. And the side characters absolutely stole the show. His hockey friends had me cracking up, especially Miller. I need that man to get his own book because the banter would be unmatched.
This locker room scene literally had me laughing out loud:
“You take off your pants one leg at a time. Try it,” Miller says…
Sir. Please 😭😂
The comebacks, the chemistry, the heart - this book just worked on every level.
Huge thank you to Lauren for the ALC & ARC!!
Five stars and HIGHLY recommending this one 💛
February 14, 2026
Just Breaking the Rules has been released on Kindle Unlimited just in time for Valentine's Day! This is such a sweet and flirty hockey romance that you won't be disappointed. But honestly, when am I ever disappointed by Blakely?? Her books are always so pleasant and fun to read.
February 1, 2026
Review coming soon
February 20, 2026
3.75 Stars ⭐️
Lauren Blakely is a pretty good bet when you are wanting an quick, easy, and fun read, usually with a wonderful HEA. She very rarely disappoints.
This story introduces us to FMC and self-described "hot mess" Mabel on a day when she really wishes she could find a hole to jump into and hide. Her big break goes wrong, (and naturally it is being televised) and that starts a cascade of more things that just do not go her way.
The good thing is that we meet MMC and star NHL Hockey Player Corbin Knight on the same day. He ends up rescuing Mabel. Well, he steps in and takes her away somewhere to help her get the frosting (that she kind of literally fell into) off of her so that she can come back and be in the group picture with the other baking contestants afterwards. Definite brownie points right off the bat :)
We learn that these two have known each other for a really long time. Corbin is Mabel's big brother's (Theo) best friend who happens to also be his boss. Theo is the GM, albeit temporarily at the moment, of the NHL Hockey team that Corbin plays for.
For the first time ever, something clicks and the two of them end up in a crazy make out session that gets hot and steamy VERY quickly. Neither of them knows what to think other than it cannot happen again, no matter how much they both want it to.
Then the real story begins. Magel has been wanting to open a bakery forever. She was just turned down for a loan from her very last option when she discovers something out of the blue. Based on this discovery, Theo brings the two of them together to let them know that he thinks they would make a great business partnership if the opened a bakery together. Mabel knows EVERTHING about the actual consumer side while Corbin can be the investor. Theo knows that he secretly has always thought he would open a bakery after he retired from the NHL to fulfill a promise to his mother before she died. The two are a bit gun-shy after the events the previous day but they are pretty much strong-armed into saying yes.
The rest of the story is extremely cute. Mabel and Corbin are VERY likeable characters, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. There is very little unnecessary angst, and what does occur happens mostly due to the stress of trying to make a new business successful (well, and trying to hide their growing attraction to each other). Because now, it would be worse than ever to get involved as business partners. Especially if things did not work out.
One of my favorite things about this book were some of the secondary characters, but ESPECIALLY Corbin's daughter. She was ADORABLE and way too mature for her age (that is meant in the best way) She keeps the two of them on their toes and she also brings some fun humor and hilarity whenever she is on page.
I listened to this on audio and as usual Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton did a wonderful job with the narration. There is also a bloopers reel at the end that you have to keep listening for. It is really, REALLY funny.
Lauren Blakely is a pretty good bet when you are wanting an quick, easy, and fun read, usually with a wonderful HEA. She very rarely disappoints.
This story introduces us to FMC and self-described "hot mess" Mabel on a day when she really wishes she could find a hole to jump into and hide. Her big break goes wrong, (and naturally it is being televised) and that starts a cascade of more things that just do not go her way.
The good thing is that we meet MMC and star NHL Hockey Player Corbin Knight on the same day. He ends up rescuing Mabel. Well, he steps in and takes her away somewhere to help her get the frosting (that she kind of literally fell into) off of her so that she can come back and be in the group picture with the other baking contestants afterwards. Definite brownie points right off the bat :)
We learn that these two have known each other for a really long time. Corbin is Mabel's big brother's (Theo) best friend who happens to also be his boss. Theo is the GM, albeit temporarily at the moment, of the NHL Hockey team that Corbin plays for.
For the first time ever, something clicks and the two of them end up in a crazy make out session that gets hot and steamy VERY quickly. Neither of them knows what to think other than it cannot happen again, no matter how much they both want it to.
Then the real story begins. Magel has been wanting to open a bakery forever. She was just turned down for a loan from her very last option when she discovers something out of the blue. Based on this discovery, Theo brings the two of them together to let them know that he thinks they would make a great business partnership if the opened a bakery together. Mabel knows EVERTHING about the actual consumer side while Corbin can be the investor. Theo knows that he secretly has always thought he would open a bakery after he retired from the NHL to fulfill a promise to his mother before she died. The two are a bit gun-shy after the events the previous day but they are pretty much strong-armed into saying yes.
The rest of the story is extremely cute. Mabel and Corbin are VERY likeable characters, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. There is very little unnecessary angst, and what does occur happens mostly due to the stress of trying to make a new business successful (well, and trying to hide their growing attraction to each other). Because now, it would be worse than ever to get involved as business partners. Especially if things did not work out.
One of my favorite things about this book were some of the secondary characters, but ESPECIALLY Corbin's daughter. She was ADORABLE and way too mature for her age (that is meant in the best way) She keeps the two of them on their toes and she also brings some fun humor and hilarity whenever she is on page.
I listened to this on audio and as usual Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton did a wonderful job with the narration. There is also a bloopers reel at the end that you have to keep listening for. It is really, REALLY funny.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐ (Story) 4.5
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 3
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 17, 23, 27, 32, 36, 39, 41, 51
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 4
📚 Tropes/Themes: small town, sports romance, baker x hockey player, single dad, he falls first and harder, protective MMC, brothers bestie, praise, dirty talk, secret relationship, with benefits
👀 Dual POV 1st person
🎙️ Duet narration (Samantha Brentmoor + Teddy Hamilton)
⏰ Approx 7 hours @ 1.7x
💔 Triggers: grief, parental death, terminal illness
💬 Damn, this was sickeningly adorable and I ATE. IT. UP 😂
So very specific rec: if you had the hots for Shawn from Psych (but who didn't 🤤), but wished he was a hockey playing baker with dirty mouth and a 12 year old daughter then this is the book for you. Sadly there is no Gus equivalent character....well, maybe his daughter Charlotte? Sorta?
Everything was just so funny and adorable and still SO HOT lol.
Several things stick out that I liked:
✨ That Corbin was an avid baker
✨ OMFG the letters 🥹
✨ The flirty banter and how they didn't REALLY try to hide their interest
✨I know this will sound weird but I can't really explain it without giving away parts of the story but how Corbin is colorblind, and how it was used/referenced in the story.
Things that kept it from being a 5 ⭐, though was I felt like the third act drama didn't totally land from Corbin's side. There wasn't enough buildup in it in the story to make it believable to me.
I also thought the way things sort of got resolved with Mabel's mom seemed too fast/ unrealistic as well
I'm not really a dog person, so I could've done without the sub plot about fostering, but I'm sure that will be enjoyable for others.
Along with that, the hate from the town is weird. I grew up in a small town but I guess it wasn't that small but idk I find it strange just how much animosity they have for her
Oh...and the basting brush 😅🫠
This is still one of my faves for the month, and the narrators were INCREDIBLE 😩
PLUSSSSSSSS THERE'S BLOOPERS AT THE END hahahahaha
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 3
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 17, 23, 27, 32, 36, 39, 41, 51
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 4
📚 Tropes/Themes: small town, sports romance, baker x hockey player, single dad, he falls first and harder, protective MMC, brothers bestie, praise, dirty talk, secret relationship, with benefits
👀 Dual POV 1st person
🎙️ Duet narration (Samantha Brentmoor + Teddy Hamilton)
⏰ Approx 7 hours @ 1.7x
💔 Triggers: grief, parental death, terminal illness
💬 Damn, this was sickeningly adorable and I ATE. IT. UP 😂
So very specific rec: if you had the hots for Shawn from Psych (but who didn't 🤤), but wished he was a hockey playing baker with dirty mouth and a 12 year old daughter then this is the book for you. Sadly there is no Gus equivalent character....well, maybe his daughter Charlotte? Sorta?
Everything was just so funny and adorable and still SO HOT lol.
Several things stick out that I liked:
✨ That Corbin was an avid baker
✨ OMFG the letters 🥹
✨ The flirty banter and how they didn't REALLY try to hide their interest
✨I know this will sound weird but I can't really explain it without giving away parts of the story but how Corbin is colorblind, and how it was used/referenced in the story.
Things that kept it from being a 5 ⭐, though was I felt like the third act drama didn't totally land from Corbin's side. There wasn't enough buildup in it in the story to make it believable to me.
I also thought the way things sort of got resolved with Mabel's mom seemed too fast/ unrealistic as well
I'm not really a dog person, so I could've done without the sub plot about fostering, but I'm sure that will be enjoyable for others.
Along with that, the hate from the town is weird. I grew up in a small town but I guess it wasn't that small but idk I find it strange just how much animosity they have for her
Oh...and the basting brush 😅🫠
This is still one of my faves for the month, and the narrators were INCREDIBLE 😩
PLUSSSSSSSS THERE'S BLOOPERS AT THE END hahahahaha
February 8, 2026
What a charming start to a new series from one of my favorite sweet and spicy romance authors. Just Breaking the Rules is a romance that doesn't just flirt with your heart, it settles right in and makes you all cozy and leaves the heart so full. It is warm, tempting, and quietly confident, the sort of book that reminds you why Lauren Blakely remains a go to for readers who want swoon without sacrificing emotional depth or true romantic subtance. From the very first chapter, this story hums with tension, tenderness, and the irresistible pull of two people who know better and fall anyway.
Mabel is chasing a dream that feels just out of reach. She wants her own bakery, a real chance to prove she is more than the town’s favorite cautionary tale. When an unexpected opportunity brings her into business with Corbin, her brother’s best friend and a pro hockey star, she knows it is risky in more ways than one. Their attraction has always simmered under the surface, and partnering together only sharpens it. They lay down rules, swear to keep things professional, and fully believe they can manage it. Ohhh...but guess what? They can't.
What makes this romance sparkle is how layered both characters are. Lauren is so good at building characters with true specificity and many dynamics, but also with universal appeal. Corbin is not just a talented athlete, he is a devoted single dad navigating life with care and intention. His color blindness is handled with thoughtfulness and respect, and the way he works to understand Mabel’s world, right down to learning colors for her, is genuinely moving. He is steady, generous, and quietly romantic in ways that matter. Mabel, on the other hand, is messy, determined, and deeply relatable. Watching her fight to be taken seriously, while still holding onto her softness and big heart, makes her impossible not to root for. Her bond with Corbin’s daughter adds another layer of sweetness that grounds the story in real emotion.
The chemistry between Mabel and Corbin builds slowly and deliciously, fueled by sharp banter, longing glances, and that constant internal battle between restraint and desire. When the line finally breaks, the payoff is worth every moment of waiting. The romance is playful and steamy, but it is also anchored by trust, communication, and shared dreams. True emotional intimacy evovles, and that's what always chapters my heart in Lauren's romance. There is real connection that feels meaningful and authentically developed. There's a great balance of funny moments, sexy, and sweet and emotional ones. And, the old love letter piece woven into the plot adds a lovely, nostalgic touch that deepens the sense of fate and connection and creates a really thoughtful parallel. The pacing is crispy to start, and it does feel a bit dragged out at the end, but honestly I loved both characters so much that I could have listened to even more.
The audiobook, as always, is spectacular. Lauren is one of my top authors for audio listening- not just because of how often she does full cast narration but because of just how spot on her casting alway is. Narrated in duet by Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor, this one SLAMS. Teddy brings his trademark grounded warmth and quiet intensity to Corbin that makes his protective, soft-hearted nature shine. Samantha captures Mabel’s vulnerability, humor, and resilience with ease, giving her a voice that feels fully alive. She is just so talented at expressing emotion vocally. So much range. Their vocal chemistry is also pretty top tier. Together, they elevate the banter, heighten the emotion, and make every shared scene feel intimate and immersive. This story truly feels made for audio.
As the opening to the Hockey Ever After series, Just Breaking the Rules sets a strong foundation, introducing a cast of supporting characters who feel primed for their own stories. It is funny, heartfelt, and satisfyingly romantic, with just the right balance of comfort and heat. If you are looking for a romance that delivers charm, emotional payoff, panty melting spice, and an exceptional audiobook experience, grab this one up.
Mabel is chasing a dream that feels just out of reach. She wants her own bakery, a real chance to prove she is more than the town’s favorite cautionary tale. When an unexpected opportunity brings her into business with Corbin, her brother’s best friend and a pro hockey star, she knows it is risky in more ways than one. Their attraction has always simmered under the surface, and partnering together only sharpens it. They lay down rules, swear to keep things professional, and fully believe they can manage it. Ohhh...but guess what? They can't.
What makes this romance sparkle is how layered both characters are. Lauren is so good at building characters with true specificity and many dynamics, but also with universal appeal. Corbin is not just a talented athlete, he is a devoted single dad navigating life with care and intention. His color blindness is handled with thoughtfulness and respect, and the way he works to understand Mabel’s world, right down to learning colors for her, is genuinely moving. He is steady, generous, and quietly romantic in ways that matter. Mabel, on the other hand, is messy, determined, and deeply relatable. Watching her fight to be taken seriously, while still holding onto her softness and big heart, makes her impossible not to root for. Her bond with Corbin’s daughter adds another layer of sweetness that grounds the story in real emotion.
The chemistry between Mabel and Corbin builds slowly and deliciously, fueled by sharp banter, longing glances, and that constant internal battle between restraint and desire. When the line finally breaks, the payoff is worth every moment of waiting. The romance is playful and steamy, but it is also anchored by trust, communication, and shared dreams. True emotional intimacy evovles, and that's what always chapters my heart in Lauren's romance. There is real connection that feels meaningful and authentically developed. There's a great balance of funny moments, sexy, and sweet and emotional ones. And, the old love letter piece woven into the plot adds a lovely, nostalgic touch that deepens the sense of fate and connection and creates a really thoughtful parallel. The pacing is crispy to start, and it does feel a bit dragged out at the end, but honestly I loved both characters so much that I could have listened to even more.
The audiobook, as always, is spectacular. Lauren is one of my top authors for audio listening- not just because of how often she does full cast narration but because of just how spot on her casting alway is. Narrated in duet by Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor, this one SLAMS. Teddy brings his trademark grounded warmth and quiet intensity to Corbin that makes his protective, soft-hearted nature shine. Samantha captures Mabel’s vulnerability, humor, and resilience with ease, giving her a voice that feels fully alive. She is just so talented at expressing emotion vocally. So much range. Their vocal chemistry is also pretty top tier. Together, they elevate the banter, heighten the emotion, and make every shared scene feel intimate and immersive. This story truly feels made for audio.
As the opening to the Hockey Ever After series, Just Breaking the Rules sets a strong foundation, introducing a cast of supporting characters who feel primed for their own stories. It is funny, heartfelt, and satisfyingly romantic, with just the right balance of comfort and heat. If you are looking for a romance that delivers charm, emotional payoff, panty melting spice, and an exceptional audiobook experience, grab this one up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just Breaking the Rules by Lauren Blakely
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC & ALC Review
I loved the entire reading experience. Lauren Blakely’s writing style just works for me every time! Fast-paced, easy to fall into, and completely immersive when it comes to the romance. This book had the perfect mix of cute details, fun couple activities, and some really good spice.
The letters and colors (iykyk 👀) were hands down some of my favorite elements and made the story feel extra special and memorable. Those details really helped this one stand out for me. On the audio side, the narrators did an amazing job and truly brought the characters and emotions to life. It was such a great listening experience.
My only small issue was the ending, which felt a bit rushed and slightly out of character based on what we’d seen from Corbin throughout the book. These characters had already been through so much that I wish the third-act breakup had been skipped. It felt unnecessary at that point.
Overall, this was a solid, enjoyable read that I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fun and easy romance. I picked this up as a palate cleanser between two romantasy books, and it hit perfectly! It was exactly what I needed at the moment.
Thank you to the author Lauren Blakely for the ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
📅 Release date: January 21rst 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC & ALC Review
I loved the entire reading experience. Lauren Blakely’s writing style just works for me every time! Fast-paced, easy to fall into, and completely immersive when it comes to the romance. This book had the perfect mix of cute details, fun couple activities, and some really good spice.
The letters and colors (iykyk 👀) were hands down some of my favorite elements and made the story feel extra special and memorable. Those details really helped this one stand out for me. On the audio side, the narrators did an amazing job and truly brought the characters and emotions to life. It was such a great listening experience.
My only small issue was the ending, which felt a bit rushed and slightly out of character based on what we’d seen from Corbin throughout the book. These characters had already been through so much that I wish the third-act breakup had been skipped. It felt unnecessary at that point.
Overall, this was a solid, enjoyable read that I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fun and easy romance. I picked this up as a palate cleanser between two romantasy books, and it hit perfectly! It was exactly what I needed at the moment.
Thank you to the author Lauren Blakely for the ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
📅 Release date: January 21rst 2026
January 11, 2026
I am shocked. Lauren Blakely did it, AGAIN. Okay I’m not really shocked, I knew this would be *chefs kiss* (literally).
Corbin and Mabel’s romance was so sweet. I loved watching their romance unfold, and the mirrored romance parallel.
I think my favorite part of all LB books, are the return characters and the little nods to other books. Most of her books are interconnected standalone books, but you can always find a character or two make an appearance.
This is the first book in her new interconnected standalone series, Hockey Ever After.
Beautiful written, addictive, funny, detailed, heartwarming, per-fec-tion. 10/10 no notes.
*edit to add* I also received an ALC copy, and the narrator outtakes at the end?! Omg. I don’t ever think about outtakes, and to have this start playing at the end made me laugh. So fun and light hearted. A nice little peak into the making of an audiobook.
Dual POV
Brother’s best friend
Single dad
Workplace romance
Hockey player / baker
The one who got away
Love letters
Corbin and Mabel’s romance was so sweet. I loved watching their romance unfold, and the mirrored romance parallel.
I think my favorite part of all LB books, are the return characters and the little nods to other books. Most of her books are interconnected standalone books, but you can always find a character or two make an appearance.
This is the first book in her new interconnected standalone series, Hockey Ever After.
Beautiful written, addictive, funny, detailed, heartwarming, per-fec-tion. 10/10 no notes.
*edit to add* I also received an ALC copy, and the narrator outtakes at the end?! Omg. I don’t ever think about outtakes, and to have this start playing at the end made me laugh. So fun and light hearted. A nice little peak into the making of an audiobook.
Dual POV
Brother’s best friend
Single dad
Workplace romance
Hockey player / baker
The one who got away
Love letters
January 21, 2026
This was a cute romance with mild spice.
It's been sometime since I have read a book from Lauren Blakely. I enjoyed her writing in the past and wanted to jump back in her books again.
She is definitely what I would call the perfect storyteller for those wants a bit of spice but also some closed-door scenes. Lauren delivers both perfectly and feeds that need for everyone.
This book had a nice humoristic tone to it which I really enjoyed and added another layer to the story so things didn't too serious.
As always, her characters are enjoyable, relatable and really move the story along.
A really good start to a new series.
It's been sometime since I have read a book from Lauren Blakely. I enjoyed her writing in the past and wanted to jump back in her books again.
She is definitely what I would call the perfect storyteller for those wants a bit of spice but also some closed-door scenes. Lauren delivers both perfectly and feeds that need for everyone.
This book had a nice humoristic tone to it which I really enjoyed and added another layer to the story so things didn't too serious.
As always, her characters are enjoyable, relatable and really move the story along.
A really good start to a new series.
March 9, 2026
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We should stop. Yeah, let’s stop. Don’t stop! We’re not really doing the “one time only thing very well are we? We’re breaking all the rules. Absolutely obsessed with this book. Their romance. Their chemistry. Their banter. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. So many swoon moments! Also, I read along and listened on audio. Audio is a 100/100! It’s a must! And don’t miss the audio bloopers at the end, hilarious!
🧁brothers best friend
🧁single dad
🧁hockey player x baker
🧁business partners w/benefits to more!
🧁it’s always been you
🧁small town
🧁protective MMC
🧁he falls first and harder
We should stop. Yeah, let’s stop. Don’t stop! We’re not really doing the “one time only thing very well are we? We’re breaking all the rules. Absolutely obsessed with this book. Their romance. Their chemistry. Their banter. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. So many swoon moments! Also, I read along and listened on audio. Audio is a 100/100! It’s a must! And don’t miss the audio bloopers at the end, hilarious!
🧁brothers best friend
🧁single dad
🧁hockey player x baker
🧁business partners w/benefits to more!
🧁it’s always been you
🧁small town
🧁protective MMC
🧁he falls first and harder
January 11, 2026
1. listen to this audiobook because samantha brentmoore and teddy hamilton together are the best.
2. duet style audiobooks >>>
3. OMG THE PLOT. PERFECTION. such witty banter, emotional love stories, dual pov, love letters, a single dad trope and brothers best friend!
i had such a grand time with this immersive read. the audiobook made the story so engaging and loved highlighting along with the story.
not my first book by lauren blakely and def not my last.
ty hambright and lauren blakely for an ARC/ALC of Just Breaking the Rules!
2. duet style audiobooks >>>
3. OMG THE PLOT. PERFECTION. such witty banter, emotional love stories, dual pov, love letters, a single dad trope and brothers best friend!
i had such a grand time with this immersive read. the audiobook made the story so engaging and loved highlighting along with the story.
not my first book by lauren blakely and def not my last.
ty hambright and lauren blakely for an ARC/ALC of Just Breaking the Rules!
March 1, 2026
This was not a DNF but close, mostly because I wanted to write this review. This book had too much and not enough. Was it about reality tv? Was it a hockey romance? Was it a small town romance? Was it about pickleball? Was it about the connection with past and the love letters? Make it STOP. No wonder it was so long and it took me forever to finish - I finished 3 other books between pick this up and finishing it. Also, once the characters go together, the sex scenes made zero sense. They were so out-of-character. Either write a steamy romance or write semi-erotica, but don't make me think these characters were anything but plain vanilla. Also, if you're going to set a book in San Francisco and the Bay Area, at least look on Google Maps. LOLOLOL the idea of placing small town Cozy Valley 30 -45 minutes from SF - everything around there is part of the larger Bay Area/Silicon Valley Area and everything costs like a zillion dollars. Could not get my mind around this cognitive dissonance.
March 5, 2026
Don’t mind me, I’m just a puddle in the corner because Corbin made me MELT!
I use to love the bad boys, but Corbin is the sexiest cinnamon roll I’ve ever met! Not only does he swoop in to rescue Mable during her time of need but he also sends her homemade cookies. I could die from sweetness overload!
Without giving away anything, the plot about our couple connecting with a lost loved one had me in absolute tears. Everyone has lost someone they wish they could speak to one last time and this healed a part of me.
Thank you so much @laurenblakelybooks for the gifted ARC & ALC.
🎧: The chemistry and banter was electric! I couldn’t get enough of these two and their portrayal of Mabel and Corbin. No words will do them justice but Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton nailed it!
I use to love the bad boys, but Corbin is the sexiest cinnamon roll I’ve ever met! Not only does he swoop in to rescue Mable during her time of need but he also sends her homemade cookies. I could die from sweetness overload!
Without giving away anything, the plot about our couple connecting with a lost loved one had me in absolute tears. Everyone has lost someone they wish they could speak to one last time and this healed a part of me.
Thank you so much @laurenblakelybooks for the gifted ARC & ALC.
🎧: The chemistry and banter was electric! I couldn’t get enough of these two and their portrayal of Mabel and Corbin. No words will do them justice but Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton nailed it!
January 10, 2026
Lauren Blakely just knows how to write a sweet spicy romance. This had all the feelings like watching a warm hearted sexy hallmark movie. Brother’s best friend, known each other forever is always my favorite. Mabel teams up with her brothers best friend and professional hockey player to save her business and dream of running her own bakery. They agree to not mix business with pleasure but is that possibly when they’ve always had a thing for each other? Sooo swoon worthy!
January 22, 2026
Baking and hockey turned out to be a combo I didn’t know I needed. The banter was so good, the spice was perfectly paced, and the chemistry between them was completely unmatched.
Huge thank you to Lauren and Hambright PR for the eARC and ALC before release day! The duet narration by Samantha and Teddy was fantastic, I loved every minute.
Huge thank you to Lauren and Hambright PR for the eARC and ALC before release day! The duet narration by Samantha and Teddy was fantastic, I loved every minute.
February 27, 2026
3,75 Very good romance book between a baker and a single dad hockey player. i liked both the FMC and the MMC. Lauren Blakely is the queen of romance with spice at this point. The audiobook was excellent with Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor.
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