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The Secret Baby Power Play: A Best Friend's Little Sister Off-Limits Romance
Sleeping with my teammate's sister? Rookie mistake.
Getting her pregnant? Career-ending penalty.
They call me the Guru—the guy who never loses his cool, never breaks the code, and definitely doesn't knock up his best friend's little sister after one perfect, reckless night.
But judging by Beatrice's new baby bump, six months ago, I did just that.
Now she's back in New Orleans, gorgeous, glowing, and determined to do this solo. She doesn't need my money, my help, or my suddenly inconvenient feelings.
Too bad. Because I'm not the kind of man who skates away from the woman I haven't been able to stop thinking about since the moment she left.
So I show up. I prove I'm not just the guy who got her pregnant, but the friend who listens, the partner who's got her back, and the lover who knows exactly how to make her forget why she ever thought romance might be dead.
And if keeping us a secret protects her peace? Fine. I'll play along.
But secrets have a way of hitting the ice when you least expect it. And when ours does, I'll have to prove to her brother, my team, and the woman I'm falling for that I'm not just chasing a win.
I'm playing for forever.
Getting her pregnant? Career-ending penalty.
They call me the Guru—the guy who never loses his cool, never breaks the code, and definitely doesn't knock up his best friend's little sister after one perfect, reckless night.
But judging by Beatrice's new baby bump, six months ago, I did just that.
Now she's back in New Orleans, gorgeous, glowing, and determined to do this solo. She doesn't need my money, my help, or my suddenly inconvenient feelings.
Too bad. Because I'm not the kind of man who skates away from the woman I haven't been able to stop thinking about since the moment she left.
So I show up. I prove I'm not just the guy who got her pregnant, but the friend who listens, the partner who's got her back, and the lover who knows exactly how to make her forget why she ever thought romance might be dead.
And if keeping us a secret protects her peace? Fine. I'll play along.
But secrets have a way of hitting the ice when you least expect it. And when ours does, I'll have to prove to her brother, my team, and the woman I'm falling for that I'm not just chasing a win.
I'm playing for forever.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2026
About the author
Lili Valente
180 books4,105 followersVisit Lili at www.lilivalente.com
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 23, 2026
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
How do you get out of a reading slump? Read a book by this author and then find you struggle to put the darn thing down.
This is the story of Beatrice and Blue and boy it's a good one! Both characters get to do a little soul searching, get to grow and find that they are better off when they are together for each other in the ways that matter.
Blue already a voice of the wise is spooked by Beatrice's news, but then he did not have an easy beginning of life when he grew up and has to face many challenges already after having to leave everything behind.
Beatrice has finally gotten away from her rotten ex and is trying to not only find out who she is but to reinvent herself and learn to trust in herself again.
I love how Bea's family rally round to support her even when they are hurt from her concealment and both of their friends are so close and helpful.
We get to see more of Clover and the beginning of something growing between her and Dean from the first moment that they meet.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
How do you get out of a reading slump? Read a book by this author and then find you struggle to put the darn thing down.
This is the story of Beatrice and Blue and boy it's a good one! Both characters get to do a little soul searching, get to grow and find that they are better off when they are together for each other in the ways that matter.
Blue already a voice of the wise is spooked by Beatrice's news, but then he did not have an easy beginning of life when he grew up and has to face many challenges already after having to leave everything behind.
Beatrice has finally gotten away from her rotten ex and is trying to not only find out who she is but to reinvent herself and learn to trust in herself again.
I love how Bea's family rally round to support her even when they are hurt from her concealment and both of their friends are so close and helpful.
We get to see more of Clover and the beginning of something growing between her and Dean from the first moment that they meet.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
March 25, 2026
Such a fun series!
I was really looking forward to Beatrice's story after Book 3 and this one DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Seeing her truly come into her own and the strength she gained from growing Bean was an honor to read and see. Blue had his moments...and not good ones! BUT he came through in the end.
Bea finally gets Blue to give in to the chemistry between them only to have him balk at being a surprise daddy. So Bea goes out on her own and truly shines! From the Nawlins streets, to the isles of Scotland back to New Orleans - this one has an international flair.
Watching Bea stand up to her manager and go out on her own - another female empowerment moment to behold.
This is a strong woman romance that will truly light you from within. I loved this story.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
I was really looking forward to Beatrice's story after Book 3 and this one DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Seeing her truly come into her own and the strength she gained from growing Bean was an honor to read and see. Blue had his moments...and not good ones! BUT he came through in the end.
Bea finally gets Blue to give in to the chemistry between them only to have him balk at being a surprise daddy. So Bea goes out on her own and truly shines! From the Nawlins streets, to the isles of Scotland back to New Orleans - this one has an international flair.
Watching Bea stand up to her manager and go out on her own - another female empowerment moment to behold.
This is a strong woman romance that will truly light you from within. I loved this story.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
March 24, 2026
Loved this!!
I loved this story of Beatrice and Blue! He's her brother's teammate and best friend. From the moment they met, the attraction was there. They tried to remain friends. Until one night the passion got the best of them. Bea tells Blue she's pregnant and he pushes her away because of his upbringing. She runs away to Scotland. When she comes back because she sees Blue get injured on the ice, she and Clover get in an accident on the way back from the airport. Blue volunteers to move in with them to help take care of Clover. They can't resist the chemistry. I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I can't wait for Dean and Clover's story!
I loved this story of Beatrice and Blue! He's her brother's teammate and best friend. From the moment they met, the attraction was there. They tried to remain friends. Until one night the passion got the best of them. Bea tells Blue she's pregnant and he pushes her away because of his upbringing. She runs away to Scotland. When she comes back because she sees Blue get injured on the ice, she and Clover get in an accident on the way back from the airport. Blue volunteers to move in with them to help take care of Clover. They can't resist the chemistry. I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I can't wait for Dean and Clover's story!
March 27, 2026
Terrible h
Yes, the H acted like a jerk about the news but he did course correct and attempt to work things out. Her freezing him out so far that he questions if he will be given any place in the baby's life was completely messed up.
Bea, well she was over the top. Yes we all want women's rights to quit being trampled on, but some of her hoo rah sherotude was obnoxious.
The best part of the book was Clover, especially under the influence of pain killers.
Yes, the H acted like a jerk about the news but he did course correct and attempt to work things out. Her freezing him out so far that he questions if he will be given any place in the baby's life was completely messed up.
Bea, well she was over the top. Yes we all want women's rights to quit being trampled on, but some of her hoo rah sherotude was obnoxious.
The best part of the book was Clover, especially under the influence of pain killers.
April 4, 2026
The secret baby power play
Be ready to laugh, cry, explode and or hide to avoid embarrassment. You got this big hunk of a guy who some how does the tango with a pixie of a woman who woes him. You just gotta read the book and experience the life of a musician and a hockey player. It’s an A+ so get reading!
Be ready to laugh, cry, explode and or hide to avoid embarrassment. You got this big hunk of a guy who some how does the tango with a pixie of a woman who woes him. You just gotta read the book and experience the life of a musician and a hockey player. It’s an A+ so get reading!
June 24, 2026
I absolutely blazed through this book, as the pacing is FAST! It was so enjoyable.
The MMC restore the show and did groveling as one should.
If you're looking to get out of a reading slump, I'd happily suggest this book, especially if you love:
🏒 hockey romance
🏒 surprise pregnancy
🏒 trauma rep
🏒 yearning
The MMC restore the show and did groveling as one should.
If you're looking to get out of a reading slump, I'd happily suggest this book, especially if you love:
🏒 hockey romance
🏒 surprise pregnancy
🏒 trauma rep
🏒 yearning
March 21, 2026
✔️dual pov 1st person
✔️spice
✔️angst
The lack of communication pushing away etc drove me nuts and ruined the book for me to be honest. I was so excited to finally get their book and their behavior pissed me off
✔️spice
✔️angst
The lack of communication pushing away etc drove me nuts and ruined the book for me to be honest. I was so excited to finally get their book and their behavior pissed me off
March 26, 2026
Another winner from Lili Valente
This is Beatrice Nix and Archer Blue's story. It basically picks up 5 months after the previous story of Nix and Charlotte. We learn a little more about Blue's early life (still have questions!). Beatrice and Blue both do some growing up while she was away, but it was needed for their HEA, especially for Bea, after getting out of such a toxic relationship.
I am looking forward to Clover and Dean's book. They both deserve to catch a break!
This is Beatrice Nix and Archer Blue's story. It basically picks up 5 months after the previous story of Nix and Charlotte. We learn a little more about Blue's early life (still have questions!). Beatrice and Blue both do some growing up while she was away, but it was needed for their HEA, especially for Bea, after getting out of such a toxic relationship.
I am looking forward to Clover and Dean's book. They both deserve to catch a break!
March 28, 2026
so good
I loved this book. It has a great storyline and some good heat. The chemistry was the star of the show and off the charts. Such a good read and continuation of these hockey boys. Loved it
I loved this book. It has a great storyline and some good heat. The chemistry was the star of the show and off the charts. Such a good read and continuation of these hockey boys. Loved it
March 31, 2026
Off-Limits
Overall good book that moves at an epic fast pace. Definitely didn’t beat around the bush, but the first 30% or so was like a time warp and catching little pieces. I enjoyed it, just not as much my style.
Overall good book that moves at an epic fast pace. Definitely didn’t beat around the bush, but the first 30% or so was like a time warp and catching little pieces. I enjoyed it, just not as much my style.
May 2, 2026
Very entertaining
It's a well written and edited book so the plot flows. The story is believable. The characters are lifelike and the settings are vivid.
I was hooked right from the start. It's an entertaining book.
It's a well written and edited book so the plot flows. The story is believable. The characters are lifelike and the settings are vivid.
I was hooked right from the start. It's an entertaining book.
May 3, 2026
sweet
I so love this series, each story gets better! Loved the baby side of this one. Looking forward to Clover and Deans story.
I so love this series, each story gets better! Loved the baby side of this one. Looking forward to Clover and Deans story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews