Saved by the Goalie: A Forced Proximity Hockey Protector Romance

by Aly Wilder

I knew I was screwed the moment the Breakers’ goalie caught me and looked at me like he wanted to ruin every inch of me.

Banks Merritt is Boston’s golden boy—steady hands, irresistible grin, and a focus that melts me faster than fresh ice under stadium lights.
I should’ve walked away the second he steadied me outside the arena.

I tell myself he’s just a rebound.
But after one night my body can’t forget and all the careful ways he keeps choosing me, I fall before I can stop it.

Then the spotlight turns on us.
Rumors explode across the sports world, twisting my past into a weapon.

And during the biggest game of his season, one brutal hit sends Banks crashing to the ice and rushing to the hospital.

Now everyone’s blaming me.

He might be, too.

And I’m left with one impossible
Walk away to protect him or stay and risk losing the only man who’s ever truly fought for me.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2026

Reviews

[ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first hockey romance and it delivered everything I would’ve expected a sports themed book to give.

I loved both of the characters from the start. The way they met was like a total dream. Banks is protective MMC that always puts Reese first no matter the situation or scrutiny he goes through.

Reese battles her ex and his drama several times in this book and when she tries to shrink and hide, Banks and her bestie are there to help her through it all.

There comes a time when Reese has to make some very hard choices and her emotions through it all were written so well it makes the reader feel everything these she does.

Totally loved this book and while this is the first book by this author I’ve read, I can’t wait to read more by her.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saved by the Goalie is the kind of sports romance that grabs you by the heart early and doesn’t let go. What starts as a chance moment outside an arena quickly turns into something tender, consuming, and achingly real—especially when the world decides love is something to punish.

Reese never planned to fall for Boston Breakers’ golden-boy goalie. Banks Merritt is everything she shouldn’t want: famous, focused, and living under a spotlight that’s already burned her once before. What was supposed to be a rebound turns into something deeper as Banks keeps choosing her—quietly, deliberately, and with a steadiness that feels like safety for the first time in her life.

Banks isn’t just talented on the ice; he’s emotionally present in a way that makes Reese’s walls crumble. His care isn’t flashy—it’s consistent, intentional, and deeply grounding. Watching Reese fall for him feels inevitable, and watching her fear losing him hurts in the best possible way.

Then the spotlight swings their way.

Rumors explode, Reese’s past is weaponized, and suddenly the pressure is crushing. When Banks is brutally injured during the most important game of his season, the fallout is devastating. Fingers point. Blame spreads. And Reese is left wondering if loving him might cost him everything.

This is where the story truly shines.

Reese’s internal conflict—whether to walk away to protect the man she loves or stay and fight beside him—feels raw and heartbreaking. The stakes are emotional, public, and deeply personal. And through it all, the question lingers: can love survive when the world decides you’re the problem?

Why this book hits so hard:

A swoony, steady hero who chooses his woman

A heroine learning she’s worth being fought for

Sports romance with real emotional consequences

Media pressure, public judgment, and vulnerable love

A connection that feels earned, not rushed

Saved by the Goalie is more than a hockey romance—it’s a story about trust, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to stay when walking away feels easier. If you love protective heroes, emotionally charged stakes, and romances that hurt a little before they heal, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely loved reading Banks and Reese’s story. Banks completely steals the show as a main character—focused and determined, yet when he meets Reese, the connection he feels makes her his priority. He’s the perfect book boyfriend: strong, protective, and most importantly, committed to their relationship. I loved that he never shies away from his feelings—he’s open about who he is and what he wants.
Reese, on the other hand, carries her own baggage and past. When she falls for Banks, she falls hard, but her insecurities surface along the way. Watching how Banks wins through and shows his devotion convincingly was so satisfying.
This story has everything I want in a romance—chemistry, heat, and most importantly, characters written with emotional depth layered into a strong plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angee Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great hockey romance between Reese and Banks. It’s more than just hockey though. There is emotions, drama, and a flicker of attraction. It made for a well written, enjoyable story. Banks is a hockey star and very protective. He puts Reese first. She has ongoing drama with her ex. He helps her though it every time. The characters are well developed and thoroughly fleshed out. They are not superficial and bring depth to the relationship especially when they find their relationship in the spotlight and trouble ensues. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catherine Pafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saved by the Goalie is an emotional, fast-paced hockey romance filled with tension, heart, and undeniable chemistry. Aly Wilder delivers a compelling forced-proximity story where fame, fear, and fierce devotion collide. Banks Merritt is a swoon-worthy protector, and the emotional stakes rise beautifully as love is tested under public scrutiny. With strong characters and gripping drama both on and off the ice, this is a satisfying romance that keeps readers hooked until the final page.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you that this hockey romance book is going to have you reading it super-fast you need to listen to me and trust me when I tell you this. OMG Banks and Reese are going to have your heart pounding in your ears, breathing erratically and it might cause a few heart palpitations along the way. All it takes is one click to start reading an OMG romance book by one FANTASTIC author.