What do you think?
Rate this book
Love, New York #1
The End Goal
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26A star NHL player goes toe-to-toe with his team’s new data analyst over the right strategy to make the playoffs, but will their heated feud on the ice turn into something even steamier off it?
She's there to make the rules. He's determined to break them.
Bree Morgan, a fiery financial wiz, is out of her league. Yesterday, she’d never seen a hockey game; today, she’s the senior advisor for her boss's new acquisition, an NHL team based in Buffalo. Armed with analytics, she's guaranteed a position as the youngest partner ever at her competitive Wall Street firm if she gets the team to the playoffs.
There’s just one person standing in her Jake Paxton, the thirty-two-year-old, 6’4’’ hockey captain with a reputation larger than his stature. He’s been the star player for years, but with all eyes on his paycheck and his age (er, experience), Jake’s upcoming contract renewal isn’t a sure thing. He’ll do whatever it takes to win the championship and secure his spot on the roster . . . except listen to some Manhattan data analyst who only understands numbers, not the game.
When Bree and Jake are forced to work together, building frustration begins to feel dangerously like attraction. As sparks fly, the ice between them starts to melt. But with Bree returning to New York City soon, can they risk taking a shot on love, or is their budding romance doomed to end with the season?
She's there to make the rules. He's determined to break them.
Bree Morgan, a fiery financial wiz, is out of her league. Yesterday, she’d never seen a hockey game; today, she’s the senior advisor for her boss's new acquisition, an NHL team based in Buffalo. Armed with analytics, she's guaranteed a position as the youngest partner ever at her competitive Wall Street firm if she gets the team to the playoffs.
There’s just one person standing in her Jake Paxton, the thirty-two-year-old, 6’4’’ hockey captain with a reputation larger than his stature. He’s been the star player for years, but with all eyes on his paycheck and his age (er, experience), Jake’s upcoming contract renewal isn’t a sure thing. He’ll do whatever it takes to win the championship and secure his spot on the roster . . . except listen to some Manhattan data analyst who only understands numbers, not the game.
When Bree and Jake are forced to work together, building frustration begins to feel dangerously like attraction. As sparks fly, the ice between them starts to melt. But with Bree returning to New York City soon, can they risk taking a shot on love, or is their budding romance doomed to end with the season?
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 13, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Want to Read
May 17, 2026🏒💼 The End Goal 💼🏒
It dragged quite a bit towards the end but I did enjoy the first 50-60% alot!
3 Star read!
✨ What to Expect
• Hockey romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 13, 2026
📝 Thank you to Ballantine, Dell, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
It dragged quite a bit towards the end but I did enjoy the first 50-60% alot!
3 Star read!
✨ What to Expect
• Hockey romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 13, 2026
📝 Thank you to Ballantine, Dell, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Solid Entry for Hockey Romance Fans
I have read a lot of hockey romance books—some have been so good they’ve made me wonder if I should be watching more hockey, and some have not managed to hold my interest until the end. This book, The End Goal, falls somewhere in between.
The Story:
It features Jake, an aging hockey star and team captain, and Bree, an "analytics and data queen." Bree moves to Buffalo to provide statistical insight into how Jake's NHL team can win more games. At first, he is resentful and difficult, but as time passes, they begin to find a mutual respect for one another. Of course, there is a "no-fraternization" policy at the company, so they have to sneak around to explore their connection.
My Take:
The first 70% of the book is entertaining and full of great angst and tension. However, as I’ve found with some other romance titles, it begins to drag a bit toward the end. I truly appreciated that the author had a deep understanding of both hockey and statistics; it made the world feel grounded and real. If you enjoy sports romance, this is definitely worth a try!
3.5 bones from Herb and me. 🦴🦴🦴½
Special thanks to Ballantine, Dell, and Lauren Penny for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a lot of hockey romance books—some have been so good they’ve made me wonder if I should be watching more hockey, and some have not managed to hold my interest until the end. This book, The End Goal, falls somewhere in between.
The Story:
It features Jake, an aging hockey star and team captain, and Bree, an "analytics and data queen." Bree moves to Buffalo to provide statistical insight into how Jake's NHL team can win more games. At first, he is resentful and difficult, but as time passes, they begin to find a mutual respect for one another. Of course, there is a "no-fraternization" policy at the company, so they have to sneak around to explore their connection.
My Take:
The first 70% of the book is entertaining and full of great angst and tension. However, as I’ve found with some other romance titles, it begins to drag a bit toward the end. I truly appreciated that the author had a deep understanding of both hockey and statistics; it made the world feel grounded and real. If you enjoy sports romance, this is definitely worth a try!
3.5 bones from Herb and me. 🦴🦴🦴½
Special thanks to Ballantine, Dell, and Lauren Penny for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The End Goal was such a cozy, slow-burn sports romance that completely won me over.
Bree is thrown into a male-dominated world when she’s relocated to work as a data analyst for an NHL team—and let’s just say, not everyone is welcoming. Especially Jake, the team captain, who’s already under pressure in the final year of his contract and fighting to stay with the team.
From the moment they meet, there’s tension. Miscommunication, clashing personalities, and a whole lot of stubbornness on both sides.
But as Jake starts helping Bree understand the game of hockey, that tension slowly shifts into something more… and when they finally cross that line? There’s no going back.
Jake was patient, supportive, and genuinely sweet, even when Bree made it very hard to be. Watching their relationship grow from friction to something real was so satisfying.
If you love:
slow burn
opposites attract
sports romance with heart
strong (but imperfect) FMCs
this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Lauren Penny and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Will also post review on Amazon when release date gets closer.
The End Goal was such a cozy, slow-burn sports romance that completely won me over.
Bree is thrown into a male-dominated world when she’s relocated to work as a data analyst for an NHL team—and let’s just say, not everyone is welcoming. Especially Jake, the team captain, who’s already under pressure in the final year of his contract and fighting to stay with the team.
From the moment they meet, there’s tension. Miscommunication, clashing personalities, and a whole lot of stubbornness on both sides.
But as Jake starts helping Bree understand the game of hockey, that tension slowly shifts into something more… and when they finally cross that line? There’s no going back.
Jake was patient, supportive, and genuinely sweet, even when Bree made it very hard to be. Watching their relationship grow from friction to something real was so satisfying.
If you love:
slow burn
opposites attract
sports romance with heart
strong (but imperfect) FMCs
this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Lauren Penny and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Will also post review on Amazon when release date gets closer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ARC from NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did because I truly enjoyed this book. The writing flows so effortlessly that from chapter one, I was completely hooked.I ended up finishing it in a single day.
As a girls’ girl, I loved seeing a strong, confident, and intelligent FMC thriving in a role society often labels as “male-dominated.” Her character was refreshing and empowering. While her relationship with Jake started off a bit rocky, it was so satisfying to watch her slowly let her guard down and allow herself to be loved.
Jake is an absolute sweetheart, and their dynamic really highlights how the plans we make for ourselves don’t always compare to what life has in store. Sometimes, what we think we want isn’t what we truly need..and this story captured that beautifully.
If you love forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and a “he falls first” trope, this one is definitely for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m already looking forward to book two and getting more of the friend group’s love stories.
As a girls’ girl, I loved seeing a strong, confident, and intelligent FMC thriving in a role society often labels as “male-dominated.” Her character was refreshing and empowering. While her relationship with Jake started off a bit rocky, it was so satisfying to watch her slowly let her guard down and allow herself to be loved.
Jake is an absolute sweetheart, and their dynamic really highlights how the plans we make for ourselves don’t always compare to what life has in store. Sometimes, what we think we want isn’t what we truly need..and this story captured that beautifully.
If you love forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and a “he falls first” trope, this one is definitely for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m already looking forward to book two and getting more of the friend group’s love stories.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really loved this one! Bree is such a baddie...and although things didnt exactly get off on the right foot with Jake...I LOVED the way it ended.
Bree is a financial wizard and she is trying to secure a spot as partner in her current firm but the only way for her to do that is to take an assignment with an NHL team by running stats for the team and helping them get to the playoffs. She gets pressured into working with the team Captain, Jake, by her slimy boss (the president of the firms son), and what starts off as rivalry ends in romance. Jake is protective and Bree WANTS him to win. The tension was palpable and the story they write together allowed them to heal way more than just broken friendships...but they were able to help each other be the best versions of themselves together. Loved it!
Bree is a financial wizard and she is trying to secure a spot as partner in her current firm but the only way for her to do that is to take an assignment with an NHL team by running stats for the team and helping them get to the playoffs. She gets pressured into working with the team Captain, Jake, by her slimy boss (the president of the firms son), and what starts off as rivalry ends in romance. Jake is protective and Bree WANTS him to win. The tension was palpable and the story they write together allowed them to heal way more than just broken friendships...but they were able to help each other be the best versions of themselves together. Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Briana es muy buena en su trabajo y tiene claro que su vida va por un camino bastante ordenado, aunque no necesariamente feliz. Todo cambia cuando la mandan a trabajar con un equipo de hockey en otra ciudad, algo que no tiene nada que ver con lo que ella conoce. Ahí conoce a Jake, el capitán del equipo, alguien que parece ser todo lo contrario a ella y que desde el inicio logra sacarla de quicio. Lo que empieza con choques y comentarios incómodos poco a poco se vuelve algo más difícil de ignorar. Mientras intenta mantenerse profesional y no arruinar su carrera, Briana también tiene que lidiar con lo que siente, con su pasado y con un ambiente donde no todos juegan limpio.
Gracias NetGalley y al publicista por el ARC.
Gracias NetGalley y al publicista por el ARC.
April 17, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.
This story was fantastic! I loved the passion and tension Jake and Briana had from the beginning. I really liked that her position was in analytics. I thought her background and story was so well thought out out and was much more interesting than just someone working for the team in PR or Social media. I thought Briana was very funny and very relatable. As a fellow drink gremlin I loved her character. The way they were falling for each other and fighting it the whole way was also very on par with a high stakes coworker relationship. While there was a third act break up, the resolution was so so good. I loved how it all came together in the end! A great love story and a fantastic hockey romance to add to my collection hehe.
This story was fantastic! I loved the passion and tension Jake and Briana had from the beginning. I really liked that her position was in analytics. I thought her background and story was so well thought out out and was much more interesting than just someone working for the team in PR or Social media. I thought Briana was very funny and very relatable. As a fellow drink gremlin I loved her character. The way they were falling for each other and fighting it the whole way was also very on par with a high stakes coworker relationship. While there was a third act break up, the resolution was so so good. I loved how it all came together in the end! A great love story and a fantastic hockey romance to add to my collection hehe.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed The End Goal by Lauren Penny. The tension in the first three-quarters of the book had my attention, and a plus was that all the terminology for both characters careers seemed to be accurate but also understandable. The tension dropped off near the ending and seemed to slow down a bit, but it did not cause me to lose interest. It was an easy read, sometimes it was as if you knew what was coming but still a light, romantic read. If you are always eager to read a hockey romance, this one is worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2026
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc of the End Goal by Lauren Penny!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had a slow start for me. Hockey romance/enemies to lovers is my favorite trope so was very excited about this book. I wouldn’t say it was the best ever but was really good. At about 40 percent was when I really felt invested in the story and what was going to happen. The chemistry was great but I could always use more banter. The spice level was light to medium, so good for readers who are in the middle.
Recommend 4/5
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had a slow start for me. Hockey romance/enemies to lovers is my favorite trope so was very excited about this book. I wouldn’t say it was the best ever but was really good. At about 40 percent was when I really felt invested in the story and what was going to happen. The chemistry was great but I could always use more banter. The spice level was light to medium, so good for readers who are in the middle.
Recommend 4/5
April 21, 2026
The End Goal was an entertaining read. The characters were likeable and you couldn’t help but root for Bree and Jake throughout the story. I really liked how independent and smart Bree’s character was.
A great read for sports romance fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A great read for sports romance fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book provided as an ARC from Net Galley. The book was a cute hockey romance by a debut author. The main characters had good banter. The plot was interesting and not overdone. There was a very late third act break up with little time left in the book after with the exception of the epilogue. Overall enjoyable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read quite a few sports romances over the past year and this book was a solid entry into the running.
There was plenty of tension and banter thru the first half of the book. Bree is very rigid and structured in her life and being around Jake throws a wrench into her life. You couldn’t help but root for these two to finally get together.
It’s an easy light read. 4 ⭐️
There was plenty of tension and banter thru the first half of the book. Bree is very rigid and structured in her life and being around Jake throws a wrench into her life. You couldn’t help but root for these two to finally get together.
It’s an easy light read. 4 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are both likable and engaging, making for a truly pleasant reading experience. The narrative is structured in a way that perfectly sets the stage for a potential series focusing on the supporting cast. I’d highly recommend this to anyone looking for a charming, easy-to-devour weekend read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve read a lot of Hockey romances books and this one is up there with my favorites. The writing is incredible. The banter between the main characters had me literally laughing out loud. This story had me hooked from the beginning. I love the amount of hockey in this hockey romance! It made it feel different from others I’ve read before. I am so excited after reading the epilogue to get the vibe this will be a multi book series. I cannot wait to read more from this Author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lauren for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lauren for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
a really fun and well written romance comedy, i wasn’t able to put it down! can’t wait for the next book in the series
thank you netgalley and dell for the advanced copy!
thank you netgalley and dell for the advanced copy!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews