Murphy

Glendale Magic #5

by Mary Warren

Hillary Lawson has built her life around work. She never expected to fall for a player. Especially not the charming rookie who delivers her coffee every morning with a smile that could melt the ice.

But Murphy O’Rourke isn’t just another player. He’s sunshine in skates, and he’s set on proving that love doesn’t care about age, rules, or reputations.

After a magical one night stand together Hillary thinks she can move on easily. They are all wrong for each other, he’s too young and golden. There are a million reasons to stay away from him. She just can’t seem to make herself.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Workplace Romance, Spicy

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2026

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

✨ Romance Comfort-Read Alert ✨

This review comes from a reader who loves:
🛑 No cheating / no OW-OM drama
💞 Low angst (together > apart)
🚫💔 No third-act breakup — I’m tired and I want them happy
👑 Strong FMC
💪 Take-charge MMC
🔥 Reformed playboy > current manwhore, but never manwhore is preferred
💬 Miscommunication allowed if resolved like adults
🏡 HEA ALWAYS

I read for joy, vibes, and emotional safety. If you’re here for chaos and pain… we might not be reading the same book 😌📚 I also tend not to rework the summary into reviews because chances are you’ve already read it to get to the book review part of the show.

Murphy is the last in the Glendale Magic series, and I was VERY much looking forward to it. All the books happen along the same timeline, so it was neat to see the stories that were hinted at in other books happening here.

Murph is the freaking best. He is precious, sweet, thoughtful, kind, not a manwh*re, determined, a hard worker, and down bad for Hillary. I am into the older woman/younger man...my husband is about 8 years younger than me. I fully expected to be in love with this story. I like Warren's books for the sweet, romantice, safe/easy reads they are. I love the curvy FMCs and the cinnamon roll MMCs who are down bad for their ladies.

All that to say, I felt this book fell terribly short. Firstly, it was very obvious this was co-written by ChatGPT. There were so many signs: the lack of actual dialogue that was beyond surface, the constant scent description of the room, the over use of "and this cracked something open in his chest..."...there are more, but those were the big ones.

I also felt like we didn't really get to buy-in with Murphy and Hillar b/c we got no on-page growth of their relationship. We didn't read conversations about who they were, them getting to know one another...nothing to really invest in the genuine nature of their relationship...it started as hooking up, and then we were just supposed to believe they loved each other so much, but Hillary is damaged so she pushes him away.

Honesty, the part where Hillary CONSTANTLY is telling herself she is putting an end to their relationship b/c Murph wants more/deserves more (even though they have literally NEVER discussed what he wants for his future), is too young for her, they are in different stages of life, she is too broken, she will ruin his light and ON AND ON AND ON was exhausting and so annoying. Murph, for being nearly 10 years her junior, was a hell of a lot more mature than her. It honestly gave: Hey ChatGPT: pretend you are an author of a story about a woman who is older than the guy, has a shitty family, he's got a great one, and put in A LOT of push and pull about that...for like all the chapters. Also, I don't want them to have any conversations with substance. Thanks...now write it.

I am sad that I was so disappointed in this one, especially since it is the final one. I would still say to read it b/c if anything, you can just fall in love with Murphy. Warren is always an easy/safe/fun read. Maybe I would have been less so disappointed if it weren't so clearly written, at least in part, by AI.

🔐💞👑💪🚫💬🏡
(Safe • Low Angst • Strong FMC • Take-Charge MMC • No Cheating • HEA)

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this last book in the Glendale Magic hockey romance series.

I've fallen for all the cocky hockey players and their plus size bad ass babes but Murphy and Hillary are definitely top shelf! This was a reverse age gap, workplace romance between the rookie and the PR manager who doesn't think she deserves the younger golden retriever man who adores her.

There was fun cameos from past players/couples and a moving storyline involving Murphy's younger brother Patrick who has Down Syndrome. Many thanks to the author for a complimentary early digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Kayla Grosse.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Murphy. Everything about him had me falling. Hillary was a tougher sell. She's just trying to protect herself but I hate what she puts Murphy through. I liked the two of them together though. They compliment each other. I really liked how everything worked out. I enjoyed the storyline. Overall it was a good read.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️ (4.5⭐️)
I am not a reverse age gap girlie, it is honestly a trope I avoid at all cost but Mary's story may be the one that changes my mind. First, Murphy was DOWN BAD for Hillary since their one night stand at the infamous Glendale Gala. (Where all good couples begin!) Second, Hillary is a boss a$$ b!tch and I loved seeing her take charge in both their relationship and her career. Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed all the angst and turmoil in the story because sometimes I just want a little ✨drama✨ with my romance. (That closet scene was simultaneously the HOTTEST and most heartbreaking scene I have read in a while!!) But I never for a second doubted their care and love one another, I knew holding on was worth seeing the happy ending for both of them. What a fun and heartwarming end to a series that has capture my heart. I know I will be returning to these books when I need a pick me up or just to remind myself that everyone no matter their size deserves a Happily Ever After.💜

[Stephanie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - Thank you so much to the author Mary Warren for the complimentary book!

This book is available now!

"Hillary, you don't hold me back. You're the reason I want more."

I was happy to see that Mary gave us another book in this series! I truly thought the last book was the final book in the Glendale Magic universe but boom we got book 5! And my goodness if you love a hot Golden Retriever, Murphy is your man. Murphy was making my melt the whole time while reading. I did like Hillary but she was bugging the crap out of me throughout majority of the book and I felt so bad for Murphy because of her back and forth of how she was feeling. He never lost hope that she would agree to be with him but man I would not have been able to handle the "what are we" constantly.

"Did you get her number?"
"Now why would I do that, when I'm already obsessed with someone else?"

I am not the biggest slow burn fan so when we got an insta connection in the form of a one night stand, I was super happy!!! Being a romance reader, you know the formula of these books so with this one I knew that this one night stand would not last long. And it didn't. These two truly had such great chemistry and Murphy was just so gone for her and he wanted to tell the world how much he was in love with her. I do not mind age gap regardless of who is older but it just bugs me when it is the constant sore spot in a relationship. And it certainly was in this case. I really appreciated Murphy telling her that she never asked what he wanted, she just assumed he wanted things that she didn't want. "How do you know what I want. You never asked me."

Romance was not the only thing in this book. They each had their own emotional struggles with their family. Hillary comes from a family where the love is very cold and almost non existent. Whereas Murphy's family is filled with warmth and comfort. There are two moments that they each showed up for one another and as a reader that made me so happy especially when Murphy was there for Hillary. She had really needed that anchor while at her childhood home.

This was such a sweet ending to the series and I'm looking forward to what Mary has cooking next.
Just like with her other books, you do not need to read the others to enjoy this one. The other book characters do make appearances but knowing their background doesn't change anything in this story.

I recommend this if you are looking for an age gap, hockey player x social media boss, one night stand turn love romance!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book could've been half the amount of pages and got the point across. How many times does FMC need to say "this is the last time" and/or "he deserves better"?

Love love love how effortlessly she fit into his fam.

Mary, please, if you're reading this: get an editor. I'm begging.

Needed more Sydney.

[H-A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved this book so much. The entire Glendale Magic series has been full of joyful, heartfelt moments with huge hockey players falling for the plus sized women in their lives and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Then Sven came along and made you think deeply about the world and swoon at the same time and honestly, I didn’t think it could be beaten for its place as my favourite of the season. I was entirely wrong, Murphy was so bloomin’ good!

I loved Hilary so much, I really identified with her and I wanted to be her best friend. Please and thank you. I loved that she was imperfect, her humanity really shone through, she gets in her own way and struggles because it makes complete sense for her to be that way to me. She’s cocooned herself in this thorny defensive structure and sold herself a protective narrative and it would be unrealistic for her to snap out of it quickly. I identified a lot with Hillary, I really wanted her to see past her own defensive lens and I think the way this was handled made sense. You were along the same bittersweet, slightly frustrating path with her to happiness and with each passing chapter, brick by brick those walls fell away, not just for the character but for the reader.

I really felt seen on the page by this book, particularly this line:

“With practiced ease, she tied that emotion up, tucked it away, and shoved it deep into the box where she kept all the feelings she couldn’t afford to deal with. Compartmentalizing was a survival skill, one she’d mastered growing up in her family.”

I wanted to wrap her up and give her a safe space to unravel the three decades of barbed wire she’d wrapped herself in. She is the best big sister, she shelters her from the pain of her parents, telling her again and again that she can handle it, that it doesn’t hurt her as much as it would her sister until she believes the lie herself.

Murphy was the most wholesome, down to earth sweet man and I couldn’t think of a better match for Hilary. She’s his safe place to land, his support when he can’t bear the load any more and he is exactly that person for her also. I loved that both characters weren’t picture perfect and they brought out something special in each other. Murphy could be seen as the quintessential nice guy, golden retriever but he was simply a human being with his own pressures and ghosts. Hillary sees him, truly sees him and he sees her. Loved it.

I loved this book if it isn’t clear from the above.

Thank you so much for the ARC, I’ll miss Glendale Magic.

[Julrenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphy O’Rourke is pure perfection, and I need a guy like him. That’s it.

No, there’s more. At the start of the book, it’s Spring, Murphy is the rookie for the ice hockey team, The Magic, and he is crushing on the Team PR Manager, Hillary Lawson. She is ten years older and good at her job. It doesn’t leave much time to socialise, so when she has to be present at a team function, she decides to have a bit of fun.

That fun includes taking Murphy back to her hotel room. Months pass before the fun recommences, and they decide to have a summertime fling, which carries over into the fall. Hillary knows she has to end the fun part and remain friends with him, which she does. Murphy, on the other hand, has a hard time letting go.

He takes it upon himself to leave Hillary a daily treat of coffee, a muffin and a short note on her work desk. It’s his way of keeping him fresh in her mind. He’s all that Hillary thinks about, which eventually leads to them no longer being friends, just two people working in the same organisation.

What I found adorable was their nicknames for each other. He calls her Boss, and Hillary calls him Rookie, even after he is no longer the rookie of the team.

I wasn’t sure where their relationship was headed since Hillary pushes Murphy towards women his own age. I understand that Hillary wants him to have everything in life that she thinks she cannot give. All he wants is her, and it’s frustrating knowing she wants him too, but she is too focused on the happiness she thinks he should have, not the happiness they both want and deserve.

I liked how we got to meet both Hillary and Murphy’s families. You get an understanding of how they became the people they are. All Murphy wants is to be there and support his family, and it's lovely to see.

I loved reading Hillary and Murphy’s story. To have a man like Murphy wanting you. Hillary has to know she won the lottery.

Having now read this book, I need to read the other books in the series.

⭐ Ice Hockey
⭐ Sports
⭐ Plus-sized FMC
⭐ Younger Man
⭐Age Gap
🌶️ 3

[Traveling Bookie Monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the latest installment in the Glendale Hockey series by Mary Warren. I love me a reverse age gap, add in that she is a plus size boss babe and Hillary is pure ICON status! A+ that she isn’t a single mom as well. Most reverse age gaps I come across are single moms and although I love those as well, being a single childless woman over thirty, it was cool to see that reflected back.


Murphy was just as yummy and heart melty as they come. Straight from the pet store, golden retriever vibes full stop. I just wanted to hold him to my chest for a good chunk of this book. Hillary was kinda doing a number on this pobrecito.

I really enjoyed Murphy’s family situation. From the outside it looks like he has the perfect family and yes in ways he does, but the pressure to get and stay in the NHL, support his family and be the good guy weighs heavy on his heart. Murphy’s brother is differently abled and I really appreciate the way this subject was handled. Not a huge part of the story but enough to show how it has affected Murphy and shaped him as a person. The fact that his brother is living a full and rich life with hobbies, friends, and even holding down a job, that is the type of representation I am looking for in ALL forms of media. So thank you Mary Warren. It doesn’t seem like a big deal but even those small moments matter. It’s real and it’s everyday life.


Overall this book was great, the spice was hitting and Murphy got me contemplating the younger guys in my DM’s a lil differently. Murphy is a great addition to the Glendale Hockey series and full of the same found family and tight knit bounds with their friend group, that you’ve come to expect from Mary Warren books and especially this series.

[Carol Gaines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I’m not a fan of third person writing, but this one was so good that I didn’t care. I will be going back, when I have the time, to read the other books in this series.
This book has quite a bit of spice throughout and you get some within the first few chapters. There’s obviously attraction on both parts but because of their working dynamic things haven’t happened before. Hillary kept saying them being together was wrong. She felt being with him would ruin him. He’s this golden retriever type of guy and she’s not. Her childhood wasn’t the best. Yes she had everything she needed physically but her parents weren’t there for them. They don’t support them in the things they really wanted out of life. I felt for her because I know what it’s like for parents not to show up to things that are important to you. She built these walls up and didn’t show weakness, until Murphy came along that is. She thought she dint deserve him and his brightness. Murphy is just the sweetest. When Hillary seems overwhelmed and had snapped at him he left her some treats. When they were on the road for away games and she was cold in her thin jacket he gave her his and walked away. He always showed up in some way even when she kept pushing him away. They go through some hard times together, from family issues to their own issues of trying to be together, but everything works out in the end. They get the happily ever after they both have been wanting and that they both deserve.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphy was a hell of a way to finish off the series of the Glendale Magic. I loved so much about this book.
Murphy himself is the golden retriever MMC of my dreams. Better than a himbo, he had depth, and his story and life to get him to the NHL was really beautiful. I loved reading him interacting with his family. You can really feel the love between them, and how they take care of each other.
Hillary has been through the opposite. Her upbringing was cold. Support and love were missing for most of her life. The scenes with her family really made me want to cry for her, and block her parents so they can't use her or hurt her anymore.
From a really hot one night stand, to a recurring booty call, Murphy and Hillary didn't make the decisions I wish they would have in their relationship. I'm not usually one for the on again, off again type of romance. Something about the way Murphy never gives up, and the way Hillary can't stop pining for him is just really beautiful. Murphy is so steady and sure, and well adjusted in how he handles his frustration with her. I love seeing a character display that kind of emotional maturity from the beginning, and for it to be the 23 year old good time kinda guy? Perfection.
I did get frustrated waiting for Hillary to get out of her own way. I think it was justified though. Each time she gives in, she gets a little closer to being exactly what Murphy needs. And by the time they finally find their way back to each other, it is just, *chef's kiss*.

[Bookishlyhaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Murphy is the fifth and final book in the Glendale Magic series but can be read as a standalone. It follows Murphy O’Rourke and Hilary Lawson. This was a pretty quick read for me and I enjoyed it though there were some things that were not my favorite.

Murphy is a hockey player and a literal ball of sunshine who deserves everything in life. He’s thoughtful, charming, caring, playful, sweet and more than he seems. Hilary is the team's PR manager and is his opposite in every way. She’s cautious, orderly, confident, strong, caring and doesn't like feeling vulnerable.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I loved the premise of the story, and I truly loved Murphy, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of Hilary. I felt she played with his heart too much and it started to get repetitive. I understand why because she was scared to want him and get her heart broken but it broke MY heart each time because she let him in only to push him away. Then Murphy the sweet angel he is continued to bring her muffins and coffee to her daily. He deserved so much better than the breadcrumbs she was giving him.

I am sad that this book was how the series ended! Although this book was not a favorite of mine I am really looking forward to what Mary has in store for us next!

You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- Sports (hockey) romance
- Age gap (she’s older)
- Golden retriever mmc
- Secret relationship
- Failed one night stand

Thank you so much, Mary Warren for the gifted copy!

[Amanda McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy and Hillary had a one night stand after a team gala and now their chemistry is electric. However, Hillary knows how older women dating people at work are perceived and she tells herself they can’t see each other in a non-work related setting anymore. Murphy, a professional hockey player, is charming with a sweet smile and brings her coffee at her desk every morning. He doesn’t care about age, reputations, or rules and just wants to be with her. Hillary feels like starting a relationship is too much of a risk, but she is having difficulty truly saying no to what her heart desperately needs.

This book was great. You have Hillary Lawson, a hardworking, loyal, reserved, and beautiful woman that is dedicated to work and being supportive of her sister. You have Murphy O’Rourke, a charming, considerate, funny, and handsome young professional hockey player that has the reputation of being literal sunshine and loves spending time with his family and Hillary. The interactions between Hillary and Murphy are funny, genuine, spicy and sweet. There is a fair amount of angst in this book, but honestly I wasn’t perturbed by it since I could understand where Hillary and Murphy were coming from. I loved Patrick, Maddie, and Finn also. If you like found family, complex characters, plus size women representation, and age-gap workplace spicy hockey romance, then I would highly recommend you read this book. I got a copy and these opinions are my own.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy is the last book of the Glendale Magic series and I really enjoyed it!

The book opens with Murphy as the team's rookie who has a thing for the team's PR manager Hillary who is ten years older than him. Normally she keeps her distance, but when she decides to let loose and have some fun at the yearly gala she ends up taking Murphy back to her hotel room. While she attempts to re-establish the professionalism, Murphy is thrilled when he can be close to her and make her smile.

I absolutely loved Murphy and his golden retriever qualities. He is a rookie, but he isn't afraid to set his sights on what he wants and that is Hillary. He is kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and completely besotted. I loved how he tried to make her smile and make her life easier even when they weren't together. Hillary was a little bit harder to like. She has spent her entire career in a male dominated work environment and is very familiar with how a slip of suspected impropriety could destroy a woman's career. She is hesitant to let Murphy get close to her, but he is put through the ringer at her hands. When they finally officially got together, they were so cute. I do think that they really complemented each other and I loved how they showed up for each other when sh*t hit the fan. I'm excited to see what the author will do next!

I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Spinster Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read! I was intrigued from page one & enjoyed each moment that I got spend in this story. It had swoony moments, personal growth, spicy spice, feet kicks, some big emotions, and beautiful love. Adore!

Hillary is a PR genius.

Murphy is a rookie hockey star.

They know each other from work. He is hot. She is hot. They share a night after attending a fancy banquet. And oops, they somehow keep spending nights together. But that's all, nothing else. She isn't looking for more. She won't let herself. But he dares to dream.

Hillary is just so amazing. She is so strong, tough and brilliant. And she is very set in how she thinks her life will go and what she deserves. So, she won't even entertain the possibility of anything serious with her hockey hottie because he couldn't possibly want what she wants. Sigh. Oh girl.

Murphy is the sweetest man. Who is always doing everything for everyone else and keeping a smile on his face. And it wears in him and he has to learn how to take care of himself, how to protect & feed his own soul. He is kind and patient and not afraid of chasing his dream.

I really adored these two individually and their love story. They are sweet & swoony and deserve nothing but the best.

I truly enjoy Mary's writing and the characters she writes. My brain & heart both connect with the story and can easily keep track of who is who. I really like that.

I received this as an ARC and am so beyond grateful. This had zero influence on my review.

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a story in a series that spans all the other stories with interwoven scenes and perspectives I hadn't even considered. This book was a great example of that, as the gala that kicked off other books in this series worked its magic on this couple, too.

I also really appreciated Hillary. She isn't the most outgoing, likeable person because her motivations aren't always straightforward, and that's what I related to, because she and I have that in common. When she said, "Growing up the way I did, keeping things private was the only way to keep them safe. But even still, I think I’m just a private person," I wanted to scream, because I get it. I really, really get it. And seeing her react to that, and eventually overcome that, made this book a gift to read.

My with this story issue was mostly that the plot got repetitive (they sleep together, he thinks things have finally turned around, she squashes that hope the next morning, a period of time passes, they sleep together...). And, because why they liked each other and why Hillary didn't think they were a good fit was never super well articulated, I started to feel bad for Murphy and not get why he kept trying. This man isn't just a golden retriever in the constant, bouncing joy, but in the persistent pursuit of what he wants.

[kbn1031 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Murphy by Mary Warren

Once again, I have started a series in the incorrect order. 🤣 No worries, though. This reads as a standalone, and I didn't feel lost having not read the previous books.

In this one, we meet Murphy, a rookie hockey player for the Glendale Magic, and Hillary, who works in PR for the team. At an annual gala, Hillary decides to have a bit of fun with the urging of a tarot card reader (she’s familiar from another series 😊). So begins the sneaking around for these two. Murphy is pretty much all in from the start, but Hillary has a lot of reservations and reasons why they won't work. However, they can't seem to stay away from each other. I really enjoyed the reverse age gap (she’s older) and the black cat x golden retriever trope (my favorite).

I wasn't expecting to get so emotional while reading a hockey romance, but I did. It was always the family interactions that got me. Whether it was Hillary dealing with her family that she has distanced herself from or Murphy dealing with his family that he has long seen himself as a provider for. The emotions were there, and they were strong.

I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Mary Warren, for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️

[Sonya Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 and the ending of the Glendale Magic series. I loved how all the books overlapped slightly with the timelines, and seeing different moments through each character was fun. I read book 1, Conner in May 2025, and Mary Warren is a comfort author for me, I have re-read the Glendale Magic books a couple times and I think Murphy will be no different.

Hilary is the PR Queen, used to handling everything alone. Murphy starts out as the young, golden retriever hockey rookie. They share a spectacular night, and Hilary is insistent that’s where it ends. But then we get a second night.. And then a summer…

OOF did I identify with some parts of Hilary. The hyper independence, and identity being wrapped up in her job and being able to handle whatever came her way. But I loved that Murphy was able to push her, and allow her to feel safe to have her soft side come out. Which allowed not only Murphy to get in her inner circle, but realizing her sister, the team, and Sasha and others also cared for her, and wanted to be there for the good & the bad.

If you love a nickname trope, age gap (she’s older), found family, hockey romance I highly recommend checking out Murphy and the rest of the Glendale Magic series.


Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Lexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited for the series finale, but this one ultimately fell flat for me.

The story follows Hilary, the head of PR for the Magic Glendale hockey team. She’s career-driven and highly organized, and after approaching Murphy at a gala, the two share a one-night stand neither of them can forget.

Murphy is attentive, emotionally available, and clearly invested, while Hilary repeatedly pushes him away out of denial and fear. While her internal struggle makes sense, the lack of meaningful growth or accountability became frustrating over time. Murphy consistently accepted the bare minimum, and at times felt undeserving of the way he was treated.

Murphy James O’Rourke was the standout of the book: family-oriented, protective, and deeply caring. He deserved far more emotional reciprocity and groveling than he received.

I did enjoy the interconnected timeline with the other couples and some side characters, especially Sasha. Overall, this ending didn’t deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for to close out the series.

*Thank you for the author for the ARC!*

[Lynn Sell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book of the Glendale Magic series which features Murphy who is the rookie of the team and Hillary who is the PR for the team. Murphy has those golden retriever vibes throughout the book and has such a love for his family and has done so much to support them. Hillary and her sister come from a family that is more about keeping up appearances. At the Gala, Murphy and Hillary get together but decide that it should just be a one time thing. Hillary is concerned because of her being head of PR as well as older than Murphy which makes her fear that she is keeping him from things that he will want. As they are unable to stay away from each other, things begin to happen such as Murphy becoming an internet sensation, Hillary’s grandmother’s funeral, and it being leaked to the press about their relationship. Finally when Murphy’s family is struggling, we see Hillary rally for him and finally admit her love for him. I loved Murphy in this book and how good he was with his siblings.

[Read Along With Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚✨Book Review✨📚

Murphy
Author: Mary Warren

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

Notes: I received a copy of this book as an advanced reader, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I Liked:
🏒This was just a warm hug wrapped up in a sports romance. I loved Murphy’s golden retriever energy. BTW, did we ever find out his last name??

🏒The body positivity and acceptance from the men in Mary Warren’s books is so refreshing and this one is no exception!

What I Didn’t Like:
🏒Hilary’s reason for not wanting to be together was pretty lame. I am glad she caved fairly easily, but it was still pretty dumb when everyone else around her was also falling in love with some
hot hockey players.

Final Thoughts:
🏒 I have adored every book in the Glendale Magic series. They have been just a joy to read. I love a fantasy series, but sometimes you want a love story with minimal conflict and a whole lotta love. Mary Warren’s books always fit that bill!


#bookreview #reviewsneedlovetoo #booktok #bookstagram #books #romancereader #romcom #sportsromance

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe the Glendale series is over! Oh man, did I love this team and their leading ladies.

Our final story included rookie Murphy and PR director Hillary. I ADORED the reverse age-gap where she was 10 years his senior. Murphy was just the cutest golden retriever man. Bringing her coffee. A family guy. A reliable team mate. Even when she was keeping him at arms length; he respected her wishes.

And Hillary. Ugh. Girl - why did you have to make me not like you? I get it. You struggled with who you were. Knowing your value because of your crappy family. But dang…..what does this guy gotta do to prove he’s all in? I don’t know how him showing up to the funeral wasn’t the turning point; but you were a stubborn one. It took me a real long time to like you - especially when I saw how badly Murphy just wanted to be there for you.

Thankfully, Hillary pulled her head from her butt and we finally got the sweetness that a solid relationship brings.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU

[Jessica Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotions in this book. I didn’t expect to have these feelings! Both of these characters are strong, and are used to being there for others. Murphy is a young hockey player who just happens to have eyes for the head of PR who is almost 10 years older. Hillary is so closed off and has such high walls built up. Her views on love and affection are way off but it’s based on her upbringing by her very off had rich parents. These two may seem like they don’t fit but they so do. And even though Hilary pushes Murphy away it doesn’t work. Murphy is a man on a mission, his heart is breaking because his girl just won’t admit to herself how good they are together! The love these two have was so pure and beautiful. I loved it.

[Courtney Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for my honest review

In the final book of the Glendale Magic series our FMC is a plus size woman who is the head of PR for the hockey team, who is in desperate need to let her hair down. Our MMC is the hotshot rookie, who happens to be 10 years her junior. At a gala they end up spending the night together, and what's supposed to be just one night, kind of becomes a summer fling, with maybe a few more hook ups after that too. She struggles with not only does her family life leave her with so much baggage, but she doesn't want him to give up anything that he might want because they are in different phases of life. He wants her, but also wants to respect her decisions, but he's not giving up hope too easily.

[Reader Retiree Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader of the final installment of tbd Glendale series, Murphy. Murphy as all of the series introduces the readers to plus size women and the men who love them. Not only do they love them but they really love their bodies!!! Murphy and Natalie are an age gap black cat/golden retriever trope. Although I generally enjoy this trope at times I found Natalie’s lack of ability to connect frustrating. She is older but didn’t show maturity in this. Every attempt was made to include all of the characters in the series to tie them together and to a certain extent it seemed a bit rushed but the intent was there. Overall a solid end to a series I’ll miss!
@marywarren

[Jeannie Moran Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite in the series! Hillary was deeply relatable to me - a person whose stoicism hides that those still waters run very deep. I appreciated Murphy, too - a golden retriever of a man, but if you look beneath the surface he’s a lot more than that. I loved the little bubble they created to feel known by one another. The miscommunication/ JUST COMMUNICATE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD trope was heavy in this one but I do think it gave a reader a more prolonged experience with their break up grief. Often that’s so short that you don’t feel the misery that comes with separating from the right person.

I’m sad the series is over! Maybe MW will gift us with a multi-character bonus update some day.

[Jennifer Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for "Murphy," the concluding installment of the Glendale series. Murphy and Hillary exemplify the age gap black cat/golden retriever dynamic.

I understood Hillary's guarded nature and her need for self-preservation. However, her reluctance to communicate her feelings with Murphy was somewhat frustrating.

Murphy, on the other hand, completely captivated me. He consistently endeavored to demonstrate his capability for a relationship with Hillary, despite their age difference. With every instance of her pushing him away, he responded with unwavering actions that conveyed his commitment.

[Nicole Wollin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d at 62%


I really disliked this book. Which is SUCH a bummer. The story line is the most repetitive thing I’ve ever read.

Hook up, “We can’t do this”, he brings her coffee & a muffin repeat

The FMC is INFURIATING.
The MMC deserves way better and should just move on with his life.
I’m not rooting for THEM, I’m rooting for HIM, but I know they’ll end up together bc that’s just how this works, but I’d be much happier if he found love and she regretted her decisions the rest of her life.

[Shanluvs2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy Stole my ❤️🏒

​Murphy is the ultimate steady hero! This hockey age-gap romance features a MMC who is wise beyond his years. Murphy’s patience and constant support for Hilary made him an instant favorite for me; he truly is the rock of this story.
​While I occasionally found myself frustrated with Hilary—I really wanted her to get out of her own way and embrace Murphy's love much sooner—I was happy to see her finally face her hang-ups. Seeing her growth and their eventual HEA was a great payoff!

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black cat/golden retriever is one of my favorite tropes and I adored Murphy. I had a hard time with Hillary for much of this book and still feel like she didn't really make up for her treatment of him in the earlier stages of the book.

I did appreciate getting to see the other Glendale couples. I'm bummed Mary Warren's hockey series is coming to an end. Though I am excited for the next series and roller derby!

3.5/5