Unlaced Love

D.C. Renegades #3

by Erin Marie Bassett

Crosby's book coming February 2026

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Surprise Pregnancy, Sports

466 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Erin Marie Bassett is a geriatric millennial, wife and mother of two living in Chicago. (A mile west of Wrigley Field but she, like her husband and kids, are St. Louis Cardinal Fans). When she’s not reading or writing romance, Erin helps small businesses and local organizations use the magic words to connect with their communities. She volunteers hard at her kids school and she believes in the power of S.L.O.W. Living.
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.

Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett

Reviews

[Kristine South · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review! What can I say dog dad that portrays anxiety in a very real way 10/10! I’m very happy this book focused on the MMC having anxiety since the stigma around men’s mental health seems so taboo!

Stella the girly pup you are made this book even more enjoyable!

Laila the way she stood behind Crosby in everything was refreshing! She didn’t turn her back or act like he wasn’t man enough!

2.5🌶️ just the right amount of spice to not over throw the plot!

[Paige Rewald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC.
This is probably my favorite in the series so far. I know I'm a minority when I say I like the accidental pregnancy trope but it definitely worked for this couple. Crosby was just 100% a green flag man and I loved that he struggled with anxiety. this was a super cute and easy read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Molly Bolish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! Every single character in the D.C. Renegades series is very special to me but something about Crosby hits super close to home.

Crosby’s internal struggles with his anxiety is so accurately depicted from my own personal experiences. His inner monologue was unbelievably relatable and comforting to see in a book character like him (hot, jacked hockey player).

Laila, my love. How I love you. A short, curvy, knows-who-she-is FMC? Yes please! I loved watching Laila stand up to Crosby’s AHole dad. From watching her freak out at the gala with him to playing his games in her and Crosby’s home 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Laila taught Crosby everything he didn’t know when it came to living how he wanted. She did it in such a gentle and subtle way that the flow was so easy and natural that it felt like I was reading a story from a friend. Soft love, gentle moments, trying times but it all comes together like life has a habit of doing.

I love the pregnancy trope. I know, I know. Hot take. But hear me out. The accidental pregnancy trope can be some of the most relatable content to read about in a romance novel. Sometimes it’s done questionably. Sometimes it’s done well. I can say, this book has done it in the most beautiful way I’ve read. Every moment of panic, celebration, awe and fear felt so very real.

A huge thank you to Erin for the ARC! And if you haven’t read the D.C. Renegades, check them out.

[Mylissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The D.C. Renegades are back & this time it's Crosby's turn to find his happily ever after for himself and his adorable & high maintenance golden Stella. Crosby is my dream man, he is a good friend, he goes to therapy & he treats his pup like the queen she is. When he microwaved Stella's food for 3 seconds & "mixed" it before serving it to her & then later did her skincare routine I was IN LOVE 🤣😍🐶 My dog mom heart was swooning & so was Millie's!

Laila is a freaking bada** labor and delivery nurse who also serves as a night time nurse for new moms. She is a fierce friend, a hard working Latina & very confident in herself and her worth.

The two have a wild & sexy night together but decide to part ways because Crosby needs to do work on himself (mentally and emotionally) as a result of his toxic relationship with his father and his complicated relationship with hockey. However life had other plans and the pair are thrown back together again.

I love the found family aspect of this novel, the welcoming community of the D.C. Renegades teammates and WAGS, and the beautiful journey Crosby & Stella's relationship took through these pages. I laughed, I cried and I hugged Millie close to me while I was reading this feel good rom com ❤️

[Laura Twaroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sit with me as I say this…when I read that a story has a surprise pregnancy trope, my heart cries a little and I move to the next. I trust EMB with my reader soul and believed I could fall in love this one.
I. Adored. It.
EMB strikes again with the perfect amount of banter, spice, romance and dash of mental health representation.

A baby daddy that struggles to build his confidence and health for the sake of his new family? Check.

A mama that knows she can do it alone but also learns how to accept the love and care of her new village? Check.

Hilarious group chat I want to be added into? Absolutely check.

Cute dog? Forever check.

Read the book. Fall in love with it. Tell everyone else to read it…and then impatiently wait for the next in the series.

Thanks to the author and team for the ARC opportunity!

[Courtney M Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of the DC Renegades!! 🏒🏒
Crosby, my guy, I just wanted to hug him!! The representation of anxiety for a male was properly done.
Laila, a reasonable FMC that doesn't react on emotions first and took time to observe everything. Yes, girl!!
Let's not forget Stella, best supporting character goes to this wonderful, loving furball!! 🐕🐕

The way the accidental pregnancy trope played out in their story was *chef's kiss* 🤌🏼🤌🏼 No automatically assuming the worst, like for fame or money, and they had the "we'll get through this together" mentality from both characters.

Also loved seeing the Renegade family make their mark and show their support in Crosby and Laila's story (still impatiently waiting on Felix's book). 😊😊

5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2/5🌶🌶

[❅ Karen ❅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This year has been full of surprises. I think I've come to enjoy unexpected pregnancies. Especially for this couple, it just felt right. But don't get me wrong, there was so much they knew they needed to work on.
You follow Crosby, a professional hockey player, and Laila, a newborn night nurse. They meet through his friends. They are forced to grow but they are not alone. Honestly the found family aspect is always a favorite. They can bring so much into the story without truly taking over.

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Whitney Schad · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars, ARC Review

I dislike an accidental pregnancy trope, HOWEVER this is one of the best I’ve seen. The characters felt relatable, and the found family was perfection. We all need a Felix organizing our events. Some of the communication felt like it was incomplete, like I wanted just a little more explanation as things happened, but it was so good to be back with the DC Renegades.

Thank you to EMB and the publisher for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:
I usually don’t read romance novels. I mean, I love a good love story as much as the next girl and I’m a huge sucker for a HEA but I’m usually in it for the fantasy, the world building, the magic. However, I fell in love with Crosby, Laila and Stella and adored being a part of their journey to get to know each other, find their own strengths and discover what being a family means. Crosby’s growth through his anxiety and Laila learning that wanting to have a partner is not a weakness were so relatable and heart warming. And Stella? Stella is just the perfect pup!

[BookNerdBam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one pulled at the heart strings. Erin didn’t leave out the laugh out loud moments though. I’m forever here for the Big Gun Chats (iykyk). But I was feeling all the feels & need to protect Crosby at all costs.

& let’s not forget the added bonus of Stella 🐶. Who doesn’t love a good romcom pup.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Let me begin with I have not read the first two books but this series, although connected, can be read as stand alones. That being said there are some aspects having read the prior two may have helped with understanding for charavter dynamics.
The hockey team is absolutely hilarious and their group chat always made me smile. I love a supportive team atmosphere. The pregnancy trope is not for everyone but its done well here. Stella steals the show here though. Such a lovely dog and too funny in some scenes.

Thank you Erin Bassett for the eARC and chance to read this novel.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Overall, this is a good book. The problem is me and things I personally dont like in a book.
I didn’t like the MMC, Crosby, he’s a good guy, an ultimate green flag, but some of his choices didn’t feel believable to me and made me roll my eyes. I really loved Laila, she’s what kept me engaged. She was working hard and driven. She didn’t take shit from people especially Crosby’s dad! This book has an accidental pregnancy, and I did like that Crosby was all in, green flag!
The father/son drama, in sports romances, I just don’t want to read about the struggle of having a famous dad who pushes you or neglected you during childhood. His dad was a total tool though.

[Dally · Rating 5 out of 5]

received as ARC.

This was actually my first introduction to the D.C. Renegades series and I was not disappointed.

Crosby and Laila have that perfect meet cute love story come together in the most beautiful way.

The character development is great to see and the complexities of anxiety and family trauma are written with such understanding and care.

The wit, the banter, and the pure love between all the main characters really pull it all together at the end and just leaves you wanting the next one already. I can't wait to go back and read what I've missed!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Marie Bassett’s Unlaced Love is the kind of book that ruins your mood in the best way because suddenly nothing else you’re reading feels quite good enough.
Thank you to Erin Marie Bassett for gifting me an ARC of Unlaced Love.

This was technically my first introduction to the D.C. Renegades series, and yes, I am fully aware that starting at book three is a bold life choice. That said, Unlaced Love made it painfully clear within the first few chapters that I’ve been missing out. Crosby and Laila don’t just meet cute, they meet meaningful. Their connection builds in that slow, natural way that feels less like fiction and more like watching two people accidentally stumble into something that matters. I didn’t just want them together, I needed it for my own emotional stability.

Crosby is the kind of character who quietly unravels you. He’s thoughtful, guarded, and carrying anxiety in a way that feels achingly real rather than romanticized. Laila, on the other hand, is warmth with edges. She’s strong without being invincible, caring without being self-sacrificing, and watching her navigate family trauma felt deeply honest. Erin Marie Bassett writes these heavier themes with so much care that they never overshadow the romance, they deepen it. Nothing felt rushed, brushed aside, or thrown in for drama points. It all mattered.

The banter deserves its own moment because it is sharp, funny, and perfectly timed. The dialogue crackles with wit and that comfortable sarcasm that only works when characters genuinely understand each other. I laughed out loud more than once, then immediately felt emotionally attacked in the next paragraph. The dynamic between the main characters, and honestly the entire cast, has that found-family energy that makes you want to pull up a chair and never leave. By the end, I felt like I knew these people, which is always the highest compliment I can give a romance novel.

One of my favorite lines, and one that perfectly captures the heart of this story, is: “Loving someone doesn’t make the hard things disappear, it just means you don’t have to face them alone.” That sentence alone explains why Unlaced Love works so well. This book understands that love isn’t a cure, it’s a companion. It’s patience, humor, late-night conversations, and choosing each other even when things are messy.

What surprised me most was how cozy this book felt without losing emotional depth. Unlaced Love by Erin Marie Bassett balances softness and substance beautifully. It’s the kind of romance that makes you sigh happily one minute and stare at the wall contemplating your feelings the next. By the time I finished, I didn’t just want the next book, I wanted to go back and read everything I skipped so I could spend more time in this world.

Overall, Unlaced Love is heartfelt, witty, emotionally grounded, and quietly addictive. It’s a reminder of why I love contemporary romance when it’s done right. Erin Marie Bassett has officially secured a spot on my auto-read list, and I will absolutely be backtracking through the D.C. Renegades series like my life depends on it.

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 stars

#UnlacedLove #ErinMarieBassett #DCRenegades #RomanceBookReview #ARCReview #ContemporaryRomance #CozyRomance #BookReview #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Crosby and Laila so much, I really feel bad for Crosby because his father is toxic. Honestly, I kept thinking "Block him" almost every chapter. That man is vile and doesn't deserve to have a son as good as Crosby. Most of Crosby’s anxiety and fears are because of the narcissistic tendencies his father possesses. Crosby could never be his father, especially because he has the D.C. Renegades family supporting him 100%. I hope that the world saw what a piece of work Andrew Loughty really is. Sorry not sorry because I truly hated how that man treated his flesh and blood.

Laila is an amazing hard-working independent woman who loves her job and babies. She knows the WAGs because she has worked for them as a newborn night nanny or helped deliver their children as a labour and delivery nurse. When her boss unexpectedly gives her time off and she suggests helping her husband’s teammate by dog-sitting his precious puppy she meets Crosby.

Crosby is the teammate that everyone loves and loves to tease, usually about his footwear. He is a devoted dog dad and treats his pup like a child. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her. Stella helps Crosby with his anxiety as well, she helps calm his nerves. Crosby his a very anxious person due to his toxic narcissist father who does nothing but criticize and critic every aspect of his life and gameplay. He acts like a loving father in front of the camera but in reality his "helpful" text messages and phone calls are abuse. Crosby knows that his father is wrong but has trouble finding boundaries with him. When Crosby meets Laila, he finally has someone else that soothes his anxiety. His teammates try to help but its harder for them since Crosby’s father is still influential in the hockey world.

After Andrew mistakes Laila as Crosby’s girl instead of Stella's dog-sitter they decide to play into it for the upcoming charity gala. During the gala, Andrew pulled the same old negativity and Crosby put his foot down. He protected Laila and himself. This was the start of something not only for Laila and Crosby but Crosby finally standing up to a bully. Weeks after the gala, after deciding that they shouldn't pursue a relationship, two lines appeared. Now two (three with Stella) were becoming one more. Now what?

Laila and Crosby are going to be parents. Are they going to co-parent or get to know each other better with the hopes of becoming more? Soon they are meeting for coffee and moving in together. Being a couple on and off camera because they are both their best selves when they are together, supporting each other. Protecting each other and their child from the one person who should be one of their biggest supporters. Laila and Crosby have the entire D C. Renegades roster and their families in their corner, that family is a lot thicker than DNA. Laila and Crosby may have done things backwards but the love they share can overcome any obstacle, they proved that time after time even though there have been hiccups along the way. I look forward to seeing what their future holds with the bonus epilogue and future books.

Thank you Erin Marie Bassett for another winner and the ARC. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.

[Yasmin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Erin Marie Basset’s book and I was absolutely blown away with her style of writing! Featuring group texts between friend groups has become one of my all time favorite aspects in a book! And the fact that we have Stella, the most adorable and amazing golden retriever is another plus for me (nodding head). Although this is the third book in the series titled “D.C. Renegades”, each book can be read independently, even though they are interconnected. I will definitely go back and read books 1 and 2 to get more of a context on the rest of the friend group 🙂‍↕️

This is the story of Crosby, the son of a prominent hockey player, making him lead his life according to whatever his manager says to do, who also represented his father. Crosby is a part of the D.C. Renegades team, where he has found brotherhood and a team owner who doesn’t like his father much. Crosby has lived his entire life trying to reach the status that his father has in the hockey world, not having time to build his own life. The only decision that he has made without his father’s or manager’s input is adopting the cutest dog in the world, Stella. However, when he goes away for games, his cousin would dog sit until he comes back from his away games. Until she tells him she can’t because she is going on a trip and has to quickly find a new sitter.

Laila has always been independent, living her life just the way she likes. She has her own apartment and a mother who fights for equal rights and women’s rights. She is a labor nurse, who also babysits when she can to kids and babies. When her client Caroline tells Laila she can have the night off, she was excited. Until Caroline gets a call from her friend needing someone to dog-sit due to the away game. Caroline offers Laila’s babysitting service and decides to meet each other in person to go over expectations.

When they first see each, they are both in starstruck with how the other person looks, exceeding their expectations. Laila fits right in with Stella and has an amazing time babysitting Stella. When the gala starts to creep on Crosby, he asks Laila to accompany him, where one thing leads to another 🤭 Without revealing too much, I do love when an accidental pregnancy trope is written very well and Erin really knocks it out of the park! I loved reading every second of this book and seeing the growth that both Laila and Crosby go through as they are navigating this new way of life! I highly recommend it if you love a group of friends who are always there, ready to help each other out. As well as going on a journey with two people who have lived very different lives and figuring out that they are meant to be together ❤️

Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Erin Marie Bassett brought all the emotions to book 3 in the DC Renegades series. Unlaced Love dealt with passion, commitment, and love; while sharing space with fear, doubt, and anxiety. She made her characters and readers work for the HEA in this story. The level of detail she writes about anxiety, it is evident she did her research. Making readers feel that struggle with anxiety feel seen isn’t easy, as misconceptions and judgements can find their way into the writing. Not Erin though. She is kind, graceful, and respectful in her words. Every story she writes is handled with this same level of care.

Laila takes life as it is handed to her. Not necessarily just accepting it, but takes time to observe, collect, and then respond to situations. Her emotions are in check, but it is easy to see the control she has to have. Not in a negative way, but rather if she is always in control of herself and her emotions, no one can hurt her. When her world is turned upside down she truly thinks about how to handle her news and how to tell the man involved. I loved watching her open up as the book progressed. Allowing others in isn’t easy for her, but when she does, she definitely reaps the benefits from it.

Crosby is easy to love. His battle with anxiety and how he is truly working on it for himself was refreshing. Having the MMC struggling with his mental health brings light to a subject that still has so much stigma around it. He has an adorable dog, Stella, who truly shines throughout. She helps Crosby out in so many different ways. Learning that he is going to be a father was not on his bingo card, yet. The way he maneuvers through his feelings as he processes was well done. The support he has is inspiring too.

Erin brings back characters we have come to love. The Renegades throughout the book provide a family who supports, cares, and carries their own when someone is struggling. Never once making Crosby feel less than, but lifting him up, this team is definitely more family than anything. I will always read Erin’s books and have yet to find one that doesn’t leave me feeling uplifted and inspired.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
💛Hockey Romance
🏒Accidental Pregnancy
💛He Falls First
🏒Sunshine x Stoic
💛Anxiety Rep
🏒Found Family
💛Quirky MMC
🏒Organized FMC

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author! She's been on my TBR for a bit now and when I saw an ARC opportunity I HAD to jump on it!! Even though it's book 3 in the series (out of order 🫣 I'm a rebel I know🤣) I can't wait to go back and read the others plus some! 


Crosby- Our dog dad to Stella who's a hockey player and has anxiety. Which I loved the male mental health rep in this btw! More importantly, it wasnt downplayed. The author did a great job at showcasing all the moments where you felt it right along with Crosby. The attention to detail put into this was *chefs kiss* 


Laila- our organized labor and delivery nurse. I fell in love with her instantly. Shes the rock, his grounding person. I think her character was beautifully thought out and she's just full of calmness and understanding throughout. 


The banter between the guys and girls!!! Oh my gosh. This was funny!!!! Especially the fanny pack. I was cracking up before ch. 2 even started. The laughter continued after the WAGS got introduced!!


This was such a perfectly balanced read. You definitely have your heavy emotional moments but there's plenty of laughter as well. I love how real this is. Such a realistic heartfelt steamy story. My eyes totally leaked! I needed tissues at the end. The village and family these characters have created is just everything!!! Always there for each other no matter what. 


We can't forget the real MVP of this story which is Stella. She plays such a huge role and honestly how can you not love her?!? Her entire fur care spa and food routine gives Crosby major brownie points! 

I was sad when this ended but I'm excited for the next one and I also still need to go back and read the first two while I wait for the next in the series. 

✔️Hockey Romance
✔️Accidental pregnancy
✔️Spicy RomCom
✔️He falls first
✔️Sunshine/ stoic
✔️Found family
✔️Dog parent MMC
✔️"Just one night"
✔️ Shared crocs love
✔️Quirky MMC organized FMC

Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily. 

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen to be an ARC reader for this third installment of the D. C. Renegades series. I am excited to be one of the early readers of the advanced copy of Unlaced Love. This review is my personal opinion about this story.

Laila and Crosby were cute. I am Team Crosby! I know that Crosby had some issues but he worked through them. He never gave up. He was always honest with Laila. Laila on the other hand…She was something. I have to like her because she is a fellow nurse but she was all over the place. I don’t know if I should’ve blamed the hormones or if that was her personality in general. She acted as if she wanted her independence and didn’t need Crosby at the same time required Crosby to be a certain way and completely fix all of the issues in his life. I couldn’t blame Crosby because he did everything she asked but at the same time it wasn’t in the way she would’ve done it. I see a little of myself in her and need to make some changes in myself, relinquish some control.

My guy Crosby was always present. The way that he displayed and catered to the love languages touched my heart. There is open door spice in this novel (3/5). I don’t know much about hockey but I appreciated the pieces of knowledge the author inserted about the sport. Crosby’s teammates are friend goals. His friends and their family members were everything. I would love people like that as a part of my village. In the end, I wish that Crosby had the opportunity to fully tell off his father. The best part of this novel was Stella! She was the best girl! Now I have to read books 1 and 2 before Duncan’s story comes out (love him too!).

I recommend you check this out 😊

[Lynn Meeuwissen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Laila dog sits on Stella for Crosby, they become friends and then some…

Unlaced Love completely surprised me in the best way.

I’m usually not a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, so I went into this book feeling sceptical. But because it’s Erin Marie Bassett and I’ve loved every book of hers so far, I decided to give it a chance. And I’m so glad I did, because this is exactly how that trope should be written!

The situation is handled realistically and with maturity, care, emotional depth and immense respect for each other and their journeys, without ever making the baby feel unwanted or the parents disrespected.

Crosby won me over completely, even though he wears Crocs 😜. His anxiety is woven into the story in a thoughtful, relatable way and his inner spirals genuinely made me laugh out loud. And what’s not to love about the strong, independent Laila?!

The Big Guns and their WAGs are a top tier found family. The chat conversations are hilarious, the way they take care of each other in challenging (I mean, how can a dad be so awful to his own son?!) and happy situations sets an example, the banter between friends and the couples is fantastic and just when you think you can’t love Felix more: he chooses Shake It Off by Taylor Swift as this season’s hype song!

This was a story that was hard to put down: I loved every part of it and I already can’t wait to read the rest of the series: the D.C. Renegades have become my tribe!

Thank you Erin for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Marie Bassett does it again with the third book in the D.C. Renegades series, Unlaced Love. For me, this series just keeps getting better and better.

This story features an accidental pregnancy sports romance set in the world of hockey, which is normally not my favorite trope. However, Miss Bassett executed it perfectly. Much of the book follows Laila throughout her pregnancy, which allows her relationship with Crosby to develop naturally and authentically. One of my favorite moments that really highlights this is when Crosby finds out about the pregnancy. Instead of reacting with disappointment or hesitation, he immediately claims that they are having a baby, no questions asked. That moment was everything.

Not only will the main characters make you fall in love with them, but readers are also treated to cameos from characters in the previous two books, along with appearances from the rest of the team. The group chats between the players and even the WAGs are absolutely priceless and had me laughing out loud. They are not just teammates, they are a family who protect and support one another no matter what.

Trigger Warning: This book includes themes of unsupportive and manipulative parents, as well as anxiety, which may be difficult for some readers.

Thank you to Erin Marie Bassett for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I honestly cannot wait to continue the series with Book 4!

[Elle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlaced Love was such a sweet, comforting, genuinely cute hockey romance.

Laila and Crosby just work. Laila is a hyper-independent FMC done right. She’s strong, capable, and self-assured without being cold or closed off. I loved that she never shrinks herself to make things easier for anyone, especially not for the sake of a relationship. What stood out most to me was how fiercely she stood up not only for herself, but for Crosby too. She refuses to let the father of her baby be talked down to or underestimated, and she stays grounded in who she is the entire time. Watching her choose partnership without losing her autonomy was really satisfying.

Crosby was such a soft, anxious MMC, and I adored the way his quirks were portrayed. His anxiety and need for control felt realistic and compassionate rather than exaggerated or played for laughs. I especially appreciated that he was already in therapy. Def a huge green flag energy. I do wish there had been a little more focus on his OCD tendencies, though. It felt like something that was acknowledged but not fully explored, and honestly… homie probably needed a diagnosis. Still, his vulnerability and the way he loves so deeply made him incredibly endearing.

The found family aspect was another highlight. This series really leans into the idea that no one does life alone, and I loved how supportive and present everyone was with friends, teammates, chats blowing up when it matters most. It gave the story a warm, communal feel that made the emotional moments land even harder.

Overall, Unlaced Love is a cozy, spicy hockey romcom with a lot of heart. It’s tender, supportive, and full of characters who show up for each other in meaningful ways and honestly, that’s my favorite kind of romance. 💗🏒🐶

[Mardhiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a warm, enjoyable read for me. What started as something casual between Crosby and Laila quickly turned into so much more, and I really liked how the story handled the accidental pregnancy trope.

One thing I appreciated immediately was that there was no denial or unnecessary drama when the pregnancy was revealed. Crosby stepped up from the beginning, and I loved seeing him show up for appointments, ask questions, and genuinely care. It made their dynamic feel mature and intentional.

I also really enjoyed watching their feelings slowly develop. Both of them were hesitant about relationships for their own reasons, so seeing those walls come down bit by bit felt natural.

The side characters were such a fun addition too, from the guys’ group chat to the WAGs circle. They added humor and warmth without taking away from the main couple.
And I have to mention Stella, the way he treats his dog like she’s a whole person was honestly adorable.

If I had one small wish, it would be that we got a little more resolution with his father’s storyline. I would have loved to see him stand up for himself more in that area.
But overall, this was a really enjoyable read for me.

Thank you so much Erin for the Advance Reader Copy 📚⭐

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crosby + Laila.

Unlaced love is such a wonderful read. Crosby and Laila meet due to him needing a sitter for, Stella, who honestly stole the show in some parts. Crosby has Stella and he seems content until Laila knocks him off his feet. I think from the beginning our MMC had not only an attraction to Laila but maybe feelings too after their ONS (one night stand). Crosby is quirky in his own right and struggles with anxiety which is openly discussed in Unlaced Loved. I appreciate that the author didn't shy away from sharing that he had anxiety and how he dealt with it. Therapy and sour patch kids!

Laila from the beginning shows she's fierce, smart and has a great job. Pet sitting for Crosby was just supposed to be a one off. But when she finds out she's pregnant all bets are off.. She struggles with letting Crosby ALL the way in even though the man is a beaming GREEN FLAG.

It takes some nudges from the found family of the DC Renegades to get Laila to really see that Crosby does love her and they should try to be a family.

Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review I have not read the prior books in the series.
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
All ready from the cover and inside page, you have me with the golden furbaby. Crocs??
Dedication page is so me!! I am one!
Crosby - MMC, NHL, dog dad, doesn't have a solid parental relationship
Best 🐕 👨 ever! Is Stella a Team Roastie or Team Cronch though?!??!
Laila - FMC, LnD nurse who night nannies on the side
Crosby, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, nor should you judge a person based on their name. 🤦‍♂️
What in the world is happening? What type of intervention is this?? 😆 It just keeps being better! 🤣🤣
Yes, sour candy can reset anxious thoughts. 
I love how Laila, and some others, aren't minimizing her or her natural beauty. 
A man who prioritizes his mental health.  😍
"How am I supposed to just let her out into the world to fend for herself." 🤣
Big Guns Chat is the support everyone needs. 
Stick Handlers Chat 😂
Stella gets micellar water on her face 😄
Oh Duncan, your brutal honesty as a wing man.
4th of July party...OMG!! 
Laila, Way to stand up to him!
Hug?

[Mandy Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Unlaced Love. So I decided to start from the beginning of the series. This is Unlaced Love.

This is Crosby and Laila's story...

Cosby is the son of a hockey legend. His father's expectations cause him to have anxiety. He is a dog dad. When he needs a new dog sitter. His teammates dula volunteers to help.
Laila is a labor and delivery nurse/dula. She is hyper independent. She also helps nanny a few weeks after the baby is born. She volunteers to dogsit.
They are instantly attracted to each other. And even more so when he finds out she shares his love for Crocs. Crosby asks Laila to be is Date to a charity gala which leads to them spending the night together. They decide they aren't ready for a relationship.
Until a month late two Pink lines change everything.
I absolutely love these two together. They are sweet and I love they have so much in common but are still different and the sour patch kid obsession is great. I felt so bad for Crosby at times his dad was a horrible person.
Can't wait for the next book.

[Amber Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
🏒 Hockey Player x Nurse
🐶 Accidental Pregnancy
🏒 One Night Standish
🐶 Found Family
🏒 Anxiety Rep

Crosby needs a dog sitter, and his teammate’s night nurse now has the time off since they’re all traveling for the game. Laila can’t say no, and through some crazy events, they eventually end up at a fancy party together…which leads to Laila coming back later to tell Crosby that she’s pregnant. He wants to prove to Laila he can be everything she and the baby needs.

Crosby is the sweetest thing you want to wrap up in a hug. He’s extra with his dog, his family life is rough, and he’s trying to manage his anxiety about it all. Laila is such a strong woman who knows what she wants. I really admired her, and she lets people know how she should be treated. These two are really sweet together, and the team was up to their usual antics 🤣

🌶️🌶️

Thank you, Erin, for sending me a copy of this book!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: Unlaced Love
Series: D.C. Renegades Book 3
Author: Erin Bassett

Start Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️1/2

Laila is a night shift nurse and also works as a nanny part time. She is alone and does not feel she needs a man to fulfil her (loved this about her). When she is asked to dog sit one of the D.C. Renegades players dog she jumped on the opportunity.

Crosby is a start hockey player trying to get out of his dads shadow. Its hard to do when you have cameras following you around and you have to act like everything is ok. He needs a dog sitter for one of his away games and hires Laila and is instantly attracted to her, but keeps his distance due to wanting to focus on hockey.

Crosby had so much anxiety it gave me anxiety😂😂😉 I loved how Laila always had a way to help him through it. I loved these two together and his dog (Stella) was such a diva!!!

I love Erin's writing style so much and I can't wait to read more.

#UnlacedLove #dcrenegadesseries #ErinBassett

[Blair Lutner · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Unlaced Love" by Erin Marie Bassett is such a cute book! I immediately fell in love with dog dad Crosby and his girl Stella (and her furcare routine). Even though I knew from the book description that Crosby and Laila would have a one-night stand and find out she was pregnant as a result, I kept hoping they would sort themselves out and start a true relationship. Their relationship building seemed so believable, with its ups and downs and gradual integration into each others lives. For Crosby he has the "Big Guns", a group of loveable hockey players, and Laila easily merges into the "Stick handlers" group of hilarious hockey wives and girlfriends. This is book 3 in the series and I have not read the others (yet!), but I felt it could easily be read as a standalone.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Bailey Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlaced Love by Erin Marie Bassett is everything I want in a hockey romance and more! With an unplanned pregnancy trope done so well, this story had the perfect mix of heart, heat, and humor.

What I loved most? The group dynamics. Seriously, the friend groups throughout this book stole the show. Their banter, chaos, and ride-or-die energy had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. They added so much life and warmth to the story and made every scene feel even richer.

The romance was swoony, emotional, and completely addictive, and the way the characters navigated unexpected twists felt honest and heartfelt. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.

If you love hockey romance, found family vibes, and a story that makes you laugh and feel all the things—Unlaced Love is a must-read. 🏒❤️