Between the Lines

by Melody Tyden

What happens in Vegas might just change their lives...

A chance encounter with a handsome, younger man leads to an unforgettable night for single-mom Daley, who has come to Vegas to support her 18-year-old son during the NHL draft.

Deacon wants nothing more than to put his messy divorce behind him and get back to winning games as captain of the NHL's Sioux Falls Wolves. Love isn't on his radar, but when an unexpected connection sparks with the beautiful older woman at the hotel bar, he isn't about to back away.

Not even when her son ends up as his team's newest draft pick.

Daley thinks they should keep their distance. Deacon doesn't want to let a good thing go.

Under the arena lights, everything is magnified, but it's what happens between the lines that wins the game... or breaks a heart.

Published February 1, 2026

About the author

If you're looking for sweet and steamy romance, you've come to the right place! I started reading romance novels in my early teens and writing them soon afterwards; growing up in small towns in western Canada, there wasn't much else to do! Luckily, those early stories have never seen the light of day.

Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.

Reviews

[Brittany Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!! The relationship between Deacon and Daley was so natural and their chemistry was palpable!!! I love an age gap but a reverse age gap is even better!!!

Deacon and Daley meet by chance at a hotel bar in Vegas and they have an unforgettable night!!! Daley sneaks out the next morning thinking it will all just be a wonderful memory and Deacon is left wanting more. Fast forward to the following night when Daley is at the NHL draft with her son and she meets the captain of his new hockey team!! It’s none other than Deacon!!! They’re both shocked, of course, but does this mean they may actually have a future or does the entanglement mean too many complications?!!

The relationships in this book are fantastic!! It’s so refreshing honestly!!! I highly recommend this one and I CANNOT wait for the next book!!!


**ARC Review**

[Alexandra Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a reverse age gap romance where Daley is a single mom whose 18 year old son is chosen for the NHL where she meets Deacon the night before not knowing he is the captain of the same team. It gives off forbidden romance vibes, but has no third act breakup which I liked. It also has very low drama in this book which I felt like it worked. I overall really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read for me. Over all I really enjoyed the book! I read it within 3 or so days which isn’t typical for me.
I thought the plot was really fun and not something I’ve ready before. I also really liked the open communication between the characters as I feel that’s not something you come across too often. I did feel like the pacing of the story was a little fast (but it also may have felt faster than other books because it clearly gave a number of days/months where other books don’t always do that). I also realized that I’m not a huge fan of reverse age gap; I wouldn’t say I dislike it but I don’t think I’d purposefully seek it out. Though I do feel that the author did a really good job with this.

[Laura Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! I love the relationship between Deacon and Daley and the relationship between Daley & River!! Can’t wait for book 2!!

[Tori Pline · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READ: I absolutely loved this book from the start! Deacon and Daley keep you wanting more! 4 stars because I feel like the ending was rushed. River’s father comes back, leaves a letter but we don’t see any story beyond that. As well as, I would have loved to have seen a bit longer ending written out for D&D.

[Jenny Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Between the Lines’ by Melody Tyden is a contemporary hockey romance. Thank you Melody for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

This book can be described as:

🏒 Hockey Romance
💜 Reverse Age Gap (42•28)
🏒 Team Captain x Single Mom
💜 Son's Teammate
🏒 He Falls First
💜 Sweet & Spicy

My honest opinions:

I truly enjoyed this book! I say there are 3 “S‘s“ of a good sports romance—Sport, Story, and Spice. This one had a great balance of all of them!

This couple was so fun and flirty. From the very first page, you get drawn into their hot connection. The MMC, Deacon, is a 28yo recently divorced man and the captain of an NHL team. The FMC, Daley, is a 42yo single mother, whose son was drafted to Deacon’s hockey team. Their banter and connection had me sweating and swooning in the first 25%!!! Deacon was 100% MAN. And I LOVED how he called her “Mama”. SO HOT! There was quite a bit of spice but nothing was overly kinky, 4🌶️’s.

Throughout the story, they had to navigate their relationship in the public’s eye and we get a first-hand seat to realistic, adult conversations with NO miscommunication!! The MMC was mature beyond his years, knew exactly what he wanted and never kept secrets. The FMC does a lot of self-deprecating at first, but as a woman in her 40s, this seems like it would be quite realistic concerns in a reverse age gap relationship. This was so refreshing to read and came across genuinely sweet and romantic.

Finally, there wasn’t a ton of drama in this book. It read as a good palate cleanser with excellent spice, and a lot of great moments, that I will continue to think about. Loved the science booth🥰 I’m excited to read River’s book (Daley’s son) when that comes out next!! I rate this book 5⭐️.

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melody Tyden never disappoints!

Daley- our FMC- single mom. Goes to Vegas to support her son for the NHL draft

Deacon- our MMC- sons teammate and captain.

How they meet? A bar. She has no clue who he is. Sparks fly! Her son ends up being Deacons team draft pick! The whole premise of this was just fantastic and I loved every second of it. I was rooting for them from the start and even though it's totally understandable why she's so apprehensive I found myself yelling girl go for it!!!!

I couldn't put this down and I couldn't stop smiling throughout this entire thing. Daley is perfect. Excellent mom, such a big heart, her internal dialogue with herself is so funny, and she's just an all around awesome FMC.
Deacon... Holy crap. He's smooth, and persistent!!!! And totally swoon worthy. I swooned a lot. His nickname for her.... OMG. I didn't think I would like it. I totally loved it!

This is definitely the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. Their chemistry was undeniable from the beginning and held strong throughout. I think my absolute favorite thing about this is the way they communicate!!!!! I love the communication so much. Don't worry there's still a little drama involved! 😉 Such a feel good hockey romance with all the spice. Totally recommend and I have to say this one is totally going on my bookshelf! Trophy worthy for sure! I can't wait for the next one 😍


✔️Hockey Romance
✔️Reverse age gap (42, 28)
✔️Sons teammate
✔️Sweet & spicy
✔️Team captain
✔️Single mom
✔️He falls first

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

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It’s what happens between the lines that wins the game... or breaks a heart."
If you are looking for a hockey romance that flips the script, Between the Lines delivers a juicy "Reverse Age Gap."
The Setup: Daley Adams is a single mom in Vegas for the NHL draft, supporting her son. Deacon (Deke) Belin is the veteran Captain of the Sioux Falls Wolves, looking to escape his messy divorce. When they meet at a hotel bar, the chemistry is instant, and it leads to one unforgettable night. But the morning after brings a harsh reality check: Deacon is now her son's team captain.
What I Enjoyed:
• The "Secret" Tension: The stakes felt real. Dating a teammate's mom—especially a rookie's mom—is a major line to cross in the hockey world, and I liked watching them navigate that minefield.
• Deacon: I really appreciated that Deacon knew what he wanted. He didn't play games. Despite the obstacles, he chased Daley and wasn't afraid of the "single mom" dynamic. He felt mature and grounded.
• The Steam: The chemistry and spiciness between Daley and Deacon were palpable from the very beginning.
The Verdict: This was a solid, entertaining addition to the sports romance genre. It moved quickly and provided a great escape. While it might not be the heaviest or most angst-filled book I’ve read this year, it was exactly the kind of fun, popcorn-read I needed.
Recommended for fans of:
• Helena Hunting or other hockey romance staples.
• Older heroines finding love.
• "Secret Relationship" tropes.

[Salina Casabona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to start by saying thank you to Melody Tyden for allowing me to ARC read this great book. It’s always special to be able to read and support authors while discovering amazing stories I might have missed otherwise.
Between the Lines is a delicious reverse age gap hockey romance with just the right amount of spice and plot to keep the pages turning. I devoured this book in two days and was truly sad when it ended. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the emotional depth, the chemistry, and the unique storyline.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between the main characters. Their connection felt natural and believable, and the tension between them was perfectly done. The Vegas meet-cute was fun, exciting, and set the tone for everything that followed. Watching their relationship develop—especially once they realized how their lives were connected—was equal parts swoony, emotional, and a little bit forbidden in the best way.
The reverse age gap was handled beautifully. It added maturity, depth, and vulnerability to the story, and I loved seeing a strong, confident heroine who still had so much heart. The hero was everything you want in a hockey romance: charming, supportive, and completely gone for her. Their banter,  and the spicy moments were perfectly balanced with real emotions and family dynamics.
If you love hockey romance, reverse age gap, strong heroines, protective heroes, and a little bit of forbidden tension, this is definitely a must-read. I cannot wait to see what Melody Tyden writes next!

[Katherine Schimpf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reverse Age Gap, he falls first, and he’s the captain of her son’s hockey team….what more sexy than that? We meet Daley a single mom raising a hockey playing boy, who has been drafted to the NHL, and he’s got into a team only a few hours from their home town. The night of the draft pick she meets Deacon, a young hot guy and they have a wonder evening together (first page smutt is awesome). But things take a turn, Deacon is her sons team captain, so Daley puts the brakes on it and says it won’t happen again (but can you really stay away from a hot sexy hockey player.). Daley has her smart remarking friend who is always there for support and a few drinks too, and pushes Daley to open herself up, and allow for things to happen, siting “you deserve love”. Twists and turns, pucks and slap shots in the book. Do we get a HEA, yes, and we get to hopefully read more about the players of the Sioux Fall Wolves. A sweet romantic book, that will make you happy and want to punch some characters in the face.

[Elizabeth Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Melody Tyden for allowing me to ARC read Between the Lines!!

This story follows Daley and Deacon. Daley’s a single mom with an 18 year old son, River, who is about to be drafted to the NHL. The draft takes place in Vegas and while waiting for her son to return to the hotel during a night out, Daley meets Deacon and they instantly hit it off and spend the night together. What Daley doesn’t know, is that Deacon is the captain of the NHL team River ultimately gets drafted to. As much as Daley tries to forget about the night she spent with Deacon and the feelings that have brewed, neither of them can resist the sparks that light up between them.

The pace of the story was great, nothing dragged on for too long and each plot point was perfectly expanded upon. The reverse age gap was everything and more! I loved every single character in this book. I wanna be like Daley when I grow up. Deacon is honestly the best type of man. River is such a sweet soul. Everyone needs a friend like Jane, Jonny, and Brayden. I can’t wait to head back to Sioux Falls!

[Alayna Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute. fun, spicy swoon read! Very low angst, even handling all of the difficult obstacles and challenges that come up throughout the story. The problems were handled in such an ideal mature, communicative way. (Every gal's dream there!) This reverse age gap was HOT and made you giddy. Even as a non Mom, MMC Deacon calling FMC Daley "Mama"? yeah, felt that. It was hot. The maturity of her son River and his reaction to finding out about the love between his Mom and his NEW CAPTAIN as a rookie being drafted in the NHL was so sweet and supportive. You can tell by his response to their budding romance that he and FMC(aka Mom) are really close and leaned on each other throughout his upbringing. And the supportive friends of both Daley and River made you feel like you were coming home to your favorite friend's family. I think this is a great read for anyone wanting something that will simply make them smile and feel good from beginning to end.

[Carly Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually fussed by a sports romance, but I really enjoyed this.

A night together after meeting in Las Vegas, Daley & Deacon’s worlds collide - in more than one way. Not only is there insane chemistry, but a mere few hours after Daley makes a hasty exit from Deacon’s hotel room - there’s the added complication of Deacon unknowingly becoming her son’s new NHL team captain. But what happened in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas! Unable to stop thinking about each other, the next time they meet at a pre-season training camp, the feelings from that night come flooding back. Even with all the reasons they shouldn’t see each other, neither of them can deny the pull. So when the proverbial hits the fan & the secret is out, Deacon is there to support Daley in every way he can.

This tale of fate, heat, spice & ice has you turning pages so quick. With reverse age gap, single mum, he falls first - this book will leave you with feel good vibes.

[Danielle P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put down this book! If you want a steamy hockey romance that's a quick read, this one is for you!
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Daley is in Vegas with her 18 year old son, River, who is participating in the NHL Draft. After the draft, she gets accosted in a bar and sexy stranger Deacon steps in to save her. Neither can stop thinking about one another, and then Daley learns that Deacon is her son's new hockey team captain. Whoops. That hookup can never happen again, or can it?
.
.
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Watching Daley and Deacon navigate their chemistry was so fun! Deacon is classic golden retriever energy, and Daley is a total sports mom. We loved this one, and we can't wait to hear River's story! Thank you @melodytyden for the ARC and making a sequel to this, we love falling in love with a new hockey team! 💓🏒💕

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Melody Tyden for letting me read your ARC!
I loved this book ❤️ It sucked me in from the first chapter and kept me captivated until the end.
The reverse age gap is beautiful and something I have recently found that I really like. I absolutely love Daley and hope to be like her when I’m her age. Putting her pursuit of her dream career on the back burner so she could focus on River and raising him made me adore her character. Deacon is just ‘delightful’ 😉 and makes me melt every time he said Mama. And River, that boy is just so sweet, has a heart of gold and loves his mom. Can’t wait to read his story!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Between the Lines as an ARC from Melody, and it was my first read by her.
I was super impressed with her style of writing and loved how she wrote this book. It’s a dual POV that follows Daley, a single mom to a rookie pro hockey player, and Deacon, the captain of Daley’s son’s team. When a book starts with spice, you know it’s going to be good! The spice throughout the book was good, and I really appreciated that there wasn’t a third act break up.
Definitely get this one on your TBR!

[Nachelle Ronquillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fab read! A reverse age gap delight that has some serious relatability making it all the more enjoyable. This was my first time reading a book by Melody Tyden and it was so good. I never wanted to skip ahead or skim over passages, just the right amount of inner and spoken dialogue. Looking forward to a sequel! Such a loveable true adult character FMC Daley supporting her 18 year old son in his first hockey draft, followed by meeting the MMC Deacon leading to some forced proximity and mutual yearning.
Reverse age gap, hockey romance, slow burn, healing romance and pining.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deacon and Daley

Sports romance (hockey)
Reverse age gap
Teammates mum
Single mum
He falls first

I loved this. The reverse age gap was big enough to be a little confronting, and his nickname was cute, but it did annoy me a little… I get why it was used, but… eh.

Deke was such a sweet MMC, he gives golden retriever vibes, and I love how he was all in from the start.
I feel that it was a little unfinished - it needs an epilogue, but I suppose we’ll get an update when River gets his turn.

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stays in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Especially when you have to see that person because your son is on the same NHL team. But when the spice is so good it’s hard to quit it. Their connection and just hanging out, nailed in the fact that they had real feelings. I loved the communication between ALL of the characters. Extremely refreshing. An i would be lying if i said i cant wait for the next book, because I’m literally so excited for it!

[Sarah Baseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC opportunity.

This was the first Melody Tyden book I've read - and its left me thirsty for more of her work.

An older FMC with a younger MC, who just happens to be her sons captain? Hell yeah.

I loved the chemistry, the mature nature and very little other people drama throughout this book. It has you routing for them from the first paragraph, and doesn't leave you disappointed. Just enough plot, with extra sexy smut and it was a super fun easy read.

4 star!

[Taylor Faubel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!! I have never loved the reverse age gap, BUT Melody killed it! I genuinely didn’t put this book down at all! Deke and Daley’s story isn’t shy of its adversities, but despite issues there story excelled my expectations! The spice was amazing!!! And I’m a sucker for a good golden retriever MMC! Can’t wait to see if Melody creates this isn’t a larger series with the rest of the Wolves!

[Melissa Sleeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am 100% a sucker for a good hockey romance and Between the Lines completely delivered! The banter between Daley and Deacon was so good, it had me smiling the entire time. I finished it in less than 24 hours because I genuinely couldn’t put it down!

It was the perfect balance of story and romance and honestly I didn’t want it to end. I’m already counting down the days for the next book, Take the Shot (River’s story). I’ll be reading it the second it’s available!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun, easy read!! I loved Daley and Deacons instant chemistry. I liked that all the characters had open, clear communication. I think Melody did a great job with the reverse age gap! I love all of Melody's books! Definitely recommend if you like he falls first, hockey romance, reverse age gap!!

[Coriana Mullinix · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this more stars I would. I loved the chemistry between Deacon and Daley and how they clicked together. The fact that there is no third act break up or miscommunication trip is also a huge plus here. It meets all my expectations for a good hockey romance and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Alicia Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this is such a feel good book.......

I couldnt put it down, it simmers and builds up the anticipation, absolutly worth the read.

You will not be disapointed everyone loves a HEA

Thank you Melody for bringing your readers along for the ride!!!!! 💜

[Shannon Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! I absolutely loved everything about it. I can’t recommend this book enough!!

Tropes:
Reverse Age Gap
He falls first
Son’s teammate

Thank you Melody for the opportunity to read this ARC!!

[maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Melody, and honestly was super interested to read this because I haven't read any reverse age gap! This was a fun read and I really hope she writes a story about River!!!! Nothing like a vegas meet cute

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good omg. Deacon and Daley what are they. Damn. She goes to Vegas to support her son for his NHL. That’s where she met Deacon her son’s teammate and captain.

This story is good. Perfect amount of everything. Can’t wait for the next one

[Jill McBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I read this as and ARC read and finished it in under 24 hours. I couldn't put it down!

[Becky Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun read with age gap, forbidden love. it was an easy read that put me in an overall good mood