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Out of Bounds
CLOSE PROXIMITY, ICE HOCKEY, SPORTS ROMANCE - A STEAMY CONTEMPORARY SPORTS ROMANCE DEBUT
Everyone thinks Connor Mckibben is going pro—they couldn’t be more wrong, because years after losing his dad, Connor is still stuck in the past. Determined to keep his dad’s memory alive, Connor only has one thing on his mind; scrape by until graduation so he can move back home and pick up where he left off.
Daisy Belmont is tired of everyone expecting something from her. So when she wins a creative writing residency at Southbay University, it seems like the perfect chance to get away for the semester. The only issue is the infuriating hockey player down the hall.
Forced to live together, they struggle to see eye to eye—so when their tension comes to an all-time high one night, they both agree to file it away as a drunken mistake. Except neither of them can stop thinking about the other and as one night turns into many, Connor finds himself wanting more than just their temporary arrangement.
Everyone thinks Connor Mckibben is going pro—they couldn’t be more wrong, because years after losing his dad, Connor is still stuck in the past. Determined to keep his dad’s memory alive, Connor only has one thing on his mind; scrape by until graduation so he can move back home and pick up where he left off.
Daisy Belmont is tired of everyone expecting something from her. So when she wins a creative writing residency at Southbay University, it seems like the perfect chance to get away for the semester. The only issue is the infuriating hockey player down the hall.
Forced to live together, they struggle to see eye to eye—so when their tension comes to an all-time high one night, they both agree to file it away as a drunken mistake. Except neither of them can stop thinking about the other and as one night turns into many, Connor finds himself wanting more than just their temporary arrangement.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Sofie Wilde
1 book3 followersSofie Wilde is a self-proclaimed romance aficionado, who spends most of her time drooling over fictional characters and dreaming up swoony scenes. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her wrapped around a chrome pole or reading on the floor of her local bookstore. She currently lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy
3.75⭐️
I think his nickname for her is my favorite just because he was being a smart a@@ when he called her that and it stuck. Her name is Daisy but he calls her Tulip.
The thing that I have more questions than answers to is why are their panties in his side drawer? Still a mystery.
Things to expect from Out of Bounds:
🏒 Hockey romance
🩵 He falls first
🏒 Roommates to lovers
🩵 Friends with benefits
🏒 Close proximity
🩵 Found family
🏒 Eldest daughter
🩵 Time constraint
🏒 No one can know
Daisy Belmont wins a writing spot at Southbay University. When she has to move into a new apartment she has no idea who her roommate is going to be. She just knows that she cannot struggle with writing this they story she is working on. No distractions.
Their meet cute wasn't great because it just happened to be when Connor walks in on her while she was getting out of the shower. She screamed. He screamed. They always say there is a fine line between love and hate.
After that meet cute Connor fell for her quick. While trying to figure out Daisy's emotions he is struggling with a rink closing and making decision's that will change his whole life.
Something that aggravates me is when the person that runs excepts the other person to leave them but gets upset when they don't come running back begging them to stay.
This is a debut novel so I am not going to critique to hard. The pacing flowed so we didn't get stuck to long in one place. I do feel like there wasn't much growth. More like a basic hockey romance. I will be reading the next book.
Thank you Sofie Wilde for the early copy. Above are my honest reviews.
I think his nickname for her is my favorite just because he was being a smart a@@ when he called her that and it stuck. Her name is Daisy but he calls her Tulip.
The thing that I have more questions than answers to is why are their panties in his side drawer? Still a mystery.
Things to expect from Out of Bounds:
🏒 Hockey romance
🩵 He falls first
🏒 Roommates to lovers
🩵 Friends with benefits
🏒 Close proximity
🩵 Found family
🏒 Eldest daughter
🩵 Time constraint
🏒 No one can know
Daisy Belmont wins a writing spot at Southbay University. When she has to move into a new apartment she has no idea who her roommate is going to be. She just knows that she cannot struggle with writing this they story she is working on. No distractions.
Their meet cute wasn't great because it just happened to be when Connor walks in on her while she was getting out of the shower. She screamed. He screamed. They always say there is a fine line between love and hate.
After that meet cute Connor fell for her quick. While trying to figure out Daisy's emotions he is struggling with a rink closing and making decision's that will change his whole life.
Something that aggravates me is when the person that runs excepts the other person to leave them but gets upset when they don't come running back begging them to stay.
This is a debut novel so I am not going to critique to hard. The pacing flowed so we didn't get stuck to long in one place. I do feel like there wasn't much growth. More like a basic hockey romance. I will be reading the next book.
Thank you Sofie Wilde for the early copy. Above are my honest reviews.
April 1, 2026
4.5 🌟.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC opportunity! I think that as her debut novel, this was such a great introduction to her work! There were so many great side characters on the hockey team like Ollie and Aiden and also in the friend group, that I can definitely see potential for additional books / a growing series.
I hated Connor the first few times he was introduced as he is your typical over confident hockey player, but he quickly grew on me and I loved how Daisy was able to bring our a softer side to him!
Daisy grew a lot throughout the book, it was nice to see her realize that taking care of her own happiness should come before pleasing others. I was glad that her mum finally made a breakthrough and did not try to make her feel guilty for wanting to stay away for college long term. I think a lot can relate to Daisy's struggle in being the older sister that always puts others before herself.
Another highlight for me was the little hockey team that Connor coached, I loved how Connor fought for them and always wanted to provide a safe space for the kids to play. The whole time I was waiting for him to finally realize that he was meant to be a coach instead of going pro!
I wish we had longer epilogue of Connor and Daisy being in a relationship, they had such fun banter. I look forward to seeing what comes next from Sofie Wilde.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC opportunity! I think that as her debut novel, this was such a great introduction to her work! There were so many great side characters on the hockey team like Ollie and Aiden and also in the friend group, that I can definitely see potential for additional books / a growing series.
I hated Connor the first few times he was introduced as he is your typical over confident hockey player, but he quickly grew on me and I loved how Daisy was able to bring our a softer side to him!
Daisy grew a lot throughout the book, it was nice to see her realize that taking care of her own happiness should come before pleasing others. I was glad that her mum finally made a breakthrough and did not try to make her feel guilty for wanting to stay away for college long term. I think a lot can relate to Daisy's struggle in being the older sister that always puts others before herself.
Another highlight for me was the little hockey team that Connor coached, I loved how Connor fought for them and always wanted to provide a safe space for the kids to play. The whole time I was waiting for him to finally realize that he was meant to be a coach instead of going pro!
I wish we had longer epilogue of Connor and Daisy being in a relationship, they had such fun banter. I look forward to seeing what comes next from Sofie Wilde.
April 2, 2026
Greek god hockey players
Out Of Bounds
🌶️:3 ⭐️:4
Forced Proximity
He falls first
Banter
Eldest daughter x golden retriever
Connor is the Greek God of hockey players at Southbay. After a night out on with the boys he comes home covered in his teammates vomit to find a cute blonde naked in his shower. Only in his boxers and hockey stick in hand does he realize that the housing department gave him a roommate while he was at his game. Daisy is a small town girl from Colorado attending Southbay for the semester while working under the legendary Tarah Striker. Tarah see’s Daisy’s talents and knows she has what it takes to be a best selling author.
What starts as a game of who can avoid who quickly turns into a one night stand that should never have happened. Daisy is a people pleaser and can’t handle anyone else taking from her. Given the chance Daisy will bolt before letting anyone in. Meanwhile Connor’s whole world is falling apart while he struggles with wanting to enter the draft or see what else is out there in life. In the process both of them start blurring the lines of friendship and what could be a relationship.
Will Daisy bolt from Connor, or will she finally let someone be there for her? What will Connor do, will he give up going pro or will he find something better in life? Go read Out Of Bounds to find out!
Out Of Bounds
🌶️:3 ⭐️:4
Forced Proximity
He falls first
Banter
Eldest daughter x golden retriever
Connor is the Greek God of hockey players at Southbay. After a night out on with the boys he comes home covered in his teammates vomit to find a cute blonde naked in his shower. Only in his boxers and hockey stick in hand does he realize that the housing department gave him a roommate while he was at his game. Daisy is a small town girl from Colorado attending Southbay for the semester while working under the legendary Tarah Striker. Tarah see’s Daisy’s talents and knows she has what it takes to be a best selling author.
What starts as a game of who can avoid who quickly turns into a one night stand that should never have happened. Daisy is a people pleaser and can’t handle anyone else taking from her. Given the chance Daisy will bolt before letting anyone in. Meanwhile Connor’s whole world is falling apart while he struggles with wanting to enter the draft or see what else is out there in life. In the process both of them start blurring the lines of friendship and what could be a relationship.
Will Daisy bolt from Connor, or will she finally let someone be there for her? What will Connor do, will he give up going pro or will he find something better in life? Go read Out Of Bounds to find out!
April 6, 2026
4.25⭐️
WOW WOW WOW. First off I want to say how PROUD I am of Sofie. It was an honor to read her debut book and I'm truly amazed how beautifully written this is🥹 This had me cheesing and I couldnt put it down. I ended up walking on the treadmill for an hour reading and not realizing cause I was sucked in!!
I loved these characters and how they met🤭 If there's one thing about me I eat up a forced proximity and when these 2 are unexpected Roommates it made it 10x better🙂↕️
Daisy was adorable. A girl with a dream to write a romance book and looking for inspiration. It all came flowing being stuck in the same place as a hockey player who likes to pick on her🤭 Constantly checking on her, and even calling her Tulip to get under her skin. swoon😩
Connor was so dang sweet🥹 A reformed playboy turned down bad man. When this man fell first, he truly did and HARD. I still giggle over the way they met and instantly he knew he felt something. From checking on her constantly to finding her easily in the hockey crowd, he was truly a heartthrob.
I loved all the side characters. Daisy's bestfriends who pulled her in so easily to the other hockey players. I am truly so excited to see who's story's next(I may have an idea)🤭
Hockey romance
He falls first
Roommates to lovers
Friends with benefits
Close proximity
Found family
Thank you Sofie for this beautiful arc🥹💙
booksta- romance.with.bri
WOW WOW WOW. First off I want to say how PROUD I am of Sofie. It was an honor to read her debut book and I'm truly amazed how beautifully written this is🥹 This had me cheesing and I couldnt put it down. I ended up walking on the treadmill for an hour reading and not realizing cause I was sucked in!!
I loved these characters and how they met🤭 If there's one thing about me I eat up a forced proximity and when these 2 are unexpected Roommates it made it 10x better🙂↕️
Daisy was adorable. A girl with a dream to write a romance book and looking for inspiration. It all came flowing being stuck in the same place as a hockey player who likes to pick on her🤭 Constantly checking on her, and even calling her Tulip to get under her skin. swoon😩
Connor was so dang sweet🥹 A reformed playboy turned down bad man. When this man fell first, he truly did and HARD. I still giggle over the way they met and instantly he knew he felt something. From checking on her constantly to finding her easily in the hockey crowd, he was truly a heartthrob.
I loved all the side characters. Daisy's bestfriends who pulled her in so easily to the other hockey players. I am truly so excited to see who's story's next(I may have an idea)🤭
Hockey romance
He falls first
Roommates to lovers
Friends with benefits
Close proximity
Found family
Thank you Sofie for this beautiful arc🥹💙
booksta- romance.with.bri
April 15, 2026
This was a really cute story with a little bit of spice. Connor is a college hockey star who's roommate just moved out. Daisy is an aspiring writer who has earned an coveted artist in residence spot at the university, putting her in need of a place to live. When a housing snafu leaves Connor's newly emptied spare room as Daisy's only option, the new roommates butt heads.
I enjoyed this book, but I found the first half dragged a bit. The hockey player characters were fairly cliché, at least to start, and I wasn't feeling much pining or angsty yearning between the two main characters, but they also didn't hate each other enough to quite get to a "hate to love" situation. However, once I got past about 50%, the story picked up considerably and the characters developed more rounded personalities and more fleshed-out backstories. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Note: I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
I enjoyed this book, but I found the first half dragged a bit. The hockey player characters were fairly cliché, at least to start, and I wasn't feeling much pining or angsty yearning between the two main characters, but they also didn't hate each other enough to quite get to a "hate to love" situation. However, once I got past about 50%, the story picked up considerably and the characters developed more rounded personalities and more fleshed-out backstories. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Note: I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
April 15, 2026
A fun read
I adored this story so much that even the few inconsistencies I noticed in a couple of places didn't pull me from the story. The banter between Connor and Daisy was fun to read, but I especially loved seeing Connor's friendships with the guys. They have their quirks just like anyone else, but they're good guys and they're good for Conner.
My favorite parts were when both Connor and Daisy decided to take their lives into their own hands and go for what they want. They both deserved it. And I'm glad they had someone other than each other in their rink to help them realize it. I also enjoyed watching how Connor and Daisy's relationship developed without them realizing. Of course I would have liked to see them handle it better, but it wouldn't have made for a better story. And wouldn't love how him being a perk by giving her a nickname would stick and be something they both liked so much.
I cannot wait for the next story in the series.
I adored this story so much that even the few inconsistencies I noticed in a couple of places didn't pull me from the story. The banter between Connor and Daisy was fun to read, but I especially loved seeing Connor's friendships with the guys. They have their quirks just like anyone else, but they're good guys and they're good for Conner.
My favorite parts were when both Connor and Daisy decided to take their lives into their own hands and go for what they want. They both deserved it. And I'm glad they had someone other than each other in their rink to help them realize it. I also enjoyed watching how Connor and Daisy's relationship developed without them realizing. Of course I would have liked to see them handle it better, but it wouldn't have made for a better story. And wouldn't love how him being a perk by giving her a nickname would stick and be something they both liked so much.
I cannot wait for the next story in the series.
March 31, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much Sofie Wilde for this ARC!! This is my honest review.💕
Out of Bounds is book one in a standalone series. I’ve been reading a lot of romantasy and dark romance lately, and this was the perfect chill read for me. I loved both characters and honestly wish I could have had more time with them.
Connor (MMC) is on the hockey team and lives alone after his roommate leaves before Christmas. Then in comes Daisy (FMC), a writer who’s only there for the semester. When the school has nowhere else to put her, they room her with Connor. They definitely get off on the wrong foot, and you’ll have to read to find out what happens when they realize they’re roommates.
I’ll definitely be reading book two when it comes out!!
Thank you so much Sofie Wilde for this ARC!! This is my honest review.💕
Out of Bounds is book one in a standalone series. I’ve been reading a lot of romantasy and dark romance lately, and this was the perfect chill read for me. I loved both characters and honestly wish I could have had more time with them.
Connor (MMC) is on the hockey team and lives alone after his roommate leaves before Christmas. Then in comes Daisy (FMC), a writer who’s only there for the semester. When the school has nowhere else to put her, they room her with Connor. They definitely get off on the wrong foot, and you’ll have to read to find out what happens when they realize they’re roommates.
I’ll definitely be reading book two when it comes out!!
April 8, 2026
Out of Bounds felt full—in the best way. Every character had depth, their own struggles, and subplots that made them feel real. Nothing was superficial; everything mattered.
Connor’s golden‑retriever energy absolutely melted me, and Daisy’s hesitation made perfect sense. Their chemistry was genuine, tender, and beautifully written. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the dynamics between all the characters—the team players and the girls—were wholesome, funny, and full of heart.
The story flowed naturally, with a writing style that felt effortless yet rich. It’s one of those books that reminds you why you love romance—the emotion, the growth, the connection. I’d happily read anything Sofie writes next.
Connor’s golden‑retriever energy absolutely melted me, and Daisy’s hesitation made perfect sense. Their chemistry was genuine, tender, and beautifully written. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the dynamics between all the characters—the team players and the girls—were wholesome, funny, and full of heart.
The story flowed naturally, with a writing style that felt effortless yet rich. It’s one of those books that reminds you why you love romance—the emotion, the growth, the connection. I’d happily read anything Sofie writes next.
April 20, 2026
ARC review!
"You don't have to be the glue anymore,"
This book was fun to read! As a people pleaser and aspiring author myself, I definitely related a lot to Daisy (so maybe there's a hot hockey guy in my future too?).
The story had very interesting characters and it wasn't all about the spicy scenes—everyone had more below the surface and it was more than a "will they/won't they" kind of plot. The spice was there and it was good AND the story was more than that. The struggle to find yourself, your goals, your independence despite all of the expectations put on you, that's where the story really drew me in.
I am very excited to see what Sofie Wilde has in store for the next book in her series!
"You don't have to be the glue anymore,"
This book was fun to read! As a people pleaser and aspiring author myself, I definitely related a lot to Daisy (so maybe there's a hot hockey guy in my future too?).
The story had very interesting characters and it wasn't all about the spicy scenes—everyone had more below the surface and it was more than a "will they/won't they" kind of plot. The spice was there and it was good AND the story was more than that. The struggle to find yourself, your goals, your independence despite all of the expectations put on you, that's where the story really drew me in.
I am very excited to see what Sofie Wilde has in store for the next book in her series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I laughed and giggled through 97% and I cried and screamed at the author for 3% of this fabulous book
Connor is the super hot hockey player and top shelf book boyfriend material and his team mates are ridiculously funny
Daisy is a sweet, people pleasing eldest daughter who is working hard to be a romance author and her friends are the best a girl could ask for
Their chemistry is swoon-worthy and the spice level hits just right
I am a huge fan of hockey romance and have definitely read quite a few of them and this one was a breath of fresh air with a fun story, with great characters and very well written
I cannot wait to read more from this debut author, I am a huge fan already 💕
Connor is the super hot hockey player and top shelf book boyfriend material and his team mates are ridiculously funny
Daisy is a sweet, people pleasing eldest daughter who is working hard to be a romance author and her friends are the best a girl could ask for
Their chemistry is swoon-worthy and the spice level hits just right
I am a huge fan of hockey romance and have definitely read quite a few of them and this one was a breath of fresh air with a fun story, with great characters and very well written
I cannot wait to read more from this debut author, I am a huge fan already 💕
April 3, 2026
Daisy is my girl, as a people pleaser myself it’s nice to have an fmc that’s easy to feel connected to in that way. Connor is an anxious lil bean and I just wanted to give him a hug most of the book. From their first interaction I knew these two would be fun and they were but they definitely still had their challenges. I really enjoyed the dynamics with their friends/teammates, it felt a little like the found family trope to me and I loved it. This is a fantastic debut hockey romance!
*Honored to have received an early copy in exchange for my honest review*
*Honored to have received an early copy in exchange for my honest review*
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a debut author I found Sofie’s writing style very entertaining. I am a sucker for a great hockey romance. I found the characters very delightful. There was just the right amount of humor and sarcasm mixed it. There were some very emotional parts that moved me to tears. I felt the chemistry between Daisy and Connor was on point. I look forward to many more books by Sofie. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by bookfunnel.
March 29, 2026
Okay…this ARC kinda just made me frustrated all around. I fell like there wasn’t enough tension before the first kiss. I also saw too many references to other books that I’ve read. While this did frustrate me, I do like the characters. Connor’s sarcasm and flirting was 10/10. I do wish Daisy’s change had been more deep though
April 14, 2026
Five ⭐️Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Daisy and Conner. What a beautiful story . The banter,the tension the way the relationship changes. I felt so many emotions. Was first time reading a book by this author and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely loved it. The roller coaster of emotions. I was drawn in from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
Daisy and Conner. What a beautiful story . The banter,the tension the way the relationship changes. I felt so many emotions. Was first time reading a book by this author and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely loved it. The roller coaster of emotions. I was drawn in from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
April 2, 2026
Arc Review
This is a great debut novel of sports romance. Connor and daisy’s relationship was so cute to read and their banter was also funny.
This is a great debut novel of sports romance. Connor and daisy’s relationship was so cute to read and their banter was also funny.
April 3, 2026
Loved this! Super cute, light and fun to read
April 16, 2026
Gosh. This book was fricking cute!!!!
April 22, 2026
This was a fun one! I’m glad I stumbled upon this on Instagram. Definitely a new author to look out for! I’m excited for the next one!
April 24, 2026
obsessed obsessed obsessed!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews