He’s the Mustang’s most feared enforcer. Sean Grady lives for two things—protecting his team and keeping his heart locked behind the armor that makes him the most dangerous player on the ice. As the Mustang’s enforcer, he’s built a reputation on hits that rattle the boards and fists that make grown men think twice.
But the night we meet in a crowded bar changes everything.
One sketch on a napkin. One unforgettable night. One man who refuses to forget me.
Before I know it, I’m standing under the wide Montana sky, surrounded by the only family he’s ever known, wondering how a man who hits like a freight train can look at me like I’m the only thing in the world that matters.
Sean says what we have is forever.
But forever is terrifying when you’ve spent your whole life feeling like you were meant to leave before anyone could ask you to stay.
Hockey is brutal. Love might be worse.
Because the closer I get to Sean Grady, the more I realize something dangerous:
The enforcer who protects everyone else… has decided I’m his to protect too.
I live in a beautiful river town in North Carolina with my husband, kids, in-laws and fur babies. I love to travel and books. If I am not reading one I am writing one. I love how a book can give you an escape from our normal world. You can be anywhere and become anyone.
I want anyone reading one of my books to remember this.... you are worthy, you are loved, you are wanted!
This is my favorite Jennifer Smith book, ever. The transformation of Grady from goofy “player” of the first two book in the Mustangs series - to completely consumed by Lennon made my heart MELT.
Lennon’s growth from kid sister of Jasper, to learning to be her own woman, to falling in love with Grady was captured in a way that felt genuine and not forced. With each new chapter, you could feel her emotional growth and the processes of overcoming that over thinker persona to actually allowing someone to love her and to love in return.
I couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear with every turn of the page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First I would like to say thank you to the author Jennifer for sending me this gem of a book to ARC read. I enjoyed the book a lot. Sean Grady the man that he is dropping everything and anything to run and take care of her and for also remembering her coffee order omg so swoon worthy. Lennon aka Hummingbird has a difficult time trying to figure out who she is outside of her brothers shadow and when she does, baby let me tell you she shines brighter then all the stars in Montana
This Hockey romance was scrumptious! Grady, The MMC, may be an imposing force to be reckoned with on the ice- but off the ice he is the epitome of a green flag.
A man who remembers your coffee order.✅ A man who shows up with a heating pad, chocolate, and fuzzy socks. ✅ A man who saves a napkin you doodled on the night you met. ✅ A man who sees the real you, the one behind the mask…✅ And so much more. 🪽
Hey Siri- play Thinkin bout you by Frank Ocean 🎶
“What scares me,” I continue slowly, “is what would happen if it blew up in our faces.” “What would happen,” he asks gently, “if it didn’t?”.
I loved the patience. The showing up. Words are lovely, but actions are tangible. 👌🏻
If you love a Hockey romance, forbidden love, touch her and die, and found family— add this to your TBR!
1. Grady's (Sean to Lennon) mom tells Lennon that he's filled notebooks with sketches. Yet he goes to an art store for supplies to surprise her with and acts as if he's never seen any of the items nor done something artistic himself. Then, when he gives her tbe stuff, and she sboqs him a drawing later, NOTHING is ever said about him sketching in the past. That makes no aense. 2. He flew to Montana because he grew up there and his dad is having surgery. Yet he and Lennon have been there a week and the (upcoming) surgery hasn't been mentioned once. Finally! It's mentioned, though it's almost in passing with the positive outcome of it. 3. I want Sawyer, Lennon's oldest brother, to get a book.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Grady and Lennon’s story! I leave a little piece of my heart in each book and I'm always grateful for YOU to take the chance on an indie author! Stay tuned for Dean and Maddie’s book! Coming soon!
She wasn’t supposed to linger. And he definitely wasn’t supposed to want her. One night to block the noise. No names. No numbers. Nothing after one unforgettable night together with touches that lingered. Lingered for months when she walked back into his life. Into his life that she happened to be familiar with. I life that made them closer then they knew and he finally learned just how forbidden she really was.
Right from Risk it All, I have been in love with Grady’s flirty golden boy energy and I couldn’t get through the first two books fast enough to get to his story! Jennifer gave me all the feels with this book. Her writing just captivates you and the story telling makes you want to stay. Epically when she writes a love story that is brighter then the stars in a Montana night sky.
This book didn’t just give me a hockey romance…it gave me a standard. 🏒💙 Because Grady? He’s not loud about it. He’s not performative. He just… shows up. Every. Single. Time.
It’s the quiet things that ruin me with a story: Remembering how she takes her coffee ☕️ Showing up when she doesn’t ask for help Holding onto something as small as a doodled napkin like it means everything 🥹 Calling his mom to find out how to take care of her. SWOON🥰
And Lennon. Our Hummingbird 🪽 She’s been living in the background for so long, you almost don’t realize how much she’s shrinking herself, until she finally doesn’t. Watching her step into her own life, her own voice, her own love? Yeah, that hit.
Grady and Lennon’s story isn’t instant. It’s not rushed. It’s patience. It’s tension. It’s “I’ll wait for you, even when it’s hard.” ✨ small-town hockey ✨ forbidden, but make it worth the risk ✨ found family that feels like home ✨ a man who chooses her., over and over again
“In this life, and the next, hummingbird.” Yeah… that line stayed with me.
This is the third book in the Mustangs series, and although I haven’t read the previous ones, it didn’t matter. It works perfectly well as a standalone.
Right from the start, the story dives into the intense emotions of a hot one-night stand—one that leaves one of them realizing the next morning that they actually wanted something more. Instead of exchanging information, they part ways. When it becomes clear that the mystery woman is actually a teammate’s little sister, things take an unexpected turn.
Grady is quiet but uncompromising—a steadfast defender on the team. He’s the invisible observer who protects his teammates before trouble even hits. Lennon, on the other hand, is used to being “the little sister,” the one no one sees as anything more than an accessory to her brother’s career.
The book delivers a delicious mix of hockey romance and the classic “teammate’s little sister” dynamic. But even more importantly, it explores insecurity and trust—courage and the willingness to believe that you can show your whole self, not just the version others think they see.
I loved Grady’s patience and the way he fought for the relationship—and his relationship with his mother, which is probably what every mom hopes for. Lennon’s protective older brothers added that perfect touch of “don’t you dare touch my little sister” tension.
It’s a slow burn, but absolutely worth reading for the way Jennifer captures fear, vulnerability, bravery, and the raw courage it takes to trust another person—with your soul, your self-image, your inner world laid bare for someone else to truly see. And ultimately, for what follows when you dare to take that leap of faith and discover that every dream you’ve held close can come true, forever.
Worth It All was my first M/F hockey romance, and I went into it not entirely sure if it would be my thing, but I ended up really enjoying the experience.
Even without reading the previous books in the series, this story stood strong on its own. I never felt lost or like I was missing important context, which made it easy to settle into the world and focus on Sean and Lennon’s story from the start.
Grady is exactly what you expect from an “enforcer” even not knowing much about hockey (intense, protective, and a little intimidating) but what made him stand out was how deeply he cared. The contrast between who he is on the ice and who he is with Lennon was one of my favorite parts of the book. He softens for her in a way that feels genuine rather than forced, and his devotion never tips into feeling overbearing. It’s very much that “he’d burn the world for her, but also build her one if she asked” kind of energy.
Lennon’s character arc added a lot of depth to the story. A major theme throughout the book is her struggle to form an identity outside of her sibling, and I really appreciated that this wasn’t rushed. We get to see her take the time to figure out who she is and what she wants, which made her growth feel realistic and earned.
The chemistry between Grady and Lennon was strong from the beginning, and their connection developed in a way that felt natural and engaging. Their dynamic balanced emotional vulnerability with lighter, softer moments, which kept the romance feeling both grounded and enjoyable.
Overall, this was a fun and well-rounded read. While I don’t see hockey romance becoming a go-to genre for me, this book proved that a strong romance, compelling characters, and meaningful character development can make any setting work. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy protective heroes, emotional growth, and a story that can stand confidently on its own within a larger series.
Grady is so soft when it comes to Lennon, and it’s honestly one of my favorite things about this story. They have one night together, and it’s enough to stay with him. It’s not just something he moves on from. She lingers.
Months later, she’s suddenly back in his life… and completely off limits. His teammate’s sister. And somehow that doesn’t change how he feels about her at all.
Lennon’s need to protect herself makes complete sense. You understand why she keeps her guard up, why she keeps her distance even when it’s clear she feels it too.
So instead of pushing, they just… exist around each other. It’s the quiet moments. The lingering eye contact. The almost conversations. That unspoken pull where nothing is happening, but everything is happening. And Grady? He doesn’t chase in a way that pressures her. He just stays.
The way he gravitates toward her feels so natural. It’s not overwhelming or possessive. It’s grounding. She steadies him just as much as he supports her. Even something as simple as him holding her hand doesn’t feel like ownership. It feels like reassurance. Like he’s saying, “I’m here,” without needing anything in return.
And the patience he shows her is what really got me. He gives her the space to work through everything, and when she finally starts to let those walls down… you understand exactly why he never walked away. I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I'm going to make her mine. Not because I can. Because she's worth the work.
Reviewed by Dee Layton on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club. Title: Worth It All Author: Jennifer Smith Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is the third book in the mustang series. I personally did read the first and second book before this one just to be caught up because they are interconnected. And the other books I kind of noticed that Grady was Goofy and funny and just a real big joker and then getting into the book now worth it all he became a very mature and serious version of his self. Sean Grady was an enforcer for the team and he made sure the team stayed safe. He's a very loyal, protective, and all around just amazing person. Now Lennon AKA hummingbird she was a very sweet and humble woman, yet had a little trouble finding herself outside of her brother's shadow but when she did boy she shined brighter than any star in the sky. Grady absolutely loved Lennon and was consumed with her. To the point he knew her coffee order, he showed up with a heating pad, chocolate and fuzzy socks when she needed it. Lennon felt like Grady seen through her facade and really seen the true woman she was. Overall, this was an absolutely phenomenal book I loved the chemistry between the two. I loved how the MMC was just over the moon about the FMC. I'm now fully invested in this series and cannot wait to see what happens next.
The narrative promptly immerses the reader in the profound emotional impact of a passionate one-night encounter, leading one participant to a subsequent realization of a desire for a deeper connection. Despite this, they separate without exchanging contact details. The plot takes an unforeseen turn when the enigmatic woman is revealed to be the younger sister of a teammate.
Grady is characterized by his reserved demeanor yet unwavering resolve, serving as a steadfast defender within the team. He operates as an unseen guardian, proactively shielding his teammates from impending issues. Conversely, Lennon is accustomed to being perceived as "the little sister," often overlooked and viewed merely as an appendage to her brother's professional life.
This work masterfully blends the excitement of hockey romance with the classic "teammate's little sister" trope. More significantly, it delves into themes of insecurity and trust, courage, and the readiness to reveal one's authentic self, rather than merely the persona others perceive.
Ultimately, it explores the profound outcomes that arise when one dares to take such a leap of faith, discovering that cherished aspirations can indeed materialize into lasting realities.
Worth It All ( Mustangs Series Book # 3 ) well Jennifer has wecked me , just wrecked me in all the best ways . Worth It all is one of those romances that has the ability to capture your heart , that will have you reeling from so many different emotions and will resonate with you on so many levels. It’s devastating, it’s raw , it’s messy , it’s heartbreaking, heartwarming and so so emotional. Oh how I loved Sean and Lennon - how real they were and how the things they struggled through were so relatable. I loved that neither was perfect and that to find their happy ending was not easy / they had to work for it and overcome so many obstacles. I loved how seam was so protective of Lennon , how no matter what was going on in his life he was always right there by her side supporting her and showing her how much he cared. He literally dropped everything to be there to take care of her . To do the smallest things to make her feel cared for like remembering how she liked her coffee oh how I was swooning!’ Oh how I could not stop myself from smiling, laughing, crying, yelling and cheering these two on so so hard . Worth It all is a must read for absolutely everyone!!
this is a cute book. as far as spice goes there's not a bunch of moments in there but with that it allows much more of the actual plot to shine through. so you have a hockey enforcer and a sweet amazing woman he met in a bar, was supposed to be a one-night stand but it was one of those you just never get over. fast forward a little bit and they collide back with each other unfortunately it comes with some complications, one being who she's related to and to being the fact that she grew up and someone else's Shadow for so long and thought that that's the only reason anyone wanted anything to do with her she had such a hard time coming out of that. the main male character is an absolute sweetheart despite his role in hockey him as a person is just a beautiful soul. I would absolutely recommend this along with the rest of the series and her previous books to anybody they are not dark they are cute but in a lot of cases there's a hurdle so it's not easy but we knew no you know and you make it work.
Grady (MMC) The Enforcer, Protector and the problem he does everything for this team and has sore Jake and Luka how much he wants to belong! He wants to be with his captain “Jake” & “Luka” The goalie the back bone of this hockey team!! The brother hood that they build is truly amazing but what’s more amazing is he found her! Not her name! Not someone he really thought he could have his forever with! He always gave Jake issues with Penelope but he knew she wasn’t his! But loved to stir the pot! Then out of no where there she was not just Hummingbird but his!
Lennon (FMC) she couldn’t stop she needed this hummingbird so bad to be perfect and then two seats down a man that saw her not a hockey players sister but her! Jasper Williams sister!!! But proud of her brother but scared to love and let someone love her that’s why she never told him her name after that night she thought she would have never saw him again but fate!! They finally come to an agreement and realize that they are met for each other and Montana is their happy place!
I want to start by saying thank you to Jennifer Smith for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
This story is short, sweet, and completely unputdownable. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after a heavier read—light, engaging, and full of heart without feeling rushed or shallow.
Grady is an absolutely delicious MMC who knows exactly what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. But what truly makes him stand out are the quieter moments in between. He’s attentive, patient, and deeply supportive, giving Lennon the space she needs to discover who she is and where she belongs, while never being too far from her side.
Lennon’s journey feels genuine and heartfelt, and the dynamic between her and Grady is both tender and compelling. The story unfolds beautifully, balancing romance with personal growth in a way that feels natural and satisfying.
Overall, this is a beautiful story that I would absolutely recommend to everyone looking for something uplifting, comforting, and full of charm.
Grady and Lennon are the perfect love story. The perfect relationship is about give and take. Grady and Lennon are just that. The rugged hockey enforcer who would burn the world down if it meant keeping her safe and happy. And Lennon the shy quiet artist that follows her brothers everywhere and keeps herself small to fit into their worlds. But when luck places these two in the same tow once more love blossom and takes root. Grady fights for Lennon and make her know her worth refusing to let her stay small and meek. After a trip to Grady’s hometown in Montana, he finally professed his love to learn, but the true test will be whether or not that last once they were turned back to Chicago. This story is very well written, and the author draws you into the world that makes you fall in love with the characters you’re rooting for Grady and Lennon from the very beginning.
This is my first time reading this author and I'm so glad that I signed up for this book. What starts as a one night stand turns into the slowest of slow burns - the pining and yearning 🥵 - after our two MCs realize that they are connected through his hockey team. What unfolds is a beautiful story of romance, finding one's worth, and allowing love space to build strong enough to survive the pressures of fame and notoriety. He's so intentional with every move he makes towards her and she learns to trust that she is enough outside her hockey player brother's shadow. The writer's words are gentle, yet powerful - especially in his words and her inner monologue. Book 3 of this series is indeed a standalone, but now I'm excited to go back to books 1 & 2 and see how love pans out for the other characters I met in this one!
Short, sweet, and completely unputdownable 😭💖 This is the perfect palate cleanser after a heavier read — light, heartwarming, and full of charm without ever feeling rushed. Grady is everything you want in a hero — attentive, patient, deeply supportive, and knows exactly what he wants. But it’s the quiet, tender moments between him and Lennon that truly make the story sparkle. He gives her space to grow while being right there when she needs him. Lennon’s journey feels genuine, heartfelt, and her chemistry with Grady is chef’s kiss. The story balances romance and personal growth perfectly, with just the right small-town vibes to make it feel cozy and real. If you’re looking for a light, uplifting romance that will leave your heart full, this one is worth every second 🫶✨
This is a hockey romance with a mix of meet cute and forbidden love vibes. One of my favorite moments is the secret tattoo the MMC gets It’s an unexpected gesture that helps create the desirability of the FMC.
The FMC, Lennon, is the MMC, Grady's, teammate’s little sister, which makes her very much off limits. You get to experience them navigating that line and slowly give in to their connection.
The romance is heartfelt, the hockey backdrop is fun as always, and the HEA is well earned. If you enjoy low angst slow burn sports romances with a cute twist and a devoted hero, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Lennon meets a handsome stranger, Sean, in a bar one night as she's contemplating her future. They share the perfect night, and she leaves before he wakes in the morning. Months later, when her brother and the hockey team he was traded to mid-season, win the championship, she rushes onto the ice to celebrate him, only to see his teammate, Grady, is the stranger from the bar. For him, it's instant - he wants her to be part of his life forever. For her, she has always felt like she lived in the shadow of her older brothers and never had an identity of her own. Can the two of them overcome Lennon's insecurities and find a way to make things work? This was a well-written, brother's teammate, slow-burn sports romance, with a HEA.
First I want to thank the author, Jennifer, for the opportunity to read this book. Things start off with a steamy one night stand between Sean/Grady, and Hummingbird/Lennon. They later run into each other when she shows up to support her brother who just happens to be on the same team as Grady. Lennon struggles trying to figure out who she is outside of her brothers. Grady is the type of book boyfriend to swoon over. He's so patient, loyal, and protective of Lennon. Grady doesn't just use words try to convince Lennon, but his actions speak loud and clear. He's one that will steal your heart from the start!!
I really enjoyed Worth It All by Jennifer Smith. The writing style is easy, smooth, and super engaging, which made it such a quick and enjoyable read.
Lennon and Sean are absolutely adorable together—I loved their dynamic and how their relationship developed. It’s refreshing to read a romance that focuses on overcoming personal insecurities without any unnecessary drama. No nastiness, no cheating—just a genuinely feel-good story.
If you’re looking for a light, uplifting read that you can easily get lost in, this is definitely one to pick up.
I adored this story. Seeing Grady’s dedication, devotion, and attention while Lennon was struggling to accept all the emotions going on between them was magical. Sure, Sean Grady is a hockey enforcer, but he’s got a soft side just for her.
This was a mix of hockey and small town romance, and I am totally here for it! From Chicago to Montana and back again, we get to see Sean and Lennon evolve. I love the moment the hummingbird tattoo is discovered and Lennon realizes just how serious he is.
We’re getting Dean (coach) and Maddie’s story next, but I feel like Jasper needs a book…I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Mustangs players.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review – Worth It All by Jennifer Smith
had the privilege of reading Worth It All as an ARC, and wow… I absolutely loved this book.
This is the third book in the Mustangs Hockey Series, and it follows Grady and Lennon’s story and their chemistry had me hooked from the start. The emotional tension, the character growth, and the swoony moments were perfectly balanced and kept me turning pages way too late into the night. I read this whole book in ONE sitting.
Jennifer Smith does such a great job creating characters you genuinely root for, and Grady and Lennon’s journey was completely worth the ride.
If you love hockey romance with heart, tension, and all the feels, definitely add this one to your TBR. 🏒📚✨
Hockey, Teammate's sister, found family...the perfect trope trifecta! I absolutely ate up this book. Grady quickly became my favorite Mustangs MMC and will forever have my heart. There is so much character growth that is genuine and earned.
Lennon's journey of outgrowing her brother's shadow is truly relatable and real.
Grady's connection with Lennon is what dreams are made of, and their love is easy to root for! Overall, it’s a simple, feel-good story about growth and love that stays with you.
I am officially obsessed with Worth It All! Thank you, Jennifer Smith, for the ARC. If you loved Grady in the previous Mustang books, just wait until you see him here. His growth from a carefree flirt to a deeply devoted partner for Lennon was everything I didn't know I needed. And Lennon? Her journey toward self-discovery and opening her heart was so beautifully handled and relatable. That "hummingbird" line? Chills. I was glued to every chapter and wore a permanent smile the entire time I was reading. Five stars, no notes!
Enforcer and protector Sean... the one who has everyone's back... meeting Lennon throws him off balance. Especially when she comes right back into his life after thinking it was just one night. Lennon, the girl who has followed her brother and been the one who doesn't make waves or risk anything and after meeting Sean, and with his help, becomes who she is truly meant to be. These two bring out the best in each other. Sean's nature helps her realize she is her own person and can do anything she wants to.
Sean and Lennon are such a goal to have. As someone who overtones and second guesses everything to the point of panic, I am Lennon. I identify with her so much. it's hard go be someone's something instead of just who you are. The way she grows and the way Sean is right there from page one is beautiful.
There is spice and it is whoa spicy when it happens. the mouth on this man is priceless. Don’t skip this book! it was my first by this author but it won't be my last.
"Worth It All" was such a solid slow burn romance. The connection between Grady and Lennon builds naturally and I loved how consistently he treated her throughout the story. Honestly, every woman deserves a Sean Grady in her life! One of my favorite parts was his relationship with his Momma which added an additional heartfelt layer to his character. The spice is minimal but fits the story well and overall it was an enjoyable read. I will definitely be going back and reading the first 2 books in the series!