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Alexandria Dominion Hockey #2
The Midnight Defensive
Not yet published
Expected 4 Jun 26She makes a living in happily ever afters. She just doesn't believe in them anymore.
Vivian Sullivan designs engagement rings in her Old Town Alexandria studio. She’s the person people trust with their happily ever after, even after her own ended before the wedding.
Now she keeps things light. Safe. Predictable…Until a desperate attempt to escape an overly interested stranger ends with her kissing the nearest man on the sidewalk.
Unfortunately, he’s not just anyone. He’s Ty McCade—NHL defenseman—and he’s not nearly as easy to forget as he should be.
Ty sees the world a little differently—and he sees her in a way no one else ever has. Where others see effortless, he sees the effort. The cracks. Her truth. What starts as a moment of impulse turns into a series of unexpected run-ins neither of them can avoid, and a connection that refuses to stay casual.
Because when a guarded woman who’s sworn off love meets the one man who notices everything, keeping her distance stops being simple.
Falling is easy, but letting someone catch you?
That’sthe risk.
___________________________________
The Midnight Defensive is a closed-door, forced proximity hockey romance filled with sizzling chemistry, undeniable tension, and all the heat—without the spice!
Tropes in The Midnight Defensive
Neurodivergent Hero
Guarded Heroine
Forced Proximity
Grumpy sunshine-adjacent
Slow Burn
She falls first, he falls harder
Vivian Sullivan designs engagement rings in her Old Town Alexandria studio. She’s the person people trust with their happily ever after, even after her own ended before the wedding.
Now she keeps things light. Safe. Predictable…Until a desperate attempt to escape an overly interested stranger ends with her kissing the nearest man on the sidewalk.
Unfortunately, he’s not just anyone. He’s Ty McCade—NHL defenseman—and he’s not nearly as easy to forget as he should be.
Ty sees the world a little differently—and he sees her in a way no one else ever has. Where others see effortless, he sees the effort. The cracks. Her truth. What starts as a moment of impulse turns into a series of unexpected run-ins neither of them can avoid, and a connection that refuses to stay casual.
Because when a guarded woman who’s sworn off love meets the one man who notices everything, keeping her distance stops being simple.
Falling is easy, but letting someone catch you?
That’sthe risk.
___________________________________
The Midnight Defensive is a closed-door, forced proximity hockey romance filled with sizzling chemistry, undeniable tension, and all the heat—without the spice!
Tropes in The Midnight Defensive
Neurodivergent Hero
Guarded Heroine
Forced Proximity
Grumpy sunshine-adjacent
Slow Burn
She falls first, he falls harder
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 4, 2026
About the author
Anne Kemp
44 books463 followersAnne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she doesn’t it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.
Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.
You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com
On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp
On TikTok: @annekempauthor
You can always find her www.AnneKemp.com.
Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.
You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com
On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp
On TikTok: @annekempauthor
You can always find her www.AnneKemp.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am a longtime romance lover, and sports romances, especially hockey ones, continue to be one of my favorite comfort reads. After reading “The Sunshine Offensive,” I was really excited to get Ty’s story. He was one of those characters who stood out to me immediately, so I could not wait to get to know him better. Add in forced proximity and a slow burn romance, and this book was basically calling my name.
I absolutely loved that this story is told in first person with alternating perspectives. It really helped me understand both Ty and Vivian on a deeper level. Ty especially was such a compelling character to read about. Watching him navigate relationships, routines, and the realization that he is on the autism spectrum added so much depth to the story. I appreciated how thoughtfully that aspect of his character was handled. There were moments where my heart absolutely hurt for him, especially when he became overwhelmed and pulled away because he felt like he had let people down. At the same time, seeing the people around him step up and support him made those moments even more meaningful.
I also really enjoyed Vivian. She and Ty balanced each other so well, and I liked how naturally their relationship developed over time. Their quieter moments together honestly ended up being some of my favorite parts of the book. Even though this is a closed-door romance, the chemistry and emotional connection between them still came through very strongly.
All in all, I really loved this book. It had emotional depth, strong character growth, and a romance that felt genuine and earned. I am already looking forward to whatever comes next in this series.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I absolutely loved that this story is told in first person with alternating perspectives. It really helped me understand both Ty and Vivian on a deeper level. Ty especially was such a compelling character to read about. Watching him navigate relationships, routines, and the realization that he is on the autism spectrum added so much depth to the story. I appreciated how thoughtfully that aspect of his character was handled. There were moments where my heart absolutely hurt for him, especially when he became overwhelmed and pulled away because he felt like he had let people down. At the same time, seeing the people around him step up and support him made those moments even more meaningful.
I also really enjoyed Vivian. She and Ty balanced each other so well, and I liked how naturally their relationship developed over time. Their quieter moments together honestly ended up being some of my favorite parts of the book. Even though this is a closed-door romance, the chemistry and emotional connection between them still came through very strongly.
All in all, I really loved this book. It had emotional depth, strong character growth, and a romance that felt genuine and earned. I am already looking forward to whatever comes next in this series.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing! I am so happy that I spent the day reading this beautiful love story. It was the sweetest! It’s a closed door romance so it keeps it more about the chemistry and attraction with some low heat, but does not include spicy scenes.
Ty and Vivian’s interaction on the street at the beginning is so much fun!
Ty plays hockey for the Dominion and Vivian runs a jewelry store. Things don’t automatically evolve but once they start to it is so easy to see that they are perfect together! I adore them and I loved watching them fall for each other while spending time together and being there for each other. They had to navigate the challenges that Ty faces daily being on the lower level of the spectrum. He sees and feels things differently but that made him so honest and genuine. He was so easy to fall for. Vivian is a genuine person herself and that makes for the best foundation for them to build on besides their physical attraction.
I just can’t say enough about how loving, and entertaining their story is! Anne does a beautiful job staying true to how life is for a neurodivergent person and I love that we got his point of view so we could understand how he was feeling. It was so important to the story. Vivian is so perfect for him because she does not treat him differently and instead allows herself to understand what certain situations are like for him and how they make him feel. I think I have a girl crush on her. I also loved how music played a part in their story. Actually, I
loved every moment of their story including the bonus epilogue where we get a look into the not too distant future.
Fantastic read! I look forward to the next book in the series!
Ty and Vivian’s interaction on the street at the beginning is so much fun!
Ty plays hockey for the Dominion and Vivian runs a jewelry store. Things don’t automatically evolve but once they start to it is so easy to see that they are perfect together! I adore them and I loved watching them fall for each other while spending time together and being there for each other. They had to navigate the challenges that Ty faces daily being on the lower level of the spectrum. He sees and feels things differently but that made him so honest and genuine. He was so easy to fall for. Vivian is a genuine person herself and that makes for the best foundation for them to build on besides their physical attraction.
I just can’t say enough about how loving, and entertaining their story is! Anne does a beautiful job staying true to how life is for a neurodivergent person and I love that we got his point of view so we could understand how he was feeling. It was so important to the story. Vivian is so perfect for him because she does not treat him differently and instead allows herself to understand what certain situations are like for him and how they make him feel. I think I have a girl crush on her. I also loved how music played a part in their story. Actually, I
loved every moment of their story including the bonus epilogue where we get a look into the not too distant future.
Fantastic read! I look forward to the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy from the author; this is my honest review of The Midnight Defensive
This book hooked me from the start! From the very beginning of chapter 1, it grabs your attention and makes you smile, anticipating more entertainment and swoon! Also, make sure to read Anne’s authors note in the beginning💛
Vivian and Ty’s story is 100% worth reading if you enjoy
🏒 sweet hockey romance
💍HEA with lots of laughs
💎 self-discovery and growth
❤️🔥lots of tension (the best kind!) and kissing
🧠🥼neurodivergent representation
The chemistry and banter started strong and continues through the entire book. The humor, strength, and dedication to grow built into the story makes this book so heartfelt and meaningful for me.
Minor Spoilers from here:
On a personal note; the Magic 🪄 of this story might be the best response I’ve read to someone discovering neurodivergence in themselves. As someone who has worked with and loves people with Autism for over 20 years, this is amazing—a great perspective shift and so empowering to anyone who can relate.
Some of My favorite parts:
The medical TMI that drives Vivian to Ty-so relatable and so funny!
The kiss in the alleyway! I enjoyed the step by step thought process from Ty’s perspective and Vivian’s reactions! So much tension and swoon, with great humor built in!
Ty’s dedication to self-understanding and personal growth- this is an impressive example if taking ownership and focusing on what you can control (things I am working on in my own life!)
The closet kiss—❤️🔥🔥💥
This book hooked me from the start! From the very beginning of chapter 1, it grabs your attention and makes you smile, anticipating more entertainment and swoon! Also, make sure to read Anne’s authors note in the beginning💛
Vivian and Ty’s story is 100% worth reading if you enjoy
🏒 sweet hockey romance
💍HEA with lots of laughs
💎 self-discovery and growth
❤️🔥lots of tension (the best kind!) and kissing
🧠🥼neurodivergent representation
The chemistry and banter started strong and continues through the entire book. The humor, strength, and dedication to grow built into the story makes this book so heartfelt and meaningful for me.
Minor Spoilers from here:
On a personal note; the Magic 🪄 of this story might be the best response I’ve read to someone discovering neurodivergence in themselves. As someone who has worked with and loves people with Autism for over 20 years, this is amazing—a great perspective shift and so empowering to anyone who can relate.
Some of My favorite parts:
The medical TMI that drives Vivian to Ty-so relatable and so funny!
The kiss in the alleyway! I enjoyed the step by step thought process from Ty’s perspective and Vivian’s reactions! So much tension and swoon, with great humor built in!
Ty’s dedication to self-understanding and personal growth- this is an impressive example if taking ownership and focusing on what you can control (things I am working on in my own life!)
The closet kiss—❤️🔥🔥💥
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! If I could have read it in one sitting I would have, but my adorable family and adult responsibilities required me to take a few breaks, so it took me an entire day to finish. 😆 This book gave fantastic insight to how the brain works of someone on the spectrum. Ty could not have asked for someone better than Vivian and vice versa. They are so perfect together. I appreciated the slow build of their relationship; it felt so natural and realistic. I cannot wait for Eva and Liam’s story next!
A few quotes that made me laugh:
“…there’s glitter on them there boobs and I don’t want to look,…”
“Maybe I just enjoy watching you spiral.” “I am not spiraling.” “You’re absolutely spiraling.” “I’m cautiously concerned.” “That’s just spiraling with better branding.”
“I’m your sister. Drama is part of the job description.”
A few quotes that made me laugh:
“…there’s glitter on them there boobs and I don’t want to look,…”
“Maybe I just enjoy watching you spiral.” “I am not spiraling.” “You’re absolutely spiraling.” “I’m cautiously concerned.” “That’s just spiraling with better branding.”
“I’m your sister. Drama is part of the job description.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Midnight Defensive is a closed door hockey romance. Ty is an NHL player who recently received an ASD diagnosis that he is working through. Vivian is a jewelry designer who has basically given up on love since her own relationship fell apart. They keep getting thrown together unexpectedly after an interesting introduction… and end up helping each other heal from their pasts and learn to love themselves well
Some of my favorites:
- the meet cute (and the super awkward conversation that led to it!!)
- getting locked out
- the alley kiss/the closet kiss - can’t decide!
- found family
- the personal growth for both Ty and Vivian
- meddling from her grandmother and his sister
The ASD representation was done so well. Make sure you read the author’s note at the beginning!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Some of my favorites:
- the meet cute (and the super awkward conversation that led to it!!)
- getting locked out
- the alley kiss/the closet kiss - can’t decide!
- found family
- the personal growth for both Ty and Vivian
- meddling from her grandmother and his sister
The ASD representation was done so well. Make sure you read the author’s note at the beginning!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Ty and Vivian!
They are very realistic and fun. Their first meeting was cute, but their second one at Grans had me grinning thru the whole scene.
This is a great read for hockey romance fans that want a little more.
Anne does a great job of “entering” the neurodivergent world in a way that makes sense. Her no nonsense approach via her characters allows readers that are considered “normal“, to catch a glimpse of brilliant minds, like Ty’s, that sometimes get wrapped up in the challenges of everyday life.
She cracks open the door into a world few of us get to see and fewer understand. The way that Vivian and Ty worked together to explore and understand one another’s differences was fantastic! They are an adorable, very real couple. I hope to see them a lot in the next book.
They are very realistic and fun. Their first meeting was cute, but their second one at Grans had me grinning thru the whole scene.
This is a great read for hockey romance fans that want a little more.
Anne does a great job of “entering” the neurodivergent world in a way that makes sense. Her no nonsense approach via her characters allows readers that are considered “normal“, to catch a glimpse of brilliant minds, like Ty’s, that sometimes get wrapped up in the challenges of everyday life.
She cracks open the door into a world few of us get to see and fewer understand. The way that Vivian and Ty worked together to explore and understand one another’s differences was fantastic! They are an adorable, very real couple. I hope to see them a lot in the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!Talk about an extraordinary book! Strong characters yet they have flaws like real people would have. Vivian is outgoing, genuinely a lovely person who is exactly the kind of person you want to be around. Try is everything you want for a friend, but he struggles with recently diagnosed as what we called ADHD. Fascinating learning about what is difficult for Ty, as we also learn about Vivian who deals with her own different issues.
However the way they talk about problems and focus on creating a positive relationship gives Ty a chance to be more in control of his situation. Very interesting and positive outlook layered with hockey, friendships, family, and love.
However the way they talk about problems and focus on creating a positive relationship gives Ty a chance to be more in control of his situation. Very interesting and positive outlook layered with hockey, friendships, family, and love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You guys this book had me from the start. I stayed up late to finish it because I couldn’t wait to find out more about Ty and Vivian. The lack of sleep was so worth it. This is a heartfelt, inspiring love story. I love the journey we get to take with Ty as he learns to navigate life as an adult recently diagnosed on the ASD. Vivian fits the role of caretaker and caring friend to all of those around her but maybe doesn’t always allow others to help her. Being with Ty she starts to learn to forgive and move forward. You will love this book…and Gran!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm in love. Ty is an absolute sweetheart. He finally discovers what was going on with himself and finds Olivia. Olivia owns a jewelry store with her grandmother. Her grandmother has a more active life than what Olivia has. Olivia kisses Ty to get out of a situation and their story begins. We learn they both have problems to overcome. We learned how Ty handles the situation and I liked how it was handled. It is another great read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
REVIEW ADVANCE FROM AUTHOR
I love Anne's storytelling. I love a small town rom-com story telling. Juillette is a sweet and common women and someone who i can relate too. Ty is such a sweetheart who's trying to live in his world the best he can with his new diagnostics while attending therapy. I love how Juillette and Ty ending up in these little meet cute situations and end up opening up to each other about what there both going through. 5 stars for me 🌟
I love Anne's storytelling. I love a small town rom-com story telling. Juillette is a sweet and common women and someone who i can relate too. Ty is such a sweetheart who's trying to live in his world the best he can with his new diagnostics while attending therapy. I love how Juillette and Ty ending up in these little meet cute situations and end up opening up to each other about what there both going through. 5 stars for me 🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very sweet book! The MML is on the spectrum. It was great to see a character with high masking autism. In addition to a love story, you get a little insight in to the mind of a level one/low supports needs autistic individual. Sweet, kisses only, no cussing and an HEA.
Tropes: fake dating, hockey, neurodivergant representation, found family. Thanks for the early read Anne!
Tropes: fake dating, hockey, neurodivergant representation, found family. Thanks for the early read Anne!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely swoon-worthy. Completely devoured in one sitting. I’ve never related so closely to a MMC before, as I always find myself in the FMC. Ty is so well written and has so much depth to him. This book is one of my favorites I’ve read in a while, and I’m so grateful to have been an ARC reader for this book. A perfect cozy, sweet hockey romance with neurodivergent character representation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fun, romantic and was wildly entertaining. I loved seeing things through Ty’s eyes and gaining insight into his perspective. It was very tastefully done. Highly recommend. Great character development and interesting story with a neurodivergent character.
I received an ARC copy but my opinion is solely mine.
I received an ARC copy but my opinion is solely mine.
Review of advance copy
Anne Kemp did a delightful job making these characters come to life! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting these characters and joining them on their rom-com adventure. The author handles the neurodivergent main character with sensitivity and grace. Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delightful addition to the Alexandria hockey romcom series! This sweet story is filled with so much heart that you can't help but fall in love with the characters!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Slow burn romance
Will she ever love again after a broken engagement.
And the way the author describes the world a authistic person lives in.
Now you get a much better few of what this person is feeling.
Will she ever love again after a broken engagement.
And the way the author describes the world a authistic person lives in.
Now you get a much better few of what this person is feeling.
Review of advance copy
This was a great read. And clean. Loved Ty and Vivian and all of their embarrassing situations, especially Vivian on the porch. Great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An emotional and touching story that adds a different dimension to the Alexandria Dominions series. Not a typical rom-com, Ty and Vivian’s story adds a serious and often misjudged topic that’s explored and explained thoroughly and with grace. Well done Anne! I highly recommend this book
May 24, 2026
I was smiling from the very start of this book especially with the terrible date in the beginning. I also really liked the way that Ty worked through his diagnosis it was great to see. The cherry on top was Vivian accepting him for who he is and loving him.
Review of advance copy
I found this to be a good read and enjoyed the storyline and characters - was a fun time - recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Super cute and clean romance. I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know the characters. It definitely kept me on my toes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness! This hockey rom-com is so adorable! Sweet and sensitive, endearing and original.. Love, loved, loved!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love how the author brings normalcy to something most would shy from. Being autistic and in a relationship with someone not can be and is normal. I love how it shows in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore Ty & Vivian's surprising, uncertain, magic, sweet, caring, loving, hopeful, swoony happily ever after!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was great, from the first chapter. Enjoyed the chemistry and the openness of both of the characters. I think it has one of the best kisses in it, when you've read it you will see why.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews