Defend Her Heart

Green Bay Bobcats #3

by Jillian Arly

Avery Chamberlin is fresh out of a toxic marriage and trying to put her life back together one step at a time.

Hired as the new play-by-play commentator for the Green Bay Bobcats, Avery is excited to start this next chapter. The only downfall—her ex-boyfriend plays for the team.

Connor Smith is the Bobcats' enforcer and if there's one thing he's good at, it's protecting the people he cares about.

After a run-in at the hospital, Connor discovers Avery is struggling to afford the tests she needs to finally get some answers about her health. He's determined to help. She's dead set on not accepting it.

With nowhere else to turn, Avery finally says "yes." Literally.

Their marriage may be fake and temporary, but Connor is ready to win back the only girl who has ever owned his heart.

Avery may not think it's real, but the more time they spend together, the more she realizes the feelings she thought disappeared years ago never quite faded.

Their past may be messy, but the future is as bright as the stars.

And if there's one thing Connor is going to do, it's defend her heart until the end of time.

Defend Her Heart is a second chance, marriage of convenience hockey romance book between a professional hockey player and the team's play-by-play commentator. This slow burn has a chronic illness rep and a guaranteed happy ending.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports, Second Chance, Marriage Of Convenience, Hockey, Found Family

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 6, 2026

About the author

Hockey player writing hockey romance.

Reviews

[Shelby Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jillian. I have one question and one question only… “What’s your favorite thing to eat after a game or practice?” I am dying to know your answer. IYKYK. Because the answer to that question is now the standard, and I fully expect every athlete to start using it immediately. This is my official petition. Also, Connor? Thank you for your service because Avery is absolutely the option.

Connor, the way you love deserves to be studied. Marrying Avery so she could get the insurance she needed, sitting beside her through every test and appointment, making sure she knew she wasn't crazy, downloading an app to track her symptoms, planning the wedding she deserved, and chasing the northern lights with her... every single act of love made me adore you even more. And the Big Dipper tattoo? My heart. Connor, we truly do not deserve you.

Avery, thank you for sharing what it's like to live with POTS and what it feels like to constantly fight to be believed. Watching someone finally listen to you, especially a doctor, was just as emotional as watching Connor stand by your side through it all. I also loved seeing a female play-by-play commentator absolutely thriving because we need so many more women like Avery in sports.

And Jillian... I have one last question. Where did Katie and Hunter go? I have my guesses, but I need to know if I'm right.

[Afton · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, all the stars and goats, no notes, I didn’t want this to end.

Jillian is a heck of a writer and I cannot wait to read what she writes next!!

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know the men in the Green Bay Bobcats series could get any better & then we met Connor. Thank you Jillian Arly for sending me an advanced reader copy of Defend Her Heart - I’m honored to be one of Arly’s Angels!

Typically second chance romances are one of the tropes I gravitate the least towards, so I was curious how I was going to enjoy Defend Her Heart. Well Arly had me smitten the minute One Tree Hill was incorporated into Avery & Connor’s backstory. It’s only one of my favorite TV shows and I don’t ever remember it being referenced in a book I’ve read before. (If you have, please give me titles!) I really did like the flashback scenes to give us the context needed in present day, it was done really well and didn’t feel jumpy like it sometimes can.

I always love the way Arly writes hockey, since she’s a former player her hockey romances include A LOT of actual hockey. It’s not just a cute plot point, actual game play is included & I LOVE IT.

I also loved the development of the female co-worker friendships & seeing some of our favorite characters again in a slightly different setting and light! It made me appreciate them all over again. Plus the chronic illness representation was very carefully and respectfully handled in my opinion and I believe is all too unfortunately relatable.

CHAPTER 18. 👀😲 Without spoiling it, it was perfect. Did I kick my feet & squeal? The answer is not no. 😊

I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in this series. I have some thoughts if there were some hints dropped!

Overall rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

[Raegan Yerington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery & Connor’s story was so perfect. I could really still feel the love and chemistry between the MCs even after all that time apart. I love a good second chance romance. I love the chronic illness representation in this book. Can’t wait for the fourth book.

Thank you Love Notes for the arc🫶🏻

[Kara C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

Connor Smith is the new king of yearning!! This was soooo sweet.

First of all, Jillian did such a great job with the chronic illness representation. Avery’s journey felt real, raw, and highly emotional. I was rooting for her so hard. And Connor’s advocacy for her? His attentiveness? Protectiveness? SO GOOD.

This was a second chance romance WITH flashbacks of their past (which is a huge favorite of mine) and it was so well done!

I really enjoyed this third book in the Green Bay Bobcats series. Hockey romance fans, if you have not checked this series out yet, you neeeeeeed to! Great found family, strong women, supportive men, equally fun and emotional plots. SO GOOD.

Thank you to Jillian for the eARC!

[lunaranjuus · Rating 2 out of 5]

lectora de ARC!
mi principal problema con este libro es que es un fake marriage, pero más allá de dos ocasiones contadas ellos nunca tienen que fingir estar casados. sus amigos y conocidos no lo saben, y ni siquiera fingen por un tema legal.
cuando leo este trope espero a dos personas teniendo que fingir que se aman frente a todos, sin ningún escape a sus sentimientos reales, pero me faltó eso.
hubo tanta repetición de citas pasadas que después son recreadas en el presente que se sintió como leer las mismas tres escenas veinte veces.
después me pareció muy corny, aunque eso ya es algo particular mío 🤷🏻‍♀️
lo que si mejoró a comparación de los dos libros anteriores (aunque esos si me gustaron más) es que no hubo third act break up, lo que se agradece.

[Alina Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy I received from author:

4.5/5⭐️

Wow, this book was amazing and made me feel lots of things. Connor reminded me of my husband just because the way Connor takes care of Avery is the same way my husband takes care of me.

I really connected with Avery and her mental health issues and past history of abuse from other men. It really made me feel heard and validated, watching that happen on the page. And how Connor took care of her in those moments, it was very well written.

I loved Connor as a character and how he treats Avery and everyone else in his life, this story was my first hockey romance ever read and I need more!

[VtheBookGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A million thank yous to Jillian for the PERSONALIZED ARC 💚

Ooooof she does it AGAIN.
I always think “these are my favorite characters” and then Jillian writes another book.

I thought Niko and Sadie couldn’t be topped and then we get [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] and even a [REDACTED] of my favorite [REDACTED] and my favorite color isn’t just on the cover.
I laughed, I cackled, I cried, I sobbed.
What more can I ask for?

[Johnna Wilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor is a man obsessed, and that makes ME obsessed. This second chance, marriage of convenience hockey romance had me hooked from the start.

I also loved the chronic illness rep. I didn’t know much about POTS going in, but my cousin was recently diagnosed, so it was really cool to learn more about it through a romance book.

Beyond the big tropes (second chance & marriage of convenience), I was completely obsessed with the microtropes. Which, let’s be real, are basically just Connor being obsessed with Avery in a hundred little ways:

• secret tattoo
• designs a house for her
• changes his pizza order for her
• his jersey number is for her
• he buys her a car

And DAMN Jillian Arly for that slow burn. There were multiple times I thought they were finally going to bang and… they didn’t. I was internally screaming. But it was so worth it once it finally happened. 😉

Thanks to Jillian for the ARC!

[Sarah | sarah_rose_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚BETA + ARC read💚
ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL AND MY FAVORITE BOOK BY JILLIAN TO DATE. Connor and Avery were EVERYTHING. If their second chance romance doesn’t have you crying, rooting for them so hard, and swooning at all the little details and flash backs, I don’t know what will.
These two have a special place in my heart, and I will forever love and think about their story.

Jillian handled not only their second chance romance but also the mental health rep and POTS representation with the UTMOST care, and I’m so glad we get to see those two aspects done so well in an incredible romance book. If you’re a chronic illness warrior, I promise Defend Her Heart will make you feel seen and heard.

I also could not get enough of all the little detailed moments that made their love story so extra special – I’m talking so much swoon, the most gorgeous declarations of love, and acts of service and care taking that will live rent free in my brain.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I adored all of Jillian’s beautiful odes to astronomy, the starry night sky these two fell in love under, and every time we got a little discussion about constellations. It was something I highlighted the most of and loved seeing Avery and Connor fall back in love with this connection from their past in mind.
Thank you to Jillian for making your FMCs baddies, your MMCs the most perfect book bfs, and the spice the perfect amount of chili peppers 🌶️🤭

CONNOR AND AVERY FOREVER!!!

[Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🏒 Tropes: Hockey romance, second chance, marriage of convenience, slow burn, childhood sweethearts, forced proximity, workplace romance, he falls first, found family, chronic illness representation, no third-act breakup, HEA
MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS
Thank you so much, Jillian, for the opportunity to read this one! 🥹💗
If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know that I have a very soft spot for Jillian Arly’s books, so obviously I had ridiculously high expectations going into this one.
And somehow… SHE EXCEEDED THEM.
Connor and Avery??? HELLO??? 😭
Their story was everything I wanted from a second-chance romance. Two people who loved each other when they were younger, went their separate ways, and then somehow found themselves back in each other’s orbit years later??? I AM WEAK.
The way their past and present were woven together was one of my favorite parts. Getting to see who they were then while simultaneously watching them figure out who they are now made their relationship feel so much more meaningful.
And the slow burn???
OH. MY. GOD.
This book took its TIME and I was simultaneously screaming PLEASE JUST KISS ALREADY while also begging Jillian to never make it end. 😭
Because when you have two people with THAT much history, you don't need to rush anything. Every little moment between them felt important.
And then there is AVERY.
I absolutely adored her. 🥹
I loved watching her navigate everything that had happened to her while trying to rebuild her life and figure out what she wanted for herself. Her struggles never felt like they were simply there for drama—they were genuinely part of her journey, and I really appreciated how much care went into her character.
And the chronic illness representation??? 🥹💗
I loved seeing Avery's experiences treated with compassion and having her health be an actual part of her life rather than something that magically disappears whenever the romance needs to move forward.
BUT NOW WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CONNOR SMITH.
Because that man???
HUSBAND MATERIAL.
I HAVE NO OTHER WORDS.
Connor is exactly the kind of fictional man who makes you sit there staring at the page like:
“Oh. So THIS is the standard now?”
😭😭😭
His entire personality when it comes to Avery had me GONE.
He is protective without making her feel incapable. He pays attention. He remembers things. He shows up. He puts in the effort.
And the fact that this man has apparently been carrying feelings for Avery for YEARS???
HE WAS DOWN BAD AND I WAS EATING IT UP.
There is something so ridiculously satisfying about a man who has never actually stopped loving the woman he fell for.
Connor's devotion to Avery was probably my favorite part of his character.
Because it wasn't just about grand gestures.
It was about the little things.
The consistency.
The effort.
The way he made it clear that Avery mattered to him.
IT'S ALWAYS THE EFFORT FOR ME.
And watching Avery slowly realize that the feelings between them never really disappeared???
I WAS LOSING MY MIND.
The marriage of convenience was EVERYTHING. 😂
Did I know exactly what was going to happen?
Yes.
Did that stop me from screaming internally when it happened?
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
There is something about two people agreeing to a fake marriage when there are very obviously REAL feelings underneath it that will never stop working on me.
And because this is a Jillian Arly book, the hockey world and the found-family aspect were such a fun addition too. I love getting to spend more time around the Bobcats and seeing these characters' friendships develop across the series.
Also—
THE YEARNING.
THE PINING.
THE HISTORY.
THE “I NEVER REALLY STOPPED LOVING YOU” ENERGY.
JILLIAN, WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME???
😭😭😭
Connor and Avery's relationship felt incredibly tender underneath all the tension. There was so much love between them, even when they weren't ready to admit exactly what they were feeling.
And THAT is what made this romance work so well for me.
It wasn't just “they're attracted to each other.”
It was “this person has known me for years, understands pieces of me nobody else does, and somehow they're still the person my heart keeps choosing.”
LIKE????
EXCUSE ME???
I'M SUPPOSED TO FUNCTION AFTER READING THAT???
Side characters —
I swear Jillian's side characters make every book better. 😭
I loved getting to see more of the Green Bay Bobcats crew, and the friendships and found-family moments added so much warmth to the story.
Every time the characters were together, it genuinely felt like I was dropping back into a little world I'd already grown attached to.
And now I am sitting here thinking about the NEXT couple and wondering how I'm supposed to WAIT. 👀
Because Jillian???
THAT HINT???
You cannot just casually give me a glimpse of what's coming next and expect me to be normal about it.
I HAVE QUESTIONS.
I HAVE THEORIES.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING.
😭😭😭
Overall, Defend Her Heart was such a beautiful, emotional, ridiculously swoony second-chance romance.
Connor and Avery's journey had everything I wanted: yearning, tenderness, history, healing, friendship, hockey, and a love that somehow survived all the time and distance between them.
Connor Smith has officially joined my fictional-husband committee.
I don't make the rules.
I ate this book up.
Would I recommend it?
ABSOLUTELY.
If you love slow-burn romances where the feelings run DEEP, second chances, marriage of convenience, hockey romance, and a hero who has basically been emotionally doomed over the same woman for YEARS—
READ THIS BOOK.
Jillian Arly, you did it again. 🥹🏒💗
Overall: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️.5

Trope - Hockey romance, marriage of convenience, slow burn, chronic illness rep (POTS), high school sweethearts, second chance, forced proximity, found family, he falls first, it's always been you, workplace romance, no third act breakup, HEA

MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS

Thank you, Jillian, for providing me with the ARC of these lovelies.

If you know me or have followed my reviews for some time, you know that I love Jillian's books and writing style. It comes as no surprise that this one was another great read! The book follows the story of Connor and Avery, two high school sweethearts who went their separate ways but meet again years later at a team barbecue.

The story is a perfect blend of past and present timelines. I loved how the author wove them together. Every scene was made 100 times more beautiful, meaningful and impactful by its placement.

I never thought any couple could come close to Lincoln and Ellie, but these two really found their place alongside them.

Connor and Avery's story was precious. I loved how the plot and story took its time to develop. This was probably the slowest-burn story I have read in a while, and DAMN was it worth every second.

Young Avery and Connor's story was dreamy, sweet, and so gushy. You couldn't help but put yourself in their shoes and imagine all the love and emotions they felt.

The yearning and angst here were killing me, but I was here for all of it.

Avery was such a lovely FMC. Her struggles felt personal in a way that made you experience everything she was going through. A healthy friendship can be so helpful for someone struggling, and I was so glad she had the girls around her.

CONNOR SMITH!! Was a complete husband material. He was grumpy with everyone but her. His broody, defensive side was hot, but his smitten side was what made me love him so much. That man never stopped loving her; he was always there to protect and cherish her. His love languages were words of affirmation and acts of service, and did that man nail them every single time! He researched her condition and carried electrolytes in case she needed them! The amount of time this man made me scream and giggle with his love and effort was infinite.

I have always said this: it's the effort that matters, and Connor never stopped putting in the effort.

Did I already know this was a marriage-of-convenience book? Yes, I did, but did I still scream when the idea was proposed? Hell yes, I did. Because what an amazing scene, and once again, the way it was placed in the book? Perfect.

This love story is flawless. Connor and Avery’s journey, with all its ups and downs, really kept me on the edge of my seat. Their love was filled with so much devotion and tenderness that it was heartwarming! It was clear that these two were soulmates in every shape and form, and experiencing their journey of finding a way back together was absolutely blissful.

Side characters -
1. Hunter will forever be my fav side character; that man could make you laugh and smile at any given moment.
2. Sadie was such a lovely person. Her friendship with Avery was everything and more.
3. Niko and Luke were both incredible best friends to Connor. Their friendship was priceless, and I loved how Connor had them through it all.
____________________________

Fictional men fighting for their partner will never, ever not be hot, and Connor did it so well.

Getting a hint for the future couple might as well have been the best thing, because istg I have been waiting for ages now.

I got busy while reading this book, which made me take longer to finish it, but istg there wasn't a minute when I wasn't thinking about Connor and Avery while working on other things.

This story was magical, enticing and fun.
I ate it up.
Definitely recommended.
Overall 5/5.

[Dimitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defend Her Heart 🏒
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Jillian Arly for trusting me with this spectacular ARC!✨
Avery's last marriage was just a big step back in her life.Now,is hired as the new play-by-play commentator for the Green Bay Bobcats,she is ready for this new chapter of her life.Until,she remember that her ex-boyfriend plays on this team.
Connor Smith,as an enforcer is naturally good at protecting the people he cares about,so after discovering that his beloved Avery cannot afford the test that she needs to run for her health,he will do anything to make it possible,even put a ring on her finger.

IT DESTROYED ME🫥
FIVE STARS ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR THIS ONE🙂‍↕️
A MILLION STARTS WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH.🥹
This is one of the times,that I don't really know what to write because if you let me comment on every page of this story I could do it,I could write a bloody essay about how good this book is.But let's (try)get it from the beginning.
It is not my first time with a Jillian Arly book,so having already read & reviewed,the perfect assist,I knew in what waters I was getting,but at the same time the bar was really high,right?However,after that masterpiece I can say that it has gone to the sky.Her writing really works like a magnet between the reader and the story,making us all unable to put ourselves away from Avery and Connor's story,while every page hides a new diamond moment for us to discover,literally pure perfection.
As a character Avery has a lot on her plate.First,her declining health,who thank God Connor is here for the saving.But,at the same time we get a really good taste about how bad in the health system in the US.In reality,most women won't have a Connor in their life,and still have to suffer,with unanswered questions,undiagnosed while fighting a demon which they don't know what is it.Back to Avery,except of that issue,we see a lot of sexist behaviors towards her as person & as a professional,and OH MY GOD,SHE KICKED THEIR ASSES.*QUEEN BEHAVIOR!😻*
Leading us to understanding how badass this woman is,how strong and what an incredible creature Connor got to have as his wife. Connor on the other side,was low-key a cutie pie from the beginning,he did fall for her since page 1 and basically never stop,always stepped up for her and in reality that man could go to jail with a smile on his face if it was for protecting his woman.
If I could describe the dynamic of these two is just when you know,you know,because you see how purely this relationship is,how full of love,of yearn of absolute need that they have for each other.🌚🌝
Ending,if you want to read the most beautiful,million STARS rated love story Defend Her Heart will still yours.❤️
Out On Aug,6th⚡

P.S. HAD TO PAUSE WRITING BECAUSE I STARTED STRAIGHT UP SOBBING,THANK YOU MISS ARLY🫪
♾️⭐

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

A second chance where they are soulmates will always have me in a chokehold. Avery and Connor are meant to be in this book and the universe was finally like, let’s keep pushing them together, they’ll get the picture sooner or later.

When Connor meets Avery for the first time when they are 16 and 17, he tells his best friend that he will marry her one day. 10 years later, Avery comes back into his life, working as the play by play commentator for the Bobcats. Avery is not the same woman that he left 10 years ago. She is divorced (Bryan is the absolute WORST) and dealing with health issues no one is taking seriously. After these two run into each other a couple of times, some of them the worst days for Avery, Connor gives Avery a solution to her problems: marry him and they can figure out what’s going on with her together.

I was laughing over this young man stumbling over his words from the first time he even talks to Avery. This man, when I tell you, he had me enraptured in the way that he took care of Avery, Avery did not stand a chance. What do you mean he did all his research on POTS because she mentioned it once? What do you mean he fulfilled all the promises he made her when they were so young? What do you mean he keeps electrolyte mixes on him everywhere just in case? WHAT DO YOU MEAN? The ink isn’t dry in the marriage certificate and this man is like “my wife”. We protect our angry, sweet baby angel Connor Smith at all costs.

Avery in this book was so vulnerable. And the fact that she was finally able to be vulnerable because of the family she found in the Bobcats and Connor himself, speaks volumes on this found family. This woman tried her best to figure everything out herself because the last time she leaned on someone, someone who was supposed to be by her side no matter what (Bryan 🙄), he told her she was crazy and just anxious. This woman was a hockey player who was on top of the world one minute and having to have her body revolute against her in the next. Her vulnerability was also her strength.

This a slow burn with plenty of tension build up. Once Connor is unleashed and gets the green light, this man is famished and cannot get enough. This man takes her in his hands and shows her just how beautiful she still is inside and outside the bedroom.

POTS being represented in this book is so significant because I don’t think it’s talked about enough. So thank you Jillian for shining a light on the people who aren’t talked about enough and sharing some of what your sister goes through.

Thank you to Jillian Arly for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Tropes:
✨Hockey romance
✨Second chance
✨Marriage of convenience
✨Slow burn
✨Chronic illness rep

[Kelly Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Defend Her Heart, and I can honestly say I absolutely loved it.

Second chance romances don't always work for me, but this one completely won me over. It was emotional, beautifully written, and had me invested in these characters from the very beginning.

Connor was everything I could want in an MMC. Kind, loyal, patient, and completely devoted to Avery. What I loved most was that he never really tried to hide how deeply he loved her. Whether it was in the past or the present, his feelings were always there, quietly woven into every decision he made. The flashbacks to their teenage years added so much depth to their story and made their connection feel even more authentic.

When we finally learned why Connor walked away, especially the second time, my heart genuinely broke for both of them. His reasons weren't born from a lack of love but from his own internal battles, and I thought Jillian Arly handled his mental health with so much care and compassion. Seeing him openly acknowledge his struggles made him feel incredibly real, and it only made me love his character even more.

I adored Avery from the very first page. Everything she had been through felt so unfair, and my heart ached for her throughout the story. Her healing wasn't instant, and I appreciated that she took her time letting Connor back into her life. It felt natural and believable. Deep down, though, it always seemed like part of her knew Connor would be the one to stand beside her when she needed someone most. He wasn't there to rescue her, but to support her, love her, and remind her she didn't have to carry everything alone. Together, they were simply beautiful.

The chemistry between them was incredible, and the spice was exactly the right amount for the story. It never overshadowed the emotional connection, which made every romantic moment feel that much more meaningful. And I'm an absolute sucker for a protective "my wife" moment, so those scenes had me smiling from ear to ear.

On the flip side, I don't think I've wanted to climb into a book and deck a character quite as much as I did Avery's ex. Every time he appeared, my blood pressure rose, which is a testament to how well he was written.

This was my first book by Jillian Arly, but it definitely won't be my last. If the rest of the series is anywhere near this good, I already know I'll be binge-reading it. An easy four-star read that left me with a full heart and a long list of emotions.

[Mariya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Jillian Arly for this ARC!

I am in love with this book. From start to finish I loved it. I loved it so much I was recommending it to friends before I had even come close to finishing it. I could not put it down. I got the first two in the series and the novella on KU the moment I reached the last page. Jillian Arly you have found a new super fan. This romance felt so refreshing and so full of love. We follow Connor and Avery, two high school sweetheart. Their relationship ended when Connor went off to college, but remained friends until he disappeared from her life two years ago. Now Avery is in Green Bay as the play-by-play commentator for the Green Bay Bobcats after leaving her toxic husband.

I loved every aspect of this story, but my favourite part, which is the major focus, was Avery’s journey to getting answers about her chronic illness. After being ignored and denied by her ex-husband and doctors, Avery goes on a journey to finally find out she has POTS and subsequently learns how to handle this new change to her life. It is a beautiful but painful journey, a journey many woman/AFAB people around the world have experienced. Medical issues in women/AFAB people are often dismissed as anxiety or “in your head” and watching Avery not only get her answers but have someone by her side ready to advocate and research for her is amazing to see. I think this part of the story will be unfortunately relatable to a lot of people.

Connor is such an amazing person. He’s loving, protective and loyal. This is a man who has spent the last few years in therapy to be better and I love it. He’s a green flag of a man, but that doesn’t mean he’s without his issues or needing to work on those issues. I’m usually hesitant with second chance romances because I often get annoyed with the initial break up but this wasn’t an issue. Avery and Connor breaking up because of college and their futures makes total sense, just as much as sense as them reconnecting as adults and falling in love again. This was a slow burn, it took a long time for them to first do the marriage of convenience and then later, get together. I love a slow burn and given the circumstances surrounding these two, it doesn’t surprise me that it takes them time.

Ultimately, I love this book and I cannot wait to read everything else about this universe.

[Mayville | Tourbiez Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars✨
2.5 Spice🌶️

Two words to describe this book - No Notes.
This is Jillian Arly at her finest, and Avery and Connor’s story is nothing short of a masterpiece. Some stories are written just for fun or escape. Then certain stories become a part of you... And the latter includes this book.

Defend Her Heart is the third book in the Green Bay Bobcats series, which explores themes of love, resilience, and hope. It follows the story of two former childhood sweethearts, Avery Chamberlin, the newly hired play-by-play commentator for the Green Bay Bobcats, and Connor Smith, the Bobcats' enforcer, as they embark on a journey of introspection, redemption, and second chances.

Avery serves as the emotional anchor of this book. Life hasn't been so kind to her, but her resilience outlasts every battle fought across a sea of life's challenges. I seriously want to wrap this woman in a hug throughout my reading.
Connor's act of selflessness is one of the memorable themes of this novel. His undying devotion and fierce protectiveness for Avery years after being apart made his character a testament to love and patience. Avery truly deserves a man like him.

This book demanded my absolute focus from start to end, making it difficult to put it down until 2 am. It pulled me into its plot's layered realities with its non-linear narrative.
While the story reveals some heartbreaking moments, it also highlights the power of friendship and the importance of confronting emotional ghosts. A proof that Jillian can blend sports romance with raw, grounded emotion that creates a visceral reading experience.

Second chances in life and in love are not always guaranteed to be simple. Yet, Defend Her Heart makes a compelling argument that choosing not to give up is a victory in and of itself.

Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Jillian Arly and Love Notes PR for entrusting me with the opportunity to read this book beforehand.

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒⁣
⁣
𝟱⭐️⁣
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I became so invested in Avery and Connor’s story and then deeply shocked I hadn’t read this sports romance series before. I will be diving into the rest of it immediately. Also I literally smiled so big at the mention of a female NHL player for DC Stars…… this book is now cannon with Chelsea Curto’s Stars Universe. As a deep fan of those books I was so excited! Emmy Hartwell you will always be famous!!⁣
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Second chance romance is not usually a trope I enjoy. However, this book quickly had me in a chokehold. It’s a classic story about boy falls in love with girl, boy stupidly ends things thinking he’s helping to make her dreams come true, boy loses girl but never stops loving her, girl comes back many years later chronically ill, divorced, hurt, and needing insurance. What ensues is a beautiful story about unconditional love. You’ll squeal when it’s revealed why he has that tattoo, what his jersey number means, what his favorite after practice meal is, and why his apartment looks the way it does. I was kicking my feet and grinning. I will always love a man down bad for a chronic illness girly. ⁣
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This was such an accurate depiction of getting a diagnosis for POTS and how much of your life you lose to the medical systems lack of knowledge. My heart broke for Avery. It took me 10 years to get my diagnosis for endometriosis and I related to every part of her story. The mirror scene was so beautiful and healing to read. It was also so moving to read about the real life inspiration behind this story too. The authors dedication meant a lot to me. The pacing was perfect. I’m not sure how the other books or follow-ups in this series will hold up to this one. It has quickly become a favorite that will be hard to beat. ⁣
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𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗥 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆! I could kiss your little faces for sending me this one.

[Cassie Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly still feel at a loss for words after finishing this book but I’m going to try and put a coherent review together.

Connor lived up to every single aspect of what I thought he would be after the glimpses we caught of him in Jillian’s books. He was a grump, rarely smiling and often caught in his own head. But he loves so big, especially for the people in his life that matter the most. He spent a decade loving Avery, even from afar, and the yearning was top tier. Also, beating her ex up on the ice will never get old and Connor making him apologize before calling him a good boy was truly amazing.

Avery is a god damn bad ass, and so is every single woman (or man because they can experience it too) who lives every single day with POTS or any other chronic illness. Although I loved every single aspect of Connor, I truly think one of my favorite things about this book was experiencing Avery learning to love herself again, diagnosis and all.

The flashback scenes throughout the book were truly sprinkled in so perfect, in a way that not only gave us insight into their lives before but kept the story in the present moving along and piecing things together. The slow burn was so insanely work the wait, and felt so true to the two of them finding their way back after so many years and so much heart break. It truly couldn’t have gone any other way.

Also, this book has: a bathtub scene, a mirror scene, and a jersey scene so I don’t think I need to say much more 🫶🏻

Truly, this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it lived up to every single hope I had for it and then some. Not only a 6 star read but easily a top read of the year. I’m sad I’ll never get to experience Connor & Avery’s story for the first time again, so please experience it for me!

[Natasha White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, my heart. Jillian really knows how to hit you right in the feels with a hockey romance.

This book checked every single one of my fivestar boxes. We got found family, a fiercely protective MMC, and a guarded FMC who is determined to prove she can do everything on her own,even though deep down she deserves to be loved and cared for.

What really made this story stand out for me was the payoff. Watching her first love find his way back to her and finally confront the abusive ex who stole so much from them was everything I wanted. We got the history, the backstory, the healing, and the closure, and none of it felt rushed. Every emotional beat landed exactly the way it should.

I also have to mention how beautifully Jillian handled the FMC's autoimmune disease. It wasn't treated as a personality trait or a plot device, it was simply part of who she was. The struggles, limitations, fears, and the way the people around her supported her all felt incredibly authentic and were written with so much care and compassion. As someone who appreciates seeing chronic illness represented thoughtfully, this meant a lot to me.

The chemistry was incredible, the emotional depth was even better, and the way Jillian balanced the romance with the heavier themes was beautifully done. I laughed, I cried, and I found myself completely invested in these characters from beginning to end.

Honestly, I don't think this could have been written any better. It had heart, healing, hope, and one of the most satisfying secondchance, firstlove romances I've read in a long time. An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.

[Ivet · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Soo Soo Soo Defend Her Heart arrived in my inbox a few days ago, and let me tell you that I’ve been enjoying this story ever since. 
I LOVE Connor. All the ways he shows his love for Avery, even though she may not be aware of them, makes me weak on the knees. 
Avery is such a strong character. After all she’s been through, she finally has her answers, help, and people who support her through it all and love her unconditionally for who she is. 
I loved their story, especially since I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience. 
Seeing Connor down bad from the second he laid eyes on Avery is honestly the best thing ever, and him realizing what a mistake he made and how stupid he was by letting her go is kind of a punch to the gut, but at the same time, it's like “Your actions 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 consequences”. 
The only thing I didn’t really like or kind of felt fast was the way they went (especially Avery) from "I don’t want to know anything about you; we are only here for the insurance" to "OMG, I’ve always loved you." I just felt like it was really fast for the way she was kind of ignoring him and being distant from him to being all happy and coupled up and forgiving about everything. 
But otherwise, DUDEEEE, IT'S TIME TO READ THE BOOK; I swear it’s worth it. 
I also love to see all the other characters from past books and maybe even future ones (😉🤞🏼). 
It’s become my favorite of the series, together with Luke’s and Charlie's story (Connor's best friend and Connor’s sister).
So if you are reading this and still have yet to read this book or the series, this is your sign to start now. PLEASE
Thank you so much to the author and her team for the ARC copy. 🫶🏼

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My review is left voluntarily and all thoughts are honest.

Honestly, I found parts of this book exceptionally repetitive. The first half is spent constantly bringing up the MCs shared past but without moving the plot forward at all by slowly revealing details and secrets. Instead it just holds everything close until the second half of the book where it then continues to bring up their shared past but in a lovey-dovey "we were always going to find our way back to each other" way. I'm all for a second chance romance but the exposition of this was borderline annoying in its repetitiveness.

My second major gripe is the lack of hockey! The author marketed themselves as being a lifelong hockey fan and player but there's maybe two sentences of actual hockey gameplay in the entire book at about 75% of the way through. And really it is just there to set up a fight between the MMC and the FMC's ex-husband. I would hardly call it a hockey romance with how little of the actual game features in the story, let alone how little it matters at all to the plot.

I did enjoy the chronic illness rep (even if her symptoms magically never appeared during the spicy scenes) and the Easter Eggs referencing real life hockey (Sidney Crosby, the San Jose Sharks) and other books (Quicksilver, DC Stars) which were fun to come across as a reader and hockey fan.

Overall if you are looking for an easy, hockey-adjacent read with little conflict and no-overly complicated plot, this book is for you. It was entertaining enough but nothing groundbreaking. 2.5 stars.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this in exchange for my honest opinion!

Holy. Wow.

This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. The emotions were so raw and beautifully written that I don’t think I’ll be forgetting Avery and Connor anytime soon. I am absolutely feral for these two!

Avery’s journey was incredibly emotional. Everything she goes through had my heart aching from the very beginning, and I felt every bit of her pain, strength, and resilience. There were so many moments that left me thinking, I am NOT okay.

And then there’s Connor. My goodness. The way he loves Avery is everything. His patience, unwavering support, and the quiet way he watches over and cares for her completely melted my heart. He’s the kind of book boyfriend who doesn’t just say he loves someone—he shows it in every action, and I loved every second of it.

This is only my second book by Jillian, but it definitely won’t be my last. The way she develops her characters and takes readers on such an emotional, heartfelt journey is incredible. I was completely invested from beginning to end, and by the time I turned the last page, I wasn’t ready to let these characters go.

And can we talk about that first hockey game? Seeing that team make an appearance was such a fun surprise! I definitely wasn’t expecting it, and it made me love the story even more.

This book was emotional, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. If you love stories that make you laugh, and fall completely in love with the characters, this is one you don’t want to miss

[Mylissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a hockey romance that will pull on your heartstrings while also giving you the feelings of found family ❤️ I absolutely adore how Jillian is able to create such strong and relatable backstories for not only her main characters but the friends and family that surround the Bobcats team 🏒

In book 3 of the series we have an opportunity to meet and fall in love with Connor and Avery. Told in dual POV and across past/present timelines, this second chance romance stole my heart from the very beginning. The pair share a messy history together and have both been hurt, but I appreciated how the author navigated the difficult conversations between the main characters & their support people.

This book had a very balanced mix of hockey, plot & smut, which I enjoy as a reader. The spicy starts as yearning and tension before the fireworks hit and remains relatively moderate (🔥🔥🔥/5). The shared history, honest conversations and caring nature of Connor as he advocated for Avery as she fought to find answers for her health issues just warmed my heart.

Lastly, I appreciated the care Jillian took in her depiction of chronic illness/invisible illness in the form of Avery's POTS diagnosis. As someone who has lived with a chronic illness for 20+ years, I truly felt seen in this novel and was reminded that everyone deserves to find their happily every after ❤️

I highly recommend this novel if you are looking for feel good vibes, marriage of convenience, found family and a whole lot of SPICE 😍

Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Bay Bobcats: Connor and Avery

Connor and Avery's story was an emotional second-chance romance that definitely put me through the wringer.
I completely understood Avery's anger. Connor promised her forever, disappeared without explanation, then reappeared in their friend group as though nothing had happened. To make matters worse, he cut her out of his life again when she got engaged. I struggled with that, and while I never quite got his reasoning, the whole ‘I let you go for your own good’ trope still frustrated me.
The slow reveal of what really happened all those years ago was handled so well. Every new piece of information made the past hurt just a little bit more, and it added so much emotional weight to their reunion.

Once Connor finally stepped in, though, he was all in. He was hopelessly devoted to Avery, fiercely protective, and constantly giving without expecting anything in return. And the way he dealt with Avery's ex? Definitely chef's kiss. Was it legal? Technically not. Was the fine well earned? Without question. Sometimes an enforcer is going to enforce, and that on-ice payback was downright satisfying… and amusing.

With hockey, chronic illness representation, marriage of convenience, and a second chance at the love they never truly got over, this was an emotional read that balanced heartbreak with hope, and makes you believe in a HEA, even if it’s not quite the one you were expecting.

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I will protect Avery until my dying breath. She is safe with me, and I’ll defend her heart like it’s my own, because quite frankly, it is. I promise I won’t let you down.”


I absolutely loved every single thing about this. This is part of the Green Bay Bobcats series but can be read as a standalone!


 Connor and Avery, highschool sweethearts who end up getting a second chance 😍 Avery is so resilient, and strong. I absolutely loved the POTS rep in this. 

Connor had me SWOONING and the more that gets revealed about his past just had me teary eyed. He is perfection! So protective, supportive, he's so sweet 


I feel like this one showcases so many things. Love, heartache, illness, resilience, strength, forgiveness, friendship, family, and so much more. I think it's beautifully balanced and their story flowed perfectly 🖤 I laughed at the group chats, tears tried to leak from the sweetness and support. Ugh it was beautiful 🥹 


Woman in hockey, marriage of convenience, highschool sweethearts and a second chance slow burn, with a chronic illness rep! What more could you possibly want?! This was perfect. I have a soft spot for Connor and Avery now. Absolutely adored their story and I didn't want it to end! 


P.S. Pineapple absolutely belongs on pizza and I will die on that hill! 


✔️Hockey romance

✔️Second chance 

✔️Marriage of convenience

✔️Chronic illness rep

✔️Slow burn 

✔️Found family

✔️Women in sports 

[Katey Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Second Chance
-Chronic Illness Rep
-Marriage of Convenience
-Hockey Romance
-Slow Burn

If you love a hockey romance with some slow burn and tension, this book is for you! If you love found family, please pick up this whole series ! But be prepared to feel all the emotions, this book had me in tears!

So there is a little bit of history between Connor and Avery! They were high school sweethearts until they broke up before Connor went to college. Unfortunately Connor has a little bit of trauma that causes him to push people away. But even after all their time apart, they still love each other.

Connor will quite literally make you swoon! He does several things in this book that will make you want to marry him. He is a caretaker. He wants to make sure Avery is okay and will stop at nothing to take care of her!

Poor Avery is going through a lot ! She is divorcing her toxic husband, she is trying to get answers on her health, all while trying to start over in a new city. She has her friend Tamara by her side and even with her new job she is forced to see Connor way more than she was hoping. But after all of these years and the past between them, will they be able to move on and face a future ? You will definitely need to read this book to find out what is in store! I can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you to the author and agency for allowing me to read this advanced readers copy, all of this opinions are my own !

[Lata Gleich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how this author does it, but she made a lighthearted hockey romance into an anxiety ridden, tearful yet very sweet story. A second chance romance, with a swoony defender, MMC named Connor along with his high school girlfriend, Avery, who’s journey we get to see really bloom throughout this story. This FMC came from an abusive situation with her ex-husband and a health situation when no one could find out what was wrong with her, and this book shows her growth into who she becomes after having a solid support system. This story is a marriage of a convenience after her health scares finally lead to a diagnosis and a few piles of tests which she cannot afford on her own.

This book has some of the best chronic illness representation. I have seen in a book yet, and it doesn’t necessarily shy away from her journey into finding out what was truly wrong with her, her mental health after finding out and her stabilizing both her mental and physical health with the tools she receives from her diagnosis.

Overall, this is probably my favorite story in this series so far and I would definitely encourage everyone to pick this book up. This book combines hockey, second chance romance, first loves, chronic illness, abuse, and yet does it in a way that doesn’t just tear out your heart. This is a softer sweeter version, and I read this in a day and a half or rather two nighttime sittings. And I cannot wait till the next book…

On this Authors Street Team, ARC

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

They were written in the stars, this was so cute and perfect! This has the humor, heat, sass, and funny moments. There isn’t anything that you won’t love about it. Especially with him trying to get her back. The way he finds ways to help her and actually listens to her. Completely gone!!!
This will put women’s health into a reality that many women unfortunately face. With being told it’s nothing, anxiety, you’re making it up. To finally having that one person in your corner that actually listens.

“Every night I looked up at the stars, I was wondering if somehow you were looking at the same ones, too. This ring is proof that even after all this time, two people who spent years in the dark can somehow still follow the same stars back to each other.” Avery releases a sob, and I reach up to brush away a stray tear. “This isn’t just a promise to love you for the rest of my life. I already did that a long time ago. This is a promise that no matter how far we may drift apart, you’ll always be my North Star, Aves. Will you stay married to me so we can start the life we’ve always dreamed of together?”

“What’s your favorite thing to eat after a game or practice?”
Leaning down into the fuzzy microphone, with all the confidence in the world, he responds with two words. “My wife.”


I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[pagesofzai · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

I was kindly given an ARC of Defend Her Heart and this was amazing! I was in love with this book from the moment I started it (only read the prologue and was obsessed with Connor!) I loved the writing, it was written well and flowed, I just kept on reading and I really liked the dual timeline. seeing Avery and Connor first meet and be teens together was so cute, they were adorable and so young and innocent. the chronic illness rep is this was portrayed very well and it hit home. it was so relatable and felt so familiar to me and it broke my heart seeing Avery go through it, but she’s such a strong and admirable character. I loved seeing her in her job and doing so well while dealing with her health. Connor was a grump for everyone except Avery and I loved to see it. he was so soft and gentle with her and so caring, it’s the bare minimum but he did it so well and he constantly showed up for Avery during her health issues and was always there for her. he is such a good man, honestly such a dream and I loved how he made sure they went through it together. he was a protector and so thoughtful and generous and there were so many little moments where he just did things that made me want to cry! he was perfect, so attentive and hardworking and considerate and I loved seeing him win back Avery. their love and connection was so strong and their love knew no bounds even after so long and I love that they found their way back to each other. Connor is the absolute standard, I think we all should expect nothing less than him and it was a perfect ending to the story. the friendships in this were the sweetest, so wholesome and supportive also! will definitely read more books by Jillian, this was such a good read! (thank you to Jillian Arly and Love Notes PR for the ARC, all opinions are my own)
Defend Her Heart releases August 6!
4.5⭐