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Damage Control
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 13, 2026
How is this a debut novel? Because Lucy Noran absolutely nailed this hockey MM romance. In the sea of all this particular genre that's out there, this was such a fun refreshing character driven story with the hockey being more of a side dish. This book was so much fun to read and easy to get invested in in these characters. It's written in single first-person POV, which in itself was pretty unique to me, and it helped that the MMCs perspective delivering the story is an absolute treasure.
Andrew and Matthew have a rocky start, which makes for all the fun tension happening right off the bat. Matthew's inner monologue had me laughing out loud. Immediately, I wanted to know why Andrew was such a mean grump. It was interesting not having his POV. I really enjoyed how their story developed as they grew to know one another, and their relationship bloomed it definitely was on the sweeter side with a touch of spice that was balanced really well.
I had an absolute blast reading this book. This was such a feel-good heartwarming story that made me laugh and swoon big time.
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Forbidden
Grumpy + sorta sunshine
Opposites attract
Anxiety rep
Workplace
Hockey player + personal assistant
Slow-burn
Check TW
This is book 1 in the After the Whistle series, and I will happily read the next book.
Thank you, BookSirens and Lucy Noran, for the opportunity to read this book.
Andrew and Matthew have a rocky start, which makes for all the fun tension happening right off the bat. Matthew's inner monologue had me laughing out loud. Immediately, I wanted to know why Andrew was such a mean grump. It was interesting not having his POV. I really enjoyed how their story developed as they grew to know one another, and their relationship bloomed it definitely was on the sweeter side with a touch of spice that was balanced really well.
I had an absolute blast reading this book. This was such a feel-good heartwarming story that made me laugh and swoon big time.
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Forbidden
Grumpy + sorta sunshine
Opposites attract
Anxiety rep
Workplace
Hockey player + personal assistant
Slow-burn
Check TW
This is book 1 in the After the Whistle series, and I will happily read the next book.
Thank you, BookSirens and Lucy Noran, for the opportunity to read this book.
May 16, 2026
Review for (After The Whistle-1) Damage Control by Lucy Noran
Another fabulous sports story with the ups and downs that make it feel more real. Matthew was given his last chance to get his act together after a scandal involving a major Hollywood star. Andrew is the Boston Wardens' highest-talented player. But being the highest paid, he is also a liability. He, like Matthew, has gone through a scandal; Andrew's was due to a fight on the ice that makes everyone wonder if Matthew is ok. He has no patience with all this crap; he just wants to play. Andrew doesn't want to bring anyone down to save him; he needs to put his life back on track. If his life weren't messed up enough, something from the old days would come back to bite him in the butt. The story of these two men was a nice ride. I loved that the two of them in the story are not perfect by any means. As we know, that can be life for many. I loved the connection and what they gave to each other. I found it well written and look forward to more by Lucy Noran since this is my first book by her.
Nicole Harvey
Another fabulous sports story with the ups and downs that make it feel more real. Matthew was given his last chance to get his act together after a scandal involving a major Hollywood star. Andrew is the Boston Wardens' highest-talented player. But being the highest paid, he is also a liability. He, like Matthew, has gone through a scandal; Andrew's was due to a fight on the ice that makes everyone wonder if Matthew is ok. He has no patience with all this crap; he just wants to play. Andrew doesn't want to bring anyone down to save him; he needs to put his life back on track. If his life weren't messed up enough, something from the old days would come back to bite him in the butt. The story of these two men was a nice ride. I loved that the two of them in the story are not perfect by any means. As we know, that can be life for many. I loved the connection and what they gave to each other. I found it well written and look forward to more by Lucy Noran since this is my first book by her.
Nicole Harvey
Review of advance copy received from Author
Damage Control by Lucy Noran is the first book in her After the Whistle series. It is the story of a down on his luck man looking for a job and the cruel professional hockey player that was forced to hire him and how they eventually saw each other for who they really were and fell in love. Matthew Quinn had worked as a production assistant for big time actor Benjamin Harroway. It didn’t take Ben long to notice Matthew and soon they were in what Matthew thought was a loving relationship and he also became Ben’s personal assistant and took care of everything for him. But Ben didn’t want anyone to know they were together and after 2 years Matthew started to notice things that weren’t good and he had to cover for him. When Ben finally got caught in public, he begged Matthew to take care of the problem and when he agreed had him sign an NDA so he could never talk about it. And then he left never came back. Plus, Matthew was having trouble finding another job. He eventually went back to Boston and took in his younger sister, Angelique, because his mother was gone and it was just the two of them. Now the rent was late and he wasn’t sure what to do when the agency he signed with told him there was a 6 month job as a personal assistant to a very difficult person available and that the longest one had stayed with him was 11 days. But Mattew was determined because he really needed the money and when he showed up the next day, he realized it was for Andrew Knox, an NHL hockey player with the Boston Wardens, who had been suspended because of a fight where he put the other man, Brandon Archibold, in the hospital for 3 days. Andrew was awaiting a hearing and no one wanted to be around him. He was angry, surly, wanted his own way, and didn’t care about anyone else, and he told this to Matthew in no uncertain terms. Then he gave him a job unpacking a room full of boxes of things related to hockey and just watched him, not allowing him to talk. When Matthew follows his directions, Andrew finally says he can stay for one week and see what happens. Matthew had always loved hockey and had even played when he was in high school, but had to leave the sport because he needed money. The Wardens were his favorite team and he knew the stats of every player from the past and present and when he was stressed, he tended to spiral and saying the stats helped him become calm. He did this quite often. Matthew was a great personal assistant and got everything together for Andrew, including ideas to help with his suspension hearing, but he was still often out of control. Then Matthew suggested he skate and Andrew thinks that’s a great idea so he goes to the practice facility, even though he’s not supposed to be there. He meets his team members and they treat him well. Andrew also does charity work and at gala for an animal rescue he has to deal with Archibold but Matthew stands up for him and stops the situation from escalating. Then Andrew kisses him which sends him spiraling wondering what it means. As time goes on, they become closer as Matthew sees the person behind Andrew’s façade and likes him. Andrew also sees that Matthew has always let other people make decisions for him and realizes he has to back off and let him do what he wants if he wants them to be together. This leads to a hot love scene and decisions have to be made about having a relationship which Matthew wants to take his time with. Then Ben reenters the picture and wants Matthew for some reason but he realizes what Ben did to him and wants no part of this. He’s also afraid to tell Andrew about his relationship with him because he might tell him to leave and he doesn’t want that to happen. There is a huge scene where everything comes to a head and Andrew is not buying what Ben is trying to say about Matthew and he tells the world that Matthew is his boyfriend and he won’t hide him. At the first game after Andrew’s suspension is lifted Matthew realizes he loves him and when he tells him Andrew tells him he’s been in love with him for a while. They say they are stuck with each other and are two people choosing each other and finding their home. I really enjoyed this book. Andrew is very unhappy and takes it out on everyone, not caring about anything. He knows the suspension was unfair and is worried his career may be over. He doesn’t want an assistant who will report his every move and takes it out on Matthew when he arrives. Matthew hasn’t had an easy life and has to take care of his sister so will do anything to keep this job. He slowly wins Andrew over and soon they are seeing the real sides of each other and liking what they see. But Andrew has to learn he can’t steamroll over Matthew and Matthew has to learn to stand up for himself. His relationship with Ben comes to the forefront when Matthew sees what he did to him and wants nothing to do with him but he keeps coming on to him. Luckily Andrew is there and is not going to let him do that. In the end they Matthew has gotten a job with the team and Andrew is playing and happy and the are looking forward to the future together. The Wardens team and Angelique play a big part in the story and you really don’t like Ben and Archibold and are happy to see them get what is coming to them. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories with angst where one man is possibly losing his future and is angry and takes it out on everyone and the other has had problems from the past that he is facing now, and how they get together, learn about each other and how to help, and fall in love.
Review of advance copy
I think this is Lucy Noran’s first book and I am * gobsmacked! * Damage Control is a fantastic book. The book starts off as troped; suspended hockey player is cranky and rude, poor (in both senses of the word) temp has to try to last longer than his predecessors. Then there’s a moment Matthew does something that earns Andrew’s respect, and that’s where the tropes separate from the story like solid rocket boosters separating from a space shuttle after launch. And y’all? That happens pretty darn early in the book, not right away or it wouldn’t be as meaningful (nor does it bibbidi-bobbidi-boo us into long walks in the moonlight) but the book is *good*
The story is character driven, and the hockey is important, but it’s more backdrop than center stage The characters are people not caricatures. I’ve grown accustomed to multiple POV in contemporary romance, and I have to say that having this book in single POV is one of the things that makes it phenomenal. We’re waiting with Matthew, we’re worrying with Matthew, we’re only privy to Matthew’s reality, and we can only judge Andrew by what Matthew sees and hears. The writing is descriptive and funny (when appropriate) but doesn't get bogged down in flowery language or too many similes. There were only around half a dozen typos, and I read an ARC so they might have already been dealt with by the time I read it.
There are a few times where something is described even though it's not the first time we encounter it, and in some books that feels like the author forgot they already described it, but given the nature of Matthew's anxiety, even though his primary coping mechanism is reciting hockey stats, you get the feeling that he's describing his environment as a way of grounding himself when he's anxious or off-balance... usually because of Andrew.
Y’all, Andrew has 0 fucks to give and he doesn’t care who’s uncomfortable when he’s not giving them (and I’m not even talking about the part where he defends his teammates to his own detriment). Angelica, Matthew's sister, is a national treasure. There's another woman later in the book whom I adore, but describing her would be a spoiler, but she's written so honestly and joyfully.
And it's not just in creating the characters that the writing is great, there’s a thing that happens, NOT a third act breakup but you think it is for a hot minute, and then after that thing there are so many funny things, or maybe one funny thing with lots of ways to describe it that feel like their own funny things. However you want to categorize it I laughed A LOT.
It’s easy to feel invested in Matthew and Andrew’s well-being, to root for them as both a couple and as individuals, and to care about them on their journey.
I was SO WORRIED leading into the chapter that I thought was going to be when Bad Things Happen. But I was hopeful because of the blurb; Andrew doesn’t “sacrifice other people to save himself. And when Matthew’s past resurfaces, Andrew draws a line. No one gets to break what’s his.”
I have decided that Andrew is like a golden retriever Doberman mix. I’m trying to decide if any of the examples I want to give are spoilers, and I don’t think I want to risk it. Just – get the book. I love this book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is character driven, and the hockey is important, but it’s more backdrop than center stage The characters are people not caricatures. I’ve grown accustomed to multiple POV in contemporary romance, and I have to say that having this book in single POV is one of the things that makes it phenomenal. We’re waiting with Matthew, we’re worrying with Matthew, we’re only privy to Matthew’s reality, and we can only judge Andrew by what Matthew sees and hears. The writing is descriptive and funny (when appropriate) but doesn't get bogged down in flowery language or too many similes. There were only around half a dozen typos, and I read an ARC so they might have already been dealt with by the time I read it.
There are a few times where something is described even though it's not the first time we encounter it, and in some books that feels like the author forgot they already described it, but given the nature of Matthew's anxiety, even though his primary coping mechanism is reciting hockey stats, you get the feeling that he's describing his environment as a way of grounding himself when he's anxious or off-balance... usually because of Andrew.
Y’all, Andrew has 0 fucks to give and he doesn’t care who’s uncomfortable when he’s not giving them (and I’m not even talking about the part where he defends his teammates to his own detriment). Angelica, Matthew's sister, is a national treasure. There's another woman later in the book whom I adore, but describing her would be a spoiler, but she's written so honestly and joyfully.
And it's not just in creating the characters that the writing is great, there’s a thing that happens, NOT a third act breakup but you think it is for a hot minute, and then after that thing there are so many funny things, or maybe one funny thing with lots of ways to describe it that feel like their own funny things. However you want to categorize it I laughed A LOT.
It’s easy to feel invested in Matthew and Andrew’s well-being, to root for them as both a couple and as individuals, and to care about them on their journey.
I was SO WORRIED leading into the chapter that I thought was going to be when Bad Things Happen. But I was hopeful because of the blurb; Andrew doesn’t “sacrifice other people to save himself. And when Matthew’s past resurfaces, Andrew draws a line. No one gets to break what’s his.”
I have decided that Andrew is like a golden retriever Doberman mix. I’m trying to decide if any of the examples I want to give are spoilers, and I don’t think I want to risk it. Just – get the book. I love this book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2026
My latest read was Damage Control, book one of the After the Whistle series by Lucy Noran. I was fortunate enough to be given an ARC of this book, but this review is given voluntarily. Damage Control is a story of a young man, Matthew Quinn, who’s down on his luck finding a job when he accepts a “difficult” assignment as the executive assistant for a high-profile client. The client turns out to be hockey player, Andrew Knox, who’s currently under suspension from playing due to an incident with another player, and is awaiting a hearing to find out if his suspension will be lifted. And to make matters worse, Knox does not want an assistant, so he makes life so miserable for those sent to him, that they quit. The record so far was eleven days. Matthew is determined to make it through his 90-day contract. He has to. He needs the money to support his younger sister, Angelica, as well as himself, and has had great difficulty finding a job as of late.
Stressful times ensue between Matthew and Andrew. That is, until they get to know each other. Add to the story a well-developed cast of very interesting characters, including Andrew’s teammates, his mom, Diane, whose personality is a laugh riot, and Matthew’s former employer and antagonist, whom he also was in a relationship with. It was not a good experience for Matthew, with circumstances that still affect him.
Matthew’s character is so sweet, trying to do his best to provide a better life for himself and his sister, since both parents are not around, while dealing with anxiety issues and a past he finds difficult to entirely escape from. He gets into his own head because of it but always manages to push through with the help of reciting hockey stats. His determination was so heartwarming, willing to do anything, even take jobs he dreaded, to survive. He is always thinking about others, and not enough about himself, but he’s learning. Andrew, on the other hand, with his rough exterior and penchant for being blunt, is someone you dislike in the beginning. But as the story goes on, and you understand him a little better, you realize he’s not as bad as you once thought, and that he just handles life a bit differently than others. I knew there was a heart of gold beneath that muscular shell of his. In the end, he redeems himself and becomes the man I hoped he would.
Reading this book was a bit nerve-wracking at times, with the interactions between Matthew and Andrew in the beginning, and with other characters later on. I kept thinking, would Matthew get hurt again, or finally catch the break that life wouldn’t give to him up until now? Thankfully there was also a lot of humor, with Matthew’s inner thoughts, and with Andrew’s mom, Diane’s, don’t-hold-back attitude. She’s a hoot. And in the end, it turned out to be a sweet love story, with supportive family members and teammates, and a HEA that put a smile on my face and in my heart.
Thank you to the author for this story. I loved it, and hope that there’s more about Matthew and Andrew, and the others, in the future. The spice level was about a 2 out of 5, which is fine with me. All things considered, I easily give this book a 9 out of 10, translated to a 5 out of 5, after rounding.
Stressful times ensue between Matthew and Andrew. That is, until they get to know each other. Add to the story a well-developed cast of very interesting characters, including Andrew’s teammates, his mom, Diane, whose personality is a laugh riot, and Matthew’s former employer and antagonist, whom he also was in a relationship with. It was not a good experience for Matthew, with circumstances that still affect him.
Matthew’s character is so sweet, trying to do his best to provide a better life for himself and his sister, since both parents are not around, while dealing with anxiety issues and a past he finds difficult to entirely escape from. He gets into his own head because of it but always manages to push through with the help of reciting hockey stats. His determination was so heartwarming, willing to do anything, even take jobs he dreaded, to survive. He is always thinking about others, and not enough about himself, but he’s learning. Andrew, on the other hand, with his rough exterior and penchant for being blunt, is someone you dislike in the beginning. But as the story goes on, and you understand him a little better, you realize he’s not as bad as you once thought, and that he just handles life a bit differently than others. I knew there was a heart of gold beneath that muscular shell of his. In the end, he redeems himself and becomes the man I hoped he would.
Reading this book was a bit nerve-wracking at times, with the interactions between Matthew and Andrew in the beginning, and with other characters later on. I kept thinking, would Matthew get hurt again, or finally catch the break that life wouldn’t give to him up until now? Thankfully there was also a lot of humor, with Matthew’s inner thoughts, and with Andrew’s mom, Diane’s, don’t-hold-back attitude. She’s a hoot. And in the end, it turned out to be a sweet love story, with supportive family members and teammates, and a HEA that put a smile on my face and in my heart.
Thank you to the author for this story. I loved it, and hope that there’s more about Matthew and Andrew, and the others, in the future. The spice level was about a 2 out of 5, which is fine with me. All things considered, I easily give this book a 9 out of 10, translated to a 5 out of 5, after rounding.
Review of advance copy
This is book 1 of a series, and I’m looking forward to book 2 already. I received an advance reader’s copy of the book, and I am voluntarily giving this review.
In the first chapter, we’re introduced to Matthew Quinn in Boston, who’s taking a personal assistant job to a ‘difficult’ client; the longest any previous personal assistant lasted with this client was eleven days. This is supposed to be a 90 day assignment, if he can stick it out. Right away, we find out that he’s in need of making it stick, so he can pay the rent for the apartment he shares with his younger sister. We also discover that he has panic attacks frequently, which he prevents by mentally recalling statistics of different hockey players for the Boston Wardens NHL team.
Next morning, he’s up and getting ready to go to the address he was given – no name, just the address – when a panic attack strikes. At first unable to rely on his statistical recall, he spirals, before he remembers the statistics and climbs out of the panic. He arrives at the address and is slammed into by a well-built guy in a hoodie who growls at him as if it was his fault the guy ran into him. The hoodie guy proceeds to the elevator while Matthew gathers his portfolio and then tells the doorman he’s there for “Penthouse 4.” That gets a look of almost pity from the doorman, who checks his ID and then motions toward the elevator with the rude guy. “Go with him,” Matthew is instructed. As he heads towards the elevator, hoodie guy begins pressing buttons in earnest; Matthew arrives quickly enough to get into the elevator for the brief ride share.
Only, it’s not some employee or maintenance guy. It turns out the hoodie guy is the client, none other than the suspended star player, Andrew Knox. For the first week, Andrew is colder than ice, but Matthew is determined to finish the contract – he needs the pay. The second week, there’s a bit of a thaw, but not much. Matthew remains determined, even as Andrew remains adamant that he doesn’t need a personal assistant – he feels it’s being forced on him by the team, as a sort of minder or baby sitter. Grudgingly, he begins seeing the good that Matthew is doing, and things warm up.
This is a hockey romance, so if you like or love Heated Rivalry, this is probably going to be a “must-read” for you. During the book, we meet Matthew’s sister, a lot of the Wardens, and Matthew’s ex, a movie star with an ego bigger than Andrew’s. It all ends happily for Matthew, but getting there is all the fun.
This book is a fun read, even though I’m about as clueless with hockey as is humanly possible. There’s enough hockey to make it real, but the romance and personal interactions of the characters are the primary focus, and extremely well done.
In the first chapter, we’re introduced to Matthew Quinn in Boston, who’s taking a personal assistant job to a ‘difficult’ client; the longest any previous personal assistant lasted with this client was eleven days. This is supposed to be a 90 day assignment, if he can stick it out. Right away, we find out that he’s in need of making it stick, so he can pay the rent for the apartment he shares with his younger sister. We also discover that he has panic attacks frequently, which he prevents by mentally recalling statistics of different hockey players for the Boston Wardens NHL team.
Next morning, he’s up and getting ready to go to the address he was given – no name, just the address – when a panic attack strikes. At first unable to rely on his statistical recall, he spirals, before he remembers the statistics and climbs out of the panic. He arrives at the address and is slammed into by a well-built guy in a hoodie who growls at him as if it was his fault the guy ran into him. The hoodie guy proceeds to the elevator while Matthew gathers his portfolio and then tells the doorman he’s there for “Penthouse 4.” That gets a look of almost pity from the doorman, who checks his ID and then motions toward the elevator with the rude guy. “Go with him,” Matthew is instructed. As he heads towards the elevator, hoodie guy begins pressing buttons in earnest; Matthew arrives quickly enough to get into the elevator for the brief ride share.
Only, it’s not some employee or maintenance guy. It turns out the hoodie guy is the client, none other than the suspended star player, Andrew Knox. For the first week, Andrew is colder than ice, but Matthew is determined to finish the contract – he needs the pay. The second week, there’s a bit of a thaw, but not much. Matthew remains determined, even as Andrew remains adamant that he doesn’t need a personal assistant – he feels it’s being forced on him by the team, as a sort of minder or baby sitter. Grudgingly, he begins seeing the good that Matthew is doing, and things warm up.
This is a hockey romance, so if you like or love Heated Rivalry, this is probably going to be a “must-read” for you. During the book, we meet Matthew’s sister, a lot of the Wardens, and Matthew’s ex, a movie star with an ego bigger than Andrew’s. It all ends happily for Matthew, but getting there is all the fun.
This book is a fun read, even though I’m about as clueless with hockey as is humanly possible. There’s enough hockey to make it real, but the romance and personal interactions of the characters are the primary focus, and extremely well done.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens & Lucy Noran.
Story: 4/5
Spice: Low (Descriptions of scenes & # of scenes: it was a close between med and low)
Characters: 3/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
I want to start off that it was an enjoyable read, pacing was good and overall easy to consume. There was a moment that I thought I knew what was coming, and I was so mad. I was actually fuming as I was reading and then I got to the moment and it didn't quite go down how I was expecting and I'm so glad it didn't. Because if it had I was ready to just get on here and rant about how much I hated these characters.
This story is all one POV, Matthew's, and it felt stressful. Matthew is a stressful character and man does that boy have anxiety! He was giving me stress! The positive from this is I felt like I understood Matthew a lot (is he supposed to be kind of Autistic coded? or is that me just projecting?), the negative of this is I absolutely didn't see the chemistry between them at first. I didn't see it until the moment (aka : ). I didn't exactly mind that though... so it was weird? Or I guess it's more accurate to say that I liked Matthew enough to stay on the ride and see where it went and really, that ending was pretty solid. (Not the epilogue though.. that felt like it was a bit out of place and almost like a characterization of the characters.. but I digress..) but the confrontation felt really good.
Andrew is the hard to read bad boy with a heart of gold that felt like he was hard to read. Again, It felt like he was really good a keeping his cards close to his chest until he suddenly wasn't. But, again, Matthew's POV. . He was enjoyable. I just didn't like him in the epilogue, but that's probably just me.
Spice: I do want to note about this. Its like Medium-Low. There aren't a ton of scenes (not complaining) and while they are pretty hot it's just barely what I'd consider 'descriptive'. This didn't take away from the story from me, it felt kind of on par for the overall tone of the story. but I wanted to make a note of it since it's out of my 'normal' range.
in the end It was a cute and fun little read. It was more than what I was expecting. I'm interested to see where the series goes.
Story: 4/5
Spice: Low (Descriptions of scenes & # of scenes: it was a close between med and low)
Characters: 3/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
I want to start off that it was an enjoyable read, pacing was good and overall easy to consume. There was a moment that I thought I knew what was coming, and I was so mad. I was actually fuming as I was reading and then I got to the moment and it didn't quite go down how I was expecting and I'm so glad it didn't. Because if it had I was ready to just get on here and rant about how much I hated these characters.
This story is all one POV, Matthew's, and it felt stressful. Matthew is a stressful character and man does that boy have anxiety! He was giving me stress! The positive from this is I felt like I understood Matthew a lot (is he supposed to be kind of Autistic coded? or is that me just projecting?), the negative of this is I absolutely didn't see the chemistry between them at first. I didn't see it until the moment (aka : ). I didn't exactly mind that though... so it was weird? Or I guess it's more accurate to say that I liked Matthew enough to stay on the ride and see where it went and really, that ending was pretty solid. (Not the epilogue though.. that felt like it was a bit out of place and almost like a characterization of the characters.. but I digress..) but the confrontation felt really good.
Andrew is the hard to read bad boy with a heart of gold that felt like he was hard to read. Again, It felt like he was really good a keeping his cards close to his chest until he suddenly wasn't. But, again, Matthew's POV. . He was enjoyable. I just didn't like him in the epilogue, but that's probably just me.
Spice: I do want to note about this. Its like Medium-Low. There aren't a ton of scenes (not complaining) and while they are pretty hot it's just barely what I'd consider 'descriptive'. This didn't take away from the story from me, it felt kind of on par for the overall tone of the story. but I wanted to make a note of it since it's out of my 'normal' range.
in the end It was a cute and fun little read. It was more than what I was expecting. I'm interested to see where the series goes.
Read
April 21, 2026This started out really great; I was entertained and blasted through the first hundred or so pages in no time, but once the charity auction hit, the momentum came to a halt.
“All the tension that had been building between us for weeks […] exploded in one shattering instant.” What tension? This book is written in first person, single POV—we only get Matthew’s side of things; in some books, that works SO well, but I feel like it hurt the story the author was trying to tell in this.
“He’s clearly crazy about you, and you’re clearly crazy about him.”
“[…] because he’s in love with you and doesn’t know how to handle it. That’s literally what happened.” It’s been two days of this attitude after, like, three weeks of working for him, Angelica; this is why seventeen-year-olds don’t give romantic advice. The little sister was a good addition in the beginning—I love a down-on-his-luck MC with familial obligations—but then she turned into Matthew’s bestie/therapist in a scene that fully threw me off, and I wrote her off.
The NDA situation with Matthew’s ex really made no sense, and that really got my goat. Why would security at a hotel that seemingly caters to people like Matthew’s ex (rich and famous) be checking their room in a “routine security check” before they checked out? Why would security be in or near a guests’ room at all without there being a security issue? As a former hotel worker, the entire scene confused me because the author could have found a dozen different ways to introduce the issue (a rental car in Matthew’s name with the same findings by a cop in a traffic stop is one I immediately thought of) and move along the narrative.
The sentences were choppy; I rarely saw a paragraph with more than one complete sentence. I’d love for the author (and others!) to use em dashes and semicolons in their written works; I feel like it elevates one’s writing and, in my opinion, pulls the readers’ emotional strings a smidge more because one isn’t hitting a period/stopping point every four words.
I think this author has potential, but I don’t believe they utilized it to its fullest extent with Matthew and Knox.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and am offering my honest opinion.
“All the tension that had been building between us for weeks […] exploded in one shattering instant.” What tension? This book is written in first person, single POV—we only get Matthew’s side of things; in some books, that works SO well, but I feel like it hurt the story the author was trying to tell in this.
“He’s clearly crazy about you, and you’re clearly crazy about him.”
“[…] because he’s in love with you and doesn’t know how to handle it. That’s literally what happened.” It’s been two days of this attitude after, like, three weeks of working for him, Angelica; this is why seventeen-year-olds don’t give romantic advice. The little sister was a good addition in the beginning—I love a down-on-his-luck MC with familial obligations—but then she turned into Matthew’s bestie/therapist in a scene that fully threw me off, and I wrote her off.
The NDA situation with Matthew’s ex really made no sense, and that really got my goat. Why would security at a hotel that seemingly caters to people like Matthew’s ex (rich and famous) be checking their room in a “routine security check” before they checked out? Why would security be in or near a guests’ room at all without there being a security issue? As a former hotel worker, the entire scene confused me because the author could have found a dozen different ways to introduce the issue (a rental car in Matthew’s name with the same findings by a cop in a traffic stop is one I immediately thought of) and move along the narrative.
The sentences were choppy; I rarely saw a paragraph with more than one complete sentence. I’d love for the author (and others!) to use em dashes and semicolons in their written works; I feel like it elevates one’s writing and, in my opinion, pulls the readers’ emotional strings a smidge more because one isn’t hitting a period/stopping point every four words.
I think this author has potential, but I don’t believe they utilized it to its fullest extent with Matthew and Knox.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and am offering my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Matthew is doing his absolute best managing his anxiety, holding onto his self-soothing habits, and stepping up to raise his 17-year-old sister while barely keeping things together. You really feel the weight he’s carrying, especially after getting out of a bad relationship and trying to rebuild from scratch. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and protect his peace more than once.
Then there’s Knox… and yeah, “grumpy” is putting it nicely at first. Being on suspension and forced to take on a PA he didn’t even want. He was fighting Matthew’s presence every step of the way. Their dynamic definitely starts off rough, like just communicating would be too easy, but once you learn why Knox is the way he is, it clicks. It doesn’t excuse everything, but it makes him feel a lot more real. I actually found myself really liking him even when he was grumpy.
What I really loved was how their relationship slowly shifted. No instant connection, no easy fixes, and they had to work to find common ground, and that made the payoff so much better. When they finally start to understand each other, it feels earned. The story did not feel rushed; it seemed to flow.
The side characters added so much life to the story, too. Matthew’s sister? Absolutely hilarious and chaotic to anyone and everyone. The found family element was really heartwarming, especially after everything Matthew has been through. Watching Matthew grow, have those breakthrough moments, and start to believe he deserves more was honestly one of the best parts of the book.
By the end, Matthew and Knox just fit. It takes time, some emotional bruising, and a lot of growth, but they get there, and it’s worth it.
Spice: 2/5
Then there’s Knox… and yeah, “grumpy” is putting it nicely at first. Being on suspension and forced to take on a PA he didn’t even want. He was fighting Matthew’s presence every step of the way. Their dynamic definitely starts off rough, like just communicating would be too easy, but once you learn why Knox is the way he is, it clicks. It doesn’t excuse everything, but it makes him feel a lot more real. I actually found myself really liking him even when he was grumpy.
What I really loved was how their relationship slowly shifted. No instant connection, no easy fixes, and they had to work to find common ground, and that made the payoff so much better. When they finally start to understand each other, it feels earned. The story did not feel rushed; it seemed to flow.
The side characters added so much life to the story, too. Matthew’s sister? Absolutely hilarious and chaotic to anyone and everyone. The found family element was really heartwarming, especially after everything Matthew has been through. Watching Matthew grow, have those breakthrough moments, and start to believe he deserves more was honestly one of the best parts of the book.
By the end, Matthew and Knox just fit. It takes time, some emotional bruising, and a lot of growth, but they get there, and it’s worth it.
Spice: 2/5
Review of advance copy
This is the first book (3.5*) in a new MM hockey romance series. Matthew finally gets a job and is determined to keep it, even though no one before him has lasted more than 11 days. His boss is hockey legend Andrew Knox, who’s currently suspended from the league. Andrew’s grumpy attitude—or maybe his good looks—makes Matt even more nervous. Andrew doesn’t really want an assistant and knows the team just wants someone to watch him and report back, but there’s something about Matt and his muttering that catches his attention. As they get closer, Matt faces a tough situation that reminds him of his past, and he has to decide if he’ll make the same mistakes again. Will Andrew realize that his tough hockey persona doesn’t work so well in a relationship? And when an ex-boyfriend shows up, will he or the media come between them?
This was my first time reading this author, and I found the book easy and fun to get through, though there were a few editing problems. I liked the characters and how different they were from each other, and they definitely brought some heat to the story. The family and teammates added some humor, which I enjoyed too. I did wish there was a bit more communication between the main characters, but I loved the message and how Knox supported Matthew. Overall, it was a good read, and I’m interested to see what happens next in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my first time reading this author, and I found the book easy and fun to get through, though there were a few editing problems. I liked the characters and how different they were from each other, and they definitely brought some heat to the story. The family and teammates added some humor, which I enjoyed too. I did wish there was a bit more communication between the main characters, but I loved the message and how Knox supported Matthew. Overall, it was a good read, and I’m interested to see what happens next in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Damage Control is a ’love at first sight’ romance or at least a ‘getting hot under the collar at first sight’ romance. Matthew Quinn has trouble finding a job after getting black listed for something he was not guilty of. He has been making do with short term contracts to support himself and his younger sister. He takes a job at very short notice working as an assistant to a ‘difficult’ client. The difficult client is Andrew Knox, an indefinitely suspended ice hockey player. Matthew loves hockey, particularly Andrew’s team, and watches every match and knows all the player statistics memorised. In the words of his sister, he is a hockey nerd, but more than that he is good at what he does.
This is more than just a sports romance, it is about sticking up for what’s right and that is true for both the main characters although that takes more than one form. It is a great read with real heart as well some undeniable heat when the two finally give into the attraction they feel. There are consequences to face and there is also an unwanted ex who turns up. There are lots of wonderful characters and the interactions between them entertaining on many levels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is more than just a sports romance, it is about sticking up for what’s right and that is true for both the main characters although that takes more than one form. It is a great read with real heart as well some undeniable heat when the two finally give into the attraction they feel. There are consequences to face and there is also an unwanted ex who turns up. There are lots of wonderful characters and the interactions between them entertaining on many levels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2026
I enjoyed the way this book was written. The writing wasn't abrupt or silly. It moved well. I enjoyed the way scenes and people were conveyed. Over all it was a good book, but there were several issues for me.
First, Drew's character jump from complete asshole to not entirely is in choppy bits and for no apparent reason. This is probably because we didn't have his POV, but for me it made him feel less real and a little one dimensional even though I really liked him after the first couple chapters. There were a couple times in the middle I wasn't sure why Drew was so 100000% into Matthew, but I think the author pulled it off. My last issue is it annoys me when kids are used as props in books and even though Angelica was 17yo and had an awesome personality, she was almost only brought in when they needed to move a plot point forward. The final game of the book I loved that she was around and seemed to just be there as herself. Not to move the story somewhere.
In conclusion, an enjoyable book, just enough angst to keep it interesting without making a sweet story stressful. There were just a few bits and bobs I would have ironed out.
First, Drew's character jump from complete asshole to not entirely is in choppy bits and for no apparent reason. This is probably because we didn't have his POV, but for me it made him feel less real and a little one dimensional even though I really liked him after the first couple chapters. There were a couple times in the middle I wasn't sure why Drew was so 100000% into Matthew, but I think the author pulled it off. My last issue is it annoys me when kids are used as props in books and even though Angelica was 17yo and had an awesome personality, she was almost only brought in when they needed to move a plot point forward. The final game of the book I loved that she was around and seemed to just be there as herself. Not to move the story somewhere.
In conclusion, an enjoyable book, just enough angst to keep it interesting without making a sweet story stressful. There were just a few bits and bobs I would have ironed out.
Review of advance copy
Damage Control is told entirely from Matthew’s perspective, which gives a strong sense of his character and struggles. As Matthew Quinn steps into his new role as a PA for the intense and unpredictable Andrew Knox, it’s clear from the start that the job won’t be easy—but he needs it to work. Andrew comes across as difficult, yet beneath that tough exterior is a deeply caring side. His possessiveness is written in a way that feels compelling rather than overbearing, adding a definite spark that makes it hot. The tension is heightened further when Matthew’s toxic ex reappears, trying to pull him back into old patterns, which adds an extra layer of conflict and emotion to the story.
This MM romance, set around the world of hockey during Andrew’s suspension, builds its relationship at a satisfying pace. Watching their connection grow was a highlight, especially as Andrew proves himself to be exactly the kind of support Matthew needs—openly and without hesitation. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I’m definitely interested in continuing with the next book in the series.
This MM romance, set around the world of hockey during Andrew’s suspension, builds its relationship at a satisfying pace. Watching their connection grow was a highlight, especially as Andrew proves himself to be exactly the kind of support Matthew needs—openly and without hesitation. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I’m definitely interested in continuing with the next book in the series.
May 17, 2026
The dialogue was shaky
So, the plot and the ability to write, the author has down. It was the dialogue that was so horrible. Throughout the entire book, every single chapter, the author cuts off Matthew's dialogue, I mean constantly. He doesn't finish more sentences than he cuts off, it seemed. Also, he constantly asks "what?" and it about drove me mad. I would constantly think to myself that by writing like that, by cutting off his words constantly to make him appear anxious, I guess, and constantly asking the word "what" while he clearly heard the question or remarks, made the character come across as ignorant, but he was supposed to be very smart. I do not think the author understands how that makes the book very choppy to the reader, and constantly pulls you out of the story when dialogue doesn't flow well.
So, the plot and the ability to write, the author has down. It was the dialogue that was so horrible. Throughout the entire book, every single chapter, the author cuts off Matthew's dialogue, I mean constantly. He doesn't finish more sentences than he cuts off, it seemed. Also, he constantly asks "what?" and it about drove me mad. I would constantly think to myself that by writing like that, by cutting off his words constantly to make him appear anxious, I guess, and constantly asking the word "what" while he clearly heard the question or remarks, made the character come across as ignorant, but he was supposed to be very smart. I do not think the author understands how that makes the book very choppy to the reader, and constantly pulls you out of the story when dialogue doesn't flow well.
Review of advance copy
First book in a new hockey MM romance series by a new to me author. I really enjoyed it. Matthew and Andrew make a great pairing. I really loved how once Andrew committed he really committed, and showed utmost loyalty to Matthew. It lost a star for me because of a section where I just got so annoyed with Matthew for not coming clean with Andrew about his past! Seriously, why can't characters just tell their partner what's going on with them? It'd make life so much easier. But my bugbear aside, Matthew's had a rough ride that he really didn't deserve, and it was great to see him and Andrew get a happy ending. There's plenty of potential for more from the hockey team and I look forward to seeing where the series goes.
I received an ARC
I received an ARC
Review of advance copy
Another new author for me, this book is adorable and funny.
Matthew is an assistent that has his last chance to prove he's not a bad worker, like his former "boyfriend"/boss made him, he took responsability for something his former boss did.
He needs to work to pay rent and support his sister , so accept to work fot the infamous hockey player Andrew Know that is suspended for bad behaviour on the rink.
At first Andrew didn't want Matthew there but soon he finds out that Matthew is very helpfull and also very attractive
I really love the bickering between Andrew and Matthew and the side characters are so much fun, Matthew's sister, Andrew's mother and Andrew's teammates.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Matthew is an assistent that has his last chance to prove he's not a bad worker, like his former "boyfriend"/boss made him, he took responsability for something his former boss did.
He needs to work to pay rent and support his sister , so accept to work fot the infamous hockey player Andrew Know that is suspended for bad behaviour on the rink.
At first Andrew didn't want Matthew there but soon he finds out that Matthew is very helpfull and also very attractive
I really love the bickering between Andrew and Matthew and the side characters are so much fun, Matthew's sister, Andrew's mother and Andrew's teammates.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 7, 2026
Oh I loved this so much! We have a true enemies to lovers story! Matthew is in need of a job and he becomes the assistant to a rebellious rockstar of a hockey player Knox! Matthew keeps his obsession with hockey to himself but lets it out slowly
Knox starts to realize that Matthew can actually help
Him and he softens up over some time
I really liked that even though it was his anxiety his little grounding techniques were adorable
The best thing about the book for me was how proud Knox was telling everyone Matthew was his he didn’t hide him like his previous boyfriend did he showed him how excited he was to be with him
Knox starts to realize that Matthew can actually help
Him and he softens up over some time
I really liked that even though it was his anxiety his little grounding techniques were adorable
The best thing about the book for me was how proud Knox was telling everyone Matthew was his he didn’t hide him like his previous boyfriend did he showed him how excited he was to be with him
Review of advance copy
4.5 stars
I picked Damage Control up and had a really hard time putting it down. Andrew is possessive and a closed book while Matthew is anxious, stressed, and steady. Some of my favorite scenes were of Matthew holding his ground when someone thought they could get away with shenanigans, especially after what happened to him. Andrew is closed off, except for when he becomes possessive. At that point the only person who can’t read him is Matthew. I would’ve loved more insight into Andrew’s thoughts. Angelica and Diane are also both amazing side characters and I loved their found family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I picked Damage Control up and had a really hard time putting it down. Andrew is possessive and a closed book while Matthew is anxious, stressed, and steady. Some of my favorite scenes were of Matthew holding his ground when someone thought they could get away with shenanigans, especially after what happened to him. Andrew is closed off, except for when he becomes possessive. At that point the only person who can’t read him is Matthew. I would’ve loved more insight into Andrew’s thoughts. Angelica and Diane are also both amazing side characters and I loved their found family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this story. It is about a grumpy hockey player, Andrew, and an anxious personal assistant, Matthew. Matthew ends up breaking through Andrew’s grumpy façade and Andrew ends up breaking through Matthews walls around his heart. This is one of those books where I was yelling at the MCs to just talk to each other and tell the truth, so there was some angst. I stayed up late reading this book because I got so investing in finding out how the story ended. I was very happy how this story turned out and I recommend this story.
Story 4.5, Spice 4
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Story 4.5, Spice 4
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Matthew was so full of anxiety it was comical. He was trying so hard to keep his life together and then he went to work for Andrew and they gradually mellowed each other out. I loved how balanced they became. This isn’t just a love story, it really is about two people who grounded each other and fit to be who they were together. It’s a really great read. The characters are well written and have depth. Nol There is seriousness mixed with light hearted comedy and plenty of great banter. I am really looking forward to the next books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Oh I enjoyed this book so much! I smiled a ton while reading, especially at the ending. I love a good book that leaves you with such a happy feeling! I really liked Matthew and Andrew together. Their dynamic was so good. The storyline was compelling and honestly it was such an easy read. I loved that it was only Matthew's point-of-view. I do enjoy the dual point-of-view books but this was a nice change! This book was so freaking cute! Great writing! I loved all of it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story has its ups and downs that take you through many different emotions. Matthew hasn't lived an easy life and doing his best to survive. Meeting Andrew he thought life had thrown him to the wolves again. It didn't take long to realize that there were more layers to Andrew than meet the eye.
The characters are done very well and the world building is wonderful. There are some steamy parts which makes this an 18+ read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are done very well and the world building is wonderful. There are some steamy parts which makes this an 18+ read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was immediately sucked in to this book. I think I read about half of it in one sitting and would have finished it if reality hadn’t gotten in the way. Andrew and Matthew were great characters that I didn’t expect to adore. The depth of these characters was amazing! Andrew wasn’t just a jock, Matthew wasn’t just an assistant. The author also showed an alternative path within the sport, like not all hospital employees are doctors or nurses kind of thing. I truly enjoyed this book that I received an ARC copy of for free, and this is my voluntary review.
May 12, 2026
A great story MM about a grumpy NHL star who has been suspended and the anxious person assistant in need of a job who is given the task to gey his life orgnaised again. I feel it accurately portrays anxiety and dealing with it in the moment along with growth on a longer term scale in a relatable way.
The story was great and make me giggle and kick my feet and want to give both characters a big hug.
Can't wait for more in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story was great and make me giggle and kick my feet and want to give both characters a big hug.
Can't wait for more in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2026
Whoa. Damage Control grabbed me right from the beginning. From the very minute we met Knox; you could tell he was more than just his outbursts, and his surly attitude. Quinn is quiet, anxious and reserved as much as Knox is abrasive and abrupt. I was crying by chapter 9; had heart palpitations by chapter 24. This book let me leave real life behind and fully immerse myself into the Wardens family. A brilliant book - I’m looking forward to reading more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Damage Control is about Matthew and Andrew. Matthew is starting new job as a Andrew's PA, where record time is 11 days. Andrew is suspended hockey player with very short temper, so Matthew needs to really work that Andrew doesn't mess his own future.
This was very good story, I liked how committed Andrew was and was ready to show that everybody.
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I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
This was very good story, I liked how committed Andrew was and was ready to show that everybody.
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I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Matthew, a temp worker trying to make ends meet is hired by the agency as a PA for Andrew Knox, a volatile hockey player on suspension. He learns the last PA lasted 11 days so he walked into this concerned & unsure what this person was like. Turns out he was volatile till Matthew stood up for himself & gained Andrew's respect. This is a slow burn with a HEA. Low Angst due to a past relationship of Matthew's. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Matthew becomes Andrew's assistant even though he has the personality of an angry bull. Andrew is a hockey player currently on suspension and can't keep his temper. How they get their forever in this witty book, and Tank the dog, is a must-read page-turner.
I received this free via Booksirens and leave this review voluntarily
I received this free via Booksirens and leave this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Author
Endearing story of cultural differences, love and perseverance to obtain desires and wants. A real love story with a feel-good ending that makes you happy you read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Enjoyed the description of felling love and generosity.
Enjoyed the description of felling love and generosity.
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC copy of this book and this review was done voluntarily.
Good start to a new series. I wasn't sure about Knox at first, he was incredibly rude to Matthew unwarranted and in general. I did warm up to him quite quickly when he started to let his guard down. I enjoyed the book and look forward to see what comes next.
Good start to a new series. I wasn't sure about Knox at first, he was incredibly rude to Matthew unwarranted and in general. I did warm up to him quite quickly when he started to let his guard down. I enjoyed the book and look forward to see what comes next.
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