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Hellcats Hockey #3
The Casanova Complex
Bennett's book.
Official blurb coming soon.
Releasing July 10, 2026!
TROPES:
- Fake Dating
- Rival's Ex
- Golden Retriever X Black Cat
- ADHD Rep
- Dislike to lovers
- Celibate Hero
- College Hockey
Official blurb coming soon.
Releasing July 10, 2026!
TROPES:
- Fake Dating
- Rival's Ex
- Golden Retriever X Black Cat
- ADHD Rep
- Dislike to lovers
- Celibate Hero
- College Hockey
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
August 24, 2026
Full RTC! Bennett was a very good boy!!
Currently Reading
August 24, 2026𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
one of my most anticipated reads!!! reformed playboy is always very fun and i can't wait for this one! all the teasers and art have me v excited!!! book 2 of my vacation binge <3
one of my most anticipated reads!!! reformed playboy is always very fun and i can't wait for this one! all the teasers and art have me v excited!!! book 2 of my vacation binge <3
August 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
*rounded up
Oh sweet Bennett. My sweet angel boy. I have been waiting for his story, and I was SO ready for it!
I’ll admit, at the very beginning of the book, I was nervous that he was just going to piss me off. But nope, he absolutely did not. He is a literal golden retriever of a hockey goalie, and I adored him.
Merritt is always taking care of everyone else but herself. And while she knows how to take care of herself, she doesn’t always take care of her heart the way she should. Watching her slowly let herself relax and actually enjoy her college years was one of my favorite parts of this story.
The two of them together were honestly the sweetest thing. He got to be who he truly was with her(a silly, goofy, golden retriever of a man) and she finally got someone who let her put down some of the weight she was constantly carrying.
And if you like slow burns… this was THE slowest of burns. They had ONE kiss until a little over 60%, and oh my gosh, when that “fuck it” moment finally hit, it was worth every single second we waited. The payoff was EVERYTHING.
I absolutely adored these two, and getting his story was so worth the wait.
*rounded up
Oh sweet Bennett. My sweet angel boy. I have been waiting for his story, and I was SO ready for it!
I’ll admit, at the very beginning of the book, I was nervous that he was just going to piss me off. But nope, he absolutely did not. He is a literal golden retriever of a hockey goalie, and I adored him.
Merritt is always taking care of everyone else but herself. And while she knows how to take care of herself, she doesn’t always take care of her heart the way she should. Watching her slowly let herself relax and actually enjoy her college years was one of my favorite parts of this story.
The two of them together were honestly the sweetest thing. He got to be who he truly was with her(a silly, goofy, golden retriever of a man) and she finally got someone who let her put down some of the weight she was constantly carrying.
And if you like slow burns… this was THE slowest of burns. They had ONE kiss until a little over 60%, and oh my gosh, when that “fuck it” moment finally hit, it was worth every single second we waited. The payoff was EVERYTHING.
I absolutely adored these two, and getting his story was so worth the wait.
August 16, 2026
4.5⭐️
I loved these two! Merritt is a strong & determined FMC who has a hard exterior, but is there for her people. Bennett! The golden retriever MMC! He is cocky, he is confident, but under it all he is a green flag! I loved the way he showed up for her!
These two had the best banter & chemistry that was off the charts. I really enjoyed watching these two come together & be what the other needed. Their past & the history there added depth to this story. The added complication of being forced to work together in class, just added so much tension and awkward moments. Resistance towards each other quickly turned to more & I loved it!!
This is a sweet, fun, laugh out loud story full of lovable characters & a plot that sucked me in. I also loved the added ADHD rep & how well it was done. I was loving every second of these two & was rooting for them the entire way!
Thank you Maren & team for this early arc! I am loving this series!!
I loved these two! Merritt is a strong & determined FMC who has a hard exterior, but is there for her people. Bennett! The golden retriever MMC! He is cocky, he is confident, but under it all he is a green flag! I loved the way he showed up for her!
These two had the best banter & chemistry that was off the charts. I really enjoyed watching these two come together & be what the other needed. Their past & the history there added depth to this story. The added complication of being forced to work together in class, just added so much tension and awkward moments. Resistance towards each other quickly turned to more & I loved it!!
This is a sweet, fun, laugh out loud story full of lovable characters & a plot that sucked me in. I also loved the added ADHD rep & how well it was done. I was loving every second of these two & was rooting for them the entire way!
Thank you Maren & team for this early arc! I am loving this series!!
August 15, 2026
Bennett + Merritt
-college hockey
-dislike to lovers
-fake dating
-black cat x golden retriever
-rival’s ex
-forced proximity
-celibate hero + adhd rep
okay i am OBSESSEDDDDD with bennett & a man who absolutely ownnnsss the fact that a mean girl who hates him, snaps back, & bosses him around gets him all hot & bothered!! he is EXACTLYYYY where he wants to be😎😉😏
-college hockey
-dislike to lovers
-fake dating
-black cat x golden retriever
-rival’s ex
-forced proximity
-celibate hero + adhd rep
okay i am OBSESSEDDDDD with bennett & a man who absolutely ownnnsss the fact that a mean girl who hates him, snaps back, & bosses him around gets him all hot & bothered!! he is EXACTLYYYY where he wants to be😎😉😏
August 21, 2026
Thank you to Maren Moore for the early copy of Casanova Complex. I’ve been looking forward to Bennett’s book since his appearance the previous books. I love the way he drives Saint crazy, and his continued antics did not disappoint. I zoomed through this book at lightning speed.
Merritt has a plan. Ace her classes, apply for law school, work hard, and graduate while maintaining her GPA.
Bennett becomes a complication when they get paired up for an assignment. She’s not going to let a hockey player derail her carefully laid out plans.
These two were such a fun pair. Bennett is the golden retriever to Merritt’s black cat. They could not be more opposite but they match so perfectly. I love the way they balanced each other. Bennett brought much needed levity to Merritt’s stressful life. Whereas Merritt sees past his goofy exterior and finds there’s more to the player than meets the eye.
I spent so much of this book smiling. They’re truly so sweet together. There’s something so entertaining about a reformed playbook trying to change his ways. His internal monologue had me cracking up each time he questioned being celibate. The banter between Merritt and Bennett was so much fun. I absolutely loved how down bad he was for her.
Merritt has a plan. Ace her classes, apply for law school, work hard, and graduate while maintaining her GPA.
Bennett becomes a complication when they get paired up for an assignment. She’s not going to let a hockey player derail her carefully laid out plans.
These two were such a fun pair. Bennett is the golden retriever to Merritt’s black cat. They could not be more opposite but they match so perfectly. I love the way they balanced each other. Bennett brought much needed levity to Merritt’s stressful life. Whereas Merritt sees past his goofy exterior and finds there’s more to the player than meets the eye.
I spent so much of this book smiling. They’re truly so sweet together. There’s something so entertaining about a reformed playbook trying to change his ways. His internal monologue had me cracking up each time he questioned being celibate. The banter between Merritt and Bennett was so much fun. I absolutely loved how down bad he was for her.
August 19, 2026
Another spicyyyyy bingeable hockey romance from the queen Maren Moore!!!!!
This one is all about Bennett (star hockey goalie) and Merritt (just got paired with him for the group creative writing project). Turns out they almostttt hooked up a couple of years ago but Bennett doesn’t even remember 🙄 so Merritt already hates his guts.
I fell hard for these two - between the banter, the yearning, the sass, the nicknames, and the texting….. if you’re a hockey romance girlie, this is not one to miss!!!!
Tropes:
🏒College Hockey
💕Rival’s Ex
🏒Fake Dating
💕Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🏒Forced Proximity
💕Celibate Hero
🏒Forbidden
💕Dislike to Lovers
🏒ADHD Rep
💕Reformed Playboy
🩵 “On my knees at a woman’s feet might just be my favorite place to be.”
🩵 “Sure, it’s been over six months since I kissed a girl. But somehow, she just erased every girl I’ve ever touched.”
🩵 “There are five solid reasons right there why I shouldn’t be attracted to Bennett Legros, and yet here we are.”
🩵 “Hockey isn’t my life anymore, Merritt. You are.”
This one is all about Bennett (star hockey goalie) and Merritt (just got paired with him for the group creative writing project). Turns out they almostttt hooked up a couple of years ago but Bennett doesn’t even remember 🙄 so Merritt already hates his guts.
I fell hard for these two - between the banter, the yearning, the sass, the nicknames, and the texting….. if you’re a hockey romance girlie, this is not one to miss!!!!
Tropes:
🏒College Hockey
💕Rival’s Ex
🏒Fake Dating
💕Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🏒Forced Proximity
💕Celibate Hero
🏒Forbidden
💕Dislike to Lovers
🏒ADHD Rep
💕Reformed Playboy
🩵 “On my knees at a woman’s feet might just be my favorite place to be.”
🩵 “Sure, it’s been over six months since I kissed a girl. But somehow, she just erased every girl I’ve ever touched.”
🩵 “There are five solid reasons right there why I shouldn’t be attracted to Bennett Legros, and yet here we are.”
🩵 “Hockey isn’t my life anymore, Merritt. You are.”
August 23, 2026
Maren truly did it again with a banger of a hockey romance! I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for Bennett’s story since we are first introduced to him and his love story with Merritt is now my favorite in the series.
The tension. The banter. The yearning. THE SPICE! Everything was on a whole different level and I could not get enough! I was giggling and laughing throughout this book and I loved the dynamic between these two characters SO MUCH 🙂↕️
Merritt was such a great FMC and I loved how rounded she was. The ADHD rep with her was perfectly done and made me feel seen with the struggles she’s had to face. I also loved her family so much! Her little brother was the perfect companion and her dad, though not as present as they’d hope due to him being a single parent, was supportive and loving in the scenes we do see. She’s such a driven and headstrong character and I was rooting for her the entire read.
Now Bennett… my man, my man, my man! If you like blond men who are down BAD for the FMC, please give Bennett a chance, IM BEGGING 😩 This man is everything you could ask for in a blond golden retriever MMC. He’s goofy, charming, unbelievably sweet, and the mouth on this man? He had me barking like a dog. His backstory and the familial relationships that he is struggling with made him so much more real and I was think justice was truly done for this sweetheart. I really enjoyed getting to see his growth and development from book one in the series to now!
This book is very much character-driven, but there are plot points that are explored which was nice in the in-between stages. The slow burn was mesmerizing, Merritt becoming Bennett’s good luck charm made for some steamy scenes, and overall I had such a fun time reading this book! Not to mention, the spice in this book was otherworldly 🥵 both of these characters matched each other’s freak so perfectly and the tension was THICC!
The way I’m obsessed with both of these characters should be studied. I never thought anyone would surpass Saint & Lennon, yet here we are. Do with that what you will. Thank you Maren for making me down bad for both Bennett AND Merritt.
🩵 Thank you Maren for the e-arc! All thoughts are my own. 🩷
The tension. The banter. The yearning. THE SPICE! Everything was on a whole different level and I could not get enough! I was giggling and laughing throughout this book and I loved the dynamic between these two characters SO MUCH 🙂↕️
Merritt was such a great FMC and I loved how rounded she was. The ADHD rep with her was perfectly done and made me feel seen with the struggles she’s had to face. I also loved her family so much! Her little brother was the perfect companion and her dad, though not as present as they’d hope due to him being a single parent, was supportive and loving in the scenes we do see. She’s such a driven and headstrong character and I was rooting for her the entire read.
Now Bennett… my man, my man, my man! If you like blond men who are down BAD for the FMC, please give Bennett a chance, IM BEGGING 😩 This man is everything you could ask for in a blond golden retriever MMC. He’s goofy, charming, unbelievably sweet, and the mouth on this man? He had me barking like a dog. His backstory and the familial relationships that he is struggling with made him so much more real and I was think justice was truly done for this sweetheart. I really enjoyed getting to see his growth and development from book one in the series to now!
This book is very much character-driven, but there are plot points that are explored which was nice in the in-between stages. The slow burn was mesmerizing, Merritt becoming Bennett’s good luck charm made for some steamy scenes, and overall I had such a fun time reading this book! Not to mention, the spice in this book was otherworldly 🥵 both of these characters matched each other’s freak so perfectly and the tension was THICC!
The way I’m obsessed with both of these characters should be studied. I never thought anyone would surpass Saint & Lennon, yet here we are. Do with that what you will. Thank you Maren for making me down bad for both Bennett AND Merritt.
🩵 Thank you Maren for the e-arc! All thoughts are my own. 🩷
August 22, 2026
4.5 Stars
I truly adored Bennett & Merritt so dang much!! They were soooo fun together and I literally think I had a giddy smile on my face the entire time I was reading.
There is something about Maren's writing that just feels effortless to read and sucks me right in. From the first chapter I loved being in Bennett's head. This was definitely a different sort of hero compared to the first two books in this series and while it wasn't as heavy, I really appreciated how Maren showed Bennett's own struggles and also just how much he cared about and paid attention to those around him. Like this gifts!!! Perfection.
Also as someone who isn't always drawn to the golden retriever type, Maren had me really enjoying a "good boy" trope which I usually am not into so props to her haha I loved him and how down bad he was for Merritt truly right from the beginning!! So good.
And my girl Merritt! We love a stabby queen and I really loved seeing her fight for her dreams. She was definitely reluctant to let Bennett in, for good reason. But I loved how she started to let down her walls and let him truly know her. The ADHD rep was done really well I thought and I ended up really adoring her.
Now we have to talk about the BANTER! Obsessed. Immediately they were going back and forth and I just ate it up. And when this started to turn spicyyyyyyyyyy !! So hot. They had great chemistry and I really loved the pace of everything too. Made the buildup and the tension so worth it!
"Shoutout to Jane Eyre." - had me LOL
Such a fantastic addition to this series. For all my hockey romance fans out there, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you so much Maren Moore & Team for the advanced copy!
2.5 Spice
Format: eARC
What to Expect:
College Hockey Romance, Black Cat x Golden Retriever, Fake Dating, Rival's Ex, Dislike To Lovers, ADHD Rep, Celibate Hero, Banter
I truly adored Bennett & Merritt so dang much!! They were soooo fun together and I literally think I had a giddy smile on my face the entire time I was reading.
There is something about Maren's writing that just feels effortless to read and sucks me right in. From the first chapter I loved being in Bennett's head. This was definitely a different sort of hero compared to the first two books in this series and while it wasn't as heavy, I really appreciated how Maren showed Bennett's own struggles and also just how much he cared about and paid attention to those around him. Like this gifts!!! Perfection.
Also as someone who isn't always drawn to the golden retriever type, Maren had me really enjoying a "good boy" trope which I usually am not into so props to her haha I loved him and how down bad he was for Merritt truly right from the beginning!! So good.
And my girl Merritt! We love a stabby queen and I really loved seeing her fight for her dreams. She was definitely reluctant to let Bennett in, for good reason. But I loved how she started to let down her walls and let him truly know her. The ADHD rep was done really well I thought and I ended up really adoring her.
Now we have to talk about the BANTER! Obsessed. Immediately they were going back and forth and I just ate it up. And when this started to turn spicyyyyyyyyyy !! So hot. They had great chemistry and I really loved the pace of everything too. Made the buildup and the tension so worth it!
"Shoutout to Jane Eyre." - had me LOL
Such a fantastic addition to this series. For all my hockey romance fans out there, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you so much Maren Moore & Team for the advanced copy!
2.5 Spice
Format: eARC
What to Expect:
College Hockey Romance, Black Cat x Golden Retriever, Fake Dating, Rival's Ex, Dislike To Lovers, ADHD Rep, Celibate Hero, Banter
August 16, 2026
Without a doubt, my favorite book of the series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I could NOT put this one down.
Bennett had me completely won over within the first chapter with, “On my knees at a woman’s feet might just be my favorite place to be.” I mean… COME ON. 😂 This man was the ultimate golden retriever and I was absolutely obsessed with him.
The banter between Bennett and Merritt was TOP TIER, and as a sucker for golden retriever × black cat energy, these two were everything. He literally had her saved as “stabby girl” 🔪 in his phone, while she had him saved as “good boy.” I mean… the accuracy. 😂
And the spice?! 🔥 Maren Moore wrote some of the hottest makeout scenes I’ve read. The chemistry between these two was absolutely INSANE.
The chemistry, the banter, the chaos—I ate up every single page. Bennett officially stole the show for me, and I’m already missing these two. 🖤🏒
Bennett had me completely won over within the first chapter with, “On my knees at a woman’s feet might just be my favorite place to be.” I mean… COME ON. 😂 This man was the ultimate golden retriever and I was absolutely obsessed with him.
The banter between Bennett and Merritt was TOP TIER, and as a sucker for golden retriever × black cat energy, these two were everything. He literally had her saved as “stabby girl” 🔪 in his phone, while she had him saved as “good boy.” I mean… the accuracy. 😂
And the spice?! 🔥 Maren Moore wrote some of the hottest makeout scenes I’ve read. The chemistry between these two was absolutely INSANE.
The chemistry, the banter, the chaos—I ate up every single page. Bennett officially stole the show for me, and I’m already missing these two. 🖤🏒
August 20, 2026
The way that I am obsessed with these two. And I know I know...I say this every time but damn it...Maren writes the best couples. I just eat them up and leave no crumbs.
What you'll Get:
- Rival's Ex
- Hockey Romance
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- Banter...obvs
- Spiceyyyyyyyy
- Fake Dating
I mean, do I really need to say anything more than that?! I will need approximately 5-7 business days to recover. Please and thank you!
What you'll Get:
- Rival's Ex
- Hockey Romance
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- Banter...obvs
- Spiceyyyyyyyy
- Fake Dating
I mean, do I really need to say anything more than that?! I will need approximately 5-7 business days to recover. Please and thank you!
August 25, 2026
4.25⭐️ This certainly scratches that sports romance itch!
August 20, 2026
“I’m so glad that you love me like this.” The second she crawls onto the bed, I sweep her into my arms, wrapping her up tight.
“I love you all the ways, any way there is.”
If you’ve been following my reviews for a while you know that I just LOVE Maren Moore’s books. Her characters and story lines always give me all the cozy & swoony butterflies!
“Let me make you mine, Merritt.”
Bennett Legros did down bad golden retriever, SO WELL! Literally, Bennett is a GOOD BOY, through and through. I’m pretty sure this man would walk through fire if it made Merritt giggle!
“Because I need you, and I am not too proud of a man to get on my knees and beg for what I want.”
Merritt was an absolute powerhouse of an FMC! I adored how close she was to her family and how driven she was so get into law school. She’s a woman who knows exactly what she wants and goes for it. She’s been scorned by men before and it definitely had her hackles up around Bennett. (For good reason)
Bennett treats Merritt like a queen and once they are truly together, the things she does for Bennett were equally sweet! 🥹
“I have to be dreaming because there’s no way that the girl I’ve been losing my mind over is binding me to her desk chair so she can touch me.”
I loved how the fake dating played into the story and how Bennett’s self imposed celibacy helped their relationship develop without that form of intimacy. This story was a SLOWWWW burn that was absolutely worth the wait!
“Spread your legs for me,” I rasp, watching her eyes darken from the command. “Show me what’s mine, Merritt.”
When these two started finding ways around the “rules” I was FERAL! 🥵🫠❤️🔥
“But her hesitation is for only a split second because at the core…
What’s that saying?
… Merritt matches my freak.”
If you love hockey romance with down bad men, please read this entire series! It was so great to see past couples and even a glimpse of a OU character! 🤭🩵
Tropes:
⛸️ College Hockey Romance
🐾 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🤭 Dislike to Love
💋 Celibate Hero
📝 Class Partners
💃🏻 Forced Proximity
🥵 He 💦 in his pants
🫶🏼 Found Family
❤️🔥 Slowwww Burn
🔥 Spicy
“I love you all the ways, any way there is.”
If you’ve been following my reviews for a while you know that I just LOVE Maren Moore’s books. Her characters and story lines always give me all the cozy & swoony butterflies!
“Let me make you mine, Merritt.”
Bennett Legros did down bad golden retriever, SO WELL! Literally, Bennett is a GOOD BOY, through and through. I’m pretty sure this man would walk through fire if it made Merritt giggle!
“Because I need you, and I am not too proud of a man to get on my knees and beg for what I want.”
Merritt was an absolute powerhouse of an FMC! I adored how close she was to her family and how driven she was so get into law school. She’s a woman who knows exactly what she wants and goes for it. She’s been scorned by men before and it definitely had her hackles up around Bennett. (For good reason)
Bennett treats Merritt like a queen and once they are truly together, the things she does for Bennett were equally sweet! 🥹
“I have to be dreaming because there’s no way that the girl I’ve been losing my mind over is binding me to her desk chair so she can touch me.”
I loved how the fake dating played into the story and how Bennett’s self imposed celibacy helped their relationship develop without that form of intimacy. This story was a SLOWWWW burn that was absolutely worth the wait!
“Spread your legs for me,” I rasp, watching her eyes darken from the command. “Show me what’s mine, Merritt.”
When these two started finding ways around the “rules” I was FERAL! 🥵🫠❤️🔥
“But her hesitation is for only a split second because at the core…
What’s that saying?
… Merritt matches my freak.”
If you love hockey romance with down bad men, please read this entire series! It was so great to see past couples and even a glimpse of a OU character! 🤭🩵
Tropes:
⛸️ College Hockey Romance
🐾 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🤭 Dislike to Love
💋 Celibate Hero
📝 Class Partners
💃🏻 Forced Proximity
🥵 He 💦 in his pants
🫶🏼 Found Family
❤️🔥 Slowwww Burn
🔥 Spicy
August 22, 2026
👔 “Of fucking course, the universe would put the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in front of me when I can’t even have a taste.”
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I laughed out loud so many times in this book omfg 🤣
Like yes it’s a standalone meaning you can read it in any order of the series but it is sooooo worth going in order
Him calling Saint “pookie” about took. me. out LOL
Bennett is just the perfect golden retriever MMC
After only knowing the playboy lifestyle…he has sworn off the ladies to prove to himself that he truly wants a meaningful relationship moving forward
Doesn’t mean he isn’t going to be tempted REAL HARD to break thah celibacy code 😉 we’re talking:
👔 “I pull out the chocolate croissant and present it to her like it’s the Hope Diamond. “For you, my stabby queen.” Her eyes flare as she stares at the croissant before eagerly taking it from my hand and immediately biting into it. Her eyes flutter shut, and the softest, sweetest moan escapes past her lips— —and shoots straight to my dick. Motherfuuuuuucker. DOWN, BOY. WE ARE NOT GOING THERE. OFF-LIMITS. WALK AWAY SLOWLY.”
LOLLLL again I was literally laughing out loud at his inner dialogue and him calling her stabby queen is my FAVORITE. The banter is absolutely incredible
Merrit is our black cat FMC 🐈⬛ I LOVED her “stabby” tendencies 😉 her and Bennett actually had an interaction long before they left her feeling so humiliated and ashamed of herself… so when she’s paired up in class with him she is NOT HAPPY. She has goals and works so so hard and isn’t about to let this “playboy jock” ruin it for her
Their two personalities pushed together was just perfect for me. They are really both each others firsts in so many senses of the word and to watch that slowly unfold between them is so freaking cute and romantic 😭 THIS IS WHY I LOVE ROMANCE
They really just see each other. They meet each other’s needs in ways that nobody else in their lives ever really has, and watching them discover that connection was honestly my favorite part❤️
I LOVE Marens books and this absolutely lived up to the hype for me 😍
💕 You will enjoy this if you are into:
💖 golden retriever MMC x black cat FMC
💖 stabby FMCs with attitude
💖 college romance
💖 playboy MMC who swears off women
💖 LOL banter
💖 first loves
💖 insane chemistry + sexual tension
💖 he helps her with her ADHD
💖 “I’m trying VERY hard not to want you”
💖 a man who would absolutely bring you a chocolate croissant
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I laughed out loud so many times in this book omfg 🤣
Like yes it’s a standalone meaning you can read it in any order of the series but it is sooooo worth going in order
Him calling Saint “pookie” about took. me. out LOL
Bennett is just the perfect golden retriever MMC
After only knowing the playboy lifestyle…he has sworn off the ladies to prove to himself that he truly wants a meaningful relationship moving forward
Doesn’t mean he isn’t going to be tempted REAL HARD to break thah celibacy code 😉 we’re talking:
👔 “I pull out the chocolate croissant and present it to her like it’s the Hope Diamond. “For you, my stabby queen.” Her eyes flare as she stares at the croissant before eagerly taking it from my hand and immediately biting into it. Her eyes flutter shut, and the softest, sweetest moan escapes past her lips— —and shoots straight to my dick. Motherfuuuuuucker. DOWN, BOY. WE ARE NOT GOING THERE. OFF-LIMITS. WALK AWAY SLOWLY.”
LOLLLL again I was literally laughing out loud at his inner dialogue and him calling her stabby queen is my FAVORITE. The banter is absolutely incredible
Merrit is our black cat FMC 🐈⬛ I LOVED her “stabby” tendencies 😉 her and Bennett actually had an interaction long before they left her feeling so humiliated and ashamed of herself… so when she’s paired up in class with him she is NOT HAPPY. She has goals and works so so hard and isn’t about to let this “playboy jock” ruin it for her
Their two personalities pushed together was just perfect for me. They are really both each others firsts in so many senses of the word and to watch that slowly unfold between them is so freaking cute and romantic 😭 THIS IS WHY I LOVE ROMANCE
They really just see each other. They meet each other’s needs in ways that nobody else in their lives ever really has, and watching them discover that connection was honestly my favorite part❤️
I LOVE Marens books and this absolutely lived up to the hype for me 😍
💕 You will enjoy this if you are into:
💖 golden retriever MMC x black cat FMC
💖 stabby FMCs with attitude
💖 college romance
💖 playboy MMC who swears off women
💖 LOL banter
💖 first loves
💖 insane chemistry + sexual tension
💖 he helps her with her ADHD
💖 “I’m trying VERY hard not to want you”
💖 a man who would absolutely bring you a chocolate croissant
August 14, 2026
✨ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ✨
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 by Maren Moore
Maren really said.. 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝙄'𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙬!
Vibes. Straight vibes. 👌🏻
This book had me kicking my feet and giggling like a little school girl. I LOVED Bennett and Merritt so so much, complete opposites yet fit together like a glove. This entire book was a good time! I loved flipping the page and seeing the text thread box. Don’t get me started on their nicknames!!👏🏻😍
Bennett is down bad, like on his knees down bad for the stabby girl and I ate it up. He is actually quiet perfect. Celibate, funny, and take responsibility for his actions. It took 0.2 seconds for Bennett to steal my heart.🥹😮💨
Merritt is straight vibes and I absolutely ADORED her!! 😍🖤
Baby when that dam finally broke at 65% - damn Bennett. He came alive and I was SAT for this man. These two were smoking HOT! The spice was SPICING y’all!🔥🥵
Bennett’s nickname for Saint took me out haha, so Maren!😂
𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
𝘈𝘋𝘏𝘋 𝘙𝘦𝘱
𝘏𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝘊𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘰
Huge thanks to Maren for the gift ARC!
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 by Maren Moore
Maren really said.. 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝙄'𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙬!
Vibes. Straight vibes. 👌🏻
This book had me kicking my feet and giggling like a little school girl. I LOVED Bennett and Merritt so so much, complete opposites yet fit together like a glove. This entire book was a good time! I loved flipping the page and seeing the text thread box. Don’t get me started on their nicknames!!👏🏻😍
Bennett is down bad, like on his knees down bad for the stabby girl and I ate it up. He is actually quiet perfect. Celibate, funny, and take responsibility for his actions. It took 0.2 seconds for Bennett to steal my heart.🥹😮💨
Merritt is straight vibes and I absolutely ADORED her!! 😍🖤
Baby when that dam finally broke at 65% - damn Bennett. He came alive and I was SAT for this man. These two were smoking HOT! The spice was SPICING y’all!🔥🥵
Bennett’s nickname for Saint took me out haha, so Maren!😂
𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
𝘈𝘋𝘏𝘋 𝘙𝘦𝘱
𝘏𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝘊𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘰
Huge thanks to Maren for the gift ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely devoured Bennett and Merritt's story in less than 24 hours and left no crumbs in sight because these two were DELICIOUS!!!
Bennett: hockey player with golden retriever energy that's usually known as the campus playboy but has been celibate for awhile...gets paired with...
Merritt: black cat ("stabby") girl on a mission to make it into law school, for their creative writing project!!! Between the forced proximity, the fact these two actually have some history to unpack, the tension, the banter, and the chemistry, these two were UNREAL. Seriously loved their characters so so much!
Ummmm, and Miss Maren, the SPICE you injected into this book?! Next level!🔥🥵 These two were incredibly hot together, and it really showed with how Maren built their relationship on friendship AND trust. They may have been fake dating, but the sparks flying off my kindle pages were anything but because these two were hotttt.
Loved being back at OU with our hockey hotties and the women that bring them to their knees... literally 🤭
Thank you so much to Maren and team for my eARC!💕
Bennett: hockey player with golden retriever energy that's usually known as the campus playboy but has been celibate for awhile...gets paired with...
Merritt: black cat ("stabby") girl on a mission to make it into law school, for their creative writing project!!! Between the forced proximity, the fact these two actually have some history to unpack, the tension, the banter, and the chemistry, these two were UNREAL. Seriously loved their characters so so much!
Ummmm, and Miss Maren, the SPICE you injected into this book?! Next level!🔥🥵 These two were incredibly hot together, and it really showed with how Maren built their relationship on friendship AND trust. They may have been fake dating, but the sparks flying off my kindle pages were anything but because these two were hotttt.
Loved being back at OU with our hockey hotties and the women that bring them to their knees... literally 🤭
Thank you so much to Maren and team for my eARC!💕
August 20, 2026
“Nothing, not a single thing in my life, has ever been as good as what it’s like with you.”
I’m absolutely speechless. This may just be my favorite Maren Moore book ever. I genuinely could not put this book down…it was just fantastic. If you’re looking for a dislike to lovers, black cat x golden retriever, hockey romance, The Casanova Complex is THE book for you. There’s no doubt in my mind that Bennett Legros will have you swooning!
Merritt and Bennett’s relationship is EVERYTHING. What starts out as forced proximity (against their will-since their Professor does not allow them to switch partners), turns into genuine friendship and love. Their connection is so beautiful and they really help each other without even knowing.
I can’t even express how much I love Bennett. He’s just perfection. I love Merritt and how she cares deeply about her family and the things that see important to her. This book is 100% worth the read and I cannot recommend it enough!
I’m absolutely speechless. This may just be my favorite Maren Moore book ever. I genuinely could not put this book down…it was just fantastic. If you’re looking for a dislike to lovers, black cat x golden retriever, hockey romance, The Casanova Complex is THE book for you. There’s no doubt in my mind that Bennett Legros will have you swooning!
Merritt and Bennett’s relationship is EVERYTHING. What starts out as forced proximity (against their will-since their Professor does not allow them to switch partners), turns into genuine friendship and love. Their connection is so beautiful and they really help each other without even knowing.
I can’t even express how much I love Bennett. He’s just perfection. I love Merritt and how she cares deeply about her family and the things that see important to her. This book is 100% worth the read and I cannot recommend it enough!
August 21, 2026
The Casanova Complex is book #3 in the Hellcats Hockey series by the lovely Maren Moore and this one might just be her spiciest to date!!!
💙Fake Dating
💙Rivals Ex
💙Celibate Hero
💙Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💙ADHD Rep
Bennett Legros waited patiently for his time to shine and he didn’t disappoint!!!! He is everything I expected and more. And Merritt Merritt Merritt? What can I say about her???? She is hands down my favorite FMC Maren has ever written!! She’s funny, spicy and sassy! These two were a perfect match!
Merritt St. Pierre has sworn off hockey players. She wants to focus on her future and school.
Bennett Legros has sworn off girls. His future is suddenly not guaranteed and he wants to prove to people he’s more than what they think.
Fake Dating has become one of my favorite tropes ever. The Casanova Complex is a phenomenal slow burn. These two will have you gasping for more after each chapter. Maren really did her thing with this book!!! It’s a must read!
💙Fake Dating
💙Rivals Ex
💙Celibate Hero
💙Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💙ADHD Rep
Bennett Legros waited patiently for his time to shine and he didn’t disappoint!!!! He is everything I expected and more. And Merritt Merritt Merritt? What can I say about her???? She is hands down my favorite FMC Maren has ever written!! She’s funny, spicy and sassy! These two were a perfect match!
Merritt St. Pierre has sworn off hockey players. She wants to focus on her future and school.
Bennett Legros has sworn off girls. His future is suddenly not guaranteed and he wants to prove to people he’s more than what they think.
Fake Dating has become one of my favorite tropes ever. The Casanova Complex is a phenomenal slow burn. These two will have you gasping for more after each chapter. Maren really did her thing with this book!!! It’s a must read!
August 15, 2026
ARC READER
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this book. Chapter one, and I was already reminded on why I love a man written by a woman. Thank you Maren! Also, it’s so refreshing to read about the ADHD rep! I obviously can’t and won’t spoiler it. But when I hear ‘adhd rep’, I always have pre-assumptions, and this one was the complete opposite! Pretty vague, I know, but it’ll make sense once you read it!
Only eight chapters in and I’m already giggling and kicking my feet, oh my god! Their first kiss, and what he calls her, it’s just perfect!
I actually cried during the Christmas Eve scene🥹
The book is such an easy read, it’s not a very thick book, but it doesn’t need to be. The story sells and feels complete. The book contains enough funny moments, but also sweet ones, sadder ones, and ones where you want to punch a certain characters straight in the balls.
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this book. Chapter one, and I was already reminded on why I love a man written by a woman. Thank you Maren! Also, it’s so refreshing to read about the ADHD rep! I obviously can’t and won’t spoiler it. But when I hear ‘adhd rep’, I always have pre-assumptions, and this one was the complete opposite! Pretty vague, I know, but it’ll make sense once you read it!
Only eight chapters in and I’m already giggling and kicking my feet, oh my god! Their first kiss, and what he calls her, it’s just perfect!
I actually cried during the Christmas Eve scene🥹
The book is such an easy read, it’s not a very thick book, but it doesn’t need to be. The story sells and feels complete. The book contains enough funny moments, but also sweet ones, sadder ones, and ones where you want to punch a certain characters straight in the balls.
August 20, 2026
The Casanova Complex has her swooniest hero to date with his green flag vibes and his worshipping ways. Bennett coming to life to have his own story was the best surprise when announced.
Merritt was a wonderful surprise with her sharp remarks often checking Bennett and reminding him that redeeming himself isn't going to be easy after their disastrous history.
This is fake dating at it's finest with these two both having their reasons to make sure their common enemy doesn't get the chance to get one up on either of them. The romance is sweet with a nice large side of heat in the sheets with another romance hit from Maren.
Merritt was a wonderful surprise with her sharp remarks often checking Bennett and reminding him that redeeming himself isn't going to be easy after their disastrous history.
This is fake dating at it's finest with these two both having their reasons to make sure their common enemy doesn't get the chance to get one up on either of them. The romance is sweet with a nice large side of heat in the sheets with another romance hit from Maren.
August 16, 2026
🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
🏒 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 🏒
✍🏼 ᴍᴀʀᴇɴ ᴍᴏᴏʀᴇ
“𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗠𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿.”
“𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘎𝘰𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘦,”
I wanted to love this one so much, but it kind of just fell flat for me. There were parts I loved (the bantering text messages), but unfortunately, so much of it just didn’t land for me. I feel like Bennett deserved better, and Merritt…I just didn’t vibe with her all that much. Perhaps if there were more backstory as to why she was so guarded and closed off, her black cat vibes would’ve landed a bit better for me. I’m not sure…I just finished it feeling kind of meh.
🏒 ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ
🐈⬛ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴀᴛ x ɢᴏʟᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇᴛʀɪᴇᴠᴇʀ
🏒 ʀɪᴠᴀʟ’ꜱ ᴇx
🐈⬛ ᴅɪꜱʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
🏒 ᴄᴇʟɪʙᴀᴛᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🐈⬛ ᴀᴅʜᴅ ʀᴇᴘ
🏒 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 🏒
✍🏼 ᴍᴀʀᴇɴ ᴍᴏᴏʀᴇ
“𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗠𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿.”
“𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘎𝘰𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘦,”
I wanted to love this one so much, but it kind of just fell flat for me. There were parts I loved (the bantering text messages), but unfortunately, so much of it just didn’t land for me. I feel like Bennett deserved better, and Merritt…I just didn’t vibe with her all that much. Perhaps if there were more backstory as to why she was so guarded and closed off, her black cat vibes would’ve landed a bit better for me. I’m not sure…I just finished it feeling kind of meh.
🏒 ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ
🐈⬛ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴀᴛ x ɢᴏʟᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇᴛʀɪᴇᴠᴇʀ
🏒 ʀɪᴠᴀʟ’ꜱ ᴇx
🐈⬛ ᴅɪꜱʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
🏒 ᴄᴇʟɪʙᴀᴛᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🐈⬛ ᴀᴅʜᴅ ʀᴇᴘ
August 21, 2026
Oh my gosh this book I don’t even know where to begin with how amazing this book was. It was so emotional so touching Merritt and Bennett were just there’s just no words with how wonderful they were to each each other so we have Bennett who is celibate for some reasons and then we have sassy confident merit, who knocks him down to his knees figuratively . He was just something else and marriage to solve right through it and just watching these two grow together it was just so so good plus throwing in hockey romance with tension and rivals eX Yes, please sign me up. this was my favorite book in the series.
August 18, 2026
The Hellcats Hockey series is one of my favorites so of course I was beyond excited for Bennett’s book, and Maren DELIVERED! This was hands down one of the most satisfying reformed playboy reads I’ve ever picked up. Bennett was down BAD for Merritt, and honestly? I was totally here for every single second of it!
The dynamic between these two is pure gold. You get that irresistible contrast of a golden retriever hockey player falling hard for a prickly black cat heroine who isn't about to make things easy for him. Their chemistry was off the charts! The slow burn between Bennett and Merritt was so delicious, and let me tell you, when the payoff finally hit, it was so worth every bit of the wait!!
What really elevated this story for me, though, were the character details that made Bennett and Merritt feel so real and layered. His celibate hero arc coupled with such thoughtful ADHD rep in Merritt gave the romance a genuine, emotional depth that set it apart from standard sports romances. PICK THIS BOOK UP ASAP! Whether you’ve read the other books in the series or not, this can absolutely be read as a standalone, and it’s a top-tier read you won’t wanna miss!
The dynamic between these two is pure gold. You get that irresistible contrast of a golden retriever hockey player falling hard for a prickly black cat heroine who isn't about to make things easy for him. Their chemistry was off the charts! The slow burn between Bennett and Merritt was so delicious, and let me tell you, when the payoff finally hit, it was so worth every bit of the wait!!
What really elevated this story for me, though, were the character details that made Bennett and Merritt feel so real and layered. His celibate hero arc coupled with such thoughtful ADHD rep in Merritt gave the romance a genuine, emotional depth that set it apart from standard sports romances. PICK THIS BOOK UP ASAP! Whether you’ve read the other books in the series or not, this can absolutely be read as a standalone, and it’s a top-tier read you won’t wanna miss!
August 22, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! This FMC was the glue that held her family together and he was such a reformed golden retriever. I loved the way he treated her brother not just her. It’s the little things he would do for her to show her he was there to take care of her to.
August 18, 2026
ARC Review
I have been so excited for our golden retriever, Bennett, to get his story, and this did not disappoint! I’ve loved him ever since The Bad Boy Rule, with his cheeky-chappy personality, easy charm, and undeniable way with the ladies, so when I heard he was suddenly “celibate,” I needed to know what on earth was going on! Bennett and Merritt’s story was everything I wanted and more. The way they meet for a second time, although Bennett can’t actually remember the first time, was hilarious, especially when Merritt certainly hasn’t forgotten. Merritt takes absolutely no nonsense. She’s hardworking, determined, focused on getting into law school, and has her future mapped out. So being paired with the relaxed, fun-loving Bennett for a creative writing project is pretty much her worst nightmare. Who would have thought that the hard ass Merritt would be the one person capable of stumping Bennett, he loves her fight, her straight-talking nature and the fact that she doesn’t fall for his usual charm. And the more time they spend together, the more Merritt begins to realise that there is so much more to Bennett than the fun loving playboy everyone thinks he is.
Then throw in her douchebag ex, who just happens to be Bennett’s arch-rival on the ice, and suddenly you have the perfect recipe for a fake dating arrangement. Except, of course, the more they pretend, the harder it becomes to remember that any of it is supposed to be fake. Bennett starts breaking all his rules for Merritt, and Merritt finds herself letting someone in when she never expected to again.
This was such a fun, sweet, funny and swoony read! Some of my favourite parts were Bennett and Merritt’s banter, I was absolutely living for their back-and-forth, and the fact that he calls her “Stabby Girl” had me cackling! I especially loved seeing how Bennett was with Merritt’s brother, how naturally Merritt welcomed him into her family, and the way Bennett took the time to understand Merritt’s ADHD and support her. Bennett is absolute book boyfriend gold. This is a slow burn, but when you finally get to the spice… OH. MY. GOODNESS! I also loved getting to reunite with Saint, Lennon, Wilder and Maisie.
Merritt and Bennett completely stole my heart. Absolutely loved this one!
I have been so excited for our golden retriever, Bennett, to get his story, and this did not disappoint! I’ve loved him ever since The Bad Boy Rule, with his cheeky-chappy personality, easy charm, and undeniable way with the ladies, so when I heard he was suddenly “celibate,” I needed to know what on earth was going on! Bennett and Merritt’s story was everything I wanted and more. The way they meet for a second time, although Bennett can’t actually remember the first time, was hilarious, especially when Merritt certainly hasn’t forgotten. Merritt takes absolutely no nonsense. She’s hardworking, determined, focused on getting into law school, and has her future mapped out. So being paired with the relaxed, fun-loving Bennett for a creative writing project is pretty much her worst nightmare. Who would have thought that the hard ass Merritt would be the one person capable of stumping Bennett, he loves her fight, her straight-talking nature and the fact that she doesn’t fall for his usual charm. And the more time they spend together, the more Merritt begins to realise that there is so much more to Bennett than the fun loving playboy everyone thinks he is.
Then throw in her douchebag ex, who just happens to be Bennett’s arch-rival on the ice, and suddenly you have the perfect recipe for a fake dating arrangement. Except, of course, the more they pretend, the harder it becomes to remember that any of it is supposed to be fake. Bennett starts breaking all his rules for Merritt, and Merritt finds herself letting someone in when she never expected to again.
This was such a fun, sweet, funny and swoony read! Some of my favourite parts were Bennett and Merritt’s banter, I was absolutely living for their back-and-forth, and the fact that he calls her “Stabby Girl” had me cackling! I especially loved seeing how Bennett was with Merritt’s brother, how naturally Merritt welcomed him into her family, and the way Bennett took the time to understand Merritt’s ADHD and support her. Bennett is absolute book boyfriend gold. This is a slow burn, but when you finally get to the spice… OH. MY. GOODNESS! I also loved getting to reunite with Saint, Lennon, Wilder and Maisie.
Merritt and Bennett completely stole my heart. Absolutely loved this one!
August 15, 2026
Merritt has a plan, keep her grades up, submit her law school application, and take care of her younger brother. The last thing she needs is a distraction, especially from the hockey player she’s been paired with for her creative writing class. When they’re working on their project and her ex walks in, holding hands with the girl he cheated with, she panics, and before she knows it, she’s in a fake relationship with the hockey team’s goalie, who happens to be her ex’s biggest rival on the team, and the man who humiliated her years ago.
Bennett may be known as a playboy on campus, but at the end of last year, he decided that he wanted to be more than his reputation. Wanting to focus on his future in hockey, and tired of the meaningless hookups, he chose to become celibate, allowing anything to distract him from his goals. From his first meeting with Merritt, he can’t hide his attraction, but the more time they spend together, the more he wants to know all of her. When a surprise kiss leads to him playing the best game of his career, he comes up with a plan for them to start a fake relationship, so he can get his good luck charm and she can get back at her ex. The last thing he expected was that his feelings for his fake girlfriend would become so real.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and really loved it! Bennett comes off as a total golden retriever and Merritt’s neurospicy black cat energy brings him to heel every time. He sees her in ways many people don’t notice, and even before feelings got involved, he continuously showed up for her. I love that Bennett can really be himself with her, not having to play the part the rest of the campus sees, and his friendship with her brother warmed my heart. The banter between these two was hilarious, and their chemistry started off as a slow burn that built into a raging inferno. I also loved the cameos from previous MCs, and seeing the relationships Bennett still had with them. This was the perfect feel good romance I didn’t even know I needed.
Bennett may be known as a playboy on campus, but at the end of last year, he decided that he wanted to be more than his reputation. Wanting to focus on his future in hockey, and tired of the meaningless hookups, he chose to become celibate, allowing anything to distract him from his goals. From his first meeting with Merritt, he can’t hide his attraction, but the more time they spend together, the more he wants to know all of her. When a surprise kiss leads to him playing the best game of his career, he comes up with a plan for them to start a fake relationship, so he can get his good luck charm and she can get back at her ex. The last thing he expected was that his feelings for his fake girlfriend would become so real.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and really loved it! Bennett comes off as a total golden retriever and Merritt’s neurospicy black cat energy brings him to heel every time. He sees her in ways many people don’t notice, and even before feelings got involved, he continuously showed up for her. I love that Bennett can really be himself with her, not having to play the part the rest of the campus sees, and his friendship with her brother warmed my heart. The banter between these two was hilarious, and their chemistry started off as a slow burn that built into a raging inferno. I also loved the cameos from previous MCs, and seeing the relationships Bennett still had with them. This was the perfect feel good romance I didn’t even know I needed.
August 15, 2026
I didnt think any book could beat Homerun Proposal but this one just might. I thinks it’s my absolute favorite Maren book. From page one I was locked in. The writing style was just perfect. Now o have loved Bennet from the pre ious books so I may be a bit biased. However, the first page in his pov had me in a choke hold. I absolutely love that he has realized the thing in his life is that he’s missing out on love. He was the play boy and that life was great until it wasn’t. The real happiness to life is finding the one woman you want to be with forever in everything you do. And I just loved that. Drinking, partying, going from girl to girl doesn’t hold the appeal of having your one true love which in my opinion is way better than the woman turning the playboy into a one woman man. I love when it’s his choice and then he finds her already reformed. Now enough about that into Merrit. What’s not to love about her. She’s hard working, adhd rep, and doesn’t stand for funny business.
And of course that brings us to Bennett and Merritt together. Ahhhh OMG it is exactly what I needed. The black cat x golden retriever banter is perfect. All my favorite quotes comes from their back and forth. Her no nonsense attitude especially when it comes to school work and his ability to put what he knows and calls it good. It reminds me so much of me and my hubby when we met in college and went through some similar things. (Maybe that’s why I love this so much) Bennet has a lot on his plate and reading the 600 page book to do an assignment of which he could have easily used Spark notes was not on his agenda. Especially when he’s trying to up his game in hockey and trying to improve himself but one sassy lady has him trying to prove he’s not a dumb jock and his looks isn’t what gets him passing grades.
And of course that brings us to Bennett and Merritt together. Ahhhh OMG it is exactly what I needed. The black cat x golden retriever banter is perfect. All my favorite quotes comes from their back and forth. Her no nonsense attitude especially when it comes to school work and his ability to put what he knows and calls it good. It reminds me so much of me and my hubby when we met in college and went through some similar things. (Maybe that’s why I love this so much) Bennet has a lot on his plate and reading the 600 page book to do an assignment of which he could have easily used Spark notes was not on his agenda. Especially when he’s trying to up his game in hockey and trying to improve himself but one sassy lady has him trying to prove he’s not a dumb jock and his looks isn’t what gets him passing grades.
August 14, 2026
Thank you Maren Moore and team Maren for this eARC!
Bennett loves women and is addicted to the chase. Women of all shapes and sizes. The problem? He’s been celibate for six months (his decision) because he was starting to catch feelings and decided it was time to slow down and change his habits.
Merritt is a hard worker, likes things done a certain way, and is focused on school because she’s a pre-law student.
One night, her friends take her to a party where she has a very embarrassing moment with Bennett. She and Bennett haven’t talked in over two years…that is, until their professor partners them up for an upcoming project. Can she let go of what happened two years ago? And better yet, does he even remember her or what happened?!
Bennett and Merritt…omg! Bennett talks like such a player and jokester…and he definitely was a player, but you can tell deep down that he cares and pays attention to the little things. He’s also so funny. So many of his comments had me laughing out loud.
And Merritt is such a sassy gal! She’s very straightforward and likes things done a certain way. She likes to act like she’s not hot and bothered by Bennett, but she knows he gets under her skin.
The banter between these two is truly chef’s kiss. 🤌🏼 I loved the quick comebacks and all the little moments between them…had me kicking my feet for real!
And the spice?! 🥵 omg. omg. omg!!! So, so good. SO HOT!
Maren Moore does not disappoint when it comes to banter and spice! She grabbed my attention from the first page, and I literally couldn’t put this book down.
By far one of my favorite reads so far this year! I can’t recommend this one enough! 🫶🏼
Tropes:
College Hockey
Rival's Ex
Fake Dating
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Forced Proximity
Celibate Hero
Forbidden
Dislike to Lovers
ADHD Rep
Bennett loves women and is addicted to the chase. Women of all shapes and sizes. The problem? He’s been celibate for six months (his decision) because he was starting to catch feelings and decided it was time to slow down and change his habits.
Merritt is a hard worker, likes things done a certain way, and is focused on school because she’s a pre-law student.
One night, her friends take her to a party where she has a very embarrassing moment with Bennett. She and Bennett haven’t talked in over two years…that is, until their professor partners them up for an upcoming project. Can she let go of what happened two years ago? And better yet, does he even remember her or what happened?!
Bennett and Merritt…omg! Bennett talks like such a player and jokester…and he definitely was a player, but you can tell deep down that he cares and pays attention to the little things. He’s also so funny. So many of his comments had me laughing out loud.
And Merritt is such a sassy gal! She’s very straightforward and likes things done a certain way. She likes to act like she’s not hot and bothered by Bennett, but she knows he gets under her skin.
The banter between these two is truly chef’s kiss. 🤌🏼 I loved the quick comebacks and all the little moments between them…had me kicking my feet for real!
And the spice?! 🥵 omg. omg. omg!!! So, so good. SO HOT!
Maren Moore does not disappoint when it comes to banter and spice! She grabbed my attention from the first page, and I literally couldn’t put this book down.
By far one of my favorite reads so far this year! I can’t recommend this one enough! 🫶🏼
Tropes:
College Hockey
Rival's Ex
Fake Dating
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Forced Proximity
Celibate Hero
Forbidden
Dislike to Lovers
ADHD Rep
August 21, 2026
Bennett and Merritt are actually perfect for each other and not just because their names have double consonants 😂 definitely read if you love a good fake dating, but was it ever really fake???
When I say I think Bennett actually my favorite of the OU men, it’s not just because he’s a goalie! He’s such a softie, but only for Merritt. He’s actually a romantic, he’s a little bit of a freak! He protects those he cares about quite fiercely , not just his crease! He’s also really great with kids and the way he instantly clicks with Merritt’s little bro, Elliott is so touching.
Merritt is wildly intelligent and also pours her heart into the ones she loves! Her battle with ADHD is so freaking well written. I loved how she was able to finally stand up for herself and her current “relationship” was moving. The way she just couldn’t give to s**** about her previous relationships, yes queen! But I also enjoyed her vulnerability when it came to her imposter syndrome of being good enough for OU Law and Bennett.
Their relationship is honestly probably my favorite of the OU couples! I loved how it started with animosity and the use of banter as foreplay was brilliant. Also the fact that they had to work past their brief and only one sided remembrance of an almost hookup, just strengthened their bond allowing for open communication.
My favorite parts had to be Halloween, when they realize it was never fake, and when Merritt surprises Bennett with his friends and family!
When I say I think Bennett actually my favorite of the OU men, it’s not just because he’s a goalie! He’s such a softie, but only for Merritt. He’s actually a romantic, he’s a little bit of a freak! He protects those he cares about quite fiercely , not just his crease! He’s also really great with kids and the way he instantly clicks with Merritt’s little bro, Elliott is so touching.
Merritt is wildly intelligent and also pours her heart into the ones she loves! Her battle with ADHD is so freaking well written. I loved how she was able to finally stand up for herself and her current “relationship” was moving. The way she just couldn’t give to s**** about her previous relationships, yes queen! But I also enjoyed her vulnerability when it came to her imposter syndrome of being good enough for OU Law and Bennett.
Their relationship is honestly probably my favorite of the OU couples! I loved how it started with animosity and the use of banter as foreplay was brilliant. Also the fact that they had to work past their brief and only one sided remembrance of an almost hookup, just strengthened their bond allowing for open communication.
My favorite parts had to be Halloween, when they realize it was never fake, and when Merritt surprises Bennett with his friends and family!
August 16, 2026
Maren. GIRL. THIS BOOK WAS DEFINITELY WORTH THE WAIT. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and somehow finished already wanting more. Bennett and Merritt are officially two of my new favorites, and thank you for reminding me why a hockey player who wears a chain will always be superior. They just do it better. ALWAYS.
Merritt. YOU ARE MY QUEEN. The way you take control? Everything I aspire to be. And that panty scene had MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY written all over it. Bennett, I’m pretty sure you and I were thinking the exact same thing: “You wanna do me next, Merritt?!” 😂 I also loved your ADHD self because, honestly, I am you and you are me. Thank you for teaching me things about myself I didn’t even realize I needed to understand. And knowing exactly what you wanted to do with your life only made you even hotter. I want to be you when I grow up.
Bennett. WE LOVE A MAN WHO BOWS DOWN TO HIS WOMAN KING. You learned all the little things about Merritt, supported her dreams, let her see the real you, and somehow held onto that restraint until you knew she was the one. And when you finally lost it? Sir. You looked DAMN good on your knees. You certainly are a good boy, and a good boy always does what he’s told. 😂 Although I’m still debating whether you actually read the book because, let’s be honest, the book is always better—and Bennett, you will always be better.
These two are EVERYTHING, so I have to ask… is there more coming? Because I am absolutely not ready to be done with them yet.
Merritt. YOU ARE MY QUEEN. The way you take control? Everything I aspire to be. And that panty scene had MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY written all over it. Bennett, I’m pretty sure you and I were thinking the exact same thing: “You wanna do me next, Merritt?!” 😂 I also loved your ADHD self because, honestly, I am you and you are me. Thank you for teaching me things about myself I didn’t even realize I needed to understand. And knowing exactly what you wanted to do with your life only made you even hotter. I want to be you when I grow up.
Bennett. WE LOVE A MAN WHO BOWS DOWN TO HIS WOMAN KING. You learned all the little things about Merritt, supported her dreams, let her see the real you, and somehow held onto that restraint until you knew she was the one. And when you finally lost it? Sir. You looked DAMN good on your knees. You certainly are a good boy, and a good boy always does what he’s told. 😂 Although I’m still debating whether you actually read the book because, let’s be honest, the book is always better—and Bennett, you will always be better.
These two are EVERYTHING, so I have to ask… is there more coming? Because I am absolutely not ready to be done with them yet.
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