Flow

The New Bradfords #3

by Tia Louise

He’s loved her since childhood; one fake date might finally make it real.

I was 15 years old when I stood on a hill in a peach orchard with the girl of my dreams, contemplating marriage.
Now I’m a hockey star, The Maverick Murphy.
I have flow on the ice and on my head, but I still have trouble forming sentences when she’s around.
And she’s all around—living in my house, sharing my space, so close, I can smell her perfume on my clothes.
I’m all grown up, and I’d still do anything for her.

I was 15 when I stood on a hill in my family’s peach orchard with the cutest boy I knew and said I’d marry him on the spot.
Now that boy is a grown man, a hockey star with muscles and dimples and smoldering hazel eyes.
He’s also my new roommate, but I’m not here to fall in love.
Our beloved peach trees are dying, and I’m here to find a cure.

When the town’s rich bully threatens to own our land and me along with it, I kind of snap. I kind of say Maverick’s mine for real.
It’s a lie. We’re only faking, but with every kiss, every touch, every stolen moment, reality starts to blur.
Still, as much as we want to pretend, he’s LA’s hockey champion, and when the semester ends, I’ll have to leave.
That’s reality.

(Flow is a hockey romance with a golden retriever hero, a STEM FMC, childhood friends to lovers, he falls first [and so hard], fake dating, close proximity, roommates to lovers, it’s always been you, hilariously meddling family, and loads of spicy fun. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and no third-act breakup.)

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Fake Dating, He Falls First, Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports

380 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2026

About the author

Tia Louise is the USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of spicy-sweet military romance, small town romance, single parent romance, and romantic suspense novels.

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Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟, 3🌶️

I am still smiling about this one, and honestly, I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Maverick completely owned my heart with how quietly devoted he is. He is steady, patient, and so deeply in love in a way that feels effortless and real. Nothing about him feels exaggerated, and that made every moment hit harder. Dove balances him perfectly with her more guarded nature, and watching her slowly choose what she truly wants felt soft and meaningful.

Their connection is everything. The mix of shared history, fake dating, and living together creates this constant, low hum of tension that never feels forced. It is not loud or dramatic, just this steady pull between them that builds in the most satisfying way. I loved how the story leans into their emotions and growth instead of unnecessary chaos, making every small shift feel important.

The whole book feels warm, comforting, and a little bit magical. The small town, the family chaos, and the orchard add just enough depth without taking away from the romance. It is very character-driven, but when it works like this, it really works.

I finished it feeling soft, happy, and completely convinced this is the kind of love story that just feels right.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Tia Louise and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so comforting about the Bradfords for me. Both in the OG series and this New Bradfords series. I just feel so at home with all the characters and it makes any time I spend with them a joy. They are sweet, silly, dog-loving, and adorable. This book was no exception.

Maverick and Dove have been friends since they were children back in a peach orchard. Mav even was a little in love with Dove back then. But life has led them down different paths. However, when a terrible tree fungus threatens that wonderful orchard, Dove comes to stay with Mav while she gets advice from an expert in plant doctoring (my word of course).

So we add a new roommate to the house, and they happen to be the only two living there, since people keep hooking up and moving out. Wonder if that will happen this time too? Being back near one another is a sure fire way to test the waters. Even if they have limited time together. Their chemistry is just so good, they can't help but fall fast for one another.

With pushy friends and relatives, and energetic puppy, and lots of smiles... they never stood a chance. But how about the peach trees? I was really anxious about how we could save the orchard. That was so interesting to me. Tia Louise has brought in really fun science and jobs for our heroines this whole series. I really loved that.

Anyway, I enjoyed this one so much! Another great entry to the series and the set up for book 4 was EXCITING!

This was narrated in duet by Ryan Lee Dunlap & Stefanie Kay and they did such a wonderful job.

4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale

*Thank you to Ear Candy Promo & the author for an ALC of this title.*

[ana lopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This is the first book i read from Tia Louise, and I was genuinely surprised by how good the writing was from the very beginning. It’s easy to read, flows smoothly, and quickly pulls you into a soft, nostalgic mood without forcing it. At its heart, the story is simple: love can begin early, stay quiet for years, and return when you least expect it, in a completely different phase of life.

Dove and Maverick’s relationship is the backbone of the story, and I really liked how understated it is. Everything is handled in a quiet, subtle way, which actually makes the emotional moments hit even harder later on. When they’re teenagers sharing those long summer days with their families, the connection between them is immediate. It’s gentle but intense, the kind of first love you feel deeply but never quite say out loud. The fact that nothing happens between them at fifteen becomes the first real heartbreak and creates years of unanswered “what ifs.”

As adults, their lives are completely different, and that contrast is done really well. Dove is deeply rooted in her family’s peach orchard in Louisiana, you can almost smell the fruit and feel the dirt on her hands. Maverick’s life is the complete opposite. He’s surrounded by speed, pressure, and constant attention in the world of professional hockey in Los Angeles. His life looks exciting, but it also feels distant and exhausting. The space between them makes sense, which is exactly why their reunion feels so powerful.

When the orchard starts to fail, the story takes on a heavier tone. The fungal problem isn’t just a plot device it reflects everything else that’s been slowly breaking down: the emotional distance, missed chances, and unresolved feelings. Dove’s trip to Los Angeles brings her face-to-face with Maverick again, and the forced proximity works really well. Being close again brings all those buried emotions back to the surface, and the tension is noticeable in every interaction.

Corey, as the antagonist, plays his role effectively. His offer marriage in exchange for saving the farm is uncomfortable, but it raises the stakes in an important way. More than anything, it forces Dove to stop avoiding her feelings and finally think about what she truly wants, instead of choosing what seems safe or expected.

When the story moves back to Louisiana for the wedding, everything starts to fall into place. The fake dating trope could have felt overdone, but it works here because of Dove and Maverick’s shared history. Every glance and small touch carries years of emotion. And when they finally give in to their feelings, it feels deserved. The chemistry is strong, but it’s their emotional openness that makes those moments meaningful.

In the end, this is a story about a love that survives time, distance, and the fear that it might not fit into the life you’ve built. It’s tender, slightly bittersweet, deeply romantic, and full of quiet tension that stays with you until the final page.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was a fun, sweet hockey romance with an mmc who’s so adorable you’ll melt on the spot at his charms. I love a friends to lovers, because the pining in this book! Maverick may act like a tough hockey player but he’s a total softie for Dove, and he has literally been dreaming about marrying her since he was fifteen hello?? He took yearning to the most extreme level. I admit the plot wasn’t the greatest but the characters definitely made up for it. I loved Doves personality, I love a girl in STEM, and I love how she’s the perfect mix of fiery passion and sweet sunshine. And there’s no doubt that I’m falling head over heels for Maverick Murphy because the second he set his eyes on her, he was DONE FOR. For the plot, I just found it a little slow but also messy? Like at first we focus on her orchid being in danger for the first 100 pages, but suddenly forget about it and move on to something completely different before bringing it back to the orchid in like the last 50 pages. I feel like a more decisive and developed plot line would have been better. I did however love the roommates and fake dating charade, it was adorable, and the “will they or won’t they moments” had me pretty hooked. Another complaint is the lack of character development, and also the rushed ending, because the epilogue felt like there was like ten different things going on at once because the book never properly closed things off. There is a hockey aspect which is loved, and some “my jersey” moments which are to DIE for. I think this book is a fun, sweet read, but there was nothing truly special that made it stick out amongst the hundreds of other hockey romances I’ve read. I give it a 3.5/5

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maverick is really the standout here. He’s not written as the typical over-the-top, ego-driven hockey MMC...instead, he feels steady, loyal, and quietly intense. A lot of his character comes through in what he doesn’t say. There’s a patience to him that makes his feelings feel more real and less over the top than you usually get in this genre.

The FMC holds her own in a different way. She’s not overly dramatic or chaotic, she’s more internal, a little guarded, and clearly shaped by her past. Her growth is subtle, especially in how she starts to confront what she actually wants instead of what’s expected of her. We love to see it!

That said, because the story is so centered on them, the external plot stays pretty minimal. If the characters don’t fully click for you, there’s not a lot else carrying the story.

It’s quieter, more grounded, and more about personal growth than big moments.

If you like:

character-driven romance
emotionally steady MMCs
subtle growth over drama and angst

…it’ll work.

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

โทรปและเรื่องย่อคือติ๊กถูกทุกอันที่ชอบ

อ่านแล้วก็คิกคักกะ pov พระเอกอยู่นะ ชอบเขามาสิบกว่าปี longing ฉ่ำๆ แต่โดยรวมผมเบี่ย เคมีเสยๆ บทพูดก็แปก ไม่ได้ชอบอ่านดราม่าแต่คอนฟลิกบางอันแกก้ปล่อยผ่านง่ายเกิ๊นน

spice: 3/5

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
I enjoyed how refreshing this story was. I liked the orchard storyline. Thank you to Tia & Team for the arc.

[Jens_Book_Cubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flow is the third book in The New Bradfords series. It is a contemporary, roommates to lovers, friends to lovers, sports romance. The story is told in first person, dual POV.

I've been excitedly awaiting Maverick's story since meeting him in book one in the series. His witty personality is so great. I love how much he enjoys cooking, and the reason why. The thing I loved the most about Maverick is how he knows what he wants and fights for it, no matter the cost.

Dove is very intelligent and determined to save her family's peach orchard, which means the world to her, from a destructive fungus. She moves in with Maverick in order to do a semester of schooling in hopes of learning from experts in their field.

Dove and Maverick's families are close and they share a sweet history. They have had secret crushes on each other since they were young. Now that they are older and living together, the pull between them cannot be denied. Their chemistry is palpable and their banter is fabulous.

I simply adore the Bradfords. The cousin's close relationships warm my heart. Their banter and the way they thoughtfully meddle in each other's romantic relationships made me laugh. I loved meeting new family members and catching up with prior couples.

This was a terrifically written story with amazing pace, flow, plot, characters (main and secondary), storytelling, storyline, character development, relationship development, and world building. If you are looking for an entertaining sports romance with a sassy and determined FMC and a witty and equally determined MMC, then I'd definitely recommend this book.

Thank you so very much to Tia Louise for the ARC; all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flow
The New Bradfords Series, Book 3
Tia Louise

Maverick and Dove

Maverick has watched all of his roommates fall in love and he is happy for all of them. He admits, he isn’t a fan of being alone so is thrilled when Dove spends a semester with him. But let’s go back…unbeknownst to Maverick or Dove, even as young people they each thought about marrying the other. So when reunited, the pull, attraction, and chemistry are undeniable.

Now, to make the connection, books 1-3 have been the Bradford children. Haddy, Gigi and Maverick are all cousins. In the new Bradfords, the kids, or their spouses, all play hockey, whereas we all know the Bradfords are about football. It is fun to read about the kids, yet still see the parents included every so often. This is a tight group with lots of love and support.

Ok, so back to Maverick and Dove. Dove is still is school, and chooses to study a semester under an advisor that specializes in plant disease. Her family has an orchard and she wants to learn all the ins and outs. I don’t want to give too much away, so you have to read for the details. Anyways, Maverick is busy with hockey and gone a lot but what little time he does have, he and Dove spend together, and with the family nearby. What starts out as innocent pretending, turns real very quickly, if it ever was pretending at all.

Love these stories so much. Loved the parents, love the kids. I look forward to these stories as they are fun to read, so entertaining, and lighthearted. As I stated above, there is so much love and support from both generations. Also, all the men are teddy bears and swoon worthy. Once they meet the One, they are all in. Can not wait until the next one!!
Thank you #TiaLouise and #TheAuthorAgency

[Karen Desira · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review!

I jumped straight into book three of the series like I absolutely knew what I was doing...zero hesitation, zero regrets. Sure, I probably missed a few relationship nuances from the earlier books, but honestly? That just gives me an excellent excuse to go back and binge them all later.

Maverick and Dove have that “once-a-year, just enough to matter” history. Their families were close, so they spent a couple of weeks a year together, long enough for crushes to form, but not enough to really stay part of each other’s everyday lives. As adults, they’re still connected through family, but never actually kept in touch themselves.

Now Dove’s moving in with Maverick while studying away, hoping to help save her family’s orchard. Close proximity? Check. Old crush energy making a comeback? Definitely. And yep… things heat up pretty quickly.

And wow, heat up they do. The chemistry between these two is ridiculous. The tension isn’t over-the-top dramatic, but it’s definitely there, simmering under the surface the whole time. Then they head back to Louisiana for a wedding at the orchard, and… let’s just say, that one scene that starts it all? I have no words. If you know, you know!

The audiobook version takes it up another notch. Narrated in duet style (yay!) by Ryan Lee Dunlap and Stefanie Kay, it adds so much more to the dynamic between Maverick and Dove. They really bring out the tension and all of the softness. Honestly, if you’re an audiobook fan, this one’s a no-brainer.

[Kira Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, and curl up in your favorite reading spot because this book is one of the coziest, heart-healing books I've ever read! We get childhood friends to roommates to lovers in Flow and Tia Louise did it right!

Maverick is a golden retriever, charming, funny, hockey playing MMC that lives in California while playing in the NHL but hasn't forgotten his southern upbringing or the girl he left behind.

Dove is a true southern girl that loves her family, her friends, and her home. The peach farm her family has owned for generations is under attack from an incurable fungus so her college professor helps her get into a program with an expert studying this fungus to try to help save the farm. This leads to her moving in with Maverick while she's in California where she stops seeing him as the boy she used to crush on and as the man she longs for.

I loved the family dynamic in this book because it truly represented what that type of relationship is like in the south where family is loud, in your business, but always has your back. I also enjoyed the pacing of the evolve between Maverick and Dove. It flowed (no pun intended) really well and wove itself into place rather than being forced.

Thank you Tia Louise and The Author Agency for allowing me the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Flow. This review is my own and given voluntarily.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved every book so far, so Maverick’s was no surprise. I was not expecting Dove – she surprised me. Her determination to save her family and having the smarts to do it.
Dove and Mavericks family have been friends for years, and fifteen as his feelings begin to change Maverick proposed marriage. They both have dreams, so no ceremony.
Fast forward to now, Maverick has made it to the NHL, and his focus is to win the cup. Dove is still at home, but her family’s peach orchard is in jeopardy. Her degree in plant pathology has given her the resources and contacts to save the orchard. It requires a summer in Los Angeles. Where Maverick lives.
As to be expected they become roommates, but both find the feelings were dormant. The little things become more – quickly.
I love the Bradford family, and the extended family, the banter, and the love. The journey Maverick and Dove take is complicated, they both have busy days in Los Angeles. Will they admit their feelings, and let down their guard? Can Dove save the family peach orchard?
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[ReadWithPeaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️

Oh Tia, each book in this second generation just gets better and better. This book gives us fake dating and childhood friends.
 
Maverick is this easygoing, holden retriever hockey player. We get to watch him go from this confident and teaser man to completely undone around Dove. Dove balances him out ever so perfectly. She is warm and bubbly. They just work together perfectly. Everything about them felt natural. Them knowing each other since childhood was so perfect.
 
The closeness of the cousins is something I love about this series. Then having a deep-rooted connection to Dove’s orchard, YES! This was light and comforting but still delivered great emotional moments.

What To Expect:
🏒 Hockey Romance
💫 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🏒 Fake Dating
💫 Roommates to Lovers
🏒 Close Proximity
💫 Golden Retriever Hero
🏒 STEM Heroine
💫 He Falls First
🏒 It’s Always Been You

Thank you so much Tia and Grey’s for this eARC. I had so much fun reading and sending you all my thoughts along the way. I can’t wait for Knox and Melody!

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was such a sweet, heartfelt romance!! Fake dating, childhood friends to lovers, and so many other sweet & swoony things about this book!!

Maverick is the golden retriever vibe hockey player & Dove is his childhood crush, who is the sweetest, bubbly personality. These two had so much chemistry and had me loving them from the beginning!!

This book was so full of an amazing friend group & meddling families, that made this one so much fun! I loved the added family history & how strongly Dove felt for her family’s orchard! The plot line with the orchard was a perfect touch and went so perfectly with the romance side of this! This book was just a breath of fresh air, but mixed with the steamy moments that had me so sucked in!!

I cannot wait for more from this series!!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maverick....I always knew I loved you. He was the fun, sexy, thoughtful cousin, hotshot hockey player. But this time we finally get his POV and inside thoughts. That man did not disappoint.

Dove may be petite, but she's brilliant and ready to steak her claim. Whether it be against a pushy fan trying to touch Mav, or a sleazeball trying to manipulate her and her family's orchard.

We still get the found family, close Bradford crew, crazy uncles, and more in this story. Sweet moments. Funny ones. Spicy scenes. Surprises. Cute animals and little kiddos. Jealousy and protective mmc. Yearning. Slow burn. Banter. Yum.

[Lauren Votrain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving this next gen series! Tia does a great job of blending our OG couples into their kids books lol

I appreciated the flashback at the beginning of the story that really set the precedent for their friendship and feelings from the time they were kids. Mavericks realizations with his love for the game and for Dove were so refreshing. There was no second guessing, no questioning. He knew what he wanted & did it without a look back 😍

Corey was worst and honestly deserved more than what he got lol but I’m happy everything worked out. I’m so excited for Knox’s story! He’s been one of my favorite side characters with all his banter and teasing!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flow

Another great hockey story. Love the family/ friends that have known each other for years. When her families orchards in trouble, she does everything possible to learn what might help save it. Their dynamics are a chemistry that both have been trying to ignore, yet everyone else sees. This story will show you how friends/families support each other and stick together when things are at their worst. Awesome story ♥️.

[BelleReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review

Maverick and Dove were a cute pairing! A nice friend’s to lovers story that had a great progression.

I loved the way it shows them as kids and then as adults you can see that even though they went separate ways in life their core values stayed the same. They stayed compatible.

[shaira ✨]

he’s golden retriever hero who’s been in love with her forever and they end up fake dating ?? SMASH 🛎️

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

Flow was everything I hoped for from Maverick & Dove's story. I enjoyed their childhood friendship and how it evolved into a beautiful love story that made me adore them both, I also loved that they both had such interesting personal histories with completely unexpected endings. Plus, it made me so happy to hear from the characters from the previous books again, as well as from the potential main characters of the upcoming stories!

Maverick is THE character I most wanted to read about since this series began. His playful personality, his love for cooking, and his beautiful heart charmed me in the first book, and finally reading about him as a main character was a thousand times better. I loved that Tia Louise showed his love for Dove from the prologue and that she gave me a much more flirtatious and charming Maverick in this book. I really enjoyed reading more about his relationship with his parents, especially how much his mom cares for him and the lovely dynamic they have, but I think what I LOVED most about his character was the storyline the author gave him regarding hockey, the new challenges he faces, the way he shows time and again that he loves playing the sport and cares about his teammates, and the unexpected conclusion he reaches.

Dove was a new character for me, and I fell completely in love with her, I think she's my favorite girl in the series so far, and I also found her very original: a girl who loves the peach orchard where she was born and fights with all her might to save her family legacy, I loved reading about her determination, his courage to leave the life she knew just to help her family, and how beautiful her reunion with Hadie, Gigi, Mav, and the rest of the Bradfords was, and how well she fit in with them even after so many years apart.

Maverick & Dove have been friends for many years, and I really liked that throughout their story, the author shows me the important moments they've shared, how well they know each other, and how they had feelings for each other even back then. I loved reading how easy it is for them to rekindle their friendship when Dove starts living with Mav, how their attraction becomes increasingly difficult to ignore, how beautiful they are when they exchange messages when they're apart and how Mav is willing to do anything to support Dove.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

🏒narrators: Ryan Lee Dunlap & Stefanie Kay
🩵duet narration
🍑narration: 5/5

The audiobooks in this series are a delight!

And if Ryan Lee Dunlap were the narrator for all of them, I would be the happiest person ever. He gave me the Maverick I fell in love with from the start: that fun, outgoing, flirty, and charming guy who stole my heart. I loved him in his most vulnerable moments and how head over heels he is for Dove. I also loved hearing this narrator convey all the emotions Mav goes through throughout the book and bring his story with Dove to life.

Stefanie Kay gave me the perfect Dove! She brought to life this girl who loves her peach trees, who is also in love with her childhood friend, and who spends the best moments with those friends who mean so much to her. I also loved hearing her voice toward the end of the book when it seems like all is lost, because she conveyed all the sadness and despair that Dove is experiencing.

🍑Dove: 5/5
🏒Maverick: 5/5
🍑plot: 4.5/5
🏒love story: 4.5/5
🍑secondary characters: 5/5
🏒universe: 5/5
🍑cover: 5/5
🥵: 2/5

ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Flow fue todo lo que esperaba de la historia de Maverick & Dove, disfruté muchísimo de su amistad desde pequeños y como evolucionó a una hermosa historia de amor que me hizo amarlos mucho a los dos, también me encantó que ambos tuvieran historias personales tan interesantes y con finales completamente inesperados. Además, me hizo muy feliz escuchar de nuevo a los personajes de los libros anteriores y a los posibles personajes principales de las próximas historias!

Maverick es EL personaje que más quería leer desde que empezó esta serie, su personalidad juguetona, su amor por la cocina y su hermoso corazón me enamoraron en el primer libro, y leerlo por fin como personaje principal fue mil veces mejor: me encantó que Tia Louise me mostrara su amor por Dove desde el prologo y que me diera a un Mav mucho más coqueto y encantador en este libro. Me gustó mucho leer más de su relación con sus papás, especialmente lo mucho que su mamá se preocupa por él y la dinámica tan linda que tienen, pero creo que lo que más AMÉ de su personaje fue la trama que la autora le dio con respecto al hockey, los nuevos retos que enfrenta, la manera en la que demuestra una y otra vez que ama jugar en equipo y se preocupa por sus compañeros y la conclusión tan inesperada a la que llega.

Dove fue un personaje nuevo para mi y me enamoré perdidamente de ella, creo que es mi chica favorita en la serie hasta ahora y también me pareció un personaje muy original: una chica que ama el huerto de duraznos en el que nació y lucha con todas sus fuerzas para salvar su legado familiar. Me encantó leer su determinación, su valor para dejar la vida que conoce solo por ayudar a su familia y lo hermoso que es su reencuentro con Hadie, Gigi, Mav y el resto de los Bradford y como encajó tan bien con ellos incluso después de tantos años alejados.

Maverick & Dove tienen han sido amigos desde hace mucho años y me gustó mucho que a lo largo de toda su historia, la autora me muestre los momentos importantes que han pasado juntos, lo bien que se conocen y como ambos tenían sentimientos por el otro aún entonces. También disfruté mucho leer lo fácil que es para ellos retomar su amistad cuando Dove empieza a vivir con Mav, la manera en la que su atracción se hace cada vez más difícil de ignorar, lo hermosos que son cuando intercambian mensajes cuando no están juntos y la manera en la que Mav está dispuesto a todo para apoyar a Dove.

🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧

🏒narradores: Ryan Lee Dunlap & Stefanie Kay
🩵narración en dueto
🍑narración: 5/5

Los audiolibros de esta serie son una delicia!

Y si Ryan Lee Dunlap fuera el narrador de todos ellos yo seria la más feliz. Me dio al Maverick que me enamoró desde el principio: ese chico divertido, extrovertido, coqueto y encantador que se robó mi corazón, me hizo amarlo en sus momentos más vulnerables y con lo perdidamente enamorado que está de Dove. Además, me encantó escuchar a este narrador transmitiéndome todos los sentimientos por los que Mav pasa a lo largo del libro y dándole vida a su historia con Dove.

Stefanie Kay me dio a la Dove perfecta! Trajo a la vida a esta chica que ama sus arboles de duraznos, que también esta enamorada de su amigo de la infancia y que pasa los mejores momentos con esos amigos que tanto significan para ella. También amé escucharla hacia el final del libro cuando parece que todo esta perdido, porque me transmitió toda esa tristeza y desesperación que Dove está viviendo.

🍑Dove: 5/5
🏒Maverick: 5/5
🍑trama: 4.5/5
🏒historia de amor: 4.5/5
🍑personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏒universo: 5/5
🍑portada: 5/5
🥵: 2/5

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon



First as children, then as teens, Maverick was utterly fascinated by Dove and her family's peach orchards. She was always the one, in that innocent way. Then they went on to live separate lives, where they didn't really have contact with each other. He went onto hockey fame, and she stayed home. But now she's got to go to LA for a chance to work with an expert professor to find a way to save her beloved peach orchards from the plant disease spreading its way from tree to tree. Cue Maverick and his house. Being roommates with her childhood friend is bringing up all sorts of things that aren't exactly childlike.



Maverick is the same guy around Dove that he always was. He loses his words around her, gets lost in his feelings for, feelings he's never articulated to her. But now she's his roommate and he has the chance show her how he's always felt about her. He'll have to be content with a short term thing, though, because she's only in LA for a short time, and he's here for as long as he's on the LA Champions. They can't see a way to make a relationship work long term, but Maverick's not planning on letting her go.



Sweet golden retriever down bad for the only girl he's ever loved, who's a smart af STEM woman - how could I not love Maverick and Dove?! Maverick isn't that alpha hole who's hard for everyone but his love. No, he's sweet, soft and has pined for Dove since he was 15! He was so freaking in love with her and never once wavered in that. And Dove? Wow. I do so love a smart, strong FMC, and she is so definitely that. I love the og Bradfords, but I think this next gen is even better. Dove and Maverick are so adorable in the delicious slow burn way. Knox is up next, and oooh am I looking forward to his story!



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated for audio: Excellent narration. I always love Ryan Lee Dunlap’s performance, and in the prologue he makes you hear 15-year-old Maverick as enamored, enraptured, overcome by emotion. He’s droll, dry, obviously attracted to Dove but uncomfortable about showing it and so sincere, including the adolescent cracking voice, it will make you smile. The good man Maverick will be shines through. Even though it’s young love Dunlap makes it feel real. And his transition to the adult Mav, the sexy, irresistible, bad boy hockey star is spot-on with the good guy is still there and around Dove still enamored, enraptured, overcome by emotion and head-over-heels in love. Stefanie Kay’s portrayal of Dove matches Dunlap’s; it perfect. As the 15-year-old Dove she’s girlish and sweet but the strength and dedication to her family and the orchard is already there, as are the feelings for Maverick that peek through. And Kay’s portrayal of the adult Dove is a woman full of life and passion, fear for the family’s legacy and determination to find a solution – and that long-ago yearning for Maverick that never faded but isn’t young love anymore but adult forever love. Both narrators bring this already wonderful story to life with their pace, tone, emotion and humor. A must-read story that is now also a must-listen.

“If I could find someone who loved all this as much as I do…well, I guess I’d just settle right down and marry him on the spot!” Keep that in mind while you’re reading.

Next generation stories are hard to do. Sometimes they are as good as those that have come before them, sometimes – not so much. Not all authors have the knack for now taking us into the grown-up lives of the children we thought were so cute – or so precocious or annoying. Without making caricatures of their parents, who were a short while ago steamy, silly young folks themselves. Well, let me tell you, author Tia Louise has the knack. Flow is the third book in The New Bradfords series after Pinch and Cage, and the next generation is every bit as compelling and enjoyable to watch as their parents were. And their parents are still people we love to check in with.

Flow is Maverick Murphy’s story. He’s the star player on the LA Champions hockey team alongside Gavin and Owen from Pinch and Cage. He’s a hot, sexy hunk, a player on and off the ice, but he’s also sweet and a good guy who loves family. Generous, thoughtful, considerate, well-raised by his parents Dylan Bradford and Logan Murphy. He’s still close to his family in Newhope and Los Angeles. But since Haddy and Gigi have found their HEAs with Gavin and Owen and moved out, he’s once again all alone in his house. They’re all still close by but it won’t be the same and he’ll miss having them there. But wait, he’s not going to be all alone, at least for a while. Dove Rhodes is going to stay at the house while she’s studying and looking for a cure to save her family’s precious peach orchard from dying back home in Louisiana. As thrilled as he is at the idea of seeing her again, finally being around her again, it could be a problem, because . . . “I have flow on the ice and on my head, but I still have trouble forming sentences when she’s around.” Yeah, there’s that.

The families knew each other from Haddy’s beauty pageants, and when he was 15 Maverick realized he had some pretty strong feelings for this girl. Life happened, though. Just after she uttered that unforgettable ‘I’d marry him on the spot’ line she was dragged away by an older neighbor Corey Hayes (an evil villain we’ll see more of), he became a hockey star, she stayed to work in the family business. Sure, he’s got a reputation as a ladies’ man but there’s never been anything serious and he’s never forgotten Dove, that first love, that what-if. Occasionally he wonders if she’s forgotten him or if she ever thinks of him.

When she shows up at the house it’s apparent she has not forgotten him and yes, she most definitely has thought about him. How he still feels is obvious to his cousins Haddy and Gigi and they don’t hesitate to tease him and think about plotting a little matchmaking. It’s not that simple, though. She’s not there to fall in love; she’s there to save the peaches. His career is at its peak and the Cup is in the team’s sights.

The heart wants what it wants, however. Being together in the house makes that teenage attraction blaze into full-blown adult longing. And it all feels so familiar, so comfortable, so right. She still can’t stay. He still can’t leave. He suffers a fairly serious injury and between that and his feelings for Dove turns to his father Logan for advice: how did you know mom was the one, when did you know it was time to hang it up. Back home, Corey makes it clear he wanted Dove then and he wants her now. Her family is in financial straits with nowhere to turn. Corey’s brother has offered to relieve that strain by buying the orchard – and planting soybeans. Corey at first offers to “help” Dove, and when she resists he tries to blackmail her into marrying him to keep the orchard, even though he really has no influence with his brother, and then becomes threatening when she repeatedly tells him she’s not interested.

Flow is an exciting, romantic story. Old crushes to lovers, desperate attempts to save the orchard, confrontations with Corey, sneak peeks at the families, and best of all – Dove and Maverick at her best friend’s wedding. You will cycle through emotions: feeling hopeful, worrying it’s all lost, being angry and frustrated, dabbing your eyes at just what a sweetie Maverick is, using that same hanky to fan yourself when you see just how combustible these two are together. I received an advance copy of Flow and absolutely loved it. Author Tia Louise has perfectly continued the Bradford story. Beautiful surroundings, loveable characters, villains to be vanquished and a look forward to the next book in this satisfying series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Cat Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every book in this series, so I was really excited to read Maverick’s story since he was introduced in the first book. He was the perfect hero, and I loved reading his moments with Dove. It was obvious how they felt about each other throughout the book.

Maverick and Dove’s families had been friends for years, so Maverick and his cousins spent every summer at Dove’s home, surrounded by her family’s peach orchard. When Maverick was fifteen, his feelings for Dove started to change, but they both continued with their lives and spent years without seeing each other. Years later, Maverick was a hockey player living in LA, close to both of his cousins, and his main focus was playing hockey and winning the Cup.

In the present, Dove still lived at home, and she had a degree in plant pathology after spending her whole life surrounded by trees. Things changed for her when her family realized their peach trees were dying, so she became determined to save their orchard. To do that, she had to go to LA for one semester and meet with a professor who could help her. After visiting Maverick’s cousins, they mentioned he had extra space now that they had both moved out, so Dove ended up becoming Maverick’s new roommate.

Maverick was excited to see Dove after all those years, and it was sweet to read that his feelings for her were still there. He was drawn to her whenever she was around, and I loved how comfortable they felt with each other. Maverick had a busy schedule, so he had to be away sometimes, but it was nice to read how he and Dove still kept in touch and how easy it was for them to talk about their lives. The pull between them was always there, and I was waiting for them to finally act on it.

Dove spent most of her time studying and trying to find a solution, but she still made time to be with her friends and spend time with Maverick. She couldn’t deny that her attraction to him was growing, or how safe she felt around him. I loved reading how natural they were at home with their dog, and how they were always sharing small, unconscious touches. Dove had to go back home for her friend’s wedding, and since Maverick was free, he insisted on going with her.

Maverick didn’t like the guy who was always around Dove, and after a text exchange, Dove’s family thought she and Maverick were together, so they were forced to share a cottage. By accident, Dove caught Maverick in a compromising situation, and she was tired of fighting her feelings, so they shared a steamy moment. Later, they spent time with their families, but it was obvious they wanted to continue what they had started. Their chemistry was strong, and they finally acted on their attraction and crossed the line from friendship to something more.

Dove was happy being with Maverick, but she knew she eventually had to go back home. She tried to act only as his friend, but she couldn’t fight their connection, even knowing how hard it would be to leave him. They tried to spend as much time together as possible, and I loved reading how they confessed their feelings for each other. It was heartbreaking to see Dove think everything was lost for her trees, but I loved how Maverick did everything he could to help her keep the orchard in her family.

Maverick had always loved hockey, but it was nice to read how, after talking to his dad, he understood what he had to do to not lose Dove and to show her he wanted a future with her. It was also nice to read how Maverick and his teammates won the Cup, and how he was ready to start his life with Dove right after that. I loved that they didn’t wait long to take the next step, and that after years of fighting their feelings, they finally got their happy ending, with a new addition to their family.

I also loved Maverick’s relationship with his cousins and the banter between them. It was fun reading about all the Bradford kids, and I can’t wait to read the next books in the series. Knox seems like a very cocky man, and after reading the last scene, I’m really excited to read his story with Melody, who I already loved in her parents’ book.

[Alicia Bell]

This novel reads like a slow-burning summer memory. It is warm, wistful, and heavy with the kind of longing that never quite fades. At its heart, it’s a story about timing: how love can take root early, lie dormant, and then bloom again under entirely different skies.

Dove and Maverick’s relationship is the emotional backbone of the book, and it’s handled with a quiet restraint that makes their eventual unraveling all the more powerful. As teenagers spending sun-soaked summers together with their families, their connection feels innocent yet charged, the kind of first love that’s more felt than spoken. The decision not to act on their feelings at fifteen becomes the story’s first heartbreak, setting the tone for years of “what if.”

The contrast between their adult lives is beautifully drawn. Dove’s devotion to her family’s peach orchard in Louisiana is tender and grounded; you can almost smell the fruit and feel the soil in her hands. Maverick’s life, on the other hand, is fast, glittering, and distant. It's defined by fame, pressure, and the relentless pace of professional hockey in Los Angeles. Their separation feels inevitable, which makes their reunion all the more compelling.

When Dove’s orchard begins to fail, the story shifts into something deeper. The fungal infestation isn’t just a plot device; it mirrors the quiet decay of time, distance, and the unresolved feelings between them. Her journey to Los Angeles in search of answers brings her back into Maverick’s orbit, and the forced proximity trope is executed with emotional precision. Their shared space becomes charged with years of unspoken words, and the tension between them is palpable.

Corey, the antagonist, serves as a necessary foil. His manipulative offer of marriage in exchange for saving the farm just adds urgency and stakes. Still, his presence effectively pushes Dove into confronting what she truly wants, rather than what she feels obligated to accept.

The return to Louisiana for the wedding is where the story truly blossoms. The fake dating trope could have felt predictable, but here it’s infused with history and emotional weight. Every glance, every touch carries years of suppressed desire, making their eventual surrender to their feelings feel earned rather than inevitable. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the vulnerability beneath it that makes it resonate.

The central conflict isn’t whether they love each other; it’s whether love is enough to bridge two fundamentally different lives. Dove belongs to the land, to roots and seasons. Maverick belongs to motion, to ambition and the ice. Their belief that they cannot coexist feels heartbreakingly real.

The resolution may divide readers. Maverick’s decision to leave his career behind and choose Dove is undeniably romantic, fulfilling the promise of a happily ever after. For some, it will feel like the ultimate declaration of love; for others, it may raise questions about sacrifice and identity. Still, the emotional payoff is undeniable. After so much longing and missed chances, seeing them finally choose each other feels deeply satisfying.

Ultimately, this is a story about love that endures through distance, through time, and through the fear of wanting something that might not fit into the life you’ve built. It’s tender, a little bittersweet, and unapologetically romantic, with just enough tension to keep your heart aching until the very last page.

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flow is book 3 in The New Bradfords series and follows hockey star and Bradford cousin, Maverick, as he falls for his childhood friend, Dove.

Maverick is the only child of Dylan Bradford and Logan Murphy. He is cousins with Haddy (Pinch) and Gigi (Cage). Growing up, he would sneak around in order to play hockey. His mom wanted him to be a professional golf player, but he loved hockey. All through school, his cousin Kimmie Joy would drive him to practice and games so his mom would not find out. During the summers and holidays, his family (including his cousins) would alternate traveling to Louisiana to visit LaGrange Orchard and the family that owned it. This is how he first met Dove and her family.

Dove is a sweet southern girl. Her family owns and runs LaGrange Orchard, growing peaches. She grew up running through the Orchard. She has her special places and she showed them to Mav on one of his last visits when they were 15. She loves the peaches and the Orchard and will do anything to keep it in the family and run it for future generations.

When Dove is approved for an independent study in Los Angeles to study plant diseases, she needs a place to stay. Since she knows that Mav, Gina and Haddy are in Los Angeles, she looks them up to visit them. She never expected to find a place to stay with Maverick.

Mav has always lived with someone. At first it was Haddy and Gigi. Then when his teammate, Gavin, needed a place to crash, he offered him a room. When Haddy and Gav moved out, he offered new teammate, Owen, a room. But then Owen and Gigi moved out and now Mav is all alone. So when Dove needs a place, he offers up a room.

Mav and Dove have had a crush on each other since they were 15 years old. But now they both have super busy schedules. And neither of them wants to rock the boat. They are living together and if it does not work out what will happen to them being roommates?

But when Dove is harassed by the neighbor back home, Mav decides to help her out and play her boyfriend for their trip back home to attend a wedding. Surprisingly, her parents fully consent to their fake relationship and give them the cottage to stay in. The cottage that only has one bed.

Mav has taken several hard hits recently in the game. One knocked him out of play for several weeks. Upon his return from Louisiana he starts thinking about retiring. Is hockey still his dream? Or does he now have another dream?

This book was so much fun to read. I truly loved seeing the history of the friendships with the Bradford cousins and Dove and her family.

It broke my heart to see Dove and her uncles working so hard to save the peach trees. The trees were not just their livelihood, they were her best friends growing up. Her grandfather's spirit still lives through one of the trees. This fight is personal for her.

Mav understands what Dove feels for these trees and the Orchard. So much so, that his grand gesture is the most amazing gift he could ever give her. It is the most unselfish thing he could ever give her.

Oh and let us not forget the visit from cousins Knox, Austin and Edward. It was great to see them again. And boy does Knox know how to push Mav's buttons. But maybe Mav needed that to give him the kick he needed to move forward and do what needed to be done.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one was so sweet and charming. I just LOVE the friends to lovers tropes, and this one hit just right. Maverick and Dove completely had me. This story is soft, swoony, a little bit electric, and so full of heart. Flow leans into quiet emotion over big drama, and somehow that makes every single moment hit harder and more tenderly. Such a great listen!

Maverick owns my whole heart. He is steady, patient, and so quietly devoted in a way that feels effortless but deeply rooted. This man has been gone for Dove since they were teenagers in that peach orchard, and he never once really moved on. Watching the “laid-back” hockey star completely unravel when it comes to her? Yeah… I ate that up. He is such a caretaker too, always looking after everyone around him, but with Dove its different. Softer. Deeper. And then… surprise… this man is also a top tier dirty talker?? HELLO DREAMBOAT.

Dove balances him so well. She is more guarded, more focused, carrying the weight of saving her family’s orchard on her shoulders, and I loved how grounded and driven she is. Watching her slowly stop choosing what is safe and start choosing what she actually wants felt so meaningful. Her growth feels gentle but important, and it makes their relationship even stronger.

Their connection is EVERYTHING. Childhood friends to something more, mixed with fake dating and while living together? The tension just hums the entire time. It is not loud or overdramatic, just this constant pull that builds and builds until it finally tips over. The history between them adds so much depth too. Every look, every small touch feels loaded with years of “what if.” When they finally give in, it's a long time coming and so satisfying.

And the chemistry? These two are sweet and playful and a little chaotic together, but also insanely hot. The balance between tenderness and spice is chef’s kiss. They genuinely just cannot get enough of each other, and honestly… same. I loved them together.

Beyond the romance, the whole book feels warm and comforting. The small town vibes, the Bradford family chaos, the orchard storyline… it all adds this cozy vibe to the whole story. I also loved the added layer of Dove’s work with the orchard. And Tia is always great with small town families and worlds. The Bradfords, the humor, the love, the way everyone shows up for each othe, its impossible not to get attached. And I am already so excited to check out the rest of the series. I did read this book (the third) before the others, and I was able to dive right in. I finished this feeling soft, happy, a little emotional. This is the kind of love story that just feels right for making the heart happy.

The duet audiobook is definitely the way to go. Ryan Lee Dunlap and Stefanie Kay narrate and they bring so much life and emotion to Maverick and Dove. You can feel the tension, the longing, the softness… all of it. Their vocal chemistry really shines through in the emotional moments and the spicy ones, and it makes the whole experience even more immersive. If you love audio, I highly recommend picking it up in that format or with an immersive read.

What to expect
🤍 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🤍 Fake Dating
🤍 Close Proximity / Roommates
🤍 Golden Retriever Hockey Hero
🤍 Quietly Obsessed Hero
🤍 STEM Heroine
🤍 Small Town + Orchard Setting
🤍 Family Chaos & Meddling
🤍 Slow Build Tension
🤍 Emotional Growth & Healing

[Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Always, my Dove."
Flow is my favorite in this series so far. I love a second-chance story, and when it’s paired with he falls first, it’s very much my kryptonite. I fell in love with these two right off the bat.

"What is going on here? Since when have I reacted this way to Maverick?"
Maverick and Dove were teenage friends. He never really saw her as a friend, yet nothing ever happened. But when he learns that she’s coming to stay at his house for a while, old feelings rise to the surface.
The question is, what is he going to do about it this time?

"You really are a star. I counted, and every third female in that arena was wearing your number tonight."
"Only one mattered to me."
Mav is a big-time hockey player. Dove is trying to save her family’s peach orchard. On the surface, he comes off as larger than life, while she’s more of the quiet type, which would mean they have nothing in common. But that’s not true.
They’re both fiercely loyal to their families and friends, they both love with their whole hearts… and they’re both falling for each other without realizing it.

Dove: I’m your number one fan.
Maverick: Promise?
I loved how Tia didn’t go the usual playboy route for Mav. I loved how, once again, the FMC was a woman of science, even if this time motivated by personal issues.
The way their past mixes with their present creates an instant connection they try to but can’t escape from. And I loved every moment of it!

"My arm tightens around her, and I wonder where I end and where she begins."
There’s a feeling of family throughout the book, both blood and found family. Their interactions are fun and carry the emotion of two people who know each other.
I loved their internal monologues and how her family's orchard provides a different background to their story without ever overshadowing it.

"I love her. She’s the one thing I can’t live without. Holding her in my arms, she’s my future, my heaven."
It takes a trip to Louisiana and a wedding to finally get them to take the leap. In true Tia Louise fashion, the steamy scenes were steaming! But it’s their very specific brand of chemistry—not just the lust and the love, but also the friendship and the trust that already existed between them—that dials everything up a notch.

"Tell me something no one knows."
"I’d give it all up for you."
They're so good together, but Dove has to go back home and Mav is caught up in his hockey career, so how can they possibly make this work? Is their love enough? The answer to that question is a resounding yes!
And get ready for Maverick to make you swoon because this man is something else!

"In my mind I waited for you. I was always waiting for you."
This was a comforting book that felt a lot like a warm blanket. Two people who got separated but found each other again at a time when everything finally clicks. And their happily ever after brought a smile to my face.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

And what is there not to love in a love that scans decades!
Maverick fell in love as a 5 year old when he watched Dove at a Princess Girl Pageant....which she didn't win, btw, but Maverick thought she was the most beautiful Princess there that night.
As a stumbling teen at 15, Mav never realised that it would be the last visit to Dove's Peach Orchard farm, LaGrange Orchard and the last time he would see her in awhile.
Maverick plays NHL for the Champions and Dove has just finished studying at the local University specialising in Plant pathology, especially in fruit trees. She wants to help the family in any way she can to run their Peach Orchard, as best she can.
Then a crisis strikes the family, having Dove move to LA for a semester at SoCal to study with a professor that specialises in Armillaria. The fungus threatening her families Orchard and heritage.
Her childhood friends, Haddy and Gina set her up to stay with Maverick in LA.
They have not seen each other since their time in the Orchard 10 years ago.
Both had their own lives and dreams which did not correspond with the other. That does not mean Mav didn't stop thinking about Dove as the one who got away.
Living with Dove should be easy, except for Maverick as all those feelings he had tucked away came back with a bang. He still loved her. How could he possibly live with her for a whole semester as friends.....
All their friends and Mav's cousins were holding onto hope that their two best friends would finally click and make a go of it.....but Dove is clueless as to how Mav feels....which comes across as adorable as poor Mav tries hard to maintain the friends only vibe.
A true love story with a full on slow burn as Mav decides he doesn't want to lose Dove again.
She was meant to be his and when the opportunity arises that he can accompany her to her friends wedding back at the LaGrange Orchard, he accepts. Anything to keep the creepy Corey away from her.
A Fake relationship is soon made too real as Corey lets everyone know Dove is there with her boyfriend!

And best scene ever - Dove walking in on Mav as he masturbates in the shower......the shy girl is shelved and she approaches Mav wanting to see.....Whew!! Yep right there, Mav sees stars as Dove helps him with his little problem!

"“Maverick?” His name escapes on a breath as quickly as the thought appears in my brain. Would he let me watch?"

Mav, not sure what to expect but that night everything changes.
They cross that line!! Ahhh hot hockey hunk and his one true love.....seeing stars!
Loved the open door spice!
All his dreams come at once. Now he just had to work out a plan to keep Dove and him together.....
I loved this story in it's entirety and would definitely recommend for some light romance reading. Who doesn't love it when the guy falls first...hard and heavy!! Me - I do.....
And always with "that" HEA, and boy what an ending for them both it is!!
I could not access the bonus scene but am sure it ended with a bang!!

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Swoony & Heartwarming!

Flow
The New Bradfords, Book 3
By: Tia Louise
Narrated by: Ryan Lee Dunlap, Stefanie Kay

It is great to be back in Tia Louise’s “New Bradfords” world again for another fabulous novel, a heartwarming friends-to-lovers sports romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. I am loving this series of the second generation of Bradfords, and this third book is Maverick and Dove’s story, who were friends in their teens and even shared an innocent crush on one another. Maverick, a professional hockey player for a team in L.A. and Dove is in Louisiana, in college and still living on her families’ peach orchard, which is dear to her heart, so much so it is what she is studying in college. The trees on her property are becoming diseased, and she is looking for a way to cure them or stop the spread, and the opportunity to work under a professor who is an expert in that field, she jumps on it. The timing is perfect since her friends in L.A. have a place for her to stay, which is where Maverick lives. I adored both Maverick and Dove, thought they were perfect together and for each other. I enjoyed the complexity of these characters, intrigued by both, and it was interesting to learn more about them, the challenges they faced: him in his career, her in her studies, and the orchard. I loved how everything unfolded in this masterfully crafted, multilayered story, with the perfect balance of drama, a touch of angst, charming and heartwarming moments, witty dialogue, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Tia Louise, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride. I love spending time with your characters and in the wonderful world you created.

🎧📚🎧Ryan Lee Dunlap and Stefanie Kay are the perfect cast to bring the characters to life, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I pictured the characters would sound. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every aspect of their personalities, with Dunlap nailing it as Maverick and Kay as Dove. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, young and old. They set the ideal tone for the story, and they conveyed all the characters’ emotions in their expressive performance, making you feel them all. These two are a fabulous team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a captivating performance that hooks you to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Flex Fler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to The Author Agency and Tia Louise for the ARC. All opinions are my own in the following ARC Review.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey Romance
Tropes: Golden Retriever Hero, STEM FMC, Childhood Friends To Lovers, Fake Dating, Close Proximity, Roommates To Lovers, He Falls First, Pining, Always Been You
MC: Dove (FMC), Maverick (MMC)
Setting: Los Angeles, Louisiana
Epilogue: Yes

Synopsis: Dove’s family orchard is threatened by a deadly root disease. Using her plant studies, she’s directed to a specialist in California, where she stays with her childhood friend Maverick. As she works with a new professor to try to save the orchard, she grows close again to Maverick and his tight-knit family, who all encourage their relationship. Though they both have feelings, they’re hesitant to cross the line from friendship, until Maverick is sidelined by a hockey concussion, giving him the chance to accompany Dove home for a wedding, where they pretend to be a couple. The act quickly becomes real, but they agree to end things when Dove returns home, knowing their lives are headed in different directions. The decision leaves them both heartbroken and uncertain. Back home, Dove learns the disease has spread beyond saving, and her family considers selling the orchard to a persistent, unwanted neighbor. In a grand gesture, Maverick secretly buys the orchard after winning the Cup, gifts it back to her family, and plans a future with Dove there.

Thoughts: I’m really enjoying the Bradford’s Next Generation series! This is the third installment, following Maverick, and it did not disappoint. We’ve seen him as the fun-loving guy, but here we finally get a deeper look at his more serious side, especially when it comes to Dove. It’s adorable to see him get tongue-tied when he’s usually so confident and self-assured. Maverick and Dove make a great couple. There’s a natural ease between them, along with a strong sense of protectiveness. Neither has been truly vulnerable with others, but with each other, it’s effortless, like they were always meant to find their way back. I also loved getting more time with the Bradford cousins. The chapters where they’re all together are so fun because of the humor, teasing, and button-pushing. They also highlight how deeply they care about one another, even when they’re miles apart, especially when Maverick gets hurt. Austin’s story seems like it might parallel Jack’s in a lot of ways, and I am looking forward to seeing how Knox’s story plays out next.