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Totally Laced Up: A Marriage of Convenience Single Dad Hockey Romance
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 12, 2026
Hockey romance is my weakness....I'll admit it. This one had all of the right pieces, but it felt like it just took forever for it to come together.
Gabriel is a star hockey winger and single father. When his ex decides she wants to waltz back into his life and move their daughter across the country to California, he officially enters freak out mode. Natalie, being his teammate's sister, has been in his life for a while already and he has always been attracted to her. Out of desperation, he asks her to marry him in order to provide the look of stability for his daughter.
Fantastic storyline, fantastic characters, but I felt like the book skipped around and left out chunks of time, always making me wonder what the heck happened in that lost time! I also didn't like how long it took them to admit their feelings for each other. I mean....they've been living together under the same roof and doing naughty things together....WHY did it take so long to discuss their feelings??
I just wanted a little more "meat" in the story. I give it 3.5 stars. And I liked the HEA!
I received a copy of this book in order to leave a review.
Gabriel is a star hockey winger and single father. When his ex decides she wants to waltz back into his life and move their daughter across the country to California, he officially enters freak out mode. Natalie, being his teammate's sister, has been in his life for a while already and he has always been attracted to her. Out of desperation, he asks her to marry him in order to provide the look of stability for his daughter.
Fantastic storyline, fantastic characters, but I felt like the book skipped around and left out chunks of time, always making me wonder what the heck happened in that lost time! I also didn't like how long it took them to admit their feelings for each other. I mean....they've been living together under the same roof and doing naughty things together....WHY did it take so long to discuss their feelings??
I just wanted a little more "meat" in the story. I give it 3.5 stars. And I liked the HEA!
I received a copy of this book in order to leave a review.
Review of advance copy
Totally Laced Up by Lily Doral is the third title in the Nashville Outlaws hockey romance series and was a thoroughly good read.
The plot and storyline had me hooked quickly especially with the main characters Gabriel and Natalie being both likeable and engaging.
Gabriel, winger and single dad to Maddie, is fearful that his custody will be challenged by his ex-wife and is convinced by teammates that getting married will sure up and prove that he can provide the stability and the best environment and family for Maddie to grow up in.
Natalie, capable, independent and beautiful, is the sister of Mason, a teammate and best friend of Gabriel's. Historically there has been a denied chemistry between Gabriel and Natalie but nothing acted on as it was off-limits but as they are comfortable friends and Natalie's already established affinity with Maddie, the possibility is too good to pass over.
It's refreshing to see that both Gabriel and Natalie really do approach the marriage of convenience intelligently as they can in this rom-com and as expected, the witty banter between them and teammates and the wives/girlfriends of the team, definitely added to the enjoyment of the read. Maddie, for a seven year old, was a treat as far as her contributions to conversations were concerned, even asking the hard questions!
The mutual attraction between the two MCs, as a basis for the slow burn, was used well to build up to the steamy and spicy scenes and the comedic antics of Daisy were ice and tension breakers.
Overall I was easily turning the pages quickly to see how their HEA turned out and was satisfied that this was a feel good read leaving me looking forward to the next title in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot and storyline had me hooked quickly especially with the main characters Gabriel and Natalie being both likeable and engaging.
Gabriel, winger and single dad to Maddie, is fearful that his custody will be challenged by his ex-wife and is convinced by teammates that getting married will sure up and prove that he can provide the stability and the best environment and family for Maddie to grow up in.
Natalie, capable, independent and beautiful, is the sister of Mason, a teammate and best friend of Gabriel's. Historically there has been a denied chemistry between Gabriel and Natalie but nothing acted on as it was off-limits but as they are comfortable friends and Natalie's already established affinity with Maddie, the possibility is too good to pass over.
It's refreshing to see that both Gabriel and Natalie really do approach the marriage of convenience intelligently as they can in this rom-com and as expected, the witty banter between them and teammates and the wives/girlfriends of the team, definitely added to the enjoyment of the read. Maddie, for a seven year old, was a treat as far as her contributions to conversations were concerned, even asking the hard questions!
The mutual attraction between the two MCs, as a basis for the slow burn, was used well to build up to the steamy and spicy scenes and the comedic antics of Daisy were ice and tension breakers.
Overall I was easily turning the pages quickly to see how their HEA turned out and was satisfied that this was a feel good read leaving me looking forward to the next title in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Totally Laced Up: A Marriage of Convenience Single Dad Hockey Romance by Lily Doral is an absolutely heartwarming and uplifting read that nailed everything I hoped for in a sports romance. From the very first pages, I was drawn into a story that’s as much about family and belonging as it is about the slow-burn connection between two people figuring out what “home” really means.
What stood out most was how the addition of a new member to the family didn’t just shift the plot — it transformed the characters. Watching uncertainty evolve into connection, trust, and genuine belonging was deeply satisfying, and the way Lily Doral explores family as something that grows and changes (not just something you’re born into) felt beautifully authentic. The evolving dynamics felt earned, and the emotional growth of the cast never felt rushed or forced. By the end, I was smiling with the characters — exactly the kind of payoff I crave from a romance.
As a hockey fan (and even if you’re not), this book delivers sweetness, warmth, and found family vibes in spades. Maddie and the team add so much life and joy to the story, and even the lighter-pace romantic moments feel meaningful and right for these characters. It’s gentle, it’s heartfelt, and it made me root for this makeshift family every step of the way.
If you’re after a fluffy yet emotionally rich hockey romance that leaves you happy and fulfilled, this one’s pure gold — total green flags all around. I’ll absolutely be back for more from this series!
What stood out most was how the addition of a new member to the family didn’t just shift the plot — it transformed the characters. Watching uncertainty evolve into connection, trust, and genuine belonging was deeply satisfying, and the way Lily Doral explores family as something that grows and changes (not just something you’re born into) felt beautifully authentic. The evolving dynamics felt earned, and the emotional growth of the cast never felt rushed or forced. By the end, I was smiling with the characters — exactly the kind of payoff I crave from a romance.
As a hockey fan (and even if you’re not), this book delivers sweetness, warmth, and found family vibes in spades. Maddie and the team add so much life and joy to the story, and even the lighter-pace romantic moments feel meaningful and right for these characters. It’s gentle, it’s heartfelt, and it made me root for this makeshift family every step of the way.
If you’re after a fluffy yet emotionally rich hockey romance that leaves you happy and fulfilled, this one’s pure gold — total green flags all around. I’ll absolutely be back for more from this series!
Review of advance copy
🏒 Totally Laced Up is a sweet, easy read that leans into the idea that love is often found in the little, everyday moments rather than big, dramatic gestures. One of the highlights for me was how naturally Natalie fits into Gabriel's world—not just with him, but with his daughter too. Their dynamic felt comfortable and genuine, which made their connection easy to root for.
Gabriel's teammates, his daughter Maddie, and Daisy the poodle added a fun, entertaining layer to the story, bringing humor and personality that balanced out the softer moments.
I also appreciated how the title works as a metaphor, proving that when you find the right person, "you just skate".
That said, the story felt a bit too low on conflict. The main “problem” didn’t really turn into much, which made everything resolve pretty quickly and without much tension. I also would have loved more depth when it came to their backstory or shared history to really strengthen the emotional connection.
Gabriel's teammates, his daughter Maddie, and Daisy the poodle added a fun, entertaining layer to the story, bringing humor and personality that balanced out the softer moments.
I also appreciated how the title works as a metaphor, proving that when you find the right person, "you just skate".
That said, the story felt a bit too low on conflict. The main “problem” didn’t really turn into much, which made everything resolve pretty quickly and without much tension. I also would have loved more depth when it came to their backstory or shared history to really strengthen the emotional connection.
April 8, 2026
This book was utter perfection in my opinion. It fit so well with the rest of the series but works great by itself as well. I cannot get enough of this team. This book got me invested from the very beginning and kept me interested until the very end. Gabriel and Natalie were so sweet together. And oh my goodness Maddie just completely stole the show. She’s the best character by far. I’ll accept no corrections. Natalie is strong and independent in her own right. And Gabriel is such a good dad. Watching them actually address the marriage of convenience maturely and intelligently was so refreshing. It’s not something we see often. But then also getting to watch their connection grow and develop into so much more was heartwarming and endearing. The way Natalie interacts with Maddie warmed my heart. I just wanted the best for them all and for them to be happy. And the ending they got had me so satisfied. I can’t wait ti see what else comes from this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Totally Laced Up was a really enjoyable and heartwarming read. What stood out most to me was how the addition of a new member to the family completely transformed both the story and the relationships within it. The initial changes brought uncertainty, but watching those shifts turn into connection, trust, and genuine belonging was incredibly satisfying.
I loved how Lily Doral explored family as something that can grow and evolve, not just something defined by tradition. The evolving dynamics felt authentic, and the emotional growth of the characters felt earned rather than rushed. This new presence didn’t just fit into the family—it made it stronger, warmer, and more balanced overall.
By the end, I felt happy and fulfilled, which is exactly what I hope for from this kind of story. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys found family themes and emotional growth.
I loved how Lily Doral explored family as something that can grow and evolve, not just something defined by tradition. The evolving dynamics felt authentic, and the emotional growth of the characters felt earned rather than rushed. This new presence didn’t just fit into the family—it made it stronger, warmer, and more balanced overall.
By the end, I felt happy and fulfilled, which is exactly what I hope for from this kind of story. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys found family themes and emotional growth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for her husband
This is a really lovely story in the Nashville Outlaws series which features Gabriel and Natalie.
Both have feelings for each other but won’t act on them as Natalie’s brother Mason is in the same hockey team as Gabriel.
Desperately needing to prove that he has some stability in his life, Gabriel appears on the doorstep of the only person he wants and can trust helping him out, Natalie.
Being offered a marriage of convenience is the last thing she expects from him but she adores his daughter Maddie and agrees to the marriage.
What follows is a fun story with lots of banter between the hockey team and the main characters along with a few steamy scenes and an adorable little 7 year old girl.
An enjoyable story that has me wanting to read the next story in the series.
Thank you Lily Doral for the opportunity to read this story.
4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
This is a really lovely story in the Nashville Outlaws series which features Gabriel and Natalie.
Both have feelings for each other but won’t act on them as Natalie’s brother Mason is in the same hockey team as Gabriel.
Desperately needing to prove that he has some stability in his life, Gabriel appears on the doorstep of the only person he wants and can trust helping him out, Natalie.
Being offered a marriage of convenience is the last thing she expects from him but she adores his daughter Maddie and agrees to the marriage.
What follows is a fun story with lots of banter between the hockey team and the main characters along with a few steamy scenes and an adorable little 7 year old girl.
An enjoyable story that has me wanting to read the next story in the series.
Thank you Lily Doral for the opportunity to read this story.
4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
April 10, 2026
I received an advanced copy of Totally Laced Up for my review. I really enjoyed this book. Gabriel and Natalie know each other through the hockey world. When Gabriel needs help with a custody issue he turns to Natalie. Her brother, Mason plays on Nashville Outlaws with him and there have been subtle sparks between Gabriel and Natalie. I liked this story because the relationship seems real and not rushed. Natalie and Gabe took time to get to know each other and put Gabriel’s daughter, Maddie first. The only thing that surprised me is that Gabriel said there was a custody issue but other than that there was no mention of the mother. I kept expecting her to show up and cause drama and when this didn’t happen I started wondering if Gabriel made this up to finally find a way to get close to Natalie. Overall a good book.
April 16, 2026
I loved Gabriel & Natalie story. He was a single dad to Maddie & she was his teammates Mason’s sister. They both had feelings for each other but never really pursued them until Gabriel’s ex is making comments about getting custody of Maddie then he gets scared to so proposes to the woman he likes & who adores his daughter. I enjoyed them navigating married life & how it was never awkward between them & like they were always meant to be together. I was kinda surprised by the fact that after they were married there was never anymore issues with the ex . She never filed for custody or even came to Nashville or wasn’t really even mentioned anymore so that was kinda odd since that was the whole reason they rushed into the marriage in the first place to protect Maddie. Overall I really enjoyed the book & would recommend it for anyone who loves hockey romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m always here for a good hockey romance, and this was my first time reading Lily Doral. Honestly, this might be the sweetest hockey romance I’ve ever read and I have zero complaints.
It’s got found family and emotional growth.
What’s not to like?
The romance is on the milder side. There are a couple of open-door scenes, but they’re very light. Overall, it’s just pure sweetness.
The team dynamic and Maddie are so fun. This is a fluffy, zero-angst read that had me smiling and rooting for them the whole time. Total green flags all around.
That said, some of the scenes felt a bit step-by-step, and while it made for an easy read, I did find myself wishing there was just…more.
I’ll definitely be going back for the rest of the series, but this works perfectly as a standalone with no obvious spoilers.
Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity.
It’s got found family and emotional growth.
What’s not to like?
The romance is on the milder side. There are a couple of open-door scenes, but they’re very light. Overall, it’s just pure sweetness.
The team dynamic and Maddie are so fun. This is a fluffy, zero-angst read that had me smiling and rooting for them the whole time. Total green flags all around.
That said, some of the scenes felt a bit step-by-step, and while it made for an easy read, I did find myself wishing there was just…more.
I’ll definitely be going back for the rest of the series, but this works perfectly as a standalone with no obvious spoilers.
Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity.
Review of advance copy
This was insta love for me. Gabriel and Natalie were everything in this one. Such a different take on a fake marriage. Him needing a wife so he doesn’t have to worry about losing his daughter to his ex, figures Natalie is the perfect one to ask. Of course she says yes. She’s pined for him for a long time. And these two, plus Maddie were adorable. They bring back what it means to have fun at dinner and more. Sometimes food fights are necessary. And of course everyone needs that dog that steals your bacon. I lagged and swooned, fanned myself when these two got spicy. But it was such a great story. I absolutely loved this one.
April 7, 2026
Consider yourself lucky if you have found this author as well as this amazing romance book. Totally Laced Up is going to have you hooked and turning the pages quickly just as I did. This has become one of my favorite hockey romance books to read by Lily.
It has a HOT single dad Gabriel, his sweet daughter Maddie and Natalie who not only wins his heart but makes everything fit together phenomenally. The storyline is entertaining and engaging to read. Watch out because this romance book will have you hooked instantly.
It has a HOT single dad Gabriel, his sweet daughter Maddie and Natalie who not only wins his heart but makes everything fit together phenomenally. The storyline is entertaining and engaging to read. Watch out because this romance book will have you hooked instantly.
April 4, 2026
I am very appreciative that I got to read Totally Laced Up, as an eARC, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A totally sweet hockey romance.
Gabriel and Natalie worked so well together.
I wasn’t 100% hooked on the immediate/fake marriage concept, but it worked out better than I imagined.
Great side characters and plenty of banter/chirping to make me smile, as always.
Another great book in the Nashville Outlaws series.
A totally sweet hockey romance.
Gabriel and Natalie worked so well together.
I wasn’t 100% hooked on the immediate/fake marriage concept, but it worked out better than I imagined.
Great side characters and plenty of banter/chirping to make me smile, as always.
Another great book in the Nashville Outlaws series.
April 7, 2026
This is a slightly spicy, single dad, marriage of convenience romance. Gabriel needs a wife when his ex threatens to try to take his daughter away. Immediately, he thinks of Natalie, even though she is a teammate's sister. Maddie is his daughter and she is very precocious. this read has lots of laughs, a bit of spicy, and some deep emotions as they decide where to go with the marriage of convenience.
April 12, 2026
Slow Burn + Protective Daddy = I’m Sold
Totally Laced Up had me from the premise alone - marriage of convenience with tension and a slow burn? Say. Less.
The chemistry builds just right, the vibes are there, and then you throw in a protective daddy and a cute dog?? Yeah… I was locked in.
It’s a quick, satisfying read that hits all the right romance notes without overcomplicating things. Exactly what I was in the mood for.
Totally Laced Up had me from the premise alone - marriage of convenience with tension and a slow burn? Say. Less.
The chemistry builds just right, the vibes are there, and then you throw in a protective daddy and a cute dog?? Yeah… I was locked in.
It’s a quick, satisfying read that hits all the right romance notes without overcomplicating things. Exactly what I was in the mood for.
April 16, 2026
Gabriel’s ex phoned to ask for custody of Maddie to take her to California, Dex his teammate suggested to find a woman to marry so she would look she have a stable home .
He went at Natalie door , sister of Mason one of his teammates,he asked her to help him by marrying him.
Natalie liked Gabriel from at least 2 years from the end season party,but she knew that he’s a player and said that if I marry you with some conditions.
A good book that I enjoyed reading.
He went at Natalie door , sister of Mason one of his teammates,he asked her to help him by marrying him.
Natalie liked Gabriel from at least 2 years from the end season party,but she knew that he’s a player and said that if I marry you with some conditions.
A good book that I enjoyed reading.
April 17, 2026
All the emotions
I laughed, often, and I cried once but in between I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Natalie has always like Gabriel but because of some “bro code” her brother, Mason, had made her off limits. However, because Gabriel could lose his daughter to his ex wife he decides that marrying Natalie would solve his problem and full fill his dreams. Just as well that Natalie and his daughter, Maddie, get along so well.
I laughed, often, and I cried once but in between I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Natalie has always like Gabriel but because of some “bro code” her brother, Mason, had made her off limits. However, because Gabriel could lose his daughter to his ex wife he decides that marrying Natalie would solve his problem and full fill his dreams. Just as well that Natalie and his daughter, Maddie, get along so well.
April 7, 2026
Gabriel, hockey player and single dad, needs help with his daughter, Maddie. Natalie is part of the hockey team family because her brother is part of the team, so when Gabriel suggests a marriage of convenience, it seems reasonable. But this MOC slowly morphs into a real marriage with emotional growth, trust, love and family unity -- a really feel-good story.
April 10, 2026
Dog steals the show
I really loved this story of Natalie and Gabriel. There was a problem and they solved it together. They grew together and in love. There wasn’t games or lies. Gabriel’s daughter and the bond is amazing!
I would have love to hear about if the reason the married ever came back. That what they did helped.
I really loved this story of Natalie and Gabriel. There was a problem and they solved it together. They grew together and in love. There wasn’t games or lies. Gabriel’s daughter and the bond is amazing!
I would have love to hear about if the reason the married ever came back. That what they did helped.
April 11, 2026
Loved this !
Gabriel is a pro hockey player a single dad and he plays with Max n who is Natalie's brother. Gabriel ask Natalie to marry him as his ex is filing for custody of his daughter Maddie. Mason threatens him if he hurts Natalie. All the banter between the team players and Gabriel and Natalie and Maddie is just hilarious! So funny and a really good hockey romance.
Gabriel is a pro hockey player a single dad and he plays with Max n who is Natalie's brother. Gabriel ask Natalie to marry him as his ex is filing for custody of his daughter Maddie. Mason threatens him if he hurts Natalie. All the banter between the team players and Gabriel and Natalie and Maddie is just hilarious! So funny and a really good hockey romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok. I loved this book It was so entertaining. I seriously want to meet these people! I want to hang out with group of people. This was a different twist on a contract marriage. It was a bit different from when I typically expect with this style of book but so dang good!
April 19, 2026
Such steady chemistry
I loved the balance of sudden with steady in their love story. From the sudden marry me to a,steady and confident I love you this love story had me hooked. I adored the family/friend/team connections.
I loved the balance of sudden with steady in their love story. From the sudden marry me to a,steady and confident I love you this love story had me hooked. I adored the family/friend/team connections.
April 30, 2026
Cute couple! Not enough conflict.
Cute couple! Not enough conflict.
Your brooding hockey hunk with no after game suit or jersey kink. It’s just kind of different for a hockey romance.
Cute couple! Not enough conflict.
Your brooding hockey hunk with no after game suit or jersey kink. It’s just kind of different for a hockey romance.
April 9, 2026
cute fluffy hockey 😍
April 9, 2026
This didn’t seem like the same writing as the other two books.
April 11, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The slow burn & witty comments. Great read. 😀
April 23, 2026
DNF 23%, felt way too rushed.
April 30, 2026
3.5 stars
May 9, 2026
This book reads like you gave AI a loose outline and asked it to write a book. There was no depth to the story or characters. The scenes were random and without purpose.
June 1, 2026
This was absolutely bo-ring. The time jumps are annoying and take away from witnessing their emotional connection grow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews