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Coiled to Strike
Coiled to Strike
is a spicy, dark hockey romance about survival, control, and the kind of love that changes everything.
KEELEY
I didn’t just leave my husband—I ran.
New city. New job. New life. That was the plan. Working for my hometown NHL team was supposed to be my fresh start… not coffee runs and dodging men in power who preferred me silent.
Then I ran into Leo Morneau—literally.
Team captain. Untouchable. Sinfully gorgeous.
And the kind of safe that feels dangerous to trust.
But safety is a lie when your past wears a badge… and he’s still hunting you.
Because the past always finds you.
It comes back bloodier than you left it.
LEO
Hockey was the only thing I trusted.
Last season. Last shot. No distractions.
That was the deal.
Then Keeley crashed into my life like a firecracker—loud, reckless, impossible to ignore.
She wasn’t careful. She wasn’t quiet.
And she sure as hell wasn’t temporary.
She was mine before I even realized it.
And I don’t let go of what’s mine.
But secrets don’t stay hidden forever.
And when hers come to light…
It doesn’t change what she means to me.
It changes what I’m willing to do.
Because the man who hurt her?
He just became my problem.
I don’t leave problems unfinished.
-Characters are 30+
-Dog dad MMC
-Dual POV
-Emotional walls / guarded MMC
-Forced proximity
-Found family
-He falls first (and falls hard)
-Hidden identity / different last name
-Immediate attraction
-Medium burn
-MMC rides a Ducati
-Morally grey MMC (dark when he needs to be, devastating when he loves)
-One bed
-Open door spice
-Persistent MMC who fights for her
-Possessive/obsessive MMC
-Protective MMC
-Running from the past / fresh start
-She tries to resist / forbidden (she's his boss)
-Slutty grey sweatpants
-Tattooed MMC and FMC
-Touch her and die
-Villain ex
-Workplace romance
Content Warning
Coiled to Strike is an 18+ dark romance intended for mature readers only. While this is a love story at its heart, it is not a light one. This book explores deeply dark and complex themes including abuse, trauma, and violence alongside its romance. It is not a traditional happily-ever-after journey—it is a hard-won one. If you are new to dark romance, please be aware that this genre intentionally explores difficult subject matter as part of the story. The darkness is not glorified, it is part of the truth these characters live through.
Your well-being matters more than any story. Please take a moment to review the trigger warnings below before continuing, and always prioritize your comfort and mental health.
KEELEY
I didn’t just leave my husband—I ran.
New city. New job. New life. That was the plan. Working for my hometown NHL team was supposed to be my fresh start… not coffee runs and dodging men in power who preferred me silent.
Then I ran into Leo Morneau—literally.
Team captain. Untouchable. Sinfully gorgeous.
And the kind of safe that feels dangerous to trust.
But safety is a lie when your past wears a badge… and he’s still hunting you.
Because the past always finds you.
It comes back bloodier than you left it.
LEO
Hockey was the only thing I trusted.
Last season. Last shot. No distractions.
That was the deal.
Then Keeley crashed into my life like a firecracker—loud, reckless, impossible to ignore.
She wasn’t careful. She wasn’t quiet.
And she sure as hell wasn’t temporary.
She was mine before I even realized it.
And I don’t let go of what’s mine.
But secrets don’t stay hidden forever.
And when hers come to light…
It doesn’t change what she means to me.
It changes what I’m willing to do.
Because the man who hurt her?
He just became my problem.
I don’t leave problems unfinished.
-Characters are 30+
-Dog dad MMC
-Dual POV
-Emotional walls / guarded MMC
-Forced proximity
-Found family
-He falls first (and falls hard)
-Hidden identity / different last name
-Immediate attraction
-Medium burn
-MMC rides a Ducati
-Morally grey MMC (dark when he needs to be, devastating when he loves)
-One bed
-Open door spice
-Persistent MMC who fights for her
-Possessive/obsessive MMC
-Protective MMC
-Running from the past / fresh start
-She tries to resist / forbidden (she's his boss)
-Slutty grey sweatpants
-Tattooed MMC and FMC
-Touch her and die
-Villain ex
-Workplace romance
Content Warning
Coiled to Strike is an 18+ dark romance intended for mature readers only. While this is a love story at its heart, it is not a light one. This book explores deeply dark and complex themes including abuse, trauma, and violence alongside its romance. It is not a traditional happily-ever-after journey—it is a hard-won one. If you are new to dark romance, please be aware that this genre intentionally explores difficult subject matter as part of the story. The darkness is not glorified, it is part of the truth these characters live through.
Your well-being matters more than any story. Please take a moment to review the trigger warnings below before continuing, and always prioritize your comfort and mental health.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 18, 2026
This was my very first CJ Greiser book, and I cannot wait to dig into her others!!
The banter between Leo and Keeley was so great - literally laughed out loud at several parts. Keeley is such a badass FMC and I loved watching her find her strength throughout this story.
And Leo? Man oh man. He’s got a dark history, but the way he comes around for Keeley so heartbreakingly beautiful. The sex appeal pouring off of him is 🤌🏻🤌🏻 lucky hockey stick, anyone??
Shay is the kind of day one friend we all need and deserve - I cannot WAIT to see what happens for him next 👀😍
The writing had me giggling, anxious and my heart racing with how sucked in I became to each scene that was written. Loved it so much! 10/10 recommend
The banter between Leo and Keeley was so great - literally laughed out loud at several parts. Keeley is such a badass FMC and I loved watching her find her strength throughout this story.
And Leo? Man oh man. He’s got a dark history, but the way he comes around for Keeley so heartbreakingly beautiful. The sex appeal pouring off of him is 🤌🏻🤌🏻 lucky hockey stick, anyone??
Shay is the kind of day one friend we all need and deserve - I cannot WAIT to see what happens for him next 👀😍
The writing had me giggling, anxious and my heart racing with how sucked in I became to each scene that was written. Loved it so much! 10/10 recommend
May 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Firstly, I want to thank the author for choosing me as an ARC reader! I’m seriously so honored I got the chance to read Coiled to Strike early and review this story because WOW. I devoured this book!! Let’s dive in!
The plot 📈: the first thing I need to talk about is the depth of this plot. Leo and Keeley’s backstories are DARK. Like… genuinely heartbreaking. But what I loved so much is that neither of them lets their trauma become their entire identity. Their pasts obviously affect the way they handle relationships and letting people in, but both of them are incredibly strong in their own ways. Everything in this story had purpose. Nothing felt unnecessary or thrown in just for drama or shock factor. You can tell C.J. handled these topics with a lot of care. That being said… Miss C.J.? STRAIGHT TO JAIL (respectfully)!! You know what you did 😫
The FMC 🙆🏼♀️: Keeley was such a strong FMC. She has truly been through hell, especially with her abusive ex-husband, and seeing her rebuild herself and chase her goals was honestly inspiring. I loved that even though her past still impacts her, she refuses to let it stop her from going after what she wants, especially her career goals. I also really loved the theme throughout the story about women belonging in spaces and positions that traditionally have been dominated by men. It never felt forced. It was just naturally woven into Keeley’s character and ambition. She’s smart, capable, and resilient.
The MMC 🙆🏽♂️: and then there’s Leo…. GOOD LORD. You want to feel bad for him for everything he’s been through, but at the same time, he’s not someone who wants pity. He’d probably be pissed off if you showed any. He doesn’t let it define him. It affects how close he lets people get, but he’s still such a kind and respectful person. I love the way he loves Keeley. He’s patient with her, protective without being controlling, and constantly makes sure she feels safe and respected, especially her own boundaries. AND THIS MAN IS FILTHY. Actually feral. Golden retriever outside the bedroom, absolute dire wolf inside of it. I’m obsessed.
The romance 🩷: it was so real. Their relationship is built on patience, trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Leo treats Keeley like an equal professionally and a QUEEN in their relationship. I especially love how much emphasis there was on Keeley having control and choice in the relationship after everything she went through with her ex. Leo gives her the space to figure out what she’s comfortable with without ever pressing her. He YEARNS and damn if that isn’t enough to bring me to my knees (literally) for this man. Also, the spice?? The spice was absolutely SPICING 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
THE HOCKEY 🏒: I also feel I need to give C.J. major credit for the hockey scenes because they were SO well written. Usually in sports romances, the actual sports part kind of fades into the background, but not here. The game scenes were detailed and exciting, and honestly felt like watching hockey from the front row! As someone who genuinely loves hockey, this was such a fun part of the book!
Overall thoughts 💭: this book felt really unique compared to other hockey romances I’ve read. Between the emotional storyline; the romance, the spice, and the hockey, I was completely hooked the entire time. I LOVED figuring out what the title meant and had so much fun with this book. I finished it in 2 days because I could NOT put it down. I already can’t wait for the next Serpents book because I know I’m about to be obsessed all over again!!
Firstly, I want to thank the author for choosing me as an ARC reader! I’m seriously so honored I got the chance to read Coiled to Strike early and review this story because WOW. I devoured this book!! Let’s dive in!
The plot 📈: the first thing I need to talk about is the depth of this plot. Leo and Keeley’s backstories are DARK. Like… genuinely heartbreaking. But what I loved so much is that neither of them lets their trauma become their entire identity. Their pasts obviously affect the way they handle relationships and letting people in, but both of them are incredibly strong in their own ways. Everything in this story had purpose. Nothing felt unnecessary or thrown in just for drama or shock factor. You can tell C.J. handled these topics with a lot of care. That being said… Miss C.J.? STRAIGHT TO JAIL (respectfully)!! You know what you did 😫
The FMC 🙆🏼♀️: Keeley was such a strong FMC. She has truly been through hell, especially with her abusive ex-husband, and seeing her rebuild herself and chase her goals was honestly inspiring. I loved that even though her past still impacts her, she refuses to let it stop her from going after what she wants, especially her career goals. I also really loved the theme throughout the story about women belonging in spaces and positions that traditionally have been dominated by men. It never felt forced. It was just naturally woven into Keeley’s character and ambition. She’s smart, capable, and resilient.
The MMC 🙆🏽♂️: and then there’s Leo…. GOOD LORD. You want to feel bad for him for everything he’s been through, but at the same time, he’s not someone who wants pity. He’d probably be pissed off if you showed any. He doesn’t let it define him. It affects how close he lets people get, but he’s still such a kind and respectful person. I love the way he loves Keeley. He’s patient with her, protective without being controlling, and constantly makes sure she feels safe and respected, especially her own boundaries. AND THIS MAN IS FILTHY. Actually feral. Golden retriever outside the bedroom, absolute dire wolf inside of it. I’m obsessed.
The romance 🩷: it was so real. Their relationship is built on patience, trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Leo treats Keeley like an equal professionally and a QUEEN in their relationship. I especially love how much emphasis there was on Keeley having control and choice in the relationship after everything she went through with her ex. Leo gives her the space to figure out what she’s comfortable with without ever pressing her. He YEARNS and damn if that isn’t enough to bring me to my knees (literally) for this man. Also, the spice?? The spice was absolutely SPICING 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
THE HOCKEY 🏒: I also feel I need to give C.J. major credit for the hockey scenes because they were SO well written. Usually in sports romances, the actual sports part kind of fades into the background, but not here. The game scenes were detailed and exciting, and honestly felt like watching hockey from the front row! As someone who genuinely loves hockey, this was such a fun part of the book!
Overall thoughts 💭: this book felt really unique compared to other hockey romances I’ve read. Between the emotional storyline; the romance, the spice, and the hockey, I was completely hooked the entire time. I LOVED figuring out what the title meant and had so much fun with this book. I finished it in 2 days because I could NOT put it down. I already can’t wait for the next Serpents book because I know I’m about to be obsessed all over again!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Coiled to Strike.
Can I just say… wow.
This book had me hooked from the very first page and refused to let go. The tension, the chemistry, the danger, the emotion—everything about this story was addictive. Keeley and Leo completely consumed me. Their connection felt raw, intense, and so beautifully layered beneath all the darkness and chaos surrounding them.
Leo Morneau is everything you want in a dark hockey romance MMC—protective, possessive, emotionally guarded, and absolutely devastating when he loves. And Keeley’s strength, vulnerability, and fight for survival made me root for her every single chapter.
The suspense blended perfectly with the romance, and the emotional moments hit just as hard as the spicy ones. Every reveal kept me desperate for more, and the “touch her and die” energy? Absolutely unmatched.
If you love dark romance with danger, obsession, found family, emotional depth, and a morally grey man willing to burn the world down for the woman he loves, this book is for you.
An unforgettable read and easily one of my favourite dark hockey romances.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Coiled to Strike.
Can I just say… wow.
This book had me hooked from the very first page and refused to let go. The tension, the chemistry, the danger, the emotion—everything about this story was addictive. Keeley and Leo completely consumed me. Their connection felt raw, intense, and so beautifully layered beneath all the darkness and chaos surrounding them.
Leo Morneau is everything you want in a dark hockey romance MMC—protective, possessive, emotionally guarded, and absolutely devastating when he loves. And Keeley’s strength, vulnerability, and fight for survival made me root for her every single chapter.
The suspense blended perfectly with the romance, and the emotional moments hit just as hard as the spicy ones. Every reveal kept me desperate for more, and the “touch her and die” energy? Absolutely unmatched.
If you love dark romance with danger, obsession, found family, emotional depth, and a morally grey man willing to burn the world down for the woman he loves, this book is for you.
An unforgettable read and easily one of my favourite dark hockey romances.
May 11, 2026
Yeah it was a 10/10! Holy smokes 🥵
I mean, you saw who wrote the book right? We knew she would give us top tier spice and a beautiful storyline as well!
I loved Keeley and Leo’s story so so much! Their banter is amazing. I was laughing my butt off at times! The protagonists in this book are so frustratingly gross. The pain in this book was so intense as well. I read this book in less than 4 hours because it was that good! You get a mmc who’s been through the wringer as a child and a FMC who’s been through the wringer as an adult. In dark romance that’s like the perfect ingredients for the perfect book potion!
And we get to read about SHAY next?!? OMG!! I CAN’T WAIT 🤩
I mean, you saw who wrote the book right? We knew she would give us top tier spice and a beautiful storyline as well!
I loved Keeley and Leo’s story so so much! Their banter is amazing. I was laughing my butt off at times! The protagonists in this book are so frustratingly gross. The pain in this book was so intense as well. I read this book in less than 4 hours because it was that good! You get a mmc who’s been through the wringer as a child and a FMC who’s been through the wringer as an adult. In dark romance that’s like the perfect ingredients for the perfect book potion!
And we get to read about SHAY next?!? OMG!! I CAN’T WAIT 🤩
April 5, 2026
Listen. Ya girl got this book super fucking early because CJ is the best.
I. FUCKING. LOVED. IT. First, let’s just say, Leo could tell me to get on my hands and knees and bark and I would… gladly. And Keeley, well she’s a bad bitch who I would happily swap teams for 😉
We had banter. We had spice. We had cute ass moments. We had chaos. We had heart to hearts. Dark flashbacks. We had dog moments, god I love Dori. We had JAX + LEO (that made my heart so happy). We had WELL WRITTEN HOCKEY GAMES with proper hockey terms 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’m not kidding when I say it was everything I could have wanted and more. Loved it. Loved it so fucking much and will not shut the fuck up about it.
I. FUCKING. LOVED. IT. First, let’s just say, Leo could tell me to get on my hands and knees and bark and I would… gladly. And Keeley, well she’s a bad bitch who I would happily swap teams for 😉
We had banter. We had spice. We had cute ass moments. We had chaos. We had heart to hearts. Dark flashbacks. We had dog moments, god I love Dori. We had JAX + LEO (that made my heart so happy). We had WELL WRITTEN HOCKEY GAMES with proper hockey terms 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’m not kidding when I say it was everything I could have wanted and more. Loved it. Loved it so fucking much and will not shut the fuck up about it.
May 25, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ OMG THAT ENDING! I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW!! (SPOILERS!!)
***WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD! Seriously, don't read until you've finished the last page!***
I just finished Coiled to Strike and my jaw is completely on the floor!
Keeley White is such a phenomenal main character. She is witty, strong, and so resilient. Honestly, from page one I immediately knew that her ex Tyler was a straight-up bitch-ass, and watching her reclaim her life away from him was so satisfying. And can we talk about Shay?! He is exactly what every girl needs in a best friend. Their dynamic is everything.
But can we talk about Leo Morneau?! Holy hell. The absolute hold this man has on me. At the beginning, the dynamic between him and Keeley had me laughing out loud because she literally has him wrapped around her finger. He is so utterly obsessed with her that she basically "walks him like a dog" and he just happily takes it. But then the flip switches, and Leo is finally like *enough, I'm the captain now.* The shift from him being a total goner to taking full control and showing her exactly who is boss? The tension! The power dynamic! He is the absolute ultimate protective, possessive book boyfriend. The chemistry and playful banter between them is pure wildfire, and the intimate scenes pack a serious punch.
But that epilogue totally threw me for a loop!
Switching over to Shay's perspective for the epilogue was brilliant, but nothing could have prepared me for who he crosses paths with. Turning around and running straight into Dimitri Malenkov standing right there in the hallway wearing a Serpents hoodie?! My brain fully short-circuited right along with the characters! Seeing every detail of his tattoos and those piercing green eyes—I was screaming! The way it sets up the interaction with that slow, knowing grin was absolutely iconic.
The crossover potential has me losing my mind. What does Dimitri's sudden appearance mean for them? The cliffhanger is pure torture in the absolute best way.
CAN WE PLEASE HAVE BOOK TWO LIKE YESTERDAY?! I am utterly obsessed and need answers immediately. Easy 5 stars!
***WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD! Seriously, don't read until you've finished the last page!***
I just finished Coiled to Strike and my jaw is completely on the floor!
Keeley White is such a phenomenal main character. She is witty, strong, and so resilient. Honestly, from page one I immediately knew that her ex Tyler was a straight-up bitch-ass, and watching her reclaim her life away from him was so satisfying. And can we talk about Shay?! He is exactly what every girl needs in a best friend. Their dynamic is everything.
But can we talk about Leo Morneau?! Holy hell. The absolute hold this man has on me. At the beginning, the dynamic between him and Keeley had me laughing out loud because she literally has him wrapped around her finger. He is so utterly obsessed with her that she basically "walks him like a dog" and he just happily takes it. But then the flip switches, and Leo is finally like *enough, I'm the captain now.* The shift from him being a total goner to taking full control and showing her exactly who is boss? The tension! The power dynamic! He is the absolute ultimate protective, possessive book boyfriend. The chemistry and playful banter between them is pure wildfire, and the intimate scenes pack a serious punch.
But that epilogue totally threw me for a loop!
Switching over to Shay's perspective for the epilogue was brilliant, but nothing could have prepared me for who he crosses paths with. Turning around and running straight into Dimitri Malenkov standing right there in the hallway wearing a Serpents hoodie?! My brain fully short-circuited right along with the characters! Seeing every detail of his tattoos and those piercing green eyes—I was screaming! The way it sets up the interaction with that slow, knowing grin was absolutely iconic.
The crossover potential has me losing my mind. What does Dimitri's sudden appearance mean for them? The cliffhanger is pure torture in the absolute best way.
CAN WE PLEASE HAVE BOOK TWO LIKE YESTERDAY?! I am utterly obsessed and need answers immediately. Easy 5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
"And something in my chest went click. I absolutely adored her. She was a hot f&cking mess. But she was a perfect hot f&cking mess. And I was pretty sure--no, certain--I was becoming obsessed with her already."
Somehow my two favorite genres Dark Romance and Hockey Romance came together and made this brilliant, addicting, and slightly unhinged standalone that I could not stop reading once I started. Who needs sleep? Not me when there are characters like Keely and Leo.
There is something magical about taking a typical hockey romance and making it dark. This novel immediately starts out dark, [make sure you check your trigger warnings], but you meet these wonderful and inherently good characters along the way. You will see a FMC who is strong and can overcome. You will see a MMC who will protect what is his by any means necessary. You will see the soft side of both interacting with a special needs family member. But best of all, you will see the down bad dark inherent need to protect and take vengeance that only a morally grey MC has.
""Just know I'll be right behind you..." he murmured, his voice rumbled as he leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. "...ready to throw you over my shoulder and take you wherever it is you think you're escaping to.""
If I could give this 6 stars I would. My Dark Romance girlies, do yourself a favor and go check this out as fast as you can.
🏒Characters are 30+
🏒Dog dad MMC
🏒Dual POV
🏒Edging
🏒Forced proximity
🏒Found family
🏒He falls first (and falls hard)
🏒Immediate attraction
🏒One bed
🏒Open door spice
🏒Possessive/obsessive MMC
🏒Slutty grey sweatpants
🏒Strong FMC
🏒Tattooed MMC and FMC
🏒Touch her and ☠️
🏒Workplace romance
🏒Yearning
*This was an ARC review for my honest and twisted opinions*
Somehow my two favorite genres Dark Romance and Hockey Romance came together and made this brilliant, addicting, and slightly unhinged standalone that I could not stop reading once I started. Who needs sleep? Not me when there are characters like Keely and Leo.
There is something magical about taking a typical hockey romance and making it dark. This novel immediately starts out dark, [make sure you check your trigger warnings], but you meet these wonderful and inherently good characters along the way. You will see a FMC who is strong and can overcome. You will see a MMC who will protect what is his by any means necessary. You will see the soft side of both interacting with a special needs family member. But best of all, you will see the down bad dark inherent need to protect and take vengeance that only a morally grey MC has.
""Just know I'll be right behind you..." he murmured, his voice rumbled as he leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. "...ready to throw you over my shoulder and take you wherever it is you think you're escaping to.""
If I could give this 6 stars I would. My Dark Romance girlies, do yourself a favor and go check this out as fast as you can.
🏒Characters are 30+
🏒Dog dad MMC
🏒Dual POV
🏒Edging
🏒Forced proximity
🏒Found family
🏒He falls first (and falls hard)
🏒Immediate attraction
🏒One bed
🏒Open door spice
🏒Possessive/obsessive MMC
🏒Slutty grey sweatpants
🏒Strong FMC
🏒Tattooed MMC and FMC
🏒Touch her and ☠️
🏒Workplace romance
🏒Yearning
*This was an ARC review for my honest and twisted opinions*
June 11, 2026
ARC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Coiled to Strike was a strong start to the Serpents series and completely delivered on the emotionally obsessed hockey captain energy I was hoping for.
Leo Morneau is protective, possessive, fiercely loyal, and absolutely gone for Keeley from the very beginning. While the chemistry between them is intense, what stood out most to me was the emotional depth of their relationship. Leo’s devotion felt genuine, and once he finally embraced his feelings, his actions spoke louder than any grand declaration ever could.
I also appreciated that Keeley was more than just a love interest. She was intelligent, ambitious, resilient, and fully capable of standing beside Leo as an equal. Their workplace dynamic, combined with the found family elements, created a relationship that felt earned and believable.
The story balances romance, tension, and darker subject matter well. Themes of trauma, abuse, corruption, and healing add emotional weight without overshadowing the romance. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Leo and Keeley’s relationship felt safe, supportive, and deeply comforting.
And Dori deserves an honorable mention because she nearly stole the entire book.
If you enjoy protective hockey heroes, emotionally obsessed MMCs, found family, workplace romance, and relationships built on both chemistry and emotional connection, Coiled to Strike is definitely worth picking up.
Coiled to Strike was a strong start to the Serpents series and completely delivered on the emotionally obsessed hockey captain energy I was hoping for.
Leo Morneau is protective, possessive, fiercely loyal, and absolutely gone for Keeley from the very beginning. While the chemistry between them is intense, what stood out most to me was the emotional depth of their relationship. Leo’s devotion felt genuine, and once he finally embraced his feelings, his actions spoke louder than any grand declaration ever could.
I also appreciated that Keeley was more than just a love interest. She was intelligent, ambitious, resilient, and fully capable of standing beside Leo as an equal. Their workplace dynamic, combined with the found family elements, created a relationship that felt earned and believable.
The story balances romance, tension, and darker subject matter well. Themes of trauma, abuse, corruption, and healing add emotional weight without overshadowing the romance. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Leo and Keeley’s relationship felt safe, supportive, and deeply comforting.
And Dori deserves an honorable mention because she nearly stole the entire book.
If you enjoy protective hockey heroes, emotionally obsessed MMCs, found family, workplace romance, and relationships built on both chemistry and emotional connection, Coiled to Strike is definitely worth picking up.
May 14, 2026
Wowwww I loved this book sooo much !! From page 1 until the end I was hooked!! Keeley & Leos story was epic & I ATE IT UP!! Keeley slips away from her abusive husband after a fight that she can’t ignore anymore & ends up back home. Her bestie Shay (who she has the best relationship with & I love sooo much) helps her every step of the way. Including helping her nail an interview for her dream job.
Enter in the brooding captain of the Serpants Leo. Driven & focused on hockey he is carrying scars from his past that has kept him from making bonds with anyone too closely until he becomes basically obsessed with Keeley.
Their chemistry, banter and back and forth in this book is so delicious I can’t evennnn !! I was constantly smiling & kicking my damn feet while reading this book!! The spice was hot hot hot !!
The family & found family dynamic in this book is so warm & fuzzy you can’t help but get sucked in even more!!
Can Keeley & Leo love each other through current & past trauma or will each of their own issues tear them apart?
The only reason I gave 4 stars is because some of the hockey game scenes & the scene close to the end between Keeleys husband & Leo , were VERY drawn out (like several pages) to the point where my interest was ALMOST lost each time. Other than that this book was perfection & I have already thought about reading it again from the beginning !!
Enter in the brooding captain of the Serpants Leo. Driven & focused on hockey he is carrying scars from his past that has kept him from making bonds with anyone too closely until he becomes basically obsessed with Keeley.
Their chemistry, banter and back and forth in this book is so delicious I can’t evennnn !! I was constantly smiling & kicking my damn feet while reading this book!! The spice was hot hot hot !!
The family & found family dynamic in this book is so warm & fuzzy you can’t help but get sucked in even more!!
Can Keeley & Leo love each other through current & past trauma or will each of their own issues tear them apart?
The only reason I gave 4 stars is because some of the hockey game scenes & the scene close to the end between Keeleys husband & Leo , were VERY drawn out (like several pages) to the point where my interest was ALMOST lost each time. Other than that this book was perfection & I have already thought about reading it again from the beginning !!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness, CJ has done it again! If you thought her dark fantasy was good, this dark romance will blow you away in a heartbeat! Drama, intrigue, bad guys, HOCKEY, spice, all of the stuff to keep the pages turning!
The story is dark, pay attention to the trigger warnings, but it’s not pitch black, there is a HEA even though chapter 30 will have you crying and screaming NOOOOOO!
The characters are well developed, including sweet Dori. The plot is great, you know there will be a big problem but it’s not over played. I loved absolutely everything about this book and cannot wait to read more in the series.
The story is dark, pay attention to the trigger warnings, but it’s not pitch black, there is a HEA even though chapter 30 will have you crying and screaming NOOOOOO!
The characters are well developed, including sweet Dori. The plot is great, you know there will be a big problem but it’s not over played. I loved absolutely everything about this book and cannot wait to read more in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got to read this as an ARC reader, and I must say this book was beautifully written!
Leo and Keeley were chefs kiss. The chemistry they had from the very beginning was amazing! The story literally made you feel like you were right there next to them getting to experience it all with them while it happened. It was such an amazing thing to get to read.
The ups, the downs, the twists and turns; all of it was just amazing! I can’t put into words how good this book was to read. I can’t wait to read more of Shay next! Thank you so much for letting me apart of this!
Leo and Keeley were chefs kiss. The chemistry they had from the very beginning was amazing! The story literally made you feel like you were right there next to them getting to experience it all with them while it happened. It was such an amazing thing to get to read.
The ups, the downs, the twists and turns; all of it was just amazing! I can’t put into words how good this book was to read. I can’t wait to read more of Shay next! Thank you so much for letting me apart of this!
June 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
If you love hockey romances and dark romances this is the cross over you need to read.
The dedication alone will tell you everything you need to know about what to expect, that and the first line.
“My mother used to say that a woman becomes a woman the day she realizes she doesn’t need a man.”
Keeley and Leo go on a wild ride in this book. Buckle up.
Leo is a GIANT red flag but in a book MMC it’s 🤌🏼. Keeley is strong and intelligent.
Check your triggers.
This is an arc review. All opinions are my own. Thank you to the author.
June 5, 2026
This was my first hockey romance read and I was obsessed!! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down! Keely and Leo’s story was beautifully written and filled with so much emotion,tension, healing and passionate, their journey felt like an emotional rollercoaster in the best way! Leo is so supportive and caring to her especially after everything she has dealt with in her past relationship! But overall this was an amazing read and I’m thankful I was able to read this and you are looking for an amazing hockey romance with some spice this is your next read!
June 9, 2026
Received as ARC.
This might actually be my new favorite book.
Leo is an exceptionally written morally grey MMC who also happens to be the BIGGEST golden retriever. And don't even get me started on how amazing Keeley is!
Both coming from horrible traumatic things and healing each other and surviving some of their worst days together.
Also, Dori. That is all. And Jax.
This book is so extremely well written and I cannot wait for more!
This might actually be my new favorite book.
Leo is an exceptionally written morally grey MMC who also happens to be the BIGGEST golden retriever. And don't even get me started on how amazing Keeley is!
Both coming from horrible traumatic things and healing each other and surviving some of their worst days together.
Also, Dori. That is all. And Jax.
This book is so extremely well written and I cannot wait for more!
June 14, 2026
This book left me with NO words literally, i was on the ARC reader team, and I’m still in a book hangover over this book! Leo, oh Leo is by far my favorite book boyfriend now! I loved the dialogue and dynamic between him and Keeley, and that spice GIRL!!
It had me hooked and wanting more the whole time, I cannot wait to read it again, and will be impatiently patiently be waiting for more from this series, and author!!!
It had me hooked and wanting more the whole time, I cannot wait to read it again, and will be impatiently patiently be waiting for more from this series, and author!!!
June 5, 2026
Coiled to Strike is the perfect dark hockey romance! It blends the sport and personalities of the players into a dark romance. Keeley is a strong FMC, running from a painful past, Leo is the obsessed protector that keeps pushing for her to see him.
There were plenty of laughing moments, but even more “holy sh!t” & that’s my personal favorite ❤️
There were plenty of laughing moments, but even more “holy sh!t” & that’s my personal favorite ❤️
May 25, 2026
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️
I enjoyed this book more than I initially anticipated. If you like Hockey Romance, He Falls First, Found Family, and a bit of ‘Touch Her and Die’ with a little ‘Rescue Romance’ sprinkled in, I highly suggest this book - I couldn’t put it down!
Cannot wait to see what Book Two has in store for us!
PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING!
I enjoyed this book more than I initially anticipated. If you like Hockey Romance, He Falls First, Found Family, and a bit of ‘Touch Her and Die’ with a little ‘Rescue Romance’ sprinkled in, I highly suggest this book - I couldn’t put it down!
Cannot wait to see what Book Two has in store for us!
PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING!
June 4, 2026
If I hadn’t needed to sleep, I could have read this in one sitting. This book had a little of everything; great banter, sports, romance, thrill, suspense, and the perfect amount of spice.
I can’t wait to read more from C.J. Greiser!
I can’t wait to read more from C.J. Greiser!
June 5, 2026
Thank you C.J. Greisler for this amazing arc read. I love dark romance and hockey romance. The banter between Leo and Keeley was amazing and had me laughing out loud. I can’t wait to read more books from this amazing author!
June 5, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book, I loved the plot and the characters so much! I really connected with the FMC really enjoyed the romance in it. It’s spicy was the right level of spicy!
I have no notes, no improvements. I can’t wait for book two 😍
I have no notes, no improvements. I can’t wait for book two 😍
June 17, 2026
Perfectly balanced! Perfectly hot and spicy! The drama, the suspense the spice oh my! I could not get enough and every time I had to stop reading was dreadful! Loved this so incredibly much. A must read!!!!
June 22, 2026
Solid 3.5 for me, just because the "insta love" trope is one of my least favorites and this one was very quick and this was predictable
May 13, 2026
If I could give this 10 stars I would. I loved this story! Keeley and Leo's story is one I can't get out of my head. He suffered horrible trauma in his youth. She suffered horrible trauma in her current life. They come together and...let the healing begin! I thought I was getting a spicy romance book but boy did I get soooooooooo much more!! Drama, Suspense, Trauma, Love, Spice. Greiser packs it all into this amazing story that you just can't put down. And the supporting characters were perfect. I really hope Shay gets his own book. I loved him the most! This was my first Greiser book but definitely not my last. I can't wait to read more. It was well written and kept you on the edge of your seat.
June 9, 2026
Coiled to Strike was so well written, I loved the entire book from beginning to end. Loved the storyline, loved the pace, loved the characters, loved the fact that it was based around hockey and LOVED the spice.
I really enjoyed Keeley as the FMC and how the book started with some of her backstory and trauma and DV from her husband. She is a strong FMC and takes a lot of pride in her love for hockey and for her place in a male dominated space within the hockey world. I was so grateful to see she had a best friend in Shay who literally helped her, supported her and loved her through every stage of this book.
Leo is the MMC and is a hot captain of a hockey team, he's quiet, broody and not really one to socialize or become attached to anything or anyone besides Dori (his dog) until Keeley shows up at the arena. I love that Leo went full send once Keeley showed up, she may have not realized it, but he was already gone down bad over her. Leo has a lot of his own childhood trauma and abused that gets exposed through flashbacks and sharing his experiences with Keeley. His story hurt my heart for him as a child; there was enough written into his story to understand what he went through and feel awful for him without being too much detail as to the trauma he endured.
Leo and Keeley were meant to be, they both came from places of trauma but they both didn't let it hold them back with what they wanted in life and also didn't let it stop them from wanting each other. And let me tell you, the slow burn for them to finally get there was fantastic and absolutely worth the wait.
This book has both terrible things that happen to them as well as some really amazing things that happen for each of the main characters, as well. You really go through it with the characters. At several points I ABSOLUTELY had tears in my eyes, either happy, sad or scared.
I do not want to give away too much about the story line because it really is quite amazing storytelling but what I will say is that I love the family dynamic that occurs within Keeley's family and Shay with Leo but most importantly, I LOVE the relationship that builds between Keeley's brother Jax and Leo. That friendship, love and respect was just beautiful that they shared.
I really enjoyed Keeley as the FMC and how the book started with some of her backstory and trauma and DV from her husband. She is a strong FMC and takes a lot of pride in her love for hockey and for her place in a male dominated space within the hockey world. I was so grateful to see she had a best friend in Shay who literally helped her, supported her and loved her through every stage of this book.
Leo is the MMC and is a hot captain of a hockey team, he's quiet, broody and not really one to socialize or become attached to anything or anyone besides Dori (his dog) until Keeley shows up at the arena. I love that Leo went full send once Keeley showed up, she may have not realized it, but he was already gone down bad over her. Leo has a lot of his own childhood trauma and abused that gets exposed through flashbacks and sharing his experiences with Keeley. His story hurt my heart for him as a child; there was enough written into his story to understand what he went through and feel awful for him without being too much detail as to the trauma he endured.
Leo and Keeley were meant to be, they both came from places of trauma but they both didn't let it hold them back with what they wanted in life and also didn't let it stop them from wanting each other. And let me tell you, the slow burn for them to finally get there was fantastic and absolutely worth the wait.
This book has both terrible things that happen to them as well as some really amazing things that happen for each of the main characters, as well. You really go through it with the characters. At several points I ABSOLUTELY had tears in my eyes, either happy, sad or scared.
I do not want to give away too much about the story line because it really is quite amazing storytelling but what I will say is that I love the family dynamic that occurs within Keeley's family and Shay with Leo but most importantly, I LOVE the relationship that builds between Keeley's brother Jax and Leo. That friendship, love and respect was just beautiful that they shared.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
C.J. Greiser absolutely delivered with this book. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked by the tension, emotional depth, and had the perfect balance of danger, suspense, and chemistry that kept me glued to the pages.❤️
As someone who loves sports romance with real emotional depth, this book checked every box for me. The hockey aspect wasn’t just thrown in as background filler either, it genuinely felt like part of the characters identities and the overall story. The locker room tension, pressure of the sport, team dynamics, and intensity on the ice added so much energy and realism to the book. You could really feel the competitiveness, discipline, and adrenaline throughout every hockey-related scene. 🏒🏒
What really made this story stand out though were the two main characters. LEO 😍😍😍 had that perfect balance of confidence, protectiveness, and emotional vulnerability underneath the tough exterior. He wasn’t just the stereotypical hockey player. He felt layered, flawed, and realistic, which made it impossible not to get attached to him. His chemistry with the Keeley was intense from the beginning, but it also developed naturally in a way that felt believable instead of rushed.
👸 Keeley's character was equally strong and well written. I loved that she had her own personality, and her learning to just be herself and grow into who she is now. It was just great to experience her growth throughout the book. She was resilient, intelligent, and capable while still feeling emotionally relatable. The banter and tension between them had me smiling constantly through the book and just kicking my feet, but there were also moments that genuinely hurt emotionally because of how invested I became in both of them.❤️
C.J. Greiser did an incredible job balancing romance, emotion, suspense, and sports in a way that kept the story addictive from beginning to end. If you love hockey romance with strong character development, emotional chemistry, and a storyline that keeps you fully invested, I absolutely recommend this book. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
C.J. Greiser absolutely delivered with this book. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked by the tension, emotional depth, and had the perfect balance of danger, suspense, and chemistry that kept me glued to the pages.❤️
As someone who loves sports romance with real emotional depth, this book checked every box for me. The hockey aspect wasn’t just thrown in as background filler either, it genuinely felt like part of the characters identities and the overall story. The locker room tension, pressure of the sport, team dynamics, and intensity on the ice added so much energy and realism to the book. You could really feel the competitiveness, discipline, and adrenaline throughout every hockey-related scene. 🏒🏒
What really made this story stand out though were the two main characters. LEO 😍😍😍 had that perfect balance of confidence, protectiveness, and emotional vulnerability underneath the tough exterior. He wasn’t just the stereotypical hockey player. He felt layered, flawed, and realistic, which made it impossible not to get attached to him. His chemistry with the Keeley was intense from the beginning, but it also developed naturally in a way that felt believable instead of rushed.
👸 Keeley's character was equally strong and well written. I loved that she had her own personality, and her learning to just be herself and grow into who she is now. It was just great to experience her growth throughout the book. She was resilient, intelligent, and capable while still feeling emotionally relatable. The banter and tension between them had me smiling constantly through the book and just kicking my feet, but there were also moments that genuinely hurt emotionally because of how invested I became in both of them.❤️
C.J. Greiser did an incredible job balancing romance, emotion, suspense, and sports in a way that kept the story addictive from beginning to end. If you love hockey romance with strong character development, emotional chemistry, and a storyline that keeps you fully invested, I absolutely recommend this book. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
June 15, 2026
This book is a rollercoaster from start to finish. Keeley has found herself in an abusive relationship, but with the help of her best friend Shay is able to escape and get home to her family. Also with the help of Shay, she is able to snag her dream job for the NHL team she has rooted for her whole life. It's not exactly all sunshine and rainbows at first, but it is how she meets Leo- one of her favorite players on her team.
Leo grew up rough, and has kept himself pretty isolated throughout his career. His world is turned upside down when the bombshell new Assistant GM literally falls at his feet. After an awkward encounter, a ruined pair of pants, and possible minor burns on his favorite appendage Keeley won't leave Leo's head. Their chemistry is such that they are drawn together like magnets.
Their relationship moves fast, but it feels inevitable, almost like fate. And their chemistry translates to the bedroom with some absolutely delicious spice. They are burning up sheets and couches and walls all across the country.
In between their sexcapades there is a compelling story being told as well. They are both healing from trauma they've suffered. Leo is taking care of Keely in ways she's never experienced before. And the hockey scenes are pretty fun too.
Keely's family is like a warm hug, but my favorite character in the book is her brother Jax. He is a ray of sunshine throughout a book that deals with some pretty dark themes. I was smiling at my Kindle while reading every scene with him. The way he loves is something special- and he loves his home hockey team. The relationship Leo develops with Jax is absolutely beautiful- there is so much love there.
This book contains all the emotions- you will laugh, cry, and need to spend some alone time with a few scenes as well. The ending is pretty intense, but the dark moments are matched by the beauty of the love and joy Keely and Leo have for each other. And the set up for book two has me counting the days till I get to see Shay's book.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Leo grew up rough, and has kept himself pretty isolated throughout his career. His world is turned upside down when the bombshell new Assistant GM literally falls at his feet. After an awkward encounter, a ruined pair of pants, and possible minor burns on his favorite appendage Keeley won't leave Leo's head. Their chemistry is such that they are drawn together like magnets.
Their relationship moves fast, but it feels inevitable, almost like fate. And their chemistry translates to the bedroom with some absolutely delicious spice. They are burning up sheets and couches and walls all across the country.
In between their sexcapades there is a compelling story being told as well. They are both healing from trauma they've suffered. Leo is taking care of Keely in ways she's never experienced before. And the hockey scenes are pretty fun too.
Keely's family is like a warm hug, but my favorite character in the book is her brother Jax. He is a ray of sunshine throughout a book that deals with some pretty dark themes. I was smiling at my Kindle while reading every scene with him. The way he loves is something special- and he loves his home hockey team. The relationship Leo develops with Jax is absolutely beautiful- there is so much love there.
This book contains all the emotions- you will laugh, cry, and need to spend some alone time with a few scenes as well. The ending is pretty intense, but the dark moments are matched by the beauty of the love and joy Keely and Leo have for each other. And the set up for book two has me counting the days till I get to see Shay's book.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
June 12, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest, voluntary review.
Keeley is one of the lucky ones. She survived her abuse and was able to run, escaping into the welcoming embrace of her best friend Shay and her hometown, where the stars aligned and she won an available position as assistant GM of the Serpents, the hockey team that has forever held her heart. Added bonus, the aloof, sexy as sin, captain of the team, Leo. Their first meeting giving Keeley a birds-eye-view of his "massive" talents on offer... and giving him a new obsession.
This story gets dark. The detailed accounts of abuse survived by both the FMC and MMC add layers of depth and emotion to the story that a hockey romance is sometimes lacking. It's not all doom and gloom though, the banter is delicious, the friendships and family scenes we get are heartwarming, and the spice is so hot and dirty I'm pretty sure I was blushing through every encounter. Very interesting and innovative use of a hockey stick I might add.
I was thrown for a loop towards the end and almost rioted, but it was a diabolical start to a chapter that had me gasp then realize I'd been gotten good. Clever writing and fast pacing kept me flipping the pages as quickly as I could.
Also, if you are a true hockey fan you will appreciate the level of detail and specificity written into the hockey scenes. I've read a lot of hockey romance and although I don't know that much about the sport, I could tell this author does and gave that treatment to those scenes. The jargon and action on the ice was immaculate. I know what "the cherry" and "a biscuit" is but some things like "apple," "donnybrook," and "gongshow" were all new to me. The glossary of hockey references in the beginning was very helpful and I learned something new!
I hope these series continues as there are a ton of fun side characters POVs I'd love to read. Hopefully Shay's story will be coming soon!
Keeley is one of the lucky ones. She survived her abuse and was able to run, escaping into the welcoming embrace of her best friend Shay and her hometown, where the stars aligned and she won an available position as assistant GM of the Serpents, the hockey team that has forever held her heart. Added bonus, the aloof, sexy as sin, captain of the team, Leo. Their first meeting giving Keeley a birds-eye-view of his "massive" talents on offer... and giving him a new obsession.
This story gets dark. The detailed accounts of abuse survived by both the FMC and MMC add layers of depth and emotion to the story that a hockey romance is sometimes lacking. It's not all doom and gloom though, the banter is delicious, the friendships and family scenes we get are heartwarming, and the spice is so hot and dirty I'm pretty sure I was blushing through every encounter. Very interesting and innovative use of a hockey stick I might add.
I was thrown for a loop towards the end and almost rioted, but it was a diabolical start to a chapter that had me gasp then realize I'd been gotten good. Clever writing and fast pacing kept me flipping the pages as quickly as I could.
Also, if you are a true hockey fan you will appreciate the level of detail and specificity written into the hockey scenes. I've read a lot of hockey romance and although I don't know that much about the sport, I could tell this author does and gave that treatment to those scenes. The jargon and action on the ice was immaculate. I know what "the cherry" and "a biscuit" is but some things like "apple," "donnybrook," and "gongshow" were all new to me. The glossary of hockey references in the beginning was very helpful and I learned something new!
I hope these series continues as there are a ton of fun side characters POVs I'd love to read. Hopefully Shay's story will be coming soon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was provided an ARC by the author and this is my honest review~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG I wish that was good enough but honestly it doesn’t cover it.
This book was SO good. Easily in my top 10 like? EVER. I knew I liked dark romance. I also knew I liked hockey romance. This book taught me that I like DARK HOCKEY ROMANCE even better! Honestly, best of both worlds.
Leo and Keely have such a beautiful story. It’s full of love and kindness and is what I think a true romance looks like. Leo treats her like the queen she is and she never, as he says, asks him to be anything more than he is.
This is my first experience with work by CJ Greiser and I just want to say that her work is incredible. I had no complaints about the length, writing style, being too wordy or leaving the story too bland from lack of detail. This book is a completely justifiable 472 pages and doesn’t feel too long. Everything was perfectly described and the story building was awesome!
The plot and pacing were great! I never felt like the story was moving too slowly or speeding through/being rushed. The plot was 6/5, are we allowed to do that? Because honestly? It was GREAT. The plot was entertaining and there was a twist I never expected. The anticipation was REAL!
I also want to say one thing related to the TW list! It seems that most dark romances I read have the female being the victims of SA and while I hate that anyone ever experiences it, I DO love the representation and awareness there. This book does a wonderful job of depicting the trauma men face too. Love love love that!
If you need a fantastic book to read this year, this one comes out in June and is absolutely worth the time!
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG I wish that was good enough but honestly it doesn’t cover it.
This book was SO good. Easily in my top 10 like? EVER. I knew I liked dark romance. I also knew I liked hockey romance. This book taught me that I like DARK HOCKEY ROMANCE even better! Honestly, best of both worlds.
Leo and Keely have such a beautiful story. It’s full of love and kindness and is what I think a true romance looks like. Leo treats her like the queen she is and she never, as he says, asks him to be anything more than he is.
This is my first experience with work by CJ Greiser and I just want to say that her work is incredible. I had no complaints about the length, writing style, being too wordy or leaving the story too bland from lack of detail. This book is a completely justifiable 472 pages and doesn’t feel too long. Everything was perfectly described and the story building was awesome!
The plot and pacing were great! I never felt like the story was moving too slowly or speeding through/being rushed. The plot was 6/5, are we allowed to do that? Because honestly? It was GREAT. The plot was entertaining and there was a twist I never expected. The anticipation was REAL!
I also want to say one thing related to the TW list! It seems that most dark romances I read have the female being the victims of SA and while I hate that anyone ever experiences it, I DO love the representation and awareness there. This book does a wonderful job of depicting the trauma men face too. Love love love that!
If you need a fantastic book to read this year, this one comes out in June and is absolutely worth the time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
If this is your kind of book, prepare to be completely hooked. CJ Greiser delivered everything I love in a story: a gripping plot, richly developed characters, and pacing that kept me turning pages nonstop. The blend of dark, suspenseful tension with the hockey backdrop was absolutely perfect for me. As someone who loves both hockey romances and emotionally charged suspense, this book felt tailor-made for my reading taste.
What stood out most was the strength of the characters. Keeley was incredibly compelling — despite everything she endured, she never lost sight of who she was or what she wanted. I especially appreciated seeing a story that champions a woman thriving in a position of authority within a male-dominated sports world. Leo was equally unforgettable. His trauma never stopped him from loving Keeley with his whole heart, and honestly, “hard” doesn’t even begin to describe the depth of his feelings. He is exactly the kind of MMC I love to read about.
Both characters genuinely stayed with me, and I’ll admit there were several emotional moments that brought me to tears — exactly the kind of emotional investment I want from a truly great book. The chemistry between Keeley and Leo absolutely sizzles, but what made the story feel so complete was the dynamic among the entire supporting cast. Every relationship felt meaningful and layered, which made the world feel incredibly immersive.
When a book can make you feel this deeply — when it pulls you into the story so completely that the characters feel real — that’s when you know it’s special. This book did exactly that for me, and I am officially all in on CJ Greiser. I already cannot wait for the next book.
What stood out most was the strength of the characters. Keeley was incredibly compelling — despite everything she endured, she never lost sight of who she was or what she wanted. I especially appreciated seeing a story that champions a woman thriving in a position of authority within a male-dominated sports world. Leo was equally unforgettable. His trauma never stopped him from loving Keeley with his whole heart, and honestly, “hard” doesn’t even begin to describe the depth of his feelings. He is exactly the kind of MMC I love to read about.
Both characters genuinely stayed with me, and I’ll admit there were several emotional moments that brought me to tears — exactly the kind of emotional investment I want from a truly great book. The chemistry between Keeley and Leo absolutely sizzles, but what made the story feel so complete was the dynamic among the entire supporting cast. Every relationship felt meaningful and layered, which made the world feel incredibly immersive.
When a book can make you feel this deeply — when it pulls you into the story so completely that the characters feel real — that’s when you know it’s special. This book did exactly that for me, and I am officially all in on CJ Greiser. I already cannot wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this, I’ll admit I’m typically not a fan of insta-love, but Leo and Keeley surprised me in a good way. While their connection develops at a rapid pace, the emotional depth, trauma backgrounds, and sheer intensity of their dynamic made it work more than I expected.
My favourite part of any romance is the banter, and this felt natural, sharp, and often genuinely funny—I found myself laughing out loud multiple times.
That balance between light and dark is something the author handles really well. The story doesn’t shy away from the characters’ past traumatic experiences, which at times were difficult to read, but when balanced with the lighter moments, it worked very effectively.
I did find some inconsistency in Keeley’s characterisation. Given the severity of her past relationship and how recent it was, her emotional transition into a new relationship—and the level of confidence she displays at times—felt slightly at odds. While her growth into a stronger, more self-assured version of herself is a key part of the story, the timeline makes this evolution feel somewhat accelerated.
However, the emotional vulnerability and shared trauma between the characters go a long way in grounding their connection and making it more believable than a typical insta-love dynamic.
Overall, Coiled to Strike is an emotionally charged, banter-filled dark hockey romance that blends humour with heavier themes surprisingly well. If you're willing to lean into a fast-paced, high-intensity relationship and enjoy strong dialogue and character chemistry, this is definitely one to pick up.
Going into this, I’ll admit I’m typically not a fan of insta-love, but Leo and Keeley surprised me in a good way. While their connection develops at a rapid pace, the emotional depth, trauma backgrounds, and sheer intensity of their dynamic made it work more than I expected.
My favourite part of any romance is the banter, and this felt natural, sharp, and often genuinely funny—I found myself laughing out loud multiple times.
That balance between light and dark is something the author handles really well. The story doesn’t shy away from the characters’ past traumatic experiences, which at times were difficult to read, but when balanced with the lighter moments, it worked very effectively.
I did find some inconsistency in Keeley’s characterisation. Given the severity of her past relationship and how recent it was, her emotional transition into a new relationship—and the level of confidence she displays at times—felt slightly at odds. While her growth into a stronger, more self-assured version of herself is a key part of the story, the timeline makes this evolution feel somewhat accelerated.
However, the emotional vulnerability and shared trauma between the characters go a long way in grounding their connection and making it more believable than a typical insta-love dynamic.
Overall, Coiled to Strike is an emotionally charged, banter-filled dark hockey romance that blends humour with heavier themes surprisingly well. If you're willing to lean into a fast-paced, high-intensity relationship and enjoy strong dialogue and character chemistry, this is definitely one to pick up.
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