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Coiled to Strike
Not yet published
Expected 12 Jun 26
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.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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 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 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 🤩
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.
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
OMG! This was a ride I so enjoyed! All the throwback references, kinks, banter, and all around vibes were spot on. Thank you so much for the chance to ARC for this. Read the trigger warnings but highly recommend this!
Keeley was strong person to get out of that toxic marriage. Shay begged her to run and come home. She truly was a smart woman who deserved to be a GM. When Leo saw her he became that possessive man you love to read about.
Leo had a sad background and he seems to live life half in half out and not fully engaging fully. He is a great captain, a sweet dog dad, a respectful boyfriend, and a totally great to idolize for Jax. The way he was with her brother was chefs kiss. I cackled at several parts "Dutch oven" and all the music references worked in included.
The villians in this story get what the have coming but it got me even though I had a feeling what was going to happen.
Shay is the best friend who is basically family to Keeley and her family. I'm truly looking forward to a book of him and his secret tattoo of his crush.
-"Mine"
-Hockey Stick spice
-Touch her and die
-She has his number tattooed
-Dog dad
-He Kneels
-Hilarious banter
-Boyband references lol
-HEA
Keeley was strong person to get out of that toxic marriage. Shay begged her to run and come home. She truly was a smart woman who deserved to be a GM. When Leo saw her he became that possessive man you love to read about.
Leo had a sad background and he seems to live life half in half out and not fully engaging fully. He is a great captain, a sweet dog dad, a respectful boyfriend, and a totally great to idolize for Jax. The way he was with her brother was chefs kiss. I cackled at several parts "Dutch oven" and all the music references worked in included.
The villians in this story get what the have coming but it got me even though I had a feeling what was going to happen.
Shay is the best friend who is basically family to Keeley and her family. I'm truly looking forward to a book of him and his secret tattoo of his crush.
-"Mine"
-Hockey Stick spice
-Touch her and die
-She has his number tattooed
-Dog dad
-He Kneels
-Hilarious banter
-Boyband references lol
-HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, thank you so much to CJ for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Coiled To Strike!
Coiled to Strike is spicy. Like, very quickly spicy. Insta-love? Kinda.
I’m picky, very picky, dunno if it’s the autism or what - but sometimes I can’t click with stories.
Coiled to Strike is not bad, but maybe just wasn’t for me. A lot of repetitive dialogue, and towards the end the sex just felt….redundant?
I do appreciate the efforts that were taken for writing hockey scenes with correct terms. A lot of times games are ‘skipped’ over in books.
I love Dori. I love Jax. Protect them at all costs.
Definitely give Coiled To Strike a chance, but if you’re super picky, it just might not be your cup of tea.
Coiled to Strike is spicy. Like, very quickly spicy. Insta-love? Kinda.
I’m picky, very picky, dunno if it’s the autism or what - but sometimes I can’t click with stories.
Coiled to Strike is not bad, but maybe just wasn’t for me. A lot of repetitive dialogue, and towards the end the sex just felt….redundant?
I do appreciate the efforts that were taken for writing hockey scenes with correct terms. A lot of times games are ‘skipped’ over in books.
I love Dori. I love Jax. Protect them at all costs.
Definitely give Coiled To Strike a chance, but if you’re super picky, it just might not be your cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would like to thank the author for the ARC.
This story starts off pretty heavy. However, I would say this sits on the milder end of dark. Lots of implication and violence though.
With that out of the way I loved Dori, give me a dog side character any day, especially a GSD. Leo's character intrigued me at first, the insta love thing almost lost me until I got further along into the story. He is one heck of a man, with one dirty dirty mouth.
I vibed well with this story and the spice was well written and didn't feel like too much.
Give this book a chance, you may just enjoy it.
This story starts off pretty heavy. However, I would say this sits on the milder end of dark. Lots of implication and violence though.
With that out of the way I loved Dori, give me a dog side character any day, especially a GSD. Leo's character intrigued me at first, the insta love thing almost lost me until I got further along into the story. He is one heck of a man, with one dirty dirty mouth.
I vibed well with this story and the spice was well written and didn't feel like too much.
Give this book a chance, you may just enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
To be honest I was hooked immediately when I started reading it. These two are so perfect for each other and my lord Leo was chefs kiss. And Jax was my favorite parts, and the Zamboni Lego set, sleep over, just everything with him made me smile.
To be honest I was hooked immediately when I started reading it. These two are so perfect for each other and my lord Leo was chefs kiss. And Jax was my favorite parts, and the Zamboni Lego set, sleep over, just everything with him made me smile.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enjoy this slutty dark hockey romance 😈
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't typically have favorites, especially for books, because I read so many but this...this book would definitely be in my top 3. Can't wait for more!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews