What do you think?
Off the Ice #3
Knights Like These
He was my first kiss. My first everything. And then he married someone else.
I've been in love with Archer Lockwood since I was fourteen years old. I've never told him. I stood at his wedding, held his newborn twins in the hospital, and cried in my car afterward. I smiled through every moment that should have been mine—because that's what best friends do.
Now Archer is divorced, overwhelmed, and raising two three-year-olds alone during an NHL season. When he calls for help, I pack a suitcase and fly to New York.
The plan was simple: help with the kids, keep my distance, and don't fall in love.
The plan lasted about seventy-two hours.
Because his twins have me wrapped around their fingers. His house feels like home. And he keeps looking at me like he's finally seeing something he missed.
I've waited years for Archer to look at me like that.
I just wasn't ready for what happens when he finally does.
Knights Like These is a full-length standalone romance and the third book in the Off the Ice series. It features a single-dad NHL goalie, his childhood best friend, scene-stealing twins, and a slow burn that was worth every single year of waiting.
I've been in love with Archer Lockwood since I was fourteen years old. I've never told him. I stood at his wedding, held his newborn twins in the hospital, and cried in my car afterward. I smiled through every moment that should have been mine—because that's what best friends do.
Now Archer is divorced, overwhelmed, and raising two three-year-olds alone during an NHL season. When he calls for help, I pack a suitcase and fly to New York.
The plan was simple: help with the kids, keep my distance, and don't fall in love.
The plan lasted about seventy-two hours.
Because his twins have me wrapped around their fingers. His house feels like home. And he keeps looking at me like he's finally seeing something he missed.
I've waited years for Archer to look at me like that.
I just wasn't ready for what happens when he finally does.
Knights Like These is a full-length standalone romance and the third book in the Off the Ice series. It features a single-dad NHL goalie, his childhood best friend, scene-stealing twins, and a slow burn that was worth every single year of waiting.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
About the author
Kendall Ryan
135 books18.7k followersKendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of flirty, feel-good romance filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. An American author who has lived all over the world, her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into multiple languages. She writes swoony heroes, bold heroines, and stories that make you laugh, blush, and fall in love. When she’s not dreaming up new plotlines, she is a proud mom to two amazing sons and the wife of her real-life hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
July 25, 2026
Weak MMC
I don't like the beginning at all. I'm looking for angst, mutual love and a longing to be with only each other. These two don't have it. They are both so nonchalant about the situation. What kind of man, especially a best friend, has the gall to even ask a woman whom he did NOT choose as a life partner to give up her job, apartment, life in the town of her choosing to be his nanny? Especially when he later reveals it's just temporary? If he had a another solution, why put her through such a major upheaval in her life? Don't even get me started about how she's obviously willing to do so without a second thought, while insisting she doesn't have feelings for him. Yes, I know she's lying to herself, but it's not enough to know it, I want to see it on the page. Otherwise, no one would do that. The only person I can think of that I would do that for is my daughter. If she needed help with my grandkids, I can possibly see that, but it's a big ask, even for family. Him missing two days of college when her father was sick is NOT the same as packing your whole life in a storage unit and flying to NY to be his nanny and probably cook and clean. You know, all the the things a wife does, but he didn't choose her as his wife, so have some self respect. She thinks situation is permanent and he thinks it's temporary. Does he not understand she gave up absolutely everything for his "temporary " need? A little adult communication might be useful. When a normal person needs childcare, they pick up the phone and hire a daycare or nanny! I also don't like the fact that he has been intimate with her before but was too much a wimp to be honest with her afterwards. Not really a best friend move, he should have stuck with the no answer if he wasn't going to date her. She's supposedly there to help with kids while he's out of town, two days in and she's home alone with the kids while he's at a bar with a friend. Then she babysits while he goes on a date. Ugh she's really not there so he can date. She's refusing pay when she's broke and has no home now that she's just committed to staying long term instead of it just being a "reset ". It just keeps getting more irritating. MMC is lame and all his excuses are the same. This is an unrequited, one way love story. No way he loves her the same and walks away after taking her virginity and marries OW. This guy gets more lame by the minute. After 15 years, overhearing how she has always felt, his ex telling him she's known since their wedding that he had feelings for FMC, his teammates are telling him, his kids, good grief how can one man be so clueless?? Then after finally kissing her again after 15 years, he still tells her afterwards, " I still don't know what this is..."??? Excuse me? Is he TSTL?? "I don't know what comes next. " ? Man up, tell her how you feel, ask her on a date! Why can't he just admit he loves her and wants her to stay? Someone needs to knock him into the boards a time or two or six at their next game.
Yeah, I know he's a goalie and that probably doesn't happen as much. The most profound thing he finally thinks is how much time he has wasted. That's exactly it, and the part I dislike so much. We only get one life and he wasted so much of his while also wrecking two women and himself and dragged two kids through a divorce. Just when I think maybe he's becoming slightly more likeable, he says they would have been a disaster if they'd gotten together earlier? Ugh. He had no problem commiting to a woman he wasn't in love with but loving/marrying FMC instead would have been a disaster? He was ready, just too weak to do the right thing. Not my favorite MMC. Twins are adorable. All other characters are likeable.
I don't like the beginning at all. I'm looking for angst, mutual love and a longing to be with only each other. These two don't have it. They are both so nonchalant about the situation. What kind of man, especially a best friend, has the gall to even ask a woman whom he did NOT choose as a life partner to give up her job, apartment, life in the town of her choosing to be his nanny? Especially when he later reveals it's just temporary? If he had a another solution, why put her through such a major upheaval in her life? Don't even get me started about how she's obviously willing to do so without a second thought, while insisting she doesn't have feelings for him. Yes, I know she's lying to herself, but it's not enough to know it, I want to see it on the page. Otherwise, no one would do that. The only person I can think of that I would do that for is my daughter. If she needed help with my grandkids, I can possibly see that, but it's a big ask, even for family. Him missing two days of college when her father was sick is NOT the same as packing your whole life in a storage unit and flying to NY to be his nanny and probably cook and clean. You know, all the the things a wife does, but he didn't choose her as his wife, so have some self respect. She thinks situation is permanent and he thinks it's temporary. Does he not understand she gave up absolutely everything for his "temporary " need? A little adult communication might be useful. When a normal person needs childcare, they pick up the phone and hire a daycare or nanny! I also don't like the fact that he has been intimate with her before but was too much a wimp to be honest with her afterwards. Not really a best friend move, he should have stuck with the no answer if he wasn't going to date her. She's supposedly there to help with kids while he's out of town, two days in and she's home alone with the kids while he's at a bar with a friend. Then she babysits while he goes on a date. Ugh she's really not there so he can date. She's refusing pay when she's broke and has no home now that she's just committed to staying long term instead of it just being a "reset ". It just keeps getting more irritating. MMC is lame and all his excuses are the same. This is an unrequited, one way love story. No way he loves her the same and walks away after taking her virginity and marries OW. This guy gets more lame by the minute. After 15 years, overhearing how she has always felt, his ex telling him she's known since their wedding that he had feelings for FMC, his teammates are telling him, his kids, good grief how can one man be so clueless?? Then after finally kissing her again after 15 years, he still tells her afterwards, " I still don't know what this is..."??? Excuse me? Is he TSTL?? "I don't know what comes next. " ? Man up, tell her how you feel, ask her on a date! Why can't he just admit he loves her and wants her to stay? Someone needs to knock him into the boards a time or two or six at their next game.
Yeah, I know he's a goalie and that probably doesn't happen as much. The most profound thing he finally thinks is how much time he has wasted. That's exactly it, and the part I dislike so much. We only get one life and he wasted so much of his while also wrecking two women and himself and dragged two kids through a divorce. Just when I think maybe he's becoming slightly more likeable, he says they would have been a disaster if they'd gotten together earlier? Ugh. He had no problem commiting to a woman he wasn't in love with but loving/marrying FMC instead would have been a disaster? He was ready, just too weak to do the right thing. Not my favorite MMC. Twins are adorable. All other characters are likeable.
July 25, 2026
Putting the forced in forced proximity
July 27, 2026
So, where do I even start with this... I read three and a half chapters and I was done with it. She left her whole life for him, packed everything and went to New York to babysit his twins because he can't be a father apparently and the second night she is there what does he do?? Goes to a bar?!?!!!! What the hell! Honestly, I had a bad feeling from the beginning and I was right. Do not waste your time with this MMC. I have something even for her our FMC too, she was LAME. That's it.
July 25, 2026
You would NEVER catch me pining after a man, especially one that slept with me and then went and married (and had kids with) someone else 🤮
and after all that, she drops her entire life to become a glorified nanny for him after he gets divorced.. what the actual f
Archer sucks
and after all that, she drops her entire life to become a glorified nanny for him after he gets divorced.. what the actual f
Archer sucks
August 3, 2026
I hated it. Archer was a pathetic man. He literally married and built a a family with another woman, but the moment Sydney tries to have something on her own he gets upset. Sydney was a doormat, simple as that.
“He watches me for a second longer than necessary, then lets it go. He’s good at letting things go. He’s been letting things go his entire life-me included.”
“He watches me for a second longer than necessary, then lets it go. He’s good at letting things go. He’s been letting things go his entire life-me included.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
FMC is doormat, mmc is weak ass hero , very bad story line, unnecessary chapters, the conversations were so artificial omg, even the characters thinking were artificial, i don’t like how WAGs just becomes best friends because their men are playing together , so cliche
And there was no angst, no jealousy, no chemistry.
The readers should feel it, jealousy or any emotions are not something you showcase by actively speaking and expressing, body language and behaviour are enough.
The author tried her best but failed, honestly all of her books has bad story lines and plot
And there was no angst, no jealousy, no chemistry.
The readers should feel it, jealousy or any emotions are not something you showcase by actively speaking and expressing, body language and behaviour are enough.
The author tried her best but failed, honestly all of her books has bad story lines and plot
August 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐
This series started off so well, and somehow every book since has taken another tiny step away from greatness.
And this book was unfortunately where I started wondering whether Kendall Ryan and I were still reading the same series.
Let's begin with the premise, because I was already questioning it before the romance even started.
Archer is divorced and struggling with his twins, so Sydney moves all the way from another city to New York to help him.
I'm sorry...
Does this man not have a mother?
Or, more importantly, does he not have an ex-wife?
Because Bree is the same woman from Book One who stepped up and kept Maisie for three days when Zayden was in a bind. This woman literally told everyone, "We're a hockey family." And I'm supposed to believe that suddenly she wouldn't help with her own children when Archer needed it?
That entire justification for Sydney uprooting her life felt incredibly contrived.
And Sydney...
Girl.
You've been in love with this man for fifteen years.
You slept with him.
He was your first.
Then he woke up the next morning and basically pretended nothing happened.
He went on to marry someone else.
Had children with her.
And Sydney was so devastated that she was crying in a hospital parking lot when his twins were born.
And then what does this woman do years later?
Breaks up with her perfectly good boyfriend because she realizes she has no feelings for anyone except Archer and moves across the country to be near him.
For him.
After fifteen years.
I'm sorry, but at some point this stops being romantic and starts being a case study in emotional self-sabotage.
Why are we throwing away an entire life for a man who has already demonstrated that he can sleep with you, wake up the next morning, and apparently file the experience under "friendship"?
Then the first half of the book becomes this weird domestic limbo where Sydney is trying desperately not to let her feelings get out of control while Archer seems to be conducting an entirely separate experiment in emotional confusion.
One minute he's saying he can't risk ruining their friendship.
The next he's acting completely careless about the fact that she's still deeply in love with him.
Pick a lane, man.
What frustrated me the most, though, was how little emotional accountability Sydney expected from him once they finally got together.
Because let's revisit this.
She was seventeen.
She asked her best friend to sleep with her.
He did.
And the next morning he acted like nothing had changed.
That is a massive heartbreak.
Then years later, he marries someone else and has children with her.
You are telling me Sydney spends fifteen years maintaining this friendship without ever wanting to scream, cry, walk away, or demand some emotional distance?
For her own sanity, wouldn't a normal person eventually say, "I love you, you don't love me, this is destroying me, so I'm going to remove myself from this situation and build my own life"?
Apparently not.
And predictably, Archer was in love with her too.
His marriage falls apart.
And then...
Nothing.
No grand realization.
No huge gesture.
No years of pent-up emotion exploding all over the page.
He's just...
Calm.
Chill.
Nonchalant.
And maybe that's romantic to some people, but I wanted more.
I want a man's love to be loud.
This man spent fifteen years loving her and his energy was basically, "Oh yeah, I guess I love her."
Sir.
Some of us need a little more drama after fifteen fucking years.
The best part of this book was absolutely Bree and the twins.
The twins were adorable, and I loved watching Sydney become part of their lives. More importantly, I genuinely appreciated that Bree was not turned into the evil ex-wife.
She had every reason to be bitter.
She knew Archer didn't love her the way he loved Sydney.
She'd noticed his face light up whenever Sydney entered a room before they even got married, and yet she still thought she could build a marriage with him and eventually make it work.
Which, honestly...
Girl, that's on you.
You knowingly married a man who was in love with someone else and then had children with him.
I felt bad for her, but I also couldn't completely absolve her of responsibility for the situation.
Still, I loved that despite being hurt, she never tried to punish Archer or Sydney for it. She accepted the truth and ultimately wanted them to be happy.
Healthy adult behavior in a romance novel? We love to see it.
And then there's Logan.
Again.
LOGAN WAS THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK.
Kendall Ryan, I need answers.
Who is Henry Bishop?
Where did this man come from?
Why does he apparently share a last name with Zayden?
And, most importantly...
WHY IS LOGAN NOT GETTING THE NEXT BOOK?
You've spent this entire series giving us reasons to love Logan, and now you're apparently moving on to some Henry Bishop fellow who has been lurking somewhere off-page while I was waiting for Logan's turn.
This feels personal.
Overall, this was easily my least favorite book in the series so far. The romance never gave me the emotional payoff I wanted, Sydney's life choices frequently made me want to shake her, and Archer's seemingly endless supply of calm indifference did absolutely nothing for me.
The twins, Bree, and Logan were the saving grace.
And yes, against all my better judgment...
I will probably still read the next book.
But Kendall Ryan, respectfully:
Bring me Logan.
This series started off so well, and somehow every book since has taken another tiny step away from greatness.
And this book was unfortunately where I started wondering whether Kendall Ryan and I were still reading the same series.
Let's begin with the premise, because I was already questioning it before the romance even started.
Archer is divorced and struggling with his twins, so Sydney moves all the way from another city to New York to help him.
I'm sorry...
Does this man not have a mother?
Or, more importantly, does he not have an ex-wife?
Because Bree is the same woman from Book One who stepped up and kept Maisie for three days when Zayden was in a bind. This woman literally told everyone, "We're a hockey family." And I'm supposed to believe that suddenly she wouldn't help with her own children when Archer needed it?
That entire justification for Sydney uprooting her life felt incredibly contrived.
And Sydney...
Girl.
You've been in love with this man for fifteen years.
You slept with him.
He was your first.
Then he woke up the next morning and basically pretended nothing happened.
He went on to marry someone else.
Had children with her.
And Sydney was so devastated that she was crying in a hospital parking lot when his twins were born.
And then what does this woman do years later?
Breaks up with her perfectly good boyfriend because she realizes she has no feelings for anyone except Archer and moves across the country to be near him.
For him.
After fifteen years.
I'm sorry, but at some point this stops being romantic and starts being a case study in emotional self-sabotage.
Why are we throwing away an entire life for a man who has already demonstrated that he can sleep with you, wake up the next morning, and apparently file the experience under "friendship"?
Then the first half of the book becomes this weird domestic limbo where Sydney is trying desperately not to let her feelings get out of control while Archer seems to be conducting an entirely separate experiment in emotional confusion.
One minute he's saying he can't risk ruining their friendship.
The next he's acting completely careless about the fact that she's still deeply in love with him.
Pick a lane, man.
What frustrated me the most, though, was how little emotional accountability Sydney expected from him once they finally got together.
Because let's revisit this.
She was seventeen.
She asked her best friend to sleep with her.
He did.
And the next morning he acted like nothing had changed.
That is a massive heartbreak.
Then years later, he marries someone else and has children with her.
You are telling me Sydney spends fifteen years maintaining this friendship without ever wanting to scream, cry, walk away, or demand some emotional distance?
For her own sanity, wouldn't a normal person eventually say, "I love you, you don't love me, this is destroying me, so I'm going to remove myself from this situation and build my own life"?
Apparently not.
And predictably, Archer was in love with her too.
His marriage falls apart.
And then...
Nothing.
No grand realization.
No huge gesture.
No years of pent-up emotion exploding all over the page.
He's just...
Calm.
Chill.
Nonchalant.
And maybe that's romantic to some people, but I wanted more.
I want a man's love to be loud.
This man spent fifteen years loving her and his energy was basically, "Oh yeah, I guess I love her."
Sir.
Some of us need a little more drama after fifteen fucking years.
The best part of this book was absolutely Bree and the twins.
The twins were adorable, and I loved watching Sydney become part of their lives. More importantly, I genuinely appreciated that Bree was not turned into the evil ex-wife.
She had every reason to be bitter.
She knew Archer didn't love her the way he loved Sydney.
She'd noticed his face light up whenever Sydney entered a room before they even got married, and yet she still thought she could build a marriage with him and eventually make it work.
Which, honestly...
Girl, that's on you.
You knowingly married a man who was in love with someone else and then had children with him.
I felt bad for her, but I also couldn't completely absolve her of responsibility for the situation.
Still, I loved that despite being hurt, she never tried to punish Archer or Sydney for it. She accepted the truth and ultimately wanted them to be happy.
Healthy adult behavior in a romance novel? We love to see it.
And then there's Logan.
Again.
LOGAN WAS THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK.
Kendall Ryan, I need answers.
Who is Henry Bishop?
Where did this man come from?
Why does he apparently share a last name with Zayden?
And, most importantly...
WHY IS LOGAN NOT GETTING THE NEXT BOOK?
You've spent this entire series giving us reasons to love Logan, and now you're apparently moving on to some Henry Bishop fellow who has been lurking somewhere off-page while I was waiting for Logan's turn.
This feels personal.
Overall, this was easily my least favorite book in the series so far. The romance never gave me the emotional payoff I wanted, Sydney's life choices frequently made me want to shake her, and Archer's seemingly endless supply of calm indifference did absolutely nothing for me.
The twins, Bree, and Logan were the saving grace.
And yes, against all my better judgment...
I will probably still read the next book.
But Kendall Ryan, respectfully:
Bring me Logan.
July 26, 2026
Ehh I expected more angst and heartbreak...this was kinda boring😅
July 26, 2026
Knights Like These
Great story about a family who find themselves in an awkward situation, never expected to be in. Started as friends, who felt more, yet not thinking the other feltvthe same so both ignored and moved on. So wrong, years wasted, and hurt others in process. Now after many years, can they admit what they have ignored, process those feelings? Beautiful story ❤️.
Great story about a family who find themselves in an awkward situation, never expected to be in. Started as friends, who felt more, yet not thinking the other feltvthe same so both ignored and moved on. So wrong, years wasted, and hurt others in process. Now after many years, can they admit what they have ignored, process those feelings? Beautiful story ❤️.
July 24, 2026
these two are two idiots in denial until theyre not... even if they are the cutest little cutie pies <3
August 6, 2026
DNF 42% because this is just so painfully boring. Not a fan of pitifully weak MC's and this tit is at the top of the list. I'm out
July 29, 2026
One chapter in they are already in love. There is no buildup, no getting to know the characters. Awful.
Not to mention shés pathetic for leaving everything for him.
And he ain’t better. Haven’t met Bree but she’s a victim in all of this since he’s been in love with Sydney.
I don’t think I can keep going.
Honestly if silicone is reading this maybe give this book more of a chance but I just can’t.
Not to mention shés pathetic for leaving everything for him.
And he ain’t better. Haven’t met Bree but she’s a victim in all of this since he’s been in love with Sydney.
I don’t think I can keep going.
Honestly if silicone is reading this maybe give this book more of a chance but I just can’t.
July 25, 2026
2.5 rounded up to 3
The writing was much more pleasant to read than books 1&2. I had a hard time figuring out whether I liked this book or not, but I think I’ve come to the conclusion that overall, while it was enjoyable, I wouldn’t pick it up to read again.
Pros
- I like Sydney. At first, I mentally criticized her for packing up her entire life for this guy, but as the story progressed, I found her to be relatable. She’s been in love with him forever, and I can understand some of the choices she made. She’s just living life without a concrete plan and there’a nothing wrong with that if it works for her.
- story was much easier to read and fall into than books 1&2
- easily digestible and good light read before bed
- the cameos from the side characters kept me engaged, I always looked forward to seeing Winnie and Logan and Ollie
Cons
- I didn’t like Archer. He was a boring and unconvincing MMC. He never really fought for her, didn’t do anything that convinced me he liked her, and kinda just existed. I feel bad for both his ex wife and Syd
- I didn’t like Lauren. She wasn’t quite fleshed out as a character, and was very 2D to me. I didn’t understand her as a friend, her motives, her backstory, etc.
- most of the issues/conflicts in the story went unresolved, like the issue of her not living for herself/figuring herself out, Archer’s inability to communicate properly without being prompted, etc.
- minor grammar issues, and also some minor logical inconsistencies
- these books HAVE SUCH WEIRD PACING. The timeline is unbelievable. First, it’s soooooo slow. Then you get to around 70% and it’s like we started sprinting after crawling in all the chapters before. And then in the last 3 chapters, suddenly every potential future plot point is thrown in.
- so many things were unsaid….I understand they’ve been besties forever and know everything about each other, but as the reader, I DO NOT KNOW! TELL ME! ABOUT YOURSELF!
Also lastly, genuine question — was his grandma ever an important point in the story????????? Not sure if my eyes skimmed over it but I was actually caught SO off guard at the end when they brought her up for what seemed like the very first time to me
The writing was much more pleasant to read than books 1&2. I had a hard time figuring out whether I liked this book or not, but I think I’ve come to the conclusion that overall, while it was enjoyable, I wouldn’t pick it up to read again.
Pros
- I like Sydney. At first, I mentally criticized her for packing up her entire life for this guy, but as the story progressed, I found her to be relatable. She’s been in love with him forever, and I can understand some of the choices she made. She’s just living life without a concrete plan and there’a nothing wrong with that if it works for her.
- story was much easier to read and fall into than books 1&2
- easily digestible and good light read before bed
- the cameos from the side characters kept me engaged, I always looked forward to seeing Winnie and Logan and Ollie
Cons
- I didn’t like Archer. He was a boring and unconvincing MMC. He never really fought for her, didn’t do anything that convinced me he liked her, and kinda just existed. I feel bad for both his ex wife and Syd
- I didn’t like Lauren. She wasn’t quite fleshed out as a character, and was very 2D to me. I didn’t understand her as a friend, her motives, her backstory, etc.
- most of the issues/conflicts in the story went unresolved, like the issue of her not living for herself/figuring herself out, Archer’s inability to communicate properly without being prompted, etc.
- minor grammar issues, and also some minor logical inconsistencies
- these books HAVE SUCH WEIRD PACING. The timeline is unbelievable. First, it’s soooooo slow. Then you get to around 70% and it’s like we started sprinting after crawling in all the chapters before. And then in the last 3 chapters, suddenly every potential future plot point is thrown in.
- so many things were unsaid….I understand they’ve been besties forever and know everything about each other, but as the reader, I DO NOT KNOW! TELL ME! ABOUT YOURSELF!
Also lastly, genuine question — was his grandma ever an important point in the story????????? Not sure if my eyes skimmed over it but I was actually caught SO off guard at the end when they brought her up for what seemed like the very first time to me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
Knights Like These is a sports romance with best friends to lovers and a single dad. This is Sydney and Archer’s story filled with longing and swoon worthy moments. Archer is a hockey player that got his divorce and needs help with his twins, which his best friend Sydney comes to help. Sydney has been in love with Archer since they were in college but she didn’t know if he felt the same. I love how they are always there for each other and would do anything for each other. Their story will pull you in with its romantic confessions and unexpected moments. I love how close they are and the way Sydney is with his kids. I also love the secondary characters and how they help them recognize their feelings. I really enjoy their story and can’t wait to read more.
I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance reader copy.
I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance reader copy.
July 27, 2026
Empezó bien, era prometedor. El primer error que le encontré es que las escenas spice eran idénticas a las de ice cold chemistry, después todo empezó a ir rapidísimo. No hubo desarrollo ellos se dijeron que iban a estar juntos y fueron de 0 a 100 en dos páginas diciéndose que se amaban, criando a los pibes y después casándose y teniendo su propia hija.
Sentí que la autora dijo bueno ya está me aburrí vamos a terminar esto pero quedaron muchos puntos sin darle cierre o explicar qué pasó. Por ej. qué pasó con Bree y los abogados? El trabajo de sydney? Los pibes aceptaron muy rápido que el padre se iba a casar con la tía…
Una pena, ice cold chemistry me gustó pero este fue pauperrimo.
Por último, Luke tiene 3 años cómo va a saber leer y ser un nerd sobre criaturas marinas?
Sentí que la autora dijo bueno ya está me aburrí vamos a terminar esto pero quedaron muchos puntos sin darle cierre o explicar qué pasó. Por ej. qué pasó con Bree y los abogados? El trabajo de sydney? Los pibes aceptaron muy rápido que el padre se iba a casar con la tía…
Una pena, ice cold chemistry me gustó pero este fue pauperrimo.
Por último, Luke tiene 3 años cómo va a saber leer y ser un nerd sobre criaturas marinas?
July 14, 2026
Kendall Ryan delivers another absolute winner with Knights Like These, the third installment in her captivating series. This story is every bit as awesome as the first two, keeping readers fully hooked from the first page to the last.
The true scene-stealers of this book are the twin three-year-olds—two bundles of energy, wit, and humor who bring charm and laughter to every chapter. Their antics add heart and levity, making the emotional beats of the story even more impactful.
At its core, Knights Like These is a heartfelt second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance that takes the delicious slow-burn route. The pacing allows the characters’ relationship to develop naturally, with plenty of anticipation that pays off beautifully. Watching them navigate their personal challenges and truly grow over the course of the story makes the journey feel authentic and deeply satisfying.
By the end, the path to their happily ever after feels absolutely earned—and utterly perfect. Kendall Ryan has once again proven she’s a master at crafting romance stories that are both charming and emotionally fulfilling. Knights Like These is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and heartfelt series. Five shining stars!
The true scene-stealers of this book are the twin three-year-olds—two bundles of energy, wit, and humor who bring charm and laughter to every chapter. Their antics add heart and levity, making the emotional beats of the story even more impactful.
At its core, Knights Like These is a heartfelt second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance that takes the delicious slow-burn route. The pacing allows the characters’ relationship to develop naturally, with plenty of anticipation that pays off beautifully. Watching them navigate their personal challenges and truly grow over the course of the story makes the journey feel authentic and deeply satisfying.
By the end, the path to their happily ever after feels absolutely earned—and utterly perfect. Kendall Ryan has once again proven she’s a master at crafting romance stories that are both charming and emotionally fulfilling. Knights Like These is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and heartfelt series. Five shining stars!
July 25, 2026
This was much slower paced than I was expecting from the blurb. The constant back and forth of fear of ruining the friendship after denying their feelings for 15 years? Add in therapy before they finally come together…Ugh. I would have enjoyed seeing them be together than seeing them continue just being friends as they vacillated between the pros and cons of what would happen. I enjoyed the story, but 82/87%!?
August 10, 2026
my favorite of the series so far! okay, yeah, not the most normal thing to move away from home and into your best friend’s house to take care of his twins… especially when that best friend is the person you’ve been in love with for 15 years. while i thought the whole situation was kind of ridiculous at first, the more i read, the more i understood both sydney and archer and why they made the choices they did. sydney deserves the world!
August 15, 2026
This Off the Ice series is so much fun to read. These hockey players and the women who choose them are real and believable. I seem to devour them quickly. Solid 4 star read.
Did Not Finish
September 9, 2026because why after they kiss for the first time in 15 years they part ways and go to bed. bye
July 25, 2026
3.5⭐️
Meh. It was a quick, easy read, but nothing special.
Meh. It was a quick, easy read, but nothing special.
August 2, 2026
Knights Like These completely captured my heart. This emotional friends-to-lovers romance combines years of unspoken longing, a devoted single father, an intense professional hockey career, and two adorable scene-stealing twins. I loved every moment of Archer and his childhood best friend finally confronting the feelings that have been quietly growing between them for years.
She has loved Archer Lockwood since she was fourteen. He was her first kiss, her first love, and the person she always imagined building a future with. Instead, she stood beside him while he married someone else, celebrated the birth of his children, and hid her heartbreak because maintaining their friendship mattered more than revealing the truth. That history adds so much emotional weight to the story. Her love for Archer is not a temporary attraction—it is deeply rooted in years of friendship, shared memories, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Now divorced and struggling to balance an NHL season with raising his three-year-old twins, Archer finally turns to the person who has always been there for him. When she moves into his New York home to help with the children, the boundaries between friendship, family, and romance begin to disappear. I especially appreciated that their relationship did not feel rushed. The slow burn allowed Archer’s feelings to develop naturally as he began to recognize everything she had brought into his life.
Archer is an appealing romantic lead because he is not presented as a perfect hockey star who has everything under control. He is exhausted, overwhelmed, and trying to be the best father possible while managing the demands of his career. His vulnerability made him feel authentic. Watching him gradually realize that his best friend is not simply helping him survive but has become an essential part of his family was one of the most satisfying parts of the story.
The heroine’s emotional journey was equally compelling. She has spent years putting Archer’s happiness ahead of her own, so allowing herself to hope for more is both exciting and terrifying. Her fear of losing their friendship—and of being chosen only because Archer needs help—creates believable tension. I could understand why she guarded her heart even when it became clear that their relationship was changing.
The twins brought warmth, humor, and tenderness to the story. Their connection with the heroine made the developing romance feel like more than two people finally falling in love. It became a story about creating a family and finding a place where you truly belong. Their scenes also balanced the heavier emotional moments and made Archer’s home feel wonderfully alive.
I loved the combination of childhood friends-to-lovers, single-dad romance, forced proximity, professional hockey, and years of hidden feelings. The emotional payoff was worth the wait, and the romance felt especially rewarding because Archer and the heroine already knew and trusted each other so deeply.
Knights Like These is a heartfelt and satisfying romance about timing, second chances, family, and the courage to finally admit what has been there all along. Readers who enjoy slow burns, devoted single fathers, adorable children, emotional longing, and best friends who are clearly meant to become something more will absolutely want to read this one. I loved it and did not want Archer’s story to end.
She has loved Archer Lockwood since she was fourteen. He was her first kiss, her first love, and the person she always imagined building a future with. Instead, she stood beside him while he married someone else, celebrated the birth of his children, and hid her heartbreak because maintaining their friendship mattered more than revealing the truth. That history adds so much emotional weight to the story. Her love for Archer is not a temporary attraction—it is deeply rooted in years of friendship, shared memories, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Now divorced and struggling to balance an NHL season with raising his three-year-old twins, Archer finally turns to the person who has always been there for him. When she moves into his New York home to help with the children, the boundaries between friendship, family, and romance begin to disappear. I especially appreciated that their relationship did not feel rushed. The slow burn allowed Archer’s feelings to develop naturally as he began to recognize everything she had brought into his life.
Archer is an appealing romantic lead because he is not presented as a perfect hockey star who has everything under control. He is exhausted, overwhelmed, and trying to be the best father possible while managing the demands of his career. His vulnerability made him feel authentic. Watching him gradually realize that his best friend is not simply helping him survive but has become an essential part of his family was one of the most satisfying parts of the story.
The heroine’s emotional journey was equally compelling. She has spent years putting Archer’s happiness ahead of her own, so allowing herself to hope for more is both exciting and terrifying. Her fear of losing their friendship—and of being chosen only because Archer needs help—creates believable tension. I could understand why she guarded her heart even when it became clear that their relationship was changing.
The twins brought warmth, humor, and tenderness to the story. Their connection with the heroine made the developing romance feel like more than two people finally falling in love. It became a story about creating a family and finding a place where you truly belong. Their scenes also balanced the heavier emotional moments and made Archer’s home feel wonderfully alive.
I loved the combination of childhood friends-to-lovers, single-dad romance, forced proximity, professional hockey, and years of hidden feelings. The emotional payoff was worth the wait, and the romance felt especially rewarding because Archer and the heroine already knew and trusted each other so deeply.
Knights Like These is a heartfelt and satisfying romance about timing, second chances, family, and the courage to finally admit what has been there all along. Readers who enjoy slow burns, devoted single fathers, adorable children, emotional longing, and best friends who are clearly meant to become something more will absolutely want to read this one. I loved it and did not want Archer’s story to end.
August 25, 2026
two stars feels generous, tbh.
I’m sure plenty of people will enjoy this book. For me, it’s a DNF at 70%. This started out promising, but after a couple of chapters it felt like the author just… gave up. The writing got so generic, I’m 90% sure you could cut any of the dialogue out of this book and paste it in any other hockey romance. Everything was formulaic and nothing really felt like it made a lot of sense given the characters.
What really got to me, though, was when we finally get to them talking about the kiss they just had. Never mind that they don’t talk about it for like 3 days, they finally do. And the MMC and FMC are each arguing the exact opposite of what they SHOULD be arguing, given literally everything we’ve seen from their characters. I was so annoyed.
I persevered, though, and kept reading when I should have DNFed right then. Instead, I got a generic first date with dialogue that again made no sense (he’s a pro hockey player; sorry, he doesn’t feel weird wearing a button down. He dresses up all the time); an utter lack of smut, which is WILD considering they’ve loved each other for almost 15 years; and an ex-wife who’s suddenly way more involved than we’ve seen at all.
Seriously, the first half of the story she wasn’t there at all. I seriously thought she had completely given up custody. Then we find out they’re co-parenting well. And then we find out they’re not co-parenting well and usually everything devolves into a fight. And then we find out she has a ‘mid week sleepover’ with the kids (no idea when or how that works, given we never see drop off and they’re only in pre-k 3 days a week) and every other weekend (maybe?) with the kids. Oh, and also, she’s involved enough to call the MMC and… idk what she was even trying to accomplish with that phone call, warning him to ‘make really sure’ before dating the FMC. Like, they’ve been friends for years, she’s known he’s in love with the FMC since at LEAST their wedding, and yet she’s telling him to not let it be a fling? When it certainly sounds like he’s never had a fling? This was manufactured drama by someone (or something) that didn’t understand the entire first half of the book.
Also, what 3 years old says ‘obviously.’
(A *way* better conflict would have been the FMC blowing up at the MMC for not telling her that his marriage had been falling apart for TWO YEARS and they’d been sleeping in separate rooms and then him confessing that he couldn’t tell her bc he didn’t trust himself to tell her that sort of thing bc he wanted her too much. Idk, literally anything other than this nothingburger.)
I’m sure plenty of people will enjoy this book. For me, it’s a DNF at 70%. This started out promising, but after a couple of chapters it felt like the author just… gave up. The writing got so generic, I’m 90% sure you could cut any of the dialogue out of this book and paste it in any other hockey romance. Everything was formulaic and nothing really felt like it made a lot of sense given the characters.
What really got to me, though, was when we finally get to them talking about the kiss they just had. Never mind that they don’t talk about it for like 3 days, they finally do. And the MMC and FMC are each arguing the exact opposite of what they SHOULD be arguing, given literally everything we’ve seen from their characters. I was so annoyed.
I persevered, though, and kept reading when I should have DNFed right then. Instead, I got a generic first date with dialogue that again made no sense (he’s a pro hockey player; sorry, he doesn’t feel weird wearing a button down. He dresses up all the time); an utter lack of smut, which is WILD considering they’ve loved each other for almost 15 years; and an ex-wife who’s suddenly way more involved than we’ve seen at all.
Seriously, the first half of the story she wasn’t there at all. I seriously thought she had completely given up custody. Then we find out they’re co-parenting well. And then we find out they’re not co-parenting well and usually everything devolves into a fight. And then we find out she has a ‘mid week sleepover’ with the kids (no idea when or how that works, given we never see drop off and they’re only in pre-k 3 days a week) and every other weekend (maybe?) with the kids. Oh, and also, she’s involved enough to call the MMC and… idk what she was even trying to accomplish with that phone call, warning him to ‘make really sure’ before dating the FMC. Like, they’ve been friends for years, she’s known he’s in love with the FMC since at LEAST their wedding, and yet she’s telling him to not let it be a fling? When it certainly sounds like he’s never had a fling? This was manufactured drama by someone (or something) that didn’t understand the entire first half of the book.
Also, what 3 years old says ‘obviously.’
(A *way* better conflict would have been the FMC blowing up at the MMC for not telling her that his marriage had been falling apart for TWO YEARS and they’d been sleeping in separate rooms and then him confessing that he couldn’t tell her bc he didn’t trust himself to tell her that sort of thing bc he wanted her too much. Idk, literally anything other than this nothingburger.)
Read
August 16, 2026I am critical, but I did like it as I am clearly obsessed with hockey romance books. It was an easy read, engaging and sweet, though could have included more hockey. Has Sydney even been to a game? The word "uh" was excessively used. And I do not like Syd. The nickname. Sydney is fine.
When Sydney (from New York) calls Lauren (west coast), she answers the phone with "someone better be dead." It does not specify a time, but since Sydney was on her way to bed, and it's three hours earlier on the west coast, I cannot imagine Lauren was actually asleep. On page 195, it is implied that Lauren lives in the central time zone. Consistency is key.
On page 64, Sydney agrees to plans for next Saturday night. On page 67, Archer tells her about his plans for that night, and she says “Sure. Go. Have fun. I’ve got the twins.” - I guess she forgot about her own plans.
Actual: ...a wall of mirrors that haven’t been cleaned...
Suggested: ...a wall of mirrors that hasn’t been cleaned... (hasn't [singular] refers to wall [singular]
Actual: “Is he over Bree? Like, really over it?”
Suggested: “Is he over Bree? Like, really over her?”
During a game, Archer (in thought) advises that the Bruins score first. That they are playing at The Garden. When his team, New York, scores, he says the building explodes. The Garden and Bruins are Boston. Why would the fans celebrate a New York goal?
I should have kept a count of how many times Sydney's height is mentioned. She's 5'2". We get it. I would guess four or five times in the first 100 pages. Also, without her standing on her toes and he in skates, there would not be enough of a height difference. And later, in one chapter, readers are reminded three times that the twins turn four.
On page 125, Sydney says that Archer has a game tomorrow. On the next page, clearly the same night, she says she turns on his game.
Luke opens his gifts methodically while Lily tears into hers with the enthusiasm of someone defusing a bomb. - A bomb needs to be defused methodically, not enthusiastically.
...giraffe on the left side, not the right, nightlight on the one that looks like a moon, not the star... - This is unclear. The side that looks like a moon instead of the side that looks like a star? The shape of a nightlight makes more sense, but that is not how the sentence reads.
At seventeen, he was sweet and nervous, trying so hard not to hurt me. - He was 18. She was 17. This is confirmed more than once.
I laugh into his neck, soggy and ridiculous... - his neck is soggy and ridiculous?
When Sydney (from New York) calls Lauren (west coast), she answers the phone with "someone better be dead." It does not specify a time, but since Sydney was on her way to bed, and it's three hours earlier on the west coast, I cannot imagine Lauren was actually asleep. On page 195, it is implied that Lauren lives in the central time zone. Consistency is key.
On page 64, Sydney agrees to plans for next Saturday night. On page 67, Archer tells her about his plans for that night, and she says “Sure. Go. Have fun. I’ve got the twins.” - I guess she forgot about her own plans.
Actual: ...a wall of mirrors that haven’t been cleaned...
Suggested: ...a wall of mirrors that hasn’t been cleaned... (hasn't [singular] refers to wall [singular]
Actual: “Is he over Bree? Like, really over it?”
Suggested: “Is he over Bree? Like, really over her?”
During a game, Archer (in thought) advises that the Bruins score first. That they are playing at The Garden. When his team, New York, scores, he says the building explodes. The Garden and Bruins are Boston. Why would the fans celebrate a New York goal?
I should have kept a count of how many times Sydney's height is mentioned. She's 5'2". We get it. I would guess four or five times in the first 100 pages. Also, without her standing on her toes and he in skates, there would not be enough of a height difference. And later, in one chapter, readers are reminded three times that the twins turn four.
On page 125, Sydney says that Archer has a game tomorrow. On the next page, clearly the same night, she says she turns on his game.
Luke opens his gifts methodically while Lily tears into hers with the enthusiasm of someone defusing a bomb. - A bomb needs to be defused methodically, not enthusiastically.
...giraffe on the left side, not the right, nightlight on the one that looks like a moon, not the star... - This is unclear. The side that looks like a moon instead of the side that looks like a star? The shape of a nightlight makes more sense, but that is not how the sentence reads.
At seventeen, he was sweet and nervous, trying so hard not to hurt me. - He was 18. She was 17. This is confirmed more than once.
I laugh into his neck, soggy and ridiculous... - his neck is soggy and ridiculous?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sydney has secretly loved her best friend Archer Lockwood since they were teens, but that love seemed to be one sided. So through the years she stood by his side as his friend, watching him marry another woman, have children with that woman, and live the life she thought they'd always live. So as she saw him settle into his new life, without her, she decided it was time to let him go once and for all.
Knights Like These is a beautifully penned story of friendship, love, new beginnings, family, and taking chances. Sydney has done everything she can to move on from her feelings for Archer, he made his choices and she wasn't part of them. She's created a life for herself, full well knowing it'll never be quite like the one she planned.
Then one day out of the blue Archer calls, his life is falling apart. He's a divorced single dad and he has an impending hockey season to prepare for and he needs help with his twins. He doesn't want just anyone coming into their lives, he wants her. For a second she revels in that idea, but knows it'll never be like she'd hoped all those years ago. He just needs his friend to bail him out of a jam, nothing more, nothing less... or is it?
This heartfelt story really did a number on me, I felt for Sydney and all she lost in those opening chapters, her loss felt like it became my loss too. Then just as she started to find her way in the world, he called and lured her back in. I admired her resolve, her wanting to resist all those old feelings and hopes and dreams. But I also saw that her love for him never wavered, as much as she like to claim that it did. He was supposed to be her forever and for the first time in their lives he's looking at her like that too, and my heart soared for her, for the possibilities of what could be. It was such a beautiful and emotionally charged journey... one that I am certain will linger for a while. Highly recommend this one, it's a slow burn romance that tortures in all the best ways!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Knights Like These is a beautifully penned story of friendship, love, new beginnings, family, and taking chances. Sydney has done everything she can to move on from her feelings for Archer, he made his choices and she wasn't part of them. She's created a life for herself, full well knowing it'll never be quite like the one she planned.
Then one day out of the blue Archer calls, his life is falling apart. He's a divorced single dad and he has an impending hockey season to prepare for and he needs help with his twins. He doesn't want just anyone coming into their lives, he wants her. For a second she revels in that idea, but knows it'll never be like she'd hoped all those years ago. He just needs his friend to bail him out of a jam, nothing more, nothing less... or is it?
This heartfelt story really did a number on me, I felt for Sydney and all she lost in those opening chapters, her loss felt like it became my loss too. Then just as she started to find her way in the world, he called and lured her back in. I admired her resolve, her wanting to resist all those old feelings and hopes and dreams. But I also saw that her love for him never wavered, as much as she like to claim that it did. He was supposed to be her forever and for the first time in their lives he's looking at her like that too, and my heart soared for her, for the possibilities of what could be. It was such a beautiful and emotionally charged journey... one that I am certain will linger for a while. Highly recommend this one, it's a slow burn romance that tortures in all the best ways!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
#Review: *Knights Like These* - Kendall Ryan - ARC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
Sydney just wanted to help his longtime friend at need, but that meant leaving everything behind from her current life. Moving across the country seemed crazy for everyone around Sydney, but she strongly believed that it was the right choice for her and it was also a way of helping her friend. The only thing that might be a problem was the fact that she had feelings for Archer Lockwood (the friend) for a really long time, already having a broken heart after seeing him get married and having two beautiful babies, Lily and Luke. How will that situation evolve now that Archer was single? Will Sydney be able to make her dreams come true and be with the man she loved? Will they risk their longtime friendship for something more?
The saying love makes you do crazy things truly applied to Sydney in this story. Even if she didn't feel fulfilled in her current life, leaving everything behind and ending her relationship was a bit dangerous. Why? Well I think that she really gambled everything with this move to New York, because she didn't have anything there besides Archer and that could lead to some other complicated things, such as losing everything, if something happened between them. I liked Sydney's determination and how cute the relationship with Archer's kids was. They all seemed to be getting along really well, to the point of thinking that Sydney was not only the one taking care of those kids, but maybe being more to them than that. The continuous tension between her and Archer was sooo, sooo good, especially because of him and how oblivious he was about what he felt🤭. It was for sure one slow burn love story which captivated me, making me super curious about when and how things might shift 🤭.
This book is the third one from "Off The Ice" series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone as well. I'm already supeer excited about the next book from this series!💜
✨Tropes
▫️Unrequited Love
▫️Childhood Best Friends To Lovers
▫️Single Dad
▫️Nanny
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Found Family
▫️Slow Burn
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey Goalie
▫️Dancer
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
Sydney just wanted to help his longtime friend at need, but that meant leaving everything behind from her current life. Moving across the country seemed crazy for everyone around Sydney, but she strongly believed that it was the right choice for her and it was also a way of helping her friend. The only thing that might be a problem was the fact that she had feelings for Archer Lockwood (the friend) for a really long time, already having a broken heart after seeing him get married and having two beautiful babies, Lily and Luke. How will that situation evolve now that Archer was single? Will Sydney be able to make her dreams come true and be with the man she loved? Will they risk their longtime friendship for something more?
The saying love makes you do crazy things truly applied to Sydney in this story. Even if she didn't feel fulfilled in her current life, leaving everything behind and ending her relationship was a bit dangerous. Why? Well I think that she really gambled everything with this move to New York, because she didn't have anything there besides Archer and that could lead to some other complicated things, such as losing everything, if something happened between them. I liked Sydney's determination and how cute the relationship with Archer's kids was. They all seemed to be getting along really well, to the point of thinking that Sydney was not only the one taking care of those kids, but maybe being more to them than that. The continuous tension between her and Archer was sooo, sooo good, especially because of him and how oblivious he was about what he felt🤭. It was for sure one slow burn love story which captivated me, making me super curious about when and how things might shift 🤭.
This book is the third one from "Off The Ice" series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone as well. I'm already supeer excited about the next book from this series!💜
✨Tropes
▫️Unrequited Love
▫️Childhood Best Friends To Lovers
▫️Single Dad
▫️Nanny
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Found Family
▫️Slow Burn
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey Goalie
▫️Dancer
July 24, 2026
Blest be the ties that bind…
South Carolina born author Kendall Ryan quite successfully writes flirty, feel-good romances filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. Among her many themes is this apropos hockey story – her Off the Ice series Book 3 KNIGHTS LIKE THESE, that features ‘a single-dad NHL goalie, his childhood best friend, scene-stealing twins, and a slow burn that was worth every single year of waiting!’.
Kendall’s buoyant writing style sets the tone as the story opens: ‘Lauren is giving me the look. I know the look. I’ve been on the receiving end since we were twelve, the time I told her I was going to cut my own bangs. The look that says I love you, but you’re about to do something incredibly stupid, and I’m going to sit here and watch because you won’t listen to me anyway. “Stop,” I say. “I haven’t said anything,” “You’re thinking it…’ So much of the clever themes and banter present in that opening enables the author’s synopsis to capture attention: ‘He was my first kiss. My first everything. And then he married someone else. I've been in love with Archer Lockwood since I was fourteen years old. I've never told him. I stood at his wedding, held his newborn twins in the hospital, and cried in my car afterward. I smiled through every moment that should have been mine—because that's what best friends do. Now Archer is divorced, overwhelmed, and raising two three-year-olds alone during an NHL season. When he calls for help, I pack a suitcase and fly to New York. The plan was simple: help with the kids, keep my distance, and don't fall in love. The plan lasted about seventy-two hours. Because his twins have me wrapped around their fingers. His house feels like home. And he keeps looking at me like he's finally seeing something he missed. I've waited years for Archer to look at me like that. I just wasn't ready for what happens when he finally does.’ Kendall Ryan’s skills deserve the awards she has received – an invitation to an evening’s reading pleasure!
South Carolina born author Kendall Ryan quite successfully writes flirty, feel-good romances filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. Among her many themes is this apropos hockey story – her Off the Ice series Book 3 KNIGHTS LIKE THESE, that features ‘a single-dad NHL goalie, his childhood best friend, scene-stealing twins, and a slow burn that was worth every single year of waiting!’.
Kendall’s buoyant writing style sets the tone as the story opens: ‘Lauren is giving me the look. I know the look. I’ve been on the receiving end since we were twelve, the time I told her I was going to cut my own bangs. The look that says I love you, but you’re about to do something incredibly stupid, and I’m going to sit here and watch because you won’t listen to me anyway. “Stop,” I say. “I haven’t said anything,” “You’re thinking it…’ So much of the clever themes and banter present in that opening enables the author’s synopsis to capture attention: ‘He was my first kiss. My first everything. And then he married someone else. I've been in love with Archer Lockwood since I was fourteen years old. I've never told him. I stood at his wedding, held his newborn twins in the hospital, and cried in my car afterward. I smiled through every moment that should have been mine—because that's what best friends do. Now Archer is divorced, overwhelmed, and raising two three-year-olds alone during an NHL season. When he calls for help, I pack a suitcase and fly to New York. The plan was simple: help with the kids, keep my distance, and don't fall in love. The plan lasted about seventy-two hours. Because his twins have me wrapped around their fingers. His house feels like home. And he keeps looking at me like he's finally seeing something he missed. I've waited years for Archer to look at me like that. I just wasn't ready for what happens when he finally does.’ Kendall Ryan’s skills deserve the awards she has received – an invitation to an evening’s reading pleasure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4/5 ✨
Knights Like These is a sweet, slow burn, friends to lovers romance. Watching Sydney and Archer finally find their way to each other after years of buried feelings made their happily ever after feel well deserved.
What really got me was Sydney's unwavering love for Archer. She stood beside him through everything, watching him date, marry someone else, build a family, and become the father of his adorable twins. When Archer finally started looking at her differently, my heart was so happy for Sydney.
Now... Archer, my boy. 😂 You really could've saved everyone a lot of heartache by simply talking to her. I spent a good part of the book wanting to shake him. I also couldn't completely get past the fact that Sydney had to watch him build a life with someone else, and it wasn't until he accidentally overheard her talking about her feelings that everything finally clicked for him. I wanted a little more from him before I was fully convinced. I always end up loving the book boyfriends, but this time I just couldn't completely fall for Archer.
Even with that, I loved the chemistry between them. It was hard to believe they'd managed to hide those feelings for so many years. The twins were absolutely precious and brought so much warmth to the story. Together, they made such a beautiful little family.
I also loved Sydney's friendship with Lauren. She was honest when Sydney needed to hear the truth and reminded her that her life couldn't always revolve around Archer. And while Bree didn't have a huge storyline, she left an impression. She handled everything with so much grace. She deserved so much better, and I genuinely hope she gets the happily ever after she deserves.
This story had me smiling, rolling my eyes at Archer, and rooting for Sydney from beginning to end. If you love childhood friends and a slow burn romance I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Knights Like These is a sweet, slow burn, friends to lovers romance. Watching Sydney and Archer finally find their way to each other after years of buried feelings made their happily ever after feel well deserved.
What really got me was Sydney's unwavering love for Archer. She stood beside him through everything, watching him date, marry someone else, build a family, and become the father of his adorable twins. When Archer finally started looking at her differently, my heart was so happy for Sydney.
Now... Archer, my boy. 😂 You really could've saved everyone a lot of heartache by simply talking to her. I spent a good part of the book wanting to shake him. I also couldn't completely get past the fact that Sydney had to watch him build a life with someone else, and it wasn't until he accidentally overheard her talking about her feelings that everything finally clicked for him. I wanted a little more from him before I was fully convinced. I always end up loving the book boyfriends, but this time I just couldn't completely fall for Archer.
Even with that, I loved the chemistry between them. It was hard to believe they'd managed to hide those feelings for so many years. The twins were absolutely precious and brought so much warmth to the story. Together, they made such a beautiful little family.
I also loved Sydney's friendship with Lauren. She was honest when Sydney needed to hear the truth and reminded her that her life couldn't always revolve around Archer. And while Bree didn't have a huge storyline, she left an impression. She handled everything with so much grace. She deserved so much better, and I genuinely hope she gets the happily ever after she deserves.
This story had me smiling, rolling my eyes at Archer, and rooting for Sydney from beginning to end. If you love childhood friends and a slow burn romance I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
July 23, 2026
Really, really slow burn.
Although these two best friends have known each other since high school and have loved each other since then this is such a slow burn it was almost frustrating. As I kept reading, this story took me on an emotional roller coaster. I couldn't wait for them to finally have “THE conversation” and I was almost scared that they would never because both are so stubborn and hiding their feelings from each other.
Sydney has loved Archer since high school. As usual, she doesn’t want to ruin their friendship and doesn’t reveal how she feels. They are still in each other’s lives as years pass by and she tries to hide her romantic feelings insisting that they are only friends. Now that she has dropped everything to move in with him after his divorce to help with his twins she has to decide if she can still continue to hide how she truly feels.
Archer has always loved Sydney on some level, but he didn’t realize just how deeply and romantically those feelings ran until she moved in to help him raise his twins. He is a typical guy and hates talking about his feelings, much less stops to examine them, so he doesn’t realize just how much he loves Sydney until now.
Archer’s ex-wife is portrayed in a good light and not as evil or vindictive. This story is more about two childhood friends that have finally found their way to each other. Everyone comes to terms with how this blended family will continue in the future in a mature way.
In the end, there is a HEA and ends much better than I expected. I was frustrated because it moved so slow, then I panicked when it seemed like everything wouldn't work out, and then I nearly cried when it finally did. Overall, I liked the book and this author. This is the first time I am reading this author and I’m willing to try another book by her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although these two best friends have known each other since high school and have loved each other since then this is such a slow burn it was almost frustrating. As I kept reading, this story took me on an emotional roller coaster. I couldn't wait for them to finally have “THE conversation” and I was almost scared that they would never because both are so stubborn and hiding their feelings from each other.
Sydney has loved Archer since high school. As usual, she doesn’t want to ruin their friendship and doesn’t reveal how she feels. They are still in each other’s lives as years pass by and she tries to hide her romantic feelings insisting that they are only friends. Now that she has dropped everything to move in with him after his divorce to help with his twins she has to decide if she can still continue to hide how she truly feels.
Archer has always loved Sydney on some level, but he didn’t realize just how deeply and romantically those feelings ran until she moved in to help him raise his twins. He is a typical guy and hates talking about his feelings, much less stops to examine them, so he doesn’t realize just how much he loves Sydney until now.
Archer’s ex-wife is portrayed in a good light and not as evil or vindictive. This story is more about two childhood friends that have finally found their way to each other. Everyone comes to terms with how this blended family will continue in the future in a mature way.
In the end, there is a HEA and ends much better than I expected. I was frustrated because it moved so slow, then I panicked when it seemed like everything wouldn't work out, and then I nearly cried when it finally did. Overall, I liked the book and this author. This is the first time I am reading this author and I’m willing to try another book by her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2026
I actually really liked it, even though I’m usually not a fan of their kind of history. I always find it hard to relate when so much time and history have passed before someone finally realizes the other person is "the one."
Archer and Sydney are best friends who have their first time with each other, though Syd only finds out later that it was his first time too. They never talked about that night, so they both just acted like it never happened. They both have feelings, but neither wants to risk their friendship. After he marries another woman and has twins with her, Syd assumes they’ll never have a future together. In reality, he only married her for security, without ever truly exploring his feelings for Syd. Following his divorce, balancing life as a professional hockey player and a single dad to twins becomes overwhelming, so he asks Syd to temporarily quit her job, give up her apartment, and move in with him to help out. So of course, she jumps to help him, he’s her best friend, and she wants to be there for him.
The two of them were genuinely sweet together, but despite their close friendship, communication is definitely not their strong suit, especially when it comes to feelings. Watching the twins bond with Syd was so heartwarming, and Logan, as always, was thoroughly entertaining. Still, the sheer amount of time that passed and everything left unsaid really bothered me. It takes him forever to realize how she feels, and he only gets it after overhearing her talk about it. That just didn't sit right with me. On top of that, his ex wife had to be the one to point out that she’d always noticed the way he looked at Syd, even if he didn't realize it himself or was actively repressing it. With so much history, intense longing, and so little communication, I’m left a bit torn on the story itself. I liked the characters (though I wanted a bit more depth from Archer) and it kept me entertained, but it ultimately felt a little unfulfilling.
Archer and Sydney are best friends who have their first time with each other, though Syd only finds out later that it was his first time too. They never talked about that night, so they both just acted like it never happened. They both have feelings, but neither wants to risk their friendship. After he marries another woman and has twins with her, Syd assumes they’ll never have a future together. In reality, he only married her for security, without ever truly exploring his feelings for Syd. Following his divorce, balancing life as a professional hockey player and a single dad to twins becomes overwhelming, so he asks Syd to temporarily quit her job, give up her apartment, and move in with him to help out. So of course, she jumps to help him, he’s her best friend, and she wants to be there for him.
The two of them were genuinely sweet together, but despite their close friendship, communication is definitely not their strong suit, especially when it comes to feelings. Watching the twins bond with Syd was so heartwarming, and Logan, as always, was thoroughly entertaining. Still, the sheer amount of time that passed and everything left unsaid really bothered me. It takes him forever to realize how she feels, and he only gets it after overhearing her talk about it. That just didn't sit right with me. On top of that, his ex wife had to be the one to point out that she’d always noticed the way he looked at Syd, even if he didn't realize it himself or was actively repressing it. With so much history, intense longing, and so little communication, I’m left a bit torn on the story itself. I liked the characters (though I wanted a bit more depth from Archer) and it kept me entertained, but it ultimately felt a little unfulfilling.
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