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Scarred
Not yet published
Expected 27 Aug 26A guarded goalie.
The scars she began to heal.
Luna
Falling for Cayden Blade was never part of the plan.
He’s the top NHL goalie for a reason.
Guarded.
Untouchable.
In complete control of everything around him.
But I see the man behind the mask.
The man desperate to feel again.
The man whose touch feels anything but innocent.
But some wounds cut too deep to heal.
And falling for a man still haunted by his past may leave us both scarred in the end.
Cayden
My life is simple—stop pucks, protect my daughter, keep my head down.
No emotions.
No complications.
Then Luna Bennett crashes into my carefully controlled world and makes me crave every dangerous thing I swore I’d never want again.
She makes me see beyond the scars I carry.
Makes me believe that love after loss might actually exist.
But scars like mine never truly fade.
And the more my walls begin to crack, the more terrified I become that loving again just might destroy us both.
* Scarred is book two in the Bayside Bolts Series. It is an interconnected standalone.
The scars she began to heal.
Luna
Falling for Cayden Blade was never part of the plan.
He’s the top NHL goalie for a reason.
Guarded.
Untouchable.
In complete control of everything around him.
But I see the man behind the mask.
The man desperate to feel again.
The man whose touch feels anything but innocent.
But some wounds cut too deep to heal.
And falling for a man still haunted by his past may leave us both scarred in the end.
Cayden
My life is simple—stop pucks, protect my daughter, keep my head down.
No emotions.
No complications.
Then Luna Bennett crashes into my carefully controlled world and makes me crave every dangerous thing I swore I’d never want again.
She makes me see beyond the scars I carry.
Makes me believe that love after loss might actually exist.
But scars like mine never truly fade.
And the more my walls begin to crack, the more terrified I become that loving again just might destroy us both.
* Scarred is book two in the Bayside Bolts Series. It is an interconnected standalone.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 27, 2026
About the author
Sophia Belle
9 books210 followersSophia Belle is a contemporary romance author who writes emotional love stories filled with protective heroes, strong heroines, found family, healing, and enough heat to keep you craving more.
Her debut novel, Connected by Souls, began an interconnected world of love stories that continues to grow with each new couple.
When she's not writing, you can find her boating with her family on the weekends, enjoying the beaches, and going on fun group dates with friends. She lives in Florida with her husband, three children, and two golden retrievers, and yes, Mimi and Papaw live above the garage, just like in the book. :)
A note from Sophia :
One night, I dreamed about the characters from Connected by Souls. I woke up in the middle of the night, opened my laptop, and started writing. I have always been an avid reader, but I had no clue what I was doing. I was having so much fun writing that I told myself if I only did this for my eyes, it would be enough because it brought me so much joy.
Before I knew it, I had an entire novel sitting in front of me. A novel I cried and laughed with while sitting in the dark by myself, typing away in the still of the night. A story I knew needed to be shared with others.
I've opened up this whole creative world that I didn't know existed inside me, and I never want it to end. Writing has given me something I can own outside of being a mom. A sense of accomplishment and joy that I didn't know was missing.
I’m so grateful for this journey as an author and the readers who have fallen in love with these characters along the way. I’ve put my heart and soul into every story I write, and my wish is for you to feel connected to my characters as much as I do.
Connect with Sophia here!
https://linktr.ee/sophiabelleauthor
Her debut novel, Connected by Souls, began an interconnected world of love stories that continues to grow with each new couple.
When she's not writing, you can find her boating with her family on the weekends, enjoying the beaches, and going on fun group dates with friends. She lives in Florida with her husband, three children, and two golden retrievers, and yes, Mimi and Papaw live above the garage, just like in the book. :)
A note from Sophia :
One night, I dreamed about the characters from Connected by Souls. I woke up in the middle of the night, opened my laptop, and started writing. I have always been an avid reader, but I had no clue what I was doing. I was having so much fun writing that I told myself if I only did this for my eyes, it would be enough because it brought me so much joy.
Before I knew it, I had an entire novel sitting in front of me. A novel I cried and laughed with while sitting in the dark by myself, typing away in the still of the night. A story I knew needed to be shared with others.
I've opened up this whole creative world that I didn't know existed inside me, and I never want it to end. Writing has given me something I can own outside of being a mom. A sense of accomplishment and joy that I didn't know was missing.
I’m so grateful for this journey as an author and the readers who have fallen in love with these characters along the way. I’ve put my heart and soul into every story I write, and my wish is for you to feel connected to my characters as much as I do.
Connect with Sophia here!
https://linktr.ee/sophiabelleauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 10, 2026
I have no words and all the feels for this book. Sophia has truly own done herself with this series and she came to play with this book!! The way I would get pulled in and couldn’t put this book down…. 2 nights in a row I was up WAYYYY past my bed time and I don’t regret it for a single minute.
Cayden Blade is our goalie all star for the Bolts Hockey team. He is also the single dad to the most ADORABLE little girl (2.5 years old) Scarlett. These two couldn’t have been a more perfect match for stealing hearts and making life altering changes. Anyone that comes into their orbit can’t help but fall trapped to their gravitational pull.
Now there is one little kicker he is also a widow. It’s hard loosing the person you promised to love forever. And also leaving behind a little girl in the wake of all that pain and loss. Cayden had to pick up the pieces and keep living for the only thing that mattered anymore but life has a funny way to showing you it’s okay to have more. Loving someone else doesn’t mean you love anyone else less.
My love for these two I knew was going to be a hard fall. I was falling for this man when we met him in book one Shattered! And I called it right away that he would steal the show for me. An older single dad is just what the doctor ordered!!
Luna Bennett is making her shine in this book and honestly is the perfect match up for Cayden. Luna is the younger sister for character for the connected series and seeing her grown up and making her way in the world is like watching your baby grow up. The last thing Luna was expecting was to fall for the grumpy goalie but destiny has a way of changing paths when the moment is right.
We get to watch these two orbit each other and try to keep way from the gravitational pull that won’t let go of them. Having to both overcome fears they carry, baggage they don’t want to burden anyone with, and hope that someone can really seem them for who they are not run away. Because sometimes the scariest thing is hope but it’s almost the most beautiful part of the rainbow after the storm.
I will never get enough of these two and I WILL be doing a reread! This book is now my top two pick of all of Sophia’s books!! I can’t tell you enough on why you need to read this book and fall for them like I did.
Cayden Blade is our goalie all star for the Bolts Hockey team. He is also the single dad to the most ADORABLE little girl (2.5 years old) Scarlett. These two couldn’t have been a more perfect match for stealing hearts and making life altering changes. Anyone that comes into their orbit can’t help but fall trapped to their gravitational pull.
Now there is one little kicker he is also a widow. It’s hard loosing the person you promised to love forever. And also leaving behind a little girl in the wake of all that pain and loss. Cayden had to pick up the pieces and keep living for the only thing that mattered anymore but life has a funny way to showing you it’s okay to have more. Loving someone else doesn’t mean you love anyone else less.
My love for these two I knew was going to be a hard fall. I was falling for this man when we met him in book one Shattered! And I called it right away that he would steal the show for me. An older single dad is just what the doctor ordered!!
Luna Bennett is making her shine in this book and honestly is the perfect match up for Cayden. Luna is the younger sister for character for the connected series and seeing her grown up and making her way in the world is like watching your baby grow up. The last thing Luna was expecting was to fall for the grumpy goalie but destiny has a way of changing paths when the moment is right.
We get to watch these two orbit each other and try to keep way from the gravitational pull that won’t let go of them. Having to both overcome fears they carry, baggage they don’t want to burden anyone with, and hope that someone can really seem them for who they are not run away. Because sometimes the scariest thing is hope but it’s almost the most beautiful part of the rainbow after the storm.
I will never get enough of these two and I WILL be doing a reread! This book is now my top two pick of all of Sophia’s books!! I can’t tell you enough on why you need to read this book and fall for them like I did.
August 20, 2026
Scarred by Sophia Belle eARC review 🩷
Some books you fall in love with, other books change your life. This book changed my life. I physically cannot put into words how much I loved this book. Hands down, ♾️⭐️. I devoured this. I loved every single second. I will accept no criticism. This book is perfection.
This beautiful, raw, emotionally heart wrenching story has me in all my feels. Cayden, Luna and Scarlett officially have my entire heart and soul.
Love after loss written in the most gracious and patient way. My heart couldn’t take the love and patience between Cayden and Luna. Sophia’s writing is just incredible and pulls you into this world that you won’t want to leave.
Amazing found family, incredible spice, a love story that broke me and put me back together within its pages.
What to expect:
Single dad
Dance teacher
Found family
Grumpy x sunshine
Goalie x ballerina
Widower MMC
Emotional scars
Healing after loss
Forced proximity
Thank you so much Sophia & Luna Literary for the arc!
Some books you fall in love with, other books change your life. This book changed my life. I physically cannot put into words how much I loved this book. Hands down, ♾️⭐️. I devoured this. I loved every single second. I will accept no criticism. This book is perfection.
This beautiful, raw, emotionally heart wrenching story has me in all my feels. Cayden, Luna and Scarlett officially have my entire heart and soul.
Love after loss written in the most gracious and patient way. My heart couldn’t take the love and patience between Cayden and Luna. Sophia’s writing is just incredible and pulls you into this world that you won’t want to leave.
Amazing found family, incredible spice, a love story that broke me and put me back together within its pages.
What to expect:
Single dad
Dance teacher
Found family
Grumpy x sunshine
Goalie x ballerina
Widower MMC
Emotional scars
Healing after loss
Forced proximity
Thank you so much Sophia & Luna Literary for the arc!
August 21, 2026
Wow… I’m pretty sure this book finished me, not the other way around. Gutted in the most incredible way.
This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. So remarkably well written. This love story was written with so much care and patience, whilst showing compassion and grieving, growing and healing, acceptance and love in all the most incredible and intimate ways.
I was literally addicted. I couldn’t put it down. Cayden showed remarkable strength in the face of grief and pain, while conflicted because of the initial lust he felt for Luna. And Luna the remarkable spark of light and joy in everyone’s lives including Cayden’s daughter Scarlett as her dance teacher.
The journey those two go on together, and individually was so beautiful, and this book definitely takes you on the emotional journey with them. It was beautiful. Speechless.
This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. So remarkably well written. This love story was written with so much care and patience, whilst showing compassion and grieving, growing and healing, acceptance and love in all the most incredible and intimate ways.
I was literally addicted. I couldn’t put it down. Cayden showed remarkable strength in the face of grief and pain, while conflicted because of the initial lust he felt for Luna. And Luna the remarkable spark of light and joy in everyone’s lives including Cayden’s daughter Scarlett as her dance teacher.
The journey those two go on together, and individually was so beautiful, and this book definitely takes you on the emotional journey with them. It was beautiful. Speechless.
August 6, 2026
Did I finish this book or did it freaking finish me?! 😭🩷🖤
For the last 10%, I was SOBBING. Like full on snot rocket ugly crying.
Holy cow this book will forever hold a piece of my heart! 🥰
The way I absolutely adored getting to go back to Crystal Isle (where Sophia Belle’s first book series takes place) and revisit all of the characters that I’ve missed so much! I also love that we keep expanding our knowledge and love for the Bayside Bolts hockey team as the books progress!
Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Daughter’s Dance Teacher X Grumpy Goalie
- Emotional Scars
- Love and Healing After Loss
- Spicy Slow Burn
This is book 2 in the Bayside Bolts Hockey Series by Sophia Belle. They can be read as standalones, but they are interconnected and should be read in order to prevent any spoilers! 🏒
For the last 10%, I was SOBBING. Like full on snot rocket ugly crying.
Holy cow this book will forever hold a piece of my heart! 🥰
The way I absolutely adored getting to go back to Crystal Isle (where Sophia Belle’s first book series takes place) and revisit all of the characters that I’ve missed so much! I also love that we keep expanding our knowledge and love for the Bayside Bolts hockey team as the books progress!
Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Daughter’s Dance Teacher X Grumpy Goalie
- Emotional Scars
- Love and Healing After Loss
- Spicy Slow Burn
This is book 2 in the Bayside Bolts Hockey Series by Sophia Belle. They can be read as standalones, but they are interconnected and should be read in order to prevent any spoilers! 🏒
August 17, 2026
3.5 stars.
I love the writing style of this author and she definitely draws you in. My only issue was that it seemed long, the story could have had the same effect with about 75 pages less. I’ll probably add the author into my rotation to read regularly.
I love the writing style of this author and she definitely draws you in. My only issue was that it seemed long, the story could have had the same effect with about 75 pages less. I’ll probably add the author into my rotation to read regularly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I read this in one sitting??? Yes! Yes I did!
After absolutely loving Shattered, I was counting down the days until I could get my hands on Cayden’s story. I had no idea Sophia Belle was about to emotionally wreck me, make me fall even harder for these characters, and leave me sitting there with a full heart and absolutely no emotional stability. This story hit so much deeper than I expected, and somehow I loved every second of it.
Cayden was such a compelling hero. He’s carrying an enormous amount of guilt after losing his wife while trying to be everything his young daughter needs. Watching him navigate fatherhood, grief, and the possibility of opening his heart again made his character feel incredibly genuine. He doesn’t magically move past his pain; instead, we get to see him slowly work through it, which made his growth one of my favorite parts of the story.
And then there’s Luna. ❤️ She brought such a wonderful contrast to Cayden’s guarded personality. She’s warm, confident, and full of life, but she has her own fears and emotional baggage to work through. I loved that she wasn’t simply there to “fix” Cayden. Their relationship gave both of them room to grow, and their connection felt natural from beginning to end.
The romance had EVERYTHING I wanted. The attraction was obvious right away, but they fought it every step of the way. That slow-building tension had me completely invested, and when they finally stopped fighting what was between them… 🔥🔥🔥 Let’s just say the chemistry was doing some serious work.
I also adored the relationship between Cayden and his daughter, Scarlett. Those little family moments added so much heart to the story and made Cayden even easier to fall for. Seeing Luna become part of their world made the romance feel like it was about more than just two people falling in love… it was about creating something new after life had completely changed.
What really stayed with me was the message underneath the romance: loving again doesn’t erase the love or memories you had before. Sometimes healing means allowing yourself to believe that happiness can exist alongside the grief.
And yes… this book absolutely got me in my feelings. There were moments that had me smiling like an idiot, moments that had me fanning myself, and others where my heart felt like it was being squeezed and I was crying. Sophia somehow managed to give me all the swoony romance feels while also completely destroying me emotionally.
✨ Single dad
✨ Grumpy hockey goalie
✨ Daughter’s dance teacher
✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Emotional healing
✨ Serious chemistry
✨ Second chances at happiness
This is book two in the Bayside Bolts series, and while it can be enjoyed on its own, I definitely think reading the series in order will make the character connections and returning faces even more enjoyable. If you loved Shattered like I did, there is absolutely no way I could tell you to skip Cayden’s story.
Sophia Belle delivered a romance that was sexy, emotional, tender, and completely unforgettable. Cayden and Luna stole my heart, put it through the wringer, and somehow gave it back even fuller than before. This is definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a long time…and yes, I absolutely need a reread. 🏒❤️🔥
The Bayside Bolts are becoming my favorite hockey romance series! I’m counting down the days until McCormick’s book!
Thank you soooo much Sophia for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
After absolutely loving Shattered, I was counting down the days until I could get my hands on Cayden’s story. I had no idea Sophia Belle was about to emotionally wreck me, make me fall even harder for these characters, and leave me sitting there with a full heart and absolutely no emotional stability. This story hit so much deeper than I expected, and somehow I loved every second of it.
Cayden was such a compelling hero. He’s carrying an enormous amount of guilt after losing his wife while trying to be everything his young daughter needs. Watching him navigate fatherhood, grief, and the possibility of opening his heart again made his character feel incredibly genuine. He doesn’t magically move past his pain; instead, we get to see him slowly work through it, which made his growth one of my favorite parts of the story.
And then there’s Luna. ❤️ She brought such a wonderful contrast to Cayden’s guarded personality. She’s warm, confident, and full of life, but she has her own fears and emotional baggage to work through. I loved that she wasn’t simply there to “fix” Cayden. Their relationship gave both of them room to grow, and their connection felt natural from beginning to end.
The romance had EVERYTHING I wanted. The attraction was obvious right away, but they fought it every step of the way. That slow-building tension had me completely invested, and when they finally stopped fighting what was between them… 🔥🔥🔥 Let’s just say the chemistry was doing some serious work.
I also adored the relationship between Cayden and his daughter, Scarlett. Those little family moments added so much heart to the story and made Cayden even easier to fall for. Seeing Luna become part of their world made the romance feel like it was about more than just two people falling in love… it was about creating something new after life had completely changed.
What really stayed with me was the message underneath the romance: loving again doesn’t erase the love or memories you had before. Sometimes healing means allowing yourself to believe that happiness can exist alongside the grief.
And yes… this book absolutely got me in my feelings. There were moments that had me smiling like an idiot, moments that had me fanning myself, and others where my heart felt like it was being squeezed and I was crying. Sophia somehow managed to give me all the swoony romance feels while also completely destroying me emotionally.
✨ Single dad
✨ Grumpy hockey goalie
✨ Daughter’s dance teacher
✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Emotional healing
✨ Serious chemistry
✨ Second chances at happiness
This is book two in the Bayside Bolts series, and while it can be enjoyed on its own, I definitely think reading the series in order will make the character connections and returning faces even more enjoyable. If you loved Shattered like I did, there is absolutely no way I could tell you to skip Cayden’s story.
Sophia Belle delivered a romance that was sexy, emotional, tender, and completely unforgettable. Cayden and Luna stole my heart, put it through the wringer, and somehow gave it back even fuller than before. This is definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a long time…and yes, I absolutely need a reread. 🏒❤️🔥
The Bayside Bolts are becoming my favorite hockey romance series! I’m counting down the days until McCormick’s book!
Thank you soooo much Sophia for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scarred absolutely ruined me in the best possible way! 😭 It broke my heart into a million pieces and then slowly put it back together, chapter by chapter ❤️🩹
I'd give this book 10 stars if I could ⭐️
Cayden Blade is the superstar goalie of the Bayside Bolts and although he seems put together on the surface, poor Cayden was a broken man underneath. He had lost his wife in a terrible car accident just a few weeks after their daughter was born and truly was suffering with a broken heart 💔 Raising his daughter and hockey are the main focuses of Cayden's life and finding love again was not on his radar until Luna Bennett appeared as his daughter's dance teacher. The instant connection between these two was something both of them had never experienced and couldn't understand ... and Cayden was not ready to face.
Luna is the sweetest soul 🥹 Kind, caring, empathetic and compassionate. Everything Cayden didn't know that he needed. Her love for Cayden's daughter, Scarlett, was so genuine and pure and exactly what Cayden needed to see to allow his head and his heart to even think about letting someone new into their life. Luna had a beautiful way of simply accepting Cayden and his grief for what they were, and being patient enough to wait for him to be ready to face his feelings. She loved him through everything from the very start and quickly they became each others medicine 🥹 Luna loved Scarlett like her own yet made it very clear that she never, ever wanted to replace Scarlett's mother. This alone shows her true heart ❤️ and Scarlett loved her right back from the start.
Everything about this story flowed in such a beautiful way! As a widow myself, I truly have never read a more raw, real and emotional love after loss story. I've also never cried so hard and so often throughout a book before - I was sobbing and unable to see my kindle screen multiple times 😭 I felt so seen, heard and understood 🥹 There are so many small moments in the book that ring so true after loosing your spouse. The fear, oh the fear of letting someone new in, the guilt of a first kiss or allowing yourself to be happy again, the grief of forgetting an important day, the overwhelming sadness of moving on. Sophia hit every single angle of grief so gently; she absolutely nailed this trope - and did it such beautiful justice.
The found family in this story warmed my heart! The brotherhood of the team, their friends, family and the fact that Cayden's late wife's grandmother, Mae, continued to play such an important role in their lives all just made the story so much better 🥰
I cannot finish this review without mentioning how HOT these two were together when they started to allow love in 🥵❤️🔥 Cayden is grumpy book boyfriend perfection with a filthy mouth that had me squealing and fanning myself 🔥 Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn't get enough!!
I ugly cried through the entire last 10% of the book 🥲 All I will say is that this story wrapped up beautifully and Cayden, Luna and Scarlett now hold a very special and permanent place in my heart - and forever will.
I couldn't put the book down, yet didn't want it to end. As soon as it was over, I was ready to start back over from page 1. Hands down one of my favourite reads of 2026 🩷🖤
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Sophia and Luna Literary for the ARC of Scarred in exchange for my honest review..
I'd give this book 10 stars if I could ⭐️
Cayden Blade is the superstar goalie of the Bayside Bolts and although he seems put together on the surface, poor Cayden was a broken man underneath. He had lost his wife in a terrible car accident just a few weeks after their daughter was born and truly was suffering with a broken heart 💔 Raising his daughter and hockey are the main focuses of Cayden's life and finding love again was not on his radar until Luna Bennett appeared as his daughter's dance teacher. The instant connection between these two was something both of them had never experienced and couldn't understand ... and Cayden was not ready to face.
Luna is the sweetest soul 🥹 Kind, caring, empathetic and compassionate. Everything Cayden didn't know that he needed. Her love for Cayden's daughter, Scarlett, was so genuine and pure and exactly what Cayden needed to see to allow his head and his heart to even think about letting someone new into their life. Luna had a beautiful way of simply accepting Cayden and his grief for what they were, and being patient enough to wait for him to be ready to face his feelings. She loved him through everything from the very start and quickly they became each others medicine 🥹 Luna loved Scarlett like her own yet made it very clear that she never, ever wanted to replace Scarlett's mother. This alone shows her true heart ❤️ and Scarlett loved her right back from the start.
Everything about this story flowed in such a beautiful way! As a widow myself, I truly have never read a more raw, real and emotional love after loss story. I've also never cried so hard and so often throughout a book before - I was sobbing and unable to see my kindle screen multiple times 😭 I felt so seen, heard and understood 🥹 There are so many small moments in the book that ring so true after loosing your spouse. The fear, oh the fear of letting someone new in, the guilt of a first kiss or allowing yourself to be happy again, the grief of forgetting an important day, the overwhelming sadness of moving on. Sophia hit every single angle of grief so gently; she absolutely nailed this trope - and did it such beautiful justice.
The found family in this story warmed my heart! The brotherhood of the team, their friends, family and the fact that Cayden's late wife's grandmother, Mae, continued to play such an important role in their lives all just made the story so much better 🥰
I cannot finish this review without mentioning how HOT these two were together when they started to allow love in 🥵❤️🔥 Cayden is grumpy book boyfriend perfection with a filthy mouth that had me squealing and fanning myself 🔥 Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn't get enough!!
I ugly cried through the entire last 10% of the book 🥲 All I will say is that this story wrapped up beautifully and Cayden, Luna and Scarlett now hold a very special and permanent place in my heart - and forever will.
I couldn't put the book down, yet didn't want it to end. As soon as it was over, I was ready to start back over from page 1. Hands down one of my favourite reads of 2026 🩷🖤
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Sophia and Luna Literary for the ARC of Scarred in exchange for my honest review..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness! This might be my top read of 2026! All the freaking stars!!!!
No amount of words could do this book justice, but Ms. Sophia Belle! You out did yourself with this one.
Cayden Blade is the #1 goalie in the NHL and plays for the Bayside Bolts. He has been just surviving since his wife past 3 years ago. Just two weeks after their daughter Scarlett was born. The only thing keeping him going is hockey and Scarlett. He has not touched a woman, much less looked at another woman since his wife's passing. That is until Luna Bennett, his daughters new dance teacher enters his life. He cannot keep his eyes off her and the connection he feels towards her scares him. Cayden has been having pain in his hip for the last three years and nothing seems to help. His coach talks him into trying yoga and when he walks into his first session, the shock on his face when he realizes that his restorative yoga teacher is none other than Luna herself. Will Cayden's guild of connecting with another woman consume him or will Luna help him to see that he is deserving of finding love again?
Guys, this book was everything. Cayden, Luna and Scarlett are so perfect in every way. Cayden going from the grumpy goalie to learning and accepting that he deserves to be happy again was so amazing to watch. Luna is this sunshine and light and her patience to give Cayden the space to figure out that he is deserving of love again was pure perfection. And sweet baby Scarlett! She just melted my heart! I also absolutely adored Mae. They relationship that she has with Cayden just touched my heart so much.
This book was so beautiful, raw and emotionally heart wrenching. I knew going in that Sophia was going to have me crying, but the amount of times that I cried. Holy moly! I think my cry count was up to like 15 by the end! The way that Sophia wrote love after loss was so gracious and respectful! I just could not get over the pull between them and the patience's that they had for each other.
Sophia's writing is just incredible and pulls you in from the very beginning. I could not put this book down and then that ending! My mind was blown! The fact that I have to wait till 2027 to read book three is not very nice Ms. Belle.
If you love found family, incredible spice, a love story that will tear your heart out and put it back together within the pages, then this book is for you!
Thank you Sophia Belle and Luna Literary Management for the eARC. It was a privilege to read this book early in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.
Read if you like:
-Hockey Romance
-Single Dad
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Found Family
-Goalie x Ballerine
-Widower MMC
-Emotional Scars
-Healing after loss
No amount of words could do this book justice, but Ms. Sophia Belle! You out did yourself with this one.
Cayden Blade is the #1 goalie in the NHL and plays for the Bayside Bolts. He has been just surviving since his wife past 3 years ago. Just two weeks after their daughter Scarlett was born. The only thing keeping him going is hockey and Scarlett. He has not touched a woman, much less looked at another woman since his wife's passing. That is until Luna Bennett, his daughters new dance teacher enters his life. He cannot keep his eyes off her and the connection he feels towards her scares him. Cayden has been having pain in his hip for the last three years and nothing seems to help. His coach talks him into trying yoga and when he walks into his first session, the shock on his face when he realizes that his restorative yoga teacher is none other than Luna herself. Will Cayden's guild of connecting with another woman consume him or will Luna help him to see that he is deserving of finding love again?
Guys, this book was everything. Cayden, Luna and Scarlett are so perfect in every way. Cayden going from the grumpy goalie to learning and accepting that he deserves to be happy again was so amazing to watch. Luna is this sunshine and light and her patience to give Cayden the space to figure out that he is deserving of love again was pure perfection. And sweet baby Scarlett! She just melted my heart! I also absolutely adored Mae. They relationship that she has with Cayden just touched my heart so much.
This book was so beautiful, raw and emotionally heart wrenching. I knew going in that Sophia was going to have me crying, but the amount of times that I cried. Holy moly! I think my cry count was up to like 15 by the end! The way that Sophia wrote love after loss was so gracious and respectful! I just could not get over the pull between them and the patience's that they had for each other.
Sophia's writing is just incredible and pulls you in from the very beginning. I could not put this book down and then that ending! My mind was blown! The fact that I have to wait till 2027 to read book three is not very nice Ms. Belle.
If you love found family, incredible spice, a love story that will tear your heart out and put it back together within the pages, then this book is for you!
Thank you Sophia Belle and Luna Literary Management for the eARC. It was a privilege to read this book early in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.
Read if you like:
-Hockey Romance
-Single Dad
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Found Family
-Goalie x Ballerine
-Widower MMC
-Emotional Scars
-Healing after loss
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sophia absolutely left me wrecked with this book! It was so beautiful, so raw, so sweet and tender that I was enraptured and didn’t want to put this book down. Within minutes, she has you eating out of the palm of her hand with how fantastic this book was written and how relatable these characters are. The yearning in this book was felt all the way to my bones and my heart was squeezed so hard with how much I loved Cayden and Luna. Their story was soul touching and I am so sad it’s over. I’m already ready for a re-read.
Cayden has such a real connection that Sophia makes him have with the readers. After experiencing his wife’s tragic loss, he’s left with all the guilt and grief that hits him hard every day. But he has to remain strong for his one shining light, his daughter, Scarlett. His world is thrown off balance and out of control when he’s introduced to Luna, his daughter’s dance teacher and his person yoga instructor. She’s bright and everything he once lost and he’s now scared that she is pulling him into her orbit and he can’t stop himself. The magnetic pull, the instant attraction, the understanding that these two have truly pulled at my heart. The connection they have was undeniable and passionate, yet tender and emotional, too. I loved watching them deny the physical and emotional connection only to know that it would push them back together and eventually they’d cave. And ugh, their sexual chemistry could be felt radiating off the pages. Dripping with sexual tension and fire. I ate them up! Their journey was so beautiful and sweet, I loved watching it blossom. I think each had a personal growth from being with each other, but this book really focused on Cayden and his growth. And it was the most realest journey. It really made me fall harder in love with these two. Cayden continue to chase the guilt until Luna showed him that she was one he’d take the risk of losing versus never having as his to love.
This was just an emotionally beautiful book. Moments that would make your heart warm and cozy. Ones that would leave you fanning yourself (oh the spice was hot!). And ones that were so raw they forced tears out of me. But this book is definitely one I’d recommend. It is part of a series (book 2) but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!
Thank you so much Sophia for the chance to ARC read Cayden and Luna’s story. These are my honest opinions.
Cayden has such a real connection that Sophia makes him have with the readers. After experiencing his wife’s tragic loss, he’s left with all the guilt and grief that hits him hard every day. But he has to remain strong for his one shining light, his daughter, Scarlett. His world is thrown off balance and out of control when he’s introduced to Luna, his daughter’s dance teacher and his person yoga instructor. She’s bright and everything he once lost and he’s now scared that she is pulling him into her orbit and he can’t stop himself. The magnetic pull, the instant attraction, the understanding that these two have truly pulled at my heart. The connection they have was undeniable and passionate, yet tender and emotional, too. I loved watching them deny the physical and emotional connection only to know that it would push them back together and eventually they’d cave. And ugh, their sexual chemistry could be felt radiating off the pages. Dripping with sexual tension and fire. I ate them up! Their journey was so beautiful and sweet, I loved watching it blossom. I think each had a personal growth from being with each other, but this book really focused on Cayden and his growth. And it was the most realest journey. It really made me fall harder in love with these two. Cayden continue to chase the guilt until Luna showed him that she was one he’d take the risk of losing versus never having as his to love.
This was just an emotionally beautiful book. Moments that would make your heart warm and cozy. Ones that would leave you fanning yourself (oh the spice was hot!). And ones that were so raw they forced tears out of me. But this book is definitely one I’d recommend. It is part of a series (book 2) but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!
Thank you so much Sophia for the chance to ARC read Cayden and Luna’s story. These are my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay… I think Sophia Belle may have officially stolen my heart with Scarred. 😭
This book had me shedding a few tears, completely invested, and falling head over heels for these characters. I was not emotionally prepared for this one!
Give me a guarded NHL goalie, single dad, daughter, hockey romance, emotional scars and a woman determined to see the man behind the walls and I am SOLD.
Cayden had my whole heart. 🥹 He’s guarded, controlled and so used to keeping everyone at arm’s length. He’s carrying so much from his past while trying to be the best dad he can be for his daughter. Then Luna comes crashing into his carefully controlled world and slowly starts showing him that maybe he doesn’t have to carry everything alone.
I absolutely loved Luna. She sees straight through Cayden’s walls and never gives up on the man underneath them. Watching her bring out a softer side of him and seeing their relationship develop was honestly one of my favourite parts of the book.
And can we talk about single dad Cayden?! 🫠 His relationship with his daughter completely melted my heart, and I loved watching Luna become part of their little world. Those moments added so much warmth to a story that also had plenty of emotional depth.
The romance between Luna and Cayden had me SWOONING. There’s so much tension, tenderness and chemistry between them, but it’s the emotional side of their relationship that really got me. Watching two people with their own wounds slowly learn to trust, heal and open their hearts again was beautiful.
And yes… I cried. 😭 There were moments that genuinely hurt my heart, and I found myself so emotionally invested in what these characters were going through. I love a romance that can make me laugh, swoon AND cry, and this one definitely delivered.
I also loved the hockey element! 🏒 Give me an NHL romance and I’m already interested, but add in a guarded goalie, single dad and all the emotional angst and you’ve got me completely hooked.
Scarred is book two in the Bayside Bolts Series, but it’s an interconnected standalone, so you can jump straight into this one!
If you love hockey romance, NHL players, guarded heroes, single dads, emotional scars, healing, chemistry, angst and a heroine who sees beyond the walls, this needs to be on your TBR!
Sophia Belle, you absolutely got me with this one. 🤍
Thank you so much for the review copy!
This book had me shedding a few tears, completely invested, and falling head over heels for these characters. I was not emotionally prepared for this one!
Give me a guarded NHL goalie, single dad, daughter, hockey romance, emotional scars and a woman determined to see the man behind the walls and I am SOLD.
Cayden had my whole heart. 🥹 He’s guarded, controlled and so used to keeping everyone at arm’s length. He’s carrying so much from his past while trying to be the best dad he can be for his daughter. Then Luna comes crashing into his carefully controlled world and slowly starts showing him that maybe he doesn’t have to carry everything alone.
I absolutely loved Luna. She sees straight through Cayden’s walls and never gives up on the man underneath them. Watching her bring out a softer side of him and seeing their relationship develop was honestly one of my favourite parts of the book.
And can we talk about single dad Cayden?! 🫠 His relationship with his daughter completely melted my heart, and I loved watching Luna become part of their little world. Those moments added so much warmth to a story that also had plenty of emotional depth.
The romance between Luna and Cayden had me SWOONING. There’s so much tension, tenderness and chemistry between them, but it’s the emotional side of their relationship that really got me. Watching two people with their own wounds slowly learn to trust, heal and open their hearts again was beautiful.
And yes… I cried. 😭 There were moments that genuinely hurt my heart, and I found myself so emotionally invested in what these characters were going through. I love a romance that can make me laugh, swoon AND cry, and this one definitely delivered.
I also loved the hockey element! 🏒 Give me an NHL romance and I’m already interested, but add in a guarded goalie, single dad and all the emotional angst and you’ve got me completely hooked.
Scarred is book two in the Bayside Bolts Series, but it’s an interconnected standalone, so you can jump straight into this one!
If you love hockey romance, NHL players, guarded heroes, single dads, emotional scars, healing, chemistry, angst and a heroine who sees beyond the walls, this needs to be on your TBR!
Sophia Belle, you absolutely got me with this one. 🤍
Thank you so much for the review copy!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the author for the ARC! This was my first book by Sophia Belle, and as someone who loves hockey romance and single-dad stories, it definitely ticked a lot of my boxes.
I really enjoyed stepping into this world. Scarred is book two, and although I haven’t read the first book or the other connected books, I found it surprisingly easy to follow. There are quite a few characters connected to Luna, but I never felt completely lost.
Cayden was such an easy character to root for. He’d been through so much, and Luna completely took him by surprise. He deserved to find love, and I thought Luna was exactly the person he needed. I especially loved how quickly they felt connected and the little signs that seemed to show they were meant to find each other. 🥹
Luna was such a beautiful soul. She had the patience Cayden needed while he learned to feel comfortable with falling in love again. I also loved that she was a ballerina and the way that became something they could connect through. 🩰❤️
The hockey team were fantastic side characters too. I genuinely thought about McCormick throughout the entire book, so I’ll definitely be picking up his story!
My biggest issue was Cayden’s daughter. Going into a single-dad romance, I want the child to feel like a real and important part of the story, and I unfortunately felt like Scar didn’t have enough presence. The moments she was on the page made me want MORE of her. Honestly, I think the story could have worked without Cayden being a father, which was a little disappointing for me because I love seeing that parent/child dynamic in romance. I also would have loved more exploration of Cayden’s struggle with loving Jules while learning to move forward after losing her. There is an emotional tug but I felt id have loved a little bit more.
Overall, though, this was a really enjoyable read. I loved the characters, the hockey world and the connection between Cayden and Luna, and I’d happily return to this world again. 🏒❤️
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed stepping into this world. Scarred is book two, and although I haven’t read the first book or the other connected books, I found it surprisingly easy to follow. There are quite a few characters connected to Luna, but I never felt completely lost.
Cayden was such an easy character to root for. He’d been through so much, and Luna completely took him by surprise. He deserved to find love, and I thought Luna was exactly the person he needed. I especially loved how quickly they felt connected and the little signs that seemed to show they were meant to find each other. 🥹
Luna was such a beautiful soul. She had the patience Cayden needed while he learned to feel comfortable with falling in love again. I also loved that she was a ballerina and the way that became something they could connect through. 🩰❤️
The hockey team were fantastic side characters too. I genuinely thought about McCormick throughout the entire book, so I’ll definitely be picking up his story!
My biggest issue was Cayden’s daughter. Going into a single-dad romance, I want the child to feel like a real and important part of the story, and I unfortunately felt like Scar didn’t have enough presence. The moments she was on the page made me want MORE of her. Honestly, I think the story could have worked without Cayden being a father, which was a little disappointing for me because I love seeing that parent/child dynamic in romance. I also would have loved more exploration of Cayden’s struggle with loving Jules while learning to move forward after losing her. There is an emotional tug but I felt id have loved a little bit more.
Overall, though, this was a really enjoyable read. I loved the characters, the hockey world and the connection between Cayden and Luna, and I’d happily return to this world again. 🏒❤️
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trope - single dad, hockey romance, guarded goalie × sunshine ballerina teacher FMC, slow burn, widowed MMC, grief, forced proximity, found family, emotional scars, strangers to lovers, with benefit situation, HEA
MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS
Thank you, Sophia and Luna Literacy, for the e-ARC; Cayden and Luna's story was healing and beautiful.
The subtle connection between them from the very first scene was enchanting and held my attention.
Luna was a sweet, warm, and lovely FMC. The way she was such a bundle of love and positive energy had me looking at things from a different perspective.
Cayden, though guarded, was a very good father and partner. The way he navigated grief and fatherhood throughout the book was compelling - you couldn't help but feel for him.
I loved that their relationship was all about growth and togetherness. The connection, as I said, was there from the start, but I especially enjoyed the angst, where they kept being drawn towards each other.
The slow burn had me on the edge, and though there was a slight no-strings-attached subplot, the pining kept going.
Their love and relationship were everything and more. I loved how patient Luna was and how their bond grew stronger with each passing moment.
The found family moments were my absolute favourite.
The spice here? SMOKIN HOT - every moment was hotter than the previous one.
Side characters and plot -
1. Knox, Thane, Kane, Hayden, and Foxx all had my attention. I am definitely going to add their books to my TBR for future reads.
2. Luna's family and siblings were amazing; I loved their bond.
3. Scarlett was such a sweetie-pie; her heart was precious.
_____________________________________
My only complaint was that after the 50% mark the book felt a bit monotonous, and I felt it could've been wrapped sooner.
I enjoyed the last 10% a lot; it was emotional, sweet and wholesome.
Overall 4/5.
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trope - single dad, hockey romance, guarded goalie × sunshine ballerina teacher FMC, slow burn, widowed MMC, grief, forced proximity, found family, emotional scars, strangers to lovers, with benefit situation, HEA
MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS
Thank you, Sophia and Luna Literacy, for the e-ARC; Cayden and Luna's story was healing and beautiful.
The subtle connection between them from the very first scene was enchanting and held my attention.
Luna was a sweet, warm, and lovely FMC. The way she was such a bundle of love and positive energy had me looking at things from a different perspective.
Cayden, though guarded, was a very good father and partner. The way he navigated grief and fatherhood throughout the book was compelling - you couldn't help but feel for him.
I loved that their relationship was all about growth and togetherness. The connection, as I said, was there from the start, but I especially enjoyed the angst, where they kept being drawn towards each other.
The slow burn had me on the edge, and though there was a slight no-strings-attached subplot, the pining kept going.
Their love and relationship were everything and more. I loved how patient Luna was and how their bond grew stronger with each passing moment.
The found family moments were my absolute favourite.
The spice here? SMOKIN HOT - every moment was hotter than the previous one.
Side characters and plot -
1. Knox, Thane, Kane, Hayden, and Foxx all had my attention. I am definitely going to add their books to my TBR for future reads.
2. Luna's family and siblings were amazing; I loved their bond.
3. Scarlett was such a sweetie-pie; her heart was precious.
_____________________________________
My only complaint was that after the 50% mark the book felt a bit monotonous, and I felt it could've been wrapped sooner.
I enjoyed the last 10% a lot; it was emotional, sweet and wholesome.
Overall 4/5.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Luna is a dancer. She lived in New York for awhile, and then moved back to her small town in Florida to be back near her family. She opened up a dance studio - which is right next to her mom's yoga studio. Luna loves teaching the little girls the beginning dance moves for ballet and dance. She loves seeing them in their little tutu's running around the studio. What she doesn't realize is how lonely she's been without dating someone.
Cayden is a top NHL goalie. He lost his wife 2 yrs ago, however, his 2 1/2 yr old daughter is the light of his life. He has sworn off love / relationships since his wife's passing. But, that has just left him angry and hurt. He has been having pain in his hips and the teams phyiscal therapist suggested he see a yoga instructor and they may be able to open up his hips and make him relax doing the different poses.
Cayden has a recommendation that he take his daughter to a dance studio to learn ballet. She is very excited to go to learn. What Cayden doesn't realize is who the teacher is, Luna. He can't take his eyes off of her. Why do they feel such a instant connection? Cayden has sworn off love and relationships since his wife's passing. But, shouldn't he be allowed to be happy also?
Cayden has his first yoga stretching lesson, from none other than Luna, who also does private yoga lessons, something Cayden wasn't excepting, her in tiny shorts showing him moves that he can't get out of his hear.
Luna feels deeply and loves deeply. She can't do casual, and that's what Cayden suggests they have, a casual relationship, booty call. Luna wants him, but, is she willing to leave her heart out of it? When she is already crushing on him?
Will Cayden learn to love again? Or will he close himself off to someone who brings nothing but light into his and his daughters life?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
Cayden is a top NHL goalie. He lost his wife 2 yrs ago, however, his 2 1/2 yr old daughter is the light of his life. He has sworn off love / relationships since his wife's passing. But, that has just left him angry and hurt. He has been having pain in his hips and the teams phyiscal therapist suggested he see a yoga instructor and they may be able to open up his hips and make him relax doing the different poses.
Cayden has a recommendation that he take his daughter to a dance studio to learn ballet. She is very excited to go to learn. What Cayden doesn't realize is who the teacher is, Luna. He can't take his eyes off of her. Why do they feel such a instant connection? Cayden has sworn off love and relationships since his wife's passing. But, shouldn't he be allowed to be happy also?
Cayden has his first yoga stretching lesson, from none other than Luna, who also does private yoga lessons, something Cayden wasn't excepting, her in tiny shorts showing him moves that he can't get out of his hear.
Luna feels deeply and loves deeply. She can't do casual, and that's what Cayden suggests they have, a casual relationship, booty call. Luna wants him, but, is she willing to leave her heart out of it? When she is already crushing on him?
Will Cayden learn to love again? Or will he close himself off to someone who brings nothing but light into his and his daughters life?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am completely in love with Cayden Blade! 🥹❤️
Eeek! I absolutely loved Scarred! This book was emotional, heartfelt, steamy, and beautifully written. It broke my heart, then slowly put it back together. ❤️🩹
Cayden is an NHL goalie and a protective, grumpy, but incredibly caring single dad. After losing his wife in a tragic car accident, he swore off love and decided that hockey and his daughter, Scarlett, were all he needed.
Then there’s Luna Bennett, a sweet, kind, and compassionate ballet and yoga teacher who sees beyond Cayden’s guarded exterior and the emotional scars he carries. I loved that she never pushed him to open up and simply gave him a safe place to do so.
Their attraction was undeniable, and their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS! 🔥 The banter was fun, the slow-burn tension had me hooked, and when the spice finally hit… IT DELIVERED! 🥵🔥
One of my favorite parts was watching Cayden’s walls slowly come down as he struggled with his grief, guilt, and fear of loving again. His journey was so emotional, and watching him realize that loving Luna didn't mean forgetting the love he had lost absolutely tugged at my heartstrings. ❤️🩹
And Luna and Scarlett? My heart! 🥹 I loved watching their bond grow and seeing how genuinely Luna cared for her. Luna fit so naturally into their little family.
Cayden and Luna completely stole my heart. I loved watching them find their way through grief, healing, and the possibility of finding loving again. This was such a beautiful reminder that even the deepest scars can begin to heal when you finally let someone in. ❤️
If you love:
🥅 Grumpy goalie × sunshine ballerina
🥅 Healing after loss
🥅 Widower MMC
🥅 Forced proximity
🥅 Single dad
🥅 Emotional scars
🥅 Slow burn with high tension
🥅 Second chance at love
You NEED to add Scarred to your TBR! 🏒🩰❤️🔥
Thank you, Sophia Belle, for the ARC! ❤️
Eeek! I absolutely loved Scarred! This book was emotional, heartfelt, steamy, and beautifully written. It broke my heart, then slowly put it back together. ❤️🩹
Cayden is an NHL goalie and a protective, grumpy, but incredibly caring single dad. After losing his wife in a tragic car accident, he swore off love and decided that hockey and his daughter, Scarlett, were all he needed.
Then there’s Luna Bennett, a sweet, kind, and compassionate ballet and yoga teacher who sees beyond Cayden’s guarded exterior and the emotional scars he carries. I loved that she never pushed him to open up and simply gave him a safe place to do so.
Their attraction was undeniable, and their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS! 🔥 The banter was fun, the slow-burn tension had me hooked, and when the spice finally hit… IT DELIVERED! 🥵🔥
One of my favorite parts was watching Cayden’s walls slowly come down as he struggled with his grief, guilt, and fear of loving again. His journey was so emotional, and watching him realize that loving Luna didn't mean forgetting the love he had lost absolutely tugged at my heartstrings. ❤️🩹
And Luna and Scarlett? My heart! 🥹 I loved watching their bond grow and seeing how genuinely Luna cared for her. Luna fit so naturally into their little family.
Cayden and Luna completely stole my heart. I loved watching them find their way through grief, healing, and the possibility of finding loving again. This was such a beautiful reminder that even the deepest scars can begin to heal when you finally let someone in. ❤️
If you love:
🥅 Grumpy goalie × sunshine ballerina
🥅 Healing after loss
🥅 Widower MMC
🥅 Forced proximity
🥅 Single dad
🥅 Emotional scars
🥅 Slow burn with high tension
🥅 Second chance at love
You NEED to add Scarred to your TBR! 🏒🩰❤️🔥
Thank you, Sophia Belle, for the ARC! ❤️
August 17, 2026
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒 NHL hockey goalie x ballerina
🩰 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 single dad
🩰slow burn
🏒 widower MMC
🩰 forced proximity
🏒 second chance at love
Let me preference this and say that I am a huge fan of Sophia Belle’s writing in general. I first discovered her writing with Shattered and quickly went back and read her whole back log, so I was absolutely thrilled to be fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Scarred. Although not needed to read the back log for Scarred I think going in with the knowledge of the side characters and their stories added to my reader experience. What I loved about this story was that I could absolutely feel the grief that Cayden felt over the death of his wife. I felt the love he held for her and how greatly he valued the relationship they had together. Luna was a very sunshine character who was very patient with Cayden and his grieving process. She showed love and patience with not only Cayden, but his daughter as well. The tension between them was fantastic and when it finally snapped the spicy scenes were fantastic! That being said I felt that the length was a little long for me. The pacing of the story started to slow towards the 70-75% mark for me and I had to push through that area, once I did the pacing did pick back up to be enjoyable. The other issue that I had was that while I love great side characters and it makes me want more if the series is gonna continue featuring them, I felt at times Hayes character overshadowed Cayden. Hayes banter was great and when he called Cayden daddy Blade, and then made a joke about having children in the apocalypse, I was literally laughing out loud. Overall I think this was another great book from Sophia and I will continue to look forward from more from her in the future!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒 NHL hockey goalie x ballerina
🩰 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 single dad
🩰slow burn
🏒 widower MMC
🩰 forced proximity
🏒 second chance at love
Let me preference this and say that I am a huge fan of Sophia Belle’s writing in general. I first discovered her writing with Shattered and quickly went back and read her whole back log, so I was absolutely thrilled to be fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Scarred. Although not needed to read the back log for Scarred I think going in with the knowledge of the side characters and their stories added to my reader experience. What I loved about this story was that I could absolutely feel the grief that Cayden felt over the death of his wife. I felt the love he held for her and how greatly he valued the relationship they had together. Luna was a very sunshine character who was very patient with Cayden and his grieving process. She showed love and patience with not only Cayden, but his daughter as well. The tension between them was fantastic and when it finally snapped the spicy scenes were fantastic! That being said I felt that the length was a little long for me. The pacing of the story started to slow towards the 70-75% mark for me and I had to push through that area, once I did the pacing did pick back up to be enjoyable. The other issue that I had was that while I love great side characters and it makes me want more if the series is gonna continue featuring them, I felt at times Hayes character overshadowed Cayden. Hayes banter was great and when he called Cayden daddy Blade, and then made a joke about having children in the apocalypse, I was literally laughing out loud. Overall I think this was another great book from Sophia and I will continue to look forward from more from her in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Scarred.
Cayden & Luna.
Scarlett.
Look, man. Here’s the deal: Sophia Belle writes characters I actually want to hang out with. And this story? It will break your heart, but it’s a story that needs to be told.
I think the biggest theme throughout Scarred is finding love after loss. When you experience a loss that changes everything, it can truly feel like the end. You can’t fathom carrying the grief, let alone opening your heart to love again. And when that possibility comes along, the guilt can feel like a betrayal of the person you lost.
When it becomes apparent that Cayden and Luna are attracted to each other, they decide on a friends-with-benefits situation … except there’s one tiny problem:
They actually really like each other.
I loved the emotional depth of this story. I loved the found-family aspect. But honestly? It’s the entire collaboration of these characters that has me absolutely feral for the next book.
And I will DIE on this hill: I love that Cayden’s late wife’s grandmother is Scarlett’s nanny. I also fully support her telling Cayden that it’s okay to be happy.
Because I think that’s the biggest undertone of this entire story: happiness after brutal loss.
Life is short. Love deeply. Grief will always hurt, but finding love again doesn’t erase the love you had before.
Luna is perfection. As a female lead, as Scarlett’s dance teacher, as a friend, as a sister. She never really saw herself as a love interest - until Cayden.
And Cayden? Fantastic as our grumpy goalie. But when he’s with Scarlett, he’s a completely doting dad. When he’s with Luna, he’s … well. A powerful man. And those different sides of both of them are exactly what makes them so perfect for each other.
Also …
The spicy telephone scene?
13 of them. Right now.
And the next book?
Yes. Immediately.
Cayden & Luna.
Scarlett.
Look, man. Here’s the deal: Sophia Belle writes characters I actually want to hang out with. And this story? It will break your heart, but it’s a story that needs to be told.
I think the biggest theme throughout Scarred is finding love after loss. When you experience a loss that changes everything, it can truly feel like the end. You can’t fathom carrying the grief, let alone opening your heart to love again. And when that possibility comes along, the guilt can feel like a betrayal of the person you lost.
When it becomes apparent that Cayden and Luna are attracted to each other, they decide on a friends-with-benefits situation … except there’s one tiny problem:
They actually really like each other.
I loved the emotional depth of this story. I loved the found-family aspect. But honestly? It’s the entire collaboration of these characters that has me absolutely feral for the next book.
And I will DIE on this hill: I love that Cayden’s late wife’s grandmother is Scarlett’s nanny. I also fully support her telling Cayden that it’s okay to be happy.
Because I think that’s the biggest undertone of this entire story: happiness after brutal loss.
Life is short. Love deeply. Grief will always hurt, but finding love again doesn’t erase the love you had before.
Luna is perfection. As a female lead, as Scarlett’s dance teacher, as a friend, as a sister. She never really saw herself as a love interest - until Cayden.
And Cayden? Fantastic as our grumpy goalie. But when he’s with Scarlett, he’s a completely doting dad. When he’s with Luna, he’s … well. A powerful man. And those different sides of both of them are exactly what makes them so perfect for each other.
Also …
The spicy telephone scene?
13 of them. Right now.
And the next book?
Yes. Immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
-NHL Goalie x Ballet Teacher
-Found Family
-Single Dad/ Widow
-Friends with Benefits
-Ballet Students Dad
-Yoga Instructor FMC
-MMC traumatic loss
So I binged read this book so fast while it did absolutely nothing but wreck me. This book brought me to my knees, made me sob, then put all the pieces back together. Once I started this book, I knew there was not stopping. But I will say, I absolutely love Luna and Cayden. They are so sweet and meant to be together.
Luna is sweet and comforting. She is a literal ray of sunshine. She loves kids and helping teach them how to dance. She loves her private yoga classes where she can try to help others open up and release some of their emotions or traumas that are stuck in their bodies. She is a doer and a fixer. She wants to see people thriving and happy. She wants love and to be loved.
Cayden is a protective single dad. He is closed off and grumpy. He throws everything into his work and raising his child. He has no time for distractions and will not let himself be happy with a woman ever again. He lost his wife when his daughter was little and he is to afraid to be happy, to love again, and to loose again.
Not only is Luna, Cayden’s daughter’s new ballet teacher, but she is also who he is referred to for Yoga. His coach thinks it would be good for him to go too since the PT is not helping with his hip pain. He has no idea at the time that Yoga is going to be so healing for him. But it catches him by surprise that the one woman who he is attracted too, happens to be his daughter’s ballet teacher, and now he has one on one yoga session with her.
Will they find their happily ever after ? You better pick this book up immediately to find out!! Thank you to the author and agency for allowing me to read this Advanced Readers Copy!
-Found Family
-Single Dad/ Widow
-Friends with Benefits
-Ballet Students Dad
-Yoga Instructor FMC
-MMC traumatic loss
So I binged read this book so fast while it did absolutely nothing but wreck me. This book brought me to my knees, made me sob, then put all the pieces back together. Once I started this book, I knew there was not stopping. But I will say, I absolutely love Luna and Cayden. They are so sweet and meant to be together.
Luna is sweet and comforting. She is a literal ray of sunshine. She loves kids and helping teach them how to dance. She loves her private yoga classes where she can try to help others open up and release some of their emotions or traumas that are stuck in their bodies. She is a doer and a fixer. She wants to see people thriving and happy. She wants love and to be loved.
Cayden is a protective single dad. He is closed off and grumpy. He throws everything into his work and raising his child. He has no time for distractions and will not let himself be happy with a woman ever again. He lost his wife when his daughter was little and he is to afraid to be happy, to love again, and to loose again.
Not only is Luna, Cayden’s daughter’s new ballet teacher, but she is also who he is referred to for Yoga. His coach thinks it would be good for him to go too since the PT is not helping with his hip pain. He has no idea at the time that Yoga is going to be so healing for him. But it catches him by surprise that the one woman who he is attracted too, happens to be his daughter’s ballet teacher, and now he has one on one yoga session with her.
Will they find their happily ever after ? You better pick this book up immediately to find out!! Thank you to the author and agency for allowing me to read this Advanced Readers Copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited when I saw there was going to be book two I been obsessed since shattered. I absolutely love hockey romance of all kinds. Cayden has been grieving since his spouse ( jules) passed away. It's been him and his daughter ever since. I felt so bad for mae as well.
[ Mae was Jules’s grandmother and all the family she had. After Jules died, Mae was just as lost as I was. Scarlett gave us both purpose, and I knew she needed us just as much as we needed her. ]
I absolutely love luna she such sweet she kind of reminds me of Ms. Honey, in a way, and that made me love her even more. She is a scarlet dance teacher. i haven't really read books with dance teacher and single dad. i loved that as well. Cayden just wanted to make sure it was a good fit for his baby girl.
My heart was breaking for him he had walls put up and only cared about his daughter as he should, but he deserves happiness as well. And luna is that shining sunshine he needed and to feel again. Plus, scarlett adores her and vice versa .
Certain parts in the book had me emotional and just happy to see them interact, and knowing his past him and scarlett deserve so much joy and happiness. I love the build-up with luna and Cayden that slow burn was just perfectly done . Im such a sucker for hockey romance, especially if it is written by Sophia she just does it so well.
• Single Dad x Dance Teacher
• Found Family
• Grumpy Goalie x Sunshine
• Ballerina/Widower
• MMC Emotional Scars
• Healing after loss
• Forced Proximity
• Slow burn with high tension
• Second Chance at Love
[ Mae was Jules’s grandmother and all the family she had. After Jules died, Mae was just as lost as I was. Scarlett gave us both purpose, and I knew she needed us just as much as we needed her. ]
I absolutely love luna she such sweet she kind of reminds me of Ms. Honey, in a way, and that made me love her even more. She is a scarlet dance teacher. i haven't really read books with dance teacher and single dad. i loved that as well. Cayden just wanted to make sure it was a good fit for his baby girl.
My heart was breaking for him he had walls put up and only cared about his daughter as he should, but he deserves happiness as well. And luna is that shining sunshine he needed and to feel again. Plus, scarlett adores her and vice versa .
Certain parts in the book had me emotional and just happy to see them interact, and knowing his past him and scarlett deserve so much joy and happiness. I love the build-up with luna and Cayden that slow burn was just perfectly done . Im such a sucker for hockey romance, especially if it is written by Sophia she just does it so well.
• Single Dad x Dance Teacher
• Found Family
• Grumpy Goalie x Sunshine
• Ballerina/Widower
• MMC Emotional Scars
• Healing after loss
• Forced Proximity
• Slow burn with high tension
• Second Chance at Love
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all I want to extend a very big thank you to Sophia and Luna Literary for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read this in exchange for my honest review.
I want to start off by saying that Sophia’s stories might not be for everyone. Without knowing the depth and the story behind Sophia’s journey when it comes to writing these incredible stories, many may not like how fast the characters fall for each other. Some could view it as insta love, and in a general sense that may be true but there is so much more depth than what you initially see. Sophia makes it real and gives us that yearning that isn’t affected by outside influences.
I absolutely adore the fact that Sophia has branched into hockey romance. I LOVE this series so much, and as per usual, each new book just gets better and better. I can 100% say that I am a Cayden girlie for this series though. Knox is great but…ugh CAYDEN BLADE, the man that you are.
I am so a huge fan of how her series’ are starting to come full circle. I’m so excited that we got reintroduced to Luna Bennett as an adult. I’m so emotionally connected to these characters that it’s not even funny.
Now, while I will admit that her books may not be for everyone, that isn’t going to stop me from recommending them. They are easy to read, get in your feels, sweet small town romances that just make me yearn to find my own. And I want people to share that experience with me.
Thank you again, Sophia for allowing me a chance to keep reading your works. I can’t wait for McCormmick’s story.
I want to start off by saying that Sophia’s stories might not be for everyone. Without knowing the depth and the story behind Sophia’s journey when it comes to writing these incredible stories, many may not like how fast the characters fall for each other. Some could view it as insta love, and in a general sense that may be true but there is so much more depth than what you initially see. Sophia makes it real and gives us that yearning that isn’t affected by outside influences.
I absolutely adore the fact that Sophia has branched into hockey romance. I LOVE this series so much, and as per usual, each new book just gets better and better. I can 100% say that I am a Cayden girlie for this series though. Knox is great but…ugh CAYDEN BLADE, the man that you are.
I am so a huge fan of how her series’ are starting to come full circle. I’m so excited that we got reintroduced to Luna Bennett as an adult. I’m so emotionally connected to these characters that it’s not even funny.
Now, while I will admit that her books may not be for everyone, that isn’t going to stop me from recommending them. They are easy to read, get in your feels, sweet small town romances that just make me yearn to find my own. And I want people to share that experience with me.
Thank you again, Sophia for allowing me a chance to keep reading your works. I can’t wait for McCormmick’s story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to luna literary and Sophia bella for allowing me to be a arc reader.
Before I write my review i will say please check the trigger warnings.
Cayden blade is one of the top NHL goalies he also plays for the bayside bolts.
Luna Bennett is a ballet teacher and is also a yoga teacher.
This book is so emotional and beautifully written at the same time you meet cauden in knox&savis book you learn that hes a single dad raising his 2 year old daughter as he lost his wife in a accident and he sworn off love and that he would only put his emotion into loving his daughter.
I first met luna in her older sisters book she was still quite young at this point but in this book we get to meet the grown up version of luna and what a beautiful adult she has become. Luna is struggling because shes always wanted love like her family have but never wanted to admit that to them either.
When luna first meets cayden she feels like shes known him her whole life like they have met before but they haven't.
As the book goes on you see cayden trying to work through his grief and him feelinf guilty about falling for another person as he swore of love.
The spice between this two is off the charts just from the sexual chemistry that they have between each other when they first meet.
Id rate the spice in this 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5 especially with the car scene that was hot.
This book is so beautiful and so emotional as well i cried towards the end of this book because of how beautiful it was.
Before I write my review i will say please check the trigger warnings.
Cayden blade is one of the top NHL goalies he also plays for the bayside bolts.
Luna Bennett is a ballet teacher and is also a yoga teacher.
This book is so emotional and beautifully written at the same time you meet cauden in knox&savis book you learn that hes a single dad raising his 2 year old daughter as he lost his wife in a accident and he sworn off love and that he would only put his emotion into loving his daughter.
I first met luna in her older sisters book she was still quite young at this point but in this book we get to meet the grown up version of luna and what a beautiful adult she has become. Luna is struggling because shes always wanted love like her family have but never wanted to admit that to them either.
When luna first meets cayden she feels like shes known him her whole life like they have met before but they haven't.
As the book goes on you see cayden trying to work through his grief and him feelinf guilty about falling for another person as he swore of love.
The spice between this two is off the charts just from the sexual chemistry that they have between each other when they first meet.
Id rate the spice in this 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5 especially with the car scene that was hot.
This book is so beautiful and so emotional as well i cried towards the end of this book because of how beautiful it was.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Luna Literary for the ARC 😍
4.5 ⭐️
I adore this series but man - Sophia, why you make me cry so much with Scarred 😢 Jeezzzzz!
🏒 NHL goalie
💗 Single dad
🫶 Widow
🩰 Dance teacher
😜 Friends with benefits/mutual convenience
🔥 Plenty of spice
👌 Found family
Cayden and Luna's story was a tale of 2 halves - either seriously HOT 🔥 🥵 or bawling my eyes out at them 🥹😢
Scarlett the daughter also had my heart what a cutie she was 💓 Nana Mae also was the sweetest soul!
Widowed single dad and NHL goalie Cayden, is struggling with grief after losing his wife. (Actually, not sure we find out how she died 🤔)
He vows to put his all into his daughter and hockey.
Until Scarletts dance teacher Luna comes on the scene and rocks his entire world 🌎 go girl! 🩰
The spice was spicing and this man's mouth i tell ya! Wooooooo 🥵 get me the air conditioning!
We read about the sexual tension between the pair who come to the conclusion that getting laid is helping them both... which of course turns into so much more.
Lunas relationship with Scarlett and Mae was beautiful 😍 I loved the found family rallying round for the birthday party 🎈
The last 10% or so nearly broke me not going to lie 💔 got me in the feels as Cayden allowed himself to be loved again.
One thing i will say though is the book did feel a little long for a romance but never the less I thoroughly enjoyed 😉 excited for book 3!
4.5 ⭐️
I adore this series but man - Sophia, why you make me cry so much with Scarred 😢 Jeezzzzz!
🏒 NHL goalie
💗 Single dad
🫶 Widow
🩰 Dance teacher
😜 Friends with benefits/mutual convenience
🔥 Plenty of spice
👌 Found family
Cayden and Luna's story was a tale of 2 halves - either seriously HOT 🔥 🥵 or bawling my eyes out at them 🥹😢
Scarlett the daughter also had my heart what a cutie she was 💓 Nana Mae also was the sweetest soul!
Widowed single dad and NHL goalie Cayden, is struggling with grief after losing his wife. (Actually, not sure we find out how she died 🤔)
He vows to put his all into his daughter and hockey.
Until Scarletts dance teacher Luna comes on the scene and rocks his entire world 🌎 go girl! 🩰
The spice was spicing and this man's mouth i tell ya! Wooooooo 🥵 get me the air conditioning!
We read about the sexual tension between the pair who come to the conclusion that getting laid is helping them both... which of course turns into so much more.
Lunas relationship with Scarlett and Mae was beautiful 😍 I loved the found family rallying round for the birthday party 🎈
The last 10% or so nearly broke me not going to lie 💔 got me in the feels as Cayden allowed himself to be loved again.
One thing i will say though is the book did feel a little long for a romance but never the less I thoroughly enjoyed 😉 excited for book 3!
August 18, 2026
✨ARC Read✨
I was not ready for this book!! I loved book one, but Scarred… Sophia, you got me in a chokehold with Cayden and Luna 😭
Cayden, a widower, is the epitome of a broken man. The NHL goalie was just barely surviving to raise his daughter. He was grumpy and honestly depressing. So broken🥺
Enter Luna. This beautiful ray of sunshine. Patient, kind, genuinely just light for his dark world.
I did not expect to be so emotional reading their journey but when I tell you this book got me… ugh it just hit so good! It was beautiful how they both held space for each other especially through Cayden’s grief. Cayden’s character growth throughout the book was natural and his internal emotions struggling with what he wanted but also couldn’t let go of was painful but real. I loved watching him work through these difficult emotions.
And the pure, almost cosmic chemistry these two had for each other was off the charts. I just loved the way Sophia wrote every little detail of their story.
The side characters were great too, all the locker room and group chat chatter was hysterical!
And lastly, the steam… whooo hotttt 🔥👌🏻
Absolutely loved it cannot wait for the next book 👀
✨Scarred releases 8/27
Huge thanks to author Sophia Belle & Luna Literary Management for this early read 🫶🏻
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🥅 Grumpy goalie x sunshine ballerina
🩰 Love after loss
🥅 Widower MMC
🩰 Forced proximity
🥅 Single dad
🩰 Emotional scars
🥅 Slow burn with lots of tension
🩰 Second chance at love
I was not ready for this book!! I loved book one, but Scarred… Sophia, you got me in a chokehold with Cayden and Luna 😭
Cayden, a widower, is the epitome of a broken man. The NHL goalie was just barely surviving to raise his daughter. He was grumpy and honestly depressing. So broken🥺
Enter Luna. This beautiful ray of sunshine. Patient, kind, genuinely just light for his dark world.
I did not expect to be so emotional reading their journey but when I tell you this book got me… ugh it just hit so good! It was beautiful how they both held space for each other especially through Cayden’s grief. Cayden’s character growth throughout the book was natural and his internal emotions struggling with what he wanted but also couldn’t let go of was painful but real. I loved watching him work through these difficult emotions.
And the pure, almost cosmic chemistry these two had for each other was off the charts. I just loved the way Sophia wrote every little detail of their story.
The side characters were great too, all the locker room and group chat chatter was hysterical!
And lastly, the steam… whooo hotttt 🔥👌🏻
Absolutely loved it cannot wait for the next book 👀
✨Scarred releases 8/27
Huge thanks to author Sophia Belle & Luna Literary Management for this early read 🫶🏻
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🥅 Grumpy goalie x sunshine ballerina
🩰 Love after loss
🥅 Widower MMC
🩰 Forced proximity
🥅 Single dad
🩰 Emotional scars
🥅 Slow burn with lots of tension
🩰 Second chance at love
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3,5⭐️
Scarred is book two in the Bayside Bolts series and follows Luna and Cayden in a hockey romance filled with tension, emotional healing, and plenty of sweet family moments.
Cayden was such a genuine character. As a widower and single dad, he's trying to balance his hockey career with raising his daughter while dealing with grief and guilt after losing his wife. He's understandably scared to let himself care for someone again, and I really enjoyed seeing Luna slowly break through those walls.
Luna was the perfect sunshine to Cayden's grumpy goalie, and I loved the attraction and tension between them from the beginning, especially as they initially tried to fight it. Scarlett, Cayden's daughter, was absolutely adorable, and the little family moments between the three of them added so much heart to the story.
That said, the book felt a little too long for me, and I could have done with fewer spicy scenes. There were also moments where the romance felt a bit instalove, particularly some of Luna's early feelings toward Cayden.
I also haven't read any of the author's other books, and while there are plenty of connections to her other series, I had no problem following this story and definitely think it works as a standalone.
Overall, I enjoyed the emotional side of this story and especially Cayden's journey through grief and learning to open his heart again.
Scarred is book two in the Bayside Bolts series and follows Luna and Cayden in a hockey romance filled with tension, emotional healing, and plenty of sweet family moments.
Cayden was such a genuine character. As a widower and single dad, he's trying to balance his hockey career with raising his daughter while dealing with grief and guilt after losing his wife. He's understandably scared to let himself care for someone again, and I really enjoyed seeing Luna slowly break through those walls.
Luna was the perfect sunshine to Cayden's grumpy goalie, and I loved the attraction and tension between them from the beginning, especially as they initially tried to fight it. Scarlett, Cayden's daughter, was absolutely adorable, and the little family moments between the three of them added so much heart to the story.
That said, the book felt a little too long for me, and I could have done with fewer spicy scenes. There were also moments where the romance felt a bit instalove, particularly some of Luna's early feelings toward Cayden.
I also haven't read any of the author's other books, and while there are plenty of connections to her other series, I had no problem following this story and definitely think it works as a standalone.
Overall, I enjoyed the emotional side of this story and especially Cayden's journey through grief and learning to open his heart again.
Read
August 18, 2026Omg I absolutely loved Luna and Cayden’s story
A widowed broken dad doing his best to raise his daughter while having a career as a hockey goalie
A dance teacher that’s single
Luna meets Cayden’s though his daughter being in her ballet class not knowing exactly who he is and only sees him as another parent to one of her students. Then finds out he is her private client for hot yoga still doesn’t know he’s a famous hockey player.
After their first meeting and the cracks she created in his wall he pulls away and has Nana Mae take Scar to dance.
Eventually he goes back to hot yoga and is still struggling the loss of his wife. Over the weeks him and Luna become closer as his walls are still up but have fractures in it from the love Luna has for him and his daughter.
Unknown to each person the end up at the same wedding where the decided they can’t keep fighting the growing feelings and end up sleeping together and then end up being each others booty call after a while the realize the love each other but neither wants to admit it quite yet.
When everything feels to real and Cayden forgets a date he pulls away from Luna only in the few days to realize she feels like home. Eventually the both finally realize it’s meant to be and end up moving in together
The heartbreak the tears the feelings are all over in this story
A widowed broken dad doing his best to raise his daughter while having a career as a hockey goalie
A dance teacher that’s single
Luna meets Cayden’s though his daughter being in her ballet class not knowing exactly who he is and only sees him as another parent to one of her students. Then finds out he is her private client for hot yoga still doesn’t know he’s a famous hockey player.
After their first meeting and the cracks she created in his wall he pulls away and has Nana Mae take Scar to dance.
Eventually he goes back to hot yoga and is still struggling the loss of his wife. Over the weeks him and Luna become closer as his walls are still up but have fractures in it from the love Luna has for him and his daughter.
Unknown to each person the end up at the same wedding where the decided they can’t keep fighting the growing feelings and end up sleeping together and then end up being each others booty call after a while the realize the love each other but neither wants to admit it quite yet.
When everything feels to real and Cayden forgets a date he pulls away from Luna only in the few days to realize she feels like home. Eventually the both finally realize it’s meant to be and end up moving in together
The heartbreak the tears the feelings are all over in this story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2026
Cayden Blade🖤Luna Bennett
Hockey Romance, book 2 in the Bayside Bolts series.
Cayden is a single dad/widower hockey goalie star.
Luna is a breath of fresh air; sunshine dance teacher.
We first meet Luna in Connected by Souls, when her brother Noah meets Emma. (Go read their book for more history😉)
Luna meets Cayden when he brings his daughter to a dance class taught by the one and only. He was referred to her. He needed to meet her to see if this was a good fit for his shining star, Scarlet.
Cayden is closed off. Blocked. Walls do not break. He cares about one thing and one thing only. Scarlet. Making sure she is happy, healthy, loved.
Enter Luna. A literally shining light in his darkness. Read along to experience turmoil of grief and loss Cayden is dealing with. Not sure if he is ready for anyone else to step into his life.
This book was everything I needed and wanted. It was perfect. I cried. Happy and sad tears, my heart broke more than once. I laughed. I felt the spice.
Warnings: if you have experienced the loss of a significant other take caution as it could affect you but know that all of Sophia’s books are HEAs.
•Small town romance
•Students dad
•Hockey romance
•Dance teacher
•Grief/loss
•Family
•Single parent
•Slight age gap
Hockey Romance, book 2 in the Bayside Bolts series.
Cayden is a single dad/widower hockey goalie star.
Luna is a breath of fresh air; sunshine dance teacher.
We first meet Luna in Connected by Souls, when her brother Noah meets Emma. (Go read their book for more history😉)
Luna meets Cayden when he brings his daughter to a dance class taught by the one and only. He was referred to her. He needed to meet her to see if this was a good fit for his shining star, Scarlet.
Cayden is closed off. Blocked. Walls do not break. He cares about one thing and one thing only. Scarlet. Making sure she is happy, healthy, loved.
Enter Luna. A literally shining light in his darkness. Read along to experience turmoil of grief and loss Cayden is dealing with. Not sure if he is ready for anyone else to step into his life.
This book was everything I needed and wanted. It was perfect. I cried. Happy and sad tears, my heart broke more than once. I laughed. I felt the spice.
Warnings: if you have experienced the loss of a significant other take caution as it could affect you but know that all of Sophia’s books are HEAs.
•Small town romance
•Students dad
•Hockey romance
•Dance teacher
•Grief/loss
•Family
•Single parent
•Slight age gap
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️♾️
4🌶️
Scarred 📖 by
This is a story about healing after loss, facing your scars, and daring to love again.
Releasing August 27th
I have been waiting for this all summer!
Sophia did it again I loved Luna, Cayden and Scarlett!
Luna
Falling for Cayden Blade was never part of the plan.
He's the top NHL goalie for a reason.
Guarded.
Untouchable.
In complete control of everything around him.
But I see the man behind the mask. The man desperate to feel again. The man whose touch feels anything but innocent. Some wounds cut too deep to heal. Falling for a man still haunted by his past may leave us both scarred in the end.
Cayden
My life is simple-stop pucks, protect my daughter, keep my head down.
No emotions.
No complications.
Luna makes me see beyond the scars I carry. Makes me believe that love after loss might actually exist.
But scars like mine never truly fade. And the more my walls begin to crack, the more terrified I become that loving again just might destroy us both.
grumpy x sunshine ballerina
single dad widower MMC
no strings attached to all the strings
forced proximity
emotional scars
private lessons
second chance at love
healing after loss
banter
dirty talking MMC
4🌶️
Scarred 📖 by
This is a story about healing after loss, facing your scars, and daring to love again.
Releasing August 27th
I have been waiting for this all summer!
Sophia did it again I loved Luna, Cayden and Scarlett!
Luna
Falling for Cayden Blade was never part of the plan.
He's the top NHL goalie for a reason.
Guarded.
Untouchable.
In complete control of everything around him.
But I see the man behind the mask. The man desperate to feel again. The man whose touch feels anything but innocent. Some wounds cut too deep to heal. Falling for a man still haunted by his past may leave us both scarred in the end.
Cayden
My life is simple-stop pucks, protect my daughter, keep my head down.
No emotions.
No complications.
Luna makes me see beyond the scars I carry. Makes me believe that love after loss might actually exist.
But scars like mine never truly fade. And the more my walls begin to crack, the more terrified I become that loving again just might destroy us both.
grumpy x sunshine ballerina
single dad widower MMC
no strings attached to all the strings
forced proximity
emotional scars
private lessons
second chance at love
healing after loss
banter
dirty talking MMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2026
THIS BOOK!!! 🥵😍 Cayden Blade and Luna Bennett are absolute PERFECTION! The spice, the storyline, and the sweetest love story. I knew Sophia would deliver exactly what we needed with this. And after reading book one, I knew this would be just as amazing!
What to expect:
🏒 Single Dad x Dance Teacher
🩷 Healing After Loss
🏒 Grumpy Goalie x Sunshine Ballerina
🩷 Widower MMC
🏒 Found Family
🩷 Emotional Scars
🏒 Second Chance at Love
Cayden Blade is the grumpy goalie who plays for the Bayside Bolts. He lost his wife almost 3 years ago, just a couple weeks after their daughter Scarlett was born. He has never been interested in another woman since and has kept his heart guarded at all costs. Not only does he think he doesn’t deserve a second love in his life, but he doesn’t want one…..until he meets Luna Bennett and his scarred walls come crashing down.
This book was everything. I teared up so many times the more Cayden kept opening his heart up to Luna, and how graceful and sincere Luna was in making sure to keep his late wife’s memory alive.
“Mommy sent us the moon.” 🥹🥹
So much swoon, love, sweetness, and spice in this. Cayden, Luna, and Scarlett become the cutest little family, and you won’t want to miss this.
What to expect:
🏒 Single Dad x Dance Teacher
🩷 Healing After Loss
🏒 Grumpy Goalie x Sunshine Ballerina
🩷 Widower MMC
🏒 Found Family
🩷 Emotional Scars
🏒 Second Chance at Love
Cayden Blade is the grumpy goalie who plays for the Bayside Bolts. He lost his wife almost 3 years ago, just a couple weeks after their daughter Scarlett was born. He has never been interested in another woman since and has kept his heart guarded at all costs. Not only does he think he doesn’t deserve a second love in his life, but he doesn’t want one…..until he meets Luna Bennett and his scarred walls come crashing down.
This book was everything. I teared up so many times the more Cayden kept opening his heart up to Luna, and how graceful and sincere Luna was in making sure to keep his late wife’s memory alive.
“Mommy sent us the moon.” 🥹🥹
So much swoon, love, sweetness, and spice in this. Cayden, Luna, and Scarlett become the cutest little family, and you won’t want to miss this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
5 stars
high spice.
---
I read this in half a day! I was not expecting this book to be what is was. In the best way possible. Fuck the emotional rollercoaster dammmm.
All the characters were incredible. The time line of the relationship was good and the tension and sexual tension daaummm.
I really appreciated and enjoyed the way the grief was spoken about and dealt with. Showing that you can love again but it doesn’t mean you are replacing or forgetting.
Scarlett is sooo frickin cute and I just love how everyone she meets is wrapped around her finger . The hockey fam showing up at the recital and giving Scarlett flowers had me a sobbing mess.
Luna was a beautiful character who showed so much light and love and care. Cayden was a fabulous grumpy goalie in pain stubborn as fuck but not stubborn enough Luna couldn’t break down his walls.
I really enjoyed that he was an incredible dad, it wasn’t about needing to fill that void, the need to survive, he could single parent, with Mae and the hockey family. It was not only about Scarletts happiness but also his. Showing what moving through life and living life truly is.
Such a beautiful story.
And the ending!!! actually said ‘no fucking way’ out loud hahah. I NEEED IT NOW !!!!!
5 stars
high spice.
---
I read this in half a day! I was not expecting this book to be what is was. In the best way possible. Fuck the emotional rollercoaster dammmm.
All the characters were incredible. The time line of the relationship was good and the tension and sexual tension daaummm.
I really appreciated and enjoyed the way the grief was spoken about and dealt with. Showing that you can love again but it doesn’t mean you are replacing or forgetting.
Scarlett is sooo frickin cute and I just love how everyone she meets is wrapped around her finger . The hockey fam showing up at the recital and giving Scarlett flowers had me a sobbing mess.
Luna was a beautiful character who showed so much light and love and care. Cayden was a fabulous grumpy goalie in pain stubborn as fuck but not stubborn enough Luna couldn’t break down his walls.
I really enjoyed that he was an incredible dad, it wasn’t about needing to fill that void, the need to survive, he could single parent, with Mae and the hockey family. It was not only about Scarletts happiness but also his. Showing what moving through life and living life truly is.
Such a beautiful story.
And the ending!!! actually said ‘no fucking way’ out loud hahah. I NEEED IT NOW !!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
•arc review•
This was my first time reading a Sophia belle novel and I can safely say I am 100% a fan. This story is book 2 in the “Bayside Bolts”. First off, who doesn’t LOVE a good hockey romance.. but add a morally grey mmc and a sunshine fmc.. you’ve hit the jackpot! OH and the spice?😏😏 guuuurl go ahead and add this to the tbr.
Our sweet Cayden has been through a horrible tragedy that has turned his life upside down and has spent his years just going through the motions in mourning until our girl Luna comes in and shakes his world (don’t worry it’s for the better). ✨
This book took you through such an emotional whirlwind, you saw both characters really grow together and fall for each other, all while healing past trauma. Lunas patience, love, and devotion to Cayden was the sweetest thing and there were multiple times I teared up while reading this.
I seriously can’t wait for book 3 to come out!!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this story!
Tropes:
🏒single dad
🩰widower MMC
🏒forced proximity
🩰sunshine fmc
🏒no strings attached
🩰hands on lessons
•arc review•
This was my first time reading a Sophia belle novel and I can safely say I am 100% a fan. This story is book 2 in the “Bayside Bolts”. First off, who doesn’t LOVE a good hockey romance.. but add a morally grey mmc and a sunshine fmc.. you’ve hit the jackpot! OH and the spice?😏😏 guuuurl go ahead and add this to the tbr.
Our sweet Cayden has been through a horrible tragedy that has turned his life upside down and has spent his years just going through the motions in mourning until our girl Luna comes in and shakes his world (don’t worry it’s for the better). ✨
This book took you through such an emotional whirlwind, you saw both characters really grow together and fall for each other, all while healing past trauma. Lunas patience, love, and devotion to Cayden was the sweetest thing and there were multiple times I teared up while reading this.
I seriously can’t wait for book 3 to come out!!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this story!
Tropes:
🏒single dad
🩰widower MMC
🏒forced proximity
🩰sunshine fmc
🏒no strings attached
🩰hands on lessons
Review of advance copy received from Author
SOPHIA DID IT AGAIN!!!
I have never read a widower romance but oh my goodness she did Cayden and Luna justice!
Cayden - my sweet guarded goalie who was afraid of opening himself up to more hurt after losing the love of his life. The way she wrote his grief and how long it took for him to open up to Luna was realistic because it is hard to open up your heart after loss.
Luna- my sweet dance teacher with the patience of a saint and waited for Cayden to open up and tell her what she needed to know. She gave him space to grow and become comfortable with her in any capacity he could. Also the fairy princess magic as a dance teacher?! Makes me want to take a dance class.
Scarlett- OMG MY SWEET ANGEL GIRL!!! I LOVE her big personality and how she has everyone wrapped around her finger! The way she loves so deeply at 2/3 is so incredible to see!
Mae- THE BEST SIDE CHARACTER!! She is Jules (Cayden's deceased wife) grandmother and she encouraged Cayden to open up his heart and is there for all of them?! ICONIC! I love her so much!!
10/10 no notes needed for this book - I could not put it down and just now I was SOBBING the last 10% of the book so have your Kleenex ready!
I have never read a widower romance but oh my goodness she did Cayden and Luna justice!
Cayden - my sweet guarded goalie who was afraid of opening himself up to more hurt after losing the love of his life. The way she wrote his grief and how long it took for him to open up to Luna was realistic because it is hard to open up your heart after loss.
Luna- my sweet dance teacher with the patience of a saint and waited for Cayden to open up and tell her what she needed to know. She gave him space to grow and become comfortable with her in any capacity he could. Also the fairy princess magic as a dance teacher?! Makes me want to take a dance class.
Scarlett- OMG MY SWEET ANGEL GIRL!!! I LOVE her big personality and how she has everyone wrapped around her finger! The way she loves so deeply at 2/3 is so incredible to see!
Mae- THE BEST SIDE CHARACTER!! She is Jules (Cayden's deceased wife) grandmother and she encouraged Cayden to open up his heart and is there for all of them?! ICONIC! I love her so much!!
10/10 no notes needed for this book - I could not put it down and just now I was SOBBING the last 10% of the book so have your Kleenex ready!
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