Holding Penalty: A Marriage of Convenience Hockey Romance

by Lyssa Lemire

I’ve called Nash Miller every bad name in the book, but now he’s calling me a name I never expected to hear from his “Wife.”

When I learn that my fiancé is cheating on me, I do what any level-headed, mature woman in my situation would. I smash his phone with the pointy heel of my shoe, stomp out of his car, and find myself alone on a long, empty stretch of road in the middle of the night.

Who should pull over to pick me up but the grumpy, rude hockey player I’ve hated since college?

Nash doesn’t just take care of me at my lowest point—he offers to marry me so I can get the inheritance I need to save my bakery.

Now I’m hitched to the guy I can’t stand. And learning that beneath his rough and grumpy exterior, he’s surprisingly caring and thoughtful.

He builds me bookshelves, buys me overpriced candles, and makes me sleep in his bed.

He says sweet things that make me swoon, and dirty things that make me blush.

He can’t get enough of showing me off as his wife, and when we kiss, he does it like he actually meant those phony vows we exchanged.

Suddenly, I’m dealing with something I never falling in love with my husband.

Holding Penalty is a full-length pro hockey romance with steam, no cheating, and a guaranteed happy ever after!



sooo many "my wife" momentsone bed tropedislike-to-love + grumpy sunshinehe lives on a ranchno 3rd act breakupdual POV

Genres: Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports, Marriage Of Convenience, Enemies To Lovers, Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2026

Reviews

[KB · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this for the quick read it was. Compared to other fake marriage/marriage of convenience books I've read, I liked how this one was done. Also, despite the MC's having minor history from their time in college, the relationship wasn't rushed. For a quick read, there was decent build up & tension. I did feel like at times this book wanted to be a cowboy romance with the location and the whole house ranch setting...I also thought the capybara pet aspect was odd? Very random & added nothing to the story aside from the fact that he lived next to a petting zoo & was the sort of owner of said petting zoo. That was a confoundingly random aspect of this book I didn't like.

I've read this author before & will check out more in this series as they get released.

[Fallon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was hoping for a little bit more drama! But super cute novel

[Piper Brintnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. It is a fairly drama free book. It is a basic hockey trope book. It is definitely setting up for a series as there are a lot of side characters that belong to the hockey team. But I think it will be a good series and one that is easy to read. There’s definitely a slow burn between the two main characters. And I think the book ran a little long. Some of the spicy scenes at the end could’ve been cut out. I don’t really care that these two left their own party to go have sex in the back of his pick up truck on the side of the road. Nobody is that horny. And I don’t know that it added to the overall plot development that much.

But if you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable Reed, that I would recommend this book.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I have always loved Lyssa Lemire’s hockey romances, so I was excited to see a new series from her. Book 1 in the Love the Game series, Holding Penalty, is spicy, swoony, and full of wonderful romance between our MCs. Having known each other since college, they have never gotten along, yet a cheating fiance allows them both a chance to see another side. This side isn’t as hard to dislike, in fact, it’s pretty easy for them to both start falling for real.

When Piper finds herself stranded on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere; the last person she expected to come to her rescue is her college nemesis Nash. Having just found out her fiancé is cheating on her, she is done; yet she also needs to get married to obtain her inheritance. The inheritance that is going to allow her to save her bakery. She is surprised when Nash offers to marry her so she can save her dream and she accepts, hesitantly. Yet now she is seeing a new side of Nash, one that is sweet, thoughtful, and caring. She may just start falling for her fake fiancé.

Nash knows he is seen one way and he is mostly ok with that. Except when it comes to Piper, he doesn’t like that she doesn’t see the real him. So when an opportunity arises to help her out and show her she doesn’t know him, he jumps on it. What he becomes for Piper is everything she’s ever wanted. But what is supposed to be fake until she can save her bakery, slowly deepens into more. He cherishes her like never before and is on a mission to show her she is worth all of his attention. This man had me swooning and blushing!

Another amazing story by Lyssa and I am excited for the next book. There are wonderful side characters who can easily become main characters in books. So much potential has been set up for this series. I will never get enough of hockey romances and Lyssa is an author that I will always read.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
✨Marriage of Convenience
🏒Fake Dating
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒Enemies to Lovers

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nash and Piper’s story was cute. I liked how fun and flirty their banter was and how easily they fell into their routine just because they knew each other, even though they hadn’t necessarily been friends from the get-go.

Nash definitely fell first and fell really hard despite how long he fought his feelings for Piper. I mean, him LITERALLY DRIVING HER AWAY FROM HER SHAM WEDDING? Calling her his wife, letting her move in and sleep in the bed, and publicly claiming her in front of the team and the media? Yup. Definitely in love. I mean, the man is such a big softy at heart, and I found it endearing when he tried to show off this super gruff exterior but really had the biggest heart of gold.

Piper was such a fun, loud, unapologetically herself, and I loved it. I really enjoyed how bossy she got with Nash, and how she always pushed his buttons, but only because she knew he wasn’t the asshole he portrayed. I was definitely initially annoyed when she almost took Crew back; I wanted to smack her so hard lol, but I’m so glad the truth was revealed because Nash was definitely the better option.

Their sexual tension was definitely thick enough to cut with a knife. The back-and-forth teasing and decades-long attraction definitely wound them up to a big explosion, and it was pretty hot!

Overall, I liked this book!

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute romance read! I also haven’t read a fake-marriage trope in a while, so it was fun getting back into one. I really enjoyed this book and had such a good time reading it.

I absolutely loved Nash and Piper’s chemistry from the very beginning. I liked how they could joke around with each other and just have fun together. Their relationship felt so natural, and I loved seeing them grow closer throughout the story.

I also loved how Nash was already doing husband things without Piper even having to ask him. LIKE SIR?! The way he showed up for her through his actions was so sweet, and it made me love him even more.

I also thought it was fun how we got a little bit of country life mixed in with the hockey storyline. It was something different, and I loved that Nash had a whole petting zoo on his farm. BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW HE BUILT HER BOOKSHELVES?! 😭📚 That was seriously one of my favorite details. A man who builds you bookshelves? YES, PLEASE!

My only complaint was that the ending felt really quick. I wish we had gotten a little more time to see everything wrap up because it felt a bit rushed compared to the rest of the book.

Overall, this was a great read, and I would definitely recommend it! If you love fake marriage, hockey romance, and a guy who shows his love through the little things, this one is worth picking up! 🏒📚🤍

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Penalty by Lyssa Lemire was such a fun and entertaining hockey romance! I really enjoyed the marriage-of-convenience trope and watching the relationship between the characters develop from an arrangement into something much deeper. The chemistry was fantastic, and I loved the mix of romance, emotional moments, and hockey drama. I enjoyed how the characters felt believable, and their growing connection kept me turning the pages. There were plenty of sweet and swoony moments, along with enough tension to keep things interesting. I especially enjoyed seeing them work through their unexpected feelings while trying to navigate their unusual situation. Overall, Holding Penalty was a great start to the Love The Game series, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Lyssa Lemire!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of the Love the Game series and focuses on Nash and Piper. When Piper finds out that her fiance has been cheating on her, the last person she expects to help her pick up the pieces of her life is Nash. Nash and Piper have a history stemming from their collage days but when an opportunity to help Piper comes up, Nash takes it. Their journey as a married couple showed both of them exactly what they had been missing in life. They were able to truly see who the other was underneath the carefully crafted exterior that they showed to others. This was a great story and a great start to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Camila · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!

Honestly, this was such an easy, enjoyable read from beginning to end. I was hooked, and I genuinely don’t think there was a single moment when I wasn’t having a good time.

But can we PLEASE talk about the MMC??? THAT MAN!!! The way he was completely devoted to her from the beginning??? He literally didn’t even have eyes for another woman. No games, no unnecessary drama, no questioning what he wanted. Just a man who knew exactly who he wanted and acted like it. I LOVE THAT.

I absolutely loved their dynamic and watching their relationship develop. Everything felt so sweet and natural, and I loved that the story didn’t need a bunch of unnecessary drama to keep me interested.

[Thaimelly Rigobello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nash is such a sweetheart… kind, supportive, caring and helpful. When Piper needs rescue, he is right there to catch her.

After discovering her fiancé is cheating on her, she runs away with Nash. But she needs to get married to receive an inheritance. Nash agrees to marry and help her. When they need to live together to show how real their relationship is, things get spicy.

Their feelings start growing and strengthening. And Cheesecake is the cherry on top of the cake!!!!!

Another great and cute read by Lyssa!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Melia · Rating 4 out of 5]

NASH:
HOCKEY PLAYER AND SECRETLY A GREAT GUY, ACTS OF SERVICES KINDS MAN. GRUMPY BUT YET WIL DO ANYTHING FOR PEOPLE HE LOVES.
MAYBE EVEN BE A GETAWAY DRIVER FOR A RUNAWAY BRIDE.
PIPER:
BAKER, INHERITANCE GO GETTER AND FEISTY!
SHE NEED TO BE MARRIED TO CLAIM HER (
INHERITANCE AND SAVE THE BAKERY SHE RUNS.
WHEN A VERY SEXU HOCKEY PLAYER, SAVES HER FROM A SHAME MARRIAGE.. WILL SHE FIND EVERYTHING SHE EVERY WANTED!?
FUN, FEISTY & SEXY BANTER, THIS WAS A CLASSIC HOCKEY ROMANCE MARRAIGE OF CONVIENCE, OLD NEIGHBOURS TO INSATIBALE LOVERS.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

“If you see my truck in the parking lot, don’t panic. I’ll just be waiting in case you decide at the last minute you need a getaway driver



How I imagine the deadpan banter went in my head for first few chapters made me happy, I like that Lyssa writes in a way what means the reader can have a little wiggle room with how’s it’s spoken, the meaning is the same bit makes it more fun! Well I think so anyway 🥰

Her work is always a nice easy read and they are honestly PERFECT for palette cleanses between darker reads.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Piper catches her now ex fiance cheating, she goes i to eevenge mode only it ends up with her at the side of the road and Nash comes to her aid, hockey player, grunp and not in Pipers good book, but she needs a husband to get her inheritance and save her bakery and Nash offers to be her fake hubby, only nothing about it feels fake. well written engaging steamy desires and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first book introducing us to Nash, Piper and the Austin Alligators Hockey team. Slowburn to sizzle between two people who knew each other back in college. Fell for Nash with his grumpiness that covered up a kind heart. Loved Cheesecake and her antics. I look forward to meeting the rest of the team and their forevers!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whitney Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Marriage of Convenience
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Hockey Player x Baker
• He Falls First
• Series Starter
• Dual POV

Loved Nash & Piper's story. A SLOW BURN & when it finally hits, it's blazing. Can see a found family vibe for the whole series starting here & hope it continues. Will we get the single dad or the enemies to lovers in the next book?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I wish we got some more background on their families. She mentioned her mom at the beginning when she left her first wedding but no mention of her family besides her sister and his family wasn’t mentioned at all. I also hate when in epilogues and extended epilogues it’s just sex. I can already see where the rest of the series will go. Single dad/nanny. Enemies to lovers. Friends to lovers. There’s no release date for the next book but I’m looking forward to it.

[Janine Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new Love the game series & it was great!!!
Nash owns a petting zoo, has a capybara named Cheesecake & he builds Piper bookshelves for her romance collection of books…..say no more!!! 🥰🥰
A marriage of convenience so Piper can own her bakery & their relationship is destined ❤️
Can’t wait for Vaughn & fingers crossed……Hallie🫶🏼

[Jelyn Antoinette · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 🌟

The whole story felt really shallow to me. The MCs love was very surface level. I kept hoping that they would deepen their connection but most of the time they're just lusting with each other.

Another thing that I didn't like is that the FMC's character was not really explored in the story. Sometimes it felt like the FMC was just a side character or a decoration in the story.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

You had me at hockey and marriage of convenience. Piper and Nash were so much fun and so freakin cute together. Nash is the grumpiest green flag hero ever, and Piper is a fiery ball of sunshine. I absolutely loved them together. The banter, swoon, and tension were on point.


Tropes:
Hockey player
Baker
Grumpy + Sunshine
Marriage of convenience
Runaway bride
Enemies-to-lovers
Dual POV

[Kacey Daniels {hiatus} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty cute quick enjoyable read. Jerry plus cowboy boots plus cowboy hat. Man who literally is down bad from the get go. Man who builds her bookshelves breaks his diet for her baking buys every pastry she makes and buys her a bathtub just because h overheats her saying she misses one. Great banter she’s fun and teasing and wild while he’s funny and shy

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering her now ex-fiancé is cheating on her leads to Piper and Nash making the decision to marry. A steamy sweet and fun romcom read with college friends, fake to real, grumpy/sunshine vibes and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

these two are so damn adorable <3

[Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how both of them are not toxic to each other. It is a good read.

[Juliza Vazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
forced proximity hits every time!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75. Cute low conflict fluffy little romance.

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a pet capybara named Cheesecake, he builds her bookshelves, he calls her "my wife" and he's grumpy. 10/10

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Coming

[Claudia Reinbrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Tabrina S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! A story without a third act breakup!

[Ashlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

this felt like a YouTube short