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After Further Review

Not yet published
Expected 6 Nov 26
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Conflict of interest never looked so good.

Elliott Elstern didn't break barriers and become the NHL's first female referee just to throw it all away for a man.

The problem? That man is Aidan De'Andomer, captain of the Kansas City Storm. The man she met four weeks ago and walked away from without looking back. The man now skating directly in front of her, grinning like he isn’t the one person she absolutely cannot touch.

He's willing to risk everything for a chance with her, but Elliott knows better. One slip, one photo, one wrong move, and her dream career implodes.

But chemistry this explosive doesn't stay hidden forever, and while her job is staying impartial, her heart didn’t get the memo.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 6, 2026

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About the author

Alexandria Arden

3 books83 followers
Alexandria Arden, or Alley, has been writing since she was young. Somewhere between the self-consciousness of her teenage years and the soul crushing experience that was grad school, she stopped writing creatively, convincing herself that the thing she loved doing as a child just “wasn’t her skillset.“

Cue the pandemic and the rise of popular Fantasy Romance books. Alley rediscovered her love of reading and stories. Throughout that process, she started an Instagram account and podcast dedicated to talking about books. She’s built an incredible community of readers and authors alike, and it was this community who inspired her to revisit that childhood passion of writing.

Alley lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and the true love of her life, her cat Willow. When she’s not reading or writing, Alley can be found working in her yard, starting a house project she can’t finish, or complaining while hiking in the Wasatch mountains. Alley is most active on her Instagram accounts, @alexandriaardenauthor and @alleycatsandbooks

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Felicia.
82 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 15, 2026
I got accepted for an ARC with this book. So here’s my review.
To begin, my last review for a hockey romance book included these words “too much smut, not enough hockey.” And this book fixed at least one of those things! I’m not a spicy reader in general but for those that like that- this book hit the mark. But the HOCKEY.
Okay new paragraph to describe this. I love hockey. I love watching it so much and Arden knows how to write for the relatively new hockey fan. I was actually so excited for the hockey scenes because they felt so immersive. She can write hockey- that’s literally all I wanted. Amazing.
Also, I know Arden is a Mammoth fan (same!) and wrote a lot of this story during intermissions for their games. I read most of this book during intermissions for Mammoth games so it feels right haha
Overall story-wise- it’s a romance and it’s cute. I was invested in the characters and the outcome. The story was a little predictable and the characters could have been rounded out a little more- but for the kind of book this is I wasn’t mad about either of those things.
Aidan was an improved version of the MMC from The Deal and El was a knowledgeable FMC. I did feel that they were being very careless about their careers during the “forbidden romance” and that was a little frustrating at times- but they are in their 30s (actually basically my age lol) and they acknowledged their carelessness frequently so I honestly was placated by that for the most part.
For the cameo: I’m not a swiftie. Honestly I’m like negative 10% swiftie. But many of my closest humans are 100% swifties so shoutout for that character cameo.
Is it realistic? I mean… it’s a hockey romance. So probably not the most realistic. But was it fun to read? Absolutely. Will I read it again? Probably in a few years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kaci.
2 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an arc of After Further Review!


I thoroughly enjoyed this book, both as a romance reader and a hockey fan!!!

This was my first hockey romance and I DEVOURED it! As a hockey-obsessed girlie, I’ve been a little scared to read any hockey romances but I can tell this author is also a fan of the game in the way she writes those hockey scenes. The romance is *chefs kiss* AND the hockey scenes made me feel like I was actually at a game? Best of both worlds! It was impossible not to love the badass FMC and the down bad MMC. I also may or may not have been ugly crying for the last 10% of the book 😭

The only things I didn’t love about this book:
1. Big fan of a tall love interest, but I feel like the fact that Aidan is 6’4” was maybe mentioned one too many times?
2. ELLIOTT!!!!!! GET YOUR RETRIBUTION, GIRL!!!!

Overall, I really loved reading this book and can’t wait to purchase my physical copy! I’ll also be keeping an eye out for any potential sequels about the side characters’ stories 👀👀👀
Profile Image for Emily 📚🧚‍♂️.
44 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

This felt like a more realistic hockey romance than most of them, I love the character development but also the realness of them.
If you love hockey and you love romance you will devour this book.
I couldn’t put this book down
The only reason it’s not 5 stars is I found the chapters a little long but it was still very bingeable.
I will be recommending this to everyone.
Also I need book two immediately
Profile Image for Jess H.
14 reviews
October 15, 2026
I received an ARC of After Further Review by Alexandria Arden, and thoroughly enjoyed it!

I’ll start by saying that I’m not a hockey player, nor am I that much of a hockey fan, but the world Alexandria created felt real to me. From the language in the locker room to the energy and passion the characters have for the sport, it all rang true. And I have to give her props for including the “boy aquarium” reference. I broke out in a smile when I read that. It felt very on point with hockey fandom today (thanks Heated Rivalry!)

The story follows El, the first female referee in the NHL, and Andy, the captain of her hometown team. They meet on a night out, share a little flirting and some making out, and go their separate ways without knowing what the other does for a living. Of course, their paths cross again, and that’s where things get interesting.

I loved El’s strength of character. She’s worked hard to get where she is, and while she’s a little uncomfortable with the attention that comes with being the first woman to referee in the NHL, she’s certainly not lacking confidence or backbone. She’s funny, sharp, and willing to stand up for herself, even when doing so could have consequences for her career. There were a few moments where I wanted to cheer her on.

And Andy? I really liked him. He’s a little older, mature, and clearly loves hockey for the game itself, not for the celebrity that comes with it. He’s close to his family, particularly his sisters, and that relationship is a lovely part of who he is. I also appreciated that he wasn’t written as the stereotypical hockey player who spends his time hooking up with puck bunnies. He’s a genuinely decent guy.

The chemistry between El and Andy was great, and the spice was really well written. But what I appreciated just as much was the pacing of their relationship. The story unfolds over the course of a hockey season, giving them time to move from flirting and wondering what might happen to something much more meaningful. There are ups and downs, but they feel natural. Even when they make difficult decisions, I understood why.

I also appreciated the way Alexandria introduced conflict. There were breadcrumbs along the way that suggested trouble was coming, but she didn’t put up a giant neon sign or wave flags to make sure we noticed. She trusted the reader to pick up on things, and I liked that. Similarly, when the characters went through difficult periods, she didn’t linger unnecessarily. We got enough to understand what they were feeling without dragging things out.

There was one thing early on that I found a little far-fetched: El being a hockey fan and not recognizing the captain of her hometown NHL team. But I was happy to put that aside and lean into the story.

Overall, I really appreciated the way Alexandria Arden wrote two strong characters who navigated some genuine challenges on their way to a happily ever after. There was humour, passion, great chemistry, believable conflict, and a real love for the sport woven throughout.

An easy 4.5 stars from me, and I will happily read more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heidi.
117 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 22, 2026
I’m on the ARC team for After Further Review. I finished the book in record time. I could not put it down. This is my kind of book. My family is big into hockey. My brother coaches and my nieces play in Minnesota. The Utah Mammoth coming tomorrow the state of Utah was a win! But a female ref in the NHL? What?

ELLIOTT ELSTERN DIDN'T BREAK BARRIERS AND BECOME THE NHL'S FIRST FEMALE REFEREE JUST TO THROW IT ALL AWAY FOR A MAN.

She is exactly the kind of woman I hope my nieces grow into. She fights for her dreams and she reaches the top of her game! Sometimes men can ruin those kinds of things….

THE PROBLEM? THAT MAN IS AIDAN DE'ANDOMER, CAPTAIN OF THE KANSAS CITY STORM. THE MAN SHE MET FOUR WEEKS AGO AND WALKED AWAY FROM WITHOUT LOOKING BACK. THE MAN NOW SKATING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HER, GRINNING LIKE HE ISN'T THE ONE PERSON SHE ABSOLUTELY CANNOT TOUCH.

HE'S WILLING TO RISK EVERYTHING FOR A CHANCE WITH HER, BUT ELLIOTT KNOWS BETTER. ONE SLIP, ONE PHOTO, ONE WRONG MOVE, AND HER DREAM CAREER IMPLODES.

In the book it states “She’s right. I know she’s right. What would I do with her number? It’s not like we could even go on a date. It’s against the rules. Well, it may not actually be in the rulebook, since I doubt the NHL has ever been worried about a player and an official dating before, even though there are plenty of reasons to be even without women officials. Even if it’s not against the rules, it violates every single professional standard.” This story you know what is going down. It is the typical train wreck as you see it coming! The question is who is going to throw it down? How will they be found out? It is only a matter of time and it keeps you on your seat! I found myself yelling no, no and yes, yes with each bump and stop sign in the way of this couple!

BUT CHEMISTRY THIS EXPLOSIVE DOESN'T STAY HIDDEN FOREVER, AND WHILE HER JOВ IS STAYING IMPARTIAL, HER HEART DIDN'T GET THE ΜΕΜΟ.

I enjoyed the story line, the slow burn and the raising action. If you are a fan of hockey, romance novels, sports or just like reading this is a great one for you! The writing is wonderful and I could really relate to the character energy. This is definitely one of my favorite reads in this genere. And lastly f*ck Kincaid.

Tropes:

🩵 Forbidden Romance
🧡Set in Kansas City
🩵 Taylor Swift cameo
🧡 ON ICE BANTER
🩵 Found Family
🧡 First in an interconnected standalone series
🩵 He Falls First and Falls Harder
🧡 He Spoils Her with Gifts (Rich athlete, remember?)
🩵 Slow Burn
Profile Image for The FortiVerse Ellie N. .
148 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 23, 2026
Forbidden romance? An NHL captain who's a perfect gentleman? And a badass woman making history as the league's first female referee? Yeah, I was sold. 🏒❤️

Elliott is a BADDIE. Being the first female referee in the league is no small thing, and I loved that part of her character. And Aidan? I really liked him. His actions were so well written, and let's be honest, you can tell when a man is written by a woman.

Their dynamic was amazing. The chemistry, the tension, the forbidden aspect of their relationship... they had everything I wanted from this kind of romance. The hockey side was also a pleasant surprise. I'm not someone who actually watches hockey (I mostly read about it), but the games and the sport itself were described in great detail. If you're a hockey fan, I think you'll especially enjoy that part.

My one little complaint? The constant reminders about their age. Okay, I GET IT, they're in their thirties. But can we stop acting like that's old?! 😂 Your thirties are some of the best years, thank you very much.

Overall, this was an easy, fun read with an interesting plot, characters I liked, and a satisfying ending. It didn't quite stand out above the many other hockey romances I've read, but I had a good time with it.

4⭐ | 🌶️🌶️/5

I'd recommend it, especially to readers who love hockey and forbidden romance. 🏒❤️

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 15, 2026
Thank you Alexandria for allowing me the opportunity of an ARC. As an avid reader of all the romance genres/tropes I am glad this particular author has ✨range 💅✨
This book had me giggling and kicking my feet by chapter 4.
I loved the setting of this book. Aidan is all green flags and a hell of a yearner. Elliot is an incredibly accomplished and strong woman in a male dominated field tho at times I did wish she had been a bit stronger in her convictions and standing up for herself. Her best friend Bridgett is an amazing side character that is always there cheering her friend on and giving her tough love when needed. The characters are all well written and drew you in.
I wish we had been given more insight into the side characters storylines because I wanted to know more details! 👀
I believe this will be an interconnected series so I’m excited to hopefully dive into everyone else’s storyline later in the series.
I don’t know a thing about hockey but I still thoroughly enjoyed this read and couldn’t put it down.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the romance genre even if they aren’t particularly into or know much about hockey.🏒🥅

I am not a harsh analytical critic but I read enough romance novels to know what I do like and what I don’t.
All opinions are purely my own.
Profile Image for Jenni Blackburn.
69 reviews
October 16, 2026
First, thank you to Alexandria Arden for the ARC! When I saw “hockey romance” from a fellow Utah Mammoth’s fan, I knew I needed in.

After Further Review is a bingeable, sweet hockey romance with genuine conflicts of interest. I mean, a hockey player and a referee? I definitely felt like they were in a hard place with that. I really, really enjoyed the first 60%, and although the last 40% felt a little more cliche at points and definitely predictable, it didn’t put too much of a damper on my read.

It’s also very spicy, and while that doesn’t really usually bother me, I got to a point where I was skipping the long , frequent spice scenes. The first half was really building their chemistry sans spice, and I wish there was more of that in the second half too. Also by the end I was annoyed at Aiden for putting Elliott in such a precarious situation with her job. I’m just too much of a goody two shoes and would feel way too much guilt keeping secrets like those 😂

Not to spoil anything… but what the heck, Elliott?? Why not pursue rightful justice?? Anyway.

All that to say that I still enjoyed it and binged it!

Would definitely recommend to fellow hockey romance readers!

Also, I am desperate to know more of Logan and Bridget’s story. Dare I hope for an interconnected sequel starring them?
Profile Image for Madison_Reads13.
75 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 18, 2026
The second I saw Alexandria Arden was releasing another book, I knew I had to shoot my shot for an ARC. I think my unspoken standard for a five-star read is: Did I stay up late reading it? Did I keep imagining the characters after the story ended? Did I immediately want more? Check, check, and check.

Elliott has just secured her lifelong dream of becoming the first woman referee in the NHL. While celebrating, she meets a mysterious, incredibly athletic man with whom she has electric chemistry. What follows is a magnetic game of will-they-won’t-they as Elliott and her surprise hockey player navigate their growing “friendship,” blurred lines, and the NHL’s (nonexistent?) relationship rules.

If you love hockey romance (obviously), found family, a man who never forgets your coffee order, slow-burn tension, weird potatoes, joyful karaoke, women breaking glass ceilings, absurdly fancy mansions, spicy moments, and sassy siblings, you’ll fly through this one!

One of my favorite side quests was Hunter’s character growth. I’ll always have to suspend my disbelief a little when it comes to psychologist characters, but Bridget was such a fun, wonderful best friend!

If Alexandria Arden writes it, I’ll always read it!

Thank you to Alexandria Arden for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for MontyReadsThickBooks.
104 reviews
October 18, 2026
I was lucky to be one of ARC readers and I am so thankful for that! Thank you Alexandria Arden!

From the very first chapter, I knew this was going to be a fun read. I’m a sucker for hockey romance, even though I don’t actually watch hockey. At this point, after reading so many hockey romances, I feel like I understand enough to be dangerous and Alexandria handles the sport with so much care and writes like someone who genuinely knows what she’s talking about. Loved the hockey scenes! They really put you on the ice with the players, skating alongside them and feeling all the emotion of the game.

My biggest wish overall: more time with the characters. The book is such a fast, plot-driven page-turner that sometimes I wanted it to slow down and let everyone breathe. I loved my bestie Bridgette, but I wanted more of her. More Logan. More Huntington. (Guess I have to wait to see what Arden has up her sleeves for the next books and maybe my wishes will come true). And definitely more of Kincaid’s villain origin story because best friends turned enemies.... I NEED THE DETAILS.

Also, call me petty, but where is the justice for Elliot?!
Profile Image for Nicole Seifert.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
💙💛🥅ARC Review🥅💛💙

I was so excited to have my first ARC and this book did NOT disappoint.

As a hockey and romance lover this book had it all! I loved all the hockey content and appreciated that the FMC was also an athlete. The rink and game descriptions were spot on and made you feel like you were in the games, and it was nice to have the ref’s perspective. The romance was perfect. I liked that they were older, and wise enough to know better but that their attraction just wouldn’t allow them to stay away.

I liked the little nods to Taylor Swift throughout the book that you likely wouldn’t get if you weren’t a swiftie. They felt like an Easter egg!

The side characters were perfectly set up to continue this into a series and I can’t wait to hear more about them as I felt like they were so important to this story. I will be keeping an eye out for their stories!

I took 1/4 a star off only because I feel like Buffalo always gets dragged in books, and of course something bad happens while she’s in Buffalo! Justice for Buffalo! 😉

Thank you again for providing me an ARC. Can’t wait to go read more of this author’s books!
Profile Image for Veee Wilson.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 15, 2026
🏒🔥 FINALLY, A HOCKEY ROMANCE THAT ACTUALLY HAS HOCKEY IN IT!!! 🔥🏒

From puck drop to the Stanley Cup, Alexandria Arden absolutely NAILED IT! The hockey references, the game scenarios, the atmosphere—EVERYTHING felt so authentic! As a hockey fan, I was absolutely LIVING for it! 🏒❤️

Now, let’s talk about Elliot and Aiden because HELLOOOOO?! 😍🔥

THE CHEMISTRY?! THE TENSION?! THE BANTER?!

And don’t even get me started on the HE FALLS FIRST AND HE FALLS HARD trope!!! 🥹❤️ I was kicking my feet, giggling, and absolutely eating up every single interaction between these two!

The side characters were so much fun, the hockey was HOCKEYING, and the spice?! 🌶️🔥 BABYYYY, THE SPICE WAS SPICING!!!

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! I couldn’t get enough of Elliot and Aiden, and I wasn’t ready for their story to end!

A HUGE thank you to Alexandria Arden for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC! 🥹❤️

🏒 Hockey romance DONE RIGHT!

💕 He falls first AND HARD!

🔥 Chemistry off the charts!

🌶️ Spice that DELIVERS!

Puck yeah, this one was a WINNER!!! 🏆🏒💕
Profile Image for Brooke Ishly.
75 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
October 17, 2026
After Further Review by Alexandria Arden is a contemporary hockey romance following Elliott Elstern, the NHL’s first female referee, as she faces sexism and public scrutiny while pursuing her career. When she develops an unexpected attraction to hockey player Aidan Re-Andomer, their growing feelings create complications that threaten their professional ambitions and reputations.
Elliott’s determination and resilience make her an engaging protagonist, while Aidan’s confidence and emotional depth bring warmth to their relationship. Their playful banter and undeniable chemistry are highlights, and the dual perspectives offer insight into their individual struggles. However, the professional boundaries between them add tension to an already complicated romance.
Arden’s conversational writing balances humour, romantic tension, and commentary on sexism in professional sports. Although some sections feel longer than necessary, the compelling character dynamics and entertaining hockey setting make this an enjoyable read for sports romance fans.
Profile Image for Gina.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 17, 2026
First off, so happy I was picked for an ARC! I saw she was a big Mammoth fan and I knew I had to read it being a big hockey fan myself.

After Further Review is a binge worthy hockey romance. There’s cute romance and spice. I loved that it was an NHL player and a referee . I love a forbidden romance trope.
I also loved all of the hockey lingo in the book. It made it more realistic than some of the other hockey books I’ve read.

I was itching to know the outcome of not just the main characters but some of the side characters as well. I would love to read a book about Logan and Bridget. There is a small Taylor Swift cameo in the book as well.
It is spicy and I love me some spice but at times there was too much spice.
Overall, I loved the book and would recommend it to hockey romance fans.

The only thing I have to say…..Elliot, I wish you would have pursued justice. He deserved to go down lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kate Power.
10 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 21, 2026
What a ride! Elliott and Aiden are electric. Their chemistry is instant and I couldn’t stop thinking about them even when I had to put the book down and do things in the real world.
It was so refreshing to read a hockey romance that featured real hockey and you can tell the author knows more about hockey than a general google search for terminology. As an avid hockey romance reader (100+) I feel like I can speak with authority when I say this is one of the best.
Being on the ice with Elliott as she handles being a referee was a unique POV and made me feel more immersed in the game. I don’t want to spoil anything but the last 10% had me gripping my seat- I wanted to drop gloves myself!
Can’t wait to see how this series shapes up- I loved Bridget as the supportive bestie and hope we get her story as well as some other players who had real growth during the book.
This is my first book from this author and first ARC and what a way to start!!
Profile Image for Kelly L.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
October 18, 2026
Honestly, I was hooked from the dedication page! As a major hockey fan and romance fan, this book was really made with both in mind. This was my first ARC and I was honored and excited to be able to read this early, a huge thank you to Alexandria and the publishing team.

I know I love a romance novel when I get butterflies for the characters’ developing stories. I was giggling and squirming with anticipation for these two, well developed characters. Aidan was very “book boyfriend” without being degrading or overbearing, which usually turns me off from romance novels. He supported her career without diminishing her abilities or knowledge - which was even hotter! I saw a lot of myself in Elliot, strong willed but soft, empowering, and fiery.

This was everything I want in a hockey romance and more. I cannot wait for hopefully Bridget and Logan’s stories next!
Profile Image for Malén.
56 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2026
Aaah I love a good hockey romance, and daaang this one was so incredibly cute and romantic! I want to reread it right away!

Alexandria, when will your next hockey romance come out 👀

Okay so I absolutely looooved Elliot and Aiden’s love story! I simply couldn’t put the book down! It had all the classic elements you want in a hockey romance, and I really liked that Elliot could both be vulnerable and weird (potato), but when she got on the ice she was so confident in what she did! I love a quirky girl haha!

And let’s not forget the most romantic guy in the history of hockey romance, my man Aiden! I need a Aiden, period! That man had it so bad for Elliot from the moment he set his eyes on her! The romance made me giggle and swoon!

If you ever want to pick up a hocky romance, you should definitely read After further review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 20, 2026
I am a novice hockey fan and trying to learn the rules and was excited to read a book by a true hockey fan! I absolutely loved Andy and El from the jump and couldn't put the book down. El was a strong knowledge FMC but I was a bit bummed she would risk her career the way she did, which should not be an issue and glad this was addressed. Andy was a great MMC who showed how much he cared for her but it did frustrate me how much he pushed the boundaries.

The reason I am leaving a 3.75 ⭐ vs a 5 is because of the main conflict. It went way too far and honestly pissed me off even days later. El and Andy should have taken more of a stance and the fact that this type of behavior was not new made it so much worse to swallow.

Alexandria is a good writer and I am looking forward to reading something else for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Libby at the  Library.
3 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 17, 2026
Review of advanced copy from author

Overall this was an enjoyable book to read. I loved that the roles were a little unconventional between the MMC and FMC. I kept picturing a powerhouse woman like Ilona Maher when reading about Elliot. The chemistry between characters was electric, however the level of detail in the sexual scenes became too much for me. I don't know anyone who has that much going on in the bedroom all the time! I appreciated the fact that the main characters were mature and established though without college drama. The best thing about this story was that the miscommunication trope was nowhere to be found 🙌🏻 Solid writing of a plausible story that was not sickly sweet, but definitely spicy.

Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Courtney.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
Advanced copy review:

I absolutely LOVED After Further Review!! As a sports romance girlie and an invested hockey fan, this book had all of the parts I usually miss in a hockey romance.
From the realistic travel schedule to the description of the actual games, I loved that it so accurately integrated sport and romance.

I think the only part of the story that really took away from it a little bit for me was how much of the book was spent not really acknowledging the risks of them getting together. Especially after saying that it was more of a risk to her career than to his.

Also not a SUPER huge fan of long chapters so that slowed down the reading time for me but otherwise the story had me hooked from start to finish and I can’t wait to see where the characters go next!!!
Profile Image for Katie Allen.
35 reviews49 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 25, 2026
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.*

If you like your sports romances to actually contain the sport being played on the page, this book is for you. I really got the feeling that the author understands hockey and enjoys it. The relationship between El and Aiden is sweet and the yearning is real. I loved the way El’s own athleticism was acknowledged and respected by everyone the readers would care about, and that the similarity in their careers allowed them to help each other.
I can’t say I’ve ever thought much about the refs at a game, but this has me paying more attention to them now! I’m not usually huge on forbidden romances, but in this case it worked, and the way things resolved made sense.
I will be looking forward to a sequel!!
Profile Image for Nikki Burdette.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 25, 2026
Such a great read. As is anything thing Alexandria Arden puts in front of me. And I can say with my whole chest that I know what a hat trick is now as someone who knows nothing about hockey. And as an athlete I’m super happy with how much of the sport actually made it into the sport book!

The slow burn with zero miscommunication is just a chefs kiss, when that’s typically the leading cause of drama in this style of romance book. But the reassurance is so beautifully written and well articulated that even though it’s pointed, it doesn’t take away from the story line.

The love story between Aiden and Elliot is a pearl clutching instant attraction->forbidden love tale that will grab you very early on and suck you in.


Profile Image for Nancy Van.
114 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 15, 2026
AA has done it again! This book is SO GOOD. I’m not even normally a huge fan of hockey romances (or sports romances in general) but this one is GOOD. AA not only immerses the reader into what it feels like during a hockey game…but then she gave us AIDAN.

Do you like a MMC who ✨yearns✨? Because that’s Aidan. Top tier book boyfriend, who would crawl on his knees for Elliot (and maybe he does 😜).

A little bit of drama, a whole lot of smut, and a riveting plot has this as one of my top reads this year for sure.

I received this copy of AFR as an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
6 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 23, 2026
I love a good hockey romance, and as a Swiftie, this one was a fun read. The forbidden romance was great, and it was swoon-worthy. I was so worried about her career that I kept yelling, "Girl, don't do it for a man! Your job is more important!"

I also loved that it didn't have a ton of F-bombs like so many hockey books. It's a pet peeve of mine when there are so many curse words that I can't tell what a character is actually saying.

Sometimes you pick up a hockey romance and it feels like the same story with different characters and a different team. This one was a breath of fresh air.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BrynnleeValan.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 23, 2026
Review of an ARC reader

I love hockey and I love romance so I knew I was going to love this book. Which is why I applied to be an ARC reader and was so happy to have gotten it! I really liked the book overall and I loved the concept of a female official! There were some parts that I felt were unrealistic (mainly that if you got the position of a lifetime of being the first and only woman official, you probably wouldn’t risk your job for a man) but that’s the forbidden part of the forbidden romance so I feel like it was a me problem. I think it’s a great book and I’m excited to put it with my other hockey romance books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ed.
202 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
Looking for a hockey romance that actually has hockey in it? And do you want that hockey to be realistic? Then this is the book for you. The romance is fantastic and the hockey is even better. I love reading the game through the eyes of a player and a ref. And the dual POV as the two main character wrestle with thier emotions and complications is *chef's kiss*.

And of course I'm a little biased with the shoutout to my hockey team at the end of the book (that's what drew me in, hockey romance written by a season ticket holder to the Mammoth, how could I not read, but I stayed for the story).
Profile Image for Tiia Kaufmann.
13 reviews
October 21, 2026
🏒ARC Review 🏒
I was slightly worried when I started this book, because there was a lot of unnecessary repetition of certain details that I wasn’t a huge fan of.
However I loved the book and as a lifelong hockey fan, I loved that there was real hockey and realistic play-by-plays. Aiden has set unreachable expectations for hockey players (and maybe men in general 😂). I hope Logan and Bridget’s story is coming next. I will be waiting first in line to read it and get more of Kansas City Storm in my life. 😁
Profile Image for Anne Levitz.
134 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
Do you love Garret Graham? (Talkign TV show cause I haven't read the books yet) Then you NEED to meet Aiden De'Andomer!!! STAT! PRONTO! ASAP! If there is a hockey alternative to stat then that word too! I'm sorry but he is soooooo much better! I know I'm totally gonna catch crap for that but in my opinion it's true! Also you get so much Hockey in this book its great and that's coming from someone who is seriously in no way a sports fan and knows nothing about hockey! No notes! One of the best sports romances I've read!
Profile Image for Emily.
4 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2026
I received an ARC of After Further Review and it was such a fun quick book to read. It immediately caught my interest and I didn’t want to put it down! I especially loved that the main characters weren’t super young, and that there were so many descriptions involving hockey ON the ice. I appreciated the different perspective and how involved both characters were in the sport. I genuinely enjoyed the characters and storyline and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Mala.
293 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 19, 2026
Fair warning, this is a slow burn.
Their feelings do progress throughout the book, but there is no actual spice until the book hits 50%
If you’ve read her romantasy novels, you know her writing skills are beautiful, and that’s translates into this sports novel as well.
If you’re looking for a sports romance that focuses on the building of actual feelings versus just straight spice, I highly recommend this one. My only complaint is the ending, definitely left me wanting more!
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