The Owner

Dalvegan Dragons #1

by Xavier Neal

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...

That's true unless your new husband - who is much younger than you by the way - doesn't actually want a divorce when you both sober up.

Or, of course, if you get pregnant - the last thing you need right after becoming the new GM to a failing pro hockey team.

I guess you could say this year won't be easy.

Especially for me, the owner.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance, Age Gap Romance, Contemporary

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2023

About the author

I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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Reviews

[MzDion Sellers · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t like how everything is written as a thought

[CassDamm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

There were parts that were good and there were parts that were horrible.

For the good, I enjoyed the fact that everyone said fuck casually, I’m so sick of seeing authors censor swear words. It was also nice to see the roles reversed compared to the norm, in this the female was the older one in the age gap, she was also the independent successful one.

Some of the horrible stuff, there’s this one scene where they’re at a party and the male mc treats the waiter like complete shit. Disgustingly talks down to him about the quality of champagne and then all the surrounding women “swoon” because he knows the logistics of events with alcohol.
If you wanted one dead give away that this book was written by a man, there you go.🥴

On top of that I swear every smut scene had the exact same 3 “dirty talk” lines.

Idk it was really just a subpar hockey romance. I won’t read the rest of the series specifically because of the waiter incident. I probably would’ve pushed through and hoped for some good if that hadn’t happened.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: woke up married, older woman/younger man
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Xavier Neal never lets me down with the most outstanding heroines around, lol. The Owner details the story of Harlow - a brand new NHL GM - and how she ends up married and pregnant from a younger man she barely knows.... and he wants to make a real go for it. She kind of finds it odd that she wants to try too. Hilarity ensues. Great storyline, TONS of witty banter, and two wonderful MCs. Harlow and Brandon had tons of chemistry and truly complimented each other and was everything the other person needed. It got a little eye-roll-y with the hockey euphemisms by the end, lol, but no hate here. Truly an enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

In my sports romance/hockey era! This one checks some extra boxes of a badass Black hockey owner that lives and breathes hockey. When a death in the family wrecks Harlow she takes a breather in Vegas and as the story goes some things don't stay in Vegas. I really enjoyed the story but there was an abundance of hockey terms that got a little annoying. I look forward to reading more stories in this world.

Video review available in Week 20: May 14 – May 20, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)

[alifetimeofliterature · Rating 5 out of 5]

➸ ∞/5 stars

“I never know when she’ll need me for the assist, so no matter the situation or the scenario I stay ready. For her. For the Dalvegan team. For our family.”

Dare I say this is my new favorite book of all time? Because I sincerely think that this is the case. We need more black fmc’s in hockey romance books because this was amazing!! I love a girl who eats and breathes hockey like myself. The banter from this had me laughing the whole book and the aspect of our fmc being the older one in the relationship helped so much with this in my opinion! I seriously think this was my first black cat x golden retriever trope in a book and it did not disappoint me one bit. Harlow being able to be vulnerable around Brendan was so special and I am so glad we got scenes where these two love birds were able to also be themselves around it each. Who knew my girl was gonna sit through watching cooking shows and who knew Brendan was going to easily fit into the hockey world so quickly and actually feel at home.

THANK GOD there was no third act break up because around 30% in I was worried because I didn’t want these two to break up for anything. I loved how Harlow and Brendan were able to communicate rather than giving up on each other. I would love to drunkenly get married in Vegas if this is how my life would result to in the long run. Xavier Neal is now on my list of go-to authors because she seriously put her heart and soul into this book. I love when hockey books don’t exclude the topic of hockey – personally I am not just here for the romance but for the hockey references too. It is gonna be so difficult to move on from this book let alone the series and I am not looking forward to it. #ForeverDalveganDragons

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

What a great read! First let me say how nice it is to have a wealthy woman fall for a man with very little money. That alone made me love it. Okay on to the actual review. Harlow was a great character who is the epitome of being themselves at all times. She was a 37 year old woman who wasn’t worried about settling down, getting married or starting a family. While there is nothing wrong with any of those things or was great to see woman who didn’t let society tell her what she should be doing. And to top it all off she owns a sports team! And she’s not a hands off owner who just lets someone else do all the work, she breathes hockey and it’s just amazing to read. Now Brendan is basically a rolling stone. He doesn’t stay in one place for too long so one would think that he would run from Harlow as quickly as he can. But nope something about her makes him want to stick around. And I love how he was himself around her and let her be herself. Is he a hockey lover like her? No but did he make an effort to see what she loved about and up his game so he knew more than the basics? Yes! He accepted her as who she was and made her see things while not judging her or what she loves. And their relationship was “chefs kiss” two people who are accepting of each other and can communicate rationally without jumping to crazy conclusions. And even better they have insane chemistry! Their feelings were literally palpable. Love love love this book and this couple. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Avid Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't funny, interesting, clever, or sexy. The 25 year male and the 37 year old female have dialogue written as if they both were 15 years old. Oh, constant use of hockey slang drove me crazy because it was overdone and added nothing.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

reverse that age gap and make him yours

4-THE OWNER - REVERSED AGE GAP WITH PREGNANCY
This single female owner of a major hockey team knew how to blow off some steam. She just did not remember all the way that she did it. Some things were cliche, other things were just not what she would have done. Or maybe it was. She was looking for something more. Just not at this point in her life. Her new husband and new surprises along the way made this an interesting read. There was a little bit of jealousy, lies, sabotage, conflict, compromise, and more. zI want to see how the Dalvegan Dragons move forward.

I rarely get to see the other end of the age gap scenario. I did like this one but was not over the top with it. There were learning curves and growing pains. The ending was a little confusing in some places. The way things were said made it seem like time had passed then it did not seem like as much time passed. The last chapter was a see-saw.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wild Night in Vegas Changes Everybody's Life

As a resident of Las Vegas I know first-hand, what happens in Vegas rarely stays in Vegas. Harlow learned that lesson after waking up from her night of partying and turning up to the fact that she was now a married woman to a younger man.

Brendan is not just any man but he is also a member of the Dalvegan Dragon Hockey team that Harlow owns.

Harlow and Brendan had their growing pains. Harlow was sassy, a bit ratchet and outspoken. Brendan was a sweetheart with a dirty mouth. The banter between the two was entertaining as well as their journey.

Of course Harlow wanted out of the marriage but Brendan convinced her to give him 90 days. Harlow and Brendan had their fair share of ups, downs and drama but their obstacles didn't stop them from fighting for their HEA.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance is quirky and fun, heartfelt and emotional, and it's packed with feels, steam and swoon. I just loved Harlow and Brendan. She was sassy and real, and he was sweet but with a very naughty mouth. Together, they were pure fire, tugged heartstrings, deep sighs and big belly laughs. Once I picked this book up, I didn't want to put down because it just that good. Whether you are a hockey fan or not, I think you will fall in love with this terrific book simply because there is so much to relate to as far as the characters themselves, their romance and relationship. There is a raw honesty here that connects with you and well, the zippy and witty banter and barbs don't hurt either. Great start to this new series that I can't wait to read more of. This is my freely posted frank review.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read from start to finish. I couldn’t put the book down as I became more and more attached to Harlow and Brenden. These two have some great back and forth, intense chemistry, along with laughs and touching moments. Harlow is on a new journey, dealing with those emotions, the changes… but everything works well together and kept the pages turning. I loved both of them, that they made me laugh and they made me care. This is the first in a new series and I’m here for it and can’t wait for what more is to come!

I received a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.

[BookKraves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hit the mark

Hot Damn, Harlow and Brendon are everything. I've never read another book like this. The Owner is a reverse age gap, what happened in Vegas, unexpected pregnancy interracial romance. The feisty yet mature interaction was refreshing. The overused miscommunication was absent which is absolutely rejuvenating.
The story is emotionally moving, swoony, and gives you all the feels.

[Patrice M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kinda fun

Love this author and will admit that's the ONLY reason I pushed through. This was a hard one to sit through. The sports talk from the Heroine was ROUGH rough. I almost felt like I needed a translator lol. I get it she grew up playing, living, BREATHING Hockey. Got it! 👍🏾 Seeing these 2 different people come together was still super cute though. Loved the forever push to be supports to one another.

[evette w · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine Fine

This was a good fun read,but it lacked the usual easy flow as some of her other stories. The characters were likable and you could relate somewhat to their lives and the events that happen in them. I think what makes this a little tiresome is all the hockey references. I mean after about six or seven times in one scene is enough for me. Overall it was good and enjoyable.

[Optimisticbooknerd · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️

unfortunately not for me.

I liked the premise but the execution let me down

[zen_s]

[dnf @ 3%] i only read 3% of the first bloody chapter, i already can't take it anymore. it's literally like a verbal vomit of what the character is thinking whatsoever. *eye roll max*

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Lately I've been obsessed with hockey romance and this was such a good book. I find most of my hockey recommendations come from tiktok or Instagram.

[Marisa BG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, though the language got a little funky at times…

[thebadbooksclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hockey romance for hardcore hockey fans

After losing her father and taking over as owner and GM of his hockey team, Harlow flies to Vegas and gets absolutely smashed. She meets and drunkenly marries flighty bartender Brendan. She's ready for a divorce as quick as their marriage, but he's determined to make them work.

I love Xavier Neal's writing style and she always has the most outlandish and original characters so they were really fun to spend some time with. You can tell she does her research. But, real talk, I would categorize this with books written by authors from, like, Australia or South Africa. Well written, legible, but I'm not totally sure I speak that language. There was SO MUCH hockey lingo that it's the Goon of books. I thought I knew enough hockey to muddle my way through, turns out I know nothing.

[Inked Orca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow Hennington’s life has been about hockey ever since she could walk. She’s been there through it all with her dad, and when he passed away, it became her turn to carry on his legacy. A trip to Vegas after the funeral brought her more than she bargained for. After all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But she came back after a one-night stand, not only married but pregnant.

Brendan “Bricks” Brickley never established roots in the places he had to move to. But when the woman who invaded his thoughts after an unforgettable night wants him to fill in the divorce papers and tell him that she is pregnant with his kid, building roots with her is all he wants. He bargained for 90 days to prove a real relationship could work between them. And landing a job that keeps him closer to the woman he wishes to convince is making it easier.

Life as the owner doesn’t come easy, and nothing ever comes without a price. Harlow is facing judgment and doubts, but she is determined to show everyone that she can and will do it.



The Owner is a hockey romance with a cutthroat boss lady determined to keep her father’s legacy alive. In addition, there is an attentive and equally determined man who wants to be there for his family. It has boss/employee romance, an age difference with Harlow being older, rom-com, and interracial romance. There are a lot of hockey talks and metaphors to go along with the banter. There are some steamy scenes, and let me tell you, I was surprised by how steamy they were. I didn’t expect all the heat, but it was thrilling.



I love how Brendan started using hockey metaphors with Harlow when she told him that she loved hockey. The banter and unique pet names between these two are simply unmatched. Aside from making me laugh every time, Xavier Neal always manages to provide a well-written dialogue.

Harlow is a cutthroat, hardworking boss who’s not willing to let anything stand in her way. She might have fallen a few times, but with Brendan’s support and, of course, her stubbornness, she gets back up. She’s not afraid to say it as it is. She is having a problem with something and she says it. She’s worried about her pregnancy not working out, so she talks about it. And Brendan matching her energy is a real cherry on top.



I loved every second of reading this book. Harlow and Brendan are inspiring, and their relationship shows what a healthy relationship looks like. Even though they are not flawless, they make it work as best as they can. They’re there for each other, and that’s all that matters.

I also loved that they both could joke about the age difference and not make a big deal out of it. I lost count of how many times I laughed at all their banter and name-calling. It’s funny and creative and never fails to put a smile on my face.



I’m not a huge hockey fan and some metaphors and sports talk can go over my head, but this book never confused me. I think I’m more appreciative of hockey now. The Owner by Xavier Neal is a book I’d recommend to any hockey romance reader. This book had me hooked, and before I knew it, the word epilogue was glaring at me. Lol. I’d love to read more from Xavier Neal and this series.

[TACORA MCCLUNEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍😍😍😍

This book makes me feel all gushy inside. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I don't know about that when you get married to a stranger in y'all drunken state. You find a way to make it work, at least that's what Bricks and Harlow did. Even though she was older than him they were really perfect for each other. I love their back and forth banter. Although everything wasn't peaches and cream, instead of calling it quits the worked through it and had each others' back. I was glad when they finally let Page go. He was just doing to much and was only bringing the team down. I'm happy Harlow proved to everyone that she could be a successful owner, GM, wife and mother.💙💙

[Chasity Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Harlow and Brendan meet through one of her best friends in Vegas while grieving her father who passed away leaving her his hockey legacy. A drunken night equals Harlow not remembering what she did, and who with. Drinking brought them together but a certain pull keeps them together. Will these two make what happened in Vegas permanent? Can Harlow live up to her fathers legacy? Will there be a hea?

[Jenny (jennyluvslitbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice-o-meter: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
POV - Dual
Genre/ Trope: Contemporary/ Sports Romance/ Rom-Com/ Boss-Employee Romance/ Age-gap/ Older woman/ Younger man/ Rich Woman/ Poor Guy/ Surprise Pregnancy/

"It's one thing to stupidly marry a stranger in Vegas. It's visit the wizard for the other half of your brain stupid to get married and knocked up by one."

The Owner is the first book in this newest series of standalone romance and my first read from the author. I admit, that blurb alone sold me to read this book and man did I have a fun on this one. Grieving Harlow went to Vegas to drown out her sorrows but she didn't expect to wake up married to a sexy, younger man. It seems that what happens in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas because weeks later she found out she's pregnant. What follows is a heart-warming, fun-filled, sweet journey to ever after.

"She's basically my goal and I'm the tender ready to do whatever, whenever to stop anything from harming her."

I liked the chemistry and snarky, witty banters between Harlow and Bricks. I liked how dedicated and supportive Bricks in their relationship. He is such a laid back, chill person who's exactly what Harlow needed in her chaotic life. They compliment each other and works like the team that they are. Loved it and can't wait to read who's next in this series!

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved this book so much!!! This is kind of like a spinoff of Xavier's Hockey Gods series but also very much a standalone start to a new crew. We are in the pro league now!! Harlow is the absolute best! She's sassy and crass, smart and bold and just a tiny bit vulnerable. She's a straight up boss which is a good thing cause she's got a lot of fellas to get in line and media outlets to set straight and well just generally needs to prove she's as badass as she knows she is. Bricks is the sweetest. He's young but wise and the kind of guy that shows up and walks the walk. Their story is messy and copmlicated, totally funny and well kinda perfect. The book is full of great pop culture references, one-liner jokes, hockey lingo, hilarious and endearing banter, you'll laugh, you'll swoon, you'll love it!!

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Older Woman Younger Man

Gosh…this book was so good, I’m at a loss for words. This was a whole bunch of hot nastiness mixed with profanity and quirkiness! I was here for all of it! Harlow wakes up in Vegas married to Brendan. She thought she was leaving her misdeeds in Vegas but she ended up taking a package home. Brendan decides that he’s going get his wife and learns that she’s pregnant. He asks her for 90 days to either work it out or throw in the towel. Along the way, he and Harlow become friends and lovers. Brendan gets Harlow, who is crass and straight forward. He lets her be herself and accepts her the way she is. He’s her rock during her transition as owner and GM of her dad’s hockey team. He’s her peace when everything else is just stressful. I laughed so much while reading. This was my first Xavier Neal book and I can’t wait to read more.

[Ms Cat's World · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒 Punny 🤣

"Drunkageddon" brings on the hockey puns in this age gap (her 37 to his 25) "oopsie" hockey romance 🏒❤️

Harlow Hennington, the NHL's ice 🧊⛸️ princess. The new owner of the Dalvegan Dragons (Texas) hockey team.

Brendan "Bricks" Brickley, across the pond bartender 🍻

A night of sin in Sin City 🎰 finds a grieving, tequila inducing black-out drunk Harlow waking up... with an unknown.... wedded.... and the GM plus owner of the worst professional hockey team in the league.

Witty hockey puns had me 😂 as the two move towards a future together, and Brendan's absorbed into every aspect of her life. Steam level was a slow burn and 💋🔥

Geoffrey and Margot though 🤣😂 their banter 🤣😂 ☠️

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5⭐️ read

This is the first book in Xavier’s new hockey series.
I really enjoyed this age gap, accidental marriage read.
It was such a fun book and kept me entertained.
Harlow is career driven is dealing with the fact that after a wild fun night she has woken up married... and a few weeks later discovers that wasn’t the only exciting thing that happened that night.
Brendan is laid back, easy going and desperate to stay married.
The banter between these two is witty, funny and sexy.
There is plenty of side characters I’d love to see in the next books.
Plus I love the little crossovers from her other series.
Another amazing read.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review

[Lourene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hennington and Brick

I loved Brendon and Harlow/Hennington. They made a great couple once they got past the whole remembering they were married in Vegas thing. The fact that they chose mood rings for wedding rings was hilarious but was not mentioned if layer they replaced them.
Hennimgton had a lot to face with the death of her father, the marriage, the surprise pregnancy, and the running of an NHL hockey team. There was so much going on I loved seeing how Brendon helped her deal with everything.
The hardest thing I had to keep up with was the hockey terms. Otherwise, the story was very good. I liked the conflict between the player Page and Brendon and how he kept trying to break them up.
Overall a very good read.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier knocks it out of the park…or rink in this hilarious, fun and fantastic read.

Harlow and Brenden are delightful in this story that’s filled with sassy banter, passion, true love and hockey!

Harlow is tough, determined and has a mouth on her that will having you laughing out loud, giggling and saying “you go girl”.

Brenden is so sweet and kind, but behind doors that boy has a mouth on him!! Loved how he didn’t cave to the pressure and gave it back to Harlow as good as she dished it out.

Xavier always brings us strong characters that find their way through the battles they are facing while taking care of others and making the world a better place.

[amberebooksandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number one Draft Pick

I have to say this is probably my favorite bookby this author. the way the fmc is a bad boss lady and does not take any crap speaks to me. She is struggling and doing her thing day in and day out. She doesn’t want to ask for help and she is being told she cannot do what she is doing but she does it. She is doing all of this to keep her dad’s memory alive. Then you have “Bricks” who is the perfect book boyfriend. He is automatically there no questions ready to do what he has to do. Throw in that dirty talking, possessive, control he has going on and you have my dream man! This is an absolute must read for you sports romance fans!