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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5 ⭐️
I wanted to love this book because I have loved this series and the DC Eagles players and dynamic in that group. But unfortunately I didn’t love this one. I really struggle with the whole “my sister is off limits” when said sister is in her 30s and that then requires sneaking around. Like, if they were in their teens, sure. I knew that was a big part of the story but I had hopes it wouldn’t come across like that. I also would have loved to see more communication between Farrah and Bruce about her PCOS and ex rather than just one conversation.
Looking forward to Leah’s next book!
Closed door
I wanted to love this book because I have loved this series and the DC Eagles players and dynamic in that group. But unfortunately I didn’t love this one. I really struggle with the whole “my sister is off limits” when said sister is in her 30s and that then requires sneaking around. Like, if they were in their teens, sure. I knew that was a big part of the story but I had hopes it wouldn’t come across like that. I also would have loved to see more communication between Farrah and Bruce about her PCOS and ex rather than just one conversation.
Looking forward to Leah’s next book!
Closed door
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Favorite Quote:
“Would somebody give me a task that involves seeing Farrah? Please. For the love.”
I’m so sad to see the D.C Eagles series come to an end! I’ve loved reading about all the teammates, and I’m super excited to see what happens with Noah! 😆
Farrah and Bruce were the absolute cutest! The fact that he bought her the oven of her dreams! 🥹 Who doesn’t love a giant tenderhearted goalie!? 😍
🚨- mentions of alcohol, pg-13 language throughout, a fade to black scene between a married couple in the epilogue.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I am glad to say that I really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked from the beginning, so I read this in less than 24 hours. I found it pretty relatable so it had me in tears a couple of times. This is pretty much the exact relationship I wish to have in the future. Someone who fights to stay with me and loves me for me. I loved how comfortable Bruce and Farrah were with each other when they were secretly dating.
The only thing that I found a bit frustrating was how some of the chapters ended. Oftentimes, the characters would meet up or see each other somewhere, they’d have one conversation on the page, then the chapter ended and the next one started a new day. I just really liked reading about them when they were together, so I just felt like some of the chapters ended too early.
The only thing that I found a bit frustrating was how some of the chapters ended. Oftentimes, the characters would meet up or see each other somewhere, they’d have one conversation on the page, then the chapter ended and the next one started a new day. I just really liked reading about them when they were together, so I just felt like some of the chapters ended too early.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okay so I devoured Secret or Shutout and I am OBSESSED. Ever since I read Betrothal or Breakaway, I was dying to know more about Farrah—and this book DELIVERED. She’s smart, confident, and navigating life with PCOS in such a real, heartfelt way. And BRUCE?? The quiet, loyal goalie who’s been in love with her since that one kiss in a bar over a year ago?? Swoon city.
This one is a delicious slow-burn with ✨hidden romance✨ (he’s her brother’s teammate so you know it’s complicated). The chemistry is off the charts, but the emotional connection?? Even better. Farrah and Bruce’s banter is laugh-out-loud funny, and Leah Brunner nails the writing style—warm, witty, and full of heart. Their late-night texts, sneaky glances, and finally giving in?? I was screaming. Plus, the way Bruce sees Farrah and supports her without question… we need more Bruces in fiction. If you’re into sports romance with depth, swoony hockey boys, and girls who fight for themselves and their future—you NEED this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Before I begin, I would like to thank Leah Brunner for allowing me to read a Net Galley copy of her upcoming book, Secret or Shutout, which is the fourth book of her D.C. Eagles Hockey Romance series and will be available on Amazon on March 27th, 2025.
Bruce McBride had the best kiss of his life with a beautiful stranger one night at a dimly lit bar and is surprised when he sees her the next day. Turns out that the stunning woman is his team captain and best friend’s little sister. Even though she’s off-limits to everyone on the D.C. Eagles hockey team, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist giving into their feelings. It won’t hurt anyone if Farrah’s brother doesn’t know, especially during the Stanley Cup playoffs, right? But when the truth is revealed, his captain isn’t happy with him, Farrah doesn’t talk with him anymore, and he’s having trouble keeping pucks out of the net. Can Bruce salvage his friendship, his performance on the ice, and his budding romantic relationship with Farrah? Or will any chance to be in Farrah’s life be over?
This book was fantastic. You have Bruce McBride, a sweet, considerate, charming, and handsome young man that feels the pressure to be the best goalie he can for the playoffs and craves having a place where he belongs. You have Farrah Remington, a kind, witty, talented, and beautiful young woman who is devoted to taking care of her family and baking delicious cakes. The interactions between Bruce and Farrah were sweet, funny, and thoughtful. I loved seeing familiar faces from the previous books, and how protective the team (both the players and their families) were of the main characters. The kiddos in this book were hilarious and cute, and the cakes sounded amazing. I appreciated how Brunner handled discussions of grief, infertility, PCOS, and divorce with grace and compassion. There were many times that I wanted to give the main characters a hug, and I cheered them on as I read their story. Overall, if you like delicious cakes, awesome found family, discussions about infertility, PCOS and divorce, great banter, complex characters, and sweet forbidden love / hockey player x best friend’s sister romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: Secret or Shutout: A Hockey Romance (D.C. Eagles Hockey Book 4) eBook : Brunner, Leah: Kindle Store
Bruce McBride had the best kiss of his life with a beautiful stranger one night at a dimly lit bar and is surprised when he sees her the next day. Turns out that the stunning woman is his team captain and best friend’s little sister. Even though she’s off-limits to everyone on the D.C. Eagles hockey team, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist giving into their feelings. It won’t hurt anyone if Farrah’s brother doesn’t know, especially during the Stanley Cup playoffs, right? But when the truth is revealed, his captain isn’t happy with him, Farrah doesn’t talk with him anymore, and he’s having trouble keeping pucks out of the net. Can Bruce salvage his friendship, his performance on the ice, and his budding romantic relationship with Farrah? Or will any chance to be in Farrah’s life be over?
This book was fantastic. You have Bruce McBride, a sweet, considerate, charming, and handsome young man that feels the pressure to be the best goalie he can for the playoffs and craves having a place where he belongs. You have Farrah Remington, a kind, witty, talented, and beautiful young woman who is devoted to taking care of her family and baking delicious cakes. The interactions between Bruce and Farrah were sweet, funny, and thoughtful. I loved seeing familiar faces from the previous books, and how protective the team (both the players and their families) were of the main characters. The kiddos in this book were hilarious and cute, and the cakes sounded amazing. I appreciated how Brunner handled discussions of grief, infertility, PCOS, and divorce with grace and compassion. There were many times that I wanted to give the main characters a hug, and I cheered them on as I read their story. Overall, if you like delicious cakes, awesome found family, discussions about infertility, PCOS and divorce, great banter, complex characters, and sweet forbidden love / hockey player x best friend’s sister romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: Secret or Shutout: A Hockey Romance (D.C. Eagles Hockey Book 4) eBook : Brunner, Leah: Kindle Store