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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
funny
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:
Yes
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐ (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5 spice)
Started: 07-16-2025
Finished: 07-22-2025
Number of Pages: 440 (Kindle version)
Synopsis:
Hazel Hartley is a physio for the Vancouver storm and absolutely cannot stand Rory Miller, but when her cheating ex-boyfriend is traded to the team Rory and Hazel agree to fake date when he thinks that she got herself assigned as his physio because she misses him, only it doesn’t stay fake for long. It doesn’t remain fake for long and soon they have to face their feelings for each other.
🚨🚨🚨SPOILERS🚨🚨🚨
This was a super cute book, I really fell in love with Rory and his golden retrieverness. Hazel I wasn’t expecting to like as much as I did. In the first book she was very cold and sharp, so I was kind of expecting the same in this one, but she definitely grew on me as the book went on and as you learn about her and her goal to open an inclusive yoga studio because of her mom’s body image issues (huge trigger warning if you have any issues relating to ED’s and body issues and body shaming). While I’m on the topic of trigger warnings, Rory’s dad and him have a very toxic relationship where his dad is trying to make Rory just like he was when he played hockey and he doesn’t really know his son at all which is heart breaking. They do have a redemption at the end of the book where they make up, but as someone who has a better relationship with a parent who was toxic and verbally abusive when I was a child while we have a better relationship today I will never forget and fully forgive the way I was treated when I was a kid.
Trigger Warnings:
- Cheating (ex-boyfriend)
- Toxic relationship (MMC dad)
- Body shaming (FMC mom)
K!nks/tropes:
- Pro athlete
- He falls first
- Childhood acquaintances
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Toxic relationship
funny
lighthearted
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
This isn’t insta-love, it’s years worth of hidden feelings and secret pining for one another
Hazel and Rory’s relationship is so lovely and genuine - I love being in the Vancouver Storm universe, I have absolutely NO clue why it took me so long to pick this up after finishing Behind the Net
Hazel and Rory’s relationship is so lovely and genuine - I love being in the Vancouver Storm universe, I have absolutely NO clue why it took me so long to pick this up after finishing Behind the Net
Going back to my hockey roots. I don’t know the couple and banter was cute but it seemed pretty insta love to me especially for fake relationship. Also there was a lot of talking about our feelings moments in this book. The guys mom, the guys dad, the girls mom, the boys coach. It was just all a little touchey feely and maybe that’s just me because I don’t need to read all this sappy shit. The first book was so good.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
As a young woman who looks just like her mom, growing up watching her mom hate herself and how she looks, this book really hit home. I felt less alone in Hazel’s POV. It made me tear up and I truly wasn’t expecting it. That alone makes this a 5 stars.
The rest was pretty good too, I loved both of the MC’s and how they love each other fiercely. I loved seeing Pippa and Jamie again and I can’t wait for Hayden’s and Darcy’s story. x ☺️
The rest was pretty good too, I loved both of the MC’s and how they love each other fiercely. I loved seeing Pippa and Jamie again and I can’t wait for Hayden’s and Darcy’s story. x ☺️
emotional
inspiring
fast-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:
Yes
Started out thinking the insta-love elements were OTT and that I wouldn’t enjoy the rest of the book but it was a grower! Thought the high school connection was superfluous to the current story of the MCs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Fake dating to get back at an ex is a trope I usually go feral for. This one was just too sickly sweet for my liking.
The mmc was head over heels for the fmc before they’d even started fake dating. If you like a golden retriever man who has been pining for years, you’re going to love this. Personally, I need more of a slow burn. This felt way too long considering they were basically friends to begin with and there was minimal plot.
I will say, the spice was great so that was a bonus, but not enough to bump my rating higher.
The mmc was head over heels for the fmc before they’d even started fake dating. If you like a golden retriever man who has been pining for years, you’re going to love this. Personally, I need more of a slow burn. This felt way too long considering they were basically friends to begin with and there was minimal plot.
I will say, the spice was great so that was a bonus, but not enough to bump my rating higher.
4.25 ⭐️ This was a fun romance hockey book, Loved Rory and Hazels dynamic and flirty banter. Didn't love how fast they were moving at the end of the book but oh well!