A review by gnomepatronus
Deke by Eden Finley

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This review is not going to do this book justice, I wish it would but I know it won’t…no way, no how! I picked this up because I needed something to make my heart happy, and based on the first two books in the series, I knew this one would deliver. Spoiler alert: it did. Big time.

I mean, come on: saving a stranger by pretending to be their boyfriend? Classic. But —plot twist—they’re the absolute worst match ever. A closeted professional hockey player and a sports journalist? Disaster vibes. This setup could’ve gone full angst fest, but nope! It stayed lighthearted in the best way.

And don’t even get me started on the hockey player’s family. They’re not just supportive, they’re overboard. Like, hilariously, adorably over-the-top. It’s refreshing to see a family dynamic like this worked into a story. The dad’s dry humor? Perfect. The mom? Oh, the mom. She’s so ridiculously loving and supportive that you’re torn between wanting to shake your head at her and wanting to protect her at all costs. And the brothers? They’re basically tall, sexy gods. If you lived with them, you’d want to wrestle them, smack them upside their heads and be annoyed with every breath; if you didn’t, you’d just… stare, drool, and stare. (Yes, I’m obsessed with his family. No shame.)

There were so many laugh out loud moments. The moments going into the treehouse, and especially getting out of it—had me in stitches. OH and breakfast after the attic!!! Seriously!! I may have read that part twice!!

Honestly, this book was exactly what I needed: lighthearted, funny, romantic, spicy, and just fun. The banter was perfect. The romance hit just right. If you’re looking for a book to brighten your day, this is it.