⭐⭐⭐☆☆
I really wanted to love this one because the premise had so much potential. A hockey captain recovering from a shoulder injury paired with the team’s physical therapist sounded like it would be right up my alley.
Unfortunately, I found the writing a little choppy, especially in the beginning, and it took me quite a while to settle into the story. The dialogue didn’t always flow naturally for me, which made it harder to fully connect with the characters and their growing relationship.
That said, I did enjoy Declan’s character. His quiet determination, the way he put his team first, and the vulnerability beneath his captain persona made him easy to root for. I also appreciated the slow-burn romance and seeing the trust between him and Elena develop over time, even if I would have liked a little more emotional depth and chemistry between them.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read once I got into it, but the writing style stopped it from being a standout for me. If you enjoy slower-paced hockey romances with a strong focus on character growth, this one is still worth giving a try.
I received this ARC copy through Pen Pinery :)