user_21aefc9's Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC Review

This one had me hooked from the very first chapter. The dark academia setting immediately pulled me in, and the combination of hockey, mystery, and suspense had me constantly wanting to know what would happen next.

Tesni was easy to like with her hopeful outlook, while Branwen was definitely a character that kept me intrigued. Their chemistry created plenty of tension, and I found myself wanting to keep turning the pages to see where their story was going.
If you’re a fan of dark academia, sport romance, morally grey characters, and stories that blur the line between love and obsession, this is one worth checking out.

Read trigger warnings first!

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Ben and Renee’s story was a slow-burn romance built on trust, respect and plenty of emotional growth. Ben’s character had more depth than I expected, and watching his walls slowly come down was one of the highlights of the book. Renee balanced him well with her determination and independence. While the pacing dipped in a few places, the chemistry and character development kept the story engaging.

Thank you to H.A. Laine and Pen Pinery for the ARC.

Vince and Elara’s story focused on healing, trust, and finding the confidence to move forward. Their relationship felt authentic, and the emotional moments were well written. Although the pacing didn’t always keep me fully invested, the characters made this another solid addition to the series.

Thank you to H.A. Laine and Pen Pinery for the ARC.

Milo and Risa’s story combined romance with an investigation that added another layer to the plot. Their personalities contrasted well, and watching them slowly lower their guards made their relationship feel believable. The balance between the romance and the wider storyline kept things interesting, even if the pacing occasionally dipped.

Thank you to H.A. Laine and Pen Pinery for the ARC.

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

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 :)