Spies, Lies, and Alibis

About the Book:

Spies, Lies, and Alibis: A low-spice, thrilling spy romance

Title: Spies, Lies, and Alibis
Author: Natalie Walters
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 19th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other’s true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can’t determine if she’s an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Book Review:

As always Walters brings the banter and suspense to make a wonderful book! The book sounded really interesting so I was excited to try it out. I was intrigued by the story and wanted to see how everything would work.

Cybil and Ben were such fun and unique characters. They were so fun to read about. It was interesting to read more about them and get to know their backstories. They had history together but hadn’t seen each other in ages. They had a lot of funny interactions especially as they tried to keep secrets from each other. It was sweet to read about them reconnecting and seeing that there was more to the other person.

I wanted to see how everything would work out. Both Ben and Cybil had secrets but were trying to take down the bad guys. There was so much going on and I was on the edge of my seat. It did take me a little while to get into the story but I ended up really enjoying it. I can’t wait to see what else Natalie Walters writes! Spies, Lies, and Alibis is a closed door romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

What So Proudly We Hail

About the Book:

Title: What So Proudly We Hail
Series: Stars, Stripes, and Hockey Nights #3
Author: Marion De Re
Release Date: June 24th 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

She’s chasing the truth. He’s blocking every shot… except the one to his heart.

I’m being sent to Washington, D.C. as a punishment.
Weeks of watching hockey. Reporting on sports when I usually chase criminals, corruption, and scandals is pure torture. Apparently, being too good at my job comes with consequences.
And NHL defenseman Baptiste Marchand is the embodiment of everything that’s making this assignment unbearable.
Privileged, confident, and annoyingly charming.
But when he walks in on me while I’m digging for dirt behind the NHL scenes—don’t tell my boss—I end up scoring an interview with him instead… and start seeing him in a very different light.
He ropes me into meeting his friends, attending charity galas, and wandering through summer festivals—all against my will—and suddenly, I’m questioning whether the loner life I’ve built so carefully is actually making me happy.
And when ghosts from my past resurface, threatening my future, Baptiste is right there, helping me uncover the truth. Slowly, all the walls I’ve built around my heart start to crumble, and I begin to wonder if he might be the one person I never even knew I was looking for.
But chasing the truth has consequences.
And I may have gone too far.

I just don’t know if he’ll ever forgive me for it.

Book Review:

Oh this turned out better than I had expected. I adore Marion De Re’s books and I was so excited to see some familiar faces again. What So Proudly We Hail is written by Marion De Re and it is the third book in the multi author series, Stars, Stripes and Hockey Nights series,

Harper was jaded and didn’t like celebrities. Baptiste was trying to enjoy life but also find his person. They were the perfect fit for each other. I love how Baptiste met Harper where she was at but also tried to push her out of her comfort zone. Harper was scared to let Baptiste in but when she did, she loved fiercely. She wanted him to be at peace and find his family.

Both of these characters had been hurt in the past, but they learned that some things were worth the risk. The story was so interesting and engaging. I was on the edge of my seat as Harper tried to uncover some of the mysteries that were before her. She definitely toed the line at times but she had a good heart. Baptiste was working so hard to woo Harper and it was definitely sweet to see.

The romance was cute! Baptiste definitely fell first but they both fell hard. I loved seeing the other hockey players again. I want to reread their books! (The One More Chapter series and the New York Raptors series are also worth the read). What So Proudly We Hail is a closed door romantic comedy. I would recommend it to those who like hints of mystery but mostly romance and fun.

Book Highlights:

Black cat/golden retriever

She’s a reporter

Not a sports/celebrity fan

He’s a hockey player

She’s a reporter

Found family

He falls first

I received a complimentary copy

Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard

About the Book:

Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard (School Treasure Hunter) | Treasure Hunt - Book 1, Treasure Hunter Series (Graysen Foxx, School Treasure Hunter, 1)

Title: Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard
Series: Graysen Foxx
Author: J. Scott Savage
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: March 7th, 2023
Genre: Children’s Fiction

Join Graysen Foxx on a wild, treasure-hunting adventure!

Ordinary Elementary is anything but ordinary. Below the classrooms are winding, abandoned, underground passages filled with lost treasures. Fifth-grader Graysen Foxx, aka The Gray Fox―finder of secrets, solver of mysteries, and explorer of the unknown―is hot on the trail of the legendary treasure of Principal Redbeard, which includes decades of confiscated gadgets, rare comic books, first-edition Pokémon trading cards, an original Rubik’s Cube, and a retro handheld video game.

Graysen is determined to find the treasure and share it with his fellow students. His nemesis, Raven Ransom―nicknamed “Red Raven”―plans to stop him and claim the prizes for herself, just like she did with the game-winning home run kickball everyone thought was lost on the roof of the school.

Wearing his adventurer-iconic fedora, journaling in his field notebook, and wielding his elastic stretchy hand, Graysen is ready for action. But can he avoid the second-grade spy network working for Raven? Could the third-grade twins, Maya and Jack, give him an advantage? Can he avoid the ruthless sixth graders while trying to protect the innocent first graders? And who is the mysterious Midnight Moth who is leaving cryptic notes and riddles?

It’s a battle between courage and cunning, smarts and shrewdness, charity and cheating. With the treasure on the line, can Graysen trust his rival―or is it just another one of her traps? May the best treasure hunter win!

Book Review:

I was excited to read a MG book, because I haven’t been reading too many recently. This type of adventure book was what I grew up reading! Ordinary Elementary is full of surprises, mysteries, like the underground passages filled with lost treasures. Graysen Foxx, aka The Gray Fox is a fifth grader treasure hunter and explorer. Upon hearing of the legendary treasure of Principle Redbeard, he is determined to find it and share it with his fellow students, as long as he gets to it before his nemesis, Raven Ransom, or the “Red Raven”. But as the mysteries pile up and the puzzles become more dangerous, will Graysen be able to win?

This was a really fun book for the age range! It was full of excitement and action. Graysen’s POV was interesting and provided a clear picture into the fantastical world of Ordinary Elementary. What a cool world! It had elements of classic adventure stories, with the unique setting of a elementary school. His narration felt youthful and lighthearted, while also fitting the treasure-hunter vibe of the book. It was humorous and silly at times, but I felt like it really fit the story.

The puzzles and mystery of the story was also really intriguing. I think young readers will enjoy following Graysen’s escapades and solving it along with him. There is little adult influence in this book, except for a few teachers. There is a strong emphasis on friendships and helping others throughout the story. I would recommend this to young readers who are interested in adventure stories or treasure hunts or just a fun story!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

What If She Stayed

About the Book:

What if She Stayed?: A Christian Single-Dad Romance (The Heart of Nashville Book 2)

Title: What If She Stayed
Series: The Heart of Nashville #2
Author: Elizabeth Maddrey
Publisher: JoNaTiMa Books
Release Date: July 13th, 2026
Genre: Christian Romance

He lost everything. She never stays anywhere long.

Three years after losing his wife, Danny Granger is still holding his world together one careful piece at a time—for himself, and for his young son. Returning to music might be possible. Trusting someone else with his child is not.
Until Allison.

Free-spirited and fiercely independent, Allison Walker lives life one mile at a time, never staying long enough to put down roots. When a dangerous situation leaves her needing a safe place to land, Danny offers her a temporary job—and a place to stay.

It was only supposed to be for a week.

But Allison’s light begins to reach places in Danny’s heart he thought were lost forever. And for the first time in years, hope starts to feel possible again.

The problem? Allison doesn’t stay.

And Danny isn’t sure he can survive losing someone he loves… twice.

Could God be writing a story neither of them expected?

Book Review:

Oh, this was heartwarming and sweet! What If She Stayed is written by Elizabeth Maddrey and it is the second book in The Heart of Nashville series. Danny definitely needed his own book and I was excited to see that he would be next. He had a lot to work through as he mourned his wife and raised his son. Danny was looking for stability while Allison was a free spirit.

I really liked both Allison and Danny, they were both trying to figure out life. Danny was scared to let someone in and to lose those he cared about. Allison was just searching for her purpose as she traveled. They were both unique and different but they fit each other perfectly. They balanced each other.

I was interested in seeing how everything would work out. Both Allison and Danny weren’t looking for love or even knew what to expect. They just found themselves falling for each other as they spent time together and cared for Seth. They had some hiccups in the road but they learned to work through them. Both Allison and Danny felt real, even when they had trouble communicating I understood them.

I adored the side characters! Danny’s band was a lot of fun and Seth was cute. I loved the way that Danny’s friends helped him and pushed him. It was also sweet to see them accept Allison. I also saw hints of the next book. I loved how the book had faith woven into it. The characters still struggled but they sought to seek and honor God with their lives.

This was a lovely book and I would totally recommend it. What If She Stayed is a clean inspirational romance.

Book Highlights:

Single dad

Nanny romance

They help each other

Faith

Grief and learning to hope again

Finding community and friends

Christian band

I received a complimentary copy

Life Just Got Real

About the Book:

Title: Life Just Got Real
Author: Sadie Robertson
Publisher: Howard Books; Reprint Edition
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Fiction

When things go wrong, it’s reality TV’s right…

Sixteen-year-old A.J. Smith grew up in backwoods Louisiana, repairing cars with her dad and hunting with her brothers. But when her dad dies, her mom drags the whole family to Nashville where everything is different—except A.J. And A.J. knows it will take everything she has to live original.

Kate Kelly grew up in Nashville’s best schools, jetting around the world with glamorous people and wearing clothes from her mom’s trendy boutique. But when A.J. Smith―a new girl from the sticks—shows up, suddenly she’s all the rage: her unusual sense of style, her accent, and especially her dumb converse high tops. Even Kate’s brother, Kaden, seems to be under the new girl’s spell. But Kate has bigger things to think about, including the reality show Real Life. Everyone says the show is her chance to make it big. But then the producers decide to bring A.J. into the show.

Because these girls are so different, the producers of Real Life know that their conflict will be television gold. So the cameras start to roll. Then Kaden asks A.J. to prom, Kate flips out, and things with Kate’s (almost) boyfriend Alex start unraveling fast—all on camera. As the producers try to stir up the drama, Kate’s idea of the perfect prom spins out of control. When Kate’s life goes disastrously wrong, it is A.J. who steps up to help—no questions asked. A friendship between the two girls just might grow—but only if they both live original and stay true to who God made them to be.

Book Review:

What if you could be the star of a reality TV show? Would you jump at the chance? Or would you shy away? Allison Smith or AJ as she likes to be called and Kate Kelly get just this chance. AJ and Kate are offered parts on a reality TV show, starring themselves and their life.

AJ is your typical country girl. She loves being outside and doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. But she isn’t quite like your everyday girl, AJ knows cars, she knows how to work cars and how to fix cars. She has worked alongside her dad, who owned a car repair shop, fixing cars for as long as she can remember. But AJ has hit some hard times. Her dad has just died and her mom decided to move to Nashville. AJ has to learn how to survive, how to live, in a new place without her dad.

Kate is the opposite of AJ. Kate lives in a house that can only be described as big, huge, just like a mansion. She lives with her father, mother, older brother, and younger sister. In a way Kate seems as if she has a perfect life, but Kate’s life isn’t all sugar and sunshine. No, she has to live up to her parents expectations and care for her younger sister. Kate is under a lot of pressure.

Read about these girls as they both struggle with life’s trials. Read about AJ who is trying to find her place in a new surrounding. As she tries to find God. Read about Kate as she realizes she is losing control of her life. As she tries to juggle all of her responsibilities. Read how these girls grow.

I really enjoyed reading about these characters, they are really well developed. It felt like I really knew them. You get to see that Kate is really OCD, but you also learn why she feels the need to be in control. You learn and really feel AJ’s pain of losing her father and her confusion of how to live life with everything changed.

But I had a hard time with how it seemed like AJ lost her faith but it did not really show her turn back to God. I don’t agree with the fact that AJ started to date an unbeliever. While we were uncertain if AJ turned back to God, we were given the impression that she was saved. And the Bible has told us that it is not wise to date or marry unbelievers. Other than these two things I really liked this book.

Life Just Got Real by Sadie Robertson is a book I would definitely recommend. I think that it is perfect for girls aged 12 – 15, since Kate and AJ are in high school. I really enjoyed this book and I loved the characters. It was an awesome, original book. I hope that she has written a sequel to this book!

Love Between Innings

About the Book:

Love Between Innings: A Sweet Sports RomCom (Waves Baseball)

Title: Love Between Innings
Series: Waves Baseball
Author: Laura Langa
Release Date: June 12th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Their banter is relentless. Their chemistry? Even better off-screen.

Behind our dazzling interview smiles, Tenny Jackson and I bicker nonstop—especially when our long-ago meet-cute kiss revealed he’s as much of a player off the field as he is at first base.

Tenny insists I’ve got him all wrong, but I won’t let sculpted forearms and a swoon-worthy smile distract me from the facts…or my professional goals. Even if he weren’t my enemy, dating a player would sink my credibility faster than the wave that wiped out my surfing career.

Then my eccentric grandmother shows up, and Tenny and I have to fake it off-camera too. Private dinners, family movie nights, and his hands-on fixer energy push me toward the unthinkable—calling a truce.

Between squashing Tenny’s pre-game superstitions and him encouraging me to get back on a surfboard, it’s getting hard to deny we’re rounding first on something real. But when a disastrous game-day fiasco turns us into a headline, it’s not only my job on the line—it’s my heart.

Love Between Innings is a closed-door baseball romcom featuring a sassy sports reporter, the first baseman she loves to argue with, and one very inconvenient fake relationship.
It’s perfect for readers who love playful banter and sizzling kisses with no third act breakup!

Book Review:

What a fun story! I was so excited to return to the Waves after The Love Catch and this was adorable.

Tenny is a sweetheart! I loved how wholeheartedly he put himself in what he loved, into his sport and his relationships. He cared so deeply and was so invested. I loved how he cared for his family, especially his sisters. Arizona was so fun and I loved their interactions. He was so thoughtful and was so sweet with Alex. I really felt for Alex and loved seeing her growth through the story! She was trying to establish her career after her life changed dramatically. I admired her determination and independence.

Tenny and Alex were so much fun together! I loved their banter and teasing. Their relationship took some time and it was pretty hilarious to see their fake dating shenanigans. I loved how they learned to support one another. I loved the side characters in this book. Mags was amazing and I loved her energy. The group chat was hilarious! The baseball team was a lot of fun and I hope to see future books for them.

This sports romance is a standalone but connected to The Love Catch. It has only kisses and some innuendo.

I received an ARC.

To Have and to Fold

About the Book:

To Have and To Fold: A Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy (Love Stories in Sheet Cake Sweet Rom Com Series Book 5)

Title: The Have and to Fold
Series: Love Stories in Sheet Cake #5
Author: Emma St. Clair
Release Date: July 3rd, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Single dad and former football star Tank Graham has watched his children find love in the town of Sheet Cake, Texas. Now, it’s his turn.

Theodore “Tank” Graham has spent the years since his wife died investing fully in raising his children and helping them find their happiness. And, more recently, buying and revitalizing the town of Sheet Cake, Texas.

Now, it’s time to find his own happiness.

But turning his focus to himself is easier said than done when he’s spent so long putting others first.

That is until a building issue leaves Rose Roberts, the newest baker in Sheet Cake, without a kitchen or a place to sleep.

Tank steps in to help–but only because as the owner of the building where she lives and works, it’s his duty.

But duty isn’t why he finds himself giving up his own loft for her or buying every baking supply Rose could possibly need while her commercial kitchen is out of commission.

Tank finds himself lingering in her presence, prolonging conversations, and thinking about her far more often than he should. Especially when he has a new grandbaby to fuss over, a collapsing house to renovate, and Wolf Waters to support in his mayoral race.

Still–the pull toward Rose becomes hard to resist. And why should he? For the first time since he lost his wife, Tank is feeling something big.

It’s been literal decades since he’s been in a relationship, but Tank has always lived by a go big or don’t even think about going home philosophy.

And now … the idea of home doesn’t sound complete. Not without Rose.

To Have and To Fold is a later in life love story that concludes the Love Stories in Sheet Cake series. You’ll get strong family vibes, all the charm and quirk of a small town, laugh out loud humor, and tender moments with plenty of sizzle but no spice. It is a closed door romance with kissing only and no explicit language.

Book Review:

This was a lovely way to end a wonderful series. To Have and to Fold is the fifth and final book in Emma St. Clair’s Love Stories in Sheet Cake series. Tank finally gets his happily ever after and it was so sweet to read about.

I adored both Tank and Rose. This was a later in life romance so it was low stress but still engaging. I was rooting for both Tank and Rose as they tried to figure out their relationship and what they wanted in life. They had both been married before and weren’t necessarily looking for love but they found it in each other.

I enjoyed reading about Tank and Rose getting to know each other. They understood each other because they had both suffered the loss of their spouse. It was so much fun to see Tank’s kids! They really cared for their dad and they just wanted him to be happy.

This was the perfect end to the series and at times felt like a big epilogue to the other books. We got to see more of Wolf and honestly it was so interesting to see. I would totally recommend this book! It brings the series to a nice close. To Have and to Fold is a closed door romantic comedy

Book Highlights

Family
Getting to know Wolf better

Baker

He takes care of her

Later in life

I received a complimentary copy

Tides of Secret

About the Book:

Tides of Secrets (The Obsidian Academy Duet)

Title: Ocean of Ink
Series: The Obsidian Academy Duet #2
Author: A. R. Conwell
Release Date: March 31st, 2026
Genre: Fantasy

“Logic bows at the throne of obsession.”

When Wren discovers a body and Castien in the tunnels on the same night, she’s certain she’ll never be able to trust him again. But that doesn’t mean she no longer needs him.

In order to discover the killer taking down their fellow students, Wren is forced to rely on Castien’s strategic mind and his knowledge of the Obsidian Order.

Wren wants nothing more than a cordial alliance, but Castien is intent on winning much more than her loyalty. He longs for her heart.

As they learn to trust each other again, the secret of Wren’s stolen journal looms over their fragile happiness like a storm cloud on the horizon.

Will they be able to withstand the tempestuous winds, or will they be ripped apart in the end?Find out in Tides of Secrets, the epic conclusion of the Obsidian Academy Duet, a love story tinged with obsession and drenched in yearning.

Book Review:

The finale for the duology is here! I was eagerly waiting for this conclusion and it was so engrossing!

Once again Wren made my heart hurt a bit! She had grown so much over the first book, but still battled the darkness that felt overwhelming for her. There seemed to be more questions every time that an answer appeared in her quest for the trust behind her brother’s death. Wren wanted to trust Castian, but there was so many secrets that they both still held. I loved getting to see her connect with some of the other students, especially Finn and Kierana! She was coming into herself and finding her place among them all. Throughout the story, Wren kept her softness and care, even as she battled the toll it took on her. I loved seeing her find strength in love and kindness.

Oh Castian! He was so devoted to his responsibility, yet at the same time he was so drawn to Wren. He had been working overtime to try to uncover the mystery of the murders and it was draining on him. I loved the way Wren and Finn were able to support him. It definitely wasn’t the same way, but both saw him for his strength and for his character.

Cas and Wren together were so sweet! They had a balancing effect on one another and the yearning was just so romantic! There was a genuine care for the other and they saw each other’s strengths and struggles. They came together to solve the mysteries and uncover secrets. I felt like their reactions to revelations made sense and I enjoyed seeing the development of their relationship.

The story was full of surprises and I was on the edge of my seat to the end! I was not expecting some of the twists, but nothing felt completely out of place. It was also cool to see more of the world and how it worked. I can’t wait to read more in this world! This is a dark romantasy that is the second in a duology. It directly follows the first book and should not be read until reading the first book. Content warnings for the first book also apply.

I received an ARC.

Through Each Tomorrow

About the Book:

Through Each Tomorrow: An Inspirational Elizabethan and Victorian-Era Time Travel Historical Romance (Timeless)

Title: Through Each Tomorrow
Series: Timeless #6
Author: Gabrielle Meyer
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 4th, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.

In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport’s elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew’s intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.

In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily’s heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown.

As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny.

Book Review:

These books are always so interesting to me! They do a great job of highlighting the nuances that the characters face each time, and I always get sucked into the fascinating plots.

I love how invested I always get into these characters! They’re often really struggling with their places in life and it was interesting to see two siblings interact as well. I liked Cecily from the beginning! I felt for her as she struggled being a woman in an era without a lot of choices. Her reactions to everything felt genuine to her character and I admired her willingness to sacrifice for her family. At the same time though, I felt like I had a harder time connecting with her. There were times when her character felt a bit far off from the reader, and I think in some ways her reactions were a bit too “perfect”.

Charles was an interesting character! He was really stuck between a rock and a hard place as he tried to navigate his two paths. I liked how he learned from his mistakes and sought to care for his family in every path that he was in. But at the same time I think he was very hypocritical in how he treated Evelyn when he was reacting to Drew and Cecily. At the same time though, I think this made his character more real.

I was turning the pages to find out what happens next! There’s so many twists and turns in this story, and I was not sure how everyone would end up. I love how Meyer does not shy away from making everything picture perfect but instead includes loss and growth in her stories. There’s also some fun cameos that add and wrap up some other stories in past books! This is a clean time travel novel with Christian elements.

What If We Broke the Rules

About the Book:

What if We Broke the Rules?: A Christian Hockey Romance (The Heart of Nashville Book 1)

Title: What If We Broke the Rules
Series: The Heart of Nashville #1
Author: Tara Grace Ericson
Publisher: Silver Fountain Publisher
Release Date: June 22nd, 2026
Genre: Christian Romance

She lives by the rules. Falling for him would break every one of them.

Pierce Schumacher, Nashville’s favorite hockey bad boy, is used to winning with charm, talent, and a little recklessness. When a late-season injury threatens his playoff dreams—and his future—Pierce is benched, humbled, and stuck in rehab with the one woman immune to his smile. Healing was supposed to be physical, not a crash course in patience, self-control, and a faith he’s never taken seriously.

Physical therapist Lindsay Granger trusts rules because rules don’t lie. They don’t flirt, don’t make promises they can’t keep, and they don’t break your heart. When her partner goes on maternity leave, Lindsay is left fulfilling her clinic’s contract with the Nashville Nightcrawlers—an assignment full of loud arenas, fragile egos, and one dangerously charming hockey player she has no intention of trusting.

Confident, sarcastic, and relentlessly hardworking, Lindsay keeps her heart under lock and key—especially from athletes who look like red flags in skates. Overthinking is a habit she can manage. Crossing professional lines is not.

As playoffs loom and sparks fly, Pierce and Lindsay must navigate strict workplace boundaries, relentless media scrutiny, and feelings that refuse to stay professional—knowing one wrong move could cost him his career, her reputation, and the hard-won faith they’re both learning to trust.