Brendan and Laura’s journey continues right where Hot as Puck left off. There’s a clear tension between them, stemming from past clashes over PR demands and a romantic encounter that didn’t end well. In Book 2, they attempt to move beyond their previous issues, aiming to restore their friendship. However, their efforts go up in smoke when Brendan asks Laura for an extremely inappropriate favor due to past circumstances: act as his girlfriend so he can maintain custody of his daughter. Laura, still carrying strong feelings for Brendan, resists the idea. Despite the evident attraction to Brendan and her deep bond with Chloe, Laura is intent on shielding her heart from further hurt, while Brendan is searching for a positive female role model for his daughter (which he has made clear, is definitely not Laura).

The overall story is engaging, though the repetitive misunderstandings and resulting conflicts could have been reduced significantly. It was a relief when Brendan’s sister stepped in as a voice of logic, giving them the nudge they needed to confront their feelings. The mix-up is rather comical—Brendan’s hesitance is all due to his belief that Laura was in love with Justin, and he doesn’t want to be her second choice.

Lili Valente skillfully portrays Brendan’s life, juggling his responsibilities as a team captain, a father, and a widower who’s navigating the complexities of moving forward while honoring the joy of his past marriage. A particular standout is Laura’s internal battle with the idea of becoming a stepmother. Her drive for perfection in fulfilling the needs of Brendan’s daughter is so intense that it ironically creates a rift between them. Laura’s realization that just being herself is sufficient is a touching aspect of the story.

Overall, this book delivers an emotionally charged tale that will resonate with anyone who enjoys a heartfelt hockey romance featuring a single father.