Gigi Graham has three goals: make the national team, win Olympic gold, and finally get out of her hockey legend dad’s shadow. Enter Luke Ryder, grumpy, built like a damn brick wall, and Briar’s new men’s hockey co-captain. She needs his help behind the net, he needs her dad to not think he’s an idiot. Simple deal, right? Except their chemistry is hotter than a playoff overtime and ignoring it? Yeah, not happening.

Okay, let’s get into it. Gigi is a badass, so why is she suddenly letting her ex tell her when to leave a party? That didn’t add up. But Ryder’s POV? Gold. No cringey “I’ve never felt this way before” fluff, just pure, unfiltered lust and a man absolutely losing his mind over her. And while there’s plenty of on-ice action, this isn’t just about winning a championship. There’s some real weight to the story. Ryder’s past isn’t just baggage, it’s a whole damn freight train, and watching him navigate that while trying not to fall for Gigi? Messy, emotional, and so well done. And that last chapter? Felt like a dating draft for future books, but no complaints, I’m already placing bets.