When it comes to hockey, unflappable Maple Creek sports reporter Joy Barlowe is privy to a lot of behind-the-scenes locker room activity. Like stumbling upon Dalton Days in all his unabashed glory. After the muscled goalie goes on to score better than he ever has, he proposes Joy take another peek before his next match. It works, and a provocative pregame tradition is born.
Dalton has the best stats in the league, but he’s also superstitious. Now he’s found his good luck charm. Joy is not only game, she’s playing along. She’s also his best buddy’s younger sister and totally off-limits. What happens between them has to be their late-night FaceTime secret. That’s the naked truth. So is the fact that Joy and Dalton are discovering there’s more to each other than meets the eye.
Falling in lust? Easy to hide. Falling in love? Much harder. Now Dalton has one more proposition for Joy. And the fallout could rock Maple Creek.
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My Review
Joy, a no-nonsense sports reporter, is smart, independent, and fed up with entitled athletes—especially since her overprotective brother, Shepherd, is one of them. But her resolve is tested when she finds herself face-to-face (and very up-close) with Dalton, the charming, cocky, and undeniably hot star goalie—and Shepherd’s best friend. What starts as a heat-fueled locker room run-in evolves into a secret pre-game ritual and, soon, a full-blown clandestine relationship.
The romance is steamy yet tender, with banter that crackles and plenty of internal conflict as Joy and Dalton navigate the risks of being exposed. Their dynamic feels natural and entertaining, with Joy’s journalistic integrity clashing deliciously with her growing feelings. Meanwhile, Dalton balances alpha confidence with surprising vulnerability, making him easy to root for.
What sets the book apart is its balance—between the laugh-out-loud humor, the red-hot tension, and the heartfelt exploration of loyalty, family, and professional boundaries. The sibling dynamic between Joy and Shepherd adds stakes and authenticity, and the supporting cast—especially other teammates—brings fun, camaraderie, and setup potential for future books.
Overall, it is a delightfully dirty, surprisingly sweet romp perfect for fans of sports romance with sass, steam, and heart. If you like secret relationships, forbidden love, and lots of locker room innuendo, this one’s a hat trick.
My Rating
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