This was a good one. I was curious what Elle would do after 8 books set in the Briar Universe to keep things fresh and she exceeded all of my expectations!

The FMC, Gigi Graham, is Garrett and Hannah Graham’s daughter from The Deal. I loved that Gigi was unique. Not a full mini clone of Hannah and Garrett. Sure she had Garrett’s superior cockiness in her abilities, but that’s where it started and ended. Gigi is a hockey player for Brian U and trying to make the USA Olympic Hockey team. 

The MMC, Luke Ryder, is a former Eastwood U hockey player. Eastwood went under and Briar absorbed the college and hockey team. Ryder is tasked with uniting these former rival team with his co-captain, who is also Gigi’s ex. In addition to uniting this team, Ryder wants a shot at coaching for Garrett’s hockey camp, but unfortunately impressing Garrett Graham is far from easy. All while dealing with a personal issue from his past. 

Gigi and Ryder enter a deal, he helps her improve her skill behind the net and she’ll put in a good word for him to her dad. Fun times ensue and they become friends with benefits that use each other to “relieve stress”.

I really really loved this book. I was worried Elle would recycle tropes or themes from past books. This felt fresh. I really enjoyed all the hockey talk in the book. Not all Briar books focused on the hockey and this really did. I wished we could have seen more of Gigi’s games, but it felt like most of this book focused on Ryder. The relationship felt very healthy. Boundaries were respected and apologies issued where appropriate. No THIRD ACT BREAK UP. Hallelujah! This was sweet from start to finish. The pair worked through their problems and built each other up.

I loved the twist in the last third, it was cliche but man hearing Ryder say, “My wife” phew, hot. </Spoiler> At the end, it was absolutely a HEA, but not perfectly. It wasn’t all golden. The MCs didn’t get everything they wanted. Again, I appreciated that because sometimes a book wraps up a little TOO well, you know?

I listened to the audiobook and it was so good! A few editing errors here and there but they didn’t take away from the story. CJ Bloom might be a new favorite. Some narrators give me the ick when narrating a spicy scene and CJ did such a top notch job. Sexy and steamy without an ounce of ick. Teddy is of course, wonderful as always. 

At first I thought mmm, 4.5 stars but I actually can’t find a fault. 5 stars from me!