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D.C. Eagles Hockey #4
Secret or Shutout
A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life...no, this isn't the start of a bad joke.
I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger.
But then the next morning my world is rocked again--when I walk inside my team captain's house and see her.
Farrah Remington isn't a mysterious stranger after all, she's the little sister of my captain and best friend. A woman firmly off limits to anyone on the D.C. Eagles.
Now, I have to pretend that kiss never happened. But the more I see Farrah, the hotter our chemistry burns, and the stronger our connection grows--until we can't resist each other any longer.
Sneaking around isn't ideal, but what my team captain doesn't know won't hurt him (or piss him off in the middle of the Stanley Cup playoffs).
I'm with my dream girl and my team is sailing through playoffs...until the truth comes out.
Now my team captain hates me, I can't keep pucks out of my net to save my life, and the woman I love won't speak to me.
Can I save my relationship, my friendship, and enough goals to help the D.C. Eagles finally win the Cup...or will I get shut out of Farrah's life forever?
Secret or Shutout is a dual POV, fade-to-black romance that can be read as a stand alone. This work of fiction contains mild language, depictions of PCOS, infertility, and divorce. If you are sensitive to these subjects, please use this content warning to make an informed decision about reading this book.
I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger.
But then the next morning my world is rocked again--when I walk inside my team captain's house and see her.
Farrah Remington isn't a mysterious stranger after all, she's the little sister of my captain and best friend. A woman firmly off limits to anyone on the D.C. Eagles.
Now, I have to pretend that kiss never happened. But the more I see Farrah, the hotter our chemistry burns, and the stronger our connection grows--until we can't resist each other any longer.
Sneaking around isn't ideal, but what my team captain doesn't know won't hurt him (or piss him off in the middle of the Stanley Cup playoffs).
I'm with my dream girl and my team is sailing through playoffs...until the truth comes out.
Now my team captain hates me, I can't keep pucks out of my net to save my life, and the woman I love won't speak to me.
Can I save my relationship, my friendship, and enough goals to help the D.C. Eagles finally win the Cup...or will I get shut out of Farrah's life forever?
Secret or Shutout is a dual POV, fade-to-black romance that can be read as a stand alone. This work of fiction contains mild language, depictions of PCOS, infertility, and divorce. If you are sensitive to these subjects, please use this content warning to make an informed decision about reading this book.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2025
451 people are currently reading
3,264 people want to read
About the author
Leah Brunner
11books1,254followersLeah Brunner is an Amazon top 25 best selling author who writes romance filled with explosive chemistry and relatable, flawed characters. She loves writing character driven stories that will tug at your heart strings and also make you smile.
When she's not writing, she can be found spoiling her Maine Coon cats, or watching The Office with her kids.
Although she's a Midwestern girl at heart, Leah is a proud Air Force spouse and has moved all over the United States with her husband and three children.
You can find Leah on Instagram @leah.brunner.writes
Or join her Facebook reader group: Leah's Lit Lovers
When she's not writing, she can be found spoiling her Maine Coon cats, or watching The Office with her kids.
Although she's a Midwestern girl at heart, Leah is a proud Air Force spouse and has moved all over the United States with her husband and three children.
You can find Leah on Instagram @leah.brunner.writes
Or join her Facebook reader group: Leah's Lit Lovers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 456 reviews
March 26, 2025
This book was the perfect end to the series! Bruce McBride has been my favorite Eagles teammate since the first book, and I was dying for his story. Let me tell you... it did NOT disappoint. I am fully, completely, hopelessly in love with him. Leah Brunner always delivers, but this one had me straight-up giddy the whole time!
Bruce is just everything. He's flirty, cocky, loyal, sweet, and incredibly supportive. This giant hockey goalie takes care of Farrah in the softest, most heart-melting ways, and his reaction to her PCOS and possible infertility is the definition of green flags. He’s the perfect mix of tough and tender, and I couldn’t get enough of him.
And Farrah? Ugh, my heart. She’s been through so much, and I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug. Watching her learn to believe in love and love herself was everything. Not many heroines could match Bruce, but Farrah DESERVES him, and I was cheering for them the whole way.
Throw in hilarious team banter, fun hockey moments, all the cameos from characters I adore, and the most amazing bonus epilogue ever, and you’ve got an easy 5-star read.
Tropes:
❤️� Teammate's Sister
❤️� Reverse Age Gap
❤️� Forbidden Romance
❤️� PCOS Rep
🚨🚨 TW: Divorce, PCOS, Infertility
Bruce is just everything. He's flirty, cocky, loyal, sweet, and incredibly supportive. This giant hockey goalie takes care of Farrah in the softest, most heart-melting ways, and his reaction to her PCOS and possible infertility is the definition of green flags. He’s the perfect mix of tough and tender, and I couldn’t get enough of him.
And Farrah? Ugh, my heart. She’s been through so much, and I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug. Watching her learn to believe in love and love herself was everything. Not many heroines could match Bruce, but Farrah DESERVES him, and I was cheering for them the whole way.
Throw in hilarious team banter, fun hockey moments, all the cameos from characters I adore, and the most amazing bonus epilogue ever, and you’ve got an easy 5-star read.
Tropes:
❤️� Teammate's Sister
❤️� Reverse Age Gap
❤️� Forbidden Romance
❤️� PCOS Rep
🚨🚨 TW: Divorce, PCOS, Infertility
March 27, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up for ŷ
My Quick Takes:
- 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
- Language 🤐 moderate
- Spice ❤️� heated kisses, fade to black
- Content 🤔 divorce, infertility, pcos rep, innuendo
Bruce’s book is HERE!! The book we’ve all been waiting for and Leah Brunner delivered. Forbidden romance, pining, and steamy kisses abound in Secret or Shutout.
I loved how relatable the female main character was and the struggles she faced and worked through. Pairing her with a big, lovable, golden retriever of a male main character was the perfect combination.
Themes: he falls first, he takes care of her, curvy female main character, reverse age gap, brother’s teammate
Thank you to the author, Leah Brunner, for providing me with this book to read and review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Quick Takes:
- 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
- Language 🤐 moderate
- Spice ❤️� heated kisses, fade to black
- Content 🤔 divorce, infertility, pcos rep, innuendo
Bruce’s book is HERE!! The book we’ve all been waiting for and Leah Brunner delivered. Forbidden romance, pining, and steamy kisses abound in Secret or Shutout.
I loved how relatable the female main character was and the struggles she faced and worked through. Pairing her with a big, lovable, golden retriever of a male main character was the perfect combination.
Themes: he falls first, he takes care of her, curvy female main character, reverse age gap, brother’s teammate
Thank you to the author, Leah Brunner, for providing me with this book to read and review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 30, 2025
Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
D.C. Eagles Hockey series #4. Hockey romance. Lighthearted, slow burn. Sister of best friend troupe. Closed door. PCOS and infertility topics. Can be read as a stand-alone but couples from the previous books are included as secondary characters here.
NHL Goalie Bruce McBride meets the woman of his dreams one night in a bar. They chatted for hours, ate wings, and shared an unforgettable kiss. But it was also the night Farrah Remington signed her divorce papers so she walked away at the end of the night knowing she wasn’t ready for more.
Bruce has stayed “hands off� his team captain’s sister until she’s ready. She doesn’t want her brother to know about the new relationship yet. It might put the team dynamics at risk. But Farrah lives close to her brother and his wife and keeping secrets is never easy.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. Both did a marvelous performance on their POV chapters and the various voices. I don’t expect good children’s voices from an adult and this was about par. Not bad, just not believable. Thats ok. The adults more than convinced me of their love for their partners, the excitement of the game, and ribbing of friends. There are a lot of characters but following the main couple is easy.
Adorably romantic. The hero loves romcoms and would rather spend time relaxing with the spouses than his teammates. And Bruce is always willing to help. His family, his teammates, his “little brother�, the spouses, Farrah. Whatever and whenever something is needed.
Swooning over the beautiful couple and drooling all the wonderfully described desserts.
I was gifted a copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I own ecopy versions of the whole series.
4.5
D.C. Eagles Hockey series #4. Hockey romance. Lighthearted, slow burn. Sister of best friend troupe. Closed door. PCOS and infertility topics. Can be read as a stand-alone but couples from the previous books are included as secondary characters here.
NHL Goalie Bruce McBride meets the woman of his dreams one night in a bar. They chatted for hours, ate wings, and shared an unforgettable kiss. But it was also the night Farrah Remington signed her divorce papers so she walked away at the end of the night knowing she wasn’t ready for more.
Bruce has stayed “hands off� his team captain’s sister until she’s ready. She doesn’t want her brother to know about the new relationship yet. It might put the team dynamics at risk. But Farrah lives close to her brother and his wife and keeping secrets is never easy.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. Both did a marvelous performance on their POV chapters and the various voices. I don’t expect good children’s voices from an adult and this was about par. Not bad, just not believable. Thats ok. The adults more than convinced me of their love for their partners, the excitement of the game, and ribbing of friends. There are a lot of characters but following the main couple is easy.
Adorably romantic. The hero loves romcoms and would rather spend time relaxing with the spouses than his teammates. And Bruce is always willing to help. His family, his teammates, his “little brother�, the spouses, Farrah. Whatever and whenever something is needed.
Swooning over the beautiful couple and drooling all the wonderfully described desserts.
I was gifted a copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I own ecopy versions of the whole series.
4.5
March 24, 2025
Thank you Leah Brunner for an eARC.
MY HEART CAN’T HANDLE.
|| ||
Oh my gosh this was everything I wanted and MORE. I could not put it down and why would I? IT WAS PERFECT. But I’m also a mess because this series is over and how I adored it with every fiber of my being. D.C. Eagles are one of my favorite sports teams ever now.
Bruce and Farrah have immaculate chemistry. Burning up my kindle and begging for them to kiss already. I loved how their opposite natures played off of each other and the softness that Bruce showcased with Farrah. Gosh this book was swoony y’all. And the medical content (check content warnings below) was handled in a respectful, real, and tender way. It breaks your heart and gives you hope, because differing emotions can exist at the same time.
Don’t even get me started on seeing all of my loves from previous books. It’s all fantastic. I’m obsessed with this team. I love the banter and the way they take care of each other. Can I please have a girl group like this too??? There’s a sense of healing reading this book.
I’m an emotional puddle and can’t beg you enough to pick up this series. THANK YOU.
Also excuse me, that jersey moment? IYKYK.
Overall audience notes:
- Hockey Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: PCOS (ruptured ovarian cysts and surgery involved), infertility, divorce (recounted)
MY HEART CAN’T HANDLE.
|| ||
Oh my gosh this was everything I wanted and MORE. I could not put it down and why would I? IT WAS PERFECT. But I’m also a mess because this series is over and how I adored it with every fiber of my being. D.C. Eagles are one of my favorite sports teams ever now.
Bruce and Farrah have immaculate chemistry. Burning up my kindle and begging for them to kiss already. I loved how their opposite natures played off of each other and the softness that Bruce showcased with Farrah. Gosh this book was swoony y’all. And the medical content (check content warnings below) was handled in a respectful, real, and tender way. It breaks your heart and gives you hope, because differing emotions can exist at the same time.
Don’t even get me started on seeing all of my loves from previous books. It’s all fantastic. I’m obsessed with this team. I love the banter and the way they take care of each other. Can I please have a girl group like this too??? There’s a sense of healing reading this book.
I’m an emotional puddle and can’t beg you enough to pick up this series. THANK YOU.
Also excuse me, that jersey moment? IYKYK.
Overall audience notes:
- Hockey Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: PCOS (ruptured ovarian cysts and surgery involved), infertility, divorce (recounted)
April 11, 2025
I looove a brother’s best friend romance!! This is my first read in the DC Eagles series, I definitely need to read the rest of the series.
I really loved the relationships between all the characters and Bruce and Farrah are a perfect fit. Farrah has PCOS and has experienced infertility and Bruce was adopted and provides respite care for a foster child that he calls his little brother. These two were like two missing puzzle pieces and I loved every minute of watching their relationship grow.
The narrators were fantastic and added to the experience, I went and looked for more books they have narrated.
Thank you to the author and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
I really loved the relationships between all the characters and Bruce and Farrah are a perfect fit. Farrah has PCOS and has experienced infertility and Bruce was adopted and provides respite care for a foster child that he calls his little brother. These two were like two missing puzzle pieces and I loved every minute of watching their relationship grow.
The narrators were fantastic and added to the experience, I went and looked for more books they have narrated.
Thank you to the author and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
April 17, 2025
Wanna know how much I loved this book????
I ordered the rest of the series before I even closed the back cover.
Thank you #partner @bookedwiththeemilys and @leah.brunner.writes for the gifted copy of "Secret or Shutout"
Now I don't know if you guys are aware... (insert sarcasm here), but I have it down b a d for sports romances this year. I'm extra weak for hockey books.
Let me start by saying I loved the romance between Farrah and Bruce. I appreciated that Bruce would do anything to prove his love for her. I normally wouldn't bat an eye at the whole gifting love language, but when he dropped that fancy oven... I audibly squealed. It's nice to read about a man not being afraid to show that he has it had for a woman.
This story has a special place in my heart now because Leah wrote physical hockey happening in the plot. Sports books that have actual sports action are a w e s o m e. Even berrer the DC Eagles are going through the playoffs to win the Stanley Cup soooo (imo) its following the best time of the season. Intense play. The girlfriend and wives have cute matching outfits. The games mean so much more.
Sign me up to be a WAG (IFYKYK)
The thing that made me really adore this the most was the focus on Farrahs PCOS and Bruce being adopted. I have never read a romance where the couple has to navigate through the complications of her medical issues and having the option of adopting so early in a relationship. It's refreshing seeing fictional characters go through realistic situations.
It was so c o o l to learn about Bruce and his journey as being an adopted child, his mission to make others feel loved. His relationship with Jackson made me so happy.
Final thought, I loved how strong Farrah was. She went through the ringer in this book, and seeing her shine at the end was so w o r t h it.
Now excuse me while I ignore the rest of my tbr and read the rest of this series. I am going to be chaotic and read Colbys story first!
🏒 Goalie MMC
🏒 Forbidden Romance
🏒 Reverse Age Gap
🏒 PCOS Rep
🏒 Dual POV
🏒 Closed Door
🏒 Captains Sister
I ordered the rest of the series before I even closed the back cover.
Thank you #partner @bookedwiththeemilys and @leah.brunner.writes for the gifted copy of "Secret or Shutout"
Now I don't know if you guys are aware... (insert sarcasm here), but I have it down b a d for sports romances this year. I'm extra weak for hockey books.
Let me start by saying I loved the romance between Farrah and Bruce. I appreciated that Bruce would do anything to prove his love for her. I normally wouldn't bat an eye at the whole gifting love language, but when he dropped that fancy oven... I audibly squealed. It's nice to read about a man not being afraid to show that he has it had for a woman.
This story has a special place in my heart now because Leah wrote physical hockey happening in the plot. Sports books that have actual sports action are a w e s o m e. Even berrer the DC Eagles are going through the playoffs to win the Stanley Cup soooo (imo) its following the best time of the season. Intense play. The girlfriend and wives have cute matching outfits. The games mean so much more.
Sign me up to be a WAG (IFYKYK)
The thing that made me really adore this the most was the focus on Farrahs PCOS and Bruce being adopted. I have never read a romance where the couple has to navigate through the complications of her medical issues and having the option of adopting so early in a relationship. It's refreshing seeing fictional characters go through realistic situations.
It was so c o o l to learn about Bruce and his journey as being an adopted child, his mission to make others feel loved. His relationship with Jackson made me so happy.
Final thought, I loved how strong Farrah was. She went through the ringer in this book, and seeing her shine at the end was so w o r t h it.
Now excuse me while I ignore the rest of my tbr and read the rest of this series. I am going to be chaotic and read Colbys story first!
🏒 Goalie MMC
🏒 Forbidden Romance
🏒 Reverse Age Gap
🏒 PCOS Rep
🏒 Dual POV
🏒 Closed Door
🏒 Captains Sister
March 18, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰�
{𝐃.𝐂. 𝐄𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲: Book 4}
🥅 Release Date: March 27, 2025 🥅
.
.
.
What a great ending to this series! After book 3, which I wasn’t a big fan of, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this last book, but I ended up really enjoying it! It does have a bit more content than some sweet/clean reads (see content notes below), but I felt like that didn’t detract from the story at all.
After going through a rough divorce, Farrah ends up at a bar, where she proceeds to meet and kiss the man of her dreams. But the next morning their budding relationship comes to a grinding halt when Farrah discovers that her dream man is no other than her brother’s teammate from the D.C. Eagles, and everyone knows that she’s been forbidden to date any of the hockey players.
As time goes on, Farrah moves on from the hunky, blonde hockey goalie and starts a business with her friend, Melanie. Bruce, on the other hand, has most definitely NOT gotten over the curvy, brunette beauty he met at the bar that fateful night. When, in a turn of events, the two are forced to work together a few times, the feelings come flying back for Farrah and are rapidly escalated for Bruce. The news of their newly budding relationship does not go over well with Farrah’s brother, Remy, and cold hostility forms between the teammates. When the only option to keep everyone happy is to make their relationship a secret, will it be able to last and hold up under all of the pressure, or will the lies come tumbling down on their heads?
Reasons to read this book:
🥅 HOCKEY
🥅 She’s older & a curvy FMC
🥅 He falls harder
🥅 She’s his good luck charm
🥅 WAGs
🥅 Nella 🥰
🥅 PCOS awareness
Content Notes:
� innuendo
� language
� fade to black
.
.
.
Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys and @leah.brunner.writes for the gifted copy of this arc!
{𝐃.𝐂. 𝐄𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲: Book 4}
🥅 Release Date: March 27, 2025 🥅
.
.
.
What a great ending to this series! After book 3, which I wasn’t a big fan of, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this last book, but I ended up really enjoying it! It does have a bit more content than some sweet/clean reads (see content notes below), but I felt like that didn’t detract from the story at all.
After going through a rough divorce, Farrah ends up at a bar, where she proceeds to meet and kiss the man of her dreams. But the next morning their budding relationship comes to a grinding halt when Farrah discovers that her dream man is no other than her brother’s teammate from the D.C. Eagles, and everyone knows that she’s been forbidden to date any of the hockey players.
As time goes on, Farrah moves on from the hunky, blonde hockey goalie and starts a business with her friend, Melanie. Bruce, on the other hand, has most definitely NOT gotten over the curvy, brunette beauty he met at the bar that fateful night. When, in a turn of events, the two are forced to work together a few times, the feelings come flying back for Farrah and are rapidly escalated for Bruce. The news of their newly budding relationship does not go over well with Farrah’s brother, Remy, and cold hostility forms between the teammates. When the only option to keep everyone happy is to make their relationship a secret, will it be able to last and hold up under all of the pressure, or will the lies come tumbling down on their heads?
Reasons to read this book:
🥅 HOCKEY
🥅 She’s older & a curvy FMC
🥅 He falls harder
🥅 She’s his good luck charm
🥅 WAGs
🥅 Nella 🥰
🥅 PCOS awareness
Content Notes:
� innuendo
� language
� fade to black
.
.
.
Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys and @leah.brunner.writes for the gifted copy of this arc!
April 7, 2025
27th March 2025
March 20, 2025
(3.75 stars)
Secret or Shutout was my very first hockey romance, which is a bit odd since I’m a huge hockey fan and I enjoy reading romance novels. It was a fun book, filled with love and laughter, and a bunch of tears along the way.
The MMC, Bruce, was a huge cinnamon roll hero. He’s a 6�5� goalie on the very successful DC Eagles NHL team. He’s a big goofball with a heart of gold. The FMC, Farrah, is reeling from a divorce when they meet as strangers in a bar and wind up talking all evening. They wind up with an amazing kiss but they don’t exchange info. It’s not until later that Bruce finds out that Farrah is his team captain’s sister, which makes her completely off-limits!
So a lot of the book covers Bruce’s efforts to win over Farrah, who is finally getting to a good place after her divorce, without upsetting her brother. I enjoyed the dual POV throughout the story.
Farrah suffers from PCOS and I’m not sure I’ve read a book that features this and explains it so well. Farrah is mourning the fact that she will probably not be able to have children of her own (at least part of the reason for her divorce, ugh!). It’s one of several things that keeps her from fully committing to Bruce, along with the fact that he’s a few years younger than she is.
Another thing that the author dealt with well was the topic of adoption and fostering. Nice to see positive representations on those topics.
I loved the chemistry between these two and the camaraderie among the Eagles teammates and their wives. It’s a real community and they help each other in so many ways. There were quite a few characters to keep straight, because this is the fourth book in the series but the first one I’ve read. I didn’t find that to be a big problem, but I did get the various couples a bit mixed up. Other than that issue, this would be just fine to read as a standalone.
As a hockey fan, I enjoyed the parts of the book that focused on the actual games, but there wasn’t a ton of that, so a reader without a big hockey background wouldn’t have any trouble. A number of hockey terms were explained along the way.
The spice in this book is mainly kissing and closed doors, nothing explicit. There’s a fair bit of innuendo in the banter.
Thank you to the author and Booked With The Emilys for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Secret or Shutout was my very first hockey romance, which is a bit odd since I’m a huge hockey fan and I enjoy reading romance novels. It was a fun book, filled with love and laughter, and a bunch of tears along the way.
The MMC, Bruce, was a huge cinnamon roll hero. He’s a 6�5� goalie on the very successful DC Eagles NHL team. He’s a big goofball with a heart of gold. The FMC, Farrah, is reeling from a divorce when they meet as strangers in a bar and wind up talking all evening. They wind up with an amazing kiss but they don’t exchange info. It’s not until later that Bruce finds out that Farrah is his team captain’s sister, which makes her completely off-limits!
So a lot of the book covers Bruce’s efforts to win over Farrah, who is finally getting to a good place after her divorce, without upsetting her brother. I enjoyed the dual POV throughout the story.
Farrah suffers from PCOS and I’m not sure I’ve read a book that features this and explains it so well. Farrah is mourning the fact that she will probably not be able to have children of her own (at least part of the reason for her divorce, ugh!). It’s one of several things that keeps her from fully committing to Bruce, along with the fact that he’s a few years younger than she is.
Another thing that the author dealt with well was the topic of adoption and fostering. Nice to see positive representations on those topics.
I loved the chemistry between these two and the camaraderie among the Eagles teammates and their wives. It’s a real community and they help each other in so many ways. There were quite a few characters to keep straight, because this is the fourth book in the series but the first one I’ve read. I didn’t find that to be a big problem, but I did get the various couples a bit mixed up. Other than that issue, this would be just fine to read as a standalone.
As a hockey fan, I enjoyed the parts of the book that focused on the actual games, but there wasn’t a ton of that, so a reader without a big hockey background wouldn’t have any trouble. A number of hockey terms were explained along the way.
The spice in this book is mainly kissing and closed doors, nothing explicit. There’s a fair bit of innuendo in the banter.
Thank you to the author and Booked With The Emilys for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2025
I read this in less than 24 hours and absolutely ate it up!!!! I love a hockey romance, I love the found family, and I loved the romance in this book. I’ve been waiting for this couple since I finished Betrothal or Breakaway and it was everything I hoped for!!! The perfect amount of pining, angst, but no spice. I absolutely love this closed door series and highly recommend!!
Thank you to the author and @bookedwiththeemilys for the arc!!
Thank you to the author and @bookedwiththeemilys for the arc!!
April 15, 2025
Thanks to Booked with the Emilys and Leah Brunner for the gifted copy of this book!
What is it about hockey romance?! I know... those tall, brawny men who are sweet and gushy and know how to take care of a woman... and Bruce McBride is the best of them. YES, he's BLONDE. But don't hold that against him. He's so swoony and just what Farrah needs after being married to a total dufus. The friendship and team vibes in this book are strong, as it's the last of the Eagles, but you don't have to read the previous books in the series in order to enjoy this one. I love how perfectly Farrah fit into this little hockey fam. Absolutely read this series!!
What is it about hockey romance?! I know... those tall, brawny men who are sweet and gushy and know how to take care of a woman... and Bruce McBride is the best of them. YES, he's BLONDE. But don't hold that against him. He's so swoony and just what Farrah needs after being married to a total dufus. The friendship and team vibes in this book are strong, as it's the last of the Eagles, but you don't have to read the previous books in the series in order to enjoy this one. I love how perfectly Farrah fit into this little hockey fam. Absolutely read this series!!
March 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and the whole D.C. Eagles series! I adore a good hockey romance and this one didn’t disappoint. I love Bruce and Farrah and their journey does take you on a wave of emotions especially with the struggles Farrah faces with her PCOS. This series with the boys friendship group and later with the girls truly makes this storyline. I love the found family aspect and the way they all support each other. Highly recommend this one and the whole series. I received a complementary copy from NetGalley.
March 30, 2025
Just beyond words 🥹 So perfect. Swooning for days. Leah is a genius!
March 29, 2025
I struggle with books that use infertility or PCOS as a plot point and reason to not date someone. And this book was HEAVY with that. Not enough happened plot wise and it got super boring. I’m bummed the series ended this way 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
📌 I received an advanced listening copy of this audiobook through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Bueno, llegamos al final de esta serie que es una de mis favoritas y que tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón, estoy un poquito triste pero a la vez feliz de que todos tengan su final feliz.
Bruce y Farrah me gustaron, su historia fue buena pero esperaba un poquito más y este libro se me hizo un poco más dramático que los demás (que para mi son ligeros de leer), el tema de la infertilidad de Farrah está muy bien tratado, siento que la autora tuvo cuidado con ese tema pero aun así siento que fue casi toda la personalidad de Farrah y aunque repito me gusto, siento que me falto mucho entre los dos protagonistas.
Los narradores me mantuvieron entretenida, trajeron a estos personajes a la vida de muy buena manera y eso hizo que disfrutara un poquito más.
---
Well we've reached the end of this series which is one of my favorites and has a special place in my heart, I'm a little sad but at the same time happy that everyone has a happy ending.
I liked Bruce and Farrah, their story was good but I expected a little more and this book was a little more dramatic than the others (which are easy for me to read), the subject of Farrah's infertility is treated very well, I feel that the author was careful with this subject but still I feel that it was almost all of Farrah's personality and although I repeat I liked it, I feel that I missed a lot between the two main characters.
The narrators kept me entertained, they brought these characters to life in a very good way and that made me enjoy it a little more.
Bueno, llegamos al final de esta serie que es una de mis favoritas y que tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón, estoy un poquito triste pero a la vez feliz de que todos tengan su final feliz.
Bruce y Farrah me gustaron, su historia fue buena pero esperaba un poquito más y este libro se me hizo un poco más dramático que los demás (que para mi son ligeros de leer), el tema de la infertilidad de Farrah está muy bien tratado, siento que la autora tuvo cuidado con ese tema pero aun así siento que fue casi toda la personalidad de Farrah y aunque repito me gusto, siento que me falto mucho entre los dos protagonistas.
Los narradores me mantuvieron entretenida, trajeron a estos personajes a la vida de muy buena manera y eso hizo que disfrutara un poquito más.
---
Well we've reached the end of this series which is one of my favorites and has a special place in my heart, I'm a little sad but at the same time happy that everyone has a happy ending.
I liked Bruce and Farrah, their story was good but I expected a little more and this book was a little more dramatic than the others (which are easy for me to read), the subject of Farrah's infertility is treated very well, I feel that the author was careful with this subject but still I feel that it was almost all of Farrah's personality and although I repeat I liked it, I feel that I missed a lot between the two main characters.
The narrators kept me entertained, they brought these characters to life in a very good way and that made me enjoy it a little more.
April 1, 2025
The DC Eagles series is one of my very favorite set of hockey romances! I’ve read the books that come before this one multiple times because I love these characters so much and each MMC (main male character) in their specific book is amazing. Yet, Bruce might just edge the rest of them out a little bit, simply because of the heart of that man!
Bruce is unendingly patient with Farrah as she is resistant to a relationship with him after being so horrible hurt by her ex husband. Bruce doesn’t know everything involved in the hurt she suffered (and continues to suffer), but he knows he loves her. Bruce is, basically, everything that Farrah’s ex wasn’t. But Farrah has to open her heart to Bruce’s love and trust that it will not fade with the possibility of infertility hanging over her.
This story was absolutely swoony and sweet, with a slow burn that resulted in a deep love between two people that I couldn’t help but be all in for. My heart hurt for Bruce as he questioned to himself why his best friend didn’t think he was good enough to date his sister. He was truly and deeply hurt by Remy’s actions during part of the story.
The author did an amazing job of capturing everyone’s emotions in this novel. The highs and lows, the love and the heartbreak, and definitely the happily ever after. The epilogue and bonus series epilogue are not to be missed. The audio version was wonderfully read & really brought these characters to life for me.
Be aware that these stories are closed door, with a bit of language and innuendo. Honestly, the language and innuendo are nothing compared to other general market books, in my opinion, but worth mentioning if you are used to your reads not having any rough words.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
Bruce is unendingly patient with Farrah as she is resistant to a relationship with him after being so horrible hurt by her ex husband. Bruce doesn’t know everything involved in the hurt she suffered (and continues to suffer), but he knows he loves her. Bruce is, basically, everything that Farrah’s ex wasn’t. But Farrah has to open her heart to Bruce’s love and trust that it will not fade with the possibility of infertility hanging over her.
This story was absolutely swoony and sweet, with a slow burn that resulted in a deep love between two people that I couldn’t help but be all in for. My heart hurt for Bruce as he questioned to himself why his best friend didn’t think he was good enough to date his sister. He was truly and deeply hurt by Remy’s actions during part of the story.
The author did an amazing job of capturing everyone’s emotions in this novel. The highs and lows, the love and the heartbreak, and definitely the happily ever after. The epilogue and bonus series epilogue are not to be missed. The audio version was wonderfully read & really brought these characters to life for me.
Be aware that these stories are closed door, with a bit of language and innuendo. Honestly, the language and innuendo are nothing compared to other general market books, in my opinion, but worth mentioning if you are used to your reads not having any rough words.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
March 29, 2025
5 out of 5 stars
Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys, NetGalley and Leah Brunner for a copy of the ebook and NetGalley and Dreamscape for a copy of the ALC in exchange for my thoughts.
WOW. This is my first Leah Brunner and it did NOT disappoint. I thought this was such a fun story that also had some emotional and hard hitting topics. Bruce and Farrah's relationship was so cute! A random meet cute and pining that lasts for a long time feels like the perfect recipe for a romance. Although I started reading with the last book in the series, this makes me all the more excited to read the others! I had a blast with this one, Nella was adorable and Bruce's relationship with Jackson was so sweet! I thought all of the content was handled very well and the chemistry was PERFECT. (Closed door: epilogue has a fade to black scene between a married couple.) I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Narration: Wow. I thought the dual narration and the narrators did an amazing job, especially the male narrator. He brought Bruce to life. The narrator for Farrah brought so much emotion to all of the right places.
ALSO AARON MARIANO AHHHHH (Iykyk).
CW's: Infertility and medical procedures
Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys, NetGalley and Leah Brunner for a copy of the ebook and NetGalley and Dreamscape for a copy of the ALC in exchange for my thoughts.
WOW. This is my first Leah Brunner and it did NOT disappoint. I thought this was such a fun story that also had some emotional and hard hitting topics. Bruce and Farrah's relationship was so cute! A random meet cute and pining that lasts for a long time feels like the perfect recipe for a romance. Although I started reading with the last book in the series, this makes me all the more excited to read the others! I had a blast with this one, Nella was adorable and Bruce's relationship with Jackson was so sweet! I thought all of the content was handled very well and the chemistry was PERFECT. (Closed door: epilogue has a fade to black scene between a married couple.) I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Narration: Wow. I thought the dual narration and the narrators did an amazing job, especially the male narrator. He brought Bruce to life. The narrator for Farrah brought so much emotion to all of the right places.
ALSO AARON MARIANO AHHHHH (Iykyk).
CW's: Infertility and medical procedures
March 30, 2025
2 stars
I had two big issues with this one:
1. Making our heroine's whole personality the fact that she "might" not be able to have kids because she has PCOs and although the subject was treated well and the author took her time to explain it, I don't like that it was a huge part of the conflict between our MCs.
And 2. I'm tired of the "we can't date because your brother and I are besties" trope, and I didn't read the blurb, so that's on me, but in the year of 2025 why is that still a problem?
This was cute and time and had some very deep and heartwarming moments, but it felt like a filler book, and knowing this is the final book from a series I adored made me sad it ended like this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had two big issues with this one:
1. Making our heroine's whole personality the fact that she "might" not be able to have kids because she has PCOs and although the subject was treated well and the author took her time to explain it, I don't like that it was a huge part of the conflict between our MCs.
And 2. I'm tired of the "we can't date because your brother and I are besties" trope, and I didn't read the blurb, so that's on me, but in the year of 2025 why is that still a problem?
This was cute and time and had some very deep and heartwarming moments, but it felt like a filler book, and knowing this is the final book from a series I adored made me sad it ended like this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Bruce is a sweet golden retriever who wants love and a family as all his friends have found their person.
Farrah has been married and hurt and struggles with her struggles to get pregnant.
I wish there was more depth to Bruce and more backstory for him. We learned a lot about Farrah and her backstory I wish there was more Bruce! But overall I enjoyed the story, a very cute rom com!
Farrah has been married and hurt and struggles with her struggles to get pregnant.
I wish there was more depth to Bruce and more backstory for him. We learned a lot about Farrah and her backstory I wish there was more Bruce! But overall I enjoyed the story, a very cute rom com!
April 14, 2025
Love the PCOS representation 🙌 fun cute story!
April 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Absolutely loved the characters and their connection! 🥅
Absolutely loved the characters and their connection! 🥅
March 29, 2025
I never want the D.C. Eagles Hockey series to end! I loved reading Secret or Shutout, the final book of this series. Farrah and Bruce were everything and might be my favorite. Their connection was palpable, and I could not get enough of them. I appreciated the representation of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in this book. Thank you, Leah Brunner, for this incredible series!
Read this book if you enjoy:
-He's a hockey goalie
-She's a baker
-Curvy FMC
-He falls first
-Reverse age gap (she's older)
-Teammate's sister
-Forbidden romance
-PCOS rep
-Closed-door romance
Read this book if you enjoy:
-He's a hockey goalie
-She's a baker
-Curvy FMC
-He falls first
-Reverse age gap (she's older)
-Teammate's sister
-Forbidden romance
-PCOS rep
-Closed-door romance
March 5, 2025
Four starts with plus, for my immense enjoyment while reading.
Each of us sometimes needs a book that will make us smile with tenderness while taking public transport and shed tears into our pillow in the middle of the night. A romance with a man who supposedly belongs to the “fiction� category but, in reality, is much closer to “fantasy.� This was probably the saddest book of the series, but at the same time the closest to my heart and the most uplifting.
I love the sweetness of these books—they’re like strawberry hard candies: bad for your teeth but good for the soul. After a long, hard day of being an adult and pretending to have everything under control, reading about a true knight in a fancy suit who comes to the heroine’s rescue rekindles a tiny spark of faith in humanity within me. A spark that, believe me, is buried very deep. This is what women dream of—unwavering support, emotional maturity, and keeping one’s word. That is far sexier than all the muscles in the world� though Bruce isn’t lacking in that department either.
I also think the theme of PCOS and infertility, which this book addresses, is incredibly important. Farrah’s story is the story of millions of women worldwide—often dismissed by doctors, overlooked, and not taken seriously. Our pain can’t be that bad, and that’s just the way we are, right? The world needs change, and speaking out about it is the first step in the right direction.
The D.C. Eagles Hockey series is for you if you’re looking for a charming romance that lets you escape reality for a couple of afternoons. Each book is like a comforting cupcake with a different flavor, and their sweetness is gently balanced by the characters� sometimes painful pasts. Their lightness will make you melt and take you back to the memories of your first teenage loves. They won’t change your life, but they will definitely make it a little more bearable.
Big thanks to the author and publisher for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley.
Each of us sometimes needs a book that will make us smile with tenderness while taking public transport and shed tears into our pillow in the middle of the night. A romance with a man who supposedly belongs to the “fiction� category but, in reality, is much closer to “fantasy.� This was probably the saddest book of the series, but at the same time the closest to my heart and the most uplifting.
I love the sweetness of these books—they’re like strawberry hard candies: bad for your teeth but good for the soul. After a long, hard day of being an adult and pretending to have everything under control, reading about a true knight in a fancy suit who comes to the heroine’s rescue rekindles a tiny spark of faith in humanity within me. A spark that, believe me, is buried very deep. This is what women dream of—unwavering support, emotional maturity, and keeping one’s word. That is far sexier than all the muscles in the world� though Bruce isn’t lacking in that department either.
I also think the theme of PCOS and infertility, which this book addresses, is incredibly important. Farrah’s story is the story of millions of women worldwide—often dismissed by doctors, overlooked, and not taken seriously. Our pain can’t be that bad, and that’s just the way we are, right? The world needs change, and speaking out about it is the first step in the right direction.
The D.C. Eagles Hockey series is for you if you’re looking for a charming romance that lets you escape reality for a couple of afternoons. Each book is like a comforting cupcake with a different flavor, and their sweetness is gently balanced by the characters� sometimes painful pasts. Their lightness will make you melt and take you back to the memories of your first teenage loves. They won’t change your life, but they will definitely make it a little more bearable.
Big thanks to the author and publisher for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley.
March 8, 2025
"I'm not falling Ambs, I'm crashing and burning and don't know how to stop."
If you want a cute sports romance story that will make you kick your feet and giggle, this is for you! This is the fourth book in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series and I read this as a stand alone but I am immediately going to need to run to read the first 3 books in the series! This book is about Remy's sister Farrah and his goalie teammate/best friend Bruce. It checks so many boxes for the perfect romance!
"You're a shameless flirt."
"Only with you."
- Sports romance
- Brothers teammate/best friend
- The MMC is a goofy fun loving cinnamon roll/golden retriever/teddy bear
- He literally watches romcoms before games for good luck
- Good luck charms
- Lots of baking and desserts
- Cute texts
Also, there is mention of PCOS and infertility but I thought it was handled very well!
Thank you so much to Leah Brunner and the NetGalley team for the arc!
If you want a cute sports romance story that will make you kick your feet and giggle, this is for you! This is the fourth book in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series and I read this as a stand alone but I am immediately going to need to run to read the first 3 books in the series! This book is about Remy's sister Farrah and his goalie teammate/best friend Bruce. It checks so many boxes for the perfect romance!
"You're a shameless flirt."
"Only with you."
- Sports romance
- Brothers teammate/best friend
- The MMC is a goofy fun loving cinnamon roll/golden retriever/teddy bear
- He literally watches romcoms before games for good luck
- Good luck charms
- Lots of baking and desserts
- Cute texts
Also, there is mention of PCOS and infertility but I thought it was handled very well!
Thank you so much to Leah Brunner and the NetGalley team for the arc!
December 24, 2024
I need to gather all of my thoughts together.
For now, just know I adored it. I loved getting to know Bruce and Farrah. I loved seeing the sweet, tender side of Bruce and watching him take things slow with a hurting Farrah.
Also, the swoon factor on this book is off the charts. Bruce might be sweet as honey, but I would label him a spicy honey. And we all know spicy honey is in culinary fashion right now.
Preorder this book. You are going to fall in love, I promise.
Content:
Innuendo, swearing (no f words), PCOS representation, adoption/foster family, infertility, autistic side character ♥️
For now, just know I adored it. I loved getting to know Bruce and Farrah. I loved seeing the sweet, tender side of Bruce and watching him take things slow with a hurting Farrah.
Also, the swoon factor on this book is off the charts. Bruce might be sweet as honey, but I would label him a spicy honey. And we all know spicy honey is in culinary fashion right now.
Preorder this book. You are going to fall in love, I promise.
Content:
Innuendo, swearing (no f words), PCOS representation, adoption/foster family, infertility, autistic side character ♥️
December 27, 2024
I adored this book!!
BRUCE🥰 He's the most golden of all the Golden Retriever MCs!!
My full review will be coming but just know I love this series and these characters!
So happy to see Bruce and Farrah get their happily ever after!!
Content: swearing (no F words), closed-door romance/make-outs only and innuendos. PCOS representation and neurodivergent side character ❤️
BRUCE🥰 He's the most golden of all the Golden Retriever MCs!!
My full review will be coming but just know I love this series and these characters!
So happy to see Bruce and Farrah get their happily ever after!!
Content: swearing (no F words), closed-door romance/make-outs only and innuendos. PCOS representation and neurodivergent side character ❤️
March 27, 2025
SECRET or Shutout
(D.C. Eagles Hockey, Book #4)
by: Leah Brunner
-Release Date: Today, March 27, 2025
-I give 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
-Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and
@leah.brunner.writes for the #gifted copy of this book.
"There's no world where a life without you is better."
~A 6�5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life... no, this isn’t the start of a bad joke�
“’l’ll always come to you. Don’t ever
doubt that.�
-Secret or Shutout is the fourth and final full-length book in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series. While it could easily be read as a stand alone, it’s worth reading the whole delightful series to fully love and grasp the awesome dynamics and enjoy time with endearing and familiar characters throughout. This book is no exception. It is the perfect combination of all the swoon and tender with all the feels! Sparks of chemistry fly off the pages, humor is infused, and the sweetness amid the hard with PCOS and possible infertility held with such grace throughout, hit close to home personally, to feeling seen and connecting more to this story. Watching characters face this so bravely, patiently, and be resilient brought forth a wave of all the feels I’ve experienced and worked through over the years with the unknown and clinging with hope for possibilities, and also for the gratitude I have for the miracles that came. The cameos from other dear characters, the fantastic team dynamics and found family ties continued so well in this story. What a great conclusion to this fantastic series! Plus, the bonus epilogue, is extra sweet. Truly seeing characters be patient, find their own happiness, and be more open in trusting and believing in love for oneself and in others was the best for me! So good!🙌🏻📚❤️
�...for the first time in a long time, I feel like my dreams might come true. Maybe not in the way I pictured, but in a beautiful way, nonetheless.�
•Content: themes of divorce, PCOS, and infertility, mild language throughout, bar scene/alcohol, kissing ((make outs, innuendo, brief fade to black scene between married couple).
“You are my dream.�
#allaboutthebestreads
“little does he know I consider Farrah Remington a much higher prize than winning this game.�
(D.C. Eagles Hockey, Book #4)
by: Leah Brunner
-Release Date: Today, March 27, 2025
-I give 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
-Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and
@leah.brunner.writes for the #gifted copy of this book.
"There's no world where a life without you is better."
~A 6�5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life... no, this isn’t the start of a bad joke�
“’l’ll always come to you. Don’t ever
doubt that.�
-Secret or Shutout is the fourth and final full-length book in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series. While it could easily be read as a stand alone, it’s worth reading the whole delightful series to fully love and grasp the awesome dynamics and enjoy time with endearing and familiar characters throughout. This book is no exception. It is the perfect combination of all the swoon and tender with all the feels! Sparks of chemistry fly off the pages, humor is infused, and the sweetness amid the hard with PCOS and possible infertility held with such grace throughout, hit close to home personally, to feeling seen and connecting more to this story. Watching characters face this so bravely, patiently, and be resilient brought forth a wave of all the feels I’ve experienced and worked through over the years with the unknown and clinging with hope for possibilities, and also for the gratitude I have for the miracles that came. The cameos from other dear characters, the fantastic team dynamics and found family ties continued so well in this story. What a great conclusion to this fantastic series! Plus, the bonus epilogue, is extra sweet. Truly seeing characters be patient, find their own happiness, and be more open in trusting and believing in love for oneself and in others was the best for me! So good!🙌🏻📚❤️
�...for the first time in a long time, I feel like my dreams might come true. Maybe not in the way I pictured, but in a beautiful way, nonetheless.�
•Content: themes of divorce, PCOS, and infertility, mild language throughout, bar scene/alcohol, kissing ((make outs, innuendo, brief fade to black scene between married couple).
“You are my dream.�
#allaboutthebestreads
“little does he know I consider Farrah Remington a much higher prize than winning this game.�
March 30, 2025
4.5 rounded up
The absolute perfect ending to one of my favorite hockey romance series. I have loved each and every single one of these books and I’m honestly so sad to see it end. But Bruce and Farrah’s story was the best finale.
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the added element of also being her brother’s teammate. It put a little bit more on the line, in my opinion, especially since all of this takes place during playoffs. Leah does such a great job of writing yearning and angst in this one. The sneaking around element made it so much more intense for me and I was just ready for everything to be out in the open. But the reason for keeping it hidden felt totally valid (something I don’t always see in brother’s best friend romances).
I absolutely adored Farrah. I loved how the hockey wives brought her into their group, especially after her divorce and all the things she had lost. I thought Leah did a fantastic job of sensitively portraying Farrah’s PCOS diagnosis and her warring feelings of happiness and sadness. And Bruce. Y’all what a fantastic man. I loved how he fought for her and did what he could to show her that she alone was enough for him. His and Farrah’s story reminded me some of Josh and Kristen’s story in The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (one of my fave books). I also loved getting Bruce’s backstory, and I loved seeing how these two fit together.
I have loved this series so much. The found family of this series is probably one of the best I’ve read. And the bonus epilogue 🤭 I can’t wait to see what Leah writes next (AND find out what she and Katie Bailey have been plotting 👀👀)
👍🏻Read If You Like:
•brother’s best friend/teammate
•Kristoff from Frozen
•hockey romances
•found family
🛑Content Warnings
•PCOS rep
•infertility/struggles to get pregnant
•dǰ
•mild language
🖤Fade to Black Romance
The absolute perfect ending to one of my favorite hockey romance series. I have loved each and every single one of these books and I’m honestly so sad to see it end. But Bruce and Farrah’s story was the best finale.
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the added element of also being her brother’s teammate. It put a little bit more on the line, in my opinion, especially since all of this takes place during playoffs. Leah does such a great job of writing yearning and angst in this one. The sneaking around element made it so much more intense for me and I was just ready for everything to be out in the open. But the reason for keeping it hidden felt totally valid (something I don’t always see in brother’s best friend romances).
I absolutely adored Farrah. I loved how the hockey wives brought her into their group, especially after her divorce and all the things she had lost. I thought Leah did a fantastic job of sensitively portraying Farrah’s PCOS diagnosis and her warring feelings of happiness and sadness. And Bruce. Y’all what a fantastic man. I loved how he fought for her and did what he could to show her that she alone was enough for him. His and Farrah’s story reminded me some of Josh and Kristen’s story in The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (one of my fave books). I also loved getting Bruce’s backstory, and I loved seeing how these two fit together.
I have loved this series so much. The found family of this series is probably one of the best I’ve read. And the bonus epilogue 🤭 I can’t wait to see what Leah writes next (AND find out what she and Katie Bailey have been plotting 👀👀)
👍🏻Read If You Like:
•brother’s best friend/teammate
•Kristoff from Frozen
•hockey romances
•found family
🛑Content Warnings
•PCOS rep
•infertility/struggles to get pregnant
•dǰ
•mild language
🖤Fade to Black Romance
March 7, 2025
Secret or Shutout is the fourth and final full-length book in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series. While those who have read the previous books will enjoy catching up with familiar characters and may have a bit more understanding of the team's brotherly dynamic, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well. (That said, it's a fantastic series and one I'd highly recommend.)
Sigh. This book... my goodness! From the moment I read the first book in this series, I have been completely obsessed. I truly thought that absolutely no story could top Mitch and Andie's... and yet, with each book, Leah somehow managed to top the last. While I'm sad to see this fantastic series come to an end... what a way to go out! Bruce and Farrah's story truly was the perfect blend of swoony and tender and I was absolutely here for all of it. The chemistry between these two was absolutely flying of the pages right from the start. For those of us who don't like to wait for that first kiss, we get it right in the first chapter... and boy what a kiss! But when she keeps her distance afterwards, we also get that amazing tension and longing... I love a good 'he falls first' and Bruce certainly falls hard. Farrah's struggles with PCOS and fertility added so much emotion to their story... and made it that much better. It truly was a beautiful story and the perfect way to end the series. I absolutely loved it.
Secret or Shutout is a closed-door romance. It does have a fade-to-black moment (married couple), some steamier kisses and innuendo throughout. There is also a good amount of mild/moderate language throughout.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Sigh. This book... my goodness! From the moment I read the first book in this series, I have been completely obsessed. I truly thought that absolutely no story could top Mitch and Andie's... and yet, with each book, Leah somehow managed to top the last. While I'm sad to see this fantastic series come to an end... what a way to go out! Bruce and Farrah's story truly was the perfect blend of swoony and tender and I was absolutely here for all of it. The chemistry between these two was absolutely flying of the pages right from the start. For those of us who don't like to wait for that first kiss, we get it right in the first chapter... and boy what a kiss! But when she keeps her distance afterwards, we also get that amazing tension and longing... I love a good 'he falls first' and Bruce certainly falls hard. Farrah's struggles with PCOS and fertility added so much emotion to their story... and made it that much better. It truly was a beautiful story and the perfect way to end the series. I absolutely loved it.
Secret or Shutout is a closed-door romance. It does have a fade-to-black moment (married couple), some steamier kisses and innuendo throughout. There is also a good amount of mild/moderate language throughout.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bruce & Farrah
- Dual POV
- Age Gap
- Hockey romcom, DC Eagles team
- Goalie MMC
- Baker FMC
- He takes care of her 🥹
- Nicknames
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 of the DC Eagles Hockey Series - To say I was ecstatic for this book would be a massive understatement. I so enjoyed Bruce in the other books, and I admired Bruce’s heart. I really enjoyed seeing the tender side that would peak out in the other books. He is fiercely loyal and takes care of his people. Farrah is no exception, once he meets her 💕 He takes care of Farrah and keeps showing up for her over and over even when she’s struggling.
Both MCs have some character development they have to work through. Farrah has to learn to trust her own judgment, other people, and work through really really hard medical problems. Bruce has to work through feeling lonely, teammates not trusting him, and how to show up for all the people/things that are important to him. Bruce and Farrah help each other so much with their individual struggles and we see them grow more together 💕
I freaking love all the couples in the DC Eagles series and it was so so sweet to see them all interacting in this book. They still tease each other and have fun, but they are one of the best found families/team that there ever was 🥹
This is a closed door romcom with some cursing, a fade to black scene in the epilogue, and innuendo throughout the book.
**Thank you so much to Leah Brunner for letting me read this ARC via Netgalley. I received a complimentary copy. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
“Heaven without you� by Alex Warren
“Ordinary� by Alex Warren
“Close to you� by Gracie Abrams
Bruce & Farrah
- Dual POV
- Age Gap
- Hockey romcom, DC Eagles team
- Goalie MMC
- Baker FMC
- He takes care of her 🥹
- Nicknames
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 of the DC Eagles Hockey Series - To say I was ecstatic for this book would be a massive understatement. I so enjoyed Bruce in the other books, and I admired Bruce’s heart. I really enjoyed seeing the tender side that would peak out in the other books. He is fiercely loyal and takes care of his people. Farrah is no exception, once he meets her 💕 He takes care of Farrah and keeps showing up for her over and over even when she’s struggling.
Both MCs have some character development they have to work through. Farrah has to learn to trust her own judgment, other people, and work through really really hard medical problems. Bruce has to work through feeling lonely, teammates not trusting him, and how to show up for all the people/things that are important to him. Bruce and Farrah help each other so much with their individual struggles and we see them grow more together 💕
I freaking love all the couples in the DC Eagles series and it was so so sweet to see them all interacting in this book. They still tease each other and have fun, but they are one of the best found families/team that there ever was 🥹
This is a closed door romcom with some cursing, a fade to black scene in the epilogue, and innuendo throughout the book.
**Thank you so much to Leah Brunner for letting me read this ARC via Netgalley. I received a complimentary copy. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
“Heaven without you� by Alex Warren
“Ordinary� by Alex Warren
“Close to you� by Gracie Abrams
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