Aspen is working two jobs and is barely able to keep up. After her shift at the hockey arena, she runs into someone trying to get back into the arena. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that he is the team captain. She makes her way to her second job and Banks is there again. He is at a private table with friends and seems to be getting drunk and entertaining strippers. After a bet with his friends that he can get Aspen’s number, she quickly shoots him down. Once Banks realizes that Aspen is the woman from the arena, he works to find everything he can about her. Aspen won’t give him the time of day, but he works to break down her walls and protect her in any way he can. 

 

Banks is awesome! He is kind, caring, honest and respectful. I loved that Aspen didn’t immediately fall for Banks’ charm and smile, making him work for it. I felt for Aspen, it sounds like she had a rough life, and is struggling through, even now, to get ahead. I loved when Banks and her came together that Banks helped her, but still respected her and her autonomy. 

 

Banks and Aspen made a great couple. They started with some awesome banter, and their chemistry was off the charts. They challenged each other and had a deep respect for each other. One of my favourite tropes is found family, and this book has it in spades. Banks’ friends have been brought together because of hockey, and have supported each other through many ups and downs. I loved how they were there for each other and supported each other through the difficult stuff. 

 

I enjoyed this book from start to finish and can’t wait for more in this series. If you love a book with great found family, where he falls first, this is the perfect book for you! I can’t wait for more in this series! Thank you to the authors for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 

 

read if you like: enemies to lovers, he falls first, found family, hockey romance, protective MMC, golden retriever hero