Book Review: CHECKING IT TWICE, by Kendall Ryan

Must Love Hockey #3

Mitchell & Clare

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve been on a journey with this series—loved the first book, struggled with the second because of the toxic female lead, and now I’m back to loving it again with this third installment.

Mitchell Drake and Clare Johnson stole my heart. He’s a hockey player for the Stampede, she’s on the PR team, and their attraction simmers under the weight of professional boundaries. Both carry scars: Mitch from a fiancée who betrayed him with his best friend, Clare from a relationship that left her reputation unfairly tarnished. Trust doesn’t come easy for either of them, and that makes their slow-burn connection all the more delicious.

When Mitch’s mom guilts him into coming home for Christmas, he dreads facing the pity of his small town. His solution? A fake girlfriend. Clare resists at first, but with a little nudge from her best friend, she agrees. What follows is a holiday romance that’s equal parts tender and torturous.

In Maple Grove, Clare is embraced by Mitch’s loud, loving family—a stark contrast to her own fractured, neglectful parents. Watching her soak in their warmth while Mitch quietly marvels at how seamlessly she fits in was beautiful. The twin bed they’re forced to share becomes a nightly battlefield of desire and restraint, and every soft touch, every stolen glance, every bit of banter had me grinning.

This book shines in the details: Mitch making her coffee, Clare’s laughter lighting up his family gatherings, the way they both slowly let their walls down. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what makes it special is how safe and right they feel together.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. There are moments of hesitation, miscommunication, and fear. But when they finally give in—first in stolen intimacy, later in full commitment—it feels earned. And the multi-epilogues? Pure romance wish-fulfillment: marriage, family holidays, and a baby girl.

I adored this one. Mitch and Clare’s journey is tender, funny, and deeply satisfying. Their love story is built on trust, healing, and the joy of finding someone who truly sees you. It’s the kind of slow-burn romance you savor, stage by stage, until the final payoff leaves you smiling.

Purchase links

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FF2MPRGD

About the author

 

Kendall Ryan writes contemporary romance. Her books have been featured on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists a combined total of more than 100 times. 

Connect with Kendall:

➜ WEBSITE www.kendallryanbooks.com

➜ NEWSLETTER www.kendallryanbooks.com/newsletter

➜ FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/kendallryanbooks

➜ INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/kendallryan1

➜ TWITTER www.twitter.com/kendallryan1

Book review: THE BOOK CLUB BOYFRIEND, by Kendall Ryan

This novel surprised me. At first glance, Scarlett—the heroine—comes across as sharp-edged, cynical, and downright hostile toward love. She’s a bestselling author of books that argue women don’t need men, and her biting commentary made me think she was simply a man-hater. But as the story unfolded, I realized her bitterness was rooted in heartbreak and disappointment, not hatred.

Burned out and facing a looming deadline, Scarlett retreats to a cabin on Lake Michigan. Next door is Chase, a professional hockey player on offseason, juggling a PR crisis and the weight of deciding whether he’s ready to lead his team as captain. He’s cocky, smirky, and endlessly amused by Scarlett’s sarcasm. His dog, Rip, steals scenes with his charm and warmth, becoming a delightful secondary character.

When Scarlett and Chase are forced to co-host the Stampede Book Club, disaster strikes. Scarlett’s mic picks up her unfiltered rant about romance novels being “ludicrous” and “not buying what you’re selling.” Fans, however, see undeniable chemistry between her and Chase, and the internet explodes with hashtags. What could have been humiliating turns into the beginning of something unexpected.

The novel shines in the quieter moments. Chase reveals the pain of missing his brother’s accident while away at a tournament, while Scarlett shares the scars of watching her parents’ marriage disintegrate. Later, an Instagram post about her ex’s wedding explains her bitterness—she once loved deeply, but was left behind when she refused to compromise her ideals. Chase helps her see that she wasn’t “not enough”; her ex simply couldn’t rise to meet her.

Scarlett’s journey is the heart of the book. Slowly, she shifts from writing about independence without love to embracing the idea that a woman can be strong, brilliant, and still open her heart to someone worthy. Chase proves himself to be that man—cocky yet compassionate, teasing yet deeply understanding. Their banter evolves into friendship, then love, and finally a possibility. 

At first, I found Scarlett toxic—her sarcasm felt like acid. But as the layers peeled back, I saw her pain, her defenses, and the way she used her writing to rationalize her worldview. Watching her soften without losing her spice was deeply satisfying. The humor kept the story light, balancing the heavier themes of heartbreak and healing.

Chase is the perfect book boyfriend: cocky, smirky, supportive, and most importantly, he sees Scarlett. Rip the dog was the cherry on top. Together, they created a chaotic, banter-filled love story that felt both entertaining and emotionally real.

Purchase links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rguH4V

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/4rbG2Db

Free in Kindle Unlimited

About the author

 Kendall Ryan writes contemporary romance. Her books have been featured on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists a combined total of more than 100 times. 

Connect with Kendall:

➜ WEBSITE www.kendallryanbooks.com

➜ NEWSLETTER www.kendallryanbooks.com/newsletter

➜ FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/kendallryanbooks

➜ INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/kendallryan1

➜ TWITTER www.twitter.com/kendallryan1

Book review: MY BROTHER’S ENEMY, by Tijan

Tijan delivers another powerhouse of an angsty, emotionally charged romance that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go.

Rain, a sports psychologist with a complicated past, joins the Minnesota Grey Wolfs to help the team reach their full potential. Hockey isn’t just her profession—it’s her history, her heartbreak, and her hidden identity. Estranged from her brothers and father, Rain carries deep scars from a childhood where she was unseen, unloved, and ultimately cast out.

Enter Tyler Griffin—one of the top five hockey players in the league—who transfers to the Grey Wolfs to support his twin sister after a family crisis. Rain and Griff share a tangled past: she once crushed on him in high school, while his family’s tragedy intersected with hers in painful ways. Their reunion sparks immediate attraction, but also dredges up old wounds, rivalries, and secrets.

This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about invisible wounds. Rain’s journey is heartbreaking:

• Her father’s rejection and her brothers’ cruelty left her believing she was unworthy of love.

• Griff’s protective instincts toward his sister and niece mirror Rain’s own yearning for family.

• Mal’s revelation introduces the “invisible child syndrome,” a devastating reminder of how neglect can shape a life.

Rain’s vulnerability—her admission of contemplating ending her life—makes her eventual healing all the more powerful. With Griff’s love, Mal’s support, and the team’s loyalty, she begins to rewrite the narrative of her worth.

The hockey backdrop is more than sport—it’s the heartbeat of the novel. Rain’s strategies transform the Grey Wolfs into a cohesive unit, and her presence becomes the glue holding them together. The games against Boston and Montreal are not just battles on the ice but symbolic confrontations with her past. Facing her brothers—Dane with reconciliation, Daniel with defiance—cements Rain’s growth and her newfound strength.

Rain and Griff’s relationship is messy, passionate, and real. From almost-kisses on the rink to nights where she swears “just once” but opens the door again, their love story is threaded with vulnerability and fire. Griff’s declaration of forever—buying a house, choosing her despite his hatred of her brothers—feels like the ultimate triumph. Rain, once unseen, is finally loved, chosen, and cherished.

Tijan masterfully balances heartbreak and hope, weaving psychological depth with tender romance. The novel explores what it means to be invisible, the scars of family betrayal, and the courage it takes to believe in love again. Rain’s journey from gray hopelessness to vibrant belonging is unforgettable.

This is a story of second chances, found family, and the healing power of love—wrapped in the adrenaline of hockey and the raw intensity of Tijan’s signature angst.

Purchase links

Amazon: http://bit.ly/46veizZ

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/npXY05 

Available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited

Paperback

Amazon: http://bit.ly/3W7gmta

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3W7dtss

Special Edition

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4ol6hVu

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/42Kglzc

Hardcover 

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4n6KDmX

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3W6VEcY 

Audiobook: https://bit.ly/47zFYWj 

Narrated by @offmicandi & @tor_thom

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/46GYzPz

About the author

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable

novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of

sass on the side. Tijan began writing after college and once she started, she was hooked.

She's written multi-bestsellers including the Fallen Crest series, Ryan's Bed, Enemies

and others.

She is currently writing many new books and series with an English Cocker she

adores.

Connect with Tijan

Website: http://www.tijansbooks.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4851199.Tijan

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tijan/e/B00DJG52QE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tijansbooks/

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/tijansreadergroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tijansbooks/

X/Twitter: www.twitter.com/tijansbooks

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@tijan_author

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tijan

Book review: FORMULA DREAMS, by Sawyer Bennett

Race Fever #4

Francesca & Ronan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book isn’t just about racing—it’s about the sparks that fly when two fiercely determined people collide. Francesca Accardi, the first woman to break into FI racing, is bold, talented, and unwilling to be defined by anything other than her skill. Yet beneath her steel exterior, she wrestles with doubts and the weight of expectations. Enter Ronan Barnes, the cocky rival whose charm is as magnetic as it is infuriating. Their chemistry is undeniable, even when it comes wrapped in banter, clashes, and stubborn pride.

What makes this story so captivating is how the romance pulses alongside the roar of the engines. Francesca and Ronan’s connection is fiery, tender, and deeply emotional. Every interaction—whether it’s playful competition, heated arguments, or moments of vulnerability—adds fuel to their attraction. Watching them push past walls of resistance and fear to discover trust, intimacy, and love is as thrilling as any race on the track.

The novel beautifully balances passion and vulnerability. Francesca’s determination to be seen for her talent, not her gender, mirrors Ronan’s struggle to let someone into his guarded heart. Together, they create a romance that feels both exhilarating and heartfelt, proving that sometimes the most powerful victories happen off the track.

By the end, you’ll be swept up not only in the adrenaline of FI racing but in the emotional journey of two people learning to love fiercely, despite the odds. It’s a story that celebrates ambition, resilience, and the kind of romance that makes your heart race as fast as the cars.

Purchase links

📱Ebook: https://geni.us/STORE_FormuDreamsEbook 

🎧 Audio: https://geni.us/STORE_FormuDreamsAudio 

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:

https://geni.us/SawyerBennett