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
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
No comments:
Post a Comment