⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Oh, yes. This second chance at love was charming and touching, yet playful with plenty of heat.

I’ve loved Henry Hensley since I was seven years old. We’ve gone from best friends to lovers to nothing. To most people, he’s the Chicago Falcons starting right winger and hot single dad, but to me, he’s my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first love. Eight years ago, that all changed when our lives took us in two different directions. Our break-up almost broke me, so I kept my distance until our hometown called me back to where our story began. I promised myself a quick visit to help my family out, and then I’d leave town before he even knew I was back, which should have been easy. He’s way too busy being a professional hockey player and raising his son to ever find out. Of course, I’m only in town for a week before I run into him, and one thing is clear from our brief encounter, Henry wants to hash out our past, whereas I’d rather forget it. But my plan really goes up in flames when I take a temporary substitute teaching job, and on day one, his son walks into my classroom. Boom.

MY THOUGHTS

Shut up, I’m not crying, you’re crying. Everything about this book was beyond adorable. Henry and Jade’s reunion was charged with remembered feelings and the attraction that never went away. That connection was palpable throughout and had me with my heart in my throat, wanting and hoping right alongside them.

Henry had his life together, but he and Bodhi were missing a crucial piece. And Jade seamlessly slot into that position, even when they all needed time to catch up to what we (the readers) already realized, that they were perfect for each other.

Bodhi was so sweet and loveable, and he was the glue that held them together while Henry and Jade reconnected. Henry was gentle and patient and so ready to have Jade in his life again. Jade had to learn to accept herself and how to be herself in Henry’s world. This was a very emotional read and I might’ve had some shiny eyes while reading it.

The epilogue was definitely worth it and now I can’t wait for the next book. I can highly recommend this book and this series if you like fun, steamy hockey romance. Each book stands well on its own.

Thank you to the authors and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: December 31, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Book 2 of The Nest
Tropes: Hockey Romance, Second Chances, Childhood Sweethearts, Single Father