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Love and Hockey #3
Fake Out Hearts
He’s my ex’s rival. The gorgeous, tatted up bad boy of the NHL…
And now he’s my husband.
When my ex breaks up with me in a very public way, all I want to do is hide from the world. But instead, I end up having the hottest night of my life with Theo Camden—a right winger for the Aces and my ex’s biggest rival.
It’s only supposed to be one night, but when Theo finds out that I’ll be deported since I lost my job after the breakup, he proposes something else.
Marriage.
We’ll tie the knot in Vegas and spend a few years living together, pretending this thing between us is real. Then I’ll be free to stay in the country and we can both go our own ways.
But being fake married is more complicated than I thought—especially when the line between fake and real starts to blur.
Kisses that were supposed to be just for show start to feel like something else, and when Theo learns to cook my favorite foods and calls me “my wife,” I realize I’m doing the one thing I was never supposed to do…
I’m falling for the husband I can’t keep.
Because once he learns the secret I’ve been hiding, this will all be over.
TROPES IN THIS BOOK:
Marriage of convenience
Dancer x Hockey player
Boy obsessed
Ex’s rival
Found family
Jealous/possessive hero
Forced proximity
Fake Out Hearts is a contemporary hockey romance loaded with banter, feels, and deliciously dirty steam.
It can be read as a complete standalone.
And now he’s my husband.
When my ex breaks up with me in a very public way, all I want to do is hide from the world. But instead, I end up having the hottest night of my life with Theo Camden—a right winger for the Aces and my ex’s biggest rival.
It’s only supposed to be one night, but when Theo finds out that I’ll be deported since I lost my job after the breakup, he proposes something else.
Marriage.
We’ll tie the knot in Vegas and spend a few years living together, pretending this thing between us is real. Then I’ll be free to stay in the country and we can both go our own ways.
But being fake married is more complicated than I thought—especially when the line between fake and real starts to blur.
Kisses that were supposed to be just for show start to feel like something else, and when Theo learns to cook my favorite foods and calls me “my wife,” I realize I’m doing the one thing I was never supposed to do…
I’m falling for the husband I can’t keep.
Because once he learns the secret I’ve been hiding, this will all be over.
TROPES IN THIS BOOK:
Marriage of convenience
Dancer x Hockey player
Boy obsessed
Ex’s rival
Found family
Jealous/possessive hero
Forced proximity
Fake Out Hearts is a contemporary hockey romance loaded with banter, feels, and deliciously dirty steam.
It can be read as a complete standalone.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2024
3607 people are currently reading
5627 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
July 26, 2024
Hrm. Ok, I loved the “my wife” trope and Theo was the golden retriever of husbands. We saw in the last book he was already drawn to her, and I liked how their feelings for each other developed. He trusted her implicitly, and never doubted her even when they were confronted with ugly rumors and outside forces. He was true blue, and that was swoon worthy.
Buuuut, this fell flat. So many plot points just glossed over made this a hard sell. We were teased she had this big secret that would ruin everything. It seemed like it was going to be the eating disorder, but that was just a weird, random “by the way,” type thing. Sean teased her big secret, too. Then bam in the last part of the book she drops the infertility bomb and runs off. No explanation why she’s unable to have kids. Just “Sorry. Can’t have kids. Bye.” They don’t even really talk about it. Then he’s just ok with it, asks no questions and nothing else is said until she randomly drops the adoption idea in the epilogue and again he’s like, “ok, cool.” The lack of conversation robbed us of feeling any depth or emotion about it. It was like she said she hated peas and he said so they wouldn’t eat peas. It was all just fine.
I also really disliked the “resolution” of Shawn. He randomly shows up like a cartoon villain, blurts out all his sins, gets his ass kicked by Theo, and then later we’re told instead of shown that it was all over, he was fired and then he was just never mentioned again. What a let down, especially after the drug thing and how he treated her on camera. I expected some kind of vindication moment for Becca and she got zero. Just assaulted, which was caught on cameras we had no idea existed.
The ex-wife showing up was weird, made me uncomfortable, and AGAIN Theo just rolled with it. We also never got a follow up on whether they were keeping him on the team, and the whole point of getting married for her green card was literally never brought up again. They had to have faced immigration at some point? And was it just me or did the closeness and warmth between the team “family” seem lacking and cold? I thought Noah and the others would really rally around him and they just kind nagged him about his slump playing. It was disappointing.
I loved the first two books, so this was just a bummer overall. It was rushed, tons of dropped plot, and while the spice was good, did they have anything else in common? They never talked, or challenged each other. I admit I started skimming the spice, too, because I was desperate for some connection.
I’m looking forward to the next book. I’m hoping we’re shown more and told less. 3 stars for me because I did love Theo, and I can’t bring myself to be mean.
Buuuut, this fell flat. So many plot points just glossed over made this a hard sell. We were teased she had this big secret that would ruin everything. It seemed like it was going to be the eating disorder, but that was just a weird, random “by the way,” type thing. Sean teased her big secret, too. Then bam in the last part of the book she drops the infertility bomb and runs off. No explanation why she’s unable to have kids. Just “Sorry. Can’t have kids. Bye.” They don’t even really talk about it. Then he’s just ok with it, asks no questions and nothing else is said until she randomly drops the adoption idea in the epilogue and again he’s like, “ok, cool.” The lack of conversation robbed us of feeling any depth or emotion about it. It was like she said she hated peas and he said so they wouldn’t eat peas. It was all just fine.
I also really disliked the “resolution” of Shawn. He randomly shows up like a cartoon villain, blurts out all his sins, gets his ass kicked by Theo, and then later we’re told instead of shown that it was all over, he was fired and then he was just never mentioned again. What a let down, especially after the drug thing and how he treated her on camera. I expected some kind of vindication moment for Becca and she got zero. Just assaulted, which was caught on cameras we had no idea existed.
The ex-wife showing up was weird, made me uncomfortable, and AGAIN Theo just rolled with it. We also never got a follow up on whether they were keeping him on the team, and the whole point of getting married for her green card was literally never brought up again. They had to have faced immigration at some point? And was it just me or did the closeness and warmth between the team “family” seem lacking and cold? I thought Noah and the others would really rally around him and they just kind nagged him about his slump playing. It was disappointing.
I loved the first two books, so this was just a bummer overall. It was rushed, tons of dropped plot, and while the spice was good, did they have anything else in common? They never talked, or challenged each other. I admit I started skimming the spice, too, because I was desperate for some connection.
I’m looking forward to the next book. I’m hoping we’re shown more and told less. 3 stars for me because I did love Theo, and I can’t bring myself to be mean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2024
Nikki Lawson is a criminally underrated hockey romance author. Like seriously, Offside Hearts is one of my favorites, Breakaway Hearts was a super solid follow up, and Fake Out Hearts was such a good story with chefs kiss level spice.
Marriage of Convenience is THE trope of 2024, and this one did it really well. When Becca is very publicly dumped by her NHL boyfriend, Theo jumps in and saves the day with a marriage proposal to allow her to stay in the US and follow her dance dreams. Neither expect to fall in love, but this was definitely insta-lust which turns to love, and I was all the way there for it.
Theo is just about perfect in every way and puts Becca first in all the ways. He brought all the sweet and swoon, but my god the spice. Like chapter after chapter of spice. Take a little breather then repeat. Loved Becca as well and she was just as supportive of Theo when he needed her.
Next up: single dad/nanny… can’t wait for Sawyer’s book!
Marriage of Convenience is THE trope of 2024, and this one did it really well. When Becca is very publicly dumped by her NHL boyfriend, Theo jumps in and saves the day with a marriage proposal to allow her to stay in the US and follow her dance dreams. Neither expect to fall in love, but this was definitely insta-lust which turns to love, and I was all the way there for it.
Theo is just about perfect in every way and puts Becca first in all the ways. He brought all the sweet and swoon, but my god the spice. Like chapter after chapter of spice. Take a little breather then repeat. Loved Becca as well and she was just as supportive of Theo when he needed her.
Next up: single dad/nanny… can’t wait for Sawyer’s book!
November 9, 2024
3.5 maybe
I liked it but not as much as the one before. The premise of a marriage of convenience is one I like and I liked both Theo and Becca but I guess the Vegas wedding to his enemy's ex the day after she broke up with said ex and then she and Theo had a one night stand just seemed a bit too rushed for me... Still a very good book.
I liked it but not as much as the one before. The premise of a marriage of convenience is one I like and I liked both Theo and Becca but I guess the Vegas wedding to his enemy's ex the day after she broke up with said ex and then she and Theo had a one night stand just seemed a bit too rushed for me... Still a very good book.
June 12, 2024
Ok so this took me like a week to read.. I just wasn’t feeling it and found myself skimming a lot. I basically just read the dialogue from about 40% on. It was about 100 pages too long.
The spice was hot, the “my wife” and “my husband” trope just hits every time. I feel like the major plot point of this book was kinda not resolved also? I dunno.
I liked the other books and I’ll likely read the next one in the series but this was bit of a miss for me.
The spice was hot, the “my wife” and “my husband” trope just hits every time. I feel like the major plot point of this book was kinda not resolved also? I dunno.
I liked the other books and I’ll likely read the next one in the series but this was bit of a miss for me.
August 22, 2024
Better…
The second book was a little too predictable, this one followed a little but still a good story. One of those of course this was going to happen but still not liking the 3rd act breakup, and still not certain why he took it the way he did, why he didn’t say anything and let her walk away- seriously? Still better.
The second book was a little too predictable, this one followed a little but still a good story. One of those of course this was going to happen but still not liking the 3rd act breakup, and still not certain why he took it the way he did, why he didn’t say anything and let her walk away- seriously? Still better.
June 6, 2024
Wasn’t a fave… found myself skimming pages and wanting to finish it.
June 12, 2025
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
July 31, 2024
Yo queria confiar en Nikki, pero de nuevo me defraudo completamente y no puedo perdonarla, segui con la serie de love and hockey porque despues de la historia de reese and callie creía que solo podia mejorar pero fue todo lo contrario... Theo and Becca fueron tan HELL NAW for me, Becca termina una relación de no se cuantos años y esa misma noche se fuckea con Theo? and i know that Shawn fue un imbecil manipulador y grosero todos esos años pero girl, en mi mente solo estaba pensando (de nuevo) en la prensa y en como Nikki arregla todo tan bien (ignora al mundo) para que a sus personajes todo les salga a la perfección, NADIE DICE NADA de que ella era novia de un jugador de hockey y al dia siguiente ya estaba casada con otro aunque los mismos personajes piensen en las repercuciones de sus actos.
Yo creía que Theo podia ser un personaje interesante teniendo en cuenta sus apariciones en los libros pasados y despues de saber que habia estado casado? obviamente queria saber todo de él, pero cuando te enteras de como fue todo es tan MEH (ni siquiera tiene relevancia a la cero trama del libro)... termina siendo un down to earth boyfriend material perfecto llenando cada una de las necesidades de Becca, un perro, un auto, un anillo de ensueño, una green card para que siga trabajando por sus sueños de ser profesora de baile (nunca fue a dar clases), como si su unico papel en la historia fuera comprar cada una de las cosas por las que Becca soño y no soño just because. Le di tantas veces la razón a Becca cuando ella decia que no se merecia ninguna de esas cosas... porque sentia que Theo hacia todo por ella y ella simplemente pues era Becca la fmc, nunca la terminas de conocer bien (de hecho parece que no tiene personalidad), sus unicos pensamientos eran me quiero fuckear a Theo, tengo que comprar a Theo con Shawn y no me merezco a Theo (el cual es verdad), no puedo entender porque estan juntos y en que momento empezaron a sentir cosas el uno por el otro aunque Theo medio que ya te hacia saber que el sentia cosas, pero en el transcurso del libro no te das cuenta en que momento crecen o expresan sus sentimientos o como se desarrolló su relación.
Despues de la mitad del libro no habia casi ningun capitulo en el que ellos no fuckearan y ya me parece algo tan repetitivo en los libros de Nikki que es agotador, como si no tuviera un plot en realidad para trabajar asi que los coloca a toquetearse todo el tiempo para llenar paginas y despues de unos capitulos yo prefiero pegarme un tiro en la sien que seguir leyendo esas escenas, asi que la mayoria de veces las pasaba porque sabia que no me estaba perdiendo de nada. La escena en donde entra Valerie? all over the place, no entiendo como se fue a terminar de fuckear en vez de dar una explicación de porque ella estaba en su condo (supremamente caro y el cual debe tener vigilancia?) todo fue tan raro y sin sentido alguno. Alguien me puede decir porque no pueden estar en ni un solo evento publico por dejar a todo el mundo para fuckear too? el charity, las dos salidas al bar, cualquier off game despues de ganar lets bffr, Nikki tiene que encontrar la forma de abrir a nuevos libros con interacciones entre los personajes.
Odie el third act breakup porque para mi no tuvo sentido, ellos nunca hablaron sus sentimientos en todo el libro y era obvio que no iban a hablar para resolver el problema aca pero me molesto tanto la falta de comunicación y si tan solo ellos se hubieran sentado a hablar no tendrian que haber pasado todas esas tonterias con el libro al 95% practicamente. Tengo que admitir que me parecio pasable el capitulo en donde ellos cuidan de Jake y es una forma decente de abrir para el libro de Sawyer si es que llega a salir alguno (lo tengo que leer porque no se dejar nada a medias y porque hes a single dad i need him truly) asi que tengo espectativas for him.
P.S: Alguien puede notar que no escribi todo esto llena de odio como cuando termine el primer libro de la serie?
Yo creía que Theo podia ser un personaje interesante teniendo en cuenta sus apariciones en los libros pasados y despues de saber que habia estado casado? obviamente queria saber todo de él, pero cuando te enteras de como fue todo es tan MEH (ni siquiera tiene relevancia a la cero trama del libro)... termina siendo un down to earth boyfriend material perfecto llenando cada una de las necesidades de Becca, un perro, un auto, un anillo de ensueño, una green card para que siga trabajando por sus sueños de ser profesora de baile (nunca fue a dar clases), como si su unico papel en la historia fuera comprar cada una de las cosas por las que Becca soño y no soño just because. Le di tantas veces la razón a Becca cuando ella decia que no se merecia ninguna de esas cosas... porque sentia que Theo hacia todo por ella y ella simplemente pues era Becca la fmc, nunca la terminas de conocer bien (de hecho parece que no tiene personalidad), sus unicos pensamientos eran me quiero fuckear a Theo, tengo que comprar a Theo con Shawn y no me merezco a Theo (el cual es verdad), no puedo entender porque estan juntos y en que momento empezaron a sentir cosas el uno por el otro aunque Theo medio que ya te hacia saber que el sentia cosas, pero en el transcurso del libro no te das cuenta en que momento crecen o expresan sus sentimientos o como se desarrolló su relación.
Despues de la mitad del libro no habia casi ningun capitulo en el que ellos no fuckearan y ya me parece algo tan repetitivo en los libros de Nikki que es agotador, como si no tuviera un plot en realidad para trabajar asi que los coloca a toquetearse todo el tiempo para llenar paginas y despues de unos capitulos yo prefiero pegarme un tiro en la sien que seguir leyendo esas escenas, asi que la mayoria de veces las pasaba porque sabia que no me estaba perdiendo de nada. La escena en donde entra Valerie? all over the place, no entiendo como se fue a terminar de fuckear en vez de dar una explicación de porque ella estaba en su condo (supremamente caro y el cual debe tener vigilancia?) todo fue tan raro y sin sentido alguno. Alguien me puede decir porque no pueden estar en ni un solo evento publico por dejar a todo el mundo para fuckear too? el charity, las dos salidas al bar, cualquier off game despues de ganar lets bffr, Nikki tiene que encontrar la forma de abrir a nuevos libros con interacciones entre los personajes.
Odie el third act breakup porque para mi no tuvo sentido, ellos nunca hablaron sus sentimientos en todo el libro y era obvio que no iban a hablar para resolver el problema aca pero me molesto tanto la falta de comunicación y si tan solo ellos se hubieran sentado a hablar no tendrian que haber pasado todas esas tonterias con el libro al 95% practicamente. Tengo que admitir que me parecio pasable el capitulo en donde ellos cuidan de Jake y es una forma decente de abrir para el libro de Sawyer si es que llega a salir alguno (lo tengo que leer porque no se dejar nada a medias y porque hes a single dad i need him truly) asi que tengo espectativas for him.
P.S: Alguien puede notar que no escribi todo esto llena de odio como cuando termine el primer libro de la serie?
September 27, 2024
so good!
Loved this book. The things that each of them have to figure out together and apart - makes them such strong characters. It feels like every time they turn around there’s something else. But, they’ve got it! Stronger together, right? Read it! It’s fantastic!
Loved this book. The things that each of them have to figure out together and apart - makes them such strong characters. It feels like every time they turn around there’s something else. But, they’ve got it! Stronger together, right? Read it! It’s fantastic!
November 17, 2024
I don't think I liked it. But I forced myself to read it when I'm not in a reading mood so maybe not the books fault
July 7, 2024
So this wasn't for me for a couple of reasons.
It dragged on. There was nothing really interesting about it.
Theo was so golden retriever that he came off as ambivalent. I think I will stick to the psycho dark romance guys
A bunch of random stuff happens towards the end that should at least warrant a convo, but nope.
Didn't really relate to or connect with either character.
Didn't even find it funny
Don't think the author likes Canadians overly much
If you like vanilla romance this could be for you. Technically it was sound. Edited well and stuff like that. Just for me it was very bland.
It dragged on. There was nothing really interesting about it.
Theo was so golden retriever that he came off as ambivalent. I think I will stick to the psycho dark romance guys
A bunch of random stuff happens towards the end that should at least warrant a convo, but nope.
Didn't really relate to or connect with either character.
Didn't even find it funny
Don't think the author likes Canadians overly much
If you like vanilla romance this could be for you. Technically it was sound. Edited well and stuff like that. Just for me it was very bland.
July 2, 2024
Definitely my least favourite of the series but it was still good. Again I think the spice over took the plot sometimes and I don’t think it needed to be so long
August 9, 2024
dnf’d at 25% i had high hopes for this book only to read reviews. The girl is so stupid and naive she just married someone that quickly because she was desperate. Also the characters annoy me.
August 30, 2024
Wait this was so good
October 1, 2024
Really enjoyed this fake marriage.
It felt real from the beginning with the spark and who doesn’t love getting revenge on you nemesis!
It felt real from the beginning with the spark and who doesn’t love getting revenge on you nemesis!
October 6, 2024
My least favourite in the series. Love the “my wife trope” and the spice but compared to book 1 & 2 this was a miss for me. Theo made this book for me to give it a 3 star which was a stretch for me. It was just missing something…
October 24, 2024
YAWN!!! this is so boring which is disappointing because i loved the last book. Yeah this wasn’t for me, conflict was flat and the characters were flat.
December 14, 2024
Hockey love
Absolutely love Theo and Beccas story. They didn't let anything hold back their love even after hiccups.
I look forward to sawyers story next.
Absolutely love Theo and Beccas story. They didn't let anything hold back their love even after hiccups.
I look forward to sawyers story next.
January 31, 2025
Oh, what a softie that Theo is! Another Aces story with great dialogue and big hunky men who want to treat theirs as princesses.
Pluses
Friends first
Found family
A+ Steamy
Pluses
Friends first
Found family
A+ Steamy
July 7, 2024
I'd like to give this 3.5 stars.
Hear me out, I actually really enjoyed this one! But it had too many plot holes or unsatisfactory resolutions to situations that I just can not ignore. These are notes mainly for me and therefore may contain spoilers.
.
.
.
Ok, so the main plot is fake marriage with an NHL player and a dancer. Straight away, what kind of dancer? We don't actually know at all, although they both tattoo ballet shoes on themselves, so...that, I guess?
Theo is absolutely adorable, he dotes on her, lifts her up, tries to support her dreams, and is the definition of golden retriever. Becca dated his biggest rival Fucking Shawn, who dumped her in front of the cameras. He goes after her after this, and they have a mind-blowing night together. To avoid being deported, he offers to marry her for a few years. Instead of just being a marriage on paper, though, he takes care of her.
Now, here are a few of the issues I had to take my ratings down for:
1. At points, it feels like we're hurtling towards something, but it never results in a shock, so pacing is a bit off.
2. There's soooo many tropes to cover, and none of them are done well, in my opinion:
The eating disorder - hinted at with how little she eats, but then passes out, and it turns into a control thing, but is actually under control, only comes up when she's stressed? Something's missing or off about this.
The Exes - Fucking Shawn not being in the picture at all, then releasing the episode about her "drug problem" and then showing up at their house, how does he know where they live? Only to admit to using roids and to assault her? And then, it just disappears into thin air?
And his ex to show up INSIDE THEIR HOUSE to see them fuck and then say she's here to pick up a bike? I felt like Cotton Eye Joe at this point 👀👀
The inevitable third act break up - I was like, "Which trope are we gonna get thrown at us now?" And here we go! She can't have kids! We get no explanation, no discussion, nothing. He wants to buy a house, she thinks he wants babies, tells him she can't and runs away!?! Then ignores him for a while and asks for the divorce papers. Like...what?!
The hockey - I felt like 10 mins in sin bin for fighting an opponent is a bit much, and it bothered me to no end 😂😂
I did absolutely love his princess treatment and their sexy times. I loved how Becca tried to help him with hockey as well, so it wasn't all about her.
Hear me out, I actually really enjoyed this one! But it had too many plot holes or unsatisfactory resolutions to situations that I just can not ignore. These are notes mainly for me and therefore may contain spoilers.
.
.
.
Ok, so the main plot is fake marriage with an NHL player and a dancer. Straight away, what kind of dancer? We don't actually know at all, although they both tattoo ballet shoes on themselves, so...that, I guess?
Theo is absolutely adorable, he dotes on her, lifts her up, tries to support her dreams, and is the definition of golden retriever. Becca dated his biggest rival Fucking Shawn, who dumped her in front of the cameras. He goes after her after this, and they have a mind-blowing night together. To avoid being deported, he offers to marry her for a few years. Instead of just being a marriage on paper, though, he takes care of her.
Now, here are a few of the issues I had to take my ratings down for:
1. At points, it feels like we're hurtling towards something, but it never results in a shock, so pacing is a bit off.
2. There's soooo many tropes to cover, and none of them are done well, in my opinion:
The eating disorder - hinted at with how little she eats, but then passes out, and it turns into a control thing, but is actually under control, only comes up when she's stressed? Something's missing or off about this.
The Exes - Fucking Shawn not being in the picture at all, then releasing the episode about her "drug problem" and then showing up at their house, how does he know where they live? Only to admit to using roids and to assault her? And then, it just disappears into thin air?
And his ex to show up INSIDE THEIR HOUSE to see them fuck and then say she's here to pick up a bike? I felt like Cotton Eye Joe at this point 👀👀
The inevitable third act break up - I was like, "Which trope are we gonna get thrown at us now?" And here we go! She can't have kids! We get no explanation, no discussion, nothing. He wants to buy a house, she thinks he wants babies, tells him she can't and runs away!?! Then ignores him for a while and asks for the divorce papers. Like...what?!
The hockey - I felt like 10 mins in sin bin for fighting an opponent is a bit much, and it bothered me to no end 😂😂
I did absolutely love his princess treatment and their sexy times. I loved how Becca tried to help him with hockey as well, so it wasn't all about her.
October 14, 2024
Not sure if it's because I accidentally read this without reading the first two in the series (darn KU for recommending something without telling me!), but this wasn't really my jam.
My biggest issue is there's just too much going on here, but the story also drags like there's nothing happening. And there is SO. MUCH. DIALOGUE. It's a strange feeling throughout the novel.
To start the story, the FMC is dumped, and the MMC witnesses it and steps in to soothe her... Though apparently they've met once before? It's unclear really... But the whole re-meet/breakup drama turns into a steamy night together, which somehow turns into a "marry me for your greencard" situation. Add to this, her crappy ex is sort of a stalker, he blows her reputation up on national TV and she doesn't even fight back, she wants to start a dance studio (though nowhere in the story speaks to her training or what kind of dance she actually did, and if any of it was ever professional), and then there's mom/family drama added in just for kicks. If that isn't enough - you find out at approximately 80% into the story, she can't have kids which causes a "we must break up bc he'll regret not having a family" third act breakup. This all happens while the MMC struggles with his hockey game (for no clear reason), and swears she's his lucky charm. I mean PHEW! It just feels like the author crammed way too many issues into one book (not seamlessly) and there's just no way to really follow it or engage with the characters.
I didn't love the FMC which was problematic, and while I'm not against spice, it felt like there were a million sexy scenes to make up for the lack of substance in the story itself. And the MMC? For someone who experienced a hard divorce, he's way too accommodating to every single thing and just gives off weird energy. I ended up skimming about the last 15%. I think I liked their dog Milo most throughout.
This could have been something, and I may try the first book of the series to see if this one is a fluke, but this one was not for me.
2/5.
My biggest issue is there's just too much going on here, but the story also drags like there's nothing happening. And there is SO. MUCH. DIALOGUE. It's a strange feeling throughout the novel.
To start the story, the FMC is dumped, and the MMC witnesses it and steps in to soothe her... Though apparently they've met once before? It's unclear really... But the whole re-meet/breakup drama turns into a steamy night together, which somehow turns into a "marry me for your greencard" situation. Add to this, her crappy ex is sort of a stalker, he blows her reputation up on national TV and she doesn't even fight back, she wants to start a dance studio (though nowhere in the story speaks to her training or what kind of dance she actually did, and if any of it was ever professional), and then there's mom/family drama added in just for kicks. If that isn't enough - you find out at approximately 80% into the story, she can't have kids which causes a "we must break up bc he'll regret not having a family" third act breakup. This all happens while the MMC struggles with his hockey game (for no clear reason), and swears she's his lucky charm. I mean PHEW! It just feels like the author crammed way too many issues into one book (not seamlessly) and there's just no way to really follow it or engage with the characters.
I didn't love the FMC which was problematic, and while I'm not against spice, it felt like there were a million sexy scenes to make up for the lack of substance in the story itself. And the MMC? For someone who experienced a hard divorce, he's way too accommodating to every single thing and just gives off weird energy. I ended up skimming about the last 15%. I think I liked their dog Milo most throughout.
This could have been something, and I may try the first book of the series to see if this one is a fluke, but this one was not for me.
2/5.
May 30, 2025
insta swoony mmc
🏒 NHL mmc
🩰 marriage of convenience
🏒 ex’s rival
🩰 found family
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This had all the makings for juicy drama and I felt like it fell a little short. I mean it was marriage of convenience for citizenship and there wasn’t a single issue with it after the fact. I was expecting some interview where Theo and Becca had to prove their love by realizing they remember all the little things about the other, but no, we got her psycho steroid ex-bf who made two shabby attempts at ruining their relationship. Then there was the semi-random infertility issue which could’ve added a great plot point but it felt like it was there and gone just as quickly.
Now don’t get me wrong, you couldn’t conjure up a better book boyfriend in your dreams than Theo and Becca tugged at the heartstring because that sweet angel just wanted to be wanted for who she is, but idk, maybe my expectations were too high.
I’m still gonna chug along to the next book!!
🏒 NHL mmc
🩰 marriage of convenience
🏒 ex’s rival
🩰 found family
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This had all the makings for juicy drama and I felt like it fell a little short. I mean it was marriage of convenience for citizenship and there wasn’t a single issue with it after the fact. I was expecting some interview where Theo and Becca had to prove their love by realizing they remember all the little things about the other, but no, we got her psycho steroid ex-bf who made two shabby attempts at ruining their relationship. Then there was the semi-random infertility issue which could’ve added a great plot point but it felt like it was there and gone just as quickly.
Now don’t get me wrong, you couldn’t conjure up a better book boyfriend in your dreams than Theo and Becca tugged at the heartstring because that sweet angel just wanted to be wanted for who she is, but idk, maybe my expectations were too high.
I’m still gonna chug along to the next book!!
Read
January 28, 2025DNF - Why did it start so soon like girl just broke up and was already falling for another guy 😅 I am just confused and didn't like the book at all so I stopped reading it
February 24, 2025
The exs rival with the green card twist. The way he took care of her, because he wanted to not because he had to. I can’t wait for the next one.
March 20, 2025
Overall 4.5/5 Spice 3.5/5 Plot 5/5 Characters 4.5/5 Ease of Reading 5/5
Becca is dumped very publicly by her jerk of a boyfriend after a game between the Prowlers and the Ace's one night. Theo, the MMC, happens to witness said breakup, and follows Becca out of the bar to make sure she's ok. Fun fact-Becca's now ex-boyfriend also happens to be Theo's BIGGEST rival in the NHL.
Theo and Becca have a steamy night together, but that's not where their story ends. Theo finds out Becca is going to be deported after she gets fired from her ex's reality tv show, so he offers to marry her so she can stay in the U.S. They'll live together for a couple of years so she can establish her residency before they divorce. They agree to keep feelings out of their relationship and limit physical interactions to required PDA. What could go wrong?
A LOT can go wrong is the answer to that question. Theo and Becca struggle to resist their obvious chemistry which makes living together VERY tense. Theo is helping Becca physically by keeping her in the U.S. and providing with a home and all the support she could need, while Becca is helping Theo "emotionally". She is being his "muse", helping him find the joy in skating again which helps him get his groove back when playing, something he was severely lacking this season.
Overall, it was a great story. I did have a bit of an issue with how quickly Becca and Theo jump to conclusions with the big reveal about 85% of the way through the story, which is why I deducted .5 from character development. It just didn't fit with their characters the way they handled that issue at first.
Spoilers:
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Come on, Becca. Don't let Shawn ruin your future, your dreams. Don't let him write the las word in your story here." Theo P 52.
"She takes the jersey from me and pulls it over her head. It's obviously not the first time I've seen her wearing a hockey jersey, but when she turns around to pull her wavy dark hair up through the jersey's neck hole, I see 'Camden' etched across her back for a second before her hair drapes over it. The sight of my name on her back stirs something inside me. Something possessive and protective that I can't remember feeling for a long time." Theo, P 66.
"And I still think you look better wearing my jersey, princess." Theo P 78.
"As insane as all of this is, it's worth it if it put that expression on her face." Theo P 84.
"That's probably because I'm not always a gentleman." Theo P 117 (IFYKYK).
"Because Theo is claiming me, very publicly, and I don't know how to describe the way that makes me feel." Becca P 132.
"As my mind starts to whirl again, a cacophony of anxiety and fear, I cling to him. He's all I have left, the only thing keeping me anchored to solid ground. My haven in the storm." Becca P 293.
"She can wait. She's not the one I'm worried about. All I care about is how you feel." Theo, P 250.
Becca is dumped very publicly by her jerk of a boyfriend after a game between the Prowlers and the Ace's one night. Theo, the MMC, happens to witness said breakup, and follows Becca out of the bar to make sure she's ok. Fun fact-Becca's now ex-boyfriend also happens to be Theo's BIGGEST rival in the NHL.
Theo and Becca have a steamy night together, but that's not where their story ends. Theo finds out Becca is going to be deported after she gets fired from her ex's reality tv show, so he offers to marry her so she can stay in the U.S. They'll live together for a couple of years so she can establish her residency before they divorce. They agree to keep feelings out of their relationship and limit physical interactions to required PDA. What could go wrong?
A LOT can go wrong is the answer to that question. Theo and Becca struggle to resist their obvious chemistry which makes living together VERY tense. Theo is helping Becca physically by keeping her in the U.S. and providing with a home and all the support she could need, while Becca is helping Theo "emotionally". She is being his "muse", helping him find the joy in skating again which helps him get his groove back when playing, something he was severely lacking this season.
Overall, it was a great story. I did have a bit of an issue with how quickly Becca and Theo jump to conclusions with the big reveal about 85% of the way through the story, which is why I deducted .5 from character development. It just didn't fit with their characters the way they handled that issue at first.
Spoilers:
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Come on, Becca. Don't let Shawn ruin your future, your dreams. Don't let him write the las word in your story here." Theo P 52.
"She takes the jersey from me and pulls it over her head. It's obviously not the first time I've seen her wearing a hockey jersey, but when she turns around to pull her wavy dark hair up through the jersey's neck hole, I see 'Camden' etched across her back for a second before her hair drapes over it. The sight of my name on her back stirs something inside me. Something possessive and protective that I can't remember feeling for a long time." Theo, P 66.
"And I still think you look better wearing my jersey, princess." Theo P 78.
"As insane as all of this is, it's worth it if it put that expression on her face." Theo P 84.
"That's probably because I'm not always a gentleman." Theo P 117 (IFYKYK).
"Because Theo is claiming me, very publicly, and I don't know how to describe the way that makes me feel." Becca P 132.
"As my mind starts to whirl again, a cacophony of anxiety and fear, I cling to him. He's all I have left, the only thing keeping me anchored to solid ground. My haven in the storm." Becca P 293.
"She can wait. She's not the one I'm worried about. All I care about is how you feel." Theo, P 250.
September 30, 2025
This went on way too long for what we got out of it. It was fine, but I found myself skimming and definitely wanted it to be over with for the last 100 pages. (and that is where all the exciting stuff is supposed to be...)
The marriage of convenience setup was there using instalust and circumstances to get the ball rolling. But after that things got weird, and not good weird. Nothing made sense, there were inconsistencies, there were a million different trope boxes getting checked and subplots being introduced that came out of nowhere and never got resolved.
The MMC was straight up golden retriever, which we usually love. Except he's also in a slump at work (hockey) and we don't know why, he's been married before and says it was really hard but also blows it off like it's no big deal, he can't cook but suddenly is a meal prep expert, has money out the wazoo and can't think of a way to help repair the FMC's image after her ex publicly accuses her of drugs and cheating - not even releasing a statement about their marriage or coming to her defense in any way. But all that is fine because, of course, he is a total sex god.
The FMC is pretty lame. She isn't unlikable, but she's not exactly likable either. She's got holes in her character development as well. She's on a work visa for a reality show being abused by her ex but she is supposed to be in the US working on her dance career. A career we never learn more about - there are dozens of paragraphs throughout this book about getting an uber or using a car service and not one paragraph letting us know what kind of dancing the FMC does. The way she dropped the 'I can't have kids' bomb on the MMC and then no one discussed it ever was a real big swing and a miss by the author.
Next up is the ex-boyfriend drama. This was weirdly sprinkled in a few places all to lead up to the assault on the FMC and the MMC beating the crap out of the ex. Then the evil ex boyfriend loses his reality show and his hockey job. This was included so the MCs could have their moment later to confess their feelings.
I think this book could be greatly improved with more intense editing. The writing itself is good, there is just so much fat to be trimmed. I wouldn't recommend this book and I'm hesitant about reading more from this author.
The marriage of convenience setup was there using instalust and circumstances to get the ball rolling. But after that things got weird, and not good weird. Nothing made sense, there were inconsistencies, there were a million different trope boxes getting checked and subplots being introduced that came out of nowhere and never got resolved.
The MMC was straight up golden retriever, which we usually love. Except he's also in a slump at work (hockey) and we don't know why, he's been married before and says it was really hard but also blows it off like it's no big deal, he can't cook but suddenly is a meal prep expert, has money out the wazoo and can't think of a way to help repair the FMC's image after her ex publicly accuses her of drugs and cheating - not even releasing a statement about their marriage or coming to her defense in any way. But all that is fine because, of course, he is a total sex god.
The FMC is pretty lame. She isn't unlikable, but she's not exactly likable either. She's got holes in her character development as well. She's on a work visa for a reality show being abused by her ex but she is supposed to be in the US working on her dance career. A career we never learn more about - there are dozens of paragraphs throughout this book about getting an uber or using a car service and not one paragraph letting us know what kind of dancing the FMC does. The way she dropped the 'I can't have kids' bomb on the MMC and then no one discussed it ever was a real big swing and a miss by the author.
Next up is the ex-boyfriend drama. This was weirdly sprinkled in a few places all to lead up to the assault on the FMC and the MMC beating the crap out of the ex. Then the evil ex boyfriend loses his reality show and his hockey job. This was included so the MCs could have their moment later to confess their feelings.
I think this book could be greatly improved with more intense editing. The writing itself is good, there is just so much fat to be trimmed. I wouldn't recommend this book and I'm hesitant about reading more from this author.
July 12, 2024
Fake out hearts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💜Ex’s rival
💜Marriage of convenience
💜Forced proximity
💜Dancer x hockey player
💜”My wife”
Theo fucking Camden🔥
This book had me so giddy. A few chapters in and I was already loving it so I knew I was going to feel the same about the rest of the book.
WOW. I don’t even know where to begin with these characters. From the little teasers we got in previous books I knew that Theo and Becca’s story was going to be great and it so was. Theo is the perfect husband. He was so incredibly caring and supportive towards Becca. He was possessive and protective at all the right times and spoiled the absolute heck out of her. Don’t even get me started on the scene where she was wearing one of Shawn’s old shirts and he demanded she take that off. I was a puddle on the floor when reading that. Sweet sweet Becca. I genuinely loved her so much. You could tell that she’d been through a lot and she did not deserve Shawn at all. However she did deserve to be spoiled by Theo. I loved her personality and I loved her connection to Margo and Callie.
There was so many scenes in this book that had me literally feral. A few words to describe this book is spicy, spicy, spicy. I’m a big fan of spice so this did not upset me one bit. A few honorary scenes that had me giddy was when Becca was wearing Shawn’s old shirt and Theo practically ripping it off her🔥, Theo spending $300,000 just so Becca didn’t have to spend a single second alone with Shawn🥹, anytime he called her princess🤭 and Theo buying Becca a literal dance studio🫠.
Overall this book was incredible. Personally I feel like every book is just getting better and better in this series. I cannot wait for Sawyer’s story next and to see what tropes his book will be. I’m super sad to have finished Theo and Becca’s book however I know we will still get to see bits of them in future books!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💜Ex’s rival
💜Marriage of convenience
💜Forced proximity
💜Dancer x hockey player
💜”My wife”
Theo fucking Camden🔥
This book had me so giddy. A few chapters in and I was already loving it so I knew I was going to feel the same about the rest of the book.
WOW. I don’t even know where to begin with these characters. From the little teasers we got in previous books I knew that Theo and Becca’s story was going to be great and it so was. Theo is the perfect husband. He was so incredibly caring and supportive towards Becca. He was possessive and protective at all the right times and spoiled the absolute heck out of her. Don’t even get me started on the scene where she was wearing one of Shawn’s old shirts and he demanded she take that off. I was a puddle on the floor when reading that. Sweet sweet Becca. I genuinely loved her so much. You could tell that she’d been through a lot and she did not deserve Shawn at all. However she did deserve to be spoiled by Theo. I loved her personality and I loved her connection to Margo and Callie.
There was so many scenes in this book that had me literally feral. A few words to describe this book is spicy, spicy, spicy. I’m a big fan of spice so this did not upset me one bit. A few honorary scenes that had me giddy was when Becca was wearing Shawn’s old shirt and Theo practically ripping it off her🔥, Theo spending $300,000 just so Becca didn’t have to spend a single second alone with Shawn🥹, anytime he called her princess🤭 and Theo buying Becca a literal dance studio🫠.
Overall this book was incredible. Personally I feel like every book is just getting better and better in this series. I cannot wait for Sawyer’s story next and to see what tropes his book will be. I’m super sad to have finished Theo and Becca’s book however I know we will still get to see bits of them in future books!
May 29, 2024
Beta Review
Theo is the embodiment of a walking, talking green flag and I can't get enough of this man.
Once again, Nikki Lawson has exceeded my expectations. This book was everything I wanted and more!
This story follows Theo, a hockey player for the Aces, and Becca who we previously met in book 2. Becca is the girlfriend of Shawn Kaplan who plays for the Prowlers and is Theo Camden's rival.
Theo comes to Becca's rescue when he witnesses Shawn dumping her in a bar while filming for his reality show. Theo follows Becca as she leaves the bar to make sure she's okay. One thing leads to another and they agree to have one wild passionate night together.
However, afterwards Theo discovers that Becca will have to return to Canada now that she doesn't have a job. Becca is distraught by this because she won't be able to pursue her dreams of being a dancer.
Theo being the selfless man he is offers to marry Becca so she can get their green card. The deal? They'll stay married for a couple years until she gets residency and then divorce. Neither is looking for love so it works out perfectly for them. Oh, and they also agree that they can't sleep together again despite the chemistry and tension between them.
Everything about Theo and Becca is so wholesome and sweet. Theo makes it his life's purpose to be a good husband to Becca even though it's fake. The amount of times Theo Camden says "my wife" and "your husband" literally had 👏 me 👏 swooning 👏
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Themes
✨Marriage of convenience
✨Forced proximity
✨Hockey player x dancer
✨Cinnamon roll MMC jaded by love
✨Sunshine FMC
✨Lots of tension
✨He spoils her
✨"My wife"
✨Hookup to roommates
Theo is the embodiment of a walking, talking green flag and I can't get enough of this man.
Once again, Nikki Lawson has exceeded my expectations. This book was everything I wanted and more!
This story follows Theo, a hockey player for the Aces, and Becca who we previously met in book 2. Becca is the girlfriend of Shawn Kaplan who plays for the Prowlers and is Theo Camden's rival.
Theo comes to Becca's rescue when he witnesses Shawn dumping her in a bar while filming for his reality show. Theo follows Becca as she leaves the bar to make sure she's okay. One thing leads to another and they agree to have one wild passionate night together.
However, afterwards Theo discovers that Becca will have to return to Canada now that she doesn't have a job. Becca is distraught by this because she won't be able to pursue her dreams of being a dancer.
Theo being the selfless man he is offers to marry Becca so she can get their green card. The deal? They'll stay married for a couple years until she gets residency and then divorce. Neither is looking for love so it works out perfectly for them. Oh, and they also agree that they can't sleep together again despite the chemistry and tension between them.
Everything about Theo and Becca is so wholesome and sweet. Theo makes it his life's purpose to be a good husband to Becca even though it's fake. The amount of times Theo Camden says "my wife" and "your husband" literally had 👏 me 👏 swooning 👏
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Themes
✨Marriage of convenience
✨Forced proximity
✨Hockey player x dancer
✨Cinnamon roll MMC jaded by love
✨Sunshine FMC
✨Lots of tension
✨He spoils her
✨"My wife"
✨Hookup to roommates
July 1, 2024
Love this author’s hockey heroes
This marriage of convenience trope was fun with Theo and Becca. I adore this author’s heroes. She writes MMCs who are strong and passionate, but loyal and supportive once they meet “their girl.” Theo was no different. I loved how he did all he could to care for Becca and show her how worthy she was to be treated so. He wasn’t afraid to be possessive, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. His spice was flaming and his mouth….let’s just say a bar of soap couldn’t have cleaned it up.
Becca was a nice FMC. She was complex and caring. She had a lot to shape her and make her fearful from her past, but it wasn’t excessively traumatic. She was fun and sweet.
My biggest qualms were the length of the story and how things seemed to escalate quickly at the end to wrap things up finally. While I did enjoy the story and all the on-page time devoted to the couple, I did find myself wondering when things would wrap up. When their crucial moment happened to make or break them, it seemed to happen quickly and left me scratching my head. I couldn’t exactly say that the scene to test their relationship was fully believable (even though I realize this is just a story and have to suspend belief- it’s still helpful if the story really FEELS like it could happen.) After all they went through, it seemed odd for them to do what they did after seeing a house. I get Becca’s reasoning for reacting, and that was believable, but I still didn’t feel the next few steps to be believable.
Overall, it was a very fun, very 🌶️ book. This author writes heroes I can’t help but love and admire.
This marriage of convenience trope was fun with Theo and Becca. I adore this author’s heroes. She writes MMCs who are strong and passionate, but loyal and supportive once they meet “their girl.” Theo was no different. I loved how he did all he could to care for Becca and show her how worthy she was to be treated so. He wasn’t afraid to be possessive, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. His spice was flaming and his mouth….let’s just say a bar of soap couldn’t have cleaned it up.
Becca was a nice FMC. She was complex and caring. She had a lot to shape her and make her fearful from her past, but it wasn’t excessively traumatic. She was fun and sweet.
My biggest qualms were the length of the story and how things seemed to escalate quickly at the end to wrap things up finally. While I did enjoy the story and all the on-page time devoted to the couple, I did find myself wondering when things would wrap up. When their crucial moment happened to make or break them, it seemed to happen quickly and left me scratching my head. I couldn’t exactly say that the scene to test their relationship was fully believable (even though I realize this is just a story and have to suspend belief- it’s still helpful if the story really FEELS like it could happen.) After all they went through, it seemed odd for them to do what they did after seeing a house. I get Becca’s reasoning for reacting, and that was believable, but I still didn’t feel the next few steps to be believable.
Overall, it was a very fun, very 🌶️ book. This author writes heroes I can’t help but love and admire.
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