The Tendy

This is the fourth book in this amazing series, and this is Thayne and Gillian’s story.
Thayne is the goalie for the team, and Gillian is the coach’s younger sister, who is a dentist for the team. There is an instant connection between these two and is if great to read how they navigate their secret relationship.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, secret romance, opposites attract, reverse age gap, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and fun, hockey romance,
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

Camille

80 reviews9 followers

Love the Tendy!! And His Dentist!

This book was such a fun read. Thayne and Gillian are so darn cute and compliment each other so well. And all of the confidence Thayne pours into Gilly, amazing. I especially love all the music references in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much and it is definitely in the reread rotation!!

Eclectic Review

1,702 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy

I have to admit, I’m not usually one to jump on the love-at-first-sight or forbidden romance bandwagon. So when I started reading this book, and it opened with some classic insta-love and awkward pickup lines, I was preparing myself for a challenging read. But to my surprise, the characters’ sincerity and genuine commitment to overcoming obstacles had me glued to the pages the whole way through.

Thayne “Jukes” Goffe completely stole the show for me. At 6′ 5″, this hockey goalie is a gentle giant who is so dedicated to Gilly, it’s honestly swoon-worthy. The maturity he displays at such a young age is such a refreshing change from the typical sports-romance heroes. He lets Gilly take the lead in their relationship, which made me appreciate his character even more. And I couldn’t help but admire his relationship with his adorable teenage brother, Bronson, as he tries to be the father figure he never had. Jukes’ struggle to balance his crazy game schedule with family time is so relatable and adds depth to his character.

Gilly is a capable dentist working with sports teams, but her personal life is somewhat lacking. I expected a lot more refinement and maturity from her at thirty-eight. To be honest, her giggling could get annoying, and I thought her ineptitude fell short. However, as her relationship with Thayne unfolds, you really see her come into her own. He encourages her to embrace her true self rather than conform to others’ expectations, which is a lovely aspect of the book and a turning point for her and her brother.

The chemistry between Jukes and Gilly is sizzling! The little gestures he makes for her are heart-melting, and his honesty and sensitivity are beyond hot. Plus, his love for music and coffee adds a fun dimension to his personality. That said, I did think the music references and the hockey slang might’ve been a bit overdone at times, as they started to take away from the dialogue rather than enhance it.

If you’re a fan of sports romances that bring together heart, heat, and humor, I definitely recommend picking up this book. It turned out to be more than I expected, and the characters left a lasting impression on me. This is the first book in this series I’ve read, and it works well on its own.

Thank you to Ms. Neal for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.

Tammy

896 reviews12 followers

📚The Tendy
✍🏻Xavier Neal
Blurb:
From USA TODAY BESTSELLING author Xavier Neal comes a laugh-out-loud, off-limits, hockey romance!

Always a groomsmen...never a groom.

And yet, when I finally do meet the woman of my dreams - who just so happens to be older than me - it turns out, she's completely off-limits.

And, of course, secretly dating my coach's younger sister is the type of penalty that could completely end my career.

I guess you could say this season won't be easy.

Especially for me, the tendy.

Secret Romance
Opposites-Attract
Age-Gap (OWYM)
Cinnamon Role Hero
He Falls First
My Thoughts:
Gillian and Thayne’s story has everything you want in a hockey romance. A hot hockey player and an older dentist, who happens to be the team dentist and the coach’s sister, come together in a forbidden romance that is filled with fun and plenty of musical references. Thayne is a true book boyfriend. His family, his team are everything and then he meets the one, "his future wife". I love the he falls first troupe.
Gillian is a funny, smart and caring character. The type of person IRL you'd want as a friend. She has great one liners and I love her banter with the people in her life.Thayne is the goalie for the Dalvegan Dragons and he loves music almost as much as he loves hockey. But his love for family surpasses both, especially for his grandmother.
The Tendy is an older woman/younger man, secret relationship hockey romance that will melt your heart. Having a secret romance with the coach’s sister along with an age gap adds to their already intense chemistry.
Thanks Xavier Neal for the complimentary copy of "The Tendy" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation
#XavierNeal
#TheTendy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mommy’s Book Escape

353 reviews13 followers

Review of advance copy

Xavier Neal has scored again. Gillian and Thayne’s story has everything you want in a hockey romance. A hot hockey player and an older dentist, who happens to be the team dentist and the coach’s sister, come together in a forbidden romance that is filled with fun and plenty of musical references.
As mentioned above, Gillian is a dentist and any hockey fan knows that losing teeth is part of the game. With that being said, during hockey season, she is a very busy woman especially when emergencies can happen anytime.
Thayne is the goalie for the Dalvegan Dragons and he loves music almost as much as he loves hockey. But his love for family surpasses both, especially for his grandmother.
The Tendy is an older woman/younger man, secret relationship hockey romance that will melt your heart. From the must read storyline to the fun loving chemistry between Gillian and Thayne. This book has everything a hockey romance reader could want.

Please Note: The Dalvegan Dragons Series is a series of interconnected standalones that do not need to be read in order even though I highly recommend doing so. Some characters/events that are mentioned are from the previous books in the series.

Marni Ortiz

3,438 reviews73 followers

The Tendy : Dalvegan Dragons Book 4 ) 🔥Opposites Attract 🔥Forbidden/ Off Limits 🔥Age Gap / OWYM, 🔥Secret Dating 🔥Hockey Romance 🔥He Falls first and hard 🔥Cinnamon Roll MMC and all the feels Perfection absolute perfection, that’s exactly what this series is . Book 4 already , and I’m so freaking obsessed with The Dalvegan Dragons Series / world that Xavier has so brilliantly created . Each couples story really does have a piece of my heart ❤️. But something about Thayne and Gilly’s journey really did resonate with me . The struggles they went through, both together and apart the progression of their relationship , I really was not prepared for how completely in love and invested I found myself in these two . I loved how different they were yet they just completed each other so well . I loved all the moments between them just pullled on all my heartstrings and had me smiling, laughing, crying and cheering the whole way through. I loved that neither was perfect because that made them so much more likable and relatable. Add into that the angst , the humor , the witty banter , the family and friendships. This entire series really is perfection and a must read for anyone who loves hockey romances

Karen

442 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy

Kristie

121 reviews5 followers

Thank you Xavier for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Thayne “Jukes” completely stole the show for me. This 6’5 hockey goalie is a total gentle giant, devoted to Gilly, mature beyond his years, and doing his best to be a father figure to his teenage brother, Bronson. His struggle to balance hockey and family adds great depth to his character.

Gillian “Gilly” is a capable dentist for sports teams, though I expected a bit more maturity from her at thirty-eight, and her constant giggling could be a bit much. Still, as her relationship with Thayne grows, she begins to embrace who she truly is.

Their chemistry between Gilly & Jukes is off the charts sizzling, and Jukes’ thoughtful, honest nature makes him incredibly swoony. I’d say my 3 star review is because how the book started off with describing the characters, of all the music references, they were a bit much, and all of the hockey slang. Although I am a lover of hockey romance, it was a little much. Nonetheless, this was still a fun sports romance with heart, heat, and humor that works well as a standalone.

liz_loves_reading

358 reviews8 followers

5 stick taps ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jukes and his Gillybean...

Xavier has delivered another dub in The Tendy, this wonderful return to the world of the Davelgan Dragons hockey.

Thayne Groff (Troff) is back in his hometown of Middlebrook for his friend's non-event nuptials!! He meets Gillian another guest and is instantly besotted with this beguiling woman.

The sting in the tail - she turns out to be his head coach's sister, and also the specialist dentist for the team

It was so much fun seeing these two navigating their secret relationship.
Groff is just a grade A sweetheart, with such a love of family and loyal to his team.
Gilly is a boss lady who loves hard and is so caring, especially how she takes on for Bronny (baby bro to Groff).

The banter, the hockey terms, and the magical music refs made the story sing louder. Grams gets a special mention for being herself.

If you enjoy a humorous, thoughtful love story then this book is for you.

Melinda Parker

1,308 reviews22 followers

Xavier Neal writes an OW/YM romance with perfection!

Thayne and Gillian stole my book heart. They made a commitment to their love and it was amazing!

Thayne is our gentle giant goalie. He loves hockey, his younger brother and grandmother, as well as, Gillian. His dedication and perseverance to everyone was like a beacon. At his young age trying to be a positive father figure for his brother, his care for his grandmother and the support for Gillian is heartwarming. The way he allows Gillian to guide their relationship is such a beautiful trait. And this allows her to grow and take charge of her personal life. She may have been older, but Thayne was certainly wiser than his years.

But having a secret romance with the coach’s sister along with an age gap adds to their already intense chemistry. Add in banter and a secret musical language and I’m all in.

No penalties, only a big W for this story.

Jennifer Swift

19 reviews

I don't know how Xavier does it but this series just keeps getting better and better with each new book. I loved the book before this one and didn't think another one would out do the one before. This one shot right up to #1 on my list.

Gillian and Thayne story is very wholesome. I like how he empowered her to make decisions for herself. What does Gillian want? and not what everyone else wants. He was very supportive and fought for what he wanted. It was easy to see the family dynamic that they were building.

I also enjoyed the secondary storyline with his brother and grandmother. It was refreshing to see how close families can be and how family always comes first. Even before a career. They always made time to call their grandmother, make sure she was doing ok, and respect her as the person who raised them and took care of them.

I laughed and cried my way through this book and was sad when it came to an end. I can't wait until the next book in the series.

Jessica Kalman

18 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

March 11, 2026

The Tendy delivers a fun mix of hockey romance, forbidden tension, and sweet moments that make you smile. Thayne, a lovable goalie who’s constantly quoting song lyrics, meets the woman who completely knocks him off balance, Gillian, his coach’s younger sister. She’s older, successful, and runs her own dentistry practice specializing in athletes, which makes their connection both complicated and irresistible.
With tropes like opposites attract, secret romance, age gap, and a cinnamon roll hero who falls first, the story brings plenty of swoony and spicy moments. One of the most unique parts of the book is the author’s creative use of language and lingo throughout, which gives the story a distinctive voice. Overall, it’s an entertaining and memorable romance with heart, humor, and heat. 🏒📚✨

Stephanie Jynelle

1,267 reviews8 followers

Love is seeing

Another fantastic addition to the Hockey series.
Gilly and Tendy make me smile from their first encounter. It is refreshing and fun to watch 2 people meet and understand that instant, dang we fit.
Of course, there are issues that arise based on what we have been lead to believe is the right way, right person, and particular time elapsed for these things to happen. I call bs.
These 2 were already connected and had to navigate what others projected and still keep their truth center. Love has no timeline.
The journey to where they needed to be brings tears of sadness and joy because thats life.
Throw in hockey and music, you have a fun read. There is smexy time that will have you fanning yourself. Read and believe the warning Xavier gives you before reading.
I love this story! I love this series. I love this author.

Cody Smith-Candelaria

324 reviews42 followers

Oh Sweet Tendy!!! This is book #4 in the series, you can read it stand-alone, but I would encourage you to absolutely start at the beginning. It is so worth it, especially because the cast and crew from previous books play parts in this book and it just makes it so much more special that you already "know" them. LOL Thayne, my sweet music loving goalie, you might be my most favorite ever. As someone who often talks in lyrics and has music tastes that are all over the place, I could relate to him so much. Gilly is a great character too and I wish I didn't relate to her on so many levels but I don't want to give too much away. Let's just say this, a chance meeting leads to so much more. The book is filled with laughter, joy, stress, frustration and even a bit of sadness but it's one heck of a ride. Worth every minute! Love the series, but Tendy might just be my new favorite!! Great book!

Christina

513 reviews4 followers

March 17, 2026

I love this series and this world more with every book. Gillian and Thayne have so much chemistry and it starts from moment one.

Thayne is a true book boyfriend. His family, his team are everything and then he meets the one, "his future wife". I love the he falls first troupe.
Gillian is a funny, smart and caring character. The type of person IRL you'd want as a friend. She has great one liners and I love her banter with the people in her life.

Age gap seems to be a strong suit for Xavier and each book where she writes younger man, older woman, I want to go find a replica of that character.

Xavier does an amazing job bringing characters to life and each book adds more to this world and team she's building. I also think I learn a little more about hockey with each book.

Definitely recommend

Isabel Debono

921 reviews14 followers

This is the forth book in this series.
This time we have Thayne "Jukes" and Gillian
He's the goalie for the Delvagan Dragons Hockey team. Looking after his teenage brother and mature well above his years. She's the coaches sister and the team dentist.
These two meet at a friends wedding and even though Gilly is much older, these two have an instant connection...it was love at first sight.
But when they realise who the other is these two need to navigate a secret, forbidden relationship.
I loved the witty banter and strong chemistry between them (and I'm not usually a fan of reverse agegap).
Well written and easy to read
entertaining hockey romance.
I did enjoy the music references but felt the hockey references were a little overdone for someone not so versed in hockey.
Overall a fun read.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.

Mimirureviewbooks

2,235 reviews

March 22, 2026

The Tendy is book 4 in the Dalvegan Dragons series from USA TODAY BESTSELLING author Xavier Neal.
TROPES:
Secret Romance
Opposites-Attract
Age-Gap
Cinnamon Role Hero
He Falls First
This is Thayne “Jukes” Goffe the goalie for the Dalvegan Dragons Hockey Team and Gillian "Gillybean", the team head coach's sister, and a dentist for sports athletes.Their chemistry is off the charts and their playfulness was my favorite part!! Swoony moments, flirty exchanges and heartwarming escapes. The Dalvegan Dragons Series is a series of interconnected standalone that do not need to be read in order even though I highly recommend it.

Emily Arriola

270 reviews6 followers

The Tendy was everything I need in a hockey romance and I loved everything about it!!

I loved Thayne and Gillian are relationship goals!! They both have such strong personalities, but compliment each other so well! I loved how they jump head first into their relationship and overcome every obstacle together!

This was a 10/10 book for me!!

💚goalie mmc x
💚age gap (she’s older)
💚single guardian
💚his coach’s sister
💚he falls first
💚forbidden relationship

Thank you to Xavier Neal and DS Promotions for this ARC!

Kristen Johnson

1,174 reviews48 followers

Xavier Neal has always been amazing at sports romance books so I was looking forward to how this story would play out. I was not let down.

The Tendy was a fantastic take on forbidden romance and kept me hooked from page one. I enjoyed how the story came together and how we watched these two fall in love.

Thayne and Gillian will have you falling in love right along side them as you fall under the spell of this book. I loved that this book gave us a sports star and a normal career woman - a dentist. How fun is that! Add in the fact that she's the younger sister of his coach and BOOM!

Taz

1,578 reviews57 followers

Thayne love of music is the type of person you just want to be around, throw in that he is a hot goaltender swoon worthy hero. Gillian needed to learn that she had a voice and she is not a side character in her own story. Thayne made sure that she was well taking care of in her wants and desires; where the forefront of everything they did. Toss in co-parenting a teen boy and a cranky grandma, this story had all the feels. Neal wrote an emotional read with lots of humorous moments as we watch this opposite attract older women fall in love with her jukebox man.

Nicole Marie Johnson

820 reviews22 followers

I have loved every book in this series and was so excited to come back to this world. Thayne is so freaking adorable and made me laugh so much. His music references and how he was with his brother made you fall but add in how he was with Gillian was the icing on the cake! I also loved how she was brought out of a shell and found herself with him. It’s always great to see the characters you fell in love with again too!

Andrea Turner

302 reviews18 followers

🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒 FIVE GLORIOUS PUCKS!

I loved this book from the first chapter to the very end!
Tendy and Gilly have wormed their way into my heart, and I don’t think I will be forgetting them any time soon! These two complete each other so well. Their love language is totally my own love language, and all of the music references had me swooning! One thing for sure is that Xavier always delivers amazing characters that gives us everything that we want!

Rachelclune88

408 reviews2 followers

March 19, 2026

Shh it's a secret

Thayne is our team goalie and Gillian is the dentist to the team did i also mention she is the coaches younger sister..... Workplace romance a big no no ( this is not a no no for my personal preference i just know most work organizations say its a no no ) So obviously we go to one of my favorite tropes secret relationship how they support one another and how Thayne does so many sweet things for her he definitely fell first and i was here for it.

Laura

1,018 reviews25 followers

I was coming off a major reading slump and was looking for something that could end that situation. When I started reading The Tendy a big smile came across my face. I immediately fell in love, and became obsessed with the characters. As per usual I did not want the story to end. I loved every minute that I spent with the Dalvegan Dragons, and adore this series.

3 arc forbidden

Mylene Williams

1,952 reviews25 followers

Ashley (andtheniwasbookish)

Attending the non wedding of their friends, Thayne and Gillian meet. Brought together initially by their love for music. They too quicky separated. But fate has better plans for these two. They just have to get around Gillian's bro who happens to be Thayne's coach. That just might be tricky and convincing Gillian that they are worth the risk. Very good read. Love this hockey series.

Gladys

14.2k reviews166 followers

March 17, 2026

Thayne and Gilly's romance was absolutely everything! I was loving on these two hard as their cute, sweet, steamy, heartfelt, funny and emotional romance bloomed. Thayne was peak swoon worthy and my heart ached for Gilly. I laughed, I teared up, my heart melted and I fell like a ton of bricks. Another wonderful addition to an incredible series that checks all the boxes.

Jill Bridgeman

508 reviews16 followers

March 20, 2026

Thayne is a hoot. He's got style, rhythm, and class. He knows what he wants and will do what it takes to get it and keep it. And that includes Gillian.

Gillian is a lover. She's never been "seen" by anyone the way Thayne sees her. He provides for her. And wants to know her wants and needs to keep her happy, which in turn keeps him happy.

They make each other whole.

And Bron Bron! Yep, calling him Bron Bron, he's a hoot just like his older brother.

amberebooksandmore

476 reviews

March 22, 2026

From day one

From day one Tendy knew exactly what he wanted and that was Gilly. He stayed himself while encouraging her to find her voice. The way they spoke music led me to find new to me and old artists alike which was refreshing. As always the hockey talk and vocabulary was on point and a reason I also read these.

426 reviews21 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

4.5 ⭐ but rounding up to 5!

This book was so fun. The fleury of hockey lingo, the occasional time jumps because of away games, and the characters themselves all made me feel like I was deep into an immersive hockey experience.

I absolutely loved the vibe between Gillian and Thayne. They are so so SO sweet together, and I adored how they spoke a musical language that no one else could keep up with. It was love at first sight, plus having constant barriers thrown in their way with little brothers, big brothers, and in-between dental emergencies.

This was the first book that I read in this series..and while I could tell that there were several stories that I had missed out on, I never felt like I didn't understand what was happening. I love when I can read an interconnected standalone that feels like that.

I'll be going back to read the rest!

overall: recommend
spice: open door

Kayla Johnston

333 reviews9 followers