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Billionaire Situation #6

The Hockey Situation

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Hating Patterson Cross is easy.
Keeping my hands off him? Not so much.


He's my ex-fiancé's identical twin brother, my father's star hockey player, and the man I've despised for years. That's three very good reasons I shouldn't ask Pattycakes to be my hookup for the season.
But I recklessly do it anyway.

To my surprise, my biggest hater says yes.

We agree to keep it secret. Behind closed doors, I'm his. In public, nothing changes. It's so much harder than it sounds. Because the more time I spend with Patterson, the more I realize hate was never the problem. It was just easier than admitting the truth.


The Hockey Situation is an enemies-to-lovers, forbidden, sports romance with a happily ever after! It can be read as a stand-alone. Included: spicy scenes and a cocky hockey star who's playing to win…her heart.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 19, 2026

71 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read

About the author

Lyra Parish

24 books2,412 followers
Lyra Parish is a hopeless romantic obsessed with writing spicy Hallmark-like romances. When she isn’t immersed in fictional worlds, you can find her pretending to be a Vanlifer with her hubby. Lyra loves coffee, the great outdoors, authentic people, and living her best life.

To learn more, please subscribe to Lyra's newsletter: https://bit.ly/lyraparishnewsletter

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Morgan.
455 reviews121 followers
February 19, 2026
“Maybe I am the villain? Maybe we both are.”

This was an instant 5⭐️ read for me! Honestly, by the time I was 30% in I KNEW this was going to be my new favorite couple in the series. There is so much tension and heat between the leads that it just RADIATED off the page.

“Some days, I don’t understand it either. Hating her is my habit.”

Patterson Cross is a pro-hockey star on his way to breaking the all time scoring record. What he wasn’t expecting was the woman he’s never been able to stop thinking about to walk into practice one day and throw him for a loop.

“Even after all this time, she still controls me without even trying.“

I loved the fact that Kendall dated his twin. It really added to the drama and when everything comes out about how they both felt in the past it just really solidified how much they both care for each other.

“His hands are on my face, and his mouth crashes into mine. The kiss is a weapon, one that destroys me.”

Kendall is an artist powerhouse. I loved all of the descriptions of her artwork and her creative process. Her talent was fully fleshed out in the book and it was perfect.

“You’re poison in my blood.”
“Stop talking dirty to me.”

The banter between these two left me overheating. They may say they hate each other, but their CHEMISTRY is just insane. This book is delightful spicy. It’s a feral claiming between two people that are both in denial of their feelings. I DEVOURED IT. The spice in this book is top notch! 🤭❤️‍🔥

“I f***ing hate what you do to me.” I breathe against his mouth.
“Good.” He bites my bottom lip, and I gasp. “Hate me harder.”

The ending was also really refreshing because there’s no third act breakup. Once these characters commit, they refuse to let ANYTHING, or ANYONE, come between them. 🥹💖

“I don’t hate you,” she whispers into the night.
“I know, babe. I always knew that.”

I need all my hockey romance book pals to RUN and download this one ASAP. Patterson Cross is waiting for you! 🫶🏼

Tropes:
⛸️ Hockey Romance
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🎨 Artist FMC x Hockey Star
🥅 Coach’s Daughter
💋 Secret Relationship
😮‍💨 Enemies With Benefits
🤭 Secret Tattoo
❤️‍🔥 Spiiiiiicy
Profile Image for Sorina.
510 reviews13 followers
February 15, 2026
ARC review

"The Hockey Situation" by Lyra Parish is part of the "Billionaire Situation" series but it can be read as a standalone.

I received an advance reader copy from the author.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

This is a forbidden, sports romance between a hockey player and the coach's daughter (that is also his twin brother's ex-fiancée).

Patterson and Kendall try to hate each other, but they actually had feelings for each other for years.

There is so much chemistry between them and it is very hard for them to stay away from each other.
Even if they have many reasons why they should not be together, they soon end up secretly hooking up.
I have to say that this is one of the spiciest books in the series.
Considering that they knew each other for years it did not bother me that there was not a slow burn situation.

This was a quick read for me, even if the book is over 400 pages, because I enjoyed the story.
I don't want to spoil anything, but I liked the way Patterson handled the situation with her father and the team.
Also, I liked that there was another set of twins and they switch places at one point.

Even of it is not my favorite in the series, I had a good time reading this story and I cannot wait to read about "The Royal Situation" after the sneak peek from the end.
Profile Image for Taylor Mae.
264 reviews139 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
Imagine wanting someone for six years and never acting on it because she's his twin brother's ex-fiancée and the coach's daughter. The tension and fiery passion hide underneath the surface.

Kendall and Patterson have hated each other for years. They know exactly how to get on the other's nerves and provoke a reaction. It's like a game between them. So when Kendall is hired to paint every member of the team, the banter and tension are impossible to ignore.

"The Hockey Situation" is book six in the Billionaire Situation interconnected series, and I am fully invested. I know so many of the characters' stories and the lives they live. At this point, I'm basically a part of the family.

I will continue reading about these characters as long as Lyra Parish keeps writing. The talent to plan ahead and make all these different characters' stories connect so seamlessly is incredible. Lyra knows how to write characters who are interesting, swoon-worthy, and worth caring about!

I highly recommend giving her books a try no matter which one you pick up. However, "The Hockey Situation" is the perfect one if you're looking for:

🏒 Hockey Romance
🖌 Enemies To Lovers
🏒 Coach's Daughter
🖌 He Falls First
🏒 Brother's Ex
🖌 Secret Romance
🏒 Best Friend's Brother
193 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
Secret Pining

Oh how I love this series so, so much!!

Also, I love a good enemies to lovers story. The tension and passion and how they will end up together. What's their breaking point? This had a really good lead up and the jealousy that sparked one night that turned into an arrangement, that turned into more. The more being that they've always wanted each other. The only problem is that she's the coach's daughter and oh his twin brother's ex. Now they have to stay a secret for Patterson's career and keeping focus on the ice while Kendall has to pretend she is back with the brother. Can they make it through? What happens when her dad finds out?

Again, if Lyra is writing it, I'm reading it. This did not disappoint~ HEA and no third act break up 💚💙
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,910 reviews213 followers
February 19, 2026


Amazon



Kendall and Patterson have a complicated relationship. Not only is she his twin brother's former fiancée, she's also the daughter of his hockey coach. And uh, they don't particularly like each other. Except, maybe they do like each other, because the longer their new situationship goes on, the more she sees (and isn't upset by) the real man beneath what she had always thought was an awful image. Now they're keeping their relationship a secret from everyone, especially her father, knowing when it all comes out, it won't be pretty.



The snark, the banter, the contempt - so fun and entertaining, and perfectly done! But of course beneath all of it lay feelings neither had wanted to acknowledge, but in the end, couldn't keep a secret any longer. I love enemies to lovers, especially when the trope is done like this - with tension that keeps amping up, with lots of witty, snarky dialogue, and characters who are much more than they seem on the surface. Kendall and her Pattycakes couldn't have been more fun, more delicious, and more perfect for each other.



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Aleksandra.
463 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
Thank you so much Lyra Parish for sending me this ARC!

The Hockey Situation is another incredible Romantic Comedy book from one of my favorite rom-com writers and omg this book was everything I hoped for and more, hilarious and with so many of my favorite tropes, I absolutely loved Kendall and Patterson’s story!

Kendall and Patterson have hated (and wanted) each other for years, but with her being his coach’s daughter and his twin brother’s ex-fiancée, Patterson knows she’s off limits. When Kendall is hired to paint each team member’s portrait, they are forced to spend time together and with them bickering and arguing every time they meet, they soon can’t ignore the tension between them and decide to become enemies with benefits, which proves harder than they expected when their old feelings resurface.

As always with Lyra’s books, I had so much fun with this one from literally page one and couldn’t stop reading this amazing and entertaining story. I was so curious about Kendall and Patterson after catching a glimpse of them in the previous book and they definitely didn’t disappoint, they hated each other so much and the enemies with benefits trope was written perfectly for them, I loved all their scenes, especially when they were bickering and doing anything possible to annoy each other which was hilarious at times and the jealousy scenes were perfection. The tension and angst between them were palpable and the banter had me grinning so much, these two were fire together and I loved every second I spent reading their story. And let me just say, the spicy scenes were *chief’s kiss* and had me blushing at times and have I already mentioned I love the enemies with benefits trope? Lyra really outdid herself with this book and I loved it so much. I also loved seeing familiar faces from other books and after that ending I’m so excited for The Royal Situation, I already know it’s going to be a lot of fun.

The Hockey Situation is an amazing rom-com book, I absolutely loved it and had a lot of fun reading it and recommend it to everyone. The next book can’t come soon enough!
Profile Image for Tara.
81 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
I am 100% in my feelings after this one. Lyra Parish truly outdid herself. This is my favorite book she’s written.

Kendall and Patterson’s tension is some of the most raw and emotionally charged I’ve ever read. They don’t just dislike each other—they resent each other. Years of unresolved feelings, heartbreak, jealousy, and bad timing have turned into explosive chemistry that practically bleeds off the page. Their enemies-with-benefits dynamic is messy, reckless, and completely addictive, and the spice? Filthy. Intense. Next level.

The setup is deliciously complicated. Kendall is Patterson’s twin brother’s ex-fiancée and the daughter of his coach, which means she is off-limits in every way. Patterson fell first and loved her quietly, then had to stand by while she chose someone else. So he buried it. Stayed silent. Convinced himself he didn’t deserve her. When she returns years later, all of that buried emotion detonates.

Their reunion is ice cold and hostile. Every conversation turns into a fight. Every glance is loaded. But beneath the anger is hurt… and love that never really went away.

What makes this story stand out is the emotional depth. Kendall is strong, stubborn, and fearless when it comes to standing her ground, but she’s also carrying guilt and heartbreak. Patterson may come off grumpy and guarded, but once you peel that back, he is pure devotion. And once he chooses her, he doesn’t waver.

Together, they’re fire — sharp banter, elite jealousy, painful yearning, and a love story built on history, forgiveness, and finally allowing themselves to want each other.

Sibling’s ex. Coach’s daughter. Forbidden tension. Explosive chemistry. High angst. High heat.

Not suitable for work.
Not suitable for emotional stability.
Absolutely worth all the stars and spicy peppers.
Profile Image for Craftybookworm11.
358 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
I really don’t know what Lyra puts in her books but I hope she never stops. I was so excited for Patterson and Kendall’s story and man was it better than I expected. It’s taken top spot for my favorite book by her and is an easy 6 star read for me.

One thing I love about Lyra’s books is we get glimpses of past characters even if it’s in passing and of course we got that in this book in the form of a mention of Nick and Julie (if you haven’t read The Hook Situation you absolutely need to), with a short scene featuring Nick. And of course we got just enough of Addison and Louis to make us frothing at the mouth for their book.

I am a sucker for a sibling’s ex book, and adding in that Kendall is the daughter of Patterson’s coach the forbidden romance was two fold. Also the spice was absolutely chef’s kiss, and imo the spiciest book I’ve read by Lyra (and I’ve read quite a bit of her books).

I think what I love most about Kendall is she is not afraid to go toe to toe with Patterson, and they kind of feed off of each other. As the story progressed and we got more of their backstory we really got to see why they hated each other. And why Jamie will be on my shitlist for a long time (at least until we get his book 😉).

Patterson has some baggage when it comes to Kendall, and it’s understandable once you hear more about their story. And truthfully there is some stuff going on with his twin, Jamie. But I really him so much as a character.

This is an absolute must read. I loved the entire book, and it pulled me out of a funk, just to give me a horrible book hangover.

I read an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erica.
390 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
"He unlocked the cage and set me free. I'll never be the same again ". 

Lyra Parish has done it again! "The Hockey Situation" is book. 6 in the Billionaire Situation series but can be read as a standalone. I literally could not put this book down. I had to binge it.  Wow. Patterson Cross what a man I loved him. This book has everything I loved in it from Enemies with Benefits to Coaches Daughter, Possessive Hero, all of the tropes were everything. 🙌 I devoured this story! The spice was hot that's all I will say, 🥵 I ate that right up! Such an incredible book!

Patterson Cross hates Kendall Hart, Coach's daughter. She was hired to draw portraits of the The New York Angels hockey team which brings her into Patterson's orbit again. These two literally hated each other with a passion until the passion won! Then, WOW, this man. He is possessive as heck and the banter is off the charts. The sneaking around was hot and I loved watching them both realize they were never coming back from this. It was an interesting spin where Kendal was engaged to Patterson's twin brother and the chaos that unfolds with all of that had me on the edge of my seat!  As much as they claimed to hate each other in the beginning we soon realize they are each other's end game. I'm such a sucker when it comes to a possessive hockey player and Patterson Cross delivered! New favorite book boyfriend unlocked!


Tropes

-Hockey Romance 
-Enemies with Benefits 
-Ex's Brother 
-Coaches Daughter 
-Possessive Hero
-Hot Banter 
-Secret Relationship 
-He Falls First 
-Sneaking Around
Profile Image for Nicole.
128 reviews6 followers
February 19, 2026
Kendall and Patterson have always hated each other. Kendall was once engaged to Patterson’s twin brother, but when the engagement fell apart, she fled to Europe for five years. Now she’s back home to commission portraits of the hockey team her father coaches — and of course, Patterson is the star player.

Their hatred? Still very much alive.

The tension between them is immediate and electric. What starts as sharp banter and long-held resentment slowly spirals into an enemies-with-benefits arrangement neither of them expected. But as they dance around their animosity and undeniable attraction, it becomes clear that their feelings have always run much deeper than simple hate.

This book was AMAZING. I started it in the evening and, thanks to a snow day (teacher life!), I was able to stay up and read half of it in one sitting. I woke up the next morning desperate to finish — and I’m still reeling from the sexual tension, the emotions, the love, and the hatred between Kendall and Patterson.

The banter? Sharp and intense.
The chemistry? Off the charts.
The hatred? Unlike anything I’ve read before — and I loved every second of it.

The hockey scenes are top tier and described so accurately, which made everything feel even more immersive. The added layers — Kendall’s father being the coach and Patterson’s twin brother being her ex-fiancé — bring so much depth and drama to the story.

Lyra Parish, thank you for the ARC and the opportunity to be on your content team! I cannot wait to binge your backlist and dive into more ARC reads this year!
Profile Image for Sonya.
249 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
“I have months of pretending she doesn’t get under my skin. Whatever happened between us years ago should be ancient history by now, but it’s not, and I don’t know how to bury it when she keeps digging it back up. I need to get her out of my system, whatever it fucking takes, because I can’t keep doing this.”

The Hockey Situation | Lyra Parish | Billionaire Situation #6

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

“When you touch me, I forget every reason why I can’t stand you.”

Read this if you love: enemies with benefits to lovers | ex’s brother | coach’s daughter | secret relationship | hockey romance | he fell first | “it’s always been you” | possessive hero | sassy artist heroine | billionaire

“The only person in that room I want is you.” Her voice drops to something raw and needy. “I’ve wanted you all f*cking night.” “I don’t share. Not with anyone and especially not with him.” “Then stop talking and take what’s yours.”

The hate in this one is so good! But so is the love. I didn’t think the enemies could get any bigger than Billie and Asher, but Patterson and Kendall have some hardcore hate. Of course in a romance comes the love part and that might be even stronger. Their banter is so good. Yet my favorite part was their connection and where they would inevitably end up. This entire series has been so good that I am not ready for it to end with the next one. Not even a little bit.

Thank you @lyraparish for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Profile Image for Megs.
526 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2026
💙🏒💚ARC Review💚🏒💙

Thank you Lyra Parish for this ARC of The Hockey Situation 💚💙 I loved Pattycakes and Ken Doll SOO MUCH, dare I say they are now one of my new faves‼️

I can’t even right now, Lyra does it AGAIN‼️ Lyra Parish KNOWS how to write swoony characters but give them attitude and it’s always perfection💚

I LOVED EVERYTHING about this book, I did not want it to end, I could read their love story over and over again and I don’t think I would ever get enough‼️

The way these two MCs were pining for each other for ALL THOSE YEARS‼️ and the truths that were brought to light as you read more and more into their epic love story, it was utter perfection 🫶

Fall I Want will always be my number one Lyra book, it was my very first, but diving into her catalog and reading on her ARC team it becomes harder and harder to have a favorite because I get more and more obsessed every time🤩
That being said, The Hockey Situation I believe has just taken spot number 2 in my Lyra Parish list… I’m still in my Hockey Situation bubble but I loved the hate to love of these MCs So much and everything in-between too!

Tropes:
💙Enemies with benefits to lovers
🏒Ex's brother
💚Coach's daughter
💙Possessive Hero
🏒Sassy Artist Herione
💚Spicy Romance
💙Secret relationship
🏒Hockey romance
💚He fell first
💙Sneaking around
🏒"It's always been you."
💚Billionaire
💙Stand Alone (Bookstagram 6 in series, but the most standalone one of the series)
75 reviews
February 18, 2026

I was lucky enough to be gifted an advanced copy of The Hockey Situation by Lyra Parish, thank you so much Lyra! I am someone who eagerly awaits the release of any of Lyra’s books, so getting to read this one a little early, feels like a dream come true!

The banter in this book is off the charts. I’m talking jaw dropping, wide eyed, thigh squeezing, HOT banter! Plus, it has one of my favourite tropes, enemies to lovers. The grip the banter had on me, the delicious spice that Lyra does oh so well, and characters I couldn’t help but root for, pushed this to a 6 ⭐️ read for me! I will be coming back to this book again and again and again.

The Hockey Situation is book six in the Billionaire Situation series, but can be read as a standalone novel. Patterson is the cocky pro-hockey player who is at the top of the league. Kendall is not only the coach’s daughter but also the ex-fiancée of Patterson’s twin brother. Her and Patterson have always openly hated each other. Well surprise! She has been hired to paint portraits of the team for the 50th anniversary so Kendall and Patterson are now forced to work together. Will they survive?

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Hockey romance
Enemies with benefits
Ex’s twin brother
Coach’s daughter
Possessive hero
Hot banter
Secret relationship
Sneaking around
He falls first
Forced proximity
Profile Image for Courtney.
2,004 reviews210 followers
February 19, 2026
I don't think there is a trope in the romance genre that Lyra cannot write and not crush it.

The Hockey Situation is an installment in her Billionaire Situation series, however, it is first sports romance. Better yet, a hockey sports romance. And if that isn't enough - it's a forbidden romance - athlete and coach's daughter!!

I really enjoyed how this story played out. These two have known each other for years. Even though they acted like they despised one another, their chemistry was beyond obvious.

What played well in this story was the tension and connection playing together. The banter between them in different scenes added to that connection and the jealousy scenes really catered to the tension and angst building between them.

Lyra really outdid herself with this book and the spicy scenes (probably the spiciest in the series). The buildup between Kendall and Patterson was perfection!! I loved how tangible the hatred was in story because it gave me the ability to actually connect to these as individuals and their issues with each other. But as tangible as the hatred was, the passion and love stood out even more once these two realized what was happening between them.

This is probably one of my favorite Lyra's books, to date. I loved every single tidbit about this story and did not want it to end.

An absolute must read!!

461 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
The Hockey Situation is the 6th book in the „Billionaire Situation“ series by author Lyra Parish but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.
This is a classic enemies-to-lovers-romance. Hockey star Patterson and Kendall (his coach‘s daughter) hate each other. Now they have to see each other a lot since painter Kendall was commissioned to paint portraits of all the players. The more time they spend together the more their hate turns to passion (or maybe more) but it is absolutely forbidden for a player to date the coach‘s daughter…
I have to admit that it took me quite a while to relate to both main characters. I though the way they kept insulting each other was not witty bantering but downright mean in the beginning. Once I read more about their backstories I liked them more and by then their relationship had progressed so I really enjoyed reading about it. I really liked how Patterson dealt with his brother and the coach and I have to say that I could not understand how those two were acting so childish.
All in all a very entertaining and spicy romance book.
Thank you Lyra Parish for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own and I‘m leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Extraspicybooklover.
424 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 16, 2026

The Hockey Situation is another hilarious addition to the Billionaire Series. I’ve been excited for Patterson and Kendall’s enemies to lovers romance since they were mentioned in the last book. Their hate/love relationship was filled with so much tension and chemistry I could feel it while reading.
Kendall is the coaches daughter and the players and her have been sworn to stay away from each other. Getting an opportunity to paint the team portraits she jumps on it.
Patterson is the best goal scorer in the league and he makes no effort to hide how good he is. He’s charming with a massive ego, the one person who can bring him down a notch is his twin brother’s ex Kendall. They absolutely despise each other and constantly torment each other. But is it really hate?
Gaaaahhhh I’m obsessed with these 2! Their hatred banter is the best foreplay ever. As Their situation turns messy, heartbreaking and more secrets come out and the hate for each other turns nothing short of intense!
This series is just everything I have completely devoured every book in it🖤excited for what’s coming as well 😉🫣🫠
Profile Image for Kristen Tucker.
15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
Oh Lyra Parish….you have done it again!! Book 6 in your Billionaire Situation series was just what I hoped it be. Hockey romance spice! We have the most eligible bachelor and hockey player Patterson Cross. He’s the MVP, has his eyes on the Stanley Cup and all of the sudden he’s surprised by the arrival of Kendall Hart, someone he was vying for six years before. There’s just a few issues, 1. He HATES her, 2. She’s his brother’s Ex and 3. She’s the coaches daughter! All signs point to what a bad idea pursing her is other than to make her miserable.
Kendall Hart is no stranger to the hockey world. Her dad is the head coach to New York’s team, she’s a talented artist presented with the chance to paint the New York Angels as part of an anniversary celebration for the team. There’s only one problem…Patterson Cross! There’s some undeniable chemistry between these two. What will she do with it? Is she there to test the waters, make him miserable?? Only time will tell.
I could read this over and over again!!

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Arrangement
Hockey romance
Ex’s brother
Coaches daughter
He falls first and falls hard
Profile Image for Vanessa Alcaraz.
73 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2026
The Hockey Situation delivers exactly what you would love in this enemies-to-lovers trope: high heat, lots of angst, high emotional stakes, and a romance that feels both messy and inevitable.

If you love hockey romances with forbidden tension, explosive chemistry, and a “this is a terrible idea but I need you anyway” dynamic — this one will wreck you in the best way.

Kendall has been gone for five years since her engagement with Patterson’s twin ended. She returns to town on a contract to draw intimate portraits of the local pro hockey team — including Patterson.

Their reunion?

Ice cold. Hostile. Sharp enough to cut skin.

They genuinely cannot stand each other. The resentment is real. Patterson believes she shattered his brother. And Kendall has her motives for taking on the job . Every conversation turns into a fight.

And yet…

The chemistry that flickered years ago when she was with the wrong brother? It never died.

It detonates.

Easily one of the strongest enemies-to-lovers I’ve read in a long time.

Not suitable for work.
Not suitable for emotional stability.
Absolutely worth it. 🔥
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
697 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
What an amazing couple - Patterson and Kendall 🩷🏒
I was so excited to read this story, as not only was this a series that I adore (and can’t get enough of) but it was a hockey story as well.
For these two reasons alone it was a win, win for me and I was in my happy place as I started reading this story.
Patterson and Kendall came alive on the page and I could feel the tension, the anger and sparring that they engaged in each time they met.
Their history was complicated and their hatred for each other was next level but the underlying attraction was also so hot.🔥
Will the agreement they enter into dampen or fuel the fire that is burning within them?
Will it all come crashing down around them once revealed?
I loved the storyline especially the sports side of it, all of the characters, the banter within the hockey team, the game highlights, the tension, the secrets, the spice and most importantly the love and the need to stick by each other no matter what happens.
A story I did not want to end that excitingly teases us and leads the way to Addison’s story.
Can’t wait.
Worth so much more than 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Theresa.
686 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
Patterson is a hockey player for the New York Angels and Kendall is Patterson’s coach’s daughter, who is back from Europe to do a series of portraits of the players for the arena. Kendall is also Patterson’s ex-fiancée. Kendall and Patterson have hated and secretly wanted each other for years.

Since Kendall’s doing the portraits, the two of them are forced to spend time together and with all of the arguing every time they meet, they can’t ignore the tension between them. They decide to be a sort of enemies with benefits, which is harder than they thought when their old feelings for each other surface.

There were times were their hate for each other was too much, there was too much tension between them at times.

I loved their secret relationship and the forbidden aspects so much, that being said, I think Kendall’s dad blew it way out of proportion when he caught them. And I do like how Patterson handled the situation.

Kendall and Patterson were absolutely fire together; I thought all the spicy scenes were chef's kiss. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the friendships that they have.
Profile Image for Inge Mosch.
491 reviews10 followers
February 19, 2026
Reviewing one of Lyra’s books always leaves me with the same “problem”: I feel like I keep repeating myself, because I simply can’t say anything other than that her books are amazing. Every single time, she completely pulls me into the story, and The Hockey Situation was no exception.

I loved everything about this book; the story, the writing style, the pacing, and especially the characters. Lyra has such a talent for creating characters that feel real and easy to connect with. The pacing was perfect; it never felt rushed, but it also never slowed down to the point where my attention drifted.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my absolute favorites, and it was executed flawlessly here. The tension and the gradual shift in their relationship were so well done.

Once I started reading, I genuinely couldn’t stop. I was completely hooked from beginning to end and loved every single moment. Lyra has a way of making her stories addictive in the best possible way.

And that preview of the next book? It left me hungry for more. I’m already so excited for Addison and Louis’s book, and I truly can’t wait to dive into their story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Lou Li Reads.
523 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
Patterson Cross has popped up here and there over the course of the Billionaires series and I was absolutely giddy to hear he was getting a book!! Ate this up is an understatement - This little hate thing hes got going on with his coach's daughter is as complicated as it comes. First up, she's off limits... she's the coach's daughter! Then there's the taboo of Kendall being his brothers ex, but not just an ex, an ex-fiancee... and not just a brother, his identical twin brother.... and just to throw it all in there, Kendall's BBF is Addison, little sister to the twin Cross brothers. Tensions run high, really high and as much as they hate each other, they can't stay away. When it all implodes, because let me tell you, it REALLY implodes, there is a major hockey situation to be had - on and off the ice! A must read, another brilliant addition to the Billionaires Situation series.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
Profile Image for Rusti.
139 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
WOO-EE. These two have been THROUGH IT. Patterson and Kendall were once friends, then almost family, and now, they are strictly enemies. One look at each other and they're furious, they cannot even stand to be in the same space without throwing insults and glares... but they say the line between love and hate is so very thin. Forced to spend time together and instructed to "play nice" with each other is a challenge for both of them, but the more time they're together, the harder it is to deny that the line they've been walking might actually be of another kind. I felt their emotions with them, the anger, joy, laughter and tears. Their banter is fantastic and their chemistry and heat are off the charts HOT. I love how hard they fight for their HEA, standing for what they want and not letting others destroy their happiness. Great addition to the series (plus, hockey - YAY!!!) and I'm looking forward to Addison's story next! Definitely recommend!!

I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Katie Hare.
73 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2026
📚 ARC Review 📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Releasing 2/19!!

OH. MY. GOD. First of all, let me just say, the way I screamed when I got the email that I was going to receive this ARC. I almost blacked out from excitement. Thank you so so much @lyraparish for allowing me to read & review this early for you.

On to the goods. Y’all……Pattycakes can get IT!!! 🥵🥵

This one was so so good and honestly I didn’t expect anything less. @lyraparish you are a goddess who knows just how to get us foaming at the mouth for these characters. The angst, the yearning, the HATE. Patterson & Kendall have a long standing hate for one another. Yeah…right…okay. But what better way to get over that hate? Bang it out! 🤷🏻‍♀️ 😉 Not only do they despise one another but Kendall is Patterson’s brother’s ex-fiancé!! Thats a mouthful. (So is Patterson) Oh yeah, and his coach’s daughter, double off limits. So, double jeopardy. What is, we’re fine. (IYKYK)

Anywho, you absolutely must check this one out!! Releasing 2/19. Run! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ DO NOT WALK to get this one!
26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
Lyra Parish writes the best hopeless romantic stories and adds all the spice to them! Normally I don't care for the hockey trope, but I will read anything Lyra writes and I love the rest of the Billionaire Series so I had to read it. The back and forth with these two main characters kept me turning the pages nonstop until I finished the book in almost one sitting! The hate (disguised as love), the tension, the history, all of it kept the story going. I like how Lyra tied up loose ends from their past without anyone being hurt which allowed it all to flow at the end. I also like how when Patterson saw things online that he could have jumped to conclusions on, he let her explain which avoided the usual reactions in these types of stories. I think my favorite part of Lyra's stories are how they can be read as stand alones but they also tie into her previous stories. I love seeing the lives of her past characters come up in her current books.
Profile Image for Candace P..
1,157 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
I'm on a hate to love kick right now and Patterson and Kendall had some serious loathing happing at the beginning of this book. The more of the book I read, the less I wanted to put it down. I had to know why these two didn't get along!

I enjoyed the coaches daughter and having to see each other at work every day parts of the story. It definitely helped to crank the tension up like crazy, but I could also see the chemistry between the two building page by page.

Overall I loved the enemies with benefits situation the two get into and I was swooning at how their relationship developed as we find out more about why they dislike each other so much.

The main reason this book isn't rated higher, is because of some OM/OW drama that the two bring on themselves. There is one scene where Kendall brings Jameson (Patterson's identical twin, and her ex fiance) to an even Patterson is at. I had a hard time with those moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
841 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
After reading Nick’s book, I just knew I was going to love Patterson—and I absolutely did! This story gave me everything I could have hoped for and more. Kendall is back in New York, working in Patterson’s world—a situation he absolutely despises. I adored these two together; their chemistry was electric right from the start, and you could just feel that something big was bound to happen between them. With their shared history, I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other, and I loved that this book had plenty of hockey moments too. The team dynamic was fantastic, and the banter between them added so much fun to the story. I couldn’t put this book down—it completely drew me in. I also fell in love with Patterson’s family and can’t wait to read their stories, which I know are on the way. Lyra has created such an incredible world that pulls you in completely, and now I’m even more excited for Louis’s book!
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,604 reviews138 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
The Hockey Situation is Kendall and Patterson’s enemies to lovers romantic comedy and it’s book six in the Billionaire Situation. I loved everything about this book from the sarcastic banter to team camaraderie and everything in between.
Kendall and Peterson have loved to hate each other for years and they have covered their true feelings well. Kendall should be off limits for more than one reason , she is his coaches daughter and more importantly his twin’s ex fiancée’s but when Kendall is hired to paint the team it means they are back working and socialising together…….
So what happens when hate turns to love ?
I fell hard and fast for Patterson and I adored Kendall but it was the bickering and sarcastic banter that had me giggling as I cheered this couple on. This is a well written, entertaining and witty read that left me smiling.
Profile Image for Rachel (storybookcorner).
259 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
Just when I think I couldn't love this series more, Lyra gives us another great swoony story. I was hooked from page one with Patterson and Kendall's disdain for one another. The tension drips off the pages or shall I say screen for my copy?! Patterson is passionate about the game of hockey and Kendall is passionate about her art work, but not as passionate as they are for one another. I was laughing out loud throughout the entire book over these two. Their love is unmatched. You can feel Kendall's desire for Patterson through her artwork. Also, not even gonna lie I'd like to see Damien Blackwell get his comeuppance! That dude is just awful! And Addison, she's about to be a true Princess!! I can't wait to see how Patterson handles that one.
Thank you to Lyra Parish for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Lou_lovesreading.
464 reviews12 followers
February 15, 2026
OMG what a book! I absolutely devoured this book in a day because I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down!
I was completely hooked on Kendall and Patterson! Enemies to lovers - but not really enemies because these two have pined for each other for years (even if she was in a relationship with his twin brother)
I absolutely loved their love story, the hate (not so much hate), their love, their deal, their ups and downs and more importantly how much he was willing to sacrifice for her.
The way Patterson stood up to her dad, how he defended Kendall always and how much he loved her was heartwarming!
I love this series and have my faves but this one just topped them all for me (sorry Lexi and Easton)
Thank you so much to Lyra and her team for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
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