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Nashville Firebirds #2
Cooper
Blurb To Come Soon
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
15 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
October 27, 2025
4🌟, 3 🌶️
Dad Joke of the Day:
——> Why did the goalie dad fall for the nanny?
Because she was a keeper…and so was this book!
Another Firebirds book, another reason to swoon-this series just keeps getting better.
Book two in the Nashville Firebirds series gives Ally the redemption arc she desperately needed, and it's done beautifully. She's a completely different person from the first book—softer, stronger, and finally ready to let people in again. Becoming a nanny for Firebirds goalie Cooper Johnson turns out to be the start of something healing and unexpectedly heartwarming.
What really stood out was how Ally slowly rebuilt her bond with her sister, Quinn, and learned to be around Levi without resentment. It was mature, graceful, and showed just how far she's come. But the real magic of this book is in the small, tender moments-especially the connection between Ally, Cooper, and his son, Lucas. Every Lucas scene was a melt-your-heart moment.
And Cooper... wow. The man defines golden retriever energy-sweet, patient, steady, and just so full of love. Watching him fall for Ally while showing her she's worthy of it all was pure swoon. The chemistry? Off the charts. The poolside tension, the late-night games, the slow-burn payoff-everything hit perfectly.
I'm officially obsessed with this series and can't wait for what's next.
~~~~
Grateful to Lexi James & The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
Dad Joke of the Day:
——> Why did the goalie dad fall for the nanny?
Because she was a keeper…and so was this book!
Another Firebirds book, another reason to swoon-this series just keeps getting better.
Book two in the Nashville Firebirds series gives Ally the redemption arc she desperately needed, and it's done beautifully. She's a completely different person from the first book—softer, stronger, and finally ready to let people in again. Becoming a nanny for Firebirds goalie Cooper Johnson turns out to be the start of something healing and unexpectedly heartwarming.
What really stood out was how Ally slowly rebuilt her bond with her sister, Quinn, and learned to be around Levi without resentment. It was mature, graceful, and showed just how far she's come. But the real magic of this book is in the small, tender moments-especially the connection between Ally, Cooper, and his son, Lucas. Every Lucas scene was a melt-your-heart moment.
And Cooper... wow. The man defines golden retriever energy-sweet, patient, steady, and just so full of love. Watching him fall for Ally while showing her she's worthy of it all was pure swoon. The chemistry? Off the charts. The poolside tension, the late-night games, the slow-burn payoff-everything hit perfectly.
I'm officially obsessed with this series and can't wait for what's next.
~~~~
Grateful to Lexi James & The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
October 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
1 🌶️
ARC read
I’m gonna start off by saying I hated Ally in book one — like truly couldn’t stand her.
That said, I’m a sucker for a good single dad and nanny trope, so I went in hopeful. I’m kinda torn on this one. I liked Ally’s redemption arc, but I really wish her background had been expanded on more. We got an explanation for why she was so closed off, but I needed more depth to really feel it.
Now Cooper… drool worthy. That man was everything you want in a single daddy — protective, patient, and so easy to love.
My main complaint was the pacing. The story felt rushed at times and the timeline didn’t always make sense. I also expected the spice to be a bit more detailed, especially since the previous book did such a great job in that area.
Overall, it was a good read — I just wanted a little more from it.
Spicy chapters 🔥
19
23
24
27
1 🌶️
ARC read
I’m gonna start off by saying I hated Ally in book one — like truly couldn’t stand her.
That said, I’m a sucker for a good single dad and nanny trope, so I went in hopeful. I’m kinda torn on this one. I liked Ally’s redemption arc, but I really wish her background had been expanded on more. We got an explanation for why she was so closed off, but I needed more depth to really feel it.
Now Cooper… drool worthy. That man was everything you want in a single daddy — protective, patient, and so easy to love.
My main complaint was the pacing. The story felt rushed at times and the timeline didn’t always make sense. I also expected the spice to be a bit more detailed, especially since the previous book did such a great job in that area.
Overall, it was a good read — I just wanted a little more from it.
Spicy chapters 🔥
19
23
24
27
October 23, 2025
Another hot daddy hockey romance! I truly live for these! This is book 2 in the Nashville Firebirds series, and I have been so ready for Ally to get her redemption. She did a complete turn around from book one, and finally released the good person that was buried deep down for a while. Ally originally got together with Levi, her sister Quinn’s all time true love. This was for all the wrong reasons, and he ended up with the right sister after a lot of tension and sabotage from Ally. It’s not easy for Ally to let people in, and something changes in her in this book when she starts nannying for the Firebirds goalie, Cooper Johnson. Ally thought she would be terrible at this job, but surprised everyone around her, including herself, on how much she actually enjoyed it.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how she was slowly patching things up with her sister, Quinn, able to be around her and her ex, Levi, and doing this all so gracefully.
But the best part of this book was by far the relationship she built with Cooper and his son, Lucas. The way Lucas looked up to Ally and always wanted her around, truly melted my heart. Cooper got to witness their love and knew he was falling HARD for her quickly. I adored their spicy love scenes, 2 lies and a truth game, and they’re poolside fun!😜 So in love with this series and can’t wait for what comes next!
One of my favorite parts of this book was how she was slowly patching things up with her sister, Quinn, able to be around her and her ex, Levi, and doing this all so gracefully.
But the best part of this book was by far the relationship she built with Cooper and his son, Lucas. The way Lucas looked up to Ally and always wanted her around, truly melted my heart. Cooper got to witness their love and knew he was falling HARD for her quickly. I adored their spicy love scenes, 2 lies and a truth game, and they’re poolside fun!😜 So in love with this series and can’t wait for what comes next!
October 24, 2025
3.5-4 ⭐️
Honestly, I am not usually into the whole single dad and nanny trope but I really enjoyed this book. The characters are so genuinely sweet that it made my heart happy. I hated the FMC in book one but you could see the work she was trying to put in for herself, which redeemed her for me.
Overall i thought this was a really quick read that kept me interested all the way through! I am excited for book 3 to come out and answer all my questions about that ending 👀
Honestly, I am not usually into the whole single dad and nanny trope but I really enjoyed this book. The characters are so genuinely sweet that it made my heart happy. I hated the FMC in book one but you could see the work she was trying to put in for herself, which redeemed her for me.
Overall i thought this was a really quick read that kept me interested all the way through! I am excited for book 3 to come out and answer all my questions about that ending 👀
October 24, 2025
Okay wow—Cooper totally surprised me in the best way. I went in honestly not loving Ally from book one (she just didn’t click with me then), but this book changed everything. This was 100% her redemption arc, and it was done so well. I’m a total sucker for a single dad x nanny romance, and Lexi James delivered that soft, heart-melting, swoony goodness perfectly.
Cooper is the actual definition of a golden retriever man—sweet, steady, patient, and just so full of love. His bond with his little boy Lucas completely melted me. Every single scene with the two of them had me smiling like an idiot. And then watching the way Cooper saw Ally—really saw her—was everything. He didn’t give up when it got hard, he didn’t push when she shut down. He just showed up again and again until she started to believe she was worth it. Ugh, my heart.
And Ally—wow. This book gave her layers I didn’t see before. You really get to understand her pain, her guilt, her struggle to believe she deserves love. Watching her grow, open up, and connect with both Lucas and Cooper was just so satisfying. The moments with Lucas especially? Adorable.
Cooper is the actual definition of a golden retriever man—sweet, steady, patient, and just so full of love. His bond with his little boy Lucas completely melted me. Every single scene with the two of them had me smiling like an idiot. And then watching the way Cooper saw Ally—really saw her—was everything. He didn’t give up when it got hard, he didn’t push when she shut down. He just showed up again and again until she started to believe she was worth it. Ugh, my heart.
And Ally—wow. This book gave her layers I didn’t see before. You really get to understand her pain, her guilt, her struggle to believe she deserves love. Watching her grow, open up, and connect with both Lucas and Cooper was just so satisfying. The moments with Lucas especially? Adorable.
October 22, 2025
The way I will swoon over a single dad any day of the week and Cooper is no exception! I absolutely love how protective he is over Lucas and how perfect he is as a dad. He’s so caring and I couldn’t help but love him! And I also love how he didn’t dismiss Ally right away, but rather was surprised at how much Lucas seemed to like her from the start. Those Lucas chapters were everything and I truly love this little kid!
Also the tension between these two is palpable, and every time they got interrupted I wanted to throw my kindle on the floor. But when they finally get some uninterrupted time…pure perfection. Also, the redemption arc for Ally….truly surprised me how much I enjoyed it and was rooting for her to be happy!
Read if you enjoy:
🩵hockey romance
🩵teammate’s ex
🩵single dad x nanny
🩵slow burn
🩵forced proximity
Thank you to Lexi James for letting me read and review this in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Also the tension between these two is palpable, and every time they got interrupted I wanted to throw my kindle on the floor. But when they finally get some uninterrupted time…pure perfection. Also, the redemption arc for Ally….truly surprised me how much I enjoyed it and was rooting for her to be happy!
Read if you enjoy:
🩵hockey romance
🩵teammate’s ex
🩵single dad x nanny
🩵slow burn
🩵forced proximity
Thank you to Lexi James for letting me read and review this in exchange for my honest thoughts!
October 24, 2025
BETA READ
Daddy Coop is here y'al!!!! The man that he is, the father that he is, I LOVE HIM! Ally has also redeemed herself in this story.
I wasn't sure Lexi could make me like Ally, but she did. Seeing Ally with Lucas when she doubted herself even being able to take care of a child, was perfect! Cooper and Ally had this perfect chemistry from the very beginning. I know I'm biased and I got to beta read but I picked up on some Easter
eggs for the next book and I was kicking my feet!
Lexi, thank you for allowing me to be on this journey with you.
I know it's been rocky and chaotic at times, but | love it so much. I love you as a person and friend as well! So thankful Mudge brought me into your world!
Daddy Coop is here y'al!!!! The man that he is, the father that he is, I LOVE HIM! Ally has also redeemed herself in this story.
I wasn't sure Lexi could make me like Ally, but she did. Seeing Ally with Lucas when she doubted herself even being able to take care of a child, was perfect! Cooper and Ally had this perfect chemistry from the very beginning. I know I'm biased and I got to beta read but I picked up on some Easter
eggs for the next book and I was kicking my feet!
Lexi, thank you for allowing me to be on this journey with you.
I know it's been rocky and chaotic at times, but | love it so much. I love you as a person and friend as well! So thankful Mudge brought me into your world!
November 20, 2025
This ARC dug me out of my reading slump! There’s something about a single dad storyline that gets me every time, and this story did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading the buildup of Ally & Cooper’s relationship, but Ally’s bond with Cooper’s son may have been my favorite. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this crew!
October 24, 2025
ARC read
⭐️5 🌶️4
Just forewarning I have not read the first book so this is my impression of both characters and how they are.
This book is beautiful I was hooked the first chapter of the book. Ally is getting ‘punished’ by her uncle to nanny for cooper a single dad hockey player. They’ve known each other but have been more acquaintances than they have been friends. When Ally gets told what her punishment is she’s nervous she was told she wasn’t good with kids and didn’t have any maternal instinct she’s worried she’ll mess everything up. Coopers son lucas is too cute for anyone to resist though so she doesn’t have to worry but I love that Ally herself could admit when she was wrong even though she’s stubborn. And I also love how she grows as a character and let me tell you Lucas is such a cutie. Cooper is ready to fight and chase what he wants and will do anything in his power to prove Ally wrong and that she’s not what she thinks she is and that she is more. The spice in this book is just the right amount of spice. You can see literally when they fall for each other and is beautiful I loved it and I recommend it 100%
⭐️5 🌶️4
Just forewarning I have not read the first book so this is my impression of both characters and how they are.
This book is beautiful I was hooked the first chapter of the book. Ally is getting ‘punished’ by her uncle to nanny for cooper a single dad hockey player. They’ve known each other but have been more acquaintances than they have been friends. When Ally gets told what her punishment is she’s nervous she was told she wasn’t good with kids and didn’t have any maternal instinct she’s worried she’ll mess everything up. Coopers son lucas is too cute for anyone to resist though so she doesn’t have to worry but I love that Ally herself could admit when she was wrong even though she’s stubborn. And I also love how she grows as a character and let me tell you Lucas is such a cutie. Cooper is ready to fight and chase what he wants and will do anything in his power to prove Ally wrong and that she’s not what she thinks she is and that she is more. The spice in this book is just the right amount of spice. You can see literally when they fall for each other and is beautiful I loved it and I recommend it 100%
October 21, 2025
This was an ARC read for me. First I would highly suggest reading book one in the Nashville Firebirds
Series, this is book two.
Our FMC Ally was in book one and to be honest I really didn’t care for her like at all. This is her redemption story. I’m totally a sucker for a good redemption story but even more for a single dad x nanny romance.
I Absolutely LOVED Cooper from the start. He is the pure definition of a golden retriever MMC. He has a four year old son Lucas who is his entire world. Everything and I mean everything revolves around his son and how he can be the best dad possible. I really enjoyed watching Cooper & Lucas’s relationship. Not only was Cooper a great dad and friend he really saw Ally. He saw past all her walls and defense mechanisms. He didn’t write her off and lump her into the unfixable category. He was patient and kind, he asked the right questions and continued to show up for her and chase her when all she wanted to do or more than that all she knew how to do was run. He made her feel worth it, seen.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Ally going into this book. I quickly changed my tune. Ally is misunderstood. Her feelings are real and she’s trying to be better. She’s trying to fix her relationships all while feeling not good enough. Ally gets pushed into a situation that is so far out of her comfort zone but little does she know it’s exactly what she needed. You see Ally blossom. The bond between her and Lucas is the absolute sweetest and almost instant. You also see the instant connection between Cooper and Ally. You see Cooper & Lucas break down some of those really high walls Ally has set up for herself. Most of all you see Cooper chase her and continue to remind her she’s worth the fight. That he will always show up. I really liked that we got into Ally’s head watching her really find herself.
I love the relationships in this book. Between Cooper and Ally, between Lucas and both Cooper and Ally and the friend group as a whole. I would love to see Jax get his own book because I just found him so fun. This book was really well written and kept me interested so much so I finished it in one day.
The one thing I will say is I wish I knew more about the cop who showed up a few times. Those scenes felt very unfinished or more so left lingering questions.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Thank you Lexi James for another great read!!
Series, this is book two.
Our FMC Ally was in book one and to be honest I really didn’t care for her like at all. This is her redemption story. I’m totally a sucker for a good redemption story but even more for a single dad x nanny romance.
I Absolutely LOVED Cooper from the start. He is the pure definition of a golden retriever MMC. He has a four year old son Lucas who is his entire world. Everything and I mean everything revolves around his son and how he can be the best dad possible. I really enjoyed watching Cooper & Lucas’s relationship. Not only was Cooper a great dad and friend he really saw Ally. He saw past all her walls and defense mechanisms. He didn’t write her off and lump her into the unfixable category. He was patient and kind, he asked the right questions and continued to show up for her and chase her when all she wanted to do or more than that all she knew how to do was run. He made her feel worth it, seen.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Ally going into this book. I quickly changed my tune. Ally is misunderstood. Her feelings are real and she’s trying to be better. She’s trying to fix her relationships all while feeling not good enough. Ally gets pushed into a situation that is so far out of her comfort zone but little does she know it’s exactly what she needed. You see Ally blossom. The bond between her and Lucas is the absolute sweetest and almost instant. You also see the instant connection between Cooper and Ally. You see Cooper & Lucas break down some of those really high walls Ally has set up for herself. Most of all you see Cooper chase her and continue to remind her she’s worth the fight. That he will always show up. I really liked that we got into Ally’s head watching her really find herself.
I love the relationships in this book. Between Cooper and Ally, between Lucas and both Cooper and Ally and the friend group as a whole. I would love to see Jax get his own book because I just found him so fun. This book was really well written and kept me interested so much so I finished it in one day.
The one thing I will say is I wish I knew more about the cop who showed up a few times. Those scenes felt very unfinished or more so left lingering questions.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Thank you Lexi James for another great read!!
November 6, 2025
4 ⭐️
I’ll admit, going into this one, I wasn’t exactly rooting for Ally. After how she acted in the first book — selfish, manipulative, and just plain hard to like — I honestly wouldn’t have picked this up if I hadn’t gotten the ARC. I couldn’t imagine ever warming up to her.
But this book surprised me in the best way. Her redemption arc felt genuine and well-earned. For the first time, you really get to see the layers underneath all that attitude — the pain, the guilt, the quiet belief that she doesn’t deserve love. She finally takes responsibility for the hurt she caused, and watching her start to rebuild from that place was incredibly satisfying. There’s something so rewarding about seeing a character truly grow, and Ally’s journey did that beautifully.
Her relationship with Cooper added so much depth, too. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but it was the kind of slow, careful connection that builds over time. With all their shared history and complicated ties, they both tread carefully — circling each other, holding back, but never quite letting go. It made every look and every near-confession feel that much more charged.
Lucas was such a sweet part of the book. I absolutely loved how quickly he accepted Ally. Becoming his nanny felt like the first real step toward her healing — a way for her to rediscover warmth, purpose, and the kind of unconditional love she’d been missing. Their relationship was tender and grounding, giving her space to start forgiving herself.
If I had one small complaint, it’s that the spice level didn’t quite live up to the first book. There were definitely moments that could’ve gone further. But even with that, I still really enjoyed the story.
In the end, Ally’s growth felt honest and hard-won. The same character I once couldn’t stand somehow became someone I was truly rooting for — and seeing her become Cooper's HEA was special.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Lexi James for the ARC 💕💕
I’ll admit, going into this one, I wasn’t exactly rooting for Ally. After how she acted in the first book — selfish, manipulative, and just plain hard to like — I honestly wouldn’t have picked this up if I hadn’t gotten the ARC. I couldn’t imagine ever warming up to her.
But this book surprised me in the best way. Her redemption arc felt genuine and well-earned. For the first time, you really get to see the layers underneath all that attitude — the pain, the guilt, the quiet belief that she doesn’t deserve love. She finally takes responsibility for the hurt she caused, and watching her start to rebuild from that place was incredibly satisfying. There’s something so rewarding about seeing a character truly grow, and Ally’s journey did that beautifully.
Her relationship with Cooper added so much depth, too. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but it was the kind of slow, careful connection that builds over time. With all their shared history and complicated ties, they both tread carefully — circling each other, holding back, but never quite letting go. It made every look and every near-confession feel that much more charged.
Lucas was such a sweet part of the book. I absolutely loved how quickly he accepted Ally. Becoming his nanny felt like the first real step toward her healing — a way for her to rediscover warmth, purpose, and the kind of unconditional love she’d been missing. Their relationship was tender and grounding, giving her space to start forgiving herself.
If I had one small complaint, it’s that the spice level didn’t quite live up to the first book. There were definitely moments that could’ve gone further. But even with that, I still really enjoyed the story.
In the end, Ally’s growth felt honest and hard-won. The same character I once couldn’t stand somehow became someone I was truly rooting for — and seeing her become Cooper's HEA was special.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Lexi James for the ARC 💕💕
October 26, 2025
eARC Review
Cooper by Lexi James
Nashville Firebirds book 2
Available Now
4/5⭐️
Wow, talk about a redemption arc done right! I went into this book not being Aly's biggest fan after book one, but wow... in Cooper, she completely stole my heart. Her growth was everything I hoped for and more.
Cooper is a single dad raising his son, Lucas, with the help of Lucas's aunt, Kenna. When Kenna has to go away for a month, Cooper suddenly needs a temporary nanny and in steps Aly, thanks to a little push from her uncle (who also happens to be Cooper's hockey coach 👀) Aly's not exactly confident around kids, but she takes on the challenge anyway and watching her bond with Lucas was so sweet. Their connection feels real, and seeing her fall for Lucas (and then Cooper 😏) just made my heart melt. Give me all the hot hockey player + nanny tropes, please and thank you!
Cooper was such a standout character, a bit delusional when it comes to Kenna and not seeing her motives but that’s neither here nor there. He’s a devoted, loving dad who always puts Lucas first. And Lucas himself? Adorable. His snack obsession had me grinning the whole way through. The chemistry between Cooper and Aly was the perfect mix of tender and spicy (hello, woods scene 🥵)also the dad jokes, I loved them and there little nods to something in the chapters.
Overall, Cooper was a total win for me, it’s heartwarming, steamy, and full of character growth!
I can't wait to see what else this series has in store!
Huge thanks to Lexi James and @smutthood for the eARC!
Cooper by Lexi James
Nashville Firebirds book 2
Available Now
4/5⭐️
Wow, talk about a redemption arc done right! I went into this book not being Aly's biggest fan after book one, but wow... in Cooper, she completely stole my heart. Her growth was everything I hoped for and more.
Cooper is a single dad raising his son, Lucas, with the help of Lucas's aunt, Kenna. When Kenna has to go away for a month, Cooper suddenly needs a temporary nanny and in steps Aly, thanks to a little push from her uncle (who also happens to be Cooper's hockey coach 👀) Aly's not exactly confident around kids, but she takes on the challenge anyway and watching her bond with Lucas was so sweet. Their connection feels real, and seeing her fall for Lucas (and then Cooper 😏) just made my heart melt. Give me all the hot hockey player + nanny tropes, please and thank you!
Cooper was such a standout character, a bit delusional when it comes to Kenna and not seeing her motives but that’s neither here nor there. He’s a devoted, loving dad who always puts Lucas first. And Lucas himself? Adorable. His snack obsession had me grinning the whole way through. The chemistry between Cooper and Aly was the perfect mix of tender and spicy (hello, woods scene 🥵)also the dad jokes, I loved them and there little nods to something in the chapters.
Overall, Cooper was a total win for me, it’s heartwarming, steamy, and full of character growth!
I can't wait to see what else this series has in store!
Huge thanks to Lexi James and @smutthood for the eARC!
October 31, 2025
Cooper (Nashville Firebirds #2) by Lexi James
What a great redemption story for Ally and what a wonderful man Cooper is. I absolutely loved their dynamic and little Luke, the single dad trope is just perfection, and that touch of forbidden made it even better.
I loved the angst and the slow burn, and when we finally got to the spice, it was spicing! Cooper was so fiercely protective of both his son and Ally, and honestly, I adored that we actually got to see hockey in this hockey romance. My first hockey romance barely mentioned the sport, so this one really delivered.
The dad jokes did me in 😂 and the balance between heart, humor, and heat was spot-on.
Some fav moments:
“Being around Cooper is like swimming in the ocean. Sometimes it’s relaxing. Sometimes it’s intense. But the pull is always there.”
“…the people we find in our late twenties, early thirties…the people we find once adulthood has kicked our ass once or twice…those are the people who help us get back up and adjust our crown, reminding us that we can do the hard fucking things.”
Tropes:
⭐️ Single Dad x Nanny
⭐️ Teammate’s Ex
⭐️ Redemption Arc
⭐️ Slow Burn
⭐️ Found Family
⭐️ Hockey Romance
⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️ 3 chili peppers
Thank you The Smuthood and Lexi James for the opportunity to read this early, all opinions are my own.
What a great redemption story for Ally and what a wonderful man Cooper is. I absolutely loved their dynamic and little Luke, the single dad trope is just perfection, and that touch of forbidden made it even better.
I loved the angst and the slow burn, and when we finally got to the spice, it was spicing! Cooper was so fiercely protective of both his son and Ally, and honestly, I adored that we actually got to see hockey in this hockey romance. My first hockey romance barely mentioned the sport, so this one really delivered.
The dad jokes did me in 😂 and the balance between heart, humor, and heat was spot-on.
Some fav moments:
“Being around Cooper is like swimming in the ocean. Sometimes it’s relaxing. Sometimes it’s intense. But the pull is always there.”
“…the people we find in our late twenties, early thirties…the people we find once adulthood has kicked our ass once or twice…those are the people who help us get back up and adjust our crown, reminding us that we can do the hard fucking things.”
Tropes:
⭐️ Single Dad x Nanny
⭐️ Teammate’s Ex
⭐️ Redemption Arc
⭐️ Slow Burn
⭐️ Found Family
⭐️ Hockey Romance
⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️ 3 chili peppers
Thank you The Smuthood and Lexi James for the opportunity to read this early, all opinions are my own.
October 26, 2025
✨WELCOME BACK TO NASHVILLE✨
Y’all. I did not have Daddy Coop making it to the top of my Lexi boyfriend’s list on my bingo card..did you? Hot damn. Cooper is literally what dreams are made of.
Coop. Cooper. Daddy Coop. This man is literal perfection. A single dad who would give it all up for his little boy, just to fall for his best friend’s ex-fiancée. Whoops. Listen we all hated Ally in book one but damn Coop falls for her something fierce and I loved watching him fall.
Ally. Ally Cat. My dear I really didn’t think I could love you but dang girl I love me a redemption arc. Ally’s inner monologue really pulled at my heart strings and I wanted to see her happy ending. Ally has had a crush on Cooper for years and then for the hot single dad to crush on her too? Ahhh it was so perfect for these two.
And let’s not forget about Lucas. That boy is so dang funny and oh so sweet. Watching the relationship between Ally and Lucas was so precious and then for Lucas to want Ally to stick around..melt my heart why don’t you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️
💙 Pro Hockey Player x Nanny
🏒 Best Friend’s Ex-Fiancée
💙 Forced Proximity
🏒 Redemption Arc
💙 Praise K!nk
🏒 Slow Burn
Microtropes
💙Whiskey Play
🏒Tell Me to Stop
💙Eyes On Me
🏒He Takes Care Of Her
💙Chase Scene
🏒Ties Her Up
💙She Wears His Jersey
🏒He Loves To Eat
💙Hand Necklace
Y’all. I did not have Daddy Coop making it to the top of my Lexi boyfriend’s list on my bingo card..did you? Hot damn. Cooper is literally what dreams are made of.
Coop. Cooper. Daddy Coop. This man is literal perfection. A single dad who would give it all up for his little boy, just to fall for his best friend’s ex-fiancée. Whoops. Listen we all hated Ally in book one but damn Coop falls for her something fierce and I loved watching him fall.
Ally. Ally Cat. My dear I really didn’t think I could love you but dang girl I love me a redemption arc. Ally’s inner monologue really pulled at my heart strings and I wanted to see her happy ending. Ally has had a crush on Cooper for years and then for the hot single dad to crush on her too? Ahhh it was so perfect for these two.
And let’s not forget about Lucas. That boy is so dang funny and oh so sweet. Watching the relationship between Ally and Lucas was so precious and then for Lucas to want Ally to stick around..melt my heart why don’t you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️
💙 Pro Hockey Player x Nanny
🏒 Best Friend’s Ex-Fiancée
💙 Forced Proximity
🏒 Redemption Arc
💙 Praise K!nk
🏒 Slow Burn
Microtropes
💙Whiskey Play
🏒Tell Me to Stop
💙Eyes On Me
🏒He Takes Care Of Her
💙Chase Scene
🏒Ties Her Up
💙She Wears His Jersey
🏒He Loves To Eat
💙Hand Necklace
October 24, 2025
arc review
"She's sour at first, but the more you get to know her, the more time you spend with her, you realize just how fucking sweet she is, and goddamn, I love that about her."
Oh my, Lexi did it again. What an absolute treat of a story! I adore a good redemption arc and boy, did Ally get one.
I absolutely loved getting to know Ally and getting a look inside her brain. It explained so much of her behavior we saw in "Levi".
I loved how Lucas loved her and how she got her well deserved happy ending. Cooper is an absolute DADDY and such a good, sweet man.
I really enjoyed reading this story. Ally and Cooper their story had to be heard and I am glad I got to experience it. The Lucas chapters were a very nice extra and I adored the dad-jokes for Cooper's chapters.
Enjoyable, sweet story all around!!
"She's sour at first, but the more you get to know her, the more time you spend with her, you realize just how fucking sweet she is, and goddamn, I love that about her."
Oh my, Lexi did it again. What an absolute treat of a story! I adore a good redemption arc and boy, did Ally get one.
I absolutely loved getting to know Ally and getting a look inside her brain. It explained so much of her behavior we saw in "Levi".
I loved how Lucas loved her and how she got her well deserved happy ending. Cooper is an absolute DADDY and such a good, sweet man.
I really enjoyed reading this story. Ally and Cooper their story had to be heard and I am glad I got to experience it. The Lucas chapters were a very nice extra and I adored the dad-jokes for Cooper's chapters.
Enjoyable, sweet story all around!!
October 22, 2025
I love a single dad nanny romance add on the hockey player as well and I’m there. Cooper is the goalie and a single dad. Ally is the coaches niece who becomes the nanny to Cooper’s son Lucas. While we don’t get a lot of her back ground, it’s pretty clear she’s had some people that damaged her self esteem along with what happened between her and Levi. This is a slow burn romance but when you finally get there it’s nothing short of good, maybe not the spiciest but still good . I loved the relationship Cooper had with his son Lucas also. Just an overall good sweet romance book.
November 3, 2025
beautiful honestly so darn beautiful. I love a single dad romance and i love how it kind of breaks the stereotype for single dad romances. Because in them the bio mother is dead or she dropped off the kid unexpectedly and now the mmc is shaken trying to take care of kid… hence the nanny. Anyways this book was adorable, he’s a hockey player and she’s the coach’s niece who is going to be taking care of his son while the normal nanny is away. And damn they’ve got that flirting push and pull right from the start. Their chemistry tops the charts and honestly they’re the perfect little family of three. I also loved getting the kid (Lucas) POVs they were adorable. The plot was fun and walked us through Ally’s healing process. A lot of people might find the “miscommunication” or just invalid assumption at the end very annoying but to me it was perfect. It was a realistic response based on what she had went through and it further showed how much of a green flag Cooper by how he went after her. Cooper is the definition of green flag, he’s an amazing dad, an amazing boyfriend and just the sweetest golden retriever type guy. I loved him so much. The found family trope was so strong and so touching. Honestly this book was perfection and I give it a 5/5
October 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️
• hockey romance
• grumpy sunshine
• single dad/nanny
• teammate’s ex
• found family
Super sweet and spicy hockey romance. Cooper is an NHL goalie and Ally is his coach’s niece who is going to be Cooper’s kid Lucas’ nanny.
She’s the ice queen who is so unsure of herself or what she wants in life after thinking she doesn’t deserve good things. He’s the doting dad who would love to settle down but hasn’t found anyone worth it.
This is the 2nd book in the series but I haven’t read the first - not necessary- and Lexi wrote a great story about redemption and allowing yourself to be worthy of finding happiness.
Ally is going to run from her fears and Cooper will continue to chase her.
🌶️🌶️
• hockey romance
• grumpy sunshine
• single dad/nanny
• teammate’s ex
• found family
Super sweet and spicy hockey romance. Cooper is an NHL goalie and Ally is his coach’s niece who is going to be Cooper’s kid Lucas’ nanny.
She’s the ice queen who is so unsure of herself or what she wants in life after thinking she doesn’t deserve good things. He’s the doting dad who would love to settle down but hasn’t found anyone worth it.
This is the 2nd book in the series but I haven’t read the first - not necessary- and Lexi wrote a great story about redemption and allowing yourself to be worthy of finding happiness.
Ally is going to run from her fears and Cooper will continue to chase her.
October 18, 2025
ARC review
3.5 stars. I absolutely adore Lucas and Cooper's relationship. Cooper is such a great dad. Ally is very hard on herself for her past and is trying to grow from it.
a lot of the book was really good. there are some parts that felt disconnected to me and I didn't really get the last two scenes with the cop.
3.5 stars. I absolutely adore Lucas and Cooper's relationship. Cooper is such a great dad. Ally is very hard on herself for her past and is trying to grow from it.
a lot of the book was really good. there are some parts that felt disconnected to me and I didn't really get the last two scenes with the cop.
October 22, 2025
Cooper and Ally were adorable. So many scenes I wish I could gush about but no spoilers here. This book had me blushing, squealing, and sweating something serious. The love Cooper had for his son was beautiful and the way Ally fit right in was amazing.
I cant wait to see what's next because this book left me scratching my head (in a good way).
I cant wait to see what's next because this book left me scratching my head (in a good way).
October 24, 2025
not overly sporty sports romance!!! love the trope combination of nanny and hockey romance. great character building, although it kinda confusing from not reading the first as it has some backstory to the FMC
October 29, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️ ARC
I liked this book but I was also so lost throughout.
I don’t know if it was because I haven’t read the first book or just because I didn’t get it.
It was very well written, just not my cup of tea I fear..
I liked this book but I was also so lost throughout.
I don’t know if it was because I haven’t read the first book or just because I didn’t get it.
It was very well written, just not my cup of tea I fear..
October 31, 2025
I devoured this one in under 12 hours. I really liked the MCs and their dynamics. The spice was definitely spicing when present. I enjoyed the plot and the various situations they had to navigate throughout the story. Thank you to @thesmuthood and the author for my eARC. It's available on KU now!
Read
October 28, 2025DNF at 33%…
October 27, 2025
This was supposed to be an Ally redemption story, but it took me less than one chapter to be all in on her and over anything that happened in Levi. To prove to her uncle that she’s taking changing seriously, Ally agrees to nanny for Cooper for the summer. It takes no time for the self proclaimed ‘not a kid person’ to fall in love with Lucas. Cooper has kept all women at a distance focusing on his son and hockey, add in that Ally is his nanny and his best friend’s ex? Conflicted is an understatement when he starts to get glimpses of the real Ally. I loved getting the POV of someone on the outside bubble of the found family with Ally. Daddy Coop did not disappoint, starting immediately from the flashback we get when he and Ally met.
November 1, 2025
Book two in the Nashville Firebirds series took me by surprise in the best way. Ally wasn’t exactly likable in book one (and I honestly didn’t know how I’d feel reading her story), but this story gives her the depth and redemption she needed. You really see the cracks in her armor this time, and it’s hard not to root for her once you understand what’s underneath.
Cooper is everything you want in a love interest: grounded, kind, and the kind of dad who makes your heart melt. His relationship with his son, Lucas, is written with so much care, and the slow trust that builds between the three of them feels earned.
This one’s a keeper. Golden retriever single dad x nanny? You won’t want to put it down.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Lexi James for this ARC!
Cooper is everything you want in a love interest: grounded, kind, and the kind of dad who makes your heart melt. His relationship with his son, Lucas, is written with so much care, and the slow trust that builds between the three of them feels earned.
This one’s a keeper. Golden retriever single dad x nanny? You won’t want to put it down.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Lexi James for this ARC!
October 25, 2025
Having read all of Lexi's hockey romances, I can say that they seem to get better and better with every book. Though I really can't decide who my favorite MMC is because they all have been wonderful and Cooper is right up there.
Before I get into the main review, I think Wilson and Kenna can go to Delululand and live there together forever. They are both manipulative and seriously need help. They both seem to see things that don't exist and think that the truth is fiction. I hated seeing how they both hurt Ally.
Ally and Cooper were both heavily featured in book one, Levi, and I loved expanding on the glimpses we saw then. Book two features, Levi's best friend and teammate and his girlfriend, Quinn's sister and ex-fiancèe. Both girls are their coach's nieces and they all worked together at some point to make things even more complicated. I loved the team dynamics and friendships woven throughout the books.
Cooper has been a single father from the day Lucas was born and with the help of his family, Lucas' aunt, and his teammates, he has raised a wonderful four year old boy. Lucas is Cooper's life and only priority outside of hockey, though Lucas always comes first. Cooper hasn't dated or been in a relationship since becoming a father even though he has had offers over the years. He has been content with his life. Years ago he was intrigued by Ally while she had been dating Levi but nothing came of that. Bro code and all. He was also very focused on raising his son and being the team's starting goalie.
Ally hasn't been the best version of herself for a long time and had hurt a lot of people, though she had been hurt too. She masked her hurt and true feelings behind an almost impenetrable wall. She was trying to make amends and her uncle volunteered her to be Lucas' nanny for a month. She was terrified of messing up because she believed that she wasn't a kid person. She was so scared of getting it wrong or Lucas hating her. She didn't want to disappoint Cooper, Quinn, Levi, or her uncle either. Ally ran whenever things got hard and whenever feelings became involved.
Ally and Cooper were friendly acquaintances because of Quinn and Levi. They shared the same friends but Ally always felt like an outsider so they weren't close. When Ally started helping with Lucas they became friends and an attraction was evident from the beginning. They both felt pursuing it was impossible because they felt that the other was off limits. They didn't want to hurt anyone or ruin reputations further. Ally was scared of disappointing her uncle who had gotten her the job. Soon their attraction was hard to deny even though they tried to fight it.
Lucas had Ally wrapped around his little finger and she enjoyed spending time with him. She defended him and always made him feel important. He became more than a job and she loved him. Lucas,fell for her too and often chose her over everyone else, including his dad. Lucas was her priority and Cooper loved seeing them together. He felt that she fit perfectly into their lives like a partner not just a nanny. Ally started to feel like she belonged too.
Of course, nothing is simple with anyone who is a runner. They are always scared to trust and frightened by the smallest things. They will often sprint before they know the facts even if it ends up causing themselves and others pain. Some runners will turn around, others will slow down, and others will wait to be chased and caught before they listen. Ally has always ran but no one has chased her until Cooper. Will he catch her? Will he convince her to stop running? Will they get their happily ever after and will Lucas get his chocolate chips and sprinkles?
Ally and Cooper are perfectly imperfect for each other. They are there for each other and over time they became what the other needed without knowing that they needed it. It was like they were surviving but not really living their best lives until they were thrown together. I will definitely be adding this book and probably the whole series to my paperback collection and getting them signed eventually.
Thank you Lexi James and Luna Literary Management for the ARC! I can't wait for book three! I appreciate the opportunity to review this book and any future books!
On a side note, the Dad jokes were a wonderful addition to the book and I'll be borrowing them to tell my kids.
Before I get into the main review, I think Wilson and Kenna can go to Delululand and live there together forever. They are both manipulative and seriously need help. They both seem to see things that don't exist and think that the truth is fiction. I hated seeing how they both hurt Ally.
Ally and Cooper were both heavily featured in book one, Levi, and I loved expanding on the glimpses we saw then. Book two features, Levi's best friend and teammate and his girlfriend, Quinn's sister and ex-fiancèe. Both girls are their coach's nieces and they all worked together at some point to make things even more complicated. I loved the team dynamics and friendships woven throughout the books.
Cooper has been a single father from the day Lucas was born and with the help of his family, Lucas' aunt, and his teammates, he has raised a wonderful four year old boy. Lucas is Cooper's life and only priority outside of hockey, though Lucas always comes first. Cooper hasn't dated or been in a relationship since becoming a father even though he has had offers over the years. He has been content with his life. Years ago he was intrigued by Ally while she had been dating Levi but nothing came of that. Bro code and all. He was also very focused on raising his son and being the team's starting goalie.
Ally hasn't been the best version of herself for a long time and had hurt a lot of people, though she had been hurt too. She masked her hurt and true feelings behind an almost impenetrable wall. She was trying to make amends and her uncle volunteered her to be Lucas' nanny for a month. She was terrified of messing up because she believed that she wasn't a kid person. She was so scared of getting it wrong or Lucas hating her. She didn't want to disappoint Cooper, Quinn, Levi, or her uncle either. Ally ran whenever things got hard and whenever feelings became involved.
Ally and Cooper were friendly acquaintances because of Quinn and Levi. They shared the same friends but Ally always felt like an outsider so they weren't close. When Ally started helping with Lucas they became friends and an attraction was evident from the beginning. They both felt pursuing it was impossible because they felt that the other was off limits. They didn't want to hurt anyone or ruin reputations further. Ally was scared of disappointing her uncle who had gotten her the job. Soon their attraction was hard to deny even though they tried to fight it.
Lucas had Ally wrapped around his little finger and she enjoyed spending time with him. She defended him and always made him feel important. He became more than a job and she loved him. Lucas,fell for her too and often chose her over everyone else, including his dad. Lucas was her priority and Cooper loved seeing them together. He felt that she fit perfectly into their lives like a partner not just a nanny. Ally started to feel like she belonged too.
Of course, nothing is simple with anyone who is a runner. They are always scared to trust and frightened by the smallest things. They will often sprint before they know the facts even if it ends up causing themselves and others pain. Some runners will turn around, others will slow down, and others will wait to be chased and caught before they listen. Ally has always ran but no one has chased her until Cooper. Will he catch her? Will he convince her to stop running? Will they get their happily ever after and will Lucas get his chocolate chips and sprinkles?
Ally and Cooper are perfectly imperfect for each other. They are there for each other and over time they became what the other needed without knowing that they needed it. It was like they were surviving but not really living their best lives until they were thrown together. I will definitely be adding this book and probably the whole series to my paperback collection and getting them signed eventually.
Thank you Lexi James and Luna Literary Management for the ARC! I can't wait for book three! I appreciate the opportunity to review this book and any future books!
On a side note, the Dad jokes were a wonderful addition to the book and I'll be borrowing them to tell my kids.
November 3, 2025
🌟ARC Review🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
🏒 Hockey Romance
💕 Single Dad x Nanny
🏒 Teammate’s Ex
💕 Redemption
🏒 Slowish Burn
💕 Praise Kink
🏒 Forced Proximity
💕 Found Family
I’m just collecting book boyfriends at this point and I’m happy to welcome to Cooper Johnson, the goalie and MMC in book two of the Nashville Firebirds series. While this can be read as a standalone, I didn’t read the first book, so I was a little lost on some of the finer details. I got the gist of it from enough context clues, but definitely read the first one because some things would’ve made a lot more sense had I done that.
The nanny/single dad trope can be hit or miss for me, but this was a hit because I’m SO GLAD it didn’t include the microtrope of a bumbling father who just needed a woman to basically be his bangmaid and save his family. No, Daddy Cooper is a good father, a good teammate and friend, a good man, and he’s absolutely on the ball…or puck! He stepped up when his kid’s mom stepped out, and his only downside is not seeing the red flag that was Kenna even when his friends could see it. I’ll forgive him for that, though.
Ally Sullivan was the ultimate Sour Patch Kid in that she’s sour and then sweet once you know her. She has a lot of negative self-talk, a belief that everything bad that happens is her fault, and the constant yearning and believing she wasn’t deserving of good things was heartbreaking. I really felt for her.
Other than the random cop, my biggest issue was it didn’t make so much sense to me that Ally needed a whole redemption arc because she went after a guy she knew her sister liked. Granted, I didn’t read the first book, so maybe I missed where she was so awful, but I hate when women are held more accountable for the same ish the man is doing. Levi dated her and even proposed to her when he wasn’t that great, either, when he was pining for her sister, but it’s Ally’s fault is what I got from that. He sucked in bed, but somehow all of it was all because of Ally? So she cheated and then he took the fall in front of their friends instead? Why were his choices her fault? Did she blackmail him into doing or saying what he did? Was that part explained in the first book? So while I enjoyed seeing her rebuild her relationship with her sister, I didn’t really see the necessity for redemption or the amount of self-flagellation Ally did.
But I’m glad for Cooper and Lucas because they taught Ally it was okay to love and that she deserved good things. Cooper and Ally together were sweet and spicy with just the right amount of naughty. I loved the Dad jokes, too 😂 That was an adorable way to get to know who Cooper was and how he used humor and connection to take care of those he loved. The Lucas POVs could’ve been annoying, but they were incredibly sweet.
This was my first Lexi James and it won’t be my last. Thank you to The Smuthood and author for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
🏒 Hockey Romance
💕 Single Dad x Nanny
🏒 Teammate’s Ex
💕 Redemption
🏒 Slowish Burn
💕 Praise Kink
🏒 Forced Proximity
💕 Found Family
I’m just collecting book boyfriends at this point and I’m happy to welcome to Cooper Johnson, the goalie and MMC in book two of the Nashville Firebirds series. While this can be read as a standalone, I didn’t read the first book, so I was a little lost on some of the finer details. I got the gist of it from enough context clues, but definitely read the first one because some things would’ve made a lot more sense had I done that.
The nanny/single dad trope can be hit or miss for me, but this was a hit because I’m SO GLAD it didn’t include the microtrope of a bumbling father who just needed a woman to basically be his bangmaid and save his family. No, Daddy Cooper is a good father, a good teammate and friend, a good man, and he’s absolutely on the ball…or puck! He stepped up when his kid’s mom stepped out, and his only downside is not seeing the red flag that was Kenna even when his friends could see it. I’ll forgive him for that, though.
Ally Sullivan was the ultimate Sour Patch Kid in that she’s sour and then sweet once you know her. She has a lot of negative self-talk, a belief that everything bad that happens is her fault, and the constant yearning and believing she wasn’t deserving of good things was heartbreaking. I really felt for her.
Other than the random cop, my biggest issue was it didn’t make so much sense to me that Ally needed a whole redemption arc because she went after a guy she knew her sister liked. Granted, I didn’t read the first book, so maybe I missed where she was so awful, but I hate when women are held more accountable for the same ish the man is doing. Levi dated her and even proposed to her when he wasn’t that great, either, when he was pining for her sister, but it’s Ally’s fault is what I got from that. He sucked in bed, but somehow all of it was all because of Ally? So she cheated and then he took the fall in front of their friends instead? Why were his choices her fault? Did she blackmail him into doing or saying what he did? Was that part explained in the first book? So while I enjoyed seeing her rebuild her relationship with her sister, I didn’t really see the necessity for redemption or the amount of self-flagellation Ally did.
But I’m glad for Cooper and Lucas because they taught Ally it was okay to love and that she deserved good things. Cooper and Ally together were sweet and spicy with just the right amount of naughty. I loved the Dad jokes, too 😂 That was an adorable way to get to know who Cooper was and how he used humor and connection to take care of those he loved. The Lucas POVs could’ve been annoying, but they were incredibly sweet.
This was my first Lexi James and it won’t be my last. Thank you to The Smuthood and author for the ARC.
October 30, 2025
Cooper by Lexi James is book two of the Nashville Firebirds series. It is a single dad / nanny, hockey romance with forced proximity and slow burn themes.
I didn't read book one of the series, which put me at a slight disadvantage of not knowing Ally's backstory. From others, I gathered that Ally's relationship with her significant other (Levi) dissolved because he discovered his one true love was her sister, Quinn. This caused emotional damage, as well as a rift between the sisters. In book two, Ally tries to pick herself back up and becomes the short-term nanny for Cooper Johnson, the Firebirds goalie.
From the beginning we see how hard Ally is working towards healing and emotional growth. She has reservations about nannying but ends up loving little Lucas to pieces. Their relationship is surprising and adorable. Ally slowly allows herself to be vulnerable with others and even begins repairing her relationship with Quinn and Levi. Lots of folks strongly disliked Ally in book one and were worried that Lexi James wouldn't be able to redeem her -- but she totally did!
Now, let's talk about Cooper Johnson! He was a phenomenal man who I couldn't possibly love more, even if I tried. He was so kind and patient, both an amazing dad and great with Ally. He puts "golden" in the golden retriever stereotype. The way he was so gentle, loyal, steadfast, and protective... LOVED IT and everything about him. Perfect dad and tender partner. Absolutely swoon-worthy!
The two MCs had excellent, slow burn energy from the get go. I loved their journey to each other. The spice is wonderful. Maybe not the most spicy, but still great! They are a truly beautiful couple and little family.
Overall I give this book a solid and amazing 4 stars. The character's growth was beautiful and their chemistry was fantastic. I love redemption arcs that help a previously unloved character get their happily ever after. Check out Cooper if you love sweet sports romances with great character development, spicy tension between the MCs, and HEAs.I can't wait to see what the series brings next since it left us with all of those questions.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: Not for this book
Tropes: Hockey Romance, Single Dad / Nanny, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn
Series / Standalone: Series, but supposedly can be read as standalones?
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
I didn't read book one of the series, which put me at a slight disadvantage of not knowing Ally's backstory. From others, I gathered that Ally's relationship with her significant other (Levi) dissolved because he discovered his one true love was her sister, Quinn. This caused emotional damage, as well as a rift between the sisters. In book two, Ally tries to pick herself back up and becomes the short-term nanny for Cooper Johnson, the Firebirds goalie.
From the beginning we see how hard Ally is working towards healing and emotional growth. She has reservations about nannying but ends up loving little Lucas to pieces. Their relationship is surprising and adorable. Ally slowly allows herself to be vulnerable with others and even begins repairing her relationship with Quinn and Levi. Lots of folks strongly disliked Ally in book one and were worried that Lexi James wouldn't be able to redeem her -- but she totally did!
Now, let's talk about Cooper Johnson! He was a phenomenal man who I couldn't possibly love more, even if I tried. He was so kind and patient, both an amazing dad and great with Ally. He puts "golden" in the golden retriever stereotype. The way he was so gentle, loyal, steadfast, and protective... LOVED IT and everything about him. Perfect dad and tender partner. Absolutely swoon-worthy!
The two MCs had excellent, slow burn energy from the get go. I loved their journey to each other. The spice is wonderful. Maybe not the most spicy, but still great! They are a truly beautiful couple and little family.
Overall I give this book a solid and amazing 4 stars. The character's growth was beautiful and their chemistry was fantastic. I love redemption arcs that help a previously unloved character get their happily ever after. Check out Cooper if you love sweet sports romances with great character development, spicy tension between the MCs, and HEAs.I can't wait to see what the series brings next since it left us with all of those questions.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: Not for this book
Tropes: Hockey Romance, Single Dad / Nanny, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn
Series / Standalone: Series, but supposedly can be read as standalones?
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
October 25, 2025
This is the second book in this Hockey series and i have received this book as an arc. While I know that Ally was in the first book, I do not remember her. Which I actually think is a good thing. She is hired by her uncle to be a nanny for one of the players on his team. She knows nothing about children and this is scaring her. She is worried that she is not going to be a good nanny. Cooper, is a the goalie and needs a nanny for his 4 year old son Lucas. While they knew each other in the past, they were never friends. She is the ex- fiancé of one of his teammates, who also happens to be the boyfriend of her sister Quinn. While she spends more and more time with the boys, she really is starting to open up and show who she really is. While she is learning who she is, she is also rebuilding a relationship with her family. As time goes on, Copper and Ally start testing the waters of their friendship turned into relationship. Then one night as everything is going well, hew ex boyfriend shows up at a bar to talk to her, and she wont give him the time of day. This angers him and he threatens Cooper and how he better watch out. During the game that night, he gets beat up by this guy and she takes off after watching it happen. However he isn’t hurt and he sees that she runs to his house. He follows her there and she learns that he is going to chase her to pretty much anywhere because shes worth chasing. After that she starts to learn just how important she is to these new men in her life. Then one night she over hears Cooper and the old nanny talking when she just shows up, and she is telling him that shes wants to be with him. That causes Ally to run again. This time to her sister’s house. While she didn’t get to hear what Cooper told this girl (in a nice way) that she wasn’t ever going to be anything to him. The next day Cooper shows up at Quinns house to make her breakfast and to tell her what happened and that he will always chase her.
I did enjoy this story. I thought the storyline was just right with a mix of both the hockey stuff and then about them. It worked well in both ways that it allowed you to follow the story easy, but also kept you reading. It was not a super long story which I liked that it was not dragged out. I also really like that it included a few little chapters from Lucas’s point of view. If you are looking for a cute, nanny and the single dad story, with a little spice, and a super cute little 4 year old boy. Then I would definitely check out this story, or even this author.
I did enjoy this story. I thought the storyline was just right with a mix of both the hockey stuff and then about them. It worked well in both ways that it allowed you to follow the story easy, but also kept you reading. It was not a super long story which I liked that it was not dragged out. I also really like that it included a few little chapters from Lucas’s point of view. If you are looking for a cute, nanny and the single dad story, with a little spice, and a super cute little 4 year old boy. Then I would definitely check out this story, or even this author.
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