Hearts on the Fly

by Toni Shiloh

Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on ice--but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey, but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up--only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.

Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister's heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val's guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear out of compassion. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.

As Jabari navigates life off the ice and searches for a new purpose, he's drawn to Val in ways he didn't expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box?

Delve into award-winning author Toni Shiloh's sports romance for fans of Emma St. Clair, Pepper Basham, and Melissa Ferguson.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Sports Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance, Friends To Lovers

320 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. A native of Texas, she now lives in northern Virginia. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.

Reviews

[Paris (parismaereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Quick Takes:
- 4.25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Genre 📚 hockey romance
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 kisses only
- Content 🤔 toxic family relationships, visual impairment

My first book by Toni Shiloh and I loved the strong, bold faith!

This is a Christian fiction book with strong and continuous faith themes throughout the plot. I loved her physical and spiritual way she showed someone stepping from darkness into Christ’s marvelous light. The way the narrative flows gives readers a beautiful picture of what it looks like to seek God first in all things, pray continuously, and be a light in the darkness. I loved the real time, hard faith questions that were brought up in the character dialogue. It acted as a great example of how you can be unashamed and answer faithfully. A lot of books that have faith themes feel like it’s forced or an after thought, and I appreciate how natural it all felt throughout the narrative.

There were a few small details throughout that plot that pulled me out of the story a bit, but I think that’s a testament to her fantastic writing. If the writing is good I usually notice the little nit picky things 😅 the advanced readers copy also had some formatting issues that I hope will be resolved in the ebook release, I did not reflect that in my star rating.

I read this in two sittings so it was an overall successful story and reading experience, I even read the little preview of the next book to come and am already sucked into that story!

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review!

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christian Hockey Romance story and I absolutely loved it! Jabari is a hockey player who gets injured and goes partially blind. He gets setup on a blind date not that she is blind too but in the regular meaning of the term haha. He can’t see her very well when they meet so he doesn’t recognize her but she knows him! Val meets her date to find out it’s her sister’s ex. She was going to back out then but Jabari seemed like he needed a friend so their friendship begins. I really loved Jabari and Val! They are both great characters. I felt bad for Jabari with his sight problems but I loved how God used it to turn Jabari to Him. Val hides her friendship with Jabari because if her sister Jackie finds out she will flip out. Of course she does eventually. I loved watching Val and Jabari’s relationship grow and develop into a romantic relationship. They have real conversations and it’s not based on attraction. The Christian content in this book is really good! I also liked the side stories especially with Val’s other sister Fran. Overall a fantastic story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Ally | SkipTheSpice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Toni Shiloh book and I so enjoyed it! Hearts on the Fly is a sweet and clean hockey romance full of faith themes, forgiveness, family drama, and redemption. The dynamic between Val and her family members felt so painfully realistic. I felt for her throughout the story. I also appreciated Jabari’s faith journey. It didn’t feel contrived or forced, but very relatable and I loved watching it slowly unfold. And the progression in his relationship with his mom was another favorite aspect of the story.

The conflict between Val’s family regarding Jabari’s past with Val’s sister was a major accelerant to the story. I really wanted to see how it all panned out, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was surprised at how deep and tough things got. A lot of romances skim the surface with the conflict and brush over it in order to the wrap up the story neatly. Toni Shiloh did a wonderful job diving right into the conflict and letting the messiness and emotional damage land where it may. The conclusion is fully satisfying and authentic.

If you’re looking for a clean hockey romance with faith themes, genuine interactions, and emotional depth, Hearts on the Fly is a great choice!

Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: None
Content Considerations: Difficult family
dynamics, macular degeneration representation, unplanned pregnancy

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and the author. All opinions are my own.

[Ja’Laya Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Hearts on the Fly is tender, emotional, and deeply uplifting. Jabari’s journey—losing his hockey future while facing declining vision—was written with so much honesty and care that I felt every moment of his struggle. His pain, doubts, and growth stayed with me long after I finished.

What truly made this story special for me was the faith. Val’s quiet, steady Christianity and Javier’s genuine friendship were beautiful examples of living out faith with love and patience. The prayers, the hope, and watching Jabari give his life to Christ were incredibly moving and done so naturally and respectfully.

The romance is gentle and meaningful, rooted in friendship, grace, and healing. This book is more than a love story—it’s about redemption, trusting God with broken dreams, and finding purpose beyond what you thought your life would be.

This story touched my heart deeply, and I’m so grateful I got to read it. Highly, highly recommend.

[Shaylee Osterholt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Hockey romance book & I am so happy it was. I really enjoyed that it has multiple layers of faith elements from different characters in their own journeys woven in. There was great character development & family aspects in this book.

From the beginning all the way to the end, I was drawn in. I awe’d, laughed, and got teary-eyed throughout. Literally no complaints, this was perfect! 🥹 🩵
I can’t wait to read more from this author and buy the physical copy of this book for my shelf now.
The narrators also did a great job! 👏🏻

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for gifting me this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rhonda McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story. (Full review to come.)

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the sports romance sub genre! The story is just as stunning as that cover is. 😍

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Back and forth, I move around the rink attempting to make a goal or ensuring the other team doesn’t. When I hit two minutes of play time, I get the signal to hit the bench. The second line comes out, eager to keep up the momentum. The exchange is on the fly and, for the fans watching, probably not obvious if their gaze is on the puck and not us."

Jabari's life is hockey. So when he is blindsided by an injury, he isn't sure how to cope. How can he find purpose and meaning again.

Val's role seems to be peacekeeper. She makes life smoother for everyone else. When she has the chance to follow her heart, will she be brave enough to do so?

While this is a book about hockey, the plot has much more to do with following the lives of the characters. At the beginning, the author notes a personal connection to the storyline, and the heart portrayed in the plot confirms this. This book has many layers.

The hero has lived his life without God, and when faced with a career ending injury, he starts to realize he needs to find faith in One he can trust despite hardship. Since the heroine is so busy keeping peace, particularly in her family, she has forgotten to balance that with truth. When she finally speaks out, changes start to happen. I definitely recommend this contemporary romance!

I did read an advanced copy of this book through netgalley. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨REVIEW: Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh✨

🎧3.75⭐️ (maybe 4⭐️ for romance lovers)

RELEASE DATE: February 3, 2026

✝️Toni Shiloh writes Christian romance like few other authors. Her characters undergo trials and face struggles, yet they work these with prayer, in such a way that causes their faith to grow. Nothing is sugar-coated or incorporated in a cheesy way.

❤️Both main characters are so relatable. Val is working through dysfunctional family relationships, and Jabari is coping with serious health issues. I also liked the friends-to-lovers storyline.

🤷‍♀️Why not five stars?
I really struggled to rate this book because I enjoyed just about everything except the way one storyline was handled near the end. Without giving anything away, things wrapped up too neatly for my liking.

🎧The dual audio narration was perfect! This is the first Toni Shiloh book I’ve done on audio, and I think I’ll always listen to her books from here on out.

🥰Thanks to @rbmedia for my ALC. #netgalley

⚠️Profanity: none
Sexual: 1/5 (sweet kisses only)
Other: Unplanned pregnancy, dysfunctional family, blindness

❓Do you prefer to listen to romance on audio, or do you like to read it on the page? I’ve found that I usually prefer audio for this genre.

[Athena 💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This audiobook was straight up church! Toni Shiloh was preaching through a sports romance novel and the entire time I was wishing I had a physical copy to highlight all of the wisdom she was pouring out onto her readers.

There are so many things that stood out to me that I loved about this book, where do I even begin?

First off, I adored the two main characters! Their ability to express their feelings with one another and others was a breath of fresh air. The miscommunication trope has grown old in romance so this was such a refreshing switch up. I loved how easily the author wrote God into this story. Val’s faith was evident in every line without feeling forced or generic. I appreciated that the author wrote imperfect characters with space for them to develop and grow -an unexpected pregnancy out of wedlock, a jealous sister, a broken marriage and an MMC who was closed off to the idea of God.

Usually I’m not a huge fan of extensive internal monologue. Especially when there is so much explaining that it comes off feeling like a therapy session but in this case I didn’t mind it. I actually appreciated Jabari’s internal thought processing as he worked through his questions and doubts while on a journey to finding Jesus.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for an ALC of Hearts On The Fly. I adored everything about this audiobook even down to the voice narrators.

[maiaisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

#BookReview : HEARTS ON THE FLY by Toni Shiloh

4 ⭐

If you enjoy hockey, you’ll appreciate the sports element woven throughout this story. At times, the writing style is more reflective than action-driven, often focusing on processing events rather than fast-paced scenes. While I personally tend to prefer more action on the page, this thoughtful approach does allow readers to truly connect with Jabari’s new reality. His fears, frustrations, and uncertainty about the future feel genuine, and watching him face his challenges while growing stronger in his faith is both moving and inspiring.

At the same time, Val’s choice to date her sister’s ex-boyfriend creates plenty of awkwardness and family drama. Despite the complications, Jabari and Val build their relationship on a strong friendship and steady support. Their chemistry is subtle but meaningful, showing that trust and encouragement are at the heart of lasting love. Overall, this is a heartfelt and uplifting story about faith, growth, and navigating complicated family dynamics.

Thank you Bethany House and netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Pub date: Feb 03 2026

[Orinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ALC for an honest review

I didn't know this was a christian romance initially but decided to give it a fair chance. The overall romance was nice and wholesome. I was pleasantly surprised with the story overall ; it didn't feel formulaic. The pacing felt great, the relationship didn't feel rushed and felt very gradual. The main characters were overall good for each other. Also, the romance at the end wrapped up nicely and gave a great story conclusion.

However, this is a very faith heavy book and those aren't for me at all. I didn't like how the disability was handled at the end - healed because he went to church and found god. I wish the ending just kept his disability and showed that the main character can still amount to something.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh

This novel follows Jabari Hall, a professional hockey player whose life is upended by a devastating injury and a diagnosis that threatens both his career and his future. As he grapples with depression and deteriorating eyesight, a well-intentioned setup leads him on an unexpected date with Val Elliott, his ex’s sister. What begins as an awkward encounter grows into a friendship and, eventually, something deeper as both characters navigate loss, loyalty, faith, and the possibility of new purpose.

While the premise is emotionally compelling, I struggled with several aspects of the story from a biblical and personal perspective.

One of my primary concerns was the romantic relationship itself. Scripture clearly warns believers against being unequally yoked, yet the relationship between Jabari and Val begins before he is a believer. This tension is never fully resolved in a way that felt spiritually sound. Additionally, Val’s sister is openly living in fornication, yet the narrative focuses more on how this behavior will be perceived by the church than on repentance or accountability. Her concern felt rooted in image rather than conviction.

I was also saddened by how the church was portrayed overall. The repeated emphasis on fear of judgment and the lack of spiritual growth or correction painted the church in a discouraging light.

On a more personal note, I found it uncomfortable that the romantic relationship involved dating her sister’s ex. While the story attempts to justify it emotionally, it felt unsettling and difficult to reconcile, especially within the context of family loyalty and healing.

That said, the book does have meaningful strengths. I appreciated the honest representation of depression and other medical challenges. The reminder that life can change in an instant was powerful, and the exploration of how one person’s depression affects those around them was thought-provoking. The portrayal of vision loss was particularly impactful, highlighting practical realities such as how watching movies or engaging in everyday activities becomes more challenging and requires new accommodations, like relying more heavily on audio.

One line that stood out to me and captured the tone of Jabari’s internal struggle was:
“I’ve got more knots in my stomach than a fisherman’s line.”
Moments like this showed the author’s ability to write with warmth and emotional insight.

In the end, while I appreciated the themes of loss, mental health awareness, and the reality that life can shift without warning, the theological and relational choices made it difficult for me to fully embrace the story. Readers who prioritize strong biblical foundations in Christian romance may find some elements challenging, though others may still connect with its exploration of hardship and healing.

I’ve received a complimentary copy, and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Markita_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Hearts on the Fly
Author: Toni Shiloh
Genre: Christian Romance
Format: Audiobook & Ebook
Narrated by: AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (4)

Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice—but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up—only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister. 

This is a cute, wholesome, super cute read. I normally don't read Christian Romance because I like a little spice with my romance, but this was good! I work in the medical field and do some eye cases, so seeing the main male character, Jabari, struggle with deteriorating eyesight was relatable. I enjoyed Val's character and how she was a God-fearing woman.

The audiobook is dual-narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad. They are both new narrators, and I enjoyed them both. They were easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2.5x speed.

The Ending: Happily Ever After
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Day

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audiobook, and Bethany for the ebook, in exchange for my honest review.

[Kimara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to RB Media, Author Toni Shiloh, Narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad, and NetGalley for the ARC of Hearts on the Fly in exchange for an honest review.

This novel in audio was so refreshing. This is a hockey romance with clean story lines, flawed characters, but with the overwhelming presents of God within the storylines. A perfect valentine's book to gift someone who enjoys clean romance or a pre-teen to young adult that would like a clean option for a book.

Jabari has his "first love" taken away from him in a sudden way and needs to quickly learn to adapt and also to rely on help from others--which is not a weakness, but learns its a strength. Val comes in when both of them least expect it after a blind date. Sparks fly and hearts are connected after their first meeting and intimate sharing of Jabari's current tragic situation. Family and sisterhood dynamics are also woven throughout the story beautifully. A must read for everyone, in my opinion.

[Atoshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 Stars)
This Christian romance delivered a heartfelt story centered on faith, healing, and the beauty of trusting God’s timing. The romance unfolded naturally, allowing the characters to grow individually before fully coming together, which made their relationship feel genuine and earned.
Faith was thoughtfully woven throughout the story without overpowering the romance. The characters faced realistic struggles, moments of doubt, and emotional growth that made their journeys relatable and inspiring. I appreciated how prayer, grace, and forgiveness played key roles in both their personal development and their relationship.
The pacing was steady and engaging, though there were a few moments where I wished for slightly more depth in certain emotional scenes hence the 4.5 rating instead of a full five. Still, the overall message of hope and redemption was uplifting and lingered after the final chapter.
A solid recommendation for readers who enjoy clean, faith-based romances with meaningful emotional arcs.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Nouf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

My first book by this author and won't be the last. I liked her writing style it was so easy to read. I loved the story and the message behind it. I felt so bad for Jabari and what he went through i was so happy when he got his vision back!! I hated Jackie she was so toxic and selfish and so was the dad.

I didn't really connect with the FMC she felt more like a mom. Also we didn't see what happened with Charles North and what the NHL did to him for what he did to Jabari!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Bookish Beanss · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you #NetGallery for the Audiobook arc.
i really loved the relation and the way the story and connection built up between the main characters, this book revolves around faith, religion, finding inner peace, disability rep. This is a heartfelt Christian romance story which delivered a heart warming story centered on faith, healing, and the beauty of trusting God’s timing. since mine was an audiobook, the narrators did a wonderful job capturing the essence and emotions of both Val and Jabari.

[Deanna (she_reads_truth_365) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by author Tony Shiloh and it did not disappoint. What drew me to Hearts on the Fly was that this was a Christian sport romance story with closed door scenes.

This romcom was funny, cute witty banter, relatable characters, friendships and second chances.

I enjoyed the dual narration for this story. Even though both narrators were new to me, I thought they both did a wonderful job of narrating the book. I listened at 1.75x speed.

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the gifted audiobook and the opportunity to preview this book. All opinions are my own.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The romance was so sweet, and I was encouraged by how much the author pointed the reader toward God and his trustworthiness. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, and I highly recommend reading this book.

[Raven Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME book!!! 🩵🩵🩵

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

**If you are not a Christian and/or a very open minded and curious individual, this romance is not for you.**

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’ve read one other book by Toni Shiloh before, and this one was much heavier on the Contemporary Christian elements. As a believer, it did not bother me. But I can see how it might be a turn off to those who don’t practice the same religion.

With that said, I loved this story! It was very adorable and cozy. I loved seeing a Black Christian family navigate their family drama in an intentional way as opposed to the stereotypical toxic and uncommunicative normal that is so prevalent for most families. I was not expecting the parents of the three sisters to display ownership and accountability when it came to bad parenting decisions, so it was refreshing to see how it can be done in a healthy way.

I also appreciated seeing how the author navigated a love story with a believing FMC and a non-believing MMC. Not only did they get their happily ever after, but Toni Shiloh wrote a very authentic experience for how the MMC came to experience God on his own and the baby steps he tried throughout the story to build up to having his own relationship with God. Outside of the miracle aspect, reading the ways in which Jabari’s faith grew was very beautiful to experience.

Finally, I absolutely loved Val. I’m always a fan of a FMC who is independent and determined, but beautifully flawed. I appreciated experiencing Val learning about her flaws through the empowerment of a partner who truly likes, respects, and cherishes you. It’s one thing to have a partner who acts as an [abrasive] mirror, but it’s a whole different experience to have a partner who is your biggest cheerleader. I’m a much bigger fan of the latter approach, so seeing it play out like that in this story is what gave it a cozier tone.

I’ve already recommended this book to a church friend, so I anticipate I’ll be buying both myself and my friend a copy once this title drops.

[Alicia Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heart-warming and cozy read.

Hearts on the Fly is a touching contemporary Christian romance.

Jabari is a hockey player for the Warriors at the peak of his career when an injury results in him being declared legally blind. Val, a middle child who often feels overlooked, is a talented project manager for her family’s sports management company. Even with her professional success, she consistently puts the needs of others before her own.
The story kicks off when Jabari and Val are set up on a blind date. There, Val learns about Jabari’s condition, and Jabari realizes a shocking connection: Val is his ex-girlfriend's little sister.
We follow both characters as they navigate life-altering changes. Jabari must come to terms with his prognosis and search for a new career path, while also embarking on a faith journey as a former non-believer. Meanwhile, Val navigates complex family dynamics and mounting tension once her family learns about her connection to Jabari.
As someone who is not religious, I found Jabari’s faith journey to be surprisingly believable. While I felt the ending was a bit unearned and leaned into the "miracle-esque," it didn’t detract from the overall strength of the story. Both Jabari and Val felt like adults making mature decisions. Their romance was cheesy, wholesome, and exactly what I needed right now.

Things to keep in mind:
* Genre: Christian Romance (No spice/clean)
* Tropes: Friends to lovers, dating a sibling’s ex
* Representation: Disability rep (Macular Degeneration)
* Audiobook: Narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad (9h 52m)

Note on the Narration: I listened to an audio copy of this book, and the narrators did a wonderful job capturing the essence of both Jabari and Val. Hassiem’s narration is clear yet full of emotion. AhDream Smith brings Val to life with her intonation and sass. Her narration is confident while pausing at pivotal points that allow the story to flow.

Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for the advanced reader copy of Hearts on the Fly.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hearts on the Fly" by Toni Shiloh is a wonderful hockey contemporary romance. The dual narration in the audiobook is excellent and the narrators fit the two main characters Val and Jabari really well.

Jabari is facing vision loss after a huge hit on the ice. He's set up on a blind date with his ex's younger sister Val, much to their surprise, 10 years after he broke up with the sister. They reconnect as Jabari faces a huge life change and career change due to the vision loss. Val struggles with what her sister told her about Jabari and has to unpack her feelings for Jabari as she processes what really happened all those years ago and deals with her attraction to the man whose name is forbidden to be spoken within her family.

Val's family, their life choices and interactions were very difficult to read about. Their family drama is a huge part of the story and there's a lot to unpack with them and their relationships with one another. Val is often put in the middle of the drama and so she struggles with boundaries. Jabari's mom has depression and issues with how the church harmed her earlier in her life. Both Val and Jabari have a lot to deal with as they figure out if they should stay friends or grow into more.

The pace of the story is good and the Christian faith content is strong. Through the lives of the characters, the book highlights that we live in a sinful world where we need to let God be put in the front and center of it all. The character growth and development is big in the book for so many of the characters we meet.

Readers of Christian fiction will likely enjoy this book since the Christian faith is strong in this one. I hope Shiloh writes Val's younger sister Fran's story as she's probably my favorite side character in the book though she's dealing with issues of her own.

Thank you to Recorded Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an audiobook ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting caught up on a blind date with her sister’s ex was not something Val could have envisioned happening to her, but she stays because she feels Jabari needs a friend due to his injury. Throughout speaking to each other, Val and Jabari both face internal battles about their personal issues, but find solace in each other’s company and friendship.

Such a great friends to lovers romance. Seeing the family dynamics of Val with her parents and sisters and Jabari with his mother really gave insight on the characters personality and lifestyles a bit more. I really loved how Val was constantly shining a positive light through the word of God to those around her and showing grace in even the most difficult situations. Her faith is one of the things I liked most about her. Faith being the main subject in this book felt really powerful and refreshing especially in a sports romance.

I did read this book as an audiobook and I have to say that I loved the narrator’s used for this production. Their tone of voice really brought the story to life. I also really love and appreciate a dual narration, which was the case with “Hearts on the Fly.” I would definitely recommend picking this up as an audiobook.

I received an advanced listener copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel-good, heartfelt love story.

Jabari and Val were so cute, their romance develops slowly growing and building from a beautiful foundation of friendship finding love in the most unexpected of places. I enjoyed their blind re-meet-cute.

Narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad. It was my first time listening to these narrators and I thought they were enjoyable to listen to.

If you're looking for a clean, closed-door romance full of sweet banter, faith themes, and realistic family drama between an injured hockey player and his Ex's sister this is it.

Tropes:
Forbidden romance
Friends to lovers
Faith themes
Age-gap
Pregnancy
Disability rep
Ex's sister
Blind date
Closed door
Found family
Dual POV

Full disclosure I love Hockey romance and while I have eclectic tastes I normally don't go for Christian romance but I gave it a shot and really enjoyed this story and the author's writing. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't be scared to go outside of your normal reads or comfort zone because you may find something new you really enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley and Toni Shiloh for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

[Cristina Rodrigues Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian romance, and it was such a refreshing read.

Val’s story unfolds as she falls for her sister’s ex boyfriend, Jabari, a hockey player. The family connection adds emotional tension and makes their relationship feel layered and meaningful rather than simple.

I appreciated that this is a clean romance. The focus is on emotional development and shared values instead of physical attraction, which gives the story real depth.

One of my favorite parts was Jabari’s faith journey and watching his spiritual growth unfold alongside the romance.

As for the audiobook, I really liked that there were two narrators, one for Val and one for Jabari. However, it felt a little strange that the female narrator performed Jabari’s dialogue in her chapters, and the male narrator performed Val’s dialogue in his chapters. Since both voice actors were already there, they could have used Jabari’s narrator for his lines even in Val’s chapters, and vice versa. Hearing them imitate each other’s voices sometimes took me out of the immersive experience. Other than that, the audiobook was very well done.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️This wasn’t just a hockey romance. (Which i initially thought) It was beautifully rooted in Christian faith. Val is there for Jabari during a difficult season in his life, helping him strengthen his relationship with God. Sparks definitely fly between them, but the only problem is, he's off limits due to sister code. Still, can Val really abandon Jabari when he needs her most?

I loved how the author wove in prayers and meaningful conversations about God throughout the story. I listened to the audiobook, and the female narrator was amazing and truly brought the story to life. The male narrator was fine, though some parts didn’t quite match his voice for me.

There were sweet, “aww” moments, and I appreciated the reminder it gave: to always get both sides of the story. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Val and Jabari as characters and the friendship they started with. It gave some good life and relatability to their characters and the growing relationship they had.

The family drama gave the story some good buy in - I felt for Fran and Val, couldn’t stand Jackie, and the family dysfunction had me rooting for Val’s character growth. I also really loved the fellow players with Jabari and how they supported him.

The faith journey for Jabari was quick but had a good progression to it. I liked that the majority of the influence there was from his teammates rather than Val, and they emphasized friendship and empathy along with sharing their faith.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Elisabeth Lovelace · Rating 1 out of 5]

"biscuit": Calling a hockey puck a biscuit is a questionable word choice. I think throughout this book, many word choices should not have been in the final (obviously, I had the ARC), but still.

Clearly, this is a book that has a clear focus on religion. I think that it could have been tamed down. I would have loved to see more of the relationship between Val and her sister, and her boyfriend.

The family is also one of the main issues I found. They build there relationship on lies, and I felt like they never loved each other but used each other, especially Jackie and her dad.

Thank you for the Audio ARC from Netgalley.