Top Scorer

by Laura Marquez Diamond

TRISTAN
Ligaya “the Terror” Torres. Sharp mouth. Wicked glare. Too pretty for my sanity.

Back in high school, we pranked each other daily, traded insults like candy, and shared one unforgettable kiss on graduation night.

Ten years later, I’m back in our hometown with a new team and a new reason to see her differently. Turns out the tension between us has grown hotter than ever.

The only thing crazier than kissing her again? Realizing I never should have stopped.

When fate intervenes, I’m ready to be the man she deserves. No playing around, it’s time to win the heart of the woman I love.

LIGAYA
Tristan Thorne III or, as I like to call him, "the Turd" is still infuriating, still gorgeous, and still skating circles around my willpower.

He's the prank king, the comeback kid, the man whose kiss I can’t forget.

I agreed to one reckless, glorious night to shut the door on our past. Instead, we opened another door. The one that leads straight to midnight cravings, swollen ankles, and mood swings that give me whiplash.

My body has never been more desperate for Tristan, but my brain won’t stop wondering...

Are his feelings real, or am I falling for the meanest prank of all?

Grab at the pre-order price!

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Laura writes romances featuring women who slay their own dragons and the men who love them fiercely. In her books, the fall is hard, the steam is blinding, the groveling is glorious, and the passion all-consuming.

For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!

Reviews

[Mrs T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucking fabulous,  the Mavericks series is one of my favourite hockey romance series and Top Scorer is going to be a fast favourite.

Lots of history between Tristan and Ligaya from high school,  however their getting to know each other all over again, is romance writing at its best.

[TheSugaredBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It's got so many tropes- childhood friends, enemies to lovers, second chance, and accidental pregnancy. He definitely falls first and the hardest!! The banter between Ligaya and Tristan was top notch! They played epic pranks on each other and still 10 years later don't hold back on the banter. He calls her the Terror, she calls him Turd! It was hilarious! Beneath all of that, there was so much heart. Ligaya comes from such a loving and accepting family. She has such healthy relationships with her mom, dad and sister, and she even has great extended family. Tristan on the other hand comes from a very toxic family, one that has dealt with massive grief and processed it unhealthily. It was so satisfying seeing Ligaya being unapologetically awesome, refusing to be made to feel less than. Just as it was so satisfying to see Tristan completely respect her and be patient. He wants all of her, but knows she needs time. I loved all of this story so much!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this story! Tristan and Ligaya are relationship goals. The banter between these two was so perfect. I loved the surprise pregnancy and the fact that Tristan was all in from the start. The he falls first is always fun to read and this one was no exception.
The characters were so well written that I felt like I’ve known them forever. The whole story was amazingly written and I loved every second of it.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Tristan and Ligaya have known each other since high school and were somewhat frenemies. When Tristan comes back to town ten years later, their chemistry has become much less antagonistic and much spicier. They agree on one night to get each other out of their systems, but it didn’t really work out that way. Super spicy and sweet while Tristan and Ligaya navigate their new normal. Loved it!!!

[Joy Lynch]

Laura gives us a fabulous standalone book within the Mavericks series! The heat between Libya and Tristan goes back to high school and 10 years on, is still strong. They go from 0 to 60 in a hurry and then they have to deal with the consequences of that. Dive into this wonderfully written book with complex characters and plot twists that keep you turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly recommend the series! Don't miss out on this book!!

[Amanda Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please check your triggers as there are sensitive subjects that appear in this book Read with Care
this was a really well plotted story and done with care and respect. It's about love but also about choice and decisions all women have to make when it comes to pregnancy and birth. I love both characters and laughed throughout this book. The quotes are hilarious, heartwarming and a whole lot of fun.

I love this series and how Laura writes her stories. It's always an amazing experience.

[Margarida · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might now be a favourite trope(s)

If you're looking for enemies to lovers or second chance romance or accidental pregnancy or reconnecting as adults after knowing each other growing up or hockey romance or he falls first... Then this is the book for you!
Ligaya has a life full of friends and a career she loves... Until it brings her face to face with her high school nemesis who left to be a professional NHS player. But now he's back and their chemistry is unavoidable. But when one night turns into a pregnancy, can she trust Tristan to stay this time around?
He's a cinnamon roll with past trauma, she's a feisty woman that takes no prisoners, what could be better?

[Tammy Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming

Wow this is an amazing book that draws you in. With intense emotional history, Ligaya is determined to keep Tristan in the past. When that doesn't work out for her, she decides that a fling may be just what she needs to rid herself from thoughts of him. With laughs and tears we follow along as they traverse their tangled relationship. This book is well written and an amazing read.

[Alaysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good hockey romance. Oh my goodness. I couldn't put it down and I absolutely loved the snark of our FMC. Our guys gives it back ten folds and the sparks just flew between these two! So amazing. Your heart will be frosted with goodness after reading this book!!!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan would prank her all through school and then left. Now he is back and things may just restart but this time feelings may get involved. He wants all of her but will she fall for it? She is worried that he is pranking her the worse ever. See just how it goes

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story, it had me hooked right away!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potentially my favourite Maverick novel to date!! (I feel like I always say this but Tristan and Ligaya have my heart!!)
Its the perfect story of high school rivals to adult lovers and was a beautiful read.
I cried plenty its that good. Real tears.
The world build is strong this deep into the Mavericks series but as a complete stand alone could also hold itself up easily.
Ligaya is a feisty drama nerd and Tristan goes from hot hockey jock to yes daddy so fast!
Don't wait to read this, its a feel, good spicy, hockey fanatic dream.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect read for me filled with wonderful characters who have explosive chemistry and their bantering had me giggling. It also had a fantastic storyline you can relate to and that was so well written. I was hooked from the first page. I loved Ligaya’s inner talk and her personality. Tristan was swoonworthy as he steps up in anyway needed. I loved their story and look forward to more by this talented author. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Top Scorer" by Laura Marquez Diamond is an absolute must-read! From the very first page, I was hooked by the witty banter and undeniable chemistry between the main characters. Their relationship development is beautifully written, and they quickly became relationship goals. The author masterfully balances heartwarming moments with sizzling spice, offering the best of both worlds. As a mom, I especially appreciated the raw and honest portrayal of the main character's struggles during childbirth, which resonated deeply with me. This book is a perfect blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth – I loved every minute!

[Heather E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this installment on the Mavericks hockey universe! It had such deep moments and points but broke it up with dialogue that had me laughing loudly! This friends, to enemies to lovers story involved Ligaya and Tristan and was so hard to put down! A stunning tale of mistakes, and redemption.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan and Ligaya completely stole my heart they’re the kind of couple that makes you believe in second chances and real, lasting love. Their chemistry jumps off the page, and the banter between them was pure perfection. I was smiling, laughing, and swooning from start to finish.

The surprise pregnancy was such a great twist, and I loved how Tristan was all in right from the beginning. There’s something so swoon worthy about a hero who falls first and falls hard. Add in the best friends to lovers and second chance vibes, and you’ve got one of my favorite romance tropes done just right.

I also have to mention how much I loved Ligaya’s hilarious inner arguments with her own body those moments had me cracking up! Laura Marquez Diamond really nails the balance between humor, heart, and heat. The emotional beats hit just as strong as the spicy ones, and it all feels so real and relatable.

As a mom, I was especially touched by the honest and raw way childbirth and postpartum struggles were portrayed. It added so much depth to the story and made me connect with Ligaya on a deeper level.

Top Scorer is the perfect blend of laughter, love, and emotion. It’s a feel good, full heart kind of romance that will leave you grinning long after the last page. I loved every single moment!

📌 As always, my reviews are 100% voluntary no monetary compensation involved. All thoughts are entirely my own.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ligaya sees Tristan for the first time since high school graduation 10 years earlier, her first thought is to run and hide. Her second thought is about how yummy he is. Tristan can't help but notice how even more beautiful Ligaya has gotten. One night of uncontrollable passion leads to a permanent connection.
I really like this author's work. This is the third or forth book I've read in this series. Luckily this one doesn't make me want to cry at every page like the last one did. I really liked both MCs, except for a lot of Ligaya's thoughts/ assumptions about Tristan. With her initial ones, she assumes he's still an immature high schooler with a chip on his shoulder. Then she assumes he'll act like he ex when he finds out about her pregnancy. I know it's more to keep the tension in the book and not make it cookie cutter, but she annoyed me a bit and made me want to give Tristan a big hug. Then again all the men this author writes about deserve lots of hugs. I'm also still loving the Ohio setting. The author must love this state as much as I do. I also love the diversity.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is packed with classic tropes like childhood friends, enemies to lovers, second chances, and accidental pregnancy. Tristan falls head over heels for Ligaya, and their banter is top-notch! They play epic pranks on each other, and even after 10 years, they don’t hold back. He calls her the Terror, and she calls him Turd! Beneath all the humour, there’s a lot of heart. Ligaya comes from a loving and accepting family with healthy relationships with her mom, dad, and sister, as well as great extended family. Tristan, on the other hand, comes from a very toxic family that has dealt with massive grief and processed it unhealthily. It was satisfying to see Ligaya being unapologetically awesome and refusing to be made to feel less than. Just as it was satisfying to see Tristan completely respect her and be patient. He wants all of her, but knows she needs time. I can say that I loved this story!

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan is back in his hometown after years away. His hockey career stalled after a knee injury but now a temporary signing with the Mavericks gives him the chance to prove himself. This brings him face to face with Ligaya ,his childhood friend and high school nemesis with who he had a prank war with. After a graduation kiss he ghosted her but now on his return, their attraction is undeniable and she thinks a one night stand is all they need to get it out of their system. But there are unexpected consequences.
This was a great story. I love how Tristan stepped up straight away and was all in to take care of Lagaya throughout the pregnancy. It was clear his feelings went above and beyond taking care of her for the pregnancy sake, it definitely went deeper. I think the biggest angst came from whether she could trust him to stick around after the hockey season ended. If you want to know if he did stick around, read the book- you won't regret it!

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm picky about books outside my usual reading tastes these day and Diamond's book hit the spot. I'm a sucker for Asian representation and Diamond's was the book I did not know I need. The way that the Filipino culture was intertwined into the story and was front and present is what we need in Asian stories . As a Asian myself, Diamond showed how we juggle the responsibilities of what we have been brought up to believe and the culture of the country we live in. The romance between these characters was accurate reflecting the juggling of families and realising what is important. I love how accurate Diamond was in all areas of her characters and this what made the romance sweet and perfect. She did not sugar coat how professional sports players sacrifices and it made Tristian's and Ligyana's love story wholesome and worth championing for the HEA.

[Laerke55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.m.d have written such Amazing book i loved her book top scorer. I love following fmc in her journey and i loved to read her growth as a character…. I just really love the Way these authors writes… all the books she writes is always soo good and always keeps me on my toes… the Way their writing is soo intresting.. i have loved all the books i have read by her… i love the fmc story and i love watching her realstionship with grow stronger and stronger…. i really loved the twist and turn…This really Kept my interest the whole Way and i really loves this book…this book was freaking good.. What this author comes up with next

I highly recommed that people read her book top scorer .. and if you haven’t read this book yet Then What are you waiting for you are really missing out on something…. top scorer is such a good book

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was seriously adorable and hot all at once. Tristan and Ligaya have the kind of chemistry that jumps right off the page. Their back-and-forth is pure gold. He calls her Terror, she calls him Turd, and somehow it’s the most romantic thing ever.

Tristan might be a smartass, but he’s also the kind of guy who falls hard and stays loyal. Ligaya is funny, strong, and not about to let him walk all over her. They balance each other perfectly.

The surprise pregnancy part didn’t feel overdone or dramatic. It just made their story even sweeter. You can feel how much they care for each other underneath all the teasing.

It’s got everything... banter, spice, heart, and two characters who actually feel real. I loved it from start to finish.

[Anne Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like the Turd, because Tristan is no hero. In fact, he is a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. A gourmet burger with a side of E. coli. A five-star resort with a bedbug problem. A—

Honestly this book was so good it had me laughing out loud and the conversations ligaya had with body uterus and brain was just perfection.

Ligaya and Tristan had a huge prank war going in highschool which lead to a unforgettable kiss for both of them to 10 years of not speaking to now being in the same place again.

When a one night stand to get each other out of their system doesn't turn out the way they wanted to and what's left is 2 ppl falling in love and creating a family while trying to juggle their feelings for each other it was honestly a seriously sweet funny love story.

[Libby Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and honestly I will definitely be reading more. The storyline was fab and so were the characters, what I really liked is at the start the author put how to pronounce each character which not many authors do and you are left guessing!
I absolutely love a surprise pregnancy read so this was just up my street!
I love the banter between our characters, also that Tristan wanted to be there from the get go! I absolutely loved how he was quick to get a flight and miss an important game just to get to hospital and also loved how the team mates and coach were quick to help him.
Overall a fantastic read with a lovely ending.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to Diamond's Mavericks Hockey series. A well written and beautifully balanced romance read. Our main characters are Tristan and Ligaya. I just adored their wit and banter and how the attraction was there for them both from the start. I think Diamond did a great job developing these characters and storyline which I thought flowed really well also. Captivating with the best balance of sweet romance and steamy chemistry and great laughs. Overall, I found this to be a feel-good read from start to finish!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

[Katelyn Livezey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood Friends-Enemies-Lovers
Second Chance
Accidental pregnancy

This story was amazing! Ligaya and Tristian grew up together. I loved how they played pranks on each other then and they still do it now! They have the best nicknames for each other- Terror and Turd. Can you guess who is who?? Ligaya comes from such a loving and accepting family. The relationship she has with each of them, including extended family, is wholesome. Tristan on the other hand…. His family is very toxic and there’s some grief that wasn’t processed in the best way…

The way these two love each other was so heartwarming. The story flowed well and I enjoyed it!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this book! I actually loved every single bit of it. Tristan was a giant walking green flag from the first page and his steady energy was perfect for the story. I loved all the bits and pieces of the plot details. The kids in the play, families and friends, and hockey...it just all mixed so well into a book that felt relatable. My absolute favorite part of the story though was Ligaya's internal monologues. Specifically, the ones involving conflicting thoughts between body, brain, and uterus. I. WAS. ROLLING! As a woman, I felt this in my soul.

[Steph Whitelaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of Laura Marquez Diamond. It’s a nice second chance romance story of two characters that grew up together & met again later in life. You are quickly drawn in by Ligaya humour who is reunited with her high school prank nemesis Tristan, who had went off to college & became a NHL hockey star & due to injury is back in town. One night of passion turns out to be a 9 month oopsie & a life time commitment. This was a lovey romance story of two characters falling in love. It’s book 7 & part of The Maverick Hockey series which I plan to read from the start.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down. I absolutely adored this love story. The banter, the chemistry and yes absolutely loved the characters of Tristan and Ligaya. The story actually started a while ago with a shared kiss. One that Tristan can't forget and knows he wanted to last forever. He falls head over heels for Ligaya, the girl he never forgot but now he has to prove he can be her forever guy and isn't just here for fun. There is a surprise pregnancy and Tristan is all in. He just have to convince Ligaya he is there to stay.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top Scorer brings Tristan and Ligaya back together after 10 years! In high school, they focused on pranking each other, but there was definitely something more even then, and that more is still very much simmering when they reconnect. The romance between the two was spicy and the actions of Tristan with Ligaya from what comes from their romance was adorable. These two are some of my favorite book characters to date! I loved the humor, especially the inner dialogue humor, and I can't help but cheer these two on! Loved this read!