Falling for the Assist

by Krys Rayne

One reckless night. One hidden consequence. Six years of secrets about to detonate.

Shadow Wolves center Easton Henley's temper finally catches up with him. Court-ordered community service at a veterinary clinic seems like rock bottom—until he walks in and comes face-to-face with Dr. Palisade Honors, the woman who vanished after the most intense night of his life six years ago.

She's a single mom now. Closed-off. Desperate to ignore the attraction that still makes her pulse race.

But her six-year-old daughter Casey? She's Easton's biggest fan, and her piercing blue eyes look hauntingly familiar.

As Easton bonds with the hockey-obsessed little girl and fights his all-consuming desire for Palisade, the truth becomes impossible to ignore. When a life-threatening accident forces everything into the open, Easton discovers he's been a father all along—and Palisade has been keeping the secret that could destroy them both.

Now with his career on the line and the press closing in, Easton will do whatever it takes to protect his newly discovered family.

A second-chance, secret baby hockey romance packed with emotion, steam, and a grumpy alpha who'll fight for his family.

Author's This book contains elements that some readers may not be comfortable with. Please check author's website for trigger and content details. This book is not suitable for those under the age of 18.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 12, 2026

About the author

Ever since she was fourteen when she read her first romance novel, Krys Rayne wanted to become a romance author. Through blood, sweat, and tears, Krys made her dreams come true. Living in Connecticut, Krys not only writes romance, but also works two part-time jobs. She has a degree in Anthropology and Paralegal Studies. She has two cats, Peanut and Chassity. Krys is a new author who wrote three romance novels: Crush (contemporary Romance), Forget Me Not (Romantic Suspense), and Angel in the Dark (Contemporary Romance). She is currently working on The Black Widow, the prequel to her mafia romance series, The Black Widows. To learn more about Krys and her books, check out her website www.krysrayneauthor.com

https://linktr.ee/krysrayneauthor

Most recent release:
Angel in the Dark
Amazon:
https://mybook.to/rcpBlbF

WIPs:
The Black Widow (Prequel) (TBA)
The Black Widows Mafia Series)The Assassin Next Door (TBA)
(The Black Widow Mafia Series) Prima Ballerina (TBA)

Reviews

[Jamie Quinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was selected to read this book as an ARC, and it did not disappoint. This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style. One of my favorite aspects of the story was Easton’s character growth throughout the book—I absolutely loved his character.

Easton and Palisade shared one unforgettable night together seven years ago, but when Easton woke up the next morning, she was gone. When their paths cross again years later, Easton discovers that Palisade has been keeping a life-changing secret from him. Will Easton be able to forgive her and give her a second chance? You’ll have to read Falling for the Assist to find out!

[Carol Lemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter pulls you in. It's one of those you just have to keep reading to see what happens next. You get to know the characters early on and following them through their journey together is sometimes heart-warming and sometimes heart-breaking. A worthwhile read.

[C G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how Krys wrote Easton and Palisade's story. It really seems like you were watching in real time all of the ups and downs of their life. There's tension, secrets, love, anger and healing!

[Sofia Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night… one memorable night… six years go by… secrets…
Easton is a talented player with severe anger management issues that can tank his career and his future.
When a court-ordered community service makes him face the woman who got away six years ago without a word, old feelings resurface.
Dr. Palisade Honors is driven, professional and focused on the happiness and well-being of her daughter, but when Easton re-enters her life, all the secrets she has been hiding, threaten to spill over and ignite conflict.
A second-chance romance with a griping plot that will have you hooked from chapter one: you will fight alongside the characters for their happily ever after.
Easton has to face his past demons to move forwards and become a better person and a better example and Palisade has to trust that he can be that man.
Falling for the Assist is a beautiful story of redemption, true love, second chances, sacrifice and family.
Krys Rayne gives us a compelling romance with a lot of self-growth, protection, emotional support and spice.
Thank you for the ARC.

[Alana Bittersweet Chapters Aus · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Falling for the Assist
@authorkrysrayne

Amber Falls Hockey Series -Book 1

🔥Releasing 12 February 2026.🔥

This is my first book from this author and won’t be my last. I love it. Bring on book 2.

Words that Linger:
🏒 "Your mom's a Subaru,”"Reliable, handles well in any condition, surprisingly powerful when you need her to be."

🏒 It was a small thing, this stick with our name, but it represented something monumental. It was the beginning of our story as father and daughter.

🏒 You’ll have shown your daughter that family comes first, that love means sacrifice, that integrity matters more than image.”

🏒 "Let me worship you properly this time."

🏒 This is forever for me.

Tropes:
* Secret Baby
* Second Chance Romance
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Forced Proximity
* Protective Hero/Cinnamon Roll Dad
* Found Family

[Holly_Mac_Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the Assist by Krys Rayne. This hockey romance had me hooked from page one. I couldn’t put it down. A Hockey star forced into community service ends up working at the animal hospital of a one night stand from six years prior. This forced proximity definitely has the heat and chemistry flying! Did I mention hot hockey star who is also a Dom! Yes please! The heat and passion are on point. The story is heart wrenching and the fight of twist and turns they go through for their HEA really pulls the heart strings. This is a must read if you love the following tropes, hockey romance, forced proximity and dominance with a touch of BDSM!

[Christie Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Falling for the Assist by Krys Rayne
MMC: Easton Henley
FMC: Dr. Palisade Honors
—>Secret Baby
—>Second Chance Romance
—>Grumpy/Sunshine
—>Forced Proximity
—>Protective Hero/Cinnamon Roll Dad

Falling for the Assist is a second-chance, secret baby hockey romance about Shadow Wolves center Easton Henley, whose court-ordered community service brings him face-to-face with Dr. Palisade Honors—the woman who disappeared after one unforgettable night six years ago. When he realizes her hockey-obsessed daughter Casey might be his, everything he thought he knew gets turned upside down.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wont be disappointed. She is his sister's best friend and they had a one night stand., which a few weeks later she discovered a huge secret fast forward 6 years. They meet again. He is involved in a horrible accident in which some horses are injured. Hes sentenced to community service and has to pay to the owner of the horses. He has to do community service at her vet office. From there their relationship grows and intensifies.
This book will pull you into the story. I loved it and cant wait for more

[Tiffany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easton and Sadie are everything!

This story was a beautiful tragedy that came full circle to amazing happiness. Love Casey and all her wonderful shenanigans. The way Easton tried so hard to be everything that they all needed working on himself for so much self growth. The confidence that Sadie gains in herself throughout is great. Highly recommend reading One Night Only (novella) first for background information. Krys knocked this one out of the park as usual.

[Pamela Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. If sleep was not required I would not have put it down, as it was i was up until 2am reading.

This book was well written, Eastons anger was palpable. His regret and remorse when he got in the accident was tragic but life altering.

Sadie is am amazing parent while it sucks what she did i understand her struggles.

Casey is such a strong little girl and will take on the world one day. With brains and skills.

Cannot wait to read the next book.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading Sadie and Easton’s story. They were so perfect for each other, and Casey was just adorable. There were a few continuity issues, but as this is an ARC, most of those will be edited in the final draft. I loved the focus on mental health and importance of healing yourself before you can love others. Definitely recommend!

[Ashley Cutshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter pulled me in. I couldn't put this book down.

The story felt so real and a great second chance story. Easton grew so much throughout the book.
I felt like i was right there along with Easton and Palisade fighting for their happily ever after. Tension, secrets, love, anger, and healing are all in this book.

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok first of all I think Palisade and Holly more than even her were at fault and wrong on all levels not to tell him, no matter what they thought or felt. And as a sister you have family obligations, sorry no excuses for that. Palisade was not my favorite person. Easton handled everything pretty well. It was a bit hot and cold and a bit hard to believe but otherwise a good solid story.