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The Not-So-Neutral Zone

Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26
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One perfect day in Barcelona. One kiss that changed everything. One goodbye that broke my heart.

I've always been the overlooked sister, the forgotten friend, the girl in the background of everyone else's love story. But when a handsome stranger rescued my purse—and then my entire day—I dared to believe my story might finally be starting.

Then he vanished. No explanation. No phone number. Not even a last name.

Classic.

Fast forward to six months later, when I discover my mystery man is Brody "Candy" Kane—NHL golden boy, my sister's fiancé's teammate—and he needs a favor. As in, a girlfriend to keep his reputation in good shape while he skates into a new contract. And frankly? I wouldn't mind a date to my sister's over-the-top wedding.

The Fake date through wedding season. Break up at the end. No harm, no foul.

The Fake smiles for the cameras. Fake hand-holding for the fans. Absolutely, positively, no falling for each other for real.

The The chemistry that sparked in Barcelona? Never actually went away. And pretending to be in love with someone you're already halfway in love with?

Terrible idea. 0/10. Would not recommend.

A swoony Christian romance about second chances, hidden identities, and discovering that the one man you shouldn't want might be exactly who you need. Fans of Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor, and Courtney Walsh will love this sweet and clean, fake dating rom-com with all the banter and none of the spice.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 24, 2026

4 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Susan May Warren

229 books3,689 followers
I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.

I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.

I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.

God Bless and Happy Reading!

In His Grip,
Susan May Warren

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Dana.
197 reviews
January 27, 2026
Best One Yet this Year! I absolutely adore Brody and Chloe’s story. Hands down such an amazing story.

10 out of 10!!!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,504 reviews213 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 1, 2026
I’m so excited to have found a fun and flirty Christian hockey romance series!

Did you read Susan May Warren’s Minnesota Kingstons series? Book two featuring Conrad? Well, then you’ll love checking in with him in this one. This installment centers around 2 Corinthians 12:9 and the idea of our strength not being found in our performance or earning it or deserving it or even being good enough, but in our weakness. Something you don’t think about being paired with a hockey player, right?! Enjoy how Sarah May Warren teams this verse up with Barcelona magic.

Brody ‘Candy’ Kane isn’t just a notorious charmer; he’s also a defenseman for the Blue Ox. The thing is, he’s been trying to hide his past - his train-wreck father, his hidden dyslexia, and his fear of not being enough. Pretending to have it all together proves difficult for this hockey-world sweetheart.

When Brody rescues Chloe Dawson’s purse from a thief, it sets their future on a different path than either had expected. Chloe has spent so much of her life trying to prove that she’s worthy of loving. Growing up in her sister’s shadow has been difficult. When she begins to fail at something she’s good at, her negative self-talk takes control and she starts to spiral. The hurt of being overlooked is the least of her worries.

One thing leads to another and soon the magic these two feel is on display for the world and it leads to a fake-dating scenario that pulled on my heartstrings and kept me flipping pages.

Things I appreciated:

🏒There’s danger in performing so long that we forget who we really are.
🏒“Faith isn’t knowing it’ll work out. It’s doing the thing anyway. It’s showing up when you want to run.”
🏒“Stop trying to earn love and be brave enough to give it. Unconditionally. A little like Jesus did.”
🏒“Sometimes protecting someone means making the hard choice.”

This sweet novel about finding love in fake situations is worthy of all the stars. It placed me in my favourite market in Barcelona and gave me a couple worth cheering for. Both Brody and Chloe bear the weight of an invisible past before we even meet them on the page, but they learn to rely on God and each other to carve out a different future…and I loved being on the sidelines for this growth!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Jeanloves2read.
39 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 5, 2026
This story was everything I thought it would be and so much more. What I thought I was getting: a meet-cute, feel good hockey romance. What I got: a meet-cute, feel good hockey romance that dealt with some heavy and relatable topics.

Chloe Dawson is a struggling wedding planner from a successful family. She is the overlooked, unseen sister.

Brody “Candy” Kane plays hockey for the Blue Ox. Brody has a father with addiction issues, dyslexia, and an image problem.

When Chloe and Brody meet in Barcelona they share an unforgettable evening that ends in one very unforgettable kiss. And then… nothing. Nothing that is until 6 months later when they reconnect.

Brody needs a way to repair his tattered image and Chloe could use a date to all of the events surrounding her sister’s wedding. A contract is drawn up and signed by both parties. The terms: they go together to all of the wedding events, have their picture taken together, and fake being in love, all ending with an epic break up. The consequences of not fulfilling the contract would be devastating for both Chloe and Brody. The problem is that sometimes what starts out as fake ends up being very real.

Both of these characters are dealing with some heavy issues.

Chloe deals with major feelings of inadequacy. She often feels, and allows herself to be, overlooked in her family, living in the shadow of her sister. She has a difficult time sharing anything negative in her life.

Brody is dealing with a major image issue. His candy sweet persona for the fans and reporters leads to an allegation of him stringing along popular influencer leaving that issue tarnished. He also spends a lot of time and money bailing out his addict father and while trying to keep his dad’s addiction under wraps.

This story has a great faith message about being seen and loved by God for exactly who He created us to be .

I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend it.

I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My thoughts are my won.



30 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 27, 2026
This book needs to be a movie!
I loved this sweet, emotional, heartfelt story about a smalltown girl, Chloe, who meets a big-time hockey player, Brody, and falls in love...but she has no idea who he is. They share an incredible day in Barcelona that ends with Chloe confused and Brody feeling...well, wrecked. Fast forward six months and they run into each other again in Minnesota, and Chloe realizes who Brody is. The trouble is, Brody is in need of some help with his image...enter a contract, a fake relationship...and some complicated feelings. Of course both Chloe and Brody have their own insecurities that they need to overcome. Chloe lives in the shadow of her sister, and Brody has a difficult time being vulnerable after years of creating a public image. They learn that what really matters is who God made them to be, and not what the world thinks. I was rooting for this couple who find themselves in an impossible situation. I never cry when I read a book...but this story made me tear up because I could feel the emotions of the characters coming through every page. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll cheer at the spectacular ending. There are so few books that make me feel everything the characters are feeling. I felt like I was in the story with them, rooting for them at every turn. I can't wait for book two!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
567 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 26, 2026
I didn't know that 'hockey' was a genre, but if The Not-So-Neutral Zone is an example, give them all to me! This novel has everything: steamy-but-clean romance, strong writing, realistic characters, important lessons, and redemption.

I'm generally not a fan of books that make me cry - because really, who wants to do more of that? - but The Not-So-Neutral Zone made my cry in the sweetest way. The Warrens put Brody and Chloe in the most impossible situation, causing loads of drama and angst, that it just slides onto you as you both feel and cheer for them.

And the theme of this book? Of being seen for who God made you to be? It's spot-on awesome.

So I'm now a fan of professional hockey and dragon books. Who knew? If you're like me, though, you're going to want to venture into the unknown and give 'The Not-So-Neutral Zone' a try. Trust me. You'll be very glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nicole.
882 reviews78 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 29, 2026
Did the world need a Blue Ox hockey romance series?
Yes it did.
Did Susan and Sarah deliver?
Absolutely!
.
I loved it! I might have squealed when I saw this book in my inbox. And as I started reading it was everything that I had hoped for!
.
I loved the dry wit of the character's inner voice, the wry humor, the chemistry and conflict that you see the characters ho through. Sigh.
I couldn't help but love Brody from the opening scene, he wants to do the right thing and , bless him, keeps getting pulled back and reminded of his failures.
Chloe is so relatable and just one of those heroines that makes you feel seen.
I do not know why fake dating sports romance is my favorite, but it is.
I loved the faith thread woven into the story as well.
This Warren team is off to a great start and I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,335 reviews74 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 9, 2026
“And being alone because you’re terrified of being hurt? That’s not strength. That’s just fear wearing a different jersey.”

I love sports romance books. They’re often romcoms, full of light-hearted moments and fun banter. But this book. It took me by surprise, in a good way, how deep it got and how it addressed a breadth of tangled emotions. Brody was pure delight - loyal, steadfast, protective, and so tender-hearted. Chloe was easy to love, with her bubbly glass-half-full personality and desire to please everyone. Yet beneath Brody’s veneer and Chloe’s smile lay years of self-doubt and insecurity and fear that they each needed to overcome. I loved catching up with Jace from the Christiansens series, Wyatt from the Montana Marshalls, and Conrad from Minnesota Kingstons. Blue Ox has to be my favorite fictional sports team ever and I can’t wait to read more about the other hockey players who will be featured in this series. Bravo to Sarah and Susie May Warren for breathing new life into Blue Ox team and bringing soul-deep, heartfelt hockey romance to their adoring fans!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for RD.
828 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 24, 2026
Charming contemporary romance! When Brody Kane encounters a woman in distress in Spain, he doesn’t hesitate to act. This leads to some idealistic hours spent with Chloe Dawson. But as suddenly as it begins, their time together comes to an abrupt end. Months later, Brody is barely holding onto his career and can’t stop thinking about Chloe. Fate brings them together once more and Brody isn’t going to let her get away again.

A well written story with vivid characters who are dealing with real struggles. Brody and Chloe have great chemistry and a tender romance. This uplifting story touches on themes of family, faith and forgiveness. I recommend it to readers who enjoy clean, heartfelt stories. I received an early copy of this story. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 32 books63 followers
January 24, 2026
Swoon!

Fake romances are one of my favorite tropes, and this one adds in some incredible nuances that raise the stakes exponentially.

Chloe and Brody are so realistic. Both have relatable family situation that haunt them. And the complications are perfectly timed to keep me turning pages, breathless for the resolution.

I loved this couple from the first scene when Brody swoops in “like Batman” to rescue her purse from a thief. Talk about swoon-worthy moments.

When you can wrap characters to root for into believable scenarios with just the right sprinkle of a faith journey, you’ve hooked me. Thanks Sarah and Susie May!

I’m looking forward to the next installment. I might even get excited about hockey again.
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,784 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 28, 2026
Chloe, an event planner, meets Brody when her purse is stolen in Barcelona and he chases down the thief and they spend a fabulous day together until he vanishes! I was excited when six months later and back in the United States, Brody reappeared in Chloe's life and she learns he is a NHL star. Chloe needs a date for the big wedding season she is planning for her sister and Brody needs a fake girlfriend! But, of course, plans never run smoothly! Nor is there ever a dull moment! The Not-So-Neutral Zone believes in second chances for young and old as well as hockey players! I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.
47 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 4, 2026
I loved, loved, loved this book! One of the most action-packed yet sweet and romantic meet cutes I’ve ever read. (She compares him to Batman!)

This book is the perfect example of everything I love about rom-coms from Susan May Warren. I know very little about hockey, but this book made me want to watch a game. So much tension throughout, it made my gut swirl, thinking, how are they going to work this out?! I could not read the last few chapters fast enough because I couldn’t imagine how Brody and Chloe could possibly get through everything they were facing to find their happily ever after.

A must-read!
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,182 reviews52 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 22, 2026
Such a fun clean Christian romantic read about an events planner and a hockey player. Brody and Chloe met in Barcelona but then Brody ghosted her. Fast-forward 6 months later, and they meet up again. The Not-So-Neutral Zone has fake dating in the midst of wedding plans, family dynamics, family drama, and faith elements. It was so great seeing some characters (Wyatt Marshall and Conrad Kingston) from Susan May Warren's previous books pop up in The Not-So-Neutral Zone. Can't wait for book 2.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
813 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 28, 2026
Can I please read the next book in the series now???

The authors nailed this book with the quick wit and charm! The first person point of views brought the characters to life as well.

I loved the banter between Brody and Chloe. Brody cares so deeply for his father and it is so endearing. Chloe is just fantastic but feels like she's not as important. It was so interesting to watch as their strengths and weaknesses came into play in the story.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
726 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 29, 2026
Pure delight! What a stellar collab from mother-daughter author duo, Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren! Hopefully, the next book will be available very soon.

Immerse yourself in the Minnesota chill and the fictional, but realistic pro hockey world. Talk about a meet-cute, the opener demands applause. It's not a book of fluff, but heavy topics of grief, loss, angst and messy families. Grace, faith and restoration lead the strong finish.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Profile Image for Lisa Philipp.
173 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 28, 2026
This is a story that has it all. Hockey, a fake relationship turned real, romance, and a message. The characters are well written and the story grabbed me from the start. I've always loved the books by Susan May Warren. This series, written with her daughter, just made the book even better. I can't wait until the next one!
1,757 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 27, 2026
An adorable meet cute! I love a good fake dating trope throw in a bit of hockey and you have a fantastic romance you won't want to miss!

I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 28, 2026
Oh my gracious!!! I couldn’t put this book down. Susan and Sarah did a fantastic job of keeping the story engaging! I don’t know anything about hockey but now I want to go to a game! I also want skillet cookies and a local places to get them!
805 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 2, 2026
Fantastic book that brings joy, humor, sadness and ahhs. Loved this storyline featuring the Blue Ox Hockey players. Definitely worth the read. This book 2as provided by Sunrise Publishing for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Lily.
Author 4 books18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
a sweet clean rom com with hockey players and swoon worthy romance. it's all the feels without the smut. loved it! can't wait for more of this series.
Profile Image for Kelly (The_CozyBookworm).
130 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026
Adored. Five stars. Everything I was hoping for and more and dying for book two already. This is romantic comedy with fun, heart, snark (the best) and depth. I could not have loved it more.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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