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Teammates: A Forced Proximity Hockey Romance
Lila
There’s nothing worse than pretending to be friends with a man you really don’t like.
But as the Tampa Talons team reporter and social media coordinator, I strive for excellence in my job, even if it means I have to smile on camera at Hudson Jones, the hockey player who’s convinced I’m the complete opposite of professional.
When a natural disaster forces us to be roommates, things between us should get worse. But they slowly head in a heart-warming direction I don’t expect.
Am I falling for the man I really don’t like?
Hudson
I’m the team captain, so I take my role seriously. I look out for my fellow players. I work hard on the ice.
One person thinks otherwise, though—the reporter I have to pretend to like for the cameras. That I have to share a condo with after disaster strikes our city.
I try to keep out of Lila Stewart’s way in our shared space. Try to keep her out of my mind. But I’m too aware of this woman, too drawn to everything about her.
I shouldn’t fall for her, but I’m fighting a losing battle and losing hard.
Teammates is a spicy, forced proximity hockey romance with enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine and a guaranteed happily ever after.
There’s nothing worse than pretending to be friends with a man you really don’t like.
But as the Tampa Talons team reporter and social media coordinator, I strive for excellence in my job, even if it means I have to smile on camera at Hudson Jones, the hockey player who’s convinced I’m the complete opposite of professional.
When a natural disaster forces us to be roommates, things between us should get worse. But they slowly head in a heart-warming direction I don’t expect.
Am I falling for the man I really don’t like?
Hudson
I’m the team captain, so I take my role seriously. I look out for my fellow players. I work hard on the ice.
One person thinks otherwise, though—the reporter I have to pretend to like for the cameras. That I have to share a condo with after disaster strikes our city.
I try to keep out of Lila Stewart’s way in our shared space. Try to keep her out of my mind. But I’m too aware of this woman, too drawn to everything about her.
I shouldn’t fall for her, but I’m fighting a losing battle and losing hard.
Teammates is a spicy, forced proximity hockey romance with enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine and a guaranteed happily ever after.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
156 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 22, 2026
This is the second book in the Talon series and I had the chance to read their story as an ARC read.
Hudson and Lila are the perfect enemies to lovers romance which was written really well by Layne.
There are hints throughout the first 50% of the book that something had happened in the past between them but this isn't told until later in the story but it makes perfect sense that their hatred for eachother is a cross communication.
Hudson has a big heart but comes across as grumpy 6ft 5 hockey player but he is a big friendly guy who has love for the right girl.
Having a troubled upbringing with narcissistic parents, Hudson still has love to give and this is well written by Layne.
Lila has her own troubles, losing parents and trying to stay positive and continue her future and passion to be a sports reporter but both overcome past troubles and give into that temptation to go from enemies to lovers.
Well written and definitely worth reading this series.
Can't wait for book 3!!
Hudson and Lila are the perfect enemies to lovers romance which was written really well by Layne.
There are hints throughout the first 50% of the book that something had happened in the past between them but this isn't told until later in the story but it makes perfect sense that their hatred for eachother is a cross communication.
Hudson has a big heart but comes across as grumpy 6ft 5 hockey player but he is a big friendly guy who has love for the right girl.
Having a troubled upbringing with narcissistic parents, Hudson still has love to give and this is well written by Layne.
Lila has her own troubles, losing parents and trying to stay positive and continue her future and passion to be a sports reporter but both overcome past troubles and give into that temptation to go from enemies to lovers.
Well written and definitely worth reading this series.
Can't wait for book 3!!
March 12, 2026
Teammates (Tampa talons #2) by Layne Wren is a forced proximity romance between a hockey player and a sports journalist/reporter.
I received this book from the author as an ARC for an honest review.
“Hate to Love” is a common trope - but when Layne Wren introduces us to Hudson and Lila we are carried away in their story.
Hudson is the team captain of the Tampa Talons hockey team. He is a really good hockey player and extremely close to his friends on the team except for Lila who he hates.
Lila Stewart is the sports reporter on the Tampa Talons team. She is sweet, friendly and has a great rapport with the whole team except for Hudson who she hates.
The story starts off great with a good background on both MCs. The dialogs between them are witty and the underlying chemistry comes out through the sharp remarks.
A natural disaster in their city forces them to share an apartment and their romance develops through this.
I liked the dialogs in this book and found the story engaging. I also liked all the characters introduced through the book and who may be the main characters for other books in the series. The way their relationship develops feels natural and not rushed.
Their mutual dislike starts from a simple misunderstanding that feels quite natural.
The natural disaster serves more as a backdrop than a gritty reality, but that's easy to overlook given the book's romantic focus
I would definitely recommend reading this book for a good sports romance.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes:
Hate to love
Co workers
Forced proximity
I received this book from the author as an ARC for an honest review.
“Hate to Love” is a common trope - but when Layne Wren introduces us to Hudson and Lila we are carried away in their story.
Hudson is the team captain of the Tampa Talons hockey team. He is a really good hockey player and extremely close to his friends on the team except for Lila who he hates.
Lila Stewart is the sports reporter on the Tampa Talons team. She is sweet, friendly and has a great rapport with the whole team except for Hudson who she hates.
The story starts off great with a good background on both MCs. The dialogs between them are witty and the underlying chemistry comes out through the sharp remarks.
A natural disaster in their city forces them to share an apartment and their romance develops through this.
I liked the dialogs in this book and found the story engaging. I also liked all the characters introduced through the book and who may be the main characters for other books in the series. The way their relationship develops feels natural and not rushed.
Their mutual dislike starts from a simple misunderstanding that feels quite natural.
The natural disaster serves more as a backdrop than a gritty reality, but that's easy to overlook given the book's romantic focus
I would definitely recommend reading this book for a good sports romance.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes:
Hate to love
Co workers
Forced proximity
February 26, 2026
ARC Review: Teammates by Layne Wren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Stars
I ate this book up!
Teammates is the second book in the Tampa Talons series by Layne Wren, and once again, I feel so lucky to have received an ARC. This series just keeps getting better!
The chemistry between the Lila and Hudson was electric and the tension was sizzling! From the very beginning, you could feel the push and pull between them, and it made every interaction crackle with emotion. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
The forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers dynamic were executed so well. Add in that grumpy X sunshine energy and a team of hockey hunks, and it’s basically romance perfection!
It’s an easy, addictive read that flows effortlessly and keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you love hockey romance with tension, banter, and plenty of steam, this one needs to be on your TBR.
Bring on book three!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Stars
I ate this book up!
Teammates is the second book in the Tampa Talons series by Layne Wren, and once again, I feel so lucky to have received an ARC. This series just keeps getting better!
The chemistry between the Lila and Hudson was electric and the tension was sizzling! From the very beginning, you could feel the push and pull between them, and it made every interaction crackle with emotion. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
The forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers dynamic were executed so well. Add in that grumpy X sunshine energy and a team of hockey hunks, and it’s basically romance perfection!
It’s an easy, addictive read that flows effortlessly and keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you love hockey romance with tension, banter, and plenty of steam, this one needs to be on your TBR.
Bring on book three!
February 27, 2026
The Banter is Top-Tier....
If you want true enemies to lovers with banter so good your jaw literally drops, this book is for you. The dialogue is witty, sharp, and honestly addictive. It is the kind of story that you want to read in one sitting because you can’t put it down.
I’ve read a lot of books in this genre, but this one is a standout because of how well it portrays the actual dislike between the leads. Layne gives the characters plenty of time and multiple tension-filled interactions to let that friction build. The slow burn is perfectly paced, and the tension is felt on every single page. Layne really knows how to feed the readers exactly what they want.
What to Expect:
-Forced proximity
-Only one bed
-Protective MMC
-Open door spice
-Hockey romance
I highly recommend picking this one up if you’re in the mood for a spicy, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance.
Thank you to the author, Layne Wren, for providing a copy of this book to review.
If you want true enemies to lovers with banter so good your jaw literally drops, this book is for you. The dialogue is witty, sharp, and honestly addictive. It is the kind of story that you want to read in one sitting because you can’t put it down.
I’ve read a lot of books in this genre, but this one is a standout because of how well it portrays the actual dislike between the leads. Layne gives the characters plenty of time and multiple tension-filled interactions to let that friction build. The slow burn is perfectly paced, and the tension is felt on every single page. Layne really knows how to feed the readers exactly what they want.
What to Expect:
-Forced proximity
-Only one bed
-Protective MMC
-Open door spice
-Hockey romance
I highly recommend picking this one up if you’re in the mood for a spicy, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance.
Thank you to the author, Layne Wren, for providing a copy of this book to review.
January 23, 2026
ARC read. 3.75 ⭐️ rounded up. This is a mutual hate/dislike-to-lovers hockey romance. I genuinely enjoyed the 80% procent of the book when the MCs still dislike each other but there’s tension. For the last part of the book it was a little bit too much head over heels too fast for me. I would have love to know more about the characters in depth. Now it was a lot of revelations in the last 5-10% of the book. I will still recommend the book if you enjoy a spicy hockey romance and I will most likely continue the series.
📍Mutual hate/dislike to lovers
📍Spicy scenes
📍Hockey captain x team reporter
📍Forced proximity
📍Miscommunication
TW: cheating (mentioned, off-page), violence against partner, self-doubt, death of parents (mentioned, off-page), psychological and physical abuse of parents (mentioned, off-page)
📍Mutual hate/dislike to lovers
📍Spicy scenes
📍Hockey captain x team reporter
📍Forced proximity
📍Miscommunication
TW: cheating (mentioned, off-page), violence against partner, self-doubt, death of parents (mentioned, off-page), psychological and physical abuse of parents (mentioned, off-page)
March 10, 2026
The story had potential, but the way it was written was disappointing. Short sentences, no depth, and important moments are glossed over as if they were uninteresting, when she could have explored them in depth.
At the beginning of the story, there are a few references to the reason why they hate each other, but as the story progresses, this is forgotten, making you think that it is no longer important or will not be explained further. And then suddenly, at the end, the whole story is explained, but again in a way that lacks depth.
They go from hating each other to being completely in love so suddenly that you wonder if you've missed some chapters. I found the writing style difficult to read; the short sentences sometimes make you wonder if you're inside the head of a Neanderthal.
At the beginning of the story, there are a few references to the reason why they hate each other, but as the story progresses, this is forgotten, making you think that it is no longer important or will not be explained further. And then suddenly, at the end, the whole story is explained, but again in a way that lacks depth.
They go from hating each other to being completely in love so suddenly that you wonder if you've missed some chapters. I found the writing style difficult to read; the short sentences sometimes make you wonder if you're inside the head of a Neanderthal.
January 30, 2026
Teammates was such a good hockey romance.
I finally found out Lila and Hudson’s backstory. I loved their chemistry. The angry tension between them was so good to read.
All the Tampa Talons characters are interesting and I can’t wait to read more.
“I… hated how beautiful I found her. Insanely hot, even. I shouldn't find someone I hate to be insanely hot, and in a way, it makes my displeasure for her even worse.”
Excerpt from Teammates
By Layne Wren
I was lucky to be given the chance to review Teammates, of my own accord, through being offered an eARC.
I finally found out Lila and Hudson’s backstory. I loved their chemistry. The angry tension between them was so good to read.
All the Tampa Talons characters are interesting and I can’t wait to read more.
“I… hated how beautiful I found her. Insanely hot, even. I shouldn't find someone I hate to be insanely hot, and in a way, it makes my displeasure for her even worse.”
Excerpt from Teammates
By Layne Wren
I was lucky to be given the chance to review Teammates, of my own accord, through being offered an eARC.
March 1, 2026
It was so good. I finished it in one day because I couldn't put it down. It was THAT good.
Ever the professional, Lila is sure to make sure she is the best reporter on the ice. Even when she's interviewing her nemisis, Hudson. Despite their clear distaste for each other, they keep ending up in each other's orbit.
Bad ass FMC? Yup. Forced proximity? Uh huh. Enemies to lovers? Perhaps.
I love the way the author plays with scent in this book. While subtle, it almost like its own character.
Ever the professional, Lila is sure to make sure she is the best reporter on the ice. Even when she's interviewing her nemisis, Hudson. Despite their clear distaste for each other, they keep ending up in each other's orbit.
Bad ass FMC? Yup. Forced proximity? Uh huh. Enemies to lovers? Perhaps.
I love the way the author plays with scent in this book. While subtle, it almost like its own character.
January 25, 2026
Five⭐This is the second book in the Talon series, I had the opportunity to read as an ARC read, I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, The character development of Hudson and Lila is great, If spice and sport romance is something you enjoy read this book!You won't be disappointed!Looking forward to reading more books from this author!
January 23, 2026
Loved!!
I really enjoyed this book, an easy read and couldn’t put it down. It was just as good as the first one, looking forward to the next ❤️
I really enjoyed this book, an easy read and couldn’t put it down. It was just as good as the first one, looking forward to the next ❤️
February 17, 2026
Omggg I absolutely devoured this book and loved it with all my heart. Lila and Hudson are my favourite couple. The tension between them. Ughhhh I love love 😩
March 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
March 3, 2026
Pretty good. Kept me hooked I finished quick. Very slow slow burn but worth it.
March 12, 2026
wow i love the chemistry between these two!!! hot af
March 13, 2026
Honestly another easy read.
A sucker for a passion like Lila & Hudson's.
Also something about the realization of something that was misunderstood when it's written well is a great story.
A sucker for a passion like Lila & Hudson's.
Also something about the realization of something that was misunderstood when it's written well is a great story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews