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IceHawks #2

Fighting Chance

Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26
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Two broken souls and a spark that can't be ignored.

Famous hockey player Kieran Ashford is the NHL's favorite headline, but when his reputation catches up to him in the form of a surprise phone call and a mute three-year-old daughter he didn't know existed, Kieran is suddenly thrown into the depths of fatherhood. Now, at least, the quick-witted book addict has something she can't say no to—a job offer.

Because Layla Carson needs a paycheck. After spending over a year in Berlin participating in a clinical trial for her lupus, Layla is painfully aware of how her medical bills have drained her parents' bank account. When the opportunity arises to become a nanny, Layla can't refuse.

As the pair help build a home for the little girl who desperately needs them both, the walls around their hearts begin to crumble. Layla learns there's more to Kieran than the flirtatious winks and playful personality, while he's determined to show her more beyond her temporary reality.

But when forever was never guaranteed for either of them, they'll need to fight for the chance of a new life.

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 31, 2026

2163 people want to read

About the author

Mads Rafferty

7 books2,956 followers
Never in a million years would I have thought my life would look like what it does today. If I told my younger self that I not only love to read but that I write books for a living … well let’s just say we would be attending her funeral. Books will forever hold a special place in my heart. At the age of nineteen, I immersed myself in the world of fiction and was lucky enough to be dragged out of a dark abyss. Books have been there for me through thick and thin, helping shape the person I am today and I hope for some, my books will do the same. In whatever capacity that may be.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for angelpompom.
581 reviews83 followers
Want to read
January 31, 2026
I simply cannot wait for this book to come out. Breaking point was one of my favorite books I read last year💜
Profile Image for jou.
50 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 6, 2026
ARC READ:
(make sure you read the author’s note for trigger warnings!!)

When a book makes me tear up in the first freaking chapter (I mean it, I was only 2% in) I know it’s about to get GOOD.

Let’s start with the ultimate book boyfriend. The 10/10 mmc. Thanks Madz, you know how to write them.

Welcome Kieran, a new Isaiah Rhodes coded character. My god, what a man. WHAT A MAAAAN.

The yearning, the pining, the obsession, the pure LOVE, he has for Layla had me on my knees, kicking my feet, screaming and smiling like he was loving ME instead, I wish.

I mean, I knew I was going to love this since he started flirting with her in Breaking Point, but it still managed to surprise me how much I loved him and this couple. The things he did for her….. 👏

He’s a playboy, golden retriever, who makes everyone laugh, but deep down he has so many feelings and a dark past. yummy. I couldn’t love him MORE. Then he got a DAUGHTER! PLEEAAAASEEEE. they were so sweet 😭😭😭

His friendship with Grayson was something else I loved so much. The found family in this book is very special. And watching him building his relationship with Emmy and figuring out how to be a parent was so nice.

EMMY IS THE CUTEST KID EVEEEEEEEER!!!

And Layla. My baby. She’s such a good friend. And she’s so sweet, from the first book I knew I loved her, but being in her mind was a roller coaster of emotions. She’s been through so much. Madz definitely know how to write characters with deep emotional depth, while also making them so strong and inspiring. I loved her so much.

I did wanted to shake her sometimes and yell at her “THAT MAN LOVES YOUUUUUUU WAKE UP” but I understand her insecurities too much lol it makes her feel even more real, and I love when that happens.


𓂃˖˳·☾ “You wouldn’t know it when you meet Layla—the kindness that is so ingrained in her is disarming—but beneath it, there’s a type of spark that only a survivor has.”

𓂃˖˳·☾ “She’s an angel at her core, and I’m nothing but the boy no one ever wanted.”



And they were so funny together. Funny and sweet and emotional too. They had so much chemistry, the banter was fun, the dialogue between them was always entertaining, when it wasn’t making me cry, it was making me smile until my cheeks were hurting. The understanding, the devotion, the gentleness, everything about them made me cry.

And cry I DID. AGAIN. This book made me cry so much. I need Madz to pay for my therapy, actually.

She does know how to write an emotional story, with so much depth and such important topics. I can’t wait for the next books in this series. The men she’s creating is out of this world so of course they’re not real, but they are real to me in my dreams.

ugh, Madz’s MMCs with their acts of service!!!!!! I feel like I’m in heaven reading it.

𓂃˖˳·☾ "You're more than just my nanny, Layla."

You're so much more, I want to whisper. You're everything to me.


xx

2 reviews
March 7, 2026
First, I would like to say thank you so much for allowing me to receive an ARC it has been so special to me (especially since it is my first one).

Now onto the review:
To say I binged this book is an understatement, it was so highly addictive and really was a beautiful read. Please anyone reading check the triggers as this is a very emotional book.

Mads has a truly special way of writing that makes the characters feel so real, showcasing real problems that they have in their day to day life and at many points I felt so overwhelmed with how deeply I felt for these characters that I may have cried a few times.

I really appreciate how Mads is adding a much deeper level to a sports romance while still being able to keep the teammate banter and relationships between the players strong.

All in all I had a wonderful time reading and I am so grateful to be supporting a fellow Aussie woman.
Profile Image for Cheyanne Smith.
48 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2026
thank you mads for the arc copy.
I absolutely devoured this book in a sitting.
mads is so good at writing serious topics. kieran and layla absolutely own my heart. i have never cried and laughed so much in a book. emmy? i absolutely love that little girl.
this book is a 6 star real for me.
Profile Image for Kailey.
66 reviews28 followers
March 7, 2026
My first time getting an advanced reader copy and it did NOT disappoint. Mads Rafferty’s ability to write emotion is unmatched. She takes real life experiences like trauma and medical anxiety and is able to put them into words and characters you fall in love with. If I could rate higher than 5 stars, I would.
Profile Image for Jemma O'Brien.
1 review
March 7, 2026
Just when I thought I’d only fall in love with Grayson Crawford, Mads Rafferty pulls sweet baby angel Kieran Ashford out of the hat.

I honestly fell in love with him from the get go and watching him interact with Emmy was such a delight. He also had me sobbing and I just wanted to wrap him up in love.

My ONLY thing that irked me a little was Layla (while a badass), and her constant “oh he doesn’t like me” when the man bent over backwards for her. That’s the only little flaw I had with the book.

Still a 5 star read for me though - although I think if Mads Rafferty rewrote the Yellow Pages id give it 5 stars 😂

And massive THANK YOU to Mads for the ARC copy - I absolutely DEVOURED this book and couldn’t put it down, my poor 16 month old sat beside me reading her own books just to have a cuddle!
Profile Image for Caira Alexander.
22 reviews
March 7, 2026
5 ⭐️!!! MADS DOES IT AGAINNNN!!

I want to thank Mads for sending me an ARC copy!! This was my first ARC book and I love being one of the first ones to get to read this beautiful book. I felt all of the emotions while reading.

I knew when Layla and Kieran met in Breaking Point, that their relationship would be beautiful and special. I could NOT put this book down!

I can’t tell you how many times this book made me tear up. The little moments with Kieran and Emmy warmed my heart and made me emotional. He loves his little girl so much. 🥹

I’m OBSESSED with how much Kieran YEARNED for Layla. Definition of down bad 🤣!! Their flirtatious banter was EVERYTHINGGGGG to me.
Profile Image for D.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
5⭐️ read
Interconnected series, book #2🩵
Tropes: 🧑‍🧑‍🧒
Single Dad x Nanny
Found Family
Sports romance
Yearning MMC
Chronic Illness representation
Mental Health representation
________________________________________


AHHHH, Layla and Kieran have my whole heart!

Thank you Mads for selecting me to be an ARC reader!! I’m so happy I got selected because I don’t think I could’ve waited any longer for their story. Fighting Chance is so beautifully written. I loved it! What a way to start off March. PS, I finished it in a day. They had me hooked!! Mads wrote this story with so much real depth, emotion, and care that every line felt real.

As a reader, I always pick up interconnected series because there’s always more to someone’s story than what we see. Falling in love with them for who they are as a friend and then getting to see who they truly are within is beautiful. We have seen both Layla and Kieran as side characters in Breaking Point but we could’ve never guessed what it was like to be them. We read them as side characters first not thinking much into them but then we get their stories and we’re stunned. Because, who would’ve thought that the goofy f boy had such trauma? Who would’ve thought the girl who loved to read had so many fears and reading was her to live through things without her fears getting in the way? Layla and Kieran are examples that even though people around us may seem happy and goofy 24/7 they’re human. Of course they have their own battles going on within but choose not to let others see. There’s always so much more to a person than what we as outsiders view them for. It’s important to remember that, and this story showed exactly that.

Kieran the man you are!!! Not only does he yearnnnnn but he is the best man any book girly can fall in love with. He shows his love through acts of service and words of affirmation. He does every thing to make his girls happy. He doesn’t view Layla just as her sickness. He loves her and views her as his equal no matter what. Throughout all the hardship he has went through he still stood up tall and fought for those he loved and himself. He’s a strong MMC and a great father. Emmy and Layla are both so lucky to have Kieran and he is so lucky to have them. We’re so lucky to have Kieran. The three of them make each other better and I can’t wait to see them as side characters in the next few books!

My sweet girl Layla, oh how I see myself in you. Thank you for helping Kieran and thank you for letting him help you. Layla is such a strong FMC, I am truly speechless when it comes to how strong she is. Putting myself in Layla’s shoes quite literally destroyed me. I pray all of us women can be as strong as Layla is. She’s not only an incredible person but an amazing friend, significant other, nanny and mommy while fighting lupus. The battles she faced were not easy, they’re still not easy. People she has to battle with will not make it easy for her but no matter what, she never gave up on herself, her loved ones or her dreams. Layla is my idol. Everyone needs a Layla in their life!

Emmy, my innocent sweet angel, I love you! I’m so proud of you🐾🩷

The Icehawks team + Bella + Cindy, I love you all and can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series to release. 🤭

Fighting chance was a beautiful story that everyone must read! Thank you Mads for such a breathtaking story. ❤️
Profile Image for Tamea.
148 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
I knew straight away, from the dedication, that this was going to be something special.

"For the ones who had to lose themselves before they found their worth. You were worthy the first time, and you are worthy of every second chance life gives you."

Yep. Got me right in the feels before I even started chapter 1. ❤️‍🩹

With Breaking Point being in my top books of 2025, I was of course, excited to read Kieran and Laylas story. I'm positive, if you loved Breaking Point, you will also love Fighting Chance!

This book is advertised and labelled as Daddy x Nanny trope. In Breaking Point, Kieran is not mentioned to be a father. So, I was curious how the daddy trope was going to get pulled off. But wow, this story was everything!

Just like Breaking Point, this features heavier topics, so please check trigger warnings before going into this one.
In saying that, the heavier topics is what makes this book so layered. The characters so real and raw. You could almost reach out and touch them. I fell in love with Kieran and Layla. And don't get me started on his daughter, Emmy. She captured my heart straight away!
Hearing Kierans back story absolutely broke me. ❤️‍🩹
You really go on a journey with Layla, through her ups and downs and the pain, suffering and uncertainty she faces with her chronic illness.

"I'd rather crash and burn than never live at all,"

Kieran is known to be a playboy, a little cocky and HOTTT. But, ever since he laid his eyes on Layla, he can't stop thinking about her. For over a year! This man yearns for her! Is obsessed with her!

"Layla Carson has just ruined me. Utterly ruined me. And all I'll ever want is her. My sunshine."

"She is a soul that I will search for in every lifetime, one that I will cherish and love for eternity because she's special, so incredibly special. I know she's the one."


Their chemistry flew off the page. Kieran is so acts of service coded. I mean, he goes and reads one of her favourite books and recreates a date for her 🥹 Yep, you heard that right. Layla is also a book girly!

I can't fault a single thing. This is everything I wanted, needed and hoped for!

If you like:
Single Daddy x Nanny
Chronic illness rep (Lupus)
Reformer play boy
Found family
Life list "teach me"
He falls first
Acts of service

Then you will love this one!
Profile Image for Serafina  Sunflower.
217 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 7, 2026
Thank you so much Mads Rafferty for an e-ARC of Fighting Chance in exchange for my honest review ✨

I read Breaking Point for the first time back in January and quickly became obsessed with Mads beautiful way of telling a story. I've never felt so many different emotions while reading so I thought I had fully prepared myself for what to expect getting into Fighting Chance. I was not, in fact, prepared whatsoever. 😭 By the end of chapter 1 I had cried three times. What an absolute roller coaster of emotions.

I'm going to be honest, I think the reason I connect so much to these books is because I've dealt with chronic pain the last few years. A pain that's gone undiagnosed as doctors continue to tell me any test I take comes back "normal". It feels like I'm not being heard. So to dive into her books and find female main characters that relate to the same issues I've gone through? I can't help but grow attached and oddly feel understood (even if these characters aren't real, they feel real). So to say I grew attached to Layla was a bit of an understatement. The strength she showed when life repeatedly knocked her down was incredibly inspiring.

Now let's talk about the man, the myth, the legend: *DADDY* Kieran Ashford aka THEE book boyfriend. The way he was made for the romance book lovers out there. I mean....when a man wants to re-create scenes from your favorite books 👀 oh my gosh. Like he was CONSTANTLY going above and beyond. I fell in love with him almost instantly when he was first introduced in Breaking Point and fell even harder while reading Fighting Chance. A reformed playboy who falls first AND harder?! YES PLS. I mean, her name in his phone being "my future wife" like COME ON. He's so precious.

Okay my love for these two amazing characters aside, I also loved getting to know his daughter, Emmy, more ✨💕 her story broke my heart but to watch her slowly but surely heal with the love of Kieran and Layla was so beautiful to watch. Seeing the walls she built up around her heart to protect herself crumble had me, yet again, tearing up.

Alright I'm rambling now. I just very clearly love this story and can't wait for others to read and fall in love with these characters as much as I have.
Profile Image for Shaylin Brunson.
95 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2026
3.75-4 stars!
This book starts off with a bang and literally had me in tears within 2 minutes of reading, there is some heartbreaking content in here! It was navigated beautifully though, so if you can handle the tougher subjects mentioned in the trigger warnings, I'd highly recommend you give this one a try! While this is part of the Ice Hawks series, the hockey takes a pretty big backseat to the rest of the themes explored, while still tying it all together. I absolutely love the found family in this world and how consistently each person shows up for the others, especially when things get really hard. I loved seeing the team dynamics again, and the scene where they’re all on the ice for the *special meeting* was adorable! I think the way that the mental health struggles were portrayed was very realistic and showed just how wishy washy trauma can feel like at different times in your life, and how debilitating it can be when it takes a front seat in your mind. Watching Kieran’s growth from quite reckless in the first book to then being loving and responsible and willing to do anything for his girls was absolutely precious. Also, the spicy scenes? They were gooooooood!! SO well written!

There were a few things that irked me the wrong way, and it could have been where my head was at while reading?
-There were a few times where I was really seeing the MMC as a *male character written by a female author* which for sure has a place in the romance genre and I have been able to look past that in other books, so again, I’m not sure if it was just a me thing, but it kind of took me out of the flow of the story because it didn’t seem realistic.
-I also struggle when a pretty unique phrase is used more than once, and this happened 3 times in this book with the same phrase, which was also used a few times in the first book. Again, possibly just something that bugs me and wouldn’t be a problem for most people.

Overall, such a beautiful book that explores trauma, mental health struggles, medical anxiety, mental maturity and growth, and the most amazing found family. I’d highly recommend you pick this up when you get a chance!

*Thank you Mads Rafferty for an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
Oh. My. God.

This book stole my heart. My heart, my soul, my tears, my smile.

There is something about Mads Rafferty's writing that sets her stories apart from the sea of typical hockey/sports romances in an amazing way. Reading Breaking Point already made me realize how much more she offers than this genre - but with Fighting Chance, she managed to raise the bar even higher. So even if you don't read this genre, I recommend it, because that's almost just a side story here. This book is a hard-hitting psychological drama that tackles very hard and important topics, presented through complex and lovable characters—written in a way that touches you deep inside.

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to Kieran and Layla's story, and there are no words to describe how much it meant to me. I was crying by the first chapter, and that was just the beginning of a real emotional roller coaster. My heart broke for Emmy, my soul was torn apart learning about Kieran's past, and my stomach clenched at Layla's struggle.

I can already say with confidence that I've found my favorite book of the month—and even though I finished it last night, I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Fighting Chance is an incredibly well-written, painful but beautiful story that I can recommend to anyone and everyone without exception.

Mads, baby, you have become one of my all-time favorite writers. ♥️ Thank you for the honor of being among the first to read this marvelous work and for the lifelong experience you have given me with it.

TRIGGER WARNING:
- abandonment (foster care)
- chronic illnes (lupus)
- suicide ideation
- mentions of sexual assault (off page)
- mental health, including dissociation and anxiety
- several mentions of infertility in numerous characters 

🗓️ Date of publication: 2026. 03. 31.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
ARC Reader review.

Firstly, thank you so much Mads Rafferty for selecting me as one of your ARC Readers. This was my first ever ARC copy and I am beyond grateful to have been selected.

I read Breaking Point last year and it was one of my favourite books of the year hands down. The story resonated with me as a lot of elements and themes hit extremely close to home and the way Mads wrote about it all was beautiful and true to the situations while also being incredibly considerate to those who have experienced those aspects within their own lives. So to say I was beyond ecstatic to read Fighting Chance was the understatement of the year.

And boy, after Grayson Crawford, I did not think I could fall for another MMC the same way I did for him, but then Mads introduced Kieran Ashford and MAN WAS I WRONG!

The YEARNING from this man for Layla oozes off the page and I was hanging off the end of my seat to see him and Layla together. Their story is one of heartbreak for each of them individually (and at times together), seeing crumbs of their stories come through as the pages went on, and them being each other's support in hard times, but their connection to get the other through is so beautiful. Their story truly is one of finding your person and being where you are meant to be, despite everything.

I must admit after reading Breaking Point and it holding such a dear place in my heart as such a beautiful story and beautifully written book, I hoped with everything that Fighting Chance would live up to the standard and boy did it! I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait for the rest of the IceHawks series, and I truly hope I can continue to be an ARC Reader for the remainder of the series!

Thank you Mads for allowing me this privilege, I am beyond grateful and honoured xx

Profile Image for Sharni Borella.
6 reviews
March 9, 2026
Another beautifully written book my Mads 🥺
The found family in this series is everything to me, it’s such a mix of everything you could possibly want, there is such heavy topics in this book, and Mads just handles them with the upmost care, but there’s also humour, lightness and so much love between these characters, I love how they are all so connected to each other and we still see so much of the characters all together, through good times and hard times, they support each other so well and are always there for one another 🥺🩵

The banter between them all is hilarious, especially the boys, that group chat is bloody gold 😂 but even the parents are just full of love, it couldn’t be more perfect. I felt such a strong connection to the characters in Breaking Point, and it’s exactly the same with Fighting Chance, these books are so special because they have such emotional depths to them, but you also get a sprinkle of everything and I just adore them, I also adored Emmy, (honestly who wouldn’t!) my heart absolutely broke for that child, and seeing her open up to Kieran and Layla and the whole family was so damn sweet 🥺🩵

Thank you Mads for another ARC copy 🥰🩵
Profile Image for Cassidy Joseph.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
First, I wanted to say thank you to Mads Rafferty for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I also wanted to thank her for creating such a unique and welcoming group of readers over on her Instagram. Getting little snippets and previews of the book made the wait a little easier.

I counted down the days until Fighting Chance was released. However, please be sure to read the trigger warnings before reading because the book. obtains some heavy themes. I am by no means emotional and rarely cry over books but found myself crying multiple times throughout this story. The realness and rawness of these characters and their inner thoughts make this a beautiful story that goes beyond just sports.

Kieran Ashford, the man that you are. Not only is he a swoon worthy book boyfriend but also an incredible depiction of a dedicated father. He fights his own trauma and deep emotional wounds to help support the daughter he didn’t know existed. It is one of the best written sports, single dad - nanny tropes right up there with Liz Tomforde’s Caught Up. Which in my eyes is a very high honor. Five stars all around and 10/10 would recommend even to those who are typically not a sports romance reader.



This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dani💓.
81 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Ahhh I loved this book! It was such an emotional read. The yearning this man did for a whole year for her 🥵🥵 honestly this was just just a good book and I’m so happpy I got to arc read it! After arc reading breaking point I knew this was going to be a great series! There is just something about mads writing that draws you in! She really knows how to write about hard topics in a way that you really understand!
Keiran is the typical playboy hockey player, but when one phone call changes his life, he turns it around doing anything and everything for his daughter. Layla has just come back from her year in Berlin after medical trials due to her Lupas. Looking for a job, she is offered to nanny for the man who has been yearning after her for a whole year!
Emmy really brought them together and made them a family and after everything the have both been through it was so sweet seeing keiran do anything for both of his girls 🥵
I absolutely devoured this book in a few hours and I’m so excited to keep reading this series if it continue hehe
thankyou again mads for another 5⭐️ read! I will definitely be adding your other books to my TBR hehe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Tracey Edwards.
53 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2026
Five. Freaking. Stars.
Every day of the week.
This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint.
It gave me everything I hoped for and more.
If there is one thing Mads is good at - it’s destroying my heart over and over again. Fighting Chance filled me with all of the emotional feels right from the very beginning.
Learning of the heart ache that all three main characters went through had me crying more times than I can count. There were some heavy topics, so please check for trigger warnings, but Mads has managed to cover them in such a beautiful way without losing the trauma that goes with them.
Emmy, Layla and Kieran have my heart wholeheartedly and I would absolutely love to see where their story takes them.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read this; I am beyond grateful 💚
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
Where do I even begin? I read Breaking Point a few months ago and when I tell you that story had be sobbing uncontrollably every other chapter and DM'ing Mads all the time asking about Kieran and Layla. This book broke my heart even more and slowly put together the pieces. Kieran and Layla were so incredibly perfect for each other. From the moment they met in Breaking Point I knew their book would be insane and let me tell you it was!! The chemistry between them was out of this world. Mads always does such a wonderful job writing stories that make anyone and everyone sob uncontrollably but also smile like an idiot at 2am because they finally said, 'fuck it'. I can't wait for everyone to enjoy their story March 31st!! Thank you again Mads for sure an incredible opportunity getting to meet Kieran and Layla early!
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 7, 2026
Fighting chance

I fell in love with kieran ashford after reading bits and pieces of him in Breaking Point but Fighting chance made me love him even more as we really get to see him more in depth.

Fighting chance is an emotional and deep story that had me hooked from the very first page. I absolutely loved the dynamics between layla and kieran. The 2 year yearning!! HELLO!! I also loved watching kieran learning how to be a dad to emmy, the bond between them is unlike anything I've ever read as well as the bond that emmy and layla have is the cutest thing ever 😭

The tropes in fighting chance are all the ones i love as well:
Single dad x nanny
He falls first
Yearning
Found Family
Mental health rep
Chronic illness



Profile Image for Chy.
184 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2026
Thank you Mads for letting me read this as an ARC

Kieran and Layla were EVERYTHING probably my favourite couple over Bella and Grayson but I loved getting to see them be apart of this story as well

I cried, I giggled and I was mad! So many emotions and It broke my heart so many times watching Layla have to go through all this.

This book definitely hits on more triggering themes too so check the warnings! It was so much soul shattering as well

The ONLY issue I had was when Layla kept saying how she didn't think Kieran was not gonna pick her countless times but tje only small issue

Otherwise I LOVED this book

At thr moment. 4.75 ⭐️
Profile Image for Sandra Martins.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 7, 2026
Wow, what an emotional journey reading this book. It touches on some heavy topics, but they’re written with such care and sensitivity that the story really stays with you. I cried several times while reading.

Kieran was absolutely everything and more, and I was so happy when Layla finally gave in. Their story was powerful and heartfelt.

Even though the book deals with some very heavy and sensitive themes, it’s definitely worth the read. I loved Breaking Point and I’m really looking forward to reading more from Mads Rafferty.
Profile Image for Kelsey (bookwad__).
208 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
I think I enjoyed this more than book one, despite the ending being a large trigger for me! It's not a trigger I saw mentioned on the warning page, which may be something worth correcting.

Layla and Keiran are perfect. Both flawed, and traumatized in their own way while finding their way to one another. I love a single dad romance, and this one wasn't any different! Emmy is precious.

I really liked how we got to see the characters from last book so much as well! And if me saying I loved it isn't enough to prove it, I also read this in ONE sitting.
Profile Image for Leilani Nikole.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
First I want to thank Mads Rafferty for choosing me to receive an arc. Thank you so much!!

Next…

FIVE STARS!! ALL DAY LONG! 🌟🌟

This book has two of my favorite things, hockey, and a single dad. This book had me all up in my feels right from the very beginning. I was hooked straight away and couldn’t put the book down.

The bond and love between Kieran, Layla and Emmy is so special. I’ll be thinking about them for a while 🥹 Warning this book covers some heavy/sensitive topics so check your trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Kendall Smith.
33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 7, 2026
4.5 stars 🥹 thank you Mads for the ARC, I feel truely blessed. I’ve been hanging out for this book since I read Breaking Point.
What a heart wrenching story! My poor empathetic heart broke for Emmy, Lil and Kieran! Definitely not your average Hockey romance, it’s so much more. Please check the trigger warnings but otherwise dive in heart first 💖
I did find the story drag a little bit in some places but otherwise, perfection.
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,717 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
Kieran may have endured a tough life, but it brought Layla into his life to brighten him up. And oh boy, she may have tried to deny it, but their chemistry is undeniable.

Their romance toward the steam may have been a loooooooongg burn, but it was so worth it! It was a fist pump into the air once they clashed in a fit of pure passion.

I loved how they both had issues, but loved each other anyway. It was so swoonyyyyy

Thanh you Mads for an early copy.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
Thank you Mads Rafferty for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this one.

I was hooked on these two ever since their scene in Breaking Point and their book did not disappoint. Mads does such a good job leaning into some heavy topics while still providing love and laughter in her books. I highly suggest reading the trigger warnings since this is an emotional read.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
280 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
I just know that I’m not going to be able to articulate how incredible this book was and do it justice.

If you’re looking for a ‘not your average hockey romance’ then this is it. It was a journey through chronic illness, childhood trauma, love and trusting who you fall for completely and unashamedly.

Single dad x nanny trope absolutely always hits and the way Kieran yearns is like no other. I am absolutely obsessed with him and Layla and fell in love with their story from the first page.

Mads, you truly have a gift. This book was so so special and I highly recommend it to everyone. As always, check trigger/content warnings because yes this book is an amazing love story but it also touches on some pretty heavy topics as well.
Profile Image for Tina Howard .
220 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
I recieved this as an arc! 5 stars all day long! I loved Kieran and Layla! His story broke my heart but the way he steps up absolutely melted it! Such an amazing love story! Read it you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for krystelreads.
113 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 8, 2026
Absolutely incredible!

The story line and plot twists , the emotional depth and back stories. Such a beautiful story. The way Kieran was so obsessed with Layla ! Love this series!
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