Take the Risk: A College Hockey Romance

by Bree Hayden, Morgan Waddle (Editor), Sennah Tate (Editor)

He's my brother's best friend, the stern hockey captain. The boy who broke my heart.

Five years ago, Denali and I fell into that stupid teenage love that gives romance a bad taste. The end. Good riddance. I thought that was the last I'd ever seen of him.

Until my brother introduces me to his new hockey captain. Denali.

Uptight, intimidating, with muscles for the puck bunnies to fawn over, Denali has a career carved towards the NHL. Everybody knows him as a man to push away distractions and scoff at relationships.

But when we're reintroduced, everything changes.

He cooks me breakfast, writes me love letters, and listens to me in a way I've never experienced before, especially our first time around. From his interviews at hockey games to his team placing bets on our relationship, he's staked a clear claim on me.

Denali's determined to prove he's not the boy from five years ago.

And maybe, just maybe, I'll let him prove me wrong.

[Take the Risk is a slowburn second chance college hockey romance with so much tension, angst, and a found family like no other! There are heavier topics explored in this novel. For a list of CWs please go to the author's site!]

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Slow Burn

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

A lover of romances, it’s not unusual to find Bree Hayden curled up with a book, sobbing her eyes out. On the off chance she’s doing real-life things, she resides in Washington, tries to get birds to whistle along with her, and enjoys baking ancient recipes in the hopes one actually tastes good.

Check out Bree’s newsletter for playlists (they’re pretty good), upcoming character art (that’s way better), chances to read her books before anybody else (!!!), and free extra stories about the characters in her novels (the best!!!)

Reviews

[taylor ୨୧]

DNF

so many things about this just felt unrealistic to me. him being unrecognizable to both her and her brother despite them being close years ago was odd. some of the dialogue was also strange to me — the scene where she snaps at him for the way he’s talking to his teammate as if he’s not the literal captain of the team…. their backstory also just felt super disorganized and i was so confused 😭 i really wanted to like this but it just was not for me

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read

RTC

Yall ain’t ready. 🫣😘🤭

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Bree Hayden for sending me an ARC of this book.

I really think this book is for someone, I just don’t think I am that someone. I was rooting for the main characters and their love story, but everything felt too MUCH. I like an obsessed man… not like this. I was constantly thinking that they were headed in a normal direction, and then BAM something icky would happen again. If you like a possessive, obsessed man that borderlines stalking, this may be for you (and I would recommend it if that’s your thing).

[Julieann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Bree Hayden has done what I once considered to be impossible: make me love a second-chance romance. In fact, this is my favorite book of hers so far, hands-down.

I get the appeal of the second-chance trope, however, typically it just isn’t for me. Usually whatever issues or hang-ups that caused the couple to break up in the first place are never resolved when their second chance rolls around. That was not the case in this book. A lot of relationship issues that occurred in the past could largely be attributed to the FMC and MMC’s young age (fifteen) as well as the traumatic things they were both going through separately.

In the present day, Bree Hayden does a wonderful job of showing how much each character has changed and how they’re putting forth a conscious effort to be better and make healthier choices. This story felt very real and grounded and was incredibly heart-felt. I caught myself tearing up at multiple points in the story. Denali is a top-tier yearner, but now is a healthy, boundary-respecting yearner. Zariah is a strong, confident FMC who wasn’t stubborn for the sake of it; she was willing to give Denali a chance so long as he respected her boundaries and didn’t push her into discomfort. Their banter and relationship was so sweet and cute, and I liked the fact that they didn’t immediately rush into a relationship. They took the time to get to know each other as adults first.

As always, the side characters in this universe have a lot of depth, personality, and are so funny; I laughed out loud several times. I can’t wait to see which character is next to get their own standalone. (I’m thinking that it’s Nick, but we shall see).

📖Book Tropes:
👥Dual POV
💕Second Chance
♥️He Falls First and Harder
🥺Yearning
❤️‍🔥Slow burn
🏒Hockey Romance

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and my rating reflects my genuine experience with the book.

[Symone · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️I really enjoyed this book, honestly even more than the first one.

Denali runs into an ex-girlfriend from five years ago, and things quickly become complicated since there was never any real closure. Add in the fact that she’s related to someone on the team, and the tension gets even better. Watching all those unresolved emotions come to the surface was really engaging.

Denali being completely head over heels was adorable and slightly concerning 😅. Dude was intensely infatuated with her, but I liked how her presence changed his dynamics with the team and showed a different side of him. Their personalities meshed well. He was anxious, and she had a way of calming him down. I also appreciated getting Denali’s POV after being on Bear’s side in the first book.

Seeing more of Elijah was another highlight. He came across as a hothead before, but this book definitely redeemed him for me. And as always, the team’s brotherhood and found-family vibe was a huge plus.

Overall, a great sequel with strong character growth and a team dynamic I loved.

[Dawn Smit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved book 1 in this series (Call the Shots) and I've been eagerly awaiting this one and I had high hopes I would feel the same but unfortunately I didn't

I couldn't connect with the main characters, their behavior was frustrating and too chaotic for me and the book was too long with lots of unnecessarily repeated topics and other topics felt rushed.

I loved getting to be back in this friend group as there are some fun characters who's stories I'm looking forward to, especially Elijah and Montoya and I have lots of questions about Nick & 🇨🇦 and the ? in his arms at the party

Thank you Bree for the ARC opportunity 💕

[Mette Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book prior to publication from the author. This review reflects my honest opinion.

This book was intense — and definitely not a fluffy Hallmark-style hockey romance. It dives into emotionally heavy topics that will hit differently for every reader. I strongly recommend reading the trigger warnings beforehand. This story is an emotional rollercoaster — I laughed, I cried, and at times I just sat there processing.

If you’re expecting a cute, light college hockey romance with a slightly obsessed boy-next-door vibe, this isn’t that. This is slow burn, layered, and full of tension and unanswered questions that slowly unravel. The story keeps you wondering: Why do they react the way they do? What really happened in the past? And when the answers come, they matter.

Denali as a teenager is, frankly, a walking red flag. His intensity and actions carry serious consequences. There’s no romanticizing who he was at fifteen. What makes the story compelling, though, is growth. As an adult, he’s still intense — that part of him doesn’t disappear — but he’s self-aware, trying to control his impulses, trying to be better. For many readers, he will still feel like a red flag. For me, what stood out was that he tries. He’s devoted, he is trying to be honest and it can be painful to admit once short cummings and mistakes, and he never stopped loving her.
His evolution is messy but intentional.

Zariah carries an enormous burden from a young age — far more than any fifteen-year-old should. When she reconnects with Denali, her caution makes complete sense. Trust isn’t something she hands out lightly. What I appreciated most about her is her communication and boundaries. She voices her feelings, calls him out when needed, and refuses to ignore red flags. She doesn’t shame him for who he is; instead, she engages, questions, and challenges him. That balance adds depth to their dynamic.

While the book itself doesn’t explicitly explore different philosophies of love, it sparked a lot of reflection in me as a reader. It made me think about the many forms love can take — safe and steady love, consuming and chaotic love, love that challenges you, love that reshapes you. It left me wondering whether we can truly judge someone else’s relationship simply because it doesn’t look like our own.

There is plenty of spice, and the dynamic leans toward power exchange in the bedroom, while outside of it Zariah maintains strong emotional footing. The contrast adds another layer to their relationship.

Overall, this was an emotionally charged, complex second-chance romance that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable themes. It’s not soft or simple — but it is compelling, intense, and ultimately rewarding.

4,75 stars from me.
I am intrigued about the author and curious about her other books.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about obsession, lies, accountability, and the sacrifices people make when love and pride collide. It’s intense, layered, and at times deeply frustrating in both good and complicated ways.

The childhood drama is where my biggest issue sits.

Yes, the MMC made possessive, reckless choices. But he was fifteen. The FMC was dealing with heavy family circumstances. And yet somehow, the adults escape real accountability. Both families are quick to assign blame to two emotionally overwhelmed teenagers while ignoring their own absence and failures. I kept waiting for someone to acknowledge that the adults played a role in how everything unraveled and that reckoning never fully comes. A little more ownership or even groveling from the parents would have made the emotional arc feel more complete.

Now let’s talk about Zariah (the FMC)

I wanted to be fully on her side and at times, I was. But her hot/cold behavior toward Denali became frustrating. She often demanded accountability (which is fair), yet didn’t always acknowledge how external forces and family interference contributed to the collapse of their relationship when they were younger. It felt like she was validated repeatedly, but without much internal reflection in return. I kept waiting for a moment where she recognized that their past wasn’t shaped by one person alone.

And honestly… I’m not entirely convinced what they had at fifteen was genuine love. It felt more like intensity, obsession, and trauma bonding than something stable or rooted. When they reunite, they do build something deeper. There is effort, intention, and more awareness but even then, I’m not sure it fully reached the emotional depth I was hoping for. There’s growth, yes. But not as much mutual evolution as I expected.

Denali (the MMC), however, was compelling. Flawed? Absolutely. A walking red flag as a teenager? Without question. But what stood out to me was that he tries. He owns his mistakes. He gives her space and choice. His growth is messy but intentional, and that effort is what kept me invested.

Montoya is another point of concern. I understand he’s written as the shy, naive freshman, but the lack of development since book one is noticeable. While everyone else is wrestling with their flaws and evolving, he feels stagnant and at this point in the series, that’s hard to ignore.

This book gave me emotional whiplash at times. Some parts felt like 2 stars, and then suddenly I was devouring the ending like it was a 5. That push and pull is exactly why I landed at a 4. It’s not perfect. It frustrated me. But it also kept me hooked.

If you’re expecting soft and sweet, this isn’t it.

If you want obsession, complicated growth, flawed characters forced to confront their past, and hockey woven into high-stakes emotional tension, this is perfect for you

[Soph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a story of young lovers. Lovers who don’t truly understand the meaning of relationship dynamics. Denali and Zariah were each other’s first everything. Throwing into that was Zaria’s grandfathers worsening illness, distance and plain relationship ignorance.

When things go down south, Zariah has to leave her grandfather, the hockey boot camp. Her first love, Denali. Denali scrambles to understand and copes in a way that many do when they loose control of a situation. Especially at 15. By clutching at straws and passing blame to those around him.

Years later, fate brings them back together in the most unexpected way. The Gladiators are the Hockey Team of Denali and Elijah (Zariah brother). When Elijah introduces his best friend to his twin sister they are both on edge. Plagued with shock and fear of past actions Zariahs guards remain high and bolted around Denali.

As the story progresses you see a wide birth of character development. Especially in Denali. He grows to understand his actions past and present. He acknowledges wrongdoing and understands that actions speak louder than words. His emotional understanding and development are worked upon by himself and Zariah. Especially after they both acknowledge the past. By understanding their issues and conversing they found a new space to work upon boundaries, friendship and trust. There’s a thin line between love and hate. Especially when the hate displayed is due to fear.

The reactions of their families was so well written. It was believable, the emotions were felt through each sentence. The concern, the confusion, the betrayal.

One thing I will say is there is a lot of information to digest. This book is 58 chapters and information from right at the start will be brought into context towards the end so it does feel like there is some random bits of information left unsolved. However it is all wrapped in the end leaving no loose ends.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It had me laughing, clutching my heart, fanning myself 🥵and plain wondering if everything was okay. By Taking a Risk, how do you ever truely know how something is going to pan out?

If Denali and Zariah were willing to Take the Risk, are you?

Thankyou Bree for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for you! I’m a sucker for a hockey romance. But when you add slow burn, brothers best friend and forced proximity to the mix. I’m down hook line and sinker.!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐
Read this book for:
💜 Second Chance
🏒 College Romance
💜 Forced Proximity
🏒 Brother’s Best Friend
💜 No Third Break-up Act
🏒 Found Family

Synopsis
Five years ago, I gave my heart to my brother’s best friend and he shattered it. Denali was my first love, my worst heartbreak, and the boy I swore I’d never think about again.

Now he’s back.
Not as the reckless teenager I remember but as the intimidating, disciplined hockey captain with NHL dreams and a reputation for emotional detachment. The kind of man who doesn’t do distractions. The kind who definitely doesn’t do relationships.

Except with me.

This time, Denali isn’t running. He’s writing love letters. Cooking breakfasts. Claiming me in front of his entire team and the world. He’s patient, intentional, and determined to prove that he’s no longer the boy who broke my heart.

And the scariest part?
I’m starting to believe him.

My Thoughts
If you loved the story of King and Willow (Against the Rules), you’ll probably love this book too. Since I didn’t really like their book, it makes sense that I also didn’t love this one as much. There were elements I genuinely enjoyed, though, like the found family moments, which were such a nice touch, and especially Elijah and his storyline. I also loved the team dynamics with their shenanigans.

But the main reason this book didn’t fully work for me was Denali. As an MMC, I personally found him too toxic. He keeps saying he’s changed, and while I can see some of that change, he still felt like a huge red flag to me. The change didn’t feel complete or convincing enough for me to like him as an MMC.

Zariah also felt off to me compared to how she was in the other books. She always came across as bubbly, strong, and as a woman who knew exactly what she wanted. I understand that she and Denali have history, but I just couldn’t realistically imagine a woman like her choosing someone like him. Some of her behavior even started to feel toxic to me as well, which was disappointing because I really liked her character before.

I really wanted to love this one, especially after how much I loved Bear and June’s story. My expectations were high, and sadly, it just didn’t hit the same for me. That said, I’m still excited for the next book in the series, and I’m really curious who it will focus on. My guess is either Nick (with Tallulah??) or Elijah, and I’m definitely looking forward to that.

[Seersh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-Op, and Bree Hayden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I spotted this one and saw hockey romance and second chance,that’s enough to pull me in. Bree Hayden’s writing style is easy to follow and accessible.
However, the first half of the book felt quite slow to me. I struggled to fully get into it, and it took me a few days to read, whereas I’m usually glued to a romance and finish it in a couple of hours. I think the pacing could have been tighter in the beginning. It wasn’t until nearly halfway through that the story really picked up for my tastes.
I also personally don’t love dual timelines that go back and forth between past and present. I prefer learning the backstory through present-day conversations and character development rather than flashbacks. That’s just a personal preference, but it did impact my reading experience.
Denali and Zariah met at fifteen and had a summer romance that ended in a messy breakup. Five years later, they’re still carrying unresolved feelings and wounds from the past. When Zariah returns to university and discovers Denali is not only there but also her brother’s friend and teammate, it’s a huge shock for both of them. The emotional tension and chemistry between them are undeniable.
This is a complex, grey-area story. Denali was very toxic when he was younger, and the book explores whether people are capable of real, genuine change. Teenagers are young, emotional, and often make harmful decisions..but the hurt they cause is still valid. Some behaviours are deeply damaging, especially when they affect someone’s self-esteem and sense of worth.
What I appreciated most is how the story examines growth and accountability. Change doesn’t just happen with time, it requires real work, self-reflection, and boundary-setting. As the story progresses, Zariah begins to see how much Denali has worked on himself. She shows compassion and a willingness to listen, and it becomes clear she sees who he truly is beneath his past mistakes.
I do believe people can grow out of toxic behaviors if they genuinely put in the effort. With maturity, accountability, and personal growth, it is possible to build healthier, more secure relationships — not just romantically, but in friendships as well.
It is a good book, it did come across more YA romance to me personally.
3.8 stars

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such incredibly high hopes for this book. And I’m still conflicted if this is the correct rating. Parts of this book I would have given 2 stars but then I was devouring the ending and wanted to give it 4 or 5 stars. This book was almost like getting whiplash. And I can’t tell if it was a good way or a bad way. I settled on a 3 star rating as a middle ground.
Let's start with the childhood drama. Yes this MMC is possessive and has a lot of crap he needed to work on but also he’s a 15 year old boy so maybe some time and growing up may help. Yes the FMC has lots of really difficult family stuff going on. But THE ADULTS! My god! Both families wanna blame the kids involved. They were 15 and where the hell were any of you. Oh right leaving them alone with a dying 60 something year old man. Great parenting there. This point also never gets brought up. Like the entire book! Someone please yell at these adults for me!
Okay onto the award for the most red flags at the beginning! Denali you poor little stalker man. There was something so redeemable about the way Denali was written. I know lots of people might find his character to be overly possessive and leaning into dark romance but gosh he always tried. Whether or not he changed himself or not I don’t care. This man became every green flag in the book. Continually took ownership of mistakes. Constantly gave her all the control and ability to make her own choices. Denali I will be honest was the main reason I kept reading.
Zariah. I wanted to like her so much I really did. But ugh everytime she kept getting better to then go back and say something hypocritical. I loved her girl boss attitude. She knew what she wanted and she refused to settle for less, what a queen. But girl you cannot keep going with the double standards.
I was hoping for a bit more family drama or at least seeing a bit more groveling for family approval near the end.
Overall this book had all the makings of an incredible book but it just didn’t hit perfectly for me. However I would 100000% recommend this book if you are into stalker redemption story vibes.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-Op and Bree Hayden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I am a simp for a hockey romance - I gobble them up like nobody’s business! Idk what it is about these hockey boys but 🤌 this is also a second chance romance, AND he has slutty little glasses? Please!

Zariah & Denali first met when they were 15 years old and fell head over heels in a whirlwind summer romance. Those selfish, horny teenage hormones coupled with some family trauma led to a messy, scarring breakup that they are both still trying to overcome 5 years later.

Coincidences abound and they find themselves at the same college, living in the same building. Tension builds, sparks fly, chemistry is bubbling and they both find themselves pitting their hearts against their brains for whether it’s worth taking a risk to find a second chance at happiness together.

This was a surprisingly emotionally complex story. Denali was a walking red flag when he was a teenager, and the novel explores whether people are capable of change, what maturity and healthy boundaries look like and what it really means to be strong and secure in yourself in a committed relationship.

I really loved Zariah’s compassion and understanding for who Denali is at his core and the work he had put in to manage his impulsive behaviours. Both of them were so unwavering in their acceptance of the other, their communication was amazing and you could really feel the love between them.

The first half of this book was a bit too slow for my tastes, and honestly I think it could have afforded to lose 100 pages or so and it would have been better for it. However, the back half made up for this and it wasn’t a huge issue - just personal preference!

The spice in this story was amazing, we love to see communicative, pathetically down bad men! It’s me, I’m we.

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys sports romance (particularly hockey), second chance romance, the brother’s best friend trope and plenty of angst!

[justcallme_linaa_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*service presse (ARC NetGalley)*

Take the Risk de Bree Hayden
4,5/5⭐️

Je pense que ce livre ne plaira pas à tout le monde… mais moi, il m’a vraiment marquée !

Ce n’est clairement pas une petite romance hockey légère. C’est intense, chargé émotionnellement, parfois dérangeant. Denali à 15 ans ? énorme red flag. Il est possessif, immature, blessé, et certaines de ses actions font mal. Mais ce que j’ai trouvé intéressant, c’est que l’autrice ne romantise pas ça.

On voit les conséquences. On voit les blessures. Et surtout, on voit le travail.

Le Denali adulte essaie vraiment d’être différent. Il prend ses responsabilités, il écoute, il respecte les limites de Zariah. Il ne force pas. Il ne minimise pas le passé. Son évolution est imparfaite, mais elle est intentionnelle.

Zariah m’a beaucoup touchée aussi. Elle pose ses boundaries, elle communique, elle ne se laisse pas manipuler par la nostalgie. Elle veut des preuves, pas des paroles. Et j’ai adoré ça.

J’ai aussi beaucoup aimé la found family et l’équipe de hockey : ça apporte de la légèreté au milieu de toute cette intensité. Par contre, le début était un peu long pour moi et il faut aimer les romances un peu “grey”, pas totalement noires mais pas totalement saines non plus.

Now in English 🤍

This is NOT a fluffy college hockey romance. It’s emotional, heavy, and full of tension.

Denali as a teenager was toxic. That’s a fact. But the story focuses on growth and accountability. As an adult, he tries to be better. He listens. He respects her limits. He accepts when he is wrong. I liked that his change was not perfect or instant. It felt real.

Zariah is strong and careful. She doesn’t trust him easily, and that makes sense. Their relationship is slow burn, full of angst and unresolved feelings. The chemistry is intense, but the emotional conversations are what really stood out to me.

The first half was a bit slow, but the second half completely pulled me in. The tension, the love letters, the vulnerability… I was invested.

With all my love,
Ur Lina 🏒

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars
As a hockey romance lover (and a huge second-chance trope fan), I went into this one ready to fall hard. And while I did end up enjoying it, it definitely took me some time to get there.
I’m not going to lie — the first part of this book had me seriously questioning whether I could ever root for Denali. Their teenage relationship was intense in a way that felt unhealthy and codependent, and his behavior at her grandfather’s funeral? Major red flag energy. I struggled.
What I did appreciate was that the story didn’t ignore that past. Zariah holds him accountable. She makes him confront the damage he caused, and I respected that so much. It also mattered to me that his presence back in her life was genuinely coincidental — I was very relieved this didn’t veer into anything obsessive or stalker-adjacent.
As the story progressed, Denali’s growth felt gradual rather than magically transformative. He doesn’t become a completely different person overnight (which wouldn’t have been realistic), but he does learn. He listens. He works on controlling his possessiveness and channels those feelings in a healthier way. And I really appreciated the communication between them in the second half.
The collegiate setting and hockey backdrop were such strong elements for me — that atmosphere always pulls me in. I also loved the side characters, especially Elliot (even when he was frustrating) and Denali’s teammates. I liked that Zariah called out Denali when needed — including how he treated Montoya — and that he was willing to admit when he was wrong and do better. Growth > perfection.
Overall, I wanted to love this one more than I did. I liked it, I appreciated the character development, and I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other — but it wasn’t an instant favorite for me.
Still, if you love:
• second-chance romance
• flawed heroes who have to earn redemption
• college hockey settings
• emotional growth arcs
this one might really work for you.

[Olivia Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review (Thank you for my first one ever!)
Take the Risk by Bree Hayden
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🏒Sports Romance (Hockey)
💕Second Chance (They were each others first everything)
🏒Slow Burn
💕Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Found Family
💕No Third-Act Breakup
🏒Spicy
My Thoughts:
A slow-burn romance definitely, but it was a slow-burn that was needed. Of course, when things started moving faster I was beyond excited, but Zariah and Denali both needed that time to reintroduced themselves to each other. The thing about their second chances was that they were now more mature and not fifteen-year-olds in love for the first time and this allowed them to truly move past everything.

Denali needed to prove that he would respect Zariah’s boundaries, a thing he did not do in the past. Zariah needed to put those boundaries in place so that, making sure she got a say in their relationship.

They started their relationship slow, from making breakfast to these adorable letters that they wrote back and forth, Zariah and Denali fell in love again (though our MMC was always there). Their relationship came out better and stronger and I like how both of them did not care what anyone else had to say. What worked for them, worked for them and they always had such great communication, neither wanting to lose the other again. Denali was a dorky, but sweet MMC and Zariah was such a strong and independent FMC that you could not help but be in love with how she manages to not only get Denali to see the error of his past ways, but also still offer her support and love.

One of my favorite parts was the hockey team aspect and how each guy on the team knew that our couple was gone for each other. They might joke around, but they are a team who finally started playing well together (of course Zariah was their good luck charm though).

If you like Sports Romance, take the risk and read this!

[Nikolett Berkiné Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Bree’s books because of the way she writes her characters and, most importantly, their growth. She never rushes development, never hands out redemption cheaply, everything feels earned. After June and Bear’s story, I could not wait to read about our broody captain.

And that broody captain? Denali is something else entirely. He’s intense, impulsive, loving, flawed, protective, and so deeply human. Watching his journey, from insecurity and control to accountability and restraint was one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve read. He doesn’t just love loudly, he learns how to love better. And Zariah? She is strength and softness in perfect balance. She never shrinks herself for anyone. Her agency, her boundaries, her growth it all makes this romance feel powerful instead of dependent. She chooses love without losing herself, and that is everything.

One of my favourite things about this book (and Bree’s writing in general) is the found family. The friendships, the banter, the tension, the loyalty, it all feels alive. The team, the siblings, the chaos at dinners, the emotional confrontations they add so much depth to the story. No one feels like a side character.

The pacing worked so well for me. It’s a true slow burn, but never boring. The emotional beats hit exactly when they should. The angsty moments hurt in the right way, and the payoff? Completely worth it. The symbolism throughout were so intentional and meaningful.

And the ending… it felt earned. Joyful, emotional, and exactly right for them.

Thank you, Bree, for trusting us with this story. Thank you for writing love that grows, that struggles, that heals. Your books hold my little heart so tightly, and I already cannot wait for for the next one. I was truly honoured to be part of your beta and ARC team.

[KayBeReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zariah and Denali had fling when they were younger. Zariah doesn’t think it was real and Denali wants her to feel like she missed out because of how great he is going to be. But lo and behold Zariah turned out to be his teammates sister. On first impression Zariah is a b***h and not the fun kind. Denali is a young man who love hard. They have a toxic history but I feel like the crazy end to their past has more to the story. These two are forced together due to the brother, Elijah. These two are communicating and spending time together. Zariah is starting to soften towards Denali. They are mingling and I like it. I’m just worried the b***h is going to come out of Miss ma’am again and she going to hurt my mans and then I’m going to want to jump in the book. Denali is down bad for her and I feel Ike she doesn’t see what a hold she has on him. I think I may love Montoya more than I love Denali. I just want to snuggle with him. I kind of like how Denali takes Zariah’s word as law however if someone is messing with mine I’m going put them paws on them. I love a man that is soft for their woman but I feel like Zariah has Denali scared to be his true self because his feelings are too big for her, so he kind of walks on eggshells just to appease her. Now Denali does have her wrapped around his finger when he has his tongue and other body parts near her body parts.🤭 If you’re looking for quick spice you wont find it here. This was definitely a slow burn. They built a stable a trusting emotional connection before they were physical. Alright Zariah won me over. I’m not going to tell what she did but just know she did. These two made it through some stuff and boy it was a lot. I’m happy for both of them. This story was interesting I was t expecting it to take the direction it did but it was great! It was devoured in one sitting.

[Breanna Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the Risk by Bree Hayden

What its About: He's my brother's best friend, the stern hockey captain. The boy who broke my heart.

Five years ago, Denali and I fell into that stupid teenage love that gives romance a bad taste. The end. Good riddance. I thought that was the last I'd ever seen of him.

Until my brother introduces me to his new hockey captain. Denali.

Uptight, intimidating, with muscles for the puck bunnies to fawn over, Denali has a career carved towards the NHL. Everybody knows him as a man to push away distractions and scoff at relationships.

But when we're reintroduced, everything changes.

He cooks me breakfast, writes me love letters, and listens to me in a way I've never experienced before, especially our first time around. From his interviews at hockey games to his team placing bets on our relationship, he's staked a clear claim on me.

Denali's determined to prove he's not the boy from five years ago.

And maybe, just maybe, I'll let him prove me wrong.

My Thoughts: 5/5 stars. The love I have for this book is amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed book one of the For the Arena Series but dare I say I love Daddy Denali's book more! It took me no time at all to read and im so glad I became an arc reader for Bree because her books do not disappoint. I can admit Denali was way toxic as a teen but I love how much he was willing to change for Zariah. I love their love so much! I honestly cant wait to read the next book! I have my guesses about who it will be about!

Spice rating:🌶🌶🌶. All I can say is Daddy Denali is sexy as sin and can talk a big game in the bedroom and backs it up in a BIG way. So so good when these two finally get together but it is a major slow burn.

Thank you so much Bree Hayden for making me an ARC reader for your book! All of these thoughts and opinions are my own!

#hockeyromance #secondchance #possessivemmc

[Dom’s Lit Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Bree for the advanced reader copy of Take The Risk.

There were certain things that I really loved about the book, but there were certain things that I wish we got more detail on.

At 15, Denali and Zariah were each other’s first loves. After an intense summer, their whirlwind romance ended in the worst way. 5 years later they meet again and all the things that were left unsaid come bubbling up. Turns out, Denali and Zariah both saw their romance from completely different viewpoints. The question is— have they grown enough in their time part and can they forgive each other and push forward into something more?

I liked the first love aspect. I even liked when they came together again, Denali was receptive about how Zariah experienced their relationship. He was remorseful and did things to show he was different this time around. I liked the bond Denali and Elijah formed as well.

What I found lacking were the real repercussions of what Denali did when they were kids. It didn’t feel authentic because that was such a pivotal moment in their relationship. I think that could have opened the door to a much BIGGER conversation about mental health which could have been another facet in showing that he was *better* now. In all honestly, Zariah needed to get help too.

The story just felt surface level on a lot of things and it’s seems like even though he made gestures and tried very hard to control some of his urges that initially broke them up, they both used sex and each other as coping mechanisms. Zariah forgave him without really seeing the work (if that makes sense).

Not a bad story at all, but it felt more like a YA (dialogue, drama between characters) with a whole lot of spice thrown in. There is definite room for improvement to take it to the next level.

[Sarah Putrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really unsure about this one at first and had a hard time getting into it within the first couple of chapters. The book did grow on me and I ended up really enjoying it overall.

Second chance romance I find is difficult especially if a character does something in the past that's hurtful. I found that the main characters really grew up as adults and did change and we saw that throughout the book. The main characters were also extremely young when they were together the first time with also losing someone mixed in there that's a lot to deal with right there. I can understand we do stupid things as teenagers and they were no different especially when they both saw from the others perspective when they were older and could apologize. They showed great maturity in moving on in forgiveness and in changing for the better.

Denali and Zariah were adorable together! I really like how slow they took their relationship building on getting to know each other as they are now as adults. Denali being really respectful to Zariah's boundaries this time around. Their love story felt heartfelt and grounded in trust in each other.

I wouldn't say this book is for everyone but I still recommend the read especially for a younger audience. This book had a lot of hockey coverage throughout that made it actually exciting and I'm not one that likes sports generally. This is a first for me by this author and the book can be read as a standalone but this is a series and the world and other characters are really wonderful and interesting so I definitely recommend trying out the series.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am providing my honest review.

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an eARC of this book from the author, but that does not influence my opinions on the book. 

This is a second chance romance that follows Zariah, a college student who dreams of being a horror movie writer, and Denali, the captain of the hockey team as well as her twin brother’s best friend. Zariah and Denali’s previous relationship was a little on the toxic side, but Denali is determined to show Zariah that he has changed and is a better person. 

Rating ✨

Characters 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️
I loved the characters. Both Denali and Zariah had their own unique personalities with lots of spunk and sarcasm. Zariah was a wonderful FMC, and the reader is able to feel her true emotions throughout the story. And Denali’s character development was perfect. It felt like you were seeing 2 completely different people in the best way. 
1/1⭐️

Romance & Chemistry 💞
The romance was great; there was a lot of tension and angst. The way that Denali yearned for Zariah could not have been more perfect. Their chemistry flew off the pages. I loved it so much. 
1/1⭐️

Plot & Pacing 🕰️
I really enjoyed the plot for the most part. There were some points where I felt like the story lost me a little bit, but that wasn’t a deterrent, and the overarching storyline was really good. I liked the pacing; at some points, it could be a little slow, but nothing that was impacting the enjoyability of the book. 
.75/1⭐️

Writing ✍️
I really enjoyed the writing; it was easy to follow and fun to read. I loved the way that the author wrote the characters expressing their love for each other in a non-cringey way. Every time they said something to each other, it felt genuine and had an impact. 
.75/1⭐️

Emotional Impact ❤️‍🩹
This book hit me in my heart quite a bit, and I was not expecting that. From the heavy topics that were handled with grace to the actual romance of the story, the impact was not lost on me. I really enjoyed this entire story. 
1/1⭐️

Total:
4.5/5⭐️

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
Thankyou for the arc but
Honestly this book had such a solid start I thought it would be my new favourite book but right now I am actually soooo mad I can't even explain.

Firstly this book was so long that I got bored halfway and ok fine because "Slow burns are supposed to be slow'' but NEWSFLASH: they were together almost at 50% and were just going round and round for nothing legit nothing. The girl only loved him when it was convenient for HER and the guy is a goner and he completely changes himself for her ngl, plus 1 for him but he had no personality of his own because he changed himself to HER convenience and the girl was such a confused mess ughhh also she is insensitive af because while having sex she says she wants to be engaged but after the deed ended she suddenly is "terrified" about marriage and stuff, does she even think how he must feel lol.

Now coming to my main problem, I WENT THROUGH ALL THIS JUST FOR THEM TO BE IN A LONG FUCKING DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP WTF. I read all that 500smth pages for them to LDR and it gets worse wait

"𝑾𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏, 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏."

My question is why not get married after solving your long distance problem. I am so mad because I feel like I wasted my time reading this since this book was soooo long, I FORCED myself to finish this book for them to LDR??

It does have a few parts here and there like the amazing friend group and my baby Elijah but even those factors can't salvage this book for me🙌

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
This being the second book in the series… just wow. It completely blew me away. If anyone ever asks what a true second-chance romance looks like—this is it. Bree captured the essence of rekindled love so beautifully, weaving together heartbreak, growth, healing, and hope in a way that felt raw, real, and completely unforgettable.

The journey Zariah and Denali take—from being fifteen-year-olds with the world ahead of them to adults facing the consequences of life, choices, and time—was absolutely incredible. Watching their connection spark in their youth, fall apart, and then slowly rebuild years later added so much emotional weight to their story. It wasn’t just about falling in love again—it was about becoming the versions of themselves who could love each other the way they always deserved to.

Their growth was perfection. Both Zariah and Denali had to confront their pasts, their pain, and their fears in order to find that happily ever after. Nothing was handed to them. Nothing was easy. And that’s what made their reunion so meaningful. The emotional depth, the vulnerability, the forgiveness, the rediscovery of who they once were and who they became—it all blended together in such a beautiful, powerful way.

Bree, you’ve done it again.
You filled my heart with love, hope, joy… and yes, plenty of sorrow too—but every single moment was SO worth it. You made me feel everything in this book, from the heartbreak of what they lost to the overwhelming happiness of what they found again.

Congrats on another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!
This second-chance story absolutely deserves it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (basically a 5 star honestly)

I enjoyed this book so so so much! I’m not going to lie, when I applied for this ARC I didn’t realize it was a second book to “For the Arena” Series. I’m glad they’re connected but not actually same characters cause otherwise, it would’ve been a tad bit awkward on my end. Moving on, I’m not really a huge fan of second chance romance books but Bree does it so damn well. I was incredibly hooked and as someone who’s only getting into sports romance, I can honestly say that I think I’m going in the right direction.

SPOILERS**

First of all, I loved the push and pull dynamic that was happening in the book, the characters are so real in the sense where they’re so flawed and I was so frustrated beyond belief but I loved it. I love when a book pulls so many emotions from the readers and this one totally did it for me. I also love the forbidden aspect (I mean come on! Brother’s best friend vibes? Yes!) I could not get enough and I was eating that up!

I think Bree did a fantastic job at telling their love story in a beautiful pace. I loved how the ending went and how Zariah established herself/became independent first before choosing to be with him, this is so important to me since the whole book was about whether it’s worth it to risk her career for a relationship. And I just want to say before I go, the ending took me out. I was emotional, it was a perfect end! *insert crying emoji*

Bree, thank you for letting me be an ARC reader, I enjoyed this book so so much and I can’t wait to read more from you!!

[Elia Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, during the first part of this book, I did not know if I could ever like Denali. The fact that their teenage relationship turned toxic and dependent, ok..., the fact that he showed up at her grandpa's funeral screaming... YIKES!!!

I was glad that Zariah made sure Denali knew what he put her through and that he did actually realize it and wanted to make up for it. I am also happy that it was purely coincidence that Denali ended up at the same school as Zariah and that it did not turn into a creepy stalker situation.

Over the second half of the book, I could see that while Denali was not a totally new person (that is not realistic), he learned to control his possessive behavior and use those feelings in a way that Zariah appreciated and enjoyed. I did also appreciate the honesty and communication between Denali and Zariah!

I ended up loving Denali and Zariah together, it just was not an instant love for me. I loved the backdrop of collegiate life and HOCKEY!! I also loved Zariah's brother Elliot, even if he was a dick at times along with Denali's hockey teammates. I am glad Zariah called out Denali's treatment of Montoya and again Denali was open to criticism and made it right. Love when a man can admit wrong doing and do better!

I look forward to more stories in the Gladiator's universe!

* Thank you to NetGalley, Ballpoint Ink Publishing and Bree Hayden for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Vanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid and emotionally layered read — not perfect, but definitely stronger than I expected.

Bree Hayden’s writing style is smooth and engaging. She captures insecurity in relationships very well, especially how jealousy, miscommunication, and emotional immaturity can slowly damage something meaningful. Denali and Zariah’s teenage relationship felt intense but fragile, shaped by their age and the separate struggles they were both facing.

Five years later, I appreciated seeing how much they had matured. Their reconnection feels healthier and more self-aware, and it’s clear they function better as adults than they did as teenagers. I liked that growth was visible.

I also appreciated the way Elijah’s depression was handled and how the friend group supports him. Denali’s bond with Elijah adds depth to his character. Additionally, the loss of Zariah’s grandfather — someone Denali also knew — subtly shapes her emotional development and adds realism to the story.

That said, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly stretched, and some emotional developments could have unfolded more naturally. Denali’s possessiveness and intensity, while part of his arc, felt somewhat softened too quickly at times. I also think certain relational themes could have been explored a bit more deeply rather than resolved so easily.

Overall, this is a strong second-chance romance with clear character growth. :)

[Bronte Readss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Bree Hayden for the ARC!

I was really intrigued at the beginning especially the history between them and what actually happened when they were 15 that turned them into enemies. That tension pulled me in straight away. Their past was clearly messy and unhealthy, which made the reunion even more interesting. I did love how completely gone the MMC was for the FMC once they reconnected, the yearning, the quiet devotion, the way he was trying to do better this time around. That part really worked for me.

But I’m not going to lie… I really struggled with the FMC. I understand she was hurt, but it felt like she put all the blame for the past on him without taking much accountability herself. And what frustrated me most was the mixed signals. She didn’t want him to be the intense, possessive 15 year old version of himself anymore, fair enough but at the same time she seemed to want that exact same energy back?

The typewriter scene honestly tipped me over the edge. He was just trying to do something kind for her, fixing it, making an effort. Then when the shop owner mentioned that other customers use spare parts for an engagement ring, she latched onto that immediately and suddenly wanted the ring… even though earlier she was telling him he couldn’t come back into her life pushing marriage and kids like he used to. The whiplash was real.

Overall, I liked the concept and I loved the yearning MMC, but I needed more growth and consistency from the FMC to fully enjoy it.

[Keirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take the Risk ARC review

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes: second-chance, slow burn, possessive MMC, Dual POV, no 3rd act break-up

Take the Risk is another strong addition to Bree Hayden’s Arena world. As someone who’s read both the Even The Score and For The Arena series, this one hit deeper because we’ve known Zariah since Out of Bounds (Even The Score #2) and Denali since Against The Rules (Even The Score #4).

What sold me was Denali realizing he was the villain in Zariah’s story and actually doing the work to change. His growth felt real. Zariah made him earn that second chance, and I loved that there was no unnecessary third-act breakup.

It’s swoony, fun, and the tension and character development are chef’s kiss.

You can read this as a standalone, but Bree Hayden writes in a way that truly rewards readers who start from the beginning. Her world-building is intentional. Friendships carry over. Callbacks matter. Every side character is developed long before they get their own story. The interconnected dynamics and little easter eggs make the payoff sweeter, and skipping Even The Score means missing layers of depth.

Bree Hayden continues to prove that every character matters, and each book makes you more invested in the universe as a whole. It only makes me more excited for what’s next!

[Aleksandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take the Risk by Bree Hayden is a slow-burn, second-chance college hockey romance about Zariah and Denali—childhood sweethearts turned heartbreak, now reunited years later when he becomes her brother’s hockey captain. As adults, they try to rebuild trust while navigating old wounds, intense chemistry, and the chaos of team life. ()
This was a mixed experience for me. On one hand, the emotional growth really worked—I loved seeing how much both characters matured from their teenage past, and Denali’s yearning (when it was healthy) was genuinely swoony. Their banter and the decision to reconnect slowly as adults made the relationship feel grounded and heartfelt.
On the other hand… sometimes everything felt like a lot. The possessiveness crossed into uncomfortable territory for me more than once, and just when things seemed to be heading somewhere sweet, another “wait, what?” moment would pop up. Readers who enjoy very intense, obsessive heroes may absolutely love it, though.
Hayden’s writing is engaging and emotional, especially with side characters and found-family moments (there were a few laugh-out-loud scenes), but the tone swings between tender and over-the-top didn’t always balance smoothly.
Overall: a heartfelt second-chance romance with strong character growth, but the intensity won’t be for everyone.