Rating: 4 out of 5.

This sweet, witty, closed-door pro hockey sports romance gave me all the feels. It’s hard to believe it’s the author’s debut because it’s so well written. It has some of my favorite tropes and was a delight to read. If you like Pro hockey sports romance, Fake dating, Brother’s best friend, High school crush, Boy obsessed, Cozy small town feels, Chosen family, and Closed door romance tropes, you’ll love it too.

The first thing I noticed about this book is that the writing is sharp, creative and witty. It gives off major Gilmore Girls vibes and made me literally laugh out loud on many occasions, which is hard to do. The banter between the two MCs Evie and Fraser was off the charts. I don’t think I’ve smiled so much reading a book in a really long time. In order to really appreciate this book, you should really like fast-talking, fun, absurd conversations that digress…a lot. But, that’s what I found most charming about the book.

Evie is a reporter on a small network morning show. A year ago she was humiliated on live tv when her then-boyfriend gave her flowers she was allergic to, and then promptly broke up with her. She had a sneezing fit, which went viral and she was tagged Breakup Sneeze Girl. She’s now determined to attend the ex-boyfriend’s small town wedding, but is in need of a hot revenge date. Enter her brother’s best friend, and Evie’s former high school crush, pro hockey player Fraser. Evie doesn’t know it, but Fraser’s been secretly in love with her for 7 years and jumps at the chance to take her on a date. Even if it is “fake”.

One thing leads to another, as things do in rom coms, and the couple find themselves fake dating and picking right back up on the easy-going open relationship that made them close in high school. They now have very grown-up issues, and Fraser is not known for being an open-communicator, but he’s willing to do everything he can to turn their fake relationship into something real.

The book has gotten some criticism for being “preachy” about characters being virgins and wanting to wait for sex until they are married, and it does seem like the author hits us over the head with it a couple times too many, but for me that is a minor issue that is offset by the chemistry between the couple. The author also made a few choices toward the end of the book regarding grand gestures, but again, it’s a minor issue and not a big enough deal to detract from my enjoyment of the book.

It was nice to read about close, loving friends and families as supporting characters. The book is relatively angst-free, which I found refreshing. There is almost no cursing (just a few “damns” sprinkled throughout) and with the other wholesome qualities in the writing I know there is definitely a place for these kind of books in the genre. I know I wasn’t mad at it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.