Rawda
✨ 4.75 Stars ✨
I'm genuinely sad this book is over. I could read about Gigi, Ryder, and the Grahams forever and never get tired. This was everything I wanted in a next-gen book and more—it made me giggle, swoon, and kick my feet like a teenager the whole time. Elle Kennedy really outdid herself with this one. No crumbs left behind!
First things first: Garrett Graham. ZADDY. Every time he showed up, my heart did a happy little dance. His dynamic with Gigi was everything I hoped for—funny, heartfelt, and full of love. Watching him as a dad was such a treat, and honestly, seeing him and Hannah again felt like a warm hug.
And then there's Luke Ryder. Oh, Luke. The grumpy, broody hockey player who secretly has a heart of gold? Yes, please. His banter with Gigi was chef's kiss, and their chemistry was off the charts. I loved how their relationship felt so natural—no unnecessary drama, no silly miscommunications, just two people falling for each other in the best way. Also, let's not forget that mouth. Yep, I'm still not over it.
The found family aspect was another highlight for me. The side characters were so lovable, and now I'm dying to know more about Shane, Diana, Will, and Beckett, so excited to read their books.
Now, let's talk about the vibes:
Gigi was such a badass, and I loved how she handled all the pressure that came with being a Graham. Her hockey scenes were so fun to read, and her bond with Garrett made my heart melt.
Ryder's backstory broke me. Seeing him open up to Gigi and her family was so raw and emotional. And the way Hannah welcomed him like he was one of her own? Wholesome overload.
The banter in this book was pure gold. I laughed out loud so many times, from Garrett's snarky one-liners to the ridiculous group chat moments.
The only thing keeping this from being a full 5 stars? The first 100 pages where Gigi and Ryder hook up with other people. It didn't ruin the book for me, but I wasn't the biggest fan of that part. That said, the epilogue more than made up for it—my heart was bursting by the end.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. If you're a fan of sports romances, found family, or just love swoon-worthy characters with great banter, you're in for a treat. Now excuse me while I wait (not-so-patiently) for Elle Kennedy's next masterpiece.
Favorite Quotes:
“Always. You fall, I pick you up. Always.”
He (Wyatt Gigi's twin) scowls at her. “Please don't force me to play hockey.”“You're good at it.” She [Gigi] sounds exasperated.“Yeah. Do you know how exhausting it is to be good at something you don't want to do?”Garrett snickers. “Ungrateful little shit. I give you all my talent, and what do you do with it? You sing songs.”“Hey, that's my talent,” Hannah says.He's quickly shamefaced. “Sorry, Wellsy. Your talent is way better than mine. Hands down.”
“i know i have my flaws but i need to level up to be with this woman. she forces me to be better. i want to be better for her. i want to be her hero.”
She tugs on it, and I follow her instinctively. I'm so crazy gone for this woman that not following her isn't even an option.
I wrap my arms around her from behind and kiss her neck. “I love you, you know that?”“Of course I know that. You tell me like every other second.”Now I pinch her ass. “Don't complain about my I-love-you frequency or I'll crank it down to zero.”“You would never.” She twists her head to smirk at me. “You love me too much.”She's not wrong about that.
“I love you, Gigi.”A brilliant smile fills her face. “I love you too, Luke.”That does something to me. The name I've loathed for so long, the name I've recoiled from, leaving her lips. Hearing it now, coming from that sweet voice and gorgeous face, accompanied by those three words, well, I guess I don't mind being Luke.I'll be whoever she wants me to be.
You can't go out there,” he insists, getting in my face again.A fucking stampede wouldn't be able to stop me from getting to Gigi.“Like hell I can't,” I growl. And then I give him another firm shove, forcibly moving him out of my way. “That's my wife out there.”
“Quit looking at me like that,” I grumble. “I know it's stupid.”He just sighs, shaking his head to himself. “You really love her.”“Till the day I die,” I say simply.
Smiling, he tugs us backward and onto our sides so we're lying on the couch facing each other. His fingers stroke my cheek. Toying with my hair. I love how he always needs to be touching me, even though he plays it off cool. Nonchalant.
My hand drifts up his chest and I can feel him trembling. I bring my palm to his left pec, press it against his heart, and instantly it starts beating faster.“You feel this too, don't you?” His eyes are on mine. Dark blue and bottomless.“Yeah. I feel it.”
✨OFC this 5 stars maybe 6 stars? DEFINITELY ✨
Alright babes, buckle up because THIS BOOK has sent me straight into a small-town romance frenzy, and I am not complaining. Picture this: a hot bull rider with the softest heart, a badass ice queen doctor, and a surprise pregnancy trope that actually made me love babies for like five seconds. Yup, I said it.
Let's talk about Theo Dale Silva—this man isn't just a fictional character; he's a walking, talking green flag wrapped in cowboy boots and charm. Theo could literally punch me in the face, and I'd thank him. (I mean, maybe ask for a band-aid first, but still.) His ability to step up as a father and partner had me screaming. The way he held Vivi? My ovaries were not ready for that.
Now, Winter. She's the queen we all need but don't deserve. Everyone hates her, she hates herself more, but boy, does she get the love she deserves. Theo's there, defending her like it's his full-time job, but without the whole damsel-in-distress vibe.
“Watch your tone when you speak to the mother of my child”—sir, I'm not okay. The man winked, and I'm pretty sure my kidneys failed.
And let's not forget the family dynamics. Theo's relationship with Vivi? My heart shattered and reassembled multiple times. His playful banter, the way he calls her “baby girl,” and his soft moments had me ready to pack my bags and move to small-town romance land.
