I love Leah Brunner. I am a proud member of her fan club. I have already and will continue to read anything that she writes. That being said, this might be one of her best books yet.

This book tackles some heavy topics, but in such a sweet way. At no point while reading did it feel too heavy. The book address PCOS (#ownstory) and infertility. The FMC, Farrah, separated from her husband because his inability to be a man and still love Farrah as they discovered her fertility problems. This story follows her accepting her reality and the reality that someone can love her no matter what her body can and cannot do. Her progress wasn’t linear or perfect, but it was healing.

Within this was obviously some fun romance. It’s completely closed door, but with more than a few innuendos (cake anyone?). Steamy but sweet. Also, brother’s best friend/best friend’s little sister was fun to explore in the DC Eagles friend group. I found the romance part of this story to be perfect as well.


Things I loved:
-Bruce McBride.
-Farrah Remington.
-Them together.
-The entire friend group dynamic. This is how an interconnected companion novel series is done. The complete look into two characters life with each book and sneak peeks into the others throughout. Their interactions are so fun!
-The exploration of their characters outside their relationship too. They were not two card stock characters whose sole purpose was to be in love. They had wants, needs, passions, and lives.

Things I didn’t love:
-the fact the book had to end at some point.
-Having to say goodbye to the DC Eagles. That bonus chapter was so sweet.


Thank you netgalley for the chance to read Secret or Shutout in exchange for my honest review.

Bruce McBride, you squishy cinnamon roll you! Bruce is an all-star MMC. He’s attentive, flirty, caring, and so, so swoon worthy! 🥰

Farrah went through a lot in her marriage so when she meets Bruce, she doesn’t trust her own judgment and worth. He has to show her he’s all-in, no matter what. Even if that means potentially putting a wedge between him and his best friend/teammate.

This series has been so fun to read - the friend group is great, the relationships in each book have been unique and entertaining all on their own, and seeing the characters throughout the series is what I love about interconnected standalones!

Check out Secret or Shutout if you enjoy:
- Brother’s best friend/teammate
- Starting over after divorce
- Sneaking around
- Found family
- Closed door romance (with some steamy kisses)
- PCOS/infertility representation
- Hot hockey goalies

5 stars! I loved this addition to the DC Eagles Hockey series. Farrah and Bruce had just a sweet story that sucked me in from the very start.

This hockey series by Leah Brunner just makes me happy. Bruce & Farrah embody every good thing about this series—genuine, mature feelings set in a fictional world that feels so real. When Bruce & Farrah initially meet, she’s fresh off the heels of a divorce and isn’t ready for any relationship. Bruce respects her, but still pursues her. The balance of pursuing her & respecting her was *perfectly* done by Brunner.

I loved the push & pull between these two characters. They could easily let all the reasons they shouldn’t be together win out, especially her struggle with PCOS & infertility. Bruce is the kind of man Farrah deserves. He is so patient, understanding, and listens well. He shows up every time for her and proves his feelings to her through his actions.

I loved how much we got of all the other DC Eagles in this book. This series truly is the epitome of found family. There was so much connection between the WAGs in this story for Farrah, with Bruce & his teammates, and in the group as a whole.

The bonus scene is a must-read, so be sure to download that at the end of the book. Brunner says it shows what comes next for the Eagles (8 years down the road), and it just made me so happy. Is it too much to hope for a spinoff series with Noah taking the lead???

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to pick this up when it comes out *TOMORROW*!

Farrah, nanny by day and baker at heart desperately tries not to notice the smoldering blonde goalie of the DC Eagles. He’s 4 years younger and doesn’t need to complicate his life with a divorcée struggling with PCOS.

Meanwhile Bruce can’t get enough of the curvy baker- if only she wasn’t the sister of his team captain!

Great fade to black romance. All the fun of a hockey romance with a sprinkle of insecurities, real life challenges of navigating infertility and a delightful found family.

Gives me FRIENDS vibes and I mean that as a compliment.

Secret or Shoutout is DC Eagles hockey goalkeeper Bruce McBride and his team captains sister Farrah’s fun and entertaining read. It was a bittersweet read because this is book four and the final book in the DC Eagles Hockey Series. I loved everything about this book from the witty banter to the team camaraderie and everything in between.
Farrah is reeling from her divorce when she bumps into Bruce in a bar. They spend the evening talking and share a kiss that neither of them can forget so imagine Bruce’s shock when he finds out the woman who is haunting his dreams is his captains sister and that makes her off limits.
Farrah has been through so much and the last thing she needs is to find out Bruce is her brother’s teammate. Needing to learn to trust and love herself again is something she is struggling to do until a loyal, sweet and flirty goalie takes her under his wing. So what happens when the feelings become to hard to resist will they take a leap of faith and cross the line….
This is a book with all the feels, I smiled, I swooned, I giggled and I cheered this couple on. I fell hard and fast for Bruce and my heart went out for Farrah but it’s the team camaraderie that takes this book to the next level.

This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. The fact that they didn't tell each other their real names, and then had a dramatic reveal the next day was amazing.

One of my favorite parts of the entire book was the humor. The fact that Bruce was trolling his trolls on the internet under a secret account had me cackling. And anytime he would talk to anyone who knew how down bad he was for Farrah was so adorable, that man didn't hide his feelings for her at all. But I really loved how much he yearned for her. He continued to pursue her, even though she was in denial about her feelings for him. Bruce was such a caring character; he was there for Farrah no matter what and did everything he could to show her how much he cared about her.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to netgalley and the author and publisher

Really enjoyable story, what’s not to love!

Will happily other books from the author after reading this book

This one has it all in a hockey playing, goofy, flirty, protective mmc. He’s everything that Farrah needs after her ex husband. I loved how we get all the insight after seeing them “meet” in Remy and Amber’s book, Betrothal or Breakaway. Poor Bruce pines away while Farrah tries so hard to keep him at arm’s length. I loved watching him slowly chip away at her insecurities to show her that she is worth fighting for.

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

I was REALLY looking forward to Farrah and Bruce's story, but I was NOT expecting their meet-cute. And just that one scene COMPLETELY sold me on their relationship, and the inevitability of their HEA.

But their journey isn't easy. Suffering from PCOS myself, I know what mental effects this disease can have, and I could totally relate with a lot of Farrah's feelings about her body, and her inability to have children. It's a tough journey, which is really well portrayed by Leah Brunner (who has been diagnosed with PCOS herself).

But Bruce does an amazing job of proving to Farrah that she is worth a HEA. And his background also perfectly sets him up to help Farrah see the potential to still have most of what she dreams for her future.

A truly beautiful story!

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and LBP LLC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

To be a goalie on a hockey team you often question their sanity. They are often described as a little quirky, beats to their own drum, brings smiles to the entire team and Bruce is all of those and more. Bruce is the DC Eagles Goalie. He also is one of the teammates with the biggest hearts who would do anything for anyone at a moment's notice. Which is a good and a bad thing when it involves the team captain's sister Farrah. One thing about Bruce is that he loves hard and without conditions, something Farrah isn't used to. She's in town after a failed relationship and the last thing she needs is a hockey player hitting on her. Little does she know that the best kiss of her life was with none other than Bruce McBride. Together these two navigate secret feelings that will either be accepted or rejected by others (especially Farrah's brother Remy). Farrah must come to terms with some health conditions that life has handed down to her and accept that not every guy is like her ex... two things that are extremely difficult.

Leah does an amazing job building the tension, banter and overall conflict. The characters are extremely lovable, and you can't help but cheer them both on towards their journey of finding love.

This is part of a series, and I highly recommend you read the first ones, just so you can enjoy watching the entire team fall in love.

If you love a sweet, just kissing hockey romance, with adorable French nicknames, grand gestures, moments where he takes care of her, the forbidden best friend's sister trope, and a strong group of friends this is the perfect romance for you!

Thank you Leah, LBP LLC, and NetGalley for my eBook. It was not expected for me to leave any positive feedback. These opinions are 100% my own.

This romance novel centers around an unexpected encounter that ignites an intense connection, but as with any great love story, there are complications. A chance meeting in a bar leads to a passionate kiss between a 6'5 NHL goalie and the beautiful Farrah Remington. The next day, however, things take an awkward turn when he realizes Farrah is not just any stranger—she’s the little sister of his team captain, a man who is also his best friend. Farrah is strictly off-limits, making their connection all the more forbidden.

The tension between the couple is palpable as they try to suppress their growing attraction, but it soon becomes clear that chemistry cannot be ignored. The secret relationship they begin to navigate is filled with both thrills and risks, especially as their personal lives intertwine with the pressures of the team’s Stanley Cup journey. The stakes are high, as secrets threaten not only their love but also their careers and friendships.

The dual POVs offer a satisfying look into both main characters’ thoughts and struggles. The story touches on heavier themes like infertility, divorce, and the emotional weight of PCOS, which adds an extra layer of depth to the romance. The author's portrayal of their personal conflicts, alongside the dynamic between the protagonist and the team captain, delivers a satisfying mix of passion, tension, and emotional growth.

While the plot deals with familiar themes of forbidden love and second chances, it stands out with its unique setting and relatable characters. The story balances between the high-pressure world of professional hockey and the deeply personal journey of the characters, making for a compelling and enjoyable read. The blend of romance and sports, with the added drama of secrets and betrayal, keeps the reader invested from start to finish.

5⭐️ STAR READ
Firstly I would like to to thank netgalley and Leah Brunner for the ARC of this book.

Tropes :
Closed Door
Age gap
PCOS rep
Team captain's little sister
Sneaking around

Review : When I first read Betrothal or Breakaway I thought I had found my favourite Leah Brunner book but seems like I have to amend my statement cause this book was so so good. I literally ran to netgalley when I saw her post and devoured the book the day I was approved for the ARC.
I know a few friends who have PCOS and I've heard them share their problems and I'm so glad to see this book talk about this subject. It was so much fun to read Bruce trying to woo Farrah and the way he tried everything to impress her. As someone who was hurt by her love I can see why Farrah was so skeptical of trusting someone again. It was heartbreaking to see Farrah go through the physical pain but also the heartache of not being with someone because of her health issues. I think Bruce healed a part of every woman when he said, "I don't love you based on any conditions."
All in all it was a beautiful end to this stories and I'm looking forward to read more of Leah's works.

Yours truly,
A🌸

i liked it! it was sweet. i’ll be reading the whole series. really a kind of comfort read for me.

thank you Netgalley for the ARC!! All thoughts are my own—duh!

Secret or Shutout 🎂🏒 Arc Review

Desire or Defense was the first hockey romance I ever read, and I've been obsessed with this series and sports romance ever since! Bruce and Farrah did not disappoint. I absolutely adored them. Who wouldn't want to share secret kisses with the golden retriever hockey goalie who gives Kristoff energy? Sign me up! Based on the epilogue, I think this is the last book in the series, but I'd do anything for a Noah book. 🤭

Tropes 🧁
🎂 Forbidden relationship
🏒 Brother's teammate/Captain's sister
🎂 He falls first
🏒 Golden retriever MMC
🎂 Curvy MFC
🏒 Reverse age gap
🎂 PCOS rep

Love the DC Eagles and this story between Farrah and Bruce. Bruce was different than typical hockey goalies, except for the superstitions. He was not a grumpy, stay to himself guy but a loving, family guy. His relationship with the foster kid that he helps was one of my favorite parts. When he meets Farrah, they have no clue who each other are and they are shocked to find out that Farrah's brother is Bruce's hockey teammate/captain. When he learns that there is interest there, he shuts it down and Farrah and Bruce tip toe around each other till they decide that they can't anymore. The family tension there was great since Farrah's brother just wanted to protect her. I love the family connections here and the real conversations between. Farrah and Bruce and between Farrah and her friends. Great read!

I’ve read the other books in this series and I still completely love it. I love how Bruce still loves Farrah even though they met the year before in a bar. Now, they are reunited but the issue is that he finds out that she is the sister of his best friend and fellow hockey player. With the MFC facing issues with PCOS and divorce, they got to work to be together.

⭐️ thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book to give my honest opinion ⭐️

This was a super cute book! I love the brothers best friend trope. I'm such a sucker for it!

The lead MMC, Bruce is a cinnamon roll goalie who just won't give up on Farrah, our lead FMC who is dealing with a recent divorce, PCOS, and her brother protecting her from his best friend. It had some real moments of big life issues that I thought were handled well. Over all, it was a cute read with some giggle-worthy moments and some mild spice.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this early <3

Bruce McBride is doing his best to support the D.C Eagles in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup but there is one wild card that may put a wrench in his plans, and that’s his pursuit of Farrah Remington, the woman he met in a bar a year ago who just happens to be the sister of his best friend and team captain.

This brother’s best friend saga has a twist, Bruce is 4 years her junior and is the easy going, light hearted goalie for the Eagles. Will Farrah be able to move on from the hurts of her past and take a shot with Bruce?

This book was a great 4th edition to the saga. While it had been a while since I read books 1-3 this 4th instalment gave just enough background to be in the know.

Includes representation of PCOS, adoption, found family and second chances.

Thanks to netgalley and Leah from letting me meet Bruce, Farrah & the D.C. Eagles a little early. All thoughts and views are my own.

Hockey romance for the win! Meeting all these characters makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series! Bruce and Farrah were so fun to get to know. I love when authors deal with real life issues like PCOS in their stories; it is something I wish I saw more of.