"There's no world where a life without you is better."

This is 100% a fun and flirty sports romcom, but it goes so much deeper than that. The PCOS rep, the healing, the sweet romance, the WAGS friendships, the teammates camaraderie, the found family...all add up to a depth of story that you don't always find in sports romcoms.

After reading this book I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and it is stellar! The depth of emotion that the narrators bring to the story is unbelievable. I highly recommend giving it a listen!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Bruce is the ultimate giant golden retriever. This man is a simp for love and just wants to find a girl more than ever now that his friends and teammates have settled down.

Brother's best friend is such a great trope, particularly when they're teammates in sports romance and Leah Brunner definitely had a great take on this in Secret or Shutout.

Bruce needed a girl who would match his energy and balance him out. I think Farrah did that well. She has gone through a lot and I loved their relationship development.

I love the narrators Alex Picard and Lee Samuels and feel like they did such a great job bringing these characters to life!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Leah Brunner for the ALC.

Who doesn’t love a good hockey romance? While age gap romances aren’t usually my go-to, this one was done so tastefully that I couldn’t help but love it. The chemistry between Bruce and Farrah was undeniably steamy, which is impressive considering this was a closed-door romance. Their connection was strong, and the author did a fantastic job of building their relationship in a way that felt authentic and deeply emotional.

Farrah’s journey, in particular, tugged at my heart. As a baker, she had me craving sweets constantly, but it was her personal struggles that truly resonated with me. Her longing to be a mother while facing health challenges was beautifully and sensitively portrayed. It’s a topic that isn’t always explored in romance, and I truly appreciate seeing it represented in literature.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did a phenomenal job. The female narrator, in particular, captured the emotional depth of the story so well that it made certain moments even more powerful. And of course, the hockey element wasn’t just a backdrop—it played a huge role in the story, making it even more engaging.

If you like hockey romance books, then look no further. I really enjoyed listening to this book. I couldn't wait to get back to listening/reading.
This book is a duel point of view - a style that I really enjoy reading lately.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and will be looking into more of her books to read. Even though this is the 4th in the series, it was good as a stand-alone, and I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.
Loved the pace of the book, and the characters felt real and well-rounded. of course, a happily ever after eneded.

Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner is a steamy, sports-infused romance filled with forbidden love, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt emotional stakes. It’s an intriguing mix of romantic tension and personal conflict, featuring a 6'5 NHL goalie and the sister of his team captain—two people who are clearly off-limits but who can’t seem to resist each other.

The story begins with a chance encounter in a bar that leads to an electric, earth-shattering kiss between Bruce McBride, the goalie, and Farrah Remington, the beautiful stranger. Little does Bruce know, this mysterious woman is about to become a major part of his life, as she turns out to be the younger sister of his team captain—and off-limits. The tension between them is palpable, and the chemistry is undeniable, but with the added complication of family ties, they try to pretend the kiss never happened. Of course, pretending doesn’t last long.

Bruce’s struggle with balancing team loyalty and his growing feelings for Farrah creates a delicious amount of conflict. The stakes are raised even further as he’s trying to lead his team through the Stanley Cup playoffs. As the two begin a secret romance, their relationship begins to face challenges that go beyond just keeping their secret—there’s also the fallout from deceit and the pressure of high-stakes sports.

Farrah’s struggles with PCOS, infertility, and divorce are a particularly poignant aspect of the story. These elements are handled with care, adding depth and realism to her character and the overall narrative. Farrah’s journey toward trust and accepting vulnerability is not just emotional but also personal, making her a heroine you can root for.

The book is told from dual points of view, which adds an intimate connection with both Bruce and Farrah, allowing readers to fully understand the emotional turmoil and growing connection between the two. While the romance is undeniably steamy and the tension high, the underlying emotional depth and personal growth elevate the story beyond just a typical sports romance.
The central conflict surrounding secrecy and the eventual fallout when the truth comes out is both compelling and dramatic. You feel the tension build as Bruce struggles to maintain his relationship with Farrah while also keeping his friendship with his team captain intact. The stakes are incredibly high, and the suspense around whether they can resolve their issues and find their HEA will keep you glued to the pages.

Secret or Shutout is an engaging, emotionally-charged, and passion-filled read, perfect for fans of forbidden romance, NHL drama, and sizzling chemistry. It’s a story about second chances, family loyalty, and the importance of fighting for the love you deserve—even when everything seems stacked against you. If you enjoy a romance that blends sports, family conflict, and deep emotional growth, then this book is a must-read.

The DC Eagles series is one of my very favorite set of hockey romances! I’ve read the books that come before this one multiple times because I love these characters so much and each MMC (main male character) in their specific book is amazing. Yet, Bruce might just edge the rest of them out a little bit, simply because of the heart of that man!

Bruce is unendingly patient with Farrah as she is resistant to a relationship with him after being so horrible hurt by her ex husband. Bruce doesn’t know everything involved in the hurt she suffered (and continues to suffer), but he knows he loves her. Bruce is, basically, everything that Farrah’s ex wasn’t. But Farrah has to open her heart to Bruce’s love and trust that it will not fade with the possibility of infertility hanging over her.

This story was absolutely swoony and sweet, with a slow burn that resulted in a deep love between two people that I couldn’t help but be all in for. My heart hurt for Bruce as he questioned to himself why his best friend didn’t think he was good enough to date his sister. He was truly and deeply hurt by Remy’s actions during part of the story.

The author did an amazing job of capturing everyone’s emotions in this novel. The highs and lows, the love and the heartbreak, and definitely the happily ever after. The epilogue and bonus series epilogue are not to be missed. The audio version was wonderfully read & really brought these characters to life for me.

Be aware that these stories are closed door, with a bit of language and innuendo. Honestly, the language and innuendo are nothing compared to other general market books, in my opinion, but worth mentioning if you are used to your reads not having any rough words.

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

A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life, only to discover the very next morning that she is the team Captain's sister and off-limits. Still, the connection is undeniable and a secret romance begins. What happens when the truth comes out?

I loved the chemistry between Farrah and Bruce as they tried to stay away from each other. Bruce was unapologetically gone for Farrah even though he couldn't be open about it to anyone else. Farrah held back especially due to her chronic illness. I loved how he proved time and again that he'd always be present.

The cake innuendos were quite the treat. I also loved the team camaraderie and how the other ladies welcomed Farrah into their fold. The narrators did an awesome job on the audio.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5⭐
Steam level: 2🌶️ Fade to black

WHO DOES'NT LOVE A HOCKEY GOALIE...
- Hockey romance
- He falls first
- Dual POV
= Age gap
-This is the last book in the D.C Eagles Hockey Series.

I was lucky to be even an ARC Audio copy of this book. I haven't read any of the others in the series.
All I know now is that I have too.
While the MC's in this books were adorable... I did for in the love with the another members of the
D.C Eagles Hockey team and their family, and I cant wait to read all of their stories.

This book Followers Bruce (goalie) and the woman he fell for ( after one amazing kiss)
only issue is... Its his captains sister.

Farrah (amazing baker) and said Captains sister is trying to find herself again. -finding out she has PCOS and having infertility problems -going through a divorce, life has been ruff.. (insert Cute tall goalie here)

This book is a super cute romance that not only focuses on the couple but tells the hockey side of the story amazingly. One thing I love reading about hockey romance is well the hockey. so it was nice to be right on the ice with the guys.

This was a great read
I so appreciate the 30+ female (we need to be represented more)

The fertility issues was handled so well.

They were a perfect couple and I loved the fact that although he was young he was totally not letting her regardless of what she said because he knew that wasn’t what she wanted!
Us females are great at self destruction and rather than run in from it he embraced hers!

Btw I so want a wag jacket!!

Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Short synopsis: Farrah is trying to recover from her recent divorce when she meets Bruce, the goalie who plays professional hockey with her brother.

My thoughts: I’m obsessed with the DC Eagles and the WAGs (wives and girlfriends), such a great group of supportive friends!

Farrah went through quite the journey. She found out she has PCOS and infertility issues, my heart ached for her throughout her journey. I desperately want to try one of her cupcakes, the descriptions all sounded so delicious!

Bruce was such a sweetheart, you could tell he’d had a bit of a “history” but once he met Farrah he was all in. He was there for her when she needed him, before she knew she needed him.

I actually have only read two books in this series, I can’t wait to go back and read the first two!

Read if you love: Hockey Romance • Tall men • Cupcakes • Brothers Friend • Reverse Age Gap • PCOS and Infertility stories • Curvy FMC with amazing hair

Sugar & Spice and Everything Hockey

When he's gone for her, there's not a whole lot that beats that. Leah's humor is crackling throughout this somewhat forbidden sports romance. But the highlight is definitely how much Bruce adores his teammate's sister, Farrah, from the beginning. And I might have caught feelings for a cupcake or two.

Read for:
🧁 Sports romance
🧁 Funny one-liners
🧁 Secret romance
🧁 Reverse (minimal) age gap

While the narrators aren’t my favorite, their performance is good enough to allow Leah’s banter to shine through. It definitely allowed me to inhale this book faster than I would have otherwise.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the alc. All thoughts are my own.

What you get:

Closed door / FTB romance
Pininnnnng
NHL goalie MMC x team captain's sister
Brother's best friend and teammate
5 year age gap (OWYM)
Forbidden romance
PCOS/fertility struggles
Fantastic narrators in dual (audiobook)
A hockey romance with actual hockey in it

Why I picked this up:

I haven't met a hockey romance I didn't like

What I thought (in 3 lines or less):

If you like closed door forbidden romance with a TON of pining you'll enjoy this book

While I liked this book for the most part I can't seem to understand why a grown woman in her 30s can't date whomever she wants because her big brother said so and I am frustratedddddd

I liked the PCOS and infertility rep, having PCOS myself, but using it as an entire plot device to keep the FMC from pursuing a relationship with the MMC because he "should be a dad" is exhausting and could have been cleared up with an adult conversation

This will surprise many people but I’m not a huge hockey fan. I don’t have a favourite team and don’t make a playoff bracket. But I do like to have a nightly game playing in the background. Not only does it provide noise and extra stimulation but there’s just something cozy about having one playing.

I’m telling you this because this audiobook felt just like that. Cozy and great background noise that I could listen to while doing my chores or working out. I wasn’t paying super close attention nor was I hooked on every word or plot point. The characters were cute, the banter was fun but it was overly predictable and brought nothing new to an already overdone trope/story.
While I have only read one other book in this series, that didn’t take anything away as it can for sure be read as a standalone

A Sweet and Adorable Sports Romance!

This was exactly what I needed! I’m currently reading a very intense book, and listening to this audiobook in between was absolutely fantastic. The story is sweet and heartwarming, with the perfect balance of tension, flirtation, and playful banter. Our MMC is a total golden retriever, while our heroine is trying to rediscover herself after her divorce—and he is exactly the kind of person she needs.

I loved the push and pull between them, the lighthearted feel of the story, and, of course, the best friend’s brother trope (one of my favorites!). Everything just worked so well together. If you’re looking for a low-drama, wholesome, fluffy, and spice-free romance, this is the one!

Loved stepping back into the world of the #DCEagles, especially when it was time for Bruce to have his moment in the spotlight!

Farrah is a big and beautiful woman with PCOS and as someone who has lived with PCOS all my life. I was right there with our lovely Farrah. I cried with her, I felt her pain and her emotions. I heard and understood her fears. And I knew it was a journey she needed to take.

Favourite Quote: “I know we aren’t exactly best friends. But I’d leave my phone on all night for you.”

Spicy Level - 🌶️

Note: Please read and review all trigger warnings before reading any recommended book. We love to read for our pleasure, so keep your mind, and emotions safe!

Well we've reached the end of this series which is one of my favorites and has a special place in my heart, I'm a little sad but at the same time happy that everyone has a happy ending.

I liked Bruce and Farrah, their story was good but I expected a little more and this book was a little more dramatic than the others (which are easy for me to read), the subject of Farrah's infertility is treated very well, I feel that the author was careful with this subject but still I feel that it was almost all of Farrah's personality and although I repeat I liked it, I feel that I missed a lot between the two main characters.

The narrators kept me entertained, they brought these characters to life in a very good way and that made me enjoy it a little more.

Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
D.C. Eagles Hockey series #4. Hockey romance. Lighthearted, slow burn. Sister of best friend troupe. Closed door. PCOS and infertility topics. Can be read as a stand-alone but couples from the previous books are included as secondary characters here.
NHL Goalie Bruce McBride meets the woman of his dreams one night in a bar. They chatted for hours, ate wings, and shared an unforgettable kiss. But it was also the night Farrah Remington signed her divorce papers so she walked away at the end of the night knowing she wasn’t ready for more.
Bruce has stayed “hands off” his team captain’s sister until she’s ready. She doesn’t want her brother to know about the new relationship yet. It might put the team dynamics at risk. But Farrah lives close to her brother and his wife and keeping secrets is never easy.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. Both did a marvelous performance on their POV chapters and the various voices. I don’t expect good children’s voices from an adult and this was about par. Not bad, just not believable. Thats ok. The adults more than convinced me of their love for their partners, the excitement of the game, and ribbing of friends. There are a lot of characters but following the main couple is easy.

Adorably romantic. The hero loves romcoms and would rather spend time relaxing with the spouses than his teammates. And Bruce is always willing to help. His family, his teammates, his “little brother”, the spouses, Farrah. Whatever and whenever something is needed.
Swooning over the beautiful couple and drooling all the wonderfully described desserts.

I was gifted a copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I own ecopy versions of the whole series.
4.5

I wish I read the rest of the series first. I enjoyed this very much. The characters were good and it is very spicy. The narration was excellent.

All the stars! All the feels! All the hockey players!
Loved this book and all it brought to the table-brothers best friend, forbidden romance, age gap-amazing. Bruce and Farah had the most amazing tension and chemistry and I loved how protective and heroic he was, always proving himself to her when it counted. Great audio too!

The story was cute, but I was extremely annoyed by the constant back and forth of “I’m too old” yet acting extremely immature.

I haven’t read or listened to any other books of this worked and maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I did, but the FMC was so immature for talking about how old she was all the time. The whole “third act break up” and “miscommunication” trope just isn’t it.