🎧𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗧 𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗨𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗧
🎙️𝗟𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀 & 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱
📖𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟰⭐️ | 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:𝟰🎧

🥅ᴄʟᴏꜱᴇᴅ ᴅᴏᴏʀ ʜᴏᴄᴋᴇʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🧁ʀᴇᴠᴇʀꜱᴇ ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ (32ʏᴏ & 26 ʏᴏ)
🥅ᴛᴇᴀᴍᴍᴀᴛᴇ'ꜱ ꜱɪꜱᴛᴇʀ
🧁ʜᴏᴄᴋᴇʏ ɢᴏᴀʟɪᴇ x ʙᴀᴋᴇʀ

💭I really enjoyed this book! It’s such a sweet and uplifting love story that also tackles some real-life struggles that people my age can totally relate to. Farrah's been through a lot, divorced her husband who ditched her when they found out she couldn’t have kids. She’s also been battling PCOS for most of her life, which I think is a really important topic that’s often overlooked. My heart really went out to her, especially when she felt that sting of seeing other people around her getting pregnant. It's not that she’s being petty or selfish—it’s just a tough thing to deal with, and sometimes emotions aren’t something you can control. You only truly understand it when you're going through it yourself.

Then there’s Bruce, who’s just perfect for her. The way he falls for her so quickly and intensely is heart-melting. I loved how he pursued her with everything he had and was always there to catch her when she needed him. As for the brother’s best friend trope... I was a little iffy about it at first. I just didn’t get why they didn’t come clean from the start, considering how sweet Remi is. It would have been so much easier if they just talked things through. But hey, I guess that’s just part of the trope—things getting messy before they get better!

The narrators, Lee Samuels and Alex Picard, really brought this story to life. I had such a great time listening to it—they both did a fantastic job with the characters. Leah Brunner has such a talent for writing those swoon-worthy, Golden Retriever MMCs, and Bruce was no exception. I’m definitely looking forward to diving into the rest of the series!

✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 DREAMSCAPE MEDIA 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙻𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨

This was my favorite book of the series. I just loved Bruce and Farrah's story. The banter between characters, found family, and swoony romance were so well written. Bruce and Farrah had the best chemistry and I was cheering for them the whole time. This was the perfect end to the series. The audiobook added so much to the experience. Highly recommend listening to this on audio!

This book for me is up there with Peyton Corrine, Hannah Grace, and Elle Kennedy's hockey romance books. While those aren't fade-to-black like this one is, the writing style, character development, and just the overall way you learn to love the characters is what puts this book up there with those authors. Being my first book I've read by Leah Brunner, I now have high standards going into the rest of this series of books. While I did read it backwards and read last to first, they are standalones and I did not need to know the other characters in this story to know what was going on.
I did love that the author talked about PCOS and infertitility without getting too in depth about the topics as to avoid bringing too much sadness into their story, however some moments did seem over the top(not discrediting the pain, just the way it was written and seemed rushed). With that though, the way that Farrah handles everything thrown at her is admirable and heartbreaking all at the same time. She deserved her happy ending after everything she went through. But everything she experienced in this story was realistic and could happen to any one of us, or already has happened. Bruce is also an amazing character, walking green flag, cinnamon roll, golden retriever, all things good MMC. He is what every man who wants to care for his partner should strive for IMO. Overall I loved this story, the characters, and the narration! Will be coming back to read the rest of this series!

The night Farrah signs her divorce papers, she meets Bruce at a bar and sparks fly. They kiss and don’t expect to see each other again, but that all changes the next morning when Farrah finds out Bruce plays on the D.C. Eagles hockey team with her brother. Farrah’s brother is the captain, and has made sure the team knows that Farrah is off limits. Farrah isn’t ready for a relationship, but Bruce just can’t stop thinking about her, and eventually they both give into temptation. Sneaking around, hiding their growing relationship is tricky, and eventually they get caught, causing chaos that disrupts the hockey team during an important playoff season.

I thought Bruce and Farrah were cute together. Farrah was a really relatable FMC, with an interesting attraction to Kristoff from Frozen. Bruce fell hard for her which was adorable.I found their romance sweet and enjoyed their fun flirty banter. I appreciated the PCOS and infertility representation in this book and thought those difficult topics were handled with care.

The narrators, Alex Picard and Lee Samuels did a nice job bringing the characters and story to life. The narration really emphasized the emotions of the story.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.

Ok now this is definitely my favorite of the series
Though story lines that deal with infertility are by definition a hard topic to cover, it is written with delicacy and emotion, without being all encompassing and not allowing you to experience the rest of the plot. It is part of the story but the big theme is love, accepting love. Accepting it for yourself and the love that accepts you fully.
I enjoyed the voice actors thought the male voice actors ‘female voice’ was silly when sped up.
It can be listened to up to 3x for the female voice and up to 2.5x for the male voice

If you’re looking for a closed door, hockey romance, then here is a book (in a series) for you to try! The narration is great, and the story is an easy listen.

Farrah is recently divorced and to celebrate (or help her forget) she goes to a bar and meets Bruce, a hot, 6’5 guy to spend the evening talking with. They have great chemistry and right off the bat they feel a connection. What Farrah doesn’t know is that Bruce is her brother’s teammate on the DC Eagles hockey team.

Read if you like:
Closed Door Romances
Hockey Romance
Flirty texts
PCOS + infertility rep
Frozen references
Brother’s best friend

PS. I loved the Aaron/cyclones cameo!

I enjoyed this hockey romance that came with a strong side of baking. The characters were wholesome and realistic, and the romance unfolded rather organically with a satisfying slow burn that made the payoff even more impactful and rewarding.

Farrah and Bruce had such lovable personalities, both separately and their interactions together. Farrah's bright, resilient spirit came through, especially in her baked goods, even as she wrestled with deeper struggles under the surface. And Bruce? He's the poster child for the golden retriever romantic trope: sweet, loyal, and full of charm. There were several other tropes sprinkled throughout the narrative, but Bruce's gentle, sunny energy really stood out. The book was also peppered with funny moments, witty innuendos, heartwarming family and team scenes, and plenty of baking goodness that gave it a warm, cozy feel. It may have also contributed to me buying a cake for myself.

That said, I did have a small issue with the way Farrah's PCOS was presented. While it's a very real and challenging condition, I felt it was used too heavily as a reason for her to shut herself off from happiness. It almost felt like a roadblock or miscommunication trope, when in reality, I would've loved to see a stronger narrative around living fully with PCOS. A bit more positivity or hope in that aspect could have made a major difference.

Noteworthy is that this is book four in the D.C. Eagles series, but it absolutely works as a standalone, which is exactly how I read it. And now? Well, I'll definitely be diving into the first three. Leah Brunner crafted a heartfelt, humorous story brought to life nicely by narrators Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. Aside from the slightly awkward kid voices (a tough feat for any adult narrator), they did a great job adding personality, emotion, and entertainment to the audiobook. They contributed heavily to me devouring this book within 24 hours of receiving it.

I am thankful to have received a free complimentary advanced listener's copy (ALC) of this book from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I am voluntarily leaving this review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

*** Note, I also posted my review on Amazon as well, but it's pending and link is not available yet ***

This is the first book I have read by this author and won’t be my last. I think the narrators did a great job minus the French pronunciations were hard to understand. Not sure if done correctly or if wrong since I don’t know French I’m not judging. The mmc in this book is a walking green flag snd what other mmcs should aspire to be . He falls hard and fast. He is attentive and there to support when needed and anything you could imagine. This book had good representation from the PCOS to adoption . It was done really well and my heart hurt for Farrah and had been hurt in the past and was reluctant to trust but realize red flags from her ex she may have over looked but the new guy has none of those traits . This book is part of series but can be read as a standalone. Although I want to go read the others so if you don’t want to be hooked don’t read lol

I’ve read all of these books and thoroughly enjoy them. While you could read it as a stand alone, the characters from the other books have a continuing presence, so I think it is best to read them in order.

If I’m being honest, I hate that the MMC’s name is Bruce, but he is as close to a cinnamon roll/golden retriever as a professional hockey player can be and he’s determined to prove it to Farrah who has every possible excuse why they shouldn’t work out. Great characters with genuine issues and development. I would have loved some spice!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC!

Farrah and Bruce are so cute. Bruce is the quintessential golden retriever and Farrah is just a slightly less excitable retriever. The story talks about tough subjects and their lives aren’t just magically perfect in the end but that doesn’t mean they didn’t get their happily ever after.

Thank you, Partner, Booked With The Emilys and Leah Brunner for the #gifted ARC and NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

This has been such a fun series, and Secret Or Shutout was the perfect way to end it. It’s funny, incredibly romantic, and had an extra sweetness to it that I adored. I loved it!

The flirting and banter between Farrah and Bruce was fabulous, and their chemistry was so tangible. I loved how this big 6’5” hockey player had such a caring heart, and the way he takes care of Farrah was swoony. So was the way he consistently showed her he wasn’t going anywhere.

Farrah’s character deals with PCOS and possible infertility. Leah writes about it with great sensitivity and insight, and in such a way that made my heart ache for Farrah, and anyone who deals with this in real life.

What I loved:
hockey player/baker
brother’s best friend
forbidden love
reverse age gap
he falls fast and hard
dual pov
meet cute
PCOS rep
the way he takes care of her
supportive friends & teammates
fade to black
epilogue

I really enjoyed the dual narration by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. They both did an excellent job with bringing out the characters personalities and emotions.

This is the 4th book in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series, but can easily be read as a standalone, but if you enjoy sports romances, you’ll want to check out the previous books. They’re all fantastic.

I’ve been waiting for Bruce’s story, and it did not disappoint! I just knew this giant of a man would fall hard for his lady, and he did! Farrah was a great character, and she was very relatable with her struggles. Bruce and Farrah had great chemistry from the beginning. I loved the forbidden romance parts of this book!

I listened to the audio, and it was great!

This series was my introduction to hockey romances, and it’s been so fun to watch these characters find their loves!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an advance listening copy of #Secretor Shutout. A great story which incorporates some serious topics. Four Stars.

I've listened to all the books in the D.C. Eagles series and was so excited to listen to Bruce's story! Bruce did not disappoint! Thr narrators for this book were great. You could really hear the emotions in their voices. I think it also helped to listen to this book since Bruce spoke French Canadian to Farrah and we really got the correct pronunciation of those words. A great book. If you haven't read the other D
C. Eagles books this can be read as a stand alone. But it will make you want to read the rest of the series!

I adore this series so much. I have been so excited for Bruce's story!

Farrah and Bruce met as strangers, only discovering Farrah's brother os Remy AFTER an incredible night together. I love that Bruce went all in with her. Farrah's struggles were so heartbreaking, but I loved watching her overcome so much.

These guys are true found family, and I love how supportive they all are of each other. How protective they become of of everyone once your part of the family. I just love this series so much.

The narrators did such an incredible job capturing all the emotion in this book. Some parts were just tugging at your heartstrings and the narrators did such an amazing job.

"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.