5⭐️ - I am obsessed

Wow, this book really got to me. Secret or Shutout combines a lovingly ice hockey romance with heavy topics in a fade to black romance story.

The FMC in this book has been through a tough heartbreak and consequently struggles with negative thoughts and low self-esteem. A top of that, PCOS and unwanted childlessness form important topics in this book. All these topics were very well written and represented in my opinion and touched me deeply.

I felt so much for the FMC, Farrah, all she had been through and what she struggles with now. You are just wishing her all the best in the world. Luckily, the author created the perfect MMC for her and she deserves it. The MMC in the story, Bruce, is the biggest golden retriever ever and is in a mission to love. He makes this whole book feel like a warm bath and I enjoyed every minute of this loving story!

Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the Advanced Listening Copy of this story.

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

I loved this book. Heck, I love all the DC Eagles NHL Hockey romances.

The narration of this audiobook was superb! Even the shift in and out of French phrases was flawless.

I truly enjoy the complex set of characters, families, friends, and back stories.

This book gave me such good, happy feelings. I love it - truly! Definitely recommend!!!

I have adored every leading man in the DC Eagles Hockey series, but I think that Bruce has topped the list for me! There is just something about a goofy, cocky, loyal sweetheart that just melts me! He is the definition of green flags to me! He deals with everything that Farrah throws at him with such grace and passion! As someone with PCOS, I loved the very realistic representation of Farrah’s struggles. This story was the perfect balance between lighthearted and real life issues.

Thanks to Leah Brunner and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

I have absolutely loved this series and you also need to read it. This was the perfect conclusion to the D.C. Eagles books. I love seeing all the past characters growing and interacting in each book. As someone who isn’t a sports fan I never thought I’d be EATING UP hockey romance books, but Leah just does it right.

Farrah and Bruce are perfect. There is baking, there are silly innuendos, there is a little bit of secret dating, there is infertility representation, there are big romantic gestures. This one was full of pining and stolen glances and I loved every second.

Read for:

-A hockey hero
-A baker/nanny heroine
-A close friend group like no other
-An Age Gap Romance

Thank you @leah.brunner.writes for the EARC and NetGalley for the Audio Arc! Now I just need a physical copy to go with the rest of my series! ❤️

Farrah Remington had a chance encounter with Bruce McBride, the goalie for the D.C. Eagles that ended with best kiss of her life. Inbeknowest to both Farah and Bruce they are connected through Farah's brother is the captain for the D.C. Eagles. Remmy has one rule no one dates his sister. Farah had just signed her divorce papers the night she and Bruce met at that dimly lit bar. While Bruce is wanting further the kiss Farah is not because Bruce is younger and she has fertilty issues. While this was book 4 in the D.C. Eagles hockey series you don't have to read the other ones to follow the story plot. The was a funny and clean romance that is suitable for all readers. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to this audiobook.

I loved this book! Bruce has my whole heart and it was the perfect ending to the series! I thought the last book was my favorite, but I think this book is hands down my favorite in the whole series. Leah Brunner never disappoints me and always writes in a way that make me fall hopelessly in love and feel so many emotions.
The plot is so well written. The characters are intricate and well-developed. I never questioned who they were or the complexity of their nature.
The banter is witty, fun, and spoken so beautifully. I also learned a little more about hockey - I felt like I was there!
I love the narrators in this audiobook. Alex Picard and Lee Samuels are the perfect combination to portray Bruce and Farrah.
The tone is perfect, breathwork is ideal, and the cadence is consistent throughout!
Do yourself a favor and give this book a read or a listen!
Tropes: Teammate's Sister; Reverse Age Gap, Forbidden Romance, PCOS Representation
Trigger Warnings: Divorce, PCOS, Infertility

*Secret or Shutout* by Leah Brunner, narrated by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels, is a heartfelt and engaging romance that tackles the complexities of health issues and relationships. The story follows Farrah Remington, who is dealing with the aftermath of a divorce and the emotional pain of health struggles that have made conceiving a child unlikely—a central issue that led to the breakdown of her marriage. When she meets the goalie of the DC Eagles hockey team, the team her big brother captains, at a bar, their spontaneous kiss sparks the beginning of a complicated romance.

Both the narration and the writing stand out in this book. Alex Picard and Lee Samuels deliver a nuanced and captivating performance that brings the characters' emotions and struggles to life, perfectly complementing Brunner's well-crafted story. The author skillfully addresses the challenges that health issues can bring to relationships, making it a thoughtful and relatable read.

With its mix of romance, emotional depth, and the sensitive handling of personal struggles, *Secret or Shutout* earns a solid 4.5 stars. It’s an excellent choice for readers looking for a story that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and dreamscape media for the audiobook arc of secret or shutout. This was such a cute secret best friends brothers little sister hockey romance and I loved every second of it! I listened to it all in one day while driving and doing various things around the house. It made me smile. The narrators were excellent! Great book by Leah Brunner!

This was honestly so cute!! How refreshing to read a hockey romance that is with full fledged adults instead of college kids. It felt a little insta lovey at first but the depth of their relationship was there as the story progressed. Really great and varied representation as well!!! Loved the little WAGs community.

I love a good hockey romance from time to time and this one did not disappoint. It was cute but still handled some heavy topics. I may have shed some tears because of the FMCs health struggles.
Overall a solid 4 ⭐️ and perfect palette cleanser.

The voice actors did a really good job!

This book certainly wasn’t bad by any means, but it did feel very juvenile at times. I appreciate what the author was trying to accomplish, and there were definitely some positive aspects that stood out. For example, I loved how comfortable Farrah was in her own body, despite her ex constantly body-shaming her. That level of self-acceptance was refreshing to see, and the book’s positive, progressive views on adoption were another highlight. It’s clear the author was trying to deliver meaningful messages, and I genuinely respect that.

However, a lot of the other elements felt over the top and somewhat unbelievable. The dialogue and character reactions sometimes came off as exaggerated, which pulled me out of the story rather than immersing me in it. That’s not to say this is a bad read by any means! It’s light, easy to get through, and has some genuinely charming moments.

I think, ultimately, this book might just be aimed at a different target audience than me. It has its appeal, and I can see why many readers would enjoy it. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Farrah has been through a lot when it comes to relationships and health. I really enjoyed how she is a character that many women could relate to. Bruce is the greenest of green flags!! The way he cares so much for his family and friends makes you fall instantly in love with him! If you are in need of a fade-to-black hockey romance this is the book for you.

TW: depictions of PCOS, infertility, and divorce. These are tough themes to read. Take care when reading. I sure got emotional when listening (I did the audiobook).

A great end to the D.C. Eagles Hockey series. I love a good he falls first, dual POV romance and this one was exactly that. Add in a divorced baker FMC with PCOS and infertility and a rom-com loving French Canadian adopted goalie and I was a goner. Farrah and Bruce were easy to cheer for and while this can be read as a standalone, there were also some fun cameos with past characters in the series. This was great on audio, had tons of heart and humor and is highly recommended for fans of other hockey sports romcoms like Gigi Blume's Toronto Titan's series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Quick Summary: A hockey romance

My Review: Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner is book #4 in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series. It is a "dual POV, fade-to-black romance that can be read as a standalone." It is scheduled for release on 3/27/25.

About the Book: "A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life..."

In My Own Words: After a chance encounter, an unexpected connection is made between a man (Bruce) and a woman (Farrah). After some drinks, a little laughter, loads of chemistry, and a most memorable kiss, they part ways. Little do they know that they will soon meet again.

Question to Consider: Is it possible to know that you have found your forever love after a kiss?

About the Characters:

A divorcee with a heart for family, sweets, and love meets the man of her dreams on the very same night she signs her divorce papers. Although she doesn't trust in what they have together (at least in the beginning), as she spends more and more time with the golden haired goalie, she learns that there is more to him than meets the eye.

A hockey pro with a heart for family, community, and an age ain't nothing but a number approach to love meets the woman of his dreams when he least expects it. Once he has a taste of her, he knows that he wants her in his life for keeps.

About the Audiobook: This book was narrated by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. I was locked into their storytelling from the start. The cutest voice, of course, was that sweet, little angel. I enjoyed the entire listening experience.

My Final Say: I super loved this story! The characters were great. The issues presented were real. The challenges were understandable. The emotional arc was on point. The family/extended family dynamics made sense. I adored Bruce and Farrah. It was wonderful.

Other: This gem is a read on repeat romance. Potential readers should be aware that this novel "contains mild language and depictions of PCOS, infertility, and divorce."

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Series: Yes
Status/Level: 💖
Audiobook: Yes (Listening Speed: 2.0)
Narration: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review this work. All of the words and thoughts I have shared are my own.

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!

•𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝐃.𝐂. 𝐄𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲: Book 4}

🥅 Release Date: March 27, 2025 🥅
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What a great ending to this series! After book 3, which I wasn’t a big fan of, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this last book, but I ended up really enjoying it! It does have a bit more content than some sweet/clean reads (see content notes below), but I felt like that didn’t detract from the story at all.

After going through a rough divorce, Farrah ends up at a bar, where she proceeds to meet and kiss the man of her dreams. But the next morning their budding relationship comes to a grinding halt when Farrah discovers that her dream man is no other than her brother’s teammate from the D.C. Eagles, and everyone knows that she’s been forbidden to date any of the hockey players.

As time goes on, Farrah moves on from the hunky, blonde hockey goalie and starts a business with her friend, Melanie. Bruce, on the other hand, has most definitely NOT gotten over the curvy, brunette beauty he met at the bar that fateful night. When, in a turn of events, the two are forced to work together a few times, the feelings come flying back for Farrah and are rapidly escalated for Bruce. The news of their newly budding relationship does not go over well with Farrah’s brother, Remy, and cold hostility forms between the teammates. When the only option to keep everyone happy is to make their relationship a secret, will it be able to last and hold up under all of the pressure, or will the lies come tumbling down on their heads?

Reasons to read this book:
🥅 HOCKEY
🥅 She’s older & a curvy FMC
🥅 He falls harder
🥅 She’s his good luck charm
🥅 WAGs
🥅 Nella 🥰
🥅 PCOS awareness

The audiobook version of this book wasn’t quite as good as reading the actual book. The narrator’s voices weren’t as good as some books, but they were still very easy to listen to.

Content Notes:
• innuendo
• language
• fade to black
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I received a complimentary advanced listener’s copy of this book through NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. All opinions listed are purely my own.