An unexpected spark between a hockey player and the coach’s daughter might cause them to cross the line in the next Dalton University book from international bestselling author Bal Khabra.
Kian Ishida is all about parties, hockey, and living in the moment. But when he realizes he’s headed to the NHL without his degree, his late dad’s one wish for him, he’s determined to make up those last few credits. Desperate for help, he joins a study group led by none other than Scarlett Kilner. She’s as gorgeous as she is smart. Too bad he doesn’t know yet that she’s his coach’s daughter.
After making a reputation for herself, all Scarlett wants for her senior year is to prove she’s more than her mistakes and graduate without tarnishing her well-respected father’s name. But when Kian Ishida, one of her dad’s star hockey players, joins her study group, things get complicated.
As Scarlett helps Kian, their study sessions turn into something more—stolen glances, lingering touches, and a connection neither of them expected. Kian has to decide what’s more the dream he’s worked for his whole life or the girl he never saw coming.
Review
I went into this one with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised.
Scarlett is dealing with complicated feelings about her biological dad who is in prison, and is trying to reconnect with him. She’s also trying to change her reputation on campus. She spent her freshman year having fun and doing the casual relationship thing but it has knocked her confidence a bit as everyone is now treating her like she’s only good for her body. Kian is still very much grieving the loss of his father who died a few years ago and trying to pass all his classes so he can graduate before he starts his hockey career.
Kian and Scarlett were just so adorable. I loved the build up of their relationship, its slow burn perfection. Kian is such a green flag, the way he helped build up Scarlett’s conference was so lovely. He accepted her for who she was and actually saw her, it was just a delight reading about him.
I thought the storyline was great, they are each dealing with some heavy stuff with their families whilst also dealing with some personal stuff and trying to get through college.
Overall this was a really interesting read and if you looking for hockey romance fix after watching off campus this is a must read.
My Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
About the Author
Bal is a Canadian writer, romance enthusiast, and book lover. Before she decided to jump into the romance pool, she spent her time gushing about books on social media.
She loves reading about love, watching movies about love, and now, writing about it herself. There really isn’t much else that gets her heart fluttering the way HEAs do. She fell in love with writing and hopes to continue living out her romance author dreams.
*I received an ARC of this book from Publisher/Author in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
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