My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a fast, cute read. Not a steamy series but enjoyable all the same.

Leah Brunner does it again for this series! I have loved this series so far and this latest one didn’t disappoint. It was so cute how the big hockey player became the tiny girl dad. I actually loved how well the author did with the MMCs struggle with autism too and how he had to reveal his secret. If there was one part I didn’t like, it was the junk about the baby’s real dad. That felt like a bit too much, he could have just stayed out of it. The rest was adorable and it was so good to see the FMC be loved like she deserved and to see her daughter be loved and cared for too.

What a sweet book! This book is a childhood friends to lovers fake dating story that will make your heart melt. I really enjoyed these characters and the spectrum representation!

This book follows Amber a newly single mom who is stubbornly independent and her childhood best friend Ford who is a big time hockey player. Amber needs surgery but finds herself in-between health insurance plans at the moment and that's where Ford steps in. He suggests what any logical person would do with is suggest marriage so she doesn't have to pay as much out of pocket. This is a great addition to the DC Eagles series but definitely can be read as a standalone. It wasn't until I requested this book that I realized it was a part of a series that I had started and really enjoyed so no pressure to read the others first. This can definitely be enjoyed on it's own! - And yes I will definitely be continuing the series.

The one frustration I have with friends to lovers is that sometimes the spark can feel out of no where on the end of the person. And although I felt that way a little bit on Amber's end, because yeah you have a gorgeous, sweet professional hockey player as a best friend for your whole life and never consider more? That seems a little crazy. But their romance I think Ford will always have a piece of my heart.

I recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed hockey romances in the past and is looking for a sweet loving addition to their collection. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story!

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺:
🍼 single mom
🏒 marriage of convenience
🍼 childhood friends to lovers
🏒 cinnamon roll MMC
🍼 closed door

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺:
This book was exactly what I pictured Out on a Limb to be with zero spice. I loved it so much 🥹

Amber was such a good mom and I loved the found family that happened in this book. It warmed my heart 💓 she really valued her friendship with Ford and the love that blossomed between them was just so pure and innocent!

Ford is a 6’5” NHL team captain who has autism and struggles to make connections either others. I feel like he really stole the show in this book because he was the SWEETEST MMC 😭 he loved Amber since they were young and immediately wanted nothing more than to help her. Y’all love a man who’s never been with another woman until her?? HERE YA GO. Y’all love a, “my wife” moment that just absolutely slaps? HERE YA GO.

I’m totally addicted from one book and I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series!

I absolutely adored this audiobook! The ONLY gripe I had was whenever Nella ‘cried’ in Ford’s POV, the cry startled me. Otherwise the voice actors were fantastic.

It is so refreshing to get a genuinely adorable friends to lovers romance that fade to black. I generally lean towards novels that are not fade to black, but this one was phenomenal! There was nothing taken away from the story/plot by not having those scenes play out in page. All the tension, tenderness, and relationship building was insanely good!

Ford Remington is such a softie and very well written autism representation as an adult. The author did a great job at portraying how it is to be neurodivergent as you age and how tough it can be to be yourself around neurotypical peers.

The author also did a great job at writing Amber as a supportive friend, partner, and mother throughout her life.

This was my first book by this author and I will most definetly be going back and reading the previous novels in this interconnected series!

Betrothal or Breakaway
by Leah Brunner

I was gifted this audiobook by Leah Brunner, Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for my honest review. This is my first time listening to a Leah Brunner book. This is book 3 of the DC Eagles hockey series but I was able to start listening this with no issues. It can be read/listened to as a standalone. I felt like I jumped right in and understood all the characters effortlessly while listening.

This is such a charming story about childhood friends that become lovers. I truly enjoyed this audio book. I fell in love with Amber and Ford's relationship. It starts out with their childhood meet cute and develops into a life long friendship. I have never read a book about a neurodivergent character I felt like it was so tastefully done. I loved Ford how caring and attentive he was to Amber and Nella throughout the book. My heart just melted on the floor.

I'm new to David Bendena he did an amazing job bringing Ford's character to life. He was able to convey all of Ford's emotions. Alex Picard brought Amber's sassy and sweet personality. Together I really think they hit the mark on delivering a spectacular listen.

If you love marriage of convenience, single mom, one bed, and forced proximity this book is for you. I'm a sucker for forced proximity romance novels. This was a sweet and endearing audio book.

I have enjoyed all the books in the D.C. Eagles series but this one is a new fav! I loved Amber and Remy's connection and how dedicated to her he was. I also loved his connection with Nella her daughter. This book was so incredibly sweet and I loved the mental health representation.

Remy has always been in love with Amber and it's so cute to see them finally figure out that they should be together. I loved how she understood and supported Remy so well. Remy has high-functioning autism and I loved how Leah Brunner showed his struggles as well as him being able to be flexible and competent despite them.

If you like a sweet hockey romance, a marriage of convenience, friends to lovers or a single-parent romance this is for you! It is a closed-door romance so perfect for fans of a hockey romance who prefer lower spice. I can't wait for the next in the series!

I listened to the audiobook of this title and enjoyed it! Alex Picard and David Bendena did the narration. They were both new to me narrators. Overall I enjoyed the audiobook but there were some sound effects like baby cries I wish the narrators hadn't attempted.

This is the 4th book in the series. And I have been (not so) patiently waiting for Remy's (Ford's) book! And it did NOT disappoint!! This book is absolutely going to be one of my favorite of the year. It is that good! We get lots of answers. Why Amber couldn't consider Ford as more than a friend for a long time. What is that tattoo that Ford got? Will Amber's ex come in an ruin everything she and Ford have going?

Some of my very favorite things happen in this book. No spice, but ALL THE SIZZLE! Toe curling kisses. Adorable time between Ford and Nella (Amber's daughter), Autism rep. Such funny banter with the team. I couldnt' get over it. And NO MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE! Seriously, I will be living in this book for a long time. Maybe it is time to reread the series. Ahhhh Ford. Ford and Amber and Nella FOREVER!

This friends to lovers, single mom, marriage of convenience was SO good!! I love the DC Eagles books, and its definitely a favorite ice hockey romance series for sure.

I loved the comfortable dynamic between Amber and Ford, and Ford's relationship wth Amber's daughter. They had a very natural relationship and it felt so genuine. Ford was protective but not a bulldozer at all. I appreciated that.

I do wish we had more tense moments of the 2 having to fake their marriage before they ultimately confessed their feelings for each other. I feel like they weren't tested in having to fake the marriage. I do also wish we got more group scenes with the other hockey wives and players. The other books had more of that and I missed it in this one!

📚 Betrothal or Breakaway by Leah Brunner
🔖 Series: D.C. Eagles Hockey
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrated by: Alex Picard & David Bendena
📕 Genre: Contemporary Romance
📖 Read: July 2024
✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

”There are no regrets in those warm, brown depths. Only longing. And perhaps a little fear? Maybe it scares him how much he wants this...how much he wants us.”

‧₊˚✧ Tropes ✧˚₊‧
ꕥ Childhood Best Friends
ꕥ Marriage of Convenience
ꕥ Single Mom
ꕥ One Bed
ꕥ Neurodivergent MMC

This was so incredibly sweet! A very easy and fun listen.

Amber and Ford were such a special couple. Ford was so supportive of Amber and her daughter Nella. I loved the little tidbits we got from their childhood, it made it that much more emotional. For a closed door book, I did find this to be very steamy. The chemistry and intensity between the two characters was off the charts. Also, there was no third act break up!!! If there was, I honestly don’t think I could have handled it. These two were absolutely perfect for one another.

I’m so glad I was able to listen to this book. The narration was spot on and I enjoyed every second of it. This was my first Leah Brunner book and I will definitely be reading more from her.

Check out my Bookstagram for aesthetics:
https://www.instagram.com/booked.and.listening/

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Leah Brunner for this audiobook. This is my voluntary, honest review.

I want to start off by saying I really enjoyed this book and it's the perfect book for someone who wants to read a hockey romance, but doesn't want smut. I feel like most of the hockey romances out there have a ton of smut and this book is very much a closed door romance. This book had great neurodivergent rep, the male MC had Asperger's and really described what he was thinking and feeling. While I can't speak personally if this is a good representation or not it really felt like it was and helped me understand him better. The way the relationships are formed in this story is really sweet. I don't typically go for friends to lovers, however, in this situation it feels like something that would truly happen. They really grew and evolved through the story in a believable way. Which in a fantasy story enemies to lovers can be a thing, but in a realistic fiction friends to lovers seems much more of a plausible thing. However, I understand it's fiction and doesn't have to be true - this book feels like it could be. This story made me feel warm and fuzzy without being heavy on the physical romance, and sometimes that's the kind of book I'm in the mood for. The romance is still there, but it's done through other ways. I can 100% agree with Amber when she said that him acting like a dad was sexy. The descriptions of the characters was done well, it was really easy to picture all the characters - especially when they compared their traits and features to dogs. This was a really cute, fluffy romance - perfect summer read. I can't wait to read more of the books in the series, it was just that good and really gave me exactly what I wanted in a romance novel.

Tropes/Tags: single mom, friends to lovers, marriage of convivence, sports romance, golden retriever MC, Dual POV

Thanks you #netgalley for an e-copy of #betrothalorbreakaway by Leah Brunner to read and review.

ALC Review
I absolutely adored Betrothal or Breakaway, and experiencing it through the audiobook was pure delight. Ford holds such a special place in my heart—he was incredibly sweet to Amber and Nella, always there to support and provide for them without hesitation. Reliving their story through the audiobook was just perfection; it truly brought the characters to life again. Thank you so much Leah and Net Galley 💕🎧


Book review
OMG!!!!! THIS BOOK—it’s an absolute MUST-READ! 🌟 I’m seriously head over heels for Ford—I fell in love with him on every single page, like, I can’t even count how many times! 😍 This story is just too precious for words, seriously, it’s like the cutest thing ever! 💖 From their adorable second-grade shenanigans to grown-up love, it’s all just *chef’s kiss* perfection.

Let me tell you, the way Leah brought Ford and Amber’s journey from BFFs to lovers to life is just magical. ✨ It’s hands down one of the most heart-fluttering romances I’ve ever read! And can we talk about Ford’s bond with Amber’s daughter, Nella? OMG, I melted into a puddle of feels—it’s just too cute for words! 🥺 Throughout the whole story, you can feel the love and support between Ford, Amber, and Nella—it’s PURE PERFECTION 💕

And can I just say, Ford? He’s the epitome of the shy but swoony MMC! His dedication to Amber and Nella had me screaming internally with joy! And can we talk about that protective streak? *Swoon*! Plus, having a neurodivergent hero like Ford just adds so much depth and authenticity to the story—I’m here for it! 🙌

Seriously, this book had me reaching for the tissues—the writing is just that good! Ford, you’ve stolen my heart forever! 💘 This book has officially secured its spot in my top reads for 2024, and you bet I’ll be reading it again and again! I’ve been living for this series, and I’m already counting down the days until I can get my hands on Bruce’s story! 📖 Bring on all the swoons, Leah! ✨ I’m so excited! 🎉💖

✨️Tropes:
Best friends to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Single Parent
Sports Romance
Neurodivergent Representation
Closed door romance

✨️First and foremost, I loved that the main characters were people in their 30s, closer to my age! Second, woo 🥵, this may have been a closed door romance, but it got steamy. The MMC, Ford, had me swooning so hard 😍😍. Who doesn't love a tall, dark, and handsome hockey player? Tag on that he takes in his female best friend and becomes a hot step daddy ❤️❤️.

I definitely recommend you give this a book a read if you like friends to lovers and/or sports romance. ❤️

This was my first book by Leah, and after reading this, I want to go back and read the others in this series!

“I love you, Ambs. I loved you when we were eight years old, and I love you still.”

Ahhhh!!! This perfect beautiful book!!! It was full of so many amazing tropes!

•Childhood best friends to lovers
•Mutual pining
•Marriage of convenience
•Hockey Romance
•Single mom
•Neurodivergent hero
•Found Family

And there was no third act breakup!!! 👏

❤️

Ford was the PERFECT MMC! Leah did such an incredible job with his character. Neurodivergent heroes are my favorite. And Ford checked all the boxes! His golden retriever personality mixed with his possessive straightforwardness was perfect! Not wanting to come off like he was different, he had learned to mask his autism from year of being treated like an outcast, mirroring his teammates' characteristics and following their social cues.

"I stare at him; I’ve always loved his laugh. Ford doesn’t always connect with people’s humor, and jokes sometimes don’t make sense in his beautiful brain. Which makes his laughter all the more special when it appears."

Amber was so sweet. She was a single mom just wanting the best for her daughter. Unfortunately, life hadn't been very kind to her, but Ford was her constant always there when she needed him! And Amer was his safe place. These two had a beautiful connection! I loved her ability to read him, to know when he was stressed out, and to know how to get him to open up and tell her what he was thinking!

"Ford, this is a once in a lifetime…once in a universe, type of love.”

❤️

I loved his sweet conversation with Nella (She was 3 months)

"So, I’d like your permission to stay married to her. I’d like your stamp of approval, because as much as I’d like you two to be mine forever, I want my girls to choose me too.” She grins, and I smile back. “Good. I’m glad we agree on the matter.” I clear my throat. “Now, how do I look?” I glance down at my dark jeans and white polo. Nella burps loudly and my eyes widen. “Wow. That seems harsh. Is it really that bad?”

The way he took such good care of her was so sweet!

“You need to understand something.” He pauses, and I nod. “What’s happening between us, not the fake marriage stuff, but the real stuff. It means something to me. I take this seriously. It’s my honor to take care of you both—it’s a privilege. And I plan to take care of you very, very well. For as long as you’ll let me.”

This book was so wholesome. I loved the side characters. Ford's relationship with his family and his teammates! 😍

This book was a closed door book! But it had such angst and perfect moments leading up to the bedroom scene that I didn't even find myself thinking about it! I honestly thought even that was done perfectly!

This was a super cute book and I'm sorry I finished it because I didn't want it to end.
It's a fast paced book with laughter, some tense moments and all around comfort.

The characters were absolutely lovely.
Ford, respesenting and navigating through every day with autism, I loved loved LOVED seeing his relationship bloom with his girls.
The Side characters bought an extra dose of fun to the story and I will be looking into their stories as well.

This was the first book I read/listened to from this author, definitely will not be the last.

Betrothal or Breakaway
by Leah Brunner
Narrated by Alex Picard; David Bendena

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

Amber and Ford are easy to love because neither of them is perfect.

Amber’s fiancee left her when he found out she was pregnant, oh, and her mother disowned her at the same time. Now she’s a single mother of a 3 month old and needs to get heart surgery. Who better to help than her best friend since 2nd grade?

Ford is the team captain for the D.C. Eagles. He has a loving family including a mother that worries about him endlessly. He has great friends in his teammates and a nice house and a lot of money. But, he has no one to share his life with; especially not the woman who he’s loved since he was 8 years old.

Over Thanksgiving Ford proposes marriage to his best friend, Amber. She needs money, surgery, insurance, and someone to take care of her adorable newborn while she’s in surgery and recovering. He’s lonely and he’s sick of his mom feeling sorry for him.

Can this fake marriage become more? Yes, it can!

I loved the narrators (Alex Picard; David Bendena)! They were perfect!

And, I love this audiobook by Leah Brunner! It’s magical. This whole series is fabulous! I highly recommend this audiobook!!! Don’t miss out on a beautiful romance!

Love love loved this sweet hockey romance. I just adored Ford and Amber and their friendship. The glimpses into the past to show how their friendship started and grew were so sweet. And can we just talk about how stinking adorable all of the hockey players were with the baby?! Swoony! I am a huge fan of the marriage of convenience and single parent tropes and this book did not disappoint. I can’t wait for more books featuring the DC Eagles!

I enjoyed this story more than I expected, not having read the prior two in the series. Despite this being my first, the author made it easy to fill in any gaps.
I especially liked the ending of this "friends to lovers/marriage of convenience" trope. The way the relationship between the MCs evolved felt believable.
Another aspect that I liked was the dual POVs. It was nice to get Ford's perspective as well.
I can't say that I loved the audio narration. Ford's voice sounded "too old" for his character. The female narrator was easier to listen to.

Cute love story that kept you wanting more.

I listened to the audio version of this and the narrator was great....Thank you to Dreamscape Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This was a cute read! I loved this book Virgin heroes single mom golden retriever, hero, childhood, best friends, marriage of convenience these are just some of the troops that make this book so great. I love a hockey romance and marriage of convenience. It’s just the icing on the cake. I got to read. Listen to this arc from NetGalley.