I really liked the idea of this book, what secret was Maci McKenzie keeping ?

In the book we meet Professional Hockey play Logan, single dad to a 3 year old daughter. His Nanny is leaving and he’s desperate for a replacement. One of his teammates recommends his wife’s friend Maci, Maci is an author, who following an accident 3 years ago has struggled with her writing and so agrees to a 6 week trial.

During this 6 weeks it becomes clear that Maci and Logan are growing close, but both are keeping a secret. Will this secret blow their relationship apart?

I liked the idea of this storyline but felt it didn’t need the gratuitous , graphic sex scenes. I’ll be honest, if I had been aware of the nature of this book I wouldn’t have requested it. It’s a shame as I liked the story and the characters but not that side of the story. Don’t get me wrong I have no issue with sex scenes, they certainly have their place, however I didn’t need such graphic content. Not for me

This was a decent romance audiobook.

Pros:
-NHL hockey romance
- forced proximity
- spice
- Narrators were both great

Cons:
- no tension, just instant attraction. Could have used some build up.
- some of the verbiage used during spicy scenes was cringe worthy. (Her heat, my seed, etc.)
- the spicy scenes were short and seemed super rushed.

It wasn’t the best romance I’ve listened to/read by any means, but it was entertaining. If you love hockey romances, this may be a book for you!

Thank you Netgalley and dreamscape media for the free ALC. My opinions are being left voluntarily.what an absolute perfect way to kick off a series. I'm feral for single fdad, add hockey and almost invisible strings and I'm a super goner!!!!

Will absolutely need the rest of the series

Definitely recommend picking up.

5/5☆

Logan, a hockey player and single dad, just lost his nanny and needs to find a new one ASAP. But he will not trust just anyone. Maci is struggling to find inspiration to write her next book, and her friend, the wife of one of Logan's teammate, suggests she takes the job. Maybe the change of scenery will spark inspiration?
This single dad/nanny, hockey romance is book 1 in the New England Bay Sharks series. It was a fun read overall, but there was a few things I didn't like. There was no tension, just a sudden attraction that came out of nowhere (the FMC didn't seem to be remotely attracted to the MMC until she saw him "pulling his monkey" in the shower). And I don't know what it was about the spicy scenes, but they were cringy. The third act drama/plot twist felt forced and a little bit stupid. I struggle with reading about a writer writing a romance inspired by the romance I'm currently reading, if it makes sense. And I usually love me a single dad that make me swoon, but this one did not. I have read many fantastic reviews about this one, so don't let my lack of vibing with it deter you from reading it!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

📚🎧 Tell Me Lies by Hannah Gray 🎧🏒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

If you’re into hockey romance, single dad vibes, and slow burn tension that seriously delivers—stop what you’re doing and grab this book! Or better yet, the audiobook. Trust me, the narration had me hooked from start to finish. 🎙️🔥

We’ve got Logan, an NHL star with the weight of the world on his shoulders as he navigates being a single father while juggling his career, and Maci, the mysterious, runaway author who’s trying to outrun her past. Add in a deal to help her write “spicy” scenes for her hockey romance novel, and you’ve got a recipe for pure chaos, heartfelt moments, and off the charts chemistry. 🏒❤️

Logan’s dynamic with his daughter is pure gold—funny, sweet, and so real. And Maci? She’s a fighter, even when she’s breaking. Their banter is flirty, fun, and when it turns steamy, OH. MY. GOD. Someone pass me a fan, because the scenes where Logan helps Maci with her “research” are EVERYTHING. 😏📖🔥

But what makes this book so much more than a steamy sports romance is the emotional punch. Maci’s secret hits hard, and the way it unravels adds depth to the story. My heart broke for her, but I couldn’t help cheering for her and Logan to figure it out. 🥹💔

Perfect for fans of small emotional twists, hilarious moments, and hockey hunks with soft hearts. Definitely one for your TBR—and trust me, the audiobook will hit differently. 🎧✨

Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Gray, and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book.

Logan, a single father and a professional hockey player is looking for a new nanny. Maci is a published author that has been in a slump and is supposed to be writing a new novel. Maci soon finds herself the nanny to Amy, Logan's 3 year old daughter. When Logan wants to know what kind of books that Maci writes he is surprised that it is smut. Logan wants to be Maci's inspiration for her latest book, but will Maci let him. This was a cute and steamy book and Logan actually is cute and funny with all of his bad dad jokes. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Dreamscape Audio for letting me listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook.

3.5 stars
Logan & Maci

If you're a fan of books about bookish characters (like authors) and professional athletes (like NHL players) and single dad x nanny with that close proximity...

Then look no further than Tell Me Lies.

Logan was repeatedly described as the golden retriever type, and while there were a few glimpses of it, I wasn't sold that that was the true nature of his character. The male narrator didn't exude those vibes at all, so I'm not sure if it was the narration or the writing that made me think that the "golden retriever" vibes were very inconsistent.

That said, Logan is such a good dad. While his schedule was demanding he wanted to spend as many moments and gain as many experiences with his daughter as he could.

Maci felt very relatable to me. She is someone who has experienced trauma, grief and guilt and now finds herself a little lost and looking to find herself and passion for life and her career again. Her character development was well done.

I made the comment about the male narrator, and while I don't think he did a bad job, I'm just not convinced he was the right narrator for this part? The female narrator did a great job however.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.

I received this audiobook arc through NetGalley. I really wanted to like this book at first, but the dirty talk during sex had the complete opposite effect. The fact that the word nutsack was used during multiple different sex scenes was wildly unnecessary. I probably could have moved past this if that was my only gripe.

The “secret” seemed like a grasp for a reason for a third act breakup. The fact that Maci was driving the other car in the wreck Amelia was in doesn’t seem like a real reason for Logan to be upset. The need to “explain it to Amelia” in the future being why they couldn’t be together is a pointless attempt at a plot twist. This book was definitely a miss for me.

A single dad hockey romance with bad dad jokes? Love it!

I'm not usually one for a single dad romance but this one was sweet and bingeable with sexy scenes and a happy ending that wasn't rushed. From the corny pro-hockey playing dad to the OCD writer that ends up being his nanny thanks to some trouble in her career as an author, each character was fleshed out and relatable, making this book more enjoyable as well.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of the audiobook!

I don't really think the title of this book accurately describes the content. I was expecting more of a mystery/romance and what I felt I got was more of a single dad/erotica. The characters are likeable. The audiobook narration is decent and pleasant. The story lacks any real tension or issues and left me feeling like it was way too predictable. Child scenes are also written for a 6 or 7 year old's mindset. It was a fine read but I won't remember it tomorrow.

Single dad x nanny
Pro hockey romance
Romance writer FMC
Hockey player MMC

That was fine ! I was my first hockey romance ( I think ) but it felt like every other single dad romance I've ever read. Overall I enjoyed my time reading it . ( I read it in 5h so yeah Enjoyed it)

There's few thing that I didn't appreciated or that I was disappointed about :

- The hockey was not a big part of the book beside being the MMC job it did not had a real impact on the plot .
- The MMC wouldn't stop mentioning his junk . I don't mind dirty talk but saying dirty thing just to say dirty thing is something that make me cringe.
- The "third act breakup" sucked . The reason why the characters felt apart was boring and they just overreacted . AND it got resolved two pages later.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook arc. An author takes a job being a live in nanny for a single dad hockey player, but when he finds out that’s she is having a writer’s block on spicy scene, he offers himself for her “service” so that she can get inspired to write and finish her next book.

🔹single dad
🔹spicy author
🔹 live in nanny
🔹hockey romance

3 🌟
Spice: open door

​Thank you to netgalley and dreamscape media for the alc.

This was, unfortunately, a miss for me. It felt very tropey and lacking chemistry. Throw in the 'twist' and the whole book falls apart. It wasn't needed and honestly made no sense.
The spice is kinda cringey as well. Seems like the author tried too hard to make Logan one of the 'book boyfriends' our FMC writes about. His dirty mouth just didn't fit for me.
I think I only liked Amelia and Clyde.

Tell Me Lies by Hannah Gray was a spicy, emotional hockey romance that brought on a few blushes and squeezed my heart in all the best ways. This single-dad romance was full of witty banter and intimate conversations that made me fall head over heels in love with Logan and Maci. This was my first Hannah Gray book, and will not be my last.

Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams performed this audiobook in dual narration, and both narrators were new to me. Chloe’s performance encompassed Maci’s vulnerabilities and desires as she overcame her writer's block and gave into the delicious temptation that was Logan. Walker’s deep, southern-accented voice made Logan’s dedicated single-dad demeanor simply irresistible. Both narrators create the perfect amount of lust, longing, and tension between Maci and Logan.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a hockey romance with a hot single dad, a passionate romance writer, an adorable little girl, overcoming a traumatic past, steamy writing muses, spicy times, jaw-dropping revelations, and a HEA that warms your heart, then you will love Maci and Logan’s romance. I am looking forward to more from Hannah Gray.

Logan is a single dad as well as a NHL star. When his nanny graduates college and accepts a job across the country, he is in a bind. He can't find anyone he trusts to care for Amelia.
Maci is an author who is struggling after an accident that changed her life a few years ago. Since she is floundering, a mutual friend of Logan and Maci suggests that she temporarily nannies for Logan.
Maci quickly falls in love with Amelia and into lust with Logan. As a matter of fact, her attraction to Logan is helping her write her steamy romance. Logan is willing to give her hands on help- but is that a good idea?

I liked the characters. I hated the plot. The tropes are fine, it is the actual plot that is kind of terrible. The big secret is really a non-issue. I don't understand why it is an issue for either of them.

I also hated the sort of book in a book (or book is the book?)- I hated that Maci was writing their story and it made it all weird.

I am on the fence about continuing the series. I'll probably give it another shot- like I said- I liked the characters. Even the secondary ones.

Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams narrate and both do a good job.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tell Me Lies is the first book of the New England Bay Sharks series of interconnected standalones. This was my first book by this author and will definitely be reading more by her! This story had me in all my feels from the prologue! Logan is a hot hockey player, single dad, tells corny dad jokes and has a filthy mouth! This man is the perfect book boyfriend! And his relationship with his little girl was the sweetest! Maci is an author that is struggling with writer’s block. She agrees to be a nanny for Logan’s little girl and hopefully get some inspiration to write again. This story was heartbreaking but also so beautiful. I loved all of these characters and I can’t wait to continue on with the series!

I listened to the audio while following along with the ebook. Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams both did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life for me. I could feel the emotions in their voices and it made my reading experience even better!

“Tell Me Lies” is the first book in the “New England Bay Sharks” series.
It follows the story of Logan, a hockey player and Maci, a romance author that will also be the nanny for Logan’s daughter.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC. I also partially read the e-book included in Kindle Unlimited.

The main tropes are:
- single dad / nanny
- hockey romance
- forced proximity

The story starts with Logan finding out he has a daughter after her mother had a car accident. Even if it was a surprise, he does his best to be a good dad. And his little girl is so sweet. Maci is going through a writer’s block and her friend convinces her to be a temporary nanny.

I enjoyed this book a lot in audio. It is narrated by Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams. Logan has a southern accent and the narrator did a great job making it very hot. Logan is not only very funny, making dad jokes but also has a dirty mouth. So I would recommend listening to the book.

The relationship started with Logan helping Maci with inspiration for her next book, but they had such a strong connection. There is some drama with something from their past and some parts are very emotional. They also both lost a parent. There are many sweet moments and I liked that Logan helped Maci deal with her pain with his love.

The next book in the series is already available and I look forward to reading it.

I am absolutely the demographic for this book, but it didn’t hit. It’s really rare I read a cinnamon roll foul mouth mmc and dislike him. Logan was neither (although I think that was the intention for him), he was just gross. The way he spoke about his previous hookups and even sex with Maci until he recognized his feeling for her, it was more narcissistic and immature. At first my impression was “oh wow, okay a little more like a MMC would talk or think in real life” but the further the book went on the more I realized he was just an ass in every department other than his daughter and his hockey. That’s not how emotionally mature men talk or think. He may be a good dad, but not a dreamy sexy dirty talking man.

Okay so next: I actually liked Maci. She was genuinely a likable FMC even though her extreme worry about her role in the accident as it related to the mother was weird. She lost her dad! It seems relevant she would be broken over the accident but not guilty or unworthy feeling “monster” as she calls herself a few times over her role in the accident. That twist was just not. Sure you needed a point for drama but that was weak and just uncomfortable how quickly he turned on her for it. And all it took was a really short talk from Poppy to realize it. I understand the third act breakup, but this just wasn’t the right conflict.

The narrators: they did great! The male narrator did a great job switching between a light southern drawl to a female voice very well. The female narrator also did a great job. Both narrators created appropriate emotion for the scenes and were easy to listen to.

My Goodreads review will be less specific as I could tell Hannah Gray Is actually a talented writer, I just didn’t feel this was her best and I look forward to reading something from her in the future to see how she does with a different premise and characters.

4 stars! 💫 First off, a massive thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC – now let’s dive into Logan and Maci’s world because OMG, I’m obsessed! 😍

Okay, let’s talk Tell Me Lies – this is your classic single dad x nanny romance, but with that extra sparkle that makes it unputdownable. Logan Sterns, the hockey-playing single dad who is equal parts goofball and swoon-worthy, had me laughing so hard at his dad jokes and filthy mouth. Seriously, this man is a riot, and he’s even more charming when he’s being the ultimate dad. His bond with his daughter, Amelia, seriously melted my heart. 🥹💕

And then we have Maci McKenzie, a romance author with writer's block who agrees to nanny Logan’s little girl to escape her past and find some inspiration. Well, she certainly finds it… but not just for her book! 😏 The way these two became a team—both in writing spicy scenes and in building something real—was a whole chef’s kiss moment. 👏

Tropes? Oh, we’ve got:
💕 Single dad x nanny
🏒 Pro hockey romance
🏡 Forced proximity
📖 Romance writer FMC
💓 Golden retriever MMC

While I had an amazing time, the twist about 70% in totally threw me off guard—though, I’ve gotta admit, the third-act breakup had me feeling some kinda way. Was it justified? Eh… but hey, what's a romance without a little drama, right? 😅

Also, PSA to all authors: PLEASE, for the love of books, can we get kids in audiobooks to actually sound like kids and not mini-adults?! I get that Amelia was adorable, but no 3-year-old talks like that. 🙄

But let’s focus on the positive—Logan? Total book boyfriend material. He’s the perfect mix of goofy, sweet, and a little naughty. Can’t wait for book two because I’m already hooked on this series! 💖

Huge shoutout to the narrators, Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams! 🎧 They did an AMAZING job bringing Logan and Maci to life, with their voices perfectly matching the fun, flirty, and emotional vibe of the story. You’ll definitely be hooked after listening!

So, if you love steamy romance, a perfectly imperfect family vibe, and a guy who’ll make you laugh and swoon at the same time, Tell Me Lies is YOUR book!

Hannah Gray delivers an irresistible blend of humor, drama, and romance in Tell Me Lies, a novel that hooks readers from the very first page and refuses to let go. Equal parts funny, swoony, and emotionally gripping, this story is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

The characters in Tell Me Lies are the heart of the story, and Gray has created a cast that feels real, lovable, and deeply compelling. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and their personal journeys are as moving as they are satisfying. The romance is filled with tension and heartfelt moments, perfectly balancing the highs and lows that make the genre so captivating.

Gray’s writing style is sharp and engaging, capturing both the humor and drama of the story with ease. The dialogue sparkles, the pacing keeps the reader hooked, and the emotional depth adds layers of complexity to the characters’ relationships.

For readers who love romance with humor, drama, and a touch of magic in its happily-ever-after, Tell Me Lies is a standout. With characters who truly deserve their perfect ending, this novel is an absolute delight and one you’ll want to revisit again and again.