This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. The fact that they didn't tell each other their real names, and then had a dramatic reveal the next day was amazing.

One of my favorite parts of the entire book was the humor. The fact that Bruce was trolling his trolls on the internet under a secret account had me cackling. And anytime he would talk to anyone who knew how down bad he was for Farrah was so adorable, that man didn't hide his feelings for her at all. But I really loved how much he yearned for her. He continued to pursue her, even though she was in denial about her feelings for him. Bruce was such a caring character; he was there for Farrah no matter what and did everything he could to show her how much he cared about her.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to netgalley and the author and publisher

Really enjoyable story, what’s not to love!

Will happily other books from the author after reading this book

This one has it all in a hockey playing, goofy, flirty, protective mmc. He’s everything that Farrah needs after her ex husband. I loved how we get all the insight after seeing them “meet” in Remy and Amber’s book, Betrothal or Breakaway. Poor Bruce pines away while Farrah tries so hard to keep him at arm’s length. I loved watching him slowly chip away at her insecurities to show her that she is worth fighting for.

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

I was REALLY looking forward to Farrah and Bruce's story, but I was NOT expecting their meet-cute. And just that one scene COMPLETELY sold me on their relationship, and the inevitability of their HEA.

But their journey isn't easy. Suffering from PCOS myself, I know what mental effects this disease can have, and I could totally relate with a lot of Farrah's feelings about her body, and her inability to have children. It's a tough journey, which is really well portrayed by Leah Brunner (who has been diagnosed with PCOS herself).

But Bruce does an amazing job of proving to Farrah that she is worth a HEA. And his background also perfectly sets him up to help Farrah see the potential to still have most of what she dreams for her future.

A truly beautiful story!

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and LBP LLC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

To be a goalie on a hockey team you often question their sanity. They are often described as a little quirky, beats to their own drum, brings smiles to the entire team and Bruce is all of those and more. Bruce is the DC Eagles Goalie. He also is one of the teammates with the biggest hearts who would do anything for anyone at a moment's notice. Which is a good and a bad thing when it involves the team captain's sister Farrah. One thing about Bruce is that he loves hard and without conditions, something Farrah isn't used to. She's in town after a failed relationship and the last thing she needs is a hockey player hitting on her. Little does she know that the best kiss of her life was with none other than Bruce McBride. Together these two navigate secret feelings that will either be accepted or rejected by others (especially Farrah's brother Remy). Farrah must come to terms with some health conditions that life has handed down to her and accept that not every guy is like her ex... two things that are extremely difficult.

Leah does an amazing job building the tension, banter and overall conflict. The characters are extremely lovable, and you can't help but cheer them both on towards their journey of finding love.

This is part of a series, and I highly recommend you read the first ones, just so you can enjoy watching the entire team fall in love.

If you love a sweet, just kissing hockey romance, with adorable French nicknames, grand gestures, moments where he takes care of her, the forbidden best friend's sister trope, and a strong group of friends this is the perfect romance for you!

Thank you Leah, LBP LLC, and NetGalley for my eBook. It was not expected for me to leave any positive feedback. These opinions are 100% my own.

This romance novel centers around an unexpected encounter that ignites an intense connection, but as with any great love story, there are complications. A chance meeting in a bar leads to a passionate kiss between a 6'5 NHL goalie and the beautiful Farrah Remington. The next day, however, things take an awkward turn when he realizes Farrah is not just any stranger—she’s the little sister of his team captain, a man who is also his best friend. Farrah is strictly off-limits, making their connection all the more forbidden.

The tension between the couple is palpable as they try to suppress their growing attraction, but it soon becomes clear that chemistry cannot be ignored. The secret relationship they begin to navigate is filled with both thrills and risks, especially as their personal lives intertwine with the pressures of the team’s Stanley Cup journey. The stakes are high, as secrets threaten not only their love but also their careers and friendships.

The dual POVs offer a satisfying look into both main characters’ thoughts and struggles. The story touches on heavier themes like infertility, divorce, and the emotional weight of PCOS, which adds an extra layer of depth to the romance. The author's portrayal of their personal conflicts, alongside the dynamic between the protagonist and the team captain, delivers a satisfying mix of passion, tension, and emotional growth.

While the plot deals with familiar themes of forbidden love and second chances, it stands out with its unique setting and relatable characters. The story balances between the high-pressure world of professional hockey and the deeply personal journey of the characters, making for a compelling and enjoyable read. The blend of romance and sports, with the added drama of secrets and betrayal, keeps the reader invested from start to finish.

5⭐️ STAR READ
Firstly I would like to to thank netgalley and Leah Brunner for the ARC of this book.

Tropes :
Closed Door
Age gap
PCOS rep
Team captain's little sister
Sneaking around

Review : When I first read Betrothal or Breakaway I thought I had found my favourite Leah Brunner book but seems like I have to amend my statement cause this book was so so good. I literally ran to netgalley when I saw her post and devoured the book the day I was approved for the ARC.
I know a few friends who have PCOS and I've heard them share their problems and I'm so glad to see this book talk about this subject. It was so much fun to read Bruce trying to woo Farrah and the way he tried everything to impress her. As someone who was hurt by her love I can see why Farrah was so skeptical of trusting someone again. It was heartbreaking to see Farrah go through the physical pain but also the heartache of not being with someone because of her health issues. I think Bruce healed a part of every woman when he said, "I don't love you based on any conditions."
All in all it was a beautiful end to this stories and I'm looking forward to read more of Leah's works.

Yours truly,
A🌸

i liked it! it was sweet. i’ll be reading the whole series. really a kind of comfort read for me.

thank you Netgalley for the ARC!! All thoughts are my own—duh!

Secret or Shutout 🎂🏒 Arc Review

Desire or Defense was the first hockey romance I ever read, and I've been obsessed with this series and sports romance ever since! Bruce and Farrah did not disappoint. I absolutely adored them. Who wouldn't want to share secret kisses with the golden retriever hockey goalie who gives Kristoff energy? Sign me up! Based on the epilogue, I think this is the last book in the series, but I'd do anything for a Noah book. 🤭

Tropes 🧁
🎂 Forbidden relationship
🏒 Brother's teammate/Captain's sister
🎂 He falls first
🏒 Golden retriever MMC
🎂 Curvy MFC
🏒 Reverse age gap
🎂 PCOS rep

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!

I’ve read the other books in this series and I still completely love it. I love how Bruce still loves Farrah even though they met the year before in a bar. Now, they are reunited but the issue is that he finds out that she is the sister of his best friend and fellow hockey player. With the MFC facing issues with PCOS and divorce, they got to work to be together.

⭐️ thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book to give my honest opinion ⭐️

This was a super cute book! I love the brothers best friend trope. I'm such a sucker for it!

The lead MMC, Bruce is a cinnamon roll goalie who just won't give up on Farrah, our lead FMC who is dealing with a recent divorce, PCOS, and her brother protecting her from his best friend. It had some real moments of big life issues that I thought were handled well. Over all, it was a cute read with some giggle-worthy moments and some mild spice.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this early <3

Bruce McBride is doing his best to support the D.C Eagles in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup but there is one wild card that may put a wrench in his plans, and that’s his pursuit of Farrah Remington, the woman he met in a bar a year ago who just happens to be the sister of his best friend and team captain.

This brother’s best friend saga has a twist, Bruce is 4 years her junior and is the easy going, light hearted goalie for the Eagles. Will Farrah be able to move on from the hurts of her past and take a shot with Bruce?

This book was a great 4th edition to the saga. While it had been a while since I read books 1-3 this 4th instalment gave just enough background to be in the know.

Includes representation of PCOS, adoption, found family and second chances.

Thanks to netgalley and Leah from letting me meet Bruce, Farrah & the D.C. Eagles a little early. All thoughts and views are my own.

Hockey romance for the win! Meeting all these characters makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series! Bruce and Farrah were so fun to get to know. I love when authors deal with real life issues like PCOS in their stories; it is something I wish I saw more of.

This story was a rollercoaster of emotions—plenty of laughter, heartfelt moments, and even some tears.

Bruce, the male lead, is an absolute sweetheart. At 6'5", he’s a towering, talented goalie for the DC Eagles, but beneath all that, he’s a fun-loving guy with a kind soul. The female lead, Farrah, is picking up the pieces after a tough divorce when she crosses paths with Bruce at a bar. They hit it off immediately, spending hours deep in conversation. Their night ends with an unforgettable kiss—but no exchanged contact details. Later, Bruce discovers that Farrah is actually the sister of his team captain, which immediately complicates things—she’s completely off-limits.

Much of the story revolves around Bruce’s attempts to win over Farrah without creating tension with her brother. Farrah, meanwhile, is hesitant to dive into something new. Her past marriage left her with scars, and she’s finally regaining her balance. The dual perspective really helped bring their struggles and emotions to life.

One aspect of the book that stood out was the way it portrayed PCOS. Farrah grapples with the reality that she may never have children, which played a role in her divorce and adds another layer to her hesitancy with Bruce. The book also touches on adoption and fostering, handling both with care and positivity.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between Bruce and Farrah, as well as the tight-knit bonds among Bruce’s teammates and their partners. The Eagles function as more than just a team—they’re a family. Since this is the fourth book in the series, there were quite a few recurring characters, and I occasionally mixed them up, but it wasn’t a major issue. Even without reading the previous books, this one worked well as a standalone.

As a hockey fan, I appreciated the moments that focused on the sport itself, but there weren’t so many that non-hockey readers would feel lost. Key hockey terms were explained along the way, making it accessible for all.

On the romance side, the book leans more toward sweet than steamy. The physical intimacy stays behind closed doors, though there’s plenty of flirtation and suggestive banter.

A big thank you to the author and Booked With The Emilys for the chance to read an early copy! These thoughts are entirely my own.

“𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑰’𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒉.”

I’ve never ran faster to Netgalley for an ARC like I did with this one and I’m so so grateful to have been accepted. TW: PCOS, infertility.

My favourite fictional hockey team the DC Eagles are back and after watching his teammates all find their forever person Bruce McBride is longing for the same.
When he thinks he’s destined to for the single life one night at a bar he meets a woman that sets him on fire in all the right ways. Not only is she beautiful but she’s funny and they hit it off sharing the best kiss of both their lives.
Bruce doesn’t think he’ll ever see her again until he’s standing in his teammate Remy’s kitchen and there she is. His mystery woman is Farrah, Remy’s younger sister.
Remy has made it clear that no one is to date his sister however the chemistry Bruce and Farrah have you can feel it right off the page. The pining and the longing is just *chefs kiss*

If you haven’t read this series I really can’t recommend it highly enough. For all my spice lovers this is closed door but as I’ve mentioned before you don’t feel like you’re missing anything. This series is just a wholesome good time with amazing characters.
@leah.brunner.writes I will read anything you write and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you for this series.

Secret or Shutout is releasing on the 27th of March.

Farrah - divorcee with pcos/infertility.

Bruce - NHL Goalie.

The met in a bar and discover the next day she is his captains sister.

I loved following their story go getting together.

Forget cinnamon rolls, Bruce is a complete cupcake. I loved reading his and Farrah’s story. While we all know the chances of a happily ever after are high with romance books, the same can’t be said for hockey games. I was on the edge of my seat.

Bon travail, Leah Brunner!

Pub date: 3/27/25

#secretorshutout
#leahbrunner
#dceagles
#hockeyromance
#netgalley

This gave me a hallmark rom-com vibe; while it had cringy moments, it was overall a cute, fluffy romance. It's more of a medium-burn romance, so you need to wait for the main characters together, but when they do, the payoff is excellent! My only complaint is that the FMC can come off as a little immature for her age. 3.5 stars!

I LOVE love love Hockey romance!!! & this one hit me in ALL the feels! It can feel a bit repetitive sometimes when its the same type of girl who gets the guy.. but this.. was different and I really enjoyed it!

This is book 4 in the DC Eagles series and I want MORE! A pro Hockey goalie meets a woman in a bar only to discover later she is the sister of his captain/teammate/best friend. I am absolutely loving this trope lately! Farrah and Bruce end up reconnecting after that night at the bar, but once Farrahs brother finds out about the budding romance between them.. things change for the worse. Especially during the playoffs. Thus.. a secret relationship! As someone with PCOS and fertility issues, who is curvy and in my 30's, I felt I could really relate to this character. Thank you Leah for shining a light on this hormonal disorder that is super chaotic and causes so much trauma and anxiety, you touched on it really well.
Thank you NetGalley and Leah Brunner for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

*HOCKEY
*mature FMC and Curvy
*He falls harder
*She’s his good luck charm
*PCOS awareness


*****Secret or Shutout is a dual POV, fade-to-black romance that can be read as a stand alone. This work of fiction contains mild language, depictions of PCOS, infertility, and divorce. If you are sensitive to these subjects, please use this content warning to make an informed decision about reading this book.