Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
D.C. Eagles Hockey series #4. Hockey romance. Lighthearted, slow burn. Sister of best friend troupe. Closed door. PCOS and infertility topics. Can be read as a stand-alone but couples from the previous books are included as secondary characters here.
NHL Goalie Bruce McBride meets the woman of his dreams one night in a bar. They chatted for hours, ate wings, and shared an unforgettable kiss. But it was also the night Farrah Remington signed her divorce papers so she walked away at the end of the night knowing she wasn’t ready for more.
Bruce has stayed “hands off” his team captain’s sister until she’s ready. She doesn’t want her brother to know about the new relationship yet. It might put the team dynamics at risk. But Farrah lives close to her brother and his wife and keeping secrets is never easy.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. Both did a marvelous performance on their POV chapters and the various voices. I don’t expect good children’s voices from an adult and this was about par. Not bad, just not believable. Thats ok. The adults more than convinced me of their love for their partners, the excitement of the game, and ribbing of friends. There are a lot of characters but following the main couple is easy.

Adorably romantic. The hero loves romcoms and would rather spend time relaxing with the spouses than his teammates. And Bruce is always willing to help. His family, his teammates, his “little brother”, the spouses, Farrah. Whatever and whenever something is needed.
Swooning over the beautiful couple and drooling all the wonderfully described desserts.

I was gifted a copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I own ecopy versions of the whole series.
4.5

I wish I read the rest of the series first. I enjoyed this very much. The characters were good and it is very spicy. The narration was excellent.

All the stars! All the feels! All the hockey players!
Loved this book and all it brought to the table-brothers best friend, forbidden romance, age gap-amazing. Bruce and Farah had the most amazing tension and chemistry and I loved how protective and heroic he was, always proving himself to her when it counted. Great audio too!

The story was cute, but I was extremely annoyed by the constant back and forth of “I’m too old” yet acting extremely immature.

I haven’t read or listened to any other books of this worked and maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I did, but the FMC was so immature for talking about how old she was all the time. The whole “third act break up” and “miscommunication” trope just isn’t it.

I absolutely loved this series, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the audiobook as well! The reverse age gap trope is really starting to make a name for itself, but let me tell you, this one was done to perfection. I was completely hooked from the very first page. The chemistry between the characters was electric, and every interaction between them had me melting. It's rare that a book can keep me so captivated, but this one did it effortlessly. The emotional depth, the tension, and the way the relationship developed felt so real and beautifully executed. I was not bored for a second; if anything, I couldn't get enough. Every time I thought I couldn’t possibly love the story more, it proved me wrong. This audiobook was the perfect extension of the series, and I’m already counting down the days until I can immerse myself in this world again!

Thank you @Bookedwiththeemilys and the author for sharing an eARC, and Dreamscape & Netgalley for sharing the ALC.

I feel like I’ve read several “series conclusions” lately and they left me in my feels - Secret or Shutout is no exception. I’m so thankful that last summer I received a #gifted copy of Bethrothal or Breakaway which was my introduction to Leah’s writing – I was immediately hooked and went back and inhaled the whole DC Eagles series. The loveable crew of green-flag hockey players will always hold a special place in my heart (and my go-to rec for hockey romance).

In Secret or Shutout, we get Bruce’s story - the happy-go-lucky goalie is so happy for his friends to be paired off with their forever families, and he’s ready for that next step. When he meets a beautiful woman in a bar one night, he can’t help but feel like it’s fate – except, when they both realize the next day that she’s his captain’s little sister, going through a rough divorce. Bruce is a patient, down bad man, and he shows Farrah how steadfast his love can be through not just words but his actions (which I loved). Farrah is learning to trust her heart after her ex-husband emotionally manipulated her throughout their relationship, calling it quits on their relationship after months of struggling with fertility issues. She likes Bruce, sure, but she struggles with wondering if he going to stick around for the long haul and if his “happily ever after” is open to looking different than a fairytale.

This book includes topics that are important, common, and yet not broadly discussed - infertility, PCOS, adoption, and the emotional rollercoaster – both immediate and lifelong – that comes with the territory of these experiences. There were a few sentences that I highlighted during a particularly emotional conversation between Farrah and Bruce that perfectly captured feelings I’m currently experiencing with these topics, and I appreciate how Leah handled these emotional moments with honesty and care - it was a gift to read these and not feel so alone. These are definitely sensitive topics so read with care, but even knowing it would be challenging to read I’m so glad I did as it was a validating experience.

I've listened to the rest of this series, so rereading as an audiobook has been a joy.

2 stars
The narration was great but I just couldn't connect with the characters.
I had two big issues with this one:
1. Making our heroine's whole personality the fact that she "might" not be able to have kids because she has PCOs and although the subject was treated well and the author took her time to explain it, I don't like that it was a huge part of the conflict between our MCs.
And 2. I'm tired of the "we can't date because your brother and I are besties" trope, and I didn't read the blurb, so that's on me, but in the year of 2025 why is that still a problem?
This was cute and time and had some very deep and heartwarming moments, but it felt like a filler book, and knowing this is the final book from a series I adored made me sad it ended like this.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

This book is a hockey romance with emotional depth paired while also dealing with the added nuances of dealing with PCOS. Although I personally do not struggle with PCOS, I do think this book showcases the trials and tribulations in a well-done way. It showcased how women can painted as overdramatic within the healthcare system and how important it is for women to be taken seriously in said system. This book also showcases how conditions such as PCOS can impact someone's life, friendships, and relationships. Brunner does an excellent job at providing a realistic exploration of the condition while still finding a way to make the relationship swoon worthy.

Narration is fantastic.
I am a fan of Leah Brunner. This is a cute romcom. Believable characters with depth. Sweet storyline. Similar to other stories but feels fresh. Definitely recommend this closed door romance.

This was a cute book. There was good angst and tension between ferrah and Bruce. I loved bruce and his determination to get her.

I absolutely loved Secret or Shutout! This book had so much heart and depth, making it an incredibly emotional and satisfying love story. The characters were so likable and enjoyable that I found myself thoroughly cheering them on throughout the entire book.

One of the standout aspects for me was the inclusion of PCOS representation. As someone who also has PCOS and has been struggling with it more lately, I deeply appreciated seeing it handled realistically and with care. It added a level of authenticity and relatability that made the story even more special.

This book checked so many of my favorite romance tropes—hockey goalie/hockey romance, forbidden love, reverse age gap, and brothers’ best friend and teammate. Plus, the way he takes care of her? Absolutely swoon-worthy. The romance was perfectly done with an unforgettable first kiss, and while it’s a fade-to-black story, the chemistry and emotional connection between the characters were undeniable.

The cameos from the first three books were such a fun touch. It’s easily tied with book one as my favorite in the series. If you love sports romance with heart, depth, and great representation, this is a must-read!

This is the fourth book in the D.C. Eagles Hockey series and the first one I’ve read. It can easily be read as a standalone, but, like me, you’ll probably want to go back and read the rest of the series because it’s such an adorable story.

How can you not be enchanted by a strapping NHL goalie who watches classic romcoms and has the most tender of hearts? And how can you not feel for a FMC whose life and dreams are shattered by things outside her control? Bruce and Farrah’s love story is sure to capture your heart as it did mine.

PCOS and infertility are major plot points in this book. Leah Brunner addresses this life altering condition with honesty and compassion. As someone who dealt with infertility, I appreciated her sensitive handling of a painful topic. Too often authors will present an unrealistic representation and resolution diminishing both the physical and emotional impact.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels. They brought vulnerability and charm to their roles.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC and Booked With The Emilys for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you netgalley for the ALC of this one. It was my first Leah Brunner but it won't be my last.
Bruce and Farrah are such a great couple. He's so in love with her, and he's smitten for the beginning of this book. Trigger Warning for infertility. But the way he loved her anyway. ❤️❤️

This is a fun, entertaining read. Bruce and Farrah are intriguing, wounded, strong, tender, interesting, relatable, complex, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into. The book can be read as a stand alone but will be enjoyed better if read in order as the couples from the other books in the series are secondary characters in the story.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrators.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I knew this was for me within the first 3 minutes of the audiobook. Who can pass up a hot make-out at a dive bar?? I absolutely love Bruce McBride! Bruce is attentive, tall, caring, romantic NHL man that loves a good romcom. This is fade to black but we do get to enjoy some steamy make-out sessions! On a more serious note, I loved the representation found thought out the book: infertility, divorce, PCOS, adoption, and found family are a few. If you like age gap, she’s older, he falls first, hockey men, or best friend’s sister you are in for a sweet treat (because she is a baker!) I will definitely be picking up more from Leah Brunner!

I struggle with books that use infertility or PCOS as a plot point and reason to not date someone. And this book was HEAVY with that. Not enough happened plot wise and it got super boring. I’m bummed the series ended this way 😭

Also, it just repeated how tall Bruce is a million times. I get it. He’s tall. It was super annoying how big of a role Remi played in the plot too.

I will forever recommend the rest of the series though!

Book review ✨
Thank you Booked with the Emily’s, the author and dreamscape media for my #gifted copies of this book. All opinions are my own.

Are we sure this is the end of this series? Like are we sure?!? 😭 Man do I love a good hockey series. I loved Bruce and Farrah. Farrah did not trust easily due to her divorce but Bruce kept showing up. Bruce was a goner for Farrah from moment one. I loved how these two met. The tension and the forced proximity. Ugh so good! And that bonus epilogue?!?!?

This one is out already (3/27) and is book 4 in the DC Eagles series. You don’t *have* to read these in order, but I really think it’s more fun!

"Farrah, you are my dream."

- hockey romance
- brother's best friend/teammate
- divorced heroine
- golden retriever MMC
- secret romance
- he falls first
- PCOS rep
- closed door
- dual pov
- dual narration by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels

Every MMC in this series is so gone for the FMC, and Bruce is no exception. He's a total golden retriever – fiercely loyal, kind, patient, and oh-so-charming. He's not only overly kind to Farrah but to his teammates and their wives, and he has such a special bond with his "little brother" Jackson.

While Farrah notices Bruce's attention, she's reluctant to start something with the younger hockey goalie for multiple reasons. The slow burn burns before she can no longer resist him, and the sneaking around commences 🤭.

Then things escalate before breaking apart and being put together. Bruce doesn't give up on Farrah without a fight. Plus, fighting for her includes buying her a $14,000 oven and saying things like this: "I know we have some barriers to work through, and I'll be patient as we break through those. But let's do it together, okay?" 🫠

Farrah's PCOS diagnosis is a strong element, and Leah handles it with both realistic honesty and care. My heart broke for Farrah and her struggle 💔.

I've listened to this entire series, and every audiobook is fantastic. Alex Picard has a really distinct female voice, but I also love her male narration. Meanwhile, I need more Lee Samuels because his male and female narration is just as good. A perfect audio pairing!

If you're looking for a closed-door hockey romance series with swoony heroes, fierce heroines, and the best found family, I highly recommend checking out the D.C. Eagles.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the early audio copy.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys, NetGalley and Leah Brunner for a copy of the ebook and NetGalley and Dreamscape for a copy of the ALC in exchange for my thoughts.

WOW. This is my first Leah Brunner and it did NOT disappoint. I thought this was such a fun story that also had some emotional and hard hitting topics. Bruce and Farrah's relationship was so cute! A random meet cute and pining that lasts for a long time feels like the perfect recipe for a romance. Although I started reading with the last book in the series, this makes me all the more excited to read the others! I had a blast with this one, Nella was adorable and Bruce's relationship with Jackson was so sweet! I thought all of the content was handled very well and the chemistry was PERFECT. (Closed door: epilogue has a fade to black scene between a married couple.) I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Narration: Wow. I thought the dual narration and the narrators did an amazing job, especially the male narrator. He brought Bruce to life. The narrator for Farrah brought so much emotion to all of the right places.

ALSO AARON MARIANO AHHHHH (Iykyk).

CW's: Infertility and medical procedures

This was a great book to put on and zone out to while I did some sewing, but honestly I was underwhelmed by the story as a whole and the narrators.