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.

This is the first Leah Brunner book I've read.

Cutesy story.

Loved the PCOS rep; it's a tricky diagnosis because every diagnosis presents slightly different (and yes those cyst ruptures hurt like a mf-er and are 100% shocking the first time, worse than appendix issues). This was one of the main things that drew me to this book (PCOS plus I've always loved hockey).

I think I would have liked it more had the author chosen the closed door path (a là Sarah Adams) OR 'clean cut' but chose some awkward middle ground (almost like they were trying to pander to both readers). While I like all as long as it's a good story, this felt uncomfortable (like a: I know you like spice but let's be 'good' and keep some morals' but not really.... I'm not sure how to explain it). Plus adding the 'clean cut calm guy' want to punch someone was such an odd juxtaposition, it seemed inconsistent with the tone (not sure if their other books are like this or not).

After watching Bruce’s character in all the other DC Eagles books, I had no idea where Leah would take his story. This forbidden romance, reverse age-gap story was perfect for his golden retriever personality. He was absolutely gone for Farrah from the first moment and pursued her while also respecting her boundaries. Farrah’s story is a hard one in so many ways. I have sadly seen many people walk that journey and it is heartbreaking. I liked how she learns to trust herself again and also come to terms with her health issues. The chemistry between her and Bruce was so well done and there were some swoony kisses. This was a great conclusion to a great series. I still think Mitch and Andie are my favorites but all of these stories will endear this group to your heart.

Alex Picard has become a favorite narrator and she did another great job voicing Farrah. She did the audio work on other books in this series and I liked how she was able to create some unique tweaks to Farrah’s character while also still voicing the characters from previous books. Lee Samuels also did a great job bringing Bruce’s golden retriever energy (with a little hockey anger when needed) to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

This book is available now for purchase and is also in the Kindle Unlimited library if you prefer to read with your eyes.

Content Notes: Makeouts to fade to black romance

Farrah and bruce shared a kiss the night she signed her divorce paper and when they were introduce by Remy she was married she didnt told her brother a year later and a half. She lives with her brother and is nanny to his kid which you need to read in book 3. she start seeing each other in secret because Remy is very protective of her especially because her husband mentally and emotional abûsě her and when she couldnt get pregnant was the last straw for him. Farrah is scare because she desnt want to disappoint her next partner because she cant have child. she want Bruce to have a family but Bruce will show her what loves is and she is worth fighting for.
narrated by Alex Picard; Lee Samuels

This is easily my new favorite Leah Brunner story!!

Secret or Shutout is book 4 of the DC Eagles Hockey series, an interconnected series written as a stand-alone book.

First let's talk about the found family!! The Hockey teammates are my favorite part of the series! We've had Mitch, Colby, and Remy's stories and fallen in love with each player in their journey to find their person. The way the guys show up for each other on and off the court feels like a brotherhood, and their group dinners, etc... are like showing up to a fun family reunion!

Nobody knows that Bruce and Farrah met a year and a half earlier, having no idea who the other was. Their chemistry was crazy but the timing was terrible so they've been trying to put that first interaction out of their mind. After some forced proximity situations, Bruce realizes Farrah is not easily forgotten. The way Bruce loves and cares for the people in his life! This golden retriever hockey goalie loves DEEP; the more you get to know him, the more you fall in love with him!

Farrah battles with PCOS and infertility, which her ex-husband used as an excuse for walking away from their marriage. Learning to open up her heart again after having her trust destroyed is difficult but adding the risk of infertility into the equation makes it nearly impossible. The journey has swoony highs and some difficult lows.

You're going to find humor and heart in this hockey romance. I hope you enjoy Bruce and Farrah as much as I did!

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I had the opportunity to preview the eARC a couple weeks ago and loved their story, but as I previewed the ALC I found myself in tears twice from the narrator’s performance. They brought this heartfelt story to life. It’s a Dual POV narration and both narrator’s are excellent. They definitely enhanced an already fantastic story!!

Romance content:
The series is low-spice, closed-door but it doesn't lack heat at all! I love that Leah shows healthy, happy marriages with references to intimacy while keeping the story closed-door. This would be appealing to readers of various spice levels.

5⭐️ - I am obsessed

Wow, this book really got to me. Secret or Shutout combines a lovingly ice hockey romance with heavy topics in a fade to black romance story.

The FMC in this book has been through a tough heartbreak and consequently struggles with negative thoughts and low self-esteem. A top of that, PCOS and unwanted childlessness form important topics in this book. All these topics were very well written and represented in my opinion and touched me deeply.

I felt so much for the FMC, Farrah, all she had been through and what she struggles with now. You are just wishing her all the best in the world. Luckily, the author created the perfect MMC for her and she deserves it. The MMC in the story, Bruce, is the biggest golden retriever ever and is in a mission to love. He makes this whole book feel like a warm bath and I enjoyed every minute of this loving story!

Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the Advanced Listening Copy of this story.

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

I loved this book. Heck, I love all the DC Eagles NHL Hockey romances.

The narration of this audiobook was superb! Even the shift in and out of French phrases was flawless.

I truly enjoy the complex set of characters, families, friends, and back stories.

This book gave me such good, happy feelings. I love it - truly! Definitely recommend!!!

I have adored every leading man in the DC Eagles Hockey series, but I think that Bruce has topped the list for me! There is just something about a goofy, cocky, loyal sweetheart that just melts me! He is the definition of green flags to me! He deals with everything that Farrah throws at him with such grace and passion! As someone with PCOS, I loved the very realistic representation of Farrah’s struggles. This story was the perfect balance between lighthearted and real life issues.

Thanks to Leah Brunner and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

I have absolutely loved this series and you also need to read it. This was the perfect conclusion to the D.C. Eagles books. I love seeing all the past characters growing and interacting in each book. As someone who isn’t a sports fan I never thought I’d be EATING UP hockey romance books, but Leah just does it right.

Farrah and Bruce are perfect. There is baking, there are silly innuendos, there is a little bit of secret dating, there is infertility representation, there are big romantic gestures. This one was full of pining and stolen glances and I loved every second.

Read for:

-A hockey hero
-A baker/nanny heroine
-A close friend group like no other
-An Age Gap Romance

Thank you @leah.brunner.writes for the EARC and NetGalley for the Audio Arc! Now I just need a physical copy to go with the rest of my series! ❤️

Farrah Remington had a chance encounter with Bruce McBride, the goalie for the D.C. Eagles that ended with best kiss of her life. Inbeknowest to both Farah and Bruce they are connected through Farah's brother is the captain for the D.C. Eagles. Remmy has one rule no one dates his sister. Farah had just signed her divorce papers the night she and Bruce met at that dimly lit bar. While Bruce is wanting further the kiss Farah is not because Bruce is younger and she has fertilty issues. While this was book 4 in the D.C. Eagles hockey series you don't have to read the other ones to follow the story plot. The was a funny and clean romance that is suitable for all readers. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to this audiobook.

I loved this book! Bruce has my whole heart and it was the perfect ending to the series! I thought the last book was my favorite, but I think this book is hands down my favorite in the whole series. Leah Brunner never disappoints me and always writes in a way that make me fall hopelessly in love and feel so many emotions.
The plot is so well written. The characters are intricate and well-developed. I never questioned who they were or the complexity of their nature.
The banter is witty, fun, and spoken so beautifully. I also learned a little more about hockey - I felt like I was there!
I love the narrators in this audiobook. Alex Picard and Lee Samuels are the perfect combination to portray Bruce and Farrah.
The tone is perfect, breathwork is ideal, and the cadence is consistent throughout!
Do yourself a favor and give this book a read or a listen!
Tropes: Teammate's Sister; Reverse Age Gap, Forbidden Romance, PCOS Representation
Trigger Warnings: Divorce, PCOS, Infertility

*Secret or Shutout* by Leah Brunner, narrated by Alex Picard and Lee Samuels, is a heartfelt and engaging romance that tackles the complexities of health issues and relationships. The story follows Farrah Remington, who is dealing with the aftermath of a divorce and the emotional pain of health struggles that have made conceiving a child unlikely—a central issue that led to the breakdown of her marriage. When she meets the goalie of the DC Eagles hockey team, the team her big brother captains, at a bar, their spontaneous kiss sparks the beginning of a complicated romance.

Both the narration and the writing stand out in this book. Alex Picard and Lee Samuels deliver a nuanced and captivating performance that brings the characters' emotions and struggles to life, perfectly complementing Brunner's well-crafted story. The author skillfully addresses the challenges that health issues can bring to relationships, making it a thoughtful and relatable read.

With its mix of romance, emotional depth, and the sensitive handling of personal struggles, *Secret or Shutout* earns a solid 4.5 stars. It’s an excellent choice for readers looking for a story that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and dreamscape media for the audiobook arc of secret or shutout. This was such a cute secret best friends brothers little sister hockey romance and I loved every second of it! I listened to it all in one day while driving and doing various things around the house. It made me smile. The narrators were excellent! Great book by Leah Brunner!

This was honestly so cute!! How refreshing to read a hockey romance that is with full fledged adults instead of college kids. It felt a little insta lovey at first but the depth of their relationship was there as the story progressed. Really great and varied representation as well!!! Loved the little WAGs community.

I love a good hockey romance from time to time and this one did not disappoint. It was cute but still handled some heavy topics. I may have shed some tears because of the FMCs health struggles.
Overall a solid 4 ⭐️ and perfect palette cleanser.

The voice actors did a really good job!

This book certainly wasn’t bad by any means, but it did feel very juvenile at times. I appreciate what the author was trying to accomplish, and there were definitely some positive aspects that stood out. For example, I loved how comfortable Farrah was in her own body, despite her ex constantly body-shaming her. That level of self-acceptance was refreshing to see, and the book’s positive, progressive views on adoption were another highlight. It’s clear the author was trying to deliver meaningful messages, and I genuinely respect that.

However, a lot of the other elements felt over the top and somewhat unbelievable. The dialogue and character reactions sometimes came off as exaggerated, which pulled me out of the story rather than immersing me in it. That’s not to say this is a bad read by any means! It’s light, easy to get through, and has some genuinely charming moments.

I think, ultimately, this book might just be aimed at a different target audience than me. It has its appeal, and I can see why many readers would enjoy it. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.