I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the world of “Desire or Defense” by Leah Brunner, the first book in the DC Eagles Hockey series. This hockey romance, set against the backdrop of the intense world of professional sports, expertly combines sizzling chemistry with heartwarming connections. A solid four stars for this captivating tale that had me hooked from the first puck drop.

Mitch “The Machine” Anderson, a grumpy and fiercely guarded hockey player, finds himself in a situation he never expected. Suspended from the game, he’s coerced into coaching a youth hockey team. The twist? This team happens to include the younger brother of Andie Downsby, a nurse who’s taken on the role of legal guardian after a tragic accident.

Brunner masterfully navigates the complexities of two characters burdened by their pasts. Mitch, scarred by abandonment and blame, is as hard as the ice he skates on. Andie, grieving the loss of her parents, carries a heavy weight of responsibility on her shoulders. When their paths collide, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.

The slow-burning attraction between Mitch and Andie is a delight to witness, and their journey from adversaries to companions is filled with heart and humor. Brunner’s writing brings their emotional struggles to life, making their growth and transformation a joy to experience.

A special note of gratitude to NetGalley, Leah Brunner, and Dreamscape Media for providing an audiobook copy of “Desire or Defense” for my listening pleasure. The audiobook, released on August 15, was a fantastic way to immerse myself in the world of DC Eagles Hockey.

What’s even better is that the wait for the next installment won’t be too long. I’m excited to dive into “Flirtation or Faceoff: An Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romcom,” the second book in the series, set to release on Kindle on September 1. If it’s anything like “Desire or Defense,” I’m in for another round of captivating romance and engaging storytelling.

For fans of hockey, romance, and stories of redemption, “Desire or Defense” hits all the right notes. With its strong characters, emotional depth, and engaging narrative, this book skates its way into your heart and leaves you eagerly anticipating more from Leah Brunner’s DC Eagles Hockey series.