Helena Hunting has done it again!
Every time I think I’ve found my favorite couple in the Toronto Terror world, she releases another book and—boom—I’m hopelessly in love all over again. This time it’s Connor Grace and Mildred “Dred” Reformer who completely stole my heart (and yes, my sleep, because there was no way I was putting this book down).
Connor Grace is hockey’s ultimate bad boy—the guy everyone loves to hate. He’s broody, arrogant, tattooed, and wrapped up in a legacy that’s both a blessing and a curse. Dred, on the other hand, is the softhearted librarian who’s been through more than her fair share of pain but still somehow manages to see the good in people. When a fake marriage to please Connor’s beloved Meems turns into something much deeper, we get all the fake marriage-to-real love feels we crave.
When I first read in the previous book that Flip’s nemesis was coming to the Terror, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. Connor Grace had major “entitled prick” energy at first (and I say that lovingly 😆). But after what he did during Rix and Tristan’s wedding, I started to get hopeful—and a little curious. There was something behind that arrogance, a flicker of vulnerability that made me think… maybe there’s more to him than the grumpy villain façade.
And oh, was I right. Beneath the sharp suits and that bad boy swagger, Connor is an absolute teddy bear. Sure, he’s rough around the edges, but once you see glimpses of his family, everything starts to make sense. How can someone know how to show love if they’ve never seen it modeled? My heart broke for him more than once. Thank goodness for Meems, because without her, Connor’s story would’ve been much darker. She’s the light in his chaos, just like Dred becomes the anchor he didn’t know he needed.
From the very first page, I was hooked. Connor’s tough exterior slowly melting under Dred’s quiet strength and genuine warmth? Swoon. He’s not just a reformed bad boy—he’s a beautifully broken man learning that love doesn’t have to hurt. And Dred? She’s the kind of heroine who reminds you that being strong doesn’t mean being hardened. Their chemistry is the perfect blend of heat and heart—equal parts emotional and deliciously steamy.
Helena Hunting’s writing is pure magic. She knows exactly how to make you laugh one minute and cry the next. The banter sparkles, the emotion hits hard, and the found family vibes are chef’s kiss. From the ever-supportive Babe Brigade to the hilarious hockey crew and the absolutely iconic Meems (can we all just agree she’s everyone’s dream grandma?), every secondary character adds so much heart to the story.
And speaking of heart—Connor’s relationship with the twins melted mine completely. Those moments showed a side of him we hadn’t seen before, and I adored how Dred helped him grow, both as a man and as a partner. These two are beautifully imperfect, healing together in ways that feel so real and earned.
By the end, I was smiling through tears and already wishing for a re-read. I loved every single thing about this book—Connor, Dred, Meems, the twins, the Babe Brigade, and that sneak peek of Flip and Tally’s story in the bonus scene (which I am now desperately waiting for!).
Also, can we talk about Connor’s sister Izzy for a second? I think she deserves her own story—preferably with a hot hockey player 😉. Fingers crossed we see more of her in future books!
Helena Hunting continues to be the queen of sports romance for me—her stories have all the heart, heat, and humor I could ever ask for.
Happy reading!
- Would I recommend this book: Absolutely.
- Would I re-read this book: Already done.
- Would I read future books by this author: Always, without hesitation.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
🛒 Amazon
Read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Meet the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romances ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
Where to Find Helena:
Mia Book Addict 
Leave a comment