Review: The Hockey Problem by Kendall Ryan

Some books don’t need big, dramatic twists to pull you in—they just quietly hook you with chemistry, emotion, and characters you genuinely care about. The Hockey Problem is exactly that kind of read.

Tori and Zayden’s story is built on tension, restraint, and everything left unsaid. From the moment they’re thrown together, you can feel that pull—but what makes it so addictive is how hard they both fight it. The stakes are real, and that line they’re not supposed to cross never fades into the background.

What really worked for me is how grounded everything feels. Tori knows exactly what she stands to lose, and that awareness shapes every interaction, every hesitation, every moment where things could so easily tip into something more. And Zayden, with all his guarded edges, isn’t just dealing with his own walls—he’s a single dad first, always thinking about how any choice might impact his daughter.

That’s where the story really softens in the best way. Maisey brings this warmth that balances out all that tension, and the way Tori gradually becomes part of their world felt so natural and effortless. Nothing feels rushed or forced—it just slowly, quietly falls into place.

The slow burn is done beautifully. It’s in the small things—shared routines, quiet conversations, the kind of moments that don’t seem big on the surface but carry so much weight. You can feel the shift happening between them long before anything is said out loud, and that makes it all the more satisfying.

And when Zayden shows up for Tori, especially when it matters most, it just hits. No hesitation, no overthinking—just someone who knows exactly what’s important.

Overall, this is a soft, emotional, and quietly addictive romance that leans into connection, trust, and letting your guard down when it matters most. If you love a swoony single dad, a strong heroine, and a slow burn that keeps you invested from start to finish, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Happy reading!

  • Would I recommend this book: Yes.
  • Would I re-read this book: Maybe.
  • Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

🛒 Amazon


Meet the Author

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold millions of books and they have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.

Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 100 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Where to Find Kendall:

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