Okay, I knew I was going to love grumpy cat daddy Jaxon, but this is beyond. He and Lennon are incredible, individually and together, and just fit. The way he's outwardly grumpy and standoffish at times but it's really a cover for his insecurity, and he's actually the sweetest, most thoughtful guy ever? Just wow. I can't even formulate how much I've enjoyed the other books I this series and now this one even more. Becka writes guys just gone for their women so well and I liked that this was the first time he was the one who took longer to get it together as far as their relationship status. Plus, there was the best type of forced proximity: the kind the characters put themselves in because "there's no better option" when really it's cuz they can't help themselves. Mittens got his day in the sun (at times literally, cue the mermaid costume), and Lennon was just as enamored with him as Jaxon and their interactions made me laugh many times. And then, as Queen Becka demands, there were full tears for her to feast on during two different moments near-ish the end. I love the way they both care for one another the way they person needs it and help each other be their best selves. I have only two complaints (can we just stop referencing HP please? and honestly, I've forgotten the second one already so maybe it wasn't that big of a deal?), otherwise this is absolutely my fave of the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC! It's out July 30 and the other three are out now, so catch up on the backstory about our other three favorite hockey playing simps. Also, I see the writing on the wall for the conflict in Cara and Emmett's book, and I already feel nervous and tense but am looking forward to it. 

2025 reread: Because it's the newest and, therefore, the one I've read the least, I don't automatically remember how good it is when in actuality there's a good chance it's my favorite. Somehow, Jaxon and Lennon have the banter and friendship of Jennie & Garrett, the sweetness and emotional growth of Adam & Rosie, and the dramatic goofiness of Carter and Olivia. These two are so great as one night stand turned coworkers turned roommates (self-inflicted forced proximity for the win), turned best friends and lovers. Their love language is largely 'Annoyance, But Cute' and I love the way they tease and poke at each other so playfully. I cried (Jaxon's backstory ugh), I laughed a lot (I mean, the bond and interactions these two have with his cat), and swooned a plenty as the bad boy player learned how to be in a relationship. The found family aspect is strong in this one and beautiful. I both can't wait and dread Cara and Emmett's story because I just know it'll be heatwrwnchint (but also I want it!).