Had some very welcome tears along with the spice.
In my opinion, this best book in the series so far when it comes to meaningful character depth and lovability; I just wanna wrap Ryan in a virtual blanket hug and never let him go. Man, Connor really came a long way in character growth. Overall a heartwarming read... even with all the 'Dark' aspects.
Overall spice level... 🌶🌶🌶 (of 5)
For a 'Dark' romance, it's pretty tame, but none of it felt out of place. The writing was well paced considering Ryan's issues. So no complaints from me. I loved every 🌶 scene.
Also, Joe Arden's voice acting is what makes Ryan's character come to life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (of 5) for the audiobook.
Ok, this book was by far my favorite out of the series. I loved that we got Ryan's story and more about who he is. Learning what he went through Honestly was devastating because nobody should have to go through that. Connor was Connor was unhinged but I loved it and I loved how he was coming into himself about his relationship with Ryan.
The narrators did a fantastic job, Anthony Palmini and Joe Arden make a perfect duo.
S
Sara Husser
December 3, 2025
Verified Purchase
🧸🧦You're mine. Every scar. Every tear. Every single breath. It's all mine🧸🧦
"I was raised to be ruthless, to take what I want, to use every tool, every advantage, to see weakness as an opportunity and kindness as stupidity."
"Mom always said I'd find someone who'd sweep me off my feet. Guess being drugged and dragged to Connecticut counts. Should've read the fine print on that fairy tale."
"They're gone. And I'm still here, still breathing when all I ever wanted was to stop."
"You took my freedom when you forced me to marry you. Took my first kiss. I won't let you take my bear."
"No one wants someone like me. Someone broken, scarred, and worth nothing."
"He took my hand. The man whose body locks up whenever I touch him took my hand."
"Now here I am, with a different kind of family, one I found. I still got cracks. Still got scars. But Connor fills them, makes them bearable. Because he's mine."
"Nothing destroys an arranged marriage faster than a surprise husband."
What a phenomenal and perfect ending to this series. I say this with each book, but now this one was my favorite 😂😂. This author has sucked me into this world and I'm so sad it's over, for now 😈. This story was heavy on the hurt/comfort and trauma. I was heavy in my feels and my emotions were all over the place 😭. This had some great troupes like forced marriage, forced proximity, teammates to lovers, bi awakening, virgin MC, and possessive/protective MCs. This was a slow burn but when the spice happened it was 🔥🔥🔥.
This story follows Connor and Ryan. This takes off from…
E
Elizabeth
January 31, 2026
Verified Purchase
It's...fine? I was able to finish the book, but I didn't enjoy it much.
I picked this up after a TikTok recommendation to fill a hockey shaped hole in my heart (after a beautiful trip to the cottage, iykyk). This did not fill that hole. If you're like me, you will not enjoy this book.
T
Toniann Sampogna (@bookishforever)
February 7, 2026
Verified Purchase
North Shore Titans Hockey: Book 5 ● KU ● Connor + Ryan
This one came in real close with Forbidden Titan for favorite. I loved the hurt/comfort. It was extremely satisfying watching Connor fall for Ryan and slowly soften. I love how Ryan was immediately protective of Connor. Definitely in line with the other books - over the top. But I'm pretty much bought in now and can't wait for the Serpents Series.
