★★★★ Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh, A No-Spice, Sweet Hockey Romance
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
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About This Book:
When the game changes, love finds a way to score.
Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice--but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up--only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.
Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister's heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val's guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.
As Jabari navigates life off the ice, he's drawn to Val in ways he didn't expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box?
A clean and wholesome African American hockey romance featuring forbidden love, friends to lovers, disability representation, and second chances perfect for fans of Christian sports romances, Emma St. Clair, Pepper Basham, and Melissa Ferguson.
MY REVIEW: ★★★★ 4/5
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Hearts on the Fly is a sweet, clean romance that's perfect for a cozy, weekend read! With its sports theme (hockey player meets sports agent assistant), layered family dynamics and threads of faith, personal struggles and resilience, it was heartfelt and enjoyable.
I really connected with Val, the heroine. Her struggles with dating and feeling overlooked in her family made her relatable as she remained the glue holding both her family and their business together. Jabari, the hero, brought depth to the story as he faced a sudden medical crisis that threatened everything he’s worked for. Watching his world shift and seeing Val step in as a steady, compassionate friend was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship builds with a gentle, slow-burn feel, full of meaningful conversations, sweet moments, and just enough banter to keep things entertaining!
I also loved Val’s younger sister and am already looking forward to her story next.
If you enjoy clean, sports romance with lovable characters, a strong thread of faith, and a heartfelt emotional core, Hearts on the Fly is definitely one to pick up.
