Rival Darling
When seventeen-year-old Violet gets her heart broken by her hockey-playing boyfriend, she makes the kind of impulsive decision I absolutely live for in romance novels: recruiting her ex's biggest rival, Reed Darling, to be her fake boyfriend.
Violet's strict "relationship guidelines" list had me grinning from ear to ear - we all know those rules are made to be broken! What really won me over was watching Reed dismantle Violet's assumptions about him. He's painted as this notorious bad boy around school, but Moody expertly peels back those layers to reveal someone far more complex and genuinely swoon-worthy.
The "he-falls-first" dynamic (which we all love, right?) works perfectly here because Reed's pursuit feels respectful rather than pushy. Their chemistry builds at just the right pace, with the perfect amount of tension.
The rival schools and hockey backdrop create natural obstacles without feeling contrived. I admired how the sports element enhances the story without overwhelming it - you don't need to understand hockey to enjoy their journey.
What I love about "Rival Darling" is how it balances sweet romance with authentic emotional stakes. Violet's heart was genuinely broken, and her hesitation to trust another athlete feels earned rather than stubborn. This book is a great weekend read that will leave you with a smile on your face and maybe a slight crush on Reed Darling yourself!
Rating: 4.5/5 Hockey Pucks✨
