THE HOCKEY PROBLEM, Off the Ice Book 1
By Kendall Ryan
He’s the NHL’s most guarded single dad.
She’s the one woman who can’t afford to fall for him.
Tori Wells didn’t fight her way into the NHL just to become another cautionary tale. As a team physical therapist, she lives by strict rules: heal the players, protect her career, and never—ever—cross the line with a hockey player.
Then she’s assigned to Zayden Bishop.
On the ice, he’s untouchable—a French-Canadian superstar with a reputation for being cold, private, and impossible to read. Off the ice, he’s a devoted single father running on discipline, stubbornness, and too little sleep. Until a serious shoulder injury threatens his season—and the stability he’s built for his six-year-old daughter.
Tori is in charge of his rehab. Full oversight. Daily sessions.
No room for mistakes.
No room for attraction.
Except Zayden isn’t what she expected.
The more time they spend together—early mornings, quiet road trips, late-night conversations—the harder it becomes to pretend this is just professional. Because Zayden doesn’t just need his shoulder fixed. He needs someone who sees the man behind the jersey.
And Tori is dangerously close to becoming that someone.
Crossing the line could cost her everything she’s worked for. And Zayden can’t risk bringing anyone into his daughter’s life unless he’s certain they’ll stay.
Single Dad
Hockey Player
Forced Proximity
Workplace Romance
Emotionally Guarded Hero
Slow Burn Intimacy
Competent Heroine
Touch-Starved Hero
Caretaking Trope (Injury Recovery → Caregiving)
He Falls First / He Falls Harder
French-Canadian Hero
Amazon https://amzn.to/4anIbFI
Goodreads: https://geni.us/hockeyprbGR
4.5 Stars
A start to a new series, means a whole new world to explore. Ms Ryan gives us that and so much more with this one. Main characters that try hard to fight the attraction for professional reasons. Chemistry that sizzles off the pages. The sweetest little girl that has had to grow up too fast thanks to the adults in her life. A dad that is devoted to do anything he can for his little girl at almost any cost.
Both Tori and Zayden have been hurt by others and that makes them more guarded. The team calls him the grumpy standoffish guy. Tori has spent so long putting up walls and trying to better her career, but it sure can get lonely sometimes.
The more they work together on getting Zayden's shoulder ship shape for the rest of the season. The more they open up to one another and become friends. Enjoying conversation and banter while working on a common goal. Before he knows it, he is wanting to protect her from the players that are just looking for a good time. When he is in a pinch, he trusts her with his daughter.
Will they cross the line? What will that look like for Tori's career?
Grab your copy and a cozy place to find out.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
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