I’m not usually a fan of sports romance as a rule, but I do dive in once in a while. Something in the blurb called to me with this new release. Plus, I have read another book by this author and loved it!
For a grumpy vs sunshine type of romance, check out my thoughts below.
Dirty Hit by Livy Hart
ASIN: B0GK1J1JGD
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication date: January 27, 2026
ISBN-13: 979-8245785608
OVERVIEW:
When a career-ending injury forces hockey superstar Sadie Rivers to hang up her skates, she never expects to be the NHL’s first female coach. The Portland Fury are the league’s worst team—and Sadie has one season to turn the franchise around. Critics of her “soft touch” coaching style make no secret of their skepticism, but Sadie has never bucked a challenge, on or off the ice.
Defenseman Leo McLaren is hockey royalty. Or he was, until a dirty hit last season left him with a shoulder injury and migraines that have destroyed his game. When he’s traded to the Fury, it feels like the end of his hockey dreams. That is, until the new head coach names him captain—and asks for his help getting to know the team, who resist her personal approach.
Secret coach-captain meet-ups lead to a tentative friendship that quickly turns into sizzling chemistry hot enough to melt a hockey rink. But with the season and both their careers on the line, Sadie and Leo will have to decide if love is a risk worth taking when the game they’re playing demands all they have to give.
Dirty Hit by Livy Hart Review
This story is a bit different from some of the other hockey romances out there. The new coach is a former ice princess in her own right, but is having a tough time being accepted by the team due to typical male disregard for female leadership.
Her hope could be angry trade, who is the prince of hockey, and maybe he can help her overcome her issues while assimilating to the team, too. The bad part is that she is in lust with him.
This story is not written in the typical rom-com style. We start with the push-pull of antagonistic work life. Trying to find your footing in leadership. Trying to inspire hope and pride in your team. Trying not to get fired when there is no respect for you.
The characters Hart brings feel like real people you want to know. They have a job they sometimes hate. They have aspirations they want to reach. Balancing both is in play in this story.
The attraction between the coach and her new player is fire. Leo is in a delicate spot and angry, too. As the attraction and heat between them grow, the more I feel I like them together.
Leo is sweet and caring, and the secret love affair grows steamy with each chapter. He is a good balance for Sadie, and she for him. Dirty Hit brings a serious romance and develops slowly and secretly, but when it all comes out, all is right with the world.
Hart delivers a solid hockey romance with a serious secret love story. Love me some sexy Leo!
4 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.