Hockey Rules Book 5: Never Coparent with Your Rival by Portia Blake

 

Hockey Rules Book 5

In my defense, I didn't know about the toddler.

When I learn Enzo Bellanti has joined my hockey team, I’m furious.

Sure, Enzo and I were once best friends. But that was before he ghosted me and started throwing me into the boards every time we’re on the ice.

I definitely don’t expect him to show up at my door. And I really don’t expect him to show up with a toddler.

Three years ago, his sister asked me for a favor—the kind that involved a cup, a closed door, and a mission I didn’t know was successful. Enzo thought I’d slept with her and abandoned her.

In hindsight, that explains the death glares and on-ice aggression.

Now that he’s lost his sister, we’re suddenly coparenting a child while juggling hockey, sleep deprivation, and tension.

Yes, that kind.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235998306-rule-5

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Enzo and Axel were best friends the moment they met in college. But a lot has changed in three years. Like the fact that Enzo suddenly stopped speaking to Axel three years ago and never told Axel why. Now, Enzo has come to Axel’s hockey team in Boston and Axel is anything about happy about it. He can’t trust Enzo. Not after he left and hasn’t explained why. So how in the world is he supposed to get along with him now? Enzo just lost his sister and is now raising his two year old nephew. He comes to Boston when he learns the team has an opening and because it’s time to tell Axel he has a son. He’s hurt that Axel slept with his sister and then left her to raise his son. So why is Axel so surprised to hear that not only is Enzo’s sister gone but that he has a son too? Could he really not have known? Turns out, yeah he didn’t. Especially when Axel was simply a sperm donor doing a favor for a friend. These two have a lot to talk about. I really loved Enzo and Axel’s story. It was clear that these two had feelings for one another and for Axel he just didn’t realize exactly what those feelings were, while Enzo kept his locked tight. The moment Axel learns he is a dad, he steps up and is thrilled to have Luca in his life and also Enzo. They get a second chance at their friendship and something even more. It was really sweet to watch these two reunite and end up the way they were always meant to. A fun story to start the new year!