Daring the Defender by Angel Lawson

 

Published February 10th 2025

Read August 9th 2026

Whitmore University Hockey #3 

Final Rating: 7.14/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Back to Whitmore University we go! Daring the Defender continues the hockey romance series and this time the spotlight shifts to Shelby and Reid. 

Fans of the series will already recognize both characters. Shelby has been mentioned several times throughout Guarded by the Goalie, while Reid has quietly been hanging around in the background of the previous books. It was nice to finally see the focus land on them and get their full story. 

Characters: 7/10

Shelby is Axl's younger sister, and if you've read the earlier books, you already know Axl is Whitmore University's star goalie. Shelby lives a life that has been carefully planned out for her, largely due to her controlling minister father. Every decision seems to have already been made before she even gets a chance to make it herself. 

Then there's Reid, Whitmore's star defenseman. Unlike Shelby, Reid's life has been anything but stable. Growing up in and out of foster care, he's never really had a place that truly felt like home. More than anything, he's searching for a family and a sense of belonging. 

Of the two, Shelby easily stole the show for me. Watching her character develop was one of the strongest parts of the book. She starts out incredibly sheltered, timid, and hesitant to take risks. Over the course of the story, though, she slowly learns to stand up for herself and go after the life she wants. Her transformation felt genuine and was honestly a lot of fun to watch. 

Reid was likable, but I felt like there was room to dig deeper into his character and backstory. His struggles and experiences had a lot of potential, and I would have loved to see them explored a little more.

 

Atmosphere: 7/10

We're firmly back in the Whitmore Universe, so readers will already feel at home in the familiar settings. Most of the story unfolds between The Manor and The Beaver Den, which have become staple locations in the series. 

A few new places make appearances, but they're mostly brief stops along the way. While we get occasional glimpses beyond the usual settings, they weren't substantial enough to leave a lasting impression. The atmosphere works well for the story, but it doesn't really expand the world in any major way. 

Writing: 7/10

This was probably the area where I felt the book was a little weaker compared to previous installments. 

The romance develops smoothly, and the adult scenes are present without overwhelming the story. More importantly, they actually serve Shelby's journey and personal growth instead of feeling thrown in for the sake of it. 

That said, the overall execution felt a bit restrained. Everything worked, but nothing really wowed me. I especially felt the author could have done more with Reid's emotional arc to create a stronger impact. 

Plot: 8/10

I really enjoyed the central storyline. 

Shelby is a sheltered young woman trying to break free from her parents' expectations and control, and that's a premise that's easy to get invested in. One thing I particularly appreciated was how the story handled her interactions with Whitmore's hockey team. 

Far too often, stories with this setup lean into situations where the inexperienced heroine gets manipulated or taken advantage of. Instead, Shelby finds herself surrounded by genuinely good people who support her growth and independence. It was refreshing to read a version of this trope where the focus remained on empowerment rather than drama for drama's sake. 

Intrigue: 7/10

The story kept me engaged the entire time. 

Was it packed with shocking twists? Not really. But I was still invested in Shelby and Reid's journey and wanted to keep turning the pages to see how everything would unfold. Sometimes that's all a story needs to do. 

Logic: 7/10

The book stays consistent with the themes and tone established throughout the series. 

There aren't any major curveballs or unexpected detours, and everything progresses in a way that feels natural for these characters. By the end, all the major story threads are neatly tied together. Maybe a little too neatly, but it fits the feel-good nature of the series. 

Enjoyment: 7/10

Overall, I had a really good time with this one. 

It's a quick, easy read that flows smoothly from beginning to end. I was invested in seeing how Shelby's story would play out, and I finished the book satisfied with where things landed. 

Final Thoughts

Daring the Defender is an enjoyable addition to the Whitmore University Hockey series. It doesn't bring a ton of angst or major surprises, and most readers will probably see the ending coming from a mile away. But honestly, that's part of its charm. 

Shelby is absolutely adorable, and watching her grow from a frightened, sheltered young woman into someone willing to fight for her own future was easily the highlight of the book. Reid is a solid love interest, although I still wish his character had been explored in greater depth. 

If you're already invested in the Whitmore series, this is a satisfying continuation that expands the world and gives two familiar side characters their moment in the spotlight. A fun, heartwarming hockey romance that's easy to recommend to existing fans. 

Guarded by the Goalie

 

Published May 21st 2024

Read August 6th 2026

Guarded by the Goalie is the second book in Angel Lawson's Whitmore U Hockey series, and this time the spotlight shifts to Axel and Nadia. Both characters are carrying plenty of baggage, and watching them stumble, struggle, and ultimately grow made for an entertaining redemption story that kept me turning pages. 

Characters – 8/10

Axel is the star goalie for Whitmore U and the son of a preacher. While most people assume his future involves the NHL, his life has actually been mapped out for him since childhood, and hockey was never part of that plan. Feeling trapped by expectations, he’s spent years pushing back and rebelling against the future others chose for him. 

Nadia is a senior majoring in communications and has earned a reputation as the ultimate jersey chaser. At the start of the story, she's in a rough place emotionally and personally. However, with the right support system and a determination to change, she transforms into a strong, independent woman who learns she’s capable of much more than she ever believed. 

Between the two, Nadia was easily my favorite. Her journey felt more compelling, and I found myself cheering for her every step of the way. Watching her climb out of a difficult situation and reclaim her life was incredibly satisfying. Axel had his moments, but Nadia's growth stole the show for me. 

Atmosphere – 7/10

The story takes place in the familiar Whitmore U world that was established in Tyler and Reese's book, which made it easy to settle right back in. Angel Lawson expands the setting with brief trips to Texas and Florida, adding some variety without losing the college hockey vibe that anchors the series. 

The supporting cast is used effectively throughout the story. Secondary characters appear when needed and help flesh out Axel and Nadia's histories without overshadowing the main couple. Their presence adds depth and context to both characters' struggles. 

Writing – 7/10

Having read one of Angel Lawson's books before, I already had a sense of her style, and this book delivered exactly what I expected. The writing is easy to follow, the story flows naturally, and the pacing moves quickly without feeling rushed. 

One thing I appreciated was how well the author handled character backstories. Instead of dumping information all at once, she reveals important details at just the right moments, allowing the reader to better understand both Axel and Nadia as the story unfolds. 

Plot – 7/10

At its core, this is a story about two people who have made mistakes and are trying to put their lives back together. 

Nadia must leave behind her jersey-chasing reputation before it completely destroys her future. Meanwhile, Axel finds himself dealing with the fallout from a failed drug test that threatens both his hockey career and his relationship with his family. 

Neither journey is easy, and that's what makes it work. There are setbacks, frustrations, and hard truths along the way. What I enjoyed most was that neither character magically fixes their problems. Instead, they help each other pull back from the edge and start moving in a better direction. 

I also have to give Angel Lawson credit for addressing the biggest issue I had with the first book. The resolution wasn't flashy or overly dramatic. In fact, it was handled fairly subtly, but it was enough to satisfy my concerns and improve my overall experience with the series. 

Intrigue – 8/10

This was a one-day read for me, which is always a good sign. 

At no point did I feel annoyed or tempted to put it down. I genuinely wanted to know what would happen next and whether Axel and Nadia would manage to overcome their respective challenges. The emotional investment was there from beginning to end, and I stayed fully engaged in their story. 

Logic – 8/10

The story follows the path it sets up from the beginning and stays true to its characters. Nothing felt forced or unrealistic within the world the author created. 

Even the conflict involving Axel's father played out exactly how I expected based on everything we already knew about their relationship. The character decisions made sense, and there were no dramatic "jump-the-shark" moments that pulled me out of the story. 

Enjoyment – 8/10

I absolutely enjoyed this book. 

I'm a sucker for a good redemption story, and this one delivered two of them. Watching both Axel and Nadia work through their mistakes and strive to become better versions of themselves made the emotional payoff worthwhile. 

There were even a few moments that had me wearing a goofy smile while reading, which is always a bonus. 

Final Verdict – 7.57/10 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Guarded by the Goalie successfully fixes the biggest complaint I had with the first book while delivering a satisfying redemption-focused romance. Nadia's personal journey was the standout element for me, and seeing her take control of her life had me rooting for her from start to finish. 

Combined with solid character growth, engaging pacing, and an emotionally rewarding storyline, this was an enjoyable addition to the Whitmore U series. I'm definitely invested enough to continue reading and see what comes next.

Falling for the Forward Angel Lawson

 

Published October 19th 2023

Read July 30th - August 5th 2026

Angel Lawson | Review

After blasting through a couple of shorter books, I was in the mood for something with a little more meat on its bones, but not so heavy that I'd need emotional support and a recovery snack afterward. Enter Falling for the Forward, a college hockey romance featuring fake dating, forced proximity, attractive people making questionable decisions, and enough feelings to keep the pages turning. 

Was it groundbreaking? Not really. 

Did I have a generally good time? Absolutely. 

Let's lace up the skates and get into it. 

🏒 Characters: 7/10

The real MVP of this book is Twyler. 

She's an intern trainer for the Whitmore University hockey team, and she's determined to make something of herself. As a woman trying to break into a male-dominated profession, she's convinced that hard work has to come before everything else. School, career, goals, ambition... those come first. 

A boyfriend? 

Yeah, that's not currently on the schedule. 

Twyler has built walls around herself that would make medieval castle architects jealous. Some of that comes from her fear of abandonment, and some of it comes from simply not wanting to risk everything she's worked so hard for. 

Then there's Reese, the hockey team's captain and resident heartthrob. 

On paper, he has everything. Looks. Popularity. Talent. 

Unfortunately, he also has an ex-girlfriend who seems to have mistaken "we're done" for "I'll just keep showing up until you change your mind." 

What I appreciated most was that neither character stayed frozen in place. Twyler slowly learns that letting people in doesn't automatically end in disaster, while Reese discovers that being a good partner isn't just about showing up when things are easy. Relationships require empathy, communication, and compromise. 

It's always nice when character growth feels earned instead of downloaded directly into someone's brain during the final chapter. 

❄️ Atmosphere: 7/10

One thing this book does well is make Whitmore University feel like an actual place. 

Sure, hockey is the centerpiece, but the story extends beyond the rink. The team dynamics felt believable, and the friendships added a lot of warmth to the overall experience. 

I especially enjoyed the bond between Twyler and the players. She wasn't simply standing off to the side as "the female love interest." She felt like a genuine part of the team's world, which helped the setting come alive. 

The hockey romance girlies will probably feel right at home here. 

✍️ Writing: 7/10

This was my first Angel Lawson book, so I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into. 

Thankfully, the writing was easy to sink into. 

The pacing was smooth, conversations flowed naturally, and the romance developed at a believable speed. Nothing felt excessively rushed or dragged out. The story simply moved from point A to point B in a way that felt comfortable. 

Not every romance needs to reinvent literature. Sometimes you just want a story that knows exactly what it is and delivers it well. 

💕 Plot: 6/10

Let's be honest. 

This is fake dating. 

If you've read one fake dating romance, you've probably seen at least a few of these story beats before. 

And that's okay. 

Tropes are popular for a reason. 

While Falling for the Forward doesn't exactly break new ground, Twyler's position as an intern trainer adds a fresh element to the familiar formula. It helped separate the story from the endless pile of "college athlete meets random girl" romances. 

The breakup near the end was visible from several miles away, but it made sense. Twyler wasn't simply creating drama for the sake of drama. She was struggling with fears and emotional baggage she hadn't fully dealt with yet. 

Predictable? 

Yes. 

Forced? 

Not really. 

The one storyline that genuinely frustrated me was the Nadia situation. 

Without going into spoiler territory, seeing her become a target online while the creep behind it seemed to escape meaningful consequences absolutely drove me up the wall. 

I spent a good chunk of that section muttering at the book. 

The book did not care. 

🤷 Intrigue: 6/10

Was I hooked? 

Kind of. 

I was enjoying myself and moving through the story at a solid pace until the Nadia incident popped up. 

Then my annoyance level reached critical mass. 

I actually put the book down for several days because I was so irritated by how everything played out. 

That's never a great sign. 

The frustrating part is that I had genuinely been invested up until then. The book was doing exactly what it needed to do, and then one storyline completely knocked me out of my reading groove. 

✅ Logic: 8/10

One area where the book really shines is consistency. 

From the opening fake kiss in the equipment cage all the way through the job opportunity in Hartford, everything felt believable within the story's world. 

There weren't any random twists appearing from another dimension just because the plot needed excitement. 

Character actions made sense. 

Conflicts made sense. 

Resolutions made sense. 

Even when I wasn't thrilled with what was happening, I could understand why it was happening. 

That's worth points. 

😊 Enjoyment: 7/10

I'm actually giving this a slightly higher score than my frustration might suggest. 

Why? 

Because if I'm being fair, I enjoyed most of the book. 

One annoying storyline shouldn't completely erase several hundred pages of entertainment. 

And that ending? 

The scenes at Twyler's mother's house absolutely landed for me emotionally. Those moments brought some much-needed heart and reminded me why I'd been rooting for these characters in the first place. 

⭐ Final Verdict: 6.85/10 | ⭐⭐⭐

Falling for the Forward is a charming, familiar college hockey romance that succeeds largely because of its characters. 

Twyler is easy to root for, Reese turns out to be a genuinely decent guy, and watching them grow together was the strongest part of the story. The intern trainer angle adds a fun twist to the fake-dating formula, even if many of the plot beats feel familiar. 

Unfortunately, the Nadia storyline took a big chunk out of my enjoyment and completely stalled my momentum. For me, putting a book down for several days is usually a pretty bad sign. It's the literary equivalent of a hockey player heading to the penalty box and never quite recovering the rhythm of the game. 

In the end, I liked this book more than I loved it. 

The characters were great. 

The romance was sweet. 

The growth was satisfying. 

The overall experience? 

A little bit of a shrug and a little bit of a smile. 

I'm still standing at the crossroads wondering whether to continue the series. Part of me wants more time with these characters, and part of me is eyeing my ever-growing TBR pile like, "Maybe next season." 

Favorite Thing: Twyler's character growth and her role as the team's trainer. 

Least Favorite Thing: The Nadia storyline and the lack of consequences for the creep involved. 

Would I Recommend It? If you're a fan of college sports romances, fake dating, and lovable characters, this is definitely worth a look. Just don't expect it to reinvent the playbook.