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.