If you love a hockey romance that’s equal parts humor and emotional depth… Evening the Score is going to be right up your alley.

⸻

⸻

💜 The Premise

While some might know Lexi LaFleur Brown from TikTok, her debut novel Evening the Score centers around a revenge plot that leaves the reader rooting for both sides. Brody Parker is a NHL player who has just joined the Minnesota Freeze. Olivia Hinckley is prepared to ruin Brody’s life for what his father did to her father. Revenge will be Olivia’s– until the romance makes her realize that there’s more to life than hating the son of the man who ruined her father’s career.

🏒 🥅

⸻

💥 The Dynamic

Vanity Fair said “Talk about an insider point of view: Who better to write a hockey romance than someone who has lived one.” And I couldn’t agree more! The hockey details felt incredibly authentic throughout the story, which isn’t surprising given Lexi LaFleur Brown’s connection to the professional hockey world. Because the atmosphere felt so believable, I actually found myself wanting even more team and locker room interaction.

What stood out most for me was the dichotomy between the portrayal of Olivia’s dad’s personality and Brody’s dad. I feel like the strong difference between two professional hockey players and the way they raised their children in the sport was important for the progress of the plot.

One thing I found particularly impressive was how the author made the shift from revenge plot to lovers feel believable, without losing the emotion that drove the story in the first place. The moment where the story shifted from to healing felt so satisfying.

⸻

⏱️ Pacing & Progression

I did not know that this was Lexi LaFleur Brown’s debut novel until after I read it. The pacing worked well, especially as the relationship begins to shift. I found myself getting more invested in the character dynamics the deeper I got into the story.

I read both the ARC and the ALC so that I could properly and honestly review both versions.

That being said, I found the narration by J. Hunter Ackerman and Julie Lumsden easy to listen to. What didn’t work for me was J. Hunter Ackerman’s female voice depiction, because I felt like it didn’t match Julie Lumsden’s narration of Olivia’s voice. Otherwise I liked listening to the audiobook.

⸻

✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hockey romance that reads fun and funny but also leans into the realism of hockey and the emotional toll the sport has on its players and their families, Lexi LaFleur Brown’s debut novel Evening the Score is a really solid pick. Fans of sports romances that balance relationship development with authentic hockey culture will find a lot to enjoy here.

I also really appreciated how the story dives into hot topics in sports such as physical and mental health of players and the toll it takes to be a public figure and part of a legacy.

⸻

🔥 Rating & Spice Level

🌶️ Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

⭐️ Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⸻

📚 Where to Read

👉 Pick up a copy today!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.