Helena Hunting serves up another hockey romance that’s equal parts heart, heat, and humor—and I could not stop grinning through this one.
Connor Grace—Toronto Terror bad boy, Flip’s sworn nemesis, and king of controlled chaos—just asked the small-town librarian to marry him. Dred (short for Mildred) never saw this plot twist coming, but when it’s to make his grandma happy… well, who can say no to a fake marriage with a man who looks that good in a suit?
It’s supposed to be all for show, but every time Connor calls her his “sweet wife,” we know Dred’s heart is melting right along with ours. And the way he insists on calling her Mildred—because no one else does—ugh, it’s intimate, teasing, and 100% swoon-worthy. Connor might be hockey’s most hated player, but for Dred, he’s all in.
I loved watching these two find their footing, especially when Flip (Dred’s bestie and Connor’s nemesis) finally buries the hatchet. The banter, the feels, the found family vibes—it’s all there. And can we talk about the Babe Brigade?! Those ladies are loyal, fierce, and absolutely hilarious. I want to be honorary member 😍, please and thank you.
🎧 Audiobook Notes:
Jason Clarke. Yummy perfection, as always. He definitely had me swooning. Kay Auden—new to me, but such a perfect match for Dred—nails the warmth, wit, and quiet strength of her character. Together, they make Connor & Mildred’s story pop with the kind of chemistry you can feel in your bones.
If you love fake marriages that turn real🔥, grumpy/sunshine energy, found family magic, and a hockey bad boy who only has eyes for his librarian—If You Claim Me is an absolute must.