By the Dawn’s Early Light by Tia Marlee: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Contemporary romance
• Series: Stars, Stripes, and Hockey Nights (Book #2)
• Length: 336 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: June 17, 2026

Tropes

• Secret identity

My Rating

Book Description

“A librarian accidentally falls for a hockey player.

The problem?

Hadley doesn’t know a thing about hockey. So, when she realizes the charming man she met in a bookstore is actually a pro player in town for the Stars and Stripes hockey tournament, she panics.

It was hard enough letting her guard down when Bryce was just a funny, charming guy passing through. Now? She has to decide if she’s willing to risk her carefully organized life for a long-distance relationship with a man whose world is nothing like hers.

Bryce has spent his whole life playing hockey. After going pro, he learned quickly that most people see the jersey first and the man second. So meeting someone who has no idea who he is? That’s a breath of fresh air.

He’s only in town for the tournament, but that doesn’t stop him from pursuing her. Spending time with her is easy. She makes him laugh, sees through his goofy facade, and suddenly two weeks in DC doesn’t feel like enough.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Hadley couldn’t care less about sports.  So, of course, the handsome man she bumps into at the bookstore turns out to be a hockey player.

With all the money and attention professional athletes get, I could understand why Bryce hid his actual job from Hadley.  

I was surprised (and glad honestly) that the reveal didn’t happen at the last second and cause a third-act break up. And Hadley handled the truth well — making it clear she wasn’t happy Bryce kept things a secret, while also understanding why he did.

Paige and Colt had some sweet interactions.  I could definitely see them getting together in the future.

Through the pressure and uncertainty of the tournament, Hadley and Bryce remained each other’s anchor through the storm.  (Their coffee/dinner dates and text conversations were especially endearing.)

The epilogue brought things full circle with Hadley excitedly dragging Paige to a hockey game, the reverse of what happened earlier.

If you’re in the mood for a cute hockey romance with minimal drama and angst, this story is a great choice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Favorite Moments

🏒 meet cute
🇺🇸 texting
🏒 coffee date
🇺🇸 the gala

Favorite Quotes

“And just like that, I’m all in.
This is either the best decision I’ve ever made…
Or it’s going to be a hot mess.
I am in so much trouble.“

Tia Marlee

“I want to tell her I love her. That sometime between meeting her in that bookstore and now, she totally stole my heart. And I don’t want it back.“

Tia Marlee

“‘You know,’ Bryce says, slipping his hand into mine. ‘I’m really glad I walked into that bookstore.’

‘Me too,’ I say, smiling up at him.

Because that’s where I found my favorite love story.
Ours.“

Tia Marlee

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