Checked and Balanced (Book 1 of 2: The Lady and The Stag) by Aurora Steinhart
Description
A hockey romance experiment written by Aurora Steinhart.
Aurora had never written this sort of story before. So she took a risk, and thus Checked and Balanced was born.
One with low stakes, low mental bandwidth and just a break from the large stories she created else where.
With Checked and Balanced, she tries her hand at a Golden Retriever MMC with a heart of gold. As well as a reclusive Black Cat FMC that finds out she’s not unlovable, just that no one has loved her the right way.
Our MMC is a goofy 6 foot 6 brand new rookie enforcer that loves his old truck and his dog. When he gets drafted for the team of his dreams, he realizes he’ll be working with the pretty lawyer down the hall. Even if he doesn’t know why she’s so closed off, he makes it his very mission to break down those walls and find out why.
With our FMC being a withdrawn lawyer for the team her father coaches, she’s never been interested in hockey players. She’s also never really enjoyed men or relationships in general. So when the brand new rookie on their team attempts to pursue her, not only is she confused. She’s rather annoyed. What does this goon want with her?
And why is she falling for him faster than she has for anyone else in the past?
Aurora plays with tropes and ideas in this book she would be afraid to take a risk with on a higher stakes project. She wrote this for fun, and to share with her readers. Nothing more, nothing less. Just a fun time writing that she could enjoy with her readers without the heaviness that comes with a bigger book release.
This book contains mature subject matter and should only be consumed by adults 18 years or older.
Publication Date 21/8/2025
My Review
*Checked and Balanced* is a charming hockey romance that combines humor, heart, and a dash of emotions, bringing to life the endearing dynamic between Gunnar and Tiana. The story explores themes of vulnerability and unexpected love.
And i absolutely loved it.
Gunnar, the 6ft6 Golden Retriever MMC, is a lovable enforcer whose goofy charm and big heart make him hard to resist. His innocent determination to win Tiana over is both refreshing and sweet. As a brand new rookie on the hockey team, his excitement about his career and his willingness to embrace life give readers a light hearted character to root for. (He had me chuckling at all the wrong moments) 😂
Tiana,is a more complex character. Working as a lawyer for the hockey team, her withdrawn nature and past experiences have made her wary of relationships. Initially annoyed by Gunnar’s attention, she struggles with her previous beliefs about love and intimacy. It’s this tension between her guarded personality and Gunnar’s effortless warmth that had me reading late one night.
What makes their budding relationship so compelling is Tiana’s internal conflict. She begins to fall for Gunnar faster than anyone else in the past because he embodies the genuine affection she never experienced before. Gunnar’s consistent support and unwavering patience gradually chip away at her defenses. He shows her that love can be playful, trusting, and encouraging rather than intimidating.
The author effectively portrays the gradual emotional transformation Tiana undergoes as she learns to open up. Her journey from isolation to connection is emotional.
The contrast of their personalities creates a magnetic tension that kept me engaged, highlighting the strength of Gunnar’s character and Tiana’s ultimate vulnerability.
The author’s writing is filled with clever dialogue and moments of humor. The pacing is balanced, it allows for laugh out loud scenes alongside more poignant moments, capturing the essence of both love and self discovery.
In *Checked and Balanced*, Aurora Steinhart successfully crafts a story that brings together two distinct characters on a journey of mutual discovery and love. With Gunnar’s goofy charm and Tiana’s guarded spirit, we are treated to a heartfelt story that highlights the importance of finding love in unexpected places.
For anyone looking for a hockey romance that balances humor with emotional depth, this book is a slam dunk!
I love the author’s musing/rantings, whatever you call them. Her explanations and warnings should be taken heed of… She makes no apologies for the book, it is filled with smut (she gives you chapters to avoid or devour 😜)
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m sure it won’t be the last….
🦋
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