Only For Love: An opposites attract, friends to lovers, hockey romance.

Only for Love by Natasha Madison is an opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers hockey romance set mostly in Arizona and California. Lexi Petrov Yoder, our FMC, has been emotionally and verbally abused by her husband, neurosurgeon Dr. Trent Yoder, for many years. Trent is portrayed as a narcissist with controlling tendencies. Trent does not permit her to work, but he allows her to help with the hospital’s fundraising endeavors. While working on a hospital fundraiser, Lexi reconnects with Kirby Materson, an NHL hockey player who plays with Lexi’s best friend Ariella’s husband, Jax Stevenson. Lexi’s current hospital fundraiser involves ten bachelors who will be auctioned off for dates, and Kirby is recruited to be one of them. While working on the fundraiser, Lexi and Kirby become friends. Kirby is attracted to Lexi, but keeps his distance, and nothing untoward happens; however, he sees the signs of abuse in Lexi’s relationship and gently tries to raise her awareness. After the fundraiser, unbeknownst to Kirby, Lexi eventually reaches a breaking point and asks her parents to help her leave Trent, while Kirby returns to California for his hockey season. Lexi moves in with Ariella and Jax, needing time to sort things out. Eventually, Lexi and Kirby realize they are both in California, and they begin exploring a relationship amid Lexi's divorce, her seeking counseling, and her eventually working for Kirby’s new nonprofit organization, the “Make a Choice Foundation.”

Only for Love had me hooked from the beginning. The author has an engaging writing style that flows easily, though it can sometimes be filled with trope-laden phrases or the awkward, cringy spice-scene talk. Lexi’s character seems well put together from the very beginning. She is written as highly organized, beautiful, mindful of others, and caring. However, in reality, she has lost her joy and numbed herself to truly feeling anything in life. Kirby is handsome, although he appears a little rough around the edges. He is kind, caring, and considerate, but he doesn’t let people in easily because of his childhood experience with his abusive stepfather. There was one point early in the book when I began to question whether it was really a hockey romance. Much of the first thirty percent or so of the book is focused on Lexi and Trent’s abusive marriage and Kirby’s longing for Lexi. I began to wonder how there would be any time for a relationship between Lexi and Kirby before the book ended. If the author’s wish had been to focus so much time on Lexi’s marital issues, perhaps it would have been better to split it into two books (think “It Starts With Us” and “It Ends With Us” vibes, but on a much shorter scale and with no physical violence).

There were a couple of things about the book that irked me. One inconsistency is that Kirby refused to act on his feelings for Lexi while she was married, even though they were working on the fundraiser together in Arizona. However, when Lexi left Trent, she and Kirby began a relationship in California before her divorce was finalized. She was still technically a married woman then, too. The author has Kirby attempting to rationalize this, but I feel that this took some level of the integrity she was trying to build into Kirby’s character away, just because he worked it out in his mind to be okay. I feel the impact of their relationship finally coming to fruition would have been much greater (for me, at least) if he stayed true to his word and not entered into a relationship with her until she was divorced. People who have been through verbal/emotional abuse might need someone who will stick to their word better about things.

Another thing that bothered me about the book was the language (or perhaps wording?) that was sometimes used. An example is Lexi speaking to Kirby: “You’ve been patient with me and let me keep my light while making it shine brighter.” This seems like an odd thing to say, and it doesn't flow naturally in conversation. Also, Lexi is still using the “let me” phrasing. Kirby didn’t “let” her do anything; she did it on her own, and she still isn’t realizing it. To me, this is another nod that she is still in therapy and not really ready to be in another relationship.

Overall, I really liked the book because there is so much more going right than wrong. The story has a ton of heart and gives all the feels! If you’ve been through any sort of abuse/domestic violence, certain parts of the book will especially resonate with you. I appreciate the seriousness and straightforwardness with which the author wrote about this subject. I really enjoyed all the side characters in this one too, so many great friends and family written! Thank you to the author and @theauthor.agency for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.

**ARC / ALC REVIEW**

Only For Love had me completely hooked—I devoured it overnight. I was glued to the pages and didn’t want to put my phone down. I had the privilege of both reading and listening to this story, and it was incredible to experience in both formats. Natasha Madison truly delivered an incredible book.

The storyline and characters were beautifully written, and the sensitive topics of domestic abuse and disordered eating were handled with care, respect, and thoughtfulness.

Lexi is an incredibly brave and strong FMC. I loved watching her recognize her self-worth, stand up for herself, and make the difficult decision to walk away from her controlling husband. The support from her family made her journey even more powerful and emotional.

Kirby was absolutely amazing. The way he loved Lexi, showed her what real love looks like, and constantly reminded her that she was worthy of love was everything. He was patient, protective, and exactly what she needed when she needed it most. Their chemistry was electric, the banter was fun, and the spice was chef’s kiss. Lexi and Kirby are truly perfect for each other.

🎧 Narration
Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Rose completely nailed this audiobook. They brought Lexi and Kirby to life in a way that felt raw, real, and deeply emotional. The audio flowed smoothly, and I had no trouble staying fully immersed in the story.

I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more from Natasha Madison. Both the ebook and audiobook were fantastic, and I highly recommend experiencing both.

Thank you to Natasha Madison and the author agency for providing both the ARC and ALC! 💙🏒