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Code Violation Review: A Forbidden x Hockey Love Story



Title: Code Violation by Ruth Stilling
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: eBook & Audiobook
Expected: September 17, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)




Thank you to Hambright PR for this gifted ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Code Violation is such a fun and sweet hockey romance that you can totally enjoy as a standalone even though it’s book two in the series. We follow Silas, captain of the Seattle Rogues. He’s loyal, tough, and has been hiding his feelings for his brother’s girlfriend, Vesper. He promised his late mother he’d always look out for his brother Kane, but Kane is far from a good guy. He’s toxic, abusive, and doesn't deserve Vesper at all.

Vesper is the kind of girl who’s always had to fend for herself. She works at a bar, lives paycheck to paycheck, and is finally finding the courage to walk away from a bad relationship. Silas can’t help but show up for her, slowly building a connection that starts with hanging out, pizza, and movies, pretending they’re just friends. But the tension between them is impossible to ignore, and when they finally give in to their feelings, things move fast, especially when a pregnancy comes into the picture. Silas isn’t scared of what it means; he’s ready to stand up, fight for her, and keep them safe no matter what. 

What I love about this book is the elements of suspense, which hooked me up instantly. Kane doesn’t let them just be happy. He's so obsessive toward Vesper, and from Vesper's perspective, we can see how this thing makes her anxious almost the whole time.

Beyond the drama and the MC's intense chemistry, this story also has a lot of deep emotion. It’s about Vesper realizing she doesn’t always have to carry everything alone and that it’s okay to let someone care about her. And Silas is the perfect MMC. He's protective, soft where it counts, and totally smitten first.

The audiobook version is amazing too. Narrators Tristan Josiah and Raven Hawkins do such a great job. Tristan makes Silas sound tough but gentle, and Raven captures Vesper’s mix of a strong, independent woman with insecurity perfectly. 

All in all, this is such a satisfying read. It’s full of the good stuff: sports romance, secret pining, a hero who falls hard, and a love worth fighting for. If these tropes match your vibe, pick it up!

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