A standalone enemies to lovers, fake engagement, hockey romance.
I’ve been secretly in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since the third grade.
I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian. Except she hates me.
To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile. To Hemi, I’m the menace who (accidentally) sank her bike to the bottom of the lake.
I never thought I’d be able to right my wrongs until she took the team’s PR job. I’d hoped I was making progress, winning her over—one geriatric polka party at a time.
Until I got drunk one night and made a mistake. A very big mistake. Now the world thinks we’re both very much in love–—except Hemi is absolutely in loathe.
To save our jobs and reputations, we have to convince all our friends, family, and bosses that our fake relationship is the real deal.
I’ll do anything to protect her, especially if it means I get to be the best boyfriend Hemi never expected.
*If you want to meet Dallas and Hemi before you read their story, you can start with If You Hate Me, and If You Want Me.
Helena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.
A brand new hot hockey sports romance by the queen of all hockey romances, that will have you melting for Dallas & Hemi...
And we are here with the third installment to the Toronto Terror series. And what a continued story this one is! From book one, you can tell that there was something going on with Hemi & Dallas; from the way that she picked on him, and the way that he took that picking up and still cherished every single one of the picking moments. HE WAS A GONER! Dallas & Hemi have known each other since they were kids. Went to the same school together; practically grew up together. And like any typical childhood romance story, this one has your typical "oh boy pulled on my braids" and "I only did it because I ACTUALLY LIKE YOU" type of scenario. This is their story.
And what a passionate and emotional story it is! After decades of knowing each other, and them working together; Dallas being a hockey player and Hemi being the team's head PR representative. Both are brought up to spend time together at work, and sometimes outside of work because of their mutual friends. And when the world brings them again together to end up in a fake relationship/engagement, this is the opportunity that Dallas gets to take to try to convince Hemi to be his. He has wanted Hemi for such a long time, and now that he is able to touch her, hold her hand, make her smile, kiss her, hug her, MAKE HER ORGASM... the man is on top of the world.
This story was truly the story I needed to read at this moment. The whole "dominatrix" vibes I got from Hemi mixed with the golden retriever vibes from Dallas was such a different point of view that I don't believe I have ever had the chance to read in a romance novel. I was for sure digging it, and I am positive many more of Helena's readers will too. With that being said, I am still on my hands and knees for Tally & Flip's story... Helena honey... I NEED THEIR STORY NOW!
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review...
While chapter 1 wasn’t very long, it was like 1 page, I highlighted the entire thing because what a way to start a book lmao *anxiety has never looked so appealing*
“What do you need?� To convince you that all of this is real and not just a farce, and to let me worship you for the rest of my life.
Dallas is now added to my book boyfriend list, and you all should know I am very picky, like I am in real-life lmao
Tropes based on Quotes:
❤️🔥�Let me take care of you� ❤️🔥�It’s always been you� ❤️🔥�Everything about this is real for me. But it’s okay if it takes time for you get where I am.� ❤️🔥�You’re a little obsessed, aren’t you?� ❤️🔥�I’m going to pound you into the couch now, honey.� ❤️🔥�I’ll let you fuck my ass if you let me fuck yours first.� ❤️🔥�You were and still are the popular hockey player, and I was and still am me. Too intense. Too bossy. Unlikable.�
First, the emotion and characters, then the spice.
We now have a legal, binding document that states that Dallas and I are in a relationship. I think I might vomit. In contrast, his eyes are alight with an unreasonable amount of excitement and satisfaction as he scribbles his signature on the last page. “It’s official,� he tells me. “You’re mine.�
Hemi/Wills was literally perfect. Her fears, anxieties, her life—everything was so real and so well written. Her insecurities when it came to trusting people was heartbreaking but perfect. Dallas and his obsession with her—I literally died multiple times reading this. I love an obsessed man, and man, was he all-things-Hemi. Dallas’s anxiety was done really well too and I loved that.
“I’m serious, Wills. You need to get off, I will make that happen for you. However you want it to happen. You want me to finger fuck you to orgasm? My hands are yours. Wanna sit on my face? My tongue is ready. You want to ride my cock? I’m already hard.� I point at my crotch.
Dallas had a mouth on him. GOOD LORD that man knew how to talk. BUT, I absolutely loved how Hemi took charge during fun times too, and how Dallas was such a little simp for her. The peaches are more than just a reference to Hemi’s love of them lmao, but also, I loved that Dallas always brought her her favourite stuff! The little crochet peaches! I want one *sob*
“Please always be that vocal. I fucking love it. And the nails, always try to stab me with your fingernail talons. Especially during sex. I wasn’t kidding when I said it gets me going.�
Thank you Helena and Sarah for this ARC!
His eyes heat, and he runs his tongue along his top lip. “I fucking love it when you order me around.� “Seriously. Go.� I give him my death stare. He mouths so hot, winks, and heads for the locker room.
1� for the fluffy romance and character dynamics. But the third act breakup ruined everything for me🤬 The plot was pretty simple, an usual sports romance.....nothing to intriguing or interesting.🙄
Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst aka Hemi is a beautiful, intelligent, driven, successful woman who knows her worth. She has a great career, wonderful friends, and a close family. She’s worked as the director of public relations for a professional hockey team for the last three years, and is surrounded by the most amazing women. She’s currently single, but looking for a date for her ten year high school reunion. She gets more than she bargained for when a guy she’s known since kindergarten has too much to drink, and declares they are an item. Suddenly she’s in a fake relationship in order to save their jobs and reputations. She’s committed to being his pretend girlfriend for the foreseeable future even though he annoys her. While forced to play along she needs to figure a way to spin things in their favor. She’s known for handling and smoothing out problems, but is never the source of the drama. For the next few weeks they will have to convince everyone they’re the real deal.
Dallas Bright is a hockey player for the Toronto Terror. He’s thrilled when his high school crush becomes his team’s PR person. Growing up he was the popular jock, and she was the outspoken nerd. She loathes him, and thinks he’s a player. She has no clue she’s the woman of his dreams. He’s been obsessed with her for years, and wants to prove he can be what she needs. He’s determined to right his wrongs from the past, and show her he can be trusted with her heart. As everything between them grows more complicated they cross that fine line between love and hate. Will the prom king finally get his chance with the valedictorian?
If You Need Me by Helena Hunting is the third standalone in the Toronto Terror series. It’s a fake relationship, enemies to lovers, sports romance about family, friendship, love, trust and second chances. It’s a story full of heart, humor, amazing chemistry and fantastic banter. I really enjoyed this book and loved these characters. Hemi is fierce and fabulous, and Dallas brings all the swoon. I’m addicted to this series and this world, and can’t wait for more!!! <333
But with so many friends that EACH have 3 effing names - it is so darn distracting from the actual story. I tried. I did. But the main girl has 3 stupid names. Then the others have 3-4. It is just not needed.
Idk. I can not continue bc I didn’t even care if Hemi/Willy/Wills ever likes Dallas.
4.5 stars! ARC/ALC REVIEW RELEASE DATE 11/14 Tropes- Reverse grumpy x sunshine Hockey romance Workplace romance Enemies to lovers Childhood crush Fake engagement Gold retriever MMC He falls first, and he's obsessed
✨️ This series is so good! This book was no exception! I absolutely ate it up! I adored the banter and tension that these two had from the first chapter. Dallas is such a sweetie, and he is DOWN BAD for Hemi. I don't know how she doesn't see it 🤣🤗. I love that he will do anything for her. When she finally lets her guard down and realizes their feelings for each other, they make the best couple! I was also cracking up because Dallas gets anxiety bones 😂. Sorry, are those a real thing? That would suck 😅. I was thrilled to see the Bad Ass Babe Brigade back and how they are always down to help their babes out! All of the side characters from the prior books were back and I love reading more about them! Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I definitely recommend this series to all my friends who love a spicy hockey romance series!
Thank you to Helena Hunting for allowing me to read and review this ARC! 🫶✨️
This is my new favorite of the series. Something about a guy in love with his girl since grade three and completely obsessed and deeply in love for all these years?! I freaking loved it so much.
Wilhelmina known as Hemi is the PR director of the Toronto Terrors, the pro hockey team that Dallas plays for.
Hemi is the woman of Dallas’s dreams for years. He’s a goner for her but she’s.. less than enthusiastic being near him. They’ve known each other since kindergarten and grew up together, but he’s part of some of her most awful memories in school. Hence, the hate she’s held onto. So she has enjoyed signing him up for the worst volunteer work like being a clown when he hates clowns. Lol.
Dallas does something insane. He announces to the world via social media that they are dating and in love�. It’s a PR nightmare and actually against the rules to fraternize with the players but.. if it’s real, paperwork can be done to lower the blow .. it’s a mess and now she’s stuck in a fake romance with a guy she hates. Tack on the fact that both their family’s are so excited they are already gearing up for a wedding.
“Does she realize this isn't fake for me? Is she starting to see the truth? I never wanted to hurt her. I just wanted her.�
"My gorgeous fucking badass, I'm so sorry." He looks like he'd slay any dragon for me. But at one point in my life, he was part of the dragon that tried to ruin me.�
"I've been in love with you since the third grade, Wills. You've always been the bravest person I know, and I will love you with my whole heart for as long as you'll let me."
With anxiety boners, the Badass Babe Brigade, the banter, the angst, and overall chemistry and spice.. this entire book made me utterly obsessed with this couple. I am feral for this entire series!
They grew up in the same town. He was Prom King and she was a nerd. Hemi has hated Dalles ever since he and his buddies made her life hell in school. Dallas has been secretly in love with her since third grade. Perfect for him that she's working for his hockey team now. Not so perfect for her. And then - suddenly - after Dallas got a bit too drunk - social media thinks they're actually in love and dating? What? How did that happen? Now they have to pretend in front of all their friends and bosses - to save their careers. But maybe she could survive this until after the dreaded highschool reunion? And maybe all the bad things she thought about Dallas aren't really as bad as she thought?
LET THE FUN TIMS BEGIN!
══════════════════
Adorable!
I still don't love hockey romances but this was not much hockey - it's the off season! Yay. This book was so adorable. Or rather it was adorable for Dallas. Poor Hemi is so mad at the whole situation. And of course the reader can't wait until she changes her mind and falls for Dallas. Which is so cute and sweet to watch. A bit frustrating for Dallas though...the poor guy. But he's just the best. Doesn't matter what Hemi throws at him - he just loves and adores her. The most perfectestest Bookboyfriend! It takes Hemi a while to get on board with things. She has some emotional scars from her school years and from never feeling like she was wanted. But we'll get there and we love every second of the way! Great Romance! Can't wait to get Roman's book next!! And then FLIP's!!
IF YOU NEED ME was such a sweet and funny and adorable Love Story! Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Dallas - this one is so mine.
If you can't click the buy-links from your phone - click �
💭𝗙*𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦, 𝗜 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦! THE HUMOR, THE PINING, THE OBSESSION, THE SPICE, THE NARRATION, THE HUMOR! Did I say humor twice? HELL YEAH I DID, cause that's how hilarious this book is!
We have Hemi, the bad-ass PR rep for Toronto’s Terror Hockey Team, and Dallas, one of the team’s players and Hemi’s nemesis. Her grudge towards him stems from his “bully� when they were in high school. Now, Hemi is determined to make Dallas’s life a nightmare, just as he made hers when they were young. Long story short, they ended up fake dating and it soon snowballed into a fake engagement, again, cause that’s what happens in romance books 🤣
I was on the edge of my seat for the good part of this book because I love Dallas’s character so much, and I was so nervous to discover what he actually did in the past. I dreaded the truth in fear that he did actually bully her (I don’t think I can ever forgive a bully, no matter what), but I was so relieved when I found out the truth. Did he make some bad choices? Absolutely, but he was a dumb teen, and I think he groveled his way into her forgiveness and more. The way this man obsessed with Hemi? It’s UNREAL. All his inner monologues are GOLD, hilarious, and swoon-fest at the same time. He worships her like the goddess she is, he pays attention to every little thing about her, and it just melts my heart🫠 And just like Hemi said, he deserves an award for THE BEST BOYFRIEND IN THE WORLD!
✨My first Helena Hunting’s, and I'm kicking myself for not diving into her work sooner! I picked this one up on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. Her writing style is fantastic, her humor is totally up my alley, with just the right amount of wit without ever going overboard. This is hands down one of my favorites this year!
🎧𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄🎧 I can't even begin to tell you how much I love Stephen's performance in this! He had me crying like a baby the last time I listened to him, and now he's got me laughing non-stop with this book. He completely nails Dallas's easygoing, golden retriever vibes, he's absolutely hilarious! And Andi as Hemi? She's just perfect. Together, they make this an unforgettable experience that's a total must-listen.
I really enjoyed this book. To be honest, I was a little put off this series because of certain aspects of the first book in the series, and I haven't read book 2 as yet - but this book was awesome. I loved both our main characters, even if Hemi did frustrate me a little bit at times with her refusal to talk about the past with Dallas. And Dallas, well he's a big loveable teddy bear. Truly loved how this book panned out - I'm a sucker for a good fake relationship book and clearly this one was no change to that.
Our secondary characters were all really great too - both the family and friends of Dallas and Hemi. There were a couple of particular characters that I couldn't wait to see get told off because of the reasons they were the obvious villains in the story.
In the end I really liked how everything played out and also would be keen to read the next book, there were a couple of things that make me curious about a couple of characters and their future stories.
I am IN LOVE!! Not only with Dallas but with Hemi! Both characters are loving, loyal and hilarious as heck!!
This story starts off in the funniest way. Dallas lets us know immediately that he is unlike any other book boyfriend! As the story continues he cements is place in your heart because no one loves harder than Dallas. Hemi is a woman who stands her ground. This woman is not to be messed with. I love how strong she is and her relationship with her family!
This story was so much more than I thought. The emotions, the events all of it had me in a trance! I could not get enough of them and this is a big book (for a big guy…if you know what I mean?)! I do not want to spoil anything I will leave this review letting you know to expect the unexpected and to be prepared for a wild ride. Dallas and Hemi are one of the best book couple I have EVER read!
I think this will be my last HH book. I loved the Pucked and All In series, but her writing is just not the same in the later ones - the dialogue in particular is just really awkward and there are cringe scenes in every book, but this one was probably the worst. For what it’s worth I really liked the premise and the storyline of this one, but the writing just ruined it for me and it felt about 30% too long, so I had to really force myself to finish it. So sad, she used to be an auto buy for me.
This is the third book in the Toronto Terror series, and it is definitely my favourite (so far)
We have met Dallas and Hemi in the previous books, and there has always been tension between them - but was it good or bad tension?
Well,I guess it is a bit of love to hate to love you sitch going.
Dallas - oh my word 😍he is wonderful. His foot in mouth disease gets him into more trouble with Hemi, even when he is not trying to.
And Hemi, as you learn more of her school years, you could understand why she dislikes Dallas. But I did get frustrated with her, when all the time Dallas was showing his true feelings, and she would not give him the time of day, would not hear what was not being said. Gah, I just wanted her to give him 5 minutes of her time and open up her ears and her heart to the wonderful man.
In fact, Dallas has shot right up there with my list of top Helena Hunting book boyfriends.
There is something brewing with Flip now, and man I hope it happens the way I want it hahah.
� Read if you like: fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, hockey romance, small-town reunions, hilarious banter, and protective heroes.
📚 In If You Need Me, Dallas, a pro hockey player, is in love with his childhood crush, Wilhelmina "Hemi" Reddi-Grinst. The problem? She can’t stand him, thanks to a decades-old grudge. But when a drunken mishap leads the world to believe they’re in a serious relationship, they must fake their engagement to protect their jobs and reputations. What starts as a PR stunt could turn into something real—but only if Dallas can prove he’s more than just a former menace.
👨� Dallas is the perfect blend of charm and vulnerability. He’s a swoon-worthy hero who goes all-in, no matter what it takes to win Hemi’s heart. Hemi is strong, independent, and doesn't let anyone get the better of her. Her confidence and no-nonsense attitude make her an unforgettable heroine. Together, their chemistry is off the charts, but it’s their emotional journey that really steals the show.
💞 Enemies-to-lovers with a fake engagement twist? Yes, please! Dallas and Hemi’s slow-burn romance is full of laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming scenes. The tension between them builds in such a satisfying way, as Dallas works to prove he’s more than his past mistakes, and Hemi slowly lets her guard down. It’s the kind of romance that makes you root for the characters from start to finish.
👧 The secondary characters add so much heart to the story. From Dallas� teammates to Hemi’s close-knit family, they create a fun and supportive backdrop to the main couple’s relationship. Their interactions bring extra layers of humor and warmth, enriching the overall story.
✍️ Helena Hunting nails the perfect balance of humor and emotion. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and heartfelt, while the pacing keeps you hooked from the very first page. Every scene feels intentional, with just the right amount of tension, love, and laughter.
🌟 If You Need Me delivers all the feels! It's a fun, emotional rollercoaster with two characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Dallas and Hemi’s journey from enemies to lovers is packed with hilarious moments, emotional growth, and a romance that feels both real and swoon-worthy. A must-read for fans of fake dating and hockey romances!
📲 **QOTD: What’s your favorite trope when it comes to romance?**👇
“What are you doing?� “Watching you eat.� She covers my eyes with her palm. “You’re ridiculous.� “Look, here’s the deal.� I grab her hand and kiss her palm. “I’m obsessed with you.� She props her cheek on her fist. “You don’t say.�
I just instantly connected with Dallas & Hemi the moment I read their first interaction! Dallas was such a sweet, caring, protective and nice guy. He had every quality that I like in a book boyfriend! The chemistry and attraction between him and Hemi was just top notch and the last half was just amazing! I loved watching Dallas do wholesome things for Hemi because it was evident that his feelings for her were truly deep and passionate. And I was able to get Hemi's hesitation to his sudden display of feelings too, considering what she endured while in school. Both their pov's were written very well, so I could understand their feelings, which really helped. Overall, this book was a page turner and I loved every single side character. It's just that, some parts felt stretched, probably because the book was really long. Still, I can't wait for the next couple because I have a feeling that I'm certainly going to love them! So, my rating for this book would be a solid 4.5 stars!
Omgeeee! 💖 This book is everything I didn’t know I needed! Dallas, the swoon-worthy hockey player, had me falling hard with his charming vibes and vulnerability. Seriously, his journey through love is just chef's kiss� and his anxiety struggle is kind of endearing.
Hemi is such a perfect match for him—strong, sweet, and totally a boss babe. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way!
That conversation in chapter 38…Tears. 😭 It hits you right in the feels and makes you connect with Dallas on a whole new level. And that surprise for Hemi in chapter 46? So sweet and thoughtful! 10/10.
Plus, Hemi and the BBB girls are the ultimate squad goals. Their friendship adds so much fun and warmth to the story. Girl Bosses💪🏻
Ahhhh the epilogue—perfection! It wraps everything up in the best way possible and leaves you with all the warm fuzzies.
I was fortunate to receive an alc of the audiobook narrated by 🤫 and 🤫, and they were perfect for Dallas and Hemi. The addition of a very spicy bonus scene 🫣in the audio made the experience even more enjoyable!
💕fave quotes🏒 “There’s something so intensely sexy about seeing this badass, take-no-shit woman on her knees, nuzzling my cock like a happy cat.
Paintballs slam into my arms, legs, back, and chest. I aim shots in their direction, but I’m decidedly shitty at paintball, and every one goes wide. I don’t think it can get worse, until one hits me right in the anxiety boner, taking me to the ground.
If you’re into swoony romances, you HAVE to check this one out! 📚❤️
Dallas Bright is a hockey pro and has secretly loved Wilhelmina “Hemi� Reddi-Grinst for a long time even though she can’t stand him. Now the hockey team’s PR girl she will have to work with Dallas whether she wants to or not. Can they find a way to get along? One oopsie moment might thrust them together more than Hemi wants. OMG! From the first chapter I couldn’t stop laughing! Romcom goals. This is a LOL romance about the hunky hockey guy swooning for the one he always wanted. I love how all our favorite characters are interwoven within as they are a “family.� Non stop fun! Dallas is such a cinnamon roll hero we can all swoon over. A perfect feel good romcom. Told in first person and dual POV.
Awe, honey! If You Need Me by Helena Hunting was a sweet and swoony fake dating hockey romance that made me laugh, swoon, and blush from start to finish. I seriously could not get enough of Dallas Bright! This man�.gah! I loved everything about Hemi and Dallas’s love story from their enemies to lovers/ “it's always been you� chemistry. This couple was just dreamy!
Audiobook/ Narrator Review...I'll share soon.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of an enemies-to-lovers romance with a hot fun-loving hockey hunk, an outspoken nerdy heroine working in PR, childhood crushes, anxiety boners, coulrophobia, fake dating/ engagement, high school reunions, Badass Babe Brigade chats, peaches, brotherly love, cozy cabins, baptism by p*ssy, steamy times, he spoils her, pie baking, true love confessions, and a HEA that you need in your life, then you will love Hemi and Dallas� story. I always look forward to more from Helena Hunting.
REVIEW cw: anxiety, panic attacks, misogyny, brief mention of adoption, mentions of childhood and workplace bullying NHL star Dallas Bright has secretly been in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since childhood. Ever since they reunited at the Toronto Terror organisation, he's been slowly trying to make up for every bad decision and torment he allowed his friends to inflict upon her at school. Wilhelmina (Hemi/Wills) is a member of the Terror's PR team and delights in torturing Dallas with all the worst promo opportunity moments. When he discovers she needs to find a plus one for their school reunion, and having to face all of the people who bullied her at school, he comes up with what he thinks is the perfect plan. If only he'd told her first. Now they're suddenly 'engaged' and he knows this might be his only chance to show her how he truly feels.
How Helena Hunting always makes me cackle laughing, while simultaneously swooning AND wanting to hug her characters should be studied. I could legitimately see every single comedic moment play out like a scene in THE most awkward, yet hilarious rom-com movie, especially all of Dallas's early faux-pas. It's no secret that I ADORE stories where the MMC is utterly gone for the FMC, and I have been OBSESSED with Dallas and Hemi/Wills's dynamic since their earliest interactions in this series. My anticipation has only gotten more feral with each new story. And let me tell you, their story was SO worth the wait and better than I could have envisioned. Dallas was the ultimate cinnamon roll with a delightfully surprising filthy mouth. The first chapter so perfectly set up just how totally obsessed he was with Wills (just in case we hadn't already picked up on that 😉), and the explanation for his repeated disappearances and tardiness was hilariously awkward.I snorted laughing at tipsy, excited Dallas in chapter 5. His impulsiveness was so adorably awkward, but I never once doubted his love. I ADORED how he repeatedly wove his true feelings for Wills into the lies they told everyone, and it was so cute watching Wills slowly realise his truth. Though I completely understood Wills's initial mortification, as soon as his reasoning was revealed (aside from the obvious one, of course) I only loved Dallas even more. I also adored how thoughtful he was with all of the little things he arranged for her when she was especially vulnerable. It was so satisfying when Wills slowly started to see the real version of Dallas, and his behind-the-scenes charity work and bake-off skills were so attractive. I ADORED that Wills was a tall, curvy, opinionated woman. She was fierce in the best possible way and the way Dallas reacted to her take-no-prisoners, assertive nature was EVERYTHING. We need more strong women like her in romance and men who adore them. Still, my heart broke for her early on in the story, and especially at her confusion and disbelief that Dallas could possibly be attracted to her for real. Her fears about being too much were so relatable to me, and my heart ached for her whenever she wondered about why she'd been adopted, and how that inadvertently affected the way she built relationships, as well as when she confided in Shilpa about her school years. I adored Shilpa's advice, especially her rational reasoning. She was an AMAZING friend, and I loved how both she and her husband Ash could see right through both Dallas and Wills. I LOVED the chapter where Dallas meets Wills's mums and brothers, Sam and Isaac, for the first time. His gifts were perfect and only made me love him more for his unconscious attentiveness. As for his day out with her brothers, I snorted laughing. Poor Dallas! But he was SUCH a good boy *winks*, and his excitement and enthusiasm for his reward was seriously hot (IYKYK). The intimacy was hot, but also SO incredibly sweet, especially when Wills realised just how utterly in love Dallas was with her. But there was also the signature spice that we love from Helena and chapter 34 was ridiculously HOT! It was, of course, wonderful to catch up with all of the other Toronto Terror characters, as well as meet a couple of new ones. The Badass Babe Brigade were their usual awesome selves, and I genuinely wish they were my friends. I loved the sneaky little Roman's 'lost love' comment, and the way chapter 44 and the epilogue ended was EVERYTHING. I am also still 1000% rooting for Flip and Tally. His behaviour when they moved Tally into college all but confirmed my suspicions, but there was also a huge moment near the end and I am SO excited to see how that plays out in future stories. I loved both Dallas's and Will's families, and Dallas's text thread after the engagement announcement made me cackle laughing. I was also SO intrigued by Wills's brother Sam, and Dallas's sister's reaction was fun. Chapters 38 and 39 absolutely wrecked me. But both of Wills's mums, as well as her brothers, and then Paris, Dallas's sister, seriously gave THE best advice and pep talks. As for the dynamic between Essie and Nate? So. Many. Potential. New. Storylines!!! Helena always adds THE best Easter eggs, and I loved the ones we got in this book. There were so many fun crossovers! Brooklyn, Wills's high school frenemy was awful, but I loved that Wills finally got some closure. As for the revelation in chapter thirty, I was cheering and swooning. Dallas and Will's engagement party was so cute! But I also ADORED the way Dallas dealt with Brooklyn and Sean when they turned up. Topher was vile, as were his subordinates. I HATE the misogynist way assertive women get treated in the workplace, and though it boiled my blood, it was well-written here. As was Dallas's realisation of how work was now mirroring her school experience. I sobbed my way through Chapter 41 but thankfully in a good way. As for the final chapter and epilogue? Utter perfection. I don't know how Helena's stories just keep getting better and better, but I'm now a fully paid-up member of the Dallas Bright fan club (and have the jersey to prove it). I just need a BBB shirt to wear underneath it. *Chefs kiss*
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
*Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. If You Need Me is published on 14th November in the UK*
The voice artists were both AMAZING! The male narrator (both still to be officially announced, so no spoilers) was new to me, but he absolutely KILLED it as Dallas, in particular tipsy Dallas. I lost count of the number of times I rewound that scene, as well as several others. Both voice artists were also HILARIOUSLY perfect at getting all of the snark and teasing between both main characters. The female narrator is already a favourite of mine and once again she knocked it out of the park. I highly recommend reading alongside the audio for the best experience.
Favourite Quotes:
This should not be happening. I took care of myself before I left the damn house. Twice. But here I am, battling yet another raging anxiety b*ner. In the bathroom of a pet rescue shelter. It’s embarrassing.
The fallout from this will be bad. So, so bad. She’ll for sure make me pay for this. And the worst part is, I’ll eat it up. Because it will mean her focus is exactly where I want it. On me. I know it’s messed up to enjoy p**sing her off. It’s a problem, and I should seek therapy for it. But her anger is preferable to apathy.
The angrier she gets, the harder I get. It should be the opposite. I should not love getting under her skin the way I do. But at least I know I affect her, too.
F**king Dallas. Such an annoyingly pretty boy, and a giant pain in my a*s.
“I wish I could have a dog, but my travel schedule makes that impossible. It would be one thing if I had a partner who could be there, but, uh, I’m still waiting for the right person to realize I’m the one,�
“That’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive, isn’t it? Hemi will murder you before you get there.� Hollis’s gaze jumps between us. “And while my girlfriend is great at her job, we still need Hemi in the office and not behind bars.� “Hollis is right. I can’t go to prison. Orange is not my color.�
What she doesn’t realize is that I’ve been waiting a decade for this very moment. I wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her into my side. She’s tall. Nearly six feet of curvy, perfect woman. “Luckiest man alive.� I barely have to bend at all as I press my lips to her temple. She always smells like summer. This is the best moment of my entire life.
“Oh my God, is that your d**k poking me in the a*s?� she asks through gritted teeth. “Probably. Every part of me is super excited.� I can’t help myself. I kiss her cheek. “Smile for the camera, honey.�
Today is a new beginning. Today, she let me help her and didn’t tell me to eat my own d**k.
Looking at her now, I see the little girl kids made fun of, the outspoken preteen who didn’t back down in the face of torment, and the teenager who held her head high even when it was hard. I didn’t stand up for her the way I should have then. I was too fixated on fitting in, on being on top. But it got lonely up there. No one was real with me. Except Wills. Always Wills.
I rap on the doorframe and blurt, “My parents are coming down for the charity game and they want to have dinner with you after, and I’m sorry about that.� I duck as she hurls a stress ball at my head. She only misses because my reflexes are so good.
Roman looks around the weight room. “Raise your hand if you knew Dallas had a hard-on for Hemi.� All the guys raise their hands. I cross my arms. “You couldn’t all know that.� “Dude.� Flip watches his reflection in the mirror wall as he does alternating hammer curls. “She gives you the most f**ked-up promos in the history of the universe, and you never say no."
His eyes heat, and he runs his tongue along his top lip. “I f**king love it when you order me around.� “Seriously. Go.� I give him my death stare. He mouths so hot, winks, and heads for the locker room.
Her anger is better than her apathy.
I never thought I would be here, with her hands on me, looking so beautiful it hurts. I set one hand on her waist and give in to the urge to touch her face. I shouldn’t. It’s unfair. I’ve boxed her into a corner and allowed my truth to be turned into a lie. She believes it’s revenge, when really I’d do anything to guard her heart.
“Use me.�
“So f**king bossy.� I bite the edge of her jaw. “I love it.�
“I was a good boy last night and today, wasn’t I?�
“Let me take care of you.� There’s something in the way he says it, paired with the hungry look in his eyes, that makes me feel…powerful. Sexy. Beautiful.
“Good boy.� She squeezes my arm and severs contact. I groan. Loudly. Not on purpose, but any kind of praise from her lips, even if it’s meant with a heaping side of sarcasm, just jacks me up. Especially phrases like “good boy.�
“It’s always been you.� “I’m intense. I’m bossy. I’m not always palatable.� He nods. “All of those things make you my favorite person in the world."
“I’ve never lied to you. Not once since we both moved to Toronto.�
“I’m not upset. I just� I have a lot of feelings, and they’re big,� she whispers. “I can handle big feelings. I want all of them.�
Loving you is my favorite thing in the world.�
She’s my everything. My beautiful badass. My sweetness with bite. The woman of my dreams and the love of my life.
I was given this book as an ARC read by the author This is the third book in the Toronto Terror series.
This book follows Dallas and Hemi enemies to lovers romance. Dallas has been in love with Hemi since the third grade. They both end up with the Toronto terror organization at the same time. Dallas as a professional hockey player and Hemi is in charge of PR. Dallas will do anything to get Hemi’s attention. He even signs up for all of her PR photoshoots just to be close to her. Unfortunately sometimes Dallas has a little anxiety issue when he is that close to Hemi.
Dallas and Hemi have a high school reunion coming up in which Hemi is hesitant to attend. She wasn’t very popular in school and now she sees her ex best friend is engaged to the boy she liked in high school. Hemi was hoping to find a good date to bring. Just wanting to help the situation Dallas lets everyone believe that he and Hemi are dating.
The banter between Dallas and Hemi is amazing and had me laughing throughout the book.
The tropes in this book are
-Hockey - Enemies to lovers - Fake dating/fake engagement -Only one bed - Childhood crush -Golden Retriever boyfriend
This felt so juvenile. I was prepared for some serious angsty history but it just seemed overblown. The reason why they didn’t get together in HS was kinda lame, tbh. What’s worse is that the spice wasn’t spicing. It was a but cringey, actually�
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book since we first saw Hemi and Dallas interact when the series started and their story was definitely worth the wait!!!
I love how fierce Hemi is and she’s such a powerhouse, but Dallas was definitely the one I was the most excited for in this book because it was very clear that he’d been head over heals for a very long time and boy is he just as much of a cinnamon roll as I was hoping for! He was so generous and considerate, but he was also a dirty talker and boy did that make him even better. He’s my fave out of all of the heroes in the series so far and I loved his dynamics with Hemi.
Seeing the way the relationship evolved in IF YOU NEED ME was wonderful! I love a good fake dating story and this one had me hoooooked! There was a bit more drama that I expected at times, but I loved how it was resolved and that we got lots of sweet moments afterwards!
Overall, this is my fave in the Toronto Terror series and I loved Dallas and Hemi so much! Looking forward to what Helena comes up with for our hockey boys and bad@ss babes brigade next! Highly recommend this one if you love stories where it starts out looking like enemies to lovers, but really one of them has been pining for ages…especially if you also love dirty talking golden retriever mmcs. ;)
Dallas has loved Hemi since third grade. They have been working for the Toronto Terror for years, him as a player and her as a PR manager. He volunteers for any task to spend a bit of time with her. Hemi gives him the worst tasks, as she feels he picked on her all through school and made her life miserable. With their high school reunion coming up, Hemi is on a quest to return to her hometown with a boyfriend and show her graduating class she has moved on and “made it�. Unfortunately, all her dates have been duds. One drunken night Dallas posts a photo of them together, leading everyone to believe they are dating. Hemi wants anything but that, however, she agrees to go along with it for the sake of her job and Dallas� time with the Terror. They work at convincing everyone they are together, and Hemi starts to see Dallas in a different light.
This book gave me a lot of feelings. Hemi was such a relatable character. She feels like she is “too much� for this world and that like most people, Dallas will begin to find her too much. Her fears and insecurities were so real and heartbreaking. I loved how obsessed Dallas was with her. When we started to see the things Dallas had done to help and protect Hemi throughout their history it was so loving and endearing.
Helena is a master of writing tension and banter and this book was no exception. Dallas and Hemi’s chemistry and banter was amazing. Throughout the story, we saw that Dallas and Hemi were two different people and I thought they balanced each other was wonderful. This book had a lot of humour, but there was also a vein of seriousness. Watching Hemi and her pain with being too much hurt my heart, and I found myself having a good cry in the last part of the book. I think these two were some of my favourite Helena pairings ever!
This book was full of emotion and I loved both Hemi and Dallas. I can’t wait to read more in this series! If you love a hockey romance with tension and banter, this is the perfect book for you. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend the other two books in this series! Thank you to Helena Hunting for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
read if you like: enemies to lovers, fake dating, only one bed, golden retreiver MMC/black cat FMC, hockey romance, childhood crush
If you love boy obsessed trope like I do you need this story in your life, SPECTACULAR!
If You Need Me is Helena Hunting's best work to date and my new addiction. It is PURE PERFECTION This book is sexy, intense, funny, swoony, and everything you could want in a romance story. Dallas is EVERYTHING. He takes boy obsessed trope to a new level, he made me swoon so hard, The love, the devotion, the sweetness he shows Hemi, the lengths he goes to protect her, and his dirty mouth; ohmygod, I adore him, he is my new book boyfriend.
One of the most captivating aspects of this story is how Dallas and Hemi transition from enemies to lovers. Since I saw them interacting in the previous books I knew that their story would be intense and steamy, sparks fly between them every time they are together, I love their scenes so full of passion and emotion, they made me laugh, cry and sigh. The friendship that blossoms alongside their romance adds depth and authenticity to their story. Watching their relationship evolve from heated confrontations to a deep emotional connection is a journey that will keep you hooked.
I love the glimpses we get of the other couples and the hints of future stories. Helena Hunting always does a great job with the found family trope, the friends who always support each other and build amazing bonds that feel like family.
This plot, these characters, the banter, the chemistry, everything, I'm completely consumed by this world and never wanted to end. If you’re looking for a romance that will make your heart race and leave you breathless, If You Need Me is the perfect choice.
What to expect Reverse grumpy sunshine Cinnamon Roll Hero Boy Obsessed Enemies to Lovers Unrequited Love Fake Dating Forced Proximity One Bed Spicy Hockey Romance Found Family
Wilhelmina knows how she’s perceived at work: cold, bossy and pretty intense. But while others might be turned off by it, her intensity exactly why Dallas has been in love with her since third grade. Too bad Hemi doesn’t feel the same about him� in fact, she sees him as one of her least favorite people and generally treats him with disdain. This only fuels Dallas� fire to make Hemi love him, however, and eventually lands the two in hot water when he very publicly proposed to Hemi, putting her in a situation where she can either accept or risk Dallas� spot on the team. How will these two navigate a fake engagement when their relationship has been so contentious?
This was soooo fun to read! I love fake dating, and coupling this with second chance and two characters with such a long history is definitely my happy place! Then this story had to double down with making Dallas SUCH a golden retriever and so thoughtful� I was simply in love and obsessed. The spice was also SO delicious in this book� we love a man who is willing to take! 😉 I highly recommend this book!!
Tropes in this story: ✨Second chance romance ✨Boy obsessed� and has been for forever ✨Golden retriever MMC / grumpy-to-him FMC ✨Surprise & convenient engagement ✨Hockey romance ✨Workplace romance
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Helena Hunting, but my review is all my own.
oh my gosh i’m so obsessed with this book! i’ve been jonesing for hemi and dallas� book and i’ve needed it since their introduction in the first book. this book was everything and more and it exceeded my expectations. the audiobook was sensational, a listening experience that was out of the park AH-MAZING!
hemi and dallas have known each other since they were kids and have a lot of history. it’s no secret that hemi can’t stand dallas and it stems from their time in high school. and being the pr manager for the toronto terror, the hockey team dallas plays for means she has to see him every day to her dismay. and after one drunken night they find themselves in a prickly situation. for hemi it’s a nightmare, but for dallas it’s the best thing that could’ve happened. dallas has been down bad for hemi for so long and he can finally show her just how much she means to him. and let me tell you, these two were an absolute blast. the banter was top notch. their chemistry was off the walls scorching. and their sexual tension was delectable. they were so good together and complimented each other so well. hemi’s hard exterior had no match for dallas and his softness. he was so sweet on her and not only did he vocalize his feelings he continuously showed her how much he loved her. and watching hemi not only come to terms with her feelings for dallas but fall little by little for him was incredible. i loved these two so much, so so much.
if you need me was an addictive workplace romance with a take charge heroine and the sweetest and swooniest hero. this was an outstanding edition to the toronto terror series. i can’t wait for the next book especially after that ending, i neeeeeeeed!
10 stars ⭐️ This book. Hemi, the character for the girls who were told they were too much, to be “less�, to just fit in, this book is for us. Dallas, the ultimate golden retriever, who has loved Hemi from afar since the 3rd grade, may we all be loved like this in our lifetime. The sweet kisses, touches, soft brushes to her face, having her back behind her back, signing up for every promo op just to spend time with her, are everything to me. I adore their bond, banter, spice. This is absolutely my favorite so far in the Terror Series!
I received an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved how obsessed he was but this whole book was so so boring and annoying�..
And I just wrote out this whole review and it didn’t save!!!,!!! Gdang it!
Anyway. The number of names of other characters was annoying. Her character of being a smart, independent, argumentative woman was annoying. H basically carried the book but that third act breakup was dumb. And the main mystery of what he did in high school and ruined her prom was DUMB.
This book was a waste of time honestly 🫢🫡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.