Hearts on the Fly

By Toni Shiloh

Book Overview

When the game changes, love finds a way to score.

Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice--but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up--only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.

Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister's heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val's guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.

As Jabari navigates life off the ice, he's drawn to Val in ways he didn't expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box?

"This friends-to-lovers romance scores big."--Rhonda McKnight, author of The Thing about Home

A clean and wholesome African American hockey romance featuring forbidden love, friends to lovers, disability representation, and second chances perfect for fans of Christian sports romances, Emma St. Clair, Pepper Basham, and Melissa Ferguson.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764245201
• ISBN13: 9780764245206
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 320 Pages

Customer Reviews

Fantastic hockey romance

Kudos to Toni Shiloh for a fabulous sports romance! I loved the raw and vulnerable first person voice of Jabari as he struggled with his diagnosis and possible end to his ice hockey career. His integrity, loyalty and grit made him an excellent hero. Val was a delightful heroine; she was tender, compassionate, and nurturing and her first person voice was like a warm cocoon of quiet strength and comfort for Jabari. I loved the action on the ice and the camaraderie among the team members. The sisterhood dynamics was a lot but the family drama added depth to the persistent love and forgiveness that Val pursued. I am totally looking forward to the next book featuring the youngest sister Fran and a man who made a cameo appearance in this book. If you enjoy clean sports romance with a faith theme, you will absolutely love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.