natalie intihar

Publication Date: December 2, 2025

I loved reading Lia Riley’s latest book The E.M.M.A Effect! Lia does such a great job blending hockey romance + STEM romance in this story. Harriet and Gale are such a compelling match, and I loved seeing them unpack their histories and come together in the present. Their love story is such a sweet one and there’s no doubt in my mind that the algorithm bringing them together was right!

There’s so much shared history and knowledge between Harriet and Gale that it’s no surprise that both tensions and their chemistry runs high! And whew, does that chemistry run HOT!!! The best friend’s brother trope hits so well in this book, and it really was such a good fit for these characters.

The tension between Harriet and Gale building up to the “screw this” moment was incredible. Gale’s willingness to completely give control over to Harriet was a total slay. While they’re opposites in some ways, Harriet and Gale truly complement each other. The depth of their friendship serves them so well, and I really think it sets them up for a lifetime of happiness together.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Buy The E.M.M.A. Effect