Helena Hunting delivers another captivating installment in her Toronto Terror series with If You Need Me, a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance that explores themes of redemption, trust, and the courage to be vulnerable. This third book in the series follows Dallas Bright, a charming professional hockey player, and Wilhelmina “Hemi” Reddi-Grinst, the team’s no-nonsense PR director, as they navigate a fake engagement that forces them to confront their complicated past.
Series Context
The Toronto Terror series began with If You Hate Me, introducing readers to the world of professional hockey in Toronto through interconnected standalone romances. The second book, If You Want Me, continued building this vibrant world. While If You Need Me by Helena Hunting can be read as a standalone, the rich character dynamics and ongoing storylines make it more rewarding to read the series in order.
Story Analysis
Plot Development
The story’s premise is refreshingly layered – what starts as a drunken social media post by Dallas spirals into a fake engagement to protect both their careers. However, Hunting skillfully weaves in their shared history, revealing that Dallas’s feelings for Hemi date back to their school days, adding depth to what could have been a simple fake relationship trope.
Character Development
Hemi stands out as a wonderfully complex heroine. As an adopted child who grew up with two loving mothers, her journey to overcome trust issues and accept love feels authentic. Her professional competence and occasional sharp edges make her relatable rather than unlikeable.
Dallas’s character arc is particularly well-crafted. His growth from the popular boy who failed to stand up for Hemi in school to a man determined to make amends shows meaningful evolution. His persistent pursuit of redemption, coupled with genuine remorse for past actions, makes him a compelling hero.
Strengths
Rich Supporting Cast
The “Badass Babe Brigade” – Hemi’s circle of friends – adds warmth and authenticity to the story. Each character feels distinct and necessary to the plot, particularly Shilpa, whose role as both friend and legal counsel creates interesting dynamics.
Cultural Representation
Hunting thoughtfully incorporates diverse elements through Hemi’s family background and the varying dynamics within the hockey organization. The representation feels natural rather than forced.
Chemistry and Tension
The romantic and physical chemistry between Dallas and Hemi is electric. Their banter is sharp and entertaining, while intimate scenes are both steamy and emotionally resonant.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing
The middle section occasionally drags, particularly during the office politics storyline. Some scenes involving secondary characters could have been trimmed without losing important plot points.
Conflict Resolution
While the main conflict resolution is satisfying, some subplots, particularly those involving office antagonists, feel somewhat rushed in their conclusion.
Secondary Romance Seeds
The hints at future romances, while intriguing, sometimes distract from the main story. The tension between Flip and his rival, while setting up future books, could have been more seamlessly integrated.
Writing Style
Hunting’s prose is engaging and accessible, with a good balance of humor and emotional depth. Her dialogue feels natural, and she excels at creating memorable scenes that blend comedy with genuine emotion. The hockey elements are well-researched but not overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the sport.
Final Thoughts
If You Need Me is a strong addition to the Toronto Terror series by Helena Hunting, offering a satisfying romance while expanding the series’ world. Despite minor pacing issues, the emotional core of the story – learning to trust and accept love – resonates strongly.
Recommendations for Similar Books
- The Love Playbook by Suze Winegardner
- Check Please series by Sarina Bowen
- Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
- Cold as Ice by Piper Rayne
Author Background
Helena Hunting is a bestselling author known for her witty, steamy contemporary romances. Her previous works include the popular Pucked series and the All In series, both of which also feature hockey players as main characters.
Target Audience
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Sports romances, particularly hockey
- Enemies-to-lovers storylines
- Fake relationship tropes
- Office romances
- Second chance stories
- Strong female friendships
- Diverse representation in romance
Through expert character development, authentic emotional depth, and engaging storytelling, If You Need Me by Helena Hunting proves itself a worthy addition to the contemporary sports romance genre.