A Christian African American & Black Hockey Romance of Forbidden Love and Friends to More
Bethany House
February 2026
On Sale: February 3, 2026
Featuring: Jabari Hall; Val Elliott
320 pages ISBN: 0764245201 EAN: 9780764245206 Kindle: B0FD9113F8 Paperback / e-Book / audiobook Add to Wish List
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?
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