Cage

A Single-Dad, Roommates-to-Lovers, Hockey Romance (The New Bradfords, Book 2)

By: Tia Louise

Narrated by: Liam Dicosimo, Willa Jaymes

Sometimes fate sends a sign, and sometimes it sends a bloodhound with a hot hockey player holding its leash, dragging it off you.

Owen Stone is not your usual hockey player. He’s a six-foot-two single dad with dark hair, ocean eyes, and muscles for days. He’s also a last-minute trade trying to find a home for his seven-year-old daughter, his psychic sister, and his adoring bloodhound. Naturally, my hockey-star cousin tells him to move in with us. I’m a sucker for a good dog.

Gina Bradford hits me right in my weakness. She’s tall for a girl, with strawberry-blonde hair, bright green eyes, and a sweet smile. She’s also a champion dog groomer, judge, and owner of a pure-bred show poodle, who is also a notorious towel thief.

When my new teammate invites me to be their roommate until I find a home for my crew, I should’ve said no. I’ve survived the worst, and I’ve achieved my dream of playing in the NHL.

My focus is on winning games and taking care of my daughter, not romance.

Until our dogs start acting like fated mates whose sole purpose is to push us together. And a charity calendar forces us to work together. And a highway accident strands us overnight in a hotel with only one room… and only one bed.

We said it was just once. We’ve both been hurt. But once is never enough.

My daughter loves her, and even my psychic sister predicted the girl of my dreams would be holding a dog.

It takes a little faith and a lot of courage, but what we’ve found is more than a cage. It’s a love that shows up, even when you’re not looking for it.

(Cage is a hockey romance with a broody single dad, an FMC obsessed with dogs/not love, roommates-to-lovers, close proximity, “just once,” chosen family, and loads of spicy fun. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and no third-act breakup.)

©2026 TLM Productions LLC (P)2026 TLM Productions LLC

Sweet and steamy roommates-to-lovers romance!

I really enjoyed this sweet and steamy roommates-to-lovers romance. I am so excited for this second generation of characters from the families I loved in previous books. This second book on the New Bradfords series has everything I love to read, a strong, smart heroine, a sexy single dad with an adorable daughter, witty banter, along with several sweet, playful dogs, and I am completely hooked! I loved Gina Bradford and her poodle, Spanky in the first book and couldn't wait for her story. Her first meet cute with her new roommate, Owen Stone, did not go well, and their next awkward encounter, after the towel stealing Spanky, was very revealing in all the good things that were in store for them. Gina was focused on her career with grooming and show dogs and not looking for love after her last relationship ended badly. Broody single Dad, Owen was focused on raising his daughter, Maddie, their Hound dog Ladybird, and playing hockey, leaving no room to open his heart to love again. The more time they spend together, getting involved in each other's world, along with Gina and Maddie forming a close bond, both Gina and Owen start to wonder "what if"? They have fun together and as a family, and their chemistry only grows hotter. But when things change, and become complicated, it is not only their hearts that get broken. I fell so fast and hard, and became so invested in these wonderfully flawed characters, and their story hooked me right from the start! I loved watching Owen and Gina's relationship grow and get stronger. They fit so well together, making a beautiful little family, and their chemistry was palpable. I also loved all their family and friends who were so funny, caring, and supportive, and don't forget the delightful Spanky and Ladybird! This is an addicting, magical romance that has the perfect balance of humor, heart, and heat!
Liam DiCosimo and Willa Jaymes did a great job narrating this delightful romance and bringing it to life. Their comedic timing was spot on, and every nuance of their voice performances pulled me in, making me feel every emotion deeper, and made me love these characters and this story even more!

...addictive to heart.

Life moments that speak to the heart and leave you with a smile. From an ironic sense of humor to a whirlwind of romance, Gina and Owen have all the right moves to have you craving more. Louise seduces the senses with sassy dialogue, spicy romance and irresistible characters. The New Bradfords take the task of being addictive to heart.

Great narration

This is a fun story filled with great banter, chemistry, amazing characters and a beautiful HEA. Love all the amazing tropes - single dad, age gap, forced proximity, and sports romance are just a few. A feel good, low drama story that will have you laughing swooning and cheering for these two. Willa James and Liam DiCosimo deliver a fabulous performance. They fave perfect voice, personality and emotion to each of the characters. Narrators take authors words and create a new experience to enjoy the story.

Meet Gina & Owen. 🥰

This Bradford next gen series by Tia Louise has been such a happy reunion. Cage is the story of Gina (daughter of Garret and Liv in The Way We Score) and Owen (member of her cousin Mav’s pro hockey team).

Owen becomes a temporary roommate at the Bradford bungalow for a month while he gets himself settled — he’s a transplant from Oregon and a single dad. A fateful night of car rescue and forced proximity in a sketchy motel ignites the spark that’s been flickering under the surface.

Willa Jaymes voices Gina Bradford. Her voice as Gina is effervescent and full of energy — Gina juggles many jobs as adog breeder, groomer, trainer, and judge in championship dog shows. She’s passionate about life and wary of love; all of which sings through Willa’s performance. Willa flexes her kid voice as Owen’s daughter Maddie and she is so convincing. Overall, Willa’s performance is sweet, sexy and strong.

Liam DiCosimo voices Owen, the single dad hockey player who has struggled seeing a future that includes a wife. He’s a widower, and losing his former wife causes him to build a cocoon around himself and his daughter. Liam’s voice is flirty and fun, and he does a great job at building up Owen’s growing inner-conflict. Liam matches Willa’s performance with passion and versatility.

The story itself is a gradual building of a relationship for two people who have had some relationship trauma. While both Gina and Owen seem content with crossing the boundaries they are both significantly guarded. Tia Louise has managed to allow these two to grow and heal in love together.

Swoony

Even though I hadn’t read the first book, this worked perfectly as a standalone.

Gina and Owen become unlikely roommates, and their first meeting is anything but smooth. Gina is focused on her dogs and an upcoming show, while Owen—a brooding NHL player and devoted single father—has no intention of opening his heart again. An unexpected accident intertwines their lives (and their dogs), slowly drawing them together despite their mutual insistence that they aren’t looking for a relationship.

Owen carries the weight of past grief, while Gina struggles to trust after a difficult relationship, making their emotional journey feel authentic and well-earned. Maddie, Owen’s daughter, truly shines. Her bond with the dogs and the way she naturally fits into Gina’s life adds so much warmth to the story. The hockey team dynamics and found-family elements keep the tone light, engaging, and perfectly paced.

Narrated by Liam DiCosimo and Willa Jaymes elevates the story. Liam captures Owen’s protective, brooding nature while letting his vulnerability shine through, and Willa beautifully brings Gina’s warmth, strength, and emotional depth to life. Their chemistry feels effortless.

If you’re a fan of hockey romance, single dads, found family, and dog-driven destiny, this audiobook comes highly recommended.

Thank you to Tia Louise and Ear Candy Promos for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.