Behind The Bench By Jillian Arly Book Review

I’ll be honest, Behind the Bench by Jillian Arly surprised me in the best way. I tore through this debut in one sitting. The hockey scenes felt real, Ellie’s strength hooked me, and the enemies-to-lovers banter had me grinning. Sports romance fans, you’re in for a treat.

Key Takeaways

Behind the Bench is a quick and exciting sports romance.
It has real hockey facts and funny arguments between enemies who fall in love.
Ellie and Lincoln are strong and easy to understand.
Their growth and bond make the story interesting and full of feeling.
This book is good for people who want a fast, happy romance.
It also has a sports theme and a team that feels like family.

Quick Verdict

First Impressions

I have to give props to Jillian Arly for pulling me in right from the start. I started reading Behind the Bench late at night, thinking I’d just read a chapter or two. Suddenly, it was 2 a.m., and I couldn’t put it down.

The opening scene had me grinning, and the hockey details felt so real that I could almost hear the skates on ice. Ellie’s stubborn streak made me root for her, and Lincoln’s grumpy charm kept me guessing.

Note: If you love a book that throws you right into the action and keeps the banter sharp, this one delivers.

Read or Skip?

Here’s my honest take:

Read if you crave:
- Enemies-to-lovers tension that actually sizzles
- A strong female lead who doesn’t back down
- Authentic sports settings that don’t feel forced
- Quick pacing with just enough heart
Skip if you want:
- Deep, slow-burn romance
- Heavy drama or angst
- Complex subplots

To be fair, the story moves fast, and sometimes I wanted a little more depth. Still, I finished with a smile.

Book Overview

Premise & Setting

I jumped into Behind the Bench expecting a typical sports romance, but the setting pulled me in fast. The story takes place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, right in the heart of hockey country.

I could almost feel the chill of the rink and hear the crowd cheering. The author paints the locker room, the ice, and the city with just enough detail to make it feel real, but never bogs things down.

The team, the Green Bay Bobcats, feels like a family.
Ellie, the main character, works behind the scenes, not on the ice.
Lincoln, the grumpy coach, brings the tension.
The story moves between the rink, the team offices, and the city’s cozy spots.

I love how the book keeps the focus tight. It doesn’t wander off into side stories. Every scene feels like it matters.

Main Themes

This book hits all the classic sports romance themes, but with a fresh twist. Here’s what stood out to me:

Enemies-to-lovers: Ellie and Lincoln clash from the start, but their banter feels sharp and real.
Found family: The Bobcats aren’t just a team—they’re a support system.
Female strength: Ellie stands her ground, even when things get tough.
Redemption and trust: Both main characters have to let go of old hurts.

Plot & Pacing

Story Flow

I have to admit, I started this book thinking I’d read a few chapters before bed. Next thing I knew, I was flipping pages at 1 a.m. The plot moves fast—almost like a hockey game in overtime. Every chapter pushes the story forward. I never felt stuck or bored.

The story jumps right into the action.
Scenes at the rink and in the office keep things moving.
No long, drawn-out backstory.
The author keeps the focus tight on Ellie and Lincoln.

Sometimes, I wanted a little more time to breathe. Some moments felt rushed, especially when the romance heated up. I wished for a few slower scenes to let the tension build. Still, I never lost interest. The quick pace made it easy to keep reading.

Tip: If you like books that don’t drag, this one will keep you turning pages.

Engagement Level

This book grabbed my attention early and didn’t let go. I found myself rooting for Ellie and Lincoln, even when they drove each other crazy. The banter and hockey drama kept me hooked.

I laughed out loud at some of their arguments.
The locker room scenes felt real and fun.
I wanted to see how their story ended.

To be fair, the fast pace sometimes meant less emotional depth. I didn’t always get to sit with the characters’ feelings. Still, I finished the book with a smile. I’d say the engagement level stays high from start to finish. If you want a book that’s easy to binge, this one delivers.

Characters & Relationships

Lincoln & Ellie

I have to give props to Jillian Arly for creating two leads who feel real. Lincoln and Ellie both grabbed my attention right away. Lincoln acts tough, but I saw his soft side peek through. Ellie stands her ground and never lets Lincoln push her around. I loved how both characters felt stubborn but also a little lost. Their arguments made me laugh, and their teamwork made me root for them.

Lincoln: Grumpy, guarded, but loyal
Ellie: Strong, smart, and not afraid to speak up
Both have past hurts that shape their choices

I found myself wanting to shake them and hug them at the same time. That’s a good sign in a romance.

Chemistry & Banter

The chemistry between Lincoln and Ellie jumps off the page. Their banter feels sharp and quick. I caught myself grinning at their comebacks. Sometimes, I even read lines out loud because the dialogue felt so real.

Enemies-to-lovers tension stays high
Flirty moments sneak in between arguments
Their teasing never feels mean

I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to see who would win the next round of banter. It felt like watching a hockey match, but with words.

Character Growth

Both Lincoln and Ellie change a lot. At first, they both act stubborn and guarded. By the end, I saw them open up and trust each other more. Their growth felt believable, not rushed.

Lincoln learns to let people in
Ellie finds her voice and stands up for herself
They both face fears and take risks

Watching them grow together left me smiling. I finished the book feeling like I’d made two new friends.

Writing Style

Narrative Voice

I felt like Jillian Arly sat next to me, telling the story over coffee. The narrative voice felt warm and direct. I never got lost in long descriptions or confusing thoughts. The author kept things simple and clear. I could hear Ellie’s stubbornness and Lincoln’s gruff attitude in every chapter.

The story sticks to Ellie’s point of view, so I always knew what she felt.
I liked how the writing showed her doubts and hopes without dragging things out.
Sometimes, I wanted a little more detail about the hockey world, but the focus on Ellie made me care about her journey.

Note: If you like a book that feels like a friend sharing secrets, this one hits the mark.

Dialogue & Tone

The dialogue in this book made me smile. Every conversation felt real, not forced. I could almost hear the characters’ voices in my head. The tone stayed light and playful, even when things got tense.

Banter between Ellie and Lincoln kept me turning pages.
The locker room talk sounded natural, not cheesy.
I laughed at their teasing and felt the sting when they argued.

Sometimes, I wished for deeper talks or more emotional moments. Still, the quick, witty exchanges made the story fun. The writing never tried too hard to impress. It just let the characters shine.

Strengths & Weaknesses

What Works Well

I have to give props to Jillian Arly for making hockey feel real. I could almost smell the ice and hear the crowd. The way she describes the rink and the locker room made me feel like I was right there with the team. That’s rare in sports romance, and it pulled me in fast.

Authentic Hockey Details:
The hockey scenes never felt fake or forced. I loved how the author used real terms and kept the action moving. If you know hockey, you’ll notice the small touches. If you don’t, you’ll still get the excitement.
Strong Character Dynamics:
Ellie and Lincoln have a spark that jumps off the page. Their banter made me laugh, and their stubbornness kept things interesting. The team feels like a family, not just a group of players.
Fresh Take on the Genre:
I’ve read a lot of sports romances, but this one stands out. Ellie works behind the scenes, not as a player or a love interest on the sidelines. That twist made her story feel new. The enemies-to-lovers angle never got old for me.

Tip: If you want a sports romance that feels real and gives you characters to root for, this book delivers.

Room for Improvement

To be fair, not everything worked perfectly for me. I finished Behind the Bench with a smile, but I noticed a few things that could be better.

Pacing Moves Too Fast:
Sometimes, I wanted the story to slow down. Big moments came and went before I could really feel them. The romance heated up quickly, and I missed the slow build that makes some love stories unforgettable.
Predictable Plot Points:
I saw some twists coming from a mile away. The enemies-to-lovers setup works, but I hoped for a few more surprises. The story sticks close to the usual playbook, so don’t expect jaw-dropping shocks.
More Emotional Depth Needed:
I liked Ellie and Lincoln, but I wanted to know them even better. Some scenes felt rushed, and I wished for more time inside their heads. A few quieter moments would have made their growth feel stronger.

Note: If you want a deep, slow-burn romance with lots of twists, this book might leave you wanting more.

I finished the book happy, but I know it could have hit even harder with a little more depth and a slower pace. Still, for a debut, it’s a solid start and a fun read for sports romance fans.

Behind the Bench: Comparison

Similar Books

If you love sports romance, you probably want to know how this book stacks up against others. I’ve read a lot in this genre, so I always look for that spark—something that makes a story stand out.

Behind the Bench reminds me of books like Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen and The Deal by Elle Kennedy. These stories all have strong team vibes, quick banter, and a romance that feels earned.

Series Potential

I finished this book and instantly wanted more time with the Bobcats. The team feels like a family, and I can see so many stories waiting to be told. If Jillian Arly keeps up the sharp banter and real hockey details, I think this series could become a favorite for sports romance fans.

I’m already looking forward to the next book. The setup leaves room for new couples, more team drama, and deeper friendships.

If you like series that grow with each book, this one has real promise.

Ideal Readers

Who Will Love It

I always ask myself, “Who would I hand this book to first?” For this one, I picture readers who want a quick, feel-good escape with a sporty twist. If you love stories with strong women, snappy banter, and a team that feels like family, you’ll probably race through this book like I did.

You’re into sports romance, especially hockey.
You like characters who stand up for themselves.
You want a story that’s easy to binge in one or two sittings.
You enjoy found-family vibes and a little bit of sass.

I noticed that readers who enjoy social media, sports, and active lifestyles often connect with these stories. The book fits both high school and college-age readers, but I think anyone who loves a fast-paced romance will have fun here.

Reader Type	What They’ll Love
High school teens	Banter, team drama, quick pacing
College grads	Realistic romance, strong heroine
Sports fans	Authentic hockey scenes
Romance lovers	Enemies-to-lovers spark

Reader Expectations

I have to give props to Jillian Arly for knowing her audience. If you pick up this book, here’s what you can expect:

A story that moves fast—no slow build or heavy drama.
Relatable characters who mess up and grow.
Real hockey details that don’t feel fake.
Banter that actually made me laugh out loud.

Tip: If you want a deep, jaw-dropping plot twist, you might want to look elsewhere. This book delivers comfort, fun, and a little bit of heat—perfect for readers who want to relax and smile.

I’d hand Behind the Bench to any sports romance fan who wants a quick, fun read. The hockey details and banter shine, but I wanted more depth. It’s a solid start for new readers.

Dionysus Review Rating: 7/10.