#hockeyromance

[nerdraging4point0]

Power Play // Chapter 11 // Hockeyplayer!Noah AU

Tropes and tags: hockey player romance, angsty romance, hidden relationship, forbidden relationship, smutty, MF, PinV, public adjacent sex, rough sex, minor cnc dynamics, multiple POV, hockey player shenanigans, locker room talk, aggressive hockey players, possessive male, protective male.

Fanclub: @tearfallpixie @ladyveronikawrites @beaker1636 @missduffsblog @alwaysfightforwhoyouare @rumoured-whispers @sorrowsofsilence @sundamariis @letmeadoreyoux @lilrubles @shilohrosechicken @mysticdoodlez @sinkingteethinwhitenoise @deathblacksmoke @somebodyels3 @missduffsblog

Shout out to @flowery-mess who has been loving this series at every turn! Thank you 🙏

Sarah's POV

We stepped off the bus in Orlando, just outside the towering ice rink, I could smell the muggy salt of the air and the humidity hit me like a truck. The game wasn't for several more hours, but our team's media and PR representatives were already in full swing, eager to capture crucial pre-game moments of the players entering their new territory before they hit the ice.

I hadn't traveled with the team all that often, opting to stay home for most games. But this time, things were changing. The Otters, a newly formed team in the Orlando area, were in need of more players to help build up their roster, and a new nurse position had opened up. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, even though I hadn't really told anyone about it, except for Jack. I knew my father would likely try to persuade me to stay by his side, which, if I'm being honest, hadn't been so bad lately. But then there was Noah - the complicated, brooding asshole who had been the source of so much tension and unspoken feelings since the season started. Ever since our stolen moment in the supply room, he had become distant, barely looking at me or speaking to me, and his aggression on the ice at the last game had been more intense than I'd seen in a while. Maybe, I thought, this move to a new team, far away from the drama and the complicated situationship, could be the fresh start I needed, the chance to finally find some clarity and peace, away from the emotional turmoil that had been weighing me down.

As I stepped into the bustling entry dock, I took my spot next to Veronica and Ashley, the public relations manager and our social media extraordinaire. The air was electric with anticipation as the players began to file in, each one acutely aware of the watchful eyes and cameras trained upon them. Ashley was animatedly pointing and leaning in close to her assistant, instructing her on the ideal angles and lighting needed for the best social media shots. From what I could overhear, her assistant would be responsible for capturing the still images while Ashley herself moved in to secure high-quality video footage.

The players, who had endured this routine countless times before, entered the dock with a practiced nonchalance. They moved with an effortless grace, spacing themselves evenly and resisting the urge to hurry through the gauntlet of media attention. It was almost comical to watch these towering, broad-shouldered athletes attempt to affect an air of casual indifference, as if tall, handsome men in tailored three-piece suits strolling through a throng of cameras was an everyday occurrence.

Sanchez was the first to catch my eye as he strode in alone, his left hand casually tucked into the pocket of his sleek gray suit. His dark hair was styled back with a liberal application of gel, giving him a polished, sophisticated look, and his face was clean-shaven, allowing his Rolex to take center stage on his wrist. As he passed our little trio, he turned his head slightly, lowering his sunglasses just enough to lock eyes with me before giving a subtle wink and pushing the frames back up his nose. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his blatant display of cockiness - he was the epitome of an athlete who truly believed he owned the team.

Veronica leaned in close, whispering in my ear with the same tone of disgust that I felt, "He thinks he runs the show, doesn't he?" We watched as the rest of the team filed through, each one distinct in their own way. Ruffilo and Pierce walked side-by-side, engrossed in a deep conversation, while Nick's dark hair was neatly tied back in a clean bun, his charcoal suit devoid of a tie. In contrast, Pierce had opted for a periwinkle suit that perfectly complemented his sandy blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

As McClain and Sanders glided past, their shoulders brushing together in perfect sync, I could barely tear my eyes away from the captivating scene unfolding before me. Noah and Karlsson, the dynamic duo, strolled by playfully shoving one another, their pearly white smiles lighting up the room. I had expected Noah to don a classic black suit, perhaps even mirroring Karlsson's ensemble, but the two had decidedly gone above and beyond for their grand entrance. Noah's lithe frame was impeccably fitted in a rich, wine-colored suit, the three buttons fastened neatly as his black shirt peeked out ever-so-slightly at the collar. In contrast, Jolly's dark navy ensemble was left intentionally unbuttoned, the tails of his jacket open as he casually slid his hands into his pockets, forgoing a tie and leaving the top buttons of his shirt undone for a relaxed, effortless look.

Veronica's sultry voice suddenly broke my train of thought, her bottom lip slipping between her perfectly veneered teeth as a cherry red gloss glistened on her lips. "Now that's a media shot," she purred, her gaze fixed intently on the stylishly dressed players. Grateful for the distraction, I quickly reached for my buzzing phone, relieved to see the number for the Otters medical director displayed on the screen.

The sudden interruption provided the perfect excuse to extricate myself from the uncomfortable situation I had found myself in. Hastily excusing myself, I hurried to answer the call, eager to shift my attention elsewhere. To my pleasant surprise, the caller was none other than the medical director for the Otters, the opposing team we were playing against. "Good afternoon, Ms. Brody," the director greeted me warmly. "We noticed the team arrived safe and well, and I was wondering if you might have time to meet with us now, rather than waiting until our originally scheduled 4 o'clock meeting?"

Without hesitation, I eagerly accepted the invitation, practically sprinting towards the locker rooms as I hung up the phone. Weaving my way through the throngs of players, I made my way down the hallway, following the director's detailed instructions to locate the home team's lounge and the conference room where they awaited me.

Just as I was about to reach my destination, I was stopped in my tracks by the familiar voice of Pierce. "Hey, where are you headed in such a hurry?" he inquired, his brow furrowing with curiosity. Caught off guard, I hastily concocted a flimsy excuse about needing to meet with the medical staff to stay up-to-date on the latest care and treatment protocols. The words felt clumsy and unconvincing as they left my lips, and I could see the skepticism etched across Pierce's face. "Okay, well, make sure you take notes," he replied, a hint of teasing in his tone. "We like having you around, wouldn't want to lose you 'cause of an error or anything."

As I watched him rejoin his teammates, a curious mix of emotions washed over me. Pierce's parting words had struck a chord, leaving me feeling unexpectedly touched. It was the first time I had heard any of the players express that they genuinely enjoyed my presence and valued the work I did. In that moment, I found myself reluctant to continue on to the meeting, my previous eagerness replaced by a newfound hesitation and a desire to linger in the warmth of Pierce's unexpected acknowledgment.

I made my way into the conference room, my palms sweating and heart pounding, I couldn't help but feel completely out of my element. I shook hands with each member present, gave my best smile taking a seat across the table from them. Here I was, a highly qualified and experienced nurse, the panel before me was an intimidating one - a group of stern-faced doctors and athletic trainers, all of them seasoned veterans in their fields. I tried to sit up straight and appear confident, but inside I was a bundle of nerves. What did I have to offer? Sure my academic and rotation skills were some of the best in my class, and I recently had some hockey experience. I had spent years honing my skills, earning certifications and accolades, but now all of that felt inadequate as I faced this daunting interview. The head doctor, a broad-shouldered man with a graying beard, began firing questions at me rapid-fire, grilling me on my experience with athletic injuries, my familiarity with the unique demands placed on professional athletes' bodies, and my ability to think quickly and adapt in high-pressure situations. I did my best to respond articulately, highlighting my extensive trauma training and my calm, level-headed approach even in the most chaotic circumstances. But I could see the skepticism in their eyes - these were people who pushed their bodies to the absolute limit every day, and they needed someone who could keep up.

As the interview progressed, I found myself increasingly unsure of my chances. The team trainer, a stern-faced woman with piercing eyes, seemed particularly unimpressed by my answers. I worried that my personal background with the current team's coach would be seen as a weakness, that they would view me as someone who wouldn’t have gotten the job without her father.

As the interview finally concluded, a sense of dread and self-doubt began to creep over me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had utterly botched the entire process, completely failing to showcase my true skills and capabilities. All the confidence I had mustered up beforehand had evaporated, replaced by a crippling insecurity that left me longing to retreat back to the familiar comforts of my team. With heavy steps, I made my way through the bustling locker room, bypassing the lively camaraderie and boisterous music that normally would have lifted my spirits. Instead, I felt isolated and out of place, my sole focus being to reach the small, tucked-away office where my dad and Jack were waiting.

The moment I stepped inside, their eyes immediately locked onto me, and I could feel the flush of embarrassment creeping across my cheeks as my glassy eyes betrayed the inner turmoil I was experiencing. My dad, sensing my distress, reached out with a gentle concern, using the childhood nickname he hadn't uttered in years - "Firefly, what's wrong?" I took a deep, steadying breath, struggling to hold back the sniffles that threatened to escape as I recounted the disastrous interview.

"Daddy, don't get mad, but I thought I would be a good fit for the Otters as their head nurse. I had an interview scheduled for four o'clock, but they moved it up to just forty minutes ago. Daddy, it was brutal - I felt so out of my league, and I'm convinced I didn't answer any of the questions right. I feel like I absolutely fucked it up." The words tumbled out, laced with disappointment and self-doubt that I couldn't quite shake.

As Jack quietly excused himself and retreated from the office, shutting the door behind him, I felt tension settling in the air. My father, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation, gently placed the stack of papers he had been reviewing down on the desk before him. Taking a long, steadying breath, he turned to face me, his gaze conveying a mixture of concern and affection. "Is being here so bad?" he asked, the weight of his words hanging heavily between us.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I struggled to find the right words. "No, daddy, that's not it," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. "It's just...I'm an adult now, and I don't want people to think that I only got this job because you're my dad. I don't want them to think that, because you're my father, I can get away with whatever I want." The admission spilled forth, my fears and insecurities laid bare before him.

My father's expression softened, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Sweetie, I didn't pick you because you were my daughter, although that would be reason enough," he said, as I wiped the tears from my cheek. "I picked you because your skills were exceptional. I've seen your grades, your clinical evaluations, and I've heard nothing but great things from your professors." He held up a hand, silencing my attempt to argue. "And don't even try to tell me they said those things because I'm your father. I had Jack call, and no one knew you were my daughter when we spoke to them."

Stepping around the desk, my father enveloped me in a warm, comforting embrace, his strong arms offering a sense of security and reassurance. "Sweetie, I'm sure you nailed it. If they extend the offer, I advise you to do what you think is best - stay or go. Either way, your daddy is proud of you." His words, spoken with unwavering conviction, soothed the anxieties that had been weighing so heavily on my mind, and I found myself melting into his embrace, my fears slowly dissipating as I basked in the unconditional love and support of my father.

Noah’s POV

The sweat chills my forehead as we battle in the heat of the game, muscles burning with the exertion. My left calf throbs with a sharp ache - sometime in the first half, my leg had stretched out too far as I dove for the puck, the sudden overextension pulling at the tender muscle. But there's no time to nurse the injury, not when the Otters are pressing us so relentlessly. They may be leading us by a mere two points, but their seamless teamwork and razor-sharp communication puts our own disjointed efforts to shame. Our captain seems disinterested in coordinating the team, preferring to simply bark orders and expect us to fall in line without any real guidance. One small fuck up and he's quick to berate us, his face twisted into a snarl behind the bite guard clenched between his teeth. I can see the tension in every line of his body as he carves furious paths across the ice, desperately trying to regain control of the game - a game that seems to be slipping through his fingers despite his best efforts. The Otters may have the advantage in skill and strategy, but our own internal discord could very well be our downfall if we don't find a way to come together as a cohesive unit, and soon.

Players from both teams converge in a frenzied scrum at the end of the ice, their skates carving up the frozen surface as they jostle and shove for position. The Otters' center and his flanking teammates are locked in a desperate search, their eyes scanning the chaos for any opening, any sliver of space they can exploit to get a shot on goal. In the midst of the melee, McClain is zeroed in, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the puck as if it were a venomous rattlesnake coiled at his feet, ready to strike. I try to keep track of the elusive rubber disc, but in the heat of the moment, Sanchez comes barreling through, shoving past me and nearly knocking me off balance and onto the ice. Just as I regain my footing, Jolly glides up behind me, lending a steadying hand and helping me find my edges again as the players crash violently into the boards, all of them clawing and scraping in a fierce battle for possession of the puck.

The deafening roar of the crowd quickly gives way to a stunned, eerie silence as the sickening sound of the violent collision echoes through the packed arena. It's a chaotic blur of bodies and jerseys as the players collide, limbs tangling together in a violent frenzy. Suddenly, fists are flying and a wooden stick is snapped in half, the pieces clattering to the ice as the referees rush in to try to separate the brawling athletes. Teammates frantically scramble to pull their players back, desperate to deescalate the ugly situation.

"Charlie!" one of the Otters players shouts out in anguish over the panicked screams of the crowd, and as the bodies clear, my eyes catch the horrific sight. The fallen center lies motionless on the ice, his limbs twisted at unnatural, sickening angles. A dark, ominous pool of red is spreading beneath his left arm, the crimson liquid contrasting against the white ice. The crowd watches in a stunned, horrified trance, the only sound a hushed, disbelieving whisper escaping my lips: "Fuck."

The scene was nothing short of harrowing, as all eyes remained fixated on the crumpled, motionless figure lying on the frozen surface. In a frantic blur of movement, the medics rushed to him, their swift actions cutting through the eerie stillness that had descended upon the arena. The spectators, gripped by dread, waited with bated breath.

As the officials carefully surveyed the ice, assessing the aftermath of the recent scuffle, one of the referees suddenly caught sight of something that immediately piqued his interest. Peering down, I noticed a faint trail of red leading away from the Otter's center, the faded lines disappearing beneath the skates of my own teammate. Sanchez, unbothered, stood calmly with his stick resting casually on the frozen surface, his eyes locking momentarily with those of the officiating crew. And with a sickening, almost taunting sneer, he turned and began making a beeline straight for the penalty box.

***

"What the fuck was that, Sanchez?" my accusatory question hung in the air, laced with the bitterness of a game that had slipped through our fingers. The injury earlier had been the turning point, the moment where everything unraveled and our hard-fought efforts came crashing down. With their center replaced, the Otters had seized the momentum, and try as we might, we just couldn't regain footing, sinking deeper into the agony of defeat.

“What the fuck was what, Sebastian?” he growled at me.

Following the end of the game the rest of the team, still clad in their sweat-soaked uniforms, confronted him relentlessly, voices raised in a cacophony of outrage.

"You fucking brutalized him!" one teammate shouted, the accusation hanging heavy in the air as Sanchez, freshly showered and changed, met their gaze with a defiant shrug.

"Did you see me brutalize him?" he sneered, shrugging his shoulders as he drawled, “It was an accident.”

"Bullshit!" Pierce screamed from across the locker room unwilling to accept Sanchez's nonchalant dismissal of the incident that had cost them the game. Faces were ready and adrenaline was high, I was about to pull back and sock my fist into his smug face when coach barreled into the room.

"Sit the fuck down, all of you!" he bellowed, his voice booming through the tense silence. Collectively, we scrambled to obey, eyes locked on the coach as we settled onto the bench. Coach's hands twisted and clenched, his eyes bulging with barely-contained fury. "That was some bullshit out there," he spat, his words laced with venom. "You played like thieves, not like a team at all. This is NOT how I trained you."

Nick, unable to hold his tongue, suddenly blurted out, "It's all Sanchez's fault!" The accusation hung in the air, drawing a swift retort from Sanders. "Coach, I think Sanchez should be in trouble for this, not us!" he countered.

But coach would have none of it, his booming voice silencing the bickering. "I don't want to hear the blame game!" he bellowed, his face flushed a deep crimson. Turning his gaze to Sanchez, his expression hardened. "Sanchez, your playing for this season is under review. Pending Owens' injury assessment."

At the mention of Owens, a hush fell over the team, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily. I could barely choke out the words past the rage in my throat. "How is he?" I asked, my voice trembling. Coach’s expression softened ever so slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his features.

“At the moment, can't feel his fingers. Sarah and Leo are helping the nursing team with him before sending him to the hospital.” Coach took a deep shaky breath, “I want everyone to shower, pack up and be ready to go. No talking, I want silence. You are all punished, as of this moment you are no longer an NHL team on the way to winning the cup, you are now a rookie team who could learn some manners through discipline.” he stormed away leaving the rest of us sitting in guilt ridden silence. The air in the locker room was thick with tension and unease as we sat in stunned silence, the weight of Coach's words hanging heavily over us.

My heart raced, adrenaline coursing through my veins, as I stared at the spot where he had stormed out, his booming voice still echoing in my ears. I couldn't believe it - one moment we had been riding high, on the cusp of victory, and the next everything had come crashing down around us. Sanchez gripped his gear bag, tossing it over his shoulder as he left the locker room.

“I hope Sarah and Leo can help him.” Jolly's low, hushed voice carried through the silence.

“She’s good, she’ll figure it out.” My little fox knows her stuff. I had full confidence that she was the one who could uncover the truth. She was sharp, determined, and wouldn't rest until she got to the bottom of this. I knew she had the skills and the drive to dig into Owen's medical report and find the evidence we needed to take down Sanchez.

“We need a new captain.” Nick declared, the team collectively nodding their heads.

“We should take a vote,” Pierce offered “Give it to Coach when we get back to Santa Monica.”

“Sanchez won’t go quietly,” McClain warned.

“We need a solid replacement if we are going to go for that target.”

The debate soured and I drowned out the voices, ignoring it all as we each took our showers. The walk back to the bus, and arriving at the hotel was coated in deadly silence. Jolly and I made it to our room and I tossed my gear off in the corner, Jolly flopped on the bed kicking his shoes off letting them fly across the room. I stared at my bed, hands in my pockets deep in thought. My little fox. I hadn’t seen her, felt her, talked to her in weeks-had I fucked it up? My eyes glanced over at the NDA agreement hidden secretly in my backpack. I didn’t need to read it.

The journey back to the hotel had been cloaked in a stifling silence, the weight of unspoken thoughts and unanswered questions hanging heavy in the air. Reaching the hotel, I tossed my gear aside carelessly, the thud as it hit the floor barely registering. Jolly flung himself onto the bed, kicking off his shoes with a frustrated huff, sending them flying across the room. I stood there, hands jammed deep into my pockets, my gaze fixed on the empty mattress before me. The memory of her - my little fox-lingered, a phantom presence that I hadn't been able to reach in weeks.

Had I truly messed things up this time?

My eyes darted to the backpack where the NDA agreement lay hidden. I had signed it the night I got it. I didn't need to re-read the terms; they were seared into my mind. Now, with Sanchez's unsportsmanlike outburst threatening to bring the relentless media vultures circling our team once more, I knew I would need to rely on that NDA to cover my tracks - and hers. Any hint of scandal, any whisper of impropriety, would no doubt be dredged up and paraded before the world as if our team were some twisted reality TV spectacle. I had to protect myself, had to shield us both from the consequences should our clandestine relationship ever be exposed. That NDA would save me from being fired by the coach, certainly, but it would do nothing to stop him from hating me as her father.

But you know what, I didn’t care anymore.

[literary-labyrinth]

OFF THE ICE by Tierney Rose

OFF THE ICE by Tierney Rose (@halliewriteshockey)

“He would never skate again. Never strap on the pads and get between the pipes and play the game he loved more than anything in the world.” 

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🏒rivals to lovers 🏒forced proximity 🏒hurt/comfort

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🦦Labyrinth’s rating

⭐5 💧 2 🔥 2

The first time I read this book, I loved it. The second time I read it, I loved it even more. Tanner and Ethan are so perfect together. Their chemistry is off the charts, seriously. There’s so much angst between them (and for good reasons), but I loved seeing how they both let go of that anger and welcomed each other into their lives. And it was fun. Tanner is a fun character and his and Ethan’s interactions, especially at the beginning, were fun to read in the best possible way. I loved how they both were always there for each other. I’m sorry but Ethan and Tanner raised my expectations for men. 

————————————  “Since when have you cared what I thought?” “Since you made me chicken soup.”

[weathereyehorizon]

Week 1 of #hocktober 🏒💏🌈

Every read this week was a banger for me. My "hockey bois" read tag on Goodreads is now up to 78!

Sucker Punched - Carly Marie ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Daddy/Little - light on the hockey - recommend reading other books in Carly Marie's world first

I'm Your Guy (audiobook) - Sarina Bowen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grumpy/Sassy - everyone has baggage - fantastic character development and realistic relationship development

Bromantic Puckboy - Seen Finley & Saxon James ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Double bi awakening - idiots in love - lots of laughs

[anitabyars]

Description

A standalone age-gap, dad's best friend's hockey romance.

There’s no one more off limits than my best friend’s daughter.

Peggy Aurora Hammerstein. The Toronto Terror’s unofficial team princess. I would never do anything to mess with our team dynamics this late into the hockey season, but seeing her work in the front office changed something for me.

I see her as she is now: a powerful woman with ambition for miles.

When I hold her against me, she fits perfectly.

Her little flirts and taunts push my buttons, if she doesn’t stop–my control just might break.

But I can never cross that line. I can never know what it could be to call her mine.

I’ve never wanted anyone more than Aurora and no one can ever know.

*This is Hollis Hendrix's standalone novel. If you want to meet Hollis before you read this book, check out If You Hate Me, Rix and Tristan's story.

EXCERPT

Malone hops onto the nightstand, and something clatters to the floor. He yowls and bounces like he has springs in his feet, tail poofed out as he races out of the room.

“What’s got you so freaked out?” I frown as I bend to pick up the object. “The hell?”

It takes several seconds for me to process what I’m holding. And when it finally clicks, my brain almost liquifies. I’m holding a superhero vibrator. More specifically, I’m holding Peggy’s superhero vibrator. It can’t belong to anyone else because aside from her dad, she’s the only person with access to my penthouse. And she’s the only woman who’s been here in a long, long time, apart from my younger sister and my niece.

So many questions arise. So fucking many questions.

Like why the hell is her vibrator in my goddamn bedroom? On my nightstand.

My mouth goes dry as I stare at my bed with the two cat-shaped dents near the pillows. Then I glance across the room at one of the two kitty cams I set up but didn’t monitor while I was away. I forgot to even mention they were there.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Did she get herself off in my bed? Why would she get herself off in my bed?

My Review

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved, loved this well written, witty, flirty, steamy, passionate, emotional, age gap, father’s best friend romance. I was hooked from the very beginning with these fantastic characters whose story pulled me in and didn’t let me go until long after I read the last page. This is a fabulous addition to The Toronto Terror Series. So if you love a great sports romance this is the book for you!!

This is Hollis Hendrix and Aurora (Peggy/Hammer) Hammerstein’s story and what a story it is.

“You look like every sin I want to commit, Princess. So, yeah, I acted without thinking.”

I loved this so much because I could feel their frustrations, their longing, their fear, their desire. And their echoing agony as they struggle to do the right thing! As they fight their attraction.

I fell hard and fast for Hollis! And Hammer who wouldn’t want this smart, beautiful, caring, strong woman in their corner for life?

But my favorite part is the tension, the desire, and the passion these two find together! Yowza!!!

I giggled, I swooned, I squirmed, and I fell in love with this beautifully written story. You don’t want to miss this one!

I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[joyffree]

Stick Lessons an MM College Romance by Crea Reitan is Live!

Everyone should learn how to handle a stick.

Atty High school sweethearts, dream wedding, exotic honeymoon, white picket fence, two and a half kids… that’s the dream. My prescribed future. Except, I don’t want any of that. When me and my on/off girlfriend of fifteen years finally call it quits for good, I decide that I’m ready for a new beginning.

I didn’t expect that new beginning to be a dude.

Toby This man is perfect… he obeys like a marionette, lets me bend him and choke him until my heart's content. He lets me dress him up, breed him, and refuse his pleasure as if he were built specifically for my needs.

But Atty isn’t who I thought he was and he’s struggling to find his new identity while I’m freefalling for him off the face of a cliff. I’m not used to needing a safety net in life so there’s a very real chance I’m going to hit the ground like a pancake.

Is love always this tragic?

[romance-me-up]

⭐️NEW REVIEW⭐️ Icebreaker by Hannah Grace Published Nov 2022 iBooks RATING 4/5 REREAD? Maybe! I don’t see myself reaching but maybe the audiobook would be a nice reread I definitely liked this hockey college read better than Elle Kennedy! I think Hannah touched on much more sensitive subjects which I appreciated. I love how Anastasia is so secure and open with her sexual cravings, very refreshing to have a grumpy fmc! Nathan is new with the sunshine but all around a cutie pie! I definitely recommend! Enjoy:) Blurb: Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team. Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins. Nate’s focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating team—including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him. But when Anastasia’s skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot. Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried…because she could never like a hockey player, right? #icebreaker #icebreakerhannahgrace #romancebooks #hockeyromance #smutbooks #anastasiaallen #nathanhawkins #romancebookstagram #bookworm #bookedit #hannahgrace #bookrecommendations #dirtybooks #collegeicehockey #booklover #grumpyxsunshine https://www.instagram.com/p/CmCHr52LYNs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[musicartmayheminmyheart]

It's finally here!! Off to fall in love. If you need to get ahold of me, please wait until Tuesday to do so. #readingiscool😎 #hockeyromance #whychooseromance #emilyrath https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp_yxGYME3a/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[allthingsdarkanddirty]

 NEW RELEASE 

We are thrilled to celebrate BODY SHOT by Kat Mizera is NOW LIVE!

#1ClickHere: https://geni.us/BodyShotKM

He’s not looking for love, and she isn’t looking for him… but when opposites attract, the rules of the game change.

Anders

As a pro hockey player for the Lauderdale Knights, my life is great—friends, hockey, and casual flings are all I need. Love isn’t even on my radar. But I’ll admit, dating my teammate’s hot sister sounds like a fun distraction.

Until I see her shy, nerdy friend sitting alone at the team party. Claudia’s nothing like the women I usually go for. She’s awkward, brilliant, and inexperienced, and I still find myself wanting more.

The problem? She’s headed back to Philadelphia, and I’m stuck here in Lauderdale.

Claudia

One bad experience left me done with men. I’ve got a great job, supportive family, and friends who mean the world to me. The last thing I need is a smooth-talking playboy hockey hunk trying to worm his way into my heart— and pants.

But then I meet Anders, my best friend’s brother’s teammate, the swoon-worthy Swedish player who’s breaking through my walls.

What started as one week together turns into something I never expected. But I can’t trap him like his ex did. I love him too much.

So I’ll let him go… even if it breaks my heart.

CW: This book has themes that could be sensitive for some readers. For more information, please check this book’s listing on my website.

[theseeingfawn]

How dare hockey romances make hockey players sound like a bunch of hunks. Let me tell you ladies there are not... most of them are missing teeth.

[suzannerogers]

Play the Game by S.J. Sylvis is now LIVE!

Blue Devils Hockey Series Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y1CAyr Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4buZbHr#NewAdultRomance #SportsRomance #MarriageofConvenience #HockeyRomance #RomanticSuspense #Valentineprlm 

[introvertspaceca]

Book Appreciation of Collide by Bal Khabra

Me reading Collide by Bal Khabra 🏒🥅😊😂💕

Hi, I’ll try to express my thoughts in the best way that I can about this book. It has been a while since I’ve read a paperback book and not a fanfiction about Buddie from 9-1-1. If you know, you know. But this book by Bal Khabra got me out of my slump, and I’m glad. It pretty much had everything that I liked in a book. So let’s get to my somewhat brief summary. Summary If I can summarize this…

[nerdraging4point0]

Power Play (Hockeyplayer!Noah AU) Masterpost

Tropes and tags: hockey player romance, angsty romance, hidden relationship, forbidden relationship, smutty, MF, PinV, public adjacent sex, rough sex, minor cnc dynamics, multiple POV, hockey player shenanigans, locker room talk, aggressive hockey players, possessive male, protective male.

Author's Note: Please note although this uses real people’s faces and likeness in an AU writing it does NOT in any way reflect the person specifically. I cannot stress enough how upset it will make me to find my work shared on other platforms, including ones that the band has direct access to. This is fan-fiction and if we want nice things, follow the rules. Also, I realize his last name is Davis, however, for the sake of the story and the fact that I like the name Sebastian so much it is the name we will be using for his surname. Thank you, and enjoy!

Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3 // Chapter 4 // Chapter 5 // Chapter 6 // Chapter 7 // Chapter 8 // Chapter 9 // Chapter 10 // Chapter 11 // Chapter 12 //

Fanclub: @tearfallpixie @ladyveronikawrites @beaker1636 @missduffsblog @alwaysfightforwhoyouare @rumoured-whispers @sorrowsofsilence @sundamariis @letmeadoreyoux @lilrubles @shilohrosechicken @mysticdoodlez @sinkingteethinwhitenoise @deathblacksmoke @somebodyels3 @flowery-mess

[literary-labyrinth]

GOALIE TANDEM by Tierney Rose

GOALIE TANDEM by Tierney Rose (@halliewriteshockey)

“Theo’s grumpy when you’re not here. “

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🏒age gap

🏒grumpy/sunshine

🏒hero worship 

🏒roommates to lovers

🏒 “““rivals””” to lovers 

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🦦Labyrinth’s rating

⭐4

🔥 2.5

The storytelling is good as always, good plot and there was a good characterisation of the characters. But the characters is where it gets tricky for me.

Nikla is incredible. He’s sunshiny, he sees the best in people and he always wants to be true to himself, all characteristics that made me love him quite a lot. Overall, Nikla is a character that is SOO easy to love. Theo, however, is not. He is a very complex character, who I loved at times but I was mostly annoyed with. He’s the grump of the relationship but that’s not what’s wrong with him. Theo carries around so much shame that makes him pass as a coward, and at times he is. And that would also be ok if we (and Nikla) were given some context about that. Yes, we learnt that there was a reason behind his being reserved about his sexuality but we never learnt the whole story, which could have helped to understand the shame he was carrying. The other thing I didn't like about him was that all throughout the book he tried to make decisions for Nikla and pass onto him the shame that he himself was carrying.

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“He’d had his sexual epiphany about Theo fucking Wallin, for fuck’s sake- he was never, ever going to be normal around him.”

[romcombc]

Book Review for Body Check

As a huge fan of Elle Kennedy's contemporary hockey romances, it was a delight to discover that "Body Check" was not just her first contemporary romance, but also her first hockey romance—where it all began. Although "Body Check" is currently a standalone, the material is ripe for additional books, even 15 years later! While I’m not certain how the original book fared, this extended version with added content and sporadic rewrites is definitely the Elle Kennedy we know and love!

Hayden was supposed to come to Chicago, support her father, and then return to her simple, easygoing life in California. Instead, she found herself at a bar with her best friend Darcy, looking to scratch an itch that her boyfriend of two months had no intention of addressing. Having asked Doug for a break, Darcy convinces Hayden to “get it out of her system” with a one-night stand, so she can focus on her father and be all the happier (and calmer). Not quite her style, Hayden decides to give in to temptation in the form of a gorgeous gentleman currently playing pool across the room.

Brody was done with casual hookups and one-night stands. As a left-winger for the Warriors, he had his share of puck bunnies and just wanted a woman who could see past the uniform. He had no interest in taking anyone home that night, not until the unexpected goddess approached him at the pool table. She didn’t seem to recognize him, which could easily be faked, but the fact that she swept the floor with him at the pool table was very real! Intrigued and aroused, Brody agrees to join Hayden for a “nightcap.” What he didn’t agree to, as Hayden quickly learns, is to never see her again the morning after. Not realizing the pure determination of a man who always gets what he wants, Hayden gives in to Brody’s relentless pursuit, setting ground rules for their fling that has a clear expiration date. Unfortunately, her heart didn’t get the same memo. As Hayden’s world starts to turn upside down, she has to decide if the life she wants, the future she needs, is more important than the opportunity standing in front of her.

Providing an array of emotions from beginning to end, "Body Check" is yet another triumph of Elle Kennedy’s talent. From moments that have you laughing despite yourself to tears you didn’t anticipate, Hayden and Brody’s story will capture you and leave you hoping against hope that this is only the beginning.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Check out the spoiler-free review in the Facebook Group - The Romantic Comedy Book Club or the full review on the main website: https://romcombc.com/book/body-check/

[anitabyars]

If You Need Me (Toronto Terror #3)

by Helena Hunting

🏒🍑 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 🍑🏒

It’s release day for If You Need Me, a brand new enemies to lovers, fake engagement hockey romance from Helena Hunting.

A standalone enemies-to-lovers, fake engagement hockey romance.

I’ve been secretly in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since the third grade.

I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian.

Except she hates me.

To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile.

To Hemi, I’m the menace who (accidentally) sank her bike to the bottom of the lake.

I never thought I’d be able to right my wrongs until she took the team’s PR job.

I’d hoped I was making progress, winning her over—one geriatric polka party at a time.

Until I got drunk one night and made a mistake. A very big mistake.

Now the world thinks we’re both very much in love–—except Hemi is absolutely in loathe.

To save our jobs and reputations, we have to convince all our friends, family, and bosses that our fake relationship is the real deal.

I’ll do anything to protect her, especially if it means I get to be the best boyfriend Hemi never expected.

About Helena Hunting:

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her adorable, emotional cat, who thinks the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from emotional contemporary romance to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.

Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1y6OBB7

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helena-hunting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helena.hunting69/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helenahunting

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/helenahunting

NEWSLETTER: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f4p1t7

My Review

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If You Need Me by Helena Hunting.

My new favorite book!! I seriously wish I could explain just how much fun this book is to read. I laughed a lot! I cried (happy tears). I found myself kicking my feet while I was giddy and swooning over how completely obsessed and deeply in love Dallas

is for Hemi.

I LOVED IT SO MUCH!

This is Dallas and Hemi’s story and I was OBSESSED by this couple and this story!

Wilhelmina, Reddi-Grinst, known by the team as Hemi, is the PR director for the Toronto Terror, the professional hockey team that Dallas Bright plays for.

Hemi is also the woman of Dallas’s dreams and has been for years. Unfortunately, she hates him and she has good reason. They’ve known each other since kindergarten, and he was part of some of her most terrible memories growing up.

So to get back at him, she enjoys signing him up for the worst of the worst: volunteer assignments, and he puts up with it all, just so he gets to be with her. But she has no idea how he feels.

But after a drunken mishap leads the world to believe they’re in a serious relationship, they must enter into a fake relationship to protect their jobs and reputations. What starts as a PR nightmare could turn into something real if Dallas can prove he’s more than her past memories.

“I’m starting to believe in those kisses, in the soft ways he shows up for me.”

Dallas is the perfect swoon-worthy hero, with his charm and vulnerability, who goes all in to win Hemi’s heart. Hemi’s strengths, confidence, and no-nonsense attitude make her an unforgettable heroine.

This enemies-to-lovers with a fake relationship twist romance captured my heart and soul, with a hot, fun-loving hockey hunk and a nerdy, outspoken heroine that works in PR.

Dallas and Hemi’s slow-burn romance is full of sassy banter, laugh-out-loud moments, angst, heartwarming scenes, anxiety complications, sizzling chemistry, and the spice…between these two is off-the-charts HOT!

Helena Hunting brings the perfect balance of humor and emotion in this entertaining, beautiful, heartwarming romance, making this my new number one read of 2024!!!

Gah. I. Am. Wowed. Five stars!

I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[joyffree]

🏒 NEW RELEASE 🏒

UNDRESSED IN THE CREASE by K. Kinley is NOW LIVE!

Don’t miss this college hockey romance!

One-click today! FREE in KU!

BLURB:

LENNY

Nick Miller is a legend in the making. The best college hockey goalie in the country and the best looking. He’s known for being a player on and off the ice, but hockey is his only love. That’s why I can’t fall for him. I need to keep my focus on my classes and not on the gorgeously handsome man that keeps popping up in my life and in my bed. I need to prove to all the men I’m just as good of a sports journalist,

not get my heart broken by an athlete. But the sweeter Nick is and the more I get to

know him, the harder I’m falling.

NICK

Lenny Briggs is like no woman I’ve ever been with. The more I get of her, the more I crave her. She’s real, passionate, and just as ambitious as I am. Hockey comes first, it always has and she gets that.I can’t give her anything serious, but when all she wants is to be friends I realize how dumb I’ve been all along. I need her and I’m not letting her go.

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