So it’s almost that time of year again. That’s right. Hockey season! What? A girl can’t enjoy people smashing other people into plexiglass? Ok. I have to admit that I’ve never actually been to a real, live hockey game. But I’ve read about lots. For some reason, hockey players have become de rigueur for fiction writers. And I’m here for it (almost) every time. These are some good reads, and a couple are some of the better romance books I’ve read for a while.
A musician and a hockey player? Ok, that’s fun. Usually it’s an ice skater or a ballerina. That said, I’m not sure the author really grasps how music school works. No one in music school would work for months on just one song. (Sorry. I went to music school and I’m picky about how it’s portrayed.) Despite that, I really enjoyed this one. I thought the two main characters had good depth and there was more to the relationship than just jumping into bed. I’ve heard a rumor that this was picked up to be a series for Amazon Prime Video. And this book kicks off what is currently a five book series, so if you’re like me, you’ve got some catching up to do. Better get your copy checked out and get started today!
Stephanie Archer is dangerous. You think, “Oh, I’ll just read about 20 pages until I get sleepy,” then the next thing you know half the book is gone and it’s way past your bedtime. Vancouver Storm is a whole series of dynamite reads that are, yes, about hockey players. The series starts with Behind the Net (which I read in one day), then moves to The Fake Out (which I read the next day - it was a good weekend), then we get The Wingman (which took me two days cuz…life), and Gloves Off (that I’m still waiting on my hold, but I’m excited because I like Volkov and the doc). There is also a rumor of a fifth book, The Wild Card, coming in 2026. If you want some good characters who just happen to play hockey, these are your books. This one might be my favorite sports series in general.
Why is it I always leave the best books to sit on my desk for so long? I’ve had this one checked out, on and off, for a while and finally pulled the trigger. Oh my goodness. It is so good. I loved these characters. Landon gets called up to the NHL to play goalie and the team’s star (and major extravert) Casey immediately becomes his best friend. Or more? Landon is naturally quiet and a little socially awkward, which I totally get, and folks like that need a good Casey in their lives. This couple was so cute. I didn’t want to stop reading it once I started. If you want a good M/M hockey book, don’t miss this one.
I enjoy Elle Kennedy books, and this is apparently one of her older titles. I have to say that I really liked it though. Hayden goes home to help out her dad as he goes through a divorce and tries to figure out what is going on with his hockey team. The first night she gets there, she picks out a hot guy in the bar to have a little fun. Turns out he’s the star on her dad’s team. This was a spicy romance, but I must admit that I actually enjoyed the story about the hockey team (bribery, playoffs, etc) more than the romance. I checked this one out in audio, but NPL also has print if that is more your speed. Either way, this one is worth the effort.
I actually started reading this at the big downtown food court while I was waiting for a concert. I didn’t realize that it was gonna rip my heart out in the first chapter. Ember answers the door to soldiers and knows that her dad is gone. When her mom falls apart, Ember has to hold her family together. I was sitting there thinking, “Ok, I can’t cry in public. I can’t cry in public.” I don’t usually like sappy books, but man this one was good. I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read by Yarros. While there is hockey, this isn’t the most hockey-forward book. But in this case, the story itself is so good, I don’t really mind. If you haven’t read Yarros yet, this may be a good place to start. This one kicks off her Flight and Glory series that is currently 5 books long. Yay! More good reading.
I’ve never read anything by this author and I must admit that my expectations weren’t too high. And then I started reading. Whew. This one was good too. In fact, I may have saved the best for last here. Nick Sorensen was the only survivor of a chartered flight that killed his five best friends and teammates. When his hockey team trades him to Detroit, he has problems getting his life restarted. His apartment has a single chair and a game system. But when his coach tells him he either needs to fix up his apartment or start seeing a therapist, he chooses the easier of the two. Enter cute decorator Alyssa. This was such a good story. I wish there was more to the series.
Ok friends. Pick your fave team and get out there. Who knows? Maybe I’ll actually get to a Preds game this year. Fingers crossed…
Happy hat-tricking… (it’s the only hockey term I know)
:) Amanda
