The Novel Navigator

Let me tell you… I love a hockey romance series. And unsurprisingly, I am in the midst of another one right now. So far, it’s been so so nice to settle into a world of kind-hearted, thoughtful, often silly men who YEARN for their women. I appreciate being immersed in a world that’s so anti-toxic masculinity, especially knowing that a lot of mens professional sports can be very toxic in real life.

I’m only a couple of books in so check back over time as I update this page with each book’s review!

Face Off, book 1

One word came to mind as I was reading the first book in the D.C. Stars series – refreshing.

Emmy is a female athlete in a men’s league and when she gets the call up to the NHL, she joins a team where she instantly buts heads with the playboy team captain, Maverick. As you learn more about their stories, of course you (and Emmy) fall for the silly golden retriever captain with a heart of gold. I love a silly golden retriever hockey boy figuring himself out and supporting his girl on the down low so they don’t get found out. And Emmy being a bad ass first of her kind lady professional athlete was a refreshing break in often repetitive sports romance plots. She was a bad bitch!!

Also, I’d like to call out that in typical contemporary and sports romances there is often a third act breakup… which I absolutely hate. They’re often drawn out, sometimes there’s some infidelity that occurs, the characters get really hurt by mean/rude words, relationships with side characters gets fucked up, etc. While Emmy and Mav had a third act breakup, it was super quick and really didn’t feel like one. I dislike the feeling that the other shoe is going to drop, it kind of takes away from the story for me, and thankfully there wasn’t a crazy amount of buildup to their time apart or a lengthy separation. They knew when they fucked up and set out to fix it. — I make a point of mentioning this because for me, knowing that if there is a breakup and it’s quick, I’m even more inclined to read the novel! This one was a 10/10 for me!

Power Play, book 2

Now let me tell you…. this book and the main characters were like a warm hug. Maybe it was because I’ve never felt so connected to an FMC before and the way the MMC took care of her is something I crave. But gosh darn, I never wanted their story to end!

Piper and Liam… how do I even begin to tell you about their story without ruining things? Piper is looking for help in the bedroom (no, not putting together furniture) and spur of the moment asks the grumpy hockey goalie on the team she does PR for to be that guy. Of course he says yes and man oh man does he take care of her and teach her so much about herself. Not only were her wants and needs and desires were so relatable, but so were her struggles in confidence, doubts and worries and because of that, the whole book was just so good and gosh darn RELATABLE. I know I keep saying that but dang, if I had the care, love, guidance and encouragement by someone like Liam, my confidence would skyrocket just like Piper’s did. (Am I looking for a Dom?? Maybe a Dom/lifecoach?? Can someone write a book about that for me?????)

Despite thinking something bad was going to happen and there would be an eventual third act break up, there wasn’t! It was a dream. Their communication was beyond amazing, consent was perfection. Liam and Piper were perfect. 10/10, chefs kiss

Slap Shot, book 3

HUDSONNNNNNNNNNN. Huddy Boy. My angel, my love. Y’all. I love a good guy. And Hudson is the best of the best. In the first two books, Hudson has been a rock for the other characters. He’s been their guide for what’s right, their confidante, an advocate for others, the guy they turn to for advice and a helping hand and I’m so much more obsessed with him after reading his story. Sweet Hudson has dealt with loss of his mother years prior and that beautiful relationship he had with his mom made him a special guy that was the perfect fit for Madeline, a single mom, and her daughter. He’s welcoming and thoughtful and so inclusive. This book made my heart ache for Hudson cause every time his grief was touched on, I felt it so viscerally. I’ve dealt with the loss of a loved one recently and it was so real to be able to relate to a character on such a level. Chelsea does such a wonderful job of drawing you in and creating this world where you feel seen.

I cried quite a bit during this story, not only because of the grief portrayed so heartbreakingly, but also because of the inclusivity that Hudson and the team embodied. Madeline’s daughter is deaf and I loved the dedication they all had to bring them both into the fold, to make sure they felt seen and included. American Sign Language was a bit part of my college career and a path I almost followed to become an interpreter. I love how Chelsea brought the history and current experience of deaf individuals and their families into the story in such a touching way. Serious props to Chelsea on another 10/10

Hat Trick, book 4

Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea. I’m not sure what kind of drug you’ve put in this series but I am so obsessed. Lexi and Riley are so hot and Lexi is such a badass boss lady. I love how this sweet, quiet guy has another side to him and Lexi gets so sink into that side in a way that she’s comfortable in. The flip side of that coin though is a HEARTBREAKING plot line that you get to experience alongside the characters. The loss of a BIG part of yourself and how to claw your way out of depression and learn to lean on your support system is so thoroughly and responsibly written about that you feel what the character feels. I cried so much during Riley and Lexi’s story, probably more than I did in Hudson and Madelines. The lows were tough but the highs were so worth it and I can’t encourage you enough to go read this book and this series, it’s easily climbing its way into the top 10 series for me.

Also, have I mentioned yet that all the boys started a romance book club and have monthly meetings where they talk about the book?? I love them so much and I love that Riley doesn’t just read the book club book, but he reads a lot more than that and he shares his romance books with Lexi and even pick out books for each other. SWOON. DREAMS. That, the communication between each couple, the lack of a third act breakup, the most supportive and obsessed boys, the badass women, and the level of express consent that each guy so adamantly pushes for is it for me. this book and this series is a 10/10 for me (and I haven’t even finished the series!). If you like any or all of these things, please give Maverick, Liam, Hudson and Riley a shot! Maybe it’ll make you want to give Coach Saunders, Ethan and Grant a go as well (hehe).

reviews to come:

Sin Bin, book 5

Cross Check, book 6 – not available until late 2026

Weak Side, book 7 – not available until late 2026