She isn’t supposed to want him. He isn’t supposed to want her. But wanting each other is inevitable.Clint McCarthy has finally achieved his dream of playing for a professional hockey program, and is eager to make his mark with his new team. While getting settled in his new city, he happens across Bree Stone, whom he has known for years, with their respective brothers both being in the famed … in the famed Belltown Six Pack. But for the life of him, he can’t remember Bree ever looking so attractive. Or being so captivating. Or taking over his every waking thought.
In the middle of her graduate degree, Bree has no time or desire for working on her dating life, or lack thereof, but the impossibly handsome Clint McCarthy coming back into her life makes everything complicated. She shouldn’t be focusing on him, or on them, not when her professional future hangs in the balance. But once she hears about Clint’s past with the Northbrook Hockey Elite program, and where that program stands now, Bree just might find a way to make her career, and a future with Clint, come to life.
Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite!
Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.
Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances
Northbrook Hockey Elite Series:
Faceoff
Powerplay
Rebound
Crosscheck
Breakaway
Shootout
more
Yay!!! I’m so happy there is another sports romance series from this trio of authors! There is a tie-in from the Belltown Sixpack characters, but this one is definitely all hockey. I think what makes these books stand out to me is how effortlessly well-developed the characters are; I feel like I get to know them quickly and their personalities are unique. Clint is in a major transition of his life and while he’s capable and confident, we also see a vulnerable side of him as he gets used to his new circumstances. I love how his friendship with Bree progresses naturally to romance and the maturity they both have in their relationship as they fall in love but also realize that there are major parts of each others lives that they choose not to compete with, rather, they support and encourage each other. And they have *great* chemistry! Bree has not been a hockey fan but learns the game for Clint’s sake which was super sweet and fun how it impresses him. I enjoyed the descriptions of the game play and how it brought the emotion and intensity of the players to life. We are introduced to the characters the future books in the series will feature- the alumni from Clint’s youth hockey league who are working together to revitalize the program. I am so excited to continue reading this series, especially after such a strong first book!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
What I enjoyed:
• Laughter is a great way to draw a reader into a story and the witty banter that occurs between all of the characters did just that.
• There is also, a lot of texting between the other characters. The texting banter gives the reader a lot to smile about.
• I liked the hockey theme to the story.
• The romance between Bree and Clint was believable.
• The pacing was good. Not too fast nor too slow.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel.
• The story was well written, edited, and flowed smoothly.
• This was a clean read.
The banter between Bree and Clint kept me smiling throughout the whole book. If you want a read that will make you feel good all the way to the end, you will want to read this novella.
I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
I love it when an author can use meaningful conflict to produce a really satisfying read. The characters were so fun and real, despite what their backgrounds may have indicated. Reading this was a reminder to me of the love I can surround myself with. It reminded me of the impact I can potentially make by using my true self in a way that fills me with passion for good. That passion is contagious. Life takes beautiful turns at times and I love how this book so skillfully captured a few of those turns. After finishing it, I’m thoughtfully content, ready to be invested in things and people I value, and oh so happy for another great Rebecca Connolly book. Keep them coming! I asked my library to purchase this and hope that many others get to enjoy the treat!
Bree and Clint have brothers who are part of the professional baseball Six Pack friendship. There is a general understanding that siblings or group members really shouldn’t date each other.
“Her birthday texts were unfailingly epic.
Instead of having just one older brother, she really had six.”
After Clint returns from service in the Marines, he is recruited into a professional hockey team in the same town where Bree is finishing her master’s degree in public administration. They meet again by accident at a basketball game and are blindsided by their mutual attraction. Clint and Bree begin seeing each other every day.
Troubles mount as Clint faces off against hockey players with a personal vendetta against him. News that his old hockey club is going under is especially disturbing and Bree needs to find an internship for the next semester which could take her far away. And how will their brothers and the rest of the Six Pack respond to news about their relationship status? Will being Six Pack siblings put Clint and Bree more in the spotlight than they are comfortable with?
“You don’t want to be the next big thing?”
He shook his head, still smiling. “Nope. Well, if I earn it, maybe. But not as an accessory to the Six Pack, you know? And having them be there is just going to drag the spotlight over to me, and what’s that going to do except bring attention to my playing?”
He sighed, fighting for the words that he hadn’t confided to anyone yet. “I just want to play, Bree. I’ve always just wanted to play.”
The story is interesting. I wish I could give it more stars but somehow I didn’t develop a strong emotional connection to this sweet romance. Perhaps it is because I don’t know sports culture. My family watched a lot of basketball while I was growing up but that was about it. Shocking, right? So, I felt just a little lost with the sports conversations at times. Each one was amusing yet even more funny I’m sure to someone who loves sports.
Descriptions of Bree’s classes and internship fascinated me most as I studied and enjoyed accounting in college. I loved Bree and Clint’s relationship as they helped each other succeed. The surprise resolution to the conflicts is heart-warming.
I was confused when a few characters were called by their first name sometimes and by nickname on other occasions. This was especially confusing when those names started with the same letter of the alphabet. Here’s a brief rundown of several characters’ names as a reference.
* Zane Winchester is Zamboni which I find hilarious.
* Declan Rivera is Dice
* Trane Jones is Diesel
Something about the hero seemed so natural… The name Clint is so familiar to me, it’s the same as my husband’s, it didn’t register until half way through the book. My husband noticed his name right away as he glanced over my shoulder at the story! What’s not to love about Clint?
My favorite Clint quotes from Faceoff:
“Clint was amazing” (He sure is!)
“I love you, Clint.”
There were only one or two mild swear words in this book which is a pleasant surprise after reading Rebecca Connolly’s previous Regency romance novel My Fair Spinster. Descriptions in Faceoff are exciting. It felt like I was actually present. Characters are also fun. I am curious to see if Bree’s roommates have a relationship with someone in the Northbrook set in future books! If you like sweet and clean contemporary romance or are a sports fan, this may be a great game play for you.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Review first appeared on BookofRuthAnn.com
The first in a series of six taking place in the world of hockey. I didn’t know much about hockey before starting the series, but I’m excited to learn more! Sounds super intense as a sport! I love the start of this ‘spin off’ series from the Belltown Six Pack. Bree and Clint are in Six Pack Sib club and have been friends for years. But when Clint moves to the same town Bree lives in, they start spending more time together and a deep relationship grows. But how do they tell their siblings? And how do they stay together when it looks like Bree will have to move to finish up her education? Will they be able to figure out a way to stay together and both have their dreams?
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really enjoy these three authors so when I learned about their Belltown Six series I was elated. When I found out they were writing another sports series, I was even more excited. I love the connection to the Belltown Six, and even that this is how they knew each other in the first place.
Clean romance. Great chemistry. Lots of sports but also a great purpose and direction for the whole group of former teammates, friends, family, and this completely brings the two of them together as well. Always a good story expected and this one both delivered AND made me excited for both the rest of this series and the possibility of more sports romance in the future.
One of my favorite things from this author is her talent for witty banter, where you find yourself just grinning at the snarkiness of it all. Definitely present in this book as well.
I received a copy to review and everything I said is my own opinion. If I didn’t like it I’d say so, and I probably wouldn’t have finished it haha.
Being a fan of the Belltown Six Pack series, I had high expectations for this new Northbrook Hockey Elite series, and despite a few things that weren’t my taste, it was a pretty strong and cute start to another Swoony Sports series!
I am a die-hard football fan and know absolutely nothing about hockey, but that’s an element that I felt added to it’s charm, with me learning about the sport right along with Bree. The writing is engaging, and I love the continuation of the Six Pack into this new series.
What wasn’t for me was the “perfect” relationship between Clint and Bree. It’s all lovey-dovey smooches, and ‘you’re so perfect, you’re so amazing,’ scenes that left me gagging on the over scaccarintness, and craving something more palatable and real.
The premise as a whole is charming and, like I said, I believe it to be a decent start to the series. I just wish the ‘perfection’ could’ve been toned down a bit, with a little more conflict added, to make the story more believable.
This was such a great story! I loved the way these two characters bonded and they way their love grew. I liked them both so much fright from the start. I loved all of the hockey scenes, too. Made me feel like I was seeing the games as they happened. Read on Kindle Unlimited.
This is a series opener for a new series about pro hockey players. It connects to the previous series about the Six Pack baseball players through the main characters Clint and Bree who are siblings to a Six Pack player. Thus, there are multiple scenes which involve the characters from the previous series.
Clint is Grizz’s younger brother who has returned home from a tour of duty in the marines and he has decided to do what he loves best – play hockey. Bree is Ryker’s little sister and she’s in grad school in St Louis where Clint ends up on the pro team. Naturally, they meet and there’s instant attraction.
However, what I enjoyed most about this story was the humor. I found myself smiling or actually laughing throughout. Yes, there’s little to no conflict, but it’s still a very sweet story with a believable development of the romance.
Romance – PG / lots of kissing
Language – PG
Violence – only if you include a “hit” during a hockey game
My rating – 5 stars.
This was a very cute and romantic story about two old friends who come to see each other as more. We get to see their relationship and their romance blossom over time and over their dates. They certainly do not rush anything and the authors prolong their first kiss till you as the reader are about ready to jump out of your skin.
I like that this was not an angsty book and that their relationship was healthy and hopeful. The problems that they faced they worked together on and that was a refreshing read.
This is also a romance that takes place around sports. Specifically hockey which I know next to nothing about. But that’s ok, I came for the romance anyway.
This is the start of a new series that focuses on 6 guys from a club they grew up in called Northbrook Hockey Elite. I look forward to more of these men’s stories and their journey to happily ever after with their lady loves.
I received a copy of this novel from the authors. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I can’t tell you how excited I am for this series! After reading (and LOVING!) the Belltown baseball series, I’ve been anxious to get started on this one. I actually know next to nothing about hockey which makes me more like Bree because I was raised with baseball but that isn’t going to stop me from enjoying this series!
One of my favorite things about this story is that Clint is in from the first moments of seeing Bree again. He is pursuing her and she knows it. The chemistry and the intensity increases between them and I could feel it. It was a natural progression of feelings. I love that once Clint and Bree are in it, they don’t have any major misunderstanding that drives them apart. They work on a problem together but they don’t ever fight. That was refreshing and I loved it.
The first kiss was yummy, Bree’s friends and the whole hockey community are fun, and I love that we don’t have to say goodbye to the six pack! This book was so good and I can’t wait for the next book, out next month!! Yay!!
Content: kissing
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Time can really change the way you view a person, as Clint and Bree found out. They’re the younger siblings of two members of the Belltown Six Pack and when they end up in the same city and run into each other, sparks definitely fly, as they see each other in a whole new light.
I’m so excited for this new sports series. I don’t know a lot about hockey, but as it turns out, my youngest daughter is preparing to play and this is the perfect chance for me to learn about the sport. I loved learning right along with Bree and wow, I’m super excited for this series!
It was a treat to come back home to the Belltown Six Pack, as they were all over in this story, but a new group of athletes has emerged and I’m just as excited to get to know this group, especially the one who made a horrible first impression.
Because Clint and Bree have a connected past, their romance blooms almost instantly and I couldn’t get enough of the swoon and chemistry–it was delicious! Bring on the hockey and the love!
Content: mild+ romance (swoony, kissing)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I loved this book! It’s a clean romance that sucked me in from the very first page.
This one is kind of a spin off from the Belltown Six Pack novels I read last year. If you haven’t read them, do! But this new series isn’t about baseball players like the other series was, this one’s about hockey players. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, I’ve never watched any hockey. But that didn’t matter at all.
I loved that Faceoff features Clint and Bree. They’re both siblings of the Belltown Six Pack members. That made their romance even more special. It felt like the romance moved more quickly because they already knew each other. I really liked the natural way the whole book worked.
The characters were fantastic. I felt as though they could walk off the page. Seriously, I can’t wait to see who else will be included in the rest of the series because I liked this one so much!
If you like clean romance, make time to read this one! I loved it!
I was sent an e-copy of Faceoff as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Loved it. The chemistry between Clint and Bree is great! The conversion from baseball to hockey for Bree was fun to read about. I love that the Belltown Six-pack are back.
I highly recommend.
What a great start to a new series by the authors who gave us the Belltown Six Pack baseball series. I loved this story about Clint and Bree who are siblings of the famous Six Pack, #SixPackSibs.
I loved Clint and Bree and thought they were adorable; especially their meet-cute. They already know each other because of their famous brothers but don’t see each other that often since their siblings have made it to the pros. I loved that the whole Six Pack gang is there when Clint gets his call to join a major hockey team, and I love the support he receives from everyone.
I enjoyed the story that introduces us to the rest of the Northbrook Hockey Elite. I think we’ve all heard of a community center/sports facility that was once a great place but over time loses financing, interest from the community or both. I really liked how Bree was able to get everyone to come together with each person working in their own area of expertise, and how other sports got involved with the challenges. I loved the little mentions of the Belltown Six Pack so we could get caught up on the guys.
This story had everything–humor, romantic tension between the main characters, swoony moments, tender moments. I had all the feels while devouring this book. I don’t think you have to be a fan of hockey to enjoy it. I’m not into sports and loved the Belltown baseball series. You also don’t have to read the Belltown series before reading this one, but I think this book will make you want to read all about the boys from Belltown. This is a clean romance.
I’m an avid hockey fan and have been for twenty plus years, so of course, this book got my attention.
Faceoff is an excellent introduction to the men that make up the Northbrook Hockey alumni that (I hope) will be featured in the upcoming books in the series. It also strikes the right balance between introducing newbies to the speed, excitement, and athleticism involved in hockey while entertaining those who don’t necessarily need the Hockey 101 explanations.
From the moment Clint and Bree meet up in Faceoff, I couldn’t wait for the two of them to get together. Yes, it’s fast but since they’re Six Pack Sibs with years of history (and mutual friends who are more like family), it’s believable.
Bring on the next installment. I can’t wait to find out more history of these Northbrook players. Zane piqued my interest the most of this crew.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I’m about as far from a sports fan as you can get, but I love Faceoff and the series The Northbrook Hockey Elite came from, The Belltown Six Pack. Clint and Bree are extremely likable characters. I loved the banter between them, their siblings, and teammates. The plot moves along at a good pace. The epilogue is fantastic! I highly recommend Faceoff to clean/wholesome romance readers, sports fans or not. I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.
I liked that this is a romance but the conflict in the story wasn’t in their relationship. Instead it was working together to overcome another difficulty making it a plot different from what I often read. I also liked that this is billed as a Hockey series and the book actually had hockey in it. So often sports themed series just have the athlete’s career in a sport but the reader doesn’t ever really see any of it. So those two points made this unique to what I’ve seen in the past. I’m not a hockey fan and understand less about the sport than Bree did but the book was still enjoyable.
The romance moves fast and like I said, there is never any real conflict in their relationship other than a few moments of misgiving in the siblings. I liked Bree and Clint as main characters. And I enjoyed the banter between all the athletes as well as Bree. The group texts were fun.
Enjoyable read.
Sex: some kisses
Language: no
Violence: some rough hockey scenarios
*I received a complimentary arc of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I loved this first book of the Northbrook Hockey Elite series! It was so well-written, and the characters were wonderful. It was fun to see a spin-off from the Belltown Six Pack series, to get to see familiar as well as new characters. I loved this sweet, clean, happily ever after romance. Such a great story! I’m looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I admit my knowledge of hockey is limited. I live in Texas winter sports aren’t really big here, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I love the interaction between the former members of the Northbrook Elite Hockey Club and Chet and Bree’s interaction with the members of the Belltown Six Pack, which include their siblings. It is good to see the heroine be beautiful and extremely smart and for the hero to show his softer side. This is going to be a good series and I look forward to the next book.