To win, you have to play the game…Rising hockey star Nate Calloway has overcome a lot to get where he is. Playing professional hockey for the Las Vegas Sidewinders, he plans to keep his head down and do the one thing he’s good at: hockey. Everything is going according to plan until a gorgeous, spunky journalist falls into his lap. He might be a pro, but off the ice his lack of experience with … experience with women has him struggling to make the right move.
Fresh out of college, Chelsea Baldwin has landed her dream job working for a local newspaper and her big break comes much sooner than expected. Finding herself in the locker room of a professional hockey team is a long way from city council meetings and traffic reports, but falling for one of the players—literally—wasn’t how she’d planned to start her career.
A pro hockey player and a sports reporter shouldn’t be dating, but undeniable chemistry has them drawn to together, despite the consequences. When the stakes rise, their trust in each other is tested both in and out of the locker room. But this is one game they’re determined to win…even if they have to make up their own rules.
more
loved it
02/14/2021 I loved “Nate” (nook). It was comical how Nate and Chelsea met in the locker room during press conference time. Their attraction is instant, intense at times and, full of heartbreak and angst. Trust and friendship were important parts of the story for both main characters as well as their friends and family.
Thank you for addressing the crime and tragedy of child molestation.
I would actually rate “Nate” as 4-1/2 stars.
Nate is the new rookie on the LV Sidewinders hockey team. This is what he’s wanted to do since he was a kid.
Chelsea’s dream job is to be a journalist and has landed a spot on her local newspaper. With the sports guy out on leave she gets her opportunity but doesn’t know a thing about hockey and her take is more the human side not rumors, scandals etc. And then she meets Nate.
Both are drawn to each other but Nate has secrets from his past and Chelsea has come from a failed relationship. Can Nate trust Chelsea with his secrets or will it tear them apart? What happens when the newspaper gets wind of it, did Chelsea trick him?
Ms. Mizera has tackled a serious subject in this book and does it so sweetly and how it affects everyone around.
5 stars
Chelsea Baldwin is trying to make her way as a journalist. Her true love is the human interest side of the entertainment industry, but she finds herself in the locker room of the Las Vegas Sidewinders covering a sport she really doesn’t know anything about.
Rooke Nate Calloway can’t help but to rescue the gorgeous journalist looking a bit lost and overwhelmed in his locker room. He knows dating a journalist probably isn’t a good idea, but he can’t help his attraction to Chelsea’s looks or personality.
Nate may be a rising hockey star, but he’s a novice with women. An incident in his past has him taking things slow and waiting for that perfect someone . . . could it be Chelsea?
Chelsea hasn’t had much luck with men. She’s willing to go as slow as Nate needs in order to prove they are in this relationship for more than just a good time sexually. And, he might just be the one!
But, when a story breaks that drags Nate’s past into the spotlight will it destroy their trust and ultimately their relationship or will their love prevail?
I don’t know if Kat Mizera has ever written a sweeter couple! Both Nate and Chelsea feel so fresh and young and somewhat innocent even though they both carry baggage with them. Their relationship is a fabulous slow burn and entertaining as can be. Their BFF’s Torn and Jennifer also have a few scene stealing scenes and laugh out loud moments! Fans of the series will also love Toli’s role as a mentor and voice of reason for Nate.
While this is a love story, I also appreciate how Kat continually tackles serious topics, such as abuse, with grace and dignity. Not only does it add depth to her stories, it also helps bring these topics exposure, giving readers insight into how they affect all walks of life.
As always, Kat Mizera has given readers another fantastic read. 5 stars!
Chelsea and Nate were the cutest couple by far. They were perfectly made for each other and I had all the feels while reading this book. I felt Nates pain and so glad that him and Chelsea could move past the past.
ook 11 in the Las vegas Sidewinders series and it focuses on rookie skater Nate.
This is a bit of a slow burner, but that what the story is about and slowly the reader finds out what happened in Nate, but also Chelsea’s past and how that affects them even now. They make a great couple.
It is a very emotional story, but I love how it also shows the struggle young people face after college and trying to make a living. And it is also about making the right choices for you and standing you for what you believe in.
Yet another captivating hockey romance by Kat Mizera. Nate is a charming, slow-burn, fascinating read. It is the 11th book in the Sidewinders series, I usually don’t read a series this long, but the Sidewinders series is an exception. Every book is just as great as the last, if not better. Nate is no exception, I loved that it is one of this first books written by Kat Mizera that doesn’t jump into the steamy scenes. It had me rooting for the hero and heroine until the very end.
Nate is the rookie, a rising hockey star. He has worked very hard and overcome some very traumatic life events, but that hasn’t stopped him from getting ahead in his hockey career. His only sure plan is to play hockey and stay focused on the game. That is until Chelsea literally falls on his lap.
Chelsea is a fresh out of college journalist. Working for the local newspaper lands her a temporary job covering for the sports reporter, who is out sick. At first, Chelsea is nervous and intimidated by the fact she knows absolutely nothing about hockey and is sent out to the Sidewinders game to report on the game. Little did Chelsea know that one reporting assignment was about to change her life.
Kat Mizera is known for making me want to scream. Her books always have an element of surprise, the unexpected turn of events that has the hero and heroine at odds with each other. I almost, almost thought this book would be different. And them bam I get punched with the suspense and scream worthy moment. I knew it! This book couldn’t have been written any different. Another amazing story! I will sit here thinking about Nate and Chelsea until the next Sidewinder.
5 sterling stars!
Solid 4.5 star
I loved how this was a bit different to the other books with the age and degree of innocence both of them have. This is a delicious slow burn as Nate and Chelsea navigate their way around falling for each other as well as trying to grapple with their careers. There is a vast range of emotions you will go through with this book and you may want to have some comfort food readily available while reading as well!
I think this might be my favorite Sidewinders book (but I really still love Toli). Kat Mizera took a serious subject, treated it with respect, and made this book stand out. I loved the character development, the mix of some of my favorite characters as well as introducing new characters, and the new tidbits about hockey. I actually went to a hockey game recently and I enjoyed the games and the books all the more for the crossover.
5 star Review Las Vegas Sidewinders: Nate (# 11) by Kat Mizera
Despite the fact that a hockey player should never become involved with a rookie sports reporter that is exactly what happens to Nate Calloway and Chelsea Baldwin.
All Nate wants to do is concentrate on his hockey game, however the intense attraction and chemistry which sizzles between him and Chelsea makes it impossible to ignore.
Will their fledgling relationship be able to withstand the pressures of professional ice jockey and all that comes with dating a high profile player? Or will Chelsea’s job interfere and ruin their chance to find happiness? One click and find out.
I loved all the secondary characters in this book and when time permits I will be reading the previous books in the series.
Nate and Chelsea are both just getting started in their careers. Chelsea is a journalist out of college trying to get a name for herself when she is told to report on hockey…which she knows nothing about. Nate is the rookie on the team. When he sees a new reporter getting trampled he can’t help but step in.
Their connection is instant. But when things start to heat up will they be able to make it through? Can they find their way to be together?
This was a great story. I enjoy this author books and look forward to reading more.
After eleven books you’d think that Ms. Mizera’s Las Vegas Sidewinders series would be getting a bit stale, but that’s not the case with this slow-burn romance between two people just starting out in their careers. From the first page to the last it’s a sweet and sensual tale with an endearing hero and an immensely likable heroine whose road to romance put a smile on my face.
Nate Calloway’s the rookie on the team, a player who’s determined to make his mark through hard work and a serious nature. He takes his teammates advice readily as he wants to be the best player he can be, but when they recommend that he not date the new hockey reporter he finds himself standing strong as she brings a bit of sunshine to his slightly tarnished life. Nate’s a truly likable hero, a bit naive and inexperienced, but his vulnerabilities endear him to me. A traumatic childhood has left its mark on him too, left him leery when it comes to sexuality and relationships, and the reveal of his feelings left me aching for him. It’s a heavy issue that I applaud the author for dealing with and it spoke volumes about his teammates that they supported him through his talking about it out loud. Nate’s a charmer, a true gentleman off the ice, and throughout his burgeoning relationship with Chelsea his words and deeds warmed my heart and I’m still dreaming of this sexy hockey player with a heart of gold.
Chelsea Baldwin’s new to being a sports reporter, but she’s determined to be a success. Though she knows nothing about hockey she jumps into the world wholeheartedly and throughout her time writing there’s a war waging between what her editor wants and what she feels comfortable reporting. There’s an air of youth to her too, an air of uncertainty, that made for a charming start to her and Nate’s relationship. Watching them grow closer was like watching high schoolers on a first date and showed their pairing to be teeming with sexual tension. She’s a strong support to Nate, understanding with his desire to go slow and it made me like her all the more for it. She’s cautious when forming friendships, careful in everything she does, but determined in the path she plans for her life as she balances love with her career.
On a whole this was a sweet and immensely satisfying story of two cautious characters winding their way towards HEA through all the highs and lows of both of their careers. The romance between Nate and Chelsea was a charming one, heartwarming for all the issues they had to work through to be together. Frank talks and unconditional acceptance made them a formidable pairing that I rooted for every step of the way. Surrounding this likable main couple was an immensely appealing cast of secondary characters, Nate’s fellow teammates, who left a lasting impression on me. Players who’ve found their HEA previously are back to update readers on where their relationships are, joined by new players ready to step into the spotlight. Players like Zaan, Ian, and Tore were super sexy and confident and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future. Though they talk a good game when it comes to women, they offer unwavering support to Nate as they help him overcome his fears. Together they’re a true team, playful yet brotherly in their interactions off the ice to remind readers of what makes this series so special. By the turn of the final page I’m left utterly charmed by this couple yet ready for whatever Ms. Mizera has planned next for the Las Vegas Sidewinders!
I’m a big fan of this series and this was a great addition to the series. I was instantly drawn into Nate and Chelsea’s story. I really liked that isn’t the typical hero and he’s has a little surprising fact about himself. This book had humor that I enjoyed a lot especially in the epilogue. I like the camaraderie between the Sidewinders. They’re a tight knit group. Nate and Chelsea’s romance is a little forbidden because he’s a hockey player and she’s the sports reporter following the Sidewinders for immediate future. It has a disaster in the making, but do they have what it takes to make for the long haul?
I love the Sidewinders and Nate is a wonderful addition to the team!
Nate, the new rookie on the team meets novice journalist Chelsea when she literally falls into his lap in the locker room. Sparks fly but neither of them has much experience so they don’t immediately engage. When they do, we get the beginnings of a sweet romance between two wonderful characters. However, the road to love never runs smooth. Nate has a secret that gets out and journalist Chelsea is at the center of the story.
I adored Nate and Chelsea and how they related to one another. It was refreshing to see a couple with not a lot of baggage in the romance department. Nate’s secret was definitely not one I would have guessed and it was handled in a way that showed grace and courage under fire.
It was great as always to get a peek at all my favorite Sidewinders!
4.5
This slow burn kept me on my toes. I love a romance that can pull strong emotion and what these two have is spectacular. I couldn’t seem to put it down, and absolutely loved the book.
Nate and Chelsea just have a fiery chemistry that can’t be ignored, no matter how many objects are thrown their way.
I would definitely recommend this HEA.
I received a review copy of the book before release for an honest review.
This is book 11 in the series and it takes us back to the Las Vegas Hockey Team and we see a lot of the veteran players in this book. The star of this book is rookie, Nate who is a 23 year old good guy and he meets 22 year old brand new reporter Chelsea when she fills in for a sick journalist at her newspaper.
The two have a BIG attraction to each other but she is a reporter and thats something Nate is very careful with so they take things slow. Nate also has a big secret and he trusts Chelsea with it. The thing with this story is they are both VERY young and at times they certainly act like it.
Some things Chelsea does I would have never done though she made some errors in judgment it comes from a sweetheart. She really is a very sweet and honest reporter and at times that is a big issue for her as she is surrounded by hardened journalists.
This was a well written story that was mostly light hearted and follows Chelsea and Nate as they both fall for each other. I loved seeing Toli and the other veterans and having them interact with Nate. Looking forward to more stories in this series with more of the rookies on the team.
Emotional, Sweet, the ultimate slow burn. Kat Mizera has delivered a wonderful, heartfelt love story where love blooms out of the emotional not just the physical. It was refreshing to read about an inexperienced, professional athlete and how he meets the most amazing woman but she is a journalist. Is there a universe where these two could be together with out prejudice or favoritism? Of course if there is such a place can these two exist and still remain employed? One of my favorite Kat Mizera books and as always loved catching glimpses of former characters.
Emotional, Sweet, the ultimate slow burn. Kat Mizera has delivered a wonderful, heartfelt love story where love blooms out of the emotional not just the physical. It was refreshing to read about an inexperienced, professional athlete and how he meets the most amazing woman but she is a journalist. Is there a universe where these two could be together with out prejudice or favoritism? Of course if there is such a place can these two exist and still remain employed? One of my favorite Kat Mizera books and as always loved catching glimpses of former characters.
This story is intense and powerful! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
The Sidewinder’s team comes together for Nate, the bonds that the guys form with each other is truly why I love this series so much! Nate and Chelsea have a tough road ahead to get their HEA.. you are going to love this story line!
Chelsea and Nate are perfect for each other as they both do not have a lot of experience with the opposite sex. So to find the one so early in life they have to learn to trust each other and the people around them who love them as well.
5 Amazing Hockey Puck Stars!
Nate by Kat Mizera is book 11 in the Las Vegas Sidewinders series, this book is Sweet, fun, entertaining and was impossible to put down!
Nate is the rookie on the Sidewinders team and when he meets Chelsea who is a reporter for a small newspaper he is smitten by her.
“His heart nearly stopped. Holy crap, she had the bluest eyes he’s ever seen”
Chelsea ends up falling onto Nate’s lap, she was humiliated, when she stared into his eyes she forgot where she was and who he was. When she regains her composure she then asked him a few questions about the game. When Nate finds out that he will be seeing more of Chelsea at his home games, he gets excited. He is interested in her but also leary because of her profession. Do these two actually get to know each other on a personal level?
Nate’s and Chelsea’s story is emotionally heartfelt and thrilling chemistry, you will not be disappointed with this book.