Rating: 4 out of 5.

This contemporary hockey romance was just too cute. One of my favorite romance tropes is fake dating, and this was one of the more unique ways the couple end up together. Plus, the book is set in San Diego where I live, so it was fun to read about places that I am familiar with that are mentioned in the book.

Nolan is the zamboni driver for the San Diego professional hockey team. Zena is the daughter of the team’s billionaire owner. The owner requests/demands Nolan fake-date Zena because he’s bringing Zena’s hockey player ex-boyfriend Mitch back to the team and Mitch plays better when he’s mad. The hope is that Mitch will lead the team to a run for the Stanley Cup. Different, right? You don’t get that set-up very often.

I loved Nolan and Zena’s chemistry. They immediately hit it off and easily slipped into a couple-like relationship. Their teasing and inside jokes were so cute. Nolan did a great job of getting under Mitch’s skin, and that jealousy equaled a big winning streak for the team. But, as is typical, the more time Nolan and Zena spend together, the less it feels like fake-dating and the more it seems real. Before long real feelings are there and now the couple has to fake-date without doing too good of a job to tip Zena’s father off that their feelings are real. No problem, right?

Like a slap-stick comedy, one thing after another happens to drag the couple into crazier and crazier situations. Luckily Nolan and Zena are quick on their feet and always figure a way out of each mess. This includes dealing with Nolan’s free-wheeling hippy-dippy parents.

This book is sweet and funny and will give you all the feels. I liked how open and honest the couple was and that there wasn’t a third act break-up or any miscommunications between them. They presented a united front to everyone and faced their challenges together. This is a quick and easy read that you can read in an afternoon. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’m definitely going back to read more of his books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours. All opinions are my own.