Nicolena Reads

Read August 2024

Apparently August is the month of athlete rom-coms, completely unintentional. That first book I chose because it was Christmas themed! This particular pick was intentional. I keep seeing everyone talking about the hockey romances and I’m not about to be completely left out of the conversation! All aboard, choo-freaking-choo baby.

What is it about? 

Parker is the social media manager for the Appies, a minor league hockey team based in her small town – Harvest Hollow. She grew up around the sport; her older brother played and she desperately wanted to but she wasn’t allowed. Now, in her 20s, she’s recording videos for the AHL team’s social media accounts and drawing in crowds with that Savannah Bananas type energy. They keep it professional on the ice but their presence online is drawing in the ladies.

Logan was playing in the NHL and ended up getting loaned to the Appies. He isn’t excited to be playing for an AHL team where he grew up but he has his sights on getting picked back up by the NHL. He’s the hometown hero that left without a goodbye and Parker remembers… Logan was her brother’s best friend growing up and of course she had the biggest crush on him. The crush definitely didn’t go away but Logan never noticed her, until now. He’s confused and she’s not going to allow herself to buy into his charm, and boy is he charming!

What does it have?

• Hometown Romance
• Hockey Hunks 
• Family Drama – The Dad SUCKS
• Fake Dating

The narrative takes place in Fall and St. Clair paints a perfect picture through the voice of Parker, describing, “…when it’s early September and the leaves have barely started to hint at changing colors, there’s something in the air…smells like smoke and pumpkin spice lattes…” YES! Give me that! Less than a month away from the best vibes here in Colorado – pick me up and lets drink PSLs and look at Fall foliage… please?

Is it worth reading?

I liked it, especially as my intro to the hockey rom-com world. It’s closed-door and St. Clair gives some content warnings at the beginning that aren’t even necessary because it’s so light and airy – chef’s kiss to this sweet book!