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Denver Stampede #1
Center Ice
Being the center of attention is the worst but being the center of his world feels pretty damn good.
Cora Monroe has spent her life in the spotlight thanks to her family's name, and a tragedy that devastated her. She's always hated the attention, but never more so than when her last relationship blew up in her face, and in the media. All she wants is to lay low. But she's at loose ends and not even her career brings her joy anymore. Until she catches a glimpse of the most gorgeous man she's ever seen, just as the elevator doors close.
Nathan Talbot is a solid second-line hockey player who's finally getting his shot as captain of the new expansion team. He's determined to prove he's up to the task of leading a team. That means keeping his attention on the ice, not on the owner's beautiful and intriguing sister.
Once they meet face-to-face, the spark between them is instantaneous and neither of them can—or wants to—resist. But all eyes are on Nate. A relationship with him would thrust Cora right back in the public eye, the last place she wants to be. And Nate can't afford to blow his big chance. If he was smart he'd walk away. But every time he sees her, being smart seems overrated. He just wants her.
Can Cora ignore the media frenzy and grab onto happiness with both hands or will she let the doors slide shut again and walk away alone?
Cora Monroe has spent her life in the spotlight thanks to her family's name, and a tragedy that devastated her. She's always hated the attention, but never more so than when her last relationship blew up in her face, and in the media. All she wants is to lay low. But she's at loose ends and not even her career brings her joy anymore. Until she catches a glimpse of the most gorgeous man she's ever seen, just as the elevator doors close.
Nathan Talbot is a solid second-line hockey player who's finally getting his shot as captain of the new expansion team. He's determined to prove he's up to the task of leading a team. That means keeping his attention on the ice, not on the owner's beautiful and intriguing sister.
Once they meet face-to-face, the spark between them is instantaneous and neither of them can—or wants to—resist. But all eyes are on Nate. A relationship with him would thrust Cora right back in the public eye, the last place she wants to be. And Nate can't afford to blow his big chance. If he was smart he'd walk away. But every time he sees her, being smart seems overrated. He just wants her.
Can Cora ignore the media frenzy and grab onto happiness with both hands or will she let the doors slide shut again and walk away alone?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2023
628 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Kay
23 books490 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, Stephanie Kay has always loved a good romance, and she got hooked on the dirty ones at the tender age of 14, when she told her mother that if the cover wasn’t a bodice ripper, then there was no sex in the book. As an avid mystery reader, her mother never checked to see if Stephanie was lying. Twenty plus years later, Stephanie’s most prized possession is her Kindle, and she may have a Hallmark movie obsession.
She has called California, Maryland, and Rhode Island her home, but now lives in New Hampshire with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!
Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.
You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19224...
You can also email her at stephanie@stephkaybooks.com
She has called California, Maryland, and Rhode Island her home, but now lives in New Hampshire with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!
Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.
You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19224...
You can also email her at stephanie@stephkaybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 18, 2024
Drags
I like a good hockey romance, but this one just seemed to drag on and on. I really couldn't feel any chemistry between Nate and Cora except physical--they each thought the other one was good looking. Cora's angst about not dating publicly just dragged on and on, as did the multiple sex scenes. "Oh, Nate!" "Oh, Cora!" I was tired of them both by the time I got to the end.
I like a good hockey romance, but this one just seemed to drag on and on. I really couldn't feel any chemistry between Nate and Cora except physical--they each thought the other one was good looking. Cora's angst about not dating publicly just dragged on and on, as did the multiple sex scenes. "Oh, Nate!" "Oh, Cora!" I was tired of them both by the time I got to the end.
July 19, 2023
CENTER ICE is the 1st book in a new series of sexy, swoon-worthy hockey romances.
It’s the story of team captain Nate falling for Cora, one of the owner’s sister & I loved every minute of them falling for each other. They are both instantly attracted to each other, but hesitant for their own reasons, so they start to see each other in secret until they know where it’s going.
I loved every bit of their journey & think you will, too ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s the story of team captain Nate falling for Cora, one of the owner’s sister & I loved every minute of them falling for each other. They are both instantly attracted to each other, but hesitant for their own reasons, so they start to see each other in secret until they know where it’s going.
I loved every bit of their journey & think you will, too ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 29, 2025
Nothing really happened, and it was all telling, no showing.
February 14, 2024
I enjoyed this hockey romance because it has a little more substance than most . Cora being the sister of the owner of the team and falling for Nate the captain.
April 15, 2024
I will usually push through and finish ANY book, no matter how frustrating or bored I am. But I just couldn’t with this book. I dragged my feet to keep reading and I really wanted to like it, cause I really wanted a new sports series to read. But I should have known that it wasn’t going to be good when the story started with fumbling FMC who makes a fool of herself in front of a hot guy - like a woman just can’t help herself when there’s a hot male around. The story lacked substance and there was no chemistry between the MC’s. DNF at 75% however, I skipped over paragraphs by like 50%, because the same phasers kept being used again and again.
August 10, 2023
I'm giving this 3.5 stars. Cora Monroe has always been in the spotlight because of the family name, something that she really disliked. Especially after her previous boyfriend turned out to be only in the relationship for just that, the spotlight. The way it ended was horrible and the press was thirsty for it. So she was trying to avoid them at all costs, she wanted to focus on her career which was having its own share of problems. Little did she realize that when she met this hot looking guy in the condo’s elevator that he would happen to be the Captain of the new NHL team in town, the Denver Stampede…..the team her brother was part owner of.
Nathan Talbot got picked up by the Stampede in the expansion draft. He knew this would give him a chance to go from the second line to the first line and to become the captain of the team. He knows he has to prove himself more than ever before and that definitely means staying away from the woman he met in the elevator. You know the one who just happens to be the younger sister of one of the team’s owners.
There is no denying the chemistry between the two of them, her friends and his teammates notice it right from the start. But the problem is while it could be an incredible relationship, they both know that the press is going to be feeding off of this too, something neither of them want. Is it worth the risk or will they just walk away from each other?
Okay I liked it but then again just something didn’t sit right. It has a great start, you can really feel the connection between the two. But then over time it kind of fizzles and the ending was weird. I mean usually in romance books it is the boy and girl meet, fall in love, have a fight, break up and then get back together. This one didn’t do that really and it almost seemed like it was missing a chapter. Instead it just moved onto the next one. Maybe it will get better as the series continues.
Nathan Talbot got picked up by the Stampede in the expansion draft. He knew this would give him a chance to go from the second line to the first line and to become the captain of the team. He knows he has to prove himself more than ever before and that definitely means staying away from the woman he met in the elevator. You know the one who just happens to be the younger sister of one of the team’s owners.
There is no denying the chemistry between the two of them, her friends and his teammates notice it right from the start. But the problem is while it could be an incredible relationship, they both know that the press is going to be feeding off of this too, something neither of them want. Is it worth the risk or will they just walk away from each other?
Okay I liked it but then again just something didn’t sit right. It has a great start, you can really feel the connection between the two. But then over time it kind of fizzles and the ending was weird. I mean usually in romance books it is the boy and girl meet, fall in love, have a fight, break up and then get back together. This one didn’t do that really and it almost seemed like it was missing a chapter. Instead it just moved onto the next one. Maybe it will get better as the series continues.
December 9, 2023
Slow, slow start, but a nice story.
First, please don't think I'm minimizing the trauma and very real pain and panic Cora experienced, from the tragedy of her parents' and middle brother's deaths to being horribly used and exploited by her cheating ex. Her being sister and close friend of the young owners of NHL's newest expansion team put her snack dab in the sights of the hungry grasping media, and she was already shy and sweet, despite being physically gorgeous. Her confidence took a nosedive after her ex got through with her, and no amount of support or indignation on her behalf could truly make her believe she wasn't as pathetic as her ex had tried to say she was. Words and negative actions like that hurt.
That said, Nate was everything the ex was not - he had a wonderful, solid reputation, and even having been a professional hockey player for nearly a decade, he never had bad media or a reputation as a player. He was really the quintessential nice guy, a golden boy who played very respectable and solid professional hockey. Therefore, I thought Cora took the insecure, fearful act too far and for too long. It got boring and was so tedious, even as I can understand why the writer was trying to include all of that.
The story was too short for what they actually went through. There were jumps in time, very superficial character interactions and stilted conversations that made it hard to really fall into and become invested in the characters. Altogether, Cora and Nate came together as a couple, but there wasn't enough meat and potatoes to have me really appreciate or know the characters well. Awkward and clumsy flirting scene after scene aren't cute and funny when the same thing happens each time. Three stars - it wasn't awful, just not enough.
First, please don't think I'm minimizing the trauma and very real pain and panic Cora experienced, from the tragedy of her parents' and middle brother's deaths to being horribly used and exploited by her cheating ex. Her being sister and close friend of the young owners of NHL's newest expansion team put her snack dab in the sights of the hungry grasping media, and she was already shy and sweet, despite being physically gorgeous. Her confidence took a nosedive after her ex got through with her, and no amount of support or indignation on her behalf could truly make her believe she wasn't as pathetic as her ex had tried to say she was. Words and negative actions like that hurt.
That said, Nate was everything the ex was not - he had a wonderful, solid reputation, and even having been a professional hockey player for nearly a decade, he never had bad media or a reputation as a player. He was really the quintessential nice guy, a golden boy who played very respectable and solid professional hockey. Therefore, I thought Cora took the insecure, fearful act too far and for too long. It got boring and was so tedious, even as I can understand why the writer was trying to include all of that.
The story was too short for what they actually went through. There were jumps in time, very superficial character interactions and stilted conversations that made it hard to really fall into and become invested in the characters. Altogether, Cora and Nate came together as a couple, but there wasn't enough meat and potatoes to have me really appreciate or know the characters well. Awkward and clumsy flirting scene after scene aren't cute and funny when the same thing happens each time. Three stars - it wasn't awful, just not enough.
July 28, 2023
Nate and Cora
This was a great start to a new series. Stephanie Kay’s San Francisco Striker’s series was the first hockey series I read and I was so excited when I saw she was starting a new one. She does such a great job mixing hockey and romance and the hockey she writes is so easy to follow.
Nate was not the typical playboy hockey player. I found him so endearing. He was definitely a golden retriever with a dirty mouth. I loved the way he and Cora fit so effortlessly. They were both a little awkward and that made them perfect for each other. I loved the way their relationship progressed. They may have had some instant lust for each other but they took the time to get to know one another before letting the world into their bubble.
Cora definitely had some scars left over from her last relationship and it took some time for her to be able to trust Nate and their relationship. There were times when I just wanted to shake her because she was so desperate to keep their relationship secret when Nate had never done anything to warrant her hesitation. But in the end it just made me love Nate and his patience more.
Nate and Cora had a very sweet but equally spicy relationship. I loved how accepting her brother was, despite both Nate and Cora feeling like they had entered into a forbidden relationship, Christian just wanted to see his sister happy. The Easter Egg left at the end for the next book was definitely expected but I can’t wait to see how everything works out!
This was a great start to a new series. Stephanie Kay’s San Francisco Striker’s series was the first hockey series I read and I was so excited when I saw she was starting a new one. She does such a great job mixing hockey and romance and the hockey she writes is so easy to follow.
Nate was not the typical playboy hockey player. I found him so endearing. He was definitely a golden retriever with a dirty mouth. I loved the way he and Cora fit so effortlessly. They were both a little awkward and that made them perfect for each other. I loved the way their relationship progressed. They may have had some instant lust for each other but they took the time to get to know one another before letting the world into their bubble.
Cora definitely had some scars left over from her last relationship and it took some time for her to be able to trust Nate and their relationship. There were times when I just wanted to shake her because she was so desperate to keep their relationship secret when Nate had never done anything to warrant her hesitation. But in the end it just made me love Nate and his patience more.
Nate and Cora had a very sweet but equally spicy relationship. I loved how accepting her brother was, despite both Nate and Cora feeling like they had entered into a forbidden relationship, Christian just wanted to see his sister happy. The Easter Egg left at the end for the next book was definitely expected but I can’t wait to see how everything works out!
August 15, 2023
I'm still rather new to Stephanie Kay's world, but seriously, after reading Center Ice, you can call me a big fan. Hell, she had me at the Denver part of Denver Stampede LOL! We folks from Denver are very serious about Colorado sports, and while the Broncos have been letting us down, hockey hasn't at all. Cora hates the spotlight, but with her family's name, she can't get away from it no matter how hard she tries to stay below the radar. I mean, I wouldn't be able to deal with a relationship being played out in the press like she's had to do, and it's done a real number on her. Nate has been picked up by the expansion team Denver Stampede, and he knows this is his big shot so he needs to show his stuff & not get distracted. However, he comes face to face with Cora in an elevator, and the sparks are flying between them but it's complicated since she's the sister to one of the owners of the Stampede. The thing is, they're drawn to each other which isn't going away despite the fact that they're doing their best to leave it be so it's not all fun & games on their journey. Of course there's still the press in the background waiting for something which makes things a bit more complicated so will they or won't they?! You'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out while I wait excitedly for the next book! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 11, 2023
What a great start to Stephanie Kay’s new Denver Stampede Hockey Series, a new expansion team with lots of hunky hockey players to get to know and love, and it’s hot, young owners too.
Team owner's sister, Cora meets Nate, the team's captain when she’s visiting her brother at work. There’s an instant attraction between the pair, however neither one of them wants to date, Cora because she doesn’t want to date anyone working for her brother, and Nate because he doesn’t want to date his boss’s sister.
But it’s hard to stay away from each other when they literally keep running into one another. They begin seeing each other in secret, not wanting to tell Cora's brother until they’re sure it’s more than just sex between them. With lust turning to love they tell Cora’s brother, and with Nate being a professional athlete they have face the media as a new couple too, will they get through the challenges that lay ahead? Read Center Ice to find out, a fantastic, well written contemporary sports romance with plenty of steam and some hockey action on the sidelines.
𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈 & 𝐵𝑒𝓎𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑔
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
Team owner's sister, Cora meets Nate, the team's captain when she’s visiting her brother at work. There’s an instant attraction between the pair, however neither one of them wants to date, Cora because she doesn’t want to date anyone working for her brother, and Nate because he doesn’t want to date his boss’s sister.
But it’s hard to stay away from each other when they literally keep running into one another. They begin seeing each other in secret, not wanting to tell Cora's brother until they’re sure it’s more than just sex between them. With lust turning to love they tell Cora’s brother, and with Nate being a professional athlete they have face the media as a new couple too, will they get through the challenges that lay ahead? Read Center Ice to find out, a fantastic, well written contemporary sports romance with plenty of steam and some hockey action on the sidelines.
𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈 & 𝐵𝑒𝓎𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑔
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
July 18, 2023
Stephanie Kay has a game-winner with CENTER ICE (Denver Stampede #1). Nathan Talbot is the new captain of the Denver Stampede expansion team. The last person he should be interested in is one of the team owners’ little sister, Cora Monroe. Cora is familiar with being in the media spotlight. It is something she tries to avoid. Being with Nathan would put them in the public eye. However, the minute they met they were both immediately mesmerized by the other.
I like Nathan and Cora. Nathan is a good guy. He has a great reputation as a solid player in the league. He cares about his new team. Cora is a children’s book author/illustrator. She is suffering from writer’s block and contemplating moving to a different genre. She had a bad relationship in the past that left her skittish.
CENTER ICE is an excellent start to the Denver Stampede series. The story had some interesting situations and twists. It was well-written and hard to put down. I am looking forward to Cora’s friend Anna’s story next. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I like Nathan and Cora. Nathan is a good guy. He has a great reputation as a solid player in the league. He cares about his new team. Cora is a children’s book author/illustrator. She is suffering from writer’s block and contemplating moving to a different genre. She had a bad relationship in the past that left her skittish.
CENTER ICE is an excellent start to the Denver Stampede series. The story had some interesting situations and twists. It was well-written and hard to put down. I am looking forward to Cora’s friend Anna’s story next. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
July 24, 2023
And the Ice is on 🔥
Cora Monroe wants to keep a low profile after her ex tragged her reputation down. Although sports aren't her thing she wants to support her brother with his new Hockey expansion team. All it takes is one look at tall and handsome Nathan and her vow to stay away from high profile men is crumbling. Nathan isn't looking for anything to distract him from his new position as captain of the Denver Stampede expansion team. Insert Cora and the chemistry is on 🔥.
I absolutely loved the storyline of building a solid foundation for their relationship they definitely try to avoid finding themselves in. The push and pull for both is electric and I'm so here for all things in this new series. The steamy scenes are super steamy 😁🔥🥵. Stephanie Kay has been one of my favorite Hockey romance authors and she's knocked this one out of the park. I'd almost wager this series will surpase her Striker series and that one was amazing. Definitely excited for more to come. Solid one-click purchase.
Cora Monroe wants to keep a low profile after her ex tragged her reputation down. Although sports aren't her thing she wants to support her brother with his new Hockey expansion team. All it takes is one look at tall and handsome Nathan and her vow to stay away from high profile men is crumbling. Nathan isn't looking for anything to distract him from his new position as captain of the Denver Stampede expansion team. Insert Cora and the chemistry is on 🔥.
I absolutely loved the storyline of building a solid foundation for their relationship they definitely try to avoid finding themselves in. The push and pull for both is electric and I'm so here for all things in this new series. The steamy scenes are super steamy 😁🔥🥵. Stephanie Kay has been one of my favorite Hockey romance authors and she's knocked this one out of the park. I'd almost wager this series will surpase her Striker series and that one was amazing. Definitely excited for more to come. Solid one-click purchase.
August 12, 2023
Stephanie Kay is a fairly new author to me but as soon as I read the blurb for Center Ice i knew it was a book I would enjoy well this story was way better than I ever expected and I’m now excited to read more by this very talented author. This is Cora Monroe and Nathan Talnot’s journey, its book one in the Denver Stampede Series and if their story is anything to go by Ms Kay will certainly have a hit series on her hands.
Nathan is the new captain of the latest expansion team and he needs to focus on his career but from the moment he met Cora she haunted his dreams. Cora is not looking for a relationship that could her all over the news so she will need some convincing if she is going to take a leap of faith and hope Nathan catches her before she falls.
This is a journey about a couple not looking for a relationship but who find love when they least expect it. The problem is they both need to cross the line to make this work……. A great read with wonderful characters that left me excited for what’s to come from the players of the Denver Stampede.
Nathan is the new captain of the latest expansion team and he needs to focus on his career but from the moment he met Cora she haunted his dreams. Cora is not looking for a relationship that could her all over the news so she will need some convincing if she is going to take a leap of faith and hope Nathan catches her before she falls.
This is a journey about a couple not looking for a relationship but who find love when they least expect it. The problem is they both need to cross the line to make this work……. A great read with wonderful characters that left me excited for what’s to come from the players of the Denver Stampede.
July 19, 2023
A great beginning to a new series! A cast of characters and side characters galore, with just enough introduction to tease. An expansion team, young owners, and new player introductions, hopefully with books to follow.
Cora’s brother is one of the new owners of the team; she does not share in his hockey enthusiasm, yet. She writes children’s books and is currently troubled about where this current book is headed. Her procrastination is taking lunch to her brother, only to cross paths with the new team captain.
Nate is instantly attracted to Cora but needs to focus on the new team. Besides, he does not want to date the boss’s sister. Cora is equally attracted but does not want to date anyone in the limelight. As they literally keep running into each other, is this the universe telling them something?
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Cora’s brother is one of the new owners of the team; she does not share in his hockey enthusiasm, yet. She writes children’s books and is currently troubled about where this current book is headed. Her procrastination is taking lunch to her brother, only to cross paths with the new team captain.
Nate is instantly attracted to Cora but needs to focus on the new team. Besides, he does not want to date the boss’s sister. Cora is equally attracted but does not want to date anyone in the limelight. As they literally keep running into each other, is this the universe telling them something?
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
May 16, 2024
Entering the world of "Center Ice" by Stephanie Kay feels like stepping onto the ice before a big game – thrilling, full of anticipation, and a little nerve-wracking. Cora Monroe, tired of the spotlight that comes with her family's name, seeks solace away from the media frenzy. But when she meets Nathan Talbot, the captain of a new expansion hockey team (a team her brother co-owns), sparks fly in the most unexpected way.
The chemistry between Cora and Nate is undeniable from the moment they meet, but as they navigate the complexities of fame, their connection is put to the test. While the initial attraction is intense, I couldn't help but wish for more depth in their relationship beyond the physical allure. The pacing felt a bit rushed at times, leading to a sense of insta-love that left me yearning for more gradual development.
Despite some pacing issues, "Center Ice" offers a promising start to a new series, filled with the excitement of a burgeoning hockey team and the allure of newfound romance. The Denver Stampede provides the perfect backdrop for a cast of intriguing characters and I can't wait to read more about the other teammates (and about the owners)!
In summary, "Center Ice" delivers a fun and engaging read that captures the exhilaration of new beginnings and the thrill of budding romance. While it may not have hit all the marks for me, fans of hockey romance and insta-love will likely find plenty to enjoy in this charming tale.
Overall Rating: 3 stars, 2 chili peppers
Format: ebook (via Kindle Unlimited)
The chemistry between Cora and Nate is undeniable from the moment they meet, but as they navigate the complexities of fame, their connection is put to the test. While the initial attraction is intense, I couldn't help but wish for more depth in their relationship beyond the physical allure. The pacing felt a bit rushed at times, leading to a sense of insta-love that left me yearning for more gradual development.
Despite some pacing issues, "Center Ice" offers a promising start to a new series, filled with the excitement of a burgeoning hockey team and the allure of newfound romance. The Denver Stampede provides the perfect backdrop for a cast of intriguing characters and I can't wait to read more about the other teammates (and about the owners)!
In summary, "Center Ice" delivers a fun and engaging read that captures the exhilaration of new beginnings and the thrill of budding romance. While it may not have hit all the marks for me, fans of hockey romance and insta-love will likely find plenty to enjoy in this charming tale.
Overall Rating: 3 stars, 2 chili peppers
Format: ebook (via Kindle Unlimited)
July 19, 2023
This is the first in a new series and this is Cora and Nathan’s story. Cora is socially awkward, and she has spent her life in the spotlight due to her family’s name and tragedy, and she just wants to lay low and regroup. Nate is a second line hockey player, and is finally getting his shot at being captain, and when the sister of one of the team’s owners arrives to visit her brother, there is an instant attraction between them, and the sparks fly. Nate is sweet and persistent, and he and Cora complement each other perfectly. This is a well written story which is easy to read, with challenges, secrets, family, friendships, humor, witty banter, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 19, 2023
Denver Stampede #1
When Nathan Talbot saw Cora Monroe sparks flew. Little did he know that she was the little sister of one of his new bosses, Christain Monroe, part owner of the Denver Stampede hockey team.
Nate is part of the new expansion hockey team and the new team captain. He knows he shouldn't have anything to do with Cora but they keep running into each other and it's hard to stay away.
Cora has spent her life in the limelight and hates the attention. When her last relationship blew up of course it was all over the media and she doesn't want a repeat.
She writes children's books and loves doing that but she's having writer's block and wants a change.
They both know a relationship with each other could create problems but can they walk away from each other?
4.5 stars
When Nathan Talbot saw Cora Monroe sparks flew. Little did he know that she was the little sister of one of his new bosses, Christain Monroe, part owner of the Denver Stampede hockey team.
Nate is part of the new expansion hockey team and the new team captain. He knows he shouldn't have anything to do with Cora but they keep running into each other and it's hard to stay away.
Cora has spent her life in the limelight and hates the attention. When her last relationship blew up of course it was all over the media and she doesn't want a repeat.
She writes children's books and loves doing that but she's having writer's block and wants a change.
They both know a relationship with each other could create problems but can they walk away from each other?
4.5 stars
July 19, 2023
The end of her last relationship and the publicity that went along with it has only reinforced Cora’s opinion that she wants to stay out of the limelight. Getting involved with a professional hockey player is not the way for that to happen especially when her brother also owns the team.
The opportunity to play for the Denver Stampede and be their captain is an opportunity he can’t pass up. From his first meeting with Cora he is drawn to her even if he knows it would be more prudent to keep his distance especially when you factor in who her brother is and the attention that comes with his career.
All the reasons they shouldn’t be together is outweighed by the reason they should which are their feelings for each other and as long as they have each other they can overcome anything that life throws at them.
The opportunity to play for the Denver Stampede and be their captain is an opportunity he can’t pass up. From his first meeting with Cora he is drawn to her even if he knows it would be more prudent to keep his distance especially when you factor in who her brother is and the attention that comes with his career.
All the reasons they shouldn’t be together is outweighed by the reason they should which are their feelings for each other and as long as they have each other they can overcome anything that life throws at them.
July 4, 2023
What a great beginning for the Denver Stampede Hockey Series by Stephanie Kay! A brand new expansion team with hot young owners, lots of hunky hockey players, and a burning desire to show the whole world that the Denver Stampede is a team to be reckoned with!
Cora is the younger sister of one of the three owners of the new team! She doesn’t know much about hockey (she writes children’s books), but that’s all about to change! Because she just met the new captain of the newly minted team, Nate Talbot and she is smitten!
Stephanie has outdone herself with this new series filled with hot hockey players looking to prove themselves, three young owners, and as always a whole of steam with a generous side of hockey!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cora is the younger sister of one of the three owners of the new team! She doesn’t know much about hockey (she writes children’s books), but that’s all about to change! Because she just met the new captain of the newly minted team, Nate Talbot and she is smitten!
Stephanie has outdone herself with this new series filled with hot hockey players looking to prove themselves, three young owners, and as always a whole of steam with a generous side of hockey!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 15, 2023
4 Stars!
Stephanie Kay is a brand spanking new author for me and starting out with a brand new series by her was definitely the way to go. I'm a huge sports romance and Stephanie delivered that with this new release.
Cora and Nathan definitely had an instant connection from the start buuuuuuut.. will it last?
Center Ice is the first book in the new Denver Stampede series, giving us Cora and Nathan's story and this is one you don't want to miss out on. Packed to the brims with heart, heat, angst, and all those pesky feels 😍🫣.. their journey was really good.
I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series and I'll be checking the future stories that come out and maybe a peek or two at them.
I can recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Stephanie Kay is a brand spanking new author for me and starting out with a brand new series by her was definitely the way to go. I'm a huge sports romance and Stephanie delivered that with this new release.
Cora and Nathan definitely had an instant connection from the start buuuuuuut.. will it last?
Center Ice is the first book in the new Denver Stampede series, giving us Cora and Nathan's story and this is one you don't want to miss out on. Packed to the brims with heart, heat, angst, and all those pesky feels 😍🫣.. their journey was really good.
I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series and I'll be checking the future stories that come out and maybe a peek or two at them.
I can recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
July 3, 2023
Center Ice by Stephanie Kay @stephaniekayauthor. I received this #ARCBook early and for my honest review. First off, I am a fan of Stephanie & this book was no different!
Cora is the owner's sister of Nathan’s hockey team he is the captain. They meet at the stadium & they are attracted to each other. Cora doesn't want to date anyone that works for her brother & Nate doesn't want to date his boss’s sister. They keep running into each other... Literally 😂 They start to see each other secretly as both want to make sure it is more than sex before they tell Cora’s brother. They tell her brother & make it through the media. They love each other & that is what matters.
Cora is the owner's sister of Nathan’s hockey team he is the captain. They meet at the stadium & they are attracted to each other. Cora doesn't want to date anyone that works for her brother & Nate doesn't want to date his boss’s sister. They keep running into each other... Literally 😂 They start to see each other secretly as both want to make sure it is more than sex before they tell Cora’s brother. They tell her brother & make it through the media. They love each other & that is what matters.
July 15, 2023
New series by Stephanie Kay is fire!! One of my favorite things about her writing is the side characters are amazing. It makes you want to keep reading every book in the series. This new team is no different. Nate and Cora are adorable and totally loved their love story. Cora’s insecurities were totally believable, not that I’ve been in the media, but I don’t even like being center of attention with my friends so I can imagine what that kind of spotlight would be like. Nate. I want him irl. Another book boyfriend for sure. And their meet-cute! The side characters that I’m now patiently impatiently waiting for their stories: Joy, Anna, Christian, Will, and of course Sin.
July 15, 2023
This is definitely my favorite of Stephanie’s books and i already know I’m going to need a full series on the Den Stampedes.
I loved all of the characters- Cora and her friends Anna and Joy were totally relatable, real, dimensional characters.
Nate and Sun and the rest of the team, along with Cora’s brother Christian and his best friend Will felt REAL. How can a female writer get the male perspective so spot on?
I loved the romance between Cora and Nate- again it felt real and being in a new romance myself, i got all of the feels. The romance scenes were super hot and steamy, and though i often skip over those scenes, i was soooooo here for the ones in Center Ice!
If you only read one novel by Stephanie (though you’ll be depriving yourself if you don’t read them all), read Center Ice! The friendships, family relationships and romantic relationships suck you in.
Give me MORE!!!
I loved all of the characters- Cora and her friends Anna and Joy were totally relatable, real, dimensional characters.
Nate and Sun and the rest of the team, along with Cora’s brother Christian and his best friend Will felt REAL. How can a female writer get the male perspective so spot on?
I loved the romance between Cora and Nate- again it felt real and being in a new romance myself, i got all of the feels. The romance scenes were super hot and steamy, and though i often skip over those scenes, i was soooooo here for the ones in Center Ice!
If you only read one novel by Stephanie (though you’ll be depriving yourself if you don’t read them all), read Center Ice! The friendships, family relationships and romantic relationships suck you in.
Give me MORE!!!
July 15, 2023
Center Ice is the first book in Stephanie Kay's new Denver Stampede series.
The Denver Stampede is an expansion team in the NHL and Nate is the new captain. He meets Cora, one of the team owner's sister, and instantly is attracted. Cora feels the same, but they both know this is probably not a good idea for multiple reasons. Cora's ex did a number on her in the media and she is not sure that she can go through this again. Nate knows he has to tread carefully to get the girl of his dreams.
This was a great read and I can't wait to meet the rest of the Denver Stampede!
The Denver Stampede is an expansion team in the NHL and Nate is the new captain. He meets Cora, one of the team owner's sister, and instantly is attracted. Cora feels the same, but they both know this is probably not a good idea for multiple reasons. Cora's ex did a number on her in the media and she is not sure that she can go through this again. Nate knows he has to tread carefully to get the girl of his dreams.
This was a great read and I can't wait to meet the rest of the Denver Stampede!
July 18, 2023
Cora and Nate were a fantastic start to Stephanie Kay's new Denver Stampede series! The very first page left me wanting more, and I couldn't read fast enough, but I was so disappointed when I finished. Cora was adorkably awkward, especially when she outed her relationship with her "I'm going to win him." LOL Nate definitely didn't mind, and I love that she was egged on by her besties, Joy and Anna. Nate was sweetly persistent, but don't let that fool you: they were HOT together! Can't wait for the next book!
July 19, 2023
What a great start to this new hockey series. Sweet and Spicy. Center Ice has big Golden Retriever energy. From the get-go, the tension between Nate and Cora is palpable. Nate is definitely the star of this book for me.
Nate is traded to a new team that Cora's brother owns. From their very first cute meeting, the chemistry between Nate and Cora steadily builds.
I enjoyed how the author described the action on the ice. I could feel the player's love for the sport.
I loved Nate and Cora's personalities. They are just cute, funny, and easygoing. It made reading this book all the more enjoyable
Nate is traded to a new team that Cora's brother owns. From their very first cute meeting, the chemistry between Nate and Cora steadily builds.
I enjoyed how the author described the action on the ice. I could feel the player's love for the sport.
I loved Nate and Cora's personalities. They are just cute, funny, and easygoing. It made reading this book all the more enjoyable
July 19, 2023
I have been waiting and waiting for the next hockey book from Stephanie Kay. Her love for the game really comes through in all her books. Nate is the perfect spicy and sweet for timid Cora. Her timidness comes from a life in the spotlight. Center Ice is the perfect start for her new Denver Stampede series. With the characters that she has introduced, I can’t wait until everyone else gets their happily ever afters. Now I just hope that the owners of the Denver Stampede also get their happily ever afters.
July 29, 2023
Great start to a new series!
What happens when the star Captain of the NHL’s expansion team meats the younger sister of one of the owners? Awkwardness abounds - along with sparks that turn into flames!
Nate planned to concentrate of being the best Captain he could be and all Nora wants is to figure out the plot for her new children’s book - but we all know what can happen to good intentions. Especially when best friends make it their mission to be their wingmen.
But can Cora overcome her fear of being in the public eye? Can Nate convince he’s worth the trouble? And what will her brother - and the public - have to say about their relationship?
I absolutely loved Nate and Cora together! They are definitely relationship goals and are a great introduction to the Denver Stampede world. And…it also doesn’t hurt that Nate’s a very willing “research assistant” when Cora does a career 180! Come see for yourself!
What happens when the star Captain of the NHL’s expansion team meats the younger sister of one of the owners? Awkwardness abounds - along with sparks that turn into flames!
Nate planned to concentrate of being the best Captain he could be and all Nora wants is to figure out the plot for her new children’s book - but we all know what can happen to good intentions. Especially when best friends make it their mission to be their wingmen.
But can Cora overcome her fear of being in the public eye? Can Nate convince he’s worth the trouble? And what will her brother - and the public - have to say about their relationship?
I absolutely loved Nate and Cora together! They are definitely relationship goals and are a great introduction to the Denver Stampede world. And…it also doesn’t hurt that Nate’s a very willing “research assistant” when Cora does a career 180! Come see for yourself!
July 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this read from the start. These characters really click, and I loved how their connection grew as the pages turned. Cora and Nate are just great together, sweet, and full of spice!
I enjoyed the bits of their friends and family, how they added to the light and fun of the story. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to more to come!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I enjoyed the bits of their friends and family, how they added to the light and fun of the story. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to more to come!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 10, 2023
I enjoyed this new series by Stephanie Kay. Cora, even with her family and past relationship problems, was a strong woman, loyal friend, and loving person. She grabbed my heart quickly. Nate was so patient with Cora, I fell in love as well. He was a good leader and partner. Their chemistry was very steamy with plenty of on-page opportunities. I look forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
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