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East Coast #1
Heart Trick
Heart Trick is a fake dating hockey romance novella from bestselling author Kristen Granata. This is book 1 in a series of interconnected standalone novellas.
My new neighbor is a jerk. Sure, he’s the embodiment of tall, dark, and handsome, and he looks like he could crush a watermelon between his muscular thighs. But he has managed to become enemy number one within the first forty-eight hours of moving into the apartment next door.
I may have retaliated and escalated the situation. I’m not above being petty, and I’m determined to make him break first.
Until he sees my cheating ex-boyfriend giving me a hard time outside our building and steps in to help. If it weren’t for the pictures in the press the next morning, I would’ve assumed his act of kindness was just a fever dream. But my face is everywhere—labeled as hockey star Trenton Ward’s new girlfriend.
Now, my grumpy neighbor’s agent wants to run with this story. Apparently, his image needs some sprucing. (I can’t imagine why with such a charming personality.) I agree under one I get to use him for inspiration in the new romance book I’m working on.
I swear I meant it in the figurative sense when I signed the contract.
But after a few fake dates and a toe-curling kiss, Trenton turns into my experimental guinea pig for all my spicy scenes. I may be fake dating one of the NHL’s best goalies, but out of all the things we do, faking it is not one of them.
Only, falling in love wasn’t in the fine print.
My new neighbor is a jerk. Sure, he’s the embodiment of tall, dark, and handsome, and he looks like he could crush a watermelon between his muscular thighs. But he has managed to become enemy number one within the first forty-eight hours of moving into the apartment next door.
I may have retaliated and escalated the situation. I’m not above being petty, and I’m determined to make him break first.
Until he sees my cheating ex-boyfriend giving me a hard time outside our building and steps in to help. If it weren’t for the pictures in the press the next morning, I would’ve assumed his act of kindness was just a fever dream. But my face is everywhere—labeled as hockey star Trenton Ward’s new girlfriend.
Now, my grumpy neighbor’s agent wants to run with this story. Apparently, his image needs some sprucing. (I can’t imagine why with such a charming personality.) I agree under one I get to use him for inspiration in the new romance book I’m working on.
I swear I meant it in the figurative sense when I signed the contract.
But after a few fake dates and a toe-curling kiss, Trenton turns into my experimental guinea pig for all my spicy scenes. I may be fake dating one of the NHL’s best goalies, but out of all the things we do, faking it is not one of them.
Only, falling in love wasn’t in the fine print.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
1309 people are currently reading
12351 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Granata
19 books2,977 followersKristen Granata is a bestselling romance author known for writing inspirational, emotional stories with realistic characters who struggle through the darkest parts of life and come out stronger on the other side.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2zblG7G
Instagram: https://bit.ly/34LUfge
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3xOqPMm
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cuvtEg
Kristen openly shares her mental health struggles with depression and anxiety. Her message is a beacon of hope to anyone who is suffering: You are not alone. She delicately weaves this theme into her writing, and demonstrates the ability of love to heal after tragedy.
When she's not teaching or writing, Kristen is reading, tripping over something, indulging in her messy love affair with popcorn, and annoying her wife and step-daughters by incessantly singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Kristen was born in Brooklyn, New York. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife & her two step-daughters.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2zblG7G
Instagram: https://bit.ly/34LUfge
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3xOqPMm
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cuvtEg
Kristen openly shares her mental health struggles with depression and anxiety. Her message is a beacon of hope to anyone who is suffering: You are not alone. She delicately weaves this theme into her writing, and demonstrates the ability of love to heal after tragedy.
When she's not teaching or writing, Kristen is reading, tripping over something, indulging in her messy love affair with popcorn, and annoying her wife and step-daughters by incessantly singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Kristen was born in Brooklyn, New York. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife & her two step-daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 967 reviews
August 31, 2024
0/5 ✰
A fake dating hockey novella.. what could possibly go wrong? Everything
Before starting with my rant I need to admit that I don’t really think that this is an extremely bad book, I believe I just read it while being in the worst mood ever, anyway I still hated it. after writing my review I do think that this was trash<3
“Then he penetrates me with his cock”
that’s literally the first sentence in the book…
You know those types of books that you read one paragraph and then you need to do something else because every word that you read is just annoying you more and more? Well, this book was like that for me.
Trenton and Cassidy are neighbors that allegedly hate each other (without any reason whatsoever), Trenton moved next to Cassidy after he was traded for another nhl team because his ex-fiancée cheated on him with his best friend and teammate. Obviously Cassidy’s ex-boyfriend also cheated on her, what a coincidence😐 they start to fake date because one paparazzi saw them together on the apartment parking lot and then the whole internet started to ship them.
characters
˗ˏˋ cassidy ´ˎ˗
I dislike characters like Cassidy… they are always happy and see the good in everything she’s overly positive in an unrealistic way (not in the typical sunshine trope way) she acted immature and childish, mind you the age gap between both mcs is 9 years and it’s way too obvious because of how juvenile she acts and then he treats her like a baby too.
She is a writer, she’s so special and unique because she writes sex scenes in her books🥹🥹🤏🏻 but then she gets mad when she’s referred as the “smut writer girlfriend” while that’s literally what she is, that’s her only personality…. writing smut.
She’s the horniest character I’ve read this year, she only think of sex, she will turn the simplest things into a sexual innuendo.
-He is licking his fingers after eating? (first time that they eat together) she wants to have sex.
-He is doing his stretches before a game? she wants to have sex because he’s “humping the floor” 😵💫
“Aaaaaaand my panties are soaked”
↑ that’s her interior monologue EVERY SINGLE TIME the mmc does something.
BY TALKING, she is wet just because he is talking to her🥰
Of course, she had to be a pick-me girl on their first date together😌
He was being a nice person and had a conversation with their waitress’s son because the kid is his fan, and instead of appreciating his action in a adorable way she just had to think about having sex with him😉🤗
Her best friend is as ridiculous as she is, she was in the book only to talk about how she hates men and about the fmc sex life
˗ˏˋ trenton ´ˎ˗
A teenager trapped in a 36 years old body. That’s the only thing I have to say about him.
Oh I just remember there’s one scene in which the fmc tells him that she wants to use him to write sex scenes for her books because after her ex cheated on her she couldn’t write any smut and this is what he has to say: “I’d be honored to let you use me as your sex muse” after she insinuated that he could be “her guinea pig for this book”
The plot? lost
The writing? terrible
The chemistry between them? I’m still looking for that
romance
nonexistent, the insta-love/lust was insane here. They started the book hating each other and immediately the day after they started fake dating they are in love🙄 the fmc sends the mmc porn videos to recreate while he is around his teammates or in public places….
this book doesn’t have a plot, this is only smut (not judging if that’s the type of book that you enjoy) but I was tired by the constant smut. I don’t really think they really learned anything about each other because they were busy getting their clothes off ALL THE TIME.
writing
so basic, if you take out all the sex scenes this could be a book for kids under 8 years old because of how elemental the writing was. Everything felt forced, the characters think they are being funny but they are just tedious.
I’m not a hater of the third act breakup if it’s well done, but I don’t see a reason why a book with less than 200 pages needs to have a third act breakup, also the reason why they broke up was so so SO stupid. Guess what they did when they saw each after a few days of no communication???? they had sex, like they didn’t even talked about what happened.
The scene that made me want to connect with nature and reflect on my choice of picking up this book was when Trenton was with his teammates in a bus after playing an away game, he is reading one of Cassidy book and his teammates wants to read a sex scene so one of them start reading out load and ALL OF THEM got a boner after listening to that. idk I was just uncomfortable reading that.
Honestly I just hated everything in this book, I wish I could erase this from my memories and never see this book again in my life. I miss who I was before reading this book.
A fake dating hockey novella.. what could possibly go wrong? Everything
“Then he penetrates me with his cock”
that’s literally the first sentence in the book…
You know those types of books that you read one paragraph and then you need to do something else because every word that you read is just annoying you more and more? Well, this book was like that for me.
Trenton and Cassidy are neighbors that allegedly hate each other (without any reason whatsoever), Trenton moved next to Cassidy after he was traded for another nhl team because his ex-fiancée cheated on him with his best friend and teammate. Obviously Cassidy’s ex-boyfriend also cheated on her, what a coincidence😐 they start to fake date because one paparazzi saw them together on the apartment parking lot and then the whole internet started to ship them.
characters
˗ˏˋ cassidy ´ˎ˗
I dislike characters like Cassidy… they are always happy and see the good in everything she’s overly positive in an unrealistic way (not in the typical sunshine trope way) she acted immature and childish, mind you the age gap between both mcs is 9 years and it’s way too obvious because of how juvenile she acts and then he treats her like a baby too.
She is a writer, she’s so special and unique because she writes sex scenes in her books🥹🥹🤏🏻 but then she gets mad when she’s referred as the “smut writer girlfriend” while that’s literally what she is, that’s her only personality…. writing smut.
She’s the horniest character I’ve read this year, she only think of sex, she will turn the simplest things into a sexual innuendo.
-He is licking his fingers after eating? (first time that they eat together) she wants to have sex.
-He is doing his stretches before a game? she wants to have sex because he’s “humping the floor” 😵💫
“Aaaaaaand my panties are soaked”
↑ that’s her interior monologue EVERY SINGLE TIME the mmc does something.
“Three times this man has caused me to change my underwear. I’ve gotta up my game”
BY TALKING, she is wet just because he is talking to her🥰
“I feel like I’m all tits and ass, but I kind of like it.” She turns around and pulls her hair over her shoulder, looking back at her ass. “Is it too much?”
Of course, she had to be a pick-me girl on their first date together😌
“And the whole thing with the little boy and his mother? God, I’m surprised I didn’t start undressing in the middle of the restaurant and ask him to take me right then and there”
He was being a nice person and had a conversation with their waitress’s son because the kid is his fan, and instead of appreciating his action in a adorable way she just had to think about having sex with him😉🤗
Her best friend is as ridiculous as she is, she was in the book only to talk about how she hates men and about the fmc sex life
˗ˏˋ trenton ´ˎ˗
A teenager trapped in a 36 years old body. That’s the only thing I have to say about him.
Oh I just remember there’s one scene in which the fmc tells him that she wants to use him to write sex scenes for her books because after her ex cheated on her she couldn’t write any smut and this is what he has to say: “I’d be honored to let you use me as your sex muse” after she insinuated that he could be “her guinea pig for this book”
The plot? lost
The writing? terrible
The chemistry between them? I’m still looking for that
romance
nonexistent, the insta-love/lust was insane here. They started the book hating each other and immediately the day after they started fake dating they are in love🙄 the fmc sends the mmc porn videos to recreate while he is around his teammates or in public places….
this book doesn’t have a plot, this is only smut (not judging if that’s the type of book that you enjoy) but I was tired by the constant smut. I don’t really think they really learned anything about each other because they were busy getting their clothes off ALL THE TIME.
writing
so basic, if you take out all the sex scenes this could be a book for kids under 8 years old because of how elemental the writing was. Everything felt forced, the characters think they are being funny but they are just tedious.
I’m not a hater of the third act breakup if it’s well done, but I don’t see a reason why a book with less than 200 pages needs to have a third act breakup, also the reason why they broke up was so so SO stupid. Guess what they did when they saw each after a few days of no communication???? they had sex, like they didn’t even talked about what happened.
The scene that made me want to connect with nature and reflect on my choice of picking up this book was when Trenton was with his teammates in a bus after playing an away game, he is reading one of Cassidy book and his teammates wants to read a sex scene so one of them start reading out load and ALL OF THEM got a boner after listening to that. idk I was just uncomfortable reading that.
Honestly I just hated everything in this book, I wish I could erase this from my memories and never see this book again in my life. I miss who I was before reading this book.
August 6, 2023
the first sentence "Then he penetrates me with his cock."
okay well welcome back to hockey romance i guess🤷♀️
okay well welcome back to hockey romance i guess🤷♀️
August 22, 2023
this was such a quick and sweet read!
Absolutely recommend if you want something fast or something to read between some longer books.
If you’re looking for:
Fake dating
Grump x sunshine
Ice hockey romance
Smut🫶🏼
Author fmc
Ice hockey family who will support their new teammate
a bird named after an ax murderer?
an eccentric fmc
a sweet old grandma spitting facts
the urge to now read every other book this author has written
Absolutely recommend if you want something fast or something to read between some longer books.
If you’re looking for:
Fake dating
Grump x sunshine
Ice hockey romance
Smut🫶🏼
Author fmc
Ice hockey family who will support their new teammate
a bird named after an ax murderer?
an eccentric fmc
a sweet old grandma spitting facts
the urge to now read every other book this author has written
August 7, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a nice hockey romance novella and my first from Kristen Granata. I'll definitely be reading more from her, I liked her writing style. Like a lot of novellas, it felt a little too rushed for me. Overall I enjoyed it.
This was a nice hockey romance novella and my first from Kristen Granata. I'll definitely be reading more from her, I liked her writing style. Like a lot of novellas, it felt a little too rushed for me. Overall I enjoyed it.
December 22, 2025
I ate it up. Seriously, I had much fun, and loved every single second.
What I liked:
- healthy communication — nothing better than the main characters talking everything through, and being honest with each other
- all the characters that appeared (well besides her ex bf and her parents 😒), and it’s rare for me to like everyone lmao
- he reads her books, and makes his teammates want to read her books
- he’s her muse to write smut in her books 🤭 (and has nothing against her using him for it)
What I didn’t like:
- 3rd act conflict (but it was quick, a few days, and they weren’t broken up, so I can forgive the author for doing that 😒)
- the books writer trope (I hate those, especially when fmcs have writer’s block)
safety:
- no ow drama/small om drama (her ex wants her back, but he only appears in one chapter in the beginning of the book, the mmc gets rid of him 😝)
- both their exes cheated on them about a year earlier (they talk about it in the beginning)
- it’s been some time for both of them (since their exes, so both celibate for about a year, maybe more)
- no cheating/sharing
- small drama with her parents
- small age gap (mmc 36, fmc 27)
- HEA
What I liked:
- healthy communication — nothing better than the main characters talking everything through, and being honest with each other
- all the characters that appeared (well besides her ex bf and her parents 😒), and it’s rare for me to like everyone lmao
- he reads her books, and makes his teammates want to read her books
- he’s her muse to write smut in her books 🤭 (and has nothing against her using him for it)
What I didn’t like:
- 3rd act conflict (but it was quick, a few days, and they weren’t broken up, so I can forgive the author for doing that 😒)
- the books writer trope (I hate those, especially when fmcs have writer’s block)
safety:
- no ow drama/small om drama (her ex wants her back, but he only appears in one chapter in the beginning of the book, the mmc gets rid of him 😝)
- both their exes cheated on them about a year earlier (they talk about it in the beginning)
- it’s been some time for both of them (since their exes, so both celibate for about a year, maybe more)
- no cheating/sharing
- small drama with her parents
- small age gap (mmc 36, fmc 27)
- HEA
January 5, 2024
I’m sorry, but Heart Trick was not my cup of tea…
I didn‘t like either Cassidy nor Celeste with their over the top personalities and that totally destroyed the vibes, which is such a shame, because the writing was really good.
1 star for the killer bird, though!
I didn‘t like either Cassidy nor Celeste with their over the top personalities and that totally destroyed the vibes, which is such a shame, because the writing was really good.
1 star for the killer bird, though!
February 11, 2025
Мені хотілося легкого та веселого чтива, і я це отримала. Тут немає якогось неймовірного сюжету, але який тут прекрасний гумор 🔥
Трентон Уорд — 36 років, популярний воротар НХЛ.
Кесседі Куїнн — 27 років, письменниця еротичних романів.
У Кесседі творча криза, вона не може написати жодної сцени 18+ — через свого колишнього який зрадив їй. Та одного дня по сусідству зʼявляється буркотливий та симпатичний чоловік, з яким у неї не складається спілкування. Більшість часу вони намагаються дістати один одного: чи це гучний стукіт від закривання вхідних дверей, чи жахливий спів у душі. Та ця ворожнеча тривала між ними не довго, адже коли одного дня колишній хлопець приставав до Кессі на парковці з проханнями вибачити його, саме Трент врятував її від його компанії. Так склалося, що якийсь папараці сфотографував їх на цій парковці, і вже на наступний день всі таблоїди писали що вони пара.
Піар-агент Трентона вирішала підтримати цю новину, щоб зміцнити його репутацію у новій команді. Тому запропонувала Кессі контракт на фейкові стосунки.
Але коли зʼявляються почуття та взаємний сексуальний потяг, дотримуватися контракту стає все важче…
В загальному мені сподобалась ця книга, я давно стільки не сміялася - сарказм та гумор головних героїв прекрасний. Любовна лінія розвивається дуже швидко, але цього і слід було очікувати адже книга всього 200 сторінок. Також авторка акцентувала увагу на тому, що розтяжки на жіночому тілі це норма і що це гарно - за це окрема подяка. Це було комфортне та затишне читання, без лишньої драми і хвилювань. Я б сказала навіть доволі казково, враховуючи як сильно головна героїня вірила в долю..
Як книга на вечір - вона ідеально підходить, не ставте якихось високих очікувань. Мені ця історія попалось у потрібний час, тому ставлю 4/5⭐️ (хотілося б більшого обсягу книги, щоб було детальніше описано деякі речі, але вже як є🫣)
Трентон Уорд — 36 років, популярний воротар НХЛ.
Кесседі Куїнн — 27 років, письменниця еротичних романів.
У Кесседі творча криза, вона не може написати жодної сцени 18+ — через свого колишнього який зрадив їй. Та одного дня по сусідству зʼявляється буркотливий та симпатичний чоловік, з яким у неї не складається спілкування. Більшість часу вони намагаються дістати один одного: чи це гучний стукіт від закривання вхідних дверей, чи жахливий спів у душі. Та ця ворожнеча тривала між ними не довго, адже коли одного дня колишній хлопець приставав до Кессі на парковці з проханнями вибачити його, саме Трент врятував її від його компанії. Так склалося, що якийсь папараці сфотографував їх на цій парковці, і вже на наступний день всі таблоїди писали що вони пара.
Піар-агент Трентона вирішала підтримати цю новину, щоб зміцнити його репутацію у новій команді. Тому запропонувала Кессі контракт на фейкові стосунки.
Але коли зʼявляються почуття та взаємний сексуальний потяг, дотримуватися контракту стає все важче…
В загальному мені сподобалась ця книга, я давно стільки не сміялася - сарказм та гумор головних героїв прекрасний. Любовна лінія розвивається дуже швидко, але цього і слід було очікувати адже книга всього 200 сторінок. Також авторка акцентувала увагу на тому, що розтяжки на жіночому тілі це норма і що це гарно - за це окрема подяка. Це було комфортне та затишне читання, без лишньої драми і хвилювань. Я б сказала навіть доволі казково, враховуючи як сильно головна героїня вірила в долю..
Як книга на вечір - вона ідеально підходить, не ставте якихось високих очікувань. Мені ця історія попалось у потрібний час, тому ставлю 4/5⭐️ (хотілося б більшого обсягу книги, щоб було детальніше описано деякі речі, але вже як є🫣)
September 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this book so much and the charas that the author built in this series!
Cassidy is a romance author who has writers Block due to a cheating ex who took away her MOJO, or top of that she has a new neighbor who has some annoying habits and acts sorts rude when she introduces herself and gives him neighbor 101 rules. From there on out, her and Neighbor guys are sorta enemies kinda lol. The "revenge" is cute, singing off key at 5 am. to annoy him was funny. He wasn't annoyed, really. He liked to egg her on. I do wish the teasing and taunting between the two was a little longer. I wanted more pranks played between the two.
And Trenton, even if he seemed like a growly grump, he did save Cassidy from her unwanted ex who doesn't take no for an answer. They started to grow on each other, which was super cute!!
To them fake dating which was funny. Like this guy was super sweet he when he dislike her killer bird lol. 💞💞💞💞
Om drama/No ow drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, slight drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
36H/27h
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
I enjoyed this book so much and the charas that the author built in this series!
Cassidy is a romance author who has writers Block due to a cheating ex who took away her MOJO, or top of that she has a new neighbor who has some annoying habits and acts sorts rude when she introduces herself and gives him neighbor 101 rules. From there on out, her and Neighbor guys are sorta enemies kinda lol. The "revenge" is cute, singing off key at 5 am. to annoy him was funny. He wasn't annoyed, really. He liked to egg her on. I do wish the teasing and taunting between the two was a little longer. I wanted more pranks played between the two.
And Trenton, even if he seemed like a growly grump, he did save Cassidy from her unwanted ex who doesn't take no for an answer. They started to grow on each other, which was super cute!!
To them fake dating which was funny. Like this guy was super sweet he when he dislike her killer bird lol. 💞💞💞💞
Om drama/No ow drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, slight drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
36H/27h
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
September 16, 2024
Cute, sexy hockey romance novella.
May 20, 2024
Ya know...I don't usually give novellas five stars. But this one? This one was worth EVERY. SINGLE. FUCKING. STAR. Trenton was a green flag from the get go and I LOVED how both him and Cassidy went from being annoyed by the other to fake dating and eventually falling in love. It was so, so, so beautiful🥹 Miss Kristen has managed to blow my mind with her writing and amazing characters eventhough I've only read two books by her so far. Also, the smut was off the charts y'all🥵🔥 SO FUCKING GOOD. Heart Trick and Puck Pact have easily become my favorite sports romance books of 2024 and I absolutely can't wait to read more of this author's work!!!
safety squad:
- no OW/OM drama
- no cheating/sharing
- fake dating
- hockey romance
- plus size heroine
- he's her sex muse😏 (she's a romance author🤭)
- green flag hero🤩
- age gap (H is 36, h is 27)
- mentions of cheating (off page - both MCs have been cheated on in their past relationships), neglectful parents, death of a loved one, etc so don't forget to check the TWs!
- HEA
safety squad:
- no OW/OM drama
- no cheating/sharing
- fake dating
- hockey romance
- plus size heroine
- he's her sex muse😏 (she's a romance author🤭)
- green flag hero🤩
- age gap (H is 36, h is 27)
- mentions of cheating (off page - both MCs have been cheated on in their past relationships), neglectful parents, death of a loved one, etc so don't forget to check the TWs!
- HEA
July 20, 2023
First we meet Cassidy, the FMC. She is a romance author who is experiencing writers block after catching her ex boyfriend cheating on her. Cassidy gets a hot new next door neighbor, Trenton. He is a star goalie in the NFL who was just traded to the team in Jersey from Seattle after finding his ex fiancé cheating on him with his teammate. Cassidy & Trent get off on the wrong foot & end up hating each other at first. Until one day the get caught photographed together & Trent’s PR decides to run with the idea that they’re fake dating. Cassidy agrees to it but in return she wants to be able to use the content from their fake relationship for her new book. But their relationship takes a turn went they both realize they can help each other in other ways during their time together…
Cassidy was quirky & so freaking funny, I just loved her. She was always so sassy with Trent & his grumpiness. I found myself dying laughing throughout this book but also melting at how sweet some scenes were. Not to mention the spice 😮💨🥵 Once Trent warmed up to Cassidy, it was really sweet to watch their relationship unfold. Having both been cheated on, they really healed each other & learned to trust again despite what they’ve been through.
I was lucky enough to get to read this book extremely early, thank you Kristen! I absolutely loved it. It was also my first read by her & I can’t wait to go back & read more of her backlist. We’re also getting a book on Celeste, Stamos, & his wife so I’m super excited for what’s to come!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Fake Dating
- Neighbors
- Forced Proximity
- Age Gap (9 years)
- Curvy FMC
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Cassidy was quirky & so freaking funny, I just loved her. She was always so sassy with Trent & his grumpiness. I found myself dying laughing throughout this book but also melting at how sweet some scenes were. Not to mention the spice 😮💨🥵 Once Trent warmed up to Cassidy, it was really sweet to watch their relationship unfold. Having both been cheated on, they really healed each other & learned to trust again despite what they’ve been through.
I was lucky enough to get to read this book extremely early, thank you Kristen! I absolutely loved it. It was also my first read by her & I can’t wait to go back & read more of her backlist. We’re also getting a book on Celeste, Stamos, & his wife so I’m super excited for what’s to come!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Fake Dating
- Neighbors
- Forced Proximity
- Age Gap (9 years)
- Curvy FMC
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
August 21, 2023
I kept getting quotes from this on tiktok and I think I just saw it enough times it convinced me to read it? idk it's lowkey all a blur.
Honestly, this wasn't good but I didn't really expect it to be and kind of just wanted to read something quick and easy that I didn't have to think about. The writing wasn't great (definitely read like it was written by a 12-13 year old on wattpad), but the concept itself was fun, if not well executed.
Can't say I recommend to be honest, I really probably shouldn't have picked it up but sometimes I'm my own worst enemy (or the algorithm consistently showing me quotes from books so I want to find out what happens is, but I digress).
Honestly, this wasn't good but I didn't really expect it to be and kind of just wanted to read something quick and easy that I didn't have to think about. The writing wasn't great (definitely read like it was written by a 12-13 year old on wattpad), but the concept itself was fun, if not well executed.
Can't say I recommend to be honest, I really probably shouldn't have picked it up but sometimes I'm my own worst enemy (or the algorithm consistently showing me quotes from books so I want to find out what happens is, but I digress).
August 31, 2024
hockey romance about a romance writer fake dating her famous hockey player neighbor - very meta.
a fun, light, quick read. i got some good chuckles and enjoyed her sense of humor. his grandma was adorable. not my fav, but enjoyable!
a fun, light, quick read. i got some good chuckles and enjoyed her sense of humor. his grandma was adorable. not my fav, but enjoyable!
October 20, 2023
HEART TRICK was a fun and flirty read and I liked both Trent and Cassidy. They had great chemistry even though they started off on the wrong foot as new neighbors. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other, fake date, and then really date as their feelings grew. The hockey was fairly minor in this one but you still got a sense of Trent's new hockey team and there's some set up for future couples. Together Cassidy and Trent were also really spicy and I liked their playful banter and they both brought plenty of steam to the bedroom.
I was coasting toward a 4 star rating but the last 30% threw in a bunch of drama that was crammed into the end. Some of it was handled alright but other parts came out of left field and had Trent acting in ways that didn't really line up with everything we knew about him. It all felt contrived and added for the sake of drama rather than something that actually fit the story.
Content Warning: grandparent with Alzheimer's; pet death (brief); toxic estranged family
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“I believe in caring about someone so much that you’d do anything for them. I believe in putting someone’s happiness over your own. I believe in showing them every single day how much they mean to you, even if it’s in little ways to let them know you’re thinking of them. So, whether romance means flowers and jewelry, or taking a lavish trip to Greece, or simply showing up when they need you, I think the right person will do those things for you when he loves you. And if it’s real, no one and nothing could take that love away.”
I was coasting toward a 4 star rating but the last 30% threw in a bunch of drama that was crammed into the end. Some of it was handled alright but other parts came out of left field and had Trent acting in ways that didn't really line up with everything we knew about him. It all felt contrived and added for the sake of drama rather than something that actually fit the story.
Content Warning: grandparent with Alzheimer's; pet death (brief); toxic estranged family
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“I believe in caring about someone so much that you’d do anything for them. I believe in putting someone’s happiness over your own. I believe in showing them every single day how much they mean to you, even if it’s in little ways to let them know you’re thinking of them. So, whether romance means flowers and jewelry, or taking a lavish trip to Greece, or simply showing up when they need you, I think the right person will do those things for you when he loves you. And if it’s real, no one and nothing could take that love away.”
April 7, 2024
3.75!!
such a cute novella to read (especially after going to my first hockey game i’m in my hockey romance era) i loved the cliches sm and the dynamics were so good between cassidy and trenton !! also the team family was so cute!!
such a cute novella to read (especially after going to my first hockey game i’m in my hockey romance era) i loved the cliches sm and the dynamics were so good between cassidy and trenton !! also the team family was so cute!!
April 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
i needed this novella to be a full length novel. it was amazing that in barely 160 pages i was that invested in trenton and cassidy and i wanted mooooreee. i absolutely loved this.
i needed this novella to be a full length novel. it was amazing that in barely 160 pages i was that invested in trenton and cassidy and i wanted mooooreee. i absolutely loved this.
July 22, 2023
I’m on a such a winning streak with romantic comedies lately. This one is no exception. Both of the leads were sweet, sexy and entertaining. Their chemistry is on point and they’re both genuinely good people.
Love that for them and me 😆
Love that for them and me 😆
April 6, 2024
This book had me grinning from ear to ear, blushing, and giggling like a schoolgirl caught passing notes. it's scorching hot 🥵. Reading this as if there was a waterfall between my legs😉 if you know, you know
November 18, 2023
My new neighbor is a jerk. Until he sees my cheating ex giving me a hard time and steps in to help. My face is everywhere--labeled as hockey stars' new girlfriend. Now, his agent wants to run with this story. Apparently, his image needs some sprucing. I agree under I get to use him for inspiration in the new romance book.
Wow, this book! 🫠When that's the opening line! You know this book is gonna be spicy! 🥵
Only 20% in, and I couldn't stop smiling & laughing to myself. Was comedy gold 🤣 Candy, the bird is a brilliant side character! Reminded me, it's just how I am daily talking to my dog 🤭
100% agree with the dedication, I am definitely in my hockey romance era! I'd highly recommend this series 👌
Wow, this book! 🫠When that's the opening line! You know this book is gonna be spicy! 🥵
Only 20% in, and I couldn't stop smiling & laughing to myself. Was comedy gold 🤣 Candy, the bird is a brilliant side character! Reminded me, it's just how I am daily talking to my dog 🤭
100% agree with the dedication, I am definitely in my hockey romance era! I'd highly recommend this series 👌
June 23, 2025
this was a sweet, quick read. i especially loved cassidy’s character and how upfront she was with her thoughts instead of being shy as i feel like fmcs typically are in romance. it did felt too insta-lovey but it is a novella, i just think if it were longer and it eased into things it would’ve been better. the smut was ok, sorta basic but still fun. some parts made me cringe because it was almost TOO sweet, maybe i just prefer some toxicity in my romance 💀
i’ll definitely be checking out the next book though based on that ending 👀
i’ll definitely be checking out the next book though based on that ending 👀
September 10, 2023
quick and sweet
this was a quick, sweet and s t e a m y read.
I love myself a good fake dating romance, throw in some hockey and I am instantly sold.
The perfect novella for a quick little palate cleanser! Perfect novella for anyone who just wants to sit and read something in a single setting.
I’m beyond excited for the FFM book coming next!
this was a quick, sweet and s t e a m y read.
I love myself a good fake dating romance, throw in some hockey and I am instantly sold.
The perfect novella for a quick little palate cleanser! Perfect novella for anyone who just wants to sit and read something in a single setting.
I’m beyond excited for the FFM book coming next!
October 1, 2023
- Age Gap✔️
- NHL player x Romance Author✔️
- Grumpy sunshine✔️
- Neighbours to fake dating to lovers✔️
I mean looking at those tropes alone I knew I was going to devour this book.
- NHL player x Romance Author✔️
- Grumpy sunshine✔️
- Neighbours to fake dating to lovers✔️
I mean looking at those tropes alone I knew I was going to devour this book.
October 31, 2025
3.75🌟 short, sweet and fun, just like kristen 🙂↕️✨
November 4, 2023
That was quick, hot and so sweet I had a smile on my face the whole time (and I caught a fever too, because HOT DAMN DADDY TRENTON)
July 22, 2023
I wanted to love it…
I have read every single book this author has put out and I love them all. I really wanted to love this book, and it’s great..but I am so over the third act break up. Honestly, without it this would’ve been the PERFECT palate cleanser novella. The third act break up always ruins great books and makes them just good, my anxiety goes thru the roof when I know it’s coming & I can’t use this as a comfort read because of it. Other than that, it’s adorable, laugh out loud funny, and relatable.
I have read every single book this author has put out and I love them all. I really wanted to love this book, and it’s great..but I am so over the third act break up. Honestly, without it this would’ve been the PERFECT palate cleanser novella. The third act break up always ruins great books and makes them just good, my anxiety goes thru the roof when I know it’s coming & I can’t use this as a comfort read because of it. Other than that, it’s adorable, laugh out loud funny, and relatable.
July 25, 2023
heart trick
I love a good fake dating romance, but this just felt super rushed. I’m aware it’s a novella, so it’s going to be a little more fast paced than usual. However, they went from being enemies to lovers in like a day. The chemistry between the two main characters was lacking completely. The humor felt forced. The issue with her parents felt so out of place and it felt like it was tacked on as an after thought. I read the whole thing, but I definitely won’t reread this one.
I love a good fake dating romance, but this just felt super rushed. I’m aware it’s a novella, so it’s going to be a little more fast paced than usual. However, they went from being enemies to lovers in like a day. The chemistry between the two main characters was lacking completely. The humor felt forced. The issue with her parents felt so out of place and it felt like it was tacked on as an after thought. I read the whole thing, but I definitely won’t reread this one.
July 27, 2023
Petition to ban the third act breakup PLEASE I am so over it 😤
The fact that she had BIRDS was such a turn off for me lol i immediately distrust anyone who loves birds
I wanted to love this, I’ve read every almost all of this author’s books and loved the majority but this one was just a nothing story. The characters were meh, there wasn’t much chemistry and her backstory with her parents didn’t really add anything to the story (except to fuel the breakup lol)
The fact that she had BIRDS was such a turn off for me lol i immediately distrust anyone who loves birds
I wanted to love this, I’ve read every almost all of this author’s books and loved the majority but this one was just a nothing story. The characters were meh, there wasn’t much chemistry and her backstory with her parents didn’t really add anything to the story (except to fuel the breakup lol)
October 2, 2024
me he equivocado de libro, aquí está la reseña de este libro.
amores yo no pongo malas reseñas pero qué se supone que es este libro que solamente tiene 180 páginas y en la página 50 ya se aman incondicionalmente y lo unico que hacen es estar en la cama y probablemente después de haberse declarado en la página 130 las siguientes serán puro amor, un pequeño bache de confianza y todos felices, no puc.
Lo he leído porque me interesaba el 3 pero si son iguales me ahorro el tiempo.
amores yo no pongo malas reseñas pero qué se supone que es este libro que solamente tiene 180 páginas y en la página 50 ya se aman incondicionalmente y lo unico que hacen es estar en la cama y probablemente después de haberse declarado en la página 130 las siguientes serán puro amor, un pequeño bache de confianza y todos felices, no puc.
Lo he leído porque me interesaba el 3 pero si son iguales me ahorro el tiempo.
August 7, 2023
Not today Satan
July 29, 2023
4.5⭐️
When Kristen said she wrote a hockey romance, I about DIED and this was truly so fun and spicy, I cannot wait for everyone to read it!
Cassidy recently went though a terrible breakup and is now having writers block. She has a new asshole neighbor move in next door, who happens to be a pro hockey player, and they get photographed by paparazzi together. His publicist comes up with a plan to have them fake date to help his image, so Cassidy has them promise she can use this experience as ✨inspiration✨ for her books.
I was cracking up quite literally from the first line of this book 😂 I’m so used to Kristen’s emotional reads that it surprised me by how funny this was!! Cassidy is such a fun main character. For being all torn up from her past relationship and a shitty family life, she’s got such a great personality and is so positive. Trenton is sooo good 😮💨 the grumpy neighbor man turned sweet sweet cinnamon roll. My favorite 👏🏼 this is fake dating turned friends with benefits and the spice was SO good. I also really loved Trenton’s teammates. One of my fave things about hockey romances is the team dynamic and they were absolutely hilarious (the bus scene reading Cassidy’s book - actual tears from laughing). The lovebirds and the killer robin, the flowers and notes, the banter. This whole book was just a lighthearted super fun time and after the little Easter egg about another book in the series, I CANNOT wait 🫠
Tropes:
Fake dating
Hockey
Neighbors
Friends to lovers
Grumpy sunshine
Curvy FMC
When Kristen said she wrote a hockey romance, I about DIED and this was truly so fun and spicy, I cannot wait for everyone to read it!
Cassidy recently went though a terrible breakup and is now having writers block. She has a new asshole neighbor move in next door, who happens to be a pro hockey player, and they get photographed by paparazzi together. His publicist comes up with a plan to have them fake date to help his image, so Cassidy has them promise she can use this experience as ✨inspiration✨ for her books.
I was cracking up quite literally from the first line of this book 😂 I’m so used to Kristen’s emotional reads that it surprised me by how funny this was!! Cassidy is such a fun main character. For being all torn up from her past relationship and a shitty family life, she’s got such a great personality and is so positive. Trenton is sooo good 😮💨 the grumpy neighbor man turned sweet sweet cinnamon roll. My favorite 👏🏼 this is fake dating turned friends with benefits and the spice was SO good. I also really loved Trenton’s teammates. One of my fave things about hockey romances is the team dynamic and they were absolutely hilarious (the bus scene reading Cassidy’s book - actual tears from laughing). The lovebirds and the killer robin, the flowers and notes, the banter. This whole book was just a lighthearted super fun time and after the little Easter egg about another book in the series, I CANNOT wait 🫠
Tropes:
Fake dating
Hockey
Neighbors
Friends to lovers
Grumpy sunshine
Curvy FMC
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