The Enemy Face Off

by Ash Kelly

What happens when a snarky, anti-love bookworm meets a grumpy goalie with a life-changing secret?

Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance from Ash Kelly!

PLEASE NOTE - This is a placeholder release date. The Enemy Face Off will release in early 2025.

Genres: Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2024

About the author

Author of fast-paced sweet romcoms with lovable characters, swoony romance, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Reviews

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Enemy Face Off is the third and final book in the Hockeymances series. While I think you'll have a better understanding of the friendship dynamics if you read in order, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

This was such a fun read! Milo and Beth were so great together. When they first meet, Beth absolutely cannot stand Milo in the slightest. She's been hurt by men in her past and has reasons for not trusting. But when he moves in next door, she gets to know a different side of him. I loved the teasing and banter between them... and the chemistry was every bit as wonderful too. Milo is such a perfect book boyfriend and the perfect complement to Beth's anti-love stance. And that first kiss!? Oh my goodness! It was the most perfect unromantic (but really perfectly romantic) kiss ever! I loved getting more time with their friends too, and while this series is at its end, it seemed like there might have been some more hinted at pairings to look forward too... and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Ash Kelly does next!

The Enemy Face Off is a closed-door romance but does have implied intimacy and discussions about sex. There is some minor language throughout as well.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jodi Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Ash Kelly’s latest release The Enemy Face Off. It is the third book in her Hockeymances series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first two books. It was so good.

This story focuses on Beth, a snarky booktrovert who prefers her romance in a book, not in real life. When Milo, the grumpy goalie of a pro hockey team, starts showing an interest in Beth, she refuses to give in to his charms. Unfortunately, Beth starts seeing Milo everywhere she goes. She finds him irritating also secretly loves exchanging barbs with him. The story is full of humor, banter, hot chemistry, friendship, family, and love.

I adored Beth. I loved how quick witted she was and how she stood up for herself. Her character arc was so well done, especially how self-reflective she was about her relationship with Milo. I loved watching Milo slowly break down all her walls. It was so sweet.

Milo was a grumpy dream. I loved all the many layers to his personality. It was so sweet to see him suddenly become a dad. He was all in from the start and even took on extra to do the right thing—it was so sexy. I mean grumpy plus pro hockey player plus single dad is a dream MMC. I also loved how he met Beth were she was and supported her needs. It was so sweet.

I adored everything about this story. The story flowed beautifully. The romance was a bit slow to start but it was perfect for Beth and Milo. From the perfectly imperfect first kiss to the snark to romance, this book is one I will be reading again soon.

[Rachel (storybookcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy closed door romances with swoon worthy moments and humor, this book and this series are for you. Milo and Beth are the cutest and swooniest couple in this series, imo. They will grab you from the first page, and you will not want to stop reading. I'm a sap for any romance.

Ash Kelly is hands down one of the best at bringing her characters to life on the page.
I don't know how she does it or even how to explain it adequately. Her characters aren't without flaws. They have issues to work through. Her characters have real-life situations, and we get to see how they get through it and the journey to finding their special person.

Milo is one in a million. I'm glad Ash saved his and Beth's story for last. He's my favorite for many reasons. He is patient and understanding. He is loving and kind. He is really bothered by how Beth's exes treated her. I think what truly made my heart swoon for him was how he stepped up for his children and put them first in every choice he made for his and their future. His past makes him want to be better for his kids than what he had growing up. There's not many young men out there who would have done what he did. You'll have to read the book to find out what I mean and see how truly special Milo is.

I highly recommend this series if you love closed door, swoony, Hallmark feeling, cozy reads. This is a bingeable series that you will not want to stop reading.

Thank you, Ash Kelly, for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️

The Hockeymances have come to an end! Book three was well worth the wait and such a good read. Although it can be read as a standalone, to get the full picture of our two MCs friendship, you need to read books one and two. Each book in this series has given readers sweet, closed door romance; chemistry that flowed easily; and swoon worthy moments

Milo and Beth did not hit it off originally. Beth has a hard time trusting men and closed herself down around Milo from day one. But when he moves in next door to her, she is able to see a different side of him, one that she can’t begin to let her guard around. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their banter, their flirtatious quips to each other, and watching them fall more and more in love. Milo is beyond patient and understanding, never pushing Beth into something she isn’t ready for. Yet, he falls first and hard for his next door neighbor. Watching these two go from dislike to neighbors to like to something more was an incredible journey.

Ash has this talent for making her characters not only come alive in her words, but they leap off the pages with their relatability. They are flawed, deep, and complex. This group of characters is no different and I love seeing them each deal with their own vulnerabilities while opening their hearts to someone else. Reading books by Ash is a truly enjoyable experience and I am so excited for what she releases next!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
💜 Pro hockey sports romance
🧡 Enemies to lovers
💜 Single dad
🧡 Snarky bookworm
💜 He loves her teasing him
🧡 Kiss coupons
💜 Chosen family
🧡 Small town
💜 Closed-door romance

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s

Thank you to the author @ashkellyauthor for the electronic copy of the book.

If you’re into enemies-to-lovers romance with witty banter, irresistible chemistry, and a touch of heartwarming family moments, The Enemy Face Off by Ash Kelly is a total score. As Book 3 in the Hockeymances series, this one is an absolute standout—definitely my favorite after the first book!

The story centers on Milo, a hot hockey star and single dad rocking a sexy man bun, and Beth, his sharp-tongued, endlessly teasing counterpart. Their dynamic is pure sparks: Beth has this brilliant way of getting under Milo’s skin, and you can tell he secretly loves every second of it. Their banter is the best kind of verbal volley, with each comeback perfectly timed, making it impossible not to grin through their scenes together.

Ash Kelly brings even more charm with adorable kids who melt your heart and plenty of book and hockey-themed puns and jokes that add a light, playful tone. And while the laughs are a big part of the book, there are some swoon-worthy, tender moments that make Milo and Beth’s relationship feel all the more real.

If you love sports romance with a good balance of humor, steam, and sweetness, The Enemy Face Off is a must-read!

🏒 Hockey romance
❤️ Enemies to lovers
🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Single dad
🏘️ Small town romance
💜 Found family
💋 No cheating, no cursing, just kisses
💇‍♂️ Man bun

Quote:
She looks at me and sighs. "I'm reading an enemies-to-lovers romance."
"Enemies to lovers," I repeat. How can you fall in love with your enemy?
That doesn't make any sense. "I don't get it.
She stares out the window and lets out a long sigh. "You and me both."

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth is set on being an anti love romance bookworm. She believes that love is only for books and finding a man who she can trust to sweep her off her feet just isn't realistic. Beth doesn't have much experience either, but the two men that she has dated has hurt her terribly and she is determined not to be hurt for a third time.

Milo is a professional hockey player who suddenly finds out that he is a father. When he first sees Beth, she absolutely hates him and is just mean the whole time. This only intrigues Milo more and uses every chance that he has to use her snarky comments to throw some flirty banter right back at her.

Beth slowly puts her guard down and their relationship grows with playful teasing and banter. They go from talking everyday and hanging out to finally going on there first date because Milo the sweet charming guy that he is wants Beth to have the perfect first date and he knows she has high expectations with her love of romance books.

There is a really sweet ending with Beth and Milo, but I found that it was a bit weird that things were going in one direction and then they went on a first date almost like they were starting over. I'm still on the fence on how I like this in the story. This was still a sweet romance of learning to trust and finding love when you least expect it.

[The Closed Door Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Enemy Face Off follows Beth, a snarky anti-romance bookworm, and Milo, a single dad and grumpy goalie…Milo had been infatuated with Beth since the first time they met, but she won’t give him the time of day. Everyone can see the perfect enemies to lovers trope unfolding between the two, but due to past hurt from failed relationships, Beth has sworn off men and love….until Milo makes her realize that maybe the perfect book boyfriend does exist in real life…

📚 This is the third and final book in the Hockeymances series by @ashkellyauthor —it can totally be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the books in order to prevent any couples spoilers. I love the vibe of Comfort Bay and this was the perfect wrap up to the series!! I thought both Milo and Beth’s characters were extremely relatable and I loved seeing their relationship unfold as well as Milo’s relationship development with his kids!

❄️This was such a quick, easy, heartwarming read that wrapped so many tropes into a perfect package—Enemies to Lovers, Forced proximity/one bed, He falls first, Single Dad MMC—highly recommend adding to your TBR (but read the whole series because they were all EXCELLENT!)

—This is a clean reads/closed door romance (while intimacy is implied it is not depicted in the script) with minimal swearing 💕

#hockeyromance #enemiestolovers #cleanreadsromance #ashkellyauthor #forcedproximityromance #bookrecommendations #kindleunlimited

[Teddy G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I really waffled between a 3 and 4 but the end was way too SLOW!
I really likes this book up until maybe 70% and then it was like they started over or someone forgot where they were in the relationship.
There’s a big deal made about their first official date but I think there were multiple moments in the book that were dates. They were clearly dating but then had to have their first date?
Even weirder it took so long for them to then be boyfriend/girlfriend. They’re adults if you’re not dating anyone else and you’ve been dating each other of course your boyfriend/girlfriend it felt kinda silly.
Otherwise there were a lot of really good moments between Beth and Milo and of course Jonah and Josie were adorable!

I also really think that all of the friends in the group should have gotten their own book. It should be a Comfort Bay series with Hockeymances in it. Splitting it up overcomplicates things for readers, doesn’t make sense for the characters/series and stagnates momentum. Too many hints in the book of other books I was shocked this series is done!

[𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕮. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry to write this 1 star review, but this book was really bad. I am a Kelly fan, but this one was too bad for me to enjoy. The writing was way too cringey, the plot wasn't very good, this whole book was really redundant, and the ending wasn't spectacular. This whole story was wacko; Beth has no personality, and the romance wasn't good enough to make up for all of the cringey moments.
I mean, I can understand funny writing, cringey writing... but this was on a whole different level.
Also, "man bun" is mentioned 31 times! Give me a break. :(

One more thing: I cannot handle the girls' friend texting chat group; it's so terrible!
Example:
EVIE: I guess. I know it doesn't change anything between Fraser and me. He loves me, and I love him. I just want to be his wife so we can…you know, be together as husband and wife. It's been HARD waiting.
BETH: I bet it has
HANNAH: lol Summer: lol

OOF! 0.o

Anyways, I'm sorry to write a bad review, but yeah, this book was really really poor.

[Jamie Tuckwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚

The Enemy Face Off - @ashkellyauthor

The Enemy Face Off is the third and last book in the hockeymances series. Although this can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the "Fake Out Flex" and the "Best Friend Power Play" beforehand as the characters appear in all 3 books. Ash Kelly writes closed door romances and I've been a fan of her books since reading the "Fake Out Flex"

The Enemy Face Off focuses on the grumpy goalie, Milo and Beth. This is a heartwarming story where walls are broken door and trust is built. Milo has an interesting story and it was a great read seeing how this developed as the story went along.

Beth is sassy and fiery but she did take me awhile to warm up to her but as her character developed it was understandable why she put up so many defences.

Milo and Beth were a good match and I loved how she teased him incessantly about his man bun. The banter was great fun.

I can't wait to see what Ash Kelly writes next.

Jamie x

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milo and Beth are two grumps with almost nothing in common. He falls hard for the book-loving, snarky woman who barely gives him the time of day. Beth can’t stand Milo. It’s completely unfair that he is so ridiculously handsome. There’s absolutely no way Beth could like Milo- let alone tolerate him.
Can Milo convince Beth that there is something between them? Can he convince her to be a part of his crazy life?

If you’re a fan of hockey romances you will want to read this book. I loved of the banter between Milo and Beth. Beth really dishes it out to Milo and it is hilarious! Some heavy topics are covered in this story, but done well while maintaining a romcom tone. I’ve enjoyed all of Ash’s books so far.

Closed door
Saucy banter
Kisses only

[Alayna (the.bookstrovert) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:
“Why am I so on edge? Oh, that's right. Because I'm in love with Beth, and the next few hours are a vital litmus test to see whether or not I have a chance at turning our us-ship into an actual relationship with the first and only woman who's ever set my soul on fire the way she does. No biggie.”


I think this might just be my favorite book from Ash Kelly so far! 😍

The banter between Beth and Milo combined with the cuteness overload from Jonah and Josie!

Ash has a way of making her characters feel so real, you get so invested into the story.

Favorite Quote part 2:
“The snarky bookworm and the grumpy goalie find their happily ever after in a classic enemies-to-lovers romcom.”

Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a slow burn, enemies to lovers romcom with a happily ever after. There are sparks right from the start, Milo is drawn to Beth while she makes a snap judgment about him since he’s a hockey player. I love their banter as they get to know each other. Milo is so patient, he shows Beth through his staying power that he can be trusted. Beth has been hurt by past boyfriends and it takes her awhile to trust. Love the chemistry and swoon worthy kisses!

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the previous stories in this series, I absolutely love this story! Beth brings such a snark and sassy vibe to the story. Milo is the grumpy, cinnamon roll who will have you falling for his sweetness the more you learn about him. These two will make you laugh and I love the slow build up we see with these two.

This is part of a series and can be read as a stand alone novel but I recommend reading this series in order. This is a dual pov, closed door romance.

[Sarah A. simply.sarahendipity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been such a fun series! I’ve loved the grumpy, snarky character of Beth from the start so I loved her getting her story. Milo stole the show with the way he goes head over heels for her and is the biggest teddy bear ever! I loved their teasing banter. There are a LOT of Gilmore Girls references.

[Darla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

This was a super cute enemy’s to lovers with found family! I think the found family was my favorite part this time around even though I LOVED their sparring. The unexpected parenthood and how Milo took over that role is just

Highly recommend this if your a lover of clean closed door romances


I received an eARC for ,y honestly review

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story! The chemistry between Beth and Milo was on fire, and their banter was sheer perfection. I also loved that the relationship naturally developed over a longer period of time then we might usually see in these stories. This was wonderful read!

I received a copy of this ARC from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snark To The Max

I love snarky bantering, and this book is full of it. Beth and Milo have it from the beginning of the book to the end. Then there's the friends' text threads that are funny and adorable. I laughed out loud a few times reading this, and then there's all the "awww" moments with the kids. It's a sweet book from start to finish, even with all the snark.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good enemies to lovers romcom! I especially enjoy the story when he falls first! An adorable hockey romcom you won't want to miss! Can't wait to see what comes next from Ash!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Marcia Archibald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously fabulous read!!!

I loved this book. It was engaging and funny. The romance was sweet with the perfect amount of spice, very mild all assumed what happens next without the explicit details. Would recommend!!!! More books like this please.

[Janeece · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite of Ash Kelly’s hockeymance books so far. I love Beth and Miles. The banter, the teasing, the kiss coupons, watching them go from an us-ship to a relationship, the trust, ALL of it! It was so good I literally couldn’t put it down!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review to Come!

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Milo & Beth together so much! I think they are my new favorite Comfort Bay characters! Their banter was wonderful and I loved how the enemies-to-lovers trope played out for them💜

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline is cute, which is why I am giving it 4 stars, but I want to caution readers as I found this book to be spicier than advertised in the author's reading expectations.

This book is fade to black with an unmarried couple, with intimacy and innuendo frequently discussed throughout. There is swearing (just no 'f' word).

[Amy Lourens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book easily could have ended at 70%. The whole book moved slow but the last part really dragged.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This easily was my favorite of the series! I love a good enemies to more! I really enjoyed the build of their relationship and falling in love! Here are some other things I enjoyed:
🏒 Newly single dad
🏒 The man bun (for a good reason)
🏒 Karaoke 🎤
🏒 Morning walks
🏒 The snow storm
🏒 Use of “air quotes”
🏒 Kissing coupon

Another fabulous closed-door hockey romance in the books!

[Rosalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Milo and Beth’s story. The banter between the two. The enemies to friends to lovers. The instant Dad. Getting stranded together not once, but TWICE!!! Their relationship started out shaky and well not a relationship at all. But Milo wasn’t giving up and I love that he kept trying to win Beth over doing everything he could to make her see that they could be good together. Don’t even get me started on the kiddos!!!!! Adorable!!!!
I loved this hockeymances series and am sad to see it end. But knowing there more in the works for everyone makes it all better.
Thank you to Ash for my review copy. These words are my own.