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The Golden Goalie
When twenty-year-old Amber finds herself facing an unexpected pregnancy and abandonment by the man she once loved, she feels as though her world has come crashing down. Bruised by betrayal and disappointment, she struggles to believe in her own worth.
Enter Rico Garcia. In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, Rico is known as the formidable goalie for the Green Thunder Hockey team. But beyond his impressive saves on the ice, Rico is a seasoned player with a heart of gold. Despite the six-year age gap between them, Rico is determined to be Amber's anchor in the storm, offering her solace and assurance in her darkest hour. With gentle words and steadfast promises, Rico pledges to stand by her side, promising to take care of both her and the baby.
But Amber's wounds run deep. Rico will have to break through her barriers if he wants to convince her that she’s worthy of his love. Through this journey of redemption and second chances, Rico and Amber will discover that sometimes, the greatest victories are won off the ice, where the power of love gives you the resilience to face your greatest fears.
This is a full-length closed-door romance with all the tension, sizzle, and romance without the spice.
Enter Rico Garcia. In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, Rico is known as the formidable goalie for the Green Thunder Hockey team. But beyond his impressive saves on the ice, Rico is a seasoned player with a heart of gold. Despite the six-year age gap between them, Rico is determined to be Amber's anchor in the storm, offering her solace and assurance in her darkest hour. With gentle words and steadfast promises, Rico pledges to stand by her side, promising to take care of both her and the baby.
But Amber's wounds run deep. Rico will have to break through her barriers if he wants to convince her that she’s worthy of his love. Through this journey of redemption and second chances, Rico and Amber will discover that sometimes, the greatest victories are won off the ice, where the power of love gives you the resilience to face your greatest fears.
This is a full-length closed-door romance with all the tension, sizzle, and romance without the spice.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2024
70 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 15, 2025
Fall means Hockey season. What better time to read a Hockey romance!
The Golden Goalie is a book that captured my heart. This is a sweet story about a woman overcoming her past mistakes and learning to trust her heart to the right man. Rico and Amber are amazing characters that pull the reader in. The other players on the Green Thunder Hockey team add a fun element to the story. The banter is very humerous. This is a clean, well written story great for all ages.
I was so honored to get an ARC copy of the book. I got to read it a week early and have been waiting all week to tell you about it. This is part of a series which is excellent! GM clean read with no spice or language.
Happy Reading!
The Golden Goalie is a book that captured my heart. This is a sweet story about a woman overcoming her past mistakes and learning to trust her heart to the right man. Rico and Amber are amazing characters that pull the reader in. The other players on the Green Thunder Hockey team add a fun element to the story. The banter is very humerous. This is a clean, well written story great for all ages.
I was so honored to get an ARC copy of the book. I got to read it a week early and have been waiting all week to tell you about it. This is part of a series which is excellent! GM clean read with no spice or language.
Happy Reading!
October 31, 2024
Loved this clean romance
I really love this series. Rico is a real stand up guy. He tries to give Amanda space due to her complicated situation and be a good friend even though it was Love At First Sight. But his heart still wants to throw his hat in the ring to care for her. I love how he showed up for her whenever she needed it and didn’t give up on her through the hard times. His gifts were so heart felt and generous. I can’t wait to have more from this series.
Rating: PG, clean
I really love this series. Rico is a real stand up guy. He tries to give Amanda space due to her complicated situation and be a good friend even though it was Love At First Sight. But his heart still wants to throw his hat in the ring to care for her. I love how he showed up for her whenever she needed it and didn’t give up on her through the hard times. His gifts were so heart felt and generous. I can’t wait to have more from this series.
Rating: PG, clean
October 31, 2024
If you, like myself and so many others, have been in your hockey romance era, the wait for your next read is over! The Golden Goalie by A.J. Manney is book two in the Green Thunder series, and it follows the story I have been waiting for since I read Two Tickets.
This is the story about Amber, Brielle’s younger sister, who finds herself pregnant and suddenly alone while also going to school full-time and working as many hours as possible so she can pay for her mother’s medical bills. Amber is brokenhearted and now jaded, lost on how she will muddle through supporting her mother, and now another much more vulnerable life depends on her. One thing she knows for sure is that she can’t trust another athlete! Watching her grow and overcome obstacles, learn who she is, and learn how to stand her ground made me feel a tad proud of her.
Rico is such a big sweetheart. Dependable and reliable, with a soft spot for Amber that just keeps growing. He has adored her from afar, and when she needs somebody, he desperately wants to be her safe spot in the storm.
The two of them together are beyond adorable. That third act break was…well, a heartbreaker. But watching them fight for and earn their happily ever after was worth the journey through the ache.
FYI-This IS a closed door, clean romance. That said, it does reference past premarital sex and the infidelity of a side character.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the story about Amber, Brielle’s younger sister, who finds herself pregnant and suddenly alone while also going to school full-time and working as many hours as possible so she can pay for her mother’s medical bills. Amber is brokenhearted and now jaded, lost on how she will muddle through supporting her mother, and now another much more vulnerable life depends on her. One thing she knows for sure is that she can’t trust another athlete! Watching her grow and overcome obstacles, learn who she is, and learn how to stand her ground made me feel a tad proud of her.
Rico is such a big sweetheart. Dependable and reliable, with a soft spot for Amber that just keeps growing. He has adored her from afar, and when she needs somebody, he desperately wants to be her safe spot in the storm.
The two of them together are beyond adorable. That third act break was…well, a heartbreaker. But watching them fight for and earn their happily ever after was worth the journey through the ache.
FYI-This IS a closed door, clean romance. That said, it does reference past premarital sex and the infidelity of a side character.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
DNF: 57%
I ’ll be honest, this writer is not my favorite. I don’t like her style of writing. It seems as if she’s a teenager writing this. So many run on paragraphs that I’m concerned for her editor.
Why is it every book I read about a parental illness, the kids are always paying for things. Do the parents not have any clue? I don’t think it’s ever fair to just drop everything on your child and expect them to pay for everything and then stay oblivious. The daughter is paying for the house, groceries, medical bills, her college, AND NOW A BABY? WTF.
That’s the most frustrating part of some of the latest books I’ve read.
The MFC is very carefree and reckless and just straight up rude. She has a whole village that wants to make sure she’s ok but she keeps insisting on putting her and her baby in danger.
I really hoped this one would be better than the 1st book, but it’s just worse to the point I can’t even finish it.
Talk of emotional abuse, accidental pregnancy, a mention of termination, parental illness,
I love how they talk about the baby as a miracle and a blessing instead of a mistake.
I ’ll be honest, this writer is not my favorite. I don’t like her style of writing. It seems as if she’s a teenager writing this. So many run on paragraphs that I’m concerned for her editor.
Why is it every book I read about a parental illness, the kids are always paying for things. Do the parents not have any clue? I don’t think it’s ever fair to just drop everything on your child and expect them to pay for everything and then stay oblivious. The daughter is paying for the house, groceries, medical bills, her college, AND NOW A BABY? WTF.
That’s the most frustrating part of some of the latest books I’ve read.
The MFC is very carefree and reckless and just straight up rude. She has a whole village that wants to make sure she’s ok but she keeps insisting on putting her and her baby in danger.
I really hoped this one would be better than the 1st book, but it’s just worse to the point I can’t even finish it.
Talk of emotional abuse, accidental pregnancy, a mention of termination, parental illness,
I love how they talk about the baby as a miracle and a blessing instead of a mistake.
July 12, 2025
If you haven't read Two Tickets or the first Green Thunder book, do that first. Especially, Two Tickets, as that is where Amber and Rico first meet, although she doesn't remember it.
Amber is Brielle's younger sister, and Rico is the Goalie on her husband, Adrien's, hockey team. Six years younger than Rico, Amber is still working her way through college. She's also been in a relationship with a "red flag" guy for the past year, which has strained her relationship with her sister and her friend, Stephanie.
Rico shows up to rescue her from a party and discovers that Amber is pregnant and the father wants nothing to do with her or the baby.
While Rico has been crushing on Amber since he met her, Amber hasn't thought much about Rico. But now, he's the one person she feels she can talk to.
After Amber confesses to getting pregnant, she shows regret that she didn't wait until she was married. Then there's a whole scene about how hopefully she's learned her lesson and isn't going to have premarital sex again, which was honestly a little cringe. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
Amber is Brielle's younger sister, and Rico is the Goalie on her husband, Adrien's, hockey team. Six years younger than Rico, Amber is still working her way through college. She's also been in a relationship with a "red flag" guy for the past year, which has strained her relationship with her sister and her friend, Stephanie.
Rico shows up to rescue her from a party and discovers that Amber is pregnant and the father wants nothing to do with her or the baby.
While Rico has been crushing on Amber since he met her, Amber hasn't thought much about Rico. But now, he's the one person she feels she can talk to.
After Amber confesses to getting pregnant, she shows regret that she didn't wait until she was married. Then there's a whole scene about how hopefully she's learned her lesson and isn't going to have premarital sex again, which was honestly a little cringe. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
October 17, 2024
Oh my goodness A.J. Manney has done it again. I loved the first book in the Green Thunder series and this one is just as good. I am absolutely loving this series. Manney writes hockey romances so well. This book can be read as a standalone but may be slightly confusing due to the interconnections with the other characters. This book follows Amber, a young college student, and Rico, the goalie for the Green Thunder hockey team. When Amber finds herself pregnant and alone Rico steps in to take care of her. Amber and Rico do have a bit of an age gap but it comes across as sweet and considerate. Rico is an absolute sweetheart and I love him. Amber is closed off and hurt, rightfully so, but she has really great character development. I loved getting to see glimpses of the characters from the previous books and it helps to show how close the hockey team is. I also cannot wait for the next one!
Content: closed door
These are my own opinions and I was not required to leave a review.
Content: closed door
These are my own opinions and I was not required to leave a review.
October 18, 2024
Hockey and fall reading go together!
The Golden Goalie is a book that captured my heart. I was moved to compassion for Amber, who was emotionally pressured to give herself to the father of her baby. The guy is a jerk and does not want the baby. She feels such betrayal, sorrow, and shame. Not to mention feeling all alone. Yet, there is a bright spot on the horizon. Rico is a hockey player from the local team. He has cared about Amber for a long time. As her world is falling apart, Rico shows in word and deed that he wants to take care of her and the baby. This is a sweet story about a woman overcoming her past mistakes and learning to trust her heart to the right man. Rico and Amber are amazing characters that pull the reader in. The other players on the Green Thunder Hockey team add a fun element to the story. The banter is very humorous. This is a clean, well written story great for all ages.
The Golden Goalie is a book that captured my heart. I was moved to compassion for Amber, who was emotionally pressured to give herself to the father of her baby. The guy is a jerk and does not want the baby. She feels such betrayal, sorrow, and shame. Not to mention feeling all alone. Yet, there is a bright spot on the horizon. Rico is a hockey player from the local team. He has cared about Amber for a long time. As her world is falling apart, Rico shows in word and deed that he wants to take care of her and the baby. This is a sweet story about a woman overcoming her past mistakes and learning to trust her heart to the right man. Rico and Amber are amazing characters that pull the reader in. The other players on the Green Thunder Hockey team add a fun element to the story. The banter is very humorous. This is a clean, well written story great for all ages.
October 25, 2024
So I don't really read closed door often but the trope in this story is one of my favorites. I have to say I really enjoyed this story. In the beginning there were a few things that did not make a lot of sense. For instance, we find out quickly how Rico feels about Amber, who is pregnant by her loser ex-boyfriend. She is hurt and defensive, so shuts him out. He is determined to win her over but... does not contact her? It was strange. After the initial rough start however, it really improved. Rico is a real sweetheart and Amber is young and yet shows huge growth over the course of the story.
Their relationship was sweet, although I did not like the 3rd act breakup or what actions she took. I thought this was immature and really just a plot device, but overall a good read. I sometimes wish the females in these stories would stand up to the "bad guy". Recommend.
Their relationship was sweet, although I did not like the 3rd act breakup or what actions she took. I thought this was immature and really just a plot device, but overall a good read. I sometimes wish the females in these stories would stand up to the "bad guy". Recommend.
February 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I definitely would read the first book in the series before this one. I didn’t, but seeing the beginning and the other characters most likely would have been more helpful. This story had so much depth and emotion compared to a light fluffy romcom. I love how the author poured out real emotion and none of them felt fake.
Tropes:
Accidental pregnancy (from a bad ex) 🤰
Hockey romance 🏒
Basically strangers to lovers
She learns what true love is like (can we call that a microtone?!)
He falls first
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I recommend!
Content/possible trigger warnings:
cheating ex
vomiting (due to pregnancy and stress)
fights (non described)
small amount of abuse from ex
See my review also on instagram: @rj.reads.romance
Tropes:
Accidental pregnancy (from a bad ex) 🤰
Hockey romance 🏒
Basically strangers to lovers
She learns what true love is like (can we call that a microtone?!)
He falls first
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I recommend!
Content/possible trigger warnings:
cheating ex
vomiting (due to pregnancy and stress)
fights (non described)
small amount of abuse from ex
See my review also on instagram: @rj.reads.romance
October 19, 2024
I absolutely love this book by AJ Manney! It was fun to read about Amber and Rico and see how their relationship developed.
I loved how Rico knew from the beginning that him and Amber were meant to be together. It always made me melt when Rice did all the little things to care for and pamper Amber. Amber soaked up every special moment with Rico. She was in a prior relationship where she was treated poorly. I love how Rico recognized that and did what he could to help build her up.
This was a great read and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved how Rico knew from the beginning that him and Amber were meant to be together. It always made me melt when Rice did all the little things to care for and pamper Amber. Amber soaked up every special moment with Rico. She was in a prior relationship where she was treated poorly. I love how Rico recognized that and did what he could to help build her up.
This was a great read and I couldn’t put it down.
October 19, 2024
Yet again, AJ writes the best of protective heroes with a heart of gold. Even with the rise and fall of the story line, there is a steady current of integrity and presence from Rico. He shows up, he legitimately cares, and he provides. My favorite scenes include dinner with mom, Rico’s shopping, and the hospital. Also, baby. Always love that. 🤣
Pg-13 some coarse joking. Writing style for older YA/NA.
Pg-13 some coarse joking. Writing style for older YA/NA.
January 26, 2025
accidental pregnancy
he's not the dad
hockey romance
clean romance
I am usually a lover of accidental pregnancy but this one was just not for me. I didn't find Amber to be very likable which really put me off. I didn't feel a connection between the two MC's at all which was really disappointing. There were a few inconsistencies throughout the book that should've been caught before publishing.
he's not the dad
hockey romance
clean romance
I am usually a lover of accidental pregnancy but this one was just not for me. I didn't find Amber to be very likable which really put me off. I didn't feel a connection between the two MC's at all which was really disappointing. There were a few inconsistencies throughout the book that should've been caught before publishing.
February 2, 2025
2.5 Too inconsistent, FMC bothered me
I almost DNF’d this a few times. The FMC irritated me a lot, especially when making choices for other people that clearly made no sense. There were also a lot of inconsistencies with how the characters acted, like a single character saying conflicting things in the same argument. The story had the potential to be good, but the execution was lacking. However, the interactions with the other guys on the team were done well.
I almost DNF’d this a few times. The FMC irritated me a lot, especially when making choices for other people that clearly made no sense. There were also a lot of inconsistencies with how the characters acted, like a single character saying conflicting things in the same argument. The story had the potential to be good, but the execution was lacking. However, the interactions with the other guys on the team were done well.
October 15, 2024
5 ⭐️
Made me laugh and cry (and angry, but at specific characters), great story. Absolutely attached to all of these characters and this team. Rico and Amber were perfect for each other. I loved the friendships and families in this story. Absolutely looking forward to Gunner and Chloe’s story! Fantastic series!
Does Noah get a series too? Because I want that one also 🤣
Made me laugh and cry (and angry, but at specific characters), great story. Absolutely attached to all of these characters and this team. Rico and Amber were perfect for each other. I loved the friendships and families in this story. Absolutely looking forward to Gunner and Chloe’s story! Fantastic series!
Does Noah get a series too? Because I want that one also 🤣
October 18, 2024
Rico and Amber's story is so incredible! The way Rico is with her and even though she pushes him away and does some dumb things sometimes he sees she's always doing it because she thinks it's best.
Rico being willing to run five miles for her just to get to her was incredible.
I loved how The Golden Goalie name was tied in too!
I didn't want this book to end.
So happy there will be a third book in the series.
Rico being willing to run five miles for her just to get to her was incredible.
I loved how The Golden Goalie name was tied in too!
I didn't want this book to end.
So happy there will be a third book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
Wonderful!
The Golden Goalie was an excellent read! I could not put this book down. I stayed up until 3 am and then finished in the morning. This seems to be the norm for me when reading A.J. Manney books. I highly recommend this book if your looking for a book that gives you all the feels.
The Golden Goalie was an excellent read! I could not put this book down. I stayed up until 3 am and then finished in the morning. This seems to be the norm for me when reading A.J. Manney books. I highly recommend this book if your looking for a book that gives you all the feels.
November 10, 2025
Heartwarming and real
Rico is almost too good to be true, and yet he still felt real and believable as a character. Amber struggles alone with her unexpected pregnancy but finds support not only in Rico but her family and the team as well, as ideally it should be. It was a sweet story and an easy read.
Rico is almost too good to be true, and yet he still felt real and believable as a character. Amber struggles alone with her unexpected pregnancy but finds support not only in Rico but her family and the team as well, as ideally it should be. It was a sweet story and an easy read.
October 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! The hockey team family and banter was so fun! And I loved how Rico cared for Amber!
This book follows Two Tickets and The Flirty Forward. Can be read as a standalone but the characters in those books are very present in this one, too.
Closed door.
This book follows Two Tickets and The Flirty Forward. Can be read as a standalone but the characters in those books are very present in this one, too.
Closed door.
October 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and this is definitely not my usual trope! I felt like the pregnancy was really well written and not brushed over in any way. Rico is a dream of a man and pursues Amber in a way that we could all dream about! And then Amber totally rips my heart out when she's being blackmailed. This is definitely my favorite of the series so far! I love a clean romance that can take you so much deeper than some of the full spice books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2024
I love the Green Thunder men!
I think Rico is my favorite of all the players. This series of big tough men who fall hard for their women is fantastic. It’s a great read that gives you the warm fuzzies!
I think Rico is my favorite of all the players. This series of big tough men who fall hard for their women is fantastic. It’s a great read that gives you the warm fuzzies!
October 20, 2024
I couldn’t put it down
Rico and Amber’s story gripped me from the first page. I loved their banter and how headstrong and determined Amber was to NOT fall for Rico. And Rico’s constant, quiet persistence. I couldn’t put it down! 100% recommend
Rico and Amber’s story gripped me from the first page. I loved their banter and how headstrong and determined Amber was to NOT fall for Rico. And Rico’s constant, quiet persistence. I couldn’t put it down! 100% recommend
October 21, 2024
I genuinely loved this book. The characters, the plot, not to mention hot hockey players….count me in. But there was a miscommunication moment that drove me insane. So, I had to drop two stars. Other than that, awesome clean read.
January 15, 2025
I absolutely love this series. The men are protective, sexy and yet love their women with all they have. I love that it revolves around the sport, hockey, also. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out.
February 26, 2025
The golden goalie
This is a cute hockey romance story with some anxiety prone moments and shed a few tears in some places .excellent story teller that brings the book to life.wonderful intermingle together.hea ending❣️💃🏻🏒
This is a cute hockey romance story with some anxiety prone moments and shed a few tears in some places .excellent story teller that brings the book to life.wonderful intermingle together.hea ending❣️💃🏻🏒
June 2, 2025
Rico 💜
This has got to be one of my favorite books I’ve read. For me, as a true romantic, Rico’s character was perfect. I loved his relationship with Amber, his fight for her as well as his love and excitement. I smiled a lot and am exited to see Gunner’s story play out.
This has got to be one of my favorite books I’ve read. For me, as a true romantic, Rico’s character was perfect. I loved his relationship with Amber, his fight for her as well as his love and excitement. I smiled a lot and am exited to see Gunner’s story play out.
June 7, 2025
I wanted to DNG a lot…ended up just scrolling through…BECAUSE I like the characters, it had SO much potential but it was half-baked.
It wasn’t rushed and not properly developed. All the ingredients are there…but it was not executed well.
It wasn’t rushed and not properly developed. All the ingredients are there…but it was not executed well.
September 3, 2025
Another classy story by A.J. Manney! Five stars!
Five stars on Kindle for the second book in the "Green Thunder" series! Very entertaining! Very classy and a refreshing story with morals and morale! Great story great characters!
Five stars on Kindle for the second book in the "Green Thunder" series! Very entertaining! Very classy and a refreshing story with morals and morale! Great story great characters!
October 18, 2024
Fall in love with Rico
Another hit by Manney. I love Rico. He is masculine, funny and takes care of his girl. And I love the sister bonding as well. Worth your time to read.
Another hit by Manney. I love Rico. He is masculine, funny and takes care of his girl. And I love the sister bonding as well. Worth your time to read.
October 23, 2024
3.75⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews