Hooking Up with the Hockey Player

by Jerica MacMillan

The hockey player finds love on vacation …

But who would’ve guessed it would be with me?

Honestly, I wouldn’t expect hockey players to come to a small town like Arcadian Falls, much less to end up rescued by one in a bar on a Friday night.

He pretends I’m his girlfriend to get a trio of jerks to back off. I don’t even know who he is at first, but the jerks definitely recognize him. Since I’m supposedly his girlfriend, I end up spending the rest of the evening with him and his friends, inadvertently saving him from being the third wheel to the two other couples.

More than a hockey star, though, he’s patient. Kind. Caring. Everything I need to coax me out of the shell I’ve built up since my last relationship ended in disaster.

But he’s only in town for two weeks. And I’ve built a life for myself here.

It’s only supposed to be a vacation fling, but could it turn into more?

Hooking Up with the Hockey Player is a small town vacation romance featuring a sexy hockey player and the shy office manager who claims his heart. Full of all the feels with an HEA guaranteed!

Genres: Hockey Romance, Sports, Hockey

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

Jerica MacMillan has been reading romance since she stumbled into the paperback section of the library as a middle schooler. And it's been an ongoing love affair ever since!

You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!

Reviews

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Arcadian Falls for Troy and Anna's story and I couldn't be more excited!
Ever since she was left at the alter four years ago, Anna has kept to herself, she spends her days working and her nights knitting in front of the tv, but Anna wants more from life, she knows she's not suddenly going to become a chatty extrovert but accepting an invite to go out for drinks after work is a start!
Troy Easton is feeling a little lost, he has just retired from the NHL and doesn't know what his next steps are, his whole life has been about hockey and now he hasn't got that, what does he have? So when his friends say they should get away for a while and escape all of the post season and retirement woes he jumps at the chance to delay figuring out his future. However saving a girl from a group of drunk frat guys and subsequently falling for her was definitely not part of his plans!
"My only real goal is just to enjoy myself while I'm here. And if that so happens to include the company of a shy, pretty, glasses-wearing office manager, who could complain about that?"
Anna is everything Troy never knew he needed or wanted in a girl, there is just something about her that he cannot get enough of, but despite feeling intensely about Anna he's only in Arcadian Falls for a short time, he can't possibly fall in love within a couple of weeks...can he? And what happens when it's time for him to face reality and go home? And add in the damage Anna's ex has inflicted, why would someone like Troy want someone like her?
"On paper, this turning into more doesn't make sense-she lives here and I'm a hockey player from Seattle, even if I am retired. But the way she's looking at me, the way I feel, this seems like it could be more. Like I want it to be more."
Has Troy's post retirement getaway given him a life and a future he could only dream about, with an incredible girl by his side?
Read Hooking Up with the Hockey Player to find out if Troy gets his girl!
I really enjoyed Hooking Up with the Hockey Player and I loved being back in Jerica's Arcadian Falls world and getting to revisit with previous characters just made it so much more enjoyable for me! I could not put this book down, it was a light, feel good story that I couldn't get enough of! I'm hoping that both Brit and Dozer get their own books or even better one together! I cannot wait for what Jerica has in store for us next!
I received an ARC of Hooking Up with the Hockey Player and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooking Up with the Hockey Player by Jerica MacMillan is about a small-town dental office receptionist who goes out for a girls’ night at a local bar when three frat boys hone in on her and refuse to take “no” for an answer when retired hockey player Troy Eastman interferes and claims her as his date that sets both of their lives on a collision course with romance and forever love, after getting rid of the irritating frat boys, Troy and Anna enjoy talking with each other and decide to go out again while Troy is in town for his vacation with his friends. After Anna’s former fiancé left her at the altar, she turned into a modern hermit whose life consisted of work and coming home alone to knit in front of the TV. As a shy introvert, she made a conscious decision to try to be more outgoing and open up to others, so even though the dates between Troy and Anna begin awkwardly, they muddle through it and get to know each other. Troy’s day vacation at the Lake House with his friends soon morphs into spending more and more time at Anna’s studio apartment as their romance heats up. As the couple races towards Troy’s last days in Arcadian Falls draw to a close, they both have to make decisions if they can make their romance turn into long term or if they will end with a “it’s been fun, but good-bye”? Jerica MacMillan’s Hooking Up With a Hockey Player matches two unlikely people into a romance that turns into a memorable romance that is steamy and fun to read.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ½ Stars ... a delightful romance!

This is such a sweet romance and it had me laughing-out-loud. I felt so sorry for Anna being dumped at the alter and everyone thinking it was her fault that it happened. I loved that she moved away from the negative people in her life to start over. And my heart melted for Troy ... who wouldn't love a hunk with a heart of gold? That Troy loved Anna's quirks only made me love him more. The banter is very realistic with every day situations. When the 3 year old little boy kept putting his finger up his nose ... I almost lost it! I love it when there are kids in a book.

After Anna was left at the alter 4 years ago, she moved to Arcadian Falls so she could mend her broken heart. But when her friend Brit drags her out for a girl's night, she is harassed by some frat boys at the bar. Due to numerous injuries, Troy is forced to retire from the NHL. After his final season, he joins a couple of teammates and their families on a holiday to decompress and decide what's next for him. When he sees a woman being harassed, he doesn't hesitate to step in. He pretends to be the woman's boyfriend and then leads her off to his table. Anna cannot formulate words when this hunk of a man leads her off ... no one has ever stood up for her before. The sparks between them fly, but Troy's only in town for 2 weeks so nothing can happen between them ... right?

I received an ARC courtesy of the author.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay but uneventful

The brief story which you can mostly get from the blurb is: a shy office manager who was once rejected at the altar for being boring and has self-esteem issues meets a retiring pro-hockey player in a bar while he’s visiting on vacation and they begin dating and fall in love over several weeks. That’s pretty much it. I was disappointed in this book. Despite the title, there is zero hockey action. No practices, no games. Troy could be a non-athlete for all the difference his career made. He’s retiring from the sport due to injury so has time on his hands while he figures out his next move. Wanted to make that clear for any readers expecting a lot of hockey action due to the title. It’s a sweet, slow burn story with the bedroom action starting around 75%. My main disappointment is that virtually nothing happened and I found the plot fairly uneventful and boring. I don’t mind slow burn (big fan of Mariana Zapata lol) but you still need the storyline to be interesting while the heat gets turned up. We have lots of chapters on her picking the perfect “cute but sexy” outfit for a date, what they cooked and ate, etc., rather boring text exchanges, him being respectful and not pushing her for more touching than she’s ready for. I would have said it was a sweet story for high school readers except it does get very explicit in the last quarter of the book. Sorry I couldn’t give it a better rating.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Jerica MacMillan so I wasn't sure what to expect. This was a cute small town romance between two adults. Pretty tame overall but I did really enjoy the characters. Maybe because as a single adult female I can somewhat relate to Anna and her dating woes.

Anna is now a small town girl who moved to get away from the gossip when her fiancé left her at the altar. She's a little bit shy, pretty much an introvert and loves to sit home with a good show and work on her knitting. When one of her "friends" invites her out for girls nights, she finally decides to go with an exit plan in place. However while at the bar, she gets saved from some frat boy types by Troy. Troy is a recently retired hockey play in town on vacation with friends who has no idea what he wants to do with his life now that he is retired. He does know that he really enjoys Anna and all her quirks. As the two embark on a "short term" relationship for his two week vacation, their connection is undeniable. Anna just doesn't want to get her heart broken at the end but Troy can't see leaving her either. Both have to figure out their next steps.

The bulk of this book really happens over about a 3-4 day span. It was a pretty quick read. Overall very good with not too much spice but just a connection between two adults.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Troy's story. One too many injuries and he is ready to retire and start a whole new life "after hockey", which he has no clue what that looks like. His final season ends and he goes away on vacation with some of his teammates to enjoy some downtime before he decides what he will do with his life now that hockey was no longer an option.

Anna leaves Seattle after a devastating break up with her fiance and moves to manage a small town dental office. One of her new friends finally convinces her to go out to Girl's night even though she prefers being a homebody, where she meets Troy. He rescues her from unwanted attention from young frat boys trying to pick her up and she ends ups keeping him company at the bar. He gives her his card with his number hoping she will call him.

The next day, Anna talks herself out of her comfort zone and texts Troy and asks him out. They spend his 2 week vacation getting to know each other and falling. I loved this story and Troy is a great guy and Anna picked herself up from a terrible relationship to trust Troy with her heart.

Great story and Ms. MacMillan hit it out of the park! I received an advance copy from BookFunnel for my honest opinion.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into Anna and Troy’s story I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it would make me because the story itself is truly beautiful, but Anna is incredibly relatable for me. Anna has been burned by her ex and that has left her living a hollow life, keeping herself in a protective shield where everything is mundane and planned. She knows she needs to get back out there again not only dating wise but also creating a new life, become more outgoing, and create friendships or mend old ones. To me she is amazing for attempting this when all she wants is her calm life surrounded with things that comfort her. Troy is in this limbo since he retired from hockey, not knowing what the future will hold or what direction life will go, but when he and Anna cross paths things start to change. Watching as both Troy and Anna struggle with insecurities and their own thoughts make them down to earth and lovable, but their love story is beautiful perfection the way they help each other overcome their spiraling minds.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna is living in Arcadian Falls and working as an office manager in a dental office. Her friend is trying to bring her out of her shell after her last relationship ended in disaster.
Agreeing to drinks, while at the bar she goes to get another drink and is surrounded by some frat boys who hit on her and won't leave her alone, enter Troy.

Troy Easton is a newly retired hockey player who is on vacation with a couple teammates and their families in Arcadian Falls. They are enjoying an evening out for drinks when he sees Anna at the bar and what's going on and goes to intervene acting like her boyfriend which puts them together the rest of the evening.

Troy is sweet, caring and very patient with Anna. They end up spending time together for the two weeks he is there and both have feelings for each other. Is it more than a vacation fling?

4 stars

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry for the late ARC review Jerica!

In “Hooking Up with the Hockey Player” by Jerica MacMillan, the reader will see that we return to Arcadian Falls to follow the journey of Anna and Troy. Anna, the modest and somewhat insecure (due to an ex) office manager at the local dentist’s office, decides to have a night out with her friends to see if she can break out of her shell. While out with her friends, she meets Troy, a recently retired hockey player. They quickly realize there’s a strong connection between them, but Troy realizes he needs to take things slow to avoid overwhelming Anna and allow her to take things at her pace.
This love story is bound to captivate you! Anna is on a path to self-improvement (quite similar to me) while Troy is figuring out his post-retirement life and what he wants to do. I highly recommend!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the devastating way her last relationship ended Anna needed a fresh start. With the help of her friends, she is ready to start living again however she is beginning to regret that decision when she attracts the attention of three men. Fortunately, Troy comes to her rescue, and they connect in a way that takes them both by surprise.

Now that his hockey career has come to an end Troy finds himself at a crossroads wondering what comes next. When he sees Anna in a difficult situation, he doesn’t hesitate to step in, but he never expected to enjoy the evening so much. He wants to see her again even if he is only in town for a limited time.

Due to her past Anna is cautious however Troy shows her that she is perfect just the way she is and the romance between them is engaging as they find love when they least expect it.

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of feel-good vibes. The MMC, Troy, is a professional hockey player who’s uncertain about his future after his retirement. While on vacation with some friends, he meets the FMC, Anna, at a bar. When three guys won’t leave Anna alone, Troy steps in and pretends to be her boyfriend. Anna, an introvert who usually prefers staying in, had finally decided to join her girlfriends for a night out. She and Troy hit it off and exchanged numbers. Anna takes the initiative to text Troy and arrange a meet-up. As their connection deepens, Anna must decide whether she’s ready to step out of her comfort zone, while Troy faces a life-changing decision about his future. I absolutely loved reading this book.

Tropes:
Small Town Romance
Hockey Player
Instalove
Opposite Attract
Vacation Fling

Spice: 2.5/5

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna moved to Arcadian Falls after being dumped at the altar by her ex, but she leads a quiet and lonely life.
Troy is a professional hockey player who has just retired and is deciding what to do with his life.
When Troy goes on vacation with his friends in the small town of Arcadian Falls and meets Anna, their connection is immediate. Although she is shy and reserved, with Troy she is able to open up and show who she really is.
But their days are numbered, as Troy has to return to Seattle at the end of his vacation. So, they make the most of their time together.
But the doubt hanging over their heads is whether this is just a summer fling and will end when Troy returns to Seattle, or whether they'll be able to make it work.
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend reading it.

[Jennifer Jansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna is hiding in plain sight in Arcadian Falls 3 years after being left at the altar. Troy retired from hockey after two injuries that forced him to end things. When his career ends, he vacations with friends in Arcadian Falls and meets Anna in a bar. After saving her from douchey frat boys, they get to know each other and start to spend more time together. Anna is determined to get out of her comfort zone and be a little more outgoing and friendly after hiding for so long. They have an amazing time together, and we get our happy ending. I wouldn't have minded some conversation about Anna being so skittish at times and a little more of their time after Troy's vacation ended. Overall, it was a sweet(and spicy) little read.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooking Up with the Hockey Player by Jerica MacMillan brings us back to Arcadian Falls for the story of Anna and Troy. Anna is the unassuming, admittedly boring office manager at the local dentist office. She decides to go out with some gal pals for a night out and meets Troy, a recently retired hockey player. Right away they each realize there are deep feelings here, but Troy knows he needs to go slow so he doesn't scare Anna away.

You will love this witty and well-written love story! Anna is learning how to be a better version of herself and Troy has to figure out what he is going to do now that he is retired. You'll laugh, your heart will soar and you will fall in love with Troy and Anna!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooking Up with the Hockey Player
By Jerica MacMillan
Main Characters: Troy and Anna
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
Anna is a dental office manager and resides in Arcadian Falls. Troy is a hockey player who has just retired and is enjoying a vacation with some teammates. They are in a bar when Troy notices Anna who seems to be uncomfortable with the attention she is receiving from some frat boys. Troy comes to the rescue as he pretends to be her boyfriend. They seem to get along nicely the rest of the night. Now Troy wants to see her again. They have just a couple weeks together and then is it over or ???? I liked this story and the characters

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vacation fling….
Troy is a recently retired hockey player with no plans for his future. Anna is a shy, office manager who knows nothing about hockey and still recovering from her last relationship. He’s on vacation trying to plan his next step, and she’s decided she needs to “get out there” and to be “more normal”.
This is full of light hearted, soft flirting, witty banter, sweet romance, some spice and brilliant friendships.
The characters are warm, relatable and cute in their awkwardness. I was invested in their relationship from the get go. I smiled often, understood their doubts and fears, felt their hopes and crossed my fingers for their wishes.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gloriously romantic book. All they had to do was find each other.

Retired hockey player Troy meets shy, unconfident Anna, she is like a breath of fresh air for him. Anna Troy for himself, and not for being a retired hockey player. She knows absolutely nothing about him or his past, which makes it, especially easy for Troy to fall in love with her because he knows she loves him for him alone. so romantically and lovingly written. You will want every man to be like Troy. Confident, gorgeous, calming, thoughtful and gentle. Who wouldn’t love a man like Troy. I absolutely devoured this book. I loved it loved so much. I could not put it down.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna has some hang ups about relationships from being dump at the alter. Four years later and she still has no confidence. Even though she has lived in her new town since the split, she hasn't made any attempt to go out with friends. On the night she finally gives in, she meets retired hockey player, Troy Easton when he rescues her while visiting the area. From that moment on I loved the friendship/relationship they develop. Will they be able to make it work past Troy's vacation? Can Anna trust again? Their story is sweet with lots of sexy times, banter and more!!!

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Troy and Anna. From the beginning of their story I thought these two were a perfect match. Anna is unsure of herself and very unsure of men. Honestly after having been dumped at the alter who could blame her. Troy has retired from hockey and is trying to figure out what his life looks like next. As these two get to know each other things begin to heat up. The question is will this turn into more then a vacation fling? I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for an easy red, with minimal drama (just a little hiccup) but plenty of sweetness and romance - you have found the right book!!

A super sweet, slow burn story about two people who are starting over and re-imaging their future after big changes (end of an engagement/end of career).

- Slow burn
- Super sweet
- Found family
- Hockey player
- Minimal drama
- Cute dates

[Katie Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy, and enjoyable read! I found Anna's character to be somewhat relatable and Troy was the perfect compliment for her. It was fun to watch him bring her out of her shell and see their relationship grow. I do wish there had been more about after Troy's vacation but otherwise found this book to be a great read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! What’s better than a vacation romance! I loved watching their relationship develop the more time they spend together. Anna and Troy were perfect for each other! With Troy retired from hockey, he had some decisions to make. Will he decide to stay in Acadian Falls and make their relationship work? Once again Jerica has written another fantastic romance! I loved it!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed many of Jerica's books and this one did not disappoint. If you are looking for a fun, sweet read this one is for you. I loved watching Anna blossom and Troy was yummy and a dreamy book boyfriend. Together they are just perfect. Can a vacation romance turn into more? Read it for yourself! You will love it!!

[Ann Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness I loved Troy and Anna so much! Anna seemed to be painfully shy, which I can relate to, and was a bit quirky but Troy was such a sweetheart and liked her for who she was. After her ex really did a number on her self esteem, Troy was the perfect man to bring her out of her shell the gentlest way possible.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey player and the introvert.

This was a good summer read. Tray Easton just retired from hockey and is on a two week break.
Anna is 30, an introvert who likes to knit.
Tray comes to her rescue with some frat boys and she returns the favor. These two are really sweet together.
Recommend.



Borrowed on KU.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Anna and Troy meet when he saves her from some frat boys in her local bar. They soon get closer but he's only in Arcadian Falls for two weeks.
I loved how they were together but what will happen when it's time for him to leave.
A must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I absolutely love this book! What started out as a vacation fling morphs into a real love affair. Troy is in his last year of his NHL hockey career. It’s off season so he accompanies a couple of friends on vacation. At a local bar he meets Anna when he saves her from the unwanted attention of some annoying frat boys!
Such wonderfully portrayed characters! Troy is patient, attentive, and ready for retirement! Anna is shy at first but Troy soon brings her out of her shell!
Great story, hot hockey player, beautiful down to earth woman! What’s not to love?

[Brandie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story that hits on every day emotions and struggles of both men and women. This story shows we all struggle with "weird quirks" that not everyone will find endearing but there is always that 1 special one that will. Love the story of love.

[Natasha Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story ! The characters are fantastic and I was pulled into it from the start. I love banter and fun in a story and awkwardness . Jericho pulls you into the story, and makes you feel the pull and emotions of all the characters in this story .

[KMart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve liked Jerica’s other books, but this one was just too blah. Too much internal dialogue and just a boring story. It took me several days to finish, it just didn’t keep my interest. Sorry, but I will try other books of hers.