Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Chicago Blizzard Hockey #1

Mistletoe Face Off: A Christmas Hockey Romcom

Rate this book
Note to Next time I need a big story, maybe don't pick a fight with a hot hockey player dressed as Santa. Especially if he's hiding something...

Holly
My assignment to cover the Chicago Blizzard's Christmas charity events turns unexpectedly into a viral feud with star defenseman Harrison Clarke—in a Santa suit.

It gets weirder. Heard of fake dating? This has now become fake hating, and our staged fights are heating up the media—and with it our unexpected romantic connection. But with my daughter, Macy, my career aspirations, and Harrison's mysterious past in play, this holiday romance might be over before it begins.

Harrison
Playing Santa was supposed to help grease the decision-making wheels and land me the captain's 'C'. Instead, it reunites me with Holly Coleman—my high school crush turned single mom and journalist.

Our argument makes us America's favorite feuding duo, but real feelings begin to complicate the game. Holly sees beyond the hockey player, but my hidden past threatens everything.

This Christmas, I'm attempting the ultimate hat clearing my name, proving I'm captain material, and winning the girl of my dreams.


Mistletoe Face Off is a fun and swoony Christmas hockey romcom with all the feels and great chemistry, without the spice.

226 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2024

274 people are currently reading
595 people want to read

About the author

Kate O'Keeffe

69 books855 followers
Kate O'Keeffe is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author who writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy but loveable dogs.

When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.

Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
335 (37%)
4 stars
273 (30%)
3 stars
217 (24%)
2 stars
60 (6%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
Profile Image for Reese.
35 reviews23 followers
November 11, 2024
I personally did not like this book. I felt like there was no plot, and when there was an actual plot, it came in to play 80% through the book. Even though it’s less than 230 pages long, I found myself unable to finish it quickly, when I have finished even longer books and even shorter amounts of time..
We follow Holly, a journalist, and her eight-year-old daughter, Macy, as they are picking up the pieces our life after divorce. Harrison is an NHL hockey player, who went to school with Holly when they were teenagers. They meet again and decide to fake hate each other?

My friend Charlotte mentioned one time that the male love interests always comment on the girls body and not their personality and Harrison totally did that in this book. All he talked about was her physical appearance, and I cannot stop thinking about that the entire time.

Overall, I think this just wasn’t my type of book. I’m sure someone else would like this plot and the writing, but it just wasn’t for me.

⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,900 reviews239 followers
October 15, 2024
Are you ready for a mistaken identity, fake relationship, single-parent, hockey playing guy, and much, much more in this new hockey book from Kate O'Keeffe? Trust me, you're going to love the adorableness and the chemistry and swoon of these characters! I was laughing at the funny situations that Holly and Harrison find themselves in. Especially that initial mistaken identity moment. It's the best when Holly finally realizes who he really is and remembers their past.

Harrison is such a great character. I loved watching not only him and Holly's relationship develop, but I loved seeing how he interacted with her daughter. It was really sweet.

There's a bit of a mystery behind Harrison for Holly and it's going to take everything she has to figure it out but not ruin their friendship that is developing into more. Will their budding relationship survive what Holly finds out?

I loved these three together so much. The chemistry really pulls you in. Even their fake bantering will have you cheering for them and hoping that all turns out for the best for this cute little trio. *Happy Sigh*

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Lissa Ruck.
953 reviews17 followers
October 16, 2024
I absolutely adored Harrison & Holly's feisty, sweet, caring, intriguing, loving, story!!
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,886 reviews208 followers
October 16, 2024
Get ready to embrace a new romcom hockey team! Some readers may have met Dan Roberts, the captain of the Chicago Blizzards, in The Rebound Play. Now we are going to get to meet his teammates in the new Chicago Blizzard Hockey series. Mistletoe Face Off focuses on Defenseman Harrison Clarke.

I adored this story from start to finish! Harrison and Holly were such great characters. They were people that I couldn’t help but love right away. Holly was an amazing single mom to her daughter, Macy. Harrison was not only a fantastic hockey player, but also a guy with a really good heart. He jumped into the role of Santa for some team charity events and gave it his all. And he was so good with Macy! From the first meeting between Holly and Harrison to an embarrassing admission from Holly…these two had chemistry! The way things progressed in this story was so fun.

I appreciated the way these two communicated, not only in the times they were getting to know each other, but also as they both began to realize that their feelings were deepening. And, when some troubling information came to light, once again, Holly and Harrison communicated with each other and didn’t allow any kind of miscommunication to impede their budding relationship. I definitely recommend this sporty holiday romance and look forward to reading more in the Chicago Blizzard Hockey series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Molly | Visitingmanygoodbooks.
99 reviews23 followers
October 22, 2024
Harrison Clarke is a star defenseman on the Blizzards hockey team. Holly Coleman is a reporter, covering the teams month long Christmas charity events. She’s looking for the scoop on the players, especially on Harrison Clarke. When they get thrown together in a publicity stunt, she gets to meet the real Harry, and she might just be catching feelings.

🏒

This was a fun story! Kate O’Keeffe is becoming one of my favorite clean romance authors. I loved the characters and Hollys daughter, Macy, was so cute! This book has all of the fun Christmas feels and it’s perfect for those hockey romcom fans wanting a fun read for Christmas!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 ✨
Profile Image for Susan Z (webreakforbooks) .
1,124 reviews116 followers
November 23, 2024
Mistletoe Face Off is a sweet hockey romance, made even better with tons of Christmas cheer.

Read this if you like:
💋Smoldering kisses
🎅A Santa suit wearing MMC
🤱🏼Single mom
❤️Love Actually references
🎄Lots of Christmas fun
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,168 reviews
October 17, 2024
This cover is adorable, and so is this sweet and fun holiday hockey romance!

What I loved:
🏑 HS crush on each other
🎄 Gingerbread house building
🏑 Die Hard vs Love Actually
🎄 Holly’s daughter Macy
🏑 How sweet Harrison is with Macy
🎄 Santa and Mrs. Claus
🏑 Flirty banter
🎄 Their first date and kiss

This was a quick read that’s perfect if you love sports romances and stories full of holiday cheer. It’s definitely a feel-good story with some really lovable characters and a super sweet romance.

Many thanks to the author for a copy!

Profile Image for Angie (mushmysteriesandmore).
381 reviews
October 17, 2024
This was a great spin-off novel featuring a teammate of Dan Roberts from The Rebound Play (see my other reviews). This time we are meeting Harrison Clarke who is vying for captain of the Chicago Blizzards when Dan retires. He wants this so badly he volunteers to play Santa at a charity event where, in disguise, he crosses paths with journalist (and old school mate) Holly Coleman who doesn’t recognise him under the jolly red suit.

The spark of attraction is definitely there and there’s some pretty cheeky flirting going on. Not to mention Harrison is an instant hit with Holl’s daughter Macy, who is usually very shy with people she’s not familiar with. But then someone reveals that it is actually Harrison under the Santa suit and different sparks fly with Holly ripping into Harrison for not admitting who he was and their previous acquaintance. It makes the papers and her jerk of a boss has her entering with an agreement to fake spats with Harrison in public in a big lead-up to a Christmas truce.

The more Harrison and Holly spend time together, the sweeter they become. Holly has been burnt by a hockey player before, Macy’s dad abandoned her when she was pregnant and barely has contact with Macy. Harrison helps her see that not all hockey players are jerks, in fact, he’s so sweet with Macy, helping her with her fear of skating, and encouraging her more than her own father does, he gets under Holly’s defences and suddenly the public fights are nothing more than banter and flirting.

I’m glad that the third act breakup didn’t happen here, that Holly gave Harrison a chance to explain his side of the story that broke and didn’t just turn away from him, although she was tempted to. And the way she went to bat for him was nothing short of incredible.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,775 reviews94 followers
October 16, 2024
Hockey + Christmas + Fake HATING!? Yes, please! No, that's not a typo... we've all heard of fake dating, but fake hating was a new one for me... and I was absolutely here for it! Right from the start, the undeniable chemistry between Harrison and Holly drew me in--- the flirting, the banter (real or fake), it was all so very good. Despite their chemistry, Holly has been burned by a hockey player in her past and is hesitant to open her heart again and Harrison has a secret from his past that he is hiding. There is something about a big, tough man who is really a huge softy that will get me every time--- and Harrison certainly was just that! I loved seeing how well he took on the role of Santa and how sweet he was with Macy (Holly's daughter). It was easy to see how Holly would fall for him despite her reservations! Between the holiday festivities and the romance, there was so much to love about this story... it was such a fun read, and one that I absolutely couldn't get enough of.

Mistletoe Face Off is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for EVANGELIA  MARAGKOPOULOU.
725 reviews8 followers
October 14, 2024
Holly and Harrison userd to go to the same high school and they both had a crush for the other but because they were in different groups nothing happened . Holly is working as a reporter an is writing for the Chicago Blizzard hockey team Christmas Charities , and she is taken by the guy who is wearing the Santa Clauss costume . When she finds out that he is Harrison they argue infront of the media and they became viral so his team asks her that they keep fighting until Christmas Eve to help with the Charities . Holly is not trusting hockey players because of her ex husband but Harry is determined to brake all her walls and win her and her adorable daughter . Will Harry win Holly ?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,187 reviews27 followers
October 26, 2024
I loved Mistletoe Face Off Book 1 of Chicago Blizzard Hockey. Holly and Harrison knew each other a long time ago in high school. Now she’s supposed to be “finding dirt” on him for her next story but all she’s finding is Harry is a good guy and despite her best effort to stay away from hockey players she’s falling for him. Harry does have something in his past but it’s nit what people think, unfortunately he never got to tell his side and now it may ruin his career. Holly won’t let that happen, she will do everything she can to make sure the truth is told. I loved the storyline and the characters except for Lorcan, what a jerk. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole Blomgren.
6 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2024
Kate O'Keeffe has delivered once again... this time Christmas style!

What do you get when you take a former youth figure skating star turned NHL star and reunite him with a former NHL WAG, now single mom, reporter?

You get the perfect holiday romance! Enjoy the ride as you follow Harrison and Holly on the journey of finding each other, the truth, and love during the holdiay season!

A super fun companion book to the Love on Thin Ice Series!
9,376 reviews140 followers
October 21, 2024
This is a well written hockey romance with strong characters in Holly and Harrison. The author does a great job developing their story and moves it fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes. She brings an entertaining enemies to so much more romance and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for PollyAnna Joy.
Author 4 books27 followers
November 12, 2024
Holly and Harrison (and Macy)

Fake fighting rather than fake dating! Genius! Holly and Harry fight like two people attracted to one another from the very beginning. As a reader, I find it hard to believe that they fooled anyone with their "fake" fighting! Lol. I do so wish I could see Harry dancing... On and off the ice!!
105 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2024
A fun holiday rom-com. Harrison and Holly have great chemistry when they’re getting along, and witty, biting, and laugh out loud banter when they’re dueling! Both characters are likable and you can’t help but root for their HEA. The addition of Holly’s daughter Macy just adds to the sweet and tender moments in the book. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lisa J Page.
Author 3 books46 followers
October 15, 2024
Loved this story of Holly and Harrison - friends from high school days and little did they this would work in their favour. Great read - hope you keep up this series with more of the Blizzard members.
Profile Image for Angela Hodge.
399 reviews13 followers
October 12, 2024
Mistletoe Face Off by Kate O’Keeffe is a really sweet and fun Christmas themed story about a journalist, Holly and a NHL player, Harrison. The flirty banter will have you swooning over these frenemies! One of my favorite characters is Holly’s daughter, Macy and I absolutely adore how Harry steps in and spends time with her when he doesn’t have to. Definitely recommend this sweet kisses, enemies to lovers, Christmas hockey romance with a HEA!
1,740 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2024
I devoured this sweet Holiday Romance! I absolutely adored everything about this sweet story!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Walker.
53 reviews
December 25, 2025
3.5 stars. Honestly, I hate that I didn’t love this. The plot was fineeeeee, I just was expecting more. Still a cute story though.
Profile Image for Allie Bohlman.
5 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2024
What an absolutely adorable love story! Follow Harrison , the hockey star with a surprising past and Holly the ex hockey wife, now journalist and single mother in this closed door hockey/figure skating, holiday romance. Your heart will melt while reading this!!

This book pairs perfectly with the Love on Thin Ice Series.
Profile Image for Jackie.
520 reviews9 followers
October 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It was not at all what I expected and just blew me away. I loved that it was a fake fighting and not a fake relationship. I loved learning about their pasts and watching their relationship develop while fighting over cheesy Christmas traditions. This book was sweet, laugh out loud funny and had great passion and build up. Perfect for the holidays!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DayDreamer8912.
329 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2024
Rate: 5/5
Genre: Hockey Romcom
🚨TW: Neglectful father, fake scandal
Read it if you like:

🏒Dual POV
🏒High School Crush turn to lovers
🏒Fake Feud
🏒 Past Secrets
🏒NHL Player MMC & Journalist FMC
🏒Christmas

Favourite Moments
🏒They meet again after so long
🏒 Him in disguise
🏒 Them opening up to each other
🏒 Moments with her daughter Macy
🏒 Their romantic date
🏒 Their fake feud
🏒 Him teaching her daughter ice-skating
(lots more)


Swoony Moments
🏒 He cares for her and her daughter
🏒 He knows what she likes
🏒 He is a gentleman.
🏒 He is a hopeless romantic.
🏒 He is great with children.

Synopsis
Harrison (Harry)
A Chicago Blizzard player who strive to be the next captain.
Holly
A journalist/single mom who is striving to get promoted so that she have enough to raise her daughter which her ex neglected.
They meet again but he is in disguise. She poured out her feelings about her high school crush and also about her ex to a Santa. When his teammate revealed that Santa is him, she was angry and they had a fight forgetting that there were cameras all around. The news is all around the tabloids, so his coach and PR suggested to continue their arguments between each other for publicity and to attract new sponsors and also to help out with the month -long Christmas charity event to raise more money. A fake feud with her high school crush? What will happen next? Read Mistletoe Face Off to find out!!!

Review:
Adored this two lovely people so much. Love their flirting and banters so much. He just so sweet to her and her daughter. He encourages and teach her daughter to ice-skate and also, they have a fun time together. And also the Christmas feels of this story is just so fun. Haha… note to self never let Mr. Santa sing Karaoke hehe… (read then you will know what happen) Christmas activities that they did together are just so sweet too. And him disguising himself until she finds out about it. Their romantic date that he planned for her and the moments with Macy are just so sweet. He made her feel that not all hockey players are jerks and help her out of her insecurities. And her mother is protective of her too and also, helps little Macy to come out of her shell. Love some of his teammates believe in him and support him when his teenager scandal was being dug out and even Holly believed in him. This story made me smile, laugh, and swoon.


I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @kateokeeffewriter for the ARC .

Surprise!!! This is a secret book of Kate O’Keeffe. Finally I can show it out to the world hehe… and this story is Dan’s (from Love in Thin Ice Series) teammate Harrison’s love story. If you love a good Christmas fake feud this would be fun read.

You can purchased this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
113 reviews
October 16, 2024
Mistletoe face off
🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅

What a super loving and warm story. I was allowed to read this surprise story as an ARC read and I am so glad that I was allowed to. It is another super beautiful story by Kate. She has a nice writing style that makes you fly through her books and also through this story.

I really liked this story. It is a warm story that takes place before Christmas. The story has multiple layers that make you keep reading.

The characters are very beautifully described. Harrison is a very sweet man, a heart of gold. He has a beautiful storyline that is well put together. He is super nice with Macy (daughter of Holly).
Holly is a super sweet mother and a very nice woman. She is caring, kind and helpful.
Some players in the team were great, I would like to read their story too if that happens! I especially found Chase to be a real support for Harrison, also a real heart of gold.

🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅

Wat een super liefdevol en warm verhaal. Ik mocht dit surprise verhaal lezen als ARC read en wat ben ik blij dat dat mocht. Het is weer een super mooi verhaal van Kate. Ze heeft een fijne schrijfstijl waardoor je vliegt door haar boeken en ook weer door dit verhaal.

Ik vond dit verhaal onwijs leuk. Het is een warm verhaal dat zich afspeelt voor kerst. Het verhaal heeft meerdere lagen waardoor je blijft lezen.

De personages zijn erg mooi beschreven. Harrison is een hele lieve man, een hartje van goud. Hij heeft een mooie verhaallijn wat goed in elkaar zit. Hij is super leuk met Macy (dochter van Holly).
Holly is een super lieve mama en een hele leuke vrouw. Ze is zorgzaam, aardig en behulpzaam.
Sommige spelers in het team waren geweldig, ik zou best hun verhaal ook willen lezen mocht dat er komen! Vooral Chase vond ik echt een steun voor Harrison, ook echt een hart van goud.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#mistletoefaceoff #chicagoblizzardhockey #surprisebook #kateokeeffe #christmasromance #lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsoctober #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood  #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
Profile Image for Kaci Bonar.
379 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2024
I don’t know about you, but I often wonder how authors can create novellas so well – that it’s a fantastic story in such a short number of pages!  This novella has a wide range of emotions and I’m here for every bit of this… here’s hoping it ends up under my Christmas tree this year too!

Harrison Clarke is a pro-hockey player for the Chicago Blizzard and determined to show his worth to his coach as he vies for the captain spot at the end of the season!  Going head-to-head with Lorcan Stanbridge, when it’s suggested one of them don the Santa suit for the children’s charity events for the impending holiday season- Harrison draws the short stick!  At the first event, while in costume he befriends a reporter and her shy little girl – the man becomes smitten, only to realize she’s a girl he knew in high school!  Suddenly putting on the suit may not be as bad as he thinks!

Holly Coleman, single mom and reporter, is out to write an expose on Harrison Clarke, as her boss has requested, while covering the Blizzard’s charity events!  Problem is that she can’t seem to find him and his teammates claim ignorance to his lack of appearance!  As it happens, her daughter and her strike a bit of connection with the man in the red outfit and fluffy fake beard- fast forward she finds out who the man underneath is and this lights a fuse in her!  She isn’t about to be made a fool by a man she used to know!  Being forced to be around each other, the tension is used to drum up publicity for the team and her paper alike.  The pair roll with it as they both could professionally benefit from it! 

Like I’ve said, this novella has a whole slew of emotions, and they are all written with precision!  Kate O’Keefe used this story as an offshoot of her successful “Love on Thin Ice” book and it’s amazing!  Perhaps one of my favorite things is the growth that Macy goes through; she may not be the leading lady, but her story arc was huge for me!  Also, there is a song mentioned in this, that will forever be stuck in my head, and I can’t be mad about it either!  Bravo Kate!
Profile Image for Courtney sharpe.
326 reviews21 followers
December 3, 2024
I love Kate O’Keefe and the Love on Thin Ice series so I was so excited to find out she was writing a Christmas story based on our fav hockey team. However, this was not a book I’d want to meet under the mistletoe.

Holly
My assignment to cover the Chicago Blizzard's Christmas charity events turns unexpectedly into a viral feud with star defenseman Harrison Clarke—in a Santa suit.
It gets weirder. Heard of fake dating? This has now become fake hating, and our staged fights are heating up the media—and with it our unexpected romantic connection. But with my daughter, Macy, my career aspirations, and Harrison's mysterious past in play, this holiday romance might be over before it begins.
Harrison
Playing Santa was supposed to help grease the decision-making wheels and land me the captain's 'C'. Instead, it reunites me with Holly Coleman—my high school crush turned single mom and journalist.
Our argument makes us America's favorite feuding duo, but real feelings begin to complicate the game. Holly sees beyond the hockey player, but my hidden past threatens everything.
This Christmas, I'm attempting the ultimate hat trick: clearing my name, proving I'm captain material, and winning the girl of my dreams.

I know holiday reads are often silly and over the top but filled with Christmas cheer. This one however was just totally ridiculous. It was so unrealistic and far fetched that I couldn’t enjoy at all. And again, I get that hallmark movies aren’t going to happen in real life either but at least they suck you in with the story while this did no such thing. The choices and thought processes of these characters were silly and immature and I can’t read one more book where the girl judges the guy based on being an athlete. Stop stereotyping people; it’s almost 2025. Sure there are cute little reminders of Christmas spirit and the true meaning but I was too busy rolling my eyes to enjoy them.

I know there are tons of Christmas books released this year so you can just skip this one.
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,110 reviews22 followers
October 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

I was so excited to see Kate’s Christmas release! I know it’s early in the season, but after living in Maple Falls for some time, I was glad to pick up a holiday romance that included more hockey players written by Kate. With this series spinning off of meeting Dan Roberts in The Rebound Play, it was wonderful to get to know the other players on this team. This heartwarming, clean romance will have you ready for the holiday season!

Harrison is a hockey player who is swoon material again and again! He has such a good heart and is head over heels for Holly and her daughter Macy. He won me over early on and solidified his big heart when he volunteered to play Santa for the charity event. He didn’t slack either in that role! I loved watching him get to know Holly again and watching their past become revealed as the story unfolded.

Holly, at first, didn’t recognized Harrison as a blast from the past. The chemistry flowed between these two with such ease that I wasn’t mad about her not remembering Harrison right away. Why their past ended, was a slight mystery, but when it is revealed why, these two handle it so well. She is also an amazing mother to Macy.

I loved how there is no miscommunication in this book. The characters are open and honest with each other, never letting misinterpretation take place or letting feelings fester too long. They talked about everything, past and current, and it was delightful! Kate excels at giving us all the heart pounding romance without the spice. I love that she has ventured in the hockey romance writing and can’t wait to read Chicago Blizzard’s stories.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🏒Clean Romance
🎄Holiday Romance
🏒Mistaken Identity
🎄Fake Dating
🏒Single Mom FMC
🎄Hockey Player MMC

Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.