Falling for the Hockey Hotshot Next Door

by Brooke Benson

I thought I left all my problems behind when I ditched my billionaire fiancé at the altar.
I was wrong.
I just ran from one ex straight into the arms of another.

Boston was supposed to be my clean slate.
Instead, a fender bender in a parking lot put me face-to-face with Nash—my first love, best friend’s brother, and hockey star who put my heart on ice back in college when he chose the NHL over me.

Puck drop.

Now, he's my new next-door neighbor.
I hate to admit it, but he’s even more infuriating... and tempting than before.
Just when I think I have everything under control, an unexpected kiss at a speed-dating event takes all my defenses down.
Old feelings for Nash skate back in, and I’m wondering if he’s worth a second shot.

Pump the pucks.

As if Nash isn't complicated enough, my stalker ex-fiancé keeps popping up like a bad penalty call.
And with his ruthless tactics, hockey isn’t the only game in play…

Note to readers - this is the first book of my new series Falling for the Jock Next Door. All books can be read as standalones. They'll deliver crackling chemistry, delicious banter, and sizzling kisses (closed door romance) with a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Sports Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2024

Reviews

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was another great book by Brooke!

The tension between the main characters was so sweet & spicy. There were so many swoon worthy moments.

It also had strong enemies to lovers/second chance vibes.

I'm not a fan of when characters make decisions for other characters, but the author did a really good job at covering this.

You get:
• Sweet Romance
• Hockey Player
• Second Chance
• It's Always Been You
• Toxic Ex
• Best Friend's Brother
• Forced Proximity

I recommend this one! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.

[Susan Marie Ballain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute hockey forced proximity, enemies to lovers rom-com. This was the first of the kind that I read and I really enjoyed it! The banter and the characters were like no other! I highly recommend and give it a 5 ⭐️

[Hannah Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

❄️ARC REVIEW❄️

This is the first book I have read by Brooke Benson and it will not be the last! This is also the first book of her new series but can be read as standalone!

You can’t go wrong with a hockey romance, and this clean and sweet version really knocked it out of the park! 🩵 You get all of the best sizzling moments without the spice. Brooke did an amazing job with world building, character building, the plot and all the things!! There’s lots of fun bantering, an ADORABLE sassy dog named Winston, second chances, and more all wrapped into this best friend’s brother, enemies to lovers romance!😍

Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
No spice but lots of sizzle! A really well done clean romance! 🥰


Fresh starts are in the future, or at least that’s what Avery was hoping for when she made her move to Boston, after leaving her fiancé at the alter. As she’s parking her car in the parking garage to her new apartment, her best friend picked for her, she accidentally hits a truck that was parked awkwardly, what makes the situation worse, is that it just so happens to be her ex, Nash’s truck. 😅 Nash is the hot, hockey hotshot that broke her heart in college and now he’s right there, sharing the same air with her again. 🏒⛸️

After their heated conversation in the garage, they try to avoid each other. But how do you avoid your neighbor?
Especially when he isn’t over you, even if neither of you are willing to admit it. Speed dating, unexpected kisses, grocery store and elevator run ins, and more all add up to the lingering feelings that are still unspoken.

What’ll happen when the truth about their breakup comes to light? Or when Avery’s ex keeps trying to meddle in her life?

I loved this book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series! ❤️🤩

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read, and share my thoughts on this wonderful book! All opinions are my own and truthful.

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for My Hockey Hotshot Next Door by Brooke Benson starts when Avery moves to Boston and gets in an accident when she tries to park her car. Of course the guy who owns the other car is Nash, her ex-boyfriend. They were an item, but when he got the chance to be a great hockey star, they broke up.

This was such a lovely and sweet story! Brooke Benson has a funny way of writing, which I just love. And all her characters are just normal people you can relate to. They can be your friends.
This book has a flowing writing style ands thanks to the dual POV I kept on reading. Avery and Nash are both great characters and I was rooting for them all along. As he is her next door neighbour they meet very often and that made for lovely and funny scenes. Nash’s sister is also a friend of Avery and she plays matchmaker, which was just sweet. As the story progresses there are some turns in the start, which made it all the more interesting.

Falling for My Hockey Hotshot Next Door is a sweet kind of enemies to lovers, second chance at love story, with a good plot and story-line, a flowing writing style, filled with humor and funny scenes, some drama and angst, a cute dog, and with two main characters who just belong together.

If you love a sweet funny romance and relaxing story, read this book.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

The last thing Avery wanted was to get in a car accident when moving into her new condo. What she wanted even less is for the owner of said car to turn out to be her ex-boyfriend and new neighbor. The first time he left her for college hockey, left her heart broken. Now he is everywhere, again. But her best friend didn’t tell her he was coming back either. Turns out her best friend was tired of them fighting and set up the situation so they would be forced in each other’s space.

But what she didn’t expect is for Nash to be flirty and even more tempting than before. And to make matters worse her ex-fiancé also keeps popping up. So maybe Nash can offer some cushion? Avery and Nash’s interactions are full of tension and witty banter. Then a smoldering kiss happens at a speed dating event!!! What does this mean for them and their future?

Brooke delivers a great book to this new series. Only thing I wanted more of was the spice between Avery and Nash. I enjoyed their interactions, so just wanted more. I loved the range of emotions felt throughout this read. A quick, highly recommended read!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🏒Ex’s Accidentally Meet Again
🐶Next Door Neighbors
🏒Hockey Romance
🐶Second Chance
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🐶Best Friend’s Brother

[Janice M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for the hotshot hockey player is a sweet lovers to enemies to lovers second chance romance between a former NHL hockey star and his college sweetheart.

When Avery ends up parking next to a monstrosity of a truck at her new condo the last person she expects to run into is her ex, let alone her next door neighbor.

This story ebbs and flows along the journey of finding their way back to each other. I liked that the MMC wasn’t a famous hockey player. He played for the AHL and worked his way up.

If I had one complaint I wish we’d seen a little more spice, even if that’s just more kissing. It’s definitely a cute story but it just felt like something was missing. Looking back I guess I totally missed that it did in fact indicate sweet romance in the title and apparently I’m blind. So this is on me.

Can we also talk about Winston and his personality? I fell in love with that little dude. And it’s true, pugs really do think they own the world sometimes so the depiction of him was spot on.

Overall, great characters, good plot, engaging story, low angst, and sweet ending! If you love sweet romance and a happily ever after definitely pick this one up! Especially if you like hockey romance.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet best's friend's brother, second chance, enemies to lovers romantic comedy with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ---- she pulls with everything she’s got and the box rips, cookies spilling out everywhere. ---- Some mornings are like a perfect power play: smooth, controlled, and over before the other team knows what hit them. Other mornings are like getting blindsided by a freight train. ---- You know what they say, right? Those who can’t play, comment.” ---- “I’m an athlete, not a pretzel.” ---- "hard work and faith in yourself can take you places." ----
Will Winston ever accept Nash? What's Mia up to? What's Roger up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Avery and Noah's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 1st book of new series Falling for the Athlete next doors. Already can’t wait for next books, because I enjoy reading books of Brooke Benson.
Running from her ex-fiancé, Billionaire (Runaway Bride) Avery runs into her ex- college sweetheart (trap organised by her best friend and his sister).
Still enemies or do they have a second chance? She is still hot and he is still attracted to her.
Amazing story of complicated relationship, manipulations of ex, past secrets, misunderstandings because of missing communication and trust. They need to do their choices.
Loved characters and storyline. Enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The tension between Nash and Avery was fantastic! Exactly what you want from a second chance at love. It was clear the feelings were there and both had grown in the time they were apart.

This book is closed door and does contain several fade to black scenes and the couple lives together before marriage.

Favorite quotes:
What will tomorrow bring? For now, I’m fine with letting things be. To enjoy the banter, the teasing, the way we riled each other up. Because even though we’re not exactly where we used to be, there’s something about this that feels like it’s leading somewhere. And I’m curious to see where that somewhere might be.

His smile trails off as he takes my hand in his, looking at me with an intensity I haven’t seen in the past few weeks. “You, Avery. You are where I want to be, and I don’t need any more time to figure that out. We’ve already lost enough time between us.”

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two were priceless! Once eachother's whole world, they're now on opposing sides. Alot can happen in 6 years, though not as much as you'd think. The storyline and characters in this book were so engaging. They grabbed me and sucked Mr into the story, ensuring I got my fill of emotions along the way. From laughing along, to being totally frusterated with them, to wanting to cry... they were all there. Nash and Avery were so perfect, and cared so deeply for eachother, and bless Mia for butting in!!

You'll love this book if you give it a chance,ni guarantee. I was fortunate to receive a gift copy and voluntarily provide this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone. This is a second chance, enemies to lovers, best friends older brother... type of book. She's hated him for years. Finding out he's her next door neighbor doesn't go well. Knowing her best friend knew and didn't warn her.... His sister is tired of the fighting between them so she sets them up to have to spend time together. Will it work? What happened in the past? When her ex interferes will it be too much?.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! This story has a little bit of everything - anger, jealousy, possessiveness, forgiveness, love…. I could keep going but you get the gist.

I really liked the banter between Avery and Nash. I also liked the side characters of Mia, Doug, and Winston even though, let’s be honest, Winston is definitely a main character! Worst character ever, (which is the point), Roger!

Loved the arc of the storyline and how the characters grew. I’m hoping for a book two with Mia and Doug or even some Avery’s work friends!

5 stars

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Benson's new series Falling for the Athlete Next Door. Can be read as a standalone but is a great addition to this new series. Benson delivers a well written romance with our main characters Avery and Nash. I loved the banter between these two and I also really enjoyed the supporting characters as well which has me excited for more in this series. I loved the smooth flowing storyline and the heartwarming HEA...I can't wait to see what's next in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MKat1214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
-hockey romance
-second chance
-best friend's brother
-forced proximity
-enemies to lovers
-closed door
-neighbors to lovers

This was an adorably fun, second-chance hockey romance. I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to read more from Brooke. I love it when an author can write a closed-door romance that still brings all the tension.

When Avery moves to Boston hoping to start over, she is in for a rude awakening when she runs into her ex-boyfriend, Nash, who just so happens to live in her apartment complex. Nash is the hot hockey player who broke her heart. She wants to avoid him, but he is everywhere.

Between Avery and Nash being neighbors, fighting over cookies, going to the same speed dating event, and Nash trying to protect her from her ex. The two can't help but have some old feelings bubbling to the surface. Their banter is hilarious, and Winston, the pug, is the best side character.

If you love these tropes, I recommend checking out this book, especially if you prefer closed-door romance. But even if you don't, this book still brings delicious tension. It is available on KU. You should go check it out.

Quotes:
My mind had forgotten everything in that moment—where we were, why we kissed—everything except the sensation of her lips on mine, the way she melted into me like she was made to fit there, and the fire she lit below the belt.

"You, Avery. You are where I want to be, and I don't need any more time to figure that out. We've already lost enough time between us."

[Mckenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great first book in the series! Super excited for what is to come! The author did an amazing job with character development, banter and sizzling moments!

Avery is looking forward to her fresh start when she moves to Boston! She had a little run in the parking lot at her new apartment that her best friend picked for her. That run in was with Nash, who is her ex boyfriend and best friend's brother.

Avery and Nash tried to avoid each other but they are neighbors and have many feelings left unspoken. How long can they last until one of them breaks?

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a second chance in love and enemies turns lovers.
Liked this book, easy and fast read. Read it in one sitting from start to finish.

A girl that wants so start fresh after ending bad relationship and ex-NHL player that's want to get back to his life after the injury.
They loved each other before, will they love again ? Read to find out you won't regret it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eveie Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read , Avery has moved to Boston to further her career and finds herself living next door to an old flame from College. Sparks fly but the attraction is there. Nash is the old flame and is trying to rebuild his hockey career after an injury. He feels the same way , however Avery's old flame Roger can’t get over being jilted on his wedding day and is determined to break them up at all costs, will his plan work? You will have to read it to find out.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery and Nash have quite the history, and finding themselves thrust together as neighbours, due to the meddling of Nash's sister and Avery's best friend.

I absolutely adore Winston's role in the story, and LOVED how he saved the day at the end of the book.

I really enjoyed this story, and loved watching Avery and Nash's characters work through their history and find their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery & Nash: Book 1 of Falling For The Athlete Next Door: Best friend’s brother/ Ex/ Runaway bride/ enemies to lovers/ neighbors/ second chance/ hockey romance: Brooke Benson’s writing style hooked me in and kept me entertained. The storyline and character development are well developed. I loved Winston, her pug, and his personality. Avery and Nash’s story was amazing, and I look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start to a new series. I’m from Texas so sports are an important part of life, and surprisingly hockey is becoming a bigger attraction than in the past. Let’s face it, we really don’t have the climate for ice hockey, but we do enjoy it. We’re treated to several tropes in this book, best friend’s brother, exes, controlling ex-fiancé, sports, and second chance romance. One of those is bound to interest you. I personally liked getting rid of ex-fiancé. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers, second chance at love and so much more. At one time these two were lovers u til Nash got his big chance to play in the NHL and Avery got left behind. Now Avery has walked away from her fiancé and starting over but guess who her new neighbor is. Love his sister Mia who continues to throw these two together. Enjoy the read.

[wounded_warrior wounded_warrior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance and Sports Romance!!!

Loved the relationship between Avery and Nash! I enjoyed the push and pull so much that I couldn't put the book down.

+1000 for Winston the pug! Best animal inclusion in the books I've read this month.

I really enjoyed the emotional roller coater this book has sent me on and I can't wait to read more!

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet enemies to lovers, second chance romance. Avery and Nash are likable characters. I was rooting for them all the way through to the end. Highly recommend reading and I look forward to reading more from Brooke Benson.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is Avery's best friend. After Avery leaves her fiancée Roger at the altar, Mia helps Avery find a new home in Boston. One problem is that the new home comes with a neighbor, which happens to be Mia's brother and Avery's ex from college. Mia knew that they were neighbors and had a past, but can they patch the past and move on, or will it be unbearable?

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a sweet second chance for Nash and Avery. I'm glad they don't let anything separate them in the end this time.

[ABurch74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this heartwarming tale of second chances. You will root for the characters from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery leaves the dead wood behind and goes back to her mom’s taking her faithful Winston along. Leaving the billionaire fiancé at the altar , she moves to Boston . When she gets there there’s a bit of trouble before she even gets out of her car. Her friend didn’t warn her that Nash was back , she nearly had an heart attack but one things for certain , she isn’t going there …surely …. Just one kiss wouldn’t hurt would it? It would certainly give her a lift. But will she roll with it , cos well she got eyes and he sure is fit….and what a gift! Second chance at romance that is heavenly wrote. Perfect prose this author doth emote gets my vote every time because I think her writing’s sublime.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad this is book 1 and there will be more stories to look forward to! This book brought forth many emotions which I love in a book! All the characters were awesome! Storyline was fabulous! Can't wait for book 2!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engaging second-chance romance has drama, banter, good secondary characters, attraction, and chemistry. The MCs have a love/hate response to one another due to ongoing issues with communication. I liked this entertaining read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway bride, ex next door and a pushy ex-almost groom, what's not to love? This has all the makings of a lot of drama and it sure delivers. Oh yeah- there's a sister that is just too much that makes for some laughs along the way. There will be plenty of feels all through this fun book.