What do you think?
Rate this book
A Chance Rapids Christmas #2
The Player Who Stole Christmas: A Hockey Holiday Romance
A GRINCH OF A GOALIE
Nick hates Christmas. Like, really hates it. And the holidays in Chance Rapids are OVER. THE. TOP.
In fact, they even filmed a cheesy holiday movie there.
They do have one good thing going for them—a hockey team. The players are treated like celebrities, and the highlight of the town’s ridiculous Christmas Festival is an outdoor hockey game.
That’s where Nick comes in. His sabotage the game, make some quick cash, and escape this festive nightmare before he’s forced to march in the Santa Claus Parade.
But as he schemes to ruin Christmas, he meets Evie, the kind innkeeper's daughter. Her warmth starts to melt his icy heart.
Life in Chance Rapids with Evie could be perfect, but there’s no way she will forgive him if he goes through with his plan. Will he choose hockey...or her?
If you like grinchy goalies, horseback riding heroines, small-town dive bars, and rescue pups with floppy ears, you will love The Player Who Stole Christmas. This is a standalone Christmas rom-com that takes place in the Chance Rapids world.
Nick hates Christmas. Like, really hates it. And the holidays in Chance Rapids are OVER. THE. TOP.
In fact, they even filmed a cheesy holiday movie there.
They do have one good thing going for them—a hockey team. The players are treated like celebrities, and the highlight of the town’s ridiculous Christmas Festival is an outdoor hockey game.
That’s where Nick comes in. His sabotage the game, make some quick cash, and escape this festive nightmare before he’s forced to march in the Santa Claus Parade.
But as he schemes to ruin Christmas, he meets Evie, the kind innkeeper's daughter. Her warmth starts to melt his icy heart.
Life in Chance Rapids with Evie could be perfect, but there’s no way she will forgive him if he goes through with his plan. Will he choose hockey...or her?
If you like grinchy goalies, horseback riding heroines, small-town dive bars, and rescue pups with floppy ears, you will love The Player Who Stole Christmas. This is a standalone Christmas rom-com that takes place in the Chance Rapids world.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2024
54 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 28, 2025
Sweet enough to give you a toothache… but not necessarily in a good way.
Nick was irritating with his high school ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ way of dealing with his feelings for Evie. And of COURSE he hates Christmas because #childhoodtrauma.
Evie was annoying with her ‘I have zero boundaries, kick me and I’ll come running back for me’ way of dealing with her Grandmama and Nick’s menopausal hot/cold flushes.
Most potential redeeming quality was the skijoring, and that was so completely glossed over I nearly cried tears of frustration.
It was hallmark Christmas cute, but in a one and done kind of way.
Nick was irritating with his high school ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ way of dealing with his feelings for Evie. And of COURSE he hates Christmas because #childhoodtrauma.
Evie was annoying with her ‘I have zero boundaries, kick me and I’ll come running back for me’ way of dealing with her Grandmama and Nick’s menopausal hot/cold flushes.
Most potential redeeming quality was the skijoring, and that was so completely glossed over I nearly cried tears of frustration.
It was hallmark Christmas cute, but in a one and done kind of way.
November 23, 2024
Finally Finding A Home -
Nick wasn’t happy about having to play on the small town hockey team, but everything changed after he met Evie and spent time with the people in the town. When Evie agreed to stay with her grandmother and help her run the inn, she didn’t expect to love it so much she didn’t want to leave and she felt her life got better when Nick arrived and they started spending time together. Even though Nick was an intensely attracted to Evie, he tried his best to maintain a platonic relationship, as his plan was to only stay there on a temporary basis.
Unfortunately, just after the sparks between Nick and Evie ignited and they finally acknowledged their feelings for each other, she found out the secret he had been keeping from everyone, which nearly cost them their chance at a future. However, Nick managed to convince Evie to give them a chance at a happily ever after, when he made her aware of his plans to relocate to the small town permanently and that he wanted them to be together. I started reading this book last night when I went to bed and I was so engrossed in the story, that I didn’t stop reading until I finished, which was around six in the morning. You will definitely enjoy reading this book, just as much as I did.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nick wasn’t happy about having to play on the small town hockey team, but everything changed after he met Evie and spent time with the people in the town. When Evie agreed to stay with her grandmother and help her run the inn, she didn’t expect to love it so much she didn’t want to leave and she felt her life got better when Nick arrived and they started spending time together. Even though Nick was an intensely attracted to Evie, he tried his best to maintain a platonic relationship, as his plan was to only stay there on a temporary basis.
Unfortunately, just after the sparks between Nick and Evie ignited and they finally acknowledged their feelings for each other, she found out the secret he had been keeping from everyone, which nearly cost them their chance at a future. However, Nick managed to convince Evie to give them a chance at a happily ever after, when he made her aware of his plans to relocate to the small town permanently and that he wanted them to be together. I started reading this book last night when I went to bed and I was so engrossed in the story, that I didn’t stop reading until I finished, which was around six in the morning. You will definitely enjoy reading this book, just as much as I did.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2024
After Nick Tinsel was kicked out of the hockey league for arguing with a ref and shoving him, his old coach has brought him to the small town of Chance Rapids to help out by playing in a couple of games for the Bobcats as their goalie. Everyone thinks he will be the one to help them win their game, no one knows the real reason he's there.
Of course it's Christmas time and this town is decked out and is a town like no and Nick hates it. He just wants to play the game and get out of town.
Evie Newton is in town for the holidays to help her grandmother out at the Snowy Peaks Inn. It's perfect for her since her apartment had been sold and she had to move.
Nick and Evie keep getting thrown together. He likes her but knows his time is limited so tries not to get involved but the town and people are growing on him. She likes him too and doesn't quite understand why he's being the way he is.
On the day of the big game, Evie overhears something between Nick and the coach that no one is supposed to know.
Will she let him explain?
4 stars
Of course it's Christmas time and this town is decked out and is a town like no and Nick hates it. He just wants to play the game and get out of town.
Evie Newton is in town for the holidays to help her grandmother out at the Snowy Peaks Inn. It's perfect for her since her apartment had been sold and she had to move.
Nick and Evie keep getting thrown together. He likes her but knows his time is limited so tries not to get involved but the town and people are growing on him. She likes him too and doesn't quite understand why he's being the way he is.
On the day of the big game, Evie overhears something between Nick and the coach that no one is supposed to know.
Will she let him explain?
4 stars
December 25, 2024
Heartwarming Small Town Christmas Romance
A charming novella centered in Chance Rapids, a friendly town with a big heart. When Nick approaches Chance Rapids, it reeks of Christmas. Christmas lights, decorations, happiness & excitement is what he hates but he has agreed to fulfill his coach’s plan for the Hockey Classic & then he plans to leave this small town ASAP. The townsfolk have welcomed him with open arms. They are so friendly, happy he came to be the town’s team goalie & roll out the red carpet for him. Too bad that he wants to keep everyone at arm’s length – no attachments to anyone. The quirky locals play matchmaker for Nick & Evie, giving them the push they need to become a couple. A few chuckles along the way that will warm your heart, sadness of getting caught & yet the townsfolk don’t hold a grudge against him (except for Evie). Can Nick redeem himself & get a second chance with Evie when he has a change of heart on Chance Rapids?
I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.
A charming novella centered in Chance Rapids, a friendly town with a big heart. When Nick approaches Chance Rapids, it reeks of Christmas. Christmas lights, decorations, happiness & excitement is what he hates but he has agreed to fulfill his coach’s plan for the Hockey Classic & then he plans to leave this small town ASAP. The townsfolk have welcomed him with open arms. They are so friendly, happy he came to be the town’s team goalie & roll out the red carpet for him. Too bad that he wants to keep everyone at arm’s length – no attachments to anyone. The quirky locals play matchmaker for Nick & Evie, giving them the push they need to become a couple. A few chuckles along the way that will warm your heart, sadness of getting caught & yet the townsfolk don’t hold a grudge against him (except for Evie). Can Nick redeem himself & get a second chance with Evie when he has a change of heart on Chance Rapids?
I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.
November 23, 2024
Small town Christmas
This was so much fun. The small town community had some cute and quirky characters, and a wonderful Christmas festival, plus they’re over-the-top hockey enthusiasts.
Nick Tinsel rivals the grinch with his grumpiness. Evie is sweet, sassy and a people person. The attraction is instant and mutual, but he’s got a secret that will change everything.
I loved the characters, the storyline was engaging and had me hooked from the start, there’s a little intrigue, great chemistry, some angst, brilliant family dynamics, romance, emotion and wonderful humour.
A great, quick Christmas story.
This was so much fun. The small town community had some cute and quirky characters, and a wonderful Christmas festival, plus they’re over-the-top hockey enthusiasts.
Nick Tinsel rivals the grinch with his grumpiness. Evie is sweet, sassy and a people person. The attraction is instant and mutual, but he’s got a secret that will change everything.
I loved the characters, the storyline was engaging and had me hooked from the start, there’s a little intrigue, great chemistry, some angst, brilliant family dynamics, romance, emotion and wonderful humour.
A great, quick Christmas story.
November 23, 2024
What a great story! Nick is at a low in his hockey career. Hoping to get back into the game, he accepts a position playing for the Bobcats. Unfortunately, Chance Rapids is the ultimate Christmas town, and Nick doesn’t love Christmas. This was supposed to be a quick stop. Play hockey, help the Bobcats coach, make some money and move on. He didn’t count on falling for Evie, the sweet small town and its inhabitants, or the homeless dog who steals his heart. Now, he’s got a choice to make. Keep up his end of the bargain with his coach, or finally find love and a place to call home. 5 awesome stars! ⭐️
November 27, 2024
Oh my goodness, Nick and Evie are great! They pulled me in from the start and was able to take me along for their journey. Evie is working to reach her dreams, and that loyalty to her family and herself is strong. Nick is in town to play hockey, do his thing, and get back out of town. I could feel the connection between these two, bits of banter, the sweet, the ups and downs, it all worked together to give a complete story that I enjoyed! The other characters are fun and bring lightness as well. It's a great holiday read!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 3, 2024
The Perfect Christmas Story!
Omg! A.J. with her amazing small town hockey books!! Coming into Chance Rapids has Nick (hockey player) looking like getting his 2nd chance to get to the NHL since he is suspended from his own team. He meets the amazing Evie right away & knows something is special, but he knows he can't or shouldn't have her. This whole cute town is full of quirky people that you (and Nick) just can't help but love! Will the sparks between Nick & Evie & his love for this town change & end in HEA?!?! You have to read this & find out! You will not be disappointed!
Omg! A.J. with her amazing small town hockey books!! Coming into Chance Rapids has Nick (hockey player) looking like getting his 2nd chance to get to the NHL since he is suspended from his own team. He meets the amazing Evie right away & knows something is special, but he knows he can't or shouldn't have her. This whole cute town is full of quirky people that you (and Nick) just can't help but love! Will the sparks between Nick & Evie & his love for this town change & end in HEA?!?! You have to read this & find out! You will not be disappointed!
November 26, 2024
A second shot at it all and it starts with a stroll down memory lane in Chance Rapids. It was great to get caught up with some familiar faces as well as get to know two new ones. Evie is GJ's granddaughter and she is in town to rebuild her life and help out at the Snowy Peaks Inn. Nick has been asked to join the Bobcats as their goalie but he is in Chance Rapids for all the wrong reasons. I loved the story in how the influence of small town living and simplicity can turn one's life around into hard work and happiness. Even a successful love match. Enjoy!
November 23, 2024
This was a great book about a grinchy goalie, Nick Tinsel, who was brought in by the team's assistant coach to throw the game for $10,000 and exposure before some NHL scouts. He meets the innkeeper's granddaughter, Evie Newton, and they fall for each other quickly. Nick tries to ignore his feelings, but they are simply overwhelming. Enough said. They have a major falling out, but get their HEA in the end. It is a really great book that I recommend to everyone.
December 11, 2024
The town of Chance Rapids is abuzz with Christmas energy. Nick is in Chance Rapids to throw the local hockey tournament. Evie is back in town to help her grandma run the local inn.
This is very much a grumpy grinch tale with a twist. Evie’s not entirely sold on the holidays either, but a little Christmas magic and a hallmark style town has plenty of surprises in store for the two!
A quick moving and fun holiday story.
This is very much a grumpy grinch tale with a twist. Evie’s not entirely sold on the holidays either, but a little Christmas magic and a hallmark style town has plenty of surprises in store for the two!
A quick moving and fun holiday story.
November 26, 2024
Another great book! Nick is brought to town to help the hockey team but of course there’s more to it that only one other person knows about. Evie is in Chance Rapids helping her grandmother run the family inn. When the two meet the sizzle is there but they choose to keep it friends only. When Rocky enters the picture though new decisions must be made.
November 27, 2024
Sweet holiday story
This is a sweet, small-town holiday story about a lost soul planning on doing the wrong thing. Once he gets caught up in the kind people of this small town and falls for Evie, he has a change of mind as his heart opens up to love.
There are some editing mistakes, mainly missing quotation marks.
This is a sweet, small-town holiday story about a lost soul planning on doing the wrong thing. Once he gets caught up in the kind people of this small town and falls for Evie, he has a change of mind as his heart opens up to love.
There are some editing mistakes, mainly missing quotation marks.
December 5, 2024
Loved this book! Nick comes to chance rapids for a place on their hockey team but he's not being honest with the players, evie helps her grandmother run the inn and when she meets nick feeling bubble up but what happens when she learns the truth? Will she give him a second chance or is it too late?
December 6, 2024
"To all my red flag renegades who made it onto the Naughty List this year…"
it was a quick read but i really enjoy the story . Lincoln learns that Monroe hates chhristmas and he is very determined to change her mind .. He gets help from Ari, Blake and Walker to rewrite the years of disappointment with new memories and traditions .. It was just perfect for a holiday reads .
it was a quick read but i really enjoy the story . Lincoln learns that Monroe hates chhristmas and he is very determined to change her mind .. He gets help from Ari, Blake and Walker to rewrite the years of disappointment with new memories and traditions .. It was just perfect for a holiday reads .
November 28, 2024
This was a fun, engaging story with likeable characters and a well paced plot. The book had a good balance of humour, emotion and romance.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 13, 2024
Two people from different places meets in a small but very special town.
One is there to help… The other, not so much.
None of them plans to stay but…
A lovely story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
One is there to help… The other, not so much.
None of them plans to stay but…
A lovely story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
January 23, 2025
This was a cute story. I did feel it was quite predictable but good.
It was a Christmas book (yes I read after ran out of time) but also a hockey. Even if you’re not in to hockey or Christmas you may enjoy as it was a quick read.
It was a Christmas book (yes I read after ran out of time) but also a hockey. Even if you’re not in to hockey or Christmas you may enjoy as it was a quick read.
June 21, 2025
okay read
An okay read that could have gone one of two ways. Thankfully sense prevails and these two sort out their issues. Love the older generation in the town who live life to the fullest.
An okay read that could have gone one of two ways. Thankfully sense prevails and these two sort out their issues. Love the older generation in the town who live life to the fullest.
November 23, 2024
I loved this story such a page turner . Nick a goalie finds family love happiness with Evie . This author did a great job with this Chance rapids story .
November 24, 2024
Like expected this author did not disappoint. This was a cute story full of small town love
December 20, 2024
This was a sweet book, easy to read lovely Christmas novel
July 4, 2025
Christmas in July #3. More of a 3.5 than a 3
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews