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Hockey Heart
Puck-er up for Kate Wilder’s smash series of hard hits, soft lips, and big burly hockey players being reduced to quivering wrecks!
Ice-Hawks superfan and first-grade teacher, Sarah Miller, has waited for this moment all year. The end-of-year hockey charity ball. Sarah can’t believe her luck when she bids on - and wins! - a date with her fantasy crush, superstar hockey player and Ice-Hawks captain, Hayden Raynor, aka the ‘Hellraiser’.
What could go wrong? Everything as it turns out!
Hayden proves to be a monster on and off the ice, but things begin to change when their paths cross again, as Hayden’s 7-year-old son enrolls in Sarah’s school. Sarah’s about to find out what’s really going on under that glistening, toned, wildly attractive, and fiercely angry exterior. But can either of them truly risk their hearts when love is on the line?
Take your seats for the biggest match-up of the year in Kate Wilder's debut Hockey Heart. Part of the 'Skates & Sparks' series.
🏒 Enemies-to-lovers
🥅 Single dad
🏒 Hockey romance
🥅 Slow burn
🏒 Forced proximity
🥅 Opposites attract
🏒 Grumpy MMC
🥅 Dual POV
Ice-Hawks superfan and first-grade teacher, Sarah Miller, has waited for this moment all year. The end-of-year hockey charity ball. Sarah can’t believe her luck when she bids on - and wins! - a date with her fantasy crush, superstar hockey player and Ice-Hawks captain, Hayden Raynor, aka the ‘Hellraiser’.
What could go wrong? Everything as it turns out!
Hayden proves to be a monster on and off the ice, but things begin to change when their paths cross again, as Hayden’s 7-year-old son enrolls in Sarah’s school. Sarah’s about to find out what’s really going on under that glistening, toned, wildly attractive, and fiercely angry exterior. But can either of them truly risk their hearts when love is on the line?
Take your seats for the biggest match-up of the year in Kate Wilder's debut Hockey Heart. Part of the 'Skates & Sparks' series.
🏒 Enemies-to-lovers
🥅 Single dad
🏒 Hockey romance
🥅 Slow burn
🏒 Forced proximity
🥅 Opposites attract
🏒 Grumpy MMC
🥅 Dual POV
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2025
11 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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January 10, 2025
#Review: *Hockey Heart* - Kate Wilder - ARC
4.2/5✨
0/5🌶️
I don't really remember where I found this book, but I wanna thank Kate for offering me this advanced copy.
Sarah was not happy at all with her life. She had a huge dream to meet hockey player Hayden Raynor. Sarah finds one way to do so, by bidding for him at a charity event. But she was only a first-grade teacher and didn't earn that much to help her bid for a famous hockey player. So, she sells almost everything she had in order to accomplish her dream. But everything she planned will not go as dreamed😅.
Hayden was a single dad and he was tired of women who were throwing themselves at him. So, he tried his best to be as grumpy as possible while being with Sarah. But that will only blow up in his face, because Sarah will ignite something inside him he forgot about. Especially when he had to see her pretty often, because she was his kid's teacher.
The characters of this story weren't portrayed as perfect ones, having many issues to resolve in order to be happier with what they had at that point. But meeting each other will only complicate things, bringing, at the same time, happiness and sorrow. I liked their love-hate relationship, being like a trademark for what they've built together.
This was a closed doors romance, but it didn't bother me at all. The way the character's stories were built was enough to won me over🥰.
✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#BlindDate
#SingleDad
#Banter
#CloseProximity
#SportsRomance
#Hockey
#Teacher
4.2/5✨
0/5🌶️
I don't really remember where I found this book, but I wanna thank Kate for offering me this advanced copy.
Sarah was not happy at all with her life. She had a huge dream to meet hockey player Hayden Raynor. Sarah finds one way to do so, by bidding for him at a charity event. But she was only a first-grade teacher and didn't earn that much to help her bid for a famous hockey player. So, she sells almost everything she had in order to accomplish her dream. But everything she planned will not go as dreamed😅.
Hayden was a single dad and he was tired of women who were throwing themselves at him. So, he tried his best to be as grumpy as possible while being with Sarah. But that will only blow up in his face, because Sarah will ignite something inside him he forgot about. Especially when he had to see her pretty often, because she was his kid's teacher.
The characters of this story weren't portrayed as perfect ones, having many issues to resolve in order to be happier with what they had at that point. But meeting each other will only complicate things, bringing, at the same time, happiness and sorrow. I liked their love-hate relationship, being like a trademark for what they've built together.
This was a closed doors romance, but it didn't bother me at all. The way the character's stories were built was enough to won me over🥰.
✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#BlindDate
#SingleDad
#Banter
#CloseProximity
#SportsRomance
#Hockey
#Teacher
January 10, 2025
Hockey Heart by Kate Wilder
4/5⭐
0/5🌶️
Sarah is feeling a bit down about her life, but she hopes a dinner date with her favorite hockey player will turn things around for her. At a charity ball, she gets excited when she bids on him and surprisingly wins! However, the date doesn’t go as planned, making her even more upset and frustrated. Hayden, the captain of the Ice Hawks hockey team and a single dad, is struggling to find balance in his life. With most of his time dedicated to his son and hockey, he’s not too thrilled about spending an evening with someone who won him in a bid. He’s a bit harsh and rude to Sarah during their dinner, which makes things even more uncomfortable. The next day, things take an interesting turn when Hayden discovers that Sarah is actually his son’s new teacher. Realizing his mistake, he reaches out to apologize and asks her out for another dinner. As they spend more time together, their connection grows, and it becomes harder for both of them to ignore the attraction that’s developing.
At first, I found Hayden a bit off-putting due to his rudeness towards Sarah on their first date. But once I got to know him better through the story, I really started to understand his character. I appreciated his quick apology when he recognized how wrong he had been about Sarah, and I admired how he always prioritized his son's happiness. Sarah, on the other hand, is such a sweet and lovely character. Despite her difficult past, she’s determined to move forward and see the bright side of life. I especially loved how caring and understanding she was towards Hayden’s son, which made me wish I could see more of the three of them together.
This debut novel is a delightful read! It's fast-paced, and I finished it in one sitting. It’s sweet, heartwarming, and has a great dose of humor. I just wish it was a bit longer so that I could dive even deeper into the characters’ lives. A huge thank you to Kate Wilder for the amazing eARC!
4/5⭐
0/5🌶️
Sarah is feeling a bit down about her life, but she hopes a dinner date with her favorite hockey player will turn things around for her. At a charity ball, she gets excited when she bids on him and surprisingly wins! However, the date doesn’t go as planned, making her even more upset and frustrated. Hayden, the captain of the Ice Hawks hockey team and a single dad, is struggling to find balance in his life. With most of his time dedicated to his son and hockey, he’s not too thrilled about spending an evening with someone who won him in a bid. He’s a bit harsh and rude to Sarah during their dinner, which makes things even more uncomfortable. The next day, things take an interesting turn when Hayden discovers that Sarah is actually his son’s new teacher. Realizing his mistake, he reaches out to apologize and asks her out for another dinner. As they spend more time together, their connection grows, and it becomes harder for both of them to ignore the attraction that’s developing.
At first, I found Hayden a bit off-putting due to his rudeness towards Sarah on their first date. But once I got to know him better through the story, I really started to understand his character. I appreciated his quick apology when he recognized how wrong he had been about Sarah, and I admired how he always prioritized his son's happiness. Sarah, on the other hand, is such a sweet and lovely character. Despite her difficult past, she’s determined to move forward and see the bright side of life. I especially loved how caring and understanding she was towards Hayden’s son, which made me wish I could see more of the three of them together.
This debut novel is a delightful read! It's fast-paced, and I finished it in one sitting. It’s sweet, heartwarming, and has a great dose of humor. I just wish it was a bit longer so that I could dive even deeper into the characters’ lives. A huge thank you to Kate Wilder for the amazing eARC!
January 8, 2025
Tropes:
🏒 hockey romance
🥅 single dad
🏒 enemies to lovers
🥅 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 opposites attract
🥅 dual POV
🏒 forced proximity
🥅 HEA
Alright, I’m gonna be honest. I was really excited to read this book because I’m a sucker for all these tropes, and I really liked the first half of the book, but then idk.. it just felt a little chaotic and rushed. It was really fast paced.
And, honestly, I didn’t like how Sarah kept saying to Hayden that he was just a fantasy, it made me feel so bad for him.
Towards the end, Maiden (Hayden’s son) doesn’t appear anymore and it’s a pity because I would have loved to see more of him and his relationship with both the main characters.
We also have a chapter from a side character’s POV and I’ve to say that I really enjoyed it.
Overall, it’s been a nice and fast reading. I’m just sorry I couldn’t give a better rating and review. I think I will read the next book from this author because I could see potential in this one.
Thanks to the author for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🏒 hockey romance
🥅 single dad
🏒 enemies to lovers
🥅 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 opposites attract
🥅 dual POV
🏒 forced proximity
🥅 HEA
Alright, I’m gonna be honest. I was really excited to read this book because I’m a sucker for all these tropes, and I really liked the first half of the book, but then idk.. it just felt a little chaotic and rushed. It was really fast paced.
And, honestly, I didn’t like how Sarah kept saying to Hayden that he was just a fantasy, it made me feel so bad for him.
Towards the end, Maiden (Hayden’s son) doesn’t appear anymore and it’s a pity because I would have loved to see more of him and his relationship with both the main characters.
We also have a chapter from a side character’s POV and I’ve to say that I really enjoyed it.
Overall, it’s been a nice and fast reading. I’m just sorry I couldn’t give a better rating and review. I think I will read the next book from this author because I could see potential in this one.
Thanks to the author for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2024
ARC review
hockey heart by kate wilder
finished on 22 december 2024
rate: ⭐️⭐️
i would like to start of with saying that i received this ARC copy & that i’m voluntarily leaving a review. thankyou kate for this opportunity!
this story was really fast paced. i felt like the story was really unrealistic and fast paced. it’s a easy read, but it just wasn’t something for me.
sarah, the main female character, has a wild romantic fantasy for hockey star hayden raynor. even though she literally has no chance for him she bids for a date with him & she literally does everything to get the money to place the bid with. i feel like this would not be happening in real life. nobody would sell their car to try to bid for a date with your favourite hockey player, while also having a chance that someone bids more money than you. but she wins anyway and she goes on a date with, but it turns out that hayden is not what sarah had imagined.
that was the first thing in the book which made this story really unrealistic. that would never happen in real life. than, the second thing. turns out that hayden is a single dad, that just suddenly popped up in the story. his son has the changes school and turns out that sarah is his new teacher. so sarah & hayden meet each other a few times because obviously she’s his son his teacher. they go on a date? which can never happen in real life. any teacher just knows that dating a man of a child who’s in your class or school is just off limits and that’s just a no go.
this book is really fast paced and also the storyline is a bit rushed. they literally just met and i feel like in a few days of time they go on dates, meet at her house & suddenly kiss? i felt like they didn’t take time to get to know each other and to just be realistic about this for a second. there is a lot of miscommunication, which isn’t helping for the story at all. there’s also a constant switch between reading from sarah’s POV and hayden’s POV, which isn’t that bad because i usually like also reading a male’s POV, but it felt like it was switched a lot and way too often and suddenly at the end you get to read a bit about a side character’s POV? which to me was very random and not really necessary.
overall, it just wasn’t something for me but it an grateful to have received a ARC copy.
tropes/what to expect;
- hockey player x teacher
- forced proximity
- single dad
- opposites attract
- grumpy x sunshine
hockey heart by kate wilder
finished on 22 december 2024
rate: ⭐️⭐️
i would like to start of with saying that i received this ARC copy & that i’m voluntarily leaving a review. thankyou kate for this opportunity!
this story was really fast paced. i felt like the story was really unrealistic and fast paced. it’s a easy read, but it just wasn’t something for me.
sarah, the main female character, has a wild romantic fantasy for hockey star hayden raynor. even though she literally has no chance for him she bids for a date with him & she literally does everything to get the money to place the bid with. i feel like this would not be happening in real life. nobody would sell their car to try to bid for a date with your favourite hockey player, while also having a chance that someone bids more money than you. but she wins anyway and she goes on a date with, but it turns out that hayden is not what sarah had imagined.
that was the first thing in the book which made this story really unrealistic. that would never happen in real life. than, the second thing. turns out that hayden is a single dad, that just suddenly popped up in the story. his son has the changes school and turns out that sarah is his new teacher. so sarah & hayden meet each other a few times because obviously she’s his son his teacher. they go on a date? which can never happen in real life. any teacher just knows that dating a man of a child who’s in your class or school is just off limits and that’s just a no go.
this book is really fast paced and also the storyline is a bit rushed. they literally just met and i feel like in a few days of time they go on dates, meet at her house & suddenly kiss? i felt like they didn’t take time to get to know each other and to just be realistic about this for a second. there is a lot of miscommunication, which isn’t helping for the story at all. there’s also a constant switch between reading from sarah’s POV and hayden’s POV, which isn’t that bad because i usually like also reading a male’s POV, but it felt like it was switched a lot and way too often and suddenly at the end you get to read a bit about a side character’s POV? which to me was very random and not really necessary.
overall, it just wasn’t something for me but it an grateful to have received a ARC copy.
tropes/what to expect;
- hockey player x teacher
- forced proximity
- single dad
- opposites attract
- grumpy x sunshine
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
This was a cute, fast paced hockey romance. It would be a great book to read in between your heavier romances or fantasy books! Thank you to author Kate Wilder for the chance to read your first book!
December 20, 2024
ARC REVIEW
HOCKEY HEART By @katewilder.author - Debut novel
THE 'SKATES AND SPARKS' SERIES BOOK#1
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My View
I was so excited to read this one after saw it on the cover reveal. This is a fast read one and I really liked it. Hayden and Sarah they don't wanna hurt their hearts and I completely understand why. It's a cute hockey badboy romance story. The only thing is I would like to see how Hayden and Sarah open up about their past to each other. Apart from that it's a good quick read💜
If you're a sports romance girly and need a fast pace less spicy romance this one is for you🤍
HOCKEY HEART By @katewilder.author - Debut novel
THE 'SKATES AND SPARKS' SERIES BOOK#1
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My View
I was so excited to read this one after saw it on the cover reveal. This is a fast read one and I really liked it. Hayden and Sarah they don't wanna hurt their hearts and I completely understand why. It's a cute hockey badboy romance story. The only thing is I would like to see how Hayden and Sarah open up about their past to each other. Apart from that it's a good quick read💜
If you're a sports romance girly and need a fast pace less spicy romance this one is for you🤍
Read
January 17, 2025DNF
Okay, I had to stop reading this book for the sake of my sanity. How can something under 200 pages feel THIS bad? The whole thing was a hot mess from start to finish.
First, the main girl sells all her belongings to bid on this guy in an auction, even though she knows she doesn’t have enough. Then, some random person covers the difference, and she actually wins. And what does that lead to? A date so cringey I wanted to crawl out of my own skin. Hayden (the so-called romantic lead) acts like a complete jerk—the kind of guy you run away from, not root for. And then, cherry on top? He makes her pay for dinner. DUDE. You’re a millionaire. Seriously??
And don’t even get me started on the whole single-dad thing. It’s thrown in randomly like the author just remembered “oh yeah, he has a kid!” You don’t even hear about the kid until 30% into the book. At that point, I was already out, but it was the last straw for me.
Honestly, the whole thing felt like it was written to personally test my patience. It’s not cute, not romantic, and definitely not worth your time. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.
Okay, I had to stop reading this book for the sake of my sanity. How can something under 200 pages feel THIS bad? The whole thing was a hot mess from start to finish.
First, the main girl sells all her belongings to bid on this guy in an auction, even though she knows she doesn’t have enough. Then, some random person covers the difference, and she actually wins. And what does that lead to? A date so cringey I wanted to crawl out of my own skin. Hayden (the so-called romantic lead) acts like a complete jerk—the kind of guy you run away from, not root for. And then, cherry on top? He makes her pay for dinner. DUDE. You’re a millionaire. Seriously??
And don’t even get me started on the whole single-dad thing. It’s thrown in randomly like the author just remembered “oh yeah, he has a kid!” You don’t even hear about the kid until 30% into the book. At that point, I was already out, but it was the last straw for me.
Honestly, the whole thing felt like it was written to personally test my patience. It’s not cute, not romantic, and definitely not worth your time. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.
January 15, 2025
His height makes the girls "cream"
No, fuck no.
No, fuck no.
December 27, 2024
Thank you so much so much Author Kate Wilder, for giving me the amazing opportunity to read an ARC of your new upcoming Hockey Romance Novel-
“Hockey Heart”
The first installment in the “Skates and Sparks Hockey Book Series” 🩵🏒📚✨
4.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨Read!! I just closed the cover on this fantastic book, that had me captured in no time!! I'm literally still grinning from ear to ear, thanks to lovable charming main characters the Author created profoundly✨and even more with their captivating tale, which had me laughing out loud and swooning over their sweet love and affection and devotion always engaging with plot twist and more! This book was impossible to put down! I needed to know what happens next!! I'm seriously counting down the days until the next installment in the lovely series🩵🏒
“Hockey Heart,” Stars two main characters-
(Sarah Miller💕✨& Hayden Raynor🏒✨)
Author Kate Wilder, begins her lovely tale when-
Sarah Miller, a die-hard Ice-Hawks fan and first-grade teacher, who's been counting down the days to the end-of-year hockey charity ball. And then, she hits the jackpot - winning a date with her ultimate crush, the Ice-Hawks' captain, Hayden Raynor, aka the 'Hellraiser.'
Leaving us to wonder what could go wrong, right? Wrong! Hayden's tough-as-nails exterior conceals a complicated man, especially when his 7-year-old son enters Sarah's life again. As they're thrown together, Sarah glimpses the vulnerable soul beneath Hayden's attractive, brooding surface. Now they must face together if they dare to risk their hearts and take a chance on love?
Now Author Kate Wilder, takes us on a experience with thrill of love as she combines hockey with heart. Journey through the ups and downs of a single dad's path to finding his match in an unexpected rival. With Feels of hot tension of forced proximity as two worlds collide—grumpy meets sunshine. With dual perspectives, constantly engaging us as we witness the magnetic pull of opposites attracts. Each page unveils a delightful romance with a happily ever after🥹✨
But not only does the Author write a profound tale she expresses that same passionate love into her two main characters.
My girlie Sarah🌸 is an amazing 1st grade teacher, that embodies a unique blend of vibrancy and passion, with a complex emotional history that adds depth to her character. Her life has been marked by extraordinary moments that have come true, and her love for her partner is authentically sweet and endearing. Despite past love experiences she continues to find ways to heal and express her love for her current partner, which is remarkably genuine and heartfelt. Her kind, caring, nature, is truly exceptional and her captivating laugh is something her partner deeply cherishes and always looks forward to🥹✨
My new favorite! Hayden, starts off as a grumpy player due to past heartbreak, but as we journey through each page, we get witness his character growth and find ourselves getting attached to him with every chapter. He slowly reveals a heart of gold and a lovable personality, especially around the women who make his heart skip a beat when they're alone, alongside is a truly amazing father to his son, consistently demonstrating care and devotion, always putting his needs first and showing him unconditional love with a strong instinct to protect and provide for him in all aspects of life. Especially with Hayden’s love for Sarah, it is incredibly sweet and special you love him more🥹the way he hungers for every little detail about her is everything, his constant desire to know more about her is so touching! and his protective instincts make him even more attractive and precious, their love is truly a beautiful happy ever after🥹💫 Author Kate Wilder, writes this all together so beautifully🩷✨
“But when I’m not with you, I’m thinking of you, and when I’m with you, it’s the only time I feel real.”
-Hayden Raynor💋✨
Pre-order
“HOCKEY HEART”🤍🏒📚✨
ASAP For an engraving hockey romance that will have you craving for more and more!
And you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @katewilder.author On IG and also get the chance to view her lovely page filled with teasers and amazing aesthetics of each character in the upcoming series♥️✨
“Hockey Heart”
The first installment in the “Skates and Sparks Hockey Book Series” 🩵🏒📚✨
4.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨Read!! I just closed the cover on this fantastic book, that had me captured in no time!! I'm literally still grinning from ear to ear, thanks to lovable charming main characters the Author created profoundly✨and even more with their captivating tale, which had me laughing out loud and swooning over their sweet love and affection and devotion always engaging with plot twist and more! This book was impossible to put down! I needed to know what happens next!! I'm seriously counting down the days until the next installment in the lovely series🩵🏒
“Hockey Heart,” Stars two main characters-
(Sarah Miller💕✨& Hayden Raynor🏒✨)
Author Kate Wilder, begins her lovely tale when-
Sarah Miller, a die-hard Ice-Hawks fan and first-grade teacher, who's been counting down the days to the end-of-year hockey charity ball. And then, she hits the jackpot - winning a date with her ultimate crush, the Ice-Hawks' captain, Hayden Raynor, aka the 'Hellraiser.'
Leaving us to wonder what could go wrong, right? Wrong! Hayden's tough-as-nails exterior conceals a complicated man, especially when his 7-year-old son enters Sarah's life again. As they're thrown together, Sarah glimpses the vulnerable soul beneath Hayden's attractive, brooding surface. Now they must face together if they dare to risk their hearts and take a chance on love?
Now Author Kate Wilder, takes us on a experience with thrill of love as she combines hockey with heart. Journey through the ups and downs of a single dad's path to finding his match in an unexpected rival. With Feels of hot tension of forced proximity as two worlds collide—grumpy meets sunshine. With dual perspectives, constantly engaging us as we witness the magnetic pull of opposites attracts. Each page unveils a delightful romance with a happily ever after🥹✨
But not only does the Author write a profound tale she expresses that same passionate love into her two main characters.
My girlie Sarah🌸 is an amazing 1st grade teacher, that embodies a unique blend of vibrancy and passion, with a complex emotional history that adds depth to her character. Her life has been marked by extraordinary moments that have come true, and her love for her partner is authentically sweet and endearing. Despite past love experiences she continues to find ways to heal and express her love for her current partner, which is remarkably genuine and heartfelt. Her kind, caring, nature, is truly exceptional and her captivating laugh is something her partner deeply cherishes and always looks forward to🥹✨
My new favorite! Hayden, starts off as a grumpy player due to past heartbreak, but as we journey through each page, we get witness his character growth and find ourselves getting attached to him with every chapter. He slowly reveals a heart of gold and a lovable personality, especially around the women who make his heart skip a beat when they're alone, alongside is a truly amazing father to his son, consistently demonstrating care and devotion, always putting his needs first and showing him unconditional love with a strong instinct to protect and provide for him in all aspects of life. Especially with Hayden’s love for Sarah, it is incredibly sweet and special you love him more🥹the way he hungers for every little detail about her is everything, his constant desire to know more about her is so touching! and his protective instincts make him even more attractive and precious, their love is truly a beautiful happy ever after🥹💫 Author Kate Wilder, writes this all together so beautifully🩷✨
“But when I’m not with you, I’m thinking of you, and when I’m with you, it’s the only time I feel real.”
-Hayden Raynor💋✨
Pre-order
“HOCKEY HEART”🤍🏒📚✨
ASAP For an engraving hockey romance that will have you craving for more and more!
And you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @katewilder.author On IG and also get the chance to view her lovely page filled with teasers and amazing aesthetics of each character in the upcoming series♥️✨
January 10, 2025
This was my first hockey romance and it was a really fun read!
I don’t think there is anyone who couldn’t relate to Sarah. Her life hasn’t gone the way she expected. She always dreamed of a fairytale romance but instead she got her heart broken and ended up back in her hometown. She is disappointed in where she is in life and where she’s headed. When she wins a date with the man who stars in all of her fantasies, Hayden Raynor, she thinks things are finally turning around. However, even her dream date turns out to be a nightmare. I admired Sarah because even though she is in a continuous loop of bad luck she is willing to open her heart and give Hayden another chance.
Hayden realizes the mistake he made and is working to redeem himself. His character is definitely flawed but is continually working to be better through out the whole book.
This was a cute romance with some steamy moments. If you like a good enemies-to-lovers, single dad, hockey romance, this one’s for you!
I don’t think there is anyone who couldn’t relate to Sarah. Her life hasn’t gone the way she expected. She always dreamed of a fairytale romance but instead she got her heart broken and ended up back in her hometown. She is disappointed in where she is in life and where she’s headed. When she wins a date with the man who stars in all of her fantasies, Hayden Raynor, she thinks things are finally turning around. However, even her dream date turns out to be a nightmare. I admired Sarah because even though she is in a continuous loop of bad luck she is willing to open her heart and give Hayden another chance.
Hayden realizes the mistake he made and is working to redeem himself. His character is definitely flawed but is continually working to be better through out the whole book.
This was a cute romance with some steamy moments. If you like a good enemies-to-lovers, single dad, hockey romance, this one’s for you!
February 23, 2025
⭐️3/5 - this is a cute, short read starring Hayden, a hockey player, his son, Maiden, and Maiden’s teacher, Sarah. I appreciated how this book started, with Sarah going all out, losing her crap, and selling her most prized possessions because she’s so desperate for a change in her life.
This book has so many tropes in just 180 pages - it felt rushed, but covered the ground it needed to in the end. Cara’s chapter at the end was a cool wrap-up. Would love to read Kensy’s story, as I think she was my favorite character in the book!
This book has so many tropes in just 180 pages - it felt rushed, but covered the ground it needed to in the end. Cara’s chapter at the end was a cool wrap-up. Would love to read Kensy’s story, as I think she was my favorite character in the book!
January 19, 2025
Buena idea, terrible desarrollo.
La pareja principal me dio igual.
Que asco me dio Solly o como se escriba. En mi mente Maria se enteró de la segunda infidelidad, le quieto todo su dinero, se encontró a alguien que si la amara; mientras él se quedó solo, calvo y con disfuncion erectil.
La pareja principal me dio igual.
Que asco me dio Solly o como se escriba. En mi mente Maria se enteró de la segunda infidelidad, le quieto todo su dinero, se encontró a alguien que si la amara; mientras él se quedó solo, calvo y con disfuncion erectil.
January 12, 2025
I loved every word of this fun story. Puck bunnies verses the "girl next door," taming the beast, falling for the fantasy vs. reality. Hayden & Sarah have a cute enemies to lovers romance with some spicy scenes. I really enjoyed their story, and I wish it was a bit longer bc I hated it to end.
January 16, 2025
I could not put this down. I enjoyed every page of this book. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out if and when Hayden would get out of his own way and I'd Sarah would let him in. This was a quick fast paced read and I enjoyed every second of it.
December 31, 2024
This book is a great quick and fast paced hockey romance. Loved the story and can’t wait to read more of Kate’s books. I give it 4⭐️. Highly recommend this as a quick in between longer books.
December 26, 2024
Hockey Heart is a nice, quick, and fast paced read. It has some really great tropes like single dad hockey player x school teacher, forced proximity, opposites attract, and grumpy x sunshine. It has some pretty sweet moments like the scene when the MMCs spend a cozy night in watching a classic rom-com, or like the scene when the MMC shows up at the FMC's door all soaked after running in the rain because he is dying to confess his love to her. And it also a touch of steam.
All in all, it was a quick, enjoyable read.
All in all, it was a quick, enjoyable read.
January 10, 2025
Thankyou to author Kate Wilder for the opportunity to read her book.
Hockey heart is Kate's debut novel in the Skates and Sparks series and is a hockey, single dad romance read.
In Hockey Heart we meet Sarah, a first grade teacher and Hayden who is a hockey player for the Ice Hawks and a single dad.
This was an amazing read and a huge thumbs up must read for those who love hockey, single dads, bad boys and cute romance.
I look forward to book 2 coming in Spring 2025 as well.
Hockey heart is Kate's debut novel in the Skates and Sparks series and is a hockey, single dad romance read.
In Hockey Heart we meet Sarah, a first grade teacher and Hayden who is a hockey player for the Ice Hawks and a single dad.
This was an amazing read and a huge thumbs up must read for those who love hockey, single dads, bad boys and cute romance.
I look forward to book 2 coming in Spring 2025 as well.
December 21, 2024
This single dad hockey romance was an enjoyable read. The relationship between Sarah and Hayden built throughout the book and definitely had some issues that needed to be overcome. The disastrous first date and inimiate moments were perfect, and I enjoyed the moments that Hayden and Sarah had together.
This book definitely hit all the right spots, and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to the next book.
Thank you for the ARC.
This book definitely hit all the right spots, and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to the next book.
Thank you for the ARC.
January 7, 2025
You know what they say..."never met your heroes". If only she listened! When Sarah has a chance to bid for her favorite hockey player crush, Hayden "H*llraiser" Raynor, she sells everything of value she owns and the little she's saved of her modest teacher's salary for a chance at one date with him. Through unforseen circumstances, she ends up winning... or losing seeing as how the date turns out! To think she pawned her grandmother's ring for this rude oaf! She never expected to see him again let alone begging for her mercy the very next day...
Hayden turned out so much different than how he seemed at the start and I love how he's a completely different guy around his kid and eventually her too. And Sarah at the beginning just seemed like a brainless flighty fangirl, even though Hayden called her "normal" but ended up totally different. The book had a couple slightly steamy scenes but was overall a sweet hockey romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hayden turned out so much different than how he seemed at the start and I love how he's a completely different guy around his kid and eventually her too. And Sarah at the beginning just seemed like a brainless flighty fangirl, even though Hayden called her "normal" but ended up totally different. The book had a couple slightly steamy scenes but was overall a sweet hockey romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2025
What a dynamic combination: hockey, romance and comedy! This cute book wraps up all three for an enjoyable, quick read. Sarah, a teacher, bids on a local star hockey player, Hayden, and wins…let’s just say that the date was nothing like she imagined. As the story progresses, so does their subsequent meetings and feelings for each other. There was great character growth in the MMC and I’m so happy the giant teddy bear that was hidden inside was revealed. This was told in first person dual PoV and I would consider it a closed door, almost fade-to-black romance. Other tropes included are single dad and opposites attract. A fantastic debut for the author, I will definitely be reading the rest of this series as the books release. Thanks to the author for an advanced copy to read and give my honest thoughts.
January 12, 2025
I love loved this story!! I sat down to read and just ended up getting lost and finished the whole thing! Not that it’s super long, about 188 pages!
I love hockey romance but the single dad thing is my fave! And throw in the rough start enemies to lovers deal, I’m done for!
I was picturing myself and Sidney Crosby, so I’ll be here in Calgary AB just waiting… 😂
Sarah was so cute and sweet, I loved the school teacher vibe and so kind. She stuck up for Maiden and helped him get what he needed, now that’s a good teacher!
Hayden was just a force. I did not like him at first but the more I read then I understood. 6’8 tho, damnnn
When I say I HATED CARA, I have not hated a character like that in a long time. Which means she was written well, but to think there are actual people like that?! Fuck off girl
So adorable and sweet! Went a little fast, I could have used more before the ending, a little longer ya know! You know it’s good when you want more!
I hope Kensy gets a book… I saw what you snuck in there Kate 😉
I love hockey romance but the single dad thing is my fave! And throw in the rough start enemies to lovers deal, I’m done for!
I was picturing myself and Sidney Crosby, so I’ll be here in Calgary AB just waiting… 😂
Sarah was so cute and sweet, I loved the school teacher vibe and so kind. She stuck up for Maiden and helped him get what he needed, now that’s a good teacher!
Hayden was just a force. I did not like him at first but the more I read then I understood. 6’8 tho, damnnn
When I say I HATED CARA, I have not hated a character like that in a long time. Which means she was written well, but to think there are actual people like that?! Fuck off girl
So adorable and sweet! Went a little fast, I could have used more before the ending, a little longer ya know! You know it’s good when you want more!
I hope Kensy gets a book… I saw what you snuck in there Kate 😉
December 31, 2024
I enjoyed the plot line, the single dad hockey player brut and a sweet but messy teacher. I enjoyed the story. I would recommend the story. Sadly, I wouldn’t read the next story but let me explain why… 1. The names in this book were awful (the Ice Hawks & Maiden…) 2. There was a line from this book that will make it where I never pick up another book by this author again and that’s really a shame - but fellow mothers beware - “Neither of us were moms, but we probably knew as much, if not more, about kids' behavior than the best of them.” This is a nope for me. Also, no one wants to read about the nasty character of Cara.
January 5, 2025
4⭐️ 2 🌶
🏒 Single hockey dad
🥅 Grump x Sunshine
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🥅 Forced proximity
🏒 Hockey bad boy
Hockey Heart is Kate's debut novel, and a wonderful read!!
It's fast paced, and a perfect book to slot in between the darker or more intense reads.
Sarah and Hayden's first meeting doesn't quite go as Sarah had hoped, and she is disappointed in how Hayden (aka Hellraiser - a well known Hockey player) treated her after she won a date with him at the hockey charity ball.
When Hayden's 7 year old son joins a new school, his teacher is none other than Sarah ;) Sarah gets to see a softer and more vulnerable side of Hayden, when his son is involved in a fight with some classmates.
Hayden's ex-wife comes into the story every couple chapters, and to be honest, she character didn't sit well with me, but I understand she's part of the story line.
Can Sarah and Hayden get past their differences, and get a second chance at getting to know each other?
Overall, a fun read with some sweet and swoony moments.
Thank you so much to Kate Wilder for the ARC opportunity.
🏒 Single hockey dad
🥅 Grump x Sunshine
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🥅 Forced proximity
🏒 Hockey bad boy
Hockey Heart is Kate's debut novel, and a wonderful read!!
It's fast paced, and a perfect book to slot in between the darker or more intense reads.
Sarah and Hayden's first meeting doesn't quite go as Sarah had hoped, and she is disappointed in how Hayden (aka Hellraiser - a well known Hockey player) treated her after she won a date with him at the hockey charity ball.
When Hayden's 7 year old son joins a new school, his teacher is none other than Sarah ;) Sarah gets to see a softer and more vulnerable side of Hayden, when his son is involved in a fight with some classmates.
Hayden's ex-wife comes into the story every couple chapters, and to be honest, she character didn't sit well with me, but I understand she's part of the story line.
Can Sarah and Hayden get past their differences, and get a second chance at getting to know each other?
Overall, a fun read with some sweet and swoony moments.
Thank you so much to Kate Wilder for the ARC opportunity.
January 10, 2025
Single dad trope? Check
Banter? Check
Grumpy/sunshine? Check
Opposites attract? Check
Enemies to lovers? Check
Forced Proximity: Check
HEA? Check
This book was great. The banter and chemistry between the MC’s is fantastic and it made the read go by quickly. i really enjoyed all the above tropes in this book. I found the ending to be a bit rushed but overall enjoyed the book. Thank you Kate for allowing me to read this as an advanced reader!
Banter? Check
Grumpy/sunshine? Check
Opposites attract? Check
Enemies to lovers? Check
Forced Proximity: Check
HEA? Check
This book was great. The banter and chemistry between the MC’s is fantastic and it made the read go by quickly. i really enjoyed all the above tropes in this book. I found the ending to be a bit rushed but overall enjoyed the book. Thank you Kate for allowing me to read this as an advanced reader!
January 4, 2025
Hockey Heart
By Kate Wilder
4 ⭐️
🏒 Sarah and Hayden 🏒
Short. Spicy. Fast paced.
This story follows Sarah. She’s a teacher who’s on her way to an auction for charity. What’s the auction, a Date With A Hockey Player.
Sarah has a HUGE crush on Hayden. Sarah won the bet (after she had to pawn a couple things for the $ bc hello teachers salary) and got to go on a date with her crush. To her surprise he was a total JERK!
Hayden is a Hockey player, but he struggles with the fame. His family background is heartbreaking. Single dad.
Fate has her own plans. Hayden transfers his son to Sarah’s school and that’s where the sparks start!! 💕✨
By Kate Wilder
4 ⭐️
🏒 Sarah and Hayden 🏒
Short. Spicy. Fast paced.
This story follows Sarah. She’s a teacher who’s on her way to an auction for charity. What’s the auction, a Date With A Hockey Player.
Sarah has a HUGE crush on Hayden. Sarah won the bet (after she had to pawn a couple things for the $ bc hello teachers salary) and got to go on a date with her crush. To her surprise he was a total JERK!
Hayden is a Hockey player, but he struggles with the fame. His family background is heartbreaking. Single dad.
Fate has her own plans. Hayden transfers his son to Sarah’s school and that’s where the sparks start!! 💕✨
January 8, 2025
I was given the opportunity to ARC read it and was definitely the perfect palate cleanser to get me out of my book slump from my heavier reads.
I will say this is a fast paced book and definitely won’t be for everyone but I enjoyed it and I am excited to see where the rest of this series goes!
Will say I wish I had just a little more time with the characters after getting together but I’m a sucker for a HEA so this was good for me.
I will say this is a fast paced book and definitely won’t be for everyone but I enjoyed it and I am excited to see where the rest of this series goes!
Will say I wish I had just a little more time with the characters after getting together but I’m a sucker for a HEA so this was good for me.
January 9, 2025
Who doesn’t love a hockey romance? This book was absolutely amazing! I finished it in 2 days (would have been one if my kids let me😂) The chemistry between Sarah and Hayden had me guessing what was going to happen next the whole book! Highly recommend if you’d like a book that makes you feel all the emotions a great book does!
September 21, 2025
3.25 stars for Sarah and Hayden. The story wa ok, just a touch far-fetched at times. I thought it would end cleaner with people getting their due. Maybe that improves in the second book.
Nice to see a father standing by his kid, I’m down for that.
“Stop worrying about falling and go and fucking jump.”
Excerpt from
Hockey Heart by Kate Wilder
Nice to see a father standing by his kid, I’m down for that.
“Stop worrying about falling and go and fucking jump.”
Excerpt from
Hockey Heart by Kate Wilder
Read
December 25, 2024This book is fast paced and the writing did seem a little chaotic at times - it felt like we need more plot/character development. Sarah has always had a fantasy involving hockey star, Hayden Raynor. So when she has the chance to bid on him for a date, she stops at nothing to make it happen. Although she didn’t expect what would happen after that. Hayden is grumpy and honestly I can’t blame him with everything going on.
What to expect:
Hockey player x teacher
Forced proximity
Single dad
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Thank you to Kate Wilder for letting me read/review an ARC of her debut novel.
What to expect:
Hockey player x teacher
Forced proximity
Single dad
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Thank you to Kate Wilder for letting me read/review an ARC of her debut novel.
December 31, 2024
Such a fun read! I received Kate Wilder's debut novel as an ARC and read it during the weird week between Christmas and New Year's, and it was an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
Single dad/hockey star, Hayden, meets stuck-in-a-rut teacher, Sarah, and chooses violence. Initially. Eventually he realizes he is an idiot but it is a bit of a journey getting there. (This was definitely a time when I was glad I knew one of the tropes was a happily ever after because Mr. Hockey Man was definitely causing me doubts)
Hayden took some time to warm up to but I felt very drawn to Sarah. Oh the struggle of being in your 20s and trying to figure out life while dealing with the first time someone you loved really crushed your soul and let you down. Bless.
Overall, an enjoyable read that I recommend checking out!
Single dad/hockey star, Hayden, meets stuck-in-a-rut teacher, Sarah, and chooses violence. Initially. Eventually he realizes he is an idiot but it is a bit of a journey getting there. (This was definitely a time when I was glad I knew one of the tropes was a happily ever after because Mr. Hockey Man was definitely causing me doubts)
Hayden took some time to warm up to but I felt very drawn to Sarah. Oh the struggle of being in your 20s and trying to figure out life while dealing with the first time someone you loved really crushed your soul and let you down. Bless.
Overall, an enjoyable read that I recommend checking out!
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