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Stingrays Hockey #3
Rematch
One night, one kiss, and a spark hot enough to melt the ice.
Preston’s all about his hockey career, and Chelsea’s about to start a new life in Paris—until one unforgettable night at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Philadelphia changes everything. They agree to one night together. No names, no expectations—just a fun evening of teasing, playful banter, and a kiss under the mistletoe that sparks a connection they can’t ignore and a chemistry they can’t forget. Come morning, they part ways, each convinced they’ve had their last taste of something truly special.
A year later, Chelsea returns home to Baltimore to open her own bakery and help care for her ailing mother. She’s settled into a new, busy routine, far from that magical night in Philly. What she doesn’t know? Preston is plays for the Stingrays, and he’s never stopped thinking about her.
When their worlds collide again, will the spark from that night turn into something more? Or will fate's timing be too much for them to overcome?
Preston’s all about his hockey career, and Chelsea’s about to start a new life in Paris—until one unforgettable night at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Philadelphia changes everything. They agree to one night together. No names, no expectations—just a fun evening of teasing, playful banter, and a kiss under the mistletoe that sparks a connection they can’t ignore and a chemistry they can’t forget. Come morning, they part ways, each convinced they’ve had their last taste of something truly special.
A year later, Chelsea returns home to Baltimore to open her own bakery and help care for her ailing mother. She’s settled into a new, busy routine, far from that magical night in Philly. What she doesn’t know? Preston is plays for the Stingrays, and he’s never stopped thinking about her.
When their worlds collide again, will the spark from that night turn into something more? Or will fate's timing be too much for them to overcome?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2025
38 people are currently reading
1896 people want to read
About the author
Mari Carr
228 books3,993 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 4, 2025
Ah, my heart! This book was so heartwarming!
It was so light and page-turning. I loved how calm yet still entertaining this book was.
I was so sad for Chelsea at the beginning of the book but then she met Preston and their chemistry was cranking up so fast I loved it so much. I loved the kind of chemistry Chelsea and Preston had. It was not just lust coating chemistry, but also comfortable chemistry that made them opened up even when they didn't know their real names.
Chelsea and Preston had one-night-stand that literally changed their lives. Their kind of ONS was also the kind that I loved to read because again, they did it not only because they wanted to rip each other clothes asap but also because they put their hearts out to each other.
Mind you, this book has surprise pregnancy and surprise kid tropes. I am the reader who has no problem with those tropes. Instead I found it was beautiful how Preston directly put the role of father up to his sleeves. My ovaries might be ovariesing the whole time Preston with chubby baby Lennon.
While I loved Chelsea and Preston so much, I need to mention Ethan because this man was the man of the book. I wish I had friend like him. I bet my life would full of happiness with an Ethan in it.
Thank you to Mari Carr and The Author Agency for the ARC.
It was so light and page-turning. I loved how calm yet still entertaining this book was.
I was so sad for Chelsea at the beginning of the book but then she met Preston and their chemistry was cranking up so fast I loved it so much. I loved the kind of chemistry Chelsea and Preston had. It was not just lust coating chemistry, but also comfortable chemistry that made them opened up even when they didn't know their real names.
Chelsea and Preston had one-night-stand that literally changed their lives. Their kind of ONS was also the kind that I loved to read because again, they did it not only because they wanted to rip each other clothes asap but also because they put their hearts out to each other.
Mind you, this book has surprise pregnancy and surprise kid tropes. I am the reader who has no problem with those tropes. Instead I found it was beautiful how Preston directly put the role of father up to his sleeves. My ovaries might be ovariesing the whole time Preston with chubby baby Lennon.
While I loved Chelsea and Preston so much, I need to mention Ethan because this man was the man of the book. I wish I had friend like him. I bet my life would full of happiness with an Ethan in it.
Thank you to Mari Carr and The Author Agency for the ARC.
August 6, 2025
✨Tropes:
🛏️One Night Stand
🫢Oopsie Pregnancy
👶Secret Baby
💙Second Chance
🏒Hot Hockey Player
🧁Curvy Baker
❤️🔥Love at First Sight
🌶️🌶️.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is book #3 in the Stingray Hockey series. Chelsea is a baker who thought she was going to marry her childhood sweetheart. Until he turns out to be a jerk and leaves her at the altar. Seeking one last night hanging out with her BFF before taking off to Paris, Chelsea ends up caught by a very sexy giant of a man, literally. Preston is determined to win the Ugly Sweater contest at this party. Instead of a trophy, he meets the woman of his dreams. Even if all he can have is one night. The two part without last names or numbers but Chelsea discovers a souvenir a few months later. Preston finally sees Chelsea and learns some big news.
This was a very entertaining book. Every man I know named Rick is a jerk and Chelsea's ex is no exception. Preston and Chelsea's intro was the definition of "meet cute". Well, more like "meet 🔥". The spice is good too. This book blends just the right amount of romance and spice. If you want a quick good read, I'd recommend it.
🛏️One Night Stand
🫢Oopsie Pregnancy
👶Secret Baby
💙Second Chance
🏒Hot Hockey Player
🧁Curvy Baker
❤️🔥Love at First Sight
🌶️🌶️.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is book #3 in the Stingray Hockey series. Chelsea is a baker who thought she was going to marry her childhood sweetheart. Until he turns out to be a jerk and leaves her at the altar. Seeking one last night hanging out with her BFF before taking off to Paris, Chelsea ends up caught by a very sexy giant of a man, literally. Preston is determined to win the Ugly Sweater contest at this party. Instead of a trophy, he meets the woman of his dreams. Even if all he can have is one night. The two part without last names or numbers but Chelsea discovers a souvenir a few months later. Preston finally sees Chelsea and learns some big news.
This was a very entertaining book. Every man I know named Rick is a jerk and Chelsea's ex is no exception. Preston and Chelsea's intro was the definition of "meet cute". Well, more like "meet 🔥". The spice is good too. This book blends just the right amount of romance and spice. If you want a quick good read, I'd recommend it.
August 2, 2025
Stingrays Hockey #3
Chelsea had earned an associate's degree in culinary arts and worked in a donut shop with her dream to open her own bakery with her bestie Ethan.
What she hadn't planned on was her fiance walking away on the day of the wedding with a message that he just couldn't do it.
Now six months later she and her besties, Ethan and Allyson are attending an Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Philly that changes her life forever. She meets a guy named Preston and has a wonderful one night stand with no info exchanged other than first names because she is leaving to go to Paris.
A year later she is back in Baltimore getting ready to open Sugar and Spice Bakery.
Preston Jacobson plays for the Baltimore Stingrays hockey team. When he met Chelsea at the party he was so smitten with her and has kicked himself for not getting her last name or how to find her, which he has tried over the last year with no luck.
By pure luck walking to meet a teammate for lunch he sees the bakery and then "his" Chelsea and is shocked.
He decides to go to the bakery and she is shocked to see him as he was her. "BFG" her big friendly giant, and "Joy" his joy of his life, their chemistry is still strong but things have changed since he last saw her. Will they get their second chance?
4.5 stars
I loved this. Such a sweet story and OMGosh was Preston a sweetheart.
Chelsea had earned an associate's degree in culinary arts and worked in a donut shop with her dream to open her own bakery with her bestie Ethan.
What she hadn't planned on was her fiance walking away on the day of the wedding with a message that he just couldn't do it.
Now six months later she and her besties, Ethan and Allyson are attending an Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Philly that changes her life forever. She meets a guy named Preston and has a wonderful one night stand with no info exchanged other than first names because she is leaving to go to Paris.
A year later she is back in Baltimore getting ready to open Sugar and Spice Bakery.
Preston Jacobson plays for the Baltimore Stingrays hockey team. When he met Chelsea at the party he was so smitten with her and has kicked himself for not getting her last name or how to find her, which he has tried over the last year with no luck.
By pure luck walking to meet a teammate for lunch he sees the bakery and then "his" Chelsea and is shocked.
He decides to go to the bakery and she is shocked to see him as he was her. "BFG" her big friendly giant, and "Joy" his joy of his life, their chemistry is still strong but things have changed since he last saw her. Will they get their second chance?
4.5 stars
I loved this. Such a sweet story and OMGosh was Preston a sweetheart.
August 23, 2025
This is my first Mari Carr book that I have read and I really enjoyed it.
I really loved Chelsea and Preston story they have a hot one night stand together and all they tell each other is their first name. They go there separate way after there one night stand and Preston can’t stop thinking about Chelsea and that she was the only one for him just when he is ready to move on bam she comes back into his life with his son. I really loved getting to know them and seeing how they played out.
Thank you Mari Carr and the author agency for allowing me to read this book before it was released.
I really loved Chelsea and Preston story they have a hot one night stand together and all they tell each other is their first name. They go there separate way after there one night stand and Preston can’t stop thinking about Chelsea and that she was the only one for him just when he is ready to move on bam she comes back into his life with his son. I really loved getting to know them and seeing how they played out.
Thank you Mari Carr and the author agency for allowing me to read this book before it was released.
July 31, 2025
Ice hockey romances will always have a special place in my heart, and this one is no different. My heart absolutely shattered for Chelsea when Rick left her on their wedding day for another woman he worked with. They had been childhood best friends turned high school sweethearts. Their first everything was with each other. And he shattered it all.
But reading her interaction with Preston at the Christmas party 6ish months later, I felt those shattered pieces start to be put back together. Their insane chemistry (both inside and outside of the bedroom) was to die for and the way they genuinely just got to know one another for hours that night before sleeping with each other was amazing. Not to mention, the spice was hot between them that one night stand.
Then my heart shattered all over again when they went their separate ways, tried so hard to find each other but couldn’t, and then knowing that Lennon was a result of that one night stand and Chelsea couldn’t find Preston.
But it was totally worth it to watch their love story play out when fate stepped in and threw them back into each other’s lives and just the right time. Watching Preston fall in love with Lennon and be the best father is something every girl dreams of having. But watching him be patient with Chelsea while she worked through her fears and insecurities was the icing on the cake!
This was such a quick and fun read!
But reading her interaction with Preston at the Christmas party 6ish months later, I felt those shattered pieces start to be put back together. Their insane chemistry (both inside and outside of the bedroom) was to die for and the way they genuinely just got to know one another for hours that night before sleeping with each other was amazing. Not to mention, the spice was hot between them that one night stand.
Then my heart shattered all over again when they went their separate ways, tried so hard to find each other but couldn’t, and then knowing that Lennon was a result of that one night stand and Chelsea couldn’t find Preston.
But it was totally worth it to watch their love story play out when fate stepped in and threw them back into each other’s lives and just the right time. Watching Preston fall in love with Lennon and be the best father is something every girl dreams of having. But watching him be patient with Chelsea while she worked through her fears and insecurities was the icing on the cake!
This was such a quick and fun read!
August 5, 2025
Rematch (Stingray Hockey #3) by Mari Carr. Chelsea is at the ugliest Christmas sweater party with her best friend when she runs Preston. The two instantly hit it off. Chelsea is just getting over being left at the altar. A one night stand is not something she has ever done before. However, there is something about Preston that draws her to him. Preston is smitten with Chelsea. She has no idea who he is. Being a star on the Stingray hockey team, he has to be careful. The night the two share is magical, and what they experienced was next level. They never knew each other's last name or each other's phone number. Over a year later, by a stroke of pure luck, Preston happens to see Chelsea again. He never expected to see her. However, he never forgot about her. Chelsea is shocked to see Preston walk into her life again, especially after she needs to find him. Their night together resulted in a baby. I really loved this story. There was something about Chelsea and Preston that had me hooked. The story drew me in from the very beginning. The story was comical at times, sweet at times, sentimental at times, and sexy at times. Chelsea and Preston trying to navigate their new life was a rollercoaster ride that did not disappoint. 4.5 stars for me.
July 29, 2025
These two were just too perfect right from the start! They had great banter, crazy chemistry, wild heat, and big hearts. They were genuine and sweet, while being strong and decisive. They had flaws but recognized them. They were understanding while not being pushovers. They were cautious, for good reason, but still went after what they wanted. They were just wonderful people who made an amazing family <3
August 9, 2025
One kiss, one memorable night, and a year later, a surprise return.
Chelsea, now a bakery owner and single mom, meets Preston again. What began as playful chemistry becomes charged with second-chance emotional depth. As an ARC reader, I was swept into this slow-building romance, loving how the author balanced heat, charm, and the stakes of parenthood with authenticity.
Chelsea, now a bakery owner and single mom, meets Preston again. What began as playful chemistry becomes charged with second-chance emotional depth. As an ARC reader, I was swept into this slow-building romance, loving how the author balanced heat, charm, and the stakes of parenthood with authenticity.
August 6, 2025
Sometimes you come across that one story that really makes you believe in love again… perhaps you’ve lost hope for yourself, or been hurt one time too many, or maybe your own relationship has lost its old spark… but reading that story reminds you that true love can truly begin with one word, one look, or one touch. Rematch was a perfect reminder that love, true love, can take less than a second to spark in your heart, but we have to trust in it, recognize it, and give it the oxygen and fuel it needs to flourish. Preston and Chelsea fed their spark for one night, both agreeing that would be the end of it, though neither of them wanted it to end. One year later, Preston is still pining for the girl of his dreams when he sees her from a distance and he cannot resist going to her, praying that he has a chance to prove to her that they were made to be together—be she has a secret that will change their lives and future forever. Chelsea walked away from their one night with a treasure that she has cherished and loved, a son that she now has to share with Preston despite her fears and all the terrifying scenarios that others are whispering in her ears. But the more time they spend together, with their son and alone, the more Preston and Chelsea realize that their love never truly got a chance to flourish and while they obviously need to be careful, for the sake of their son, there is every chance that they could have a future together. The passion and love between these two is beautiful to watch, as is the sweetness as we watch Preston fall instantly in love with his son (and I’m by no means a baby person so if I’m saying that you can trust me that it was WELL done), but when Chelsea finally admits how much she still wants Preston, that fire is truly unleashed. I am so glad that these two allowed themselves to have the future they deserved so their little family could blossom into a connection even more profound and meaningful than ever anticipated. I am dying for the next in the series (Release) where we will see Tank finally get his heart (and maybe another piece of his anatomy) handed to him because he finds himself chasing the one woman that doesn’t want him. This series is hot enough to melt the entire hockey ring, but who can resist an entire team of sexy players as they fall in love?
For full review check out the blog at
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For full review check out the blog at
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
August 6, 2025
Chelsea was devastated adter her high school sweetheart left her at the alter. After months of moping around, she decides to move to Paris to continue training as a pastry chef. The week before she is supposed to leave, her bestie scores tickets to one of the hottest parties around. Chelsea doesn't really want to go but she does.
Preston plays for the Stingrays hockey team. He is at the party as a favor to a teammate. He runs into Chelsea and they have a connection, literally. They hit it off and find that they have a lot in common. They initially opt not to share names, which Preston likes because Chelsea doesn't seem to know who he is.
After talking for a while they decide to leave the party together. It's out of character for both of them. They do finally share first names and spend a super hot night together. They part in the morning.
Chelsea goes off to Paris but she's miserable. She misses her friends and three months later, she realizes she is pregnant. She moves back to Baltimore and opens a bakery with a friend. She tries to find Preston but can't.
Preston can't stop thinking about the one that got away. He regrets not getting Chelsea's number and tries to figure out her last name so he can find her but he doesn't have any luck. Until one day, he is walking to meet a friend for breakfast and spots a sign for a new bakery. The name is familiar. It's the name that Chelsea said she would call her bakery if she ever opened one. Preston goes back by and see Chelsea.
Preston soon realizes that not only has he found the woman that he hasn't been able to stop thinking of, but he learns that he has a son. A family is what Preston has always wanted now all he has to do is convince Chelsea to take a chance on him.
August 4, 2025
5 Star Review Rematch (Stingray Hockey #1) by Mari Carr
I was excited when I heard that Mari Carr had a new series releasing and even more when I learned it was hockey based.
This was Preston Jacobson and Chelsea Murphy’s story and if this is anything to go by then I cannot wait to see what she has in store for the series.
Agreeing to one night of passion neither of them knew how that one night was going to change their lives.
Parting ways they both know it was special. Fast forward twelve months and Chelsea is in Baltimore to look after her mother and open the bakery she had dreamed of.
When they meet again, the connection and chemistry that they had is still as strong.
Can these two come together and forge a future together?
One click and find out.
I was excited when I heard that Mari Carr had a new series releasing and even more when I learned it was hockey based.
This was Preston Jacobson and Chelsea Murphy’s story and if this is anything to go by then I cannot wait to see what she has in store for the series.
Agreeing to one night of passion neither of them knew how that one night was going to change their lives.
Parting ways they both know it was special. Fast forward twelve months and Chelsea is in Baltimore to look after her mother and open the bakery she had dreamed of.
When they meet again, the connection and chemistry that they had is still as strong.
Can these two come together and forge a future together?
One click and find out.
August 6, 2025
Rematch, book three in the Stingrays Hockey series is an easy to enjoy, sweet hockey romance between Preston and Chelsea with a surprise baby theme and nothing says swoon worthy than a hot hockey player who steps up to be a great dad and a wonderful man who loves his woman.
August 2, 2025
REMATCH is the third in Mari Carr's Stingrays Hockey series, and it's a sweetly scorching hot one-night-stand, accidental pregnancy, he falls first and HARD romance. Chelsea Murphy and Preston Jacobson end up at the same Ugly Christmas Sweater party by chance, and both are surprised at how well they hit it off. They both agree to one night, and both spend considerable effort trying to rectify their mistake of not exchanging contact information or last names...
Mari Carr hits all the right notes with Chelsea and Preston's fast-paced tumble between the sheets and their slightly slower fall into forever ever after. Chelsea's caution is fully understandable, and Preston's determination makes him a winner not just on the ice but off it. Loved the staunch support they received from their families and friends, and couldn't stop turning the pages even as I dreaded getting to the end of their story. Can't wait for more in this delicious series!
Mari Carr hits all the right notes with Chelsea and Preston's fast-paced tumble between the sheets and their slightly slower fall into forever ever after. Chelsea's caution is fully understandable, and Preston's determination makes him a winner not just on the ice but off it. Loved the staunch support they received from their families and friends, and couldn't stop turning the pages even as I dreaded getting to the end of their story. Can't wait for more in this delicious series!
July 26, 2025
Rematch is a heartwarming and steamy romance that proves fate always finds a way. This story brings together two people who have lived in the same place but never crossed paths—until an out-of-town party changes everything.
After being left at the altar by her childhood sweetheart, the heroine is rebuilding her life with flour-dusted fingers and a guarded heart. Enter the charming, rugged hockey star who sees her—not just as the girl who got away, but as the woman he’s been waiting for. Their chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning, but it’s his patience, tenderness, and unwavering belief in her that truly sets this love story apart.
Mari Carr delivers a delicious blend of sweetness and spice. The emotional depth, mixed with sizzling passion and laugh-out-loud moments, creates a page-turner that will leave readers swooning. Rematch is a story of second chances, unexpected love, and learning to trust again—even when your heart has been broken before.
A must-read for fans of hockey romance with big heat and even bigger heart.
After being left at the altar by her childhood sweetheart, the heroine is rebuilding her life with flour-dusted fingers and a guarded heart. Enter the charming, rugged hockey star who sees her—not just as the girl who got away, but as the woman he’s been waiting for. Their chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning, but it’s his patience, tenderness, and unwavering belief in her that truly sets this love story apart.
Mari Carr delivers a delicious blend of sweetness and spice. The emotional depth, mixed with sizzling passion and laugh-out-loud moments, creates a page-turner that will leave readers swooning. Rematch is a story of second chances, unexpected love, and learning to trust again—even when your heart has been broken before.
A must-read for fans of hockey romance with big heat and even bigger heart.
July 30, 2025
Fantastic One Night Stand with consequences book.
Great add to the Stingrays Hockey series. Loved how Chelsea & Preston (first name only), and had a very hot one night stand.
Finally a year later they find each other - and more fun ensues.
Loved the Pat's Pub/Sunday's Side cameo with Yvonne and Padraig!
Can't want for Tank's story next - oooo, it should be fun!
Great add to the Stingrays Hockey series. Loved how Chelsea & Preston (first name only), and had a very hot one night stand.
Finally a year later they find each other - and more fun ensues.
Loved the Pat's Pub/Sunday's Side cameo with Yvonne and Padraig!
Can't want for Tank's story next - oooo, it should be fun!
July 24, 2025
So in love with these characters!
This book grabbed my attention from the word go.
Mari Carr definitely knows how to write romance!
This book grabbed my attention from the word go.
Mari Carr definitely knows how to write romance!
August 5, 2025
Rematch is one of my favorites from Mari Carr. Preston, Chelsea and her friends had my attention for the entire story. The blurb had me at second chance, surprise baby, and hockey.
Preston and Chelsea had an incredible night, but she was leaving for Paris to follow her dreams. The universe had other plans. Fast forward a year, and Preston is walking on a street in Baltimore and sees a bakery with Chelsea’s dream name. What are the odds?
I need to shout out to Chelsea’s besties. I wish they were human, as I would love to be friends with both! The story is fantastic, the characters are easy to love, and the banter is perfect.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Preston and Chelsea had an incredible night, but she was leaving for Paris to follow her dreams. The universe had other plans. Fast forward a year, and Preston is walking on a street in Baltimore and sees a bakery with Chelsea’s dream name. What are the odds?
I need to shout out to Chelsea’s besties. I wish they were human, as I would love to be friends with both! The story is fantastic, the characters are easy to love, and the banter is perfect.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 5, 2025
This is the first of this series that I have read but I am absolutely hooked. I have read others by Mari and her stories always provide a well written romance. This can definitely be read as a standalone. Preston and Chelsea’s meet-cute and one night stand set up an entertaining love journey. There was the perfect mix of humor, sizzling steam, drama, serendipity and forever. I loved the team member interaction and plan to go read the previous and any future books of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2025
Universal
Chelsea and Preston had a night, an unforgettable night brought on by equally fun Ugly Christmas Sweaters, and an attraction neither expected. But it was only supposed to be one beautiful time, never to be repeated. They didn't give each other their last names or contact info, and she was heading to Paris after. Except, she's not in Paris anymore, and it appears she and Preston are going to be in very, very close proximity now.
Preston's never forgotten Chelsea and would have done anything to have her back. Then he sees her in Baltimore, across the street and his depression that's plagued him since their night, is lifted. And when he walks into her bakery and sees someone unexpected, someone who has his eyes...he's even more determined to have a second chance with her. He'll have to woo her gently, though, because she's wary and only wants to focus on coparenting, not giving her heart away.
Second chance love has never been so sweet and sexy as Chelsea and Preston. She may have held back a little, worried more about their baby than a relationship, but in the end, she simply couldn't resist falling in love with her BFG. I don't know which Stingray is next to fall, but I can't wait now.
ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
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November 30, 2025
Rematch is book 3 in the Stingrays Hockey series and follows Preston as he falls hard and fast for Chelsea.
Preston grew up in Seattle with loving parents who supported his dream to play professional hockey. He usually flies home for Christmas, but he only gets one day before he has to fly back due to the teams game schedule. He is respected by his teammates, but he sees what Blake and Colton have with their women and he is finding that he wants that for himself.
Chelsea was dumped by her fiance on the day of their wedding. He found someone else. In order to escape the memories, she is moving to Paris right after the holidays. She has had a dream of creating her own bakery, and now is her chance. Although her father is supportive, her mother is more critical of her and does not understand why she has to go to Paris to open a bakery.
Chelsea's friend, Allison, convinces her to attend an Ugly Christmas Sweater party with her. She only has two tickets, so it will be one last girls night out before Chelsea leaves for Paris. While at the party, Chelsea meets Preston, and boy is it a meet cute. She has nicknamed him BFG and he has named her Joy.
After spending time together at the party, they decide to spend more time together alone. They exchange first names, but nothing more than that. Chelsea experiences a night like she has never known, since her ex-fiance was a one and done kind of guy.
Preston decides to show Chelsea what she was missing out on and give her the night of her life. And boy does he ever deliver.
But Preston delivers more than he promised. Sadly, they never exchanged last names, so when Chelsea gets the shock of her life, she has no way to contact him and tell him her news.
Chelsea moves home from Paris. After a surprise inheritance from her friend, Ethan's, aunt, she and Ethan are finally able to make her dream come true and open her bakery. She is living with her parents to make things easier for her, but her mom is driving her crazy.
Sadly, Chelsea's ex-fiance has broken up with the woman he left her for and now wants to try again with Chelsea. Sadly, Rick is clueless to how she really feels and keeps hounding her.
While Preston is on his way to meet his teammate, Victor, for breakfast, he takes a side street and sees a new bakery with the exact same name as the one Chelsea, his Joy, wanted. He is sure it must be hers. But he watches a scene unfold that shocks him, so he continues on to breakfast.
Lucky for Preston, Victor convinces him to go speak with her. When he gets back to the bakery, he is shocked by what he finds. And even more shocked at the potential for more with Chelsea. And let us not forget Ethan, her best friend, who is also a huge Stingrays fan, stoking the fire.
Is it possible for these two to rekindle what the found a year ago with all of the changes that have happened? Will Chelsea's mother continue to push her towards Rick, the ex, instead of letting her find her true happiness? Will her mother's doubts and fears spill over and prevent Chelsea from giving it a true go with Preston?
In one night, Chelsea and Preston had more meaningful conversations about dreams than she ever did with her ex. She opened up to him, knowing it was one night only and her dreams would never go beyond him.
In addition to the conversations, they had an amazing night together that ruined her for any other man. How could she ever find another man to give her what Preston did? But that is not all he gave her.
I will admit that I despise Rick. He is a user and needs to go crawl back under the rock he slithered out from. After leaving her at the wedding, he has the audacity to want to try again. Really dude. Time to go back to la la land. And take your mother with you. She has no business trying to influence Chelsea's mother and convince her that Chelsea should take him back. Lady you are deranged.
Colt Carter and Suzanne T Fortin did a fabulous job on this story. I have listened to them a couple of times now and their voices are just so different from other narrators, it is a nice change of pace.
Preston grew up in Seattle with loving parents who supported his dream to play professional hockey. He usually flies home for Christmas, but he only gets one day before he has to fly back due to the teams game schedule. He is respected by his teammates, but he sees what Blake and Colton have with their women and he is finding that he wants that for himself.
Chelsea was dumped by her fiance on the day of their wedding. He found someone else. In order to escape the memories, she is moving to Paris right after the holidays. She has had a dream of creating her own bakery, and now is her chance. Although her father is supportive, her mother is more critical of her and does not understand why she has to go to Paris to open a bakery.
Chelsea's friend, Allison, convinces her to attend an Ugly Christmas Sweater party with her. She only has two tickets, so it will be one last girls night out before Chelsea leaves for Paris. While at the party, Chelsea meets Preston, and boy is it a meet cute. She has nicknamed him BFG and he has named her Joy.
After spending time together at the party, they decide to spend more time together alone. They exchange first names, but nothing more than that. Chelsea experiences a night like she has never known, since her ex-fiance was a one and done kind of guy.
Preston decides to show Chelsea what she was missing out on and give her the night of her life. And boy does he ever deliver.
But Preston delivers more than he promised. Sadly, they never exchanged last names, so when Chelsea gets the shock of her life, she has no way to contact him and tell him her news.
Chelsea moves home from Paris. After a surprise inheritance from her friend, Ethan's, aunt, she and Ethan are finally able to make her dream come true and open her bakery. She is living with her parents to make things easier for her, but her mom is driving her crazy.
Sadly, Chelsea's ex-fiance has broken up with the woman he left her for and now wants to try again with Chelsea. Sadly, Rick is clueless to how she really feels and keeps hounding her.
While Preston is on his way to meet his teammate, Victor, for breakfast, he takes a side street and sees a new bakery with the exact same name as the one Chelsea, his Joy, wanted. He is sure it must be hers. But he watches a scene unfold that shocks him, so he continues on to breakfast.
Lucky for Preston, Victor convinces him to go speak with her. When he gets back to the bakery, he is shocked by what he finds. And even more shocked at the potential for more with Chelsea. And let us not forget Ethan, her best friend, who is also a huge Stingrays fan, stoking the fire.
Is it possible for these two to rekindle what the found a year ago with all of the changes that have happened? Will Chelsea's mother continue to push her towards Rick, the ex, instead of letting her find her true happiness? Will her mother's doubts and fears spill over and prevent Chelsea from giving it a true go with Preston?
In one night, Chelsea and Preston had more meaningful conversations about dreams than she ever did with her ex. She opened up to him, knowing it was one night only and her dreams would never go beyond him.
In addition to the conversations, they had an amazing night together that ruined her for any other man. How could she ever find another man to give her what Preston did? But that is not all he gave her.
I will admit that I despise Rick. He is a user and needs to go crawl back under the rock he slithered out from. After leaving her at the wedding, he has the audacity to want to try again. Really dude. Time to go back to la la land. And take your mother with you. She has no business trying to influence Chelsea's mother and convince her that Chelsea should take him back. Lady you are deranged.
Colt Carter and Suzanne T Fortin did a fabulous job on this story. I have listened to them a couple of times now and their voices are just so different from other narrators, it is a nice change of pace.
September 25, 2025
Rematch
Stingrays Hockey Book 3
By: Mari Carr
Narrated by: Colt Carter, Suzanne T. Fortin
Do you believe in love at first site? Preston didn't until he met Chelsea. One night of passion and getting to know each other left them both with that feeling of being together forever. But there was an expiration on their time. Chelsea had plans and this was just for the one night! Now a year later, Preston finds her in his town, opening the bakery she always wanted. And boy does she have a surprise for him. Never revealing their last names, neither knew where to find the other, and now life has thrown them together in the best way. But will their new found life find the happiness they both crave? I loved this story. Preston is such a sweet guy, I could not get enough of him! And Chelsea was the frustrating one in the best way, keeping her heart safe and hesitant to go all in. Getting to hang with the others on the team is just icing on the cake! I love Mari Carr, she knows how to find my soft spot and have me fall in love again!
Colt Carter and Suzanne T Fortin are the storytellers for this one, and I loved their narration. Carter creates the best character in Preston. His voice is full of want and love. He understands each feeling and makes Carter irresistible. Fortin comes in as Chelsea and she just gets her! The emotional tugs she has with her past and dealing with her present are perfectly emoted. These two made a fabulous team and I enjoyed their performance.
Stingrays Hockey Book 3
By: Mari Carr
Narrated by: Colt Carter, Suzanne T. Fortin
Do you believe in love at first site? Preston didn't until he met Chelsea. One night of passion and getting to know each other left them both with that feeling of being together forever. But there was an expiration on their time. Chelsea had plans and this was just for the one night! Now a year later, Preston finds her in his town, opening the bakery she always wanted. And boy does she have a surprise for him. Never revealing their last names, neither knew where to find the other, and now life has thrown them together in the best way. But will their new found life find the happiness they both crave? I loved this story. Preston is such a sweet guy, I could not get enough of him! And Chelsea was the frustrating one in the best way, keeping her heart safe and hesitant to go all in. Getting to hang with the others on the team is just icing on the cake! I love Mari Carr, she knows how to find my soft spot and have me fall in love again!
Colt Carter and Suzanne T Fortin are the storytellers for this one, and I loved their narration. Carter creates the best character in Preston. His voice is full of want and love. He understands each feeling and makes Carter irresistible. Fortin comes in as Chelsea and she just gets her! The emotional tugs she has with her past and dealing with her present are perfectly emoted. These two made a fabulous team and I enjoyed their performance.
August 5, 2025
Chelsea obtained an associate's degree in culinary arts and was employed at a donut shop, aspiring to start her own bakery alongside her best friend Ethan.
What she didn't foresee was her fiancé leaving on the wedding day with a note saying he just couldn't go through with it.
Six months later, she and her close friends, Ethan and Allyson, go to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Philly that alters her life indefinitely. She encounters a man named Preston and enjoys a fantastic one night stand, sharing only their first names since she is heading to Paris.
Twelve months later, she returns to Baltimore to prepare for the grand opening of Sugar and Spice Bakery.
Preston Jacobson is a member of the Baltimore Stingrays hockey squad. Upon meeting Chelsea at the party, he found himself enchanted by her and has regretted not asking for her last name or a way to reach her, something he has attempted without success over the past year.
By sheer chance, while heading to lunch with a teammate, he spots the bakery and then "his" Chelsea, leaving him astonished.
He chooses to visit the bakery, and she is surprised to find him there as he was hers. "BFG," her gentle giant, and "Joy," the love of his life; their bond remains powerful, but circumstances have shifted since their last meeting. Will they receive their opportunity again
What she didn't foresee was her fiancé leaving on the wedding day with a note saying he just couldn't go through with it.
Six months later, she and her close friends, Ethan and Allyson, go to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Philly that alters her life indefinitely. She encounters a man named Preston and enjoys a fantastic one night stand, sharing only their first names since she is heading to Paris.
Twelve months later, she returns to Baltimore to prepare for the grand opening of Sugar and Spice Bakery.
Preston Jacobson is a member of the Baltimore Stingrays hockey squad. Upon meeting Chelsea at the party, he found himself enchanted by her and has regretted not asking for her last name or a way to reach her, something he has attempted without success over the past year.
By sheer chance, while heading to lunch with a teammate, he spots the bakery and then "his" Chelsea, leaving him astonished.
He chooses to visit the bakery, and she is surprised to find him there as he was hers. "BFG," her gentle giant, and "Joy," the love of his life; their bond remains powerful, but circumstances have shifted since their last meeting. Will they receive their opportunity again
August 6, 2025
Ice hockey star Preston Jacobson's life took an unexpected turn when he met Chelsea at an ugly Christmas jumper party. But it was a case of right girl, wrong time and after a one memorable night Chelsea left for a new life in Paris with Preston left wondering what if... until a year later, he spots Chelsea again outside a bakery, where he wasted no time in approaching her hoping she still felt the same spark, hopeful of rekindling the flame that had been briefly ignited between them. But a lot had changed in twelve months and Preston was in for a surprise
Get ready to fall in love with this heartwarming romance that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Preston was the epitome of perfect boyfriend material, if you looked up golden retriever in the dictionary you would see his name beside it. His instant bond with his little 'butterball' of a son was ovary-clenching sweet, falling in love with him within seconds of meeting him, and his gentle approach towards Chelsea, who was more than a little wary about trusting him. By arranging family days and letting Chelsea set the pace, Preston showed her he was in it for the long haul. The secondary characters, especially Chelsea's best friends Ethan and Allyson, were engaging and memorable. If spicy, sports romances with gentle giant heroes are your thing, then this author's books are definitely worth checking out.
Get ready to fall in love with this heartwarming romance that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Preston was the epitome of perfect boyfriend material, if you looked up golden retriever in the dictionary you would see his name beside it. His instant bond with his little 'butterball' of a son was ovary-clenching sweet, falling in love with him within seconds of meeting him, and his gentle approach towards Chelsea, who was more than a little wary about trusting him. By arranging family days and letting Chelsea set the pace, Preston showed her he was in it for the long haul. The secondary characters, especially Chelsea's best friends Ethan and Allyson, were engaging and memorable. If spicy, sports romances with gentle giant heroes are your thing, then this author's books are definitely worth checking out.
August 19, 2025
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay, listen. Rematch is the cozy-holiday-swoony romance with a sprinkle of spice that will make you blush at your neighborhood coffee shop. Preston is the kind of hero that can single-handedly damage your IRL man standards: professional hockey player, all protective muscle with a heart to match. Chelsea is a feisty, independent baker who has already had her life turned upside down (down is a strong word, and by upside, I mean surprise surprise surprises). Their initial meet-cute is all “never gonna happen again, thank you very much” until life does it’s God-forsaken chuckle and throws them together again in the messiest of ways. My absolute favorite part of this book is how Mari Carr made this second-chance thing work. It was all sweet without getting saccharine, spicy without getting lurid, and full of the kinds of repartee that make you raise an eyebrow at your Kindle. It isn’t JUST a sports romance, it’s the beautiful journey of finding the one in spite of your timing, your distance, and your life. I read it in one sitting, grinning, swooning, and occasionally screaming at the characters “JUST KISS ALREADY.” If you want a holiday-flavored romance full of heart, sexy tension, and characters you’ll mourn once you close the cover, Rematch is your next one-click.
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay, listen. Rematch is the cozy-holiday-swoony romance with a sprinkle of spice that will make you blush at your neighborhood coffee shop. Preston is the kind of hero that can single-handedly damage your IRL man standards: professional hockey player, all protective muscle with a heart to match. Chelsea is a feisty, independent baker who has already had her life turned upside down (down is a strong word, and by upside, I mean surprise surprise surprises). Their initial meet-cute is all “never gonna happen again, thank you very much” until life does it’s God-forsaken chuckle and throws them together again in the messiest of ways. My absolute favorite part of this book is how Mari Carr made this second-chance thing work. It was all sweet without getting saccharine, spicy without getting lurid, and full of the kinds of repartee that make you raise an eyebrow at your Kindle. It isn’t JUST a sports romance, it’s the beautiful journey of finding the one in spite of your timing, your distance, and your life. I read it in one sitting, grinning, swooning, and occasionally screaming at the characters “JUST KISS ALREADY.” If you want a holiday-flavored romance full of heart, sexy tension, and characters you’ll mourn once you close the cover, Rematch is your next one-click.
August 5, 2025
This was my first read by this author. And I am so glad I came across this book!
It’s the story of Chelsea and Preston who meet at a Christmas party. They quickly click and find themselves spending the rest of the party together. It’s stolen time because Chelsea will be moving to Paris in a week. Giving in to their attraction they are all in on having one night together. They say their goodbyes never exchanging last names or phone numbers.
The center point of this story is what comes next, leaving Chelsea with a baby and plans changing from Paris to staying in Baltimore but no way to find Preston to let him know about the baby.
And then comes the twist of fate and a chance re-encounter which I love love about this story. If you love a book or a movie with the idea that fate played a hand at your life story well this is for you!
There is such a sweetness to both Preston and Chelsea. It’s adorable and also steamy! They have great chemistry together.
I loved how focused Preston is to both the baby and Chelsea without being obnoxious about it. You’ll love the tempo of this story and how easy it is to read and finish!
It’s the story of Chelsea and Preston who meet at a Christmas party. They quickly click and find themselves spending the rest of the party together. It’s stolen time because Chelsea will be moving to Paris in a week. Giving in to their attraction they are all in on having one night together. They say their goodbyes never exchanging last names or phone numbers.
The center point of this story is what comes next, leaving Chelsea with a baby and plans changing from Paris to staying in Baltimore but no way to find Preston to let him know about the baby.
And then comes the twist of fate and a chance re-encounter which I love love about this story. If you love a book or a movie with the idea that fate played a hand at your life story well this is for you!
There is such a sweetness to both Preston and Chelsea. It’s adorable and also steamy! They have great chemistry together.
I loved how focused Preston is to both the baby and Chelsea without being obnoxious about it. You’ll love the tempo of this story and how easy it is to read and finish!
August 5, 2025
5/5 Stars – NEW RELEASE (available as of August 5, 2025)
Rematch is the third book in the Stingrays Hockey series, and in my opinion this series keeps getting better with each book released. Preston AND Chelsea are two of my favourite MCs ever. They are both so unproblematic and just so lovable. You may read that description and go “ok, so where’s the fun in that?!”, but I am here to tell you that Mari Carr develops the relationship between these two in a way that draws you in and makes it so hard to put the book down. Preston is my new cinnamon roll book boyfriend for sure.
One of my favourite quotes: “the man still had his finger on her volume button, turning down the racket until every bad thought simply evaporated in the silence that remained”. I can’t do this quote justice out of context, so you’re just going to have to read the book to understand why it’s breathtaking 😉
While Rematch is a standalone in an interconnected series, I would recommend reading the first two books in the series first if you have the time! If not, Rematch is my favourite in the series so far and I recommend reading it either way!
Thank you The Author Agency and Mari Carr for my ARC!
Rematch is the third book in the Stingrays Hockey series, and in my opinion this series keeps getting better with each book released. Preston AND Chelsea are two of my favourite MCs ever. They are both so unproblematic and just so lovable. You may read that description and go “ok, so where’s the fun in that?!”, but I am here to tell you that Mari Carr develops the relationship between these two in a way that draws you in and makes it so hard to put the book down. Preston is my new cinnamon roll book boyfriend for sure.
One of my favourite quotes: “the man still had his finger on her volume button, turning down the racket until every bad thought simply evaporated in the silence that remained”. I can’t do this quote justice out of context, so you’re just going to have to read the book to understand why it’s breathtaking 😉
While Rematch is a standalone in an interconnected series, I would recommend reading the first two books in the series first if you have the time! If not, Rematch is my favourite in the series so far and I recommend reading it either way!
Thank you The Author Agency and Mari Carr for my ARC!
September 29, 2025
Unforgettable
From the moment they meet, I love this couple. Chelsea (Joy, Cupcake) Murphy has great friends and a heart in serious need of mending. Preston (BFG, Romeo) Jacobson is sweet, dirty, and all the things. Just. All. The. Things.
Paris had become her escape hatch, her way of fleeing all the shit that had been swimming around in her head since Rick kicked her in the teeth.
-- Chelsea Murphy
I love that neither let go of that one night many moons prior. Each looked for the other, and I like the realistic roadblocks they hit. The addition of Lennon to their arrangement is awesome. The way Preston responds and decisions he makes are in keeping with the BFG moniker he picked up. I absolutely melted. 🫠 💜
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators, Suzanne T Fortin and Colt Carter, are so easy to listen to and do a great job.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H = 35; h = mid-20s?
August 3, 2025
Chelsea & Preston.
First off, this has all the elements of a surprise baby, hockey romance, with all the little sweet moments. It wasn't bad but it wasn't 5 star read because I read a lot of hockey romance so it's hard to surprise me and it's also hard to be unique when the format has been set. Now that I've set the expectation. This book is not bad. Okay? But there were so many familiar elements from previous novels that I've read.. and it was TOO perfect.
Chelsea is a wonderful character and her development through the novel was great. She comes back home after finding out Paris isn't where she really wants to be. Her ex is a parasite that just won't go the hell away. Preston by chance runs into her a year after meeting her one night & having one night of passion (and getting to know one another).
I am all for a doting father. I am also all for the parents, co-parenting, and the family being a family but I felt like there wasn't enough conflict between them and that it was 'too easy' to slip into them being together.
With that said, if you're looking for an easy read, with little to no conflict, and a happy ever after then this should be on your TBR.
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
First off, this has all the elements of a surprise baby, hockey romance, with all the little sweet moments. It wasn't bad but it wasn't 5 star read because I read a lot of hockey romance so it's hard to surprise me and it's also hard to be unique when the format has been set. Now that I've set the expectation. This book is not bad. Okay? But there were so many familiar elements from previous novels that I've read.. and it was TOO perfect.
Chelsea is a wonderful character and her development through the novel was great. She comes back home after finding out Paris isn't where she really wants to be. Her ex is a parasite that just won't go the hell away. Preston by chance runs into her a year after meeting her one night & having one night of passion (and getting to know one another).
I am all for a doting father. I am also all for the parents, co-parenting, and the family being a family but I felt like there wasn't enough conflict between them and that it was 'too easy' to slip into them being together.
With that said, if you're looking for an easy read, with little to no conflict, and a happy ever after then this should be on your TBR.
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2025
I loved Preston and Chelsea’s story.
After meeting at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party, Preston and Chelsea have an immediate connection. During their entire evening together, they realize that although they feel that connection, their timing is not right, since she is moving to Paris in a week. After they separate without exchanging contact information or last names, neither of them can forget their night together.
About 11 months later, while walking down a street he rarely goes down, Preston sees Chelsea outside of her new bakery. When Preston goes to talk to Chelsea he realizes that not only did Chelsea not forget him, but a couple months ago Chelsea had their baby boy.
Preston and Chelsea’s love story was so much fun to read. Preston is a hopeless romantic who never gave up on his love for Chelsea, regardless of how many walls she had up. He knew she was his sole mate their first night together and reading them fall in love and finding their HEA was fantastic!
I cannot wait for more in the series!
After meeting at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party, Preston and Chelsea have an immediate connection. During their entire evening together, they realize that although they feel that connection, their timing is not right, since she is moving to Paris in a week. After they separate without exchanging contact information or last names, neither of them can forget their night together.
About 11 months later, while walking down a street he rarely goes down, Preston sees Chelsea outside of her new bakery. When Preston goes to talk to Chelsea he realizes that not only did Chelsea not forget him, but a couple months ago Chelsea had their baby boy.
Preston and Chelsea’s love story was so much fun to read. Preston is a hopeless romantic who never gave up on his love for Chelsea, regardless of how many walls she had up. He knew she was his sole mate their first night together and reading them fall in love and finding their HEA was fantastic!
I cannot wait for more in the series!
August 8, 2025
4.5 stars!
This is book three in the author’s Stingray’s Hockey series and features Preston, aka BFG, the Stingray’s resident hopeless romantic who I fell for hook, line and sinker!
When Chelsea, aka Joy, met BFG (Big Friendly Giant) at an Ugly Sweater Christmas party with no idea who he was after being left at the altar by her childhood sweetheart, she was preparing to move to Paris when, in the space of a single night, both she and Preston felt they’d each met and lost their soulmate during their one and only night together. As no names were shared, there was no possibility of ever finding each other again but, like in the movie, maybe it was Serendipity that brought them together again.
This was an amazingly sweet read! There were so many ups and downs that it was hard to keep reading at times and it dragged on a more than I would’ve liked but, in the end, it was 100% worth the time it took to read and one I recommend checking out. 4.5 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book three in the author’s Stingray’s Hockey series and features Preston, aka BFG, the Stingray’s resident hopeless romantic who I fell for hook, line and sinker!
When Chelsea, aka Joy, met BFG (Big Friendly Giant) at an Ugly Sweater Christmas party with no idea who he was after being left at the altar by her childhood sweetheart, she was preparing to move to Paris when, in the space of a single night, both she and Preston felt they’d each met and lost their soulmate during their one and only night together. As no names were shared, there was no possibility of ever finding each other again but, like in the movie, maybe it was Serendipity that brought them together again.
This was an amazingly sweet read! There were so many ups and downs that it was hard to keep reading at times and it dragged on a more than I would’ve liked but, in the end, it was 100% worth the time it took to read and one I recommend checking out. 4.5 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
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