My Goalkeeper: A Love Story

by Alina Clare

He’s the captain of the men’s hockey team. She’s the goalkeeper no one expected. Together, they’re skating on thin ice.

My Goalkeeper is a fiery haters-to-lovers sports romance brimming with sharp banter, emotional depth, and a heroine who redefines what it means to be unstoppable.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance

379 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

For Alina Clare, love isn’t just a theme—it’s everything. A graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s in Arts and Language, she has been captivated by the art of storytelling for as long as she can remember. As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she thrives on crafting real, messy, and heartbreakingly beautiful love stories that resonate deeply with readers.

Her debut novel, My Goalkeeper, is a fiery haters-to-lovers college hockey romance packed with spice, angst, and all the heart. When she’s not writing, she’s either lifting heavy at the gym, getting lost on a nature trail, or curled up with a book—probably swooning over a fictional book man.

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Reviews

[abby :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

no thank you.

this really took me back to my wattpad days, especially the fact that i read it pretty much overnight. i did not enjoy this book but i couldn't look away from it. it was pretty predictable up until the end and then it turned into a romantic suspense for some reason. i wouldn't pick this up again and if the series continues i won't be. why do i do this to myself? there are so many books i want to read but i see on scene on tik tok and i forced myself into situations like this...

[Lia Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This was a really fun take on a college hockey romance. Loved how she was the goalie and he was the captain. The banter was fun, the tension was great, and I loved her friendship with Ash and how that drove Brooks crazy. Christmas with his family was probably my favorite part. Although I saw the plot twist coming, I did really like the story line.

The book did feel a little long at certain points and some scenes felt a little unfinished, but I really enjoyed this book!

I received this books as an arc and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves hockey romances once it’s out in May!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, I was honored to be selected for the ARC. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed from the moment I opened the front cover I was got. The enemies-to-lovers was so great every step of the way. The heat of Quinn and her man, was fanning self worth it with every turn of the page. The found family was perfect and the twists? Kept on coming. I’ve read a lot of hockey romances but this one? Was one of my favorites!!!!!!!

The ways Quinn fights to prove herself was perfect, sometimes it was her against the world and boy did it come through every time! The fight, the passion in these pages was full on 5 stars and very well earned. Alina is one of the good authors, she is incredible and writes well! I recommend 1000000000000% and will make sure my hockey girlie friends know about this book!

MUST READ!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I absolutely loved every minute of this book! I loved being able to be fully immersed in the men’s hockey world but from the female perspective.

One of my favorite aspects of the book (aside from the spicy/romance of course) was the relationships Quinn formed with the other teammates. This book had ups and downs, happy and sad, love and hate. It was everything I wanted!

Alina Clare did a fantastic job giving all of the characters enough of the spotlight to not overshadow the main characters but to allow you to fall in love with each of them in their own way.

Great enemies to lovers/romance/sports lovers read!

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my honest review of My Goalkeeper is truly an amazing Hockey Romance, I got to say I don’t ever always read sports romances but this truly is one of my new favorite sports romances. Alina sucks you into her world of hockey, romances, suspense, heartache and leaves you truly wanting so much more.

My Goalkeeper follows the main characters Quinn Doss a woman in college who plays for the woman’s hockey team, she has big shoes to fill… Her dad is a hockey champion. She has gone through a lot.


Then you have Brooks the captain of the men’s hockey team, he’s a cocky sh1t but he knows he’s good at what he does. Hes had a thing for Quinn since he met her.

Read and find out what happens between these two and all the other drama that happens in their story. Trust me you won’t be disappointed.

[Nichole Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first hockey romance and it did not disappoint! I loved the story. I also loved that not only were the main characters written well, but so were the side characters! So much that I hope she writes more books in the series about the other teammates!

5 star read!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this novel without any expectations and an open mind. It kept my attention throughout. The writing style is confident, descriptive and certainly didn't shy away from any details during provocative scenes. The banter and quick witted quips from Doss’s interactions between her and the rest of the hockey team had me smiling and even gave me a chuckle in a few spots.

For me personally, what stood out most was how the story captures that very human tendency to want what we can’t have. The tension between Brooks and Doss throughout was all over the page as they are constantly lusting and desiring each other.

Overall, the author shows real promise for her future works. I’d certainly recommend My Goalkeeper!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an ARC- I love the twist to your traditional college hockey romance where the FMC was on the same hockey team as the MMC. I also loved the side characters they had the best moments to break the seriousness. I do feel like some parts in the book details were missing and it jumped from a scene, but i enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of Icebreaker i recommend <3

[Lauren Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I follow the author on TikTok & have watched every part of her journey putting this together. It’s very well written & the journey throughout the story is nice and smooth. There was a lot of thought into each of the characters: main & supporting. I would definitely recommend especially if you like sports/enemies to lovers.

[Kathy Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This month I have been in a somewhat reading slump and I really think that reading sports romance fixed it for me. I really enjoyed reading this book. I was into this book since I started reading page 1 which for me is a little unusual because it takes time for me to get into a book specially on page 1.

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being both a BETA and ARC reader for this book. I absolutely loved it and thought it was such a unique idea. You can sign me up for any books Alina writes.

[Nicholas Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut!!

I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters! I think Ash might be my favorite so I’m excited to read his book next!

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Kelly Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet story; the girl gets a bit annoying with the back and forth but overall its a good read