Penmates

Mates #3

by Nova Banks

Jenna Davis doesn’t lose. Ever. As New York’s top family attorney, she’s built her reputation on winning the unwinnable. And she’s not about to let one impossible case ruin it.

That’s when Colton King walks back into her life. NHL superstar. Single dad. And the same guy who made her teenage years miserable. He needs help securing full custody of his daughter. The case is high-profile, career-defining… and far from simple. Colton has already taken his child from her neglectful mother, and Jenna finds herself facing a case she might not be able to win.

So she does the unthinkable: right there in court, Jenna claims she and Colton are married. A bold, strategic lie meant to sway the judge and save a case she can’t afford to lose. A marriage of convenience that should mean nothing… and solve everything. Except now they have to live it.

Between forced proximity, lingering resentment, and undeniable chemistry, Jenna is starting to realize the one man she can’t control… might also be the one she can’t resist.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 1, 2026

Reviews

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}]

I still remember so vividly receiving the first book in the ‘Mates’ series by Nova Banks almost 2 years ago — I was absolutely over the moon. I immediately started reading it and completely fell in love with it.

And even though I still haven’t read book 2 yet 🫣, I’m beyond excited for book 3, ‘Penmates’. I can’t wait to dive into it and love it just as much as I loved the first book… if not even more. 👀

[Alva Schwung · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨✨ ARC review✨✨ well my ovaries are actually in pain?? because if my man doesn’t fight for his child like this then I simply do not want him 😭

absolutely incredible book in the form of a true daddy in every possible sense of the word. and EXCUSE ME but Jenna??? boss ass bitch energy. an actual power woman. I love strong women who refuse to back down. loved her nickname. loved the conversation between Jenna and Colton on the couch about why you don’t leave. how hard it is to even know what the right thing is. they’re just two broken souls finding each other and growing together through this shared love for Livy. INSANE😭🫶

and honestly you can never complain about a little ice hockey. I think I might actually be a hockey fan now?? or at the very least a fan of this book!!!! and now I obviously have to read the entire series because I loved every single character we got to meet.

also 😭😭 the way I SCREAMED at:

“I will never do anything you don’t want me to, Solnyshko… so you have to give me permission to eat you like the hungry dog I am…”

NO no no PLEASEEEEE I’m begging.

“Say it, Solnyshko. Tell me to eat you. Please do. Please let me, I beg you.”

dead and fucking deceased. buried. gone. ⚰️

and the way he handled his daughter?? no my heart. my uterus. I cannot deal with this. thank you very much.

incredible. all of it. recommend recommend recommend 🫡

[Amber Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was such a heartwarming and inspiring story of a father who will stop at nothing to protect his child,even if that results in his losing his career,fame, and reputation.
The single mindedness and drive that leads Colton to fight for his daughter,is the exact same approach he uses to devote himself to making Jenna’s life better. More fulfilling,and full of love and laughter.
This is the third book I’ve read and enjoyed in this series,and I look forward to revisiting these characters,and the fast-paced hockey filled world they live in.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna + Colton

-hockey romance
-enemies to lovers
-single dad
-lawyer x hockey star
-marriage of convenience
-slow burn

yall i got this & IMMEDIATELY dove in & then was so engrossed in it that i didn’t come up for air til i finished!! both colton & jennas past relationships were so traumatic i love that they found their way to each other with livy🥹🥹🥹

[Aja Soussi · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧸🥀Penmates 𝒜ℛ𝒞 ℛℯ𝓋𝒾ℯ𝓌 🧸🥀

ℛ𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔：
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5⭐️
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ ℛ𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5🌶️
Book 3 of the mates series🧸
————————
✨𝒯ℛ𝒪𝒫ℰ𝒮✨
🩷“ Fuck It” moment
🤍Single dad
🩷Marriage of Convience
🤍Lawyer X Hockey player
🩷He falls first
🤍Slowburn
🩷Dual pov
🤍Hopelessly inlove
🩷𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲
🤍𝐒𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐱𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞
🩷Angry confession

ℳ𝓎 𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈：

Wow. Yeah okay. Give me a minute thank you.
I just need a little minute🥲😭.
Imma say this once. If my future man does not fight for our daughter or me like colton then i simply do want that man😂😂, keep him away.

Now… im a 19yr old girl who dont know id she wants kids yet. But after this book? I wants a kid really badly, because oml how Livy got my heart. She’s the sweetest and cutest kid possible. She for sure got her sarcasm from me, trust😌. But no, all honestly. This book was amazing, i felt stressed as hell doin the stressed moments, i cried at the sad moments. I laughed at the good moments. I did every emotion possible. I feel so bad for both of them. Poor Colton, poor jenna💔. Fuck my heart died for Livy💔. ALSO THE RUSSIAN NICKNAME TO JENNA? I love it so much oml🥹🧸☀️.

And the annoyed confession, followed by a “ fuck it” moment. ( use ur imagination folks🤭). Holy shi, Nova. I love that shit🌶️. ALSO HE KNOWS THE COUNT OF FRECKLES ON HER FACE? MIND U GUYS. THEY WERE ENEMKES SO BADLY THEN. HE NOTICED IT FAST. Ugh. Colton ily🩷🌶️
I was DEEP into this, like deep. Its as if i never took a 1-2 yr break. Gosh. The chemistry, the betrayal Nova let me go trough. The ending. The hopeless love story, the “ i wanna hate u but i cant” moments. Gosh. Everything.
Love how we still gets visits from the main characters from Rinkmates & playmates ( go buy them hello, i mentioned them on purpose)😌😌😌.

I could talk abt this for hours and days. Btw i dont forgive u for yk what yet🥲💔.
@authornovabanks im ready for the next book, thank u🩷💋

✨PRE-ORDER NOW!!✨
❗️𝖱𝖤𝖫𝖤𝖠𝖲𝖤 𝖣𝖠𝖸 june 1st!!!!❗️

[Annette Megaughin-Helder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lawyer in an abusive relationship and a Russian hockey star trying to win custody of his daughter.

A happy ever after?

Penmates is the 3rd book in Nova Banks series about fictional NHL team the New York Falcons. I haven’t read the first two, but it’s stand alone so that’s not a problem.

The story is predictable. The grumpy hockey God hires his old schoolmate to help him win custody of his cute little girl. Only he was her high school bully so she hates him. But it is love at first sight with his daughter so she decides to represent him.

They fall for each other, and even before admitting that they get hitched so they have a better chance of winning. Once they admit their feelings, the book gets spicy. I didn’t care much for the s@x scenes but that’s just because I’ve read so many and it’s gets quite same same after time.

Of course there is a fall out, a making up and a real wedding at the end.

First of, the story is well written and an easy read.

There are some issues with reality. Once married, she should not have been allowed to continue being his lawyer as this is a major conflict of interest. Also, after the accident and coma it’s unlikely she remembers the event (having been in a similar situation I know most victims have memory loss of the time around when it happened), nor would she be as coherent as she is, being able to read all notes.

The wedding at the end is nice, but comes quick as a closer.

I did enjoy the book.

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big family attorney and the broody hockey player cross paths.
When Colton King needs help with his daughter’s custody battle, he seeks the best representation. What he didn’t expect? That Jenna Davies would be the girl he helped bullying in high school and still hates him.
Jenna is a dedicates professional, a workaholic that is running low on energy and patience and dealing with Colton might be what tips her over.
Even tough there is tension and unresolved feelings in the air, they agree to work together to save his daughter Ivy from her neglectful mother.
Working together in close proximity brings them together and the chemistry is undeniable as their determination to win the case until an unexpected twist of events brings them even closer.
Penmates is a beautifully written enemies-to-lovers story that focus on family, unconditional support and sacrifice and on a slow burn romance that will make you blush.
Nova Banks gives us determined characters that do everything they can to protect the ones they love, but are also guarded with their feelings afraid of letting someone in.
This story is all about heart.
Thank you for the ARC.

[Soha Amer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chemistry, tension, and sports + legal blend. Penmates by Nova Banks is a sharp, high-stakes sports romance wrapped in legal drama, forced proximity, and a marriage-of-convenience lie that spirals far beyond control.

Jenna Davis is a powerhouse family attorney who thrives on winning cases—until NHL star Colton King re-enters her life with a custody battle that forces her into an unexpected and risky decision: pretending they are married in court.

What follows is a tension-filled mix of courtroom strategy, unresolved past history, and undeniable chemistry that neither of them can fully ignore.

This book explores:

* marriage of convenience trope
* forced proximity
* second-chance undertones
* sports romance (NHL setting)
* legal/courtroom drama
* single dad storyline
* enemies-to-lovers tension

Jenna is controlled, calculated, and fiercely independent, while Colton brings emotional depth, vulnerability, and frustration from their shared past. Together, they create a dynamic built on resistance, attraction, and slow emotional unraveling.

It’s a story where strategy turns into emotion—and where pretending becomes the hardest part of all.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review
First off I would like to thank Love notes PR & Nova for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Jenna & Colton
Oh boy, y'all this one was a wild ride! And I had the absolute best time reading her. I couldn't stop giggling and kicking my feet, I absolutely love Jenna and her bossy independent take no crap self & the fact she is willing to fight for the kids who deserve to have someone in their corner. I absolutely adore Colton and the fact he won't take no for answer and was willing to fight for his daughter at all cost. I love that he didn't hesitate to do what he had to just to make sure Livy was safe and cared for. I love the banter between Jenna and Colton. I love how nosy and push Livy was, that twist at the end... I absolutely loved watching these three finally get the family and happy ending they all deserved. 

5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all I adore Nova's writing and the way she handles everything with such care, and balances the emotions and humor and adds a little bit of a surprise and leaves you on the edge of your seat till you get the answers. 

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penmates by Nova Banks was such a sweet and emotional hockey romance with so much heart. Colton’s devotion to protecting his daughter completely stole the show for me — this man was ready to sacrifice his career, reputation, and everything else if it meant giving Ivy a better life. Watching that same determination slowly turn toward Jenna made the romance feel even more meaningful.
The enemies-to-lovers tension mixed with the fake marriage setup was ridiculously entertaining, especially because Jenna absolutely did not have the patience for Colton at first. Their chemistry built at a satisfying slow burn pace, and once the walls started coming down? So worth it. Beneath all the hockey drama and courtroom chaos, this story really shines through its themes of family, sacrifice, healing, and unconditional love.
Nova Banks continues to deliver lovable characters, emotional depth, and a fast-paced hockey world that’s easy to get attached to. And honestly, fake marriage in a courtroom? Iconic behavior.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a bit of time to warm up to Colton and Jenna’s story…
She was a raging B at the start, and a mess. For a highly successful lawyer, she is an absolute mess and very unprofessional, so I had a hard time with her.
This was centred around a custody battle, enemies-to-something as a result of high-school bullying and indifference. I did like the fact that it addressed it as her perception and he accepted it, even if he didn’t think he participated…
I understand the author was trying to show his different nationality, but the constant change of names for Colton drove me up the wall. I wish they had just stuck to one.

Once it warmed up and the relationship started to develop, it was definitely an engaging and fun read. It’s certainly entertaining. However, they had their moments, but I’m not 100% convinced of their connection.

Thanks, Nova, for the opportunity to read in advance.

[Morgan Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you LoveNotes PR and Nova Banks for this ARC!

This story contained so many of my favorite tropes, and they were all written so well:

Single dad ✅
Marriage of convenience/Fake Marriage ✅
Found family✅

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jenna and Colton’s story, and it felt just as much heartfelt as it did spicy. I love how integrated Colton’s daughter was into the story, and it felt like a perfect storyline for Jenna who we know has childhood familial traumas. I also loved how strong of a FMC Jenna was; a powerful take-no-shit lawyer that survived enough tough situations and finally got her happy ending. Colton was a great MMC, a good balance between grumpy and loving family man. My only qualm is that I honestly wish the book was longer! Some of the plots (specifically near the end) felt rushed and I would’ve loved a tiny bit slower of a burn.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

wowee. this was fantastic. what a great read.

Colton may be one of my new favourite mmcs! what a journey, the only small thing I would have loved is a bit more of a redemption arc from the high school bullying Jennafelt but still even that couldn't stop me giving this 5 stars.

Colton and Jenna had this absolutely undeniable energy from the first book which made it all the more sweeter when they eventually gave into it. and little sweet livvy absolutely stole my heart.

I think this is my favourite out of the three books in this series.

absolutely deserves a place on every romance readers TBR.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
2 chillies

so ill start by saying thank you for blessing me to be an ARC.
soo it would have been 4 stars buttt i felt like half the book was wasted on nothing then bammm then thats the end. i loved the book and it has a great story line nothing happened till 50% :(

even though it is the 3rd book you don't have to read the others xx

trigger/tropes
enemies to lovers
sports romance though not really around the sports its more of a background (hocky)
marriage of convenience
single dad
badass fmc lawyer
grumpy/sunshine
slow burn
child neglect not by mc's
domestic violence not by mc's

[Dawn Smit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers, super hot single dad hockey player and a marriage of convenience... this book has them all and I devoured it in 1 sitting 🏒

They met in high-school, he bullied her, they're both in toxic relationships and now she's his hot shot lawyer helping him get custody of his adorable daughter... what could possibly go wrong 💕

Lots of drama, emotions, banter, great chemistry and spice and a little bit of ice hockey too 🏒

Thank you Nova for the wonderful ARC opportunity 💕

❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton and Jenna have the sweetest yet swooniest slow burn ever. I've waited for their book for a long-ass time and it brings everything I wanted; the swoon, the heat and the chemistry.

Nova wrote such a good slow burn, creating the perfect dynamic for two childhood enemies turned husband and wife.

And the spice, oh my gawwwdddd. It was so damn hawt.

Thank you Nova and Love notes pr for an advanced copy.

And Nova, pretty please, can i read anything from you?? I've sorely missed your writing <3

[Jen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️. This book was a very quick romance between an attorney and her client. It was a custody battle for the books and it got ugly quickly. Jenna falls for her high school bully and it is a HEA for everyone.

[Shay Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come!