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Heart Checked by the Hockey Heartthrob

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He walked away once. I won’t make it easy for him to skate back into my heart.

I was the girl he left behind when the NHL came calling.
The one who loved him long before he wore the jersey.

Now Wes Archer is back in our small town, retired, regretful, and suddenly everywhere I turn.
He says he’s changed. That he wants to make things right. But I’m not the same girl who waited by the phone.

He’s playing for my forgiveness now.
But this time, I’m the one calling the shots.

I have a career, a life, and a heart that’s still healing from the hit I never saw coming.

Still… when we’re thrown together at a local youth hockey camp, old sparks begin to fly. I’m seeing some hope that a future together might be possible.

Maybe some second chances are worth the risk.

245 pages, Paperback

Published June 26, 2025

12 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Josie Frost

25 books27 followers

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5 stars
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4 stars
10 (45%)
3 stars
2 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
394 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2025
This novel delivers a mature, emotional romance rooted in second chances.

The plot unfolds through dual perspectives, offering insight into both characters’ emotional journeys.

Their chemistry is palpable, and the tension between them feels genuine and earned.

Frost’s strength lies in her ability to show character growth through action and dialogue rather than exposition.

Scenes are immersive, the pacing steady, and the emotional stakes high.

Secondary characters add charm, though some could use sharper distinctions.

A few scenes, while rich in tone, could benefit from tighter editing to maintain momentum.

The prose feels intentional and consistent, marked by natural dialogue and vivid detail.

The structure supports the narrative arc, with smooth transitions and well-paced revelations.

Fans of contemporary romance who appreciate character-driven stories and emotional depth will enjoy Heart Checked by the Hockey Heartthrob.

It’s a rewarding read about growth, love, and finding the courage to reconnect.
1,465 reviews12 followers
July 1, 2025
This small-town second-chance hockey romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are a nurse EMT, a hockey heartthrob, humorous, captivating, resilient, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with being heart checked by the hockey heartthrob, a tame, sweet, clean romance, humor, drama, heartbreak, Wes Archer is back in our small town, retired, regretful, and suddenly everywhere I turn, he says he's changed, wants to make things right, I was the girl he left behind when the NHL came calling, he walked away once and I won't make it easy for hm to skate back into my heart, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with heart checked by the hockey heartthrob and a clean, sweet second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is hilarious, emotional, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Liberty Munson.
448 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2025
This book is a combination second chance, slow burn romance. While the journey that Quinn and Wes embark on to fInd their way back to each other is an emotional journey, this book is truly a slow build to their HEA and a little of their life together after they get there. There are moments of tension that they work through quickly, but this really a story of how Quinn learns to trust Wes again. This is a great book if you are looking for a low angst, low stress HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,599 reviews27 followers
June 30, 2025
“Heart Checked by the Hockey Heartthrob” by Josie Frost

-Quinn and Wes rekindle old sparks in this slow-burn, second-chance romance. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Their journey to trust again feels authentic, full of tender moments and low-stress tension. Fur babies and charming kids bring extra warmth to their heartfelt reunion.

Perfect for readers craving mature love, gentle drama, and a sweet HEA.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,369 reviews15 followers
June 29, 2025
Can be read as a standalone however some of the characters overlap throughout the series. Second chance, friends to lovers, matchmaking friends/family, He's all in ,She's hesitant fur babies steal the scene, adorable kids with no filter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,083 reviews22 followers
July 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

Another wonderful romance from Josie Frost that brings the sizzle without the open door spice. Heart Checked by the Hockey Heartthrob brings two people back together after one left to pursue their dream. I loved how Josie focuses on what happens after that dream has been realized and even though you have done well for yourself, is it all worth it if you don’t have anyone to share it with.

Wes and Quinn were in love once upon a time. Quinn was head over heels before Wes became famous within the NHL, loved him before the jersey, but quickly closes off her heart when he seems to choose his hockey dreams over her. When he retires, he returns to the small town to find the girl he still loves has grown into a beautiful woman. Although thought of as a playboy, he never forgot his first love. He is determined to win her back and prove to her that she is his dream. Hockey was a goal, one realized, but it doesn’t mean anything without her.

Josie always provides easy to read love stories that captivate and pull you in. I love her writing style, pacing, and ability to give me all the feels of any spicy book, but feature only sizzling kisses and perfectly worded romance.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
💙Second Chance
🏒Closed Door Romance
💙Small Town
🏒Coming Home
Profile Image for Hannah.
123 reviews
July 1, 2025
The initial tensions between Wes & Quinn is strong from their past. But the slow burn turns in to something so amazing! I loved the banter, the raw emotions, and the closed-door romance. The ties to previous characters and the potentials for new romances to bloom is also super cute.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,361 reviews11 followers
July 4, 2025
I like to read emotional 2nd chance romances and hockey romances. Here you get 2 in 1 to enjoy. And enjoyed it so much - well written, emotional and intense, well developed characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for C.Y..
154 reviews
July 4, 2025
I have truly enjoyed the series and I loved reading about Wes and Quinn’s story. Second-chance stories are always so heartwarming. It was also fun having other former couples join the fun in trying to get these two back together. Josie knows how to keep her readers engaged in a story. It’s always nice to read wholesome books, and just proves that you could write a good romantic story without the profanity and smut.
Profile Image for Book Addict.
741 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2025
A story that gets straight to the emotional core of the characters. The pacing is good , and while the plot follows familiar romance tropes, it’s executed with warmth and charm. Wes and Quinn and the secondary characters are creatively drawn and engaging. The small-town setting adds a comforting backdrop to the narrative, making it perfect for fans of wholesome love stories. Recommended reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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