Rookie Season

Denver Kodiaks #4

by Piper Lawson

'Tis the season… for deliciously bad decisions.
Last Christmas, I made a rookie mistake.
I had a one-night stand with the Denver Kodiaks’ new golden boy.

It was hot, reckless, and a play I’ll never make again.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Because forgetting isn’t so easy when I work at the team’s bar.
When I see him twice a week, grinning, flirting, acting like he doesn’t remember.

Now, everyone’s favorite rookie is hosting a team holiday getaway, and guess who’s stuck on the invite list?
Me. Their favorite bartender.

Cue:
-One secluded cabin
-One massive blizzard
-One too-gorgeous rookie determined to test my limits

I can handle it. I can keep my distance. I can survive a few festive nights in close quarters without slipping up…
Right?

ROOKIE SEASON is a steamy, snowed-in holiday romance set in the Denver Kodiaks world. Devour a new couple's story, plus catch up with all your fave characters! This novella is packed with snowy shenanigans, forced proximity, and enough heat to melt every mountain in Colorado.

Genres: Sports Romance, Novella, Romance, Christmas, Basketball, Holiday, Holiday Romance

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Piper Lawson is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of smart, steamy romance! She writes about women who follow their dreams (even the scary ones), best friends who know your dirty secrets (and love you anyway), and complex heroes you’ll fall hard for (especially after talking with them). Brains or brawn? She’ll never make you choose. Piper lives in Canada with her tall, dark and brilliant husband. She believes peanut butter is a protein, rose gold is a neutral, and love is ALWAYS the answer.

Join her VIP list now ➜ http://www.piperlawsonbooks.com/subsc...
Hang with Piper in her Facebook reader group! ➜ http://www.facebook.com/groups/884510...

Stalk her on:
The Interwebs➜www.piperlawsonbooks.com
Bookbub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/piper...

Books by Piper Lawson:

DENVER KODIAKS SERIES

Hard to Fake
Hard to Take
Hard to Break
Rookie Season

KING OF THE COURT SERIES

Game Changer
Shot Taker
Play Maker
Game Day

WICKED SERIES

Good Girl
Bad Girl
Wicked Girl
Forever Wicked

RIVALS SERIES

A Love Song for Liars
A Love Song for Rebels
A Love Song for Dreamers
A Love Song for Always

ENEMIES SERIES

Beautiful Enemy
Beautiful Sins
Beautiful Ruin
Beautiful Salvation

OFF-LIMITS SERIES

Crave
Collide
Claim
Tempt

TRAVESTY SERIES

Schooled
Stripped
Sealed
Styled
Satisfaction

PLAY SERIES

PLAY
NSFW
RISE

MODERN ROMANCE SERIES

Easy Love
Bad Love
Twisted Love

Reviews

[Piper Lawson]

Available now!

Download today!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/4madvuS
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/htNK
Apple Books: http://bit.ly/4mCrNEo
Nook: http://bit.ly/4msrlc0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3Hryzhu
Google Play: http://bit.ly/415QZea

Audible: https://bit.ly/4oPmH8Q
Narrated by: Simone Lewis & Tim Paige

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4ltOPwi

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️

Piper Lawson and the Kodiaks absolutely never disappoint! But set them at Christmas time with hilarious shenanigans, a opposites attract Christmas grinch falls for a Christmas lover romance, with plenty of chemistry, so so much banter, and a catch up on some of my favorite couples and this book is an absolute winner for sure! I mean Sierra and Ryan were just so perfect together, I loved how they just clicked, don’t get me wrong of course their romance wasn’t just smooth sailing, but the angst, the tension, the swoony moments made it all worth it! I truly could not put this book down, it was such a short, sweet, and perfect read to combat a bit of a reading slump I was in, not to mention perfect for getting into the festive season spirit! So if you’re a long time Kodiaks fan or just looking for a cute Christmas romance then I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Rookie season today!

[Amy O · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little sports Christmas novella to kick off December!!

I hadn’t read anything by this author going on and I wish that I had, so I would have more of an understanding on everyone’s back story & relationships because at times you got a bit lost in it all. There was some cute scenes especially cutting down the tree and the bear.

I liked the back and forth between Sierra & Ryan although I think if I had read the other books I may understand their relationship more. There was a few chapters by other characters which will only lend to the story if you read the series.

Cute easy read for the holidays!

[Michelle Seckinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is exactly what I needed.” And it’s an ARC from one of my favorite authors 😍

Piper Lawson is incredible. This is a short Christmas story from the Denver Kodiaks world. It has everything that you would expect in a Piper Lawson book, friendships, loyalty, and of course, spice. I loved the way she included other couples’ stories in here as well to bring you full circle into the lives you already know. A perfect read as we come up to the holidays.

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

I love the Denver Kodiaks world, and this holiday novella was such a treat! We got to catch up with Clay and Nova, and Miles and Brooke, while also getting a brand-new love story between Ryan (the rookie) and Sierra (the unofficial team bartender).

But I have to give a shoutout to the first paragraph, which had me absolutely cackling because Piper spoke directly to my soul:

"𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳! 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹!"
"𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹."
"𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿? 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 '𝟵𝟬𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱. 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗽𝘀𝗲."

After one unforgettable night together, Ryan and Sierra both avoid the conversation (and each other) pretending it never happened. Problem is, neither of them can forget it. Ryan is the definition of a green-flag hero, determined to melt Sierra’s Grinchy heart and make her believe in both Christmas and love again. Sierra, meanwhile, is drowning under family obligations and convinced she doesn’t fit in with this found family of misfits as she's just “the bartender,” as she calls herself.

It’s wild how Piper managed to pack such a solid story and real character growth into only 152 pages. Her writing shines, delivering heart, humor, and heat in equal measure. Even if you haven’t read the Denver Kodiaks series yet, you’ll still love this cozy, spicy holiday novella and you’ll definitely want to go back and catch up.

ROOKIE SEASON is a steamy, snowed-in holiday romance set in the Denver Kodiaks world full of snowy shenanigans, forced proximity, and enough heat to melt every mountain in Colorado.

Thank you, @piperlawsonbooks and @valentine_pr_ for the ARC.

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute and cozy Christmas story featuring all our favorite Kodiak players and their girls! I loved getting to revisit everyone during the holidays — it felt like catching up with old friends.

But the real treat? The addition of Sierra, the famous Mile High bar owner. She’s so guarded it’s not even funny, but when rookie Ryan starts to break down her walls one moment at a time, everything comes tumbling down in the best way possible.

It’s sweet, funny, and full of holiday heart — an absolute must-read for fans of the series!

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read. It helped start the holiday season off on a good note.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is so sweet! I really enjoyed the push and pull between these two and how much we get of not only them but the other couples from the Kodiaks as well. There's even somewhat of a mystery fit in. A quick read, but packed with more than enough to leave you happy. You'll get plenty of Christmas vibes from this one with a heartwarming ending.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A holiday catch-up with our favorite basketball team the Denver Kodiaks. We get to hear from our favorite couples, good news all around. But it is the bad decisions that cannot keep Sierra and Ryan apart at the holidays that keep us interested.

This year the group is taking a get away up to the mountains, for some holiday cheer, rookie Ryan style. There are shenanigans, snow, Kodashians, and a chance they will not get back for the Christmas day game.

Our favorite bar tender is included with the team, she and Ryan provide tension and the swoon. I love the friendship and the loyalty this found family provides for Sierra. But it is the work that Ryan puts in to break down Sierra’s defense that will make this holiday stick.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Anneli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A festive addition to The Kodiaks. Finished it, loved it, and could only wish for more.

Fast paced, holiday romance starting the Christmas spirit early.
If you've read the Kodiaks series, you'll love this interconnected novella, dipping you right in to the universe again. Great to see some old characters from the series.

Bartender x Hockey Player
Snowed in
Sweet, cozy and will warm you up as a good cup of hot chocolate.

Holiday stamp of approval.☃️

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Kodiaks shortie!

A quick weekend to a HEA for Sierra and Ryan the Rookie. Lots of shenanigans in a winter cabin with the other Kodiaks we know well. Great to revisit the team!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a totally wonderful holiday novella. This book offers up Ryan and Sierra's romance and cameos from others from The Denver Kodiaks lineup. If you are familiar with this series, you are in for an extra treat (and if not, you are really missing out) however, I think you will thoroughly enjoy it anyways simply due to Sierra and Ryan's story. Humor, heart, emotions, angst and spice will have you laughing and smiling as you fall head over heels and your heart fills with light. The narrator's voices were easy to listen to, and I thought that their performances were excellent.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this amazing series, and this is Ryan and Sienna’s story.
Ryan is the rookie golden boy for the Denver Kodiaks, while Sienna works in the team’s bar.
This is a well written easy to read story, with found family, friendships, emotions, forced proximity, snowy shenanigans, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining holiday romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[ashley 🎀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooooo cute!!! 🥰 the perfect little Christmas book!

I’m a big fan of the Kodiaks and this was such a fun continuation of their story with the best holiday vibes!!

This book is about the kodiaks rookie, Ryan, and the unofficial team bartender, Sierra! I loved getting Ryan’s story! He’s a sweet little cinnamon roll who’s down bad for Sierra 🥹

You even get a few chapters by other characters, I lovedddd that! Add this to your Christmas TBR!

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive fun!

I loved this. Not only do we get the gorgeous story of Sierra and Ryan, but also plenty of our other favourite Kodiaks including POV chapters from Clay and Nova, and Miles and Brooke. Ryan was perfectly swoony, sweet and sexy, breaking through Sierra’s defenses and treating her like the goddess she is. Piper packed plenty of festive fun into the novella, and while I would have loved even more of the beautiful couple, their story was perfectly told.

I was lucky to receive an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper did it again with this fun and sweet novella! I loved seeing all the players together with their women over the Christmas getaway. Ryan and Sierra, I love them so much! Ryan is so swoony and determined to make it forever with Sierra. Sierra was reserved at first but realized that Ryan truly had feelings for her. I'm so glad Sierra gave into her feelings for Ryan!

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This woman who’s cool and confident and sexy, with layers behind the walls she keeps high to keep people out… All of it only made me want more badly to break inside.”


This holiday season author Piper Lawson has us jumping back in the Denver Kodiak world with Rookie Season.
Although a Standalone, this holiday novella is book 4 in Denver Kodiak series. And has us spending Christmas time with the whole gang.

Since not much was known about either of Ryan ‘Rookie’ and Sierra, Rookie Season managed to help us gain further insight into their characters within their past and present, considering what we learn of their relations that occurred during the previous holiday season.
Ultimately helping to fill in the gaps, from the flashbacks of the past that helped round their whole story and eventually bring them together once and for all.

Despite being a novella, the story alongside Ryan and Sierra’s character development made for a great mix of fun, sweet, cute, heartfelt moments, while being entertaining and delivering some steamy romance too.
Through the ups and downs, pushing and pulling, particularly on Sierra’s part given her insecurities and fears with the walls she had up around her that had her hesitating. It has us seeing the lows that Ryan had to navigate through within this tough journey in order to make Sierra see and realise they were meant to be.
While the banter and undeniable chemistry made for sparks to fly whenever they were in each other’s company. Regardless of others around, or the situation that caused it.

As for the entertainment aspect, that not only came from Ryan and sometimes Sierra, but also the rest of the Denver Kodiaks gang.
With Clay and Nova from King of the Court series, Miles and Brooke from Denver Kodiaks series, Jay, Atlas and Chloe as secondary characters, they helped bring fun times to their holiday escape, especially with the shenanigans they were in play. Giving many feels from the lightheartedness, while bring laughter in the time spent together strengthening their friendships in the found family relationship they all had formed together.

On top of that, given the story was told through multiple POVs, it allowed us to gain further insight into Clay and Nova’s life post King of the Court series, as well as Miles and Brooke too post their ending in their Denver Kodiaks series.

I have to say I enjoyed reading Rookie Season, and think Piper Lawson did a good job in the writing of the story. Not only did we get to see a new romance form for another member of the Denver Kodiaks. Simultaneously there was a catch with the other characters. All while taking place within a nice, warm and cozy snowed-in holiday season that brought all the feels, making you feel as if you were in the cabin, right up in the snowy mountains alongside them all too.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely holiday romance taking place in the world of Denver Kodiaks Basketball team.
Rookie aka Ryan is adorable and he is no longer a Rookie but has a contract with the Kodiaks and he is on cloud nine..Although everyone still calls him Rookie.
The woman who catches his attention is Sierra...a bartender,after most games the Kodiak players always go to Sierra's fathers bar and where she tends bar.So she knows the guys pretty well..
Then one night Ryan and Sierra hook up,it was one incredible night but nothing has happened between them has happened since.
Its Christmas a year later and Sierra finds herself invited for a weekend break with the Kodiaks and their ladies..She is pretty shocked she was invited but she has become friends with the wives and girlfriends of the players.
The only worry she has is that Ryan will be there...and even she can't deny the attraction she has for him.But they are from different worlds and Sierra is hesitant about starting anything with him.
Ryan is wonderful he is like MR.Christmas he loves the holiday and he is fun,sweet and caring..Sierra is the opposite she is the grumpy to his sunshine and is Miss Anti-christmas she couldn't care less about the holiday..She is a grinch..!!
Ryan is so eager to get Sierra's attention and the story does travel back in time to that steamy night hooking up on the bar..He wants Sierra to give him another chance....Then fate steps in and they are all snowed in.
Something magical about being cosy in the cabin,the snow falling outside and finding the secret room with Ryan sets them both on fire for eachother again.
The passion this time is still HOT but it feels different this time because it has Sierra wanting things she thinks she shouldn't have.
I loved also catching up with the other couples in the Kodiak series,they are still more in love than ever.
The audiobook is Fabulous !! Narrated by Tim Paige and Simone Lewis they both really enhanced the enjoyment of the story,by bringing all of the characters to life..Giving them a voice makes alot of difference and I loved listening to both Tim and Simone..They got all of the emotions and passion right...The acting was brilliant.
Rookie Season is another perfectly written story by Piper Lawson and ideal to read or listen for the Holidays.It will warm your romantic heart on these cold winter nights.
Loved listening to it.
5 Stars.

[Cigi cini · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒 Hockey Romance
🎄 Holiday Romance
🔥 One-Night Stand
💞 Second Chances
❤️ Slow Burn
🍸 Bartender x Athlete
✨ Team Getaway Shenanigans

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Piper Lawson delivers a holiday romance that’s equal parts heart, heat, and hockey magic with Rookie Season, book four in the Denver Kodiaks series. This festive addition shines with flirty banter, emotional depth, and that signature Lawson spark readers can’t get enough of.

Last Christmas, Sierra made a rookie mistake, a one-night stand with Ryan, the Denver Kodiaks’ new golden boy. It was hot, reckless, and unforgettable… the kind of night that should’ve stayed in the past. But forgetting is impossible when Ryan shows up at the team bar twice a week, all charming smiles and teasing remarks, acting like he doesn’t remember a thing.

When a team holiday getaway puts them back in close quarters, Sierra finds herself torn between keeping her guard up and giving in to the chemistry that’s still burning bright. Ryan, ever the confident rookie, might just prove that sometimes breaking the rules is worth it especially when love’s on the line.

Piper Lawson excels at weaving humor and heat with heartfelt emotion. Ryan is the perfect mix of cocky and sincere, the charming rookie who wears his heart beneath the swagger while Sierra is strong, witty, and refreshingly real. Together, their dynamic crackles with tension and tenderness, making their slow-burn connection deeply satisfying.

Set against a cozy, snow-dusted backdrop, Rookie Season is a holiday treat full of laughter, found family, and second chances. With moments that melt your heart as fast as they raise your temperature, this book captures everything that makes a Piper Lawson romance so addictive.

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

For lovers of sports romance, Piper Lawson's novella, set in her Denver Kodiak's pro-basketball world, is a delightfully satisfying, fun-filled winter weekend adventure, brimming with Christmas spirit, friendship and a break in the action for some of my favorite players and their charming ladies.

Rookie Season has so many of my go-to tropes all in one awesome story. Grumpy/ sunshine, former one-night-stand, close proximity in a beautiful mountain setting with this group of friends who love each other, but really know how to push each other's buttons. Expect (and receive) hilarious banter, silly shenanigans, surprises galore and a steamy spice-filled, holiday romance.

What's more addictive than peek into the heart of a warm, gorgeous rookie with a year long attraction to a certain team bartender, hoping for a second chance at romance with the girl that got away. Ryan's the sunshine to Sienna's grumpy and is determined to show her why he's always been the guy for her. What better place to make that happen than in a cabin in the mountains while a blizzard swirls around them all? The 'will they or won't they' angst is on.

I'm not usually a sports romance reader but these Denver Kodiaks pro-basketball players, the sassy, fiesty ladies who love them and the places where their romantic stories began and live have captured my heart. Who doesn't want more of any story that involves revisiting beloved characters like these? I know I do and am hoping for more of them, Piper Lawson!

* I received an early review copy of this book and these are my honest, freely given thoughts after reading Rookie Season.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rookie Season is the perfect example of a novella that feels like a full story. This fourth installment in the Denver Kodiak series, may be short, but I definitely felt both the emotions and the spirit of Christmas coming through on every page.
We’ve seen Sierra in earlier books, as she is a bartender at Mile High, the local watering hole owned by her dad and frequented by many of the Kodiak players. Plus, she’s also friends with the girlfriends/fiancé/wives of some of the players as well.
Ryan is, I guess, still considered the rookie of the team, even though he’s in his second season. I get all my basketball knowledge from books because it’s not a sport for me, lol, but considering there wasn’t a lot of game going on, it didn’t bother me. He’s on the younger side, same age as Sierra though, but he’s sweet and attentive, and has a lot of golden retriever energy. They had one night together a year ago, which neither one of them talks about. They can also not forget about it. Ryan would like to rekindle some of those feelings, but Sierra isn’t so sure. This is their journey.
We also get to catch up with some of our favorite couples from the previous three books. That was a nice little addition, it didn’t take up too much space in this short story. I really enjoyed everything about this book, including the adorable cover. I am not one for “illustrated” covers, and guess you’d call them. But I just love this one. I’m thinking about getting it in paperback form just because it will look really good on my bookshelf. 4.5 star.

[Liz Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
Rookie Season by @piperlawsonbooks
5 ⭐ / 3.5🔥🌶

Rookie Season is a steamy, snowed-in Holiday sports romance with the right amount of swoon, banter and spice to keep you wanting more. Sierra and Ryan are the perfect couple for this Holiday novella. Their story had me feeling all the things. I absolutely loved the breaks in their stories to catch up on some of my other favorite Kodiak Couples.

Piper scores big with this quick whitted, one-night stand, second chance, grumpy bartender and sunny Rookie Holiday Sports Novella. Its not short and sweet. Its short and spice and everything in between!!! From start to finish you’re drawn back into the world of our favorite Denver Kodiak Basketball team with what Ryan hopes to be the Best Christmas Ever. Although it might fall short of that the book for sure was one of the best Holiday Novella’s I have read in a while. I have been dying for Sierra’s story. I just knew @piperlawsonbooks was gonna hopefully loop her into being more than just their unofficial Team Bartender.

This is definitely the book for you if you love, sports romances, holiday season, off the charts chemistry and a swoon worthy MMC. Add it to your TBR today!

Thank you @piperlawsonbooks and @valentine_pr_ for my ARC.

#arc #arcreviews #arcreader #angrycatreads #angrycatreviews #piperlawsonbooks #denverkodiaks #bears #secondchance #holidaynovella #wittybanter #spicynovella

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Lawson is back with Denver Kodiaks and this time we are spending Christmas with the whole gang that will give us a new couple to ship at the end. This holiday novella was swoony and spicy at the same time. We get to meet our old favorites and it made me really emotional. I loved the bromance and the team shenanigans so much. Ryan and Sierra comes from two different worlds but these are entangled and mixed irrevocably. Prepare for a sweet but hot sports romance novella oozing all the goodness.


✅️ sports romance
✅️ second chance ( they had one night stand)
✅️ golden Retriever hero
✅️ forced proximity ( Ryan dragged everyone to a secluded cabin)
✅️snowed in


Sierra is the magical and popular bar tender in her father's bar Mile High which is the Kodiaks' favorite post game hangout. That's how she is close to the players' girlfriends and wives. The players love her like family too. The team's hot shot rookie Ryan had a crush on her forever but after they had a one night stand and Sierra didn't mention it again, he lost hope. Until this holiday escape. Sierra cannot resist how charming and flirting and sexy Ryan is. More than that, she loves how Ryan makes everyone happy and how thoughtful he is despite his moments of c0ckiness. She was hesitant. Ryan is so successful and popular and he is chased by gorgeous women. How can he love her? She is stuck with the old bar where her father doesn't let her upgrade anything or listen to her ideas. But Ryan erased her insecurities and conquered her fears. Sierra is such a brilliant sweet and sassy woman and she deserves everything. Like other Kodiak men got. Clay and Nova. Brooke and Miles. And I feel something brewing there between Chloe and Jay. I am obsessed with this crew and the holiday was a perfect setting to experience their friendship and bonding.


I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Peggy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Rookie season’ is a nice, fun Christmas story. Should you read the other books first? It’s hard to say, I’ve read them myself, so I enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces and seeing how everyone was doing. But the author provided a lot of information, so I think it’s possible for someone new to the series to enjoy this one without reading the other stories first.

In this story we see rookie Ryan and Sierra (the bartender) fall in love. We discover they’re hiding a secret from their friends, because last Christmas, they hooked up for one night! But afterwards, they both pretended nothing had happened. But this Christmas it will be hard to hide from each other, because Ryan booked a cabin for Christmas and Sierra is one of the guests. And even though they are not alone in the cabin, the small size makes it hard for them to resist their chemistry. This Christmas story was fun and entertaining. We got to know Ryan and Sierra much better. Their fears and their dreams. The story was told in different POV’s and had a few sex scenes. The whole gang was there (Brooke & Mills, Nova & Clay, Chloe & Jay and Atlas). It was great to see everyone again.

This novella story included banter, snow, cookies, a big Christmas tree, presents, fun and romance.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*s

I’m not usually a fan of flash backs to show us what happened in the past but I feel like Lawson handled them well. There aren’t very many and they are pretty short & to the point, showing us what happened between them last Christmas.

But I will say that I really wanted more of these two. I want to know what it was like for them in the year since. I want to know more about Sierra’s ex(es) and the scars she carries because of them. I want to know more about her relationship with her dad and their struggles & new dynamic.

And I’d love to get more of Ryan’s history, his relationship with the others. If there is a reason that he’s pushing so hard for a great Christmas with them. And I would have loved for it to be more than 2 days of the group together.

I like them. I like all of them and the family they’ve created together. It’s an enjoyably quick holiday read, they just have so much potential and I wanted more of it.

(Returning readers will like the sweet little tidbits we get from previous couples but this one will stand alone just fine for new readers.)

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Destany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

This book was such a sweet holiday escape! And, well, that is literal for the Kodiaks! The whole gang travels to a cabin to celebrate the holidays. I knew Rookie's story would sweep me off my feet,, and it did not disappoint! However, I was very annoyed with Sierra, like, the whole time. I know her life was different than everyone else's, but she was constantly talking herself out of everything, especially where Rookie was concerned.

Rookie tried to hard to fit into Sierra's life. After a one-night-stand, Sierra thought Rookie would just forget about their time together and move on. Wrong. Eventually, when she came around, the story was filled with flirty banter, heartfelt moments and just the right amount of spice. The holiday setting added so much charm, and by the end, my heart felt full and cozy. If you’re looking for something to lift your spirits and make you believe in love and second chances, this one’s a must-read!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rookie Season by Piper Lawson is a charming and engaging sports romance that combines heartfelt emotions with the thrill of the game. The story follows two well-drawn characters navigating their personal struggles and growing romance amidst the high-pressure world of professional sports. I enjoyed the authentic portrayal of their vulnerabilities and the slow-building chemistry between them.

Lawson’s writing is smooth and immersive, capturing the excitement of the sports setting while balancing emotional depth and romantic tension. The banter between the leads is witty and fun, which added lightness alongside more serious moments.

While the plot touches on familiar sports romance tropes, the fresh voice and strong character development make the story feel lively and compelling. The pacing was balanced, although a few emotional beats could have been expanded for a stronger impact.

Overall, Rookie Season is a satisfying and heartfelt read for fans of sports romance with a good mix of humor, emotion, and steam. I’m rating it 4 stars and look forward to more from Piper Lawson.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rookie Season is as sweet as a Christmas cookie, fun and flirty, steamy, and the perfect present under the tree. Ryan and Sierra are just the cutest couple ever! A Christmas getaway that turns into a second chance at romance that will tug at the heartstrings. Ryan's busy schedule as a Kodiak basketball player doesn't always jive with Sierra's as a bartender at the club's favourite watering hole. For a whole year, they've been on each other's radar, two blips that are unsure of the other's intentions. When they get to slip away for a few days before Christmas with their friends at a remote cabin retreat, inclement weather forces them to spend time together since their one-night stand a year ago. Ryan finally gets another shot at showing Sierra just how interested he is in her, and Sierra learns that it's worth it to give the Rookie a shot at what could be the best gift of all. Catch up with the rest of the team and spend a Christmas to remember with the Denver Kodiaks.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, sweet read that not only gives us Ryan and Sierra's story, but also brings in Clay and Nova, Miles and Brooke, and Chloe and Jay. Ever since Ryan and Sierra had a one night hook up at Sierra's dad's bar, both have been skirting around the attraction. Sierra is very conscious that most of the business at the bar is Kodiak related and so she knows that it would be foolhardy to get into a relationship with one. When Ryan decides that he will arrange a pre-Christmas getaway for some of his teammates and their WAGs and includes Sierra, hoping that this will jumpstart a relationship. When bad weather means they have to spend time together, their chemistry becomes undeniable and Ryan takes his shot, trying to lower Sierra's defenses and make her realize that they could have something unbelievable.

This was such a good read, just enough to bring Ryan and Sierra their HEA and to catch up on the fun with the other couples.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it a second chance romance if you only had a one night stand? Maybe. I like to think so, because…….after a year of pining over his one night with bartender Sierra, Kodiaks Rookie, Ryan, finally gets another shot, and he’s not going to waste it. Sierra too can’t forget her night with Ryan, but she’s a realist, Ryan is a superstar, he has Kodashians hanging off him (literally), why would he be interested in her? Little does she know, he’s organised a cosy Christmas retreat for a few of his friends, and she’s invited. Super fun, super sweet, and a little bit sexy, I loved that Ryan was such a romantic, it made this book all the more entertaining, giving me all the feels in this holiday read. I read the ebook alongside listening to the audio book which was narrated by Simone Lewis (new to me), and Tim Paige (one of my favourites), who both narrated perfectly. I received an advanced copy of both the ebook and the audio book. This is my honest review.