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Mayhem Hockey Club #1

Moms of Mayhem

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Starting over was never part of the playbook.

Fresh off a failed marriage and years of putting everyone else first, Emmy Hudson returns to her small hometown determined to rebuild a life for her and her teenage son, Jace. With her brother close by and Jace joining the once-elite Mayhem Hockey Club, it seems like the perfect second chance.

Beckett Conway is back in Linwood for the worst a blown-out hip, a tanked NHL season, and a mom whose health is declining too fast for his liking. Coaching the local youth hockey team wasn’t on his rehab checklist, but watching Jace sneak onto his backyard pond to practice brings back everything he loved about this little mountain town.

Too bad Jace’s mom is sarcastic, stubborn, and somehow the most attractive woman he’s ever bantered with. As if that wasn’t enough, Emmy is his best friend’s sister and in charge of clearing him to play again.

Sparks fly, lines blur, and before long, Emmy discovers that maybe finding herself means letting someone else in, even if that someone was the last person she expected to fall for.

428 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2025

170 people are currently reading
6136 people want to read

About the author

Aimee Vance

15 books229 followers

Fueled by peach tea and chaos, Aimee Vance writes heartwarming and hilarious romance stories. She holds a B.S. in Public Relations from Texas Christian University and has always been an avid fantasy and romance reader.

Residing in Texas with her husband, two young daughters, and Labrador Retriever, Aimee loves to transport readers to worlds hidden between the pages where magic and love intertwine. She prefers sassy heroines, grumpy heroes, and enough humor to keep you chuckling with every page.

Follow along on Instagram @aimeevancebooks

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
Profile Image for RLbooks (in and out).
1,011 reviews488 followers
December 27, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up just for the vibes that hit right for me

The story is funny and tender, making you laugh while you swoon. Even though its focus lies on the positive relationships and support that the main characters have or build during the story, it also doesn’t shy away from the harder themes they’ve faced too. We have a cheating ex-husband and the shared pain of a shitty father. There’s the sometimes nostalgic, other times fear filled, joy over mothering a teen, and just momming in general. Also the pain of a character realizing the parent who made it possible to pursue their dreams has been hiding serious health problems. All of it, the highs and lows, are wrapped in this easy to read writing that filled my heart up. The writing’s not perfect mind you, but damn it worked for me here.

Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (h’s ex is an asshole on page but not because of relationship drama). Both have experience, the h has only been with her ex because she got pregnant their first time together. The H’s history is referred to vaguely. They’ve known each other since they were kids and had no romantic interest in each other previously which is a micro-trope that I wish more authors chose rather than the one-sided pining.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Single mom x brother’s best friend
☆ MMC is an injured hockey player
☆ FMC is a Pilates gym owner/physical therapist in training
☆ She came back to town because of her divorce
☆ He came back to town because his mom also got injured
☆ OMG the BANTER
☆ Even the FMC’s teenage son goes back and forth with the MMC
☆ Alllllll the supportive/loving/positive side characters for both
☆ Female friendship love fest
☆ Loads of sports - athletes and games on page
☆ MMC guilty over his lack of presence so is showing up now
☆ And he shows up over and over and over for the FMC
☆ FMC’s brother warns him off but never crashes out
☆ MMC coaches the high school team
☆ Slooooooow burn but with tension
☆ Wooing
☆ Sexy workouts
☆ He builds a relationship with her kid too and he breaks out “my kid”
☆ No third act breakup

Emmy (h) ran back to her hometown post-divorce with her son after she discovered that her famous ex had multiple affairs, including a baby with one of them. She knew her older brother, retired from the NHL, would help her start over and be a good role model for her son. That brother is the most giving and caring character in this book and I cannot wait to read his story. His best friend, Beckett (H), is also in town following Beckett’s mom falling at home and seriously injuring herself. Beckett himself needed a hip replacement and is going to have to rehab to determine if he can still play in the NHL. So both mains, plus the son Jace, are processing significant changes and feelings.

Another significant change is what Emmy and Beckett feel when they interact with each other. Emmy gives Beckett attitude, but also gets sucked into the aura he’s pumping out lol. Beckett meanwhile can’t get over how she’s grown up and the amazing mom that she’s developed into. They hadn’t seen each other since they were young teens, though that part of the timeline didn’t make a lot of sense given that Emmy dated and married a former teammate of his, which supposedly Beckett also hadn’t realized. At any rate, the sparks aren’t just flying here, they’re practically igniting the whole town when these two are in each other’s vicinity.

But, Emmy has Jace and doesn’t want another man who’s going to let him down. I’m going to tear up while typing this because the ways that Beckett shows how a real man is present for not just Emmy, but also Jace, are just perfection. He’s getting Jace early mornings to practice hockey on his pond. He’s CIA-level sneaking Emmy gifts. In a moment where they almost get busted for their budding romance and Beckett wriggles out of the house, he then turns himself right back around and shows up to show Jace that he’s there for him. My heart.

For much of the story, these two aren’t “officially” together but the love is growing and oh they are a falling. The flirting is top notch, just like the banter. I also liked the incorporation of the steamy times because of this too. There are a few scenes that are definitely hot, without losing that closeness and intimacy. When the declarations come, they’re heartfelt and you can feel the sincerity. I just wish that there had been more scenes of Beckett and Emmy on page as a full-out couple. No hiding from Jace. However, there is a claiming scene where Beckett makes it very clear who Emmy and Jace belong to.

In addition to this glorious relationship simmering along, the side characters also show up. Emmy builds up a friend group that is the epitome of girl’s girls and women supporting women. They’re hilarious and loving. Beckett also has some positive guy friends, along with Emmy’s brother and his own brother, that also step up when needed. I want all of their books. Well, one of Emmy’s friends is already delightfully married and that relationship can stay just as it is. Beckett’s mom was also lovely and the other kids on the hockey team are the BEST. Yes, this review is just pure gushing. I’m typing it smiling like an idiot.

The third act comes and centers around Beckett’s potential return to hockey and what it means for him, Emmy, and Jace. How dreams change. Loved how this was handled and the final scene of the book. There’s also a bonus epilogue two years out that you can download from signing up for the author’s newsletter. It’s adorable and precious, but was also kind of too short honestly. The next book is Emmy’s brother Tate’s story and I know that one’s going to be a heart-tugger.

As I said earlier, the writing flows super well, but does have places where it gets hung up on a tiny typo or a change in tense. I was confused about timelines a couple times, but then I’d be laughing over antics the next sentence and just move along. I was never taken completely out of the story over anything. It was slightly confusing that no one in town made as big of a deal over Tate as they did Beckett, even though he was also in the NHL. I do wish there had been more of an epilogue, but obviously this lil family unit will be in future books.

Do I recommend this? Absolutely! Am I sure that everyone else will adore it like I did? Never can guarantee that, I can just say what spoke to this reader’s heart.
Profile Image for Olga &#x1f33a;.
517 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2025
For some reason I am struggling to write reviews lately, but know this, this book is beautiful!

It's a breath of fresh air with older than usual MCs add that to real life problems and an adorable teenager and you got yourself a 5 star read.

Beckett, 37, is counting his days as a hockey player. With a recent hip surgery and being a veteran in his team, there's only so much more he can give. When his mom falls down and breaks her arm, he realises it is time for him to go back to his small town from where he has been away for the past 20 years.

Emmy, 35, is Beckett's best friend's little sister. She came back to her small town for a fresh start after discovering that her douche of a husband has had several mistresses throughout the years, with one of them having just had a baby with him. Emmy is devastated and goes back to where her brother, her eternal rock, resides to give both herself and her 15 year old son a new start away from scandal and heartbreak.

Soon Beckett and Emmy realise that their paths were always meant to come back to each other because eventually they were each other's ever after.

She becomes his rehabilitation physiotherapist who ultimately helps him go back and fulfil his dreams. He becomes the person who opens her eyes to her true worth as a mom, as a friend but most importantly as a woman.

I loved their gradual romance. I loved his relationship with her son Jace. I loved the side characters especially Ty, Emmy's brother. They share such a beautiful relationship of being there and supporting each other (beautiful family values). I love her new made friends. But most of all, I loved that this author didn't make any of the MCs sacrifice their dreams in the name of love. Realistically, they reached a compromise where everyone was happy.

She looked up, surprised. "Lose something?"
"Yeah." I shut the door behind me and locked it with a quiet click. "My mind, every time Im around you."



Can't wait for Ty's story (book 2).
Profile Image for Kaelea Babner.
684 reviews14 followers
December 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s

This book was just what I needed. A single mom whose whole world revolves around her kid. The author writes about the heavy load a mother has as a single parent while also highlighting how emotionally rewarding it is. I loved Emmy’s relationship with her son. It was written very well.

Like most hockey romances, you get that small town, found family aspect that just gives you the warm and fuzzies. Emmy’s relationships with the other women were hilarious. This book will have you laughing one moment and swooning the next.

Beckett is a top tier golden retriever book boyfriend. The way he flirts and carries himself is all kinds of attractive…but the way he takes her son under his wing and teaches him/gives him the father figure his POS dad never gave him takes the cake. I couldn’t get enough!!

Vanessa Moyen & Lee Samuels were perfect for these characters. They bring that added emotion that builds the story for me. I was so sucked in by their narrations. The hours flew by and I was so sad it ended!

The author gives you just enough to really vibe with all the characters. And I can honestly say I’m SO excited for Ty’s book!!

Thank you to home cooked books and the author for the ALC of this one! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
Profile Image for Lauren (lololovesthings).
806 reviews83 followers
September 19, 2025
5 stars!

I loved every single second of Aimee Vance's "Moms of Mayhem." Ugh, this book is SO GOOD, one of the best I have read in 2025. It is emotional, funny, swoony, spicy, deep, lovely, and wonderful. I am not a huge fan of second-chance romances, but this one really fit the bill and made the trope work. The characters are fantastically written! I loved Emmy. She is such a well-written, well-rounded character. She's tough, funny, vulnerable, intense, and loving, but more importantly, she is a terrific mother. I also adored Beckett, her brother's best friend and love interest. Each of them has their own journey to go through as individuals. Beckett lets Emmy live her life without needing to fix her or fix everything for her. He quietly, and loudly, supports her in any and all things. They are perfect together, and perfect on their own. They have some of the finest banter I have ever had the privilege of reading. I laughed constantly while reading this! And Jace! Oh my gosh, what an adorable kid. I loved the dynamic between Emmy and Jace. Emmy is a newly single mom, though not really because her ex was often absent for a lot of their life. Emmy is a fierce protector of Jace and his delicate heart. I didn't think there was anything about this book that didn't need to be there. Everything fit in its place. It wasn't overly long; in fact, I found the pacing to be perfect. This book made me chortle and cry and think and swoon. I love the hockey stuff, too. This is a sports romance that actually contains sports the whole way through. I feel like I learned a little something about hockey while reading this one. Just fantastic stuff here. I cannot wait to go back and read all of Aimee Vance's other books!

Thank you to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts Literary Services for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Profile Image for Romancing the Reader.
1,273 reviews527 followers
October 8, 2025
This is perfection in a romance novel…

This book was everything l love in a romance novel, period.

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Moms of Mayhem by Aimee Vance

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Mayhem Hockey Club character series. Book 1.

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Sports romance

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Small town, brother’s best friend, she’s his PT, banter for days, cocky flirt MMC, single mom.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Emmy moves home following her divorce, trying to find Colorado magic for her and her son. Beckett is also home - recovering from a major hip injury - and decides to take up coaching to save his hometown team.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: When someone asks me what a five star book looks like, I want to just silently point to this book on my shelf.

Tis the season for hockey reads. And a longtime bookish friend (shoutout to Sarah!) told me I had to pick this one up. It was my first Aimee Vance book, and won’t be my last.

It had something that spoke to every part of me. And Aimee Vance nailed every single aspect of it. She wrote not only two great mid-to-late 30s main characters, but a supporting cast of fun and strong women and even some teenagers I fell in love with. TEENAGERS!

The hockey portions were flawless, clearly written from a deep understanding of the game but in a way that felt authentic and easy to read. And the BANTER! Becket’s flirty lines had my giggling and kicking my feet.

And as always, I judge book 1 in a character series on whether I want to move forward. And let me tell you! Once you meet these characters, there’s no way you want to give them up.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for BookedWithCara.
295 reviews12 followers
October 31, 2025
Hockey is always amazing in a romance book, and there’s so much of it here. Beckett is an injured NHL player back in his hometown. He’s reconnecting with his family and best friend… and maybe his best friend’s sister. And Emmy is recently back in town after a messy divorce. She has her teenage son with her and she’s fully in her hockey mom era. When these two run into each other, the chemistry is electric. The will-they-won’t- they is as delicious as is the flirty banter. But don’t think for a second that a single mom romance doesn’t have plenty of her kid. And Jace is the snarky, hockey obsessed son who had me laughing. Beckett and Ty (Emmy’s brother) and up volunteering to coach their old hockey team to help out. And the hockey teams- junior and NHL teams- are both full of amazing side characters. I could probably keep rambling and listing all the things that I love, but I’ll just tell you to pick this one up! I’m going to *try* to be patient and wait for Aimee to write the rest of the series- I need all the hockey and happily ever after.
Profile Image for Cait | GoodeyReads.
2,818 reviews666 followers
November 26, 2025
Thank you to the author for an ALC.

HOW I LOVED THIS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

I legit gobbled this book up. I’ve been a big fan of Aimee Vance for awhile and was so excited to get my hands on her latest romance. I’m back in my hockey era and I love it.

While I think this book can be loved on many levels, it was super relatable to motherhood and watching your child grow up, protecting them, and finding yourself too. Many of those sentiments and themes hit me in the chest full force.

I loved the dynamic between Emmy and Beckett. Sparks were flying from the first time they met each other [again] and I loved the way Beckett showed up Emmy AND Jace. It was important and memorable and made this book so dang good.

The spice is spicy but I did find it easy to skip over. And I loved all of the different types of relationships this book presented too. From friendships, family relations, romance, teammates, etc. They all held weight and they all pushed the book forward in amazing ways.

I am sat for the rest of this series.

Overall audience notes:
- Hockey Romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: 4-5ish open door
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: divorce (cheating mentioned), a parent with Parkinson’s
Profile Image for Sofi Mascaró.
559 reviews99 followers
September 21, 2025
thank you so much to House of Hearts and the author for an early copy! all opinions are my own!

i wasn't sure if i was going to like this book when i read the synopsis because i'm not the biggest fan of the single mum trope. but it's Aimee Vance, so i couldn't say no. and thank goodness i didn't because i spent the entire book smiling like a toddler.
this book made me rethink about so many things regarding motherhood. i still believe it has to be chosen, and reading the MCs journey with it made me want to hug her and help her with her child. but i loved how detailed and complex her story was, and how much she loved her son and defended him (and hes a teenager, a complicated age, which made it all super cute). it was also a book about ice hockey and professional players and having to do things because you're supposed to, not because you want to, and i loved how both the characters develop their feelings with those topics.
the double POV had me wheezing every time they crossed paths, it was so filled with energy and i loved it. i think it was a bit fast but at least they give each other time to explore their feelings, which i enjoyed a lot of. the side characters were amazing and tbh i cannot wait to read their stories next, i know Aimee will do an amazing job at it.
so yeah, i really enjoyed it. and that cover is gorgeous, just saying ;)
Profile Image for Tay_is_reading_again.
484 reviews53 followers
September 3, 2025
Moms of Mayhem is what I love in a romance book: hilarious jokes and banter, loveable side characters, a standalone, and addressing real life topics in an entertaining way. I’m an Aimee Vance Stan and I will read anything she writes because she made me CAKLE by paragraph 3!

Emmy is our FMC and we see her fresh off a challenging divorce. Her ex husband is the guy we love to HATE. Emmy gets a fresh start back in her home town with her teenage son and her brother.

Beckett is our MMC and is a pro hockey player fresh off an injury who is home helping his mom recover. We get a quick “meet cute” between these two which includes a hilarious war over a parking spot (another part I died laughing at). Eventually, Beckett realizes his best friend’s little sister isn’t the same gawky teenager he previous knew. The attraction is strong between these two and it’s a lovely slow burn.

I really loved both these characters. Emmy is someone i want to be friends with and she’s hilarious, a great mom, and a wonderful friend. Beckett is a caring son, great friend, and wonderful role model for Emmy’s son. I really enjoyed their journey of falling in love!

I can’t wait to read the next book in this interconnected standalone series!


Read this if you like:

🏒laughing while reading
🥅brothers best friend
🏒small town
🥅hockey romance
🏒he coaches her kid
🥅he’s a positive role model for her son
🏒single mom and motherhood themes
🥅close girl group

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you so much, Aimee Vance, for letting me ARC for you yet again!
Profile Image for Allie | booked.with.allie.
366 reviews156 followers
September 15, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3/5

I cannot say thank you enough to @aimeevancebooks for sending a PR package my way! This was the absolute perfect little package! 💖

What a great story, filled with so many heartwarming and laugh-out-loud moments! I was sucked in right from the start.

We have Emmy, a single mom in her 30s (*OFFICIAL PETITION* for more mid-30s FMCs!!), starting over with the help of her brother in her hometown after divorcing her asshole ex-husband. Then we’ve got Beckett, an NHL player on IR (I know this is football terminology, but I’m sure there’s something similar in hockey), who has come home to rehabilitate and also help take care of his mom.

I love a man who is smitten right from the get-go! 🥰 Beckett gave me Maverick Miller vibes, and I am totally here for that! Calling her Peach and pushing ALLLL of her buttons. I LOVED IT! I really adored every character in this story (except for he ex, duh) and cannot wait to see more of this Mayhem Hockey Club crew in future books!

I really loved seeing Emmy work to build new friendships, because making new friends as an adult is so freaking hard! This really hit home for me, but I loved to see the Moms of Mayhem become closer as the book progressed. It was so heartwarming to see.

I also loved to see Emmy fight for her teenage son when her ex just could not help himself! THAT MAN made me SO MAD. Seeing Beckett step up and show up for Jace again and again made me fall for him harder every time. If he wanted to, he would! 👏👏👏

I highly recommend this romance if you’re looking to dive into a new hockey series with all the found family vibes. It was such a delight, plus the spice wasn’t bad either! 🥵
Profile Image for Madi (madifett.reads).
79 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2025
Thank you so much House of Hearts Lit and Aimee Vance for the gifted eARC of my new favorite hockey romance 🤭 Moms of Mayhem is book one of Vance’s Mayhem Hockey Club series. I’m not even sure how to put into words how much I love this book.

Emmy and Beckett 🥹 I am so smitten with these two. Their dynamic is perfect - Emmy’s a single mom with a razor sharp wit, and Beckett is a grumpy, injured hockey player who’s also her brother’s best friend. I laughed SO hard at their banter, and felt my heart ache in the best way during more serious scenes.

Moms of Mayhem is a sports romcom, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a testament to motherhood. So much of this book validates how I feel about motherhood - it’s beautiful, and I wouldn’t choose a different life…but it can also be incredibly challenging. Vance writes about parenthood so beautifully and authentically, and it made me go through a gambit of emotions. I can’t WAIT for book two!
Profile Image for Maddy.
473 reviews36 followers
September 2, 2025
This was my first Aimee Vance book I've ever read and WOW I devoured it. Hockey romances are truly my bread and butter and this one was no exception. I literally loved the premise of this story and the chemistry between Emmy & Beckett.

Beckett is obviously my cup of tea when it comes to MMCs. He's flirty, fun, and of course a rugged hockey player. I love how this story was still able to be a hockey romance even though it wasn't based around Beckett's time in the NHL. I think Aimee did a really good job keeping it on par with a hockey romance and keeping the hockey relevant even if it didn't involve Beckett playing or skating.

The found family is what HAD me in this book though. It felt so cozy and comfy reading this book. The girls group, The Moms of Mayhem, was so stinking cute and was such a fun addition to the story. I can't wait to learn about all of these strong girls. I also loved the relationship between Beckett and Ty. Their friendship was strong even after years apart. And Beckett stepping in for Emmy's son, Jace, was everything.

I am so excited to read more from this series!

🗻Hockey Romance
💜Single Mom
🗻Found Family
💜Small Town
🗻Brother's Best Friend
Profile Image for Jenny Kelley.
57 reviews6 followers
September 7, 2025
IM SORRY WHAT!!???

Aimee literally knocked it out of the park for her first ever hockey romance book. This was seriously SO good, I absolutely loved all of the characters so much. Single mom trope gets me everytime and this was done so well. I can’t wait to read the next one!!

Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,421 reviews629 followers
December 9, 2025
🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧🎧

This story was equal parts humorous and emotional, and I loved every moment!

First, I have to say how much I enjoyed the overall tone of the story. It was true-to-life, organic, realistic and relatable. The four basic word groups I love to experience in my romance fiction. The language used was easy and common (I know your first reaction to those words is going to be negative but chill,k lol) which is not something that I often see in books. Authors spend too much time trying too hard with the “words” used but not this author. AND I LOVE HER FOR IT. The banter was chill and every day, the wit was dry and snarky, and the overall feel of the conversations was natural. She (the author) sat down to tell a story and didn’t overthink every single word being used. Fell me? The story came from the heart, and it felt like it. Maybe just to me, who’s to know, but it most definitely kept me listening for long stretches of time because of it. So, there’s that.

Every single person in this story had meaning and meant something to the story. I really liked that. The total greatness that surrounds this story is not just because of the relationship that built between our main characters but also “their” people. This community, found family, whatever you want to label it, I want to be a part of. I want to be in it. I want to be one of them!
”Violet, Junie’s mom, is dying. She has brain cancer.”
“I went and got certified to be a foster parent, just in case.”
”If that little girl needs me and some misfit animals to feel at home in this terrible time in her life, then I’ll buy whatever the fuck she wants.”

That’s the kind of people I want to read about in my romance fiction. It makes the story real and gives it heart and hope.

The relationship build between Beckett & Emmy was superbly done. I loved every nuance to their story. I loved the relationship development between Jace & Beckett even more and truth be told, I loved everyone’s development! I loved how the story unfolded and I especially loved that there were no OTT dramatics. Yes, Ryan was cliché and dramatic but the story needed that villain in order for love to shine the way it did, so I’m okay with it.

Not gonna lie, I felt just about every emotion there is to fell while listening to this exceptional story of finding ones self, rediscovering ones self, love, family (the many ways it can metamorphosize), hope and heart!
“I’m not giving up my dream,” I said quietly. “But see, my mom has this theory about dreams. The moment you realize there’s something better out there, they change. Still the same, still mine, just more.”
“You were always part of the plan,” I continued. “I just didn’t know it yet.”


❤️#swoon❤️

🎧DUAL NARRTION PERFORMANCE BY 🎤Lee Samuels & Vanessa Moyen🎤
When I first started my #AudioEra, I wasn’t a huge fan of Lee’s narration style. That isn’t the case anymore, in fact, he’s one of my top 5 narrators! LOL He did an excellent job embodying Beckett’s personality exactly as I pictured him to be, and his voice range and versatility made the “party in my ears” a fantastic fiesta! LOL I’m pretty sure (it’s hard to keep track if you listen as much as I do) Vanessa Moyen was new-to-me with this audiobook, so I had no point of reference, but I’m keeping an eye out for more of her performances. I loved her voice ! She was a perfect Emmy and together with Lee they made this performance outstanding! The story was already really great, but getting an excellent listening experience as well made for an outstanding 11(ish) hours I’m putting on the column labeled “re-listen anytime for any reason”! 👏Well done!👏
Profile Image for Karly Marie.
167 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2025
This book was full of the banter! I was laughing out loud. This book had me in my feels about motherhood. Emmy is a badass single mama starting over and finding her girls. I want a club like Moms of Mayhem, please? Girls nights & explicit t-shirts. Also Beckett was so swoony! I loved him being sneaky with the doorbell cam 😂
Profile Image for jessie_bookmind.
177 reviews10 followers
November 25, 2025
If you love hockey romance, you will love this book! It has a single mom, Emmy, returning to her hometown with her teenage son after a rough divorce. Hockey star Beckett, who is also returning to his hometown after a serious hip injury. It is so heartwarming and fun! The supporting cast of characters is so much fun and interesting. You can’t help but root for both main characters as well as Emmy’s son, Jace, and Emmy’s brother, Ty (who is also Beckett’s best friend from childhood). It’s just an all-around great story. Thanks to everyone who recommended this book to me!
Profile Image for Jamie Engel.
613 reviews237 followers
January 2, 2026
the chemistry between beckett and emmy was undeniable. I could not get enough of them.

emmy is a single mom to Jace, a teenager on the Mayhem hockey team. he is a talented player with that teenager snark. beckett is an NHL player who’s back home recovering from an injury while taking care of his mom. beckett also happens to be emmy's brother's BFF and someone she grew up with. he also takes a coaching gig with the mayhem.

loved watching these to get close and beckett's relationship with her son was heart melting. I devoured this audio and I cannot wait to continue this series.

overall: 4
spice: 2

tropes:
hockey romance
single mom
brother's bff
small town
found family
Profile Image for ⚔️Sarah⚔️.
333 reviews9 followers
December 10, 2025
Ok, wow! This was a book I didn’t know how much I needed!

Aimee Vance comes out strong with the start to a new series. It has everything I have come to enjoy about her books and has provided me with so much more to love. The humor and jokes are spot on. The banter is on point. The sarcasm and wit cuts, and the tender moments hit home. And! And! HOCKEY!

Emmy is the number 1 best girls’ girl, and I will do everything to protect her. She has been through it, but she doesn’t let it slow her down. She is still out there being the best mom she can be to Jace, and watching the two of them together was the best. She also puts in the work to build her own little found family and, if I am a sucker for anything, its best friends and found family. It feels like Aimee just reaches inside my brain and puts the dynamics I love right on the page.

Beckett is trouble! From the get-go, he had me. All flirty and muscly, but he has a journey of his own. Watching him rebuild a world he left to the wayside just felt important. Being there for the people he loves. All of it! He is just the best. And don’t even get me started on his relationship with Emmy’s son. TEARS!

One of the things Aimee does best is side characters, and wow, did she nail it. She crafted a beautiful Linwood found family for our characters, and I am truly obsessed with every one of them. The girlies. The bromances. The kids! This book just put out the best friendship vibes, and if you see me move to Colorado, mind your business. Or honestly, come along!

I also really enjoyed her approach to the hockey element of the book. I have not read one before where you get the perspective of a parent watching their child play, but also getting to see the coach on the bench as well. This helped create a fantastic balance in the book. Hockey was part of it through and through. It was a character itself almost. It mattered.

This book was unreal. An absolute beauty. I can’t wait to see what she does next!!


I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

UPDATED:
The audio book is fantastic! I'm crying all over again!
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,970 reviews107 followers
December 5, 2025
Tis the season for hockey romance!

Beckett, an NHL player, is back in his home town after an injury. He's there to lay low and take care of his mom for a few days before returning back to the city to rehab his injury. Emmy, meanwhile is a newly divorced woman that's moved back to her hometown to raise her teenager and get a little help from her brother, Ty who just so happens to be Beckett's best friend. When Beckett and Emmy's paths cross, it's immediate dislike from Emmy and she will not back down to the man that stole her parking spot, even if he is the injured hometown hockey hero. So, what happens when Beckett gets some news that changes his plans having him stay in town for quite a bit longer? Will Emmy change her tune?

Moms of Mayhem is the first book in an all new hockey romance series that is set in a small town. I loved that Vance gave us a little bit older characters (they are in their 30's, so more relatable to me) that have been through some life situations, but were ultimately good people. There wasn't too much drama between the main characters, but more from outside forces. Beckett was such a good man that wanted the best for those he cared about. Whether it was caring for his mom, or taking on a role of hockey coach for the local hockey team, he showed up! And Emmy? What a force! I loved how much she supported her son and was the ultimate hockey mom. She loves her son Jace fiercely, but is darn good at her job and surrounds herself with good supportive people that she supports right back.

The dynamics between not only Emmy and Beckett, but Beckett and Jace and Emmy and her friends were the highlight of the book. I loved all the banter and how each character was so different. Emmy and Beckett had great chemistry and their connection evolved so naturally. I really liked the fact that Beckett did not hide his feelings for Emmy from his BFF, Ty who was also her brother. It allowed such healthy relationships to form all around.

This may have been my first Aimee Vance book, but I'm excited to read more in this series. The supporting characters and the glimpses of who they are have me intrigued and I cannot wait to dive into their stories. All the different types of relationships and characters really pushed this story forward.

Overall, this was a low angst, cute story of a second chance at life for not only Beckett and Emmy, but also for her son Jace to feel wanted and supported by loved ones.

If you like:
Low angst
Small town romance
Brother's best friend
Hockey
Eclectic cast of characters
Mom with Parkinsons
and a teen son that is looking for love from a father figure,
Then I have a feeling you're going to enjoy Moms of Mayhem.
And if you have a chance, I gotta recommend the dual narrated audio performed by Vanessa Moyen and Lee Samuels. They added to the story and made me fall for each and every character.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Profile Image for Ashley (alwaysbooksandtea).
359 reviews
August 31, 2025
"And yet here I was- older, bruised, busted-up- and somehow the mountains still looked at me like I belonged, even when I'd left everything important behind."

Moms of Mayhem is the first book in Aimee Vance's new Mayhem Hockey Club series. A professional hockey player returns home while recovering from surgery. His best friend's younger sister oversees his PT. He steps in to coach the youth hockey team, and one of the players is her son. Sparks fly, lines blur, but will a temporary visit home be enough for both of them? TW/CW: alcoholism, death of a parent, degenerative disease.

Vance is back with another rom-com that will tug at your heart strings and have you kicking your feet in glee in equal measure. The banter (of course there's banter) is fantastic, and not just between MCS Emmy and Beckett, but with Emmy's son Jace too. The pop culture references are popping, especially if you love 90s sports movies.

The romance is lovely. What starts as simple attraction grows into so much more. I love that the characters are in their 30s. They both come with heavy pasts, and are refreshingly mature in they way they approach their relationship. Don't worry, there's still lots of teasing, flirting, and a bit of spice.

My favorite part of the story are the friendships. Beckett and Ty. Emmy, Shannon, Stevie, and Tate. The laughs, the way they show up for each other, the teasing, the support. Found family is my favorite, and Vance always does that so well.

Mom of Mayhem is a romance, but it's also an ode to motherhood. I may not be a mom, but I have a wonderful mom who had to take on a lot as single parent. I saw a lot of my mom in Emmy and what she went through. You don't have to be a mom or parent to be moved by Emmy and Beckett's story.

I adore Moms of Mayhem and I can't wait for more of this series!!

"You and your son with the sick burns." Beckett laughed. "At this rate, I need to invest in some aloe just to survive hanging out with you two."

"If a man can build a baseball field in the middle of a corn field to coax ghosts of baseball players to join him, then maybe I can lure lonely moms into the studio with a playpen full of toys."

"Some people come into your life not to stay forever, but to make you feel something again. To remind you that you're still capable of soft things- hope, wonder, and leaning into someone new."
Profile Image for Maddie Plaskett.
83 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2025
✨BOOK REVIEW✨

Moms of Mayhem by Aimee Vance

Rating: 5⭐️

Spice: 2🌶️

Tropes❤️‍🔥
- brothers best friend
- hockey romance
- small town
- single mom
- found family

My Review 🌸

I cannot believe this was Aimee's first hockey romance?! This has by far been one of my most favorite reads of the year, I absolutely devoured it! First of all, this book was HILARIOUS!! The banter between the two MC's Emmy and Beckett was amazing; but the banter and one liners between ALL of the characters was a *chef's kiss*. We also get a found family trope in this book, and it's truly amazing to see the community that is developed and created surrounding the MC's.
Speaking of the MC's, WOW!! First of all, Beckett, new book boyfriend alert!!! Beckett is just so thoughtful, so sweet, and swoony. UGH. I loved him so much. Between calling Emmy "his crush", the books he bought for her (helloooo, look at those tropes!?!!), and how head over heels he was for Emmy, I can't blame Emmy for falling in love with him. The tension and chemistry between these two is just so obvious and apparent, you can feel it long before anything actually happens between the two of them. While this book is not overly spicy, the spicy scenes between the two of them are so sweet and intimate.
Something else I just loved about this book was the relationship Emmy and her son Jace have. Their relationship is so pure and literal goals. 
Everything in this book just felt so consistent, everything happened so naturally and organically, and didn't feel rushed or out of place. If you're looking for a hockey romance with a small town feel, found family vbies, and a hell of a lot of banter, make Moms of Mayhem your next read. I promiseeee, you will not regret it!!
Profile Image for bella rhys (semi-hiatus).
514 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2025
4.5 Stars! Great story with complexities, but also fun and entertaining!

Following her failed marriage and messy divorce, newly single mum Emmy moves back to her hometown with her teenage son determine to rebuild her life with the help of her brother. Meanwhile, NHL player Beckett is also back in town spending time with his mom whilst recovering from a hip injury. He decides to stay longer and takes up coaching to help his old hockey team. Sparks fly when they see each other, but there is soo much complications there; Beckett’s best friend happens to be Emmy’s brother, Beckett is now coaching Emmy’s son Jace, and Emmy is now Beckett’s new physical therapist. 😅

This was such a great book! Funny, emotional, swoony, spicy, and just about provided all the feels! I especially loved the characters themselves. I loved how Emmy was sarcastic, funny, but also loving and vulnerable. Beckett was also the ultimate book boyfriend; the way he supported her and takes her son under his wings, was just goals! Together they were the perfect match and had such great chemistry. Plus, the found family aspect of the story made the reading experience all the more enjoyable. AND don’t sleep on the banter in this! It had me giggling throughout!

Overall, this was a cute small town, brother’s best friend, sports romance. The characters were wonderful, the storyline well written, with great pacing. I definitely enjoyed and recommend it!

Finally, the dual narration provided by Vanessa Moyen and Lee Samuels was excellent! They added all the emotions needed to make this story entertaining and enjoyable. Moyen really brought out the strength, independence, but vulnerability within Emmy. Whilst Samuels was great with portraying the gruff but golden retriever, swoony, and loving nature of Beckett. Amazing at bringing the characters and the story to life!

Thanks to the author, Aimee Vance, and the team at HomeCooked Books for providing me with an advanced audio review copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,389 reviews19 followers
December 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was my first by Aimee Vance, but I definitely look forward to reading more from her. I really loved the narration by Vanessa Moyen & Lee Samuels. I don't believe I have listened to Vanessa before and I really enjoyed her performance. I haven't listened to Lee Samuels lately, but he was really great as well. I will absolutely be listening to them both more.

Emmy was such a wonderful mother to Jace and was always putting him first. His father was a disappointment to them both. Jace was a teenager struggling with moving to a different place and dealing with his father that was constantly letting him down. Emmy was doing her best and making a new life for him. She was never expecting Beckett Conway to come back to town.

Beckett was back in his hometown to rehab his hip and to take care of his mother. He is a bit bitter about the fact that he can't play hockey right now. However, he does get a bit distracted by his best friend's little sister, whom he is very attracted to. It doesn't take long before Emmy and her son start to find a place in his heart. He realizes that there just might be more to life that playing in the NHL.

I loved seeing Emmy and Beckett sneak around like kids. But I really loved how Beckett was really there for Jace and showed up for him when he needed him most. He showed Jace what a real father is like. These three made the best little family and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Dominique.
481 reviews39 followers
September 15, 2025
This was the first book I read by the author and I was missing out! I absolutely love hockey romances and this one did not disappoint!
I loved everything about it. I pretty much read it in one sitting.
The banter was SO good. Between Emmy and Beckett, Emmy’s friends, Beckett’s friends I was laughing so much.
Beckett is the best book boyfriend. I LOVED him. The cute gifts he got Emmy, how he supported her son, I am here for it!!
I also loved Emmy’s relationship with her son Jace. She was a great mom and it was clear she would do anything for him.
I felt like this book was totally relatable and I enjoyed that the MCs were in their 30s.
I fell in love with all of the characters and I cannot wait for the next book!! This one sets up other potential couples and I am so excited to see what’s next!

💜 Hockey romance
💜 Single mom
💜 He falls first
💜 Brother’s best friend
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Small town
💜 Found family

Rating ⭐️: 5/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Dual POV

Thank you so much to the author and House of Hearts Literary Services for the arc.
Profile Image for Nydia Escobar Reads.
56 reviews
September 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Moms of Mayhem. This is an HONEST REVIEW.

I am just blown away by how good and relatable this book was. From the romance to the friendships and family dynamics. 10/10

Emmy is a no-nonsense single mom who takes crap from no one! Loved her. Also loved Beckett for breaking down those walls because sometimes all a gal needs is someone who won't give up, and his relentless flirting was swoon worthy. My absolute fav kind of MMC.

I love the "motherhood" theme across the entire book. Moms at all stages need help/solid friendships. Moms with adult children, moms w/teens, moms w/new borns. We all need that girls girl to be there when you forget that "mom" is a hat you wear, not an identity. 🧡

Also, the comebacks/banter was comedic
GOLD.

I'm excited for Tys story in book 2!!
Profile Image for Lyn ♡.
298 reviews27 followers
September 5, 2025
♡ Brother’s best friend
♡ Single mom
♡ Hockey romance
♡ Found family
♡ Forced proximity

Why am I so emotional right now? Omg. I love me a good ole hockey romance and this did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, I devoured this!! I’m not even a mother but I felt every damn word of this book in my bones that it was impossible for me not to feel every damn emotion so deeply it hurt 😭

I fell in love with every single character and instantly wanted to continue reading more about them. I need this series to be continued ASAP PLEASEEEE!! I need more of Emmy and Beckett. I need more of the Moms of Mayhem group. I need more on all of the additional delicious hockey players that were introduced. So little time but such an big impact that left me with such a heavy heart and so much adoration istg.

💌 Thank you so much Booked with Rae/House of Hearts and Aimee Vance for the eARC!
Profile Image for kbn1031.
372 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moms of Mayhem - Mayhem Hockey Club Book 1
by Aimee Vance

This is my first time reading anything by Aimee Vance, and I am for sure a fan now! Yes, this is a hockey romance. But it is so much more than that! There is enough heart in this story for 10 books! You will be all up in your feels while reading it. I was actually reading this during intermission at a concert and had to stop because I didn't want to cry in front of 500 strangers. It would have been worth it, though. 🤣 There's plenty of humor and spice, too. Not to mention the family/found family bonds and the best dang friend group ever. I will definitely continue the series and can't wait for Ty's book.

I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Aimee Vance, and Booked with Rae for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
Profile Image for Tasha  Harkleroad .
41 reviews
August 31, 2025
This book was great! I read it in about a day! I have read other hockey romance books before and this has by far been the best one.

For starters, I enjoyed this book because the main characters were actual real adults (right that’s what us pushing 40 are called 😂) not college age kids. Not that there’s anything wrong with college age kiddos it’s just nice to be able to read a book and have the main characters be in the same age bracket as myself.

Another thing I enjoyed about this book was that I really resonated with Emmy and her relationship with Beckett. I too am a divorced mama that fiercely loves her son and who found love with a man that chose not only me but my son as well. Reading this story has reminded me of the beginning of my relationship and of the love that my husband chooses to give my son and I daily.

I can’t wait to continue reading the rest of the series!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Megan.
275 reviews18 followers
September 1, 2025
Aimee knocked my socks off with this one.

If you like a hockey romance novel - you have to pick this one up.

If you’re a mom in that stage of life where your heart is all for your kid and you’re figuring yourself out - you have to pick this one up.

If you love witty banter, amazing side characters, found family, and boys who love their mama - you have to pick this one up.

I’ve read all of Aimee’s books and love her writing style. Love the pop culture references (hello Conway and Moreau!). I love the banter. And I know Aimee is a huge hockey fan, but this was even better than I had hoped. I sat on my couch with a grin on my face for most of this book. I laughed out loud. I had my heart broken. And as a mom, I felt SEEN.

I can’t recommend this one enough!
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