My Fight Song

This was a Steamy College hockey romance Novella, and perfect for the reader who wants a MMC who will defend her honor.

Sometimes we choose the wrong person and learn that lesson the hard way.

Sometimes we meet the right person, and it is the wrong time. That’s the great thing about second chances. This book had some emotional and steamy scenes and fit the college vibes perfectly.

Thank you BookSirens for the Advance copy.

Samia Vermeulen

Author 1 book1 follower

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars — My Fight Song by Tara September
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (but listen… I wanted MORE)
This was such a fun, addictive little novella, and I flew through it in one sitting. My Fight Song is a second-chance, college hockey romance that absolutely understood the assignment—great characters, emotional payoff, quick resolution of misunderstandings (BLESS 🙌), and just enough steam to tease… though yes, I would’ve happily accepted more spice. Always more spice. 😌🔥
Kaylee and Tanner have known each other forever, and that shared history really shines. Kaylee is fierce, driven, and finally reclaiming her life after a toxic ex, while Tanner is peak golden-retriever MMC energy—kind, loyal, team-first, and quietly obsessed with her. Watching him prove that he’s nothing like the man who hurt her was genuinely satisfying 🥹💙.
The hockey element was a highlight for me. Kaylee’s role with the team gave her agency and confidence, and I loved seeing the respect she earned. Tanner as captain was swoony without being cocky, and their banter had such a natural, easy rhythm. Also… second-chance romance where the misunderstanding gets cleared up quickly?? YES PLEASE. I was cheering. 🎉
Because this is a novella, some things did feel a little rushed—Kaylee juggling everything (editor-in-chief, team manager, sorority, senior year?? girl breathe 😅), and a couple plot threads that I wished had been explored just a bit more. A longer format would’ve added extra depth… and extra spice 👀✨.
Still, this was a genuinely enjoyable read—quick, emotional, romantic, and perfect if you’re in a slump or craving a bite-sized hockey romance with heart. The interconnected novella aspect was fun too; you don’t have to read the others, but it definitely makes the world feel richer.
Overall: cute, swoony, satisfying, and just shy of perfection for me—but in a way that made me excited to read more from this author 💕
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Tara September, and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this, and I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for more from Tara September! 📚💖

netgalley

Cassies.EndlessReads

513 reviews25 followers

contemporary friends-to-lovers hockey

This was a fun novella about second chance romance! Kaylee and Tanner have known each other since they were kids, but someone else got in their way before they could become a couple. Now, years later, they’re back at the same college and the spark is still there.

“I flash back to hockey camp—her laughter ringing out as she effortlessly dodged past me, eyes sparkling with challenge as she put me flat on my back. Truthfully, I liked watching her win a little too much. I mean, I wanted to tackle her back, but just not on the ice.”

“And the hockey gods help me. Tanner is not just a pretty face. He’s funny, skilled, determined, and loyal to his teammates in a way Derek never was. He really wants to see everyone succeed, not just rack up his own stats.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is a novella in a series of interconnected novellas, you don’t *have* to read the others, but those characters are mentions. They’re quick fun reads!

So Not Mary

16 reviews

January 20, 2026

ARC received for review purposes

My first reading from Tara September, and very good one!
This is a steamy hockey romance (and we all know hockey romance is THE thing, even if the world is just finding out now!), that you can devour in a couple of days because of the novella lenght. It's addictive!
I'm not very into the second chance trope, but it was very well handled, and I have a really soft spot for bench banter - and Tanner and Kayleemade me giggle and curl my toes!
I'm definitely going to read the complete series, because even if the novella is totally self conclusive, the hints at the complete story are intriguing and teasing to read more.

arc

Kirsty

453 reviews8 followers

This book is everything I love about college hockey romance. Messy feelings. Long looks. Old wounds that never fully healed. And two people who never really forgot each other, no matter how hard they tried.

Kaylee Jenkins is carrying heartbreak like armor. She didn’t just leave Minnesota, she fled it, along with the boy who once mattered too much. Seeing her come back into Tanner Bouché’s orbit felt electric right from the start. She’s sharp, driven, and unapologetic, and that opening tension with her scathing editorial? Perfection. I loved that she wasn’t instantly soft for him. She made him earn every inch.

Tanner though. Captain energy done right. He’s confident, yes, but weighed down by responsibility and the quiet ache of being the one who wasn’t chosen. Beneath the swagger is loyalty, restraint, and a heart that never stopped beating for Kaylee. Watching him lead his team while slowly unraveling around her was everything.

The second-chance romance here is top tier. Slow burn that actually burns. Lingering glances, unresolved history, bench banter that made me grin like an idiot, and moments where you can feel how much is still left unsaid. When they’re forced to work together, the tension crackles. Every interaction feels loaded.

And when Kaylee’s past comes back to try and tear her down? Tanner stepping up, ready to go to war for her reputation, for her heart, for her trust, had me all kinds of emotional. The way he shows up without trying to control or overshadow her was chef’s kiss.

This book isn’t just about hockey or romance. It’s about reclaiming your voice, trusting again after betrayal, and choosing love even when it scares you. Kaylee and Tanner don’t just fall back into each other, they fight for something better this time.

If you love college hockey, slow-burn second chances, and couples who protect each other fiercely on and off the ice, My Fight Song absolutely delivers. I devoured it, felt everything, and closed the book already missing them. 🏒❤️🔥

Sara

2,381 reviews14 followers

For a novella-length book, the author packs in quite a bit of storytelling!

Kaylee is taking control of her life and has distanced herself from her narcissistic ex-boyfriend and is now attending a rival university. I enjoyed Kaylee’s self-confidence and her inner drive.

Tanner is a golden retriever of a MMC, while he is initially upset and put out by the very critical editorial article Kaylee writes about the hockey team and him personally as the team captain. He’s shocked to see her attending his school,
and equally frustrated and excited she’s back in his life.

I enjoyed Kaylee’s involvement with the hockey team and her role as the team manager, but found it a little overkill for her to be Editor in Chief at the school paper, manager of the hockey team and then join a sorority for her final semester - never mind being a college senior. It was just a little too much for a book this short.

I definitely enjoyed the main characters and their friends/teammates that surround them. I easily read this as a standalone and even though the relationships from previous books were mentioned in this book, those characters had a minor role in this story.

A couple things that would have upped my enjoyment of this novella was even a short scene with her parents at Frost Fest - her parents attend the game and know Tanner so maybe just a quick scene with them commenting on the result of the game. Then at the end of the epilogue a new thread of a plot is introduced, but then just trails off and is left with the equivalent of a shrug and whatever will be thought - it was a cool idea that would have liked to see what they discovered.

(✔️UPDATE- The author added a bonus scene after the book released which completely satisfied my slight criticism about meeting her parents. It exactly the type of scene that adds to the emotional connection between Kaylee and Tanner, and her parents. With this added scene I upped my rating to 5 stars.)

This is an entertaining read and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read Tara’s work.

I will definitely keep my eyes open for books from this author.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

Kimberley

409 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

January 8, 2026

I breezed through this book so fast, safe to say it didn't want to leave my hands at all! This is the first book I have read from Tara and if this is just a novella book then I want to see the quality of her full-length books and get drowned in them because if they are as addictive as a less than 200 pages book was then I want to read them all, the quality, the characters, the plot, everything just simply perfection in my perspective and I am so glad I signed up for this book!!

Kaylee has grown up around Ice Hockey players her whole life but this time she tells herself to stay far away at this new college after what her now ex-boyfriend did to her and in turn she left to go to the school of his rival team. Everything is a plan for this girl to exact her revenge the way she knows best - winning. She becomes the Editor in Chief for the college paper and writes a hell of an article to get notice of the Ice Hockey team where she certainly gets notice from the new team captain and a guy she used to know Tanner. Definitely took him by surprise.

The whole plot for this book is amazing and will have you hooked instantly and feeling everything possible. I loved Tanner's character and even through their misunderstanding at the camp when they were younger and only finding out after Kaylee finds herself as the team manager and in the pathway to lead the team to win.

Tension and resolved misunderstanding all helped draw these two together even if Kaylee wanted to stay away which is fully understandable after what she went through. But you will be rooting for these two all the way.

BooksBooksandmoreBooks69

1,999 reviews39 followers

bookbub-reviews kindle-ebooks-i-have-read my-blog

My Fight Song: A Second Chance Hockey Romance (Lesson in Love #5) by Tara September is a fun, heartfelt novella that delivers classic college hockey romance vibes with a satisfying slow-burn twist.

Kaylee Jenkins arrives at Thatcher College for a fresh start, ditching her ex and the ice back in Minnesota, only to collide with Tanner Bouché, the cocky captain of the rival Thunderblades and the boy she turned down years ago at training camp.

As the new team manager, she’s forced into close proximity with Tanner, whose lingering feelings and determination to prove he’s grown up spark tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry.
Kaylee’s revenge plot against her ex adds extra stakes, but the real game is whether she can trust her heart again.

The story shines with engaging dual POV, witty bench banter, and a strong FMC who holds her own without unnecessary drama from the team.

Readers who love the mix of romcom humor, steamy moments, emotional depth around past hurts and second chances, plus a fun take on revenge and justice. This is the book for you.

It’s quick, immersive, and well written, with great characters and a perfect balance of sports action and romance.

It is a novella, so the pace is fast and the plot straightforward, but it packs in plenty of heart and heat without feeling rushed.

So if you love slowburn college hockey romances, second chance stories, sassy banter, and couples who battle as hard for each other as they do on the ice, My Fight Song is a winner.

🦋

Melissa Kastner

124 reviews

Another win for this author!

It’s not just a hockey romance, which who doesn’t love one. But about second chances, betrayal by those your supposed to trust and fighting back and not being a victim anymore by taking your power.

Kaylee is a woman who was victimized by her ex, enduring harassment and threats and forced to leave her school.

Tanner is the new Captain of the hockey team trying to figure out how to make it work and win.

The two knew each other before college but a misunderstanding broke them apart. After reconnecting in college the two start a relationship. Kaylee helps him with his game and Tanner helps Kaylee fight back against the harassment she has endured and take her power back.

I liked the couple, Tanner is a golden retriever that wants nothing more than to protect Kaylee and Kaylee wants to fight the wrongs committed and share her life with Tanner. Both fight for what they believe in and for each other.

It also sends a message about how we think of something as innocent and private between couples can turn ugly and malicious and what we can do when that happens.

Give it a read!

Sara Ann

692 reviews

Such a great addition to an already amazing series!

This book was everything I wanted it to be! I started of 2026 with a series of terrible books and a horrible book slump, and this book pulled me out of it.

Kaylee was such a powerful FMC. She not only stands up for herself, but she does the same for other women. The way she speaks on harassment and gives women a platform to know they aren’t alone is amazing.

Tanner is just perfect. Where can I get me one of him?!?! He empowers Kaylee to be her best self. He doesn’t care that she is the daughter of a hockey legend, he only cares about her and helping her achieve her goals. He also speaks French and translates French romance novels. What?!?! He is perfect.

If you’re looking for an easy going pallet cleanser, check this one out! It can be read as a standalone, and I guarantee Tanner will be added to your book boyfriend list.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Jacklyn B

1,288 reviews53 followers

January 19, 2026

I really enjoyed Tanner and Kaylee’s story! It was a fun and quick read and these characters were so easy to root for. They have known each other for years and now are in the same place…Yes this is a slow burn but the tension between them is so good. There are also some really good emotional moments too.

I really liked Kaylee - she was strong and driven and I love how she steps into her new role leaving her ex behind. Make no mistake, it’s not easy, especially with what she was going through. I love seeing a FMC really take back her power.

Oh Tanner - he is a sweetheart and low key obsessed with her - all green flag energy from him! He is so supportive (especially when it matters) and has more layers to him than I expected.

✨What To Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance Novella
✌️Second chance
🏫College Sports
🎭Secret identity
💋She's the team manager
🌟He's the team captain
💜Bench banter
💥Revenge on an ex
❤️‍🔥Love at first fight
🔥Slow burn + steam

arc

autwenreads

501 reviews21 followers

This was my first time reading Tara September and I devoured this in one sitting. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The college hockey + second chance romance combo worked so well, and the storyline kept me hooked from start to finish.

Kaylee is such a strong FMC and I loved seeing her step up, own her voice, and actually lead the team toward success. She wasn’t just there for the romance, and that made her character even better. Tanner, though? Absolute boyfriend material. Patient, protective, and fully all in for Kaylee without ever trying to dim her shine. Loved him.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable, quick read with great characters, solid chemistry, and just the right amount of hockey banter and heart. Definitely a win for me.

Thank you to The Author Agency & Tara September for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

arc-s

Jenny

80 reviews

Review of advance copy

January 9, 2026

ARC received from 'The author agency' in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first time reading Tara September's.work and it will not be the last that's for certain.

This was a short and sweet read, less than 200 pages of great pacing and the plot was so well structured for such a short read. I loved characters, I despised characters which shows how well developed they were.

Tanner & Kaylee were so made for one another the banter and the back and forth was amazing. The tension building between them was so authentic, it was genuinely like this actually could happen in real life 🤣.

I would have liked to see more of Derek's downfall tho but that's probably just cos I like a 'petty revenge' side plot. Overall a great read highly recommend it for your TBR pile.

Daisy.readsromance

891 reviews21 followers

January 24, 2026

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮

ᗯᕼᗩT TO ᗴ᙭ᑭᗴᑕT:
💜𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮
🏒𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆
💜𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
My Fight Song follows Tanner and Kaylee, who first met at a youth hockey camp and now go to the same college. Kaylee is now the team manager for Tanner's hockey team, and despite not being supposed to develop feelings for each other, their close proximity is making it a difficult task.

𝗚𝗼𝘀𝗵, 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 is a walking green flag. This guy is a man among boys who knows how to treat a girl. He is protective of Kaylee, yet gives her the space to handle her own problems. Not that she needed saving, but the moral support is highly appreciated. Kaylee was facing a difficult breakup and a nasty ex who wanted to intimidate her, but she managed to stand up for herself and come back stronger. Although the story is super short, it effectively portrays the connection between two people who are meant to be together. I really enjoyed the characters in this story. If you are a fan of college romance and forced proximity, I highly recommend checking out "𝗠𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴.". A big thanks to 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 for this read. All thoughts share here are my own.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟰⭐️ |𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 𝟮/𝟱🌶️

Teri Roberts

272 reviews3 followers

December 26, 2025

I loved everything about this book. Even the art at the beginning of each chapter. The two main characters were easy to love. The FMC came from a hockey family, was one tough woman and is creative with getting the team to listen to and respect her. The MMC was kind and gentle, except for on the ice, and he has a unique job. This is a second chance romance and I was here for it. This book was well-written and easy to read and follow. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I liked the secondary characters, as well. I look forward to reading more from this author and would definitely recommend this short one.

Jackie

535 reviews9 followers

Review of advance copy

January 8, 2026

I was instantly drawn to Kaylee and Tanner's personalities. Their witty banter was captivating and made me eager to uncover their history. Kaylee is fierce and outspoken, the perfect balance for Tanner, the dependable and non-typical jock. The perfect balance of humor, a little drama, and seriously sizzling hot chemistry. I also loved seeing characters from her other books. Another great book by Tara September!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Jen

334 reviews

5 ⭐️
📕: My Fight Song by Tara September
I loved how even though this is a novella theres an amazing story you learn in this book. Kaylee has decided she is going to get her life back after break up with her narcissistic ex boyfriend. Tanner is a total golden retriever and plays hockey. He is also the captain. Kaylee and Tanner haven’t seen each other in a while but the connection between these two is amazing! I love the side characters in this book their friendship group is great.

Julie Booklover

2,128 reviews105 followers

January 18, 2026

My Fight Song is a second chance, hockey romance. An easy to read novella, that put a smile on my face.

I love Kaylee, she is a fighter, driven, and taking back her life after a toxic ex. A college senior, with many plates in the air, and a second chance with Tanner whom she has known forever.

A college romance between two people who realize they never really forgot each other. The messy feelings young love brings. A slow burn as they get a second chance.

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

L KQ

5,677 reviews22 followers

January 19, 2026

Article Reunion

Tanner is the new hockey captain for the Thunderbolts. Kaylee has just switched schools due to personal issues and joins the team as their manager. Their past was an interesting addition to the plot as they go from friends to lovers. I loved the interactions between Tanner and Kaylee, even with their slow burn, these two had explosive chemistry. I could not put it down.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Tina

208 reviews

Light hearted love story.

Read this one when your heart is overwhelmed and you need something to make you smile. It's a feel good story that includes a second chance romance and revenge on a cheating ex! 'Nough said. Very little spice. One small scene, but it fit the speed of the book well. Sorry, sweet, airy. I really enjoyed it!

ajscenic

1,559 reviews14 followers

January 17, 2026

I thought this was an enjoyable read. It was entertaining, fun and frustrating, all rolled into one!
I like the idea that Kaylee and Tanner have been skirting around their attraction for years, but the time has never been right to take it further, except now it is! This is a heartwarming read with a lovely ending.

Amanda Frye

352 reviews8 followers

December 9, 2025

Kaylee and Tanner were a perfect couple. Tanner was the perfect person to have in your corner. I fell in love with Tanner’s character from first page he was introduced. Kaylee had to grow on me but by the end I understood her more. Great book .

Patricia Lord

1,007 reviews

If you’re looking for an easy going quick read this is it. This is a fun hockey/ second chance novella. It has the perfect balance of humor, chemistry, banter, drama to follow along and get their history between them.

Gladys

14k reviews163 followers

Kaylee and Tanner's story really sinks its claws into your heart. The emotions are thick, there's some tension and a bit of angst, a bunch of sweetness and plenty of humor to enjoy as you read this book.

Barbara Mann

163 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers

January 6, 2026

Nice to see a college romance where the FMC and MMC don't immediately fall into bed and then develop a relationship from there. Wish it were more developed though seems rushed.

stacey bourassa

18 reviews1 follower

Novella 155 pages! Pretty good read to come off of a book hangover! College hockey romance and the MMC is sweet, FMC is pretty bad ass after being screwed over by her ex.

Tiffany Sturms

223 reviews

January 15, 2026

This was a fun, short read that left you wanting more. If you’re a fan of steamy hockey books, give this one a shot! Thank you The Author Agency!

Tammy

753 reviews12 followers

January 15, 2026

📚My Fight Song
✍🏻Tara September
Blurb:
Hockey is their game. Love is the rematch.

Kaylee Jenkins thought she left the ice—and her heartbreak—behind in Minnesota. But transferring to Thatcher College means more than just a fresh start. It means crossing paths again with Tanner Bouché, the boy she didn’t pick years ago at hockey camp. Now he’s the Thunderblades’ captain, and totally not ready for the scathing editorial she’s about to drop in the campus paper about his team.

But Tanner isn’t the cocky jock she remembers. Beneath the swagger is a leader carrying the weight of a championship team, and a guy who’s never stopped wanting the girl who got away. When fate throws them back together—Kaylee as the team’s manager, Tanner as her impossible-to-ignore captain—sparks ignite on and off the ice making second chances seem possible.

And when her reputation is put on the line by the ex she once trusted, Tanner is ready to drop the gloves for her honor. But winning each other’s trust might be the biggest victory of all.
✔ Secret identity ✔ Second chance romance ✔ Bench banter

If you crave slow-burn college hockey romances with heart, and couples who fight as hard for love as they do on the ice, you’ll love My Fight Song.
My Thoughts:
Solid hockey romance book.Kaylee has left her family, her school, her ex and hockey behind. Her first step at Thatcher college is write an editorial against the hockey team but she can't hide her behind her pen name for long. Tanner is a golden retriever of a MMC, while he is initially upset and put out by the very critical editorial article Kaylee writes about the hockey team and him personally as the team captain. Watching Kaylee heal from her past and take back her power as a strong, independent young woman is truly inspiring. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this wonderful series!
Thanks NetGalley, Plus it Up and Author Tara September for the advanced copy of "My Fight Song" I am voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#PlusitUp
#TaraSeptember
#MyFightSong
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

N.N. Heaven

Author 6 books2,136 followers