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Off-Limits Play: A brother’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance
My brother’s best friend. My grumpy roommate. My forbidden client.
Apparently, I collect bad ideas—and this one comes with abs, attitude, and a body built for sin.
When my apartment floods, Cole Maddox—captain of the New York Renegades and my brother’s best friend—offers me his spare room.
It’s supposed to be temporary. Strictly professional.
But sharing his space means sharing late nights, stolen glances, and tension that hums like electricity.
He’s control and command. I’m chaos and charm.
And somewhere between spreadsheets and sleepless nights, I forget every rule I swore I’d keep.
One touch turns into a kiss that tastes like danger.
One kiss becomes a secret neither of us can quit.
Then the headlines hit—photos, rumors, accusations that I slept my way into the contract.
My business is imploding. His career’s on the line. My brother will never forgive us.
Now the man I can’t resist might be the one thing that ruins me.
Apparently, I collect bad ideas—and this one comes with abs, attitude, and a body built for sin.
When my apartment floods, Cole Maddox—captain of the New York Renegades and my brother’s best friend—offers me his spare room.
It’s supposed to be temporary. Strictly professional.
But sharing his space means sharing late nights, stolen glances, and tension that hums like electricity.
He’s control and command. I’m chaos and charm.
And somewhere between spreadsheets and sleepless nights, I forget every rule I swore I’d keep.
One touch turns into a kiss that tastes like danger.
One kiss becomes a secret neither of us can quit.
Then the headlines hit—photos, rumors, accusations that I slept my way into the contract.
My business is imploding. His career’s on the line. My brother will never forgive us.
Now the man I can’t resist might be the one thing that ruins me.
- GenresHockey
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
33 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 6, 2025
This review will check several boxes for me personally. First, this is my first review (ever.) I have never read a sports/contemporary book (usually I tend to be a romantasy/fantasy girlie.) This is also my first ARC ever.
With that being said, I really enjoyed this book. It was not a big book and was an easy read. I finished it in two days (only because I have a full time job.) I really enjoyed the sports reference, and the fact that I don’t need to know anything about Hockey to understand this book. I liked the chemistry between the FMC and MMC, even when I was yelling at them at times to get out of their own heads/way.
This book set up the next book flawlessly and ended this book on a high note. There isn’t much world building, but being set in NYC, that doesn’t take away from the story. Again, I usually read romantasy or fantasy and I am use to massive world building. I am already set to read the second book. I am really looking forward to the next installment. I am excited about breaking into other types of books and feel this was a great bridge in helping to achieve that.
Overall, this was a really good story and I highly recommend this to anyone that wants a quick feel good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With that being said, I really enjoyed this book. It was not a big book and was an easy read. I finished it in two days (only because I have a full time job.) I really enjoyed the sports reference, and the fact that I don’t need to know anything about Hockey to understand this book. I liked the chemistry between the FMC and MMC, even when I was yelling at them at times to get out of their own heads/way.
This book set up the next book flawlessly and ended this book on a high note. There isn’t much world building, but being set in NYC, that doesn’t take away from the story. Again, I usually read romantasy or fantasy and I am use to massive world building. I am already set to read the second book. I am really looking forward to the next installment. I am excited about breaking into other types of books and feel this was a great bridge in helping to achieve that.
Overall, this was a really good story and I highly recommend this to anyone that wants a quick feel good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2025
I enjoyed this hockey romance!
It was very sweet and a little empowering. I love how Cole opening shared his love for Harper.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was very sweet and a little empowering. I love how Cole opening shared his love for Harper.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
Off Limits Play is the first book in the Renegades Ice Hockey Romance Series and was published on December 1, 2025.
Overall, Off Limits Play started off strong when it came to introducing the main characters, Harper and Cole. Harper is an entrepreneur who works in event planning and Cole is the captain of the NHL’s New York Renegades hockey team.
Cole is close friends with Harper’s brother, Brett, which is how the two know each other. When the Renegades original event planning company pulls out for the season, Harper’s team is hired on.
While this is great news for Harper, that same day she comes home to a flooded apartment. Her first instinct is to find a hotel, but her brother basically states that she could just stay with Cole since he’s only a short distance away from her.
Begrudgingly, Harper agrees. Neither Cole or Harper are happy about it, but as time goes on, feelings on a more personal and romantic level begin to form between the two.
The book was a bit predictable for me, but I loved how Harper stood strong when it came to proving to everyone she worked with that she became a success all on her own with the help of her small team. She didn’t want to think that she became a success through nepotism as Brett and Cole are both NHL players.
I also loved how the conclusion set up for book 2 in the series.
What I didn’t like was how Cole misunderstood what Harper wanted when it came to making their relationship public. I thought that there could have been more context provided as to why Cole did what he did. I also didn’t really get true enemies-to-lovers vibes from it.
Overall, Off Limits Play was a 3 1/2 ⭐️ read for me. 2/5 for 🌶️
While I think there could be some improvements to the book, I am looking forward to reading the second book. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading MF hockey romance and enjoy short reads (this book is 189 pages). I also recommend this book to readers who like forced proximity and brothers best friend tropes.
———
All opinions are my own.
Overall, Off Limits Play started off strong when it came to introducing the main characters, Harper and Cole. Harper is an entrepreneur who works in event planning and Cole is the captain of the NHL’s New York Renegades hockey team.
Cole is close friends with Harper’s brother, Brett, which is how the two know each other. When the Renegades original event planning company pulls out for the season, Harper’s team is hired on.
While this is great news for Harper, that same day she comes home to a flooded apartment. Her first instinct is to find a hotel, but her brother basically states that she could just stay with Cole since he’s only a short distance away from her.
Begrudgingly, Harper agrees. Neither Cole or Harper are happy about it, but as time goes on, feelings on a more personal and romantic level begin to form between the two.
The book was a bit predictable for me, but I loved how Harper stood strong when it came to proving to everyone she worked with that she became a success all on her own with the help of her small team. She didn’t want to think that she became a success through nepotism as Brett and Cole are both NHL players.
I also loved how the conclusion set up for book 2 in the series.
What I didn’t like was how Cole misunderstood what Harper wanted when it came to making their relationship public. I thought that there could have been more context provided as to why Cole did what he did. I also didn’t really get true enemies-to-lovers vibes from it.
Overall, Off Limits Play was a 3 1/2 ⭐️ read for me. 2/5 for 🌶️
While I think there could be some improvements to the book, I am looking forward to reading the second book. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading MF hockey romance and enjoy short reads (this book is 189 pages). I also recommend this book to readers who like forced proximity and brothers best friend tropes.
———
All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, it really surprised me since I haven’t read soft romances in a while but I found myself unable to stop once I’d started. It definitely comes out as one of my top hockey reads this year and 4/5⭐️. Spice is a 🌶️🌶️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. Also thank you so much for letting me ARC read this book!
Harper must after her apartment is flooded move into her brothers best friend Cole’s apartment. Easy right? It’s just that she has to live with a grumpy hockey player. Except Cole has changed since she last saw him, and he realizes Harper has changed too. Lust turns into need and they now have to ask the question. Will they survive if this blows up?
This is the first time I read anything by this author and I loved every second. It’s a fairly short book but not too short so you feel like it’s missing out in the story. It’s perfect for when you don’t feel like picking up a 500 page book. The character development and the storyline was definitely there and it really grew on me as I kept reading. I’ve just been in a reading slump so me finishing this in three hours feels insane. But it’s an author i definitely will check out again!
Harper must after her apartment is flooded move into her brothers best friend Cole’s apartment. Easy right? It’s just that she has to live with a grumpy hockey player. Except Cole has changed since she last saw him, and he realizes Harper has changed too. Lust turns into need and they now have to ask the question. Will they survive if this blows up?
This is the first time I read anything by this author and I loved every second. It’s a fairly short book but not too short so you feel like it’s missing out in the story. It’s perfect for when you don’t feel like picking up a 500 page book. The character development and the storyline was definitely there and it really grew on me as I kept reading. I’ve just been in a reading slump so me finishing this in three hours feels insane. But it’s an author i definitely will check out again!
January 1, 2026
This book was absolutely phenomenal. Such a good start to the series. And a different take on the typical hockey romance storyline. Cole is precious. He wants to protect everyone. And jumps wholeheartedly into what he believes is the best way to do that. He’s respectful and supports others, even when he hurts himself. And he’s not afraid to own up to his mistakes. Publicly. Harper is a tough cookie, and I mean that respectfully. She’s been dismissed and unseen a lot of her life, and will do whatever she has to in order to not disappear again. She loves hard but will not lose herself in a relationship. She’s strong and independent. Girl boss for sure. The chemistry that Nicola develops between the two main characters is hot, raw, and absolutely real. This is one of the truest depictions I have read of this type of relationship. It’s messy and chaotic. This book will have you invested from the start and you’ll be unable to put it down. I know I couldn’t. Had to know what happened between Hurricane Harper and Mr. Perfect Order. And I was not disappointed. The clashes. The banter. The spice. All done to perfection. I will be reading this entire series as it comes out.
November 25, 2025
Believing in love
I love a good hockey story and this one did not disappoint.
Great storyline and characters with some steamy scenes added in.
Harper just wanted to be seen in her own right and not in the shadow of her famous much loved, hockey player brother.
Her event business was where she excelled and wanted to prove herself.
Cole, Captain of The Renegades hockey team, single and gorgeous lives for his hockey and nothing else.
Receiving a job at The Renegades Harper comes face to face with her brother’s best friend Cole.
After a disaster at her apartment she ends up unexpectedly living with Cole for a time.
There is attitude, banter and a crazy attraction that leads to more.
Can they work together when needed and also navigate what is happening between them?
Can they make it through the tough times?
A really enjoyable story and start of a series.
I’m looking forward to Liam’s story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a good hockey story and this one did not disappoint.
Great storyline and characters with some steamy scenes added in.
Harper just wanted to be seen in her own right and not in the shadow of her famous much loved, hockey player brother.
Her event business was where she excelled and wanted to prove herself.
Cole, Captain of The Renegades hockey team, single and gorgeous lives for his hockey and nothing else.
Receiving a job at The Renegades Harper comes face to face with her brother’s best friend Cole.
After a disaster at her apartment she ends up unexpectedly living with Cole for a time.
There is attitude, banter and a crazy attraction that leads to more.
Can they work together when needed and also navigate what is happening between them?
Can they make it through the tough times?
A really enjoyable story and start of a series.
I’m looking forward to Liam’s story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2025
ARC Review - Insta-lust, forbidden, fun
I normally really like hockey romance and this was a bit hard to get into for me, but it fits within the genre and uses well known tropes to get you started. Cole was an interesting character for sure who at times felt somewhat neurodivergent for me but that just added to his charm. Harper was sadly a tadd bit annoying for me and therefore felt a bit harder to read. I enjoyed Cole's pov much more. As I read Nova's book first, I enjoyed his little cameos a lot and really liked the others as well.
Their story began quite abrupt and I am really not a fan of insta love which happens to be one of the tropes for this book. The rest of the plot with the event's of the season and the story's climax made me continue tho. This book is perfect for a quick, spicy hockey romance treat.
I had to force my way through this book quite a bit but the ending was rewarding.
Nicola Hayes has a real good way with words which made the read even more fun.
I hope the others get their story told too.
I normally really like hockey romance and this was a bit hard to get into for me, but it fits within the genre and uses well known tropes to get you started. Cole was an interesting character for sure who at times felt somewhat neurodivergent for me but that just added to his charm. Harper was sadly a tadd bit annoying for me and therefore felt a bit harder to read. I enjoyed Cole's pov much more. As I read Nova's book first, I enjoyed his little cameos a lot and really liked the others as well.
Their story began quite abrupt and I am really not a fan of insta love which happens to be one of the tropes for this book. The rest of the plot with the event's of the season and the story's climax made me continue tho. This book is perfect for a quick, spicy hockey romance treat.
I had to force my way through this book quite a bit but the ending was rewarding.
Nicola Hayes has a real good way with words which made the read even more fun.
I hope the others get their story told too.
January 12, 2026
I have enjoyed several books by Nicola Hayes. This was no exception. A great hockey romance with plenty of spice and misunderstandings, plus a side of her brother's best friend drama.
Cole plays professional hockey. He's team captain and has a bit of a reputation for not taking anything except hockey seriously.
Harper runs her own event planning company. Her brother is Cole's best friend. When another, larger company fumbles the ball, Harper lands the biggest event contract of her life. She's signed to plan all events for the season for Cole's team. At almost the same time her apartment floods and her brother convinces Cole to let her stay in his guest room for a few days. The only problem is Harper is not the awkward teen with braces that Cole remembers.
Attraction is mutual. The press gets in the way. Harper's brother is not happy. And Cole makes a huge mistake. But is he smart enough to shoot for a chance and fix it? Read and find out. You won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cole plays professional hockey. He's team captain and has a bit of a reputation for not taking anything except hockey seriously.
Harper runs her own event planning company. Her brother is Cole's best friend. When another, larger company fumbles the ball, Harper lands the biggest event contract of her life. She's signed to plan all events for the season for Cole's team. At almost the same time her apartment floods and her brother convinces Cole to let her stay in his guest room for a few days. The only problem is Harper is not the awkward teen with braces that Cole remembers.
Attraction is mutual. The press gets in the way. Harper's brother is not happy. And Cole makes a huge mistake. But is he smart enough to shoot for a chance and fix it? Read and find out. You won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
I went into Off Limits Play feeling genuinely excited. I’ve read and loved a couple of Nicola Hayes’s novels, and the setup for this one had all the ingredients I usually fall for: brother’s best friend, forced proximity, sexy hockey player, and a good dose of forbidden tension. On paper, it’s everything I enjoy. Unfortuantely, this didn't work for me.
The premise is strong and definitely has potential. Cole, the grumpy and controlled captain of the New York Renegades, offers his spare room to his best friend’s sister after her apartment floods. It’s meant to be strictly temporary and strictly professional…and of course, that doesn’t last long.
The emotional connection never truly landed. The shift from roommates to hooking up to being in love happened so fast that it felt almost abrupt, like skipping the best parts of the journey. I kept waiting for more angst, more buildup, more moments where we see why these two fall for each other beyond physical attraction. Instead, many of the interactions felt more transactional than heartfelt, which made it hard to invest in the relationship.
The storyline itself had potential, especially with the media fallout, brother drama, and professional stakes. Those elements are great for raising tension, but without a strong emotional foundation between the characters, the impact felt muted.
That said, Hayes’s writing is easy to read, the pacing is quick, and the concept will appeal to many readers who love sports romance and forbidden tropes. Even though this one wasn’t a win for me, I know others will enjoy the chemistry, the setting, and the familiar comfort of these tropes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The premise is strong and definitely has potential. Cole, the grumpy and controlled captain of the New York Renegades, offers his spare room to his best friend’s sister after her apartment floods. It’s meant to be strictly temporary and strictly professional…and of course, that doesn’t last long.
The emotional connection never truly landed. The shift from roommates to hooking up to being in love happened so fast that it felt almost abrupt, like skipping the best parts of the journey. I kept waiting for more angst, more buildup, more moments where we see why these two fall for each other beyond physical attraction. Instead, many of the interactions felt more transactional than heartfelt, which made it hard to invest in the relationship.
The storyline itself had potential, especially with the media fallout, brother drama, and professional stakes. Those elements are great for raising tension, but without a strong emotional foundation between the characters, the impact felt muted.
That said, Hayes’s writing is easy to read, the pacing is quick, and the concept will appeal to many readers who love sports romance and forbidden tropes. Even though this one wasn’t a win for me, I know others will enjoy the chemistry, the setting, and the familiar comfort of these tropes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
Harper and Cole…. not quite enemies, but definitely at odds.
Despite following a similar formula, this was such a refreshing and sweet read. They’re good together, and I fell a little bit for Cole myself. he’s not ful golden retriever, but he was definitely heading that way. Some funny moments where he let jealousy get in the way - they needed to be behind a locked door for a while…
For the most part, green flags were definitely waving…
Unfortunately, this does have a third-act break-up… ugh! I knew it was coming… all signs led to it, but it was so frustrating!
I liked the epilogue from an alternate POV… I won’t spoil who, but what a lead in to the next story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Despite following a similar formula, this was such a refreshing and sweet read. They’re good together, and I fell a little bit for Cole myself. he’s not ful golden retriever, but he was definitely heading that way. Some funny moments where he let jealousy get in the way - they needed to be behind a locked door for a while…
For the most part, green flags were definitely waving…
Unfortunately, this does have a third-act break-up… ugh! I knew it was coming… all signs led to it, but it was so frustrating!
I liked the epilogue from an alternate POV… I won’t spoil who, but what a lead in to the next story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2026
This was a good, enjoyable read with interesting characters and a writing style that was fast-paced and flowed nicely. I found it easy to get into the story, and it kept my attention throughout, making it a solid choice for a quick romance read.
Cole and Harper definitely have chemistry, and I liked their dynamic, but their connection seemed to develop a little too quickly for my taste. I would have enjoyed a bit more buildup to really deepen their relationship and make the emotional moments hit harder.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging book that just needed a little more depth to push it into 4-star territory for me. As it stands, it’s a solid 3-star read and a good option if you’re looking for something fast and entertaining.
Cole and Harper definitely have chemistry, and I liked their dynamic, but their connection seemed to develop a little too quickly for my taste. I would have enjoyed a bit more buildup to really deepen their relationship and make the emotional moments hit harder.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging book that just needed a little more depth to push it into 4-star territory for me. As it stands, it’s a solid 3-star read and a good option if you’re looking for something fast and entertaining.
December 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Cole and Harper are a perfect balance to each other and the story fit them perfectly. A ballsy, take no prisoners FMC who wants to pave her own way in life instead of being compared to her golden boy brother and the robot captain who isn't used to his routine bejng questioned. Just the right amount of spice to go with a sweet love story that has a little hockey thrown in for good measure. This is my first book by Nicola Hayes but won't be my last!
December 16, 2025
Hockey or Love
Cole has been pressured into letting his best friend's sister stay with him while her apartment is repaired. But she is not who he remembers from childhood. He is the captain of the hockey team, and now has something else to live for.
But what will it be? Hockey or Love...
I liked this story and plan on reading more by this author.
Cole has been pressured into letting his best friend's sister stay with him while her apartment is repaired. But she is not who he remembers from childhood. He is the captain of the hockey team, and now has something else to live for.
But what will it be? Hockey or Love...
I liked this story and plan on reading more by this author.
December 16, 2025
Looking for more depth and detail
Love the storyline however, missing details-
When was the pivotal moment they fell for each other?
When did Cole and Brett discuss and repair their friendship?
Think his speech could have been more profound and heartfelt resulting in an immediate reunion…not moments later.
Love the storyline however, missing details-
When was the pivotal moment they fell for each other?
When did Cole and Brett discuss and repair their friendship?
Think his speech could have been more profound and heartfelt resulting in an immediate reunion…not moments later.
December 30, 2025
“Off Limits Play” by Nicola Hayes
-A sweet, feel-good hockey romance that’s an easy, fast read with great chemistry. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Harper’s goal to step out of her famous brother’s shadow pairs well with Cole’s quietly protective charm. Light banter, emotional growth, a touch of steam, and a strong setup make this a nice read.
-A sweet, feel-good hockey romance that’s an easy, fast read with great chemistry. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Harper’s goal to step out of her famous brother’s shadow pairs well with Cole’s quietly protective charm. Light banter, emotional growth, a touch of steam, and a strong setup make this a nice read.
December 30, 2025
This was such a great book. I was so glad that I got the opportunity to read it. I do wish that it was a little longer, it just needed a little more. I feel at the end to give it the proper closure it deserves. That being said, do not let this keep you from reading this book, it was really good. It just leaves you wanting more.
January 2, 2026
This engaging sports romance has drama, attraction, chemistry, love, denied feelings, and realizations. The storyline is entertaining, easy-to-read, and engaging. The MCs are defined, likable, and perfect for one another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2025
This book is like a work of art. Absolutely beautiful and well written storyline, and I loved Cole & Harper’s story. If you love reading hockey sports romance books, then grab this book in what’s the start of a fantastic new series.
December 3, 2025
predictable but cute
January 2, 2026
Every time they easily found street parking in NYC I was pulled out of the story. Nobody wanted to take the subway?
January 3, 2026
It was cute but too much sec not enough story needed to be developed further/deeper
January 21, 2026
Off-Limits Play is a sweet brother's best friend, enemies to lover's hockey romance that I really enjoyed. Harper finds herself in need of a place to stay since her apartment unexpectedly gets flooded and of course recommends his childhood best friend/fellow hockey player Cole to help her out with a place to stay. Harper and Cole are not pleased by their current temporary roommate situation, but it does become hard to avoid developing feelings for each other that is until things take an unexpected twist leaving Cole in the doghouse and at odds with Harper as well as her brother. This is a great start to this series especially with it being an easy quick read filled with spice, banter, family drama and chemistry.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews