Thrown Off Balance

by Kristin MacQueen

Cover coming soon!

He was my first love. The man I thought I'd spend forever with... until my parents moved away and I lost contact with him. I've been back in my hometown for a while and never ran into him. The last place I expect to see him is at a hockey game... on the ice.

She's the one I compare every woman to. The reason I don't date even though there's no chance of us getting back together. Yet when I'm slammed into the glass during a game and find her on the other side, I can't stop thinking about her and what could've been.

small town romance, sports romance, hockey romance, friends to lovers, second chance, meet cute, forced proximity, he falls first
stalker

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2026

About the author

Kristin is a closed door romance author. She writes new adult, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, tattoo artist, doctor/medical, police, small town, and sports romances. Every book includes humor and a quick punch in the feels, leaving you laughing, crying, and swooning.
Kristin lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, kids, dogs and cats. When she’s not writing she enjoys sewing, making crafts, reading, hiking and camping with her family. She started writing when her husband was away and became bored after the kids were put to bed at night.
She splits her time between being a stay at home mom, writing, and homeschooling. She spend years working in the operating room and loves to bring some of that experience into her books.

Follow Kristin - https://linktr.ee/Kristinmacqueenauthor

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

another day another review 📖✨

I received Thrown Off Balance by Kristin MacQueen as an ARC—and I literally finished this in 3 hours (including the bonus epilogue). Not even gonna lie… it was also day 1 of PMS, so this book came in clutch as the perfect distraction from cramps 😭

First off, I love the whole concept of the families being so forward-thinking—buying/building homes not just for themselves but for their kids and their friends too. Like… a whole compound?? It’s cute in theory, but me personally? I could NEVER 😅 my family is way too nosy for that kind of setup lol

One thing I will say—at the beginning, I was a little confused with the POV switches. The table of contents tells you whose POV you’re in, but the chapters themselves don’t, so those first couple chapters had me pausing like “wait… who is talking right now?” But once I got into the flow, it was fine.

Now the characters had me all over the place:

* I was cracking up at Jax separating Sloan from her boyfriend 😭
* That teammate stepping in before Cody got attacked?? ICONIC
* And Jude… yeah… at first he had me like “why is this reminding me of my ex?” which already had me ready to smack him 😂 but as I kept reading, he crossed into a little too unhinged, and I was like yeah… never mind, none of my exes are THIS crazy 💀 he was definitely giving Joe Goldberg energy—even though I’ve never even watched You

Also, random but I loved the Criminal Minds reference because same—I binged that whole show last year like it was my job.

What really stood out to me though was Sloan and Jax’s relationship. It felt so natural and familiar—very much giving the same dynamic I have with my guy friends, which made it hit a little more.

By the time I got to the ending?? SO sweet. And the epilogue somehow made it even sweeter. Like this was just one of those easy, cute reads you can take anywhere—but still has a little twist to keep you locked in.

Now I’m definitely curious about the parents’ stories… especially Pauly 👀 I might have to go back and read the earlier series because I need answers.

Overall, this was a fun, quick, entertaining read that had me laughing, side-eyeing certain characters, and fully invested start to finish.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Thrown Off Balance expecting a fun sports romance with classic tropes, and it delivered exactly that. 😊 It’s a new author for me too, and one I’m going to be looking into after reading this book.

Sloan and Cody were childhood sweethearts/first loves who lost touch when her family moved away.
Years later, she’s back in their small hometown, and he’s a professional hockey player for the Pythons.

Their reunion happens in the most dramatic (and meet/cute) way possible, when he gets slammed into the glass right in front of her during a game. (She’s with another man!) From there, the forced proximity, lingering feelings, and “he falls first/hard” energy kick in strong. 😉

I loved the second chance vibe. The nostalgia, the “what if” conversations, and the way they both compare everyone else to their first love hit that sweet spot without being overly angsty.
Hockey elements were good. The author gives enough game scenes and team dynamics to satisfy sports romance fans without overwhelming the central relationship.

The suspense/stalker thread (as noted in the TW) adds an “out of left field” layer of excitement without derailing the romance. It raises the stakes in a way that feels fresh for the subgenre.

It leans heavily into the tropes (small town, friends to lovers/second chance, forced proximity), so if you want something super unpredictable it might feel familiar. But when the tropes are executed this warmly, I’m here for it.

Overall, this was a charming start to the Python’s Hockey series. It’s comforting, low angst, and leaves you smiling with that “happily ever after” glow.
Perfect for fans of second chance sports romances who enjoy small town charm and a hero who never got over his first love.

I’ll definitely be picking up the next one!

A sweet, heartfelt second chance hockey romance with just the right amount of tension.

If you like authors who blend heartfelt reconnection with light suspense and a tight knit community, this one’s worth checking out.

Highly recommend for a cozy read. 🏒❤️

🦋

4.5 ⭐️

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved in this story:

Found family - I love stories that feature strong family ties amongst the characters, and this book gave a healthy dose of that. The closeness, camaraderie, and loyalty exhibited by the MMC's family especially was so enviable. How fun it would really be to be part of such a close-knit group like that.

Lovable characters - the Robinson twins truly were adorable in this story. Cody, the MMC, is every bit the ideal book boyfriend for how devoted and committed he is to the woman he loves. Jax, his twin, brought such an enjoyable lightness and amusement to the story. He is certainly someone I'd like to read more of in a future book focusing this time on him and his lucky girl.

Second-chance romance - This is a trope I really enjoy, because there are so many interesting ways an author can create stories where two people are given a second shot at love that will finally lead to their happy ever after. I'm always curious about the reasons for the couple's separation, the circumstances that bring them back in each other's paths again, and how they would eventually re-establish their relationship. In this particular case, I was curious how the main characters - Cody and Sloan - will get their second chance given that Sloan is already in a relationship with another man when she reunites with Cody after years being apart. What a surprising plot twist there turned out to be!

I'm grateful to the author for being among her early readers of an advanced review copy of this book. I offer this review fully voluntarily.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloan is persuaded to go to a hockey match by her boyfriend, Jude, she's been dating him for six months but is getting fed up with his attitude and the way he leaves her when someone or something more interesting comes along, trouble is he turns out to be the boss' son, which she didn't know when she started to go out with him.
She used to live in this town a few years ago but her parents moved when she was still at school, it broke her heart as she had a steady boyfriend and thought her life was all planned out. Cody and Jax are twins, they play hockey for the Pythons, their hometown, they've never moved away.
When Cody sees Sloan at the match he's startled, he didn't know she'd moved back and can't understand why she didn't contact him when she did, they were really close before she had to leave. Sloan hadn't contacted him or his family because she thought he might be married with children and she couldn't bear that, it was bad enough losing him the first time.
They meet up after the match, thanks to their sister, Jude immediately takes over and won't leave Jax alone, trying to monopolise his attention, which Jax allows as he has a kind heart and doesn't want to upset Sloan, also he's trying to keep Jude away from Sloan and Cody so they can try to renew their relationship.
Sloan loves being involved with Cody's family, they all take her back into their hearts, but Jude is starting to be a problem.

Wow what a read! First one I've read of Kristin's and it's great, a romantic suspense.

[Kell X · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this story I want to move to Mulberry Lane and belong to that tight family that loves and supports each other so much.
I loved this about this book. It's like a big hug engulfing us.
I also loved the twins dinamics and support. It was awsome that they were there for each other and we could almost feel their bond through the author's words.
About the main couple.. I loved Cody. He was just so easy to love. Smart, funny, loyal and protective and so, so caring. He was in love with Sloan since forever and had missed her since they were appart several years before. When she walks back into his life he shows her just that! With all the patience and respect and giving her time to decide and choose him
Sloan is a sweet woman who has her life figured out. Until she meets Cody and his family once again and her actual boyfriend starts to behave in a weird and then scary way and she realises that her relationship is not what it seemed and that her feelings for Cody were not lost in the past.
We have some suspense and mystery with her stalker ex, and I loved this bit of danger and the protectiveness it brought up from all those men in the amazing family.
I'll be rooting for Jax's story next and hope that it comes out ASAP!

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cody Robinson plays right wing for the Philadelphia Pythons, and his twin brother Jax plays center. Sloan Weathers is back in town and working at a marketing firm. She is also dating the boss’s son Jude, who invites her to the Pythons’ game where she comes face to face with the boy she fell in love with years ago before her parents moved them away. But it seems like their hearts start pumping again, especially when Jax and the rest of their friends do everything in their power to bring them back together. All is going well until her deranged, bipolar ex-boyfriend stalker goes off the rails and plans to take out the person responsible for losing his idol Jax.

What a stunning romantic thriller Kristin MacQueen has conjured, filled with a wonderful extended family, caring neighbors, and two second-chance lovers who miraculously find their way back to each other and HEA. I was so enthralled that I read Thrown Off Balance on one sitting and highly recommend it to fans of this genre!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best of all worlds. We get a hockey romance, second chance romance, and friends to lovers. Nothing makes me happier than a happy meshing of my favorite tropes. This story highlights the intense connections that follow you from childhood to adulthood. Cody is exactly what a girl wants from a book boyfriend. He’s fiercely devoted and deeply committed to the people he cares about, especially his woman. The connection between Cody and Sloan was so genuine feeling. You cannot help but want them to have everything their hearts desire. There’s definitely some twists and turns in this book that I was not expecting and it definitely adds to the tension and turmoil that we feel. The chemistry between our characters is palpable and intense. An undeniable link that spanned years. They were meant to be. And watching their relationship grow and morph throughout the story was so endearing. And her relationship with Jax was absolutely incredible. All in all this was a beautiful and intense story of second chance love. I can’t wait to read more.

[Brandi Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading these interconnected stand alone series! If you've read the Pit Bulls baseball series by this author then you already know a lot of characters that pop up in the start of this one. Closed door romance with a lot of drama and fun banter. This story follows Cody and Sloan but where there's Cody there's Jax, his twin brother. Cody and Jax are pro hockey players in their hometown. Slow is Cody's ex that moved away, but has since moved back. Sloan moved back, is working a great job, and is dating the bosses son. When she goes on a date with her boyfriend to a hockey game, things go crazy real quick. Cody is slammed into the glass right in front of where Sloan is sitting and things in their relationships change. Cody always has and always will love Sloan, she has been his only relationship. Now he's faced with the challenge of seeing her with someone else. The problem becomes that her boyfriend is obsessed with Jax. What can go wrong with Cody, Sloan, and Jax being stuck together 24/7?

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Having said that, this is not as much about the hockey aspect as it is getting to know the cast and crew and reading their journey. Yes, you do get some hockey but if you are a big fan of that genre and expecting a lot, I wanted to warn that is not the case. What you do get is a beautiful story about family, chosen and blood, about brothers and their bond, about relationships lost and regained and a twisty little thing you don't see coming. It's touching and sweet, full of anticipation and confusion and also filled with love in varying sorts. For a first book, it does a great job of getting you to meet all the characters and giving you an understanding of them as individuals as well as as a crew. The characters are thought out and fun to get to know. The love story is sweet but I truly appreciate all the twists the most as you don't always see them coming. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sloan and Cody’s book. Reading this book was like going back and revisiting Wes & Addi’s book in a sense. You do get to see them in the book also but you can feel Wes’s personality in his sons. You can also feel the effect of the others in Mulberry Lanes in raising all the kids that the original group had. Sloan & Jude weren’t right for each other because he wasn’t her “one” iykyk. Cody knew Sloan was his “one”. I loved reading the antics Jax got into and how Cody had to reel him back in to focus. I loved seeing Sloan’s friendship with Jax. I wish Sloan would have reached out to Cody but hindsight can be full of regret. The author handled mental illness well. I think the end of the book was handled with grace. It reminds me that some people handle stress and grief differently than others. Mental illness is a real thing. I think the book was great. Sloan & Cody’s love for each other remind me of his parents. I can’t wait to see Jax fall in love.

[Lisa Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the first in the Pythons Hockey series, which is a second gen series following the Mulberry Lane and Pit Bulls Baseball offsprings lives. I haven’t read these series, so there were characters mentioned that I didn’t know the back stories of, but in no way did I feel this reduced my enjoyment of this book (it just made me want to go and read those series).
I thought Sloan and Cody were sweet together, and Jax provided much comic relief. Their dynamic all together was so good and the wider family characters were great also.
This is a closed door romance, so if you are looking for steamy scenes, you will be disappointed. But if you want a sweet love story, with quite a few laughs and added tension, I recommend this book.
I was gifted an early ARC of this book by Kristin, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love discovering a new series, and this one has all my favorites—second chance romance, second gen characters, and hockey. I was instantly in.
Cody and Sloane were childhood sweethearts until Sloane moved away, and when these two reconnect, it happens in the best way. I absolutely loved their story. Cody is such a strong hero, and it’s clear he never stopped loving his girl.
Even though this is a second gen series, you don’t need to have read the previous books to fully enjoy this story. So much happens to Cody and Sloane, and the added elements kept me completely hooked from start to finish.
I also loved Cody’s twin, Jax. The bond between Jax and Sloane was so special—she loves him like a brother, and some of their conversations were my absolute favorites.
I’m already obsessed with this family and cannot wait for book two!

[Jill Schoenmehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, intense, love story of Cody and Sloan.
Cody and Sloan were a couple in high school until Sloan and her parents moved away her junior year in high school. Cody and his twin, Jax, immersed themselves in ice hockey to become professionals in the sport, when Sloan moved away.
Sloan moved back after college to work for a company which happened to be Jude’s, her new boyfriend’s father’s company. Jude likes ice hockey and took Sloan on a date to watch the game, to discover Sloan’s ex boyfriend and brother were on the team. The brothers happened to be Jude’s favorite players.
Jude’s obsession towards Jax deals with Jude stopping his medication for bipolar, which leads to an intense story of possession of Jax and Sloan being the reason Jax, doesn’t like him anymore.
Something has to be done to save Sloan from Jude’s desire to have Jax as his friend once more.
A great read!

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to delving deeper into the Robinson twins, so I was very excited to see what was in store for Cody!
Cody, like all the other men on Mulberry Lane, is incredible! He’s an amazing brother, not only to Jax, his twin, but also to his sisters. He loves and would do anything for his family or those he loves. It’s at one of his hockey games that he comes face to face with ex girlfriend, his first and only love, Sloan.
It’s this chance encounter that really gets the story moving. It turns out that Sloan went to the game with her current boyfriend, Jude. But things start to unfold in unexpected ways with Jude!
I loved Sloan and Cody, obviously, but I loved Jax, too! He reminds me Lincoln and Owen. I can’t wait to read his book next!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrown Off Balance is book one of the Python's Hockey Series. 

Cody and Sloan were childhood sweethearts, but after a move, they lost touch with each other. Now they are back in each others lives and both feel the connection again. However, Sloan is in a relationship with Jude. I want to say this story does not have cheating as it is a sweet story. I don't want to give too much away as it really made the story interesting, but where Kristin MacQueen took us in this story, was not how I thought it was going to go. Even though we have the sweet story, there are a few darker elements that come into play with the story and it really made for an interesting read. I can't wait to continue this series and see what else happens with the characters. 

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

First love never died, it just stayed dormant. My first read by this author and it was very worth reading, I was focussed and engaged with the plot and characters. The challenge faced with a twist and how it was dealt with gave plenty of action. I loved the sound of the families all living close with friends that were as much family as blood ones, the support and connection they shared with limited boundaries. The bond of the twins was so special and i loved that Sloan was happy to have them remain close. Romantic with a touch of suspense.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHappily Ever AfterOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters

[Nicole Sapriken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly quick read and I loved it. I love hockey romances, and this one was great. Not much ice time, and I am ok with that. I am actually at the age where I look at most players and see baby faces (not you Sid). The sweetness between Sloan and Cody is just perfect and how things just fall into place.
The out of left field twist threw me for sure. I didn’t see that coming. It had me not putting the book down from start to finish!
A very sweet, quick read, that was exactly what I needed to read before jumping into another more intense book.


Tropes:
sports romance
hockey romance
small town romance
friends to lovers
second chance romance
shared past

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunion
I loved this second chance romance between Sloan and Cody, plus his twin Jax is a great secondary character (it’s not a love triangle).
These are wonderful characters and they deliver all the delicious found family vibes, hockey action, witty banter, humour and romance that I have come to expect from this author.
There’s a bit of drama when her ex gets clingy and demanding, which was an unexpected plot twist.
This was such an easy and enjoyable story, it’s heartfelt and full of small town charm. I loved all the characters and I look forward to revisiting them as the series continues.

[Tracy Kimpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just blew me away. I loved Sloan and Cody so much; Jax was a load of fun too. I could not put this book down; I read until my eyes could not stay open any longer, as I was riveted. This had me laughing, on the edge of my seat, and crying. It is thrilling. I didn't want this book to end, as it was so enjoyable to read. Although I did get a bonus chapter, as I am a subscriber to the author. I cannot wait for the next book in the Pythons series.

I received an advanced reader copy, and the review is my own after reading this book.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A start of a new series and I was not disappointed! I loved Sloane, Cody, and Jax. Sloane and Cody were high school sweethearts until she moved away. Cody never got over his first love, and when she reappeared at one of his hockey games with her new boyfriend, Cody was devastated all over. But when Sloane’s boyfriend becomes unhinged, Cody will do everything to protect her. Enter Cody’s protective twin Jax and the rest of the Mulberry Lane family! I can’t wait for the next book to see Jax get his happily ever after like Cody!

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's sugary sweet and a little sour romance. Sloan has known Cody since they were yiung and dated as teens. Her parents left town, to ehich has returned and been here a year.
A night at a hockey game reunties them, but it has a hard edge, especially due to her boyfriend Jude.
Love Cody and Sloan. The perfect couple. Love Jax, his twin, who is a character all on his own. The couple are great together and Jax adds a little extra to the dynamics. The Mulberry Lane residents are a close family and Jude, is the fly in the ointment.

[Noreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the banter between the brothers and laughed out loud several times. Sloan was too nice to Jude and I find it odd that she never knew he had mental health issues. I also thought laughing after Jude was killed was in poor taste by the author. Jude’s father coming to see Sloan at the end I also thought was far fetched. It was a good read until the end. Mental health and the death of a character should not be laughed at and it soured what up until then was an enjoyable book.

[Jina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cody and Sloan may be my new favorite couple! I absolutely loved the dynamic created throughout the book and was on the edge of my seat there for a bit waiting to see what was happening next. 👀 I love that they found their way back to each other after so many years, that’s some true love.

As with all of Mulberry Lane, there’s just something wholesome that makes me wish I was right there with the characters! 10/10 recommend, teary eyes and all!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cody and Sloan were a couple as teenagers. But when Sloan had to move away with her parents their relationship ended. Now working in marketing, Sloan has moved back to her home town and is dating her boss' son, Jude. Cody is now a hockey player for the Pythons. However, when Jude takes her to see a Python's game Sloan realises that she still has feelings for Cody. Some interesting twists in this lovely second chance story as Cody and Sloan navigate how they can have a future together.

[Jessica Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great first book of the series!! The plot took a turn that I was not expecting with one of the primary characters which I enjoyed that the plot wasn’t so predictable.  All the characters are so lovable except for one. You get captivated by the history of them all and how they are linked in some way.  

This was a great second chance story with a happy ending. I loved it and can’t wait for Jax’s story next!

[Lori Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to this new series! This was a super quick read for me and I didn't want to put it down. The fun banter between Sloan and Cody was quick witted and cute, but also the banter with Jax was enjoyable too. I'm always up for a bit of mystery in a rom-com and this held my attention to figure out what would happen.
I've always wanted to live somewhere like Mulberry Lane and this was a fun daydream while reading.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this a new series for me, but a new author as well. I absolutely loved this story of Cody and Sloan. Great characters, loving family and two amazing twins! Second chances are one of my favorites and add some suspense only made it better. Looking forward to reading more of Kristin’s books.

[Coryne Forest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloan and Cody were a great couple and you were really rooting for them to figure it all out. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that I like my hockey romances to have more hockey in it and how that demanding career effects the relationship. It's a great story, though, and I do recommend it highly!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I have to admit that I'm a sucker for the guys of Mulberry Lane. It's like green flags meet protector vibes, if I had to move into a literary place that would be it for sure!
Cody and Sloan have the best chemistry and Kristin knows exactly how to throw a little suspense into the mix to make it interesting. Great reading!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrown Off Balance is book 1 of Pythons Hockey series by Kristin MacQueen. This book is Cody and Sloan's story that is a second chance small town romance that had me hooked from the first page. This is a beautiful story about family and the strong ties with some twist and turns you don’t see coming. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one!