This book was just everything I could’ve hoped for from Addie & JJ’s story! Just when I thought I’d read the best book Brittanee could write she outdoes herself! In this new series of the next generation of the Boston Bolts we have a grown up Addie Langsfield and JJ Hanson who are both goalies who have grown up together and played together and against each other. Addie is Beckett and Liv’s daughter from Mother Faker, an Olympic medal winner in hockey and the PWHL and is coming into the Boston Bolts as a goalie coach to Coach JJ who was drafted by the Bolts years ago. JJ is Cat and Jay Hanson’s son from the Boston Billionaires series. Addie and JJ were best friends and have secretly loved each other but now don’t speak and JJ is a single dad and moves into the brownstone where Addie is living with her sister and friend and all their kids.
I am such a lover of second chance romance and this one is just so well done. Addie and JJ have so much history and chemistry. The way Addie loves Avery is just beautiful to read and JJ is an amazing dad! This was an emotional roller coaster of a book told in dual timelines and a lot of unexpected surprises! I would give this more than five stars if I could! The group texts between the guys and girls were epic! I loved the cameos from characters in the other books and all the Langsfield’s who have my whole heart!
I am loving this next generation so much! I can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you to Brittanee Nicole for an eARC of this book!
I was so excited for this book and every single teaser had me wanting to devour it. And it’s no surprise that I did devour this the day it hit my kindle! This was literally everything I could have wanted for JJ & Addie! Their friendship growing up was literally so precious and I wanted to smile for every happy moment they had together. Seeing them get their second chance had me in all my feelings and I love seeing how much they still care for each other.
And let’s take a minute to chat about Avery and how much I love her. Like obviously I’ll love her because she’s JJ’s daughter, but her personality and quick chirps at times had me loving her even more. And that sweet bond she has with Addie was literally everything!
I’ll never get enough of Brittanee’s universe and my favorite characters from all her books!! Her world is one that I’ll always recommend and re-read a million times.
I received an Arc of this book, an man oh man, did I devour this book! It had it all, the banter, the yearning, the spice, the hilarity that is Beckett Langfield. JJ and Addie were the perfect 2nd generation couple to kick off this series. I can't wait to read the 2nd book. Brittanee Nicole never disappoints.
Brittanée could write about monster cowboys or literally whatever she wants, and she will NEVER, ever disappoint. Her writing is an absolute guarantee; therefore: THANK YOU for starting this new series.
Now, let's get into it. The New Romantics: Paper Rings, Adeline and JJ’s (Jonathan) story, is nothing short of exceptional. If one thing defines this book, it is yearning in its truest, highest form. We get the absolute perfect combo: a single dad, an incredibly precious and sweet little girl, and a female hockey goalie so damn talented she steals the spotlight every single time she hits the ice. I am always highly skeptical when it comes to second-generation books; sometimes authors touch a world that had a perfect ending and completely ruin it. But in this case? She made it a hundred times better, and that deserves a standing ovation. The emotions in this book were raw, real, and profoundly romantic.
The story brilliantly utilizes a dual time narrative, allowing us to see crucial glimpses of their lives at different ages. Plus, it was beautiful to see parents who are so deeply involved in their children's lives, but in a healthy, 100% supportive, and unconditional way. And then we have Beckett Langfield—he completely steals the show. I obsessed over the fact that he is the ultimate captain of this ship; his ideas, his fixations, and his love for Adeline absolutely melted me.
As for JJ... he is definitely his father's son. He gets what he wants, no matter the price. Around the 93% mark, when that happens, his reaction just makes you go, (Damn it, he is his father's son through and through) At the same time, he is the ultimate, perfect book-boyfriend: a romantic man who worships the ground she walks on, respects her, and listens to her. A masterpiece from start to finish.
Let's get the important things out of the way. We have new initiate(s) into the Boston Bolt's glitter d!ck club! Who are our initiates? I'm not telling you, that's a spoiler. I don't make the rules, I just follow them. This was such a strong start to Brittanee Nicole's new series The New Romantics. By the end of this book I think we have established two of the couples (maybe 3, but I think that one is a red herring) for this series. I know I'm discussing Paper Rings, but I. CANNOT. WAIT. for Down Bad, but I digress.
This is JJ and Adeline's story. You would think we would have a heavy Beckett presence pushing his agenda off on the next generation, but he holds his tongue and only intervenes when he has a bad influence pushing him to (The bad influence is JJ, because of course it is). We get really good advice from Aiden, which is wild, but I loved it none the less. We get glimpses of Adeline's missing years (that weren't documented in the original Bolts series). This book goes back and forth in time to really hit the hardest points home. It was a story of bad timing. And as we know from our lord and savior Taylor Alison Swift - JUST RUIN THE FRIENDSHIP ALREADY. Jeez.
If that would have happened earlier, we wouldn't have had this book though... because the bad timing is what brings the drama. And we love the drama. One thing I will say is "FIND. A. DAMN. BED." What is with these guys always hooking up in bathrooms and broom closets? Y'all are wealthy, you don't have to bang it out in public. Where your family is. They don't need to hear you clappin' thighs in a cupboard. Do we love these interludes? Sure, it's a lot of fun. So I get why it's written in there. I just get stuck on the logistics.
Guys, I am so excited for this series. I loved this book I ate it up in a day. It was such a good use of my Saturday free time. Run don't walk when this comes out. Brittanee writes such humorous and heartfelt stories. The ladies are always great and the guys are always swoony. We always see their errors, but they aren't anything that makes me want to write them off. She hits the sweet spot. It's a can't miss and I will recommend these books to anyone who listens.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🫑
I was given a copy of this ARC from the Author. The opinions I hold about it are my own
🩷 Friends to Lovers 🏒 Hockey Romance 💔 Second Chance Romance 👨👧 Single Dad Romance 🏠 Forced Proximity 👀 Roommates 💞 Found Family 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 💕 Childhood Friends 🥹 Emotional Healing ❤️ He Never Stopped Loving Her 👩 Strong FMC 🏡 Domestic Family Chaos ✨ Dual Timeline 💫 Dual POV 🚫 Forbidden Romance Vibes 👶 Cute Kids Everywhere 💍 Still Technically Married 🥅 Female NHL Coach 🤍 Small Town Feel in a Big Hockey World
Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paper Rings by Brittanee Nicole was such an emotional and addictive start to The New Romantics series. This story had the perfect combination of heartbreak, longing, family chaos, and second chance romance, and I was completely invested in JJ and Addie from beginning to end.
JJ and Addie’s relationship carried so much history that every interaction between them felt meaningful. Their friendship, the missed opportunities, and the lingering feelings created this constant emotional tension that kept me glued to the pages. You could feel how much they still cared about each other even during the moments when they barely knew how to communicate. That emotional depth made their journey back to each other feel incredibly rewarding.
I absolutely loved Addie. She was strong, determined, and trying so hard to prove herself in a male dominated world while also protecting her heart. Watching her step into such a huge role within the NHL while carrying the weight of her past with JJ made her character feel very real. JJ completely won me over too. He was devoted to his daughter, fiercely protective of the people he loved, and still so clearly hung up on Addie after all those years. His love for her was obvious in every little moment.
The living situation added so much warmth and chaos to the story. With so many kids under one roof, there were constantly funny, messy, and emotional moments that made the house feel alive. I loved how those quieter domestic scenes balanced out the heavier emotional moments and brought JJ and Addie closer together naturally.
The dual timeline was done really well because it showed how deep their connection had always been. Seeing their past alongside their present made the emotional payoff hit even harder. Brittanee Nicole did such a great job balancing the hockey world, family dynamics, emotional healing, and romance without making any part feel overshadowed.
Paper Rings was heartfelt, emotional, and impossible to put down. It was full of longing, chemistry, found family moments, and second chance romance goodness. JJ and Addie’s story was beautiful, messy, and full of hope, and I already know this series is going to become a favorite.
Review doesn’t contain big spoilers, but there might be
Read at your own risk
Brittanée really said “let me ruin you in the best way,” and I folded immediately.
Brittanée posted about her Patreon and getting this ARC early, and won’t you know it - that did it. I signed up. Yes, I had been bouncing around with the idea for months, but this just took it over the edge.
Now I’m saying that this is an ARC review and is in no way, shape, or form a reflection of Brittanée or her team. However - five stars across the board.
As someone who listens to music very often, anything Brittanée writes contains a bomb playlist. And since she introduced the New Romantics, I now associate that with her instead of Taylor Swift. I’m sorry, Taylor and Swifties - I still love you!
JJ and Addie. Oh. My. Heavens. I wish I could explain the love for these two in my heart. I loved Camden and Savannah in Snow, and my favorite couple has always been Tyler and Ava, but damn - mother of pearl - these two, with their history and Avery? Be so for real.
The brownstone move was epic. The shared bathroom was sexy and hilarious.
I think the biggest part of these novels that will always get to me is the respect the men have for women, especially in the sports field. Addie’s uncles make sure, as a coach, she is treated with respect. JJ also makes sure Addie has respect.
However, people do know that Addie and JJ know each other, and she doesn’t go easy on him - or anyone else - which always makes for an interesting development. Especially when a few particular people do give Addie a hard time.
The biggest break-open-heart, let-it-grow-three-sizes moment? Avery asking to call Addie and say goodnight.
The past - Addie opening up. Addie realizing how talented she is. She knows it, but it shines through here in this book.
JJ’s internal struggles as well, with his ex and his daughter, of course.
Knowing they both are truly it for one another is on a different plane. You can feel the soulmate vibe throughout the whole book. In others, I know they all love each other (Hockey Boy - Aiden and Lennox are absolute soulmates as well), but this soulmate connection is such a different vibe.
Maybe that isn’t everyone’s opinion, but this is my review, therefore I am right.
This book is the first in the New Romantics series and will not be forgotten by me anytime soon. I have preordered the audio directly through Brittanée, and I suggest you do too to get a shelf trophy. Her books are top tier, and this one will blow you out of the water.
O Brittanee Nicole! You outdid yourself with this story. Absolutely devoured it! I don't even know how to truly put everything into one little review because there is just so much that is just that good! Paper Rings is book one in the brand new The New Romantics series. JJ and Addie. I wish I could fully explain how much I adored these two! My heart has always been Baby Hall’s. And then came Daddy Snow. But JJ, this man is PURE GOLD!! To truly experience these two from the very beginning to their finally second chance, it had my heart in every freaking way!
JJ and Addie. She is fierce, she is a bad a$$. She is girl goals! He is everything. Amazing girl daddy to Avery. Kind, caring, loving, GORGEOUS as sin. Both AMAZING goalies. She’s now his coach. So many years from love and best friends to so much hurt, so many words unspoken. But these two, they are inevitable. Your person. The one who knows you in and out. The one who he has all the firsts. The love that though damaged, can through redemption, healing and so much love come back together forever. We come back to the Brownstone. Where JJ and Avery come to live with Addie and all the amazing characters and babies. First, Avery and Addie melted my heart in every way! Addie was once in this same place and the way she both bonded with Avery and provided what she needed, priceless. Then, the connection between JJ and Addie was pure fire. The yearning, the burn, the angst. The PURE FIRE. I can't even put it all in words how good these two are!
Add in this world that Brittanee has created. This beautiful Langfield world. These characters. One thing I adore is how these men LOVE these women, whether it's their daughter or spouse. They absolutely support them 100000%. I love the care and protection they show! The way Beckett loves Addie, TEARS!
This book was raw. So vulnerable. It was real life, the things our heart and mind go through falling in and out and in love again. THE YEARNING WAS EVERYTHING! JJ, this man…. The way he fought for her, the obsession was everything! Going on the favorites list! YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK AND SERIES! And the next book, I wont spoil the couple but OMGGGGGG I absolutely cannot wait!
Rate: 5⭐️♾️ Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💙Friends to Strangers to Lovers 🏒Hockey Romance 💙Single Dad 🏒She Plays Hockey/Women in Sports 💙Forbidden Romance 🏒Next Gen Langfield, but can be read as a standalone 💙She’s his coach… 🏒And he is obsessed with winning her back. 🦋Thank you Brittanee Nicole and your team for my arc!
I’m pretty sure I squealed with joy when I got the email informing me that I’d been picked as an ARC reader for this book and again when the ARC landed on my Kindle. And then I proceeded to DEVOUR it. I desperately needed a good hockey romance to fill the void after having finished binge watching Off Campus season 1, so this arrived at the perfect time.
While Paper Rings is technically book one in a series of interconnected standalones and you can certainly start your reading journey here, I HIGHLY recommend going back to the beginning and binging everything connected to this series before it’s released. This is a next generation series with the children of characters from previous series and knowing all of the characters and their stories makes it so much better and allows you to appreciate all their cameos and callbacks to previous books.
This book follows Adeline (Addie) & JJ, who had been best friends since they were teenagers. We get dual timelines and get to see their friendship and love for one another blossom from the age of 14 to adulthood when they finally admit the feelings they’ve always had, only to have things immediately fall apart. Addie then spends years avoiding JJ, but when they end up living under the same roof with their friends/family and all their kids AND Addie gets hired as the goalie coach for the Boston Bolts where JJ is a goalie, they can’t avoid each other anymore and have to face their past and the feelings they’ve always had for one another.
What to expect when reading:
🏒 MMC & FMC are Hockey Players ⛸️ Friends to Lovers 🥅 She’s His Coach 🏒 Single Dad MMC ⛸️ Second Chance Romance 🥅 Found Family 🏒 Dual POVs & Timelines
What I loved about this book:
❤️ BECKETT. LANGFIELD. Like ok, I know this isn’t even his book but he is by far one of my favorite characters in this universe and just in general. And the LOVE he has for his wife and children, the way he supports Addie, everytime he called her “Little one” I teared up. UGH, I just love him so much. 😍 ❤️ The found family aspect and the group chats 💬 ❤️ The raccoons 🦝 I cackle every time the raccoons are mentioned in any of these books, I just can’t help it 🤣 ❤️ The way JJ is the BEST father to Avery and the way Addie strives to show up for her any way she can after dealing with similar abandonment issues from her childhood and wanting to be for Avery the person Beckett always was for her
Easily 5 stars! Honestly, I swear Brittanee Nicole’s books just keep getting better and better.
Paper Rings completely consumed my life for a day 😂 It hit my Kindle on Friday and I started and finished it on Saturday because there was absolutely no way I was putting it down. First, thank you so much to Brittanee Nicole and her team for the ARC!
I am obsessed with this world and these characters. The fact that we even got couple pictures throughout the Kindle edition was so fun and made me feel even more connected to everyone. And the quote “Kiss Me Anyways”??? EXCUSE ME??? My heart was absolutely melting.
JJ and Addie were everything I wanted and more. I loved that they are both goalies because I absolutely love seeing women in sports, especially in hockey romances. And JJ being one of Addie’s biggest supporters from the time they were kids? Ughhhhh. The way he always believed in her and cheered her on made me love him even more.
This book has childhood friends to lovers, second chance romance, hockey, single dad. Literally what more could I ask for? And Avery absolutely stole my heart. The way Addie is with her was so sweet, and seeing JJ as a dad just made this story even better.
One of my favorite things about Brittanee Nicole’s books is how interconnected everything is. Seeing all the familiar faces from the Boston Bolts world made me so happy, even if it also made me emotional realizing everyone is older now 😂 I loved getting more of Beckett and Liv’s family and seeing Addie, Winnie and Finn after reading Mother Faker. And knowing JJ is Jay and Catherine’s son just made me even more excited to eventually read their books too because they are sitting on my never ending TBR.
Also, can we please talk about how amazing Brittanee is for always giving readers the perfect reading order for the full Easter egg experience? As someone who lives for crossovers and familiar characters, I will never stop appreciating that.
At this point Brittanee Nicole is officially an auto read author for me. I love this entire world she has created and honestly never want it to end. I can't wait for the next books!
Wow just wow. I devoured this ARC in a day it was so good. For most of the book I was trying to stop crying, even managed a few. The book is told in past and present, each time you get snippet of what’s alluded to in the present. It keeps you guessing what really happened to both of them. Addie has given up her career as a goalie in woman’s hockey to join her family at the Boston Bolts as Goalie coach. Unfortunately for her she has to move into the famous Brownstone along with her sister, cousins and their children and JJ her childhood best friend who she fell out with when he became a father to a now sweet 4 year-old , Avery who adds to the chaos. There has always been rivalry between JJ and Addie both being goalies and now she’s his coach. Trying to keep professional between them is difficult especially as bully from the past is training with the team and sparks fly. Addie has a natural infinity with little Avery as the little one’s mother has abandoned her just as Addie’s father did. This is very emotional and definitely pulls the heartstrings. The tension rises when Savannah persuades Addie to be part of and article for Jolie (JJ’s mom’s magazine) called the New Romantics, setting her up with dates as she can’t have JJ as he’s still technically married. Then due to injury of one of the goalies Addie begs her Dad and Uncles to let her take his place alongside JJ. She’s the first woman goalie for the NHL and because she’s no longer his coach she starts a secret relationship with JJ. When someone from her past returns it has near catastrophic consequences for her but JJ steps in and finds out the truth of part of her past. The next day his family connections take care of the situation. This is when the JJ absent wife tells all to the press and Beckett Langfield helps save the day. It was great to see the Langfield’s and the Hanson’s once again in the books and Aiden singing for Addie made me laugh. But my favourite bit is duck, duck, goose in the group chats with JJ, Finn, Theo and Bray following on in Beckett’s tradition. Looking forward to the next chapter in the New Romantics
Let’s start with I LOVE this crazy world Brittanée has created, I’ve been reading since The MomCom series and all through the hockey related books so I knew this book would hold a special place in my heart when I found out this was a second gen book.
This is Addie and JJ’s story, Addie is the daughter of Beckett and Olivia (Mother Faker) and JJ is the son of Jay & Cat from the Extra Dirty Duet. You don’t have to had read the previous books but I advise you do because they are great! 🤣
Addie and JJ have been best friends for years and we get to see that which was beautiful, both of them have deeper feelings but have no idea the feeling is mutual. We see them competing throughout the years as they train to be the best goalie and reach NHL level, which for Addie always just seems like a dream, but JJ is her biggest supporter.
Fast forward 4 years and Addie and JJ are practically strangers (I can’t say why because SPOILER! lol) but find themselves roommates, living under the same roof along with JJ’s cousin and her three kids, Addie’s sister and her four-year-old twins, her cousin, and JJ’s daughter, who she adores. Honestly Avery is the cutest thing ever and the kids are all chaotic! 🤣 Oh and to make matters worse… Addie is JJ’s new COACH!!
Being around each other brings up some unresolved feelings between them but now Addie is the new goalie coach for her families team JJ is off limits —he’s also a single dad and still technically married.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book, Addie is just a bad a$$ making her way through an industry dominated by men and proving that women deserve a chance too. JJ was the perfect MMC, he’s a great girl dad and so Swoony!! He’s protective and loves hard and he’s got a filthy mouth in the bedroom!
This book will have you laughing and crying… yes I shed a few tears!! But it sucks you in and makes you want to stay with these characters longer.
I’m excited for the next book after the little tease we got in this one.
What to Expect: Friends to strangers to lovers Dual timeline Single dad She’s his coach… And he is obsessed with winning her back.
Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this in exchange for my honest opinion!
Brittanee Nicole… you’ve done it AGAIN. Seriously, how do you keep doing this?! This book had everything I love—hot single dads, chaotic chats, incredible chemistry, romance that makes your heart melt, family dynamics, and just the right amount of drama to keep me absolutely glued to the pages.
I am genuinely feral for the Langfield, Hanson, and Bolts families. At this point, these characters feel like people I need updates on at all times. Every time a new book drops in this world, I know I’m about to be completely consumed, and without fail, I am hooked from the very first page to the very last. These books bring me so much joy, and somehow each one makes me fall even harder for this interconnected family universe.
And JJ and Addie?! Absolutely adorable in the best possible way. Their dynamic completely stole my heart. JJ as the single dad? Immediate weakness. There’s just something about a devoted dad MMC that gets me every single time, and JJ delivered that perfectly. He’s lovable, swoony, and the kind of character you can’t help but root for.
And Addie? I absolutely adored her. The way she loves JJ, the way she sees him for exactly who he is, and the way she naturally steps into caring for both him and Avery? My heart couldn’t handle it. Her relationship with Avery was especially so sweet and heartfelt. Watching her become a safe, loving presence for them both made this story hit even harder emotionally.
That’s what I love so much about Brittanee’s books—yes, the romance is amazing, yes the chemistry is always there, yes the drama keeps you invested—but it’s the emotional connections and family dynamics that really make these stories unforgettable.
This book had me laughing, swooning, emotional, and completely obsessed from beginning to end.
And now? Now I’m in a full-blown book slump because I’m stuck waiting for book two and I need it immediately. Because after that? I am not okay just moving on with my life like nothing happened.
🚨ARC Review🚨 Why does Brittanee Nicole keep doing this to me?! Every single new book has me questioning my loyalty to Tyler “War” Warren. First Noah… now JJ Hanson?! I’m hanging on to my absolute love for War by a thread at this point. 😭
The Boston Bolts New Gen series is off to a smashing start with The New Romantics - Paper Rings. The dual timeline was poignant, thoughtful, and deeply emotional — and honestly, trying not to cry through certain parts was a lost cause.
And JJ Hanson? Total pookie material. Soft, swoony, supportive, but rugged exactly when it counts. Men who hype their women up without an ounce of jealousy or insecurity will forever be elite book boyfriend behavior. 🫠 The icing on the cake is him being a single dad to the most adorable little 4 year old girl with enough charm, quirkiness and the biggest heart to melt the hardest stone! Avery Hanson is a little diamond which shines the brightest in the book!
What I loved most was how real the reactions in this book felt. Even with the guaranteed HEA, Brittanee doesn’t shy away from letting situations unfold in ways that feel authentic and messy and human. No spoilers because ARC review duties must be respected, but trust me — you’ll feel everything.
Adeline is every bit the badass woman you expect from Brittanee’s world. The scene where she explains what the team can call her on the ice? ICONIC. But beneath all that strength, her vulnerability becomes her greatest power, and that balance made me love her even more.
And the chaotic brownstone living situation?! Total Mother Faker vibes. It felt like such a beautiful throwback to Beckett and Liv — the OGs who started it all — and such a heartfelt homage to Beckett’s legacy.
Also, I’m ridiculously proud of my couple-pairing prediction skills because I’ve guessed 3 out of the 5 correctly so far and I cannot WAIT for the next book. 👀
Honestly, if I could give this 6 stars, I would. But since I can’t I will give this a MUST read rating (yes I wrote that in CAPS because it deserves to be shouted out)!
There are certain authors who become automatic one-click reads for me, and with every single release, she reminds me exactly why she’s one of my top five favourites. This book completely consumed me. I could not put it down.
As the start of the second-generation New Romantics series, this story gave me everything I love about her writing: heart, humor, healing, passion, unforgettable banter, beautifully blended family dynamics, and yes… the raccoons. (IYKYK.)
This friends-to-lovers, single-dad, second-chance hockey romance was so much more than a spicy sports romance. And trust me, the spice is absolutely SPICY. But what makes this author stand out is the depth she gives her characters and relationships. These people feel real. They are flawed, messy, wounded, loving, and trying their best to heal and grow.
I especially loved how the children were written with such care and respect. They weren’t props added for emotional effect. they were priorities, fully valued and deeply loved. That matters to me so much in romances like this.
And the men? THIS is how you write heroes. Not aggressive alpha men who bulldoze everyone around them, but emotionally aware men who respect boundaries, communicate, take accountability, and do the work to heal themselves. That emotional maturity is infinitely more attractive than manufactured toxicity.
The dual POV and dual timeline worked perfectly to build the emotional connection and history between these characters, and seeing familiar faces from the Langfield Brothers world made this feel extra special.
This book had me laughing, swooning, emotional, and fully invested from beginning to end. An easy five stars.
I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review 🩷
Addison Langfield (Addie) had dreams of becoming the first female goalie in the NHL, but is happy to be the first female goalie coach in the NHL after she retires from the WPHL instead. She knows she has a lot to overcome - her family owns and runs the team, she's female in a dominated sport, she's got to coach her one time best friend who she hasn't really spoken to in years. JJ Hanson is a single dad and goalie for the Bolts hockey team. He's moving in to a brownstone with a bunch of other friends and family members to have help with his young daughter (Avery) and is wondering why is former BFF and training partner, Addie, won't speak to him anymore. Of course, she has to now that she's a housemate and his coach.
There are a lot of heavy moments in the story (check the content warnings), but there are also a lot of celebrations. The chemistry is slow-burn and fantastic, and the interactions between Addie and Avery will make your heart melt into a puddle of goo. I enjoyed the interplay of blood family and found family that both of the leads have. My favorite quote was, "Family is not who you are born into; family is who shows up." I also love, love, love the fact that Addie is a female powerhouse in hockey and that there are so many people who support her and defend her. I really hope to see some female players in the NHL or at least getting comparable pay in the WPHL.
I devoured this story and am starting a second read this weekend! Paper Rings is a best friends to enemies to lovers, second chance hockey romance and the first book in the New Romantics series of standalones, featuring the second generation of several of Brittanee Nicole's other series. As an avid reader of her other series, how could I not love this one, too?!
The Boston Bolts hockey series is one of my all time favorite hockey romance series so I was absolutely excited for the next gen spinoff series and let me tell you this book is an awesome start to the series! Addie Langfield had my whole heart! She’s a fierce strong superstar goalie and you see so much of her parents’ influence in her character. Her strength, independence, ambition and kindness even to people who absolutely don’t deserve it is what made me love her character.
JJ Hanson was a flawed character who eventually grew on me. JJ’s indecision makes him frustrating at times, especially in the flashbacks, but you have to take his age at the time into account. Addie and JJ’s relationship was absolutely not a fairytale but one full of drama, longing, hurt, friendship and love. JJ is an incredible father to Avery and that made me love him more. His commitment to his daughter in the face of an absent mother was incredible to read. And then there is Addie’s relationship and unconditional love for Avery, even when she wasn’t on good terms with JJ. She always showed up for Avery just like Beckett always showed up for her.
Speaking of Beckett, I was glad our favorite matchmaker put JJ through the wringer and held him accountable.
The cameos of familiar old characters had me squealing and the introductions of new ones make me so excited for this series. The chaos of the brownstone with the absolutely hilarious cute kids and the little easter eggs of upcoming books and couples just made this book so much more special. And also the epilogue gave us the BEST setup for the next book and I have theories! I need the next book NOW!
In Paper Rings, Brittanee Nicole delivers an unforgettable, emotionally charged start to the second generation of her Boston Bolts series. Seamlessly bridging the world we loved in Mother Faker and the Dirty Lies duet, this installment follows Addie and JJ’s kids in a story that is nothing short of phenomenal.
The narrative brilliantly weaves between childhood flashbacks and present-day reality for the first 60% of the novel. This dual-timeline approach perfectly establishes the deep-rooted history between the characters before anchoring us completely in the present. It makes the exquisite yearning, the agonizing (but perfectly executed) miscommunication, and the classic "it’s always been you" dynamic feel entirely earned and intensely real.
I rarely cry when reading, but this book had me experiencing every single emotion—from laughing out loud and kicking my feet with excitement to shedding genuine tears. The exploration of found family is beautifully handled, proving that bonds forged by choice can be even closer and more profound than blood relations.
A special shoutout goes to Avery, who completely stole my heart. Brittanee Nicole had better be plotting a Generation 3, because that little girl deserves the most spectacular storyline (and if she doesn't get one, I'll just have to imagine it myself!).
For my fellow audiobook fans, this release also features a full-cast narration that is absolutely on my radar to check out next. Paper Rings is a massive triumph of a second-chance romance, and I cannot say enough amazing things about it. Congratulations on a beautiful release—I am already eagerly counting down the days until book two!
I feel like we should be rating this in ducks, not stars? If so, ♾️🐥 across the board.
This has been at the top of my most anticipated reads this year, and it did not disappoint in the least.
JJ and Addie are perfect. The dual timelines had their stories so beautifully woven throughout their years together and apart, and when all of the pieces connected, I knew I would be torn open. Their story is raw, emotional, and healing all in one. I loved seeing so much girl power with Addie, and how JJ was always her biggest fan and supporter.
Avery was the cutest side character, and I loved her connection to both her her daddy and to Addie, and dare I say she has a bit of her grandfather's matchmaking skills?
As a second gen series, there are a lot of names thrown around, and I equally savored those that were familiar while keeping my inspector hat on in hopes of Easter eggs for the other books.
Music, and the best playlists, have been a part of Brittanee's writing, and I have been torturing myself with the Paper Rings Playlist for what seems like months. To have those songs in my head while reading definitely heightened my experience.
I love this world. The Bolts, the Langfields, the Hansons, and everyone in between. The found family, the banter, the group chats that are always hilariously perfect. This first book of the next gen set us up for a top tier series, and I can't wait to devour all of the New Romantics.
Thank you so so much to Brittanee and her team for the early copy to read!
I received the ARC for Paper Rings and proceeded to consume it in a weekend.
Brittanee has created the most incredible extension of her already perfect universe.
Friends to Strangers to Lovers.
The emotion was raw, the yearning was intense and the energy was Fierce. Adeline Langfield is my S-HERO and JJ is just as wholesome as his Dad. I loved returning to the Brownstone and the Momcom and Extra Dirty Duet flashbacks. I loved the Dual Timeline and POV, the different dynamics of the the families, the banter between housemates, family and teammates was hilarious as expected. Avery and all of her cousins/friends are just icing on the brownstone cake.
I cried, I squealed and cried some more but honestly just swooned the entire time Addie and JJ were hot. Seriously the found family in these books will bring you to your knees that’s if Beckett Langfield as a protective Dad doesn’t. I was brought undone in this book he’s just the most amazing fictional Dad and the men in this new series have been raised in families with the most irresistibly good male role models. There is so much love and protection for each other.
You need this new Series in your life as soon as you can get your hands on it. Audio is also a full cast which is set to be the most amazing performance.
So grateful to be a part of Brittanees community and Patreon. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.
I squealed when I saw Paper Rings download to my kindle! I had been waiting for this book since it was announced. I have loved the Boston Boltz from the very first book of theirs that I read and I cannot believe that we are into the second generation. Feels a little bit bitter sweet.
I have a soft spot for Goalie romances because I grew up as a goalie. So for Paper Rings to have two Goalies and one of them being female automatically gives this book a gold star. Addie is such an inspiration for all young girls, playing in the PWHL and then becoming the first female goalie coach with the boltz. She makes it easy to believe that anything is possible even if your a girl. And she is a sharp shooter and a hoot to top it off.
One of my favorite things of reading Brittanee Nicole is the sense of family. The book may be about Addie and JJ but we see glimpses of everyone and get a feel for where they are in life too. It was so ni ce to read about such a close nit family who is always there for each other. Beckett is still very much working on his matchmaking schemes.
I cannot possible forget to give little Avery a shoot out. She is a hoot and the cutest kid alive. I am so glad that she has such a good role model in Addie to look up to.
I feel privileged to have read an early copy of this book and I cannot wait to follow the rest of the second generation through their journeys. I would give this book 10 stars if I could.
ARC Review 📖 Paper Rings The New Romantics Book 1 Written by Brittanee Nicole
JJ is so gone for her but there is something from their past that is keeping them apart and I was ready for the yearning and I was ready for the ride they would take me on to find out how their story would unfold and what happened in the past.
I'm fan-girling over the fact that JJ is Cat and Jay's son and having Addie's story is absolutely amazing and a dream come true because I will never have enough of the Langfields. The nostalgic way that JJ talks about his parents makes me so happy to have pieces of Cat and Jay's story in his. Why does it also make me want to cry? But also JJ could definitely use a few of Jay's tricks with Addie.
I could not get enough of JJ , Addie and Avery. I ate up every second of their book and fell so hard for each of them. This book is food for the soul.
I loved being back in the world with literally all my favorite characters. It warms my heart so much. As usual Beckett Langfield steals the show and sets the standard for men in this book. He just had to make me cry didn't he!?
The moment I was done with the book I wanted to start again and I instantly missed everyone even though there is more to come. Still, why did it have to end?
💙Friends to Strangers to Lovers 🏒Hockey Romance 💙Single Dad 🏒She Plays Hockey/Women in Sports 💙Forbidden Romance 🏒Next Gen Langfield, but can be read as a standalone
One of my favorite reads of the year and my favorite of Brittanee Nicole!
I had high expectations for this book. Based on blurbs and teasers I went in expecting some heartbreak, sweet and funny moments. Brittanee Nicole OVER-delivered.
I cried at THREE times, and I'm not an easy crier 🤧🤧🤧
As teens, Addie & JJ were friends and competitors. After years of friendship they finally crossed the line into more and the next day the course of both of their lives changed. They've gone years without talking but now they're moving in to the Brownstone together with with his daughter, her siblings, cousins and friends. And she's also his new goalie coach.
What I loved: ▫️back to the Brownstone ▫️family dynamics ▫️the yearning ▫️Addie's relationship with Avery ▫️Pizza with my best friend ▫️JJ being her hype-man ▫️correlation between Beckett-Addie & Addie-Avery's relationships ▫️dual timeline (even though it hurt) ▫️JJ & Addie's foundation of friendship ▫️Beckett being the best book dad ever ▫️glimpses of future couples
I highly recommend reading the dirty duet (JJ's parents) and Mother Faker (Addie's parents) There are a few beautiful references and parallels to their stories.
One of my favorite moments was the conversation between Beckett and Addie 🫂🤧
I can't wait to come back to update my review after the audio release.
Thank you to Brittanee Nicole and her team for the eARC of this book. A special thanks to Sara on Brittnee’s team who managed the ARC release communication process beautifully.
I have been waiting for this book since it was announced, and it did not disappoint! I don’t know if there was a book that could top Hockey Boy for me in this Langfield world, but this one fit the bill. As I think back to earlier books, especially when the second generation kids were included, little Easter eggs that were planted, you can see just how intricate these stories are and how much they interwove into each other. Really so well done. I simply loved Addie and JJ‘s story. Their first love and best friends experiences and earlier years was so beautifully written, it captured what it felt like to be young and in love for the first time. The yearning that they had for each other as adults was amazing and I could feel it throughout the story. I love how Brittnee writes her stories and the dual point of view stories are just so well done. I feel like Snow was a great bridge from the first generation to this next of the New Romantics. Avery made the book complete and she was a beautiful addition to the storyline. I literally cannot wait to see where this series goes, and I am here for it. I cannot wait for Bray and Vivi‘s book next. Read this book people!!!
I’m not sure what it is that Brittanee puts in her books that makes them so addictive but I need to know because the speed at which I read this book was insane. We are officially in our Boston Bolts/Revs next generation era!! The OG’s kids are all grown up & a few find themselves in need of a Mom commune type support system…sound familiar? So they all move into the old brownstone that they themselves spent years of their childhood in. Addie Langfield was not planning on living in the same house as the man who broke her heart years ago but it's too late to back out now. Especially when you throw Avery JJ’s precious 4 year old into the mix who Addie is determined to be there for because she knows firsthand the importance of feeling loved & accepted. Throw in the added complication of Addie being JJ’s new goalie coach not only do they have to fight their feelings for one another but they also must maintain a professional relationship. That’s the thing about the forbidden though isn’t it? The pull for one another is so strong & there’s only so much they can do to deny what is inevitable. Because as the old saying goes “Whatever is meant to be will be.” We got a sneak peak of some of the kids all grown up in Snow but here we really get to see a bit more of them & I am crazy stupid excited for all of their stories to come!
Well that was delightful. I love any book that includes the Langfield family and Addie and JJ’s story did not disappoint.
I read the Extra Dirty duet to prep for this book and I’m glad I did. It gave context to some of the references made about JJ’s family that otherwise would have gone over my head. There are some from other books I haven’t made it to that I didn’t catch. Just another reason to reread all the books in the future.
I loved every minute of this book and read it from start to finish in a little less than 24 hours. I absolutely devoured it. The dual timelines really worked in this book. We get to learn about Addie and JJ’s history while also getting to see them work through their present. I spent so much of the early chapters going “BUT WHY?!” knowing it was only a matter of time before I found out exactly how and why. JJ’s daughter is written in the sweetest way and I love her relationship with Addie.
I wasn’t sure about the Brownstone being the setting for this book but it really worked. I love the peeks into the future stories from the side characters and all the potential heartache and drama that has yet to be revealed.
Thank you thank you thank you to Brittanee Nicole for the opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer for this book.
Thank you brittanee nicole for allowing me to read this book i loved it.
This book is a second chance with a hint of friends to lovers to strangers back to friends which then leads back lovers
JJ Hanson and Addie Langfeild was best friends growing up they both was goalies and both wanted to play for the NHL.
You get to see them through out most of there life and how they become together especially when JJs family go through a hard time and he moves in with the langfeilds.
JJ is a single dad to the smartest little girl names avery and they move into the brownstone after his marriage failed and his wife disappeared on him and his daughter.
Addie is now the hockey coach for the bolts which also means shes the boss of JJ which he loves 😉 but also struggles with because of his feelings for her.
This book was just so good with the writing the side characters as well which made you laugh also you find out its tradition for anyone on the first line of the bolts to get pirced 😉
The spice in this book id rate 🌶🌶🌶.5 out of 5 ot was definitely a slowly burn but you also get to see them when they first decide to be together and then when they start trying to be together at the age they are now.
You guys, I still can't get over this next gen book! It was SO good!!!!
Addie and JJ have known each other their entire lives. They grew up together not only because their parents are friends, but also because they played Hockey together. In the first encounter of them together you can tell there is a fondness that JJ possesses over Addie. He always has her back. As I continued to read, it broke my heart that they lost so much time together. The flash backs help me understand why that was. I love being able to go back in time and experience what the characters were actually going through/ experiencing at that time. And these flash backs were done so seamlessly.
The banter between characters, the similar life stories between Addie and Avery, and the powerful men supporting the women in their lives are just some of the things that made this book so good. I could feel the emotion coming through the pages. I also loved experiencing Addie and JJ as adults, especially after reading their parents stories.
What a way to start off this series! You couldn't help but love JJ as a dad, but the way he is with Addie. Lord have mercy!!
The first book in the second generation series “The New Romantics" is Paper Rings by Brittanee Nicole. You do not need to have read the other books in the Momcoms and Boston Bolts series to enjoy this book because the author does a great job providing background on all the other characters in the story. In this book we are brought back to the Brownstone, but this time the younger generation is living in the house and raising their kids in a communal environment. In this story, Addie Langfield has just achieved one of her long term goals, to become the first female goalie coach in the NHL, but it is complicated because one of her players is the love of her life JJ Hanson, the one who got away. JJ is still charming but he is recently separated, with a young daughter and is strictly off limits. This second chance at romance story, is full of funny scenes, witty dialog between characters and is a really fun read. It is great to be brought back into the Boston Bolts & Momcom world again. If you enjoy funny romantic comedies, with a great group of side characters, I highly recommend this book and all of the books in the Momcoms and Boston Bolts series.
I don’t even think I have words to describe how much I absolutely LOVED this book!!
Usually I am not one for second generations, but Brittanée has had me so excited for the New Romantics series since it was announced and Paper Rings started this series off with a bang!!
JJ and Addie’s story hit all the nails on the head when it came to emotions…I laughed, I cried, I got angry (not at them lol)
One of my absolute favorite things about Paper Rings was that nothing was gonna stop JJ Hanson from being Adeline Langfields biggest fan…Though, I think Avery gave him a run for his money
I absolutely loved how JJ and Addie’s relationship started with friendship and went through different stages even the heartbreaking ones
The relationship between Avery and Addie absolutely melted my heart!! That little girl absolutely adored Addie
I love how much Brittanée showcases all the relationships in her books and makes them all a priority
Honestly, I could go on and on about how much I loved this book…I can’t wait to read Down Bad next