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The New Romantics #1
Paper Rings
From the bestselling author of the Boston Bolts Hockey Series comes a friends-to-strangers-to-lovers hockey romance featuring the next generation of Langfields.
There are only two things I’ve ever truly wanted in my life. To be a goalie in the NHL and JJ Hanson.
In a twisted way, both dreams have come true. Rather than a spot on the roster though, I’m now the first female goalie coach in the NHL. JJ Hanson’s coach, specifically.
Not only is he one of my players—making him totally off limits—he’s also a single dad and still technically married. Oh, and thanks to my father’s meddling, he’s now my roommate, along with his cousin and her three kids, my sister and her four-year-old twins, my cousin, and JJ’s daughter, who I unfortunately adore.
Yup, I’m living with six kids under the age of five, and the only man I’ve ever loved.
There was a time when JJ was my closest friend, and for one perfect moment, he was mine. Now we don’t even talk. JJ is determined to change that, though, and when opportunity strikes and suddenly both of my dreams are within reach, I have to make a decision. Can I step out onto that ice as the first female goalie in the NHL and trust JJ with my heart?
I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge. Maybe the only way JJ and I can move forward is to go back to the start.
Paper Rings is a friends-to-lovers, single-dad, second-chance hockey romance with dual POV and a dual timeline featuring a Brownstone like Mother Faker and many of your favorite characters from the Langfield Brothers’ family. It is the first book in the New Romantics Series and a complete standalone.
There are only two things I’ve ever truly wanted in my life. To be a goalie in the NHL and JJ Hanson.
In a twisted way, both dreams have come true. Rather than a spot on the roster though, I’m now the first female goalie coach in the NHL. JJ Hanson’s coach, specifically.
Not only is he one of my players—making him totally off limits—he’s also a single dad and still technically married. Oh, and thanks to my father’s meddling, he’s now my roommate, along with his cousin and her three kids, my sister and her four-year-old twins, my cousin, and JJ’s daughter, who I unfortunately adore.
Yup, I’m living with six kids under the age of five, and the only man I’ve ever loved.
There was a time when JJ was my closest friend, and for one perfect moment, he was mine. Now we don’t even talk. JJ is determined to change that, though, and when opportunity strikes and suddenly both of my dreams are within reach, I have to make a decision. Can I step out onto that ice as the first female goalie in the NHL and trust JJ with my heart?
I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge. Maybe the only way JJ and I can move forward is to go back to the start.
Paper Rings is a friends-to-lovers, single-dad, second-chance hockey romance with dual POV and a dual timeline featuring a Brownstone like Mother Faker and many of your favorite characters from the Langfield Brothers’ family. It is the first book in the New Romantics Series and a complete standalone.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
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June 5, 2026
“Our relationship can’t be defined by any one thing, because you are everything to me. You’re the person I want to spend my time with. Compete with. You make me better. You make me laugh. You make me happier than anything else ever has.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴘᴀᴘᴇʀ ʀɪɴɢs” x ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ sᴡɪғᴛ
0:32 ──♥───────── 3:42
I’m gonna be honest, this was a frustrating read for me, which hurts to admit because I’ve genuinely loved every other book I’ve picked up from this author. 😭
The beginning seriously almost lost me.
I knew this was a second-generation series, so I expected to be a little confused. What I did not expect was to be bombarded with what felt like an entire family tree’s worth of names, relationships, careers, and references within the first few chapters. I swear there were moments where I was trying to remember who someone’s cousin’s sibling’s parent was instead of paying attention to the story itself. 😭😭 Maybe readers who have read all the previous books will have a much easier time with it, but as someone coming in without that background, I felt like I was constantly playing catch-up.
Once I got past that, JJ and Addie did keep me turning the pages. The tension was there. The chemistry was there. The history was there. And for a while, I was completely invested in figuring out what had happened between them.
Unfortunately, the more answers I got, the more annoyed I became. Because someone please explain to me how these two managed to suffer for FOUR YEARS because nobody wanted to have a conversation🥲😭😭 and that's not even me being dramatic.
JJ spends part of the book acting like he has no idea why Addie hates him, and then later it feels like he actually does know at least some of the reason. Which immediately made me wonder why he never addressed it???? And Addie isn’t innocent here either. She maintained a relationship with his daughter all those years, but somehow never managed to have one honest conversation with JJ?
I spent so much of this book thinking: please just talk to each other.
The dual timeline honestly saved a lot of this for me. Seeing them when they were younger helped me understand why they mattered so much to each other, and I found myself looking forward to those chapters more than some of the present-day ones. Their friendship felt natural, and it reminded me why I wanted their relationship to work despite all my frustrations.
Small side note that ended up being a bigger issue than I expected: The marriage situation gave me the ick.
I know. I know. I know.
They’re separated.
I know everyone kept saying the marriage was basically over.
I know they were supposedly only married on paper.
My brain still went, but they’re married though.
And regardless of how horrible Tabitha is... the cheating trope grosses me out in almost any shape or form 🥲🤚🏼
The thing that makes this review difficult to write is that I can see the potential of the story so clearly. There were moments where I remembered exactly why I enjoy this author’s books. The emotional foundation was there. The friendship was there. The chemistry was definitely there. I just don’t think the execution worked for me.
By the end, I wasn’t angry at the book. I was mostly disappointed because I wanted to love it more than I actually did. The ending was decent, but the buildup felt messy, rushed, and unnecessarily frustrating.
I’ll probably continue the series eventually because I’m still interested in the world, but I genuinely think I need to go back and read the first-generation books first. At the very least, maybe then I’ll understand half the family tree that got dropped on me in chapter one. 😭
favorite quotes ↓
“I honestly can’t say whether I love the color because I’ve always dreamed of being a Bolt or because it’s the color of his eyes.”
“You are my favorite person in the world, Adeline. My best friend.”
“I’ll give you every second I have. Every minute will be yours, Adeline.”
things to know about the book ↓
🏒 friends → strangers → lovers
🏒 hockey MCs
🏒 player x coach (she’s the coach)
🏒 single dad
🏒 second gen series
🏒 forced proximity
🏒 roommates
🏒 dual timeline
🏒 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 24, 26, 28, 37, 42, 43, 47,
swearing: yes
Thank you Smuthood, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🏒🩵 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
I didn't realize this was a second generation series...
I feel like I'm about to be super confused at the beginning of this, but hopefully I'll be able to catch on without reading any prior series 😭
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴘᴀᴘᴇʀ ʀɪɴɢs” x ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ sᴡɪғᴛ
0:32 ──♥───────── 3:42
I’m gonna be honest, this was a frustrating read for me, which hurts to admit because I’ve genuinely loved every other book I’ve picked up from this author. 😭
The beginning seriously almost lost me.
I knew this was a second-generation series, so I expected to be a little confused. What I did not expect was to be bombarded with what felt like an entire family tree’s worth of names, relationships, careers, and references within the first few chapters. I swear there were moments where I was trying to remember who someone’s cousin’s sibling’s parent was instead of paying attention to the story itself. 😭😭 Maybe readers who have read all the previous books will have a much easier time with it, but as someone coming in without that background, I felt like I was constantly playing catch-up.
Once I got past that, JJ and Addie did keep me turning the pages. The tension was there. The chemistry was there. The history was there. And for a while, I was completely invested in figuring out what had happened between them.
Unfortunately, the more answers I got, the more annoyed I became. Because someone please explain to me how these two managed to suffer for FOUR YEARS because nobody wanted to have a conversation🥲😭😭 and that's not even me being dramatic.
JJ spends part of the book acting like he has no idea why Addie hates him, and then later it feels like he actually does know at least some of the reason. Which immediately made me wonder why he never addressed it???? And Addie isn’t innocent here either. She maintained a relationship with his daughter all those years, but somehow never managed to have one honest conversation with JJ?
I spent so much of this book thinking: please just talk to each other.
The dual timeline honestly saved a lot of this for me. Seeing them when they were younger helped me understand why they mattered so much to each other, and I found myself looking forward to those chapters more than some of the present-day ones. Their friendship felt natural, and it reminded me why I wanted their relationship to work despite all my frustrations.
Small side note that ended up being a bigger issue than I expected: The marriage situation gave me the ick.
I know. I know. I know.
They’re separated.
I know everyone kept saying the marriage was basically over.
I know they were supposedly only married on paper.
My brain still went, but they’re married though.
And regardless of how horrible Tabitha is... the cheating trope grosses me out in almost any shape or form 🥲🤚🏼
The thing that makes this review difficult to write is that I can see the potential of the story so clearly. There were moments where I remembered exactly why I enjoy this author’s books. The emotional foundation was there. The friendship was there. The chemistry was definitely there. I just don’t think the execution worked for me.
By the end, I wasn’t angry at the book. I was mostly disappointed because I wanted to love it more than I actually did. The ending was decent, but the buildup felt messy, rushed, and unnecessarily frustrating.
I’ll probably continue the series eventually because I’m still interested in the world, but I genuinely think I need to go back and read the first-generation books first. At the very least, maybe then I’ll understand half the family tree that got dropped on me in chapter one. 😭
favorite quotes ↓
“I honestly can’t say whether I love the color because I’ve always dreamed of being a Bolt or because it’s the color of his eyes.”
“You are my favorite person in the world, Adeline. My best friend.”
“I’ll give you every second I have. Every minute will be yours, Adeline.”
things to know about the book ↓
🏒 friends → strangers → lovers
🏒 hockey MCs
🏒 player x coach (she’s the coach)
🏒 single dad
🏒 second gen series
🏒 forced proximity
🏒 roommates
🏒 dual timeline
🏒 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 24, 26, 28, 37, 42, 43, 47,
swearing: yes
Thank you Smuthood, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🏒🩵 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
I didn't realize this was a second generation series...
I feel like I'm about to be super confused at the beginning of this, but hopefully I'll be able to catch on without reading any prior series 😭
June 2, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
The second gen kids are here!
And I am all for it.
Addie (Beckett daughter)
JJ (I have not read his parents duet)
Childhood friends to… let’s squiggle a line across a map because that was these two.
Phew.
JJ is a single dad… getting divorced…
Enter a little dilemma.
Both are goalies. Well she’s his coach.
Hockey. Boston Bolts.
Back to the brownstone and a chaos of kids.
Forced proximity.
They’ve always loved each other.
As with every book by this author you go through all the emotions.
Excited for this series. And the New Romantics aspect I think is going to happen…?
Arc review ✨
The second gen kids are here!
And I am all for it.
Addie (Beckett daughter)
JJ (I have not read his parents duet)
Childhood friends to… let’s squiggle a line across a map because that was these two.
Phew.
JJ is a single dad… getting divorced…
Enter a little dilemma.
Both are goalies. Well she’s his coach.
Hockey. Boston Bolts.
Back to the brownstone and a chaos of kids.
Forced proximity.
They’ve always loved each other.
As with every book by this author you go through all the emotions.
Excited for this series. And the New Romantics aspect I think is going to happen…?
Arc review ✨
June 3, 2026
My second Brittanee Nicole book!
I love friends to lovers. Its one of my favorite tropes. I know a lot of people are crazy for enemies to lovers (which this book also doesn't exactly start with two best friends...) But I think friends to lovers gives its fair share of angst too.
And there has to be a good reason why they aren't already together. So there is a lot to play with.
When we start with this book, JJ and Adaline are not friends anymore. Infact... Adaline doesn't want to be near him. But near him she is, because now she's living with him and his daughter, her sister and her kids and JJ's cousin and her kids. And they're sharing a bathroom.
JJ, and the other women are living in a new dynamic. Their partners aren't there to help raise the kids and so Addies dad's idea was for them all to live together. How hard can it be to live with someone you don't want to even look at?
Addie has to look at JJ because now she's his coach. Besides living together, now their working together. Perfect. Intertwined with the story is flashbacks to how it used to be between them. At times its so sweet. At others, its pretty painful.
Can they work anything out with JJ navigating a new normal for his daughter? And... still being married. Complicated this is. Theres also lots of people to help meddle, and a kid to think about. Who's going through it herself.
There were times I wanted to knock some sense into both of these knuckles heads. But that's the entertaining part... seeing people make mistakes and rectify them.
Loved the ending! Can't wait for book 2!
I love friends to lovers. Its one of my favorite tropes. I know a lot of people are crazy for enemies to lovers (which this book also doesn't exactly start with two best friends...) But I think friends to lovers gives its fair share of angst too.
And there has to be a good reason why they aren't already together. So there is a lot to play with.
When we start with this book, JJ and Adaline are not friends anymore. Infact... Adaline doesn't want to be near him. But near him she is, because now she's living with him and his daughter, her sister and her kids and JJ's cousin and her kids. And they're sharing a bathroom.
JJ, and the other women are living in a new dynamic. Their partners aren't there to help raise the kids and so Addies dad's idea was for them all to live together. How hard can it be to live with someone you don't want to even look at?
Addie has to look at JJ because now she's his coach. Besides living together, now their working together. Perfect. Intertwined with the story is flashbacks to how it used to be between them. At times its so sweet. At others, its pretty painful.
Can they work anything out with JJ navigating a new normal for his daughter? And... still being married. Complicated this is. Theres also lots of people to help meddle, and a kid to think about. Who's going through it herself.
There were times I wanted to knock some sense into both of these knuckles heads. But that's the entertaining part... seeing people make mistakes and rectify them.
Loved the ending! Can't wait for book 2!
June 5, 2026
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!
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!
May 26, 2026
“Family is not who you are born into; family is who shows up.” This quotes sums up perfectly why I loved this book so much.
It has everything I love in a book, second chances, it has always been you, a single dad and a dual timeline explaning the past.
This story had my stomach in knots, the tension and yearning was exquisite and I loved everything about JJ and Addie’s story, but what stood out was that it was also about family.
For me it is about family and choosing to be there for a child in any capacity, no matter if it is my blood or by choice. The fact that some characters chose to be a parent to someone else’s child like Becket becoming Addie’s dad in Mother Faker was heartwarming. Their relationship now that she is an adult herself is so beautiful and how he is her dad in every way made me emotional. It shows family does not always have to be blood and the same goes for Addie and Avery.
Their relationship was just as cute as Addie and JJ’s was romantic.
O and there is art in the book 😍😍😍
It has everything I love in a book, second chances, it has always been you, a single dad and a dual timeline explaning the past.
This story had my stomach in knots, the tension and yearning was exquisite and I loved everything about JJ and Addie’s story, but what stood out was that it was also about family.
For me it is about family and choosing to be there for a child in any capacity, no matter if it is my blood or by choice. The fact that some characters chose to be a parent to someone else’s child like Becket becoming Addie’s dad in Mother Faker was heartwarming. Their relationship now that she is an adult herself is so beautiful and how he is her dad in every way made me emotional. It shows family does not always have to be blood and the same goes for Addie and Avery.
Their relationship was just as cute as Addie and JJ’s was romantic.
O and there is art in the book 😍😍😍
June 1, 2026
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.
The audio for this book is absolutely fantastic!! Performed in duet with Megan Wicks as Addie & Adam Gold as JJ! And then our full cast includes Grayson Owens, Samantha Brentmoor, Lucy Rivers, Connor Crais, Mollie Stark, and James Cassidy! I’d recommend this audio any day and absolutely loved every minute of it!
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.
The audio for this book is absolutely fantastic!! Performed in duet with Megan Wicks as Addie & Adam Gold as JJ! And then our full cast includes Grayson Owens, Samantha Brentmoor, Lucy Rivers, Connor Crais, Mollie Stark, and James Cassidy! I’d recommend this audio any day and absolutely loved every minute of it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
June 3, 2026
⭐ 3/5 Stars
One of my most anticipated releases of the year... and unfortunately one of my biggest disappointments.
I have been waiting for Paper Rings for months.
Not only is this part of the second-generation Langfield family series, but this is also one of my favorite authors. Between the teasers, snippets, social media marketing, and months of anticipation, I went into this book with incredibly high expectations.
And honestly?
The book started so well.
The yearning between Addie and JJ was beautiful. There was so much history, so much hurt, and so much potential packed into those early chapters that I was completely hooked.
I especially loved JJ's unwavering support of Addie. He believed in her even when she didn't believe in herself, and those moments were some of the strongest in the entire book.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the story devolved into a series of messy decisions, underdeveloped plotlines, and conflicts that never felt fully resolved.
My biggest issue was that certain parts of the story felt less like intentional character choices and more like editing oversights.
For example, the book initially presents JJ as having no idea why Addie stopped speaking to him. Meanwhile, Addie is carrying around years of heartbreak because of what happened between them.
But then when we finally start getting pieces of the truth, it becomes clear that JJ absolutely knew he had played a role in what happened—even if he didn't know every detail.
So why was his response not asking questions, seeking clarification,or trying to fix things?
Instead, he chose to act mean and spiteful.
And honestly?
That behavior felt completely out of character for the JJ we were supposed to love.
What made it worse was that he never truly apologizes for it.
Then there's the entire Tabitha situation.
When Addie leaves JJ the first time because of Tabitha's manipulation, she never actually tells JJ what happened.
And unless I completely missed something, that storyline is never properly revisited again.
Nobody addresses it.
Nobody clears the air.
Nobody discusses the manipulation.
It genuinely felt like the book forgot it existed halfway through.
There were multiple moments like that throughout the story where plotlines were introduced, seemed important, and then simply... disappeared.
And unfortunately both main characters contributed to the frustration.
Addie should never have let Tabitha get into her head to the extent that she did.
JJ, on the other hand, should never have made some of the decisions he made—especially the marriage situation, which felt immature, spiteful, and completely avoidable.
The entire book is filled with situations where I kept thinking:
"Just talk to each other."
Which is frustrating because underneath all of that confusion was a genuinely beautiful love story trying to break through.
And finally, my recurring plea to romance authors everywhere:
Can we please stop glorifying the man-whore phase?
At this point, I am genuinely exhausted by every MMC having a history of sleeping with half the population before meeting "the one."
It doesn't make them more desirable. It doesn't make the romance stronger. It's just becoming repetitive.
One of my most anticipated releases of the year... and unfortunately one of my biggest disappointments.
I have been waiting for Paper Rings for months.
Not only is this part of the second-generation Langfield family series, but this is also one of my favorite authors. Between the teasers, snippets, social media marketing, and months of anticipation, I went into this book with incredibly high expectations.
And honestly?
The book started so well.
The yearning between Addie and JJ was beautiful. There was so much history, so much hurt, and so much potential packed into those early chapters that I was completely hooked.
I especially loved JJ's unwavering support of Addie. He believed in her even when she didn't believe in herself, and those moments were some of the strongest in the entire book.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the story devolved into a series of messy decisions, underdeveloped plotlines, and conflicts that never felt fully resolved.
My biggest issue was that certain parts of the story felt less like intentional character choices and more like editing oversights.
For example, the book initially presents JJ as having no idea why Addie stopped speaking to him. Meanwhile, Addie is carrying around years of heartbreak because of what happened between them.
But then when we finally start getting pieces of the truth, it becomes clear that JJ absolutely knew he had played a role in what happened—even if he didn't know every detail.
So why was his response not asking questions, seeking clarification,or trying to fix things?
Instead, he chose to act mean and spiteful.
And honestly?
That behavior felt completely out of character for the JJ we were supposed to love.
What made it worse was that he never truly apologizes for it.
Then there's the entire Tabitha situation.
When Addie leaves JJ the first time because of Tabitha's manipulation, she never actually tells JJ what happened.
And unless I completely missed something, that storyline is never properly revisited again.
Nobody addresses it.
Nobody clears the air.
Nobody discusses the manipulation.
It genuinely felt like the book forgot it existed halfway through.
There were multiple moments like that throughout the story where plotlines were introduced, seemed important, and then simply... disappeared.
And unfortunately both main characters contributed to the frustration.
Addie should never have let Tabitha get into her head to the extent that she did.
JJ, on the other hand, should never have made some of the decisions he made—especially the marriage situation, which felt immature, spiteful, and completely avoidable.
The entire book is filled with situations where I kept thinking:
"Just talk to each other."
Which is frustrating because underneath all of that confusion was a genuinely beautiful love story trying to break through.
And finally, my recurring plea to romance authors everywhere:
Can we please stop glorifying the man-whore phase?
At this point, I am genuinely exhausted by every MMC having a history of sleeping with half the population before meeting "the one."
It doesn't make them more desirable. It doesn't make the romance stronger. It's just becoming repetitive.
June 2, 2026
Rating: Loved it (rounded up)
⛸️ Goalie x Goalie
🥅 BFFs to Strangers to Lovers
⛸️ Single Dad
🥅 She’s His Coach
⛸️No 3rd Act Breakup
🥅Sexy time while SHE WEARS HER JERSEY
⛸️ Roommates
🥅Good Boy 😏
⛸️He Crawls to HER
This book had to do a LOT of heavy lifting as the first installment in a new series. It needed to lay the foundation for everything coming next, reintroduce the many (and I mean many) characters longtime readers already know, reward us with Easter eggs for sticking around since the beginning, and deliver a fantastic best-friends-to-lovers romance.
Brittanee pulled it off.
Were there a few clunky spots? Sure. There are sooooooooo many characters early on that even I had to stop and remember how they fit into the chaos. I can't imagine being completely new to this world. But was the payoff worth it?
ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY.
I feel like I could give a TED Talk about this book.
Addie was such a standout. Not only was she an incredible goalie with a successful career, but I loved seeing her transition into coaching while still finding ways to stay connected to the position she loves. And her relationship with Beckett? My heart. There were multiple moments that had me tearing up.
Then there's JJ. This man is the definition of a green flag. Top-tier golden retriever energy. He's been Addie's biggest fan from the very beginning and never stops championing her, her goals, and her career. It's supportive. It's swoony. It's ridiculously attractive. Avery was the cherry on top of this man because he takes being her daddy seriously and that's just hot.
Watching these two grow up through the dual timeline and finally getting answers about what happened between them was the kind of slow burn that should be studied. The anticipation was exquisite, and when the truth finally came out, it was worth every second of waiting. And just when things should've gotten easier, life throws them a whole new set of challenges.
Can we talk about the fact that it took us WAY too long to get a song out of Aiden? Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Was I still impatient about it? Also absolutely.
PS: I've never met a Tabitha who wasn't trouble, so the second I saw her name I KNEW drama was headed our way. 😂
Thank you, @authorbrittaneenicole and @theauthor.agency for the ARC.
⛸️ Goalie x Goalie
🥅 BFFs to Strangers to Lovers
⛸️ Single Dad
🥅 She’s His Coach
⛸️No 3rd Act Breakup
🥅Sexy time while SHE WEARS HER JERSEY
⛸️ Roommates
🥅Good Boy 😏
⛸️He Crawls to HER
This book had to do a LOT of heavy lifting as the first installment in a new series. It needed to lay the foundation for everything coming next, reintroduce the many (and I mean many) characters longtime readers already know, reward us with Easter eggs for sticking around since the beginning, and deliver a fantastic best-friends-to-lovers romance.
Brittanee pulled it off.
Were there a few clunky spots? Sure. There are sooooooooo many characters early on that even I had to stop and remember how they fit into the chaos. I can't imagine being completely new to this world. But was the payoff worth it?
ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY.
I feel like I could give a TED Talk about this book.
Addie was such a standout. Not only was she an incredible goalie with a successful career, but I loved seeing her transition into coaching while still finding ways to stay connected to the position she loves. And her relationship with Beckett? My heart. There were multiple moments that had me tearing up.
Then there's JJ. This man is the definition of a green flag. Top-tier golden retriever energy. He's been Addie's biggest fan from the very beginning and never stops championing her, her goals, and her career. It's supportive. It's swoony. It's ridiculously attractive. Avery was the cherry on top of this man because he takes being her daddy seriously and that's just hot.
Watching these two grow up through the dual timeline and finally getting answers about what happened between them was the kind of slow burn that should be studied. The anticipation was exquisite, and when the truth finally came out, it was worth every second of waiting. And just when things should've gotten easier, life throws them a whole new set of challenges.
Can we talk about the fact that it took us WAY too long to get a song out of Aiden? Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Was I still impatient about it? Also absolutely.
PS: I've never met a Tabitha who wasn't trouble, so the second I saw her name I KNEW drama was headed our way. 😂
Thank you, @authorbrittaneenicole and @theauthor.agency for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t know how to start saying how much I loved Paper Rings. It has all the excitement of a new series along with the nostalgia of the old books. Every time Jay or Beckett were in the book I swooned so hard remembering their old stories and struggles to get the women they wanted.
And the same goes for Addie and JJ. Their story has never been so simple. They’ve known each since they were kids, but they really got to know each other at the age of 15. I loved the dual timeline of the book, showing them as adults, trying to reconnect, and as kids, falling in love with one another.
They always keep missing their chance, until Beckett, as usual, decides to put most of his kids and their children in the same brownstone. Addie is involved as well as JJ and his four-year-old, Avery. Second chance is my favourite trope and seeing JJ and Addie reluctantly reconnect at first and going back to being best of friends still trying to battle against their feelings was an emotional rollercoaster that I couldn’t get enough of. All the cameos, the twists and the surprises along the way felt like coming back home
I can’t wait to read the next installment, and we’ve been given some hints about the tropes and I’m really, really looking forward to it, especially since there will definitely be a tattooed daddy in it, don’t care if he’s already in his fifties
Thank you Brittanee Nicole for the gifted ARC, all opinions are my own.
And the same goes for Addie and JJ. Their story has never been so simple. They’ve known each since they were kids, but they really got to know each other at the age of 15. I loved the dual timeline of the book, showing them as adults, trying to reconnect, and as kids, falling in love with one another.
They always keep missing their chance, until Beckett, as usual, decides to put most of his kids and their children in the same brownstone. Addie is involved as well as JJ and his four-year-old, Avery. Second chance is my favourite trope and seeing JJ and Addie reluctantly reconnect at first and going back to being best of friends still trying to battle against their feelings was an emotional rollercoaster that I couldn’t get enough of. All the cameos, the twists and the surprises along the way felt like coming back home
I can’t wait to read the next installment, and we’ve been given some hints about the tropes and I’m really, really looking forward to it, especially since there will definitely be a tattooed daddy in it, don’t care if he’s already in his fifties
Thank you Brittanee Nicole for the gifted ARC, all opinions are my own.
June 15, 2026
I had two main issues with this book.
The first is that second generation novels are only palatable if they are distant enough to thrive on their own. This book was suffocating under the characters come before. Constantly doing calculations in my head of "wait, who are you?" every time a new side character is mentioned, always in too much detail, detracts from the character this story is about and, frankly, exhausts my interest a bit. It's made worse by some echoing storylines, where I can already see second-gen characters slotting into their matching first-gen molds.
The second is that I don't actually want these two to be together. At all! I always find second chance/always been you romances a little unimpressive when the MMC has a kid and is married to someone else at any point after knowing her, let alone for the entire fucking novel, while the FMC is maintaining dual eligibility for a nunnery and thinking repeatedly about how she doesn't plan to have kids.
I mean, how sweet is it that his kid loves her? Never mind that she's stated over and over and over that she does not want to have kids. Super sweet to make her do it for someone else's kid anyway!
How sweet is it that he's upset she deleted his number? Never mind that he'd impregnated, gotten engaged to, and married someone else. So sweet of him to be a shitty person to two women!
How sweet is it that he's so jealous when she wants to get set up on some dates? Never mind that he is, again, STILL MARRIED TO SOMEONE ELSE. Or that she's never dated anyone ever while he was out fucking whoever he wanted even before having a kid with someone else.
I'm glad she got a moment to articulate this problem:
"Before Avery was born, you dated any woman you wanted. I had to sit on the sidelines and watch as you slept with one puck bunny after another, and then you married one of them. I never so much as went on a single date, and you damn well know why.” Tears sting my nose, but I inhale deeply. I will not cry. “I’m sorry if your life with Tabitha didn’t pan out like you hoped, but don’t I deserve to find someone too? Or am I just supposed to sit here and watch from the sidelines again?"
I'm not so glad that none of that actually mattered. She gets so little, and the people in her life tolerate so little for her. I can't even understand how she ended up in this arrangement in the first place -- she should've gotten her own damn apartment, told JJ to fuck right off, and found someone worthwhile to date.
The first is that second generation novels are only palatable if they are distant enough to thrive on their own. This book was suffocating under the characters come before. Constantly doing calculations in my head of "wait, who are you?" every time a new side character is mentioned, always in too much detail, detracts from the character this story is about and, frankly, exhausts my interest a bit. It's made worse by some echoing storylines, where I can already see second-gen characters slotting into their matching first-gen molds.
The second is that I don't actually want these two to be together. At all! I always find second chance/always been you romances a little unimpressive when the MMC has a kid and is married to someone else at any point after knowing her, let alone for the entire fucking novel, while the FMC is maintaining dual eligibility for a nunnery and thinking repeatedly about how she doesn't plan to have kids.
I mean, how sweet is it that his kid loves her? Never mind that she's stated over and over and over that she does not want to have kids. Super sweet to make her do it for someone else's kid anyway!
How sweet is it that he's upset she deleted his number? Never mind that he'd impregnated, gotten engaged to, and married someone else. So sweet of him to be a shitty person to two women!
How sweet is it that he's so jealous when she wants to get set up on some dates? Never mind that he is, again, STILL MARRIED TO SOMEONE ELSE. Or that she's never dated anyone ever while he was out fucking whoever he wanted even before having a kid with someone else.
I'm glad she got a moment to articulate this problem:
"Before Avery was born, you dated any woman you wanted. I had to sit on the sidelines and watch as you slept with one puck bunny after another, and then you married one of them. I never so much as went on a single date, and you damn well know why.” Tears sting my nose, but I inhale deeply. I will not cry. “I’m sorry if your life with Tabitha didn’t pan out like you hoped, but don’t I deserve to find someone too? Or am I just supposed to sit here and watch from the sidelines again?"
I'm not so glad that none of that actually mattered. She gets so little, and the people in her life tolerate so little for her. I can't even understand how she ended up in this arrangement in the first place -- she should've gotten her own damn apartment, told JJ to fuck right off, and found someone worthwhile to date.
June 2, 2026
I can’t believe it’s finally time for the next generation of Langfield’s to live in a brownstone together! All the second generation characters being together and seeing what they’ve done in the future made me so excited for this series.
Addie and JJ were everything I needed in a second chance romance. I loved the dual timeline — giving glimpses of their past — and how they were both completely obsessed with each other now. JJ’s love for his daughter was so pure and beautiful — and seeing how much Addie loved and cared for her as well was especially beautiful.
Addie’s got such a tomboy vibes that’s paralleled with her romantic side. Seeing how The New Romantics work and what it can do for Addie had me waiting for JJ to burn it all to the ground.
I can’t wait to see which Langfield is up next and how absolutely chaotic and manic things get in that brownstone!!
Addie and JJ were everything I needed in a second chance romance. I loved the dual timeline — giving glimpses of their past — and how they were both completely obsessed with each other now. JJ’s love for his daughter was so pure and beautiful — and seeing how much Addie loved and cared for her as well was especially beautiful.
Addie’s got such a tomboy vibes that’s paralleled with her romantic side. Seeing how The New Romantics work and what it can do for Addie had me waiting for JJ to burn it all to the ground.
I can’t wait to see which Langfield is up next and how absolutely chaotic and manic things get in that brownstone!!
June 8, 2026
📚Paper Rings by Brittanee Nicole
🎤Adam Gold and Megan Wicks with Samantha Brentmoor, James Cassidy, Mollie Stark, Grayson Owens, Lucy Rivers & Connor Crais
Thanks to Brittanee Nicole and The Author Agency for a #gifted copy of the ARC. Audio purchased by me. All thoughts are my own.
Listen up folks, this audiobook was freakin awesome. Talk about an amazing listening experience. This cast is INSANE and they deliver in every way possible. Fans of the Boston Bolts are gonna go bananas over this 2nd gen book. JJ and Addie are so damn adorable! I had a smile on my face through this whole book and Brittanee delivers big on the pining, angst and desperation these two have for each other. I loved every minute of it.
What I loved:
💕JJ--this man!🥺The definition of a green flag, thoughtful, sexy & Addie's biggest fan. Supporting her goals, career and only wanting all the happiness for her. Her best friend! There's never been anyone other than Addie for him and he knows it. He's sooo gone for this woman and it's just freaking swoony!
💕Addie--She's an incredible FMC. Talented goalie with all the success in her sport. Reaching the ranks of coach and staying connected to what she loved. Her love for her family, for hockey and for JJ but it's the sweet acceptance of Avery that really gets ya! 🫶🏻
💕Sweet little Avery 🥺Her precocious ways, her innocence, honesty and her love for her dad and Addie was the sweetest. Avery was everything to JJ. He loved this little girl and put her first above everything. Little Avery was honestly a scene stealer!
💕Beckett--guys, this man melts my heart! His relationship with Addie, so sweet, and his foresight to bring everyone together in the brownstone? Gah! Beckett does it again and continues to reign in this universe.
💕JJ & Addie's story was never easy but JJ fights for Addie the entire book. He's not going to give up until they can be together. Ugh! It's so romantic and swoony. This single dad had me kicking me feet. It's a slow burn but when these childhood friends to lovers seal the deal, you're screaming! 🙌🏻
💕I LOVE a dual timeline and this one is done so well. The flashbacks we get, the moments that happen, it's all perfect!
💕I loved the level of communication that Addie and JJ were able to get to allowing Addie to forgive him and move on. They put it in the past so they could move forward together.
💕A moment for all the cameos 🙌🏻 All her uncles! This really makes this 2nd gen book so much fun.
💕He calls her "baby", speaks French to her and he thinks she's PERFECT! I mean...just stop!
💕They play TWO truths, ONE lie and I was melting ya'll
💕The racoons, the peonies 🤭 the chaos!!! I loved it all.
🎤Let's talk audio: This audio is GOLD & when I say that.... I mean ADAM GOLD! 🙌🏻 This man!!! Talk about swoon city! Adam was seriously perfect as JJ. I will NEVER get over a narrator whispering in books, NEVER!!!! Adam got the assignment & this man was whispering his heart out & my ears couldn't have been happier! The narration from him was everything. Intentional & thoughtful which just added to the pining & angst in this story. Is it wrong to say I have a small girl crush on Megan Wicks? Because I do. Whew! She absolutely embodied Addie, her personality, her determination & the longing she had over JJ. What a DYNAMIC duo in narration. A favorite pairing for sure! It has to be mentioned...but Sam's narration of Avery about did me in. Talk about sweet, innocent & absolutely adorable. This huge supporting cast brought their A-game to this audio & I am honestly dying for the next book. I can't wait to hear all these talented humans continue this series.
If you've enjoyed Brittanee's other books, there's no doubt in my mind, that you'll absolutely devour this one and honestly THIS book is made to be listened to. You'll love this 2nd gen of characters and all your favs from the past. It's just such a fantastic audio.
🎤Adam Gold and Megan Wicks with Samantha Brentmoor, James Cassidy, Mollie Stark, Grayson Owens, Lucy Rivers & Connor Crais
Thanks to Brittanee Nicole and The Author Agency for a #gifted copy of the ARC. Audio purchased by me. All thoughts are my own.
Listen up folks, this audiobook was freakin awesome. Talk about an amazing listening experience. This cast is INSANE and they deliver in every way possible. Fans of the Boston Bolts are gonna go bananas over this 2nd gen book. JJ and Addie are so damn adorable! I had a smile on my face through this whole book and Brittanee delivers big on the pining, angst and desperation these two have for each other. I loved every minute of it.
What I loved:
💕JJ--this man!🥺The definition of a green flag, thoughtful, sexy & Addie's biggest fan. Supporting her goals, career and only wanting all the happiness for her. Her best friend! There's never been anyone other than Addie for him and he knows it. He's sooo gone for this woman and it's just freaking swoony!
💕Addie--She's an incredible FMC. Talented goalie with all the success in her sport. Reaching the ranks of coach and staying connected to what she loved. Her love for her family, for hockey and for JJ but it's the sweet acceptance of Avery that really gets ya! 🫶🏻
💕Sweet little Avery 🥺Her precocious ways, her innocence, honesty and her love for her dad and Addie was the sweetest. Avery was everything to JJ. He loved this little girl and put her first above everything. Little Avery was honestly a scene stealer!
💕Beckett--guys, this man melts my heart! His relationship with Addie, so sweet, and his foresight to bring everyone together in the brownstone? Gah! Beckett does it again and continues to reign in this universe.
💕JJ & Addie's story was never easy but JJ fights for Addie the entire book. He's not going to give up until they can be together. Ugh! It's so romantic and swoony. This single dad had me kicking me feet. It's a slow burn but when these childhood friends to lovers seal the deal, you're screaming! 🙌🏻
💕I LOVE a dual timeline and this one is done so well. The flashbacks we get, the moments that happen, it's all perfect!
💕I loved the level of communication that Addie and JJ were able to get to allowing Addie to forgive him and move on. They put it in the past so they could move forward together.
💕A moment for all the cameos 🙌🏻 All her uncles! This really makes this 2nd gen book so much fun.
💕He calls her "baby", speaks French to her and he thinks she's PERFECT! I mean...just stop!
💕They play TWO truths, ONE lie and I was melting ya'll
💕The racoons, the peonies 🤭 the chaos!!! I loved it all.
🎤Let's talk audio: This audio is GOLD & when I say that.... I mean ADAM GOLD! 🙌🏻 This man!!! Talk about swoon city! Adam was seriously perfect as JJ. I will NEVER get over a narrator whispering in books, NEVER!!!! Adam got the assignment & this man was whispering his heart out & my ears couldn't have been happier! The narration from him was everything. Intentional & thoughtful which just added to the pining & angst in this story. Is it wrong to say I have a small girl crush on Megan Wicks? Because I do. Whew! She absolutely embodied Addie, her personality, her determination & the longing she had over JJ. What a DYNAMIC duo in narration. A favorite pairing for sure! It has to be mentioned...but Sam's narration of Avery about did me in. Talk about sweet, innocent & absolutely adorable. This huge supporting cast brought their A-game to this audio & I am honestly dying for the next book. I can't wait to hear all these talented humans continue this series.
If you've enjoyed Brittanee's other books, there's no doubt in my mind, that you'll absolutely devour this one and honestly THIS book is made to be listened to. You'll love this 2nd gen of characters and all your favs from the past. It's just such a fantastic audio.
June 3, 2026
Rating: 4.5⭐️
This is the first book in the New Romantics series, following the second generation of Brittanee Nicole's amazing hockey families and the Boston Bolts - back to the brownstone and did the piercings continue?
Tropes:
✨ Hockey romance
✨ Friends to strangers to lovers
✨ Women in Sports
✨ Single Dad
✨ Always been her
✨ First goalie coach in the NHL
I was so beyond excited to start this new second-generation series, and it did not disappoint!
Adeline is exactly the type of woman I admired and wanted to be growing up. She is strong, smart, independent, talented, gorgeous on the inside and out, considerate and loving, quick-witted, caring, sharp, and funny. I loved seeing her journey in hockey and trying to find her way in a male-dominated industry, and absolutely crushing it. She met any challenge head-on, and you could see what a thick skin she had to develop, and all the things she had to go through to get to where she is today. It was quite inspirational.
JJ is exactly the type of man the world needs, and I think we can all learn something from him. He is incredibly caring, loving, and fiercely protective of the people he loves. JJ is also an amazing single dad to an adorable little girl, and I absolutely loved Avery. This little girl made me laugh more than any other character in the book, and she was incredibly funny, sharp, and witty for a four-year-old.
This story was told partially from a dual timeline, where we got flashbacks to when Addie and JJ were younger, and I really loved getting those snippets of their background story. Addie and JJ were so freaking cute together, and it was hilarious how competitive they both are and how they can make even the smallest thing into a competition.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the found family. We got to see so many characters from the first-gen books, all the parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and friends, and I soaked up every minute of it. And yes, Beckett is still hilarious and extremely overprotective. And please don't tell me I was the only one who forgot about the raccoons (iykyk) because damn, that took me by surprise for the first few seconds and I really forgot how ridiculous and hilarious that was in the first-gen books.
Overall, this book had all the things I have been missing from this world and these characters and reading about this found family felt like coming home again.
Thank you to the author and the Smuthood for the ARC.
This is the first book in the New Romantics series, following the second generation of Brittanee Nicole's amazing hockey families and the Boston Bolts - back to the brownstone and did the piercings continue?
Tropes:
✨ Hockey romance
✨ Friends to strangers to lovers
✨ Women in Sports
✨ Single Dad
✨ Always been her
✨ First goalie coach in the NHL
I was so beyond excited to start this new second-generation series, and it did not disappoint!
Adeline is exactly the type of woman I admired and wanted to be growing up. She is strong, smart, independent, talented, gorgeous on the inside and out, considerate and loving, quick-witted, caring, sharp, and funny. I loved seeing her journey in hockey and trying to find her way in a male-dominated industry, and absolutely crushing it. She met any challenge head-on, and you could see what a thick skin she had to develop, and all the things she had to go through to get to where she is today. It was quite inspirational.
JJ is exactly the type of man the world needs, and I think we can all learn something from him. He is incredibly caring, loving, and fiercely protective of the people he loves. JJ is also an amazing single dad to an adorable little girl, and I absolutely loved Avery. This little girl made me laugh more than any other character in the book, and she was incredibly funny, sharp, and witty for a four-year-old.
This story was told partially from a dual timeline, where we got flashbacks to when Addie and JJ were younger, and I really loved getting those snippets of their background story. Addie and JJ were so freaking cute together, and it was hilarious how competitive they both are and how they can make even the smallest thing into a competition.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the found family. We got to see so many characters from the first-gen books, all the parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and friends, and I soaked up every minute of it. And yes, Beckett is still hilarious and extremely overprotective. And please don't tell me I was the only one who forgot about the raccoons (iykyk) because damn, that took me by surprise for the first few seconds and I really forgot how ridiculous and hilarious that was in the first-gen books.
Overall, this book had all the things I have been missing from this world and these characters and reading about this found family felt like coming home again.
Thank you to the author and the Smuthood for the ARC.
June 8, 2026
I had super high hopes for this book. I’m new to Brittanee Nicole’s writing but I’m a huge hockey romance fan so I decided to give it a try.
WHAT I LOVED:
- the dual timeline! I enjoyed the flashback chapters more than the present day ones. I loved seeing how JJ and Addie’s relationship evolved.
- I loved that she was the first female NHL player. Girl power!!
- I loved the relationship that Addie had with Avery. It was so sweet.
WHAT I DIDNT LOVE:
- this book was chaotic. I couldn’t keep up with the amount of characters that were introduced within the first three chapters. And it turns out, most of them were irrelevant to the plot. Maybe if you’ve read her other books but I’ve read second gen series before without prior knowledge of the author and I was not nearly as confused as I was with Paper Rings.
- the cheating trope. It’s not for me.
- I didn’t feel like their relationship was believable. You don’t talk for four years, you hook up once and then it’s end game? I would have liked to feel more between them.
- the ending felt extremely rushed. All of their history and chemistry could have easily been made into two books, rather than trying to cram it all into one. JJ’s marriage was a huge obstacle throughout the entire story and then it was wrapped up in a paragraph…?
- the magazine was odd for me. It is the title of the series, but it didn’t have much to do with the plot in my opinion. It didn’t make or break the storyline and I figured we would be more focused on that than we actually were.
Overall, I was intrigued and it kept my attention throughout the entire story. I never felt the need to walk away from it or take a break. It has a ton of potential but could have easily cut out some parts to make room for more explanation on other parts. I can tell these characters are very close to the authors heart, but it was just chaotic and rushed, and then it just ended. I still have questions that I’m not sure will get answered since this is a standalone in interconnected series.
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for the gifted arc. All opinions are my own.
WHAT I LOVED:
- the dual timeline! I enjoyed the flashback chapters more than the present day ones. I loved seeing how JJ and Addie’s relationship evolved.
- I loved that she was the first female NHL player. Girl power!!
- I loved the relationship that Addie had with Avery. It was so sweet.
WHAT I DIDNT LOVE:
- this book was chaotic. I couldn’t keep up with the amount of characters that were introduced within the first three chapters. And it turns out, most of them were irrelevant to the plot. Maybe if you’ve read her other books but I’ve read second gen series before without prior knowledge of the author and I was not nearly as confused as I was with Paper Rings.
- the cheating trope. It’s not for me.
- I didn’t feel like their relationship was believable. You don’t talk for four years, you hook up once and then it’s end game? I would have liked to feel more between them.
- the ending felt extremely rushed. All of their history and chemistry could have easily been made into two books, rather than trying to cram it all into one. JJ’s marriage was a huge obstacle throughout the entire story and then it was wrapped up in a paragraph…?
- the magazine was odd for me. It is the title of the series, but it didn’t have much to do with the plot in my opinion. It didn’t make or break the storyline and I figured we would be more focused on that than we actually were.
Overall, I was intrigued and it kept my attention throughout the entire story. I never felt the need to walk away from it or take a break. It has a ton of potential but could have easily cut out some parts to make room for more explanation on other parts. I can tell these characters are very close to the authors heart, but it was just chaotic and rushed, and then it just ended. I still have questions that I’m not sure will get answered since this is a standalone in interconnected series.
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for the gifted arc. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2026
*Advanced Listener Copy Review*
JJ & Adeline?! Are you kidding me!?!
A slow burn, single dad, second generation, hockey goalie x2, 2 truths and a lie. What more can I say?
The snippets Brittanee Nicole has been serving us is chefs kiss. And let me tell you, this book is a whole damn meal.
JJ fights for Addie the whole book! Love a man that knows what he wants and fight for it!
Avery steals the show! How can you not fall in love with these characters when you have a little sweetie like that.
5 stars
2 spice
JJ & Adeline?! Are you kidding me!?!
A slow burn, single dad, second generation, hockey goalie x2, 2 truths and a lie. What more can I say?
The snippets Brittanee Nicole has been serving us is chefs kiss. And let me tell you, this book is a whole damn meal.
JJ fights for Addie the whole book! Love a man that knows what he wants and fight for it!
Avery steals the show! How can you not fall in love with these characters when you have a little sweetie like that.
5 stars
2 spice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2026
5⭐️
This book is not just five stars, this book is a gazillion stars 😩❤️
Oh my god, the way I DEVOURED this book!!! This story was literally one of my most anticipated books of the year, I was dying to read about JJ and Addie and the wait was worth it, I mean, I just finished the book like 5 minutes ago and I want it to read it again 😩🛐
Where do I even start? I met Addie for the first time when she was only a baby in Mother Faker, and I love her, I haven’t read JJ’s parents book, but I was intrigued by him and his relationship with Addie when I met him while reading Snow, and oh my god, nothing prepared me for the roller coaster of emotions I had reading them together 😮💨😩 I mean, I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I swooned, I got mad, it was everything and more!!
Addie and JJ were best friends since they were both 14, and they were always in love with each other but neither of them did anything about it, that changed when they were 21 and Addie was in the Olympic Hockey team (that’s my girl!!) and when they thought that could be the beginning of something amazing between them, everything changed in a second, and four years later, JJ is now a single father of his precious girl, and Addie is now the new goalie coach of the Bolts Hockey team, and yup, that means she’s JJ’s coach 👀
Let say something real quick first, I HATE HATE HATE, Tabitha and Dirk, oh my god, I’m so glad about Dirk’s ending and I would like to see Tabitha struggling? Sorry not sorry 👀 but I hate them, I hate what Dirk did to Addie so much 😭💔 my girl doesn’t deserved anything that happened to her, and I hate Tabitha for interfering with Addie and JJ only because she could 😩
That being said, I was ugly crying when Addie and Beckett were having the conversation about him being a father to Addie and her siblings 🥹❤️🩹oh my god, I love Beckett so much and I knew they have an special bond since Mother Faker but reading him being so vulnerable and emotional with Addie was so beautiful ❤️
And I love Avery!! The bond she and Addie have is something else, and I love they have each other and that they both have JJ 🥹❤️ I love everything about them, Addie and JJ literally had everything against them for so many years so it was actually a reward when they finally got their happily ever after 😭❤️ I love how strong Addie is, how fierce and brave and resilient she is, how she managed to pursue her dreams conquering the fear of not being taking seriously in a work dominated by men, and I love how JJ was there supporting her every step of the way, he was always her biggest supporter and fan and he did everything to keep her safe and happy and loved, and ahem, that little think about keeping Addie safe towards the end of the book? Ma’am I was feral 😩❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🛐🛐🛐🛐🛐 JJ the man you are 🙂↔️😮💨
Now I need the best book because, oh lord, it’s going to be intense and forbidden 🙂↔️✨
This book is not just five stars, this book is a gazillion stars 😩❤️
Oh my god, the way I DEVOURED this book!!! This story was literally one of my most anticipated books of the year, I was dying to read about JJ and Addie and the wait was worth it, I mean, I just finished the book like 5 minutes ago and I want it to read it again 😩🛐
Where do I even start? I met Addie for the first time when she was only a baby in Mother Faker, and I love her, I haven’t read JJ’s parents book, but I was intrigued by him and his relationship with Addie when I met him while reading Snow, and oh my god, nothing prepared me for the roller coaster of emotions I had reading them together 😮💨😩 I mean, I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I swooned, I got mad, it was everything and more!!
Addie and JJ were best friends since they were both 14, and they were always in love with each other but neither of them did anything about it, that changed when they were 21 and Addie was in the Olympic Hockey team (that’s my girl!!) and when they thought that could be the beginning of something amazing between them, everything changed in a second, and four years later, JJ is now a single father of his precious girl, and Addie is now the new goalie coach of the Bolts Hockey team, and yup, that means she’s JJ’s coach 👀
Let say something real quick first, I HATE HATE HATE, Tabitha and Dirk, oh my god, I’m so glad about Dirk’s ending and I would like to see Tabitha struggling? Sorry not sorry 👀 but I hate them, I hate what Dirk did to Addie so much 😭💔 my girl doesn’t deserved anything that happened to her, and I hate Tabitha for interfering with Addie and JJ only because she could 😩
That being said, I was ugly crying when Addie and Beckett were having the conversation about him being a father to Addie and her siblings 🥹❤️🩹oh my god, I love Beckett so much and I knew they have an special bond since Mother Faker but reading him being so vulnerable and emotional with Addie was so beautiful ❤️
And I love Avery!! The bond she and Addie have is something else, and I love they have each other and that they both have JJ 🥹❤️ I love everything about them, Addie and JJ literally had everything against them for so many years so it was actually a reward when they finally got their happily ever after 😭❤️ I love how strong Addie is, how fierce and brave and resilient she is, how she managed to pursue her dreams conquering the fear of not being taking seriously in a work dominated by men, and I love how JJ was there supporting her every step of the way, he was always her biggest supporter and fan and he did everything to keep her safe and happy and loved, and ahem, that little think about keeping Addie safe towards the end of the book? Ma’am I was feral 😩❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🛐🛐🛐🛐🛐 JJ the man you are 🙂↔️😮💨
Now I need the best book because, oh lord, it’s going to be intense and forbidden 🙂↔️✨
June 2, 2026
Friends to lovers
Single Dad
Second chance
Hockey Romance
Second generation
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet multicast narration - Adam Gold & Megan Wicks with supporting cast James Cassidy, Lucy Rivers, Grayson Owens, Mollie Stark, Connor Crais, Samantha Brentmoor
Holy moly! Consider me officially spoiled! This casting was so phenomenal each narrator doing such a fantastic job bringing this book to life.
Book #1 The New Romantics series
I am a HUGE Brittanee Nicole fan. I have loved everything she has written all the way back to Whiskey Lies. This book is just so freaking good. I can not recommend it enough. This is the start of the second generation of love stories, I would recommend going back and reading the first generation stories however this can be read as a stand alone. There is a few spoilers within this book but not too bad.
JJ is a single dad that is moving into a brownstone with his former best friend, along with her siblings, his cousin, and 6 kids. The chaos , comedy, snd heartwarming feels are strong. Addie is the first female coach in the NHL and trying to fight feelings for her former best friend turned roommate. These two are adorable together. Truly meant to be together but can they get their head and hearts to align?
I loved this book so much! I can’t even find the words to express the joy I got from immersive reading this fabulous book.
Single Dad
Second chance
Hockey Romance
Second generation
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet multicast narration - Adam Gold & Megan Wicks with supporting cast James Cassidy, Lucy Rivers, Grayson Owens, Mollie Stark, Connor Crais, Samantha Brentmoor
Holy moly! Consider me officially spoiled! This casting was so phenomenal each narrator doing such a fantastic job bringing this book to life.
Book #1 The New Romantics series
I am a HUGE Brittanee Nicole fan. I have loved everything she has written all the way back to Whiskey Lies. This book is just so freaking good. I can not recommend it enough. This is the start of the second generation of love stories, I would recommend going back and reading the first generation stories however this can be read as a stand alone. There is a few spoilers within this book but not too bad.
JJ is a single dad that is moving into a brownstone with his former best friend, along with her siblings, his cousin, and 6 kids. The chaos , comedy, snd heartwarming feels are strong. Addie is the first female coach in the NHL and trying to fight feelings for her former best friend turned roommate. These two are adorable together. Truly meant to be together but can they get their head and hearts to align?
I loved this book so much! I can’t even find the words to express the joy I got from immersive reading this fabulous book.
June 3, 2026
How do I even write a review for this book? I could not have imagined a better start to this second gen series. These characters are so special and seeing so many of the Bolts back in this book made me so so happy! I love the Langfields something fierce.
Addie and JJ - goodness gracious, what a ride they took us on. Their friendship was so stinking cute as kids and seeing how JJ always had Addie’s back was my favorite thing. Addie is just such a badass chick and I love her. JJ was always just such a simp for her without even knowing it.
I was so glad to see them finally communicate and get past the hurt from years ago. I mean I know it would have been difficult but Addie definitely made JJ work for it. I think the bond that Addie had with JJ’s daughter really softened her heart and made her ready to forgive JJ.
All the Langfield brothers making an appearance made me kidding. The amount of tears I cried was infinite and I still cry thinking about Addie’s jersey. These men are the best in the whole wide world.
I just loved how this one shaked out and the introduction of the other characters who we hopefully get more of through this series!
Audio: holy moly, this was just so fun to immersive read. Megan Wicks was perfection as sassy and fierce Addie while Adam Gold was the perfect JJ with his struggling emotions. You could feel the tension and the hurt from the past. This one is also full cast so it just made it even more enjoyable and fun!
What to expect:
Friends to Strangers to Lovers
Second chance
Hockey Romance
Single Dad
She Plays Hockey/Women in Sports
Forbidden Romance
Next Gen Langfield
Thank you Brittanee and team for the eARC/ALC opportunity!
Addie and JJ - goodness gracious, what a ride they took us on. Their friendship was so stinking cute as kids and seeing how JJ always had Addie’s back was my favorite thing. Addie is just such a badass chick and I love her. JJ was always just such a simp for her without even knowing it.
I was so glad to see them finally communicate and get past the hurt from years ago. I mean I know it would have been difficult but Addie definitely made JJ work for it. I think the bond that Addie had with JJ’s daughter really softened her heart and made her ready to forgive JJ.
All the Langfield brothers making an appearance made me kidding. The amount of tears I cried was infinite and I still cry thinking about Addie’s jersey. These men are the best in the whole wide world.
I just loved how this one shaked out and the introduction of the other characters who we hopefully get more of through this series!
Audio: holy moly, this was just so fun to immersive read. Megan Wicks was perfection as sassy and fierce Addie while Adam Gold was the perfect JJ with his struggling emotions. You could feel the tension and the hurt from the past. This one is also full cast so it just made it even more enjoyable and fun!
What to expect:
Friends to Strangers to Lovers
Second chance
Hockey Romance
Single Dad
She Plays Hockey/Women in Sports
Forbidden Romance
Next Gen Langfield
Thank you Brittanee and team for the eARC/ALC opportunity!
June 2, 2026
5 ⭐️
WHAT A BANGERRRRR!!!
I am still currently obsessing over Adeline and JJ. Brittanee nailed this and it is officially tied with A Major Puck Up as my favorite book from her.
I am here for the second gen romances this summer and this was no exception. Seeing all the uncles from past books being so protective in this one is something I didn’t realize I needed!
The chemistry between these two was everything. Adeline was such a badass from hockey player to coach, to female goalie in the NHL. YES GIRL 🙌🏼
JJ was solo dad of the year (he’s technically married but he’s working on it OK!!!).
His relationship with Avery was the sweetest.
Oh and did I mention that we’re back in the brownstone? 🤭
If you’ve read and enjoyed Brittanees past books. This second gen will have you emotional with all our favorite characters grown up and chasing their own love stories 🥹
Thank you Brittanee & TAA for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“Our relationship can’t be defined by any one thing, because you are everything to me. You’re the person I want to spend my time with. Compete with. You make me better. You make me laugh. You make me happier than anything else ever has. You also annoy the hell out of me.”
“If you think there’s a world in which I’ll ever let Ryan Fucking Hobbs know how you sound when you come, you’ve lost the fucking plot, Adeline.”
“A wise man once told me that he’d give his life for the ones he loves. I’m not giving it all up, sir. I’m gaining everything.” Beckett nods. “That’s why you’re the right person for my daughter.”
WHAT A BANGERRRRR!!!
I am still currently obsessing over Adeline and JJ. Brittanee nailed this and it is officially tied with A Major Puck Up as my favorite book from her.
I am here for the second gen romances this summer and this was no exception. Seeing all the uncles from past books being so protective in this one is something I didn’t realize I needed!
The chemistry between these two was everything. Adeline was such a badass from hockey player to coach, to female goalie in the NHL. YES GIRL 🙌🏼
JJ was solo dad of the year (he’s technically married but he’s working on it OK!!!).
His relationship with Avery was the sweetest.
Oh and did I mention that we’re back in the brownstone? 🤭
If you’ve read and enjoyed Brittanees past books. This second gen will have you emotional with all our favorite characters grown up and chasing their own love stories 🥹
Thank you Brittanee & TAA for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“Our relationship can’t be defined by any one thing, because you are everything to me. You’re the person I want to spend my time with. Compete with. You make me better. You make me laugh. You make me happier than anything else ever has. You also annoy the hell out of me.”
“If you think there’s a world in which I’ll ever let Ryan Fucking Hobbs know how you sound when you come, you’ve lost the fucking plot, Adeline.”
“A wise man once told me that he’d give his life for the ones he loves. I’m not giving it all up, sir. I’m gaining everything.” Beckett nods. “That’s why you’re the right person for my daughter.”
June 1, 2026
This book was everything!!! I love anything Brittanee writes!
This story follows Adeline Langfield and JJ Hanson, two childhood best friends and lovers.
There was so much angst between the two.. they never expressed their love to one another when they were younger but always showed up on every occasion. When they finally come together, he finds out he has a daughter, literally the morning after.. Although Addie didn’t want this to cause a rift between them, JJ’s baby mama had other plans.
After 4 years of skating around each other, JJ and Addie have to move into the infamous brownstone together, with their cousins and Addie’s siblings; 6 kids under the age of 5 😳 Addie wants nothing to do with him but can’t ignore her love for him and his sweet daughter Avery
Addie becomes the goalie coach for the Boston Bolts but when one of the goalies get injured, she subs in.. fulfilling her lifelong dream of playing in the NHL, and boy does she kill it!!
Do they continue to skate around each other when she’s no longer his coach or do they finally get their HEA?
Tropes:
💙single dad
🏒friends to lovers
💙second chances
🏒second generation
💙dual timeline
🏒she’s his coach
This story follows Adeline Langfield and JJ Hanson, two childhood best friends and lovers.
There was so much angst between the two.. they never expressed their love to one another when they were younger but always showed up on every occasion. When they finally come together, he finds out he has a daughter, literally the morning after.. Although Addie didn’t want this to cause a rift between them, JJ’s baby mama had other plans.
After 4 years of skating around each other, JJ and Addie have to move into the infamous brownstone together, with their cousins and Addie’s siblings; 6 kids under the age of 5 😳 Addie wants nothing to do with him but can’t ignore her love for him and his sweet daughter Avery
Addie becomes the goalie coach for the Boston Bolts but when one of the goalies get injured, she subs in.. fulfilling her lifelong dream of playing in the NHL, and boy does she kill it!!
Do they continue to skate around each other when she’s no longer his coach or do they finally get their HEA?
Tropes:
💙single dad
🏒friends to lovers
💙second chances
🏒second generation
💙dual timeline
🏒she’s his coach
June 8, 2026
Paper Rings is one of my favorite reads this year. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Watching Addie and JJ overcome their pasts and find each other again was so heartwarming. Avery trusting and loving Addie unconditionally after going through such heartbreak from her mother was inspiring. Seeing the OG Bolts crew coming back throughout the book was so fun. I cannot wait for the rest of the next gen books!!
What to expect:
🏒 childhood friends - strangers - lovers
⚡️ second chance
🏒 single dad
⚡️ he wears her jersey
🏒 she’s his coach
⚡️ Beckett shenanigans
🏒 baby raccoons.
What to expect:
🏒 childhood friends - strangers - lovers
⚡️ second chance
🏒 single dad
⚡️ he wears her jersey
🏒 she’s his coach
⚡️ Beckett shenanigans
🏒 baby raccoons.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
5 ⭐️ - Another ducking masterpiece! 😜
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!
5 ⭐️ - Another ducking masterpiece! 😜
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!
June 2, 2026
Hockey Romance with a side of:
Childhood Friends
Second Chances
Forced Proximity
They're BOTH goalies
--and my new fave: She's his coach!
This is a second gen series and I am all in, we always need more hockey romance in our lives, right?
Thank you to Author Brittanee Nicole and The Smuthood for a chance to read this one!!
Childhood Friends
Second Chances
Forced Proximity
They're BOTH goalies
--and my new fave: She's his coach!
This is a second gen series and I am all in, we always need more hockey romance in our lives, right?
Thank you to Author Brittanee Nicole and The Smuthood for a chance to read this one!!
June 2, 2026
Paper Rings is book 1 in The New Romantics series and follows JJ and Addie's story.
"It's you and me from here on out. No more sharing stories. We're Living them."
This was such the perfect second chance story. It was sweet, funny, love the found family atmosphere and and it's always been you vibes. I loved JJ & Addie! Brittanee nailed it with this one!
The yearning in this book was everything! Every look, every moment, everything between JJ & Addie you felt and never truly really went away even with years apart.
JJ was perfection! The way he was with his daughter, totally swoon worthy! Avery was the cutest and the relationship that she has with Addie made my heart melt. Even though Addie is not her mama, the way Addie was there for Avery just does something to you. It really goes to show you that you don't havre to be blood in order to be a true family!
What do you get:
Childhood Best Friends
Years of Longing
Second Chances
Single Dad
Found Family
*Thank you Brittanee Nicole for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC
"It's you and me from here on out. No more sharing stories. We're Living them."
This was such the perfect second chance story. It was sweet, funny, love the found family atmosphere and and it's always been you vibes. I loved JJ & Addie! Brittanee nailed it with this one!
The yearning in this book was everything! Every look, every moment, everything between JJ & Addie you felt and never truly really went away even with years apart.
JJ was perfection! The way he was with his daughter, totally swoon worthy! Avery was the cutest and the relationship that she has with Addie made my heart melt. Even though Addie is not her mama, the way Addie was there for Avery just does something to you. It really goes to show you that you don't havre to be blood in order to be a true family!
What do you get:
Childhood Best Friends
Years of Longing
Second Chances
Single Dad
Found Family
*Thank you Brittanee Nicole for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC
June 4, 2026
5 Stars✨
3 Spices🌶️
This is my introduction to Brittanee's works, and I'm impressed by how the story of JJ and Adeline surpassed my expectations. Everything I needed for a captivating and delightful reading experience—the angst, the swoon, the heartbreaks, the sweet moments, and the found family vibes.
I suggest reading Paper Rings if you're looking for motivation to conquer the day or if you're just in the mood for a moving story about women's representation and empowerment in a male-dominated sport.
Paper Rings is the first novel in The New Romantics series, which delves into the rugged realities of sports, ambition, love, and the human spirit. It follows the story of early sweethearts Adeline Langfield, the first woman goalie coach in the NHL, and JJ Hanson, one of Boston Bolt's best goalies, as they embark on an emotional journey filled with guilt, revelations, forgiveness, and second chances.
Brittanee has not only written a sports romance, but it’s also an elegy to resilience, sacrifice, and the delicate beauty of human relationships.
Addie is truly an inspiration in this book. She is fierce and vulnerable, a delicate balance that humanizes her unyielding pursuit of greatness. She brings grit to every shutout and warmth to every shared moment with both Avery and JJ.
JJ adds a reflective layer to the story. His powerful presence underscores the story's themes of perseverance and reconciliation. His love for his daughter Avery is a delight to witness, and his never-ending support for Addie is admirable. Oh, his unapologetic protectiveness and devotion for her? Holy smokes, boy, that's HOT!
This book has a lot of emotional gravity when it comes to family themes. The supporting characters, especially those from the first generation, captured my heart. The advice and words of wisdom really resonated with me. So, I suppose I should make some time to read each of their novels.
At its heart, Paper Rings is a story that transcends its hockey backdrop to explore profound questions about life, second chances, and family dynamics. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit and the cost of pursuing dreams. It will leave you inspired, a bit heartbroken, and profoundly moved—a book that lingers in your soul long after its final page.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Brittanee Nicole and The Smuthood for entrusting me with the opportunity to read this book beforehand.
3 Spices🌶️
This is my introduction to Brittanee's works, and I'm impressed by how the story of JJ and Adeline surpassed my expectations. Everything I needed for a captivating and delightful reading experience—the angst, the swoon, the heartbreaks, the sweet moments, and the found family vibes.
I suggest reading Paper Rings if you're looking for motivation to conquer the day or if you're just in the mood for a moving story about women's representation and empowerment in a male-dominated sport.
Paper Rings is the first novel in The New Romantics series, which delves into the rugged realities of sports, ambition, love, and the human spirit. It follows the story of early sweethearts Adeline Langfield, the first woman goalie coach in the NHL, and JJ Hanson, one of Boston Bolt's best goalies, as they embark on an emotional journey filled with guilt, revelations, forgiveness, and second chances.
Brittanee has not only written a sports romance, but it’s also an elegy to resilience, sacrifice, and the delicate beauty of human relationships.
Addie is truly an inspiration in this book. She is fierce and vulnerable, a delicate balance that humanizes her unyielding pursuit of greatness. She brings grit to every shutout and warmth to every shared moment with both Avery and JJ.
JJ adds a reflective layer to the story. His powerful presence underscores the story's themes of perseverance and reconciliation. His love for his daughter Avery is a delight to witness, and his never-ending support for Addie is admirable. Oh, his unapologetic protectiveness and devotion for her? Holy smokes, boy, that's HOT!
This book has a lot of emotional gravity when it comes to family themes. The supporting characters, especially those from the first generation, captured my heart. The advice and words of wisdom really resonated with me. So, I suppose I should make some time to read each of their novels.
At its heart, Paper Rings is a story that transcends its hockey backdrop to explore profound questions about life, second chances, and family dynamics. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit and the cost of pursuing dreams. It will leave you inspired, a bit heartbroken, and profoundly moved—a book that lingers in your soul long after its final page.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Brittanee Nicole and The Smuthood for entrusting me with the opportunity to read this book beforehand.
June 5, 2026
#Review: *Paper Rings* - Brittanee Nicole - ARC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Adeline "Addie" Langfield has two dreams which she truly wants to accomplish: to be a goalie in NHL and to have the love of JJ Hanson, who was also a hockey player and one of her best friends. She almost had everything, but unfortunately her dreams crumbled down when she lost her chance of playing in NHL and the man she loved. A couple of years have passed since then and now her dreams were partially accomplished, because she got the chance to be in NHL, but as a goalie coach. That meant being JJ's coach as well. As if it wasn't enough to have him constantly in close proximity at work, Addie was now one of his roommates, alongside her cousin and six kids, from which one was JJ's. Yeah, things were even more complicated because JJ was a dad and because he was still married. But will Addie and JJ have their shot at a second chance to be together or it will fail again?
I had such an amazing time reading this book! I just love when there's angst and yearning in the story I read and this one definitely had plenty! Addie and JJ's love story was truly complicated and it was quite hard to ignore all those feelings which were still present in their hearts. The close proximity made it impossible to keep them apart, the pull towards one another being extremely powerful and inevitable. I was curious about what exactly happened in their past that lead to the entangled situation from the present and I had to wait for a while until I got my answers. Besides this amazing chemistry between Addie and JJ, I also adored the cute bound which was created between Addie and JJ's daughter, who really got attached to her. The whole vibe created by their families was so nice, loving that tight bound between them, how crazy they were and how they loved to meddle in each other's lives 🤭.
I loved this book so, so much, always having the bestest time reading sports romance, especially the ones that have such amazing family connections. They are super fun and so easy to fall in love with. I cannot wait for the next book from this series, because of those little hints that were present in the end of this one 🤭.
Thank you so, so much The Author Agency and The Smuthood for accepting me to receive this e-ARC. I loooved it!🥰
✨Tropes
▫️Single Dad
▫️Second Chance
▫️Secret Romance
▫️Friends To Lovers
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey Player
▫️She's The Goalie Coach
4.9/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Adeline "Addie" Langfield has two dreams which she truly wants to accomplish: to be a goalie in NHL and to have the love of JJ Hanson, who was also a hockey player and one of her best friends. She almost had everything, but unfortunately her dreams crumbled down when she lost her chance of playing in NHL and the man she loved. A couple of years have passed since then and now her dreams were partially accomplished, because she got the chance to be in NHL, but as a goalie coach. That meant being JJ's coach as well. As if it wasn't enough to have him constantly in close proximity at work, Addie was now one of his roommates, alongside her cousin and six kids, from which one was JJ's. Yeah, things were even more complicated because JJ was a dad and because he was still married. But will Addie and JJ have their shot at a second chance to be together or it will fail again?
I had such an amazing time reading this book! I just love when there's angst and yearning in the story I read and this one definitely had plenty! Addie and JJ's love story was truly complicated and it was quite hard to ignore all those feelings which were still present in their hearts. The close proximity made it impossible to keep them apart, the pull towards one another being extremely powerful and inevitable. I was curious about what exactly happened in their past that lead to the entangled situation from the present and I had to wait for a while until I got my answers. Besides this amazing chemistry between Addie and JJ, I also adored the cute bound which was created between Addie and JJ's daughter, who really got attached to her. The whole vibe created by their families was so nice, loving that tight bound between them, how crazy they were and how they loved to meddle in each other's lives 🤭.
I loved this book so, so much, always having the bestest time reading sports romance, especially the ones that have such amazing family connections. They are super fun and so easy to fall in love with. I cannot wait for the next book from this series, because of those little hints that were present in the end of this one 🤭.
Thank you so, so much The Author Agency and The Smuthood for accepting me to receive this e-ARC. I loooved it!🥰
✨Tropes
▫️Single Dad
▫️Second Chance
▫️Secret Romance
▫️Friends To Lovers
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Hockey Player
▫️She's The Goalie Coach
June 5, 2026
This is a voluntary review of an immersive read. I received an ARC from the author of the book and was lucky enough to grab an early release copy of the audiobook.
I had been waiting for this book since Brittanee launched Snow! I’ve read all the books in the first generation and had so much fun…and this one made me laugh, giggle, swoon and cry. It absolutely did not disappoint.
This is the story of Adeline and JJ, who grew up together playing hockey and training as goalies. They admire each other since the beginning and become best friends. They love each other profoundly since the start. Come to the present, they barely talk to each other. And they have to live in forced proximity in the brownstone where almost all the younger generation live with their kids. JJ is now a single father to Avery, navigating a divorce, his need to be with his daughter and his job as a goalie for the Boston Bolts. Addie will be his new coach. The book has dual timelines, that explain the past.
What I love about the book is how much Addie and JJ long and yearn for each other. This story had me on the edge of my seat! And the family: the one we choose and the one we are born into. The fact that Addie grew up having Beckett as a parent, cared for, protected, fiercely loved. All her uncles respecting her and having her back. All this prepared her for Avery. And seeing her willing to be present for her…made my heart melt.
Narrators: Megan Wicks and Adam Gold. With a full cast featuring: Samantha Brentmoor, James Cassidy, Mollie Stark, Grayson Owens, Lucy Rivers and Connor Crais.
Produced by Tiffany Porter
Postproduction: Elysian Nightfall Studios.
Absolute perfection!!! I couldn’t stop listening. The main narrators captured the banter, the competitiveness and the love Addie and JJ share. And the multicast was just incredible! I felt right there. Absolutely recommend to do an immersive read/to listen! This is hands down one of my top audiobooks of the year!!
If you love second chance romances with strong found family this book is a must read. Thank you Brittanee for letting me be on this ARC Team.
I had been waiting for this book since Brittanee launched Snow! I’ve read all the books in the first generation and had so much fun…and this one made me laugh, giggle, swoon and cry. It absolutely did not disappoint.
This is the story of Adeline and JJ, who grew up together playing hockey and training as goalies. They admire each other since the beginning and become best friends. They love each other profoundly since the start. Come to the present, they barely talk to each other. And they have to live in forced proximity in the brownstone where almost all the younger generation live with their kids. JJ is now a single father to Avery, navigating a divorce, his need to be with his daughter and his job as a goalie for the Boston Bolts. Addie will be his new coach. The book has dual timelines, that explain the past.
What I love about the book is how much Addie and JJ long and yearn for each other. This story had me on the edge of my seat! And the family: the one we choose and the one we are born into. The fact that Addie grew up having Beckett as a parent, cared for, protected, fiercely loved. All her uncles respecting her and having her back. All this prepared her for Avery. And seeing her willing to be present for her…made my heart melt.
Narrators: Megan Wicks and Adam Gold. With a full cast featuring: Samantha Brentmoor, James Cassidy, Mollie Stark, Grayson Owens, Lucy Rivers and Connor Crais.
Produced by Tiffany Porter
Postproduction: Elysian Nightfall Studios.
Absolute perfection!!! I couldn’t stop listening. The main narrators captured the banter, the competitiveness and the love Addie and JJ share. And the multicast was just incredible! I felt right there. Absolutely recommend to do an immersive read/to listen! This is hands down one of my top audiobooks of the year!!
If you love second chance romances with strong found family this book is a must read. Thank you Brittanee for letting me be on this ARC Team.
June 1, 2026
I love this book. I haven’t completed my reading of all of Brittanee Nicole’s other books (there are a lot) but I was familiar enough with her world that I felt at home with these families. However, I think you’d still enjoy this book even if you are brand new to this author and her world.
Addie and JJ have grown up playing hockey together, both goalies at the very top of their game. JJ was drafted into the NHL early while Addie won two Olympic golds. They were best friends until an event drove them apart. 4 years later, Addie is starting her NHL career as JJ’s coach, living in the same house with him and their extended families, including the daughter JJ had with the woman he married instead of her. It’s a recipe for disaster, especially since they are still completely in love.
Brittanee knows her way around a sports romance. The love of sports, the big messy family dynamics and the achievement of a woman in a male dominated field color every minute of this story. This book begins The New Romantics which is a second generation series that brings several of the author’s earlier storylines together. So there are a ton of characters from past books, this new generation and their kids. It’s organized chaos which is a nice contrast to JJ and Addie’s backstory which is a bit melancholy as second chance romances usually are. If everything was easy the first time, we wouldn’t need a second chance. Somehow all of this combines to make a book that is quick paced but not rushed, keeping me engaged and routing for our couple for every minute.
The audiobook absolutely elevated this story to the next level. The cast is fantastic. Megan Wicks is a wonderful actress and brings so much confidence and strength but also vulnerability to Addie. This is the first time I have listened to Adam Gold in as the male lead and he is wonderful. These narrators are joined by a full cast of all-star talent who I’m hoping will be continuing with the series. The full cast of 8 amazing voice actors truly brings this story so vividly to life.
I simply wouldn’t change a thing about this book and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to The Author Agency and author Brittanee Nicole for the chance to listen to and review an advanced copy of this audiobook.
Addie and JJ have grown up playing hockey together, both goalies at the very top of their game. JJ was drafted into the NHL early while Addie won two Olympic golds. They were best friends until an event drove them apart. 4 years later, Addie is starting her NHL career as JJ’s coach, living in the same house with him and their extended families, including the daughter JJ had with the woman he married instead of her. It’s a recipe for disaster, especially since they are still completely in love.
Brittanee knows her way around a sports romance. The love of sports, the big messy family dynamics and the achievement of a woman in a male dominated field color every minute of this story. This book begins The New Romantics which is a second generation series that brings several of the author’s earlier storylines together. So there are a ton of characters from past books, this new generation and their kids. It’s organized chaos which is a nice contrast to JJ and Addie’s backstory which is a bit melancholy as second chance romances usually are. If everything was easy the first time, we wouldn’t need a second chance. Somehow all of this combines to make a book that is quick paced but not rushed, keeping me engaged and routing for our couple for every minute.
The audiobook absolutely elevated this story to the next level. The cast is fantastic. Megan Wicks is a wonderful actress and brings so much confidence and strength but also vulnerability to Addie. This is the first time I have listened to Adam Gold in as the male lead and he is wonderful. These narrators are joined by a full cast of all-star talent who I’m hoping will be continuing with the series. The full cast of 8 amazing voice actors truly brings this story so vividly to life.
I simply wouldn’t change a thing about this book and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to The Author Agency and author Brittanee Nicole for the chance to listen to and review an advanced copy of this audiobook.
June 3, 2026
We're heading back to the Brownstone y'all! This second gen, second chance romance by Brittanee Nicole just came out yesterday and I could not hesitate to find out what my favorite Bostonians were up to.
Adeline and JJ have been circling each other's lives since they were 15 and he moved in with her family for a year during his mother's cancer treatment. Both being talented hockey goalies in the same junior league, and bedrooms separated only by a Jack and Jill bathroom, offered them a forced proximity that led to an intense emotional connection. Fear of ruining their friendship kept their relationship platonic for years, until one night after her Olympic shutout when they both laid all their cards on the table in an it's-always-been-you moment. But the morning after, his previous attempts at trying to outrun his feelings for her with meaningless sex, come back to bite them both in the ass when he finds out a puck bunny he had a random hookup with just gave birth to his baby. Wild.
Now it's four years later. She hates him, he's still in love with her, and she's also his new NFL goalie coach. Did I happen to mention they're both back living in the same house and connecting rooms as they did when they were 15? She knows getting close to him again will be dangerous for her heart, but his recent separation from the mother of his child, and that daughter's irresistible need for a motherly relationship with her, has her breaking all the rules in her playbook.
Even if you haven't read the previous connecting series, this is still a great read. Though the warmth and familiarity the author gives to the side characters will have you pining to go back read their stories too. Dual timelines work seamlessly well; transporting you into Adeline and JJ's past full of tragic miscommunication, misplaced anger, and loss of what could have been. It's an emotional rollercoaster for sure, but a ticket to this ride is well worth the cost of admission.
Tropes
Goalie coach x Goalie
Forced proximity
Second chance
Single dad
Women in sports
Second generation
Miscommunication
Adeline and JJ have been circling each other's lives since they were 15 and he moved in with her family for a year during his mother's cancer treatment. Both being talented hockey goalies in the same junior league, and bedrooms separated only by a Jack and Jill bathroom, offered them a forced proximity that led to an intense emotional connection. Fear of ruining their friendship kept their relationship platonic for years, until one night after her Olympic shutout when they both laid all their cards on the table in an it's-always-been-you moment. But the morning after, his previous attempts at trying to outrun his feelings for her with meaningless sex, come back to bite them both in the ass when he finds out a puck bunny he had a random hookup with just gave birth to his baby. Wild.
Now it's four years later. She hates him, he's still in love with her, and she's also his new NFL goalie coach. Did I happen to mention they're both back living in the same house and connecting rooms as they did when they were 15? She knows getting close to him again will be dangerous for her heart, but his recent separation from the mother of his child, and that daughter's irresistible need for a motherly relationship with her, has her breaking all the rules in her playbook.
Even if you haven't read the previous connecting series, this is still a great read. Though the warmth and familiarity the author gives to the side characters will have you pining to go back read their stories too. Dual timelines work seamlessly well; transporting you into Adeline and JJ's past full of tragic miscommunication, misplaced anger, and loss of what could have been. It's an emotional rollercoaster for sure, but a ticket to this ride is well worth the cost of admission.
Tropes
Goalie coach x Goalie
Forced proximity
Second chance
Single dad
Women in sports
Second generation
Miscommunication
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