Just Don't Call It Love

Bayou Blades #1

by Erin Nicholas

Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana-- where the humidity feels personal, even the otters hold grudges, and chaos is a competitive sport.

I used to play hockey in sold-out arenas. Now my wrecked knee and I are stuck in a little bayou town that’s been mad at me for a year. I need a big comeback–and ZERO drama.

So first thing, I get tackled at the airport by a sunshiny woman in yellow overalls who’s thwarting my kidnapping… by her grandpas.

That’s Nora Delaune—Parks & Rec director, caffeine-powered menace, and the only person in town willing to give me a chance. She needs me to win games and help save the town’s ice arena before it gets turned into a laser-tag nightmare.

And I… kind of like being needed by her. Even when she’s producing a singing, dancing, wig-wearing ice extravaganza that is definitely not hockey.

Then my sister—the team’s new owner—drops the bomb: if Nora and I “date,” the town might stop hating me.

Fine. We’ll fake it. As long as we don’t call it love.

But between late-night practices, the sugar-addicted swamp-werewolf mascot, otter drama, and the way Nora looks at me like I’m worth rooting for…I’m in trouble.

I came to Rebel to rebuild my career.
I didn’t expect to lose my heart doing it.



Why You'll Love It!

TROPES:
• Hockey
• Steamy small town
• Faking Dating
• Grumpy Sunshine
• Found family
• Rom com

MICRO-TROPES:
• Girl gang
• Meddling older folk
• Her chaos makes him nuts
• Millionaire city guy stuck in a small town
• The Nickname that hits like a kiss
• Otter obsession
• A town that’s a character on its own

Genres: Romance, Sports, Hockey

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 23, 2026

About the author

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun.

She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).


You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, on Instagram at ErinNicholasBooks, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholas... and on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/erin-...

Reviews

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildflower!!

Full of crazy antics and laugh out loud moments. Let’s go visit Rebel , Louisiana. The people are quirky and full of life.

“A job is something people do to make money when they can’t convince people to pay them millions of dollars to slap a puck around on the ice.

Alex is a famous hockey player that’s been sidelined and has come to Rebel to get back on good graces. What he finds is a small town and a woman with a heart of gold.

“It looks like Mardi Gras threw up in here,”

Nora grew up and has devoted her whole life to making small town life fun.

From beginning to end this is one crazy will and hilarious ride you just don’t want to get off!!

[Erin Nicholas]

We're going back to the bayou and I couldn't be more excited! Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana (just up the road from Autre, for those of you who have visited before!) the zaniest, most fun time you haven't even had yet!

And it's my first hockey romance! I'm soooo excited!

JUST DON'T CALL IT LOVE is if Parks and Rec (the TV show ;) ) met the Savannah Bananas (yep, the baseball team in all yellow)...but make it hockey. And don't forget the Cutting Edge (best movie ever?!) chemistry!!

Ex pro-hockey player, Alex Olsen is definitely in over his head here. But he's not going to care. Eventually. Probably.

Welcome to the chaos!

ALEX

Look, I wasn’t supposed to end up in Louisiana.

I was supposed to be rehabbing my knee, getting my contract renewed, and skating back onto the ice like the All-Star center everyone expected me to be.

Instead, I’m landing in the New Orleans airport, dodging three revenge-obsessed old men, and being tackled by a sunshine-drenched wildflower in yellow overalls.

Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana. Population: chaos.

I’m here for a second chance—help my sister launch a brand-new, small-town hockey team, prove I can still play the game I love, and get myself back to the pros. Simple. Straightforward. Zero complications.

Enter Nora Delaune.

Nora is… a lot.
A lot of sunshine.
A lot of opinions.
A lot of “Alex, don’t panic, but the mascot is a swamp werewolf who only eats King Cake.”

She’s also the one person in this entire town who needs me—not as a celebrity, not as a comeback story, but as the guy who can help save her hometown, her beloved mayor-grandpa, and their brand-new hockey team from becoming a laser-tag arcade.

And God help me, I like being needed by her.

I like kissing her even more—though that one was technically a strategic anti-kidnapping move. (Don’t ask.)

But this gig is temporary. One season. Then I’m back to my real life.

So why does every day with Nora—and her town full of meddling elders, otter clubs, and surprisingly passionate hockey fans—make me wonder if maybe this little bayou mess is exactly where I’m supposed to be?

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So when I saw the blurb for this ARC opportunity it was an IMMEDIATE yes for me. Louisiana has always had a soft spot in my heart and I’ve been down there several times since I’m only a stones throw away.

Anyhow so where do I begin with this bayou hockey rom-com??!! It’s like a bottle of sunshine and whiskey on a cloudy day, reading this book was like stepping into a cute small town that you never want to leave and speaking of never wanting to leave, we have our FMC Nora, our small town Wildflower (iykyk 🥹) who loves her hometown of Rebel, Louisiana and is literally part of the glue that holds the tow together. She decides that her and our MMC need to fake date, he is new to town, he was once a star hockey player for the Portland Grays, but after an injury he has been placed in a minor hockey team straight down in the bayou.. Nora thinks if they fake date the town will warm up to him and they can find a way to increase ticket sales to the games which will bring more people to their awesome little town!

But… they are not just any hockey team.. think the Savannah Bananas of hockey teams 🤣

There are so many laughs and swoons to be had in this book! I just found this so hilariously relatable as far as the town was concerned! I squealed when the rougarou was mentioned as the mascot of the hockey team🙌🏽 🤣🤣
Also.. Alex’s mouth.. umm pardon me sir, my flabbers were gasted at some of the slick heat he was spitting at Nora 🤣🤣 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️

Anyway… I don’t want to give the whole plot and full cast of lovely side characters away, but I would say if you want a fun, cozy, spicy, southern fried time, read this book!! I will definitely be reading more in the future installments and from this author’s backlist!!

Thank you to the author for the eARC!

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of a new series that starts off with a bang. A sports romance unlike anything I've read. It's funny, has swoon worthy moments, is set in a small town and has found family. This book was a wonderful read with amazing characters. I loved Nora and Axel. An entertaining page turner that I'll read again.

Favorite line: "Oh, Nora, I'm going to date the hell out of you."

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Don't Call It Love is adorable, fun, full of antics and a small town that is a whole personality all by itself, but most importantly this book made me smile from cover to cover. 😁

I was just as fascinated to dig in and discover the magic behind all the Rebels mayhem. Or perhaps more specifically the woman behind the mayhem, or better known as the clubs and activities of Rebel, Louisiana, the director of Parks and Rec, Nora Delaune. What may appear to be just an ordinary book club, garden club, or even an otter club...(oh yeah, I was totally interested in that one), is usually more than meets the eye, especially with Nora planning it. Her ideas are big and wonderful and make the small town of Rebel pretty magical. It's a community where everyone comes together, knows their neighbor, supports each other, and certainly one that Alex Olson has never known before. He steps into Rebel, at first, sort of pariah, but it doesn't take long for Nora's magic to work wonders on a man who was voted even worse than brussels sprouts. 😂

Alex Olson is a professional hockey player and comes to Rebel to play hockey for their local team while he continues to rehab and heal after being injured. What he didn't realize is that the Rebel's hockey team doesn't play hockey exactly like he's used to. Instead the local hockey team is a bit bonkers, to put it mildly. They lip-sync when there is a penalty, use wiffle balls at certain points to make goals, and there are even choreographed numbers to dance to, all instead of just playing regulation hockey with their sticks and rubber pucks. He's told to think of it like Savannah Bananas on ice and that is truly the perfect mayhem that is happening before his eyes. He doesn't know if he is in some sort of fever dream, especially when he can't stop thinking about the most beautiful woman he's ever met. The one who seems to have come up with this chaotic plan, but also mentioned an otter club, which actually sounds kind of amazing.  😂

Nora Delaune is the sweetest ball of energy and her ideas are endless. Her love for Rebel is her top priority, almost to her detriment, but it's that love that makes her the town's sweetheart and certainly why Alex falls for her from the moment he meets her. Nora is chaos and sunshine, and positive about every experience she has. I don’t think she has something bad to say about anyone. She's definitely one of those people you just feel good being around and I loved reading about her for that very same reason. It was also adorable that Alex and Nora were completely smitten, right out of the gates. The anticipation of every kiss that built with so much chemistry and lust, until it got steamy hot!!!! Wow!! Alex and Nora incinerated the entire bayou. 🔥🥵🔥 They were both easy to love right from the get go and made rooting for them a breeze, they were magic and I loved everything about them.❤️

I'm super excited that this is the first book in a new series since I love the town, the townsfolk, and lots of new characters to fall in love with. There are also character mentions, and cameos, from several of Erin's other series, but don't worry this book stands on its own. However, I feel readers will want to seek out those series if they haven't read them already just so they can see what fun happens in the neighboring towns or countries. I highly encourage them to discover all the fun as well. 😉

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I guess you’re an exception to some of my rules.”

Just Don’t Call It Love is the first book in the Bayou Blades series and it is an absolute DELIGHT. I adored every second of it. Honestly, I didn’t think any small town could top Autre for me, but Rebel proved me wrong in the best, most chaotic way. And Nora and Alex? They completely stole my heart.

“No, my brain doesn’t put “fake” in front of girlfriend. I’m just all in on this dating Nora Delaune thing, it seems.”

After an injury forces Alex Olsen into early retirement, he takes a chance on Rebel’s team—only to discover he’s basically signed up for hockey’s version of Banana Ball. The rules are unhinged, the fans are feral, and the entire town seems to despise him on sight. Meanwhile, Nora is determined to make “Bonkers Hockey” a success, and she needs Alex to help her pull it off. Cue a fake dating scheme that has exactly two issues: it never feels fake, and Alex has zero plans to stick around Rebel long term.

“I have never wanted anyone more than I want you. All of you. All the time. I can’t get enough of you.”

From their very first meeting, Alex and Nora are pure fun. Their banter is sharp and flirty, their chemistry is electric, and every scene between them crackles. But what truly made this story shine for me was Rebel itself. This town has a beating heart and a personality all its own—messy, loud, loyal, and unexpectedly tender. It brings out the best in people, whether they want it to or not.

“You make people better, Nora. You make hearts better.”

Alex’s growth is one of my favorite parts of the book. He slowly realizes there’s more to life than the rink, and Rebel gives him the space to figure out who he is without hockey. And Nora, by falling for Alex, realizes she can step beyond Rebel’s borders and still be embraced. What a beautiful emotional payoff

“You’re the reason for all of it, Wildflower. You make everything good.”

Just Don’t Call It Love is packed with humor, heat, and so much heart. I devoured it. I’m already itching to return to this wonderfully wacky town and spend more time with its unforgettable residents.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijinks, hockey, and a New Town!

Yay! I’m thrilled to be back on the Bayou with Erin Nicholas. No one makes sultry days and nights more enjoyable than Ms. Nicholas when she writes about the enchanting corners of Louisiana. A fresh town filled with new and quirky residents awaits—people who will make you laugh, smile, and swoon (more than a bit!). Just Don’t Call It Love, the first book in the Bayou Blades series, is an absolute delight.

And there’s HOCKEY—yes, hockey, as you’ve never experienced it before. Alex Olsen (of the Cara Olsens) is a star player returning from a career-ending injury. Fortunately, his sister Astrid owns a hockey team in Rebel, Louisiana, giving him a chance to keep playing the game that has defined his life. But hockey in Rebel isn’t played the way he’s used to. Enter Nora Deluane, head of the parks and recreation department, who loves her job as much as she loves her town and its people. She has her reasons for needing this new hockey league to succeed—and for helping Alex win over the town.

Every time Ms. Nicholas starts a new series, I get excited. Why? Because I know I’m about to be captivated by a brand-new town, a cast of quirky, sassy, downright lovable characters, and stories I won’t be able to put down. Just Don’t Call It Love is exactly that—utterly unputdownable. I adored the undeniable chemistry between Alex and Nora; it’s that tug-at-your-heart pull Ms. Nicholas is famous for. I loved meeting the new townsfolk and spotting a few familiar faces from Autre. Bring on the hijinks, the hockey, and Rebel! I’m more than ready to be back on the Bayou.

[Kourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Leslie Knope, you'll love Nora. The quirky small town is no Pawnee - the citizens are actually friendly and nice locals (to their own). It's stereotypical cute TV small town but that's not a bad thing. Alex is a show off, arrogant, rich hockey star who is absolutely hated in town - because you don't mess with one of the town's own. They're family. And the loyalty is thick. But the chemistry between Nora and Alex is immediate.

I was a little lost and it felt far fetched when it came time for Alex's backstory about his sister and the Prince of their home island or his sister's Olympics storyline. But it seems those characters will be further developed in the sequel and spin-off. But the base of that long story made a point and gave motivation for Alex's past. And Alex isn't wrong when he describes the Bonkers hockey games as "In other words, it was chaos" - where basically the rules are made up and points don't matter. Trying to understand the rules and storyline of the game was a little difficult. But that is the town and Nora in a nutshell, nothing makes sense and everything is random. I think he calls Nora chaos and sunshine, which is perfect. The way the town does movie nights, how they make their fancy coffee at Perks & Rec, and how they change up the rules of a hockey game are pure chaos. It works for the town but as an outsider, you're just as baffled as Alex. But if you've seen the Savannah Bananas, it might make more sense.

The ending was not exactly as expected but very fitting. Everything happens in a few short weeks, so it felt rushed but also, took its time. Overall, I probably won't continue reading the series but it was enjoyable.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Don’t Call It Love is a delightful, feel good rom com that’s perfect for anyone who loves small town charm, fake dating, and a grumpy sunshine dynamic that’s as sweet as it is hilarious. Nora and Alex are an absolute joy, she’s a ray of sunshine with a heart of gold, and he’s the grumpy, ex-pro hockey player who’s way out of his depth in Rebel, Louisiana to help his sister and the town Rebel out. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter had me laughing out loud more than once.
The small-town setting is vibrant and full of quirky characters (I’m looking at you, Otter Club and the swamp werewolf mascot!). The way how they invented their own kind of hockey game.... so funny! I mean, lip syncing as a penalty?! Who comes up with these idea's? The fake dating trope is executed perfectly, with just the right amount of tension and heart. I loved how Nora’s loyalty to her town and family clashes with Alex’s big city, hockey star ego. It makes their journey to falling for each other all the more satisfying.
I also loved it that there was a small hint towards one of Erin's other books, Merry Mayhem, I laughed when I read that.
My only minor gripe is that some of the conflicts felt a little rushed or resolved too neatly, but the humor, heart, and sheer fun of the story more than made up for it. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance with a side of small town chaos, this is your book.

[Caylee T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Alex & Nora’s story.

First of all, hockey version of the Savannah Bananas….uhm yes please! I am all here for that.

Alex is on his way to Rebel, Louisiana to play for a brand new team. But he gets quite the surprise when it’s not just regular hockey. Bonkers hockey. But the biggest surprise was the brightly dressed ray of sunshine that picked him up from the airport.

He finds himself incredibly attracted to her & not just for her appearance but more for her sunny disposition & ability to care for everyone around her.

But then he also has to deal with the fact that practically everyone in this town hates him on principle for skipping out on a meet & greet with the then mayor.

Nora is doing everything she can to help this new hockey team succeed, even if it means spending all of her time around the hockey husk that is Alex Olson.

These two have to work through some tissues they hold from family & expectations those around them have for them. But when the finally admit that the fake relationship they were pretending to have is something they can’t ignore anymore, phew it gets hot!

Spark fly & their chemistry is off the charts. Plus the undeniable hilarious antics of those around them really made this book so much fun to read.

I am so happy they got their happy ending but I am also so looking forward to the next books.

Amazing job!

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel is such a fun place!

After our introduction to Rebel, Louisiana, in Merry Mayhem, we, as the reader, are now back with more hijinks and fun! Alex Olson is Linnea’s brother from ‘Reluctantly Rogue’, and after a hockey injury, needs a new purpose in life. Good thing his sister just bought a minor, minor league hockey team and wants Alex to play for her. Only, Rebel doesn’t like Alex too much after he missed a meet and greet with a resident after he was injured. Enter Nora, the Parks and Rec director, who could give Leslie Knopp a run for her money for activities and enthusiasm for her town. Who the town all loves. It was all supposed to be fake. But the more time Alex spends with Nora, the more he sees the charm of Rebel and the need to be more than just a hockey player. So when Alex’s dream job opens up months before he thought, and he takes it, where does it leave him and Nora?

Alex and Nora get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

I loved that they were creating a hockey team much like the Savannah Bananas, and I could only imagine the chaos that would cause on ice. I do wonder what types of safety precautions they had in place just to make sure they didn’t get too hurt. I loved that Nora wanted everyone to love her town and worked hard to show that to everyone who came. I do wonder if Alex continued his go-to work series he started once he was back in Rebel, as it seemed that resonated well with his fans. I also hope we get a crossover with the author’s other series in the future and see a pro hockey team have to play wacky hockey, just for fun.

I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin Nicholas always has me laughing throughout her books and brings heart into her stories as well. This book wasn't a normal hockey romance it was so much more! I loved the bond the town has with Nora. It's so beautiful and they will do anything for her.

Nora and Alex were so much fun to get to know. Alex isn't liked by the town when he arrives to play hockey for his sisters new team. But Nora will do anything she can to get them to change their mind. This hockey team is not like any ordinary hockey team either. This one has no rules and they make stuff up as they go. I was laughing so much in these scenes.

I loved how Erin wrote this story and she had my heart melting so many times. Alex may not be liked by the town but that man was such a sweetheart and I just fell for him! Nora was the kind of character that wants to help and be there for everyone but forgets about herself. I know how that goes because I use to be guilty of that as well. These characters were relatable and you just wanted to be part of this story. You will laugh, smile like crazy, swoon, have your heart melt and be left with a wonderful ending. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you Erin Nicholas for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Sofia Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana – home of bonkers hockey!
When Alex Olsen decides to rebuild his career after a serious injury on the ice, he packs his bags and heads to Rebel, Louisiana to help his sister with her new hockey team.
Little did he know what was waiting for him!
When he is tackled by a petite, fiery woman at the airport, all his plans take a turn.
Noah is everything he isn’t: spontaneous, talkative and sunshiny and his attraction is immediate and unexpected.
In a town where everyone hates him, fake dating the town’s sweetheart becomes the only solution.
The only problem? Nothing feels fake and their relationship is on a timeline.
Just don’t call it love is a different hockey romance that concentrates on the joy of playing, on making others happy, on not taking yourself and the game too seriously where a set of unhinged rules and feral fans awaits, but also on how love can make you see yourself clearly for the first time and on true love that will overcome all obstacles.
Alex and Nora’s story is funny, sometimes chaotic and swoony. The perfect pairing: the closed off grumpy hockey player with the extrovert vibrant small-town girl.
Thank you for the ARC.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. I've read all the bayou-based books, including the first one set in Rebel, Louisiana, Merry Mayhem. I was not prepared for how much I would love this town and all the people in it! It's on another level! The town vibe is different from Autre (from the Boys of the Bayou, etc., series) - definitely not a bad thing, just unique to set the two bayou towns apart. It's the start of a fun, small town series with the addition of hockey, in the same wonderful voice we're used to from the author. Plus there were some familiar faces (and surnames!) I snickered at how fish-out-of-water Alex was, especially at the beginning. He was self-depreciating so there was no way to dislike him, and I loved him from the start. And Nora.... I want to hang out with her (especially at movie night and OTTER CLUB!!) You will not be lost if you haven't read the other Louisiana-based and royals books, but it's more fun if you have. If you haven't, definitely grab Just Don't Call It Love right away - and do feel free to call your feelings toward the book, Alex, and Nora love!

[JJ Cornette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin Nicholas has brought us back to the bayou and it is hot, fun and perfect! Just Don't Call it Love takes place in Rebel, LA and introduces Alex, a injury recovering hotshot hockey player and Nora, the darling of the town. Alex only knows hockey and is in for a huge surprise when he finds out that he's not playing hockey, but a new type of hockey (think of banana ball for baseball). The new league is starting and he's there to bring some major star power. Unfortunately the town doesn't like Alex at first and in trying to get the town to accept him he partners up with the town's darling, Nora who greatly enjoys putting Alex out of his comfort zone. I greatly enjoyed their chemistry and was happily surprised to find out how much of a dirty talker Alex is. In addition to their great chemistry there's tons of easter eggs to some of Erin's other series (from Autre, to Bad, to Cara and even some Emma Foxx nods). I had so much fun reading this book and loved the introduction to so many new characters and now I cannot wait for their stories.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story that hits all the right notes for romance readers who are looking for the perfect story. This book brings all the feels and will draw you in from page 1. It starts with an attempted kidnapping and a near perfect kiss to hide Alex's face from his would be kidnappers; this may be one of the best meet cutes that I have read in a long time. Their instant connection, his clear fascination with Nora and her special brand of chaos, bonkers hockey, Nora's desire to make Alex love hockey again, his genuine good guy-ness, the third act breakup that you know is coming but will leave you in tears regardless, and the surprise that comes after. Just perfect. I never want to leave this world.

This is my second Erin Nicholas book, and I am so glad I discovered here. I am definitely reading her other books as soon as I can! I need to catch up on the Bayou!

[Kae TheUltimateProcrastination · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Tropes
Small town
Fake dating
Grumpy Sunshine
Chaos and scheming
Hockey

I struggled a little bit to get into this quirky book at first but these characters were interesting and relatable so I got in to it eventually. I enjoyed Nora and Alex, the main club characters, chemistry together and seeing how they make their very different perosnalities work. There are some very funny scenes letting you into this odd little town, where people judge, meddle and laugh easily. There are crazy plans, competitions between Alex and Brussel sprouts, and unique ice hockey to keep you laughing and guessing in this story.

I think the writing didnt always work for me on this one, but I enjoyed the book all the same.

[SwoonAndScroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

As someone who loves Banana Ball and hockey romances - this one felt targeted directly at me.
Unfortunately, I think it fell a little flat for me.

The first 40% felt repetitive and unnecessary, whereas the last 40% was unique and I enjoyed myself - There was one and a half games of "bonkers hockey"? And that was honestly a little disappointing.

I didn't really connect with either of the MCs.
In saying that though, I was loving the characters of the town - now that we have the town downpat, I think I can get invested in further instalments.

Overall, I'm really glad I finished it, and I truly did get enjoyment out of it.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was absolutely awesome! Of course it was all that we've come to expect from Erin Nicholas and dare i say, even more. This had me laughing and crying and just becoming so much a part of Rebel. There's some familiar characters as well as some new ones that you will also adore. It did have me cringing at Avocado Coffee and I also had to google what the heck Cherry cold foam was! I look forward to more of Rebel.

[Revu.nest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m one of the ARC reviewers for this book
I had so much fun reading this one.. there’s so many quirky small town dramas going on perfect for someone who’s into slow burn, fake dating and cute dates kind of romance books. The town is such a supporting community that was my favourite part throughout the book. Loved the sizzling chemistry between the FMC and the MMC , there’s this found-family energy, this story gave me that made me felt “i wish i lived here” vibes😭🫶🏻

[J Lundsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Rebel!

Erin Nicholas starts a brand new Louisana series with Just Don't Call It Love and I am over the moon for it!

Quirky town, wild hockey shenanigans, and a couple that has a sweet, sexy road to a very happily ever after is what this book is all about.

I absolutely adore this story and I am very excited for all of the books yet to come!

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the man, not the player..this book will having you melting. He went from coming in as the most hated persona to the most loved. And all it took was one person, one woman who the whole community loved to help him turn it all around.
Think ‘Savannah Bananas’ meets hockey!

Astrid and Declan’s story has me on my toes as to what it’s all about! But I can’t for the next one!!!

[NanaX8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small town, delightful and funny rom-com that brings Alex to town after an injury in the NHL to finish getting ready to return to what he loves…but does he find something more important to him in this small town with people who pull crazy antics and love their Nora? Grab this one and enjoy Alex & Nora’s journey to love!

[Sharon Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Nicholas you are BONKERS! I am so gaga about your characters, their flaws, their diversity, their emotions, their interests. I am genuinely grateful you decided to become an author because you provide me with limitless entertainment. I am in love with the dynamics between Nora and Alex. She so deserved this story. I say it every time but GAH this one is my favorite.

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was funny, amazing, and so wacky at times, I just couldn't put it down. I love the little of Rebel; it would be a place I would like to live. Nora and Alex were great together and all the secondary characters just made this book so good. I can't wait to read more in this series.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town. Big heart. Irresistible romance. Nicholas brings the fire of romance to sweetness of love. From endearing to unforgettable, the laughs keep coming and the feelings keep flowing. Falling in love is easy when your heart isn't afraid of the fall.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. I loved the town and the characters. Nora and Alex are so cute together. I really liked the way they fall. I liked the storyline a lot. I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't wait for more books in this world.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST DON’T CALL IT LOVE is the first in Erin Nicholas’s Bayou Blades series, set in fictional Rebel, Louisiana, not too far from New Orleans. Professional hockey player Alex Olsen is facing the end of his career as he knows it when his recovery from an injury yields disappointing results despite his best efforts. He agrees to move to the bayou to join his sister’s newly acquired team for their inaugural season, after which he hopes to rejoin his former team… Nora Delaune is Rebel’s biggest fan, and honestly, Rebel loves her right back…

Erin Nicholas launches this new series with a captivating story full of friends, family, and finding one’s place and joy.

[Queen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Review to come.