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Safe Selection
He’s the team’s goalie. She’s the team owner’s little sister. Faking it was supposed to be safe… until it wasn’t.
Their fake dating plan was supposed to be simple — a way to help each other out, nothing more.
No feelings. No risks. No crossing lines.
But every fake smile feels too real, and every kiss meant to fool the world only fools them instead.
Because somewhere between pretending and wanting, they stopped playing it safe.
And when the line between fake and real finally blurs, falling for each other might just be the biggest penalty of all.
Their fake dating plan was supposed to be simple — a way to help each other out, nothing more.
No feelings. No risks. No crossing lines.
But every fake smile feels too real, and every kiss meant to fool the world only fools them instead.
Because somewhere between pretending and wanting, they stopped playing it safe.
And when the line between fake and real finally blurs, falling for each other might just be the biggest penalty of all.
382 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2026
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Safe Selection was one of those reads that completely pulled me in and didn’t let go.
Celina Trotzki does an incredible job creating tension that simmers beneath the surface and slowly tightens as the story unfolds. What starts off feeling controlled and almost methodical quickly turns unsettling in the best way. The psychological elements were especially strong—I kept questioning characters’ motives and second-guessing what I thought I knew.
The pacing was spot on. There were no wasted moments, and each chapter added another layer of unease. I loved how the story didn’t rely on cheap shock value but instead built suspense through atmosphere, subtle details, and emotional stakes.
What really stood out to me was how immersive the world felt. You can sense the author’s intention behind every choice, and it made the story feel purposeful rather than rushed. By the end, I was both satisfied and slightly shaken—which, honestly, is exactly what I want from a book like this.
If you enjoy dark, thought-provoking stories with psychological tension and morally gray moments, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Celina Trotzki does an incredible job creating tension that simmers beneath the surface and slowly tightens as the story unfolds. What starts off feeling controlled and almost methodical quickly turns unsettling in the best way. The psychological elements were especially strong—I kept questioning characters’ motives and second-guessing what I thought I knew.
The pacing was spot on. There were no wasted moments, and each chapter added another layer of unease. I loved how the story didn’t rely on cheap shock value but instead built suspense through atmosphere, subtle details, and emotional stakes.
What really stood out to me was how immersive the world felt. You can sense the author’s intention behind every choice, and it made the story feel purposeful rather than rushed. By the end, I was both satisfied and slightly shaken—which, honestly, is exactly what I want from a book like this.
If you enjoy dark, thought-provoking stories with psychological tension and morally gray moments, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this is the best book in the series! While this isn’t my favorite series from this author, this book truly takes it to the next level.
The plot is engaging, the pacing works well, and the twist makes sense to me. Em’s reaction feels believable, she’s young and clearly driven by a need to prove herself, so I can understand why she reacts the way she does. Dylan also isn’t the type of character who would immediately clear things up, so the twist didn’t negatively affect my overall opinion.
The dynamic between the characters, both as friends and as a couple, is really interesting and refreshing to see. I could feel their tension, and the buildup of the storyline was well done. I have to admit, I was pulling my hair out during some moments and giggling during others, which is exactly what I want when I’m reading a book.
Overall, this is a really strong entry in the series!
Thank you, Celina, for this arc and the opportunity to read this in advance!
The plot is engaging, the pacing works well, and the twist makes sense to me. Em’s reaction feels believable, she’s young and clearly driven by a need to prove herself, so I can understand why she reacts the way she does. Dylan also isn’t the type of character who would immediately clear things up, so the twist didn’t negatively affect my overall opinion.
The dynamic between the characters, both as friends and as a couple, is really interesting and refreshing to see. I could feel their tension, and the buildup of the storyline was well done. I have to admit, I was pulling my hair out during some moments and giggling during others, which is exactly what I want when I’m reading a book.
Overall, this is a really strong entry in the series!
Thank you, Celina, for this arc and the opportunity to read this in advance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ Arc Review - Safe Selection by Celina Trotzki ✨
I was lucky enough to be given an arc of this book and I devoured it. I'm a sucker for a hockey romance so I knew I would enjoy it but I truly loved this book.
The main characters and even the side characters were enjoyable and loveable. The storyline was perfectly written and wasn't forced, rushed or dragged out. I've read a few hockey romance books that had filler chapters that weren't needed, but Safe Selection had none of that.
It was everything I love in a hockey romance book and more.
If you a sucker for a green flagged man, a strong confidence female and romance that will have you kicking your feet like a teenage girl then you will love Safe Selection 🥰 an instant 5 star review from me⭐
Release date: 7th January 2026
Available on: Amazon & KU
Tropes
• Goalie × team owner’s sister
• Dual POV
• Spicy
• Inexperienced MMC
• Past trauma
• Only one bed
• Fake dating
• No third-act breakup
• Found family
I was lucky enough to be given an arc of this book and I devoured it. I'm a sucker for a hockey romance so I knew I would enjoy it but I truly loved this book.
The main characters and even the side characters were enjoyable and loveable. The storyline was perfectly written and wasn't forced, rushed or dragged out. I've read a few hockey romance books that had filler chapters that weren't needed, but Safe Selection had none of that.
It was everything I love in a hockey romance book and more.
If you a sucker for a green flagged man, a strong confidence female and romance that will have you kicking your feet like a teenage girl then you will love Safe Selection 🥰 an instant 5 star review from me⭐
Release date: 7th January 2026
Available on: Amazon & KU
Tropes
• Goalie × team owner’s sister
• Dual POV
• Spicy
• Inexperienced MMC
• Past trauma
• Only one bed
• Fake dating
• No third-act breakup
• Found family
Review of advance copy received from Author
Safe Selection is so sweet, heartwarming, and a little emotional with a great pace that made it hard for me to put down as I just had to know what was going to happen. Emmeline and Dylan’s story is full of moments that had me kicking my feet giggling, others that made my heart flutter, and a few that had my jaw dropping. There’s drama, great banter, good spice, and lots of tension throughout this book. I also love the way they support one another and have each other’s backs 🥹
Emmeline and Dylan’s fake dating agreement should be easy, no feelings as they’re just helping each other out, but what they didn’t account for was the chemistry between them. With the line starting to blur and it all feeling far too real, Dylan and Emmeline are put in quite the predicament 🫠
Thank you so much Celina Trotzki for this ARC 🫶🏻
Emmeline and Dylan’s fake dating agreement should be easy, no feelings as they’re just helping each other out, but what they didn’t account for was the chemistry between them. With the line starting to blur and it all feeling far too real, Dylan and Emmeline are put in quite the predicament 🫠
Thank you so much Celina Trotzki for this ARC 🫶🏻
January 6, 2026
Emmeline + Dylan.
This fake dating, friends with benefits romance starts off with these two just sharing space and spending time with one another. Safe Selection has some conflicts but they are handled effortlessly.
Safe Selection is the third installment in the New York Blades series and by far the best. Celina's writing keeps getting better with each book she creates.
Dylan is the green flag. Emmeline is everything Dylan needs and more.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This fake dating, friends with benefits romance starts off with these two just sharing space and spending time with one another. Safe Selection has some conflicts but they are handled effortlessly.
Safe Selection is the third installment in the New York Blades series and by far the best. Celina's writing keeps getting better with each book she creates.
Dylan is the green flag. Emmeline is everything Dylan needs and more.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I like how the author pair the characters up together, both in somehow uncomfortable situations and mutually agrees to benefit from their arrangement. Which supposed to direct and simple. But not. That "uncomfortable" to feel comfortable with each other built up the narrative and eventually lead them to learn more about each other and navigates things around them - i think this is a good way to build up an unforgettable story, and im happy it ends with a HEA. Thank you for the ARC opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am very appreciative of Celina Trotzki and their team for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Safe Selection!
This was such a fun, entertaining hockey romance! I really enjoyed getting to more learn about Emmeline and Dylan. It was so sweet seeing how their relationship evolved and strengthened over time. I also appreciated how Emmeline and Dylan were able to talk about their concerns and conflicts in a mostly mature and healthy way!
This was such a fun, entertaining hockey romance! I really enjoyed getting to more learn about Emmeline and Dylan. It was so sweet seeing how their relationship evolved and strengthened over time. I also appreciated how Emmeline and Dylan were able to talk about their concerns and conflicts in a mostly mature and healthy way!
January 7, 2026
Received from Author in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked from the first page. Well written and I found myself smiling while reading the book. I cannot wait read more from this author.
January 11, 2026
Please this book was so good. I absolutely adore them with all my heart. There’s even an f it moment in here. OH YEAH BABY A F IT MOMENT. Their connection was real from the very start and I loved that. Celina wasted no time jumping right into the storyline which I appreciated!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews