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Novel Assist
She writes about love. He doesn't have time for it. But some rules are made to be broken.
Savannah
I write romance novels but can't finish a single one—probably because I've never been in love. So when hockey captain Noah Callahan offers me a deal—babysit his little sister during games and get insider access to his world—I tell myself it's just research. That friends with benefits is enough.
But Noah doesn't look at me like I'm a means to an end. He looks at me like I matter.
Every stolen moment, every late-night conversation, every time he lets me see past his walls—I'm falling. Hard. Fast. Dangerously. The problem? He's made it no strings, no promises, no future. And I'm terrified I'm writing myself into a love story with no happily ever after.
Noah
I've been holding my family together with duct tape and sheer willpower since my dad died. Hockey captain. Surrogate parent. The guy everyone depends on. I don't have time for complications, but Savannah James is the most beautiful distraction I've ever seen.
She's all sunshine and soft curves and everything I can’t let myself need.
So I offer her a no emotions, no expectations. Just heat and hockey tips. Simple.
Except nothing about Savannah is simple. She fits into my broken family like she was always meant to be there. My sister adores her. My teammates won't stop teasing me. And somewhere between the casual hookups and careful boundaries, I've started picturing a future I have no right to want.
But walking away from Savannah means losing the first person who's ever made me believe I could have it all.
A sizzling friends-with-benefits hockey romance about found family, hidden truths, and learning that being loved exactly as you are is worth breaking every rule.
From Becca Mercer comes the addictive first book in the Wynchester Wolves series—where the ice is cold, the players are scorching hot, and falling in love is the most dangerous game of all.
Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy, Bal Khabra, and Hannah Grace.
Friends with Benefits • Forced Proximity • Grumpy/Sunshine • Found Family • Single Dad Vibes • Hockey Romance
One-click now—your next book boyfriend is waiting.
Savannah
I write romance novels but can't finish a single one—probably because I've never been in love. So when hockey captain Noah Callahan offers me a deal—babysit his little sister during games and get insider access to his world—I tell myself it's just research. That friends with benefits is enough.
But Noah doesn't look at me like I'm a means to an end. He looks at me like I matter.
Every stolen moment, every late-night conversation, every time he lets me see past his walls—I'm falling. Hard. Fast. Dangerously. The problem? He's made it no strings, no promises, no future. And I'm terrified I'm writing myself into a love story with no happily ever after.
Noah
I've been holding my family together with duct tape and sheer willpower since my dad died. Hockey captain. Surrogate parent. The guy everyone depends on. I don't have time for complications, but Savannah James is the most beautiful distraction I've ever seen.
She's all sunshine and soft curves and everything I can’t let myself need.
So I offer her a no emotions, no expectations. Just heat and hockey tips. Simple.
Except nothing about Savannah is simple. She fits into my broken family like she was always meant to be there. My sister adores her. My teammates won't stop teasing me. And somewhere between the casual hookups and careful boundaries, I've started picturing a future I have no right to want.
But walking away from Savannah means losing the first person who's ever made me believe I could have it all.
A sizzling friends-with-benefits hockey romance about found family, hidden truths, and learning that being loved exactly as you are is worth breaking every rule.
From Becca Mercer comes the addictive first book in the Wynchester Wolves series—where the ice is cold, the players are scorching hot, and falling in love is the most dangerous game of all.
Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy, Bal Khabra, and Hannah Grace.
Friends with Benefits • Forced Proximity • Grumpy/Sunshine • Found Family • Single Dad Vibes • Hockey Romance
One-click now—your next book boyfriend is waiting.
432 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2026
3 people are currently reading
7411 people want to read
About the author
Becca Mercer
2 books31 followersBecca grew up in Montreal surrounded by hockey fans, but didn't fall in love with the sport until she found it in books. Now she writes college hockey romances filled with slow burns, smart heroines, and emotionally grounded heroes.
Her debut, Novel Assist (Wynchester Wolves #1) releases February 10th, 2026.
Sign up to get bonus scenes and early access to upcoming releases: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/9xmmhhyih6
Her debut, Novel Assist (Wynchester Wolves #1) releases February 10th, 2026.
Sign up to get bonus scenes and early access to upcoming releases: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/9xmmhhyih6
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 19, 2026
I thought this was going to be a cutesy hockey romance, but it ended up having more depth than I expected. We follow Savannah, who’s trying to find her footing in a world where she constantly feels invisible. She has a loving family, but being surrounded by successful athletic brothers makes her feel like she’s never quite the priority. Writing becomes her way to shine.
Looking for inspiration for her romance novel, she stumbles upon Noah, the captain of the hockey team. As he gives her insight into the hockey world for her book, the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes she’s not the only one struggling.
Overall, this was a 4-star read for me. I really enjoyed the main characters. Their relationship felt natural and developed at a believable pace. I will say Noah’s family dynamic was frustratingly confusing at times. The hockey teammates and side characters were fine. Some stood out more than others. I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.
I want to thank BookSirens and Becca Mercer for the ARC. All options expressed in this review are my own.
Looking for inspiration for her romance novel, she stumbles upon Noah, the captain of the hockey team. As he gives her insight into the hockey world for her book, the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes she’s not the only one struggling.
Overall, this was a 4-star read for me. I really enjoyed the main characters. Their relationship felt natural and developed at a believable pace. I will say Noah’s family dynamic was frustratingly confusing at times. The hockey teammates and side characters were fine. Some stood out more than others. I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.
I want to thank BookSirens and Becca Mercer for the ARC. All options expressed in this review are my own.
Want to read
January 9, 2026really want this book <3
January 31, 2026
If you love hockey romances, this is the book for you. The formula of these kinds of books can be pretty predictable but Becca executes said formula brilliantly.
I love the way Savannah and Noah meet and how genuinely their friendship begins to form. I would have loved more time with both of them as they move through this story. Sometimes the chapters felt very short and I would have loved to see how certain scenes would have played out but at the same time, the pacing kept me engaged all the way through.
This felt like a love letter to hockey romance readers and I love that Savannah is “one of us”. I felt like this take on the FMC was really refreshing and fun to read.
There’s a small need to suspend some disbelief in regard to Savannah’s brothers both being all star pros in different sports. At first this really bothered me when it didn’t appear to be important to the plot outside of getting Savannah into the sports complex. Once is was clearly shown that her brothers’ success has negatively impacted Savannah and will directly influence her relationship with new friends and potential partners, I appreciated the backstory much more.
There are some minor inconsistencies and some characters that get introduced only to never be spoken of again (maybe we’ll see them in the sequels 😂), but I throughly enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to any future installments! 💕
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the way Savannah and Noah meet and how genuinely their friendship begins to form. I would have loved more time with both of them as they move through this story. Sometimes the chapters felt very short and I would have loved to see how certain scenes would have played out but at the same time, the pacing kept me engaged all the way through.
This felt like a love letter to hockey romance readers and I love that Savannah is “one of us”. I felt like this take on the FMC was really refreshing and fun to read.
There’s a small need to suspend some disbelief in regard to Savannah’s brothers both being all star pros in different sports. At first this really bothered me when it didn’t appear to be important to the plot outside of getting Savannah into the sports complex. Once is was clearly shown that her brothers’ success has negatively impacted Savannah and will directly influence her relationship with new friends and potential partners, I appreciated the backstory much more.
There are some minor inconsistencies and some characters that get introduced only to never be spoken of again (maybe we’ll see them in the sequels 😂), but I throughly enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to any future installments! 💕
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2026
This was such a fun hockey romance! I really liked Savannah and Noah, especially how their friendship developed throughout the story, it felt natural and sweet. The short chapters made it super easy to keep reading “just one more” and before I knew it I was hooked. Overall, it was a cute, enjoyable read that left me wanting more. I received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy
A solid sports romance with lots of feel-good characters. The FMC has a lot of self-esteem issue stemming from multiple people and situations but it is handled gently. There is a lot of grief and heavy responsibility so this is not a light, fluffy romcom.
I loved the cast of characters in this book because none of the guys on the team were unlikeable or overly douchy and Lacey was a great support for Savannah. Sav and Noah had so much patience and understanding with each other that the FWB portion of the story just felt like it got in the way. Their meetings in the library were adorable and Izzie was such a cute mischief maker.
I actually struggled most with Noah's mom. The half-sibling thing and Doug's devotion really made me hate her. It made Noah's sacrifices feel worse and I felt so bad for Izzie. Her grief is absolutely justified, but I didnt like the portrayal in the context of this book.
Thank you to BookSirens and Becca Mercer for the free eARC.
I loved the cast of characters in this book because none of the guys on the team were unlikeable or overly douchy and Lacey was a great support for Savannah. Sav and Noah had so much patience and understanding with each other that the FWB portion of the story just felt like it got in the way. Their meetings in the library were adorable and Izzie was such a cute mischief maker.
I actually struggled most with Noah's mom. The half-sibling thing and Doug's devotion really made me hate her. It made Noah's sacrifices feel worse and I felt so bad for Izzie. Her grief is absolutely justified, but I didnt like the portrayal in the context of this book.
Thank you to BookSirens and Becca Mercer for the free eARC.
February 16, 2026
This was such a fun hockey romance! I really liked Savannah and Noah, especially how their friendship developed throughout the story, it felt natural and sweet. The short chapters made it super easy to keep reading “just one more” and before I knew it I was hooked. Overall, it was a cute, enjoyable read that left me wanting more. I received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily
Read
February 11, 2026Novel Assist an easy read, it easily captivates you as soon as you start It. I enJoy the familiar love between clay, Dallas, In savannah , especially with her older brothers , are talking about how found family counts , baby sisters as well.Speaking of found family , I love noah's team in the banter they have. So if you like good big brothers(even if they're bonus brothers), hockey, great internal thoughts, and you enjoy a third act breakup read this. Becca Mercer is definitely going to be an author I look for going forward. And I can't wait to read more Wynchester Wolves books.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
I found myself caught up in Noah and Savannah's world and didnt want to put the book down. Although at times it felt like many troupes were being pushed (single bed, fake dating, hidden identity etc) the way it was worked into Savannah's writing journey made it work so did not feel awkward or forced. Its a cute predictable heartwarming hockey romance that scores well!
Overall I really enjoyed this read and can not wait for what comes next, I have already downloaded Road Play to find out Darren and Lacey's origin story!
ARC disclaimer; I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall I really enjoyed this read and can not wait for what comes next, I have already downloaded Road Play to find out Darren and Lacey's origin story!
ARC disclaimer; I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2026
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions..I cried, laughed and giggled throughout the book..I think this book just healed a part of me which I didn’t know was broken..The way the plot flows is amazing and I couldn’t stop once I started reading it..PS:- I was awake till 5 A.M. ..and I know I can’t disclose much, but the chemistry between the MMC and FMC is 🤌🤌🤌..At last I would say that I learned an important lesson: sometimes getting hurt is worth it if you find love at last!!💜💜💜
ALSO..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ALSO..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2026
I read this as an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved this! I have read a bunch of Hockeyromances and I was sceptical at first. But it surpriced me and I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read the next book!
February 10, 2026
I love the way Savannah and Noah meet and how genuinely their friendship begins to form. I would have loved more time with both of them as they move through this story. Sometimes the chapters felt very short and I would have loved to see how certain scenes would have played out but at the same time, the pacing kept me engaged all the way through.
February 7, 2026
ARC Review
I was lucky enough to be chosen to read an ARC for Novel Assist and it was a true 5 star read for me! It was a slow burn friends to lovers hockey romance. I absolutely loved Noah and Savannah and their story!
I was lucky enough to be chosen to read an ARC for Novel Assist and it was a true 5 star read for me! It was a slow burn friends to lovers hockey romance. I absolutely loved Noah and Savannah and their story!
Review of advance copy
Novel Assist by Becca Mercer is a funny, predictable, hockey meetcute that is more of a sports romance than most. The FMC Savannah is an aspiring romance author working on her college hockey debut novel, it’s all very fourth wall and is a peek behind the curtain of what goes into writing a book exactly like the one you’re reading.
The MMC Noah is parentified to the extreme and the FMC helps him carry that load and learn he’s not alone. There is an emphasis both on found family, accepting yourself, and growth.
Even though the FMC has two professional athlete siblings and a mom that was in Miss America, where I had to suspend belief and remind myself this was fiction was in all of the various sibling relationships. Additionally, throughout the story there is clear lead up for a full book series as the side characters have more depth to them than we get from the FMC and MMC. There are several references to prior couples in a way that feels like I’m catching a quick recap from a previous book vs side couples making a cameo, for that reason I’d recommend reading the novella prequel. That being said, I have not read the prequel prior to Novel Assist and still enjoyed the story without an issue.
Overall I found this story was spicy and sweet. Like horchata. There are characters dealing with mental health, grief, bullying, etc (please check trigger warnings) that prevent the story from becoming overly sweet and maintains a nice balance. I enjoyed reading it and will likely read any books that follow in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other readers may find relevant: college, Connecticut, contemporary, digital, fmc-savannah, interseries, mental health, mmc-noah, sports, sports-hockey, temporary relationship
Fiction, contemporary, romance, sports, emotional, funny, hopeful, medium paced
Plot or Character Driven: character
Strong character development: yes
Lovable characters: it’s complicated
Diverse cast of characters: no
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes
The MMC Noah is parentified to the extreme and the FMC helps him carry that load and learn he’s not alone. There is an emphasis both on found family, accepting yourself, and growth.
Even though the FMC has two professional athlete siblings and a mom that was in Miss America, where I had to suspend belief and remind myself this was fiction was in all of the various sibling relationships. Additionally, throughout the story there is clear lead up for a full book series as the side characters have more depth to them than we get from the FMC and MMC. There are several references to prior couples in a way that feels like I’m catching a quick recap from a previous book vs side couples making a cameo, for that reason I’d recommend reading the novella prequel. That being said, I have not read the prequel prior to Novel Assist and still enjoyed the story without an issue.
Overall I found this story was spicy and sweet. Like horchata. There are characters dealing with mental health, grief, bullying, etc (please check trigger warnings) that prevent the story from becoming overly sweet and maintains a nice balance. I enjoyed reading it and will likely read any books that follow in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other readers may find relevant: college, Connecticut, contemporary, digital, fmc-savannah, interseries, mental health, mmc-noah, sports, sports-hockey, temporary relationship
Fiction, contemporary, romance, sports, emotional, funny, hopeful, medium paced
Plot or Character Driven: character
Strong character development: yes
Lovable characters: it’s complicated
Diverse cast of characters: no
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes
February 20, 2026
I received an ARC of Novel Assist by Becca Mercer in exchange for an honest review, and I absolutely loved it.
This was such an enjoyable and satisfying read. The friendship that develops between Noah and Savannah is beautifully written and feels genuine from the very beginning. Their connection grows naturally, and I loved watching their relationship evolve in a way that felt authentic and meaningful rather than rushed.
The author does an excellent job building the story at a steady pace, keeping me fully engaged without ever feeling slow or tedious. The writing flows smoothly, making it easy to become completely immersed in the characters and their world. I also really appreciated the teammates as supporting characters—they added humor, heart, and depth to the story, and it’s clear there is much more to explore with them in future books.
This is truly a standout start, and I am very excited to see where the series goes next. If you enjoy character-driven stories with strong friendships, great chemistry, and engaging writing, this is definitely one to pick up.
This was such an enjoyable and satisfying read. The friendship that develops between Noah and Savannah is beautifully written and feels genuine from the very beginning. Their connection grows naturally, and I loved watching their relationship evolve in a way that felt authentic and meaningful rather than rushed.
The author does an excellent job building the story at a steady pace, keeping me fully engaged without ever feeling slow or tedious. The writing flows smoothly, making it easy to become completely immersed in the characters and their world. I also really appreciated the teammates as supporting characters—they added humor, heart, and depth to the story, and it’s clear there is much more to explore with them in future books.
This is truly a standout start, and I am very excited to see where the series goes next. If you enjoy character-driven stories with strong friendships, great chemistry, and engaging writing, this is definitely one to pick up.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
Tropes
~ friends with benefits
~ forced proximity
~ grumpy/sunshine
~ found family
~ hockey romance
This book was fantastic.
Our FMC Savannah is a struggling writer with big trust issues.
And MMC Noah is captain of his hockey team with so many responsibilities.
And they make a deal for Savannah to babysit his sister while he plays hockey in exchange for his help with hockey research for her book.
I liked the character growth for both Savannah and Noah.
Savannah learns to let people in and Noah realises he doesn’t have to do everything on this own.
I loved that they became friends first then “friends with benefits”.
Loved that the whole hockey team looks out for Savannah when she needs it.
The last couple of chapters got me I was crying reading them. I was rooting for them the entire time.
Would 100% recommend this book.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author 😊
Tropes
~ friends with benefits
~ forced proximity
~ grumpy/sunshine
~ found family
~ hockey romance
This book was fantastic.
Our FMC Savannah is a struggling writer with big trust issues.
And MMC Noah is captain of his hockey team with so many responsibilities.
And they make a deal for Savannah to babysit his sister while he plays hockey in exchange for his help with hockey research for her book.
I liked the character growth for both Savannah and Noah.
Savannah learns to let people in and Noah realises he doesn’t have to do everything on this own.
I loved that they became friends first then “friends with benefits”.
Loved that the whole hockey team looks out for Savannah when she needs it.
The last couple of chapters got me I was crying reading them. I was rooting for them the entire time.
Would 100% recommend this book.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author 😊
February 21, 2026
I loved this sports romance book. Savannah, Noah, Izzie, and Noah's roommates made this story so enjoyable. The chemistry between Sav and Noah was felt from their first meet at the college hockey rink and just blossomed from there. Izzie is so adorable and wise beyond her years. I loved that this book had no interfering exes and that the misunderstanding between Noah and Sav was done out of protection and love. I also loved how Savannah’s brothers, although famous athletes, always put her first.
My heart went out to Noah and Izzie. Their family pain after their loss felt so intense and made me want to reach through the pages and give them a momma hug. I am glad that Noah, Izzie, and their mom are trying to be a whole family again and props to Doug for staying and working on helping Noah and Izzie's mom get better. This book was wonderful and I could not put it down. I read it twice because it was that good!!!
My heart went out to Noah and Izzie. Their family pain after their loss felt so intense and made me want to reach through the pages and give them a momma hug. I am glad that Noah, Izzie, and their mom are trying to be a whole family again and props to Doug for staying and working on helping Noah and Izzie's mom get better. This book was wonderful and I could not put it down. I read it twice because it was that good!!!
February 17, 2026
Novel Assist, the first book in the Wynchester Wolves series, is equal parts sexy and sincere, striking a balance between heat and heart that’s hard to resist. The chemistry crackles, but it’s the emotional grounding that really pulls you in. This is a story that makes you root for a happily-ever-after not just out of genre loyalty, but because Noah and Savannah feel fully realized, flawed, and deeply deserving of one. Their journey is tender, charged, and satisfying, setting a strong foundation for the series and leaving you eager for what comes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
It was sooo good that I forgot to sleep! Fair warning for if you have work the next day!
The dynamics were addicting, and the characters were all so refreshing. I definitely became sucked into this world the author created very quickly. I’ve read quite a lot of hockey romances and this quickly became pretty high up the list, it’s so worth the read and the lack of sleep.
I did receive a copy for free, but I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and of my own opinions.
The dynamics were addicting, and the characters were all so refreshing. I definitely became sucked into this world the author created very quickly. I’ve read quite a lot of hockey romances and this quickly became pretty high up the list, it’s so worth the read and the lack of sleep.
I did receive a copy for free, but I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and of my own opinions.
February 22, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Absolutely loved it. Savannah and Noah just happen to meet at an ice rink during a practice not a real thing to happen usually cause no one but players are usually there. But the budding friendship, college, and family life, along with the sports are are real. Made me feel like I was part of the book. Very well written. Plan to read more books by this author.
February 12, 2026
This was an amazingly written full of emotions romance that left you satisfied. The story was great, interesting, exciting and enjoyable. The characters were amazingly written, enjoyable to read about and likable. I really enjoyed this romance and can't wait to read more of the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy for Novel Assist! If you love a good hockey romance (which I do - my absolute fav!!!) you’ll definitely enjoy this! I really enjoyed Savannah and Noah. It was so nice watching how their relationship developed through the entire story. This was such a fun easy read!
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy for Novel Assist! If you love a good hockey romance (which I do - my absolute fav!!!) you’ll definitely enjoy this! I really enjoyed Savannah and Noah. It was so nice watching how their relationship developed through the entire story. This was such a fun easy read!
Read
February 24, 2026✨ARC REVIEW✨
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy for Novel Assist! If you love a good hockey romance (which I do - my absolute fav!!!) you’ll definitely enjoy this! I really enjoyed Savannah and Noah. It was so nice watching how their relationship developed through the entire story. This was such a fun easy read!
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy for Novel Assist! If you love a good hockey romance (which I do - my absolute fav!!!) you’ll definitely enjoy this! I really enjoyed Savannah and Noah. It was so nice watching how their relationship developed through the entire story. This was such a fun easy read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews