Her Slap Shot

In Her League #1

by Emma Kate

She’s his head hockey coach. He’s her player.

As the first female head coach in professional hockey, Finley Blake knows what’s at stake. One wrong move and she's not just risking her career, she's setting back every woman who dreams of leading in this industry.

She didn’t work this hard to throw it all away on a six-foot-three hockey player she had a crush on in high school. Especially one who doesn’t even remember helping her with her slap shot.

Beckett Kane does one thing—hockey. Traded to the Denver Yeti midseason, the veteran defenseman is chasing the captain position he’s always wanted before his body makes him hang up his skates. He’s not here to make friends. He’s not here to feel things. And he’s definitely not here to fall for the best coach he’s ever had.

When Finley and Beckett are paired up for a team challenge, the line they shouldn't cross starts to look enticingly thin. But some slap shots are worth taking…even the ones that could cost you everything.

Perfect for fans of forbidden workplace romances with powerful FMCs, Her Slap Shot is a spicy coach/player hockey romance filled with banter, forced proximity, and slow-burn tension. Part of the In Her League series, it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Workplace Romance, Sports

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

About the author

My writing is a testament to my love for romcoms, sprinkled generously with the very tropes that make my heart race: sports, small towns, and sarcastic heroines.

There is nothing I enjoy more than weaving narratives about strong, intelligent women and the irresistible men they love. If you enjoy books that are real, smart, and endlessly entertaining, you're in the right place!

When I'm not building worlds or creating characters that stay with you long after the last page, you'll find me spending time with my family, watching sports, or enjoying my small, Colorado town.

For sneak peeks, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos of creativity, follow my journey via my newsletter (www.authoremmakate.com/goodreads-sign-up) or on Instagram @authoremmakate.

Reviews

[Robin ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Emma Kate for the chance to read Her Slap Shot early. These are all of my honest thoughts and opinions.

First book in the In Her League series.

Finely and Beckett had such a slow burn and I was ALL for it. The slow burn definitely paid off in the end, 100000 percent.
The way to my heart is most positively a forbidden romance and Emma did this one perfectly.
The passion? Ugh I ate it up.
Finley was my favorite in this one. She worked so damn hard on everything. Being the first woman head coach in hockey and working that much harder to prove herself. That girl has my heart. Smart and fierce to the max.

I had so much fun with this one, definitely not your normal hockey romance.
4.0/5⭐️

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 3.5🌶️

There is nothing I love more than a "forced proximity" trope done right, and this book delivered.


Finley is such an incredible lead because she has to be twice as perfect as any man just to keep her job as a head coach. When her childhood crush, Beckett, joins the team, their required social media collab creates a delicious tension that’s impossible to ignore. I loved watching her "ice queen" exterior melt as they spent more time together, navigating the thin line between professional accountability and personal longing.

The slow burn in this story really tests your patience in the best way possible. Beckett is a total cinnamon roll who is deeply supportive, and their chemistry feels genuine because they actually build a foundation of friendship first. Even though they’re both terrified of HR and the potential of losing their careers, the pining and mutual respect made their romance feel deeply earned and authentic.

I did wish the ending didn't feel quite so rushed and that we got a bit more steam to match that heavy chemistry, but the banter and team dynamic totally made up for it. The side characters brought so much humor to the rink, and seeing the guys truly support Finley was so refreshing. It is a solid, feel-good read that has me beyond excited for whatever strong woman takes the lead in the next book.

If you want a smart, sweet, and slightly forbidden romance, go grab this one immediately.

~~~~

Huge thank you to the author herself, Emma Kate, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Casey thirty_wordy_and_reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Her Slap Shot is a hockey romance featuring a female hockey coach 💪🏻. I love the aspect of a female in a sports leadership role. Romance tropes featured:

Sports romance
Forced Proximity
Workplace romance
Slow burn

I wish there was a little more spice/romance but I get why there wasn’t….HR rules and all. There were a fee loose ends with plot a d the last chapter a d epilogue seemed to drop off.

I love reading Emma’s books and definitely plan on continuing the series. Looking forward to more strong women.

[Briana Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Emma for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️

What to expect when reading ;
-Female Hockey Coach x Hockey Player
-Forbidden Work Romance
-Cinnamon Roll MMC
-Forced Proximity
-Slow Burn

This is book one of the In Her League series! You get to follow Finley and Beckett! Finley is the first ever female hockey coach and knows a lot is on the line. Beckett is traded to a new team and trying to make sure he reaches his goal of becoming captain of a team and winning the cup before it’s too late. This book was so entertaining. I loved every single one of these characters. There was a perfect balance of entertainment and plot. This is definitely a slow burn, so buckle up, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The Epilogue was also perfection! I don’t want to spoil too much but I will say I’m so excited for book two of this series! 🙌

Side notes:
-Larsen needs a book😂
-pal💀

Fav Quote:
•”You call the plays, Queenie”
•”Are you stalking me, Coach?”
•”Beckett Kanes lips pressed to mine would be catastrophic”

Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases 🤍

[Stephanie Mayhem.and.MoodReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5

🏒Hockey Romance
🩷Coach/Player
🏒Slow Burn
🩷Forced Proximity
🏒30+ yo main Characters

I loved this so much! This was my first read by Emma Kate, and I am absolutely going to binge the rest of her books. I really appreciated how thoughtfully the author showed Finley navigating the realities of being a woman in a male dominated field. It added so much depth to her character and made her journey feel even more impactful. I also loved that her team had her back and was so supportive of her as a coach. It was honestly so refreshing to read. And the banter between all the characters…So good. The one liners had me laughing out loud and added the perfect amount of charm, wit, and chemistry to the story.
I really enjoyed the build up of Finley and Becketts relationship. It felt natural in the sense that they genuinely got to know each other and established a friendship (begrudgingly as it was!) first.
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series, I feel like we are going to have some more fierce, strong FMCs in them… and I am so here for it!!
- Thank you Netgalley, Flirtation Point Publishing, and Emma Kate for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
Thank you to Emma Kate and Book Funnel for the opportunity to read this book early! I was so excited to hear she was getting into a new sports romance series and thrilled to be a part of the ARC Team again!

Contemporary romance
Sports/Hockey Romance
Steamy Open Door

Duel POV: Finley and Beckett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Finley Blake has everything to prove as the first head coach of a professional men’s hockey team. With the weight of the world on her shoulders and constant criticism from her Hall of Fame dad breathing down her neck, she strives for perfection everyday. What she didn’t expect was for the GM to trade for a hotshot defenseman who happened to be her teenage crush.
Beckett Kane doesn’t want to switch teams mid-season. He just wants to win the Cup as a Team Captain and fulfill his late father’s dream. He’s used to keeping his head down and playing his game. He’s not used to the beautiful woman in charge of the team who he should not be attracted to but a PR Campaign keeps pushing them together. The competitions were fun to read!
I love a badass FMC in power. She also has a fierce integrity about her and he allows her to shine.
Also, there are a lot of shout outs of her characters from other books!

This is perfect for fans of the following tropes:

🏒Sports Romance
🏒Workplace Romance
🏒Forbidden Love
🏒Slow Burn
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒Nicknames
🏒Guaranteed HEA

Her Slap Shot releases on May 7 so preorder your copy today! You won’t want to miss this hockey love story!

[Sara Neves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Emma Kate, and overall, I found it to be an enjoyable and easy read. I’m always drawn to stories with strong female main characters, so I already had a feeling I would connect with this one. One of the highlights for me was definitely the banter — it was witty, entertaining, and kept the tone light throughout the story.

This is very much a slow-burn romance, with a lot of character and relationship development happening in the first half of the book. While I appreciated the build-up, I do feel that for such a slow burn, the spicy scenes could have had a bit more intensity and payoff.

Toward the end, the pacing felt somewhat rushed, and I was left with a few unanswered questions. I also would have liked to see more development surrounding the trauma both main characters carried. Since it plays such an important role in shaping who they are, I felt there was room to explore those emotional aspects more deeply.

That said, this was still a fun, light read with lovable characters and plenty of entertaining moments. I enjoyed spending time with these characters and would happily continue following the story to see where it leads next.

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC reader, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cokiereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Emma Kate novel! I love a good hockey romance and this one didn't disappoint. I love the workplace trope but I love how this one is different. Usually in hockey romances if they work together, he's usually a player and she works for the team in some capacity. But this one? So different. Much higher stakes. She's his coach!

Finley Blake is the first female head hockey coach. She broke some ceilings but its so precarious. A losing season? She's gone. She has to prove herself, so much more than a man. And she does it. Even has a nickname proving shes cold as ice.

Beckett Kane is her new player. Traded midseason, he's not new to her. They grew up near each other, he was her first crush. There's a clear division though. She's his coach!!

They're put together though, outside of the rink in a competition that they both really want to win. All this time together... the longing looks, the late nights... Ugh I was so desperate for it to start!!! (Won't spoil when it does!)

Besides the incredible longing theres also the team around them. Theres some loveable goofs that just keep it light hearted.

Besides all the angst of will they/how they the chemistry is off the charts!

Give it a chance if you love a good hockey romance.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc received by author for review:

This book was very good! I lovedddd the female head coach plot line, very rare and it was a nice dynamic. The forbidden romance aspect was nicely done and it wasn’t sleazy in any way especially since she had a power position over her player. I really liked that the characters were older late 20s/30s and it really fit with where they were both at in life. The focus on hockey was the best part with the steaminess thrown in was excellent. I liked how there was angst and tension with more “pining” seen by Kane. The writing was very easy to read and flower very nicely. The set up for book 2 was also great and it didn’t give too much up for what the plot of book 2 would be. I have to say Larsen is one of the best side characters I have ever read and I really want to have a book focused on him. I do think it would have been nice to see more about the teammates personalities, but I think the personality of Kanes character was present in his POV since he was a newbie to the team and didn’t want to open up to his teammates. Overall, excellent hockey romance and had different elements than what is seen in the genre!

[Malin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Kate and the banter in her books always have my life, I snort countless times throughout. This was no exception, I absolutely loved this one as well.

And what a pleasure it was to see some of the old gang from her first series. Even though this is a completely different series, I looove how it’s all still in the same world. Such a great touch.

I found it so interesting to read from Finley’s perspective and the pressure of being the first female coach of a men’s hockey team. She has so much respect by so so many people, without even realising it. The standards she put herself up against are also beyond mental. She’s so driven and her personality was really well thought through.

Beckett and Finley together worked surprisingly well. I felt like they were going to be too similar in the beginning, as they’re both quite goal driven and professional in the way they act. But that just made them really compatible, I loved their little evenings filled with food and watching films - hockey videos haha.

I truly enjoyed this one, same as all of Emma Kate’s books, they always put a smile on my face and makes me laugh! Thank you so much for the ARC Emma Kate! I’m so so grateful.

[Lacey Fatura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m just an Emma Kate fan. I loved the wild bluffs series and just am so excited for another series by her but featuring bad ass women in sports?! Hell yeah!

This one features hockey and I love the fact that she is the coach and her players support her bad ass coaching self 👏🏻👏🏻 I wanted to bury her unsupportive dad but her team made up for his arrogant ass.

He is her player who just happens to swoon for the badass coach and becomes the best support system which she needs. He is your golden retriever MMC and just makes your heart melt.

I cannot wait for book 2, football is my fav and I can already tell I’m going to love the main characters!

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finley and Beckett’s story is a delicious slow burn with all of the forbiddenness.

🩷Hockey coach x player
🩷Forced proximity
🩷Slow burn
🩷Workplace romance

Finley is a female coach in a very male dominated world. She has to fight for everyone that she has and she absolutely cannot be friends with anyone on the team, let alone fall for one of them.

In walks Beckett. A blast from the past with an injured hip who is trying to prove he can lead this team.

These two get paired together for a competition and the sparks start to fly. I could feel the yearning and pining through the whole!! That was the absolute best part of this book!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible SLOW BURN … Coach x player love story.

It’s was such a beautiful start to the book, Coach finding her footing in a male dominated sport and field, making a name for herself and proving to the world she’s making a path for woman. While inspiring girls WOMEN can be Coaches for teams. So beautiful, while also finding love and fighting in with every bone in your body.

I loved the team dynamics and side characters and how they fought for each other but for her as their coach.

Great read.

[Tessa K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. A hockey romance with a strong FMC is always a win for me, and this definitely delivered. The slow burn was done really well and kept me turning pages. The side characters brought a lot of life to the story too, the banter was fun and made everything feel even more engaging. This was my first book by Emma Kate and definitely not my last. Overall, a really fun read and I’m excited for what’s next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne Marko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a fun hun hockey romance. Finely is the first female head coach of a team, but when her childhood crush gets traded to team and she’s forced to spend time with him…feelings get muddled. This one made me a bit nervous though, I don’t love the inappropriate coach/player vibe, but it was handled alright. The way it ends is great and there’s a lot of fantastic getting to know you bits.

While I love all the points made in the book about a strong female working in sports, the plot of the book sort of negated that and kept it from being 5 stars.

[Stacie Farrugia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Emma you have done it again! I couldn't resist reading the bonus scenes so downloaded that as well.

Happy release day!

I'm much looking forward to the next book in this series. The little hints you dropped have me hooked.

Go Yeti's!!!

Kane and Blake's story is so full of laughter, banter and great chemistry.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett & Finley

This book was so good. I loved the way Beckett & Finleys relationship grew, the slow burn of this book was written so perfectly. The fact that their friendship/relationship was forbidden just made the storyline that much better. When Beckett retired at the end even knowing it might not save Finleys job?? SWOON.

[Rebecca Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Finley and Beckett's story. Emma Kate always pulls me in from page one, and I couldn’t put it down. Finley is a female hockey coach who faces all the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated role, but that all changes when Beckett gets traded to her team. Little does he know, they’ve met before.
I really enjoyed how their relationship develops throughout the story, especially when things start to heat up, even when they aren’t in the same room together. The tension between them was done so well.
I loved the banter between these two, and don’t even get me started on the spice; it was sizzling. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Cheyenne Oleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Her Slap Shot was such a fun, addictive hockey romance with the perfect balance of slow-burn tension, emotional depth, and swoony forbidden romance energy. Between the female head coach storyline, the hockey atmosphere, and Beckett Kane being an absolute cinnamon roll underneath all that hockey-player confidence, I was hooked from the start 🏒✨

One of my favorite things about this book was Finley. Seeing a woman step into the role of the first female head coach in professional men’s hockey added so much depth to the story beyond just the romance. Emma Kate did a really good job showing the pressure Finley faces constantly being scrutinized in a male-dominated space, while also making her feel strong, intelligent, and fully capable without needing to prove herself every five seconds. I loved how respected she was by her team and how seriously she took her position.

And Beckett?? Yeah, I adored this man 😭
He’s charming, supportive, patient, and completely gone for Finley from the beginning. The slow-burn tension between them was SO good because it never felt rushed or forced. Every interaction carried this quiet undercurrent of longing and restraint because they both understood exactly what was at stake if things crossed the line.

The chemistry and banter between them made this such an easy, entertaining read. I especially loved the forced proximity moments and the PR campaign scenes because they gave Finley and Beckett opportunities to slowly lower their walls around each other outside of hockey.

I also appreciated that the characters felt more mature than a lot of sports romances. Their ages and life experiences added emotional weight to their decisions, and the relationship dynamics felt grounded because of it.

The pacing dragged just slightly for me in a few places, which is the main reason this wasn’t a full five stars, but honestly, the payoff was worth the wait. And that epilogue? Absolutely adorable.

Also… Larsen deserves his own book immediately. That’s all I’m saying 😂

If you love:
🏒 hockey romance
🏒 forbidden workplace relationships
🏒 female coach x player dynamics
🏒 slow burn tension
🏒 cinnamon roll MMCs
🏒 forced proximity
🏒 protective but supportive romance

…then Her Slap Shot should absolutely be on your TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kasey Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my fifth ARC book of Emma’s and I’ve been a fan ever since The Wild Bluff series. Sports romance is always a go too for me - especially hockey, so I was really excited for this one :)

🦋 Sports Romance
🦋 FMC Head Coach
🦋 MMC Professional Hockey Player
🦋 Forbidden Romance
🦋 Slow Burn

Finley Blake - Denver Yeti’s newest coach and the first female head coach in the NHL. Finley knows what’s at stake, during a rebuilding year nonetheless. Eyes are on her now more than ever, especially if she wants to make her temporary position a permanent one. She needs the season to go distraction free and without a hitch. Enter, Beckett Kane. Traded mid season to … Denver Yeti. He also happens to be Finley Blake’s high school crush. But Finley’s feelings aren’t one sided and despite her best efforts, the line between right and wrong are quickly becoming blurred. Some shots are worth taking, even if they cost you everything.

If there’s one thing I love reading about it’s hockey and a badass FMC, and luckily Her Slap Shot provides both. Finely is stepping into a position that is typically held by males and I think this book does a really good job of depicting the realities any woman faces when she’s in a position in a male dominated field. Everything she does is under a microscope, and gets questioned about decisions a male wouldn’t even be asked. I really loved how much the team was behind Finley 100% and that comes from a place of respect - it has nothing to do with gender.

Finley and Becketts progress was a slow burn but definitely what I expected given the circumstances. The competition going on behind the season for promo was the perfect way for them to find their footing. I loved the banter between them. To the rest of the team Coach Blake is all business and doesn’t let anyone know the real her, but with Beckett her walls start to crumble. Their relationship felt natural as we watched them progress into the unknown. The love I had for Beckett, UGH.

Special shouts:
-Becketts New Orleans story 😂 iykyk.
-Wild Bluffs crossover that I wasn’t expecting but absolutely needed!

Thank you to BookFunnel and of course Emma Kate for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[kileigh✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm shocked, and a bit disappointed. AH! This book had all of my favorite tropes, and then some. I thought I was going to thoroughly enjoy this, but it fell so flat for me.

First, I'm obsessed with Finley being a female head coach! That's so fucking badass, you have no idea. Emma Kate did a phenomenal job at writing about the societal pressures of a headstrong female completely taking over a male dominated field. We love to see it!

I love love love a second chance romance, but it didn't have any of the feels of one. Finley and Beckett met when they were teens, when he helped her on her slap shot. Beckett doesn't remember their encounter, but a first meeting between the two main characters should pretty much take precedent in the story, in my opinion. There should've been more written about it, and surrounding that first encounter dynamic, but there wasn't, which made it hard to read as a second chance romance. I would've loved a flashback to that moment. It would've added so much to their dynamic, but instead, I feel like their relationship was building like a stale cracker. Also, something that was kind of annoying as fuck, was the fact that Beckett never had that 'lightbulb' moment that most people have when remembering someone from their past. It's like Finely had to spell out the whole thing for him. Ew! Turn off!

From there, I feel like their dynamic just kept getting worse. I love a slow burn romance, but what was this? No real angst. I felt no shift in the relationship, and there should've been a pretty big one, considering this was a workplace romance. There could've been so much angst written into this story between them, instead, when we finally got to some milestones, I just wanted them to get it done and over with. It was so hard to get excited over their relationship transforming from professional to romantic, because I felt like the scenes that were written to be romantic, were awkward with weird timing. No flow between these scenes whatsoever. Just completely off. The mark was missed.

Thank you, Emma Kate, for this advanced copy. All thoughts are my own

[Soft and Sinister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Emma Kate and I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved it! I’m always a sucker for a good hockey romance, but it was so refreshing to read one where the characters actually felt mature instead of acting like overgrown teenagers in their twenties 😂

What really stood out to me was how much depth this story had beyond the romance. Yes, the chemistry between Beckett and Finley was absolutely electric, but their emotional journeys were what truly made this book unforgettable. Beckett was the ultimate grump; closed off, stubborn, and intimidating yet watching him slowly unravel and soften because of the love he had for Finley was honestly beautiful. Beneath all that roughness was someone deeply loyal and protective, and his character growth felt so natural and rewarding.

And then there’s Finley… what an incredible FMC. Strong, driven, intelligent, and unapologetically ambitious, but also carrying the crushing pressure of constantly needing to prove herself. I loved seeing a woman as a head coach in a male-dominated sport and the book did such a great job showing the emotional weight that comes with that role. Finley wasn’t striving for perfection just because she wanted success — she felt like she had to be perfect because one mistake could define her in the eyes of everyone around her. That added such an emotional layer to her character and made her incredibly easy to root for.

The romance delivered all the feelings — tension, banter, emotional vulnerability, and chemistry that absolutely burned through the pages. But the found family aspect was just as good. The team dynamic was hilarious, chaotic, and full of heart, and I adored how much the players respected and loved Finley as their coach. Every side character brought something memorable to the story, and now I’m desperately waiting for the next book because I already know this series is going to own me.

Everything about this story just worked for me, and that ending left me wanting so much more.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[TotallyShelfObsessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A torn ACL, a cupcake competition, a talent show, a shared wall, an action movie, and a blizzard. ❄️
.
As the first female head coach in Ice Hockey history, Finley Blake has worked incredibly hard to earn the respect she deserves - respect that would be freely passed out, without question, to a man in her position. One small mistake for her would be one GIANT setback for womankind. But, when that mistake takes the shape of a six-foot-three, grumpy, veteran defenseman that she had a crush on in high school, Finley must decide what matters most - Romance, or the rink. 🏒
.
Her Slap Shot is a dual pov, spicy, forbidden workplace romance with main characters in their 30s and a DELICIOUS slowburn. I DEVOURED this book and haven't stopped thinking about it ever since. I definitely have a crush on Beckett Kane. 🤭
.
This book absolutely had me in a chokehold, I couldn't look away! I adored the writing, and the characters felt so real, relatable, and loveable! Finley and Beckett were a couple I was IMMEDIATELY shipping and rooting for, and the spice is DEVINE - He talks her through it and is big on praise! 😍
.
The forced proximity was perfect, I LOVED the competition! All of the side characters were brilliant - I'm obsessed with Larson and love how the book perfectly sets up Charlotte and Callan for book 2! Those was my first sports romance and I love how it pulled me in and had me invested in sport I've never seen - The terminology was perfect; it let me believe I was learning about ice hockey and becoming a sports girlie without being too heavy or confusing! 🏒
.
I absolutely loved seeing the relationships and bromance within the team, and I loved the culture of accountability they all follow - and Beckett being a consent King is EVERYTHING!! Her Slap Shot is a super easy and captivating read that I didn't want to end. I IMMEDIATELY ran to GoodReads and added all of Emma Kate's books to my TBR - Definitely an author I'll be watching! And without question, a 5 star read and new favourite!💗

[marilyn silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5⭐

Tropes:
🩷Coach FMC x Player MMC
🩷Slow burn
🩷Forbidden Romance
🩷Ice hockey Romance
🩷30 or + year olds

First and foremost I would like to thank the author Emma Kate and Flirtation point publishing for this ARC of the book truly grateful for this opportunity.
When I picked up this book, I went in with zero expectations. The premise immediately caught my attention—especially the dynamic between a female coach and a male player. I always enjoy seeing women in positions of authority in romance, and this one felt like it had potential, even though I wasn’t sure what to expect. This is also my first book by this author.

And I’m happy to say—I was not disappointed.

beginning was a bit slow for me, and until around the 60% of the book, I honestly felt like I might slip into a reading slump. However, the story gradually builds, and once it does, it really picks up. The tension between Finley and Beckett becomes increasingly intense, and their chemistry is undeniable. There’s a strong pull between them that slowly simmers until it finally explodes in a very satisfying “f**k it” moment.

Forbidden romance always hits differently, and this book captures that dynamic well.

Beyond the romance, I also appreciated the underlying themes of woman empowerment and self-prioritization. Both Finley and Beckett, in their own ways, highlight how important it is to choose yourself, follow your goals, and not live life according to someone else’s expectations.

That said, the pacing did feel a bit stretched around the 80% mark, and I personally would have loved more flashback scenes—especially the moments when Beckett was teaching Finley her slap shot. I think showing those scenes instead of only referencing them would have added more emotional depth.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a slow start but a strong payoff in terms of tension, chemistry, and emotional growth.

[maya jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: May 7th 2026
Rating: ★★★★☆

Her Slap Shot is such a fun and engaging hockey romance with a strong female lead at its centre. I absolutely loved seeing a woman in a coaching role, it added a really refreshing dynamic to the story and made Finley’s journey feel powerful and emotional.

This book leans into so many beloved tropes like sports romance, workplace romance, forced proximity, and a slow burn that really takes its time. The relationship between Finley and Beckett develops so naturally, moving from coworkers to something deeper in a way that felt believable and not rushed. There is plenty of tension, banter, and build up to keep you hooked.

The characters truly made this story shine. Beckett has that soft, slightly golden retriever energy, while Finley is strong, driven, and grounded in her values. I loved how her professionalism and internal struggles were handled, especially with the pressures she faces as a female coach. The side characters added so much humour and warmth too, and honestly I would read a whole book about Larsen.

The pacing was great and kept me entertained throughout, with a really nice balance between romance and plot. I do wish there had been just a little more spice, but it makes sense within the context of the story. Some parts near the end felt a bit rushed and I would have loved a bit more closure, but overall it still left me excited for what comes next.

If you love slow burn romance with strong character growth, workplace tension, and a sports setting, this is definitely one to pick up. I will absolutely be continuing this series and cannot wait for more.

[Poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finley Blake is the first female head coach in the NHL. She has earned a reputation as an "ice queen," but there is no one better at their job than she is. It becomes clear that her team needs a veteran defensive player to put them on a playoff trajectory, and management trades for Beckett Kane, an aging star, whom Finley crushed on in high school. When they are paired up together for a series of publicity events, they get to know one another on a deeper level. Will they risk it all for a relationship, knowing Finley's career hangs in the balance?

Solid read for my first foray into sports romance. It took me a little while to get into because I thought there could have been more character development in the first 100 or so pages - it was pretty heavy on the sports. I liked the premise so much, though, so it didn't bother me too much. Once the story picked up, it was hard to put down. I got really drawn in by the "will they or won't they??" aspect of it. I loved Finley's character. I think the author did a great job showing what kinds of pressure a female head coach at that level of men's sports would be under. Finley sacrificed so much for her job and for her dad that she barely let herself be human. She had a great character arc. And Kane was so sweet to her. He was the perfect MMC for this story. The other guys on the team had me chuckling at some spots, and I would read the rest of the series if they or Charlotte were featured (which I think Charlotte is in book 2). I would recommend this book to anyone who loves hockey romance, has a thing for sweet and spicy MMCs, or likes a boss-babe FMC.

Thank you to the author for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to expect: pro hockey coach FMC, pro hockey player MMC, coach x player, secret relationship, workplace relationship, forbidden, high school crush, forced proximity, slow burn, dual POV

I absolutely devoured this book! I am a huge fan of Emma Kate's, and I was so excited when she announced that she would be publishing a hockey romance!!! This book has a very unique storyline that drew me in from the beginning. I read this one in a single sitting and am disappointed that I have already finished reading it.

The sports aspect of this book was awesome. We have a female head coach of an NFL team as our main character and she is kicking butt!!! I love how the men on her team rally around her, give her crap when she needs it, and she gives it right back. Finley is breaking down barriers in a male-dominated sport and it made for a really exciting read.

Finley and Beckett are definitely up on the top of my list of favorite main characters now. They are both extremely dedicated to their career and don't leave time for much else. However, when circumstances force them to spend more time together, they both start to see how great it could be to let someone in, even if its forbidden due to their work relationship. Their chemistry is off the charts and I really enjoyed each of their personalities! Lots of tension, banter, YEARNING, and emotions in this one for sure. There are a ton of great supporting characters that add both humor and support to the storyline, which I appreciated a lot.

I really enjoyed the plot of this book. It was the perfect slow burn, and I especially loved how everything came together in the end. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!

Thanks to Emma Kate for the gifted copy of this book, all opinions are my own.🫶🏼

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finley is the first female head coach of a professional hockey team. She's well aware that she needs to be perfect to get even a modicum of the same respect her male counterparts do - and that at no time can she slip from her ice queen facade. She's created a culture of accountability around her beliefs, and despite her perfectionist nature, she still doesn't feel like it's enough. Enter Beckett Kane, her teenage crush and new transfer onto the team. Which is fine, they're adults now. Except they've been paired up for a weeks-long social media challenge that includes spending ample time together to get to know each other, and sparks start flying.

*****

I loved this one! It was a quick read, with relatable characters and so much yearning! I've loved the authors other books, so I knew what to expect going in, but the push and pull, omggggg. This one was heavy on denied feelings, ample chemistry, and both Beckett and Finley trying to survive the loneliness that being the top in your field can bring - while also trying not to cave to choices that can destroy both of their jobs.

I really enjoyed seeing Beckett blossom from a loner into someone that could connect with others, and to see Finley finally able to open up a small sliver of her heart, despite everything. Also the cameo's from other books? So much fun! It was great to see the other characters thriving, and I loved that we have some new weird guys, and brilliant women to set the stage for the next books in this series.

Overall, this was the perfect sports romance, with a solid slow burn, and ample healing on both sides.

*****

I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Randi Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book absolutely owned me—in the best, most emotionally unhinged, slow-burn way possible.

Throughout the entire book you can feel the tension simmering just beneath the surface. It’s not rushed, not forced—just this perfectly crafted, agonizing build that keeps you flipping pages at an unhealthy speed. The kind where every glance, every almost-touch, every loaded conversation feels like it matters. And when I say slow burn… I mean slooooow. The payoff? Completely worth the emotional torture.

The story pulls you in with more than just chemistry, though. It’s layered with depth—real struggles, real growth, and characters that feel like actual people instead of tropes. The female lead is everything. Strong without being unrealistic, vulnerable without being weak. Watching her claim her power, set boundaries, and choose herself? That’s the kind of energy we need more of. It’s not just romance—it’s empowerment.

And then there’s the hockey star. Talented, intense, carrying his own baggage—but what makes him stand out is how he learns. He doesn’t overshadow her growth; he supports it. He earns every inch of her trust, and that makes their connection feel so much deeper than just physical attraction.

Speaking of… yes, it’s spicy—but it’s the kind of spice that builds. It’s tension-driven, emotional, and hits harder because you’ve been waiting for it. When it finally happens, it’s not just hot—it’s earned.

The writing itself? Addictive. Smooth, immersive, and impossible to put down.

If you love:

* slow-burn tension that makes you scream
* emotionally complex characters
* a powerful, self-assured heroine
* and a romance that feels as much as it burns

…this one will ruin you in the best way.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Slap Shot is an exciting and romantic hockey romance. Finley is the first female head coach in the NHL and has worked hard to be taken seriously and to build a culture of accountability. Beckett is an elite hockey player who knows his time on the ice is coming to an end and is trying to achieve the last couple goals he has for his career. When the team's social media department comes up with a way to boost fan engagement Finley and Beckett are paired together and the sparks begin to fly.

I truly enjoyed this book. There was a bit of a slow burn, but not so much that I was wanting things to move faster. Finley was a strong lead character who was trying to find herself and her footing throughout the book. Finley's relationship with her father was complicated to say the least; however, I think the author glazed over this too much at the end to have a truly satisfying resolution. Beckett's growth was also nice to see; however, so much of it happened off the page. I would have loved more scenes of him with his teammates and the other athletes in the story.

I have never read anything my Emma Kate, but it felt like this was a series grounded in other series' universes. For example, Beckett met other athletes and while I did not necessarily need to know their stories it was clear they existed. This is great for her long time fans, but left me as a new reader wanting more in this book to help with some background information.

Overall, this book is a good hockey romance. There is nothing too shocking or different from the common themes. It was very enjoyable.

4/5 stars