Wild Card: A steamy, friends to lovers, hockey romance

by Olivia Malo

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2026

Reviews

[Chapter Chirp (Jessica) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Card by Olivia Malo centers on Bailey Madden, a woman who grew up unwillingly in the spotlight as the focus of her mother’s social media forum, intrusively following her every move, from her birth to even losing her virginity. As an adult, Bailey decides to take back her power by completely removing herself from the World Wide Web, and choosing to live a private life when she becomes a personal assistant for a men’s hockey team. While in her role, she develops a close bond with the men creating a found family of sorts. She becomes especially entwined with Noah Maguire, a hot 6’3” openly bisexual hockey star with a bit of a man-whore reputation. While they battle an on-again off-again strife over the years, their relationship will eventually come to a head. Will they be able to get their shit together and actually be together in love or will they say goodbye to each other forever?

One thing I have come to really appreciate about Olivia Malo’s books is the humor that she infuses into her love stories. I know when I sit down with one of her books I can expect banter, sarcasm, and moments that will make me laugh out loud while also mixing in heartfelt romance and scenes that make me go aww! The characters in Wild Card were realistic with relatable qualities, like Bailey with her want to just live a private life and Noah who was a man that just loved love. The side characters also brought the realism, with Sunshine who was a real girl’s girl, the big Irish extended family of Noah who was always there to give him crap but also have his back at every turn, and even the relationship of Noah and his toxic mother. I loved that this story was told over the duration of several years because it gave their relationship time to grow and evolve in a way that felt natural and not forced. This story will have you laughing, maybe even crying, and most definitely gasping when it comes down to the audacity of side salad or steak (IYKYK). Highly recommend to any readers who enjoy contemporary sports romances infused with wit, charm, and of course spice!

[Hadley Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story so much! The progression of friends, to lovers, to a situationship, to SO MUCH MORE, was beautiful to read. I snort-laughed at some parts (and think I woke my husband) and wanted to scream at Bailey and Noah at other parts. I definitely recommend this book, but WARNING: It made me stay up until one in the morning because I couldn’t put it down. (Worth it)

[Adrianna Adkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

It just wasn’t for me. I didn’t like the way this book was written at all. I feel like it jumped around a lot and there was no flow at all. There was a lot of repetitive arguments and it seemed to drag on for 90% of the book.
When you thought you were getting to an interesting twist or change in the book, it just jumped forward. There was absolutely no play out or resolve.

[TWKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This couple was hot! Such a fun read with lots of spice. What's not to love? Thoroughly enjoyed myself with this one :)