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Staten Renault is the epitome of all things nerdy. Her love life is nonexistent, her social life could use some much-needed TLC, and she’s sacrificed everything to enroll at Minnesota’s most prestigious college. As the self-proclaimed scholarship kid in a small town full of trust fund babies, she makes it her goal to fit in with her peers. Underpaid and overworked, it’s no surprise that she also suffers from a lovelorn heart, specifically when it involves her best friend, Leif Kennedy. Staten is too shy to make the first move, and Leif is as oblivious as they come. She’s content with living out the rest of her college years pining from afar, until one hockey-player-shaped catalyst pushes them closer than ever.

Enter Knox Mulligan—the resident playboy of the Minnesota Mustangs’ hockey team, the child of Maple Grove’s wealthiest benefactors, and the boy who couldn’t be more different from Staten. He’s all bite and bark and irresistible innuendos. However, despite the unshakable façade that he puts on for everyone, he’s struggling to hold himself together. With a Lit grade on the verge of tanking and his hockey status in jeopardy, Knox needs to find a tutor as soon as possible. Call it fate or some misguided dice roll, but the only person who can help him is the girl who sits behind him in English class, and the girl he just so happened to have accidentally hit with his Lamborghini.

After a messy meet-cute, Staten is more than happy to cut ties right then and there, until Knox’s perseverance and surprising moral compass keeps him trapped in her orbit. He needs a tutor, she needs the money, and she also needs a mentor with a PhD in flirting. Knox knows just how to sweet-talk his way into the bedroom, and guilt—or desire—pushes him to offer his services to one best friend-obsessed Staten. Bad blood aside, the two need each other more than they’re willing to admit. But, when late-night study sessions turn into secret rendezvouses, they realize that their preliminary goals may have just taken a turn for the worse. Feelings were never a part of the itinerary, nor were they a previous point of contention for the romantically challenged virgin and the campus-wide Casanova. With Staten torn between who to give her heart to, Knox realizes that for the first time ever, his competition lies off the ice.

Will Staten realize that Knox is the puzzle piece she’s missing from her conundrum of a love life, or will internal differences and an unrequited crush keep the two of them apart?

Lovestruck is a swoon-worthy hockey romance featuring a playboy hockey player with an affinity for finding trouble, a straight-A tutor who does everything to resist his charm, a fake dating scheme that tests their boundaries, spice hot enough to make you question your religious values, and a new beginning for unlikely lovers. It’s the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.

Lovestruck is a college hockey romance, tutor x hockey player, dislike to lovers, bad boy x good girl, forced proximity, virgin FMC, opposites attract, fake dating romance with no cheating and a satisfying happily ever after.

418 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2026

14 people are currently reading
458 people want to read

About the author

Celeste Briars

12 books822 followers

Celeste Briars is an indie author who specializes in spicy hockey romances. She’s a UC Davis alumnus with a bachelor’s in psychology. She loves creating memorable meet-cutes and happily ever afters. When she’s not writing, you can find her binge-watching horror movies, playing with her cats, or dancing the night away with her friends. If you’re looking for books with spice hot enough to question your religious values and feel-good moments that make your heart sing, please cuddle up with a Reapers novel and stay a while!

You can keep in touch through Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/celestebria...) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@celestebriars...).

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Alicia.
8 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 11, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from Love Notes PR and all thoughts are my own.

I love a hockey romance. And since this is book two, I was excited to see who our next player to fall in love would be. Knox and Staten were the answer. Campus Playboy and Nerdy Scholarship Student. Fake Dating. All things I love.

I wanted to love this book after reading book one last month. The characters struggle with insecurities, toxic family dynamics, school troubles, financial issues, and messy feelings which make them feel like very rounded out, real college students.

And while I really liked the main characters and the story overall, the biggest struggle for me was the fact that it felt like a vocabulary test. Our male MC, Knox, is supposedly failing Intro to Literature, uses phrases and words found on the SATs, but doesn't know what a thesis statement is. The 10 dollar words really took me out of the story. And I'm not hating on the use of these words ever in a romance, but they would have been more suited for an English professor, than a struggling college hockey player.

Overall, I will still be waiting for book three because I love this world that has been built and the Mustangs.
Profile Image for Texa .
89 reviews
dnr
January 13, 2026
“romantically challenged virgin and the campus-wide Casanova” in the big ol 2026? Fk no
Profile Image for Maleny Roman-Ruiz.
76 reviews2 followers
Read
February 10, 2026
ARC Review:

⭐️4.5
🌶 2

From the chaotic meet cute (yes...he accidentally runs her over with his car) to the fake dating, one-sided enemies-to-lovers dynamic, this story had the perfect mix of tension, humor, and emotional depth.

Knox has easily shot straight to the top tier of book boyfriends for me. He was not what I expected at all. Beneath the confidence and humor was someone incredibly soft, patient, and intentional, especially in the way he cared for Staten. Watching his feelings develop—and the way he wanted (prioritized) her happiness even when it hurt him—made their relationship feel genuine and earned. Knox and Staten's dynamic had the perfect mix of tension, vulnerability, and growth, and I loved watching their connection evolve as trust slowly built between them.

The internal dialogue in this book was everything. The witty remarks, chaotic thoughts, and sharp humor added so much personality to the story and made the characters feel incredibly real. The banter throughout — especially in chapter five — was top tier. Watching the friend group witness Staten absolutely failing at flirting was hilarious and easily one of my favorite parts of the book.

There’s definitely heat, but what stood out most to me was how emotionally connected the intimate moments felt within the story.

One of the strongest themes in this book was self-worth and the feeling of not being enough, and that emotional thread really elevated the story for me. Both characters struggle with their own insecurities and fears, and seeing them work through that (individually and together) made their relationship feel authentic and emotionally satisfying.

Knox Mulligan completely stole the show, and this book cemented the series for me.
Profile Image for My_book_obsession25.
730 reviews39 followers
Read
February 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5
I’m so happy to be back in the Minnesota Mustangs world! Lovestruck was such a fun, emotional, and addictive read that had me smiling through so many scenes.
Staten was incredibly easy to connect with. She’s hardworking, a little awkward, and constantly feeling like she doesn’t quite belong, which made her feel very real. I loved her growth throughout the story watching her slowly gain confidence, stand her ground, and open her heart was one of my favorite parts.
And Knox… I didn’t expect to love him as much as I did. Yes, he’s cocky, charming, and very much the playboy on the surface, but underneath all that he’s caring, loyal, and surprisingly soft. The way he kept showing up for Staten, encouraging her, teasing her, and helping her come out of her shell completely won me over. His personality brought so much humor and warmth to the story.
Their dynamic was everything I want in a college hockey romance. The tutoring sessions, the tension, the fake dating, and the slow shift from annoyance to something much deeper felt natural and entertaining. They balanced each other so well her shy, thoughtful nature mixed perfectly with his bold, confident energy.
I also really loved the emotional layer beneath the romance. Knox isn’t just the confident hockey star, and Staten isn’t just the quiet nerd they both have pressures and insecurities that made their connection feel meaningful.
The chemistry was strong, the banter was fun, and the romance had just the right amount of heat without taking away from the story itself.
Such a swoony, heartfelt addition to the series, and I’m already excited for more from the Minnesota Mustangs.
Profile Image for Sofia Silva.
253 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
February 4, 2026
When the nerdy girl collides with the resident playboy, fire ignites.
Lovestruck is a bad boy vs good girl, opposites attract, fake dating romance that you will absolutely love. You can read it as a standalone, but would you? This is the second book in the series and as good as the first.
Staten Renault is the dedicates student with a lot to lose and a poor upbringing.
Knox Mulligan is the rich playboy, who struggles with his grades and his loveless family.
The way the meet is absolutely chaos, but Knox can’t shake his interest.
Knox needs a tutor, Staten needs money…. So, who better for the job?
What starts of as a tutoring job, turns into a fake relationship.
Knox is willing to push his desire down to help Staten become a more confident person and pursue her long-time crush.
But as all fake relationships, the boundaries get blurred, feelings spark, attraction grows and the connection turns into something very real.
Lovestruck gives us the protective vibe, spice scenes that will make you blush, raw vulnerability, real insecurities and the purest kind of love.
Celeste Briars writes about love vs logic, desire vs guilt, friendship vs attraction. The characters bring out the best in each other, experience personal growth, learn how to deal with their own insecurities, test their boundaries and learn how to love.
Thank you for the ARC.
Profile Image for meredithandbooks.
154 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2026
3.5 ⭐️

Thank you so much for letting me read this book early!

I think I had way too high expectations for this because of all the videos I kept seeing about it and I truly liked it. The story was amazing and pretty well thought out. I was so sad when Knox broke up with her, especially for him. His whole backstory was so sad and I literally cried reading his point of view after that night. And I did feel like the way they got back together was a little fast but when he explained to Staten why he did it, I cried again. Leif was an asshole. That’s literally it. Like what do you mean you’re going to be all “I see you now” and then disregard everything she just told you about being in love with another guy?!? Hated him. In the beginning of the book I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like it at all because Staten and Knox kept complaining again and again about how dumb the other was. I just did not see how this could get better but it totally did. The only other point I had was the vocabulary used. Honestly my first language isn’t even English so don’t come for me on this but I found that sometimes the dialogues and the inner thoughts were a little too formal, but that might just be me. Overall it was a great book and it definitely made me want to jump into this whole universe because now I’m invested. Also I loved Crew for literally smacking Knox on the head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for mayte ★⋆ ˚.
47 reviews
February 4, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
ARC review 💋 // review with spoilers 📌

WHAT A GOOD BOOK ‼️

in this book, both of them had insecurities, and it was beautiful to read the moment they realized the other was there, without asking for anything in return ❤️‍🩹

well, i already knew knox from the previous book, but in this one??? I LOVE HIM SOOOOO MUCH! his personality, the way he thinks, his flirty replies 🧚🏻‍♀️

i absolutely loved that it was the “he fell first” trope 💋 because reading how knox thought about staten was the best part.

staten… i have to admit that at the beginning i was just yelling at my kindle for her to stop being so defensive, but as her story unfolded, i understood why she was that way. i loved her growth, and i really appreciated that she didn’t fall in love with knox instantly. it happened at her own pace, and when she finally realized it, she couldn’t think about anything else 🧚🏻‍♀️ i loved that she was a determined girl who didn’t let herself be walked over.

i loved the story completely, and i will definitely continue with this series 💋 (especially after that ending).

thank you, love notes, for the copy 🤍💌
Profile Image for Ilhanisreading Cabdalle.
34 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 4, 2026
So I hate this bc WHY DID I FINISH THIS BOOK, I kid you not I was holding myself back from finishing it bc I didn’t want their world to end for me but now that it has I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MT LIFE.

I loved Knox and him always being there when needed, helping out even tho it hurt him sometimes… (found out exactly what I’m talking for urself) he’s the type of guy every girl deserves, ahhhh I can’t do this right now I’m getting a bit emotional 😭

And Staten oh my love, I loved her sooo much and her not seeing what she’s worth hurt a bit but the happy ending made me feel happy for her and Knox
I love how she’s a Moms girl ahhh, their relationship is not mentioned or showed a lot but the few times she came up meant a lot to me, she has the best mom and I’m genuinely soo happy for her and Ahhgggh this is not funny, I’m crying rn while writing this but lastly

The story of this book and these characters means the world to me now and I won’t shut up abt them for as long as I’ll remember.

Profile Image for Laced In Lit.
223 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
February 5, 2026
Thank you to LoveNotesPR for the ARC 🫶
I was skeptical about this one before reading as I didnt really enjoy the writing style of book 1, however I am pleased to report that Lovestruck was much better!
Lovestruck really is a genius title for this book also so hats off for that!
📚 Virgin geek FMC
📚 Confident playboy hockey player MMC
📚 Tutor sessions
📚 Fake dating
After a disastrous meet cute, Staten and Knox work out that they can both be of help to eachother...
Skint Staten needs cash to help with the shortfall of her scholarship and Knox desperately needs tutoring to save his failing grades and allow him to keep playing hockey. Side events also include showing how vulnerable Knox can be when it comes to his father's impossible expectations. Staten is also very much crushing on her oblivious best friend but as a virgin this means she comes across as awkward as they come!
Can Knox reach her a thing or two about flirting?
Profile Image for Lucia.
170 reviews
February 9, 2026
I am really grateful for the ARC and I was really excited to read this book. It was a struggle in the beginning for me to read this book because I could not connect with the characters especially Staten. I kept on stoping after a few pages. Once I got past a few chapters, I was actually able to enjoy the book a little, but I still struggled to connect to Staten's character the way i would normally for other characters.

In the end, I would say I enjoyed about 65% of the book. The ending for me felt a bit inconclusive. I felt that there were some unresolved matters like Leif.
Profile Image for Steffi Piot.
50 reviews
February 12, 2026
This is an ARC review: A hockey romance with elements of fake dating and opposites attract. This is normally my kind of book, but for some reason I just could not connect. There were a few elements that I personally struggled with.

I wished there was more of a build up between them. They both have insecurities which would make them be cautious around the other person, yet the opposite happens? Did not feel natural to me. The events between them felt rushed and the use of big words felt out of place for a hockey romance (especially as the mmc is failing literature).

I did like the overal storyline but I think the writing style might just not be for me.
Profile Image for Mya.
23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 9, 2026
Lovestruck was such a refreshing and comforting read.
As someone who’s been reading mostly dark romance, this book felt like a soft, much-needed change of pace.
The story is character-driven and emotionally grounded, with a slow-burn romance that never feels rushed. Staten is an incredibly relatable FMC — ambitious, anxious, emotionally guarded, and trying her best to hold everything together. I felt genuinely seen through her perspective. Knox, despite being a hockey player with privilege, has a thoughtful and satisfying character arc that focuses on accountability and growth.
The dynamic between them is built on tension, banter, and emotional intimacy rather than grand gestures, which made their connection feel real and earned. The book also touches on themes of self-worth, academic pressure, and healing in a very natural way.
Overall, Lovestruck is a warm, heartfelt college romance that reminds you why falling in love with romance books feels so comforting. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something soft, emotional, and healing.
Profile Image for lisa’.
189 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

First things first, I want to thanks Celeste Briars and Love Notes PR for this arc!

I loved this book sooo much, from Knox being head over heels for her since the start (we love a man who yearns!), to the ending drama ahhhhhh, loved it! I was kinda skeptical because of how many pages there were left when they got together, but you got me on my toes.

Anyways if you want a fake dating, hockey player, he falls first, romance, this is just the thing!
Profile Image for claireesbookshelf.
514 reviews14 followers
dnf
February 11, 2026
I was so excited for this arc after loving the first book but something about this really pissed me off. First Knox has his super sweet moments but oh my god he’s so insufferable and a douchebag. Staten,obsessed with her name first of all, was just all over the place. She’s lusting over him in the beginning but then we find out she’s in love with her best friend and has zero flirting skills. Very likely I will circle back and finish but as of right now dnf
156 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2026
I really liked the dynamic between Knox and Staten!
I wished we’d gotten to see more of the start of their relationship and the shift from fake to real emotions, since it felt a bit rushed.
Despite this I loved the tropes, the friend group and the setting. Very excited for the third book! Thank you for this ARC🫶🏻
Profile Image for NellaBella.
19 reviews
Review of advance copy
February 10, 2026
Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC
I had so much fun reading this. Not only was the literary visuals flowing throughout this book but the story itself, even if it's a troupe you know and love, still had me cheesing through. I found myself excited for the growth of the characters and rooting for them.
Profile Image for Nicole Deraleau.
13 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 8, 2026
LOVED Knox & Staten!!! This was book 2 in the series and they stole my heart. With meddling teammates and a supposed best friend, this book had me from the first chapter. I'm excited to see what is next!
Profile Image for Sarah.
79 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 3, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Lily Rose.
53 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
February 10, 2026
thank you love notes pr for sending me an arc copy of this book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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