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Breakouts & Baddies #2
Never Date a Hockey Player
This is book two in Breakouts & Baddies, featureing more why choose hockey omegaverse and another fiesty omega.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2026
About the author
Jarica James
121 books734 followersJarica is an American author. She prefers writing paranormal and fantasy books. When she isn't writing she is playing her xbox with her husband and fellow nerd. She has two crazy boys who make writing a challenge, but one she gladly accepts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 22, 2026
‼️SPOILERS‼️
Gosh, I absolutely loved this book so much more than I thought. Also, I’m a huge fan when there is a redemption arc history in the book along with two omegas.
I really loved how we get some mentions of the omega from the first book and how her horrible first pack was pretty much cut off. Loved that. What they did was totally uncalled for.
I died laughing when Roxie just kept on meeting her scent matches back to back and her reaction was like “you’ve got to be kidding me” haha.
I loved Kora. He’s definitely my favorite. He’s sweet and so freaking funny. From the beginning, I just knew he was everything to me. Heck, the shopping trip with him and his omega was just too cute.
I loved the conversation we get with Greer and Rylan. When Rylan gets offered a job after quitting a very toxic place, he meets his ex. These two… when the forgiveness comes, you can’t help but to love them.
I love that the omegas were both male and female. I also love how they met and how immediately they become scent matches but since they’ve both have been through it, they want to take it slow. I immediately loved how their friendship was so natural and how they didn’t get jealous of one another.
And Hayes. He’s such a grump but when he realizes he’s got a scent match, he changes for the better. He becomes so much better and the way that Hayes is with Roxie, I just love him so much when a certain situation happens.
This is the second book and can be read as a standalone but I still recommend reading book one first.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Gosh, I absolutely loved this book so much more than I thought. Also, I’m a huge fan when there is a redemption arc history in the book along with two omegas.
I really loved how we get some mentions of the omega from the first book and how her horrible first pack was pretty much cut off. Loved that. What they did was totally uncalled for.
I died laughing when Roxie just kept on meeting her scent matches back to back and her reaction was like “you’ve got to be kidding me” haha.
I loved Kora. He’s definitely my favorite. He’s sweet and so freaking funny. From the beginning, I just knew he was everything to me. Heck, the shopping trip with him and his omega was just too cute.
I loved the conversation we get with Greer and Rylan. When Rylan gets offered a job after quitting a very toxic place, he meets his ex. These two… when the forgiveness comes, you can’t help but to love them.
I love that the omegas were both male and female. I also love how they met and how immediately they become scent matches but since they’ve both have been through it, they want to take it slow. I immediately loved how their friendship was so natural and how they didn’t get jealous of one another.
And Hayes. He’s such a grump but when he realizes he’s got a scent match, he changes for the better. He becomes so much better and the way that Hayes is with Roxie, I just love him so much when a certain situation happens.
This is the second book and can be read as a standalone but I still recommend reading book one first.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 28, 2026
book description does not match the story
In the description, it says “Just when things seem to be working out, someone releases something she never intended for the world to see. It blows apart her journalistic credibility and exposes a family secret she never wanted aired. The worst part? One of the men she's starting to fall for might have betrayed her.”
I’m feeling a bit confused because I do not remember this part of the story at all. The only conflicts were in the beginning between Greer and Rylan and separately, Hayes and Roxie. There was nothing that was exposed that shouldn’t have been. There was no betrayal of Roxie from one of the main male characters that has anything to do with this. Her journalistic credibility was not compromised at any point in this book. I did read it pretty late so it’s entirely possible that this conflict was just minor and I missed it, but I tried going back through and I tried searching keywords to find it. I came up with nothing. I thought the story was okay overall. I just expected a betrayal and there wasn’t one.
In the description, it says “Just when things seem to be working out, someone releases something she never intended for the world to see. It blows apart her journalistic credibility and exposes a family secret she never wanted aired. The worst part? One of the men she's starting to fall for might have betrayed her.”
I’m feeling a bit confused because I do not remember this part of the story at all. The only conflicts were in the beginning between Greer and Rylan and separately, Hayes and Roxie. There was nothing that was exposed that shouldn’t have been. There was no betrayal of Roxie from one of the main male characters that has anything to do with this. Her journalistic credibility was not compromised at any point in this book. I did read it pretty late so it’s entirely possible that this conflict was just minor and I missed it, but I tried going back through and I tried searching keywords to find it. I came up with nothing. I thought the story was okay overall. I just expected a betrayal and there wasn’t one.
June 29, 2026
Downward trending author
This will potentially be the last book I read by this author due to the consistently downtrending quality of her works.
We start with Roxie, a side character from book one that quickly snagged attention and interest. She starts off solidly as an independent business woman with plans and a new job opportunity to fund those plans. Overall Roxie is a decent SIDE character. Unfortunately her FMC role isn't fleshed out enough and she becomes a slightly shallow dichotomous goth sassy caricature. Even the pack's chosen nickname for her is a silly nod to her caricature.
Add Rylan, her first identified mate - etched in trauma and masochistic work life, he's decent but his background details are screwed up by the author (such a close loving family except for the niggly detail of disowning him). Then Kota, the second and my favorite of her mates. He's a bit over the top personality wise but he's the most steady and devoted and present of the guys. Next is Hayes, the token alpha with negligible alpha traits and an unfortunate lack of groveling skills. And finally Greer, who somehow makes me like him less than Hayes.
Their backgrounds are messy. The tension is misplaced. The antagonist is a moot point. And the main point of their meeting is brushed aside to afterthought status despite the potential for the articles being an amazing plot conflict thread.
The author lacks a grasp on her details. Somehow the players all knew about book 1s antagonists being abusive but none of them were capable of going farther than their despicable coach? Somehow Kota needed a roommate as soon as he moved to town and Roxie was the first decent option, but he's been in the town for years when the book starts? Roxie is so close to her mother, a practically codependent relationship, but out of sight and out of mind so she goes weeks without talking to her after a ton of life changing moments?
Then we have the poor sentence structure, awkward wording and simple typos. Pacing that is inconsistent and plot threads that are boring. Honestly, I desperately want Lachlan and Conrad to have a book but I desperately do not want to subject myself to messy read.
This will potentially be the last book I read by this author due to the consistently downtrending quality of her works.
We start with Roxie, a side character from book one that quickly snagged attention and interest. She starts off solidly as an independent business woman with plans and a new job opportunity to fund those plans. Overall Roxie is a decent SIDE character. Unfortunately her FMC role isn't fleshed out enough and she becomes a slightly shallow dichotomous goth sassy caricature. Even the pack's chosen nickname for her is a silly nod to her caricature.
Add Rylan, her first identified mate - etched in trauma and masochistic work life, he's decent but his background details are screwed up by the author (such a close loving family except for the niggly detail of disowning him). Then Kota, the second and my favorite of her mates. He's a bit over the top personality wise but he's the most steady and devoted and present of the guys. Next is Hayes, the token alpha with negligible alpha traits and an unfortunate lack of groveling skills. And finally Greer, who somehow makes me like him less than Hayes.
Their backgrounds are messy. The tension is misplaced. The antagonist is a moot point. And the main point of their meeting is brushed aside to afterthought status despite the potential for the articles being an amazing plot conflict thread.
The author lacks a grasp on her details. Somehow the players all knew about book 1s antagonists being abusive but none of them were capable of going farther than their despicable coach? Somehow Kota needed a roommate as soon as he moved to town and Roxie was the first decent option, but he's been in the town for years when the book starts? Roxie is so close to her mother, a practically codependent relationship, but out of sight and out of mind so she goes weeks without talking to her after a ton of life changing moments?
Then we have the poor sentence structure, awkward wording and simple typos. Pacing that is inconsistent and plot threads that are boring. Honestly, I desperately want Lachlan and Conrad to have a book but I desperately do not want to subject myself to messy read.
July 6, 2026
2.5 stars per the breakdown and I cannot seem to let myself round up in this case.
The book started off promising but a bit odd. Like it it was trying to be something but you could feel it pretending. And then it jumped in a blender and time hit fast forward. This doesn't feel like it is written by the same author that I've read from before.
Everything is so shallow and I cannot picture a single thing, character, or scene in my head. Seriously. She's a little goth chick and they call her bat but other than that i have got nothing. I don't know what the guys look like. Personalities are flat and are plot convenient. My ability to picture anything in this book in my head comes from what I've seen from hockey and resorts in real life.
Then things happened, we are told things, time jumps, happy ever after epilogues occur while I am sitting here confused with an open mouth and pointing i am asking for someone to make sense of this like the meme. Whatever structure we had in the beginning just kind of dissolved, taking any enjoyment of the book I had with it. Unfortunately, it may have also killed my desire to pick up the next book. Or any other book.
The book started off promising but a bit odd. Like it it was trying to be something but you could feel it pretending. And then it jumped in a blender and time hit fast forward. This doesn't feel like it is written by the same author that I've read from before.
Everything is so shallow and I cannot picture a single thing, character, or scene in my head. Seriously. She's a little goth chick and they call her bat but other than that i have got nothing. I don't know what the guys look like. Personalities are flat and are plot convenient. My ability to picture anything in this book in my head comes from what I've seen from hockey and resorts in real life.
Then things happened, we are told things, time jumps, happy ever after epilogues occur while I am sitting here confused with an open mouth and pointing i am asking for someone to make sense of this like the meme. Whatever structure we had in the beginning just kind of dissolved, taking any enjoyment of the book I had with it. Unfortunately, it may have also killed my desire to pick up the next book. Or any other book.
June 26, 2026
Roxie is amazing. I loved everything about the story. There isn’t anything I would change. The guys are steamy and yummy. I hope there are more books in the universe. I devoured it in a day. You need this in your life pronto.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
I was looking forward to this book, and it didn’t disappoint! I love how independent Roxie is as an omega. She doesn’t let anyone disrespect her or talk her down; she works hard and stands by the truth. The team quickly learns that she is there to get paid; it doesn’t matter if they don’t help her. But if they want to show the world that their team is good, they need to work for it.
Roxie is not planning to form a pack or be in a relationship in the near future, but, as we know, fate has other plans. She meets her new roommate, Rylan, another omega who is her scent match. Along the way, they both meet Kota, a wholesome golden retriever. I love how respectful and patient he is with both omegas, especially Rylan, who is a little jaded.
A team retreat/vacation opens the door to new relationships as well as uncovering old traumas. Their bossy coach comes to a new reality check. Greer and Rylan get to bare their souls and past misunderstandings. This trip allows Roxie to write an article for her magazine showcasing that the current team players are not the same as the infestations from book one.
The thing that I really loved about this book was that conversation was very important, and if there was a conversation to be had, it would happen. It also does a good job when not communicating or letting fear control you, which can affect your relationship. It’s a must-read, especially if you liked the first book or if you like why choose hockey romance.
Thank you to Jarica James and Peachy Keen for the opportunity to read this book early for an honest review.
I was looking forward to this book, and it didn’t disappoint! I love how independent Roxie is as an omega. She doesn’t let anyone disrespect her or talk her down; she works hard and stands by the truth. The team quickly learns that she is there to get paid; it doesn’t matter if they don’t help her. But if they want to show the world that their team is good, they need to work for it.
Roxie is not planning to form a pack or be in a relationship in the near future, but, as we know, fate has other plans. She meets her new roommate, Rylan, another omega who is her scent match. Along the way, they both meet Kota, a wholesome golden retriever. I love how respectful and patient he is with both omegas, especially Rylan, who is a little jaded.
A team retreat/vacation opens the door to new relationships as well as uncovering old traumas. Their bossy coach comes to a new reality check. Greer and Rylan get to bare their souls and past misunderstandings. This trip allows Roxie to write an article for her magazine showcasing that the current team players are not the same as the infestations from book one.
The thing that I really loved about this book was that conversation was very important, and if there was a conversation to be had, it would happen. It also does a good job when not communicating or letting fear control you, which can affect your relationship. It’s a must-read, especially if you liked the first book or if you like why choose hockey romance.
Thank you to Jarica James and Peachy Keen for the opportunity to read this book early for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Roxie’s story was one I was waiting for and I thought I would have to wait months! I had no idea it would be a few short weeks after I read Lana’s story I would be blessed to be chosen to arc read this amazing book.
I knew from Lana’s story Roxie was an omega that didn’t stand for injustice and wasn’t afraid to say what was on her mind. This book she gets a chance to meet the people that give her a chance to show she has a softer side and gets a chance to lean on others.
The backlash from the first book isn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be. Roxie is good at her job and created an amazing group of supporters to help Lana and her guys to show the world not everyone needs to be lumped into what happened.
When Roxie meets Rylan I knew something was happening I just wasn’t expecting another omega but I love the omega/omega aspects. I just wish there was more of them in the book. It geared more towards the entire pack which I am here for but there was more needed of some of the pack members.
The story line was perfect, the pace was just right and the relationships were not rushed and the way they all handled everything was chefs kiss. They even said it in the book. We aren’t rushing this we want to see where it goes, no labels and no rushing.
The ending was exactly how it should have been.
I would love to see Lana’s brother get a story. And I am also glad that Lana’s former pack got the boot from the hockey world. I am still not over what they did. There is no excuse.
Thank you Jarica and Peachy Kean for letting me read an early copy of this book.
I knew from Lana’s story Roxie was an omega that didn’t stand for injustice and wasn’t afraid to say what was on her mind. This book she gets a chance to meet the people that give her a chance to show she has a softer side and gets a chance to lean on others.
The backlash from the first book isn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be. Roxie is good at her job and created an amazing group of supporters to help Lana and her guys to show the world not everyone needs to be lumped into what happened.
When Roxie meets Rylan I knew something was happening I just wasn’t expecting another omega but I love the omega/omega aspects. I just wish there was more of them in the book. It geared more towards the entire pack which I am here for but there was more needed of some of the pack members.
The story line was perfect, the pace was just right and the relationships were not rushed and the way they all handled everything was chefs kiss. They even said it in the book. We aren’t rushing this we want to see where it goes, no labels and no rushing.
The ending was exactly how it should have been.
I would love to see Lana’s brother get a story. And I am also glad that Lana’s former pack got the boot from the hockey world. I am still not over what they did. There is no excuse.
Thank you Jarica and Peachy Kean for letting me read an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️
3.5🌶️
Omegaverse
Why Choose⚔️
Hockey Romance
Independent Omega
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Second Chance
Scent Matches
Knots & Rutting
Alphas, Betas, Omegas & Deltas
Well I consumed this in a day! I love hockey Omegaverse books and Jarica knows what’s she’s doing! This is book 2 in the Breakout & Baddies series and though it can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading book 1! Roxie is a sassy, goth baddie omega who is on the rise with her journalism career especially after what she uncovered in book 1! She’s hired to work with the hockey team to help showcase how they’ve changed since ridding the organization of the trash alphas (book 1 villains).
ʀᴏxɪᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ꜱᴛᴏᴍᴘ ᴏɴ ᴀɴ ᴀʟᴘʜᴀ’ꜱ ʙᴀʟʟꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ʜɪᴍ ᴛᴇʟʟ ʜᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ.
I LOVED that this book has not one but two omegas!! Rylan (male omega) is her new roommate… oh and their scent matched. I loved their friendship that quickly developed into more. They were never jealous and only wanted what’s best for each other!
I loved that Roxie was collecting scent matches like infinity stones!
Kota- delta, hockey player
Greer- older delta with a past, hockey player
Hayes- coach and Alpha
Rylan- male omega Physical therapist
Roxie- omega nickname “little bat”
Each MMC brought something different to their developing pack and I loved seeing that play out! They also each have past and current hang ups they’re working through. This was done so well and made me feel more connected to them.
The spice was great! Plenty of fun scenes with MF, MM, MMF and more! Oh did I mention the deltas 🪢pulse 👀🔥
Highly recommend if you enjoy OV, hockey romance, second chance romance, age gap and MMCs who would do anything for their omegas and pack!
Thank you so much to Peachy Keens and Author Jarica James for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
3.5🌶️
Omegaverse
Why Choose⚔️
Hockey Romance
Independent Omega
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Second Chance
Scent Matches
Knots & Rutting
Alphas, Betas, Omegas & Deltas
Well I consumed this in a day! I love hockey Omegaverse books and Jarica knows what’s she’s doing! This is book 2 in the Breakout & Baddies series and though it can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading book 1! Roxie is a sassy, goth baddie omega who is on the rise with her journalism career especially after what she uncovered in book 1! She’s hired to work with the hockey team to help showcase how they’ve changed since ridding the organization of the trash alphas (book 1 villains).
ʀᴏxɪᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ꜱᴛᴏᴍᴘ ᴏɴ ᴀɴ ᴀʟᴘʜᴀ’ꜱ ʙᴀʟʟꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ʜɪᴍ ᴛᴇʟʟ ʜᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ.
I LOVED that this book has not one but two omegas!! Rylan (male omega) is her new roommate… oh and their scent matched. I loved their friendship that quickly developed into more. They were never jealous and only wanted what’s best for each other!
I loved that Roxie was collecting scent matches like infinity stones!
Kota- delta, hockey player
Greer- older delta with a past, hockey player
Hayes- coach and Alpha
Rylan- male omega Physical therapist
Roxie- omega nickname “little bat”
Each MMC brought something different to their developing pack and I loved seeing that play out! They also each have past and current hang ups they’re working through. This was done so well and made me feel more connected to them.
The spice was great! Plenty of fun scenes with MF, MM, MMF and more! Oh did I mention the deltas 🪢pulse 👀🔥
Highly recommend if you enjoy OV, hockey romance, second chance romance, age gap and MMCs who would do anything for their omegas and pack!
Thank you so much to Peachy Keens and Author Jarica James for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2026
Roxie is a journalist and the owner of The Gathering Place, an entertainment forum, and is hired to work with the North Crossing Narwals, a hockey team. She is to help showcase how they’ve changed and are not like the alphas, the villains of the first book.
When she finds an apartment ad, she meets she first mate, Rylan, who listed the ad, only to find out he’s her scent match, who is an omega who’s been hurt from his previous relationship.
After being introduced to the team, she meets another one of her mates, Kota, who is a bubbly and fun delta, and is also Rylan’s mate.
Then when the team owner gives the team a vacation to connect with each other and build a better bond, she realizes that the team coach, Hayes, an alpha, is her third mate. Lastly, she meets her fourth and final mate, Greer, a delta, who is also Rylan’s ex.
I loved the characters and each of their personalities. I think Kota is my favorite! He’s fun and bubbly, but he’s so protective of his omegas, Roxie and Rylan.
I love Roxie! She’s a sassy, fierce and independent goth babe whose forum is on the rise, especially after what she uncovered in the first book. She’s also incredibly sweet and protective of her mates.
I enjoyed the storyline; the pacing was just right. I loved the banter between the characters. This book is a must read for anyone who loves an omegaverse hockey romance!
When she finds an apartment ad, she meets she first mate, Rylan, who listed the ad, only to find out he’s her scent match, who is an omega who’s been hurt from his previous relationship.
After being introduced to the team, she meets another one of her mates, Kota, who is a bubbly and fun delta, and is also Rylan’s mate.
Then when the team owner gives the team a vacation to connect with each other and build a better bond, she realizes that the team coach, Hayes, an alpha, is her third mate. Lastly, she meets her fourth and final mate, Greer, a delta, who is also Rylan’s ex.
I loved the characters and each of their personalities. I think Kota is my favorite! He’s fun and bubbly, but he’s so protective of his omegas, Roxie and Rylan.
I love Roxie! She’s a sassy, fierce and independent goth babe whose forum is on the rise, especially after what she uncovered in the first book. She’s also incredibly sweet and protective of her mates.
I enjoyed the storyline; the pacing was just right. I loved the banter between the characters. This book is a must read for anyone who loves an omegaverse hockey romance!
July 5, 2026
I really liked this one from Jarica and I really feel like she took any criticism from book 1 and used that to make this book so good.
We got to meet Roxie in the first book. She is fiercely independent, her job means so much to her & making sure the true story is out there is something she refuses to compromise on. She goes into this hating hockey players, but being willing to tolerate them to tell the rest of the story she started with Lana.
I wish we could have seen a little more of Roxie’s relationship with Rylan before we threw any alphas into the mix. He was so reluctant to have a relationship because of his past & as soon as he was ready to try with Roxie he was hit with another scent match & then his past came showed back up. We just never really got to see them explore what could be before they were a full pack and I would have loved to see more of that.
I did like that Jarica didn’t try to avoid the hard conversations in this one. While you can always dig a little deeper, we didn’t gloss over Greer & Rylan’s past issues, or why Roxie had an issue with hockey players to begin with. Being willing to go into to some of the deeper/darker topics makes a book feel more realistic & that definitely helped with this one. I am excited to see what else she has in store for this series!
We got to meet Roxie in the first book. She is fiercely independent, her job means so much to her & making sure the true story is out there is something she refuses to compromise on. She goes into this hating hockey players, but being willing to tolerate them to tell the rest of the story she started with Lana.
I wish we could have seen a little more of Roxie’s relationship with Rylan before we threw any alphas into the mix. He was so reluctant to have a relationship because of his past & as soon as he was ready to try with Roxie he was hit with another scent match & then his past came showed back up. We just never really got to see them explore what could be before they were a full pack and I would have loved to see more of that.
I did like that Jarica didn’t try to avoid the hard conversations in this one. While you can always dig a little deeper, we didn’t gloss over Greer & Rylan’s past issues, or why Roxie had an issue with hockey players to begin with. Being willing to go into to some of the deeper/darker topics makes a book feel more realistic & that definitely helped with this one. I am excited to see what else she has in store for this series!
June 30, 2026
Never Date a Hockey Player follows Roxie as the Narwhals hockey team hires her to do a couple of articles on them. The owner wants to show the world they’re hot horrible people after they’ve cleaned house upon learning that they’re starting line up neglected their omega to the point of death (check out never trust a hockey player for that story!).
Roxie is a strong willed, independent sassy goth omega (they call her little bat 🖤) who wants nothing to do with hockey players but the money is too good to pass up. She meets another omega Rylan, when looking for a roommate, and they discover they’re scent matched but he’s still hung up on a former mate who left him (also a hockey player) What a shock to them all when they quickly discover that said former mate, a golden retriever delta, and the angry that Roxie is there head coach are all scent matches to either just Roxie or both of them.
This was a fun one! There is definitely some angst, particularly in the first half as the pack is formed, but it’s definitely in the cozy omegaverse category of being largely sweet. This is a quick, entertaining read and if you like omegaverse I recommend it!
Roxie is a strong willed, independent sassy goth omega (they call her little bat 🖤) who wants nothing to do with hockey players but the money is too good to pass up. She meets another omega Rylan, when looking for a roommate, and they discover they’re scent matched but he’s still hung up on a former mate who left him (also a hockey player) What a shock to them all when they quickly discover that said former mate, a golden retriever delta, and the angry that Roxie is there head coach are all scent matches to either just Roxie or both of them.
This was a fun one! There is definitely some angst, particularly in the first half as the pack is formed, but it’s definitely in the cozy omegaverse category of being largely sweet. This is a quick, entertaining read and if you like omegaverse I recommend it!
July 24, 2026
3.75 stars. This is a cute second book in the Breakouts and Baddies series! It tells the story of Roxie, a spunky journalist omega, building a pack (all of whom are connected to hockey). The book took the build-a-pack approach which I enjoy. However, I’m not a fan of two omega/mm books because I want all the attention on the female omega!
But the character composition is less my problem than the fact that Rylan—the second omega—is not given enough time. Recognizing that all omegas should be spoiled, it was challenging to see one take center stage in the novel (a challenge since there is clearly meant to be one main character). Also, given their unique pack dynamics which different pairs of partners bonded, it would have been interesting to see how Rylan grappled with not having an alpha. Or more about how Hayes felt given his four packmates shared an intimate relationship he did not. There was a ton of richness that could have been explored, a testament to the author’s introduction of compelling relationships! But the book could’ve benefited from being a bit longer.
But the character composition is less my problem than the fact that Rylan—the second omega—is not given enough time. Recognizing that all omegas should be spoiled, it was challenging to see one take center stage in the novel (a challenge since there is clearly meant to be one main character). Also, given their unique pack dynamics which different pairs of partners bonded, it would have been interesting to see how Rylan grappled with not having an alpha. Or more about how Hayes felt given his four packmates shared an intimate relationship he did not. There was a ton of richness that could have been explored, a testament to the author’s introduction of compelling relationships! But the book could’ve benefited from being a bit longer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
NEVER DATE A HOCKEY PLAYER | 5★
To say I devoured this book would be an understatement; I did not put this book down until I finished it. A wholesome, scent-matches, found family/pack, redemption arc, double omegas - omegaverse? I could not get enough! In all honesty, I could read another 10 epilogues and it probably still wouldn’t be enough.
Roxie is a fiercely independent omega who has built a successful career as a journalist and has been hired to help create a different narrative for the North Crossing Narwhals. In an effort to write a non biased expose on this team, she must relocate. She finds an apartment ad and meets the omega, Rylan, who listed the ad, only to find out that he is her scent-match.
Roxie and Rylan are trying to navigate this new relationship and sort through their troubled history with hockey players, when Roxie girl finds another scent-match mate… who also happens to be a hockey player.
Do yourself the biggest favor and read this book to find out just how many scent-matches these baddies omegas have!
Disclaimer: I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
♥︎ hockey omegaverse
♥︎ double omegas
♥︎ why choose ⚔️
♥︎ age gap
♥︎ forced proximity
♥︎ found family
♥︎ knots + rutting
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐍 𝐊𝐔
To say I devoured this book would be an understatement; I did not put this book down until I finished it. A wholesome, scent-matches, found family/pack, redemption arc, double omegas - omegaverse? I could not get enough! In all honesty, I could read another 10 epilogues and it probably still wouldn’t be enough.
Roxie is a fiercely independent omega who has built a successful career as a journalist and has been hired to help create a different narrative for the North Crossing Narwhals. In an effort to write a non biased expose on this team, she must relocate. She finds an apartment ad and meets the omega, Rylan, who listed the ad, only to find out that he is her scent-match.
Roxie and Rylan are trying to navigate this new relationship and sort through their troubled history with hockey players, when Roxie girl finds another scent-match mate… who also happens to be a hockey player.
Do yourself the biggest favor and read this book to find out just how many scent-matches these baddies omegas have!
Disclaimer: I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
♥︎ hockey omegaverse
♥︎ double omegas
♥︎ why choose ⚔️
♥︎ age gap
♥︎ forced proximity
♥︎ found family
♥︎ knots + rutting
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐍 𝐊𝐔
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am absolutely loving this interconnected series and I hope there is more because I honestly think there are so many more stories to tell. I know there's more baddie omegas out there just waiting to tell their stories. Waiting to be loved by a multitude of Alphas.
In this story we meet, Roxie and her rag tag bunch of a pack. Roxie is just amazing right from the get-go. She's sassy and no nonsense. She is ready to get to work when she's hired by the hockey team to shadow and write the nitty gritty details after doing a complete overhaul of the entire organization. New coach, new players. New everything. She's just ready to get to work. What she's not ready for is scent matches.
I won't give out too much detail. This book should be read. Jarica James just knows how to write a good omegaverse.
In this story we meet, Roxie and her rag tag bunch of a pack. Roxie is just amazing right from the get-go. She's sassy and no nonsense. She is ready to get to work when she's hired by the hockey team to shadow and write the nitty gritty details after doing a complete overhaul of the entire organization. New coach, new players. New everything. She's just ready to get to work. What she's not ready for is scent matches.
I won't give out too much detail. This book should be read. Jarica James just knows how to write a good omegaverse.
June 29, 2026
Source KU
4 ⭐
4- 🌶️
Roxie, omega, journalist gets a job to report on and help rehab the image of a hockey team. She moves away from her mom & family.
Rylan, omega, is advertising for an omega roommate and Roxie answers his ad. They scent match. He's a physical therapist.
Greer, Delta, in his last season playing, a loaner, has a puppy, is Rylan's scent match and they were together and he (G) broke them up.
Kota, Delta, scent matches Roxie. He's a new player on the team.
Hayes, grumpy alpha, team coach, also scent matches Roxie but he tries to ignore it.
This story was a bit flat - too many moving parts. The characters were all good, and we got to know them, but the plot suffered for that. It barely fizzled.
I will read more, though, bc the writing quality and continuity was good.
4 ⭐
4- 🌶️
Roxie, omega, journalist gets a job to report on and help rehab the image of a hockey team. She moves away from her mom & family.
Rylan, omega, is advertising for an omega roommate and Roxie answers his ad. They scent match. He's a physical therapist.
Greer, Delta, in his last season playing, a loaner, has a puppy, is Rylan's scent match and they were together and he (G) broke them up.
Kota, Delta, scent matches Roxie. He's a new player on the team.
Hayes, grumpy alpha, team coach, also scent matches Roxie but he tries to ignore it.
This story was a bit flat - too many moving parts. The characters were all good, and we got to know them, but the plot suffered for that. It barely fizzled.
I will read more, though, bc the writing quality and continuity was good.
June 30, 2026
I was eagerly anticipating the second book in this series, and it did not disappoint. I love how fast-paced and unique this omegaverse is. Each character is unique and brings something special to their pack dynamic. Having deltas (Kota and Greer) in the mix definitely changes things up in this genre as well as the additional male omega Rylan, whom I adored from the very start. I loved that Roxie is not this meek fragile little omega she's a total BA and so full of fire. The spice was as delicious as the connections and bonds they formed. This was such a fun read that was easy to devour.
Tropes:
Hockey Omegaverse
Why-choose
FMMMM
Age-gap
Second chance
Knotting/Rutting/Scent Matches
Deltas/Alpha/Omegas
Independent omega
Roommate
Forced Proximity
Multiple POV
Check TW
Thank you, Jerica James and Peachy Keen, for the opportunity to read this book.
Tropes:
Hockey Omegaverse
Why-choose
FMMMM
Age-gap
Second chance
Knotting/Rutting/Scent Matches
Deltas/Alpha/Omegas
Independent omega
Roommate
Forced Proximity
Multiple POV
Check TW
Thank you, Jerica James and Peachy Keen, for the opportunity to read this book.
August 2, 2026
❧𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬☙
➳ Human Omegaverse
➳ Polyamorous Why Choose (MMMFM/δδΩΩα)
➳ Hockey players & the coach in harem
➳ Two omegas (m&f)
➳ Second chance romance
❧𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬☙
Compared to the first book, this doesn't have as much outside drama and angst. This book centres around Roxie and Rylan finding their scent matches and building a relationship with them. Both Rylan and Roxie begin this with a little trepidation, because they both have their own hangups regarding hockey players so to find all of their mates are hockey players and the coach...that said, the hesitation doesn't last long and once they decide to give things a go, they're all in.
I both loved and hated that there was no resolution (answers) from Roxie's biological father. I loved it because sometimes in life that just happens. It added a realistic note to the story. I hated it because we didn't get an explanation and Hayes who called him still doesn't address even a hint or mention as to what his reasoning was for standing Roxie up.
Personally, I would have been really interested to see Rylan's heat and bonding. Neither of which are on page.
I believe Conrad's book is next and I can't wait.
❧𝐅𝐚𝐯 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬☙
✦ "𝘙𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘢’𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
✦ "𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤, 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦."
✦ "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩.”
➳ Human Omegaverse
➳ Polyamorous Why Choose (MMMFM/δδΩΩα)
➳ Hockey players & the coach in harem
➳ Two omegas (m&f)
➳ Second chance romance
❧𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬☙
Compared to the first book, this doesn't have as much outside drama and angst. This book centres around Roxie and Rylan finding their scent matches and building a relationship with them. Both Rylan and Roxie begin this with a little trepidation, because they both have their own hangups regarding hockey players so to find all of their mates are hockey players and the coach...that said, the hesitation doesn't last long and once they decide to give things a go, they're all in.
I both loved and hated that there was no resolution (answers) from Roxie's biological father. I loved it because sometimes in life that just happens. It added a realistic note to the story. I hated it because we didn't get an explanation and Hayes who called him still doesn't address even a hint or mention as to what his reasoning was for standing Roxie up.
Personally, I would have been really interested to see Rylan's heat and bonding. Neither of which are on page.
I believe Conrad's book is next and I can't wait.
❧𝐅𝐚𝐯 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬☙
✦ "𝘙𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘢’𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
✦ "𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤, 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦."
✦ "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩.”
July 2, 2026
Roxie is a fiercely independent omega who has a past history with hockey players. She is a reporter hired by the Narwhals hockey team to show that they’re not a bad organization after all horrific scandal with their former starting line and the almost death of their omega. I love that this book has an omega/omega pairing. The introduction and inclusion of the delta designation really sets this omegaverse apart from most of the genre out there. I love Roxie’s nickname (little bat). There is a bit of uncertainty in the first part of the book as some of the members of the pack have history. Roxie’s role as a reporter getting the true story of the Narwhals creates some friction as well with the coach. All in all though this is a wonderful book and I had a really hard time setting it down.
July 10, 2026
I am enjoying these hockey OV stories, and I liked the M/F O/O pairing at the center of this one. The introduction of Roxie and Rylan as roommates and scent matches at the start helped to center the story for me, and it allowed the rest of the pack to be formed around them. Rylan does take on a sort of bestie role as well as being a mate IMO. It’s almost like he’s her biggest confidant and built in best friend. She’s in a tough position having to deliver her unbiased view on the team after what had previously gone down, but the truth is, the remaining players are good guys. It doesn’t hurt that her remaining mates are among them. I enjoyed the ‘vacation trip’ as bonding aspect to this one, and I’m looking forward to book three after this HEA.
June 23, 2026
Roxie finds herself in a position of accepting a job to observe the North Crossing Narwals hockey team and report on them...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not everyone is fully on board with this plan at first. Once Roxie moves to town and finds a place to live, things get interesting. She meets several scent matches, and she (and they) have to decide what they're going to do about that. I alway love when a pack comes together around an omega (or two, in this case) and wasn't already established before they find the omega(s). Spicy and sweet, but they all have some trauma and baggage to work through to make their pack work. Loved it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Jarica and Peachy Keen for the ARC! While this was much more uneventful compared to NTAHP it was still wonderful. I love the relationship building between Roxie and all the men. I love that Jarica focuses on this before physical relationships. I do wish we had seen more of Rylan and Kota building. Roxie is a strong FMC and didn’t let any man push her around or make her speak out of emotions. She was fabulous 👏🏻 I also loved that they used one nickname for Roxie versus four different ones. It was perfect. Hayes and Greer were great and seeing them work through their pasts and insecurity was great.
July 1, 2026
Another amazing book by Jarica James! Roxie is a journalist and she got a job writing articles to help a hockey team change the public image after a huge controversy including her now best friend. Roxie meets Rylan when she called about his roommate ad, they are both Omegas and scent matches. Next is Delta Kota a rookie on the hockey team and a total sweetheart. Roxie and Rylan go on a work trip with the team and find two more scent matches and one is a surprise for Rylan. I adored the book and pack! They were amazing. Pretty low angst book, which i love and highly recommend heat with very swoony guys and amazing FMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Never date a hockey play book two in this series. I loved it, I honestly couldn't put it down and had to finish it from start to finish.
Love anybook with two omegas!
Love reading more about Deltas and I think more packs need some Deltas in them!
Love the cute nickname - Little bat it's so cute and fits so well with this FMC.
I loved all the MMCs in this book and honestly thought my favourite would be Rylan (male omega) but it was Kato I love that he is so open about how he feels and what he thinks!
And the ending I always love getting a sneak peak into a happy future after a few years!
Love anybook with two omegas!
Love reading more about Deltas and I think more packs need some Deltas in them!
Love the cute nickname - Little bat it's so cute and fits so well with this FMC.
I loved all the MMCs in this book and honestly thought my favourite would be Rylan (male omega) but it was Kato I love that he is so open about how he feels and what he thinks!
And the ending I always love getting a sneak peak into a happy future after a few years!
June 30, 2026
I was initially excited about Never Date A Hockey Player after reading book 1 in the series. I read the blurb and I thought yep, this sounds like my jam. I kept waiting for the big explosion, the drama, the story that got released that shouldn’t have. Some sort of “oh shiz” moment. Unfortunately it never came which was confusing based on the blurb I read for the story.
It wasn’t a bad story. I loved the characters and their instalove vibes. I love hockey and Omegaverse and this hit on both fronts. It just felt like a bit of a let down.
It wasn’t a bad story. I loved the characters and their instalove vibes. I love hockey and Omegaverse and this hit on both fronts. It just felt like a bit of a let down.
June 28, 2026
Pretty good if you like nearly insta-love. Though I wish the author was better at continuity because she could not keep her timelines straight. Esp with Coach, was he new to the team or been there a while because I read the whole book and still don’t know. Also a character from the first book that was supposedly pregnant at the end of her book was having wine in this one sooo? Just could really use some better editing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Never Date A Hockey Player, book 2 of the Breakouts & Baddies series by Jarica James @jaricawrites is a favorite author of mine.
What an amazing book about Roxie, Rylan, Greer, Kota & Hayes! Tropes: Contemporary, Omegaverse, Why Choose With MM, Professional Hockey, Male & Female Omegas, Scent Matches, Age Gap, Rylan Gets A Second Chance, Omegas Building The Pack, No 3rd Act Breakup & HEA!
What an amazing book about Roxie, Rylan, Greer, Kota & Hayes! Tropes: Contemporary, Omegaverse, Why Choose With MM, Professional Hockey, Male & Female Omegas, Scent Matches, Age Gap, Rylan Gets A Second Chance, Omegas Building The Pack, No 3rd Act Breakup & HEA!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 1 was so much fun and one of my favourite parts was Roxie, the sassy journalist who was 100% anti hockey player. So I was so excited knowing book 2 was all about her.
This one was a little different, we get a build a pack situation, as well as a second chance romance. And best of all... they COMMUNCATE!
And the nickname for her was so cute, Little Bat really does suit her :)
Thank you so much to Jarica James and Peachy Keen Author Services for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
This one was a little different, we get a build a pack situation, as well as a second chance romance. And best of all... they COMMUNCATE!
And the nickname for her was so cute, Little Bat really does suit her :)
Thank you so much to Jarica James and Peachy Keen Author Services for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
June 26, 2026
If you love hockey and a good omegaverse story you will love Roxies. She is a journalist tasked with writing the truth about the team and when scent matces start happening and new scandals to deal with we get a fun read. I loved each of the characters and the dynamic with the pack. A reallt great story.
June 28, 2026
Love this hockey Omegaverse
Im loving hockey romance at the minute , make it an Omegaverse and sign me up now. This one did not disappoint. It kept me hooked and swooning throughout. I loved Roxie and her pack so much. It was such a sweet read, I couldn't put down. Amazing addition to this series and fingers crossed there is more to come.
Im loving hockey romance at the minute , make it an Omegaverse and sign me up now. This one did not disappoint. It kept me hooked and swooning throughout. I loved Roxie and her pack so much. It was such a sweet read, I couldn't put down. Amazing addition to this series and fingers crossed there is more to come.
July 1, 2026
Just amazing. I was so excited to read Roxie’s story after reading Lana’s in the first book. I just love Omegaverse books and to top it off it’s also with hockey players. This book kept me on my toes. Hooked beginning to end. Just brilliant.
Jarica James is an amazing author. Can’t wait for the third book in the series!!!!
Jarica James is an amazing author. Can’t wait for the third book in the series!!!!
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