What do you think?
Rate this book
Public Enemy #91
The wait is finally over—Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Hope Mazzola returns to the ice with a brand-new hockey romance Shots on Goal—MN Frosthawks.Alois Müller is professional hockey’s favorite villain.The Minnesota Frosthawks’ veteran enforcer is known for brutal hits, wicked honesty, and a glare that’s started more headlines than the league will ever admit.
So when a viral scandal threatens the team’s reputation, management gives him one last chance to clean up his image… or hang up his jersey forever.
Enter Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro.
Brilliant. Unflappable. And the youngest PR strategist the organization has ever hired.
Her first assignment?
Rehabilitate the league’s most notorious troublemaker before he destroys the Frosthawks’ season.
Simple.
Except Alois Müller refuses to be handled.
Managing him means babysitting a six-foot-four walking PR disaster with ice-blue eyes, a temper the league loves to hate… and a talent for getting under Bea’s skin like no one else.
Unfortunately for both of them, the solution to his scandal is worse than the problem.
A fake relationship.
Suddenly Bea is stuck beside the one man who seems determined to drive her insane.
Press conferences.
Charity galas.
Team flights.
And one very convincing series of staged dates.
The rules are
Don’t fight in public.
Don’t break the script.
And absolutely do not start believing the chemistry.
But the more time they spend pretending to be in love, the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks neither of them wants to admit are real.
Because beneath Alois’s reputation is a fiercely loyal teammate, a devastating flirt, and a man who looks at Bea like she’s the only person in the room.
Meanwhile Bea is trying to keep her career on track, keep the team’s image intact, and stop her extremely judgmental Selkirk Rex cat from declaring war on the six-foot-four hockey enforcer suddenly invading their lives.
Now the entire league is watching.
Their chemistry is trending.
And the biggest lie they’ve ever told might be turning into the one thing neither of them can walk away from.
Public Enemy #91 was supposed to be a media strategy.
Instead, it might be the most dangerous play of their lives.
Public Enemy #91
Enemies to lovers
Fake relationship
Forced proximity
Workplace / forbidden romance
Media scandal hockey drama
Grumpy veteran enforcer hero
Sunshine PR strategist heroine
Protective hockey hero energy
A judgmental Selkirk Rex cat who steals every scene
And a love story that starts as damage control… and turns into something real
So when a viral scandal threatens the team’s reputation, management gives him one last chance to clean up his image… or hang up his jersey forever.
Enter Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro.
Brilliant. Unflappable. And the youngest PR strategist the organization has ever hired.
Her first assignment?
Rehabilitate the league’s most notorious troublemaker before he destroys the Frosthawks’ season.
Simple.
Except Alois Müller refuses to be handled.
Managing him means babysitting a six-foot-four walking PR disaster with ice-blue eyes, a temper the league loves to hate… and a talent for getting under Bea’s skin like no one else.
Unfortunately for both of them, the solution to his scandal is worse than the problem.
A fake relationship.
Suddenly Bea is stuck beside the one man who seems determined to drive her insane.
Press conferences.
Charity galas.
Team flights.
And one very convincing series of staged dates.
The rules are
Don’t fight in public.
Don’t break the script.
And absolutely do not start believing the chemistry.
But the more time they spend pretending to be in love, the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks neither of them wants to admit are real.
Because beneath Alois’s reputation is a fiercely loyal teammate, a devastating flirt, and a man who looks at Bea like she’s the only person in the room.
Meanwhile Bea is trying to keep her career on track, keep the team’s image intact, and stop her extremely judgmental Selkirk Rex cat from declaring war on the six-foot-four hockey enforcer suddenly invading their lives.
Now the entire league is watching.
Their chemistry is trending.
And the biggest lie they’ve ever told might be turning into the one thing neither of them can walk away from.
Public Enemy #91 was supposed to be a media strategy.
Instead, it might be the most dangerous play of their lives.
Public Enemy #91
Enemies to lovers
Fake relationship
Forced proximity
Workplace / forbidden romance
Media scandal hockey drama
Grumpy veteran enforcer hero
Sunshine PR strategist heroine
Protective hockey hero energy
A judgmental Selkirk Rex cat who steals every scene
And a love story that starts as damage control… and turns into something real
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Kristen Hope Mazzola
67 books1,118 followersWall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Hope Mazzola is a Florida native now happily rooted in North Carolina with her loving husband and two lazy basset hounds. After several years away from publishing, she has returned to the romance world with a renewed passion for storytelling and a bold, reimagined vision for her Shots on Goal universe. She writes every flavor of contemporary romance— from steamy rom-coms to gritty biker tales to emotional, heart-thumping sports love stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 9, 2026
I love a good sports romance and not gonna lie the cover of this one drew my attention. Then the blurb sold me on this one. Alois needs help with reversing the image he has created for himself after the last altercation. In steps newly hired Bea to help handle the situation. I don't know how she found the strength to handle it all, but she learns there is so much more to Alois then his reputation. Being in a forced proximity situation brings out new sides of each other. A lot of growth for these two through out the book. I liked that Alois notices the small things that take Bea by surprise. I loved that Bea has a ornery cat who is not a fan of new people. That creates an interesting development for Alois. One of my favorite parts is the strong united front and bond these two create in an unstable environment at times. A good kick off to a new series!
May 1, 2026
What a fantastic slow burn from hate to love for Alois and Bea. They have a truly beautiful romance.
The spice, wow. Their hatred gave way to such hawt spice!!!!
Thank you Kristen and Chaotic Creatives for an advanced copy.
The spice, wow. Their hatred gave way to such hawt spice!!!!
Thank you Kristen and Chaotic Creatives for an advanced copy.
May 5, 2026
I have never give a book 2 stars before. This book was awful. It was 75% inner dialogue about emotions and 25% actual story. And this is going to be a series? I didn’t feel connected to any of the other players on the team at all. Don’t waste your time.
May 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am so excited for another hockey series from Kristen Hope Mazzola. A spin off from her Shots on Goal series, meet the MN Frosthawks. Containing Kristen’s amazing writing, witty banter, and chemistry that drips from the pages, Public Enemy #91 was a fun read that made me blush a number of times. Kristen gives us amazing characters that are complex, deep, and layered. The more you read, the more you love the characters.
Alois is a well known hockey player in the league. However, his reputation is not because he is a good guy. His reputation is more negative with publicity never showing him in a nice light. Granted, he doesn’t make his good side easy to see in the beginning. When the league gives him an ultimatum, clean up his act or retire, they assign him a PR strategist that is more like a babysitter than anything else. Worse, they have to fake date and make it look as real as possible. They have rules in place to make this fake relationship work, but Alois has never been good at following the rules.
Bea is ready to prove herself a brilliant PR strategist and when a job with the Frosthawks is offered, she pounces on it. Her first assignment is controlling Alois and help his image do a 180. She immediately classes with Alois and their relationship is taut with tension and stubbornness. When fake dating is decided to be the best way to proceed, she finds herself intrigued by Alois and begins to peel back layers. The more she peels, the more she sees the real Alois and this version is hard to not fall for.
Kristen perfectly captures the tension we love to see between our MCs. While their attraction is evident from the start, they both are trying to prove themselves. The speed in which their relationship grew was perfect. Kristen lets it simmer, slowly heating up, building organically. There is heat, but their pull towards each other is on a deeper level than just acting on their urges. This book will hold onto you from the beginning and leaves you wanting more.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Fake Dating
🧡Enforcer MMC
🏒PR Strategist FMC
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🏒Forbidden Love
🧡Forced Proximity
🏒Media Scandal
🧡Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒Hockey Romance
I am so excited for another hockey series from Kristen Hope Mazzola. A spin off from her Shots on Goal series, meet the MN Frosthawks. Containing Kristen’s amazing writing, witty banter, and chemistry that drips from the pages, Public Enemy #91 was a fun read that made me blush a number of times. Kristen gives us amazing characters that are complex, deep, and layered. The more you read, the more you love the characters.
Alois is a well known hockey player in the league. However, his reputation is not because he is a good guy. His reputation is more negative with publicity never showing him in a nice light. Granted, he doesn’t make his good side easy to see in the beginning. When the league gives him an ultimatum, clean up his act or retire, they assign him a PR strategist that is more like a babysitter than anything else. Worse, they have to fake date and make it look as real as possible. They have rules in place to make this fake relationship work, but Alois has never been good at following the rules.
Bea is ready to prove herself a brilliant PR strategist and when a job with the Frosthawks is offered, she pounces on it. Her first assignment is controlling Alois and help his image do a 180. She immediately classes with Alois and their relationship is taut with tension and stubbornness. When fake dating is decided to be the best way to proceed, she finds herself intrigued by Alois and begins to peel back layers. The more she peels, the more she sees the real Alois and this version is hard to not fall for.
Kristen perfectly captures the tension we love to see between our MCs. While their attraction is evident from the start, they both are trying to prove themselves. The speed in which their relationship grew was perfect. Kristen lets it simmer, slowly heating up, building organically. There is heat, but their pull towards each other is on a deeper level than just acting on their urges. This book will hold onto you from the beginning and leaves you wanting more.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Fake Dating
🧡Enforcer MMC
🏒PR Strategist FMC
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🏒Forbidden Love
🧡Forced Proximity
🏒Media Scandal
🧡Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒Hockey Romance
May 7, 2026
10 Things She Hates About Mu(ller)
Wow. The prologue made me so homesick! It was visceral, my throat did that thing when you’re not crying, you know? And for the record, I’ve lived in the same small town as my folks’ and siblings for my entire adult life!
Kristin Hope Mazzola’s prose is like a slapshot when the crowd is holding their breath. You can hear the stick hit the puck, you can smell the cold (IYKYK), you can see the ice and the jerseys (if you can see things in your mind). It’s tactile and visceral. Wow.
The quote that summarizes a character (but I’m not naming names)
“meeting noise with noise didn’t end it— it extended it.”
This book carries drama vibes and is not a comfortable book to read. Both Alois and Bea come into this situation angry, Alois because he doesn’t want to be “handled” and Bea because her biggest concern coming out of graduation is that people not think that her job was handed to her because of who she knows, but this fake relationship makes it look exactly like that’s what happened.
The romance is a slow burn, and they’re definitely enemies for a long time, but there are some random things here and there that show you where they start finding common ground, both being fluent in French for example. But then things go so fast at the end of the book, including a 6 week time jump where we really need to see what was happening between Alois and Bea, that what happened at 6 weeks and 1 day felt shocking.
There were some plot holes (including one where someone should have been fired, although on that one I wonder if that character is going to be a problem throughout the series), some of the internal monologues dragged, and some of the logistics were a little hard to follow (for example I still have no idea which team Alois was playing for the first time we encountered him). I don’t find myself saying this often, but I think the plot holes would have been filled in if the book were longer, and I think the other two issues could have been tightened up in an editing stage, and I do know there was a final edit pending after my ARC was received so that may well be a non-issue by the time the book is released.
I read an advance copy received from the author, and my review is voluntary
Wow. The prologue made me so homesick! It was visceral, my throat did that thing when you’re not crying, you know? And for the record, I’ve lived in the same small town as my folks’ and siblings for my entire adult life!
Kristin Hope Mazzola’s prose is like a slapshot when the crowd is holding their breath. You can hear the stick hit the puck, you can smell the cold (IYKYK), you can see the ice and the jerseys (if you can see things in your mind). It’s tactile and visceral. Wow.
The quote that summarizes a character (but I’m not naming names)
“meeting noise with noise didn’t end it— it extended it.”
This book carries drama vibes and is not a comfortable book to read. Both Alois and Bea come into this situation angry, Alois because he doesn’t want to be “handled” and Bea because her biggest concern coming out of graduation is that people not think that her job was handed to her because of who she knows, but this fake relationship makes it look exactly like that’s what happened.
The romance is a slow burn, and they’re definitely enemies for a long time, but there are some random things here and there that show you where they start finding common ground, both being fluent in French for example. But then things go so fast at the end of the book, including a 6 week time jump where we really need to see what was happening between Alois and Bea, that what happened at 6 weeks and 1 day felt shocking.
There were some plot holes (including one where someone should have been fired, although on that one I wonder if that character is going to be a problem throughout the series), some of the internal monologues dragged, and some of the logistics were a little hard to follow (for example I still have no idea which team Alois was playing for the first time we encountered him). I don’t find myself saying this often, but I think the plot holes would have been filled in if the book were longer, and I think the other two issues could have been tightened up in an editing stage, and I do know there was a final edit pending after my ARC was received so that may well be a non-issue by the time the book is released.
I read an advance copy received from the author, and my review is voluntary
Review of advance copy received from Author
*An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
Minnesota Frosthawks Enforcer Alois Müller is the one of the league’s biggest problems. He stands up for his teammates with brutal force, his severe honesty is a lot to handle, and he can give a look that can stop anyone cold in its path. Management is not thrilled with the headlines and needs to do damage control. Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro is a recent college grad in public relations, who needs a job to stay in the country. Her father’s ex is now involved with someone high up in the Frosthawks organization and invites her to Minnesota. Bea is hired on the spot, without so much of an interview, and given the task to not only control the narrative, but to babysit Müller.
With the knowledge that they need to change his public image, Bea reluctantly agrees to a fake relationship with their problem player. This includes that Müller will never be without her by his side, and that they will live together. We all know that what starts off as a fake relationship doesn’t always stay that way. The more time Bea and Müller spend together… at the arena, on the road, in her apartment… the more feelings start to pop up at inconvenient times. Their love-hate slowly crosses the line into something more. But they both have to be willing to be real with one another to make this work. This won’t survive on chemistry alone.
I can’t tell you how excited I was when I heard that Kristen Hope Mazzola was not only writing again, but she was bringing us back into her hockey world with a new series. There are so many good genres within these pages… sports romance, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, fake relationship, workplace romance. I can’t wait to read the next chapter in the MN Frosthawks series.
Minnesota Frosthawks Enforcer Alois Müller is the one of the league’s biggest problems. He stands up for his teammates with brutal force, his severe honesty is a lot to handle, and he can give a look that can stop anyone cold in its path. Management is not thrilled with the headlines and needs to do damage control. Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro is a recent college grad in public relations, who needs a job to stay in the country. Her father’s ex is now involved with someone high up in the Frosthawks organization and invites her to Minnesota. Bea is hired on the spot, without so much of an interview, and given the task to not only control the narrative, but to babysit Müller.
With the knowledge that they need to change his public image, Bea reluctantly agrees to a fake relationship with their problem player. This includes that Müller will never be without her by his side, and that they will live together. We all know that what starts off as a fake relationship doesn’t always stay that way. The more time Bea and Müller spend together… at the arena, on the road, in her apartment… the more feelings start to pop up at inconvenient times. Their love-hate slowly crosses the line into something more. But they both have to be willing to be real with one another to make this work. This won’t survive on chemistry alone.
I can’t tell you how excited I was when I heard that Kristen Hope Mazzola was not only writing again, but she was bringing us back into her hockey world with a new series. There are so many good genres within these pages… sports romance, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, fake relationship, workplace romance. I can’t wait to read the next chapter in the MN Frosthawks series.
May 12, 2026
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
💧 4/5
Thank you to Chaotic Creatives for the ARC copy!
Public Enemy #91 by Kristen Hope Mazzola was everything I love in a hockey romance and honestly one of my favorite hockey romance tropes I’ve read in 2026 so far.
This book had enemies to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, workplace tension, media scandals, and hockey drama all wrapped together in a way that made the story incredibly engaging from start to finish.
Alois Müller was the perfect grumpy hockey MMC. Beneath his reputation as the league’s biggest problem was someone fiercely loyal, protective, and honestly softer than he wanted people to see. I loved watching the layers of his character unfold throughout the story.
Bea was such a strong FMC. She’s smart, career-driven, and trying to keep everything under control while managing the absolute chaos that is Alois. Their dynamic together was so entertaining because the tension, banter, and chemistry were there immediately.
The fake relationship aspect was honestly chef’s kiss. Watching staged dates slowly turn into something real never gets old for me, and this book handled that trope so well.
I also loved seeing Alois slowly connect more with his teammates and the people around him. Those moments helped make the story feel bigger than just the romance itself.
And honestly… the Selkirk Rex cat absolutely stole scenes whenever it appeared.
This book was so well written, addictive, and easy to get immersed in. The pacing kept me engaged the entire time, and I genuinely did not want to stop reading.
Overall, if you love hockey romances with enemies-to-lovers tension, fake dating, forced proximity, chemistry-filled banter, and protective hockey MMC energy, I definitely recommend this one.
🌶️ 4/5
💧 4/5
Thank you to Chaotic Creatives for the ARC copy!
Public Enemy #91 by Kristen Hope Mazzola was everything I love in a hockey romance and honestly one of my favorite hockey romance tropes I’ve read in 2026 so far.
This book had enemies to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, workplace tension, media scandals, and hockey drama all wrapped together in a way that made the story incredibly engaging from start to finish.
Alois Müller was the perfect grumpy hockey MMC. Beneath his reputation as the league’s biggest problem was someone fiercely loyal, protective, and honestly softer than he wanted people to see. I loved watching the layers of his character unfold throughout the story.
Bea was such a strong FMC. She’s smart, career-driven, and trying to keep everything under control while managing the absolute chaos that is Alois. Their dynamic together was so entertaining because the tension, banter, and chemistry were there immediately.
The fake relationship aspect was honestly chef’s kiss. Watching staged dates slowly turn into something real never gets old for me, and this book handled that trope so well.
I also loved seeing Alois slowly connect more with his teammates and the people around him. Those moments helped make the story feel bigger than just the romance itself.
And honestly… the Selkirk Rex cat absolutely stole scenes whenever it appeared.
This book was so well written, addictive, and easy to get immersed in. The pacing kept me engaged the entire time, and I genuinely did not want to stop reading.
Overall, if you love hockey romances with enemies-to-lovers tension, fake dating, forced proximity, chemistry-filled banter, and protective hockey MMC energy, I definitely recommend this one.
May 1, 2026
I’ve been eagerly waiting for Kristen Hope Mazzola to return to writing, and Public Enemy #91 absolutely delivers everything I was hoping for and more. As the kickoff to her Shots on Goal—MN Frosthawks series, this book pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go.
Alois Müller is exactly the kind of character you love to hate—professional hockey’s ultimate villain with a reputation for brutal hits and zero filter. Pairing him with Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro, the sharp, composed PR strategist tasked with cleaning up his image, creates the perfect storm. Their dynamic is electric from the start.
This story hits so many beloved tropes from grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, fake relationships, and workplace romance, and somehow makes each one feel fresh and completely immersive. The enemies-to-lovers tension is especially well done; the friction between Alois and Bea is intense, layered, and incredibly satisfying as it unfolds.
What really stands out is the pacing. Mazzola takes her time developing the relationship, letting the push-and-pull build naturally instead of rushing it. The emotional depth is strong throughout, and you can practically feel the tension, especially in those locker room scenes.
It’s a fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down read packed with sharp dialogue, strong chemistry, and just the right amount of angst. By the time you reach the end, you’re already craving the next book because that ending leaves you needing to know what happens next.
If you’re a fan of sports romance with powerful character dynamics and sizzling tension, this is a must-read.
Alois Müller is exactly the kind of character you love to hate—professional hockey’s ultimate villain with a reputation for brutal hits and zero filter. Pairing him with Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro, the sharp, composed PR strategist tasked with cleaning up his image, creates the perfect storm. Their dynamic is electric from the start.
This story hits so many beloved tropes from grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, fake relationships, and workplace romance, and somehow makes each one feel fresh and completely immersive. The enemies-to-lovers tension is especially well done; the friction between Alois and Bea is intense, layered, and incredibly satisfying as it unfolds.
What really stands out is the pacing. Mazzola takes her time developing the relationship, letting the push-and-pull build naturally instead of rushing it. The emotional depth is strong throughout, and you can practically feel the tension, especially in those locker room scenes.
It’s a fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down read packed with sharp dialogue, strong chemistry, and just the right amount of angst. By the time you reach the end, you’re already craving the next book because that ending leaves you needing to know what happens next.
If you’re a fan of sports romance with powerful character dynamics and sizzling tension, this is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alois and Bea
First in a new series, and Kristen Hope Mazzola has decided to give us a tough one.
Alois was not a very likable character. He’s got an attitude… actually, he’s got a gigantic chip on his shoulder, and he doesn’t seem to care who he steamrolls.
Bea ‘lucks’ into her job due to connections. It’s a little convoluted… her ex-stepmother’s new partner (I think I got that right)… And, her job is to babysit Alois through the media and legal storm while pretending to be his girlfriend.
Welcome to Frosthawks, I guess…
The locker room dynamics are toxic. The tension is high, and you can almost feel his frustration that his team is happy to take his aggression on their terms, but are vocally against his actions when it suits them.
This is a true enemies-to-more story - they initially don’t care for each other at all. Sure, they’re attracted, but they don’t want to be. And it actually takes quite a while for the pressure to finally reach its breaking point. The chemistry was there, but the actual change from enemies to love felt very sudden. The conflict at the end felt disjointed and incomplete, which was a bit disappointing. The ending was a bit open, likely to allow their story to continue throughout the series.
Thanks, Kristen, for the advance copy. I found it to be an entertaining read, but the finish wasn’t quite there… just needs a little TLC to really make it shine.
First in a new series, and Kristen Hope Mazzola has decided to give us a tough one.
Alois was not a very likable character. He’s got an attitude… actually, he’s got a gigantic chip on his shoulder, and he doesn’t seem to care who he steamrolls.
Bea ‘lucks’ into her job due to connections. It’s a little convoluted… her ex-stepmother’s new partner (I think I got that right)… And, her job is to babysit Alois through the media and legal storm while pretending to be his girlfriend.
Welcome to Frosthawks, I guess…
The locker room dynamics are toxic. The tension is high, and you can almost feel his frustration that his team is happy to take his aggression on their terms, but are vocally against his actions when it suits them.
This is a true enemies-to-more story - they initially don’t care for each other at all. Sure, they’re attracted, but they don’t want to be. And it actually takes quite a while for the pressure to finally reach its breaking point. The chemistry was there, but the actual change from enemies to love felt very sudden. The conflict at the end felt disjointed and incomplete, which was a bit disappointing. The ending was a bit open, likely to allow their story to continue throughout the series.
Thanks, Kristen, for the advance copy. I found it to be an entertaining read, but the finish wasn’t quite there… just needs a little TLC to really make it shine.
May 3, 2026
This book was a true slow burn and I didn’t mind it at all. The romance between Alois and Bea was absolutely beautiful and honestly felt very genuine. I adore a good hate to love movement and their hatred definitely gave us some hot moments. I adored the way Alois never once shied away from standing up for his people. He was not afraid to throw down and throw hands in defense of teammates and any one he’s connected with. And that got him in some trouble, but it also got him Bea. Bea is such a sweet character but that’s not to say she doesn’t have a spine. The chemistry between them could be felt coming off the page. It’s intense and it’s insane. But their connection goes way beyond just that heated pull. Seeing their relationship grow and develop felt genuine and real. It definitely had some raw moments too. But the ending was everything I could have wanted for them. It left me feeling satisfied but also anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. I have to know what happens now.
June 24, 2026
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me toward the end. I enjoyed parts of the story and could definitely see what the author was going for, but I was left wanting more. The chemistry between the main characters was there, and I could feel the attraction and tension building throughout the book. However, when the relationship finally developed, it felt rushed and lacked some of the emotional depth I was hoping for.
As a slow-burn romance, I expected more moments that bridged the gap between all the buildup and the actual relationship. It felt like there were missing details and character moments that would have made their connection feel stronger and more believable. The romance wasn't bad by any means—it just needed a little more development to fully deliver on the promise of the earlier chapters.
Overall, I still enjoyed parts of the story, especially the sports romance elements and the chemistry between the leads, but I finished the book wishing there had been more substance and emotional payoff in the final stretch.
As a slow-burn romance, I expected more moments that bridged the gap between all the buildup and the actual relationship. It felt like there were missing details and character moments that would have made their connection feel stronger and more believable. The romance wasn't bad by any means—it just needed a little more development to fully deliver on the promise of the earlier chapters.
Overall, I still enjoyed parts of the story, especially the sports romance elements and the chemistry between the leads, but I finished the book wishing there had been more substance and emotional payoff in the final stretch.
Review of advance copy
Shots on Goal: MN Frosthawks #1
Alois Muller is hockey's favorite villain.The veteran enforcer is known for his hits, honesty and a pain to every team he plays on. So another scandal, the team isn't happy and decides he needs to clean up his image or he's out.
Beatriz "Bea" Ribeiro is 22 and the youngest PR strategist the Frosthawks ever had and her 1st assignment is to be Alois Muller. She's to follow him everywhere, keep him out of trouble except he refuses to be handled.
A fake relationship, what could go wrong? Staged dates, some charity events, she's there for his press conferences and the rule---don't believe the chemistry.
Except the more time they spend together the harder that becomes. And now there's more.
3.5-4 stars
For me this was just ok. I thought they lacked chemistry and there was so much disconnect. Bea getting the job with the team and that whole deal just didn't seem right for me.
Alois Muller is hockey's favorite villain.The veteran enforcer is known for his hits, honesty and a pain to every team he plays on. So another scandal, the team isn't happy and decides he needs to clean up his image or he's out.
Beatriz "Bea" Ribeiro is 22 and the youngest PR strategist the Frosthawks ever had and her 1st assignment is to be Alois Muller. She's to follow him everywhere, keep him out of trouble except he refuses to be handled.
A fake relationship, what could go wrong? Staged dates, some charity events, she's there for his press conferences and the rule---don't believe the chemistry.
Except the more time they spend together the harder that becomes. And now there's more.
3.5-4 stars
For me this was just ok. I thought they lacked chemistry and there was so much disconnect. Bea getting the job with the team and that whole deal just didn't seem right for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Public Enemy #91 is amazing. I love this new team Kristen Hope Mazzola gives us so much. This is book 1 in the Frosthawks series and I'm here for it and all those easter eggs. This surrounds Alois Müller the bad boy enforcer of the hockey team and Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro the new pr person fresh out of college. Alois is so much more than he seems and once the layers are peeled back and Bea's influence you start to see he is not the bad boy everyone makes him out to be. Bea is in need of this job or has to figure out a way to stay. She may have had some help but she uses what she knows as Alois babysitter to keep him in line. This is that hate to more type of romance that has a fantastic slow burn that keeps you glued to the pages. I love the chemistry build and the changes in both Alois and Bea. I could not put this down. I'm so excited for more to come in the Frosthawks series. You need to fall hard for Alois and Bea today. Go one click this now.
May 1, 2026
Public Enemy #91 is professional hockey player Alios Muller and newly graduated public relations officer Beatriz “Bea” Ribeiro’s entertaining and captivating story. It’s book one in the new Shots on Goal, Minnesota Frosthawks Series and what a great start.
Alios is Minnesota Frosthawks Enforcer and NHL bad boy and the team management are looking for a solution and a babysitter for him.
Bea has just graduated but she needs a job to stay in the USA. Having someone involved with the team means she gets the job on the spot but does she know what she is letting herself in for………….
A fake relationship is suggested and that means being together at home, at work and on the road so what happens when fake becomes real.
I loved everything about this love/hate relationship, I fell hard and fast for bad boy Alois and I adored Bea but what took this book to the next level was the story because it was believable and captivating especially when we saw the other side to Alios.
Alios is Minnesota Frosthawks Enforcer and NHL bad boy and the team management are looking for a solution and a babysitter for him.
Bea has just graduated but she needs a job to stay in the USA. Having someone involved with the team means she gets the job on the spot but does she know what she is letting herself in for………….
A fake relationship is suggested and that means being together at home, at work and on the road so what happens when fake becomes real.
I loved everything about this love/hate relationship, I fell hard and fast for bad boy Alois and I adored Bea but what took this book to the next level was the story because it was believable and captivating especially when we saw the other side to Alios.
May 8, 2026
4.5 stars
The saying is that 'no man is an island', but it doesn't take Alois Muller into account. Life has taught him to be watchful, careful, judging everything happening around him. He's a loner, controlled and determined apart from flashes of time when he's on the ice. His control slips and lands him in a situation that other people are going to control. This is where the intelligent, organised Bea steps into his life. Caught unawares she is given the task of 'babysitting ' Alois, when she was actually expecting a different task. Bea is similarly career focused and determined, but this task is daunting, and one she finds challenging, to say the least. The enemies to lovers is a favourite trope of mine, but I must say that the communication between these two is sadly lacking and seems to be contentious to the end. I would have liked to see more emotional honesty and tenderness between them to cement their love for each other.
This book is well and thoughtfully written, with two really interesting leads and a great cast. I look forward to reading more from this series. 💖💖💖💖💖
The saying is that 'no man is an island', but it doesn't take Alois Muller into account. Life has taught him to be watchful, careful, judging everything happening around him. He's a loner, controlled and determined apart from flashes of time when he's on the ice. His control slips and lands him in a situation that other people are going to control. This is where the intelligent, organised Bea steps into his life. Caught unawares she is given the task of 'babysitting ' Alois, when she was actually expecting a different task. Bea is similarly career focused and determined, but this task is daunting, and one she finds challenging, to say the least. The enemies to lovers is a favourite trope of mine, but I must say that the communication between these two is sadly lacking and seems to be contentious to the end. I would have liked to see more emotional honesty and tenderness between them to cement their love for each other.
This book is well and thoughtfully written, with two really interesting leads and a great cast. I look forward to reading more from this series. 💖💖💖💖💖
May 12, 2026
Alois is a man who acts or speaks first and doesn’t consider the consequences until afterwards. It is for this reason that his hockey career is in jeopardy if he doesn’t improve his image. He is not happy that Bea has been tasked with helping him and that only increases when not only do they need to pretend to be in a relationship but end up living together as well.
Bea is ready to begin her career in PR and working for the Frosthawks is the perfect opportunity until she meets Alois and realizes what a challenge it is going to be and that was before she found out they needed to pretend to be in a relationship. She believes she knows the man he is but she may be the one in for a surprise.
This is a story about two people who are trying to protect their careers and love isn’t part of that plan. The banter is entertaining, the romance is touching and the characters draw you in.
Bea is ready to begin her career in PR and working for the Frosthawks is the perfect opportunity until she meets Alois and realizes what a challenge it is going to be and that was before she found out they needed to pretend to be in a relationship. She believes she knows the man he is but she may be the one in for a surprise.
This is a story about two people who are trying to protect their careers and love isn’t part of that plan. The banter is entertaining, the romance is touching and the characters draw you in.
Currently Reading
April 28, 2026Author Note / What to Expect
Public Enemy #91 is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance set in the Minnesota Frosthawks world of my Shots on Goal universe.
Readers can expect sharp tension, forced proximity, a high-stakes PR “fake relationship,” and a hero the league loves to hate—but who may not be what he seems beneath the surface.
This story leans into emotional build, character-driven conflict, and a gradual unraveling of both guarded hearts. It contains open-door romance and is intended for mature readers (18+).
As with all books in the Shots on Goal universe, this is a complete standalone with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Public Enemy #91 is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance set in the Minnesota Frosthawks world of my Shots on Goal universe.
Readers can expect sharp tension, forced proximity, a high-stakes PR “fake relationship,” and a hero the league loves to hate—but who may not be what he seems beneath the surface.
This story leans into emotional build, character-driven conflict, and a gradual unraveling of both guarded hearts. It contains open-door romance and is intended for mature readers (18+).
As with all books in the Shots on Goal universe, this is a complete standalone with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
May 3, 2026
This is a great start to a new series. The Frosthawks are going to be heating up the ice. First up is Alois. Alois lives up to the name of public enemy. He just doesn’t care if anyone on or off the ice sees him like this. When he goes to far he needs below cleaning up his image. What better way to clean up his image than someone sent to “babysit” him. Bea walks into a job interview doesn’t realize she gets the jobs until they start discussing she will be with Alois all the time. Can they fix his image together?
May 17, 2026
Where Was the Connection?
Public Enemy #91 by Kristen Hope Mazzola just didn’t work for me. I spent half the book feeling lost because so much of the writing focused on surroundings and perceived reactions instead of actual interaction between the characters.
There was very little dialogue, almost no banter, and by the end I was left wondering… how did these two even build a relationship?
The concept had potential, but I needed way more character connection and conversation to stay invested.
Public Enemy #91 by Kristen Hope Mazzola just didn’t work for me. I spent half the book feeling lost because so much of the writing focused on surroundings and perceived reactions instead of actual interaction between the characters.
There was very little dialogue, almost no banter, and by the end I was left wondering… how did these two even build a relationship?
The concept had potential, but I needed way more character connection and conversation to stay invested.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Public Enemy #91 is book one of the Shots On Goal: MN Frosthawks Series.
Alois has a chip on his shoulder and take his aggression out on other players. He has a bad image and needs help getting it cleaned up. Enter Bea. As PR this is her specialty, but Alois does make it hard for her. I loved seeing these two come together through everything. They had to make nice and the chemistry between them could not be denied. I loved fake dating storylines and this one was fantastic!
Alois has a chip on his shoulder and take his aggression out on other players. He has a bad image and needs help getting it cleaned up. Enter Bea. As PR this is her specialty, but Alois does make it hard for her. I loved seeing these two come together through everything. They had to make nice and the chemistry between them could not be denied. I loved fake dating storylines and this one was fantastic!
May 8, 2026
I really wish I had liked this book - but unfortunately I didn't. The book was 80% thoughts and feelings and assumptions of thoughts and feelings - it's like it wanted to be more than it was. The backstory and context often felt like it had nothing to do with the main storyline. I didn't feel the two MCs fall in love, and I didn't feel a connection to either one of them. For a kickoff to a series, this didn't have me eager to pick up book 2.
May 27, 2026
I'm excited for a new team to fall in love with. Alois and Bea thrown together with lots of chemistry. This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers story but when the tension snaps=chef's kiss. The awareness, the routine all build to create a couple perfect for each other. Alois the man who seems to get in trouble when his protective instincts kick in. Bea, trying to find her place in the world and dropped into a tornado. I am excited for more in the series and more Bento sightings.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
By loved so much about this! He is a walking PR nightmare on the ice, and no one really sees him off the ice. But when a new hire is brought on and they start to fake date. She gets a whole new side of him. Their connection wasn’t instant but toeing the line of friends to enemies to lovers. This was so cute and so good!
May 25, 2026
Liked the overall plot but it was too descriptive that it got boring in places. Then there seemed to be a lot which was ‘skipped’ which might have helped develop the relationship more for me as a reader. The characters went from 0 to 100 with basically no build up. Also strongly disliked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Public Enemy #91 is a great enemies to lovers story that hooks you with attitude and keeps you with heart. The back and forth between the leads is electric, every barb, every snarky comeback, every “oh really?” moment adds fuel to the tension. What starts as sharp edges and mutual irritation slowly shifts into vulnerability, and watching them open up to each other is genuinely rewarding.
It’s quick, punchy, and full of that delicious friction that makes you grin because you know they’re falling even as they fight it. A fast read with great chemistry and an emotional payoff that lands.
It’s quick, punchy, and full of that delicious friction that makes you grin because you know they’re falling even as they fight it. A fast read with great chemistry and an emotional payoff that lands.
Review of advance copy
Rating: 3.5 rounded to 4 stars
This is a bit of a different take on hockey romance. The team is not a fun found family full of banter and support - they're actually more on the toxic side, full of resentment. And that's partially due to the MMC, who isn't the most lovable male character you've ever read. And I actually find it quite refreshing. It didn't feel like a deja vu, like some of the hockey romance can feel. It fully kept my interest and felt new.
What I wasn't the biggest fan of, was the pacing of the story. It was a bit off - the slow burn didn't sit quite right, the story developed okay, but the ending was blotchy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is a bit of a different take on hockey romance. The team is not a fun found family full of banter and support - they're actually more on the toxic side, full of resentment. And that's partially due to the MMC, who isn't the most lovable male character you've ever read. And I actually find it quite refreshing. It didn't feel like a deja vu, like some of the hockey romance can feel. It fully kept my interest and felt new.
What I wasn't the biggest fan of, was the pacing of the story. It was a bit off - the slow burn didn't sit quite right, the story developed okay, but the ending was blotchy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 2, 2026
Another book of fragments strung together as if that's interesting reading. One hundred pages of repetitive back story before the main characters meet. This was no burn, not slow burn.
(Also, I bought this e-book, so I am not sure why it says ARC.)
(Also, I bought this e-book, so I am not sure why it says ARC.)
May 7, 2026
This is the first time I have read anything by this author, and it did not disappoint. Forced proximity and fake dating make for some amazing tension between the main characters that is so thick you might need a fork and a knife. I definitely plan to read more by this author in the near future.
June 11, 2026
Unfortunately this book falls flat as the main characters barely speak to each other but somehow end up falling in love relatively quickly. It takes over 60 pages for them to even meet but then they’re immediately moving in together?
June 24, 2026
I had trouble getting into this one. The writing style was different in some way I can't explain. Alot of explaining how the room felt, haha for some reason each time that came up it took me out of the story! Yeah, Mueller was intense, and I didn't get that much hot chemistry between him and Bea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews