With the Assist

Boston Playmakers #1

by Nikki Reid

Wesley Miller lives for soccer. As captain of the Boston Tempest, she thrives on discipline and control, balancing the pressure of supporting her family with chasing a national team call-up. Distractions have no place in her world until her coach issues an ultimatum: prove she has a life beyond the pitch or lose her hard-earned captaincy.

Nathan Wilder, the golden boy of the Boston Blades, is in the worst slump of his career. His contract is on the line, and his confidence is slipping. When he wins a charity auction for a training session with Wesley, he expects a simple workout. Instead, it’s a brutal reset that reignites his edge on the ice.

Wesley needs a public relationship to protect her captaincy. Nathan needs more training sessions to save his season. The solution seems simple. Two months of fake dating, intense workouts, and a clean break before either of them gets distracted.

But chemistry like theirs doesn’t follow the playbook. The workouts run longer. The touches linger. Every glance sparks something neither of them expected. And what started as a calculated strategy starts to feel dangerously real.

His career is on thin ice. Her dreams are finally within reach. And they’re about to discover that the biggest plays of their lives might come with the assist.

With the Assist, a Boston Playmakers novel, is a steamy, high-stakes sports romance about ambition, passion, and discovering that even the strongest players sometimes need someone in their corner.

Genres: Hockey Romance

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Georgia ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one seriously had me hooked way faster than I expected. The descriptiveness is one of my favourite things about it. Every scene feels so vivid that it’s easy to picture everything like a movie playing out in your head.

Wes and Nathan, I’m obsessed! By chapter two I was already reacting out loud with the mix of excitement and awkwardness, it had me grinning and cringing at the same time. From then on, I was just impatiently waiting and lowkey suffering for them to get together, but in a fun, can’t look away kind of way.

Nathan is hands down one of my favourite MMCs. Everyone sees him as the typical hot hockey guy who gets all the girls, but there’s so much more to him. He’s actually really genuine and soft underneath it all, especially when it comes to Wes, which made me love him even more. Wes is such a solid FMC, she’s driven, a bit stubborn, and so focused on her goals that she’s scared to let anything mess that up.

The friendships in this book are honestly such a highlight too. They feel natural and fun, and they add so much to the story instead of just being there.

The spice🔥 Exactly how I like it. Not constant, not overwhelming, but when it hits, it hits. Had me sitting there like f*ck yes, finally!

I really liked how both of them had their own pressures going on. Nathan trying to hold onto his NHL contract, and Wes needing to prove she can balance a social life and be captain material. It made everything feel more meaningful and raised the stakes.

Emotionally, this book had me all over the place happy, excited, annoyed, and at times wanting to punch something. The epilogues were chef’s kiss. I loved them so much 🥹

Out of the 19 books I’ve read so far in 2026, this is easily one of my favourites. I will definitely be buying a copy of the physical come 28th April 🫶🏻

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly don’t know the last time a sports romance hooked me as fast and hard as this one did. The first meeting had me literally laughing out loud and I had a smile on my face for most of this book.

Wesley is the captain of the Boston Tempest soccer team and she is so focused and driven, she basically has no life outside of the pitch. Her coach gives her an ultimatum, prove she has a life or lose her captaincy. Nathan is the golden boy of the Boston Blades hockey team but he's in the worst slump of his career and his contract is on the line.

When he wins a charity auction for a training session with her, he expects a workout. He gets a brutal reset that reignites his edge on the ice. The solution is simple, two months of fake dating to solve both their problems. What could go wrong?

Everything. Chemistry like theirs doesn't follow the playbook. I was obsessed with them by chapter 2. Nathan is hands down one of my favourite mmcs. Everyone sees him as the hot hockey guy, but he's so genuine and soft underneath especially when it comes to Wes. Wes is such a solid FMC, so scared to let anything mess up her dreams. Watching them fall was everything.

The friendships were a total highlight and the spice was exactly how I like it. Not always there but when it hits, it hits. I was sitting there like, finally!

I stayed up all night to finish it. Out of the books I've read this year, this is easily one of my favourites. I can't believe this is a debut!

🏒 Fake Dating

⚽ He Falls First (Hard)

🏒 Slow Burn

⚽ Athlete x Athlete

🏒 Career vs. Love

⚽ Found Family

🏒 Hockey & Soccer

[Kori Plank]

This was my first ARC read and what a way to kick it off.

Tropes
Fake dating
He falls first (he falls hard)
He wears her jersey
He begs 🙏🏻
Dual sport romance
Love vs career


If you love when the FMC is a strong confident female who needs to be in control (maybe to a fault) but is learning how to give that control over to a man that sees who she really is then you’ll love this. I don’t like to compare authors but I will say that if you love the vibes from the DC Stars series, and The Vancouver Storm series this book is right up your alley!

Things I loved from this book:
1. Their meeting, it’s the opposite of a meet cute. “When you mistakenly bash on an athlete of the year award winner thinking the “man” who won is a nobody only to find out “she” is the girl you’re flirting with. Wesley’s response of giving her amazing woman in power speech locking eyes with Nathan in a “who me” scenario was chefs kiss.
2. Nathan bringing her coffee taking a stab at her being a black coffee girl because she doesn’t seem like the “sugar and frills” kind of girl, while having sugar packets at hand for her if he’s wrong (swoon)
3. Nathan “I’m no quitter but I am a complainer” resonated with me on a visceral level.
4. Nathan throwing her a puck with “I’ve been waiting to see you… and get my hands on you” umm excuse me sir but yes please.
5. Wesley’s journey of realizing that she can have both her career and love. She doesn’t have to be everything for everyone and leave nothing for herself.
6. “You’re looking at me like I’m a snack,” Wesley teases, her eyes bright with excitement. “You’re the whole damn meal.” (Nathan)

[Brooke Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly don’t know the last time a romance book hooked me as fast and hard as this one did. The chaotic first meeting of these characters had me literally laughing out loud and I had a smile on my face while reading the majority of this book.

I also love when I get so invested in a romance that I start feeling allll the feelings: joy, love, anxiety about what is going to happen to them, heartbreak (in more ways than one), and let me tell you this one DELIVERED!!! I absolutely adored this book and I truly can’t believe this is her DEBUT?!?!? Like omg, Nikki Reid is going to be the next big romance author I can feel it!!

[Kaitlin Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drove me nuts in the best way possible! I stayed up all night to finish it because I couldn’t go to sleep without knowing how it ended and have zero regrets. I love a sports romance and this one had hockey and soccer with both main characters being elite athlete’s and the mingling of two sports is done very well. There’s also enough spice, but it adds to the plot instead of just being there like a lot of sports romances end up doing. I found myself cracking up out loud trying not to wake up my house while they all slept quite a bit too. Wesley is a super independent FMC and Nathan is a slightly broken under the surface, but highly driven MMC. You fall in love with not just them, but their friend group too and I can’t wait to read the next in series!!

Read if you love:

⚽️Sports romance
🏒He falls first- hard
⚽️Fake dating
🏒”Friends” with benefits
⚽️Strong FMC
🏒Found family
⚽️Slow burn
🏒Athlete x Athlete
⚽️Career vs Love


*I received an advanced copy of this book, but all opinions are entirely my own.

[Jessie The Great · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
⚽ He wears her Jersey
🏒 He falls first
⚽ Fake-Dating
🏒 Athlete x Athlete
⚽ Found Family
🏒 Career vs Love

Fans of Stephanie Archer and Chelsea Curto will love this book. I got Maverick Miller and Emmy Hartwell vibes from Nathan and Wesley. They were both driven and determined to be the best - all while Nathan became totally obsessed with Wesley. This author does the thing that makes me realize my internalized misogyny and makes me really not like Wesley for a good portion of the book. Mainly, she is so driven in her sport and being a caretaker for her family, that she refuses to make space for Nathan - regardless of her own wants. I want her to be selfish. Wesley wants her to be selfish. WE WANT HER TO GIVE IN. Basically, she is a woman so she can't make mistakes. It seemed to be a common theme.

Their whole arrangement comes about because her coach says she needs to be more well rounded, only later to tell her she needs to be more focused on her sport.

She gives a very apt speech early in the story that sets us up for her plight throughout the story. She knows she's very lucky to be where she's at - but also sees the inequity between Men and Women's sports. She has zero chill when it comes to performing at her highest standard - and that drive is what draws Nathan to her. That drive is also what pushes him away. It begs the question "can women really have it all?". Anyway, I'm digging too deep. Guys this is a smutty lil' hockey book, don't think so hard about it. I just have a bit of existential crisis every time I realize I like the male character more than the female character. Damn you patriarchy!

What did I like? Well Nathan and his dirty mouth. He can say Good Girl any day of the week to me (don't @ me Paris Paloma). I was conflicted about the girl group. Avery was very hot and cold. She clearly wanted her friend happy, but also had her own feelings about hockey players and let it crowd her judgement. The boy group was very similar - though thank goodness Greyson was a voice of reason. Poor guy is going to be put through the ringer by Avery (and I can't wait for that). There is a third act break up that you see coming, as designed. There is a bit of instalove on his side, but he doesn't force her to match his. I love that. He gave her space. He is a consent king. See aforementioned internalized disdain for liking the the MMC more than the FMC.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

I was given an ARC from the author, my opinions of this book are my own

[Jennifer Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend! The plot is top notch, and the spice is just the right amount to add to the story but not distract from the characters. If you love sports romances, then this book is for you!

Tropes
🏒Fake Dating
⚽He falls first
🏒Slow Burn
⚽Athlete x Athlete
🏒Career v. Love
⚽Found Family

Meet Wesley Miller, a focused athlete that is the Captain for Boston’s women’s professional soccer. She has dedicated her life to her sport and has goals she wants to meet. She isn’t just driven by her love for the game; she also has her family she needs to support that keeps her focused and driven. She sacrifices a personnel life to fully focused on soccer and it puts her Captaincy at risk. She needs to prove she can balance life and soccer.

Meet Nathan Wilder. A professional hockey player that was drafted 10 years ago and is the Boston Blades hometown hero. Lately though, his stats have been falling, and his contract is about to be up. He needs to figure out something fast to get his stats up and his contract secured so he doesn’t get traded.

Meet Ugly. Meet cutes are fun but meet uglies are hilarious and even cringey (in the best way). Wesley and Nathan meet at an awards banquet, the attraction is instant. So is the meet ugly moment. The events of the night unfold, and Nathan and his team find themselves at the mercy of spending a day training with Wesley. The training makes Nathan feel alive in a way that has been missing, in a way that could help him improve his on the ice stats. Wesley needs to show she has a life outside of soccer. The two make a deal, she trains with him, and they fake date to prove she has a life. It’s only for two months. Everything will go according to plan. No feelings will be involved. Right?

I was hooked the moment I started reading this. I loved how strong Wesley is. She cares deeply for her family and friends. She prioritizes her career over everything, because she needs that career to ensure her family is taken care of. Nathan is charismatic and fun and that’s all he shows to the public. There is so much more to him that he keeps hidden which paints a picture of a beautiful soul (with a dirty mouth). The way they formed a friendship, the choices they make, the heartbreak they go through and the obstacles they overcome all make this a 5 star read.

I loved meeting their friends and seeing how their friends’ groups came together and am really hoping for a future featuring them again. Their friends did annoy me at times, but you can tell they were worried for them. It made it all that more intriguing for me.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent book that was written well and showcased stellar character development. I highly recommend it!

I received an advance copy from the author for my honest review

[Torrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the Assist is the kind of sports romance that sneaks up on you—in the best way. What starts as a familiar fake-dating setup quickly evolves into a layered, emotionally rich story about pressure, identity, and what it really means to choose someone.

Nathan is immediately compelling: a seasoned NHL star who should feel secure after a decade in the league, yet still carries the quiet weight of never quite being “enough” for the people whose approval he craves most. His struggle feels authentic and raw—especially the tension between external success and internal doubt. He’s not a stereotypical cocky athlete or a reckless playboy; instead, he’s grounded, introspective, and deeply human.

Wesley is just as captivating, if not more so. As the captain of a professional soccer team, she embodies discipline and control, shaped by years of responsibility after her mother’s death. Her dedication to her family and her career is admirable, but it comes at the cost of emotional vulnerability. Watching her slowly confront the walls she’s built is one of the most rewarding aspects of the story.

Their arrangement—fake dating to solve very real problems—sets the stage for a dynamic that feels both fun and meaningful. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what truly elevates the romance is how they challenge each other. Wesley helps Nathan rediscover his love for the game, pulling him out of his performance slump with intention and grit. In turn, Nathan brings warmth and balance into Wesley’s tightly controlled world, showing her that connection doesn’t equal weakness.

The pacing of their relationship is beautifully done. The shift from partnership to something deeper feels natural, filled with small, quiet moments that carry as much weight as the bigger emotional beats. And when the inevitable miscommunication and fear of vulnerability come to a head, it doesn’t feel forced—it feels earned.

At its core, With the Assist isn’t just about falling in love; it’s about learning to be seen. It explores the idea that success—whether in sports or life—means very little if you’re chasing it for the wrong reasons or shutting people out along the way.

Emotional, grounded, and full of heart, this book delivers everything you want from a sports romance: tension, chemistry (so much chemistry and heat!), personal growth, and a love story that lingers long after the final page.

[madisyn (bookish verison) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WITH THE ASSIST (ARC) | ★★★★☆ | KINDLE

with the assist was nothing short but “she’s the man” wrapped up with that dash of hockey you never knew you needed.

wesley miller is the girl who has everything. or at least it seems that way. she’s on top of her career, her family, and every last responsibility placed upon her, but at the end of day where does that leave her? she doesn’t know herself outside of her sportsmanship and when her coach starts to worry that it may be affecting her chance at the thing she wants most — she blurts out that star hockey player nathan wilder is her boyfriend.

nathan wilder is faltering, his stats have gone down, his team and career are at stake and if he doesn’t get his head in the game he’s going to lose it all. after an encounter with the most bossy, confident girl he’s ever seen, he’s taken aback and is finding himself needing to know more about her. after a threat to his contract not being renewed he finds himself where he needs wesley’s help.

nathan and wesley fall into a place of contracts and predicament. except the lines begin to blur and maybe what’s fake isn’t so fake after all?

when i tell you this was my first ever sports romance and i LOVED it. i mean it. it took me a minute to get into it because this is a definite out of the box genre for me, but once i got through the bits in the beginning, man was i locked in. the characters were everything. i fell in love with them and their relationships. the witty banter. the will they admit it or are we going to continue to fake it until we make it? not only did the main characters encapsulate me but so did the side characters, they truly helped carry the story even more and the reasonings behind the main characters needs and wants.

i am so thankful that @authornikkireid allowed me the honour to read her work that is getting published and out on KU and amazon on april 28th!

so if you’re looking for a sports romance that will make you feel all the feels and a fake dating scandal that turns into so much more than they ever thought…you need to read with the assist!

[Kourtney Gorka · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the Vancouver Storm and DC Stars series, this book is your next obsession. But having the double sport in there with a professional soccer player and hockey player makes it amazing in its own way!

Potential Spoilers!

Wesley Miller is everything. She's intense, driven, and fiercely protective of her career and family almost to the point of burn out, but what makes her truly relatable is how the author handles her character development. Her intensity isn't just a personality trait, it’s just who she believes she has to be! You get to understand why she is the way she is, which makes rooting for her so much more satisfying.

Nathan Wilder is absolutely HOT. He brings his own baggage and struggles with his own professional career, and watching him learn to tackle (both literally and figuratively) his own issues while supporting Wesley? Absolutely stunning. The chemistry between these two is electric, and their dynamic feels authentic despite the fake dating setup.

The spice level is perfect for the book's length. And along with the plot this author developed? Stellar. The dual-athlete perspective, the high stakes for both their careers, the slow burn that builds into something real, it just all works together.

Fair warning: This book is definitely binge-worthy. I would've devoured it in a single sitting if I didn’t have to do real life. If you're looking for a steamy sports romance with substance, authentic character growth, and that addictive fake-dating-to-real-feelings arc, this book absolutely delivers in the best way.

Highly recommend for fans of: Sports romance, fake dating, dual POV, hockey and soccer, found family themes, and characters who prove that even the strongest players need someone in their corner.

10/10 would recommend (and already have!)

I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Ananya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Nikki for providing me an e-ARC of this book. This book was the cutest!
First of all, can we please talk about the cover of the book? Most beautiful. I loved it so much.

This book was very sweet and engaging. I loved the characters. I loved the golden retriever energy of the MMC. He was the best. The way he cared for her. I am in awe!
On the other hand, the independent and fearless characters of FMC was so good to read. I loved the way see put forward her family and career. But you know when true love crosses your path you cannot not notice it.
This couple was really very cool and lovable.
Some chapters felt a little lengthy for my taste. Like, the girl's talk. It was good, no doubt but could have been crisper and shorter.
Otherwise, the book was good. Nikki, as your debut novel you have did a really really good writing work. Loved it. Can't wait for book two.
If you are into fake dating, both MCs professional players, golden retriever MMC, strong FMC then you should definitely give this a try.

Some of the quotes i highlighted and loved -

~“You’re brutal, you know that?”
“I don’t have a choice but to be.”

~“Are you asking me on a date?”
“A very fake date.”
“All I’m hearing is date.”

~“Will this,” I say, gesturing subtly between us, “mess anything up?”
“No,” he answers without hesitation as his food arrives. “But even if it did, I’d still do it.”

~“But I’d catch you before you fell.”

~“Miss me?” she asks.
“Constantly,”

~Kissing Wesley is like coming up for air after being underwater for years. It’s like folding into warmth after walking through an endless winter storm. It’s like a match striking in dry grass, the flames burning fast and uncontrollable

[Zillah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐ read!

I devoured this book in a single day! With the Assist has everything you want in a sports romance, but what I loved most was the depth in both main characters - their fears, their insecurities, and the feelings so many people quietly struggle with.

Wes, our FMC, was AMAZING. Driven, talented, and absolutely at the top of her game. I loved how deeply she cared about her family. Nikki did such a beautiful job showing her grief after losing her mother so young, and the responsibility she felt stepping up for her family. Every moment with her sister and dad melted me - they came across as absolute sweethearts. And that epilogue moment where Nathan talks about how close he is with Wes's dad, and how all he cared about was how much Nathan loved his daughter? MY HEART.

And Nathan… OMG THIS MAN. His doubts and insecurities made him feel so real. I love that he fell first and was willing to be in Wes's life in any way she'd have him. The bonds he had with his teammates were also such a highlight - supportive, genuine, and so heart-warming.

The conflicts they faced were frustrating in the best way. They made sense for two people under huge pressure in their careers, so it never felt over-the-top or made me want to throw my book (or Kindle in this case 😂) across the room. I adored the ending and the epilogues, and I'm begging for an Avery + Grayson story next 🙏.

Now... the spice. WOW. Nathan's dirty mouth? So. Good. 🤤 (IYKYK)

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ghalz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review of With The Assist by @authornikkireid

Tropes : fake dating, sports romance, black cat × golden retriever, hockey x soccer, found family

~~~~~
I loved reading this book so much, and I had so much fun while doing it. I kicked my feet and giggled so many times, and I also wanted to throw my phone across the room when a few things happened 🤭 Wesley is such a relatable character, I understood her fears of commitment to something apart from soccer and her family after having faced consequences the last time she did so. She started shielding herself, focusing only on what matters and that is doing anything to be able to keep her family comfortable by playing soccer even if she has to stop herself from doing what she wants and what her heart wants.

Now if we get to Nathan, our playful hockey player that hides behind the facade of being a play boy in the NHL alongside his bestfriend even though the truth is far from it. Now that his contract is coming to an end after being in the league for 10 years, he doesn't know how to get back to the elite level in his playing and finds himself in a bad situation where he might lose his contract if he play as well as he used to. He was genuinely lost and didn't know what to do with himself when the thing he loves the most might be taken away from him.

And this is where his story with Wesley debuts. He finds her intriguing and cannot stop thinking about her after the awards ceremony where she wins Athlete of the Year as the first women to do so. He asks her to train with her so that he can get back into his old playing and takes it as an opportunity to get to know her on a deeper level. From there starts a fake relationship cause by a spur in a moment 🙈❤️‍🔥

☆ If you love sports romance, fake dating and a big fck it moment, you might want to read this!!

[Wallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You remind me not to take this for granted,” he says. “You remind me why I play.” He pauses, then adds, “You said it yourself. We earn every moment we get to do this.”

Wesley is the all star soccer captain and Nathan's hockey's golden boy, they form an unusual agreement after they both land in hot water. Together they train, fake date & accidentally form an attachment. Will they admit what they both feel? Will it be enough against years of only focusing on their sport? Read With the Assist to find out!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I had the absolute privilege of reading an ARC copy of With the Assist and I couldn't feel luckier. It was such a gorgeous story. On the surface, you might think it's a simple love story but it's so much more than that, it's a story about resilience & passion, about knowing when things are worth the pain and when it's okay to just let go.

Wesley has the weight of the world on her shoulders but Nathan lifts her up and never ever diminishes her dreams. It's so rare to read about a woman's dreams never being compromised because a man has walked into her life & I loved that about this story. Nathan goes on a self-discovery journey as well which was just as empowering, his kindness & support was a joy to read.

The side characters had colour but didn't overpower the main pair. You felt like you were with them in this story throughout. I can't wait to read more books in this series, I have my eye on Avery!

Read this book!

[Missy curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to love a strong FMC and Wesley delivered. It starts with the masculine name but wowza is she focused on soccer and supporting her family. So focused that her Coach wants to see her balance life on and off the field or risk losing her Captainship. Enter Nathan Wilder a right (and later left) winger with the Blades NHL team. He’s in the middle of a slump, at the end of his current contract and thinks maybe some cross training will help. He’s bids $200,000 at a charity auction for his hockey team to train one day with Wesley Miller of the NWSL Boston Tempest.

After Nathan struggles with Wesley’s workout he asks to have her train him. Initially she declines. However after the comment by her coach, she blurts out that Nathan is her boyfriend. Enter fake dating- she shows balance with hockey and life while bonding with her teammates and he plays some of the best hockey of his life while trying to earn a contract extension. Will she realize her dream of being chose for the National team? Will his contract be extended? Will this fake romance become real for one of both of them? Lots of heat and drama and author Nikki Reid does a fantastic job of character development as they both have a lot to lose professionally and hurdles to clear with their families. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wesley is all about soccer. She sleeps, eats, breathes, lives soccer. She wants to be on the national team and will do anything to get her there. When her coach comes to her concerned about her life balance, she hatches a plan with hockey player, Nathan, to fake-date, showing her coach there's more to life then soccer (lies). Nathan is taken with Wesley from their first meeting (that does not go well at all). In return for fake-dating her, he gets weekly cross-training sessions that are helping him to play better as his contract is expiring. Their chemistry is off the charts and Wesley tries her best to just keep it about soccer, but it's getting harder the more their lives intertwine. As much as I enjoyed this book, I also wanted to reach in and shake Wesley multiple times as she is so focused and driven (great attributes), but can't get it through her head that she can also make space for Nathan and her teammates as well. Absolutely loved Nathan. He was always trying to show his support and bet there for her on the terms she allowed him. Loved that he wears her jersey!!! While I don't love a third act break-up trope, it works very well in this book, so I didn't mind as it only added to the story. Definitely recommend!!

[Sydney Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Nikki Reid for an early ARC of With the Assist!!!!!!

My Rating: 4 stars!!!

This book was so good. I truly enjoyed myself overall reading this! Wesley and Nathan were just so likable and funny, and I genuinely just had a good time, but also felt a lot of what they went through! This was a super fun and exciting sports romance, with fake dating! I loved their first interaction; it was perfect and made me laugh out loud. The banter was too good, I really grew to love Wesley and her personality so much, and Nathan was just everything. The side characters were such a nice addition to this story, and I loved getting to know them as well. Nikki Reid did a fantastic job keeping me reading and wanting to know where their story was going. I fell in love with them!!!

If you're looking for a fun sports romance with fake dating and great banter, please pick this up! Like I said, I had so much fun!

Thank you again to Nikki Reid for allowing me to read this, I loved it!

[Sheree Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.
What an enjoyable read! I'm definitely a hockey romance girl so this book filled my cup just right! I really loved the soccer aspect of it as well! I haven't read many books with soccer in them so I don't know a lot about it but it was nice to learn!
I really loved that it advocated for women's sports. We definitely need more like it! I'm glad it challenged the differences between men's and women's sports and the large gap with pay and exposure so I thank the author for that!
The story itself was great! It had just the right amount of smut, fluff and angst to keep me happy by far. It was easy to follow and kept me interested.
Wesley was such a strong character and well written, I love a bamf FMC! Nathan was very easy to love, and so were the supporting characters!

I would definitely recommend this for any romance lover! Please check it out when it comes out on April 28th!

[Taylor Wodnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨✨✨, 🌶️🌶️🌶️: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests! I could not stop/put this book down!

As a college soccer player this book hit different. College was hard I couldn’t imagine what I would have had to do to continue my soccer career. I did half of what Wesley did and can’t imagine how hard it would be to give up more.

I could also really relate to Nathan. Being in a slump doing what you love is the worst. I had that happen in college and man it was hard. I was willing to do anything to get out back.

The fake dating was a fun twist on a personal experience for me and I felt the progression of their story was completely valid. The emotions were high, the feelings were confusing, the pressure 🤯
and the sexual tension 🔥🔥.

The plot flowed and had some good twists, I couldn’t figure out what was going to happen next. Loved their story!

Read this if you enjoy: sports romance, some spice but tasteful and believable, realistic life choices/decisions, soccer and hockey!

I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the Assist by Nikki Reid
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
*ARC Review. I have in no way been paid for this review* out April 28,2026

For fans of the Windy City series - this book is going to be a must read! I haven’t loved a sports romance (especially with a straight couple) in a long time.

Wesley Miller is the epitome of dedication, going for her dream and putting in all the work to get there. As a rising soccer star she thinks she’s within reach of everything she ever wanted - until Nathan Wilder. Hockey star, supposed ladies man and cocky on the surface. Except there’s so much that lays beneath the surface.

These two, their story, reminded me that life should be about more than just surviving. Nikki has created a beautiful romance novel, but it’s so much more than that alone. Someday I’ll need a paperback copy for my trophy shelf 😆

Tropes include:
Fake dating (my personal favorite)
He falls first
Athlete x Athlete
Career vs. love
Slow burn

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc received in exchange for an honest review:

I honestly flew through this book and had so much fun reading it! I loved the dynamic change with the he falls first trope and how Wesley is so super dedicated to soccer. I genuinely was able to empathize with her as the oldest sibling and feeling responsible for a lot or family dynamics. I also loved Nathan. The partnership was really well written where sports and professions took precedence but the balance and happiness was an integral part of the story. This book was light and happy but it had important plot points throughout. Definitely a fresh take on a sports romance with tropes that were very well done! I also think the series (if it is a series) was set up well because there are soooo many questions for a lot of Wesley’s and Nathan’s friends/teammates so I am interested to see where this story goes.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan has lost his passion for the game, and the ability to score. When he “wins” a training session with the gorgeous Wesley, he has a great game. Could she be the key to restoring his season? She keeps turning him down, but when a situation arises with her own team, they can benefit each other. In more than one way, as long as they both can agree it ends. Yeah, that never goes well.


I LOVED this book. You would never know this is a debut author. It is so well written, has a great story and you get sucked in. You feel the pressure on both of them. The flirting, the spice, their friends…all of it is great. I particularly loved how they respect each other and their craft. It’s also nice to have a physically strong FMC. These two have met their match and watching them figure it all out is great. Highly recommend! 5/5⭐️4/5🌶️.

I received an advanced copy of this book.

[Payal Tailor · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the Assist is the kind of sports romance that completely pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Wesley is such a strong, independent FMC—she’s the definition of “I don’t need a man”… until Nathan walks in and completely changes the game. He’s attentive, understanding, and actually listens.

Add in the fake dating trope (one of my favorites!!) and the fact that he fell first—and HARD? I was absolutely done for.

Watching those fake feelings turn into something real had me completely hooked.

Their chemistry had me smiling like an idiot, kicking my feet, and fully invested in every moment between them.

If you love sports romances, you NEED to read this!

Really looking forward to book 2 🥰

[Bekah Koehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nikki Reid for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book was so cute!!! I loved the banter and chemistry between Wesley and Nathan. Nathan and Wesley meet at an awards ceremony where Wesley is nominated for Athlete of the Year. Nathan and his friend are accidentally bad mouthing her without realizing.

Later, Nathan asks Wesley for her help with cross training for hockey and Wesley agrees as long as Nathan agrees to be her fake boyfriend to show her soccer coach that she has a work/life balance.

This has everything from fake dating, to friends with benefits, to he falls first. Nathan is sooooo down bad for Wesley I loved it!!!

I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a sports romance!

[Holly Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is filled with some strong characters! The FMC is solely focused on her soccer career so she can take care of her family and the MMC is focused on his hockey career and getting a new contract. Neither is ready for a relationship but life never works how we plan it no matter how much we try.

You really get to know these characters. You see their fears, their struggles with themselves, and their insecurities.

I really enjoyed the story and characters and the spice was just right! I cannot wait for the second book in this series to come out! The FMC will have her claws sharp and the MMC will have his puppy dog eyes ready to shine!

[Katie Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an ARC of With the Assist by Nikki Reid directly from the author, and this one was such a fun read!

From the very beginning, I was hooked! Wesley (a female soccer player) and Nathan (a hockey player) have a “not so meet cute” that had me laughing out loud. And then immediately after, Nathan goes and bids thousands of dollars just to spend time with her?! I was completely swooning.

This book delivers on all the best tropes, fake dating, sports romance, great banter, and PLENTY of spice. The chemistry between Wesley and Nathan felt natural and so entertaining to watch unfold.

I need a book #2! 💕

[Kelci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for an early copy of this book!

This book was a good time. Athlete x athlete is one of my favorite tropes, and one I don’t see very much so I was super excited to dive into this book.

Nathan and Wesley have some intense chemistry from the first time they meet. I really loved Nathan as a character and him being this hotshot hockey player, but deep down he had insecurities.

Then there was Wesley who was putting everyone before herself. I really enjoyed her journey into finding a balance between soccer and her personal life.

The side characters were great and I can’t wait to see what the next book holds!

[Vanessa Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review: Holy Lord I have emotional whiplash! (In the best way possible) I absolutely love getting to see the inner turmoil that both Wes and Nathan go through on their journey to finding each other. Their fears are very real and valid and not topics that I have seen addressed in writing as often as they should be! The flirty texts?! Don’t even get me started. I’m obsessed with their banter and how BOLD Nathan is with his comments lol. Also I was giggling and kicking my feat whenever Nathan saw another guy approaching Wes and got all jealous. The description in this was insane and I truly felt transported into this world. Truly an amazing debut and so so excited to continue the series.

[Rachel May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Wilder and Wesley Miller are both at the pinnacle of their sports careers. These two should not be together but both need each other for their own professional gains. But once these two are together they can’t seem to stay apart.

If you love sport romances and more importantly hockey romances, this book is perfect for you! There’s enough spice to make you blush, but not too much that it takes away from the plot and storyline. You will fall in love with all the characters and will be rooting for them the entire time. I’m already needing book 2!

[Salina Casabona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Nikki Reid for the opportunity to ARC read this book!
With the Assist is a hockey/soccer fake-dating romance that absolutely didn’t disappoint. It pulls you in right away with humor, heart, and a fun, fresh setup.
Wes is the driven captain of her soccer team, focused on making the U.S. Women’s National Team—until her coach forces her to find balance or risk losing her captaincy. Nathan, an NHL player in a slump, needs to turn things around before his contract is on the line. Their hilarious first meeting leads to a fake relationship: she helps him cross-train, and he becomes her fake boyfriend for her team’s New Year’s Eve party.
What starts as a simple arrangement quickly becomes more. They don’t necessarily need each other to succeed in their sports, but they’re undeniably better together. Their chemistry is strong, the banter is sharp, and the shift from fake to real feels natural and satisfying.
Overall, With the Assist is a fun, swoony sports romance with lovable characters, great pacing, and just the right amount of tension. A must-read for fans of fake dating and strong female athletes.