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Offside: a Phoenix Sidewinders Hockey Romance
Not yet published
Expected 17 Sep 26Ryan Lindqvist hadn’t planned to be anyone’s captain—let alone this team’s.
After years as the NHL’s most dependable players, he’s drafted to the Phoenix Sidewinders—an expansion team in a city that wants hockey back… but isn’t convinced it won’t get burned again. Now he’s wearing the C, leading a locker room half full of strangers, and carrying the weight of a second chance no one believes will last.
The one thing keeping him motivated?
Griffin Callahan. Best friend. Teammate. Goalie. The only guy who actually wanted to be here.
Which is exactly why Ryan should stay far away from Griffin’s little sister.
Maren Callahan is a physical therapist, a Scottsdale native, and completely off-limits. She’s sharp, grounded, and sees through Ryan’s captain façade like it’s nothing. Worse, she’s everywhere—and every moment with her chips away at the control he’s built his life on.
It starts small.
A look.
A touch.
Something neither of them can ignore.
Ryan knows what this could cost him—his best friend, his team, the fragile trust of a city already waiting for them to fail.
Maren knows what it feels like to be someone’s secret—and she won’t do it again.
But the closer they get, the harder it is to walk away.
And when the truth comes out, Ryan won’t just lose Griffin.
He might lose everything.
Offside is a spicy contemporary hockey romance featuring a Swedish-American captain with a filthy mouth, a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s secret, and a protective older brother who sees everything.
After years as the NHL’s most dependable players, he’s drafted to the Phoenix Sidewinders—an expansion team in a city that wants hockey back… but isn’t convinced it won’t get burned again. Now he’s wearing the C, leading a locker room half full of strangers, and carrying the weight of a second chance no one believes will last.
The one thing keeping him motivated?
Griffin Callahan. Best friend. Teammate. Goalie. The only guy who actually wanted to be here.
Which is exactly why Ryan should stay far away from Griffin’s little sister.
Maren Callahan is a physical therapist, a Scottsdale native, and completely off-limits. She’s sharp, grounded, and sees through Ryan’s captain façade like it’s nothing. Worse, she’s everywhere—and every moment with her chips away at the control he’s built his life on.
It starts small.
A look.
A touch.
Something neither of them can ignore.
Ryan knows what this could cost him—his best friend, his team, the fragile trust of a city already waiting for them to fail.
Maren knows what it feels like to be someone’s secret—and she won’t do it again.
But the closer they get, the harder it is to walk away.
And when the truth comes out, Ryan won’t just lose Griffin.
He might lose everything.
Offside is a spicy contemporary hockey romance featuring a Swedish-American captain with a filthy mouth, a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s secret, and a protective older brother who sees everything.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 17, 2026
About the author
Amy Briggs
85 books276 followersAmy Briggs is a full-time author, editor, and all-around story addict with a passion for romance, mystery, and the occasional murder (fictional only, she swears). A former firefighter and EMT from New Jersey, Amy grew up next to a military base—an experience that continues to inspire the grit and heart behind many of her stories.
With dozens of romance titles under her belt, Amy’s dive into cozy mystery was born from her love of puzzles, small-town charm, and the satisfying thrill of solving a whodunnit. Her books are known for blending suspense, swoon-worthy moments, and characters that feel like friends (or possibly suspects).
Now based in Texas, Amy shares her home with more cats than she can count and two dogs who run the household. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her on the mats as a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, teaching women’s self-defense, running an MMA gym with her brother, or plotting her next twisty mystery over a strong cup of coffee.
She loves connecting with readers—come say hello on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
📚 Find all of Amy’s books on her website or on her Amazon author page.
✏️ For editing services and more, visit the editing portion of her website.
With dozens of romance titles under her belt, Amy’s dive into cozy mystery was born from her love of puzzles, small-town charm, and the satisfying thrill of solving a whodunnit. Her books are known for blending suspense, swoon-worthy moments, and characters that feel like friends (or possibly suspects).
Now based in Texas, Amy shares her home with more cats than she can count and two dogs who run the household. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her on the mats as a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, teaching women’s self-defense, running an MMA gym with her brother, or plotting her next twisty mystery over a strong cup of coffee.
She loves connecting with readers—come say hello on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
📚 Find all of Amy’s books on her website or on her Amazon author page.
✏️ For editing services and more, visit the editing portion of her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 6, 2026
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lots of spicy scenes but tastefully done
Totally has me jumping on the hockey romance bandwagon!! This was exactly the book I needed after finishing off-campus.
Both MCs are so incredibly loveable, you are cheering them on since the prequel. Ryan is the calm, cool, collected Captain of a new hockey team, and Maren is the fiery but sweet new Director of Sports Medicine for the same team, who also happens to be his best friend’s sister. Of course, it was trouble from the very beginning, but the yearning, stolen glances, and every hidden moment were top notch. I swear I spent half my time squealing in delight every time they moved things along.
Teammates were amazing and so was her bff Paige and her parents. Fav teammate besides Ryan? Obviously, Cole is hilarious. Great pacing, written well, mini 3rd act breakup, and perfect epilogue. AND another blonde MMC that is hitting all the green flags.
Totally recommend if you’re into dual POV, quiet but decisive MMC, under appreciated superstar FMC, hockey & workplace romances, second chances, found family, and best friend’s sister trope.
Note: Thank you to the author for sharing this eARC with me.
Lots of spicy scenes but tastefully done
Totally has me jumping on the hockey romance bandwagon!! This was exactly the book I needed after finishing off-campus.
Both MCs are so incredibly loveable, you are cheering them on since the prequel. Ryan is the calm, cool, collected Captain of a new hockey team, and Maren is the fiery but sweet new Director of Sports Medicine for the same team, who also happens to be his best friend’s sister. Of course, it was trouble from the very beginning, but the yearning, stolen glances, and every hidden moment were top notch. I swear I spent half my time squealing in delight every time they moved things along.
Teammates were amazing and so was her bff Paige and her parents. Fav teammate besides Ryan? Obviously, Cole is hilarious. Great pacing, written well, mini 3rd act breakup, and perfect epilogue. AND another blonde MMC that is hitting all the green flags.
Totally recommend if you’re into dual POV, quiet but decisive MMC, under appreciated superstar FMC, hockey & workplace romances, second chances, found family, and best friend’s sister trope.
Note: Thank you to the author for sharing this eARC with me.
August 12, 2026
Advance Reader copy book from the Author.
This is a new to me Author. This book was sweet.
Ryan is traded to a new team in Arizona. He’s adjusting to the weather a new team. He’s also the captain of the hockey team. Along with his best friend Griffin. He’s observant poised. But the moment he sees Maren his best friend sister he is doing everything in his power to stay his away.. it all started with one kiss.
Maren is their team Physical therapist Griffins little sister.
Who has a major crush for Ryan for nine years. But swore off getting close to anyone or being in a relationship after a bad break up. It starts off with one kiss. One thing leads to another and she’s falling. Until Griffin finds out.
Ryan and Maren are both super sweet. Him calling her cute Swedish names of endearments swoon. They do go through all of the obstacles to keep it a secret, try not to fall for each other. But they do they get their beautiful HEA.
This is a new to me Author. This book was sweet.
Ryan is traded to a new team in Arizona. He’s adjusting to the weather a new team. He’s also the captain of the hockey team. Along with his best friend Griffin. He’s observant poised. But the moment he sees Maren his best friend sister he is doing everything in his power to stay his away.. it all started with one kiss.
Maren is their team Physical therapist Griffins little sister.
Who has a major crush for Ryan for nine years. But swore off getting close to anyone or being in a relationship after a bad break up. It starts off with one kiss. One thing leads to another and she’s falling. Until Griffin finds out.
Ryan and Maren are both super sweet. Him calling her cute Swedish names of endearments swoon. They do go through all of the obstacles to keep it a secret, try not to fall for each other. But they do they get their beautiful HEA.
August 8, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐️ | 🔥🔥🔥
Maren is practical. She has the career, the drive, and the opportunity of a lifetime to prove herself in a field dominated by men—and she’s damn good at her job. Her downfall? She’s spent her life being taught not to want too much, not to take up too much space, and to stay quietly in the background. In not so many words, women are meant to be seen and not heard.
Until Ryan.
Everything about Ryan screams off-limits. He’s her brother’s best friend. They’ve known each other for nine years, and while there was one fleeting moment between them all those years ago, nothing ever came of it. Now, Ryan is the captain of the town’s new hockey team—the same team where Maren has just landed a lead sports therapy position. If they pursue anything between them, Maren knows exactly what people will assume: that she got where she is because of him.
Ryan, though, isn’t quite what you’d expect. Athletic? Obviously. But he’s also incredibly stoic. He was raised to believe that words have meaning and should only be spoken when they’re true. He came to town to lead his new team alongside his best friend, Griff, who transferred with him after nine years as his roommate and teammate. Their bond is built on faith, loyalty, and reliability. The expectations between them have always been clear.
Then everything starts to shift.
Ryan is welcomed with open arms into the Callahan family’s Sunday dinners, putting him right back in Maren’s orbit. Griff is his best friend. Maren is Griff’s sister—and now Ryan’s sports therapist. That moment between Ryan and Maren nine years ago was supposed to be nothing more than a fleeting memory…until they’re suddenly spending nearly every day together and realizing maybe it wasn’t so fleeting after all.
The attraction becomes impossible to ignore, and eventually they decide to give it another chance. Secretly, of course. Maren refuses to let their relationship affect the career she’s worked so hard for, and they both know Griff would absolutely not approve. They have every intention of eventually laying everything out on the table—but like all well-thought-out plans, a wrench gets thrown in.
Griff discovers their secret first.
This book had just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting. 🔥 I loved the secret, second-chance romance that nobody anticipated—including the main characters themselves. There’s ambition, camaraderie, loyalty, overcoming expectations, and love all wrapped up in a sports romance built around new beginnings.
Maren learning that she’s allowed to want more for herself, while Ryan proves that when he finally does say something, he means every damn word, made their dynamic work so well.
A sweet, spicy hockey romance with forbidden tension, brother’s-best-friend drama, and two people realizing that maybe the thing they walked away from nine years ago deserved a second chance after all.
Maren is practical. She has the career, the drive, and the opportunity of a lifetime to prove herself in a field dominated by men—and she’s damn good at her job. Her downfall? She’s spent her life being taught not to want too much, not to take up too much space, and to stay quietly in the background. In not so many words, women are meant to be seen and not heard.
Until Ryan.
Everything about Ryan screams off-limits. He’s her brother’s best friend. They’ve known each other for nine years, and while there was one fleeting moment between them all those years ago, nothing ever came of it. Now, Ryan is the captain of the town’s new hockey team—the same team where Maren has just landed a lead sports therapy position. If they pursue anything between them, Maren knows exactly what people will assume: that she got where she is because of him.
Ryan, though, isn’t quite what you’d expect. Athletic? Obviously. But he’s also incredibly stoic. He was raised to believe that words have meaning and should only be spoken when they’re true. He came to town to lead his new team alongside his best friend, Griff, who transferred with him after nine years as his roommate and teammate. Their bond is built on faith, loyalty, and reliability. The expectations between them have always been clear.
Then everything starts to shift.
Ryan is welcomed with open arms into the Callahan family’s Sunday dinners, putting him right back in Maren’s orbit. Griff is his best friend. Maren is Griff’s sister—and now Ryan’s sports therapist. That moment between Ryan and Maren nine years ago was supposed to be nothing more than a fleeting memory…until they’re suddenly spending nearly every day together and realizing maybe it wasn’t so fleeting after all.
The attraction becomes impossible to ignore, and eventually they decide to give it another chance. Secretly, of course. Maren refuses to let their relationship affect the career she’s worked so hard for, and they both know Griff would absolutely not approve. They have every intention of eventually laying everything out on the table—but like all well-thought-out plans, a wrench gets thrown in.
Griff discovers their secret first.
This book had just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting. 🔥 I loved the secret, second-chance romance that nobody anticipated—including the main characters themselves. There’s ambition, camaraderie, loyalty, overcoming expectations, and love all wrapped up in a sports romance built around new beginnings.
Maren learning that she’s allowed to want more for herself, while Ryan proves that when he finally does say something, he means every damn word, made their dynamic work so well.
A sweet, spicy hockey romance with forbidden tension, brother’s-best-friend drama, and two people realizing that maybe the thing they walked away from nine years ago deserved a second chance after all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes the one person you can’t have is the one person you can’t stop wanting. 🏒❤️
Overview
Nine years have passed since they last saw each other. Ryan’s now Captain of the Phoenix Sidewinders and Maren’s still completely off-limits. Not only is Maren Ryan's best friend's sister, but she’s also the team's new physical therapist. Will they be able to keep their hands professional?
The Verdict
Offside was the perfect follow-up from the prequel In the Crease. While it’s not essential to read before starting this adventure, I HIGHLY recommend it.
Offside was a breath of fresh air and ticked so many boxes. There was a refreshing amount of communication, just the right amount of ice hockey for it to still be classified as ‘sports literature’, and a beautiful level of secrecy and scandal.
Ryan is the perfect gentleman and is the newest member of the ‘book boyfriend’ club; he even has significantly fewer red flags than many of the other members. Being the Captain usually means you’re a bit of an arse, especially because the team was built around him, but he is not arrogant or obnoxious at all.
Maren is good at what she does and is finally getting the recognition she deserves. It was so nice to see this highlighted. Such a great ❤️Girl Power❤️ moment.
Now, let’s talk spice. 🔥 The chemistry hits the ground running. It’s touched on in the prequel, but it IGNITES in Offside, and I was there for every single second. 🥵
Some sentences and phrases were written in Swedish - our main man's native tongue. 😉 Even so, I did not need to use the translator app once because the translation was beautifully woven into the story.
It lost half a star for me because of some errors in consistency, e.g., changing the day of the week partway through a continuous scene. This made some moments confusing, but I'm hoping it is ironed out in the final edit. I am unable to post a half-star rating, so I’ve rounded up to 5 ⭐. Offside really deserves to be shared and enjoyed amongst all sports literature fans. 🏒
Thank you, Amy, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this as an Advanced Reader Copy.
Power Play (Book 2) cannot come out soon enough!
Tropes to Expect
- Sports Romance
- Brothers Best friend
- Slow burn
- Second chance romance
- Workplace romance
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5 – purely for the sheer volume of it 🥵
Consumed via: Ebook - ARC edition
POV: Dual – FMC and MMC
Series: Phoenix Sidewinders Hockey - Book 1
Overview
Nine years have passed since they last saw each other. Ryan’s now Captain of the Phoenix Sidewinders and Maren’s still completely off-limits. Not only is Maren Ryan's best friend's sister, but she’s also the team's new physical therapist. Will they be able to keep their hands professional?
The Verdict
Offside was the perfect follow-up from the prequel In the Crease. While it’s not essential to read before starting this adventure, I HIGHLY recommend it.
Offside was a breath of fresh air and ticked so many boxes. There was a refreshing amount of communication, just the right amount of ice hockey for it to still be classified as ‘sports literature’, and a beautiful level of secrecy and scandal.
Ryan is the perfect gentleman and is the newest member of the ‘book boyfriend’ club; he even has significantly fewer red flags than many of the other members. Being the Captain usually means you’re a bit of an arse, especially because the team was built around him, but he is not arrogant or obnoxious at all.
Maren is good at what she does and is finally getting the recognition she deserves. It was so nice to see this highlighted. Such a great ❤️Girl Power❤️ moment.
Now, let’s talk spice. 🔥 The chemistry hits the ground running. It’s touched on in the prequel, but it IGNITES in Offside, and I was there for every single second. 🥵
Some sentences and phrases were written in Swedish - our main man's native tongue. 😉 Even so, I did not need to use the translator app once because the translation was beautifully woven into the story.
It lost half a star for me because of some errors in consistency, e.g., changing the day of the week partway through a continuous scene. This made some moments confusing, but I'm hoping it is ironed out in the final edit. I am unable to post a half-star rating, so I’ve rounded up to 5 ⭐. Offside really deserves to be shared and enjoyed amongst all sports literature fans. 🏒
Thank you, Amy, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this as an Advanced Reader Copy.
Power Play (Book 2) cannot come out soon enough!
Tropes to Expect
- Sports Romance
- Brothers Best friend
- Slow burn
- Second chance romance
- Workplace romance
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5 – purely for the sheer volume of it 🥵
Consumed via: Ebook - ARC edition
POV: Dual – FMC and MMC
Series: Phoenix Sidewinders Hockey - Book 1
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW | OFFSIDES by Amy Briggs
I love a hockey romance. Seriously, it’s comfort reading for me. It’s that go-to trope that feels like home.
The downside? When you read a LOT of hockey romance, they can start to feel predictable and blend together.
Offsides by Amy Briggs was different.
I knew pretty quickly that I was going to be ALL IN on this series.
Have you ever met someone and felt that instant connection? That little spark that tells you this person could be something more?
Years ago, Ryan and Maren shared one unforgettable night by a lake. A sweatshirt. Brief touches. Stolen moments holding hands. Nothing huge happened, yet somehow everything happened.
They both wanted more.
But Ryan was Maren’s brother’s best friend and preparing to enter the NHL Draft. Instead of finding out where that spark could lead, they walked away with only the memories of that night.
Fast forward years later...
Ryan is now the captain of the NHL’s newest expansion team, the Phoenix Sidewinders.
Maren is a department head working with the organization.
And that connection?
STILL. THERE.
Except now their relationship is very much forbidden. She's the medical team department head. He is her goalie brother's best friend.
Ryan is absolutely swoon-worthy, while Maren’s journey is about learning to trust, love, and refuse to settle for being someone’s secret. Their romance is filled with sweet moments, chemistry, longing, and some genuinely wonderful character growth. And the couple that reads together stays together. Who doesn't want to read a book with a bookstore date?
And as a hockey fan, I really appreciated the balance of the sports side of the story. There’s enough hockey to keep actual hockey fans entertained without overwhelming readers who are here primarily for the romance.
But one of my FAVORITE things?
The supporting characters.
They’re so well written that I finished this book already wanting their individual stories. Amy Briggs, I’m ready for the entire Phoenix Sidewinders roster.
If you love the sports romances of Liz Tomforde or Becka Mack, put Offsides on your TBR.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Brother’s Best Friend
Forbidden Romance
Second Chance / Missed Connection NHL Team Captain
He Falls Hard
NHLExpansion Team
Spicy Romance - spice level 3
Coming September 17th
Available to preorder now
Thank you, Amy Briggs, for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I love a hockey romance. Seriously, it’s comfort reading for me. It’s that go-to trope that feels like home.
The downside? When you read a LOT of hockey romance, they can start to feel predictable and blend together.
Offsides by Amy Briggs was different.
I knew pretty quickly that I was going to be ALL IN on this series.
Have you ever met someone and felt that instant connection? That little spark that tells you this person could be something more?
Years ago, Ryan and Maren shared one unforgettable night by a lake. A sweatshirt. Brief touches. Stolen moments holding hands. Nothing huge happened, yet somehow everything happened.
They both wanted more.
But Ryan was Maren’s brother’s best friend and preparing to enter the NHL Draft. Instead of finding out where that spark could lead, they walked away with only the memories of that night.
Fast forward years later...
Ryan is now the captain of the NHL’s newest expansion team, the Phoenix Sidewinders.
Maren is a department head working with the organization.
And that connection?
STILL. THERE.
Except now their relationship is very much forbidden. She's the medical team department head. He is her goalie brother's best friend.
Ryan is absolutely swoon-worthy, while Maren’s journey is about learning to trust, love, and refuse to settle for being someone’s secret. Their romance is filled with sweet moments, chemistry, longing, and some genuinely wonderful character growth. And the couple that reads together stays together. Who doesn't want to read a book with a bookstore date?
And as a hockey fan, I really appreciated the balance of the sports side of the story. There’s enough hockey to keep actual hockey fans entertained without overwhelming readers who are here primarily for the romance.
But one of my FAVORITE things?
The supporting characters.
They’re so well written that I finished this book already wanting their individual stories. Amy Briggs, I’m ready for the entire Phoenix Sidewinders roster.
If you love the sports romances of Liz Tomforde or Becka Mack, put Offsides on your TBR.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Brother’s Best Friend
Forbidden Romance
Second Chance / Missed Connection NHL Team Captain
He Falls Hard
NHLExpansion Team
Spicy Romance - spice level 3
Coming September 17th
Available to preorder now
Thank you, Amy Briggs, for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book picks up 9 years later after the first meet between Ryan and Maren. You can read about the first time they meet in the novella, "In the Crease". Ryan gets traded to a new hockey team in Phoenix with his best friend Griffen. He is the face of the new Sidewinders team and they are building a whole new team in a new town. Bonus is Maren, the girl he can't stop thinking of still 9 years later. Maren gets a new job with the Sidewinders as the Medical Director. She is professional, even when her brother's hot best friend joins the team. Will the spark from 9 years ago burn? Or will it just be a dream.
This book is a slow burn read. It is full of heat and passion. The fallout of the forbidden is not as explosive as I would have thought, but it was great. The chemistry between Maren and Ryan is magnetic. It doesn't matter how much time passes, they still feel the pull. I love how the book has so much togetherness in it. Between Griffins family and the team dynamics, it really shows what family and loyalty is all about. I love how this book is about building up this new team and proving to Phoenix that they belong.
The supporting characters are introduced in this book and I have to say it is going to be a very interesting series. Each player has a unique personality which the author does an excellent job introducing into the story. I believe that Eli will be the next book's focal point and I can't wait. I love stories about single parents.
Overall this book is a great start to a new hockey romance. It has a great build up momentum going on. The only negative part I found that bothered me was the confusion on some of the timeline effects. Nothing major just some spots I thought did not fit properly in the timeline, but it did not deter from the book. I love hockey romance and this book is a great one. I think that Amy Briggs is going to do this hockey romance right.
This book is a slow burn read. It is full of heat and passion. The fallout of the forbidden is not as explosive as I would have thought, but it was great. The chemistry between Maren and Ryan is magnetic. It doesn't matter how much time passes, they still feel the pull. I love how the book has so much togetherness in it. Between Griffins family and the team dynamics, it really shows what family and loyalty is all about. I love how this book is about building up this new team and proving to Phoenix that they belong.
The supporting characters are introduced in this book and I have to say it is going to be a very interesting series. Each player has a unique personality which the author does an excellent job introducing into the story. I believe that Eli will be the next book's focal point and I can't wait. I love stories about single parents.
Overall this book is a great start to a new hockey romance. It has a great build up momentum going on. The only negative part I found that bothered me was the confusion on some of the timeline effects. Nothing major just some spots I thought did not fit properly in the timeline, but it did not deter from the book. I love hockey romance and this book is a great one. I think that Amy Briggs is going to do this hockey romance right.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 Stars
Spice 3 chili peppers
NHL Hockey
Best Friends sister
He Falls First?
Second Chance Romance
Found Family vibes
A New Team, Friends Reunited, and the One Who Got Away
In this first book of the series, college best friends are reunited on a new expansion team, the Phoenix Sidewinders. Many know the stakes are high to win over the scorned hockey fans. Griffin and Ryan set the tone as goalie and captain and have a motley crew of teammates with much personality. This new team also brings Maren and Ryan into the same city and building. When Maren literally runs into what she thinks is a wall, she discovers that she has found Ryan, her brother’s best friend and her line not crossed in college. She realizes that those feelings were simmering below the surface. Their connection is hard to ignore. A few glances and lingering touch that sear. Can she just do her job without crossing the line?
Ryan is drafted to a new team who are making him the solid center and captain. He also gets to be on the same team as his best friend. He sees the team roster and staff list and his heart stops…Maren Callahan. He recalls that weekend in college that she visited. He did not cross the line then. He will see her more since they are in the same city and building. Can he keep his head and heart in line?
Briggs gives her readers a strong, capable FMC who knows what she wants, a brawn Swedish/American MMC, and a protective older brother. This series gives Off Campus vibes but a more mature version. You do not need to be a hockey fan to enjoy this one. If you are missing hockey, this one is a slapshot goal. I can’t wait to see more of the Sidewinder’s stories. Thanks @ Amy Briggs for the Advanced Copy.
Spice 3 chili peppers
NHL Hockey
Best Friends sister
He Falls First?
Second Chance Romance
Found Family vibes
A New Team, Friends Reunited, and the One Who Got Away
In this first book of the series, college best friends are reunited on a new expansion team, the Phoenix Sidewinders. Many know the stakes are high to win over the scorned hockey fans. Griffin and Ryan set the tone as goalie and captain and have a motley crew of teammates with much personality. This new team also brings Maren and Ryan into the same city and building. When Maren literally runs into what she thinks is a wall, she discovers that she has found Ryan, her brother’s best friend and her line not crossed in college. She realizes that those feelings were simmering below the surface. Their connection is hard to ignore. A few glances and lingering touch that sear. Can she just do her job without crossing the line?
Ryan is drafted to a new team who are making him the solid center and captain. He also gets to be on the same team as his best friend. He sees the team roster and staff list and his heart stops…Maren Callahan. He recalls that weekend in college that she visited. He did not cross the line then. He will see her more since they are in the same city and building. Can he keep his head and heart in line?
Briggs gives her readers a strong, capable FMC who knows what she wants, a brawn Swedish/American MMC, and a protective older brother. This series gives Off Campus vibes but a more mature version. You do not need to be a hockey fan to enjoy this one. If you are missing hockey, this one is a slapshot goal. I can’t wait to see more of the Sidewinder’s stories. Thanks @ Amy Briggs for the Advanced Copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book Tropes: Hockey Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Forbidden Romance
Second Chance / Missed Connection NHL Team Captain, He Falls Hard
NHLExpansion Team.
Ryan Lindqvist, 32, was recently traded from the Minnesota NHL Hockey team to the new Phoenix Sidewinders Team. Ryan grew up in the Minnesota area. He loves the ice, cold, and wind. He knows going to Phoenix will be great for his career but, he isn't sure about the heat and the desert.
Ryan's best friend is Griffin Callahan, goalie who was also traded to the Phoenix Sidewinders teams. Griffin has a sister, Maren, 27, who is in sports medicine. She has also been offered a job with the Phoenix Sidewinders team as the new Director of Sports Medicine for the team. She will be making sure the team stays functional, injury prevention, rehab, coordinating with the Dr's., day to day maintance. Ryan had met Maren years ago when she was 18, a senior in high school, but they haven't been around each other since. Now, that they will be working together on the same team, things might have changed.
Maren, loves that her brother Griffin is back in Phoenix, and he's back with the family and so close. But she doesn't like that she has to keep her relationship with Ryan from her brother, from her family. She wants to be with Ryan, but, they can't be 'out' due to their jobs with the NHL team.
Throughout the story, we kept reading, I held his gaze for 2 seconds. I looked at her for 3 seconds. I stared at her / him for 30 seconds and looked away. I stood next to him / her for 30 seconds, time seemed to stand still. It seemed like we read that every few pages.
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book from the Author Amy Briggs. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
Second Chance / Missed Connection NHL Team Captain, He Falls Hard
NHLExpansion Team.
Ryan Lindqvist, 32, was recently traded from the Minnesota NHL Hockey team to the new Phoenix Sidewinders Team. Ryan grew up in the Minnesota area. He loves the ice, cold, and wind. He knows going to Phoenix will be great for his career but, he isn't sure about the heat and the desert.
Ryan's best friend is Griffin Callahan, goalie who was also traded to the Phoenix Sidewinders teams. Griffin has a sister, Maren, 27, who is in sports medicine. She has also been offered a job with the Phoenix Sidewinders team as the new Director of Sports Medicine for the team. She will be making sure the team stays functional, injury prevention, rehab, coordinating with the Dr's., day to day maintance. Ryan had met Maren years ago when she was 18, a senior in high school, but they haven't been around each other since. Now, that they will be working together on the same team, things might have changed.
Maren, loves that her brother Griffin is back in Phoenix, and he's back with the family and so close. But she doesn't like that she has to keep her relationship with Ryan from her brother, from her family. She wants to be with Ryan, but, they can't be 'out' due to their jobs with the NHL team.
Throughout the story, we kept reading, I held his gaze for 2 seconds. I looked at her for 3 seconds. I stared at her / him for 30 seconds and looked away. I stood next to him / her for 30 seconds, time seemed to stand still. It seemed like we read that every few pages.
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book from the Author Amy Briggs. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
August 2, 2026
I received my copy of Offsides as an arc from the author.
The chemistry between the fmc and mmc was fantasizing , you could feel it in the prequel novella and it just continued to grow throughout this book. This is a slow burn sports romance, but luckily the slow burn started in the prequel, so it didn’t feel too slow. The spice was well done, and added to the story, it didn’t feel like it was just there to check a box. The story line was really well done, it kept my interest throughout the entire book. The character develop,ent was really well done, not just for the main characters but also the supporting characters, I feel like this sets us up for the next book in this series.
I find that in a lot of sports romances the mmc is super possessive, Ryan was to a point, but also was continually building up Maren’s confidence, knowing she was in a bad relationship previously. He was very thoughtful and romantic through their entire relationship.
Maren was a smart and strong fmc, and ended up standing up for what she through was right. She grew and learned that she was worth it in the end. It was really nice to see her character grow. I find that I’m a lot of books the fmc’s feel one note, Maren felt multidimensional and grew throughout the book, making her character stronger and very likeable.
The sports reference were well done in my option, without being too technical or heavy, you definitely can enjoy this book even if you have no prior knowledge about hockey.
Overall the book was super enjoyable to read and I can definitely see myself reading it again to get ready for the next book when it’s released. I can’t wait to see how this series develops.
The chemistry between the fmc and mmc was fantasizing , you could feel it in the prequel novella and it just continued to grow throughout this book. This is a slow burn sports romance, but luckily the slow burn started in the prequel, so it didn’t feel too slow. The spice was well done, and added to the story, it didn’t feel like it was just there to check a box. The story line was really well done, it kept my interest throughout the entire book. The character develop,ent was really well done, not just for the main characters but also the supporting characters, I feel like this sets us up for the next book in this series.
I find that in a lot of sports romances the mmc is super possessive, Ryan was to a point, but also was continually building up Maren’s confidence, knowing she was in a bad relationship previously. He was very thoughtful and romantic through their entire relationship.
Maren was a smart and strong fmc, and ended up standing up for what she through was right. She grew and learned that she was worth it in the end. It was really nice to see her character grow. I find that I’m a lot of books the fmc’s feel one note, Maren felt multidimensional and grew throughout the book, making her character stronger and very likeable.
The sports reference were well done in my option, without being too technical or heavy, you definitely can enjoy this book even if you have no prior knowledge about hockey.
Overall the book was super enjoyable to read and I can definitely see myself reading it again to get ready for the next book when it’s released. I can’t wait to see how this series develops.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an ARC from Amy.
Nine years ago, a college hockey player met his friend and team mates younger sister. A moment was had between the two but it wasnt the right time. Fast forward to present day, professional hockey player Ryan is moving to Phoenix to the new franchise who is focusing on him for their re-entry into the world of hockey. His best friend Griffin, since college, is the new goaltender for the team and back home in Phoenix. Ryan is happy to see Maren, Griffin's sister, after 9 years. he has thought about this moment for a very long time. Maren is the new medical director for the Sidewinders and she is good at her job. She is also excited to work with her brother and see Ryan after all these years. Maren is a professional to a fault but when working on Ryan, she cant help be squeal like a teenager on the inside bc he is hawt! Ryan joins Griffin at his parents for sunday dinners and it gets him the chance to know Maren better outside of work. A brief moment in the kitchen after dinner has them both thinking of each other and one day when Ryan drives Maren home after a night our with the team, he kisses her. They decide to keep their newfound romance under wraps because of Griffen but also because of Maren's job. She doesnt want ppl to talk that she got it being with a player. Sneaking around for months, feelings are caught and scared of the reprecussions when everyone finds out, esp Griffin. Ryan doesnt want to hide it anymore as he is all in but Maren is saving face because she knows what would happen. Drama, lies by omission, hot sexy times, and waiting nine years makes this a great read!
Nine years ago, a college hockey player met his friend and team mates younger sister. A moment was had between the two but it wasnt the right time. Fast forward to present day, professional hockey player Ryan is moving to Phoenix to the new franchise who is focusing on him for their re-entry into the world of hockey. His best friend Griffin, since college, is the new goaltender for the team and back home in Phoenix. Ryan is happy to see Maren, Griffin's sister, after 9 years. he has thought about this moment for a very long time. Maren is the new medical director for the Sidewinders and she is good at her job. She is also excited to work with her brother and see Ryan after all these years. Maren is a professional to a fault but when working on Ryan, she cant help be squeal like a teenager on the inside bc he is hawt! Ryan joins Griffin at his parents for sunday dinners and it gets him the chance to know Maren better outside of work. A brief moment in the kitchen after dinner has them both thinking of each other and one day when Ryan drives Maren home after a night our with the team, he kisses her. They decide to keep their newfound romance under wraps because of Griffen but also because of Maren's job. She doesnt want ppl to talk that she got it being with a player. Sneaking around for months, feelings are caught and scared of the reprecussions when everyone finds out, esp Griffin. Ryan doesnt want to hide it anymore as he is all in but Maren is saving face because she knows what would happen. Drama, lies by omission, hot sexy times, and waiting nine years makes this a great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Amy Briggs, for the ARC of Offside–release date–September 17th, 2026.
I will definitely be back to read the rest of the Sidewinders hockey crew. While I enjoyed the romance between Ryan and Maren’s story, what really stood out to me was how Briggs set up the rest of the team’s stories. I am intrigued to say the least.
This is a brother’s best friend OR best friend’s sister romance set in the world of professional hockey. The Phoenix Sidewinders are an expansion team, so it struck a little different from the start. This was a team just starting out with Ryan at the core of it. It was great getting to know the other players at the same time as Ryan did. Maren is the new director of sports medicine–her dream job. Of course, the man she crushed on as a young 18-year-old is Ryan–the new heart of the team. Luckily for her, he crushed right back but has done nothing about it for 8 years.
What follows is the two of them trying to navigate those feelings. I really enjoyed the vibe and feeling of the book. My one issue is mine alone–not the author’s. The secret romances are getting harder and harder for me to read because I am too nervous about the fallout the whole time and not as able to enjoy all the lovely romance, and seriously, Ryan is VERY romantic!
I will say it was handled much better than I have seen in other books, and I loved that the friendship between Ryan and Griffin was a big part of the story and not just an afterthought.
Looking forward to Eli’s book!
August 6, 2026
This being the first of this series and I am HOOKED!
I read the prequel novella and it had NOTHING on this! I absolutely love Maren, and I am loving the relationship between her and Ryan. Their chemistry starts building in the prequel and carries over so naturally that it feels like no time has passed at all. The connection between them is undeniable, and the slow burn was done perfectly—enough tension to keep me desperate for more without dragging things out too long.
I also loved the strong team-family dynamic. Everyone feels so close, and that sense of loyalty and found family added so much warmth to the story.
You first see these two in the prequel novella and the steam builds in that book and continues as if there was no time, the chemistry is undeniable from the beginning and the slow burn is real and luckily not too slow.
Maren’s family was another highlight for me. Her parents were supportive, loving, and exactly the kind of people she needed in her corner. And Griffin was the definition of an overprotective big brother, which I absolutely loved.
One of my favorite parts of Briggs’s writing is the way she gives her FMCs genuine growth. Maren’s journey was emotional, transformative, and incredibly satisfying to watch. She doesn’t stay the same person she was at the beginning, and I loved every step of her development.
Between the chemistry, the slow burn, the family dynamics, and Maren’s character growth, this was such a strong start to the series. I’m completely invested and already ready for more
I read the prequel novella and it had NOTHING on this! I absolutely love Maren, and I am loving the relationship between her and Ryan. Their chemistry starts building in the prequel and carries over so naturally that it feels like no time has passed at all. The connection between them is undeniable, and the slow burn was done perfectly—enough tension to keep me desperate for more without dragging things out too long.
I also loved the strong team-family dynamic. Everyone feels so close, and that sense of loyalty and found family added so much warmth to the story.
You first see these two in the prequel novella and the steam builds in that book and continues as if there was no time, the chemistry is undeniable from the beginning and the slow burn is real and luckily not too slow.
Maren’s family was another highlight for me. Her parents were supportive, loving, and exactly the kind of people she needed in her corner. And Griffin was the definition of an overprotective big brother, which I absolutely loved.
One of my favorite parts of Briggs’s writing is the way she gives her FMCs genuine growth. Maren’s journey was emotional, transformative, and incredibly satisfying to watch. She doesn’t stay the same person she was at the beginning, and I loved every step of her development.
Between the chemistry, the slow burn, the family dynamics, and Maren’s character growth, this was such a strong start to the series. I’m completely invested and already ready for more
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been excited about this book since I met Amy at the Tulsa book signing. She told me about her upcoming hockey romance and I was sold. I am in my hockey era for sure. I read her preqel In the Crease and fell in love with Ryan and Maren's characters in the book. Ryan was such a gentleman trying to respect his friendship with his best friend by keeping away from Maren. He spent years wanting her but also respecting her and his friendship. When they are both thrown together with work and life, sparks continue to fly like they did years ago. No matter how much they tried to keep things professional the heart wants what the heart wants. Ryan is so gentle and patient with Maren. He knows what he wants in the relationship and her gives Maren the time and space to figure out what she wants. Even when things get wild and crazy with typical relationship drama. He proves that he is in this for the long haul. Maren also wants him to show that he is in it. They have a great working dynamic as well as relationship dynamic. They are two halves of a whole. The love and respect they both have is chefs kiss. This book got me so excited for what is to come from this series. The book had everything you could love. Amy did an incredible job at developing the characters and making you want to know more and fall in love with them. If you love hockey romance, I highley recommend you give this one a chance. It is totally worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Offside was such a good first installment in The Sidewinder series. I love this set up of all the characters.To where, once again, you can see the tropes of the next book or the next main characters.I'm also a sucker for if a MMC speaks another language and calls the FMC something else in another language, especially if she has to figure out what it is and what it means.There were times where it did come off a little clunky but I'm willing to overlook it because it was kind of hot.
I knew going in that it would be very predictable based on the tropes and I kind of knew where the plot was going based on again how familiar with the genre and these kinds of tropes I am. The tension it created between the brother and the MMC was really fun to explore. Sometimes in these tropes you don't see the conflict between the best friend of the brother and the brother himself when the secret is revealed and how it wasn't just a few pages of tension but it was built up and conversed about openly in a way that made sense to the plot.
I was surprised that Maren really stood up for herself with her brother at least. All these insecurities about their relationship came to a head which made the conflict feel real and grounded especially as this is a thing they were worried about all throughout the novel. While it wasn't the most groundbreaking thing I've ever read. I would definitely enjoy the next one in the series and I'm excited to see where Amy Briggs goes in the future.
I knew going in that it would be very predictable based on the tropes and I kind of knew where the plot was going based on again how familiar with the genre and these kinds of tropes I am. The tension it created between the brother and the MMC was really fun to explore. Sometimes in these tropes you don't see the conflict between the best friend of the brother and the brother himself when the secret is revealed and how it wasn't just a few pages of tension but it was built up and conversed about openly in a way that made sense to the plot.
I was surprised that Maren really stood up for herself with her brother at least. All these insecurities about their relationship came to a head which made the conflict feel real and grounded especially as this is a thing they were worried about all throughout the novel. While it wasn't the most groundbreaking thing I've ever read. I would definitely enjoy the next one in the series and I'm excited to see where Amy Briggs goes in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
ARC read, thank you to the author for an early copy.
This was a bit of a tough one to rate, I found it quite difficult to get into at first but then loved the second half. There’s a lot of inner monologue and I’d have liked a little more show and a little less tell when it came to Maren and Ryan’s relationship, particularly the emotional side.
Maren and Ryan are clearly meant to be together. They’ve both been holding a secret torch for each other for nine years until they find themselves both working for the same hockey team, Ryan as its captain and Maren as its Director of Sports Medicine. Their relationship is all sorts of off-limits - she’s his best friend’s sister, they work together - but they’re just inevitable.
The spice is great, they have great chemistry and you can definitely feel the longing when they’ve been apart.
I love the wider cast of characters, especially Cole. There’s just something about a joker with a deep side that calls to me and I can’t wait for his (presumed) book. And the way they were all not only supremely unbothered by the relationship, but were even taking bets on when they’d get together, added some much needed levity to what could have been a really tough situation.
A bit like Phoenix, I was a little slow to warm up to the Sidewinders but am now well and truly invested!
🌶️🌶️.5/5
ARC read, thank you to the author for an early copy.
This was a bit of a tough one to rate, I found it quite difficult to get into at first but then loved the second half. There’s a lot of inner monologue and I’d have liked a little more show and a little less tell when it came to Maren and Ryan’s relationship, particularly the emotional side.
Maren and Ryan are clearly meant to be together. They’ve both been holding a secret torch for each other for nine years until they find themselves both working for the same hockey team, Ryan as its captain and Maren as its Director of Sports Medicine. Their relationship is all sorts of off-limits - she’s his best friend’s sister, they work together - but they’re just inevitable.
The spice is great, they have great chemistry and you can definitely feel the longing when they’ve been apart.
I love the wider cast of characters, especially Cole. There’s just something about a joker with a deep side that calls to me and I can’t wait for his (presumed) book. And the way they were all not only supremely unbothered by the relationship, but were even taking bets on when they’d get together, added some much needed levity to what could have been a really tough situation.
A bit like Phoenix, I was a little slow to warm up to the Sidewinders but am now well and truly invested!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 out of 5 stars. I absolutely loved this one! After the prequel, I was hooked on Ryan and Maren and just their overall story. They absolutely lived up to my expectations. This story has so many of my favorite tropes, brothers best friend, brothers teammate, forbidden, second chance, and just the overall it’s always been you feeling.
Ryan and Maren just fit together, I don’t even really know how to describe it any different than that. They were exactly what the other needed, a source of comfort, confidence, and a safe place to call home. Ryan especially stole my heart. He was such a great listener, always showed up when it mattered most, and made it so easy to understand why Maren loved him. Their chemistry, the longing between them, and all of the angst made it impossible to not love them.
I am so so sooo excited to see where this series goes. I already love the concept, and the found family already from the first book has me invested. Sign me up. Somehow I am already attached to everyone even as a side character. Cole, Theo, Eli, just everyone, every last one. I need their books so I can get more insight to all of them as characters. I just cannot wait to see what’s next!
Thank you to Amy for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ryan and Maren just fit together, I don’t even really know how to describe it any different than that. They were exactly what the other needed, a source of comfort, confidence, and a safe place to call home. Ryan especially stole my heart. He was such a great listener, always showed up when it mattered most, and made it so easy to understand why Maren loved him. Their chemistry, the longing between them, and all of the angst made it impossible to not love them.
I am so so sooo excited to see where this series goes. I already love the concept, and the found family already from the first book has me invested. Sign me up. Somehow I am already attached to everyone even as a side character. Cole, Theo, Eli, just everyone, every last one. I need their books so I can get more insight to all of them as characters. I just cannot wait to see what’s next!
Thank you to Amy for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hockey romance with brother’s best friend and co workers falling in love? Yes please! Offside features Ryan, an NHL hockey player, who with his best friend from college Griffin will be playing on the Sidewinders hockey team in Arizona. Griffins’s sister, Maren, will be working with them as the Director of Sports Medicine for the team. Maren and Ryan had met almost a decade before when she had visited Griffin in college. Back then Ryan had felt a pull towards Maren but didn’t pursue it because she was younger than him and his best friend’s sister. When they meet again he can no longer ignore what he’s feeling towards her. Then it becomes a battle to keep it a secret from the team, the organization and the one who will be most hurt, Griffin. Of course it all explodes when Griffin finds out. Ryan is an awesome book boyfriend, a golden retriever who takes care of what’s his. Maren has been hurt before by a boyfriend that made her feel small and Ryan does everything he can to let her know that she matters. There is a lot of love between him and Maren before they even recognize it. This was a good book that kept me engaged even if it was predictable. I enjoyed Ryan immensely but am really looking forward to more with Griffin and hopefully another book with Cole.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Offside is a fantastic start to the new Phoenix Sidewinders hockey series!
As an Arizona native, I loved all the Phoenix references and hockey being back in the desert, even if it’s only fictional!
Offside is all about second chances. A new expansion team in Arizona that Ryan was chosen to lead as captain, an opportunity to play again with his best friend/college roommate and goalie, Griffin, and a second chance to be with the one woman he couldn’t forget for the last 9 years, Maren. Maren was hired by the team to lead their sports medicine department as the Director.
Ryan and Maren gave me all the feels! I am obsessed with them as individuals and together as a couple! Ryan is a strong leader, thoughtful and kind and he is in an impossible situation falling for his best friend’s younger sister but so much is at stake between both of their careers and relationship with Griffin. I could not put this down, loving every minute and braced for impact when their relationship became known to Griffin.
The entire Sidewinders team is a solid group and I am excited for the rest of the series!
As an Arizona native, I loved all the Phoenix references and hockey being back in the desert, even if it’s only fictional!
Offside is all about second chances. A new expansion team in Arizona that Ryan was chosen to lead as captain, an opportunity to play again with his best friend/college roommate and goalie, Griffin, and a second chance to be with the one woman he couldn’t forget for the last 9 years, Maren. Maren was hired by the team to lead their sports medicine department as the Director.
Ryan and Maren gave me all the feels! I am obsessed with them as individuals and together as a couple! Ryan is a strong leader, thoughtful and kind and he is in an impossible situation falling for his best friend’s younger sister but so much is at stake between both of their careers and relationship with Griffin. I could not put this down, loving every minute and braced for impact when their relationship became known to Griffin.
The entire Sidewinders team is a solid group and I am excited for the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Amy Briggs and the team for selecting me as an ARC reader. Release: September 2026.
This story has all the elements romance readers look for: love, tension, a happily-ever-after, and a good amount of spice. It's all wrapped up in the story of a new NHL hockey team trying to win over a city that isn't quite sure it wants them.
I always enjoy a best friend's brother trope, and this book delivered on that front. The relationship discovery was very different from what I expected, and the recovery felt much more grounded in reality than the typical romance story. My only critique is that both characters spent a bit too much time in deep internal psychology monologues for my taste. Around the three-quarter mark, it slowed the momentum and pulled me out of the story.
As this was an ARC, there were some continuity issues that stood out, but I hope those will be addressed before the final publication.
Overall, I'm excited to see the finished version of this book and look forward to reading Eli's story when it is released.
This story has all the elements romance readers look for: love, tension, a happily-ever-after, and a good amount of spice. It's all wrapped up in the story of a new NHL hockey team trying to win over a city that isn't quite sure it wants them.
I always enjoy a best friend's brother trope, and this book delivered on that front. The relationship discovery was very different from what I expected, and the recovery felt much more grounded in reality than the typical romance story. My only critique is that both characters spent a bit too much time in deep internal psychology monologues for my taste. Around the three-quarter mark, it slowed the momentum and pulled me out of the story.
As this was an ARC, there were some continuity issues that stood out, but I hope those will be addressed before the final publication.
Overall, I'm excited to see the finished version of this book and look forward to reading Eli's story when it is released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE THIS SERIES ALREADY!!!
This, along with the prequel, were amazing openers to what I know will be an amazing series. NOT only do you fall in love with the main character’s as this story unfolds but you also get to know the whole crew and dang it if I cant pick a favorite!!! Ryan and Maren of course are FANTASTIC, but you also get to meet Griffin, Cole, Eli, Theo, Paige... EVERYONE!
Like Hockey, this book was fun, fast paced, exciting, addicting, awesome.... HOT (ok yeah I know, Hockey is cold... but you get what I'm trying to say... right?... right!) And it actually had the sport intertwined with the romance... a true sports romance.
I am so looking forward to devouring this whole series! I can see this being the next big hockey romace collection. The books are gorgeous, the story they contain is amazingly done and who doesn't LOVE a good Hockey romance.
Move over Briar... the Sidewinders are making their debut and I am a fan!
Thank you Amy so much for this amazing ARC opportunity! You lit the lamp on this one. 🏒❤️
This, along with the prequel, were amazing openers to what I know will be an amazing series. NOT only do you fall in love with the main character’s as this story unfolds but you also get to know the whole crew and dang it if I cant pick a favorite!!! Ryan and Maren of course are FANTASTIC, but you also get to meet Griffin, Cole, Eli, Theo, Paige... EVERYONE!
Like Hockey, this book was fun, fast paced, exciting, addicting, awesome.... HOT (ok yeah I know, Hockey is cold... but you get what I'm trying to say... right?... right!) And it actually had the sport intertwined with the romance... a true sports romance.
I am so looking forward to devouring this whole series! I can see this being the next big hockey romace collection. The books are gorgeous, the story they contain is amazingly done and who doesn't LOVE a good Hockey romance.
Move over Briar... the Sidewinders are making their debut and I am a fan!
Thank you Amy so much for this amazing ARC opportunity! You lit the lamp on this one. 🏒❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Amy Briggs for my ARC of Offside!
Maren and Ryan are swoony! I read their prologue in "The Crease" and I was excited to continue their story in a full book. I had a lot of fun with this one. The writing style flowed well and worked for me, and the chemistry between Maren and Ryan was great. I also liked both of them individually, and the MMC is such a romantic.
For me, though, the romance never quite developed emotional depth. The attraction and sexual chemistry were there, but I never really felt like the characters got to know each other beyond that. I would have liked to see more meaningful conversations and emotional connection. I also came across a few continuity issues that pulled me out of the story at times. These may well be fixed before publication so please take this with a grain of salt, but they did affect my reading experience.
If you enjoy romances with instant chemistry and a romantic, golden retriever MMC, this one could work for you!
Maren and Ryan are swoony! I read their prologue in "The Crease" and I was excited to continue their story in a full book. I had a lot of fun with this one. The writing style flowed well and worked for me, and the chemistry between Maren and Ryan was great. I also liked both of them individually, and the MMC is such a romantic.
For me, though, the romance never quite developed emotional depth. The attraction and sexual chemistry were there, but I never really felt like the characters got to know each other beyond that. I would have liked to see more meaningful conversations and emotional connection. I also came across a few continuity issues that pulled me out of the story at times. These may well be fixed before publication so please take this with a grain of salt, but they did affect my reading experience.
If you enjoy romances with instant chemistry and a romantic, golden retriever MMC, this one could work for you!
August 1, 2026
I am so happy I applied to be on the ARC team for this one!
I’m new to the hockey romance genre but this book has made me a fan of the genre for sure.
The thing I love about any good romance book is when you really get to know the characters and want to root for them, and on Offside you absolutely will.
Her being the sister of Ryan’s best friend Griffin complicates things.. but the chemistry with Ryan and Maren is so good and you can feel it from the moment they meet.
Second chance romance
Forbidden romance
Spicy
Sports romance/Found family
The story kept me intrigued and I finished it in a day! I’m invested in these characters now and I can’t wait to see all of their stories evolve throughout the rest of the series!
I also highly suggest reading the prequel first to get your intro to Ryan, Maren and Griffin!
I’m new to the hockey romance genre but this book has made me a fan of the genre for sure.
The thing I love about any good romance book is when you really get to know the characters and want to root for them, and on Offside you absolutely will.
Her being the sister of Ryan’s best friend Griffin complicates things.. but the chemistry with Ryan and Maren is so good and you can feel it from the moment they meet.
Second chance romance
Forbidden romance
Spicy
Sports romance/Found family
The story kept me intrigued and I finished it in a day! I’m invested in these characters now and I can’t wait to see all of their stories evolve throughout the rest of the series!
I also highly suggest reading the prequel first to get your intro to Ryan, Maren and Griffin!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am very appreciative that I got the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Over all this was a good book, I did enjoy the story and even more than you made the support characters a major part of the story and you took into account Griffins feelings throughout.
I did like the slow burn and the fact that he was trying to be cognizant of not only her feelings and position with the team but his best friends as well.
with that being said, there were some repetitiveness as well as some continuity issues wihtin the book that took away from the story.
I also wish we would have seen a little more of their relationship growing, at some points it felt very surface level and while the spice was good, would have liked a bit more of the heart.
I do look forward to seeing how this series plays out.
Over all this was a good book, I did enjoy the story and even more than you made the support characters a major part of the story and you took into account Griffins feelings throughout.
I did like the slow burn and the fact that he was trying to be cognizant of not only her feelings and position with the team but his best friends as well.
with that being said, there were some repetitiveness as well as some continuity issues wihtin the book that took away from the story.
I also wish we would have seen a little more of their relationship growing, at some points it felt very surface level and while the spice was good, would have liked a bit more of the heart.
I do look forward to seeing how this series plays out.
August 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hockey romance never fails and I can’t wait for everyone else to read Ryan and Marens story.
Ryan is the captain of a new hockey team. New start, with the C resting on his chest, loyal, charming, and the mouth on this man 🥵🥵.
Maren is the new director of Sports Medicine, fiery and independent, and the sister of Ryan’s best friend.
These two have a history, the stolen glances, touches and feelings. Both trying to remain professional and not cross the line they have built. BUT THE LINE NEEDED TO BE CROSSED AND MY GOD IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. These spice, the dynamic, the writing I was hooked and could not put this one down.
I loved watching the character development between these two, I loved watching their story unfold and the ending top tier.
Amy definitely took this book and made it everything and more, I completed a second re read the next day.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hockey romance never fails and I can’t wait for everyone else to read Ryan and Marens story.
Ryan is the captain of a new hockey team. New start, with the C resting on his chest, loyal, charming, and the mouth on this man 🥵🥵.
Maren is the new director of Sports Medicine, fiery and independent, and the sister of Ryan’s best friend.
These two have a history, the stolen glances, touches and feelings. Both trying to remain professional and not cross the line they have built. BUT THE LINE NEEDED TO BE CROSSED AND MY GOD IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. These spice, the dynamic, the writing I was hooked and could not put this one down.
I loved watching the character development between these two, I loved watching their story unfold and the ending top tier.
Amy definitely took this book and made it everything and more, I completed a second re read the next day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I just loved this! Usually with sports romances you always have an MC who's a "reformed playboy" but only reformed right before or after he meets "the girl", we didn't get that with Ryan. He was just so likeable from the jump. There was nothing about him that wasn't absolute perfection. This series is giving Elle Kennedy's Off Campus series except the aged up version with better plot. I'm here for it! I loved all the teammates. Cole is most likely going to be my favorite (aside from Ryan). Cannot wait to see what's in store for the rest of the series and so so so glad we dont have to wait long for book 2!!!
P.s. to the reviewer who said about Cole "I licked him so he's mine", I licked him first!! 🤣
P.s. to the reviewer who said about Cole "I licked him so he's mine", I licked him first!! 🤣
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Amy Briggs and team for the chance to read this awesome book early!
I feel in love with Maren and Ryan in “in the crease” and loved seeing their relationship come to life in this book.
The emotional maturity Ryan has and shows Maren when it comes to her scars caused by a past lover and her insecurities around being a “problem” really shows how much he cares for her… I loved the banter of the locker room and team. While you focus on Maren and Ryan you come to truly care and want to see the other players in the scenes.
The spicy scenes are fantastic and can I just say as a woman approaching 40, enjoyed reading a man who was written as a “lover to eat” cause he ate and thoroughly enjoyed it!
I feel in love with Maren and Ryan in “in the crease” and loved seeing their relationship come to life in this book.
The emotional maturity Ryan has and shows Maren when it comes to her scars caused by a past lover and her insecurities around being a “problem” really shows how much he cares for her… I loved the banter of the locker room and team. While you focus on Maren and Ryan you come to truly care and want to see the other players in the scenes.
The spicy scenes are fantastic and can I just say as a woman approaching 40, enjoyed reading a man who was written as a “lover to eat” cause he ate and thoroughly enjoyed it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2026
Arc review. I really enjoyed the storyline but the writing style is just not what I usually would go for so I did find it a little hard to get into the story at times. There was a lot of inner monologue where we were just getting facts and we didn’t really get to see friendships really build between any of the characters in my opinion. The main characters were really well thought out and the foundation of their relationship was written really well where you could see this is a relationship that will last. The book was set up to give us the foundation for the rest in the series by giving us information around the other 4 I assume will have books. I did have issues with the timelines in some spots but I assume that will all be ironed out by the time the book comes out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you know me then you know that I’m basically a hoe for hockey romance. It’s one of my favorite things to read in any form, from romcom, to dark, to angsty, to just a regular hockey romance. So picking this up was a no brainer for me even though I had never read this author before. Now I will freely admit that her writing style took a little getting use to for me but I was still able to get into this book and it kept my interest until this very end.
I love these characters on their own so much. Maren is a power house and very driven and dedicated to her job. Ryan is such a thoughtful guy and genuinely thinks things through instead of acting rashly. As much as I love them as individuals, I them as a couple even more. They’re absolutely adorable together and I loved when he would say things to her in Swedish and wait for her to figure out what it meant. Their chemistry was off the charts and undeniable. And the hidden relationship aspect of the story made it intriguing and I was just sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Maren’s brother to find out.
This was just a great brother’s best friend romance with a touch of second chance. I really enjoyed reading this and I’m excited to read the next installment in this series.
I love these characters on their own so much. Maren is a power house and very driven and dedicated to her job. Ryan is such a thoughtful guy and genuinely thinks things through instead of acting rashly. As much as I love them as individuals, I them as a couple even more. They’re absolutely adorable together and I loved when he would say things to her in Swedish and wait for her to figure out what it meant. Their chemistry was off the charts and undeniable. And the hidden relationship aspect of the story made it intriguing and I was just sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Maren’s brother to find out.
This was just a great brother’s best friend romance with a touch of second chance. I really enjoyed reading this and I’m excited to read the next installment in this series.
Review of advance copy
5 Stars
2 Chili Peppers
Book 1 in the Phoenix Sidewinders Series
Maren and Ryan's Story
Really enjoyed this book! Slower paced but loved the characters and the interactions between everyone. Ryan, the MMC, is the team captain of the new Sidewinders, Maren, the FMC, is the team's physical therapist. But what even brings these two into the same orbit? Ryan's best friend and Maren's brother (who also just happens to be the goalie of the Sidewiders). These two have great chemistry and they think they are keeping their secret well hidden. When Ryan finally tells his best friend how he feels things seem to go sideways; however, the rest od the team seem to have known the whole time. Can't wait to see where this series goes!!
2 Chili Peppers
Book 1 in the Phoenix Sidewinders Series
Maren and Ryan's Story
Really enjoyed this book! Slower paced but loved the characters and the interactions between everyone. Ryan, the MMC, is the team captain of the new Sidewinders, Maren, the FMC, is the team's physical therapist. But what even brings these two into the same orbit? Ryan's best friend and Maren's brother (who also just happens to be the goalie of the Sidewiders). These two have great chemistry and they think they are keeping their secret well hidden. When Ryan finally tells his best friend how he feels things seem to go sideways; however, the rest od the team seem to have known the whole time. Can't wait to see where this series goes!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Offside by Amy Briggs is a fantastic start to the Phoenix Sidewinders series. Ryan and Maren's brother's-best-friend romance is sweet, emotional, and packed with sizzling chemistry, while Ryan's genuinely kind, loyal personality makes him an easy hero to fall for. I loved watching this brand-new expansion team come together, and the friendships between the players were just as compelling as the romance. Although the secret relationship had me anxious waiting for the fallout, it was handled with care and felt worth the payoff. With a lovable cast and plenty of hints about future couples, this is a series I'm already excited to continue.
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