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Offside with the Captain: A Forbidden Hockey Romance
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 18, 2026
A bit slower paced than I like, felt like the back and forth went on too long and was a bit repetitive. Authors writing was good, and the characters interesting, just felt like I was re-reading a lot of the same dialog from the main characters about what’s keeping them apart. Way too much PR talk, which was also repeated often as a reminder maybe? Not sure if I’ll continue series. ARC provided by BookSirens. My opinions are my own so take them with a grain of salt, I’m a bit on the fence here.
May 6, 2026
Appearances by MeemsAngel82
This was a hockey romance and a somewhat forbidden relationship. The two leads are strong people, the H being the team Captain and she is someone who wants to control the narrative when it comes to the press and their hockey team.
He just wants to play and not word games. She is trying to project a positive image of this team.
They are both people that get the job done. End of story. He is the softer of the two at first and outwardly in my opinion. They kiss and even before they mutually admire one another, it's just now they have to think about a professional side and the personal side. This was limited spice and a slow burn. I would have loved more romance and I felt the story could have been softer and more emotional. There is a whole team ready for love and hopefully everyone is going to be getting a shot at that goal. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a hockey romance and a somewhat forbidden relationship. The two leads are strong people, the H being the team Captain and she is someone who wants to control the narrative when it comes to the press and their hockey team.
He just wants to play and not word games. She is trying to project a positive image of this team.
They are both people that get the job done. End of story. He is the softer of the two at first and outwardly in my opinion. They kiss and even before they mutually admire one another, it's just now they have to think about a professional side and the personal side. This was limited spice and a slow burn. I would have loved more romance and I felt the story could have been softer and more emotional. There is a whole team ready for love and hopefully everyone is going to be getting a shot at that goal. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2026
This book reads like a lazy, warm afternoon. The build up is slow and measured, with plenty of information given about the two main characters to know you want to be their best friend. With hockey as a background, a seasoned captain and a very organized head of PR find that the lines between professionalism and personal feelings are becoming blurry, their journey is both calculated, smart, and complicated. An overthinker and a calm observer. Both passionate about their careers and each other. A well written story that cleverly captures the rollercoaster ride of doing what you want, doing the right thing, and together, making it all work.
April 20, 2026
Offside with the Captain: A Forbidden Hockey Romance (Jacksonville Admirals) by Avery Vaughan is a strong, steamy start to a brand-new hockey romance series.
Sienna, the team’s driven PR director, and Bennett, the seasoned captain of the Jacksonville Admirals, begin strictly professional—but the tension simmering beneath their press meetings and strategy sessions is undeniable. I loved how their relationship unfolds slowly and naturally. Bennett’s subtle encouragement and Sienna’s eventual decision to stand firmly beside him felt mature and earned. The chemistry is intense, but the emotional connection always takes center ice.
The locker room dynamics and side characters (hello, future books!) build a rich world without overshadowing the romance. At times, the pacing leans heavily into setup, but it clearly lays groundwork for an exciting series ahead.
With appealing, layered characters and a satisfying slow burn that delivers just enough heat, this one is definitely worth the read. A solid 4 stars and I’m ready for the next game.
Sienna, the team’s driven PR director, and Bennett, the seasoned captain of the Jacksonville Admirals, begin strictly professional—but the tension simmering beneath their press meetings and strategy sessions is undeniable. I loved how their relationship unfolds slowly and naturally. Bennett’s subtle encouragement and Sienna’s eventual decision to stand firmly beside him felt mature and earned. The chemistry is intense, but the emotional connection always takes center ice.
The locker room dynamics and side characters (hello, future books!) build a rich world without overshadowing the romance. At times, the pacing leans heavily into setup, but it clearly lays groundwork for an exciting series ahead.
With appealing, layered characters and a satisfying slow burn that delivers just enough heat, this one is definitely worth the read. A solid 4 stars and I’m ready for the next game.
May 24, 2026
DNF at 18%
The Bad: Juxtaposition was off, starting at page 29. It did not end.
This book reads like when a movie does a dramatic memory (think flash back montage) and you just get vague screen shots of the memory; Staccato writing. You don't get a full scene, just glimpses. Which was fine at first, however, where there was supposed to be tension building between the MCs, it fell flat because we did not get the whole picture of their feelings or thoughts.
This book has the makings of "Classic tell me what I cannot have and I'll want it even more" which I assume happens at some point. I did not read enough of the book to see it.
I am thankful I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Bad: Juxtaposition was off, starting at page 29. It did not end.
This book reads like when a movie does a dramatic memory (think flash back montage) and you just get vague screen shots of the memory; Staccato writing. You don't get a full scene, just glimpses. Which was fine at first, however, where there was supposed to be tension building between the MCs, it fell flat because we did not get the whole picture of their feelings or thoughts.
This book has the makings of "Classic tell me what I cannot have and I'll want it even more" which I assume happens at some point. I did not read enough of the book to see it.
I am thankful I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2026
I loved this from beginning to end. Bennett of the team captain, Sienna handled the PR for the team. So both ate off limits for one another. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to not give in. Between glances and touches, it’s so becoming too much. When the dam broke, it was fireworks. I loved these two so much. And was so happy to see them just give in and be with one another. This was a really great book.
May 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this slow burn, intelligent hockey romance between the team captain and the PR director. It features a lot of intelligent conversation as well as sexual tension. Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews