Off Net: A Hockey Contemporary Romance

by Lacey Elle

Genres: Contemporary

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2026

Reviews

[Amanda Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book and will reread often! Rory calls her best friend Ethan when she needs help due to her now ex boyfriend beating her up. He took her to the hospital and then drove her to his college where her triplet brothers live. She stays in his room and the next morning; they tell her brothers that they are dating but Jace saw right through them. They all live in a house deemed the "Hockey House". Jace and Rory had a run in just after she arrived by thinking she was going into the bathroom where Ethan had started her a shower, however, Jace was in the shower. They fight with each other. She's working towards a degree for PR and the college let her transfer mid semester due to the Hockey team needing a revamp of their public perception. participation is mandatory. Through all of the trauma Rory has suffered, she finds first a friend in Jace and then someone she really wanted to be with. I love this sooooooo much!!

[Angela Denny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. Rory and Hace have serious sparks from the beginning. Their relationship has a lot of uos and downs as they deal with Rorys past. I can't wait for the next books to see how tje rest of the teams love life goes. Such a great start to this series.

[Ashlyn Pissini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean I needed a quick read and this was exactly that. Dare I say reheating off campus’s nachos?? not the same thing but similar vibes but obvi not as good. Idk didn’t hate it but didn’t love it

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book from Lacey I’ve read, and I enjoyed it. It was a quick read but a good one. I was hooked from the beginning; that’s how I know it was a good book.

May contain spoilers….


Rory, our FMC, was in an abusive relationship. She wanted to escape from it, so she transferred to the same college as her triplet brother. The night of abuse, Rory called her best friend Ethan to help her because she didn’t want her brothers to get in trouble if they found out what her ex had been doing to her. Her brothers and Ethan all play hockey and live in the same house as our MMC Jace, who is their captain. Because Rory doesn’t want her brothers to go after her ex, she and Ethan came up with the idea of fake dating each other, so they won’t question her for transferring school in the middle of the year. Rory met Jace the very first night she stayed over at their house by accidentally walking in on him while he was still showering. It was a funny moment.

Rory is a social media influencer. She is a very likable person, but due to her popularity, she often has to pretend to be someone she’s not. Jace is a playboy with a soft heart. He doesn’t believe in love due to his parents’ relationship, but when he first saw Rory, I believed it was love at first sight without him realizing it. Ethan is my favorite character in this book, even though it’s not his book yet. Ethan is very protective and patient when it comes to Rory. His character is very lovable to me. If we don't know that Jace was the MMC, I would be rooting for Ethan. We also get to meet Rory’s triplet brothers. Knox, the goofball, and the one to light up a room. Noah, the perceptive one who will analyze all the facts before he speaks. Then there’s Blake, the quiet one but quick to act before he speaks when it comes to protecting his baby sister.

This book is very slow-burn, but it’s not boring. We get to see the chemistry between Rory and Jace’s building and how they turn to each other when it matters most. I enjoy the banter between the guys, especially with Knox. I can’t wait for his book, too.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a raw, heartfelt college hockey romance that blends healing, loyalty, and messy, irresistible chemistry.

It's the kind of sports romance that’s not just about hockey, or fake dating, or protective brothers — it’s about a girl rebuilding her life and finding real love in the last place she expected.

After escaping an abusive ex, Rory transfers colleges hoping for a clean slate. What she gets instead is a whirlwind: triplet brothers who guard her like their lives depend on it, a team full of boys who suddenly have to behave, and a fake‑dating setup that is meant to keep her safe and give her space.

But then there’s Jace. Quiet strength, steady presence, the one who sees Rory’s pain without needing it explained. Their connection grows in stolen glances and soft moments, turning the fake‑dating arrangement into a slow‑burn emotional tug‑of‑war.

The triplet brothers add humor, chaos, and heart. Their “touch my sister and die” energy is hilarious, but watching them learn to trust the men who love Rory gives the story emotional depth.

Overall it was a good read. With an ending that gives the closure Rory deserves.

🏒 Tropes
• Fake Dating
• Brother’s Teammate
• Protective Brothers
• Healing Romance
• Found Family
• Slow Burn Chemistry
• Love Triangle Vibes (fake boyfriend vs real boyfriend)

Trigger Warnings
• Domestic Abuse (past, non‑graphic but emotionally heavy)
• Stalking / Harassment
• Physical violence during confrontation
• Emotional trauma and recovery themes

[Anne Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace Bishop, who is going to be the hardest part of all of it and who already looks at me like he's waiting for the story to make sense. I want to curl up somewhere dark and quiet and just stop for a while. I want a day where nothing is required of me, where I don't have to hold my ribs together or hold my face together or hold the lie together. That's not the option I have. The option I have is forward. Just forward, one thing at a time. One day at a time, as the cliche goes. I'm not there yet. But I'm moving. That has to be enough.

This book was one of those books that once you start reading your hooked and can't put it down and I wasn't expecting that but here we are and it's finished and I want more. Luckily for me it's a series and I have the next book ready to go.

This book may be triggering for some so make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading.

When Rory finds herself in a situation she can't control she calls the only person she can. A guy she grew up with who happens to live with her three older brothers in a hockey house. So when Ethan brings her back home they have to pretend to be in a relationship to save her brothers asking questions.

But what she wasn't expecting was the captain of the hockey team who knows too much for his own good and the feelings he is bringing to the surface.

[jennifer morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first time reading from this author and i really enjoyed it. With Rory who's this sweet girl who's had to deal with more than just Campus life and moves in with her best friend Ethan. There's Pleanty of drama throughout the story and I felt like it was well written. There also could be trigger warnings and it's not cool for anyone to go through what Rory had to deal with. If you like hockey vibes and Fake boyfriends with pleanty tention between Two friends then this will be right up your street. Especially with some very protective brothers who might make fun but harm Rory and your in trouble. Plenty of funny moments and instant attraction between Rory and Jace who at first can't stand each other which is going to make things super complicated. But he's loyal, Funny and will do anything to protect her. These some really good characters and I'd really love to know what will happens between Ethan and Sienna next and see where things go. There's also Pleanty of suspence that will keep you on your toes and I loved how the villan got what he deserves and of cause a happy ending which i just loved.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rory calls her best friend, Ethan, after her now-ex-boyfriend brutally beats her. Ethan rushes her to the hospital before taking her to his college, where her triplet brothers live. She ends up staying in Ethan's room, and the next morning they pretend to be dating to keep her brothers from asking too many questions. Everyone believes them—except Jace, who sees straight through the act.
They all live together in the infamous "Hockey House," and Rory's first interaction with Jace is unforgettable. Ethan starts a shower for her, but when she walks into the bathroom, she accidentally catches Jace in the shower instead. Their relationship gets off to a very rocky start, and they immediately clash.

Rory is studying public relations, and the college allows her to transfer mid-semester because the hockey team's public image desperately needs improving. The players' participation is mandatory, which leads to plenty of entertaining moments.

Despite everything Rory has been through, watching her slowly heal is incredibly moving. What starts as constant bickering with Jace gradually turns into a genuine friendship and eventually a beautiful romance.

[Bella Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ ARC REVIEW ] Off Net by Lacey Elle

🗓️ Release Date: 07.10.2026

This one without a doubt earns ALLLLLL 5 stars from me. This honestly may be my new favorite book. I already want to reread and I JUST finished it. I was so nervous I was going to like the wrong guy when I saw there was a love triangle (because without fail I ALWAYS root for the wrong guy lol), but this one was done so well. Not once did I ever want her with anyone but Jace. The way he’s so obsessed with her from the first time he meets her? PERFECTION. And he’s not just obsessed, he’s constantly trying to figure her out in such a tasteful way. It never felt like it was just physical, it felt like he truly wanted to know her. My heart hurt so much for Rory, but I’m so glad she found herself and she has her little mix of found family and real family. This story was SO beautiful.

Tropes:
🏒 Fake boyfriend
📱 3 overprotective triplet brothers
🏒 College hockey romance
📱 Grumpy jealous hockey captain
🏒 Found family
📱 Love triangle

[Leigh The Spoonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great debut novel by this author and a great start to this college based hockey romance series.
The FMC Rory is escaping a DV relationship (mostly past description but a small part of coercion in story) and transfers college to the one closest to home where her best friend Ethan and her triplet brothers attend and play on the hockey team. To keep what happened a secret from her brothers Ethan and Rory pretend they’ve fallen in love and she’s transferred college to be with him. This is all going well until MMC Jace, another member of the hockey team comes into the picture and their story hits a large Jace shaped roadblock.
I think the characters were good, loved the tension between Jace and Ethan, loved Jace opening up to Rory about his family. The triplets were funny, especially their reactions to Rory dating.
I think the coercive elements of the DV were very well described and handed well.
Looking forward to reading book 2 and seeing what else this series and this author has in store.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful little story. I was really worried when I saw there would be a love triangle, but thank goodness that worked out way better than I expected. I was truly prepared to be upset and was pleasantly surprised.

Rory had a lot of adjusting to do after coming to Ridgehaven and I was impressed with how her character developed. I kept waiting for the break and had started to wonder if it was going to happen at all when it finally did. I do love how the author managed this scene.

Jace and Ethan are both amazing. I am really glad with how this story turned out. I cannot wait to see how Ethan gets his girl! I also hope we can see more from the triplets. Do they each get a story? I sure hope so.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo! 👏

I absolutely LOVED this slow burn romance. The author was new to me and I'll definitely check out titles by them again! Hockey is not my sport, but that didn't matter at all. Our resilient FMC Rory truly captured my heart right away. Her determination, heart and spirit carried her through a trying situation. Like a phoenix rising from the proverbial ashes- watching her start to fly was a treat. Get ready for a forced proximity romance with one grumpy, jealous hockey captain 😉. Not to mention *more* than a few hurdles along the way. Especially three identical triplet brothers lol. Welcome to the protection zone! This amazing woman will keep you glued until the very last page 💗

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional ride - this one spoke to the feels
Really enjoyed this quick (for me) read. Definitely read the content mentions from the author because there are heavy subjects discussed. Rory moves in with her friend Ethan and her 3 brothers, and their team captain, Jace. Rory is escaping something with her ex at her prior school and fake dates Ethan to cover it up so her brothers don't flip. Rory is very down to earth, even though she plays her part well of media influencer. Jace is perplexed by the fakeness only he can seem to see when Rory tells everyone she is fine. Jace has his own issues, never having a relationship, problems with his home life. He doesn't know how to be in a relationship, but he does know he can't stop thinking about her. Great read!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off Net is the first book that I've read from this writer and I coukdny help but like it. Be warned though underneath Rory and Jase's heartwarming story is an undercurrent of both physical and mental abuse that Rory suffered from her Ex before getting away from it. Which we find out about as the book progressed.

Ethan is a gem of a man for his protection of Rory. Loved him. I also loved the witty back and forth of banter Rory had with Jase. It was funny in parts but also needed in between the tension that they had together as well as the aftermath of Rory trying to rebuild her life after her Ex.

I enjoyed reading this book and im looking forward to getting my hands on more books in this series.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, this could have been so good. But Rory is so incredibly selfish I had a hard time routing for her.

She desperately needs help. Ethan comes running. Takes care of her. Brings her home with him. Lies to her brothers, putting his relationship with his BFFs on the line, and even fights with his team captain, all the protect Rory. She takes over his room, lets him do everything for her, and all the while starts stirring up a relationship with Jace. It’s obvious Ethan’s feelings begin to progress and Rory kisses him and continues to use him while falling for Jace. Because of these things, I did not like Rory for most of the book.

It did wrap up ok and the author pulled the ending together, but my annoyance kept me from enjoying it as much as I wanted to.

[Kerri Vogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for fans of Hockey Romance like the Off Campus Series. I was a bit worried when I started as the premise felt very similar, but I could tell right away that the writing style and story flow were unique and very different. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters felt real and raw and drew me in. Rory is a strong female lead who is healing from trauma, but in a realistic way that shows her working fighting through it and not just suddenly behaving like it never happened. Jace appears to be the typical athlete player, but there are layers to him that you see is the story evolves. Overall a very well written story that I would read again and again.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, not just for the story of hockey, and hockey players. I enjoyed it because it showed how someone can get into an abusive relationship and not even see it happening. I also showed how someone can turn their lives around with good friends and loved ones. Learning to trust, and how healing is a step at a time. This story did it with such grace. I love the fizzle between two people not understanding it is their love language. I liked how it showed there were action for consequences. I read through story very quickly it kept wanting to know what was going to happen next especially between Ethan, Jace, Rory and the triplets. I love what happens to Grant!

[Laci Steimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book immediately drew me in! I was in so much suspense waiting to find out what happened to Rory, and we get it in bits and pieces, enough to guess the gist, and to keep me needing more. The way Rory and Jace met was absolutely DELICIOUS! I loved Rory's brothers and how they are definitely different personalities even though they are triplets that play hockey. The banter was so fantastic, and had me cracking up multiple times. I adored Ethan and how protective he was over Rory, and how far he was willing to go for her, even against his best friends and teammates. Such an amazing read, and I hope to get a Sienna story, she was my favorite side character!

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Off Net" by Lacey Elle is a fantastic start to the Campus Rules series! The writing is engaging and well-crafted, drawing you into the world of hockey and romance seamlessly. The main male character is incredibly protective and adds a lot of heart to the story. It's important to note that the book does address domestic violence, though not between the main characters, so readers should be aware of that trigger. Overall, it's a powerful and emotional read with a satisfying ending that leaves you excited for the next books in the series. Highly recommend for fans of romance with depth and strong character development!

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read! Rory and Jace are too cute! Enjoy the hockey elements too! Rory was in an abusive relationship, so there’s definitely some tough topics. Rory’s best friend, Ethan, helps her out. Rory is trying to keep what her ex did to her from her brothers, so she lies about dating Ethan. Not a fan of this scenario; a bit too shady, but I get Rory didn’t want her brothers to go overboard. There’s also a bit of a wrench in the plan when hockey player and teammate with Ethan, Jace, comes into her life. There’s chemistry there! A sticky situation for sure! Overall, an enjoyable story with likable characters. A good read!

[Mari C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly the kind of story that reminds me why I love diving into new worlds and giving new tropes a chance. It’s immersive and emotionally charged in all the right ways. From the first chapter, I felt the characters weren’t just being written but breathed to life before my eyes as the pages turned.

Every shift in the story whether it be trust or vulnerability lands with weight that you feel. The relationships are compelling while still feeling realistic and familiar. The book set up a great backdrop for expanding to some of the team and maybe even a meddlesome brother or a few getting their special someone. I look forward to reading more.

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may contain some triggers, so read the list first

Rory was wanting to be her own person. It was hard with three older brothers and a mom who was insistant on making her a star. But when she tried, that was when the abuse began. Now that she was trying to leave she had to rely on Ethan. But the only way to make this plan work was to be fake dating. Only problem Jace did not believe it. He knew something wasn't right.

Jace was the hockey captain and didn't believe in relationships. He didn't know why Rory got under his skin. Hopefully he could figure it out before he fell in love with her.

I like this story, but I wanted more.

[Joy Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey gives us a fantastic beginning to a new series! Rory has been rescued from an abusive relationship that she doesn't want her triplet brothers to find out about. She transferred to the college they are in and moves with her best friend, Ethan, and they are pretending to be in a relationship. Then enter the hockey captain, Jace, who doesn't believe in the relationship. How do get to their HEA you ask, dive into this beautifully written story with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing and turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly recommend it¡ Don't miss out on this book!!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Elle's Campus Rules series and a great start to a new series by a new to me author. Can easily be read as a standalone but already has me eager for more. Well written and captivating, this book not only is smooth flowing but also well balanced. Our main characters are Jace and Rory. Rory is rescued from an abusive ex and moves into the Hockey House on campus where her three brothers and her best friend Ethan live. A great contemporary romance that's sure to give you all the feels along with some steamy chemistry.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace and Rory

I love Jace and Ethan, the way they show up and protect Rory. How they love her each in their own way.

I couldn't put the book down. The story pulls you in. Especially how Rory describes how living in front of a camera influenced and affects her from a young age. Something that is more and more common these days. It is good to shed some light on the effects of it later on.

And of course how Jace is their for Rory and she for him when he needs it. All in all a feel good story.

The only spice is at the end. Which is easy to skip if you're not into that.

Story mentions mental and physical abuses, controlling people and alcoholism.

[I need of the books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ammetto che alcuni errori commessi nella stesura mi hanno fatto abbassare la valutazione di questa storia che altrimenti sarebbe stata più alta.
Sé questa storia venisse acquisita da una casa editrice e ci si rimette mano diventa un gioiellino di libro.
Ho adorato i personaggi, la complessità e anche la forza di Rory di non precludersi all’amore dopo la brutta esperienza che ha avuto.
Il tema della violenza domestica ed emotiva è trattato benissimo e con il giusto tatto.
Mi sono innamorata di Jace e della sua perspicacia. I gemelli promettono guai.
Ethan per quanto sia stato buono con Rory mi ha lasciato un po’ di amaro in bocca

[Katie Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic banter and amazing characters in this hockey contemporary romance. This was my first read for Lacy Elle and I am very pleased with her writing style. Rory was fantastic and had sharp wit, I also loved all the layers her character came with. I also love the aspect of her triple brothers and dimension they have the story. I'm really hoping we'll eventually get their stories because I think that would be phenomenal. There wasn't a lot of steam in this story, but I still feel like my eyes couldn't read it fast enough. I'll definitely be checking out more of her books.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a new to me author i was really impressed! Knocked it out the park with this as a lovely standalone to a new hockey series. It left room and bait for future stories to be told of the different players and their love interests. It gave Off Campus vibes and im here for that as I adored that series.
Rory is a fantastic fmc battling her own demons and scars and finding her way to healing. Jace is a tall cold drink in the hot weather, boy is fine! Dedication and a splatter of white knight in there he was the one.
Love love loved it. Cant wait for the next book!

[Steph Whitelaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story, for a short story it was very action packed & so well written, it didn’t feel rushed at any point. It allowed the relations between characters to grow. Rory transferred to the same college as her three older brothers (Knox, Noah & Blake) due to a traumatic event she doesn’t want them to know about. So, their childhood friend Ethan helps her. Along comes Jace the Captain of their hockey team & Rory’s & Ethan plan doesn’t go as planned. I really like this start to what I hope is a number of books in the series.

[Theresa Masker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book of the Campus Rules series. I wasn't sure I would like this. I've read hockey romances before and some leave a lot to be desired. This one however was a great read. Rory has suffered abuse in a past relationship. She pretends to be dating her brothers' best friend. Although they get everyone to believe it, the captain of the team doesn't. I was so hooked on Rory's story. If you want to know how it all unfolds with her Ethan and Jace I definitely recommend reading it. You won't regret it.