Miracle in the 34th Minute

by Geneva Monroe

He calls me Ice Queen.
I call him a menace.

Holly
I handle professional athletes for a living. I shouldn’t have to handle six-foot-something hockey players who jump into shark tanks. Colton Gailey is officially my biggest headache. He’s also the one man who sees right through my icy exterior.

As punishment, management shackled him to me for the next twelve days. Now I’m player-sitting while running a holiday charity for two dozen kids who deserve better than a media circus. Colton is annoyingly charming, relentless, and utterly impossible to keep on script.

When a blizzard traps the two of us in a ski lodge with exactly one bed and no signal, my carefully guarded past and my even more protected heart start slipping out of my control.


Colton
I recognized that spark in her eyes while we watched the game winning goal. Uncovering the real Holly Walker has quickly become an obsession. She swore she would never lace up her skates again, but I’m determined to change her mind. All I need is a bit of Christmas magic and some luck.

Sending her gifs of dancing hot dogs was just the beginning. Getting her alone on a frozen lake under the northern lights, that’s the main event.

Holly thinks I’m impulsive. She has no idea.

Can Holly keep their project on the rails without losing her job or her heart to the man currently wrecking both?

MIRACLE IN THE 34TH MINUTE is a steamy holiday hockey romance built on forced proximity and heat hot enough to melt the ice. This Miracle on 34th Street meets Off-Campus romcom is perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy, Lauren Blakely, and Meghan Quinn.

Genres: Audiobook

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2026

About the author

Most days, you can find Geneva wandering the streets of her small colonial town or snuggling up beside a fire with her husband, son, and two cats. No matter the location, she probably has a book in one hand and a macchiato in the other.

Reviews

[Krystal]

Chapters 6-10
I see Colt as Tyler Hynes (Hallmark actor )
I see Holly as Troian Bellisario(Pretty Little Liars)
I see Susan as Isabel Birch(Hallmark Actress)

These chapters Wow the banter between Colt and Holly wow it makes the pages sizzle.
I love learning about both their backgrounds.
What Kris did at the hockey game reminded me of Christopher from Christmas at Pemberly Manor.
Ladies and Gentlemen we have snort laughing
(yes! Oh by the way I am a fellow snort laughter).

Colt is so good with the kids and very sweet to
one little girl in particular,I love how the bad boys always have a soft spot.
Speaking of the hockey game what went down between Holly and Colt(no not heart rate rising moments yet),but just the flirting Woah!
The stripping Santa 😆

I CAN'T WAIT to read more

This is my second
by Geneva Monroe and wow I love it.
I have only read 5 chapters and I can't wait to read
more and see what happens.
You have two of my favorites
Sports Romance and Christmas.

When I read and review a book I read 5 chapters and review and repeat the process until I finish the book.
I do that so I don't miss anything in the story.

When I am reading a book I usually use
my favorite actors/actress', Broadway actors/actress'
or my favorite wrestlers,but with this story.
I have not gotten a perfect picture in my head yet,
yes I know they are on the cover but I will.

Chapters 1-5
It's only the beginning and there is already drama happening,and is there some flirting happening
already?

Holly and thought helping twist the drama into something positive was the only thing she had to do,but nope. There is this charity that is close to her heart and the league owners already said no,until
a certain hockey player(that causes the drama) is forced to help her.

What will happen in those 12 days of Christmas and no I don't mean the song.I CAN'T WAIT to read more.

[Elanda Birch · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I loved this book! The whole thing was cute, cozy, spicy, and funny as hell. This is hockey romance at it's finest! Our FMC and our MMC are so great together, the chemistry is off the charts. I love the descriptions of the action in the games, the way that the author makes us feel like we are there watching it all play out. She also does a great job with all the emotions behind their feelings; not only for each other, but for what they love. The game, the foster kids, their family. We feel how much passion they have and how much these things mean to them. Oh my gosh, and Kris Kringle! He might be my favorite of the whole thing! The glitter!! HA! This book was fantastic, I read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, I fanned myself. It was great! I hope there is more to come from the Alaska frontier! 4.75 from me!

[Reid Bakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect cozy Christmas romance combined with hockey is everything I didn’t know I needed! This story has all the good feels of a Hallmark movie and all the spice we love from Geneva Monroe! Now I’m off to buy my very own Northspire Stags hockey jersey!! Thank you Geneva for the ARC of this gem!

[Kittykat2103 · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is your next cozy christmas read with a little bit of spice.

Hockey star/ hr professional

This had me from the very start. Would make an incredible movie adaption think hallmark christmas movie meets off campus.

Cozy, banter, rom com, spice with such amazing characters.

Well done 👏

[Sarah Lipke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Geneva Monroe for the ARC and ALC!

This may be one of my favorite reads of the entire year. I could not put this book down. The banter and humor were great, and I found myself smiling, giggling, laughing out loud, and even getting teary-eyed at times. The story was really well developed, and I never felt like there were any gaps in the plot. I genuinely loved the side characters, too, and could absolutely see them getting their own stories! I'd especially love to see what could play out between Autumn and Roo!!! 👀 I feel like there were tiny little glimpses there and I'm going to need Geneva to give us a little more. Just saying. Susan and the kids were such incredible additions, and I loved Kris so much. But I can't talk about the characters without talking about Colton... I LOVE HIM. From the very beginning, starting with the fish tank, I fell in love with his wit and charm, and that never went away.

The spice was spicing for sure, but I also loved that the story was able to breathe outside of the spice. I generally don't like a slow burn, but I was READY for the heat when it finally came! I read a lot of smut, so I really appreciated that it wasn't the sole focus of the story. It felt like the right balance, and everything just worked. It truly felt like watching a dirty Hallmark Christmas movie, and I loved it even more than I anticipated!

Also, thank you for getting the hockey terminology and the game right! I hate reading hockey romance only to sit there and think, "Wait, that's not right... that's a penalty for sure! ... They don't do that!" etc. etc. As a true hockey fan, it is really frustrating to experience that in books and movies, so I genuinely appreciated the time and research (or love of the game) that went into this story. It was authentic in the best way, and those little details absolutely did not go unnoticed.

Geneva Monroe, you absolutely need to give us more of these incredible palette cleanser romances because I am now obsessed!

Now, for the ALC...

The casting for Colton and Holly could not have been more perfect. Brandon Francis and Andria Mae were PERFECT in this narration. I genuinely don't think I could have pictured better voices for either character.

Brandon's voice could make a girl sweat, if you know what I mean. 🥵 He brought Colton's charm and personality to life, and I found myself loving the character even more through his narration. Andria's portrayal of Holly was exactly how I pictured her in my head. Her voice fit Holly so well, and she really brought her personality through in the narration. The banter, the humor, and the chemistry translated so well into the audiobook, and it made an already enjoyable story that much better.

Overall, this was such a fun, feel-good (with a little extra spice) holiday romance, and both the reading and listening experiences were fantastic. Five stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Nikki Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, my new Christmas wish is a chaotic hockey player who completely disregards my emotional defenses. 🎄🏒

“Miracle in the 34th Minute” was an incredibly enjoyable, spicy, and heartwarming holiday hockey romance. I had high expectations for a Christmas themed hockey story, but I ended up falling in love with Holly and Colt’s relationship even more than I anticipated.

Holly embodies the quintessential Ice Queen. She’s organized, guarded, career-driven, and determined to maintain control over every aspect of her life. Colt, on the other hand, sees through her facade and boldly challenges her.

I absolutely adored him.

He’s chaotic, impulsive, hilarious, shamelessly flirty, and has a knack for making women blush. However, beneath all his playful exterior lies a genuinely good man. He supports Holly without trying to “fix” her and encourages her to reconnect with the part of herself she’d buried after leaving hockey.

Their banter was incredibly entertaining, and their chemistry was undeniable. Once these two finally gave in to their feelings… 🔥🔥🔥

What truly made this book resonate with me was the underlying heart that transcended the romance. The Christmas charity storyline, the presence of children, the dynamics within the hockey team, Holly’s history with hockey, and the gradual transformation of Colt into a safe haven for her made this feel like more than just a typical holiday romance.

And let’s not forget the breathtaking frozen lake and northern lights moments! I can’t wait to add “fall in love with a hockey player in Alaska” to my Christmas wish list.

If you’re looking for forced proximity, Christmas magic, hockey chaos, an Ice Queen FMC, a charming and respectful MMC, plenty of spice, and a satisfyingly happy ending that leaves you smiling, then this book is a must read.

Colton Gailey, you’re a menace! I understand now. 🫠🏒🎄

[Rachel Barboni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geneva…. Ms. Monroe… When I met you in Boston this past August and you said you had something up your sleeve that I would love; I sure as hell wasn’t expecting this. This book will have me in a chokehold from now on. Not only was I honored to get the ARC but I also got the ALC. I can honestly say, I can’t wait for the next one.
This book had everything from the comedic scenes involving swimming with a famous shark to the heart pulling emotions from a past that the MMC chose not to leave behind. From group homes to living in in your famous parents’ shadows, Colton and Holly were just what the other needed to help get them where the wanted to be.
This story follows Holly, a Hockey teams PR manager, who finds herself on babysitting duty after an unfortunate incident that involves one of the players and a shark tank. All the while planning a 12-day long charity event for kids who deserve more that what life has handed them. Can the unruly manchild she’s forced to babysit be just the thing she needs to help turn the event into something much bigger?
When Colton, one of Northsire’s hot shot hockey players, gets himself in a bit of pickle, he finds himself bound to none other that the ice queen herself. Forced to take an unofficial suspension for 12 days, Colton is determined to help the ice queen find her spark again. He makes it his mission to get her back on the ice.
Can Holly make the charity event a success? Can Colton win the ice queens heart without her losing her job? Will they need a little Christmas magic from just the rinks resident Zamboni driver Kris? Read Miracle in the 34th Minute to find out!
P.S. I was not expecting to tear up at one of the final chapters. So have those tissues ready!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I didn't know I needed a spicy Christmas hockey romcom in my life, but I know better than to question Geneva at this point. 😉 This was so much fun to read. The banter was top notch. I was literally laughing out loud while reading this books. It's so witty and funny and just fun. There's a scene where Colt is playing with kids around the house, and the commitment to the character he was playing with them... lol It was fantastic. It's cute enough that Colt is taking the time to play with and spend time with the kids, but that he was SO into it and his role in the game just made me laugh and warmed my heart. (Can you tell I'm a fan of Colt? 😂) The chemistry between Colt and Holly was off the charts from the very beginning of the book, and I loved the two of them immediately. Andria Mae and Brandon Francis absolutely rocked this audiobook. They had such good chemistry together, and it just amplified the chemistry between Colt and Holly. I really can't say enough good things about this book. It was such a cute, funny and spicy little book, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you to Geneva Monroe for both advanced reader's and listener's copies of this book. I can't wait to get my shelf trophy!!

[Mandy · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

God, you are tempting. But if I kiss you, like this, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.
~
As the saying goes — DAMMIT, GENEVA!!! I did not have sobbing over a hockey player on my bingo card for this weekend, but alas, here we are. Miracle in the 34th Minute is such a sweet and funny holiday-themed romance, and I could not resist when Gen told me about this one 😍 Colt and Holly were the perfect opposites attract couple and the journey they took to find their way to each other was lovely to read. I absolutely adored the side characters, hockey, house, and Santa all, and they’re added an extra layer of realness to this story. I am always here for a good hockey romance, but otherwise I went in blind, and that’s snowed in trope? Obsessed😍 and perfectly executed! The two different backstories that both Colt and Holly deal with as things come to a head tugged at my heartstrings more than once and I was so proud when first Colt stiff up for Holly and then she for herself, and my heart melted at Colt’s motives of his own. This was such a fun read and I highly suggest you bump this to the very top of your winter TBR when it hits shelves!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to beta read Miracle In The 34th Minute by Geneva Monroe, and I loved every single minute of it!

This is absolutely the Christmas hockey romcom I’ve been wanting! Colt is such a green-flag guy and it was refreshing. He’s sexy and can talk dirty, but also goofy, fun, and sweet, and I adored him. Holly felt believable as a PR girl, which I really appreciated. Their relationship developed in a believable way and they were perfect for each other.

Overall, this story was so much fun! It had me kicking my feet and getting ridiculously giddy, brought tears to my eyes, and brought the heat.🔥 It truly gave me all the feels!

I also had the opportunity to receive an advanced listener copy of the audiobook 🎧, and the narrators were exactly how I heard these characters in my head. They truly brought Colt and Holly to life in the best way possible.

This Miracle on 34th Street retelling was everything I wanted it to be and more. If you’re looking for a festive hockey romcom that delivers swoony moments, laughs, emotional feels, and plenty of spice, this one NEEDS to be on your Christmas TBR!

[Kelli Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Believe me when I tell you that I absolutely devoured this book! It was such a fun time with excellent banter, spice that'll make Saint Nick blush, and just a little bit of Christmas magic sprinkled in. What I didn't expect were the numerous tears I shed along the way - dammit Geneva!! Thank goodness this is book 1 in a new series, Seasons of Northspire, because I already need more!
I expected a swoon-worthy MMC from Geneva, but holy cow, Colton is the biggest golden retriever, walking green flag! I fell in love with him immediately and then he kept finding ways to make me love him even more. In true Geneva fashion, our FMC, Holly, is a badass hidden beneath her icy, professional demeanor.
The duet audiobook narration was phenomenal. Both narrators brought the characters to life so perfectly. Andria Mae was flawless as Holly and I loved how well Brandon Francis portrayed both the fun-loving goofball, and the confident, sexy sides of Colton.
Thank you to Geneva for allowing me to listen to and review an ALC.

[Sarah Palicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicking My Feet, Blushing & Begging for More! I was kicking my feet like a high school girl with her first crush! I could not get enough of this book. I love the grumpy x sunshine trope when it the FMC that is the grump! Holly is such a strong FMC and Colton is such a golden retriever but with some bite! The sprinkle of magic throughout with Kris is the frosting on the cake. The book is so magical without the cheeseyness. My favorite thing about Geneva’s writing is how good she writes the supporting characters. She makes you fall in love or hate with them. I wanted to throat punch Holly’s sister and protect Aunt Francine at all costs. If you want a Christmas book filled with the swooniest romantic scenes, spice that is spicing, adorable kids, sass and sprinkles of magic throughout than this is your book.

[Lindsey Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from Advanced Reader Copy from Author for honest review.


Colton is the problem child on the hockey team. Holly is the PR that always has to do damage control. When he is forced to help her with her Christmas project, they start to learn more about each other. Will she live up to her nickname of Ice Queen or will he be able to discover the real Holly.

I thought this book was really adorable. I think the dart scene with Susan was my favorite!! I really enjoyed how the author incorporated all the kids from the children’s home into it and showed their personalities. It was a really good book with a good message.

[Jorja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC from the author for my honest review.

OMG! A Hockey christmas Rom-Com! Immediately yes please. This book was so amazingly written. The dialouge between Colton and Holly had me laughing half the time. I loved their banter. He was so charming and funny. His character seemed so real. The whole story was so joyful. Its like a hallmark movie but better. And just in time for the holidays. So if you are wanting a heartfelt romantic comedy that is set around christmas; this book is 100% for you.

[Beth Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This book had me giggling out loud and tearing up on a plane. 😄

This was such a fun read! If you've ever thought your favorite Lifetime Christmas movie would be even better with a little extra spice, this is the book for you!

I loved both main characters! They were both so endearing that you really can't help but fall in love with them. I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape and the Northern Lights. They made me want to go to Alaska!

Overall, a great time!

[Daphne Petit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay not me ugly crying because of sheer joy because of that ending! Colt and Holly were the cutest couple and this story was so heartfelt and amazing that I could not get enough.

I loved how this book really showcased the magic of the Spirit of Christmas. There were so many scenes that just brought so much love and joy to my day while I was reading. It was such a perfect cozy read and I absolutely loved that Colt was a complete green flag.

Thank you so much to the author for trusting me with an advanced copy. This is my honest review.

[Kortney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Geneva, and I didnt even scream in shock or anger at any point! This was absolutely an adorable holiday read, and should be made into a hallmark movie, I would actually watch this one.

A full cast of great characters, an adorable bunch of kids and Santa! The main characters are perfect. A little sass, sarcasm, and whit that I expect with the author and she doesn't disappoint at all.

I adore cheesey lines, and over the top romantic gestures, which this book has all over the place! A great story mixed with well done characters and I couldn't be happier.

[Ashley Currier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy from the author for my honest review.

Are you looking for your next cozy Christmas read? Well here it is! A green flag hockey player, a hardworking HR professional and a little Christmas magic 🎅🏻✨. This romcom reminds me of a perfect Hallmark movie, if that movie also had some A+ spicy scenes 😏 I truly enjoyed the journey and the ending that pulls on the heartstrings; everyone gets their HEA 🎄.

[Kerry Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wholesome mix of hockey, Christmas and miracles.
Throw in some miscommunication, and the meddling of the media, and you get some trouble and drama mixed into this sweet, yet spicy romance between hockey player, Colt and the teams PR, Holly.
Determined not to be in her parents shadow and blaze her own trail, Holly has to face her past to move onto her future.
Playboy Colt finds his 'one' and is determined to help the people and the home, that helped him when he was younger

[Holly · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The Christmas romance I didn’t know I needed! Hockey romcom at its finest mixed with a holiday theme. This is a beautifully written sweet yet sinful romcom. I couldnt get enough of Holly and Colt. The perfect paring with a lot of Christmas magic. I hope we get more of the Stags stories making this a series for the holidays! I truly couldn’t put this down and can’t wait to hopefully get a few more stories from this hockey team!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely in love with this book and characters! I need more! I am usually not a sports romance girlie but I can handle hockey! The dynamic of the characters is perfectly written and I couldn’t wait to keep reading! 🔥🌶️ I don’t want to spoil too much but if you want a steamy, sweet and funny romance then this is for you!

Grab a cozy sweater, a glass of wine and settle down for your next favorite holiday read!

[Brandie Zierler · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

5⭐️

If you like Hockey Rom/Coms with drama and spice!! This one is for you!! This was great and I always love being able to be one of Geneva Monroe arc readers. I read half of the earc then got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook arc I loved both!!! The audiobook casting was perfect!!! Andrea Mae and Brandon Francis did an amazing job as Holly and Colton.

[Jenn Kniess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Review Copy from the author for my honest review.

A Hockey Christmas Romcom? Yes, please!! 🏒🎅🥰

This is everything I want in a Christmas romcom. Banter, spice, and a bit of Magic. 💖 Throw in some hockey, adorable kids, and an emotional HEA and you've got the perfect recipe for a 5 star read. Think Mircale on 34th Street meets Off Campus. Gimme Santa!!

[Amanda · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Given advance reader copy from author

MIT34M is a fantastic feel good Christmas romance. The pulls from Miracle on 34th street hit those nostalgic vibes immediately. “Does it hurt anything to believe in a bit of magic?” - absolutely not especially around the holidays.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas.
Rom-Com.
Hockey.
"Babygirl." "Dirty Girl." "Good Girl." ...... "Good Boy." ....... mk!

Also, the tears! And the heart! I wasn't ready to be done with Cole and Holly. The ending snuck up on me in the most happy and sad and satisfying way, and I need more!!!!

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy little romcom. Great little Christmas read. A heartwarming story that makes you believe in love and the magic of Christmas again. A bunch of hockey players and orphans make this story truly endearing with the right amount of humor.

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a touch of everything needed to help start the holiday reading list. Great story, amazing chemistry and the characters were ones I was excited to see how their story unfolded throughout the pages.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! It’s got all the banter, cute flirty moments and a little drama. Definitely recommend!

[Angela Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute holiday story with all the feels and a little spice!

[Tori Darling · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Tis the season for some cute hockey romance, and Christmas Magic. Geneva Monroe gives us a heartwarming story, that you might need a tissue or two.