Playoff Beard

Shots on Goal #5

by Kristen Hope Mazzola

One attraction – a secret kept between friends for years.

That’s all it took to start one of the biggest love affairs to hit the NY Otters since Gavin and Myla. After getting his heart stomped on by a cheating ex-wife, Will Crosby doesn’t know what he's going to do next, but it's not a relationship. Instead, he throws his entire self into the net, guarding it with his life. After all, he is the goalie.

Everything is finally coming together in his life until the cute bartender with her smart mouth and huge smile gets the better of him, right as the playoffs are around the corner.

Crosby now has to prove himself not only to his team, but also to the girl who has stolen his heart.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Hockey Romance

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2017

About the author

Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Hope Mazzola is a Florida native now happily rooted in North Carolina with her loving husband and two lazy basset hounds. After several years away from publishing, she has returned to the romance world with a renewed passion for storytelling and a bold, reimagined vision for her Shots on Goal universe. She writes every flavor of contemporary romance— from steamy rom-coms to gritty biker tales to emotional, heart-thumping sports love stories.


Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm]

Seriously?? Am I the only one that sees that the dude on the cover of this book is squished all to hell?? For the love of God, someone fix this damn cover!! *lol*

[The Book Lover · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review and trust me this is going to be honest...

The book is in serious need of editing.. I'm talking about past tense, misspelled words, etc a book should go through an editor before a formatter gets their hands on it.. not to mention that beta readers are failing to do their job obviously.. entire paragraphs don't make sense.. that makes it really hard for readers like me to get into the story...

If you're going to write a sports romance book please learn the facts of the sport, the teams and players.. I get that it's fiction and that you can write whatever you want, but for hockey fans like me to see jaromir jagr portrayed as a goalie was just wrong..

Not in every book the genre of bsdm or erotica will work.. the word daddy as thrown in these sex scenes were cringe worthy..

I read the first book of the series and kind of liked it, but from there and on it went downhill.. and I'm not sorry for writing this review

[Maddy's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy that Will finally got his story and his girl. From the last books, we know there is something special between Will and Jordan and they are more than just friends. Will finally takes a chance, and Jordan jumps to n with all her heart.
Both the characters are so strong and confident. I love Will's camaraderie with his team mates. I love how strong and vibrant Jordan is. Both of them click together perfectly and their love story is a long time coming.
*~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playoff Beard by Kristen Hope Mazzola Kristen Hope Mazzola’s PLAYOFF BEARD is a wonderful addition to the Shots On Goal series.  NHL goalie, Will Crosby, and bartender, Jordan Bates finally get together after ten years.  This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences. 
 
I like Will.  I felt bad for what happened between him and his ex-wife Mindie.  That being said, Jordan is a much better fit for him.  Will is a good guy.  He is a dedicated athlete and friend.   Jordan is a fun heroine.  I’ve enjoyed her in the previous books and was excited to hear her story.  She has a great personality.  I liked getting to know her family. 
 
I love that Jordan and Will started out as friends.  They are both attracted to the other but afraid to ruin their friendship.  Everyone knows they are perfect for one another.  I love when Will went to Sunday dinner with Jordan’s family.  I respect their nerdy vocabulary side.  I also, appreciated that there were things they did not know about each other, and they discover just how compatible they are together. 
 
I love how PLAYOFF BEARD’s timeline overlapped with LOW BLOW.  PLAYOFF BEARD had a nice flow and was a fast read.  It works well with the other books in the Shots On Goal series.   I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playoff Beard by Kristen Hope Mazzola is one of the best sports romance reads I have ever read. I was introduced to Kristen's writing through this book and I must say it was truly amazing. The characters are so true to life and her character development of them is remarkable. In this book, we the reader meet Will Crosby a hockey God goalie who plays for a team out of New York and Jordan, bartender extraordinaire. Will and Jordan have been friends for a few years but never have acted on their attraction to each other. This book is a friends to lovers sports romance and will make your heart swoon. There are sexual situations and many swoon worthy moments and they add so much to the story. If you are looking for a sports romance you will not soon forget, you must read this book. By the end, I think you will love it as much as I did. This book is a 5 star read but in my mind it's a 10 star read. - By Julie

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen Hope Mazzola’s PLAYOFF BEARD is a wonderful addition to the Shots On Goal series. NHL goalie, Will Crosby, and bartender, Jordan Bates finally get together after ten years. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

I like Will. I felt bad for what happened between him and his ex-wife Mindie. That being said, Jordan is a much better fit for him. Will is a good guy. He is a dedicated athlete and friend. Jordan is a fun heroine. I’ve enjoyed her in the previous books and was excited to hear her story. She has a great personality. I liked getting to know her family.

I love that Jordan and Will started out as friends. They are both attracted to the other but afraid to ruin their friendship. Everyone knows they are perfect for one another. I love when Will went to Sunday dinner with Jordan’s family. I respect their nerdy vocabulary side. I also, appreciated that there were things they did not know about each other, and they discover just how compatible they are together.

I love how PLAYOFF BEARD’s timeline overlapped with LOW BLOW. PLAYOFF BEARD had a nice flow and was a fast read. It works well with the other books in the Shots On Goal series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Michelle Abascal Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 My Hot Crosby Stars!!

ARC Generously Provided by the Author

This is the next book in the Shots of Goals series, and one of my favorite series by Kristen Hope Mazzola, because who doesn´t like hot sexy hockey players right?? Well this book is about 2 characters who we have met in the other books and I was like please please I need this book so much and guess what? it finally happened!!!!

This book is about Crosby and Jordan. He is the goalie of the NY Otters and she is Gavin's best friends and well now best friend of the whole group. Both characters always have feel thay they have chemistry but Crosby for his past is not so sure to do something about it and both are scare that they could lose the amazing friendship that they have.

Until one moment when neither can resist that between them are more that chemistry, there is LOVE!

So this book is about how these characters finally start to trust in their feelings and be happy together!

This book is amazing, well written, and a beatiful story between best friend!! Another success for our lady Kristen!!!!

Can't wait to read her next project!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crosby had some bad luck with his cheating ex-wife, he's steered clear since then, just the occasional one night stands but definitely no relationships. But what he doesn't expect is his changing feelings for a certain bartender he's known for years, namely Jordan. And upon further chats with her, he's thrilled to learn she is quite willing to indulge in some erotic fun and games, sex toys included.
This is a steamy addition to the series. Not much hockey going on but the sexy action is hot, hot, hot. But is it enough, will Cosby and Jordan face their true feelings.
A good friends to lovers romance and appearances from his team mates make this a great read. I highly recommend it!

[Jeune · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I will start by saying this is a cute little read, however, the story just didn't connect well. This book is a lot of things happening but no a real flow to the story, then it seems that they wanted to put an edge on the sex but it just fell short. It made me cringe every time they had sex and he called her his little girl and she called him Daddy. All in all, it has potential via a good editor and spell and grammar check, reading arcs spelling mistakes don't really bother me if the writing and story are good and this one just fell short.

[Nikkita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

As no surprise to me,this book was just as good as the others before it. They all can definitely be read as stand alone, but I've really enjoyed reading them all in order. Will and Jordan are such amazing characters that deserved a happily ever after.

[Kimberly Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short sweet read by Kristen Hope Mazzola. I love sport romance books, so I was all over this. This is a novella, and I do not feel like I was short changed at all like I typically do with novellas. Will(Crosby) and Jordan have a history as friends, and the author incorporates it nicely so you are not sitting around wondering what the heck is going on. I do not feel like I had to read any other books to enjoy this one. The characters and very developed, and complex. The only thing I didn't like was the bedroom talk, and I can't say anything because I don't want to give away part of the story, but for me it's not my cup of tea. I don't begrudge anyone who does like it, and I won't give a lesser review because it is my personal preference. I think this does deserve a good review as it's an awesome book. This story is told in alternating views.

[Alex ♈]

BDSM? Daddy?
Is it a freaking joke???! 🙄

[Char Sowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen Hope Mazzola continues her Shots on Goal series with a Friends-To-Lovers novel focusing on romance and rough dirty sex. "Playoff Beard" slightly overlaps events which occur in "Low Blow" although it's absolutely a stand alone romance. The heroine's Jordan Bates a Bartender extraordinaire who travels training novice bartenders in bars all over. She grew up with New York Otter's team captain, Gavin Hayes. He introduced his fellow rookie, goalie Will Crosby, to her ten years ago. He had a girlfriend at the time but she's held onto an unrequited crush on him ever since. Jordan was there for Crosby during one of the worst days of his life. He needed someone to listen to him and was unable to face his teammates. Crosby spilled every secret and she sympathized admiring his loyalty. They've remained friends ever since; even though everyone sees the combustible attraction they refuse to acknowledge.
"Playoff Beard" is a satisfying romance which is sexy and easy to enjoy. Crosby and Jordan are extremely engaging and lovable characters. I love Crosby's plethora of nerdy fun facts and words of the day. Their Steam Level' high with their adventurous sex lives. One of my issues is a pet peeve; I really dislike using the term "Daddy" sexually. I find it icky and would have preferred using "Sir" more. Kristen Hope Mazzola dangles some loose ends which bothers me a lot. Crosby's ex-wife made him sign her baby's birth certificate; I kept waiting for her to pop up. Jordan has a sister-in-law who's a notorious and suspiciously outrageous shrew; what's up with that? This left me waiting but nothing ever develops from those potential ticking bombs. Perhaps they'll show up in upcoming Shots On Goal books. This is a great series I continue to enjoy keeping up with!
To read the entire review please visit: http://wp.me/p4XqxF-1Y1
This novel was provided, voluntarily read, and honestly reviewed.

[Cocky Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 beard stars! Be ready to meet a sexy hockey player! - Sport romance alert!

Do you like sport romances?

Are you keen on beard men?

Do you like friends to love books?

If your answer is yes to at least one of the questions above, Playoff Beard is a novella you won’t want to miss. This book is a good addition to the Shots on Goal series. Who does not like sport beard men? The story is short and you can read it in one day.

This is about Will Crosby (hockey player) and Jordan Bates (bartender), both characters were introduced in the other books of the series and they finally have their own book. I did like that this novella is at the same time that Low Blow (I was happy to read about Griffin and Olive)

Crosby is a hot and sexy hockey player who has a bad experience with his ex-wife, Mindie. When he married Mindie, he tough he loved her and he tough she was the one but he was wrong. He is a good guy, a dedicated athlete who is faithful to his friends. Since he met Jordan, he was attracted to her but he hid that attraction because he didn’t want to lose her friendship. She is a better fit for him but they are only best friends.

“I was scared of losing her as a friend all together”.

Jordan has a bad luck in her relationships but Crosby will change completely her mind. Things between them will be in a rush because they waited for a long time to make any move afraid if things didn’t work. There is some BDSM involved between them that will add a spicy touch to this book.

I really enjoy reading this book.


(ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review)

[JoAnna G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am starting with I love hockey books. Best sport there is. I like when books are well rounded and they actually have the sport in the book and not eluded too. This book was a quick and easy to read and follow along novella. I loved every darn second of it. This is one of my favorite books by this author. She sucks you in and you feel like you are there. I felt like I was sitting in that arena and was being hit with the cold wet smell of the ice.

Crosby has been dealt a bad hand with a cheating ex-wife. He has no want at the moment for a long term, just a couple one night stands here and there. He plays on the Otters and is best friends with teammate Gavin. That’s how he know Jordan. Gavin is her childhood friend. Crosby is a great guy and sexy as all get the heck out.

Jordan, you can’t help but like her. She is likable with a big heart and pulls no punches kind of girl character. She is a bartender at a bar the team goes and hangs out at. She becomes good friends with Crosby and they grow closer.

I like reading and watching this relationship blossom. It was not instant but it also didn't push and pull. It was just a really good read watching these two go from friends to lovers.

I liked the writing and the pace and most of all Crosby. I totally fell in love with him. I can’t say much more as it isn’t a really long book and it will give too much away. You just need to read it for yourself.

I highly recommend this read if you love sexy, alpha, sweaty, hockey playing men.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He breathed into my neck before letting his teeth dig into my tender flesh. The bristles of his beard tickled my skin as his teeth sank down. Thank goodness for playoff beards. They really were my weakness.”

5 playoff beard stars!!! Funny, dirty and downright sexy!!!

Crosby hasn’t had the best of luck when it’s come to women. Especially after finding out his wife has given birth to a child that isn’t his. After that he’s sworn off women… well relationships really. He’s more focused on his career as a goalie for the Otters. But he can’t help but notice the cute little bartender he’s gotten to know Jordan.

Jordan is a bartender at a bar the hockey team frequents and they’ve gotten to know over the years. As time goes on Jordan and Crosby develop a friendship, but neither of these two can deny the attraction they both feel… but are they ready to cross that line?? Is Crosby ready to open his heart back up to someone after having it shattered??

Okay let me start with Jordan… OMG she’s so likeable!! She’s like seriously best friend material… there’s nothing to hate about this girl! And Crosby… well I have a serious weakness for beards, and this man is hot… then you add in the hockey and BOOM…amazing book! There wasn’t a time where I was bored or over the book… it really just sucks you in! I can’t wait to read more!

**Read and reviewed by Melissa for For the Love of Words**

[Samantha Ortegon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was trying to go back through my reviews and see if this is my first read from this author, her name and writing style felt familiar. In Playoff Beard author Kristen Hope Mazzola grabbed me from the start with the main character Crosby. Finding out that this story is an addition to a series had me feeling closer to some of the other characters. I really enjoyed that because it left me wanting to find out more about this close knit group.

Will Crosby has his heart broken from the beginning by his cheating wife, he decides to put all his attention to his team by becoming the goalie they can depend on. I found Crosby to be awesome, he has heart, humor and is trustworthy, everything a woman would want in a boyfriend. If only he can look beyond the friendship he has with a sweetheart of a bartender.

Jordan Bates has grown up with this group of friends and from the moment she was introduced to Crosby 10 years ago, she has held on to a crush. The time never seemed right for them to come together, not until one tipsy night in the bar. Jordan is perfect for Crosby, her love of the game, family and friends makes her worth making a commitment.

Playoff Beard is a good friends to lovers read, I loved the characters, story line and the love this group of characters share makes this a story worth reading. It is a fast read, but all in all it is a fun read with lots kink. 4 Star Read!

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Crosby and Jordan Bates have been friends for years . . . almost a decade. Both have also harbored a hidden attraction for one another, but feared expressing their interest in case it would ruin their friendship. However, after a disappointing loss one night, the friends find themselves lip locked at the bar where the team and their friends and family meet up after home games.

Now that the friends have crossed into lover’s territory, Will and Jordan agree to date. They find they are more than compatible between the sheets and enjoy spending as much free time together as possible . . . but will their relationship be able to make it longer than the Otter’s run for the Stanley Cup?

Kristen Hope Mazzola’s Playoff Beard was a super fun romantic read with a heat level bordering on intense! While Will and Jordan enjoy an easy banter and rapport outside of the bedroom, inside, their sexual adventures land on the kinky side! I enjoyed the lightheartedness of this book. It was fun watching two friends finally decide to pursue what had been right in front of them all along. 4 stars!

[Jordan Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to the Shots of Goal series, this is by far my favorite. Kristen let’s the characters radiate off the page, and it leaves you blinded with love for them. I loved the interaction with older characters, but also the building of this relationship. We had seen little snippets in other books, but this book soared in making this about Crosby and Jordan.

Crosby was such a dynamic character, who you couldn’t help but fall in love with. He was a man who was complex in and out of bed, which may surprise you in the best ways possible. Jordan was simplistic in a way that worked so well. She is like every girl out there who works for a living, but is just looking for someone to love and to love her. These characters work so well together, building a bomb that goes off with such a big bang, that it will leave you in the dust wanting more.

[Marialee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc provide for honesty review

I love Kristen! not only is she an amazing person but she also writes amazing books. Playoff Beard is part of the Shots On Goal series and every single one of these books I have loved. This book is about Will Crosby and Jordan Bates.

Will is the goalie for the New York Otters and Jordan is an amazing bartender. W have heard of these two throughout the other books and you can tell the is a connection there and now we get to read and feel it. they have known each other for many years but have never acted on it until one night. Then all bets are off and they go for it.

Every book that Kristen writes has love, lust, little bit of drama here and there, and of course plenty of sexy, hot scenes! I would have loved for this book to be a little longer, but hey, I still loved it!

Reviewing for Night and Day Book Blog... HTTP://blog. ndbbr2014.com

[Michelle Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a enjoyable read a great addition to this series. Do you have to read the others in order to enjoy this? NOPE, this book by itself is a really great book. I did love however that it did overlap in the time frame with a previous book but you be lost if you start with this one you will still love this book.

This couple Will and Jordan have been friends for about 10 years and they both have had feelings for each other but at first he was married and then as time went on they were scared to tell the other one about their feelings. Finally these two reveal their feelings.

I really loved watching them go from friends to lovers. Going on their journey of learning more about each other and seeing if what they have is true was truly enjoyable and I devoured this book and I can't wait for more by Kristen Hope Mazzola in the future!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was ready for this sexy bearded goalie’s story. Will Crosby will have you cheering for his happy ending to the very end.

Jordan and Crosby have been friends for years. They’ve been a part of each other’s lives and they know if they tell the other how they feel it could be the demise of their friendship. They are both unattached and ready to see if the chemistry is real.

We catch up with are other favorites from this series and I love the friendships that has brought them together as a family. I can’t wait for more from this series cause I want to know about another player that we only got hint about.

These characters are fun and over the top sexy – bearded goalie and sassy bartender! Their first date and fun date are worth reading alone. Grab Playoff Beard tonight and enjoy a little naughty story before bed.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playoff Beard by Kristen Hope Mazzola is the next book about the New York Otters Player .
This is Crosby and Jordan´s book.
Will Crosby is the goalie of the New York Otters, a successful hockey team. He´s divorced and lives the good life.
And there is Jordan Bates, bartender, sister to 3 brothers and Will´s friend since forever.
They have a great friendship and over the years something more grow between them. But Crosby hesitates, he´s afraid to destroy thier friendship.

Playoff Beard is a beautiful written and beautiful thought out romance with a really beautiful and well deserved HEA.
I liked the characters, I liked the words and I liked the writing. I give 4,5 sweet Stars and thank you Kristen Hope Mazzola.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This would be a higher rated read if we didn't have the Daddy, little girl lines in there during sexual things, that is a major turn off for me in a book. But otherwise I really enjoyed this book.

I love sports books so overall this was no exception. Will had his heart broken 5 years ago, and yet, he had a secret crush on Jordan...Jordan has held feelings for Will since she first met him. One dare later and Jordan and Will admit there is something between them, and sparks fly.

With some sports books we don't actually get the "sports" but this one we do, we read often about practice or games, and that is always an added bonus to me. But is a playoff beard a real thing? It should be! lol

Overall it was a fun quick read.

[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, and heartbreak.

Before reading this story please read the below books first
Hat Trick
Cross Checked (Shots On Goal #2)
Cherry Picked
Low Blow

This is Jordan and Will’s story. After Will finds his wife cheating on him he throws himself into his team and being a better player. Jordan is his friend and a bartender. With his life so messed up would it be worth it to ruin a friendship if things don’t work out. They have never crossed the line but now he wonders if there is a line between them. Can he really try something when he is so raw from the betrayal? Or will Jordan be just want he needed all along?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th of book in this series and I think they are better if you read in order. I love Kristen’s books. The story line and characters in this book are great but one thing got me and affected my rating. When they were sexting and what not she would call him Daddy and that totally doesn’t do it for me. I love all the Otters players and the other characters in this series. I love that Crosby and Jordan finally gave into their attraction. This book was funny and had romance. This book does overlap slightly with Low Blow (Book 4). I am eager to read more about these characters and see where they go next. Another great book Kristen.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.

[Christine Mize · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book should come with a warning - possible spontaneous combustion of a reading device and panty melting a serious danger when reading! My heart broke for Will and everything that he went though with his ex-wife but am so glad that he finally realized exactly what he had the entire time right under his very nose. I love that Jordan was a bit of a bad-a*s in her own right professionally and that she her personality came across as strongly as his did. My only complaint is that this book was not long enough - but then again, when are Ms. Mazzola's books long enough. She is one of the few authors that I could read every single day and never tire of. And I cannot wait to see where she take us next!

[Meg · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited to read this, my first in this series. I thought it would be fine, since each book says "STANDALONE" right in the kindle title. However, I was lost in a web of characters. There were too many to keep track of.

The kicker for me, though, was that on their first time together, he brought out the handcuffs and blindfold. I don't judge, but that just didn't do it for me. To top it off, the "little girl"/"Daddy" thing is a huge wet blanked. What a mood killer. I don't wanna get hot for my dad. NO THANKS.

I'm still trying to decide if I'll read the other books from Kristen that I downloaded. It's not looking good.

[Kristen Mazzola]

Shots on Goal is for readers who want:
🚫🏒 Off-limits hockey romances that push loyalty to the brink
🛡️🔥 Protective, brooding athletes who fall hard (and don’t recover quietly)
💪💔 Strong, resilient heroines rebuilding after loss
🤝💙 Found-family team dynamics that sneak up and wreck you
⏳💥 Slow burns that explode into all-consuming chemistry
🤫❤️ Secret relationships + “we absolutely shouldn’t be doing this” tension
🫂😭 Emotional caretaking scenes that hit harder than the final buzzer
🌆🏒 Big-city energy, locker-room intensity, and playoff pressure
😂❤️‍🩹 Rom-com banter paired with real, gut-level healing
📚🔥 A binge-worthy sports romance universe built for devoted readers

[R.P. Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book, I couldn't stop! When two best friends who deserve to finally have their own chance at love get to do it together after watching all of their friends and family find their own happiness. Jordan Bates and Will Crosby reach a point in their lives where they are done fighting their feelings and take their love by the hockey sticks. No drama, no lingering doubts, and no jealous rampages made this book a must-read for me.

Sweet and sexy all at the same time, Kristen Hope Mazzola kills it with Crosby and Jordan's HEA. A championship win in my book.