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She isn’t supposed to want him. He isn’t supposed to want her. But wanting each other is inevitable.

Clint McCarthy has finally achieved his dream of playing for a professional hockey program, and is eager to make his mark with his new team. While getting settled in his new city, he happens across Bree Stone, whom he has known for years, with their respective brothers both being in the famed Belltown Six Pack. But for the life of him, he can’t remember Bree ever looking so attractive. Or being so captivating. Or taking over his every waking thought.

In the middle of her graduate degree, Bree has no time or desire for working on her dating life, or lack thereof, but the impossibly handsome Clint McCarthy coming back into her life makes everything complicated. She shouldn’t be focusing on him, or on them, not when her professional future hangs in the balance. But once she hears about Clint’s past with the Northbrook Hockey Elite program, and where that program stands now, Bree just might find a way to make her career, and a future with Clint, come to life.

Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite!

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2019

268 people are currently reading
401 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Connolly

90 books1,243 followers
I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,548 reviews269 followers
October 28, 2019
I debated with the 4 or 3 stars....it's hokey and sports. Contemporary is just not my fav. I just know very little but this does help me understand why people like sports so much. Making something you dislike come alive pushed this book to it's 4 stars. I just love the way Rebecca writes. I think she could write anything and I would like it. The story built slowly and was a introduction to this series so you have a lot of other players and because Rebecca is brilliant she also included people from the baseball series. It was a fun one to read:}
Profile Image for Mara.
1,472 reviews113 followers
November 16, 2019
What a great start to a new series by the authors who gave us the Belltown Six Pack baseball series. I loved this story about Clint and Bree who are siblings of the famous Six Pack, #SixPackSibs.

I loved Clint and Bree and thought they were adorable; especially their meet-cute. They already know each other because of their famous brothers but don't see each other that often since their siblings have made it to the pros. I loved that the whole Six Pack gang is there when Clint gets his call to join a major hockey team, and I love the support he receives from everyone.

I enjoyed the story that introduces us to the rest of the Northbrook Hockey Elite. I think we've all heard of a community center/sports facility that was once a great place but over time loses financing, interest from the community or both. I really liked how Bree was able to get everyone to come together with each person working in their own area of expertise, and how other sports got involved with the challenges. I loved the little mentions of the Belltown Six Pack so we could get caught up on the guys.

This story had everything--humor, romantic tension between the main characters, swoony moments, tender moments. I had all the feels while devouring this book. I don't think you have to be a fan of hockey to enjoy it. I'm not into sports and loved the Belltown baseball series. You also don't have to read the Belltown series before reading this one, but I think this book will make you want to read all about the boys from Belltown. This is a clean romance.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,676 reviews580 followers
November 29, 2019
Yay!!! I'm so happy there is another sports romance series from this trio of authors! There is a tie-in from the Belltown Sixpack characters, but this one is definitely all hockey. I think what makes these books stand out to me is how effortlessly well-developed the characters are; I feel like I get to know them quickly and their personalities are unique. Clint is in a major transition of his life and while he's capable and confident, we also see a vulnerable side of him as he gets used to his new circumstances. I love how his friendship with Bree progresses naturally to romance and the maturity they both have in their relationship as they fall in love but also realize that there are major parts of each others lives that they choose not to compete with, rather, they support and encourage each other. And they have *great* chemistry! Bree has not been a hockey fan but learns the game for Clint's sake which was super sweet and fun how it impresses him. I enjoyed the descriptions of the game play and how it brought the emotion and intensity of the players to life. We are introduced to the characters the future books in the series will feature- the alumni from Clint's youth hockey league who are working together to revitalize the program. I am so excited to continue reading this series, especially after such a strong first book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,523 reviews332 followers
November 20, 2019
Time can really change the way you view a person, as Clint and Bree found out. They're the younger siblings of two members of the Belltown Six Pack and when they end up in the same city and run into each other, sparks definitely fly, as they see each other in a whole new light.

I'm so excited for this new sports series. I don't know a lot about hockey, but as it turns out, my youngest daughter is preparing to play and this is the perfect chance for me to learn about the sport. I loved learning right along with Bree and wow, I'm super excited for this series!

It was a treat to come back home to the Belltown Six Pack, as they were all over in this story, but a new group of athletes has emerged and I'm just as excited to get to know this group, especially the one who made a horrible first impression.

Because Clint and Bree have a connected past, their romance blooms almost instantly and I couldn't get enough of the swoon and chemistry--it was delicious! Bring on the hockey and the love!

Content: mild+ romance (swoony, kissing)

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
November 27, 2019
I can't tell you how excited I am for this series! After reading (and LOVING!) the Belltown baseball series, I've been anxious to get started on this one. I actually know next to nothing about hockey which makes me more like Bree because I was raised with baseball but that isn't going to stop me from enjoying this series!

One of my favorite things about this story is that Clint is in from the first moments of seeing Bree again. He is pursuing her and she knows it. The chemistry and the intensity increases between them and I could feel it. It was a natural progression of feelings. I love that once Clint and Bree are in it, they don't have any major misunderstanding that drives them apart. They work on a problem together but they don't ever fight. That was refreshing and I loved it.

The first kiss was yummy, Bree's friends and the whole hockey community are fun, and I love that we don't have to say goodbye to the six pack! This book was so good and I can't wait for the next book, out next month!! Yay!!

Content: kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,164 reviews706 followers
May 23, 2020
My sixth grade teacher was obsessed with hockey. Seriously, he had a hockey rink built in his backyard and taught us lessons on hockey and for recess we would play hockey. So, I've always had a soft spot for hockey. I love going to the games and was excited when I saw a book series centered around hockey players! Sign me up!

This was a fun read, even if you don't like hockey. Clint McCarthy has finally made it to the big leagues, he's been signed to play professional hockey. On top of that, he has reconnected with an old friend and sparks are flying everywhere! Bree Stone is working on her doctorate degree and isn't looking for romance, but cant deny the chemistry she feels with Clint. Bree and Clint have a nice, conflict-free romance. Things heat up quickly and they just love being with each other. It sort of reminds me of those couples that are all, "I love you more, no I love you more, no I do..." which is endearing but I admit, in my novels I like a little more tension. They're super cute together though and its fun to see their interactions.

This is the first book in the Northbrook Hockey Elite series, so there is a lot of characters introduced, and characters from the Belltown Six series (you wont be lost if you haven't read that series). All the different characters are getting set up for the series, and I thought it was handled well. They were presented in a way that I look forward to reading their stories as well.

Overall, I thought this was a fun read. Once I started I was quickly sucked in and enjoyed the story. Well-written, likable characters and a fun plot. I look forward to reading more.

Content: Clean romance, just kisses. No language or violence (except for a few hockey scuffles, but what is hockey with a little fighting??)

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Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,895 reviews239 followers
November 19, 2019
4.5*

If you followed this group of authors previous baseball series, The Belltown Six Pack, and enjoyed them, you're gonna love this next series about Hockey. No worries if you didn't read any of the previous series' books, you'll be fine diving into this series.

Clint McCarthy and Bree Stone each have a brother who is a member of The Belltown Six Pack. They're considered a "six pack sib." They completely understand what it's like to have a very famous brother and being a part of that group of friends. (It's pretty awesome!) Imagine Clint's surprise when he shows up with a group of his friends from his new hockey team and runs into none other than Bree Stone! They haven't seen each other in years and hit it off pretty quickly.

This book was a lot of fun and Rebecca Connolly knows how to write some sweet and sassy (and clean) romance. There were plenty of sparks and great emotions between Clint and Bree. I loved both of their personalities. These two will grab a hold of your heart and funny bone and have you laughing and swooning while reading this book.

And aside from the humor and sweet romance, there's a great feel good story too. Clint reconnects with his coaches and some good friends from his beginning days of learning hockey at Northbrook Hockey. And those friends he played with at Northbrook and their reconnecting is leading into this new series. Each of those players will have their own book. And I for one can't wait to read them, especially one in particular who has a little girl. I'm really hoping his story is up next...or soonish. Can't wait! If you're a hockey fan, this is a fun series you'll hopefully enjoy! When I was a teenager my dad would take me to professional hockey games. They were so much fun (and very, very loud)! I even went on a couple dates to the games. The author captured the feeling and intensity of the games very well in her writing. I was having flashback memories of those games and it had me missing them. Time to go to a hockey game!!! Too bad I live far away from any teams, professional or not.

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
778 reviews144 followers
May 9, 2025
Confession. I know absolutely nothing about hockey. I have never even watched a game. The closest I got was watching an episode of Leverage that featured a hockey team. But that didn't stop me from enjoying Faceoff.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that loves when a book can sweep you off your feet and give you that much needed break from reality. That's exactly what happened while reading this book. The friends to lovers trope is becoming one of my favorites. There's just something about that friendship turning into something more that has this girl letting out all the dreamy sighs. I may or may not have had one of those permagrins while reading.

I adored Bree and Clint. Their fun, easy going vibe made it easy to relate to them. I enjoyed watching them strengthen their friendship before moving on to something more. I loved that they were willing to support each other in every detail of their lives. Big or small, they were there for each other. They did what ever it took to make sure they were both happy. And the chemistry between these two?! Off the charts from the very beginning. All I can say is... that first kiss?! WOWZERS!

Can we just take a minute to appreciate all the side characters?! Loved them! In my opinion they were the extra icing on the already perfectly iced cake. I can tell you that I will definitely be reading the Belltown Six Pack. And am I the only one that wants Penny to have her own book?! She would definitely be a fun one to read about! Haha.

Y'all believe it or not, this is my first book by Ms. Connolly and I can already tell you it won't be my last. I have no clue why I waited so long to read one of her books but I'm definitely glad that I did! I can't wait to read more by her.

And of course I can't forget my casting! What do you think?

description
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,847 reviews39 followers
October 24, 2019
Romance, clean; Series but stand alone read
Such a cute starter to this hockey series! R.C. knows how to write romance that tingles and tantalizes your senses. Such honest, heartfelt, genuine characters in Clint and Bree, plus cameos from the Belltown six-pack from the baseball series. I rarely give 4 stars to a 'cute' story, but this one deserves a well-earned 4 from me.
The professional hockey backstory with the other members of "The Pit" was a cute way to start off this series by bringing them back together. Clint's rise into playing for the Pro's, his family and friend's support, the team, the coaches, the intensity of the games, the Northbrook Hockey back story, Bree and Clint's fall and fun attraction and care for each other, just a fun, romantic read that has heart. Clint and Bree's story was told from alternating points of view, and their thoughts and cares for each other as they navigate the Belltown sibs issues, acknowledging their feelings, and bringing together their lives was sweetly written. R.C. did a great job with this one, I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review, this in no way influenced my opinions.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
2,082 reviews16 followers
October 21, 2019
This is a strong start to a new series that definitely leaves me wanting to read the rest of the books. There's not really much conflict, but the romance is a ton of fun. I love the banter between Clint and Bree. The story moved along at a good pace and was well-written. Even not being a hockey fan, I still found the story to be really enjoyable. It's a quick read that has enough depth to keep it interesting. Great choice for those looking for a clean contemporary romance.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Jessie.
1,479 reviews88 followers
November 4, 2019
I wasn't sure what to think going into this series. I loved the Belltown Six Pack series, and I actually had a little knowledge of the rules and positions of baseball. I have a very small knowledge base when it comes to hockey. Luckily, you don't need to know the game to love this book! Our main character, Bree Stone, comes from a baseball family (she's Riker Stone's sister from the Belltown Six Pack). She doesn't know much about hockey either. I learned along side her, and really the focus of the books was on the relationships, not intricate details of the game.

Clint McCarthy and Bree have known each other for years. They're both Six Pack sibs, but they haven't really gotten to know each other before. When Clint starts playing on a new team in St. Louis, he and Bree are in the same city and reconnect. I love these two together. I love the sass and the playful banter, the chemistry, and the "will our brothers ever let us live this down?" This is a book that I have already picked up to reread multiple times. There are just so many cute, swoony, and laugh-out-loud moments.

The characters were well developed, and I found myself trying to match make for the side characters as I read. I can't wait to dive deeper into this series. I wasn't sure that a new group could live up to the Six Pack, but Bree pegged it, "Rivals a fraternity, resembles a family, right? Gotta be a team." These men are funny, they push each other, they punch each other, but they would definitely do anything to help each other too.

Content: clean (making-out, mild hockey violence, no language)
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,886 reviews208 followers
December 10, 2019
This was such a great story! I loved the way these two characters bonded and they way their love grew. I liked them both so much fright from the start. I loved all of the hockey scenes, too. Made me feel like I was seeing the games as they happened. Read on Kindle Unlimited.
966 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2019
This is a great "spin off" of the Belltown Six Pack series.
The story is around two of the siblings of two famous baseball players in the Belltown Six Pack. They grew up together surrounded by their brother's fame. They were used to being part of the fame by being apart of it, in the shadow of their brothers.
Clint was striving to get back into his sport of hockey after serving in the Marines. Bree was finishing up her degree. They happen to run into each other by chance and it had been years since being in each others company.
I liked the fact that even though they were friends, they found that there was an pull to get to know each other. Because they were friends they were already comfortable around each other. Yet, they were both reserved about this pull and moved cautiously but with purpose.
I liked how they helped each other grow in each of their paths without losing themselves. Clint's strength and belief in Bree in turn helped her find a future path that helped Clint and other people through her strengths.
I enjoyed this story a great deal and recommend it wholeheartedly. Look forward to reading more of the Northbrook Hockey Elite gang.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,968 reviews71 followers
November 19, 2019
I loved this book! It’s a clean romance that sucked me in from the very first page.

This one is kind of a spin off from the Belltown Six Pack novels I read last year. If you haven’t read them, do! But this new series isn’t about baseball players like the other series was, this one’s about hockey players. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, I’ve never watched any hockey. But that didn’t matter at all.

I loved that Faceoff features Clint and Bree. They’re both siblings of the Belltown Six Pack members. That made their romance even more special. It felt like the romance moved more quickly because they already knew each other. I really liked the natural way the whole book worked.

The characters were fantastic. I felt as though they could walk off the page. Seriously, I can’t wait to see who else will be included in the rest of the series because I liked this one so much!

If you like clean romance, make time to read this one! I loved it!

I was sent an e-copy of Faceoff as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,083 reviews132 followers
January 3, 2020
This fun and exciting story is an excellent kick-off for the Northbrook Hockey Elite swoony sports series. Throughout the story readers get to see the friendship and eventual chemistry and romance between the two main characters explode, much the game of hockey that is deeply involved in the story as well. Not only is the main character a hockey player, but he also helps revitalize a youth hockey league that he was once part of. There is also a fun cross over from characters in the Belltown Six Pack series that readers will love. Fans of hockey will definitely enjoy this delightful story.

Series: Northbrook Hockey Elite
Genre: contemporary, romance, sports
Publisher: Mirror Press
Publication date: November 12, 2019
Number of pages: 191

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
496 reviews11 followers
October 21, 2019
What I enjoyed:

• Laughter is a great way to draw a reader into a story and the witty banter that occurs between all of the characters did just that.
• There is also, a lot of texting between the other characters. The texting banter gives the reader a lot to smile about.
• I liked the hockey theme to the story.
• The romance between Bree and Clint was believable.
• The pacing was good. Not too fast nor too slow.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel.
• The story was well written, edited, and flowed smoothly.
• This was a clean read.

The banter between Bree and Clint kept me smiling throughout the whole book. If you want a read that will make you feel good all the way to the end, you will want to read this novella.

I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
Profile Image for Stacey.
321 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2019
I loved this story!!! What a great way to start off the series. I loved all of the characters in this story but of course especially the main two - Clint & Bree make such a cute, dynamic couple. I loved the banter between them, from start to finish. In fact all of the banter between the other characters was fantastic. It sets such a great tone of team, friendship & family. I can definitely recommend this book/series. The series that preceded this one, Bell Town Six Pack, is also worth reading! I’m not even a huge sports fan (my sport is “reading marathons” - sorry, not sorry lol) yet I loved each story I have read so far!
I received a free ARC of this book with no obligation to leave a review - all opinions are entirely my own. If you enjoy wholesome, clean romance with fun filled characters - sports fan or not - I think you will love this book!
67 reviews
November 9, 2019
I started my sports romance addiction with the six pack and was eagerly looking forward to the hockey series. Faceoff did not disappoint. Bree and Clint are so fun to read about. I love how the connection with their famous siblings brings them together but does not define their relationship as they find their own place in the world. The family bond supports the story rather than overshadowing it.
Profile Image for Lorieah.
160 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2019
I loved everything about this book! I loved the smile on my face that didn't leave for the first few chapters. I loved learning about the Six Pack Sibs (support) group. I loved tying in the new guys with the old ones, and still feeling that love of family and brotherhood. I loved the writing and the wit and the real emotions. Seriously can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Corey.
490 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2019
Yay! I was sad when the Belltown series ended, so it was awesome to have this series begin with lots of Belltown characters woven in. I enjoyed this first story, and the relationships and the comradery developing amongst the hockey players lends promise that I may like the rest of the series as well.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,364 reviews26 followers
November 10, 2019
Loved this book! I'm not someone who likes contemporary romance as much as historical but I loved this book! It is so well written and so easy to love the characters. The romance was just right and you loved how they worked together to help save something so important to them. Wonderful book! I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,534 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2019
I loved this first book in the Northbrook Hockey Elite series! I loved the connection with the Belltown Six Pack--stories about pro baseball players. I loved the varied characters and their quirky personalities, on and off the ice. Pure delight!
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
November 16, 2019
I’m an avid hockey fan and have been for twenty plus years, so of course, this book got my attention.
Faceoff is an excellent introduction to the men that make up the Northbrook Hockey alumni that (I hope) will be featured in the upcoming books in the series. It also strikes the right balance between introducing newbies to the speed, excitement, and athleticism involved in hockey while entertaining those who don’t necessarily need the Hockey 101 explanations.

From the moment Clint and Bree meet up in Faceoff, I couldn’t wait for the two of them to get together. Yes, it’s fast but since they’re Six Pack Sibs with years of history (and mutual friends who are more like family), it’s believable.

Bring on the next installment. I can’t wait to find out more history of these Northbrook players. Zane piqued my interest the most of this crew.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
2,556 reviews46 followers
January 11, 2020
I liked that this is a romance but the conflict in the story wasn't in their relationship. Instead it was working together to overcome another difficulty making it a plot different from what I often read. I also liked that this is billed as a Hockey series and the book actually had hockey in it. So often sports themed series just have the athlete's career in a sport but the reader doesn't ever really see any of it. So those two points made this unique to what I've seen in the past. I'm not a hockey fan and understand less about the sport than Bree did but the book was still enjoyable.

The romance moves fast and like I said, there is never any real conflict in their relationship other than a few moments of misgiving in the siblings. I liked Bree and Clint as main characters. And I enjoyed the banter between all the athletes as well as Bree. The group texts were fun.

Enjoyable read.

Sex: some kisses
Language: no
Violence: some rough hockey scenarios
*I received a complimentary arc of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
165 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2019
Welcome to Northbrook!

What a great way to introduce us to Northbrook Hockey Elite, through 2 of the "6-pack Sibs". I loved the Belltown series which was romance with a side of baseball, now we get romance with a side of hockey.
Started out knowing even less about hockey than I did about baseball, but so did the heroine on this book - Brilliant!

I loved the story of Bree and Clint, how they knew and understood each other from growing up with their famous older brothers and the Belltown 6-Pack. Their meet-cute was believeable and fun and her roommates were funny and helpful to the story.

Ms. Connolly wrote a great into to the NHE series, I'm really eager for next month's installment.
34 reviews
November 15, 2019
I thought it was great. I’ve loved Heather B. Moore’s writing for awhile now. I can see what she is writing about and I feel her characters are relatable. I’m the kind of person that gets attached to a series. This book filled a hole that was left at the end of Book 6 of the Belltown Six Pack Series. I got to see those characters again as this series transitions to hockey. I don’t know hockey very well, so I felt I could relate to Bree. Her and Clint’s love story reminded me of my own, in terms of speed of falling in love. I also appreciate reading a book with a clean romance. I’m ready for the next book!
4,589 reviews31 followers
October 25, 2019
I admit my knowledge of hockey is limited. I live in Texas winter sports aren’t really big here, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I love the interaction between the former members of the Northbrook Elite Hockey Club and Chet and Bree’s interaction with the members of the Belltown Six Pack, which include their siblings. It is good to see the heroine be beautiful and extremely smart and for the hero to show his softer side. This is going to be a good series and I look forward to the next book.
208 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2019
I loved this story! I am not much of a hockey fan, but learned a little and enjoyed anyway. This book was definitely a book I could not put down. It was a wonderful quick read. I loved the re-connection of Clint and Bree and watching their relationship move forward. Each encouraging the other to be and do their best while they themselves are doing the same thing. Can't wait for the rest of the series to come out!
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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