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Hat Trick
Alexandra “Alex” Hawthorne is on the fast track to the top of one of the most formidable, white-collar, criminal defense law firms in New York. She can ill afford any distractions, especially those with dark-brown eyes, who can rock a power suit while coaching professional hockey players. Not now. Not when Alex is so close to making senior partner. Not after all she has sacrificed.
After a devastating end to her playing career, Janelle Leblanc channeled her passion into coaching and reached the pinnacle of success as the first female head coach in NHL history. Despite her accomplishments, she hears whispers that she was hired as nothing more than a publicity stunt. Janelle’s focus needs to remain on the ice if she is to prove them wrong, not on a certain curly haired attorney with the most arresting emerald-green eyes she has ever seen.
Once the spark is lit, their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Can Janelle break down Alex’s walls to give them a real chance? Or will Alex’s past heartache be too much for them to overcome?
After a devastating end to her playing career, Janelle Leblanc channeled her passion into coaching and reached the pinnacle of success as the first female head coach in NHL history. Despite her accomplishments, she hears whispers that she was hired as nothing more than a publicity stunt. Janelle’s focus needs to remain on the ice if she is to prove them wrong, not on a certain curly haired attorney with the most arresting emerald-green eyes she has ever seen.
Once the spark is lit, their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Can Janelle break down Alex’s walls to give them a real chance? Or will Alex’s past heartache be too much for them to overcome?
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
19 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Ali Spooner
72 books123 followersI am a native Floridian who is temporarily (I hope) displaced in Memphis, TN. for work purposes, however I hope to make it home to a partner of 17 years and our family as quickly as I can. I enjoy photography as a hobby along with spinning a good tale.
I am American by birth and Southern by the Grace of God. LOL I enjoy writing about the south and creating characters and events that I hope my readers enjoy as much as I have in creating them.
I am American by birth and Southern by the Grace of God. LOL I enjoy writing about the south and creating characters and events that I hope my readers enjoy as much as I have in creating them.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 18, 2021
Full disclosure, I’m the web designer who created KL Gallagher’s site so I was curious to read her debut book, Hat Trick, but neither the authors nor the publisher asked me to leave a review. Despite that Ms. Spooner has an impressive back catalogue, I’m ashamed to say that this is the first book I’ve read by this author so Hat Trick seemed a good place to start. I’m glad I read it because it was very enjoyable.
After ending a very traumatic relationship years ago, Alex Hawthorne is content to dedicate herself fully to her job as a junior partner in a law practice and having casual relationships. That is until she meets ice hockey legend, Janelle Leblanc, the first NHL female coach in history. Sparks of attraction fly but Alex is adamant to keep things casual despite that their mutual feelings get harder to ignore.
Hat Trick is KL Gallagher’s debut novel co-written with Ali Spooner. The story of how this book idea started is really cool. Ms. Gallagher placed a winning bid to name a character in a future Ali Spooner’s book and the author suggested writing it together (check KL Gallagher’s blog for the full story).
This was a very good sports romance focused on ice hockey. For those readers who like sports scenes in their books, Hat Trick won’t disappoint. Ms. Gallagher is not only an ice hockey fan but also an amateur player so she knows what she’s talking about. I admit that I have no clue about this sport but found the hockey matches scenes easy to follow and exciting. There is an ice hockey glossary at the end of the book for those readers who want to know about the game in detail. I’ve read other books that portray sports action well but this one also describes the behind-the-scene of hockey coaching, players’ internal issues and how to manage a franchise. I found all those details fascinating and gave the book a realistic feel.
In addition to the sports parts, this novel deals with serious issues such as sexism in the workplace. As both leads are very good at their jobs, they encounter a good deal of misogyny in their respective male-dominated work environments. There is also a subplot of domestic abuse (I’m not spoiling anything as it appears at the start of the book) which I thought was treated with tact and respect. There are parts that are not easy to read but it’s the type of story that needs to be told.
The romance was very well done, both characters have good chemistry together and the sex scenes are hot. The ubiquitous conflict at the 80% mark felt organic to the story and credible. I think that fans of both sports and romance books are going to enjoy this novel. 4.5 stars.
After ending a very traumatic relationship years ago, Alex Hawthorne is content to dedicate herself fully to her job as a junior partner in a law practice and having casual relationships. That is until she meets ice hockey legend, Janelle Leblanc, the first NHL female coach in history. Sparks of attraction fly but Alex is adamant to keep things casual despite that their mutual feelings get harder to ignore.
Hat Trick is KL Gallagher’s debut novel co-written with Ali Spooner. The story of how this book idea started is really cool. Ms. Gallagher placed a winning bid to name a character in a future Ali Spooner’s book and the author suggested writing it together (check KL Gallagher’s blog for the full story).
This was a very good sports romance focused on ice hockey. For those readers who like sports scenes in their books, Hat Trick won’t disappoint. Ms. Gallagher is not only an ice hockey fan but also an amateur player so she knows what she’s talking about. I admit that I have no clue about this sport but found the hockey matches scenes easy to follow and exciting. There is an ice hockey glossary at the end of the book for those readers who want to know about the game in detail. I’ve read other books that portray sports action well but this one also describes the behind-the-scene of hockey coaching, players’ internal issues and how to manage a franchise. I found all those details fascinating and gave the book a realistic feel.
In addition to the sports parts, this novel deals with serious issues such as sexism in the workplace. As both leads are very good at their jobs, they encounter a good deal of misogyny in their respective male-dominated work environments. There is also a subplot of domestic abuse (I’m not spoiling anything as it appears at the start of the book) which I thought was treated with tact and respect. There are parts that are not easy to read but it’s the type of story that needs to be told.
The romance was very well done, both characters have good chemistry together and the sex scenes are hot. The ubiquitous conflict at the 80% mark felt organic to the story and credible. I think that fans of both sports and romance books are going to enjoy this novel. 4.5 stars.
January 24, 2022
While I found the story lagged in a few places the overall read is a solid 4⭐️. It deals with one woman emotionally running from her physically abusive partner and another woman being the first female head coach of a NHL team.
The hockey scenes are exciting and true to form. The handling of the abuse victim was skillfully done. The blending of the two is ingenious.
The hockey scenes are exciting and true to form. The handling of the abuse victim was skillfully done. The blending of the two is ingenious.
October 3, 2021
Bravo to the authors who touched on a tough topic. Along with learning a lot about hockey, this was a great love story with a serious backdrop. Great debut by K Kallagher and also another hit by Ali Spooner.
October 15, 2021
Great.
I loved Hat Trick. Honestly, the cover really drew me in. The story is great. I don’t know much about hockey. But I enjoyed the descriptions of the games.
I loved Hat Trick. Honestly, the cover really drew me in. The story is great. I don’t know much about hockey. But I enjoyed the descriptions of the games.
January 19, 2022
Absolutely love this. Even though I'm not a hockey fan, the game scenes were riveting. They were exciting. But I love the chemistry between the 2 MCs, Alex and Janelle. You can feel their attraction to one another.
The writing is seamless, you can't tell where the two authors switched places. The love scenes are beautiful. If you want to know more about the book, read it! I highly recommend this book and have no qualms giving it 5 stars.
The writing is seamless, you can't tell where the two authors switched places. The love scenes are beautiful. If you want to know more about the book, read it! I highly recommend this book and have no qualms giving it 5 stars.
October 13, 2021
Very enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very well written and likable. The hockey parts are interesting and even for a novice are easy to understand. The romance very sweet. Thanks for a very good read by a new author.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very well written and likable. The hockey parts are interesting and even for a novice are easy to understand. The romance very sweet. Thanks for a very good read by a new author.
October 4, 2021
Ice hockey with the best kind of heart story, no trick.
Janelle Lablanc has done one thing for most of her young life- ice hockey. Alexandra Hawthorne only ever wanted to be a lawyer. They both experience a moment that changed everything and made them put up walls to protect their heart. K. Gallagher and Ali Spooner have created such an amazing story. Two characters connect with just eye contact but it opens a new world for them both. There are such great moment between them and oh their delicious dialogue. There is so many twists, deep sharing of a life not what was expected and hot encounters that heat up the pages. I don't want to give any of the story away but it is a brilliantly written story. I am not an ice hockey fan but I enjoyed how they shared the game experiences. Gallagher will be an author on my list, looking for her next one. Thank you Ali and K.L. This was spectacularly written.
Janelle Lablanc has done one thing for most of her young life- ice hockey. Alexandra Hawthorne only ever wanted to be a lawyer. They both experience a moment that changed everything and made them put up walls to protect their heart. K. Gallagher and Ali Spooner have created such an amazing story. Two characters connect with just eye contact but it opens a new world for them both. There are such great moment between them and oh their delicious dialogue. There is so many twists, deep sharing of a life not what was expected and hot encounters that heat up the pages. I don't want to give any of the story away but it is a brilliantly written story. I am not an ice hockey fan but I enjoyed how they shared the game experiences. Gallagher will be an author on my list, looking for her next one. Thank you Ali and K.L. This was spectacularly written.
October 4, 2021
I was so into this book that I ended up staying up late to finish it.
Alex an attorney who works ridiculous long hours as does any attorney when starting out also has to contend with a girlfriend who has become insanely jealous and in secure. This jealously reaches a dangerous boiling point.
Janelle has had one live in her life and that was playing hockey. Playing since a young child she has a bright future. Dreams of being going to the Olympics and win the Gold Medal for Canada are on track for this now fasting rising star in the University ranks.
These two women both had to move on after tragic events. Can they find love in each other?
Alex an attorney who works ridiculous long hours as does any attorney when starting out also has to contend with a girlfriend who has become insanely jealous and in secure. This jealously reaches a dangerous boiling point.
Janelle has had one live in her life and that was playing hockey. Playing since a young child she has a bright future. Dreams of being going to the Olympics and win the Gold Medal for Canada are on track for this now fasting rising star in the University ranks.
These two women both had to move on after tragic events. Can they find love in each other?
October 3, 2021
great story!
A beautiful romance, engaging and dynamic characters as well as some rather difficult situations. Both MC’s are working to overcome past fears, one recovering from an abusive relationship. Definitely a lot of ice hockey involved twisting my brain to remember terminology. Fun reading and a very HEA
A beautiful romance, engaging and dynamic characters as well as some rather difficult situations. Both MC’s are working to overcome past fears, one recovering from an abusive relationship. Definitely a lot of ice hockey involved twisting my brain to remember terminology. Fun reading and a very HEA
April 22, 2024
Read this book on a recommendation from another author that I follow and knowing that it would deal with a hard subject, peeked my interest along with learning about hockey. These authors did not disappoint on both counts. Narrating the trauma that is domestic violence is hard and in any scenario but it was well covered and incorporated into this story. I truly loved the redemption and closure of the characters. A great love story from beginning to end and believing in yourself and following your passions.
January 15, 2023
Great read. I learned a lot about ice hockey and the entourage around it. Characters well written.
February 13, 2024
Hat Trick by Ail Spooner and K L Gallagher.
2/5 stars 🌟 🌟
I read this on a recommendation, but I didn’t gel with this book. I chose the title because I miss being on the ice after an accident, although it wasn’t what I expected. Some parts of the book I did enjoy, the spontaneity and fun side of the characters, although their habits became a little repetitive.
Firstly, there was no need to info dump whole chunks in the first few chapters. I always feel it’s better to let the characters express their past experiences through conversation. The reader should get to know the characters first without preconceptions of what they have been through. It’s just better writing. The exposition was explained again when the characters talked about their pasts in later chapters. This made the book repetitive. As readers, we also don’t need to know everything about a character’s past; we just need enough to build their character.
Janelle said, “I’m not going to push you” when she wanted to know about Alex’s past, then continued to use almost emotional blackmail to talk her into telling her everything. The concern Janelle has for Alex feels a little robotic. It just didn’t portray the right scenario for dating someone new after an abusive relationship.
I found that the rundown of the hockey games felt too much when Janelle was only a coach. Shining too much spotlight on side characters, we are not as invested in.
Later in the book, when Alex is forced to confront her abusive ex, I thought it was unlikely that Alex would want to be alone and talk to her ex, let alone hug her. I have no idea why Alex flinches when the love of her life- Janelle, touches her but takes it in her stride when her ex, who almost killed her, holds her hand. Her behaviour just didn't add up.
Lastly, I found the characters jumped into the relationship too fast. It was a little unrealistic for my liking. The characters are both too girly and mushy! The ending became repetitive as they spent the rest of the book declaring their love for each other. Cringe.
2/5 stars 🌟 🌟
I read this on a recommendation, but I didn’t gel with this book. I chose the title because I miss being on the ice after an accident, although it wasn’t what I expected. Some parts of the book I did enjoy, the spontaneity and fun side of the characters, although their habits became a little repetitive.
Firstly, there was no need to info dump whole chunks in the first few chapters. I always feel it’s better to let the characters express their past experiences through conversation. The reader should get to know the characters first without preconceptions of what they have been through. It’s just better writing. The exposition was explained again when the characters talked about their pasts in later chapters. This made the book repetitive. As readers, we also don’t need to know everything about a character’s past; we just need enough to build their character.
Janelle said, “I’m not going to push you” when she wanted to know about Alex’s past, then continued to use almost emotional blackmail to talk her into telling her everything. The concern Janelle has for Alex feels a little robotic. It just didn’t portray the right scenario for dating someone new after an abusive relationship.
I found that the rundown of the hockey games felt too much when Janelle was only a coach. Shining too much spotlight on side characters, we are not as invested in.
Later in the book, when Alex is forced to confront her abusive ex, I thought it was unlikely that Alex would want to be alone and talk to her ex, let alone hug her. I have no idea why Alex flinches when the love of her life- Janelle, touches her but takes it in her stride when her ex, who almost killed her, holds her hand. Her behaviour just didn't add up.
Lastly, I found the characters jumped into the relationship too fast. It was a little unrealistic for my liking. The characters are both too girly and mushy! The ending became repetitive as they spent the rest of the book declaring their love for each other. Cringe.
March 5, 2024
So good
Omg what can I say. This book was so sweet, I loved the characters and storyline. I'm just dumbstruck, read it for yourself and get all the feels. I highly recommend this book and authors.
Omg what can I say. This book was so sweet, I loved the characters and storyline. I'm just dumbstruck, read it for yourself and get all the feels. I highly recommend this book and authors.
February 22, 2023
Didn’t disappoint. An Ali Spooner book is a sure bet. Newcomer K.L. Gallagher shows that she has the potential to become a first rate lesfic author. I hope for more collaborations.
October 31, 2023
Could have used a better copy editor.
October 14, 2024
Wonderful read!
As I was reading this, my Seattle Kraken became the first to hire a woman assistant coach in the NHL!
As I was reading this, my Seattle Kraken became the first to hire a woman assistant coach in the NHL!
May 8, 2025
Apple books
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Hat Trick is an inspiring and heartfelt read that seamlessly blends sports, resilience, and romance. With its compelling characters, engaging hockey moments, and powerful themes of breaking barriers, it delivers a story that is both uplifting and deeply satisfying. Janelle’s journey as a trailblazing coach and Alex’s path to healing make for an unforgettable narrative filled with emotion, strength, and love. Whether you're a hockey fan or just love a well-crafted story about perseverance and connection, this book is definitely worth the read.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
July 19, 2022
Overrated…
I had high expectations since this is the #1 book in its category. Felt wordy and had a lot of typos and unrealistic dialogue. Really bottomed out somewhere in the middle and the second half of the book didn’t have any love scenes.
I had high expectations since this is the #1 book in its category. Felt wordy and had a lot of typos and unrealistic dialogue. Really bottomed out somewhere in the middle and the second half of the book didn’t have any love scenes.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews