Maverick Miller is the hot-shot, playboy captain of his NHL team, the D.C. Stars. After a few rough seasons without a championship to their name, he’s hoping that this is the year the team will turn things around. Especially since the new addition to their roster looks promising, to say the least. Yet when he’s on his way to meet his newest teammate, he’s surprised to find a gorgeous redhead in the stadium. Emerson Hartwell is determined to prove why she earned a spot on an all-male NHL team. And while she meets expectations on the ice, she can’t deny her attraction to her captain outside the rink. They give in to their temptation, but insist that it’s just to “get it out of their system.” Their friends-with-benefits situation must remain a secret. Yet as their chemistry grows and feelings develop, neither of them can help themselves. Face Off by Chelsea Curto is an adult sports romance novel where Mav and Emmy try to focus on their love of hockey, but can’t deny the love brewing between them.
Book
Readers first met Maverick in the Love Through a Lens series, and will be happy to know that a certain small family makes an appearance in Face Off. At first, Emmy refutes Maverick’s advances. She endured a terrible breakup with another hockey player, and vows to never date one again. Even so, she reluctantly acknowledges that Maverick is the most beautiful man she’s ever seen. And if the rumors of his bedroom talents are true, she might not be able to resist for long.
Maverick, on the other hand, is used to being the object of desire. He’s never slept with the same woman twice. But when he and Emmy finally cross that line, he can’t get her out of his head. He loves making her smile. Just the sight of her makes his heart beat faster. He’s not sure how to handle these new feelings. But one thing is for certain – he cares about her and always looks out for her, on or off the ice.
Review
Chelsea Curto proves yet again that she knows what she’s doing when it comes to adult sports romance with Face Off. This is the fourth book that I’ve read by this author, and my fellow bookworms who are familiar with her work will not be disappointed. I loved getting to know Maverick on a deeper level, and that he finally met the woman who can handle her own against him. At first, I wasn’t sure how believable a woman in the NHL would be, but Curto seamlessly integrates Emmy’s journey into the story, highlighting both the plight and power of women in sports. I also liked the secondary characters, and am eager to see what the future of the D.C. Stars looks like.
Chelsea Curto joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about how she comes up with fresh ideas as a published author, and plans in store for her loveable characters. Keep an ear out for the interview and pick up a copy of Face Off, available now.
