Madelyn Galloway just lost her job as an executive chef at a steak house in Las Vegas. Seeing as she is a single mom to a six-year-old deaf daughter, she needs to find employment quickly. Across the country, DC Stars defenseman Hudson Hayes is in need of a personal chef. But it’s hard for an NHL player to find someone who isn’t obsessed with his star status – and who actually knows how to cook. After reaching out to her connections and coming up short, she reaches out to D.C. Stars reporter Piper Mitchell hoping she might have a lead. They hit it off and Maddy makes the move with her daughter. While insisting they keep things professional, Hudson’s charm is hard to resist. Then one night, one kiss, and everything changes. Slap Shot by Chelsea Curto is a slow-burn adult sports romance novel in which Hudson and Madelyn’s attempt to be friends fails spectacularly, but it might have been what they both needed.
Book
While Madelyn is anxious about moving her entire life – and her daughter Lucy’s – across the country, she is welcome with open arms into the DC Stars girls’ group. But after apartment hunting all over and coming up short, Hudson offers for Madelyn and Lucy to move in. They set some ground rules – including keeping things professional – and things start off smoothly. Yet Madelyn can’t help but notice Hudson’s impressive physique. And the attraction is mutual.
After one kiss on New Year’s Eve, everything changes. Being “just friends” is the hardest thing either of them have done. But after Lucy’s dad left them upon her hearing impairment diagnosis, Madelyn has sworn off relationships. And Hudson doesn’t do casual – he only does relationships. But then Hudson continues to show up for Madelyn and her daughter, proving to her that the growing love between them is worth a shot.
Review
Curto has quickly become an instant-read author for me. I’m pretty sure I will read whatever she releases, and her D.C. Stars series is no different. She balances spice with substance, and Slap Shot definitely follows that formula. Madelyn has her guard up for her sake and Lucy’s. And Hudson is one of the sweetest male characters I’ve ever read, who is also grieving the loss of his mom. While a slow-burn, their relationship evolved naturally. And the steamy scenes were certainly worth the wait. I can’t wait for the next installment in her series. In the meantime, readers will want to add them to their romance reading list.
