This is your typical contemporary romance novel … with sports and superstars. Mildly entertaining enough to have helped pass the time during my workday (well part of it, it’s a very quick listen).

Tropes, etc. this hits:

This was my first ever hockey romance, and now I'm hooked! I loved that the FMC was older than the MMC, and watching that dynamic play out over the book.

3.3⭐️

I like the story and it’s likely I’ll read more of the series but the writing was a bit jagged in spots and that’s not counting the many grammatical errors…

All in for a good save a puppy story line though.

It's a fun story with some nice hockey included, but don't worry, if the actual game isn't your jam there isn't too much player speak. But there is enough to make it fun. The characters were fun and Mika was a fun addition!!
The story is pretty low angst throughout, without too much actual drama. The pacing of the first half and the second half were a little different. The first was a slow build, and after the halfway point, things started picking up and I started to like the story more. I liked how each character acted their age. Wyatt wasn't oddly mature for a 19 year old and Emily didn't act like a child, so the author did a good job with that. I liked the dynamic between them since the age gap is noticeable (both by paparazzi and by catty WAGS). They were honestly cute together and I loved them getting to know one another.

There's some swearing and a little steam in the story.

I liked the narrators! I quite enjoy dual narration. I thought both narrators did a good job, though I liked the male voice better because I was better able to differentiate between the thoughts and the speaking of the character better than the female voice. Sometimes with her I couldn't tell the difference, but otherwise she did a good job. I listened at 1.1x speed.

Pros: Quick read. I absolutely love the age gap and the fact that Emily is older and Wyatt is completely smitten with her. Love how Emily isn't the typical WAGS and is independent of her relationship with Wyatt.

Cons: I feel like there is more to their story than we are getting -- maybe more will be brought out in other books in the series?

Rookie in Love
Maine Maulers Hockey Series, Book 1
By: Zoe Beth Geller
Narrated by: Camille Quinn, Tom Haire

As a rookie, you have to be on your best behavior. Reputation is everything. When Wyatt scores his first goal, he is ready to celebrate, and after a few drinks goes home with a beautiful woman. Who knew she was getting back at her ex and was he sister of the goalie? Now his name in the black, and a odds with his teammates, this 19 year old player is need of a makeover. Enter Emily. She hates the cold, but goes off to Maine to help Wyatt out. Public relations is her thing and her boss believes she can fix this. Instant chemistry. That is all I can say. These two are combustible from the start. This age-gap romance is full of passion, humor and just enough angst to keep things exciting. This team is a tough one, and with Wyatt so young, he has his work cut out for him. Emily is a little on edge with the age difference as well that the team is a client of her company. What will happen with these two? You have to listen to find out! It's steamy and fun. If sports romance is your thing, give this one a listen.

Tom Haire and Camille Quinn bring this sports romance alive. Haire is a fast favorite of mine, and each time I hear him narrate, I know I am in for a treat. He understands his characters and as Wyatt, he has a little innocence as he figures out his life. I love how he gives him the maturity to know what he wants. This is my first Quinn narration and I truly enjoyed her. She has a youthful sound, yet as Emily she brings out her unease, passion and love. This is a great narration and one o grab now!

Rookie Mistake



Wyatt Hildebrand needs a fixer after a night with a hookup goes... well, the night is fine, but it's who she's attached to that poses a problem. I like how he starts on the wrong foot with Emily and how she's in way over her head when it comes to the climate and dressing appropriately.

Then she yells my name again.

Jesus. Why can’t I just have one afternoon without getting harassed? I mean, are these Maine chicks so into pro players that they stalk the newbie?
-- Wyatt Hildebrand

This was my first book by Zoe Beth Geller. I enjoyed it, but it just didn't grab me. There's some drama, which was fine. There are cute and steamy moments, which I liked, and Mika is an adorable inclusion. I will consider trying another book, but this one was just middle of the road for me.

I read along for much of this as I listened to the audio book. The narrators are Camille Quinn and Tom Haire. This was the first time listening to either. They were both decent enough, but they aren't my favorites.

Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

needs work

I hate writing bad reviews because I know authors have spent a lot of time on their books. So I hope if the author reads this, she recognizes it as constructive criticism. There were a ton of grammatical errors in the book. Things like mixing up “loses” vs “looses”, extra words in sentences, and many extra commas that shouldn’t have been there. While the overall story was solid (I LOVE the reverse age gap idea with the heroine being 10 years older than the hero), it moved incredibly slowly in parts and then zipped too quickly in other parts. Definitely could be expanded upon to make the entire story flow better.