I thought this book was an enjoyable read, but it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. I felt the romance between Chase and Bailey was definitely the highlight for me. I loved their chemistry and the way their connection developed throughout the story. I appreciated the sweeter moments with Chase showing his protective and caring side—it added depth to his character and made the romance more compelling. That said, I felt like the book was way too long for the story it was trying to tell. I found myself wishing for a tighter plot and fewer drawn-out scenes. While I enjoyed the romance, the pacing felt slow, and some parts dragged on more than necessary, which made it harder for me to stay fully engaged. I did like the college hockey backdrop and the rivalry dynamics between Chase and Bailey’s ex. I thought the fake kiss and the do-over birthday were fun and creative additions that helped move the romance forward. However, I felt the overall story lacked enough excitement or twists to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, I thought the book was fine—it had some enjoyable elements, especially the romance, but it felt stretched out and didn’t quite hold my attention all the way through. It might appeal to readers who love slow-burn romances and don’t mind a lengthy narrative.

Avery Keelan is the queen of hockey romance.

Chase Carter is a god among book boyfriends. He pursued Bailey but kept a bit of his roughness around his edges from his previous bad boy persona.
Ugh and the ex boyfriend can go kick rocks. To break up with her on her birthday and be a cheating a-hole?


Pick this one up if you enjoy:
* Ex's rival
* He falls first
* It's never been like this
* Who did this to you
* Reformed bad boy

Offside is a romance book for the twenty year olds. A hockey romance with d—— guys. And women who are impressed with them

This was a fun and light hearted romcom! It’s a book you’ll read, and you can’t help but squeal randomly throughout it. It’s a perfect book to read for a romance book club!

This is hands down one of my favorite hockey romances I’ve ever read. I’ve been and Avery Keelan fan for a long time and let me tell you she writes such underrated books including this one. This is a college hockey romance where the mmc is her exs hockey rival. Chase is everything that her is ex is not: charming, caring, and he is obsessed with her.

Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy!
I love a bit of a revenge plot when the girl gets dumped and then dates her ex's rival. Its the best kind of drama! Chase and Bailey are one of these couples, starting as enemies due to the rivalry between hockey teams, and then turning to friends before falling into more. Chase becomes such a golden retriever once he realizes how much he likes Bailey and it is adorable.

There is also fantastic consent and reaffirmation for Bailey that sex doesn't have to be a chore, but instead can be fun and playful.

I really liked this, but it was entirely way too long (600 pages!!! What is this, Maas?). The climax happened so quickly that I didn't even realize what was happening, I had to go back and read it more than once just to be clear. BUT I really loved the characters; I liked the dynamics; I liked the center issue (even if it came up like way late in the book); and even though it used MY MOST HATED TROPE (I'm looking at you Brianna) it was only a temporary pain.

Chase Carter is a top tier Hockey Boyfriend. <3

This was a fun hockey romance book. I loved the relationship between Chase and Bailey and how they learned love together. Offside was a good balance of sports and romance with just the right amount of spice. The epilogue chapters felt a little rushed, with many time jumps less of what I loved about the book - the connection between Carter and James.

I have been loving hockey romance books lately, and this one was definitely a fun read! While I loved Bailey and Chase and loved the conflict/resolution that came with their relationship, I had some real issues with the ending. It seemed very rushed to me and the bonus chapters were just sloppy (choppy? I'm not sure which word better suits it here). It was great to see their future but it just didn't have the same sort of tone.

I can’t believe I finished this book! A hockey romance clocking in at 500-some-odd pages? I kept putting it down to pick it back up again and honestly, by the time I got to the end I forgot what happened at the beginning. This needed to be edited down to about 250-300 pages. There’s a lot of cuteness in this, and the tropes are there, but it is buried in minutia. Not my fave hockey romance I’ve read recently.

This was a blah for me, it just couldn't grab or hold my attention. I moved on and truly nothing even stays in my mind from this book.

I absolutely loved this book! Chase was everything—supportive, attentive, and just the best boyfriend. His relationship with Bailey felt so mature and cute, and their time together was a joy to read. The hockey scenes were exciting, and I enjoyed how passionate Bailey was about sports, even writing for her school paper. While the book could have been shorter, and some of the drama towards the end felt unnecessary, the chemistry between Chase and Bailey made it all worthwhile.

I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to read this! I adore hockey romances, and this one is now a favorite. The dynamic between a cocky hockey player and a strong-willed girl who won’t put up with his antics was so fun. Their fake dating turned real, with a bit of enemies-to-lovers and a touch of forbidden romance thrown in. The banter between them, especially their text exchanges, was hilarious. The book really lets you dive into their heads as their relationship grows from dislike to friendship to something deeper. It was a true slice-of-life romance.

Listen, I am a sucker for a messy, drama-filled, enemies-to-lovers college hockey romance, and Offside DELIVERS. We’ve got revenge rebounds, team rivalries, and a hero who absolutely should be off-limits but, let’s be real, that just makes him hotter.

If you love Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace, you NEED this in your life. 10/10 would get back on my college romance nonsense for this book.

This is a one side enemy to lovers troupe. It has a good story line and the main characters are well developed and I like that the reader is able to learn more of their back story and is able to learn why and how each character ended up whete they are and why they act the wsybthey do. The double pov is absolutely done perfectly.


However, the only parts that I don't like and seem as if they were forced were the extra chapters at the end. I think the first extra chapter would have been plenty, but they seemed rushed and a last minute thought. The actual book portion though was fabulous!

Thank you to Bramble/MacMillan and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Offside by Avery Keelan. I enjoy New Adult Hockey romances and this book did not disappoint. I like the different aspect of the storyline where the dynamics after a relationship has ended and clique formation/ghosting happens - I've not come across this before and I thought Ms. Keelan did a nice job writing through all aspects. This will be an author I will recommend to family and friends who also enjoy sports romance books. Thank you again for the opportunity.

I love a good hockey romance and I've read more than a few. I was expecting to like this one but maybe not love it since the premise is similar to several others that I've read. I am happy to say I was wrong and I loved this book. Chase was a delight - funny and confident and so happily smitten. The author did a great job showing us his growth as a person after meeting Bailey and deftly portrayed Bailey as a strong, smart and funny woman dealing with issues from her ex's gaslighting. Chase and Bailey together are one of my new favorite couples.

4.5 stars
Offside by Avery Keelan is a sizzling, hilarious, and emotionally charged romance that I couldn't put down! Bailey James and Chase Carter are the ultimate enemies-to-lovers duo, and their chemistry leaps off the page. Bailey's post-breakup rebound into the arms of her ex's biggest rival is both unexpected and incredibly entertaining. Chase, the charming, cocky left winger with a few too many scandals under his belt, is the perfect foil to Bailey's smart, strong-willed character.

The tension between their growing attraction and the rivalry that divides them is the heart of the story, and Keelan nails it with humor, passion, and heart. I loved how the author brought out their vulnerability amidst the fierce competition, showing that even the most competitive and hardened athletes have their soft spots.

The plot is fun, but also layered with the internal struggle of both characters as they navigate the fine line between love and loyalty, rivalry and desire. Keelan’s writing is witty, the banter is on point, and I was rooting for these two from the very first chapter. If you're a fan of sports romance with a good dose of drama and humor, Offside is an absolute must-read! Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced, and unforgettable love story.

I’m not usually a big fan of sports romance—after a while, they all start to feel the same—but I’ll read anything by Avery Keelan which is why I am thrilled to see that she has been picked up by a traditional publisher. I really enjoyed how Chase and Bailey’s relationship developed. Many sports romances rush straight to the romance, but Keelan takes the time to build a strong friendship between them first, making their connection feel authentic and well-paced.
While the miscommunication trope isn’t usually my favorite, I could understand Chase’s actions at the end, given the circumstances. This book is undeniably spicy, but it doesn’t feel like just a “spicy book” because there’s plenty of plot to keep you invested.
The writing is engaging, the characters are lovable, and the romance delivers everything you’d hope for in a steamy read. A must-read for any contemporary sports romance fan—and that cover is absolutely gorgeous!
I actually already own an indi copy of this book but I still want to thank NetGallery and Tor Group Publishing for an advanced copy of this eBook in exchange for my honest review.