4.5. This was such a cute read! In this book, Zoe and Chase reunite 10 years after their teenage summer fling. Once promising skaters (Zoe as a figure skater, Chase as a hockey player), they are now in new phases of their life -- Chase is a star hockey player on an NHL team while Zoe has retired after going to the Olympics and is now a skating coach for Chase's team. They didn't end their summer of love on a good note, so there's immediate tension when they meet again. The story is told through alternating POV and alternates between present day and flashbacks, adding a nice variety to the read and tension to the plot as you slowly find out what happened in their past.

I will be the first to admit that second chance romance is perhaps my least favorite trope, and author Bowen did an incredible job in making the trope feel fresh and--most importantly for me--not frustrating. Yes, the breakup was based on a miscommunication at the time, but there are nuances to the miscommunication and as adults, the miscommunication is not a belabored plot point (if you can't tell, this is what most bothers me about second chance romances). Instead, I found their teenage romance to be adorably precious and their adult selves to be interesting, well-rounded, and mature as they approached each other again.

I do think there were a few heavier topics that the book introduced that could have been addressed more completely and instead felt a little rushed in the wrap-up (mainly, the issues surrounding Zoe's mom and Chase's dad).

Still, I was glued to this book until I got to the end. I really enjoyed this and I'm already chomping at the bit for the second book in the series (no spoilers, but I can't wait for those characters to get together!)

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy!

My fave hockey series is Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers and this new one, featuring a different team, New York Legends didn’t disappoint. I breezed right through this Cutting Edge vibes second chance romance.

Zoe and Chase were perfect for each other and it was so refreshing to see that Zoe was also an accomplished athlete in her own right. She was sharp, driven and dedicated to her job. Yet she’s also recovering from a controlling coach/mother who sheltered her and her ex-husband/agent. There’s so many sports romances out there but it’s still rare to see female athletes or coaches, so this book put it a cut above the plethora hockey romances that are all becoming indistinguishable and disposable. It was also lovely to see Bess Beringer and a few little nods to the Bruisers. Also enjoyable was the burgeoning found family happening with the team.

However, I think there was too many flashback chapters. As sweet as it was to see Zoe and Chase as teenagers, and I liked that we hear from Chase’s point of view, I started skipping them. For me, I need a second chance romance to show me in present day the characters confront their past, talk it out and demonstrate how it would work this time around. Especially as I felt like it needed more fleshing out with Zoe coming to realisations about how much her mother and ex controlled her. The pay off felt a bit anti-climactic.

With its well-rounded characters and fresh storyline, Thrown for a Loop cements Sarina Bowen as one of the best hockey romance writers. I’m looking forward to the next one!

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC.

Zoe and Chase had undeniable chemistry right from the start, making this an instant page-turner. Sarina Bowen’s seamless blend of hockey and figure skating instantly gave The Cutting Edge vibes—in the best way possible—and yes, the Toe Pick references were perfection!

What really stood out, though, was the suspense element. The subtle mystery surrounding who was harassing Zoe added just the right amount of tension. In a genre where it's often easy to spot the villain early on, Sarina kept me genuinely guessing until the reveal—something I rarely experience in romance-suspense reads.

Overall, Thrown for a Loop is a fresh, flirty, and thrilling addition to the hockey romance world. Bowen scored big with this one.

This was such a sweet, tension-filled romance with just the right amount of slow burn. The chemistry between the leads was chef’s kiss—grumpy x sunshine. There’s tension, there’s history, and it works. The flashbacks were a nice touch and they added so much to their backstory and gave that satisfying “what went wrong?” feeling. If you’re a fan of Sarina Bowen, you’ll definitely spot a familiar face or two (yes, I squealed).

This is a mostly light and fun read with some darker themes sprinkled in. The initial miscommunication lasted a bit longer than I would’ve preferred, but the overall story was interesting. I was always rooting for Zoe and Chase’s happy ending, and Zoe’s personal growth was a huge highlight.


It was an interesting decision to have the flashback scenes written in third person, and the transitions between first person and third person were a bit jarring at first. It also would’ve been nice to have some of adult Chase’s POV with some angst, but I also understand why the present day part of the story was written from Zoe’s POV.

I finished this book in ONE day, it’s that good. This is Sarina Bowen at her absolute best. I’ve read everything she’s written, and Thrown for a Loop is easily one of my new favorites.

There’s so much to love here. The pairing of an ice skater and a hockey player, a perfectly executed second chance romance, the kind of chemistry that leaps off the page, all of it is chef’s kiss. The storytelling is sharp and emotionally resonant, and the characters feel so real and multi-dimensional. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go.

As a longtime fan, I was also thrilled by the cameo of a beloved character from another series. Such a fun touch! I love knowing that this series is in the same book universe. I’m already counting down the days until book two in this series!!!

I loved Zoe and Chase! A cute second chance romance that had me rooting for them. I liked the side by side timelines of past and present to really understand their history.

Zoe and Chase fell in love at a skating summer camp long ago… but hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in the last ten years. Now Chase is a hockey star and Zoe has been hired by his team as their new skating coach.

Despite the flashbacks, I feel like some important details about their past was merely glossed over and the descriptions of their feelings just felt so surface level. I would’ve liked to see more depth of emotion and I feel like this would’ve been awesome as dual POV. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was satisfying to see them come back to each other and the Cutting Edge style references were fun. I would definitely be interested in reading Darcy and Tremaine’s story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the opportunity to read an early copy.

I am SCREAMING. Sarina Bowen is the queen of hockey romances and I loved reading this book so much. Chase and Zoe’s love is so special and I loved getting to see them reconnect with one another. I’m also obsessed with the side characters and cannot wait for Darcy and Tremaine’s book!!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the arc!!!

Sarina Bowen’s Thrown for a Loop offers the kind of second-chance romance that pulls you in with a warm, familiar ache—the kind you feel when old memories resurface, sweet and bruised around the edges. From the opening pages, I found myself invested in Zoe and Chase’s dynamic, even when I saw the beats coming. This story might not break new ground trope-wise, but it does deliver on emotional weight, lovable characters, and a small-town charm that’s hard to resist.

Zoe is headstrong and passionate, carving out a place for herself in a male-dominated industry with quiet grit. Her internal dialogue, however, occasionally got stuck on a loop—particularly when it came to her identity as a “jock girl” who doesn’t dress like other women. It felt a bit outdated after the third or fourth mention, and I wished we’d gotten more depth in that space instead of repetition.

Still, I admired how grounded she felt. Her complicated relationship with her mother adds a sharp undercurrent to her emotional journey, and I loved how her work became a space for both healing and empowerment. The way she stands her ground with the men around her is incredibly satisfying to read.

And then there’s Chase—confident, magnetic, and once the guy who lit up every room. When he and Zoe reconnect, that spark is still there, but he’s quieter now, a little frayed around the edges. Watching him soften, reflect, and grow into someone who wants to rebuild trust rather than skate by on charm was one of the novel’s highlights. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really hit was the emotional tangle of reconciling the past with who they are now.

That’s also where the story felt a little uneven. Much of their connection in the present relies heavily on their shared history, and I occasionally wanted to see more new layers built between them—not just callbacks to who they were as teenagers. It’s a delicate balance in second-chance romances, and while this one gets a lot right, it also leans a bit too heavily on nostalgia at times.

What absolutely works is the ensemble cast. Bowen has such a knack for side characters that feel fully alive, like they’ve stepped out of their own spin-offs to drop in for a scene or two. The community around Zoe and Chase adds richness and humor without distracting from the central arc.

For readers who like:
-Second-chance romance
-Dual timelines
-Small-town setting

Final Verdict
Thrown for a Loop is a heartfelt, character-driven romance that trades in well-worn tropes with just enough sincerity to make them feel fresh again. It’s not perfect, but it is tender, immersive, and occasionally gut-punching in the way old love stories often are.

Grateful to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Sarina Bowen for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

TOE PICK!!!!!!!!

When I tell you I have been TRAWLING the new NetGalley titles for MONTHS waiting for this to pop up??? AND HOO BOY DID IT DELIVER. Ice skating and hockey romances are my weakness so there’s nothing better than getting BOTH. PLUS dual-POV, dual-timeline? I’ve literally been in Netgalley’s CODE trying to get my eyes on this book.

This was SO FUN! I was giggling! Grinning! Cackling! Kicking my feet! Having such a great time. I loved Zoe and Chase together, both seeing their relationship first grow and seeing them patch it back together. And I loved reading about them skating together. My Spinning Out AU come to life.

There were so many other aspects of this that I truly liked: the quick end to the final relationship conflict, the charming hockey teammates, Darcy ILY, seeing Zoe’s knowledge of skating and how she connected with the different players, how Sharp finally admitted that he sees her worth and she’s earned her place, Zoe setting boundaries with her mom, no fuss about Zoe and Chase starting a relationship… just so many good things. The *only* thing that I didn’t fully enjoy was the secret bully storyline, which I don’t know if it was truly necessary but I am satisfied with how it all turned out.

And the EPILOGUE! Adorable. Seriously give me Darcy and Tremaine’s book immediately. NetGalley I am back in your walls

Former figure skating queen Zoe needs a fresh start as a hockey skating coach with the New York Legends. Unfortunately, she has to work with Chase who broke her heart 10 yrs ago.... Of course they start having lots of tension... and the attraction is undeniable too.

Love Zoe and Chase. The banter is top-notched. Enjoy their chemistry. Lots of fun and romance. The humour is terrific. Really enjoy it.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an arc of this book.

I love romances with hockey and figure skating, and blending them together? Perfection. I read this book in one sitting, and I’m ready for the next in the series. I loved both main characters, Chase and Zoe, and the side characters were loveable as well.

We’re following two different timelines - the past (9.5 years ago) and the present. In the present, we follow Zoe, a former Olympic figure skater, as she navigates her way through her new job as a skating coach to a New York hockey team - the same team that her ex happens to play for. As she tries to win over her new team, she also tries to smooth things out with Chase so that she can help him with his skating issues.

In the past, we follow Zoe and Chase at a skating camp, where they meet and fall in love.

I’m impressed with this new series from Sarina. I’ve been a fan of hers for years, and I’m happy that she’s putting out more amazing hockey/sports romances.

One thing to note is that the writing for the past and present chapters are written differently. In the present, we have a first-person narrative from Zoe’s perspective. The past chapters are written in third person. The transition between the two was jarring to me, and I would have much preferred everything be written in first person with perhaps a subtitle saying whose perspective we were in (as it did change between Chase and Zoe).

All in all, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy second-chance romances sports romances with figure skating and/or hockey.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen
It’s the off-season. No NHL games. No highlights. No dramatic fights over puck possession. So what do I do? I read about hot hockey players falling for fiercely independent women who have zero time for their nonsense. Enter Chase and Zoe — and suddenly, my off-season is looking a lot more interesting.

Zoe is a driven, no-nonsense ice skating coach who’s worked hard to carve out a stable, drama-free life. The last thing she needs is to get tangled up with a cocky hockey player — especially not one who once made her feel like a fool and never really apologized.

But when circumstances force Zoe and Chase, professional hockey player and walking temptations back into each other’s orbit, the spark between them is very much not dead. There’s tension, history, grudges, and a whole lot of banter — and when feelings start to slip through the cracks, things get complicated fast.

Zoe & Chase: Second-Chance Tension Done Right

Zoe is sharp, practical, and has ice in her veins — in the best way. She’s the kind of heroine who keeps her guard up, especially around ex-flings who are too handsome for their own good. She’s focused on her coaching career and has no interest in playing emotional defense against Chase… again.

Chase is charming, slightly clueless, and somehow both cocky and genuinely sweet. He’s carrying a little career baggage, a lot of pride, and more emotional intelligence than you'd expect — when it counts. His arc is all about showing up, growing up, and finally saying what needed to be said years ago.

Their dynamic? Sizzling with unresolved tension, sarcastic quips, stolen glances, and that delicious “we shouldn’t… but we want to” energy. Slow-burn with a history. My favorite kind.

Sass, Spice, and everything nice

There’s no shortage of humor here — Zoe’s internal commentary alone had me grinning. She’s blunt, sharp, and painfully honest in her thoughts, especially when Chase pushes her buttons (which he does. Often. On purpose).

The side characters are fun, vibrant, and bring extra life to the story without stealing focus. And the worldbuilding around the ice — both Zoe’s figure skating world and Chase’s hockey universe — is well done without being overly technical.

And let’s be honest: the spice hits exactly when and how it should. It’s not over the top — it’s earned, intimate, and layered with real emotion. Just how I like it.

4 stars — because even when the rinks are quiet, my love for hockey romance is alive and well.

Thrown for a Loop gives you:

An ice queen coach with a sharp tongue and zero tolerance for BS

A charming, slightly regretful hockey player trying to earn his second shot

Banter that stings, kisses that melt, and tension that refuses to die

And the perfect off-season escape with heart, heat, and humor

Hockey may be out of season — but this romance? Absolute playoff material.

Thank you Netgalley, Forever Grand Central Publishing and Sarina Bowen for my eArc, I was under no obligation to review, all opinions are my own.

Review: Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen

This one was a total win—second-chance romance, sports tension, and just the right mix of heat and heart. Zoe and Chase have serious history, and their chemistry practically jumps off the page. I loved the mix of figure skating and hockey, and the viral video twist was so fun.

There’s plenty of banter, stubborn feelings, and emotional baggage, but also a ton of growth and swoony moments. If you love a strong heroine, a broody (but secretly soft) athlete, and a redemption arc that sticks the landing, Thrown for a Loop delivers.

A new hockey series from Sarina Bowen? YES, PLEASE! What a fun start to the series, too! Thrown for a Loop was a great time from start to finish. It was sweet, funny, slightly tragic without being too sad, and romantic.

Zoe and Chase have a brief history that left them both burned. They have gone years without speaking or seeing each other. That all changes when Zoe takes a job as a skating coach for Chase's professional hockey team. Neither is excited to be working with each other. It brings up good and bad memories for them both. Being thrown together on a special project has them facing all those memories and coming to terms with everything that went down while getting to know each other as adults.

I loved everything about Zoe and Chase's romance. Their situation was awkward and made for a lot of funny and sweet moments. I even liked the looks back at how they met and the relationship that blossomed and then died out as teens, which says a lot because I'm not a fan of flashbacks. The whole set up for their romance was entertaining and swoony. I also loved the side characters who supported them along the way. Zoe's new co-workers and Chase's teammates were a lot of fun. I can't wait to get books for more of them.

Thrown for a Loop was a book I didn't want to put down. I truly wasn't ready to be done with this cast of characters when the books ended. I'm happy to know I'll get to see them again in future books. Those books can't get here soon enough.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance.

Ten years after they last saw each other Zoe and Chase are thrown together as a hockey skating coach and hockey player who is having a tough year.

The flashbacks really helped move this story and gives the reader the ‘before’ between Zoe and Chase.

This is a first in a new series, but if you’re a longtime fan of the author, you’ll see one of my favorite characters make multiple cameos (I just love her!).

Bowen continues to be one of my favorite authors of hockey romances, she not only creates characters that readers fall in love with, but ones they can easily relate to. The side characters also really give the story something extra, and I can wait to see where this series takes us.

As soon as I had the chance to read Thrown For A Loop, I took it... and I absolutely loved it. I devoured it, couldn't put it down.

Chase Merritt and Zoe Carson met at a skating camp when they were teens. They started a sweet relationship, but their break up was so devastating they didn't speak ever again. After an incredible career as a figure skater, Zoe has landed a coaching job at the Legends, New York hockey franchise. After so many medals, she has now to win the players trust and to gain their respect, but it won't be easy because Chase is one of them, and he still despise her.

Zoe and Chase are funny, kind, and driven. Their tension and attraction are palpable, but they can't move forward together if they don't clarify what happened in the past first.
I've enjoyed their journey, it was a pleasure to see them get over their misunderstandings and to build a more mature and stronger relationship because they deserve their happily ever after.

Sarina Bowen wrote a new hit with her engaging storytelling, exciting sports scenes, and charming characters. It was a nice touch to tell the present story through Zoe's pov and the past through Chase's one, it set a good flow, also giving more depth to the story and the characters.

I can't wait to continue the series because there are other two players I'm curious about.

Thrown for a Loop is a cute, sweet and engaging second chance romance. Zoe is a professional ice skater who has been to the Olympics and Chase is a pro hockey player. They first meet as teenagers while working at a camp and their friendship/relationship grows from there. Unfortunately, they part ways under less than ideal circumstances. Now, they are going to share the same ice again, with Zoe as Chase's skating coach.

I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and had a difficult time putting it down. Zoe and Chase had fantastic chemistry and it was clear that their feelings from all those years ago were ever present. Although the past revolved around bad communication, and sometimes stories like that don't work out for me, I think the author did a great job with the reunion and Zoe and Chase were able to communicate and work out the past without a repetition of poor communication and missed chances.

I loved getting to know this group of friends and I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. This author writes truly great sports romances and Thrown for a Loop was no exception.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh, my. Talk about a book I couldn’t put down…Zoe and Chase hooked me from the very first page. Second chance romance between the figure skater who has never felt good enough and the hockey star who fought tooth and nail to find his way to the top, with Bess Beringer cameos from the Brooklyn Bruisers series? This did NOT disappoint.