I am super hit or miss with second chance romance. This book absolutely pulls it off. I enjoyed both timelines, as well as seeing how the MCs got to where they are now. Love Sarina Bowen's hockey romances!!

I give this book 2.75 stars. I am so grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early. Though it was not my favourite read, it had some fun moments, and I'm glad I got to discover this author for the first time. I am not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, so that was a big factor in why I was not in love with this book. I also felt like the dialogue was a bit too cheesy to feel entirely realistic. Another thing that I struggle with in staying connected in a book is an abundance of pop culture references, which I felt like was talked about a bit too much to keep me entirely submerged into this story. However, some things I enjoyed in this book were the way that the dual pov was utilised. I thought it was interesting that the FMC's pov was in the present chapters, while the MMC's pov was primarily used during the flashback chapters.

🏒 BOOK REVIEW 🏒
Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen
✨ Second Chance • Hockey Romance • Mild The Cutting Edge Vibes

If you love your sports romance with banter sharp enough to cut the ice, a dash of nostalgia, and chemistry that refuses to die then Thrown for a Loop is your next read.

Ten years ago, figure skating prodigy Zoe and rising hockey star Chase had a short but intense summer fling that ended in a spectacular crash-and-burn. Now, Zoe’s an Olympic silver medalist turned skating coach for the New York Legends… the same team where Chase is struggling through his worst season yet. Cue an awkward reunion, an old viral video of their skating routine, and a charity performance that forces them into way more proximity than either planned.

What I loved:
💙 Second chance tension done right – No endless petty drama, just believable history, lingering attraction, and two people who have clearly grown in the decade apart.
💙 Banter & chemistry – Sharp, playful, and laced with “we shouldn’t but we want to” energy.
💙 Dual ice worlds – The blend of figure skating finesse with hockey grit was fresh and fun.
💙 Side characters – Great setup for future books in the series without stealing the spotlight.
💙 Spice with heart – Earned, emotional, and perfectly timed.

Zoe is the no-nonsense ice queen you root for, and Chase is that cocky-yet-endearing hockey hero who’s finally ready to own his mistakes. Together, they’re playoff-level romance material.

📚 Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy, Hannah Grace, and Grace Reilly who want:
🏒 Second chance romance
❄ Forced proximity
🏒 Viral video + public spotlight trope
❄ Witty banter and heartfelt moments

#ThrownForALoop #SarinaBowen #SportsRomance #HockeyRomance #SecondChanceRomance #BookstagramRomance #HockeyBookTok #FigureSkatingRomance #EnemiesToLoversVibes

Adorable. Like a modern day cutting edge. Sarina Bowen does hockey romance with a smart edge and I cannot wait to see what comes next for this series.

Thrown for a Loop was a quick and fun read. The story was told in past and present timelines. I found it interesting that the past chapters were told in third-person POV with Chase. It took me a second to get used to the alternative narrative styles. While I liked the alternating past and present chapters, I did find it a little frustrating at times. Just when things were starting to heat up in the present, I'd be pulled back to the past chapters. I thought Zoe and Chase had great chemistry. I liked that they had a layered past. The skating routine storyline with them was cute. Zoe and Grant's characters were fine! I wish there was more depth to Zoe's character, especially around her divorce. The side characters were fun and set-up nicely for future books in the series. The plot was engaging and Bowen's writing was strong. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Zoe Carson, a former figure skating star turned hockey skating coach, is determined to make the most of her big break with the New York Legends, until she discovers she’ll be working with Chase Merritt, the NHL golden boy who broke her heart a decade ago. The sparks fly instantly, and Sarina Bowen nails that delicious mix of heat, humor, and heartfelt emotion.
The on-ice chemistry between Zoe and Chase is electric, their banter is razor-sharp, and the viral skating video twist adds such a fun, fresh layer to their second-chance romance. Watching them navigate old wounds, stubborn pride, and undeniable attraction is satisfying. With vibrant side characters and just the right amount of sports drama, this book is a total win for romance fans.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publishing house for the chance to read this book.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for the ARC!

What a cute and fun romcom! I think this was my first by Sarina and I can see why so many people love her writing. Thrown for a Loop was sweet, funny, swoony, emotional, thoughtful. The characters, ALL of them, were so dang likable! Minus the villain(s) of course. The main characters had a lot of chemistry and I loved getting their backstory as its own thing, but the present day was also just as sweet. The side characters were a hoot and I had a blast with them! The relationships that Zoe was building with each of the players (and Darcy!) was a lot of fun and had me smiling. The banter was great amongst all the characters and I loved their interactions!

My only dislikes were some formatting issues like for text messages (I assume this’ll get fixed before publication) and some weird pacing for some side stories. The mother was a menace in the past timeline and also horrible in the present one, but only from afar which was weird. You’d think with someone that controlling and unhinged in her control that she’d actually show up instead of just texting and calling. The thing with the uncle was weird too and felt unfinished. The background with Chase’s dad was also short and choppy and missing pieces.

Overall it was a fun read and I will definitely recommend to my hockey romance buddies who need an easy romance read. Very cute!

Sarina Bowen books are my happy place. The worlds she creates feel like home, but a home in technicolor with charismatic people and normal experiences outlined in magic and shimmering in possibilities. Thrown For a Loop is a prime example of Sarina’s special brand of writerly magic. The story of Zoe Carson and Chase Merritt is a second-chance romance. It is also a story of athletes and expectations, of familial ties that bind painfully, and of connection.

I am not usually a fan of second-chance romances, but the way Zoe and Chase’s past and present are woven together created a sense of history and intrigue for me. Zoe’s struggles with her mom/manager are, I’m sure, an unfortunately common struggle for young athletes in multiple sports. As a figure skater, Zoe must adhere to not just performance expectations but also expectations on her appearance. When Chase Merritt, alluring, good-looking, confident, and kind, is hired as another coach at the skating camp her mother runs, Zoe falls in love. How could she not? And for his part, Chase falls in love back. His cockiness hides his insecurities and his respect for Zoe also brings out protectiveness. When they are torn apart, they are both devastated. And this devastation colors their lives for the next nine years. It is when they meet again, both working for a New York hockey team - Chase as a player and Zoe as a skating coach - that their feelings of betrayal and attraction come to a head. They both have a lot to prove professionally, and demons they must battle, as they reconcile their past and maneuver their attraction to each other.

If you love the movie The Cutting Edge, then you will giggle maniacally throughout this book. The movie is referenced, naturally, because any story with a hockey player and a figure skater post 1992 must reference it! Zoe is an incredibly relatable character, especially for women working in male-dominated industries and jobs. Her determination and self-image struggles are nearly universal, and her journey felt personal. Chase is, my goodness, dreamy. Flawed and frustrating in an enchanting way; struggling with self-worth and job performance and finding happiness within high-level success. When these two have their happy ending in reach, you will squeal and your heart will swell. Their chemistry is off the charts and nobody writes hockey like Sarina.

Also, there’s a little mystery/suspense element. So, you know, that’s like the whipped cream on the hot chocolate. Toe picks and toe-curling heat, this book is a delight.

I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

It was a a good read. But it was a little too mild on the spice. I miss the spice Sarina Bowen used to write. And i feel like having the present day viewpoint from the male character’s POV would have improved it as well. But it was an enjoyable story.

If you're a fan of the movie "Cutting Edge", this book may be for you! Ever since I've seen that movie, I've always been on the lookout for any similar stories that are great and there are very few. My last book that gave "Cutting Edge" vibes that was sooo good was "Lukov, With Love" by Mariana Zapata. This book was unique in that the MMC Chase had some background in figure skating before he met the MFC Zoe. I liked that they had a history together and were brought back together later. As a fan of figure skating AND hockey in my books, it was great to see BOTH in this book. The hockey team are hilarious with their antics and I love the little family they are. This book was just very enjoyable and I would highly recommend. I would rate this 4.5 stars.

I’m a sucker for a hockey romance and Sarina Bowen’s upcoming novel, Thrown For A Loop, was the perfect add to my sports romance collection. What I love about this book is that in the midst of the romance, I actually feel like I learned something about the highlighted sport! The extensive skate training in this book gave me insight into both figure skating and the physics of skating as a hockey athlete which I really enjoy.

I am HERE for a second chance / first love romance, but now mixing it with workplace romance as well?! A stunning combination of tropes! From the first time that Zoe and Chase locked eyes in present day, I knew that we were in for a wild ride. Not many players on the team seemed happy that Zoe was joining the staff, so watching her slowly chip away at each of their egos and earning their respect kept me on my toes.

The chemistry that Zoe and Chase have, both at summer camp and now in present day as successful athletes, could melt all of the ice! The way that Sarina writes banter, not just between the main characters but between all of the side characters as well, is unmatched. This was my first book by Sarina Bowen and it definitely won’t be my last!

🏒 hockey pro / team coach / ex figure skater
⛸ second chance romance
✨ first loves
🏒 dual timelines
⛸ strong MFC
✨ it’s always been you

Thank you Forever Pub and NetGalley for the advanced eARC!

"Thrown for a Loop" is a dual timeline, second chance romance that has drama, communication, forgiveness, and of course love.
I am not the biggest fan of second chance romances but I love a good hockey player and iceskater story, so I had to pick this book up. Zoe and Chase may have grown up in the 10 years that passed since there summer fling, but they still cannot get over eachother. I liked the flashbacks, but I did get confused when the tense changed. I would have love if the author did 1st person of Chase so we could've gotten a close look at his thoughts. I really enjoyed that we got a good amount of chapters of Zoe and Chase being in a happy relationship, and that they didnt have too much miscommunication. Darcy was my favorite character so I am glad that she is getting her own happy ending. Overall, this book is perfect for hockey romance lovers!

oh my gosh, this book was so fun to read! Sometimes you just need a good romance to get out of a reading slump! I'm also not one for second-chance romance stories, but I am here for this one.

The pacing is quick and the writing is engaging. I loved the characters and their development. The tension between Chase and Zoe really worked and its delicious! I also think the flashbacks added to their story (when in some books it can take away!). I love that they have to work through their trust issues and find a way to reconnect just how they met: on the ice to the same routine. It's a great sink or swim moment in the best way and really shows what our main characters are made of. I also really appreciated the secondary storyline of women in sports! It is uplifting and empowering.

For the romance readers, you'll love this one! I look forward to more from this author!

Thank you to Forever Pub for the eARC of this amazing story!

Actual Rate: 3.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐✨

I took a few days to think about the review and the rate just because I was back and forth between 3 stars and 4. So I decided to focus on what this book made me feel. It’s funny, sweet, I loved the hockey players, the secondary characters and the love interest. The plot is interesting, and except for the unnecessary repetitions about how the FMC is broken and how much she needed the job, the writing is great.
What I didn’t enjoy much was how more or less a doormat the FMC was. I understand overbearing parents, but at thirties, not so much. Also, the style of the chapters: the back and for between the past and the present, just bothered me. I don’t mind flashbacks, but to read two stories in the same book at the same time, it just pulled me out of the main story,
Don’t get me wrong, Bowen wrote a great story, I keep my rating to 3.5 stars and the absolute joy of waiting for the next one.
I received an ARC through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. And I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was so CUTE. I also loved that it fit the mold of a romantic suspense which is kinda my favorite if I'm being honest. Chase and Zoe were a dream to read and they were so damaged but perfect from the very beginning. For all of my hockey romance, second chance, forced proximity lovers out there. This is an absolute must read!!

I, as most people my age, immediately thought of Cutting Edge & since I loved that movie, I looked forward to reading this book.

I enjoyed the story, the redemption & the characters. Loved seeing the unexpected and cheered for them.

Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley & the author for this ARC read. All opinions are my own.

Second Chances, Ice-Sizzling Chemistry, and a Romance That Scores Big

I absolutely loved this second chance romance. Zoe Carson, once the queen of figure skating, is ready to reinvent herself as a skating coach for the New York Legends. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, except for one major problem: the team's star player is Chase Merritt, the same man who broke her heart ten years ago.

Chase is struggling on the ice and knows his career is at risk. The last person he wants critiquing his every move is Zoe. She’s sharp, determined, and still has the power to knock him off balance. Their banter is electric, their chemistry is undeniable, and their past is impossible to ignore.

When a video of their college skating routine resurfaces and goes viral, they’re forced into closer quarters than ever. Watching them navigate their shared history, old wounds, and lingering attraction was equal parts fun and emotional. Ip

The supporting characters are a blast, the team dynamics are hilarious, and the slow burn between Zoe and Chase is absolutely worth the payoff. This is a story about redemption, growth, and trusting in a love that never really went away. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

If you enjoy sports romance with heart, humor, and heat, this one is a total win.

Thrown for a Loop | Sarina Bowen ★★★ [3.5 rounded to 3]
(Chase & Zoey)

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book! [all opinions are my own]

I was super excited to receive this arc on my kindle. I've been a fan of Sarina Bowen and her other works for a while. Him & Us were some of the first romance books I started reading when I got back into the book world. My favorite thing about second-chance romances is that you're basically getting 2 love stories in one. We follow Chase & Zoey as they fall in love for the first time when they were younger and then reconnect once again when they're older. I really liked the concept of Zoey being a former figure skater, showing these giant hockey players how to improve their skating. The issues with them not respecting her or trusting her input because of her gender and background were realistic to what a lot of women experience in male-dominated fields. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and there were tons of cute moments that had me kicking my feet.

[minor spoilers ahead]
Some of the things that ended up falling flat for me were the conflicts that arose within the book. I thought the big issue with Zoey and her controlling mother was brushed over too quickly. Even after finding out what happened in the past that broke Zoey and Chase apart, I still felt as if their reactions were a bit lackluster. Maybe it's my need to see characters stand up to their toxic parents, but I would've liked to see Zoey confront her mom in person rather than through text. Also, the random appearances of her ex-husband were a bit random, and I wished they added a bit more to the tension between Chase and Zoey. It just felt like he was just there for the sake of being there instead of adding anything to the plot or Zoey's character development.

Overall, I had lots of fun reading this book. I love hockey romances and I loveeee figure skating, so seeing the two combined into a sweeping second-chance love story was enthralling.

Ooooooook!!!!
For every girlie that loved when Kate said “toe pick!” Over and over 😂😂😂😂
While this book is clearly inspired by ‘Cutting Edge’ the story line is such a large departure from the movie.
Instead of focusing on a figure skating career, we focus on our MMC Chase’s NHL career and how our FMC Zoe has taken charge of her own destiny and become a skating coach for a hockey team.

Where as the movie has few other characters, this book has a whole cast of characters and trust me when I say I’m already pairing them off and planning out how I hope the series unfolds! (A full series like 10 books- manifest with me babes!)

This is a second chance romance, first loves, and broken hearts. The book unfolds in 3rd person POV, alternating between each of the mains. The book also has dual timelines, the past where the mains were together and the present where they are bitter exes and reluctant coworkers.
They both nearly cost each other everything, and now both of their careers are on the line!

This is not a hockey light book at book. You get a lot of knowledge about the actual dynamic and physics of skating. So, while there isn’t a lot of game action, there is a tone of training. I’d never seen a book talk about it like that before and it was fascinating!

I love a good hockey romance, so this definitely hit the mark. It kept me engaged and enthralled through the whole book. Their second chance was overdue and well deserved. I do wish that Chase's life was more fleshed out, though. I felt like we had lots of little snippets of his history and life that I thought would be presented in a POV but wasn't. The 1st person/3rd person switch in the flashbacks didn't bother me much, but it might have been better to have seen that from Chase's POV.

Story wise, this was an excellent read. It was my first Sarina Bowen book and I'm looking forward to Darcy and Tremaine in 2026!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this before publication in exchange for an honest review. :)