Think grumpy-meets-sunshine but with hockey sticks and a cat that steals the show. Rookie NHL player Noah is laser-focused on crushing his first season, but his life gets completely scrambled when Ally, chaotic, hilarious, and impossible to ignore, becomes his unexpected roommate. She drinks his coffee, swipes his jerseys, and slowly chips away at his “no distractions” rule. There’s great chemistry, funny moments, and just enough emotional depth to keep you hooked between the banter and the hockey action. It’s light, flirty, but with a surprising amount of heart, perfect for when you want a sports romance that doesn’t forget the characters are actual people.

This book was SO GOOD and refreshing. I devoured it quickly, making it probably the fastest read for me this year.

The characters, Ally and Noah, are incredibly relatable with their stories and their chemistry is PERFECT. I love their banter.

The narrative is both entertaining and highly engaging. Both authors did a fantastic job not only writing, but weaving in humor, especially from the roommate dynamics. It added an extra layer of fun and left you feeling good overall. I can't wait to see where their journeys take them in the upcoming installments! Shout Harry Styles.

Thank you to LBP LLC, Eleventh Avenue Publishing and Netgalley for the Earc in exchange for an honest review!

Noah is starting his rookie season in the NHL. He is focused and dedicated, determined not to have any distractions. Ally is looking for a fresh start after going through some really difficult things at college. Noah finds Ally attractive but is determined to keep her at arms length, like he does everyone else. Ally doesn’t like when people don’t like her and is determined to win Noah over. Neither of them were looking for love, but the pull between them was undeniable—and the tension was off the charts.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the dynamic between the roommates. The guys were so endearing in the way they interacted with Ally, being thoughtful, considerate, and fiercely protective of her. Especially Noah. Fisher’s concern for her was incredibly sweet.

I loved watching Noah and Ally’s relationship unfold. Both had very real reasons to hold back, but I admired how they pushed through their fears and took a chance on each other. They were vulnerable with each other, both sharing difficult things that hadn’t really talked about with anyone. They were able to connect at a deep level and really felt seen by the other. Noah became Ally’s safe place, and she helped him open up to the people around him. I appreciated how they encouraged and supported each other. No miscommunication here! I also loved how Noah’s anxiety was handled. I appreciate how the authors normalized going to therapy and being vulnerable to those we are close to.

Overall, I loved everything about this book, especially the ending. I have been eagerly anticipating Rookie Season since the book was announced and it did not disappoint! I stayed up to finish it all in one night. It was great getting to catch up with some old friends from previous books. I can’t wait to read about the other guys in 3B!

TW/CW: moderate language, innuendo, off-page SA, off-page death of parents, anxiety

Thank you NetGalley and LBP LLC & Eleventh Avenue Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you are looking for a cute, heartwarming, low spice (but with a ton of chemistry), hockey romance, don’t hesitate to read this book! I would also highly recommend reading the two books in the Donovan Family Series, and the four books in the DC Eagles Series to fully understand my love of this book. You don’t have to read the other books before reading this one, but it’s nice to have the backstory. I giggled every few pages, cried in some parts, and absolutely fell in love with all the characters.

Allegra and Noah are honestly the cutest couple ever and I loved their relationship. Both of them have baggage they are working through, and honestly people are lying if they say they don’t have baggage, but they both help the other be more of their best self. There are so many cute scenes, but I don’t want to spoil the cuteness by sharing any of them, but Noah with his nieces absolutely adorable. And imagining Mitch, Noah’s brother in law and coach, with a bunch of little girls, is the funniest thing ever, especially after reading the DC Eagles series.

I loved this book and I really hope we get Fischer and Penn’s stories as well. They are the funniest, especially together and I want to see what they look like as they fall in love.

I adored this story and these characters so much! I have to admit, I was initially apprehensive about this book because it is categorized as “new adult,” but since it’s co-authored by two authors I love, I dove right in, and I’m so glad. This book encapsulates all of the hope, energy, and vibrancy of young love, without any of the cringe.

In Rookie Season, an unfortunate situation forces Ally to drop out of college and move across the country, where she ends up sharing an apartment with Noah and two of his fellow NHL teammates, and the authors really worked some magic with the forced proximity trope. Those familiar with Katie Bailey and Leah Brunner’s work will remember Allegra Callahan and Noah Downsby as kids in their mother’s and sister’s love stories respectively (and if you aren’t familiar, I highly recommend reading The Donovan Family and D.C. Eagles Hockey series first!). Seeing them all grown up with their two worlds so beautifully colliding was just pure joy to read, and I can’t wait for more books in this new series!

Big thank you to LBP LLC & Eleventh Avenue Publishing Inc. for gifting me with an ARC for review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I've read almost all of Katie Bailey's books, but this was my first Leah Brunner book, but it won't be my last! I'm excited to see where the story goes as the series expands, but starting with Ally and Noah was a great first step. It was a quick read, easy to get lost in and hard to put down. And a slow burn, closed door romance is always a great read!

3.5 stars!! This was super cute and I loved all the things hockey and roommates!

This was a slow burn, but then escalated almost out of nowhere for me. Ally and Noah’s relationship was super cute, but also very cheesy and predictable. I adored all the side characters in this story and will definitely be continuing to read about them!!

3.5 stars!! This was super cute and I loved all the things hockey and roommates!

This was a slow burn, but then escalated almost out of nowhere for me. Ally and Noah’s relationship was super cute, but also very cheesy and predictable. I adored all the side characters in this story and will definitely be continuing to read about them!!

This book was such a swoon worthy read. If you love New Girl you will love this. I absolutely adored the friendship dynamics in this and our MC’s relationship. Allegra and Noah really brought out the best in each other. I also love a cute animal sidekick and was giggling at his name everytime!
Thank you NetGalley and Eleventh Avenue for this ARC

I loved the feelings I got from reading this book, making it an automatic 5 star read.

Let us also take a minute to appreciate that gorgeous cover 😮‍💨

The relationship between the mcs was beautiful, with some amazing tension.

The side characters had me giggling and i cannot wait for their books!

Thank you to Netgalley and the authors for an arc to read and review!

This was soooo good! I simply adore a hockey romance, and this one hit every mark! Our fmc Ally is a dancer trying to rediscover her spark, and our mmc Noah is an NHL hockey player who's closed off and unwilling to open himself up to love. Both Ally and Noah have trauma and find the most wonderful peace with the other. This was such a hearfelt story and so emotional, as well as just so enjoyable and sweet and fun!

This book is perfect especially for those who don't like spice in their romcom books. All the searing hot tension and desires between our two love interests is still there, but the only 'spice' is kissing, everything else is closed door. Noah and Ally's chemistry was insane! They were a brilliant pair and it was so exciting to watch them finally give in to their wants (and hearts 🥹)

Noah began as quite a grumpy and brooding character, but still so endearing, and once Ally began to steal his heart he was the most charismatic sweetheart! And Ally was so kind and sassy and bubbly and just the best! Her dynamic with the other hockey boys was the sweetest. I adore found family so much!

This book was raw and intimate and such an emotional time. I think it handled the more difficult and sensitive topics really well, and I loved the showing of support from Ali and Noah's friends and family, as well as how amazingly the pair took care of each other.

Noah had so much respect for Ally and showed her so much admiration and protectiveness. He helped her regain her confidence and remember her worth and treated her like she was so precious. I had tears welling up in my eyes constantly throughout reading this, especially due to how much I related to Ally's feelings of shame and low self-worth. The safety she felt in Noah's arms was everything.

Watching Noah learn that it's okay to be vulnerable and to open himself up to love and not hold back anymore but was the most heartwarming thing.

This was a 10/10 romance for me! It was such a beautiful, perfect story with plenty of lighthearted fun mixed in with a deeper, more emotional side! I adored all the characters so much and would highly recommend to any sports romance fans!

♡ my favourite quotes ♡

"the worst things that happen to us can open doors that lead to the best things." - I resonated so much with this quote from the book 🥹

"not one of them makes me feel seen for who I really am as you do."

"I won't let you fall, Ally."

Thank you so much to the authors, publisher, and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

*I received this book as an arc for free in exchange for an honest review*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I’m on fire for him, in the best way, and I want to burn here forever.”

Fans of Leah Brunner: This is the book we've all been waiting for!!!!

Synopsis: Noah Downsby is starting his rookie season in the NHL. His only goal is to be the best, which means zero distractions. All his plans get derailed when Alegra "Ally" Callahan becomes his new roommate. Allegra has a reputation that precedes her, and moving across the country is her chance at a fresh start. And she gets along great with her NHL player roommates ... except Noah. Noah and Allegra start off as enemies, but things begin to heat up the more time they spend together. Can they break down each others walls or will it all go up in flames?

Katie and Leah are the author duo I didn't know I needed! Fun fact: Leah Brunner's book Desire or Defense (Noah's debut book) was the first hockey romance I ever read. AND! Katie Bailey's book The Quit List was one of my first ever arcs! Their books are my go-to when I need something cute, lighthearted, and romance focused without the spice.

These two did not disappoint with this new second gen series. I devoured it 12 hours after I got approved for the arc.

From the moment I read the epilogue with grown-up Noah in Desire or Defense, I wanted nothing but for him to get his own book with his own happily ever after. That kid has been through so much, and him and Allegra made me believe in love. Allegra was the sassy mfc of my dreams. This girly has also been through the ringer, and she deserved to find someone who could heal her scars. The two of them made me laugh, cry, and kick my feet. It brought the heat even without the spice. This book also gives big New Girl vibes (or so I've heard... I haven't watched it yet. Ahh!) so I highly recommend if you're a fan of the show (I will be starting it soooooon!!).

So excited to see what Leah and Katie bring to the table with the next installment in the Loft 3B series!

Read if you love:
Hockey romance
New Girl vibes
Grumpy/sunshine
Forced proximity (roommates)
Healing

Noah is determined to prove himself in his rookie season, and that means no distractions. But he never expected one would come in the form of a new roommate. Ally has just moved across country for a fresh start. Too bad that fresh start comes with a broody roommate included.

Read if you like:
-Bad First Impressions
-And They Were Roommates
-Anxiety Rep
-Healing from Past Trauma
-Lucky Jersey
-I See the Real You

Two of my favorite authors teaming up to being us a next generation story? *squees excitedly*

Noah was one of my favorite characters from Desire or Defense. And while you don't have to read that to follow his story in Rookie Season, I still highly recommend it. It's a wonderful grumpy/sunshine with a lot of heart. It was so satisfying to see that Noah has grown into a thoughtful, kind young man (and yes, I realize that makes me sound like a grandma, but I'm owning it). I haven't read the book with Ally's parents yet, but despite not knowing her origin story, she became my favorite character in Rookie Season. She was so relatable that I just wanted to reach into the book and hug her.

I loved that Noah and Ally were roommates. It gave them a chance to get to know each other slowly. Noah is a walking green flag (except for the fact that he didn't like Ally's cat at the beginning, but Harry won him over eventually) and Ally has the biggest heart. It was so satisfying to watch them begin to see the other's soul and fall in love. Plus that jersey moment in the laundry room wouldn't have been possible if they weren't roommates. I'm excited to see Fisher and Penn find love next! They were such a great addition to Noah and Ally's found family.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own :)

Rookie Season might just be the book that made hockey romance my favorite kind of sports romance. Katie Bailey and Leah Brunner nailed everything I love about the genre.

The characters were fantastic. They were flawed in the most human and relatable ways, which made them feel so real. Noah was the perfect grump: not mean or aggressive, just reserved and quietly intense, with the kind of slow-burn charm that sneaks up on you. And Ally was his perfect match. She was all sunshine, sass, and warmth. Their dynamic was such a joy to read.

The found family element was another huge highlight for me. The friendships in this book were immaculate. Supportive, fun, and heartwarming in a way that made me want to be part of their group. It gave the story so much depth beyond the romance.

I also really appreciated how the authors wove in some heavier topics, including loss of parents and inappropriate male behavior at a party (both handled off-page), with so much care, sensitivity, and love. It added emotional depth without ever overshadowing the warmth of the story. And I absolutely loved how both main characters were ready to drop everything if the other was having a hard time. It made their relationship feel even more real and safe.

Speaking of romance. The slow burn here was chef’s kiss. It gave me time to watch Noah and Ally become friends first, which made their transition into lovers so much more satisfying. The banter, the tension, the gradual softening of Noah’s edges, it all built up perfectly.

And yes, Noah has officially joined my roster of book boyfriends.

If you love sports romance, found family, grumpy x sunshine, and slow burns that leave you grinning like an idiot, Rookie Season is a must-read. It’s sweet, funny, and heart-melting, and it’ll make you wish you had your own hockey player waiting at home.

✨ Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: cozy sports romance
🎶 Song: fool for you - zayn
📖 Favourite Quote: "..but what I do know is that I’m content in my own skin again. That I can love myself and let myself be loved."
📚 Would I recommend? YES!!
💬 Final thoughts: I DEVOURED this book.

In the package:
📦 slow-burn
📦 grump x sunshine
📦 sweet and emotional moments
📦 found family

Plot: NHL player Noah is focused on making it big but his plans get derailed when Ally unexpectedly becomes his new roommate, along with his other teammates. What starts as a clash of personalities turns into a slow-burn romance, as they help each other heal.

Thoughts: A man named Noah never disappoints 🙂‍↕️ oh my gosh I loved every second of this book. I don’t think I’ve felt this way since reading The Deal 😭 Noah absolutely gave me Garrett Graham vibes in the best way. He was sweet, caring, understanding and very patient. Everything about this book was perfection!! I adored Ally’s friendship with the other roommates, Penn and Fisher. This book felt like a giant warm hug and I never wanted it to end. It was tender, sweet and fun with plenty of charm and emotional depth.

This is my first book from these authors and the 2nd gen series but I definitely plan on going back to read about their parents 🥹

📚Read if you enjoyed: Off Campus series and The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy.

It’s no surprise that I’ve been anticipating Rookie Season since it was announced earlier this year. I am pleased to say that it exceeded my already high expectations! Katie Bailey and Leah Brunner brilliantly brought their worlds together in a new story that felt unique. Dare I say this might have been their steamiest romance yet??

This story felt fresh, sexy, vibrant and fun! Not surprisingly, Noah is the broody, focused, young hockey player we expected him to be. I absolutely loved how they captured Noah’s grief and the way that shaped him as an adult. Ally is the fun sassy girl we expected her to be, but I loved watching her grow as an independent woman. The chemistry between these two was fantastic from start to finish. The way these two were able to move past their poor first impression was really sweet. Plus Penn and Fisher were hilarious together and were great comedy factors. (That speedo moment 💯 ) I’m excited to see what LB and KB have in store for us with these guys.

It’s no surprise that I can’t recommend this book enough. While Rookie Season is book 1 in the Loft 3B series, I would highly recommend reading Desire or Defense and I think he knows to better appreciate the characters.

Allegra is starting over in a new city where she gratefully has accepted a spare room in her college friend’s San Francisco apartment. She didn’t count on the apartment also being home to 3 rookie NHL players.

Noah is playing his rookie NHL year in San Francisco for a team that happens to be coached by his step-dad.

Neither of them have the time of or the headspace for a relationship and neither of them like each other very much.

I adored how their they layered unfolding of their story and if
you’ve read Leah Brunner’s book “Desire or Defense” this is Noah all grown-up! I’m adding Katie Bailey’s book “I Think He Knows” to my TBR so I can read about Allegra as a youngster.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This book was so good! I absolutely love Noah and Allegra, and their two hilarious roommates Penn and Fisher. This book gave serious New Girl vibes!

This book does not have any spice. The tropes in this book include forced proximity, grump sunshine, he falls first, roommates to lovers, hockey/sports romance, and found family.

Allegra suddenly drops out of college after a traumatic event at a party that causes her friends and school mates to turn all their backs on her (please read trigger warnings at the beginning of the book). She reaches out to a friend who moved to San Francisco and he tells her he has an extra room for rent so she drives out there and becomes a dance teacher for young girls.

Noah is a rookie in the NHL who was just drafted with his best friend Penn to the team in San Fransisco and they both decide to be roommates with Fisher, the other rookie on the team. Who turns out to be the friend that rented the other room to Allegra.

This book follows Ally and Noah as they try and navigate being in close quarters while they try to understand their own anxieties and traumas while growing closer to each other.

This book was so cute and it had me laughing out loud! The banter between ally and Noah was great. But a highlight for me was the side characters! I absolutely love the relationship between Ally, Noah, Penn and Fisher!

I want to thank NetGalley, LBP LLC & Eleventh Avenue Publishing Inc., and the authors Katie Bailey and Leah Brunner for allowing me to read this arc.

This hockey romance is an absolute pucking delight. I love it when authors normalize “tough guys” like Noah, Fisher, and Penn as having feelings and being decent human beings. They all had Ally’s back but didn’t treat her like a china doll. Their support helped her step back into her power.

Pub date 8/21

Trigger Warning: sexual assault (off page), grief, gaslighting

#rookieseason
#hockeyboysofloft3B
#leahbrunner
#katiebailey
#netgalley

I LOVED reading Rookie Season. I love reading hockey romcoms and this one did not disappoint! It was such a great book and I have nothing but positive things to say. It was sweet, hilarious, filled with chemistry, and dealt with the heavy and sensitive topics well. Allegra and Noah were perfect for each other and I loved their story!! Penn and Fisher were so funny and I really hope they get their own stories, too! Highly recommend!! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would!!

I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.