The Hockey Experiment
by Ava Miles
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Pub Date Jun 09 2025 | Archive Date Sep 15 2025
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Description
She’s been a #1 International Bestselling Author around the world with millions sold, and now Ava Miles delivers one of the wackiest rom-coms of all-time to binge, with laugh-your-heart-out moments you won’t forget.
“Think of The Hockey Experiment as if Olive from The Love Hypothesis met Nate from Icebreaker.”—BookTrib
Date a hockey player?? Why the heck would she want to do that?
But study him? Sign her up for that experiment!
Except when Dr. Valentina Hargrove meets the captain of the Alexandria Eagles, Brock “The Rock” Thomson, she isn’t sure her original hypothesis that hockey players are Stone Age throwbacks stands up.
Stock options and impressive IQs weren’t on her checklist. Brock may have the requisite scary scar, but it’s on a sexy, after-shave scented, rock-hard jaw—and he chews his food with his mouth closed.
Only she can’t date him—her proposal guidelines are strict. She is to study hockey players to determine whether they are modern cavemen. Hockey stick/club—same, same. Even their dental issues make the similarities seem academic.
Except Brock’s manly come, now, mine routine seems to answer the one question plaguing women since the beginning of time: what is it about men that women find so irresistible? His desire to make her his isn't just about him making fire to impress her and finding them a nice fur-lined cave with a picket fence for their happily ever after.
He's more than a guy with a wooden stick, putting Val's whole study in jeopardy and the team's path to victory when they discover she's also the daughter of the Eagles' new owner...
A Note From the Publisher
-Sports Romance - Hockey
-Coach's Daughter
-Researcher/Anthropologist FMC
-Hockey Player MMC
-Forced Proximity
-She is mysterious
-Workplace Romance
The Hockey Experiment TROPES:
-Sports Romance - Hockey
-Coach's Daughter
-Researcher/Anthropologist FMC
-Hockey Player MMC
-Forced Proximity
-She is mysterious
-Workplace Romance
Advance Praise
"Miles hits all the necessary romance beats...the way in which Brock's steady affection slowly dismantles Val's emotional defenses is gratifying." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"Once again, the Queen of wonderful romance delivers!!! The humor is lively and loud, and it is the best comedy romance I've read in ages!!! Every page delivers raw, epic, wonderful elegance and I will never say no to an Ava Miles book!" ~ Travel with a Book
"By far the most enjoyable rom-com I've read in a long time. I'm gripping the book and beaming like an idiot, and I want to reread it right away..." ~ Delightful Literary
"The Hockey Experiment is smart, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt. If you love brainy heroines, soft-hearted jocks, and rom-coms that make you feel everything — this one's a winner." ~ Carmen Reads Way Too Much
"If you're searching for a feel-good romance that's a little goofy, really clever, and full of charm, The Hockey Experiment is the one to read next. It's definitely going into my 'laugh out loud and fall in love' folder." ~ Jane the Reader
"This unique storyline is definitely not your usual hockey story. With tropes like sports romance, workplace dynamics, coach's daughter, he falls first, forced proximity, she's got secrets, and found family, this one's a fun, heartfelt read with nerdy-meets-athlete vibes—definitely worth checking out." ~ Books N Lifts Diary
"If you enjoy rom-coms that are both frostbitten and flame-hot, Ava Miles has written a stunner!!! I already want to reread it, my heart lives in Ava Miles's prose forever!" ~ Twins Reading Books
"Rating this novel only five stars would be a crime, Ava Miles is now my auto-buy Author and I read her books to bring tears of laughter, I can't think of anyone else that is writing comedy more hilarious and more emotions into a book than Ava Miles, this was a masterpiece romantic comedy!" ~ Daisy Book Addict
"Completely original, unquestionably humorous, and loaded with energy has been delivered by the outstanding and fascinating Author Ava Miles. The Hockey Experiment is equal parts comedy, romance, and unexpectedly charming, much like that delightfully crazy romantic comedy you didn't realize you wanted!" ~ A Compulsive Reader
"If you like a protective hero, you will definitely love Brock. Val was such a strong character and I loved how Brock treated her." ~ Lmw Reads
"Equal parts STEM- girly and hockey hunk. I can't wait to dive straight into Ava's next hit!" ~ The Bold Booked Blonde
"I absolutely adored this book! I found myself completely hooked by Valentina's hilarious and unconventional research project, and I loved how her dynamic with Brock kept me grinning the entire time. I appreciated the witty banter, the playful tension, and the way their chemistry leaped off the page." ~ Speed Readstagram
Marketing Plan
National PR
- Radio & Podcast Tour
- Bookstagram and BookTok Campaign
- Paid Advertising
- Goodreads Giveaways
National PR
- Radio & Podcast Tour
- Bookstagram and BookTok Campaign
- Paid Advertising
- Goodreads Giveaways
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781949092721 |
| PRICE | $15.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 436 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Carmen M, Reviewer
Thank you to @GetRedPR and @AvaMiles and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Hockey Experiment is smart, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt — the kind of book that sneaks up on you in the best way.
Valentina, our FMC's research project is absolutely unhinged in the funniest of ways. She dives into the world of pro hockey for science, determined to stay objective. Enter Brock: the ridiculously charming, incredibly attractive hockey player who makes “staying professional” a total lost cause. Their chemistry is instant, and the banter is sharp, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny. I had a permanent grin on my face.
Val’s internal struggle — wanting to keep things strictly academic while dealing with very real, very inconvenient feelings — felt incredibly relatable. And Brock surprised me. He’s not just the classic sports romance heartthrob (though he definitely checks that box); he’s thoughtful, grounded, and knows exactly how to throw Val off her game in the best possible way.
The romance builds in such a satisfying, slow-burn way. It’s fun and flirty, but also layered with real emotional stakes that give it depth. And the sports drama? Just enough to raise the tension without taking over the story. Everything blended together so well — the humor, the heart, the heat.
By the end, I was fully invested and honestly didn’t want it to end. If you’re into laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with strong, smart heroines, swoony heroes, and just the right dose of sports, this one’s a total win.
On Sale June 9!
4.25
#TheHockeyExperiment, #AvaMiles, #GetRedPR, #HockeyRomance #NetGalley
The_Smutty P, Reviewer
This was such a fun and unique take on a hockey romance! The idea of two anthropologists studying a team to see if hockey players are basically modern cavemen is hilarious and weirdly brilliant. Val was quirky, blunt, and so committed to her research that it made her accidental romance with Brock even more fun to watch unfold.
Brock was an absolute sweetheart- confident without being cocky, and the way he cared for his family totally won me over. Their interactions had just the right mix of awkward, sweet, and steamy. And I loved the little touches, like Val’s notes and the chapter questions which was super clever and kept everything playful.
The humor throughout the book was so offbeat that it made the more romantic moments stand out even more. The plot was fun and totally original, with just enough chaos to keep things interesting. From locker room antics to academic meltdowns, it had a great balance between romance and comedy. Definitely a light-hearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously in the best way.
If you're looking for something a little different in the sports romance world that's smart, funny, and full of heart, The Hockey Experiment is a great pick. Add it to your TBR and get ready to smile.
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