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.

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4.25

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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.