First I have to say that the quirky humor that is only Kristen Hope Mazzola shines in this book. I found myself cracking up at the most unexpected times. Then throw in some hockey, and you have a perfect book. Oh let’s not forget a steamy forbidden romance, a heartbreaking tragedy, and a boyfriend from hell.

Myla had a perfect future, Olympic figure skating hopeful, until a tragic car accident takes it all away, including her mom. She is left to get herself back on track and pick up her pieces living with her older hockey playing brother Brayden.

Gavin is the rough, tough, captain of the NY Otters, Brayden’s hockey team. He has been bread to play hockey, his dad is the coach. Only, he doesn’t give a crap about any of that, he wants to do his own thing and not be where he is because people think his dad got him there. Typical Man Whore, party animal, and bad boy, everything that Brayden warns his sister to stay away from.

Only they meet and Gavin cannot stay away. Their story is so challenging, against all odds, and everything that was stacked against them will they make it. I was so captivated by this book, from page one until The End. Five SOLID stars!!!
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Kristen Hope Mazzola is a heartwarming and fun read. New York Otters hockey player Brayden Cox is left to raise his sister Myla, after a car accident kills their mother and injures Myla, fracturing Myla’s Olympic figure skating dreams. Otter’s captain, Gavin Hayes, doesn’t care for Branden Cox, his sister, on the other hand…This contemporary sports romance takes place in New York. It is suitable for both new adult and adult audiences.

I enjoyed the characters. I felt bad that Gavin was left at the altar of his wedding. I would think that situation would turn a lot of people off of relationships. He could be a bit of a jerk at times, but it is not surprising considering his family life and romantic past. It would be hard to play on a team at that level that your dad coaches. He turns out to be a good guy, with Myla’s help.

Brayden is a great guy. He is a loving and protective big brother. He is sweet for getting her a puppy, so she won’t be by herself when he travels. Being a husky owner, I commend her choice of dogs.

I like Myla’s character. After her injury, she has a difficult time moving forward. I appreciated that Brayden gets Myla a coaching opportunity working for five-time gold medalist Simon Abramson.

I thought it was interesting that Gavin’s and Brayden’s/Myla’s dads also played on the New York Otters together. I like how Gavin and Brayden’s relationship evolved throughout the story. Hat Trick is an entertaining and sweet read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ( )