“Face Off with the Captain” entices readers with a tantalizing college romance between a spirited social media intern/ track star, and the hockey team’s captain. It tells the story of a girl who vows never to date an athlete and a boy who steers clear of relationships. The story promises to keep readers engaged, while discovering if the couple will overcome the increasing odds to make their relationship work.
I accidentally hooked up with the captain of the hockey team… In my defense, it was before I landed the social media internship—and learned about the strict no fraternization policy. Not that it matters. I’m pretty sure he hates me after I took off and left him sleeping on the beach. I’m forced to work closely with the angry captain and all I can think about is the steamy night we spent together. And how it can’t happen again, because if word gets out it could cost us both everything. Keeping my distance is harder than I thought when my dorm floods and my temporary housing is— you guessed it. The hockey house. Being under the same roof, I see Finn in a whole new light. He’s so much more, and it pushes the boundaries of our frenemies-with-benefits situationship. Now I’m not just facing off with the captain… I’m falling head over heels for him. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Face Off with the Captain
Author(s): R.C. Stephens
Series: Riverside U #1
on September 10, 2024
Pages: 322
Genre(s): Contemporary Sports Romance
Source: Publicist
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon
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He’s not just the cocky jock I pegged him as.
“Face Off with the Captain” is the first book in the Riverside U series. It features Finn, the younger brother of the heroine from “Forever Player.” Finn’s life intersects with Charlie, the heroine, when she learns during one of her social media classes that her boyfriend of seven months has been unfaithful. Overwhelmed by the revelation, she flees the classroom. While fleeing she finds solace in Finn’s embrace.
The encounter resulted in them spending the night together on the beach, sharing secrets and a passion filled night. Charlie departed the next morning, convinced she would never see Finn again. Yet, upon starting her internship with the hockey team, she discovered that her one-night stand was none other than the team’s captain. The university’s strict no-fraternization policy between employees and students should have made things simple. However, their intense mutual attraction made rendered it difficult.
Finn and Charlie made a great couple. Charlie is loyal, selfless and doesn’t shy away from hard work. Finn gives the impression of being a playboy. However, beneath his playboy persona lay a soul that experienced emotional pain. He is a protector by nature and goes all out for those he cares about.
Their chemistry was electric, and concealing their emotions became increasingly difficult. I appreciated the development of their romance and was pleased to see them overcome the increasing challenges. There were occasions of push and pull where they tried denying their feelings but their intense attraction to each other made it difficult to keep their distance. Every step of the way Finn pulled out all the stops to protect their relationship. One cannot help but to root for their happily ever after.
The story had its share of intensity, which the author balanced with humor and emotional moments. This balance, combined with the supporting cast, gave the story depth.
“Face Off with the Captain” offers an engaging experience for fans of sports romance.
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- Face Off With the Captain: R C Stephens - September 12, 2024
- The One I Didn’t See Coming : Piper Rayne - September 10, 2024
- Meant for Gabriel: Natasha Madison - September 8, 2024
Another fun hockey romance…I’m in! 😀
Charlie sounds like such a good character.