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Rinkmates: A steamy Hockey Romance (The Mates series Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 438 ratings

INew York's favorite hockey player and bar brawler, Riley Huntington, needs a PR fix—stat—or he'll be kicked off the team for good. Enter Liora James, an ex Olympic figure skater with dreams as big as her heart and a past so dark it might break it.

Desperate to right her wrongs, Liora pins her hopes high on a new TV show called 'Grace on Ice’ where figure skaters team up with celebrities in hopes of winning a million dollars. But to even stand a chance, she needs more than skill on the ice––she needs publicity.

When their managers pair Liora and Riley together to make their goals come true, a fake relationship is their only way out. But with intense sparks flying between them, Liora's past catching up and Riley's image on the line, can they keep their cool, or will they risk losing everything they've ever wanted?

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From the Publisher

Magnetic Banter, Intoxicating Chemistry and Spice!
Get the Special edition on Nova Banks website

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CW1792JT
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (September 18, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 18, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3217 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 410 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 438 ratings

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Nova Banks
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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
438 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the storyline and found it engaging. They appreciated the well-developed characters and emotional depth throughout the book. Readers also appreciated the pacing and the lack of a third act breakup.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

11 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the storyline and found it engaging. They described it as an excellent debut novel with a great plot twist at the end.

"...I love how their story starts and how it progresses. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy slow burn romance" Read more

"⭐️⭐️⭐️.2️⃣5️⃣ Ugh! Two-thirds of this book was a good time, and what remained read like A Little Golden Book in parts...." Read more

"...If a story leaves me smiling and happy for the characters, it’s a good book for me and I can look past a few continuity goofs or parts of the story..." Read more

"So excited to add Ms Nova Banks to my list of amazing authors to follow and read. I couldn’t wait to dive into the world of Riley and Liora...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the side characters engaging and look forward to seeing who gets what.

"...The side characters were so good also, and I'm already excited about who will get their own books. Rosie and Jay definitely like each other...." Read more

"...The world building was amazing I loved the side characters I cannot wait for more of them and definitely have book 2 on my TBR already...." Read more

"...If a story leaves me smiling and happy for the characters, it’s a good book for me and I can look past a few continuity goofs or parts of the story..." Read more

3 customers mention "Emotion"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's emotional depth. They say the feelings become real as the dating starts out fake.

"...Even though they start off fake dating, the feelings start to become real...." Read more

"...This girl has been through a lot emotionally and mentally...." Read more

"...a book that makes me cry but there is so much depth and emotion written on these pages...." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They like that there is no third act breakup.

"...burn but the banter and the angst were great and there is no 3rd act break up which I love...." Read more

"...I was grateful for no third-act breakup and no running away from either MC...." Read more

"...loved the slow burn aspect of it and was glad there was no third act break up...." Read more

Started Out Good Enough, Then... Not So Much
3 out of 5 stars
Started Out Good Enough, Then... Not So Much
⭐️⭐️⭐️.2️⃣5️⃣Ugh! Two-thirds of this book was a good time, and what remained read like A Little Golden Book in parts. It was so weird how the writing style switched. It went from good to horrible. I got the sense that the author wanted to be done with the book/story and was just tossing in crap to wrap up any loose ends. It felt like being in a car with someone who was accelerating the gas pedal, then they would let up on it, then accelerate again... like they were intentionally f'ing with you for 💩's and giggles. Such a weird reading experience. Frustrating too!I started out liking this book so much. I even ordered a physical copy because I was having such a good time. Then it all went south. The writing style took a nose dive in the kiddie pool, and the plot morphed into an alien. It became something else entirely, sacrificing its original charm. I can't say much without giving the twist away, but Liora's secret was a massive disappointment. It was supposed to be a shocking turn of events for Liora and Riley as a couple, but all it did was derail the general flow of everything that had come before. It essentially ruined the entire book, imo. It didn't jive.I understand this is a debut novel for this author, and I'm inclined to be forgiving. I'll likely give her another chance with the next installment of the series. I see promise in the writing, but she's got to learn not to rush the ending and cause congestion when wrapping up her plot lines. She also needs to learn that you don't have to overly sensationalise the plot to keep readers interested. I feel she went overboard and did her first book a disservice. It would have been better without the ridiculousness of Liora's secret. She also needs to learn that generic cookie-cutter happy endings, where everything works out perfectly (and everybody 'wins' everything) will produce massive and consecutive eyerolls. I was hemorrhaging eyerolls for the last 80% of this book!On a side note, the cover is stunning. It's probably one of my favorite book covers this year. I'll keep the physical copy for that reason alone. However, if it wasn't for that, I'd be returning this book real quick.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
    This was a highly anticipated read for me and Nova did NOT disappoint. I loved this book so much. ❤️

    Riley is the hot head of the NHL, but deep down he is a teddy bear with a crappy upbringing and Liora is a figure skater who had to abruptly quit the Olympics years ago. Riley's PR manager, Nina, comes up with the plan for them to fake date to help improve Riley's reputation, not knowing he has actually been obsessed with her for years. This is a slooow burn but the banter and the angst were great and there is no 3rd act break up which I love.

    Even though they start off fake dating, the feelings start to become real. I loved when Liora defended Riley to the coach after a crappy decision he made. Riley's parents were the worst, and Liora standing up for him was amazing. Liora went through some hard times and feels like she can only depend on her Mom, which makes accepting Riley's help a little hard for her because she worries she will be too much, and he will leave, but he guarantees her that will never happen, and he does stick by her through anything.

    The last 90% of the book had me tearing up, but in a good way. I really loved this book and the epilogue was perfection.

    The side characters were so good also, and I'm already excited about who will get their own books. Rosie and Jay definitely like each other. I hope they get their own book, love a good brother's best friend.

    I also loved that Liora's birthday was the release day for this book. ❤️
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
    I love the premise of this story. I love that she was his celebrity crush when they were both teens. I also love that she isn’t a fan if his because of all the bad press in the beginning.

    I love how their story starts and how it progresses.

    Definitely worth a read if you enjoy slow burn romance
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️.2️⃣5️⃣
    Ugh! Two-thirds of this book was a good time, and what remained read like A Little Golden Book in parts. It was so weird how the writing style switched. It went from good to horrible. I got the sense that the author wanted to be done with the book/story and was just tossing in crap to wrap up any loose ends. It felt like being in a car with someone who was accelerating the gas pedal, then they would let up on it, then accelerate again... like they were intentionally f'ing with you for 💩's and giggles. Such a weird reading experience. Frustrating too!

    I started out liking this book so much. I even ordered a physical copy because I was having such a good time. Then it all went south. The writing style took a nose dive in the kiddie pool, and the plot morphed into an alien. It became something else entirely, sacrificing its original charm. I can't say much without giving the twist away, but Liora's secret was a massive disappointment. It was supposed to be a shocking turn of events for Liora and Riley as a couple, but all it did was derail the general flow of everything that had come before. It essentially ruined the entire book, imo. It didn't jive.

    I understand this is a debut novel for this author, and I'm inclined to be forgiving. I'll likely give her another chance with the next installment of the series. I see promise in the writing, but she's got to learn not to rush the ending and cause congestion when wrapping up her plot lines. She also needs to learn that you don't have to overly sensationalise the plot to keep readers interested. I feel she went overboard and did her first book a disservice. It would have been better without the ridiculousness of Liora's secret. She also needs to learn that generic cookie-cutter happy endings, where everything works out perfectly (and everybody 'wins' everything) will produce massive and consecutive eyerolls. I was hemorrhaging eyerolls for the last 80% of this book!

    On a side note, the cover is stunning. It's probably one of my favorite book covers this year. I'll keep the physical copy for that reason alone. However, if it wasn't for that, I'd be returning this book real quick.
    Customer image
    3.0 out of 5 stars Started Out Good Enough, Then... Not So Much
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️.2️⃣5️⃣
    Ugh! Two-thirds of this book was a good time, and what remained read like A Little Golden Book in parts. It was so weird how the writing style switched. It went from good to horrible. I got the sense that the author wanted to be done with the book/story and was just tossing in crap to wrap up any loose ends. It felt like being in a car with someone who was accelerating the gas pedal, then they would let up on it, then accelerate again... like they were intentionally f'ing with you for 💩's and giggles. Such a weird reading experience. Frustrating too!

    I started out liking this book so much. I even ordered a physical copy because I was having such a good time. Then it all went south. The writing style took a nose dive in the kiddie pool, and the plot morphed into an alien. It became something else entirely, sacrificing its original charm. I can't say much without giving the twist away, but Liora's secret was a massive disappointment. It was supposed to be a shocking turn of events for Liora and Riley as a couple, but all it did was derail the general flow of everything that had come before. It essentially ruined the entire book, imo. It didn't jive.

    I understand this is a debut novel for this author, and I'm inclined to be forgiving. I'll likely give her another chance with the next installment of the series. I see promise in the writing, but she's got to learn not to rush the ending and cause congestion when wrapping up her plot lines. She also needs to learn that you don't have to overly sensationalise the plot to keep readers interested. I feel she went overboard and did her first book a disservice. It would have been better without the ridiculousness of Liora's secret. She also needs to learn that generic cookie-cutter happy endings, where everything works out perfectly (and everybody 'wins' everything) will produce massive and consecutive eyerolls. I was hemorrhaging eyerolls for the last 80% of this book!

    On a side note, the cover is stunning. It's probably one of my favorite book covers this year. I'll keep the physical copy for that reason alone. However, if it wasn't for that, I'd be returning this book real quick.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024
    This was my first book I read by Nova Banks and it did not disappoint 👏👏 I loved Liora and Riley's story ❤️

    Riley Richard Huntington is a chameleon because through therapy and support from his found family, he was able to turn all the red flags to green. Really they weren't red flags at all, he just needed some help in the communication and anger management department. He puts on the work on and off the ice and never gives up and I loved him for it 😍 And the best part.... he reads and he will even read the books out loud 🤭

    Liora James was a bright star in the Olympic figure skating world until she fell off the grid without a trace. This girl has been through a lot emotionally and mentally. Through her eyes, we can see the cruel side of competitive sports and the effect is has on a woman's self-esteem and general way-of-life. But does she give in to the pressure and the bullying.... no. Liora stands up and ignores the drama and antics, even if she is silently dying inside but she does it with grace and it works out for her in the end.

    Within the hockey romance genre, I have a soft spot for hockey players and figure skaters. The ice rivalry always sets a great scene for enemies-to-lovers and great banter. This book definitely met that expectation and more. I was grateful for no third-act breakup and no running away from either MC. They met their challenges and fears head on and come on... who doesn't love a tall, hot hockey player flirting with you over a bowl of Fruit Loops.

    Tropes:
    ⛸️ Sports romance
    🏒 Dislike to lovers
    ⛸️ Fake dating
    🏒 Roommates to lovers
    ⛸️Forced proximity
    🏒 Reformed playboy
    ⛸️ He falls first
    🏒 Mystery

    Triggers:
    🖤Physical fights (not between MCs)
    🖤 Emotional abuse (not from MMC)
    🖤 Description of past grooming
    🖤 Brief description of drug use
    🖤 Forced sexual orientation outing of side character
    🖤 Body image struggles
    🖤 Parental emotional abuse

Top reviews from other countries

  • Samantha Lynn
    5.0 out of 5 stars SO GOOD!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 25, 2024
    This was so good! I loved Riley and Liora so much! I really enjoyed reading about Liora and watching her stand up for herself and stand up for Riley. There was so much good chemistry and tension between these two that I was devouring this in no time. I thought Riley might end up a major alphahole but he wasn’t. He was such a golden retriever and I love how he stood up for Liora and fought for her.

    I really enjoyed how open this book was about the pressures of being a hockey player or figure skater can involve and how these two worked together to move past those pressures. And the spice between these two was perfect. I also enjoyed the glimpses of the side characters we got and I really wanted more of them.
  • Chloe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Reviewed in France on December 17, 2024
    I love this story, with lovely characters and a Little touch of humour. I want to read it again because it was so heartbreaking !
  • Scandi Reads
    5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing debut
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2024
    Liora is back in the public’s eye, she’s in New York, the place where dreams are made of, and she is auditioning for a new TV show called ‘Grace on ice’. She needs a spot on the show if she’s going to have an opportunity to right all of the wrongs from her past. She NEEDs to win it! But first she need a place to stay.

    Riley is the one of New York’s biggest star hockey players for the New York Falcons, and he’s in a bit of trouble. Hotheaded and always ready for a fight he has landed himself in trouble again. He’s in need of a serious PR-fix. And now his management says he has to do ANYTHING they say to fix it. But can he really enter a fake relationship with his first celebrity crush? One that wants absolutely nothing to do with him?

    I can’t believe that this is a freaking debut!! It’s so good! It is so funny and sweet and swoony and good!

    I loved that we were kept guessing Liora’s backstory all the way almost to the end. And I loved Riley’s reaction to it. To me it all felt natural and believable.

    Liora my girl! She deserves the world and Riley. She’s so strong and tough and Riley is the only one who sees just how strong like he says “But I know.” And that is all that counts. He really sees our girl. But she sees him right back. It’s so refreshing having a FMC that is just as possessive and protective of her man. And Liora fights the battles Riley has given up on himself.

    The whole book was just a bit different and so refreshing. I’ve loved every moment of being in this world.
  • Holly
    4.0 out of 5 stars Love love love
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2024
    📖Book Review📖

    Rinkmates

    Tropes

    ⛸️ Figure Skater x Hockey Player
    🏒 Enemies to Lovers
    ⛸️ Grumpy x Sunshine
    🏒 Reformed Playboy
    ⛸️ Mental Health Rep
    🏒 Roommates
    ⛸️ Spice
    🏒 Jersey Swap
    ⛸️ Forced Proximity
    🏒 He Falls First

    This debut novel from @ was so so good, it had the perfect blend of enemies to lovers, spice and humour.

    Liora and Riley’s relationship, even tho it was fake at first, was super cute especially with the way they weren’t able to stay away from each other and how they could banter with each other one second but also talk about more serious things. All the side characters were amazing and i would love to see them all have their own books.

    The t-shirt scene was 🥵 IYKYK

    This book was a slow burn but was so worth it.

    You could really feel the emotions of each character as the events happened, you could see how liora and Riley really liked each other but wouldn’t admit it and how it was painful for liora to talk about her past and the comments that were being made about her body

    It was heartbreaking when we finally found out about liora’s past but the way Riley reacted and supported her was just so heartwarming to see.

    I felt the mental health representation in this book was very important in the book and I liked how nova showed us the reality and sometimes toxicity people in media and athletes face daily.

    The book was over all a very good read. It had me smiling the whole way through, espically when liora stood up for Riley and he professed his love for her.

    Also when he stepped in to help with the show my heart melted it was so cute.

    The only thing I would say is the book could use some work grammatically and sometimes the wording/phrases were off but other then that it was a great hockey romance. For a debut novel it was really enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what nova writes in the future

    I thoroughly enjoyed rinkmates and would 100% recommend you give it a go especially if you are looking to get into hockey romance and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2.

    4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    3🌶️🌶️🌶️
  • Anna
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good story, didn’t love the writing style
    Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2024
    The story was interesting and a classic hockey player x figure skater romance. I found the grammar threw me off and distracted from the book at times. Some of the plot lines were rushed of never revisited.

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