Can A Romantic Comedy Featuring an NHL Player and a Single Mom Capture Your Heart? Find Out in Slap Shot!

If you looked up sweet in the dictionary, you’d find a picture of Slap Shot with Hudson Hayes grinning like the golden retriever man he absolutely is. This book was chef’s kiss—zero toxic masculinity, just pure, heart-melting goodness. Chelsea’s storytelling? Addictive. Once you start, you’re done for.

Hudson is a dream. Raised right, well-mannered, thoughtful, and goes above and beyond for the people he loves. He’s generous, kind, and the perfect man. Seriously, where do I sign up for one of him?

The Puck Kings group chat? Comedy gold. And his bond with Maverick? Elite. Maverick hypes him up, encourages him, and sits outside Hudson’s hotel room just to be there for him before he visits his mom’s grave. But my absolute favorite moment? When Hudson panics after kissing Madeline and calls Maverick like a lost puppy. Adorable. I already loved Maverick in Face Off, but this book cemented him as one of my favorites.

Madeline is a single mom who loses her job as an executive chef and ends up taking a job as Hudson’s personal chef—bringing her daughter, Lucy, along. Lucy is deaf, and Madeline? A phenomenal mom. She’s raising such a sweet little girl, and their bond is beautiful.

Hudson is determined to be the best friend to Madeline and Lucy, and honestly? Their friendship is one of the best I’ve ever read. They lean on each other, really talk, share feelings, and genuinely care before anything romantic even happens. The slow burn? Delicious.

I already knew I’d love Hudson from Face Off, but Chelsea made me fall head over heels. He’s the greenest green flag ever. His emotional intelligence? Chef’s kiss. His journey through grief? Heartbreaking and inspiring. And the way he loves Madeline and Lucy? You feel it through the pages.

Oh, and let’s talk about Hudson learning ASL just to communicate and bond with Lucy. My heart could not handle it. Chelsea nailed the deaf representation—clearly well-researched, thoughtful, and respectful. And that one scene where the entire team sits down to learn sign language with Piper and Hudson? Perfection.

This book was pure warm and fuzzy perfection, and I need everyone to read it immediately.

Tropes:

• hockey romance

• cinnamon roll romantic

• single mom

• roommates to lovers

• forced proximity

• found Family

• disability representation (deaf character)

Ratings: 3.75/5

Spice: 3.5/5