Step into the steamy, heart-pounding world of Hometown Players, where small-town charm meets the high stakes of professional hockey! Victoria Denault’s beloved sports romance series, kicking off with One More Shot in 2015, blends angst-filled love stories, sizzling chemistry, and the thrill of the ice. Perfect for fans of second-chance romances and rugged hockey heroes, this saga set in Silver Bay, Maine, has readers swooning over its flawed yet lovable characters.
Whether you’re drawn to tales of heartbreak healed or the rush of a game-winning goal, Hometown Players delivers a winning mix of passion and drama. Let’s lace up and explore what makes this series a must-read for romance enthusiasts!
How Hometown Players Began
Victoria Denault, a Canadian author with a lifelong passion for hockey, crafted Hometown Players from her love for the sport and her knack for writing emotionally charged romance. Growing up in Montreal, where hockey is practically a religion, Denault drew inspiration from the camaraderie and intensity of the rink. Her debut novel, One More Shot, launched the series in 2015, introducing readers to a tight-knit community of hockey players navigating love and fame. Denault’s background as a journalist and stand-up comic shines through in her witty dialogue and authentic character dynamics.
The Heart of Hometown Players
The series spans six books, each a standalone romance centered on a hockey player from Silver Bay. One More Shot follows Jordan Garrison and Jessie Caplan, childhood friends turned lovers whose second-chance romance is rocked by misunderstandings and heartbreak. Making a Play heats things up with Luc Richard and Rose Caplan, a friends-to-lovers tale packed with forbidden passion. The Final Move dives into Devin Garrison’s redemption as he reconnects with Callie Caplan, exploring themes of trust and healing. Winning It All pairs enforcer Sebastian Deveau with Shayne Beckford, a woman wary of hockey players, in a steamy clash of wills.
Denault’s stories weave themes of second chances, trust, and personal growth against the backdrop of professional hockey. The small-town setting of Silver Bay adds cozy charm, while the high-stakes world of the NHL brings drama and glamour. Fans praise Denault’s ability to balance steamy romance with heartfelt character arcs, making each book a rollercoaster of emotions. Her dialogue is sharp, and her characters—gruff yet tender hockey players and strong, relatable heroines—feel like friends you’re rooting for.
Why Hometown Players Resonates
Hometown Players has carved a niche in the sports romance genre, earning a loyal following for its authentic portrayal of hockey culture and relatable relationships. Readers on platforms like Goodreads rave about the series’ emotional depth and Denault’s knack for crafting couples with undeniable chemistry. The series’ focus on interconnected characters, like the Caplan sisters and Garrison brothers, creates a sense of family that keeps fans coming back. Its blend of small-town heart and big-league dreams appeals to anyone who loves a good love story with a side of sports.
Beyond its fanbase, Hometown Players highlights the growing popularity of sports romance, proving that stories of love and athleticism can resonate universally. Denault’s work has inspired readers to explore similar authors like Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen, cementing her place in the genre.
- Publication Years: 2015–2017
- Number of Books: 6
- Setting: Silver Bay, Maine
- Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Grab One More Shot and dive into the Hometown Players’ world of hockey, heartbreak, and happily-ever-afters. Your next favorite romance awaits!