How to Read Victoria Denault's Hometown Players Series
If you are looking to dive into Victoria Denault’s sizzling sports romance universe, the recommended path is simple: follow the publication order. While each of the six books in the series functions as a standalone romance with its own happily-ever-after, they are deeply interconnected. Characters introduced in one book frequently appear as key supporting figures in the next, and major life updates are shared across the circle. Reading the books chronologically prevents spoilers and lets you watch the friendships and romances of Silver Bay, Maine, unfold naturally.
The series acts as a gateway to Denault's larger hockey universe, which later expands into the San Francisco Thunder series and the second-generation Hockey Royalty series. By starting from the beginning, you get the full context of these tight-knit families and teammates before their stories branch out.
Hometown Players Books in Order
Here is the chronological publication order for the complete Hometown Players series, detailing the main couples and the core dynamics of each novel:
1. One More Shot (2015)
The series begins with One More Shot, introducing readers to the coastal town of Silver Bay, Maine. The story follows NHL star Jordan Garrison, who returns home to confront his past and the girl he left behind, Jessie Caplan. Their relationship is a high-stakes second-chance romance filled with years of unresolved longing and misunderstandings. As they try to rebuild trust, Jordan must balance his high-pressure hockey career with his desire to win Jessie back for good.
2. Making a Play (2015)
The second installment shifts focus to Jessie’s sister, Rose Caplan, and Luc Richard, a charming hockey player who is also Jordan's teammate. Luc is known for his easygoing charm, but his feelings for Rose are anything but casual. This friends-to-lovers romance turns into a forbidden attraction as Rose tries to resist Luc's charm to protect her heart and keep the peace within their close-knit social circle.
3. The Final Move (2015)
Rounding out the initial family-centric trilogy is the story of Jordan's brother, Devin Garrison, and the third Caplan sister, Callie. Devin has earned a reputation as the league's bad boy, but underneath his reckless exterior lies a man seeking redemption. Callie has always been the responsible sister, making her hesitant to trust Devin. The Final Move deals with themes of emotional healing, forgiveness, and earning trust after past mistakes.
4. Winning It All (2016)
The series shifts its gaze to new teammates with the introduction of Sebastian Deveau, a notorious NHL enforcer. Sebastian is used to getting what he wants, but he meets his match in Shayne Beckford. Shayne is smart, independent, and determined not to become just another hockey player's conquest. This enemies-to-lovers story features sparkling banter and intense chemistry as Sebastian fights to prove he is more than just his tough-guy reputation on the ice.
5. On the Line (2016)
This novel follows Sebastian's sister, Stephanie Deveau, and the league's "golden boy" Avery Westwood. Avery has spent years carefully curating a flawless public image. When he becomes a free agent and signs a new contract in San Diego, his primary goal is to win over Stephanie, who lives there. However, Stephanie’s past struggles with addiction make her wary of the media spotlight that surrounds a star athlete like Avery. The book highlights the compromise and vulnerability needed to make a relationship work under the public eye.
6. Game On (2017)
The final book in the series centers on pro hockey player Alex Larue and Brie Bennett, the head of a local charity. Alex uses his "party boy" persona to hide deep-seated nightmares and emotional scars. Brie initially dismisses him as a shallow athlete, but when Alex is forced to volunteer for her organization, they are both forced to shed their masks. Their mutual animosity gradually transforms into a powerful, healing connection.
What to Know Before You Start
Victoria Denault’s writing is characterized by its balance of lighthearted, witty banter and heavy, emotionally complex themes. Her experience in stand-up comedy and journalism shines through in the snappy dialogue and realistic group dynamics. However, the books do not shy away from serious issues, including substance abuse recovery, career transitions, and family pressure.
The steam level of the series is consistently high, classified as "open door" contemporary romance. The hockey elements are well-researched, capturing the physical toll of the sport, the pressure of free agency, trade negotiations, and the intense camaraderie of the locker room. Silver Bay, Maine, serves as a cozy, grounding setting that contrasts beautifully with the glamorous, chaotic lifestyle of the NHL.
Spin-offs and the Connected Universe
If you fall in love with Victoria Denault's sports romance style, you will find plenty of companion reads in her catalog:
- San Francisco Thunder: This four-book series (comprising Score, Slammed, When It's Right, and Now or Never) focuses on the Braddock family and their ties to a different hockey franchise. It shares the same high-energy romance style and can be read alongside the Hometown Players.
- Hockey Royalty: This is a next-generation series that follows the adult children of the characters from both Hometown Players and San Francisco Thunder. While it serves as a fun payoff for long-time fans, it is written to be fully accessible to new readers as well.