Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped stand-up comedy for steamy sports romances—meet Victoria Denault! Born in Quebec and raised on the rink-side thrills of hockey, she’s the bestselling author of the Hometown Players series, weaving heart-pounding romance with the high-stakes drama of professional sports. Her knack for crafting flawed heroes and fierce heroines has won over readers worldwide, making her a standout in contemporary romance.
Now settled in Los Angeles with her husband and two chubby Chihuahuas, Denault infuses her stories with wit, passion, and a love for the game that’s as infectious as her characters’ chemistry. Ready to dive into her world of hockey hotties and happily-ever-afters? Let’s explore her journey!
The Making of Victoria Denault
Victoria Denault grew up in Montreal, where hockey isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Her passion for the game took root early, fueled by the electric atmosphere of Quebec’s rinks. But writing was her true calling, sparked in her teens by authors like Anne Rice and S.E. Hinton. Before penning novels, Denault wore many hats: journalist, stand-up comic, actor, and marketing executive. Her diverse career, coupled with a journalism diploma and creative writing courses at UCLA Extension, honed her storytelling chops. Summers in Maine and Spain added a worldly flair to her perspective, shaping the vibrant settings and characters in her books.
Victoria Denault’s Unforgettable Stories
Denault’s debut, One More Shot (2015), kicked off the Hometown Players series, a six-book saga that blends second-chance romances with the gritty glamour of the NHL. The story of Jordan Garrison and Jessie Caplan, young lovers torn apart and reunited years later, hooked readers with its emotional depth and steamy tension. Making a Play follows Luc Richard and Rose Caplan, childhood friends whose simmering attraction ignites in a friends-to-lovers tale packed with angst and French-accented charm. The Final Move, a fan favorite, dives into Devin Garrison’s post-divorce redemption, proving Denault’s skill at crafting complex, relatable characters.
Her writing style is a winning mix of witty dialogue, sensual romance, and authentic hockey culture. Denault’s heroes—often cocky athletes with hearts of gold—face real-world struggles, from media scrutiny to personal demons, while her heroines are strong, independent, and unafraid to call the shots. Beyond Hometown Players, she’s ventured into the San Francisco Thunder series and standalone novels like Score, a second-chance romance that’s as sassy as it is heartfelt. Her ability to balance humor, heat, and heart keeps fans coming back for more.
Why Victoria Denault Matters
Victoria Denault has carved a niche in sports romance by grounding her stories in emotional truth and cultural authenticity. Her portrayal of hockey’s highs and lows—both on and off the ice—resonates with fans of the sport and romance readers alike. By tackling themes like addiction, trust, and redemption, she elevates the genre beyond escapism, offering stories that feel lived-in and real. Her diverse casts and focus on strong female leads have also broadened the appeal of sports romance, inspiring a new wave of readers to fall in love with the genre.
Denault’s journey from Quebec’s hockey rinks to Los Angeles’ literary scene is a testament to her versatility and drive. She’s not just writing romance—she’s celebrating the messy, beautiful pursuit of love and dreams, making her a beloved voice in contemporary fiction.
- Born: Quebec, Canada
- Key Works: Hometown Players series, San Francisco Thunder series, Score
- Fun Fact: She’s fluent in English, French, and hockey!
- Current Home: Los Angeles, California
Snag One More Shot and dive into Victoria Denault’s sizzling sports romances today! Whether you’re a hockey fan or a hopeless romantic, her stories will steal your heart.