Rookie Season

Hockey Boys of Loft 3B, Book 1

By: Leah Brunner, Katie Bailey

Narrated by: C.J. Bloom, Stephen Dexter

He’s starting his rookie season in the NHL…

Noah Downsby has always had one goal: play professional hockey. Now that he’s finally made it, he’s determined to prove himself. And if he’s going to have the best rookie season in NHL history, he needs zero distractions.

But Noah didn’t plan for Allegra—Ally—Callahan moving in with him.

With her sassy smile, smart mouth, and bad habit of ‘borrowing’ his jerseys—nevermind her stupid cat who won’t stop sleeping in his bed—one thing’s for certain:

Ally is officially a distraction.

…She’s moving across the country to start over.

The rumors say she’s a bad girl, but they’re all lies. Lies that have ruined her reputation.

So when Ally’s offered a fresh start in San Francisco, she packs up her life and brings her baggage out west—emotional and otherwise.

Living in a swanky loft with three NHL players is a world away from college dorms, but at least two of her new roommates treat her like one of the guys.

And then there’s Noah. The grump whose broody glances turn her blood hot. Who makes her feel both safe and sexy…when he’s not icing her out.

As things between Noah and Ally heat up, their walls come down. And suddenly, there’s a whole lot more than his rookie season on the line…

This is a new adult hockey romance with moderate language and frequent innuendo and references to sex. Though the romance is fade to black, there are some heavier themes of a character emotionally healing from a sexual assault (past, off page) that are discussed at length throughout the book. If you are sensitive to these subjects, please use this content warning to make an informed decision before listening to this book.

©2025 Leah Brunner Publishing LLC & Eleventh Avenue Publishing Inc. (P)2025 Leah Brunner Publishing LLC & Eleventh Avenue Publishing Inc.

Utterly delectable

I absolutely loved this book! I read and listened to it, and it was such a smooth, addictive experience. The MMC and FMC were easily some of my favourites, and the side characters made the story even more fun. I’m such a fan of low-spice/closed-door hockey romances, and this one was done so well. The narrators completely elevated the story and made it come alive!

Can't wait for the next installment

The narrators absolutely bring the story to life — their chemistry leaps off the audio, making every flirty moment and emotional beat feel real. The dual POV performance is engaging and full of personality, capturing both the hero’s quiet intensity and the heroine’s witty, determined energy.

This isn’t just a story about hockey — it’s about trust, growth, and falling for someone who sees you for exactly who you are. The pacing keeps you hooked, and by the end, you’ll feel like you just finished a perfect season of your favorite sports drama… with a lot more kissing.

⭐ Rating: 5/5 — Adorable, heartfelt, and irresistibly fun.
🎧 Why you’ll love it:

Charming, flirty banter that makes you grin

Realistic chemistry that feels effortless

Great dual narration with emotional depth

A rookie you’ll definitely want to root for

Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy, Meghan Quinn, and sports romance audiobooks that balance sweetness and spice.

sweet and fun romance

fantastic narration! this is a really sweet and fun romance. it's a great escape, and while it does deal with some sensitive issues (off page sexual assault, minor bullying, and grief) it's not angsty and is uplifting. a great escape.

Enemies to friends to lovers

Noah is heading into his first NHL season and is determined to prove himself on the ice. But being the Head Coach’s brother-in-law makes him an easy target for chirps from the veteran players. Instead of letting it get to him, Noah channels it into working even harder to earn his place.

Meanwhile, Allegra is starting fresh in San Francisco as a children’s dance instructor. On her very first night, one student’s parent takes forever to show up. When he finally does, Allegra’s patience is gone and her sharp words fly—only to later discover that the man isn’t the student’s father at all, but her uncle. And not just any uncle… one of her new roommates.

What begins with a rocky first impression quickly turns into something unexpected. Noah and Allegra fall into an easy rhythm, their friendship blossoming with banter, support, and undeniable attraction. Their connection is effortless, but it’s the foundation of trust and companionship that makes their relationship truly shine.

Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Hockey romance
Enemies to friends to lovers
City Romance
Roommates
Slow Burn
Grumpy/Sunshine
Found Family

Love the 3B roommates

This will be a great series, great fun, hockey suspense and well handling of difficult topics, and excellent treatment of the bad guy!