Review: Offside (Rules of the Game #1) by Avery Keelan

*I received a copy of this book from Bramble Books in exchange for an honest review.

Offside

(Rules of the Game #1)

by Avery Keelan

July 8, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

After her ex dumps her on her 21st birthday, Bailey James rebounds right into the arms of her ex's biggest competition, Chase- Antagonizer, womanizer, and infamous left winger for the Boyd University Falcons.

Following a string of scandals and substandard grades, Chase is on thin ice with his teammates and tyrannical coach. The last thing he needs is to have his focus and loyalty called into question by fraternizing with his team's #1 rival. But a beautiful stranger who throws herself at him one night is too tempting to pass up... Until she throws up on his shoes.

Caught in the midst of a bitter rivalry that extends far beyond the arena, Bailey and Chase are on opposite sides of the bench. He's worked his entire life to secure a future in the NHL. She's tagged along for the ride while her brother Derek, star defensive for the Bruder College Bulldogs, has done the same. Fraternizing with the enemy is definitely out of the question. Except this enemy is impossible to resist.

Review

It's been a while since I read a sports romance so Offside came at just the right time. With the perfect amount of sweet, spicy and intense, the plot and the romance balanced nicely.

I most enjoy books with strong characters and that's exactly what Offside had. Harassed by cruel rumours and serious threats, Bailey bravely faced each down. While Chase made difficult decisions to deal with (the consequences of) his playboy past. It made sense that these two good people would fall for each other. All the turmoil made their love stronger.

Bailey and Chase did not have an easy time getting together. Their past relationships complicated matters but neither let it deter them. Bailey and Chase handled hostilities smartly. Their romance was swoony and spicy. The honesty and vulnerability they showed each other made their intimate scenes quite emotional.

While the characters had plenty of story to tell, I did find Offside a bit draggy in places. There was a lull in the latter half of the story until something big suddenly happened. It was dramatic and warranted some considerable thoughts. I appreciate that the ending reflected it. Things were not picture perfect, they were just right.

I highly recommend Offside to sports romance readers, especially hockey lovers! Go pick up a copy of the new edition with lovely indigo sprayed edges and the sweetest bonus chapters~

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.