Book Summary
In Offside, Avery Keelan delivers a classic college hockey romance with a twist. After being dumped on her 21st birthday, Bailey James impulsively rebounds with Chase Carter—her ex’s biggest rival and the cocky left-winger for a competing team. What starts as a fake-dating ploy to spite her ex quickly turns into real chemistry, complete with study dates, stolen kisses, and a rivalry that threatens both their loyalties. Keelan balances steamy scenes with emotional depth, making Chase and Bailey’s connection feel authentic despite the trope-heavy setup.
At 540+ pages, the book is a commitment, but fans of slow-burn tension and “boy obsessed” heroes will devour it. While some reviewers note pacing issues, others praise the immersive hockey details and Chase’s protective, cinnamon-roll persona beneath his bad-boy exterior. The dual POV lets readers savor both characters’ growth, especially Bailey’s journey from self-doubt to empowerment.
Key Themes
Rivalry & Loyalty: The animosity between Bailey’s brother’s team and Chase’s squad isn’t just backdrop—it’s a central conflict. Keelan explores how toxic team dynamics and external pressures strain relationships. Bailey’s struggle to choose between her brother’s approval and her heart adds emotional weight.
Sexual Agency & Trust: Bailey’s previous relationship left her with intimacy insecurities, and Chase’s patience in helping her reclaim her confidence is a standout arc. Reviewers highlight how the book normalizes communication around pleasure, though some critique the rushed handling of darker themes.
What Makes It Unique
Hockey as Character: Unlike romances where sports are mere set dressing, Offside dives into game strategies, locker-room politics, and the NHL draft grind. Chase’s career ambitions feel tangible, and Bailey’s encyclopedic hockey knowledge makes her more than a “not like other girls” trope.
Trope Mashup Mastery: Keelan blends fake dating, ex’s rival, and “soft for her” tropes seamlessly. Chase’s POV—especially lines like “I got you. I won’t let you fall”—elevates the story beyond typical bad-boy fare. The banter is snarky yet sweet, with TikTok fans dubbing it “Icebreaker meets The Deal”.
Reader Reactions
Fans rave about Chase’s character: “I will eat up a reformed playboy turned simp EVERY. SINGLE. TIME”. Others adore the emotional payoff: “The way he helped her navigate toxic friendships hit home for me”. However, critiques center on pacing and Bailey’s passivity early on.
Despite its length, the book maintains a 4.2/5 average on Goodreads, with 65% of reviews at 4–5 stars. The July 2025 deluxe edition with sprayed edges sparked renewed buzz, particularly for its bonus epilogue.
About the Author
Avery Keelan is a Canadian indie author and lifelong hockey fan with degrees in Psychology and Commerce. Her background in policy analysis shines in Offside’s nuanced team dynamics. She’s known for “steam that fogs mirrors” and heroes who blend alpha traits with emotional intelligence.
Keelan’s TikTok presence fuels her success, with teasers like “What if the enemy is impossible to resist?” driving pre-orders. Offside was originally a 2019 Wattpad serial before its 2022 rewrite, proving its enduring appeal.
Memorable Quotes
“Carter?” “Yeah?” “I’m going to lose my balance if you keep kissing me like that.” “I got you,” I said, voice husky. “I won’t let you fall.”
“He’s worked his entire life to secure a future in the NHL. She’s tagged along while her brother has done the same. Fraternizing with the enemy is definitely out of the question. But what if the enemy is impossible to resist?”
Where to Buy
- Amazon ( $14.99 new)
- Barnes & Noble (includes exclusive sprayed edges edition)
- Kobo (ebook)