Face Off by Chelsea Curto (D.C. Stars, 1 of 7)

From USA TODAY bestselling author Chelsea Curto comes the first book in her hockey romance series DC Stars, a steamy rivals-to-lovers romance between an NHL player and her team’s captain.

Emerson “Emmy” Hartwell has spent her entire career fighting for a place in the NHL. Now, she’s finally earned a spot with the struggling DC Stars, and she’s determined to make the most of it.

Maverick Miller is the best player in the league, but even his talent hasn’t been enough to turn the Stars into winners. As team captain, he’s desperate to change turn things around, which means keeping the peace with the team’s fiery new left-winger—even if the two of them clash at every turn.

But when the tension between them reaches a tipping point and they fall into bed together, Emmy and Maverick agree it was a one-time mistake to get the distraction out of their systems so they can focus on the season. After all, Emmy doesn’t date hockey players, and Maverick—infamous for his playboy reputation—doesn’t date anyone.

Except—what should’ve happened just once happens again, then again. They tell each other their friends with benefits arrangement is only for the season. But despite facing off on the ice, behind closed doors, the pair is nothing but fire.