Weekly Reads: December 22 to 28, 2025 (hockey romance, historical mean girls, and reconstruction era historical romance)

Power Play by Chelsea Curto (2024)

Contemporary romance. Book 2 of the DC Stars series. Piper needs some sex lessons after a divorce to a total jerk leaves her feeling totally unconfident in the bedroom. And the perfect tutor is the team goalie Liam, who is usually super stoic, but really has had a crush on Piper this whole time. But it’s only lessons. Followed by fake dating for his sister’s wedding. And then maybe an accidental drunken marriage in Vegas. Super steamy, loads of feelings, and the best friend group imaginable for all parties. If you’re looking for a feel good romance (in all the best ways), check this one out.

Ebook accessed from Kindle Unlimited.

Shop this book via Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Bookshop.org // Available on Kindle Unlimited // Get a free trial to Kindle Unlimited

Like in Love with You by Emma R. Alban (2026)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Standalone novel. Kinda like Mean Girls, but make it regency, and the rival ladies fall in love. Lady Rosalie has her life and her friends’ lives all planned out and is not pleased when newcomer Catherine is garnering all the attention from the gentlemen. There’s also some bad blood between their mothers and a bit of tug-o-war over a suitor ensues. Except Rosalie and Catherine have eyes for each other, and not all that interested in Mr. Boring. We get lots of fun friend group outings, a very supportive brother for Rosalie, and a meddling aunt. Super fun read.

Advance ebook provided by Avon Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Harper Collins Audio.

Shop this book via Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Bookshop.org // Libro.fm

Winds of the Storm by Beverly Jenkins (2006)

Historical romance. Reconstruction-era America. Book 2 of the Le Veq Family series. Archer and Zahra meet during the war when she rescues him from capture and saves his life. They cross paths again after the war when Zahra poses as a brothel madam to gather intelligence. He doesn’t recognize her, but certainly plans to seduce her. We get a simmering seduction here alongside the espionage associated with Zahra’s mission. Steamy and dangerous.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Shop this book via Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Bookshop.org

Slap Shot by Chelsea Curto (2025)

Contemporary romance. Book 3 of the DC Stars series. Hudson is very clearly a relationship kind of a guy and totally squicked out by the wannabe stalkers posing as personal chefs. And when Madeline needs a chef job and happens to have a connection in DC, she’s set up with a job for Hudson. We get the sweetest slow burn friendship and romance here as Madeline and her daughter Lucy set up shop in Hudson’s home, cooking him meals and paying more attention to his health and nutrition than his underwear drawer. It really helps that Madeline does not follow hockey and is not starstruck by the guy. Hudson of course is the best of the best and takes things super slow with Madeline, mostly because he doesn’t want to upset the friendship, and also probably because he’s her employer, and then a smidge because she’s clearly skittish about guys. Loved this low-angst romance.

Ebook accessed from Kindle Unlimited.