He’s a hockey star with no strings attached and a life any other college student would be jealous of� but when he meets a girl with big green eyes and tears on her face, he’s a goner.
When I open the door to our hockey frat house late one night and find a distraught woman shivering on the doorstep, every protective instinct inside me rises to the challenge. I’ll do anything to help her and wipe that terrified look off her face. It doesn’t matter that I’ve never seen her before and I don’t know anything about her or even what happened.
That’s the kind of guy I am. I’m the protector, the defenseman, the one who makes sure everyone is all right, on the ice and off it.
But the more time I spend with her, the more I’m intrigued by her quiet smile and her unflinching grit. She’s got more backbone and quicker defense reflexes than most hockey goalies I know. She’s also keeping the truth locked down so tight I still don’t know exactly what happened to her that night, but the way she flinches at loud noises and the fear that flashes through her eyes tells me enough.
Someone hurt her.
And for some reason, the thought of that is more than I can handle. I’m determined to find out who did this to her, and then I’m going to make sure they’ll never be able to hurt her again.
I’ve never felt like this before about a girl. I want to protect her, to keep her safe�. But I also want to make her mine.
The Heart Stealer is a stand alone, slow burn NA hockey romance with no cheating and a guaranteed happy ending. Perfect for fans of Off-Campus by Elle Kennedy, #Nerd by Cambria Hebert and Maple Hills by Hannah Grace.
Katy Archer is the author of sweet and spicy college sports romance. Her debut novel, The Forbidden Freshman, released in February 2024 and is for fans of slow burn hockey romance, forbidden love, and found families.
In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer�
You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!
The Heart Stealer is a fast-moving romancethat centers on Rachel Josephine and hockey defenseman Liam Carlisle.
I didn’t really have much thoughts while reading this. The only thing about the bookthat I truly liked was how quickly it moved along because it was written in such an amazing way. I did find Carlisle's love for Rachel endearing as well.
However, there were moments when Carlisle was simply doing too much.
Despite being a brief read, the side characters and found familyin this were all fantastic.
*Thank you to the author, Katy Archer for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
My thoughts: I really love Liam, the main character. I was very excited to read this book in the series, it didn’t disappoint. Read this from start to finish without any problems. Great read! The ending was great and I’m excited for the next book!
Book blurb: He’s a hockey star with no strings attached and a life any other college student would be jealous of� but when he meets a girl with big green eyes and tears on her face, he’s a goner.
When I open the door to our hockey frat house late one night and find a distraught woman shivering on the doorstep, every protective instinct inside me rises to the challenge. I’ll do anything to help her and wipe that terrified look off her face. It doesn’t matter that I’ve never seen her before and I don’t know anything about her or even what happened.
That’s the kind of guy I am. I’m the protector, the defenseman, the one who makes sure everyone is all right, on the ice and off it.
But the more time I spend with her, the more I’m intrigued by her quiet smile and her unflinching grit. She’s got more backbone and quicker defense reflexes than most hockey goalies I know. She’s also keeping the truth locked down so tight I still don’t know exactly what happened to her that night, but the way she flinches at loud noises and the fear that flashes through her eyes tells me enough.
ARC Book sent in exchange for honest review. Definitely recommend this series to those who love hockey romances.
Ahhh Liam! I knew I was gonna love him from the first book, but I had no idea just how much! Gah! He is my new fave book boyfriend! So sweet, caring, loyal, protective, sexy af ... I could not get enough! His protectiveness was what really got me. Such a protector of his friends and family already but then he meets Rachel and wowsers, I need a fan just thinking about it. What I wouldn't do to get a hug from this guy!
Though at its core this was a sexy and sweet romance, it also covered some very serious topics of domestic violence and abuse. Katy weaved both the fun and seriousness of this story perfectly. I love the friendships of the hockey boys, or group now (with Rach & Mick such a huge part of the family) and I cannot get enough!
Absolutely loved this book. The characters are so sweet and their chemistry is amazing. I really loved how even though both Rachel and Liam were very new to relationships they were very mature in how they handled situations together and I loved seeing their development throughout the book. So far my favorite one in the series and I cannot wait to read 䲹’s book next!!
Oh my god, you guys! Liam is such a sweetheart! From when we met him in the Nolan U novella ‘Hockey House V-Cards� alongside his nickname “Padre� he reminded me a lot of Tucker in Elle Kennedy’s ‘The Goal�.
I loved being back at Hockey House, though I missed a bit of the college vibe, as it wasn’t as much of a focus here. But that’s ok because I think that Rachel and Liam’s story and their love for each other was so beautiful.
While I believe both characters were strong enough to hold their own with the challenges they faced in life, it makes my heart so full that they have each other to lean on when times get tough.
📖🤓 {ARC Review} ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐~ The Heart Stealer Nolan U Hockey ~Book #2~ {Author Katy Archer} @addictedtocollegesportsromance
Okay, can I take a minute to swoon for Liam?…okay I might need more than a minute 🤷🏻♀�.
I was so excited to read this book when I read that Mick’s best friend Rachel was going to be our FMC. I was so glad she crossed paths with Liam. I was so ready to read more about him and Rachel. Even if the circumstances as to why she was in Nolan U were not ideal she was meant to meet Liam. Liam was exactly the right man for the job to help lift up Rachel's spirits. Ahh, I just loved these two and the journey we got to go on with them.
Okay after the big bomb at the end of the book, I'm so ready to read Casey's story ASAP 😍
When I read the novella, Liam was the MMC that intrigued me the least, and yet I found myself really enjoying his story. He was such a sweet protective hero. I liked his dynamic with Rachel and how they were both able to trust and be vulnerable with each other.
However, I still think the first book is my favorite. I had a lot more fun with it compared to The Heart Stealer, which dealt with more heavy topics (mainly abusive relationships). It also had less of that college feel that the first book gave me, which is probably because the female lead doesn’t attend university. We didn’t get as many moments of them going to classes or parties and doing regular college things.
But overall, I flew through this book and I’m excited to read 䲹’s story next👀
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a fantastic book with some tough topics that the author handles beautifully. It really tugged at my heart and made me cry. Liam and Rachel both had so much growth. I loved the instant connection Liam and Rachel had at their first meeting. I adored Liam. He was so patient, kind, caring and protective. The banter between the hockey boys kept me laughing. I really liked how they accepted Rachel and were protective of her. I have enjoyed getting to know the hockey boys and I can't wait for Casey's story!
Cute! I’d have rated this one higher than the first had it not been for the cringe-worthy writing. I’m not sure which was worse- the repetition of “lady parts� or “my eyes bulged at so-and-so.�
Otherwise, I enjoyed the plot and the characters and I’m ready for 䲹’s book
3 "protector hero" stars It started off good but took a couple of confusing turns and lags, not in keeping with the overall conflict. Rachel is a young FMC who borders on TSTL but she does a couple of actions that may redeem her in the reader's eyes, somewhat... However Liam and Rachel were a really sweet young couple, Liam being such a simp/cinnamon roll protector for his girl.
From the wayThe Forbidden Freshmanended for Liam, given his POV chapter. Author Katy Archer had us going to Nolan University again, right back into the Hockey House with book number twoThe Heart StealerfromNolan Useries.
In this interconnected Standalone, through the telling of dual perspective, we follow the story of Hockey player Liam 'Padre' Carlisle and Rachel ‘Ray� Josephine Beauford who was introduced as Ѿ첹’sBest Friend in the first book.
When it came to Liam and Rachel's story, it was a fairly emotional read, then again that was to be expected from all that we learn of the two characters. This came courtesy of the sensitive yet heavy topic that was discussed seeing as it played a major part in the overall storyline. Something they both had gone through, although not in the same manor, but nonetheless it’s what helped them to connect on a deeper level from the bond they shared. Being able to understand one another more, knowing each had dealt with the somewhat same pain.
Seeing the blossoming relationship between Liam and Rachel play out made for tender, sweet and heartwarming moments, whilst simultaneously being hot and sexy at times too when giving into their sizzling chemistry. The way they went from Strangers to Friends to Lovers may have been a Slow Burn, but that didn’t stop their feelings for one another building up early on. Then again it was no surprise, considering how they were both able to be there for one another, having been through somewhat similar situations which had them leaning on one another. In turn this bonded Liam and Rachel and to help the other out in doing what needed to be done to make each other see who they truly were and their value in life. Especially in one another’s lives. Liam and Rachel were each other’s rock, bringing the other out from their shell when you looked at where they were in the beginning to how far they had come by the end.
WhilstThe Heart Stealerwas a fairly good read, unfortunately it fell short in some ways for me. The fact that it didn’t really feel like a college romance, despite Liam being a student himself. It's what made it lose a little bit of its appeal, something it had me enjoying in Ethan and Mikayla's storyThe Forbidden Freshman. There was also the case of the ending feeling quite rushed with the way it all came together so fast, particularly from the resolvement of the climax that hit. IMO it seemed to have came out of nowhere, given the lack of build up of it. Other than a few times of the mentioning of it, 鲹’s past coming forth was not as existence as it had me expecting, despite playing a major role in the overall story.
From the tough sensitive subject matters that came into play and was explored, alongside the emotionally charged journey it had Liam and Rachel navigating upon, all the while trying to establish a relationship resulted inThe Heart Stealerbeing a good read overall. And with the little teaser at the very end from 䲹’sPOV, safe to say it has me excited for his and 䲹DZԱ’s storyThe Game Changer,which could not come fast enough.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm in love with this book. Liam is the definition of a perfect book boyfriend, he's responsible, loyal, loving, protective and caring. Liam stole my heart. The Heart Stealer was the second book in Katy’s Nolan U Hockey series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I highly suggest reading the first book as well.
The moment Liam opens the door to Rachel. The quickly bond, and develop a friendship. The two worked together to help each other. Rachel shows Liam he is not like his father and Liam builds Rachel up and shows her she deserves so much.
Another 100% from Katy Archer. Can't wait for the third book. 😁💕
The title of these book is absolute perfection because trust me your heart WILL be stolen. I loved this beautiful romance and adored Liam and Rachel. The chemistry between these characters is sultry but what really did it for me was the sweetness and emotions that effortlessly connect this couple. The story pulls you in quickly and has you passionately invested. My heart ached for Rachel and Liam, and I related to them both on a very personal level. Huge feels await as does endless swoon as you read this powerfully moving romance.
What a sweet story! Rachel left an abusive situation in the middle of the night and ended up at Hockey House looking for her BFF Mikayla. Instead she meets Liam. He immediately recognizes that there’s something broken in her and takes her under his wing. These two bond over their similar issues. It’s lovely how their friendship evolves along with the attraction they feel for each other. Liam teaches Rachel how to defend herself. She in turn helps him confront his past history of abuse. All the guys along with Mikayla and Ethan are right there helping to prop them up. Can’t wait for the next book!
LIAM! So far, he’s my favorite of the Hockey House hunks, and I’ve been looking forward to reading his story ever since meeting him in the prequel. He and Rachel made an excellent match, and the rest of the Hockey House family did not disappoint.
Heart Stealer is a must read. Liam and Rachel will w steal your heart. Have your tissues ready because this book will bring a few tears but it will also make you laugh. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the 3rd book in this series
This is book pulls the heart strings. The first book was very fun and light while this went the opposite way. Liam is a great MMC being so protective over Rachel. Seeing the way they are both there for each other during the hard times. They can have fun but also be vulnerable. Katy Archer keeps you on the toes for the next book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Liam was such a sweetheart. He’s an amazing man and Rachel was lucky to have met him. I’m not going to lie it was hard to get through this book. I wasn’t expecting it to be such a “damsel in distress�. It irked me because of that. I thought after she ran from home Theo it would have been about her working through her stuff with Liam. Having Matt and Theo come back into her life turned the story off for me. And I get Rachel had a past but how it went down didn’t make sense to me. I expected the abuse to come from her Theo not his best friend. That part didn’t add up to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this book! It pulled me in from beginning to end and I just absolutely adored these two characters. Liam is the protector of his group. He has his reasons for why and he is that way and why he doesn't drink and it has turned him into this sweet protector of a man. Rachel shows up on the Hockey House doorstep, running from her now ex and his best friend after what happened to her and Liam is exactly the right person for her. I loved the dynamic with Liam and Rachel and how he treated her the entire time. He was so good with the care he took while not taking her power away. He continued to build her up and help her find her way back to herself. I loved watching these two come together and figure everything out. It is a sweet and adorable read while also having it's hot, sexy moments. I loved how open they were with each other and it allowed them to be vulnerable as well. This story was well written and really pulled me in the entire time. It is a little heavier than the first book in the series, can be read as a standalone, but it isn't too heavy and does a good job dealing with those topics. I just adored this two and loved getting to see more of the rest of the characters and can't wait for the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The Heart Stealer by Katy Archer Nolan U Book 2 Arc❤️🩹🏒�
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This book left me speechless after the plot twist at the end which makes me so excited for the next book🤭
This book is yet another unreal book written by Katy Archer and still remains one of my favourite book series ever!
This book followed Rachel and Liam’s love story. Compared to the first book which followed Ethan and Mikayla this book was a lot deeper and had quite serious topics throughout which I found made their connection deeper and faster paced. Throughout the book Rachel had a terrible time with her ex boyfriend leading her to moving out and showing up at the hockey house where Liam lives as she was looking for her best friend Mikayla (the female main character in the first book) but of course Liam opens the door and is immediately a shoulder to cry on for her.
From their first meeting the chemistry was so intense and you could tell Liam was absolutely besotted with her as soon as he seen her. Throughout the book, there was a trauma bond created between them as Liam has experienced some trauma growing up from his Dad which links to what Rachel experienced with her ex boyfriend, so I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings before reading.
Overall, I am still utterly obsessed with this series and everything about it. The characters are always executed and described perfectly as well as the story line, I’m never left thinking what’s going on due to the plot being so strong and no plot holes being left.
Couldn’t put this book down. It pulled on the heart strings. Feel in love with Liam and Ray Ray. The 3rd book can’t come out soon enough. This is a must read book. If you love reading Bella Matthews and Brynne Asher you will absolutely want to read this author.
The moment Liam opens the door to Rachel, he sees something in her eyes that he recognizes. From there they quickly bond, and develop a close friendship. It’s clear that despite just getting out of a relationship, Rachel is attracted to Liam, and that he feels something for her beyond basic protectiveness.
Liam is worried though, because he was raised by a man who hit his wife and children. Sometimes Liam feels that anger too. He worries that he could somehow turn into his father.
I loved the relationship between Liam and Rachel. He respected her, he helped to build her up, he taught her self defense, how to stand on her own, how to value her own abilities. She helped him see that he was not his father, that he was his own man. Their story was beautiful.
Cannot wait for the third in this series, way to go Katy!
⭐️⭐️ This was just a miss for me. I just feel like things didn’t flow the right way? And Liam saying the word chica(s) randomly just felt wrong, I know he’s supposed to be bilingual but it never felt right, maybe there should have been some Spanish dirty talk or something instead of random Spanish words when the author would remember to throw it in. Also I didn’t read the first book so maybe I’m missing something about Ѿ첹’s relationship with her dad but him saying “And I don’t even want to know how you tire her out, so just keep that tidbit to yourself,� and “you better be talking about the bed� when she said “this thing is huge� when seeing the master bedroom just feels dirty, like obviously it’s a double meaning thing but her father saying that to her when her and her bf are checking out a bedroom is just strange. Also I didn’t feel satisfied with the Theo ending like Liam didn’t even get a single punch in or something and it felt very quick and I don’t want to say lazy but lacking effort ending. And maybe I skipped something but I don’t think Rachel and Liam went out on an official date or did anything on their own aside from the very beginning.
I Was really looking forward to reading Liam and 鲹’s story, the way they were left off in “The Forbidden Freshman�
However this story is like it’s written by a completely different author, it lacks any plot, any build up between Liam and Rachel.
I’ve just hit 50% and already they are having sex, been having kisses and such, there’s been no build up, no character build up and considering Rachel is suppose to off come from an abusive relationship where her Bf’s friend beat her. She sure has trusted quick.
It’s obvious where the plot is going to go, I’m guessing Theo is going to turn up, it’ll lead to a fight between him and the HH bro’s. His cop dad will get involved yaddah yaddah.
Honestly I was hoping for more. I really liked Ethan and Mikayala in the first book, but she’s written her best friend terribly in this book only caring about herself and her own world.
Sadly I am not finishing it, and it’s a shame as I was looking forward too this series but it honestly reads like a 12 yr old who’s just found an old mills and boons book and now thinks they know everything about sex.
Liam and Rachel have amazing chemistry, the way Liam decides he needs to protect her when she shows up on the door step of Hockey House, after leaving a horrible situation. And before he knew this was Mick’s best friend knowing Rachel was in trouble. The way Rachel let him care for him after the situation and knowing very little about him. It made my heart so happy seeing their friendship grow, then growing into love. This book is very emotional, there are some heavy topics throughout the book. But this story is definitely worth reading. If you loved The Forbidden Freshman you will absolutely eat this up!
Liam is the protector of this group, when he opened his door to a distraught woman he needed to look after her. Finding out she is Mick's bff the guys already feel like they know her. Liam sees the bruises and wants to pound someone, who is she running from and what happened. There are some ugly topics in this story but handled so well. Rachel was stronger than she thinks and I enjoyed watching her blossom. Lots of emotions may have you in tears..or that's just me lol Liam's childhood comes into play here, the relationship he had with his father before and after his military service. Such a beautiful story. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.