Wrong Number, Right Player

by Ellen Brooks

One wrong number. One flirty text thread. One off-limits hockey player I definitely can’t fall for.

Thanks to a wine-fueled spiral after a breakup I should’ve seen coming, I made a stellar life rage-texting my ex like it was a full-time job.

Or so I thought.

Turns out, I didn’t message my ex at all. I texted the one player I’ve tried my damndest not to notice since the day I was hired by the Phoenix Freeze. Team captain. Fan favorite. Star forward hot enough to melt ice.

Yup, the one guy who is so off-limits even thinking about him the way I’ve been surely violates team policy.

And I just delivered a play-by-play of my relationship train wreck, complete with color commentary, cringe-worthy stats, and zero chill.

I figured he’d ignore it, but no such luck. Instead, he replied with teasing charm that walked the line between friendly and something far more dangerous.

What started as one mortifying mistake has turned into a secret thread I can’t quit. Especially when every message dials up the heat.

The rules are clear. And crossing that line could cost me everything. But I’ve never wanted to break the rules this badly before.

Flirty, forbidden, and full of instant tension, Wrong Number, Right Player is a steamy hockey romance featuring a rule-following team nutritionist, a charming star athlete, and the kind of off-limits chemistry that’s impossible to ignore. Perfect for fans of sports romance, witty banter, and secret relationships that feel anything but casual.

___

One misdialed call, accidental text, or late-night drunk dial sparks instant attraction, unexpected chemistry, and a whole lot of trouble. From grumpy mountain men to handsome hockey players, and smoking hot firemen, each wrong number leads to the right kind of love connection. Your next obsession is calling.

Wrong Number, Right Guy is a multi-author series of short, steamy instalove stories with guaranteed happily-ever-afters.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Sports Romance, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

Ellen Brooks pens sexy & satisfying stories. When she’s not dreaming up her next hero or plotting a happily ever after, you’ll find her absorbed in a novel, relaxing into śavāsana, or downing an iced coffee.

Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!

Reviews

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen Brooks’ Wrong Number, Right Player is a deliciously forbidden sports romance that takes a simple mistake—a misdialed number—and turns it into the spark that ignites something both dangerous and deeply irresistible.

McKenna and Emmitt have been dancing around their feelings for two whole years. She's the team’s no-nonsense nutritionist; he’s the charming, talented hockey player she’s absolutely not allowed to fall for. Their team’s strict no-fraternization policy is clear—cross that line, and they could both lose everything they’ve worked so hard for. But when McKenna accidentally calls Emmitt during a vulnerable moment instead of her ex, the emotional wall between them finally cracks... and nothing is the same after that.

What I loved most about this book is how grounded it feels despite the sizzling tension. McKenna is strong, smart, and careful with her heart—and for good reason. Emmitt, on the other hand, is the kind of hero that sneaks up on you. He’s not just the “right player” because he’s good at hockey—he’s thoughtful, patient, and willing to risk it all for the woman he’s loved from a distance.

Their chemistry isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. From secret meetings to stolen moments, every scene pulses with the thrill of the forbidden and the hope that maybe, just maybe, love is worth breaking the rules for. And while their situation is high-stakes, their connection feels genuine, vulnerable, and earned.

Ellen Brooks manages to blend steam, sweetness, and tension perfectly—giving us a love story that’s equal parts heart-pounding romance and slow-burn payoff. The misdial might have been an accident, but everything that follows feels meant to be.

Wrong Number, Right Player is for anyone who’s ever crushed from afar, held back for all the right reasons, and then taken the terrifying leap anyway. Because sometimes the best kind of love is the one you weren’t supposed to have—but couldn’t live without.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all Mistakes are Bad -
Which one of us hasn’t sent a message to the wrong person? Funny enough, that is what McKenna did, but in her case she did it whilst inebriated and the response she received set her on a path that she should never have been on. Emmitt was just scrolling through his message when he woke up, when he came across a few messages from McKenna and even though he knew responding to the messages was dangerous, he just couldn’t help himself.

Emmitt and McKenna’s texting begun innocently, but it soon led to a situation where they were being led by their attraction for each other, but they soon found themselves in a position where their careers could be in danger. However, a supportive friend gave Emmitt and McKenna an alternative solution that would allow them to circumvent the rules, which they willingly accepted, but it meant they would have to be apart from each other for a while.

Emmitt decided to take it upon himself to do everything possible to help accelerate the process and the moment McKenna received the news, she made him aware by doing something that would make him really happy. You will absolutely love reading this entertaining and inspiring romance story, that had me hooked from the beginning and didn’t allow me to take a break until I finished reading it. I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book now and make it your next captivating read.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenna Ryan works for the Phoenix Freeze as the nutritionist. She arrives home at one in the morning to find a ripped garbage bag against the front door of her condo. Her ex-boyfriend decided to drop off two years worth of personal items while McKenna was out of town on a seven game, twelve-day road trip with the team. After bringing everything into the condo, McKenna opens a bottle of wine. She rages at her ex0boyfriend Emmitt Wilson via voice memos. Then, she realizes that she sent them to the wrong Emmitt. She actually sent them to Emmitt Buckley, the captain of the Freeze. She hopes that he will ignore them.

Emmitt Buckley wakes up and sees that McKenna has sent him voice memos. As he listens to the first one, he realizes that the voice memos are not for him. He hears the raw emotion in McKenna’s voice and also realizes that she is a bit tipsy. He texts her back letting her know that he thinks the other Emmitt is a jerk. Emmitt has worked hard to ignore his attraction to McKenna for the last two years that she has been working for the team.

McKenna and Emmitt start having a secret text thread because the rules are clear. She cannot get involved with a player.

I wanted these two to find a way to be with each other. Another good story in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Getting fired isn't part of my five-year plan, but his is just for tonight."

Wrong Number, Right Player by Ellen Brooks is part of the multi-author Wrong Number, Right Guy series. This book is a delightfully fun and entertaining read. The story is about McKenna Ryan and Emmitt Buckley. He is a professional NHL for the Phoenix Freeze. He is also the team captain, star forward and completely off limits, as in an HR violation to the Nth degree. She is the teams nutritionist who has worked hard to get where she is. She plays by the rules and really enjoys her job, even if it does take all her time. With five "unhinged voice memos" McKenna may be in a world of drama, as she thought she was sending them to her ex-boyfriend and instead sent them to the man she has been trying to avoid. Well this is about to get interesting when Emmitt listens to them and it ignites all the feelings he has been trying to suppress McKenna since she started working for the team. They both know it is against the rules but what can a little bit of secret fun harm.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mckenna and Emmitt

WRONG NUMBER, RIGHT PLAYER is part of the multi-authored Wrong Number, Right Guy series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, forbidden, wrong number, mutual-pining, girl gets her hockey player office romance. McKenna is a smart and sassy Sports Nutritionist for the Phoenix Freeze, a professional hockey team. Emmitt is the hunky captain of the team. The two have been crushing on each other for 2 years but workplace romances are strictly forbidden. When McKenna leaves several messages intended for her ex, also an Emmitt, she is mortified that they went to her hot coworker. When he responds, things quickly progress to friends and more, but both have a lot to lose. These two were so good together. They were perfect #couplegoals with hot chemistry and a happy ending after some angst. I loved how fierce McKenna was, her messages were hysterical, and Emmitt was the biggest cinnamon roll. I loved it so much.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Ellen Brooks has written my favorite ‘Wrong #, Right Guy’ installment, with her “Wrong Number, Right Player’ book. It is witty straight from the starting gate, keeps rolling with amazing chemistry between Emmitt and McKenna, the spice is smoothly sensual, side characters are likable, loyal, & comical, and the final scene is one of the most endearing satisfyingly funny scenes I have read. Bacio Del Cuoco!

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Emmitt
FMC:
✨McKenna
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Wrong #, Right Guy
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉forbidden hockey romance
👉hidden romance
👉romcom
👉MF
Triggers:
💥18+
💥Sex
Burn Speed:
✨medium
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenna and Emmitt both work for the same hockey team, she's the team nutritionist, and he's the team captain, and they've been crushing on each other for a while. But they signed a no fraternization contract, so they can't act on their feelings until a wrong number dial changes everything. This is a fun wrong number call that turns into a sweet and steamy romance between two people who had been fighting their attraction all along. The writing is well done, the characters are well developed, and the ending was great. Wrong Number, Right Player is a great addition to the multi-author Wrong Number, Right Guy series. I am loving this series, and I look forward to reading the rest of the books. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author writes the best slow burn romances. Emmitt has loved McKenna for the two years he’s known her but she is the nutritionist for the hockey team that Emmitt plays for. Their contract states no fraternization or they could both lose their livelihoods. But after mistakenly calling Emmitt instead of her ex things change between them. They meet and start seeing each other even though it’s against all rules. This is a sweet and steamy hot story. It’s well written with in depth characters that keep you turning the pages. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your interest is peaked by the promise of a condiment-safe environment, this is the book for you.
Honestly, I think this is one of the first books I have read by this author, and it is great.
McKenna is a nutritionist who has found herself leaving behind a lackluster relationship.
Emmitt is the team captain and star forward of the Phoenix Freeze.
Tropes:
Hockey, steamy, banter, off-limits, HEA romance, novella, rom-com, sports, professional athlete, no cheating, mistaken identity, wrong number.

A special thank you to Ellen Brooks and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A drunk dial to Emmitt, her ex, is done after she found her belongings on her doorstep. Her rants in five calls explains exactly how she feels. A drunk dial is the start of a new relationship because Emmitt received her message loud and clear.. only it was the wrong Emmitt, him being team captain. The calm, controlled, handsome player who has been attracted to her since she started working for Freeze. A great novella, relatable characters and issues, easygoing yet fraught with professional difficulty for both due to no fratenising policy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Hannick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fun and flirty. McKenna works for the hockey team Emmitt plays for and accidentally sent some messages to him that she meant to send to her ex Emmitt. Their story is often sweet and has great banter. Emmitt is a man you will fall in love with as he works to woo McKenna regardless of the team rules standing in their way. You will be rooting for them to get a happily ever after that leads to all their dreams coming true. Once you start their story you will not be able to put it down.

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is just WOW. I am totally swooning over Emmett. The attraction that he and McKenna have once they allow themselves to acknowledge it is just fire. I hate that there's the HR aspect but it makes sense for the book. I just want them to have their HEA as they deserve it together. I totally love this quick read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONG - McKenna wrong Emmitt mistake really took a turn. These two were magic together. Problem with that - A no fraternization policy with ZERO wiggle room. Ugh! There has to be a way around the rule right?! If there is, you can bet Emmitt will hunt it down. Yhe realistic conflict and tension really had me hooked, as well as the natural and raw human character emotions.

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your boyfriend dumps you and moves on? In McKenna's world you get drunk and send rage voice messages to the wrong guy. Emmett has crushed on McKenna but HR frowns on fraternizing at the workplace. This is a great insta love story with interesting characters and realistic conflicts. I really enjoy reading this authors work. I received an ARC through Booksprout and voluntarily give my review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect blend of sweetness, spice and forbidden workplace tension. McKenna and Emmitt have had hidden attraction for each other. She’s the Phoenix Freeze’s whip smart nutritionist, he’s the team Captain and there is a professional rule book in their way. Loved how this was about how they respected each other, emotional connections as well as their undeniable chemistry. The plot concept is very cute.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I loved this story and rooted for McKenna and Emmitt to get their HEA in the end and keep their jobs, I was slightly disappointed in this not having more of the texting aspect that other books in the series have had. It really only encompassed the first couple of chapters with texting and then the rest was face-to-face interactions. Other than that small flaw the book was fantastic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam Blevins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a solid idea for a story but it felt a little rushed. It felt like trying to put a novel into a novella at times. Not quite building up the characters relationship but not quite insta love. The author however did do a fantastic job of writing an entire scene in nutritional jargon to secretly communicate in front of others. That scene was *chef's kiss*

I am definitely interested in checking out some of the other books in the wrong number right guy series.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two MCs are so adorable. She is a strong, independent woman who has worked hard to get where she is. He is the captain of the hockey team and they both work for the team. There is a strict no fraternization clause that could lead to them losing everything. Emmett is a cinnamon roll who does everything to protect her. This is a fun, flirty book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read! It was fun watching Emmitt and McKenna take their relationship slow. He is the captain of the hockey team. She works as the nutritionist. She accidentally texts him after coming home to her ex putting her belongings outside her door. They both share the same name. Emmitt the hockey guy has had a thing for McKenna and now he starts texting her and they get close. They work at getting things changed so they can have a relationship without getting in trouble!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

short, sweet, little bit of spice and well written

Quick hockey romance. McKenna and Emmitt both work for the same hockey team. She’s the team nutritionist and he’s the team captain. Due to team policy, both have kept their attraction for each other hidden. When McKenna goes through a rotten breakup, Emmitt takes his chance. Low drama, quick paced with sweet and spicy moments and a great HEA.

[Bryony · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenna & Emmitt

McKenna is the resident nutritionist for team Freeze and comes home one night to find a bin bag of her things from her sleazy ex, she decides to have a drink to feel better and leaves him 5 voicemessages to tell him how she really feels but… Emmitt the team captain of the team gets them instead so he tries to sort it. They spend more time together and end up forming a deeper connection and getting a happy ending after having to deal with some issues first!

[Jennifer Painter Slotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmitt and McKenna were perfect together. Love how the story started with the wrong number and then grew into so much more, especially once we see how Emmitt has liked McKenna for a while. Great forbidden spicy romance with swoony moments, steam, and so much yearning. Loved this book and I'm really enjoying this author!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how messages sent to a wrong number leads to Emmitt and McKenna acting on their hidden feelings. Unfortunately this romance is forbidden. I was glad Emmitt and McKenna found a way for them to be together and open in their love.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth fighting for...

Ah! I love Emmitt and McKenna's story, her misdial and ranting voice message have the best result, it gives them both the nudge they need to finally act on the chemistry that everyone else sees and they try to convince themselves doesn't exist!
Steamy, sexy, possessive and delicious this is a perfect addition to the Wrong Number series, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for your beach bag!!!

This hockey insta love read did not disappoint. It was such a fab read. It has great characters, great storyline and a HEA ending that you will LOVE. Definitely a favourite of mine from this amazing short romance author. Perfect for your beach bag. Happy reading

[Tychedea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this story is closer to Novella length as it lacked depth. The premise was fun and I loved the Insta protection mode Emmitt goes into when their connection first develops. McKenna and Emmitt were decent characters. The spice was ok. I think with a little more refinement and depth this could have earned 4 stars. I probably will not read the rest of the series.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is relatively new to me, this novella is a great addition to the Wrong number, Right Guy series. This hockey romance is well written with great characters. McKenna and Emmitt have amazing chemistry. The story line was engaging, easy to read! I am loving this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elysia Sparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️. Good story but didn’t realize it was a short story… I think I read it in 2 hours? You just get the “main” scenes, no suspense building or background information, quick & to the point. Not bad but not my vibe, I want the mudane details, building tension. I did love how you find out he’s been pining after her for 2 years right from the start.

[Evelyn Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Brooks never disappoints. Loved McKenna and Emmitt’s story. It was funny, sweet, steamy and absolutely perfect! I didn’t want it to end. A must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rage texting, a misdialed number, a forbidden player and ready is your perfect next read, which is full of fun, banter, chemistry, spice and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.