For The Record

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Standalone (Interconnected series "Saints Hockey")
🏒 Hockey / Celebrity Romance
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F

Okay so this book… gave messy, nostalgic, second chance chaos and I was into it.

We’ve got former rivals.....turned something more.....turned absolutely not speaking....and then forced back together for a comeback that neither of them can afford to mess up. The tension is there from the start and just builds the entire time.

The MMC is giving grumpy, emotionally closed-off, “I’ve already lived a life” energy. He’s carrying baggage, and when it comes to her… he’s clearly not as over it as he thinks.

The FMC...I loved her. She’s dealing with her own challenges around career, identity, and confidence, but she still shows up and pushes forward. She’s not weak, but she’s also not unaffected, which made her feel real.

Their dynamic is very much push/pull, tension-filled, and rooted in messy history, and I'm here for that. You can feel the unresolved feelings in every interaction. The forced proximity with the album only adds to the chaos.

The music industry backdrop was such a strong add. The behind-the-scenes pressure, public image vs real feelings, and comeback stakes made everything feel bigger than just the romance.

The spice is there but not overwhelming. It builds naturally with the tension instead of taking over the story.

Overall this is one of those books where you’re like “they absolutely should not be doing this again”
…but also… I hope they don’t stop.

Tropes:
🎤 Rivals to Lovers
🖤 Second Chance Romance
🔥 Forced Proximity (working together 👀)
🖤 Celebrity / Music Industry
🔥 Grumpy MMC
🖤 Messy History
🔥 Emotional Tension > Instant Spice
🖤 “We tried this once and it ruined us”

arc

Madison

537 reviews15 followers

March 21, 2026

I couldn’t get enough of Summer and Miles ❤️‍🔥 The chemistry was electric, the spice was hot af and this couple together?!? Phew off the charts 😍😍

This book was so fun to read, I was hooked from the moment Summer and Miles met. The tension and the need poured off the both of them and the moment they gave in was everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Miles wanted to settle down and find love but also wanted Summer to follow her dreams and wasn’t willing to stand in the way of that.

I loved Summer, she’s out chasing her dreams and happens to find love along the way. She’s an FMC that you root for and absolutely adore 🩷

This couple fought to be together and it was beautiful, I’m so obsessed with them.
A swoon worthy couple indeed.

If you’re looking for a sports romance with all the found family you could want and no 3rd act breakup then read this immediately.

Thank you so much to Nikki and House of Hearts Lit for the ARC.

arc-26

Megan Moser

677 reviews

March 22, 2026

This story is incredibly romantic, HOT, and emotionally charged. It felt like a romance that could exist in real life. The mental battles, that rubber band effect, the fight to protect your heart but also not miss out on a gift. It was beautifully written and made for a fast paced read that I did not want to put down. I love that the supporting characters from the previous books intertwined so perfectly into the story but also completely allow for this book to comfortably be read as a stand alone (thigh I HIGHLY recommend reading the other two for the full effect). Grateful for the gift of the arc. It was everything I was craving.

Country singer x NHL player
He wears glasses and has a cat he’s obsessed with
Roommates to lovers
One night stand
Forced Proximity

Nikki Dunlap

49 reviews3 followers

March 29, 2026

I am officially obsessed with Summer and Miles 🥺🔥 They’ve easily claimed the top spot as my favorite couple in this series.

From the moment they met, the connection between them was undeniable. The chemistry? Electric. The tension? Constant. And when they finally gave in… whew 😮‍🔥 absolutely worth the wait.

Miles might come off as the typical hockey playboy at first, but underneath that reputation is someone guarded, loyal, and quietly carrying heartbreak. And then there’s Summer—driven, selfless, and always putting others first while chasing her dreams.

What made their story stand out was how deeply they saw each other.

Miles didn’t just fall for Summer—he paid attention to the little things. He supported her music, encouraged her ambitions, and showed up for her in ways no one else had. And in return, Summer brought something out in him that felt steady, real, and grounding.

Even when they tried to fight their feelings, convincing themselves they shouldn’t interfere with each other’s futures, it was obvious—they were inevitable.

And honestly? The small moments made this story unforgettable:
💬 good luck texts before games
📱 late-night FaceTimes while he’s on the road
🍽️ quiet, everyday time together

It wasn’t just about the big emotional scenes—it was the consistency, the effort, and the way they kept choosing each other.

I also loved that there was no unnecessary drama thrown in just for shock value. Instead, we got a relationship that felt earned, supportive, and deeply rooted in mutual respect and love.

And can we talk about the side characters for a second?! Seeing growth, especially from Cash, was such a standout moment—I need more of his story next 👀

✨ Found family
✨ Emotional depth + real connection
✨ Steamy, swoony romance
✨ A couple you can’t help but root for

This book completely pulled me in, kept me hooked, and left me already excited for what’s coming next in the series.

If you love sports romance with heart, heat, and a couple that truly feels meant to be—don’t miss this one.

Thank you Nikki Callan and House of Hearts for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Whitney Leary

193 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

March 24, 2026

Thanks to Nikki Callan and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.

Summer may not have found love on the dating show like Mia and Dominic, but she did walk away with something just as meaningful—an incredible friendship and a chance to work with a producer. After a brief encounter with an attractive stranger at a gas station who never asks for her number, she assumes she’ll never see him again, not so much. Miles King, captain of the Saints, has sworn off relationships after a failed romance. But when he spots the same bright, unforgettable woman from the gas station at a bar, he isn’t about to let her slip away twice. Despite Mia’s warning about Miles’s playboy reputation, Summer isn’t planning to stay in Chicago forever—so what’s the harm? After spending a night together, Summer heads to the place she’s renting… only to run into Miles again. As it turns out, she’s staying in his home—looking after his cat. With that complication, keeping things friendly seems like the safest choice. But as the days pass and Summer’s return to Nashville looms closer, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. They agree it’s temporary—just until she leaves. Everything changes when Summer gets the opportunity to sing with rising star Cash Walker. As their single gains attention, rumors begin to swirl that she and Cash are more than duet partners. With publicity romance, Summer and Miles are pushed to confront what they really mean to each other. Maybe this was never meant to be temporary after all. Now they’re left wondering: can they make a long-distance relationship work while chasing their dreams? And can Summer break free from the speculation surrounding Cash and be out with Miles?

Tyler Dent

203 reviews

March 28, 2026

Thanks to Nikki Callan and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.

Summer and Miles 🥹 i love them so much, definitely my new favorite couple in the series.

a few of my favorite quotes: “it’s still going to be hard sometimes” “all things worth having are.” “doesn’t matter how far apart we are. we’ll always be under the same stars”

everyone thought miles was this playboy but really he was just jaded and closed off teddy bear because of how things ended with his ex. as soon as summer and miles met they had an instant connection, scrabble was foreplay which was hot asf. summer takes care of everyone else but there was no one to take care of her until miles came into the picture; he noticed all the small details about her, fed her, got her her first gift which was a pen and journal for her music, fixed her truck. summer and miles had fell hard for each other but were denying their selves of being together because they didn’t want to hold each other back once summer’s album was finished but once they realized being without each other was worse they fell even harder. i loved the small moments they shared like the good luck text before each game, facetime every night while miles was on the road for away games, eating together, spending their off days together..they truly yearned and loved each other and we really got to see that while summer was on tour. i was so happy when summer and cash stood up to paula and cash got to finally live in his truth. i hope we see more of cash in the rest of the series and who his love interest will be since all the wags love him.

Ana

85 reviews

Review of advance copy

March 24, 2026

Sports romance
Opposites attract
Hockey player x country singer
Roommates

Okay, I need to say this is definitely my favorite book in the Saint Hockey series. I already love Nikki’s writing, and this one was just as amazing as the others.

Summer and Miles… my baby couple 🥹 I still can’t believe I had the opportunity to read this before release, but honestly, I’m not surprised by how good it was.

Summer, my dreamy girl, was everything in this story. An incredible singer, partner, and friend. Her dreams only grew stronger when she met Miles because he became her muse and the love she never knew she needed. She’s so talented and so full of love. Her friendship with the girls was so sweet, and even when writing was hard for her at first, she never gave up. And her friendship with Cash? Such a joy to read.

Miles, the reformed playboy… my new book boyfriend 😉 I can’t even begin to explain how selfless and proud he was of Summer. He was so supportive and so loving towards her. Yes, he has a past, but he never let it stop him from falling for her or caring deeply about her. He’s a great friend, an amazing captain, and also a top-tier cat dad (I could never forget Gracie).

I can’t wait for everyone to read this and fall in love with them the way I did.

Thank you to Nikki Callan and House of Hearts for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion 🤍

Colleen Hurley Jozwiak

621 reviews1 follower

I want to thank the author for creating this amazing Hockey family! Miles and Summer are the latest in this series and their story got me all choked up!

Miles is a single man living with past failures and afraid to re-live mistakes. These two fight their feelings until they’re about to explode! Miles tries so hard to be the man Summer wants but keep himself detached for fear of history repeating itself. He’s protecting Summer always and hoping in the process he can protect his own heart.

Summer is a breath of fresh air! She’s a talented young woman who is struggling to put her feelings and emotions into song. She shines her Starlight and has everyone adoring her eventually even her broody producer/song writing partner. I hope we get more of Boone!

This book gave me all the feels, their passion was everything you could want, the way they fought their feelings and then fought for them was so emotional. I just loved this one!

Michele

1,392 reviews8 followers

For the Record is the third book in Nikki Callan’s Saints Hockey series and follows aspiring country singer Summer and hockey player Miles.

Summer and Miles knocked Hannah and Ryan off the top spot for my favorite couple in this series. They started off with a bang and then tried to be “just friends” even though they both felt it in their bones that they were meant to be so much more. Finally they gave in and I very much appreciated that they didn’t look back. I really liked how supportive they were of each other and knew there was going to be tough times and that they would get through them because they were in it together. The chemistry between them was fun and deeply connected making their bond stronger.

I’ve been enjoying this series so much and I really hope Natalie and Volk’s story is next or a certain single mom and a rookie.

Thank you @authornikkicallan and @houseofheartslit for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Betty Wong

401 reviews2 followers

March 28, 2026

I have enjoyed every single book in this series. Miles and Summer’s story is no different! I knew Summer was going to be a great female main character since her debut in the previous book.
And Miles is so adorable! He’s part golden retriever and part sweetheart with just this heart of gold. Their story is cute as can be - she’s the up and coming country singer and he’s the hockey captain blind sighted by Summer knocking him for a loop.
Their connection is dynamic and feels so natural. I loved the focus on her evolution as a country singer while falling hard for Miles and the competing priorities of career and love - and let’s face it - it’s the balancing act that women try to teeter every single day!
This supporting friends cast of hockey teammates and their partners is perfection! Great friend chemistry and so supportive of each other.
I can’t say enough about this book and this series. Love every page!!

Kat

27 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

*Review of advance copy received from author*

⭐️4.5 stars⭐️

Thanks to Nikki Callan and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own. For The Record is the third installment of the Saints Hockey series by Nikki Callan and I think this one might be my favorite! The chemistry between Summer and Miles was off the flippin charts from the beginning of the book! The slow burn and tension from Miles was just *chef’s kiss.*

Throughout the book, Summer and Miles continuously worked hard to support each other in their careers as friends. Watching them try to balance their busy careers without making the other one sacrifice theirs was sad at times (because it almost seemed like their relationship wouldn’t work out) but in the end it was all worth it. 😭

Cash’s character was such a nice addition! Handsome country mega-star who seems to have it all, but is still lonely in this world. I was scared he was going to turn into the villain of this book but I’m glad he became a friend to Summer and the rest of the Saints hockey family.

Overall this is the perfect hockey romance! You’ll love this if you love these tropes:
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
💘 Roommates to lovers
🏒🎶 Hockey player x country singer
🏙️ New town
🧡 Found family

Maddy Sinclair

89 reviews1 follower

3.5⭐️3🌶️

Thank you Nikki Callan & House of Hearts for the ARC!

I think the reason why it’s not a 4 is a me problem. I didn’t read the first 2 books in the series and it felt quite heavy on the instalove which I’m not 100% sold on. These things always affect my ratings. That being said it was still adorable, I really loved Summer. I loved how bold her character was, and Miles’ cute little overwhelming moments where he loses control, such a sweetie. I’m quite tempted to go back and read the first 2 so I understand the group dynamics more. Overall, you can’t really go wrong with an ice hockey romance in my eyes. Give me a book on Cash AND Boone I’ll be there.

🧡 Dual POV
🏒 Flirty Nicknames
🧡 Forced Proximity
🏒 Found Family
🧡 Found Home
🏒 Hockey
🧡 New Town, New Start
🏒 One Night Stand
🧡 Opposites Attract
🏒 Roommates
🧡 Sports Romance
🏒 Talks About Courage and Big Dreams
🧡 Reformed Playboy

Soft and Sinister

112 reviews

This was my second Nikki Callan book, and once again, she did not disappoint. Huge thank you to House of Hearts and Nikki Callan for the ARC…I’m already counting down to that epilogue 🤣

I absolutely loved Summer and Miles. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, but what really stood out to me was how all-in Miles was. His unwavering support for Summer made their relationship feel so genuine and grounded. The way they showed up for each other through every challenge was not only beautiful but also incredibly believable.

I flew through this book - it completely pulled me in from start to finish. The side characters added so much depth and richness to the story. And the way the plot unfolded, especially how Summer and Miles worked through their struggles, felt authentic and well-developed.

Another winner from Nikki Callan - I can’t wait to see what she gives us next!

199 reviews2 followers

4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️

Overall I thought it was a nice love story. Miles previous relationship left him wrecked and never believing he could have a relationship again. This bleeds a lot into his story with Summer. This book showed me that a lot of times we are our own hinderance. We get so stuck and the things we want to say or do and sometimes hold to tightly onto the fear of rejection that we often leave words unsaid. We can go through the scenarios of “what if” until we’re blue in the face but we won’t know until we experience life. I did feel like a lot of their issues were self imposed and very redundant. The important part was that they grew and figure out a way to make it work. I’m not huge into long distance relationships but to each their own.

Karen Chan

108 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

From the beginning the chemistry between Summer and Miles stands out on the page. Two chance meetings leads to a night to remember.
Summer is in Chicago for six months to follow her dream to be a famous country singer and finds a room at a home that needs a cat sitter, only to find its owner is the man of the night to remember.
Miles is the captain of the ice hockey team and never does the relationship thing and when he finds Summer at his house he tells her the should just be friends but the pull between them is strong.
Miles wants Summer to chase her dreams and working with a famous Country singer is hard and Miles helps her when the going gets tough and through this they become more than friends.
No third act break up but a contract for Summer has her duetting with Cash another Country singer and is forced to pretend to date him. All the while she’s in love with Miles.
With the help of Cash she can finally reveal her romance with Miles for their HEA.

“I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.”

Nydia Escobar Reads

69 reviews

Review of advance copy

Always love a good hockey romance. 3.5 STARS - This one leaned more on the angsty side early on and took me a second to get used to, but it was still super entertaining. I was intrigued by the athlete/artist relationship. Miles and Summer are cute together, and although I read book 3 in this series as a standalone, I still enjoyed the side characters and didn't feel like I needed to read those 1st, though I likely might eventually! I did see that twist at the end coming, but enjoyed their HEA and would love to read more about them as side characters in the next!

Thank you House of Hearts for the early copy. This is an honest review!

Emily Knight

16 reviews

thank you nikki for the arc!!!

i loved this book - easily a 5 stars.

as a hockey romance girlie this book had everything i love. found family, forced proximity, one night stand, and roommates.

the chemistry between summer and miles was very obvious from the start. miles is such a top tier book boyfriend i mean he counted her smiles!!!! he was so supportive of summer in everything she did and was truly her biggest fan. summer is new to town and is trying to pursue her career in being a country singer. she finds herself being roommates with miles who is just what she needs as she tries to navigate her new career.

♡Angelique♡

237 reviews2 followers

I'm so glad Summer got her on HEA. When you meet her in You're the One, you cannot help but fall in love with her. That sweet southern charm was too hard to resist and Miles was the perfect compliment to her. (with his slutty glasses 👓)

I loved how these two came together. Not from some outlandish meeting or freak happenstance, they just met twice in the same day at the most unlikely places, and clicked. Their journey to overcoming the obstacles they placed in front of themselves to each other was both sweet and heartbreaking.

I did love the inclusion of Cash! I loved his character and hope he sticks around. I cannot wait for Easton and Ada's story next!

Stephanie

298 reviews2 followers

✨ARC Review✨
For the Record by Nikki Callan

Quick Look-
Format: eARC
Genre: hockey romance
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice level: 3.5 🌶️
Recommend: yes!!

Full review-
Omg….. I absolutely ADORED miles and summer. The forced proximity combined with the *alleged* one night stand was perfection 👌🏼. Miles was so raw and honest about his past and where his head was at. This had the perfect amount of hockey, but it didn’t take over the whole story. I love a good boss couple that can chase their dreams together! I can’t wait to read the extended epilogue.

Ashley Cole

52 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

March 23, 2026

ARC review:

This is definitely one of my top books so far for the year! I completely fell in love with Summer & Miles! This book had me completely hooked from the very beginning. I loved their journey together & the growing they both did as individuals throughout. I loved this friend group & I will absolutely be going back to read the previous books in this series. The role Cash played in this was just perfect & I just loved their whole story.

Thank you so much for this early copy!

Jessica

75 reviews6 followers

5⭐️ 2🌶️

Oh my GOD I adored this. So much. I love how easily Miles fell into becoming a full on golden retriever for Summer. Seeing how supportive he was and seeing how she finally got the love she was deserving was so sweet. A reformed playboy and a rising country star who find a fated love that’s so pure from the very beginning. If you’re looking for a new hockey romance, I’d absolutely pick this one up.

Lilian

2,156 reviews5 followers

Summer is here in Chicago for six months to record her debut album. Surprise! She ends up cat-sitting for her hot one night stand, Miles.

While they both try their darndest to stay away from each other, the attraction and chemistry is way too strong. I loved how they supported each other’s careers and those surprises from Miles were amazing!

K Webz

2,137 reviews

Review of advance copy

I couldn’t help but fall in love with Miles and Summer. From the moment they meet, the instant chemistry was addictive. The forced proximity has reformed playboy Miles falling for Summer. He was supportive. I loved how the more they fell for each other, he became the muse of her songs.

Donna Rose

4 reviews1 follower

Thank you to House of Hearts for the arc of this book!!

I really enjoyed reading this. The story, the spice, the romance, the characters were all just amazing and i love how the relationship progressed and how you could see them grow individually and as a couple. I highly recommend this book!

Lisa

102 reviews

I received this book as an ARC, and I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.

Good book! I really liked the character development of Miles because of his love for Summer. Summer was a good fit for him.

Sarah

124 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

March 20, 2026

Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book!

Fantasy Awash

68 reviews36 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

March 21, 2026

Miles is king.
Give me Miles all day every day.

Kim

91 reviews9 followers

March 21, 2026

Miles and Summer are perfection!

Torey

329 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author