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The Rivalry Reset
Not yet published
Expected 5 Jan 27A hockey broadcaster’s world is upended when her insufferable cohost wakes up with amnesia, and hopelessly in love with her, in this unforgettable romantic comedy from the international bestselling author of Set on You.
Marnie Miller loves her job as a broadcaster on the iconic Hockey Nation postgame show. She’s sharp, polished, and used to being underestimated. But nothing tests her composure like former NHL defenseman Parker Landry, whose blunt commentary and massive ego ignite a fiery on-air feud.
When a freak Zamboni accident lands Parker in the hospital with a head injury, he wakes up with no memory of Marnie and their rivalry. Now, Parker 2.0 is infuriatingly charming, devastatingly flirty, and head over skates for Marnie. Determined to snap him out of it, she makes it her mission to remind him why they can’t stand each other.
But the more time they spend together, the more Marnie realizes the line between love and hate is razor-thin—and that maybe they’ve been playing on the wrong side of it all along.
Marnie Miller loves her job as a broadcaster on the iconic Hockey Nation postgame show. She’s sharp, polished, and used to being underestimated. But nothing tests her composure like former NHL defenseman Parker Landry, whose blunt commentary and massive ego ignite a fiery on-air feud.
When a freak Zamboni accident lands Parker in the hospital with a head injury, he wakes up with no memory of Marnie and their rivalry. Now, Parker 2.0 is infuriatingly charming, devastatingly flirty, and head over skates for Marnie. Determined to snap him out of it, she makes it her mission to remind him why they can’t stand each other.
But the more time they spend together, the more Marnie realizes the line between love and hate is razor-thin—and that maybe they’ve been playing on the wrong side of it all along.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 8, 2026
About the author
Amy Lea
8 books3,198 followersAmy Lea is the international bestselling author of romantic comedies for adults and teens, including Set on You, Exes and O’s, and Mindy Kaling’s Book Studio selection Woke Up Like This.
Her acclaimed works have been featured in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Elle Magazine and has been long listed as a CBC Canada Reads finalist. They have also been optioned for film and sold to over a dozen foreign territories.
When Amy is not writing, she can be found fan-girling over other romance books on Instagram (@amyleabooks), eating potato chips with reckless abandon, and snuggling with her husband and two goldendoodles in Ottawa, Canada.
Amy is represented by Kim Lionetti at BookEnds Literary Agency.
Her acclaimed works have been featured in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Elle Magazine and has been long listed as a CBC Canada Reads finalist. They have also been optioned for film and sold to over a dozen foreign territories.
When Amy is not writing, she can be found fan-girling over other romance books on Instagram (@amyleabooks), eating potato chips with reckless abandon, and snuggling with her husband and two goldendoodles in Ottawa, Canada.
Amy is represented by Kim Lionetti at BookEnds Literary Agency.
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September 14, 2026· ˚ 🥅⊹ ⌇ pre-read
NHL defenseman who had a freak Zamboni accident and is now co-hosting a postgame show with his rival??? SIGN ME UP!
So happy I got the arc! Thanks Berkley
NHL defenseman who had a freak Zamboni accident and is now co-hosting a postgame show with his rival??? SIGN ME UP!
So happy I got the arc! Thanks Berkley
September 13, 2026
My favorite of Amy Lea’s books to date!!!
a really cute former NHL star & Olympian romance where they are co-anchors (on sports center style show) that can’t get along to save their life. Until the former NHL star gets amnesia & can’t stop flirting with her every breath 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
fast paced, lighthearted
read it in less than 24 hours which gives it an auto 5 stars
a really cute former NHL star & Olympian romance where they are co-anchors (on sports center style show) that can’t get along to save their life. Until the former NHL star gets amnesia & can’t stop flirting with her every breath 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
fast paced, lighthearted
read it in less than 24 hours which gives it an auto 5 stars
September 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this title releasing January 2027.
3.5/5
This is a sports-adjacent rivals to lovers rom com. Added tropes would be amnesia and workplace. A slow burn with a lot of great banter, well written with good flow. It’s a fun read. Only cons for me was a bit of lacking depth in the story and chemistry. I felt like as much as their love was growing, it was on such shaky ground that the conflict and miscommunication was frequently occurring. That being said, I love drama. But I wanted more of that loyalty and trust.
Marnie is used to fighting for her seat at the table. Even as a former gold metal Olympian, the world of hockey has always been a boys club. Now retired from playing, she’s moved into the journalist/commentator side of the sport she loves. Only to be faced with a lot of the same issues - her biggest one being her co-worker and fellow commentator - Parker. For some reason, he’s hated her since they first met, and the two do nothing but go head to head and bicker. But with the network they work for telling them to tone it down and get along or Marnie potentially will lose her job - what choice does she have. But when an unexpected accident happens that leaves Parker with amnesia, it’s a different blank slate than Marnie ever expected. Now, she gets to know an entirely different Parker. But with the network still on their backs and Parker’s memories slowly returning, is this a temporary truce or will the reset reboot their entire relationship.
3.5/5
This is a sports-adjacent rivals to lovers rom com. Added tropes would be amnesia and workplace. A slow burn with a lot of great banter, well written with good flow. It’s a fun read. Only cons for me was a bit of lacking depth in the story and chemistry. I felt like as much as their love was growing, it was on such shaky ground that the conflict and miscommunication was frequently occurring. That being said, I love drama. But I wanted more of that loyalty and trust.
Marnie is used to fighting for her seat at the table. Even as a former gold metal Olympian, the world of hockey has always been a boys club. Now retired from playing, she’s moved into the journalist/commentator side of the sport she loves. Only to be faced with a lot of the same issues - her biggest one being her co-worker and fellow commentator - Parker. For some reason, he’s hated her since they first met, and the two do nothing but go head to head and bicker. But with the network they work for telling them to tone it down and get along or Marnie potentially will lose her job - what choice does she have. But when an unexpected accident happens that leaves Parker with amnesia, it’s a different blank slate than Marnie ever expected. Now, she gets to know an entirely different Parker. But with the network still on their backs and Parker’s memories slowly returning, is this a temporary truce or will the reset reboot their entire relationship.
October 4, 2026
❄️🏒THE RIVALRY RESET🏒❄️
ARC REVIEW
First I wanna say thank you so much to @berkleyromance and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an eARC of The Rivalry Reset by @amylea Thanks for letting me experience Marnie and Parker in advance.
RELEASES: JANUARY 5th ❄️
This was a FIVE STAR read for me. I give five stars to books that can draw audible reactions and rememberable emotion out from the pages and this did just that . .
LET ME TELL YOU! A time was had reading this book! From the beginning to the end it was hilarious banter and romance with a twist and I was eating it up! I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud because this was exactly like my sense of humor. The pace of this book kept it lighthearted and moving through their journey from rivals to lovers. I loved that there was time in between events that followed a realistic timeline. It gave their TENSION an organic feel.
Marnie Miller has a broadcasting job that she loves and is willing to battle for even if it means she is FORCED to partner up with the co-worker that she notoriously has a long standing RIVALRY with. Her Co-host Parker Landry who is also a retired hockey defenseman (NHL) and is just as mouthy and competitive ends up in a freak Zamboni accident. He wakes up with no memory of Marnie or their rivalry. Parker 2.0 is charming, down right flirtatious and Marnie’s goal is to keep reminding him of the reasons they don’t usually like each other. As she helps him through his recovery the line that kept them on opposing sides begin to blur. They skate that thin line between love and hate and find out it matters which side you’re on.
Marnie Miller: is sharp, fiery and obsessed with cherry cokes. My kinda woman ! She is also kicking butt in a male dominated field and able to hold her own. We love that for her!
Parker Landry: is blunt, protective and a charmer to all except Marnie. He’s navigating being a retired NHL defenseman. Even with the loss of his memories he doesn’t skate around how he feels!
I love that you get the representation of women in male dominated fields standing on business. I love the Main characters conversations ! You really get to know each character and connect with them because with each other they converse with no filter. Asking questions and telling each other personal stories. The transitional period between life changes and the highs and lows of navigating those challenges was so spot on and honest. Speaking of honesty, the chaotic family dynamic with each relationship having its own history/emotional pull and getting that EMOTION to be felt in less than 400 pages! Wow.This was a FIVE STAR read for me, with such a refreshing twist on a classic you can’t help but fall in love with a sharp romantic-comedy such as this!
ARC REVIEW
First I wanna say thank you so much to @berkleyromance and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an eARC of The Rivalry Reset by @amylea Thanks for letting me experience Marnie and Parker in advance.
RELEASES: JANUARY 5th ❄️
This was a FIVE STAR read for me. I give five stars to books that can draw audible reactions and rememberable emotion out from the pages and this did just that . .
LET ME TELL YOU! A time was had reading this book! From the beginning to the end it was hilarious banter and romance with a twist and I was eating it up! I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud because this was exactly like my sense of humor. The pace of this book kept it lighthearted and moving through their journey from rivals to lovers. I loved that there was time in between events that followed a realistic timeline. It gave their TENSION an organic feel.
Marnie Miller has a broadcasting job that she loves and is willing to battle for even if it means she is FORCED to partner up with the co-worker that she notoriously has a long standing RIVALRY with. Her Co-host Parker Landry who is also a retired hockey defenseman (NHL) and is just as mouthy and competitive ends up in a freak Zamboni accident. He wakes up with no memory of Marnie or their rivalry. Parker 2.0 is charming, down right flirtatious and Marnie’s goal is to keep reminding him of the reasons they don’t usually like each other. As she helps him through his recovery the line that kept them on opposing sides begin to blur. They skate that thin line between love and hate and find out it matters which side you’re on.
Marnie Miller: is sharp, fiery and obsessed with cherry cokes. My kinda woman ! She is also kicking butt in a male dominated field and able to hold her own. We love that for her!
Parker Landry: is blunt, protective and a charmer to all except Marnie. He’s navigating being a retired NHL defenseman. Even with the loss of his memories he doesn’t skate around how he feels!
I love that you get the representation of women in male dominated fields standing on business. I love the Main characters conversations ! You really get to know each character and connect with them because with each other they converse with no filter. Asking questions and telling each other personal stories. The transitional period between life changes and the highs and lows of navigating those challenges was so spot on and honest. Speaking of honesty, the chaotic family dynamic with each relationship having its own history/emotional pull and getting that EMOTION to be felt in less than 400 pages! Wow.This was a FIVE STAR read for me, with such a refreshing twist on a classic you can’t help but fall in love with a sharp romantic-comedy such as this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED MARNIE AND PARKER!!! I was beyond excited to read The Rivalry Reset and it certainly did not disappoint. It had a little bit of everything I love: a memorable meet cute, forced proximity, amnesia, enemies to lovers, witty banter, and SO much yearning.
I truly loved the Hockey Nation show and found myself constantly drawing parallels to the Sportsnet hockey panel. You could feel the tension between Marnie and Parker from the beginning, and their banter and witty comebacks were so much fun. But what I loved most was their relationship. There was such a softness and endearing quality to them that I adored, especially as a juxtaposition to two powerful former hockey players. Watching their rivalry slowly turn into friendship and then something more was so satisfying.
Parker’s admiration for Marnie had me SWOONING. I loved the way he saw her intelligence, passion, talent, and kindness, and the way Marnie cared for him despite believing he hated her. Their friendship became such a beautiful foundation for their romance, and the yearning was EVERYTHING.
As a Canadian with connections to women’s sports and media, Marnie’s story felt particularly meaningful to me. Her experiences were so valid, and I loved seeing the realities of being a woman in what can still feel like a very much boys’ club. I loved her passion for hockey, her knowledge, and her determination to keep showing up regardless of what people thought of her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I truly loved the Hockey Nation show and found myself constantly drawing parallels to the Sportsnet hockey panel. You could feel the tension between Marnie and Parker from the beginning, and their banter and witty comebacks were so much fun. But what I loved most was their relationship. There was such a softness and endearing quality to them that I adored, especially as a juxtaposition to two powerful former hockey players. Watching their rivalry slowly turn into friendship and then something more was so satisfying.
Parker’s admiration for Marnie had me SWOONING. I loved the way he saw her intelligence, passion, talent, and kindness, and the way Marnie cared for him despite believing he hated her. Their friendship became such a beautiful foundation for their romance, and the yearning was EVERYTHING.
As a Canadian with connections to women’s sports and media, Marnie’s story felt particularly meaningful to me. Her experiences were so valid, and I loved seeing the realities of being a woman in what can still feel like a very much boys’ club. I loved her passion for hockey, her knowledge, and her determination to keep showing up regardless of what people thought of her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this romance book, it's funny, it's sweet and the characters' development makes sense. I also love a "he falls first" / "he's secretly loved her all along" trope so this was perfect.
The Reset Rivalry follows two retired hockey stars, Marnie Miller and Parker Landry. Their first meeting is frosty to say the least, so years later when they meet again, Marnie and Parker instantly form a rivalry, both on and off air. They work for a show, Hockey Nation, where they discuss all things hockey. But Marnie struggles to be taken seriously, gets paid less than her male counterparts and is blamed whenever the show's popularity dips. In an effort to save her job, she agrees to attend a charity event with Parker, her nemesis. Only to watch him fall off a zamboni and hit his head, hard. He experiences amnesia and Marnie is the one to step up and look after him, but he's almost unrecognisable after his accident. Suddenly he's sweet and charming, complimentary and grateful to Marnie for her support. She can't help but be drawn to this new version of her co-host, and as they continue to spend more time together outside of work, sparks begin to fly...
I loved the commentary in this book about female athletes and the lack of investment in female sport, plus the way Marnie's parents' divorce was discussed felt nuanced and developed. Overall this was a really fun read and I devoured it in one day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK for the eARC.
The Reset Rivalry follows two retired hockey stars, Marnie Miller and Parker Landry. Their first meeting is frosty to say the least, so years later when they meet again, Marnie and Parker instantly form a rivalry, both on and off air. They work for a show, Hockey Nation, where they discuss all things hockey. But Marnie struggles to be taken seriously, gets paid less than her male counterparts and is blamed whenever the show's popularity dips. In an effort to save her job, she agrees to attend a charity event with Parker, her nemesis. Only to watch him fall off a zamboni and hit his head, hard. He experiences amnesia and Marnie is the one to step up and look after him, but he's almost unrecognisable after his accident. Suddenly he's sweet and charming, complimentary and grateful to Marnie for her support. She can't help but be drawn to this new version of her co-host, and as they continue to spend more time together outside of work, sparks begin to fly...
I loved the commentary in this book about female athletes and the lack of investment in female sport, plus the way Marnie's parents' divorce was discussed felt nuanced and developed. Overall this was a really fun read and I devoured it in one day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK for the eARC.
August 3, 2026
[4.25⭐️]
shout-out to Amy Lea for using one of my all-time fave fanfic tropes LMAO
I've been a somewhat reluctant fan of Amy Lea since her first book, which was chosen for a book club I'm in and I famously quite disliked, but she was just so charming in the author chat that I decided to give her a shot and continue reading her books. Her second book was a hit for me, the third not so much, then I REALLY liked the following one, and so on and so forth. All this to say I've BEEN reading Amy Lea books and can comfortably say this is my fave of hers so far (I haven't read SOMETHING LIKE FATE or THE BODYGUARD AFFAIR yet but they're on the schedule!) and I feel good about my commitment to reading all her works.
Davis you fucking bitch I KNEW I couldn't trust you the second I met you!!!
Corbin/Ethan novella WHEN!!!
Thank-you to NetGalley, Berkeley Publishing Group, and Amy Lea for the eARC!
shout-out to Amy Lea for using one of my all-time fave fanfic tropes LMAO
I've been a somewhat reluctant fan of Amy Lea since her first book, which was chosen for a book club I'm in and I famously quite disliked, but she was just so charming in the author chat that I decided to give her a shot and continue reading her books. Her second book was a hit for me, the third not so much, then I REALLY liked the following one, and so on and so forth. All this to say I've BEEN reading Amy Lea books and can comfortably say this is my fave of hers so far (I haven't read SOMETHING LIKE FATE or THE BODYGUARD AFFAIR yet but they're on the schedule!) and I feel good about my commitment to reading all her works.
Davis you fucking bitch I KNEW I couldn't trust you the second I met you!!!
Corbin/Ethan novella WHEN!!!
Thank-you to NetGalley, Berkeley Publishing Group, and Amy Lea for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2026
3.75 rounded up! Okay so in fairness, I pretty much NEVER enjoy the amnesia trope (and usually DNF them, actually, if I even pick them up) and that’s just because they are SO unrealistic and not true to what actually happens in real life
There were definitely still inaccuracies in this one specific to the traumatic brain injury, recovery process afterwards, etc., BUT they did nail the long term memories being preserved and the more recent memory and day to day info having to be repeated, SO bonus points for that. Plus I was entertained :)
There were definitely still inaccuracies in this one specific to the traumatic brain injury, recovery process afterwards, etc., BUT they did nail the long term memories being preserved and the more recent memory and day to day info having to be repeated, SO bonus points for that. Plus I was entertained :)
September 9, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was an enjoyable read. Very easy to pick up even when life got in the way. It was my first amnesia trope romance in a while and I liked that it was Parker who had it and not Marnie. It added to the yearning. I love a yearner.
This was an enjoyable read. Very easy to pick up even when life got in the way. It was my first amnesia trope romance in a while and I liked that it was Parker who had it and not Marnie. It added to the yearning. I love a yearner.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC gifted in exchange for honest review
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
50 stars, no notes actually.
I have been a fan of Amy Lea for a few years now and I love her style of writing. That being said, The Rivalry Reset is hands down my absolute favorite. This book put me through the wringer emotionally and in my opinion, has done such a great job at putting the spotlight on the inequalities in how women are treated in the sports industry, from athletes to media. It was a difficult read at times because it made me so angry but that's the point. The issues that Marnie faces are issues that women in male dominated industries, particularly sports, face every single day. Marnie was an amazing hockey player, knew the game like the back of her hand, with incredible hockey intelligence and because of her gender and last name, was constantly treated like a nepo "diversity hire" by her colleagues, by the executives, and by the viewers. Amy did not shy away talking about the hard things, like how difficult it is to pursue a career in hockey as a female player, even with the rise of the PWHL.
Another thing that I really appreciated was Parker's backstory. He was raised by a single mother who sacrificed constantly so that he could pursue his dream. He spoke openly about how expensive hockey is, especially as you get older and move through the various leagues in pursuit of reaching the NHL. His championing the charity that quietly helped families who were struggling to afford the sport was so meaningful, and I loved how open he was about how the community often made him and his mum feel like charity cases by making a big deal of any financial assistance they received.
The sparks between these two were so electric, even before his accident. It truly speaks to Marnie's character the way she sat beside a man she was convinced hated her for hours on end as he lay unconscious in the hospital. She showed up for him through the entire ordeal, despite their pasts and his memory loss. The way they were able to form such a solid friendship as she helped him through his recovery was so heartwarming. I believe that the foundation of friendship was so instrumental in the development of their romantic relationship. I loved how Parker loved her before he even had the words to express it. How he was constantly in awe of her, her talent, her intelligence, her drive and discipline, and her kindness. How he embraced every part of her, and her crazy family so wholeheartedly. They were truly so good for each other and I was rooting for them so hard. I also love how he loved Fran, she was such a star in this story.
As for Davis, if that man has no haters, I cease to exist. He represents the worst kind of man, the self proclaimed "nice guy" when really he's just a slick slimy demon in sheep's clothing.
There is so much to love about this book, the romance, the found family, the complex family dynamics, the calling out of misogyny in the sports world, the delicious spice and of course, the sweetest sphynx around, Fran. This is truly a powerful story that is so much more than enemies to lovers' romance, and one that will be so deserving of the praise it will undoubtedly get.
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
50 stars, no notes actually.
I have been a fan of Amy Lea for a few years now and I love her style of writing. That being said, The Rivalry Reset is hands down my absolute favorite. This book put me through the wringer emotionally and in my opinion, has done such a great job at putting the spotlight on the inequalities in how women are treated in the sports industry, from athletes to media. It was a difficult read at times because it made me so angry but that's the point. The issues that Marnie faces are issues that women in male dominated industries, particularly sports, face every single day. Marnie was an amazing hockey player, knew the game like the back of her hand, with incredible hockey intelligence and because of her gender and last name, was constantly treated like a nepo "diversity hire" by her colleagues, by the executives, and by the viewers. Amy did not shy away talking about the hard things, like how difficult it is to pursue a career in hockey as a female player, even with the rise of the PWHL.
Another thing that I really appreciated was Parker's backstory. He was raised by a single mother who sacrificed constantly so that he could pursue his dream. He spoke openly about how expensive hockey is, especially as you get older and move through the various leagues in pursuit of reaching the NHL. His championing the charity that quietly helped families who were struggling to afford the sport was so meaningful, and I loved how open he was about how the community often made him and his mum feel like charity cases by making a big deal of any financial assistance they received.
The sparks between these two were so electric, even before his accident. It truly speaks to Marnie's character the way she sat beside a man she was convinced hated her for hours on end as he lay unconscious in the hospital. She showed up for him through the entire ordeal, despite their pasts and his memory loss. The way they were able to form such a solid friendship as she helped him through his recovery was so heartwarming. I believe that the foundation of friendship was so instrumental in the development of their romantic relationship. I loved how Parker loved her before he even had the words to express it. How he was constantly in awe of her, her talent, her intelligence, her drive and discipline, and her kindness. How he embraced every part of her, and her crazy family so wholeheartedly. They were truly so good for each other and I was rooting for them so hard. I also love how he loved Fran, she was such a star in this story.
As for Davis, if that man has no haters, I cease to exist. He represents the worst kind of man, the self proclaimed "nice guy" when really he's just a slick slimy demon in sheep's clothing.
There is so much to love about this book, the romance, the found family, the complex family dynamics, the calling out of misogyny in the sports world, the delicious spice and of course, the sweetest sphynx around, Fran. This is truly a powerful story that is so much more than enemies to lovers' romance, and one that will be so deserving of the praise it will undoubtedly get.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marnie Miller is a broadcaster on the Hockey Nation postgame show, and boy, does she love it… but Parker Landry (former NHL defense) really does test her patience, leading to a massive on-air clash.
Then Parker has a run in with a Zamboni and he ends up in hospital sporting (lol, yes I went there) a head injury. Parker has forgotten about their rivalry and now is completely enamoured with Marnie. Marnie, however, is not having that! She is determined to make him remember exactly why they don’t get on. But as time goes on, maybe she isn’t sure what side of the love/hate relationship with Parker she wants to be on…
The Pros:
1) The romance - I like how they are together and you really root for them
2) It’s actually a very Christmassy book (always a plus for me) so this would be a great winter read.
3) My favourite character? Fran, Parker’s cat! Plus he is so sweet with her. Love a cat daddy.
4) The story is set in Canada, and obviously there is Hockey involved 🏒
5) I like how things end up being resolved (no spoilers)
The Cons:
1) There is sexism in the workplace and similar themes - but it is an important issue and I’m always glad when it’s highlighted in books
The Quotes:
1) There’s a softness, a twinkle in his eyes. I love the way he looks at me, Parker 2.0. Like I’m something to be cherished. Protected. No one has ever looked at me like this before.
2) “You’re glowing, Marns.”
“I think I might have a string of twinkle lights stuck in my hair.” He laughs, shaking his head. “All of the thousands of lights on this tree are nothing next to you.”
3) “... Long-term resentment can rot you from the inside out if you let it.”
The Summary:
I was thrilled to see Amy Lea had a new book coming out, as I know I always have a great time reading her stories! The Rivalry Reset is no different, I adored it. Both the main characters are likeable (plus, come on, Fran the cat). The romance is sweet and the character arcs were truly touching. Whilst it’s not officially a Christmas book, it is set around Christmas and I’m a fan of a festive read - plus the setting in Canada (and the hockey) really helps with the holiday vibe. I found it funny that Marnie was so addicted to Cherry Coke (same girl). If you love a work place rivals to lovers trope, you should put this book on you TBR immediately.
Summed up in a sentence?:
Marnie helps work rival Parker after he has an accident and loses his memory
I rated the book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!
A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Then Parker has a run in with a Zamboni and he ends up in hospital sporting (lol, yes I went there) a head injury. Parker has forgotten about their rivalry and now is completely enamoured with Marnie. Marnie, however, is not having that! She is determined to make him remember exactly why they don’t get on. But as time goes on, maybe she isn’t sure what side of the love/hate relationship with Parker she wants to be on…
The Pros:
1) The romance - I like how they are together and you really root for them
2) It’s actually a very Christmassy book (always a plus for me) so this would be a great winter read.
3) My favourite character? Fran, Parker’s cat! Plus he is so sweet with her. Love a cat daddy.
4) The story is set in Canada, and obviously there is Hockey involved 🏒
5) I like how things end up being resolved (no spoilers)
The Cons:
1) There is sexism in the workplace and similar themes - but it is an important issue and I’m always glad when it’s highlighted in books
The Quotes:
1) There’s a softness, a twinkle in his eyes. I love the way he looks at me, Parker 2.0. Like I’m something to be cherished. Protected. No one has ever looked at me like this before.
2) “You’re glowing, Marns.”
“I think I might have a string of twinkle lights stuck in my hair.” He laughs, shaking his head. “All of the thousands of lights on this tree are nothing next to you.”
3) “... Long-term resentment can rot you from the inside out if you let it.”
The Summary:
I was thrilled to see Amy Lea had a new book coming out, as I know I always have a great time reading her stories! The Rivalry Reset is no different, I adored it. Both the main characters are likeable (plus, come on, Fran the cat). The romance is sweet and the character arcs were truly touching. Whilst it’s not officially a Christmas book, it is set around Christmas and I’m a fan of a festive read - plus the setting in Canada (and the hockey) really helps with the holiday vibe. I found it funny that Marnie was so addicted to Cherry Coke (same girl). If you love a work place rivals to lovers trope, you should put this book on you TBR immediately.
Summed up in a sentence?:
Marnie helps work rival Parker after he has an accident and loses his memory
I rated the book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!
A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75⭐
I really enjoyed this overall, but I think I loved the first third considerably more than the rest of the book.
The setup was so fun. Marnie and Parker are co-hosts on a sports talk show, publicly cannot stand each other, and then Parker wakes up after an accident with amnesia and absolutely no memory of their rivalry. Instead, he’s suddenly charming, flirty and basically obsessed with her. Which, obviously, is a very good time.
I really liked the banter between them, I liked both characters, and I loved the Christmassy atmosphere.
After the first part of the book, though, I did feel like the pacing dragged a little and I kept waiting for the book to do slightly more with its own premise. Because so much is made early on of how publicly Marnie and Parker dislike each other, I expected a lot more of them interacting on TV once things started changing and more reactions from the people around them. Their relationship ended up feeling surprisingly insular considering their entire rivalry had previously been so public. People seemed to accept the shift between them very quickly, and I kept waiting for more disbelief, speculation, chaos, gossip…anything really.
That might partly be a case of my expectations not quite matching what the book wanted to be, but I definitely noticed myself waiting for that element.
I also don’t think I’d really call this enemies-to-lovers. Honestly, I’m not even sure I’d call it dislike-to-lovers. A lot of their supposed hatred ultimately comes down to miscommunication, which is fine, but I think it’s a bit misleadingly advertised.
There was so much potential for something really emotional and messy, particularly given the amnesia element, but at times it felt a little one-note and I was left wanting more depth from it.
There was a little continuity thing as well: Parker isn’t supposed to have screens for a while after waking up, but fairly early into his recovery Marnie FaceTimes him while she goes to feed his cat, despite the fact he’s explicitly not meant to be having screen time. That didn’t make sense to me.
Overall though, I did have a good time with this. The banter was fun, the festive vibes were lovely and I liked Marnie and Parker together. I just think the premise had the potential to give me a little more than it ultimately did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this overall, but I think I loved the first third considerably more than the rest of the book.
The setup was so fun. Marnie and Parker are co-hosts on a sports talk show, publicly cannot stand each other, and then Parker wakes up after an accident with amnesia and absolutely no memory of their rivalry. Instead, he’s suddenly charming, flirty and basically obsessed with her. Which, obviously, is a very good time.
I really liked the banter between them, I liked both characters, and I loved the Christmassy atmosphere.
After the first part of the book, though, I did feel like the pacing dragged a little and I kept waiting for the book to do slightly more with its own premise. Because so much is made early on of how publicly Marnie and Parker dislike each other, I expected a lot more of them interacting on TV once things started changing and more reactions from the people around them. Their relationship ended up feeling surprisingly insular considering their entire rivalry had previously been so public. People seemed to accept the shift between them very quickly, and I kept waiting for more disbelief, speculation, chaos, gossip…anything really.
That might partly be a case of my expectations not quite matching what the book wanted to be, but I definitely noticed myself waiting for that element.
I also don’t think I’d really call this enemies-to-lovers. Honestly, I’m not even sure I’d call it dislike-to-lovers. A lot of their supposed hatred ultimately comes down to miscommunication, which is fine, but I think it’s a bit misleadingly advertised.
There was so much potential for something really emotional and messy, particularly given the amnesia element, but at times it felt a little one-note and I was left wanting more depth from it.
There was a little continuity thing as well: Parker isn’t supposed to have screens for a while after waking up, but fairly early into his recovery Marnie FaceTimes him while she goes to feed his cat, despite the fact he’s explicitly not meant to be having screen time. That didn’t make sense to me.
Overall though, I did have a good time with this. The banter was fun, the festive vibes were lovely and I liked Marnie and Parker together. I just think the premise had the potential to give me a little more than it ultimately did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. I loved this.
The Rivalry Reset is the second book I’ve read recently that kind of takes the idea of a “second chance” and puts a different kind of spin on it, and I really enjoy that. In this one, Parker gets a second chance to his approach with Marnie when a fall from a Zamboni resets his memory of the last two years.
Marnie is a former hockey player turned analyst on the biggest platform on national tv. As a woman, that naturally means she has to work 10 times harder to be taken seriously, despite her resumé, and behave above reproach at all times or find her seat in jeopardy. Of course, former NHL star, Parker, is across the table sparring with her and being praised as “passionate”. The book handles the disparity between the public perception and internal treatment of men and women in male-dominated fields really well and in a way that gets the point across meaningfully.
Marnie and Parker get a rough start when she first has to interview him on a particularly bad day and then again a few years later when he overhears her disputing his hiring as a new analyst. Parker reacts with his ego and pride on the line despite his admiration and respect for Marnie, which devolves into their contentious on-air battles. He gets his do-over when he wakes up in the hospital to Marnie by his side.
The way Marnie steps up to support Parker in the wake of his accident says so much about the kind of person she is. It’s really lovely to see the two of them get to know the true character of each other and how complementary they actually are as a pair. There’s a gentleness to Parker being able to express his awe and appreciation for Marnie and Marnie gradually lowering her defenses to see the Parker who’s been underneath the veneer. They become true partners and learn how to communicate without losing their spark and spirit of debate.
Thank you to Berkley for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Rivalry Reset is the second book I’ve read recently that kind of takes the idea of a “second chance” and puts a different kind of spin on it, and I really enjoy that. In this one, Parker gets a second chance to his approach with Marnie when a fall from a Zamboni resets his memory of the last two years.
Marnie is a former hockey player turned analyst on the biggest platform on national tv. As a woman, that naturally means she has to work 10 times harder to be taken seriously, despite her resumé, and behave above reproach at all times or find her seat in jeopardy. Of course, former NHL star, Parker, is across the table sparring with her and being praised as “passionate”. The book handles the disparity between the public perception and internal treatment of men and women in male-dominated fields really well and in a way that gets the point across meaningfully.
Marnie and Parker get a rough start when she first has to interview him on a particularly bad day and then again a few years later when he overhears her disputing his hiring as a new analyst. Parker reacts with his ego and pride on the line despite his admiration and respect for Marnie, which devolves into their contentious on-air battles. He gets his do-over when he wakes up in the hospital to Marnie by his side.
The way Marnie steps up to support Parker in the wake of his accident says so much about the kind of person she is. It’s really lovely to see the two of them get to know the true character of each other and how complementary they actually are as a pair. There’s a gentleness to Parker being able to express his awe and appreciation for Marnie and Marnie gradually lowering her defenses to see the Parker who’s been underneath the veneer. They become true partners and learn how to communicate without losing their spark and spirit of debate.
Thank you to Berkley for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2026
I received an ARC of The Rivalry Reset, and I had such a great time with it. The story follows Marnie, a former hockey player turned sports broadcaster, and Parker, the star athlete she’s spent years clashing with on air. After Parker is injured and wakes up with amnesia, he suddenly has no memory of their rivalry and instead feels an immediate connection to her. As he slowly pieces his life back together, the two of them start to rebuild something new: somewhere between their old grudges and the feelings that keep sneaking in.
One of the things I loved most was how much the book felt like a love letter to Hockey Night in Canada. I happened to finish it on the first Saturday it wasn’t airing, and it made the whole experience feel oddly nostalgic and perfectly timed. Seeing that iconic part of Canadian hockey culture woven into the story added such a warm, familiar touch.
I also adored the dynamic between Parker and Marnie. Even with the enemies‑to‑ever setup, you can tell right from the beginning that there’s something deeper simmering. The amnesia twist was genuinely fun, especially because Parker doesn’t reset every day. Instead, he slowly regains his memories in a way that feels authentic to head trauma, and that gives them space to get to know each other again. I loved watching Marnie rethink the things she thought she knew about him; it added a really sweet emotional layer to their relationship.
Another thing that stood out to me was the subtle commentary on being a woman in sports broadcasting, especially one who used to play hockey herself. It felt thoughtful and grounded, and it added depth to Marnie’s character without ever overshadowing the romance.
Overall, this was cute, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable. I liked it a lot and will definitely be recommending it to others who love hockey romances, rivals‑to‑lovers energy, and stories with a clever twist.
One of the things I loved most was how much the book felt like a love letter to Hockey Night in Canada. I happened to finish it on the first Saturday it wasn’t airing, and it made the whole experience feel oddly nostalgic and perfectly timed. Seeing that iconic part of Canadian hockey culture woven into the story added such a warm, familiar touch.
I also adored the dynamic between Parker and Marnie. Even with the enemies‑to‑ever setup, you can tell right from the beginning that there’s something deeper simmering. The amnesia twist was genuinely fun, especially because Parker doesn’t reset every day. Instead, he slowly regains his memories in a way that feels authentic to head trauma, and that gives them space to get to know each other again. I loved watching Marnie rethink the things she thought she knew about him; it added a really sweet emotional layer to their relationship.
Another thing that stood out to me was the subtle commentary on being a woman in sports broadcasting, especially one who used to play hockey herself. It felt thoughtful and grounded, and it added depth to Marnie’s character without ever overshadowing the romance.
Overall, this was cute, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable. I liked it a lot and will definitely be recommending it to others who love hockey romances, rivals‑to‑lovers energy, and stories with a clever twist.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🏒 Enemies to lovers w/ an amnesia situation
🏒he falls first
🏒strong FMC in male dominated space
🏒found family
🏒 witty banter
Okay so originally I wanted to read this book because I had previously read Amy Lea’s ‘Woke up like this’ and loved it. A couple chapters in, I worried that this was just that book but hockey instead of high school and it was a re-heated nachos type situation with the whole amnesia/forgotten memory thing.
But no, this book stands on its own. The way Lea writes is so bubbly and quirky and cute, perfect for her romcoms. I started this book and read it in a day or so because I couldn’t put it down.
Loved Marnie as the FMC. She’s confident and strong willed and someone you can really root for, especially as a woman in a male dominated field. I think most women who read this book with resonate with her.
And then we have sweet cinnamon roll Parker. How can you not love the guy? He obviously has it bad for the girl from the beginning even through all their bickering and “fighting”. I LOVE when an MMC loves the FMC for who she truly is. And the yearning…are you kidding me? Swoon.
Also, Fran??? We love a cat dad!
The dialogue and banter in this book was *chef’s kiss*. I could read the back and forth all day.
The miscommunication trope is done well. I find it super annoying when an author keeps using the miscommunication/misunderstanding trope to keep a couple apart. It really works in this book since it’s at the start of the story and the reason why they “hated” each other. It doesn’t keep happening to the point it makes it annoying. They talk it through and get through it.
Also felt very Christmas-y even though it’s not marketed as that. It just felt cozy and lighthearted and wholesome.
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
🏒he falls first
🏒strong FMC in male dominated space
🏒found family
🏒 witty banter
Okay so originally I wanted to read this book because I had previously read Amy Lea’s ‘Woke up like this’ and loved it. A couple chapters in, I worried that this was just that book but hockey instead of high school and it was a re-heated nachos type situation with the whole amnesia/forgotten memory thing.
But no, this book stands on its own. The way Lea writes is so bubbly and quirky and cute, perfect for her romcoms. I started this book and read it in a day or so because I couldn’t put it down.
Loved Marnie as the FMC. She’s confident and strong willed and someone you can really root for, especially as a woman in a male dominated field. I think most women who read this book with resonate with her.
And then we have sweet cinnamon roll Parker. How can you not love the guy? He obviously has it bad for the girl from the beginning even through all their bickering and “fighting”. I LOVE when an MMC loves the FMC for who she truly is. And the yearning…are you kidding me? Swoon.
Also, Fran??? We love a cat dad!
The dialogue and banter in this book was *chef’s kiss*. I could read the back and forth all day.
The miscommunication trope is done well. I find it super annoying when an author keeps using the miscommunication/misunderstanding trope to keep a couple apart. It really works in this book since it’s at the start of the story and the reason why they “hated” each other. It doesn’t keep happening to the point it makes it annoying. They talk it through and get through it.
Also felt very Christmas-y even though it’s not marketed as that. It just felt cozy and lighthearted and wholesome.
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts.
This one was middle of the road for me! Surprisingly, I love an amnesia trope. In general, I really liked the set up and premise of this book. The fact that Parker was the one to lose his memory surprised me and felt like an interesting diversion on how I had expected the story to go. However, the book lost momentum for me around 30%. Tension? What tension? The stakes of this story felt so, so low. Marnie is essentially waiting for Parker to remember to be mean to her again but, Parker didn’t actually want to be mean to her to begin with. Their antagonistic history all centers around a brief, rude interview (Parker was having a horrible day) and then a bad, spur the moment comment that Parker reluctantly never corrected (he overheard something he shouldn’t have and reacted poorly). I don’t know… in my favorite portrayals of the amnesia trope, tension comes from the grief of all that was lost with the brain injury or the uphill battle the one who remembers has to fight to win back the affections/trust of the injured. This book didn’t choose either of those paths and that’s okay, but its low-stakes route really struggled to keep my interest.
A few more nitpicky things….
This description was terrifying:
“‘Look what the Zamboni dragged in.’ Marnie's voice zips down my spine like a skate blade.”
….this was said once Parker and Marnie were romantically involved and feeling good about each other. Her voice feels like a blade to your back?? Oh my. No, thank you.
Also, “Marns” as a nickname is not it. Not good, coach.
All in all, a little lackluster but not a bad book. If you are ready a big Amy Lea fan, I am sure you will enjoy this! I just had trouble buying into the story enough to really root for the characters.
This one was middle of the road for me! Surprisingly, I love an amnesia trope. In general, I really liked the set up and premise of this book. The fact that Parker was the one to lose his memory surprised me and felt like an interesting diversion on how I had expected the story to go. However, the book lost momentum for me around 30%. Tension? What tension? The stakes of this story felt so, so low. Marnie is essentially waiting for Parker to remember to be mean to her again but, Parker didn’t actually want to be mean to her to begin with. Their antagonistic history all centers around a brief, rude interview (Parker was having a horrible day) and then a bad, spur the moment comment that Parker reluctantly never corrected (he overheard something he shouldn’t have and reacted poorly). I don’t know… in my favorite portrayals of the amnesia trope, tension comes from the grief of all that was lost with the brain injury or the uphill battle the one who remembers has to fight to win back the affections/trust of the injured. This book didn’t choose either of those paths and that’s okay, but its low-stakes route really struggled to keep my interest.
A few more nitpicky things….
This description was terrifying:
“‘Look what the Zamboni dragged in.’ Marnie's voice zips down my spine like a skate blade.”
….this was said once Parker and Marnie were romantically involved and feeling good about each other. Her voice feels like a blade to your back?? Oh my. No, thank you.
Also, “Marns” as a nickname is not it. Not good, coach.
All in all, a little lackluster but not a bad book. If you are ready a big Amy Lea fan, I am sure you will enjoy this! I just had trouble buying into the story enough to really root for the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was a huge fan of Ex's and O's, so the moment I saw Amy Lea's name on NetGalley, I requested without a second thought.
I'll admit I went in cautious, hockey romances are absolutely everywhere right now, and I tend to steer clear, but the premise of the leads being sports broadcasters rather than players hooked me immediately, and the banter that dynamic creates did not disappoint.
Parker and Marnie do not get along. They argue at every given opportunity, which gets them hauled before the bosses and assigned a charity event to try and sort themselves out. Except Parker walks straight into a freak Zamboni accident and loses the last two years of his memory. Including Marnie.
With no family to speak of, Parker would be facing his recovery entirely alone, if Marnie didn't quietly decide to step up. Helping him with his cat, helping him navigate a flat that suddenly feels brand new, helping him piece together a life he can't remember. And with each day, they grow closer, and Marnie starts to see a side of Parker she's never encountered before.
The Rivalry Reset is a fun, easy, genuinely adorable read. Amnesia isn't a trope I usually gravitate toward, but paired with Parker it was completely swoony. Watching these two grow closer worked beautifully, though Marnie's trust issues with Parker felt like a sticking point at times, and the fallout in the broadcasting studio didn't quite land for me either. I'm not sure the path both of them choose makes complete sense when there was a simpler resolution sitting right there.
The epilogue, however, made up for a lot.
Special mention: the sheer, relentless, wonderful yearning Parker brings to every single page. That man.
I'll admit I went in cautious, hockey romances are absolutely everywhere right now, and I tend to steer clear, but the premise of the leads being sports broadcasters rather than players hooked me immediately, and the banter that dynamic creates did not disappoint.
Parker and Marnie do not get along. They argue at every given opportunity, which gets them hauled before the bosses and assigned a charity event to try and sort themselves out. Except Parker walks straight into a freak Zamboni accident and loses the last two years of his memory. Including Marnie.
With no family to speak of, Parker would be facing his recovery entirely alone, if Marnie didn't quietly decide to step up. Helping him with his cat, helping him navigate a flat that suddenly feels brand new, helping him piece together a life he can't remember. And with each day, they grow closer, and Marnie starts to see a side of Parker she's never encountered before.
The Rivalry Reset is a fun, easy, genuinely adorable read. Amnesia isn't a trope I usually gravitate toward, but paired with Parker it was completely swoony. Watching these two grow closer worked beautifully, though Marnie's trust issues with Parker felt like a sticking point at times, and the fallout in the broadcasting studio didn't quite land for me either. I'm not sure the path both of them choose makes complete sense when there was a simpler resolution sitting right there.
The epilogue, however, made up for a lot.
Special mention: the sheer, relentless, wonderful yearning Parker brings to every single page. That man.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🏒❄️🎙️❤️
Marnie Miller is an established hockey broadcaster for the popular Hockey Nation. She’s constantly underestimated being a woman in the field. But that doesn’t stop her from talking about the thing she loves the most. Parker Landry is a former NHL player and a co-host on the show. He’s obviously well known because of that and for his to the point commentary. Marnie and Parker have an on air feud that keeps being fueled. Until Parker has an accident with a zamboni and wakes up with amnesia. He doesn’t remember anything from the past two years including his rivalry with Marnie. In fact, he’s actually super nice and even a little bit flirty with her. Marnie is thrown off by this and tries to remind him they hate each other. Being that her job was already on the line prior to this happening, Marnie helps Parker transition back to everyday life and is trying to see if anything sparks his memory. Constantly reminding him hate each other, although she doesn’t totally dislike the “new” Parker. As his memory comes back, Parker begins to wonder why he would ever hate her. Marnie is scared that if he remembers, they’ll go back to how they used to be. Maybe there was never true hatred involved between Marnie and Parker because when they realize that, there’s no going back.
I got to read this book early through winning a signed copy from the author (literally so cool). I love any books that include sports romances. I liked getting to know both Marnie and Parker as individuals because they both have so many layers. As the book went on, those were uncovered through vulnerability. I think Marnie was such a powerful character because she was always being put down as a woman broadcaster. But it was even more amazing when Parker saw that she is truly amazing and good at what she does. That was a huge turning point in the story and I appreciated that they could be real with each other!
Marnie Miller is an established hockey broadcaster for the popular Hockey Nation. She’s constantly underestimated being a woman in the field. But that doesn’t stop her from talking about the thing she loves the most. Parker Landry is a former NHL player and a co-host on the show. He’s obviously well known because of that and for his to the point commentary. Marnie and Parker have an on air feud that keeps being fueled. Until Parker has an accident with a zamboni and wakes up with amnesia. He doesn’t remember anything from the past two years including his rivalry with Marnie. In fact, he’s actually super nice and even a little bit flirty with her. Marnie is thrown off by this and tries to remind him they hate each other. Being that her job was already on the line prior to this happening, Marnie helps Parker transition back to everyday life and is trying to see if anything sparks his memory. Constantly reminding him hate each other, although she doesn’t totally dislike the “new” Parker. As his memory comes back, Parker begins to wonder why he would ever hate her. Marnie is scared that if he remembers, they’ll go back to how they used to be. Maybe there was never true hatred involved between Marnie and Parker because when they realize that, there’s no going back.
I got to read this book early through winning a signed copy from the author (literally so cool). I love any books that include sports romances. I liked getting to know both Marnie and Parker as individuals because they both have so many layers. As the book went on, those were uncovered through vulnerability. I think Marnie was such a powerful character because she was always being put down as a woman broadcaster. But it was even more amazing when Parker saw that she is truly amazing and good at what she does. That was a huge turning point in the story and I appreciated that they could be real with each other!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Arc review* I'm a bit back and forth with my opinions on this book! The premise itself was interesting, but the execution of it was a bit lackluster. I really enjoyed it in the beginning, but as time went on, the character development you'd except to see by a certain point in a book just wasn't there. I didn't necessarily feel super connected to either character, though I still felt more connected with Parker than Marnie. There were times Marnie was a bit too immature for my liking- particularly with the silent treatments, jumping to (incorrect) conclusions, and letting her family issues affect how she treated Parker. Things began to become very predictable and maybe a little cliche by the end. I mean- him quitting live on air to stand up for his relationship? Yes, great in a romance book but incredibly dramatic for real life. And I just KNEW they were going to end up having a podcast after quitting and what do you know, they did. Though I do like that it was mentioned to be predictable and cringe because it IS. I must also mention that it felt like a big chunk of the middle centered around the holidays/Christmas to the point where I questioned if this was a holiday romance. All in all, this wasn't a bad book, but it didn't blow me out of the water. I would still recommend to anyone I think would enjoy!
Thank you Berkley, NetGalley, and Amy for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!
Thank you Berkley, NetGalley, and Amy for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rounded up from 3.5. This is a cute hockey-adjacent story that manages to stay fairly light despite incorporating heavier (and interesting) topics like traumatic brain injury and grief. I’m always just as interested in the characters’ jobs as I am in the romance, so I really appreciated the focus here on the misogyny inherent in sports broadcasting, as well as the prep work necessary for broadcasters with dyslexia. I also appreciated references to the complex identity work that takes place after involuntary early retirement.
As much as I liked Parker (and adored his relationship with Fran the sphynx cat), he felt a little too one-dimensional emotionally for me. I get that the "enemies" aspect of the trope was based on a misunderstanding, but I found it hard to believe he was never even a tiny bit pissed off at Marnie in return - especially since, from his perspective, she hated him for no actual reason. His unwavering support and respect under those conditions felt a little unrealistic... though maybe that’s just because I’m nowhere near that decent of a person. This also made for a noticeable lack of tension in the second half of the book, which I found slowed down the pacing a bit.
Overall, though, it was a fun read and I loved the unabashed Canadian context and content!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
As much as I liked Parker (and adored his relationship with Fran the sphynx cat), he felt a little too one-dimensional emotionally for me. I get that the "enemies" aspect of the trope was based on a misunderstanding, but I found it hard to believe he was never even a tiny bit pissed off at Marnie in return - especially since, from his perspective, she hated him for no actual reason. His unwavering support and respect under those conditions felt a little unrealistic... though maybe that’s just because I’m nowhere near that decent of a person. This also made for a noticeable lack of tension in the second half of the book, which I found slowed down the pacing a bit.
Overall, though, it was a fun read and I loved the unabashed Canadian context and content!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 22, 2026
This book had me in a chokehold. I loved it. It put a spell on me and I didn't want to put it down. Marnie and Parker were work rivals, but more than that, Marnie was on the verge of losing her job because of the tension and fighting that they did on air. That is, until Parker falls and hits his head and doesn't remember anything. Marnie is there by his side because, obviously she is. He doesn't have anyone and he is being so sweet to her and she feels bad. This version of Parker she could be friends with and she is going to take it.
Parker doesn't remember Marnie, but he knows that he likes the way he feels when she is around. He can tell he never hated her so he is going to prove to her that he isn't exactly who she thought he was. As his memory starts to return she thinks he is going to go back to the old Parker, but after talking and realizing both of them might not have been seen in their best moments, she starts to think that maybe there is more to him than she thought.
I think this book had the heart of another book I love so it really captured me. The tension between the two of them popped off the page and Parker was the absolute sweetest, with his cat in the stroller. Ugh. This will be a book I reread for sure.
Parker doesn't remember Marnie, but he knows that he likes the way he feels when she is around. He can tell he never hated her so he is going to prove to her that he isn't exactly who she thought he was. As his memory starts to return she thinks he is going to go back to the old Parker, but after talking and realizing both of them might not have been seen in their best moments, she starts to think that maybe there is more to him than she thought.
I think this book had the heart of another book I love so it really captured me. The tension between the two of them popped off the page and Parker was the absolute sweetest, with his cat in the stroller. Ugh. This will be a book I reread for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an unusual and interesting story about perceptions. Case in point, Marnie and Parker are two of five panelists on the iconic Hockey Nation postgame show. Marnie perceives Parker as her adversary and feels like he is undermining her job on the program. However when they are working at a fundraiser together, Parker falls off the Zamboni and is hospitalized with a severe concussion. She stays with him at the hospital for days, trying to help this man who has lost his memory of the past few years. She accepts responsibility to help care for him both in the hospital and when he's released. Meanwhile, Parker is trying to regain memories while developing a deep appreciation for all Marnie does for him. But what will happen when his memory comes back?
This complex book details his struggles, the intricacies of their lives, and their joint struggles moving forward. The story was captivating, and at times I was genuinely concerned about how things would turn out for them. Family issues, co-workers, and uncertainty about the future kept me reading practically non-stop to the end. I am not a hockey fan in real life, however this compelling story hooked me from the very start!
I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley to read and review this book to share my thoughts.
This complex book details his struggles, the intricacies of their lives, and their joint struggles moving forward. The story was captivating, and at times I was genuinely concerned about how things would turn out for them. Family issues, co-workers, and uncertainty about the future kept me reading practically non-stop to the end. I am not a hockey fan in real life, however this compelling story hooked me from the very start!
I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley to read and review this book to share my thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Rivalry Reset by Amy Lea is one of the most fun hockey romances out there. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my most favorites, and this book delivered it from the not-so-cute meet-cute between Marnie and Parker to their forced proximity situation due to Parker’s Zamboni accident and amnesia. Also, bonus points for Parker’s character for the cat dad moments, as both he and his cat are adorable. Additionally, he is very swoon-worthy in many scenes, so be prepared to be ohing and ahing. And more importantly, be prepared to feel enraged on Marnie’s behalf about the injustice of being a woman who is underpaid in comparison to her male counterparts. There are a lot of feelings I experienced, a lot of food for thought about family dynamics and the workplace. I requested to review a sports romance, but I got a lot more than what I bargained for, and for that I’ll always be grateful.
Amy Lea is a new author to me, and needless to say I’m ecstatic to have found her, plus, I am very keen on adding all her books on my reading list. The Rivalry Reset will hold a special place in my heart and on my mind.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkeley Publishing Group, and Amy Lea for the digital galley in exchange for my honest review.
Amy Lea is a new author to me, and needless to say I’m ecstatic to have found her, plus, I am very keen on adding all her books on my reading list. The Rivalry Reset will hold a special place in my heart and on my mind.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkeley Publishing Group, and Amy Lea for the digital galley in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2026
First of all, a huge thank you to Penguin for reaching out via Netgalley with this ARC! I love me an Amy Lea book and couldn’t wait to get into this!
Whilst I do love a good romance story, I’m not your typical sports romance lover (which might be blasphemous to some!) but I thought this one balanced it well. I wasn’t put off by the sport and remained entirely focused on the characters and their story! I thought there was nothing I loved more than a good enemies to lovers but it turns out that an enemies to lovers with a side of amnesia might top that!
I enjoyed a entirely non-toxic the MMC was which feels a rarity nowadays and I thought Lea wrote the FMC really well: at no point did her struggles or worries (especially in regard to her career) feel whiny or irritating. They felt real and relatable - even to a non-Olympian reader.
The book was paced well and I enjoyed the array of side characters who (perhaps with the exception of Marnie’s make up team) felt really well fleshed out and added to the story. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of a Christmas with the characters which felt entirely natural and not shoe horned in.
I can’t read to continue to follow Lea’s writing - her work is fun and thoughtful and always a good time.
Finally, PROTECT FRAN AT ALL COSTS!
Whilst I do love a good romance story, I’m not your typical sports romance lover (which might be blasphemous to some!) but I thought this one balanced it well. I wasn’t put off by the sport and remained entirely focused on the characters and their story! I thought there was nothing I loved more than a good enemies to lovers but it turns out that an enemies to lovers with a side of amnesia might top that!
I enjoyed a entirely non-toxic the MMC was which feels a rarity nowadays and I thought Lea wrote the FMC really well: at no point did her struggles or worries (especially in regard to her career) feel whiny or irritating. They felt real and relatable - even to a non-Olympian reader.
The book was paced well and I enjoyed the array of side characters who (perhaps with the exception of Marnie’s make up team) felt really well fleshed out and added to the story. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of a Christmas with the characters which felt entirely natural and not shoe horned in.
I can’t read to continue to follow Lea’s writing - her work is fun and thoughtful and always a good time.
Finally, PROTECT FRAN AT ALL COSTS!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The ultimate enemies-to-lovers story, The Rivalry Reset is set in the world of professional hockey commentary and the sparks are flying! Marnie is a retired Olympian (Gold. Hockey. Twice.) working as a commentator for pro hockey. Parker is a retired pro hockey player who joined the same show with Marnie and they've been a thorn in each other's side ever since. But after Parker falls off a zamboni at a charity event and forgets the last two years...and Marnie. Despite the rivalry, Marnie is there for Parker every step of the way. Can they, in the process, put aside their differences and become friends? And what about when Parker's memory comes back and he remembers how much he hated Marnie? And is that even true? Lea's hockey romcom even made this non sports lover swoon.
Because it wouldn't be me if I didn't have a criticism, the screen thing needs to be fixed. He's still in the hospital and has to avoid screens, right? Then she goes to his apartment for his cat and she's facetiming him. Quickly, it goes back to no screens again. And the no screen thing wasn't just a throwaway comment, mentioned rarely. It's brought up a LOT!
Because it wouldn't be me if I didn't have a criticism, the screen thing needs to be fixed. He's still in the hospital and has to avoid screens, right? Then she goes to his apartment for his cat and she's facetiming him. Quickly, it goes back to no screens again. And the no screen thing wasn't just a throwaway comment, mentioned rarely. It's brought up a LOT!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I see "enemies to lovers" and I must read it. Marnie was a former gold medalist Olympian and hockey player, which was refreshing because I've read so many hockey romances where the female lead is either an ice skater or a non-hockey childhood friend. Parker, a former NHL player, getting amnesia from a slow moving Zamboni freak accident was ridiculous but totally worked for the plot. I didn't expect a spoiled hairless cat, but it somehow made Parker endearing if not a little cheesy. The romance was sweet without being too over the top. I enjoyed the bickering and banter, but also appreciated how they communicated with each other and respecting boundaries. No miscommunication trope here! My only issue was the pacing and the rushed ending. It didn't wrap up nicely and left all the subplots completely open. Overall, I liked it and thought this was a fun read.
I see "enemies to lovers" and I must read it. Marnie was a former gold medalist Olympian and hockey player, which was refreshing because I've read so many hockey romances where the female lead is either an ice skater or a non-hockey childhood friend. Parker, a former NHL player, getting amnesia from a slow moving Zamboni freak accident was ridiculous but totally worked for the plot. I didn't expect a spoiled hairless cat, but it somehow made Parker endearing if not a little cheesy. The romance was sweet without being too over the top. I enjoyed the bickering and banter, but also appreciated how they communicated with each other and respecting boundaries. No miscommunication trope here! My only issue was the pacing and the rushed ending. It didn't wrap up nicely and left all the subplots completely open. Overall, I liked it and thought this was a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An adorable and heartfelt romance between two former hockey pros who have now both gone into TV broadcasting. There’s plenty of rivalry between Parker and Marnie, and the journey to uncover the years of animosity is satisfying and fun.
There’s a solid theme of workplace misogyny running throughout the book and it’s handled really realistically. But the stars of the book are Marnie and Parker, who are so committed to their rivalry that they can’t hide it, whether on or off-camera. Only when Parker suffers an accident that leaves him with partial amnesia that wipes out their entire rivalrous relationship does Marnie begin to allow the ice encasing her heart to thaw. As she helps him recover, they discover their hatred for each other might not be hatred at all.
These two are adorable together, and the workplace dynamic is entertaining as well. I’ve been meaning to read one of Amy Lea’s romances, and this turned out to be a fantastic intro to this author–I’ll be jumping into her backlist as soon as I can! Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!
There’s a solid theme of workplace misogyny running throughout the book and it’s handled really realistically. But the stars of the book are Marnie and Parker, who are so committed to their rivalry that they can’t hide it, whether on or off-camera. Only when Parker suffers an accident that leaves him with partial amnesia that wipes out their entire rivalrous relationship does Marnie begin to allow the ice encasing her heart to thaw. As she helps him recover, they discover their hatred for each other might not be hatred at all.
These two are adorable together, and the workplace dynamic is entertaining as well. I’ve been meaning to read one of Amy Lea’s romances, and this turned out to be a fantastic intro to this author–I’ll be jumping into her backlist as soon as I can! Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marnie is an Olympic hockey player who has spent her career working twice as hard to be taken seriously in her sport. Now working for Hockey Nation, she finds herself paired with Parker, a former NHL player who comes in guns blazing and seems perfectly happy to argue with her on camera. But when Parker is injured at a charity event, Marnie discovers there’s more going on beneath the surface, and what she learns begins to change their relationship.
This book was a lot of fun! I loved that Marnie and Parker were both hockey players, which added another layer to their dynamic and made the tension between them feel genuine. Their chemistry worked for me both before and after the accident, and I especially appreciated the way the story explores how easily we can get in our own way when it comes to relationships.
The slow-burn romance felt well earned, the banter was top-notch, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to readers looking for a hockey romance that offers something a little different.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This book was a lot of fun! I loved that Marnie and Parker were both hockey players, which added another layer to their dynamic and made the tension between them feel genuine. Their chemistry worked for me both before and after the accident, and I especially appreciated the way the story explores how easily we can get in our own way when it comes to relationships.
The slow-burn romance felt well earned, the banter was top-notch, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to readers looking for a hockey romance that offers something a little different.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was fortunate to receive an early copy of The Rivalry Reset by Amy Lea from Berkley via NetGalley, and I really enjoyed this one! This is my first time reading anything from Amy Lea.
One of my favorite things about the book was Marnie. I loved that she was such a strong, independent, career-focused woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t willing to lose herself for a relationship. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Marnie and Parker. Their dynamic was fun to read, but what won me over was Parker actually recognizing that he had been an idiot and had messed things up with her in the beginning. I always appreciate a love interest who can admit when he was wrong and put in the effort to make things right!
Overall, The Rivalry Reset was a fun, enjoyable romance with a heroine I loved rooting for and a relationship that kept me invested.
Thank you to Berkley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
One of my favorite things about the book was Marnie. I loved that she was such a strong, independent, career-focused woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t willing to lose herself for a relationship. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Marnie and Parker. Their dynamic was fun to read, but what won me over was Parker actually recognizing that he had been an idiot and had messed things up with her in the beginning. I always appreciate a love interest who can admit when he was wrong and put in the effort to make things right!
Overall, The Rivalry Reset was a fun, enjoyable romance with a heroine I loved rooting for and a relationship that kept me invested.
Thank you to Berkley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh. My. God.
Overall: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶️🌶️.5
Character development and plot was SO GOOD.
I’ve been having a lot of trouble getting into some books before the 40-55% area.
But this book? Guys!!! I was in a CHOKEHOLD the entire time! Did I read the blurb? Nope. I had no idea what the book was going to be about going into it. All I knew was that there was some hockey elements and they were sportscasters. But that is absolutely not the only parts of the story.
Oh my god it was so good.
The character building for Parker throughout the entire book, especially after the accident… and both him and Marnie slowly realizing they actually love each other? Chefs kiss. So good.
This is honestly probably one of my favorite books lately, so thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing House, and Amy Lea for allowing me to ARC read your book!
Overall: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶️🌶️.5
Character development and plot was SO GOOD.
I’ve been having a lot of trouble getting into some books before the 40-55% area.
But this book? Guys!!! I was in a CHOKEHOLD the entire time! Did I read the blurb? Nope. I had no idea what the book was going to be about going into it. All I knew was that there was some hockey elements and they were sportscasters. But that is absolutely not the only parts of the story.
Oh my god it was so good.
The character building for Parker throughout the entire book, especially after the accident… and both him and Marnie slowly realizing they actually love each other? Chefs kiss. So good.
This is honestly probably one of my favorite books lately, so thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing House, and Amy Lea for allowing me to ARC read your book!
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