Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
One bubbly seasonal decorator. One fiery hockey captain. And a wagon full of gnomes who play matchmaker better than Cupid…

When seasonal stylist Whitney Green heads to a Denver flea market to find gnomes for a client’s upcoming party, she thinks she has hit the jackpot when she discovers a slew of them.

Little does she know that gnomes aren’t going to be the only thing she picks up that Saturday.

When fate throws Whitney and hockey superstar Gavin Tremblay together, she finds herself questioning her policy of staying on the bench when it comes to romance. She came to the Rockies to escape the pain of a broken heart. Not to date. Especially when she knows she is due to return to Seattle in four months and she can’t figure out what went wrong in her last relationship…

The captain isn’t looking for love, either. Battered and bruised by not only a broken romance but a devastating leg injury, he’s focused on getting his game back. The last time he trusted his heart it gutted him. He refuses to go down that path again.

But the chemistry between Gavin and Whitney is too hot to deny and falling in love is the only option. However, when personal fears come to the surface and cause problems between them, can a relationship prevail? Or will defense outscore offense in this game of love?

Outscored is a laugh out loud, swoony romance with a good-boy hero and a hilarious heroine. Flamingos, gnomes, and a happily ever after are guaranteed in this book.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2019

195 people are currently reading
289 people want to read

About the author

Aven Ellis

54 books830 followers
USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
330 (51%)
4 stars
209 (32%)
3 stars
82 (12%)
2 stars
17 (2%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Dicenzo.
440 reviews
September 25, 2019
There is something to be said for a book that makes you laugh from the very first chapter heading. What author, other than Aven Ellis, could make gnomes such a flirtatious item! Turns out Miss Ellis has many flirty and romantic parts to Whitney and Gavin’s story. Both of whom are recovering and learning from their past relationships, nervous about starting again, but knowing there is something there they need to explore. As always with this author, readers get romance, sassy, loving, supporting characters who want to be there for each other and show exactly why communication counts in a relationship.
And yes, a HEA is there, in all it’s perfection, as Miss Ellis is known for giving her readers!!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for The Nashville Bookie.
34 reviews9 followers
September 21, 2019
I have read every one of Aven’s books to date, and this is in the top 3 for me. It was hilarious, real, and emotional. Aven wrote Gavin and Whitney like they were two of my friends I’m watching overcome their pasts to stand a chance at happiness with each other, and of course rooting for every step of the way!

Whitney is a daringly unique and has always struggled to find someone who can embrace instead of stifle that. The way Gavin adores every squeaking cute characteristic that makes up Whitney is truly what love stories are made of.

The thing I love most about Gavin is despite his attempted avoidance at finding someone he could love and trust again, you don’t see him play any games with Whitney. Aven does such an exceptional job creating real situations between her characters and not just having drama and games between them for plot points.

Reading a few hundred books a year, a lot of which are contemporary romances, I am very selective with my ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews, but this earns one of them. If you are looking for a friendship fed romance that is real, raw, and always growing- then look no further than OUTSCORED. Gavin and Whitney will take you on a winding road of gnomes, flamingos, locally broadcasted panty flashes, and moose finding adventures. Be ready to map out a great time to read this one!
Profile Image for Stacey.
434 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2019
Outscored has probably jumped to the top of my favorite books by Aven Ellis. I enjoyed Whitney right from the start. She’s quirky, outgoing, and unique. Gavin is great, and I loved how everything other people might considered strange about Whitney, he embraces and loves about her. Both of them have to overcome their issues with past relationships, and readers are going to root for them every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a romance filled with interesting characters, plenty of laughs, and lots of heart, look no further.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy**
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews32 followers
October 8, 2019
If you want a swoonworthy feel good kind of story, then this is the book for you! I loved it one of my favorites from this author!
Profile Image for Sabrina Davis.
Author 5 books2 followers
November 10, 2019
This was my first book by Aven Ellis and I had no idea what her writing style is.
I can honestly say I started laughing on page one and all through the book I had my laugh out loud moments which is absolutely uncommon for me. The wittiness of the heroine Whitney when she flirts and the reaction of her love interest Gavin were delightful, funny and genuinely authentic.

I loved how honest these two characters were with each other and how grown up their relationship established itself. I adored that this wasn’t an angsty on off plot where readers and characters get heart broken all through a book over and over again.

I enjoyed every minute of this easy read and the depth of the characters and their individual stories. Most definitely, I’m now keeping my eyes open for more of Ellis’ work as this sure won’t be my last book by her.


I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of the book.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,642 reviews
November 12, 2019
First book that I have read from this author and I liked it. The characters and the story was great. Will be checking out more of her work.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chelsea Baute .
339 reviews8 followers
September 22, 2019
I devoured this book! I have loved all of Aven’s hockey books, but living in Colorado means Rinkside in the Rockies books are extra special to me. The thing I loved most about Outscored is that Whitney and Gavin met in a way that was natural - through friends (however, gnomes were involved.) Whitney never tries to change herself to be someone Gavin would want. She remains true to herself at every step. Gavin and Whit-Bit are a magnetic couple with a love built on helping each other be the very best version of themselves. Outscored is a must-read for anyone following along with the Rinkside in the Rockies series.
726 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2019
Aven Ellis has done it again! I loved this book from the beginning to the very last page. Whitney and Gavin were both burned badly in the romance department but know they need to explore what is going on between them! I love how Aven’s female protagonist is strong, yet willing to be vulnerable in order to help her man. This is one of my very favorite new books, and Aven Ellis has outdone herself!
Profile Image for Jennifer Dale.
782 reviews15 followers
October 23, 2019
DNF. I’m in the minority, so it’s prob just me but by 17% I just couldn’t finish. Bored! Where things were funny at first became repetitive and more of an eye roll. To much inner monologue and when they did inner act, it was just blah. Didn’t feel it. Sorry. Like I said, I’m in the minority here.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
215 reviews
August 14, 2022
Book 90 of 2022 — Outscored by Aven Ellis

This is book three in the “Rinkside in the Rockies” series. I have read a lot of Ms. Ellis’ books and I can solidly say this one is my favorite so far!

I love Whitney as a main character. She is unique and caring, not afraid to be herself but a little shy to take chances. Gavin is a wonderful foil for her. I have read his brother’s story in another series, which is another thing I love about the worlds Ms. Ellis creates — they are all interwoven!

If you are looking for a great story with a different kind of twist than you are expecting from a somewhat predictable romance genre, look no further. This book reads like cotton candy — light and sweet and delicious! Just sexy enough to be realistic but not too spicy.

Thank you for another great read, Aven!!

5⭐️/5
226 reviews
February 16, 2020
I can completely understand why some might love this book. It's got a relatable quirky main character, handsome and rich and over all "perfect" love interest and a simple easy and "fun" plot. It's chick-lit.

But it wasn't for me at all. Well okay first 30% I was somewhat entertained because of how ridiculous the plot, the characters and the dialogue were. I was still hopeful and expected the book to offer some kind of unexpected twist. But it never came. The plot was straight up a girl and a guy meet and fall in love and live happily ever after.

After 50% the main character Whitney really started to get on my nerves and in the end I kept wishing Gavin would break up with her. In my mind I told her to shut up more than twice.
Profile Image for fiona.
65 reviews
June 12, 2020
Great series

Believable and interesting characters. Great chemistry and a twist of plot in each book to keep the attention. The characters crossover between the different stories of this series. Gives a good feel for the ice hockey community.
Looking forward to reading the next book. I would happily recommend this series to anyone who loves a bit of romantic escapism.
350 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2022
Fear can be Hard to Conquer

Aven Ellis, great job well done. Conquering fear is most difficult for everyone. We all go through situations whether for making friends, moving, school, jobs, pains, first loves and finding life loves. Overcoming pains and fears are best served with a partner. You will enjoy this romance. Full of surprises, tears, and laughter.
430 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2020
Saccharine and completely unbelievable that a professional sports team wouldn't insist that their captain see a sports psychologist after such a major injury - perhaps he wouldn't have listened without his girlfriend's encouragement but unlikely that he wouldn't have gone
Profile Image for Lonnie.
668 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2020
Soooooo adorably good

Sqeak!!!!! Yes he is the perfect man recoving from an injury and focusing on not.falling in love until he meets whitney at a flea market with a wagon of gnomes. And falling head over heels with a few curves along the way. Nothing they cant overcome together
151 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2020
Favorite couple

Hands down my favorite couple so far in the avenverse! Whitney is my spirit person and Gavin is an incredible man for her! I love that these two can work things out together and conquer their pasts together and all the feels with these 2! Go and read story!!!
Profile Image for Love.
1,747 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2021
Beautiful Love Story

This is a great and healing love story with loveable and charming characters that will definitely steal your heart and make you smile as their love comes together.
Profile Image for M Reads Romance .
271 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2022
There were parts of this story I loved and parts I just skimmed. The middle lagged. This is an insta-lust/love story and I spent most of it waiting to see what tore them apart. Then when it did I was kind of over it.

I want a Tshirt that says, Body by Churros. I literally LOL'd.
Profile Image for Tiia.
566 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2022
This was exact copy of the two previous ones, she just had a different career. Perfect new everlasting love, lots of unnecessary drama and very successful careers. I found it hard to finish this book, do repetitive, swelling on either in love or pity. Just too much Love with capital L for my taste.
Profile Image for Anne.
683 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2023
swoon worthy hockey romance

Enjoyed this story, especially because most of it took place in the off season so we got to see both characters develop before chaos ensued. Very sweet romance but I will say the “squeak “ drove me nuts.
Profile Image for Raqui89.
25 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2024
More than you know

This book was so cute! I really enjoyed reading their story. The map of this story was perfect for this couple!! I'm so glad Gavin got his story and happy ending, more than you know.
777 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2020
Loved this whole series . Couldn't put down. Way better then 5 stars.
Profile Image for Teresa.
2,379 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2020
Sweet romance

A sweet and sexy romance with compelling characters and an engaging premise. This may be my! favorite of the series.
6 reviews
May 27, 2021
Good read but repeatative

The story was good but this series is just a repeat of the other stories. The author sets each story up the same.
13 reviews
July 2, 2021
Another hit!

This has to be my favorite of the Rinkside series. Loved Gavin and Whitney love story. Swoon worthy for sure
Profile Image for Dianne.
73 reviews
August 8, 2021
I loved it! I love Gavin and Whitney so much. This book was wonderful and romantic and fun to read. ♡
Profile Image for Mary  Aquino.
389 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2021
Clever and sweet

I never thought a story could top Skype and Maxime, but I think Whitney and Gavin win. Great plot, wonderful world building, and a joyous happily ever after!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.