Faceoff by Kelly Jamieson

Faceoff

Hockey, Heat, and a Forbidden Crush

Written byKelly Jamieson
Narrated byEliana Marianes
Length5h12m
Release dateNovember 18, 2023
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.0 (209 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorKelly Jamieson
NarratorEliana Marianes
Runtime5h12m
PublishedNovember 18, 2023
Rating★★★★ 4.0 / 5 (209 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Sports, Romance, Contemporary
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

*Faceoff* isn’t just another sports romance—it’s a sharp, steamy slow-burn where the ice rink is just the backdrop for a relationship that’s been simmering for years. Kelly Jamieson flips the "childhood friends to lovers" trope by making Kyla MacIntosh the scrappy, hockey-obsessed tagalong who grew up idolizing Tag and his teammates—only now, she’s all grown up, and Tag’s noticing *everything*. The tension isn’t just sexual; it’s layered with the push-pull of loyalty, reputation, and the unspoken rules of their insular hockey world. Jamieson’s writing crackles with banter and authentic locker-room energy, but the real draw is how she lets the emotional stakes breathe between the physical ones.

Eliana Marianes’ narration is a standout—her performance balances Kyla’s fiery determination with a vulnerability that makes her crush feel achingly real, while her deeper, rougher register for Tag sells his internal conflict without veering into caricature. The audiobook’s pacing mirrors a hockey game: quick, punchy exchanges in the first period, a mid-story lull where the emotional checks get heavier, and a third-act rush that’ll leave you breathless. What sets this apart from other sports romances? The way Jamieson weaves Kyla’s struggle to be taken seriously in a male-dominated space into the romance, making the love story feel earned, not just inevitable.

Tags: slow-burn sports romanceenemies-to-lovers hockey audiobookfemale-driven sports fictionsteamy workplace rivalryemotional friends-to-loversstrong heroine romance

Why Listen to Faceoff?

  • Expert narration by Eliana Marianes brings every character and scene to life across 5h12m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.0 stars by 209 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at first—*another* hockey romance with a ‘little sister’ trope? But *Faceoff* won me over by refusing to let Kyla be just a plot device. She’s a fully realized character: a physical therapist with sharp edges, a chip on her shoulder, and a history of proving herself to men who underestimate her. That dynamic with Tag, her brother’s best friend and a star player, could’ve been cliché, but Jamieson makes their chemistry feel specific. Their first real kiss isn’t just hot; it’s *combustible*, fueled by years of repressed tension and the thrill of finally crossing a line. I did, however, wish the secondary characters had more depth—Tag’s teammates blur together, and Kyla’s brother feels more like a plot obstacle than a real person. Eliana Marianes’ narration is the audiobook’s secret weapon. She nails the rhythmic cadence of hockey culture—the rapid-fire trash talk, the gruff affection between teammates—and her Kyla is equal parts sassy and self-conscious. My only critique? Her male voices occasionally slip into a growl that borders on overdone, especially in the steamier scenes. Still, the production is crisp, with no awkward pauses or volume inconsistencies, and the 5-hour runtime flies by. If you’re tired of sports romances where the heroine’s only role is to be the love interest, Kyla’s grit and ambition might just make this your next listen. Just don’t expect a fairy-tale ending—Jamieson gives us something messier, and far more satisfying.

Download: Faceoff

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Faceoff by Kelly Jamieson is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Eliana Marianes with a runtime of 5h12m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.