Soulmates and Slapshots By Melissa Baldwin
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
I’m escaping the city. He’s chasing a fresh start. In a town full of surprises, love might be the biggest one.
Fiona
I’m a city girl turned temporary small-town resident—yes, I know, cliché. But after my life in Manhattan unraveled, I needed a reset. So when my aunt invited me to Maple Falls, I didn’t hesitate.
The slower pace is exactly what my burned-out brain needs. I’ve even made a few friends—including Weston Smith, a new player for the Ice Breakers hockey team who shows up when I need him most.
A local crisis draws me in, and suddenly I’m more involved than I ever planned. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or maybe it’s Weston. I came here planning to leave… but now, I’m not so sure.
Weston
Maple Falls is my fresh start—new team, new town, and a chance to prove myself. I didn’t expect to get wrapped up in this community so fast—or to fall for a certain city girl.
Fiona is bold and energetic, and I’m drawn to her more every day. When she’s pulled into a town-wide crisis, I don’t hesitate to help.
Maple Falls isn’t just where I play hockey—it’s starting to feel like the place where my future truly begins.
***
Soulmates and Slapshots is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. In this slow burn, soulmate romance, a charming city girl meets a nice guy who falls first. Set in a small town with all the chemistry, but none of the spice.
Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.
Fake-Off with Fate by Whitney Dineen
Offside and Off-Limits by Kate O’Keeffe
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Skating and Fake Dating by Ellie Hall
Goalie and the Girl Next Door by Elsie Woods
Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin
The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington
Excerpt:
This town has a serious love affair with hockey, and honestly, it’s amazing to witness. The energy in the room crackles with excitement, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in it. Everywhere I turn, people are talking about the upcoming season like it’s a holiday they’ve waited all year to celebrate. When Troy Hart, the Ice Breakers’ owner, steps up to the mic with Coach Hauser at his side, the crowd quiets instantly. They speak confidently, assuring the crowd they are in for an exhilarating season.
As they finish, the room erupts in cheers and applause, the sound practically shaking the walls. It’s the official kickoff of the season, and it feels more like a celebration than a press event. I can’t help the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel tonight because this is the first time in years I’m not suiting up with the Wolves. I thought there’d be more sadness and more doubt. But instead, I feel…charged. The optimism in the room is contagious, and I find myself feeding off it.
I weave through the crowd, shaking hands, exchanging high fives, soaking in the warmth and enthusiasm from fans who already seem to have my back. But even as I’m nodding along and thanking people for their support, my eyes are scanning the room.
I’m looking for Fiona.
It doesn’t take long to find her sitting alone at a table tucked near the edge of the room with a wine glass in her hand. Her effortless elegance radiating as it did earlier in the evening. The quirky aunt and her bright pink dress are nowhere in sight.
I hesitate for a few seconds. I want to go talk to her, but I also don’t want to overdo it. If I sit down, she might start thinking I’m intentionally following her. Then again, I haven’t spoken to her since I arrived tonight. And technically, I am supposed to be mingling with the guests. This is part of the job.
I take that as my answer and make my way to her table. “Is this seat taken?” I ask, placing my hand on the back of the empty chair. “I’m worn out and need a place to hide for a few minutes.”
She grins. “I’m not surprised. Schmoozing with fans seems like hard work.”
I chuckle as I sink into the chair. “It definitely takes a lot of energy.”
“I was actually surprised you didn’t get up there and give a speech,” she says, sipping her drink.
This makes me laugh. “Me? Nope. I leave that to my teammates. Speeches aren’t my thing.”
“Well, you seem to have a lot of people rooting for you,” she says. “There’s a real buzz about the new team. I’m looking forward to seeing a game.”
Hearing this is music to my ears.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. She brought this vision to life, becoming an award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. Melissa is also a wife, mother, new empty-nester, and travel advisor.
Her books feature charming, ambitious, and real women, whom she considers part of her tribe. Although she rarely takes a day off, when she’s not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and booking Disney vacations. Melissa still uses a paper planner, and her guilty pleasures include Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.
Visit authormelissabaldwin .com to sign up for her newsletter.
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Links To Soulmates and Slapshots
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Sarcastically Yours, Jen 
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