Another fun entry in the Appies hockey series. This is the perfect rice krispies trear of a book; its cozy, homey, sweet, and impossible not to like. There's not too much complexity, but it's still hard to resist. Very little of this book is realistic but in the best gauzey way. Curl up with a blanket and this book on a rainy Saturday and you won't be disappointed. Alwx.is yet another sweet yet masculine hockey player. There is a bit of an age gap between he and Evie but they have a lor.od chemistry. I like the lecel.of emotional intelligence both of these characters has. There was no instalove; many examples of them slowing down their pace and talking through differences. I truly appreciate that they both acted like adults. 3.5 stars of an enjoyable read. Thanks to Net Galley and Jenny Proctor for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

When Alec Met Evie is the sixth book in the Appies hockey team series which is shared between authors Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor. The first two books were also in the Sweater Weather series, a connected closed-door rom-com series by various authors. Emma St. Clair began the Appies series with Just Don’t Fall and then released her sequels, A Groom of One’s Own (Eli’s story) and Runaway Bride and Prejudice (Van’s story). When Alec Met Evie is the sequel to Jenny Proctor’s Absolutely Not in Love (Felix’s story) and Romancing the Grump (Nathan’s story). Each book can be read as a stand-alone but will be enjoyed more if read in order. Each story is closed door and told in dual POV.

23-year-old Evie Turner is a hardworking divorcee who is trying to improve her circumstances for her 40-month-old daughter, Juno. Although Evie is a graduate of Juilliard and is a professional violinist, she believes that if she completes a paid internship as a luthier, she will have more flexibility repairing stringed instruments and have less childcare expenses. So she accepts a nine-month internship in Harvest Hollow, North Carolina, leaving behind everyone she knows in Buffalo, New York.

Evie’s ex-husband, Devon, was a classmate at Devon, who had Broadway dreams and wasn’t interested in fatherhood. Evie’s constant throughout her life has been her best friend, Megan Sheridan, and the loving Sheridan family. While Evie’s parents are good people, they had their hands full with her older brother’s antics and her younger brother’s childhood cancer. When Evie arrives in Harvest Hollow, she is dismayed to discover that her rental house is flooded and temporarily uninhabitable. Her new neighbor, Ruth, is the aunt of the Appies manager, and offers friendship and her babysitting services. Megan’s older brother and Evie’s secret childhood crush, Alec Sheridan, comes to the rescue.

32-year-old Alec Sheridan is the Captain of the popular Appies hockey team. While his skills are good enough to play in the NHL, he prefers the laidback, fan-friendly AHL league. Alec has had three surgeries on his knee, and it’s giving him trouble now, although only his trainers know. He previously dated a lady he met while traveling, but their long-distance relationship was more work than either wanted to put in. He lives in a large four bedroom home in a gated community, primarily to maintain some distance from his fans.

When Alec and a few teammates arrive at Evie’s rental home and discover the flooding, Alec offers Evie one of his spare bedrooms. He has always considered Evie as another younger sister, because she was always there with his sister, Megan, and he is blown away by the grown-up Evie’s beauty. Evie stays out of Alec’s way and he realizes that he enjoys her company and wants to spend time with her and Juno. Meanwhile Evie knows that while her broken heart is mending, the timing isn’t good for her to get involved with another man, no matter how wonderful Alec is.

Alec gets roped into hosting a pair of 18-year-old twins from Texas, rookies on the Appies, at his home because they are immature and need some guidance. Having a house full of people makes Alec realize that he would like to settle down, but he continues to worry about the age gap. Alec and Evie have some major challenges if they want to build a future together. Alec is one injury away from his career ending, and there’s the possibility that Evie’s ex-husband is going to regret his abandonment of her. Megan is not against Alec and Evie becoming romantic, but she is concerned about Evie’s bruised heart.

When Alec Met Evie is this author’s best story yet! The genuine thoughts and emotions expressed by Evie and Alec are what elevate this story above other romantic comedies. I really like Evie because she is doing her best to deal with unfortunate circumstances, but she’s definitely not “a hot mess”. Alec seems perfect to others, but he’s struggling with his fears about his career and knee injury, and Evie is the only one who notices. There are many humorous scenes but no heartbreaking angst.

When Alec Met Evie is closed-door, so romantic scenes are limited to kissing. There is a light sprinkle of profanity, but no F-bombs. Readers don’t have to know anything about hockey to enjoy these Appies stories; the dynamic and banter between the teammates is what makes these stories so special. The continuing storyline of the Appies hockey team is great; the reader sees more of characters introduced or featured in earlier books. I sincerely hope that this author continues writing more books in this series!

After I ordered a paperback copy of the book from Amazon, I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) e-book from NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Set in the fictional town of Harvest Hollow, North Carolina, Evie and her infant daughter Juno move to town so she can start a new job. Sparks fly when she meets her best friend's older brother Alec again when he comes to help her move in. I have absolutely loved the Appies series, so to see the captain finally have his moment was so rewarding!

What I loved:
💜 Professional hockey player hero / captain of the team
💜 Single mom and luthier/violinist heroine
💜 Nine year age gap
💜 A different take on best friend's sibling
💜 Calming Juno down with Alec's voice
💜 "Apples"
💜 The Texas Twins
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 "Dream Team" text thread
💜 Firefighters + a tiny Dalmatian
💜 "Real men aren't afraid of boybands or therapy"
💜 Appie merch for his girls

4.5 / 5 stars

Closed door / kissing only

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Proctor, and Victoria Editing Co-Op for the eARC!

So fun to revisit the Appies with a best friend's brother, childhood crush, age gap single mom romance!

When Evie moves to harvest hallow post her divorce with 4 month old Juno, her bestie ropes in her brother on the Appies, Alec, to help her settle into her house. Knowing full well, Evie had a crush on Alec all growing up (despite him being 9 years her senior). A plumbing disaster making her new home initially inhabitable, Alec offers to have her stay with him because 'it's what his sister would have him do,' or is it? Even though they haven't seen each other in years, they're both very taken with each other from the get go. It was great to get to watch them reconnect, and grow as friends to more and see how positively sweet Alec eas with Juno.

While this series has been exceptionally light hearted, the content warning at the beginning did lead me to think this would have much heavier undertones, quickly clear to be about Evie's ex husband. And that was not the case what so ever. I was waiting for the book to break my heart so it could be out back together (and i was genuinely excited for this to be the case) but it didn't get to that point at all. It was still a very light hearted and quick closed door romance, with all the found family and positively sweet vibes one could hope for and I can't wait for the series to continue!



Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for my review!

Loved this book, the author is newish to me, so now I have the chance to go through her back list of books.

This was such a cute romance book. It was a nice palette cleanse for me. It's a closed-door romance with a sprinkle of age gap and best friend's brother.

Evie is a single mother moving to a new town after her divorce. Alec is a hockey player and her best friend's older brother that she's always had a crush on. After a series of unfortunate events, Alec offers to let her and her daughter move in for a while. With the proximity, they begin to grow closer even as his injury and who's going to be Juno's father figure loom over them.

It was refreshing to see the best friend support the characters getting together. Megan was more excited than they were about it. I also loved that there was proper representation of Alec stepping up to be a father figure. It's not an easy choice and When Alec Met Evie really showed that.

This was overall cute, funny, and very much needed.

This whole series just makes your heart happy. Alec and Eve‘s story is so sweet and I think it’s because from the very beginning, she saw him as more than a hockey player. I love that she was there to see all of his games, not just professionally, but through college and in high school. Alec is so strong throughout the series and such a leader, and it was great to get to see him and know him and know how his story finishes. I just love this book.

I absolutely loved this story, finally got to know the captain. I loved how emotionally invested I became in this story. I had some ugly sob moments towards the end. It was fantastic. Highly recommend this book and the whole appies series

I am seriously ugly crying right now! Straight up sobbing and all in my feels. Talk about an ending to an amazing series!

All the guys and their significant others are present (some via video chat) and the Appies are rock solid.

Almost.

And that’s all I can say about that.

Evie and Alec are incredibly well rounded and developed. I feel like I could call her up and ask her out for coffee, or have them over for dinner.

This is one of the best romcoms I’ve been blessed to read, and I’m sad to see the series end. I’m not at all sad to see the backside of Devon, however.

But is this really the end? Several more of the teammates are still single, Jenny Proctor. Maybe give Emma St. Clair a call?

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation, this is my heartfelt opinion. Highly, highly recommended!

This was my first book from this author.
It was probably the most realistic as far as the aftermath of the bodily cost of playing a professional sport until “old” age.
I don’t know professional athletes but I do know many retired military members and veterans.
It’s the similar to the cost of long serving military members.
Their bodies are tools.
Shoulder/knee/hip replacements, broken bones, TBI, etc. all par for the course.
No one can say it’s more dangerous to be a hockey player but the cost is your body for those few precious years you play.

So many hockey romances have guys who are 30-38 and are in fine health, have no issues and it’s just not realistic at all.
I can appreciate the realism the author provided here. Plus the #momlife truths in the book had me cackling.
Accidentally flashing someone while breastfeeding?
Yup
Not realizing you’ve got baby vomit on you until it’s too late? Yupppp
Trying to get saucy but baby wakes up?
It’s a miracle I have two kids!!!! 😂

I kinda wish there was more steam with the mains. I don’t mind dads to black but it needs to be clear there are things happening for me. It just feels inauthentic otherwise to me.

*When Alec Met Evie* is the perfect mix of swoon-worthy romance, heartfelt moments, and laugh-out-loud humor. Evie’s fresh start in a small mountain town takes a chaotic turn when she’s forced to temporarily move in with her childhood crush—who also happens to be her best friend’s older brother *and* a pro hockey player. Cue the tension, awkward moments, and undeniable chemistry.

Evie’s struggles as a newly single mom feel real and relatable, while Alec is the ultimate mix of charming and protective. Their slow-burn romance is filled with flirty banter, stolen glances, and just the right amount of tension—all without crossing into spicy territory.

If you love best friend’s brother tropes, forced proximity, and sports romance with heart, this one’s a must-read. Sweet, funny, and impossible to put down!

Alec is one player from The Appies who seemed to be the "dad" of everyone, given that he's the captain, so I'm really looking forward for his story. And let's say this exceeded my expectations. I love Alec and Evie as (fictional) persons. I think with dual POV, I can see more clearly how Alec and Evie slowly falls for each other, what makes them change, and how they embrace the change.

I love that all the supporting characters make appearance in this book because I just love love love Harvest Hollow. I'm always waiting for the description of this small town and its warmth for every series set in HH. I actually read The Sweater Weather series just to get more of Harvest Hollow (haha), and I just hoped that other characters from the series make appearances as well, or even mentioned in glances.

Overall, I love this book for the setting and sweet sweet romance. Perfect for a cozy read in a chilly day.

I love the hockey books and this is the last book of the series and in my opinion the best

Evie is divorced with a four month old and moving to a new state for a new start. Her rental is flooded and her friend’s brother who she had a crush on when she was younger was supposed to help her move in. As it was flooded he invited her to move in with him until her rental is ready.

This is a story about them building a relationship even though they were only to be friends as he is her friends older brother. Ups and downs with hockey players and friendships. A wonderful book

I absolutely LOVE The Appies series and have been looking forward to this one for a bit. I’m a sucker for single parent romance so of course I devoured this one. 10/10 SO CUTE

Loved!! I think this is the best Appies book so far. I laughed and cried. It was a beautiful story not just about love but about life. Jenny did an excellent job!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

Oh, this series! I'm not a hockey fan, but this romance series featuring the fictional Appies hockey team is the best. Written by the dynamic duo Jenny Proctor and Emma St. Clair who writes the perfect amount of sweet without the unnecessary spice! This is the grand finale for this series starring the team captain Alec and it was perfection. Book boyfriend alert! While you could read this book as a standalone, I implore you to start from the beginning because the whole series is worthwhile.

This had some favorite tropes: single mom, age-gap romance, little sister's best friend. I adored our couple Alec and Evie (and baby, Juno!) The storyline flowed, the characters felt authentic, and there were so many sweet, fun moments. I loved every single word! It was great hearing from our past lead couples and the friendship group was a bonus beyond the romance. I was quite emotional reading this last book and shed some tears as I turned that final page...sweet sigh.

5 stars

So going into this I didn’t realize it was part of a series however, it could definitely be read as a stand alone if you wanted to. I loved the single mom trope and I was a fan of the book actually focusing on the mother/daughter and not just the romance line. Alec was a perfect MC and over the book was such a refreshing read definitely a cozy comfort book! Thank you again for the ARC!

Where has this series been hiding? Even though this might be the last Appies book in the series, it is a complete standalone. I will say even though I haven't read the other books, this read as a perfect ending to the series and I will definitely be reading the other books now! The story was heartwarmingly perfect. I laughed and I cried (I mean you did mention Phil Collins what did you expect?!), what more can you ask for in a romance book. I love the development of all the characters. Alec is also such an easy MMC to fall in love with. There was the perfect amount of yearning and slowburn. I did not realise this was a closed door romance but it also did not hit me until the end and truthfully I didn't miss it at all. All in all this might go into my top five single mom books. Definitely a 5star read!

When Alec met Evie By Jenny Proctor

I got this book via @netgalley as ARC and heres my thoughts about it, which are all mine.

This book tells us Appies - fictional AHL teams - captains love story with his sisters best friend. And oh man I enjoyed this one, as any other book of the series.
I laughed out loud so many times when I was reading this one. And for me it was also quick read.
Both main characters faced hard things in the book and it was relatable to read who they found peace to their lives.
If you haven’t read this or any of the Appies book yet, I recommend 100%!

Both Evie and Alec's lives aren't quite going to plan: Evie is newly divorced and moving to a new place where she'll barely know anyone, and Alec is dealing with an ongoing knee injury that may or may not threaten his future in hockey.

When Alec's sister asks him to help Evie move in, he agrees pretty easily. What he doesn't expect is his near-instant attraction, not a flooded rental that leads to Evie and Juno staying with him. Alec is surprised by how comfortable and lovely it is having Evie and Juno around, and the two grow closer very quickly. They decide to give a relationship a chance, but Alec's injury is getting worse, and Evie's ex decided to try to weasel his way back in.

This is the sixth book in the Appies series, and I'm honestly very sad to see it end. This was a sweet, romanitc single-mother hockey romance with very little heat. Despite that, the chemistry between Evie and Alec was great, and the story was engaging. Unfortunately, because these books are self-published, my library isn't able to purchase them. However, I will continue to recommend them to people who have Kindle Unlimited or are especially interested in closed-door hockey romances.