The Ugly Stick by Cori Lane
A Clean & Wholesome Hockey Romance
Stallions Hockey Romance Book 1
Release: May 26, 2026
If you’re craving a no spice romance with elements like…
🏒a hockey celebrity returning to his hometown
💛an ugly duckling becoming a swan
🏒a single dad with a very special daughter
💙a cozy small-town setting
🏒forced proximity
🩵a grumpy sunshine duo you can’t help rooting for
…this is the book for you!
When hockey’s grumpiest single dad returns to my hometown, he doesn’t even recognize me as the ugly duckling from his past.
I was the most forgettable girl in high school. You know the one – fat, braces, bad clothes, the works. And so painfully awkward that it never occurred to me to fight back, even when the other kids said I got beat with the ugly stick.
But ten years later, I’m a whole new woman. I’ve lost weight, gained confidence, and all I want is to enjoy the new life I’ve built and leave the past where it belongs.
Of course, that would be a whole lot easier if I didn’t just find out that big-time hockey star Caleb Stone, the leader of that crew of popular kids who made my high school life so miserable, is back home to play for the Stallions this year after losing his temper on the ice one too many times to stay in the big league.
It’s bad enough that he’s got the whole town talking, but now he’s eating at the diner where I work, shopping where I shop, and to top it off, he’s even living in my building!
Then I see him with his daughter. Daisy has Down syndrome and a smile that lights up a room. And as the sweet little girl and her single dad melt my heart, I start to wonder if maybe Caleb Stone isn’t the man I always thought he was.
So much for leaving the past behind me…
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The Ugly Stick: A Clean & Wholesome Hockey Romance by Cori Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Caleb and Olivia’s story started waaay back in high school. He was the popular guy everybody wanted and she, the ugly ducky that everyone picked-up on. But years have passed and Liv has her life together. She started living healthy, has a job she enjoys and friends that adore her. She hasn’t thought to much about Caleb and his friends right up until he’s forced to return to his home town with his adorable little girl.
Caleb doesn’t recognize Liv. She’s changed quite a bit but he had his own reasons for not stepping up when his friends were mean to everyone. Not that that’s an excuse but after he opens up to her, you kinda get to understand the complexity that is Caleb. He’s a changed man and wants to be the best man for Liv.
I’m not sure i ever read a hockey romance that didn’t not involve spicy moments. But here i was not missing it for a second. The story had a easy flow and enough chemistry that made me forget this was a “clean” romance. My first book by this author and I’m definitely coming back for more.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
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