I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Just Don't Call It Love by Erin Nicholas Series: Bayou Blades #1
Published by EN Fiction on January 23, 2026
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Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana—where the humidity feels personal, even the otters hold grudges, and chaos is a competitive sport.
I used to play hockey in sold-out arenas. Now my wrecked knee and I are stuck in a little bayou town that’s been mad at me for a year. I need a big comeback–and ZERO drama.
So first thing, I get tackled at the airport by a sunshiny woman in yellow overalls who’s thwarting my kidnapping… by her grandpas.
That’s Nora Delaune—Parks & Rec director, caffeine-powered menace, and the only person in Rebel willing to give me a chance. She needs me to win games and help save the town’s ice arena before it gets turned into a laser-tag nightmare.
And I… kind of like being needed by her. Even when she’s producing a singing, dancing, wig-wearing ice extravaganza that is definitely not hockey.
Then my sister—the team’s new owner—drops the bomb: if Nora and I “date,” the town might stop hating me.
Fine. We’ll fake it. As long as we don’t call it love.But between late-night practices, the sugar-addicted swamp-werewolf mascot, otter drama, and the way Nora looks at me like I’m worth rooting for…I’m in trouble.
I came to Rebel to rebuild my career.
I didn’t expect to lose my heart doing it.
Wild and crazy hilarity with a huge side of heart! Erin Nicholas is simply synonymous with heartwarming characters, snarky sass and smoldering passion! I’m a huge fan of all of her Bayou series offshoots and was overjoyed there was going to be another … or two! Don’t go into this book if you’re a die hard hockey fan and it’s going to drive you crazy if you don’t see true hockey playing out on the pages … because this book is filled with the heart of a player, but the humor of a town participation craziness that they make into their version of hockey. It’s funny and the characters on the team really make the whole thing work, but it’s not a national league type of sport. I sincerely loved every minute though! Nora and Alex meet indirectly and then plot to trick the town so he has an easier integration into making a success of the team and saving Mayor Harley’s job. The family and friendships surrounding them really add a heartwarming side to the story as their fake relationship turns into something very real before they can even turn around. There are many familiar faces if you’re a fan of Nicholas and it’s really cool to get to catch up with some favs and get more background on others. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series … and to getting Alex’s sister Astrid’s story in a spinoff Bayou Billionaires series soon! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a close knit town who loves hard and isn’t afraid to give some sass when it’s needed as one of their favorite members find her forever love.
Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana—where the humidity feels personal, even the otters hold grudges, and chaos is a competitive sport.
I used to play hockey in sold-out arenas. Now my wrecked knee and I are stuck in a little bayou town that’s been mad at me for a year. I need a big comeback–and ZERO drama.
So first thing, I get tackled at the airport by a sunshiny woman in yellow overalls who’s thwarting my kidnapping… by her grandpas.
That’s Nora Delaune—Parks & Rec director, caffeine-powered menace, and the only person in Rebel willing to give me a chance. She needs me to win games and help save the town’s ice arena before it gets turned into a laser-tag nightmare.
And I… kind of like being needed by her. Even when she’s producing a singing, dancing, wig-wearing ice extravaganza that is definitely not hockey.
Then my sister—the team’s new owner—drops the bomb: if Nora and I “date,” the town might stop hating me.
Fine. We’ll fake it. As long as we don’t call it love.
But between late-night practices, the sugar-addicted swamp-werewolf mascot, otter drama, and the way Nora looks at me like I’m worth rooting for…I’m in trouble.
I came to Rebel to rebuild my career.
I didn’t expect to lose my heart doing it.
Just Don’t Call It Love is a hot, hilarious, full-of-hijinks small town rom com with grumpy-sunshine, fake dating, found family energy that will make you want to buy season tickets to the wackiest hockey league ever!
