MK
Mary Kozar
Jan 30, 2026 🇺🇸
★★★★★
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The Sweet TalkerA Hockey Romance Series
Boston Hawks Hockey
The Heart Chaser
BOOK 6 OF 9
BOOK 6 OF 9
E-BOOK · DIGITAL
Notorious ladies’ man Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me. 💃🏻🍹
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The Heart Chaser
Boston Hawks Hockey · BOOK 6 OF 9
Chapter 1: Abbi
“Look who’s banished to Boston now,” I mutter under my breath, recalling my best friend Chloe’s words when she moved to the city at the start of last summer. Now, she’s happily in love with her boyfriend, Boston Hawks Captain, Austin Merrick. The man I need to thank for securing me this job as my life in New Jersey disintegrated.
I sigh, staring up at The Meadows, the ice hockey arena that houses the Boston Hawks Hockey franchise. It’s going to be my place of employment as soon as I walk through those doors.
Snow skirts around me as the wind howls, blowing an icy blast straight through to my bones. But I don’t feel the cold. My heart rate thrums in my temples, as nerves skate up my spine.
I just need to walk through those doors and find HR.
A car passes going well above the speed limit, sending a spray of melted snow over my heeled boots. They weren’t the most sensible shoe choice, but they make me taller. More confident. Still, I don’t budge.
Will I see him? On my first day in my new job, will my path cross with Luca Pandatelli’s?
The thought causes bile to rise in my throat even though the likelihood is slim. But now that the thought has floated through my mind, a slew of others follow.
Did he tell his teammates that he fucked the new department head of Youth Outreach? That he worked her over so good, her body didn’t just shatter, but some of her walls came down? That he left her with stars in her eyes when he kissed her goodbye and promised to call?
Except he never did. My chest aches at the reminder of Luca’s rejection.
Will I walk into The Meadows and receive long side glances and under-the-breath quips like I did at my old job?
A blaze of anger rolls thorough me at that reminder. Getting involved with my boss, Phil Rickens, was a massive mistake for many reasons but the way he manipulated me out of a job is the one that hurts the most.
Phil’s a retired NFL player. Every athlete I’ve ever dated, and there have been many, has lied through their teeth. But with the majority, I never expected more than casual fun. Only three managed to make me hope before showing their true colors.
First, my college boyfriend, the baseball player I was going to marry until he knocked up my sorority sister. Then, Phil when he said he was divorced but really meant separated and in marriage counseling. Now, they’re expecting a child. Surprise! And lastly, Luca Pandatelli who kissed me goodbye with intention on his lips and a promise in his voice. I’ll call you. Except he didn’t.
I scratch my cheek and try to steel my shoulders. Gran’s words—dry your eyes, lift your head, and straighten your spine—float through my mind but tears prick the corners of my eyes.
Losing Gran in early November was the final nail in the New Jersey coffin. With no job, no family, and no relationship to keep me in Hoboken, I leapt at the chance to start over in Boston with the Hawks franchise.
Being in Boston means being close to Chloe again but it also means dealing with Luca Pandatelli. I can’t overlook that Luca built me up just as Phil started tearing me down. That for one weekend, he made me feel cherished and whole. That he didn’t run from my oversharing or my tears but engaged in a real, meaningful conversation. His kindness, the empathy in his eyes, and the sincerity in his voice, made his subsequent dismissal downright painful. But I should have known better. Every time I trust a man, I get burned, and Luca is no different.
“You lost or somethin’?” a male voice with a Southern drawl asks and I turn, my breath freezing in my throat when I recognize Declan Yaeger, one of Luca’s teammates.
I stare at him, my mouth opening and closing several times. Does he remember me from that weekend? From drinks at Taps? Does he know?
He frowns, squinting at me like he can’t place my face. “Do I know you?” he asks after a moment.
I release an exhale. I can do this. I’m here for the job, for the fresh start it provides. I know Austin personally placed my resume in front of senior management and the Hawks owner, Scott Reland. I know I’m qualified for my new position, but I probably wouldn’t have secured it so easily, or quickly, without the bit of nepotism that played in my favor. I swore I would start this opportunity the right way. Professional, polite, and focused on the work.
I smile and hold out my hand. “Hey, Declan, right?”
He nods, glancing at me uncertainly.
“I don’t know if you remember me but we met over the summer at Taps.”
“We did?” Panic ripples over his expression.
Damn, does he think we slept together? Is that all men think when they see me? Do I give off vibes of being an easy lay? An obvious target?
I nod, keeping my expression neutral. “Yes, I’m Chloe’s friend, Abbi. I accepted a job here in Youth Outreach. Today’s my first day,” I explain, glancing over my shoulder at the massive, imposing building.
Just walk through the damn doors already!
When I turn back to Yaeger, he’s smiling broadly, relief in his eyes. “Abbi! Yes, of course I remember you. You and Chlo had a bachelorette party that weekend.”
“That’s right.”
“Good to see you again,” Yaeger says easily. “You want me to show you where HR is?”
My heart rate ticks up at the kindness in his tone. He doesn’t know about Luca. If he does, he doesn’t let on and for that I’m grateful. Some of my worry bleeds out and I nod again. “That would be great, if you don’t mind. I don’t want to hold you up.”
“Not at all.” He tips his curly head toward the front doors. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to whoever we pass so you’ll start off on the right foot.”
I smile, my teeth flashing from my overwhelming relief. That’s right. I’m starting off on the right foot. I fall into step beside Yaeger as we cross the street.
He tugs the door open and holds it for me as I slip inside, the warmth of indoors hitting me straight on. I unwind my scarf from around my neck and glance around the sterile hallway.
“Offices are this way.” Yaeger points toward a stairwell.
I follow him up the stairs.
“When did you move to the city?” he asks.
“Friday,” I say. “The past few weeks have been a whirlwind.”
“Yeah, management is eager to kick off the Youth Outreach program with the start of the new year. The team is pretty pumped about it too. There’s something special about connecting with kids, remembering how it felt to skate on the ice for the first time. Score a goal.” He shoots me a crooked smile and I grin back as he holds the stairwell door open.
“I bet. I love working with kids. At my last job, I was in charge of the football programs so it’s exciting to try out a new sport.”
“Cool. Well, if you need any help with anything, don’t be afraid to reach out. Any of the guys would be willing to jump in and support any new initiatives.”
“Thanks,” I say, meaning it. This is what I hoped for when I accepted this position. After things went south with Phil and me, no one wanted to work my events. It didn’t matter that the downright hostile brush-off hurt the kids. My reputation was so damaged—home-wrecker—that not even a worthy cause could encourage my colleagues to do the right thing.
“I need a few days,” a voice bellows from the open door to a conference room. But it’s the sound of it that pulls me up short. Luca’s voice hits me straight in the chest as memories of that weekend flood my mind. The pain in his tone, the rawness of it, scrapes at me and renders me immobile.
A deep sigh. “I know, Panda. I’m trying to work with you.”
“You okay?” Yaeger asks, his hand finding the small of my back.
I shoot him a weak smile and shake my head. “Yeah, sorry.”
“Coach—” Luca starts again.
A female cuts him off, “Panda, your new endorsement contr—”
“Fuck my contract,” Luca’s voice rings through the hallway as I fall back in step with Yaeger.
Yaeger shoots me an apologetic look. “We’ve all got a bit of an ego,” he jokes.
I force a shaky chuckle just as Luca comes barreling out of the open door, nearly colliding with me.
“Shit,” he swears, his arm wrapping around my lower back to keep me upright as I teeter on my heeled boots from the impact.
Yaeger quickly steps behind me, his hand wrapping around my upper arm to steady me.
“Sorry,” Luca breathes out. “I didn’t see—” His eyes slam into mine and he freezes. The frustration in his deep, baby blues turns to ice. “Abbi?”
I shuffle back half a step, my body pressing more firmly into Yaeger’s. He doesn’t release his hold on my arm and in this moment, I’m grateful for that too. Seems like Declan Yaeger is going to be my first real Hawks friend, not counting Austin.
“Pandatelli,” I say, relieved my voice doesn’t shake the way my knees are.
Luca narrows his eyes, taking in his teammate’s hand on my arm.
Yaeger gives me a little squeeze before dropping my arm. He points to a set of double doors. “HR is just through those doors, on the left. I need to take this.” He slips his buzzing phone from his back pocket and shakes it at me apologetically. Before he answers, he asks, “You good?”
I hold my breath in my lungs for an extra beat before releasing it, reminding myself to breathe. “I’m good. Thanks, Declan.”
“‘Kay. See ya around, Abbi.” Yaeger lopes off, raising his phone to his ear.
Luca continues to watch me, his gaze glacial. His jawline, deliciously shadowed in scruff, is hard enough to break glass. His lips are a firm line, as severely unrelenting as my new life outlook.
“What are you doing here?” Luca demands.
I roll my lips together. Professional, polite, detached. This is my new mantra when it comes to men I have history with. “I accepted a job,” I say, professionally.
“Here?” he asks, incredulous.
I nod.
He narrows his eyes. “Why?”
I narrow my eyes back. Why? What kind of a question is that? “Because it’s a good opportunity for my career.”
Luca scoffs, pinching the inside corners of his eyes as if seeing me somehow ruined the equilibrium of his morning. I can’t imagine how since he clearly never gave me a second thought. “Your career, huh?”
My uncertainty gives way to a current of anger that feels a lot safer than vulnerability. But I don’t let it show, because, polite. “Correct. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I move to sidestep him, keeping my spine straight and my chin held high.
But his arm darts out and he wraps his hand around my forearm, his eyes flashing with too many emotions to decipher. “Abbi, I…” he falters, frowning as he stares at me.
Detached. “See you around, Pandatelli.”
I shake off his touch and push through the double doors.
“Look who’s banished to Boston now,” I mutter under my breath, recalling my best friend Chloe’s words when she moved to the city at the start of last summer. Now, she’s happily in love with her boyfriend, Boston Hawks Captain, Austin Merrick. The man I need to thank for securing me this job as my life in New Jersey disintegrated.
I sigh, staring up at The Meadows, the ice hockey arena that houses the Boston Hawks Hockey franchise. It’s going to be my place of employment as soon as I walk through those doors.
Snow skirts around me as the wind howls, blowing an icy blast straight through to my bones. But I don’t feel the cold. My heart rate thrums in my temples, as nerves skate up my spine.
I just need to walk through those doors and find HR.
A car passes going well above the speed limit, sending a spray of melted snow over my heeled boots. They weren’t the most sensible shoe choice, but they make me taller. More confident. Still, I don’t budge.
Will I see him? On my first day in my new job, will my path cross with Luca Pandatelli’s?
The thought causes bile to rise in my throat even though the likelihood is slim. But now that the thought has floated through my mind, a slew of others follow.
Did he tell his teammates that he fucked the new department head of Youth Outreach? That he worked her over so good, her body didn’t just shatter, but some of her walls came down? That he left her with stars in her eyes when he kissed her goodbye and promised to call?
Except he never did. My chest aches at the reminder of Luca’s rejection.
Will I walk into The Meadows and receive long side glances and under-the-breath quips like I did at my old job?
A blaze of anger rolls thorough me at that reminder. Getting involved with my boss, Phil Rickens, was a massive mistake for many reasons but the way he manipulated me out of a job is the one that hurts the most.
Phil’s a retired NFL player. Every athlete I’ve ever dated, and there have been many, has lied through their teeth. But with the majority, I never expected more than casual fun. Only three managed to make me hope before showing their true colors.
First, my college boyfriend, the baseball player I was going to marry until he knocked up my sorority sister. Then, Phil when he said he was divorced but really meant separated and in marriage counseling. Now, they’re expecting a child. Surprise! And lastly, Luca Pandatelli who kissed me goodbye with intention on his lips and a promise in his voice. I’ll call you. Except he didn’t.
I scratch my cheek and try to steel my shoulders. Gran’s words—dry your eyes, lift your head, and straighten your spine—float through my mind but tears prick the corners of my eyes.
Losing Gran in early November was the final nail in the New Jersey coffin. With no job, no family, and no relationship to keep me in Hoboken, I leapt at the chance to start over in Boston with the Hawks franchise.
Being in Boston means being close to Chloe again but it also means dealing with Luca Pandatelli. I can’t overlook that Luca built me up just as Phil started tearing me down. That for one weekend, he made me feel cherished and whole. That he didn’t run from my oversharing or my tears but engaged in a real, meaningful conversation. His kindness, the empathy in his eyes, and the sincerity in his voice, made his subsequent dismissal downright painful. But I should have known better. Every time I trust a man, I get burned, and Luca is no different.
“You lost or somethin’?” a male voice with a Southern drawl asks and I turn, my breath freezing in my throat when I recognize Declan Yaeger, one of Luca’s teammates.
I stare at him, my mouth opening and closing several times. Does he remember me from that weekend? From drinks at Taps? Does he know?
He frowns, squinting at me like he can’t place my face. “Do I know you?” he asks after a moment.
I release an exhale. I can do this. I’m here for the job, for the fresh start it provides. I know Austin personally placed my resume in front of senior management and the Hawks owner, Scott Reland. I know I’m qualified for my new position, but I probably wouldn’t have secured it so easily, or quickly, without the bit of nepotism that played in my favor. I swore I would start this opportunity the right way. Professional, polite, and focused on the work.
I smile and hold out my hand. “Hey, Declan, right?”
He nods, glancing at me uncertainly.
“I don’t know if you remember me but we met over the summer at Taps.”
“We did?” Panic ripples over his expression.
Damn, does he think we slept together? Is that all men think when they see me? Do I give off vibes of being an easy lay? An obvious target?
I nod, keeping my expression neutral. “Yes, I’m Chloe’s friend, Abbi. I accepted a job here in Youth Outreach. Today’s my first day,” I explain, glancing over my shoulder at the massive, imposing building.
Just walk through the damn doors already!
When I turn back to Yaeger, he’s smiling broadly, relief in his eyes. “Abbi! Yes, of course I remember you. You and Chlo had a bachelorette party that weekend.”
“That’s right.”
“Good to see you again,” Yaeger says easily. “You want me to show you where HR is?”
My heart rate ticks up at the kindness in his tone. He doesn’t know about Luca. If he does, he doesn’t let on and for that I’m grateful. Some of my worry bleeds out and I nod again. “That would be great, if you don’t mind. I don’t want to hold you up.”
“Not at all.” He tips his curly head toward the front doors. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to whoever we pass so you’ll start off on the right foot.”
I smile, my teeth flashing from my overwhelming relief. That’s right. I’m starting off on the right foot. I fall into step beside Yaeger as we cross the street.
He tugs the door open and holds it for me as I slip inside, the warmth of indoors hitting me straight on. I unwind my scarf from around my neck and glance around the sterile hallway.
“Offices are this way.” Yaeger points toward a stairwell.
I follow him up the stairs.
“When did you move to the city?” he asks.
“Friday,” I say. “The past few weeks have been a whirlwind.”
“Yeah, management is eager to kick off the Youth Outreach program with the start of the new year. The team is pretty pumped about it too. There’s something special about connecting with kids, remembering how it felt to skate on the ice for the first time. Score a goal.” He shoots me a crooked smile and I grin back as he holds the stairwell door open.
“I bet. I love working with kids. At my last job, I was in charge of the football programs so it’s exciting to try out a new sport.”
“Cool. Well, if you need any help with anything, don’t be afraid to reach out. Any of the guys would be willing to jump in and support any new initiatives.”
“Thanks,” I say, meaning it. This is what I hoped for when I accepted this position. After things went south with Phil and me, no one wanted to work my events. It didn’t matter that the downright hostile brush-off hurt the kids. My reputation was so damaged—home-wrecker—that not even a worthy cause could encourage my colleagues to do the right thing.
“I need a few days,” a voice bellows from the open door to a conference room. But it’s the sound of it that pulls me up short. Luca’s voice hits me straight in the chest as memories of that weekend flood my mind. The pain in his tone, the rawness of it, scrapes at me and renders me immobile.
A deep sigh. “I know, Panda. I’m trying to work with you.”
“You okay?” Yaeger asks, his hand finding the small of my back.
I shoot him a weak smile and shake my head. “Yeah, sorry.”
“Coach—” Luca starts again.
A female cuts him off, “Panda, your new endorsement contr—”
“Fuck my contract,” Luca’s voice rings through the hallway as I fall back in step with Yaeger.
Yaeger shoots me an apologetic look. “We’ve all got a bit of an ego,” he jokes.
I force a shaky chuckle just as Luca comes barreling out of the open door, nearly colliding with me.
“Shit,” he swears, his arm wrapping around my lower back to keep me upright as I teeter on my heeled boots from the impact.
Yaeger quickly steps behind me, his hand wrapping around my upper arm to steady me.
“Sorry,” Luca breathes out. “I didn’t see—” His eyes slam into mine and he freezes. The frustration in his deep, baby blues turns to ice. “Abbi?”
I shuffle back half a step, my body pressing more firmly into Yaeger’s. He doesn’t release his hold on my arm and in this moment, I’m grateful for that too. Seems like Declan Yaeger is going to be my first real Hawks friend, not counting Austin.
“Pandatelli,” I say, relieved my voice doesn’t shake the way my knees are.
Luca narrows his eyes, taking in his teammate’s hand on my arm.
Yaeger gives me a little squeeze before dropping my arm. He points to a set of double doors. “HR is just through those doors, on the left. I need to take this.” He slips his buzzing phone from his back pocket and shakes it at me apologetically. Before he answers, he asks, “You good?”
I hold my breath in my lungs for an extra beat before releasing it, reminding myself to breathe. “I’m good. Thanks, Declan.”
“‘Kay. See ya around, Abbi.” Yaeger lopes off, raising his phone to his ear.
Luca continues to watch me, his gaze glacial. His jawline, deliciously shadowed in scruff, is hard enough to break glass. His lips are a firm line, as severely unrelenting as my new life outlook.
“What are you doing here?” Luca demands.
I roll my lips together. Professional, polite, detached. This is my new mantra when it comes to men I have history with. “I accepted a job,” I say, professionally.
“Here?” he asks, incredulous.
I nod.
He narrows his eyes. “Why?”
I narrow my eyes back. Why? What kind of a question is that? “Because it’s a good opportunity for my career.”
Luca scoffs, pinching the inside corners of his eyes as if seeing me somehow ruined the equilibrium of his morning. I can’t imagine how since he clearly never gave me a second thought. “Your career, huh?”
My uncertainty gives way to a current of anger that feels a lot safer than vulnerability. But I don’t let it show, because, polite. “Correct. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I move to sidestep him, keeping my spine straight and my chin held high.
But his arm darts out and he wraps his hand around my forearm, his eyes flashing with too many emotions to decipher. “Abbi, I…” he falters, frowning as he stares at me.
Detached. “See you around, Pandatelli.”
I shake off his touch and push through the double doors.
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The Series
Meet the Boston Hawks
I’ve sworn off hockey players. Until the pregnancy test turns pink. 💗🍼 Explore The Sweet Talker →
My brother’s best friend always saw me as a kid. Now I’m his new roommate—and all grown up. 🧳🔥 Explore The Risk Taker →
NHL hotshot Torsten Hansen is a lot of things. My husband shouldn’t be one of them. 💍✈️ Explore The Faker →
Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now he’s the man on my mind. 🐚👙 Explore The Rule Maker →
I’m nurturing, trustworthy, and professional. Until my one-night stand turns out to be my new boss. 🧸🪁 Explore The Defender →
Notorious ladies’ man Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me. 💃🏻🍹 Explore The Heart Chaser →
I always knew I’d marry Declan Yaeger. That was before he became my first heartbreak. 💐💒 Explore The Trailblazer →
He was supposed to be my hot summer hook-up. Now he’s my stepbrother’s new hockey teammate. 🌺🤯 Explore The Hustler →
Boston Hawks owner Scott Reland is my father’s biggest rival. But when he catches my eye, I don’t look away. 🧁🥵 Explore The Scorekeeper →
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The Sweet Talker
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I’ve sworn off hockey players. Until the pregnancy test turns pink. 💗🍼
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The Risk Taker
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The Risk Taker
My brother’s best friend always saw me as a kid. Now I’m his new roommate—and all grown up. 🧳🔥
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The Rule Maker
Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now he’s the man on my mind. 🐚👙
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The Defender
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The Defender
I’m nurturing, trustworthy, and professional. Until my one-night stand turns out to be my new boss. 🧸🪁
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The Heart Chaser
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The Heart Chaser
Notorious ladies’ man Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me. 💃🏻🍹
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The Trailblazer
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The Trailblazer
I always knew I’d marry Declan Yaeger. That was before he became my first heartbreak. 💐💒
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The Hustler
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The Hustler
He was supposed to be my hot summer hook-up. Now he’s my stepbrother’s new hockey teammate. 🌺🤯
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09
The Scorekeeper
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The Score Keeper
Boston Hawks owner Scott Reland is my father’s biggest rival. But when he catches my eye, I don’t look away. 🧁🥵
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The Heart Chaser · Synopsis
The Heart Chaser
Notorious ladies’ man Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me. 💃🏻🍹
Notorious ladies' man and hockey hotshot Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me.
Not only did we spend an entire weekend in bed together, but he confided in me, sharing painful truths about his past. With a kiss good-bye and a promise to call, something sparked between us. Something that broke through my walls.
Except he didn't call. And I re-enforced my walls with steel and barbed wire.
Now, I've accepted a job with the Boston Hawks franchise, making it inevitable that I see the last man I want to cross paths with. I'm prepared to dismiss him and pretend like our weekend together never happened.
But the regret in Luca's eyes and the apology in his voice catches me off-guard. The harder I push him away, the harder he pulls me in.
Until the one thing I can't accept, can't forgive, comes to light.
And I'm left wondering, is Luca only interested in the chase? Or is he really playing for keeps?
Not only did we spend an entire weekend in bed together, but he confided in me, sharing painful truths about his past. With a kiss good-bye and a promise to call, something sparked between us. Something that broke through my walls.
Except he didn't call. And I re-enforced my walls with steel and barbed wire.
Now, I've accepted a job with the Boston Hawks franchise, making it inevitable that I see the last man I want to cross paths with. I'm prepared to dismiss him and pretend like our weekend together never happened.
But the regret in Luca's eyes and the apology in his voice catches me off-guard. The harder I push him away, the harder he pulls me in.
Until the one thing I can't accept, can't forgive, comes to light.
And I'm left wondering, is Luca only interested in the chase? Or is he really playing for keeps?
“All the swoon. Oh my stars this book was just everything. The push and pull between Noah and Indy was absolutely brilliant on top of that sizzling chemistry that they both have.” ★★★★★ Suzanne Talkington, Amazon Reviewer
“Oh Noah and Indy. This is a first read for me by this author and wow I devoured it.” ★★★★★ Sara P, Amazon Reviewer
“What a way to start a series! Way to go Gina!” ★★★★★ Diann Bryan, Amazon Reviewer
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CHAPTER 2
02
The Heart Chaser
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The Heart Chaser — Chapter 2
Continue reading from the Boston Hawks Hockey series.
Notorious ladies’ man Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me. 💃🏻🍹
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The Heart Chaser
Chapter 2: Luca
I watch Abbi’s hips swing as she walks away from me. She doesn’t turn around. She doesn’t even seem affected by running into me while I’m left here…playing catch up.
Why the hell is she here?
Guilt wracks through me about the way I left things the last time we were together. I kissed her goodbye and told her I’d call. And then my life went to shit and I preferred to keep the reminder of her untarnished. If I called, I only would have fucked things up the way I always do with women. Because I never want what they want. I never want the commitment and the monogamy and the future.
But with Abbi, I could have. No. I shake my head, as if to clear the preposterous thought. I told Abbi not to settle and that’s exactly what she would be doing with me.
Besides, my family needed me and they trump everything.
But why is she working here? And why the hell didn’t anyone tell me? Does Austin know? He must know. Chloe and Abbi are joined at the hip. There’s no way she accepted this position without running it by him.
Hang on. Did he help her secure this position? Did he have a hand in this and purposely withheld the details from me? I frown, my anger redirecting toward my team captain which is pretty shitty since we’re having an incredible season.
Fuck. My drama-free personal life, well, as it pertains to women at least, just got a hell of a lot more complicated. I stare at the closed double doors that lead to Human Resources. I never meant to lie to Abbi. It’s just, after so many weeks holding my family together, too much time had passed. Too many things had changed to reach out to her.
Judging by her cool demeanor, I hurt her when she’s the first woman I ever really gave a shit about hurting. And that sucks.
I blow out another sigh.
It’s been one hell of a time lately and I was hoping that the new year would start off better. Considering Abbi Walsh just rolled back into my life, looking like she hates my guts, cozying up to fucking Yaeger, a dude I’ve been trying to wingman, blows that hopeful thought to smithereens.
I lean against the wall, pulling my phone out to check my messages. I scroll through them, a list of concerns from my siblings and their families. I glance back at the double doors.
Abbi would never be happy with a guy like me. Six months ago, maybe. But not since I stepped into the role I should have undertaken years ago. Not since I became Family Man Luca, which is fucking laughable because now, I’m even more emotionally unavailable than when I was just Playboy Panda.
But Abbi, with her hopeful eyes and her worry about being naive, played for a fool, deserves better than a guy who doesn’t know the first thing about making a woman feel like a priority. Nah, the best thing I can do for Abbi is make her think that night meant nothing. That we were nothing more than a summer hookup, a bout in the sheets, a weekend of tequila shots and questionable decisions.
She deserves a man who will keep his word. And I’m clearly not that guy. Not when I’m already supporting more women than I can manage. My stepmother, my sisters, my nieces—are relying on me now more than ever.
There’s no way in hell Abbi would want to come second to that. And she can’t just be a casual fuck buddy. Not after that weekend. Not when we shared things.
Even though I lied to Abbi six months ago, it was for the best. I’d rather her hate me now, after one weekend, than despise me for not living up to the hockey player she built up in her mind.
Pushing off the wall, I enter the stairwell and bound down the steps. I enter the locker room and change quickly, desperate to get a workout in. Anything to quiet the thoughts in my mind. Something to pour my restless energy into. I pop in my EarPods, pick an intense playlist on Spotify, and work out until I can barely lift my arms.
Still, images of Abbi plague my mind.
* * *
“Yo, you ever gonna tell me that Abbi Walsh is working here now?” I bite out at Cap when he enters the locker room.
Austin checks me with a hard look. “Didn’t know I needed to run senior management’s decisions past you, Panda.”
I roll my eyes. “Come on, Cap. You could’ve given me a heads-up.”
Austin leans against a locker and crosses his arms. “Or you could’ve called her and found out what she’s up to all by yourself.”
I snort out a laugh, narrowing my eyes at him. “You’re kidding me, right? You’re, what, not going to have my back now because you’re fucking Abbi’s best friend and—”
My words die a sudden death as Cap’s arm cuts across my windpipe. He shoves me hard against the lockers, his eyes angrier than I’ve ever seen them.
I hold up a hand and he eases the pressure against my throat, backing away.
“Fuck,” Austin swears running a hand through his hair. He points at me. “Don’t say shit about Chloe.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, because it was shitty of me to bring his girl into this. It’s just, I’m hurt he wouldn’t think to tell me about Abbi. Austin knows exactly what went down between us this summer. Is he angry with me about it? Is Chloe? Neither one of them let on and yet… “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Austin sighs, lacing his fingers behind his head as he turns and stares at me. “Chloe and I swore we wouldn’t get involved in whatever the hell transpired between you two. It’s just, you’ve had a tough go of things. So has she. We thought it best just to be your friends and not…feed you info about each other or complicate things when it’s clear you both want nothing to do with each other.”
I frown. What tough go has Abbi had? And what does Austin mean it’s clear we want nothing to do with each other? Did Abbi say that? Does she hate me for not calling?
Guilt burns through me, eating up my thoughts. Of course she hates me. I let her believe that our weekend would develop into more. I wanted her to expect something from me because when I kissed her goodbye, I intended on delivering.
“Whatever,” I say, keeping my voice neutral. “A heads-up would’ve been nice.”
Austin nods. “Well, she’s head of Youth Outreach now.”
My eyebrows lift. “Head? Of the program?”
“Yeah. She ran a lot of the football outreach programs for the New Jersey Kings for five years. She’s more than qualified for the position. And Boston will be a good change for her.”
I narrow my eyes. “Why?” I ask, even though the more important question is how the hell did I never ask what she does for a living? We spent two days wrapped up in each other and…she was right. I don’t really know her at all. Shame flares in my chest and I lift a hand to rub at it.
Austin shoots me a look. “I’m not sharing Abbi’s personal life with you. Just like I won’t share yours with her. You want to know what’s going on? Ask her.”
I don’t say anything and after a moment Austin sighs. “Look Panda, right now, the team’s in a good place. We’re having an incredible season. You really want to make a big deal out of this?”
“No.” I don’t. I just want to play hockey and be there for my family.
“Okay. So, we’re good?”
“All good, Cap,” I say.
“Other than a few outreach events, your path won’t even cross with Abbi’s. Unless you want it to?”
“I don’t.” I shut that idea down real fast. The best thing I can do for Abbi now is stay away. Just hold on to our weekend as a memory, a moment better left in the past.
Customer Reviews
4.6
★★★★★
Based on 2,926 multi-platform reviews for The Sweet Talker
5★
70%
4★
20%
3★
10%
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Reds Romance Reviews
Dec 19, 2025
★★★★★
I loved this first time read. It’s perfectly penned words and wonderfully crafted characters paint a beautiful love story you won’t soon forget!
The Sweet TalkerDG
Debbie Guilbeaux
Dec 14, 2025 🇺🇸
★★★★★
I bought the Boston Hawks set as a gift for my sister and ended up listening to it first. The narrator chemistry on book 1 is unreal. Worth every penny.
The Sweet TalkerF
Faith
Nov 22, 2025
★★★★★
A self-proclaimed nerd professor and an NHL star take a one night stand to a HEA. Smiles and heart eyes all over.
The Sweet TalkerRF
Rochelle Frye
Sep 5, 2025 🇺🇸
★★★★★
So easy to get the audiobooks downloaded to my phone and it was super fast as well. So far I am loving the books — I’m currently on book three of the series and dreading running out.
The Sweet TalkerJA
J.A. Owenby
Aug 27, 2025
★★★★★
Noah and Indy for the win! Throw in some hot hockey players, witty side characters, and irresistible chemistry, and I devoured The Sweet Talker.
The Sweet TalkerBC
Beautiful Chaos Reviews
Jul 18, 2025
★★★★★
What an unexpected sweet read! The Sweet Talker is a delicious romance between two really likable people who will form this series bedrock.
The Sweet TalkerST
Suzanne Talkington
Jun 12, 2025
★★★★★
All the swoon. Oh my stars this book was just everything.
The Sweet TalkerB
Becca
May 4, 2025
★★★★★
I couldn't put this book down and wanted to keep reading. The pull between these two was so well written and oh, the chemistry was hot!
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