Helena Hunting returns to the college hockey romance genre with Chase Lovett Wants Me, delivering a charming story that combines her signature humor with authentic emotional depth. This standalone novel proves Hunting hasn’t lost her touch for creating engaging sports romances that resonate with modern readers.
Story Overview
Set at Tilton University, the novel follows Cammie Lovelock, an introverted Lord of the Rings fanfiction writer, and Chase Lovett, a charismatic hockey player. When a dormitory emergency forces them to share a hotel room, their paths collide in ways that challenge both characters’ preconceptions and comfort zones.
Character Development
Cammie Lovelock
Hunting excels in crafting a relatable protagonist in Cammie. Unlike typical romance heroines, Cammie’s passion for writing fanfiction and her social anxiety feel authentic rather than quirky character traits. Her journey from wallflower to finding her voice is particularly well-executed, especially in confronting mean-girl dynamics and claiming her space in Chase’s world.
Chase Lovett
Chase transcends the typical college athlete stereotype. His character arc from casual hookup enthusiast to devoted boyfriend shows genuine growth. His appreciation for Cammie’s writing and support of her interests makes him endearing beyond his physical appeal.
Writing Style and Narrative Strengths
Hunting’s prose shines in several areas:
Witty dialogue that feels natural for college-aged characters
Skillful balance of humor and emotional depth
Authentic portrayal of college hockey culture
Integration of fanfiction elements without overwhelming the main plot
Romance Development
The evolution of Cammie and Chase’s relationship is masterfully paced. Their initial physical attraction develops into emotional connection in a way that feels organic. The author effectively uses their forced proximity situation to reveal layers of vulnerability in both characters.
Notable Elements
Fanfiction Integration: The incorporation of Cammie’s Lord of the Rings fanfiction adds a unique dimension to the story. It serves both as comic relief and a vehicle for character development.
Hockey Culture: Hunting’s knowledge of hockey culture shines through in authentic details about team dynamics, game sequences, and the social aspects of college athletics.
Consent and Communication: The novel handles intimate scenes with clear consent and communication, setting a positive example for the genre.
Social Commentary
The book thoughtfully addresses several contemporary issues:
Social media influence on college life
Mental health and anxiety
Bullying and mean girl culture
The impact of family expectations
Areas for Improvement
While generally strong, the novel has some minor weaknesses:
Secondary character development could be deeper
Some conflict resolutions feel slightly rushed
The ending might be too neat for some readers’ tastes
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series or Sarina Bowen’s True North books will find familiar elements here, though Hunting’s voice is distinctly her own. The novel fits well within her bibliography, sharing themes with her Pucked series while maintaining its own identity.
Target Audience Appeal
This book particularly resonates with:
New Adult romance readers
Sports romance enthusiasts
Fanfiction community members
College romance fans
Readers who enjoy shy girl/popular guy dynamics
Technical Elements
The dual perspective narration works effectively, giving insight into both main characters’ thoughts and motivations. The pacing maintains reader interest throughout, with well-placed moments of tension and release.
Impact and Relevance
The novel succeeds in several key areas:
Authentic representation of college life
Positive portrayal of fan culture
Healthy relationship development
Strong female friendships
Cultural Context
The book captures current college culture while addressing timeless themes of self-discovery and first love. References to social media and current technology feel natural rather than forced.
Final Assessment
Chase Lovett Wants Me is a strong addition to the college sports romance genre. While it follows some familiar tropes, Hunting’s fresh take and strong character work make it stand out.
Strengths:
Engaging main characters
Well-developed romance
Strong sense of setting
Authentic college atmosphere
Unique fanfiction element
Areas for Development:
Deeper secondary character arcs
More complex conflict resolution
Additional hockey game scenes
Reader Recommendations
This book is perfect for:
Romance readers seeking authentic college settings
Sports romance enthusiasts
Fans of forced proximity tropes
Readers who enjoy nerdy heroines
Those who appreciate dual POV narratives
Series Potential
While this is a standalone novel, Hunting has created a rich world at Tilton University that could support future stories about secondary characters.
Conclusion
Chase Lovett Wants Me successfully combines classic romance elements with fresh, contemporary touches. Helena Hunting continues to prove why she’s a leading voice in sports romance, delivering a story that satisfies both genre expectations and modern sensibilities.
For readers seeking a college romance that balances humor, heat, and heart, this novel delivers on all fronts. The unique blend of hockey culture and fanfiction communities creates an engaging backdrop for a love story that feels both timely and timeless.