Riley Mitchell has everything he could ever want. He’s a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion. He has great friends, a fun life, and he’s living out his dream of playing hockey in the NHL. Except one night, everything changes. After a car accident leaves him with an amputated right leg, he struggles with his identity. Who is he away from the ice? How is he supposed to live without the sport that means everything to him?
Enter Lexi Armstrong, the DC Stars athletic trainer assigned to Riley’s rehabilitation. Independent, proudly single, and a sarcastic ray of sunshine, she’s determined to help Riley feel better not just physically, but mentally too. And the friends with benefits arrangement they fall into? Definitely not part of the rehabilitation plan. It was supposed to be one night, but when just once turns into something much deeper than a romp in the bedroom, they have a decision to make. Do they fight their feelings and keep things purely physical? Or can they pull off a Hat Trick and find something that lasts forever?
Chelsea Curto delivers an emotionally charged, vividly poignant entry in the D.C. Stars series with Hat Trick. Centered on Riley Mitchell, an NHL defenseman facing life-altering tragedy, and Lexi Armstrong, the team’s steadfast athletic trainer, this book explores themes of trauma, healing, friendship, and the transformative power of love.
Riley, often portrayed as the quiet and shy one of the series, is involved in a life-altering car accident which results in the amputation of his leg above the knee, ending his professional hockey career. The first part of the book focuses primarily on the immediate aftermath and the trauma he must navigate, both physically and emotionally. He’s lost his identity. He’s lost his way of being. You can feel his anguish, his vulnerability, his torment. You are crying right alongside him and cheering for him as he navigates setbacks and triumphs.
Lexi, who has always had a soft spot for Riley, steps in to support him through the darkest time of his life. What started out as a professional relationship to aid him in his recovery, soon becomes very personal. Their connection grows stronger through moments of pain, sadness and compassion. Although her persona throughout the first three books lends itself to her fierce independence and sarcastic nature, she molds herself into Riley’s healer and his partner in book four.
As Riley undergoes grueling physical therapy, Lexi becomes a constant in his life. As their relationship transitions into a “friends with benefits” arrangement, deeper feelings are developing. His happiness and longing to be with Lexi are competing with his mental health struggles and need to find his new self-worth. Mental health is not linear. It ebbs and flows. It requires constant communication and emotional truths.
“I’ve been broken for months. Half of who I used to be physically and mentally, but when I’m with her, it feels like I’m on my way to being whole again. Every laugh of hers is a stitch that sews the busted-up, ugly parts of me back together. Every smile is a balm to the aches that linger around, and little by little, I’m on my way to being who I used to be.”
All the emotional build up comes to the surface and they must confront their feelings of love. They are forced to ask themselves if their relationship can survive Riley’s trauma but also Lexi’s own fears of letting someone else hold her heart.
“If you want to run, I’ll chase you. If you want to build a wall to keep me out, I’ll climb it. If you need time, I’ll give it to you. I’m patient, Lexi. I’m going to be waiting for you when you come back. However long that takes.”
The plot is emotionally driven, focusing on how a man builds a life after losing everything he thought defined him. Riley’s rehabilitation is not romanticized. We see the pain. We feel the tears. We rejoice in the small wins. I only wish that we had seen more of Lexi outside of what she is to Riley. She is fierce and loyal, which makes her Riley’s perfect match. However, I would have loved more insight into her friendships and her own confliction as an independent woman transforming into a woman who has found her romantic relationship home.
Hat Trick doesn’t follow the traditional sports romance arc. Instead of the adrenaline of the rink, we get the quiet, powerful story of a man learning to redefine success, love, and purpose. It is perfect for fans of heartfelt, character-driven romances, especially those who appreciate disability representation, mental health awareness, and found-family themes.