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Rules of the Game #2

Changing the Rules

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Rule #1: Don’t fall in love with the coach.

Gabriel Theriault’s been skating on thin ice for the past two seasons with Toronto but his arrest following an off-ice fight is the final straw.

His only shot at redemption is to start over in Evanston and prove that he still has what it takes to be a pro player.

No more fights. No more drinking. No more random hookups.

Rule #2: The team always comes first.

Years ago, Lance Tate’s on-ice injury ended his career and marriage.

His long road to recovery led to a job he loves as assistant coach with the Evanston Otters, and he wouldn’t dream of giving that up.

Until he meets Gabriel.

The French-Canadian is fifteen years younger, burdened by too much responsibility, and the most intriguing man Lance has ever met.

He’s also the absolute last man Lance should get involved with.

The draw between them is impossible to resist—even if it could cost them the game they love.

Their only chance at winning it all is to change the rules.

435 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2022

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About the author

Brigham Vaughn

65 books516 followers
Brigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.

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5 stars
453 (37%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
Profile Image for Grace.
2,939 reviews169 followers
May 5, 2022
2.5 rounded down

This should have been right up my alley, and it was fine, but something about it left me feeling a little unsatisfied.

First off, I didn't realize that the older MC, Lance, was going to be so inexperienced with men. Which isn't generally a problem for me, but the author just went *really* hard on the "practically a virgin" trope, and coming from a nearly 50-year-old man, who'd had plenty of sex with women/isn't exactly new to sex/intimacy in general, something about it just felt a little off for me and it prevented me from really loving the dynamics.

And then the pacing was a bit off. For all that this isn't a short book, I feel like once the characters decide to be together, they move really quick to love confessions and thoughts of forever, and I didn't feel like I actually saw that development happen on the page, so it seemed really fast.

This is also *very* clearly set within a larger world of the author's, most of which I'm barely or not at all familiar with, and it was incredibly distracting to have multiple couples and characters crop up that I was clearly supposed to already be familiar with. I wasn't lost without that context by any means, but there were at least three couples from different books (and even series!) from this author, if not more, and they all had way too much screentime.

I did enjoy the hockey aspect, which wasn't overdone, but was present enough to actually make it feel like a hockey book. While I didn't totally feel the characters' connection, I did enjoy them individually. I don't know, I feel like even with my issues I should have enjoyed it more than I did, but something about it just didn't quite connect for me, and I'm not particularly interested in reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Florence ..
893 reviews264 followers
May 8, 2022
RTC but I quite enjoyed this one. It was super sweet and I really loved all of the tropes in the story. I just found the book to be dragging a little and it was harder for me to get into some parts of the book. But I really enjoyed the romance in this one and how they got together. Also, one of the main characters in this book, Gabriel, is French-Canadian and I'm saying this as someone who's also French-Canadian, but I just loved him so much, he was basically my spirit animal with how typically French-Canadian he sounded. I thought that he was done in a great way, he was very much a stereotype of what it's like to be French-Canadian but I didn't even mind that, I thought it was fun to read about.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,212 reviews64 followers
September 29, 2022
Dark and Broody

Gabriel has been traded to the Otters in Evanston, Illinois, from Toronto. He’s just grateful to still be playing. And the move puts him closer to better medical care for his father who’s dementia from CTE is advancing rapidly. Gabriel will just keep his head down, focus on his play, and stay out of trouble. He made promises to his best friend, Noah, that he wouldn’t screw this up.

Assistant Coach Lance Tate is 49, divorced and still in the closet about his bisexuality. He’s not embarrassed, it’s just there’s been no need for it to be an issue. He hasn’t ever dated a man, just a hookup or two that didn’t go all that well. But the new defenseman, Gabriel Theriault, has certainly caught his eye. But that would be wrong on so many levels. He’s his coach. He’s nearly twenty years older than Gabriel. And although somewhat more accepting, the NHL and his team are far from comfortable with same sex relationships.

There’s a lot of angst and worry in this book. Homophobia and traumatic brain injury are prominent. Lance and Gabriel do make it through to a happy ever after but it’s a torturous journey. I did really like this book and I like this series. These were hard topics to explore. Thoughtfully written and romantic.
Profile Image for Kaje Harper.
Author 80 books2,586 followers
May 8, 2022
Gabriel is a top hockey player, but his life and his play have been affected the last couple of years by a problem he's promised to keep a secret. He's been angry, fighting on the ice, taking bad penalties, and sleeping with random people. Changing teams is his time for redemption, for rededicating himself to his game and keeping his nose clean. But the problem he's dealing with and hiding hasn't gone away with the move. And then he finds himself falling for the team's offensive coach - Lance is much older, stable, kind, and definitely off-limits for a player on the same team, even a defenseman like Gabriel.

Lance is fifteen years older than his players, divorced with adult kids, and settled with his team. He's bisexual, but hasn't really done much with men, but now that he's single, that interest is nagging at him. And he's never seen someone who appealed more than Gabriel. One of the team's players is obviously off-limits, but when he discovers what Gabriel is coping with in his life, and tries to help, what grows is not just sexual attraction, but something much more.

This was plausibly slow-burn, and I liked that the emotional connection mainly came before the physical. The topic of family responsibilities, of what we owe to people who both helped and damaged us, was well done and made the story unique. There's enough hockey action to ground the story in the sport, without overwhelming it.

I enjoyed the story a lot. There were some secondary characters who were probably from other books by this author, but I didn't feel that I missed much by not knowing who they were. The ending was warm and satisfying although I'm not sure it was 100% realistic. But I definitely liked the story and have the next one on my TBRs.
Profile Image for Devy B .
261 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2022
1 star for Murphy and Hartinger from the prequel of this serie. I can’t wait for their full length novel.

Dnf at 20%

I wanted to like this really but there was way too much talk about Gabriel’s hook ups with too much informations and details.
I knew beforehand that he was a manwhore and use to cope with what he was going through but I could’ve dealt with it if it hasn’t been mentioned a millionths time in every single page, every single monologue and dialogue. I couldn’t take it anymore.
Besides he was more than a just a manwhore, he was an A grade dirty whore and he was very proud of it.
I didn’t need to know he has a high sex drive and he fucked everything that moves. I didn’t need to know he bottomed for the 1st time because he was angry at his dad who said to him man or woman it’s the same thing. A hole is a hole.
I didn’t need to know he sipped champagne on a woman’s back when her husband was fucking him. I didn’t need to know that he fucked his teammates while their wives were watching and he fucked their wives with his teammates approval. Because he was a honorable man, he always ask for permission because he didn’t like cheating “roll eyes” ! I didn’t need to know that he fucked many bag dicks that were better than the one with who his wife’s teammates cheated on him with,
And he was Noah (he’s a second character in the prequel in this serie and he has his own book in another serie) fuckbuddy. I’m skipping Noah’s book.
And on and on and on ..
He’s his father son. Alain used to be a manwhore that’s how he got Gabriel’s mother a random hook up pregnant and they abandoned him.

DEAR AUTHORS, us readers we don’t want to read about MCs sleeping with other people and certainly not in every page and certainly not explicit !! And we don’t need MF scenes in our MM books. If we want te read about pussies and boobs we would be reading MF books.
Please take all this in consideration.

And I didn’t like his dirty flirting with Lance. He’s 50 years old, a very sweet and a very caring man. I loved him from the start. He was inexperienced with man and I didn’t like how Gabriel took advantage of that in their first date when Lance wanted to take things very slowly and get to know him better.
I haven’t feel any chemistry and no connection.
Lance is genuine, a keeper and a very romantic person, definitely not a hook up person. He deserved much much better.. He has feelings for Gabriel but but I don’t think it’s reciprocated, Gabriel was mostly interested in the physical side of the relationship. He will most likely be back to his whoring days sonner or later.


I highly don’t recommend if you don’t like to read too much informations about MCs sexcapades every 3 sentences.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,054 reviews29 followers
July 10, 2022
This was tense and beautiful. There was so much at stake for these two and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting, worrying, and hoping they get the ending they deserve.

Gah, these two were lovely, they both have had some blows in their lives (some literally) and neither have really had the support and love they needed. But Gabriel especially has had to figure out and deal with life on his own, and not always successfully. When he’s given a second chance, he’s ready to take it, and along the way learns it’s better to let people in.

I love how their relationship progressed, how sweetly they cared for each other. They were so strong and steady, and they were definite couple goals.
Profile Image for Edga.
1,872 reviews26 followers
April 13, 2023
I enjoyed every word of this. I fell in love with both Gabriel and Lance. Things were both raw and emotional between them, but together they're actually quite cute. It is however, a poignant read in places, both guys are not without their problems. I especially felt for Gabriel, his lack of self confidence, and the need to do what he considered the right thing were heartbreaking. When the two were together, I loved how Lance showed how much he cared for Gabriel. It's a great addition to the series, and I certainly hope for more. If you love romance (definitely not always straightforward), this is for you! The audible version is definitely worth a listen, the narration does a really good job at bringing the MCs to life.
Profile Image for ML.
1,330 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2022
Better than book 1

This book was a bit too long but it was a lot better than book 1.

Gabriel having to take care of a father who never took care of him is heartbreaking. Lance becomes his shoulder to lean on.

I wasn’t sure how it would all work out and some of the secondary characters were a bit annoying like can Malone go away for good. He takes the enjoyment out of every scene he’s in. Blech.

I’ll take a break before reading book 3. The storylines are a bit repetitive and I need a break from that. Over all this was a good book but a lot of filler that could have been edited out to make it a tighter story was needed.
Profile Image for loverexreads.
120 reviews19 followers
March 11, 2023
4.5⭐️

Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn is book 3 in the Rules of the Game series.

In the previous book, Bending the Rules, I was intrigued by the character of Gabriel who always seemed to be in a dark mood and held back a lot of anger. After hitting another player on and off the ice, he was traded to the Evanston River Otters. I was really looking forward to learning more about him and to understanding better what was behind the mystery that surrounded him.

I loved getting to know Gabriel and seeing the dedicated man that he was, both to his sport and to his ailing father. His character arc and story of redemption was captivating. I loved the forbidden aspect of his relationship with Lance, the assistant coach for the River Otters. Stakes were high on both sides if their relationship was discovered and it brought a lot of tension throughout the book. I didn't want to stop reading for a moment as I wanted to know how they would get out of this situation. Lance and Gabriel were made for each other, there is no doubt about it.

Since both MCs were members of the team it stands to reason that there was a lot of hockey. I think that's one of the reasons I enjoyed Changing the Rules so much. You can tell that Brigham Vaughn has a good grasp of the subject and has done her research. There is an authenticity that comes through in every scene where the game is involved and also through what happens in the locker room behind the scenes.

I love all the players on this team (maybe not Malone 😂) and I feel like I'm going to have a lot of fun getting to know each of their stories.
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
1,938 reviews
March 14, 2024
Ok, I loved CHANGING THE RULES and I was not expecting Gabriel to be so swoony! His relationship with Assistant Coach Lance Tate was unexpected for both of them but so sweet. I adored that their love was almost more about the emotional connection than the physical side of things (though there were plenty of steamy moments). Gabriel has long used casual hookups as a crutch to fight his loneliness and anger but since getting booted from the Toronto Fisher Cats he's really turned his life around. I loved how flirty and tender he was with Lance, who discovered his bisexuality later in life so he's not very experienced with men. They fell quickly but it was emotional and beautiful. The hockey scenes continue to be great and I loved seeing past couple Zane and Ryan as well as other queer couples making waves in the sports world. This series is definitely going on my favorites list!

Content Warning: on page parent with dementia; past traumatic brain injury

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:

"My life has been chaos for so long. The other day was chaos. And then you were there, and I could breathe. I could lean on you. I felt safe and like the world wasn’t crumbling around my ears."
Profile Image for K.R. Phoenix.
571 reviews24 followers
April 24, 2023
The chemistry!

Fun, steamy and sweet. This is a great hockey romance with secrets, lust filled glances and new discoveries.
I loved Lance and Gabriel!
The narrator has done a fantastic job with this one and the different accents. Their french is so sexy!
I loved the emotional depth of these characters and their growth over the story. I also felt it was a bit more honest of what could happen in and with a relationship like this one, rather than no talking and all the unnecessary drama. I also totally loved the special cameos of characters from her previous books!!!
Profile Image for Toni K.
522 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2022
Not my thing at all, boring, big age difference, Gabriel behaving like the fairy godmother of gay sex....I want Lindy's story.
Profile Image for Leelah&#x1f341;♋️ Orion.
1,174 reviews24 followers
May 1, 2022
hockey time

This was a wonderful journey. I love the way this had some angst to it but not a lot of angst. I love the diversity in the characters and the struggles that some of the characters had because of the diversity and that they actually talked about it but didn’t linger on it. That’s what I’m looking for in a diverse world I want you to have characters who are diverse and understand that in that world they’re going to have struggles because of it but I don’t want it to be a story that only concentrates on those struggles. This author did a really good job at bringing these up, and I hope that this author will even have a few of the diverse characters as the main characters. I love the hurt comfort love that was found here and I love that there’s more to this team. I’m assuming that some of the characters that showed up or were mentioned in this book were previous characters from a different series but you do not have to read those outside how much series to understand this book
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,239 reviews45 followers
April 26, 2022
This was sweet. Not in like a mushy way, but in the way two grown adults who are looking for more than a hookup fall for one another. It was genuine and they really cared about each other. There were definitely some steamy scenes, and the age gap thing wasn't so much an issue. The bigger issues were Lance wasn't really out yet and they had to keep their relationship a secret because of their careers.

Some of my favorite moments were the tender ones, like when Lance makes Gabriel soup, or when Lance had a heart to heart with his son. I'm looking forward to more books in the series, because I loved this one.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,499 reviews41 followers
April 29, 2022
Ohh Gabriel and Lance!! I sincerely fell in love with Gabriel and Lance!! I loved every word of this story. Their story felt raw and realistic. I especially liked how they weren’t looking for more than a hookup and found so much more. They were sweet together and perfect for one another. I do recommend reading the series on order. Strong world building and character development. Overall, the story was fantastic, kept me glued to the pages! The story was well written with awesome pacing. Highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Katherine.
4,872 reviews35 followers
July 1, 2022
This romance was really sweet. And it made me cry, dammit. Watching these two men slowly grow to trust each other, to let the other in. I really like the way the romance is handled by the two men and the org. Malone is an important character (villain) in this story. I wonder if he will feature in an upcoming book.

KU
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,007 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2022
Read in one morning!

Once I picked up this book, I could not put it down. I was so drawn into Tate and Gabriel that I was sad when the story was over. the emotional attachment these two men developed for one another was pure and sweet. There was no big break up scene which I enjoyed immensely. I did read Road Rules first from the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway which introduced this world. This series does interact with other books written by Brigham Vaughn that I will definitely be picking up in the future.
Profile Image for Smut Librarian.
1,167 reviews44 followers
May 22, 2022
I love it when you get a book that doesn't shy away from delving deep into connecting the characters on multiple levels - not just between the sheets. This story has many layers and each one is gripping and heartfelt. A brilliant read all round and should be shared far and wide!
Profile Image for Heather.
368 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2022
I loved this book! Hockey, hurt/comfort, age gap, super sweet relationship, no unnecessary angst - it checked off all my boxes.
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books102 followers
July 18, 2023
Age gap & slow burn. This is a delicious story with tropes that are perfect for me. Opposites attract and not so much a bisexual awakening as finally acknowledging that side of himself. It's glorious relationship development and a story I could read time and time again. I'm really hoping we get this in audio.
388 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2022
Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn is Book 1 in her Rules of the Game series. It is a pro hockey story of finding love between a player on the Evanston River Otters team and one of the coaches. Gabriel Theriault is playing for Toronto but his life is a mess. He has a lot of stress in caring for his father and playing for the team hoping to win the cup and the only way he seems to relieve it is through fighting or hook-ups. He almost ends his career over a fight with another player during an important game. Luckily his friend gets him traded to the Evanston team where he has to prove himself or he’ll lose his job and probably his chances of ever playing hockey again. He cleans himself up, hopes to get his father settled with him, and is doing what he needs to do to be the best defensive player he can. Unfortunately, because of all his problems he is somewhat closed off and doesn’t do much to get to know his teammates. Lance Tate is the offensive assistant coach for the team. He was a hockey player who almost lost his life to a head injury. This caused him to become a coach but it also led to problems as his marriage ended and his 2 children almost lost touch with him because of his anger from the injury. He is also very kind and caring. They meet during practice and they feel a spark but being together cannot happen because of the repercussions it could cause with their jobs and also, even though they are both bi, LGBTQ recognition in hockey has just begun so it is still an uphill battle. Their feelings begin to develop when Gabriel asks Lance for some help one night and the comfort they find in each other leads to more. They eventually commit, even knowing what it could do to their jobs, and try to keep their relationship a secret. But as secrets go, it does come out and they have to find a way to keep working for the team and still have each other to find their HEA. Although I am not a hockey fan I have really been enjoying Ms. Vaughn’s stories about it. She has a way to give information about playing the sport professionally while writing a great love story. There was a lot of hurt/comfort for them both Gabriel and Lance as angst with family problems, surly teammates, and keeping their secret as long as possible. There were also some wonderful side characters with teammates, once Gabriel opens up, and family members who believed in them and helped them. I was looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Profile Image for Marion.
998 reviews
April 29, 2022
This is Book 1 in the Rules of the Game: Evanston River Otters. This is the story of Gabriel Theriault and Lance Tate. Gabriel is a professional hockey player with so many stressors that his professional career is circling the drain. To take away the pain he uses sex and fighting. When a fight after a game gets him a season suspension he misses playing with his team when they win the cup. With his professional career hanging on by a thread; his team captain and best friend gets him traded to Evanston. This is his final chance to start over and salvage his career. Lance Tate is the offensive assistant coach of his new team. He is a divorced father of two who had a near life ending accident on the ice that ended his career. He recognizes the signs of stress and unhappiness that radiate from Gabriel. He decides to befriend him because he thinks Gabriel really needs someone. Gabriel doesn't want any help from anyone. He is drowning and doesn't know what to do anymore but he can't keep his promise to his dad if he tells anyone. He hasn't even told his best friend Noah. When a family emergency happens when Gabriel is with Lance, Lance discovers Gabriel's secret. He promises to help and not tell anyone. This begins the bond between them. There is a lot of drama in stress in both men's life with regards to family. Even though Lance is not the defence coach of Gabriel, both know that there will be problems if anyone finds out that they are in a relationship. One or both of them could lose their job or be traded away. Severe consequences are possible. Is this relationship important enought to both of them to take that chance? This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed their story. They had challenges to face but together is easier than alone. No spoilers but I sure hope that karma comes around and kicks Jack Malone in the seat of his pants a few times. I loved this book and look forward to the next book.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sheena.
605 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2022
4-4.5 stars

Although this is technically the first in a series, it does sort of follow on from Bending the Rules, and the free story Road Rules (which I loved and you can find here. ) You can read it just fine as a standalone though. We do meet Gabriel in Bending the Rules first, and find out a little about him. All that is covered here though so you won't miss out if you haven't read it.

This is Gabriel and Lance's story though, and I was really looking forward to it after meeting Gabriel in Noah's book. This is a story of second chances, and possibly last chances in Gabriel's case, at least for his career. I loved Gabriel, and hated seeing him so lost in Bending the Rules, I knew there was more to him and I'm so happy I got to see it. It's truly his redemption story, and especially after finding out more about him and his early life I was so happy to see him get his HEA. I liked both Lance and Gabriel, actually and there was a nice lack of angst between them, it was refreshing.

I liked the dynamic between them right away, how Gabriel opened up and trusted Lance, especially with his dad. It was hot, absolutely but the right amount of heat and fluff and I just adored these two. It's a great story too, neatly bookended with Gabriel's nemesis on the ice, and it was perfectly done. Jack Malone is an ass though, I won't be sorry if he gets his comeuppance at some point.

Even though I know eff all about hockey, I loved this book. I like this series, the two running concurrently and I'm here for more in this world. Compelling characters and stories, what's not to like?

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Juniper.
2,907 reviews21 followers
April 28, 2022
Both Gabriel and Lance are deeply sympathetic characters: Gabriel is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and while he’s self-aware enough to realize that his usual coping mechanisms (fighting, no-strings hookups) have become incredibly self-destructive, the burdens he carries and the promises he’s made make him feel like there’s no way out. That is, of course, until he gets a new start: a new team and a new romance. Having a partner to confide in and care for lets pieces of Gabriel that truly deserve to shine: things like his sincerity, his humor, his gifts as a teacher and mentor for younger teammates, grow and develop. Lance is good at his job and a good person, but he’s buttoned down his own needs for a partner and a life beyond work. Together, their chemistry is explosive, but even better, their genuine feeling for and investment in each other gives both men room to be their best selves. While Lance is great at little acts of care and being a supportive shoulder, Gabriel is exactly the kind of attentive, sensitive person that Lance needs as he explores what it means to him to be in a relationship with a man for the first time.

The dynamics of the hockey team are interesting and easy to be drawn into– there are lots of great personalities but it’s not a perfect world by any means– not all Gabriel’s teammates are awesome, not all team management politics seem fair or make sense. This makes for an environment that feels more realistic than idealized, and I appreciated that, just as I appreciated that the power dynamics and potential fallout from the fact that Gabriel is a player and Lance is an assistant coach were acknowledged and taken seriously. As an added bonus for readers, fans of the author’s previous works will see some familiar faces among the supporting characters.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Woodatsi.
370 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2022
Ms Vaughn has started a new series called Rules of the Game which tells us about two different hockey teams: The Evanston River Otters and the Toronto Fisher Cats. This book is the first one of the Evanston River Otters.

We meet Gabriel and Lance, respectively player and coach. Gabriel has been in a lot of trouble and has been traded to the Otters. He hides a lot of pain and anger due to family issues and knows this is a second chance he's been given, so he's determined to take it.

Lance is a coach on the same team and 19 years his senior. There is an immediate attraction between the two but they try to not give in. But after an event that leaves Gabriel pretty shaken up, he calls Lance for help and when he does so without pause, they get to know each other better and tentatively start a relationship. They do decide to keep it hidden because they're afraid for their careers. Of course, something like that can't stay hidden for long.

What I loved most about this book is the fact that the age difference wasn't a big issue. Both characters had a very mature feel and attitude, had great communication and when there was a problem the both worked on it.

There are some great side characters whom I hope will get their own book. There's also cameo appearences of Ryan and Zane (Road Rules) and Noah of the Toronto Fisher Cats who is Gabriels best friend.

It was a great story and I can't wait to read more. Highly recommended!!
Profile Image for L.D..
1,578 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2023
Changing the Rules is the second book in the Rules of the Game series, but it works very well as a standalone. Gabriel is a side character that appeared in the first book, but his appearances only hinted at the turmoil he faces in this second book. I suggest reading the first book because it’s enjoyable, but if you don’t have time before you want to dive into this one, you’ll be just fine.

Gabriel has shouldered so much stress and pain without any support. It’s a wonder he didn’t crack. I felt for him so deeply and was impressed with his fortitude. Lance was the answer he didn’t know he needed. Lance – wonderful and supportive Lance – he’s such a great character. After his own issues, he’s finally at a good place in his life, although his relationship with his son could be better, and he’s exploring his sexuality. Then Gabriel is traded to his team and everything changes. It’s almost a forbidden love, but somehow they make it work. There is drama and angst, but the happy ending is so worth it. Plus there’s a lot of sweet moments that were just perfect.

The audiobook was narrated by James Edward Jones who does a good job. I like James’ voice and thought he did a great job brining the characters to life, especially with all the Canadian French moments. The audiobook production was good, but sometimes there wasn’t a long enough pause between point of view transitions and I would get lost with who’s POV we were on for a few seconds.
Profile Image for UnusualChild{beppy}.
2,291 reviews59 followers
December 22, 2023
4 stars

Gabriel has things going on in his personal life, which causes him to react strongly when confronted while he's at work. Playing hockey. Which, a little aggression is good, but Gabriel takes if off the ice, and his team releases him. He gets a chance for a new start on a different team, and even though his personal issues come with him, Gabriel is determined to do it right this time. His new team is supportive, even if Gabriel can't really let them know what's going on with him, and one of the assistant coaches is really helpful. Eventually Gabriel lets him in, and the two develop feelings for one another. Lance has a little bit of an idea what Gabriel is going through, and doesn't want to lose Gabriel like he lost someone else, so he is there and understanding.
Soooo. I've read two other books by this author and haven't been impressed. I thought I would try again, because someone recommended it, and because hockey. I am glad that I did, because I really liked it. I kept wanting to read the other books in the series, then remembering that I didn't have them. I wasn't totally okay with how things happened for Lance and Gabriel with the team, but there are jerks everywhere. I did like the care taken by the author with Gabriel's situation, and how Lance and Gabriel dealt with each other and everything around them. And it is in present tense, which I dislike, so for me to not notice it most of the time, I have to be engrossed in the story.
Profile Image for Becky.
327 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2022
4.5 Stars

This was a beautiful story. Gabriel and Lance are wonderful together and I loved how their team came together for them. We were introduced to Gabriel in the first book of the series. He's just been traded to the Evanston Otters in his last chance to continue playing hockey. For some reason, he starts to open up and form a rapport with the offensive assistant coach, Lance Tate. When Gabriel needs help with his father, who is suffering from early dementia, he calls Lance to help. They start spending more time together and eventually start secretly seeing each other.

Gabriel shows so much growth in this book. In the beginning he is very closed off and carrying all his responsibilities/burdens on his own. He slowly opens up not only to Lance, but his team as well. It was great to see his mentality change and how it affected his life and his game. Lance is supper sweet and does so much for Gabriel. He's very careful about keeping their relationship secret and is wonderful when interacting with his father.

While the overall story is very sweet there's still a decent amount of angst. The angst is mostly surrounding the secretive nature of their relationship and what would happen if the team/management found out.

I received and ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
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