Two guys so in need of companionship, touch, and to feel wanted and accepted. But their lives are complicated by the circumstances that they find themselves in.

I absolutely loved this book. It pulled me in right from the beginning and I just didn’t want to put it down. Gavin is a widowed, single dad, and is starting over with a new career in Brooklyn as an athletic trainer for the Bruisers. He used to be easy-going and fun, but now he has to be responsible and has so much on his plate to juggle. But he’s caring, supportive, and just a nice guy. When he uncharacteristically goes out to a bar he is surprised to meet a guy that interests him and sparks fly. Until they realize one big thing...

Hudson is a hockey player that never seems to be able to achieve longevity on a team. He’s just been traded again and is starting over with the Bruisers. He’s trying to find his place on the team, deal with an injury, and keep his sexuality to himself. He is a bit broody at first but he has his reasons, and he is also caring and witty.

Two new guys to the team living too close and working too closely. But eventually, they find their way to a friendship and a secret fling. Hudson has never thought that he could be out and be a hockey player and live up to all the expectations placed upon him. And Gavin has to think about more than just himself and he’s already had such a loss that he doesn’t want to get hurt again. But even though they know that it’s not supposed to be a long-term thing and that they have to hide, messy feelings start to develop. But there are also some other messy complications too.

These guys are just so likable and so in need of companionship, care, and support. I loved their stolen moments but also loved seeing them intermix with each other’s friends and family. I really felt bad for Hudson and how much pressure he put on himself. He is scared of his sexuality hurting his career and of losing his place on the team as well as trusting someone with his heart. And I also felt bad for Gavin because his situation is complex and he’s going it alone as a single dad. The circumstances surrounding them are just hard and at times they are just not sure if there’s any way to be more and merge their lives and make it work.

This is a hot, sweet, emotional, player-trainer, single dad, secret affair story. There’s so much emotion and need between these guys, but there’s also banter, camaraderie, and amazing chemistry. I loved Gavin’s precocious daughter, and she never failed to make me smile. I enjoyed seeing so many of the Brooklyn crew. I just wanted to see everything come out okay for these two guys and they really did have a lot of challenges both within themselves and with possible repercussions. And there was a moment that I swear my heart just broke and I was wanting to throw my kindle across the room but at the same time had to grab it and keep reading.

I’m hoping that we may see some spinoff books from some of the new characters that were introduced toward the end. I’ve always been a fan of her Brooklyn series M/F books, but I have to say that this M/M book exceeded my expectations. I am so happy that she wrote an M/M story within this universe with two amazing heroes and I would love to see more.