A sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-teammates and former best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance, from the USA TODAY bestselling author of Heated Rivalry and The Long Game.
After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career—and his broken heart—far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life.
Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam’s not sure he’ll ever win back Riley’s trust after the way they left things—and the attention he’s getting as a huge hockey star isn’t exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now.
As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried feelings start to resurface. But they’ll have to square off with their complicated past if they’re going to have a real shot at a new beginning.
Riley is going through it. He’s dealing with grief and trying to move on. And after 12 years, his former best friend, one that got away, first love Adam shows up. Their history is tied and twisted from best friends and roommates, hockey teammates, secret, lovers, and unrequited love.
Adam hurt Riley so much that it sent shockwaves through his life that ultimately did significant damage to his career and mental health. But since coming home, he has found a new path.
Adam was not ready to admit the truth about himself then And it took him over 15 years to do so, but he also left other broken hearts along the way in his journey to self-discovery. But now they’re in their 40s, their hockey careers behind them, and they’re in the same place. But Riley is not only hurt, he’s bitter and angry and dealing with grief. And Adam knows that he was not fair and put Riley through a lot.
But can they find a way now to make amends and possibly even rekindle their friendship and maybe find a new way forward to be able to explore a true relationship?
This story is told in flashbacks and present day and it’s more emotional turmoil and slow burn. In the past and the present, it seems like one of them is fighting their feelings as hard as they can to protect themselves in some way. Can they get on the same page at the same time?
Their communication was a hot mess. Adam lied to himself (and to Riley) for so long. And then it was tainted by the years of distance, unresolved feelings, and fear. And even when they were starting to get to a better place it seemed like they still kind of avoided some of the big topics. Sometimes I just wanted to shake them and say "talk it out!" But I liked that Adam was willing to work hard to make it right this time and to be who Riley needed him to be. But Riley was understandably skittish and afraid to hope because every time he hoped in the past he ended up being the one that got hurt. But he never realized how much Adam hurt himself as well, because of their communication and avoidance of issues in the past. But I was glad to see them getting a chance to do better and figure out how to move on and find a new normal after hockey.
Rachel Reid
Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!
Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players.
Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.
Her Game Changers male/male hockey romance series is published by Carina Press and is available wherever you buy ebooks or audiobooks!
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