Release Blitz: Charlie: Beth Bolden
CHARLIE
October 22, 2026
There’s nothing Charlie Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.
When Avery’s traded to the Bandits mid-season, it should be the happiest day of Charlie’s life. Charlie loves having his big brother around again, but not everything is roses and sunshine.
Charlie’s best friend Max—and the guy he’s secretly been in love with since his rookie season—is suddenly challenged by the team, the media and the fans to step up and be better leadership material than the newest Barnes addition. Everyone’s tired of the Bandits losing and the big trade means that winning is no longer optional.
Being captain of the New York Bandits isn’t always easy, but Max Meier loves it. Loves the team and his teammates enough to give up his dreams of playing hockey in his native Germany.
But there’s nobody he loves more than Charlie Barnes. He never dreamt Charlie might return his feelings, until a leaked video makes it crystal clear Charlie feels the same.
It’s a challenge, navigating the intense politics of a hockey team, even without the big brother of your unrequited crush hovering over your shoulder.
This time, though, Max is determined to ace every test, score the goal, and win Charlie, once and for all
Name graphics from Author's Facebook
Well, from the first book, I just assumed that Charlie and Max were just completely oblivious idiots who did not know they were in love. But there was more to it and in this one, OMG, these two were just killing me. Or really, Charlie was.
Charlie Barnes had been conditioned by his father to be the perfect hockey-playing machine, avoid distractions, and win. He has internalized this pressure so much and tried not to make mistakes. He was used to taking the attention to protect his siblings. He has many aspects of his personality. He can appear cocky, confident, and a diva on the ice. But he is also kind, sweet, loyal, and sunshiny. But in trying to be the perfect son, he can be anxious and bows down to pressure, and he denied himself something he really wanted.
Max told Charlie how he felt three years ago, and he was disappointed that Charlie denied he felt the same. Max and Charlie were able to come back to a very close, even touchy-feely friendship. Max is the team captain who tries to be good, positive, and fair. He has been understanding and has done what he could to still have Charlie in his life as much as possible.
But when Charlie's true feelings from back then are outed in a public way, Max is hurt, and Charlie is mortified. Charlie does not want to lose Max, but he is also afraid to take the leap. And now that Max knows it was not all one-sided, he is not sure he can maintain their friendship as it was. He has always been patient, but now he might be ready to push back a bit more.
The back and forth and the pining was killing me...and them...and their teammates.
Charlie will have to decide what he can live with and without. If Max would be a distraction or if they could be even stronger and better if really together. This is a story of best friends and teammates, hidden love and second chances. But is also Charlie's growth arc and embracing his own needs and standing up for himself while also improving his relationships with his brothers.
This brings back Ethan and Tucker from the first book, and there is a tie-in with another book. I am looking forward to big brother, Avery's book as his story has been teased, and I am here for the antagonism and angst.
Hockey Bros
ETHAN
Hockey Bros #1
Kim's 4.5 star review
Tropes: double bisexual awakening, player x player, black cat x golden retriever, grumpy x sunshine, pining/yearning
There’s nothing Ethan Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.
Starting his rookie season on the New York Bandits, Ethan’s finally going to get the chance to play with his brother Charlie. But while Charlie’s great—a fantastic roommate, a better teammate, and a damn good forward—it turns out the guy Ethan’s really interested in doesn’t have a last name of Barnes.
Hank Tucker’s been working his ass off for two years to make the Bandits opening roster as one of their starting defensemen. What he needs is determination, hard work and focus.
What he doesn’t need is a rookie forward with a famous last name, who, since the first time they met at development camp last year, has permanently moved into his thoughts with his rumpled curls and magnetic smiles and killer body. No matter how grumpy Hank is or how determined he is to shake him, Ethan’s sunshine ends up buried deep under Hank’s skin.
Hank’s always been sure he was straight. But Ethan tempts him and entices him and ultimately, makes himself so irresistible Hank’s got no shot at holding back.
Especially when it turns out that Ethan’s not just been working hard to make a spot on the Bandits’ roster but in Hank’s bed, too.
AVERY
Hockey Bros #3
Amazon
January 31, 2027
Final book of the Hockey Bros series, featuring the oldest Barnes brother, Avery.
January 31, 2027
Final book of the Hockey Bros series, featuring the oldest Barnes brother, Avery.
There’s nothing Avery Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.
Getting traded to the New York Bandits has made that dream possible, and Avery’s been enjoying every moment of it.
There’s only one wrinkle, and wrinkle’s name is Matt Daniels. AKA Danny.
Danny’s obnoxious and funny and actually kinda hot. But from the moment Avery arrived in New York, Danny’s made it clear that he doesn’t want Avery around.
Doesn’t want Avery interfering with the team. Or with the other guys. Or in games. Or in the locker room. Doesn’t want Avery period since he keeps insisting that he’s straight.
Except that Avery wants him.
He knows he should stay away, that he should give Danny the space to hate him in peace, but his crush—and the looming playoff run they’re all hoping to go on—make both of those impossible.
A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty novels and six short stories.
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