Book Reviews

Book Blurb

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.

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.

 

Book Review

“Sweet and sexy” is a good description for this hockey romance, though it certainly does not start out that way. There is a lot of pain, and some major misunderstandings to clear up between former best friends and hockey teammates, Riley and Adam. They have not spoken in twelve years, and while both men regret this in their own way, it has created a rift and additional pain between them.

 

Riley returned to his hometown ten years ago after ending his hockey career and, as far as he is concerned, his friendship and more (at least for him) with Adam. His heart was broken and the only way he knew how to deal with it was to create distance. He has since built a life in Avery River, helping his father run a sports store. But when his father dies and Adam comes to town for the funeral, Riley must confront his feelings for a man he may still love. Not that he will admit this!

 

Adam continued his hockey career after Riley left and turned into a superstar. But a shoulder injury ended it all and has led him to reconsider his life, including his marriage to Maggie. He ended it when he realized he was gay but did not make much progress in terms of figuring out what that means for him – until he runs into Riley again. The chemistry he felt years earlier is still there, but so is Riley’s pain and lack of trust.

 

Both men have a lot to deal with, not least the unresolved situation between them. Second chances are not just rare; they are difficult to navigate. Once Riley and Adam get going though, hope blossoms and the “sweet and sexy” quickly takes hold.

 

If you love second chances, if hockey romances are your thing, and if you are looking for a story about two stubborn guys in need of learning to be honest about their real feelings, then you may like this novel.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 332 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	04-March-2025
Price	$11.99 ebook, $17.09 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Shots-You-Take-Rachel-Reid-ebook/dp/B0CW1H3HT7