The Games We Play Season 2 Book 2: Conditioning Loan by LA Witt

 

The Games We Play Season 2 Book 2

When a hockey star asks him to dance at a club, minor league forward Taylor Wilson is thrilled. Maybe that cute teammate who laughed in his face was wrong after all, and he is good enough for someone.

But then that star loses interest and bails… leaving Taylor back at bruised ego square one.

The universe isn’t done, either—months later, that star is getting ready to return to his team after an injury. The last step in his rehab? A two-week conditioning loan to Taylor’s team.

Vasily Abashev is excited to play for the Everett Orcas because it means he’s one step closer to being reactivated. He just isn’t expecting that cute guy he met at the dance club last summer to be his temporary teammate. Or linemate.

This could either be the longest two weeks of their lives… or not nearly enough time to work up the nerve for a do-over from last summer.

The Games We Play - Season 2 is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239427392-conditioning-loan

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Taylor’s hockey crush appears at the same club as him and asks him to dance, he can’t help but be thrilled. But when suddenly, Vasily walks away before anything more can progress, Taylor can’t help but feel the hurt at the sting of rejection. Months later, Vasily is sent to Taylor’s team on a conditioning loan after recovering from an injury. Vasily is surprised to see Taylor after what had happened between them but quickly clears the air of what happened that night. It’s well known that Vasily had a private relationship with a teammate that turned very public when they broke up. Putting himself out there again was hard and that night he met Taylor, turns out, he wasn’t quite ready. Clearing the air helped both of them, but the new problem? The attraction between them is still there and getting stronger the more they spend time together on and off the ice. But are either ready to put their hearts on the line once more? I really loved Vasily and Taylor’s dynamic. Their chemistry was great and it was so sweet to watch these two flirt and be the last to really realize they were doing it so obviously. I loved watching their friendship turn to more. A sweet story all around!

The Games We Play Season 2 Book 1: Rough Draft by RJ Scott & VL Locey

The Games We Play Season 2 Book 1

Success isn’t measured in goals or stats; it’s a rough draft waiting to be rewritten.

Walker Hannan was supposed to be the next big thing in the NHL. But instead of carving out a legendary career, he's been sent down to the minors to fix his game—and his attitude. The rink used to be his sanctuary, but now it feels like his prison. Angry, frustrated, and desperate to claw his way back, the last thing Walker needs is a distraction.

Enter Finn Carter—elementary school art teacher, eternal optimist, and the human equivalent of sunshine. With his paint-stained hands and infectious smile, Finn is everything Walker isn’t: open, warm, and willing to see the beauty in the mess. He knows life isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. And somehow, against all odds, he starts to chip away at the walls Walker has spent years building.

But just when Walker begins to believe there’s more to life than hockey, he gets the call he’s been waiting for—his shot at the NHL, his second chance.

Now, with his career on the line and his heart tangled in something real, Walker has to. Can he fight for his place on the ice without losing the one person who taught him how to live beyond it?

Rough Draft is a heartfelt opposites-attract, grumpy/sunshine, MM hockey romance about love, ambition, and finding a home where you least expect it.

The Games We Play - Season 2 is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239451242-rough-draft

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Walker knows he has issues. The kind of childhood trauma he endured left him with some anger and his only source of releasing it was through hockey. But hockey isn’t enough. Not when he gets into an altercation off the ice and he gets bumped from his NHL team down to the minors to regroup. He’ll need to get on meds, talk to a therapist, and…take an art class. He knows he has a lot to work on when it comes to himself and he’ll put in the work to get his second chance at the NHL. He just didn’t imagine falling in love while he was healing. Finn is an elementary school art teacher who loves his job even when things get rough. And when he takes on an art class to some hockey players all struggling with their own issues, he is surprised by the friendships he makes with them. Especially with Walker. He sees Walker for who he is and who he is trying to be. The connection between these two is strong and I loved how they slowly worked their way to a relationship beyond friends. It’s what both needed and only made them falling in love that much sweeter. I loved the cast of characters we got here and I’m glad to see a series is in the works to follow them! I will definitely be checking those out! 

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs

 

When the deadly werewolf Asil is gifted five blind dates by some anonymous “friends,” his reclusive life will never be the same, in this enthralling novel in stories from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series.

Includes two all-new stories as well as three previously published stories.

Dear Asil:

We are worried about you. A werewolf alone is a sad thing, especially at Christmastime. So we have a challenge for you: five dates in three weeks. We have taken the work out of it and connected you with five people from online dating sites. You should also know that we have informed the whole pack and instigated a betting pool. Have fun!

Sincerely,

Your Concerned Friends

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223854853-blind-date-with-a-werewolf

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

This book was so fun! I’ve missed being back in Mercy Thompson universe. And this time we get a set of stories around Asil. I don’t know what I expected in this book, but it was a lovely surprise. The Moor is a pretty scary werewolf after the Marrock. For those who are familiar with the series, Asil hasn’t really been all that stable when it comes to him and his wolf. He is very old and tired and after losing his mate, well you can imagine how difficult it has been. And controlling his wolf who is lost in anger isn’t exactly easy either. So when dear Concerned Friends decide to take matters into their own hands, life for Asil is about to be shaken up. These friends decide to send him out on five blind dates with a set of rules and challenges. Interest piqued in more ways than one, Asil accepts this challenge readily. And it is nothing like he expects. Five dates and short stories that interconnect, Asil finds one disaster after another. Fake vampires, real vampires, lions and tigers and… okay not bears but ghosts, let’s just say he is kept quite busy. But there are also some great surprises too. This was such a fun story and I loved seeing Asil finally get some much needed happiness by the end. It reminded me how much I love this world and I can’t wait for future books! 

Breach Wars Book 1: The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews

Breach Wars Book 1

We are at war. The interdimensional invasion brought us unimaginable suffering, but it also awoke talents slumbering deep within us, a means to repel and destroy our enemy. Every day new gates open, leading to breaches filled with monsters and valuable resources. If you are a Talent, your country needs you. The world needs you. Be the hero you were born to be.

Adaline is a Talent. Ten years ago, she had a happy marriage and a job she loved. The invasion shattered both. Now she works for the government, searching the breaches for magic metals and medicine to help Earth repel an interdimensional enemy. Two kids, one cat, bills, benefits, mortgage and school tuition...Risking her life became routine.

She had gone into the dimensional gates hundreds of times. She was always well protected. This time everything goes wrong. Now Ada is trapped in the labyrinth of alien caves unlike any other. Her only companion is a scared German Shepherd named Bear. Together they must uncover the breach's secrets and escape, because Ada promised her children that she will come home.

The future of humanity depends on it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239630748-the-inheritance

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

A new series by these authors and it is a very promising start! An interdimensional invasion ten years earlier sparked not only breaches opening where monsters and valuable resources await, but igniting abilities in humans. Ada is a Talent. And hers leads her to being in breaches more often than not. But one her own with two kids and bills to pay, she’ll take the risk. But this latest mission does not go to plan. Resulting in a lot of dead bodies and Ada being abandoned in a labyrinth of alien caves trying to survive and get back to her kids. Her only companion is a dog named Bear. Together, they face quite a lot of different things, changing themselves in the process, and learning way more about breaches and what is out there. Like any new series, you have a lot to learn when it starts off. And I’ll admit to took me a minute to figure out this new world and get into the story. But once I was in, I was hooked. This is the beginning of what I think is going to be a really great series. I loved our heroine, Ada! She was so strong and determined and refused to give up without a fight. We have so much left to explore and I can’t wait to see where this series takes us!

Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 8: Tempting the Teammate by Hayden Hall

Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 8

Andrei Sokolov has been my best friend for as long as I can remember.

We have played defense together since peewee hockey. We have been inseparable through every game, every road trip, and every bad decision.

Now we are back for our sophomore year at Northwood U, living in the same teamhouse, chasing the same championship dreams, and stuck in the middle of a brand new mess.

The Arctic Titans have been turned into the stars of a season-long docuseries, and apparently, I am the Ladies’ Man. Andrei is the Bad Boy Defenseman. We are supposed to play it up for the cameras, but being told who to be makes me itch. And when the edits start leaning into our so-called bromance, things get complicated.

Because lately, I cannot stop noticing the way Andrei looks at me when the cameras are not rolling. Or the way I have started looking back.

One kiss turns into a secret. A secret turns into late-night skates, empty locker rooms, and moments that feel too much like falling in love. And the closer we get, the harder it is to pretend it is just friendship.

Andrei says sneaking around costs him too much. I say I cannot risk losing what we already have. But with the whole world watching, I am running out of ways to hide what is real.

Maybe it's time to give them a storyline worth streaming.

Tempting the Teammate is a standalone novel set in the world of the Arctic Titans of Northwood U and reading earlier entries is not necessary for your enjoyment of this story. It’s a best-friends-to-lovers, gay awakening story playing out before the cameras and the whole wide world. Get ready for secret kisses, steamy nights, and the found family unique to the Arctic Titans series. Return to Northwood U for the happiest ever after in all of romance.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240297892-tempting-the-teammate

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

In a surprising twist, we have returned to Northwood U! Our story follows Andrei and Griffin. These two have been best friends since they were kids. Their bond unbreakable as they stayed together and played hockey together all the way to college. But as close as they are, they have their own secrets. Even from each other. And the biggest secret is held by Andrei. Andrei realized a long time ago that he was in love with his best friend. But fear of losing Griffin has kept his mouth shut not only about his feelings but about his sexuality as well. But something big is happening this hockey season. Their team has been asked to star in a docuseries that is coming off more like a bit of drama and lots of acting. With a camera in your face, Andrei realizes quickly that hiding how he feels for Griffin is not as easily disguised. And that it may be only a matter of time until Griffin puts the pieces together. Then what will happen to them? Meanwhile, Griffin has indeed been oblivious to Andrei’s feelings but watching themselves and what the outside world thinks of them, he is starting to realize something. His feelings for his best friend is changing. Into something way beyond friendship. But what if it ruins everything? Is this a secret he can keep in the hopes that he won’t lose the one person that matters? Let’s just say these two have some things to figure out but once they do, it’s great! I love seeing a good best friends to lovers romance. And this one was a nice opening your eyes to what is in front of you and realizing that this person by your side was always meant to be there. Glad to be back at Northwood U and I’m looking forward to more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Smithton Bears Book 3: The Roommate Game by Lane Hayes

Smithton Bears Book 3

The hockey player, the figure skater, and the roommate situation…

Gus

No one knows how to make a party last quite like me. Technically, I should have graduated three years ago, but I love Smithton, I love hockey, and the team needs a good captain with a positive outlook. That’s me. I love this town and it loves me.

Well, everyone except my roommate.

Rafe doesn’t like me at all—total mystery. I’m a nice guy. Ask anyone. He’s the one with stick-in-the-mud-itis. However, that might be exactly what I need to curb my compulsion for nonstop fun ’cause like it or not, the excess partying is taking a toll. I need to slow down, switch gears, and maybe use my free time to make things right with my roomie.

In a twist, Rafe’s not so bad. He has a great smile, pretty eyes, cute dimples, and—

Oh, man. I think I have a situation.

Rafe

This cannot be happening. I’m a competitive figure skater with goals and big plans. How did I get saddled with a party-boy hockey-hero for a roommate?

Oh, yeah, I mistakenly assumed the captain of the hockey team would be a serious person. Wrong. Gus and I have nothing in common and I have no idea how I’m going to survive a year of this.

But in a twist, we’re good together in a crisis. So good, that I’m beginning to wonder if we could be something more than a couple of athletes playing the roommate game.

The Roommate Game is an MM light-angst, college hockey romance featuring a fun-loving captain, a serious figure skater, and a chance at forever.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239110237-the-roommate-game

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Rafe does not get along with his roommate. The hockey captain throws constant parties, eats his food, and just doesn’t seem to get that he is causing Rafe any stress. And what makes it harder is that Gus is legitimately a nice guy. He charms anyone he meets and it makes him hard to hate him when he is so genuine in their interactions. But just when Rafe has hit his tipping point, Gus makes a change. Next thing he knows, they are getting to know one another. Getting along. And with it comes a realization that they are very attracted to one another. And when they give in, it’s nothing either have experienced before. But what they have is just temporary, right? Gus knows that he has pushed his college career to the limit and it’s time to face reality and graduate and move on. He knows the career he wants isn’t what his mother wants and the pressure isn’t all that great. Especially since it has only added to his coping mechanism of alcohol. But he needs to clean up his act. So that is what he does. It’s hard but he knows it’s what he needs. And it also leads him to actually paying attention better to his roommate. They become…friends. And talking to him and confiding in him comes so naturally. Throw in the fact their chemistry is off the charts? Gus knows he is in trouble. But he’ll hold on for as long as he can before he has to let Rafe go. Adored these two! Poor Rafe really was having the absolute time with Gus, but I loved how their dynamic changed when they put in the effort. They actually balanced one another out so well and the like I said, the chemistry between them was great. I loved how they slowly became friends, even best friends, and they fell for one another hard. Another great story in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Noel I Won’t by DJ Jamison

 Will I give my heart away this holiday season? Noel, I won't.

When my first head chef gig implodes and I find out my dad has a health crisis, I go home for the holidays.

Only to find the lovable farmboy next door has moved in.

He's helping my parents run our family's Christmas tree farm. Has moved into my house. Has seemingly *replaced* me.

He may be gorgeous and a hard worker and even sweet when he wants to be, but I can't step aside for him. Can't let my parents continue to struggle with the farm.

Not even when we find new life for the farm--and for me as a chef.

Not even when Hopper warms my bed every night.

I might be falling in love--with Hopper, with my hometown, with a life I could never envision when I was eighteen and desperate to leave. But I vowed long ago that I'd never be happy in small-town Nebraska.

But when Hopper asks me not to leave him, what can I say except...

Noel I Won't.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242276423-noel-i-won-t?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=fIemi1qR7L&rank=1

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Noel didn’t have the best high school experience, so as soon as he was done he left and tried not to look back. Hard to do considering he loved his parents and their Christmas tree farm. But if he wanted to pursue his dream as a chef, he needed to leave. Ten years later, he is exhausted and his new head chef gig has exploded. And when he calls home and realizes that he missed his father’s health scare, he realizes just how much he has been neglecting his family. And when he sees that Hopper has basically moved in and “replaced” him, well he can’t help but be a little insecure and wary of his motives. But the more he learns about Hopper, the more he realizes how wrong he is. And that he may be falling for him. But his life is in Chicago, he can’t stay…right? Hopper can’t help but be a little wary that Noel has returned. He hasn’t been around in a long time, even missing the fact that his father was in the hospital. But as they get to know one another again, he realizes just how talented Noel is. And he is falling for him harder each day. He knows his heart will break when Noel leaves. But what if he can get him to stay? This was such a fun Christmas story! I loved getting to know Noel and Hopper and watching them fall in love. I also loved the many cameos from Granville and Riverton! Those are always so much fun to see. If you need a Christmas story and love DJ Jamison, then this is the book for you!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.