Stick Side Book 2: The Nature of the Game by Amy Aislin

Stick Side Book 2

Six years ago, an ultimatum forced Dan Greyson to make a choice that cost him everything he loved most. One of those things? His boyfriend, hockey player Ashton Yager. Now that they’ve crossed paths again, Dan isn’t about to let the opportunity slip away. Ash’s reappearance in his life is just the catalyst Dan needs to escape the rut he’s fallen into…and win back Ash’s trust and love.

Ashton Yager, once burned and now a little bit shy, didn’t mean to publicly come out as bisexual. But now that he has, he’s got to deal with the consequences, including the fact that it might’ve cost him his NHL contract. With his job on the line, he needs to keep his head down, work hard, and play the best hockey of his life. Rekindling things with Dan? That’s not exactly keeping a low profile. It’s also never going to happen, not after Dan walked away once without an explanation.

When a hurricane forces Ash to seek shelter out-of-state, he and Dan find themselves in the same B&B, where old feelings resurface. But with everything Ash has on the line, does he dare play with fire again?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45033763-the-nature-of-the-game

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dan gave up everything six years ago. His dream. His brother. And the love of his life. He was backed into a corner and to protect those he loved, he had to let them go and push them away. Then when he learned a few months earlier that all of his sacrifices were for nothing, Dan is ready to make amends. He started with his brother but then he crosses paths with Ash. The love of his life. The one he left without an explanation. All he wants is a second chance but if he can't get that then he wants to at least apologize and explain. But Ash won't listen. And Dan can't exactly blame him. It will take everything he can to make Ash realize that Dan is here to stay. But could it be too late? For Ash, seeing Dan again reminds him of all the heartache he endured. He doesn't want to know the truth. Not anymore. At least, he thinks so. But the more he sees Dan and the bits and pieces of clues that come from Dan and others, Ash begins to wonder if maybe he does need to know what happened. It will take a bit for his heart and head to truly forgive Dan. If he can. These two kept tugging at my heart strings. Learning everything Dan had to sacrifice everything and then it mean absolutely nothing? So rough. And when Ash doesn't want to hear him out, you just wanna shake him to listen! They have a long hard journey ahead of them but you'll want to cheer them on the whole time because these two deserve their happy ending, especially with one another. Loved this story! Can't wait for the next one.