The Games We Play Book 1: Red Line by LA Witt

 

The Games We Play Book 1

Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm.

Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s provoke the GM again, and he will regret it.

Except stick tape wasn’t the only line Theo skated over, and the temptation to cross it again has nothing to do with spite.

Equipment manager Christian Hayes has had that hot minor league player living rent-free in his head ever since they hooked up last year. It wasn’t love, but it was fun, and he wishes they could do it again because they want to—not as an act of rebellion. If Christian’s dad ever finds out, there will be hell to pay. But it’s a non-issue, since his dad—the team’s GM—has vowed to never call up that player again no matter how bad the team needs him… and he doesn’t even know Theo and Christian hooked up.

Now Theo’s back in the Rainiers’ locker room. They don’t dare risk a rematch—they both value their careers too much. All they have to do is ride this out for a few games until Theo’s sent back down. Easy enough. Right?

But their mutual attraction refuses to be ignored.

And it looks like Theo’s going to be staying a while.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211835785-red-line

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Theo has waited patiently to be brought up to the Seattle Rainers. Being in the minors is great, but to level up? Even better. And the time has come. But is gone just as quick. The day he is brought up is Pride Night and he is pumped but when the homophone general manager cancels the night in a screw you to everyone who identifies as queer, including his own son, who is one of the equipment managers, well Theo can’t sit back and do nothing. Theo has had a crush on Christian for a long time and to see his disappointment for the stunt his dad pulled in addition to his actions against Pride Night, he is going to take a stand. So he asks for the rainbow tape and the team is quick to follow. But the GM learns it was Theo’s idea and he is quick to throw Theo back down the minors with a threat he will remain there forever and Theo’s career is in his hands. Now a year later, the team has faced enough injuries that there is no choice but for Theo to move back up. And to see Christian again. After they hooked up last season. Theo and Christian know both their careers would be at stake if they hook up again, but neither of them have ever felt the pull that they have to one another. It’s a risk they are willing to take. Because neither are ready to give the other up. I loved Theo and Christian! Their chemistry was off the charts. The love between one another was so clear to see as they continued to see one another. And though they debated calling things off time after time, neither could let the other go. I really enjoyed this story and this hockey team. I am definitely looking forward to more stories in this series with these other authors! This was a great way to kick the series off.