The Games We Play Book 3: Even Strength by Cari Z & Ann Gallagher

 

The Games We Play Book 3

Marek Stetina is so close to getting called up to majors, he can taste it. Maybe he wasn’t a number one draft pick like his brother, and maybe he’ll never be a Hall of Famer like his father, but he’s almost made it.

Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams—major league or otherwise—on ice.

Up-and-coming MMA star Carson Wrede’s career—hell, his entire life—has been off the rails ever since a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now he’s trying to find his balance again, both literally and figuratively. With each passing day, his chances of returning to the cage grow slimmer… as do his chances of paying that growing pile of medical bills.

Maybe a TBI support group isn’t the most romantic place to meet someone, but Marek and Carson can’t complain. While their worlds seem to be crumbling around them, they lean on each other through endless setbacks and frustration.

But is this just two guys helping each other through a tough time? Or is the connection between them real, honest love?

And is that love enough to see them through some unavoidable decisions about the careers they once lived for?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211836317-even-strength

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Marek and Carson are in need of a break. Both have been through a lot recently and need something good. And that becomes one another when they meet in an unexpected place. Marek is a hockey player in the minor league hoping to follow his dad and brother’s footsteps to play in the majors. But a horrible hit on the ice leaves him with a concussion like no other. Everything changes. And his recovery is slow and unpredictable. But the one good thing? Meeting Carson at a support group for those have been through similar injuries. Carson is a MMA fighter where a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now with his career stalled, it isn’t easy making a living. He is struggling every day to recover and to just make enough money to stay afloat. He lives in his car and teaches where he can. All in the hopes of getting back out there. Carson also is used to the bad things being thrown at you in life and when he meets Marek, it’s the first good thing. Now he will do what he can to hold on to Marek. These two are so sweet and just get one another. They become great supports to one another while falling for each other too. They both deserve some happiness after everything they have been through and are still going through. Because these poor guys and their concussions are no joke. A sweet romance with these two! I will say I wished there was more to their story!