Offsides Book 3: Between the Pipes by JJ Mulder

 

Offsides Book 3

Nico Mackenzie is angry and argumentative— in every way, he is the exact opposite of NHL goaltender Anthony Lawson. Thrown together for a summer of coaching college hockey at South Carolina University, Anthony makes every effort to be friendly; Nico, on the other hand, seems intent on being infuriating and keeping the other man at arm’s length.

When a causal relationship forms between the pair, they form an unsteady truce. The summer is finite, however, and when it comes to an end a decision has to be do they end things as they are or try for more?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207670984-between-the-pipes

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Anthony has watched his two best friends find the love of their lives and he begins to wonder if that is in the cards for him. He’s tired of the hook up life and wouldn’t mind actually finding a partner. He just doesn’t expect that the first time he is attracted to a man and want to date him is Nico. Surly and stubborn and constantly picking fights with one another and yet Anthony is smitten. Nico has a bit of a right to keep his distance. His hockey career ending injury that left him essentially blind has taken its toll on him. He works hard to try and not let anyone notice is disability but it isn’t easy when he bumps into things or when he gets constant migraines. So yeah, he is a bit on the cranky side. And here comes Anthony pushing all his buttons as they work together for the summer hockey program at SCU. Eventually they give in to their attraction but there are some ground rules. Nico just wants casual and he isn’t ready to come out for the world to see. Though Anthony really wants to date Nico, in secret or not, he gives in knowing anytime with Nico is worth the heartache that will surely follow. Because I read SCU before Offsides, it was nice to get the background info on these two after seeing them in that series. I really enjoyed their story though I felt for Anthony as he was clearly falling hard for Nico but Nico was still too wary to take a chance and try to keep his distance. Was so glad when we reached their happy ending. I really loved this series so far and I’m glad to see there is more to come!