The Shots You Take - The Library of the Uncommons

eBook, 329 pages

English language

Published by Carina Adores.

ISBN:: 978-0-3697-6184-2
Audible ASIN:: B0D7N6K8TJ

A sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-teammates and former best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance. From the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Game Changers series and Time to Shine. After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career-and his broken heart-far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life. Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam's not sure he'll ever win back Riley's trust after the way they left things-and the attention he's getting as a huge hockey star isn't exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now. As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried …

A sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-teammates and former best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance. From the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Game Changers series and Time to Shine. After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career-and his broken heart-far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life. Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam's not sure he'll ever win back Riley's trust after the way they left things-and the attention he's getting as a huge hockey star isn't exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now. As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried feelings start to resurface. But they'll have to square off with their complicated past if they're going to have a real shot at a new beginning.

1 edition

Wm. L. Roberts reviewed The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid

A lovable romp of lovable idiots

4 stars

The hockey romance sub-genre of gay romance is fascinating for how it directly addresses the homoeroticism of a hypermasculine sport, and how it can massively screw with gay athletes. This story takes us out of the game itself—but for some moments—and tells us instead about what comes long after the game, and the scars it leaves behind. I like the leads, I love their chemistry, and the feeling that some things aren't irrevocably lost.

Then I read a description and ask a friend if I'm reading a romance novel or a real estate listing, and have to pause to recompose myself. There are a few moments I wish we could see, rather than get oblique references back to, and there are some spots that felt a little forced, but overall, this was an excellent book with a genuine emotional journey for the characters. And descriptions of naked or nearly-naked …

The hockey romance sub-genre of gay romance is fascinating for how it directly addresses the homoeroticism of a hypermasculine sport, and how it can massively screw with gay athletes. This story takes us out of the game itself—but for some moments—and tells us instead about what comes long after the game, and the scars it leaves behind. I like the leads, I love their chemistry, and the feeling that some things aren't irrevocably lost.

Then I read a description and ask a friend if I'm reading a romance novel or a real estate listing, and have to pause to recompose myself. There are a few moments I wish we could see, rather than get oblique references back to, and there are some spots that felt a little forced, but overall, this was an excellent book with a genuine emotional journey for the characters. And descriptions of naked or nearly-naked hockey players, even years past their prime, will never get old.

Subjects

Gay relationships — Fiction
Hockey players — Fiction