Role Model (Game Changers #5) by Rachel Reid

 

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Troy Barrett has been freshly traded to Ottawa after calling out Dallas Kent during a team practice. He wants to be a better person, and the weird, scrappy energy of the struggling Ottawa team seems like the place to...well. It seems like the only place that will have Troy right now.

Fortunately the Ottawa team includes Ilya Rozanov and Wyatt Hayes, and also includes an adorable social media manager, Harris Drover. Harris is the opposite of Troy in every way: friendly, cheerful, chatty, and goofy with a booming voice, a startlingly loud laugh, and Pride pins all over his denim jacket. Definitely not the sort of person Troy would normally associate with, and yet… 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Role Model is a fabulous hockey romance. The fifth book in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series, it's a great addition to this hockey world.

Troy's world is a mess when he's traded to a new team. It's not easy to be accepted, due to some complications. As he finally tried to do the right thing, he's left with a bad reputation as a trouble maker.

Enter Harris, the team's social media manger.

I love the night and day difference between the two. And even more, I love the way the openly gay Harris is accepted by the team, and the way that Troy notices this.

This story is wonderful, with a slowly growing relationship between the two. The two men are great together, and I love the way everything evolves for the two.

I appreciate Troy's struggle with his sexuality and coming out. It's never an easy road in the hockey world, and the author does a great job once again illustrating this.

The redemption theme is a ever looming theme in this tale, as Troy works hard to change his imagine and redeem himself among the players and the fans. It's not an easy ride, but I enjoy the way it ends up.

And in the end, the theme of sexual abuse is a constant, as Troy is trying to bring light to the issue. It caused him major issues with his ex best friend, his former team, and the league itself. It's the classic let's not believe the women scenario. I found this all to be well written.

Role Model is a wonderful addition to this series. Rachel Reid left me riveted throughout. I love this series and I love this book.

PRE-ORDER NOW - Role Model (Game Changers #5) by Rachel Reid

 

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Troy Barrett has been freshly traded to Ottawa after calling out Dallas Kent during a team practice. He wants to be a better person, and the weird, scrappy energy of the struggling Ottawa team seems like the place to...well. It seems like the only place that will have Troy right now.

Fortunately the Ottawa team includes Ilya Rozanov and Wyatt Hayes, and also includes an adorable social media manager, Harris Drover. Harris is the opposite of Troy in every way: friendly, cheerful, chatty, and goofy with a booming voice, a startlingly loud laugh, and Pride pins all over his denim jacket. Definitely not the sort of person Troy would normally associate with, and yet…

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Role Model is a fabulous hockey romance. The fifth book in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series, it's a great addition to this hockey world. 

Troy's world is a mess when he's traded to a new team. It's not easy to be accepted, due to some complications. As he finally tried to do the right thing, he's left with a bad reputation as a trouble maker. 

Enter Harris, the team's social media manger. 

I love the night and day difference between the two. And even more, I love the way the openly gay Harris is accepted by the team, and the way that Troy notices this. 

This story is wonderful, with a slowly growing relationship between the two. The two men are great together, and I love the way everything evolves for the two. 

I appreciate Troy's struggle with his sexuality and coming out. It's never an easy road in the hockey world, and the author does a great job once again illustrating this. 

The redemption theme is a ever looming theme in this tale, as Troy works hard to change his imagine and redeem himself among the players and the fans. It's not an easy ride, but I enjoy the way it ends up. 

And in the end, the theme of sexual abuse is a constant, as Troy is trying to bring light to the issue. It caused him major issues with his ex best friend, his former team, and the league itself. It's the classic let's not believe the women scenario. I found this all to be well written. 

Role Model is a wonderful addition to this series. Rachel Reid left me riveted throughout. I love this series and I love this book. 

Common Goal (Game Changers #4) by Rachel Reid

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New York Admirals goalie Eric never thought his friends-with-benefits arrangement with much-younger Kyle would leave them both wanting more…

Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.

Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.

Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.

Everything they both want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it. 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Rachel Reid's Common Goal is a wonderful addition to the Game Changers series. I love athletes and I love hockey romances, so I am always excited for a new book in this series. 

This is the story of Kyle and Eric, two complete opposites. Kyle's a young man who's still reeling from his bad choices. He and the older Eric develop a friendship despite their reservations. 

I love Eric. He's at the end of his hockey career, and is secretly bisexual. Having been married to a woman for years, he has never experimented with a man before. Until Kyle. 

Their arrangement is for no emotions involved sexual exploration, as Kyle sets out to teach Eric the hot things he can do with a man. And, damn, does he ever show him!

There isn't tons of actual hockey in this one, but I do adore Eric and the way he talks to the goalpost. And I enjoy the frequent presence of his teammates. 

I love the writing style, and love the characters even more. They are likable men and their storyline is compelling. It took me a little while to warm up to the men, but I did. They both have some layers that are intriguing, and together they make a good couple. I definitely enjoy the emotions and the fun banter.  As well, the story starts off slow, but it picks up once the men get entwined. It's a long read, so be prepared for that going into it. 

Common Goal is more than just a hockey romance. Rachel Reid definitely entertains in this story of sexual exploration and love. It's a sweet, comfort read kind of book. 

Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) by Rachel Reid

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Blurb

They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Dear lord, I love hockey romances. Tough Guy, Rachel Reid's third book in the Game Changers series, is fantastic.

A second chance romance, Ryan and Fabio reunite after 14 years ago, back when Fabio's family housed Ryan for a while.

Ryan's a quietly out gay hockey player, but he definitely hides that he is attracted to femme men, as the androgynous look is what turns him on.
",,he was in awe of their confidence, of their bravery to openly be themselves and dare anyone to say anything about it." I  freakin love this!

Ryan's a multi-layered character, as he may be a big, bad hockey enforcer but he's terrified of flying. He struggles to get along with his teammates wherever he goes, as he has shockingly low self-esteem. He suffers from anxiety, including social anxiety and anxiety about sex. His attitude towards sex is well explored and made my heart hurt. The poor man feels unworthy of sex, which is heart-breaking. It's realistic and well written. I love this man and just want to wrap him up in a big hug.

And dear sweet Fabio. He's a femme musician who wears makeup. Basically, he's exactly the type of man Ryan's attracted to. Following along as they reuinite and develop their relationship, is a marvelous read. But best of all, I want to cry that Fabio isn't afraid of Ryan. It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

I love Rachel Reid's writing style. The writing is great, with compelling characters, and a riveting storyline. The anxiety aspect is extremely well written, with both care and compassion. 

Tough Guy is a must read for any fan of hockey romances. This Rachel Reid book will not disappoint. 

Heated Rivalry (Game Changers #2) by Rachel Reid

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Blurb

Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn’t just crazy talented, he’s got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. They’ve made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookups, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option…


One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

This book is approximately 66,000 words

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

OMG! I love Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry. Hockey romances are always so much fun, and this one is perfectly delicious. The second book in the Game Changers series, it's easily read as a standalone.

Shane and Ilya are two hockey players who start hooking up. It's fun watching them go from hook-ups to falling in love. As NHL stars, there are many complications, as the press loves to pit them against one another, they're both closeted, and how could they ever make a real relationship work?

The writing is wonderful, the development is perfectly paced, and the storyline is downright enjoyable. I love these two guys. The heat between them is scorching and the relationship that slowly develops is riveting.


My fav moment is the phone call in Russian. That's all I'll say. You'll have to read to understand. But trust me, it's a beautiful, sweet, and tender moment.

Damn, this story is hot and these men are so amazing together. Seriously, if you like Hockey romances, you need to read Heated Rivalry!

Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Blurb

New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. In this case, it’s not just a lucky smoothie he’s craving—it’s the man who made it.Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic...and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors.

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career…like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

This book is approximately 94,000 words 

REVIEW

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Game Changer is a perfect sports romance!

I was obsessed with watching sports when I was younger, and now I just love to read about athletes falling in love.

In Game Changer, Scott is the captain of his hockey team, and thus is a star in NYC. What no one knows is that Scott has been living in the closet all the years, not even allowing himself hook ups during the season, or in the United States, as he's afraid of being recognized.

Then one day he decides to buy a smoothie, and meets the intriguing smoothie shop employee, Kip. For once in his life, Scott is smitten, hard, and can't resist taking some chances with Kip.

I absolutely love everything about this book! It has it all - hot hockey guy, fun yet awkward normal guy, hiding in the closet, resentment about being hidden away, and having to choose to come out or lose the love of his life.

It also contains some wonderful and important side characters, along with some fun humor. It is well written, absolutely gripping and amazingly emotional. The author does a wonderful job of handling the closeted athlete with accuracy and genuineness.

I highly recommend Game Changer to anyone who loves a good sports romance and I look forward to reading the next book in this series by Rachel Reid!