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Delay of Game #3
Draft Bust
One injured hockey player. One laid-off beat reporter. One giant mansion. 28 days alone together.
Oliver Swan’s career is over. Everyone can see that. He’s been too injured to play for an entire season. But what legacy does a second overall player have to leave when he hasn’t actually achieved anything in his career?
He can already see the headlines: Draft Bust Retires After Underwhelming Career. Fuck that. He’s going to be remembered the way he wants to be. He’s going to write a memoir.
Well, he’s going to hire someone to ghostwrite his memoir. Enter Jordan Walsh, recently laid off NHL beat reporter, and the only person who ever had anything nice to say about Oliver’s career.
When Oliver came up with the idea for them to spend all of February together in his house in Colorado, he hadn’t considered the fact that Jordan was beautiful. He hadn’t known how sweet he’d be. This is a disaster.
Draft Bust is a 48k, strangers-to-lovers, hurt/comfort MM romance with a happily ever after.
Oliver Swan’s career is over. Everyone can see that. He’s been too injured to play for an entire season. But what legacy does a second overall player have to leave when he hasn’t actually achieved anything in his career?
He can already see the headlines: Draft Bust Retires After Underwhelming Career. Fuck that. He’s going to be remembered the way he wants to be. He’s going to write a memoir.
Well, he’s going to hire someone to ghostwrite his memoir. Enter Jordan Walsh, recently laid off NHL beat reporter, and the only person who ever had anything nice to say about Oliver’s career.
When Oliver came up with the idea for them to spend all of February together in his house in Colorado, he hadn’t considered the fact that Jordan was beautiful. He hadn’t known how sweet he’d be. This is a disaster.
Draft Bust is a 48k, strangers-to-lovers, hurt/comfort MM romance with a happily ever after.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
104 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 20, 2023
objectively, this isn’t a bad book, and if i was anyone else, i’d most likely rate it three stars for the sake of it. it has tropes and elements i adore—hurt/comfort, injured hockey player, communication, and chronic pain rep. the relationship is between the hockey player and a journalist ghostwriting his memoir. in paper, this sounded like something i’d enjoy, but in reality, it felt too underwhelming and unfortunately, very boring.
the relationship between both protagonists, jordan and oliver, is exactly how i love it. compared to its predecessors, there’s no miscommunication here. the moment there’s an issue (it being that oliver messes up), he makes up for it and talks to jordan, communicating his apology, getting his feelings out, and accepting that he made a mistake. while this isn’t towards the very end, the last quarter mark gave it the opportunity to mess the potential of the relationship. fortunately, hannah took the optimistic and angst free route, saving us from unnecessary drama that would have been caused by a normal arguments/fight any couple would have. plus, oliver making homemade ice cream and cooking a soup for jordan as part of the apology was adorable.
He got a big bowl out of the cupboard and ladled the soup in, tucked a couple of slices of bread on the rim, and garnished with a sprig of parsley. He brought the soup to Jordan’s door, took a breath, and knocked.
Jordan’s face looked unfamiliar when he was pissed, but he saw the soup in Oliver’s hands, and opened the door the rest of the way.
Jordan grabbed the vanity chair from the bathroom and set it by the foot of the bed, where he took a seat himself on the bench at the end of the bed. Then he held his hands out for the bowl.
Oliver held his breath as Jordan blew on a spoonful, like the fate of his apology hinged on how much Jordan liked chicken and rice soup.
“It’s good,” he finally said, his eyes still blank.
“I made it for you. And did a lot of thinking while I made it.”
“What did you think about?” Jordan dunked his bread into the broth, and Oliver twisted his hands in his lap.
“I thought about how hurtful what I said was. And how it was extremely uncalled for. You were doing what you always do—trying to make me feel better, or at least comfort me—when I was sad. Which is already too big of an ask for anyone to do for me. I have been so lucky that you...that you said yes to the book project, and that you are the kind, sweet person you are, that your heart is so big, and that you are the most patient person, even when I don’t deserve it.”
“You deserve it,” Jordan said. “Usually.” Oliver watched the corner of his mouth quirk up.
“I never meant to hurt you. My frustration and embarrassment and sadness just came out, and it came out sharp. And that is something I’m going to work on with my therapist. I have a session on Monday. We’ll talk about it first thing.”
“You deserve to not have your sadness overfill you. Whatever work you do in therapy should be for you.”
“Sure. Because I want to be the kind of person who deserves to be around you.”
“Oli,” Jordan said, holding his soup bowl in one hand and reaching out to hold Oliver’s hands with the other. He covered the tangle of Oliver’s hands, and this small touch made Oliver feel so much lighter. “Thank you for the apology. And the soup. Did you already eat?”
“No, it was more important to do this first.”
“Okay, let’s go eat.” Jordan still had most of his soup left, and he followed Oliver back into the kitchen where he served himself. Jordan was still standing at the island next to him, so he held still, worried that if he tried to move to the table, Jordan would disappear.
“Hey,” Jordan said, putting his bowl down on the counter. Oliver put his down too. He pulled Oliver into a hug, and if Oliver could have cried, he would have. Being pressed against Jordan’s big warm chest was the best feeling in the entire world, and when Jordan whispered that he forgave him, that everything was good, Oliver was so relieved he could have burst.
Jordan kissed him, and Oliver realized how much he had been thinking of Jordan as being his, that the threat of something happening, of doing something that would make Jordan look at him differently, had shaken him to his core.
“It’s okay,” Jordan said against his lips, feeling the tension in Oliver’s body.
“It’s okay.”
cooking as a love language is underrated.
we also love men who can properly communicate and accept that they messed up.
adding on to that, the book itself focuses on the hurt and healing process between oliver and jordan. as oliver becomes accustomed to no longer playing professional hockey due to his hip injury, jordan becomes a writer for his memoir, spending the month of february in his house to get to know him better and add in the details for this story. the forced proximity is there, giving both men the opportunity to get to know each other every waking moment they have. they make a routine for each other unconsciously, which is, in theory, my favorite way for forced proximity to make up the relationship. their dialogue becomes naturalized, not feeling artificial. they become domesticated naturally, giving into each others spaces without awkward feelings; their feelings are accepted with no angst or regret. i have loved how this author has written the relationships so far, with all characters and couples coming together quite naturally, in my opinion. in the case of oliver and jordan, they form a routine that works for both of them without forcing the other to change how they feel. instead, they read each other well, becoming accustomed to each others schedule, relying on each other for different purposes.
jordan becomes a somewhat caretaker for oliver, but not in a direct way. he sees oliver for who he is, never really faulting him for how he feels, and understanding oliver is clearly hurting mentally and emotionally. on the other hand, oliver doesn’t just see jordan as someone doing his job but bringing in a new friendship to fill his own gap. seeing how hannah’s characters come alive for each other has been one of my favorite things about the three books i’ve read so far, and this was no different. oliver gains more confidence with jordan, and jordan’s intentions are never malicious or used for his own benefit. while their relationship starts off as a somewhat contracted relationship, they become friends who catch feelings for each other, naturally and understandably so. and once the two give in to how they feel, while there is really ever any official mark of who they are together, say, a label for what they are, there’s clear acknowledgment they become monogamous. because jordan is living in oliver’s house for his job at the moment, it’s easy for them to engage romantically and sexually. and if there’s another thing i have loved about this authors books and her relationships, it’s the confidence her characters slowly grow as their relationship progresses. what can start off as hesitant and shy morphs into confident and elastic. i find it very realistic, considering sometimes her characters are technically virgins or haven’t felt the way they do on a long time. adding on to that, the two share a lot of moments that become relative to each other. i’ve personally found hannah’s relationships to become naturally engaging, where the two become acquainted with each other without force and instead because of how much time they spend together.
while it seems like i’m praising this story (i kind of am), you’d expect me to have rated this higher for it seeming like it was enjoyable, but i’d be lying to myself and claiming something false. the story itself is relatively boring. even though i’m all for relationship focused over plot focused books, the story doesn’t offer the same feelings and emotions the previous two books have given me.
while the premise is of a journalist ghostwriting a memoir of a former professional hockey player, it felt like the story was missing that component itself. i found myself wondering more about oliver and his life, wishing there was more about him than what we were given. it’s not to say i read these stories for the plot, and i’m not someone who prefers plot over romance/relationship. yet, i still would have liked learning more about what oliver had to offer jordan. i would’ve liked to see jordan see oliver differently because of the new knowledge he started taking in about him. this concept of romance is one i don’t read a lot but i find really interesting. the writer/journalist gets to know the other characters as they’re working, which in my opinion makes it more real because they’re first doing everything for the sake of their job, but then they become unconsciously vulnerable and begin seeing the other character as who they are and not who the public wants them to he, or who they should appear as. but because i never felt like jordan really got to know oliver this way, it left me disappointed, wondering what exactly the point of the concept even was. instead, it felt like the entire idea behind jordan writing oliver’s memoir was an excuse for developing their relationship.
it’s quite tricky here because even though i was a fan of what their relationship offered—like their banter, how they naturally started gravitating towards each other—it didn’t feel like it was because jordan started getting to know oliver through this process and instead just because there was nothing else and no one else to look for. by the end, i wondered how and where jordan got all this new information on oliver.
furthermore, while i’m all for angst free/low angst stories (although i’d argue that this is this authors angstiest story of this series because of the hurt/comfort and oliver’s injury), this story was underwhelming. sure, this book isn’t fluff and sweet and all rainbows and sunshine, but even with those types of stories, i expect to have some feelings for the characters and relationships. compared to Drive the Net and and Off-Ice Behavior, this one failed to impress me, let alone entertain me. as mentioned in the beginning, the story is objectively a good one, but it’ll take someone who isn’t me to find it enjoyable. it offers a lot and enough, but i still failed to see the appeal. it was dull and boring. if i’m not a fan of the characters, there’s little hope for me to enjoy the relationship, since that is the main objective of the story. and a romance book with a relationship that doesn’t make me feel anything is not a good one in my eyes. doesn’t matter whether i cry or laugh or just cheese the whole way through, i always expect to have feelings and emotions incorporated. unfortunately, “draft bust” did not work in that department. it felt like i was reading a story with relatively and objectively great and lovable characters, yet i couldn’t bring myself to care about anything or anyone after around the 40% mark, which is when i started noticing my boredom and disinterest.
i’ve accepted i’m difficult to please, but i’ve also accepted i’m not a fan of books being marketed a certain way only for that aspect to not be delivered properly. that’s why i do believe this book does, in fact, deserve more love than what i’m offering, because i know it’s enjoyable and good. it’s just that apparently i am someone who hates almost every book i read, and the smallest things irk me. i’ll leave this review off by saying that i think this series as a whole deserves more attention, and i’m glad i’m finally getting around it, but sadly this third installment has been the most disappointing so far.
the relationship between both protagonists, jordan and oliver, is exactly how i love it. compared to its predecessors, there’s no miscommunication here. the moment there’s an issue (it being that oliver messes up), he makes up for it and talks to jordan, communicating his apology, getting his feelings out, and accepting that he made a mistake. while this isn’t towards the very end, the last quarter mark gave it the opportunity to mess the potential of the relationship. fortunately, hannah took the optimistic and angst free route, saving us from unnecessary drama that would have been caused by a normal arguments/fight any couple would have. plus, oliver making homemade ice cream and cooking a soup for jordan as part of the apology was adorable.
He got a big bowl out of the cupboard and ladled the soup in, tucked a couple of slices of bread on the rim, and garnished with a sprig of parsley. He brought the soup to Jordan’s door, took a breath, and knocked.
Jordan’s face looked unfamiliar when he was pissed, but he saw the soup in Oliver’s hands, and opened the door the rest of the way.
Jordan grabbed the vanity chair from the bathroom and set it by the foot of the bed, where he took a seat himself on the bench at the end of the bed. Then he held his hands out for the bowl.
Oliver held his breath as Jordan blew on a spoonful, like the fate of his apology hinged on how much Jordan liked chicken and rice soup.
“It’s good,” he finally said, his eyes still blank.
“I made it for you. And did a lot of thinking while I made it.”
“What did you think about?” Jordan dunked his bread into the broth, and Oliver twisted his hands in his lap.
“I thought about how hurtful what I said was. And how it was extremely uncalled for. You were doing what you always do—trying to make me feel better, or at least comfort me—when I was sad. Which is already too big of an ask for anyone to do for me. I have been so lucky that you...that you said yes to the book project, and that you are the kind, sweet person you are, that your heart is so big, and that you are the most patient person, even when I don’t deserve it.”
“You deserve it,” Jordan said. “Usually.” Oliver watched the corner of his mouth quirk up.
“I never meant to hurt you. My frustration and embarrassment and sadness just came out, and it came out sharp. And that is something I’m going to work on with my therapist. I have a session on Monday. We’ll talk about it first thing.”
“You deserve to not have your sadness overfill you. Whatever work you do in therapy should be for you.”
“Sure. Because I want to be the kind of person who deserves to be around you.”
“Oli,” Jordan said, holding his soup bowl in one hand and reaching out to hold Oliver’s hands with the other. He covered the tangle of Oliver’s hands, and this small touch made Oliver feel so much lighter. “Thank you for the apology. And the soup. Did you already eat?”
“No, it was more important to do this first.”
“Okay, let’s go eat.” Jordan still had most of his soup left, and he followed Oliver back into the kitchen where he served himself. Jordan was still standing at the island next to him, so he held still, worried that if he tried to move to the table, Jordan would disappear.
“Hey,” Jordan said, putting his bowl down on the counter. Oliver put his down too. He pulled Oliver into a hug, and if Oliver could have cried, he would have. Being pressed against Jordan’s big warm chest was the best feeling in the entire world, and when Jordan whispered that he forgave him, that everything was good, Oliver was so relieved he could have burst.
Jordan kissed him, and Oliver realized how much he had been thinking of Jordan as being his, that the threat of something happening, of doing something that would make Jordan look at him differently, had shaken him to his core.
“It’s okay,” Jordan said against his lips, feeling the tension in Oliver’s body.
“It’s okay.”
cooking as a love language is underrated.
we also love men who can properly communicate and accept that they messed up.
adding on to that, the book itself focuses on the hurt and healing process between oliver and jordan. as oliver becomes accustomed to no longer playing professional hockey due to his hip injury, jordan becomes a writer for his memoir, spending the month of february in his house to get to know him better and add in the details for this story. the forced proximity is there, giving both men the opportunity to get to know each other every waking moment they have. they make a routine for each other unconsciously, which is, in theory, my favorite way for forced proximity to make up the relationship. their dialogue becomes naturalized, not feeling artificial. they become domesticated naturally, giving into each others spaces without awkward feelings; their feelings are accepted with no angst or regret. i have loved how this author has written the relationships so far, with all characters and couples coming together quite naturally, in my opinion. in the case of oliver and jordan, they form a routine that works for both of them without forcing the other to change how they feel. instead, they read each other well, becoming accustomed to each others schedule, relying on each other for different purposes.
jordan becomes a somewhat caretaker for oliver, but not in a direct way. he sees oliver for who he is, never really faulting him for how he feels, and understanding oliver is clearly hurting mentally and emotionally. on the other hand, oliver doesn’t just see jordan as someone doing his job but bringing in a new friendship to fill his own gap. seeing how hannah’s characters come alive for each other has been one of my favorite things about the three books i’ve read so far, and this was no different. oliver gains more confidence with jordan, and jordan’s intentions are never malicious or used for his own benefit. while their relationship starts off as a somewhat contracted relationship, they become friends who catch feelings for each other, naturally and understandably so. and once the two give in to how they feel, while there is really ever any official mark of who they are together, say, a label for what they are, there’s clear acknowledgment they become monogamous. because jordan is living in oliver’s house for his job at the moment, it’s easy for them to engage romantically and sexually. and if there’s another thing i have loved about this authors books and her relationships, it’s the confidence her characters slowly grow as their relationship progresses. what can start off as hesitant and shy morphs into confident and elastic. i find it very realistic, considering sometimes her characters are technically virgins or haven’t felt the way they do on a long time. adding on to that, the two share a lot of moments that become relative to each other. i’ve personally found hannah’s relationships to become naturally engaging, where the two become acquainted with each other without force and instead because of how much time they spend together.
while it seems like i’m praising this story (i kind of am), you’d expect me to have rated this higher for it seeming like it was enjoyable, but i’d be lying to myself and claiming something false. the story itself is relatively boring. even though i’m all for relationship focused over plot focused books, the story doesn’t offer the same feelings and emotions the previous two books have given me.
while the premise is of a journalist ghostwriting a memoir of a former professional hockey player, it felt like the story was missing that component itself. i found myself wondering more about oliver and his life, wishing there was more about him than what we were given. it’s not to say i read these stories for the plot, and i’m not someone who prefers plot over romance/relationship. yet, i still would have liked learning more about what oliver had to offer jordan. i would’ve liked to see jordan see oliver differently because of the new knowledge he started taking in about him. this concept of romance is one i don’t read a lot but i find really interesting. the writer/journalist gets to know the other characters as they’re working, which in my opinion makes it more real because they’re first doing everything for the sake of their job, but then they become unconsciously vulnerable and begin seeing the other character as who they are and not who the public wants them to he, or who they should appear as. but because i never felt like jordan really got to know oliver this way, it left me disappointed, wondering what exactly the point of the concept even was. instead, it felt like the entire idea behind jordan writing oliver’s memoir was an excuse for developing their relationship.
it’s quite tricky here because even though i was a fan of what their relationship offered—like their banter, how they naturally started gravitating towards each other—it didn’t feel like it was because jordan started getting to know oliver through this process and instead just because there was nothing else and no one else to look for. by the end, i wondered how and where jordan got all this new information on oliver.
furthermore, while i’m all for angst free/low angst stories (although i’d argue that this is this authors angstiest story of this series because of the hurt/comfort and oliver’s injury), this story was underwhelming. sure, this book isn’t fluff and sweet and all rainbows and sunshine, but even with those types of stories, i expect to have some feelings for the characters and relationships. compared to Drive the Net and and Off-Ice Behavior, this one failed to impress me, let alone entertain me. as mentioned in the beginning, the story is objectively a good one, but it’ll take someone who isn’t me to find it enjoyable. it offers a lot and enough, but i still failed to see the appeal. it was dull and boring. if i’m not a fan of the characters, there’s little hope for me to enjoy the relationship, since that is the main objective of the story. and a romance book with a relationship that doesn’t make me feel anything is not a good one in my eyes. doesn’t matter whether i cry or laugh or just cheese the whole way through, i always expect to have feelings and emotions incorporated. unfortunately, “draft bust” did not work in that department. it felt like i was reading a story with relatively and objectively great and lovable characters, yet i couldn’t bring myself to care about anything or anyone after around the 40% mark, which is when i started noticing my boredom and disinterest.
i’ve accepted i’m difficult to please, but i’ve also accepted i’m not a fan of books being marketed a certain way only for that aspect to not be delivered properly. that’s why i do believe this book does, in fact, deserve more love than what i’m offering, because i know it’s enjoyable and good. it’s just that apparently i am someone who hates almost every book i read, and the smallest things irk me. i’ll leave this review off by saying that i think this series as a whole deserves more attention, and i’m glad i’m finally getting around it, but sadly this third installment has been the most disappointing so far.
December 22, 2023
I have really been enjoying this series, this book was really good too! Idk how the author does it, when the book is less than 200 pages you think it will probably feel rushed or very instalove, but that wasn't the case at all I thought it was paced perfectly. This book was so good, I read a huge chunk of it in a long line at the post office with a smile on my face. It was very close to being 5 stars, I Just wish we got a couple more chapters at the end to wrap things up better.
December 9, 2024
This was a really sweet hurt/comfort story but I wish it had been longer!
The whole book is them really getting to know each other and coming to terms with the fact that neither of their lives are going how they planned for, so when it just ended with the end of the initial month that Jordan was staying with Oliver I did feel disappointed.
I wanted to see the next steps they took, I wanted to see them introduce each other to their families and friends, I wanted to see the reaction to Oliver's retirement! I kind of felt a little cheated out of the big moment between these two 😂 Still a really sweet book, but I would have liked more of their story once they stepped foot out of their month long stay in Oliver's crazy house.
The whole book is them really getting to know each other and coming to terms with the fact that neither of their lives are going how they planned for, so when it just ended with the end of the initial month that Jordan was staying with Oliver I did feel disappointed.
I wanted to see the next steps they took, I wanted to see them introduce each other to their families and friends, I wanted to see the reaction to Oliver's retirement! I kind of felt a little cheated out of the big moment between these two 😂 Still a really sweet book, but I would have liked more of their story once they stepped foot out of their month long stay in Oliver's crazy house.
May 30, 2024
4 stars
This managed to be sweet and low angst without being at all flat.
And the communication was good! Not to say it was always easy for them to communicate, but that made it all the more rewarding.
Nice moments of comfort and caretaking around pain, sadness, grief. I loved all the domestic moments of them cooking together, swimming, doing yoga. Accommodating Oliver’s hip injury during sex was a nice touch, as was Oliver's understandable frustration with the situation.
The perspectives occasionally felt a bit fluid and switched without me expecting it, but overall I enjoyed the writing style. This is the first book I've read by this author - and it can definitely be read as a standalone - but I can see myself going back for more.
This managed to be sweet and low angst without being at all flat.
And the communication was good! Not to say it was always easy for them to communicate, but that made it all the more rewarding.
Nice moments of comfort and caretaking around pain, sadness, grief. I loved all the domestic moments of them cooking together, swimming, doing yoga. Accommodating Oliver’s hip injury during sex was a nice touch, as was Oliver's understandable frustration with the situation.
The perspectives occasionally felt a bit fluid and switched without me expecting it, but overall I enjoyed the writing style. This is the first book I've read by this author - and it can definitely be read as a standalone - but I can see myself going back for more.
September 24, 2023
3.5
Cute as hell. This whole series is really just full of sweet steamy reads and I’m here for it
Cute as hell. This whole series is really just full of sweet steamy reads and I’m here for it
March 3, 2023
Tropes: forced proximity, hurt/comfort
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: permanent injury
I don't really like to give a book less than three stars. Even if I don't like a book personally I can still end up rating it three or more stars if the story was well told and a fulsome story. But in this case I didn't love the story and I was disappointed with how it was told. It was superficial. Also it felt like slow burn with little development of feelings or sexual tension and then at the 50% mark the author just decided 'okay I better throw some sexual tension in here' so Oliver plants a kiss on Jordan out of nowhere.
The premise is Jordan is a journalist who's always been favorable to Oliver. Oliver is a hockey star whose career has been riddled with injuries and he's retiring at the age of 26 because of his injuries. Oliver is now ready to write a memoir about his career and come out as gay. All of her hires Jordan to ghostwrite. Jordan comes to live with Oliver for a month to get the story out of him. They fall in love.
Oliver and Jordan have a decent relationship. They are not incredibly steamy but they fit with each other's personalities and Jordan is an understanding and patient person who can put up with some of Oliver's struggles and personality foibles. Oliver likes Jordans kindness and he is happy to finally have a meaningful gay relationship when he's only had anonymous bar hookups with the same sex in the past.
I think the premise of the story had potential. But in execution it was superficial, and that's poor storytelling to me. The book was about Oliver opening his life story up to Jordan to tell. And I felt like we never got Oliver's story out. Jordan kept backing off from asking questions when Oliver got antsy. They had some candid conversations as they made meals and hung out but it wasn't diving into key stuff that would be in a meaningful memoir.
It felt like Oliver was very reserved and he needed to crack himself open and show more actual emotion. This guy was closeted. He knew he was gay before he was drafted. He managed to get married to a woman apparently for multiple years, and then divorce her at least a year ago. And all Oliver had to say about that was it was kind of nice to have a wife to hang around and take him to his doctor's appointments and take care of him a little bit, he didn't regret the marriage. Even though this wife was portrayed as a rich spoiled little girl who could have her affections bought with a gift every time they fought. You never get to understand how did Oliver end up in his relationship with his wife, what was it really like. Compare Oliver and his wife to Shane relationship with the actress in Heated Rivalry. We know exactly how Shane got in that relationship and a lot of complexity around it. This story was just so superficial.
In the Kindle app I highlight notable moments (either favorite moments or expository information that I don't want to forget that's key to the story) as I'm reading and then I go back and look at them and try to include my favorite moments in my review. Everything I highlighted for this book was expository.
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: permanent injury
I don't really like to give a book less than three stars. Even if I don't like a book personally I can still end up rating it three or more stars if the story was well told and a fulsome story. But in this case I didn't love the story and I was disappointed with how it was told. It was superficial. Also it felt like slow burn with little development of feelings or sexual tension and then at the 50% mark the author just decided 'okay I better throw some sexual tension in here' so Oliver plants a kiss on Jordan out of nowhere.
The premise is Jordan is a journalist who's always been favorable to Oliver. Oliver is a hockey star whose career has been riddled with injuries and he's retiring at the age of 26 because of his injuries. Oliver is now ready to write a memoir about his career and come out as gay. All of her hires Jordan to ghostwrite. Jordan comes to live with Oliver for a month to get the story out of him. They fall in love.
Oliver and Jordan have a decent relationship. They are not incredibly steamy but they fit with each other's personalities and Jordan is an understanding and patient person who can put up with some of Oliver's struggles and personality foibles. Oliver likes Jordans kindness and he is happy to finally have a meaningful gay relationship when he's only had anonymous bar hookups with the same sex in the past.
I think the premise of the story had potential. But in execution it was superficial, and that's poor storytelling to me. The book was about Oliver opening his life story up to Jordan to tell. And I felt like we never got Oliver's story out. Jordan kept backing off from asking questions when Oliver got antsy. They had some candid conversations as they made meals and hung out but it wasn't diving into key stuff that would be in a meaningful memoir.
It felt like Oliver was very reserved and he needed to crack himself open and show more actual emotion. This guy was closeted. He knew he was gay before he was drafted. He managed to get married to a woman apparently for multiple years, and then divorce her at least a year ago. And all Oliver had to say about that was it was kind of nice to have a wife to hang around and take him to his doctor's appointments and take care of him a little bit, he didn't regret the marriage. Even though this wife was portrayed as a rich spoiled little girl who could have her affections bought with a gift every time they fought. You never get to understand how did Oliver end up in his relationship with his wife, what was it really like. Compare Oliver and his wife to Shane relationship with the actress in Heated Rivalry. We know exactly how Shane got in that relationship and a lot of complexity around it. This story was just so superficial.
In the Kindle app I highlight notable moments (either favorite moments or expository information that I don't want to forget that's key to the story) as I'm reading and then I go back and look at them and try to include my favorite moments in my review. Everything I highlighted for this book was expository.
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2023
"Jordan had made him feel like he still had a heartbeat. Like he wasn't irreparably broken. Like he deserved to be loved."
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, Third Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I have grown to be such a Hannah Henry fan, she really knows how to write great low angst books about characters you can't help loving! This was Oliver and Jordan's story, and it was so darn sweet! We have two lonely souls that start as a friendship but develop into so much more, full of passion and deep connectivity. The characters were well-rounded and the plotline was great. There wasn't miscommunication or over-the-top drama, it was simply a cozy sweet read with a nice touch of steam! Overall a great addition to the series and I cannot wait for the next one!
Read if you like:
❣️ MM Romance
❣️ Ex-Hockey Player/Reporter
❣️ Strangers to Lovers
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Forced Proximity
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Hockey injuries, chronic pain, homophobia.
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, Third Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I have grown to be such a Hannah Henry fan, she really knows how to write great low angst books about characters you can't help loving! This was Oliver and Jordan's story, and it was so darn sweet! We have two lonely souls that start as a friendship but develop into so much more, full of passion and deep connectivity. The characters were well-rounded and the plotline was great. There wasn't miscommunication or over-the-top drama, it was simply a cozy sweet read with a nice touch of steam! Overall a great addition to the series and I cannot wait for the next one!
Read if you like:
❣️ MM Romance
❣️ Ex-Hockey Player/Reporter
❣️ Strangers to Lovers
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Forced Proximity
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Hockey injuries, chronic pain, homophobia.
March 18, 2023
*Warning: I use a lot of profanity including a discussion of the C-word below!*
If you want to watch my TikTok instead, you can do that here.
I decided to DNF this book at 28% because I just *could not* anymore. After the like 10 pages of a useless "house tour" that gave us absolutely NOTHING in the way of character interaction and development, followed by the set of this completely ridiculous living situation (Oliver doesn't even really WANT to do this memoir, so why is he? He has a lot of life left to live AFTER hockey. Wouldn't it be more prudent to wait a year or two after his retirement to do it?)
Not to mention the fact that while the writing itself has improved from the first one (just not in the right way... MORE DIALOG, LESS INTROSPECTIVE PLEASE), Henry continues to basically foist feminine habits onto her male characters that make *no sense*. The point where I finally sighed and said "Oh fuck this" was an unsolicited hug from Jordan to Oliver.
Did Oliver need a hug? Probably. I feel like this guy could probably use some really good snuggles. BUT A DUDE DOES NOT JUST RANDOMLY HUG ANOTHER DUDE WITHOUT ASKING. Even a gay one!
I also really don't understand Oliver and Abbey's (failed) marriage. It seems like the two didn't even genuinely like each other, muchless *love* each other, so why? Just to look good? That makes no sense. Given the marriage, which apparently wasn't sexless (not including extra marital affairs), seeing as how Oliver does mention "we don't have kids (...which, fucking *duh*) I can assume that sex did happen at some point. Why not make him bi or pan? Like, the author is aware there are other identities under the umbrella, right? That felt very dismissive.
The last thing that I really, really hated as Oliver's use of the word cunt. Not just once, but at least 3 fucking times within a few pages. As an American, I hate that word. I have only ever used it in reference to 1 person my entire life and *not* felt bad about saying it. It's basically the absolute most abhorrent curse word you can use where I'm from. I'd much rather he'd just said bitch, which I'm sorry --is NOT interchangeable.
Mostly, I'm just disappointed that I thought I'd found this really great new author who, after that first book, has basically crashed and burned for me. Maybe I'll give this another shot in the future, but for now...I'm just too sad.
If you want to watch my TikTok instead, you can do that here.
I decided to DNF this book at 28% because I just *could not* anymore. After the like 10 pages of a useless "house tour" that gave us absolutely NOTHING in the way of character interaction and development, followed by the set of this completely ridiculous living situation (Oliver doesn't even really WANT to do this memoir, so why is he? He has a lot of life left to live AFTER hockey. Wouldn't it be more prudent to wait a year or two after his retirement to do it?)
Not to mention the fact that while the writing itself has improved from the first one (just not in the right way... MORE DIALOG, LESS INTROSPECTIVE PLEASE), Henry continues to basically foist feminine habits onto her male characters that make *no sense*. The point where I finally sighed and said "Oh fuck this" was an unsolicited hug from Jordan to Oliver.
Did Oliver need a hug? Probably. I feel like this guy could probably use some really good snuggles. BUT A DUDE DOES NOT JUST RANDOMLY HUG ANOTHER DUDE WITHOUT ASKING. Even a gay one!
I also really don't understand Oliver and Abbey's (failed) marriage. It seems like the two didn't even genuinely like each other, muchless *love* each other, so why? Just to look good? That makes no sense. Given the marriage, which apparently wasn't sexless (not including extra marital affairs), seeing as how Oliver does mention "we don't have kids (...which, fucking *duh*) I can assume that sex did happen at some point. Why not make him bi or pan? Like, the author is aware there are other identities under the umbrella, right? That felt very dismissive.
The last thing that I really, really hated as Oliver's use of the word cunt. Not just once, but at least 3 fucking times within a few pages. As an American, I hate that word. I have only ever used it in reference to 1 person my entire life and *not* felt bad about saying it. It's basically the absolute most abhorrent curse word you can use where I'm from. I'd much rather he'd just said bitch, which I'm sorry --is NOT interchangeable.
Mostly, I'm just disappointed that I thought I'd found this really great new author who, after that first book, has basically crashed and burned for me. Maybe I'll give this another shot in the future, but for now...I'm just too sad.
October 4, 2023
Unexpected and surprisingly tender.
Some months ago I came across this title and the blurb just didn't interest me much.
Then last week someone recommended this story albeit with the hint that there wasn't much hockey.
Which is kind of true and kind of isn't.
I love all aspects of hockey books and ONE major aspect is not only getting into pro-hockey but the way out of the NHL.
Which in the case of Oliver Swan, one of the MCs of Draft Bust is a very painful one.
Imagine being just 26 and in the prime of your youth but a long journey of injuries leaves you in constant pain and without an alternative than to retire before you ever had the chance to fulfull your potential, making you into a "Draft Bust" in the eyes of the league.
On top, he never coould be himself, stuck very deep in the closet.
One way to start retirement and a life out of the closet is to write/have your memoir written.
Jordan was chosen for this task on the basis of his articles about Oliver: never one to trash the player, he is one of those Oliver thinks he can entrust his life's story. On top he's probably the only gay beat reporter around.
Quite nice that he's not only a talented writer and kind, but also attractive and a former player (not NHL level) AND he knows how failure feels - not considered to being good enough to be drafted in the first place, finding another passion in writing, then being laid off (though it was never mentioned why).
It's believable that they would fall in love 'cause when you can survive being holed up in one big house without wanting to escape at least a couple of times the chemistry is there and it is strong.
Jordan needs the job, wants the job, so his calm and soft approach is understandable. He's also very attracted to Oliver the player and the man, but he's no doormat.
I loved how slow they approached everything and that the main conflict is not some hairbrained misunderstanding but the inevitable hickups on the way forward to being equals in a partnership.
Also: hockey and all that entails is a very strong element even though neither man plays it in this book. But it's the most important element that shaped both of their personalities.
Big recommendation.
Some months ago I came across this title and the blurb just didn't interest me much.
Then last week someone recommended this story albeit with the hint that there wasn't much hockey.
Which is kind of true and kind of isn't.
I love all aspects of hockey books and ONE major aspect is not only getting into pro-hockey but the way out of the NHL.
Which in the case of Oliver Swan, one of the MCs of Draft Bust is a very painful one.
Imagine being just 26 and in the prime of your youth but a long journey of injuries leaves you in constant pain and without an alternative than to retire before you ever had the chance to fulfull your potential, making you into a "Draft Bust" in the eyes of the league.
On top, he never coould be himself, stuck very deep in the closet.
One way to start retirement and a life out of the closet is to write/have your memoir written.
Jordan was chosen for this task on the basis of his articles about Oliver: never one to trash the player, he is one of those Oliver thinks he can entrust his life's story. On top he's probably the only gay beat reporter around.
Quite nice that he's not only a talented writer and kind, but also attractive and a former player (not NHL level) AND he knows how failure feels - not considered to being good enough to be drafted in the first place, finding another passion in writing, then being laid off (though it was never mentioned why).
It's believable that they would fall in love 'cause when you can survive being holed up in one big house without wanting to escape at least a couple of times the chemistry is there and it is strong.
Jordan needs the job, wants the job, so his calm and soft approach is understandable. He's also very attracted to Oliver the player and the man, but he's no doormat.
I loved how slow they approached everything and that the main conflict is not some hairbrained misunderstanding but the inevitable hickups on the way forward to being equals in a partnership.
Also: hockey and all that entails is a very strong element even though neither man plays it in this book. But it's the most important element that shaped both of their personalities.
Big recommendation.
February 19, 2023
Draft Bust is a surprisingly sweet and emotional story about an injury-prone professional hockey player and the journalist he hired to tell his story to the world after he announces his retirement.
Oliver Swan is a professional hockey player who has to hang up his skates at the age of 26 due to injury. Hockey is all he’s known from a young age, putting all of his time and energy into being the best, proving his talent and trying to not be a draft bust. But all of his injuries cut his time on the ice short and left him struggling to figure out what comes next and how to stay healthy enough to do whatever comes next. Oliver has a reputation for being cocky but underneath it all, he’s lonely, hurting and grieving the loss of his favorite thing in the world - hockey.
Jordan Walsh finds himself laid off from his dream job as the beat reporter for the Minnesota Northern Lights and travels to spend a month with Oliver Swan to work on a secret project. He feels uncertain what to do with his life next since his original dream of playing hockey didn’t work out and then his journalism career was cut short. Jordan is caring, compassionate and understanding in a way that Oliver never expected and he fills the empty spaces in Oliver’s life and mansion with happiness and fun.
These two strike up an easy friendship at first, understanding each other on such a deep level even though they’d never met before. Oliver and Jordan are both at a crossroads in their life, looking for what’s next while still grieving the loss of their past and that commonality brings them closer together. This story is soft, sweet, emotional and so unexpected but I loved seeing these two flourish together with the new hand that they’ve been dealt to do something exciting next and move past all of their hurt and pain with love.
I love that each book in this Delay of Game series feels totally unique but also still connected to the same hockey world. The crossovers are fun to pull out and I’m excited to finally read Blake Brennan’s story next!
Oliver Swan is a professional hockey player who has to hang up his skates at the age of 26 due to injury. Hockey is all he’s known from a young age, putting all of his time and energy into being the best, proving his talent and trying to not be a draft bust. But all of his injuries cut his time on the ice short and left him struggling to figure out what comes next and how to stay healthy enough to do whatever comes next. Oliver has a reputation for being cocky but underneath it all, he’s lonely, hurting and grieving the loss of his favorite thing in the world - hockey.
Jordan Walsh finds himself laid off from his dream job as the beat reporter for the Minnesota Northern Lights and travels to spend a month with Oliver Swan to work on a secret project. He feels uncertain what to do with his life next since his original dream of playing hockey didn’t work out and then his journalism career was cut short. Jordan is caring, compassionate and understanding in a way that Oliver never expected and he fills the empty spaces in Oliver’s life and mansion with happiness and fun.
These two strike up an easy friendship at first, understanding each other on such a deep level even though they’d never met before. Oliver and Jordan are both at a crossroads in their life, looking for what’s next while still grieving the loss of their past and that commonality brings them closer together. This story is soft, sweet, emotional and so unexpected but I loved seeing these two flourish together with the new hand that they’ve been dealt to do something exciting next and move past all of their hurt and pain with love.
I love that each book in this Delay of Game series feels totally unique but also still connected to the same hockey world. The crossovers are fun to pull out and I’m excited to finally read Blake Brennan’s story next!
Read
September 1, 2023okay let’s be real, i’m not a mlm hockey romance girlie because they’re literary, generational masterpieces. i’m in it for the tropes, the smut, and the reminder that i’ve never experienced romance in my life.
something i really appreciate about hannah henry’s approach to this genre is that she’s willing to go beyond the realm of hockey and explores relationships between athletes and non-athlete’s. i love the dynamic between two hockey players, but when marathon reading within this genre, it can get redundant sometimes. but so far this book and book 2 have been interesting in that they aren’t just two hockey players/rivals/insert trope.
that being said, this series so far is heavy on the low-drama, low-angst, with HEAVY fluff. which i’m absolutely okay with, because again, i’m not diving into this genre to write an analytical dissertation on fiction. am i reading the next book in the series? absolutely.
something i really appreciate about hannah henry’s approach to this genre is that she’s willing to go beyond the realm of hockey and explores relationships between athletes and non-athlete’s. i love the dynamic between two hockey players, but when marathon reading within this genre, it can get redundant sometimes. but so far this book and book 2 have been interesting in that they aren’t just two hockey players/rivals/insert trope.
that being said, this series so far is heavy on the low-drama, low-angst, with HEAVY fluff. which i’m absolutely okay with, because again, i’m not diving into this genre to write an analytical dissertation on fiction. am i reading the next book in the series? absolutely.
April 6, 2024
I enjoyed this one the best out of this series, and I’m hoping it’s raising the bar for the other books I have left. It’s short and sweet, and has ultimately no real conflict, but it works well for a story that is cozy and focused on heavier topics and a lot of hurt/comfort.
It’s a slow burn (or as slow as you can get on this page count), and I like that the author didn’t try to work artificial conflict on the ending. I can see there was some issues, such as the lack focus on the memoir writing process (up until that review at the end I was a little iffy on whether or not I though Oli’s life even earned a memoir) and a rushed ending on the coming out front (would’ve loved to actually see Oliver retire, or a conversation with his team about it). Ultimately, neither truly affected my overall enjoyment, though.
I also expect we’ll be hearing about Oliver or catching a glimpse of Jordan in the rest of the books as the universe grows, so I’m not too bummed about it.
It’s a slow burn (or as slow as you can get on this page count), and I like that the author didn’t try to work artificial conflict on the ending. I can see there was some issues, such as the lack focus on the memoir writing process (up until that review at the end I was a little iffy on whether or not I though Oli’s life even earned a memoir) and a rushed ending on the coming out front (would’ve loved to actually see Oliver retire, or a conversation with his team about it). Ultimately, neither truly affected my overall enjoyment, though.
I also expect we’ll be hearing about Oliver or catching a glimpse of Jordan in the rest of the books as the universe grows, so I’m not too bummed about it.
March 6, 2023
Although it is true that Oliver needed help writing his memoir, Jordan's presence in his life turns out to be about a lot more than the book that results from their collaboration. Oliver is at a crossroads. Not able to play and dealing with the aftermath of injuries suffered playing hockey and how they will continue to impact his life. Jordan is a good partner for the project and to help Oliver think about what he wants next. Being with Jordan after they grow close also helps him find a more balanced and fulfilling life than the one he was living before they met. I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series and I am looking forward to the next one as well. This story was emotional and hopeful as love helps one better manage the changes that moving on can require as success and fame begin to fade.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2023
Excellent love story
While the middle part of a series, this book stands alone perfectly. The tender, emotional love story is beautifully written, an easy page turner. The exploration of two people finding that love makes them whole after each suffered separate devastating and seemingly catastrophic setbacks in their lifelong pursuits was so unique to this genre, yet works so beautifully. This is a low angst, high emotion love story with a beautifully satisfying HEA. You will cry for Oliver and Jordan, but you will never doubt their sincerity. Perfect combination of interesting plot, deeply moving characters, and a love story that will leave you euphoric for days after, although this entire series is hard to put down, and I started the next book in the series the minute I finished this one!
While the middle part of a series, this book stands alone perfectly. The tender, emotional love story is beautifully written, an easy page turner. The exploration of two people finding that love makes them whole after each suffered separate devastating and seemingly catastrophic setbacks in their lifelong pursuits was so unique to this genre, yet works so beautifully. This is a low angst, high emotion love story with a beautifully satisfying HEA. You will cry for Oliver and Jordan, but you will never doubt their sincerity. Perfect combination of interesting plot, deeply moving characters, and a love story that will leave you euphoric for days after, although this entire series is hard to put down, and I started the next book in the series the minute I finished this one!
March 5, 2023
It’s good! It’s a little obvious (gay closeted hockey player brings gayreporter to write his memoir… what do you think will happen?), but it has bits and pieces that do work (the yoga, the cooking, the moments of assholery). I can’t imagine having migraines as terrible as the character in this book, but the overall “we watch them play a game until they fall apart, and then they have to figure out what the hell the next 50 years of their lives are” vibe is pretty real. The book might do with more than the main two characters, given that it’s hard to hang this story on these two.
It’s a modest book, but charming despite that. Sorry, but unlike the hockey memoir whose writing it’s built around, I only give it four stars.
It’s a modest book, but charming despite that. Sorry, but unlike the hockey memoir whose writing it’s built around, I only give it four stars.
October 9, 2025
This was adorable! Oliver is precious. He's grumpy and bitchy, yes, but he's also thoughtful, caring, driven, and sometimes a little shy. He also has chronic pain, so I get it. Jordan is also precious. He's so patient, thoughtful, and optimistic. He's easy going and a natural caretaker. I love how Jordan can see through Oliver's pain and depression and truly see who he is. Their story was a delight. I love how they came together and the forced proximity. The caretaking was amazing and it was still a low angst story despite heavier topics. It was a delight.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, depression rep, chronic pain rep, hockey player/writer, grief, memoir, roommates, forced proximity, caretaking
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, depression rep, chronic pain rep, hockey player/writer, grief, memoir, roommates, forced proximity, caretaking
February 25, 2023
I really enjoyed Draft Bust. This third book in the series has a different feel which I liked. It’s a more intimate and quite romance as for most of the book it is just Jordan and Oliver alone in Oliver’s home. So, you really spend a lot of time with them, see they grow close over the month. Oliver is also a pretty unique character for a hockey player in this kind of book, which made his story quite compelling and a little sad. He is retiring at only 26 due to chronic injuries, his body is failing him, and he struggles with depression. Jordan’s kindness and patience make him pretty perfect for Oliver. Sweet couple.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
February 27, 2023
I really loved this book! Oliver and Jordan’s story touched my heart. Jordan agrees to stay with Oliver for a month and write his memoir. Oliver started his hockey career with promise and high expectations, but is having to retire early due to injuries. In addition to his hockey story, Oliver also plans to come out in his book. Oliver has a lot of issues, and is starved for affection and someone who sees the real him and loves him anyway. Jordan is kind and patient but isn’t afraid to call Oliver out on his behavior if needed. They are perfect for each other and have great chemistry. This is an excellent addition to a series that I love. I’m looking forward to book 4.
September 17, 2023
La historia se centra en Oliver, un jugador de hockey, que esta por retirarse debido a sus lesiones y Jordan, un periodista, que escribirá las memorias de su carrera.
Honestamente me llamaba mucho la atención la premisa de este libro, tenia ese aire del atleta y el nerd, con proximidad forzada pero honestamente no me encanto incluso por artos me pareció aburrido y no logre conectar con los personajes.
Oliver y Jordan van creando una rutina y acoplándose a la presencia del otro, incluso se toman su tiempo para conocerse y empezar a abrirse y confiar en el otro y aunque eso me gusto su historia nunca termino de atraparme.
Honestamente me llamaba mucho la atención la premisa de este libro, tenia ese aire del atleta y el nerd, con proximidad forzada pero honestamente no me encanto incluso por artos me pareció aburrido y no logre conectar con los personajes.
Oliver y Jordan van creando una rutina y acoplándose a la presencia del otro, incluso se toman su tiempo para conocerse y empezar a abrirse y confiar en el otro y aunque eso me gusto su historia nunca termino de atraparme.
March 2, 2023
Jordan is a recently laid off reporter who has been hired to write a memoir. He did not know his client is Oliver. Oliver is a NHL who is retiring. He is career has been besieged by injuries and left him with chronic pain. He hates that he has been called a draft bust. He has hired Jamie to write a book explaining his life in his own words. What he did not plan was falling in love.
I loved this story! It gave be a better understanding of chronic pain. I also like seeing old friends from prior books. I would highly recommend.
I loved this story! It gave be a better understanding of chronic pain. I also like seeing old friends from prior books. I would highly recommend.
May 17, 2023
Sweet book overall but I felt it was missing context for almost everything. We don’t end up exploring much about Oliver’s previous relationship, his complicated relationships with friends and family, communication about what grows between Jordan and Oliver, or even what happens when Oliver does go on to release his memoir and press. As a result, many parts felt surface level and I found the ending unsatisfying even though I enjoyed the characterization of Jordan and Oliver. I wish we got to understand Oliver as much as they kept saying Jordan understands him. 2.5 stars ◡̈ :/
April 25, 2023
I will be thinking about this book for a long time!
This is a hockey sports romance, the third book in the series that should be read in order. What a fascinating story with a couple fantastically developed characters! I wasn’t keen on the book blurb but you should seriously give this book a chance! It’s sharp, biting, spicy, gooey and tender; I absolutely loved reading it in the end!
This is a hockey sports romance, the third book in the series that should be read in order. What a fascinating story with a couple fantastically developed characters! I wasn’t keen on the book blurb but you should seriously give this book a chance! It’s sharp, biting, spicy, gooey and tender; I absolutely loved reading it in the end!
July 26, 2023
it was okay
The story was okay. I kind of struggled with it. Maybe it was just the writer’s style that wasn’t for me. The constant usage of their names when describing movements and who was doing what to whom just grated on me after a while and I started reworking the sentences in my mind to make them sound better. Really took me out of the story and I almost quit reading because of it.
The story was okay. I kind of struggled with it. Maybe it was just the writer’s style that wasn’t for me. The constant usage of their names when describing movements and who was doing what to whom just grated on me after a while and I started reworking the sentences in my mind to make them sound better. Really took me out of the story and I almost quit reading because of it.
March 14, 2025
Sweet story. Loved the forced proximity bits. And the relationship development.
But I oddly felt like some of the plot bits were lacking. No idea how these two would make a life for themselves afterwards. And it felt like Oliver was way too young to have a whole memoir. Like I couldn't help but think his book would be like 12 pages long. LOL.
Still felt the vibe of the other books though and will continue with the series.
But I oddly felt like some of the plot bits were lacking. No idea how these two would make a life for themselves afterwards. And it felt like Oliver was way too young to have a whole memoir. Like I couldn't help but think his book would be like 12 pages long. LOL.
Still felt the vibe of the other books though and will continue with the series.
July 15, 2025
This book is so short that it almost qualifies as a novella. If you're into cozy reads with hurt/comfort, you'll like this. But if you're not, it's kind of bland. The book really only has two characters (no side characters). The first half of the book is very cozy domestic getting to know you - the romance doesn't really start until the halfway point.
Nothing really stood out about this book - I'm sure I will have forgotten the plot entirely within a week.
Nothing really stood out about this book - I'm sure I will have forgotten the plot entirely within a week.
September 20, 2023
When you just need that human touch!
Due to injuries playing pro hockey, Oliver, a star player, knows he can’t return to hockey. Will having Jordan, a former hockey reporter, write his memoir help or just cause more pain? Enjoy their bravery as they face the past and make private, passionate use of the present!!!
Due to injuries playing pro hockey, Oliver, a star player, knows he can’t return to hockey. Will having Jordan, a former hockey reporter, write his memoir help or just cause more pain? Enjoy their bravery as they face the past and make private, passionate use of the present!!!
January 24, 2024
my least favorite of the series so far, but still a decent, quick read. i understand everything Oliver is going through, but i just don’t think the book is long enough to convince us he has changed or is stable enough to be in a committed relationship. i think if we got to see more of his progress, then their relationship would be more compelling.
February 28, 2023
wonderful
I was surprised by the emotional honesty of dealing with chronic pain and it’s associated depression and feelings of alienation from friends and family in a hockey romance. As someone who has dealt with chronic pain most of my life, I really felt seen.
I was surprised by the emotional honesty of dealing with chronic pain and it’s associated depression and feelings of alienation from friends and family in a hockey romance. As someone who has dealt with chronic pain most of my life, I really felt seen.
February 28, 2023
Another Sweet Story
I have been consistently enjoying this series. Each new book has been so good and so sweet. I look forward to getting to the next book.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I have been consistently enjoying this series. Each new book has been so good and so sweet. I look forward to getting to the next book.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 8, 2023
This was very good!
I loved the in-depth way we were able to understand how pain can affect a person and the emotional stability of life.
I loved them both together! Jordan and Oliver were so sweet helping each other as they helped themselves.
I loved the in-depth way we were able to understand how pain can affect a person and the emotional stability of life.
I loved them both together! Jordan and Oliver were so sweet helping each other as they helped themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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