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The Elmwood Stories #1
You, Again
The hometown hockey hero and his best friend's brother...
Vinnie
Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.
So I'm going home to Elmwood.
But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.
That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.
And that's almost as scary as coaching teens.
Nolan
No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.
He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.
So maybe my life isn't particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.
And I’m not coaching with him. No way.
Ugh…
I can’t believe I’m doing this again.
You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA!
Vinnie
Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.
So I'm going home to Elmwood.
But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.
That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.
And that's almost as scary as coaching teens.
Nolan
No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.
He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.
So maybe my life isn't particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.
And I’m not coaching with him. No way.
Ugh…
I can’t believe I’m doing this again.
You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA!
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2023
357 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
105 books1,718 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
September 15, 2023
2.5 stars
Some of my favourite tropes here, but the story was just ok.
I had a hard time liking Vinnie's character. A sweet moment with Nolan here and there, and he was really great with Nolan's niece, but other than that I found him quite obnoxious most of the time – his words and I agree. And can you really be best friends with someone and not see them or be there for them for years? I wasn't convinced. Good thing that Ronnie is such a great person and welcomed him with open arms.
I also didn't find his relationship with Nolan entirely convincing and everything happens too fast, all things considered. They were very close as kids, Vinnie was like a part of their family, but I didn't see that connection between them as adults. It didn't help that most of the relationship development happens off page and there's a lot of telling instead of showing. Some things we learn about their past are cute, though.
Some of my favourite tropes here, but the story was just ok.
I had a hard time liking Vinnie's character. A sweet moment with Nolan here and there, and he was really great with Nolan's niece, but other than that I found him quite obnoxious most of the time – his words and I agree. And can you really be best friends with someone and not see them or be there for them for years? I wasn't convinced. Good thing that Ronnie is such a great person and welcomed him with open arms.
I also didn't find his relationship with Nolan entirely convincing and everything happens too fast, all things considered. They were very close as kids, Vinnie was like a part of their family, but I didn't see that connection between them as adults. It didn't help that most of the relationship development happens off page and there's a lot of telling instead of showing. Some things we learn about their past are cute, though.
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October 15, 2024
You Again is book one in The Elmwood Stories series by Lane Hayes. This is only the second book I’ve ever read of Lane’s. For no other reason than that I have so many books to try to keep up with. I felt attracted to this series as soon as I heard about it. I adore small town romance. This is also second chance, brother’s best friend and hockey! I just finished the final page and my heart is exploding with happiness. It...was...amazing!!!
Vin “Kimbo” Kiminski is thirty six years old and after a fabulous sixteen year career in pro-hockey, he is retiring. Vin has no idea what his future will look like so for the summer he is going home to the small town he grew up in, Elmwood, Vermont. His best friend now owns and runs the rink he grew up on. And his best friend’s little brother now owns and runs the town’s diner. The same person who hates him now. And for good reason.
Nolan Moore is thirty five years old. After college, Nolan hadn’t intended to come back and take over his family’s diner but after his father passed away, his mom needed him. So he came home. He has updated the diner which now has full reservations week’s ahead of time. He’s proud of the life he has made in Elmwood. But when he heard Vinnie was coming back, he dreaded seeing him. Because Vin was his first crush. He was the one he never could forget. Vinnie was also straight! He knew seeing him again would be painful. But he also knew he wouldn’t be around for long. Vin would get bored and take off for the life he was accustomed to.
Twenty years may have passed, but as soon as these two saw each other, those same feelings were there. The days are filled with reconnecting with the people Vin grew up with. With teaching teenagers how to play hockey, and with making amends with the one person he could never forget.
“The truth of us...the depths of us scared the heck out of me. But it was also incredibly...beautiful.”
I just loved every single thing about this book. I loved the town, the residents, and especially Vin and Nolan. They may have stumbled through things a bit, but that “thing” was there, that connection. The swoony little things Vin did had me melting into a puddle. The whole book just made my heart all squishy. Now, I am immediately going on to book two, Next Season, which will be Riley and Jean-Claude’s book. When I saw the cover of this one, I almost fell off the couch! It’s that amazing. I can’t wait to get started!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Vin “Kimbo” Kiminski is thirty six years old and after a fabulous sixteen year career in pro-hockey, he is retiring. Vin has no idea what his future will look like so for the summer he is going home to the small town he grew up in, Elmwood, Vermont. His best friend now owns and runs the rink he grew up on. And his best friend’s little brother now owns and runs the town’s diner. The same person who hates him now. And for good reason.
Nolan Moore is thirty five years old. After college, Nolan hadn’t intended to come back and take over his family’s diner but after his father passed away, his mom needed him. So he came home. He has updated the diner which now has full reservations week’s ahead of time. He’s proud of the life he has made in Elmwood. But when he heard Vinnie was coming back, he dreaded seeing him. Because Vin was his first crush. He was the one he never could forget. Vinnie was also straight! He knew seeing him again would be painful. But he also knew he wouldn’t be around for long. Vin would get bored and take off for the life he was accustomed to.
Twenty years may have passed, but as soon as these two saw each other, those same feelings were there. The days are filled with reconnecting with the people Vin grew up with. With teaching teenagers how to play hockey, and with making amends with the one person he could never forget.
“The truth of us...the depths of us scared the heck out of me. But it was also incredibly...beautiful.”
I just loved every single thing about this book. I loved the town, the residents, and especially Vin and Nolan. They may have stumbled through things a bit, but that “thing” was there, that connection. The swoony little things Vin did had me melting into a puddle. The whole book just made my heart all squishy. Now, I am immediately going on to book two, Next Season, which will be Riley and Jean-Claude’s book. When I saw the cover of this one, I almost fell off the couch! It’s that amazing. I can’t wait to get started!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
September 23, 2023
'Twas all right, but nothing special. I love small town settings, so that worked for me, but the "athlete comes home and comes out" trope has been done, and done better, before.
Vinnie was immature and got off easy for abandoning Ronnie, his best friend, for almost two decades.
Nolan was right: Vinnie was a selfish asshole.
The relationship development was mostly summarized, so I wasn't fully feeling the MCs as a couple.
But, hey, the HEA was sweet as hell, and this series has potential.
Public service announcement:
Dear authors, when you tell us one (or both) of the MCs are bisexual, we believe you. We do not need a demonstration wherein the character is in bed with a woman, lusting after her breasts. Stop already.
Vinnie was immature and got off easy for abandoning Ronnie, his best friend, for almost two decades.
Nolan was right: Vinnie was a selfish asshole.
The relationship development was mostly summarized, so I wasn't fully feeling the MCs as a couple.
But, hey, the HEA was sweet as hell, and this series has potential.
Public service announcement:
Dear authors, when you tell us one (or both) of the MCs are bisexual, we believe you. We do not need a demonstration wherein the character is in bed with a woman, lusting after her breasts. Stop already.
November 2, 2023
THIS MULTI-TROPE ROMANCE HIT ALL THE RIGHT NOTES
This has two of my favourite tropes combined – best friend’s brother and second chance at first love, as well as it being a sports romance – so win all round!
Vinnie’s 36, and he’s just retired after a successful NHL career, where he’s hoping to make things right with his best friend Ronnie’s younger brother Nolan.
There’s clearly unfinished business between them, Vinnie’s never acknowledged what happened the summer before he left town when he was just 19, and he’s not been back to Elmwood for seven years.
As well as the usual small town cosy feeling you get from this type of setting, it’s coupled with a home town hero vibe as Vinnie’s arrival back in Elmwood starts to bring success to the Moore family rink, where Vinnie took his first steps towards his professional career, which has been struggling since the death of Ronnie and Nolan’s dad.
The two men end up coaching a junior ice hockey team at the rink and their tentative friendship goes through all kinds of bumps before settling down.
It’s pretty obvious from the off the sexual tension is still there and Vinnie’s coming to the conclusion that Nolan’s the only one who’s ever made his heart pound and that he’s most definitely bisexual and that he wants to fix things.
Leave it to me to have a bisexuality awakening moment with my best friend’s brother…who at best, tolerated me.
Of course, it’s not that easy and Nolan’s right to have residual feelings of both personal hurt, but also anger at how Vinnie wasn’t there for Ronnie when he was going through a hideous time and he’s not as quick to forgive.
What follows is a narrative that goes through the highs and lows, the sex is on fire, the confusion and doubts between both men are understandable and there’s a few home truths that need talking through.
The dialogue is on pointe, Vinnie is hilarious, he’s a jokester and likes to act out but Nolan’s not willing to put up with any of his crap and he calls him out on it. He’s been there through all the hard times and he won’t let Vinnie get away without properly resolving their outstanding issues.
While there is a brief moment of “not quite miscommunication, more fear of the outcome”, when Nolan puts blinkers on over whether Vinnie will stay after the summer, even though he’s repeatedly said he’s back in Elmwood for good, the rest of the time they do properly talk about what’s going on between them.
I also really liked the fact that Lane didn’t make Vinnie’s “sort of” model girlfriend (but really for mutual publicity and booty calls only) Sienna into a baddie once she finds out about him and Nolan.
This is pretty much what you’d expect from a book using these tropes, it’s an enjoyable read, with great chemistry and a solid connection between the men, witty dialogue, snark and humour that fits the narrative and a HEA that you can see coming a mile away but still cheer when it arrives.
I’m really intrigued by the second book in the series, which is to feature Nolan’s ex Jean-Claude, who is the chef at his diner, and Vinnie’s best mate on his ice hockey team, Riley aka Trunk.
This has two of my favourite tropes combined – best friend’s brother and second chance at first love, as well as it being a sports romance – so win all round!
Vinnie’s 36, and he’s just retired after a successful NHL career, where he’s hoping to make things right with his best friend Ronnie’s younger brother Nolan.
There’s clearly unfinished business between them, Vinnie’s never acknowledged what happened the summer before he left town when he was just 19, and he’s not been back to Elmwood for seven years.
As well as the usual small town cosy feeling you get from this type of setting, it’s coupled with a home town hero vibe as Vinnie’s arrival back in Elmwood starts to bring success to the Moore family rink, where Vinnie took his first steps towards his professional career, which has been struggling since the death of Ronnie and Nolan’s dad.
The two men end up coaching a junior ice hockey team at the rink and their tentative friendship goes through all kinds of bumps before settling down.
It’s pretty obvious from the off the sexual tension is still there and Vinnie’s coming to the conclusion that Nolan’s the only one who’s ever made his heart pound and that he’s most definitely bisexual and that he wants to fix things.
Leave it to me to have a bisexuality awakening moment with my best friend’s brother…who at best, tolerated me.
Of course, it’s not that easy and Nolan’s right to have residual feelings of both personal hurt, but also anger at how Vinnie wasn’t there for Ronnie when he was going through a hideous time and he’s not as quick to forgive.
What follows is a narrative that goes through the highs and lows, the sex is on fire, the confusion and doubts between both men are understandable and there’s a few home truths that need talking through.
The dialogue is on pointe, Vinnie is hilarious, he’s a jokester and likes to act out but Nolan’s not willing to put up with any of his crap and he calls him out on it. He’s been there through all the hard times and he won’t let Vinnie get away without properly resolving their outstanding issues.
While there is a brief moment of “not quite miscommunication, more fear of the outcome”, when Nolan puts blinkers on over whether Vinnie will stay after the summer, even though he’s repeatedly said he’s back in Elmwood for good, the rest of the time they do properly talk about what’s going on between them.
I also really liked the fact that Lane didn’t make Vinnie’s “sort of” model girlfriend (but really for mutual publicity and booty calls only) Sienna into a baddie once she finds out about him and Nolan.
This is pretty much what you’d expect from a book using these tropes, it’s an enjoyable read, with great chemistry and a solid connection between the men, witty dialogue, snark and humour that fits the narrative and a HEA that you can see coming a mile away but still cheer when it arrives.
I’m really intrigued by the second book in the series, which is to feature Nolan’s ex Jean-Claude, who is the chef at his diner, and Vinnie’s best mate on his ice hockey team, Riley aka Trunk.
November 18, 2023
While excellently narrated by NJR, the story itself was… nice.
Sometimes reading a book is like eating a dish - you need to have good ingredients, and those we had here: Vinnie recently retired from pro hockey, and returns to his hometown. There, he rekindles old friendships - like with Ronnie, his childhood bff whom he didn’t really keep in touch during his pro years. And with Nolan, Ronnie‘s little brother, who’s had a crush on Vinnie in his teens, but who now resents him because he wasn’t there when they all needed him.
As I said - the ingredients were there: second chance, bi awakening, small town hockey romance - a perfect mix for a really swoony story.
Sadly, the execution was a bit… bland. Like forgetting the key spices in your dish: there’s an attempt on drama, but it’s never really getting intense. The backstory on how Vinnie lost his mother, or how he grew up, on why he didn’t come back for 19 years - just briefly mentioned. On top of that, we have a kid thrown in the mix - you know the kind a cute, smart know-it-all who’s 7 ish but behaves like an adult 🙄
Still, not bad, it’s been nice to listen to, probably because Nick J Russo makes (almost) everything better 🙂
Sometimes reading a book is like eating a dish - you need to have good ingredients, and those we had here: Vinnie recently retired from pro hockey, and returns to his hometown. There, he rekindles old friendships - like with Ronnie, his childhood bff whom he didn’t really keep in touch during his pro years. And with Nolan, Ronnie‘s little brother, who’s had a crush on Vinnie in his teens, but who now resents him because he wasn’t there when they all needed him.
As I said - the ingredients were there: second chance, bi awakening, small town hockey romance - a perfect mix for a really swoony story.
Sadly, the execution was a bit… bland. Like forgetting the key spices in your dish: there’s an attempt on drama, but it’s never really getting intense. The backstory on how Vinnie lost his mother, or how he grew up, on why he didn’t come back for 19 years - just briefly mentioned. On top of that, we have a kid thrown in the mix - you know the kind a cute, smart know-it-all who’s 7 ish but behaves like an adult 🙄
Still, not bad, it’s been nice to listen to, probably because Nick J Russo makes (almost) everything better 🙂
September 12, 2023
This was a little too cookie cutter for me. The stage was set in the very first chapter and, from there, it was just a series of predictable scenes we've all read variations of before, including the obligatory bleak moment enjoying pride of place around the 80% mark. I've often described Lane Hayes' books as formulaic and that never bothered me much before, but I was really not feeling it in this one.
I liked Nolan, but never warmed to Vinnie. He was basically a 36 year old frat boy and I couldn't understand what Nolan saw in him. Their relationship felt rushed and underdeveloped, with weeks of interactions happening off page. Even the random glimpses into their past together did little to provide context. I did like the dialogue, which is one of the things that has brought me back to this author time and time again. However, I read a review of a different book that mentioned how often characters got cut off mid sentence and I noticed it so much in this book that it started to grate on my nerves. That and a penis being referred to as a pole. I've forgiven that travesty for too long.
I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series. The next book is about Nolan's ex-boyfriend Jean Claude from Montreal, who will undoubtedly butcher Quebecois French and wear out my Kindle translate function, so I might need to sit that one out.
I liked Nolan, but never warmed to Vinnie. He was basically a 36 year old frat boy and I couldn't understand what Nolan saw in him. Their relationship felt rushed and underdeveloped, with weeks of interactions happening off page. Even the random glimpses into their past together did little to provide context. I did like the dialogue, which is one of the things that has brought me back to this author time and time again. However, I read a review of a different book that mentioned how often characters got cut off mid sentence and I noticed it so much in this book that it started to grate on my nerves. That and a penis being referred to as a pole. I've forgiven that travesty for too long.
I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series. The next book is about Nolan's ex-boyfriend Jean Claude from Montreal, who will undoubtedly butcher Quebecois French and wear out my Kindle translate function, so I might need to sit that one out.
February 18, 2024
So enjoyable, I immediately warmed to all of these characters and their small town.
Vinnie was entertaining and I swear Nolan had the patience of a saint. Their relationship was extremely cute and I loved the reveal of what Vinnie had marked on the church wall when they were teenagers 😍
Vinnie was entertaining and I swear Nolan had the patience of a saint. Their relationship was extremely cute and I loved the reveal of what Vinnie had marked on the church wall when they were teenagers 😍
Read
September 9, 2023DNF @ 2% - sometimes it’s as simple as a 36 year old hockey player using the term “verklempt” that makes me dnf a book.
September 10, 2023
DNF ~ 31%
A lot of pet peeves in this one. Vinnie and Nolan had some kind of mysterious falling out that we don't actually get to find out about until nearly 1/3 through the book despite a lot of talking about and hinting about it, which is just annoying because it's exactly what you assume it is, so there was no reason for the mystery. Nolan doesn't trust Vinnie for good reason, but all his POV consists of is him thinking about Vinnie nonstop and how hot he is. Vinnie is a nearly-40-year-old man who acts like an immature, self-obsessed child. Nolan tells him off for his lack of support of Nolan's brother, and Vinnie legit doesn't think about it at all for the whole next chapter, and instead focuses on the fact that Nolan hasn't been pining over him? Absolutely not.
A lot of pet peeves in this one. Vinnie and Nolan had some kind of mysterious falling out that we don't actually get to find out about until nearly 1/3 through the book despite a lot of talking about and hinting about it, which is just annoying because it's exactly what you assume it is, so there was no reason for the mystery. Nolan doesn't trust Vinnie for good reason, but all his POV consists of is him thinking about Vinnie nonstop and how hot he is. Vinnie is a nearly-40-year-old man who acts like an immature, self-obsessed child. Nolan tells him off for his lack of support of Nolan's brother, and Vinnie legit doesn't think about it at all for the whole next chapter, and instead focuses on the fact that Nolan hasn't been pining over him? Absolutely not.
September 13, 2023
3.75 stars
This is a very sweet, romantic story. I loved how easy it was to read, Lane Hayes just writes books that flow beautifully. Was this the most original book? No. This trope, the entire idea, has been done before. There is nothing new and earth shattering in this story but there is a lot of tender moments in a small town between friends and lovers. There are also some spicy moments between Vinnie & Nolan.
Nolan has such a great family! I loved how supportive they were and how Vinnie was like another family member. I expected a big over the top situation to happen in the last part of the book and I’m happy to say that it didn’t happen like I thought it may. Hayes just handles these romance books so well.
I don’t know who that’s supposed to be on the cover because it isn’t the hockey star, Vinnie. He’s tatted up and a lot bigger. I guess it’s supposed to be Nolan but he doesn’t do it for my idea of Nolan. It’s just not my favorite cover and I think this story deserves a better cover.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I love small town romances and if hockey players are involved, that makes it even better!
**ARC received for review
**All thoughts and opinions are my own
This is a very sweet, romantic story. I loved how easy it was to read, Lane Hayes just writes books that flow beautifully. Was this the most original book? No. This trope, the entire idea, has been done before. There is nothing new and earth shattering in this story but there is a lot of tender moments in a small town between friends and lovers. There are also some spicy moments between Vinnie & Nolan.
Nolan has such a great family! I loved how supportive they were and how Vinnie was like another family member. I expected a big over the top situation to happen in the last part of the book and I’m happy to say that it didn’t happen like I thought it may. Hayes just handles these romance books so well.
I don’t know who that’s supposed to be on the cover because it isn’t the hockey star, Vinnie. He’s tatted up and a lot bigger. I guess it’s supposed to be Nolan but he doesn’t do it for my idea of Nolan. It’s just not my favorite cover and I think this story deserves a better cover.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I love small town romances and if hockey players are involved, that makes it even better!
**ARC received for review
**All thoughts and opinions are my own
October 29, 2023
I love this author and it pains me to say this but I really did not enjoy this book. (See highlights for all the reasons) It felt very MF to me.
NGL, I thought Vinnie was an epic asshole totally clueless in his selfishness AND Nolan was a doormat that let him be that way. They, however, did have very good chemistry but I did not want good things for Vinnie.
The ex girlfriend and the way that all shook out was ugh AND to have the proposal be of page after all of that was a ott annoying. I might be a masochist but I’m giving book 2 a try since I really loved JC. Plus, I normally love this author’s work and I hope this is a one off. 😬😬🤔
NGL, I thought Vinnie was an epic asshole totally clueless in his selfishness AND Nolan was a doormat that let him be that way. They, however, did have very good chemistry but I did not want good things for Vinnie.
The ex girlfriend and the way that all shook out was ugh AND to have the proposal be of page after all of that was a ott annoying. I might be a masochist but I’m giving book 2 a try since I really loved JC. Plus, I normally love this author’s work and I hope this is a one off. 😬😬🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
This was such a FEEL GOOD story! It made me so happy. My heart is still gooey. Vinnie and Nolan were simply spectacular together. This was a no drama, sweet, sexy, happy, wholesome town-hero comes back home, best-friend’s little brother romance that just worked for me.
The small town, the secondary characters, the plot, the thoughts, the sexy times. Everything just worked. Cannot wait for book two!
The small town, the secondary characters, the plot, the thoughts, the sexy times. Everything just worked. Cannot wait for book two!
March 26, 2025
2.5 Stars rounded up for Nolan
This was a very easy read but fell quite flat, was very lacking in emotion, and Vinnie kinda sucked all around? He was too sex focused and didn’t really talk about other reasons he liked Nolan. Nolan was cool.
This was a very easy read but fell quite flat, was very lacking in emotion, and Vinnie kinda sucked all around? He was too sex focused and didn’t really talk about other reasons he liked Nolan. Nolan was cool.
November 12, 2023
ngl this book irritated the fuck out of me. i wanted to like it, i almost liked it but i have major beef with authors who set two characters up to have huge dramatic moments and then under-deliver on all counts.
i'm not even gonna get into what the book is about cos i stopped reading at 65% but Nolan and Vinnie knew each other basically their whole lives, spent their teen years flirting before realizing they were doing it, and had an all-gay-touch-and-feels moment before Vinnie just ditched everybody and took off to be a hockey star. so tell ME WHY 16 YEARS LATER... this bitch gets to show up and act like everything is fine? seriously the tension didn't even last a chapter, meanwhile i'm the one still pissed at him for doing Nol like that. and the audacity of Nolan being the one to launch their adult relationship into the kissing and sexy parts just pissed me off sooo much omg. like you didn't even make that fool beg for your forgiveness???? really after seeing him for what seemed to be all of 3 hours in at least 7 years, he gets to accidentally kiss you and all is well again??? no. nope. and YET and yet. i pushed through anyway, i did. but i finally DNF'd when they're just sitting there talking about their exes and there's barely even a whiff of jealousy. no possessive plays. no knife in the heart to make Vinnie SUFFER. i just. 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡dissatisfied. irritated. i expected at least a chapter of all out groveling and got nothing but them being dumb puppies for each other. is it because they're 34 and 36???????????? is that what it means to be mature??? if it is, i hate it. sorry for the ravings of a lunatic but i wanna beat this book up fr. good day sirs
i'm not even gonna get into what the book is about cos i stopped reading at 65% but Nolan and Vinnie knew each other basically their whole lives, spent their teen years flirting before realizing they were doing it, and had an all-gay-touch-and-feels moment before Vinnie just ditched everybody and took off to be a hockey star. so tell ME WHY 16 YEARS LATER... this bitch gets to show up and act like everything is fine? seriously the tension didn't even last a chapter, meanwhile i'm the one still pissed at him for doing Nol like that. and the audacity of Nolan being the one to launch their adult relationship into the kissing and sexy parts just pissed me off sooo much omg. like you didn't even make that fool beg for your forgiveness???? really after seeing him for what seemed to be all of 3 hours in at least 7 years, he gets to accidentally kiss you and all is well again??? no. nope. and YET and yet. i pushed through anyway, i did. but i finally DNF'd when they're just sitting there talking about their exes and there's barely even a whiff of jealousy. no possessive plays. no knife in the heart to make Vinnie SUFFER. i just. 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡dissatisfied. irritated. i expected at least a chapter of all out groveling and got nothing but them being dumb puppies for each other. is it because they're 34 and 36???????????? is that what it means to be mature??? if it is, i hate it. sorry for the ravings of a lunatic but i wanna beat this book up fr. good day sirs
September 2, 2023
4 stars
Lovely beginning of a new series.
Vinnie is a hockey player about to retire, he's a skilled defenseman, ruthless, scary and cocky, but he's also a funny prankster, he's 36 and it's time for him to move on wih his life. He hasn't made any plan, he just wants to return to his hometown, where there are still his father and his best friend Ronnie's family.
Nolan, Ronnie's younger brother, is 35, he owns the family restaurant and also he helps his brother with a hockey program. Nolan is gay and out since he was in college.
Vinnie, Ronnie and Nolan have spent their entire childhood and teenage years together, they know each other very well, they played hockey together and Vinnie has always been considered a member of the Moore family: it was actually Ronnie and Nolan's dad who introduced and pushed him towards hockey and loved him like a son.
But since Vinnie left for college and then he was drafted by a NHL team, he focused only on his career and he basically ghosted everyone else, except for phone calls and short visits.
He hasn't set foot in town since 7 years before, but when he comes back everyone still welcomes him like a hero. The only one holding a grudge is Nolan: he's pissed because of Vinnie's behaviour towards his brother (who had to face a lot of problems in the past) that made him a terrible friend:
"You got a taste of the sweet life, experienced some fame and fortune, playing the game our dad taught you to play, and you never showed up for him." [for Ronnie]
Vinnie is determined to make up for his past mistakes by helping them with the hockey program, but while Ronnie is very easygoing and forgiving, Nolan doesn't trust him to not abandon them again. That doesn't prevent him to start a sexual "relationship" with Vin, who finally admits (19 years after their first and only time fooling around) to be bisexual.
What prevented me from giving 5 stars:
The story is a little predictable: Nolan says so many times that he doesn't know what Vinnie's plans are at the end of the summer that the reader is waiting for the inevitable third act breakup.
Moreover, 19 years are a very long time to be in love with someone and never try to make things work. Vinnie said that he always thought about that night with Nolan (when they have their first sexual experience and, then he dismissed it like it was nothing important) and it's very obvious that he was in love: there are a lot of little details that he confesses that made me swoon (their numbers, the night at the hotel when he heard Nolan has come out, the jealousy, the game tickets).
But for all those years he kept that love (and the scary thought of being bisexual) locked away by completely focusing on hockey (and sex with women, apparently). He didn't even support him when he came out with a simple thing like a phone call.
"It was easier thinking you were like me... than to imagine you with..."...
"You have no idea how much I needed to hear that... It's nice to hear I wasn't alone, but Jesus, I could have used it years ago."...
"I just wasn't ready to-"
"I know. You didn't have to come out for me... You could have just said 'Hey, Nol. It was a god thing, bad timing.' Or something, anything."
Then, when he comes back, he suddenly finds himself still attracted to Nolan and wants to experiment with him. And Nolan agrees.
I believe he should have groveled way more to deserve Nolan's forgiveness, instead it was like he didn't have to make any efforts. He could have been also more assertive with his agent and Sienna, tough: it was insensitive still treating her like a girlfriend in front of the whole town and press, even if Nolan knew the truth. It broke my heart seeing him having to stay in the background during such a important moment: once again, Vin wasn't brave and Nolan got hurt.
"I'm losing myself by hiding in the shadows like a dirty secret... Vinnie, I'm the dirtiest secret you've ever had."...
I'd been here before. Always keeping secrets, always hiding in the shadows,... he'd put his name on this burden and carried it like a suitcase for years. And I'd let him.
I love Vin, though, he's funny and spontaneous, he's also a little bit of a mess about his own insecurities and I appreciate that, on that matter, he never hold back from Nolan, but he always communicated with him.
Their sex scenes are very well written, they're a mix of hotness, funny banter and love.
"You have to go slow. It's been a while, and you're kinda big."
"Kinda big? I'm huge," I bragged, hoping to add a smidge of humor and calm my frazzled nerves. My hand was shaking so hard...
Next book, Next Season, will be about JC, Nolan's ex and now dear friend, and Trunk, Vinnie's former teammate and I'm very curious about it.
In the meantime I definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Lovely beginning of a new series.
Vinnie is a hockey player about to retire, he's a skilled defenseman, ruthless, scary and cocky, but he's also a funny prankster, he's 36 and it's time for him to move on wih his life. He hasn't made any plan, he just wants to return to his hometown, where there are still his father and his best friend Ronnie's family.
Nolan, Ronnie's younger brother, is 35, he owns the family restaurant and also he helps his brother with a hockey program. Nolan is gay and out since he was in college.
Vinnie, Ronnie and Nolan have spent their entire childhood and teenage years together, they know each other very well, they played hockey together and Vinnie has always been considered a member of the Moore family: it was actually Ronnie and Nolan's dad who introduced and pushed him towards hockey and loved him like a son.
But since Vinnie left for college and then he was drafted by a NHL team, he focused only on his career and he basically ghosted everyone else, except for phone calls and short visits.
He hasn't set foot in town since 7 years before, but when he comes back everyone still welcomes him like a hero. The only one holding a grudge is Nolan: he's pissed because of Vinnie's behaviour towards his brother (who had to face a lot of problems in the past) that made him a terrible friend:
"You got a taste of the sweet life, experienced some fame and fortune, playing the game our dad taught you to play, and you never showed up for him." [for Ronnie]
Vinnie is determined to make up for his past mistakes by helping them with the hockey program, but while Ronnie is very easygoing and forgiving, Nolan doesn't trust him to not abandon them again. That doesn't prevent him to start a sexual "relationship" with Vin, who finally admits (19 years after their first and only time fooling around) to be bisexual.
What prevented me from giving 5 stars:
The story is a little predictable: Nolan says so many times that he doesn't know what Vinnie's plans are at the end of the summer that the reader is waiting for the inevitable third act breakup.
Moreover, 19 years are a very long time to be in love with someone and never try to make things work. Vinnie said that he always thought about that night with Nolan (when they have their first sexual experience and, then he dismissed it like it was nothing important) and it's very obvious that he was in love: there are a lot of little details that he confesses that made me swoon (their numbers, the night at the hotel when he heard Nolan has come out, the jealousy, the game tickets).
But for all those years he kept that love (and the scary thought of being bisexual) locked away by completely focusing on hockey (and sex with women, apparently). He didn't even support him when he came out with a simple thing like a phone call.
"It was easier thinking you were like me... than to imagine you with..."...
"You have no idea how much I needed to hear that... It's nice to hear I wasn't alone, but Jesus, I could have used it years ago."...
"I just wasn't ready to-"
"I know. You didn't have to come out for me... You could have just said 'Hey, Nol. It was a god thing, bad timing.' Or something, anything."
Then, when he comes back, he suddenly finds himself still attracted to Nolan and wants to experiment with him. And Nolan agrees.
I believe he should have groveled way more to deserve Nolan's forgiveness, instead it was like he didn't have to make any efforts. He could have been also more assertive with his agent and Sienna, tough: it was insensitive still treating her like a girlfriend in front of the whole town and press, even if Nolan knew the truth. It broke my heart seeing him having to stay in the background during such a important moment: once again, Vin wasn't brave and Nolan got hurt.
"I'm losing myself by hiding in the shadows like a dirty secret... Vinnie, I'm the dirtiest secret you've ever had."...
I'd been here before. Always keeping secrets, always hiding in the shadows,... he'd put his name on this burden and carried it like a suitcase for years. And I'd let him.
I love Vin, though, he's funny and spontaneous, he's also a little bit of a mess about his own insecurities and I appreciate that, on that matter, he never hold back from Nolan, but he always communicated with him.
Their sex scenes are very well written, they're a mix of hotness, funny banter and love.
"You have to go slow. It's been a while, and you're kinda big."
"Kinda big? I'm huge," I bragged, hoping to add a smidge of humor and calm my frazzled nerves. My hand was shaking so hard...
Next book, Next Season, will be about JC, Nolan's ex and now dear friend, and Trunk, Vinnie's former teammate and I'm very curious about it.
In the meantime I definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
October 19, 2023
Super cute second chance, small town romance. Exactly what I expect from Lane Hayes.
It was a lot of fun traveling to the East Coast and I'm really looking forward to spending more time in this very quaint small town.
It was the perfect mix of sporty and romance. The setting was set and I could easily picture the town. The secondary characters were fun and I hope to see more of them in the future stories.
I even liked the kid!
Overall it was a sweet read and it just keeps Lane Hayes right at the top of my favorite author list.
It was a lot of fun traveling to the East Coast and I'm really looking forward to spending more time in this very quaint small town.
It was the perfect mix of sporty and romance. The setting was set and I could easily picture the town. The secondary characters were fun and I hope to see more of them in the future stories.
I even liked the kid!
Overall it was a sweet read and it just keeps Lane Hayes right at the top of my favorite author list.
September 10, 2023
•Small town
•Brother's best friend
•Pining, first love
•Second chance romance
•Dual POVs
•Chemistry
•Good pacing
•Friends to lovers
•OFY
Lane Hayes has a winner on her hands. I loved Nolan and Vinnie, their interactions, respect, and love for each other. I'm ready for the upcoming books in the Elmwood series!
4.5 Stars
November 5, 2023
Second Chance to Make Things Right
Vinnie Kempinski, star player on his Seattle Hockey Team is retiring at 36 years old. He’s heading back to his little hometown in Vermont. Maybe just for the Summer to help his friend.
He owes the Moore family for what they did for him since he was a child. His best friend Ronnie Moore needs his help coaching his youngest new players and revive interest in the town for Ice Hockey. It was Mr. Moore Senior who had coached Vinnie, Ronnie and Ronnie’s younger brother, Nolan. Vinnie owes his skills and success to him, plus he was more of a father to Vinnie than his own Dad. Especially after his mother died when he was 6 years old and his Professor Dad buried himself in his work, neglecting Vinnie’s grief at losing his Mother.
The only other source of comfort to him growing up was, Nolan Moore, his best friends’ younger brother. Nolan had idolised Vinnie, and Vinnie enjoyed that. There was something between them, they had done a bit of teenage ‘exploration’ but then Vinnie left for College out of state and a year later, Nolan went to College at UCLA.
Now, 19 years later Vinnie is coming back, and he wants to help his friend Ronnie out and ‘mend fences’ with Nolan Moore.
Nolan is not happy when he finds out that Ronnie invited him back.
**********
My first MM book was about an Ice Hockey Romance, a real eye opener for me, the MM part, since then I’ve a soft spot for Ice Hockey based stories.
‘You, Again’, is a sweet small town story, angst free, with a close knit community feel to it.
I liked the way the two MC’s didn’t waste a lot of time clearing the air at a past perceived misunderstanding. Vinnie was welcomed back into his found family, he just needs to be brave an admit his bisexuality, now that he’s retired from Ice Hockey. His model ex girlfriend back in Seattle, Sienna, needs to accept that they are finished with their public arrangement, and he won’t be coming back to Seattle.
I’m always happy to read Lane Hayes books,‘ You, Again’, is first in the Elmwood series, and I’m going to follow the sequence, all based in the small town and I’m sure the two MC’s here will feature somewhere along the line.
I’m looking forward to next one, which features Jean-Claude, the chef, in Elmwood Diner, in Book 1.
Vinnie Kempinski, star player on his Seattle Hockey Team is retiring at 36 years old. He’s heading back to his little hometown in Vermont. Maybe just for the Summer to help his friend.
He owes the Moore family for what they did for him since he was a child. His best friend Ronnie Moore needs his help coaching his youngest new players and revive interest in the town for Ice Hockey. It was Mr. Moore Senior who had coached Vinnie, Ronnie and Ronnie’s younger brother, Nolan. Vinnie owes his skills and success to him, plus he was more of a father to Vinnie than his own Dad. Especially after his mother died when he was 6 years old and his Professor Dad buried himself in his work, neglecting Vinnie’s grief at losing his Mother.
The only other source of comfort to him growing up was, Nolan Moore, his best friends’ younger brother. Nolan had idolised Vinnie, and Vinnie enjoyed that. There was something between them, they had done a bit of teenage ‘exploration’ but then Vinnie left for College out of state and a year later, Nolan went to College at UCLA.
Now, 19 years later Vinnie is coming back, and he wants to help his friend Ronnie out and ‘mend fences’ with Nolan Moore.
Nolan is not happy when he finds out that Ronnie invited him back.
**********
My first MM book was about an Ice Hockey Romance, a real eye opener for me, the MM part, since then I’ve a soft spot for Ice Hockey based stories.
‘You, Again’, is a sweet small town story, angst free, with a close knit community feel to it.
I liked the way the two MC’s didn’t waste a lot of time clearing the air at a past perceived misunderstanding. Vinnie was welcomed back into his found family, he just needs to be brave an admit his bisexuality, now that he’s retired from Ice Hockey. His model ex girlfriend back in Seattle, Sienna, needs to accept that they are finished with their public arrangement, and he won’t be coming back to Seattle.
I’m always happy to read Lane Hayes books,‘ You, Again’, is first in the Elmwood series, and I’m going to follow the sequence, all based in the small town and I’m sure the two MC’s here will feature somewhere along the line.
I’m looking forward to next one, which features Jean-Claude, the chef, in Elmwood Diner, in Book 1.
November 3, 2023
You, Again
I really enjoyed this hockey themed story, NHL hero returning to his home town post retirement reconnecting with his best friends younger brother who it turned out had a brief thing in the past. The boys on the hockey team were a hoot to read about and I loved how there was absolutely no homophobia at all - not from the small town, the press, former teammates
I really enjoyed this hockey themed story, NHL hero returning to his home town post retirement reconnecting with his best friends younger brother who it turned out had a brief thing in the past. The boys on the hockey team were a hoot to read about and I loved how there was absolutely no homophobia at all - not from the small town, the press, former teammates
February 23, 2024
I didn't care for this one. I really disliked Vinnie for a very large portion of this book. He had some good moments yes, but he came across as clueless. I mean, he's 36 and doesn't know how to just say NO. No to his agent, No to his 'fake' girlfriend. It was just irritating.
Nolan I didn't mind, but I didn't really connect with him either. The build-up to to possibly something with the agent and ex turned out to be absolutely nothing. It was really skimmed over.
I don't know, this one just wasn't for me.
Nolan I didn't mind, but I didn't really connect with him either. The build-up to to possibly something with the agent and ex turned out to be absolutely nothing. It was really skimmed over.
I don't know, this one just wasn't for me.
September 17, 2023
This was a good romance, with solid writing and pacing. Not a standout, though.
I feel like I didn’t really connect with the characters or the story? And there was a kind of generic sameness about this one, like it lacked something to make it stand out. It definitely lacked passion, as it was not hot.
Kind of meh, but a sweet, vaguely pleasant meh.
I feel like I didn’t really connect with the characters or the story? And there was a kind of generic sameness about this one, like it lacked something to make it stand out. It definitely lacked passion, as it was not hot.
Kind of meh, but a sweet, vaguely pleasant meh.
October 24, 2023
When you think you're just indulging in some sweet fluff and you get that but it comes with a sneak attack of pure, believable, unadulterated romance you know it's Lane Hayes at her best. Nick J Russo doing the audio honors is just icing on the cake.
Vinnie & Nolan are delicious together but not treacly and their story was just what I needed & wanted right now.
Vinnie & Nolan are delicious together but not treacly and their story was just what I needed & wanted right now.
September 6, 2023
5 + Stars!!
Ms. Hayes never fails to write fabulous, swoon-worthy love stories and You Again was no exception.
I absolutely adored Nolan, but I’ll be honest, I wasn’t so sure about Vinnie at first. He came off as, and he actually was kind of a jackass at first, but the more I got to know him the more I grew to love him.
Nolan and Vinnie had amazing chemistry and they felt easy together and like they belonged. I loved their snarky back-and-forth and I really enjoyed watching them coach the kids. I adored both of their interactions with Mary-Kate, Nolan’s niece. She was such a sweetheart.
This was a well-written and enjoyable read and once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I was left wanting more of Nolan and Vinnie, but in a good way. Definitely a recommendable read!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
Ms. Hayes never fails to write fabulous, swoon-worthy love stories and You Again was no exception.
I absolutely adored Nolan, but I’ll be honest, I wasn’t so sure about Vinnie at first. He came off as, and he actually was kind of a jackass at first, but the more I got to know him the more I grew to love him.
Nolan and Vinnie had amazing chemistry and they felt easy together and like they belonged. I loved their snarky back-and-forth and I really enjoyed watching them coach the kids. I adored both of their interactions with Mary-Kate, Nolan’s niece. She was such a sweetheart.
This was a well-written and enjoyable read and once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I was left wanting more of Nolan and Vinnie, but in a good way. Definitely a recommendable read!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
September 20, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
You, Again is the first book in the new Elmwood Stories series by Lane Hayes and, for me, it hit the mark. This is a character-driven story, one of learning and understanding, forgiveness and growth. When Vinnie and Nolan meet again, it’s not an exaggeration to say there’s animosity coming from Nolan. And they definitely don’t get off on the best foot. But slowly, these two men are able to communicate, and the truths they reveal are heartfelt and real.
I really liked both MCs here and thought the author did a great job of showcasing both their motives and thought process. The story is told in first person alternating POV, which really helped that along.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
You, Again is the first book in the new Elmwood Stories series by Lane Hayes and, for me, it hit the mark. This is a character-driven story, one of learning and understanding, forgiveness and growth. When Vinnie and Nolan meet again, it’s not an exaggeration to say there’s animosity coming from Nolan. And they definitely don’t get off on the best foot. But slowly, these two men are able to communicate, and the truths they reveal are heartfelt and real.
I really liked both MCs here and thought the author did a great job of showcasing both their motives and thought process. The story is told in first person alternating POV, which really helped that along.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
September 30, 2023
Ce M/M cumule beaucoup de tropes que j'affectionne, et j'apprécie la plume de Lane Hayes. Pourtant, ça n'a pas suffit, et j'ai trouvé cette histoire mignonne, certes, mais finalement assez tiède et plate.
Il y avait du potentiel pour me faire ressentir de belles émotions, or là, entre Vinnie qui est un mix entre un frat boy et un gros beauf, et le fait qu'une grande partie de la relation évolue sous la forme d'évocations de l'autrice (ou de sous entendus) et non de scènes réelles, eh bien ça m'a coupé l'envie, et j'ai failli arrêter à la moitié environ.
J'ai tout de même poursuivi jusqu'au bout, mais c'est typiquement le genre de roman que j'aurai oublié dans quelques jours, dommage.
Oh et dernière petite râlerie pour la route : les auteurs américains doivent arrêter avec les prénoms ridicules des Québécois ... Un mec de 40 piges qui s'appelle Jean-Claude, sans déc ? Ok je sais qu'au QC il y a parfois de vieux prénoms (coucou Jean-René du Subway de Trois-Rivières ^^), mais là, faut arrêter avec les clichés !
Il y avait du potentiel pour me faire ressentir de belles émotions, or là, entre Vinnie qui est un mix entre un frat boy et un gros beauf, et le fait qu'une grande partie de la relation évolue sous la forme d'évocations de l'autrice (ou de sous entendus) et non de scènes réelles, eh bien ça m'a coupé l'envie, et j'ai failli arrêter à la moitié environ.
J'ai tout de même poursuivi jusqu'au bout, mais c'est typiquement le genre de roman que j'aurai oublié dans quelques jours, dommage.
Oh et dernière petite râlerie pour la route : les auteurs américains doivent arrêter avec les prénoms ridicules des Québécois ... Un mec de 40 piges qui s'appelle Jean-Claude, sans déc ? Ok je sais qu'au QC il y a parfois de vieux prénoms (coucou Jean-René du Subway de Trois-Rivières ^^), mais là, faut arrêter avec les clichés !
May 15, 2024
Uwielbiam hokej i uwielbiam małe miasteczka. Jednakże tutaj to połączenie było po prostu nudne i nijakie. Dodatkowo Vinnie - jeden z MC - miał być jowialny, uwielbiany przez wszystkich i zabawny. Ale 36-letni facet, który zachowuje się, jakby był w liceum, albo - no dobra - był chłopakiem z bractwa, to jednak nie moje klimaty. Nie mój pomysł na zabawnego, dorosłego faceta 🤷♀️
September 3, 2023
I am a huge Lane Hayes fan. I’ve read everything she’s written and was curious how her small town hockey romance would play out. And no surprise, it’s as well constructed, well developed, character driven, and emotionally gut wrenching as all her books.
The concept is a fun and oft used one. Professional sports hero Vinnie, with secrets and questions, returns to small hometown to try to figure his life out. In this iteration he re-connects with old friends, particularly his best friend’s brother Nolan, with whom he shared secret intimate moments before he took off for college, never to return.
Nolan doesn’t think too highly of Vinnie and there are lots of reasons for that, but he’s never been able to completely erase the feelings he had for him. Turns out Vinnie is in the same boat. When they end up coaching a junior hockey team together, the time spent together leads to more than hockey practice planning.
The story is well constructed to grab the reader and have them all in on rooting for this HEA. There are great, fully developed secondary characters that are important to the story arc. We also get a peek at characters who will no doubt be featured in future books in the series.
The story is an emotional roller coaster with moments of humor, joy, snark, romance, steam, sorrow and gut clenching sadness and regret. I was in tears in several times and my throat is still burning as I write this. The ending is sweet and joyous with such a perfect small town moment. The epilogue is fun and very uplifting and hopeful. It was a great read, not too angsty, and ultimately serves to reinforce our faith in human kindness and acceptance.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
The concept is a fun and oft used one. Professional sports hero Vinnie, with secrets and questions, returns to small hometown to try to figure his life out. In this iteration he re-connects with old friends, particularly his best friend’s brother Nolan, with whom he shared secret intimate moments before he took off for college, never to return.
Nolan doesn’t think too highly of Vinnie and there are lots of reasons for that, but he’s never been able to completely erase the feelings he had for him. Turns out Vinnie is in the same boat. When they end up coaching a junior hockey team together, the time spent together leads to more than hockey practice planning.
The story is well constructed to grab the reader and have them all in on rooting for this HEA. There are great, fully developed secondary characters that are important to the story arc. We also get a peek at characters who will no doubt be featured in future books in the series.
The story is an emotional roller coaster with moments of humor, joy, snark, romance, steam, sorrow and gut clenching sadness and regret. I was in tears in several times and my throat is still burning as I write this. The ending is sweet and joyous with such a perfect small town moment. The epilogue is fun and very uplifting and hopeful. It was a great read, not too angsty, and ultimately serves to reinforce our faith in human kindness and acceptance.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
October 14, 2023
I really enjoy Lane Hayes for fun, cute romances. This was a sweet second chance, best friends brother, sports romance. If you’re looking for a nice, easy read I absolutely recommend. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job!
Vinnie and Nolan reconnect after many years apart and I enjoyed seeing Nolan let Vinnie back into his life. The side characters were cute and I loved the small town they were in.
I do wish we had got a bit more from them after they decided to say I love you and get together. Seemed very rushed at the end but overall I really enjoyed their story and the epilogue was very sweet.
I am looking forward to more in this series and have a couple guesses for who they could be about. Definitely will check out more by this author as well.
Vinnie and Nolan reconnect after many years apart and I enjoyed seeing Nolan let Vinnie back into his life. The side characters were cute and I loved the small town they were in.
I do wish we had got a bit more from them after they decided to say I love you and get together. Seemed very rushed at the end but overall I really enjoyed their story and the epilogue was very sweet.
I am looking forward to more in this series and have a couple guesses for who they could be about. Definitely will check out more by this author as well.
April 11, 2025
Uwielbiam książki o hokeju i o odnajdywaniu siebie. Nie cierpię "drugiej szansy", ale tak naprawdę ten wątek jest tu wręcz mikroskopijny.
Gdybym miała podsumować "You, again", powiedziałabym - za krótko. Te dwieście stron nie wystarczyło, żeby dobrze porozwijać wątki, przez co, wszystko było zbyt pośpieszone. Związek Nolana i Vinniego był tak bardzo niedopracowany. I nijaki. I przewidywalny. A sam Vinnie momentami irytował za bardzo. I nie, nie mówię, że 36 latkowie muszą zachowywać się jak "prawdziwi" dorośli cały czas. Po prostu jego typ osobowości w ogóle do mnie nie przemawiał.
I raczej nie sięgnę po następne tomy tej serii.
Gdybym miała podsumować "You, again", powiedziałabym - za krótko. Te dwieście stron nie wystarczyło, żeby dobrze porozwijać wątki, przez co, wszystko było zbyt pośpieszone. Związek Nolana i Vinniego był tak bardzo niedopracowany. I nijaki. I przewidywalny. A sam Vinnie momentami irytował za bardzo. I nie, nie mówię, że 36 latkowie muszą zachowywać się jak "prawdziwi" dorośli cały czas. Po prostu jego typ osobowości w ogóle do mnie nie przemawiał.
I raczej nie sięgnę po następne tomy tej serii.
November 6, 2023
DNF @75%
I really tried to push through, I did. But words like cockology, and Vinnie's d*ck being referred to as a pole (or pipe?), and the final straw- how Vinnie is hearing Nolan say something in a campy tone and being like OH MY GOD HES GAY, IM GAY, THIS IS GAY, THIS IS A SUPERHERO POWER that got me. My guy, I think you f*cking a guy is gayer than sitting next to him, but that's just my opinion. Like we are waaay too far in the book for you to be having a whole life crisis rn. He's bisexual, yet there's parts of the book where it's said that he's exploring his "gay" side with Nolan, BUT HES LITERALLY BI. THERES NO SIDES. I don't want to assume, but you know how you can just TELL when an author is not part of the queer community and, thus, has no idea what gay or bi people actually do or how they act in a relationship? This is one of those times. I didn't feel the spice or really any connection between the characters.
At the end of the day, Nolan was right- how are you gonna be someone's 'best friend' and literally be gone SEVEN years and miss literally every big life event (marriage, going to rehab, raising a child)? The math is not adding up.
I really tried to push through, I did. But words like cockology, and Vinnie's d*ck being referred to as a pole (or pipe?), and the final straw- how Vinnie is hearing Nolan say something in a campy tone and being like OH MY GOD HES GAY, IM GAY, THIS IS GAY, THIS IS A SUPERHERO POWER that got me. My guy, I think you f*cking a guy is gayer than sitting next to him, but that's just my opinion. Like we are waaay too far in the book for you to be having a whole life crisis rn. He's bisexual, yet there's parts of the book where it's said that he's exploring his "gay" side with Nolan, BUT HES LITERALLY BI. THERES NO SIDES. I don't want to assume, but you know how you can just TELL when an author is not part of the queer community and, thus, has no idea what gay or bi people actually do or how they act in a relationship? This is one of those times. I didn't feel the spice or really any connection between the characters.
At the end of the day, Nolan was right- how are you gonna be someone's 'best friend' and literally be gone SEVEN years and miss literally every big life event (marriage, going to rehab, raising a child)? The math is not adding up.
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