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The Elmwood Stories #2
Next Season
The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…
Riley
My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.
Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.
Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—
Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.
This is a new one.
Jean-Claude
Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi .
I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.
No…I think it’s me.
And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.
I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.
Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.
Riley
My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.
Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.
Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—
Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.
This is a new one.
Jean-Claude
Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi .
I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.
No…I think it’s me.
And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.
I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.
Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2023
192 people are currently reading
636 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 221 reviews
November 5, 2023
I liked this one a lot more than the first book. The story is super light and sweet with no drama and no miscommunication.
Did I find Riley's sudden interest in Jean-Claude realistic? No, and I didn’t care. Both characters are lovely and they fit so well together. Jean-Claude’s grumpiness is adorable and I can totally relate to Riley’s superstitions. 😅
I loved Jean-Claude’s cooking, Ivan’s lattes and Elmwood in fall. And I was happy to see that Vinnie can be a true friend. A warm and fun read that kept me smiling.
Did I find Riley's sudden interest in Jean-Claude realistic? No, and I didn’t care. Both characters are lovely and they fit so well together. Jean-Claude’s grumpiness is adorable and I can totally relate to Riley’s superstitions. 😅
I loved Jean-Claude’s cooking, Ivan’s lattes and Elmwood in fall. And I was happy to see that Vinnie can be a true friend. A warm and fun read that kept me smiling.
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October 17, 2024
Next Season is book two in The Elmwood Stories series by Lane Hayes. I am so in love with this series, with the little town of Elmwood, Vermont. And with Lane Hayes writing.
Riley Thoreau, thirty five years old, and co-captain of the NHL team, The Seattle Slammers, knows he’s nearing the end of his career. But he’s not ready to go just yet. When he retires, he wants to do so on his own terms. But then a potentially career ending concussion takes Riley off the ice for an undetermined length of time. So Riley heads to Elmwood and his friend, Vinnie to heal. Riley loved the little town in the small amount of time he had previously spent there helping Vinnie with his summer hockey camp.
Jean-Claude Bouchard, or “JC” is forty years old and is the head chef at Nolan’s diner. JC loves living in Elmwood. But he can’t deny that he’s felt a little restless lately. Like there was more he was supposed to do.
When Riley kept showing up at the diner for meals, especially with a specific request he needed, JC can’t seem to stay away. The two were just drawn together. JC was out. Riley was straight. Or so he thought. But the more time they spent together, the more Riley questions himself. Until he just goes for it! And finds out he’s not nearly as straight as he thought he was. Or is it just Jean-Claude that does it for him? No matter what, Riley knows that for however long he is in Elmwood, he wants JC to be a part of his life.
“I didn’t want to think about leaving when I felt like I was somewhere I belonged.”
These two were so sweet together, so sexy, so swoony, so amazing!! You get the picture. I loved them! And of course, I adored the little glimpses we got of Vinnie and Nolan from the first book! I just love this series so much. Now I am beside myself with excitement for the next book, Holiday Crush, which will be Ivan’s book who is the local barista!
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...
Riley Thoreau, thirty five years old, and co-captain of the NHL team, The Seattle Slammers, knows he’s nearing the end of his career. But he’s not ready to go just yet. When he retires, he wants to do so on his own terms. But then a potentially career ending concussion takes Riley off the ice for an undetermined length of time. So Riley heads to Elmwood and his friend, Vinnie to heal. Riley loved the little town in the small amount of time he had previously spent there helping Vinnie with his summer hockey camp.
Jean-Claude Bouchard, or “JC” is forty years old and is the head chef at Nolan’s diner. JC loves living in Elmwood. But he can’t deny that he’s felt a little restless lately. Like there was more he was supposed to do.
When Riley kept showing up at the diner for meals, especially with a specific request he needed, JC can’t seem to stay away. The two were just drawn together. JC was out. Riley was straight. Or so he thought. But the more time they spent together, the more Riley questions himself. Until he just goes for it! And finds out he’s not nearly as straight as he thought he was. Or is it just Jean-Claude that does it for him? No matter what, Riley knows that for however long he is in Elmwood, he wants JC to be a part of his life.
“I didn’t want to think about leaving when I felt like I was somewhere I belonged.”
These two were so sweet together, so sexy, so swoony, so amazing!! You get the picture. I loved them! And of course, I adored the little glimpses we got of Vinnie and Nolan from the first book! I just love this series so much. Now I am beside myself with excitement for the next book, Holiday Crush, which will be Ivan’s book who is the local barista!
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...
November 4, 2023
I liked this second Elmwood book much more than the first.
The MCs are just so dang lovable!
Riley, with his superstitions and OCD tendencies, may be a golden boy on the ice, but he's a good guy through and through and doesn't hesitate before jumping into a secret love affair with grumpy chef extraordinaire Jean-Claude.
JC can't believe that model gorgeous Riley would fall for someone like him, but JC sells himself short. Sometimes he lets his temper get the best of him, but he genuinely cares about feeding people great food. He's a passionate lover and supportive friend.
Riley and JC have all the things to talk about, and talk they do.
They fuck like rabbits too. The steam did not disappoint. It may be cold on the ice, but it's boiling hot between the sheets, as Riley fully embraces his bisexual awakening.
Low angst, fun, well written, Next Season was a win for me.
The MCs are just so dang lovable!
Riley, with his superstitions and OCD tendencies, may be a golden boy on the ice, but he's a good guy through and through and doesn't hesitate before jumping into a secret love affair with grumpy chef extraordinaire Jean-Claude.
JC can't believe that model gorgeous Riley would fall for someone like him, but JC sells himself short. Sometimes he lets his temper get the best of him, but he genuinely cares about feeding people great food. He's a passionate lover and supportive friend.
Riley and JC have all the things to talk about, and talk they do.
They fuck like rabbits too. The steam did not disappoint. It may be cold on the ice, but it's boiling hot between the sheets, as Riley fully embraces his bisexual awakening.
Low angst, fun, well written, Next Season was a win for me.
November 24, 2023
Lovely small-town romance between a hockey player and a franco-Canadian chef - way better than book 1 ❤️
Firstly: no, it’s not necessary to read the previous book before this one, but it doesn’t hurt to know of Vinnie and Nolan (and JC). And if you’re into audiobooks: both books are narrated by NJR, who - as you might know- could read me the phone book and I’d still listen to him.
Here, it’s one of the few times I’ve had an (albeit small) issue with him: while Riley, the hockey player, is American, Jean-Claude’s (aka JC) main language is French, and he speaks English with a French accent. I struggled a tiny bit with it in the beginning, but after a while I got used to it and even loved it. So for once, NJR gets 4.5 instead of 5 stars for his narration 🙃
Speaking of French: mine isn’t very good, but I’m pretty sure that “mon amí” is “my friend”, and not “my love” as the author suggests. In case that I’m right, it’s a real shame that the editor didn’t pick up on it, especially as JC makes a point in calling Riley “mon amí”.
But I’m nitpicking here 😅
Other than that, I really enjoyed it. I really love it when characters actually talk to each other, and I especially loved JCs more mature and yet very playful approach on life.
The plot isn’t very complicated: having to deal with the severe aftermath of a concussion, Riley comes to Elmwood. He meets the very charming, and very openly gay chef Jean-Claude. And even though Riley has always assumed that he himself is straight, he embraces his attraction to JC.
I loved them both, I loved their banter, their chemistry and their more serious talks. There’s not much drama going on, but it’s emotional and really beautiful to watch them fall in love and have their HEA.
I’ll definitely come back to Elmwood for more as still as the next build (Ivan?) are released.
Firstly: no, it’s not necessary to read the previous book before this one, but it doesn’t hurt to know of Vinnie and Nolan (and JC). And if you’re into audiobooks: both books are narrated by NJR, who - as you might know- could read me the phone book and I’d still listen to him.
Here, it’s one of the few times I’ve had an (albeit small) issue with him: while Riley, the hockey player, is American, Jean-Claude’s (aka JC) main language is French, and he speaks English with a French accent. I struggled a tiny bit with it in the beginning, but after a while I got used to it and even loved it. So for once, NJR gets 4.5 instead of 5 stars for his narration 🙃
Speaking of French: mine isn’t very good, but I’m pretty sure that “mon amí” is “my friend”, and not “my love” as the author suggests. In case that I’m right, it’s a real shame that the editor didn’t pick up on it, especially as JC makes a point in calling Riley “mon amí”.
But I’m nitpicking here 😅
Other than that, I really enjoyed it. I really love it when characters actually talk to each other, and I especially loved JCs more mature and yet very playful approach on life.
The plot isn’t very complicated: having to deal with the severe aftermath of a concussion, Riley comes to Elmwood. He meets the very charming, and very openly gay chef Jean-Claude. And even though Riley has always assumed that he himself is straight, he embraces his attraction to JC.
I loved them both, I loved their banter, their chemistry and their more serious talks. There’s not much drama going on, but it’s emotional and really beautiful to watch them fall in love and have their HEA.
I’ll definitely come back to Elmwood for more as still as the next build (Ivan?) are released.
October 25, 2023
I really enjoyed the first in this small town series from Lane but I absolutely adored this one.
Riley and Jean Claude stole my heart as they started their tentative friendship, then as the blossom of desire began to flourish in Riley I cheered him on his bisexual awakening.
The rich vibes of the familiar location of Elmwood I'd got to know in Vinnie and Nolan's book were just as present here and it all added to the warmth of the story unfolding.
I love a friends to lovers romance, especially when it mixes in with life on the cusp of a change. Here Riley's last injury was a serious concussion that almost took him out of ice hockey completely.
He's got decisions to make and falling in love's not even on the remotest horizon when he lands back with his friends to recuperate.
Jean Claude is a wonderful man, he's got his own secrets and his own dilemma to face, but as he gets to know the passionate nature of the convalescing sportsman, he sees something that might just open up a new future.
With her beautifully rich dialogue and wonderful storytelling, Lane takes the reader along with Riley as he recovers, falling in love on the way.
The last couple of chapters had me smiling so big my jaw hurt and the Epilogue is absolutely gorgeous.
I can't wait to come back to Elmwood at Christmas with the next book, featuring coffee shop owner Ivan.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Riley and Jean Claude stole my heart as they started their tentative friendship, then as the blossom of desire began to flourish in Riley I cheered him on his bisexual awakening.
The rich vibes of the familiar location of Elmwood I'd got to know in Vinnie and Nolan's book were just as present here and it all added to the warmth of the story unfolding.
I love a friends to lovers romance, especially when it mixes in with life on the cusp of a change. Here Riley's last injury was a serious concussion that almost took him out of ice hockey completely.
He's got decisions to make and falling in love's not even on the remotest horizon when he lands back with his friends to recuperate.
Jean Claude is a wonderful man, he's got his own secrets and his own dilemma to face, but as he gets to know the passionate nature of the convalescing sportsman, he sees something that might just open up a new future.
With her beautifully rich dialogue and wonderful storytelling, Lane takes the reader along with Riley as he recovers, falling in love on the way.
The last couple of chapters had me smiling so big my jaw hurt and the Epilogue is absolutely gorgeous.
I can't wait to come back to Elmwood at Christmas with the next book, featuring coffee shop owner Ivan.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
October 25, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Low-angst & fluffy small town romance.
Next Season was very sweet and charming. Nothing extraordinary, but a good de-stress read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- hockey player vs chef
- Bi-awakening
- Vers MCs (jock bottoms first)
- French Canadian MC
Low-angst & fluffy small town romance.
Next Season was very sweet and charming. Nothing extraordinary, but a good de-stress read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- hockey player vs chef
- Bi-awakening
- Vers MCs (jock bottoms first)
- French Canadian MC
December 15, 2024
4.5
Jean Claude is amazing! Absolutely loved his no fucks given personality. Riley was neurotic but in a really endearing way.
Really enjoyed this so much, I even cried which I was not expecting. My only gripe is the ending was a little rushed and glossed over.
I love Elmwood though, small towns are probably my favourite setting to read about and this town just sounds so nice.
Jean Claude is amazing! Absolutely loved his no fucks given personality. Riley was neurotic but in a really endearing way.
Really enjoyed this so much, I even cried which I was not expecting. My only gripe is the ending was a little rushed and glossed over.
I love Elmwood though, small towns are probably my favourite setting to read about and this town just sounds so nice.
November 23, 2023
This was SO MUCH BETTER than the first book in this series! I was a little nervous at first because things between Riley and Jean-Claude moved pretty fast for a bi-awakening, but then it turned into such a soft and sweet love story. Riley was an easy character to root for and Jean-Claude was fantastic in all his grumpy glory. Their relationship felt very mature, which made sense considering these were men in their mid-30's and early 40's. There was no drama between them and very little angst. I loved that Vinnie and Nolan were present, but not overly meddlesome. There were some scenes that got glossed over and told in retrospect, but it didn't bother me as much in this book as it did in the first one. And the lack of a 3rd act communication breakdown/OTT break-up/grand gesture made me incredibly happy. This book didn't have peaks and valleys. It was a smooth ride from start to finish and was perfect for the mood I'm in right now. I'm looking forward to Ivan's holiday novella next! Hopefully his Christmas latte art will be up to Jean-Claude's standards.
December 15, 2023
Initially DNF but failed to return to KU and the 40% left unread haunted me so I finished it. It was very lovely, fine, low angst, sweet characters, nice romance and steam. Just still didn’t pique my interest. The copious eating of tuna was cute but also rather a turn off for me and calling it tunafish causes my brain to have a little short circuit every time I read it. Like chickenbird. Beefcow? Is salmonfish a thing?? I get this is common and completely normal and my country is the odd one out just calling it tuna but still my brain had a little spaz every time it was mentioned which was frequent and I read this 2 days ago and now that’s all I can remember about the book. Still recommend to others though, this wasn’t a bad story, just didn’t hook me in.
Initial review
DNF 60% - This one’s doing nothing for me. It’s very nice and all but just not holding my interest enough to keep going. I didn’t read book one, maybe I would have been more invested if I had.
Initial review
DNF 60% - This one’s doing nothing for me. It’s very nice and all but just not holding my interest enough to keep going. I didn’t read book one, maybe I would have been more invested if I had.
May 16, 2024
2+
Przyzwoicie miły przeciętniak ze zdecydowanie zbyt dużą ilością seksu, która totalnie nie była potrzebna.
Do jutra zapomnę, o czym książka była 🤷♀️
Przyzwoicie miły przeciętniak ze zdecydowanie zbyt dużą ilością seksu, która totalnie nie była potrzebna.
Do jutra zapomnę, o czym książka była 🤷♀️
March 27, 2025
Significantly better than the first book. Nothing serious and it’s very forgettable, but also cute, cozy, and simple. This makes a great palate cleanser. I would’ve appreciated a bit more to the ending - it felt rushed.
The cover is terrible.
The cover is terrible.
November 7, 2023
I absolutely loved this story!
These two are steamy together yet so romantic!
🏒👨🍳
32 highlights
These two are steamy together yet so romantic!
🏒👨🍳
32 highlights
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
I feel like I blew my wad praising the first book in this series because this, this I really loved! Riley and JC are characters who read like authentic human beings, with thoughts, problems, and reactions believable to their ages and life experiences.
Is Elmwood a little fantastical, whimsical, and a bit of wishful thinking? Probably. However this is romance. That's what we're here for.
The audio by Nick J. Russo is EVERYTHING and a big chips.
Is Elmwood a little fantastical, whimsical, and a bit of wishful thinking? Probably. However this is romance. That's what we're here for.
The audio by Nick J. Russo is EVERYTHING and a big chips.
October 27, 2023
4.5 stars
I really really liked this book, more than the first one of the series.
The two MCs are amazing and perfect for each other: Jean Claude is grumpy and bossy but also kind and caring, Riley is shy and confused about his own sexuality but he never treated JC like an experiment, he was always thoughtful and attentive about his feelings.
Their banter is one of the thing I liked the most, they're hilarious and spontaneous:
"I'm thirty-five. Ancient in hockey years."
"I'm forty. I am dead in gay years."
"Your dick has a hoodie."
"Yours is bald. He probably gets cold in winter."
The sex scenes are steamy but also very tender: Jean Claude took such a good care of Riley and he made all his first times very good for him. He was able to understand his lover's feelings and especially fears, so Riley felt always comfortable with him:
The way he surrounded me, held me, cared for me, and fucked me like a god, powerful and majestic.
And their first time with JC bottoming was very emotional.
Praise to the author for not picturing Nolan and Vinnie like the usual meddling best friends: both of them were very respectful of Jean Claude and Riley's privacy.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
During the whole story there a tension building between them because they knew Riley had to leave to go back playing hockey and Jean Claude wanted to stay and take care of the diner. They both think that their separation is completely unavoidable, but then they make the obvious choice and it all felt like anticlimatic.
I'm aware I'm not making any sense, but it's difficult to explain without leaving spoilers.
Anyway, I totally recommend this book and I look forward to read the holiday novella involving a certain barista.
I'm still hoping the author will give Ronnie his own story.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I really really liked this book, more than the first one of the series.
The two MCs are amazing and perfect for each other: Jean Claude is grumpy and bossy but also kind and caring, Riley is shy and confused about his own sexuality but he never treated JC like an experiment, he was always thoughtful and attentive about his feelings.
Their banter is one of the thing I liked the most, they're hilarious and spontaneous:
"I'm thirty-five. Ancient in hockey years."
"I'm forty. I am dead in gay years."
"Your dick has a hoodie."
"Yours is bald. He probably gets cold in winter."
The sex scenes are steamy but also very tender: Jean Claude took such a good care of Riley and he made all his first times very good for him. He was able to understand his lover's feelings and especially fears, so Riley felt always comfortable with him:
The way he surrounded me, held me, cared for me, and fucked me like a god, powerful and majestic.
And their first time with JC bottoming was very emotional.
Praise to the author for not picturing Nolan and Vinnie like the usual meddling best friends: both of them were very respectful of Jean Claude and Riley's privacy.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
During the whole story there a tension building between them because they knew Riley had to leave to go back playing hockey and Jean Claude wanted to stay and take care of the diner. They both think that their separation is completely unavoidable, but then they make the obvious choice and it all felt like anticlimatic.
I'm aware I'm not making any sense, but it's difficult to explain without leaving spoilers.
Anyway, I totally recommend this book and I look forward to read the holiday novella involving a certain barista.
I'm still hoping the author will give Ronnie his own story.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
November 1, 2023
This one was leaps and bounds better than book 1.
Both MCs were super charming and the chemistry was SUPER hot.
They were brought together by tuna fish sandwiches of all things. It was sweet. I loved their relationship development too. The HEA was perfectly them. 🥰
It made me want to check out this Elmwood place!
Both MCs were super charming and the chemistry was SUPER hot.
They were brought together by tuna fish sandwiches of all things. It was sweet. I loved their relationship development too. The HEA was perfectly them. 🥰
It made me want to check out this Elmwood place!
November 17, 2023
Surprise! I loved it! I know, I know. I'm a huge Lane Hayes fan and what would be surprising is if I didn't like it. But yeah, I really enjoyed the first one, but I think this one may have been even better.
I'm loving being on the East Coast and I'm loving the hockey.
I adored Jean-Claude and well, same goes for Riley. I loved their friendship and I loved their more.
Easy, breezy, beautiful.
I can't wait for the next one!
I'm loving being on the East Coast and I'm loving the hockey.
I adored Jean-Claude and well, same goes for Riley. I loved their friendship and I loved their more.
Easy, breezy, beautiful.
I can't wait for the next one!
November 7, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
This is the second book in Lane Hayes’ Elmwood Stories series, and though there’s extra background if you read the first story, it’s not necessary to enjoy this book, as it works well as a standalone. I adored this pair and watching them fall in love, communicate, and figure out how to have a life together. It’s a truly feel good story that hit the right notes for me.
The story is told in alternating first person, and it really works well. It really gives insight into both of the men’s thoughts and feelings, and drives the narrative well. Riley is a compelling character.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
This is the second book in Lane Hayes’ Elmwood Stories series, and though there’s extra background if you read the first story, it’s not necessary to enjoy this book, as it works well as a standalone. I adored this pair and watching them fall in love, communicate, and figure out how to have a life together. It’s a truly feel good story that hit the right notes for me.
The story is told in alternating first person, and it really works well. It really gives insight into both of the men’s thoughts and feelings, and drives the narrative well. Riley is a compelling character.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
November 5, 2023
Concussed and Confused in Seattle
Riley Thoreau, 36, is Co Captain of the Seattle Slammers. Following a fierce tackle on the ice he’s forced to take time out until he gets the all clear from his Medical advisors.
He’s depressed because he feels that at 36, and having had a bad season, this is his swan song on the ice with the Slammers. His Co Captain, Childess is just waiting to take the Captain Crown. Solo.
The Slammers previous Captain, Vinnie, is settled and retired in Elmwood, invites Riley to come and recover in more peaceful surroundings, without the media constantly hounding him about his return.
Following the serious concussion and his sight problems afterwards, he takes to wearing sunglasses indoors and outdoors, darkened rooms, etc.
Each day he goes to Elmwood Diner, sitting at back in a secluded booth.
Always ordering tuna sandwiches. So much so that one day the grumpy chef, Jean-Claude Bouchard, comes to his table to ask, Why, always tuna. What is wrong with his other dishes in the menu?
Hearing what Riley answers, Jean-Claude is soon delivering tuna sandwiches to Riley’s rental a couple blocks way, even late at night, when the Diner closes.
Jean-Claude is the ex of Nolan Moore who owns the diner, Riley is straight, or so he thinks, until this French-Canadien Chef makes him think otherwise.
When his recovery time is up and the Slammers are waiting for him, Riley is still very confused in Elmwood.
<><><><>
Jean-Claude and his struggle with English nuances had me laughing out loud, he is such a funny, grumpy darling man. I liked him from Book 1, he so deserves his HEA, especially when he shares his backstory with Riley.
‘Next Season’, Book 2, is quite similar in storyline to ‘ You, Again’, Book 1,
but Jean-Claude and his lovely funny ways made all the difference to my enjoyment of this one. I have to wait till early 2024 for The third in the series.
I’m assuming that model represents Riley, he looks like a fierce wild bear.
😂. But Jean-Claude is my MD, (Main Dish). ❤️❤️
Riley Thoreau, 36, is Co Captain of the Seattle Slammers. Following a fierce tackle on the ice he’s forced to take time out until he gets the all clear from his Medical advisors.
He’s depressed because he feels that at 36, and having had a bad season, this is his swan song on the ice with the Slammers. His Co Captain, Childess is just waiting to take the Captain Crown. Solo.
The Slammers previous Captain, Vinnie, is settled and retired in Elmwood, invites Riley to come and recover in more peaceful surroundings, without the media constantly hounding him about his return.
Following the serious concussion and his sight problems afterwards, he takes to wearing sunglasses indoors and outdoors, darkened rooms, etc.
Each day he goes to Elmwood Diner, sitting at back in a secluded booth.
Always ordering tuna sandwiches. So much so that one day the grumpy chef, Jean-Claude Bouchard, comes to his table to ask, Why, always tuna. What is wrong with his other dishes in the menu?
Hearing what Riley answers, Jean-Claude is soon delivering tuna sandwiches to Riley’s rental a couple blocks way, even late at night, when the Diner closes.
Jean-Claude is the ex of Nolan Moore who owns the diner, Riley is straight, or so he thinks, until this French-Canadien Chef makes him think otherwise.
When his recovery time is up and the Slammers are waiting for him, Riley is still very confused in Elmwood.
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Jean-Claude and his struggle with English nuances had me laughing out loud, he is such a funny, grumpy darling man. I liked him from Book 1, he so deserves his HEA, especially when he shares his backstory with Riley.
‘Next Season’, Book 2, is quite similar in storyline to ‘ You, Again’, Book 1,
but Jean-Claude and his lovely funny ways made all the difference to my enjoyment of this one. I have to wait till early 2024 for The third in the series.
I’m assuming that model represents Riley, he looks like a fierce wild bear.
😂. But Jean-Claude is my MD, (Main Dish). ❤️❤️
September 23, 2024
I was a little nervous going into this one. I wasn't a huge fan of the last book, but wanted to give the series a chance still. I'm glad I did.
It was a little slow in the beginning for me. But I found myself invested in Jean-Claude and Riley's relationship. These two were perfect for each other. I'm not sure I bought into exactly how Riley started to get feelings, but as the book went on it worked.
I do wish that these two had more time in the book where they were out. They hid their relationship the entire book and then don't have a conversation about where their relationship can go until the last chapter and they are declaring their love for each other and then it's done.
The epilogue was nice, but even then I still felt like their should've been more with them. Maybe it's because at the end of it, I just wanted more of them together out and proud and everyone being able to see them. We didn't get that at all in this book really.
It was a little slow in the beginning for me. But I found myself invested in Jean-Claude and Riley's relationship. These two were perfect for each other. I'm not sure I bought into exactly how Riley started to get feelings, but as the book went on it worked.
I do wish that these two had more time in the book where they were out. They hid their relationship the entire book and then don't have a conversation about where their relationship can go until the last chapter and they are declaring their love for each other and then it's done.
The epilogue was nice, but even then I still felt like their should've been more with them. Maybe it's because at the end of it, I just wanted more of them together out and proud and everyone being able to see them. We didn't get that at all in this book really.
February 11, 2024
5 stars for the narration by Nick J. Russo, 3 for the story.
A nicely done, sexy, low-angst story about an injured hockey player who goes to recuperate at a small New England town and falls for the local grumpy Québécois chef.
The "I'm completely straight" Riley gets the hots for Jean-Claude really fast (I think the kissing starts in ch. 3!) but I liked that he doesn't freak out and is very open to exploring this new side of himself. The main conflict comes from the fact that Riley is based in Seattle and he needs to work out what he really wants from life.
An undemanding listen featuring likeable characters; NJR's French accent isn't bad although a couple of pronunciations made me wince a bit, but he always scores when it comes to hitting all the emotional beats in a romance, and he's great in the sex scenes (of which there are quite a few!) and at capturing the essense of both characters, especially the big-hearted Jean-Claude with his booming voice and no-nonsense manner.
A nicely done, sexy, low-angst story about an injured hockey player who goes to recuperate at a small New England town and falls for the local grumpy Québécois chef.
The "I'm completely straight" Riley gets the hots for Jean-Claude really fast (I think the kissing starts in ch. 3!) but I liked that he doesn't freak out and is very open to exploring this new side of himself. The main conflict comes from the fact that Riley is based in Seattle and he needs to work out what he really wants from life.
An undemanding listen featuring likeable characters; NJR's French accent isn't bad although a couple of pronunciations made me wince a bit, but he always scores when it comes to hitting all the emotional beats in a romance, and he's great in the sex scenes (of which there are quite a few!) and at capturing the essense of both characters, especially the big-hearted Jean-Claude with his booming voice and no-nonsense manner.
December 17, 2023
3.5 stars. Very low angst story, a bit cheesy at times but without unnecessary drama.
April 14, 2025
I liked it more than the first one. Low angst. These two are perfect together
June 19, 2025
This book is everything you can expect from a Lane Hayes novel. It's sweet, swoony, and just an all around feel good fluffy read. Riley and Jean-Claude worked so well together and even with the bi-awakening, it was done believably and with great chemistry. The town is starting to feel more present too, not in the typical meddling characters way, but just very atmospheric and a wonderful backdrop. I'm very much enjoying this series!
October 30, 2023
4.5/5 - I was a fan of the first book, but I really liked this one. Here we have Riley and JC’s story, the two best friends of Vinnie and Nolan from the first book. We also get to see a lot more of them and their HEA, which is a bonus.
After Riley gets injured on the ice, he ends up in Elmwood to try and recover from what could be a potentially career ending injury at his age and stage of his career. Here a gradual friendship is formed with chef JC, who feeds his addiction to the tuna salad he starts to think is helping him recover - I have to say some of these scenes really made me chuckle.
Both main characters were really likeable - I like a bit of grumpy/sunshine when the grumpy one isn’t actually all that grumpy, but shows his softer side to the other main character.
The only slight niggle with me was the use of French language with JC. It felt slightly forced at the beginning and a bit over-used, but even that I got used too once I started getting absorbed in the story.
This was a really enjoyable low-angst romance, which developed from friendship and curiosity (mostly from Riley, who’d always considered himself straight) into something much deeper.
Lane Hayes is an auto buy for me, although like with any author I have some that are more favourite than others. This one is definitely being added to the re-read list, and I’m looking forward to a barista Christmas story.
After Riley gets injured on the ice, he ends up in Elmwood to try and recover from what could be a potentially career ending injury at his age and stage of his career. Here a gradual friendship is formed with chef JC, who feeds his addiction to the tuna salad he starts to think is helping him recover - I have to say some of these scenes really made me chuckle.
Both main characters were really likeable - I like a bit of grumpy/sunshine when the grumpy one isn’t actually all that grumpy, but shows his softer side to the other main character.
The only slight niggle with me was the use of French language with JC. It felt slightly forced at the beginning and a bit over-used, but even that I got used too once I started getting absorbed in the story.
This was a really enjoyable low-angst romance, which developed from friendship and curiosity (mostly from Riley, who’d always considered himself straight) into something much deeper.
Lane Hayes is an auto buy for me, although like with any author I have some that are more favourite than others. This one is definitely being added to the re-read list, and I’m looking forward to a barista Christmas story.
October 21, 2023
4.5 STARS
This little town just keeps getting better and better! I knew Riley and JC were going to be amazing but I never imagined they were going to surpass all expectations!
Riley’s boldness into discovering himself, his sweetness and complete surrender. JC’s charm, and warmth, he was so caring and oh so sexy!!
And when I say hot… I mean scorching!
Absolutely adored them. Loved watching them actually fall in love little by little.
No big drama, no fuss, it was just a feel-good perfect story.
Seeing Vinnie and Nolan so much too was a TREAT!
Cannot wait for book 3!
This little town just keeps getting better and better! I knew Riley and JC were going to be amazing but I never imagined they were going to surpass all expectations!
Riley’s boldness into discovering himself, his sweetness and complete surrender. JC’s charm, and warmth, he was so caring and oh so sexy!!
And when I say hot… I mean scorching!
Absolutely adored them. Loved watching them actually fall in love little by little.
No big drama, no fuss, it was just a feel-good perfect story.
Seeing Vinnie and Nolan so much too was a TREAT!
Cannot wait for book 3!
October 27, 2023
Wow. I absolutely loved this small-town, bi-awakening book. It's book 2 in the Elmwood Stories Series and can be read alone, but I recommend reading book 1 as well. Riley and JC had definitely chemistry from the start, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. They were good for each other and supported each other. I love the group of characters in Elmwood and can't wait for book 3!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
November 3, 2023
•Casual to more
•Dual POVs
•New beginnings
•Small town
•Opposites attract
•Bi-awakening
•Feel good, low angst
•Hockey
•Chef
•Chemistry
•Good pacing
•Romance ♡
Next Season by Lane Hayes brought me back to Lane Hayes in her Better Than series. While I've enjoyed her New Adult stories, it's nice to go back to reading about people my age, lol.
All in all, I've been loving the Elmwood stories! I can't wait for what's to come! :)
January 3, 2024
2 stars
Sad…
Maybe it’s just me but I felt that it was too long! It took me a long time to get into and I can’t really say I could finally get into it…cos I didn’t.
I usually love stories that center around hockey but I can’t really classify this is hockey romance, it’s more small town romance.
Sad…
Maybe it’s just me but I felt that it was too long! It took me a long time to get into and I can’t really say I could finally get into it…cos I didn’t.
I usually love stories that center around hockey but I can’t really classify this is hockey romance, it’s more small town romance.
November 1, 2023
I have fallen in love with Elmwood from the first book of series yet. And his inhabitants, main protagonists of books. Also Next Season is been sweet as honey, a love story romantic and beautiful and also very hot. I enjoyed the story because it was so right, lovely : I liked everything. Riley and JC were magnifique .
January 4, 2024
Loved Riley and Jean Claude’s book! Their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning, but watching them fall slowly for each other was well worth it! Love Nick J Russo’s narration also!
Great second story in the series!
Great second story in the series!
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