Cross Checks

Cold Pines Cougars #2

by Blair Brady

Chase Taylor breathes hockey. Raised in Maine's icy winters, he perfected his skills on frozen ponds. At 21, he's living his dream as a top forward for the Cold Pines Cougars in the minors. Last year, alongside veteran Rick Jensen, Chase played a crucial role in their unexpected championship win, with his friend Eddie scoring the decisive goal.

This season, with Eddie promoted, Chase steps up as the lead forward under Coach Pete Zingara and the shrewd assistant Hoss Ricketts. They're on a roll, aiming for another stunning victory. But their winning streak takes a dramatic turn when a Halloween celebration prank turns into a fiery disaster in the locker room. Enter Hank Davis, a rugged firefighter, who dashes into the flames, saving a shirtless and shocked Chase.

Hank can't shake off his encounter with Chase. Over coffee, their connection is undeniable, even though Chase has only dated women before. Their romance blossoms in secret, with Chase confiding in Hoss, who has faced his own challenges with coming out. As the team's home arena undergoes repairs, Chase's performance on the ice heats up, fueled by Hank's support. Emboldened by his feelings for Hank and guided by Hoss, Chase embraces his true self, publicly coming out. His journey of self-discovery and love parallels his leadership on the ice, steering the Cougars towards another hopeful championship.Cross Checks is a mm hockey romance with first time and life saving themes. There is a guaranteed happily ever after ending.

Genres: Hockey, M M Romance, Romance

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2023

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cross Checks Book 2 of Cold Pines Cougars. Chase thought he was going to die in the fire until a firefighter saved his life, Hank. Hank can’t get Chase out of his mind, going to see him in the hospital was a first but he couldn’t stay away. Chase was so attracted to Hank and Hank to Chase. Can this hockey player and this firefighter have a future together? Neither has had a relationship with a man, it’s a big difference and may not be received well but does they matter? I loved this storyline and the characters. It’s a great follow up to book 1. I would definitely recommend this book and the series. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another good addition to the series, firefighter Hank saves Chase after a Halloween prank goes wrong, there is an instant connection between them but neither has been with a man before but with the help and support of their friends and colleagues they navigate their way to a Hea. Good read but could do with some more editing, didn’t impact my enjoyment but could cause a problem for others.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A strong relationship develops between Chase and Hank after Hank saves him. A like the support they received as they came out and spread their wings when Chase moved to the major league. I like how both of them always consider Cold Pines as home.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could be a better story. Unnecessary dialog, too simple of a plot, very little angst, and too many happy coincidences make this a weak attempt at a good book. Chase and Hank get into a relationship in the second chapter. Both are straight, yet they have very little doubts about suddenly being gay. Too few things don't make this an magnetic read.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chase and Hank are super sweet together and for a double awakening romance it is pretty low on angst. I especially enjoyed how infatuated they are with each other and how readily they embrace a relationship. It’s pretty light on plot but the friendships are well done which was a highlight for me. A sweet quick read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase and Hank are super sweet together and for a double awakening romance it is pretty low on angst. I especially enjoyed how infatuated they are with each other and how readily they embrace a relationship. It’s pretty light on plot but the friendships are well done which was a highlight for me. A sweet quick read.
I received a copy of this book from BookSprout and this is my honest review.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story offers likable characters, some familiar tropes, and a generally solid narrative structure to showcase the developing relationship between Chase (hockey player) and Hank (firefighter). There are a few rough edges, but this is still an enjoyable read, with plenty of sweetness and feeling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase’s Rescue . . .

Chase Taylor is an excellent hockey player, raised on the ice in Maine. When an accidental fire in the locker room puts him in serious danger, firefighter Hank Davis runs into the blaze and saves Chase’s life. Will these two who have never been in this type of relationship give it a try? Or will they go their separate ways?

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank is a fireman who saves Chase from a fire at the ice rink. They have a good connection the grows over time as they both explore their feeling for each other.

This is a good read as you follow their journey of love, understanding and self-discovery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Cold Pines Cougars series and it's looking like it will be another great hockey read. This story is about Chase and Hank, who have a chance meeting when a prank goes awry.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase is a hockey player and Hank is a fireman. They meet when Hank saves Chase in a locker room fire. They feel a connect right away but take slow because this is new to them. They both have doubts but they know what they have is special. I really enjoyed the story and the characters in this book.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book and was hoping the second book would be just as good. It definitely did not disappoint me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Cold Pines with the Cougars ice hockey team and this time we are going to be out a little more in the community because the local fire fighting team are called in when the changing rooms catch fire after a prank by the players goes wrong. The opening pages are fun and then tense as we meet, again but this time properly, Chase. He is messing with his team mates in the locker rooms but gets trapped by the fire only to be rescued (half naked as he was just out of the shower) by local firefighter Hank. When they are safely out there are new sparks igniting...

After Chase is kept in hospital overnight Hank decides to visit him, just a friendly 'hope you are okay' visit he tells himself but he already knows he feels something for Chase. Chase knows that there was a spark between them too and is thrilled to have a visit and then plan a 'friendly' beer with Hank. The beer leads to the two getting to know one another a little and then a little more as they share a kiss (away from prying eyes). Neither man can really define what is happening between them. Chase has not dated much and Hank doesn't know if it was the relief of the rescue or if he has feelings he should follow up on, he has never felt anything for another man before.

This is a beautiful story which finds two men thrown together under frightening circumstances finding there is more than a spark between them. It is something they both need to navigate as it is so new to them but as they start to do so they also find they are going to have to navigate the idea that Chase could be drafted to the NHL. There is a lot for the two to navigate personally and professionally but they do it together and the result is a beautiful story that will leave you feeling warm and content.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.