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Hat Trick #2
Two Man Advantage
Rhian Savage is working his way up the ranks of professional hockey, with the dream of making it to the NHL getting closer every day. He’s doing it alone—no family, no friends—and that’s the way he likes it. Then he arrives in New Brunswick, and meets the Moncton Ice Cats. Suddenly, he’s got friends—and even something that might be an honest-to-god crush.
Garrick LeBlanc is lonely and counting the days until his last season with the Ice Cats is over and he can move to Boston. When his girlfriend suggests he take a lover—as long as that lover is a man and he tells her all about it—Garrick laughs it off. But damned if his friend Rhian doesn’t suddenly take on the starring role in his fantasies. Good thing Rhian is way too young—and straight—for what Garrick has in mind.
Rhian takes a chance when Garrick’s increasingly confusing signals start making sense, and soon discovers he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Sex with strangers is simple. Sex with his best friend? Complicated.
Garrick LeBlanc is lonely and counting the days until his last season with the Ice Cats is over and he can move to Boston. When his girlfriend suggests he take a lover—as long as that lover is a man and he tells her all about it—Garrick laughs it off. But damned if his friend Rhian doesn’t suddenly take on the starring role in his fantasies. Good thing Rhian is way too young—and straight—for what Garrick has in mind.
Rhian takes a chance when Garrick’s increasingly confusing signals start making sense, and soon discovers he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Sex with strangers is simple. Sex with his best friend? Complicated.
222 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2013
26 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wayland
24 books697 followersSamantha Wayland has three great loves in life; her family, writing books, and hockey. She is often found apologizing to the first for how much time and attention is taken up by the latter two, but they forgive her because they are awesome and she clearly doesn’t deserve them.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 10, 2017
4 Hedging Stars
Um…
Let me preface again that I really enjoy Wayland’s MM hockey universe, and though MMF isn’t typically my thing, my curiosity got the best of me as this book is set during the same timeframe as Home and Away. Being a side series, this latest entry shows the progression of Garrick and Savannah’s relationship and how they eventually become a trio that involves Rhian. As this is the 2nd book, it introduces Rhian into the fold, where it focuses on him and Garrick getting to know each other very very well.
So first things first.
Forget the fact that Garrick is in monogamous relationship with Savannah. Forget the fact that Savannah is far far away and insists he burn off his excess sexual energy with another guy until Garrick can join her in Boston (because it doesn’t count when it’s with the same sex). Forget the fact that Rhian and Garrick are just in it for said sex, where emotions don’t, and won’t, play into it at all because they can keep their friendship separate.
Uh huh. Right.
And again, all I can say is that this author knows how to write smex. Geezus.
So, if you like MMF and/or don’t mind the potential of menage, then I’m sure you’ll be perfectly fine with this series. I kinda had to negate all of the above, and when I did, this story overall was pretty darn good. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, because I wholeheartedly believe in, and want, monogamy in all my fictional pairings. But who’s to say one can’t love more than one person, right? The dynamic between Garrick and Rhian is hot. O-M-G. They’re good friends, they’re both bi, they find each other attractive, and they trust each other on and off the ice. So what’s the problem?? Ha!!
I’m just babbling by this point and not making any sense. I defied logical thinking while reading this, as my brain was too enamored with the smexy smex, and ignored the ginormous, albeit absent, elephant in the room named Savannah. When solely focusing on the evolution of Garrick and Rhian, it was a great friends to lovers story, where Rhian, having never had any meaningful relationships in his life, slowly lowers his barriers to let in the gregarious, magnanimus Garrick - and if you’re wondering.... yes, that’s both literally and figuratively. It’s only inevitable that feelings would develop. Duh. I’ll have to withhold further judgment until I read the finale where all the players converge. I'm hoping that Savannah doesn’t piss me off, but I’m not holding my breath.
Have I mentioned that these two are hot?
Um…
Let me preface again that I really enjoy Wayland’s MM hockey universe, and though MMF isn’t typically my thing, my curiosity got the best of me as this book is set during the same timeframe as Home and Away. Being a side series, this latest entry shows the progression of Garrick and Savannah’s relationship and how they eventually become a trio that involves Rhian. As this is the 2nd book, it introduces Rhian into the fold, where it focuses on him and Garrick getting to know each other very very well.
So first things first.
Forget the fact that Garrick is in monogamous relationship with Savannah. Forget the fact that Savannah is far far away and insists he burn off his excess sexual energy with another guy until Garrick can join her in Boston (because it doesn’t count when it’s with the same sex). Forget the fact that Rhian and Garrick are just in it for said sex, where emotions don’t, and won’t, play into it at all because they can keep their friendship separate.
Uh huh. Right.
And again, all I can say is that this author knows how to write smex. Geezus.
So, if you like MMF and/or don’t mind the potential of menage, then I’m sure you’ll be perfectly fine with this series. I kinda had to negate all of the above, and when I did, this story overall was pretty darn good. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, because I wholeheartedly believe in, and want, monogamy in all my fictional pairings. But who’s to say one can’t love more than one person, right? The dynamic between Garrick and Rhian is hot. O-M-G. They’re good friends, they’re both bi, they find each other attractive, and they trust each other on and off the ice. So what’s the problem?? Ha!!
I’m just babbling by this point and not making any sense. I defied logical thinking while reading this, as my brain was too enamored with the smexy smex, and ignored the ginormous, albeit absent, elephant in the room named Savannah. When solely focusing on the evolution of Garrick and Rhian, it was a great friends to lovers story, where Rhian, having never had any meaningful relationships in his life, slowly lowers his barriers to let in the gregarious, magnanimus Garrick - and if you’re wondering.... yes, that’s both literally and figuratively. It’s only inevitable that feelings would develop. Duh. I’ll have to withhold further judgment until I read the finale where all the players converge. I'm hoping that Savannah doesn’t piss me off, but I’m not holding my breath.
Have I mentioned that these two are hot?
friends-say-no
June 6, 2017Hockey, yay! M/M/F love triangle, boo!
Read
August 17, 2014
Very basic run-of-the-mill crock-of-crap (IMO-of course) m/m/f love triangle.
I swear..can anyone get this right? I don't think so. (I've read a few decent m/m/f but-they're very few and very far between). Obviously, this is a difficult plot-task to accomplish without ending up cliche-stupid.
Rhian Savage is this pro hockey player and supposed-BFF to Garrick LeBlanc (team mgr or some-shit) but they don't act like best friends. I felt no chemistry to imply them as such, in fact their relationship felt stiffly contrived and manufactured..much like their manipulated nonsensical names.
Garrick has this traveling girlfriend who one day gets it in her bonnet to suggest that Garrick take a lover (of the male variety) because she thinks it's totally 'hot' and wouldn't be jealous in the least as long as he was a man and Garrick promises to recap all of their highlights in their nightly telephone call.
She f'ing nuts..? (no-she's fictitious)..nothing short of video (w/audio) feed ever is acceptable. Pfft..Garrick's abbreviated highlights..f'that stupid shit.
The hockey was a nice side-thought..
October 28, 2019
So glad this trio got everyone on the same page even though throughout this series there were times I wanted to bop Rhian on the head for being an idiot. 🤪 I’m glad the author brought some closure to his childhood and finally gave him the family he so wanted and deserved! 🥰
March 3, 2023
Surprise! We’re bi! And
have secrets, play hockey and
fall madly in love.
have secrets, play hockey and
fall madly in love.
February 20, 2016
4.25 Stars!
March 27, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
I’m hoping the third book in this series will complicate it a bit, but Savannah’s complete casual and relaxed and, dare I say, excited suggestion that her boyfriend fuck men is bewildering to me. And she’s so chill too when she realizes he loves someone else. Maybe it’s the monogamist in me, but that was just a big stumbling point every time it was mentioned.
I thought the external climax worked much better in this book than the first one. It felt more natural and based in the rest of the plot. I do wish we’d gotten more of Rhian’s past though, and his true backstory with Steve.
The sex wasn’t as overwhelmingly amazing as in book one, but it was still definitely hot.
I’m hoping the third book in this series will complicate it a bit, but Savannah’s complete casual and relaxed and, dare I say, excited suggestion that her boyfriend fuck men is bewildering to me. And she’s so chill too when she realizes he loves someone else. Maybe it’s the monogamist in me, but that was just a big stumbling point every time it was mentioned.
I thought the external climax worked much better in this book than the first one. It felt more natural and based in the rest of the plot. I do wish we’d gotten more of Rhian’s past though, and his true backstory with Steve.
The sex wasn’t as overwhelmingly amazing as in book one, but it was still definitely hot.
December 24, 2013
My Review:
This is book #2 in what is shaping up to be one of my favorite sports series. And I'm going to stop this review right here because the three books in this series are one huge love story. As a result, anything you read below here hints at spoilers for all the books. It's just the way the series is set up. I try not to get into specifics, but relationship generalizations are here. If you don't want any hint of what happens and haven't read the first book and like some erotic, sexy times in a sports setting.... then stop reading this review and just go buy book #1, FAIR PLAY. You will enjoy these, I think. The series is really well-written with an exciting set-up.
OMG, I loved Garrett and Savannah together in book #1, but Garrett and Rhian....whoa!! The thing that Samantha Wayland did so incredibly well, though, was that she kept Savannah present (and it's still a good presence) even though she's truly not in this book. This book is all about Garrett and Rhian. See, Garrett is bi and although he's totally committed to Savannah and their relationship (they are engaged to be married), she's worried that he will eventually be unfulfilled in their relationship. So when she has to move to Boston, she encourages him to take a male lover.
For Garrett, it's been a long time since he did that. He works in hockey which isn't a sport that really welcomes homosexual relationships so he's just denied that part of himself. But then Savannah puts this kernel of an idea in his head and there's one man that keeps coming to mind...his best friend who's also very straight...Rhian.
Rhian. *sob* If there was ever a man that needs someone to love him, it's this one. This is a guy who learned way early in life through the foster system to not make attachments. He doesn't connect with people and is okay with that, but as a part of this hockey team, that's been subtly changing. Unknown to anyone else, including Garrett, he's also bi. He's also good friends with Savannah and doesn't want to do anything to mess up that relationship between Garrett and Savannah. Eventually a relationship does develop between the two men, but Rhian knows that in the end he's going to get his heart crushed again because Savannah and Garrett belong together. He knows it. They know it. And as a reader, I hurt so much for this guy. He so needs that love. Seriously, Rhian is an incredible character who's overcome so much to become this great guy.
In the background was also lots of drama around the hockey team and some that ties back to Rhian from when he was a kid. I continue to love all the supporting characters in these stories. The hockey team side of the story is great...the players and the relationships within that, the ownership and the continued struggles there especially for Garrett, and then there is Rhian and the fact that he's a 24 yo player on his way to greater things within hockey while Garrett is on the verge of player retirement. It's not only about the smexy times...there's a real, riveting story here too and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
The book was great. I love reading m/m and as a result, tend to have problems with the female in menage situations. Although this series hasn't reached that point yet, I really like the way Samantha Wayland has written Savannah. She never felt like an intruder on the two guys relationship to me and that's a rare thing. I cannot wait for book #3.
This is book #2 in what is shaping up to be one of my favorite sports series. And I'm going to stop this review right here because the three books in this series are one huge love story. As a result, anything you read below here hints at spoilers for all the books. It's just the way the series is set up. I try not to get into specifics, but relationship generalizations are here. If you don't want any hint of what happens and haven't read the first book and like some erotic, sexy times in a sports setting.... then stop reading this review and just go buy book #1, FAIR PLAY. You will enjoy these, I think. The series is really well-written with an exciting set-up.
OMG, I loved Garrett and Savannah together in book #1, but Garrett and Rhian....whoa!! The thing that Samantha Wayland did so incredibly well, though, was that she kept Savannah present (and it's still a good presence) even though she's truly not in this book. This book is all about Garrett and Rhian. See, Garrett is bi and although he's totally committed to Savannah and their relationship (they are engaged to be married), she's worried that he will eventually be unfulfilled in their relationship. So when she has to move to Boston, she encourages him to take a male lover.
For Garrett, it's been a long time since he did that. He works in hockey which isn't a sport that really welcomes homosexual relationships so he's just denied that part of himself. But then Savannah puts this kernel of an idea in his head and there's one man that keeps coming to mind...his best friend who's also very straight...Rhian.
Rhian. *sob* If there was ever a man that needs someone to love him, it's this one. This is a guy who learned way early in life through the foster system to not make attachments. He doesn't connect with people and is okay with that, but as a part of this hockey team, that's been subtly changing. Unknown to anyone else, including Garrett, he's also bi. He's also good friends with Savannah and doesn't want to do anything to mess up that relationship between Garrett and Savannah. Eventually a relationship does develop between the two men, but Rhian knows that in the end he's going to get his heart crushed again because Savannah and Garrett belong together. He knows it. They know it. And as a reader, I hurt so much for this guy. He so needs that love. Seriously, Rhian is an incredible character who's overcome so much to become this great guy.
In the background was also lots of drama around the hockey team and some that ties back to Rhian from when he was a kid. I continue to love all the supporting characters in these stories. The hockey team side of the story is great...the players and the relationships within that, the ownership and the continued struggles there especially for Garrett, and then there is Rhian and the fact that he's a 24 yo player on his way to greater things within hockey while Garrett is on the verge of player retirement. It's not only about the smexy times...there's a real, riveting story here too and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
The book was great. I love reading m/m and as a result, tend to have problems with the female in menage situations. Although this series hasn't reached that point yet, I really like the way Samantha Wayland has written Savannah. She never felt like an intruder on the two guys relationship to me and that's a rare thing. I cannot wait for book #3.
November 17, 2015
I don't know why this is tagged as MMF, there is no menage sex scene between the girl and the two guys. She is away in another city in the whole book.
Loved this book. The guys were sweet and the writing was good. <3
Rhian (Ryan) and Garrett are good together <3
Loved this book. The guys were sweet and the writing was good. <3
Rhian (Ryan) and Garrett are good together <3
August 14, 2017
this book would've been great – like, honestly great – if it wasn't for the absolute hot mess that was that fake sexual assault situation. that's just too much. everything about it has only served to diminish every character in this book. the arguments coming from both carrick and rhian were way too reminiscent of what is usually said about/to rape victims when they decide to come forward – it is also way too close to what's been said about patrick kane's actual real life victim, by the way. the decision to keep that in the book showed lack of good judgement, as far as i'm concerned, and we need to do better as writers not to play into these harmful cliches. that was a cop out. and i say this as someone who is a fan of this author's work and knows she could've done better. other than that, this is another sweet book, with good sex scenes and good characters. and i think samantha and carrick's relationship is a good depiction of what a healthy communicative relationship should be like. i'm disappointed by the aspects mentioned above, but willing to overlook them – it's important to note that i have the luxury to decide to overlook it, other readers who may have been victims of sexual assault might not have that at all. i'm looking forward to reading the third book and seeing how their polyamorous relationship's gonna play out. that's it for this one, i think.
January 8, 2020
Rhian Savage made me cry too many times before I decided to keep a talley.
August 7, 2025
Rhian must be protected at all costs. He’s never been wanted or loved until Garrick came along, and that love is so beautiful. Very curious how Savannah will complete this MMF triad in the making.
October 28, 2025
2017 - 3 stars
2023 - read & skimmed to write a review
This is a decent M/M Sports Romance, but I liked it better back when I was new to M/M romances.
Recommended for those who like:
🔥 A lot of smutty m/m sex.
🏒 Hockey. (less than book 1)
🤗 Likable MCs who obviously care for each other.
🤗 A sports team that supports each other.
😧 OTT drama.
✅ A quick & easy read with little depth.
🆂🅿🅾🅸🅻🅴🆁🆂❗🅱🅴🅻🅾🆆
In Book 2, Garrick (34) and Savannah (28) are apart. Garrick remains in New Brunswick, finishing the season as part owner of the team. Savannah is in Boston working as an athletic trainer. Garrick plans to retire and move to Boston in a few months.
Since Garrick needs sex and his hand isn't enough, Savannah encourages him to take a male lover. He finds the release he needs, and she enjoys hearing about it—a win-win. Savannah pushes him to act, and he's soon ready to get down & dirty with Rhian, his teammate and friend.
Garrick's need escalates fast: When Rhian touches him briefly on the back, Garrick gets hard and is overwhelmed by desire. He realizes he's been yearning for this man for over a year, and can no longer hide his feelings.
Right after, the guys are having sex in a hotel room. Rhian deep-throats like a Hoover.
Rhian (24), raised in foster care, has learned to keep to himself, avoid attachments and not put down roots.
Trouble happens to Rhian, when
▪️ Steve, also raised in foster care, wants to cash in on his success.
▪️ someone trashes his apartment.
▪️ someone slashes his tires.
▪️ someone threatens to out him, unless he pays $50,000.
It's obviously
Garrick has his own problems:
▪️ Managing the team until Rupert can take over.
▪️ Making tough decisions for the team, some of which involve his friends, like trading one of them.
Garrick and Rhian fall in love after a few weeks of passionate sex. Rhian initially tries to run away, fearing intimacy and Garrick’s growing feelings, but loneliness and his need for Garrick brings them back together.
Steve tries to manipulate Rhian into playing in the NHL so he can collect blackmail money. He assaults Deanna, a team puck bunny, and forces her to lie, claiming Garrick raped her. He also alleges he has proof on his phone that Garrick and Rhian are gay.
Rhian signs with an NHL team in Boston, and will leave soon. Garrick refuses to risk his career by using him as an alibi. When the situation escalates, Rhian says he was with Garrick that night. Through Garrick’s clever manipulation, Deanna confesses to the scheme, and she and Steve are arrested. A team member then grabs Steve’s phone from his pocket and destroys it.
The book ends with R & G sharing I-love-yous, before flying to Boston together. Garrick retired early.
❓What will happen to their relationship in Boston?
❓What will Savannah think?
❓How will the three of them fit together?
2023 - read & skimmed to write a review
This is a decent M/M Sports Romance, but I liked it better back when I was new to M/M romances.
Recommended for those who like:
🔥 A lot of smutty m/m sex.
🏒 Hockey. (less than book 1)
🤗 Likable MCs who obviously care for each other.
🤗 A sports team that supports each other.
😧 OTT drama.
✅ A quick & easy read with little depth.
🆂🅿🅾🅸🅻🅴🆁🆂❗🅱🅴🅻🅾🆆
In Book 2, Garrick (34) and Savannah (28) are apart. Garrick remains in New Brunswick, finishing the season as part owner of the team. Savannah is in Boston working as an athletic trainer. Garrick plans to retire and move to Boston in a few months.
Since Garrick needs sex and his hand isn't enough, Savannah encourages him to take a male lover. He finds the release he needs, and she enjoys hearing about it—a win-win. Savannah pushes him to act, and he's soon ready to get down & dirty with Rhian, his teammate and friend.
Garrick's need escalates fast: When Rhian touches him briefly on the back, Garrick gets hard and is overwhelmed by desire. He realizes he's been yearning for this man for over a year, and can no longer hide his feelings.
Right after, the guys are having sex in a hotel room. Rhian deep-throats like a Hoover.
Rhian (24), raised in foster care, has learned to keep to himself, avoid attachments and not put down roots.
Trouble happens to Rhian, when
▪️ Steve, also raised in foster care, wants to cash in on his success.
▪️ someone trashes his apartment.
▪️ someone slashes his tires.
▪️ someone threatens to out him, unless he pays $50,000.
It's obviously
Garrick has his own problems:
▪️ Managing the team until Rupert can take over.
▪️ Making tough decisions for the team, some of which involve his friends, like trading one of them.
Garrick and Rhian fall in love after a few weeks of passionate sex. Rhian initially tries to run away, fearing intimacy and Garrick’s growing feelings, but loneliness and his need for Garrick brings them back together.
Steve tries to manipulate Rhian into playing in the NHL so he can collect blackmail money. He assaults Deanna, a team puck bunny, and forces her to lie, claiming Garrick raped her. He also alleges he has proof on his phone that Garrick and Rhian are gay.
Rhian signs with an NHL team in Boston, and will leave soon. Garrick refuses to risk his career by using him as an alibi. When the situation escalates, Rhian says he was with Garrick that night. Through Garrick’s clever manipulation, Deanna confesses to the scheme, and she and Steve are arrested. A team member then grabs Steve’s phone from his pocket and destroys it.
The book ends with R & G sharing I-love-yous, before flying to Boston together. Garrick retired early.
❓What will happen to their relationship in Boston?
❓What will Savannah think?
❓How will the three of them fit together?
April 25, 2016
Loved it, easy read, well written...
Garrick LeBlanc... must surely be a man's dream man ... smoking hot, sexy, a beast in bed, dependable and he has the right tool for the job!!!! (funny, copy and pasted from my previous review of this trilogy LOL)
Rhian Savage...yummy!! Smoking hot with a brawny, sensitive side that you want to take home. Love him!!!
Garrick LeBlanc... must surely be a man's dream man ... smoking hot, sexy, a beast in bed, dependable and he has the right tool for the job!!!! (funny, copy and pasted from my previous review of this trilogy LOL)
Rhian Savage...yummy!! Smoking hot with a brawny, sensitive side that you want to take home. Love him!!!
December 30, 2015
didn't like it as much as the first one, but intrigued enough that i want to finish out the trilogy
November 13, 2015
Sweet and hot and angsty and heart clenching and emotional...what more could you want?!?
Rhian, oh sweet sweet Rhian...
Rhian, oh sweet sweet Rhian...
December 18, 2024
MMF open relationship.
January 2, 2016
Awwwwww Garrick and Rian....what can I say they are hot together!!
February 24, 2026
While a dynamic like this isn't usually something I would pitch in for, I came into this off of high praise for the Moncton Ice Cats series(?), though I couldn't bring myself to start with book 1.
This series isn't super traditional and linear as far as I figure, since there are multiple books outside of the Hat Trick series that also follow the misadventures of the Ice Cats, but the People had high praise for the team, so here I am, starting with book 2 of the Hat Trick series.
I'm going to be painfully honest and wordy about my time reading this book, so here goes:
The book itself was good, I can certainly appreciate a nice and thorough depth of angst, what with Rhian's tricky childhood, the juicy fear of being outed to the team and the NHL at large, and Garrick slowly realizing how f*cked he is for giving his heart to two different people. The almost parasocial Steve-is-a-big-weirdo-stalker plot turned big time threat/blackmailer was intense and added even more money to the pot in terms of Stakes and what's on the line for these two if they don't get it together and -STop seeing each othER (which, of course, no one actually wants)- but I did actually find it a bit underwhelming when pretty much nothing was done about Steve for the entire book. All the active threats, breaking into his house, slashing his tires, and its barely a footnote as they continue to hook up, and most of the tension in the relationship comes from Garrick retiring and Rhian snagging an NHL contract (aka, both of them leaving the Team behind, leading to the inevitable end of their THING).
This might be an opinion I've wrongly developed from having skipped book 1 (and having not read book 3), but this kind of tension could have worked so much better if it was spread across a few more books, --books 2 and 3 perhaps! so that each individual fear could be more properly addressed, but I get the impression that Rhian is more-or-less a side character in book 1 (in favor of the het pairing of Garrick and Savannah) and we probably don't even know he's an orphan in the first book (ergo, why Steve is a Thing in the first place, and how the stalker/blackmail plot even starts). There's no build up to it, because Rhian only matters to the plot in book 2, so now we suddenly have to juggle Garrick's thing about buying the Ice Cats (presumably a lead-in from book 1), Rhian's EVERYTHING, and a l s o the entirety of the two of them getting together and falling in Love. And that's a LOT for an 80k book, that's a lot for the ONE MONTH time span that book 2 takes place within, and that's a whole lot more when you also consider that the rest of the series somehow has to cram all of that in between two other love stories (Garrick and Savannah, and the endgame behemoth of the third act).
Suffice it to say, I don't love F/M or F/M/M, and I don't think these dynamics are easy to wrangle in only three books. It was, I will say, a very valiant effort, and for most I'm sure these books are great, but they don't suit my tastes, and I do not intend to go back and read book 1. I'm highly on the fence about reading book 3, but I probably will not return to this series.
NEVERTHELESS, I did like this book, as I said before, it had a good amount of angst, but the two of them were also very sweet with each other, very tender, and I did adore the way Garrick wanted to protect Rhian, and offer him the love he so clearly needed more of throughout his life. Rhian's moments of absolutely tweaking out about their growing closeness was also written in a very authentic way; he wasn't pushing Garrick away just for the sake of building tension in the plot, he was genuinely afraid, and rightfully wary of just how implosive things could get if he went for Garrick, a t a k e n fellow hockey player and teammate-turned-boss?? On paper, definitely a sh*tshow waiting to happen, and all of this made the pull of attraction so much more damning, so plainly obvious that they NEEDED each other and wouldn't be able to resist once they'd had a taste, no matter the heavy weight of all the many consequences at hand.
As for the review part of my review: 10/10 writing, 10/10 characters, 8/10 setting, 9/10 yearning, 10/10 angst/comfort balance, 10/10 narration, 10/10 intimacy, 8/10 story conflict, and 8/10 overall read.
This series isn't super traditional and linear as far as I figure, since there are multiple books outside of the Hat Trick series that also follow the misadventures of the Ice Cats, but the People had high praise for the team, so here I am, starting with book 2 of the Hat Trick series.
I'm going to be painfully honest and wordy about my time reading this book, so here goes:
The book itself was good, I can certainly appreciate a nice and thorough depth of angst, what with Rhian's tricky childhood, the juicy fear of being outed to the team and the NHL at large, and Garrick slowly realizing how f*cked he is for giving his heart to two different people. The almost parasocial Steve-is-a-big-weirdo-stalker plot turned big time threat/blackmailer was intense and added even more money to the pot in terms of Stakes and what's on the line for these two if they don't get it together and -STop seeing each othER (which, of course, no one actually wants)- but I did actually find it a bit underwhelming when pretty much nothing was done about Steve for the entire book. All the active threats, breaking into his house, slashing his tires, and its barely a footnote as they continue to hook up, and most of the tension in the relationship comes from Garrick retiring and Rhian snagging an NHL contract (aka, both of them leaving the Team behind, leading to the inevitable end of their THING).
This might be an opinion I've wrongly developed from having skipped book 1 (and having not read book 3), but this kind of tension could have worked so much better if it was spread across a few more books, --books 2 and 3 perhaps! so that each individual fear could be more properly addressed, but I get the impression that Rhian is more-or-less a side character in book 1 (in favor of the het pairing of Garrick and Savannah) and we probably don't even know he's an orphan in the first book (ergo, why Steve is a Thing in the first place, and how the stalker/blackmail plot even starts). There's no build up to it, because Rhian only matters to the plot in book 2, so now we suddenly have to juggle Garrick's thing about buying the Ice Cats (presumably a lead-in from book 1), Rhian's EVERYTHING, and a l s o the entirety of the two of them getting together and falling in Love. And that's a LOT for an 80k book, that's a lot for the ONE MONTH time span that book 2 takes place within, and that's a whole lot more when you also consider that the rest of the series somehow has to cram all of that in between two other love stories (Garrick and Savannah, and the endgame behemoth of the third act).
Suffice it to say, I don't love F/M or F/M/M, and I don't think these dynamics are easy to wrangle in only three books. It was, I will say, a very valiant effort, and for most I'm sure these books are great, but they don't suit my tastes, and I do not intend to go back and read book 1. I'm highly on the fence about reading book 3, but I probably will not return to this series.
NEVERTHELESS, I did like this book, as I said before, it had a good amount of angst, but the two of them were also very sweet with each other, very tender, and I did adore the way Garrick wanted to protect Rhian, and offer him the love he so clearly needed more of throughout his life. Rhian's moments of absolutely tweaking out about their growing closeness was also written in a very authentic way; he wasn't pushing Garrick away just for the sake of building tension in the plot, he was genuinely afraid, and rightfully wary of just how implosive things could get if he went for Garrick, a t a k e n fellow hockey player and teammate-turned-boss?? On paper, definitely a sh*tshow waiting to happen, and all of this made the pull of attraction so much more damning, so plainly obvious that they NEEDED each other and wouldn't be able to resist once they'd had a taste, no matter the heavy weight of all the many consequences at hand.
As for the review part of my review: 10/10 writing, 10/10 characters, 8/10 setting, 9/10 yearning, 10/10 angst/comfort balance, 10/10 narration, 10/10 intimacy, 8/10 story conflict, and 8/10 overall read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
Não sei bem o que dizer sobre esse livro. Gostei das cenas de sexo, como sempre, muito bem escritas. Até que gostei do conflito do livro, só achei que teria mais, sabe? Mais explicações pro passado do Rhian - talvez tenha no próximo livro, mas acho que esse seria o ideal para se aprofundar. Não sei, talvez seja só eu, mas fiquei pensando em
Uma coisa que me incomodou um pouco nesse livro foi
No geral, foi um livro legal, mas por mais que ultimamente eu ande gostando mais de M/M, acabei achando o primeiro livro melhor. Gostei do Rhian, quero ver como vai ficar a dinâmica dele com a Savannah e o Garrick no terceiro livro, mas achei que o romance e o próprio enredo do primeiro livro foram melhores mesmo.
Uma coisa que me incomodou um pouco nesse livro foi
No geral, foi um livro legal, mas por mais que ultimamente eu ande gostando mais de M/M, acabei achando o primeiro livro melhor. Gostei do Rhian, quero ver como vai ficar a dinâmica dele com a Savannah e o Garrick no terceiro livro, mas achei que o romance e o próprio enredo do primeiro livro foram melhores mesmo.
March 24, 2020
Does what it says on the tin, sets up for the third book nicely, but hit a couple of my hard Nope points as well. Hard line nope to having characters who don't need it take up the accessible bathroom for ~privacy (a conversation not banging, but still: nope, send them outside for privacy instead or something.)
content notes: violence against women (off page, but spoken about), false rape accusation plotline in the latter part of the book, verbal homophobia and blackmail about being gay from non POV chars.
content notes: violence against women (off page, but spoken about), false rape accusation plotline in the latter part of the book, verbal homophobia and blackmail about being gay from non POV chars.
November 10, 2020
Savannah has gone to work for the Bruins so phone calls will have to suffice for now then she throws Garrick a challenge--he can take a lover but it must be a male. Garrick isn't sure she is serious but she is so he does. Both men figure it would be only until one is called up to the Bruins. Can they end it or will it get messy?
I liked this book a lot. It was hot! Now I have to finish the series to find out what happens to Savannah, Garrick, and Rhian. Also what happens when Garrick retires and becomes a full-time owner?
I liked this book a lot. It was hot! Now I have to finish the series to find out what happens to Savannah, Garrick, and Rhian. Also what happens when Garrick retires and becomes a full-time owner?
February 24, 2019
Well life for Garrick has gotten interesting, especially after Savanna gives her OK for him to get a lover while she's in Boston and he's in Canada.
Falling in love with that lover was not part of the plan but when you're with a guy like Garrick its hard not to fall in love.
Next book the gang is all together in Boston... which makes me say again, life is going to get very interesting for Garrick.
Falling in love with that lover was not part of the plan but when you're with a guy like Garrick its hard not to fall in love.
Next book the gang is all together in Boston... which makes me say again, life is going to get very interesting for Garrick.
May 17, 2019
3.5 - Better than the first book. Again, I don't have any overwhelming feelings about this book/series, but I definitely enjoyed Rhian and Garrick's relationship more than Garrick/Savannah. There was more at stake and the tension was delicious. So if you're looking for friends to lovers hot hockey players with some sexy times, you've found it.
January 8, 2020
Oh dear, that story is so all over the place. So much drama. Also so much sex. More Sex than actual plot is happening here. So I had to skip it in order to get to the next plot point. Which was annoying.
Well that was the M/M part, next is the part where they become three. And I kinda want to know. Not sure I'll be patient enough to make it through. We will see.
Well that was the M/M part, next is the part where they become three. And I kinda want to know. Not sure I'll be patient enough to make it through. We will see.
May 1, 2023
Savannah moves to Boston to take the job as head trainer of the Bruins, leaving Garrick in Moncton to finish the season. She suggests that while they're living apart, Garrick should find a man to hook up with since he has needs. She isn't jealous thinking about it -- she thinks it's hot and her only stipulation is that Garrick has to tell her all about it. Love a woman who's confident with her relationship and desires and doesn't let social norms stand in her way. Garrick finally admits he has a crush on his teammate Rhian, who finally admits to himself that he ALSO has a crush on Garrick, and lots of sex ensues. I can't decide if this is instalove (they start hooking up and then 2 weeks later say ILY to each other) since they were friends for however long before their first hook up. I guess instalove with an asterisk? There's a little suspense thrown in with some blackmailing and property damage. I'm sure I'll never look at butter the same.
Tropes: age gap, friends to lovers, teammates
Tropes: age gap, friends to lovers, teammates
July 4, 2021
Like the first, this book also has an OTT subplot that was sort of silly and distracting. But I really liked the developing dynamic between the two men. (I wish Rhian's name had just been spelled the normal way, though.)
January 2, 2024
2.5 stars
Yeah, I’m not really the biggest fan of this series. I like Rhian and Garrick but this book, like the first, just didn't capture my interest. The story was ok but there's so much smut... to the point that I just started skimming through it all bc I just wanted to get back to the plot.
Yeah, I’m not really the biggest fan of this series. I like Rhian and Garrick but this book, like the first, just didn't capture my interest. The story was ok but there's so much smut... to the point that I just started skimming through it all bc I just wanted to get back to the plot.
January 19, 2017
I loved this a lot, but god I wish the author had chosen something other than a fake rape accusation as a climactic plot point. :\
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2017
3.5 stars
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