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Vancouver Orcas #1
Game Plan
an alternate cover edition can be found here
As the new head coach of the Vancouver Orcas, Matt Shore has got his work cut out for him. Coming off a season where the Orcas came in last in the entire AHL, Matt’s job is to whip his new hockey team into shape for the oncoming season.
He doesn’t need any distractions, especially not one in the form of a tall, dark, and gorgeous antiques dealer.
Who’s also his ex—and his best player’s father.
Pierce Langley-Brown has a lot of regrets. The biggest? Leaving Matt behind two years ago when his son needed him. Now, with his son on Matt’s hockey team, there’s no avoiding the man who once owned his heart.
Not that Pierce wants to avoid him. And that heart? It still belongs to Matt.
But will Matt choose to keep it after all this time?
As the new head coach of the Vancouver Orcas, Matt Shore has got his work cut out for him. Coming off a season where the Orcas came in last in the entire AHL, Matt’s job is to whip his new hockey team into shape for the oncoming season.
He doesn’t need any distractions, especially not one in the form of a tall, dark, and gorgeous antiques dealer.
Who’s also his ex—and his best player’s father.
Pierce Langley-Brown has a lot of regrets. The biggest? Leaving Matt behind two years ago when his son needed him. Now, with his son on Matt’s hockey team, there’s no avoiding the man who once owned his heart.
Not that Pierce wants to avoid him. And that heart? It still belongs to Matt.
But will Matt choose to keep it after all this time?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2023
109 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
About the author
Amy Aislin
38 books914 followersAmy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
April 14, 2023
2.5 stars
Second chance is one of my favourite tropes, so I was instantly drawn into this story. I found it very interesting and engaging at first.
However,
So, a great start but in the end it was just ok for me.
Second chance is one of my favourite tropes, so I was instantly drawn into this story. I found it very interesting and engaging at first.
However,
So, a great start but in the end it was just ok for me.
June 15, 2023
A drab 2*, but I couldn't focus to finish it even skimming. Finished around 50%
Not bad just sooooooo boring. Struggling to focus.
Pierre hears his son's had a (minor) accident I'd get flying out there immediately, I'd get phoning hospital demanding full report (he was likely already home) BUT breaking up with your partner, packing up and selling your business (and these things take time?), moving there, radio silence with everyone? Hmmmm.
Mental health seems like a 'get out of jail free' card, waved around so noone has the right to be hurt and complain. It's a complicated subject and poorly dealt with/used here.
Then Matt, of the big pompadour hair, forgives in seconds. Didn't take a page, before 20%. So zero tension.
Pierre so far has maybe spent half hour with the precious son he keeps moving for, so telling him may be a thing, but I doubt it. 'Kid' is in his 20s!
Lecturing tone between dialogue, like author has researched hockey and is now telling us how it is. Not feeling team, system...
Yawn
Not bad just sooooooo boring. Struggling to focus.
Pierre hears his son's had a (minor) accident I'd get flying out there immediately, I'd get phoning hospital demanding full report (he was likely already home) BUT breaking up with your partner, packing up and selling your business (and these things take time?), moving there, radio silence with everyone? Hmmmm.
Mental health seems like a 'get out of jail free' card, waved around so noone has the right to be hurt and complain. It's a complicated subject and poorly dealt with/used here.
Then Matt, of the big pompadour hair, forgives in seconds. Didn't take a page, before 20%. So zero tension.
Pierre so far has maybe spent half hour with the precious son he keeps moving for, so telling him may be a thing, but I doubt it. 'Kid' is in his 20s!
Lecturing tone between dialogue, like author has researched hockey and is now telling us how it is. Not feeling team, system...
Yawn
Read
December 26, 2022The first book in the Vancouver Orcas trilogy, a spin-off of my popular Stick Side series!
AHL coach Matt Shore's only job is to whip the Orcas into shape after the team came in at the bottom of the standings last season. Distractions in the form of a tall and gorgeous antiques dealer aren't welcome. Especially when that antiques dealer is his ex...and his best player's father!
Coming April 11 and available for pre-order.
AMZ: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077558
APPLE: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077559
B&N: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077560
KOBO: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077561
AHL coach Matt Shore's only job is to whip the Orcas into shape after the team came in at the bottom of the standings last season. Distractions in the form of a tall and gorgeous antiques dealer aren't welcome. Especially when that antiques dealer is his ex...and his best player's father!
Coming April 11 and available for pre-order.
AMZ: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077558
APPLE: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077559
B&N: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077560
KOBO: https://readerlinks.com/l/3077561
December 18, 2023
This was incredibly boring. The author has used multiple elements/ideas from her previous books to cobble together the most generic mm hockey romance ever. I really enjoy this author’s writing so every time I see a new release from her I get so excited but they’ve let me down a lot, especially the hockey books. Not all her books are bad, but her holiday romance novels are a bit better.
April 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
- old MCs (late 30s)
- second chance romance
- hockey
- mental health rep
Game Plan was overall really cute. I’m a sucker for second chance and really liked Matt and Pierce’s story for the most part. I do feel like Matt should have made Pierce work a little bit harder for it, but understandably took in his mental health and the why behind his leaving into consideration too. Outside of that I found the pacing of the book itself was a bit too slow for me, but again still really cute.
- old MCs (late 30s)
- second chance romance
- hockey
- mental health rep
Game Plan was overall really cute. I’m a sucker for second chance and really liked Matt and Pierce’s story for the most part. I do feel like Matt should have made Pierce work a little bit harder for it, but understandably took in his mental health and the why behind his leaving into consideration too. Outside of that I found the pacing of the book itself was a bit too slow for me, but again still really cute.
April 5, 2023
"Everyone's interesting in their own way"
Here, here's a tissue. You're going to need it.
Game Plan is the first book in the Vancouver Orcas series by Amy Aislin.
It is a heartwarming second-chance romance.
The story follows Matt, the new head coach of the Vancouver Orcas, and Pierce, an old flame and now the father of one of his players.
Matt and Pierce had a brief relationship two years ago, but it ended abruptly with Pierce up and leaving Matt and those who loved him with no explanation.
Two years have passed and now Pierce finds himself, emotionally, in a position to make amends.
Will the man who holds his heart forgive him and give him a second chance?
Will his friends and family understand and accept him back into the fold?
Matt and Pierce are both likable characters, and I rooted for them to get together from the start.
The supporting characters are also well-developed, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I met some previously in Aislin's other books and it was nice to spend time with them again.
Game Plan, along with the romance aspect, also deals with the issue of mental health. Pierce's PTSD and depression are a major part of the story, and Aislin does a great job of portraying the challenges that people with mental health issues face. She also shows how important it is to seek help and support.
Aislin does a great job of developing the characters and their relationships. Game Plan is chocked full of well-developed characters that were easy to connect with.
Lots of Angst - Laughter - Hope - Some petty behavior but that is to be expected - Steamy Smexy moments - and Love
This is one of those journeys that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
P.S.
Jason - I am looking forward to your story
Sabrina - I know you were hurt but that was petty. I am glad you eventually came around
Here, here's a tissue. You're going to need it.
Game Plan is the first book in the Vancouver Orcas series by Amy Aislin.
It is a heartwarming second-chance romance.
The story follows Matt, the new head coach of the Vancouver Orcas, and Pierce, an old flame and now the father of one of his players.
Matt and Pierce had a brief relationship two years ago, but it ended abruptly with Pierce up and leaving Matt and those who loved him with no explanation.
Two years have passed and now Pierce finds himself, emotionally, in a position to make amends.
Will the man who holds his heart forgive him and give him a second chance?
Will his friends and family understand and accept him back into the fold?
Matt and Pierce are both likable characters, and I rooted for them to get together from the start.
The supporting characters are also well-developed, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I met some previously in Aislin's other books and it was nice to spend time with them again.
Game Plan, along with the romance aspect, also deals with the issue of mental health. Pierce's PTSD and depression are a major part of the story, and Aislin does a great job of portraying the challenges that people with mental health issues face. She also shows how important it is to seek help and support.
Aislin does a great job of developing the characters and their relationships. Game Plan is chocked full of well-developed characters that were easy to connect with.
Lots of Angst - Laughter - Hope - Some petty behavior but that is to be expected - Steamy Smexy moments - and Love
This is one of those journeys that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
P.S.
Jason - I am looking forward to your story
Sabrina - I know you were hurt but that was petty. I am glad you eventually came around
May 14, 2024
Pierce and Matt
An easy, not too angsty second chance romance. I liked the characters, I liked the story, and I loved the happy ending, but found that it dragged in a few places. Ultimately though a good read overall.
An easy, not too angsty second chance romance. I liked the characters, I liked the story, and I loved the happy ending, but found that it dragged in a few places. Ultimately though a good read overall.
Want to read
December 2, 2023Thank you for the gift, Hipsy-Tipsy Elf!
March 28, 2023
I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
This is a 2.75 star read for me. I love ice hockey... like, it's my favorite sport ever... so hockey romances are usually my jam. Game Plan is the first book in the Orca series and it was OK for me.
What I liked:
AHL representation even if the teams are made up, it is still cool to see the minor leagues represented and honestly in the depiction that the players don't make what the guys in the big league make.
I also liked that the author didn't shy away from the not so nice aspects of mental illnesses and the road to recovery and management.
What I didn't like:
Matt was supposedly demisexual which should have been the biggest YES from me. I think we need more ace characters out there. But, the fact that everything with Pierce was so insta, it literally buys into the insane reteric that "asexual peeps just haven't met the right person yet". Even Matt being on dating apps (not that ace people don't use them) but there was nothing about trying to develop a friendship or some other sort of bond first before jumping into dating. Again, it just didn't come across as genuine.
The fact that Matt just rolls over like a golden retriever and goes back to Pierce. There seemed to be token hesitation, but this dude walked away for 2 years without word and within like 2 days you're back to dinner dates and by 40% of the way through the book you are back to lovey dovey.
Some small details bothered me a lot... there was one hockey game about 3/4 of the way through... the Orca's first shut out that from Matt's POV the goalie made some rediculously hugh number of saves to get yhe shut out... like almost 70... from one team... the NHL record is 73 SOG in a game and the first time you get a shutout in the big leagues with a high number of saves, it was in the low 60s. Now, I'm not saying that it doesn't happen, but unless your goalie is the next Lundqvist, Quick, Holtby, or [enter Vezina trophy winning NHL goalie here] ... or you get super excited about setting an AHL record for saves in a single game, I would have rather had this be a more believable number.
In the end, it's a cute read that kinda drags in places, and was just ok for me. It's awesome if you don't feel the same, these were just my opinions!
This is a 2.75 star read for me. I love ice hockey... like, it's my favorite sport ever... so hockey romances are usually my jam. Game Plan is the first book in the Orca series and it was OK for me.
What I liked:
AHL representation even if the teams are made up, it is still cool to see the minor leagues represented and honestly in the depiction that the players don't make what the guys in the big league make.
I also liked that the author didn't shy away from the not so nice aspects of mental illnesses and the road to recovery and management.
What I didn't like:
Matt was supposedly demisexual which should have been the biggest YES from me. I think we need more ace characters out there. But, the fact that everything with Pierce was so insta, it literally buys into the insane reteric that "asexual peeps just haven't met the right person yet". Even Matt being on dating apps (not that ace people don't use them) but there was nothing about trying to develop a friendship or some other sort of bond first before jumping into dating. Again, it just didn't come across as genuine.
The fact that Matt just rolls over like a golden retriever and goes back to Pierce. There seemed to be token hesitation, but this dude walked away for 2 years without word and within like 2 days you're back to dinner dates and by 40% of the way through the book you are back to lovey dovey.
Some small details bothered me a lot... there was one hockey game about 3/4 of the way through... the Orca's first shut out that from Matt's POV the goalie made some rediculously hugh number of saves to get yhe shut out... like almost 70... from one team... the NHL record is 73 SOG in a game and the first time you get a shutout in the big leagues with a high number of saves, it was in the low 60s. Now, I'm not saying that it doesn't happen, but unless your goalie is the next Lundqvist, Quick, Holtby, or [enter Vezina trophy winning NHL goalie here] ... or you get super excited about setting an AHL record for saves in a single game, I would have rather had this be a more believable number.
In the end, it's a cute read that kinda drags in places, and was just ok for me. It's awesome if you don't feel the same, these were just my opinions!
July 18, 2023
Nice second chance read. Really happy that Charlie appears to be getting his own HEA next in Game Changer.
November 1, 2023
I had read book 2 in this series and enjoyed it so when I got the chance to listen to the audio of book 1 I was excited to sign up. The audio was great but the story wasn’t as good as book 2. The MCs were good, the plot was good but it unfortunately didn’t hold my attention very well. I didn’t feel much happened in the story to be honest.
There’s absolutely nothing I didn’t like per se. I liked Matt and Pierce’s relationship and how they grew to trust each other again (this is a second-chance romance) and we got to see some of the characters that I loved in book 2. If you enjoy this author then I still recommend and hope you enjoy!
There’s absolutely nothing I didn’t like per se. I liked Matt and Pierce’s relationship and how they grew to trust each other again (this is a second-chance romance) and we got to see some of the characters that I loved in book 2. If you enjoy this author then I still recommend and hope you enjoy!
August 14, 2023
meh, ive read far better books by this author.
November 24, 2023
Great second chance romance, one of my favourite tropes. I really enjoyed reading and listening to Matt and Pierce's story. As always Amy's writing is lovely and the story was nicely paced and flowed beautifully, I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. I loved getting to know more about Matt, and meeting his ex Pierce. Their shared history is emotional, and seeing them rebuild what they once had was moving. Their connection and chemistry was intense and sizzling. There’s a lot of unresolved history between them, and some twists and turns to get to their well deserved happy ever after. A great start to the series, and I can’t wait for the next one instalment. Aaron Hodkinson's narration was first class, he really brought the characters to life. 4.5 stars.
June 15, 2023
This wasn't a bad book by any means, but there is a LOT of stiff competition in the hockey romance subgenre right now and Game Plan just didn't capture my heart or my imagination the way that I hoped it would.
May 4, 2025
3.5 stars
Sometimes, after I read a book from an author I know and it worked, I ended up backtracking their other books. Like this one.
I recently finished Aislin's Road to a Cowboy, loved it, so I still wanted to be in her world of words. This one looked like a spin-off from another series, but it could be read as stand-alone (or at least a start of a new series).
Most of this one worked well for me - the two main male characters felt "mature" when they talked things out. I really loved Matt's attitude; his love language wasn't words, he could be quite blunt with his by the way, but I loved the way he listened to Pierce, that he understood about Pierce's mental health issues, he didn't judge.
I probably wasn't completely sold on Pierce's reasons of their breaking up, but I wonder if that was also my lack of understanding about depression. But I was happy that Pierce was willing to try to works things out.
Some parts might dragged a bit - and also it felt a bit weird when the second-chance romance happened only between 2 years break. Plus those looking for hockey actions may be disappointed because it wasn't the main feature. However, the rest I was satisfied with.
Now time for Charlie's story...
Sometimes, after I read a book from an author I know and it worked, I ended up backtracking their other books. Like this one.
I recently finished Aislin's Road to a Cowboy, loved it, so I still wanted to be in her world of words. This one looked like a spin-off from another series, but it could be read as stand-alone (or at least a start of a new series).
Most of this one worked well for me - the two main male characters felt "mature" when they talked things out. I really loved Matt's attitude; his love language wasn't words, he could be quite blunt with his by the way, but I loved the way he listened to Pierce, that he understood about Pierce's mental health issues, he didn't judge.
I probably wasn't completely sold on Pierce's reasons of their breaking up, but I wonder if that was also my lack of understanding about depression. But I was happy that Pierce was willing to try to works things out.
Some parts might dragged a bit - and also it felt a bit weird when the second-chance romance happened only between 2 years break. Plus those looking for hockey actions may be disappointed because it wasn't the main feature. However, the rest I was satisfied with.
Now time for Charlie's story...
February 12, 2024
3.5
tw - mention of depressive episodes, death of a loved one
oh, she could have been a favorite. she could have been painful, sad, and oh so heartbreaking with the most beautiful ending to calm my hurting heart.
but no. she was alright. she was cute, but it needed more longing, more yearning, more sad puppies in love with the subject of their ache right next to them, so close to touch and own. it could have been a favorite like Dan and Ash from Risking the Shot !!
Game Plan was easy and (sorta) soft.
ps- i adore Mae
tw - mention of depressive episodes, death of a loved one
oh, she could have been a favorite. she could have been painful, sad, and oh so heartbreaking with the most beautiful ending to calm my hurting heart.
but no. she was alright. she was cute, but it needed more longing, more yearning, more sad puppies in love with the subject of their ache right next to them, so close to touch and own. it could have been a favorite like Dan and Ash from Risking the Shot !!
Game Plan was easy and (sorta) soft.
ps- i adore Mae
April 4, 2023
This is a good start to this new series with this second chance story. I enjoyed following along as Matt and Pierce get another chance at love.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 8, 2025
up until 40% a solid 4 stars read. I felt the story was done by this point and the rest just dragged.
Not sure I'll continue with this series....
Not sure I'll continue with this series....
April 7, 2023
I loved this first book from a new series, and I love these second chance love with mature MC's books
Pierce and Matt were dating until Pierce goes way without a word to Matt, Some years later they meet again because Pierce’s son joins the hockey team that Matt’s coaching
And of course, the rekindle their relationship, but what about Pierce’s son, Jason? And the team?
If you like two mature guys loving each other, read this book
Highly recommended
Pierce and Matt were dating until Pierce goes way without a word to Matt, Some years later they meet again because Pierce’s son joins the hockey team that Matt’s coaching
And of course, the rekindle their relationship, but what about Pierce’s son, Jason? And the team?
If you like two mature guys loving each other, read this book
Highly recommended
March 31, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Game Plan is a mm hockey romance by author Amy Aislin. A second chance romance between an AHL hockey coach and the parent of own of his players.
Two years ago, Pierce was in a bad place mentally. His divorce was drawn out and brutal with his son caught in the middle. When his son gets in an accident he leaves everything behind which included Matt. Pierce was lost to depression and only had the ability to focus on his son. Unfortunately instead of explaining, he ghosts Matt and breaks his heart. Now his son, Jason, is on Matt's team and he has to face the repercussions of his past actions. Matt has had no luck in the dating world since Pierce broke his heart and when Pierce shows up with apologies and a request at friendship, he's hesitant. His feelings for him are still strong and while he understands and accepts the apology, he's not sure if he can trust him again with his heart. But will Matt's job and Jason's feelings on the matter keep them from having a future anyway.
There was no doubt, however, that he could fall in love with Pierce again. In fact, he was a little afraid of how fast he could do so.
Game Plan worked for me in so many ways and was exactly what I was in the mood for reading wise. The story is pretty low drama, without over the top reactions to things and characters with maturity. It's told present tense, with some flashbacks to moments during the couple's original relationship smoothly sprinkled in. I'll talk about the main characters in a moment, but the secondary characters were just as strong. From Pierce's son Jason to Matt's cousin's, who I look forward to getting books. The mental health representation is also wonderful in the book. Pierce was weighted down by depression and was able to pull out of it with a therapist who he continues to see to prevent it from getting bad again and to maintain healthy coping mechanisms.
"You can trust me. And I want to prove it to you. Will you give me the chance to?" "Yes"
Now onto our main characters. Matt was perfection to me. He's kind, understanding and has a beard (shh a beard is a huger plus to me) . He must land someone on the ace spectrum because, while he has no problem with intercourse, romantic feelings don't develope for him without an emotional connection. Which made Pierce's ghosting him hurt that much more. I really enjoyed Pierce, even though I thought I wouldn't with the way he hurt Matt. The flashbacks to the first times in their relationship helped a lot with that. As someone who battles with depression & anxiety, I felt for his struggles. Even though he handled everything poorly in the past, he tries his hardest to make amends. You can tell how much Pierce and Matt genuinely care for one another. Their intimate relationship is mild when it comes to on page open door scenes, but that didn't affect the ability to believe the connection they had with each other. The steam there is though is quality .
Pierce's mouth was on his and Matt's hand was in Pierce's hair and Pierce was holding him so close and they were pressed together from thighs to chest. And something right itself in Matt's heart.
In the end, I very much enjoyed Game Plan by Amy Aislin. A hockey romance filled with a coach who does audio narrating on the side, a hockey parent devoted to his son, antiques, steam, ramen, jogging, and a second chance at forever.
Game Plan is a mm hockey romance by author Amy Aislin. A second chance romance between an AHL hockey coach and the parent of own of his players.
Two years ago, Pierce was in a bad place mentally. His divorce was drawn out and brutal with his son caught in the middle. When his son gets in an accident he leaves everything behind which included Matt. Pierce was lost to depression and only had the ability to focus on his son. Unfortunately instead of explaining, he ghosts Matt and breaks his heart. Now his son, Jason, is on Matt's team and he has to face the repercussions of his past actions. Matt has had no luck in the dating world since Pierce broke his heart and when Pierce shows up with apologies and a request at friendship, he's hesitant. His feelings for him are still strong and while he understands and accepts the apology, he's not sure if he can trust him again with his heart. But will Matt's job and Jason's feelings on the matter keep them from having a future anyway.
There was no doubt, however, that he could fall in love with Pierce again. In fact, he was a little afraid of how fast he could do so.
Game Plan worked for me in so many ways and was exactly what I was in the mood for reading wise. The story is pretty low drama, without over the top reactions to things and characters with maturity. It's told present tense, with some flashbacks to moments during the couple's original relationship smoothly sprinkled in. I'll talk about the main characters in a moment, but the secondary characters were just as strong. From Pierce's son Jason to Matt's cousin's, who I look forward to getting books. The mental health representation is also wonderful in the book. Pierce was weighted down by depression and was able to pull out of it with a therapist who he continues to see to prevent it from getting bad again and to maintain healthy coping mechanisms.
"You can trust me. And I want to prove it to you. Will you give me the chance to?" "Yes"
Now onto our main characters. Matt was perfection to me. He's kind, understanding and has a beard (shh a beard is a huger plus to me) . He must land someone on the ace spectrum because, while he has no problem with intercourse, romantic feelings don't develope for him without an emotional connection. Which made Pierce's ghosting him hurt that much more. I really enjoyed Pierce, even though I thought I wouldn't with the way he hurt Matt. The flashbacks to the first times in their relationship helped a lot with that. As someone who battles with depression & anxiety, I felt for his struggles. Even though he handled everything poorly in the past, he tries his hardest to make amends. You can tell how much Pierce and Matt genuinely care for one another. Their intimate relationship is mild when it comes to on page open door scenes, but that didn't affect the ability to believe the connection they had with each other. The steam there is though is quality .
Pierce's mouth was on his and Matt's hand was in Pierce's hair and Pierce was holding him so close and they were pressed together from thighs to chest. And something right itself in Matt's heart.
In the end, I very much enjoyed Game Plan by Amy Aislin. A hockey romance filled with a coach who does audio narrating on the side, a hockey parent devoted to his son, antiques, steam, ramen, jogging, and a second chance at forever.
April 20, 2023
The blandest book ever.
March 29, 2023
I love everything Amy Aislin writes, but this book has touched me in a way others have not.
First, I love an ice-hockey story and this novel didn't disappoint. I absolutely love how the author talks about the sport, games, players and what goes on behind the scenes of a hockey game. It's easy to spot she's well versed in the sport.
I fell in love with both the MCs. Matt is an amazing man, strong and dedicated. When he falls in love he gives himself completely and it was beautiful to see how he took the return of Pierce. There was a bit of a fight within himself, but he accepted his feelings and decided to leave the past behind.
Pierce broke my heart. It was so easy to relate to his situation as most of us have gone through anxiety and/or depression in our lives. Pierce was perfectly portrayed, how his life became too much and how he ended needing help. I really liked the way the author navigates through mental illness not as a fatality, but as something that can be overcome with help and love.
This book is emotional, beautiful and sweet, with just the right amount of angst. It's a story that talks about second chances, being understanding, true love and accepting others.
I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed it all the way through to the last one. I can't wait to read about the rest of the Shore cousins and find out about their HEAs.
First, I love an ice-hockey story and this novel didn't disappoint. I absolutely love how the author talks about the sport, games, players and what goes on behind the scenes of a hockey game. It's easy to spot she's well versed in the sport.
I fell in love with both the MCs. Matt is an amazing man, strong and dedicated. When he falls in love he gives himself completely and it was beautiful to see how he took the return of Pierce. There was a bit of a fight within himself, but he accepted his feelings and decided to leave the past behind.
Pierce broke my heart. It was so easy to relate to his situation as most of us have gone through anxiety and/or depression in our lives. Pierce was perfectly portrayed, how his life became too much and how he ended needing help. I really liked the way the author navigates through mental illness not as a fatality, but as something that can be overcome with help and love.
This book is emotional, beautiful and sweet, with just the right amount of angst. It's a story that talks about second chances, being understanding, true love and accepting others.
I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed it all the way through to the last one. I can't wait to read about the rest of the Shore cousins and find out about their HEAs.
April 4, 2023
When I’m in the mood for contemporary romance, a hockey romance (or really any sports romance) is usually my go-to choice. I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous ones, so I was eager to start Game Plan since it is also a second chance romance, another fave of mine.
This was such a good story, and I liked the setup of Matt and Pierce’s past together and the way they came back together again. The way things ended their first time around was rough for Pierce and for Matt, he was left hanging with no real resolution. I was glad he didn’t just let Pierce off the hook this time, and that we get to delve into the details of why Pierce left and then stayed away.
While to some it may seem that Matt took Pierce back too easily, the way I see it is they’ve already been in a committed relationship with each other and knew each other well. Yes, Matt has the right to expect Pierce to earn his trust back again—and we can see Matt’s hesitation when he’s unsure if Pierce will stick around this time. It’s obvious though that Pierce’s character has grown since he recognizes Matt’s reluctance and is honest with him about what he went through and what he wants now. The fact they they are older characters contributes to the maturity with which they both handle this second chance, and the lower amount of angst as a result compared to what you would expect if they were a couple of twenty-somethings.
I loved these guys together, and they were surrounded by a good supporting cast that has me looking forward to more stories in this series. Game Plan was a 4.5-star read for me, and I’d recommend it to any M/M romance fan (and if you’re a hockey fan, even better!). This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
This was such a good story, and I liked the setup of Matt and Pierce’s past together and the way they came back together again. The way things ended their first time around was rough for Pierce and for Matt, he was left hanging with no real resolution. I was glad he didn’t just let Pierce off the hook this time, and that we get to delve into the details of why Pierce left and then stayed away.
While to some it may seem that Matt took Pierce back too easily, the way I see it is they’ve already been in a committed relationship with each other and knew each other well. Yes, Matt has the right to expect Pierce to earn his trust back again—and we can see Matt’s hesitation when he’s unsure if Pierce will stick around this time. It’s obvious though that Pierce’s character has grown since he recognizes Matt’s reluctance and is honest with him about what he went through and what he wants now. The fact they they are older characters contributes to the maturity with which they both handle this second chance, and the lower amount of angst as a result compared to what you would expect if they were a couple of twenty-somethings.
I loved these guys together, and they were surrounded by a good supporting cast that has me looking forward to more stories in this series. Game Plan was a 4.5-star read for me, and I’d recommend it to any M/M romance fan (and if you’re a hockey fan, even better!). This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
March 18, 2023
4.5 stars hands down. Matt Shore, aka the coach we met from Em & Fe's story who narrates audiobooks in his free time finally got his HEA and this was a second chance romance which I just adored.
Pierce & Matt had a history but somethings happened which ended their relationship. Two years later, Pierce's son is under the AHL team Matt is coaching and these two just falls back together in life.
It was quite nice to see these two giving their love story another chance and Pierce overcoming his difficulties as well. As always, Amy and her writings are amazing and I can't wait for everyone else to read this book too come April.
Also, I didn't know that the whole Shore cousins were one of the MC's in this Trilogy and I am so here for it. Charlie & Blair, I'm looking forward to your story next 🥺♥️
Pierce & Matt had a history but somethings happened which ended their relationship. Two years later, Pierce's son is under the AHL team Matt is coaching and these two just falls back together in life.
It was quite nice to see these two giving their love story another chance and Pierce overcoming his difficulties as well. As always, Amy and her writings are amazing and I can't wait for everyone else to read this book too come April.
Also, I didn't know that the whole Shore cousins were one of the MC's in this Trilogy and I am so here for it. Charlie & Blair, I'm looking forward to your story next 🥺♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
A new hockey series by Amy Aislin? Yes please 💜 I always enjoy her writing. The stories always grab my attention from the start. This is a second chance romance. Matt and Pierce were in a relationship two years ago when Pierce suddenly dumps Matt and disappears which left Matt heartbroken. Fast forward two years and Pierce is back. Matt is the new head coach for the Vancouver Orcas and Pierce's son joins the team. They still have feelings for each other but there are some hurt there that they need to work through and they have to keep their relationship from Pierce's son. I like that this story also deals with real issues like depression. I really enjoyed reading it.
April 5, 2023
I am rounding this up to 4 stars from 3.5 :)
The 1/2 star is missing because Matt in previous books was represented as demi and this wasnt reflected in this book. I understand that he knew Pierce and had built a relationship previously with those emotions but still was missing.
They definitely make it work together and seem comfortable with each other and the mental health was dealt with well.
In parts the book seemed quick and other slow..so the pacing was just slightly mismatched for me
The 1/2 star is missing because Matt in previous books was represented as demi and this wasnt reflected in this book. I understand that he knew Pierce and had built a relationship previously with those emotions but still was missing.
They definitely make it work together and seem comfortable with each other and the mental health was dealt with well.
In parts the book seemed quick and other slow..so the pacing was just slightly mismatched for me
April 3, 2023
I’ve read this author before. The main characters are Matt an AHL head coach and Pierce an antique dealer. Set in Canada in the ice hockey world. This is a second chance story with Matt and Pierce being lovers 2 years ago, but Pierce ending it with no reason. The story covers mental illness with understanding and compassion. Such a great story with twists and turns, and I can’t wait to read the other books from this series.
September 13, 2023
I listened to this several weeks ago and didn't take any notes. As a result, any specific thoughts are thin on the ground, other than I remember being completely underwhelmed. Second-chance romance is not a favorite trope so I guess that's on me, but I recall this being esp snoozy bc the MCs got back together lickety-split with hardly any angst or conflict. Blah. Beyond that, I just recall being bored.
Read
December 27, 2025DNF ~37%
This just wasn't grabbing me. I was a little wary going in, because second chance is one of my least favorite tropes, and the pacing of everything here didn't quite work for me. I appreciated that there are some complicated dynamics at play here, but it just wasn't really what I was looking for. Maybe it would have worked better for me in a different mood, but I wasn't feeling the connection.
This just wasn't grabbing me. I was a little wary going in, because second chance is one of my least favorite tropes, and the pacing of everything here didn't quite work for me. I appreciated that there are some complicated dynamics at play here, but it just wasn't really what I was looking for. Maybe it would have worked better for me in a different mood, but I wasn't feeling the connection.
April 19, 2023
When you read Amy’s books, you know you’re going to get cute, low-angst goodness. Usually with hockey. What more could you want! I was so glad we got a book about Matt Shore, and loved seeing Emery throughout too. I’m not usually a second chance romance fan, but Amy does them so well. Give all her books a read.
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