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Hockey Ever After #3.5
An Unrivaled Off Season
Any other year, hockey player Grady Armstrong would be licking his wounds after a disappointing playoffs exit. Somehow, this year, he’s in the stands as his rival-turned-boyfriend Max Lockhart competes for the Stanley Cup… and there’s nowhere he’d rather be. Well, except maybe lifting the Cup himself. So along with preparing his body for next season, Grady prepares to ask Max to stay in his life permanently.
Max figures it can’t be easy for Grady to watch Max cash in on his dreams, but if he’s struggling, he hides it well—which is great, because they don’t get much time together during the season, and it would suck if Grady spent the summer sulking.
But while Grady may still be a competitive bastard, he doesn’t sulk. He nurses Max through hangovers. He comes home with him for the summer. He loses fishing bets. He earns so many boyfriend points Max should really level him up. The question is, how?
Max figures it can’t be easy for Grady to watch Max cash in on his dreams, but if he’s struggling, he hides it well—which is great, because they don’t get much time together during the season, and it would suck if Grady spent the summer sulking.
But while Grady may still be a competitive bastard, he doesn’t sulk. He nurses Max through hangovers. He comes home with him for the summer. He loses fishing bets. He earns so many boyfriend points Max should really level him up. The question is, how?
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
115 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Kane
33 books512 followersAshlyn Kane is a thirtysomething writer, editor, procrastinator, and dog mom. She likes cheese, puns, and hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 29, 2025
∞ ⭐️ | 2.0 🌶️
Grady and Max, my babies. They are always a delight to read. There are both completely irrevocably in love with each other. When I ventured reading MM romance in amazon kindle after wanting something new other than fanfics from ao3 their story was one of the first once that I ever read and they will have a special place in my heart.
Grady and Max, my babies. They are always a delight to read. There are both completely irrevocably in love with each other. When I ventured reading MM romance in amazon kindle after wanting something new other than fanfics from ao3 their story was one of the first once that I ever read and they will have a special place in my heart.
June 14, 2024
I have never smiled so much at a novella purely about planning how to propose 😂
I absolutely love this series, and the competitiveness between Max and Grady makes me laugh so much!!
As always, I just want more stories in this universe.
I absolutely love this series, and the competitiveness between Max and Grady makes me laugh so much!!
As always, I just want more stories in this universe.
May 31, 2025
Simple, sweet sequel.
Unnecessary but fun
happiest ending.
Unnecessary but fun
happiest ending.
April 3, 2024
ayyyyy I love this series so much
A while ago, I got the notification this was going to come out and I didn’t even hesitate to pre order it. Today, I got the notification that it was finally out and I couldn’t help myself, I finished it in one sitting ❤️
I love Grady, I love Max and I love the way they talk to each other. Their dynamic is so freaking fun and i can’t believe that after all that, that’s how they got engaged 😂
I loved this little interlude, can’t wait to read more in this universe. (And someone give Baller his Oscar for supporting actor damn, this man is everywhere)
A while ago, I got the notification this was going to come out and I didn’t even hesitate to pre order it. Today, I got the notification that it was finally out and I couldn’t help myself, I finished it in one sitting ❤️
I love Grady, I love Max and I love the way they talk to each other. Their dynamic is so freaking fun and i can’t believe that after all that, that’s how they got engaged 😂
I loved this little interlude, can’t wait to read more in this universe. (And someone give Baller his Oscar for supporting actor damn, this man is everywhere)
April 2, 2024
I love them so much, truly one of my fave fictional hockey men ever grrr i will take any crumbs of Max and Grady I can and this whole novella about them being adorable and plotting the best marriage proposal and failing until they don’t was so fucking perfect
February 7, 2025
'Marry me, please. You’re a lunatic with a big mouth and a bigger heart and I love you a shameful amount.' is the proposal I would have gone for, personally.
This was basically just an extended epilogue but I enjoy these two a ridiculous amount so I'm not even mad.
Them competing over who could propose first or better without knowing the other wanted to outshine them as well is exactly the kind of fuckery I've come to expect from them.
This was basically just an extended epilogue but I enjoy these two a ridiculous amount so I'm not even mad.
Them competing over who could propose first or better without knowing the other wanted to outshine them as well is exactly the kind of fuckery I've come to expect from them.
October 1, 2024
THE WORLD IS THEIR LOBSTER 😭😭😭😭
April 2, 2025
I just love those two idiots 😍
October 20, 2025
Gloriously cute — my cheeks hurt from grinning. This is basically an extended epilogue and I loved it; these boys are complete nonsense 🤣🧢🦞🥰.
4.5 stars ⭐️.
4.5 stars ⭐️.
July 14, 2024
“So hey,” Grady said a moment later, “what’re you doing July 10?”
Of course he’d already picked a date. Max grinned wider. “Trading in my favorite hat for a new model.”
gosh i love these two goofballs 🥹🥹
November 1, 2024
This was such a cute little continuation of Max and Grady’s story! I absolutely adore Max getting drunk and blabbering on about Grady at the cup after party. Even better than that is Grady accidentally getting high and spilling their sex secrets to Max’s brother! I loved the sweet moments and the spicy ones. It was fun to see them both panic over proposing only to have it be a disaster. This was fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
My face ia cramping im smiling so much
Best way to do a proposal situation! I love that it was long cause in a way i feel like it goes to show that although the relationship is pretty new it will last and the story reinforces it
It was amazing and made me super happy im very motivated to get to book 4 now lol
Best way to do a proposal situation! I love that it was long cause in a way i feel like it goes to show that although the relationship is pretty new it will last and the story reinforces it
It was amazing and made me super happy im very motivated to get to book 4 now lol
April 10, 2024
This was a sweet read & perfect happily ever after for the couple. I love Grady & Max they are the perfect couple. This was written well and I enjoyed all of it!
November 10, 2024
FAV FAV FAV FAV
March 23, 2025
3.5⭐️
April 4, 2024
This was a laugh out loud funny addition to the series! Perfect for fans of the Grady & Max storyline. Will leave you smiling :)
June 2, 2024
I never saw Max and Grady as idiots to lovers, but when it comes to proposing, they definitely are. I could have spent muuuuch longer in their company.
Great little read!!
Wouldn't make sense, tho, if you hadn't read Unrivaled before.
Great little read!!
Wouldn't make sense, tho, if you hadn't read Unrivaled before.
April 30, 2024
super cute but a little too long and drawn out. The suspense was killing me !!
*Spoils!!*
I predicted that it would be pride and prejudice themed tho heheh thats so perfect for them :( it has always been max’s movie :(
*Spoils!!*
I predicted that it would be pride and prejudice themed tho heheh thats so perfect for them :( it has always been max’s movie :(
March 4, 2025
A couple spending a summer finding increasingly sweet and weird ways to incept their partner into marrying them because they are equally whipped for each other? Yeah, sign me up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
An Unrivaled off season
By: Ashlyn Kane
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Love these two so much!
In a bonus book we get so much more of rivals/boyfriends Grady Armstrong and Max Lochhart. With future dreams and perfect summer days we get taken on a SO MUCH MORE BOOK. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was inten
Authors Blurb: Any other year, hockey player Grady Armstrong would be licking his wounds after a disappointing playoffs exit. Somehow, this year, he’s in the stands as his rival-turned-boyfriend Max Lockhart competes for the Stanley Cup… and there’s nowhere he’d rather be. Well, except maybe lifting the Cup himself. So along with preparing his body for next season, Grady prepares to ask Max to stay in his life permanently.
Max figures it can’t be easy for Grady to watch Max cash in on his dreams, but if he’s struggling, he hides it well—which is great, because they don’t get much time together during the season, and it would suck if Grady spent the summer sulking.
But while Grady may still be a competitive bastard, he doesn’t sulk. He nurses Max through hangovers. He comes home with him for the summer. He loses fishing bets. He earns so many boyfriend points Max should really level him up. The question is, how?
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
By: Ashlyn Kane
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Love these two so much!
In a bonus book we get so much more of rivals/boyfriends Grady Armstrong and Max Lochhart. With future dreams and perfect summer days we get taken on a SO MUCH MORE BOOK. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was inten
Authors Blurb: Any other year, hockey player Grady Armstrong would be licking his wounds after a disappointing playoffs exit. Somehow, this year, he’s in the stands as his rival-turned-boyfriend Max Lockhart competes for the Stanley Cup… and there’s nowhere he’d rather be. Well, except maybe lifting the Cup himself. So along with preparing his body for next season, Grady prepares to ask Max to stay in his life permanently.
Max figures it can’t be easy for Grady to watch Max cash in on his dreams, but if he’s struggling, he hides it well—which is great, because they don’t get much time together during the season, and it would suck if Grady spent the summer sulking.
But while Grady may still be a competitive bastard, he doesn’t sulk. He nurses Max through hangovers. He comes home with him for the summer. He loses fishing bets. He earns so many boyfriend points Max should really level him up. The question is, how?
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
March 31, 2024
Max and Gray: proposing can be a complicated and unpredictable project
Tags: entertaining, easy to read, heartwarming, engaging, witty, charming, uplifting, no cliffhanger.
The novel is an enjoyable and uplifting continuation and closure of Grady and Max's story from the Unrivaled in the Hockey Ever After series. Regardless, you can read it as a standalone book. It is a heartwarming, funny, and engaging story about Max and Gradys hilarious path to engagement.
Both characters are charming and loveable, proving that opposites attract. Max is an energetic, cocky, and a ray of sunshine, while Grady is his grumpy opposite.
The plot might appear simple and predictable. However, amusing insight into Max and Grady's thoughts and emotions, peppered with funny and entertaining hiccups while plotting their proposals, make this book impossible to put down. It is a fun read, keeping readers engaged with witty banter, a fast-paced narrative, and hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings.
Eloquent and witty writing provides depth to the characters and is the main feature of the novel. I especially loved and enjoyed the vivid and hilarious descriptions of the dilemmas, insecurities, and misunderstandings that add to the charm of this short story.
Although not required, reading the previous book beforehand for an enhanced experience and insight into the storyline might be a good idea.
I highly recommend this novel to fans of short, easy-to-read, romantic, heartwarming, entertaining stories eloquently written without high drama, angst, or complex issues and to anybody else needing a fast pickup when the gloomy days hit.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
Tags: entertaining, easy to read, heartwarming, engaging, witty, charming, uplifting, no cliffhanger.
The novel is an enjoyable and uplifting continuation and closure of Grady and Max's story from the Unrivaled in the Hockey Ever After series. Regardless, you can read it as a standalone book. It is a heartwarming, funny, and engaging story about Max and Gradys hilarious path to engagement.
Both characters are charming and loveable, proving that opposites attract. Max is an energetic, cocky, and a ray of sunshine, while Grady is his grumpy opposite.
The plot might appear simple and predictable. However, amusing insight into Max and Grady's thoughts and emotions, peppered with funny and entertaining hiccups while plotting their proposals, make this book impossible to put down. It is a fun read, keeping readers engaged with witty banter, a fast-paced narrative, and hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings.
Eloquent and witty writing provides depth to the characters and is the main feature of the novel. I especially loved and enjoyed the vivid and hilarious descriptions of the dilemmas, insecurities, and misunderstandings that add to the charm of this short story.
Although not required, reading the previous book beforehand for an enhanced experience and insight into the storyline might be a good idea.
I highly recommend this novel to fans of short, easy-to-read, romantic, heartwarming, entertaining stories eloquently written without high drama, angst, or complex issues and to anybody else needing a fast pickup when the gloomy days hit.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
March 10, 2024
Max and Grady are back in this novella. The post-season comes to an end and the couple have the off-season together to look forward to. Both men are looking to take their relationship to the next level.
This is warm and familiar. Max and Grady are lovely together. I would have probably liked a little more banter - they are on-ice rivals after all, but they are in love and comfortable with each other. It’s nice to see what happens next to favourite characters, and this book fills in what we learned in book 4 Crushed Ice about Max and Grady . (Oh, and as a bonus, Baller and Gabe make brief appearances.)
Low angst, low spice, lots of cute, tender moments from a couple that are already together and happy.
You really need to have read Unrivaled before reading this.
Thank you to Ashlyn Kane for the ARC.
This is warm and familiar. Max and Grady are lovely together. I would have probably liked a little more banter - they are on-ice rivals after all, but they are in love and comfortable with each other. It’s nice to see what happens next to favourite characters, and this book fills in what we learned in book 4 Crushed Ice about Max and Grady . (Oh, and as a bonus, Baller and Gabe make brief appearances.)
Low angst, low spice, lots of cute, tender moments from a couple that are already together and happy.
You really need to have read Unrivaled before reading this.
Thank you to Ashlyn Kane for the ARC.
April 4, 2024
Unrivaled is book 3.5 in the Hockey Ever After series. This is the story of Max Lockhart and Grady Armstrong. Both are professional hockey players on different teams. They are boyfriends and this book continues on from where Unrivaled ended. That is why you should really read that book first. Max and Grady's story is a sweet one. Grady deserves huge boyfriend points as he cheers Max on to win the cup that they both wanted. A true sign of his devotion is his willingness to chant "Fear the Fish!" during the final game. This book is centered on after the playoffs. The "time off" that they have between seasons. Grady goes to New Brunswick to spend the summer with Max and meet his enormous family and friends. Each has decided that they should propose but are stumped trying to figure out how to actually do it. This is their story. The story is written well and easy to read. It is a cute, no angst book. I had a little difficulty with their waffling about proposing. Both are decisive people and it seemed a little out of character. But it was nice to get an update on a favourite couple.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2025
They were so ridiculous, I loved it!
The story starts at the ending of the last book, during the Stanley Cup final. It was what was missing from the last book. I was so glad that we got the scenes of the final match and the celebrations that followed. This was a sweet continuation of Grady and Max's story.
Grady in this book was so adorable. We got to see more of his endearing sides. His conversation with Logan was so painfully embarrassing and hilarious at the same time. He really was trying his best to be the best boyfriend ever.
Max was not far from Grady in terms of ridiculousness. They both were! Max tried to con Grady into sleeping with him, and Grady tried to con Max into marrying him. And they both think they were so smart. What a joke!
But the "proposal" was so them. It was perfect for them. I couldn't think of a much better way for them to pop the question. I hope the author put more details into it, though, prolonged it a little bit. I want to see how the others reacted.
The story starts at the ending of the last book, during the Stanley Cup final. It was what was missing from the last book. I was so glad that we got the scenes of the final match and the celebrations that followed. This was a sweet continuation of Grady and Max's story.
Grady in this book was so adorable. We got to see more of his endearing sides. His conversation with Logan was so painfully embarrassing and hilarious at the same time. He really was trying his best to be the best boyfriend ever.
Max was not far from Grady in terms of ridiculousness. They both were! Max tried to con Grady into sleeping with him, and Grady tried to con Max into marrying him. And they both think they were so smart. What a joke!
But the "proposal" was so them. It was perfect for them. I couldn't think of a much better way for them to pop the question. I hope the author put more details into it, though, prolonged it a little bit. I want to see how the others reacted.
March 3, 2024
Ashlyn and Morgan...do you even understand what you just did for this frazzled law student...
Okay, but seriously, opening my email to this ARC was so delightful. I love this series and this little novella of Max and Grady is exactly what it needs to be: a no angst peak into their lives through the summer after their book ends.
After reading book 4, I was kind of bummed to find out that Max and Grady were getting married and otherwise having no detail about it (yes, I am invested enough in book characters to want to know the gossip). Well, reader: Ashlyn and Morgan delivered! We get a novella entirely dedicated to how the engagement goes down. No angst, some giggles, and as usual, we get to see some of our classic cast of characters. We also see a little peak of book 5 at the end...which I am officially intrigued by and am counting down the days for.
Thank you to the authors for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
Okay, but seriously, opening my email to this ARC was so delightful. I love this series and this little novella of Max and Grady is exactly what it needs to be: a no angst peak into their lives through the summer after their book ends.
After reading book 4, I was kind of bummed to find out that Max and Grady were getting married and otherwise having no detail about it (yes, I am invested enough in book characters to want to know the gossip). Well, reader: Ashlyn and Morgan delivered! We get a novella entirely dedicated to how the engagement goes down. No angst, some giggles, and as usual, we get to see some of our classic cast of characters. We also see a little peak of book 5 at the end...which I am officially intrigued by and am counting down the days for.
Thank you to the authors for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
April 2, 2024
SO SO GOOD.
i obviously knew i would be obsessed with this as soon as it landed in my inbox because im obsessed with everything max and grady, AND i’m obsessed with everything ashlyn kane and morgan james.
and that being said, this DID NOT dissapoint!!! this was a hoot from start to finish; exactly what i’ve come to expect and hope for from these two! their scenes and dynamic are just so natural and fluffy and wonderful UGH.
i absolutely loved the small plot development, and how it was a conglomeration of different scenes that ultimately contribute to this overarching plot. even though this is short and fluffy, it had all the feels and all of those internal battles we face with someone we love. it was still super fluffy though, don’t be expecting any angst (just the way i like it ;))
i also loved how we got to see grades and max more comfortable, showing their love and getting teased for being whipped 😉😉
kane and james’ HILARIOUS jokes and comedic timing always gets me laughing or grinning from ear to ear. buy this buy this buy this!!!!!!! 5/5 💕
thank you to ashlyn kane and morgan james for the ARC. all opinions and thoughts are my own.
i obviously knew i would be obsessed with this as soon as it landed in my inbox because im obsessed with everything max and grady, AND i’m obsessed with everything ashlyn kane and morgan james.
and that being said, this DID NOT dissapoint!!! this was a hoot from start to finish; exactly what i’ve come to expect and hope for from these two! their scenes and dynamic are just so natural and fluffy and wonderful UGH.
i absolutely loved the small plot development, and how it was a conglomeration of different scenes that ultimately contribute to this overarching plot. even though this is short and fluffy, it had all the feels and all of those internal battles we face with someone we love. it was still super fluffy though, don’t be expecting any angst (just the way i like it ;))
i also loved how we got to see grades and max more comfortable, showing their love and getting teased for being whipped 😉😉
kane and james’ HILARIOUS jokes and comedic timing always gets me laughing or grinning from ear to ear. buy this buy this buy this!!!!!!! 5/5 💕
thank you to ashlyn kane and morgan james for the ARC. all opinions and thoughts are my own.
April 4, 2024
4 stars
Unrivaled is book 3.5 in the Hockey Ever After series written by Ashlyn Cane. It is a quick read at 118 pages.
Max wins the cup. Grady is, of course, happy for him. They head to New Brunswick to spend the summer at Max’s house and see his family. While there, they both try to convince themselves it’s too early to propose, but they both want to.
We learn Max and Grady are getting married in book 4, so this is the perfect addition to their story to show how they got engaged.
This was a cute read. Besides the actual game in which the cup was won, there wasn’t much angst. It was nice to see this established couple just being a couple. They have to be my favorite of the series. Max is hilarious. I was sad that it was so short, but it was the perfect ending for this couple.
***A copy was provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review was not required.***
Unrivaled is book 3.5 in the Hockey Ever After series written by Ashlyn Cane. It is a quick read at 118 pages.
Max wins the cup. Grady is, of course, happy for him. They head to New Brunswick to spend the summer at Max’s house and see his family. While there, they both try to convince themselves it’s too early to propose, but they both want to.
We learn Max and Grady are getting married in book 4, so this is the perfect addition to their story to show how they got engaged.
This was a cute read. Besides the actual game in which the cup was won, there wasn’t much angst. It was nice to see this established couple just being a couple. They have to be my favorite of the series. Max is hilarious. I was sad that it was so short, but it was the perfect ending for this couple.
***A copy was provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review was not required.***
March 16, 2024
#3.5 in series (Hockey Ever After), best if read after book #3 Unrivaled. Established couple. Quick read. Dual POV. This story is basically an extended bonus epilogue and it is such a fun and sweet addition to spend more time with Grady and Max. We get to see Max and Grady staying in Max’s hometown after the hockey season ends while both men decide separately that even though they haven’t been together for long they definitely want to have each other forever. There are some familiar supportive secondary characters, some competitiveness and betting, and some shared steamy times of course. I enjoyed seeing Grady and Max appreciate, support and care for each other, such a cute read. 4.5 rounded up
April 2, 2024
Getting to read about Max and Grady again is like getting a warm hug from a person that you haven’t seen in a while!
I adored this novella and new look at one of my favorite couples from this series. Here we get to see the former enemies, Max and Grady, in the off-season, ready to take the next step in their relationship.
As with all of the Kane-James collaborations, this is a sweet, well-written read. It’s always great to revisit couples in the next books of the series but to get this extended look back at Max and Grady feels like a real treat.
If you’re a fan of this series, this is a must-read!
(I received an ARC of this novella, but these are my honest opinions.)
I adored this novella and new look at one of my favorite couples from this series. Here we get to see the former enemies, Max and Grady, in the off-season, ready to take the next step in their relationship.
As with all of the Kane-James collaborations, this is a sweet, well-written read. It’s always great to revisit couples in the next books of the series but to get this extended look back at Max and Grady feels like a real treat.
If you’re a fan of this series, this is a must-read!
(I received an ARC of this novella, but these are my honest opinions.)
April 2, 2024
This book continues the story of Grady and Max, and while it could work as a standalone, there’s plenty of satisfaction to be found in beginning their story earlier in the series. These guys have strong opposites attract energy, and it’s emotional and fun and funny and charming as all heck seeing their relationship in this story, which documents the twists and turns on the road to engagement. These characters are deeply likable and this novella hits all the right notes in letting them showcase all the things that work about their dynamic together: well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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