Wingman Score

For Puck's Sake #5

by Crea Reitan

It’s time to score.

Zak

When you fight for so long, sometimes it’s just easier to give in. I want to give in to the god before me. Sent to me from the heavens, Owen is the very definition of divine perfection. But he doesn’t know my truth. If he did, he’d know that I don’t belong in his world.

The shame of seeing the disgust on his face when he figures it out keeps me running from him. Even though fate or destiny or something cruel keeps throwing us together. Maybe he’s the motivation I need to get my shit in order.

But can I do it before he figures out I’m nothing but a street rat?

Owen

The person who was made for me turns up at the New Year’s Eve party I didn’t want to go to. We’ve been serendipitously thrown together a handful of times since and though I know Zak wants me, he keeps walking out my door and refusing to call.

I can’t figure out why and it’s driving me insane. When I can’t take it anymore, I chance him thinking that I’m a stalker and show up at the address I dropped him off at last. Zak doesn’t live there but I finally learn his secret.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to convince Zak that I’ll give him the world if he’ll let me. Should be as easy as winning that elusive Stanley Cup.

***

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, LGBT, Contemporary

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[Kate (Ilyushka Rozanov is my son) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love this idea of a rich character taking care of a poor character but somehow a delivery ends up really sad every damn time.

The writing is not good and there's no plot. Too. Much. Inner. Dialog. These characters are endlessly info dumping. They're constantly telling us stuff about anything and everything instead of showing the story. I mean, even when they have sex they describe it in such a boring, clinical way as if they're retelling their story to a police. There are pages and pages of the main characters not being with each other but talking to endless side characters who do not matter and bring nothing to the story. The main characters are obsessed with each other after the first meeting which is okay but then they just fuck, lose touch, pine like crazy, meet again, repeat. Why do you even like each other? Zak said something along the lines of "well, we're been talking all day, we like each other" and that's it. DON'T JUST TELL ME THIS, SHOW ME! PROVE IT TO ME! (that's kind of the point of books). They talk and talk and and talk and talk and talk in their heads. I mean, the whole book started with Zak describing his friends' clothes before the party so I should've known what I was getting myself into but I hoped anyway.

Zak is stupid or just unrealistic. His friends (who he considers family by the way) ask him to stay with them but he "wants to make it by himself". How are you supposed to do this being homeless? HOW? He could use his friends' couch, find a job and then find his own place but why? Where are we going to get some drama, right? And he's constantly whining about not being good enough for Owen. Man, he wants you! So use this opportunity or something.

Owen is too stupid to figure out Zak's situation for a while. He noticed Zak was too thin, he has seen him without a phone more than once. It's hard to find a person without a phone these days, unless they're in Zak's situation. Use your brain, mate! Owen's main personality trait is to remind he's pansexual every two seconds. I get it, man, calm down! And he even proceeds to be biphobic! Yeeeeh... Woke lectures are endless. Horrible white people tm — check. Lectures about genders — check. And he seriously says "LGBTQIA+" all the damn time. Who even does this in real life? Just say queers or something like that. But no, Owen speaks like he's a damn professor and it kills all my joy. Don't lecture me, boy, I'm literally one hundred times smarter than you (unfortunately). Zak and Owen are both whiny and they're plastic.

This book is just immature, I'm sorry.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm finding the hockey series to be really hit and miss for my personal reading preferences!

This was cute, but the relationship felt really unbalanced and never quite found a level footing between the MCs. I liked how Owen wanted to take care of Zak, but Zak's need to be independent kind of got brushed aside.

The hockey was questionable, but I can generally overlook that if the relationship development is strong. I think I just needed to see Zak progress a bit further before the book ended? I did like Zak's friendship group though, and the appearances by Orson and co were cute too.

There was just too much vagueness for me to feel like I've finished this book knowing exactly who these characters are...

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author said this is like a telenovela, well it is, în the sens that absolutly nothing hapens în the book (nothing), and there is a lot of side characters (and a bunch of children) that add absolutly nothing to the story (almost like they are there to add words to an uninteresting story). Do not recomand

[Jess.bookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than anything, I’m obsessed with the found family this universe has.. I’m reading more of this authors work and she writes very character heavy stuff so she introduces like 3 new people every book and by the stars they are all very LOVABLE!! I get obsessed with like 3 people dynamics per book and I don’t know where to look!! Which makes me now want a book for the side characters too but I’m not sure I’d get them!!
Sigh.
The rags to riches trope always excites me. It’s not done enough so whenever I see a book with the trope, I know it won’t take much to make me love it and combined with the insta- love; the story was so freaking cute. I was also pretty happy I read “for your forever” before this so when Vulcan and his men came around, I squealed!!

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re exactly as you should be. Flawless just as you are.”

Zak and his friends sneak into a New Years Eve party, a party filled with the elite, rich and famous of the city. This is where Zak meets Owen, a man he can’t deny and ends up going home with. The next morning, he finds himself reluctant to leave, this man intrigues him, but they come very different worlds, and he cannot see this work. He is homeless where this man has money and from the looks of it, a lot of it. He accepts Owen’s number, knowing he will never call, not that he has a phone to call him with it he wanted to, walking out with the resolve this was one night and he will never see him again.

But in a city of millions, they end up running into each other like fate had something to do with it. And their connection and attraction are undeniable at each meeting. Every time Owen unravels the mystery that is Zak a bit more, refusing to give up on this man.

“I’ve never seen another person more… exquisite. He’s breathtaking, erotic, additive.”

Zak, even if he never had a single thing to his name since his mother passed, refuses all handouts, and takes care of himself as much as possible. He will not put himself in the situation of being broken like that again, even if it hurts him. He is so stubborn in this, hardly recognizing a good person, a genuine person, always waiting for the other shoe to drop and for them to leave him. But where he doesn’t take anything for himself, he wasted no time to ask for help for his friend and her family, showing how loyal he is, an amazing friend who deserves more than life has given him.

Luckily Owen will stop at nothing to give Zak everything he needs, to finally give him the life he deserves, to live fully and have all his dreams come true.

Where their connection was explosive from the start, the little things that Owen does for Zak are what makes this story so sweet. These little gestures are massive for Zak, something he never let anyone do for him, but Owen doesn’t give him a choice.

I loved reading the deep connections between Owen and Zak but also the connections they had with their (found) family. This is an amazing story filled with sweet gestures, sharing burdens, and helping one another to lighten the weight of life.

“His hand grips a fistful of my hair and forces my head up. I’m staring at our reflections again. “Look at you taking me like you were made for me,” he growls.”

Every single book in this series has these beautiful characters and as soon as I finish one, I can’t wait for the next, ready to be wowed by another amazing story but also to revisit previous characters who show up for a visit. I loved getting another glimpse of Vulcan and his HEA in this story, because he’s just one of my favorites!

I received an ARC exchange for my honest review.

[Mir · Rating 1 out of 5]

Criiiinge. The characters are dumb. Like actually stupid. Nothing happens. The side characters are annoying. There’s a hundred kids for some reason? Zak is homeless even though he had a wealthy Aunt and friends who want to help him? The power imbalance is insane. Ugh.

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable.

There is a bit of lazy plotting in this one. See spoiler.

Other than that, another sweet intense romance.

Zak doesn't have any ID. He's 22 and been homeless since age 14. From that age he also does not accept much help from those who really want to help him, including, for instance, accepting an old phone after a friend has bought a new one. So as I was reading, my suspension of disbelief kept being interrupted by: "...what? why this? why that? that makes no sense! .. etc etc". A little more thought by the author would have fixed this. Coming up with a reason WHY zak doesn't have id and is frightened to get it? WHY he is terrified of having a phone? WHY his parents disappeared? It does not take much for an author to stop and work out actual reasons for these things.

[Erin-Jayne Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and love this book as well!

Zak a struggling fashion designer and Owen fed up of being along but fate played their hand and brought these two together on New year's Eve and dang that chemistry between them! After constantly bumping into each can they over come their issues and see what life can bring them together?

You won't regret reading this series and bring on the next book!

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was entertaining, like all the books in the series have been. Unfortunately, it definitely didn't compare to book 4 for me. Owen was literally the ultimate dream man...like on another level. The issues I had was that I didn't understand why he was so into Zac at all. They sleep together and share almost zero emotions and boom, Owen will literally turn the world around for him. Also, I feel like Owen is just there to be the perfect man and help to heal Zac ..I wish we had learned some more about him too. I didn't hate Zac, and he gets better throughout the book but he was slightly insufferable for a portion. I enjoyed the side characters like usual in her books. I would probably give it more like 2.5 stars. Overall, it was okay and I will definitely continue on with the series.

[Natalie H · Rating 2 out of 5]

March 2025
Kindle edition

Read for a group challenge week 8. It was alright but my least fave in the series so far. Nope that might be the first one. Its a toss up. Felt less to do with hockey and more a Cinderfella story. After Noah and Max, felt like I was reading a different series, even with the cameos.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Zak and Owen were very cute together, albeit being insta-love. This books are great to lose yourself in 🙂 Also, love a man that can sew!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Zak’s story definitely became one of my favorites of this series! These two are just too cute. When Zak and his friends sneak into a very exclusive New Year’s Eve party, he never expects to meet someone like Owen. Their attraction to one another is instant. Neither able to take their eyes off the other all night and they spend one amazing night together where Owen asks Zak to call him after Zak explains he doesn’t have a cell phone at the moment. But Zak can’t bring himself to do that. He’ll take his one night and mourn the fact that he will never see Owen again. Because Zak can’t bring himself to tell the truth. He’s currently homeless and wanders from his friends’ homes to keep from fully living on the streets. Abandoned as a kid and struggling to trust anyone, even those closest to him, he tries to stay afloat. But with no high school diploma or an ID to get a job, things are rough. And he strongly believes Owen is so far out of his league. But fate has other things in mind. For Owen, it hurts when Zak won’t reach out and he can’t stop thinking bout him. Hockey keeps him almost distracted but he knows that there is something between him and Zak. Something worth exploring and fighting for. And lucky for him, fate is there to help. Their paths cross again and again. Serendipity. And eventually Owen isn’t going to let Zak go. Not without a fight. He’ll prove to Zak that where he belongs is right beside Owen. Because Owen knows that Zak is it for him. And if Zak can move past his fears and let himself have something good for once, then maybe they have a chance. I adored these two. They were just so sweet together. Zak has been through so much and he deserves some happiness. And despite everything going on with Zak, they find a way to find some balance in their relationship. Just such a sweet story! I couldn’t get enough of these two.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Elman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my attention from the beginning! I think I took my first breath on page 53 💜 I loved this story and while I love a hockey romance between two big bad teammates or rivals I loved this take. It was so refreshing to read and just sucked me in.

Zak and Owen meet at a NYE party Zak and his friends sneak in to. The party is for the rich and famous and even though Zak feels out of place he still ends up enjoying himself dancing his tushy off until someone nudges someone and he falls into the arms of the beautiful hockey God, Owen. These two lock eyes and that's all she wrote. End Game! They have a delicious one night together where Zak attempts to sneak away the next morning but is distracted when Owen's memory room catches his attention and Zak realizes he just had a one night with a famous hockey player. Zak knows NOTHING about sports...like, nothing. This revelation, and the fact he woke up in a million dollar town home, leads him to think he's not good enough for Owen. Zak is currently couch surfing between his three best friends trying to get his life together on his own. He's very stubborn and doesn't like accepting help. So when Owen gives Zak his number and asks him to call him Zak doesn't, well can't really since he doesn't have a phone, and he feels like that's that. Then fate steps in and these two run into each other 3 more times until finally Owen can't stand it anymore and sweeps in and convinces Zak his worth and helps him gain his sense of self, self confidence, and sweep him off his gorgeous feet!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Another fantastic read from Reitan. I simply adore her For Puck's Sake series so much, I eagerly await each new book from her.

Here we follow Zak, a down on his luck man, who sneaks into an exclusive NYE party with his friends. There, he meets Owen, a pro-hockey player (of which Zak knows nothing about) and the two hit it off instantly. I loved that this was certainly an instant attraction moment, as opposed to insta-love or insta-lust. Owen patiently waits for Zak to contact him after their time together, but due to circumstances, Zak doesn't have a phone and therefore can't be in touch.

I loved the almost serendipitous way Zak and Owen continue to meet over the course of the book, and how Zak's situation slowly comes to light. My heart grew and also melted when Owen took charge, moving Zak in with him and practically giving him the world, but in a way that wouldn't make Zak run. Owen really catered to what would work best for the man he was falling for, and there are plenty of sweet, swoon-worthy moments interspersed with some delicious spice, and some beautiful relationship building over the course of the novel.

Reitan continued to add into her expanded universe, with cameos from Orson and his family from her "For Your Love" series, and I loved the absolute theme of found family, with Owen's teammates Linden and Menlo (who I really want to see more of!) and Zak's friends Clarinda, Gravity and Edgar.

There are so many swoon-worthy quotes that I highlighted during this read, and I love how Owen took care of Zak, whilst allowing him to grow. Also, I really want to see some of Zak's creations come to life, because they sound absolutely stunning.

This is a beautiful low angst, big emotion read that will leave you wanting more.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the blurb had me wondering if this would be as good as the rest of the series. Let me tell you it was, it took me a little longer than usual to warm up to the characters, but as usual the author puts so much into these stories, it’s hard not to fall in love with them and their story.

Zak hasn’t got two cents to rub together, sleeping on his friends couch and ducking into parties that he can’t afford! He’s not lazy, he wants a better life for himself, but as a struggling fashion designer, he knows he’s never going to make it big! He just needs motivation or a chance….

Owen is a god amongst his peers (well that’s what all the media says!) he’s loved and lived his best life to the fullest so far. But not having anyone to share it is becoming boring. But people are only usually nice to him because of his status.

Fate puts them in the right place. And are struck by how right they are together, but Zak can’t get past the fact they are from two different worlds …. Owen has money behind him, and Zak feels he just isn’t good enough to be with Owen!

I loved Owen such a caregiver. He never let Zak think any less of himself. If he could he would have given him the world.
The angst comes mainly from Zak, his inability to let go of his inadequacies, not thinking more of himself. Owen never gives up, but it does get a little close at times!

And seeing Orson again 😊 that brings back happy memories, and a few of the other characters have books (look them up and give them a read, you won’t be sorry 😉)

So can Owen convince Zak to give them a chance? Or will Owen not be able to give his trust and love to the only man who will love him back unconditionally?

Again another original story that will have you thinking of Owen and Zak long after you put them down.


🦋

[Kate Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Were Meant to Be

Owen and Zak first meet at New Year’s Eve party Zak and his friends sneak into. It’s lust at first sight for both of them. Despite their instant connection, Zak won’t commit to seeing Owen again because Owen is a famous hockey player and Zak is homeless. He doesn't feel like he fits into Owen’s world. Fortunately, they keep running into each other, with both of them falling further for the other man each time.

Finally, Owen has had enough of Zak running away after each of their encounters, and with no way to contact him, reaches out to Zak’s friends to hunt him down. Once Owen finds him, he convinces Zak they're the real deal and moves him into his condo. The two men are soon head over heels in love and struggle with their separations when Owen is traveling. Zak realizes there is no place he’d rather be than with Owen and that it’s okay to accept help sometimes.

“Wingman Score,” is a low-angst romance novel between two men who come from entirely different backgrounds. Owen succeeds in convincing Zak that they are not so different despite their current situations, and that they are meant to be together. As Zak moves in with Owen, their romance blossoms, becoming even sweeter. The book has plenty of steamy scenes that are frequent and super spicy, adding to the intensity of the story. Personally, I found “Wingman Score” to be an enjoyable read, and I rate it four and a half stars.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was just so sweet between the two MMCs. I honestly think this series/world keeps getting better and better as it expands and new characters are woven into the fabric. Here we have Zak, an aspiring designer who is currently unhoused. He moves between the homes of his three friends to meet his needs, hesitant to overstay his welcome and refusing to take much, if any, help. Owen is a hockey player at the top of his game and a genuinely good-hearted man. When the two men meet, sparks fly. Zak believes they are worlds apart and is determined to have their night together be a once in a lifetime encounter—after all, he doesn’t even have a phone number to offer Owen. The universe has other plans though, and the two men keep running into one another. Their attraction is only growing each time they meet as they discover more facets of each other’s personalities and how perfectly suited they are. Owen is more determined than ever to keep Zak, but he’ll need to convince the skittish man first… It’s so worth the fight to have a beautiful, hard won HEA like these two perfect men have here. Once again, I’m already excited for what’s coming next…

[Liza Broadaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously wish I could explain to people how much I adore Crea's writing. Her characters are ones that bring me such comfort and always leave me with feelings of the fuzzy happy kind!

Owen and Zak are adorable. Period. Serendipitously they run into one another over and over and eventually Owen says screw it and takes over for fate!

Zak has a lot of abandonment issues (completely valid) and an extreme drive for making his way in the world as independently as possible....even to a fault.

Enter Owen who literally will do everything and anything for Zak and these fumble a bit to allow the other the chance to be who they need to be for each other but Owen never gives up. He gives Zak the space but also pushes him to know all help isn't bad.

And Zak-his journey to truly being ok was as only Crea can write it-full of found family and support and the space for autonomy!

I would. It be me if I didn't mention that we get some of my favorite character cameos from other books!!! 🙌🏻 Vulcan's crew and my favorite doll and his partner from Lucky Shot!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[Malissa Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Wonderful

I won’t be able to say enough about this book. But I will tell you that it’s absolutely wonderful. Zak has been abandoned too many times for one person. He decides to go to a New Year’s Eve party with his close friends where he meets a god. At least thats how Zak interprets it. Owen doesn’t really want to go party with his friends/teammates but decides to go anyway. After several drinks he meets a young man and thinks he’s just perfect, flawless, and beautiful. After a 24 hour one night stand they go their separate ways, only to be thrown back together every so often. But then Owen decides he’s not leaving their chances of seeing each other anymore up to fate, or the universe, or even the gods. So he goes in search of Zak where he finds him and brings him home. There’s more to this beautiful story that is just to much to put into words. Read for yourself! As always I’ll tell you to read the message of Warnings/Triggers that the Author has put in the beginning of her book. Crea Reitan has done an amazing job and this book is worth 5 stars ⭐️. 💜

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just like all the others by Crea Reitan that I have read they pull at your heart strings and give you an amazing emotional connection to the characters. Zak is a man who has had a hard life and feels like he has to make it on his own. He is struggling to even make enough to eat living on friends couches and working under the table. He wants to succeed by his own doing. When he meets Owen the sexy hockey god, he feels he is just not good enough they are from two sides of the world in his eyes. Owen is sweet and swoony, and he forms an amazing connection with Zak and won't let him run from him. Owen shows Zak what it means to be loved that will have your heart melting for them. I love the growth in Zaks character as he learns that it's okay to have things given to him and loved. It was a refreshing read that will have you smiling all the way through. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Michelle Reopel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wingman Score is an excellent hockey MM romance featuring men from apparently different socioeconomic statuses. Owen is a professional hockey player while Zak is essentially homeless. Watching the two of them slowly learn about each other, experiencing some firsts, and helping each other using their own strengths and talents was very satisfying.
I loved the fashion angle and kept trying to picture the clothing.
The side characters were interesting, especially Clarinda and family. Gravity is pretty great too. Among Owen’s friends Linden will have you bouncing between laughter and “oh no!” Menlo appears to try to keep him under control.
But above everything else, I loved how Owen determined to overcome all of Zak’s insecurities and then took all the small steps needed to make it happen.
It’s another excellent entry in the For Puck’s Sake series and I look forward to more!

[Louise Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wingman’s Score is Zak and Owen’s story and takes the spot as my favourite book of this series so far, which I probably say for each book that’s released but they just keep getting better and better. I really loved the characters in this book, Owen and Zak are the perfect couple and I really loved how Zak grew throughout the story and gained confidence that had been stripped from him in his youth. I loved the appearance of a few of my favourite characters from other books in this universe, as well as briefly seeing Azure, who is probably my favourite character to see in this series. The story was brilliant, I loved the concept of it and I became emotionally invested in it while reading. Overall, another fantastic instalment in the series and one that I would very much recommend reading.

[Ren Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth instalment in the For Pucks Sake series centres around Owen who play for the New York Lights, and Zak who is essentially homeless, couch surfing between friends houses.

They meet at a New Years Eve party for the rich and famous that Zak and his friends sneak into, they spend the night together only for Zak to not call Owen for fear that their worlds are too different. Another couple of chance encounters over the next few months leave Owen becoming a self confessed stalker trying to see Zak again. He takes fate into his own hands and tracks Zak down and after finding out that he has no permanent place to live, Owen tells him he's going home with him and he will look after and fight for him.

Owen's determined to help Zak overcome his insecurities with seeking help from other people after being rejected by his father and step mother when his mother dies, and does everything he can to make Zak happy and supports him in his passion of creating a business of his own.

It's a beautiful story that shows with the support and love of the right person you can overcome anything.

I also loved the cameos by Owen's brother Orson and his family from For Your Forever!

So happy that there's another 5 books planned for this series!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about meant to be! Wingman Score is a sweet story between Zak and Owen and I want to say fate too because it plays a big role in their relationship. Zak had a rough upbringing and is living in poverty, surviving mostly thanks to his friends, but never lets life get him down. Owen is a very passionate and determined pan hockey player. They meet at a New Year's Eve party and the rest is history. Nah, just kidding! It took a lot more than that party to finally get them together! I won't spoil you anything but let's just say they had to invest a lot of themselves and a lot of efforts to get their HEA. It is an incredible book, with such amazing characters. I loved every single page and wish it would never stop. I'm even lowkey in love with the side characters. That's how good this book is. Can't wait for the next one!!!

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the For Puck’s Sake series. I love how they are all stand-Alone’s. How each character represents someone on the LGBT spectrum. Every character is unique as well as their story. You get lots of character crossovers. You’ll be reading along and they’ll mention someone and you’ll be oh I know that person I’ve read their story. This story reminds me a little of Aladdin minus the genie and being FM. It’s a MM love story. Zak is trying his best giving his crap hand life has dealt him. Then in comes Owen this god like creature. Zak really likes Owen. He knows he doesn’t belong in Owen’s world when he finds out Owen’s rich because he’s a hockey player. Owen likes Zak but doesn’t know why Zak is hesitant to be with him. Once Owen understands he’s going to prove to Zak that they belong together.

[Lourdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot! It was very well written, I loved Zak and Owen! They had a sweet romance, and I loved their banter, their chemistry, and their relationship! This was a very solid book for me, and I got sucked in a couldn’t put it down when I started it! And this was exactly what I needed! I haven’t read a hockey romance in a while so I’m so glad I read this and it definitely got me hooked on reading more hockey again! I thought it was cute that they were so sweet with each other, and i loved that they had their found family! I loved them! I thought Crea did a fantastic job creating such interesting characters, and I didn’t want to put this book down while reading it! I had a great time, it was a very solid book,, very well done! Highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to go back and read her other books!

[Michele]

This book didn’t tug and my heartstrings, it ripped at them. It’s heavy on the emotions, hurt, comfort, and found family. Plus some cameo appearances from lovable characters featured earlier in this series.

It’s cute how the universe kept bringing Owen and Zak together. When things are meant to be, no matter how hard you fight against it love will find a way.

I found myself wanting Zak to have it all and also frustrated with how stubborn he can be. But his stubbornness is who he is; it makes him strong, determined, appreciative, humble, and beautiful. Trust me, I understand not wanting to ask for help and pride being a high factor. But it’s okay for people to help and love you. Owen reminds us that there are good people in this world.

Just know you’ll ache while getting to Zak and Owen’s HEA but it’s worth it.

[Viki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made the mistake of reading some reviews because these blurbs always feel so bare-bones and sparse on practical information (the trope list I saw at the end of 4th was so much better) and I am happy to say they felt unfounded. The book was great, the romance should have been problematic, I guess, but I was really happy with so many things. Reitan's books have just the right combination of heavy topics and cuddles (literary and metaphorically) - it's harsh and sweet and dramatic and just normal-nice. Because this was an audiobook, you can find some of my silly thoughts below, not all of them might make sense out of context 😅. Now into the 7th book, since I already managed to start and finish the 6th book when I went to read before bed (and grabbed it first thing in the morning to finish it).

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zak and his friends sneak into a New Years Eve party full of the rich and famous. Zak spots a God among men Owen and dances the new year in with him. Owen is smitten from the start and asks him to come home with him. After a night of pleasure that Zak will never forget he tries to sneak out of Owen’s home. Owen doesn’t want Zak to leave and asks him to stay a little longer.

Zak has hit rock bottom in his life and feels unworthy of Owen. Owen gives him his number and tells him to call him. Zak puts their connection in Fates hand and leaves.

I loved this book! Zak and Owen both were sweet and deserving characters. Zak’s story broke my heart and I could empathize with him on not wanting to ask for any handouts. Owen was persistent and finally Zak started to believe in himself.

I loved seeing characters from past books showing up here and there. Really enjoyed getting to see glimpses of their lives. I love this series and can’t wait to read the next book!

[Elise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

With Crea’s books, it’s always I love or I hate. And this one I loved so much!!!

Such vulnerability in Zak 💔
And so much love, kindness, support in Owen ❤️

« I want you, Zak. You. Sex is a bonus that we’ll get back to, but you as a person is what I want most in the world. »

The way Owen was ready to do everything to help Zak, even waiting for him to contact him when he knew Zak probably wouldn’t… a real knight in shining armor ❤️‍🔥

« All I want is to make your every dream come true, Zak. I just need you to tell me what they are. I’m working on getting you Saturn, but NASA is being particularly stubborn and won’t sell it to me. »

And the bonus scene with their proposals ? ❤️❤️❤️

So great to see Lix and Noah again!! And they’re gonna be on the same team now!!!!!!