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Boston Otters #1
Double Shifting
Winger Rory O’Brien’s been in love with his center, Dima Lebedev, for almost as long as they’ve been playing hockey together. Dima made it clear from the beginning that he wasn’t interested in a romantic relationship with him, but Rory still cherishes what they have.
When Dima is knocked into the boards by a dirty hit and temporarily loses his memory, Rory’s frantic to stay by his side. But a careless word strikes a misunderstanding that spreads like wildfire, and now everyone thinks they’re married.
Including Dima.
Rory’s not sure how to untangle the web he accidentally wove. He’s also not sure he wants to, now that he’s learned just how sweet Dima’s kisses are, but he knows he must if he wants to keep Dima’s respect once his memory returns.
But their general manager has his own agenda for presenting them as a couple, and now Rory and Dima have to convince the world they’re in love. That part’s easy. The hard part will be keeping Dima from figuring out the truth in Rory’s heart.
When Dima is knocked into the boards by a dirty hit and temporarily loses his memory, Rory’s frantic to stay by his side. But a careless word strikes a misunderstanding that spreads like wildfire, and now everyone thinks they’re married.
Including Dima.
Rory’s not sure how to untangle the web he accidentally wove. He’s also not sure he wants to, now that he’s learned just how sweet Dima’s kisses are, but he knows he must if he wants to keep Dima’s respect once his memory returns.
But their general manager has his own agenda for presenting them as a couple, and now Rory and Dima have to convince the world they’re in love. That part’s easy. The hard part will be keeping Dima from figuring out the truth in Rory’s heart.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2020
102 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
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dnf
June 8, 2022I love the amnesia trope, so I'm not sure why I couldn't get onboard with this story. It ended up as a DNF @ 22%. I had the strong impression it must be related to other stuff the author's written — because it seemed like I was supposed to know the supporting characters — but this was my first time reading her, so I was clueless about who all those people are.
I think what did me in was the sighing. Forty sighs in 190 pages! That's an average of one every 5 pages, and I usually only have a tolerance for one per book. Sighing is just so... so passive, put-upon, potentially petulant and performatively peevish. Every sigh lets a tiny bit of air out of the tires of the story, and such a plethora of them deflates it entirely. Plus it just now led me into this unfortunate burst of alliteration. Suffice it to say, I have limited patience for it.
So it looks like this new-to-me author is not a keeper — but I never know until I try. Now I've tried, and I know, and am moving on.
I think what did me in was the sighing. Forty sighs in 190 pages! That's an average of one every 5 pages, and I usually only have a tolerance for one per book. Sighing is just so... so passive, put-upon, potentially petulant and performatively peevish. Every sigh lets a tiny bit of air out of the tires of the story, and such a plethora of them deflates it entirely. Plus it just now led me into this unfortunate burst of alliteration. Suffice it to say, I have limited patience for it.
So it looks like this new-to-me author is not a keeper — but I never know until I try. Now I've tried, and I know, and am moving on.
May 13, 2021
I started reading Double Shifting with no expectations whatsoever since I didn't know the author, Michaela Grey. This book was a pleasant surprise and included some fun tropes. Double Shifting gets 3 stars from me.
The book starts off with Dima, a hockey player, who gets terribly injured. His best friend, Rory, makes up a lie in order to be able to be with his best friend in the hospital. Namely, he tells the nurses that Dima is his husband. From then on everything fast forwards. A nurse tells the press Dima and Rory are married, Rory has to take care off Dima and they also have to pretend to be a married couple. This is a bittersweet turn of events for Rory. He has been in love with Dima ever since he saw him for the first time years ago. Additionally, their manager asks them to remain "married" for another important reason which compells them to do just that. Only, reality is blurring for both men as they "pretend" to be in love. And Rory is scared to lose Dima forever after all of this. Especially if he ever remembers his life prior to his concussion. But Rory actually never considered if Dima was interested in him too... After what happened at a Christmas party years ago, he is convinced Dima can never love him back.
Surely the book had its flaws. However, the plot and its characters actually made up for it. Both Dima and Rory were likeable characters. Sometimes it was kinda frustrating how they kept not communicating with each other properly. But also understandable because Dima had to recover from a severe concussion. In the beginning, Dima couldn't remember anything, not even Rory, so it was odd that Rory pretended to be his husband. But (MINOR SPOILER) he cleared up the air regarding this with Dima fairly soon. It is kind of funny how both men are OBVIOUSLY IN LOVE with one another yet they keep denying one's feelings. Anyways, I am not giving away too much but the plot was great overall.
A downside to Double Shifting is probably the pacing. Especially towards the ending of the book. Everything happened so fast. As a result, Rory and Dima's connection felt way too rushed which was sad. There were also some gaps in the story. Personally I prefer a more continuous story rather than a story that glosses over periods of time.
Double Shifting included some top tropes which I love so much! Hockey players, best friends, fake dating/married who are secretly in love. It was definitely a fun and light read! Would 10/10 recommend reading this book to others who love sports themed M/M novels. Even though the sports were lacking, the storyline was pretty cute!
The book starts off with Dima, a hockey player, who gets terribly injured. His best friend, Rory, makes up a lie in order to be able to be with his best friend in the hospital. Namely, he tells the nurses that Dima is his husband. From then on everything fast forwards. A nurse tells the press Dima and Rory are married, Rory has to take care off Dima and they also have to pretend to be a married couple. This is a bittersweet turn of events for Rory. He has been in love with Dima ever since he saw him for the first time years ago. Additionally, their manager asks them to remain "married" for another important reason which compells them to do just that. Only, reality is blurring for both men as they "pretend" to be in love. And Rory is scared to lose Dima forever after all of this. Especially if he ever remembers his life prior to his concussion. But Rory actually never considered if Dima was interested in him too... After what happened at a Christmas party years ago, he is convinced Dima can never love him back.
Surely the book had its flaws. However, the plot and its characters actually made up for it. Both Dima and Rory were likeable characters. Sometimes it was kinda frustrating how they kept not communicating with each other properly. But also understandable because Dima had to recover from a severe concussion. In the beginning, Dima couldn't remember anything, not even Rory, so it was odd that Rory pretended to be his husband. But (MINOR SPOILER) he cleared up the air regarding this with Dima fairly soon. It is kind of funny how both men are OBVIOUSLY IN LOVE with one another yet they keep denying one's feelings. Anyways, I am not giving away too much but the plot was great overall.
A downside to Double Shifting is probably the pacing. Especially towards the ending of the book. Everything happened so fast. As a result, Rory and Dima's connection felt way too rushed which was sad. There were also some gaps in the story. Personally I prefer a more continuous story rather than a story that glosses over periods of time.
Double Shifting included some top tropes which I love so much! Hockey players, best friends, fake dating/married who are secretly in love. It was definitely a fun and light read! Would 10/10 recommend reading this book to others who love sports themed M/M novels. Even though the sports were lacking, the storyline was pretty cute!
October 20, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars. Rounding up.
This is the story of two idiots in love. Those aren’t my words but those of the author at the end of the book. I couldn’t agree more. Idiots to lovers. A trope I can support.
I’m going to start by saying that if you are going to enjoy this book, you have to suspend A LOT of disbelief. There are many things that are not realistic. I don’t want to get into them because some are spoilers. Some are more the world the book is set in. But you’ll need to be able to move past those. Or, at least, I did. There are also some poor communication issues. If these two ding dongs had simply used their words, almost all of their problems would have been solved.
And yet...
If these two idiots had communicated better, there wouldn’t be such a beautiful and pure love story. I found myself smitten with Dima and Rory and totally rooting for them. They made me swoon and sigh even as I rolled my eyes, yelling at them to get their acts together.
Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine. This one has that plus a fake relationship. Another trope that I go crazy for. The reason for the fake relationship is one of the things I had to get past.
This had pining and feels and it was an incredibly sexy, slow burn. I wouldn’t put it at the same level as some other hockey series I love. But I think it has potential and I won’t hesitate to read the next book. I’ll also be checking out some other books by this author as this is the first I read from them.
**This is not a book with shifters. I thought it was from the title alone and nearly skipped it. 🤣**
This is the story of two idiots in love. Those aren’t my words but those of the author at the end of the book. I couldn’t agree more. Idiots to lovers. A trope I can support.
I’m going to start by saying that if you are going to enjoy this book, you have to suspend A LOT of disbelief. There are many things that are not realistic. I don’t want to get into them because some are spoilers. Some are more the world the book is set in. But you’ll need to be able to move past those. Or, at least, I did. There are also some poor communication issues. If these two ding dongs had simply used their words, almost all of their problems would have been solved.
And yet...
If these two idiots had communicated better, there wouldn’t be such a beautiful and pure love story. I found myself smitten with Dima and Rory and totally rooting for them. They made me swoon and sigh even as I rolled my eyes, yelling at them to get their acts together.
Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine. This one has that plus a fake relationship. Another trope that I go crazy for. The reason for the fake relationship is one of the things I had to get past.
This had pining and feels and it was an incredibly sexy, slow burn. I wouldn’t put it at the same level as some other hockey series I love. But I think it has potential and I won’t hesitate to read the next book. I’ll also be checking out some other books by this author as this is the first I read from them.
**This is not a book with shifters. I thought it was from the title alone and nearly skipped it. 🤣**
March 19, 2024
These two somehow managed to turn their love declaration into a fight. A HEATED fight, and not even in the sexy way💀😂. How?????
This was surprisingly good! Unconventional in that from the blurb, I thought the conflict would be 70/80% in and Dima got his memory back and got mad at Rory for lying. FALSE! Rory confesses SEVENTEEN PERCENT IN, and the rest of the book is about totally different plot points. Isn't that amazing?
And I'm just now realizing this book had so many tropes, without seeming trope-y, so that's another win.
Obliviousness on BOTH ends.
Miscommunication so bad that they keep at it for FOUR years.
While being close friends the ENTIRE time. Nah. How bad at love do you have to be for this to happen???
Amnesia trope done well.
I'm not a huge fan of fake dating (fake marriage in this case) but the why was believable at least.
The pining. God! Okay Rory's was interspersed with a lot of insecurities and self-doubt but still.
And the full circle moment where Dima got the chance to fully understand the choices Rory made? Sooo satisfying.
Honestly I really liked this.
This was surprisingly good! Unconventional in that from the blurb, I thought the conflict would be 70/80% in and Dima got his memory back and got mad at Rory for lying. FALSE! Rory confesses SEVENTEEN PERCENT IN, and the rest of the book is about totally different plot points. Isn't that amazing?
And I'm just now realizing this book had so many tropes, without seeming trope-y, so that's another win.
Obliviousness on BOTH ends.
Miscommunication so bad that they keep at it for FOUR years.
While being close friends the ENTIRE time. Nah. How bad at love do you have to be for this to happen???
Amnesia trope done well.
I'm not a huge fan of fake dating (fake marriage in this case) but the why was believable at least.
The pining. God! Okay Rory's was interspersed with a lot of insecurities and self-doubt but still.
And the full circle moment where Dima got the chance to fully understand the choices Rory made? Sooo satisfying.
Honestly I really liked this.
June 13, 2023
This book is hard to rate - on the one hand I love some lovable idiots but a lot of the miscommunication problems went on way too long - which is saying a lot since this was such a short book.
October 21, 2020
This was short, the medical information was not accurate and some reasons for some actions were WTF. But fuck it, I liked it! 😏💜
The story had a little bit of fake marriage, a little bit of memory loss and SPORTS! The characters were sweet, they had good dynamics and chemistry and made me swoon a lot. The sexual scenes were REALLY light, but it didn't bother me and I don't know, I shouldn't have liked it as much but I did.
It was short, sweet and I had to ignore a lot of stuff to enjoy it, but at the end I did. So that's that, I'm going to read Saints and Cameron's book soon, that's how much I liked it. 🥰❤
The story had a little bit of fake marriage, a little bit of memory loss and SPORTS! The characters were sweet, they had good dynamics and chemistry and made me swoon a lot. The sexual scenes were REALLY light, but it didn't bother me and I don't know, I shouldn't have liked it as much but I did.
It was short, sweet and I had to ignore a lot of stuff to enjoy it, but at the end I did. So that's that, I'm going to read Saints and Cameron's book soon, that's how much I liked it. 🥰❤
February 19, 2025
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I'm not big on sports books. I don't like the drama usually involved it's a personal thing. BUT I LIKED THIS ONE.
Low on drama and just concentrating mainly on the relationship between the two MC's. I just had a good time reading it and I liked both MC's.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I'm not big on sports books. I don't like the drama usually involved it's a personal thing. BUT I LIKED THIS ONE.
Low on drama and just concentrating mainly on the relationship between the two MC's. I just had a good time reading it and I liked both MC's.
August 28, 2021
reread 3: I love this book and my precious stupids so much, they are so adorable 🥰
- - original review - -
Is it ridiculous to immediately reread a book? (edit: I made it one week before rereading)
These adorable idiots falling in love and totally failing at communication with each other was just so cute! I liked the shift in the fake relationship trope as well - they end up having to pretend to be married because of outside pressure, and develop their relationship within that. (as opposed to two people who aren't already attached to each other faking a relationship and then falling in love). I loved the mini-angst of Rory dealing with knowing the past eight years with Dima, and Dima creating new memories before his come back. Such a precious combo.
I liked Henry as well as a secondary character, he added a note of amusement because of both of their antics.
This is just a fun light read that had me aww'ing so many times, watching them bumble their way to happiness.
- - original review - -
Is it ridiculous to immediately reread a book? (edit: I made it one week before rereading)
These adorable idiots falling in love and totally failing at communication with each other was just so cute! I liked the shift in the fake relationship trope as well - they end up having to pretend to be married because of outside pressure, and develop their relationship within that. (as opposed to two people who aren't already attached to each other faking a relationship and then falling in love). I loved the mini-angst of Rory dealing with knowing the past eight years with Dima, and Dima creating new memories before his come back. Such a precious combo.
I liked Henry as well as a secondary character, he added a note of amusement because of both of their antics.
This is just a fun light read that had me aww'ing so many times, watching them bumble their way to happiness.
November 12, 2022
3.5
I actually liked most of this book!!
There's still a lot that misses the mark though, but each book is getting progressively better.
I think whats lacking in this series is the depth to the stories and characters. Dima and Rory worked, and I did feel the emotion in the story, but the side characters again just felt like filler.
Dima's family is mentioned twice within a chapter or two early on then never heard from again.
Rory's mum for some reason doesn't want to clear up the misunderstandings between them, but that would have made her more of a character than just a plot device, and could have helped Rory tackle his self esteem issues.
I can't even comprehend why Rorys dad randomly pops up right at the end saying Rory needs to be his succesor - of what?? Never is his family or their business mentioned, nor his dad's desire for him to follow in his footsteps. Again, this could have added some depth and conflict but it literally takes up less than a page and isn't explained! Plus the dude is a 27 year old NHL player, pretty sure he's doing ok for himself and is mature enough to know your parents do not in fact get to plan out your life.
Other than that it was nice to be more focused on the relationship rather than the whole team like in the previous book, even if you do have to suspend your belief somewhat (seriously the media would be all over trying to find a marriage certificate then realising it doesn't actually exist, and would basically undo the lie within hours, but that's not even a concern here??)
Onto the next one!
I actually liked most of this book!!
There's still a lot that misses the mark though, but each book is getting progressively better.
I think whats lacking in this series is the depth to the stories and characters. Dima and Rory worked, and I did feel the emotion in the story, but the side characters again just felt like filler.
Dima's family is mentioned twice within a chapter or two early on then never heard from again.
Rory's mum for some reason doesn't want to clear up the misunderstandings between them, but that would have made her more of a character than just a plot device, and could have helped Rory tackle his self esteem issues.
I can't even comprehend why Rorys dad randomly pops up right at the end saying Rory needs to be his succesor - of what?? Never is his family or their business mentioned, nor his dad's desire for him to follow in his footsteps. Again, this could have added some depth and conflict but it literally takes up less than a page and isn't explained! Plus the dude is a 27 year old NHL player, pretty sure he's doing ok for himself and is mature enough to know your parents do not in fact get to plan out your life.
Other than that it was nice to be more focused on the relationship rather than the whole team like in the previous book, even if you do have to suspend your belief somewhat (seriously the media would be all over trying to find a marriage certificate then realising it doesn't actually exist, and would basically undo the lie within hours, but that's not even a concern here??)
Onto the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
These two are knuckleheads, but in a very endearing way! Very OTT at times, and I wanted to glare at them on occasion, but overall a fun read.
June 13, 2021
Perfect.
August 26, 2024
Amnesia. Guys who do love each other pretending to be married. Kind of interesting premise but… boring execution.
DNF 24%
DNF 24%
February 12, 2025
I’m finding these increasingly hard to rate because I have such a love/hate feeling going on with them. It’s like I enjoy it, but I’m waiting for something that never comes.
You know, considering this author's second job is hockey, the writing about the sport is pretty vague. There’s very little about the sport and what we do get it sounds like someone just got Wikipedia up to find some basic facts.
Rory's whole coming out story was a bit off to me. He made it sound like he had come out with Carmine and that they had both been defiant in the face of the homophobes on the team. Yet, in the previous book, Carmine made it sound like he hadn’t told anyone and had been outed against his will. I guess he may have trusted some of his old team, but I can’t see the homophobic ones keeping it to themselves for that long unless he got kicked off the team before they had the chance, and then surely Carmine would have mentioned that to Saint? I’m probably thinking too deeply about this, but this is where I think this author doesn’t mesh her stories together very well. There are always gaping holes in them, a bit more information wouldn’t go amiss.
The characters are very rarely happy. From beginning to end, it seems to be full of misery and introspection. The dramatic parts (parents) are tedious and predictable once again. The memory loss feels over the top, no timescale is given other than poor Diego’s remaining lifespan, so we have to assume Dima had been suffering this for at least a few months. I’m no expert on amnesia, but isn’t 7+ days classed as a very severe head injury, yet he leaves the hospital never to return after 2–3 days?
Rory’s parents were just a weird addition, and we barely learn anything about Dima’s family, there one minute and gone the next. Same as some of the side characters. What happened to Jefferson? The fact that Rory goes and apologises to Jack is nice. But, why is Carmine proud of him, because he apologised or because he’s fake married? Nothing is made clear.
Overall, I’ve read worse things. The characters are cute together when they’re not either ill or fighting.
You know, considering this author's second job is hockey, the writing about the sport is pretty vague. There’s very little about the sport and what we do get it sounds like someone just got Wikipedia up to find some basic facts.
Rory's whole coming out story was a bit off to me. He made it sound like he had come out with Carmine and that they had both been defiant in the face of the homophobes on the team. Yet, in the previous book, Carmine made it sound like he hadn’t told anyone and had been outed against his will. I guess he may have trusted some of his old team, but I can’t see the homophobic ones keeping it to themselves for that long unless he got kicked off the team before they had the chance, and then surely Carmine would have mentioned that to Saint? I’m probably thinking too deeply about this, but this is where I think this author doesn’t mesh her stories together very well. There are always gaping holes in them, a bit more information wouldn’t go amiss.
The characters are very rarely happy. From beginning to end, it seems to be full of misery and introspection. The dramatic parts (parents) are tedious and predictable once again. The memory loss feels over the top, no timescale is given other than poor Diego’s remaining lifespan, so we have to assume Dima had been suffering this for at least a few months. I’m no expert on amnesia, but isn’t 7+ days classed as a very severe head injury, yet he leaves the hospital never to return after 2–3 days?
Rory’s parents were just a weird addition, and we barely learn anything about Dima’s family, there one minute and gone the next. Same as some of the side characters. What happened to Jefferson? The fact that Rory goes and apologises to Jack is nice. But, why is Carmine proud of him, because he apologised or because he’s fake married? Nothing is made clear.
Overall, I’ve read worse things. The characters are cute together when they’re not either ill or fighting.
October 30, 2020
4 stars!
Oh this was good!! Another good hockey romance. It made ma laugh, it made me cry. Well sort of, I definitely choked up 🙊 All in all, a good spectrum, I say 😬
I wasn’t sure I’d like the premise but the author certainly made it work! 💪🤩 now, if only I can figure out if any of the books are linked 🤔
Oh this was good!! Another good hockey romance. It made ma laugh, it made me cry. Well sort of, I definitely choked up 🙊 All in all, a good spectrum, I say 😬
I wasn’t sure I’d like the premise but the author certainly made it work! 💪🤩 now, if only I can figure out if any of the books are linked 🤔
April 9, 2023
Who are these men, and why am I expected to know all of them so suddenly? It is like reading at the middle part of something. Most of the best friends to lovers trope I have read have shorter length than this book; the mcs had more chemistry than this. They communicated well, and the circumstance which shifted their dynamic were so good. I didn't feel tingly while reading their love story at all. There was no special about it other than them being teammates. It was so boring. Best friends to lovers trope is so fun, especially when it’s in sports settings, but it should be executed well cause I feel like this one was kinda bland. Dima was giving it all — communicating physically and emotionally. While Rory just stands there and pine for him without taking advantage, which is understandable but he could’ve shown he cared more through simple acts that's not physical??? Anyway, I am just shocked that it had so much potential. I just can't believe I'm giving it 3 stars, considering the hockey knowledge was spot on.
July 7, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up.
Soapy and ridiculous and unbelievable, but in the best possible way. These two are absolute idiots, but I love them. I wanted to knock them upside the head and then squish them together like barbies and scream NOW KISS.
I do wish the last chapter + epilogue were more focused on the actual couple, rather than on tangential family drama and then setting up (what I assume is) the next book in the series.
I definitely want to keep going with Michaela Grey! Any recs on what I should read next?
Contains: bi+gay, two athletes, amnesia, big lie (a la sleepless in seattle), fake married, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, yearning, idiots to lovers, sex before admission of feelings, bed sharing
Reread 7/7 — So dumb I love them. The last couple chapters are the only thing preventing it from being 5 stars.
CW: death of teenage side character to cancer
Steam: 3/5🔥 (multiple scenes, all brief/vague)
Soapy and ridiculous and unbelievable, but in the best possible way. These two are absolute idiots, but I love them. I wanted to knock them upside the head and then squish them together like barbies and scream NOW KISS.
I do wish the last chapter + epilogue were more focused on the actual couple, rather than on tangential family drama and then setting up (what I assume is) the next book in the series.
I definitely want to keep going with Michaela Grey! Any recs on what I should read next?
Contains: bi+gay, two athletes, amnesia, big lie (a la sleepless in seattle), fake married, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, yearning, idiots to lovers, sex before admission of feelings, bed sharing
Reread 7/7 — So dumb I love them. The last couple chapters are the only thing preventing it from being 5 stars.
CW: death of teenage side character to cancer
Steam: 3/5🔥 (multiple scenes, all brief/vague)
dnf
December 20, 2022DNF at 43%. I started this book thinking I'd actually picked up a book midway through a series because the book seemed to assume I was already familiar with the characters, but it's book one, and while the authors books are an interconnected series, it doesn't sound like the characters in this one feature too heavily in any of those. So instead, as a friend said, I feel like the author is using the amnesia trope on me as well as the characters.
At 43% I still hardly know the characters (Why is Rory's nickname Lorelai? Apparently it's supposed to be so obvious it requires no explanation) and every single event in the book defies belief (A head injury severe enough to keep you from having the TV on yet you can go do a high-pressure, televised interview? Sure.) so I'm giving up.
At 43% I still hardly know the characters (Why is Rory's nickname Lorelai? Apparently it's supposed to be so obvious it requires no explanation) and every single event in the book defies belief (A head injury severe enough to keep you from having the TV on yet you can go do a high-pressure, televised interview? Sure.) so I'm giving up.
March 10, 2024
Started this at 2am so I’d have something to lull me to sleep and ended up reading it all at once until 5:30. I cried, it was so good. I need more.
[Reread]
Once again read this in one sitting because it's so good. Dima and Rory are perfect. Fucking love injury trope.
[Reread]
Once again read this in one sitting because it's so good. Dima and Rory are perfect. Fucking love injury trope.
August 6, 2024
I wish the ending wasn't so rushed
September 30, 2021
2.5-3 star book, rounded up.
There are two main plot devices in this book: amnesia and miscommunication. Dima wakes up after a hockey accident unable to remember the last eight years, but he is married to Rory (whose full name is Lorelei, which, uh, is a men's name now, evidently?). Only, he isn't really married to Rory. And nobody is in love with one another. And there's some family stuff tossed in for dramatic effect. Or something. I don't know.
I keep reading these Michaela Grey books because they fulfill some of my favorite tropes in romance (namely, sports romance). But like... with few exceptions... they aren't very good. I spent a lot of this book just thinking, "Huh?" Like, a significant plot point (and this is not a spoiler) is that they are asked to pretend they're married... by the team manager. Because that's a thing now? Like, that goes so far beyond the realm of what is appropriate in the workplace that it's kind of shocking.
Regarding the characters: Rory is basically a basketcase throughout the novel, and Dima is sort of a nothing character - which is fine, since he has amnesia. I just wish the amnesia were treated more realistically. It's such a good trope. But in action, in this book, it was pretty wasted.
I won't read this book again, but I recommend it to anyone who likes hockey and amnesia, I guess.
There are two main plot devices in this book: amnesia and miscommunication. Dima wakes up after a hockey accident unable to remember the last eight years, but he is married to Rory (whose full name is Lorelei, which, uh, is a men's name now, evidently?). Only, he isn't really married to Rory. And nobody is in love with one another. And there's some family stuff tossed in for dramatic effect. Or something. I don't know.
I keep reading these Michaela Grey books because they fulfill some of my favorite tropes in romance (namely, sports romance). But like... with few exceptions... they aren't very good. I spent a lot of this book just thinking, "Huh?" Like, a significant plot point (and this is not a spoiler) is that they are asked to pretend they're married... by the team manager. Because that's a thing now? Like, that goes so far beyond the realm of what is appropriate in the workplace that it's kind of shocking.
Regarding the characters: Rory is basically a basketcase throughout the novel, and Dima is sort of a nothing character - which is fine, since he has amnesia. I just wish the amnesia were treated more realistically. It's such a good trope. But in action, in this book, it was pretty wasted.
I won't read this book again, but I recommend it to anyone who likes hockey and amnesia, I guess.
zz-dnf
September 11, 2021DNF @ 25%
This author really makes me wish my brain wasn't such a stickler for realism. She matches up romance tropes and hockey plots in a really fun way, but my issues with this one were consistent with my review from Blindside Hit:
1. Her NHL universe isn't quite as realistic as I like. I like optimistic representations and people reacting in positive ways, but this league almost feels fantastical in its inclusiveness. I like my sports books to feel like something that could happen this decade.
2. There's enough sap in the romantic pairing to also feel a little unrealistic, but that's just a personal preference.
But this book also adds in an amnesia plot, which introduced another layer of unrealistic scenarios.
I could have handled one of those things, but all three was too much. Which is too bad because I think it would be a fun one if I could just roll with it.
This author really makes me wish my brain wasn't such a stickler for realism. She matches up romance tropes and hockey plots in a really fun way, but my issues with this one were consistent with my review from Blindside Hit:
1. Her NHL universe isn't quite as realistic as I like. I like optimistic representations and people reacting in positive ways, but this league almost feels fantastical in its inclusiveness. I like my sports books to feel like something that could happen this decade.
2. There's enough sap in the romantic pairing to also feel a little unrealistic, but that's just a personal preference.
But this book also adds in an amnesia plot, which introduced another layer of unrealistic scenarios.
I could have handled one of those things, but all three was too much. Which is too bad because I think it would be a fun one if I could just roll with it.
October 17, 2020
Sooooo good
Oh, I loved this book. Hockey? Amnesia? Best friends to lovers (or idiots to lovers, as the author hilariously said in the back)? BRING IT ON!!!
This book managed to hit a few tropes without some of the obvious angst-inducing misunderstandings (except for one that’s revealed at the end, but that one’s understandable). It still has lots of feelz and I could barely put it down, and I want the next one almost more than I want chocolate. (Almost. Chocolate is really, really yummy.)
This is such a fantastic series and one I highly recommend.
Oh, I loved this book. Hockey? Amnesia? Best friends to lovers (or idiots to lovers, as the author hilariously said in the back)? BRING IT ON!!!
This book managed to hit a few tropes without some of the obvious angst-inducing misunderstandings (except for one that’s revealed at the end, but that one’s understandable). It still has lots of feelz and I could barely put it down, and I want the next one almost more than I want chocolate. (Almost. Chocolate is really, really yummy.)
This is such a fantastic series and one I highly recommend.
October 11, 2022
3.5 Stars
A quick, fun, very endearing read. Both characters were super lovable and super stupid and while the story wasn’t perfect, I couldn’t put it down. You definitely need to suspend disbelief for this, but it’s worth it.
Great palate cleanser after reading a book I hated.
A quick, fun, very endearing read. Both characters were super lovable and super stupid and while the story wasn’t perfect, I couldn’t put it down. You definitely need to suspend disbelief for this, but it’s worth it.
Great palate cleanser after reading a book I hated.
April 6, 2023
Memory loss. Hockey. Friends to lovers!
I couldn’t put this book down. It was so sweet and all the tropes perfectly done. I couldn’t even get mad about the miscommunication. I just wanted to bask in how good and happy everything felt.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was so sweet and all the tropes perfectly done. I couldn’t even get mad about the miscommunication. I just wanted to bask in how good and happy everything felt.
May 12, 2024
3+
Znowu trochę naciągam, ale co tam 😜
Znowu trochę naciągam, ale co tam 😜
January 22, 2023
This book really frustrated me. It was light on details that mattered. Like claiming to be married is something that can be fact-checked. It would be absolutely horrible publicity-wise for it to come out that they were lying about being married. And after Dima got hurt there was no talk about when does he return back to the team. How many months was it that went by and not a single on page conversation happened about his returning to the team? Same thing for a shorter period of time after Rory got injured and had serious surgery. And Rory was only on contract expired at the end of that season. There were some clear big conversations that had to happen about their professional careers.
Also no idea what happens after Dima has his memory back. How did they deal with the fact that they claimed to be married? Yeah they're together now but they need to have a conversation about where they stand and how they're going to move forward.
Also no idea what happens after Dima has his memory back. How did they deal with the fact that they claimed to be married? Yeah they're together now but they need to have a conversation about where they stand and how they're going to move forward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2022
these two dumb dumbs....
this was an unrealistic amnesia trope, but it set the stage for rory and dima. the way they pined for each other for years but fucking didn't say anything because they thought the other person didn't like them? foolish! and why was jenny mentioned when it didn't contribute to the story at all. anyways, it was an okay read, but it could've been way better than what it was.
this was an unrealistic amnesia trope, but it set the stage for rory and dima. the way they pined for each other for years but fucking didn't say anything because they thought the other person didn't like them? foolish! and why was jenny mentioned when it didn't contribute to the story at all. anyways, it was an okay read, but it could've been way better than what it was.
March 7, 2021
3 stars
I'm afraid 'Double Shifting' just didn't hit it for me. Unfortunately, the miscommunication in this went on far, far longer than it needed to for me to enjoy this as much as I was hoping I would.
Dual POV hockey romance, amnesia hurt/comfort, miscommunication, some heat, and a happy ending.
I'm afraid 'Double Shifting' just didn't hit it for me. Unfortunately, the miscommunication in this went on far, far longer than it needed to for me to enjoy this as much as I was hoping I would.
Dual POV hockey romance, amnesia hurt/comfort, miscommunication, some heat, and a happy ending.
January 17, 2024
Hockey romance is my kryptonite 🤝🏻
August 22, 2023
Normally, I am not a fan of the amnesia trope. Add pining, becoming accidental husbands to get into the hospital room that becomes the story to be told to the rest of your team, and then to the person who has amnesia, and that person having to play along, while not remembering anything about you - and suddenly we're off to the races at how quickly the story changes from what you first thought it would be.
Rory and Dima are teammates, and for most of it, Rory has had feelings for Dima that Dima shut down after Rory overheard him say that the two of them would not work out together as a couple so they have remained great friends ever since. After the accident that causes Dima to lose his memory, he doesn't remember who Rory is, only knowing that Rory is his husband who has stayed by his side in the hospital. As the rest of the team slowly learn the lie (which their GM is insisting they keep for his own reasons) Dima and Rory begin to put on a performance, while also ensuring that Dima recovers slowly enough to return on the ice with his memories. As he asks Rory for some help in getting those memories back, Rory also has to reel in his emotions, while also being terrified that Dima will regain his memories and know that they are not married - and that Rory lied, for reasons that (apparently) Dima will not know why.
Per any amnesia trope that mixes with friends to lovers (though I think idiot to lovers is more apt) the angst grows, even for a hockey mm romance, and I found it enjoyable (if predictable) how the characters and the events play out for the rest of the novel. While the angst and the re-discovery of the two were great pulls, I did feel at times that the pacing and the narrative were disjointed and kind of seperate from each other.
As I read more of Grey's backlist and see her interconnected novels (that are not part of a series unless otherwise specified - I can start to see where her strengths and weaknesses lie.
Rory and Dima are teammates, and for most of it, Rory has had feelings for Dima that Dima shut down after Rory overheard him say that the two of them would not work out together as a couple so they have remained great friends ever since. After the accident that causes Dima to lose his memory, he doesn't remember who Rory is, only knowing that Rory is his husband who has stayed by his side in the hospital. As the rest of the team slowly learn the lie (which their GM is insisting they keep for his own reasons) Dima and Rory begin to put on a performance, while also ensuring that Dima recovers slowly enough to return on the ice with his memories. As he asks Rory for some help in getting those memories back, Rory also has to reel in his emotions, while also being terrified that Dima will regain his memories and know that they are not married - and that Rory lied, for reasons that (apparently) Dima will not know why.
Per any amnesia trope that mixes with friends to lovers (though I think idiot to lovers is more apt) the angst grows, even for a hockey mm romance, and I found it enjoyable (if predictable) how the characters and the events play out for the rest of the novel. While the angst and the re-discovery of the two were great pulls, I did feel at times that the pacing and the narrative were disjointed and kind of seperate from each other.
As I read more of Grey's backlist and see her interconnected novels (that are not part of a series unless otherwise specified - I can start to see where her strengths and weaknesses lie.
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