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Chicago Thunder #2
Off Season: Alternative Version
Ethan
Finding out my ex-fiance is the best man at my cousin’s wedding is the cherry on top of my problems.
I can’t turn up alone, so finding a fake boyfriend is the only option.
My relationship with Jacob isn’t supposed to be real, but he gets me in a way nobody ever has and now I’m questioning everything.
After nearly two decades in the NHL, retirement is nearing and I have no idea who I am outside of hockey.
I need to focus on winning one last Cup, not falling in love.
Jacob
Ethan Parkes became my savior when he offered me a deal that would solve all of my problems. So when he asked me to be his fake boyfriend for a wedding in England, I jumped at the chance.
Besides, so what if I already have a crush on him?
When we give into the chemistry between us, he tells me we only have the off season. But I’m determined to show him that he’s more than just a name on a jersey, even if it could cause my heart a world of hurt.
Off Season is a friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine hockey romance. With a touch of hurt/comfort, a ten year age gap, interfering teammates and all the found family vibes. It is book two in the Chicago Thunder series and can be read as a standalone.
Finding out my ex-fiance is the best man at my cousin’s wedding is the cherry on top of my problems.
I can’t turn up alone, so finding a fake boyfriend is the only option.
My relationship with Jacob isn’t supposed to be real, but he gets me in a way nobody ever has and now I’m questioning everything.
After nearly two decades in the NHL, retirement is nearing and I have no idea who I am outside of hockey.
I need to focus on winning one last Cup, not falling in love.
Jacob
Ethan Parkes became my savior when he offered me a deal that would solve all of my problems. So when he asked me to be his fake boyfriend for a wedding in England, I jumped at the chance.
Besides, so what if I already have a crush on him?
When we give into the chemistry between us, he tells me we only have the off season. But I’m determined to show him that he’s more than just a name on a jersey, even if it could cause my heart a world of hurt.
Off Season is a friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine hockey romance. With a touch of hurt/comfort, a ten year age gap, interfering teammates and all the found family vibes. It is book two in the Chicago Thunder series and can be read as a standalone.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2024
295 people are currently reading
1659 people want to read
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December 28, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
💗first off, i could not have asked for a better series to buddy read with my soul twin, Brooke 💖Cheers to 3am random vibe checks, sis lol ilysm 💖
right away i knew that this book was gonna be quite different to Trade Deadline. i'd prepared myself for less hockey (sad) as this takes place in the off season, but i was not prepared for the exploration of grief that made this fluffy fake boyfriend fantasy more than just empty calorie cuteness.
what really hit, for me, was the way jacob had to swallow his heartbreak to be strong for his baby bro. how life just kept piling on pressure after pressure and his only thought was to keep grinding, to keep going, to not fail his last. remaining. family. his alex. i'm already fkin crying and i haven't even talked about the book yet! it was just poignant and real and my heart ached for jacob all throughout Off Season. i could not unfeel his heartbreak from when he and alex lost their parents as little kids, and i mourned the more recent loss of their grands like they were my own. when your identity is tied up to coping with losing 99% EVERYONE you love, how can you not feel scared and alone and frightened about a future where loving someone means they can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye? that right there is the vibe.
so yesss to the saccharine sweet stuff! ethan was just deliciousness to infinity! you wanna fake date with this champion all day every day fr! he was all growly and swoony and SO VERY YES for all the toe curling sexxxx, the sweet talkin', cheek blushing, bookstore shopping, hand holding, dancing in the rain to FLEETWOOD MAC!! I DIED! THIS WAS EVERYTHING!! so YES to all of this. this is exactly why i'm reading this steamy cupcake cutie romance🧁 imagine having a crush on a gorgeous millionaire adonis who just continuously delivers on: i'm always here for you. and then him sliding into your real life with an offer to make all your dirty dreams come true! stop. i want twelve thousand servings of that!🍰🍦🎂😋
on the flipside, omg precious ethan made me feel all kinds of ways. his success throughout his NHL career was mind blowing, but he was positively gutted in his past and that awfulness just never healed. jacob grieved for the people he loved and lost, whereas ethan was left by people who were supposed to love him and didn't. it's hard to see yourself as anything other than unwanted. it's harder still to feel like you're good enough when someone actually shows up and wants you back. i loved the softness and the low angst, and the Chicago Thunder hockey boys HAD A GROUP CHAT that was all kinds of silly fun! i loved Zach and his love of donuts because who doesn't?!?!🍩 unfriend me now.
so yeah i'm in the business of HEA's! gimme all of them, but especially the dreamy romantic wish come true stuff! this was a sweet and fluffy, teary eyed meditation on love and loss and how to move through grief on your own level. this is a story that celebrates found family, a hero with Cup rings instead of a cape, and a cupcake wielding protector who would fk up any and all idiot ex-fiancés and break down any and all grumpy walls with his sashay and sunshine.
the bakery is where it all started for jacob and ethan, and i'm just so happy that these adorable boys got the love story of their dreams, complete with a sugary sweet ending that was perfect for them! and though I enjoyed this low angst, unapologetically saccharine installment of the series, and OBV i'm looking forward to Zach and Carter's story in Defensive Zone, I really hope there'll be lots of hockey and football in Book 3 because i missed it in this one!🏒
💗first off, i could not have asked for a better series to buddy read with my soul twin, Brooke 💖Cheers to 3am random vibe checks, sis lol ilysm 💖
right away i knew that this book was gonna be quite different to Trade Deadline. i'd prepared myself for less hockey (sad) as this takes place in the off season, but i was not prepared for the exploration of grief that made this fluffy fake boyfriend fantasy more than just empty calorie cuteness.
what really hit, for me, was the way jacob had to swallow his heartbreak to be strong for his baby bro. how life just kept piling on pressure after pressure and his only thought was to keep grinding, to keep going, to not fail his last. remaining. family. his alex. i'm already fkin crying and i haven't even talked about the book yet! it was just poignant and real and my heart ached for jacob all throughout Off Season. i could not unfeel his heartbreak from when he and alex lost their parents as little kids, and i mourned the more recent loss of their grands like they were my own. when your identity is tied up to coping with losing 99% EVERYONE you love, how can you not feel scared and alone and frightened about a future where loving someone means they can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye? that right there is the vibe.
so yesss to the saccharine sweet stuff! ethan was just deliciousness to infinity! you wanna fake date with this champion all day every day fr! he was all growly and swoony and SO VERY YES for all the toe curling sexxxx, the sweet talkin', cheek blushing, bookstore shopping, hand holding, dancing in the rain to FLEETWOOD MAC!! I DIED! THIS WAS EVERYTHING!! so YES to all of this. this is exactly why i'm reading this steamy cupcake cutie romance🧁 imagine having a crush on a gorgeous millionaire adonis who just continuously delivers on: i'm always here for you. and then him sliding into your real life with an offer to make all your dirty dreams come true! stop. i want twelve thousand servings of that!🍰🍦🎂😋
on the flipside, omg precious ethan made me feel all kinds of ways. his success throughout his NHL career was mind blowing, but he was positively gutted in his past and that awfulness just never healed. jacob grieved for the people he loved and lost, whereas ethan was left by people who were supposed to love him and didn't. it's hard to see yourself as anything other than unwanted. it's harder still to feel like you're good enough when someone actually shows up and wants you back. i loved the softness and the low angst, and the Chicago Thunder hockey boys HAD A GROUP CHAT that was all kinds of silly fun! i loved Zach and his love of donuts because who doesn't?!?!🍩 unfriend me now.
so yeah i'm in the business of HEA's! gimme all of them, but especially the dreamy romantic wish come true stuff! this was a sweet and fluffy, teary eyed meditation on love and loss and how to move through grief on your own level. this is a story that celebrates found family, a hero with Cup rings instead of a cape, and a cupcake wielding protector who would fk up any and all idiot ex-fiancés and break down any and all grumpy walls with his sashay and sunshine.
the bakery is where it all started for jacob and ethan, and i'm just so happy that these adorable boys got the love story of their dreams, complete with a sugary sweet ending that was perfect for them! and though I enjoyed this low angst, unapologetically saccharine installment of the series, and OBV i'm looking forward to Zach and Carter's story in Defensive Zone, I really hope there'll be lots of hockey and football in Book 3 because i missed it in this one!🏒
June 21, 2024
4.5 Stars
This M/M hockey series is proving to be the stuff my ideal comfort-reads are made of—low-angst narrative, sweet and sexy romance, lovable MC’s, and an exceptional ensemble cast that help make every page a joy.
Much like book one (Trade Deadline), Off Season was simply a good time, start to finish.
This sequel follows the quiet and serious team captain of the Chicago Thunder, Ethan Parkes, as he finds himself facing a summer of personal challenges and change, including his uncertain future as a pro athlete, to his upcoming trip to England for a family wedding, where he’ll be faced with his ex-fiancé, for the first time since his decade ago split.
Enter, sweet, shy, and exhaustingly overworked, self-employed baker, Jacob—older brother of book one MC, Alex—who is quietly crushing on Ethan from the sidelines.
With some not-so-subtle nudging from their meddling mutual friends, Ethan decides to invite Jacob to join him in England, all expenses paid. Ethan needs a fake-boyfriend to help him deal with the masses back home (and to ward off the dreaded ex) and Jacob certainly needs a serious dose of R & R, so they strike up a mutually beneficial deal to team up for the summer, prompted by their already deepening friendship, which should make things go smoothly.
Predictably, this scenario lasts all of two-seconds, when Ethan and Jacob begin a hot and heavy romantic affair, spurred on by all that newly acquired forced-proximity in the English countryside. But as they fall deeper into very real feelings, it becomes harder to draw the line between what was meant to be a summer fling and what could very well be a forever kind of love.
This was truly a heart-happy read beginning to end, made easy with Oliver’s smooth and engaging writing style and her so very lovable full cast of characters. I was charmed by book one but I was just as charmed by this sophomore effort, enjoying Ethan and Jacob’s (perhaps predictable but no-less lovely) romance for exactly what it was—a feel-good and smile-inducing read.
Naturally, I’ll just be over here, impatiently chomping at the bit for further sequels.
This M/M hockey series is proving to be the stuff my ideal comfort-reads are made of—low-angst narrative, sweet and sexy romance, lovable MC’s, and an exceptional ensemble cast that help make every page a joy.
Much like book one (Trade Deadline), Off Season was simply a good time, start to finish.
This sequel follows the quiet and serious team captain of the Chicago Thunder, Ethan Parkes, as he finds himself facing a summer of personal challenges and change, including his uncertain future as a pro athlete, to his upcoming trip to England for a family wedding, where he’ll be faced with his ex-fiancé, for the first time since his decade ago split.
Enter, sweet, shy, and exhaustingly overworked, self-employed baker, Jacob—older brother of book one MC, Alex—who is quietly crushing on Ethan from the sidelines.
With some not-so-subtle nudging from their meddling mutual friends, Ethan decides to invite Jacob to join him in England, all expenses paid. Ethan needs a fake-boyfriend to help him deal with the masses back home (and to ward off the dreaded ex) and Jacob certainly needs a serious dose of R & R, so they strike up a mutually beneficial deal to team up for the summer, prompted by their already deepening friendship, which should make things go smoothly.
Predictably, this scenario lasts all of two-seconds, when Ethan and Jacob begin a hot and heavy romantic affair, spurred on by all that newly acquired forced-proximity in the English countryside. But as they fall deeper into very real feelings, it becomes harder to draw the line between what was meant to be a summer fling and what could very well be a forever kind of love.
This was truly a heart-happy read beginning to end, made easy with Oliver’s smooth and engaging writing style and her so very lovable full cast of characters. I was charmed by book one but I was just as charmed by this sophomore effort, enjoying Ethan and Jacob’s (perhaps predictable but no-less lovely) romance for exactly what it was—a feel-good and smile-inducing read.
Naturally, I’ll just be over here, impatiently chomping at the bit for further sequels.
November 17, 2024
If you like your coffee (or tea) with four sugars, you'll like this book. It's so damn sweet, your teeth will hurt.
Ethan, the team captain, invites Jacob, who runs a bakery along with his brother Alex, along on a trip to England to pose as his fake boyfriend. But this isn't your typical fake boyfriend book. Both men are crushing on each other and aren't shy about showing it.
The "fake" portion is over before you blink, then it's all real, baby.
I was expecting drama with Ethan's ex-fiancé, but there was none, which was refreshing.
There's some miscommunication toward the end, but it doesn't last long.
This is an easy story, low on the angst, high on the steam. The relationship is front and center, and we get not one, not two, but THREE epilogues.
Admittedly, I had second-hand embarrassment from all the talk about feeling and sharing and caring. I'm all for men embracing their emotions, but the love fest between Ethan and his teammates made me cringe. Way too mushy.
Ethan, the team captain, invites Jacob, who runs a bakery along with his brother Alex, along on a trip to England to pose as his fake boyfriend. But this isn't your typical fake boyfriend book. Both men are crushing on each other and aren't shy about showing it.
The "fake" portion is over before you blink, then it's all real, baby.
I was expecting drama with Ethan's ex-fiancé, but there was none, which was refreshing.
There's some miscommunication toward the end, but it doesn't last long.
This is an easy story, low on the angst, high on the steam. The relationship is front and center, and we get not one, not two, but THREE epilogues.
Admittedly, I had second-hand embarrassment from all the talk about feeling and sharing and caring. I'm all for men embracing their emotions, but the love fest between Ethan and his teammates made me cringe. Way too mushy.
February 13, 2024
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
Another successful buddy read with my soul sis Ivana ❤️ You made this series even more special.
It’ll only be an off season fling, what happens in England stays in England. But.. will that be enough?
I loved this even more than the first book.
I loved the light-hearted fluffiness of the romance, but also how the story captured heavy and important topics of grief and loss and heartbreak. This read was packed full of feelings, and I felt every single one.
I hoped there would be more fake boyfriend scenes, but even without them this was a delightful, sweet hockey romance.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Hockey player vs baker
- Themes of grief
- Fake boyfriend
- Vacation fling
- Dancing in the rain ❤️
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Light praise kink
- Strict top/bottom
- Rimming
- “Hand necklace” 🌶️
Another successful buddy read with my soul sis Ivana ❤️ You made this series even more special.
«“Make a wish.” I close my eyes and make my wish. Can I keep you when we get home?»
It’ll only be an off season fling, what happens in England stays in England. But.. will that be enough?
I loved this even more than the first book.
I loved the light-hearted fluffiness of the romance, but also how the story captured heavy and important topics of grief and loss and heartbreak. This read was packed full of feelings, and I felt every single one.
I hoped there would be more fake boyfriend scenes, but even without them this was a delightful, sweet hockey romance.
“I’m not letting you go this time,” I whisper. “This is the start of forever.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Hockey player vs baker
- Themes of grief
- Fake boyfriend
- Vacation fling
- Dancing in the rain ❤️
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Light praise kink
- Strict top/bottom
- Rimming
- “Hand necklace” 🌶️
Read
March 14, 2024DNF @ 15% - inner thoughts are not reading true to who the characters are and I can see that this is more romance with a hockey player than hockey romance.
The hockey player mentions he loves that the LI is “sassy” and calls him out on his shit, but I haven’t seen that once and actually only have seen quite the opposite so far.
The hockey player mentions he loves that the LI is “sassy” and calls him out on his shit, but I haven’t seen that once and actually only have seen quite the opposite so far.
Read
March 2, 2024DNF @ 39%
Received a free copy of this book via GRR.
I think maybe this author isn’t for me because I DNF’d the first book in this series.
I just feel like there isn’t a story to be told. 2 single men who are available, like each other and have great chemistry pretend to date… why? There just wasn’t a strong enough motive for them not to be together. I wasn’t buying it.
At the very start I thought I was going to like this one but you’re repeatedly told how ‘grumpy’ Ethan is, but is he? Because he didn’t seem especially grumpy to me and I love a grump.
The writing was a bit immature, quite a few double words which is a pet peeve of mine. Quite a bit of the dialogue was stoked and felt unnatural.
I did like Jacob, he was a lovely and sweet with some little fierce moments. I just didn’t love him enough to carry on.
Received a free copy of this book via GRR.
I think maybe this author isn’t for me because I DNF’d the first book in this series.
I just feel like there isn’t a story to be told. 2 single men who are available, like each other and have great chemistry pretend to date… why? There just wasn’t a strong enough motive for them not to be together. I wasn’t buying it.
At the very start I thought I was going to like this one but you’re repeatedly told how ‘grumpy’ Ethan is, but is he? Because he didn’t seem especially grumpy to me and I love a grump.
The writing was a bit immature, quite a few double words which is a pet peeve of mine. Quite a bit of the dialogue was stoked and felt unnatural.
I did like Jacob, he was a lovely and sweet with some little fierce moments. I just didn’t love him enough to carry on.
February 20, 2024
The second novel from this lovely author is another win in my book.
As the title suggests, this takes place in the off season, after Ethan and the team have lost the Western Conference Finals in a real battle to win it, they were just about one goal short of it.
So since this takes place in the off season, there actually isn't much hockey at all in this. Which, I gotta say, I don't mind? I've actually been getting a little bored of hockey romances, and was considering taking a break from them for awhile, but this series has rejuvenated my love of hockey romances. And honestly, this one taking a break from hockey for the majority of it was something I personally appreciated and enjoyed.
Ethan, as we know, is closed off, stand offish, and while a good team captain, keeps himself at a distance from everyone else.
Jacob is Alex's brother and while he seemed gloomy in the first book because of their circumstances, in this we see he's actually a very sunny, sweet person when he has no worries. Ethan even calls him his sunshine in his mind a time or two.
But at the same time, Jacob's human, and he's still, in many ways, grieving the loss of his parents from when he 10, and his grandparents a few years prior, especially because he put a lot of it aside to try to be strong for his younger brother Alex.
But pushing it aside and burying it just means it's bound to come out eventually.
And Ethan, having suffered his father abandoning him when he was 7, and his fiance 10 years ago abandoning him in an airport on what was supposed to be the way to their wedding, has his own type of grief to deal with.
I really liked the juxtaposition of these two. They've both suffered loss in different ways, and both handled it in different ways.
Ethan has closed himself off the the possibility of letting anyone close - except his mom who has always been there for him - whether that be friends or lovers. But Jacob craves to keep people close, and wants to make the most of it with the time he has, because it could be all taken away in an instant, like with his parents.
But Ethan, despite his best efforts, is a kind, caring man underneath his walls, his surliness, and he provides comfort for Jacob, where Jacob's sunshine-y personality and optimism opens up Ethan's heart.
This book felt a tad heavier than the first, which I didn't mind, especially as it was still able to keep a balance of lightness at times as well.
It might not be realistic that an entire hockey team is okay with gay/bi men and couples and it's a non-issue, but I love it nonetheless. The way the other teammates support the MC's and just want to help them get their HEA in any way possible is wonderful. And their funny antics over text is fun too, especially from Elliot, the goofball -
The main overarching plot, which I won't go too into to avoid spoilers, is that Ethan needs to go to England (where his mom is originally from and now lives, and other family as well) for a wedding for his cousin, who just so happens to be marrying the brother of his ex-fiance who he hasn't seen since he abandoned him at an airport...well, suffice to say, Ethan is loathe to go.
But when Blain sneakily suggests he take Jacob as a fake boyfriend, Ethan actually takes that advice, and the majority of this is spent in England, with these two on a vacation as well as dealing with the upcoming wedding.
Their chemistry was so wonderful, and I adored these two from the start. I'd say they were on par, maybe even a bit better, than Alex and Blaine...although I loved those two as well, so maybe it's best to say these two were on par with them. I loved both of these couples a lot.
The sex scenes were properly spicy - with strict top/bottom roles, which I'm partial to a lot of time, so I was happy with it, with Ethan being the top and Jacob the bottom - and I never got bored of their sex scenes, which is always a giant plus (there were a good number of them, I'd say, but not too much. Just the right amount.)
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, this second one is definitely worth a read! We have a different relationship dynamic, with a little bit of that grumpy/sunshine goodness, and a fake relationship at first that quickly turns real. And a little bit of Ethan being dominant in the bedroom, which was hot. It's never any true D/s stuff, just that Ethan takes control like 99% of the time.
And of course, a lot less hockey, as it's the off season 😉
Highly, highly recommend! Especially if you're looking for a low-angst (relative to the relationship. There's some angst having to do with Jacob's grief over his parents and grandparents), fluffy and sexy read with a wonderful HEA. The two part epilogue had me grinning like a loon.
Can't wait for Zach and Carter's book next. Hopefully it's a childhood best friend-to-lovers done right. I'll definitely be seated for it! 😘
***I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review***
My Ratings for the Chicago Thunder Series:
☀️ Trade Deadline: 5 stars (my review)
☀️ Off Season: 5 stars
☀️ Defensive Zone: TBR
As the title suggests, this takes place in the off season, after Ethan and the team have lost the Western Conference Finals in a real battle to win it, they were just about one goal short of it.
So since this takes place in the off season, there actually isn't much hockey at all in this. Which, I gotta say, I don't mind? I've actually been getting a little bored of hockey romances, and was considering taking a break from them for awhile, but this series has rejuvenated my love of hockey romances. And honestly, this one taking a break from hockey for the majority of it was something I personally appreciated and enjoyed.
Ethan, as we know, is closed off, stand offish, and while a good team captain, keeps himself at a distance from everyone else.
Jacob is Alex's brother and while he seemed gloomy in the first book because of their circumstances, in this we see he's actually a very sunny, sweet person when he has no worries. Ethan even calls him his sunshine in his mind a time or two.
But at the same time, Jacob's human, and he's still, in many ways, grieving the loss of his parents from when he 10, and his grandparents a few years prior, especially because he put a lot of it aside to try to be strong for his younger brother Alex.
But pushing it aside and burying it just means it's bound to come out eventually.
And Ethan, having suffered his father abandoning him when he was 7, and his fiance 10 years ago abandoning him in an airport on what was supposed to be the way to their wedding, has his own type of grief to deal with.
I really liked the juxtaposition of these two. They've both suffered loss in different ways, and both handled it in different ways.
Ethan has closed himself off the the possibility of letting anyone close - except his mom who has always been there for him - whether that be friends or lovers. But Jacob craves to keep people close, and wants to make the most of it with the time he has, because it could be all taken away in an instant, like with his parents.
But Ethan, despite his best efforts, is a kind, caring man underneath his walls, his surliness, and he provides comfort for Jacob, where Jacob's sunshine-y personality and optimism opens up Ethan's heart.
This book felt a tad heavier than the first, which I didn't mind, especially as it was still able to keep a balance of lightness at times as well.
It might not be realistic that an entire hockey team is okay with gay/bi men and couples and it's a non-issue, but I love it nonetheless. The way the other teammates support the MC's and just want to help them get their HEA in any way possible is wonderful. And their funny antics over text is fun too, especially from Elliot, the goofball -
The main overarching plot, which I won't go too into to avoid spoilers, is that Ethan needs to go to England (where his mom is originally from and now lives, and other family as well) for a wedding for his cousin, who just so happens to be marrying the brother of his ex-fiance who he hasn't seen since he abandoned him at an airport...well, suffice to say, Ethan is loathe to go.
But when Blain sneakily suggests he take Jacob as a fake boyfriend, Ethan actually takes that advice, and the majority of this is spent in England, with these two on a vacation as well as dealing with the upcoming wedding.
Their chemistry was so wonderful, and I adored these two from the start. I'd say they were on par, maybe even a bit better, than Alex and Blaine...although I loved those two as well, so maybe it's best to say these two were on par with them. I loved both of these couples a lot.
The sex scenes were properly spicy - with strict top/bottom roles, which I'm partial to a lot of time, so I was happy with it, with Ethan being the top and Jacob the bottom - and I never got bored of their sex scenes, which is always a giant plus (there were a good number of them, I'd say, but not too much. Just the right amount.)
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, this second one is definitely worth a read! We have a different relationship dynamic, with a little bit of that grumpy/sunshine goodness, and a fake relationship at first that quickly turns real. And a little bit of Ethan being dominant in the bedroom, which was hot. It's never any true D/s stuff, just that Ethan takes control like 99% of the time.
And of course, a lot less hockey, as it's the off season 😉
Highly, highly recommend! Especially if you're looking for a low-angst (relative to the relationship. There's some angst having to do with Jacob's grief over his parents and grandparents), fluffy and sexy read with a wonderful HEA. The two part epilogue had me grinning like a loon.
Can't wait for Zach and Carter's book next. Hopefully it's a childhood best friend-to-lovers done right. I'll definitely be seated for it! 😘
***I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review***
My Ratings for the Chicago Thunder Series:
☀️ Trade Deadline: 5 stars (my review)
☀️ Off Season: 5 stars
☀️ Defensive Zone: TBR
January 3, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series, and I love how the wider cast of characters feels like a family.
Ethan and Jacob both come at life from completely different perspectives. Ethan has had huge emotional losses and chose to shut himself off to people to prevent further heartbreak, whereas Jacob has suffered huge emotional loss and chooses to embrace everyday because you never know when your time will be up.
It was really enjoyable seeing them get to know each other and see the others perspective. The way they help each other come to terms with their emotional pain and their unresolved grief was so sweet too. Ethan's hesitancy felt believable and I like that he didn't just rush in and that he really had to mentally work out his feelings and what to do about them.
What did bug me though was the amount of sex scenes. There were so many and I did end up skim reading them because they went on forever. I prefer to see the MCs connecting and building their relationship emotionally rather than having a lot of similar sex scenes - I'm Ace so a sex scene is never going to appeal to me more than characters having a heart to heart or just spending time together!
I'm looking forward to Zach's book because I feel like it's going to be the most angsty so far, whilst still staying with the lighthearted feel this series has. I did cry in this book because grief was such a prevalent topic, but I just feel like my heart may break for Zach.
I also want so many side character's to get their own stories!! I need Elliott's story so badly, I absolutely love him and I need to see him get his HEA as soon as possible!
Ethan and Jacob both come at life from completely different perspectives. Ethan has had huge emotional losses and chose to shut himself off to people to prevent further heartbreak, whereas Jacob has suffered huge emotional loss and chooses to embrace everyday because you never know when your time will be up.
It was really enjoyable seeing them get to know each other and see the others perspective. The way they help each other come to terms with their emotional pain and their unresolved grief was so sweet too. Ethan's hesitancy felt believable and I like that he didn't just rush in and that he really had to mentally work out his feelings and what to do about them.
What did bug me though was the amount of sex scenes. There were so many and I did end up skim reading them because they went on forever. I prefer to see the MCs connecting and building their relationship emotionally rather than having a lot of similar sex scenes - I'm Ace so a sex scene is never going to appeal to me more than characters having a heart to heart or just spending time together!
I'm looking forward to Zach's book because I feel like it's going to be the most angsty so far, whilst still staying with the lighthearted feel this series has. I did cry in this book because grief was such a prevalent topic, but I just feel like my heart may break for Zach.
I also want so many side character's to get their own stories!! I need Elliott's story so badly, I absolutely love him and I need to see him get his HEA as soon as possible!
July 10, 2025
“Do you want to feel me inside you? Stretching you so good?”
Man, when I tell you this was not it for me.
It was so far off the track, I think I was in a different state. I genuinely wonder what my thought process was when reading the first book, because there is no way in sweet Jesus hell that it was this corny. Right? Maybe I was into it back then, but now I seriously have to doubt it.
Because this book right here felt like a corn cob covered in creamed corn. That’s how corny it was. It was cringe, bro. I was literally walking around work saying, "What in the fuck am I reading?"
I get it. If you are into that happy-go-lucky, over-the-top Hallmark-style romance, sure. But this was beyond that. There was zero tension, zero conflict. Just straight sugar. The whole book.
And the flaws? Oh boy. First off, the over explanation of what happened in the last book. I hate when authors do that. Like yes, I get that you want new readers to be able to jump in, but that does not mean we need a full recap every other chapter. We do not need constant info-dumping like the reader has amnesia.
Then the dialogue. Jesus Christ. It was so unrealistic it pulled me out of the moment every single time. Every conversation was trying to be some deep, profound, emotional therapy session. Like bro, nobody is out here talking twenty four seven in monologues about love and life like that. And it was not even that deep. It was not intellectual. It gave me a migraine from rolling my eyes so hard and so often.
And the inner monologue. Page after page after page. I have finally realized that I hate that shit in first person POV. There needs to be real dialogue, or some actual showing through action. You cannot just tell me everything through thoughts like you are writing a diary for yourself. Readers are capable of using their brains. Let us do some work. Let us feel something through what's happening, not because you told us fifty times how the character is feeling.
This book should have been written in third person. Period. Long emotional introspection, scene-setting, and internal reflection just work better that way. In first person, it felt unnatural and honestly exhausting.
Overall, this book felt like an outline of a story, not an actual novel. Just scene, sex, scene, sex, rinse, repeat. No real depth. No tension. No juice. Just shallow, over explained emotional baggage between two dudes who clearly want to fuck, but whose entire relationship is so two dimensional that I could not bring myself to care.
And I hate to be so fucking mean about it, but I genuinely feel like I wasted my time. I remember liking the first book, so now I am sitting here wondering what the hell happened. Was I drugged when I read it the first time?
Because this book? This was not it.
Man, when I tell you this was not it for me.
It was so far off the track, I think I was in a different state. I genuinely wonder what my thought process was when reading the first book, because there is no way in sweet Jesus hell that it was this corny. Right? Maybe I was into it back then, but now I seriously have to doubt it.
Because this book right here felt like a corn cob covered in creamed corn. That’s how corny it was. It was cringe, bro. I was literally walking around work saying, "What in the fuck am I reading?"
I get it. If you are into that happy-go-lucky, over-the-top Hallmark-style romance, sure. But this was beyond that. There was zero tension, zero conflict. Just straight sugar. The whole book.
And the flaws? Oh boy. First off, the over explanation of what happened in the last book. I hate when authors do that. Like yes, I get that you want new readers to be able to jump in, but that does not mean we need a full recap every other chapter. We do not need constant info-dumping like the reader has amnesia.
Then the dialogue. Jesus Christ. It was so unrealistic it pulled me out of the moment every single time. Every conversation was trying to be some deep, profound, emotional therapy session. Like bro, nobody is out here talking twenty four seven in monologues about love and life like that. And it was not even that deep. It was not intellectual. It gave me a migraine from rolling my eyes so hard and so often.
And the inner monologue. Page after page after page. I have finally realized that I hate that shit in first person POV. There needs to be real dialogue, or some actual showing through action. You cannot just tell me everything through thoughts like you are writing a diary for yourself. Readers are capable of using their brains. Let us do some work. Let us feel something through what's happening, not because you told us fifty times how the character is feeling.
This book should have been written in third person. Period. Long emotional introspection, scene-setting, and internal reflection just work better that way. In first person, it felt unnatural and honestly exhausting.
Overall, this book felt like an outline of a story, not an actual novel. Just scene, sex, scene, sex, rinse, repeat. No real depth. No tension. No juice. Just shallow, over explained emotional baggage between two dudes who clearly want to fuck, but whose entire relationship is so two dimensional that I could not bring myself to care.
And I hate to be so fucking mean about it, but I genuinely feel like I wasted my time. I remember liking the first book, so now I am sitting here wondering what the hell happened. Was I drugged when I read it the first time?
Because this book? This was not it.
January 9, 2025
Bitch this was so good and just ticked all my boxes!!
-hurt/comfort
-“we shouldn’t do this”
-no third act break up
-the softest softie
-meddling parents
-a world without homophobia
-hurt/comfort
-“we shouldn’t do this”
-no third act break up
-the softest softie
-meddling parents
-a world without homophobia
November 30, 2025
This book is the definition of a comfort read. It’s soft, low angst, and effortless to fall into. I usually love simplicity in romance, but where Trade Deadline made it charming, this one leans corny, and the sweetness slips into cringe.
The middle drags, the conflict barely matters, and Jacob’s emotional intensity becomes a bit much as the story goes on. It’s cozy and readable, just not as strong or as engaging as the previous book.
Still a warm hug of a romance, but one that could have used more depth to really shine.
The middle drags, the conflict barely matters, and Jacob’s emotional intensity becomes a bit much as the story goes on. It’s cozy and readable, just not as strong or as engaging as the previous book.
Still a warm hug of a romance, but one that could have used more depth to really shine.
February 6, 2024
This is a great second entry in Jodi Oliver's debut series.
It's completely different in tone to book one but still maintains the focus on ice hockey and the found family that's been created in and around the Chicago Thunder team.
Here we're with the team's captain Ethan, a man who's closed off so many walls due to past hurts he's like an impenetrable fortress.
Until he met Jacob, the older brother of his teammate Blaine Olsen's boyfriend Alex.
Jacob's been struggling with debts at the bakery he runs with Alex, a string of bad luck (explored in book one Trade Deadline), had put the brothers in a precarious position when Ethan stepped in.
He offered up a "no strings" loan to pay off all their debts, purchase new equipment that won't keep breaking, and a repayment plan that won't put them right back in trouble.
Since then, Jacob's been soft crushing on the big guy but hasn't done anything as he doesn't want to risk their loan agreement, so he's weary when Ethan comes with a plan for him to visit England and act as his fake boyfriend at his cousin's wedding - the one his ex-fiancé will be attending.
Of course, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're going to get a typical fake boyfriend story narrative with humour, hijinks and lots of explosive sex as they go all for it as a means of getting back at the ex.
But there's so much more depth to the narrative than that. Without giving away any spoilers, both men go on real journeys as they learn to open up and deal with some very tough grief from their respective pasts that they've previously just buried deep.
I loved how we see each of them slowly opening up, realising that they've got choices to make which can have an impactful effect on their future and how each trusts the other to let themselves be vulnerable.
Another element of this book which is very strong is the sense of camaraderie between the Thunder players, they've got Ethan's back even though he isn't the most vocal of people, or the most outgoing. They just accept him as he is and do their best to let him know they'll support him even if he never opens up about what bothers him.
Overall, there's the perfect balance between the heavier parts of the story, the humour which was present in book one, the smoking hot sexy times, and the genuine work both men have to put in to make things work.
While I really liked book one, this one just grabbed me from the off and I was completely invested in seeing them through to their Happy Ending!
#ARC kindly received from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review
It's completely different in tone to book one but still maintains the focus on ice hockey and the found family that's been created in and around the Chicago Thunder team.
Here we're with the team's captain Ethan, a man who's closed off so many walls due to past hurts he's like an impenetrable fortress.
Until he met Jacob, the older brother of his teammate Blaine Olsen's boyfriend Alex.
Jacob's been struggling with debts at the bakery he runs with Alex, a string of bad luck (explored in book one Trade Deadline), had put the brothers in a precarious position when Ethan stepped in.
He offered up a "no strings" loan to pay off all their debts, purchase new equipment that won't keep breaking, and a repayment plan that won't put them right back in trouble.
Since then, Jacob's been soft crushing on the big guy but hasn't done anything as he doesn't want to risk their loan agreement, so he's weary when Ethan comes with a plan for him to visit England and act as his fake boyfriend at his cousin's wedding - the one his ex-fiancé will be attending.
Of course, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're going to get a typical fake boyfriend story narrative with humour, hijinks and lots of explosive sex as they go all for it as a means of getting back at the ex.
But there's so much more depth to the narrative than that. Without giving away any spoilers, both men go on real journeys as they learn to open up and deal with some very tough grief from their respective pasts that they've previously just buried deep.
I loved how we see each of them slowly opening up, realising that they've got choices to make which can have an impactful effect on their future and how each trusts the other to let themselves be vulnerable.
Another element of this book which is very strong is the sense of camaraderie between the Thunder players, they've got Ethan's back even though he isn't the most vocal of people, or the most outgoing. They just accept him as he is and do their best to let him know they'll support him even if he never opens up about what bothers him.
Overall, there's the perfect balance between the heavier parts of the story, the humour which was present in book one, the smoking hot sexy times, and the genuine work both men have to put in to make things work.
While I really liked book one, this one just grabbed me from the off and I was completely invested in seeing them through to their Happy Ending!
#ARC kindly received from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review
March 9, 2024
❝ I'm terrified of dying alone. Even though I was young when they died, one of the things I always remember is how in love my parents were. I've been so blessed to be surrounded by so much love because I know not everyone gets that, so my biggest fear is never experiencing that for myself. Never being someone's favorite person. ❞
This is soooo fucking good. Almost 5 stars for me. Still talks about some heavy topics but overall was just this swoony romance. Slightly grumpy hot hockey star nearing his retirement meets this shy baker in chicago. And then fake dating! The romance is... romancing for sure. This is one of those books that if netflix chose to adapt it as a movie it would be a sure hit. Sadly I just have to deduct a star because it got kinda draggy in the last chapters. It felt like to me that the book should've wrapped up earlier but it still kept coming. Maybe just me? Overall i loved it. Had an amazing time reading it!
March 8, 2024
Ethan & Jacob
Rating: 3.6 ⭐
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Age Gap (10yrs)
- Found Family
- Hurt/Comfort
- Hockey Player/Baker
- Fake Dating
Well, I can't look at cupcakes the same anymore but that's okay with me!
So, I haven't read the first book yet and I didn't really feel like I was missing out on too much since little hints of what occurred were included in this story. This can easily be read as a standalone, so it worked for me. The book is more relationship based and grief navigation than hockey, just be prepared for that since it's during the off season. The fake dating is only for one event and Ethan's mother was in the know so it doesn't really count as a fake dating story but it's there nonetheless. The rest of the time they are together in England is just vacation with a fling that turns to more. If you were expecting a decent portion of this to be them fake dating then you will be disappointed, because they don't.
Ethan is a grumpy pants because he has suffered from people abandoning him from a young age. He decided to put up emotional walls to protect himself, even keeping his teammates at arm’s length. He's going back home to England during the off season and will be attending his cousin's wedding. Unfortunately, his ex-fiancé will be there as the groom’s best man and Ethan hasn't spoken to him since Ian left him before their own wedding ten years ago. One of his teammates talks him into taking Jacob with him as his fake boyfriend to the wedding to help him deal with seeing Ian again for the first time in years. Ethan is over Ian but he never got closure and the hurt caused by the man has dictated his views on relationships since. Jacob hasn't taken many vacations from the bakery and he decides to go with Ethan to finally travel to England and get as much time as he can with his crush, even if it is fake. Jacob has been dealing with a lot of grief for years but he puts on a brave face and does whatever he can to be strong for his little brother Alex.
These two have been crushing on each other since they met months ago and Ethan helped Jacob and his brother Alex out of debt troubles, allowing them to keep the bakery. Ethan and Jacob decide to give into their chemistry after the wedding and spend two weeks in England getting very acquainted with each other and falling in love, though they tried not to. These two share their secrets and hurts with each other during their trip and realize that they have a lot in common and can help the other heal if they just let them in. Ethan is still scared that he isn't good enough for Jacob and that Jacob will leave him like the important people that left him before. I wanted to shake him a few times but I understood how the hurt and pain overtime caused him to put up his barriers and how he didn't see himself the way others did. These two had a lot to work on personally and as a couple to get to their HEA.
Now, the dancing in the rain scene.... freaking swoon!! The significance of the robins in here and how Ethan embraced them for Jacob was beautiful. I'm interested in the next couple coming up, Zach and Carter, but I would also like to see Nate and Elliot have a book.
Trigger warnings include:
Mentions of past death of parents and grandparents, bereavement, past bullying, past child abandonment, anxiety, mentions of cancer
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Rating: 3.6 ⭐
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Age Gap (10yrs)
- Found Family
- Hurt/Comfort
- Hockey Player/Baker
- Fake Dating
Well, I can't look at cupcakes the same anymore but that's okay with me!
So, I haven't read the first book yet and I didn't really feel like I was missing out on too much since little hints of what occurred were included in this story. This can easily be read as a standalone, so it worked for me. The book is more relationship based and grief navigation than hockey, just be prepared for that since it's during the off season. The fake dating is only for one event and Ethan's mother was in the know so it doesn't really count as a fake dating story but it's there nonetheless. The rest of the time they are together in England is just vacation with a fling that turns to more. If you were expecting a decent portion of this to be them fake dating then you will be disappointed, because they don't.
Ethan is a grumpy pants because he has suffered from people abandoning him from a young age. He decided to put up emotional walls to protect himself, even keeping his teammates at arm’s length. He's going back home to England during the off season and will be attending his cousin's wedding. Unfortunately, his ex-fiancé will be there as the groom’s best man and Ethan hasn't spoken to him since Ian left him before their own wedding ten years ago. One of his teammates talks him into taking Jacob with him as his fake boyfriend to the wedding to help him deal with seeing Ian again for the first time in years. Ethan is over Ian but he never got closure and the hurt caused by the man has dictated his views on relationships since. Jacob hasn't taken many vacations from the bakery and he decides to go with Ethan to finally travel to England and get as much time as he can with his crush, even if it is fake. Jacob has been dealing with a lot of grief for years but he puts on a brave face and does whatever he can to be strong for his little brother Alex.
These two have been crushing on each other since they met months ago and Ethan helped Jacob and his brother Alex out of debt troubles, allowing them to keep the bakery. Ethan and Jacob decide to give into their chemistry after the wedding and spend two weeks in England getting very acquainted with each other and falling in love, though they tried not to. These two share their secrets and hurts with each other during their trip and realize that they have a lot in common and can help the other heal if they just let them in. Ethan is still scared that he isn't good enough for Jacob and that Jacob will leave him like the important people that left him before. I wanted to shake him a few times but I understood how the hurt and pain overtime caused him to put up his barriers and how he didn't see himself the way others did. These two had a lot to work on personally and as a couple to get to their HEA.
"Don't argue with me. You wanted today to be like a date, so this is my rule. You want a book? I'll buy you the book. You want a hundred books? I'll buy you every damn one."-- Yes please, all the books!!!
Now, the dancing in the rain scene.... freaking swoon!! The significance of the robins in here and how Ethan embraced them for Jacob was beautiful. I'm interested in the next couple coming up, Zach and Carter, but I would also like to see Nate and Elliot have a book.
Trigger warnings include:
Mentions of past death of parents and grandparents, bereavement, past bullying, past child abandonment, anxiety, mentions of cancer
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
February 12, 2024
I’m a little conflicted tbh so maybe 3.5-4⭐️
The basic premise is that grumpy captain Ethan is visiting his mom in England and while he’s there he’s attending his cousin’s wedding where his ex-fiancé is the best man. He was jilted before their wedding and doesn’t want to face him alone so via sweetly meddling friends he invites sunshine-y Jacob (Alex’s brother who runs the bakery) to come as his date.
Likes: the relationship was sweet, the portrayal of grief was powerful, I like how real these characters feel, and the whole cast of friends. Excellent found family 👌🏻
Dislikes: it’s described as fake dating but it’s really not that… they don’t try to fool anyone that Jacob is his boyfriend it’s more as an excuse on both sides to explore a time-limited relationship together 🤷🏼♀️ There’s almost zero angst which while pleasant also meant it felt like not much happened. And I often don’t like how kids are written in books and I didn’t like it here - literally just because the 3yo wasn’t acting or speaking age appropriately IMO. My kid is just 4 so I’m really picky about stuff like this.
It’s low angst, sweet, and a little spicy. It would be a nice read between more intense books.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
**just as a note for myself: I’m not super interested in the next couple but if Nate/Elliot happens I will be all over that!
The basic premise is that grumpy captain Ethan is visiting his mom in England and while he’s there he’s attending his cousin’s wedding where his ex-fiancé is the best man. He was jilted before their wedding and doesn’t want to face him alone so via sweetly meddling friends he invites sunshine-y Jacob (Alex’s brother who runs the bakery) to come as his date.
Likes: the relationship was sweet, the portrayal of grief was powerful, I like how real these characters feel, and the whole cast of friends. Excellent found family 👌🏻
Dislikes: it’s described as fake dating but it’s really not that… they don’t try to fool anyone that Jacob is his boyfriend it’s more as an excuse on both sides to explore a time-limited relationship together 🤷🏼♀️ There’s almost zero angst which while pleasant also meant it felt like not much happened. And I often don’t like how kids are written in books and I didn’t like it here - literally just because the 3yo wasn’t acting or speaking age appropriately IMO. My kid is just 4 so I’m really picky about stuff like this.
It’s low angst, sweet, and a little spicy. It would be a nice read between more intense books.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
**just as a note for myself: I’m not super interested in the next couple but if Nate/Elliot happens I will be all over that!
January 12, 2026
This was nice, but just so incredibly bland and surface like (except the sex scenes, which actually had chemistry and were the best part of the book. And I usually do not focus on the sex scenes, particularly when I am not connecting to the characters but worth pointing out, they were hot and actually where the characters seemed to have more personality). It's basically a mf category romance dressed as a mm hockey game. There is no homophobia, it seems like almost everybody is gay so no minority feel and strict gender roles where the smaller guy who bottoms is all yearning to have somebody walk him down the aisle at his wedding and threaten the groom if he misbehaved. Family planning on screen also. Seriously, it felt like a generic mf category romance. Not a lot of hockey actually and the hockey players here do not talk or relate to each other at all like males who play sports likely would (all "I love you" to their teammates and speeches about their feelings).
Trauma mentions, like being orphaned at an early age, a failed relationship, being bullied by jocks, but nothing is too seriously handled or really something that can not be overcome by talking to their partner. (In fact pet peeve, the former ex who was supposed so heartless gets no compassion from either of the MCs. The author does not give him any depth, but hey, moving countries to be with a partner, place with a harsh climate, coming second to the partner's career can be pretty lonely and the dude gets no compassion or understanding from either of the MCs).
It it is not bad, my 2 stars are mostly due to my crankyness that I felt I wasted my time (also comparisons are odious and I have been rereading some special mm hockey books, and it suffers in comparison). But it is all deathly generic, shallow...
Trauma mentions, like being orphaned at an early age, a failed relationship, being bullied by jocks, but nothing is too seriously handled or really something that can not be overcome by talking to their partner. (In fact pet peeve, the former ex who was supposed so heartless gets no compassion from either of the MCs. The author does not give him any depth, but hey, moving countries to be with a partner, place with a harsh climate, coming second to the partner's career can be pretty lonely and the dude gets no compassion or understanding from either of the MCs).
It it is not bad, my 2 stars are mostly due to my crankyness that I felt I wasted my time (also comparisons are odious and I have been rereading some special mm hockey books, and it suffers in comparison). But it is all deathly generic, shallow...
Read
February 15, 2024Okay, I’m finally writing a review on this because I had to sit on it for a few days (if I wait any longer I will forget)
I loved Trade Deadline and was so excited to read Jacob and Ethan’s story after getting little crumbs of them in that book. HOWEVER, this unfortunately did not work for me :(
There were some scenes in this that I absolutely loved. They were sweet together but the things I didn’t love outweigh that 😬
Ethan…who in this book is 38 years old. He does not read as a 38 year old though, more of a 25 year old. So that bothered me.
It also bothered me that he needed a date to his cousins wedding because he didn’t want to see his ex.
(His ex fiancé who left him……10 years ago) I get wanting closure but 10 years later and still being bothered by it??
The “fake dating” took place for like 20 seconds and the whole wedding was very anticlimactic :(
Anyways, I am just leaving this as no rating because someone might actually really love this but it was not for me.
I need Elliot’s book Jodi I am begging!!!!
I received an arc and this is my honest review!😬
I loved Trade Deadline and was so excited to read Jacob and Ethan’s story after getting little crumbs of them in that book. HOWEVER, this unfortunately did not work for me :(
There were some scenes in this that I absolutely loved. They were sweet together but the things I didn’t love outweigh that 😬
Ethan…who in this book is 38 years old. He does not read as a 38 year old though, more of a 25 year old. So that bothered me.
It also bothered me that he needed a date to his cousins wedding because he didn’t want to see his ex.
(His ex fiancé who left him……10 years ago) I get wanting closure but 10 years later and still being bothered by it??
The “fake dating” took place for like 20 seconds and the whole wedding was very anticlimactic :(
Anyways, I am just leaving this as no rating because someone might actually really love this but it was not for me.
I need Elliot’s book Jodi I am begging!!!!
I received an arc and this is my honest review!😬
May 2, 2024
3.5 stars
Enjoyable, low angst, fake lovers to real lovers romance, with likable characters, a beautiful representation of grief, and I'm giving it an extra half star just for the epilogue.
Enjoyable, low angst, fake lovers to real lovers romance, with likable characters, a beautiful representation of grief, and I'm giving it an extra half star just for the epilogue.
“J, you told me in England you wanted to be someone’s favorite person. And you are. Mine. You’re my favorite hello and my favorite notification on my phone. Your eyes and your smile are my favorite. Your hug is my favorite, and yours is my favorite hand to hold. Your kiss will always be my favorite, and your love is the only thing I want. My favorite days are the days I spend with you. But you’re not my hardest goodbye because I never want to say goodbye to you.”
March 9, 2024
Off Season is the second book in the Chicago Thunder series by Jodi Oliver. This is the story of Ethan and Jacob. I liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
March 17, 2024
Contemporary sports romance set in Chicago featuring a professional ice hockey player and a baker, age gap (10 years), fake relationship, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, hurt/comfort.
Ethan Parkes (38) is the captain of the Chicago Thunder ice hockey team. He has been playing in the NHL since he was drafted at the age of 18. His mum is English and his dad is Canadian. He has abandonment issues and a fear of letting anyone get close due to his dad leaving his family when Ethan was eight years old and his fiancée leaving him at the airport on the way to their wedding ten years ago. He feels that his career is coming to an end and wants to win the Stanley Cup for the fifth time before retiring.
Jacob Lowry (28) is the older brother of Alex from the first book in the series. He runs a successful bakery in Chicago called 'Jacob's Delicious Deserts'. His business was initially struggling but with a loan from Ethan and publicity from the Chicago Thunder team, he was able to turn things around. Jacob and Alex were raised by their grandparents after their parents died in a car crash when Jacob was ten years old and Alex was seven.
Jacob is not a hockey fan and carries some trauma from his school days when he experienced bullying from jocks but he has been harbouring a secret crush on Ethan since meeting him around six months ago. Ethan is also attracted to Jacob but wants to focus on his career before retiring.
Ethan's cousin is getting married in England and her groom happens to be the brother of Ethan's ex-fiancée. He is reluctant to attend the wedding by himself and face his ex-fiancée so his teammates convince him to ask Jacob to join him on his trip and pretend to be his boyfriend. Jacob wants to help Ethan and also needs a vacation so he agrees to go along with the ploy. As they spend time together at Ethan's house in England, things kick up a notch and they decide to have a friends with benefits arrangement for the duration of their summer trip. When they return to Chicago, they must decide if they are willing remain friends or take a chance on something more.
This book was less enjoyable than the first one in the series as the plot and dialogue felt more cliché and so the emotional parts did not affect me as much as I would have liked. Fake romance stories are not my favourite trope. I find the reason why the relationship starts off as "fake" is often unnecessary or unconvincing and it was also the case in this story. I found it difficult to believe Ethan was still so hung up on his ex-fiancée 10 years after they broke up (albeit he was ghosted in such a harsh way). He was a successful NHL player and one would think he could have always found a way to reach out to his ex-fiancée at some point in the past to find closure.
I am not sure if I will continue with this series. Book #3 will apparently feature Zach (Ethan's teammate) & Carter (Zach's best friend and a football player in Denver).
Ethan Parkes (38) is the captain of the Chicago Thunder ice hockey team. He has been playing in the NHL since he was drafted at the age of 18. His mum is English and his dad is Canadian. He has abandonment issues and a fear of letting anyone get close due to his dad leaving his family when Ethan was eight years old and his fiancée leaving him at the airport on the way to their wedding ten years ago. He feels that his career is coming to an end and wants to win the Stanley Cup for the fifth time before retiring.
Jacob Lowry (28) is the older brother of Alex from the first book in the series. He runs a successful bakery in Chicago called 'Jacob's Delicious Deserts'. His business was initially struggling but with a loan from Ethan and publicity from the Chicago Thunder team, he was able to turn things around. Jacob and Alex were raised by their grandparents after their parents died in a car crash when Jacob was ten years old and Alex was seven.
Jacob is not a hockey fan and carries some trauma from his school days when he experienced bullying from jocks but he has been harbouring a secret crush on Ethan since meeting him around six months ago. Ethan is also attracted to Jacob but wants to focus on his career before retiring.
Ethan's cousin is getting married in England and her groom happens to be the brother of Ethan's ex-fiancée. He is reluctant to attend the wedding by himself and face his ex-fiancée so his teammates convince him to ask Jacob to join him on his trip and pretend to be his boyfriend. Jacob wants to help Ethan and also needs a vacation so he agrees to go along with the ploy. As they spend time together at Ethan's house in England, things kick up a notch and they decide to have a friends with benefits arrangement for the duration of their summer trip. When they return to Chicago, they must decide if they are willing remain friends or take a chance on something more.
This book was less enjoyable than the first one in the series as the plot and dialogue felt more cliché and so the emotional parts did not affect me as much as I would have liked. Fake romance stories are not my favourite trope. I find the reason why the relationship starts off as "fake" is often unnecessary or unconvincing and it was also the case in this story. I found it difficult to believe Ethan was still so hung up on his ex-fiancée 10 years after they broke up (albeit he was ghosted in such a harsh way). He was a successful NHL player and one would think he could have always found a way to reach out to his ex-fiancée at some point in the past to find closure.
I am not sure if I will continue with this series. Book #3 will apparently feature Zach (Ethan's teammate) & Carter (Zach's best friend and a football player in Denver).
April 27, 2024
As with the first book in this series, I liked the story and the side characters, but the writing needs serious editing (so I skimmed quite a bit). The weird part is that there are parts where the writing is actually pretty good and there are even some great lines, especially closer to the end.
There are a couple of characters whose stories I really want to know, so I’ll probably continue….
2.5 ⭐️
There are a couple of characters whose stories I really want to know, so I’ll probably continue….
2.5 ⭐️
November 18, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series! Great found family, lots of fun characters around, and Ethan and Jacob were both really great to, I loved both of them so much 🥹
March 29, 2024
A beautiful,sweet book. This was healing, dealing with loss and grief. A feel good book with a large and loving found family. And cakes and cookies.
October 11, 2025
All the stars, every single one😭
February 25, 2024
3.5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
“I wish I was good with words, so I could tell you every day just how magnificent you are.”
I feel horrible having to write this review because I loved the first book in this series so much but this one was a let down.
We learned a lot about Jacob in Trade Deadline and were introduced to Ethan though his past and personality were somewhat of a mystery coming into this book. And maybe if I didn’t already know so much about Jacob I might feel differently but I just think there was too much contradiction in both of their characters between how they acted and how they felt.
Ethan is pushing 40, and has pushed away any possibility at love since he was jilted 10 years prior by his fiancé, presumably because his hockey career was more important to him than his relationship, instead if the fact that his ex was just a loser. Anywho…the issue I had here and with any book with this kind of trope is the self imposed miscommunication. His fiancé left him at the alter so to speak, when he didn’t board their place for their wedding. Ok. So clearly he didn’t want get married but wouldn’t an adult in their late 20’s attempt to talk to the person they’d been with for over 10 years to be like, “what’s up” instead of just accepting he was ghosted and literally not finding out WHY??? Like wtf, this just sets me on the wrong foot with a MC. Mainly because of this, Ethan has closed himself off, when if he’d tried to get closure sooner how much better could life have been?!
And Jacob, who has secretly been crushing on Ethan since he helped out with a loan for the bakery, we know from the first book has deep seeded issues with jocks and hockey players (though that isn’t shown much in this book) and decides to spend two weeks in London and pretend to be Ethan’s fake boyfriend and date at a wedding where Ethan’s ex will be. The flirty, fun Jacob that is shown is so off from what we know of him it just felt inauthentic. Also the whole wallowing in feelings over his parents and grandparents deaths (which were not recent) was a little much for me. I’m not trying to be insensitive but it’s just not my thing and it played a big part.
They decide to have a no strings a “summer fling” because Ethan refuses to “bring anyone down” with how dedicated he is to his career and has to be 100% focused. WOW it’s like there are no other hockey players in loving committed relationships to get advice from. Poor guy 🙄 oh and you’d think the term summer fling would mean it would continue until hockey starts back up no it’s meant to only span the time in London. lol, why not just calm it aLondon fling. I have no idea why this bothered me 😂🙈 The spice was good, although it felt off because of how dominant Ethan was as opposed his personality outside the bedroom.
The whole fake boyfriend thing lasted like two seconds and the confrontation with Ethan’s ex was so underwhelming, and then oof it’s done. With how much focus was out on it, I thought it would come back to create conflict. Not that I wanted it to, but it was just so meh. 🫤
What was most frustrating was that Ethan and Jacob clearly have feelings for each other(it’s all over their internal monologue), and even admit to wanting more, yet neither was willing to just be honest. It so annoying when MCs gush about how perfect the other person is to their face, but then pull the self sacrifice trope because they deserve someone better.
But I definitely blame Ethan more. I mean Ethan fucking spoke to birds as if they were Jacob’s parents for Christ sakes, it was so cringe but I guess kinda sweet but he could do that but not a few words to Jacob when it mattered? 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ At least I could get behind Jacob not speaking up because Ethan was so vocal about not being able to give him more, even when Jacob tried to ask if he’d give him a shot, so I get not wanted to be rejected again.
Their time apart was just so unnecessary, but predictable as was the rest of the ending. I mean yes I’m happy for them but I just wasn’t invested in them. It didn’t have to be so hard. I’m sure plenty will enjoy this but it just wasn’t for me.
All that said, I still want the rest of the stories, especially Elliot ❤️
“I wish I was good with words, so I could tell you every day just how magnificent you are.”
I feel horrible having to write this review because I loved the first book in this series so much but this one was a let down.
We learned a lot about Jacob in Trade Deadline and were introduced to Ethan though his past and personality were somewhat of a mystery coming into this book. And maybe if I didn’t already know so much about Jacob I might feel differently but I just think there was too much contradiction in both of their characters between how they acted and how they felt.
Ethan is pushing 40, and has pushed away any possibility at love since he was jilted 10 years prior by his fiancé, presumably because his hockey career was more important to him than his relationship, instead if the fact that his ex was just a loser. Anywho…the issue I had here and with any book with this kind of trope is the self imposed miscommunication. His fiancé left him at the alter so to speak, when he didn’t board their place for their wedding. Ok. So clearly he didn’t want get married but wouldn’t an adult in their late 20’s attempt to talk to the person they’d been with for over 10 years to be like, “what’s up” instead of just accepting he was ghosted and literally not finding out WHY??? Like wtf, this just sets me on the wrong foot with a MC. Mainly because of this, Ethan has closed himself off, when if he’d tried to get closure sooner how much better could life have been?!
And Jacob, who has secretly been crushing on Ethan since he helped out with a loan for the bakery, we know from the first book has deep seeded issues with jocks and hockey players (though that isn’t shown much in this book) and decides to spend two weeks in London and pretend to be Ethan’s fake boyfriend and date at a wedding where Ethan’s ex will be. The flirty, fun Jacob that is shown is so off from what we know of him it just felt inauthentic. Also the whole wallowing in feelings over his parents and grandparents deaths (which were not recent) was a little much for me. I’m not trying to be insensitive but it’s just not my thing and it played a big part.
They decide to have a no strings a “summer fling” because Ethan refuses to “bring anyone down” with how dedicated he is to his career and has to be 100% focused. WOW it’s like there are no other hockey players in loving committed relationships to get advice from. Poor guy 🙄 oh and you’d think the term summer fling would mean it would continue until hockey starts back up no it’s meant to only span the time in London. lol, why not just calm it aLondon fling. I have no idea why this bothered me 😂🙈 The spice was good, although it felt off because of how dominant Ethan was as opposed his personality outside the bedroom.
The whole fake boyfriend thing lasted like two seconds and the confrontation with Ethan’s ex was so underwhelming, and then oof it’s done. With how much focus was out on it, I thought it would come back to create conflict. Not that I wanted it to, but it was just so meh. 🫤
What was most frustrating was that Ethan and Jacob clearly have feelings for each other(it’s all over their internal monologue), and even admit to wanting more, yet neither was willing to just be honest. It so annoying when MCs gush about how perfect the other person is to their face, but then pull the self sacrifice trope because they deserve someone better.
But I definitely blame Ethan more. I mean Ethan fucking spoke to birds as if they were Jacob’s parents for Christ sakes, it was so cringe but I guess kinda sweet but he could do that but not a few words to Jacob when it mattered? 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ At least I could get behind Jacob not speaking up because Ethan was so vocal about not being able to give him more, even when Jacob tried to ask if he’d give him a shot, so I get not wanted to be rejected again.
Their time apart was just so unnecessary, but predictable as was the rest of the ending. I mean yes I’m happy for them but I just wasn’t invested in them. It didn’t have to be so hard. I’m sure plenty will enjoy this but it just wasn’t for me.
All that said, I still want the rest of the stories, especially Elliot ❤️
June 3, 2024
The only thing I liked about this was the way it touched on the topic of Jacob's grief, it was very well explored. Jacob's character as a whole is probably one of my favorites ever, he's so multi dimensional I kinda fell in love with him.
The book was all over the place, or maybe my head was idk, but I didn't really start to get it until like 40% in lol. Book 1 was definitely miles better.
The book was all over the place, or maybe my head was idk, but I didn't really start to get it until like 40% in lol. Book 1 was definitely miles better.
April 9, 2024
3.75 stars
I liked this one more than the last, but although I'm a fan of the occasional bully romamce, I really didn't know that I am not a fan of traumatized characters with A history of being bullied.
I liked this one more than the last, but although I'm a fan of the occasional bully romamce, I really didn't know that I am not a fan of traumatized characters with A history of being bullied.
March 14, 2024
Loved the first book in the series but the second was awful. The story flows, thus 2 stars but nothing makes sense. The characters are not at all what I expected them to be based on the first book. The grief is totally over the top and not adequate given the time passed and current life state of Jacob. Ethan is 38 and suffering because he was rejected 10 years ago for unknown reasons, and hasn’t find it sensible to ask why. The ex was supposed to be evil and meddle (single angry look at Jacob) but just disappeared straight away leaving no drama whatsoever other than the constant push and pull of ‘should I tell him I like him’ - ‘oh, no, I am too afraid to be rejected’. And meanwhile the MCs are the epitome of a loving couple, doing everything people in love would do and say. The implied dominance in the relationship was depicted by Jacob being called 5-6 time ‘good boy’ and having Ethan’s hand around his neck (hand necklace) during sex and eventually in front of their friends, while sitting at the table and having some celebration…The pregnancy announcement coming just for the birthday party, the two epilogues…And worst of all - the conversation between the MCs - MC1 does drama dumping, MC2 validates his feelings and dumps some drama himself. Philosophical and psychological epiphanies follow - 1-2 pages long, implausible to say what they say, the way they say it. Was painful to read it.
March 4, 2024
Book 1 was one of my fave books of 2023, so this has been a NEED ever since! And it did not disappoint :)
My most favorite part of this book was the character growth of our sweet little nugget, Ethan! Papa bear starts off very standoffish and holds his emotions in a steel trap. NOBODY gets a glimpse of those sweet bitties. He's got one thing on him mind: hockey. In swoops Jacob, the vanquisher of emotional doors and reserved feelings! And all of a sudden, Ethan begins to CARE! About his team mates, his future beyond hockey, and more importantly, his love life. Mr. Grump turns into this cute little jelly bean, full of a positive outlook on his future, and what (and who) can be a part of it!
This book hits you in the FEELY FEELS! Be still my HEART! We get a look back into Jacob's past and !!!!!! The boy went THROUGH it :( Jacob is already so lovable, but when presented this bit of information, you can't help but hold him close to your heart! Especially considering he is such a selfless person. So while he does literally everything under the sun for other people, he is tug-of-warring the pains from his past. So you go from holding him close to your chest to just shoving him into your heart! Because all you want for this boy is all the love in the world (TALKING TO YOU ETHAN!)
Much like with Book 1, I love how Jodi incorporated actual aspects of being a pro athlete! Whereas Book 1 was very focused during the season and actual hockey play, this one (as evident from the title) takes place during the off season, but more importantly, shows Ethan's thought processes on his future in the game, as he is very much nearing retirement! It shows a very real part of that process and the toll it has on these players, while also showing a more care-free side to them, being that they now have some down time. It makes books like this feel that much more important, being given that sort of insight, and adding more dimensions to these characters!
All the love to the author for sending an advance copy in exchange for an honest review :)
My most favorite part of this book was the character growth of our sweet little nugget, Ethan! Papa bear starts off very standoffish and holds his emotions in a steel trap. NOBODY gets a glimpse of those sweet bitties. He's got one thing on him mind: hockey. In swoops Jacob, the vanquisher of emotional doors and reserved feelings! And all of a sudden, Ethan begins to CARE! About his team mates, his future beyond hockey, and more importantly, his love life. Mr. Grump turns into this cute little jelly bean, full of a positive outlook on his future, and what (and who) can be a part of it!
This book hits you in the FEELY FEELS! Be still my HEART! We get a look back into Jacob's past and !!!!!! The boy went THROUGH it :( Jacob is already so lovable, but when presented this bit of information, you can't help but hold him close to your heart! Especially considering he is such a selfless person. So while he does literally everything under the sun for other people, he is tug-of-warring the pains from his past. So you go from holding him close to your chest to just shoving him into your heart! Because all you want for this boy is all the love in the world (TALKING TO YOU ETHAN!)
Much like with Book 1, I love how Jodi incorporated actual aspects of being a pro athlete! Whereas Book 1 was very focused during the season and actual hockey play, this one (as evident from the title) takes place during the off season, but more importantly, shows Ethan's thought processes on his future in the game, as he is very much nearing retirement! It shows a very real part of that process and the toll it has on these players, while also showing a more care-free side to them, being that they now have some down time. It makes books like this feel that much more important, being given that sort of insight, and adding more dimensions to these characters!
All the love to the author for sending an advance copy in exchange for an honest review :)
June 1, 2024
Content warnings: death of a parent (in the past), grief, toxic relationship (in the past), bullying (in the past)
3.5 stars
I wanted to love this, but ultimately it was just a liiiiiiittle too stereotype-y for me. I also feel like in some ways it was a little too similar to the first book? Both feature hockey players falling for bakers, although this one does at least feature a fake dating situation as a point of difference.
I liked the characters, and I did like the relationship that develops between them. But if I had to read about one more of Jacob's lacy jockstraps, I was going to lose my mind. I also have to admit that I struggled at times with Jacob as a protagonist - he talks repeatedly about how he was bullied by jocks in high school and he feels anxious around them and finds them intimidating a lot of the time. But then like five minutes later he's cool with Ethan adding hand necklaces to their sexual encounters from the get go??? It just.........didn't quite ring true somehow.
Anyway, this is probably a Me Thing. This was fine but not my favourite.
3.5 stars
I wanted to love this, but ultimately it was just a liiiiiiittle too stereotype-y for me. I also feel like in some ways it was a little too similar to the first book? Both feature hockey players falling for bakers, although this one does at least feature a fake dating situation as a point of difference.
I liked the characters, and I did like the relationship that develops between them. But if I had to read about one more of Jacob's lacy jockstraps, I was going to lose my mind. I also have to admit that I struggled at times with Jacob as a protagonist - he talks repeatedly about how he was bullied by jocks in high school and he feels anxious around them and finds them intimidating a lot of the time. But then like five minutes later he's cool with Ethan adding hand necklaces to their sexual encounters from the get go??? It just.........didn't quite ring true somehow.
Anyway, this is probably a Me Thing. This was fine but not my favourite.
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