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The Games We Play
Even Strength
Marek Stetina is so close to getting called up to majors, he can taste it. Maybe he wasn’t a number one draft pick like his brother, and maybe he’ll never be a Hall of Famer like his father, but he’s almost made it.
Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams—major league or otherwise—on ice.
Up-and-coming MMA star Carson Wrede’s career—hell, his entire life—has been off the rails ever since a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now he’s trying to find his balance again, both literally and figuratively. With each passing day, his chances of returning to the cage grow slimmer… as do his chances of paying that growing pile of medical bills.
Maybe a TBI support group isn’t the most romantic place to meet someone, but Marek and Carson can’t complain. While their worlds seem to be crumbling around them, they lean on each other through endless setbacks and frustration.
But is this just two guys helping each other through a tough time? Or is the connection between them real, honest love?
And is that love enough to see them through some unavoidable decisions about the careers they once lived for?
The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams—major league or otherwise—on ice.
Up-and-coming MMA star Carson Wrede’s career—hell, his entire life—has been off the rails ever since a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now he’s trying to find his balance again, both literally and figuratively. With each passing day, his chances of returning to the cage grow slimmer… as do his chances of paying that growing pile of medical bills.
Maybe a TBI support group isn’t the most romantic place to meet someone, but Marek and Carson can’t complain. While their worlds seem to be crumbling around them, they lean on each other through endless setbacks and frustration.
But is this just two guys helping each other through a tough time? Or is the connection between them real, honest love?
And is that love enough to see them through some unavoidable decisions about the careers they once lived for?
The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2024
62 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
136 books538 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 3, 2024
3.5 stars
A solid hurt/comfort story about two people who got rug pulled out under them. Marek and Carson met in a TBI Support Group - both suffering from after-effects of sport-related head-injury.
I felt that the story was really good in describing this; the issues, the feelings, all the bad things that happened to your body. I was happy that Marek and Carson could form connection because they could relate -- and this is kind of different compared to, oh, I don't know, people being in a relationship after meeting in NA or AA, you know?
At the same time, I was a little bored half-way because basically this was also story about two people getting better. The only "conflict" in their relationship is apparently Carson's unwillingness to accept help from other people (you know, PRIDE!) or Marek's inability to tell his father about what he really wants related to hockey. This rather dragged on, so I started to skim over a bit.
Still a good read ... just not as great as these author's other books that I have read.
PS: L.A. Witt is using her Ann Gallagher pen name in this book - so this should clue readers in that there's no on-page sex on this book.
A solid hurt/comfort story about two people who got rug pulled out under them. Marek and Carson met in a TBI Support Group - both suffering from after-effects of sport-related head-injury.
I felt that the story was really good in describing this; the issues, the feelings, all the bad things that happened to your body. I was happy that Marek and Carson could form connection because they could relate -- and this is kind of different compared to, oh, I don't know, people being in a relationship after meeting in NA or AA, you know?
At the same time, I was a little bored half-way because basically this was also story about two people getting better. The only "conflict" in their relationship is apparently Carson's unwillingness to accept help from other people (you know, PRIDE!) or Marek's inability to tell his father about what he really wants related to hockey. This rather dragged on, so I started to skim over a bit.
Still a good read ... just not as great as these author's other books that I have read.
PS: L.A. Witt is using her Ann Gallagher pen name in this book - so this should clue readers in that there's no on-page sex on this book.
August 8, 2024
Hurt/comfort at it's best.
No sex was had in this book.
Aside from being a romance, there really didn't need to be. What was shared was a chunk of the beginning of the relationship and how they got through their rehab to head trauma and other problems. This book was different, it had a different vibe and I could easily see this as a movie. Those first two chapters were tough to read.
There's a hell of a lot of worrying, real world problems mentioned in the story and you really feel sorry for them.
I loved that they were celibate (not by choice, by health problems) for all of the book, compared to stories where fast hook ups create an illusion of the norm, here we get to see them actually fall for each other through all the problems they go through together.
No sex was had in this book.
Aside from being a romance, there really didn't need to be. What was shared was a chunk of the beginning of the relationship and how they got through their rehab to head trauma and other problems. This book was different, it had a different vibe and I could easily see this as a movie. Those first two chapters were tough to read.
There's a hell of a lot of worrying, real world problems mentioned in the story and you really feel sorry for them.
I loved that they were celibate (not by choice, by health problems) for all of the book, compared to stories where fast hook ups create an illusion of the norm, here we get to see them actually fall for each other through all the problems they go through together.
June 28, 2024
a nice hurt/comfort story.
May 27, 2024
This was an incredibly sweet story. Marek and Carson meet at a support group for people with traumatic brain injury. They hit it off with palpable chemistry. Carson has been homeless since his injury and is insanely down on his luck.
This book was incredibly engaging and well-written. The MCs were mature and there was little relationship drama but lots of external forces putting strain on.
This story was inspiring and a fun read that left me with all the feels.
I received a copy of this book at no cost. My review is entirely voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.
This book was incredibly engaging and well-written. The MCs were mature and there was little relationship drama but lots of external forces putting strain on.
This story was inspiring and a fun read that left me with all the feels.
I received a copy of this book at no cost. My review is entirely voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.
June 11, 2024
Even Strength
By: Cari Z and Ann Gallagher
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Supporting to the end!
Omg I loved these two men. Both kind, driven and handed a bad hand in life. This book is a very slow burn of chemistry and absolute understanding. The emotions and realistic descriptions of a cruel injury was so perfectly described you could feel the pain through each page. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: Marek Stetina is so close to getting called up to majors, he can taste it. Maybe he wasn’t a number one draft pick like his brother, and maybe he’ll never be a Hall of Famer like his father, but he’s almost made it.
Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams major league or otherwise on ice.
Up and coming MMA star Carson Wrede’s career hell, his entire life—has been off the rails ever since a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now he’s trying to find his balance again, both literally and figuratively. With each passing day, his chances of returning to the cage grow slimmer… as do his chances of paying that growing pile of medical bills.
Maybe a TBI support group isn’t the most romantic place to meet someone, but Marek and Carson can’t complain. While their worlds seem to be crumbling around them, they lean on each other through endless setbacks and frustration.
But is this just two guys helping each other through a tough time? Or is the connection between them real, honest love?
And is that love enough to see them through some unavoidable decisions about the careers they once lived for?
This is a love story that is created from friendship, loyalty and the need to make each other live again. There are wonderful twists and turns in this book. The book was very well written and moved without any gaps in the story. I highly recommend this book it will keep you captivated to the very Happy Ever after!
By: Cari Z and Ann Gallagher
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Supporting to the end!
Omg I loved these two men. Both kind, driven and handed a bad hand in life. This book is a very slow burn of chemistry and absolute understanding. The emotions and realistic descriptions of a cruel injury was so perfectly described you could feel the pain through each page. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: Marek Stetina is so close to getting called up to majors, he can taste it. Maybe he wasn’t a number one draft pick like his brother, and maybe he’ll never be a Hall of Famer like his father, but he’s almost made it.
Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams major league or otherwise on ice.
Up and coming MMA star Carson Wrede’s career hell, his entire life—has been off the rails ever since a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now he’s trying to find his balance again, both literally and figuratively. With each passing day, his chances of returning to the cage grow slimmer… as do his chances of paying that growing pile of medical bills.
Maybe a TBI support group isn’t the most romantic place to meet someone, but Marek and Carson can’t complain. While their worlds seem to be crumbling around them, they lean on each other through endless setbacks and frustration.
But is this just two guys helping each other through a tough time? Or is the connection between them real, honest love?
And is that love enough to see them through some unavoidable decisions about the careers they once lived for?
This is a love story that is created from friendship, loyalty and the need to make each other live again. There are wonderful twists and turns in this book. The book was very well written and moved without any gaps in the story. I highly recommend this book it will keep you captivated to the very Happy Ever after!
June 26, 2024
"Even Strength" is not a typical romance novel. It is a heartfelt, inspiring, realistic, and raw story about the life-changing consequences of head injuries that will touch your heart and captivate your mind. Parallel to a seemingly impossible love story, the authors disclose the painful and challenging reality of dealing with head injury in sports and its devastating consequences on personal and professional life. Though the plot is simple and slow-paced, the vivid and brutally honest narrative creates a touching and inspiring picture of determination and perseverance in a constant battle with pain, feelings of despair, and incompetence, balanced with hope, support, and love.
The authors tackle the complex issue of lost dreams, fear, and hopelessness with sensitivity and empathy. Eloquent, profound writing and dynamic narrative turn this book into an immersive and emotional read. Well-developed characters resonate with the reader on a deep level, evoking feelings of admiration, love, and support.
After suffering head injuries that turned their lives upside down and posed a threat to their careers and existence, hockey minor league player Marek and MMA fighter Carson met at a TBI support group meeting. Though coming from different backgrounds and being at opposite points in life, their attraction is intense and immediate. They embark on a challenging and long road of recovery, overcoming the obstacles and barriers imposed by their condition toward a new start in life and love, firmly supporting and believing in each other.
What to expect: An emotional, raw, heartwarming, complex, immersive, inspirational, and eloquently written story that resonates long after you finish reading, with charismatic, admirable, and likable characters.
What not to expect: An easy, all sunshine-and-unicorns romance or a dark drama full of violence, darkness, angst, or tension, with complex, damaged characters.
Disclaimer: I firmly believe that for every book written, there is a reader who will appreciate and enjoy it. This review reflects my personal and subjective opinion and should be read as such.
I received an ARC of this book with no obligation to provide a positive review. It is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
The authors tackle the complex issue of lost dreams, fear, and hopelessness with sensitivity and empathy. Eloquent, profound writing and dynamic narrative turn this book into an immersive and emotional read. Well-developed characters resonate with the reader on a deep level, evoking feelings of admiration, love, and support.
After suffering head injuries that turned their lives upside down and posed a threat to their careers and existence, hockey minor league player Marek and MMA fighter Carson met at a TBI support group meeting. Though coming from different backgrounds and being at opposite points in life, their attraction is intense and immediate. They embark on a challenging and long road of recovery, overcoming the obstacles and barriers imposed by their condition toward a new start in life and love, firmly supporting and believing in each other.
What to expect: An emotional, raw, heartwarming, complex, immersive, inspirational, and eloquently written story that resonates long after you finish reading, with charismatic, admirable, and likable characters.
What not to expect: An easy, all sunshine-and-unicorns romance or a dark drama full of violence, darkness, angst, or tension, with complex, damaged characters.
Disclaimer: I firmly believe that for every book written, there is a reader who will appreciate and enjoy it. This review reflects my personal and subjective opinion and should be read as such.
I received an ARC of this book with no obligation to provide a positive review. It is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
June 26, 2024
There's so much to like about Even Strength: two injured athletes who find each other at a support group for people with TBI is just one of them. Another is that these two authors wrote a lovely romance without any sex.
Now some readers might be put off by the lack of sexy time but I read every kind of romance (mostly MM, though) and I think it's refreshing to read such a compelling story that doesn't place so much emphasis on the sexy time. There are mentions of it but both Carson and Marek are having issues due to their injuries so they know that anything more than kissing is off the table – for now.
I found this to be a very compelling story. I read it in one day and only put it down a few times to take care of things in the house that needed my attention (laundry! LOL).
Carson is struggling financially after being injured in an MMA fight. He's pretty much living out of his car and doesn't want to let the hot hockey player he just met know how bad his situation is. Marek is feeling pressure from his famous hockey star father to get back on the ice but his recovery is going slower than he expected.
Even though I could see it coming, when the horrible thing happened it was still shocking and a huge OMG moment. These two guys navigate some pretty awful things together but they come out on the other side together with a strong relationship and a well-deserved HFN/HEA.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Now some readers might be put off by the lack of sexy time but I read every kind of romance (mostly MM, though) and I think it's refreshing to read such a compelling story that doesn't place so much emphasis on the sexy time. There are mentions of it but both Carson and Marek are having issues due to their injuries so they know that anything more than kissing is off the table – for now.
I found this to be a very compelling story. I read it in one day and only put it down a few times to take care of things in the house that needed my attention (laundry! LOL).
Carson is struggling financially after being injured in an MMA fight. He's pretty much living out of his car and doesn't want to let the hot hockey player he just met know how bad his situation is. Marek is feeling pressure from his famous hockey star father to get back on the ice but his recovery is going slower than he expected.
Even though I could see it coming, when the horrible thing happened it was still shocking and a huge OMG moment. These two guys navigate some pretty awful things together but they come out on the other side together with a strong relationship and a well-deserved HFN/HEA.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
June 28, 2024
Marek and Carson are in need of a break. Both have been through a lot recently and need something good. And that becomes one another when they meet in an unexpected place. Marek is a hockey player in the minor league hoping to follow his dad and brother’s footsteps to play in the majors. But a horrible hit on the ice leaves him with a concussion like no other. Everything changes. And his recovery is slow and unpredictable. But the one good thing? Meeting Carson at a support group for those have been through similar injuries. Carson is a MMA fighter where a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now with his career stalled, it isn’t easy making a living. He is struggling every day to recover and to just make enough money to stay afloat. He lives in his car and teaches where he can. All in the hopes of getting back out there. Carson also is used to the bad things being thrown at you in life and when he meets Marek, it’s the first good thing. Now he will do what he can to hold on to Marek. These two are so sweet and just get one another. They become great supports to one another while falling for each other too. They both deserve some happiness after everything they have been through and are still going through. Because these poor guys and their concussions are no joke. A sweet romance with these two! I will say I wished there was more to their story!
July 24, 2024
Insightful and sweet sports romance.
Marek and Carson make a good team. Carson's struggles are a painful reality, and he handles them well. I felt that Marek's story echoed the experiences of someone dealing with depression, but that issue was not mentioned. This story had a bit more action than the earlier books of the series, so it held my attention better. I definitely prefer plenty of physical and emotional tension in the books I read.
I started this series because I was looking for hockey stories to tide me over until the NHL and PWHA season starts back up. So far, the series isn’t shining a very positive light on profesional hockey. I don't mind a dose of reality in a story, but I do appreciate a hopeful message. The resolution of Carson's conflicts felt hopeful. The resolution of Marek's conflicts felt a bit anticlimactic. Overall, this was an entertaining read with a dash of painful reality and a few positive messages about the community surrounding professional athletes.
Marek and Carson make a good team. Carson's struggles are a painful reality, and he handles them well. I felt that Marek's story echoed the experiences of someone dealing with depression, but that issue was not mentioned. This story had a bit more action than the earlier books of the series, so it held my attention better. I definitely prefer plenty of physical and emotional tension in the books I read.
I started this series because I was looking for hockey stories to tide me over until the NHL and PWHA season starts back up. So far, the series isn’t shining a very positive light on profesional hockey. I don't mind a dose of reality in a story, but I do appreciate a hopeful message. The resolution of Carson's conflicts felt hopeful. The resolution of Marek's conflicts felt a bit anticlimactic. Overall, this was an entertaining read with a dash of painful reality and a few positive messages about the community surrounding professional athletes.
October 19, 2025
Hockey player Marek and MMA fighter Carson have three things in common. They're both recovering from a traumatic head injury, they are both athletes wondering when and how they'll be able to resume climbing the ranks in their sports, and they're both attracted to men. Those commonalities bring them together. The concussions and symptoms don't make it easy, though.
Nor does Marek's shaky relationship with his father or Carson's issues with a fight organization reluctant to cover his medical bills.
I liked both these guys and the realistic challenges they faced. I appreciated that concussions made sex something they had to wait for, that their recoveries were a work in progress, that therapy was part of the package. And I liked the ending that didn't wrap things into too perfect of a bow.
Nor does Marek's shaky relationship with his father or Carson's issues with a fight organization reluctant to cover his medical bills.
I liked both these guys and the realistic challenges they faced. I appreciated that concussions made sex something they had to wait for, that their recoveries were a work in progress, that therapy was part of the package. And I liked the ending that didn't wrap things into too perfect of a bow.
June 17, 2024
4.5 stars
I was drawn into this immediately, despite the book slump I've been dealing with for weeks, and read it in less than a day. I really loved this story and connected quickly with Carson, who is having an awful time as the book opens up. For some reason I really like reading about MCs who are down on their luck or struggling financially, and these authors do it so well.
Both men are recovering from severe head injuries, and it was a pleasure to see their blossoming romance grow amongst so much heartache and hardship. I was glad that things worked out for them and the story was very satisfying. An excellent read, with low angst inside the relationship and a bit of external angst and action. Definitely recommend.
I was drawn into this immediately, despite the book slump I've been dealing with for weeks, and read it in less than a day. I really loved this story and connected quickly with Carson, who is having an awful time as the book opens up. For some reason I really like reading about MCs who are down on their luck or struggling financially, and these authors do it so well.
Both men are recovering from severe head injuries, and it was a pleasure to see their blossoming romance grow amongst so much heartache and hardship. I was glad that things worked out for them and the story was very satisfying. An excellent read, with low angst inside the relationship and a bit of external angst and action. Definitely recommend.
June 18, 2024
Every time I read a book by these authors, it's a pleasure. I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down!
Marek, a hockey player, and Carson, an MMA fighter, meet in a support group for people who have suffered a head injury. They are both suffering from their injuries and struggling to cope with the long recovery and all the problems and pressures that come with it. They bond over the understanding each has for the other's suffering and soon find themselves unable to be without the other and fall in love.
This book is emotional, heartbreaking (especially Carson's story), sweet, funny, everything that makes a great romance. There are even the usual villains to make the story even more believable.
I can't wait to read the next book by these authors.
Marek, a hockey player, and Carson, an MMA fighter, meet in a support group for people who have suffered a head injury. They are both suffering from their injuries and struggling to cope with the long recovery and all the problems and pressures that come with it. They bond over the understanding each has for the other's suffering and soon find themselves unable to be without the other and fall in love.
This book is emotional, heartbreaking (especially Carson's story), sweet, funny, everything that makes a great romance. There are even the usual villains to make the story even more believable.
I can't wait to read the next book by these authors.
June 27, 2024
Hockey player Marek and MMA star Carson meet in a TBI support group, and it's the best thing that could have happened. Both men are suffering from more than just head injuries, and each becomes a light in the darkness for the other. Marek's relationship with his father and Carson's financial problems are easier to deal with when there's someone around who cares.
This isn't an easy story, as both men have a lot to deal with. However, I'm so glad I read it. I love Marek, I love Carson, and I appreciate how they are so willing to support each other emotionally. Watching them work through their issues (physical and otherwise) and become a happy and loving couple is wonderful. I am very satisfied with this double-sided hurt-comfort romance.
This isn't an easy story, as both men have a lot to deal with. However, I'm so glad I read it. I love Marek, I love Carson, and I appreciate how they are so willing to support each other emotionally. Watching them work through their issues (physical and otherwise) and become a happy and loving couple is wonderful. I am very satisfied with this double-sided hurt-comfort romance.
September 15, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Even Strength by Cari Z & Ann Gallagher. It gave me a clear picture of the effects of a head injury and how concussion can unbalance ones life. I had suffered from Vertigo for a long time and could relate with the main characters.
This book had a lot of emotional feelings and the friendship and love between Marek and Carson was so pure and simple. For once there was no unnecessary sex put in to get the story going.
I cheered for both of them to get back to their normal self and prove their worth in their field of sport, and they did it. Three Cheers.
I am glad that Travis and Kevin got what they deserved in the end.
Time, support and determination to succeed and beat the odds is a great healer.
This book had a lot of emotional feelings and the friendship and love between Marek and Carson was so pure and simple. For once there was no unnecessary sex put in to get the story going.
I cheered for both of them to get back to their normal self and prove their worth in their field of sport, and they did it. Three Cheers.
I am glad that Travis and Kevin got what they deserved in the end.
Time, support and determination to succeed and beat the odds is a great healer.
March 3, 2025
EVEN STRENGTH by Cari Z and Ann Gallagher is about minor league player Marek Stetina and MMA fighter Carson Wrede. They meet when each is in recovery from a serious concussion, and they find a kinship in the other that has them building a friendship that becomes more.
I really enjoyed the chance to learn a bit about how athletes can be impacted by head injuries and the authors wove all that organically into Carson and Marek’s story. They are each facing a lot of life challenges and I loved seeing their relationship give them the strength and support to better handle those. A terrific read.
I really enjoyed the chance to learn a bit about how athletes can be impacted by head injuries and the authors wove all that organically into Carson and Marek’s story. They are each facing a lot of life challenges and I loved seeing their relationship give them the strength and support to better handle those. A terrific read.
June 8, 2024
Wonderful story. I found this to be quite a different hockey story. Firstly, because it involved a hockey player and a professional fighter, and secondly because the storyline centres around two men having suffered serious head injuries, trying to navigate that situation and what it meant for their careers, their finances and their personal lives. Marek and Carlson have a unique understanding of each other because of their shared experience, and they make a wonderful, caring couple. This was beautifully written and I didn’t want to put it down.
June 29, 2024
Even Strength by Cari Z and L.A. Witt is a fast paced and engaging romance featuring two athletes recovering from TBIs. Carson got injured in an MMA-style fight, while Marek was knocked unconscious during a minor league hockey game. Now. They’re both trying to heal and figure out what comes next in their work as pro athletes and as men. Cari Z and L.A. Witt always write great books together and this one is no exception. Both leads grow and develop in ways that keep you turning the page and invested in their relationship and their lives.
July 2, 2024
Oof, I’m so glad I’ve never had a serious concussion! Marek and Carson have some seriously awful symptoms that lead them both to question their life goals and their place in the world. The only bright spot in the whole mess is meeting each other. I really enjoyed this relatively low angst, low spice romance! The characters have chemistry but are situationally no spice, which is kind of sweet but still gives you the promise of a sexy HEA—without the frustration of all the fun stuff happening off page which is a common hazard of “clean” romance.
July 13, 2024
Satisfied my hurt/comfort craving but the characters felt two dimensional. I kept thinking “he’s Marek, and his jobs hockey and head injury” and “he’s Carson and his job is fighting and head injury.”
I completely understand that their jobs and their TBIs are an integral part of their lives, but I wish I got to know their personalities and interests further than just those two things. However, I will say I love how understanding and supportive their relationship was even while everything around them went to shit.
I completely understand that their jobs and their TBIs are an integral part of their lives, but I wish I got to know their personalities and interests further than just those two things. However, I will say I love how understanding and supportive their relationship was even while everything around them went to shit.
July 5, 2024
The steam and action levels of this book may be a solid departure from what is typical from these authors, but that doesn't mean the emotion has any less of an impact. Marek and Carson meet and bond over a fairly atypical issue (life after significant concussion), but they find a kindred soul in each other despite the other significant differences in their lives. I loved how the love between the men allowed them to support each other as they make independent decisions that will drastically affect their own lives, but that they make the effort to keep each other in them as much as possible beyond doing what is best from themself.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
July 29, 2024
Marek & Carson
What a great story! Both recovering from TBI’s, they fall into easy attraction while their lives fall apart around them, so they think. The support they show each other is unconditional and very much needed. Both are at a crossroads in their careers and need to decide next steps. There for each other every step as their relationship grows even without sexual interaction beyond kissing, yet. Really enjoyed this one.
What a great story! Both recovering from TBI’s, they fall into easy attraction while their lives fall apart around them, so they think. The support they show each other is unconditional and very much needed. Both are at a crossroads in their careers and need to decide next steps. There for each other every step as their relationship grows even without sexual interaction beyond kissing, yet. Really enjoyed this one.
October 6, 2024
So much better than the first two books in the series.
The story is a little bit bittersweet about life choices after everything came crashing down, but it's also uplifting in the end. It is one of the VERY RARE clean romances in this genre and I really enjoyed the sweet moments instead, but those of you who are in it for the porn, this is not for you.
It was a nice book, cosy and warm, but it wasn't really memorable for me. It was something that entertained me for a few hours.
The story is a little bit bittersweet about life choices after everything came crashing down, but it's also uplifting in the end. It is one of the VERY RARE clean romances in this genre and I really enjoyed the sweet moments instead, but those of you who are in it for the porn, this is not for you.
It was a nice book, cosy and warm, but it wasn't really memorable for me. It was something that entertained me for a few hours.
June 27, 2024
As the last line in this story read, Everything was perfect, This story was perfect. No over the top steamy sex just wonderful reading about two men, Marek and Carson, coming to terms with their life after a concussion. They had love and hope and family to get them through. I would give this book double the stars if I could. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2024
An excellent novel
This novel shows you can write an incredible story that really grabs and holds your attention without the predictable tropes and cookie cutter plot points that appear in so many romance novels. Nothing spicy this novel and I didn’t miss it at all. Loved it. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
This novel shows you can write an incredible story that really grabs and holds your attention without the predictable tropes and cookie cutter plot points that appear in so many romance novels. Nothing spicy this novel and I didn’t miss it at all. Loved it. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
December 8, 2025
After receiving a bad concussion during a game, Marek joins a support group for people with traumatic brain injury and meets Carson: and MMA fighter still recovering from one.
They fall in love.
And don't have any sex. Which was genuinely awesome for asexual me. Watching people fall in love and not need to hear about their buttholes even once!
They fall in love.
And don't have any sex. Which was genuinely awesome for asexual me. Watching people fall in love and not need to hear about their buttholes even once!
June 25, 2024
Even Strength is part of the multi-author Games We Play series and I have been loving it. I adored Carson and the chemistry between him and Marek is just fire. They meet in a support group and go through so much to get their HEA. This is sweet, funny, emotional and is just a great book.
July 24, 2024
I really, really liked this book. Merek and Carson were dealing with some health issues that brought them together. I loved how they were real with each other and they supported each other. They didn't leave or no major angst. Great story.
December 20, 2024
Nasty part of professioanal sports. Story shows both sides of the track when a player has a TBI.
Carson was TSTL. Marek had more common sense. Story was a depressing train ride. Skimmed to the end. Can not recommend.
Carson was TSTL. Marek had more common sense. Story was a depressing train ride. Skimmed to the end. Can not recommend.
June 28, 2024
There's a lot both MCs deal with in this book. Not the easiest book to read, but a great challenge and very well approached tale of trauma. I loved the premise the authors chose for this story.
Read
June 29, 2024DNF 20%
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