Power Move

The Games We Play

by Susan Scott Shelley

Sage Murray has spent the last three years playing for the minor league Saint Paul Slash. He’s found a family in the teammates who share a home with him and they’ve helped him get a better handle on the anxiety he battles every day. Having the best season of his career, he hopes to receive a call up to the Minneapolis Metros and achieve his dream of playing in hockey’s top league. When a night out brings him face to face with Metros defenseman Rhys Farrell, their interaction spotlights their attraction, and Sage sees a side of Rhys that intrigues him to find out more.

Rhys Farrell has spent his career in the shadow of his Hall of Famer father. Winning the Cup would set him apart, and he wants more than anything to win it with teammates who embraced him during his lowest moments. But an injured shoulder has kept him from the lineup, his teammates are dropping like flies, and their shot at redemption from last season’s heartbreaking loss is fading. During a two-week stint with the Slash as he readies to return to the team, he’s captivated by Sage, and for the first time in years, he’s tempted to focus on more than just hockey.

The pair are continually drawn to each other. Rhys gives Sage the warmth and acceptance he craves, and Sage takes care of Rhys in ways he’s never experienced before. As the race to the playoffs heats up and sees them both in the Metros lineup, what happens on the ice collides with their relationship off of it. When the gloves come off, can love find its way in?

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!

Genres: Hockey, M M Romance, Romance

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2024

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes romance with heat and heart that celebrates love without limits. A city girl who likes being out in nature as often as possible, she has yet to meet a plant she hasn’t wanted to take home and she really wants a pet crow.
Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Very cute and wholesome for two hockey players! I am loving this more recent trend of hockey romances not being full of aggressive, possessive Alpha dudes.

I really loved the found family aspect and the way the two sets of teammates became such good friends - again, so wholesome!

Rhys and Sage were so sweet together too, but I do wish some things that were mentioned had been included in the story - like Sage meeting Rhys's parents, especially after he got so anxious, but we don't get to see what happens!

There was also a little too much external drama with the ex for my liking - I'd rather have seen more of the MCs or their friend group than a random villain character who was pretty much just a plot device.

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars!
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨
A huge grin on my face, I loved this book. It was perfect for me. Sage's anxiety was perfectly portrayed (I could relate because I go through the same thing) I loved the 'what is the worst/what is the best thing that can happen' game. So freaking helpful!.
I loved Rhys and his patience and how they are immediately drawn to each other. I 😍 ve the honesty. I loved that it wasn't super long and I can reread it anytime as a comfort book.

*Favorite
*To re-read
*Comfortable and uplifting 😊

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment Sage and Rhys meet, sparks fly. Sage, along with a few friends and teammates from the Slash minor hockey team, is invited to hang out with players from the majors team, the Metros. While he’s excited, Sage also battles anxiety and is grateful for the support of his friends, who always know how to calm him down. Meeting the guys he hopes to play with one day—especially Rhys, the one he’s undeniably attracted to—has him on edge. When Sage accidentally spills a drink on Rhys, he fears the worst. But instead of being upset, Rhys is charmed and feels the same connection.

Rhys’s patience and understanding draw them closer, and as they spend more time together despite their hectic hockey schedules, their bond deepens. Sage’s frequent call-ups to the majors bring them even closer, but with injuries plaguing the team, there’s a looming sense that things could go wrong. Despite the challenges, their relationship blossoms, and their connection is undeniable. Sage and Rhys’s sweet love story is heartwarming, making it a standout in the series.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power Move by Susan Scott Shelley is the first book in The Games We Play series by various authors. It is the story of two hockey players, one in the major league and one in in the minors, who each have some issues in their pasts and meet, play together, and fall in love. Sage Murray has played for the minor league team, the Minneapolis Slash, for 3 years. He loves hockey and like all the other players hopes to one day move up and play in the majors. He also has a real problem with anxiety that stems from his childhood. Luckily his teammates and the men he shares a house with know about this and are very protective and helpful with him. One of them has moved up to the major team, the Minneapolis Metros, and invited them to meet at a bar with some of his new teammates. Sage starts spiraling because he is worried about the impression he will make as well as should they be fraternizing with them. It ends up turning out well and he meets Rhys Farrell, a Metros defenseman, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. There is an incident involving both of them that Rhys shrugs off as he is intrigued by Sage and wants to know more about him. He also has friends and teammates who he is close to and who care about him. Sage is attracted to Rhys and invites him to his house where they learn more about each other and that they have a lot in common. He also tells him about his issues with anxiety, an ex, and his childhood with parents who didn’t spend any time with him. Rhys also confides about his bitterness with an ex and being traded to the Metros, which in the end turned into a good thing for him. Rhys is also going to play a couple of games with the Slash to get back his momentum before he returns to the Metros and it is there that he sees Sage’s hockey ability as well as spends time with his friends. Then due to a lot of injuries with the Metros, Sage gets called up and is excited but also anxious. Rhys and his teammates help him through this and he has a good game. As they spend more time both at home and in hotel rooms on the road their attraction continues to flare and they end up having some steamy love scenes that draws them even closer. They are falling for each other more each day and have a wonderful time with all their friends at a cabin in the woods. Then they have a game where Rhys’ ex, who really is not a nice person, is playing and when a fight ensues problems occur for both of them that leads to an argument and Sage leaves. When their friends get involved Rhys realizes what he has done and goes after him so they can reconcile and declare their love for each other. I really enjoyed this book. Sage comes off as a mess at first but he is steadfast and ready to step in and help anyone who needs it. He is also a very good hockey player. Rhys sees things in Sage he hasn’t seen in other boyfriends and accepts all aspects of him, which Sage is grateful for because this hasn’t happened often to him. Hockey is a big part of their lives and we get treated to several games where they are playing. Their friends play a big part in the story, not only with their antics but also with the advice they give them as their relationship develops. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like men who have some flaws and things in their past that affect them now, great friends who stay by their sides no matter what, and with hockey is always in the background.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆

“I’m in love with you too. I would do anything for you. Anything. Fight for you, stand beside you, take care of you. You’re mine. Finding you, having you accept me as I am, I never thought that could happen.”

My Metros teammates have picked up on my Slash family’s game of what’s the worst that can happen? Maxim added on a followup question of what’s the best that can happen? It ends my spirals on an even better frame of mind. I feel supported, all the time.

This was a very quick and easy read for me. A pretty lighthearted book, but it also had some emotional bits. The anxiety rep was really good! As a person with anxiety I really saw myself in Sage. The things he gets anxious about and make him spiral have the same effect on me too. I really liked how his teammates at both teams stepped up and always tried to manage his spirals. The game they invented for him is the greastest! I loved the whole found family vibe with the friend groups and how the two friend groups became one. Now I want to read everyones story and see everyone get their HEA.

I loved Sage and Rhys together, their connection was palpable from the beginning. I loved how honest they were with each other right from the start and how they were there for each other through everything. I loved how Rhys acted when Sage was anxious about something. They were the type of partners everyone would love. And I would have happily read another 150-200 pages of them.

Works as a great palate cleanser between heavier reads and will make you smile constantly while reading it.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was lovely. Very nice. But there wasn't a lot going on.

We had...

The romance. The characters met/were set up by their friends, and were instantly attracted to each other. They were a perfect match. Everyone was supportive. There was very minor drama relating to an old friend/teammate/adversary that didn't really cause any real issues and was resolved without any real challenge.

And we had...

The mental health issues. I love mental health issues in my books, and anxiety is a great one. It was represented well, but the character with anxiety already had effective strategies, was supported by his friends/teammates, and his love interest got on board and was supportive/perfect right from the outset. Again, there was the very minor drama, which caused a brief episode which was resolved without any real challenge.

And then we had...

The ice hockey. The characters played ice hockey, which is how they all met/knew each other. The sports were tied into the plot but there were no real drama/issues/challenges here. There was the very minor drama (which did tie all the main themes together nicely, but...) which was related to ice hockey but didn't cause any real issues and was resolved without any real challenge.

So essentially, it was a nice story, but some kind of drama/challenge/issues would have made it even better.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage Murray is content just having the opportunity to play professional hockey for the Saint Paul Slash of the PHL. But like every minor-league player on the Slash roster, Sage has his eyes on the ultimate goal of playing for the major league Minneapolis Metros. When Metros heartthrob Rhys Farrell is temporarily demoted to the Slash team because of injury recovery, Sage gets a one-on-one look at the gorgeous Rhys and is instantly enamored of the older player. With time, Rhys and Sage form a strong physical relationship – one that requires some amount of patience given the uncertainty of management decisions, injuries and team works. Can they find happiness together, or will the one thing keeping them together be the thing that tears their relationship apart?

I really enjoyed Power Move! The plot of the novel has a very upbeat and romantic vibe that I found to be comforting and sentimental. I especially enjoyed the notion that both men are in the relationship for each other, and that outside influences and dangers are now a very real situation that Rhys and Sage must handle and overcome together.

The secondary characters in this book are fabulous, as well, with Rhys and Sage’s friends Remy, Quinn, Maxim and Jonas providing almost familial love and support to the guys as they move their way through the pitfalls of their relationship. Rhys’ ex Chad Cullen is brilliant as the dramatic antagonist.

Power Move is a magnificent work with so much love and feelings as to make this novel unforgettable! 5 stars, definitely!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks fly the moment Sage and Rhys meet. When Sage and a few of his friends and teammates from the Slash minor hockey team are invited to hang out with a few players from the majors team, the Metros, Sage can’t help but be nervous. He deals with anxiety and is so lucky to have his friends by his side. They know how to calm him and have all the patience in the world for him. But meeting the guys Sage hopes to play with one day? And Rhys? The guy he’s most definitely attracted to? Something is bound to go wrong. Unlucky for him is when Sage spills a drink of Rhys but lucky for him, Rhys is charmed and feeling the connection with Sage too. He has the patience and isn’t going to run away. So they give themselves a chance to get to know one another and spend as much time as they can with their hockey schedules. And when Sage finds himself being called up more often than not? Well everything seems to be going well for everyone. But with so many injuries hitting the team, can it only be a matter of time before something bad happens? I loved these two! They were so adorable as they fell in love. I love the connection and understanding between them. You knew they were meant for one another as they were just able to be exactly who they were with one another. A sweet story! Definitely another favorite of mine in this series so far.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the multi-author The Games We Play series. Each book is a standalone. And what a way to start the series off. This book is well written and easy to read. It is the story of Sage Murray and Rhys Farrell. For the past three years Sage has been playing for the minor league Saint Paul Slash. His friends help him deal with his anxiety problem and support him in his attempt to get drafted to the Minneapolis Metros. Playing pro hockey is his dream. Rhys is already living that dream. He is playing for the Minneapolis Metros and trying to win the cup. He wants to get out from under his father's shadow. Due to a bad shoulder injury, Rhys has been sent down to play with Sage's team to keep himself in shape to return. When Sage and Rhys first meet there is chemistry off the charts. Sparks fly between the two. Sage is worried his anxiety will drive Rhys away but Rhys proves that he is in for the long haul. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I really like all the secondary characters that support both Rhys and Sate. I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Slash and the Metro are everything for Sage, and he hopes to get called up to the Metro, where he can show what he is made of in the NHL. But for now, he has found people who understand him and his anxiety. He had given up hope on finding someone to be a partner, a boyfriend even, who would be willing to understand when he starts to spiral and there is nothing he can do.

Rhys is happy with being in the NHL, and even though he hasn’t grabbed the cup, his career has been fulfilling. Finding himself part of the Metro was a bad situation that turned into the best possible place he could be with a great group of guys he calls family, and then when he meets Sage, it fills everything he was hoping for.

These men navigate two different teams, two different friend groups, and their hopes for something in addition to hockey in their lives.

OPINION: The author refers to this as a novella, and it’s a lovely addition to the series. Sage’s anxiety is prevalent but not overshadowing the story. It’s part of who he is not the entire story. The couple was warm and navigated their love and friend groups, making it a sweet, low-angst read. The friend group, of course, are other members of the anthology and are fun to see show up again. I say I read all these books to get to see all the different stories; they are great love stories.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sage and his friends are called up to play for Rhys’ team, it’s a chance of a lifetime. It’s also a chance for Sage to drool over Rhys, and to become anxious about the pressure to do well.

Rhys had a bad breakup, and the cheater is on another team, but having Sage around helps him refocus. They learn about each other’s interests, and want to spend time getting to know each other.

As their feelings deepen, Rhys realizes he doesn’t care about the cheater, until at a game he attacks Rhys and Sage then gets revenge, but gets a finger injury.

Rhys knows he overreacted out of fear for Sage, and finds him to explain. Sage was spiralling with their argument and not being able to play with his finger, but hearing Rhys express his feelings gives him comfort and security to face whatever comes.

An interesting story, with friendships on both the minor and major leagues building. Sage has great help with his anxiety, and Rhys’ friends support each other through trials and injuries.

I received this ARC for free and am glad to give it my honest review with thanks.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This was a lovely addition to the series, my favorite so far. I loved the interplay between the minor and major league teams and the author does an excellent job showing the pressure the players feel to not only make the big leagues but stay there. This was also one of my absolute favorite team dynamics that I’ve come across, it’s really special how hard these guys work to show up for each other. Sage and Rhys are amazing together and I loved how organic their relationship feels. They are very solid and real, and I loved the lack of needless relationships drama. I really appreciated the sheer amount of kindness in Sage and Rhys’s story, and the level of effort they put into being together. The couple is so strong together but there are also plenty of challenges to figure out which made for a really entertaining read. Excellent couple, top notch team vibes - I enjoyed it a lot.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a great read! Sage's Saint Paul Slash's roommates and fellow players have helped him try to cope with his anxiety. He plays his best season ever hoping for an opportunity to play with the Minneapolis Metros. Rhys is a legacy Metro player. He plays in the shadow of his Hall of Famer Dad. He is injured and sent to the Slash while he recuperates and tries to win back his spot on the Metros. When Sage and Rhys meet on the Slash, their personal relationship is as hot as their play together. Can you focus on winning the playoffs while dating a team mate? Susan, represents the illness of anxiety attacks with compassion and empathy. We can embrace the reality and gain a better understanding of Sage's needs and Rhys meeting those needs. Excellent writing when an author can make you better understand mental dilemmas. Great teams, embracable characters and excellent supporting found families. Nice cover art! Well done!I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Sage Murray has spent the last three years playing for the minor league Saint Paul Slash. He’s found a family in his teammates and he is content with his life. But he wants to play for Minneapolis Metros. On a night out he meets Rhys Farrell, Metros defenseman. They are instantly attracted to each other. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a MM hockey romance then you’re going to love it.

[Helen Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Power Move was just so-so to me. I found one of the MCs (Rhys) likeable and the other MC (Sage) kind of annoying due to his bottomless anxiety. But to me the biggest flaw was that both MCs were only superficially presented. I didn't feel as if I got to know either one of them. There was little impetus for them to fall in love with each other. Also, I know professional athletes have to follow strict dietary guidelines, but everyone in this story seemed to eat nothing but carbs. Finally, I noticed a continuity break at the 60% mark that should have been caught during proofreading. I don't plan to seek out more work by this author.

[Tünde Kasza tóth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sure there are people out there who want to read about average people having their average romance while they happen to play hockey. I'm not one of these people.

How can someone make an action scene boring? They are running around on the ice and there is just no tension, no feeling of excitement, nothing.

In the first 20% of the book the guys talk and nothing happens. Their personalities are so bland that I just can't stand it.

It's clearly a me, not the book situation, but I need at least a little attitude in the characters I'm reading about. Or something that makes them stand out.

In one word: boring.

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I love this story and how they support each other as they move toward their HEA. Sage deals with anxiety that spirals out of control at times causing a full meltdown. His team supports him and helps him deal with it daily. Rhys deals with his own issues trying to get back to full strength following a shoulder injury. They begin with a spilled drink and move through to friendship to much more. Get this new sweet addition to the series and fall in love with Sage & Rhys.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage and Rhys ❤️

This was such an enjoyable addition to this multi author series. The relationship build
of this story is what made it so special, these two share emotion, friendship and simmering attraction which leads to some incredibly sexy times. It was not without drama which I can usually do without in a good coupling but this played perfectly with the direction of these two hearts ❤️. It was very sweet in the end and I would absolutely recommend reading.

* I revived an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Nick Vallina (MisterGhostReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sage is anxious and in the AHL equivalent, Rhys is...apparently living in his father's shadow but feels very flat as a human an is in the NHL equivalent (I've read all previous books in this series and I cannot remember the fake NHL acronym and I refuse to try).

This was...cute. But Sage felt like a character and Rhys felt like someone who existed to reassure Sage and have zero character development for himself. I would've preferred that this was a longer novel.

[Thrilled Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I loved the sweet, fierce love the two main characters show from the moment they meet. I loved their kindness, and I appreciated the amount of hockey in proportion to the rest of the story. While I'm not really a fan, it was written so well that I easily followed along. The lovescenes were very steamy, and the teammates were sweet as well!

[Jo Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, well written, based in the ice hockey world which I love. Sage and Rhys were unknowingly set up by friends and after a disastrous first meeting they get to know each other. Loved how the anxiety issue was dealt with and the whole story line. Can’t wait to read more in this multi author series.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found family and two hearts that found love on the same hockey team. Sage Murray is having his best season hoping to receive his call up to Minneapolis Metros when a night out sees him face to face with a metros player Rhys Farrell . They’re both captivated by each other and it really is quite beautiful to read their story , both a little vulnerable but their teams and found family are all they need and each other. Brilliant writing . I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own thoughts

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage and Rhys were great. They are both hockey players, and this took place in a world where no one really questioned two men being together, even in sports. It was refreshing. The two of them had immediate attraction and chemistry, and there was no drama surrounding them getting together. Things moved rather smoothly, and the angst level was pretty non-existent. It was a feel good book which made me really want to read more in the series and more from this author.

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, quick read. Sage has anxiety and doesn’t think he’ll ever find someone that will stick around once they experience it. Rhys is very sweet and supportive. They have great chemistry. I really liked their teammates/found family and how close they were. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but I plan to.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read. I have severe anxiety and the way the author handled it in this book was amazing! I really felt for Sage and what he was going through. The book wasn't all emotional and had some really light times. I loved reading about these two falling in love. The side characters were really well written also and even with this being a quicker read it didn't feel like it was.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the Metros struggles to keep the team on the ice made for a great story and when Sage and Rhys get together the care and support they find in each other is wonderful to see. The author has done a wonderful job of bringing the stresses and strains of the hockey into the players relationship without a great deal of angst and tying everything up nicely in the end.

[Golden Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage & Rhys

Good story about two people fitting into one another’s lives with ease. There’s always someone out there that gets you, supports you and loves you for who you are. That’s Rhys for Sage. He likes him just as he is, anxiety and so much more. I like how the two teams befriend and support each other. Enjoyed this book.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power Move is part of the multi-author Games We Play series and I have been loving them. The chemistry between Sage and Rhys just hits you from the start. I love how close the guys are in Slash house and hope to read more there.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, Wonderful read. I've just started reading this author and I have not been disappointed. Looking forward to reading more. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TUKricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet.

An interesting take on friends to lovers with teammates making the connection between a semi and pro hockey team. But the real character or B character is Benny. I'm used to dogs and cats as charismatic pets that add to a story but this is the first for a yellow bearded dragon.