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Rules of the Game #5
Spielregeln: Anders & Kelly: Ein M/M Hockey Romanze
Regel Nr. 1: Verliebe dich nicht in den Bruder deines besten Freundes
Als Anders Lindholms Frau und seine kleine Tochter bei einem Autounfall sterben, ist sein Schmerz über ihren Verlust so groß, dass er beschließt, sich nie mehr zu verlieben. Versunken in seiner Trauer, sind Eishockey, tägliche mechanische Abläufe und sein Team alles, was ihn seither aufrechthält.
Doch als er sich mit fast vierzig eine Verletzung zuzieht, muss er sich der Frage stellen, was er mit seinem Leben anfangen soll, wenn die Zeit auf dem Eis für immer vorbei ist.
Als sein Mannschaftskamerad, der zufällig der Bruder seines besten Freundes ist, ihm eine helfende Hand anbietet – und das in mehrfacher Hinsicht –, passiert genau das, wovor er sich seit Jahren am meisten fü Sein gebrochenes Herz beginnt zu heilen und Gefühle, die er nie mehr haben wollte, stürzen auf ihn ein.
Regel Nr. 2: Lass niemanden dein wahres Ich sehen.
Kelly O'Shea hat genau zwei Geheimnisse, die nie jemand erfahren Er ist schwul und seit seinem fünfzehnten Lebensjahr in Anders Lindholm verliebt.
Sosehr er seine überfürsorgliche Familie auch liebt, ist genau dieses ständige Einmischen in sein Leben der Grund, warum er ans andere Ende des Landes zieht, um für die Evanston Otters auf dem Eis zu stehen. Dem Team, für das auch Anders seit Jahren spielt.
Als Anders und er sich näherkommen, glaubt Kelly am Ziel seiner Träume angekommen zu sein. Und obwohl Anders von vornherein klarstellt, dass das mit ihnen nie mehr als ein bisschen Spaß zwischen den Laken sein wird, gibt Kelly die Hoffnung nicht auf, dass sie irgendwann mehr als nur Freunde mit Zusatzleistungen sein werden.
Und tatsächlich, je mehr Zeit sie miteinander verbringen, desto mehr gerät Andersʼ Vorsatz, sich nie mehr zu verlieben, ins Wanken.
Doch Andersʼ Angst, die Vergangenheit loszulassen, ist nicht die einzige Herausforderung, die die beiden meistern müssen. Das Team der Otters droht wegen interner Konflikte auseinanderzubrechen, die Playoffs rücken in immer weitere Ferne und dann sind da noch Kellys überfürsorgliche, ebenfalls Eishockey spielende Brüder, die gar nicht daran denken, sich nicht mehr in Kellys Leben einzumischen und es gehörig durcheinanderzuwirbeln.
Nicht-näher beschriebene Erwähnungen des Todes von Nebenfiguren, einschließlich eines Kindes. Trauer. Kurz erwähnte Selbstmordgedanken. Gespräche über Homophobie und homophobe Beleidigungen. Nicht ausführlich formulierte Erwähnung von sexueller Belästigung und sexuellen Übergriffen.
Als Anders Lindholms Frau und seine kleine Tochter bei einem Autounfall sterben, ist sein Schmerz über ihren Verlust so groß, dass er beschließt, sich nie mehr zu verlieben. Versunken in seiner Trauer, sind Eishockey, tägliche mechanische Abläufe und sein Team alles, was ihn seither aufrechthält.
Doch als er sich mit fast vierzig eine Verletzung zuzieht, muss er sich der Frage stellen, was er mit seinem Leben anfangen soll, wenn die Zeit auf dem Eis für immer vorbei ist.
Als sein Mannschaftskamerad, der zufällig der Bruder seines besten Freundes ist, ihm eine helfende Hand anbietet – und das in mehrfacher Hinsicht –, passiert genau das, wovor er sich seit Jahren am meisten fü Sein gebrochenes Herz beginnt zu heilen und Gefühle, die er nie mehr haben wollte, stürzen auf ihn ein.
Regel Nr. 2: Lass niemanden dein wahres Ich sehen.
Kelly O'Shea hat genau zwei Geheimnisse, die nie jemand erfahren Er ist schwul und seit seinem fünfzehnten Lebensjahr in Anders Lindholm verliebt.
Sosehr er seine überfürsorgliche Familie auch liebt, ist genau dieses ständige Einmischen in sein Leben der Grund, warum er ans andere Ende des Landes zieht, um für die Evanston Otters auf dem Eis zu stehen. Dem Team, für das auch Anders seit Jahren spielt.
Als Anders und er sich näherkommen, glaubt Kelly am Ziel seiner Träume angekommen zu sein. Und obwohl Anders von vornherein klarstellt, dass das mit ihnen nie mehr als ein bisschen Spaß zwischen den Laken sein wird, gibt Kelly die Hoffnung nicht auf, dass sie irgendwann mehr als nur Freunde mit Zusatzleistungen sein werden.
Und tatsächlich, je mehr Zeit sie miteinander verbringen, desto mehr gerät Andersʼ Vorsatz, sich nie mehr zu verlieben, ins Wanken.
Doch Andersʼ Angst, die Vergangenheit loszulassen, ist nicht die einzige Herausforderung, die die beiden meistern müssen. Das Team der Otters droht wegen interner Konflikte auseinanderzubrechen, die Playoffs rücken in immer weitere Ferne und dann sind da noch Kellys überfürsorgliche, ebenfalls Eishockey spielende Brüder, die gar nicht daran denken, sich nicht mehr in Kellys Leben einzumischen und es gehörig durcheinanderzuwirbeln.
Nicht-näher beschriebene Erwähnungen des Todes von Nebenfiguren, einschließlich eines Kindes. Trauer. Kurz erwähnte Selbstmordgedanken. Gespräche über Homophobie und homophobe Beleidigungen. Nicht ausführlich formulierte Erwähnung von sexueller Belästigung und sexuellen Übergriffen.
523 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2022
232 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
82 books756 followersBrigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
April 7, 2023
I'm loving this series but this book was the hardest for me to read, because I have first hand experience of child loss and really have to be in the right headspace to read about it. Thankfully I knew it was coming because it's been mentioned in the previous books also.
I just loved Anders so much, I cried so hard at the cemetery scene because it brought back so many of my own memories - I couldn't not 5 star this one because the emotional aspect was so perfect.
Kelly and Anders were meant to be together and I like how they had a slow build across other books in the series.
This series has actually really surprised me and I've really enjoyed every single book and every couple. I'm ready for the next one and can't wait for Jack Malone to finally get his comeuppance!
I just loved Anders so much, I cried so hard at the cemetery scene because it brought back so many of my own memories - I couldn't not 5 star this one because the emotional aspect was so perfect.
Kelly and Anders were meant to be together and I like how they had a slow build across other books in the series.
This series has actually really surprised me and I've really enjoyed every single book and every couple. I'm ready for the next one and can't wait for Jack Malone to finally get his comeuppance!
July 26, 2023
Definitely me.
I don’t like one-sided loves
or dead wives and kids.
I don’t like one-sided loves
or dead wives and kids.
August 11, 2023
This book was phenomenal. I know Brigham was worried about this book, about how people would feel about Kelly and Anders but she has absolutely nothing to worry about! Best friend’s brother/brother’s best friend with a second chance at love feel to it is a weakness of mine and I adored every second with these two.
Kelly has been half in love with Anders since he was fifteen and his brother brought him home. Anders was never interested in Kelly like that and soon met and married the love of his life, Astrid and they had a precious baby girl named Elia. Tragedy struck and Anders lost his wife and baby girl in a horrible car accident. This information was revealed in a previous book. Kelly was there for Anders through it all. He never pushed for anything other than friendship because that’s all he thought he could ever have with Anders, until Anders casually stepped out of the closet as bi.
The roller coaster of events that happens after this and the budding relationship between these two is so incredible to watch unfold. Kelly wants nothing more than for Anders to be happy and healthy and is enjoying the new physical side to their friendship. Anders has a lot of soul searching to do and a lot of guilt related to his feelings for Kelly.
Along with some more team drama centered around Jack Malone, there is a playoff hockey series to win and some incredible chemistry that explodes off the pages. Brigham sure knows how to pull on a girl’s heartstrings and I spent a good chunk of the end of the book I’m tears, but in the best way possible and man can she write an ending that makes you smile with so much love.
I highly, highly recommend this one (along with the whole series because who doesn’t love some sexy hockey boys??
Kelly has been half in love with Anders since he was fifteen and his brother brought him home. Anders was never interested in Kelly like that and soon met and married the love of his life, Astrid and they had a precious baby girl named Elia. Tragedy struck and Anders lost his wife and baby girl in a horrible car accident. This information was revealed in a previous book. Kelly was there for Anders through it all. He never pushed for anything other than friendship because that’s all he thought he could ever have with Anders, until Anders casually stepped out of the closet as bi.
The roller coaster of events that happens after this and the budding relationship between these two is so incredible to watch unfold. Kelly wants nothing more than for Anders to be happy and healthy and is enjoying the new physical side to their friendship. Anders has a lot of soul searching to do and a lot of guilt related to his feelings for Kelly.
Along with some more team drama centered around Jack Malone, there is a playoff hockey series to win and some incredible chemistry that explodes off the pages. Brigham sure knows how to pull on a girl’s heartstrings and I spent a good chunk of the end of the book I’m tears, but in the best way possible and man can she write an ending that makes you smile with so much love.
I highly, highly recommend this one (along with the whole series because who doesn’t love some sexy hockey boys??
October 11, 2022
This hockey romance IMO would stand alone okay, although there are a lot of recurring characters in the background. This is age-gap, spouse and child loss and recovery, with some feel-good romance. I loved Anders, who lost his wife and child, and was finally coming out of that darkness. And I liked that he was bisexual, and this wasn't self-discovery, but healing.
There's a little coming out drama, and I appreciated that the casual unthinking homophobia of the past was called out loud and clear for the damage it does. A favorite in this series.
There's a little coming out drama, and I appreciated that the casual unthinking homophobia of the past was called out loud and clear for the damage it does. A favorite in this series.
August 22, 2023
3.5 stars. This is my first book by this author. While I enjoyed the story I’m not sure if I would have stayed interested in it if I wasn’t listening to the audiobook. It had a nice plot but was a bit slow.
I liked Kelly and Anders’ characters. They were really good together. I liked the support they eventually got from their teammates.
I would have loved to see an epilogue and know they actually got their HEA instead of a HFN. And there was a side plot point that was not resolved in this book that I really wished we had gotten to see.
If you are a fan of this author I definitely recommend and would suggest the audio!
I liked Kelly and Anders’ characters. They were really good together. I liked the support they eventually got from their teammates.
I would have loved to see an epilogue and know they actually got their HEA instead of a HFN. And there was a side plot point that was not resolved in this book that I really wished we had gotten to see.
If you are a fan of this author I definitely recommend and would suggest the audio!
July 18, 2024
I've been waiting for this book since book one. The back story tragedy was so sad I just needed to know how this story would be told, needed Anders to get his HEA.
A really beautiful story. Intimate and sentimental. I just felt like it may have been a little bit too smooth, both Kelly and Anders a little too perfect and accepting. I felt it was too convenient and lacked passion.
Don't get me wrong, I loved it, I think I just expected something different.
A really beautiful story. Intimate and sentimental. I just felt like it may have been a little bit too smooth, both Kelly and Anders a little too perfect and accepting. I felt it was too convenient and lacked passion.
Don't get me wrong, I loved it, I think I just expected something different.
July 7, 2024
Anders and Kelly.
I like how Brigham Vaughn makes every book a different romance trope in the series. Rules of Engagement is a friends to lovers, age gap, hurt/comfort contemporary romance with heat, humor, and a happy ending. On to the next!
I like how Brigham Vaughn makes every book a different romance trope in the series. Rules of Engagement is a friends to lovers, age gap, hurt/comfort contemporary romance with heat, humor, and a happy ending. On to the next!
February 6, 2024
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT was an emotional read as Anders finds love again after the death of his wife and child 4 years prior. I appreciated the way Kelly always respected Anders' grief and memories and that he never felt threatened by Anders' previous love. Together they make a great couple.
I'm not a big fan of books with a grieving widow so that did affect my enjoyment but Vaughn is such a talented writer and there was still lots to love in this book.
Content Warning: on page grief over past death of a spouse and child
I'm not a big fan of books with a grieving widow so that did affect my enjoyment but Vaughn is such a talented writer and there was still lots to love in this book.
Content Warning: on page grief over past death of a spouse and child
June 19, 2025
3.5 🌟
I really liked the pining and angst from Kelly’s unrequited love for Anders. I couldn’t quite get over how it seemed unfair to Kelly that he’d always loved Anders but Anders already had one great love with Astrid and never would have looked at Kelly twice if she hadn’t passed. Kelly was so selfless and did whatever he could to make Anders happy and Anders.. ordered him his favorite sandwich and dessert?? That’s his grand gesture after dragging his feet this whole time?? They were all sweet and in love at the end but ehhh ya girl is not quite convinced
I really liked the pining and angst from Kelly’s unrequited love for Anders. I couldn’t quite get over how it seemed unfair to Kelly that he’d always loved Anders but Anders already had one great love with Astrid and never would have looked at Kelly twice if she hadn’t passed. Kelly was so selfless and did whatever he could to make Anders happy and Anders.. ordered him his favorite sandwich and dessert?? That’s his grand gesture after dragging his feet this whole time?? They were all sweet and in love at the end but ehhh ya girl is not quite convinced
October 11, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Perdita e speranza!
“Le regole del coinvolgimento” è una storia delicatamente morbida, nonostante le tematiche che affronta riesce a regalarci una lettura intima e languida. Una vicenda che affronta la devastazione di un lutto senza però angosciarci o straziarci. Respiriamo tutta la sofferenza e il dolore di un evento indimenticabile senza però distruggerci emotivamente.
Assaporiamo la bellezza, e profondità emozionale, di Kelly e Anders, due uomini buoni, due uomini che hanno ferite e paure umane così tangibili e reali da renderci partecipi di ogni loro interazione, insicurezza e fragilità. E’ una storia che ci parla di emozioni trattenute, di amicizia e sostegno che ci ha permesso di emozionarci e commuoverci con semplicità e riserbo. Ci parla di un amore mai dimenticato e di un nuovo amore che è comprensione e sostegno, presenza e supporto. Un nuovo amore che offre quell’occasione unica di tornare a vivere e respirare, e sognare un nuovo domani ricco di possibilità.
“Le regole del coinvolgimento” è un libro romanticamente dolce, una vicenda in cui i suoi due protagonisti si contrappongono caratterialmente, dove uno e vivace e solare, l’altro è posato e riflessivo, ma entrambi incespicano lungo il loro cammino di vita. Entrambi hanno dubbi e senso di inadeguatezza, titubanze e una scintilla di sensuale erotismo che percepiamo fin da subito ricco di sentimenti che tentano di mascherare anche a loro stessi.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Perdita e speranza!
“Le regole del coinvolgimento” è una storia delicatamente morbida, nonostante le tematiche che affronta riesce a regalarci una lettura intima e languida. Una vicenda che affronta la devastazione di un lutto senza però angosciarci o straziarci. Respiriamo tutta la sofferenza e il dolore di un evento indimenticabile senza però distruggerci emotivamente.
Assaporiamo la bellezza, e profondità emozionale, di Kelly e Anders, due uomini buoni, due uomini che hanno ferite e paure umane così tangibili e reali da renderci partecipi di ogni loro interazione, insicurezza e fragilità. E’ una storia che ci parla di emozioni trattenute, di amicizia e sostegno che ci ha permesso di emozionarci e commuoverci con semplicità e riserbo. Ci parla di un amore mai dimenticato e di un nuovo amore che è comprensione e sostegno, presenza e supporto. Un nuovo amore che offre quell’occasione unica di tornare a vivere e respirare, e sognare un nuovo domani ricco di possibilità.
“Le regole del coinvolgimento” è un libro romanticamente dolce, una vicenda in cui i suoi due protagonisti si contrappongono caratterialmente, dove uno e vivace e solare, l’altro è posato e riflessivo, ma entrambi incespicano lungo il loro cammino di vita. Entrambi hanno dubbi e senso di inadeguatezza, titubanze e una scintilla di sensuale erotismo che percepiamo fin da subito ricco di sentimenti che tentano di mascherare anche a loro stessi.
Continua sul nostro blog!
August 22, 2023
I loved Kelly and Anders so much, this was one book I didn't want to stop listening to because I was so invested in their relationship.
I really felt for Anders, he'd lost so much and was still grieving, but I liked that he was open enough to give Kelly a chance despite his misgivings.
Kelly was a great character, I felt his family was overpowering and this definitely impacted him.
Seeing more of Jack Malone's toxic behaviour made me grateful I've already read the next book and know how that all turns out.
I really enjoy this series and love getting to know the players more with each book.
Another great read/listen.
I really felt for Anders, he'd lost so much and was still grieving, but I liked that he was open enough to give Kelly a chance despite his misgivings.
Kelly was a great character, I felt his family was overpowering and this definitely impacted him.
Seeing more of Jack Malone's toxic behaviour made me grateful I've already read the next book and know how that all turns out.
I really enjoy this series and love getting to know the players more with each book.
Another great read/listen.
September 7, 2023
Kelly has loved Anders since he was 15, but he knows he's going to have a fight on his hands to convince Anders to take a chance on them being together. Anders is not only the best friend of Kelly's over protective brother, but after experiencing an awful tragedy he's certain that he'll never love again.
This is such a well written slow burn story which is, in parts, sweet, endearing, with witty banter,full of tension, respect, turmoil, undeniable chemistry, and true love. Kelly's yearning for Anders, and his despair in thinking that his love is a lost cause is palpable. There's also some homophobia thrown in, which is underlying the story throughout. I can't wait to read the next book in which, I assume, it's going to be dealt with. A thoroughly entertaining and addictive page turner, and an entertaining listen. The narrator does a good job recreating both the MCs and the secondary characters
This is such a well written slow burn story which is, in parts, sweet, endearing, with witty banter,full of tension, respect, turmoil, undeniable chemistry, and true love. Kelly's yearning for Anders, and his despair in thinking that his love is a lost cause is palpable. There's also some homophobia thrown in, which is underlying the story throughout. I can't wait to read the next book in which, I assume, it's going to be dealt with. A thoroughly entertaining and addictive page turner, and an entertaining listen. The narrator does a good job recreating both the MCs and the secondary characters
March 5, 2023
I am probably not the first person to say that can be hard to read a romance where one main character is still grieving the loss of a past partner. And it's also what I consider the problem with this book?
It's hard to believe that Anders actually went to therapy, had a support system, a job he loved and is still that stuck in the past - it just feels weird to, on the one hand, portray him as this grieving man, while, on the other hand, trying to convince of this romance he was receptive to. Both things don't mesh well together.
I did love that was out as bisexual to his wife because while I understand the nature of how these series are structured, there is a lacking presence of almost any queer/sapphic women and queer people in hetero-passing relationships. The book actually comments on this because there has to be something in the water that made all the men queer AND all end up in same-sex relationships.
I also feel Kelly got the short end of the stick. I loved his chapters, his character, his complicated relationship with is family (his brothers) in particular and I feel a little robbed of the character growth we could have gotten. Yes, his overall arc is pretty cool but I don't fully feel like he completely stepped out of his own shadow.
It's hard to believe that Anders actually went to therapy, had a support system, a job he loved and is still that stuck in the past - it just feels weird to, on the one hand, portray him as this grieving man, while, on the other hand, trying to convince of this romance he was receptive to. Both things don't mesh well together.
I did love that was out as bisexual to his wife because while I understand the nature of how these series are structured, there is a lacking presence of almost any queer/sapphic women and queer people in hetero-passing relationships. The book actually comments on this because there has to be something in the water that made all the men queer AND all end up in same-sex relationships.
I also feel Kelly got the short end of the stick. I loved his chapters, his character, his complicated relationship with is family (his brothers) in particular and I feel a little robbed of the character growth we could have gotten. Yes, his overall arc is pretty cool but I don't fully feel like he completely stepped out of his own shadow.
September 16, 2025
4 1/2 *Gold #13* Stars
I loved this book. It felt like Heated Rivalry and Thrown Off the Ice had a love child and I was 100% here for it. Those are two of my all-time favorite M/M Hockey books. There's the secretive pining and yearning of Heated Rivalry and the younger / older player dynamics of Thrown Off the Ice.
I'm not usually a huge fan of unrequited love, but it totally worked for their story. Kelly has been in love with Anders since he was fifteen. He never imagined that he would be able to actually be with Anders, as he is his older brother's best friend and had once been married, so he wasn't sure if he was even queer.
But, when Anders ends up injured and Kelly offers to take care of him, Kelly decides to make his move and Anders most definitely starts to look at him in more than a friendly way.
But, their relationship isn't without challenges. Anders has felt great loss and he's not sure he's capable of giving himself to someone again in fear of losing them and Kelly is in the closet and not sure he is ready to come out. Would Anders expect him to?
This was my first Brigham Vaughn book and I loved her writing. There's an intimacy that she captures that draws you right in. Little Moments. Gentle Touches. The Yearning. I felt exactly what each of the characters was feeling.
If you enjoy couples whose journeys aren't so straightforward, I can't recommend this enough. I loved the young, up-and-coming / older, career winding down player dynamic and all of the challenges that go with it. It's a great story.
Nicknames / Endearments: Kels
"We did agree this was a one-time thing."
"When did we decide that?"
"When you said something to the effect of making me feel good this once. And you weren't going to ask for anything else."
"Well, that was stupid of me."
"And what about you? Is it fair for me to use you that way?"
"Well, the thought of you using me sounds pretty fucking hot to me."
I loved this book. It felt like Heated Rivalry and Thrown Off the Ice had a love child and I was 100% here for it. Those are two of my all-time favorite M/M Hockey books. There's the secretive pining and yearning of Heated Rivalry and the younger / older player dynamics of Thrown Off the Ice.
I'm not usually a huge fan of unrequited love, but it totally worked for their story. Kelly has been in love with Anders since he was fifteen. He never imagined that he would be able to actually be with Anders, as he is his older brother's best friend and had once been married, so he wasn't sure if he was even queer.
But, when Anders ends up injured and Kelly offers to take care of him, Kelly decides to make his move and Anders most definitely starts to look at him in more than a friendly way.
But, their relationship isn't without challenges. Anders has felt great loss and he's not sure he's capable of giving himself to someone again in fear of losing them and Kelly is in the closet and not sure he is ready to come out. Would Anders expect him to?
This was my first Brigham Vaughn book and I loved her writing. There's an intimacy that she captures that draws you right in. Little Moments. Gentle Touches. The Yearning. I felt exactly what each of the characters was feeling.
If you enjoy couples whose journeys aren't so straightforward, I can't recommend this enough. I loved the young, up-and-coming / older, career winding down player dynamic and all of the challenges that go with it. It's a great story.
Nicknames / Endearments: Kels
"We did agree this was a one-time thing."
"When did we decide that?"
"When you said something to the effect of making me feel good this once. And you weren't going to ask for anything else."
"Well, that was stupid of me."
"And what about you? Is it fair for me to use you that way?"
"Well, the thought of you using me sounds pretty fucking hot to me."
February 6, 2023
This was lovely in a way I really didn't expect.
It's not easy subject matter - losing one's whole family is pretty damn heavy and I unfortunately have experience with realizing that grief just doesn't have a set time schedule. It's a very personal and complicated thing and I really felt for Lindy. I imagine that some people might the process difficult to see on page and might even find it slow or boring. It wasn't for me; in fact I found the pacing really nice and the way their relationship unfolded very believable.
Kelly was a delight... what a sweetheart and so perfect for Lindy even though - or maybe because? - they were/are so different. This was definitely one of those I've-Loved-You-Forever stories that is, again, believable. Kelly knew what he was getting into, as well as anyone can when someone doesn't have their whole heart to give you. Thankfully it all worked out in the end... Lindy never treated him badly, tried to bend over backward not to hurt him in fact. Of course it still happened, but in a way that helped them grow and come together with maturity. This was best-friend's-little-brother done right IMHO.
They were really hot together, not the least reason being that there was genuine love there. It just took a minute for them to work through the stubbornness and fear and embrace what they could really be for each other.
Since I started with the last book in this series, I already know where the thread-that-runs-through-it ends with this Jack Malone business, but it was interesting to see details on the way that it unfolded along the way.
Also - the Swedish references had me rolling , especially the bits about Aquavit. At Christmas this year someone called it Swedish Paint Remover and we were dying laughing about it because it's true but dammit we can't live without it!!!! I mean, I have Russian friends that look at Aquavit sideways... that'll tell you something 😂😂😂 I definitely maybe probably made Risgrynsgröt today because of this book and I'm not sorry!! Asg! 🇸🇪❤️🇺🇸
It's not easy subject matter - losing one's whole family is pretty damn heavy and I unfortunately have experience with realizing that grief just doesn't have a set time schedule. It's a very personal and complicated thing and I really felt for Lindy. I imagine that some people might the process difficult to see on page and might even find it slow or boring. It wasn't for me; in fact I found the pacing really nice and the way their relationship unfolded very believable.
Kelly was a delight... what a sweetheart and so perfect for Lindy even though - or maybe because? - they were/are so different. This was definitely one of those I've-Loved-You-Forever stories that is, again, believable. Kelly knew what he was getting into, as well as anyone can when someone doesn't have their whole heart to give you. Thankfully it all worked out in the end... Lindy never treated him badly, tried to bend over backward not to hurt him in fact. Of course it still happened, but in a way that helped them grow and come together with maturity. This was best-friend's-little-brother done right IMHO.
They were really hot together, not the least reason being that there was genuine love there. It just took a minute for them to work through the stubbornness and fear and embrace what they could really be for each other.
Since I started with the last book in this series, I already know where the thread-that-runs-through-it ends with this Jack Malone business, but it was interesting to see details on the way that it unfolded along the way.
Also - the Swedish references had me rolling , especially the bits about Aquavit. At Christmas this year someone called it Swedish Paint Remover and we were dying laughing about it because it's true but dammit we can't live without it!!!! I mean, I have Russian friends that look at Aquavit sideways... that'll tell you something 😂😂😂 I definitely maybe probably made Risgrynsgröt today because of this book and I'm not sorry!! Asg! 🇸🇪❤️🇺🇸
May 27, 2024
Oh I was really into this one. I knew going in it was going to be a little heavier with Anders backstory but I thought it was handled so well. It acknowledged the grief and the loneliness and how hard it is to move forward even when you might be ready to while respecting the importance of that past relationship.
It was great that Kelly understood that, too. That he knew there would always be that part of Anders that had that hurt and accepted it but knew he could have more, too. And while it was laughable that either of them went into it thinking they could hook up without getting feelings involved at least Kelly fully knew what his were. He knew he loved Anders and it consciously made the decision to go for it.
Anders though? There were so many small things that pointed to how much he already loved Kelly but just had it buried under the grief and the protection of their friendship and I loved how he got knocked sideways by his feelings.
Also adding the ? My heart.
Really wonderful entry into the series; I cannot believe I only have one left.
It was great that Kelly understood that, too. That he knew there would always be that part of Anders that had that hurt and accepted it but knew he could have more, too. And while it was laughable that either of them went into it thinking they could hook up without getting feelings involved at least Kelly fully knew what his were. He knew he loved Anders and it consciously made the decision to go for it.
Anders though? There were so many small things that pointed to how much he already loved Kelly but just had it buried under the grief and the protection of their friendship and I loved how he got knocked sideways by his feelings.
Also adding the ? My heart.
Really wonderful entry into the series; I cannot believe I only have one left.
August 22, 2024
Hands down, my favorite in the series!! I fell in love with Kelly the moment I met him and I just wanted to hug him and Lindy so bad... The author did an amazing job with describing such deep grief and I could easily relate my experiences with it to Anders'. I'm not a fan of the dead-wife trope, but mostly when it's paired with a sudden bi-awakening, so it didn't bother me that much here.
Someone needs to punch Malone, like yesterday. Onto the last book!! ❤️
Someone needs to punch Malone, like yesterday. Onto the last book!! ❤️
August 30, 2023
Brilliant. Loved it.
Age gap romance with friends to lovers and best friends brother tropes.
Really appreciated Kelly's acceptance of Anders' wife and child within the scope of their relationship and Anders dealing with his grief and realising he can love someone else without feeling guilty.
High heat.
Narrator: great.
Age gap romance with friends to lovers and best friends brother tropes.
Really appreciated Kelly's acceptance of Anders' wife and child within the scope of their relationship and Anders dealing with his grief and realising he can love someone else without feeling guilty.
High heat.
Narrator: great.
May 25, 2024
JFC grab your tissues, it's all about loving your dead wife and child and grief and unrequited love and coming out, etc etc, but not crying because it's so beautiful. It's nice, but whatever. I do wish the whole O'Shea family dynamic could have been explored more, because no one has that much of a smooth sailing when a son comes out with 4 NHL players in the family plus being Catholic, just sayin'. In addition to the 17 year age gap between them, sheesh!
It's also a Brigham Vaughn quirk of double space after one sentence!! I knew I reviewed a previous book with this same annoying feature and sure enough it's her offshoot series 🤦♀️ FUCKING STOP IT! You're just trying to get more pages read for your KU money. Get your bag but leave my eyesight alone!
It's also a Brigham Vaughn quirk of double space after one sentence!! I knew I reviewed a previous book with this same annoying feature and sure enough it's her offshoot series 🤦♀️ FUCKING STOP IT! You're just trying to get more pages read for your KU money. Get your bag but leave my eyesight alone!
June 15, 2024
I liked both Kelly and Anders. It was heartbreaking what Anders went through losing both his wife and daughter and I've been eagerly waiting for his story throughout the series. Kelly has been in love with Andre since he was 15 but supported Anders over the years through his heartbreaking tragedy, only ever believing friendship was all he could have with Anders until Anders comes out as bisexual.
In this story Anders struggles with the guilt of being with someone else and all Kelly ever wants is to make Anders happy. Kelly helps Anders on his soul searching journey and to finally healing as their friendship turns more physical then into love.
There was however one part I felt was unresolved, Kelly's sister-in-law. It was brought up but then not resolved so I felt it was unnecessary. Or did I somehow miss that part????
The drama featuring Jack Malone continues.........
In this story Anders struggles with the guilt of being with someone else and all Kelly ever wants is to make Anders happy. Kelly helps Anders on his soul searching journey and to finally healing as their friendship turns more physical then into love.
There was however one part I felt was unresolved, Kelly's sister-in-law. It was brought up but then not resolved so I felt it was unnecessary. Or did I somehow miss that part????
The drama featuring Jack Malone continues.........
October 3, 2024
4.5
Bellissima serie. Bellissimi i personaggi. Tematiche LGBT e sportive molto approfondite
Bellissima serie. Bellissimi i personaggi. Tematiche LGBT e sportive molto approfondite
March 30, 2025
Rating is for audiobook
October 2, 2022
Anders and Kelly’s story is an emotion-filled— alternately angsty and heartwarming— take on the friends-to-lovers and brother’s-best-friend tropes. Anders is processing the grief of losing his wife and baby daughter, which for years has left him convinced there’s no room for romantic love in his life. Kelly has had a crush on Anders since his teen years, a secret to be kept from his loving but exuberant and overprotective family, as well as Anders himself, until an unexpected opportunity for a “casual” connection touches off whole worlds of possibility and (gradual) progress. It’s worth mentioning here that this is book 5 in a series, and it’s helpful, for context on character development and the world (bright, vibrant, full of hockey…so.much.hockey) they all inhabit. I think this is probably my favorite book of them all— it’s a heck of a ride (there’s a hockey related plot line, of course, and some added drama from it), there’s a romance with the chance to feel all the feelings, and to ultimately watch good things happen for our really likable main characters, and there are some familiar faces and lovely supporting characters to boot.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 30, 2023
4.5⭐️
Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn is book 4 in the Rules of the Game series.
Uggghhhh I love this series so much and I'm starting to feel like it will be hard to let go of the Evanston River Otters team.
It was so touching to see Anders finally given a chance to continue living and loving after the tragedy he suffered 4 years earlier. I loved how there was a respect from both Kelly and Anders for their respective situations. Anders did not want to hurt Kelly knowing that Kelly was in love with him and Kelly did not want to push Anders knowing that he was still dealing with the loss of his wife and daughter. I enjoyed watching them work their way through all the issues that were in front of them. They were a really good team together.
It feels like Brigham is starting to wrap up some of the story lines that have been going on since the beginning of the series. Particularly with regards to Malone. I can't wait to see how the team will manage to expose to everyone the abject being that he is. I have a feeling he won't go down without a fight.
Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn is book 4 in the Rules of the Game series.
Uggghhhh I love this series so much and I'm starting to feel like it will be hard to let go of the Evanston River Otters team.
It was so touching to see Anders finally given a chance to continue living and loving after the tragedy he suffered 4 years earlier. I loved how there was a respect from both Kelly and Anders for their respective situations. Anders did not want to hurt Kelly knowing that Kelly was in love with him and Kelly did not want to push Anders knowing that he was still dealing with the loss of his wife and daughter. I enjoyed watching them work their way through all the issues that were in front of them. They were a really good team together.
It feels like Brigham is starting to wrap up some of the story lines that have been going on since the beginning of the series. Particularly with regards to Malone. I can't wait to see how the team will manage to expose to everyone the abject being that he is. I have a feeling he won't go down without a fight.
October 4, 2022
Rules of Engagement is the fourth book in the Rules of the Game series. This revolves around Anders and Kelly. Kelly has had a serious crush, verging into love on his brother’s best friend since he was a teenager. Anders was married but his wife and daughter die in an accident. Kelly is there to help Anders through it all. Their journey is an emotional one and so heartfelt. A lot of previous characters make an appearance. Overall, this was fantastic!! Well written with nice pacing that hooked me.
September 28, 2022
I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
I think Anders and Kelly have become my favorite book out of this series... and that's saying a lot because they've all been pretty great!
Anders Lindstrom is a 39 year old future Hall of Fame forward who has been a long time teammate and friend to the older O'shea brothers in Boston. He lost his wife and daughter 4 years ago in a car accident and has never stopped grieving.
Kelly O'Shea is an up and coming defenseman who is Lindy's teammate on the Otters. He made the decision to get out from under his dad's and older brothers' shadows in Boston to go to Evanston. Kelly has also loved Lindy since he was 15.
I loved how freaking brave Kelly was throughout the whole book. He has definitely grown over the entire series from a hanger-on of Malone (who is despicable) to maturing into a man who has empathy beyond his years. How he nudges Lindy out of his grief is beautiful. He was raised very Catholic and was very deep in his closet, but how he found his courage to stand up to everyone was GORGEOUS.
I laughed and cried throughout the book. I fell in love with O'Shea and cheered for Lindy. I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for Treavor to lock horns with Wade in the next one! The tension in the set up... **Chef's Kiss**
I think Anders and Kelly have become my favorite book out of this series... and that's saying a lot because they've all been pretty great!
Anders Lindstrom is a 39 year old future Hall of Fame forward who has been a long time teammate and friend to the older O'shea brothers in Boston. He lost his wife and daughter 4 years ago in a car accident and has never stopped grieving.
Kelly O'Shea is an up and coming defenseman who is Lindy's teammate on the Otters. He made the decision to get out from under his dad's and older brothers' shadows in Boston to go to Evanston. Kelly has also loved Lindy since he was 15.
I loved how freaking brave Kelly was throughout the whole book. He has definitely grown over the entire series from a hanger-on of Malone (who is despicable) to maturing into a man who has empathy beyond his years. How he nudges Lindy out of his grief is beautiful. He was raised very Catholic and was very deep in his closet, but how he found his courage to stand up to everyone was GORGEOUS.
I laughed and cried throughout the book. I fell in love with O'Shea and cheered for Lindy. I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for Treavor to lock horns with Wade in the next one! The tension in the set up... **Chef's Kiss**
September 9, 2023
Totalmente decepcionada.
Esta historia me tenía tan ilusionada, pero al final no fue lo que esperaba.
En resumen lo que sentí era que se trataba de un hombre que ya vivió el amor de su vida y que tuvo la oportunidad de rehacer su vida con un amigo al que le tenía estima y porque se sentía solo, pero que siempre (hasta el último capítulo) iba a ser una relación de 3.
Quizás hubiera podido aceptar la historia sino hubiera habido tantos momentos donde el protagonista decía lo inmensamente enamorado que estaba y siempre iba a estar de su esposa, pero que nunca hubo esos escenarios con su nueva pareja, se dio cuenta que estaba "enamorado" en 5 segundos, fue un cambio tan repentino que no me convenció para nada.
Y los últimos capítulos fueron muy tediosos y aburridos.
Esta historia me tenía tan ilusionada, pero al final no fue lo que esperaba.
En resumen lo que sentí era que se trataba de un hombre que ya vivió el amor de su vida y que tuvo la oportunidad de rehacer su vida con un amigo al que le tenía estima y porque se sentía solo, pero que siempre (hasta el último capítulo) iba a ser una relación de 3.
Quizás hubiera podido aceptar la historia sino hubiera habido tantos momentos donde el protagonista decía lo inmensamente enamorado que estaba y siempre iba a estar de su esposa, pero que nunca hubo esos escenarios con su nueva pareja, se dio cuenta que estaba "enamorado" en 5 segundos, fue un cambio tan repentino que no me convenció para nada.
Y los últimos capítulos fueron muy tediosos y aburridos.
September 28, 2022
great series
I have really enjoyed this series and it was great to finally read Lindy’s story and see him get the happily ever after he deserved. Kelly really was his perfect match and their story made for engrossed reading. I was unhappy about the abrupt ending but I am keen to read the next book in the series.
I have really enjoyed this series and it was great to finally read Lindy’s story and see him get the happily ever after he deserved. Kelly really was his perfect match and their story made for engrossed reading. I was unhappy about the abrupt ending but I am keen to read the next book in the series.
December 28, 2022
This book deals with grief but the story does not manage to capture me in any way in order for me to become even remotely emotionally invested about it.
Themes: dual POV, friends to lovers, brother's best friend, teammates, age gap, hurt/comfort, virginity/first time, NHL
Themes: dual POV, friends to lovers, brother's best friend, teammates, age gap, hurt/comfort, virginity/first time, NHL
October 27, 2024
Come avrebbe potuto dimenticare il momento in cui era uscito dalla cucina leccandosi la marmellata dalle dita e aveva visto Dio? Si era bloccato nel corridoio, ipnotizzato da quell’uomo alto circondato dalla luce del sole che proveniva dalla finestra sopra la porta, trasformando i capelli di Lindy in oro fuso. Si era bevuto la sua risata profonda e le sue lunghe gambe e in quel momento aveva saputo con assoluta certezza di essere gay. Aveva provato a ignorarlo, cercato di negarlo, tentato di fingere che non fosse la cosa di cui nessuno nell’hockey parlava all’epoca. Eppure era bastato un solo sguardo ad Anders Lindholm e non aveva più potuto negarlo. Tutto il suo corpo si era accaldato, lo stomaco gli era sprofondato ai piedi. Aveva saputo che, qualunque cosa fosse successa, avrebbe trascorso la sua futura carriera come il ragazzo non dichiarato nella Lega. Quello che non aveva saputo era che non avrebbe mai smesso di amare Anders.
Questo è Kelly O’Shea, per chi sta leggendo la serie avrà avuto modo di conoscerne qualche aspetto già dai precedenti volumi.
È il piccolo della famiglia O’Shea di cui Anders è il migliore amico dei suoi fratelli maggiori e con cui ha avuto modo di giocare ad hockey. Adesso entrambi giocano nella stessa squadra e mentre Anders cerca di andare avanti dopo il lutto che lo ha colpito, Kelly pensa di amarlo per sempre e rimanere nascosto per timore di non essere apprezzato dalla sua famiglia
«Amalo, Anders. Amalo e non lasciarlo andare per niente al mondo. Vivi il più a lungo possibile e il più pienamente possibile e, che tu abbia cinque anni o cinquanta insieme, sfrutta al massimo ogni singolo secondo.»
Lui invece è Anders, l’attaccante svedese che pian piano sta risalendo dal suo immenso dolore, i fratelli O’Shea gli hanno chiesto di vegliare sul loro piccolo fratellino e Anders ha preso sul serio l’impegno.
Impegno che a poco a poco sta evolvendosi in qualcosa di diverso, anche se la paura della perdita lo sta logorando.
In questo 5° volume della serie capiremo sempre più cos’è il gioco per questi ragazzi, cos’è l’amicizia e, cosa più importante, cos’è l’amore quando questo bussa alla propria porta. Una serie sempre più avvincente che la Vaughn sta trasformando in un piccolo giallo, dato che stiamo per scoprire il perché del comportamento così poco ortodosso del giocatore Jack Malone.
Di Kelly e di Anders ci si innamora subito, sarà per la loro connessione, sarà perché pur essendo così giovane Kelly riesce ad entrare nel cuore di Anders, sarà che Anders sa di non poter essere solo per sempre e che quella connessione con Kelly ha un suo perché, sarà un po’ di tutto questo comunque sia la loro sta per diventare una bella e grande storia che darà ad entrambi quel qualcosa che ognuno di loro vuole donare all’altro ossia la felicità e perché no? la vittoria della coppa.
Riusciranno a raggiungere questo obiettivo? Per avere risposta a questo quesito devo aspettare dicembre quando uscirà l’ultimo capitolo della serie che non solo ci porterà alla luce tutto ciò che è nascosto ma scopriremo anche la storia tra Wade e Trevor.
Quindi devo farmi forza e aspettare che giunga presto dicembre 😍
Questo è Kelly O’Shea, per chi sta leggendo la serie avrà avuto modo di conoscerne qualche aspetto già dai precedenti volumi.
È il piccolo della famiglia O’Shea di cui Anders è il migliore amico dei suoi fratelli maggiori e con cui ha avuto modo di giocare ad hockey. Adesso entrambi giocano nella stessa squadra e mentre Anders cerca di andare avanti dopo il lutto che lo ha colpito, Kelly pensa di amarlo per sempre e rimanere nascosto per timore di non essere apprezzato dalla sua famiglia
«Amalo, Anders. Amalo e non lasciarlo andare per niente al mondo. Vivi il più a lungo possibile e il più pienamente possibile e, che tu abbia cinque anni o cinquanta insieme, sfrutta al massimo ogni singolo secondo.»
Lui invece è Anders, l’attaccante svedese che pian piano sta risalendo dal suo immenso dolore, i fratelli O’Shea gli hanno chiesto di vegliare sul loro piccolo fratellino e Anders ha preso sul serio l’impegno.
Impegno che a poco a poco sta evolvendosi in qualcosa di diverso, anche se la paura della perdita lo sta logorando.
In questo 5° volume della serie capiremo sempre più cos’è il gioco per questi ragazzi, cos’è l’amicizia e, cosa più importante, cos’è l’amore quando questo bussa alla propria porta. Una serie sempre più avvincente che la Vaughn sta trasformando in un piccolo giallo, dato che stiamo per scoprire il perché del comportamento così poco ortodosso del giocatore Jack Malone.
Di Kelly e di Anders ci si innamora subito, sarà per la loro connessione, sarà perché pur essendo così giovane Kelly riesce ad entrare nel cuore di Anders, sarà che Anders sa di non poter essere solo per sempre e che quella connessione con Kelly ha un suo perché, sarà un po’ di tutto questo comunque sia la loro sta per diventare una bella e grande storia che darà ad entrambi quel qualcosa che ognuno di loro vuole donare all’altro ossia la felicità e perché no? la vittoria della coppa.
Riusciranno a raggiungere questo obiettivo? Per avere risposta a questo quesito devo aspettare dicembre quando uscirà l’ultimo capitolo della serie che non solo ci porterà alla luce tutto ciò che è nascosto ma scopriremo anche la storia tra Wade e Trevor.
Quindi devo farmi forza e aspettare che giunga presto dicembre 😍
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