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Scoring Chances #1
Goaltender Interference
The last thing Connor O’Shea needs is more complications …
After too much celebrating at his brother’s wedding, Connor wakes up next to cocky Toronto goaltender Jesse Webber—pro hockey’s reigning f*ckboy. With three kids and a failed marriage under his belt, Connor might be ready to admit he’s attracted to men, but that doesn’t mean his life has to change. Fate has other Jesse’s been traded to the Boston Harriers, the team Connor captains. With an intimidating family legacy to live up to, pressure from ownership to bring home another Cup, and a strained relationship with his ex-wife to juggle, Connor reluctantly agrees to let Jesse stay at his place for the season—strictly to keep him in line. Rules are set, boundaries are clear. But Jesse’s never met a rule he couldn’t break. Between winning over Connor’s kids, rallying the team, and sneaking past Connor’s defenses, Jesse is determined to prove he’s more than just trouble. But can he show Connor there’s more to life than playing it safe?
After too much celebrating at his brother’s wedding, Connor wakes up next to cocky Toronto goaltender Jesse Webber—pro hockey’s reigning f*ckboy. With three kids and a failed marriage under his belt, Connor might be ready to admit he’s attracted to men, but that doesn’t mean his life has to change. Fate has other Jesse’s been traded to the Boston Harriers, the team Connor captains. With an intimidating family legacy to live up to, pressure from ownership to bring home another Cup, and a strained relationship with his ex-wife to juggle, Connor reluctantly agrees to let Jesse stay at his place for the season—strictly to keep him in line. Rules are set, boundaries are clear. But Jesse’s never met a rule he couldn’t break. Between winning over Connor’s kids, rallying the team, and sneaking past Connor’s defenses, Jesse is determined to prove he’s more than just trouble. But can he show Connor there’s more to life than playing it safe?
562 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2025
475 people are currently reading
948 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 226 reviews
January 12, 2025
4.5
I really, really enjoyed getting to know grumpy Connor O'Shea and seeing more of his wider family - I've wanted more stories about them ever since I first read Kelly and Anders story and to be honest I'd happily read even more about them all. Jesse was also a fun character who fit in to the chaos so well and his and Connor's personalities balanced each other so nicely - I loved them as a couple and even more as a family.
One of my favourite parts of this book though is how Connor comes to a decision about religion and the role it plays in his life. It was an approach I haven't read before (I usually don't like books with religion in them because it's so outdated, judgmental and ridiculous - I'm an atheist amongst a religious family) and it worked really well for the main plot and also for the sideplots. Connor coming to the realisation that if he walks away from religion then he has to just be a decent person on his own merit without potential reward / punishment from Sky Daddy (loved how Jesse says this) was great to read. I liked the way he puts the happiness of himself, his kids and Jesse first instead of continuing to try and force himself to fit a religion that doesn't fit him.
It was also really fun getting to meet a whole new group of characters in this new team and although the book was a little on the too long side, it was because set up was being done for the future of the series alongside a pretty big story for Connor and Jesse. I think I'm most intrigued about Tanner and Dakota, and I feel like there's some big dramas and emotion on the horizon for a few of the cast, which I'm very excited to read!
The only thing I would have liked to be different is Viv towards the end of the book. I know these books are pretty low angst, but for me it was out of character for her to change her beliefs, especially so quickly, and her holding strong in her original thoughts would have made more sense to me even if it did cause a rift and emotional damage. I want the character's to all be happy, the kids especially, but this resolution to Viv's role just felt a little too idealistic for me. That being said, I am hopeful we get another O'Shea story in the future...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
I really, really enjoyed getting to know grumpy Connor O'Shea and seeing more of his wider family - I've wanted more stories about them ever since I first read Kelly and Anders story and to be honest I'd happily read even more about them all. Jesse was also a fun character who fit in to the chaos so well and his and Connor's personalities balanced each other so nicely - I loved them as a couple and even more as a family.
One of my favourite parts of this book though is how Connor comes to a decision about religion and the role it plays in his life. It was an approach I haven't read before (I usually don't like books with religion in them because it's so outdated, judgmental and ridiculous - I'm an atheist amongst a religious family) and it worked really well for the main plot and also for the sideplots. Connor coming to the realisation that if he walks away from religion then he has to just be a decent person on his own merit without potential reward / punishment from Sky Daddy (loved how Jesse says this) was great to read. I liked the way he puts the happiness of himself, his kids and Jesse first instead of continuing to try and force himself to fit a religion that doesn't fit him.
It was also really fun getting to meet a whole new group of characters in this new team and although the book was a little on the too long side, it was because set up was being done for the future of the series alongside a pretty big story for Connor and Jesse. I think I'm most intrigued about Tanner and Dakota, and I feel like there's some big dramas and emotion on the horizon for a few of the cast, which I'm very excited to read!
The only thing I would have liked to be different is Viv towards the end of the book. I know these books are pretty low angst, but for me it was out of character for her to change her beliefs, especially so quickly, and her holding strong in her original thoughts would have made more sense to me even if it did cause a rift and emotional damage. I want the character's to all be happy, the kids especially, but this resolution to Viv's role just felt a little too idealistic for me. That being said, I am hopeful we get another O'Shea story in the future...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
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February 19, 2025Dnf page 111 (19%).
I like neither the MCs nor the writing. The storyline isn't appealing to me, either.
I like neither the MCs nor the writing. The storyline isn't appealing to me, either.
January 25, 2025
Rating: 5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: sport romance, MM
Tropes / tags: teammates, grumpy / sunshine, single dad
I had the best time with these two - Captain Growly and his chaos demon goaltender were so much fun to read about!
I was super excited about the foreshadowing of this pairing in The Blame Game, and Brigham Vaughn truly delivered! Goaltender Interference was a fantastic introduction to the Boston Harriers, and a strong start to a new series.
The banter and humour were fantastic between Connor and Jesse, they were opposite in a lot of ways and their differences certainly kept things entertaining. They were good for each other though - Jesse could make Connor more relaxed and get him to actually have some fun, while Connor reigned in some of Jesse's chaos. The tension and attraction between them was palpable and I loved the two of them together, their relationship development and dynamic was just *chef's kiss*.
Their story was on the longer side, but there were several complex topics that required the space and the characters also needed the time to work things through. Connor needed time to come to terms with his situation as a divorced father, his faith and sexuality as well as his attraction to Jesse. I never felt like the story dragged, and while Connor and Jesse were quick to hook up, their feelings for each other was more of a slow burn which made sense considering their circumstances.
Goaltender Interference was everything I'd hope for and more - Connor and Jesse were perfect for each other and I loved the sweet and domestic moments in this story! I'm already fond of the players and the surrounding staff, and I can't wait for more books in this series. Highly recommended if you're looking for a hockey romance with all the banter, chemistry and grumpy / sunshine!
-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: sport romance, MM
Tropes / tags: teammates, grumpy / sunshine, single dad
I had the best time with these two - Captain Growly and his chaos demon goaltender were so much fun to read about!
I was super excited about the foreshadowing of this pairing in The Blame Game, and Brigham Vaughn truly delivered! Goaltender Interference was a fantastic introduction to the Boston Harriers, and a strong start to a new series.
The banter and humour were fantastic between Connor and Jesse, they were opposite in a lot of ways and their differences certainly kept things entertaining. They were good for each other though - Jesse could make Connor more relaxed and get him to actually have some fun, while Connor reigned in some of Jesse's chaos. The tension and attraction between them was palpable and I loved the two of them together, their relationship development and dynamic was just *chef's kiss*.
Their story was on the longer side, but there were several complex topics that required the space and the characters also needed the time to work things through. Connor needed time to come to terms with his situation as a divorced father, his faith and sexuality as well as his attraction to Jesse. I never felt like the story dragged, and while Connor and Jesse were quick to hook up, their feelings for each other was more of a slow burn which made sense considering their circumstances.
Goaltender Interference was everything I'd hope for and more - Connor and Jesse were perfect for each other and I loved the sweet and domestic moments in this story! I'm already fond of the players and the surrounding staff, and I can't wait for more books in this series. Highly recommended if you're looking for a hockey romance with all the banter, chemistry and grumpy / sunshine!
-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 31, 2025
B+ / 4.5 stars
Author Brigham Vaughn only pinged my radar at the end of last year when I randomly picked up one of her hockey romances – Head Game (book two in the Relationship Goals series) - and was very pleasantly surprised to find a fresh take on an old chestnut (the fake relationship trope) featuring characters who acted and communicated like grown-ups. I’ve since read another book in that series (I plan to read them all), and when I saw she had a new book coming out – the first in her new Scoring Chances series – I decided to read and review it.
Goaltender Interference (not to be confused with Ari Baran’s recent release with the same title!) is entertaining and very readable, featuring an opposites-attract pairing in the hockey romance equivalent of ‘oops, that guy I slept with last night is my new boss’ trope.
Connor O’Shea, captain of the Boston Harriers, comes from a family of hockey greats. He’s always felt the weight of responsibility – to his family and to his team – on his shoulders, and has been an exemplary captain and teammate. But his personal life is a bit of a mess. He and his ex-wife, Viv, are uneasily co-parenting their three children (aged fourteen, nine, and five), their marriage having ended when he realised he could no longer stomach her growing bigotry. Things hadn’t been great between them for some time, but when Connor’s brother, Kelly, announced his engagement to a man, Viv said some vile things which led to a heated shouting match in which Connor angrily announced his own bisexuality, and things just went downhill from there. Not that Connor has ever explored that side of himself; a crush on the team captain his rookie year at university led nowhere, and a youthful marriage and fatherhood meant he never wanted to – but now, at thirty-five, divorced, and with probably just a handful of years left in his playing career, Connor has been wondering if maybe it’s time he did.
He’s gone stag to Kelly’s wedding – the first one he’s been to since his divorce - and can’t help feeling somewhat wistful as he watches the happy couple on the dancefloor. He also feels like he’s spent most of the evening avoiding attempts by well-meaning family members to set him up. Ducking outside to avoid the latest one, he’s soon joined by Jesse Webber, the Toronto Fisher Cats’ goalie and unrepentant scandal-magnet, who flirts with him outrageously despite Connor’s obvious annoyance. Jesse is young and cocky, with a reputation for attracting trouble; he irritates the fuck out of Connor, but he’s also gorgeous, interested - and based hundreds of miles away. A passionate kiss leads to a night of scorching hot sex, which definitely satisfies Connor’s curiosity about his sexuality – but morning brings news that is like a bucket of iced water over the head. The Fisher Cats has had enough of Jesse being a PR nightmare and has traded him. To Boston.
But the bad news doesn’t end there. Back in Boston, the team’s GM asks Connor to have Jesse stay at his place for the season because Jesse could use a steadying influence. Connor tries to find a way to refuse without saying ‘no’ outright - even if he hadn’t slept with Jesse, the idea of babysitting a “twenty-four-year-old fuckboy who seemed intent on squandering his God-given talent” sounds exhausting - but quickly realises he’s fighting a losing battle. The Harriers have been struggling for the last couple of years and desperately need new talent – hence the trade for Jesse – and the pressure is on Connor, as captain, to step up and turn things around. The owners expect Connor keep Jesse out of trouble, so that’s what he’ll have to do, treat Jesse Webber like any other goalie and just… deal with having the one guy he’s had sex with on his team and living in his house. No biggie.
Connor and Jesse have fantastic chemistry and neither of them has been able to forget their night together, but although Connor tries hard to keep things platonic between them, it isn’t long before their roommate situation turns into roommates with benefits. Even though they do start a sexual relationship quite quickly, the emotional connection between them is more of a slow burn as Jesse slowly starts making a place for himself in Connor’s life and Connor begins to realise he needs something more in his life than hockey and that he more than likes having Jesse around – he actually likes him. Jesse gets on like a house on fire with Connor’s kids, he’s smart (smarter than anyone has ever given him credit for), kind and considerate, and, Connor recognises, is trying really hard to make better choices.
Jesse seems to be one of those people who just can’t help getting himself into hot water, (he really is a disaster magnet!) but as the story progresses and Connor gets to know him better, he starts to realise that maybe it’s because Jesse has never really been taken seriously outside of hockey. He’s an incredible talent, for sure, and on the ice, he’s focused and determined, but off it, he’s a bit aimless. I liked that Connor sees beyond the “chaos monkey”, to the young man in need of a bit of direction and helps Jesse to see that he has a lot to offer off the ice as well as on it.
As in the other books I’ve read by this author, there’s a large and well-drawn cast of secondary characters who add depth and colour to the background of the story. In addition to Connor’s large Irish-American family, there the are numerous team-mates and off-ice colleagues who add a sense of authenticity to the hockey element of the book, and Connor’s kids are well-written and come off as mostly age-appropriate, especially Nolan, the eldest, who is struggling with secrets of his own.
Its a long book for a romance. Most these days seem to come in under or around the 300 page mark, but Amazon shows Goaltender Interference is 562 pages – which came as a bit of a surprise, because I didn’t really notice it while I was reading. Having finished it I can say that it is, perhaps a little overlong in places, but the author tackles some complex subjects that need the extra space, and the characters need the time to work through their issues, Connor especially. Post divorce, he’s realising he was a pretty shitty husband, that he doesn’t have any real sense of who he is outside of hockey, and is struggling to reconcile his Catholic upbringing with his newly discovered bisexuality. The religious theme in the story is well-handled and not at all heavy-handed, and I really liked the way Connor comes to a decision about his feelings about his faith and the role it plays in his life.
Connor and Jesse make a great couple, each of them bringing something to the relationship that the other badly needs. Jesse brings happiness and a levity to Connor’s life he hadn’t known he was missing; he pushes Connor to step outside his comfort zone and encourages him to take something for himself after so many years of putting everyone else in his life first. Jesse has a lot of growing up to do and benefits from Connor’s stablising influence as he finds a sense of responsibility, first of all towards the team, and then towards himself and the other people in his life.
The one bum note is the way things go near the end with Viv; given that her homophobia was a big part of the reason she and Connor split, her trying to change because (spoiler) feels out of character and a rather idealistic solution to what could – and perhaps should – have been a major sticking-point.
Other than that and the occasional bit of flabby pacing, Goaltender Interference is funny, sexy and thoughtful with likeable, three-dimensional leads and a lovely romance. It’s a great read and I plan to continue with the series.
Author Brigham Vaughn only pinged my radar at the end of last year when I randomly picked up one of her hockey romances – Head Game (book two in the Relationship Goals series) - and was very pleasantly surprised to find a fresh take on an old chestnut (the fake relationship trope) featuring characters who acted and communicated like grown-ups. I’ve since read another book in that series (I plan to read them all), and when I saw she had a new book coming out – the first in her new Scoring Chances series – I decided to read and review it.
Goaltender Interference (not to be confused with Ari Baran’s recent release with the same title!) is entertaining and very readable, featuring an opposites-attract pairing in the hockey romance equivalent of ‘oops, that guy I slept with last night is my new boss’ trope.
Connor O’Shea, captain of the Boston Harriers, comes from a family of hockey greats. He’s always felt the weight of responsibility – to his family and to his team – on his shoulders, and has been an exemplary captain and teammate. But his personal life is a bit of a mess. He and his ex-wife, Viv, are uneasily co-parenting their three children (aged fourteen, nine, and five), their marriage having ended when he realised he could no longer stomach her growing bigotry. Things hadn’t been great between them for some time, but when Connor’s brother, Kelly, announced his engagement to a man, Viv said some vile things which led to a heated shouting match in which Connor angrily announced his own bisexuality, and things just went downhill from there. Not that Connor has ever explored that side of himself; a crush on the team captain his rookie year at university led nowhere, and a youthful marriage and fatherhood meant he never wanted to – but now, at thirty-five, divorced, and with probably just a handful of years left in his playing career, Connor has been wondering if maybe it’s time he did.
He’s gone stag to Kelly’s wedding – the first one he’s been to since his divorce - and can’t help feeling somewhat wistful as he watches the happy couple on the dancefloor. He also feels like he’s spent most of the evening avoiding attempts by well-meaning family members to set him up. Ducking outside to avoid the latest one, he’s soon joined by Jesse Webber, the Toronto Fisher Cats’ goalie and unrepentant scandal-magnet, who flirts with him outrageously despite Connor’s obvious annoyance. Jesse is young and cocky, with a reputation for attracting trouble; he irritates the fuck out of Connor, but he’s also gorgeous, interested - and based hundreds of miles away. A passionate kiss leads to a night of scorching hot sex, which definitely satisfies Connor’s curiosity about his sexuality – but morning brings news that is like a bucket of iced water over the head. The Fisher Cats has had enough of Jesse being a PR nightmare and has traded him. To Boston.
But the bad news doesn’t end there. Back in Boston, the team’s GM asks Connor to have Jesse stay at his place for the season because Jesse could use a steadying influence. Connor tries to find a way to refuse without saying ‘no’ outright - even if he hadn’t slept with Jesse, the idea of babysitting a “twenty-four-year-old fuckboy who seemed intent on squandering his God-given talent” sounds exhausting - but quickly realises he’s fighting a losing battle. The Harriers have been struggling for the last couple of years and desperately need new talent – hence the trade for Jesse – and the pressure is on Connor, as captain, to step up and turn things around. The owners expect Connor keep Jesse out of trouble, so that’s what he’ll have to do, treat Jesse Webber like any other goalie and just… deal with having the one guy he’s had sex with on his team and living in his house. No biggie.
Connor and Jesse have fantastic chemistry and neither of them has been able to forget their night together, but although Connor tries hard to keep things platonic between them, it isn’t long before their roommate situation turns into roommates with benefits. Even though they do start a sexual relationship quite quickly, the emotional connection between them is more of a slow burn as Jesse slowly starts making a place for himself in Connor’s life and Connor begins to realise he needs something more in his life than hockey and that he more than likes having Jesse around – he actually likes him. Jesse gets on like a house on fire with Connor’s kids, he’s smart (smarter than anyone has ever given him credit for), kind and considerate, and, Connor recognises, is trying really hard to make better choices.
Jesse seems to be one of those people who just can’t help getting himself into hot water, (he really is a disaster magnet!) but as the story progresses and Connor gets to know him better, he starts to realise that maybe it’s because Jesse has never really been taken seriously outside of hockey. He’s an incredible talent, for sure, and on the ice, he’s focused and determined, but off it, he’s a bit aimless. I liked that Connor sees beyond the “chaos monkey”, to the young man in need of a bit of direction and helps Jesse to see that he has a lot to offer off the ice as well as on it.
As in the other books I’ve read by this author, there’s a large and well-drawn cast of secondary characters who add depth and colour to the background of the story. In addition to Connor’s large Irish-American family, there the are numerous team-mates and off-ice colleagues who add a sense of authenticity to the hockey element of the book, and Connor’s kids are well-written and come off as mostly age-appropriate, especially Nolan, the eldest, who is struggling with secrets of his own.
Its a long book for a romance. Most these days seem to come in under or around the 300 page mark, but Amazon shows Goaltender Interference is 562 pages – which came as a bit of a surprise, because I didn’t really notice it while I was reading. Having finished it I can say that it is, perhaps a little overlong in places, but the author tackles some complex subjects that need the extra space, and the characters need the time to work through their issues, Connor especially. Post divorce, he’s realising he was a pretty shitty husband, that he doesn’t have any real sense of who he is outside of hockey, and is struggling to reconcile his Catholic upbringing with his newly discovered bisexuality. The religious theme in the story is well-handled and not at all heavy-handed, and I really liked the way Connor comes to a decision about his feelings about his faith and the role it plays in his life.
Connor and Jesse make a great couple, each of them bringing something to the relationship that the other badly needs. Jesse brings happiness and a levity to Connor’s life he hadn’t known he was missing; he pushes Connor to step outside his comfort zone and encourages him to take something for himself after so many years of putting everyone else in his life first. Jesse has a lot of growing up to do and benefits from Connor’s stablising influence as he finds a sense of responsibility, first of all towards the team, and then towards himself and the other people in his life.
The one bum note is the way things go near the end with Viv; given that her homophobia was a big part of the reason she and Connor split, her trying to change because (spoiler) feels out of character and a rather idealistic solution to what could – and perhaps should – have been a major sticking-point.
Other than that and the occasional bit of flabby pacing, Goaltender Interference is funny, sexy and thoughtful with likeable, three-dimensional leads and a lovely romance. It’s a great read and I plan to continue with the series.
January 20, 2025
4.5 stars
Gahhh I am loving this world already. The team, the characters and the level of writing are so freaking amazing, I am enjoying it alot.
This is Connor and Jesse's story, we have met both of them before and let me tell you they were so freaking hot and swoony with sweet moments with the kids and family which kept me hooked. I enjoyed their banter and how Connor tried to resist Jesse but damn he was so charming.
I liked how the author wrote about Connor's religious beliefs and everything else that made their story more beautiful. Also loved Nolan and his story.
Overall, this was an amazing read for me and I highly recommend you to check it out.
Gahhh I am loving this world already. The team, the characters and the level of writing are so freaking amazing, I am enjoying it alot.
This is Connor and Jesse's story, we have met both of them before and let me tell you they were so freaking hot and swoony with sweet moments with the kids and family which kept me hooked. I enjoyed their banter and how Connor tried to resist Jesse but damn he was so charming.
I liked how the author wrote about Connor's religious beliefs and everything else that made their story more beautiful. Also loved Nolan and his story.
Overall, this was an amazing read for me and I highly recommend you to check it out.
February 2, 2025
Connor and Jesse
The story was fine, and I liked the humor, heat, and happy ending. Just like with Vaughn's other series, the story includes bread crumbs to the setup for the series, and it looks like Gavin and Dakota's happily ever after is up next.
The story was fine, and I liked the humor, heat, and happy ending. Just like with Vaughn's other series, the story includes bread crumbs to the setup for the series, and it looks like Gavin and Dakota's happily ever after is up next.
February 26, 2025
“Just for that, I should say no.”
“You should’ve said no last summer, and yet, you seem to keep saying yes.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I came into it right after DNFing another hockey romance and I tend to pick bad books back-to-back, so I was a bit skeptical that my bad luck would carry over... and man was I happy that it didn't.
This book was written really well in terms of pacing. It didn't feel rushed, but it also moved along fairly quickly despite so much happening. Every aspect of the book - from family, to religion, to relationships - was covered, no stone left unturned, and I finished the book with no questions, and no desperately wanting more information about a topic that we didn't get to before the book ended. I was never bored during this book, which is saying something considering my attention span recently.
I love love LOVED the relationships in this book, too! I definitely need to go back and read more from this author and this world because I feel like I've got so much to uncover about the O'Shea's and our other characters. Granted, I also didn't feel like I was missing anything by jumping into this book without having read anything else by Brigham Vaughn (bar the Christmas Falls series...)
I loved the relationship between Connor and his family, Connor and Jesse, and omg Connor and his kids... Connor and Jesse and the kids... my heart could explode with how much I loved the way they connected and acted around each other. Even Viv - I'll throw her a bone here because girl had a solid redemption arc there.
5 out of 5 stars for Goaltender Interference and it will definitely be going on my Amazon Wishlist because I need a physical copy of this one for my bookshelf.
“You should’ve said no last summer, and yet, you seem to keep saying yes.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I came into it right after DNFing another hockey romance and I tend to pick bad books back-to-back, so I was a bit skeptical that my bad luck would carry over... and man was I happy that it didn't.
This book was written really well in terms of pacing. It didn't feel rushed, but it also moved along fairly quickly despite so much happening. Every aspect of the book - from family, to religion, to relationships - was covered, no stone left unturned, and I finished the book with no questions, and no desperately wanting more information about a topic that we didn't get to before the book ended. I was never bored during this book, which is saying something considering my attention span recently.
I love love LOVED the relationships in this book, too! I definitely need to go back and read more from this author and this world because I feel like I've got so much to uncover about the O'Shea's and our other characters. Granted, I also didn't feel like I was missing anything by jumping into this book without having read anything else by Brigham Vaughn (bar the Christmas Falls series...)
I loved the relationship between Connor and his family, Connor and Jesse, and omg Connor and his kids... Connor and Jesse and the kids... my heart could explode with how much I loved the way they connected and acted around each other. Even Viv - I'll throw her a bone here because girl had a solid redemption arc there.
5 out of 5 stars for Goaltender Interference and it will definitely be going on my Amazon Wishlist because I need a physical copy of this one for my bookshelf.
June 17, 2025
4⭐️
Honestly it was better than I expected. I was disappointed in a few books by this author so didn’t start this one with high hopes. But this book was both better written and deeper than a few others.
I started reading this book because I needed a breather from the carnage of another book. And this book was a wonderful distraction and fortified me to be able to continue Erha 7.
I liked the relationship development and the MC’s inner conflict with his faith. The way his ex-wife wasn’t vilified and was given some depth at the end was great too :)
Honestly it was better than I expected. I was disappointed in a few books by this author so didn’t start this one with high hopes. But this book was both better written and deeper than a few others.
I started reading this book because I needed a breather from the carnage of another book. And this book was a wonderful distraction and fortified me to be able to continue Erha 7.
I liked the relationship development and the MC’s inner conflict with his faith. The way his ex-wife wasn’t vilified and was given some depth at the end was great too :)
February 14, 2025
Connor and Jesse’s story was everything I wanted and needed.
January 21, 2025
This is a 2.5/weak 3 for me. It just kept going. It definitely needed to be edited down. I felt like we randomly had Nolan’s book thrown in.
Then, it got sickeningly sweet at the end, which made the dialogue feel more cringey than realistic. And everything was just fine so any hesitation or tension was uncalled for the whole time
Then, it got sickeningly sweet at the end, which made the dialogue feel more cringey than realistic. And everything was just fine so any hesitation or tension was uncalled for the whole time
January 22, 2025
I must be losing my goddamn mind, because how in the hell is this book rated so high here? It's just endless sex scenes with zero chemistry or any discernable emotional connection whatsoever. The MCs are both annoying af and the book is definitely 300 pages too long, not to mention aggressively boring. What a waste of my time.
January 25, 2025
4.5☆
This was such a sweet story! I loved Connor and Jesse a lot! The whole O'Shea clan is such fun and Connor's children were all so great, everyone was such an integral part of the story.
Connor O'Shea is the divorced captain of the Boston Harriers hockey team, and Jesse Webber is their new goalie, who is a bit of a handul, so Connor is asked to keep an eye on him and let him live at his house. They already have a bit of history, and it doesn't take long for them to start up again.
The thing I loved the most about this book was all the domesticity! I just ate it up. It felt really good and it was really sweet. Connor has had a rough couple years and I just loved the happiness and levity Jesse brought to his life. I also loved how Jesse challenged and pushed Connor to step out of his comfort zone and do things for himself. On the other hand Connor was a calming presence for Jesse, and I feel like he needed someone like that. I also felt like Connor could be someone Jesse could lean on, but it's also true the other way around.
Connor being Irish Catholic was also a topic of discussion in this book and I really liked the perspective he had towards being queer. His ex-wife is Eastern Orthodox and her religion's views were also shown in the book.(I live in Romania-but I'm not Orthodox-, so I have first hand knowledge of the religion, and sadly the views portrayed in the book pretty much line up with reality.)
In the end they were both oblivious to their feelings, but they received the push to think about everything and reach for what they wanted.
I really loved the banter in the book, and I cackled a bunch of times too! The Boston Harriers are a fun bunch too and I'm excited to get more books centered around this team.
I would definitely recommend this book if you want a hookups to teammates to lovers book about a growly captain and a chaos demon goalie, that is sweet, low-angst, has a big Irish family and is a fun read.
This was such a sweet story! I loved Connor and Jesse a lot! The whole O'Shea clan is such fun and Connor's children were all so great, everyone was such an integral part of the story.
Connor O'Shea is the divorced captain of the Boston Harriers hockey team, and Jesse Webber is their new goalie, who is a bit of a handul, so Connor is asked to keep an eye on him and let him live at his house. They already have a bit of history, and it doesn't take long for them to start up again.
The thing I loved the most about this book was all the domesticity! I just ate it up. It felt really good and it was really sweet. Connor has had a rough couple years and I just loved the happiness and levity Jesse brought to his life. I also loved how Jesse challenged and pushed Connor to step out of his comfort zone and do things for himself. On the other hand Connor was a calming presence for Jesse, and I feel like he needed someone like that. I also felt like Connor could be someone Jesse could lean on, but it's also true the other way around.
Connor being Irish Catholic was also a topic of discussion in this book and I really liked the perspective he had towards being queer. His ex-wife is Eastern Orthodox and her religion's views were also shown in the book.(I live in Romania-but I'm not Orthodox-, so I have first hand knowledge of the religion, and sadly the views portrayed in the book pretty much line up with reality.)
In the end they were both oblivious to their feelings, but they received the push to think about everything and reach for what they wanted.
I really loved the banter in the book, and I cackled a bunch of times too! The Boston Harriers are a fun bunch too and I'm excited to get more books centered around this team.
I would definitely recommend this book if you want a hookups to teammates to lovers book about a growly captain and a chaos demon goalie, that is sweet, low-angst, has a big Irish family and is a fun read.
January 20, 2025
Yay new team new season new series!!!! This team is rife with eligible dudes just waiting to be thrown into loving and healthy relationships completely against their will, and I for one can't wait to see what it's going to turn into. I'm mostly interested to see if this series is going to have a running trope theme, similar to how the last series (Relationship Goals) was all fake dating.
Connor's struggle with reckoning his burgeoning sexuality with his religious upbringing was a very good read, you could feel the Catholic guilt DRIPPING from him on every damn page, I just know Brigham has a church history in there because it was on point. Jesse annoyed me in the beginning and made the first about 30% a less enjoyable read. I get the whole good heart but bad luck magnet thing, but he made the wrong decision about every single one of those bad luck moments, to the point where it was just irritating. He had some solid growing up to do, and I do respect that the storyline made that a believable arc of getting him some sense of authority/ownership in the team and everything developing from there, but it took longer than I'd like. The integration with Connor's kids and Jesse was top notch too.
I thought I was going to have more to say but we've decided to not hold space for Viv SO!!! We're done!
Next book should be interesting, don't quote me on this but if memory serves, this will be the first time in Brigham's books that neither MC will be one of the players. I'm really curious how that's going to change the dynamic of everything.
Connor's struggle with reckoning his burgeoning sexuality with his religious upbringing was a very good read, you could feel the Catholic guilt DRIPPING from him on every damn page, I just know Brigham has a church history in there because it was on point. Jesse annoyed me in the beginning and made the first about 30% a less enjoyable read. I get the whole good heart but bad luck magnet thing, but he made the wrong decision about every single one of those bad luck moments, to the point where it was just irritating. He had some solid growing up to do, and I do respect that the storyline made that a believable arc of getting him some sense of authority/ownership in the team and everything developing from there, but it took longer than I'd like. The integration with Connor's kids and Jesse was top notch too.
I thought I was going to have more to say but we've decided to not hold space for Viv SO!!! We're done!
Next book should be interesting, don't quote me on this but if memory serves, this will be the first time in Brigham's books that neither MC will be one of the players. I'm really curious how that's going to change the dynamic of everything.
June 9, 2025
4.5 stars
April 11, 2025
DNF ~40%
I really gave this an earnest try, but alas, it was not meant to be. Lots of mentions of characters that I'm clearly supposed to know from previous series, which I'd been expecting but was still annoying. Mostly I just found Jesse to be utterly intolerable, just immature and childish to the point that I saw absolutely zero appeal. Connor was marginally more tolerable, but the way he engaged with Jesse really didn't feel super believable to me, especially for a man his age. Had promise, but I think this author's writing style is a little too immature for me.
I really gave this an earnest try, but alas, it was not meant to be. Lots of mentions of characters that I'm clearly supposed to know from previous series, which I'd been expecting but was still annoying. Mostly I just found Jesse to be utterly intolerable, just immature and childish to the point that I saw absolutely zero appeal. Connor was marginally more tolerable, but the way he engaged with Jesse really didn't feel super believable to me, especially for a man his age. Had promise, but I think this author's writing style is a little too immature for me.
January 13, 2025
It’s been rough for a while for Connor since his divorce, coparenting, and captaining his NHL hockey team. So the night of his brother’s wedding, Connor takes a chance to do something for himself. He has suspected he was bi for a long time but being married meant he never really had to acknowledge it. But now he’s been single for a while and when he gets a chance to hook up with Toronto’s goaltender, Jesse…well, what could go wrong? Apparently a lot. A night that was crazy intense for the two of them turns sour when they realize Jesse has been traded to Boston. Now they’ll be on the same team. And to make matters worse for Connor is when upper management asks him to host Jesse and keep him out of trouble. Things just got complicated. Jesse doesn’t mean to cause so much chaos. A lot of the time it’s out of his hands but he knows he has to be careful now that he is in Boston. But how can he do that when he can’t stop thinking about Connor and now has to live with him? As the two of them navigate their new normal, they find that keeping their attraction to themselves is nearly impossible. And the more they actually get to know one another, the more they like each other. But can it work when there is so much going on around them? I really loved Jesse and Connor’s story! These two were opposites in a lot of ways but also balanced one another out a lot. Coaxing sides of themselves that no one else sees, but they see with one another. It was really sweet. I’m super late getting into this world seeing as there are two other series about other teams that connect! So I know I’ll be backtracking. But I really loved starting off with Connor and Jesse. They were sweet and fun and I just loved the story all around! I definitely can’t wait for more.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2025
Goaltender Interference is everything I want in a friends to benefits, teammates to lovers story. Connor is so lost and confused at first, having to reconcile his religion, newly explored bisexuality, the perils of co-parenting, and falling for his teammate. Poor guy has a lot going on. But Jesse, for as wild and out of control as everyone labels him, is actually really good for him. He's kind, caring, and sweet to Connor's kids, and he helps provide Connor the safe space he needs as he makes a lot of revelations and coming to terms in his life.
While the chemistry is off the charts, the more domestic, sweet, and caring moments are what really make this book shine.
While the chemistry is off the charts, the more domestic, sweet, and caring moments are what really make this book shine.
Read
February 24, 2025Sometimes a side character needs his own book and I'm so glad Jesse Webster (Webby) has gotten his. Poor guy is mortified by the trade and being on the same team as his last hookup. Connor's also furious and determined to ignore Jesse. Jesse's outgoing, fun, talented and impossible to put out of Connor's mind.
I loved having a front row seat to them breaking down their defenses and starting a relationship. The obstacles mount but so do their feelings.
It's a great low angst healthy relationship.
I loved having a front row seat to them breaking down their defenses and starting a relationship. The obstacles mount but so do their feelings.
It's a great low angst healthy relationship.
January 25, 2025
||3.5🌟||
At first it was a little too slow and the characters were annoying as hell then it grew on me! I started laughing out loud, smiling at my screen and generally just being excited to see where the story takes me.
I love the religious angle this book has too. It was so raw and real and I like how the author tried to be as respectful as possible even if the “Sky Daddy” mention did make me cringe.
All in all, this was cute as hell and I’m so excited for the next book
At first it was a little too slow and the characters were annoying as hell then it grew on me! I started laughing out loud, smiling at my screen and generally just being excited to see where the story takes me.
I love the religious angle this book has too. It was so raw and real and I like how the author tried to be as respectful as possible even if the “Sky Daddy” mention did make me cringe.
All in all, this was cute as hell and I’m so excited for the next book
did-not-finish
January 17, 2025DNF @ 45% - There's not enough going on to justify the length of the book. (Everyone's too nice, things are going too well, there's too much talking about sex, Jesse's always on "his best behaviour" - how old is he?? - and there aren't enough issues/challenges.)
January 25, 2025
Haven't read any of the other series, but it wasn't necessary. Author is starting a whole new line of Harrier books. Lots of people could star in future books.
Loved Jesse.
Loved Jesse.
June 4, 2025
4.5!!! This one was one of my favorites from BV. It was so cute I’m in love w the single dad books they always make my heart explode!! I also love all the goalie books bc they’re so fucking weird.
January 30, 2025
Love love loved it!
I cried, I laughed, I awwwed. I love these two for each other. I've been wondering what was going on with the other O'Shea brothers and their team, or if any of them might end up with a book! Can't wait to see what's next for this team.
I cried, I laughed, I awwwed. I love these two for each other. I've been wondering what was going on with the other O'Shea brothers and their team, or if any of them might end up with a book! Can't wait to see what's next for this team.
January 21, 2025
I absolutely adored Kelly O’Shea in his own book ‘Rules of Engagement’ and while his large Boston Irish family had their issues, I did enjoy meeting them and was happy to return to Boston and learn more about them and Connor and Jesse were so much fun to read about.
Connor is a recently divorced, wonderful single father who is trying to become comfortable in his bisexual identity as he moves forward in his private life. Jesse is a young out and proud player who has had several media issues for being a little too wild in his partying ways. Connor has a one night stand with Jesse at Kelly’s wedding only to find out the next morning that Jesse is being traded to his team. Connor reacts quite badly to the news and takes it out on Jesse. Due to the circumstances that led to Jesse’s trade, Connor is asked to house Jesse as the Captain and help keep him in line throughout the season. By living with Jesse and seeing a different, deeper side, and more importantly how he treats his children Connor realises he was quick to write him off due to just what he has read about him. By spending time cooking together, hanging out etc he realises Jesse is a bit of a brat but he is a kind, generous, genuine person who needs a little guidance. As things turn romantic between them, I couldn’t put my Kindle down. This book was so well written for our MCs, the supporting characters, and the actual hockey content was strong. I love that Vaughn writes sports romances where we actually see a decent proportion of sport action.
While this series is a kind of spin off ‘Relationship Goals’, which is a spin off of ‘Rules of the Game’ it can still be read by someone who hasn’t yet started either of the previous series. Vaughn’s writing seems to get better and better and I am locked in for the rest of the series.
TW for religious homophobia
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Connor is a recently divorced, wonderful single father who is trying to become comfortable in his bisexual identity as he moves forward in his private life. Jesse is a young out and proud player who has had several media issues for being a little too wild in his partying ways. Connor has a one night stand with Jesse at Kelly’s wedding only to find out the next morning that Jesse is being traded to his team. Connor reacts quite badly to the news and takes it out on Jesse. Due to the circumstances that led to Jesse’s trade, Connor is asked to house Jesse as the Captain and help keep him in line throughout the season. By living with Jesse and seeing a different, deeper side, and more importantly how he treats his children Connor realises he was quick to write him off due to just what he has read about him. By spending time cooking together, hanging out etc he realises Jesse is a bit of a brat but he is a kind, generous, genuine person who needs a little guidance. As things turn romantic between them, I couldn’t put my Kindle down. This book was so well written for our MCs, the supporting characters, and the actual hockey content was strong. I love that Vaughn writes sports romances where we actually see a decent proportion of sport action.
While this series is a kind of spin off ‘Relationship Goals’, which is a spin off of ‘Rules of the Game’ it can still be read by someone who hasn’t yet started either of the previous series. Vaughn’s writing seems to get better and better and I am locked in for the rest of the series.
TW for religious homophobia
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 1, 2025
DNF @ 65%
Ok, wow super duper long for no particular reason. There's tons of sex (even a couple back to back scenes) and lots of named characters either referencing older MCs or setting up new ones that made it kind of tough to keep track of who was who.
Nothing was particularly bad, but honestly kinda got boring because of the length. Like a third of the scenes could've been chopped off and it would've been a tighter and more focused story.
Connor was initially fine, his worry and paranoia about being outed was justifiable, even if it was a little weird considering how he was already surrounded by other queer players. Like why was he so scared about being outed again? I honestly don't remember because the book is so damn long. I think he has a lot going on in terms of personal conflicts that weirdly don't get developed much despite the incredibly lengthy story. Connor's conflicts include:
- dealing with his family's legacy on the team
- coming to terms with his sexuality
- his relationship with his conservative ex-wife
It's almost impressive how we don't really get very much development on any of them and I'm 368 pages in.
He only occasionally mentions how being an O'Shea in Boston is a lot of pressure, but it's never really a big focus outside of like 3 scenes.
His ideas on his sexuality are directly tied to his relationship with Jesse, which doesn't really move forward because they're still at pretty much the same spot as they were when they agreed to be FWBs except Connor is just now realizing his feeling.
And his ex-wife has barely had any appearances, so 🤷. I'm guessing she'll end up being the final boss of the story but I'm not super interested in finding out of she'll double down on being a homophobe or not because we've barely seen her and she has next to zero plot relevance.
Jesse was fine, if a little too patient for Connor's apprehension. He kind of just went along with everything, and didn't take issue with any restriction or conflict the story really threw at him. I liked when he called out Connor's jealousy, but that's about where it ends since he's pretty unremarkable otherwise. The kids also took a liking to him a bit too quickly imo. Opposite to Connor, I feel like he didn't really have much going on with regards to external conflict outside of the romance. There wasn't any trouble adjusting to a new city or team. No fallout from his scandals that have followed him. Nobody seems to view him in a negative light despite his supposed problematic history. No family drama. No exes to address. He really only has Connor and their relationship as his only conflict, and since Connor's POV also deals with that, he feels a little lacking.
TL;DR LONG, and also doesn't develop the conflicts enough. Not awful, but a little boring and did I mention long
Ok, wow super duper long for no particular reason. There's tons of sex (even a couple back to back scenes) and lots of named characters either referencing older MCs or setting up new ones that made it kind of tough to keep track of who was who.
Nothing was particularly bad, but honestly kinda got boring because of the length. Like a third of the scenes could've been chopped off and it would've been a tighter and more focused story.
Connor was initially fine, his worry and paranoia about being outed was justifiable, even if it was a little weird considering how he was already surrounded by other queer players. Like why was he so scared about being outed again? I honestly don't remember because the book is so damn long. I think he has a lot going on in terms of personal conflicts that weirdly don't get developed much despite the incredibly lengthy story. Connor's conflicts include:
- dealing with his family's legacy on the team
- coming to terms with his sexuality
- his relationship with his conservative ex-wife
It's almost impressive how we don't really get very much development on any of them and I'm 368 pages in.
He only occasionally mentions how being an O'Shea in Boston is a lot of pressure, but it's never really a big focus outside of like 3 scenes.
His ideas on his sexuality are directly tied to his relationship with Jesse, which doesn't really move forward because they're still at pretty much the same spot as they were when they agreed to be FWBs except Connor is just now realizing his feeling.
And his ex-wife has barely had any appearances, so 🤷. I'm guessing she'll end up being the final boss of the story but I'm not super interested in finding out of she'll double down on being a homophobe or not because we've barely seen her and she has next to zero plot relevance.
Jesse was fine, if a little too patient for Connor's apprehension. He kind of just went along with everything, and didn't take issue with any restriction or conflict the story really threw at him. I liked when he called out Connor's jealousy, but that's about where it ends since he's pretty unremarkable otherwise. The kids also took a liking to him a bit too quickly imo. Opposite to Connor, I feel like he didn't really have much going on with regards to external conflict outside of the romance. There wasn't any trouble adjusting to a new city or team. No fallout from his scandals that have followed him. Nobody seems to view him in a negative light despite his supposed problematic history. No family drama. No exes to address. He really only has Connor and their relationship as his only conflict, and since Connor's POV also deals with that, he feels a little lacking.
TL;DR LONG, and also doesn't develop the conflicts enough. Not awful, but a little boring and did I mention long
October 8, 2025
Lovely hockey romance 💕
I really enjoyed this. The dynamic between Connor, an experienced hockey player, and serious, divorced father and Jesse, a cocky, younger hockey player, was so hot! Talk about contrasting personalities, Connor, ultra grumpy, and Jesse, young, high spirited, free, and single. I loved how Jesse's playful nature clashed with Connor's seriousness, creating situations, which made Connor think about how his life was playing out and what he was missing out on. Connor's past and responsibilities created a conflict, which totally complicated his budding attraction to Jesse, especially in the face of Connor's ex-wife's homophobia. However, when Jesse and Connor finally got together, I enjoyed how they discovered love, and how Connor found it such a challenge to balance his growing feelings for Jesse, with both his parental responsibilities, his ex-wife and the captaining of his team. Despite all of this, I loved their story. It was so romantic, but also demonstrated the challenges of their real-life relationship. Together, though, they were both engaging and heartwarming. Jesse's relationship with Connor's kids was adorable, I loved how he dealt with both Connor's son and his daughters. Brigham focused on character development in this one and built a believable conflict between the two guys, which was resolved as their feelings grew into something real. The ending was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this, Jesse, in particular, captured my heart, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Having just listened to the audiobook of this, I have to say that James Edward Jones does a cracking job in bringing Jesse and Connor to life. It's an emotional ride, and he successfully captures all of the feels. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this. The dynamic between Connor, an experienced hockey player, and serious, divorced father and Jesse, a cocky, younger hockey player, was so hot! Talk about contrasting personalities, Connor, ultra grumpy, and Jesse, young, high spirited, free, and single. I loved how Jesse's playful nature clashed with Connor's seriousness, creating situations, which made Connor think about how his life was playing out and what he was missing out on. Connor's past and responsibilities created a conflict, which totally complicated his budding attraction to Jesse, especially in the face of Connor's ex-wife's homophobia. However, when Jesse and Connor finally got together, I enjoyed how they discovered love, and how Connor found it such a challenge to balance his growing feelings for Jesse, with both his parental responsibilities, his ex-wife and the captaining of his team. Despite all of this, I loved their story. It was so romantic, but also demonstrated the challenges of their real-life relationship. Together, though, they were both engaging and heartwarming. Jesse's relationship with Connor's kids was adorable, I loved how he dealt with both Connor's son and his daughters. Brigham focused on character development in this one and built a believable conflict between the two guys, which was resolved as their feelings grew into something real. The ending was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this, Jesse, in particular, captured my heart, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Having just listened to the audiobook of this, I have to say that James Edward Jones does a cracking job in bringing Jesse and Connor to life. It's an emotional ride, and he successfully captures all of the feels. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2025
Love this!!! Connor O'Shea is at his younger brother Kelly's wedding when he's feeling a bit lonely. He divorced his wife after his brother Kelly came out and she took it horribly. Connor is a closeted bisexual but has never been with a man. Enter Jesse Webber! Connor can't help watching him cause mayhem on the dance floor, both angered and aroused by his antics. They end up having a one-night stand only to wake up to hear Jesse's been traded to Boston, the team where Connor is captain. Thanks to Jesse's public shenanigans from the previous season, the GM thinks he needs a babysitter and he should stay at Connor's house. Hooray for forced proximity!!!!
Connor is still dealing with his ex-wife and trying to manage co-parenting his three kids. It also doesn't help that Jesse is 11 years younger than Connor and practically acts like a kid himself. Soooo many obstacles for these two, but they're both so cute with the kids!
🔥: So steamy! Connor can't help being attracted to Jesse, lovingly calling him a chaos demon. Their scenes are graphic and medium-paced with plenty of heat and lots of desire.
😆: Jesse will likely make you laugh. I especially love his energy when he's on the ice!
😭: This one had me tearing up. Connor's teenage son is wrestling with coming out, especially after his mom's negative reaction to his Uncle Kelly.
I'm so excited for the rest of this new series! Jesse and Connor were the perfect couple to kick this off. I loved seeing their secret relationship grow and Jesse figuring out what feelings are. So ready for more!!
CW: homophobia off the page, discussion of religious guilt
Connor is still dealing with his ex-wife and trying to manage co-parenting his three kids. It also doesn't help that Jesse is 11 years younger than Connor and practically acts like a kid himself. Soooo many obstacles for these two, but they're both so cute with the kids!
🔥: So steamy! Connor can't help being attracted to Jesse, lovingly calling him a chaos demon. Their scenes are graphic and medium-paced with plenty of heat and lots of desire.
😆: Jesse will likely make you laugh. I especially love his energy when he's on the ice!
😭: This one had me tearing up. Connor's teenage son is wrestling with coming out, especially after his mom's negative reaction to his Uncle Kelly.
I'm so excited for the rest of this new series! Jesse and Connor were the perfect couple to kick this off. I loved seeing their secret relationship grow and Jesse figuring out what feelings are. So ready for more!!
CW: homophobia off the page, discussion of religious guilt
July 15, 2025
MM
Dual POV
Hockey Romance
Age gap
Single dad
Nicknames
Rating: 4/5 - I will probably reread this book
🌶️: 3/5 - there were a handful of explicit intimate scenes (it didn't feel like that many though)
🏒: 4/5 - mentions a character with missing teeth, games, practice, exercise, you know hockey things actually happen
TLDR: Incredible single dad romance with the best nicknames
I won't lie, this is a long book. And there were times when it felt long. But it was 100% worth it! I highlighted so many passages in the second half of this book. There were moments where I laughed, cried, and kicked my feet squealing. I think the build up in the beginning also made me more invested the couple. Super cute couple with the best nicknames. Heartfelt beautiful moments. What more can you ask for?
The audiobook performance was good. The subtle Boston accent was nice and none of the gendered voices were distracting. It was easy to determine whose POV was being read even with the single narrator.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone full stop. But I think this will be a slam dunk for single dad romance readers.
Thank you Brigham Vaughn and Neon Rainbow Reviews for the advanced review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Hockey Romance
Age gap
Single dad
Nicknames
Rating: 4/5 - I will probably reread this book
🌶️: 3/5 - there were a handful of explicit intimate scenes (it didn't feel like that many though)
🏒: 4/5 - mentions a character with missing teeth, games, practice, exercise, you know hockey things actually happen
TLDR: Incredible single dad romance with the best nicknames
I won't lie, this is a long book. And there were times when it felt long. But it was 100% worth it! I highlighted so many passages in the second half of this book. There were moments where I laughed, cried, and kicked my feet squealing. I think the build up in the beginning also made me more invested the couple. Super cute couple with the best nicknames. Heartfelt beautiful moments. What more can you ask for?
The audiobook performance was good. The subtle Boston accent was nice and none of the gendered voices were distracting. It was easy to determine whose POV was being read even with the single narrator.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone full stop. But I think this will be a slam dunk for single dad romance readers.
Thank you Brigham Vaughn and Neon Rainbow Reviews for the advanced review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
April 10, 2025
As much as I miss the Fishercats, getting to know this new team in Boston was so much fun! It definitely helps that we’re back with the O’Shea family.
Jesse is such a character - he’s loud, outspoken and a little ridiculous but he has such a good heart. Connor starts off this book with such a heavy burden on his shoulders that he’s been carrying around for a while now. He’s so determined to not let Jesse get in the way of his life.
But he starts to see just how much Jesse adds to it and the life they build together is so beautiful.
I enjoyed seeing Connor’s relationship with his family - they’re so boisterous and loving! They welcome Jesse and the entire team with open arms, and I hope we see more of them in future books.
Without revealing any spoilers, I will say that I loved the ARC that Nolan (Connor’s son), had in this book. It reflects Connor’s a lot and I love that both of them can be more open about who they are either each other. I also really enjoyed the ending and how peaceful it was.
This book doesn’t have a third act breakup, or a lot of third act drama, which I enjoyed. This book is so much fun and contains so much love. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for us!
Jesse is such a character - he’s loud, outspoken and a little ridiculous but he has such a good heart. Connor starts off this book with such a heavy burden on his shoulders that he’s been carrying around for a while now. He’s so determined to not let Jesse get in the way of his life.
But he starts to see just how much Jesse adds to it and the life they build together is so beautiful.
I enjoyed seeing Connor’s relationship with his family - they’re so boisterous and loving! They welcome Jesse and the entire team with open arms, and I hope we see more of them in future books.
Without revealing any spoilers, I will say that I loved the ARC that Nolan (Connor’s son), had in this book. It reflects Connor’s a lot and I love that both of them can be more open about who they are either each other. I also really enjoyed the ending and how peaceful it was.
This book doesn’t have a third act breakup, or a lot of third act drama, which I enjoyed. This book is so much fun and contains so much love. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for us!
January 17, 2025
Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn is the first book in her Scoring Chances series. It is the complicated story of two men, one of whom has to question the beliefs he was brought up with in order to find the love he was looking for. Connor O’Shea, 35, is part of the O’Shea dynasty in NFL Hockey. He plays for the Boston Harriers and is their captain. While his hockey life is good (although his team could be doing better), his home life is another story. He is divorced which was coming for a while between his being gone for games and practices, and his ex-wife not feeling accepted, and he has 3 children, Nolan, Evie, and Maura that he sees as often as he can. His ex, Viv, was also not happy when his brother, Kelly, married Anders as she thought this was a sin, being brought up in the Orthodox church. It is when Connor goes to the wedding in Chicago that he meets Jesse Webber, a goalie for Evanston. He is 24 and has had several disastrous media happenings that haven’t been good for his image as it seems that chaos follows him around, even though he doesn’t always realize it is happening until it is too late. At the bar at the hotel they see each other and talk which leads to a quick hot scene in Connor’s room, which does prove to him that he is bi, but he is headed back to Boston and thinks that that is that, a one time deal. Until Jesse gets traded to Boston and Connor gets asked to have him stay with him so as captain, he can make sure he isn’t getting into trouble, which opens a whole other can or worms, especially between their attraction and if he can’t wrangle Jesse he may have to step down as Captain. Jesse, being Jesse, has some problems at the border and finding Connor’s house in the early morning hours and that starts their whole relationship off with a bang. But as time goes on Connor begins to realize he was wrong about Jesse. He’s totally focused on hockey when playing, he’s good with his kids, and that the chaos just seems to find him, he’s not out looking for it. At first, Connor says there will be no hanky panky but the attraction between the two of them is strong and after going out with the team a bet is made that ends up with them having a steamy scene at home, but not on the road. Again, this goes by the wayside because they can’t stay away from each other. When they are on the road they have some great team building activities like doing an escape room and a river cruise and when they get home they are almost caught by Viv and Nolan. They also visit Connor’s parents with his brothers and the teams and Jesse is great with everyone, as he is with the children when they go horseback riding. Connor is realizing he is starting to have real feelings for Jesse and may be falling in love. So he talks to his brother, Kelly, and tells him what is happening and is given the advice to find the life he really wants and he’s beginning to think that life is with Jesse. Meanwhile Nolan is having a teenage crisis and goes to Jesse for help and Viv is not happy about his believing that he is not a good influence on Nolan. But Connor stands up for him. Jesse has always believed he wants to be free and easy and do what he wants, but being with Connor and his family makes him think that this is his home and he doesn’t want to leave it. Then something happens that makes Connor have a crisis of faith and helps him realize that he wants to choose happiness and happiness is being with Jesse. When he tells him he loves him, Jesse says he loves him too, and then they have to tell everyone in their own time, which they do, with some funny consequences. This leads to a great ending where everyone is out and happy. I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to get back with the O’Shea family and see what they are up to. Connor wasn’t happy with his life but was doing all that he could. When Jesse and his chaos came into it, he started to relax and see what he meant to him. Jesse was almost the opposite of Connor and maybe that was why he attracted disasters, but he still made Connor happy. They also had some great love scenes. The kids, Viv, Connor’s family, and the guys on the team also played a big part in their story, sometimes helping and sometimes hindering their relationship. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories involving hocky, two men who slowly grow on each other, some family problems thrown in, and the realization that choosing each other means finding their happiness and love.
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