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The Comebacks #1
Gross Misconduct
As a high school hockey star, I was on track for greatness. Until an opponent attacked me on the ice, leaving me half blind.
For the past twenty-seven years, I’ve avoided hockey and its painful memories. But when my old teammates get back together to play in a local recreational league, I realize it could be a chance to rewrite history. The only person standing in my way is Jack Gross.
Hockey isn’t complete without a rivalry, and ours comes courtesy of the they’re younger, faster, and fronted by Jack, a former professional hockey player who hates my guts after a rooftop hookup gone wrong.
His cockiness and penchant for pranks make me hate him right back. But Jack has a special way of getting under my skin that makes me want to get into his pants. And well, I only have so much willpower.
As our teams get closer to a showdown on the ice, Jack begins shedding his armor of confidence. Despite getting to live the life I dreamed of, maybe Jack is as messed up as me.
The championship game could redeem the past for us both. But there can only be one winner. Will victory taste as sweet if it costs me Jack?
Gross Misconduct is a rivals to lovers, age gap, single dad, gay romance with no cheating and an HEA. It is book 1 in The Comebacks, a series about a friend group of single dads who were hockey all-stars in high school and looking to recapture the magic in their forties. Whether they win or lose, there's always a post-game beer.
For the past twenty-seven years, I’ve avoided hockey and its painful memories. But when my old teammates get back together to play in a local recreational league, I realize it could be a chance to rewrite history. The only person standing in my way is Jack Gross.
Hockey isn’t complete without a rivalry, and ours comes courtesy of the they’re younger, faster, and fronted by Jack, a former professional hockey player who hates my guts after a rooftop hookup gone wrong.
His cockiness and penchant for pranks make me hate him right back. But Jack has a special way of getting under my skin that makes me want to get into his pants. And well, I only have so much willpower.
As our teams get closer to a showdown on the ice, Jack begins shedding his armor of confidence. Despite getting to live the life I dreamed of, maybe Jack is as messed up as me.
The championship game could redeem the past for us both. But there can only be one winner. Will victory taste as sweet if it costs me Jack?
Gross Misconduct is a rivals to lovers, age gap, single dad, gay romance with no cheating and an HEA. It is book 1 in The Comebacks, a series about a friend group of single dads who were hockey all-stars in high school and looking to recapture the magic in their forties. Whether they win or lose, there's always a post-game beer.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2025
185 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Truman
33 books1,037 followersWelcome! I’m a gay male author who writes MM romance filled with humor, heart, and hot guys. My characters fall into bed and fall in love, usually in that order. Think LOL meets DTF.
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
June 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ // I’ve been a fan of AJ for a long time, and Gross Misconduct might just be his best yet. It’s funny, sweet, sexy, and packs an emotional punch I honestly didn’t see coming. The way he’s able to expand the Sourwood universe and take these storylines even deeper is seriously impressive.
Griff is everything you want in a hockey-playing single dad. Completely obsessed with my sexy, one-eyed mechanic. However, I wasn’t totally sold on Jack at first. Something about his characterization in the beginning felt a little off, but by the midpoint he’s just as lovable as you’d hope.
This book is AJ firing on all cylinders. If you’re into MM romance or hockey romance, this one’s a must-read.
Griff is everything you want in a hockey-playing single dad. Completely obsessed with my sexy, one-eyed mechanic. However, I wasn’t totally sold on Jack at first. Something about his characterization in the beginning felt a little off, but by the midpoint he’s just as lovable as you’d hope.
This book is AJ firing on all cylinders. If you’re into MM romance or hockey romance, this one’s a must-read.
May 5, 2025
Such a fun book and great audio-I was listening while my kitchen was out of service due to a leak and I was really stressed out. This book was like medicine for my stress. The prank war. The job interview. I was laughing in spite of myself. Plus, characters that feel real-plus not billionaires or impossibly perfect.
March 29, 2025
Well, A.J. Truman has gone and done it again. He’s given us a book with humor, heart and spice, set in the fictional town of Sourwood. This is the first book in his new series surrounding a beer league hockey team named the Comebacks.
Griffin is a recently divorced dad in his 40’s, newly out as a gay man. He was the star of their high school hockey team, destined to go to the NHL until an incident on the ice ended that dream. Griffin now lives in Sourwood and works as an airplane mechanic for the local private airport.
Jack is a young hot shot who had played in the NHL, but the career did not work out for him. He now lives in Sourwood and is drifting by in life. Nonetheless, Jack is very cocky and sure of himself on the surface.
When these two meet, sparks fly. We get to learn why these two are where they are in life and watch each of them go through their own growth. AJ Truman‘s signature brand of humor and heart is throughout this book and the spicy scenes are not only incredibly sexy, but also very poignant and sweet.
The hockey scenes are incredibly well done and accurate. Either the author is a hockey fan or he has done his homework. While we do get scenes with gameplay, they aren’t so technical that it takes away from the story. All of the gameplay scenes are necessary to the story and advance the plot.
This book involves age, gap and enemies to lovers. However, the story is so much more than those tropes. It’s about two men who are looking for their lives beyond a sport that they thought was going to be their future. They both have to let go of hockey as their future, but still embrace it as something that they love and is still part of their life.
I am a big fan of A.J.’s writing and will read just about anything that he releases. I recommend this for any fan of romcom type books or romances. If you are into MM hockey romances, then this is a book you cannot miss.
Griffin is a recently divorced dad in his 40’s, newly out as a gay man. He was the star of their high school hockey team, destined to go to the NHL until an incident on the ice ended that dream. Griffin now lives in Sourwood and works as an airplane mechanic for the local private airport.
Jack is a young hot shot who had played in the NHL, but the career did not work out for him. He now lives in Sourwood and is drifting by in life. Nonetheless, Jack is very cocky and sure of himself on the surface.
When these two meet, sparks fly. We get to learn why these two are where they are in life and watch each of them go through their own growth. AJ Truman‘s signature brand of humor and heart is throughout this book and the spicy scenes are not only incredibly sexy, but also very poignant and sweet.
The hockey scenes are incredibly well done and accurate. Either the author is a hockey fan or he has done his homework. While we do get scenes with gameplay, they aren’t so technical that it takes away from the story. All of the gameplay scenes are necessary to the story and advance the plot.
This book involves age, gap and enemies to lovers. However, the story is so much more than those tropes. It’s about two men who are looking for their lives beyond a sport that they thought was going to be their future. They both have to let go of hockey as their future, but still embrace it as something that they love and is still part of their life.
I am a big fan of A.J.’s writing and will read just about anything that he releases. I recommend this for any fan of romcom type books or romances. If you are into MM hockey romances, then this is a book you cannot miss.
October 29, 2025
DNF @44%
I really wanted to love this book. I feel like on paper it was perfect for me, MM hockey romance with age gap! But sadly this fell so flat. Overall way too much ‘telling’ and not much ‘showing’.
Here are my thoughts about my issues with the book.
- there was way too many side characters. Each MMC was friends with almost every person on their hockey team and then their kids too. No book needs 10+ side characters.
- it’s an arsehole move to be angry that consent is removed but for it to happen twice annoyed me. There was no communication and no insight into why the characters acted this way.
- the pranks and character behaviours felt so juvenile, there were whole scenes where they were farting and the humour was lost on me
- both MMCs were so unlikeable and had no chemistry, then suddenly they are supposed to be pining after each other…what?
- a minor ick but one of the side characters said he was having more kids because his daughter was old enough (13yo) to start looking after the young ones now so his life was easier. And the ‘upside’ to the MMCs divorce was that he got child-free nights…
I really wanted to love this book. I feel like on paper it was perfect for me, MM hockey romance with age gap! But sadly this fell so flat. Overall way too much ‘telling’ and not much ‘showing’.
Here are my thoughts about my issues with the book.
- there was way too many side characters. Each MMC was friends with almost every person on their hockey team and then their kids too. No book needs 10+ side characters.
- it’s an arsehole move to be angry that consent is removed but for it to happen twice annoyed me. There was no communication and no insight into why the characters acted this way.
- the pranks and character behaviours felt so juvenile, there were whole scenes where they were farting and the humour was lost on me
- both MMCs were so unlikeable and had no chemistry, then suddenly they are supposed to be pining after each other…what?
- a minor ick but one of the side characters said he was having more kids because his daughter was old enough (13yo) to start looking after the young ones now so his life was easier. And the ‘upside’ to the MMCs divorce was that he got child-free nights…
June 30, 2025
Rival hockey players playing pranks on each other? I’m an easy target for silly premises. Anxiety about identity and inadequacy? That sounds about right for all of these pre/post-professional athletes.
Griffin and Jack made for a fun rivalry on the ice and a raging inferno of testosterone off of it. There was no way that they’d be able to keep their hands off of each other, and that passion somehow evolved into beautiful, tender moments as the story goes on.
While I think the romantic scenes and the playful prank scenes are written well, I’d love to see better connections between those kinds of chapters. I wanted to care more about side characters, and I wanted the story to continue to flow well when only one of the main characters was there.
Overall, it’s a cute (nasty), simple read. I’d like to know more about Griffin’s teammates, so I hope more might be coming in future installments.
Griffin and Jack made for a fun rivalry on the ice and a raging inferno of testosterone off of it. There was no way that they’d be able to keep their hands off of each other, and that passion somehow evolved into beautiful, tender moments as the story goes on.
While I think the romantic scenes and the playful prank scenes are written well, I’d love to see better connections between those kinds of chapters. I wanted to care more about side characters, and I wanted the story to continue to flow well when only one of the main characters was there.
Overall, it’s a cute (nasty), simple read. I’d like to know more about Griffin’s teammates, so I hope more might be coming in future installments.
April 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I did enjoy a lot of this book. Griffin was a great character , tons of layers and rich life and his girls were adorable. The found family of both the Blades and The Wolf Pack (the comebacks) was amazing, characters I am very curious about . Jack had a strong developmental ARC and I liked seeing him grow. His dad was tough to get a bead on though. The spicy scenes were very hot and the slow burn to get there was fantastic and the book was quite an easy lowish angst entertaining read though it jumped a bit towards the end for me.
This was my first book by the author and I am curious about Des next .
This was my first book by the author and I am curious about Des next .
did-not-finish
August 21, 2025DNF at 13%.
This book is giving me the icks.
Jack is an immature 24-year old "retired" NHL player. Griffin is 44 years old, divorced, newly out as gay (never been with a man), has two daughters, and played hockey in high school before he was severely injured.
It started off fine with Griffin hanging out with old hockey friends and resisting getting back to the game.
But then Jack picks him up and they start talking. It's obvious that Jack just wants to have sex (obvious to us) but being out as a gay man is new to Griffin and he's enjoying the flirtation and chat. When Jack makes a move on him to take it straight to oral, Griffin pulls back. Without asking why or whether Griffin's actually not interested, Jack curses him out and leaves like a petulant child.
This reminds me of when you pass a guy on the street and he tells you how beautiful you are and asks for your number... you ignore him because you'd like to get where you're going without being hassled and he starts to call you a bitch and tell you he was just being nice and you're really an ugly hag.
This kind of guy is NEVER someone I would want to date nor am I excited to read about such a douchebag in a romance. He has no idea that Griffin is nervous about his first time because he just exploded with wounded pride and stomped off. He disgusted me. I was already put off by the 20-year age gap between them and Jack's obvious manwhore ways, but this DEFINITELY put me off. Plus, I'm getting the impression he lied to Griffin...
Not a fan.
This book is giving me the icks.
Jack is an immature 24-year old "retired" NHL player. Griffin is 44 years old, divorced, newly out as gay (never been with a man), has two daughters, and played hockey in high school before he was severely injured.
It started off fine with Griffin hanging out with old hockey friends and resisting getting back to the game.
But then Jack picks him up and they start talking. It's obvious that Jack just wants to have sex (obvious to us) but being out as a gay man is new to Griffin and he's enjoying the flirtation and chat. When Jack makes a move on him to take it straight to oral, Griffin pulls back. Without asking why or whether Griffin's actually not interested, Jack curses him out and leaves like a petulant child.
This reminds me of when you pass a guy on the street and he tells you how beautiful you are and asks for your number... you ignore him because you'd like to get where you're going without being hassled and he starts to call you a bitch and tell you he was just being nice and you're really an ugly hag.
This kind of guy is NEVER someone I would want to date nor am I excited to read about such a douchebag in a romance. He has no idea that Griffin is nervous about his first time because he just exploded with wounded pride and stomped off. He disgusted me. I was already put off by the 20-year age gap between them and Jack's obvious manwhore ways, but this DEFINITELY put me off. Plus, I'm getting the impression he lied to Griffin...
Not a fan.
May 26, 2025
This story was so much fun; hockey, age gap, disability rep, pranks, spicy, friend group, cameos from another series, and banter.
What happens when over 40 guys get together in a hockey team and make the youngsters 29 somethings their rivals? We get pranks that could be seen in middle school, but so ridiculous it was lots of fun. The chemistry was chemistrying, the smut smutting, the vibes? Excellent. A fun low angst love story between two guys who were denied, one way or another, a chance at living their hockey dream careers.
What happens when over 40 guys get together in a hockey team and make the youngsters 29 somethings their rivals? We get pranks that could be seen in middle school, but so ridiculous it was lots of fun. The chemistry was chemistrying, the smut smutting, the vibes? Excellent. A fun low angst love story between two guys who were denied, one way or another, a chance at living their hockey dream careers.
March 21, 2025
This book further solidifies my love for anything A.J. Truman writes.
What a great "spin off" following both awesome series Single Dads Club and South Rock High. This new series is set in the same universe and you get a bunch of great cameos from your favourite characters. *giddy*.
Jack and Griffin are now part of this group of favourites of mine. What a sweet and spicy story. The chemistry between them was so strong, immediately when they meet, I couldn't foresee how these two could become rivals.
The push and pull was the best. I would be very interested in listening to the narrator's interpretation of the emotions in the voices when narrating the audiobook. Definately will check it out.
AJ Truman writes beautiful characters. To me, his MCs are always emotionally well portrayed, through the dialogue and the actions. It's wonderful and something I look forward every time I pick up one of his books.
The hockey was great too. And I loved how the author made connections between schmex and hockey lingo. I chuckled quite a few times.
I cannot wait for more of this series. Jack and Griffin really were the perfect pair to start off and I'm curious to revisit them later on in the next books.
What a great "spin off" following both awesome series Single Dads Club and South Rock High. This new series is set in the same universe and you get a bunch of great cameos from your favourite characters. *giddy*.
Jack and Griffin are now part of this group of favourites of mine. What a sweet and spicy story. The chemistry between them was so strong, immediately when they meet, I couldn't foresee how these two could become rivals.
The push and pull was the best. I would be very interested in listening to the narrator's interpretation of the emotions in the voices when narrating the audiobook. Definately will check it out.
AJ Truman writes beautiful characters. To me, his MCs are always emotionally well portrayed, through the dialogue and the actions. It's wonderful and something I look forward every time I pick up one of his books.
The hockey was great too. And I loved how the author made connections between schmex and hockey lingo. I chuckled quite a few times.
I cannot wait for more of this series. Jack and Griffin really were the perfect pair to start off and I'm curious to revisit them later on in the next books.
June 8, 2025
Why did I finish this book? I should have taken notes about everything that bugged me about it — a hot bear who has known he was gay his whole life but never hooked up with a dude, even though he’s been divorced and out for 2 years..? A team of 40somethings, many of which haven’t played hockey for decades, beating a team of 20Somethings with a former pro on the team..? A 20 year age gap?? I don’t mind age gap tropes but 20 is really pushing it, especially when it’s 24/44. 34/54 would be slightly less icky; at least they are both grownups. Their romance never made sense to me. Even though the sex scenes were trying real hard (anyone who likes rimming, this is the book for you. His “tart hole” gah.) Also, I am not a fan of kids in my romances and seriously there is a LOT of kid time. I felt like *I* was babysitting.
I give them a year. And I won’t be reading anymore in this series.
Also, again I ask, who is that on the front cover? Definitely not daddy bear and the other guy was blonde and never heard about tattoos (I already forgot his name and I literally just finished it). I want to read a book about that guy.
I give them a year. And I won’t be reading anymore in this series.
Also, again I ask, who is that on the front cover? Definitely not daddy bear and the other guy was blonde and never heard about tattoos (I already forgot his name and I literally just finished it). I want to read a book about that guy.
April 29, 2025
This is a rivals to more romance, featuring Jack and Griffin, and is book one in the Combacks series.
After an injury ends Griffin’s hockey dreams, he swears off the sport—until his old teammates convinces him to join a local rec league, where the biggest pain (and distraction) is Jack, a cocky former pro hockey player that he once had a disastrous hookup with. As their rivalry heats up on and off the ice, Griffin has to figure out if winning means more to him than maybe getting a second shot with Jack.
This is a new series for AJ Truman, and the first book was great, low angst with lots of funny moments - especially the prank war - and Jack talking non-stop during the spicy times - I loved his commentating. There are loads of secondary characters in their found family to meet, which I hope they get their own books, and we got to see cameos from previous series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Rivals to more
Plane mechanic x ex nhl player
Rec hockey league
Single dad
Disability rep
Age gap (44/24)
Almost hookup
Slight miscommunication
Prank war
Calls him Ringer
Spicy times & dirty talk
Hate s*x
Truck kink, he he he
Hockey superstitions
Olive oil as lube
Admit feelings
Found family
Cameos from prev series
HEA
After an injury ends Griffin’s hockey dreams, he swears off the sport—until his old teammates convinces him to join a local rec league, where the biggest pain (and distraction) is Jack, a cocky former pro hockey player that he once had a disastrous hookup with. As their rivalry heats up on and off the ice, Griffin has to figure out if winning means more to him than maybe getting a second shot with Jack.
This is a new series for AJ Truman, and the first book was great, low angst with lots of funny moments - especially the prank war - and Jack talking non-stop during the spicy times - I loved his commentating. There are loads of secondary characters in their found family to meet, which I hope they get their own books, and we got to see cameos from previous series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Rivals to more
Plane mechanic x ex nhl player
Rec hockey league
Single dad
Disability rep
Age gap (44/24)
Almost hookup
Slight miscommunication
Prank war
Calls him Ringer
Spicy times & dirty talk
Hate s*x
Truck kink, he he he
Hockey superstitions
Olive oil as lube
Admit feelings
Found family
Cameos from prev series
HEA
October 14, 2025
Griffin Harper is called into his boss’ office where there are two policemen waiting to arrest him. Luckily for him, it is his old friends playing a prank and trying to get him to join their hockey team. Having suffered a life changing injury years ago that ended his promising hockey career, he is reluctant to get back on the ice. The Comebacks play in the Adult Hockey League and need him.
Jack Gross got a shot at playing in the NHL, but after four trades in four years and one too many concussions he has to retire, much to his dads disgust.
He plays for the Blades in the same league as the Comebacks.
Griffin is divorced but still loves his ex-wife, after having two children together, they both realise they are gay.
Sitting in Stone’s Throw Tavern (from AJ’s other series, Single Dads Club), Griffin feels eyes on him. Jack is attracted to Griffin despite their twenty years age gap. Just as things heat up, Jack is rejected and is hurt by Griffin. Playing in the same league they see each other a lot. Can they get over their mild animosity towards each other, and get along, and keep a winning streak for both teams?
This is AJ Truman’s first book in the ‘Comeback’ series. I loved the characters and their interactions. The story flowed seamlessly. This relatively low angst book was just the pick me up I needed. Annabelle and June were so adorable and loving as Griffin’s children, I loved how easily Jack bonded with them.
All good Juju!
Jack Gross got a shot at playing in the NHL, but after four trades in four years and one too many concussions he has to retire, much to his dads disgust.
He plays for the Blades in the same league as the Comebacks.
Griffin is divorced but still loves his ex-wife, after having two children together, they both realise they are gay.
Sitting in Stone’s Throw Tavern (from AJ’s other series, Single Dads Club), Griffin feels eyes on him. Jack is attracted to Griffin despite their twenty years age gap. Just as things heat up, Jack is rejected and is hurt by Griffin. Playing in the same league they see each other a lot. Can they get over their mild animosity towards each other, and get along, and keep a winning streak for both teams?
This is AJ Truman’s first book in the ‘Comeback’ series. I loved the characters and their interactions. The story flowed seamlessly. This relatively low angst book was just the pick me up I needed. Annabelle and June were so adorable and loving as Griffin’s children, I loved how easily Jack bonded with them.
All good Juju!
June 3, 2025
If you know me than you'll KNOW I love. love. love. Hockey. This book is heartwarming, sexy and entails just the right mix of hockey and romance.
I really liked the recreational hockey approach, a group of players past their prime and the theme about finding your way after life happens.
I instantly liked the chemistry between the MC's and loved all the (supporting) side characters as well.
The slow burn is written perfectly and once the *well* obstacles are overcome there is no holding back :-))
What really bugged me was the inconsistency in the MCs physical appearance:
First Jack is described as a blond with grey eyes. Than he's dark haired and his eyes are blue? And I kept looking at the cover model and got even more confused???"
My brain keeps getting stuck on stuff like that :-/
Also, Griffin is "rolling his eyes" wouldn't that be "rolling his eye"??
Anyway I'm still excited enough to read more in this series, can't wait for Des and Tanner's story!
I really liked the recreational hockey approach, a group of players past their prime and the theme about finding your way after life happens.
I instantly liked the chemistry between the MC's and loved all the (supporting) side characters as well.
The slow burn is written perfectly and once the *well* obstacles are overcome there is no holding back :-))
What really bugged me was the inconsistency in the MCs physical appearance:
First Jack is described as a blond with grey eyes. Than he's dark haired and his eyes are blue? And I kept looking at the cover model and got even more confused???"
My brain keeps getting stuck on stuff like that :-/
Also, Griffin is "rolling his eyes" wouldn't that be "rolling his eye"??
Anyway I'm still excited enough to read more in this series, can't wait for Des and Tanner's story!
Read
April 29, 2025This is the first book I've read from this author but it won't be the only one. I loved it. Hockey books are my favourites.
Can't wait to read the 2nd books from this series
Can't wait to read the 2nd books from this series
April 29, 2025
Aj Truman writes hockey romance! I mean, sold!
Absolutely loved this. Super sweet. Suuuuper spicy and low angst too.
Definitely recommend this one.
Absolutely loved this. Super sweet. Suuuuper spicy and low angst too.
Definitely recommend this one.
April 5, 2025
After a terrible injury on the ice that left him no vision in one of his eyes, Griffin has avoided the ice. His future in the NHL was gone in moments. And he has avoided the ice ever since. Now in his forties, he is divorced and raising his young daughters. But his old teammates are more determined than ever to get him on the ice and on their team for the local rec league. At first it is a hard no, but eventually he is persuaded to get back on the ice. Just in time to see Jack. The young, hot guy who right now doesn’t like him after a bit of a misunderstanding. Jack was forced to retire from the NHL after only four years, now at twenty-four, he has no idea what to do next. And he is struggling to find a job and keep a roof over his head. And after an argument with his dad, he finds him giving in to his friends to join the local rec hockey team. Where he runs into Griff. Who he is still a bit mad at. Their chemistry is intense and in this game of push and pull until eventually the two of them just snap. But there is pressure and complications all around them. And it will be up to them to figure out what to do with this intense connection between them. I really enjoyed reading Jack and Griff’s story! It seems like we had a lot of interesting characters and couples, that made me realize this was part of a bigger world. But lots of fun banter in this one along with hockey and romance. There was a lot more to Griff and Jack and I loved getting to know them and see how they fell for one another. Overall, it was a fun read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2025
This was such a fun read! It's great to be back in Sourwood and I really enjoyed the cameos from the couples from the other series. I can count on A.J. Truman's books to make me laugh, swoon and fan myself and this did not disappoint. I loved Jack and Griffin so much! I really enjoyed the pranks they played on each other at the beginning. I really enjoyed their banter and their honest discussions about how they were feeling regarding how their lives turned out. I loved that they didn't let each other wallow and talk bad about themselves. They both had to find their love of hockey again and I loved how they helped each other find their groove.
Neither of them were looking for a relationship per se, but I love how they found each other. I really loved their chemistry and how they held each other up.
This was hilarious and steamy and I loved every minute of it. A great age gap, enemies to lovers story, with great found family vibes. Griffin's team, the Comebacks, have known each other since high school and their friendhsips are strong and the ribbing between them is hilarious. I'm excited for this series to continue and get more of these characters.
Neither of them were looking for a relationship per se, but I love how they found each other. I really loved their chemistry and how they held each other up.
This was hilarious and steamy and I loved every minute of it. A great age gap, enemies to lovers story, with great found family vibes. Griffin's team, the Comebacks, have known each other since high school and their friendhsips are strong and the ribbing between them is hilarious. I'm excited for this series to continue and get more of these characters.
October 27, 2025
I liked it, but didn't love it.
Very positive: The writing was engaging and the hockey aspect was very well handled - a player can have his or her career cut short or finished before it even starts and that's rarely taken into account in romance books, so that was a definite plus.
Griff, our older MC, is a wonderfully nurturing characters and just what Jack, the younger, wilder MC needs.
Also, how the animosity between Griff and Jack's father was resolved, was a nice turn - two adults who behaved like angry teens for too long, come to their senses.
However, the focus was so strongly on the romance when I'd have loved to learn more about their everyday-life - yes, I'm a sucker for the boring everyday minutiae: The job search (how ... finds the right profession is a bit too convenient although that's often how it happens in reality, I know), the training, the interaction with their friends. The threads are there, but not explored.
Also in some other aspects it just wasn't my book (for me, the age gap was just too large, the intimate scenes were not really my jam, and that the whole friends group from high school all turn out to be gay - yes, possible as one tends to gravitate to those you feel comfortable with for whatever reasons, but it'd be nice to have a more mixed group, too). All these are no criticisms, just reasons why I didn't fall in love with the story.
However, I will check out Des' and Tanner's story next year.
Very positive: The writing was engaging and the hockey aspect was very well handled - a player can have his or her career cut short or finished before it even starts and that's rarely taken into account in romance books, so that was a definite plus.
Griff, our older MC, is a wonderfully nurturing characters and just what Jack, the younger, wilder MC needs.
Also, how the animosity between Griff and Jack's father was resolved, was a nice turn - two adults who behaved like angry teens for too long, come to their senses.
However, the focus was so strongly on the romance when I'd have loved to learn more about their everyday-life - yes, I'm a sucker for the boring everyday minutiae: The job search (how ... finds the right profession is a bit too convenient although that's often how it happens in reality, I know), the training, the interaction with their friends. The threads are there, but not explored.
Also in some other aspects it just wasn't my book (for me, the age gap was just too large, the intimate scenes were not really my jam, and that the whole friends group from high school all turn out to be gay - yes, possible as one tends to gravitate to those you feel comfortable with for whatever reasons, but it'd be nice to have a more mixed group, too). All these are no criticisms, just reasons why I didn't fall in love with the story.
However, I will check out Des' and Tanner's story next year.
May 1, 2025
This was a good start of a new series and I liked both MCs, their back stories and interactions. But I felt like there was just too much interactions with other people which I did not enjoy as much. First books in series are always tricky as it's hard to have a balance between introducing the characters that will be featuring in the next books and still feel like we saw enough of the main MCs. I just needed more of the MCs together. And kudos for not making the age gap a big deal.
May 6, 2025
They did NOT have me in the first half, but I’m glad I pushed thru cause it did in fact pay off for the most part. I liked Griffin a lot, Jack was frustrating for me with both Griffin and his dad but I get it and he did come a long way by the end of the story. Happy to be back in Sourwood, I knew I could trust AJ lol hope for more cameos in the next book to, lemme see Chase and his boys lol
June 22, 2025
This book was ok, although the main romance storyline felt a bit draggy at times. Although this is listed as book 1 of a series, it takes place in the same town as another series by the same author, so it felt like every one of those characters made an appearance here and that didn’t really add to the story. In fact, that was my biggest issue with this book, there were SO MANY side characters. I’d guess there were more than 25 different side characters, in a book that comes in under 309 pages. It was way too much and I couldn’t keep track of most of the hockey teammates (each MC had 4 or 5 teammates that all had parts in the book) that plus the cameos by the MCs from the last series, the kids of one MC (and one of the hockey bros had kids that were in a few scenes too) plus other family members, even rink employees…. I felt like I was reading an 800 page high fantasy novel.
April 30, 2025
3.5 stars
This story is set in the same universe as Single Dad and South Rock High series.
Griffin is a 44 years old man, divorced and with two adorable little girls. Griffin came out as gay just a couple of years before but he hasn’t dated anyone yet.
He struggles with self esteem: a hit on the ice, when he was 18 years old, destroyed not only his left eye but also all his dreams of going pro. He adjusted the trajectory of his life after that, but he always felt like a failure.
Jack is 24 and he just retired from hockey. He has been traded numerous times and he hasn’t really had a chance of proving himself before his career ended. Now he’s broke and has a very difficult relationship with his father.
Jack and Griffin meet in a bar (Mitch’s, from The Barkeep and The Bro) and immediately feel a connection with each other. Things are not easy, though: Griff is extremely insecure while Jack doesn’t let anyone get close because of his fear of being abandoned.
They push and pull throughout all the book and alternate lust, tenderness and rivalry (both of their teams joined the Adult League).
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I feel like the story was slowly dragged until 75% when finally they seriously start communicating.
There are a lot of side characters in this book and they were all amazing, but trying to remember names, professions, names of their partners and children was overwhelming.
Griff is rightly worried to introduce Jack as his boyfriend to his girls and he wants to take things slowly, but then he kisses Jack at the arena in front of his daughters and all the spectators and the author just leaves it like that.
Lastly, their first time is beyond emotional, very very beautiful and I loved it, but I didn’t like that they skipped condoms without even talk about that nor that they hadn’t any safe sex talk.
Next book will be about two best friend, Des and Tanner and I’m surely going to read their story because I liked them here very much and I want to see their HEA.
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review
This story is set in the same universe as Single Dad and South Rock High series.
Griffin is a 44 years old man, divorced and with two adorable little girls. Griffin came out as gay just a couple of years before but he hasn’t dated anyone yet.
He struggles with self esteem: a hit on the ice, when he was 18 years old, destroyed not only his left eye but also all his dreams of going pro. He adjusted the trajectory of his life after that, but he always felt like a failure.
Jack is 24 and he just retired from hockey. He has been traded numerous times and he hasn’t really had a chance of proving himself before his career ended. Now he’s broke and has a very difficult relationship with his father.
Jack and Griffin meet in a bar (Mitch’s, from The Barkeep and The Bro) and immediately feel a connection with each other. Things are not easy, though: Griff is extremely insecure while Jack doesn’t let anyone get close because of his fear of being abandoned.
They push and pull throughout all the book and alternate lust, tenderness and rivalry (both of their teams joined the Adult League).
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I feel like the story was slowly dragged until 75% when finally they seriously start communicating.
There are a lot of side characters in this book and they were all amazing, but trying to remember names, professions, names of their partners and children was overwhelming.
Griff is rightly worried to introduce Jack as his boyfriend to his girls and he wants to take things slowly, but then he kisses Jack at the arena in front of his daughters and all the spectators and the author just leaves it like that.
Lastly, their first time is beyond emotional, very very beautiful and I loved it, but I didn’t like that they skipped condoms without even talk about that nor that they hadn’t any safe sex talk.
Next book will be about two best friend, Des and Tanner and I’m surely going to read their story because I liked them here very much and I want to see their HEA.
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review
May 16, 2025
I really had trouble getting into this book. I think it was because I didn't really connect with Jack's as a character. Something about him, he just wasn't for me. I think it was an okay book, nothing very special sadly. I still will read the other books though!
May 11, 2025
Not my favorite from A.J. Truman, but still very good. And very hot! Men in hockey gear makes me want to actually watch a game. 🥵
May 12, 2025
This was a rollercoaster of a book! First we love Jack, then he’s a giant meanie, then we love him again. And the spicy scenes are top notch!
December 3, 2025
I just want to mention how much I love bossy and confident bottoms. Furthermore, it is crazy how much Griffin loves to eat cake, if you know what I mean.
December 22, 2025
i should have dnf’d
June 3, 2025
DNF at 36%
Over-reliance on dialogue. Lack of character development. Too many side characters to keep track of (not just the players on both teams, but also all of their partners and children too for some reason?).
My last straw was this line: “She wears a blazer and pencil skirt to go with her serious expression.”
That description is about an unnamed character with zero connection to the overall story—the moderator at one of the main character’s teammate's children’s quiz bowl tournament. So innocuous, I know! 😂 But it was just so indicative of the rest of the book: boring details in place of actual story or character development.
Over-reliance on dialogue. Lack of character development. Too many side characters to keep track of (not just the players on both teams, but also all of their partners and children too for some reason?).
My last straw was this line: “She wears a blazer and pencil skirt to go with her serious expression.”
That description is about an unnamed character with zero connection to the overall story—the moderator at one of the main character’s teammate's children’s quiz bowl tournament. So innocuous, I know! 😂 But it was just so indicative of the rest of the book: boring details in place of actual story or character development.
May 3, 2025
I really loved this, but that’s not a surprise when it comes to AJ Truman’s writing.
If you haven’t read any other books by them, you can read this and it won’t spoil the story, but there are so many characters that add to the story, that you would know and love if you read their stories first.
I loved both characters - both Griffin and Jack. I was over the moon to see AJ Truman writing about more single dads - he does it so well, but I was interested to read the new hockey angle. The balance of hockey to story to spice was done really well - I do like the spice scenes but I do also want a storyline - I don’t mind sports, but I am in no way knowledgeable about hockey, so it was written really well for someone like me - it covered the important info but didn’t overwhelm like some other hockey romances I’ve read where I just felt lost.
On the subject of being lost, I think this was the common shared theme between both characters - they both felt lost in their own way, both coming from hockey backgrounds but at different points in their lives - Jack feeling lost about his future career and Griffin feeling a little lost over his future relationships. I think this was my favourite part of the story - watching through each page as they moved from enemies to lovers and how they helped each other to move on in each of those aspects.
Such a great read, 100% recommend! Can’t wait for the audio 🙂
If you haven’t read any other books by them, you can read this and it won’t spoil the story, but there are so many characters that add to the story, that you would know and love if you read their stories first.
I loved both characters - both Griffin and Jack. I was over the moon to see AJ Truman writing about more single dads - he does it so well, but I was interested to read the new hockey angle. The balance of hockey to story to spice was done really well - I do like the spice scenes but I do also want a storyline - I don’t mind sports, but I am in no way knowledgeable about hockey, so it was written really well for someone like me - it covered the important info but didn’t overwhelm like some other hockey romances I’ve read where I just felt lost.
On the subject of being lost, I think this was the common shared theme between both characters - they both felt lost in their own way, both coming from hockey backgrounds but at different points in their lives - Jack feeling lost about his future career and Griffin feeling a little lost over his future relationships. I think this was my favourite part of the story - watching through each page as they moved from enemies to lovers and how they helped each other to move on in each of those aspects.
Such a great read, 100% recommend! Can’t wait for the audio 🙂
July 22, 2025
DNF @ 60%. Really didn’t like this one. I should’ve known when Jack meets Griff and thinks to himself, “You can be my butt pirate any day.” Not a direct quote because I don’t care enough to find the exact wording. But ‘butt pirate’ is definitely in a sentence at the beginning of this book. Great. Thanks, I hate it.
Griff also smacks Jacks’ face with his dick while they’re getting it on AT HIS PLACE OF WORK. Ew, control yourself, weirdo.
There are a few more examples of why I dislike this book but I’m not going back to find them. It’s very literally not worth the effort.
I don’t care who wins the big championship game or how his tree house for his daughters turns out. This book was just bad and I can’t subject myself to it anymore.
Griff also smacks Jacks’ face with his dick while they’re getting it on AT HIS PLACE OF WORK. Ew, control yourself, weirdo.
There are a few more examples of why I dislike this book but I’m not going back to find them. It’s very literally not worth the effort.
I don’t care who wins the big championship game or how his tree house for his daughters turns out. This book was just bad and I can’t subject myself to it anymore.
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