Louis

Seattle Sasquatch Hockey #2

by Harper Robson

Two Goalies. Only One Net. A Game They Never Saw Coming.

LOUIS

I thought I knew exactly who I was—until a career-threatening injury forced me to realize I was wrong about my hockey future. And my heart.

My name is Louis Tremblay, and I’ve spent twelve years being the King of the Crease and the life of the locker room. But when a brutal on-ice collision tears my world apart, I’m suddenly the guy on the sidelines watching a rookie take my net.

My body is broken, my "straight guy" identity is crumbling after one too many dreams about my backup, and now management wants me to mentor that same backup who's gunning for my job.

Teaching Tanner Sinclair is supposed to save the team’s season, but the more I show him about life in the pros, the more I realize he’s the only one who truly sees me.

TANNER

I don’t do "low-maintenance" because I’m easy; I do it because I’ve spent my life trying not to rock the boat or cause problems. I came to the Seattle Sasquatch to prove I’m a starter, not to fall for the legendary veteran who thinks he has to push me away to save both our careers.

Helping Louis through his injury was supposed to be a professional courtesy, but it ended up being the first time in my life I felt like I belonged.

Now a starting job with another team is on the table, and the only thing more terrifying than leaving the man I’m falling for is staying in a net he thinks he has to give up for me.



The high-stakes world of pro-hockey only has room for one Number One goalie. But as their connection grows, Louis and Tanner must decide if being the starter is a prize worth holding onto—or if they’re ready to rewrite the game plan together.

_________________________

Tropes: Bi-Awakening, Grumpy x Sunshine, Goalies in Love, Hurt/Comfort, and one very judgy bearded dragon.

Louis is a complete standalone novel in the Seattle Sasquatch series with no cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Hockey, M M Romance, Sports, Romance, Queer

233 pages, ebook

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Harper Robson grew up dreaming of being a writer, but that didn’t work out until she was in her forties. Along the way, she worked in oil & gas marketing, software development, and spent more than a decade as a stay-home mom.

A true Pacific Northwesterner, Harper loves the rain, and when her family decided to make a big move to Southern California in 2023, she was sure she’d miss the cozy gray winters of Seattle and Vancouver. However, it turns out that a daily dose of sunshine and palm trees isn’t hard to get used to, and San Diego feels more like home all the time.

She’s mom to two teen boys and an adorable but naughty Yellow Lab. Her husband works in the tech industry, and he makes her laugh every single day.

Harper’s favorite things include getaways with her besties, the Seattle Kraken, her dogs and drinking champagne for no reason at all.

Reviews

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would think that after ALL the hockey romance I've read over the years, I'd start to find a kiss on the ice boring.

You would be wrong.

I'm going to take this from the top because my feelings about it are so drastically different from start to finish.

So. My thoughts. In chronological order.

1. My favorite bit about this is the explosive diarrhoea story. Imagine what that says about the romance as a whole.

2. Shortly followed by Louis choking on Tanner's dick multiple times because he refuses to slow down even though it's his first time.

Will not give the most skilled blow job but by GOD it will be the mosy enthusiastic (even if it kills him).

3. This is kinda meh, and I wish I'd remembered how I felt about Rylan(book 1)so that I wouldn't have requested this one, because now I have to find a way to get through it since it's an ARC.

4. Oh my God. Oh my God? Wait, is this finally picking up steam?

FYI, by that point I was exactly 82% in.

So yeah, I honestly think this takes too long to get good. 80% is a lot of time, when the hook was RIGHT THERE.

I kept wondering why this was too easy. Everything was easy. The bi-awakening was easy. The coming out to each other was easy. The sex was easy. Working together was easy, even though one's an aging goalie on his way out (compounded by an injury) and the other is a hungry reserve goalie, who's itching for his shot at starter.

And the older goalie has to help the younger one get better because he's injured and can't play, but also the better Tanner gets, the less the team will need Louis.

So.

I was asking myself, where's the friction? If both their lives are hockey, and one has to lose for the other to win, how are they getting along THIS WELL?

Well. I got my angst.

And it was SUCH GOOD ANGST.

I have positive superlative thoughts about how the dam broke, and how the fallout was handled.

To refer to my first sentence, you'd think after reading this much hockey romance that I'd have come across every possible way to resolve a teammates in love issue.

You'd be wrong. Again.

Maybe I've not read as many as I thought, because the solution here was delightfully exciting to me.

And as a reader who has a bad habit of always picking sides between the MCs, I'm happy to say this one stumped me.

Only because I couldn't choose which one handled it better.

It's not enough for MCs to tell each other they're in love, I want to see actions. I saw those.

By the time the love declaration came around, the words were superfluous. Gimme the proof before you give me the words, any day.

3.5 rounded up. Because I'm honestly surprised that 20% of the book was enough to change my thoughts on it.

More specifically, 2* for the first 80%, 5* for the last 20%.

That said, can we have the excitement a lot sooner next time?

Because in all honesty, had this not been an ARC, I'd have DNF'd a lot sooner and would have missed the best part.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this much more than book one but I feel a bit like Goldilocks because this story felt like there wasn't any interaction with side characters at all 😂

I wanted to see Louis talking to his best friend/brother, Rylan, about his self-discovery, his serious injury and what it could mean for his career, and also about his relationship with Tanner. Instead it was crickets!! I can't remember a single conversation that happened between Louis and Rylan at all for the whole book. They shared some scenes at team gatherings but it felt weird to basically have their friendship disappear.

We don't even get to see Rylan find out about Louis and Tanner because it just skips to the epilogue? I wanted to see Tanner building more strong relationships with his teammates, especially Rylan and Jamie, which would have then emphasised his feeling of belonging in Seattle.

I did love how quickly the relationship progressed with Louis and Tanner though. They felt well suited and natural together, and I do love the domestic element to a relationship so it was fun to see them begin their relationship.

There were a few inconsistencies and timeline vagueness again, and there was too much repetition of backstory again, but overall this was a fun read and I like the feel of this storyworld. I'm curious about the next book because it's Carson and I think he's the GM? It'll be interesting to see who he gets paired up with!

*****

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

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It's a complicated situation, yet simplified, straight forward. I enjoyed the fast pace and the flow. This felt like a cozy Sunday read. Both Tanner and Louis are attractive characters and made for a believable romance. Loved it.
I liked the author's style. I'll be looking for more of Harper Robson's books.


Unrelated; This brought to mind a book I read when I was very little, The Gift of The Magi by O. Henry, probably the first 'romance/love story' I ever read.( well, that and Romeo and Juliet)...just me🤗

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full RTC

[Jacqueline (Fall In Love With The Sound of Words) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This is the second book in the hockey romance series. I did not read the first book but I think it was absolutely fine. In fact there wasn’t a whole lot of page time for any of the side characters, so can definitely be a standalone.

I had a good time. This was pretty standard hockey romance. Two goalies fighting for the main position when feelings start to come into play. A sweet stroll into an HEA.

I felt like there was a very surface level writing style. There could have been more substance I think. That could be that the story moved very quickly. It was like I was being told a story instead of witnessing a story. Which gives this a run of the mill hockey romance feel. Nothing wrong but nothing to hold on to. A fantastic time but not something I will remember years from now.

I received an eARC. My review is entirely my own.

[Bethany Chastain · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Louis Tremblay in Rylan's book. He's the veteran goalie on the team, the life of the party, the one always regaling the others with stories and playing pranks. But now, his opposite/competition has arrived in the form of Tanner Sinclair.

Tanner is uptight, orderly, serious, and needs everything to be a certain way. That's how he keeps his anxiety under control. But when Louis goes down with an injury and Tanner is the next man up, all bets are off. Because not only is he starting in the NHL for the first time...but he's starting to develop feelings for his competition.

But Louis will heal, and Tanner will eventually lose that starting spot. Is there room on the team for both of them, or will their newly found camaraderie vanish as quickly as it came?

What to expect...

🏒 Two goalies with opposite personalities 

💤 Sexy dreams of the gay variety 

💊 Medication-induced feelings dump 

😂 Harmless pranks 

🦎 A judgmental bearded dragon 

🥰 Caretaking in so many forms 

🩷 Meddling family 

🛏️ Hockey puns during sex

🏠 A cabin getaway during all star week

HARPER ELIZABETH ROBSON (I made that up)!! I LOVED this book! These two were absolutely perfect and had me tearing up. I was expecting enemies to lovers but these two were down bad from the jump. I absolutely loved how they immediately thought of each other before themselves. I loved that Louis could shed that playful mask with Tanner to be himself and that Tanner finally got his sense of belonging with Louis. I loved the writing, the banter, the humor, the spice, EVERYTHING.

Guys -- if you are missing Heated Rivalry and want more hockey, go read Rylan and then Louis. You will NOT be disappointed, you have my word.

And Carter is getting a book next? HELL YEAH!

✨ Book is written in dual first person POV ✨

[Manon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more a romance set in a hockey universe with the focus very much on the two main characters.

I do love Louis and Tanner's evolving relationship, starting as rivalery with Louis feeling threatened by Tanner and Tanner struggling to show that he belongs to Seattle and finally can make himself a home. Explaining Tanner's caring nature takes quite a bit of the story and also repeats unnecessarily.

The book starts interesting with not just these two finding a way forward when Louis is sidelined thanks to an injury but also when growing attractions come into the mix.
But for me there is just too much focus on these two. Hockey romances for me are also about the team, about the relationship between the players and staff, about building a family.

Louis is best friend with Rylan but there is nothing in the story showing their close relationship and for me that would be the first stop for Louis when fears and doubts creep in, not just about his bi-awakening but also what it means for the starter position.

It also seems that Tanner is utterly alone, he is already a while on the team but there is nothing showing that he has been taken under the wings of the veteran players or finding friends.

There is no indication how the team sees the romance, just a good show in the epilogue which I liked though.

It was a nice read but it wasn't a book which stands out from the huge number of hockey romances.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, enjoyable, low-angst read with a whole bunch of tropes I love. Queer awakening? Check. Hockey? Check. Goalies? Double check.

On the surface, Louis and Tanner could not be more different. Louis a loud, legendary veteran with two championships and two Vezinas to his name, who commandeers attention when he is in the room. The other is a quiet, controlled rookie who has spent his entire life trying not to take up space and bother anyone. But underneath it all, it turns out they're both just guys looking for that place that feels like home, where they can be happy with the one who really gets them. (Even if Louis didn't realize that's what he was looking for until he was in the middle of it.)

When Louis gets injured - in a way that is described horrifically enough that even I winced - his role becomes less starting goalie and more mentor, and that is another trope I love. Watching Louis realize that his entire identity has shifted - not so straight, possible career-ending injury - was relatable to anyone who has had to readjust their way of thinking. And watching Tanner come into his own and realize that he does belong was sweet without being overwhelming.

This book is a quick read, it's charming, and it's heartfelt. And it's proof that sometimes getting the starting job isn't as important as finding your person and figuring out a new way to reach your goal.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Ayla Shoulders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Louis (release date Jan 6th) from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, after the first couple chapters, I expected this to be rivals-to-lovers… because you know, the starting and backup goalies going for the same position. But, those boys were straight (well, gay - but you know what I mean) lovers-to-lovers before anything ever even happened between them. This was a perfect age gap romance. Louis is a 34 year old who has spent his life being the easy, fun guy and Tanner is a 23 year old caring, over analyzing, lonely dude that you just wanna hug. I loved both of these characters so much! They balanced eachother out perfectly. Both MCs were super easy to connect with. I would have LOVED to get a little more interaction with the other players or Louis’ sister because they were great. The book is hyper fixated on just Louis and Tanner… which isn’t a bad thing, I throughly enjoyed them. I just wish we had gotten a lil smidge more with some other characters as well.

This was such a quick, sweet, cozy read! (Which isn’t usually what I say about hockey romances). I was sad when it ended.

Bonus points for The Office Dunder Mifflin references!

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I’ve read so many hockey romances in the past year that I don’t even dare to count them. And obviously, I couldn’t skip this one either.

Tanner and Louis are absolutely adorable. The chemistry between them is there from the very first moment, the bi-awakening is perfect, and their shared moments are incredibly sweet. Everything is just too perfect.
Even that diarrhea story.
Okay, not perfect—but I nearly fell off my chair laughing, so it totally gets a pass ☑️

I haaaated it.
And yet, I loved every single moment of it so, so much 🥹

Because for me, this is exactly what it was about: a sweet, lovable romantic story filled with endearing characters, with no huge, over-the-top tension (just a tiny bit—this small: 🤏🏻), but even that is more than enough. And of course, instead of being honest and telling each other from the very beginning what’s actually going on, the two idiots don’t—because why would they? 🤦🏼‍♀️

Then Lou takes control…
Then there’s that kiss on the ice… You’d think something like that could get old. Well, it doesn’t 🙄
And then suddenly—it’s over. Why wasn’t the book longer?

[Karen T]

This hockey romance delivers an engaging mix of heart, heat, and personal growth, and I truly enjoyed reading it. Centered on the starting goalie for the Seattle Sasquatch and his backup, the story explores identity, vulnerability, and connection alongside the pressures of professional sports. An injury brings Louis and Tanner closer, and what begins as quiet support soon turns into something deeper as both men confront insecurities and shifting roles on and off the ice.

The relationship develops at a brisk but satisfying pace, balancing emotional moments with strong chemistry. The story highlights mutual support, particularly as both characters navigate career uncertainty and self-discovery.

I love a book that’s part of a series while still working perfectly as a standalone, and this one delivers an enjoyable, feel good read with a rewarding ending that left me eager to continue with the series.

[Didi Ps · Rating 4 out of 5]

After an injury on the ice, Louis has to help a rookie take his place on his team. Tanner is supposed to help save their season while Louis is sidelined. However, all of a sudden Louis confronted with just being seen by him in a way that he hadn’t expected.

The opening scene with his best friend Rylan at the start of the book? Wow...

Love how Tanner describes Lou’s newfound sexuality. Very simple, just matter of fact.

We really don't see many interactions with Rylan, despite being Lou's best friend, a friend who could have given him insight about his attraction to Tanner...

As Tanner helps Louis, and Louis helps Tanner... It’s a strange situation & friendship that develops. If Louis gets better, Tanner will lose his new position in the team. If Louis helps Tanner do a great job, he assures that Tanner will end up being his replacement.

This was a nice story with a HEA. Worth reading.

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Aysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louis is the second book in the Seattle Sasquatch series and can be read as a standalone.

I did struggle with the very start of the book, but quickly got into the fast paced love story between Louis and Tanner.

The plot focuses on their romance and their careers. The chemistry between Louis and Tanner was sizzling hot. I did feel like their relationship progress was a bit sudden at times, but it was believable for me.

I really loved the dynamic between them and the epilogue was fantastic.

Overall, I really enjoyed this quick, passionate, and delicious read and will definitely be reading the next one in the series.

🏒 Hockey teammates romance
🌈 Bi-Awakening
🌤️ Grumpy/ Sunshine
🥅 Goalies in Love
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/Comfort
🦎 A judgy bearded dragon

Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Seattle Sasquatch Hockey series - lots of teammates from the first book show up in this one too, however it's not necessary to have read the first book in order to enjoy this one.

This is Louis and Tanner's story. Both are goalies - Louis is the starter, Tanner is the backup. When Louis is injured and must spend months rehabbing, he gets an opportunity to coach Tanner, as well as fall in love with him. It's a fairly angst-free romance until right up at the end (but that part is resolved fairly quickly). Lots of found family vibes in this one, and a journey to finding someone and somewhere to call home. Medium spice.

Enjoyed it a lot - looking forward to the next one.

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a quick fun hockey read!

Louis is about the starting goalie for the Seattle Sasquatch. He has been having a “mid life” crisis about his sexual identity. After getting injured, his roommate and back up goalie tend to him and his feelings can’t help but come out.

Tanner is the back up goalie and struggles with feeling like he is enough. He helps Louis after he’s injured and realizes he has feelings for him.

These two men are trying to navigate their relationship while also navigating their new roles on their team. I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing how much Louis was there for Tanner emotionally.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very best part of this book was the support Louis and Tanner gave to each other and how the professional staff were there for them.

Not only was Louis a great goalie but he also served as a valuable motivator for his teammates.

Tanner came in as Louis’s backup, but he ended up being coached by Louis, and their close proximity led to them looking deeper into their psyche.

The entire team was refreshingly professional without feeling the need to tear each other down.

Be prepared for a very special dragon.

I received an ARC from Harper and GRR. Thank you so much!

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t imagine being in a competitive sport and not just competing with opposing teams, but also your teammates coming up to replace you! I’m stressed thinking about it.

But this book gives us a swoony take on that competitive relationship. When veteran player Louis finds himself spending a lot of time with his up-and-coming replacement, they find a connection beyond hockey that neither expected.

It’s a lovely story, sans any major trauma/emotional crisis. They are thoughtful, caring, and super happy in their little bubble. It’s just an all-around heartwarming romance.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou Lou Lou... what have you done to me?
The story has pretty much everything a good storyline needs: suspense, chemistry, tension, and so much emotion.
The most beautiful thing is that the love that grows between the two of them doesn't burn brightly, but develops into the kind of love that is selfless and genuine.
It was truly a wonderful journey.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants a dash of ice hockey, isn't afraid of fears, and dares to do more, because then the reward is so much greater.
Loved it!

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hockey romance that hit a lot of my favorite buttons. You get hockey (of course), grumpy/sunshine, bi-awakening, and a well paced story that is an easy read. The romance moves quickly, but it’s cute and easy to root for.

That said, the real standout for me? Cookie the bearded dragon. Absolute scene stealer. 🦎

Overall, this book is light and perfect if you’re in the mood for a feel good hockey romance.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!! I really connected with tanner and watching his journey of finding a place to truly belong was lovely. Wish there’d been a little more goalie weirdness but I loved these two together either way, especially how Lou was written in the sense that goalies maybe seem a certain way on the outside but it just might be hiding something a little different on the inside. Loving the world this author is building here with the Seattle Sasquatch!

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was surprisingly low-angst and such an easy read. Even though sweet Tanner had some personal issues he needed to work through, their relationship fell into place so easily and just worked. I loved every second of it. There was a lot of time spent just on the two of them and not on the world around them, so I guess that's why it just seemed so much easier to see how it fell into place.

[Debby Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luuuuuu!

I really liked this story. It’s very sweet and the story flows well. The same as the last one, I wish the author had gotten a bit of structural feedback. There are a few too many exhaling a breath they didn’t know they were holding and a few ither repeats, but, you know, it doesn't keep this story from 5 stars and a strong recommendation. I love the series so far!

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars