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Delay of Game
Lex Grant has hit a wall.
Her career as a crime author has grown as stagnant as her relationship with Graham, the sweet boyfriend she can't let in because of the emotional scars of her past.
When her friend's upcoming wedding takes her back to Brockhurst, Massachusetts, Lex finds herself face to face with her past, including her ailing grandmother and the ex-boyfriend she left five years ago.
Will Bennett, ex-hockey player and Lex's high school sweetheart, is the whole reason she left for California. He never could open up to her, and a career-ending injury sent him into a dark spiral.
Now, sparks fly at their reunion, and Lex has to decide whether to open her heart again or flee like she did last time.
Unexpected help comes in the form of her grandmother's stories about her first love in the 1960s who tragically died in Vietnam. The two women's stories serve as a mirror, and to find true happiness, Lex must learn that sometimes what you're looking for is right where you left it.
Her career as a crime author has grown as stagnant as her relationship with Graham, the sweet boyfriend she can't let in because of the emotional scars of her past.
When her friend's upcoming wedding takes her back to Brockhurst, Massachusetts, Lex finds herself face to face with her past, including her ailing grandmother and the ex-boyfriend she left five years ago.
Will Bennett, ex-hockey player and Lex's high school sweetheart, is the whole reason she left for California. He never could open up to her, and a career-ending injury sent him into a dark spiral.
Now, sparks fly at their reunion, and Lex has to decide whether to open her heart again or flee like she did last time.
Unexpected help comes in the form of her grandmother's stories about her first love in the 1960s who tragically died in Vietnam. The two women's stories serve as a mirror, and to find true happiness, Lex must learn that sometimes what you're looking for is right where you left it.
- GenresRomance
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2025
11 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 5, 2025
This is the second book of Shannon Carse that I have read. Hands down an auto buy author for me now.
Lex left home 5 years ago after a breakup and to start her career as an author. She hasn’t been there since but she has to for her nest friends wedding . What she didn’t want to see is Will her ex. She has a new life with in LA with Graham, and he is just so kind and thoughtful.
Read to find out how Lex navigates through closure with Will and learning her grandmother is not going to be here much longer and the secrets she has kept ….
Lex left home 5 years ago after a breakup and to start her career as an author. She hasn’t been there since but she has to for her nest friends wedding . What she didn’t want to see is Will her ex. She has a new life with in LA with Graham, and he is just so kind and thoughtful.
Read to find out how Lex navigates through closure with Will and learning her grandmother is not going to be here much longer and the secrets she has kept ….
May 11, 2025
Delay of Game by Shannon Carse
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. I’ll probably make a thousand more. But I realize now that mistakes and failures are how you grow, and how you realize who you really are and what you want.”
Oh a good small town second chance romance that has hurt and anger written all over it. Lexi comes back home to help her best friend prepare for her upcoming wedding. She would love to keep her visit private but it’s a small town and on her first night she runs into Will. Her ex she ran way from five years earlier when they couldn’t make their relationship work because he was drowning in pity from no longer being able to play hockey and she was tired of trying to save him. She did believe he would chase after her when she left and the anger in her didn’t subside in five years that he hadn’t but he’s the best man and she is the maid of honor, so they better figure out now to be civil. Lexi is only supposed to be in town for a few days but when she learns her grandmother is dying she decides to stay longer. Can her grandmother teach her one last lesson to stop running in the wrong direction?
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. I’ll probably make a thousand more. But I realize now that mistakes and failures are how you grow, and how you realize who you really are and what you want.”
Oh a good small town second chance romance that has hurt and anger written all over it. Lexi comes back home to help her best friend prepare for her upcoming wedding. She would love to keep her visit private but it’s a small town and on her first night she runs into Will. Her ex she ran way from five years earlier when they couldn’t make their relationship work because he was drowning in pity from no longer being able to play hockey and she was tired of trying to save him. She did believe he would chase after her when she left and the anger in her didn’t subside in five years that he hadn’t but he’s the best man and she is the maid of honor, so they better figure out now to be civil. Lexi is only supposed to be in town for a few days but when she learns her grandmother is dying she decides to stay longer. Can her grandmother teach her one last lesson to stop running in the wrong direction?
May 4, 2025
This book had me all in the feels! It was so emotional and the details in each character made me fall in love with each of them -- even Graham (poor Graham LOL). This stoy has everything a romance book lover is looking for. The story of Lex - her freinds, her ex, her grandma it makes you feel so emotional. But even Will! Ugh Will's story gets me everytime I think of it. I went into this story, not knowing anything and it is probably one of my favorite stories. 100% recomennding to my book club! Plus, I am a sucker for a playlist so for a song to be dedicated on each chapter -ahhh! You feel even more emotion with each chapter.
I love this book today, tomorrow, forever!
I love this book today, tomorrow, forever!
May 2, 2025
Lex Grant, a crime writer stuck in both her career and love life, returns to her hometown of Brockhurst, Massachusetts, for a friend’s wedding. There, she’s confronted by her past, including her emotionally distant ex-boyfriend Will Bennett and her ailing grandmother. As old feelings resurface, Lex must choose between rekindling a love she once ran from or retreating again. Through her grandmother’s poignant tales of lost love during the Vietnam War, Lex begins to see that healing and happiness may lie in confronting the past rather than escaping it
Wow!! The playlist for this book was absolutely spot on. Shannon did such an amazing job curating it to match the tone and emotion of the story perfectly. It added so much to the reading experience and really helped set the mood
The tropes in this book were everything: small town, second chance, return to hometown, redemption, dual POV, found family, flashbacks, author x former hockey player, and a true happily ever after. Normally, second chance isn’t one of my favorite tropes, but it was done so well here. The emotions throughout the story were so raw and real. I felt all of them while reading
The flashbacks were one of my favorite parts. They were written with so much depth and emotion, and they added another beautiful layer to the story. I loved the side characters too, each one had such a strong connection to the others, and the found family vibes came through in such a warm, comforting way
I really enjoyed getting to see both perspectives in this book. It helped me understand Will and Lex on such a deep level, and it made me so sad that they missed out on so much time together. Their connection was strong, and you could really feel the weight of everything they had been through apart.
Will was incredibly well written. After a life-changing injury, there’s so much grief and pain for the life you no longer get to live, and I thought the book captured that perfectly. I liked seeing how he had processed things over the years, both in the past and in the present, and how much he had grown. His version of the breakup and what he carried with him emotionally felt really real. I also loved getting a glimpse into the life he had built after Lex left. He came across as someone with a good heart and a lot of empathy
Lex is amazing. She’s so strong, so talented, and so kind. I loved reading about her and her passions, especially the true crime side of her personality, because it felt like reading about myself. Her perspective was just as important to the story, and I really enjoyed getting to see her life in LA. Her family dynamics were also one of my favorite parts. Her grandmother was an absolute standout. I would honestly read an entire novel just about her. Her parents were warm and supportive too, and I especially adored the way she viewed her stepdad
I also adored Graham. He’s such a genuinely good guy, and I loved every scene he was in. Lex’s family was another highlight, they were so supportive and clearly cared deeply for her. On the other hand, Will’s family dynamic was really interesting, and it was clear how much it shaped him and his choices. It added a lot of depth to his character
Will and Lex had such a strong connection. Their romance felt real and heartfelt, and I loved the way they navigated their past and present. The writing itself was beautiful and addictive. There were scenes that felt so poetic and perfectly placed. I also loved how so many small details throughout the book ended up becoming really important later on. It was just so well crafted. There is such an emotional depth to the book which makes the romance feel amazing!
This was such an emotional, heartfelt read and I truly loved it
Thank you so much to Shannon for giving me an ARC as well as letting me Beta read !! <3
Wow!! The playlist for this book was absolutely spot on. Shannon did such an amazing job curating it to match the tone and emotion of the story perfectly. It added so much to the reading experience and really helped set the mood
The tropes in this book were everything: small town, second chance, return to hometown, redemption, dual POV, found family, flashbacks, author x former hockey player, and a true happily ever after. Normally, second chance isn’t one of my favorite tropes, but it was done so well here. The emotions throughout the story were so raw and real. I felt all of them while reading
The flashbacks were one of my favorite parts. They were written with so much depth and emotion, and they added another beautiful layer to the story. I loved the side characters too, each one had such a strong connection to the others, and the found family vibes came through in such a warm, comforting way
I really enjoyed getting to see both perspectives in this book. It helped me understand Will and Lex on such a deep level, and it made me so sad that they missed out on so much time together. Their connection was strong, and you could really feel the weight of everything they had been through apart.
Will was incredibly well written. After a life-changing injury, there’s so much grief and pain for the life you no longer get to live, and I thought the book captured that perfectly. I liked seeing how he had processed things over the years, both in the past and in the present, and how much he had grown. His version of the breakup and what he carried with him emotionally felt really real. I also loved getting a glimpse into the life he had built after Lex left. He came across as someone with a good heart and a lot of empathy
Lex is amazing. She’s so strong, so talented, and so kind. I loved reading about her and her passions, especially the true crime side of her personality, because it felt like reading about myself. Her perspective was just as important to the story, and I really enjoyed getting to see her life in LA. Her family dynamics were also one of my favorite parts. Her grandmother was an absolute standout. I would honestly read an entire novel just about her. Her parents were warm and supportive too, and I especially adored the way she viewed her stepdad
I also adored Graham. He’s such a genuinely good guy, and I loved every scene he was in. Lex’s family was another highlight, they were so supportive and clearly cared deeply for her. On the other hand, Will’s family dynamic was really interesting, and it was clear how much it shaped him and his choices. It added a lot of depth to his character
Will and Lex had such a strong connection. Their romance felt real and heartfelt, and I loved the way they navigated their past and present. The writing itself was beautiful and addictive. There were scenes that felt so poetic and perfectly placed. I also loved how so many small details throughout the book ended up becoming really important later on. It was just so well crafted. There is such an emotional depth to the book which makes the romance feel amazing!
This was such an emotional, heartfelt read and I truly loved it
Thank you so much to Shannon for giving me an ARC as well as letting me Beta read !! <3
May 8, 2025
✨Delay of Game by Shannon Carse✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Stars
🌶️ - Spice
Delay of Game is a small town, second chance, forced proximity novel. First off, let me tell you this book had me sobbing. The story within the story shows that it is possible to give your heart away to one person and never find another love.
Finding more than one person in a lifetime that you wholly love is a rarity. Like lightning striking twice in the same place, even though it can happen. It is rare.
Lex is our female main character who comes home to help with her friend’s wedding. She has a doting boyfriend and a great career but right now she has hit a slump of sorts. Coming home is a way for her to reset and find some peace in the bustling world she’s just come from.
Will is our male main character and I love him. I love this character so much because his character arc takes you on a ride. An emotional one. As the book unfolds we find out more about what happened after Lex leaves to chase her dreams in LA and how it directly affects the people around her, including Will.
Think Sweet Home Alabama but they never made it to the altar.
This is a low spice romance novel that focuses on hashing out the past and figuring out if there’s a future. Because the last time these two tried it was the right person, wrong time situation where neither of them budged.
We always seem to remember who a person was but not who they’ve become.
With the help of Lex’s friends and her grandmother Lou (who I love to bits) Lex finds her way back to her roots. To where she might have belonged all along.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Stars
🌶️ - Spice
Delay of Game is a small town, second chance, forced proximity novel. First off, let me tell you this book had me sobbing. The story within the story shows that it is possible to give your heart away to one person and never find another love.
Finding more than one person in a lifetime that you wholly love is a rarity. Like lightning striking twice in the same place, even though it can happen. It is rare.
Lex is our female main character who comes home to help with her friend’s wedding. She has a doting boyfriend and a great career but right now she has hit a slump of sorts. Coming home is a way for her to reset and find some peace in the bustling world she’s just come from.
Will is our male main character and I love him. I love this character so much because his character arc takes you on a ride. An emotional one. As the book unfolds we find out more about what happened after Lex leaves to chase her dreams in LA and how it directly affects the people around her, including Will.
Think Sweet Home Alabama but they never made it to the altar.
This is a low spice romance novel that focuses on hashing out the past and figuring out if there’s a future. Because the last time these two tried it was the right person, wrong time situation where neither of them budged.
We always seem to remember who a person was but not who they’ve become.
With the help of Lex’s friends and her grandmother Lou (who I love to bits) Lex finds her way back to her roots. To where she might have belonged all along.
April 17, 2025
Delay of Game follows FMC, Lex Grant, who goes back home to Brockhurst, MA— a place she’s avoided for 5 years.
When she has to go fulfill maid of honor duties for her best friend’s wedding, she’s forced to come face to face with her past & the reason why she fled for California — her first love and ex boyfriend, Will Bennett.
I loved how “homey” Brockhurst felt. Shannon literally said picture Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls and it’s exactly like that. I enjoyed getting to know Lex’s friends and their backstories and how even though Lex left, they treated her exactly the same. They also put her in her place when she needed it. & damn did she need it for her character development.I also loved her relationship with her Grandma. Her grandma’s flashbacks with her own first love was so 🥹 but also 😭.. & I’ll leave it at that.
We see how Lex learns to navigate the complexities of love when it comes to her current boyfriend and ex boyfriend and the clarity she receives from her friends & family (especially her grandma). I loved seeing her become more herself (more Lex, less Alexandra) the longer she stayed in Brockhurst.
But let’s not forget Will!! Reading his POV and how much he still loves Lex?? 😭😭 “My Lex” UGHH.
This was a heartwarming story about first loves & second chances and thank you so much Shannon for providing me with an early copy of the book 💜
When she has to go fulfill maid of honor duties for her best friend’s wedding, she’s forced to come face to face with her past & the reason why she fled for California — her first love and ex boyfriend, Will Bennett.
I loved how “homey” Brockhurst felt. Shannon literally said picture Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls and it’s exactly like that. I enjoyed getting to know Lex’s friends and their backstories and how even though Lex left, they treated her exactly the same. They also put her in her place when she needed it. & damn did she need it for her character development.I also loved her relationship with her Grandma. Her grandma’s flashbacks with her own first love was so 🥹 but also 😭.. & I’ll leave it at that.
We see how Lex learns to navigate the complexities of love when it comes to her current boyfriend and ex boyfriend and the clarity she receives from her friends & family (especially her grandma). I loved seeing her become more herself (more Lex, less Alexandra) the longer she stayed in Brockhurst.
But let’s not forget Will!! Reading his POV and how much he still loves Lex?? 😭😭 “My Lex” UGHH.
This was a heartwarming story about first loves & second chances and thank you so much Shannon for providing me with an early copy of the book 💜
May 6, 2025
𝘞𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝘓𝘦𝘹 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘈 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥.
𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺!
𝘓𝘦𝘹 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘈 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥.
𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺!
May 10, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
What a wonderful story. I have never cried so much in my entire life until I read this book. Everything about it was so beautiful and sad and just.... peace.
Losing a loved one is so hard. I've felt it. that grief. Not wanting to do anything, not wanting to get up, the overflowing of tears. But, I have never had the strength like Lex did. Lex is such a strong FMC. Moving back home was the best thing she could have ever done, and I know she will never forget it. The whole town is there for her, as they are for each other.
And Will. The most strongest of them all. For living. For continuing on. He deserved the happiness that he got. After everything, I am so happy to see him finally knowing who he is and what he wants. Both Will and Lex have had troubles in the past, but they will always love each other... today, tomorrow, and forever 🩷💜
I hope everyone gets the chance to read this novel. And get your tissues ready... because grandma's letters are where the tears start pouring in
Delay of Game releases May 9, 2025
What a wonderful story. I have never cried so much in my entire life until I read this book. Everything about it was so beautiful and sad and just.... peace.
Losing a loved one is so hard. I've felt it. that grief. Not wanting to do anything, not wanting to get up, the overflowing of tears. But, I have never had the strength like Lex did. Lex is such a strong FMC. Moving back home was the best thing she could have ever done, and I know she will never forget it. The whole town is there for her, as they are for each other.
And Will. The most strongest of them all. For living. For continuing on. He deserved the happiness that he got. After everything, I am so happy to see him finally knowing who he is and what he wants. Both Will and Lex have had troubles in the past, but they will always love each other... today, tomorrow, and forever 🩷💜
I hope everyone gets the chance to read this novel. And get your tissues ready... because grandma's letters are where the tears start pouring in
Delay of Game releases May 9, 2025
May 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Wow! This was a roller coaster of emotions! The complex layering of the characters, the relationships, the dual timelines, and three POVs were seriously up alley compared to other contemporary romance novels. This was absolutely at the same par to critically acclaimed female romance/lit-fic authors (cough we all know the one cough).
Kept my attention throughout the entire storyline and wrapped up the many things going on very nicely.
I was wrong about what kind of guy I thought Graham was going to be… that was unexpected.
And I don’t really understand how Lex could stay away from friends that were THAT cool and chill and considerate.
With that said…
I love heart wrenching storylines. I love when a book is emotional. I almost cried on the plane reading this 2? 3? times!! The way the author spoke about grieving and death of a loved one really resonated with me and was in my opinion so relateable for many other situations.
Now I need to read the other book from this author 👏
Kept my attention throughout the entire storyline and wrapped up the many things going on very nicely.
I was wrong about what kind of guy I thought Graham was going to be… that was unexpected.
And I don’t really understand how Lex could stay away from friends that were THAT cool and chill and considerate.
With that said…
I love heart wrenching storylines. I love when a book is emotional. I almost cried on the plane reading this 2? 3? times!! The way the author spoke about grieving and death of a loved one really resonated with me and was in my opinion so relateable for many other situations.
Now I need to read the other book from this author 👏
May 11, 2025
Thank you to Shannon Carse for the ARC.
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4. 1🌶️
Second chance romances aren’t my favorite trope, but this one did it well. I also enjoyed the flashback scenes written from the grandma’s POV. I don’t think I’ve seen a book do that before. This is otherwise written as a dual POV from Lex’s (FMC) and Will’s (MMC) perspectives. It took a while for me to warm up to Lex. From Will’s POV he had a dream ripped away from him due to injury and during his grieving of that dream dying, Lex left him for LA. From Lex’s perspective, she didn’t feel supported in their relationship and he wasn’t there for her, so she left their small town to go to LA. The meddling grandma helps them through their differences while giving us insight into her own love story. I think grandma’s love story was really compelling for me and made the book worth it.
Overall, a good read and it’s my first time picking up a book from this author.
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4. 1🌶️
Second chance romances aren’t my favorite trope, but this one did it well. I also enjoyed the flashback scenes written from the grandma’s POV. I don’t think I’ve seen a book do that before. This is otherwise written as a dual POV from Lex’s (FMC) and Will’s (MMC) perspectives. It took a while for me to warm up to Lex. From Will’s POV he had a dream ripped away from him due to injury and during his grieving of that dream dying, Lex left him for LA. From Lex’s perspective, she didn’t feel supported in their relationship and he wasn’t there for her, so she left their small town to go to LA. The meddling grandma helps them through their differences while giving us insight into her own love story. I think grandma’s love story was really compelling for me and made the book worth it.
Overall, a good read and it’s my first time picking up a book from this author.
May 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book has me in a chokehold. The flashbacks were so well done, each one connected beautifully to the chapters before and after it. The playlist was amazing! Love a book with a playlist and Shannon knocked this one out of the park.
This entire story was beautiful, but I most resonated with the character of Will. He made mistakes, realized them, and worked through his grief and pain, using humor along the way. I appreciate any male character that’s written to be flawed, but so realistic too. Loved him.
This book made me laugh one minute and sob the next. I hope we meet these characters again because I cannot stop thinking about them.
Thank you shannon for providing me an arc of this incredible book.
This entire story was beautiful, but I most resonated with the character of Will. He made mistakes, realized them, and worked through his grief and pain, using humor along the way. I appreciate any male character that’s written to be flawed, but so realistic too. Loved him.
This book made me laugh one minute and sob the next. I hope we meet these characters again because I cannot stop thinking about them.
Thank you shannon for providing me an arc of this incredible book.
July 28, 2025
Seriously, can a book make you feel happy and sad at the same time?
Because this one did. It wrapped me up like a warm blanket on a rainy day ☔️, then gently tugged at every little thread of my heartstrings. From Lex and Will's complicated reunion 💌 to the beautifully told love story of her grandmother 💜, this book is a hug and a tear rolled into one.
The emotional pull, the soft romance, the bittersweet past, and those quiet moments of hope and healing, ah! It just lingered with me like your favourite song on repeat. 📚🫶🏼
It’s so refreshing to read a romance that isn’t drowning in spice, but overflowing with heart.
Also, I think I’ve come to love the colour lilac so much more now...it just feels like this story...soft, nostalgic, and quietly powerful.
Because this one did. It wrapped me up like a warm blanket on a rainy day ☔️, then gently tugged at every little thread of my heartstrings. From Lex and Will's complicated reunion 💌 to the beautifully told love story of her grandmother 💜, this book is a hug and a tear rolled into one.
The emotional pull, the soft romance, the bittersweet past, and those quiet moments of hope and healing, ah! It just lingered with me like your favourite song on repeat. 📚🫶🏼
It’s so refreshing to read a romance that isn’t drowning in spice, but overflowing with heart.
Also, I think I’ve come to love the colour lilac so much more now...it just feels like this story...soft, nostalgic, and quietly powerful.
May 3, 2025
Five years after leaving her hometown of Brockhurst, MA, Lex returns to be a bridesmaid in her best friend's wedding. While reuniting with family and friends, Lex is also forced to grapple with her past, including the man she never thought she'd be around again...
This is a wonderful story about love, second chances, grief, clarity, and growth. Being home changes everything for Lex. She is forced to analyze her past, present, and decide what she wants for her future.
Shannon Carse has a unique ability to weave stories with dynamic characters, descriptive settings, and deeply emotional moments. Delay Of Game had me smiling, crying, sighing, and cheering. I didn't want the story to end!
This is a wonderful story about love, second chances, grief, clarity, and growth. Being home changes everything for Lex. She is forced to analyze her past, present, and decide what she wants for her future.
Shannon Carse has a unique ability to weave stories with dynamic characters, descriptive settings, and deeply emotional moments. Delay Of Game had me smiling, crying, sighing, and cheering. I didn't want the story to end!
May 16, 2025
first off, a big thank you to the author for an arc of this amazing book!! i love, love, loved this one so much! between the second chance romance trope, small town romance, and the hockey spect, this book had EVERYTHING for me. but truly i loved the way every single emotion was captured so beautifully and will and lex’s love story wasn’t a simple one. it required work, rekindling and forgiving which made it that much more real. i cried, i laughed, i melted. delay of game was truly such an amazing read and i cannot recommend it enough💜
congrats on this incredible novel!! you are so talented🫶🏼
you can get delay of game now on kindle unlimited, amazon or wherever your books are sold!
congrats on this incredible novel!! you are so talented🫶🏼
you can get delay of game now on kindle unlimited, amazon or wherever your books are sold!
May 9, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
Oh my goodness! This book has my entire soul. The mix of past and present moments with Jack & Louise (past) and Will & Lex's (present) stories was so beautifully written. I absolutely loved Louise's character and her love story had me sobbing in the best way. It was full of so much depth and emotion that really tugs on your heartstrings. I appreciated Lex’s growth throughout the story as she navigates through her past trauma and mistakes. Although I wished this had more of a hockey story line to really tie in the title, I still really enjoyed Will & Lex’s love story. If you love second chance romances, this book is a must!
Oh my goodness! This book has my entire soul. The mix of past and present moments with Jack & Louise (past) and Will & Lex's (present) stories was so beautifully written. I absolutely loved Louise's character and her love story had me sobbing in the best way. It was full of so much depth and emotion that really tugs on your heartstrings. I appreciated Lex’s growth throughout the story as she navigates through her past trauma and mistakes. Although I wished this had more of a hockey story line to really tie in the title, I still really enjoyed Will & Lex’s love story. If you love second chance romances, this book is a must!
May 10, 2025
Who doesn’t love a meddling Grandma? Add a second chance and realization that once you give your heart away, it’s never available for another…..despite denial and avoidance.
Five years have passed since Lex was home. She returns to be in a wedding. The last person she wants to see is Will!
Ahhh Will the man you are….tough road since a career ending injury.
Fake it until you make it just doesn’t work for either MCs.
This is my first book by Shannon and I loved how she wrote the story. Two sides to every story and the importance of communication.
Thank you to Stephanie Curse for the opportunity to read your book!
Five years have passed since Lex was home. She returns to be in a wedding. The last person she wants to see is Will!
Ahhh Will the man you are….tough road since a career ending injury.
Fake it until you make it just doesn’t work for either MCs.
This is my first book by Shannon and I loved how she wrote the story. Two sides to every story and the importance of communication.
Thank you to Stephanie Curse for the opportunity to read your book!
May 9, 2025
ARC Review
Thank you to Shannon Carse for trusting me with her book. This was a beautiful story and their long journey back to each other.
I’m only sad I didn’t get to see more of Will and Lex be together. I think they would’ve been amazing together.
I loved the flashbacks for Louise and Jack, even when I knew it was coming, my heart still broke when the time came.
I see a lot of precious found family in this book, which hopefully sets us up for more books to come. 💜
Also, I can spot this Swiftie a mile away! Shannon ties lyrics from many different songs and genes to the beginning of each chapter. It was perfect.
Thank you to Shannon Carse for trusting me with her book. This was a beautiful story and their long journey back to each other.
I’m only sad I didn’t get to see more of Will and Lex be together. I think they would’ve been amazing together.
I loved the flashbacks for Louise and Jack, even when I knew it was coming, my heart still broke when the time came.
I see a lot of precious found family in this book, which hopefully sets us up for more books to come. 💜
Also, I can spot this Swiftie a mile away! Shannon ties lyrics from many different songs and genes to the beginning of each chapter. It was perfect.
April 13, 2025
what a beautiful beautiful story about second chances, navigating grief, and friendship. once i started this i could not put it down. i’m unwell. i’m sobbing as i write this. shannon has once again created magic and insanely relatable characters, with heartwarming relationships 😭
June 10, 2025
This was one of the best romance novels I’ve read in a LONG time. Such amazing character development and storyline. I loved every minute of it and couldn’t put it down. I will never turn down a Shannon Carse book from here on out.
July 1, 2025
a second chance return to hometown story with the added emotions of her grandmom's memories 🥹
loved curling up with this book and falling in love with Will - I loveee when it's a second chance and the characters have grown so much in the time they've been apart ❤️
loved curling up with this book and falling in love with Will - I loveee when it's a second chance and the characters have grown so much in the time they've been apart ❤️
May 9, 2025
my second baby. i’ll never be able to put into words what this book means to me. welcome to the world, delay of game. 💜
May 9, 2025
Sobbing, laughing, and a Sweeney Todd reference in a book? Total recipe for a masterpiece! I loved it, I could read ten more books surrounding these two!
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