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Hat Trick #2
Playing the Rebound
The events from two years ago are still fresh in Simon Robert’s mind as he and Alex Miller begin their sophomore year at the University of Michigan. Nightmares are a routine occurrence as Simon relives the crimes his father and brother committed. Now, with his father ill and asking to see him, Simon must decide if he should see the man who tried to send him away to be fixed. And then there's Zach. Simon's conflicted about making peace with his older brother who tormented him as they grew up and caused him to be outed to his parents, friends and teammates.
Alex wants Simon to find closure, but Alex is furious at the thought of forgiving Zack. With no clear direction, Simon finds guidance from an unexpected, but very welcome, source.
At the same time, the University’s student body is faced with an anti-gay attacker among them. When he witnesses an attack first hand, memories threaten to overwhelm Simon. At the same time, he’s also emboldened to take action, which might turn him into a target.
Despite the distractions, Simon works towards his future as he begins working with teens at the local LGBT community center. He has the opportunity to use his story as a teaching tool to help others come out. While he’s never enjoyed telling his story, he looks for the courage to speak his truth to an audience.
Luckily, not everything is chaos. Simon and Alex mark their anniversary in epic fashion, continue to play hockey and hang out with good friends. But with many demands on them, can Simon and Alex set up the rebound necessary to create the scoring opportunity for their future?
Alex wants Simon to find closure, but Alex is furious at the thought of forgiving Zack. With no clear direction, Simon finds guidance from an unexpected, but very welcome, source.
At the same time, the University’s student body is faced with an anti-gay attacker among them. When he witnesses an attack first hand, memories threaten to overwhelm Simon. At the same time, he’s also emboldened to take action, which might turn him into a target.
Despite the distractions, Simon works towards his future as he begins working with teens at the local LGBT community center. He has the opportunity to use his story as a teaching tool to help others come out. While he’s never enjoyed telling his story, he looks for the courage to speak his truth to an audience.
Luckily, not everything is chaos. Simon and Alex mark their anniversary in epic fashion, continue to play hockey and hang out with good friends. But with many demands on them, can Simon and Alex set up the rebound necessary to create the scoring opportunity for their future?
226 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2014
4 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Adams
45 books224 followersJeff Adams has written stories since he was in middle school and became a published author in 2009. He writes both gay romance and LGBTQ young adult fiction…and there’s usually a hockey player at the center of the story.
Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty-five years, Will. They are creative collaborators, writing and podcasting together. For nine years they were the co-hosts of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast.
Jeff is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He's an advocate for accessible web content and helps creative entrepreneurs understand how they can make sure their content is accessible by everyone.
Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty-five years, Will. They are creative collaborators, writing and podcasting together. For nine years they were the co-hosts of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast.
Jeff is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He's an advocate for accessible web content and helps creative entrepreneurs understand how they can make sure their content is accessible by everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 19, 2015
This was SO much better than the first book! As Simon and Alex grew up, so did the writing and tone of the book. I found it to much more enjoyable to read. I loved seeing Simon and Alex have a great relationship while still having moments where it wasn't perfect. It seemed very realistic. I loved seeing some of the resolution from book 1 (with dad and Zack) and am looking forward to seeing more of Simon and Zack's relationship grow. Great follow up. Otherwise, I am looking forward to book 3 when it comes.
October 15, 2016
Jeff Adams writes with care and has created a set of incredibly cheer worthy characters in Simon and Alex. They are two young men who seem to have love and motivation to make something of themselves down pat. The problem is that the world won't seem to let them do it.
As they become active in college as star hockey players, there's a dark secret going on around them that threatens to actually kill one of them. Simon is involved in gay rights activities as part of his internship, and after how his dad and brother reacted to that, it's a wonder he isn't in bed curled up and shaking all day. He has nightmares but they don't stop him. Nothing does. He's out there helping young people and that storyline is so sweet, even if it was a bit too perfect.
I almost hated to want some relationship drama between this perfect couple, but hated when we got some! Haha. It's great to see well balanced people figuring it out and taking responsibility for their actions. It sometimes makes things work out too well, but why do we want awful situations in our books? Wait a little, that happens here.
There are some typographical errors that could have been caught but it didn't distract much. I thought the violence on campus angle was good and supported Simon's role in it, but can this guy catch a break! Zach's storyline from prison and the father's situation added depth and conflict nicely. It could have been pushed further to wedge between Simon and Alex maybe. The psychology of family versus significant others is such an interesting area and it is explored some here. Although maybe Simon is too nice.
I look forward to more and already have the next book and short story waiting on me.
As they become active in college as star hockey players, there's a dark secret going on around them that threatens to actually kill one of them. Simon is involved in gay rights activities as part of his internship, and after how his dad and brother reacted to that, it's a wonder he isn't in bed curled up and shaking all day. He has nightmares but they don't stop him. Nothing does. He's out there helping young people and that storyline is so sweet, even if it was a bit too perfect.
I almost hated to want some relationship drama between this perfect couple, but hated when we got some! Haha. It's great to see well balanced people figuring it out and taking responsibility for their actions. It sometimes makes things work out too well, but why do we want awful situations in our books? Wait a little, that happens here.
There are some typographical errors that could have been caught but it didn't distract much. I thought the violence on campus angle was good and supported Simon's role in it, but can this guy catch a break! Zach's storyline from prison and the father's situation added depth and conflict nicely. It could have been pushed further to wedge between Simon and Alex maybe. The psychology of family versus significant others is such an interesting area and it is explored some here. Although maybe Simon is too nice.
I look forward to more and already have the next book and short story waiting on me.
March 29, 2015
I remembered how over the top dramatic the first book was, but I didn't remember how much I'm not a fan of the writing style. It just reads like fanfic to me, which turns me off of the whole book. I also had trouble with how inaccurate the portrayal of D1 hockey was. Like maybe Michigan is different from what I know, but there's no way the players would have time for everything they had time for in the book. And there's no way they would be able to get away with some of the stuff they got away with in the book.
Overall this probably would appeal more to younger teens than to adults.
Overall this probably would appeal more to younger teens than to adults.
dnf-not-4-me
June 6, 2017High school aged boys.
July 28, 2019
Slightly better in terms of managing the major plot events. Still had a lot of issues with flow and believability, but felt easier to get through. Definitely still had issues in terms of how it treated abuse and abuse victims. It managed to get one more star than the last one, but still not a book I’d re-read.
February 24, 2017
The original Hat Trick, which I gave 5 stars, was going to be a difficult book to follow. That's most often the case with the original in a series. But Hat Trick 2 is a solid next step in this series of gay coming of age books. Simon and Alex grow and evolve. The college setting is rendered very well. College is certainly different than high school, the setting of the first book. And I was pleasantly surprised that the author was able to include in this second book some high stakes drama like he did in the first. I figured a repeat of high drama would be overdoing it. But the author found a believable way of weaving into the tale some very significant happenings outside of the ongoing relationship. I was very pleased with this book and am going to continue on to the next book. I heartily recommend Hat Trick 2 after you read Hat Trick.
September 19, 2015
I liked this book more than the last because this time the narration didn't hop as much and I liked the way the book was written but still certain pivotal events seemed missing.
Otherwise I liked the book. Loved Simon and Alex, loved the hockey (even though this time the focus was more on Simon's work at the community centre, loved that too) and the story. This book was very fast paced and dealt with a lot of issues.
Firstly, we need more Simon and Alex. I would love if the books focused more on their relationship. This actually happens in a lot of youth books which are focused on showing the characters bringing a change in the LGBTQ world. Even though I would definitely not say that the romance is deficient the book could do with more. Especially after Alex's anniversary present to Simon I kind of felt starved because the beginning of the book set the barrier high.
Okay on one hand I would have loved to know what went down towards the end in details but on the other hand I feel happy that we didn't have to read through such unpleasant issues a second time. So I am conflicted this time around.
Lastly I liked the fact that Simon tries to make with his brother but that whole relationship seems to be going way too smoothly, whereas I expected a lot of hitches. On some level Alex's reaction were more realistic on this matter.
And the whole dream thing with Jackson has left me off-kilter. This book deals with way too serious issues too be able to pull off that particular series of events naturally. Basically while I would have loved Jackson and Simon's dream conversations I would have loved them passed off as dreams with a hint of the paranormal than the paranormal masquerading in the form of dreams.
On the whole I still loved the book despite my issues.
Otherwise I liked the book. Loved Simon and Alex, loved the hockey (even though this time the focus was more on Simon's work at the community centre, loved that too) and the story. This book was very fast paced and dealt with a lot of issues.
Firstly, we need more Simon and Alex. I would love if the books focused more on their relationship. This actually happens in a lot of youth books which are focused on showing the characters bringing a change in the LGBTQ world. Even though I would definitely not say that the romance is deficient the book could do with more. Especially after Alex's anniversary present to Simon I kind of felt starved because the beginning of the book set the barrier high.
Okay on one hand I would have loved to know what went down towards the end in details but on the other hand I feel happy that we didn't have to read through such unpleasant issues a second time. So I am conflicted this time around.
Lastly I liked the fact that Simon tries to make with his brother but that whole relationship seems to be going way too smoothly, whereas I expected a lot of hitches. On some level Alex's reaction were more realistic on this matter.
And the whole dream thing with Jackson has left me off-kilter. This book deals with way too serious issues too be able to pull off that particular series of events naturally. Basically while I would have loved Jackson and Simon's dream conversations I would have loved them passed off as dreams with a hint of the paranormal than the paranormal masquerading in the form of dreams.
On the whole I still loved the book despite my issues.
December 28, 2014
Hat Trick 2 Playing The Rebound by Jeff Adams is my sixty-sixth book that I have received and read from Goodreads. This book is about Simon and Alex, they are sophomores at the University of Michigan. They both play on the University of Michigan's hockey team. They are roommates and they are a couple. They have problems like most couples, but they are able to talk thru them.
They are out to everyone. They have great friends on and off the hockey team. Alex is working on getting his degree in engineering. Simon on the other hand, has hopes and dreams of working in social work and working with young adults. He is in a work study program with the Ann Arbor LGBT Community Center. Simon is having nightmares about what happened two years ago. This is why he has changed his major to Social Work.
This story deals with two issues: The first issue is what is happening on the University of Michigan. There is someone out there attacking gays on campus and stopping them. The second is Simon's father is dying and wants to see and speak with him, and Simon's ability to forgive his father. After listening to his father than go to the prison and see his brother, talk with him, and start the forgiving process. This is tough for his brother is involved in the killing of his friend, and for beating up Alex and putting him into the hospital for being gay.
I would recommend this book to all young adults and adults. Jeff Adams does a great job of showing us by listening and then talking to each other, we can accomplish almost anything in our relationships.
They are out to everyone. They have great friends on and off the hockey team. Alex is working on getting his degree in engineering. Simon on the other hand, has hopes and dreams of working in social work and working with young adults. He is in a work study program with the Ann Arbor LGBT Community Center. Simon is having nightmares about what happened two years ago. This is why he has changed his major to Social Work.
This story deals with two issues: The first issue is what is happening on the University of Michigan. There is someone out there attacking gays on campus and stopping them. The second is Simon's father is dying and wants to see and speak with him, and Simon's ability to forgive his father. After listening to his father than go to the prison and see his brother, talk with him, and start the forgiving process. This is tough for his brother is involved in the killing of his friend, and for beating up Alex and putting him into the hospital for being gay.
I would recommend this book to all young adults and adults. Jeff Adams does a great job of showing us by listening and then talking to each other, we can accomplish almost anything in our relationships.
September 14, 2015
Reviewed by Christina for QUEERcentric Books
Hat Trick 2: Playing The Rebound is the second installment of the Hat Trick series by Jeff Adams and a continuation of Simon and Alex’s story. They are now sophomores at the University of Michigan. While the first book in the series focused on building their relationship, Playing The Rebound shows a more developed relationship and allows for some steamy scenes between Simon and Alex.
Even though two years have passed since Simon and Alex’s senior year, Simon has yet to find closure with his family. His father, who has fallen ill, wants to reconnect but Simon is reluctant to see him or his brother, Zack. Alex wants Simon to find peace, but he can’t forgive Zack for what he did.
While Simon sorts out his family issues, a person is targeting LGBT people in the University of Michigan’s student body. After witnessing an attack, Simon struggles to separate the incident from his past but decides to start giving back. His goal is to use his own story to help teens at a local LGBT community center. Juggling everything is stressful, but Simon still has Alex and good friends to support him....
Read Christina's full review at QUEERcentric Books
Hat Trick 2: Playing The Rebound is the second installment of the Hat Trick series by Jeff Adams and a continuation of Simon and Alex’s story. They are now sophomores at the University of Michigan. While the first book in the series focused on building their relationship, Playing The Rebound shows a more developed relationship and allows for some steamy scenes between Simon and Alex.
Even though two years have passed since Simon and Alex’s senior year, Simon has yet to find closure with his family. His father, who has fallen ill, wants to reconnect but Simon is reluctant to see him or his brother, Zack. Alex wants Simon to find peace, but he can’t forgive Zack for what he did.
While Simon sorts out his family issues, a person is targeting LGBT people in the University of Michigan’s student body. After witnessing an attack, Simon struggles to separate the incident from his past but decides to start giving back. His goal is to use his own story to help teens at a local LGBT community center. Juggling everything is stressful, but Simon still has Alex and good friends to support him....
Read Christina's full review at QUEERcentric Books
August 25, 2014
4 star review by Colette
This is an excellent sequel to Hat Trick, Simon and Alex are now sophomores at the University of Michigan, they are still a couple, still play hockey together and still the same wonderful young men. They are out to everyone, and have great friends on and off the team.
Simon though, is still having nightmares about what happened 2 years ago, because of what he went through Simon changed his major to social work and has a work study assignment with the Ann Arbor LGBT Community Center.
There are 2 story lines going on, the first is what is going on at the University, the anti-gay attacks and the second, Simon dealing with his father and brother and finding closure and peace.
I really enjoyed both these books and would recommend them to both young adults and anyone else interested in a good love story.
PS – I wish I had an anniversary has sweet and romantic as the one Alex planned!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
This is an excellent sequel to Hat Trick, Simon and Alex are now sophomores at the University of Michigan, they are still a couple, still play hockey together and still the same wonderful young men. They are out to everyone, and have great friends on and off the team.
Simon though, is still having nightmares about what happened 2 years ago, because of what he went through Simon changed his major to social work and has a work study assignment with the Ann Arbor LGBT Community Center.
There are 2 story lines going on, the first is what is going on at the University, the anti-gay attacks and the second, Simon dealing with his father and brother and finding closure and peace.
I really enjoyed both these books and would recommend them to both young adults and anyone else interested in a good love story.
PS – I wish I had an anniversary has sweet and romantic as the one Alex planned!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
July 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this second book in the Hat Trick series. Simon and Alex are a great couple and though not perfect, they talk to each when issues come up, taking away that whole so frustrating 'misunderstanding' part of a lot of books you read. This book starts with the boys in their second year of college, they each know what they want to do with the rest of their lives, and alot of the story encompasses Simon's wish to go into Social Work. He is working at the local LGBT centre and we meet some great new characters through his work there.
The majority of the story focuses on his relationship with his father and brother after their attacks and the attacks on LGBT students on campus. It is a little racier than the first book, I assuming taking into account that the boys are older now. It was good seeing that dynamic of their relationship and it was well done, without being too much.
I can't wait for the next book, write quickly Jeff!
The majority of the story focuses on his relationship with his father and brother after their attacks and the attacks on LGBT students on campus. It is a little racier than the first book, I assuming taking into account that the boys are older now. It was good seeing that dynamic of their relationship and it was well done, without being too much.
I can't wait for the next book, write quickly Jeff!
October 20, 2014
This is an excellent sequel to Hat Trick, I truly enjoyed reading this book. This book follows Simon and Alex who are now sophomores at the University of Michigan. They are still a wonderful couple, and still play hockey together. They are out to everyone, and have great friends on and off the team. I also really enjoyed how the author showed that communication is key to any relationship, while it may not always be perfect, it just takes a little effort.
This book really encompasses Simon and his hopes and dreams for the future, which includes social work with young adult. I really liked how this book really revolved around him as an individual. Simon showed some real growth as a character, which was wonderful.
People from Simon's and Alex's past come into play in this book, some for the better and some not so much. I highly recommend this book and series which does need to be read in order, they are not stand alones. I can't wait to read the rest of there journey!
This book really encompasses Simon and his hopes and dreams for the future, which includes social work with young adult. I really liked how this book really revolved around him as an individual. Simon showed some real growth as a character, which was wonderful.
People from Simon's and Alex's past come into play in this book, some for the better and some not so much. I highly recommend this book and series which does need to be read in order, they are not stand alones. I can't wait to read the rest of there journey!
January 22, 2015
I loved the first Hat Trick, but this one was even better. While Simon might be a little too Mary Sue about his love of hockey, the writing about his relationship with Alex is dead on believable. They have a great chemistry, even in rough times.
The inclusion of Jackson is an interesting touch, leading me to some curious questions about if he was just Simon's subconscious talking to him through dreams or if the book had skipped into a true supernatural setting.
The dramatic plot point about the frat party could've been expanded a bit more, it almost seems to lightly touched upon for such a turning point in the story. Minor issues for me.
As for the attackers identity, I was pleasantly surprised about that plot twist. Not fully unexpected, but nicely done.
I hope to read more books about these two.
The inclusion of Jackson is an interesting touch, leading me to some curious questions about if he was just Simon's subconscious talking to him through dreams or if the book had skipped into a true supernatural setting.
The dramatic plot point about the frat party could've been expanded a bit more, it almost seems to lightly touched upon for such a turning point in the story. Minor issues for me.
As for the attackers identity, I was pleasantly surprised about that plot twist. Not fully unexpected, but nicely done.
I hope to read more books about these two.
August 4, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
I was captivated by Simon and Alex in Hat Trick and was so happy to see them again. Playing the Rebound was written in Simon’s POV, which was very effective as the story truly revolved around him as an individual. Simon showed some real growth as a character and exhibited very realistic behavior, such as when he changed his major or finding out about his father’s death. I believed that the emotions and motivation were real.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
I was captivated by Simon and Alex in Hat Trick and was so happy to see them again. Playing the Rebound was written in Simon’s POV, which was very effective as the story truly revolved around him as an individual. Simon showed some real growth as a character and exhibited very realistic behavior, such as when he changed his major or finding out about his father’s death. I believed that the emotions and motivation were real.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
February 23, 2016
4.5 stars
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Much like any of my favorite YA/Teen titles, I fell in love with the characters early and just wanted everything to go right for them. Of course, like in any good fiction, not everything goes well for Simon and Alex. I laughed with them. I cried with them. I feared with and for them. I felt their anxiety and grief as if it was my own. With unwavering support of friends, family, and each other they manage to weather every storm.
For the Complete Review please see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
September 4, 2016
Another in this series that had good bones, but was a bit marred by some very over the top happenings. I wasn't really surprised that the attacker turned out to be , but I think some of the other revelations about the attacker were too much. Gay bashings AND .
I also thought this one had a lot of info dumps and lecturing, when Simon was doing his talk at the local high school. Statistics are all well and good, but it really dragged me out of the plot.
I also thought this one had a lot of info dumps and lecturing, when Simon was doing his talk at the local high school. Statistics are all well and good, but it really dragged me out of the plot.
January 22, 2016
There are (wicked, monstrous) bullying people in the world. Young people are so vulnerable when these people are their family, even when the young people are barely adults (over 18).
Some people were too good to be true such as the high school and college hockey coaches, friends, the parents of friends, the Pittsburgh Gay Hockey League.
I amy not read this again because of he darkness, but it was very good the one time through.
Some people were too good to be true such as the high school and college hockey coaches, friends, the parents of friends, the Pittsburgh Gay Hockey League.
I amy not read this again because of he darkness, but it was very good the one time through.
October 7, 2014
I love the messages Mr. Adams included in the story — forgiveness, camaraderie, and the power to change oneself for the better no matter what. I think it can impact younger people's lives and the future with both Hat Trick 1 and 2. Because the book is a slice of life, it made me feel like I'm reading a friend's experiences.
A certain character comes back that threw me off a little bit, but it was good, too. It was just unexpected. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
A certain character comes back that threw me off a little bit, but it was good, too. It was just unexpected. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
October 1, 2015
What I like about this series: Simon and Alex are two upstanding guys with a wonderful, loving relationship.
Why these aren't five star reads for me: the over-the-top things that happen to SImon in both books and that, in my opinion at least, both boys speak and act like they're much older than their actual ages.
Why these aren't five star reads for me: the over-the-top things that happen to SImon in both books and that, in my opinion at least, both boys speak and act like they're much older than their actual ages.
February 13, 2016
A worthy continuation of Alex and Simon's story as they continue their lives together in college. They go through some ups and downs with school and family, but still are able to support each other and keep their relationship strong. Through adversity, they have a great group of team mates and friends and colleagues who keep them safe and give them room to grow. On to the next story :)
May 2, 2015
This is better than the first book. However this would only get a 2.5 from me - so am rounding up to 3. However if your after a m/m hockey book try
October 9, 2016
This was very similar to the first book. Same plot line of those who accept gays and those who don't. And the ones who don't take it to extreme levels. 2.5 stars
August 3, 2014
Review to follow on Love Bytes
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews