Something to Prove: MM Small-Town College Hockey Romance

Smithton Bears #2

by Lane Hayes

The hockey star, the influencer, and the deal of a lifetime.

Ty

I’m going to the pros, baby! Deal made, contract signed. Now all I have to do is finish out my final season at Smithton and stay out of trouble. I like to have a good time, but don’t worry, I’ll behave.

What I won’t do is talk to that double-crossing influencer who’s been badgering me for an interview. No thanks.

I know Walker’s type—sweet as pie on the outside, a shark on the inside.

Get this…he wants to make a deal that sounds a lot like a bribe.

Not interested. No way.

But I am curious.


Walker

I’ve never worked so hard for an interview in my life. Ugh!

Look, I get that Ty doesn’t like me. As in…he won’t return my calls and avoids me like the plague on campus.

Too bad. I’m not giving up.

I don’t want to beg, but I’m willing to barter. Every man has his price—and something to prove.

Even Ty.

Something to Prove is a low-angst, geek-jock MM bisexual college hockey romance featuring a hockey star and the adorkable influencer who’s determined to win him over…

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, College, Hockey, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It's been more than a week since I finished this, so I'll try to remember as much as I can. 😅

I feel this follows the same formula as the previous book, especially in the beginning, which worked for me. I liked Walker and Ty as the main characters. I liked Ty's initial animosity towards Walker, I wish it lasted a bit longer. I liked the way Walker talks, also wish it lasted longer. For the most part, I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed. They were great together.

On to the parts that I didn't particularly enjoy:
- at the beginning, Walker watches Ty hooking up with someone and fantasizes about it later on. Not a fan of that in a story.
- I know that Ty isn't with Walker because of Walker's father, but he definitely showed interest for the first time when he found out about him
- the 'I'm-not-good-enough-for-you' break-up, followed by a grand gesture, because the only way to tell someone you love them is in front of an audience

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to Prove is book two in the Smithton Bears series by Lane Hayes. I adored the first book in this series but O!M!G! I think I might love this one even more. You are going to meet two seniors at Smithton University, both planning for their lives post college. One a hockey player, dreaming of the big leagues, and one a very popular influencer that I fell madly in love with.



Walker Woodrow is twenty three years old and is in his senior year at Smithton, a prestigious college in upstate New York. Walker runs an online podcast, What’s New, Smithton, that has grown in popularity and is now hugely followed, gaining popularity nation wide. Walker has that kind of magnetic personality that makes everyone think they’re his best friend. All except one person, the star hockey player at Smithton that refuses to give him an interview.



Ty Czerniak is playing his last season at Smithton. And, he’s already signed on the dotted line at an AHL Hockey team in Florida. All he has to do now is finish out this season and graduate. No problem. Except for the annoying influencer that won’t leave him alone. He refuses to have anything to do with him. Walker knows why. Even though deep down, he’s curious about Walker. He thinks about him a little bit too much. When his agent told him in no uncertain terms to do the interview, Ty gave in which turned out to be the best decision he’s ever made.



Ty and Walker have chemistry like crazy. Both on camera and off. And Ty’s having the best season of his career. They become friends, then become more. But even though Ty is out as Bi, he keeps that part of his life on the down low. He’s worried about what might happen when he starts with his new team. And Walker has some secrets of his own. He does share with Ty eventually but they are things that could complicate what they have between them. Which neither of them actually even know what it is? Are they friends with benefits, are they more? Can it ever be more than a secret? Or is their time up once the year is over?

What an amazing book this was. I loved these two so much. But I have to admit that Walker is the one who really holds my heart. This is such a wonderful series. The characters are both fun and so heart warming. Now I can’t wait for the next book, The Roommate Game, Gus and Rafe’s book.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the energy of this book so much!! Walker is so exuberant and I love the way he speaks, and Ty was just so entertaining.

The way these two have so much chemistry and fall into a relationship left me feeling like the heart eyed emoji 😍😂😂 I just loved the domesticity and the way they worked together for the videos.

I also really liked how Ty's family were his biggest cheerleaders, and that Walker's aunt was so positive and loving. It added that wholesome feel to the story to balance out the way they're attracted to each other like magnets.

I'm very, very curious about the next book, but OMGGGG Gus is my worst nightmare 😂 I would absolutely hate to be his roommate so I'm anticipating fireworks between him and Rafe! If I was Rafe I would totally be working on a plan to get rid of Gus, not fall in love with him 😂😂

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

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 2.75 stars ✰

“Something was about to happen. Something big. I could feel it coming, but I wasn’t sure of the source. Was it me, was it him? Did it matter?”

So, this wasn't exactly a rocket science kind of romance, but there's nothing wrong with that... I guess. For reasons, Ty despises Walker and doesn't trust him, despite the fact that the very couple Walker had offended is all good with him. 🤨 It's more than just a rough start, it's a tough deal to even get Ty to agree to appear on his podcast, What's New, Smithton;which, inadvertently would also benefit Ty's own blossoming future, when said soon-to-be pro hockey player can't even stand him, a twenty-three-year-old lean mean fiesty redhead that is SO not his type. A blatant lie, if there ever was one. 😤

What follows is that familiar song and dance routine: i don't like you, but yet somehow i want you, cheeky sneaky banter that slowly brings them inexplicably and irresistibly closer to one another. Fine, it was cute, sometimes... I liked how Ty enjoyed riling Walker up because it made him want him more. 🥰 I liked how Walker could still be sassy, but adorable, and how he slowly felt comfortable enough to unburden his troubles to him. Despite how Walker isn't all that much of a hockey fan, it was sweet how he warmed up to it, and saw how great a talented forward Ty is on the ice rink. 🏒 💫

“I wasn’t sure where we were going with this. I only knew I didn’t want to stop. Not yet.”

I did struggle here and there; for starters, I was really not vibrating with Ty's inner voice; like bro, dial the vibes down! there's only so much lingo i can take where i have to wonder if I'm really that old, or people really do talk with this chill kind of swagger! 😣 Walker was slightly more bearable, but a few times, even his annoyed-offended state with Ty's demeanor was a bit --- grating.

I also found the sexual intimacy - lackluster; like it was all very rinse, recycle, repeat, with no real heat to the spice, no matter how incredible, extraordinary, spectacular Walker thought it was. Or maybe I'm just jaded! 🙈 😭 It was followed by what I have chalked up to Hayes method of making time flow like an outline. Wherein, the relationship between Ty and Walker does blossom, but told in bullet-form, so it just feels like I'm going through the motions. There is still a steady growth and realizations on both sides, but as a reader - for me - it was very surface-level, no matter how ravenous they were for each other. 😮‍💨

Ty realizing that he'd rather spend quiet moments with Walker over his rowdy-ruff boys, Walker seeing that his first impression of him as a blustering bear lies the heart of a teddy bear - it was predictable. 🤷🏻‍♀️ There are conflicting concerns, of course, but the drama that ensued was so easily resolved (with a confession that was straight out of the cheese factory) that I thought maybe I should really start taking the minimal angst - lighthearted notes seriously! 🙆🏻‍♀️🧀

HOWEVER!

There was one notable standout feature where I truly felt the spark between the two, which I'm going to tip my hat to Hayes; it's those few moments when Ty and Walker just stared at each other; be it right before a kiss or rolling on top of each other - it was... feeling without speaking - the silence echoing the desire they had for each other. 🥺🥺🩵🩵



I know that doesn't make a lick of sense, but that intimate way of just knowing how much they both meant to each other made me feel all soft and mushy inside and even muster up one of those big, sappy, goofy grins. 🥹🦋 It almost made me forgive all the issues I had with how a conflict emerged that blew in and blew out as quickly as it came.

Almost...

“And if you love someone, you stick around for the tough parts and you figure out how to make impossible situations feel like a piece of cake.”

It's a quick chill read - an hour and a half tops. I learned some fun facts about milkshakes, which was interesting. Did you know the blender was made specifically for milkshakes? 🥤🍧 Not to be that guy, but there were a couple of typos - nothing too grand! But, when you stumble on your words, you tend to do a double take and re-read it, like maybe I read it wrong, but nope. There is an extra word there that definitely needs to be omitted. 🧐

The preview for the next book has me feeling Gus' roommate's pain, because Gus really is coming on strong as a party-loving, unlikable asshole (affectionate, of course); so that's certainly going to be a doozy. 😅 Though, I wish Hayes would consider a book for Robin; he was an interesting character and I'd be curious to know who'll be the object of his affection. Just throwing it out there! 💁🏻‍♀️

So, like I said, it's not rocket science. Just easy-breezy, heartfelt squeez-y feels with an ending so cavity-inducing that I was literally face-palming (out of annoyance or cuteness, I'm not sure) - at how cheesilicious it was! 🤦🏻‍♀️🥲 But, I can't fault those who find their happily ever afters after all, when 'there was nothing left to say, and nothing to prove.' Love is love. 🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking good college romance from Lane.

I've thoroughly enjoyed each one so far but this is a definite favourite.

It just had everything I like about a new adult narrative, when people are in that stage of life that sets them up for their path to unfold.

Here we've got a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe although it's really only Ty who has leftover antagonist feelings against Walker.

I loved the secondary elements in this plotline, it's more than just a basic college romance as it looks at family and expectations, disappointments that don't really have anyone to blame, and old hurts that can be understood if not necessarily ever forgotten.

Loved it.

#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I think it was very similar to the first book. I think this one was more humorous than the first, which I enjoyed, especially when Ty was trying to convince himself that he didn’t like Walker.

I thought their chemistry was good; they made a cute couple, even if Ty made most of the decisions. I loved their families and their friendships. I like the way Robin and Walker talk; it seemed a bit OTT but it made me chuckle anyway.

It was fun and I’m looking forward to Gus’ story. All the partying would do my head in too, so I think I might be on Rafe’s side here but will see! 😂

[Lily Loves 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner in this series! I didn’t fall as in love with this book as I did with book one but I definitely enjoyed this! So much fun, low angst, sweet and spicy in all the right spots!

I really loved Walker’s vulnerability and how Ty was so in tune to it. Even though Ty is bi-sexual, and the world knows it, he still had to sort of stay in the closet. The thing that these books have in common is the fact that the hockey men don’t want this. Ty is not ashamed to be in a relationship with Walker but he’s forced to for his future career. There really is no hiding and that is a nice change.

I love the families in these books and how supportive everyone is. Even Ty’s fellow teammates could care less that Ty is into Walker. Of course there are the rest of the bi hockey players so that helps!

I am so, so excited for Gus and Rafe’s story! This sounds so fun!!!!!! I am really loving this series!

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed! RTC

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

4.5 stars for the narration, 2.5 for the story.

Something to Prove is the second entry in Lane Hayes’ Smithton Bears college hockey series, and like One-Time Shot: Smithton Bears, Book 1 , is a cute jock/nerd romance that kicks off when podcaster/influencer/journalist Walker Woodrow approaches star hockey player and AHL draftee, Ty Czerniak for an interview and is unceremoniously turned down. (Which is more or less the way book one begins, except the ‘nerd’ character is a scientist who wants help with an experiment rather than an influencer wanting an interview). In this case, however, Ty has a reason for not wanting anything to do with Walker - he was inadvertently responsible for outing his best friend Jett (One Time Shot) and even though it turned out for the best and Jett is ridiculously happy with his science professor boyfriend, Ty is still furious about it and doesn’t want to hash out his own personal life for online entertainment. Eventually, however, his agent gets on his case about doing the interview; he’s a rookie who needs all the publicity he can get, and Walker’s podcast is incredibly popular – he tells Ty to suck it up and do the interview. Ty isn’t happy about it but begrudgingly agrees to the interview – on certain conditions. (Which turn out to be ridiculous and make him come across like a total dick.)

Anyway, the interview happens, and Ty is surprised to find himself enjoying it. Walker is very good at what he does – he’s easy to talk to, his questions are interesting and he doesn’t go anywhere near Ty’s personal life, which he’d been dreading after what happened with Jett. The interview is well received, Ty’s social media following (which he’s not all that bothered about) hits the stratosphere – job done. Except… Ty had enjoyed spending time with Walker, who is witty, charming, knowledgeable and fun to be with – and he wants wants to keep doing it. He’s completely smitten. When Walker talks about his next podcast topic – a piece about milkshakes at a favourite local hanut – Ty, to Walker’s surprise, asks if he can tag along. Their great on-screen chemistry is picked up on by viewers, and their off-screen chemistry has already translated into some hot and steamy moments in private and over the next few weeks, they’re burning up the sheets on an almost daily basis. They both know the score – it’s fantastic sex and nothing more, and it’ll end when the academic year ends and they go their separate ways.

Like its predecessor, Something to Prove is entertaining enough but very predictable, especially if you’ve read or listened to One Time Shot, because this is almost a carbon copy of it. Although unlike Jett, Ty is out – he’s bisexual – he’s still kind of closeted because he’s been instructed by his agent to keep the part of him that likes guys under wraps. Ty has been okay with that – there are enough closeted sportsmen around for him to safely hook up with – but whatever he’s got going with Walker is different, and he doesn’t want it to end.

There’s an interesting but very slight secondary plotline concerning Walker’s bio-dad, a former NHL great who has struggled with illness and addiction, but it’s really only included in order to provide a reason for the third-act (blink and you’ll miss it) break-up. Also, I’m not a fan of public declarations of love in general, and this one feels very out of place.

Kirt Graves delivers another well-characterised, well-paced, expressive performance, and I enjoyed it very much. The two leads are portrayed appropriately, using a higher-pitch and upbeat manner for Walker’s dialogue and a lower, almost growly tone for Ty’s. I liked the way he brings out Ty’s unexpected deadpan humour, and the growing emotional and romantic connection between the pair comes across clearly to the listener.

I liked Ty and Walker both individually and as a couple – they’re opposites in many ways but are a good fit and are good for each other – I liked Walker’s sassiness and how he slowly becomes comfortable enough around Ty to trust him with some of the tougher details about his personal life, but – and I also said this about One Time Shot – the relationship development often feels like an outline: ‘two weeks later, they were…’ ‘next month this happened…’ and while I understand that recounting every single event on every single day they’re together would be overkill, the way it’s done here feels a bit bare bones.

Something to Prove isn’t going to win any prizes for originality, but it’s an easy, low-angst, sexy story and is entertaining enough, largely thanks to Kirt Graves’ excellent performance.

[Pam _P who cusses A Lot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet

[Notagingerninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Nerd x College Ice Hockey Player

Fun read.
Walker and Ty were an unlikely couple, with a HEA

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 4 out of 5]

story of Ty and Walker

This is an opposites attract college romance, featuring Ty and Walker, and is book two in the Smithton Bears series.

Ty’s a college hockey star with a pro-contract and no time for distractions—especially not from Walker, the pushy influencer chasing an interview. But when a deal brings them closer, curiosity sparks something neither of them expected.

This was a cute and fun college story. Ty and Walker had great banter, and the slow build from enemies to something more was really sweet. A light, easy read with good chemistry!

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM college romance
Slow burn & low angst
Opposites attract
Hockey player x influencer
Grumpy x Sunshine
Size difference
Accidental voyeur
Reluctant crush
Spicy times
Friends with benefits
Secret relationship
Admit feelings
HEA

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much!! More than book 1 even. The light enemies to lovers vibe was so great because they both sort of aggravated each other in different ways but they each gave as good as they got. No one backed down and the tension rose until they were finally kissing instead of arguing. lol. The relationship development was so strong with lots of sexy times balanced with quiet moments of conversation and dates. I enjoyed how everything progressed. The emotional development was really well done. The resolution at the end did feel a little rushed, but I’m not terribly upset about it either.

[OutsideOfTheTrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, Fun, and Perfectly Balanced

This was honestly so cute. The story wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it was such a nice little listen and I enjoyed it immensely. The narrators did a great job bringing the story to life—their voices fit the characters perfectly.

It struck a really nice balance of angst, spice, and sweetness. The only reason this isn’t a five-star read is the brief third-act breakup, which didn’t feel necessary—they really could’ve just communicated.

Still, I’d absolutely recommend this audiobook.

[Crisana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid read. This author never lets me down.
I think I prefer their books with older characters but these work for me as well.
After their first few challenging encounters, they connected really well and it was great to see them together. It got a bit murky at the end but it made sense the way it happened and it was lovely to see the epilogue.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Couldn’t put it down. I love how Walker was always thinking about Ty and his career. These characters were so cute together and I’m so happy to see them get their HEA! Now i definitely can’t wait to see what happens with Gus in his book.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
I loved them!!!

[Sarah☀️ Somerville]

DNF @ 50% - I'm sorry, I'm just kinda bored and I put it down and do not want to pick it back up again.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walker and Ty ❤️

4 Stars ⭐️

Such a fun read, as usual. I can always count on Lane Hayes for some sweet heat and tons of fun. I'd recommend!!! I'm loving these Smithon Bears ❤️.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[LauraSt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ty and Walker were absolutely adorable.
Such different personalities! Ty is going pro, life is good and everything seems to be going according to plan, but now he has to play nice with the one person he can’t stand… even though he is pretty cute.
Walker’s personality was radiant, he’s a go-getter and definitely won’t let Ty stand in his way, even thought he IS sorry for the mistakes he made with Ty’s best friend and his channel.
Hot, sweet, perfect banter, and such a relaxing read.

**ARC provided in exchange for a review**

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series 🥰

The tension, heat, chemistry, and banter between Walker and Ty were addictive and pure magic. For me, a story's success hinges on its character development. If the characters feel flat, I struggle to connect, and I connected to Ty and Walker big time! It was wonderful watching both Ty and Walker's true selves emerge. Ty comes across as a wise cracking, arrogant baffoon initially, but really he's someone who cares deeply about those he loves, and is a tough, successful, funny, passionate powerhouse who is full of heart. Walker's growth is also so good to see, breaking out of the shadow of his famous mum and absent father, and coming into himself. He's an absolute sweetheart, with a dash of sass and a whole lot of stubbornness. This is a fun, spicy, banter filled read, with plenty of depth and two characters that are not only coming into their own individually but also who bring the best out of each other. I loved it when Ty realised that Walker is not the douchebag he thought. Their growing friendship is fun, they gelled together beautifully, and I laughed at their shenanigans, what an adorable couple they make! Ty to Walker:

'I want fall, winter, and spring, and so on and so on. I don’t care who your family is. I’m not here for them, I’m here for you. I love you, Walker. I love you. And if you love someone, you stick around for the tough parts, and you figure out how to make impossible situations feel like a piece of cake.'

The cover is so on point, totally how I imagined Ty. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for Rafe to take dozy Gus down in the next story. First class writing from Lane, with entertaining characters, and a romance that made me smile.

TW: One MC's parent suffers from CTE/brain injury. Reading about his symptoms may be upsetting for some.

[Sandy Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

New adult/college set hockey player-social media influencer enemies-to-lovers romance.

Okay, this book and I did not get off to a good start. If I hadn't had an arc it might have been a lower rated dnf. I am not a fan of one hero accidentally seeing the other being intimate with someone else and getting turned on by it, then having his MC's sex sounds with that someone else in mind when the MCs are finally getting intimate. The story got stronger as the book went on, but that moment came back a couple (of the worst possible) times, bumping me out of the romance.

Still, I enjoyed the enemies vibe, which lasted for just long enough. Hockey god Ty has it out for successful influencer Walker, who outed one of Ty’s good friends on his hugely popular social media channel in the previous book. So when Walker, whose channel is all about the latest fun things going on in their small college town, wants to interview Ty about his hockey playing and recent signing to the AHL, Ty gives him a flat-out NOPE.

Then Walker accidentally witnesses Ty (out as bisexual, but never publicly dated a guy) with a secret closeted hookup in a dark alley, and Ty assumes Walker will blackmail him into doing the interview...shenanigans ensue.

I enjoyed Walker’s influencer ideas and the things they do together as part of Walker’s channel. The small college town setting shines, and the secondary characters felt authentic and added a nice layer to each character’s perspective. And once that first OM action moment FINALLY stopped popping into both their heads like a lingering fart, I enjoyed seeing them move from angry hookups to becoming genuine friends and developing respect for each other. The story became more romantic as it went, moving from hate kissing to hate hookup to...woops, are we in a relationship? at a credible steady steamy pace. They begin as secret hookups who gently start falling for each other for a while into both realizing separately they could want...do want...more...but Ty’s about to leave for his career, and Walker’s planning to move to a different state, and...well, communication for the win. Ty’s gesture at the end seemed a bit performative, but...I appreciated the spirit of it.

There’s some fun hockey playing, but the influencer moments and private times they spend getting to know each other are the gold in the story. I enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first, enough to end with a smile on my face and well-wishes for these two. They had a sincere connection that I believed in by the end.

OM drama was a bit cliche and a little tiresome, I saw it coming a mile away. It didn't impact these two and didn't feel necessary, just put that character in a cliche light. Not invited, but, Ty could have been up front and avoided it entirely; it was not a good look on either him or the guy.

HEA, including several years later epilogue. OM action at the start, but before the two are at all on each other’s radar romantically, and it wasn’t gratuitous/worked for tension and conflict, so, made sense. Not my favorite situation, but safe enough that it didn't totally ruin things for me (though it kept trying, dammit! 😂). OM drama, uninvited (but could have been prevented!) later. Enemies-to-lovers vibe, hockey player/social media influencer, hate hookups to genuine inconvenient feelings and authentic emotions. Recommended.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched him carefully, like a wolf cataloging his prey’s movements.
Nice delusion. It lasted for all of five minutes before I admitted that I’d been outfoxed by a savvy adversary who had me right where he wanted me.
I wasn’t the wolf in this scenario. Walker was. And I was his lunch and dinner.
Or so he thought.
It was time to study up on the redhead. I no longer had the luxury of ignoring him. I needed to figure this guy out and arm myself with some ammo.
Game on, Woodrow. Game on.

Lane Hayes is the queen of feel-good hockey romance, and she has another hit on her hands with Something to Prove, an enemies to lovers, college hockey player x scholastic nerd love story.

Something to Prove is book 2 in the Smithton Bears series, and it follows on from events in book 1, with Smithton's hockey hero, Ty Czerniak, still holding a grudge against social media journalist / influencer Walker Woodrow after he unintentionally outed Ty's best friend and teammate.

But after Ty is drafted to the AHL and is big news on campus, Walker needs an interview - and Ty refuses, despite his agent strongly encouraging him to work with Walker.

Things change, however, when Walker accidentally catches Ty in a compromising position, and as the two exchange secrets to level the playing field - Walker's father is a former NHL player (and Ty's childhood hero) - Ty begrudgingly agrees to an interview.

As they get to know each other, attraction grows amidst the tension, and the pair begin a clandestine situationship and a genuine public friendship.

Fact: A month ago, I had despised Walker on principle and now…I wanted him.
Badly.

What develops is a super cute, swoony story, with lots of laughs and heat between these two fantastic characters.

I loved the relationship development between Ty and Walker. I could feel the genuine progression of their friendship and love for each other, and I loved seeing them with their families.

Christ, he was so beautiful. One of a kind, extraordinary, and mine…mine.

Ty is such a sweet guy, and he stepped up for Walker, not shying away from his friendship based on social status, and I loved how he fought for them despite his career.

And my heart hurt for Walker so much 🥺 He had so often been forgotten and ignored by the people who should have loved him most - his parents. It was sad to see his father's decline, but witnessing Walker's pain was so emotional 😢

Something to Prove is another brilliant read from Lane Hayes. I'm not sure how she always makes me love a new couple more than the last, but once again, she's done it, and Ty and Walker have a place in my heart.

I can't wait to see what's next from this series!

"... if I’d been thinking straight, I’d have told you that I wanted more than part of this summer too.”
“What do you want, Ty?”
“I want fall, winter, and spring, and so on and so on. I don’t care who your family is. I’m not here for them, I’m here for you. I love you, Walker. I love you. And if you love someone, you stick around for the tough parts and you figure out how to make impossible situations feel like a piece of cake.”

I was madly in love with this man and this life we’d created. There was nothing left to say, and nothing to prove. Only love.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Smithton Bears Greatness! Fabulous Story & Listen🎧

Something To Prove
Smithton Bears, Book 2
By: Lane Hayes
Narrated by: Kirt Graves

It is great to be back in Lane Hayes’ “Smithton Bears” world again for another college sports romance, and this one, like the first book in the series, grabbed my attention right from the start and held it captive the entire time. The characters, Walter Woodrow, an online influencer running his own podcast, and Ty Czerniak, a college hockey player who is going pro after graduation, currently both attend Smithton College. At the start, these two are not on good terms, blaming Walter for outing his friend, though it was indirectly, because it was his employee who did, but he felt awful about it. Walter is looking to interview Ty, who isn’t giving him the time of day, but then Ty is told it would be good coverage for him and help build his social media following, so he agrees to an interview, on his terms. It did not take Ty long to realize that Walter was nothing like he thought and that they had something in common. It was great watching these two get to know each other and then see their relationship morph into something so much more. I loved all the layers of the story and how they all played out, a low-angst story with witty dialogue, and a perfect balance of drama, charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Once again, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Lane Hayes, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧  Kirt Graves did another fantastic job voicing these characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of both lead characters and the side/secondary characters. He gave each their own distinct voice, one fitting to their personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who was who. Besides grasping every aspect of his characters’ personalities, he conveyed all of their emotions, too, making you feel them all. His entertaining performance hooks you to the story and keeps you hooked.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about opposites attract! (an audio review)


I’m enjoying Lane Hayes’s Smithton Bears Hockey team series. The last book was great and this one was even better. Naturally, I started this book mad at Walker – he outed the couple from the last story. There’s nothing worse then outing someone.

Now I find out that he honestly didn’t mean to. That feels a little thin – he didn’t have permission to share a picture of two guys kissing – but he says he didn’t mean it. Now, I don’t understand influencers, but I know they can do really well. I supposed if I spent time on social media, I might better comprehend it. That said, there’s a guy who takes pictures of dogs in New York City and I enjoy this clips. So maybe I’m more sucked in than I want to believe.

Big I digress.

Ty is an up-and-coming hockey player at the university. He’s bisexual – and the AHL team who drafted him knows that – but since he’s only ever seen with women, no one’s all that perturbed.

Then his agent says he needs to raise his profile. Best way to do that? Be interviewed by Walker.

Ugh.

But Ty wants the biggest contract he can get – for all the right reasons. He’s got something to prove.

Walker wants to redeem himself and get an interview with the hottest hockey player – for all the right reason. (At least I want to believe.) He’s got something to prove.

Then…they really get to know each other. They discover things about each other. They share heartbreaking stories about their childhoods and find, although their experiences were vastly different, that they both had rough things happen.

They bond. They start having sex. But it’s not really a relationship.

Until they’re outed.

That said, this is a low angst story. Good friends, an adorable Himalayan cat, and families who really care.

Kirt Graves is a great narrator for this series and I enjoy his performances. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it’s been a year and half, Ty still hasn’t been able to forgive Walker when his influencer channel outed his friend/teammate with his boyfriend. Sure, Walker apologized for the incident that happened on his watch and the couple involved has forgiven him. But Ty? Not so much. He just can’t seem to let it go. But when news of Ty’s AHL contract gets out, everyone is excited for him. And Walker knows he has to get an interview. But Ty refuses. Walker wants to make it right and tries to think of a way to make it up to Ty. He just isn’t sure what. But when Ty’s agents tells him to do the interview and Walker offers to help his social media be better now that he is going to be a professional athlete, Ty grudgingly agrees. What he never expects is to let is guard down long enough to act on the steaming chemistry between him and Walker. A sudden kiss is one thing but then when it happens again and leads to more? Looks like Ty is in trouble. Not only of forgiving Walker but actually liking him! Walker knows he should be careful and not cross lines with those he works with, but the more time he spends with Ty, the more he can’t help but falling. So why is he waiting for the other shoe to drop? I loved these two! It was really funny that sweet Ty who likes everyone just couldn’t get over being cranky with Walker. But Walker is such a sweet guy, it’s hard to truly hate him when he is so genuine. I loved that were able to move on from the past and explore the connection between them. This was a fun story from their banter to all the interviews Ty joined Walker on. Really liking this series so far and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another terrific story in this ongoing series. A winner!

Rating: 4🌈

Something to Prove is another lovely sports college romance in Lane Hayes’ Smithton Bears series, a sequel to the heartwarming older hockey romance series I adore, The Elmwood Stories- Small Town stories.

Same area as Elmwood but focuses on college hockey and college atmosphere with its situations, mostly. I enjoyed the flow from the first novel into this book, the use of characters and that pivotal plot to make these characters have their own dramatic moments.

Ty and Walker are both very relatable and engaging characters. Ty especially has a well written and fleshed out family and foundation as well as hockey team that grounds him realistically.

Walker has a background that makes him a more isolated person. A person who’s been raised by his uncle and his aunt, who don’t live locally, there isn’t much other than the occasional showing of a side character, Robin, to give him the full picture details that Ty has been crafted with. What gives Walker life are the moments when he (and Ty) share while interacting for Walker’s show. Love the warmth and funny energy that Hayes brings to this.

The ending is so satisfying and one that the reader can instantly picture. And the epilogue is a great way to see the couple in their lives, happily moving forward.

Another terrific story in this ongoing series. A winner!

Cover Design by Reese Dante

Smithton Bears - Small-Town, College Hockey Series
- [x] One-Time Shot
- [x] Something to Prove
- [ ] The Roommate Game - Coming November 2025

The Elmwood Stories- Small Town/Hockey Series
You, Again
Next Season
Holiday Crush
Thin Ice
Hot Shot
Puck Love

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I didn’t know about Lane Hayes before. I feel like I’ve been missing out on some beautiful stories.

This is my first book by Lane and as always, I saw the blurb and just needed to read it without checking it was part of a series😅 At this point I should just assume EVERY book is a series, lol.

Ty and Walker started as almost enemies to lovers but not quite. It was more of a dislike with the possibility of hate if given the chance. Ty couldn’t forget Walker’s blunder with his best friend and therefore, that landed him in his sh*t list.

Walker needed to get an interview with Ty but he couldn’t catch a break. As big an influencer as he was, Walker just couldn’t get the jock to say yes. Ty was determined to hate him no matter how many times he apologized.

Ty was sure Walker was a bad guy but couldn’t deny he was attracted to the gorgeous red head. Things take a turn for the worse when Walker accidentally stumbles upon a secret Ty was desperate to keep.

Trying to get the upper hand on Walker, Ty decides to do the interview Walker so desperately needed, but he wasn’t counting on his attraction for Walker to take over. Getting to know Walker was shock to the system.

What started as animosity, slowly became friendship and ultimately love. Ty attached himself to Walker in a way that left no room for doubt that they belonged together. Even when things went wrong, he wasn’t willing to let him go.


I loved their banter and how they both could be themselves with each other. I laughed out loud a few times with their shenanigans, especially during the milkshake scene. They were absolutely adorable.

I need to read more of this author. Nothing better than low angst, hockey, hot, adorable guys and the sweetest HEA.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved book one of this series and Lane Hayes has delivered again with Something To Prove. A very slight enemies to lovers as Ty refuses to cooperate with Walker, the influencer/online news source who unknowingly outed Ty's best friend, Jett, in book one. Walker knows that an interview with Ty would be huge for his small town news blog after because Ty has been signed to play hockey after college! The battle is first getting the jock to talk to him, and then convince him to for the interview.
It's so entertaining between these two. Ty's grudge on behalf of his friend is endearing but he finds it hard to deny how cute Walker is, with his mannerisms and way he interacts. They are a hit online with just how good their chemistry is, though the public have no idea just how well the two men click, and ignite when they let themselves go from 'enemies' to something more. It's heartwarming, as well, to read them getting to know each other better, as it just shows you never actually know what has happened/who people are. There is a small amount of angst regarding Walker's past (trigger warnings below) and he has been so strong through it with loving support from his aunt but it's so good for him to have that from Ty as well.
I can't recommend this enough. Even with a touch on some emotional moments, it's such a fun and heated read. Two MC's who work so well together, even when one of them doesn't want to. I love Lane's writing and can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

**Trigger warnings - family history includes the death of a parent when he was a child, absent father, relative with CTE/hockey-related brain injury**

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows on from the events of book 1 and Ty Czerniak is holding a grudge on behalf of his friend and teammate Jet, who now plays in the NHL, who was outed by the school influencer/social media journalist, Walker Woodrow, so this plays into my favourite trope, enemies to lovers.

Ty has now been drafted into the AHL and so he is big news in Smithton and especially on campus and so Walker needs an interview. Yeah good luck with that as even though Ty’s agent says he should do it, Walker has A LOT of social media followers, Ty tells Walker that he will never do it!

When Walker accidentally catches Ty in a compromising position, Ty is bi, he is furious with Walker and accuses him of spying on him and says history is repeating its self. They come to a compromise by Walker telling Ty a secret about himself.

Amidst the tension they gradually get to know each other and the more time they spend together the closer they become until the friendship blurs and they become lovers, each understanding that their relationship has a timeline when Ty goes to Florida to play hockey in the AHL and Walker goes to NY to advance his media career. But those pesky things called feelings get in the way and this romance is cute, funny and has heat. The progression is steady, not rushed, and came over genuinely lovely.

I loved these characters and Ty really proved his love for Walker when he put him above the only thing he has ever wanted, hockey.

Another beautiful romance from Lane with another couple you can take into your heart and I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.