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Vermont Trailblazers #1
The Best Parts of Him
Sometimes the sweetest victories happen off the ice.
Ryland Zervudachi lives for the game of hockey—and for the chance to build the kind of team unity that will carry the Columbus Pilots all the way back to the playoffs after last season’s crushing defeat. Off the ice, though, there’s one goal he hasn’t managed to score—the heart of Kyle Dabbs, the Vermont Trailblazers’ team captain and his long-time crush.
Kyle Dabbs has built a life centered on quiet strength. After a childhood scarred by his father’s verbal abuse, Dabbs pours his energy into his career on the ice and the book series he’s written to help kids like the boy he once was. He doesn’t need someone flashy, loud, and spotlight-loving like Ryland turning his world upside down.
But when an untimely appendectomy leaves Dabbs stuck at home, Ryland—recovering from an injury—shows up to help. Between late-night Scrabble competitions, pumpkin-carving mishaps, and long talks that peel back layers they’ve both kept hidden, Dabbs begins to see past Ryland’s bold exterior.
With chemistry sparking and walls crumbling, both men must decide if they’re ready to risk their hearts for something even better than a championship: love.
Ryland Zervudachi lives for the game of hockey—and for the chance to build the kind of team unity that will carry the Columbus Pilots all the way back to the playoffs after last season’s crushing defeat. Off the ice, though, there’s one goal he hasn’t managed to score—the heart of Kyle Dabbs, the Vermont Trailblazers’ team captain and his long-time crush.
Kyle Dabbs has built a life centered on quiet strength. After a childhood scarred by his father’s verbal abuse, Dabbs pours his energy into his career on the ice and the book series he’s written to help kids like the boy he once was. He doesn’t need someone flashy, loud, and spotlight-loving like Ryland turning his world upside down.
But when an untimely appendectomy leaves Dabbs stuck at home, Ryland—recovering from an injury—shows up to help. Between late-night Scrabble competitions, pumpkin-carving mishaps, and long talks that peel back layers they’ve both kept hidden, Dabbs begins to see past Ryland’s bold exterior.
With chemistry sparking and walls crumbling, both men must decide if they’re ready to risk their hearts for something even better than a championship: love.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2025
73 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Amy Aislin
38 books923 followersAmy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
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November 8, 2025
The Best Parts of Him is book one in the Vermont Trailblazers series by Amy Aislin. Last summer, I read A Touch of Maple which was part of the multi author series, Love in Maplewood. In that book we met Bellamy (a hockey player) and Jason who lived in Maplewood, Vermont and ran a Maple Farm. In this brand new series, we get to know Jason’s younger brother, Ryland, and Kyle Dabbs who plays for the Trailblazers. This book, you guys! These two men are so sweet. This is low angst, high swoon, no unnecessary drama, and no third act break-up. Just loads of wonderful sweetness! It isn’t required to have read A Touch of Maple but it is a wonderful book and you would have a bit of background for both Jason and Ryland Zervudachi. And also Bellamy, Jason’s boyfriend and Dabbs’ roommate.
Ryland Zervudachi is twenty nine years old and plays for the Columbus Pilots. Playing hockey is all he has ever wanted to do and he’s good at it. Except his team has never won the cup. Their team is good but lacks a certain cohesiveness. This year, though, they got close but were pushed out of the playoffs by the Vermont Trailblazers. It’s the team his brother’s boyfriend plays for, and also, the man that Ryland has had a crush on for years.
Kyle Dabbs is team captain of the Vermont Trailblazers. He is thirty two years old. Kyle is a quiet man. He likes his privacy. He takes his position for the Trailblazers seriously and is there for his teammates. When his friend and roommate, Bellamy, invites him to his boyfriend’s home and maple farm for a visit, he agrees, knowing he’d see Ryland. He has to admit that Ryland is attractive. And Ryland has made his interest known. But Ryland is everything he is not, outgoing, loves social media, living in the spotlight. They are too different.
But, when Dabbs suffers a bout of appendicitis, and Ryland suffers a shoulder injury, Ryland comes to Dabbs to help care for him after surgery. With every day that passed, as they got to really know each other, they discovered they weren’t so different after all. In fact, they had much in common. They complimented each other. They weren’t able to deny the attraction any longer and something beautiful began.
“He felt like comfort and home and raw pleasure all mixed into one.”
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved both of these men and the way they were just there for each other. Books like this make my heart so happy. Now, I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Around and Around We Go.
Ryland Zervudachi is twenty nine years old and plays for the Columbus Pilots. Playing hockey is all he has ever wanted to do and he’s good at it. Except his team has never won the cup. Their team is good but lacks a certain cohesiveness. This year, though, they got close but were pushed out of the playoffs by the Vermont Trailblazers. It’s the team his brother’s boyfriend plays for, and also, the man that Ryland has had a crush on for years.
Kyle Dabbs is team captain of the Vermont Trailblazers. He is thirty two years old. Kyle is a quiet man. He likes his privacy. He takes his position for the Trailblazers seriously and is there for his teammates. When his friend and roommate, Bellamy, invites him to his boyfriend’s home and maple farm for a visit, he agrees, knowing he’d see Ryland. He has to admit that Ryland is attractive. And Ryland has made his interest known. But Ryland is everything he is not, outgoing, loves social media, living in the spotlight. They are too different.
But, when Dabbs suffers a bout of appendicitis, and Ryland suffers a shoulder injury, Ryland comes to Dabbs to help care for him after surgery. With every day that passed, as they got to really know each other, they discovered they weren’t so different after all. In fact, they had much in common. They complimented each other. They weren’t able to deny the attraction any longer and something beautiful began.
“He felt like comfort and home and raw pleasure all mixed into one.”
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved both of these men and the way they were just there for each other. Books like this make my heart so happy. Now, I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Around and Around We Go.
October 27, 2025
The author's "The Play of His Life" is one of my favourite comfort re-reads, and years ago I enjoyed the "Stick Side" series.
As for this romance.. I had hoped for more, honestly. I took so many notes (never a good sign) but I'll just say that the plot felt a bit weak and would have worked better as a novella in my opinion. The character development and relationship development weren't very coherent but rather surface level.
Rylan and Dabbs together were sweet, though, they fit beautifully.
As for this romance.. I had hoped for more, honestly. I took so many notes (never a good sign) but I'll just say that the plot felt a bit weak and would have worked better as a novella in my opinion. The character development and relationship development weren't very coherent but rather surface level.
Rylan and Dabbs together were sweet, though, they fit beautifully.
September 28, 2025
Ryland and Dabbs are adorable! This is more of a slow burn because it's a long distance relationship, but I really enjoyed how they spent a lot of time really getting to know each other. When they are physically together, they really make the most of every minute and you can't help but love these characters.
Ryland is such a natural caretaker and I definitely giggled at how many varieties of Jelly (Jello? Sorry I'm English 😂) he got for Dabbs when he was ill, and the mountain of apple bread! His romantic gestures were also top tier - Dabbs should have proposed on the spot at the bookstore 😂😂
I also really liked getting to know Ryland from Dabbs's perspective too, because he'd been so convinced they wouldn't be good together! Dabbs is definitely more reserved and cautious but he's the perfect balance for Ryland's exuberance.
These two are just genuinely good people trying to bring happiness and hope to others and it was a joy to read.
The set up for the next book with Sandro really intrigued me, and I'm also hoping Miles will get a book too.
I was most excited in the epilogue though when Ryland's new job was revealed! Please tell me we're going back to Glen Hill College for a new series?!? I'm sure the whole hockey universe Amy has written started with Mitch (always in my top five Amy Aislin characters) at Glen Hill and I would love to see a next gen series 😍
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
Ryland is such a natural caretaker and I definitely giggled at how many varieties of Jelly (Jello? Sorry I'm English 😂) he got for Dabbs when he was ill, and the mountain of apple bread! His romantic gestures were also top tier - Dabbs should have proposed on the spot at the bookstore 😂😂
I also really liked getting to know Ryland from Dabbs's perspective too, because he'd been so convinced they wouldn't be good together! Dabbs is definitely more reserved and cautious but he's the perfect balance for Ryland's exuberance.
These two are just genuinely good people trying to bring happiness and hope to others and it was a joy to read.
The set up for the next book with Sandro really intrigued me, and I'm also hoping Miles will get a book too.
I was most excited in the epilogue though when Ryland's new job was revealed! Please tell me we're going back to Glen Hill College for a new series?!? I'm sure the whole hockey universe Amy has written started with Mitch (always in my top five Amy Aislin characters) at Glen Hill and I would love to see a next gen series 😍
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
January 8, 2026
First Hockey read of 2026!
I had the best time reading this book. It was sweet, low-angst and with a good and captivating plot.
I was so happy I got a glimpse of Roman from Shots on Goal, seeing him happy and thriving, made me happy LOL, I just wish Cody had made an appearance as well.
Dabbs, aka Kyle and Ryland, were adorable together; they just communicated and were respectful of each other, just happy feelings and vibes. Now onto read Jason and Bellamy's book!
I had the best time reading this book. It was sweet, low-angst and with a good and captivating plot.
I was so happy I got a glimpse of Roman from Shots on Goal, seeing him happy and thriving, made me happy LOL, I just wish Cody had made an appearance as well.
Dabbs, aka Kyle and Ryland, were adorable together; they just communicated and were respectful of each other, just happy feelings and vibes. Now onto read Jason and Bellamy's book!
dnf
January 4, 2026DNF at chapter 11 (out of 21).
I tried, okay? Kyle and Ryland seem super cute, and I was so ready for this MM sports romance.
😩 The forced-proximity setup felt so far-fetched.
😩 Not to mention Kyle writing children's books and one of their teammates illustrating children's books? Too many coincidences and too far-fetched.
It would have worked better if this were set at a college.
I tried, okay? Kyle and Ryland seem super cute, and I was so ready for this MM sports romance.
😩 The forced-proximity setup felt so far-fetched.
😩 Not to mention Kyle writing children's books and one of their teammates illustrating children's books? Too many coincidences and too far-fetched.
It would have worked better if this were set at a college.
October 29, 2025
B- / 3.5 stars rounded up.
The Best Parts of Him is book one in Amy Aislin’s new Vermont Trailblazers series, an opposites-attract rivals-to-lovers romance between two guys who think they’re too different to be together – only to discover that they’re not so different in the ways that count.
Kyle Dabbs and Ryland Zervaduchi play hockey for rival teams, one – the Vermont Trailblazers – a lot more successful than the other – the Columbia Pilots, having won the Stanley Cup last season and being at the top of the league in this one. Dabbs, captain of the Trailblazers, is a great player who takes his responsibilities very seriously, and is an all round good guy – confident, calm and dependable with a good sense of fun, he leads by example and is an expert at putting people at their ease.
Ryland is his complete opposite in many ways - loud where Dabbs is quiet, flamboyant where Dabbs prefers to fly under the radar – but he’s had a massive crush on Dabbs for years that shows no signs of going anywhere. He plays for a rival team, the Columbia Pilots, whose cup hopes were dashed when the Trailblazers crushed them in the second round of the play-offs, and he’s frustrated at the lack of team spirit and cohesion, convinced the Pilots would start playing better if they could only get rid of the clique-y culture that dominates the locker room and start pulling together.
Ryland and Dabbs have known each other vaguely for a while, but now that Ryland’s brother is dating Dabbs’ roommate, Bellamy, they’re around each other a bit more than before, and Ryland takes the opportunities that come his way to talk to Dabbs and to try to get to know him better. It’s not an easy task at first; Ryland had behaved poorly (for years) towards Bellamy for what he now realises were dumb reasons, and when Dabbs quietly called him out for being a bully it stung – but also made him determined to do better.
Being around Ryland more often makes Dabbs start to realise that he’s misjudged him. Sure, Ryland is every bit as flashy and flirty and loud as he’d thought, but he’s also smart, capable and thoughtful, and there’s something about his zest for life and blunt honesty that appeals to Dabbs more than he’d ever thought possible. They start hanging out and texting each other daily when they’re on road trips; then Ryland is injured during a game, and not long afterwards, Dabbs has emergency surgery to remove his appendix – and with both of them temporarily out of action, having Ryland move in to help Dabbs while he recovers is simply the logical thing to do. ;)
Dabbs and Ryland are likeable and engaging characters who have both experienced considerable personal growth by the end of the book. They have excellent chemistry and I really liked the way they are so supportive of each other as they navigate their way through a new relationship while also confronting some of the things in their pasts that continue to inform their present actions in a negative manner.
Dabbs is so reserved and fiercely private because as a kid, he endured constant streams of verbal abuse from his dad over just about everything he did and was, and it’s given him a lifelong fear of being the centre of attention – which is quite the dichotomy given his job. He accepts that a certain amount of media attention is always going to come his way, but he makes sure to keep his personal life very much under wraps, not wanting to invite criticism or ridicule.
Ryland’s childhood was a bit chaotic; he’s the youngest of three and his divorced parents had a joint custody agreement which meant constantly moving between two houses, so he often felt like he’d been forgotten and had to work hard to get any attention at home, and that desperate desire to be seen has followed him into adulthood.
There’s a small, well-written secondary cast – some of whom will no doubt appear as leads in their own books later in the series – and I liked the subplot about the different ethoses of the two teams and Ryland’s determination to build better relationships within the Pilots. I was pleased that the frequent separations that come with being professional sportsmen are not simply ignored, and that we see that Ryland and Dabbs are prepared to put the work into a distance relationship.
The Best Parts of Him is a cute, low-angst, slow-burn romance with a well-deserved HEA. I enjoyed it, and will probably continue with the series.
The Best Parts of Him is book one in Amy Aislin’s new Vermont Trailblazers series, an opposites-attract rivals-to-lovers romance between two guys who think they’re too different to be together – only to discover that they’re not so different in the ways that count.
Kyle Dabbs and Ryland Zervaduchi play hockey for rival teams, one – the Vermont Trailblazers – a lot more successful than the other – the Columbia Pilots, having won the Stanley Cup last season and being at the top of the league in this one. Dabbs, captain of the Trailblazers, is a great player who takes his responsibilities very seriously, and is an all round good guy – confident, calm and dependable with a good sense of fun, he leads by example and is an expert at putting people at their ease.
Ryland is his complete opposite in many ways - loud where Dabbs is quiet, flamboyant where Dabbs prefers to fly under the radar – but he’s had a massive crush on Dabbs for years that shows no signs of going anywhere. He plays for a rival team, the Columbia Pilots, whose cup hopes were dashed when the Trailblazers crushed them in the second round of the play-offs, and he’s frustrated at the lack of team spirit and cohesion, convinced the Pilots would start playing better if they could only get rid of the clique-y culture that dominates the locker room and start pulling together.
Ryland and Dabbs have known each other vaguely for a while, but now that Ryland’s brother is dating Dabbs’ roommate, Bellamy, they’re around each other a bit more than before, and Ryland takes the opportunities that come his way to talk to Dabbs and to try to get to know him better. It’s not an easy task at first; Ryland had behaved poorly (for years) towards Bellamy for what he now realises were dumb reasons, and when Dabbs quietly called him out for being a bully it stung – but also made him determined to do better.
Being around Ryland more often makes Dabbs start to realise that he’s misjudged him. Sure, Ryland is every bit as flashy and flirty and loud as he’d thought, but he’s also smart, capable and thoughtful, and there’s something about his zest for life and blunt honesty that appeals to Dabbs more than he’d ever thought possible. They start hanging out and texting each other daily when they’re on road trips; then Ryland is injured during a game, and not long afterwards, Dabbs has emergency surgery to remove his appendix – and with both of them temporarily out of action, having Ryland move in to help Dabbs while he recovers is simply the logical thing to do. ;)
Dabbs and Ryland are likeable and engaging characters who have both experienced considerable personal growth by the end of the book. They have excellent chemistry and I really liked the way they are so supportive of each other as they navigate their way through a new relationship while also confronting some of the things in their pasts that continue to inform their present actions in a negative manner.
Dabbs is so reserved and fiercely private because as a kid, he endured constant streams of verbal abuse from his dad over just about everything he did and was, and it’s given him a lifelong fear of being the centre of attention – which is quite the dichotomy given his job. He accepts that a certain amount of media attention is always going to come his way, but he makes sure to keep his personal life very much under wraps, not wanting to invite criticism or ridicule.
Ryland’s childhood was a bit chaotic; he’s the youngest of three and his divorced parents had a joint custody agreement which meant constantly moving between two houses, so he often felt like he’d been forgotten and had to work hard to get any attention at home, and that desperate desire to be seen has followed him into adulthood.
There’s a small, well-written secondary cast – some of whom will no doubt appear as leads in their own books later in the series – and I liked the subplot about the different ethoses of the two teams and Ryland’s determination to build better relationships within the Pilots. I was pleased that the frequent separations that come with being professional sportsmen are not simply ignored, and that we see that Ryland and Dabbs are prepared to put the work into a distance relationship.
The Best Parts of Him is a cute, low-angst, slow-burn romance with a well-deserved HEA. I enjoyed it, and will probably continue with the series.
November 18, 2025
A MM Hockey romance with NHL players of opposing teams connected via their friend+brother dating! It's adorable with slowburn, practically no angst, humor, fun banter, long distance rep & cutie dogs.
This was my 1st book by the author, I took up the #ARC due to the blurb & am glad to have finally read it within 8hrs (over 2days as college lol). I loved Ryland & Dabbs! It was fun seeing both teams, but omg so many people 😅.
✨Dabbs is the captain of Vermont Trailblazers. D's calm, confident, patient, polite with a sense of humor. He had an abusive dad, & I'm so glad he went to therapy young 🥺. He's a private person, with 2 dogs! His journey to publishing his dream book was sweet ❤️.
🔥Ryland is a player of Columbus Pilots. R's 'vivacious', energetic, flashy & loves attention, but he's also caretaking, teasing & thoughtful. R was mean to Ballamy (bro's bf) but now that they're on better terms, does R has a chance with his longtime crush, B's friend/teammate D?
This book was slowburn, not angsty but built R+D's connection. Especially as R shows he's changed for better & soothed D's worries, work despite the differences. The blurb's "closed proximity" thingie happens 1/3rd way through, surprisingly not asap. It was a whiplash how slow they got to kiss but rapidly went to sex 😆. But I loved them 'All in'.
They're cute, the talks & finding traumatic 🥺 & book-lover common points 🥰. I loved their care, long distance rep, confidence in & showing up for eachother. The bookshop surprise, omg so f'ing sweet, I cried 😭. As a FYI, the spicy scenes are short & fast, but intimacy is lovely. Sweet ending!
There were things here that I rarely see in books, nevermind all together:
1) Intention of dating from the start.
2) No secrecy, EVEN WHEN NEW IYKYK.
3) No jealousy or worry during long distance. (Maybe a bit too idealistic but refreshing still.) So no conflict!
I did feel like I missed stuff (D's 1st rejection of R, how mean D was to B), maybe as I haven't read Ballamy+Jason's book. It wasn't too bad but I wish we got flashbacks!
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> So cute!! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😯😅🤭😬🥺���😉😳😤😍🙌🥰😆🥵🥳🤔☺️😭❤️🐾🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2.25/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 5/5
Angst: 1.5/5 (slowburn)
Dark: 1/5 (past)
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Crush, Hockey, Cute build up, Long distance!) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5
This was my 1st book by the author, I took up the #ARC due to the blurb & am glad to have finally read it within 8hrs (over 2days as college lol). I loved Ryland & Dabbs! It was fun seeing both teams, but omg so many people 😅.
✨Dabbs is the captain of Vermont Trailblazers. D's calm, confident, patient, polite with a sense of humor. He had an abusive dad, & I'm so glad he went to therapy young 🥺. He's a private person, with 2 dogs! His journey to publishing his dream book was sweet ❤️.
🔥Ryland is a player of Columbus Pilots. R's 'vivacious', energetic, flashy & loves attention, but he's also caretaking, teasing & thoughtful. R was mean to Ballamy (bro's bf) but now that they're on better terms, does R has a chance with his longtime crush, B's friend/teammate D?
This book was slowburn, not angsty but built R+D's connection. Especially as R shows he's changed for better & soothed D's worries, work despite the differences. The blurb's "closed proximity" thingie happens 1/3rd way through, surprisingly not asap. It was a whiplash how slow they got to kiss but rapidly went to sex 😆. But I loved them 'All in'.
They're cute, the talks & finding traumatic 🥺 & book-lover common points 🥰. I loved their care, long distance rep, confidence in & showing up for eachother. The bookshop surprise, omg so f'ing sweet, I cried 😭. As a FYI, the spicy scenes are short & fast, but intimacy is lovely. Sweet ending!
There were things here that I rarely see in books, nevermind all together:
1) Intention of dating from the start.
2) No secrecy, EVEN WHEN NEW IYKYK.
3) No jealousy or worry during long distance. (Maybe a bit too idealistic but refreshing still.) So no conflict!
I did feel like I missed stuff (D's 1st rejection of R, how mean D was to B), maybe as I haven't read Ballamy+Jason's book. It wasn't too bad but I wish we got flashbacks!
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> So cute!! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😯😅🤭😬🥺���😉😳😤😍🙌🥰😆🥵🥳🤔☺️😭❤️🐾🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2.25/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 5/5
Angst: 1.5/5 (slowburn)
Dark: 1/5 (past)
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Crush, Hockey, Cute build up, Long distance!) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5
October 26, 2025
I said in another Aislin's book review that I had been infatuated with her books this year. I pre-ordered this one, got in early, and read it in one sitting. It is ANOTHER winner! *sigh*.
Of course we already got a glimpse of Ryland and Kyle in the epilogue of A Touch of Maple ( - but we would LOVE to see how they got there. Especially when Kyle seemed to refuse being involved with Ryland at first. Apparently it also took an appendectomy and dislocated shoulder to nudge them both into the right direction *laugh*
I adored these two - I loved that Ryland, despite to be seemingly BREEMING with confidence, he was actually trying to make up for his childhood. A product of divorced parents in which Ryland tried to be the BEST in everything, since he was the youngest kid, so his father and siblings would also notice him always. Kyle, on the other hand, tried to control his personal life close because he had a verbally abusive father who never praised him for anything. They seemed so different, but they clicked so well.
So I was BEAMING with happiness reading this - playful (oh those scrabble moments!), gentle, intimate, lovely... just SO LOVELY!
And why book #2 is still so far away?!?!? Whineeee....
PS: The series title is slightly misleading though. I mean, I can understand the players are all from Trailblazers, but Ryland here is from the Pilots, and the Pilots team has almost the same spotlight as the Trailblazers in the first book ^^
Of course we already got a glimpse of Ryland and Kyle in the epilogue of A Touch of Maple ( - but we would LOVE to see how they got there. Especially when Kyle seemed to refuse being involved with Ryland at first. Apparently it also took an appendectomy and dislocated shoulder to nudge them both into the right direction *laugh*
I adored these two - I loved that Ryland, despite to be seemingly BREEMING with confidence, he was actually trying to make up for his childhood. A product of divorced parents in which Ryland tried to be the BEST in everything, since he was the youngest kid, so his father and siblings would also notice him always. Kyle, on the other hand, tried to control his personal life close because he had a verbally abusive father who never praised him for anything. They seemed so different, but they clicked so well.
So I was BEAMING with happiness reading this - playful (oh those scrabble moments!), gentle, intimate, lovely... just SO LOVELY!
And why book #2 is still so far away?!?!? Whineeee....
PS: The series title is slightly misleading though. I mean, I can understand the players are all from Trailblazers, but Ryland here is from the Pilots, and the Pilots team has almost the same spotlight as the Trailblazers in the first book ^^
October 28, 2025
Another wonderful book by Amy Aislin and a great start of a new series. Amy's hockey players are always the sweetest and her stories are very enjoyable.
I fell in love with Ryland and Kyle from the very first page. Ryland was a flashy guy, happy and always trying to be the center of attention. Kyle was the opposite, he just wanted to lead a quiet life playing hockey and trying to get his books published. They couldn't be more different at first glance, but deep inside they were more similar than what they thought.
Ryland was a sweetheart, a caring golden retriever who never hesitated to help others. When it came to Kyle, he didn't think about it twice when his friends told him about Kyle's situation. Ryland had had a crush on the other guy forever, being around Kyle was a dream come true for him.
As for Kyle, he tried to resist Ryland. He truly did, but their chemistry was undeniable and the trust they developed for each other was beautiful. Kyle ended up telling Ryland about his past, the abuse he had suffered and that, somehow, pushed them together because Ryland had spent his life trying to feel important to others and he did with Kyle.
This romance was a slow burn delight. I loved the moments the MCs spent together, those Scrabble games (what's wrong with the word "get", Amy?) and that cozy atmosphere they created while they were together living under the same roof. It was heartwarming to see how much they cared for each other and the long distance relationship was actually very romantic.
This book was amazing and I loved and enjoyed it very much. There were many funny moments, adorable dogs, intimacy, two guys finding their other half, a bit of ice-hockey and a lot of emotional moments. Just another perfect story from this author.
I fell in love with Ryland and Kyle from the very first page. Ryland was a flashy guy, happy and always trying to be the center of attention. Kyle was the opposite, he just wanted to lead a quiet life playing hockey and trying to get his books published. They couldn't be more different at first glance, but deep inside they were more similar than what they thought.
Ryland was a sweetheart, a caring golden retriever who never hesitated to help others. When it came to Kyle, he didn't think about it twice when his friends told him about Kyle's situation. Ryland had had a crush on the other guy forever, being around Kyle was a dream come true for him.
As for Kyle, he tried to resist Ryland. He truly did, but their chemistry was undeniable and the trust they developed for each other was beautiful. Kyle ended up telling Ryland about his past, the abuse he had suffered and that, somehow, pushed them together because Ryland had spent his life trying to feel important to others and he did with Kyle.
This romance was a slow burn delight. I loved the moments the MCs spent together, those Scrabble games (what's wrong with the word "get", Amy?) and that cozy atmosphere they created while they were together living under the same roof. It was heartwarming to see how much they cared for each other and the long distance relationship was actually very romantic.
This book was amazing and I loved and enjoyed it very much. There were many funny moments, adorable dogs, intimacy, two guys finding their other half, a bit of ice-hockey and a lot of emotional moments. Just another perfect story from this author.
October 7, 2025
Copy received from author for an honest review
Yes! More Ryland!
We have met him previously in Love In Maplewood, and I have been wanting to know more about him. He didn't always give off the best vibe when it came to his brother's love interest in the Maplewood book, but I knew in my heart of hearts that there was a wonderful man beneath it all.
And oh, was I right!
When an injury puts him out of action, and Kyle Dabbs, the guy he finally admits he is crushing on needs someone to be there as he nurses back to health, well, there are heart eyes flying everywhere. Ryland has so much love and care to give, he just needed that right person to give it all too.
I enjoyed that, since a lot of the time their friendship is long distance, that it is a slow burn for them to finally succumb to those feelings. We saw them really get to know each other. They get to realise how similar their lives are, even though different.
Of course, we get lots more of Jasonb and Bellamy along the way, and there is a bit of set up for the next book in the series, that I am truly looking forward to.
Yes! More Ryland!
We have met him previously in Love In Maplewood, and I have been wanting to know more about him. He didn't always give off the best vibe when it came to his brother's love interest in the Maplewood book, but I knew in my heart of hearts that there was a wonderful man beneath it all.
And oh, was I right!
When an injury puts him out of action, and Kyle Dabbs, the guy he finally admits he is crushing on needs someone to be there as he nurses back to health, well, there are heart eyes flying everywhere. Ryland has so much love and care to give, he just needed that right person to give it all too.
I enjoyed that, since a lot of the time their friendship is long distance, that it is a slow burn for them to finally succumb to those feelings. We saw them really get to know each other. They get to realise how similar their lives are, even though different.
Of course, we get lots more of Jasonb and Bellamy along the way, and there is a bit of set up for the next book in the series, that I am truly looking forward to.
November 12, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Best Parts of Him is the first book in a new series by Amy Aislin, and it’s off to a fairly strong start. I will say I felt like I was missing a little bit, since it’s clearly a spin off. Things begin in Aislin’s contribution to the Love in Maplewood multi-author series, A Touch of Maple. I haven’t read that book, and the author does give you everything you need to know in this one, so it isn’t strictly necessary. For me, there were just moments that felt a bit like the reader should have known certain aspects before reading this story, but they aren’t crucial to the main plot, just something to be aware of.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Best Parts of Him is the first book in a new series by Amy Aislin, and it’s off to a fairly strong start. I will say I felt like I was missing a little bit, since it’s clearly a spin off. Things begin in Aislin’s contribution to the Love in Maplewood multi-author series, A Touch of Maple. I haven’t read that book, and the author does give you everything you need to know in this one, so it isn’t strictly necessary. For me, there were just moments that felt a bit like the reader should have known certain aspects before reading this story, but they aren’t crucial to the main plot, just something to be aware of.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
October 26, 2025
Never thought Ryland would be so amazing, and Dabbs...well Dabbs is only the most amazing character ever.
They are amazing together and theri recovery time is so sweet and steamy ate the same time
Highly recommended
They are amazing together and theri recovery time is so sweet and steamy ate the same time
Highly recommended
December 11, 2025
I can't say I was dazzled by this, unfortunately. It was both too short to be a book and too long to be a novella, and I don't mean that in terms of page count. I just don't think the relationship got actual room to breathe at all. The "camping trip" felt more contrived than anything else, Ryland's time staying with Dabbs post-surgery was only like five days, and then they were in love? And those five days consisted mostly of dog walking, apple bread, and sex. Truly three of the core pillars of any relationship, it's true, but still lacking. And then they were in love! Which you could make the argument for Ryland, he got page time devoted to him having a crush for years, but it made no sense coming from Dabbs.
This book isn't all bad, I still love Amy Aislin's cadence and style as an author, and some of the individual moments were stellar. I loved the conversations around Dabbs' authorship of his books, and Ryland trying to develop a good team culture, and the surprise trip to New York was one of the sweeter things I've ever seen a book boy do for his love interest. I would've been a puddle on the street. And I do see the vision for this pairing, both of them went through some childhood trauma (Dabbs' being much more profound, but still impactful for Ryland as well) and went to two extremes on the same line graph on how to deal with it, Dabbs with being militant about his privacy and keeping people out in the process, and Ryland with being so over the top about letting people in that it turned into a performance at the expense of his privacy. They needed each other to equalize out. But the book and story was definitely lacking for me in finding a way to give them smaller moments of connection to each other, and space to let the relationship breathe and become natural.
This book isn't all bad, I still love Amy Aislin's cadence and style as an author, and some of the individual moments were stellar. I loved the conversations around Dabbs' authorship of his books, and Ryland trying to develop a good team culture, and the surprise trip to New York was one of the sweeter things I've ever seen a book boy do for his love interest. I would've been a puddle on the street. And I do see the vision for this pairing, both of them went through some childhood trauma (Dabbs' being much more profound, but still impactful for Ryland as well) and went to two extremes on the same line graph on how to deal with it, Dabbs with being militant about his privacy and keeping people out in the process, and Ryland with being so over the top about letting people in that it turned into a performance at the expense of his privacy. They needed each other to equalize out. But the book and story was definitely lacking for me in finding a way to give them smaller moments of connection to each other, and space to let the relationship breathe and become natural.
Read
November 5, 2025The characters had potential but this didn't live up to the premise of showing change at all. The main conflict between the characters wrapped up almost right away and then they just had a cute romance.
Read
October 28, 2025This slow burn romance gives us sweet longing and a long time crush finally coming to fruition... I love watching Ryland flirt and try to bolster Kyle's confidence and slowly work himself into Kyle's neatly built world to shake it up just enough.
I love their long chats and slow reveals, it was just a lovely read and a great way to kick off a new series. I can't wait to see where the next Vermont Trailblazers book goes!
I love their long chats and slow reveals, it was just a lovely read and a great way to kick off a new series. I can't wait to see where the next Vermont Trailblazers book goes!
October 5, 2025
THE BEST PARTS OF HIM is the first In Amy Aislin’s Vermont Trailblazers m/m hockey series. Ryland Zervudachi can admit to himself that he’s had a bit of a crush on Kyle Dabbs for a long time. Admitting it to anyone else is another thing entirely, especially when they play for different teams. And for a long time, Ryland is sure he isn’t the kind of person Kyle would have as a friend, much less someone he would be with.
Amy Aislin’s romance is moving and entertaining, as Ryland and Kyle get an unexpected chance to get to know each other better and discover that they have more that works well together than not. They each have been shaped by their pasts and it is heartening to see them find ways to actively work to counter the harm they’ve suffered and to choose better for themselves and those around them.
The Best Parts of Him works as a stand alone, but I do think readers will have a fuller appreciation for Ryland and Dabbs’ story if they read A TOUCH OF MAPLE first, which is Ryland’s brother Jason’s story. Ryland plays a significant role in that book, and I think reading it will enrich one’s understanding of him and his story.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Best Parts of Him and very much look forward to more in the Trailblazers’ series.
Amy Aislin’s romance is moving and entertaining, as Ryland and Kyle get an unexpected chance to get to know each other better and discover that they have more that works well together than not. They each have been shaped by their pasts and it is heartening to see them find ways to actively work to counter the harm they’ve suffered and to choose better for themselves and those around them.
The Best Parts of Him works as a stand alone, but I do think readers will have a fuller appreciation for Ryland and Dabbs’ story if they read A TOUCH OF MAPLE first, which is Ryland’s brother Jason’s story. Ryland plays a significant role in that book, and I think reading it will enrich one’s understanding of him and his story.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Best Parts of Him and very much look forward to more in the Trailblazers’ series.
October 28, 2025
4.5 stars
Best Parts of Him by Amy Aislin is book 1 in the Vermont Trailblazers series. We met Ryland back in the Love in Maplewood series. I have been waiting for Ryland and Dabbs’ story since then. I had so much fun with this one. I love Ryland so much and it was easy to see why Dabbs fell for him. Ryland was like sunshine personified. He made some missteps with Bellamy, but it was good to see them move past that. I adored how these two slowly fell in love. The speed was perfect and it was to see why they loved each other. The time that Ryland and Dabbs spent taking care of each other was just so stinking sweet. The subplot with Ryland trying to build community with his team was great and he came alive. I am very intrigued by the setup for Bennett and Sandy’s story. It looks sooo good. I am loving this author’s writing style. I know that it will be emotional, romantic, and family/friend oriented. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
I received an ARC from the author and Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for my honest review.
Best Parts of Him by Amy Aislin is book 1 in the Vermont Trailblazers series. We met Ryland back in the Love in Maplewood series. I have been waiting for Ryland and Dabbs’ story since then. I had so much fun with this one. I love Ryland so much and it was easy to see why Dabbs fell for him. Ryland was like sunshine personified. He made some missteps with Bellamy, but it was good to see them move past that. I adored how these two slowly fell in love. The speed was perfect and it was to see why they loved each other. The time that Ryland and Dabbs spent taking care of each other was just so stinking sweet. The subplot with Ryland trying to build community with his team was great and he came alive. I am very intrigued by the setup for Bennett and Sandy’s story. It looks sooo good. I am loving this author’s writing style. I know that it will be emotional, romantic, and family/friend oriented. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
I received an ARC from the author and Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for my honest review.
October 30, 2025
4.5 stars
This story was so beautiful! I'm very grateful I got the chance to read it.
Dabbs and Ryland have known each other for years, both being hockey players, and they got closer after Dabbs' teammate and roommate, Bellamy, got together with Ryland's older brother Jason (their story is told in "A Touch of Maple"). Ryland had a longtime crush on Dabbs, but when he asked him out, Dabbs rejected him because he thought Ry was a bit of a bully (he hadn't been very kind to Bellamy over the years), however, they remained friends.
They have the chance to know each other better during the summer at Ry's dad's maple farm: during those few days, Dabbs' opinion on Ry changes, he understand that behind Ryland's need to always be in the spotlight through social media and IG lives, there's a boy who's been forgotten during his parents' divorce, who craved love and attention.
That makes them very different though because, after being abused by his father through his whole childhood when he was constantly berated about his "failures", the last thing Dabbs needs is being the subject of people's gossip.
They have a chance to finally see if they have a real chance when Dabbs has an emergency appendicectomy and needs someone to help him during his recovery, and Ryland is out of the game for a dislocated shoulder. Bellamy suggests that Ry could help Dabbs so they spend a week together at Dabbs' house.
Ryland is amazing: thoughtful, spontaneous, funny, caring, completely at ease with Dabbs and his dogs, like they've been living together for years. And Dabbs doesn't really have any chance to resist him.
The scene at the airport when they have to say goodbye was so good, I loved that there was no hesitation between them, they were both determined to make their relationship work, despite being unavoidably long distance. They were so sweet in their interactions, always texting and calling, sharing everything about their lives, supporting each other and giving one another time and space to grow as individuals.
The physical scenes were good, but my absolute favourite part was the proposal, unexpected and very romantic.
There are a lot of other characters that piqued my interest. What’s the deal between Hughes and CC? What happened years before between Sandro and Bennett? And will Miles be won over by Denver? I hope all their stories will come out soon!
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
This story was so beautiful! I'm very grateful I got the chance to read it.
Dabbs and Ryland have known each other for years, both being hockey players, and they got closer after Dabbs' teammate and roommate, Bellamy, got together with Ryland's older brother Jason (their story is told in "A Touch of Maple"). Ryland had a longtime crush on Dabbs, but when he asked him out, Dabbs rejected him because he thought Ry was a bit of a bully (he hadn't been very kind to Bellamy over the years), however, they remained friends.
They have the chance to know each other better during the summer at Ry's dad's maple farm: during those few days, Dabbs' opinion on Ry changes, he understand that behind Ryland's need to always be in the spotlight through social media and IG lives, there's a boy who's been forgotten during his parents' divorce, who craved love and attention.
That makes them very different though because, after being abused by his father through his whole childhood when he was constantly berated about his "failures", the last thing Dabbs needs is being the subject of people's gossip.
They have a chance to finally see if they have a real chance when Dabbs has an emergency appendicectomy and needs someone to help him during his recovery, and Ryland is out of the game for a dislocated shoulder. Bellamy suggests that Ry could help Dabbs so they spend a week together at Dabbs' house.
Ryland is amazing: thoughtful, spontaneous, funny, caring, completely at ease with Dabbs and his dogs, like they've been living together for years. And Dabbs doesn't really have any chance to resist him.
The scene at the airport when they have to say goodbye was so good, I loved that there was no hesitation between them, they were both determined to make their relationship work, despite being unavoidably long distance. They were so sweet in their interactions, always texting and calling, sharing everything about their lives, supporting each other and giving one another time and space to grow as individuals.
The physical scenes were good, but my absolute favourite part was the proposal, unexpected and very romantic.
There are a lot of other characters that piqued my interest. What’s the deal between Hughes and CC? What happened years before between Sandro and Bennett? And will Miles be won over by Denver? I hope all their stories will come out soon!
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
November 18, 2025
ALC review
Kyle Dabbs has just finished summer hockey camp and is heading home to Maplewood. On the drive home his coach calls with an idea about a documentary following the Vermont Trailblazers around.
Kyle’s best friend, Bellamy is his roommate. Bellamy is also boyfriends with Jason Zerverduchi.
Ryland Zerverduchi plays for the Columbus Pilots, but would love to play for the Trailblazers at some point. He is home helping out his brother Jason on their families maple syrup farm. Ryland and Kyle meet and have a little animosity.
When Dabbs is back skating he finds he needs emergency surgery. He will need someone to care for him, and Ryland is the man for the job.
While caring for Dabbs, Ryland sees him in a different light and starts to become attracted to him. The feelings are reciprocated. They start something, neither want to finish. Realising they cannot be without each other, they need to find a way to make it work. With both working for different teams their schedules never seem to line up. Can they make distance work?
This book from Amy Aislin is so well narrated by Aaron Hokanson, and they bring the characters to life. Ryland and Dabbs are so wonderfully written, and their love is gorgeous to listen to.
This is the first book in the Trailblazers series from Amy, if the rest of the series is as good as this then I am in for a treat.
Kyle Dabbs has just finished summer hockey camp and is heading home to Maplewood. On the drive home his coach calls with an idea about a documentary following the Vermont Trailblazers around.
Kyle’s best friend, Bellamy is his roommate. Bellamy is also boyfriends with Jason Zerverduchi.
Ryland Zerverduchi plays for the Columbus Pilots, but would love to play for the Trailblazers at some point. He is home helping out his brother Jason on their families maple syrup farm. Ryland and Kyle meet and have a little animosity.
When Dabbs is back skating he finds he needs emergency surgery. He will need someone to care for him, and Ryland is the man for the job.
While caring for Dabbs, Ryland sees him in a different light and starts to become attracted to him. The feelings are reciprocated. They start something, neither want to finish. Realising they cannot be without each other, they need to find a way to make it work. With both working for different teams their schedules never seem to line up. Can they make distance work?
This book from Amy Aislin is so well narrated by Aaron Hokanson, and they bring the characters to life. Ryland and Dabbs are so wonderfully written, and their love is gorgeous to listen to.
This is the first book in the Trailblazers series from Amy, if the rest of the series is as good as this then I am in for a treat.
October 10, 2025
Thank you, Amy & Neon Rainbow, for my copy of The Best Parts of Him. This is the 1st book in the Vermont Trailblazers series. We met these characters previously in A Touch of Maple. It was great to get some cameos and to learn more about Ryland Zervudachi & Kyle Dabbs. They play hockey for different NHL teams but are linked by Bellamy, who helps orchestrate their forced proximity when illness/injury strikes both players. Both characters had depth and backstories that made me root hard for their HEA.
🏒 MM Romance
🏒 Hockey Players
🏒 Opposites Attract
🏒 Rival Teams
🏒 Scrabble Competition
🏒 Dogs
🏒 Crush
🏒 Long Distance
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Dual POV
🏒 Epilogue
🏒 Bonus Content
🏒 Cameos
I am excited to read more of this series.
🏒 MM Romance
🏒 Hockey Players
🏒 Opposites Attract
🏒 Rival Teams
🏒 Scrabble Competition
🏒 Dogs
🏒 Crush
🏒 Long Distance
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Dual POV
🏒 Epilogue
🏒 Bonus Content
🏒 Cameos
I am excited to read more of this series.
November 5, 2025
After reading A Touch of Maple, I appreciate that we got Ryland's story in this series starter. While you don't have to read that book before this one, it might help make this story more enjoyable. I liked this one a lot.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
January 3, 2026
It was cute.
Definitely fed the “hockey MM romance” goblin, that lives inside me.
It was comedic and light. Not too angsty, but did deal with some heavy-ish issues. Lil slow burn that when it hit, it went a lil too fast. That’s my only dislike.
Guess I have to add the others to my TBR. ☺️
Definitely fed the “hockey MM romance” goblin, that lives inside me.
It was comedic and light. Not too angsty, but did deal with some heavy-ish issues. Lil slow burn that when it hit, it went a lil too fast. That’s my only dislike.
Guess I have to add the others to my TBR. ☺️
November 4, 2025
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
If this review runs away with itself, I'm sorry, but I freaking LOVED this book!
It's sweet, and charming. It's cute and a little bit smexy. Very little angst apart from what happened to both Ryland and Dabbs as children (divorce and verbal parental abuse, talked about but not in detail)
It's a small town and major hockey leagues. It's building new found families and more established real families.
It's about discovering yourself, and what you are doing might not actually be the best step forward. What I loved was that BOTH men had a little bit of a revelation about themselves.
I was reading and I kept coming back to Jason and Bellamy, who are Ryland's brother and Dabbs' best friend (and Ryland's enemy) I kept thinking I've read these guys before and off I tootled and there it was: A Touch of Maple (Love In Maplewood #3) Now, on a personal note, I think you should read THAT book first. It will give you a better image of Ryland and Bellamy's previous animosity and just what Ryland does to let it all go. I loved being able to catch up with them.
There was a MAJOR hint at who might be next and I can't wait to read it!
5 full, and so very sweet, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
If this review runs away with itself, I'm sorry, but I freaking LOVED this book!
It's sweet, and charming. It's cute and a little bit smexy. Very little angst apart from what happened to both Ryland and Dabbs as children (divorce and verbal parental abuse, talked about but not in detail)
It's a small town and major hockey leagues. It's building new found families and more established real families.
It's about discovering yourself, and what you are doing might not actually be the best step forward. What I loved was that BOTH men had a little bit of a revelation about themselves.
I was reading and I kept coming back to Jason and Bellamy, who are Ryland's brother and Dabbs' best friend (and Ryland's enemy) I kept thinking I've read these guys before and off I tootled and there it was: A Touch of Maple (Love In Maplewood #3) Now, on a personal note, I think you should read THAT book first. It will give you a better image of Ryland and Bellamy's previous animosity and just what Ryland does to let it all go. I loved being able to catch up with them.
There was a MAJOR hint at who might be next and I can't wait to read it!
5 full, and so very sweet, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
November 2, 2025
3.5 stars
November 21, 2025
4,5 ⭐
Una historia muy bonita y entretenida. Me ha encantado la manera (tan sana) en la que se ha desarrollado la relación entre Dabbs y Ryland.
¡Deseando leer más libros de la autora!
Una historia muy bonita y entretenida. Me ha encantado la manera (tan sana) en la que se ha desarrollado la relación entre Dabbs y Ryland.
¡Deseando leer más libros de la autora!
October 6, 2025
I’m swooning!
This book was, as fully expected from Amy, the sweetest thing on the written page! Ryland and Kyle were adorable. Adding in each of their traumas bringing about VERY different outcomes.
The side characters were simply perfect. I loved getting to see Bellamy and Jason. And getting to meet new and interesting people!
Give me all the Amy books!
This book was, as fully expected from Amy, the sweetest thing on the written page! Ryland and Kyle were adorable. Adding in each of their traumas bringing about VERY different outcomes.
The side characters were simply perfect. I loved getting to see Bellamy and Jason. And getting to meet new and interesting people!
Give me all the Amy books!
October 22, 2025
I am so happy I had the chance to read an ARC copy of this book, you have no idea.
I was already familiar with the author, as I have read other books she wrote and I also have some in paperback, so I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed, but when I tell you I smiled so much reading this book!!!
Important interlude before we talk about the characters: ROMAN WAS BACK!!! Roman is literally my favourite character she ever wrote, so having him here was a complete surprised and I squealed out loud when I read his name! I was so incredibly happy!!
Kyle and Ryland are honestly made for each other. I loved how they slowly got to know each other properly, going over the exterior thoughts they had about each other. The way Ryland was actually respectful of Kyle was incredible to see. You have the chance to see proper growth in these characters, and I absolutely loved it.
They really do balance each other, and it shows how sometimes all we need is a second chance at showing who we really are.
Overall I really liked this book and I got so curious about Ryland's brother that his book is now also on my TBR, and I cannot wait to read more about this series in the future!
Leaving you with my favourite quote:
"I meant it. You've always had color where others are gray, Ry"
I smiled so much, I loved them with all my heart!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I was already familiar with the author, as I have read other books she wrote and I also have some in paperback, so I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed, but when I tell you I smiled so much reading this book!!!
Important interlude before we talk about the characters: ROMAN WAS BACK!!! Roman is literally my favourite character she ever wrote, so having him here was a complete surprised and I squealed out loud when I read his name! I was so incredibly happy!!
Kyle and Ryland are honestly made for each other. I loved how they slowly got to know each other properly, going over the exterior thoughts they had about each other. The way Ryland was actually respectful of Kyle was incredible to see. You have the chance to see proper growth in these characters, and I absolutely loved it.
They really do balance each other, and it shows how sometimes all we need is a second chance at showing who we really are.
Overall I really liked this book and I got so curious about Ryland's brother that his book is now also on my TBR, and I cannot wait to read more about this series in the future!
Leaving you with my favourite quote:
"I meant it. You've always had color where others are gray, Ry"
I smiled so much, I loved them with all my heart!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
February 1, 2026
Filled with heart & humor this is another wonderful Amy Aislin book! Ryland & Dabbs have a sweet, banter filled connection even though they’re opposites in a lot of ways. I loved getting to see them both open up the soft spots of themselves to each other and they built a really solid loving relationship. These two meet in the middle Dabbs realizing he doesn’t always need to protect himself & Ryland realizing he’s got all the attention he needs if he just seeks it out. The running Scrabble games were also a fun little highlight that I got a kick out of simply for the banter they brought.
October 21, 2025
The Best Parts of Him by Amy Aislin is the first book in her Vermont Trailblazers series. It contains characters from her book A Touch of Maple so you may want to read that one first to understand what has happened in the past. This is the story of 2 men who had problems in their childhoods that color their thoughts and feelings so the advances of one of them went unmet until they got to know each other and realized that the differences they had only made them more likeable and after spending time together they fell in love. Kyle Dabbs played hockey for the Vermont Trailblazers and was the captain of the team. Growing up he had an abusive father where nothing he did was ever good enough and this greatly affected him, even after he left with his mother and sisters when he was 10. This led him to not wanting to be ridiculed or criticized for anything because it brought back all the bad memories. He kept to himself, even writing a middle grades book for kids who faced daily challenges at home under a pen name. He was going to his teammate and roommate Bellamy’s boyfriend Jason’s house in Maplewood, Vermont, for an overnight in the back yard where he ran into Jason’s brother, Ryland Zervudachi, who played hockey for the Columbus Pilots and was visiting his home. Ryland had a crush on Dabbs but he also had a feud with Bellamy that was recently resolved and Dabbs didn’t like people who picked on others so he didn’t want to go out with him. Ryland really wanted Dabbs to look at him as a potential love interest or at least a friend so he started making conversation with him, taking him to The Striped Maple to play darts, and was flirting with him. He also talked to him about the secret of winning, since the Trailblazers had won the Stanley Cup several times, and he learned things he wanted to do with his team to help their cohesiveness. Dabbs was starting to become attracted to him but he thought he was too flashy and loud, and he posted on social media all the time and Dabbs wanted to fly under the radar and not have his life dissected. Ryland told him about growing up and his parent’s divorce that left him feeling like his life was upside down and so he acted out. His mother moved to France and his father put him in hockey which helped but he still felt overlooked while he was desperate to be seen and paid attention to. They stayed in touch and were becoming friends when Ryland had his shoulder dislocated in a game and right after Dabbs had a severe case of appendicitis followed by surgery. He didn’t want his mother coming to take care of him and Bellamy suggested that Ryland come and stay with him which he does. During this time, he sees what a caring, compassionate, fun, and charming man Ryland is and starts to change his mind about him. This leads to many discussions, especially about Dabbs’s book and how he can help the kids he’s aiming for as his audience. This leads to a kiss and then to a hot love scene. A kiss at the airport that’s posted on social media has their relationship going public, and while Dabbs wasn’t happy about it not coming out in their own time, he realized he didn’t mind it. With Ryland in Columbus and Dabbs in Vermont they had to find time to see each other whenever they could which was hard, with both of them playing for NHL teams. When Ryland did something extra special for Dabbs in January he realized that he loves him and Ryland loves him back. They then know they want to be together no matter what they have to do so they begin taking steps to make that happen. I really enjoyed this story. Both men had some pretty hard things happen in their childhoods that neither one seemed to be able to get over until they found each other. Dabbs just wanted his private life kept private but he had such good times with Ryland that he eventually was able to take steps to be more open. Ryland had a hard time not being seen when he was younger and often did things that made him stand out but once he got over his feud with Bellamy, he was able to show Dabbs the kind of man he really was and that he could be what he needed. Ryland’s family and the members of both hockey teams played a big part in the story and it was great how much Ryland was able to help his team. The Epilogue is also very sweet as it shows what happened to them 3 years later, and it’s everything you want it to be for them. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about two men who play hockey and are attracted to each other, but have to overcome childhood issues in order to find the love and happiness they want together.
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