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Lewiston Forge #3
Gap Control
When a photo of TJ Jameson enthusiastically hugging teammate Mason goes viral, the internet does what it does best—jumps to conclusions. With the Lewiston Forge already earning a reputation as hockey's most LGBTQ+-friendly team, rumors fly faster than a slap shot. To protect Mason from the media circus, TJ does what he always makes a joke. "Yeah, we're totally dating."
He expects Mason to laugh it off. Instead, Mason plays along.
Now TJ's stuck fake-dating the most closed-off guy on the team—a defenseman whose gap control extends far beyond the ice. Mason's spent years perfecting the art of maintaining just the right distance from everyone, keeping opponents and teammates alike at arm's length. But as they navigate team dinners, road trips, and increasingly believable PDA, TJ discovers that playing boyfriend to Mason comes surprisingly naturally. Too naturally.
Mason's got his own reasons for maintaining the charade, but falling for the guy who sees past all his walls wasn't part of the plan. Neither was realizing that TJ's humor isn't just an act—it's exactly what Mason's been missing his entire life.
Sometimes the best defense is knowing when to let someone close the gap.
Gap Control is a fake dating / fake relationship romance.
He expects Mason to laugh it off. Instead, Mason plays along.
Now TJ's stuck fake-dating the most closed-off guy on the team—a defenseman whose gap control extends far beyond the ice. Mason's spent years perfecting the art of maintaining just the right distance from everyone, keeping opponents and teammates alike at arm's length. But as they navigate team dinners, road trips, and increasingly believable PDA, TJ discovers that playing boyfriend to Mason comes surprisingly naturally. Too naturally.
Mason's got his own reasons for maintaining the charade, but falling for the guy who sees past all his walls wasn't part of the plan. Neither was realizing that TJ's humor isn't just an act—it's exactly what Mason's been missing his entire life.
Sometimes the best defense is knowing when to let someone close the gap.
Gap Control is a fake dating / fake relationship romance.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
27 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 8, 2025
Gap Control by Blair Brady is a beautiful story of two flawed men, one chaotic and one precise, who slowly but sweetly fall in love. TJ and Mason have both been hurt in the past in different ways, who overcompensate now to stop it happening again. TJ is goofy and covers everything with a joke, while Mason is quiet, observing and in control. This is the story of the push and pull between them that slowly creates cracks in their facades allowing the other to see who they really are, and to fall in love with that person. This is a low heat, beautifully written tale starting with a fake relationship that slowly turns so wonderfully real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
I liked this book a lot, I adored TJ, the way he approached everything with humor to deflect what was really going on, a coping skill he had learned as a young kid that still served him today. Half the time, what came out of his mouth was uncensored, said without thinking, and it wasn’t unusual for him to regret what he said, not even sure why he said it. But, that is just what he did when he jokingly said he and Mason were dating, starting something without thinking about consequences or what Mason may think about the whole thing. Mason is pretty quiet and keeps to himself much of the time, off in a corner sketching or just watching. When Mason confronts TJ about what he said and what to do about it going forward, they decide to wait it out and be fake boyfriends until things die down. That’s great in theory, but over time, they begin to develop feelings for each other, trying to figure out where to go from here and what to do, still keeping a low profile while playing their parts. The more they know about each other, the more each sees the other in a clearer light, seeing the parts they don’t show to others on the ice or off.
The relationship develops slowly over the season, feelings intensify as they spend more of their off ice time together. Each brings the caring side out of the other as they learn to read expressions, thoughts and actions, becoming very attuned to each other, and each also reveals unexpected sides of themselves the deeper the relationship becomes. I liked that it did move slowly, giving each a chance to really get to know the hidden sides of each other, helping to strengthen the relationship as it moved forward.
The supporting characters on the team add depth to the story, as well as help reveal new things about Mason and TJ to each other and a few outsiders. There is hockey action for the sports enthusiasts, quiet reflective time between games, some hot encounters between the two with a low spice level but plenty of emotional engagement, and a satisfactory ending with promise for the future.
I have read the other two books in the series so far, and this one fits right in. TJ and Mason seem like opposites from each other, but there is more they find in common as time goes on, and each fulfills a need for the other. I was engaged from the beginning and invested in the two as a couple. I enjoyed TJs joking side, and found myself laughing out loud in several places. His sense of humor really spoke to me. If you like hockey and complicated relationships, I would recommend this book. It ticks many boxes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The relationship develops slowly over the season, feelings intensify as they spend more of their off ice time together. Each brings the caring side out of the other as they learn to read expressions, thoughts and actions, becoming very attuned to each other, and each also reveals unexpected sides of themselves the deeper the relationship becomes. I liked that it did move slowly, giving each a chance to really get to know the hidden sides of each other, helping to strengthen the relationship as it moved forward.
The supporting characters on the team add depth to the story, as well as help reveal new things about Mason and TJ to each other and a few outsiders. There is hockey action for the sports enthusiasts, quiet reflective time between games, some hot encounters between the two with a low spice level but plenty of emotional engagement, and a satisfactory ending with promise for the future.
I have read the other two books in the series so far, and this one fits right in. TJ and Mason seem like opposites from each other, but there is more they find in common as time goes on, and each fulfills a need for the other. I was engaged from the beginning and invested in the two as a couple. I enjoyed TJs joking side, and found myself laughing out loud in several places. His sense of humor really spoke to me. If you like hockey and complicated relationships, I would recommend this book. It ticks many boxes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2025
TJ and Mason . . .
After a big win for the Lewiston Forge hockey team, the Coach praised Mason Ryker for displaying “textbook” blocks that moved them toward victory. But as always, Mason didn’t even look up or acknowledge the high praise. TJ Jameson called out to Mason that he had really saved the team out there, but Mason merely responded that it was a team effort. TJ clapped him on the shoulder, but to his own surprise, he left his hand there and pulled Mason into a tight hug! At first Mason tensed as they embraced, but then relaxed… until they heard a “click” from Brady’s camera as he muttered “social media gold, you guys photograph well together!” Instead of responding to it as a joke, TJ remained silent as Mason quietly continued changing out of his gear. TJ wandered home in a daze until he got a notification of a new photo and was shocked to see the photo of him holding Mason who had a soft smile as he looked at TJ. And the response of “likes” and comments were fully supportive! And the next morning, a reporter stopped him to get more information since this was going viral. She kept pushing for information and he got exasperated and told her (meant sarcastically) that yes, they were totally dating and Mason will make an honest man out of TJ. At least it left the reporter speechless so he could escape inside. But what will he tell Mason?
After practice, TJ had 42 text messages on his phone, 6 missed calls, and continuing Instagram notifications. His joke is going to be the death of him… And now Brady was calling him non-stop because now they were trending nationally! TJ started to worry whether Mason would hate him over this, just as Mason knocked on his apartment door. Mason told him he saw the post and the reactions. And he wasn’t mad! He gave TJ the option of correcting the lie or letting it ride. He was willing to fake it since that would be easier than trying to untangle the mess in public. TJ mumbled ok and Mason smiled. How will this work out? Will they now “fake” a breakup of their fake relationship? Or will something real develop as they see the real person inside each of them and find out he’s worth knowing?
After a big win for the Lewiston Forge hockey team, the Coach praised Mason Ryker for displaying “textbook” blocks that moved them toward victory. But as always, Mason didn’t even look up or acknowledge the high praise. TJ Jameson called out to Mason that he had really saved the team out there, but Mason merely responded that it was a team effort. TJ clapped him on the shoulder, but to his own surprise, he left his hand there and pulled Mason into a tight hug! At first Mason tensed as they embraced, but then relaxed… until they heard a “click” from Brady’s camera as he muttered “social media gold, you guys photograph well together!” Instead of responding to it as a joke, TJ remained silent as Mason quietly continued changing out of his gear. TJ wandered home in a daze until he got a notification of a new photo and was shocked to see the photo of him holding Mason who had a soft smile as he looked at TJ. And the response of “likes” and comments were fully supportive! And the next morning, a reporter stopped him to get more information since this was going viral. She kept pushing for information and he got exasperated and told her (meant sarcastically) that yes, they were totally dating and Mason will make an honest man out of TJ. At least it left the reporter speechless so he could escape inside. But what will he tell Mason?
After practice, TJ had 42 text messages on his phone, 6 missed calls, and continuing Instagram notifications. His joke is going to be the death of him… And now Brady was calling him non-stop because now they were trending nationally! TJ started to worry whether Mason would hate him over this, just as Mason knocked on his apartment door. Mason told him he saw the post and the reactions. And he wasn’t mad! He gave TJ the option of correcting the lie or letting it ride. He was willing to fake it since that would be easier than trying to untangle the mess in public. TJ mumbled ok and Mason smiled. How will this work out? Will they now “fake” a breakup of their fake relationship? Or will something real develop as they see the real person inside each of them and find out he’s worth knowing?
August 1, 2025
There should be nothing sensational about hugging a teammate in the locker room, it is about being a team, camaraderie, sharing in a great game. For reasons that become clearer as the story unfolds the photo of TJ and Mason goes a little viral and it becomes something they need to find a way to control the story of. Even more so when, in an offhand joking comment TJ appears to suggest there is something between them.
When Mason agrees to something fake both are certain all the interest will quickly wane and they can continue as they were before the photo was taken. No such thing happens, in fact the opposite does, they have become the hottest thing online, in the sports news and it is confusing for them both.
Mason has been hurt in the past, making an assumption. It wasn't his fault to any extent but that doesn't mean he hasn't made certain decisions based on past actions and the results of them. TJ is known for being carefree and happy to go with the flow but there is something about faking things with Mason which isn't sitting right with him, he wants more and he's fairly certain Mason does too, if only he could get through to the other man, understand him better. He truly wants to.
This story is beautiful. There is plenty of hockey, changing room shenanigans, action on the ice. There is also plenty of hurt-comfort alongside the intricacies of navigating a fake relationship when both parties, if they are honest, want more but don't know how to get there. Discover how defences can be broken down in the best possible way and how, once you let someone in, let them see every part of you, it can be life changing.
When Mason agrees to something fake both are certain all the interest will quickly wane and they can continue as they were before the photo was taken. No such thing happens, in fact the opposite does, they have become the hottest thing online, in the sports news and it is confusing for them both.
Mason has been hurt in the past, making an assumption. It wasn't his fault to any extent but that doesn't mean he hasn't made certain decisions based on past actions and the results of them. TJ is known for being carefree and happy to go with the flow but there is something about faking things with Mason which isn't sitting right with him, he wants more and he's fairly certain Mason does too, if only he could get through to the other man, understand him better. He truly wants to.
This story is beautiful. There is plenty of hockey, changing room shenanigans, action on the ice. There is also plenty of hurt-comfort alongside the intricacies of navigating a fake relationship when both parties, if they are honest, want more but don't know how to get there. Discover how defences can be broken down in the best possible way and how, once you let someone in, let them see every part of you, it can be life changing.
September 6, 2025
DNF at 40%. These books just don’t make sense!!
I feel like every single conversation you’re just dropped into, halfway through and without any context, and I find myself genuinely having no idea what the characters are talking about. The author uses bizarre metaphors that don’t actually mean anything. Everything seems to happen in some sort of liminal space, because I can never get a read on the setting or location.
And the plot is just ???? nonexistent, honestly. Fake dating only works when it feels like the only option, but - like the first book in this series - the situation feels so manufactured and unnecessary that the entire premise of the book just doesn’t work.
Mason literally says, “I’m not mad”, about the comment TJ made, and he’s the one who suggests they pretend to date in the first place, but then later he says, “You didn’t ask me…if I were okay with it. The fake dating…You never asked.” Like, where is the consistency???? Brother, you were the one who suggested it!!!! It’s like the author completely forgets what they’ve previously written.
Also like the first book in this series, the pacing is all over the place as well. One minute the characters barely know each other and then the next they’re falling in love, with hardly any interactions between them and absolutely no character or relationship development at all.
I feel like every single conversation you’re just dropped into, halfway through and without any context, and I find myself genuinely having no idea what the characters are talking about. The author uses bizarre metaphors that don’t actually mean anything. Everything seems to happen in some sort of liminal space, because I can never get a read on the setting or location.
And the plot is just ???? nonexistent, honestly. Fake dating only works when it feels like the only option, but - like the first book in this series - the situation feels so manufactured and unnecessary that the entire premise of the book just doesn’t work.
Mason literally says, “I’m not mad”, about the comment TJ made, and he’s the one who suggests they pretend to date in the first place, but then later he says, “You didn’t ask me…if I were okay with it. The fake dating…You never asked.” Like, where is the consistency???? Brother, you were the one who suggested it!!!! It’s like the author completely forgets what they’ve previously written.
Also like the first book in this series, the pacing is all over the place as well. One minute the characters barely know each other and then the next they’re falling in love, with hardly any interactions between them and absolutely no character or relationship development at all.
August 13, 2025
*ARC review*
Both of these MMCs are baby - I grew to care for both of them through the course of the story, especially because this book is really solidly half self growth and half a romance. TJ and Mason find themselves flung into a fake dating relationship, but quickly realize they have real feelings for each other. Then, as their relationship develops (slooooowly), they have to unravel their own stuff. And while I appreciate characters that aren't toxic and are willing to examine their own hang-ups in order to have a healthy relationship, the impetus for them doing so seemed contrived in this one. It just didn't feel enough like a romance for me, there wasn't enough chemistry built or time spent in the relationship. By the time the characters were declaring their feelings at the end, I was almost caught off guard by it - when did that happen? Additionally, the happy ending wasn't quite enough for me.
I also had trouble distinguishing between TJ and Mason in the chapters written from each of their POV. I could only be sure if I looked back at the beginning of the chapter or if they were referring to the other by name.
All in all, it didn't hit enough of the romance buttons for me, and I fear this one will slip out of my memory quickly.
Both of these MMCs are baby - I grew to care for both of them through the course of the story, especially because this book is really solidly half self growth and half a romance. TJ and Mason find themselves flung into a fake dating relationship, but quickly realize they have real feelings for each other. Then, as their relationship develops (slooooowly), they have to unravel their own stuff. And while I appreciate characters that aren't toxic and are willing to examine their own hang-ups in order to have a healthy relationship, the impetus for them doing so seemed contrived in this one. It just didn't feel enough like a romance for me, there wasn't enough chemistry built or time spent in the relationship. By the time the characters were declaring their feelings at the end, I was almost caught off guard by it - when did that happen? Additionally, the happy ending wasn't quite enough for me.
I also had trouble distinguishing between TJ and Mason in the chapters written from each of their POV. I could only be sure if I looked back at the beginning of the chapter or if they were referring to the other by name.
All in all, it didn't hit enough of the romance buttons for me, and I fear this one will slip out of my memory quickly.
September 15, 2025
This is the third book in the Lewiston Forge series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of TJ Jameson and Mason Ryker. Both are professional hockey players. TJ is a veteran Forge center and Mason is a winger and in his first season with the Forge. TJ is known to be always joking and outgoing. When a reporter asks about a posted photo, TJ makes a joke that he thinks is harmless but has serious repercussions. He has stated that Mason is dating him with an eye to a wedding. A media storm quickly begins. Realizing that it will be difficult to untangle this story in public, the two of them agree to pretend that they are dating. Just until things die down of course. Famous last words. This is their story. Both men have some baggage that they are dragging with them. Mason is quiet and reserved. TJ while outgoing, jokes "because joking's easier than feeling things". I enjoyed watching how the two slowly learned more about each other and how they complimented each other. This book is well written and easy to read. It is a slow burn romance that I very much enjoyed reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2025
Gap Control may start as a fake dating story, but it quickly becomes something much deeper and more meaningful. While the fake boyfriend trope sets the stage, the heart of this book is about learning to love — not just someone else, but yourself.
Blair Brady does a beautiful job showing what it means to truly see another person and allow yourself to be seen in return. It’s a journey of trust, vulnerability, and emotional growth that left me feeling warm and full by the last page.
This isn’t a spicy read — instead, it offers tenderness, authenticity, and a slow-burn kind of intimacy that comes from connection, not just chemistry. If you love character-driven romance with emotional depth and heart, Gap Control is definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blair Brady does a beautiful job showing what it means to truly see another person and allow yourself to be seen in return. It’s a journey of trust, vulnerability, and emotional growth that left me feeling warm and full by the last page.
This isn’t a spicy read — instead, it offers tenderness, authenticity, and a slow-burn kind of intimacy that comes from connection, not just chemistry. If you love character-driven romance with emotional depth and heart, Gap Control is definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2025
I'll take it.
The book starts out slow and subtle and it never really changes. The relationship seems to... happen Somehow, somewhere between the loud and the quiet moments of their lives. It was maybe not the best approach in my... video-games brain-washed state (I seem to have recalibrated to a different input and I have trouble picking up books like I usually do, it'll pass but for now my brain is like, what, nothing is happening) but I managed to tune into the calm of the simple story of two people who quietly yet unsuprisingly fall in love. And find themselves and find new strength by doing so. No joke this time. It was nice and I liked it. The end.
The book starts out slow and subtle and it never really changes. The relationship seems to... happen Somehow, somewhere between the loud and the quiet moments of their lives. It was maybe not the best approach in my... video-games brain-washed state (I seem to have recalibrated to a different input and I have trouble picking up books like I usually do, it'll pass but for now my brain is like, what, nothing is happening) but I managed to tune into the calm of the simple story of two people who quietly yet unsuprisingly fall in love. And find themselves and find new strength by doing so. No joke this time. It was nice and I liked it. The end.
July 28, 2025
Just a pure vibes book. Very fast paced, the fake dating part lasts for maybe 30% before they end up in a situationship where they kind of dance around each other, but no miscommunication happens nor is there too much angst. Likely nothing memorable, was very fluffy and sweet though.
Also, I jumped into vol3 without having read vol1 or 2. Didnt feel like I was missing out too much, the beginning was a bit in medias res, but again, most of the focus is on the couple in the book and i didnt feel like I was missing out on knowledge or something.
Also, I jumped into vol3 without having read vol1 or 2. Didnt feel like I was missing out too much, the beginning was a bit in medias res, but again, most of the focus is on the couple in the book and i didnt feel like I was missing out on knowledge or something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
A pretty easy read, with two main characters that are easy to like. This is an overall low angst hockey romance, TJ and Mason are teammates who find themselves in a fake PR relationship after a photo of them goes viral. It’s a very tenuous and far fetched basis for a fake relationship romance, you really have to just go with it. It’s cute, there’s a nice HEA (ish), but this was so very slow moving. I would have also liked a more robust happy ending, this it more a hint of an HEA.
A pretty easy read, with two main characters that are easy to like. This is an overall low angst hockey romance, TJ and Mason are teammates who find themselves in a fake PR relationship after a photo of them goes viral. It’s a very tenuous and far fetched basis for a fake relationship romance, you really have to just go with it. It’s cute, there’s a nice HEA (ish), but this was so very slow moving. I would have also liked a more robust happy ending, this it more a hint of an HEA.
July 28, 2025
There was something about their interactions that I loved and the banter was quite good as well. Or perhaps it just hit the right spot at the right time. I still have some issues with the intimacy scenes but I think they have improved a bit since book one.
The two were really cute together and their personalities complemented each other really well. And it was slow burn which always works for me.
The two were really cute together and their personalities complemented each other really well. And it was slow burn which always works for me.
July 25, 2025
Gap Control is the third book in the Lewiston Forge series, while each can be read as a standalone, I think it works better to read in order. This is a fake dating, slow burn, low angst read about TJ and Mason. I absolutely loved this book and the wonderful characters. I can't wait to read more of this series.
August 8, 2025
It was a really sweet book of a fake relationship turned real. Mason gets roped into a relationship with TJ due to TJ trying to make deflect a reporter's questions. As they spend more time together, they realize how much the other one sees them as themselves. It was heartwarming and really cute.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2025
3.5⭐️s rounded up. This is the third book in the Lewiston Forge series and it is a sweet enjoyable fake dating to real relationship, slow burn romance story about TJ and Mason, it was good watching how the two flawed men fell in love with each other and how the fake became so real and just what they both needed.
August 13, 2025
I have a soft spot for stories where the main couple starts out fake dating and then over time together comes to realize not only something significant about the relationship but themselves. This story does a good job of supplying both of those and that made it sweet and emotional in good ways.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2025
This book was a very good read. I enjoyed this book immensely. A photo of TJ hugging Mason goes viral and everyone jumps to conclusions so TJ jokes they are dating, Mason plays along. This book was so entertaining as we find out how these two men find love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how a picture out of context and a joking comment has TJ and Mason faking a relationship. Along the way, they fall in love. I think they are good for each other.
August 13, 2025
I did enjoy this book purely for the well written storyline and engaging characters. My only negative is the trope i think I am coming to the end of sports themed books as just too many!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
This is book three in this series Lewiston Forge. The story is easy to read and follow. The characters fit well together and have great chemistry. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2025
What started as a fake romance for hockey players TJ and Mason ends up as real. They both hide their real selves, TJ hides his with jokes and Mason is quiet and stays out of spot light. They both realize that they see who the other is. I really enjoyed this book.
September 4, 2025
TJ was an absolute riot. He kept poor Mason on his toes at all times. Their chemistry was so much fun to enjoy. I'm elated their 'fake' romance evolved into so much more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2025
3.25*
August 17, 2025
C’était d’une douceur je n’arrive toujours pas à m’en remettre. Rien de plus adorable que Mason qui dessine et TJ qui l’encourage vraiment.
August 26, 2025
Hilarious! TJ is a lot of fun. He would definitely keep Mason on his toes; he kept me on mine. Fake dating is hit or miss with me usually. Obviously this one is a hit.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews