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Back in the Game
Jett Fraser plays like he has nothing to lose—and smiles like he’s never been hurt. On the surface, he’s everything a rising NHL star should fast, fearless, and impossible not to love. But behind the charm is a past he keeps buried, and a hollow ache he won’t talk about.
Playing in the NHL was all he ever wanted, until he returned to his hometown and came face-to-face with the one thing he’s always wanted more. The man he wears number 25 for.
Harrison Killinger.
Once a hometown legend, Harrison was destined for hockey greatness—until a devastating car crash shattered his leg and ended his career. Now he's stuck in a life he didn’t choose, watching the game—and the future he lost—play out on screens, with Jett Fraser front and center.
Bitter, guarded, and living in the wreckage of what could have been, Harrison wants nothing to do with the bright-eyed golden boy living the dream he lost.
But Jett refuses to be ignored, and the more Harrison pushes, the harder Jett leans in, determined to prove that what’s between them isn’t resentment—it’s something far more dangerous and real.
As their connection deepens and walls begin to tumble, they must decide if they can learn to trust love—even when it hurts—and if the future they never planned for might be exactly what they both need.
Playing in the NHL was all he ever wanted, until he returned to his hometown and came face-to-face with the one thing he’s always wanted more. The man he wears number 25 for.
Harrison Killinger.
Once a hometown legend, Harrison was destined for hockey greatness—until a devastating car crash shattered his leg and ended his career. Now he's stuck in a life he didn’t choose, watching the game—and the future he lost—play out on screens, with Jett Fraser front and center.
Bitter, guarded, and living in the wreckage of what could have been, Harrison wants nothing to do with the bright-eyed golden boy living the dream he lost.
But Jett refuses to be ignored, and the more Harrison pushes, the harder Jett leans in, determined to prove that what’s between them isn’t resentment—it’s something far more dangerous and real.
As their connection deepens and walls begin to tumble, they must decide if they can learn to trust love—even when it hurts—and if the future they never planned for might be exactly what they both need.
525 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2025
51 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Kai Jennex
6 books17 followersAn exhausted author inhabiting Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Has three cats, 2 ghosts and 1 roommate living with them. Also, zero brain cells activated.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 27, 2025
Too long for my taste. The authors packed a bit too much into this book. Halfway through, I had already forgotten what had happened earlier. Also, so many things were left unresolved or brushed off.
Still, decently enjoyable.
⛸️ MM sport romance
🖤 pro hockey player / former hockey player
⛸️ grumpy/sunshine
🖤 dual POV
⛸️ steam 🧖🏽♂️🧖🏽♂️🧖🏽♂️🧖🏽♂️
🖤 found family
⛸️ TW: bullying (mentioned), s3xual assault (mentioned), child neglect, shootings, ...
Still, decently enjoyable.
⛸️ MM sport romance
🖤 pro hockey player / former hockey player
⛸️ grumpy/sunshine
🖤 dual POV
⛸️ steam 🧖🏽♂️🧖🏽♂️🧖🏽♂️🧖🏽♂️
🖤 found family
⛸️ TW: bullying (mentioned), s3xual assault (mentioned), child neglect, shootings, ...
September 18, 2025
All of the stars! I just barely have words l, but I’m still crying thinking about heaven being an ice rink and Harrison still having time on the clock😭 that took me out. What a beautiful way of seeing all of them together again, I just can’t put into words how much I love this book. Christ did these authors put me through the wringer, nothing hits better for me then two broken boys and I read this book almost a duology. The first half we get Harrison’s story and Jett putting him back together, these two falling and the start of the most beautiful love story. The second half we got more of Herts background, how sunshine hides behind clouds. I never wanted it to end, I took my time and I savored every minute. Let’s just talk about how amazing the found family is! All of these hockey boys love each other so much there are so many characters I can not wait to read, please let this series continue because I want every single one of them to get their HEA! I’m sorry this review is a rambling mess I just loved it to much I’m sad it’s over.
August 23, 2025
This started out much better than most of the novels in this genre, but over time it became melodramatic and overwrought and unfortunately lost the breezy humour of earlier sections which still dealt with serious issues but with a lighter touch. The novel jumps the shark with the back story of the younger brother and never recovers. That subject (albeit worthy of discussion) needs a different type of novel. It certainly felt very out of place in a fantasy, mm, guaranteed HEA, frivolous-but-fun type novel.
did-not-finish
August 19, 2025DNF @ 52% - Okay, this is not the worst book I have ever read. I really like the issues explored. But it is really, really long and the romance was resolved by 40% and the ice hockey situation doesn't feel realistic (and isn't particularly interesting) and honestly everyone is gay (which is fantastic, really, except that it reduces the impact/challenge of being gay in professional men's sports and TBH I'm here for the challenges/drama/angst not for the fluff) and the only thing left is the situation with Mike which gets the occasional bit of page time amongst all the way too sweet relationship stuff and it's going on and on and on and why am I still reading this? omg i am only halfway through kill me now
dnf
August 27, 2025DNF. It pains me to do this but this book is way too long and I have lost interest after about 27%.
It started with a punch to the gut but then it changed into a totally different story and I could not connect with the MCs. Especially Jett as he was too OTT. The fact that they had a similar trauma in the past was weird too. Did they need that to bond? I don't think so. Overall, it just felt too coincidental.
The fact that it was written in a POV I absolutely detest did not help either.
I had a sneak peak of the ending and what I saw led me to believe I made the right choice as I could see that specific character being an issue going forward.
I still would like to read the next book, so will be giving that a go. Hopefully it's shorter and has a tighter story.
It started with a punch to the gut but then it changed into a totally different story and I could not connect with the MCs. Especially Jett as he was too OTT. The fact that they had a similar trauma in the past was weird too. Did they need that to bond? I don't think so. Overall, it just felt too coincidental.
The fact that it was written in a POV I absolutely detest did not help either.
I had a sneak peak of the ending and what I saw led me to believe I made the right choice as I could see that specific character being an issue going forward.
I still would like to read the next book, so will be giving that a go. Hopefully it's shorter and has a tighter story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
ARC review:
This was a lot longer than I expected it to be therefore I did end up skipping some chapters. I really did enjoy the whole story from beginning to end just thought it could have been cut down in chapters.
Jett Fraser- blond curls and fast as hell on skates. Love that game of hockey and is also in love with Harrison
Harrison Killinger- up and coming hockey legend but has his career cut short due to a car accident.
Tragedy, hockey, love, found family, golden retriever/ grumpy troupe.
I’d definitely read a second in the series, just would maybe think about cutting the length down.
This was a lot longer than I expected it to be therefore I did end up skipping some chapters. I really did enjoy the whole story from beginning to end just thought it could have been cut down in chapters.
Jett Fraser- blond curls and fast as hell on skates. Love that game of hockey and is also in love with Harrison
Harrison Killinger- up and coming hockey legend but has his career cut short due to a car accident.
Tragedy, hockey, love, found family, golden retriever/ grumpy troupe.
I’d definitely read a second in the series, just would maybe think about cutting the length down.
July 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a trillion stars)
MM Romance | Grumpy/Sunshine | Hockey Superstar x Former Player | Hurt/Comfort | Found Family | Praise Kink | Interconnected Series
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Easily one of my Top 3 reads of 2025—and I say that as someone who’s read 270+ books this year (almost all MM romance). Back in the Game was everything I want in a hurt/comfort love story and more. It’s raw. It’s tender. It’s devastating. It’s healing. And it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Right from page one, it had me in a chokehold. I knew within four pages I wouldn’t be putting this book down. The emotional gut punch hits fast and sets the tone for a story that’s as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.
💔 Harrison is a former hometown hockey legend whose future was ripped away after a horrific car crash killed both his younger brother and best friend—and left his leg shattered. Now he’s isolated, grieving, and angry at the world.
☀️ Jett is a rising NHL star living the dream, but deep down he’s struggling too. He’s charming, golden, and full of life on the outside—but carrying the weight of his past and the shadow of his trauma in silence.
And the moment they reconnect? Magic. Painful, messy, beautiful magic.
This is a soulmate-level connection that hurts in all the best ways. Harrison pushes everyone away, and Jett refuses to be pushed. I loved how Jett kept showing up with this soft, determined energy that slowly wore down all of Harrison’s walls. Their chemistry is explosive, the tension is thick, and the emotional payoff is so worth it.
Favorite quote? Easy:
“I was always meant to orbit you, Sunshine. I was born to be on the ice, just as much as I was born to be yours.”
Tell me that didn’t just destroy you.
There’s grief. There’s trauma. There’s some dark and heavy themes. But the way the authors handled those topics was incredibly respectful and thoughtful. Nothing felt rushed, nothing felt brushed over. It’s a long book, but every chapter had weight and purpose.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Childhood abuse/neglect, blood and gore, grief, foul language, explicit sexual content, mentions of rape/sexual assault, homophobia from family members, suicidal ideation (not acted on), car crash resulting in the death of two people, past school shooting mentioned.
This book also sets up so much for the rest of the series and introduces a ton of characters I cannot wait to read more about. I’m already obsessed with Bracken (the captain) and Powers (the goalie)—please give me their best-friends-to-lovers gay awakening story ASAP.
Shoutout to:
– Arlo (Harrison’s cousin), who low-key helped save him
– Jett’s dad, who is a literal saint and immediately became a fierce protector of Harrison
– Jett’s entire team, who showed what true support looks like
This book had me crying, smiling, and swooning—sometimes all on the same page. I finished it and immediately wanted to reread it. If you’re into emotional, spicy, deeply character-driven MM romance with strong mental health themes, found family, and hockey boys who feel too much, you need this book in your life.
📚 I received a free copy from the authors for my honest review.
🧡 This book owns me. Harrison and Jett forever.
MM Romance | Grumpy/Sunshine | Hockey Superstar x Former Player | Hurt/Comfort | Found Family | Praise Kink | Interconnected Series
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Easily one of my Top 3 reads of 2025—and I say that as someone who’s read 270+ books this year (almost all MM romance). Back in the Game was everything I want in a hurt/comfort love story and more. It’s raw. It’s tender. It’s devastating. It’s healing. And it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Right from page one, it had me in a chokehold. I knew within four pages I wouldn’t be putting this book down. The emotional gut punch hits fast and sets the tone for a story that’s as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.
💔 Harrison is a former hometown hockey legend whose future was ripped away after a horrific car crash killed both his younger brother and best friend—and left his leg shattered. Now he’s isolated, grieving, and angry at the world.
☀️ Jett is a rising NHL star living the dream, but deep down he’s struggling too. He’s charming, golden, and full of life on the outside—but carrying the weight of his past and the shadow of his trauma in silence.
And the moment they reconnect? Magic. Painful, messy, beautiful magic.
This is a soulmate-level connection that hurts in all the best ways. Harrison pushes everyone away, and Jett refuses to be pushed. I loved how Jett kept showing up with this soft, determined energy that slowly wore down all of Harrison’s walls. Their chemistry is explosive, the tension is thick, and the emotional payoff is so worth it.
Favorite quote? Easy:
“I was always meant to orbit you, Sunshine. I was born to be on the ice, just as much as I was born to be yours.”
Tell me that didn’t just destroy you.
There’s grief. There’s trauma. There’s some dark and heavy themes. But the way the authors handled those topics was incredibly respectful and thoughtful. Nothing felt rushed, nothing felt brushed over. It’s a long book, but every chapter had weight and purpose.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Childhood abuse/neglect, blood and gore, grief, foul language, explicit sexual content, mentions of rape/sexual assault, homophobia from family members, suicidal ideation (not acted on), car crash resulting in the death of two people, past school shooting mentioned.
This book also sets up so much for the rest of the series and introduces a ton of characters I cannot wait to read more about. I’m already obsessed with Bracken (the captain) and Powers (the goalie)—please give me their best-friends-to-lovers gay awakening story ASAP.
Shoutout to:
– Arlo (Harrison’s cousin), who low-key helped save him
– Jett’s dad, who is a literal saint and immediately became a fierce protector of Harrison
– Jett’s entire team, who showed what true support looks like
This book had me crying, smiling, and swooning—sometimes all on the same page. I finished it and immediately wanted to reread it. If you’re into emotional, spicy, deeply character-driven MM romance with strong mental health themes, found family, and hockey boys who feel too much, you need this book in your life.
📚 I received a free copy from the authors for my honest review.
🧡 This book owns me. Harrison and Jett forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
Everyone has their favourite tropes, hockey has just never been mine! There is one Huge "But" though, actually there are two - Kai Jennex and Casey Cross!!! It's their magical writing combined and the irresistible pull of their characters.
There are books which are "food for the soul". Back in the game is one of them. All hockey terminology aside / I confess this is "Terra incognita" to me/, this book is a lot more than the spirit, the drive, the feel of the ice, the grittiness, the toughness of this sport.
Sometimes life can send us crashing faster and crueller than the flight of success before that. It can take more than we are ready to give up, leaving the chasm of emptiness behind and the bitter questions - "Where now? Is it worth living for, when your dreams are resting in pieces, shattered and unreachable? And that's Harrison Killinger in a short summary - an empty shell after a great, unbearable loss.
Jett Fraser is living Harrison's dream. But the golden facade, the smiling eyes and easy going personality, are hiding layers and layers unknown to the others that see only the smile.
Back in the game is heavy on the hurt/comfort vibes. Actually it screams pain before the comfort and the love are able to get through the hardened surface. But while these two characters are the center piece of the plot line, there is much more a reader can find - overcoming trauma, healing, soul deep scars and true friendships in unconventional forms.
These hockey players might be rough around the edges, but they protect their family on the ice with fists, words and hearts!
I "walked" mentally the jagged line of this incredibly captivating plot line and along with a tear or two, enjoyed immensely what these two authors have created.
There are books which are "food for the soul". Back in the game is one of them. All hockey terminology aside / I confess this is "Terra incognita" to me/, this book is a lot more than the spirit, the drive, the feel of the ice, the grittiness, the toughness of this sport.
Sometimes life can send us crashing faster and crueller than the flight of success before that. It can take more than we are ready to give up, leaving the chasm of emptiness behind and the bitter questions - "Where now? Is it worth living for, when your dreams are resting in pieces, shattered and unreachable? And that's Harrison Killinger in a short summary - an empty shell after a great, unbearable loss.
Jett Fraser is living Harrison's dream. But the golden facade, the smiling eyes and easy going personality, are hiding layers and layers unknown to the others that see only the smile.
Back in the game is heavy on the hurt/comfort vibes. Actually it screams pain before the comfort and the love are able to get through the hardened surface. But while these two characters are the center piece of the plot line, there is much more a reader can find - overcoming trauma, healing, soul deep scars and true friendships in unconventional forms.
These hockey players might be rough around the edges, but they protect their family on the ice with fists, words and hearts!
I "walked" mentally the jagged line of this incredibly captivating plot line and along with a tear or two, enjoyed immensely what these two authors have created.
August 2, 2025
Back in the Game by Kai Jennex and Casey Cross
****NO SPOILER REVIEW****
This book was provided to me as an Arc read when I was just simply too excited to wait for read it and I'm very glad I received it as I loved this book and I loved the main MCs but I also loved the side characters too.
The relationship is between Harrison Killinger and Jett Fraser who have hockey as a common interest as well as being from the same time plus there was a time when Harrison was Jett's childhood ideal.
Jett gets under Harrison's skin from the day they meet as adults after Jett follows Arlo Jett's nephew home from the ice rink. Eventually Harrison and Jett give friendship a go and things progress from there.
Once the relationship starts the two of them go through many trials that are thrown at them which brings all the hidden scars the MMCs have from their past to the forefront, these secrets are interesting to the press but to Harrison and Jett it causes them to feel they may lose the relationship.
The writing in the book is good. You feel like you are part of the action. The paragraphs are not too long and the chapters are not too long. The words are not over complicated but make you feel the book and the tension the authors want you to feel.
This book makes you laugh, cry and just generally have a smile on your face from begining to end.
The book is first person so not usually my thing but I actually didn't mind with this story and I am absolutely excited to read the next one.
****NO SPOILER REVIEW****
This book was provided to me as an Arc read when I was just simply too excited to wait for read it and I'm very glad I received it as I loved this book and I loved the main MCs but I also loved the side characters too.
The relationship is between Harrison Killinger and Jett Fraser who have hockey as a common interest as well as being from the same time plus there was a time when Harrison was Jett's childhood ideal.
Jett gets under Harrison's skin from the day they meet as adults after Jett follows Arlo Jett's nephew home from the ice rink. Eventually Harrison and Jett give friendship a go and things progress from there.
Once the relationship starts the two of them go through many trials that are thrown at them which brings all the hidden scars the MMCs have from their past to the forefront, these secrets are interesting to the press but to Harrison and Jett it causes them to feel they may lose the relationship.
The writing in the book is good. You feel like you are part of the action. The paragraphs are not too long and the chapters are not too long. The words are not over complicated but make you feel the book and the tension the authors want you to feel.
This book makes you laugh, cry and just generally have a smile on your face from begining to end.
The book is first person so not usually my thing but I actually didn't mind with this story and I am absolutely excited to read the next one.
November 6, 2025
Back in the Game is a grumpy sunshine delight that's filled with a collection of characters that I can confirm will have their own books in the future (I believe there are 10 planned). The romance is the good kind of hurt/comfort that hooked me from the start. It dealt with darker themes that included a lot of mental health topics that made the characters feel very relatable to me. (Everyone, mind the trigger warnings).
It was spicy, with great banter (which seems to be a skill these authors have) and I thought the plot was fantastic. This is the second book of Kai and Casey's that made me lose sleep, and I'm not angry about it.
It is on the longer side, but I personally liked the length because it gave the relationship time to develop properly and made the ending that much more satisfying. It has a HEA, and the multiple characters you'll encounter more than likely will have their own books, so I let myself get super attached to them (Ryan and Jason, I'm looking at you).
I laughed, cried and kicked my feet, sometimes all at once. I don't know what else to say other than please read it. I know one of the authors has passed, but Kai has made multiple posts stating he will continue the series, so yes, fall in love with all the characters and hold on tight.
It was spicy, with great banter (which seems to be a skill these authors have) and I thought the plot was fantastic. This is the second book of Kai and Casey's that made me lose sleep, and I'm not angry about it.
It is on the longer side, but I personally liked the length because it gave the relationship time to develop properly and made the ending that much more satisfying. It has a HEA, and the multiple characters you'll encounter more than likely will have their own books, so I let myself get super attached to them (Ryan and Jason, I'm looking at you).
I laughed, cried and kicked my feet, sometimes all at once. I don't know what else to say other than please read it. I know one of the authors has passed, but Kai has made multiple posts stating he will continue the series, so yes, fall in love with all the characters and hold on tight.
August 25, 2025
This was such a sweet and sad book.
Harrison was on his way to becoming an NHL legend but a car accident leaves his leg crippled and his baby brother and best friend dead. Harrison is the ‘what could have been’ story — unfinished and left broken. He lives in the woods his parents provided him and he’s never left. He’s only twenty five and alone and believes that’s exactly what he deserves.
Jett is what Harrison should have been, he came up behind him and is now in the NHL. Harrison has been his sporting hero since he was a kid and when he gets a chance to shoot his shot, Jett takes it.
Jett is such a sweet character and whilst he never loses his hero worship of Harrison, the authors blend both his love of the sportsman and boyfriend really well.
Both Harrison and Jett have some heavy trauma and both having
Harrison was on his way to becoming an NHL legend but a car accident leaves his leg crippled and his baby brother and best friend dead. Harrison is the ‘what could have been’ story — unfinished and left broken. He lives in the woods his parents provided him and he’s never left. He’s only twenty five and alone and believes that’s exactly what he deserves.
Jett is what Harrison should have been, he came up behind him and is now in the NHL. Harrison has been his sporting hero since he was a kid and when he gets a chance to shoot his shot, Jett takes it.
Jett is such a sweet character and whilst he never loses his hero worship of Harrison, the authors blend both his love of the sportsman and boyfriend really well.
Both Harrison and Jett have some heavy trauma and both having
August 31, 2025
Heartbreakingly beautiful story with great character development and plot.
You would never guess this was a debut. The character development and storytelling were amazing, and there were moments that were absolutely heart-wrenching—right from the start. But it’s worth it, and the characters do get their happily ever after. I also loved the secondary cast and can’t wait to read their stories.
I was so saddened to learn that one of the co-authors passed away right before release. What a beautiful accomplishment to leave behind, though heartbreaking that he didn’t get to see it. The writing was seamless, and I hope the other author will be able to continue as planned. This book is truly a tribute that keeps their co-author’s memory alive.
One note for readers: there are elements of Jett’s background that could be triggering for some. It wasn’t triggering for me, but I could see it being sensitive and it wasn’t mentioned in the content warning. That said, I’m actually glad I didn’t know in advance—it was a genuine surprise, and I love when a story keeps me on my toes.
An incredible debut. I’ll be first in line for whatever comes next.
You would never guess this was a debut. The character development and storytelling were amazing, and there were moments that were absolutely heart-wrenching—right from the start. But it’s worth it, and the characters do get their happily ever after. I also loved the secondary cast and can’t wait to read their stories.
I was so saddened to learn that one of the co-authors passed away right before release. What a beautiful accomplishment to leave behind, though heartbreaking that he didn’t get to see it. The writing was seamless, and I hope the other author will be able to continue as planned. This book is truly a tribute that keeps their co-author’s memory alive.
One note for readers: there are elements of Jett’s background that could be triggering for some. It wasn’t triggering for me, but I could see it being sensitive and it wasn’t mentioned in the content warning. That said, I’m actually glad I didn’t know in advance—it was a genuine surprise, and I love when a story keeps me on my toes.
An incredible debut. I’ll be first in line for whatever comes next.
August 11, 2025
This was one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year. I fell in love with the characters early on and was rooting for them the entire time. I didn’t really expect to feel all the emotions that I did, and I don’t hate it. There’s a lot of humor and banter. The romance and spice is top tier, and the conflict was unexpected. I knew Mike was awful, but I didn’t expect what he did. Harrison and Jett are two of my new favorite book couples. I love everything about them! Grumpy Harrison and sweet sunshine Jett. So perfect. The book was on the longer side, but I liked that it was. It wasn’t rushed, and it wasn’t repetitive. We get to see their relationship develop with each other, but also their friends and family. We got a lot of family background and a wide variety of characters. It was a lot of fun to read, despite the heavy topics. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to any that follow!
September 27, 2025
Beautiful and funny
This was a beautiful story with so much heart. The writing was great and the pacing good. The characters were amazing and all so different. That is one of my many things i love when you can tell them apart just from personalities both the main characters as well as side characters. Jett was the sweetheart and Harrison was the grump but they just worked so well together. Their backstories were devastating and that made their journey so much more rewarding. That was probably the most heartbreaking first chapter i have read in a while and it drew me right in. This hockey romance had a very good balance of romance, spice, story and a hockey romance that actually had a lot of hockey :) I adore this story and hope more people find it because its really quite special ❤️ Thank you for the wonderful story that i wont forget and i hope many more to come in this world.
You did amazing and made him proud💕😺🏒
This was a beautiful story with so much heart. The writing was great and the pacing good. The characters were amazing and all so different. That is one of my many things i love when you can tell them apart just from personalities both the main characters as well as side characters. Jett was the sweetheart and Harrison was the grump but they just worked so well together. Their backstories were devastating and that made their journey so much more rewarding. That was probably the most heartbreaking first chapter i have read in a while and it drew me right in. This hockey romance had a very good balance of romance, spice, story and a hockey romance that actually had a lot of hockey :) I adore this story and hope more people find it because its really quite special ❤️ Thank you for the wonderful story that i wont forget and i hope many more to come in this world.
You did amazing and made him proud💕😺🏒
September 13, 2025
wow just wow. loved it!
This was such a great hockey story. I fell in love with Harrison first and then Jett and fell even deeper with both of them as the story progressed. Both men absolutely live and breathe hockey and have had heartbreak in their past. This was such a beautiful slow burn, so glad Jett was so Persistent.
I loved there was so much hockey talk, mental illness, acceptance, great team building and the secondary characters were great. I was so sorry to reach the end of the book as they have so much more ahead of them but I am also excited to see what’s next in this series.
This was such a great hockey story. I fell in love with Harrison first and then Jett and fell even deeper with both of them as the story progressed. Both men absolutely live and breathe hockey and have had heartbreak in their past. This was such a beautiful slow burn, so glad Jett was so Persistent.
I loved there was so much hockey talk, mental illness, acceptance, great team building and the secondary characters were great. I was so sorry to reach the end of the book as they have so much more ahead of them but I am also excited to see what’s next in this series.
July 7, 2025
*Please make sure to check CW/TW before reading this as there are some sensitive / heavy topics dealt with in this story
Oh my goodness I was completely hooked!
I absolutely loved this debut MM hockey romance.
Great cast of characters that I can't wait to follow in the Pride In The Game series.
I laughed, I cried, I was cheering like a lunatic, I was on the edge of my seat and at times I wanted to whack some sense into some of the characters.
I honestly felt like I was on the ice and in the locker room with the players! Wahoo, Fantastic :)
*hockey
*childhood crush
*grumpy / sunshine
*hurt / comfort
*action packed
*found family
* sweet / spicy
*praise kink
*dark past
Oh my goodness I was completely hooked!
I absolutely loved this debut MM hockey romance.
Great cast of characters that I can't wait to follow in the Pride In The Game series.
I laughed, I cried, I was cheering like a lunatic, I was on the edge of my seat and at times I wanted to whack some sense into some of the characters.
I honestly felt like I was on the ice and in the locker room with the players! Wahoo, Fantastic :)
*hockey
*childhood crush
*grumpy / sunshine
*hurt / comfort
*action packed
*found family
* sweet / spicy
*praise kink
*dark past
August 18, 2025
This was emotionally compelling and had me in a chokehold.
Harrison and Jett initially had some animosity but eventually it turned into friendship and then something much more.
It seems as though as soon as they decide to move forward with their relationship the world decides to hit them with issues from all sides.
This leads to a lot of unresolved issues on both their behalfs that they must now navigate together.
I loved the found family aspect and that the side characters were every bit as bright and important as the main couple.
Harrison and Jett initially had some animosity but eventually it turned into friendship and then something much more.
It seems as though as soon as they decide to move forward with their relationship the world decides to hit them with issues from all sides.
This leads to a lot of unresolved issues on both their behalfs that they must now navigate together.
I loved the found family aspect and that the side characters were every bit as bright and important as the main couple.
Read
August 29, 2025DNF
El libro es demasiado largo y igual se las ingenia para que pasen demasidas cosas muy rapido. El autor tiene muchas ideas para la serie en su totalidad y no para de tirarte posibles parejas y desarrollar personajes secundarios a la ves que se desarrolla la historia principal y termina siendo demasiado. El ritmo es inconsistente, 306 paginas que fueron un speedrun de la relacion de los protagonistas que no llevaban ni un mes juntos y ya se amaban vivian juntos y pensaban en tener hijos 🤨. Esta serie no es para mi, no creo que vuelva para los siguientes libros.
El libro es demasiado largo y igual se las ingenia para que pasen demasidas cosas muy rapido. El autor tiene muchas ideas para la serie en su totalidad y no para de tirarte posibles parejas y desarrollar personajes secundarios a la ves que se desarrolla la historia principal y termina siendo demasiado. El ritmo es inconsistente, 306 paginas que fueron un speedrun de la relacion de los protagonistas que no llevaban ni un mes juntos y ya se amaban vivian juntos y pensaban en tener hijos 🤨. Esta serie no es para mi, no creo que vuelva para los siguientes libros.
August 27, 2025
OMG This Book..Book Hangover Commence
I can't say enough about this book. Jett and Harrison were fire. I cried, I laughed, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the twist threw me for a loop.
But as broken as they were Jett and Harrison made it. They are my new favorite couple and I will be watching the clock while waiting on the next.
Kai...Casey will have so so so much pride in your game!
I can't say enough about this book. Jett and Harrison were fire. I cried, I laughed, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the twist threw me for a loop.
But as broken as they were Jett and Harrison made it. They are my new favorite couple and I will be watching the clock while waiting on the next.
Kai...Casey will have so so so much pride in your game!
November 3, 2025
Beautifully written, with vibrant characters
What a beautiful story of loss, healing and love. Jett and Harrison are both dealing from the grief of losing their younger brothers and find in each other the person who makes the world less heavy.
My heart goes out to the author Kai who lost their co-author Casey. Thank you for continuing this series, I am eager to read more about this crazy pack of goofballs.
What a beautiful story of loss, healing and love. Jett and Harrison are both dealing from the grief of losing their younger brothers and find in each other the person who makes the world less heavy.
My heart goes out to the author Kai who lost their co-author Casey. Thank you for continuing this series, I am eager to read more about this crazy pack of goofballs.
September 17, 2025
4.5⭐️ What a great debut novel! I was hooked right from the start. I’m a sucker for an emotional, hockey, love story, with a golden retriever/ grumpy troupe. You can’t help but love all the characters in this story. They have you giggling, swooning and wanting to cry. I’m looking forward to more books from this author!
August 19, 2025
THIS READ HAD ME ON MY KNEES WITH THE AMAZING CHARACTERS AND EMOTIONAL STORY!
Let me just say wow!! The story is so well developed and hooked me from the start. Harrison and Jett, are oh my stars!! Loved this so much!
Let me just say wow!! The story is so well developed and hooked me from the start. Harrison and Jett, are oh my stars!! Loved this so much!
July 16, 2025
Loved Harrison and Jett’ story. These two were made for each other. Looking forward to seeing more of these two in your next books. Wedding maybe?
Well done on another amazing read Kai and Casey.
Well done on another amazing read Kai and Casey.
August 31, 2025
😍😍😍😍
This deserves more then five stars. This was such a good story!! I cried and laughed so much while reading this! I can't wait for more books from this series to come out!!!
This deserves more then five stars. This was such a good story!! I cried and laughed so much while reading this! I can't wait for more books from this series to come out!!!
dnf
September 22, 2025Dnf 13% (9/22/25)
October 13, 2025
DNF at 53%. "Back in the Game" is just way, way too long, and not nearly focused enough to justify it. Too ambitious, not enough restraint. Lots of editing issues.
October 17, 2025
At 34% and I think I'm done. I got what I could from this, but now it feels like it's all over but the shouting.
September 26, 2025
Jett and Harrison are perfect
I love a grumpy sunshine trope. From the first page I was already getting in my feelings. The world building is great with the perfect foundation to introducing side characters to keep coming back for the next books.
I love a grumpy sunshine trope. From the first page I was already getting in my feelings. The world building is great with the perfect foundation to introducing side characters to keep coming back for the next books.
August 8, 2025
Okay, so I had the absolute honor of reading this as an ARC and it is hands down one of my favorite books read to date. The brokenness of Jett and Harrison and the beauty when they finally come together is so well written. IMO, Kai Jennex and the late Casey Cross are some of the best world builders and really get you invested not just in the main characters, but their every day lives and what makes them tick. Their writing is best for readers that enjoy background with their main story and characters with depth. Please check your TW’s as there are some heavy topics (especially for Americans), and Harrison and Jett’s HEA is a hard won one. An easy 5 ⭐️’s from me and I’ll never not recommend this book.
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