What’s worse than your childhood bully recognizing you? Him not recognizing you at all.
When Ryan Caldwell, the team’s new left winger, walks back into Gabe’s life—all smiles and swagger—Gabe Jacobs is ready to explode. This is the guy who made middle school hell. And he doesn’t even remember Gabe. Doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t apologize. Just flashes that easy charm like the past never happened.
At first, Gabe is furious. Hell-bent on making Ryan pay. But then something worse happens. He gets to know him.
Ryan is insecure beneath the bravado. Desperate to be liked. Haunted by his own brutal childhood. And worst of all? Gabe wants him. Wants his mouth. His body. His attention.
Now Gabe’s trapped in a twisted mess of his own making. Because Ryan wants him too. Ryan craves his approval. Ryan trusts him now.
Gabe started out angry that Ryan didn’t remember him. Now he lives in fear that he will.
Second Shot is a fantastic romance between Gabe and Ryan, who are teammates on the same hockey team, with the added complication that Ryan was Gabe's childhood bully. The bullying element in a romance is very tricky, and having Ryan completely not recognize Gabe creates such a fascinating dynamic, as Gabe is forced to either acknowledge that Ryan is no longer the bully he was fifteen years ago and move forward with his teammate, or play a dangerous game of revenge.
Watching these two inevitably fall for one another is so well done that I could not get enough of their story. They both have complicated feelings for each other, and Gabe's torment over the Ryan from his past compared to the Ryan of his present both war within his mind.
Overall, I could not put this story down. It is such an addictive romance, as I was constantly in awe of how naturally these two fit together, but waiting anxiously for their happiness to crumble due to Gabe's secret. I loved this story and could not get enough of these two. I look forward to more stories from this world.
I need authors to start taking a minimum of at least 2 writing classes before they publish books. The dialogue felt like it was written by someone who has never seen humans interact before. The writing was giving baby’s first wattpad book, doing too much telling instead of showing. I only finished it so fast to put myself out of my misery.
Second Shot by Beau Brown is a beautifully written MM romance that had me hooked from the first chapter. It’s the kind of story that tugs at your heart with its emotional depth, slow-burn chemistry, and powerful themes of redemption, healing, and second chances.
Gabe and Ryan’s story is layered and so satisfying to watch unfold. What starts as a tense, emotional confrontation with a childhood bully turns into something much more vulnerable and intimate. Watching both characters grow—especially as they begin to trust and see each other clearly—was incredibly moving.
The hockey setting adds a fun and energetic backdrop, but it’s the emotional growth and connection between these two that really stands out. The tension, the slow unraveling of secrets, and the growing mutual respect and attraction kept me fully invested.
I truly can’t wait for the next book in the series. If you enjoy MM romance with heart, heat, and a strong emotional core, this one is a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars — ARC Read via Booksprout Spoiler-Heavy Review for Second Shot: A Gay Hockey Romance by Beau Brown
What’s worse than your childhood bully recognizing you? Him not recognizing you at all.
And wow did this story deliver. I could not put it down — it had that addictive, slow-burn ache that just wouldn’t let up. This is the kind of MM romance I devour: heartfelt, hurt/comfort-heavy, and just the right amount of angsty payoff. The chemistry between Gabe and Ryan was 🔥 from the start, but what got me was how natural they were together.
Even knowing Gabe was holding onto this secret—the fact that Ryan bullied him in middle school—I still found myself rooting for them. And then the big reveal? I sobbed. 😭 The way it all unraveled was traumatic, painful, and so, so real.
🧊 Tropes / Themes You’ll Love: • Enemies to Lovers • Second Chances (in a way) • Hurt/Comfort • Sports/Hockey Romance • Childhood Bully → Reformed Soft Boy • One Bed • Secret Identity (kinda) • Found Family Vibes • Queer Healing • Slow Burn → Explosive Chemistry
⚠️ Content/Trigger Warnings (mild):
Past bullying (verbal/physical, middle school)
Homophobic slurs (past, not current)
Emotional trauma
Public outing (not malicious, but traumatic)
Crying in locker rooms 😭
💬 Favorite Quotes:
“If you don’t remember me, then you don’t get to break me all over again.”
“I used to be scared of you. Now I’m scared of how much I want you.”
“The worst part isn’t that he forgot me. It’s that I can’t forget him.”
📝 Spoilers Below – Read at Your Own Risk!
Ryan showing up as the new left winger on Gabe’s hockey team was such a strong setup. The tension was immediate, especially since Gabe clocked him right away—and Ryan had no idea who Gabe was. I was mad for Gabe at first. But the author nailed the nuance of Ryan’s character.
Ryan wasn’t just forgiven easily. He was shown to have changed well before this story even started. There were flashbacks that hinted at guilt, hesitation, even trauma of his own. And that? That made it work for me. I normally avoid bully romances, but this one hit different.
And the moment when Ryan finally remembers—when Gabe is forced to reveal it in such a raw, public way—I was absolutely wrecked. Gabe’s pain, Ryan’s horror, the gutting silence between them after? Just chef’s kiss drama and catharsis.
But what made me cry the most?
“I didn’t remember your name, Gabe. But I never forgot the way you looked at me—like you expected the worst. And I gave it to you.”
They earn their ending. Ryan does the work. Gabe forgives. And it’s so worth it.
🏒 Final Thoughts: This is for anyone who loves MM sports romance with actual emotional depth. If you're a sucker for slow-burn tension, redemption arcs, and “I hate you but I also can’t stop thinking about your mouth” vibes — read Second Shot. Even if bully romances aren’t your thing, give this one a try. It’s sincere, heartbreaking, and incredibly healing. And yes, I will 100% read anything else Beau Brown writes in this world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
More like 2 1/2 stars, to be honest. I read through the big climactic reconciliation and then there was still a hundred pages left, so I skimmed those. Nothing really changed for our two main characters, it was just “winning the Stanley Cup” shenanigans, which to be honest I didn’t care about.
This author did make an effort to write actual hockey into the story, with detailed games, etc. Maybe they got the balance wrong, because it just became too noticeable (sex scene, detailed game, sex scene, detailed game, etc.). Less hockey and more romance or more romantic tension or pining or something.
I think I might be over hockey as a setting for romance. I’m just not feeling it anymore. I follow hockey in real life and more and more I’m just struggling to get over the cognitive dissonance - in real life none of the players feel like rootable romantic heroes, and books that try to paint professional hockey players as enlightened and open-minded people who read a lot seem so fake. I went through the same thing with actor romances and rock star romances, so I’m probably just tired of this sub-genre and need to bow out.
This book started out promisingly, with a revenge scheme and enemies energy that seemed like it was going to create some good tension. Alas, the tension doesn’t last very long, the bullied guy forgives the other guy too early and easily, and then the main tension becomes, “now I’ve betrayed my former bully by not telling him who I really was!” I just wasn’t into it and the eventual anger over the betrayal just did not seem that authentic. Also, no one in the real world of hockey is going to get into trouble with the league or their team over being a former bully (unless they did some really heinous racially motivated shit like that Mitch Miller guy).
Author: USA? (pronouns unknown) Genre: MM sports romance Setting: USA Themes: revenge, trust, vulnerability Vibes: spiteful then surprisingly soft
Characters
🏒 Gabe - hockey player who just had his childhood bully join his team (but the bully doesn't recognise him from over a decade ago) 🏒 Ryan - hockey player who joined a new team (was a childhood bully)
Quotes
"Please love me" 🥺
Pros + romance tropes: sports (hockey) romance, childhood bully x victim out for revenge, praise kink, unexpected submission/dominance (reversals from their usual, for both) + the psychological aspect of their dynamic is written SO WELL on that tightrope between "this could fuck them up" and "this could heal them" + this is truly one of the BEST unexpected submissions/dominations I've read in ages (it is NOT heavy BDSM/kink or anything, but more of what role each person is willing to do deep in their heart instead of what they posture to the world/with others)
Neutral - hockey woo (not my bag, but I'm not here for the hockey so)
Cons - I feel like Ryan did get off a bit too freely for having been a childhood bully. Would've liked to see his friends/teammates at least say something about it before moving on due to Gabe's forgiveness/request. - not enough of a chasing/grovelling arc in my opinion (I love it drawn out and aching before getting sweet rekindling relief) - a tiny bit too sappy at the end for me but I'm a grouch so what do I know?
Comp Recs + Brim Over Boot by Emmy Sanders (MM romance, meet again as adults, unexpected submission/dominance)
TW verbally and physically abusive parent, bullying
they both got what they deserved, in my honest opinion! gabe should’ve been honest about it from the jump but also i get why he didn’t because what if ryan was still the same from years ago, it wouldn’t help anyone. ryan was still a coward and very very insecure did he deserve to be on the other end? yes but also no!
i feel gabe should’ve let ryan grovel more. i apologized and tried to make amends but you can’t trust me, because you’re confused??? yeah imagine how gabe feels!
ryan kept assuming gabe was just set on revenge and actually messaging freddy is so mind boggling to me. i commend gabe for wanting to speak to him multiple times because i would’ve gave up, if you don’t think it’s worth it then so be it!
tam was a good friend but it shouldn’t have taken the friend for ryan to realize how insensitive he was being. you’re hockey players, no hockey player is ever giving a statement on w him without someone reading it over first. groveling would’ve down ryan some good. you want me to trust you but you can’t trust me?? you want me to give YOU a second chance because your ex came by and made you realize i was telling the truth from the night in the parking lot??? yeah, he’s better than me!
i skipped the last part because it was all about hockey and i was over it but i liked them together unfortunately and ryan looked good being submissive so that was a plus for me!
'One day, I’ll be strong enough that nobody can make me feel this small ever again.'
I loved this book. I was completely fascinated by the premise. A hurt/comfort bully romance between a bully- whose life had been hell- and the victim he doesn't remember bullying. It was a rocky start for them obviously. I loved both Gabe and Ryan. My heart broke for the bullying Gabe had suffered. How he'd refused to let it break him and vowed to himself he would be stronger one day. When they are reunited fourteen years later and Ryan doesn't remember him at all, Gabe is furious. But catches a glimpse of vulnerability in Ryan and realizes he can use that to slowly break the man down and get revenge for two years of abuse.
I was glad this was a dual POV story and I could see into who Ryan is and learn about his own trauma and insecurities. This story was emotional- and made me emotional. I got so invested in these two guys and I was completely hooked. I would love to listen to this in audiobook someday. 5 stars.
At first, it was going to be a solid 3 stars, but with Tam’s return it turned into 2 stars. I didn’t feel satisfied, but I guess that’s because I NEVER saw the conversation between Gabe and Ryan about Tam. I’m sure that conversation never happens, but at the end Ryan says he mentioned Tam to Gabe, yet I never read that. I want to understand how they could have an open relationship if Ryan is so jealous…? Like. Well, I also loved how needy Ryan was, and then when he got mad I hated him because dude, you have no reason to be mad. You were the one bullying. You should still be on your knees begging for forgiveness. I don’t think I’ll read more from this author, but the blurb was promising.
Alright, I have to start by prefacing that I love this books premise. The whole revenge gone wrong thing is like one of my all time favorite plots. And I think for the most part this scratched that itch,
Ryan and Gabe are really easy to like as character, and easy to root for as a couple. But if I am being honest that is as far as my endearment for their story goes. The book's execution - specifically post climax... is just bleh
ALSO how Ryan is one who ended up groveling in the end; despite his crash out being more than justified given Gabe's fuck up... is beyond me. Like I felt as if I was being gaslit.
All that being said, definitely worth checking out. It was still a good time. Also just as a disclaimer for anyone interested - I did skip book 1 in this series and had no problem following along.
This was my first read by this author and I was absolutely obsessed with this book from beginning to end. The story between Gabe and Ryan is certainly complicated at times but I absolutely loved both of these characters. Ryan had my heart from the very beginning, he made some bad choices in the choice but he was such a sweetheart and I devoured this book in one sitting. I definitely need to check out other books by this author.
An enjoyable read with great chemistry between the two MCs. I had hoped the tension would go on for a bit longer to give us some emotional connection but it didn’t affect the story.
I didn’t enjoy Gabe’s “gaslighting” tactics in the first part of the story but I’m glad it didn’t go in for too long. There was a typical hockey ending which made the book less exhilarating than it could’ve been.
4.75 stars this book had like everything i wanted. it was sweet and endearing to watch them give in to each other and omg Ryan is such a softie. I loved his personality as an adult and the way he grew from his trauma. omg the reveal towards the end was SO PAINFUL. I was physically anxious to see how it would end. so gladdd they're together and in love (and getting married TT) there was so much vulnerability and hurt/comfort and I loved that
Adoro i libri ambientati nel mondo dell’ hockey, qui però fora eco sono un po’ troppi dettagli tecnici di cui non so nulla. Carini i due protagonisti e mi sono piaciuti perché sono riusciti a superare abbastanza facilmente tutti i problemi legati al bullismo
Second Shot is the second book in the Hockey Bros Romance series and can easily be read as a standalone. This is a hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, slow burn read about Gabe and Ryan. I really enjoyed the story and the characters.
This story starts out with anger and fear and ends up with forgiveness understanding and strength. It has Gabe and Ryan realizing they have to let go of the past so they can have a future. I really enjoyed this book.
This book was great but I was disappointed that Book 2 was not related to Book 1 at all. I expected the series to include the same team and characters.
Intense! Ryan and Gabe, had bad history in school. Ryan made Gabe's life miserable. When they end up on the same team, Gabe, is furious. What is worse is that Ryan doesn't even remember him. As they get to know each other as team mates and men, there are several discoveries. We learn the "why" of many occurrences. Good story, it keeps you riveted until the end. Beau, creates characters who are likeable with great depth. Well done! I receive an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.