Blitz

Railers Legacy #2

by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

When hockey’s biggest ego meets football’s golden boy, sparks fly, and defenses crumble.

Cole “Trick” Harrington III has made a career out of pretending he doesn’t care. Not about his past, his name, or the father who built a megachurch empire off judgment and control. Trick torched every bridge back to Atlanta, deliberately wrecked his career, and buried his truth so deep even he started to forget it. Now traded to the Harrisburg Railers, he's skating on thin ice, with a reputation for arrogance and a career teetering on the edge. The last thing he needs is a PR stunt tying him to a squeaky-clean football star, particularly one who is sexy, strong, and always freaking happy. As Trick is forced to confront his growing attraction and deal with the past he’s spent years ignoring—including the younger sister he never knew existed—he realizes that the most brutal battles aren’t fought on the ice. They’re fought in the heart. And this time, he has to stop running.

Tom Fulkowski has led a charmed life. Starting with a typical middle-class childhood in Philly, his skill at catching quarterbacks has propelled him to the heights of pro football. He’s got the rings, he’s got the cash, and he’s got the cars. He’s also got a bad back, achy knees, and a yearning to move on. With one final season to play with the Philadelphia Pumas before retirement, Tom looks forward to that next phase of his life. He’s just not sure what the next phase is exactly. Then, out of the blue, he meets a wild-eyed hockey player with a chip the size of the Liberty Bell on his shoulder. As he and Cole grow closer, he finds a depth to the younger man that resonates deeply. If only Cole would slow down and let Tom catch up to him, they might win it all.

Blitz is an MM romance featuring a bad-boy hockey player with a past he can’t outrun, a football legend on the verge of retirement, a forced PR stunt that might turn into something real, and a game-changing journey to their happy-ever-after.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Hockey, Contemporary, Sports Romance

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2025

About the author

RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 2 out of 5]

dropped @55%

I’m giving up. I’m so fucking bored and the romance, while kind of sweet is doing nothing for me. And I’m also still irritated with the charity statement. Even if it makes a bit more sense now it was overall unnecessary.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really like this BUT there did feel like there was so much of the story missing. For me there was way too much emphasis on the religious cult part of the story, and not enough on the actual relationship development or character growth.

I wanted to see Tom and Trick really getting to know each other because they're in a long distance relationship - well 2 hours apart, maybe more, but with their schedules it's not easy to see each other! But suddenly they're saying they love each other and I'm over here like, when did they even get to know each other?? They meet up a couple of times for photoshoots and hang out after, they text but don't share much that we see... I just didn't really see them finding much out about the other so it felt rushed? It wasn't quite instalove, but it also wasn't an in depth relationship... Also, Trick flipped the switch really unexpectedly from never wanting anything to do with Tom, to suddenly having shared orgasms and wanting to be together seriously. I guess I just needed more relationship and character development on the actual page before I believed that Trick's choice was a realistic one for who we'd been shown he was at that point of the book.

I really liked Tom though and how adamant he was that Trick was the guy for him. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between him and his best friend, Tyrese, and also seeing Tom's family welcoming Trick, but there was a lot of one sided conversation between him and his dog when we could have been having conversations between Tom and Trick...

I just feel like there was so much more to Trick that we didn't get to see and that really disappointed me! This had the potential to be a great redemption story for his previous behaviour, but most of that is done off page so it was difficult to believe that he'd actually changed his ways. I wanted to see him talking to his teammates about who he really is and why he'd behaved the way he did. Instead, we just get told a conversation happened and that the outcome was positive.

I'd honestly rather have had the book be longer and actually get to dive into Trick's journey away from the controlling religious nutjob because there was really so much potential, but I ended up feeling like I was getting a secondhand account of what was happening because so much was off page or skimmed over. Even being in first person POV, there wasn't enough internal monologue for me to really connect to who Trick was and what he was going through and how he was feeling.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

This was a hard read at times, people like Trick's father should not be allowed to have children and they certainly shouldn't be allowed to profit from them.

I felt so badly for him, his whole life has been spent under the control of his father, a hideous man who preaches love while practising abuse and manipulation. I totally understood why he behaved as he did, even it it made it harder to root for him at first.

Fortunately, it's not long before we get to see behind the curtain and understand more about Trick and Tom, our all-American NFL hero is just the person to provide a safe haven.

I also absolutely loved Rebecca, Trick's half-sister who shows up and then shows up for him in so many ways, she's fierce and her support for him against their mutual sperm donor is wonderful to see.

There's the usual guest appearances from the rest of the Railers squad and I very much liked Tom's best friend Ty, and how he had his back totally when he decided he was going to come out for his final season.

Overall, this was an easy and quick read without any annoying Third Act breakups and irritating lack of communication. Both men were vulnerable at times and both let themselves be honest about their feelings and fears.

#ARC kindly received from the authors, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Monikat · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.N.F.@ 24%

The book is great! Very enjoyable writing and story. Read it!
I just couldn't with my personal triggers. Me and all the religious B.S. mix like acid and sugar 💥😡

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what my opinion on Trick as a character would be or if it would affect the book in general, as he was an absolute ass in the last book, but I actually really like him. RJ and VL managed to paint a pretty accurate picture of what it feels to grow in a religious environment where you're wrong and sin by nature of your very existence and all the emotions that go with that. I really liked how they went with it too, and with Tom and how they gel together through it all

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

This book brings a complex legacy, years of past parental abuse, a hockey player determined to get out from under it and a sweet as sugar pro football player... and it was great to read!

Locey and Scott balance the romance with the found family, with the actual hockey and football to create a well read story that makes you want to keep reading one more chapter.... until you're done and the book hangover sets in! I especially loved the way Tom supported Trick without overpowering him and watching both men interact with the side characters!

I can't wait to see more of Tom and Trick as we read the next Railers Legacy book!

[deborah lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Tom and Trick after I stopped hating Trick. It’s a lot like my feelings for Max Verstappen. Maniacal laugh!

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had a tenner for every time these two ladies have broken my heart 💔, I'd be a wealthy woman 🤑 Fortunately, by the end of their wonderfully written stories, they do manage to put it back together again ❤️‍🩹, but what a ride it usually is to get there 🤯

My poor poor Trick, I just wanted to reach into the book and pull him right out of the situation he found himself in, and then slowly torture his father 😡

This story really is gut wrenching, I have to admit that it had a profound effect on me. Poor Trick grapples with a terribly traumatic past. He's haunted by the forced conversion therapy he endured as a teenager, orchestrated by his pastor father. He is paralysed by fear, unable to embrace his true identity.
Both Vicki and RJ handle this topic sensitively, focusing on the devastating psychological impact it has on Trick. He has no self worth, and fear has shaped his adult life. I found the whole thing heartbreaking, he constantly experiences a battle between who he is and the person he feels pressured to be. Listen to Papa Roach's, Last Resort, this will give you an insight into Trick's mind.

When he meets Tom, a star NFL player, it's an instant attraction. Tom is coming to the end of his career, closeted, and wishing to come out and live his truth. I totally fell in love with him. He's sensitive, unassuming, caring, funny, and witty. He takes an interest in Trick's mental health and then listens when he speaks to him. He then goes out of his way to learn more about Trick so he can understand because he wants to be there for him. I love how gentle he is with Trick, never pressurising him, letting him do what he has to do, and still encouraging him throughout.
While the subject matter in this story is heavy, it leaves you with an appreciation for the courage it takes to live truthfully. I ended up adoring both of the guys and loving the support they received from both family and friends. The ending is such a hopeful one, and I was so happy it finished as it should.


TW:
Parental homophobia, mental health problems caused by conversion therapy, and tears will ensue 😭

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and Beautifully Written❤️

At times this was not an easy read and it did affect me. It was hard to like Trick. He was obnoxious to everyone, wouldn’t bond with his new team or make friends, they were a little afraid of him and his coach exasperated with him, but as I gradually learnt about his past, what his father did to him, is still doing, I cried for him. His vile father has controlled his whole life, a revolting man who preaches fire and brimstone on tv whilst lining his own pockets.

He still bore the mental scars of his father forcing him into conversion therapy and his father spying on every aspect of his life and taking half his earnings for “the church” the authors handled his devastation and feelings of low self worth, mentally battling who he had to be versus his true self, so well and sensitively.

Thank heaven for Tom, an all round good guy and successful NFL player coming to the end of his career. When they are put together to help sponsor an energy drink Tom feels drawn to the bad boy of hockey and when he starts to see beneath Trick’s leave me alone persona he becomes tenacious in his quest to get to know the real Trick. Tom has lived all his life in the closet and planned to come out next year when he retires.

I absolutely loved Rebecca, so fierce and loyal for one so young. When she turned up saying she was Trick’s sister she became his protector against their sperm donor, what a team!

I adored this couple and the family and friends who supported them. We caught up with the rest of the Railers and I really liked Tom's best friend Ty, and how he totally had his back.

This is an enjoyable emotional read with both men vulnerable, but once Tom cracked Trick’s hard shell they opened up about their feelings and fears and as Trick let go these two men sizzled🔥

My heart broke for Trick and when he found the unconditional love he had never known I cried again. I highly recommend it.

I have to add that Noah Gunnerson made me lol when he told Trick that his dad, the legend Railers goalie that is Stan Lyamin, one of my all time favourite characters, ‘knows people.” 😉

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
Well, damn. It's clear from the outset that Trick is suffering. He's under pressure that he's got coming from himself but the most intense and emotional/mentally draining is from his father, who just happens to be a preacher who is out for himself and the money that Trick can bring, whilst making sure that Trick is never, ever linked to anything that isn't straight.
Traded to a new hockey team means some new promo and PR which has him working with Tom, a football player in the NHL coming towards his last season.
Two men couldn't be more different. Grumpy/sunshine, people person/recluse, though Trick's reasons are somewhat justified. You can't help but enjoy Tom's company, though, which Trick comes to learn and it becomes the one of the things that gets him through. The other is discovering he has a sister, fathered by the holier than thou pastor -,- Rebecca is brilliant! Sure in herself and what she does, or doesn't, want from Trick. It takes him a moment to come to rips with someone wanting him in their life, which is heartbreaking in itself, but it's wonderful to read.
Their journey to a HEA is not easy, considering both are in the closet. No one knows about Trick, and only Tom's best friend knows, but together, they can do anything as long as there is trust in each other and what they share.
It turns out to be a heart-warming romance that has a redemption story for Trick considering the way he was in book one and the beginning of this but a look behind the curtain explains all.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
**Trigger warnings - Trick's father is a preacher/evangelist and uses Trick for monetary gain. There is mention and a memory of conversion camp. Homophobia used by the father and a teammate of Tom's**

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lot‘s of feelings here…

I started feeling sad, on the verge of tears… interesting how fast that feeling can change into anger and rage…

My heart broke for Trick in more than one ways… for him to finally find unconditional love and someone who cares for him - that was everything.

Trick was brought up in a very conservative household and his pastor father - Cole Harrington the second aka „dad“ ,doesn‘t deserve that term in the slightest - constantly spoke of sins and g*d and queerness being a devlish temptation… Seriously ?! … I am mad and angry… it is cruel that you do that to a child! Poor Trick!

What an absolutely horrible upbringing - the sadest part about it is that IRL there still are people/ children suffering similar to that … Did I told you that my heart broke for poor Trick?
He still wants to please his dad but tries to outrun him and worries about the fact that he wouldn’t ever be enough no matter what he did.

Trick is closeted and won’t let himself have a relationship or date even just a kiss… it takes Tom a lot of convincing that he is going to stay no matter what - he falls hard and fast and finally there is someone who sees Trick for what he is - the adorable, shy and caring self that‘s buried deep down under his grumpiness and acting out.

Tom gives Trick the confidence to be himself, to fight for his wants and to be out and proud in the end.

Oh and I almost forgot to mention - Trick stands up to his father - major relief that „dad“ gets what he deserves!
My reward for enduring all these feels - all the lovey dovey happiness that comes with their HEA!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blitz is the second book in Scott and Locey’s newest sports romance series, Railers Legacy. This was one of those books that really hits you. I loved every minute of it and could not put it down.

This book sidetracked a bit, as neither of its MCs are actually related to any of the original Railers. Trick was traded to the Railers, trying to outrun his past. He’s rude and sometimes downright hateful from the beginning, but that’s camouflage for the pain he tries to bury. Tom is the sunshine to Trick’s grumpy. He knows he’s been blessed throughout his life, and he takes the blows as they come.

This forced proximity trope, as well as what could be considered enemies to lovers, really dug its claws into me from the start. Again, this writing duo has delved into sensitive topics and done it thoughtfully. The rawness that comes from Trick’s traumas comes across, and really makes the change in him remarkable.

Every book I read by these two authors is better than the last, and I have read almost everything they have written. Football and hockey are the teams represented in this book, and the buildup and climax of the relationship are fantastic. If you’re a fan of sports-themed, grumpy/sunshine, and more, this book will suit your needs.


Happy reading!


~𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓷 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.~

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an AMAZING book! I loved the story, so heartbreaking for Trick, some people should never be parents!

The mix of hockey and football was fantastic in this story! Tom getting to the point of retirement from football, keeping his sexuality a secret, longing for what everyone else has - their forever person to share life’s ups and downs. Trick gets traded to the Railers and is having a hard time loving hockey, so many demons live in his head thanks to his dad. But when he meets Tom things start to change.

Please read this book, it’s magnificent! I couldn’t put it down. I had to make myself stop to do you know life, work etc. I wanted to know what happened, how was it going to end. Would there be a forever love story or not?

Trick deserves family, love and peace. Tom wants to give him all that and more!

You cannot go wrong with this series or anything written by these amazing authors!!!

[Elle Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole (aka Trick) is a hockey player with a past he’d like to forget and a huge chip on his shoulder. Tom is a football player on the verge of retirement. Trick had “cultivated a reputation so toxic even my agent flinched when my name came up”. By comparison, Tom (“football’s favorite son”) has it all: a happy childhood in his rearview, multiple charities that he works hard for and a delightful dog. So when they are thrown together for a PR campaign, it doesn’t look like they’ll sell a single BoltFuel, never mind ever choose to interact again.

But Scott and Locey wrangle the two men together and sparks fly. Readers will cheer for this couple, even as they want to wrap the prickly puck pusher up so no more emotional damage can be done to him.

This story is an amazing example of a couple who have to fight hard for their happily ever after. There’s so much growth and character development and I just thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the storytelling. 5 stars.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t express how much this book upset me. Not because it was bad, but because it was too close to the reality of what many queer people go through.

More and more we see ignorant parents hurting their children with the dumb idea that they can exorcise the queer out them with inhumane treatment. Who in their right mind can believe being queer is a disease that can be cured?🤬

From the moment we encounter Trick in book one, we knew there was a deep rooted fear in the way he behaved and treated others. He was trying to survive a world where the person who’s supposed to love him is the one causing him pain.

Trick desperately needed someone to see the real him, and that someone was Tom. With his sunshine personality and happy demeanor, Trick never stood a chance.

Though they both were hiding their true selves, Tom was quicker to live his truth. But he was patient with Trick and gave him the support he needed to finally face his demons.

I know many would hate on Trick for being a jerk, but the poor guy was living a literal hell. I think we can cut him some slack.

Awesome story! Definitely worth the read.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I wasn’t sure if I liked the character Trick. Because of his attitude and the way he acted, I wondered if his story had any hope of a good outcome, but then I started to get to know and understand him, and before I knew it he’d wormed his way into my heart and I couldn’t put his story down. Watching him start to be his real self and begin to bring down the barriers after he has to work with NFL star Tom, was awesome. Tom is such a gooey, sweetheart and I loved him from the first time we met him, especially as he treats Trick differently from everyone else and ignores his outbursts. He is perfect for Trick, supporting him through facing his past and the difficult times. I also have to mention Trick’s half-sister, Rebecca, who is wonderful and so feisty, and Noah, both of whom were great side characters and added much interest.
This is a terrific story, it’s emotional, a little angsty, heartwarming at times and has a wonderful conclusion. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Blitz is the second book in the Railers Legacy series. These books are technically stand alone and can be read independently of one another, but they work best when read together. There are a lot of character crossovers from the other books. This was an fun novel that was only hampered by a too rushed romance.

I enjoyed Blitz and found it a generally well-paced and solid book. The romance between the main characters moves too quickly for my tastes, but I appreciated the care and support they provided to one another despite the pressures of the outside world.

Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.

[Sharing The Book Love (Kelli Maree PA) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trick and Tom, wow - did not see that for Trick but it works and OMG his dad is the biggest butthole ever LOL.

this is a wonderful book 2 in this series and almost like a bully redemption romance read but not. We see why Trick is like he is and who he is meant to be!

I have to say - I am confused about this title - like maybe I am missing some terminology -Book 1 and Book 3 make sense - but Blitz confuses me

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

Cole has been self destructing for as long as he can remember.
In fact, it's been so long that it's his default and he doesn't know to live any differently.
He's at a crossroads though because if he doesn't shape up, it's curtains for his career.
Tom has had a great career and is eyeing the bench, his body's complaining and he's ready for a new adventure.
Thankfully these two meet at the right moment.
Cole desperately needed love, guidance, patience and acceptance.
Tom is not only able but absolutely willing to be the person who loves him whole.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was a good one. I’m not surprised though. This author duo knows how to write characters and craft really superb stories. Tom and Trick are so good together. Trick’s situation broke my heart, but oh the pride I felt when he fought back! I absolutely adored this book. Everyone needs a friend like that sweetheart Noah and a sister like Rebecca. Such a good read!!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a roller coaster. Trick meets Tom at a photo shoot while trying to improve his reputation.

Trick finds out he has a half sister Rebecca, his father is an evil man who I was heartily cheering for him to get what was coming to him. With his sister Rebecca and Tom’s help, Trick finally starts turning his life and attitude around.

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Hellsbells · Rating 4 out of 5]

These ladies never fail to make me love what they write.

This is another great book with well thought out characters who grab your heart and pull you along for the ride .

They broke my heart with Trick and even though I knew there'd be a happy ending for him, I worried his problems would be too much. Thank god for Tom!

Great read. Highly recommend.

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta start by saying, I never expected Cole “Trick” Harrington III to get his own story and I definitely could not see myself rooting for him after his behavior in Speed, the first entry in Scott & Locey's newest hockey series, Railers Legacy. He was only in a few scenes but he did not exactly ingratiate himself to the readers with his interactions with Noah Gunnarsson, to say he was a jerk, is an understatement. When I learned Trick was going to get his own story, I never doubted that he would have his HEA because I trusted the authors to get him there by making him earn it. More importantly, I knew there would be underlying issues to his previous attitude and behavior, not that it made it okay but it shows the authors respect the fact that people don't see everything behind the veil, that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and at the same time those who act out due to the things they don't let us see are still held accountable for their jerkiness(to put it simply).

Now to Blitz and everything about it, Trick, Tom, hockey, football, and romance. As always, we see the journey from both characters' viewpoint, making it the couple's story but if I was to put a number to it, I'd say Trick's side edges on top by a 60/40 margin. Don't get me wrong, Tom has his drama as well dealing with coming out now or waiting until he retires which was the original plan as well as his own "teammate nemesis". As I stated above, Blitz is Trick's redemption journey, though once you learn the reasons behind his behavior, "redemption" might be a little strong but he still has a lot to make amends for. Truth is, some might think the authors didn't spend enough time on the romance factor in Blitz and perhaps they didn't in comparison to their other stories but sometimes that is okay. To have a great romance, you have to have likeable characters that deserve their HEA and sometimes that means the character(s) has to grow, has to heal, has to get to that deserving moment. That is what Blitz is about, Trick's development to deserving, to get him to the point that readers want him to have his HEA.

I'm afraid if I continue I will give too much away and that's a no-no for me, so I'll stop here. Truth be told, my thoughts are a bit jumbled with this story but I hope they aren't coming out that way in this review. I loved the fact that Scott & Locey had competing sports for their two lovers, and by "competing" I mean hockey and football have a partial overlap season-wise not actually playing against each other, despite my loving the dual sport couple, it saddens me a bit too. As the new football pre-season gets underway, my dad and I's hearts are breaking a bit knowing Mom won't be here to cheer on her Green Bay Packers, which is why my thoughts are wonky and again, I hope they aren't translating that way here, if so I apologize. To be as clear and simply put as I can: Blitz will warm your heart, make you smile, but it will also hurt your heart and make you scream a time or two first. Tom may be a football star but he has earned his spot alongside Trick in the Scott/Locey Hockey Universe and together they will entertain you with all the feels you can possibly imagine. There is nothing that is not good about this story and I look forward to their next entry, and the next, and the next, and . . . well lets just finish by saying I'll be here for every journey they bring us😉😍.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For once I can say that it’s a pity that I’m restricted to only 5 stars.

I received a free copy. This review is being submitted voluntarily.

Trick Harrington, who made a brief appearance in the first book, behaves like an a**h*** for very good reasons. He is the son of a fire and brimstone televangelist and was forced to tithe 50% of his earnings to the church while undergoing conversion therapy. He has been traded out of Atlanta since he wanted to get away from Georgia and he hasn’t changed his behaviour with his new team. He meets Tom Fulkowski when they do a commercial together. Tom is a defensive end for the Philadelphia Pumas who’s at the end of his career and who is trying to decide when he should come out, now or after he retires. Trick treats Tom badly until they develop feelings for each other. They eventually attain their happy ending.

This is book that I couldn’t put down. Pastor Cole was probably one of the evillest men I’ve come across in all my reading. He won’t let Trick even appear to give in to his gay side. Plus, the good Pastor had a daughter as a result of his affair with another woman, and he will do anything to maintain his reputation. Rebecca is wonderful and super supportive of Trick in his nascent rebellion against his father. Trick is the very picture of a broken man as a result of his father’s actions, and one can’t help but empathize with his situation. Tom is a guy who is sunshine personified who has difficulty deciding on coming out. He nonetheless is a great support for Trick. Frankly, the two were actually made for each other. Trick spends a fair bit of time running away from Tom, but he never comes across as man with whom one can’t empathize. With all these ingredients, the book is a real page turner. The plot is rather straightforward but one is kept in suspense. The supporting cast, apart from the evil father and the great sister, is made up of a number of secondary characters, some of whom we met in the first book plus several new ones. All make major contributions to plot development.

This is a book that I can easily recommend to everyone.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars - The Railers story continues with a new player traded from Atlanta. It is quickly apparent that Trick has some major issues, and although they don’t ever really justify his overall behavior, they do explain it a bit. Trick’s father is a raging homophobic televangelist who has been manipulating and ruining lives for as long as Trick can remember, him being one of the main victims. In order to escape his father, Trick has made himself unlikeable and a nuisance so much so that his hockey team traded him to the Harrisburg Railers.

In an effort to help “fix” Trick’s image, the Railers require Trick to join forces with football star Tom on an endorsement campaign. Tom is also closeted but seems to see through Trick’s facade right from the get go. He makes it his priority to break through Trick’s walls, and, in doing so, falls pretty hard for him.

In the middle of all of this, Trick finds out he has a sister which brings a whole other set of drama into his life, along with something he had been missing throughout his life. Trick finally has some people in his corner, and the much needed support, although pushed aside at first, was exactly what Trick needed to face his demons, or demon, as the case may be.

My heart really did break for Trick and what he had been put through. It felt so good to see him end up with the Railers family and Noah pushing his friendship on him was a delight as well. With Rebecca and Tom and Tom’s big family, Trick found all that he needed to be happy in his own life and in the end, a newfound joy of hockey also reappeared.

This story continues to be a joy to read, even when the subject matter is not so great, as is the case here. However, the struggle is worth it in the end as the guys find their happiness. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blitz (Railer’s Legacy 2)
By R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey
Published by Love Lane Books, 2025
Five stars

I can’t imagine why sports-themed romance appeals to me so much, not being remotely a sporty person. I suspect it has to do with the authors who have focused on this sub-genre of romance—because they are so good at building stories around sports

In this instance, we have TWO sports involved, in the persons of Trick Harrington, a twenty-five-year-old hockey hotshot, and Tom Fulkowski, an elderly (thirty-two!) football star in his last season before retirement. Trick is newly assigned to the Harrisburg Railers, having gotten traded on purpose by emphasizing a negative character on and off the ice. Tom, on the other hand, is a much-beloved veteran, on top of being star muscle for the Philadelphia Pumas.

Trick is paired with Tom for a massive publicity campaign for a sports nutritional drink, hoping to expand the brand beyond pro athletes into the game-watching audience. Trick sees Tom as a big dumb jock, and is jealous of his open, friendly nature. Tom sees Trick as a troubled young man whose nasty demeanor hides some sort of profound pain.

Ironically, what binds them together is that both men are deep in the closet. Trick is on the run—but still under the thumb—of his powerful televangelist father, Pastor Cole Harrington. Tom is biding his time, waiting to come out until he retires after one more chance at the Super Bowl. His reason is mostly because of the innate homophobia he sees in the world of professional football.

The surprise (of a sort) is that Trick and Tom find in each other the answer to prayers they didn’t know they had. It takes these two talented authors’ skills to weave a narrative that is both plausible and emotionally authentic. I may not automatically care about professional jocks, but I cared about these two guys and was rooting for them from the start.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in series (Railers legacy), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Slight age gap. Grumpy/sunshine. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV.

Trick purposefully destroyed his relationship with his hockey team in Atlanta, but being traded to Harrisburg may not be far enough away to escape his controlling, religious father. Sharing a sponsorship campaign with Trick, Tom sees someone that could use a friend, and helping the younger man becomes an important endeavor as he glimpses attraction and a possible connection between them.

Golden retriever/black cat energy abounds as Trick is slowly drawn to Tom’s friendly, kind and fun nature. There are definitely reasons for Trick’s attitude, but the bits of softness that appear when he’s with Tom or Trick’s newly discovered half sister show his sweet side. I enjoyed Tom’s constancy, maturity, and commitment to the love that he has been yearning for that he sees with Trick. I especially appreciated the supportive secondary cast that doesn’t give up on being there, that there’s a villain to root against, and a couple that really seems meant to be together. 4.5 rounded up

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blitz is a powerful, emotionally charged story that doesn’t shy away from the devastating realities of trauma, identity, and the long road to healing. Vicki and RJ approach the subject of forced conversion therapy with sensitivity and care, painting a vivid portrait of a man haunted by his past and struggling to reclaim his sense of self. Trick’s story is gut-wrenching. His trauma, inflicted by a pastor father under the guise of “conversion,” has left him emotionally paralyzed and deeply scarred. Tom, a closeted NFL star nearing the end of his career, is everything Trick needs but never dared hope for. He is kind, funny, patient, and deeply empathetic. Their connection is instant, but it’s Tom’s gentle persistence and unwavering support that truly shine. He listens, learns, never pushes, and holds space for Trick to heal and grow. Rebecca is the one who did it for me. - Tom, a closeted NFL star nearing the end of his career, is everything Trick needs but never dared hope for: kind, funny, patient, and deeply empathetic. I adored both Trick and Tom, and the ending—so full of hope and promise.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge RJ Scott fan and then she started writing hockey romance with V.L. Locey and I became a fan of V.L.’s writing, too. I’ve lost count of how many hockey books they’ve written together but I’ve loved all of them and each one I read immediately becomes a favorite and Blitz is no exception.

I love a good redemption story but after the way Trick behaved in Speed, book one of the Railers Legacy series, I really wondered if it would be possible to redeem him. I shouldn’t have worried. RJ and V.L. absolutely made me a fan of Trick in Blitz and I also loved his boyfriend Tom.

The things that Trick had gone through with his homophobic bible-thumping father were horrible and totally made me believe that he deserved redemption. Blitz is a wonderful slow-burn romance that redeems a character who badly needed, and deserved, redemption. It has a very sweet dog that belongs to Trick’s boyfriend Tom, and a super supportive younger sister that Trick didn’t know about.

Blitz is now one of my favorites of all of the hockey romances that this writing duo has written.