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Chicago Awakenings #3
Accidentally Living With The Captain
Not yet published
Expected 12 Feb 26Hudson
I thought I was living the dream—captain of my NHL team, married to a model, planning to finally become a dad—the last thing I was expecting was to be served divorce papers.
All the plans I’d been making, all the ideas of what our family would look like, gone, just like that.
Thank God for Adrian, he always knows what to do. My ex kicked me out and Adrian offered to let me stay in his spare room while I figure out what comes next. My future hasn’t felt this uncertain since I entered the draft, but with Adrian offering to help, I feel like I can breathe again, like the unknown might not be the worst thing after all.
Adrian
Living with the perfect man is a cruel and unusual sort of torture.
Hudson walks around half-naked all the time, showing off his perfect hockey body, it’s obscene. And then there’s the teasing. It isn’t new, but I'd assumed he would stop now that we’re roommates and there’s no one else around. He hasn’t.
He’s straight, and I don’t know how much more platonic flirting my little gay heart can take.
I know that our time together is limited. Hudson wants to be a dad more than anything, and he deserves the family he’s always wanted, the future he’d dreamed of. I know that future won’t include me, and I want Hudson to be happy. Even if that means giving up our time together, helping him move on.
He was never mine, so why does the thought of saying goodbye feel like it might break me?
I’m screwed.
I thought I was living the dream—captain of my NHL team, married to a model, planning to finally become a dad—the last thing I was expecting was to be served divorce papers.
All the plans I’d been making, all the ideas of what our family would look like, gone, just like that.
Thank God for Adrian, he always knows what to do. My ex kicked me out and Adrian offered to let me stay in his spare room while I figure out what comes next. My future hasn’t felt this uncertain since I entered the draft, but with Adrian offering to help, I feel like I can breathe again, like the unknown might not be the worst thing after all.
Adrian
Living with the perfect man is a cruel and unusual sort of torture.
Hudson walks around half-naked all the time, showing off his perfect hockey body, it’s obscene. And then there’s the teasing. It isn’t new, but I'd assumed he would stop now that we’re roommates and there’s no one else around. He hasn’t.
He’s straight, and I don’t know how much more platonic flirting my little gay heart can take.
I know that our time together is limited. Hudson wants to be a dad more than anything, and he deserves the family he’s always wanted, the future he’d dreamed of. I know that future won’t include me, and I want Hudson to be happy. Even if that means giving up our time together, helping him move on.
He was never mine, so why does the thought of saying goodbye feel like it might break me?
I’m screwed.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 12, 2026
12 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Amber
10 books93 followersLexi is an American author who is obsessed with queer happily ever afters. Most of her time is spent with her two kids, but if they’re asleep then she is either reading, writing, or watching hockey.
Professionally trained as a nurse, Lexi decided to start writing when she became a stay at home mom and the characters in her head haven’t stopped talking since.
Lexi also loves Diet Coke, traveling, and Halloween. Her house is probably obnoxiously decorated for whatever holiday is next because she thinks that little things that make people smile are important.
You can find her attempting to stay up to date with all social media under the name Lexi Amber.
Professionally trained as a nurse, Lexi decided to start writing when she became a stay at home mom and the characters in her head haven’t stopped talking since.
Lexi also loves Diet Coke, traveling, and Halloween. Her house is probably obnoxiously decorated for whatever holiday is next because she thinks that little things that make people smile are important.
You can find her attempting to stay up to date with all social media under the name Lexi Amber.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Review of advance copy
These men looooove themselves a hurdle. I know I'm going to sound like Goldilocks on this one but listen, there's such a thing as resisting for the sake of resistance.
This was turn based combat. First Hudson finds a hurdle, then Adrian finds a hurdle, repeat x3, then when all is resolved, one of them revisits an earlier hurdle.
Guys. Do you or do you not want to be together?
This was the slowest of burns, except not really. Even without the platonic cuddling, these two were interested in each other and by 70% they both knew it but they still had reasons why not.
Then they started fucking, could not stop fucking, and they STILL had reasons why not.
I'm very vocal about complaining when the MCs get together too early and now I'm here to complain that they got together too late. Together in the romance sense.
On the bright side, when they did finally stop pussyfooting around, it made sense that the love declarations were immediately at hand, so there's that. And believable too, because by 30%, they'd started falling, so if 90% in they're ready to call it, I can't complain.
Otherwise very frustrating. It's like they were trying to be politically correct about the relationship. They each had a very specific set of factors to be met before they could date and were sticklers about enforcing them.
Which would have made sense. If they weren't already living and working together and fucking and spending all their limited free time together and pretty much doing adoption together even though they were telling themselves it's just a 'very good friendship'.
FRIENDS ARE NOT THIS INTRUSIVELY UP EACH OTHER'S ASSES. I don't even mean that in the fun way.
Am I complaining that two guys, one of whom thought he was straight for 32 years, took time to really build a good friendship and solid foundation for a relationship before they added commitment and a baby to the mix?
Yes. It appears that I am.
Like I said. Goldilocks.
This was turn based combat. First Hudson finds a hurdle, then Adrian finds a hurdle, repeat x3, then when all is resolved, one of them revisits an earlier hurdle.
Guys. Do you or do you not want to be together?
This was the slowest of burns, except not really. Even without the platonic cuddling, these two were interested in each other and by 70% they both knew it but they still had reasons why not.
Then they started fucking, could not stop fucking, and they STILL had reasons why not.
I'm very vocal about complaining when the MCs get together too early and now I'm here to complain that they got together too late. Together in the romance sense.
On the bright side, when they did finally stop pussyfooting around, it made sense that the love declarations were immediately at hand, so there's that. And believable too, because by 30%, they'd started falling, so if 90% in they're ready to call it, I can't complain.
Otherwise very frustrating. It's like they were trying to be politically correct about the relationship. They each had a very specific set of factors to be met before they could date and were sticklers about enforcing them.
Which would have made sense. If they weren't already living and working together and fucking and spending all their limited free time together and pretty much doing adoption together even though they were telling themselves it's just a 'very good friendship'.
FRIENDS ARE NOT THIS INTRUSIVELY UP EACH OTHER'S ASSES. I don't even mean that in the fun way.
Am I complaining that two guys, one of whom thought he was straight for 32 years, took time to really build a good friendship and solid foundation for a relationship before they added commitment and a baby to the mix?
Yes. It appears that I am.
Like I said. Goldilocks.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me feeling all the damn emotions...
Hudson getting served divorce papers in front of the media? I was already tearing up and I barely started.
His grief over the life he thought he was going to have, especially the kids...that hurt to read.
That kind of loss is so specific and Lexi wrote it painfully well.
Adrian though…Adrian ruined me. The yearning. The competence kink. The caretaking without expecting anything back. The way he loves Hudson quietly, patiently, without entitlement. The domestic tension. The living together. The shared routines. The coffee orders. The food. The "I’ll take care of it" energy. I was screaming internally the entire time.
And Hudson realizing, slowly, gently, that the safest place he’s ever been is with Adrian? That his future doesn’t look like what he planned, but it might actually be better? Yeah. That did some emotional damage.
This wasn’t about sex.
It was about intimacy.
About being chosen when you’re at your worst.
About finally being seen.
Hudson getting served divorce papers in front of the media? I was already tearing up and I barely started.
His grief over the life he thought he was going to have, especially the kids...that hurt to read.
That kind of loss is so specific and Lexi wrote it painfully well.
Adrian though…Adrian ruined me. The yearning. The competence kink. The caretaking without expecting anything back. The way he loves Hudson quietly, patiently, without entitlement. The domestic tension. The living together. The shared routines. The coffee orders. The food. The "I’ll take care of it" energy. I was screaming internally the entire time.
And Hudson realizing, slowly, gently, that the safest place he’s ever been is with Adrian? That his future doesn’t look like what he planned, but it might actually be better? Yeah. That did some emotional damage.
This wasn’t about sex.
It was about intimacy.
About being chosen when you’re at your worst.
About finally being seen.
January 5, 2026
I absolutely love this! It’s so sweet and swoony! Low angst and a fast read, but it still has a deep connection between the two MMCs and makes you feel all the feels 🥰
Beta read this, and read it again as an arc.
Beta read this, and read it again as an arc.
February 2, 2026
“Also, when are you going to stop being so shocked that I want to spend time with you?” He laughs again.
“Probably never. But if you want me there, I’m there.”
Always. I’ll always want him there.
Excuse you? Friends to roommates to lovers with mutual pining and two perfect sunshine/sunshine MMC's? Take my money. Take my kidney. Take my first born.
My god. I absolutely adored Accidentally Living With The Captain. There isn't a single thing I single like about it. And it was hands down my favourite book in January and I would say a solid contender for favourite book of the year. Seriously, I had everything I love in a roommates to lovers romance - friends first, size difference, mutual pining, first times, slow burn, low to no angst, queer awakening. Bonus points for it being an athlete/team management romance too because I am feral for those.
Hudson and Adrian are the absolute sweetest characters ever. They're both literal sunshine and I was so taken with both of them right from the get-g0. Honestly I don't even know if I'd call them opposites attract because they were so similar in the things things that they love and value, and the way that they go out of their way to be kind, and I think that's why I loved them so much. The only real opposites attract thing about them is their Type A vs Type B personalities.
Adrian had my heart. His people-pleasing Type A personality is so similar to my own that I couldn't help but take his hopes and dreams and fears on board as I got to know him.
As the assistant to the president of the Werewolves hockey team, Adrian is friendly and flirty with all of the players, but the little crush he's been harbouring for their captain, Hudson, sees sweet Adrian jump at the chance to help Hudson out of a predicament. Purely to minimise PR damage, of course, nothing to see here. However, having the man of his dreams move into his apartment for the better part of a year ends up being a little harder to manage than he thinks it will be when Hudson turns out to be not only the perfect roommate, but potentially the perfect partner too. Honestly, don't know how Adrian managed for all those months without blurting out his feelings every time Hudson smiled at him or walked around shirtless or wanted to cuddle on the couch. He's a better man than me with far more restraint because I wouldn't have been able to keep my big gob shut.
Hudson also somehow managed to keep his own gob shut for ten whole months, despite the sexuality 180 his mind was doing. To be fair, the poor guy had just had his near-future retirement hopes and dreams crushed by his ex-wife who had him publicly served. If you can survive that, what's a little sexuality crisis brought on by your very gay, very attractive, very perfect-for-you temporary roommate? Look, Hudson and his easy-going, patient, Type B personality absolutely deserves the world. He's so kind and considerate, and when he realises that he's fallen hard for Adrian, he actually stops to think about what would be best for both of them - instead of just barrelling ahead with a declaration of love and damning the consequences. I absolutely loved that and it was so clear that Adrian did too. His thoughts and feelings, career and the life he'd already built for himself were considered before Hudson changed their lives irrevocably.
Adrian and Hudson are just so damn cute together. They had so much chemistry and I appreciated the slow burn of their relationship so much. A lot of their feelings and thoughts were internalised, rather than spoken aloud to each other, and that made the pining absolutely top notch. By the halfway mark I was genuinely starting to think I'd also been pining for a hot hockey captain for years of my life. I was so invested. And the spice... *chefs kiss*. I think the spice was so hot because the intimacy dial was turned up to 100. Every spicy scene had a build up and enough anticipation that I was left desperate, but not so much that I got annoyed by it. It really was the perfect balance. I loved their dirty talk and the way Hudson gave up so much control - Adrian was the perfect man to take over in the bedroom because he knew them both so well he could anticipate Hudson's needs before they were spoke. And if that ain't the epitome of devotion, I don't know what is.
“Being with Adrian physically has only made it more obvious that I want there to be a long term for us. I won’t give up, and I’m ready to prove to him that he is my future and to fight for us until he believes me.”
I absolutely adored everything about Accidentally Living With The Captain. The whole Chicago Awakenings series has me in a violent chokehold and honestly I hope it doesn't let go. 5/5 stars. Would scream about from the rooftops.
“Probably never. But if you want me there, I’m there.”
Always. I’ll always want him there.
Excuse you? Friends to roommates to lovers with mutual pining and two perfect sunshine/sunshine MMC's? Take my money. Take my kidney. Take my first born.
My god. I absolutely adored Accidentally Living With The Captain. There isn't a single thing I single like about it. And it was hands down my favourite book in January and I would say a solid contender for favourite book of the year. Seriously, I had everything I love in a roommates to lovers romance - friends first, size difference, mutual pining, first times, slow burn, low to no angst, queer awakening. Bonus points for it being an athlete/team management romance too because I am feral for those.
Hudson and Adrian are the absolute sweetest characters ever. They're both literal sunshine and I was so taken with both of them right from the get-g0. Honestly I don't even know if I'd call them opposites attract because they were so similar in the things things that they love and value, and the way that they go out of their way to be kind, and I think that's why I loved them so much. The only real opposites attract thing about them is their Type A vs Type B personalities.
Adrian had my heart. His people-pleasing Type A personality is so similar to my own that I couldn't help but take his hopes and dreams and fears on board as I got to know him.
As the assistant to the president of the Werewolves hockey team, Adrian is friendly and flirty with all of the players, but the little crush he's been harbouring for their captain, Hudson, sees sweet Adrian jump at the chance to help Hudson out of a predicament. Purely to minimise PR damage, of course, nothing to see here. However, having the man of his dreams move into his apartment for the better part of a year ends up being a little harder to manage than he thinks it will be when Hudson turns out to be not only the perfect roommate, but potentially the perfect partner too. Honestly, don't know how Adrian managed for all those months without blurting out his feelings every time Hudson smiled at him or walked around shirtless or wanted to cuddle on the couch. He's a better man than me with far more restraint because I wouldn't have been able to keep my big gob shut.
Hudson also somehow managed to keep his own gob shut for ten whole months, despite the sexuality 180 his mind was doing. To be fair, the poor guy had just had his near-future retirement hopes and dreams crushed by his ex-wife who had him publicly served. If you can survive that, what's a little sexuality crisis brought on by your very gay, very attractive, very perfect-for-you temporary roommate? Look, Hudson and his easy-going, patient, Type B personality absolutely deserves the world. He's so kind and considerate, and when he realises that he's fallen hard for Adrian, he actually stops to think about what would be best for both of them - instead of just barrelling ahead with a declaration of love and damning the consequences. I absolutely loved that and it was so clear that Adrian did too. His thoughts and feelings, career and the life he'd already built for himself were considered before Hudson changed their lives irrevocably.
Adrian and Hudson are just so damn cute together. They had so much chemistry and I appreciated the slow burn of their relationship so much. A lot of their feelings and thoughts were internalised, rather than spoken aloud to each other, and that made the pining absolutely top notch. By the halfway mark I was genuinely starting to think I'd also been pining for a hot hockey captain for years of my life. I was so invested. And the spice... *chefs kiss*. I think the spice was so hot because the intimacy dial was turned up to 100. Every spicy scene had a build up and enough anticipation that I was left desperate, but not so much that I got annoyed by it. It really was the perfect balance. I loved their dirty talk and the way Hudson gave up so much control - Adrian was the perfect man to take over in the bedroom because he knew them both so well he could anticipate Hudson's needs before they were spoke. And if that ain't the epitome of devotion, I don't know what is.
“Being with Adrian physically has only made it more obvious that I want there to be a long term for us. I won’t give up, and I’m ready to prove to him that he is my future and to fight for us until he believes me.”
I absolutely adored everything about Accidentally Living With The Captain. The whole Chicago Awakenings series has me in a violent chokehold and honestly I hope it doesn't let go. 5/5 stars. Would scream about from the rooftops.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Accidentally Living With the Captain – Lexi Amber
Accidentally Living With the Captain is a low-angst but emotionally rich MM romance that follows a friends to roommates to lovers path in the softest way. Hudson and Adrian’s relationship doesn’t rush anything; it truly builds step by step, through trust and comfort. Once they start living together, that quiet attraction, the small gestures, and the constant “something is happening but no one is saying it out loud” energy become the strongest part of the story.
Hudson is a total green flag, and not because of big declarations, but because of the things he does for Adrian. Adrian’s long-held feelings and Hudson’s journey of questioning and understanding his own emotions are handled in a very natural way. If you love slow burn, this is truly slow slow burn—yes, it will make you think “just talk to each other already” at times, but that’s exactly what makes the relationship feel more real.
Sweet, calm, and emotionally satisfying; if you enjoy friends-to-lovers dynamics and are looking for a low-angst MM romance, this one is definitely worth picking up. 💜
Accidentally Living With the Captain is a low-angst but emotionally rich MM romance that follows a friends to roommates to lovers path in the softest way. Hudson and Adrian’s relationship doesn’t rush anything; it truly builds step by step, through trust and comfort. Once they start living together, that quiet attraction, the small gestures, and the constant “something is happening but no one is saying it out loud” energy become the strongest part of the story.
Hudson is a total green flag, and not because of big declarations, but because of the things he does for Adrian. Adrian’s long-held feelings and Hudson’s journey of questioning and understanding his own emotions are handled in a very natural way. If you love slow burn, this is truly slow slow burn—yes, it will make you think “just talk to each other already” at times, but that’s exactly what makes the relationship feel more real.
Sweet, calm, and emotionally satisfying; if you enjoy friends-to-lovers dynamics and are looking for a low-angst MM romance, this one is definitely worth picking up. 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Accidentally Living With The Captain
Chicago Awakenings book 3
Lexi Amber
Hockey Captain / team Management
First Times
Mutual Pining
Roommates to lovers
Size Difference
Low Angst
Friends Friends
Slow Burn
Hudson & Adrian
This was so sweet and wholesome.
Just a beautiful friends to lovers romance.
“Having Adrian at my side makes anything better.”
Low angst, sweet and fun.
These two truly are perfect for each other.
They just fit so well and complicated each other beautifully
“It’s real, this family of mine, and it’s so much better than I could have ever dreamed.”
Perfect read.
So thankful for this arc
Chicago Awakenings book 3
Lexi Amber
Hockey Captain / team Management
First Times
Mutual Pining
Roommates to lovers
Size Difference
Low Angst
Friends Friends
Slow Burn
Hudson & Adrian
This was so sweet and wholesome.
Just a beautiful friends to lovers romance.
“Having Adrian at my side makes anything better.”
Low angst, sweet and fun.
These two truly are perfect for each other.
They just fit so well and complicated each other beautifully
“It’s real, this family of mine, and it’s so much better than I could have ever dreamed.”
Perfect read.
So thankful for this arc
February 5, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I thought this book was so sweet and a great palette cleanser. There were times where I was visibly cringing or cheering the characters on.
I will say the pacing was hard. There were times I wanted to spend more time in that place and it felt brushed past (and vice versa).
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I thought this book was so sweet and a great palette cleanser. There were times where I was visibly cringing or cheering the characters on.
I will say the pacing was hard. There were times I wanted to spend more time in that place and it felt brushed past (and vice versa).
February 5, 2026
Lovely. Swoony. Low Angst 💕
ARC - RTC
ARC - RTC
Read
November 6, 2025I beta read the novel at the author's requested feedback.
I will rate and review once the final novel is published and I have conpletee a re-read.
I will rate and review once the final novel is published and I have conpletee a re-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can’t even begin to say how often I teared up and cried through this amazing book. Lexi Amber has wowed me again with endearing characters who experience huge life changing moments, but by taking the smallest steps to get to these big impacting moments. It’s quite beautiful how it all comes together since it shows in these small moments is when we feel the biggest feelings. 😍❤️
Lexi does a wonderful job at bringing Adrian and Hudson’s story together gently and slowly but in the best possible way; as friends first, then slowly as they fall in love. It’s the absolute best!👌Hudson takes his time and thinks through each step before jumping in, while Adrian is his rock, his person, and before Adrian even realizes it Hudson is there holding his hand to calm him, since he’s usually thinking three steps ahead. These two are as much a couple before they can even voice it, soulmates before they truly realized it, which is wonderful in and of itself, since the best of friends make the best long term relationships.
Sweet, sweet Hudson, right from the start, my heart went out to the Captain of the Werewolf hockey team. He’s a man who cares about others, loves playing hockey, and has held off on living his dreams for quite some time while he finished his career. However, now that his retirement was on the horizon all of his dreams instantly went up in smoke when his wife served him divorce papers. It’s truly sad when your dreams don’t align with the person you thought you’d spend the rest of your life with, but Hudson picked up his bootstraps and discovered it’s not necessarily the dream that had to burn, but maybe the person in that dream could change, or perhaps he had wrong person standing by his side to begin with.😉 But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Adrian works in the offices of the Werewolf hockey team so he knows the team well and has sort of been crushing on Hudson for quite some time. I mean how could he not. Hudson is pretty perfect, but Adrian is pretty perfect too. When Hudson needs a place to stay Adrian offers up his extra room, mostly for the sake of PR appearances, but also to help out a friend. The last thing Hudson needs is the media in his face and staying at Adrian’s seems like the safest option. When a few days turns into weeks with no end date in sight, neither man seems in a hurry to end the budding bromance. I mean who can really blame them since they both love spending time together. However, is this more than just two men with a tight friendship, especially when cuddling begins 😉. Adrian is truly the best friend when it comes to helping Hudson and there isn’t anything that either man wouldn’t do for the either, so why do they keep dancing around the subject of the attraction they both feel, especially when there is one wall that separates them at night?🔥
This may be a slow burn romance, but there is wonderful chemistry that brews between them throughout. The slow burn is totally worth the wait as these two friends figure out there is more behind the intense stares and cuddle sessions. So while I mentioned I cried numerous times, it was because this is a beautifully emotional story and Adrian and Hudson belong together in every single way.❤️ I love this series, but these two guys are probably my favorite couple!😍
Lexi does a wonderful job at bringing Adrian and Hudson’s story together gently and slowly but in the best possible way; as friends first, then slowly as they fall in love. It’s the absolute best!👌Hudson takes his time and thinks through each step before jumping in, while Adrian is his rock, his person, and before Adrian even realizes it Hudson is there holding his hand to calm him, since he’s usually thinking three steps ahead. These two are as much a couple before they can even voice it, soulmates before they truly realized it, which is wonderful in and of itself, since the best of friends make the best long term relationships.
Sweet, sweet Hudson, right from the start, my heart went out to the Captain of the Werewolf hockey team. He’s a man who cares about others, loves playing hockey, and has held off on living his dreams for quite some time while he finished his career. However, now that his retirement was on the horizon all of his dreams instantly went up in smoke when his wife served him divorce papers. It’s truly sad when your dreams don’t align with the person you thought you’d spend the rest of your life with, but Hudson picked up his bootstraps and discovered it’s not necessarily the dream that had to burn, but maybe the person in that dream could change, or perhaps he had wrong person standing by his side to begin with.😉 But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Adrian works in the offices of the Werewolf hockey team so he knows the team well and has sort of been crushing on Hudson for quite some time. I mean how could he not. Hudson is pretty perfect, but Adrian is pretty perfect too. When Hudson needs a place to stay Adrian offers up his extra room, mostly for the sake of PR appearances, but also to help out a friend. The last thing Hudson needs is the media in his face and staying at Adrian’s seems like the safest option. When a few days turns into weeks with no end date in sight, neither man seems in a hurry to end the budding bromance. I mean who can really blame them since they both love spending time together. However, is this more than just two men with a tight friendship, especially when cuddling begins 😉. Adrian is truly the best friend when it comes to helping Hudson and there isn’t anything that either man wouldn’t do for the either, so why do they keep dancing around the subject of the attraction they both feel, especially when there is one wall that separates them at night?🔥
This may be a slow burn romance, but there is wonderful chemistry that brews between them throughout. The slow burn is totally worth the wait as these two friends figure out there is more behind the intense stares and cuddle sessions. So while I mentioned I cried numerous times, it was because this is a beautifully emotional story and Adrian and Hudson belong together in every single way.❤️ I love this series, but these two guys are probably my favorite couple!😍
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
I was really excited about this book.
I’ve felt the series started kind of weak with Cult (book one), but I really enjoyed book two, so I genuinely thought it could only get better. In my opinion… it didn’t.
Not that it’s bad. I actually liked it more than book one. But there’s a lot here that seriously bothered me.
We’ve been teased with this couple since book one. We knew Adrian had a flirty crush on the werewolves’ captain, but nothing could come of it because Hudson was married and, for all intents and purposes, straight.
Then book three opens with him getting served divorce papers and kicked out of his house by his soon to be ex. So, this rich, successful hockey star suddenly finds himself… homeless? And he ends up asking the team owner’s assistant, the same guy he’s been play flirting with forever, if he can crash in his spare room.
And here begins the slowest burn that has ever burned.
Hudson really, really wants to be a father. His plan was to retire after the season and knock up his wife so he could finally fulfill that dream. But wifey was not on board, which, really, good for her for stepping out of that situation.
So Hudson, at 34 and fighting his biological clock, decides to hit the apps and find anincubator partner. Yeah. That goes exactly as well as you’d expect.
When that fails, and with Adrian’s very supportive hand holding, Hudson decides to pursue single parent adoption. Because at the end of the day, he wants to be a dad , not necessarily a husband.
From here, the book turns into Hudson’s journey of fulfillment, self knowledge, and sexual awakening. And honestly? It is a nice story. He’s relatable, sweet, likeable, and endearingly oblivious. Adrian, on the other hand… doesn’t add much. He’s basically there to orbit around Hudson. His POV chapters amount to him telling everyone how swoony and perfect Hudson is, but there’s nothing deeper going on.
Then comes the endless “oh no, there’s no way he can actually like me” dance. It drags. And drags. And to be honest, I feel that all three books overuse the misunderstanding trope so much it feels childish.
You know how everyone hates the third act breakup? Well, don’t worry , these guys don’t even kiss until the third act, so… yeah. And right when you think, finally, something’s happening, Adrian, who has been yearning for this guy for ages, freaks out because, once again, “oh no, there’s no way he can like me.” Meanwhile Hudson, who has done all this emotional heavy lifting, gets friend(with benefits)zoned. Dude. We are at 80%. Hudson deserved better. I wish Adrian had been written with more depth, but the way he’s presented kind of tanked the book for me. That and the pacing, that was all over the place.
Anyway, at that point, the only reason I didn’t DNF was because I wanted to know how the baby plot wrapped up , and whether there were hints about the next book’s couple. (I might be reaching, but I’m pretty convinced it’s going to be a throuple: Jordan, Lincoln, and Nick.)
*mild spoilers ahead*
I was really excited about this book.
I’ve felt the series started kind of weak with Cult (book one), but I really enjoyed book two, so I genuinely thought it could only get better. In my opinion… it didn’t.
Not that it’s bad. I actually liked it more than book one. But there’s a lot here that seriously bothered me.
We’ve been teased with this couple since book one. We knew Adrian had a flirty crush on the werewolves’ captain, but nothing could come of it because Hudson was married and, for all intents and purposes, straight.
Then book three opens with him getting served divorce papers and kicked out of his house by his soon to be ex. So, this rich, successful hockey star suddenly finds himself… homeless? And he ends up asking the team owner’s assistant, the same guy he’s been play flirting with forever, if he can crash in his spare room.
And here begins the slowest burn that has ever burned.
Hudson really, really wants to be a father. His plan was to retire after the season and knock up his wife so he could finally fulfill that dream. But wifey was not on board, which, really, good for her for stepping out of that situation.
So Hudson, at 34 and fighting his biological clock, decides to hit the apps and find an
When that fails, and with Adrian’s very supportive hand holding, Hudson decides to pursue single parent adoption. Because at the end of the day, he wants to be a dad , not necessarily a husband.
From here, the book turns into Hudson’s journey of fulfillment, self knowledge, and sexual awakening. And honestly? It is a nice story. He’s relatable, sweet, likeable, and endearingly oblivious. Adrian, on the other hand… doesn’t add much. He’s basically there to orbit around Hudson. His POV chapters amount to him telling everyone how swoony and perfect Hudson is, but there’s nothing deeper going on.
Then comes the endless “oh no, there’s no way he can actually like me” dance. It drags. And drags. And to be honest, I feel that all three books overuse the misunderstanding trope so much it feels childish.
You know how everyone hates the third act breakup? Well, don’t worry , these guys don’t even kiss until the third act, so… yeah. And right when you think, finally, something’s happening, Adrian, who has been yearning for this guy for ages, freaks out because, once again, “oh no, there’s no way he can like me.” Meanwhile Hudson, who has done all this emotional heavy lifting, gets friend(with benefits)zoned. Dude. We are at 80%. Hudson deserved better. I wish Adrian had been written with more depth, but the way he’s presented kind of tanked the book for me. That and the pacing, that was all over the place.
Anyway, at that point, the only reason I didn’t DNF was because I wanted to know how the baby plot wrapped up , and whether there were hints about the next book’s couple. (I might be reaching, but I’m pretty convinced it’s going to be a throuple: Jordan, Lincoln, and Nick.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I went in to this book I had no idea I would love Adrian and Hudson the way I do now. Lexi Amber has this way of just making you laugh and giggle while simultaneously falling head over heels for her characters. I love the Chicago Awakenings Series. There is no doubt that it has easily became one of my comfort reads. These books take real life scenarios that most people experience in their lives and show you that even after everything you still have the chance to love and be loved properly. It also helps that there is always plenty of comedic relief. When I first met Adrian I liked him a lot. Getting to know more about him I fell head over heels for this sweet man and don’t get me started on Hudson. That man is the absolute picture of sunshine. He is so loving and has such pure intentions for everyone around him. They both are just the epitome of love, care and respect for not just one another but everyone they surround themselves with.
Hudson
This man deserves the world and Im so glad he has Adrian right there to always remind him of that. Listen I get not wanting kids, but Shelby, ya days are numbered girl. How she treated Hudson was so heartbreaking. However I loved the growth it gave him. He finally saw that he didn’t need to rely on anyone else for his happiness (Even if he was codependent as crap with Adrian) (super cute by the way, he always just wants to be with him and I was SWOONING) When he finally got the chance to become who he wanted to be he took it and he excelled. He was absolutely the best version of himself after the divorce and it was really beautiful to see.
Adrian
How much is a bus ticket to fictional Arkansas? I will in fact be making the trip for Hudson. His parents did NOT deserve him and I loved seeing him realize that he did deserve the good things in life unconditionally. I was really able to relate to his struggle of needing to be needed. Only seeing value in himself when he was doing things for others. Of not believing that someone as good as Hudson could want him. However I was absolutely enamored with his character growth. The way he was finally able to see himself the same way others saw him was so heartwarming.
Together these two were the definition of a power couple. While Oakley and Parker held the top spot in this series for me (because Im a sucker for idiot best friends being in love with one another) Hudson and Adrian have pushed the out of the way. Forgotten (not really, but shhh) They have this way of just being the most precious family to one another even when they were just friends and I couldn’t have loved them more.
Hudson
This man deserves the world and Im so glad he has Adrian right there to always remind him of that. Listen I get not wanting kids, but Shelby, ya days are numbered girl. How she treated Hudson was so heartbreaking. However I loved the growth it gave him. He finally saw that he didn’t need to rely on anyone else for his happiness (Even if he was codependent as crap with Adrian) (super cute by the way, he always just wants to be with him and I was SWOONING) When he finally got the chance to become who he wanted to be he took it and he excelled. He was absolutely the best version of himself after the divorce and it was really beautiful to see.
Adrian
How much is a bus ticket to fictional Arkansas? I will in fact be making the trip for Hudson. His parents did NOT deserve him and I loved seeing him realize that he did deserve the good things in life unconditionally. I was really able to relate to his struggle of needing to be needed. Only seeing value in himself when he was doing things for others. Of not believing that someone as good as Hudson could want him. However I was absolutely enamored with his character growth. The way he was finally able to see himself the same way others saw him was so heartwarming.
Together these two were the definition of a power couple. While Oakley and Parker held the top spot in this series for me (because Im a sucker for idiot best friends being in love with one another) Hudson and Adrian have pushed the out of the way. Forgotten (not really, but shhh) They have this way of just being the most precious family to one another even when they were just friends and I couldn’t have loved them more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Accidentally Living with the Captain is the third book in the Chicago Awakening series, and it delivers exactly the kind of tender, slow-burn queer awakening that makes this series so addictive.
Hudson’s life implodes in the opening chapters. Captain of his NHL team, married to a model, finally ready to become a dad… until he’s suddenly served divorce papers and kicked out of his own home. With his future feeling uncertain, he turns to the one person who has always grounded him: Adrian. Sweet, steady, openly gay Adrian, who offers him a spare room and a soft place to land while he figures out what comes next.
For Adrian, though, living with the perfect man is its own special kind of torture. Hudson wanders around half-dressed, keeps up the teasing he’s always done, and has no idea how much his “platonic flirting” is wrecking Adrian’s little gay heart. Adrian knows Hudson wants a family more than anything, and he’s convinced that future won’t include him, so he braces himself for the heartbreak he’s sure is coming.
What neither of them expects is how naturally their friendship deepens into something more. Hudson’s slow realization that he might not be as straight as he thought is beautifully handled. Watching him start to see Adrian differently, to want him, to get jealous when Adrian chats with other players at the bar… it’s delicious. That possessive little moment is one of my favourite microtropes in the whole book.
This is a true slow burn with low angst, and it had me smiling the entire way through. Adrian and Hudson are both so endearing, so earnest, and so deserving of their HEA. While it’s a bit less spicy than the first two books, the scenes we do get are absolute perfection, intimate, meaningful, and woven seamlessly into their emotional arc.
I definitely recommend reading Accidentally Joining His Cult and Accidentally Falling for My Best Friend first to fully appreciate the side characters and the found-family dynamic that threads through the series.
Vibes
- Slow burn
- First times
- Size difference
- Low angst
- Queer awakening
- Opposites attract
- Roommates to lovers
- Mutual pining
- Hockey player / team management
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶
Hudson’s life implodes in the opening chapters. Captain of his NHL team, married to a model, finally ready to become a dad… until he’s suddenly served divorce papers and kicked out of his own home. With his future feeling uncertain, he turns to the one person who has always grounded him: Adrian. Sweet, steady, openly gay Adrian, who offers him a spare room and a soft place to land while he figures out what comes next.
For Adrian, though, living with the perfect man is its own special kind of torture. Hudson wanders around half-dressed, keeps up the teasing he’s always done, and has no idea how much his “platonic flirting” is wrecking Adrian’s little gay heart. Adrian knows Hudson wants a family more than anything, and he’s convinced that future won’t include him, so he braces himself for the heartbreak he’s sure is coming.
What neither of them expects is how naturally their friendship deepens into something more. Hudson’s slow realization that he might not be as straight as he thought is beautifully handled. Watching him start to see Adrian differently, to want him, to get jealous when Adrian chats with other players at the bar… it’s delicious. That possessive little moment is one of my favourite microtropes in the whole book.
This is a true slow burn with low angst, and it had me smiling the entire way through. Adrian and Hudson are both so endearing, so earnest, and so deserving of their HEA. While it’s a bit less spicy than the first two books, the scenes we do get are absolute perfection, intimate, meaningful, and woven seamlessly into their emotional arc.
I definitely recommend reading Accidentally Joining His Cult and Accidentally Falling for My Best Friend first to fully appreciate the side characters and the found-family dynamic that threads through the series.
Vibes
- Slow burn
- First times
- Size difference
- Low angst
- Queer awakening
- Opposites attract
- Roommates to lovers
- Mutual pining
- Hockey player / team management
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the chance to read and review an early copy of Accidentally Living with the Captain by Lexi Amber!
These guys are walking, talking, green flag, DADDY material. I mean, they were perfect.
Them: “The perfect man doesn’t exist”
Me: Um, you obviously haven’t met Hudson and Adrian yet.
Hudson is a 34 year old retiring team captain for the Werewolves NHL team. He’s “completely straight” and happily married to his WIFE and wanting to expand their family … or so he thought. All he’s ever wanted is to be a father and his dreams are crushed the day his wife serves divorce papers.
Adrian aka Prince Charming is the assistant to the teams President. He’s fun and flirty and over the top confident. He has that put-together-all-the-time vibe.
And when Hudson gets served his divorce papers, Adrian is the one he turns to for a place to stay while his life falls apart (or does it fall together?)
The support Adrian and Hudson give eachother is just so damn beautiful. Their friendship was beautiful and their love was fucking BEAUTIFUL. It was a slooooowwwww burn love but it was sooooo worth the wait. I wanted to scream at them “YOU BOTH WANT EACHOTHER SO BAD, JUST DO IT“ for the first 65%. But really, the wait just made it that much sweeter. And I don’t like slow-burns… but this had me in a damn chokehold. They were a family from chapter one… and the relationship just got better with every page.
The author did such a fantastic job handling the adoption process with sensitivity and showing different viewpoints (I especially loved Emily).
I cried. I laughed. I cheered.
This was Flirty co-workers to roomies to best friends to lovers to sexy daddies sunshine/sunshine queer awakening romance that will live in my heart forever! The HEA was hard earned and so deserving.
"Okay, I'm sorry, but am I getting Punk'd? Is this some sort of test to see how nice the perfect straight man can be before the innocent gay man cracks and offers to blow him or something?"
These guys are walking, talking, green flag, DADDY material. I mean, they were perfect.
Them: “The perfect man doesn’t exist”
Me: Um, you obviously haven’t met Hudson and Adrian yet.
Hudson is a 34 year old retiring team captain for the Werewolves NHL team. He’s “completely straight” and happily married to his WIFE and wanting to expand their family … or so he thought. All he’s ever wanted is to be a father and his dreams are crushed the day his wife serves divorce papers.
Adrian aka Prince Charming is the assistant to the teams President. He’s fun and flirty and over the top confident. He has that put-together-all-the-time vibe.
And when Hudson gets served his divorce papers, Adrian is the one he turns to for a place to stay while his life falls apart (or does it fall together?)
The support Adrian and Hudson give eachother is just so damn beautiful. Their friendship was beautiful and their love was fucking BEAUTIFUL. It was a slooooowwwww burn love but it was sooooo worth the wait. I wanted to scream at them “YOU BOTH WANT EACHOTHER SO BAD, JUST DO IT“ for the first 65%. But really, the wait just made it that much sweeter. And I don’t like slow-burns… but this had me in a damn chokehold. They were a family from chapter one… and the relationship just got better with every page.
The author did such a fantastic job handling the adoption process with sensitivity and showing different viewpoints (I especially loved Emily).
I cried. I laughed. I cheered.
This was Flirty co-workers to roomies to best friends to lovers to sexy daddies sunshine/sunshine queer awakening romance that will live in my heart forever! The HEA was hard earned and so deserving.
"Okay, I'm sorry, but am I getting Punk'd? Is this some sort of test to see how nice the perfect straight man can be before the innocent gay man cracks and offers to blow him or something?"
January 18, 2026
This is a wonderful story of friendship and wanting the best for someone else even if it’s not the best for you.
Hudson finds his life imploding - he’s blindsided by a divorce, he’s kicked out of his home, and he thinks his dream of being a dad is over - all during his final year as captain in the NHL. He ends up moving in with Adrian, a team employee who always wants to help those he cares about. Adrian supporting him through buying and remodeling a new home and adopting a baby.
Harmless flirting turns to feelings for Hudson, where Adrian has had a crush for years but living together grows his crush.
The lack of talking initially between these two KILLED ME. Adrian didn’t want to scare off his “straight” crush by admitting his feelings and Hudson didn’t want to admit his feelings too early and make Adrian feel like he was a convenient choice and not the first choice. But when the feelings came to a head, Adrian pushed Hudson to arms length and I wanted to strangle him because of it. Hudson gave Adrian everything he asked for and he still didn’t accept it freely and it irritated me to no end.
That being said, I loved them. Hudson really proved to Adrian that he could trust his feelings, trust his word.. and Adrian finally believed him. We didn’t get a HEA til the very very end so I do wish we got that sooner. These two were so sweet and supportive and I want more of them being all loved up and a family.
What you’re getting: size difference | roommates to lovers | mutual pining | queer awakening | hockey captain x team management | slow burn | HEA | spice: 🌶️🌶️
*ARC REVIEW*
Hudson finds his life imploding - he’s blindsided by a divorce, he’s kicked out of his home, and he thinks his dream of being a dad is over - all during his final year as captain in the NHL. He ends up moving in with Adrian, a team employee who always wants to help those he cares about. Adrian supporting him through buying and remodeling a new home and adopting a baby.
Harmless flirting turns to feelings for Hudson, where Adrian has had a crush for years but living together grows his crush.
The lack of talking initially between these two KILLED ME. Adrian didn’t want to scare off his “straight” crush by admitting his feelings and Hudson didn’t want to admit his feelings too early and make Adrian feel like he was a convenient choice and not the first choice. But when the feelings came to a head, Adrian pushed Hudson to arms length and I wanted to strangle him because of it. Hudson gave Adrian everything he asked for and he still didn’t accept it freely and it irritated me to no end.
That being said, I loved them. Hudson really proved to Adrian that he could trust his feelings, trust his word.. and Adrian finally believed him. We didn’t get a HEA til the very very end so I do wish we got that sooner. These two were so sweet and supportive and I want more of them being all loved up and a family.
What you’re getting: size difference | roommates to lovers | mutual pining | queer awakening | hockey captain x team management | slow burn | HEA | spice: 🌶️🌶️
*ARC REVIEW*
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is definitely a slow burn and more than once I wanted to scream„OMG, just talk to each other“ but normally (very) impatient me really let it slide easy this time. I was so transfixed by their getting roommates and then best friends and all the time they spent together every day.
They just fit - they have so much fun together and they really make each others lives better.
It was so heartwarming to see them go from their bromance to their romance all the way to their HEA.
And Hudson! Oh myyy! HE is such an amazing and loveable character! He needed to take his time to figure things out on his own timeline but after that pure bliss to watch him flourish.
He really SEES Adrain and with all the small things - like bringing him his favorite coffee or chocolate cake - he swoons him! He is flirty and romantic and wants to be with Adrian constantly.
Adrian never stood a chance! Needless to say that he was smitten from the first moment Hudson set foot in his condo - to be fair he had a crush for years 😍 - and who wouldn’t - the sexy hockey player with all these big muscles and even a bigger heart!
Adrian - always helpful and there for everyone deserves all the love and affection. He never pushes for more - he can’t believe that his fantasies would ever come true - but he is dreaming about how perfect life would be if only Hudson were interested….
Yes, if only…. At least we know what’s going on in their heads 🤭
Everything from their first kiss and every other first they shared to bossy Adrian, whimpering Hudson and their HEA was funny, hot and oh so sweet … and … I was crying in the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC by the author…
They just fit - they have so much fun together and they really make each others lives better.
It was so heartwarming to see them go from their bromance to their romance all the way to their HEA.
And Hudson! Oh myyy! HE is such an amazing and loveable character! He needed to take his time to figure things out on his own timeline but after that pure bliss to watch him flourish.
He really SEES Adrain and with all the small things - like bringing him his favorite coffee or chocolate cake - he swoons him! He is flirty and romantic and wants to be with Adrian constantly.
Adrian never stood a chance! Needless to say that he was smitten from the first moment Hudson set foot in his condo - to be fair he had a crush for years 😍 - and who wouldn’t - the sexy hockey player with all these big muscles and even a bigger heart!
Adrian - always helpful and there for everyone deserves all the love and affection. He never pushes for more - he can’t believe that his fantasies would ever come true - but he is dreaming about how perfect life would be if only Hudson were interested….
Yes, if only…. At least we know what’s going on in their heads 🤭
Everything from their first kiss and every other first they shared to bossy Adrian, whimpering Hudson and their HEA was funny, hot and oh so sweet … and … I was crying in the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC by the author…
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me just start by saying that this book was absolutely amazing. This is the first book that I have read by Lexi Amber and I'm so glad I did because boy was it worth it.
Now I was so hooked on this book it was absolutely not funny. The emotions that went with this book was just absolutely breathtaking. I love this sweet, lovey, intimate mm story. I thought it was pretty messed up how Hudson was delivered divorce papers in front of the media you could just visualize reading that you could just picture a face in your mind of just brokenness and that essentially broke my soul. You can't help but think of how Hudson must have felt grieving what he thought would be. Knowing that he would never get the opportunity that he vision for his life. Then Adrian I just really loved him I love how he was that caretaker that sweet lovely person. Was the man that would wait for Hudson for a lifetime if that's what it took to for him to finally realize he needed him. How when Hudson was going through some of the worst mess in his life he stepped in and was there. I really did love the fact of how she wrote the love that they started to grow for each other through the book naturally it wasn't rushed it wasn't forced it was just blossoming at a natural pace. Boy was I excited when Hudson finally realized that Adrian was his forever that just made me the happiest. I really love the story. I don't think I had as many up and down emotional roller coasters like this in a long time and I really loved it. Miss Lexie Amber has herself a forever reader now because this was just absolutely amazing.
Now I was so hooked on this book it was absolutely not funny. The emotions that went with this book was just absolutely breathtaking. I love this sweet, lovey, intimate mm story. I thought it was pretty messed up how Hudson was delivered divorce papers in front of the media you could just visualize reading that you could just picture a face in your mind of just brokenness and that essentially broke my soul. You can't help but think of how Hudson must have felt grieving what he thought would be. Knowing that he would never get the opportunity that he vision for his life. Then Adrian I just really loved him I love how he was that caretaker that sweet lovely person. Was the man that would wait for Hudson for a lifetime if that's what it took to for him to finally realize he needed him. How when Hudson was going through some of the worst mess in his life he stepped in and was there. I really did love the fact of how she wrote the love that they started to grow for each other through the book naturally it wasn't rushed it wasn't forced it was just blossoming at a natural pace. Boy was I excited when Hudson finally realized that Adrian was his forever that just made me the happiest. I really love the story. I don't think I had as many up and down emotional roller coasters like this in a long time and I really loved it. Miss Lexie Amber has herself a forever reader now because this was just absolutely amazing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After devouring the first two books in this series, I was so ready for Accidentally Living with the Captain. I was prepared for a low angst, slow burn story and on that low angst part it certainly delivered. Watching Hudson figure out who he really is was genuinely satisfying.
But ohhh, the slow burn… normally, I devour a slow burn, and I live for the tension building up. I can handle the waiting, the little glances, the simmering chemistry, but even I have limits apparently. One decent conversation could have saved me so much pacing frustration. Instead, we got a lot of circling around each other, which at times felt repetitive in both POVs. I found myself thinking, “Haven’t we had this exact inner monologue already?” more than once.
When they finally got together,they were ridiculously cute, super sweet, and I found myself repeatedly grinning. And Hudson... He’s the golden retriever of MMCs: loyal, lovable, a little goofy, and impossible not to root for.
Overall, it’s a fun read, but it didn’t hit the same highs as the first two books for me. Still, if you’re in the mood for a low=angst romance and a mmc you just want to hug, it’s worth picking up.
Tropes:
Slow burn
Low angst
Queer awakening
Hockey captain x team management
Roommates to lovers
Mutual pining
Opposites attract
Size difference
First times
Microtropes:
Food as love language
mmc addicted to chocolate
He falls asleep, he carries him to bed
But ohhh, the slow burn… normally, I devour a slow burn, and I live for the tension building up. I can handle the waiting, the little glances, the simmering chemistry, but even I have limits apparently. One decent conversation could have saved me so much pacing frustration. Instead, we got a lot of circling around each other, which at times felt repetitive in both POVs. I found myself thinking, “Haven’t we had this exact inner monologue already?” more than once.
When they finally got together,they were ridiculously cute, super sweet, and I found myself repeatedly grinning. And Hudson... He’s the golden retriever of MMCs: loyal, lovable, a little goofy, and impossible not to root for.
Overall, it’s a fun read, but it didn’t hit the same highs as the first two books for me. Still, if you’re in the mood for a low=angst romance and a mmc you just want to hug, it’s worth picking up.
Tropes:
Slow burn
Low angst
Queer awakening
Hockey captain x team management
Roommates to lovers
Mutual pining
Opposites attract
Size difference
First times
Microtropes:
Food as love language
mmc addicted to chocolate
He falls asleep, he carries him to bed
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review – Accidentally Living with the Team Captain (Chicago Awakening #3)
Accidentally Living with the Team Captain is a solid, slow-burning addition to the Chicago Awakening series, giving us Hudson and Adrian’s story. As Book 3, it fits well within the series and will especially appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven sports romance.
One of the highlights for me was Hudson—he is a total golden retriever character. His warmth, loyalty, and the respect he shows Adrian throughout the story were genuinely lovely to read and added a lot of heart to the romance. Their relationship builds slowly through forced proximity, quiet moments, and growing trust, which slow burn fans will appreciate.
The accidental roommates trope is handled well, though at times the pacing felt a little too drawn out. While the chemistry was good, I did find myself wanting a bit more emotional depth and payoff in certain places.
I also want to mention that the storyline involving Hudson’s father’s stroke was somewhat triggering for me, so I’d strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, gentle slow burn with likable characters and a strong premise. If you love patient, emotional MM romance with a sweet hero and don’t mind a slower pace, this is worth picking up.
Accidentally Living with the Team Captain is a solid, slow-burning addition to the Chicago Awakening series, giving us Hudson and Adrian’s story. As Book 3, it fits well within the series and will especially appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven sports romance.
One of the highlights for me was Hudson—he is a total golden retriever character. His warmth, loyalty, and the respect he shows Adrian throughout the story were genuinely lovely to read and added a lot of heart to the romance. Their relationship builds slowly through forced proximity, quiet moments, and growing trust, which slow burn fans will appreciate.
The accidental roommates trope is handled well, though at times the pacing felt a little too drawn out. While the chemistry was good, I did find myself wanting a bit more emotional depth and payoff in certain places.
I also want to mention that the storyline involving Hudson’s father’s stroke was somewhat triggering for me, so I’d strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, gentle slow burn with likable characters and a strong premise. If you love patient, emotional MM romance with a sweet hero and don’t mind a slower pace, this is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You’re looking for someone who doesn’t have to be in your life but chooses you as their favorite person anyway. That’s me.
If you want to read a sweet and endearing, slow slow burn, complete with the yearning and pining, look no further.
Hudson is such a beautiful soul, a real golden retriever type. He's so energetic and uplifting to everyone and all he really wants to do is start a family but is also kind of an oblivious flirty airhead. Swoon.
Adrian, is such a sweet, sweet man that likes to self deprecate, relatable. He has that show of confidence for everyone else, but when it comes to falling for his perfect straight roommate he clams up and brushes their friendly flirtations off. Because why would that ever work out?
Spoiler: it does.
This was a great lighthearted read, super low angst, with lots of yearning and figuring out their feelings for one another. Lexi did a great job of building up their relationship, their friendship and why these two are perfect for each other and just need to be open with each other. I only wish we got more time to see even more of them being in their romantic relationship together, but they definitely got their HEA.
4.5 ⭐️
2.75 🌶
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy ahead of release, this is a perfect Valentines day read when it comes out February 12 ❤️
If you want to read a sweet and endearing, slow slow burn, complete with the yearning and pining, look no further.
Hudson is such a beautiful soul, a real golden retriever type. He's so energetic and uplifting to everyone and all he really wants to do is start a family but is also kind of an oblivious flirty airhead. Swoon.
Adrian, is such a sweet, sweet man that likes to self deprecate, relatable. He has that show of confidence for everyone else, but when it comes to falling for his perfect straight roommate he clams up and brushes their friendly flirtations off. Because why would that ever work out?
Spoiler: it does.
This was a great lighthearted read, super low angst, with lots of yearning and figuring out their feelings for one another. Lexi did a great job of building up their relationship, their friendship and why these two are perfect for each other and just need to be open with each other. I only wish we got more time to see even more of them being in their romantic relationship together, but they definitely got their HEA.
4.5 ⭐️
2.75 🌶
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy ahead of release, this is a perfect Valentines day read when it comes out February 12 ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review for Accidentally Living With The Captain by Lexi Amber.
5/5 ⭐ 2/5 🌶️
The perfect amount of warm & fuzzy vibes to get you ready for Valentine's Day. This was a slow, sweet burn littered with green flags. Both of our main characters are soft spoken sweethearts who would do anything for each other long before they became a couple. If you are looking for a book that makes your soul feel better when you finish it, this is the story you want to read.
Our handsome heros go from acquaintances to roommates to friends to lovers. It's one of my favorite tropes because it feels realistic & like a natural progression of an honest, healthy relationship. I could not ask for more drool worthy book boyfriends than Adrian & Hudson. They are both handsome & perfect in their own completely different ways. I wish they were real people.
Features:
- Queer Awakening
- Size Difference
- Manifesting A Relationship With Your Crush
- Shameless Flirting
- Queer NHL Players Coming Out
- Solid, Supportive Friends
- Divorce
- Adoption (Domestic, Infant, Open)
- Following Your Heart
- Slowly Falling In Love
- Beefy "Bi" Bottom
- High Professional Achievements
- Mentions of Stroke & Have A Parent With Medical Disabilities
5/5 ⭐ 2/5 🌶️
The perfect amount of warm & fuzzy vibes to get you ready for Valentine's Day. This was a slow, sweet burn littered with green flags. Both of our main characters are soft spoken sweethearts who would do anything for each other long before they became a couple. If you are looking for a book that makes your soul feel better when you finish it, this is the story you want to read.
Our handsome heros go from acquaintances to roommates to friends to lovers. It's one of my favorite tropes because it feels realistic & like a natural progression of an honest, healthy relationship. I could not ask for more drool worthy book boyfriends than Adrian & Hudson. They are both handsome & perfect in their own completely different ways. I wish they were real people.
Features:
- Queer Awakening
- Size Difference
- Manifesting A Relationship With Your Crush
- Shameless Flirting
- Queer NHL Players Coming Out
- Solid, Supportive Friends
- Divorce
- Adoption (Domestic, Infant, Open)
- Following Your Heart
- Slowly Falling In Love
- Beefy "Bi" Bottom
- High Professional Achievements
- Mentions of Stroke & Have A Parent With Medical Disabilities
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this book for free for my honest opinion.
Like the first 2 books of this series, this is a super low angst, low drama, bi-awakening, MM romance, roommates to lovers, and found family.
Soon to be retiring captain of the Werewolves Hockey team, Hudson, was served divorce papers during a press interview. His model wife saw the gravy train was ending and didn’t want children whereas Hudson desperately does.
Adrian, assistant to the owner of the Werewolves and his best friend, finds Hudson right after the presser and offers his spare room while Hudson figures out his personal life.
As Hudson begins to acknowledge his desire for Adrian, Adrian tries mentally to keep his heart in check while giving in physically to his long time crush and attraction to Hudson.
What I like best about this series if though it is unlikely for things to always work out perfectly in life, they work out seamlessly in these books. It they unrealistic? Yes. But real life is hard enough. Sometimes I just want the saccharine sweet, bubble gum romance with the fairytale ending. A world where everyone is happy to accept each other and everything works out in the end.
That is this book, this series.
Like the first 2 books of this series, this is a super low angst, low drama, bi-awakening, MM romance, roommates to lovers, and found family.
Soon to be retiring captain of the Werewolves Hockey team, Hudson, was served divorce papers during a press interview. His model wife saw the gravy train was ending and didn’t want children whereas Hudson desperately does.
Adrian, assistant to the owner of the Werewolves and his best friend, finds Hudson right after the presser and offers his spare room while Hudson figures out his personal life.
As Hudson begins to acknowledge his desire for Adrian, Adrian tries mentally to keep his heart in check while giving in physically to his long time crush and attraction to Hudson.
What I like best about this series if though it is unlikely for things to always work out perfectly in life, they work out seamlessly in these books. It they unrealistic? Yes. But real life is hard enough. Sometimes I just want the saccharine sweet, bubble gum romance with the fairytale ending. A world where everyone is happy to accept each other and everything works out in the end.
That is this book, this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW✨
✨ACCIDENTALLY LIVING WITH THE CAPTAIN by Lexi Amber releasing on February 12th!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🏒slow burn
🍫low angst
🏒queer awakening
🍫hockey captain x team management
🏒roommates to lovers
🍫friends first
🏒mutual pining
🍫opposites attract
🏒size difference
🍫first times
Even knowing this was a slow burn, I felt the story centered more on Hudson’s journey to parenthood than anything else. I love that for him, but I wanted more romance. This book went from friendship to full-fledged family life without much in between.
The few moments we do get of Hudson and Adrian together are pretty steamy and subvert the usual dynamics, which is always fun. I loved how sweet they were, they’re definitely a couple you want to root for.
Mostly, I think it’s really well-written and an adorable story. Just not for me. I still recommend picking up this series, as I still think the series as a whole is worth the read and Lexi Amber is one of my favorite authors.
**I received an ARC and this is my honest review.**
✨ACCIDENTALLY LIVING WITH THE CAPTAIN by Lexi Amber releasing on February 12th!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🏒slow burn
🍫low angst
🏒queer awakening
🍫hockey captain x team management
🏒roommates to lovers
🍫friends first
🏒mutual pining
🍫opposites attract
🏒size difference
🍫first times
Even knowing this was a slow burn, I felt the story centered more on Hudson’s journey to parenthood than anything else. I love that for him, but I wanted more romance. This book went from friendship to full-fledged family life without much in between.
The few moments we do get of Hudson and Adrian together are pretty steamy and subvert the usual dynamics, which is always fun. I loved how sweet they were, they’re definitely a couple you want to root for.
Mostly, I think it’s really well-written and an adorable story. Just not for me. I still recommend picking up this series, as I still think the series as a whole is worth the read and Lexi Amber is one of my favorite authors.
**I received an ARC and this is my honest review.**
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know what I expect when I read Lexi’s books, whether she writes them on her own or with another author, because somehow they always manage to captivate me, no matter what they’re about.
Hudson and Adrian were such a great pairing from the very first moment.
I really loved that they were friends first, and also that Hudson took the time to figure out whether he was truly attracted to Adrian.
The friendship that developed between them was so perfect — the way we could follow how they went from workplace friends, to best friends, and then to lovers.
The characters also developed a lot throughout the book: with Adrian’s strong support, Hudson realized that he is capable of making his dreams come true on his own, and with Hudson’s help, Adrian realized that someone could love him for who he is.
And the ending… 🥹🥹🥹 ahhh, I loved it ❤️
It was a fantastic book, I practically devoured the lines.
However, I’d like to draw everyone’s attention to one thing: this is not a simple slow burn… this slow burn is very slow burn 😂 so everyone who wants to read it should be prepared for that.
Thank you for the ARC copy, Lexi ❤️
Hudson and Adrian were such a great pairing from the very first moment.
I really loved that they were friends first, and also that Hudson took the time to figure out whether he was truly attracted to Adrian.
The friendship that developed between them was so perfect — the way we could follow how they went from workplace friends, to best friends, and then to lovers.
The characters also developed a lot throughout the book: with Adrian’s strong support, Hudson realized that he is capable of making his dreams come true on his own, and with Hudson’s help, Adrian realized that someone could love him for who he is.
And the ending… 🥹🥹🥹 ahhh, I loved it ❤️
It was a fantastic book, I practically devoured the lines.
However, I’d like to draw everyone’s attention to one thing: this is not a simple slow burn… this slow burn is very slow burn 😂 so everyone who wants to read it should be prepared for that.
Thank you for the ARC copy, Lexi ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book completely stole my heart.
Adrian and Hudson are so sweet it hurts...slightly clueless about what they are, mutual pining everywhere, and just endlessly soft. Hudson is a walking green flag and Adrian has the biggest heart, even when his self-doubt made me want to gently shake him. Watching these two dance around their feelings while clearly already acting like a family? Adorable and mildly infuriating in the best way.
I loved the low-angst, slow-burn roommates-to-lovers vibe, the queer awakening, and the way this story centred on friendship, support, and genuinely wanting the best for someone you love—even when it’s scary. The road trips, couch cuddles, adoption journey, and found family moments filled my heart to the brim.
Lexi Amber has such a gift for writing warm, endearing characters that feel real and relatable, and this book is pure comfort romance. Sweet, swoony, emotional, and full of joy—I just wish we got more time with them being happily, openly in love.
Adrian and Hudson are so sweet it hurts...slightly clueless about what they are, mutual pining everywhere, and just endlessly soft. Hudson is a walking green flag and Adrian has the biggest heart, even when his self-doubt made me want to gently shake him. Watching these two dance around their feelings while clearly already acting like a family? Adorable and mildly infuriating in the best way.
I loved the low-angst, slow-burn roommates-to-lovers vibe, the queer awakening, and the way this story centred on friendship, support, and genuinely wanting the best for someone you love—even when it’s scary. The road trips, couch cuddles, adoption journey, and found family moments filled my heart to the brim.
Lexi Amber has such a gift for writing warm, endearing characters that feel real and relatable, and this book is pure comfort romance. Sweet, swoony, emotional, and full of joy—I just wish we got more time with them being happily, openly in love.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hudson, NHL player in his last season, really wants to be a dad. His wife really really doesn't want to be a mom, and divorces him over it. He ends up moving into Adrian's apartment (Adrian is the assistant to the hockey club's president). And then he just never wants to leave.
Hudson realizes he's attracted to Adrian (who is gay), and spends most of the book trying to figure ot how to tell Adrian that he'd really like to be in a relationship with him. Adrian has trouble trusting people, and seems determined to misinterpret everything Hudson does. Still, this is pretty low drama and eventually they work things out. There's a large portion of the plot devoted to Hudson applying to adopt, taking the classes, meeting the mother, and the baby being born.
Really enjoyed this and read it quickly. There's no spice until Hudson attempts to get Adrian to understand how interested he is, so probably the first half of the book is spice-less, but once they get going, there's plenty. Loved the side characters. This was a 4.5 star read for me.
Hudson realizes he's attracted to Adrian (who is gay), and spends most of the book trying to figure ot how to tell Adrian that he'd really like to be in a relationship with him. Adrian has trouble trusting people, and seems determined to misinterpret everything Hudson does. Still, this is pretty low drama and eventually they work things out. There's a large portion of the plot devoted to Hudson applying to adopt, taking the classes, meeting the mother, and the baby being born.
Really enjoyed this and read it quickly. There's no spice until Hudson attempts to get Adrian to understand how interested he is, so probably the first half of the book is spice-less, but once they get going, there's plenty. Loved the side characters. This was a 4.5 star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not have loved this book anymore. Adrian and Hudson were so freaking sweet, slightly clueless about their relationship status 🤣🤣, but So.Freaking. Sweet! Hudson is a literal walking green flag and I am so here for it. Adrian has such an amazing heart! Seriously these two were so cute you can't help but swoon!
Lexi Amber always manages to write books and characters that I immediately relate to. It's her ability to make the little details relatable that make her an auto-read author for me! Whether she's writing solo or with Bec Benson I know I am going to read a story that will make my heart happy.
From National Park Road trips (which i do also-see relatable) to couch cuddles and adoptive daddies, I LOVED Everything about this book! It filled my heart with so much joy, which is exactly what I want when I read a book!
I really hope we get Ollie's story next! You know I will be reading it!!
Lexi Amber always manages to write books and characters that I immediately relate to. It's her ability to make the little details relatable that make her an auto-read author for me! Whether she's writing solo or with Bec Benson I know I am going to read a story that will make my heart happy.
From National Park Road trips (which i do also-see relatable) to couch cuddles and adoptive daddies, I LOVED Everything about this book! It filled my heart with so much joy, which is exactly what I want when I read a book!
I really hope we get Ollie's story next! You know I will be reading it!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This cosy, slow burn MM romance was utterly magical. If you're after a sweet, Hockey hallmark, friends to lovers romance this one is for you! Hudson and Adrian are both such green flags, they both have such pure hearts and will always be there for anyone. I guess that's how they end up being roommates when Hudson is blindsided, and needs a place to stay, Adrian offers a room even though he's not sure it's a good idea especially with how much he's crushing on Hudson.
I could not get over how much I instantly loved Hudson, he may be a new favourite MMC because he's just perfect! The book was also great, low-angst, a little miscommunication, the spicy scenes are *chef's kiss* and it's heavy on the confusion (on Hudson's part, bless him). He's honestly so sweet and it's worth a read just to hear Hudson's POV because it's so perfect!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your book early🤍
I could not get over how much I instantly loved Hudson, he may be a new favourite MMC because he's just perfect! The book was also great, low-angst, a little miscommunication, the spicy scenes are *chef's kiss* and it's heavy on the confusion (on Hudson's part, bless him). He's honestly so sweet and it's worth a read just to hear Hudson's POV because it's so perfect!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your book early🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book delivers a quietly powerful story about loving someone deeply and choosing their happiness, even at personal cost. The emotional restraint makes everything feels more intense, especially as the connection between the characters develops in subtle, meaningful ways.
Hudson was an intense favourite warm, sincere and endlessly patient with Adrian. His steady presence ground the story and adds real emotional comfort to the slow-burn romance. The relationship unfolds through shared space, lingering tension, and moments that say more in silence than words ever could.
Adrian's long-held feelings and Hudson's careful hesitation create a beautiful frustrating emotional standoff that feels honest rather than drawn out. While I would have loved more glimpses of their future together, the ending felt tender and well earned, a story rooted in patience, trust, and quite devotion.
I received an advance copy of this book, this review reflects my honest opinion.
Hudson was an intense favourite warm, sincere and endlessly patient with Adrian. His steady presence ground the story and adds real emotional comfort to the slow-burn romance. The relationship unfolds through shared space, lingering tension, and moments that say more in silence than words ever could.
Adrian's long-held feelings and Hudson's careful hesitation create a beautiful frustrating emotional standoff that feels honest rather than drawn out. While I would have loved more glimpses of their future together, the ending felt tender and well earned, a story rooted in patience, trust, and quite devotion.
I received an advance copy of this book, this review reflects my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes: Dual POV, Workplace Romance, Roommates to Lovers, Forced Proximity, MM Romance, Sports Romance, Size Difference, Slow Burn
Hudson always wanted to be a Dad. Being a dad just like his. Being married to her supermodel wife for 6 years. And now going to retire after this season.. The game before the season was definitely a surpise with divorce papers and a future ex wife saying she never wanted kids.
Adrian is a workaholic, constantly working without even realizing it. He was there when Hudson didnt know his next steps.. Hudson moving in Adrian's condo. Adrian has to figure out how to act normal that his crush is living with him.
This Book is definitely a slow burn, but definitely worth the read. It can be a Stanalone, but I suggest to read the first two books to get more of a background. I love how Adrian wanted to talk through everything, and made sure that their relationship wasn't just convenient or that Hudson doesnt like being alone.
Hudson always wanted to be a Dad. Being a dad just like his. Being married to her supermodel wife for 6 years. And now going to retire after this season.. The game before the season was definitely a surpise with divorce papers and a future ex wife saying she never wanted kids.
Adrian is a workaholic, constantly working without even realizing it. He was there when Hudson didnt know his next steps.. Hudson moving in Adrian's condo. Adrian has to figure out how to act normal that his crush is living with him.
This Book is definitely a slow burn, but definitely worth the read. It can be a Stanalone, but I suggest to read the first two books to get more of a background. I love how Adrian wanted to talk through everything, and made sure that their relationship wasn't just convenient or that Hudson doesnt like being alone.
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